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WHAT IS HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO?
We are all familiar with standard-definition (SD) analog television. It is the television (TV) we have known and watched for decades. NTSC TV (used in North America and a few other parts of the world) displays pictures consisting of 525 lines of resolution at 30 frames per second. PAL TV (used in the rest of the world) displays 625 lines of resolution at 24 frames per second. Still pictures are first drawn on all the odd numbered resolution lines; after that, the same picture information is drawn from the even numbered lines. Given there are two frames painted on the monitor, this is referred to as 50/60 fields per second. This odd/even drawing pattern is called interlacing, which was developed to conserve transmission bandwidth (the data rate capacity of a given network connection). This resolution is referred to as 480i, and it provides 240 unique lines of picture information. The bandwidth required for SD at home is 45-90 Mbps.
For small video monitors (less than 27 inches), standard-definition television looks reasonably sharp and smooth. However, as screens increase beyond 27 inches, it is easy to see degradation in picture quality with the 480i format. Jagged lines, blurry outlines, washed-out colors, visual noise, and choppy movements may be noticed.
The progressive scan format is an alternative to interlacing that improves picture quality on larger screens. Progressive scanning combines 480 unique lines of picture information into one picture frame and corrects picture quality automatically. Progressive scanning reduces jagged pictures and smoothes movement on larger monitors. For standard-definition television, this resolution is known as 480p.
True high-definition video displays picture resolutions of 1080i or 720p. Resolutions other than these are not truly high-definition.

Of the many formats available, the following six are considered true high-definition formats.

The high-definition formats provide more visual information than any standard-definition format. If the screen resolutions are converted to pixels, it is easy to see that the high-definition formats can provide at a minimum up to four times more visual information than the 480i format. The following table gives the screen resolution in pixels for the common formats and aspect ratios.

To understand this visually, think of the television screen as a computer monitor. Imagine what would happen to the quality of a 640 X 240 (480i equivalent) low-resolution digital picture if stretched across a 42-inch screen. The image would be distorted due to not enough picture information being available to provide a high quality view of the low-resolution picture. The increased pixel count inherent in the high-definition formats provides better picture quality and makes viewing images on larger screens clearer and easier to watch. In video conferencing, this enhances the overall viewing experience and eliminates meeting fatigue. Colors are also more vibrant and realistic, and movements are sharp and smooth.

Audio Visual, Video Conferencing | 1 Comment »

High Definition Systems:

· 720p video resolution for clear crisp images (1080p is on the horizon)

· High quality audio reproduction

· Advances in hardware and firmware, enable better encoding and decoding

· High quality computer image sharing to far side

· Backward compatible with legacy systems

Connectivity:

· Cost effective wide bandwidth availability and improved internet connections

· As an option – Priority connectivity to guarantee mission critical calls at additional cost

· MPLS and Quality of Service options can be deployed within current networks with firewalls

NOTE: ISDN lines are being phased out by most companies. On the rare occasions that you need to connect with someone using ISDN, I would recommend a conference service provider that can connect your IP system to the far side by means of a bridge and ISDN gateway at a metered rate.

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Any new technology follows a business implementation curve that has become an industry expectation.

As the new technology develops, the acceptance and quality are low, and the expense and difficulty are high. As the quality increases and the expense decrease we see a large swell in acceptance and popularity. Cell phones are a prime example of this phenomenon. So the question becomes, where is video conferencing on this timeline/curve?

Since 2000, the modern video conference system has become somewhat common place. It was still plagued by unreliability of the hardware, or codec, which has the responsibility of encoding voice, video and data and decoding the same signal from a compatible far end codec. During this same period, IP connectivity was completely unpredictable, so it was always recommended to use ISDN lines, just as you would use a phone line to make a phone call.

ISDN lines and long distance charges continued to make these calls cost prohibitive, and the quality was good, not great.

Part 2 Coming tomorrow…

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There is nothing like being on a flight from L.A to New York and having the humm of the planes engines ringing in your head.  You pull out your iPod and it is still there.  What can you do?

Sometimes confused for “white noise” and “pink noise”, sound masking is a  low-level,broadband  sound  precisely  contoured  to  mask (cover up) unwanted  background noise and distracting speech.
Sound masking is the addition of natural or artificial sound of a different frequency (more commonly though less-accurately known as “white noise” or “pink noise“) into an environment to “mask” or cover-up unwanted sound by using auditory masking. This is in contrast to the technique of active noise control. Sound masking reduces or eliminates awareness of pre-existing sounds in a given area and can make a work environment more comfortable, while creating speech privacy so workers can be more productive. Sound masking can also be used in the out-of-doors to restore a more natural ambient environment.

Sound masking can be explained by analogy with light. Imagine a dark room where someone is turning a flashlight on and off. The light is very obvious and distracting. Now imagine that the room lights are turned on. The flashlight is still being turned on and off, but is no longer noticeable because it has been “masked”. Sound masking is a similar process of covering a distracting sound with a more soothing or less intrusive sound.
This custom tailored sound is introduced into the office environment through a sound masking system inconspicuously located above the ceiling or under an
access floor system.    Specialized  eavesdropping  protection systems  by can be installed to protect  sensitive  conversations from  deliberate
eavesdroppers.

To install a soundmasking system contact Big U Media, Florida’s Audio Visual headquarters.

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Have you notices  how much more digital signage you’re seeing now a days?  Look at how many monitors you see in stores advertising products.  Well, you’re about to see more. “Later this year, at ShopRite supermarkets in the eastern US, Microsoft will be rolling out computerized shopping carts. These carts will allow people with a ShopRite card to enter their shopping list on the ShopRite site from home, and then pull up the list on their grocery cart when they swipe their card. The new carts will also display advertisements depending on where in the supermarket the cart is, using RFID technology to help locate it.”

“Later this year, at ShopRite supermarkets in the eastern US, Microsoft will be rolling out computerized shopping carts. These carts will allow people with a ShopRite card to enter their shopping list on the ShopRite site from home, and then pull up the list on their grocery cart when they swipe their card. The new carts will also display advertisements depending on where in the supermarket the cart is, using RFID technology to help locate it.”

Advertising, Audio Visual, digital signage, New Technology | 1 Comment »

Big U Media Technologies has been named as the U.S. distributor of the Soundog audio system.

Manufactured by Sprox, Inc., the Soundog system consists of a 4-, 6-, or 8-channel transmitter and wireless tabletop speakers. The Soundog speakers allow restaurant and sports bar patrons to hear audio right at their tables from any of the displays stationed around the establishment.

Manufactured by Sprox, Inc., the Soundog system consists of a 4-, 6-, or 8-channel transmitter and wireless tabletop speakers. The Soundog speakers allow restaurant and sports bar patrons to hear audio right at their tables from any of the displays stationed around the establishment.

Soundog’s wireless audio technology has unleashed a new way for sports enthusiasts to enjoy sporting events in a bar or restaurant setting — seeing the game while simultaneously hearing the play-by-play commentary. Employing a long-range frequency, the Soundog speaker allows customers to audio surf through eight programs being broadcast simultaneously. While the establishment selects the programming, the customer can control the volume using digital push buttons and an easy on/off volume control on a hand-held unit.

Said Doug Buday, CEO of Sprox, Inc. “We are confident that this agreement will provide greater access to Soundog for a broader customer base, while also offering hands-on, high-quality service.”

The digital eight-channel transmitter, which broadcasts sound over a low FM frequency, does not interfere with other wireless devices. Soundog works with any standard or high-definition cable or satellite receiver, including DirecTV or any other audio source. The system runs for a minimum of 16 hours on a single charge, and recharges overnight on a wall-mounted charging station called the DogHouse.

“We are proud to be a Soundog distributor in the U.S.,” said Ken Avis, president of Big U Media’s Audio/Visual division. “We have a history of providing innovative A/V solutions, and Soundog is certainly no exception. It is a real breakthrough product that brings the game to life for sports fans, while also increasing profits for bar and restaurant owners.”

Founded in 2001 in Charlevoix, Michigan, Sprox®, Inc. manufactures and distributes Soundog and Sprox Display Technologies. Soundog is a wireless, tabletop audio system that enables customers to hear sound from TV sets in commercial establishments using a long-range frequency. Soundog provides customers the opportunity to interact with televisions wirelessly using digital push buttons and an easy on/off volume control. Soundog can be found in bar and restaurant establishments throughout North America including Applebee’s, Beef O’ Brady’s, 99 Restaurants, Bennigan’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Damon’s Grill, Hooters and Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill.

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Soundog® wireless table top audio system

The Soundog wireless table top audio system allows customers to select and hear the audio for the TVs they can see in the bar or restaurant. Easy on/off volume control and TV selection creates a great table top experience.
Soundog Wireless Tabletop Audio Systems which transmit the audio portion of TV programming to the listener via wireless receivers which can be located anywhere within an establishment. Viewers can select from up to eight programs being broadcast and can AudioSurf the available choices. The Soundog speakers will be the sole source of audio for the high definition television sets manufactured by such industry leaders as Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Zenith and Sony.

Soundog Wireless Tabletop Audio Systems can be found anywhere multiple television programs are being broadcast. Recently HMSHost, management company for the FOX Sports Sky Box Bars and Grills located in airports across the country, approved the installation of Soundog Systems in all locations nationwide. This announcement followed three months of extensive testing at LasVegas McCarron International Airport where Sprox had to prove that the Soundog would not interfere with sensitive airport communications and security. Soundog Wireless Tabletop Audio Systems were originally designed for use in the bar and restaurant industry, but have found commercial applications in health clubs, waiting rooms, lobbies and sports books.

Sample system

8 different TV audio sources to choose from

8 Table top wireless speakers

1 wall mounted charging station

Contact <a href=”http://www.bigumedia.com/”>BigUMedia.com</a> today for more information, pricing and installation.

Call 1-1813-984-2800 For More Information

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While the cost of travel increases along with just about everything else it is nice to know some things have improved and offer greater value over time. With the advent of video conferencing many have spoken about its benefits but also its reservations. Through the years technology and know how have been able to drastically improve the visual and audio quality of video conferencing equipment. With High Definition Video Conferencing now the norm, users can enjoy visual and audio clarity that, just a few years ago would necessitate an extremely high end video conferencing equipment.

Just one example of this is provided by LifeSize High Definition video communications:

Virtual Travel with High Definition Videoconferencing

Virtual Travel with High Definition Videoconferencing

For more information regarding high definition video conferencing equipment contact: 1-813-984-2800

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We are often asked by clients about the difference between HD and SD Video Production, so I thought I might have a go at trying to break it down. The differences come down to two things, Aspect ratio and resolution. Resolution refers to the total number of pixels displayed. Aspect ratio refers to the relative height and width of the display. Here is a comparison between the two:

1. Standard Definition uses an native aspect ratio of 4:3 and is 640 pixels wide by 482 pixels high, for a total number of 308, 480 pixels.

2. High Definition uses an native aspect ratio of 16:9 (commonly referred to as wide-screen) and is 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels high, for a total number of 2,073,600 pixels.

Simply Put, High Definition gives more than 6x the detail of standard video.

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