AV SYSTEMS DESIGN

THE JOURNAL OF AV SYSTEM DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Enterprise AV System
Design and Integration
New Displays Open AV Frontiers

Making Mobile AV
Systems Work

Fall 2011 | www.avsystemsdesign.com

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For Enterprise-wide Applications

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 Contents volume 1, number 3

28 38

Cover Story

28 Enterprise AV System Design and Integration

What you should do to ensure a successful project.
By Keith Scheffler

Feature Story

38 New Displays Open AV Frontiers

The latest generation of high resolution displays, combined with enhanced video
processing capabilities translate to new and exciting integration opportunities.
By Jim Scrivner

Case Study

18 Making Mobile AV Systems Work

AV systems on a newly refurbished train take visitors on a guided
multimedia tour of the Northern Ontario wilderness.
By Gerard Grivois

Departments
46 Whats Inside 48 Extron New 51 Tech Watch 52 Technically 62 Design Forum
The Extron DVS 605 Products Interesting technologies Speaking Developing a Scope
HDCP-Compliant Scaler The latest product that you need to Avoiding Common Pitfalls of Work Document
with Seamless Switching introductions from Extron know about Integrating AV Products By John Collyer
onto IP Networks
By Karl Johnson

2 AV Systems Design Fall 2011

 18 62

52 64 68

News Columns

7 Company News 4 From the Editor

New Regional Extron Offices Boost Local Support, Critical Connections
University Chooses MediaLink and GVE, Hong Kong By Casey Hall
University Uses TouchLink Control, USP 507 Solves
Challenges in Speed Eating Competition 6 Corner Office
Taking the Time to Get it Right
9 Industry News By Andrew Edwards
AQAV Releases New AV9000:2011 Standard,
New Ultra High Definition Standard Announced, 14 Stories from the Road
New 21:9 Ultra-Widescreen Display Standard Troubleshooting Set-Up Issues
By Keith Scheffler
10 Now Shipping
The latest products available from Extron 15 System Design Trends
Simplest Components
By Derek Joncas

16 The Pro Perspective

What Exactly Does the Customer Want?
By Mario Maltese

64 Tech Corner 68 Hidden Gems 70 Education Central 71 Company Events 74 The Last Word
Optimizing Scaler Setup LockIt Coming Soon: 2011 Extron Institute Corn, Vegetable Oil,
By Ron Justice By Dave Pincek AV Associate Online and Tradeshows Salt, and Water
Training and Certification By Steve Somers
in French, German,
and Spanish

www.avsystemsdesign.com 3
 From the Editor
Critical
Connections
T hose of you who know me, know that
I like to fish. Well, a recent fishing
excursion at a local lake on a less-than-water-
tight kayak illustrated to me the importance of
communication. Without going into too much
detail, Ill just say that, while the iPhone might
be described as magical, it remains, like other
magical creatures, strangely susceptible to water.
Spend a weekend without a cell phone and
youll quickly see how often we want, or need, to
connect to others. We carry smartphones, iPads,
tablets; and each of these devices rings or buzzes
or beeps throughout the day. Were awash in
communication, more than at any prior time in
human history. You can rejoice in it, embrace it,
grumble about it, or wax philosophical about it,
but it remains a fact: we are in an unprecedented
era of communication, much of it happening at
an amazing and sometimes overwhelming pace.
With so many ways to obtain information,
you shouldnt lose sight of the fact that Extron
is only a phone call away. Give us a call CTS certifications remain up to date. AVSD serves
its a phrase that you hear all the time from
Extron, and theres a reason for it. We have
tremendous resources that we can, and will,
marshal to help and assist you. While other
manufacturers have focused on putting more
commissioned sales people into the field, we
have put our efforts toward growing our support
team. In North America Extron has hired and
continues to hire engineers at our offices in
Southern California, North Carolina and in
the field. This year we have opened offices in
Washington DC, London, Frankfurt, Paris, and
Bangalore. Personally, I believe technical support
is what will separate the manufacturing men
from the boys as our industry transitions to
digital video systems.
4 From the Editor
CORPORATE
EXTRON USA West
1230 South Lewis Street
Anaheim, CA 92805
USA
Sales/Tech Support:
+800.633.9876, +1.714.491.1500
Fax: +1.714.491.1517
EXTRON USA East
2205 Westinghouse Blvd.
Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27604
USA
Sales/Tech Support:
+800.633.9876, +1.919.863.1794
Fax: +1.919.863.1797
This very publication, AVSD, is an extension of EXTRON EUROPE
Hanzeboulevard 10,
Extrons support philosophy. Its written by many 3825 PH Amersfoort
The Netherlands
of the same System Design and Applications
Phone: +800.EXTRON.S3
Engineers that work with you day-in and day-out. (+800.3987.6673)
+31.33.453.4040
AVSD contains real, solid information. Its more Fax: +31.33.453.4050
than just a promotional magazine, and InfoComm
EXTRON ASIA
has recognized the value of AVSD as a training 135 Joo Seng Road, #04-01
PM Industrial Building
resource. Im pleased to announce that you can
Singapore 368363
now earn InfoComm continuing education units Phone: +65.6383.4400
Fax: +65.6383.4664
through our Publication Review program. By
reading AV System Design, or selected Extron EXTRON CHINA
686 Ronghua Road,
Design Guides, and passing an online test about Songjiang District
Shanghai 201611
the covered products and technologies, you
Phone: +86.21.3760.1568
can earn 2 or more Renewal Units toward your Fax: +86.21.3760.1566
InfoComm CTS, CTS-I, or CTS-D certification. EXTRON JAPAN
Think of it. A few spare moments reading Kyodo Building, 16 Ichibancho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082
AVSD or an Extron Design Guide can help you to Japan
Phone: +81.3.3511.7655
filter through the information clutter and keep
Fax: +81.3.3511.7656
pace with the latest AV industry news, design
EXTRON MIDDLE EAST
trends, technology advances, and Extron product Dubai Airport Free Zone
releases. Take an online test afterwards, and your F12, PO Box 293666
Phone: +971.4.2991800
Fax: +971.4.2991880
two important needs simultaneously: it provides
knowledge you can use today, and continuing
education credits to help you keep your edge.
To learn more about the Extron Publication AV Systems Design magazine is
published by Extron Electronics/RGB
Review program or to enroll for any of our Systems Inc. No portion of this publication
may be reproduced in any form without
written permission from Extron Electronics.
industry-recognized continuing education Every effort has been made to ensure
accuracy in content; however, Extron
courses, visit extron.com/training and click on assumes no responsibility for errors and
omissions in the information provided herein.
Continuing Education Units. AV Systems Design is sent free of charge to
AV industry professionals and end-users.
So, as I said earlier, let us know how we can Subscriptions
To receive your free copy of AV Systems
help. It is a busy time for all of us in the AV Design magazine, please contact your
Extron Customer Support Representative.
Industry, a condition we can all be thankful for. We welcome your comments and
contributions! Please submit ideas to
As busy as you might be, remember that Extron the editor at editor@extron.com.
is here to support you. Give us a call! Extron Electronics
1230 S. Lewis Street Anaheim, CA 92805
Casey Hall, Vice President Sales and
Marketing, North America
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 High Performance. Reliable. Flexible.
Digital That Works.
XTP CROSSPOINT MATRIX SWITCHERS

XTP CP 1600 XTP CP 3200

XTP TRANSMITTERS XTP RECEIVERS

XTP T HDMI XTP T UWP 202 XTP T UWP 304 XTP R HDMI

XTP T VGA XTP T USW 103 XTP SR HDMI

Extron XTP CrossPoint Systems

The Extron XTP CrossPoint is a flexible, reliable signal switching and distribution system that provides a completely integrated solution
for multiple digital and analog formats. XTP CrossPoint matrix switchers support local connectivity as well as extended transmission
capability for sending high resolution video, audio, RS-232, Ethernet, and power up to 330 feet (100 m) over a single CAT 5-type cable.

Easy to Set Up Reliable

XTP CrossPoint Systems can easily be set up and configured out
of the box to save you time and money. Intuitive control software
provides straightforward system configuration without complicated
programming.
Performance
XTP CrossPoint Systems deliver extremely high switching and
transmission performance to support a wide range of video
formats, including the highest resolution DVI and HDMI signals.
The high data-rate digital backplane provides a truly future-ready
AV integration solution.
XTP CrossPoint Systems deliver robust system reliability and
dependable switching of video signals through EDID and HDCP
key management. Featuring advanced 24/7 system monitoring and
hot-swappable modular components, XTP CrossPoint Systems
are built for continuous, trouble-free operation in the most critical
applications.
Flexible System Designs
XTP CrossPoint Systems let you easily integrate digital and analog
devices into your system design. Connect and switch between local
devices, or extend to remote locations up to 330 feet away using
just a single CAT 5-type cable that carries, video, audio, RS-232 or
IR control, Ethernet, and power.

www.extron.com/xtpcrosspoint
 Corner Office
Taking the Time
to Get it Right
Y ou dont always have all the products you want, when you
want them. Ive had to learn to live with that fact. It takes
time to design and engineer products, and as those products
become more complex the time required to develop them
lengthens. As a manufacturer, youre always faced with the
challenge of deciding when a product is ready for market. Should
you continue making improvements or is the product ready for
prime time? Sometimes continued engineering effort can make
the difference in whether a product works some of the time,
most of the time or all of the time. At Extron we have always
taken the conservative approach.
The challenge becomes greater when there is competitive
product being marketed as the one solution for everything,
and its shipping. In that situation, you know that there will
be sales lost, because some customers will take the gamble
and try the product. Some are making the decision because
they have to, some because they are excited at the prospect of
new technology.
The industry is undergoing a transition to digital. We
are faced with interfacing to new video, audio and data
formats which come and go seemingly overnight. DVI, HDMI,
DisplayPort, Light Peak, Thunderbolt to name a few. The classic
marketing tactic at a time like this is to turn on the FUD Fear,
Uncertainty & Doubt. Tell everyone how the worlds falling
apart, disaster looms on the horizon, or analog sunset if you
prefer. But wait! Theres hope, there IS a solution! And its only
available from.
You get the point. Its a sales & marketing game, and it sells
products. At least it does in the short term. What happens over
the long term depends on how easy or difficult the product
is to install and how the product performs and how the
competition responds.
Extron has never been sales & marketing focused. Were
engineering driven and weve stayed focused on developing
products. While others may have been faster to market, they
also released products in a condition that would not be
acceptable for an Extron product. In many cases they have
6 Corner Office
chosen to make unprepared beta testers out of their resellers
and end-user customers.
Our SMX and DXP Digital Video switchers have enjoyed
tremendous success. With thousands of units now in the field they
have proven to be rock solid in their performance. They are easy
and quick to setup. If you havent seen our Out of the Box videos,
I encourage you to check them out at extron.com/oob. Senior
Applications Engineer, Chris Bach sets up an HDCP compliant
system using our DXP switcher in under 15 minutes start to finish.
No smoke and mirrors, the entire video is shot in one take.
Our new XTP CrossPoint Systems introduced at InfoComm
were designed with this same attention to detail and consistency.
Its a well thought out product that you will find easier to
set up, higher-performing, and with SpeedSwitch technology,
your switching speed is only limited by the capabilities of
your display.
Many customers I speak to have been clamoring for us
to release a product like the XTP, given all of the grief and
frustration theyve had implementing other digital products.
We could have rushed to market with a product equivalent to
theirs, but remember, at Extron I have a Satisfaction Guarantee
that applies to ALL customers and products, not just the ideal
scenarios. Sometimes its better to forego an immediate sale if
it means that you hang on to your credibility. Extron may miss
a sale or two, but I sleep better knowing that were doing the
right thing for our customers.
Despite the marketing hype, weve been told that installing
digital media systems hasnt been easy. However, at times
like this youll find that Extrons approach is to be honest and
straight, and to deliver products that you can count on. After
all, we sell products, not fear, and Ill put Extrons Service,
Support & Solutions up against their Fear, Uncertainty and
Doubt anytime.
If you have any comments, I would like to hear your thoughts.
Email me at president@extron.com.
Andrew Edwards, President
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 Company News
New Regional
Extron Offices Boost
Local Support
Extron Electronics is expanding its reach
worldwide to include new Regional
Sales Offices located in Washington
D.C., Paris, London, Frankfurt, and
Bangalore. These facilities will be staffed
by local Extron support personnel and
include Extron Institute facilities where
customers can receive technical training
and certification or see live product
demonstrations. The offices in Paris and
Frankfurt offer a convenient location for
French and German customers to receive
training presented in local languages.
Photo Courtesy California State Polytechnic University Pomona: Tom Zasadzinski photographer (University)
University Chooses
MediaLink and GVE
California Polytechnic University, Pomona
recently began a campus-wide conversion
of classrooms into Learning Centered
Technology Initiative rooms and chose
Extron Electronics for system control and
AV asset management.
www.avsystemsdesign.com Company News
The new facilities demonstrate Extrons
commitment to education and training
throughout the world. We are committed
to providing the highest-quality AV
training and industry-leading customer
support, says Andrew Edwards, President
and CEO of Extron. Adding these new
Regional Sales Offices throughout the
The heart of each
classroom system is the
Power Podium, housing
a PC, DVD/VCR combo
player, document camera,
flat screen monitor, and
an Extron MLC 226 IP
MediaLink Controller. The
configurable MLC 226 IP
allows staff to configure
the system using Global
Configurator software.
Cal Poly System Specialist Jovito
Barrantes led the installation team, and
when comparing programmable control
systems to the configurable MLC 226 IP,
he enthused, The MLC 226 IP is more
user-friendly, easily configured, and adds
functional capability to the devices in
the system. You can assign functions to
buttons, and program inputs and outputs
world will make it even easier for our
customers to reach Extron.
In addition to instructor-led classroom
training at our own facilities, Extron
also offers Training On-The-Road, online
training courses, how-to videos, and a
large selection of technical articles and
white papers.
to match the way you want to operate
the system.
GlobalViewer Enterprise has allowed
Cal Poly system personnel to configure
global schedules, easily add new devices
to the network, set up schedules to
automatically turn off displays throughout
the campus or in individual buildings
or rooms at specified times, and create
and collect reports covering network
connections, device usage, and AV
equipment inventory, among many
other tasks. In addition, the iGVE app
allows support staff to access GVE via
iPhone and iPod Touch.
Cal Poly chose Extrons highly
efficient MPA 152 Mini Power Amplifiers
to run each rooms high-performance
speaker system. The MPA 152 runs cool
without fans or vents, ensuring quiet,
reliable operation.
7
 Company News
Hong Kong University
Uses TouchLink Control
The world-renown University of Hong Kong
- HKU is the foremost university in Hong
Kong. As part of its 100th anniversary
in 2012, the university is undertaking
numerous enhancements to the facilities
within and beyond the main campus.
Among these many initiatives, the HKU
Faculty of Business and Economics facility
was recently modernized and given a
fresh new look, which included a 100 seat
lecture theater and new, state of the art
audio visual system.
The lack of any IT or technical
AV personnel on-site meant that the
AV control system would have to be
flexible, easy-to-use, and functionally
self-sufficient. The integrator, BAP
Technology Consultants, Limited, needed
all AV to be centrally controlled and able
to run on a platform without a traditional
programming infrastructure. This
USP 507 Solves
Challenges in Speed
Eating Competition
Each year, Nathans Famous hot dog
restaurant chain hosts the Fourth of July
International Hot Dog Eating Contest,
during which competitors consume as
8 Company News
would satisfy long-term
budget needs as well as
shorten the integration
timeline. Among other
control-related tasks,
users would need to be
able to activate different
light scenes according
to ambient lighting
conditions with a single touch of a button
on the touchpanel.
To meet all these needs, BAP chose
Extron, and assembled the AV control
system with a TLP 700TV, 7" Tabletop
TouchLink Touchpanel paired with
IPL T S6 and IPL T CR48, IP Link
control processors. With this system in
place, all AV sources and light dimming
control systems could be monitored and
controlled from a central location. The
TLP 700TV allows users to easily control
any device in the lecture theater, such
as the projectors, projection screens,
LCD TVs, microphone system, audio
many as 60 hot dogs, with
buns, in a ten minute
span. The competition,
sanctioned by the
International Federation
of Competitive Eating, is
covered by ESPN and
media from around
the world.
A conflict with
the IFCE led six-time
champion Takeru
Kobayashi to be banned
from competition in 2010. This year, in
retaliation, Kobyashi staged his own
event. Both events were covered with
the versatility of the Extron USP 507
Universal Signal Processor helping to
address several AV system needs for these
two live events.
The official competition took place at
mixer, power amplifier, and dimming
control system.
The integrator selected an Extron
TouchLink-based control system because
of its price, simplicity, stability, and
ease-of-use. HKU is very pleased with
the installation. All of its control needs
were satisfied, and, without having to deal
with traditional programming. The fully
configurable TouchLink-based system can
be easily reconfigured to accommodate
future system upgrades or equipment
replacement, which highly increases the
effectiveness and efficiency of the system
as a whole.
the original Nathans Famous in Coney
Island, Brooklyn, New York. For the third
straight year, AV integrator Visual Word
Systems, Inc. was contracted to display
the live ESPN feed of the event on a
1713 foot LED display wall mounted
on a truck, for the tens of thousands
of attendees.
The ESPN live camera feed, and the
integrators own video camera were
fed through the USP 507 and an LED
wall processor to the LED wall. In
addition, a PC fed sponsor information
through the USP 507 for display on the
LED wall before and after the actual
competition. For this application, the
USP 507 provided a one-box solution for
switching between broadcast SDI, RGB,
and SD video signals, and optimizing
them to a single output for the LED
wall processor.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 Industry News
AQAV Releases
New AV9000:2011
Standard
The Association for
Quality in Audio Visual
Technology aqav.org
has released a new
standard, providing
measurement and
monitoring checklists to be used at each
key milestone in an audio visual project.
The standard is a product of
the AV9000 Forum, a dedicated
group of industry professionals and
comprised of integrators, designers,
corporate and university technology
managers, manufacturers, and
independent programmers.
The standard is currently being
adopted by manufacturers and corporate
buyers of complex audio visual systems
in an effort to reduce waste and poor
performance. The goal is to recognize
companies that are found to be compliant
with the standard by independent
auditors. Buyers of AV technology can
be confident that recognized companies
have procedures in place to assure
quality. The standard is based on
ISO9001:2008, an international consensus
on good quality management practices.
New Ultra High
Definition Standard
Announced
Experts at the ITU Study Group on
Broadcasting Service announced recently
that they had reached agreement on most
www.avsystemsdesign.com Industry News
of the pertinent technical characteristics
for a new UHDTV standard. A trial
UHDTV link between London and
Amsterdam in September 2011 was so
successful that organizers plan to screen
part of the 2012 London Olympic Games
in UHDTV at public venues around
the world.
The new standard represents a
major leap forward in image resolution
and picture quality. Japanese public
service broadcaster NHK, which played
a pioneering role in the development
of HDTV, recently demonstrated a
screen with 33 million pixels, far more
than 2 million pixels on HDTV screens
today. One of the many uses for this
vast number of pixels could be glasses-
free 3D.
Though the changes will be slow in
coming, UHDTV promises to create an
immersive experience for viewers and
will likely generate many new business
and marketing opportunities. AV
professionals will be wise to follow the
new standards progress.
New 21:9
Ultra-Widescreen
Display Standard
A new generation of widescreen
flat-panel displays and projectors has
been introduced by Vizio, Philips, and
Digital Projection. These displays deliver
25601080 native resolution and are
primarily intended for the residential
installation market. The appeal of these
displays to consumers is the ability to
display a 2.40:1 widescreen image or
scope movie content onto a screen of
essentially the same aspect ratio, thereby
avoiding the horizontal black bars
which become visible on 16:9 displays.
More manufacturers are expected to
announce similar 21:9 displays in the
coming months.
Until the introduction of these
displays, getting 2.40:1 movies to
completely fill a wide screen was possible
by stretching the image vertically to
fill the 16:9 frame and then fitting an
anamorphic lens in front of the projector,
a specialized solution at considerable
cost. The Consumer Electronics
Association (CEA) has begun work on a
21:9 aspect ratio standard to be applied
by manufacturers to support transport of
native 21:9 video signals between sources
and displays. The 25601080 resolution
has not yet been standardized by VESA.
Until then, 21:9 displays are expected
to display 16:9 content by detecting the
presence of a picture with black bars and
zooming into the image to fill the screen.
It is unclear whether these displays will
accept incoming video at the native
25601080 panel resolution.
For the professional AV industry,
the emergence of 21:9 flat panels and
projectors opens up a new world of
possibilities for creating display solutions.
A single 21:9 image can accommodate a
16:9 and a secondary source for enhanced
multimedia or digital signage applications,
or two SXGA images side-by-side for
comparing documents. Two or three 21:9
displays can be joined together to create
very wide panoramic images, such as
for simulation applications. Stacking two
projected 21:9 images offers a unique
opportunity to create a nearly square
7:6 aspect ratio.
9
 Now Shipping
DTP HDMI 301
Long Distance HDMI
Twisted Pair Extender
The Extron DTP HDMI 301 is a
transmitter and receiver set for long
distance transmission of HDMI
video, and embedded audio, plus
bidirectional control signals over a
single CAT 5-type cable. For added
flexibility and convenience, separate
analog stereo audio signals can also be
transmitted on a second twisted pair
cable. It is HDMI 1.3 compatible and
capable of sending 1080p/60 Deep Color
and 19201200 signals up to 330 feet
FOX 3G DVC
FOX 3G DVC
Fiber Optic Multi-Rate SDI to DVI
and RGB/Component Converter
The Extron FOX 3G DVC receives fiber
optic SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI serial
digital video signals over a single fiber,
converting them to DVI-D and analog RGB
or component video. It is compatible with
the FOX 3G HD-SDI fiber optic extender
10 Now Shipping
DTP HDMI 301 Tx
Transmitter
(100 meters). These integrator-friendly
features, combined with the compact
enclosure sizes and remote powering
of either unit, make the DTP HDMI 301
ideal for extending video, multi-channel
audio, and bidirectional control in
space-challenged environments. The
HDCP-compliant DTP HDMI 301 enables
the reliable, long distance transmission
of HDMI 1.3 signals, supporting
and FOX Series distribution amplifiers,
switchers, and matrix switchers. The
FOX 3G DVC features extraction of embed-
ded AES3 audio, RS-232 serial control,
and a fiber optic input loop-through
that allows multiple FOX 3G DVC and
FOX 3G HD-SDI units to be daisy-chained.
It is ideal for applications including TV
production, medical imaging, military
simulation, churches, and live events that
DTP HDMI 301 Rx
Receiver
Deep Color up to 12-bit, lip sync, and
embedded HD lossless audio formats.
In addition, DDC communication
of EDID and HDCP is continuously
maintained between a source and
display, ensuring direct compatibility
and optimal signal transmission
between devices.
www.extron.com/dtphdmi301
require long distance transmission of
SDI signals from broadcast-type sources
and interfacing them with professional/
consumer-level devices. The FOX 3G DVC
automatically recognizes and converts
SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI signals, and is
compliant with SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M,
and ITU digital video standards.
www.extron.com/fox3gdvc
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 Now Shipping

DVC 501 SD production, medical imaging, military

Multi-Rate SDI to DVI and
RGB/Component Converter
The Extron DVC 501 SD converts SDI,
HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI serial digital video
signals to DVI-D and analog RGB or
component video formats. It features
automatic equalization of input signals,
extraction of embedded AES3 audio, and
RS-232 serial control. The DVC 501 SD is
ideal for applications including television
simulation, houses of worship, and
live events that require interfacing
SDI signals from broadcast-type
sources to professional/consumer-level
displays and signal distribution
systems that only accept DVI or
analog signals. It is compliant with
SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M, and ITU
DVC 501 SD
digital video standards.
www.extron.com/dvc501sd

FOX DA8 Plus Featuring high-speed, all digital signal

Configurable Eight Output Fiber
Optic Distribution Amplifier
The Extron FOX DA8 Plus is a
configurable eight-output fiber optic
distribution amplifier for long haul
transmission of AV and control signals
transmission of pixel-perfect HDMI, DVI,
RGB, HD component video, S-video,
composite video, multi-rate SDI, audio,
and control signals, it is compatible
with Extron FOX Series products. Output
reclocking and active signal splitting
maintains signal integrity, transmitting

FOX DA8 Plus over fiber optic cabling. For maximum output signals at original power levels.
flexibility, it can be configured as a single
18 distribution amplifier, or as two www.extron.com/foxda8plus
14 or four 12 distribution amplifiers.

FOX SW8 amplifiers, and matrix switchers. The

Eight Input Fiber Optic Switcher
The Extron FOX SW8 is an eight input
fiber optic switcher for switching and
long haul transmission of fiber optic AV
and RS-232 control signals over fiber
optic cabling. It provides eight optical
inputs and one buffered optical output
with active switching and reclocking
for long-distance connectivity to FOX
Series fiber optic extenders, distribution
switcher features very high-speed,
all-digital switching of HDMI, DVI, multi-
rate SDI, RGBHV, HD component video,
S-video, composite video, audio, and
control signals. Designed specifically for
AV systems, the FOX SW8 includes a host
of integrator-friendly features such as
RS-232 control, output mute, and input FOX SW8
loop-through for seven of the eight inputs.
www.extron.com/foxsw8

www.avsystemsdesign.com Now Shipping 11

 Now Shipping
MTPX Plus 6400 Series
MTP Twisted Pair Matrix Switcher for
RGBHV, Video, Audio, and RS-232
The Extron MTPX Plus 6400 Series
represents the next level of large-scale
twisted pair matrix switching, building
on the success of the MTPX Plus Series
product line. The MTPX Plus 6400 Series
simplifies the design and integration of
complex twisted pair matrix switching
systems by offering advanced, integration-
friendly features that dramatically reduce
costs associated with rack space, cabling,
and installation. The MTPX Plus 6400
Series is available in five different I/O
sizes, from 4848 to 6464. In addition
MPA 152
MPA 152
Stereo Power Amplifier - 15 Watts Per Channel
The Extron MPA 152 is an ENERGY STAR
qualified, integrated Mini Power Amplifier
featuring an Extron exclusive, highly
efficient, advanced Class D amplifier
design. It also features patented CDRS -
Class D Ripple Suppression technology
that provides a smooth, clean audio
waveform and an improvement in signal
fidelity over conventional Class D amplifier
designs. The Extron exclusive, high
efficiency design allows the amplifier to
be fanless and operate in environments
with little or no ventilation. With an auto
12 Now Shipping
MTPX Plus 6464
to offering all of the same features
found in the MTPX Plus Series, the
MTPX Plus 6400 Series provides EDID
Minder for local inputs and outputs,
RS-232 insertion from the Ethernet
power-down feature that automatically
places the amplifier into standby after 25
minutes of inactivity, it consumes just
8 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in
standby mode. The MPA 152 is housed in a
compact 1U, quarter rack width enclosure.
This amplifier is UL 2043 plenum rated,
allowing for a concealed installation
above a drop ceiling to prevent theft
while providing convenient placement of
AV equipment.
www.extron.com/mpa152
port to individual or all MTP outputs,
and switchable video pre-peaking on
all outputs.
www.extron.com/mtpxplus
PS 1220
PS 1220
12V Multi-port Replacement
Power Supply
The Extron PS 1220 is a 12 Volt
Replacement Power Supply with three
2-pole captive screw power ports that
offers 2.0 amps across all outputs with
no per-port current limitations. This
energy-efficient power supply meets the
Level V standard for energy efficiency,
conserving energy and reducing costs.
The PS 1220 snaps into the included
ZipClip 200 mounting bracket for secure
mounting to rack rails, tables, or lecterns.
www.extron.com/ps
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 Digital Switching Simplified

MLS 608 D MTP/HDMI U R

Eight Input Switcher with ProDSP Twisted Pair Receiver

Extron MLS 608 D

The Extron MLS 608 D switcher is an easy-to-use, eight input switcher designed to integrate digital and analog sources for a single
display. It transmits HDCP-compliant HDMI and analog video plus audio and RS-232 signals over CAT 5-type cabling to the included
MTP/HDMI U R twisted pair receiver. EDID Minder ensures that the display receives the appropriate image resolution from various
sources. To further simplify integration, the switcher provides ProDSP for digital audio processing, including mixing, ducking, feedback
suppression, and audio de-embedding. The MLS 608 D is a complete switching solution for HDCP-compliant HDMI and analog video
plus audio and control signals.

Extron
Key Features: MLC 226 IP DV+
Enhanced MediaLink
Capable of switching between multiple digital and analog inputs Extron Controller w/ IP Link
MLS 608 D SA Projector
& VCR
CON
TRO
L
Tx

Selected inputs, including control, are distributed over CAT 5-type Switcher
DVD DVD
R
VCR

TUNE

Control
MENU STOP
R E
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TITLE /FWD
NEXT
AUXO PLAY
/REW
VIDE
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DV+
DVD 6 IP
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Switcher
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cables to included receiver

AUT E PC
1
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DISP DOC
CAM
OFF OP
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Control
ON CON

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Optimized system performance with ProDSP audio signal

SA

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N/A

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RS-
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processing
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Rx
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EDID Minder ensures that all sources power up properly and

UTS MIC
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6 R
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reliably output content for display

2 L
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DIG
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Digital Video +
Extron
L INP
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DIG 32
+ RS-2
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RS-232
8
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MTP/HDMI U R
TPU
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Extron
UTS V OUT

HDMI audio de-embedding

INP +12
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Receiver
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50/6
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100-
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Surface
HDCP-compliant switching and long distance transmission of
232
RS-

Mount
RE

MTP + Audio
MAX SPA
3.2A Rx
Tx IO
AUD2
NO
MO
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Speakers
VID

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HDCP encrypted content

Y/C PUT
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LOG
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Integrated stereo or mono 70 volt power amplifier and non-

ER
POW
12V MAX
0.8A

Projector
amplifier models available HDMI + Audio Control

PC
Compatible with Extron TouchLink Touchpanels and MediaLink HDMI + Audio
Projector
Document
Control Panels Camera
Laptop

Blu-ray

www.extron.com/mls608d
 Stories from the Road
Troubleshooting
Set-Up Issues
By Keith Scheffler, Systems Design Engineering Manager
E xtron System Design Engineers - SDEs - perform a wide
variety of tasks when on a job site, and a large number of
those tasks have to do with assisting and troubleshooting system
set-up. The physical installation cabling, connectors, mounting
brackets, and so forth is only part of the process. The second,
equally important part is the set-up, the proper adjustment of the
settings on the various system components.
Extron recently supplied the equipment for a sizeable AV
installation at a medical university. The project involved a
large number of classrooms of varying sizes, configurations,
and functions. Extron IN1508 scalers were installed in most of
the classrooms; smaller rooms had a switcher instead of the
scaler. The system was set up to distribute AV content from one
location to another within the building, using MTP twisted pair
transmitters and receivers. Each room also had a local router.
The installation went well, but afterward the end users
complained that the scaled video signal did not look right on
the displays; the images were soft, the graphics and text unclear.
The output just did not look as good as it should have, coming as
it did from high resolution projectors.
Upon arriving at the job site, I examined one of the classrooms
and discovered that the scaler had not been properly set to the
native resolution of the projector. This is not uncommon, as
scalers are sometimes difficult to install and adjust. The result
in this case was that source signals were being scaled twice. The
computer was converting the signals to the scalers default output
resolution, which was XGA. But the projector was set to 1280720,
so it also had to scale the incoming XGA signals.
I then discovered that none of the scalers in any of the
classrooms had been properly adjusted for output resolution.
Neither had the installers adjusted the MTP twisted pair
transmitters or receivers, but had left them with their default
settings. I was faced with having to set up each and every scaler,
transmitter, and receiver in each room.
I went back to the first room and properly adjusted the scaler
to match the native aspect ratio and resolution of the projector.
This greatly improved the quality of the local video, but that
left the issue of the distributed video. For that, I adjusted the
MTP receiver and transmitter and ended up with a good quality
distributed video signal and picture.
14 Column
As I stood looking confidently at the well-adjusted first room, I
realized I had another 30 rooms remaining. Luckily, I had an idea
that would speed up the process.
I approached the engineer and project manager and they
agreed to gather their lead installers in the next classroom. I then
trained those installers in the correct Extron AV set-up techniques
and procedures for that particular AV installation. As part of this
training, I showed them how to properly set up the scalers, and I
even accessed our Extron Web site on my laptop and played the
online video on how to adjust MTP transmitters and receivers.
Instead of simply doing the troubleshooting
for the installer, I trained their staff to do
it themselves.
The most important thing I did, though, was to turn a
troubleshooting session into a training opportunity for the
installers staff so that they could become more efficient in
working on all the remaining rooms.
This approach eliminated my having to personally adjust each
and every classroom in a relatively large installation. Instead of
simply doing the troubleshooting for the installer, I trained their
staff to do it themselves. Now they would also be able to apply
that knowledge to future installations.
This is part of what Extron SDEs do. Sure, sometimes we go
out and fix a problem. We prefer to use each troubleshooting
assignment as an opportunity to train installers and end users so
that they can correct or avoid those issues.
Its a win-win-win situation: the end user ends up with a
properly adjusted AV system; the integrator ends up with a happier
customer and better trained employees; and Extron knows that
future installs will require less Extron support and make everyone
look good.
Keith Scheffler is Systems Design Engineering Manager at Extron Electronics. He leads
a team of System Design Engineers who provide system design support and technical
troubleshooting services to system integrators before and after the sale. Keith has over
20 years of experience, including senior level engineering positions with several major AV
integration firms.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011

Simplest
Components
By Derek Joncas, Manager of Product Marketing
A couple of years ago, I started developing a set of three-
dimensional AV icons for my touchpanels designs. I was
finding a lot of cool Windows XP and Mac OS X styled icons, but
was hard pressed to find a video projector icon. At first, the task
was overwhelming and I struggled even to find a starting point.
Then I changed my approach and started looking for simple
shapes within each object that I was trying to develop. A light
bulb, for example can be constructed from a sphere, and several
cones and cylinders oriented in slightly different directions
along the z-axis. Put them all together and youve got a decent
representation of a light bulb.
As designers of complex AV systems, we need to learn the skill
of breaking down our problems into their simplest components.
There is an old joke: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a
time. Its easy to become overwhelmed by the magnitude of a
project, and forget that these larger projects are composed of the
same elements as smaller and simpler projects. If we learn how
to break them down and see them at the level of their simplest
components, we can simplify our designs and create cleaner, more
reliable solutions.
Project Lifecycle
The Simplest Components concept carries throughout the
lifecycle of the AV project. AV system drawings need to be laid
out and drawn to communicate their simplest components. The
more complex the system, the more the drawings need to be
simplified. This may take a little more work on the front end
of the project, but it will pay dividends throughout the entire
projects lifecycle. On larger systems, break out audio, video, and
control onto separate one-line diagrams, making sure that each
www.avsystemsdesign.com Column
System Design Trends
system is complete unto itself. Dont use reference tags between
the different system types. If a touchpanel has both a control and
a video component to it, show the touchpanel on both one-lines.
Dont just show it on the control one-line with a reference tag that
says, to AV-301-xx, VID-201.
Control System Configuration
This is where we tie into the concepts of goal-oriented design. Ive
found that its best not to design control systems solely for the
Edge Case Scenario. Determine the goals of the persons who
will most regularly use the system, and design the system around
that. Next, add the most critical edge case functions. Lets look at
a sports bar. The core functionality is that the manager and the
bartenders need to route 15 satellite TV signals to 24 LCD screens
throughout the bar. They must also be able to tune each of the
15 satellite TV receivers, turn on all of the displays at the start of
business, and turn off all of the displays at the close of business.
The critical edge case is that the displays all need to shut off if the
fire alarm is triggered. Breaking this down to the systems simplest
components, were controlling a matrix switcher, tuning some
satellite receivers, and turning some displays on and off.
System De-Bugging
Breaking down each of the elements of the control system to their
simplest components helps to quickly diagnose problems. Serial
communications has three parts: 1) Data goes out of a port on the
processor, 2) The data goes through a cable, or 3) The data goes
into a port on the device. So, if you are not able to control a serial
device, it must be one of three problems: 1) You didnt tell the
device what to do, 2) The message never got to its destination, or
3) The device didnt understand what you told it.
Learning to look at complex systems and break them down
into their simplest components is a skill like any other. It must be
practiced, honed, and developed. But once developed, its a tool
that is applicable not only to every AV project you encounter, but
many other aspects of life as well.
Derek Joncas is Manager of Product Marketing at Extron Electronics for control systems
hardware and software. He has worked in the AV Industry since 1988, holding senior
engineering and management positions with companies focused on AV integration, managed
services, broadcast, broadband data services and software development.
15
 The Pro Perspective
What Exactly Does
the Customer Want?
By Mario Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I
CEO at Audiovisual Resources, Inc.
W eve all heard the phrase Focus on the customer so often
that we are quick to dismiss it. Of course I do! is the
knee-jerk response.
And yet, we seem to have lost our compass. There are new
technologies that have impacted our industry in many ways. The
features are great and the potential to improve performance
and productivity is exciting. Yet if the new technologies arent
integrated into our processes, the diminishing returns costs
are devastating. New technologies require training, new
instrumentation, and changes in procedures.
It seems endemic with every new company we work with.
Technologists want to do the right thing, but all too often they
actually end up making things worse for the customer and their
company as well. The tendency is for well-meaning technologists
16 Column
to spend too much time on a project, causing delays in delivering
a system that gives the customer features no one really asked for.
The systems become overly complex, take forever to complete in
the field, are confusing for the operator to control, and eventually
need to be replaced. The customer spends far more than he
expected, and reputations are lost or at least severely tarnished.
The need for quality management has never been more urgent
than it is today.
If you design or install audio visual technology, make sure your
management is up on the latest in Human Factors Engineering
as it relates to AV systems. You will not only keep your customers
raving about you, but the economics of doing things right the first
time has a profound impact on profits. Heres a quick guide to
making that happen:
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
Start With a Clear Understanding of What the
Customer is Expecting
The designer must define the functions and performance before
development of the design can take place. This can be, for most
applications, a plain-language system description in the form of
a simple collection of bullet points. Get the clients stakeholders
to sign off on this document early. Admittedly, this is often
not easy to do. If you properly educate your customer theyll
understand how important it is to obtain buy-off on the system
description from not only the usual gatekeepers, but also, and
more importantly, the users of the system, including both those
who will do the presenting and those who will be presented to via
the new audio visual system.
This simple system description is a most precious document,
since it is probably the one the customer will most readily
understand. It should become the fundamental measuring stick
applied at each of the project milestones to keep the system
design and integration on track.
Understand the Difference Between Quality
Control and Quality Assurance
The status quo calls for a walk-though at the end of the project
after the system is installed. If the system has missed its mark at
that point, corrective actions are costly. Quality assurance helps
avoid quality control issues.
For example, if the system specifications required audio
that would develop 85 dB SPL levels at the listeners ears, with
another 10 dB for headroom, but standard four-inch loudspeakers
were installed 28 feet up in the ceiling, the system wont pass a
measurement inspection. Thats Quality Control.
Traditional Quality Control
Lower-case q
Pre-Eval Submission Staging Commissioning
Process Process Process Process Pass? Turnover
Checking the system at each project milestone for conformance
to the specification, performance calculation, or measurements
can help identify problems early. Reviewing for best industry
practices at key stages of the project, such as design review,
engineering review, staging, and then commissioning, enables you
to correct errors when they are much less costly to repair. Thats
Quality Assurance.
www.avsystemsdesign.com Column
Improved Quality Assurance
Quality with a captial Q ...Its all about the PROCESS!
Pre-Eval Submission Staging Commissioning
Process Process Process Process Turnover
Pass? Pass? Pass? Pass?
Invest In and Use Instrumentation
Nothing wastes more time than subjective opinions describing
a systems performance as loud enough, or I think there is
a hum, or any number of similar general statements about
the various facets of a complex AV system. For feedback to be
meaningful, you must be able to put a number on it. A set it
and forget it policy trumps hours of tweaking any day. Having
the proper instrumentation on hand, and knowing how to use it
to calibrate a system is a real game-changer. Its the difference
between a professional and a practitioner. It cuts time on a
project considerably.
Learn About Quality Management
The Association for Quality in Audio Visual Technology, Inc. is a
non-profit group that just published a new standard for AV quality
management see AVAQ Releases New AV9000:2011 Standard on
page 9. Manufacturers and major corporate and university buyers
are already starting to use it as a reference and a requirement.
The organizations Web site is www.aqav.org.
AV is now mainstream, an $80 billion industry. The stakes
have been raised. We always hear buzz of threats that other
industries will take over AV, mainly because the industry gives
the appearance of being populated by pirates and cowboys, as
I overheard at InfoComm recently. Too many installed systems
are custom, one-of-a-kind projects created through the isolated
efforts of specialized teams. Custom design reigns. Pre-engineered
systems, such as you would find on a LAN, are too rare. You need
well-defined documented procedures. Period.
The very best way to ensure confidence in our industry and in
your company is to keep the customer happy. Really focus on the
customer. After all, why would the customer replace something
that actually works?
Mario Maltese is CEO at Audiovisual Resources, Inc., a firm that specializes in commissioning
AV systems. Mario has been in the AV industry for more than 38 years and is the author of AV
9000: Defining Quality in Engineered Audio Visual Systems.
17
 The Agawa Canyon Tour Train features an AV system onboard each passenger car.

Making Mobile AV Systems Work

AV systems on a newly refurbished train take visitors on a guided
multimedia tour of the Northern Ontario wilderness.
By Gerard Grivois, Systems Design Engineer

T
he Agawa Canyon Tour Train
provides an all-day excursion that
begins at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario,
back to Sault Ste. Marie. To help boost commentary and visuals accompanying
tourism in the local economy and revive the many key points of interest throughout
popularity with the train tour, the existing the journey. The multimedia content is
Photo courtesy of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie

Canada, and transports visitors on a 115
mile (185 km), four-hour trek that winds
its way through the great Canadian Shield.
Visitors are greeted with memorable views
of granite rock formations, forests, rivers,
lakes, bridges, and trestles, before reaching
their destination at Agawa Canyon Park,
and then later making the return voyage
train, aging and in less than satisfactory
condition, was completely replaced by
new rolling stock with fully refurbished
locomotives and passenger cars.
A major part of the train tours overhaul
was the design and installation of AV
systems onboard each of the refurbished
passenger cars to provide audio
delivered through ceiling speakers and
flat-panel displays in each car, from media
players triggered by GPS as the train
passes specific locations along the route.
Wireless headsets are also available for
listening in foreign languages. Videoscope
in Toronto designed and integrated the AV
systems with a variety of Extron product

18 Case Study AV Systems Design Fall 2011

 solutions. With a carefully thought-out
process and some ingenuity, they were
able to successfully establish a reliable
means of providing an audiovisual guide
for the train tour, given the numerous
challenges associated with implementing
AV onboard a train.
Essential Owner Requirements for
the New Train
The owner and operator of the train, CN
Photo courtesy of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
Rail - Canadian National Rail wanted a
significant upgrade to what had been in
place for the tour train the past several
decades. Previously the tours featured
narrations that were delivered by staff
over public address systems and paging
speakers in each passenger car. The
narrations for the four-hour journey were
www.avsystemsdesign.com Case Study
intermittent, not frequent enough to keep
visitors engaged. Also, due to the limited
quality of the audio and the ambient noise
in the cabins, it was often challenging
for passengers to clearly understand what
was being said. For the new train, the
owner wanted significantly better sound
systems capable of delivering intelligible
speech and quality program audio to
the customers.
CN Rail was also looking to add an
extra dimension to the tour with images
that could be presented to highlight points
of interest throughout the journey, as well
as camera views of what the engineer sees
ahead of the locomotive. The company
wanted the tour to be automated so that
onboard staff could focus on serving and
assisting passengers. Additionally, the AV
systems needed to be easy to work with,
requiring a minimum of user intervention
and providing a user-friendly interface for
the staff. The operator also wanted some
flexibility in the systems to play a variety
of multimedia content.
Making AV Systems Work on
a Train
The challenges in integrating AV on a
train are numerous and unique to an
environment constantly in motion. Train
cars offer very limited space within the
walls and ceiling to run cable. Wall space
is also at a significant premium when
looking to hang flat-panel displays, and
finding a place to install AV equipment
may be difficult. Distributing AV signals
between cars, as was necessary in this
19
 Shallow ceilings 2
3 Rugged steel structure
4 Overhead space and passenger aisles
1 Limited storage space
Agawa Trains Design Challenges and Solutions
Train Feature Design Challenge
1 Limited storage Finding places to store racks full of AV equipment
space on a train can be very difficult. Structural
modifications are likely cost-prohibitive.
2 Shallow ceilings The low ceiling height in the cabin, together with
little clearance above the ceiling grid, makes it a
challenge for installing speakers and providing
adequate sound coverage.
3 Rugged steel Quarter inch (about 5 mm) thick steel walls for the
structure interior cabins make it very difficult to drill holes for
pulling AV cable. Very little space behind the walls
further complicates the matter.
4 Overhead space These spaces need adequate clearance for
and passenger passenger safety, which can make it challenging
aisles to install LCD displays throughout the cabins.
5 Electrical power Locomotive-generated power has to be shared
distribution among the trains communication, HVAC, and
lighting systems. The original transformers on
the passenger cars provided very few leads and
voltages exceeding 240 volts.
20 Case Study
5 Electrical power distribution
Solution
Existing closets on each passenger car, originally
designed for ski equipment, could easily be adapted to
roll in AV racks.
The Extron SI 3CT LP ceiling speakers have shallow
back cans that fit into these ceilings, and also provide
very wide conical dispersion ideal for low ceilings.
Use CAT 5-type cable to avoid the need to make large
holes in the panels and reduce some of the difficulty
in pulling through limited spaces. Compact Extron
VTR001 twisted pair receivers can be self-powered
over the cabling and tucked behind the displays.
Use displays in a variety of sizes at strategic locations,
Photo courtesy of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
to provide optimal viewing coverage without protrusion
into aisles or blocking passenger movement.
Install new transformers that provide the proper
electricity requirements for AV systems and the
displays. Select energy efficient products such as the
Extron XPA 2001 amplifiers to help save power for the
rest of the train.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
project, requires a means of providing
heavy duty, failsafe connections
between interior and exterior cabling.
The latter must be rugged and capable
of withstanding motion and weather
extremes in Northern Ontario
temperatures can dip as low as -40C
when cars are stored outdoors during
the winter.
Cable run lengths are also significant
along a train. About 90 feet (27 meters)
of cable has to be run between cars,
potentially limiting the number of cars
that can be connected in sequence
without compromising AV performance.
Additionally, the importance of system
reliability takes on a new meaning with
this train and its geographical location.
Just 30 minutes after departing, data and
mobile communications are lost, so that
the integrator cannot be contacted or
provide remote support if a problem arises.
The trains essential radio communication
systems are unaffected.
Trains are not fixed environments for
AV systems. They are usually shortened or
lengthened as passenger load factors vary.
AV connections on a train must be durable
over time as cars are removed from and
added to the train. Cars may be reordered
in different ways, so system integrators
will need to account for some flexibility
in the sequence and directionality of AV
signal flow along the train.
The train that was brought in for
the Agawa Canyon tour also presented
its own challenges. Rolling stock was
acquired from a ski resort in Colorado.
Both the locomotives and passenger cars
needed to be extensively refurbished and
reconditioned. Built in the 1960s, the
cars were rugged, almost tank-like, and
constructed of stainless steel and cast
iron, according to Carlos Aita, CTS-D, AV
Systems Consultant for Videoscope. The
quarter-inch thick steel walls and ceiling
made it very difficult for us to drill holes
and run cables, he says.
The integrator encountered a major
www.avsystemsdesign.com Case Study
issue with the trains electrical systems. The challenges in
The transformers on the train cars were integrating AV on a
designed to distribute 500 volt electricity
generated by the locomotive to the HVAC
train are numerous and
systems, lighting, and other electrical unique to an environment
needs. Most of the transformers did constantly in motion.
not have available leads for powering
AV equipment, and the few that did
were distributing voltages too high for player supplying slideshows of photos to
electronic devices, over 240 volts. A accompany the audio.
major overhaul was therefore needed to In addition to the Control car, there are
change out the transformers for all of the two other types of AV systems integrated
passenger cars. aboard the train. Standard cars take
Despite the challenges associated with in AV signals transmitted over twisted
this particular rolling stock, the train pair from the Control car, and distribute
did have ample space for installing AV them to their displays and sound systems.
equipment. Each car had a closet for ski Event cars are similar to Standard cars
equipment, located near the entrance, that but also include the ability to switch
could easily be converted into a space for between content from the Control car and
an AV system. We were very fortunate a local DVD player. Event cars can be
in that the cars each provided a
convenient area large enough so that
we could roll in a rack, Aita says.
System Design Solution
With the need to distribute AV signals
between cars, the significant distances
required, and the very limited space
available for running cable, the
apparent solution for Videoscope was
to design the AV systems on a twisted
pair infrastructure for distributing
signals. Each car would have its own
system for sending video and audio
to flat-panel displays and speakers in
its cabin.
One of the cars would be equipped
to deliver AV content over twisted
pair to all of the other cars. This car
is known as the Control car, and
has the essential source devices
necessary to run the guided tours,
including an AudioConexus audio
player and a BrightSign digital signage
Each passenger car houses a 27U
equipment rack that fits into what
was originally a ski closet.
21
 rented out by corporate customers or tour
groups for their private use.
To simplify system design and
integration, all of the passenger cars have
similar AV rack system configurations.
Each car houses a Middle Atlantic 27U
portable rack for the equipment. An
Extron MMX 32 VGA MTP, a 32 VGA
matrix switcher with VGA and twisted
pair outputs, sends video to a small 7 inch
(18 cm) LCD situated atop the rack for
the operator to monitor the system. The
switchers twisted pair output goes to a
cascade of Extron MTP DA4 and MTP DA8
twisted pair distribution amplifiers
for connection to flat-panel displays
throughout the cabin, via VTR001 twisted
pair receivers tucked behind the displays.
For the Control and Event cars, an
Extron IN1508 Scaling Presentation
Switcher is used in front of the
MMX 32 VGA MTP to switch input sources
and optimize them to a common HDTV
720p output resolution. In the Control
car, the IN1508 is used to switch between
the BrightSign digital signage player, a
Sony DVD/Blu-ray Disc player, and the
standard definition camera feed from
the locomotive. For the Event car, the
Car-to-Car Connectivity
Armored CAT 5 cables
22 Case Study
Rugged armored CAT 5 cables and weatherproof, heavy duty, multi-pin connections enable transmission of
AV signals between cars.
IN1508 acts as the switcher for incoming
video from the Control car, or a Sony
DVD/Blu-ray Disc player in the rack.
The Blu-ray Disc players are primarily
intended for DVD playback and output
standard definition analog component
video to the IN1508s. The BrightSign
player outputs analog component video
over VGA.
Twisted Pair Between Cars
Connecting AV signals from one car
to the next was among the significant
challenges that had to be addressed to
make AV integration successful on this
Standard Car
Flat-Panel Displays Speakers
Various display sizes Extron SI 3CT LP
located throughout cabin
train. Standard CAT 5 cable could be
used within the cabins, but not outside
the cars due to the motion and the
outdoor elements. The solution was to
run armored CAT 5 cables from car to
car. The conductors of the interior and
exterior CAT 5 cables were soldered to a
heavy duty, multi-pin connection system
commonly used in rail transportation
systems for running power and control
between cars. This connection system
meets military specifications, comprising
a multi-pin plug that is mated to a
corresponding receptor with a screw-on
fastening that provides an airtight,
Equipment Rack
Extron MMX 32 VGA MTP Extron MTP DA4 and MTP DA8
Extron MTP 1500RL 15HD A Third-party audio DSP
Extron XPA 2001 amplifier
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
environmentally isolated seal. The plugs
Signal Flow Between Cars
are soldered to the armored CAT 5 cables.
The receptacles are soldered to the interior
CAT 5 cables, and mounted on the exterior
Pass-through Incoming signal
of the vestibule at both sides of the car, so
Incoming signal Pass-through
that connections can easily be removed
whenever cars are to be switched out,
MTP 1500RL 15HD A MTP 1500RL 15HD A
removed, or added to the train.
Twisted pair AV signals are transmitted
AV to system AV to system
from the Control car through the outputs
of the MTP DA cascade. The Event and Previous Car Train Car Next Car

Standard cars are each equipped with an

MTP 1500RL 15HD A twisted pair receiver Each passenger car has two Extron twisted pair receivers in the rack to receive AV signals from
to receive the signals and output video either end, depending on whether the Control car is in front or behind.

and audio to their respective systems. This

particular MTP receiver was selected for
two important reasons. First, it features a
buffered twisted pair output that allows
for daisy-chaining up to eight receivers,
so that train cars can sequentially receive
AV signals from the Control car. Second,
the MTP 1500RL 15HD A provides the
performance necessary for sending HDTV
720p signals over distances up to 800 feet
(245 meters), roughly the overall cabling
distance that would be required over an
eight car span.
The Agawa tour train can include as
many as 16 passenger cars during the
peak of the tourist season in October.
With the eight car limit for daisy-chaining
MTP 1500RL receivers, Videoscope
established a few guidelines for CN Rail
when configuring car layouts. The Control
car must always be centrally situated
between the other passenger cars. More
importantly, says Aita, The Control car is
essentially the brains of the trains entire
AV operations. Without it, a guided AV tour
cannot be possible.
The Control car being situated between
Event and Standard cars, and the fact
that passenger cars will frequently be
switched around, requires AV system
designs that take into account the
possibility of AV signals coming into or
out of a car from either end. Twisted pair
AV signals can only travel in one direction
on a CAT 5 cable. Aitas solution for the
Event and Standard cars was to have two
MTP 1500RL receivers in each rack, and
two CAT 5 lines within and between cars
to allow for AV signals in both directions,

Control Car
Wireless Audio Flat-Panel Displays Speakers Equipment Rack GPS Car-to-Car Connectivity
Delivers multi-language Various display sizes Extron SI 3CT LP Extron IN1508 scaler Third-party audio DSP Geographical Armored CAT 5 cables
content selectable by user located throughout cabin Extron MMX 32 VGA MTP AudioConexus audio player AV system
through headsets Extron XPA 2001 amplifier BrightSign video media player triggering
Extron MTP DA4 and MTP DA8 Blu-ray Disc player
Third-party control system

www.avsystemsdesign.com Case Study 23


with each line terminated to a separate
In or Out connector at each end of the
car. Each rack has a VSW 2VGA A, a two
input VGA switcher connected to both
receivers. With the switchers set to auto-
switching operation, no user intervention
is necessary other than disconnecting
and reconnecting external AV cables as
the train configuration changes. For the
Control car, two of the outputs from the
MTP DA cascade are used to transmit AV
out both ends of the car.
There was a need to get composite
video signals from the locomotive cameras
to the Control car. Coaxial cables were run
from the cameras and connected from car
to car via multi-pin connectors similar to
those for the CAT 5 lines. Composite video
line drivers at the outputs of the cameras
Photo courtesy of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
protrude into aisles. Sufficient clearance
is needed so passengers dont bump into
them when getting into or out of their seats.
The displays include 40 inch (102 cm),
20 inch (51 cm), and 15 inch (38 cm)
models. The 40 inch and sometimes
20 inch displays are typically on the walls
at both ends of the cabin. The 20 inch
models are also on some side walls. The
small 15 inch LCDs are suspended from
the ceiling in locations to accommodate
seating locations furthest from the far
walls. As mentioned earlier, 7 inch LCD
monitors are also installed on top of the
AV racks for staff, since they cannot view
the cabin displays from the racks.
Specific arrangements for the
LCDs vary depending on the seating LCD displays are strategically placed throughout the
arrangement in the cars, each of which cabins to ensure passenger accessibility and safety.

ensured signal integrity. had 6 to 20 displays installed. Some seats

Displays
There are a total about 150 flat-panel LCD
monitors installed among the 16 passenger
cars. The original AV designs called for
almost 200 displays, but the number was
reduced due to limitations on where they
could be installed for passenger safety
reasons. For example, displays cannot
are also repositioned for the return leg,
therefore requiring screen placement
allowing passenger viewing regardless of
whether the train is traveling outbound
or inbound.
The 40 inch and 20 inch monitors have
native 19201080 panels. The 15 inch
models are 1440900 native resolution, and
the 7 inch LCDs 1366768. The decision
was made to go with a 720p output
resolution from the AV systems, since that
was compatible with all displays.
Audio Systems
As with the video, the audio systems
are similar among the passenger
cars to simplify AV system designs. A

Car-to-Car Connectivity
Armored CAT 5 cables
Event Car
Flat-Panel Displays Speakers Equipment Rack
Various display sizes Extron SI 3CT LP Extron TLP 700MV touchpanel Extron XPA 2001 amplifier
located throughout cabin Extron IPL 250 control processor Extron MTP DA4 and MTP DA8
Extron IN1508 scaler Third-party audio DSP
Extron MMX 32 VGA MTP Blu-ray Disc player
Extron MTP 1500RL 15HD A

UBS UBS UBS

24 Case Study AV Systems Design Fall 2011

Photo courtesy of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
third-party audio DSP is used for each
system to provide volume control and
some audio processing. For the Control
and Event cars, the DSP also provides
audio input switching. Audio outputs
from the DSP go to an Extron XPA 2001
200 watt 70 volt power amplifier, and the
MMX 32 VGA MTP. The final destination
from the XPA 2001 amplifier is a 70 volt
distribution of SI 3CT LP ceiling speakers
throughout the cabin. Five SI 3CT LP
speakers are used per car. According to
Aita, the speakers low profile back can
of just 4 inches (10 cm) made it ideal for
the shallow ceiling space on the train.
The speakers were installed into grid
ceiling tiles.
For the Control car, the audio
into the matrix switcher is ultimately
transmitted with the video over twisted
pair to the rest of the train. Third-party
paging microphone systems in the
Control AV system allow for staff PA
announcements to the entire train, with
microphone ducking from the audio DSP
to automatically lower the program audio
when the mic is being used.
The XPA 2001 power amplifier provides
more than ample headroom to adequately
Standard Car
Flat-Panel Displays
Various display sizes
located throughout cabin
www.avsystemsdesign.com Case Study
drive the speakers. The MPA 401 70 volt
amplifier was initially considered for this
project, but due to the ambient noise in a
train environment, estimated to be about
75 dB SPL, the XPA 2001 was considered
to be a more ideal choice for providing
enough operating headroom above this
noise level.
Two other factors influenced Aitas
decision to go with the XPA 2001 over a
competitive third-party model he had used
in other projects. We liked the energy
efficiency of the XPA 2001 amplifier and
the fact that it had the ENERGY STAR The shallow suspended ceilings required slim, low-
rating, Aita says. The AV systems on the profile speakers. The Extron SI 3CT LP, with a 4 inch
(10 cm) back can, was ideal for this installation.
train all run off a single circuit, so any
opportunity to save energy is important.
Although the locomotives supply electrical Aita to place it directly adjacent to other
power, minimizing power usage from the equipment with no extra rack spacing.
AV systems can be beneficial for the rest of The AudioConexus system includes a
the trains operations. wireless transmitter in the Control car to
Aita also says that the compact size of send audio to headsets throughout the
the Extron amplifier made it ideal for this train, so that passengers can listen to the
installation. We had considered another tour in five different languages other than
amplifier, but its size was much larger than English. Getting wireless audio throughout
the XPA 2001, so we opted for the Extron the train was not trivial and required some
amp because its compact size would really trial and error. The transmitter had to be
save space in the rack. The XPA also powerful enough to get signals through
had very low heat dissipation allowing the thick steel walls of the cars and reach
Speakers Equipment Rack Car-to-Car Connectivity
Extron SI 3CT LP Extron MMX 32 VGA MTP Extron MTP DA4 and MTP DA8 Armored CAT 5 cables
Extron MTP 1500RL 15HD A Third-party audio DSP
Extron XPA 2001 amplifier
25
 all the way out to the locomotives, but also
not interfere with the GPS system.
AV System Control and Automation
There are four AV control systems aboard
the cars, one for the Control car and one
for each of the three Event cars. Each
control system functions independently
and is intended for basic user operations
including source switching, video playback,
and volume control. The AV systems
on the Standard cars do not require
system control since they essentially just
distribute AV to the speakers and displays.
An Extron TLP 700MV TouchLink
Touchpanel with an IPL 250 Ethernet
control processor is used on the Event cars.
We made the systems really easy to work with, and
automated them for the most part. The staff wanted to
minimize the need to operate them.
One of the available Extron TouchLink a video, stored on the BrightSign media
control templates, available as a free player, to promote tourism in Northern
download from the Extron Web site, was Ontario. Once the video finishes, the
modified by Aita to provide a user-friendly system automatically switches back to the
interface for switching between AV content locomotive camera. Other than using the
from the Control car or the local Blu-ray microphones, this is the only time staff is
Disc player, and basic transport controls needed to work with the AV system.
for playing a DVD. The TouchLink control We made the systems really easy to
interfaces were designed to be simple, work with, and automated them for the
for not just the staff but also a customer most part. The staff wanted to minimize
renting the Event car. The original system the need to operate them, Aita says. We
designs called for all train car AV systems got them to the point that the AV tour
to have TouchLink control, but they had basically runs on its own, so whatever the

Equipment List to be scaled back due to the cost of the staff has to do is simple and intuitive.
power transformer system.

Extron TLP 700MV

The third-party control system allows Staff Procedures and
TouchLink Touchpanel similar intuitive user control, but was System Reliability
Extron IPL 250 chosen for the Control car because of its The simple and intuitive operation of
Ethernet Control Processor
programming flexibility to interface with the AV systems starts first thing in the
Extron IN1508
Scaler and Switcher the GPS-triggered AudioConexus audio morning, before the tour begins. The staff
Extron MMX 32 VGA MTP narration system, the IN1508 switcher and power up each of the racks after the front
Matrix Switcher
scaler, and BrightSign media player. The and rear locomotives have powered up,
Extron MTP DA8
Eight Output Twisted Pair DA AudioConexus audio player is configured to prevent potentially damaging surges
Extron MTP DA4 to operate with its corresponding GPS that can occur when the locomotives are
Four Output Twisted Pair DA
receiver. The third-party control system starting up. After that, nothing much else
Extron MTP 1500RL 15HD A
Twisted Pair Receiver was programmed to work with the GPS needs to be done and the tour runs by
Extron VTR001 receiver to switch the IN1508, and trigger itself as the train moves along its route.
Twisted Pair Receiver
the BrightSign to play specific slideshow The racks are powered down once the
Extron VSW 2VGA A
Switcher content whenever the GPS receiver detects train reaches its destination at Agawa
Extron XPA 2001 preprogrammed geographic locations. Canyon, and then are powered back up
70 Volt Power Amplifier
The control system for the AV control after the locomotives start up again for the
Extron SI 3CT LP
Low-Profile Ceiling Speakers car is programmed so that it runs the return journey. A few button presses on
Third-party control system tour on its own without requiring staff the touchpanel to play the promo tourism
Third-party audio DSP and switcher intervention. During the outboard trip, the video, and thats it.
AudioConexus GPS receiver triggers the AudioConexus For the initial rollout of the train tour
Audio Playback System with GPS
and control system to automatically there were 16 passenger cars in total. One
BrightSign HD1010
Video Media Player deliver audiovisual narrations. Between of the Standard cars has an identical
Sony SDP-S580 these narrations, the system automatically AV rack configuration as the Control
Blu-ray Disc Player
switches over to a camera view from the car to serve as its backup. This car has
Furman PL-PLUS DMC
Power Conditioner locomotive, which provides a unique two MTP 1500RL 15HD A receivers, so it
birds eye perspective from the front of functions as one of the Standard cars in
the train. For the return trip to Sault Ste. the train, and therefore is equipped to send
Marie, the staff use the touchscreen to play out as well as receive AV signals. Since the

26 Case Study AV Systems Design Fall 2011

 IR

RS-232 LIGHTS VIDEO

ON MUTE

Ethernet LIGHTS AUDIO

RS-232 OFF MUTE

SCREEN MIC
UP MUTE

COM1 COM 2 IR RELAY

TX RX RTS CTS TX RX 1 2 1 2
SCREEN AUTO

Extron
DOWN IMAGE

S G S G
POWER
LAN

IPL 250
12V HELP FREEZE

Extron
500mA INPUT COM 3 IR RELAY
MAX 1 2 3 4 TX RX 3 4 3 4 Extron

S G S G
IP Link Control TLP 700MV
Processor 7" TouchLink
RS-232
Network Switch Touchpanel
Ethernet
CAT 5 From CAT 5 To CAT 5 From CAT 5 To
Previous Car Next Car Next Car Previous Car
BUFFERED OUTPUT Extron Extron

CSYNC
BUFFERED OUTPUT

CSYNC
INPUT INPUT

SPARE

SPARE
OUTPUT OUTPUT

VIDEO

VIDEO
SOG

SOG
END

END
MTP 1500RL 15HD A

H+

H+
POWER POWER

V+

V+
MONO AUDIO MONO AUDIO

MTP 1500RL 15HD A

12V L R 12V L R
ON ON
1.0A MAX 1.0A MAX

MTP MTP
MTP 1500RL 15HD A Twisted Pair Receiver Twisted Pair Receiver
MTP MTP
MTP 1500RL 15HD A

INPUT 1 INPUT 2

1
2
VSW 2VGA A Front
Extron POWER
12V
VGA IN 1 LOOP OUTPUT VSW 2VGA A
AUD OUT

VSW 2VGA A
CONTACT
.1A MAX. 1 2

VGA Switcher INPUT 1

AUTO-SW Rear

Extron
100-240V 50-60Hz
1 3 6
I VID YC C
LISTED
U S 1T23
OUTPUT AUDIO INPUT OUTPUT
I.T.E.
1 2 3 4 5 6 A

IN1508
N RGB L L
RGB Y, B-Y, R-Y
P B RS-232
VID YC

Scaling Presentation
7 8 L R
U R R
T Y B-Y R-Y RGB DVI

Switcher
50/60Hz 2 4 5 7 8

INPUT 1 INPUT 3 OUTPUT 2 REMOTE Extron

PRE PEAK - ON
AUDIO AUDIO

MMX 32 VGA MTP

1

SYNC - TRI
RGB/AUDIO
POWER
12V
0.5A MAX L
AUDIO
R
1 2 3 +5V

RS-232 3x2 VGA Matrix Switcher

with Twisted Pair Output
STANDBY/ON
PQLS HDMI OPEN/CLOSE FL OFF
2
AUDIO AUDIO
USB Tx Rx
INPUT 2 OUTPUT 1

Blu-ray Player
MTP DA 4

OUTPUTS
POWER INPUT
12V 1 2 3 4
0.5A MAX OUTPUT MUTE

7" Monitor +
1 2 3 4 A

Extron
MTP DA4
Twisted Pair
12V~60Hz
40W
CTRL
Distribution
Amplifier
I/O
REMT IN
1 1 1 MTP DA 8
VOL1 E
Hot Hot Hot PRE H
IN
E Cold Cold Cold AMP C
REMT 1 OUT 1
Earth Earth Earth E OUTPUTS
VOL1 2 POWER INPUT
3 H : Hot 12V 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
IN 0.5A MAX OUTPUT MUTE
4 C : Cold
2 2 2 E : Earth
E
1 Hot Hot Hot H
PRE
OUT 2 Cold Cold Cold AMP C +
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 A
RS-232 MODE 3
Earth Earth Earth OUT 2
MATRIX MIXER 4 E
E

Extron
MTP DA8
Audio Mixer Twisted Pair
Distribution Amplifier

Extron Extron Extron

VTR001 VTR001 VTR001
100-240V 1.3A, 50-60Hz

C
17TT
AUDIO/VIDEO
US APPARATUS
XPA 2001-70V Twisted Pair Twisted Pair Twisted Pair
LISTED
LEVEL HPF INPUTS
CLASS 2 WIRING
REMOTE OUTPUT Receiver Receiver Receiver
10V 50 mA 70 V
80 Hz
LIMITER/ VOL/MUTE VTR001 VTR001 VTR001
L(MONO) R
PROTECT
SIGNAL POWER POWER POWER
VIDEO OUTPUT VIDEO OUTPUT VIDEO OUTPUT
0 OFF
STANDBY

Extron
XPA 2001-70V
Power Amplifier

Extron
SI 3CT LP
Full-Range Ceiling Speakers
40" Monitor 20" Monitor 15" Monitor

The AV system for the Event car receives audio and video from the Control car, and supports local DVD playback.

train tour restarted operations in June 2011, opportunities for the train tour, such as He adds, We also chose these
six more cars have come in which will advertisements, safety announcements, products because Extron has always
further help bolster capacity for the train. and emergency messaging. been tremendous when it comes to
Aita is extremely pleased with the support, far exceeding anyone else in that
Impressions Extron equipment and its contribution regard. I have not come across any other
According to Aita, CN Rail and its staff to overall AV system robustness and manufacturer that provides the same level
are very satisfied with the trains new dependability. Many of the Extron of support as Extron.
AV systems and how they are helping products were selected for this train
to keep their customers engaged project because they have worked very well
Gerard Grivois is Systems Design Engineer for the
throughout the trip while enhancing in our other installations, and we felt that northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada at Extron Electronics.
He provides system design support and technical
their experience. Aita says the systems in they would provide the extra measure of
troubleshooting services to system integrators before and
place offer potential future digital signage reliability necessary for a train, Aita says. after the sale.

www.avsystemsdesign.com Case Study 27

 Enterprise AV System
Design and Integration
What you should do to ensure a successful project.
By Keith Scheffler, Systems Design Engineering Manager

28 Cover Story AV Systems Design Fall 2011

 E
ffective AV system design and integration for the
enterprise requires more than technical proficiency.
Enterprise clients tend to demand more advanced
AV solutions to facilitate key business functions
across their entire organization, such as communication, decision-
making, training, and project management. Expectations for what
the technology can accomplish can be high and new AV systems
usually make up only a portion of the clients overall project plans.
To meet the challenges of the enterprise, system designers are
increasingly being asked to play a larger role in ensuring delivery
of the right solution, a role that requires both an expanded skill
set and a new way of thinking.
Winning and keeping more clients in the corporate,
government, and education markets requires that you step back to
take a larger view. This means looking beyond your own specific
set of deliverables to see how the AV system fits within the overall
goals of the enterprise. Consider the client's overall organizational
goals in every phase of the project lifecycle, from system concept
and design, to engineering, construction, installation, and post-
installation support.

Design Locally, Think Globally

Organizations of all sizes are increasingly looking to use AV
technology to accomplish business goals, help save on travel costs,
improve communication between workgroups, and increase the
effectiveness of project teams. Accomplishing these goals often
requires developing AV environments that can be interconnected.
In both medium and large organizations, connected AV
environments can be right down the hall, but they are just as
likely to be in the next building, next town, or even another
country. Successful interconnectivity depends on choosing the
right AV signal distribution strategy for the local AV environment,
while also considering the larger expectations of the organization.

Connected AV Environments in the Enterprise

There are many ways that AV content and resources can be
shared within the enterprise. Overflow applications typically
require sending audio and video signals from a live presentation
to a nearby room, but can also involve two-way communication
for Q&A purposes. Videoconferencing is great for face-to-face
communication, but usually also includes desktop sharing. Most

www.avsystemsdesign.com Cover Story 29

 distance learning applications require both live streaming and
recording for future playback by the student. Finally, multi-site
collaboration entails elements of videoconferencing, combined
with local and remote sharing of project files and other resources.
Factors That Influence Signal Distribution Decisions
Selecting the right distribution strategy for each application
requires a multi-level approach to needs assessment. Success
depends on considering the needs of the local AV application along
with any requirements for sharing content or resources. In addition
to local distance requirements, are there remote locations that will
need to interface with the system? Are there any special needs
related to security of the signals? Will new system components
have to be compatible with legacy systems? For instance, you
may want to construct a state-of-the art training room or
videoconference system with the latest high resolution technology.
Be sure to consider how the new system will interface with older
products located elsewhere in the organization. Your new system
must be able to support legacy equipment in the near term, until
technology upgrades can be rolled out across the entire enterprise.
Questions related to the facility itself can also influence these
decisions. How old is it? How big is it? What type of facility
is it? Look beyond function to consider both intrinsic and
extrinsic factors, including construction materials and methods,
regional environmental factors, and electrical and networking
infrastructure in the local community.
Are there structural limitations that complicate wiring paths,
or prohibit running cables behind walls or installing conduit?
These kinds of challenges are common in historical buildings and
30 Cover Story
other facilities that require a technology update to modernize the
communication delivery system.
Is the building new or nearly new? If so, is there network or
fiber cable already in place that could be used for AV signals? The
right signal distribution choice can allow you to both overcome
limitations and take advantage of opportunities.
For an overview of the signal distribution options available for
the enterprise, see, Selecting the Right Distribution Infrastructure
on page 34.
It is best to know where you are going before embarking on the
journey. Before discussing products with the client or committing
a design to paper, start by defining the purpose of each room on
day one and whats anticipated for each room over the life of the
system, typically five years out.
Design for Reliability
Thinking globally and taking the long view requires a determined
focus on both quality and reliability. This might seem like
a simplistic notion, because everyone is aware of the need
for system quality. While in many ways reliability is a vital
component of quality, it is worth noting that there is an important
distinction between the two.
Quality describes all of the characteristics and features of
the system components, and their final assembly, which allow
the system to function properly. It implies an adherence to
measurable and verifiable standards and assures that the system
will perform as designed after installation.
Reliability, on the other hand, is the probability that the system
will continue to perform as designed over a specified period of time.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
While quality ensures that customers are likely to be thrilled with
their new systems on day one, a healthy focus on reliability will go
a long way toward maximizing their long-term satisfaction.
Maintaining this focus doesnt require a degree in reliability
engineering or mastery of the mathematics of reliability theory.
There are three main aspects to designing for reliability: Selecting
the right system components, reducing the number of potential
failure points, and planning for maintainability and support.
Select the Right System Components
Designing for reliability requires a thoughtful approach
to equipment selection to ensure that only products from
manufacturers with a proven track record of reliability
are included in the system. Catastrophic product failure
rarely takes down a system. In fact, most system function
problems resulting from a powered component are related
to something small, such as a failed power supply.
Also, work only with manufacturers who have solid, reliable
support systems in place. Providing a high quality product is
undoubtedly a major asset in today's business world; however,
a useful piece of equipment is only part of keeping a customer
satisfied. The services of a manufacturer must extend far beyond
the initial sale. The best manufacturers provide system design
support, troubleshooting services, system commissioning, and
more. You want to be able to talk to a live human being who is
trained, experienced, and intelligent. Work with vendors who
Extron Power Supplies
Designed to Be the Best
Extron is committed to designing the best and most reliable power
supplies in the industry. Our external supplies have been tested to
exceed 1 million hours MTBF. Extron enterprise-sized products, such
as fiber optic matrix switchers, are designed with high-reliability, hot
swappable, and redundant power supplies.
According to Eric Mendenhall, Extron Director of Audio and Power
Systems, Extron has adopted the philosophy regarding power supplies
for our products that reliability is our primary objective. To achieve this,
Mendenhall says: We start with a highly efficient topology made from
the highest quality components available and manufacture them with
the same process used for our high-end video products, using the same
care and attention to detail in every step of the process.
www.extron.com/ps for more info on Extron power supplies.
www.avsystemsdesign.com Cover Story
provide the same high level of support to resellers that you
provide to your own clients.
Reduce the Number of Potential Failure Points
Identifying and minimizing potential failure points early on in
the design stage can pay dividends later in terms of reliability.
Particularly in large, complex systems, it is important to minimize
the number of products, such as cable adapters, wall wart power
supplies, and legacy equipment, which are prone to failure. Rather
than using multiple distribution amplifiers and switchers, consider
a matrix switcher.
Look for ways to minimize the number of connection points.
Every additional connection point increases the possibility of
problems related to a loose or improperly terminated connector.
With digital signals, each connection causes either a reduction in
signal strength (in fiber systems) or signal integrity (with DVI and
HDMI connectors).
Plan for Ongoing Support
Keeping the system running and supporting users when they need
help are key contributors to reliability. You can really set yourself
apart from the competition and add value for your customer by
planning for ongoing support. Enterprise clients have come to
expect and appreciate the value of well-executed services on new
systems. Services for the enterprise can include service agreements,
preventative maintenance contracts, managed services with
remote monitoring, and training. Ask yourself what services your
client will need and how providing them will benefit your business.
Develop an asset management plan for providing technical
support and help desk services. Your customer will appreciate your
careful evaluation of the requirements and options available. Does
your client have the technical resources in house to handle ongoing
support to end-users? You should consider developing the resources
yourself, if you haven't already, so that you can offer support as a
part of the service contract. Would users of the new systems benefit
from training once the installation is complete? Providing these
kinds of recurring services helps to increase your client's overall
satisfaction and can do a lot to smooth out your company's cash flow.
Comprehensive system documentation is critical. Within a
large-scale enterprise or campus, individual departments may
largely know what they have, but keeping track of everything can
be overwhelming. Provide the client with an as installed list
of equipment and where everything is located, and keep copies
for yourself. Be sure your service plan includes procedures for
keeping the documentation current by tracking additions, moves,
and changes to system components over time. Having this level
of detail readily available will save hours when troubleshooting
a system problem, or supporting the client with an operational
question or concern.
31
 Design Using a Scalable Standard
Scalability is a term that is used frequently in our industry.
Usually the term refers to the capability to expand an existing
system as the clients operational requirements grow. With the
continuous introduction of new technologies and the increasing
demands by users for additional capabilities, it makes perfect
sense that this kind of scalability would be a valuable quality.
Closed-end system designs are the technological equivalent to
cast in concrete. As you design each room, you should certainly
think about your design in a way that allows for a reasonable
amount of system expansion. Assume the users needs will grow
and change over time, and plan for scalability from the beginning.
A scalable design ensures that the clients investment in the initial
system will not later prove to have been wasted.
Customizable, But Not Custom
There's also another way to think about scalability when it comes
to designing for the enterprise. A large project is likely to require
designs for multiple rooms of varying sizes. The smaller rooms,
naturally, would require only a few inputs, while the largest
rooms are likely to involve many inputs and, possibly, multiple
displays. It might be tempting to develop a custom design for each
room size. However, the smart strategy involves using a scalable
standard that can be customized for each type of room.
To create a single, scalable standard that can be used for any
size room, specify key products from the same manufacturer,
particularly for signal distribution and system control. For
example, placing the same model of small touchpanel in all of the
small rooms and larger touchpanels from the same manufacturer
in larger spaces accommodates different room requirements. The
back-end configuration, control interfaces, and asset management
tools remain common across the enterprise. This approach to
system design allows for any of the systems to be tailored to meet
the particular needs of a room, but minimizes the number of
variables within the enterprise.
A scalable design makes it much easier to accommodate
unique situations that require a small deviation from the standard
template. It simplifies the design process, promotes ease-of-use,
and streamlines future system upgrades.
Build a Demonstration System
When the project involves multiple similar roomsa corporate
campus with 25 identical small conference rooms, for example
it's a good idea to build out one of the systems as a demonstration,
or proof of concept, prior to a major deployment. This can be done
on site or at a separate location, as long as it's easily accessible to
prospective end users. A scalable design approach ensures that
lessons learned for the demo can be reliably applied to the rest of
the project.
32 Cover Story
The demonstration system gives users an opportunity to
test the control interface and give you valuable feedback on its
usability. This allows you to sort out any unanticipated integration
or control issues before deployment within the enterprise, and
also provides an opportunity for the client to experience the
system before it is installed. Based on the results of the demo,
you may decide to switch out components, relocate controls or
connectivity in the room, or even modify the user interface.
Implement an Effective Logistics Strategy
Even small AV systems incorporate products from a number of
different manufacturers or vendors. As the system, or number of
systems, grows larger, the potential for logistical problems grows
as well. If you plan early for how to handle the traffic, you can put
together an effective strategy for handling key logistical concerns,
such as travel, shipping, and equipment staging.
Basically, you want to know when the equipment and key
personnel are going to arrive on site and where youre going to
store cable and hardware during the integration phase. Keep in
mind that you may need space for assembling racks, and testing
devices and subsystems. Will there be any obstacles to getting
equipment into the building? If you are assembling racks or large
screens offsite, you want to plan early for how you will get them
into the building and, if necessary, up to higher floors.
On large multi-site, multi-city projects, you must be aware of
the local building codes and any labor union requirements that
might affect your installation. For example, a private project in
Denver, Colorado, does not typically require union participation
for onsite labor and there is no low volt AV contractor license
required. In Chicago, Illinois, however, union laborers are
required for onsite work. In San Francisco, AV contractors must
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
have a California C-7 Contractors License for Low Voltage Wiring.
So, if your enterprise project involves installations at the clients
offices in Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco, you will have to
meet different onsite labor requirements at each location.
A key part of your logistics plan should include a delivery
schedule for each system component. Consider how much
product your warehouse can receive at any given time, and
whether everything can be stored through the integration phase
of the project. A small receiving dock and warehouse can easily
be overwhelmed with the delivery of 100 equipment racks and
several large spools of cable.
Communicate Regularly with All Stakeholders
Good communication is vital to the success of any project, but
especially for large enterprise projects. You should be sure
to identify and communicate with all decision makers and
influencers early on and throughout the process. Depending
on the size and scope of the project, youll want to establish
communication with the owner, architect, contractor, and anyone
else who can influence design decisions.
There will be many differing viewpoints on a wide range of
topics related to the install. Getting to know the players early
in the project will allow you to identify those areas in which a
majority of the stakeholders are in agreement. It is much easier to
work toward consensus on open issues when you can build on a
base of common viewpoints.
Remember to document all communication with the client's
representatives. Even when youve established free-flowing
communication and a high level of trust, misunderstandings can
occur. Make notes of verbal conversations. Follow up important
conversations with an email confirmation. When questions arise
about who said what, youll be glad you took the extra time and
effort to create a record.
Establish procedures for coordinating with other trades, the
owners representative, electricians, drywall installers, interior
designers, furniture manufacturers, etc. Project coordination
allows the other trades to maintain pace with the AV needs of
the client. AV is usually among the last items to be integrated in
any project, so coordination and communication are necessary to
prevent catastrophes both large and small.
Obtain or Hire Network Expertise
Increasingly, AV technologies for the enterprise require some
integration with the client network. Clients want their AV systems
to possess the capabilities for AV asset management, system control,
IP digital signage, videoconferencing, IPTV, video-on-demand, HD
capture and playback, and more. Even so, the AV network is typically
just a small part of the overall enterprise network infrastructure.
Not everyone, if anyone, on the clients IT staff will understand
www.avsystemsdesign.com Cover Story
the networking needs of the AV system, or how its going to
affect the enterprise network. As a rule, IT departments are
understandably protective of their network. Any network failure
has a high cost to the companys productivity, when a sales,
manufacturing, or order processing system is taken down. If the
clients IT department is skeptical of the network capabilities of the
AV integrator, theres a big bridge to cross in terms of credibility.
If you want to be successful with enterprise-scale clients, you
need to gain access to IT expertise. Many integrators accomplish
this by hiring IT personnel and training them in AV. It can also
be valuable to encourage and enable your current AV personnel
to expand their knowledge base with courses in networking. For
a detailed overview of some of the big issues, see Karl Johnsons
article on page 50.
Extron provides training and certification programs to help
you with both strategies. For IT professionals new to the AV
industry, our AV Associate Certification program provides an up-
to-date and comprehensive understanding of audio, video, and
control fundamentals along with a greater awareness of systems
technologies and improved troubleshooting skills. Our Extron
School of Emerging Technologies is great for AV professionals who
need lessons on network-enabled streaming and system control.
The clients IT department can and should be your partner
in the successful design and implementation of the AV network.
Work with them closely, as early in the design process as possible.
You need someone on your team who can act as your advocate
for the AV portion of the network. Having staff or contracted
resources who can fluently speak IT will go a long way toward
breaking down the traditional barriers to AV on the network.
Following these guidelines and partnering with the right
manufacturer can increase the likelihood that your project will be
a success. On your next enterprise system design project, contact
Extron early and often. Weve got years of experience helping
integrators tackle large projects.
Keith Scheffler is Systems Design Engineering Manager at Extron Electronics. He leads
a team of System Design Engineers who provide system design support and technical
troubleshooting services to system integrators before and after the sale. Keith has over
20 years of experience, including senior level engineering positions with several major AV
integration firms.
33
 Selecting the Right Signal
Distribution Infrastructure
Options for the Enterprise
Selecting the right distribution strategy for an enterprise project
requires careful consideration of both the needs of the local
AV environment and the overall goals of the organization,
particularly in relation to plans for sharing AV content and
resources. Todays AV systems invariably include both analog
and digital technologies. Unless the application or your
customer specifically calls for an all digital system, youre
bound to have some analog sources. This requires a hybrid
approach to making connections in the room. Lets consider
the options available in four major categories: Conventional
AV cable, AV over twisted pair cable, fiber optic cable, and
network streaming.
Conventional Cables
Digital video technologies, such as DVI and HDMI, were
originally developed to carry signals just a few feet at most,
usually from a computer graphic card to a monitor. HDMI is an
uncompressed format, so the amount of data running through
the cable is directly related to the image resolution and color
depth. Standard HD resolutions of 720p and 1080i have a
significantly higher bit rate than standard definition 480p, but
only about half that of 1080p.
The use of high quality, high performance cables can
provide for reliable signal transmission up to about
75 feet. On longer cable runs, choosing the
best quality cables and using an active
signal equalizer, such as the Extron
HDMI 101, can ensure a strong, stable
digital signal up to 200 feet.
Twisted Pair Cable
It has become commonplace to use CAT 5-type
unshielded twisted pair cable, or UTP, originally
designed for data transmission, in AV applications.
The newest digital twisted pair systems are capable of
sending high resolution video signals up to 330 feet (100 m).
For instance, the new Extron XTP CrossPoint switching
and distribution system enables designers to create a
completely integrated solution for digital and analog formats.
XTP CrossPoint matrix switchers support local connectivity as
well as extended transmission capability.
34 Cover Story
UTP offers several benefits over conventional cables. High
resolution video can be combined with audio, RS-232, Ethernet,
and power for distribution over a single UTP cable. Twisted pair
is inexpensive, relatively easy to terminate, and more lightweight
and flexible than conventional cables, making it installation-
friendly, especially in applications where cable must to be pulled
through conduit or installed in limited space areas.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optics is a powerful tool for distributing signals extreme
distancesin the thousands of feetwithin the same building
or across town. Thanks to the unique characteristics of fiber
optic cable, it is possible to transmit high resolution video,
audio, and control signals without any image degradation,
ground loop hum, or electrical interference. Fiber is the ideal
choice for distributing signals between floors of a tall office
building and between buildings on a large corporate or
college campus.
For future-proofing the systems you are
designing, fiber optics is the right choice. A
single glass fiber can be used to carry high
resolution RGBHV, stereo audio, and control
signals long distances with plenty of bandwidth
to spare. Typically, todays cable includes multiple
fibers, meaning they will easily handle tomorrows
higher resolutions. As technology progresses and
systems are upgraded, the hardware at the endpoints
may change, but installing multi-fiber cable now will
ensure a robust path for future expansion.
How far can you send signals? There are two
kinds of fiber optic cable used in AV systems:
singlemode and multimode. Multimode fiber has
a larger diameter glass core than singlemode.
This larger core enables multimode fiber
to carry multiple modes of light. The
characteristics of multimode fiber limit
AV Systems Design Fall 2011

the distance signals can travel, so singlemode cable carries
signals farther than multimode. The formula for calculating
the maximum distance of a given fiber consists mainly of
three factors: the frequency of the light, the bandwidth of
the fiber, and the number of splices and connectors used
over the entire distance. Generally, multimode fiber can carry
a DVI video signal at 19201200 resolution over 3,200 feet,
while the same signal can travel 18 miles or more on
singlemode fiber.
For future-proofing the systems you are designing, fiber
optics is the right choice. A single glass fiber can be used to
carry high resolution RGBHV, stereo audio, and control signals
long distances with plenty of bandwidth to spare. Typically,
todays cable includes multiple fibers, meaning they will easily
handle tomorrows higher resolutions. As technology progresses
and systems are upgraded, the hardware at the endpoints may
change, but installing multi-fiber cable now will ensure a robust
path for future expansion.
High Performance
DVI Cable
75 ft
How Far Can You Transmit
High Performance DVI
200 ft
19201200 DVI Video?
Cable with Equalizer
Twisted Pair 330 ft
Multimode Fiber 3,200 ft
Singlemode Fiber 18.75 miles
IP Network
www.avsystemsdesign.com Cover Story
The Extron Fiber Design Guide offers an overview of the
technology combined with a practical how-to approach for
designing fiber optic AV systems, including tutorials on fiber
optic technology and cabling used in commercial AV systems.
Network Streaming
These days, no discussion of AV in the enterprise would be
complete without an overview of streaming applications. While
technologies for AV streaming have been available for more
than a decade, theyve only recently made it into the pro AV
market. Recent advances in technology, combined with the
drive to reduce costs, have put telepresence and streaming
media projects at the center of enterprise business strategy.
For many organizations, implementing AV streaming applications
over an IP network represents incredible opportunities to
extend the reach of real-time communication beyond a room
or building to a global enterprise.
Streaming is employed for distance learning, entertainment,
webcasting, videoconferencing, telepresence, collaboration,
broadcast, surveillance, simulation, command and control, and
many other applications. With current technology, audio, video,
and data streams can be delivered live or recorded and stored
for on-demand playback at the users convenience.
There are so many factors to consider when designing
systems for streaming that it can seem overwhelming. The
choice of streaming format, standards-based versus proprietary,
and the selection of appropriate encoders and decoders are
primary considerations. To learn more about the technologies,
challenges, and potential applications of AV over IP streaming,
get a copy of the Extron AV Streaming Design Guide.
No Limit!
35
 Extron Support Services to Help You Meet the Challenge

Todays enterprise clients demand a lot from AV technology. In response to these demands, Extron has invested a great deal of
financial and human capital to develop support services and training to help resellers succeed. Driven by our corporate philosophy
of Service, Support, and Solutions - S3 - Extron has developed a comprehensive suite of customer support services to help you
plan, complete, and support projects of any size.

Project Registration
The Extron Project Registration Program provides special benefits to
participants such as Special Pricing Consideration and System Design
Assistance. This program also provides Value Engineering, assistance
wherein our design engineers review your designs for cost-effective
solutions, and Product Availability information giving you current Extron Design Assistance
information to help ensure project deadlines are met on time. A useful service for any system from the simple to the complex,
Extron Design Assistance gives you access to our talented team of
experienced and knowledgeable AV Systems Design Engineers who will
review product selection and look at various design alternatives to find
cost-effective solutions.
Match It or Lose It
Enlist Extrons help when faced with complex projects and tight budgets
with the Match It or Lose It program. Extron design engineers will
review your current bid to find cost-effective solutions which may include
incorporating new products, looking at various design alternatives, and
even adjusting product pricing. Investigating all your options through
the Match It or Lose It program ensures that your customers get
the opportunity to find the best, most cost-effective solution for their
AV project.

Extron Product Commissioning

Extron Product Commissioning is a proactive program designed to
ensure optimum performance in AV presentation systems using robust
Extron products such as Quantum Connect, Quantum Elite, WindoWall,
VN-Matrix, and Fiber Matrix. This service includes pre-installation design
review with Extron Engineers who will assist you throughout the design
Certification
process. An Extron Engineer will visit your project on-site to optimize
Constant advancements in technology and an ever-changing business
and calibrate systems and help ensure delivery of the best performance
environment make it essential to keep pace to remain competitive.
possible. The Extron Engineer will also provide on-site training for you
Education and Certification help achieve this goal, and provide an
and your customers helping to ensure full satisfaction and confidence
objective measure of performance. Certification demonstrates commitment
with system operation.
to ongoing education and continued improvement. It shows customers,
peers, and colleagues you possess industry knowledge that is purposeful
and actionable. Extron currently provides various certifications including
AV Associate AVA, Extron Control Associate ECA, and Extron
Control Specialist ECS.

36 Cover Story AV Systems Design Fall 2011

 Advanced Configuration for AV Control Systems

Extron Global Configurator Professional

GC Pro is designed to combine the flexibility of TouchLink with the power of advanced configuration. As AV systems scale in size
and complexity, AV control systems must be designed to efficiently handle these new demands and also be easy to use. GC Pro is
Extrons next generation configuration software for larger, more sophisticated TouchLink-based control systems. It offers an integrated
environment for defining advanced AV control system functionality from an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Powerful features, such
as controller groups and conditional logic with local variables, provide greater flexibility for more elaborate control system designs. GC Pro
is ideal for any TouchLink-based control system requiring enhanced functionality and advanced configuration.

Key Features:
Supports larger, more sophisticated TouchLink-based control systems
Conditional logic with use of local variables Allows button operations to be
contingent on a variety of separate conditions
Controller groups Enables multiple control processors to function together as one for
more complex systems
Virtual TouchLink support TouchLink for iPad and TouchLink for Web provide
additional points of control for rooms equipped with TouchLink Touchpanels
Controller macros Allow several commands to be connected for fast and easy
implementation of control system configurations
Controller templates Import and export an entire configuration project for creation of
a new configuration project or to merge into an existing file
TouchLink for iPad
Enhanced user interface Helps streamline configuration iPad Control App for TouchLink Touchpanels
configured with GC Pro
Enhanced button grouping Ability to create up to 20 different button groups

www.extron.com/gcpro
 New Displays Open
AV Frontiers
The latest generation of high resolution displays, combined with enhanced video
processing capabilities translate to new and exciting integration opportunities.
By Jim Scrivner, Manager of Product Marketing
T
he AV industry is seeing a dramatic increase in the
availability of displays with higher resolutions and a
greater variety of shapes and sizes. Whereas 16:9 and
16:10 were becoming the norm for AV presentations,
displays have been introduced with ultra-wide 2.3:1, and even
3.5:1 aspect ratios for specialized digital signage flat panels.
Resolutions are pushing beyond 1080p and WUXGA to 25601600,
with the wider availability of 4K on the horizon. In addition,
projectors have become brighter, more compact, and more
affordable, while flat panels are now slimmer than ever with very
thin bezels, and sizes as large as 80 inches (203 cm). And, there is
the new generation of compact video cube-type modules such as
Christie MicroTiles. Combining these displays with the capabilities
of todays video processors is allowing for new opportunities to
design creative display systems with detailed, high resolution
content that can be large, small, panoramic, tall, or just about any
shape or size desired.
Until recently, multiple-display systems with multi-window PIP,
themed backgrounds, and other advanced presentation features
would have been more suitable for large-scale environments, such
as a network operations center or command and control room,
where the cost could be justified for specialized videowall systems
with dedicated image processors and video cubes or projector
arrays. Today, standalone video processors give you much more
than just switching and scaling. Features can range from picture-
in-picture and seamless switching, up to the capability to deliver
themed presentations with numerous source windows presented
across multiple displays.
With the variety of shapes and resolutions available in todays
displays, together with advanced video processing, integrators can
now offer new, exciting integration possibilities to their customers
in a wide range of applications and environments such as training,
38 Feature Story
simulation, briefing centers, visualization, and scientific research.
Examples include the use of two projectors or flat panels instead
of one in boardrooms, mini 22 or 31 videowalls with flat-panel
displays, and 4K projectors in various environments for presenting
multiple, highly detailed graphics sources at full resolution.
Todays Video Processors Deliver Advanced
Capabilities for Enhanced Display Solutions
Video processors have evolved significantly over the years with
higher performance image processing and the capability to drive
an array of multiple displays, or to fill the native imaging panel
of an ultra-high resolution display. The ability to deliver very
high quality video upscaling and downscaling is particularly
important when presenting multiple sources simultaneously.
Preserving image details is essential whenever images have to
be downsized into windows in a PIP display. This is especially
the case for mission-critical applications in which the data and
imagery in graphs, charts, and maps must be discernible, even
though the image size may be much smaller than the contents
original resolution.
Another essential feature of todays video processors is the
capability to create flexible PIP window layouts and save them as
presets. Such flexibility allows for placing windows anywhere on
the screen, overlapping them, zooming and panning within the
windows, assigning color borders and labels, and adding a static
or moving image as a background. Presets can be used with a
control system to enable simple user operation for recalling PIP
window layouts from a touchscreen, and for switching between
input sources. To provide a professional look and feel to the image
presentation, video processors can deliver smooth, quick source
switching between sources, as well as transition effects when
changing from one window preset to another.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
www.avsystemsdesign.com 39
 To ensure smooth, quality presentation of multiple image
sources, video processors are equipped with the bus bandwidth
and processing resources to handle a large number of input
sources simultaneously, while maintaining real-time performance
with full frame rates. Some processors are also scalable to support
very large display arrays, and also increase input source capacity
by interfacing with remote devices via IP streaming.
In addition to optimization for multiple or large display
systems, todays video processors include features that help
integrators resolve the challenges frequently encountered today,
such as troubleshooting issues related to HDMI and HDCP, and
combining digital and analog source devices in the same system.
For more information on the convenience features that make
video processors essential for successful AV integration, see the
sidebar on page 42, Think You No Longer Need A Scaler? Try
Living Without One.
Presentation Environments with Enhanced
Display Solutions
Many different environments where a single projector would
normally be used can now benefit from more enhanced
integration solutions combining advanced video processing with
two or more displays, or ultra-high resolution projectors or flat
panels for simultaneous presentation of multiple graphics or high
definition video sources. The following are some examples of
such environments.
1. Executive Briefing Center or High-End Corporate Boardroom
Corporate customers have several applications where it would be
desirable to display more than one image. Typical applications
include videoconferencing, telepresence, enhanced corporate
briefings combining slide shows with full-motion graphics or
40 Feature Story
video, and visualizing two or more high resolution graphics
sources. While standard PIP allows for viewing two images on a
screen, corporate customers may want to be able to view them as
large as possible, at or near their original resolution.
A possible solution is to provide two widescreen projectors
or large flat panels side-by-side that span the width of the wall.
Displays with 16:10 aspect ratio may be preferable over 16:9, since
the screens will be taller, and more likely to fit within the wall.
Each display could be used to show a full-screen image, fed by a
matrix switcher and two scalers such as the Extron DVS 304 DVI
or DVS 605, or from an Extron ISM 824 MultiSwitcher equipped
with two independent scaled outputs. In an all-digital AV system,
a single DVI or HDMI matrix switcher may suffice when 1080p or
720p is the only resolution from the sources. More sophisticated
presentation needs can be fulfilled with an Extron WindoWall
System providing up to eight PIP windows.
2. Small Network Operations Center
Display arrays for videowalls previously have been primarily video
cube-based systems targeted for large command and control
rooms or network operations centers. With the wider availability
of videowall processors, and displays at more accessible price
points, multi-display systems can now be a part of many other
environments, including a small network operations center,
Setting up Scalers
Scalers employ high performance video processing to deliver a single,
high quality video output to the display device. To ensure proper
system performance and the best possible image, the display and
scaler need to be properly set up and calibrated to work together.
For additional resources on setting up scalers for best system
performance, see the article, Optimizing Scaler Setup on page 64, or
download the Extron white paper, Scalers: Setup and Optimization at
www.extron.com/scalers_wp.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
university student center, or lobby in a corporation or hotel. A
mini videowall solution, with a 22, 31, or 32 layout of flat processors are ideal for driving 4K displays. For more information,
panels, could be ideal for these environments. Many of the flat
panels on the market today have very thin bezels, making them
ideal for use in arrays. An Extron Quantum Connect videowall
processor provides the flexibility to integrate many different input
sources and create a variety of window layouts to display them.
Such mini videowalls may more likely be used with basic
videowall processing to deliver visual impact by magnifying,
distributing, or duplicating images across the array. The Extron
QSS 404 is an example of a video processor for magnifying images
on a videowall. In many environments, 720p or WUXGA displays
can deliver more than sufficient resolution since images are
usually viewed from a distance.
3. Auditorium or Command and Control Room
High resolution 4K2K projectors are ideal for cinemas because of
the resolution and clarity necessary for projection on screens that
can be 50 feet (15 meters) wide and greater. They are also installed
in post-production houses, entertainment venues, and many
other environments. As 4K projectors and flat panels continue
to reach lower price points, they will also be very beneficial for
professional AV applications in corporate auditoriums, command
and control centers, and visualization facilities for simultaneously
presenting multiple sources of HD images or high resolution
graphics, and delivering large, dynamic visual presentations.
Displays with 4K resolution can deliver a large, totally seamless
videowall where multiple windows can be shown with much
greater clarity and detail than a 2K or 1080p display, without
mullions or the need to mechanically align an array of projectors.
www.avsystemsdesign.com Feature Story
Extron Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect videowall
see the sidebar on page 44, Integration Opportunities with
4K Displays.
Let Your Imagination Run Free
A wide range of new display devices are now available, with
higher resolutions and many different shapes and sizes, and
at more accessible price points than ever. System designers
and integrators have an unprecedented opportunity to let their
imaginations run free, by combining them with todays video
processors to offer new display solutions to more customers in
more application environments. Advancements, including thinner
bezels, slimmer profiles, more compact enclosures, and greater
light output, are only adding to the possibilities.
Jim Scrivner is Manager of Product Marketing at Extron Electronics for signal processing and
twisted pair transmission, and has been with the company for 18 years.
21:9 - The Newest Frontier for Displays
Widescreen displays with 21:9 aspect ratio and 25601080 native
resolutions are making their appearance in the residential installation
market. Their appeal for home theater enthusiasts is the ability to
present movie content at their original 2:40 or comparable aspect
ratio, while completely filling up the screen. These 21:9 flat panels and
projectors also offer significant potential for professional AV applications,
including an HD image side-by-side with an additional source, ultra-wide
panoramic displays, digital signage, and more. For additional information,
see the Industry News on page 9.
41
 Think You No Longer Need A
Scaler? Try Living Without One.
Any display sold today has some form of integrated video
processing to ensure that an incoming signal is optimized to
the resolution of the projector or flat-panel display. While this
may be seen as replacing the traditional role of an external
scaler, outboard video processors do much more than convert
the resolution of incoming signals.
System designers and integrators face challenges in
successfully matching a wide range of source signal formats
and resolutions to displays of various native resolutions, input
signal compatibility, and aspect ratios. Video processors
include several features that can add considerable flexibility and
address these and other challenges, significantly streamlining
the process of getting a display system up and running, and
simplifying system operation for end users.
Managing a diversity of AV sources. There are many different
types of digital and analog source devices that an end user
may want to use in the system, from laptops and desktop
PCs to mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Legacy VCRs and DVD players, as well as broadcast video
equipment, may also be in the mix. All this requires the ability
to accommodate up to ten different signal formats HDMI,
DVI, DisplayPort, SDI, composite video, S-video, component
video, and the three RGB formats. A video processor can
include inputs for any or all of these. Most displays don't
accept SDI signals, and some of them, especially televisions,
may not even be equipped with an analog VGA input to
accept RGBHV.
Compatibility between sources and displays. Source
devices in a system may output various signal resolutions.
Some displays, particularly consumer televisions, may only be
compatible with a limited range of computer source resolutions.
For instance, a 32 inch (81 cm) flat-panel display designed
for 720p and 1080p resolutions may not readily receive a
1280800 laptop signal. In other instances where the display
and source device should be mutually compatible, improper
EDID communication between them may result in an improperly
displayed image, or no image at all. EDID communication
frequently fails for a variety of reasons, and is a common
cause of display problems in AV systems.
42 Feature Story
Extron video processors accept a very wide range of
computer resolutions as well as HDTV and standard definition.
They also include many selectable output resolutions to match
current and legacy display devices. An additional advantage of
a scaler is that it can be upgraded through its firmware when
new input or output resolutions are available.
Video processors from Extron also include EDID management
features so that the processor serves as an intermediary
between the display and sources to ensure reliable, consistent
EDID communication between them. EDID Minder captures
the EDID from the display and communicates it directly to the
source, while EDID Emulation provides internally stored EDID, at
selectable resolutions and refresh rates, to the source device.
Aspect ratios. Flat-panel displays and projectors are available
in various aspect ratios. Some incoming source signals may
not match the aspect ratio of the display, possibly requiring
user adjustments. Many Extron video processors simplify
aspect ratio management with a convenient aspect ratio control
feature. A FILL mode or a FOLLOW mode can be selected
to provide a full screen output or preserve the original aspect
ratio, respectively. This feature automatically detects the aspect
ratio of the incoming signal, providing an optimal image without
any user intervention.
4:3 Signal Input to 16:9 Signal Input to
a 16:9 Display a 4:3 Display
FILL MODE FOLLOW MODE FILL MODE FOLLOW MODE
Extron aspect ratio control lets integrators manage presentation of source
signals when they do not match the displays aspect ratio.
Professional quality source switching. End users generally
expect that any AV system will deliver quick source switching.
A displays internal switching may exhibit noticeable latency. An
outboard switcher may speed up operation, but some latency
may still be present if the display acquires a newly switched
signal resolution, color space, or format. A scaler or video
processor with multiple inputs can deliver much faster switching
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
performance by optimizing them to a common, consistent
output to the display.
The EDID management features built into Extron
video processors help speed up signal switching. EDID
communication is continuously maintained between the video
processor and all connected input sources, eliminating the
potential latency resulting from disrupting and re-establishing
EDID communication following a switch.
Select Extron video processors also incorporate seamless
transition effects to give the switching a professional look and
feel. Another convenient feature is auto-switching so that the
scaler automatically goes to the input with an active signal
present. Many Extron scalers also feature universal VGA inputs
that automatically detect any incoming analog format. This
can be convenient in systems with many input sources while
simplifying the requirements for switching.
Handling HDMI or DVI with HDCP. Switching between
HDMI or DVI sources with HDCP encryption can result
in significant switching lag. Switching to an HDCP signal
usually requires negotiating a new HDCP authentication and
encryption link, a process that can take several seconds,
especially when using the display to select sources. The latest
Extron scalers feature SpeedSwitch Technology that makes
switching between HDCP-encrypted HDMI or DVI sources
very fast and always reliable, comparable to switching
between analog sources.
SpeedSwitch Technology encompasses two key Extron
signal management features, EDID Minder and Key Minder.
Key Minder allows the scaler to continuously negotiate and
cache HDCP keys from input and output devices, eliminating
the need to renegotiate each time a switch is made.
Electronically, Extron scalers with SpeedSwitch Technology
execute a switch that is virtually instantaneous.
Another challenge with integrating HDMI and DVI is that
problems related to the signal path or HDCP content protection
can be difficult to troubleshoot. To help quickly check for
HDCP compliance in a system, the latest Extron scalers feature
active HDCP Status Reporting for all connected sources and
displays. Together with HDCP Status Reporting, HDCP Visual
Confirmation technology automatically detects whether a display
is HDCP compliant. When an encrypted source input is sent to
a non-HDCP compliant display, the scaler outputs a full-screen
green signal, providing visual confirmation that the signal path
www.avsystemsdesign.com Feature Story
is intact and the system is operating properly, but the protected
content cannot be displayed on that particular device.
The display on the left is HDCP compliant. The display on the right is
not HDCP compliant, so it receives a full-screen green signal from the
connected output of an Extron scaler with HDCP Visual Confirmation.
Switching out guest laptops. Participants bring their laptops
into many presentation environments. A display may or may
not be compatible with the resolution coming out of a newly
connected laptop. Even if the display accepts the incoming
signal, the image may appear distorted due to mismatches in
resolution, aspect ratio, or simply the fact that the display isnt
properly timed to the video signal. All Extron video processors
feature Auto-Image which allows for quick setup of a guest
laptop with a touch a button. Auto-Image detects the resolution
of the video signal coming out of the laptop and automatically
sets the parameters to ensure proper image display.
As an added convenience, many Extron scalers feature Auto
Input Memory that will automatically save image settings based
on the incoming resolution, and then automatically recall them
whenever the same resolution is detected again.
Integrating video and audio sources. Some scalers have
audio inputs paired to the video sources, together with audio
level adjustments, making them ideal as the centerpiece for
integration in small to medium AV systems. However, video
processing typically introduces some latency that causes the
video to lag slightly behind the audio, resulting in lip sync
issues. Many Extron video processors include a lip sync delay
feature to compensate. The latest Extron scalers automatically
adjust the amount of lip sync delay according to the incoming
signal and the extent of processing needed.
Extron scalers with HDMI switching and audio include
additional features for handling HDMI audio. Embedded HDMI
audio from an input source can be extracted and output to a
sound system. An analog audio input signal can be embedded
onto the scalers HDMI output.
See Whats Inside the New Extron DVS 605 scaler on page 46.
43

Integration Opportunities
with 4K Displays
Displays with 4K, or roughly 4K2K resolution provide
a solution for applications requiring a greater number of
pixels on large screens. In 2005, the first 4K projection
displays were introduced and began to be integrated into
digital cinema, simulation, defense, medical, entertainment,
and other environments. Since then, more manufacturers
have introduced 4K projectors and direct-view flat panels.
Accepting from one to four input signals, these unique
displays are able to provide a seamless image across a total
panel resolution of 40962160.
Often, the compelling reason to use a 4K display has been
to display an image from a single 4K resolution source. This
could be an application operating on a multi-head image
generator or PC, or a playback device supplying four high
resolution video outputs with synchronized content. Signals
at resolutions such as 19201200, 19201080, or below
can be input to a 4K display using a single cable, but these
resolutions will be scaled across the entire 40962160 pixel
array. In these instances, the standard resolutions fill out the
entire display, but the value of the 4K resolution is not fully
exploited. A solution providing the ability to present a variety
of inputs across the 4K display can provide a system with far
greater flexibility for many applications.
A videowall processor can be used to combine 4K material
along with more common resolution signals, providing far
greater display capabilities. A videowall processor allows
you to display large numbers of inputs, in various formats
and signal types, across multiple outputs. Four processor
44 Feature Story
outputs can feed the four discrete inputs
on the 4K display, allowing any of the
processors inputs to be seen at any
location and at any size on the display.
Using a videowall processor will also
maintain a constant output signal to
the display, eliminating the requirement
for the display to resync each time a
different source is presented.
However, 4K displays can pose
challenges to videowall processors.
The displayed image must maintain a
continuous appearance across the four
sections of the display, so the edge of
each output must be free of any artifacts
or noise at their top, bottom, and sides. The outputs must
align perfectly and maintain synchronization with each other;
otherwise sources spread across the displays quadrants will
reveal the hidden seams between them.
Extron Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect videowall
processors have been optimized for use with 4K displays,
providing seamless edge matching and synchronization of
their outputs, as well as providing the ability to display large
numbers of input sources anywhere on the display. Up to
72 different sources can be displayed when using Quantum
Connect, and up to 156 different sources can be displayed
with border and titling options when using Quantum Elite. Both
processors incorporate Extron patented scaling technology, so
sources maintain the highest image quality, whether scaled up
to fill the entire screen, or scaled down to fill only a very small
area. Flexible control software and a remote control protocol
also allow for easy system programming and integration into a
touchpanel control system.
Quantum processors have been used in conjunction with
4K displays in lobbies, corporate auditoriums, and educational
facilities, where their ability to display large numbers of
sources to produce a high resolution, continuous image has
provided greater capabilities for presenting them with greater
clarity and impact.
4K displays can deliver a dramatic visual impact and
greater capabilities to many applications; but the impact relies
on the on the sources you use. With almost 9 million pixels
to fill, you need to choose those sources wisely. A single 4K
image source will solve a single application, but to present
a variety of images of different types on the display, and to
keep those images looking their best, consider an Extron
Quantum Elite or Quantum Connect videowall processor.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
HDCP-Compliant Videowall Processing Systems
The Extron Quantum Series are videowall processing systems that deliver high performance and reliable multi-image presentations
in demanding, mission-critical environments. They feature high performance, dedicated graphics and video processing, plus
a high-speed video bus that maintains real-time performance under heavy source loads. Quantum Series processors can
simultaneously display hundreds of windows of high quality graphics and video, making them ideal for medium to large videowall
systems in environments including public spaces, corporate buildings, surveillance, visualization, and command and control.

Quantum Series
Key Features:
Card frame videowall processing system
Flexibility to support a variety of input and output configurations
High speed bus supports real-time video/graphic performance
Dual HDMI and DVI/RGB output cards support resolutions up to
1920x1200 and HDTV 1080p/60
Quantum Elite
Up to 128 video/graphic windows per dual output card
Scalable, Expandable Videowall Processing System
Input cards available for HDMI, DVI, RGB or HD component video,
and standard definition video
High quality image upscaling and downscaling
Supports digital and analog input signals up to 1920x1200 and
HDTV 1080p/60
Easy-to-use configuration and control software

Quantum Connect
Videowall Processing System

www.extron.com/quantum
 Whats Inside
The DVS 605
Take a peek under the hood to see what makes the DVS 605 unique.

Powerful Input Video Processing

End users can effortlessly connect and switch between
video sources with no setup necessary. Extron SpeedSwitch
Technology ensures fast, reliable switching between HDMI
sources with HDCP, while Auto-Image automatically sets up
a newly connected VGA source with a touch of a button.
Built to Team with Extron
Matrix Switchers
The DVS 605 easily integrates with Extron matrix switchers
through dual universal analog inputs that automatically detect
incoming high resolution and standard definition formats, and
can be programmed through Ethernet to recall picture presets
assigned to individual inputs on a matrix switcher.

Dual Scaling Engines

Enhance Presentations +
Proprietary dual scaling engines enable seamless
transition effects for smooth, professional quality
source switching, as well as flexible two window
picture-in-picture.

Scaler A

Scaler B

DVS 605 AD Rear Panel

46 Whats Inside AV Systems Design Fall 2011

 Whats Inside

The DVS 605 HDCP-Compliant Scaler with Seamless Switching incorporates the latest generation of Extron
signal processing technologies to deliver high quality image presentations, and the tools essential for
successful integration in todays AV environments with digital and analog video.

Extensive HDMI Audio Processing

A host of convenient tools are available for integrating HDMI audio into AV systems.
Incoming embedded HDMI audio can be de-embedded and output as analog audio or
S/PDIF. Analog input audio can be embedded onto the HDMI output. Audio breakaway
switching is available for embedded HDMI audio signals as well as analog audio.
Automatic Lip Sync Compensation
Fixed
Automatically applies the right amount of audio delay to HDMI DAC
HDMI Variable
HDMI
compensate for video processing latency, ensuring proper lip HDMI
De-embed
sync. No setup necessary. S/PDIF
Digital Audio
Multiplex Processing HDMI
Stereo HDMI
Stereo Embed
1 2 3 1 2 3 Analog
Video Stereo ADC
Multiplex SDI
Stereo SDI
Stereo Embed

Audio 1 2 3 1 2 3

www.avsystemsdesign.com Whats Inside 47

 Extron
New Products

TLP 710CV
7" Cable Cubby TouchLink Touchpanel

The Extron TLP 710CV is a configurable 7" Cable Cubby TouchLink Touchpanel with a contemporary thin bezel design
that combines AV system control with the convenience of an Extron Cable Cubby enclosure. It features a flip-up,
full-color, high-resolution touchscreen in an elegant, metal enclosure that can be mounted securely into a tabletop, lectern,
or other flat surface. An integrated MTP twisted pair receiver accepts S-video or composite video and audio input
signals over CAT 5-type cable. Power over Ethernet - PoE allows the touchpanel to receive power and control over an
additional CAT 5-type cable, eliminating the need for a local power supply. The touchpanel enables integrators to deploy
furniture-mountable, fully configurable touchscreen control, with cable management and easy access to AV connectivity
and power.

www.extron.com/tlp710cv for more information.

48 Extron New Products AV Systems Design Fall 2011

 Extron New Products

SME 100 SD

SME 100 SD
H.264 SD Streaming Media Encoder

The Extron SME 100 SD is not like any live streaming encoder on the market today. It is designed specifically to support a wide
variety of video formats required in pro AV applications, and features integrated switching with loop-throughs for easy integration into
pro AV systems. The SME 100 SD interfaces with DVI, RGB, HDTV, and standard definition sources plus audio at resolutions up to
19201200 including HDTV 1080p/60, and streams at selectable resolutions from 166120 to 720576. The SME 100 SD applies the
H.264/MPEG-4 AVC compression standard offering a high degree of compatibility with commonly used software viewers or other
compatible decoding devices. High performance Extron signal processing scales and optimizes video input signals for the intended
viewing application. The SME 100 is the pro AV integrators ideal choice for delivering AV media over networks.

www.extron.com/sme100

USB Extender D
Twisted Pair Extender for USB Peripherals
Decora Wallplate

The Extron USB Extender D enables USB peripheral devices to be

remotely located up to 450 feet (135 meters) from the host computer.
It consists of a transmitter and receiver set that is linked using a
single, CAT 5/5e/6 or CAT 7 cable, each housed in a one-gang
Decora-style wallplate. The receiver features a built-in, active four
port hub that supplies 5 Volts, 500 mA to each port to power
attached devices. This allows power-hungry peripherals such as
smart phones, webcams, personal media players, and mass storage
devices to be connected and powered or charged at the same time.
It is ideal for use in applications utilizing the Extron Annotator and
remote touchscreen displays, as well as applications that require the
remote location of USB peripherals such as interactive whiteboards, USB Extender D Rx
USB Extender D Tx
Receiver
keyboards, mice, and other human interface devices. Transmitter

www.extron.com/usbextender

www.avsystemsdesign.com Extron New Products 49

 Extron New Products

DVID SL Ultra HDMI Ultra

DVID SL Ultra Series HDMI Ultra Series

Ultra Flexible Single Link DVI-D Cables Ultra Flexible High Speed HDMI Cables

The Extron DVID SL Ultra Series cables are designed to transmit
high resolution single link DVI-D signals. The DVID SL Ultra
Series is engineered with Extron-exclusive ultra-flexible, 30 AWG
cable and features a low bend radius and compact, gold-plated
connectors. They are ideal for applications with tight equipment
racks or AV presentation furniture, or with wall-mount or pole-
mount displays. The DVID SL Ultra cables support resolutions
up to 19201200 @ 60 Hz and 1080p/60 and are available in
lengths from 1.5 feet to 15 feet (0.4 m to 4.5 m).
The Extron HDMI Ultra Series cables are designed to transmit
high-speed digital video and audio signals. The HDMI Ultra
Series is engineered with Extron-exclusive ultra-flexible, 30 AWG
cable and features a low bend radius and compact, gold-plated
connectors. They are ideal for applications with tight equipment
racks or AV presentation furniture, or with wall-mount or pole-
mount displays. The HDMI Ultra cables conform to HDMI High
Speed cable specifications and are available in lengths from 6
feet to 15 feet (1.8 m to 4.5 m).

www.extron.com/dvidslultra www.extron.com/hdmiultra

HRP100
MediaLink for Windows

HRU109

MediaLink for Windows

Control Application for the
MLC 104 IP Plus, MLC 226 IP,
and System 5 IP
The Extron Half Rack Shelf System of rack shelves and related accessories is designed
Extron MediaLink for Windows is an AV
control system application designed for
computers running Microsoft Windows.
It allows the classroom computer to
become an additional point of AV
system control for rooms equipped with
an MLC 104 IP Plus, MLC 226 IP, or
System 5 IP.
Half Rack Shelf System
Half-Rack Width Rack Shelf and Accessories
for applications utilizing one-half rack width and smaller products. The compact, 1U
half-rack width size allows the mounting of half-, quarter-, and eighth-rack products in
space-constrained furniture such as lecterns and cabinets that are not wide enough
to support the mounting of full width, 19" rack shelves or electronics. The Half Rack
System is comprised of the HRB 109 Basic Rack Shelf; the HRU 109 Universal Rack
Shelf Kit, which includes eighth-rack and quarter-rack false faceplates; and HRP 100
Blank Panel. Half Rack System products are finished in a durable gray powder coat
finish to match other Extron products.

www.extron.com/medialinkforwindows www.extron.com/halfracksystem

50 Extron New Products AV Systems Design Fall 2011

Tech
Watch Eyevis LCD Flat Panel at 4K
Eyevis recently introduced a 60 inch (152 cm) 4K LCD flat-panel display.
The EYE-LCD-6000-QHD-LD joins a 64 inch (162 cm) and a 56 inch
(142 cm) display as part of Eyeviss family of flat-panel displays with 4K
native resolution. It features a total panel resolution of 38402160 and
four single-link DVI inputs, each of which accepts a 19201080 HD
image for each quadrant of the display. The EYE-LCD-6000-QHD-LD
is the first in this product family to include direct LED backlighting to
the entire panel, which is said to be engineered for uniform brightness
across all areas of the screen. Other features include 176 horizontal
and viewing angles, 10-bit color internal video processing, and 0.35 mm
pixel pitch. The EYE-LCD-6000-QHD-LD is ideal for a wide variety of
applications including digital signage, command and control, process
control, medical diagnostic imaging, post-production video, and
Eyevis EYE-LCD-6000-QHD-LD architecture or building design.

www.eyevis.de

4K Projectors for Pro-AV

Two new 4K projectors were introduced recently, one aimed squarely at the Pro AV
market, the other at the home market. In June at InfoComm 2011, Christie debuted
what they called the first 4K projector introduced to the world for non-cinema
applications. Providing 4K (40962160) resolution and 35,000 lumens, the Christie
D4K35 projector is targeted at applications requiring ultra-high resolution and
the highest brightness available including amusement parks, large auditoriums,
Christie D4K35
museums, planetariums, virtual reality settings, and automotive designers using CAD.
For applications that dont require that much brightness, the new Sony
VPL-VW1000ES released just last month at the 2011 CEDIA Expo, also provides
4K resolution and is rated at 2,000 ANSI lumens with an impressive 1,000,000 to 1
dynamic contrast ratio. In addition to supporting 4K native resolution, the VW1000ES
projector also features an exclusive 4K upscaler that dramatically enhances all
content. We suspect youll find executives who have these in their home theaters,
asking for them to be included in their high-end boardrooms and training rooms.
These new projectors, and others sure to follow, provide both opportunities
and challenges for system designers. A solid understanding of video
Sony VPL-VW1000ES
processing options will help maximize the possibilities for deploying enhanced
presentation environments using ultra high resolution displays.

www.christiedigital.com and www.sony.com

www.avsystemsdesign.com Tech Watch 51

 Technically
Speaking
Avoiding Common Pitfalls Integrating
AV Products onto IP Networks
By Karl Johnson, Director of Product Marketing
A dvancements in audiovisual
technology have brought changes to
the ways audio, video, and data connect
between sources, displays, and control
systems. Today, the AV industry is in
the midst of a transition to a new digital
transmission infrastructure based on DVI,
HDMI, and SDI. This transition brings with
it many challenges, but the AV industry is
also faced with another set of challenges:
integrating AV systems onto IP networks.
Traditionally, continuous analog or
digital signals have been used to connect
sources, displays, and control systems.
52 AV Systems Design Fall 2011
Faults could frequently be verified by
patching cables to alternative sources or
devices known to be functioning. Often
the fault involved a problematic cable or
incompatibilities between the endpoints.
Today, IP networks are commonly
used with control systems, and
networks are increasingly being used
to stream audio and video content. The
scale, flexibility, and reach IP networks
offer AV systems can be an incredible
opportunity for AV professionals; however,
this different infrastructure can be
unfamiliar territory.
Information is transmitted using a
digital, packet-switched system not a
continuous signal. The information may
travel along one of a multitude of paths
crossing multiple devices, none of which
may be known to the AV integrator. In
addition, hardware may be programmed
in specific ways that can vary from
system to system. These factors
combine to create a far more complex
infrastructure than point-to-point cables
delivering a continuous signal over a
closed AV infrastructure.
Adding to this complexity is the need
to share the infrastructure with multiple
business services as specified, operated,
and managed by IT departments. AV
professionals now need to operate over
a new infrastructure and conform to
the technical performance limitations,
boundaries, policies, and maintenance
established by IT departments entities
that may have different objectives.
Today, many AV products or systems
can easily be labeled by users as being
 Technically Speaking
Incorrect Subnet and Address Calculations

Laptop
Extron Global Configurator Solution address, two other values are typically
IP address: 192.168.250.66 Change IP address
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.192 to an unused value above entered, the subnet mask and gateway
Gateway: 192.168.250.1 192.168.250.1 and below
192.168.250.63 address. If this data is entered incorrectly,
Telnet
communication may not be supported,
192.168.250.1 10.1.1.1
even between devices connected to the
same network switch. In the illustration
Extron IPCP 505 Switch 1 Router Router Switch 2
at left, the help desk PC operating
IP address: 192.168.250.60
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.192
HTTP Extron GlobalViewer, the IPCP 505, and
Gateway:192.168.250.1
Ping the TLP 1000TV all have the correct
Telnet addressing and subnet mask values.
Extron TLP 1000TV
IP address: 192.168.250.61 Extron Global Viewer
At first glance the laptop appears to
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.192
Default gateway:192.168.250.1
IP address: 10.1.1.20 be configured for the same subnet
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway:10.1.1.1 as the other control system devices,
Device Communication Ethernet
but its address actually resides in a
different subnet.
When AV devices are connected
to the same network switch, they
broken, faulty, or ineffective due to Global Configurator, an IPCP 505 control operate on Layer 2 of the OSI Open
network issues beyond their control and processor, and a TLP 1000TV touchpanel Systems Interconnect model and
the AV professional can also be unfairly are connected to network Switch 1. A help use MAC Media Access Control
labeled as unqualified. desk PC operates Extron Global Viewer addresses to define the origination and
AV professionals need new skills and in another part of the campus. While the destination addresses. Each device
expertise to deliver systems that work. help desk PC can communicate with builds up a table associating MAC
They need to expand their vocabulary the IPCP 505 control processor and addresses and IP addresses for devices
to include a new set of networking the TLP 1000TV touchpanel, the laptop on the same network switch within
terminology. IT departments must also cannot control either device. their subnet using Address Resolution
be proactively engaged while AV systems How does this happen? When Protocol ARP. The laptop is unable
are being designed and implemented. AV devices are configured with an IP to establish a MAC address for the
Identified here are 10 common
network issues that can be encountered
integrating AV products onto networks.
Extron GlobalViewer Enterprise Manages
These are grouped into two application Networked AV Devices
areas: control systems and AV streaming.

Serving as an integral element of Extron control systems, GlobalViewer Enterprise GVE is a

Control Systems
Incorrect Subnet Mask Definition
When AV devices are configured with
an IP address, two other values are
typically entered: the subnet mask and
powerful, flexible application capable of managing, monitoring, and controlling AV systems that span
IP networks. GVE provides management over Extron touch panels, control processors, and third-
party equipment like projectors, displays, monitors, VCRs, DVD players, and other devices. GVE also
provides help desk functionality, enterprise-wide scheduling and monitoring, and time-stamped AV
system data collection for report generation. GVE helps eliminate complexity by streamlining the
management of enterprise-wide AV systems.

the gateway address. They are used to

segment networks and define the path
data takes between these segments.
The assumption that devices using IP
addresses with values in close proximity
to each other will function as a system
can lead to confusion and difficulties
programming and managing systems.
In the illustration shown
above, a laptop operating Extron

www.avsystemsdesign.com Technically Speaking 53

 Technically Speaking
IPCP 505 and TLP 1000TV because
its address places it in a different
subnet. Applying an address such
as 192.168.250.55 which is between
192.168.250.1 and 192.168.250.63, would
correct this problem. Use at the subnet
255.255.255.192 has defined the network
to be a group of only 62 devices.
The PC in the Help Desk room is
connected to network Switch 2 and
routers lies between it and Switch 1.
Data delivery between the PC and the
TLP 1000TV or IPCP 505 must rely on
packet routing using IP addresses which
operate on Layer 3 of the OSI model.
When GlobalViewer on the PC pursues
communication with the IPCP 505 and
TLP 1000TV, it cannot establish their
MAC addresses using ARP, so packets
destined for them are switched to the
router connection defined by the gateway
address 10.1.1.1. They are forwarded
to Switch 1 and delivered to the
appropriate device.
Careful assignment and data entry
of IP address, subnet mask, and
gateway values is essential to avoid
communication errors when programming
control systems. Many networking
books and courses offer practical
advice for defining subnets. Addressing
calculators are also useful tools. The
Web site www.aboutmyip.com provides
an excellent example calculator. For
more information on switching, routing,
and other networking topics refer to
the Extron AV Streaming Design Guide
2nd Edition.
Firewall Ports Blocking
Communication
Firewalls can produce challenges
integrating AV control systems onto
networks. Configured by IT departments
to protect segments of their network
from unwanted traffic, they can
inadvertently block AV communications.
Firewalls manage network traffic by
inspecting incoming data packets to
54 Technically Speaking
Firewall Communication Ports Closed
Protocol Port
Extron Global Configurator
HTTP 80
Telnet 23
ICMP (Ping)
PC 2
Solution
Switch IT opens port 23
or changes port
number used by
IPCP 505
Router
Office
Device Communication
decide what should pass or be blocked.
AV devices frequently use different
communication protocols to perform
different functions. For instance, device
discovery, system information requests,
and control commands may each use a
different protocol.
The illustration above shows a
simplified network configuration with
an AV control system. An Extron
IPCP 505 control processor and a
TLP 1000TV touchpanel are configured
to operate together in a presentation
room. Programming and configuration on
PC 1 using Extron Global Configurator
functions as expected during installation.
However, when PC 2 is used from
a different location, for example an
administration office across campus,
Global Configurator is not able to
communicate with the control system.
A simple starting point troubleshooting
is to ping devices. Ping is able to
verify that the IPCP 505 is present,
active, and that a path exists between
the two locations. The Web browser
also identifies the system settings
and validates that the device is active.
However, Global Configurator does
not have control over the IPCP 505 at
this location.
Why does this happen? This situation
can occur when a firewall is located
Firewall
Extron TLP 1000TV
Extron IPCP 505
Switch
Router Extron Global Configurator
PC 1
Firewall
Classroom or Presentation Room
Ethernet
between control system devices such
as the PC and IPCP 505. The firewall
may be programmed to block Telnet, a
protocol used to control devices. Telnet,
a communications protocol, uses port 23
by default, a port which is often blocked
by Firewalls. The Web browser makes
IPCP 505 data visible to PC 2 because
it uses HTTP Hypertext Transfer
Protocol which uses port 80. This port
is commonly left open to support regular
web traffic.
In this application, the substitution
of equipment, cables, or connections
would not have identified the problem.
Investigating the programmed settings
for network switches and routers in the
communications path is required.
This same fault in communications
can also apply to streaming applications.
Streaming applications may use a
greater number of ports to support
the transmission of control as well as
audio, video, or other data. Coordination
and communication with facility IT
departments is essential to avoiding
this issue.
Extron Control Products and Firewall
Ports: Two solutions can be pursued
when firewalls block Telnet port 23. The IT
department can open Port 23 or Extron control
products can be programmed to use a different
port number defined by the IT department.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011

Blocked UDP Broadcast Traffic
Method Protocol
IP Link Device Manager
Telnet (TCP)
Broadcast (UDP)
PC
Switch
Solution
Use Telnet for
independent
Extron IPCP 505 - A device detection
Broadcast Domain 1
Device Communication
Broadcast UDP Traffic Blocked
Networks are configured with varying
arrangements of switches, routers, and
firewalls to provide efficient data flow
and security. As seen earlier, a firewall
can block specific protocols preventing
communication between devices. Routers
are another device that can block control
system traffic.
The illustration above demonstrates
a simple configuration where this may
be experienced. A PC with Extron
IP Link Device Manager is able to
detect some Extron IPCP 505 control
processors in part of a facility but not
every device in the system. A likely
cause is a router blocking broadcast
UDP User Datagram Protocol used
to detect and collect information from
AV system devices.
Why does this happen? Routers
segment network traffic into different
broadcast domains. This prevents
unwanted traffic from perpetuating
through a system consuming system
bandwidth and processing time for
devices. When an AV control system
spans a router, discovery processes
using UDP broadcasts will not detect
devices located in different broadcast
domains. Obtaining information from
devices across routers requires that an
application use Unicast point-to-point
www.avsystemsdesign.com Technically Speaking
Technically Speaking
Extron IPCP 505 - C IT department defines use of DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
where servers assign addresses to
network devices on a temporary basis.
Failure to comply with this policy can
result in an AV control system which
Switch functions intermittently, or not at all. An
Router example scenario is described below:
Installation Phase: A control system
Extron IPCP 505 - B including TLP 1000TV touchpanel
and IPCP 505 controllers are
Broadcast Domain 2
configured and programmed applying
Ethernet
DHCP addressing.
System Upgrade, 2 months later:
The control system is reconfigured.
connections such as Telnet. Unicast and During the process a programmer
Telnet communication is available from determines that the current IP
Extron IP Link Device Manager. address issued to the TLP 1000TV
is 192.168.0.10. The DHCP policy
Failure to Comply with IT is ignored. While upgrading
Addressing Policy the system, an IPCP 505 is
AV devices may not operate properly programmed to communicate with
when IT department addressing the TLP 1000TV applying a static
policy is not followed. Frequently the address of 192.168.0.10.
method desired by AV integrators is to 2 weeks following System Upgrade:
apply static or fixed IP addresses to The network DHCP server issues
devices. However, in many cases, the a new address to the TLP 1000TV
Maintaining a Global View of All Extron Control
System Devices Using IP Link Device Manager
Where Extron control systems are used, IP Link Device Manager allows devices not reachable using
UDP broadcast to be accessed applying either Unicast or Telnet connections. These protocols
support communication beyond their broadcast domain which is bounded by network routers.
The Unicast method provides the means for IP Link Device Manager to listen to pre-programmed
information updates provided by the control devices. The Telnet connection can be used to
communicate and obtain information from devices individually when required. Contact your Extron
representative to learn more about IP Link Device Manager.
55
 Technically Speaking

- 192.168.0.15. The IPCP 505 is unable
to connect with the TLP 1000TV
because it believes its address is
192.168.0.10, not 192.168.0.15.
The solution to this problem involves
the coordination and communication with
IT departments during installation as well
as clear documentation of the addressing
policy for AV system upgrades.
Poor Wireless Access Data Rates
Wireless networks offer the flexibility to
interface control systems with popular
consumer mobile devices such as tablet
PCs or mobile phones, using software
interfaces such as Extrons TouchLink
for iPad. However, use of these devices
speed and efficiency will be sustained
over time. 802.11 standards-based
wireless networks used by consumer
mobile devices only offer half-duplex
communication. Devices in the same
vicinity using the same wireless 802.11
standard will operate in a common
frequency band, and must share the
wireless bandwidth with other devices
operating in adjacent frequency channels.
Wireless networks apply CSMA/CA
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with
Collision Avoidance. All devices operating
in adjacent channels effectively operate
in a common collision domain with
random access and equal priority. If
two wireless devices applying CSMA/CA
transmit simultaneously, they cannot
One solution is to change the wireless
routers channel. The number of WAP
Wireless Access Points in the area
should be analyzed using software such
as Wi-Fi Analyzer, available for use on
wireless devices such as an Android
or iPhone. If multiple WAP devices are
detected in adjacent channels, a different
channel can be selected. Another
alternative is to use a wireless router
compatible with the mobile devices
Overlapping Wi-Fi Channels
-40
-50
WAP 1

Signal Strength (dBm)

-60
as wireless interfaces has associated detect a collision, making bandwidth use
challenges. Consumer wireless interfaces less efficient than Ethernet hubs. The -70
can be tested and proven during rack more devices introduced and operated in WAP 2
assembly, system installation, and adjacent channels, the more interference -80
WAP 3
commissioning, but function intermittently will occur. WAP 4

as operating conditions can change A natural assumption may be that -90

over time. a wireless router requires greater power,

-100
Why can this happen? Wireless a better antenna, or needs to be placed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14
networks can offer encrypted, secure closer to the devices in use. However, Wi-Fi Channels

communications, but there is no this brute force solution may not

guarantee that effective connection solve the problem. Three Wireless Access Points - WAPS 1, 2, and 4
will interfere with each other

Static IP Addresses or DHCP for AV Equipment; Wi-Fi Channel Overlap

Which Is Better? Eliminated for WAP 1
-40

A common IT policy for network devices is to use static IP addresses for permanent devices such
as servers and printers and DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol addressing for desktop -50
devices which have more migratory existences. PCs and workstations are far more likely to operate WAP 1
in temporary locations or be moved following staff reassignments or department changes. The
Signal Strength (dBm)

-60
assignment of temporary addresses using DHCP offers IT departments greater flexibility and requires
less system reconfiguration when changes are made.
-70
WAP 2
Organizations with vital security concerns may elect to use a static IP addressing policy for all
devices because it provides greater protection. Additionally, the use of static addresses eliminates -80
use of DHCP/DNS Domain Name Service traffic, making network operation more efficient. WAP 3
WAP 4

-90
In AV systems static IP addresses are desirable for integrators because they simplify the
management, programming, and documentation requirements. A compromise to an IT department
DHCP policy is reserving a series of IP addresses solely for AV system elements. The AV system -100
can be programmed and managed using static IP addresses and not conflict with the DHCP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14
Wi-Fi Channels
address assignment to other devices. AV system elements are likely to be fairly permanent devices
like servers and printers. Communicating this fact to IT staff may help increase openness to using
static addresses. WAP1 has moved to a new channel separating
itself from potential interference from other WAPs

56 Technically Speaking AV Systems Design Fall 2011

 Technically Speaking

that applies a different frequency band
from other detected WAPs. Examples
of wireless traffic analysis are presented
at left.
AV Streaming
Network Flooded Due to Incorrect
Configuration of IGMP Snooping
The ability to deliver video to multiple
endpoints scalability is often desired
devices. See the Unicast Streaming network switch is also programmed to
illustration below. fulfill the Query function.
When IGMP Snooping and Query are
both enabled, multicast traffic is delivered
Unicast Streaming only to the endpoints subscribing to it, as
seen in the second illustration.
Switch
Encoder IGMP Snooping and
192.168.0.1
Query Enabled
Multicast address: 239.192.0.1

in streaming applications. Streaming Switch

applications within a facility or enterprise
Encoder
are candidates for Internet Group 192.168.0.1

Management Protocol IGMP multicast Multicast delivered

only to subscribers
streaming to deliver video to many Laptop Laptop Laptop
192.168.0.3
endpoints very efficiently. This protocol
Point-to-point connection
used by routers and some switches
Device Communication Ethernet
allows a video source to be delivered
to as many destinations as are required,
Laptop Laptop Laptop
while contributing the bandwidth 192.168.0.3 192.168.0.4

of only one stream to any point in The remaining illustrations present Efficient use of Multicast
the system. two potential conditions for network Device Communication Ethernet

However, use of IGMP multicast on switch endpoints using IGMP multicast

network switches not configured properly
can flood every connected device with
unwanted traffic.
Why can this happen? Ethernet
frames have a unique bit set which can
identify them as being multicast one
to many delivery. When Ethernet data
is marked as multicast, it will be flooded
to every network port if a switch is not
properly configured for IGMP multicast
traffic. To prevent this from occurring,
IGMP Snooping and Query, Layer 3
network functions available in network
routers and some Layer 2 network
switches can be applied.
The diagrams at right illustrate a
Unicast one to one connection as
well as the application of IGMP Snooping
and Query to multicast traffic.
Unicast connections made directly
between two devices 192.168.0.1
and 192.168.0.3 will not result in
flooded switch ports. However, every
Unicast streaming connection applied
to the network will add another layer
of streaming traffic to backbone
streaming. Encoder 192.168.0.1 offers
a multicast stream at an address of
239.192.0.1. If IGMP Snooping is not
enabled on the network switch, all switch
ports will be flooded with traffic. The
IGMP Query function is also required.
This is normally fulfilled by a router, but
if a router is not present in the system,
flooding will also occur unless the
IGMP Snooping and
Query Not Enabled
Multicast address: 239.192.0.1
Encoder
192.168.0.1
All ports flooded
Laptop Laptop Laptop
192.168.0.3 192.168.0.4
Inefficient use of Multicast
Device Communication
Use of IGMP multicast streaming can
provide a very powerful solution, but it
requires that AV professionals coordinate
its use with the IT departments.
Older, Layer 2 workgroup switches or
inexpensive desktop switches will typically
not support IGMP Snooping and Query
functions, but many newer workgroup
switches will. As a part of pursuing an
IGMP multicast streaming solution, an
audit should be conducted of the existing
network validating support of these
Switch features. The default state for network
switches will typically not support for
IGMP Snooping and Query. These
functions will need to be programmed to
function in the switches.
Incorrect Network Switch
Port Configuration
The Ethernet interfaces on a network
device or switch normally support
very efficient exchange of data. Two
Ethernet important port settings that can affect
communication efficiency are port speed

www.avsystemsdesign.com Technically Speaking 57

 Technically Speaking

and duplex mode. If these parameters are
not matched correctly, communication
between devices can be very slow
or ineffective. Where video streaming
products are used, images may have
artifacts, be decoded at very slow rates,
or appear not to function at all.
Why can this happen? An Ethernet
port speed setting determines the clock
rate at which it operates; a port set to
configured as full duplex are able to
operate more efficiently since they are
able to transmit and receive messages at
the same time.
The illustration at right shows what
happens when one device operates in
full duplex while the other operates in
half duplex. The connection operates
ineffectively resulting from regular
collisions when both devices attempt to
Applications using small data transfers
such as control messaging may function
albeit slowly or inefficiently. Applications
transferring larger amounts of data such
as file transfers or video streaming can
Port Duplex Mismatch
Frequent collisions

100BASE-T will support ten times the transmit at the same time. The collision Send Send and
only receive
communication speed of 10BASE-T port, will be sensed by the half-duplex device TX TX/RX
and a port configured at 1000BASE-T but not sensed by the full-duplex device. Full-duplex Half-duplex
Device Device
will deliver ten times the communication The half-duplex device will attempt to
RX No
speed a 100BASE-T port supports. resend following CSMA/CS Carrier Receive transmission
only
The duplex mode determines if a port Sense Multiple Access with Collision Collisions not Collisions
expected expected
can simultaneously transmit and receive Detection. Applications on the full-duplex
data providing full-duplex communication, device using TCP protocol will pursue Solution
or if it operates at half duplex, and is error recovery while real-time applications Use identical port configuration,
manual or auto-negotiation
only capable of transmitting when it using UDP protocol such as VoIP or
is not receiving and vice versa. Ports streaming will result in dropped packets.

Extron Streaming Products

VN-Matrix 225
SME 100

Extron offers two different classes of streaming products for both unicast and IGMP multicast streaming applications.

The SME 100 is a streaming media encoder designed to support pro AV applications, which include a wide range of video and computer signal formats and
resolutions plus audio. It supports standard definition or high definition video inputs, analog RGB or DVI-D computer inputs, plus audio at resolutions from
NTSC/PAL to 1080p and 640480 up to 19201200. The SME 100 applies the H.264 compression standard offering a high degree of compatibility with
commonly used software viewers or other compatible decoding devices. Any input to an SME 100 can be scaled up or down for streaming at a defined set of
streaming resolutions. The SME 100 is available in two models, SME 100 HD which is capable of streaming at resolutions up to 1080p and the SME 100 SD
which can stream at resolutions up to 720486 or 720576.

VN-Matrix streaming products have been developed to support applications with the most demanding image quality requirements necessitating visually
lossless quality, preservation of 4:4:4 color information and native resolution, low latency, and high immunity to network errors at highly efficient bit rates. The
VN-Matrix 225 series streams RGB or DVI computer inputs at resolutions up to 19201200 with digital audio. It is available as a codec, switchable between
encoder and decoder. Encoder-only and Decoder-only models are also available. VN-Matrix 300 is a codec configurable to encode or decode SDI, HD-SDI, or
3G-SDI with embedded audio. VN-Matrix encoders and decoders are complemented with VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller and VN-Matrix Recorder to support
large system solutions and multi-screen recording and playback applications.

Please visit www.extron.com/sme100 for more info on SME 100 and www.extron.com/vnmatrix for more info on VN-Matrix products.

58 Technically Speaking AV Systems Design Fall 2011


be very problematic.
Duplex mismatch problems can
be difficult to identify because the
connection passes data, but at much
slower rates than expected. Fault finding
can start with examination of network
port LEDs. Connection ports on many
network devices include LEDs that
can help identify the port status, clock
speed and duplex mode based on their
color and illumination status solid or
blinking. The status information produced
by LEDs will vary device by device and
manufacturer by manufacturer.
Network Port Configuration
Policy Not Followed
Streaming devices must conform to
established IT policies for port and
speed configuration. When an IT policy
for port configuration is not understood
or followed, unexpected consequences
can lead to error-filled images, less than
real-time performance, or the inability to
decode images at a display.
Two IT policies for port configuration
are detailed below:
Manual configuration: Each device
is manually programmed to operate at
half or full duplex at 10 or 100 Mbps
or full duplex at 1000 Mbps
Auto-negotiation: Each device
attempts to identify the duplex mode
and speed by applying a standard
Ethernet procedure for data exchange.
When data is not exchanged, auto-
sensing algorithms are used to detect
the highest speed with which the two
devices can operate together.
If devices applying auto-negotiation
are interfaced to devices not configured
for auto-negotiation, the available
speed and duplex information will
not be reported back. The device
supporting auto-negotiation will
assume the other device supports only
half-duplex operation.
www.avsystemsdesign.com Technically Speaking
Full-duplex communication can be
supported when a device is connected
directly to switching or routing equipment,
with no repeaters or hubs in between.
Just as failing to account for
IP addressing policy can result in
issues for control systems, ignoring
port configuration policy can lead
to slow, inefficient, mismatched
duplex connections.
VN-Matrix Encoder Port Configuration:
Extron VN-Matrix encoders and decoders
can be configured to auto-negotiate network
speed, or they can be set to manual configuration
as required by IT department policy.
Unmanaged Streaming Bandwidth
Streaming products can generate heavy
bandwidth use on networks when not
configured properly. The bandwidth
required for different streaming
applications can vary just as the network
capacity can vary by endpoint. Failure
to program bit rate limits on streaming
encoders can result in oversubscription of
network resources preventing other data
or voice services from operating properly.
While a streaming encoder may unlock a
new capability for an enterprise, improper
programming and commissioning of
streaming systems could do so at the
expense of other business applications.
Some Ethernet and IP networks
have been built up in an unplanned
manner, and may have pinch points
or bottlenecks, which are sensitive to
increases in network traffic. Operating
risks associated with introducing
streaming bandwidth to a network can
be eliminated through communication
and planning with IT departments. The
last thing an AV professional should do
is turn on streaming systems without first
investigating how much bandwidth will
be available for streaming.
AV professionals are encouraged to
engage IT departments to find answers
to questions such as:
Technically Speaking
What type of loading does the
network typically carry?
How much bandwidth might be
available for streaming applications?
Are there any times of day loading on
the network peaks?
Are there any points on the network
that become bottlenecks that can be
avoided by streaming traffic?
Are there any opportunities to
segment streaming traffic and isolate
it from other data services?
While the introduction of streaming
applications to a network can increase
configuration work and system risk, it
can also represent an opportunity for IT
departments to upgrade their networks.
When commissioning or testing a
streaming application on a live network,
start by setting the video encoders
bit rate limit to be far below the target
bandwidth identified by the IT department
perhaps 25% or 50% of the target.
Then, adjust the bit rate limit up towards
the target level, ensuring that other
services are not interrupted. Continue
adjusting encoder bit rate, balancing
picture quality against bandwidth use to
establish a balance between quality and
bit rate for each application.
Bit Rate Management and Extron
Encoders: Extron SME 100 and
VN-Matrix video encoders both offer a variety
of compression and bit rate controls allowing
streaming application tests to be conducted
at minimum risk to other network services.
Video Streaming Frames Not Passing
Through WAN Security Devices
Video streaming that crosses WANs
Wide Area Networks can pass through
security and encryption equipment. This
encryption equipment can block video
if the streaming data size contained
in Ethernet frames is too large and
certain communication protocols
are blocked.
59
 Technically Speaking
Why can this happen? Encryption
of network traffic requires that data be
modified so it cannot be interpreted by
unintended receivers. This modification
produces a larger data size than was
originally created by a network device
such as an encoder. If the data size
produced by encryption equipment is
larger than the maximum size specified
for use by Ethernet frames, encryption
equipment will pursue breaking the data
into two fragments forwarding them
separately. However, streaming encoders
frequently set a do not fragment DF
flag in the Ethernet frame to prevent any
network device from breaking the data up
and maintain efficient streaming bit rates.
Ideally, identification of the DF flag leads
to an automatic negotiation between the
encryption device and encoder to identify
a smaller but efficient data size that the
encoder can use. However, some secure
networks block Internet Control Message
Protocol ICMP traffic used for this
negotiation. In these circumstances,
data packets will be dropped by
the encryption device blocking the
video stream.
How can this problem be solved?
Video encoders are designed to deliver
MTU Value Adjustment Applying ICMP Ping Fragmentation Test
Reference Ethernet Frame
Bytes
Ethernet v2 MTU, Maximum Size
ICMP Fragmentation Test, Maximum Size
Example ICMP Fragmentation Test
Encryption Device Requires 100 Bytes
New MTU for video encoder = 1400
Note: Illustration values not drawn to scale
60 Technically Speaking
highly efficient bit rates. For maximum
efficiency, encoder Ethernet frames are
frequently defined to carry the highest
possible payload. In order to support
encryption without fragmenting data
and stream with minimum overhead, the
MTU Maximum Transmission Unit for
an encoder can be manually adjusted to
a lower value. The ideal situation is to fit
the audio, video, streaming application
data, and encryption data as close to
1500 bytes as possible. This will result
in the lowest use of overhead and
greatest efficiency.
ICMP ping utilities can be used to
determine the largest MTU size without
fragmenting data frames. The following
ping command executed from a DOS
command line on a PC local to the
encryption device can be used to
determine an acceptable size:
Ping <destination address> -f -l <data size>
Example: ping 192.168.0.50 -f -l 1372
When this ping command is sent
to its destination, a reply indicating
Packet needs to be fragmented but
DF set will be received unless an
Ethernet
Overhead & Protocol Header / User Data
Addressing
8 14 Min size = 60, Max size = 1486
MTU = 1500 Bytes
1472 Bytes
1372 Bytes
Largest Un-Fragmented
Value Reported
MTU = 1400 Bytes
acceptable size has been used. The
<data size> can be adjusted up or
down until the most efficient size is
established. ICMP ping uses 28 bytes
of overhead in this process, so a
value of 1472 will equate to an MTU
of 1500 (28+1472=1500).
Example illustrated below: If the
maximum value reached applying
this process is 1372, 100 bytes are
required for the encryption device
(1372+100=1472). The MTU can be set
to 1400 (100+1400=1500).
Efficient Streaming: Extrons VN-Matrix
encoding products default to an MTU of
1500 making the most efficient use of standard
Ethernet frame sizes. They will negotiate a
lower MTU automatically if their video streams
encounter encryption devices and ICMP traffic
can pass on the network. In instances where
ICMP traffic is blocked on secure networks,
VN-Matrix codecs and encoders support
manual definition of the MTU.
Avoiding Unnecessary
Gotchas Like These
Experience and wisdom can help one
understand the limits of ones knowledge
and guide one to seek advice or
support when needed. Reaching out to
others is the best solution to avoiding
many of these pitfalls. Proactive
communication with IT departments is
essential. Extron helps AV professionals
meet the challenges of integrating AV
equipment onto networks by offering
training courses for control systems
4
and streaming, both of which include
relevant networking topics. Extron also
offers beginner online network training
courses. In addition to training, Extrons
S3 support is always available to
100 Bytes
customers, offering pre-sales design or
Encryption commissioning support to help ensure
Overhead
your projects success.
Karl Johnson is Director of Product Marketing at Extron
Electronics for streaming technologies and videowall
processing systems. He worked at Electrosonic for
over 20 years, most recently as General Manager of the
Electrosonic product division.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 H.264 Encoder Designed for
Pro AV System Integration

Extron SME 100

The Extron SME 100 is not like any live streaming encoder on the market today. It is designed specifically to support a wide variety
of video formats required in pro AV applications, and features integrated switching with loop-throughs for easy integration into pro AV
systems. The SME 100 interfaces with DVI, RGB, HDTV, and standard definition sources, and employs standards-based H.264 / MPEG-4
AVC encoding to output an IP stream that can easily be decoded and viewed on desktop or laptop PCs. High performance Extron signal
processing scales and optimizes video input signals for the intended viewing application. The SME 100 is the pro AV integrators ideal
choice for delivering AV media over networks.

Key Features:
Streams DVI, RGB, HDTV, and video Presentation Room Control and Viewing
signals with audio over IP networks
PC 1920x1200
TCP/IP Ethernet
Standards-based H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC PC 1680x1050 Network
video compression Audio

Integrated three-input AV switcher Audio

Decode PC
DVI
RGBHV
Buffered input loop-throughs for video Audio
and audio
DVD Player Component
Ethernet
Supports input signal resolutions up to Ethernet
Extron
1920x1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 100-240VAC
50/60 Hz

RGBHV
1 R-Y Y/
VID
B-Y/
C
2
INPUTS
1 2 3 SI 28
3
RGB/R-Y,Y,B-Y/YC/VID BUFFERED LOOP
L R L R L R LAN Surface-Mount
Speakers
RS-232

DVI, RGB, HDTV, and standard

R

DVI-D Tx Rx
0.5A MAX
BUFFERED LOOP

Extron Component
definition video upscaling and SME 100 HD
Streaming Media Extron
downscaling Encoder Audio Audio XPA 1002 Audio Audio
Extron Power Amplifier
Selectable streaming output resolutions Projector 1 2 3 MIC/LINE INPUTS

O
1 2 I/O RS-232(1)
DMP 64
DMP 64 100-240V 1.3A, 50-60Hz

C
LISTED
17TT
US AUDIO/VIDEO
APPARATUS CLASS 2 WIRING
XPA 1002

Digital Matrix
U Tx Rx LEVEL INPUTS REMOTE OUTPUT
MIC T 1 2 3 LAN 1 2 1 2

from 166x120 to 1024x768, and HDTV

POWER + 48 V P 1 2 10V 50 mA
LIMITER/ VOL/MUTE

RGBHV
4 5 6 1 2
4 5 6 U 3 4 RS-232(2) RESET
1 2 3 PROTECT
T

Processor
4 5 6 S SIGNAL
12V Tx Rx 0 0
1.5A MAX STANDBY

720p/30 and 1080p/30 DVI

Audio
Audio

Available in two models supporting

streaming at SD or HD resolutions

www.extron.com/sme100
 Design
Forum
Developing a Scope
of Work Document
By John Collyer, Systems Design Engineer
I ve found that the single largest
contributor to wasted time and lost
profit on an AV installation project is
the lack of documentation outlining
expectations between the owner and
the integration firm. In all design-build
contracts, there should be some
form of documentation detailing the
equipment and installation work to be
provided. This documentation is often
referred to as the Scope of Work, and
it is used as a contractual reference for
both the owner and integration firm. In
design-build projects, the scope of work
documentation is typically prepared by
the integration firm and delivered as part
of the overall pricing proposal. Even when
responding to a design-bid specification,
the AV integrator can include their
own scope of work document that
acknowledges all the specification
documents that were used to develop
their pricing proposal along with a list of
any exceptions or exclusions that should
be understood by the owner when
reviewing the AV integrators bid response.
The hardest part of generating scope
of work documentation is getting your
AV integration team to slow down during
the excitement of the sales process and
consider the contractual requirements
with the pricing proposal. Many
integration firms feel that since they have
an excellent and personal relationship
with the owner, or maybe because the
project is so simple, it does not need
a written contract. However once the
62 Design Forum
installation work begins, the lack of a
detailed written scope of work could cost
you a great relationship with one of your
clients if there is a disagreement between
your firm and the client.
Here are some fairly simple rules for
generating a solid scope of work.
Keep It Simple, But Professional
The most important objective for this
document is to provide a clear and
straightforward means to communicate
expectations for both the owner and the
AV integrator throughout the life of the
project. This is not the place to impress
the client with your advanced technical
skills. In fact, most clients will be more
impressed if you can take the real
complexities of your AV system design
and compress it down into a simple
written presentation. Save the technically
complex issues of your design solution
or competitive advantages for a face to
face presentation. You can furnish the
technical information as amendments
supporting the scope of work.
Avoid Jargon
Never use terms like RP System or
ADSP in place of writing out Rear
Projection System or Advanced Digital
Sync Processing. Avoid providing a
definition section to your scope of work
documents explaining these terms. It
may seem easier for you in writing the
document, but you are only making it
more difficult for the non-technical reader.
Remember Your Audience - All
of Them
While a detailed and technical agreement
between you and the clients onsite
technical point of contact may be
sufficient from both of your points of view,
you must develop the scope of work
documentation so it benefits everyone
else involved in the AV integration
project. The document should address
the needs of the client/owners project
manager, general contractor, purchasing
department, facilities manager, and even
the final end user. Often, the decision
makers for purchasing AV systems are
non-technical people. Also, the document
should be written to clarify and reinforce
the responsibilities for your own project
manager, engineer, control programmer,
and on-site integration installation team.
Details, Details, Details
Its best to create a standard outline
scope of work and have it broken down
into sections that fit your firms typical
service offerings and capabilities. This
outline of sections can be used as
a guide for ensuring that all typical
contractual requirements are addressed
by the scope of work. I often find
that while creating the document and
reviewing each outlined section, I realize
the effort requires a visit to the job site
or follow up conversations with the client
to confirm many aspects that need to
be covered in the pricing proposal and
scope of work.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011

Introduction and Overview
This section should be a one to three
paragraph overview of the system design.
Its used to identify who the document
is for, who is providing the services
identified in the scope of work, and where
the work is to occur. This section should
also include your executive summary.
While this section is important, it must be
kept short, avoiding any long or drawn
out sales presentation, and avoiding any
formatted list of features, benefits, or even
competitive comparisons.
System Capabilities and
Feature Sections
Here is where you document all the
information and details of your system
design proposal. Break this section down
into logical subsections, including Video,
Audio, Control, and Networking System
Capabilities and Features.
Details are very important here. But
you should never fill this section with
raw specification data copied from
the equipment manufacturer product
literature. Focus on what your system
design is providing for the client for this
project (or as identified future needs),
but dont trap your integration efforts
by listing equipment features that your
system design wont be using.
While details are important, there
are a few overall exceptions for this
section as well as the entire document. I
recommend that you never use specific
information about the manufacturer and
model numbers of the equipment used in
your system design. This will help avoid
the confusion and difficult questions
- when an item is discontinued, and the
current model or equivalent must be
used. Or, you may find a way to combine
multiple devices and capabilities into
another single device. Another reason
is that it helps position your integration
firm as a total solution provider, rather
than just an equipment reseller that also
does installations.
www.avsystemsdesign.com Design Forum
Some details are too large to be
captured in this written scope of work
document, and are more appropriately
covered in an amendment. If you
choose this option, briefly mention the
information in the main document, but
then reference an amendment document
by name, date, and version number.
The AV control system may be the
most important part of the scope of
works features and capabilities sections.
It is important that you address exactly
what the AV system will be controlling.
List all of the basic control system
functions that are visible to the end
user, such as play, stop, fast forward,
rewind, etc. Make sure to also cover
basic control functions for non-AV
equipment connected to the control
system, like HVAC controls, power
controls, lighting, and motorized window
treatments. Dont use the scope of work
document to deliver a detailed written
programming outline for how the AV
control system and touchpanels operate
or will be configured. Within the scope
of work, stick to the basics of what the
control system is supposed to do. If you
feel that button by button details are
needed, use an amended document for
this purpose.
Responsibilities
Another section of the scope of work
document where details really do matter
is the responsibilities section. For most
projects this can simply be two sections
- one for the integrator, and another
for the owner or client. Some projects
may require further responsibilities
sections for the general contractor,
electrical contractor, data communication
contractor, millworker, etc.
In an itemized list format, not a
written narrative, carefully identify each
component of the work you will be
doing during the installation. Identify the
small materials and cabling that you'll
provide and then reference an amended
Design Forum
equipment list detailing any additional
major equipment items. Highlight any
documentation for the owners approval
during the start of the installation project,
and supplementary documentation you
will be providing as part of the final
contract close out for the project.
You should itemize everything
you need from your client in order to
complete your work on time. Be sure to
include the owners responsibilities for
providing new electrical power locations,
conduit installation, telco or networking
connections, and any facility modifications
necessary for installing the audiovisual
system. Require the owner to identify key
decision makers and points of contact at
the start of the project. Include a work
schedule with expectations for other work
to be completed, and note when and
how long youll need access to the facility.
Request that they arrange any necessary
escorts and proper access to the facility
for equipment deliveries.
Exclusions
Make sure you have an exclusions
section that further indicates what is not
covered by your proposal. For example,
if you know that your work will require
substantial work to modify a painted
surface, include an exclusion that
identifies that you wont be doing the
touch up painting. If the original proposal
request from the owner included
installation of data networking cabling as
part of the AV system and you have a
verbal agreement that it would better for
their own team to handle that portion of
the work, you may want to note this as
an exclusion so the owners contracting
department clearly understands the
modification to their original request.
John Collyer is Systems Design Engineer for the National
Accounts team at Extron Electronics. He provides system
design support services to system integrators before
and after the sale, and has worked for major AV systems
integration firms in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. for
over 15 years.
63
 Tech
Corner
Optimizing
Scaler Setup
By Ron Justice, Director of
Technical Services
S ome of the most common technical
support questions the Extron S3
Technical Support team receives are
regarding optimizing image sharpness
and clarity when using a video scaler
with analog signals. Its ironic that the
one product that is expected to solve
most video problems can be the one
product that seems to create them when
improperly configured. When we get
these support calls, we focus on verifying
the following:
1. The output parameters of the scaler
are matched to the native or preferred
resolution of the display.
64 Tech Corner
2. The display has been properly set
up and optimized for the output of
the scaler.
3. The scaler has been properly set up
for the input sources.
Here is a sequence of steps you can
use to provide the best possible image
quality between a scaler and display.
1. Set the Output Parameters
of the Scaler
Achieving the sharpest and clearest
possible images begins with setting the
scaler output to match the displays
optimal input parameters. For most
display devices you can find this
information in the specification section
of the manual or Web site where lists
of native and supported resolutions
reside. These specifications will often
include a range of vertical and horizontal
frequencies that the display can accept.
The manual may also include a more
complete listing of acceptable input
signal parameters, including the total
number of horizontal pixels by the total
number of horizontal lines. To realize
the highest image quality and use the
maximum available image area on the
display, its particularly important to
set the output of the scaler to match
the native resolution of the display. For
example, matching a scaler output of
1920 pixels by 1080 lines to a display of
the same native resolution will yield the
optimal results. However, mismatching
a scaler output of 1024 pixels by 768
lines to a display with a native resolution
of 1920 pixels by 1080 lines will yield
a less desirable result. The image may
be smaller than the available screen
AV Systems Design Fall 2011

area, or the display itself may scale the
incoming signal again, adding artifacts
that degrade the overall sharpness and
pop of the image.
2. Adjust the Display for the
Scaler Output
If the scaler is connected using an
analog input on the display device, youll
need to adjust the display devices
sampling parameters and image position
settings. Many Extron scalers and signal
processing devices have built in test
patterns to assist with this process. Use
the Alternating Pixel test pattern to adjust
the sampling settings of a display device.
This test pattern contains individual pixels
alternating between fully on or white,
and fully off or black. If the display
device is set up correctly, the alternating
pixel pattern will be crisp and sharp.
If the display clocking settings are
not properly adjusted, youll see bands
of vertical gray bars in the image. This
means the display device is not adjusted
to sample the correct number of pixels
of the incoming signal during the A to
D conversion process. The number of
samples should equal the total number
of pixels in a horizontal line of active
video for the resolution of the signal
that is being received by the display; in
this case, the displays native resolution.
Display manufacturers refer to a clocking
adjustment in different ways; some call it
clocking, dot clock, coarse sync, or
even other terms. The adjustment range
and value units may vary among displays,
some indicating a true number of
samples and others a percentage range
of adjustment. This feature is usually
located in an advanced video adjustment
menu. As you make adjustments one
direction or the other, youll see the
number of vertical gray bands increase or
decrease. Adjust the Pixel Clock setting
so that the number of bars decreases
to the point where none are present in
the image. This setting is critical before
www.avsystemsdesign.com Tech Corner
continuing to the next step.
Next, the display will need to be
adjusted for proper pixel phase. Incorrect
pixel phase appears as image shimmer
with horizontal lines of noise. A pixel
phase adjustment is a common feature
for digital display devices, and it adjusts
the point in time that a pixel sample is
taken in the analog to digital conversion
process. Like the terms used for clocking,
Alternating Pixel Test Pattern
Visible bands of vertical gray bars
indicate that the sampling parameters
need adjustment.
Once the vertical bars are no longer visible,
the pixel clock is properly adjusted.
made to the display, its sampling and
display manufacturers may refer to a
pixel phase adjustment in different ways
including pixel phase, phasing, dot
phase, fine sync, or other terms. This
adjustment is also typically located in an
advanced video adjustment menu, and
the adjustment range will vary among
displays. Pixel phase allows the image
to be sampled at the perfect place on
the pixel, which results in the clearest,
sharpest image. Sampling at the wrong
point on the pixel will result in an image
with horizontal noise while sampling
Tech Corner
on the leading or falling edges of the
pixels will result in a dim or gray image.
You should adjust this setting until the
noise is eliminated or minimized, and
the alternating pixel pattern reproduces
a sharp bright white on and black
off image. Once you have correctly set
these sampling settings, ensure that the
image position is correctly set.
Extron scalers have a built in test
pattern called a Crop pattern that can
be used to make this adjustment. This
test pattern is a single pixel wide line
that borders the extreme edges of the
active video output of the scaler. Adjust
the position or shift controls of the
display device to position the image so
that this test pattern outlines the outer
extents of the display devices viewable
area. Once thats done, you should be
looking at a crisp, centered, and properly
sampled image.
Most displays have a feature to
automatically set the sampling and
positioning settings, sometimes called
Auto Image or Auto Sync. During this
process, a display will dynamically set
its sampling and image position based
on parameters of the incoming video
signal. Using this feature will likely get the
settings close, but the best practice for
optimizing image quality is to manually
adjust the individual sampling and image
position settings of a display device.
Once these adjustments have been
position settings will be set up to
match the output of the scaler to the
displays image engine or panel. These
settings should not be modified or
changed. And make sure you dont
have the Auto Image command for
the display accessible on your control
system because that could erase all
your setup work. Also, avoid using the
digital keystone adjustment feature
of a projector. The digital keystone
feature engages the scaling engine
of a display to process an image to
65
 Tech Corner
compensate for projector/screen physical
misalignment. Keystone processing
will adversely impact image quality,
creating vertical bars and banding in
the image that cannot be removed by
adjusting the projectors sampling and
positioning settings.
If you are using digital outputs such
as DVI or HDMI, the sampling setup
and image position adjustment steps
mentioned above are typically not
necessary since the signal will bypass
the analog to digital conversion process
in the display. This is an advantage of
using a digital video signal, since setup
is minimized.
3. Set Up the Scaler for the
Incoming Sources
Now that the display device has been set
up, the scaler itself must be optimized
for the input sources. When different
sources are connected or switched to
the input of a scaler, the scaler must
recognize the input parameters of the
source and correctly display the sources
video content on its output. Many Extron
scalers have factory-created input lookup
tables that will recognize standard source
video input parameters and automatically
recall default sampling, position, and
other settings for a wide range of input
formats and resolutions. Adjustments
can be made to fine-tune these sampling
and position settings when input source
video parameters do not conform to
industry standards. Some scalers provide
an Auto Memories feature so that
whenever these user adjustments are
made, settings are immediately saved
for each signal frequency, and for each
input of the scaler. In most cases the
default factory set values for the input
memories will provide a properly sampled
and positioned image. However, Auto
Memories can be enabled, or disabled
as needed.
The steps required to adjust the
scalers input sampling and positioning
66 Tech Corner
are similar to the steps to set up the
scalers output sampling and positioning.
Many scalers have adjustments for
input Total Pixels, Active Pixel, Pixel
Phase, Horizontal Start, and Vertical
Start. These are used to adjust the input
sampling and positioning for the input of
the scaler. Make these adjustments while
evaluating an image that has significant
detail and on/off pixel transitions. An
Crop Test Pattern
The scalers crop pattern can be used to
adjust the image position on the display. Its
also useful for optimizing settings on the
scaler for various input sources.
Adjust the horizontal and vertical positioning
until the image is aligned with the displays
viewable area.
Alternating Pixel pattern works best for
this adjustment, or content such as a
spreadsheet with a number of vertical
lines and transitions.
Start adjusting the input settings by
making clocking adjustments. The Total
Pixel setting adjusts the total number
of samples per line of video for high
resolution input sources. As you adjust
this setting, the number of vertical gray
bands in the image decreases as the
correct value is approached. The value
indicated by the scaler is an accurate
representation of how many samples are
being taken. This value should match the
total number of pixels in a horizontal line
of the video source, which includes the
blanking pixels. For example, a SMPTE
standard 19201080 at 60 Hz source
has a total of 2,200 pixels per line. Thus
the Total Pixels value for the scaler
input should be set for 2,200.
The Active Pixels adjustment
represents the number of pixels that
are part of the active or visible video.
Again, the value indicated by the scaler
represents a real pixel count. When the
setting is adjusted, vertical gray bands
in the image will decrease as the correct
value is approached, and the horizontal
size of the active video will also change.
The value of this setting should match
the active pixel count per line of
incoming video; a 1:1 pixel setting for
both the Total Pixel and Active Pixel
values will result in the best image.
Once these adjustments have been
made, adjust the Pixel Phase option to
minimize horizontal noise or shimmering
in the image. This setting is identical to
the pixel phase setting described in the
previous output section.
The image position may also need
to be adjusted. Some scalers have
Horizontal-Start and Vertical-Start
adjustments to determine where the
sampling starts for high resolution input
sources, the goal being to sample the
first pixel and first line of active video.
Making adjustments will result in moving
the active video position on screen. As
you decrease the Horizontal-Start value,
the image moves to the right, and if you
increase it, to the left. Similarly, as you
decrease the Vertical-Start value the
image moves down, as you increase
it, the image moves up. Enabling the
Crop test pattern that was used during
display output setup is also useful
during this setup process. When you
enable the Crop pattern while a source
is selected and active, the crop pattern
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 Tech Corner

is superimposed on the edges of the
output video of the scaler. This gives a
visual representation of the extents of
the displayed image and makes it easier
to adjust the position of the input video.
Adjust the horizontal and vertical start
settings so the edges of the sources
active video are aligned with the edges
of the Crop pattern.
When these user adjustments are
made, and as they are manually changed,
they are automatically saved as the new
Auto Memories for that input. When Auto
Memories are enabled, these settings
will be recalled when an input source
with the same corresponding input
parameters is selected or provided to
that input.
Another feature on many Extron
scalers is Auto Image. Input Auto Image
can be used to evaluate incoming
sources dynamically, and automatically
sets a number of input setup parameters,
including input sampling and position
settings. This feature can be enabled as
always on or always off, and can be
enabled from the scaler front panel or
when a dynamic image is not sized and
centered correctly. And although Auto
Image wont deliver a perfectly calibrated
image every time, it will always get close,
so its useful when there isnt a lot of
time to fine-tune the settings.
If Auto Image is enabled, but Auto
Memories are turned off, the scaler
will auto image every new source it is
provided, even if it is a source it has
already seen. Setting the scaler up this
way is another way to deal with dynamic
sources, but it means an Auto Image
function will execute every time a source
is connected or a switch is made.
With digital sources, such as DVI
or HDMI, the sampling setup and
image position adjustments mentioned
above should not be needed. Because
the source is digital, it bypasses the
input sampling that would normally
occur during an analog to digital
conversion process.
In addition, many new scalers offer
EDID (Extended Display Identification
Data) emulation for digital inputs, and
in some cases, analog 15-pin HD style
inputs. EDID emulation provides specific
EDID information to manage the input
sources output resolution. It can be
used to force specific output parameters
from those sources. You can enable
EDID on the scaler to provide the
source with information regarding the
native resolution of the display device
in systems where that is acceptable,
which minimizes the amount of scaler
input setup.
Toward a Better Image
Of course, there are other adjustments
that can be made to a video system,
such as color and brightness. But
the scaler output settings, scaler and
display sampling, and position settings
discussed here are often overlooked,
and have a significant impact on image
quality. So once you have accomplished
these three steps, you are on your way
to achieving sharper and clearer images
on your displays.
Ron Justice is Director of Technical Services for
Extron Electronics.

from a control system through a Simple

Instruction Set command. If the Auto
Image feature is enabled in conjunction
with the Auto Memories, the first time
the scaler detects a specific resolution
and vertical frequency, it will execute an
Auto Image, and then save those settings
to the Auto Memory for that input,
resolution, and vertical frequency. This is
a quick way to get input setup close.
Scaling Options
Scaling functions are found in many Extron products, including standalone scalers, multi-purpose
switchers and signal processors, and modular boards that add scaling to other products. The
Extron ISM 824 MultiSwitcher is a unique modular matrix switcher that allows for simultaneous
video and RGB scaling plus wideband switching in a single, compact enclosure. It combines the
powerful signal routing capabilities of an eight input, eight output, wideband matrix switcher with
the versatility of four customizable outputs. The ISM 824 can be equipped with any of eight available
output boards, including a universal RGB and Video scaler board, available in three versions.

AV systems often have source inputs

that are dynamic, such as a laptop
connection, or a scaler input that is
connected to a switcher or matrix
switcher where any number of different
sources could be provided to the input
of the scaler. An effective method to
account for dynamic input sources is
Shown with optional
to enable Auto Memories and have an output boards

option to execute a scaler Auto Image

from a control system interface. This www.extron.com/ism824 for more info on ISM 824.

allows the user to execute an Auto Image

www.avsystemsdesign.com Tech Corner 67

 Hidden
Gems
LockIt
HDMI Cable Lacing Bracket
By Dave Pincek, Vice President
of Product Development
W elcome to the world of digital AV
and your new friend: the HDMI
connector. Do you miss the BNC yet?
The HDMI all-in-one wonder, non-locking
connector can be a pain in your rear panel.
The problem with HDMI is that if you need
a high quality cable capable of carrying
the signal farther than a few meters, the
cable needs to have substantial conductor
diameters and heavy duty shielding.
Those additional elements make the cable
bulky and stiff. Stiff and heavy cables tend
to pull and spring their way out of non-
locking connectors.
We are often asked to make our HDMI
products with locking DVI connectors.
Although wed love to do that, the through-
hole design of the DVI connector prevents
it from having the bandwidth to support
data rates above 1.6 GHz, frequencies
that HDMI supports. That means DVI
connectors cannot reliably support deep
color or the higher video rates.
Light and Flexible
HDMI Cables
For supporting short runs, Extron makes
the most flexible and lightest HDMI cables
in the industry. Check out the MDC HDMI,
MicroDigital Ultra-Flexible cables for
distances up to 6 feet and our new
HDMI Ultra Series cables for distances
up to 15 feet. Both series of cables are
ultra thin, ultra light, and ultra flexible.
www.extron.com/mdchdmi and
www.extron.com/hdmiultra for more info.
68 Hidden Gems
Solutions have been offered:
everything ranging from the old stand-
by duct tape, to specialty molded HDMI
connectors with integrated thumb screws.
The molded thumbscrew approach is hit
or miss because it doesnt work with
stacked connectors or connectors that
have the grounding screws to the left or
the right of the HDMI connector.
To address the HDMI connector issue,
the Extron LockIt was introduced at
InfoComm 2011. The LockIt is a cable
lacing bracket for securing HDMI cables
to the host product input and output
connectors. LockIt reduces the stress
on the HDMI connectors and prevents
intermittent or complete signal loss
due to a loose connection. Its compact
design allows for easy installation with
most HDMI cables and devices, including
space-constrained areas where HDMI
connectors are stacked.
The LockIt lacing bracket can be used
when installing new HDMI cables, or as
a retrofit to secure previously installed
cables. It is designed to fit onto the
HDMI jack mounting screw, whether
the screw is located above the jack
or next to it. Its also designed so the
screw does not have to be removed,
only backed out far enough to slide the
LockIt bracket over it. We did this for two
very important reasons. First, a screw
that isnt completely removed from the
device cant be dropped. No one wants
to drop a tiny screw in the back of a
rack. Second, that screw performs a very
important function. Inside the rear panel,
it attaches to a grounding shield that ties
the HDMI connector to the panel to help
guard the connector against EMI. That
shield is very thin. Removing the screw
completely may allow the shield to move,
making reinstallation troublesome.
The design of the LockIt was done
with reliability and ease of installation
in mind. A pair of guideposts are
molded into the nylon plastic, which
helps guide a small screwdriver like
an Extron Tweeker, for example into
the screw head. The guideposts also
help keep the tie wrap in place once it
has been tightened. It is important not
to overtighten the screw!!! Because the
internal shield is very thin, overtightening
could easily strip the threads and cause
unreliable LockIt security and insufficient
EMI protection. The LockIt is also very
small so it can be used with single,
stacked, or vertical HDMI connectors.
But aside from providing reliable
connection and simple installation, the
best part of this hidden gem might be
its value. At a list price of less than a
dollar, including tie wraps, a bag of these
should be in every AV techs toolbox.
LockIt is available now, sold in packages
of 50, and is also an included accessory
with all Extron HDMI powered products.
Problem solved. Let go of those
BNCs.
Dave Pincek is Vice President of Product Development at
Extron Electronics.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 High Resolution Video Scaling
for Fiber Optic Systems

Extron FOXBOX SR HDMI

The Extron FOXBOX SR HDMI is a high performance fiber optic-to-HDMI scaling receiver for the FOX Series transmitters. It accepts a
fiber optic signal with HDCP-compliant HDMI, DVI, VGA, or component video, stereo audio, and RS-232 control, scaling the video to
the optimal output resolution up to 1920x1200. Engineered for reliability and exceptional high resolution image performance, the
FOXBOX SR HDMI also provides many integrator-friendly features such as audio de-embedding, Auto Input Memory, Key Minder for
continuous authentication of HDCP compliance, internal test patterns, and a compact enclosure for discreet placement. Available in
multimode and singlemode models, the FOXBOX SR HDMI is the preferred choice for fiber optic AV systems that include sources and
displays with a wide variety of resolutions.

Key Features: Simplifies integration of multiple sources to multiple displays

Accepts fiber optic signals from FOX Series transmitters and provides
Blu-ray Laptop Computer
scaled HDMI video, stereo audio, and RS-232 control output signals 1080p
STANDBY/ON
PQLS HDMI OPEN/CLOSE FL OFF

1280x800 1920x1200
USB

HDMI VGA DVI

Upscales/Downscales HDMI, DVI, RGB, and YUV video for optimized POWER
12V
RGB INPUT
AUDIO RS-232
POWER
12V DVI-D INPUT AUDIO RS-232

display of high resolution computer-video signals

1.0A MAX OVER FIBER ALARM 1.0A MAX OVER FIBER ALARM

POWER FOXBOX Tx HDMI Tx Rx FOXBOX Tx VGA Tx Rx 1 2 FOXBOX Tx DVI Plus Tx Rx 1 2

12V RS-232
LINK

LINK

1.0 A MAX OVER FIBER ALARM

Tx Rx Tx Rx
AUDIO
AUDIO

LINK

LINK
LINK

LINK

TEMP
TEMP

OVER
OVER

RGB

DVI

Tx Rx 1 2 CONFIG CONFIG
HDMI INPUT AUDIO INPUT OPTICAL

Provides selectable output resolutions up to 1920x1200, including Extron

Extron
FOXBOX Tx VGA OPTICAL

Extron
FOXBOX Tx DVI Plus OPTICAL

FOXBOX
HDTV 1080p/60 for high performance video scaling Tx HDMI FOXBOX FOXBOX
Fiber Optic Tx VGA Tx DVI Plus
Transmitter Fiber Optic Fiber Optic
HDCP compliant to ensure display of content protected media and Transmitter Transmitter
interoperability with other HDCP-compliant devices REMOTE

RS232/RS422
OUT 1 IN OUT 2 IN OUT 3 IN OUT 4 IN OUT 5 IN OUT 6 IN OUT 7 IN OUT 8 IN

FIBER OPTIC ADDRESS FIBER OPTIC

RESET

Key Minder continuously verifies HDCP compliance for quick, reliable

LINK
LAN

ACT

switching
100-240V , 50-60Hz

HDMI audio de-embedding provides a balanced or unbalanced analog

1.3A MAX.

Extron
stereo output signal SMX 200 Frame POWER
12V
Tx Rx
HDMI AUDIO
OUTPUTS
AUDIO
LINK

LINK

RS-232 REMOTE
1.0 A MAX ON L R OVER FIBER ALARM RS-232

OPTICAL FOXBOX SR HDMI OFF HDMI Tx Rx 1 2 Tx Rx

Extron
Compatible with Extron FOX Series HDMI, DVI Plus, DVI, VGA, and POWER
12V
Tx Rx
HDMI AUDIO
OUTPUTS
AUDIO

FOXBOX SR HDMI
LINK

LINK

RS-232 REMOTE
1.0 A MAX ON L R OVER FIBER ALARM RS-232

Extron
VGA/YUV transmitters, distribution amplifiers, matrix switchers, and Fiber Optic
OPTICAL FOXBOX SR HDMI OFF HDMI Tx Rx 1 2 Tx Rx

FOXBOX SR HDMI
Scaling Receiver
switchers Fiber Optic
Scaling Receiver
Flat Panel
Flat Panel Display
Display 1368x768
1080p DVI
HDMI

www.extron.com/foxboxsrhdmi
 Education
Central
Coming Soon: AV Associate
Online Training and Certification
in French, German, and Spanish
S uccess in the AV industry depends
on a comprehensive understanding
of the diverse technologies used in AV
systems. Like a professional license,
certification demonstrates structured,
reliable evidence of skills. A good place
to start, or continue, your education
is with a leading manufacturer that
is known for teaching technologies
as well as product solutions. Extron
Electronics offers online and instructor-
led courses and certification programs
that share technical knowledge and
enhance understanding throughout the
professional AV industry.
AV Associate Certification
Program Updated
Extron has updated its online
70 Education Central
CERTIFIED
AV Associate
AV Associate, or AVA, certification
program with revamped materials and
enhanced flash files to help accelerate
the learning process. The program
provides intensive instruction on the
fundamentals of AV technologies,
system design concepts, common
applications, and product solutions.
Each lesson builds on the foundation
created by the previous lessons, resulting
in a broadened knowledge base and
improved troubleshooting skills.
AVA certification also prepares an
AV professional for advanced training,
which can include the concentrated
control system configuration and design
principles detailed in the ECA Extron
Control Associate and ECS Extron
Control Specialist certification programs.
In response to customer requests,
Extrons AVA online training and
certification program will soon be
available in French, German, and
Spanish, with additional languages
planned for the longer term.
Localization of Training
Extron provides training globally at
corporate facilities located in the US,
Singapore, China, Dubai, India, Japan,
and the Netherlands, and through
the Extron Institute-On-The-Road
program. Regardless of where the
training takes place, all courses are
taught in the primary language for the
area, and materials are customized for
local cultural influences and common
regional issues.
We are committed to providing
AV training, where and when our
resellers and customers need it, says
Jim Clements, Director of Education
Development at Extron.
For those unable to attend
instructor-led training, Extron offers
a host of convenient online and
distance learning programs for AV
professionals, with content available in
a wide range of languages, including
Chinese, French, German, Japanese,
and Spanish. Offerings include fully
narrated tutorials, allowing users to
follow along with their Extron products
or software programs.
How to Register for Training
Extron education, training, and
certification programs are designed
to equip AV professionals with the
knowledge and skills to design, integrate,
and support Extron products. For a full
list of training tools and tutorials, go to
www.extron.com/training.
To enroll in Extrons AVA certification
program or any of the other training and
certification programs, please contact
your Extron S3 Customer Support
Representative at (800) 633-9876.
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
Company SCHOOL LOCATION DATE

Events 2012
Configurable Control Systems (in Chinese)
School of Emerging Technologies
Shanghai
Toronto, Canada
Jan. 5
Jan. 16-20
School of Emerging Technologies Bangalore, India Jan. 17
School of Emerging Technologies Bangalore, India Jan. 18
School of Emerging Technologies Bangalore, India Jan. 19
2011-2012 Extron Institute Configurable Control Systems Bangalore, India Jan. 20
School of Emerging Technologies Anaheim, CA Jan. 25-27
SCHOOL LOCATION DATE
School of AV Technologies Anaheim, CA Jan. 26-27
2011 Configurable Control Systems Anaheim, CA Jan. 25
Configurable Control Systems San Francisco, CA Nov. 17 School of AV Technologies for Anaheim, CA Jan. 30-31
AV Streaming System Design School Shanghai, China Nov. 17 Higher Education
(in Chinese) School of AV Technologies for Tokyo, Japan Jan. 25-26
Consultant School of Raleigh, NC Nov. 17-18 System Designers
Emerging Technologies Configurable Control Systems for Anaheim, CA Feb. 1
Configurable Control Systems for San Francisco, CA Nov. 18 Higher Education
Higher Education School of Emerging Technologies Phoenix, AZ Feb. 6-10
Configurable Control Systems for Amersfoort, Nov. 21 School of Emerging Technologies Anaheim, CA Feb. 23-24
Higher Education The Netherlands for Consultants
Advanced School of AV Technologies Dubai, UAE Nov. 22-24 School of AV Technologies for Singapore Feb. 21
Extron School of Digital AV (in German) Frankfurt, Germany Nov. 28 System Designers
Extron School of Digital AV London, Nov. 28 School of AV Technologies for Singapore Feb. 22
United Kingdom System Designers
Extron School of Digital AV (in French) Paris, France Nov. 28 Configurable Control Systems Singapore Feb. 23
Extron School of AV Signal Transmission Frankfurt, Germany Nov. 29 School of AV Technologies for Tianjin, China Feb. 22-23
(in German) System Designers (in Chinese)
Extron School of AV Signal Transmission London, Nov. 29 Configurable Control Systems Tokyo, Japan Feb. 22-23
United Kingdom School of Emerging Technologies Raleigh, NC Feb. 29-Mar. 2
Extron School of AV Signal Transmission Paris, France Nov. 29 School of Emerging Technologies Houston, TX Mar. 5-9
(in French)
School of Emerging Technologies Bangalore, India Mar. 6
School of AV Technologies for Canberra, Australia Nov. 29
School of Emerging Technologies Bangalore, India Mar. 7
System Designers
School of AV Integration for the Dubai, UAE Nov. 29-30
Sales Professional
2011-2012 Tradeshows
Configurable Control Systems Anaheim, CA Nov. 30
SHOW LOCATION DATE
Extron School of Audio Technology Frankfurt, Germany Nov. 30
(in German) 2011
Extron School of Audio Technology London, Nov. 30 Inter BEE 2011 Tokyo, Japan Nov. 16-18
United Kingdom
2012
Extron School of Audio Technology Paris, France Nov. 30
(in French) Integrated Systems Europe Amsterdam, Jan. 31-Feb. 2
The Netherlands
School of Emerging Technologies Anaheim, CA Nov. 30-Dec. 2
2012 InfoComm India Roadshow New Delhi, India Feb. 13
Configurable Control Systems Canberra, Australia Dec. 1
2012 InfoComm India Roadshow Mumbai, India Feb. 15
AV Streaming System Design School Guangzhou, China Dec. 1
(in Chinese) 2012 InfoComm India Roadshow Bangalore, India Feb. 17
School of AV Technologies for Anaheim, CA Dec. 1-2 ProLight & Sound Frankfurt, Germany Mar. 21-24
System Designers InfoComm China 2012 Beijing, China Apr. 11-13
Extron School of Digital AV Amersfoort, Dec. 5 NAB 2012 Las Vegas, NV Apr. 14-19
The Netherlands
Palme Dubai, UAE May 1-3
School of AV Technologies for Paris, France Dec. 5-6
KOBA 2012 Seoul, Korea May 29-June 1
Higher Education (in French)
InfoComm 2012 Las Vegas, NV June 13-15
School of Emerging Technologies New York & Dec. 5-7
New Jersey Area TecnoMultiMedia InfoComm 2012 Mexico City, Mexico Aug. 8-10

Extron School of AV Signal Transmission Amersfoort, Dec. 6 Integrate Expo in association with Sydney, Australia Aug. 21-23
The Netherlands InfoComm International 2012

Extron School of Audio Technology Amersfoort, Dec. 7 IBC Amsterdam, Sep. 7-11
The Netherlands The Netherlands

School of Emerging Technologies Raleigh, NC Dec. 7-9 PALME Thailand 2012 Bangkok, Thailand Sep. 19-21

Configurable Control Systems New York & Dec. 8 InfoComm Middle East & Africa Dubai, UAE Oct. 14-16
New Jersey Area Integrated Systems Russia Moscow, Russia Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Configurable Control Systems for New York & Dec. 9 Inter BEE 2012 Tokyo, Japan Nov. 14-16
Higher Education New Jersey Area
Configurable Control Systems Dubai, UAE Dec. 11-12
Extron, AVTrac, Cable Cubby, CrossPoint, EDID Minder, Flat Field, GlobalViewer, IP Link,
School of Emerging Technologies Singapore Dec. 13-15
Key Minder, MediaLink, PoleVault, Pure3, Quantum, System Integrator, VN-Matrix, VoiceLift,
Extron School of Digital AV (in Chinese) Shanghai, China Dec. 14 WallVault, and WindoWall are registered trademarks of RGB Systems, Incorporated.
Configurable Control Systems Dubai, UAE Dec. 14-15 S3 Service Support Solutions is a registered service mark of RGB Systems, Incorporated.
AAP, Auto-Image, CDRS - Class D Ripple Suppression, EDID Manager, LockIt, SIS - Simple
Extron School of AV Signal Transmission Shanghai, China Dec. 15
Instruction Set, SpeedMount, SpeedSwitch, TouchLink, XTRA, and ZipClip are trademarks of
(in Chinese)
Extron Electronics.
Configurable Control Systems for Singapore Dec. 20
All other trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
Higher Education
2011 Extron Electronics.

www.avsystemsdesign.com Company Events 71

 N
O
W
H
Extron has great career opportunities! IR
IN
G
Extron USA and EMEA are seeking qualified applicants for a variety of career opportunities in Sales, Technical Support,
and Product Support. As an industry leader, Extron is committed to maintaining the outstanding level of quality services our
customers expect. We strive to continually provide Service, Support, and Solutions to our customers: dealers, consultants,
and AV professionals. Our customers are our most important asset, and our employees are essential to maintaining that
asset. We seek individuals who can help us grow and who desire to achieve a rewarding career in a technical environment.

Extron USA West, Headquarters Extron USA East Extron Europe

Extron Middle East Extron Asia Extron Japan

Sales Embedded Linux Software Engineer - CA, NC, NJ Customer Support - Germany
Applications Engineer - CA, NC Embedded Software Engineer Customer Support - Mediterranean
AV Technician Engineering Project Manager Marketing - Europe
Consultant Applications Engineer Engineering Technical Writer Junior Product Marketing Specialist
Curriculum Designer Engineering Trainer Marketing Communications Translator/Writer French
Educational Market Developer Mechanical Engineer Product Marketing AV Technician
Field / Audio Visual Systems Design Engineer PCB Designer - AZ, CA, NC Engineering - Europe (Dartford, UK)
Integration Support Specialist - CA, NC, TX Software Build Engineer Embedded Software Engineer
Regional Accounts Specialist - CA, DC, NC Software Development Manager Hardware Development Engineer
Regional Trainer Software Test Engineer PCB Designer
Software Applications Engineer - CA, NC Test Engineer, Embedded Software Application Software Engineer
Marketing Video Hardware Engineer Application Software Engineer - Web Applications
Adobe Flex / .Net Developer Video Processing Algorithm Engineer Application Software Engineer - Video Streaming
Director of Marketing Web Application Developer Sr. Engineering - Europe
Marketing Communications Manager Web UI Developer - JavaScript / CSS / HTML / MVC (UK, France, Germany, Netherlands)
Marketing Communications Writer Product Development Application Engineer
Product Marketing Manager Applications Engineer - Audio Products Application Software Engineer
Tradeshow Event Manager Applications Engineer - Mechanical Control Application Engineer
Tradeshow Logistics Manager Applications Engineer - Streaming Products System Design Engineer
Web Analyst Control System Manager Application Engineer
Web Application Developer Technical Writer MIS - Europe
Web Content Specialist Sales - Asia Senior Network Support
Web Production Designer Applications Engineer - Singapore Operations - Europe
Engineering Applications Engineer, Thailand - Thailand Technical Assembler
AC - DC Power Electronics Design Engineer Business Development Specialist - Education Market, Repair Technician
Application Software Engineer - .NET / C# / WPF India - Bangalore, India Training - Europe
Application Software Engineer - C++ / MFC / ActiveX Regional Account Specialist - Education Market Technical Trainer - Amersfoort, Netherlands
Application Software Engineer - Embedded Linux - Singapore Technical Trainer - Frankfurt, Germany
Application Software Engineer - Mac OS/iOS Regional Account Specialist - South Asia - Singapore Sales - Middle East
Application Software Engineer - Video Streaming Marketing - Asia Sales Manager - Arabic & English Speaking
Applications Software Engineer - Windows Product Marketing Specialist - Singapore Engineering - Middle East
Audio Repair Technician Sales - Europe IT Engineer
Battery-Powered Systems Design Engineer Sales Manager - Spain and Portugal Application Software Engineer
Cable Assembly Engineer Technical Account Manager - Northern Europe System Design Engineer
Compiler Developer Technical Account Manager - Switzerland
Compliance Engineer (French speaking) For a complete list of current career opportunities
worldwide, please see our Web site at
Component Engineer - CA, NC Technical Account Manager - Switzerland http://www.extron.com/jobs
DC - DC Power Electronics Design Engineer (German speaking)
Design Engineer Technical Account Manager - Scandinavia
Design Engineer, Hardware Technical Sales Manager - France, Belgium Extron USA
Design Engineer, Networked Audio and Luxembourg 1230 South Lewis Street
Anaheim, CA 92805
Design Engineer,Embedded Software Technical Sales Manager - France
EMAIL: jobs@extron.com
Digital Hardware Design Engineer Technical Sales Manager - Italy
DSP Engineer Customer Support - France EOE M/F/V/D

72 AV Systems Design Fall 2011

Easy-To-Install Two-Way Ceiling Speakers

D Drops into standard suspended ceilings

D Steel grille matches look of air handling vent
D Offers quick installation and theft deterrence

Extron SoundField SF 228T Speaker

The Extron SoundField SF 228T is a two-way ceiling tile speaker for low impedance and 70 volt/100 volt systems. This Extron
exclusive design features a low profile, 2' x 2' (61 cm x 61 cm) by 5.3" (13.5 cm) deep enclosure that is UL 2043 plenum rated,
weighs less than 20 pounds (9 kg), and drops directly into standard suspended ceilings, providing quicker installations. The
two-way ported design includes an 8" (165 mm) woofer and a 1" (2.5 mm) silk dome tweeter that provides a frequency response
of 50 Hz to 20 kHz for high fidelity music and speech reproduction. The SF 228T offers 60 watts continuous pink noise and
120 watts continuous program output. This speaker is sold in pairs and is designed for fast and easy installation into sound
systems requiring high quality, wide bandwidth audio playback.

Key Features:
2' x 2' (61 cm x 61 cm), 18.5 lb (8.4 kg)
drop-in ceiling tile speaker for
suspended ceilings
UL 2043 plenum rated enclosure
1" (2.5 cm) silk dome tweeter
8" (20.3 cm) long-throw woofer with
tuned bass reflex port
MDF front baffle reduces unwanted
enclosure resonances
Extron exclusive hybrid MDF / aluminized
composite enclosure weighs less than
20 pounds (9 kg)
White perforated grille matches
appearance of air conditioning vents
8 ohm direct or 70/100 volt operation SF 228T Dimensions:
with 32, 16, 8, 4, and 2 watt selectable
power taps accessed via speaker wiring
connections inside the rear panel
Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
60 watts continuous pink noise, 120 watts
continuous program
5.3" (13.5 cm) deep low profile enclosure
for plenum environments
23.75"
5 year parts and labor warranty
Designed and manufactured by Extron
23.75"

5.30"

www.extron.com/sf228t
 The Last Word
Corn, Vegetable Oil,
Salt, and Water
By Steve Somers, Vice President of Engineering
S ecret sauce is the current-day
vernacular that describes the real
essence, or uniqueness, of something.
Its an admittedly pedestrian adjective
that conjures cerebral images and
passions in us most closely associated
with exciting, tantalizing food. From the
most complex meal to the simplicity of a
tortilla chip, it seems there is something
special that can be done to create
ones own signature version. Further,
the elegance of it all is in creating a
memory forcing the question: Wow!
How did they do that?
HDBaseT forces the question. Its a
cross application of known technologies
that solves the thorny problem of full-
performance DVI/HDMI delivery over
a single low-cost, 100-meter network
style cable. As an interface standard, it
74 The Last Word
provides an environment for realization
of all the basic digital video and audio
feature sets; plus, Ethernet connectivity,
various controls, and power for end-point
support. It is clearly the Swiss Army
knife solution needed for digital AV
distribution over copper. By virtue of its
presence and demonstrated success, its
destined to become a standard for many
AV applications.
Of course, the idea behind
having a standard is that it promotes
interoperability among disparate products.
If I tell you that my product has an
HDBaseT interface, you will expect
some minimal level of plug-and-play
performance. And you should. As this
interface rolls out into our industry, it is
expected that basic functions will prevail
to create successful delivery of audio
and video. But, is that enough?
The good thing about good
standards is that they provide some
channel space for handling other data
traffic. In the early days of digital
data channel design, this extra data
space wasnt included so much for
the benefit and enlightenment of the
intended customer. The extra space
was there because the designers of
the channel were not certain that they
had considered all the use cases. What
if we forgot something? How do we
perform updates to the standard and
maintain backward compatibility? Those
concerns have not diminished, but it was
not long before data channel protocols
set aside space for additional user-
defined data. This is important because
a standard having a defined structure
can now be customized to provide
basic support along with enhanced
support that is defined by the adopter
of the standard. The increased flexibility
and power of this is obvious. This is
where the secret sauce comes into play.
Standards-based systems can usually
operate while ignoring information they
cannot understand as long as the sauce
doesnt interfere.
And then there are occasions when
you want the fully enhanced capability of
a system while ignoring the limitations of
the basic standard. It is within this realm
that your design creates the memory
and forces the question. People spend
much time and expense traveling to
restaurants because of the uniqueness
AV Systems Design Fall 2011
 The Last Word

of the cuisine. If all steak, chicken, and
ribs restaurants served the same basic
fare, there would be little reason to seek
them out and little reason to eat out
at all. We depend on the basics of a
meal to be recognizable and nutritional;
but, its the creative sauce that sets
it apart. Its the sauce that tantalizes
and satisfies. Its the sauce that brings
us back, assuming our basic needs
are met.
While writing this, I recall my
experience with a local restaurants
tortilla chips. All Mexican-style
restaurants serve tortilla chips. But this
one restaurant has the best chip Ive
ever eaten. Wow! How do they do that?
Tortilla chips consist essentially of ground
corn, vegetable oil, salt, and water. This
basic formula for making these chips is
known by everyone in the chip-serving
industry presumably. But, why is this
one particularly good? It forces the
question. Like any other product, some
will prefer it and some will not, but its
uniqueness is unquestionable. It provides
the basics, but it has more to offer. If I
host a party, I have to have those chips,
regardless of the cost! They are the
best and I have no clue as to how
they do it.
Is there really any difference if I were
talking about digital AV system design?
I think its my job, OUR job, YOUR
job to provide the customer with a
system solution that fulfills all the basic
requirements; but that alone will not
always set us apart. We need something
more. We need reliability most of all and
we would like to do some things that
create a memory forcing the question:
Wow! How did they do that?
The introduction of new technology
engenders great anticipation in some
and fear in others. I think its fair to
say that our commitment at Extron to
our customers should remove the fear
element. We are all acutely aware of the
challenges with implementation of digital
media. Embracement of HDBaseT sets
the stage for realization of interoperable,
distributed digital AV; but, we know that
you expect high reliability and something
more. We are fully committed to that,
while removing the fear factor with our
XTP product line.
Id bet you a bag of quarters on it.
Steve Somers is Vice President of Engineering at
Extron Electronics.

New Extron Digital

Technology Certifications
for 2012
Were developing two new Extron certifications for launch in 2012.
These new certifications will equip AV professionals with a full range
of education and in-depth training for navigating the transition from
analog to digital presentation technologies. Obtaining one or both
of these certifications will demonstrate your commitment to ongoing
education and continued improvement. It will show your customers,
peers, and colleagues you have an advanced understanding of
these emerging technologies and the skills to integrate them into any
presentation system.

Extron Certified Digital Technologies Associate

Covers a basic understanding of the range of digital technologies and best
practices for the planning, design, and integration of digital AV systems.

Extron Certified Digital Technologies Specialist

Covers the skills and expertise necessary to deploy complex digital and hybrid
digital/analog AV systems with a focus on XTP CrossPoint Systems

www.extron.com/certification
 Extron TLP 710CV
The Industrys First 7" Flip-up Touchpanel
The Extron TLP 710CV is a configurable 7" Cable Cubby TouchLink Touchpanel that combines AV system control with the convenience
of an Extron Cable Cubby enclosure. It features a flip-up, full-color, high-resolution touchscreen in an elegant, metal enclosure that can
be mounted securely into a tabletop, lectern, or other flat surface. An integrated MTP twisted pair receiver accepts S-video or composite
video and audio input signals over a single CAT 5-type cable. Power over Ethernet - PoE allows the touchpanel to receive power and
control over an additional CAT 5-type cable, eliminating the need for a local power supply. The touchpanel enables integrators to deploy
furniture-mountable, fully configurable touchscreen control, with cable management and easy access to AV connectivity and power.

Key Features:
7" color touchscreen with 800x480 resolution and 18-bit color depth
Full motion video display for preview and monitoring using Extron
twisted pair technology
Power over Ethernet allows the touchpanel to receive power and
control over a single CAT 5-type cable, eliminating the need for a local
power supply - PoE injector included
Built-in speaker provides audio for video preview and audible
feedback from button presses
Light sensor adjusts screen brightness as the ambient room lighting
changes
Cable Cubby design offers easy access to AV, data, and power
connections
AC power modules available for US, Europe, and other major world
markets
AV connectivity options:
- Holds up to 11 single-space AAP-Architectural Adapter Plates
- Holds up to 6 AV and data cable retractor assemblies

www.extron.com/tlp710cv
Enterprise AV System Design and Integration Fall 2011