From A to V: a multitude of new audiovisual products for higher ed users will get the spotlight this month.

June is the month for AV in higher education, as tradeshows such as EduComm and InfoComm--in Orlando this year--will provide administrators with the opportunity to try out the latest in vendor wares. Here is a sample of what they will find.

Canon USA's newest REALiS Multimedia Projectors include the REALiS SX800, which features SXGA+ (1400x1050) resolution display, 3,000 lumens of brightness, and a contrast ratio of 900:1. The REALiS SX800 provides widescreen notebook and desktop computer support (and uncompressed WXGA and 720p HD video display). Canon also has new LCD models, including the LV-8300, a native WXGA-resolution (1280x800) projector, with a distortion-flee 16:10 aspect ratio display for use with widescreen notebook and desktop computers. Other new LCD models include the XGA-resolution 3,500-lumen LV-7375 and 3,000-lumen LV-7370. These three models share features such as a 1.2X zoom lens for a wider range of throw distances, multiple inputs, and network connectivity.

NEC Display Solutions' NP3250W professional installation projector can take on integration projects. With a stacking correction tool, the NP3250W can handle larger screen sizes and higher brightness levels by converging up to four projectors at one time and utilizing a digital camera and scalable technology to produce up to 16,000 lumens of brightness. Check out the built-in viewer functionality; which enables files located in a Windows shared folder on a local network to be sent directly to the projector. Features include wired/wireless networking and a 1280x800 WXGA resolution that supports widescreen notebook computers.

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With its high-bright 46-inch LCD display, the NEC MultiSync X461HB helps images stand our in outdoor and ambient-light-heavy settings.

Also from NEC is a new Professional Series of large format displays. The 40-inch P401 and 46-inch P461 displays add HD 1920x1080 capability with RJ-45 Ethernet monitoring and a control and ambient light sensor for auto-adjustment to lighting conditions. A new carbon footprint meter makes for an environmentally friendly display:

New additions to see from Epson's projector lineup are the PowerLite 6110i and 1825 projectors, both of which offer XGA resolution and 3,500 lumens of brightness.

The PowerLite 6110i projector offers closed-captioning, an extended lamp life of up to 4,000 hours, a long-lasting air filter, and air flow sensors. A PC-flee capability enables the PowerLite 1825 to display image and movie files without a computer through CompactFlash or USB memory devices. Users can project video wirelessly with an 802.11/a/b/g module via Windows Vista or the included EasyMP software.

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The company is also introducing three new members of its PowerLite Pro family. The G5150NL and G5350NL offer XGA resolution and 4,000 and 5,000 lumens, respectively. The G5200WNL offers 4,200 lumens and delivers WXGA (1280x800) widescreen resolution.

All five new models feature Epson 3-chip 3LCD high aperture panels for more intense and sharper images.

Bretford Manufacturing is promoting new technology carts. Among them, the Intelligent Laptop Computer Carts series features two carts--a 20-unit model with horizontal storage and a 30-unit model with vertical storage. Their power management system charges the laptops simultaneously, turns on color-coded LED lights to remind users what the carts are doing, and even turbocharges a specific bank of computers for quick use. A lockable "Cable Clutter Closet" arranges cords into special compartments for safety and organization.

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Also new, the Presenters Assistant for Learning (PAL) Cart supports every device needed for a successful presentation. A side pullout shelf can secure a data projector, the top shelf can hold a document camera, and the standing-height pullout shelf is ideal for use with a laptop. An optional pass-through plate makes it simple to plug a laptop into the side of the cart instead of reaching inside to find cable plugs. Four swivel wheels with locking brakes make for easy transport. All equipment, including the projector, can be securely locked in the cabinet when not in use.

On display for Christie Digital Systems will be the feature-rich Christie LX400, a versatile XGA 4,000 ANSI lumens projector. With a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, the LX400 is suited for boardrooms, small auditoriums, conference rooms, and classrooms.

The LX400 projector has auto keystone, a customizable start-up screen, and Kensington-style slot and security bar anti-theft devices. With scaling for up to UXGA and HD formats up to 1080p, the projector is compatible with most computers and video sources.

With a 2,000-hour rated filter, the LX400 contains an RJ-45 LAN connection for offering network control, SNMP monitoring, and programmable e-mail product status alerts.

Suited for high quality presentations such as videoconferencing, the Christie LW650 projector's native WXGA (1366x800) resolution provides a widescreen format image for full-screen compatibility with current laptops and monitors. A compact LCD projector with inorganic panels, the Christie LW650 carries 6,500 ANSI lumens and 2,500:1 contrast ratio. Extreme lens shift capability allows for the projector to be placed in challenging locations without needing additional digital corrections to place the image on center screen. A Picture-by-Picture split screen mode allows the user to display multiple images, video, or data simultaneously using the wide aspect display format. It also offers up to 3,000 hours of lamp life in the standard mode and up to 4,000 hours in the eco mode.

Crestron Electronics will showcase the new DigitalMedia (DM) product line, an integrated solution that manages, controls, and distributes all analog and uncompressed digital content over twisted pair or fiber cables. The core of the DM system consists of matrix switchers, repeaters, and receivers. Flexible and modular, DM matrix switchers accept and distribute all analog audio and video, uncompressed digital signals, HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, HD-SDI, Ethernet, and USB keyboard/mouse controls. DM manages HDCP content protection, EDID resolution management, and CEC device control. All content and data is managed, routed, and transmitted long distance over copper or multimode fiber cables.

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Just like traditional AV distribution systems, the foundation of a DM system is the matrix switcher. DM matrix switchers are flexible and expandable card-based systems. The DM-MD8x8 and DM-MD16x16 feature a wide variety of input and output cards from which to choose. The DM-MD8X8 is field-configurable to handle up to eight sources and provides up to eight DM room outputs with expansion capability for even larger applications.

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Hitachi Home Electronics (America) Inc. Business Group will introduce the CP-X3010 3LCD projector, offering a brightness of 3,000 lumens and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio. Weighing about eight pounds, the projector features 16 watts of built-in audio, eliminating the need for external speakers, while maintaining a low noise rating of 29 dB in eco mode. The CP-X3010 also features a hybrid filter that offers 5,000 hours between maintenance.

Additionally, the CP-X3010 features a long lamp life of 3,000 hours in standard mode and 6,000 hours in eco mode and allows for two buttons to be programmed to execute any projector command. A source-naming feature allows users to rename input sources to fit specific needs. Closed-captioning is also available. A transition detector requires a password to operate the projector when it is moved from a fixed position. The projector also offers PIN Lock and MyScreen functions, along with a security bar that enables the use of a heavy chain to prevent theft.

Hitachi Software Engineering America will debut the StarBoard WT-1 Interactive Wireless Tablet. Weighing just a pound, the tablet comes equipped with an interactive pen with two customizable buttons, giving presenters the ability to create more interactive and dynamic presentations. The tablet's pen also features two shortcuts, and presenters will have the ability to connect up to seven WT--1 systems to a PC.

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Deploying RF technology, the WT-1 features a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 16 hours of continuous use. It also includes 16 shortcut function keys, handwriting recognition, search engine integration, and a built-in LCD indicator screen, making users aware of battery life at all times. The tablet also features volume control from tablet to computer and the ability to advance PowerPoint slides with a function button.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics will offer two new data projectors--the XD280U and XD250U. Each has a 10-watt speaker and audio mix capability, closed-captioning decoder, user-friendly menus, and a low cost of ownership. They offer 3,000 and 2,700 lumens, respectively, as well as remote management, real-time visual message display, top-loading lamp access, digital input, and a longer lamp life. Simultaneous real-time message display via the new Visual PA (public address) feature allows an administrator to remotely create and distribute messages in real time to projectors connected to the LAN.

A top-loading lamp design allows users to replace lamps easily, whether mounted in the ceiling or sitting on a desktop. The new XD280U and XD250U also come with HDMI inputs for digital sources so users can switch between a computer presentation and video with just the press of a button. A built-in audio mixer allows for simultaneously projecting audio from two sources, such as a DVD and a third-party wireless microphone.