At Lambda Audio Visual we always want to make sure we spec the right tool for the job. As AV integrators it’s our job to take multiple tools and combine them into one functional, practical system. We love it when we find one great product suited for a specific task. This time that product was the Maxhub IFP or Integrated Flat Panel. This is a unique piece of equipment that we installed in a workspace and will continue to become very popular option for many businesses and collaborative community spaces!
When NAMI or the National Association On Mental Illness was moving into their new space they reached out to us for technical recommendations. They had a double meeting room with collapsible divider in the middle. They wanted this space to be functional for just about every type of meeting. Nami’s needs were a Zoom room, Microsoft teams, a white board, PowerPoint presentations, music, the list goes on and on.
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"Don't cross the streams. That would be bad." |
Lambda AV is in the middle of several large system control installs, so we wanted to let you in on a bit of the process and take a look at some of the gear we are using! We’ll highlight these projects more in-depth next month, but for now, let’s focus on an introduction to Visionary Solutions! Visionary Solutions builds incredible products and is our go-to solution for creating efficient system control solutions. First, let’s look at new models of Visionary Solutions E5100 and D5100 Encoder and Decoder! Now, this is a bit more advanced but could be extremely useful for many of you, so we wanted to be sure to take a moment and explain how these two little devices could bring some amazing changes to your av. |
With the growing demand for casting 4K video, professional AV designers and IT directors can use Visionary Solutions products as an alternative to conventional distribution systems such as video switchers. This can be even more useful if your building already has an existing IP network. Adding these encoders to your network is an elegant solution for distributing video throughout your building or conference rooms. Here’s how it works:
An encoder is easily connected to an AV signal source, such as a computer, through an HDMI cable. This then takes the signal from your computer and converts it to be transmitted over your existing network. This signal is sent through your infrastructure to any selected decoder in the building. The decoder then converts the signal back into an HDMI signal connected directly to a video display. This form of casting video produces visually lossless video. As if that wasn’t incredible enough, it is also easy to set up and control. Your video input can be sent to any decoder installed in your entire building! The signals are easily controlled with their Vision Lite software on a computer. Using this software, you will be able to choose which tv’s receive your video signal, including LED walls. Visionary’s products can be deployed on any industry-standard IP network. They can be used on existing enterprise IP networks or a physically separate private network to offload traffic. It’s that simple!
What does this mean for you? It means you can stream live video from your anyone presenting in any room in the building all with the touch of a button! It nearly eliminates the need for complicated, expensive video switchers and makes it easy for one person to use and control. This system even has the option of using the Wallplate encoder. This in-wall box can be easily mounted on a wall, tabletop, lectern, or floor box, enabling visitors to directly plug in their computers. In an instant, your AV team can take that signal and cast it to the main screens or other parts of the building where the presentation needs to be seen. The possibilities of sharing video to any screen you need are almost endless! Once programed for your needs, this system is so simple and extremely cost-effective! Especially if you already have a network in your building. Remember all those frustrating times you were trying to share your speakers’ video in a lobby or an overflow room? Say goodbye to those frustrations! By using your existing IP network, you can cast your video seamlessly, with an inexpensive, and easy to control product! |
We can’t wait to highlight several projects where Visionary solutions has made a big difference in usability, but in the meantime, if you think this sounds like a solution that you could use in your space, we would love to chat with you and answer any questions you might have! You can reach us at [email protected]
ProPresenter is a powerful software tool that benefits individuals and organizations involved in multimedia presentations. One of the advantages of using ProPresenter is its intuitive and user-friendly interface, which allows users to create stunning and dynamic presentations with ease. The software offers a wide range of features, including advanced video and audio playback capabilities, real-time editing, and seamless integration with other multimedia devices. ProPresenter also excels in its ability to handle complex multi-screen setups, making it an ideal choice for large events and productions. Furthermore, ProPresenter's robust media management system enables users to organize and access their files efficiently, ensuring smooth and hassle-free presentations. With its vast array of features and flexibility, ProPresenter allows users to deliver visually engaging and impactful presentations, making it an indispensable tool!
So, how do you begin to access the full power of using ProPresenter? A great place to start, whether you are a beginner or more advanced, is to dive into the free ProPresentor Tutorials! That’s right! ProPresentor offers an entire library of tutorials ranging from beginner basics training to advanced configurations for a pro look!
Ready to take your ProPresentor to the next level? Check out the samples below or follow the link to access the Entire Training Library!
Lambda AV have done just a few projector installs… ;) We’ve even written a few projection articles on choosing the right projector or screen and even the nerdy things about how projection works. We get a lot of questions on projection not just on choosing what projector to use but mounting recommendations for that projector model. Choosing a projector and its various pieces is a bit of an art form, but specifically based on the task it will be used for and the place it will be installed.
It truly is a great feeling when the time comes for the first event for one of our customers after an install. It is the culmination of weeks, months, and sometimes even years of planning and work; not just for Lambda, but for the group themselves.
Cross and Crown Church has worked with us for many years now and has been faithfully planning, saving, and dreaming about what this day might look like. On January 1st, 2023, we got to see that vision come to life. A well finished project is what we got to see for Cross and Crown (C&C). It is our firm belief that technology should not distract and should instead contribute to upholding the primary mission of the organization and its events. With C&C we got to see some serious fun and excitement as the church settled in to their first Sunday and look forward to future day to day events. Let’s look at how this build came together and how it fit C&C and their vision for the future.
In building C&C design, technology selection was a key piece. The church had communicated a desire for new systems and flexibility but did not want a system that felt overbearing and in need of skilled operators or one that was over the top in look and feel. They didn’t want a system that would take over the look of the church but blended with them. In each request, we were careful to select technology that would uphold these goals.
The phone began to ring and when I, Ryan, looked the caller ID read WJFW-TV in Rhinelander Wisconsin. I assumed it would be a scam call but answered anyway. On the other end, Marty and Walt from WJFW-TV were calling to discuss a previous article we wrote on an early PTZ camera design. The system they owned was a similar version to what we wrote about many years ago. When they saw how much we liked the system, they wanted to ask how we got it to work so well. I laughed, “We didn’t!"
We often break down entire video systems and give you an overview of everything we did on an install. This time we wanted to provide you with a glimpse into some of the thought processes of deciding what gear you should choose and how different combinations of equipment can change the result of your production.
While there is no wrong answer to what camera or lens you should select, you want it to fit your use case. When picking out the configuration of your AV gear, it can be hard to find the information required to even start to figure out what pieces you want, let alone what you actually need. We often see this come up with the Ursa Mini camera by Blackmagic Design. Blackmagic offers several Ursa Mini camera variations, and on top of that, multiple mounting options: Pl, B4, EF, etc. Let’s look at a quick overview of these.
We all know that the last few years have brought a lot of new ways in how people interact with AV. It has highlighted the area's businesses will need to focus on as they build their systems and seek to keep people engaged and connected through changing times. So, what does this mean for you, and how does it affect your vision for your business?
Camera placement and creating dynamic shots in your studio, especially if it’s small, can be difficult. There are a few things to consider when looking into your camera setup.
First, making sure your camera is in a good spot is an important part of creating a studio. You need to make sure you have enough room to be placed away from your talent so you can not only fit everything you want into the shot but also make sure there is room to take more creative shots. Allowing more room between your camera and your subject not only allows for the needed spacing to capture a shot but allows you more creativity if you want to do any pulls or pushes. |
Second, we all know that talking head interviews are not always the most exciting thing; it's undoubtedly true. But interviews and talking heads are a large portion of filming. So, whatever you can do to add a little spice and interest to your interview shots is always a good idea. A great way to do this is by adding movement to your shot through a dolly or slider. The motion provides visual interest and helps keep the attention of your audience. |
For one of our recent corporate studio installs, we used the Dev Dolly from Gide Gear. It's a modular system that runs on 1-inch or 2-inch metal rails. One of the benefits of this is that you can easily swap rails to a shorter setup if you are working in a limited space or swap out to a much longer setup if required. Its sled/carriage rolls on a four quad wheel configuration providing silky-smooth, consistent movement. The stands used were Matthews rolling low boys, enabling the dolly to be easily moved and adjusted.
If you're looking for that little extra touch to elevate your production, a slider or dolly can knock that goal out of the park. Are you looking to move to the next level in your video production, but aren’t sure where you want to start? We’re always happy to answer any questions you have! Email [email protected] and you get a response from our qualified experts in whatever field you need information on!
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