Sound & Communications

January 21, 2008
Multi-System Integration

A major renovation of Cornell University’s famous Bailey Hall in Ithaca NY has transformed the auditorium into the area’s premier location for lectures, distance learning, musical performances and other important events. An article by Shonan Noronha, EdD.
The Mississippi State University (MSU) Riley Arts & Education Center combines breathtaking Old World architecture with modern technological amenities. An article by Dawn Allcot.
The challenge of keeping major power grids “abuzz” is tackled by John Stark, director of marketing for Jupiter Systems. Specifically, he references Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Hydro Ottawa.
Dr. F. Joseph Pompei presents a discussion of directional acoustic technology, which increasingly is finding its place in settings such as office environments, in which pervasive audio would be extremely disruptive.
Chuck Wilson, executive director of the National Systems Contractors Association, breaks down the latest industry statistics. The numbers paint a picture of industry health.
In his monthly “Sight Lines” column, Gary Kayye, CTS, argues that it’s time for standards. Kayye believes this would put everyone on an even keel—maybe.
United Kingdom-based Peter Mapp, FASA, takes the helm of the “Sound Advice” column. This month, Mapp discusses sound system requirements.
In his monthly “Down to Business” column, David McNutt presents some ideas for reducing and avoiding debt. He interweaves current economic turmoil into his narrative about fiscal responsibility and good business sense.
Explosive growth and the need to accommodate both traditional and contemporary styles of worship have resulted in a new sanctuary for Second Baptist Church, Union City TN. An article by Dan Ferrisi.
In his monthly “House of Worship: Business” column, David Lee Jr., PhD, offers a preview of 2008, presenting a survey of the topics he plans to address in upcoming months, and asking for ideas and feedback.
Tony Warner, CTS-D, CSI CDT, director of the Audio-Visual Design group for RTKL, asks whether “spec” should be a four-letter word. He presents a thorough discussion of the good, bad and ugly aspects of specs.
Lyle Bunn, recognized as a “digital signage guru,” argues that digital signage represents an exploding opportunity for commercial systems integrators. He offers equal parts explanation and strategic advice

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February 18, 2008
Government Facilities & Public Works Digital Signage Expo issue

The recently completed Berlin (Germany) Hauptbahnhof (Central Railway Station) is, in terms of acoustical design, noise/vibration control and AV-IT technology, a sterling example of technology put to work. An article by R. David Read.

For an average daily ridership of 17,000, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) integrated audio and video technology to provide train information for all passengers, including those with hearing and sight disabilities. An article by Jim Stokes.

The Digital Signage Expo, in Las Vegas NV, promises to be, by far, the largest show to date. DSE features exhibits, education, networking opportunities and extracurricular activities. A preview by Dan Ferrisi.
The Digital Signage Expo New Product Spotlight showcases nearly 50 products that, according to their manufacturers and/or distributors, are debuting at DSE 2008.

Gary Kayye, CTS, in his monthly “Sight Lines,” continues his November 2007 discussion, arguing that projector specs are dead. He claims that, in the future, the distinguishing characteristic will be service.

In his “Sound Advice,” Peter Mapp, FASA, presents an anecdote from his professional experience to illustrate the point that a reference is needed when assessing sound systems.

David McNutt, author of the monthly “Down to Business,” addresses personal productivity. The first step to improving it, he argues, is gaining control of interruptions in the workplace—starting with email.

Ebenezer Baptist Church—the church at which Martin Luther King Jr. preached—has been given a technological overhaul, making the medium finally commensurate with the message. An article by Dan Ferrisi.

Successful house of worship business hinges on communicating effectively with key decision-makers. David Lee Jr., PhD, begins a series on this topic in his monthly “House of Worship: Business” column.

“In Focus” presents a continuation of AV: The Next Generation, which spotlights promising young professionals in the audio, video, acoustics and engineering industries. This time, we feature Robin Glosemeyer, Christopher Neto and Andrew Turchick.

Jerilyn Snider, CTS, and Alan High present the case that, in the AV world, educating architects benefits everyone. They admit that, even when we do our best, the results could be even better.

In his “AV Café” column, Joseph Bocchiaro III, PhD, CTS-D, CTS-I, discusses what he and InfoComm have learned from testing others. He presents a CTS-D exam analysis.

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March 24, 2008
Theme Parks and Attractions 11th Annual Worship Survey Report

The recently completed Berlin (Germany) Hauptbahnhof (Central Railway Station) is, in terms of acoustical design, noise/vibration control and AV-IT technology, a sterling example of technology put to work. An article by R. David Read.

For an average daily ridership of 17,000, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) integrated audio and video technology to provide train information for all passengers, including those with hearing and sight disabilities. An article by Jim Stokes.

The Digital Signage Expo, in Las Vegas NV, promises to be, by far, the largest show to date. DSE features exhibits, education, networking opportunities and extracurricular activities. A preview by Dan Ferrisi.
The Digital Signage Expo New Product Spotlight showcases nearly 50 products that, according to their manufacturers and/or distributors, are debuting at DSE 2008.

Gary Kayye, CTS, in his monthly “Sight Lines,” continues his November 2007 discussion, arguing that projector specs are dead. He claims that, in the future, the distinguishing characteristic will be service.

In his “Sound Advice,” Peter Mapp, FASA, presents an anecdote from his professional experience to illustrate the point that a reference is needed when assessing sound systems.

David McNutt, author of the monthly “Down to Business,” addresses personal productivity. The first step to improving it, he argues, is gaining control of interruptions in the workplace—starting with email.

Ebenezer Baptist Church—the church at which Martin Luther King Jr. preached—has been given a technological overhaul, making the medium finally commensurate with the message. An article by Dan Ferrisi.

Successful house of worship business hinges on communicating effectively with key decision-makers. David Lee Jr., PhD, begins a series on this topic in his monthly “House of Worship: Business” column.

“In Focus” presents a continuation of AV: The Next Generation, which spotlights promising young professionals in the audio, video, acoustics and engineering industries. This time, we feature Robin Glosemeyer, Christopher Neto and Andrew Turchick.

Jerilyn Snider, CTS, and Alan High present the case that, in the AV world, educating architects benefits everyone. They admit that, even when we do our best, the results could be even better.

In his “AV Café” column, Joseph Bocchiaro III, PhD, CTS-D, CTS-I, discusses what he and InfoComm have learned from testing others. He presents a CTS-D exam analysis.

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April 21, 2008
Worship Centers
NAB issue

The building that houses the T.L. Lowery Global Ministry Center in Cleveland TN is a converted OfficeMax retail store…but you can’t tell by looking at it. On the inside, an advanced video and audio complement further transforms the space. An article by Dawn Allcot.

A passionate preacher, six musicians, 87 choral singers and more than 1500 parishioners raise their hands and voices in technology-enhanced worship every Sunday at Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Memphis TN). An article by Shonan Noronha, EdD.

Northland, A Church Distributed, based in Longwood FL, recently underwent a $42 million, multi-phase building project that placed the church in a new 160,000-square-foot, purpose-built, AV-outfitted location. An article by Dawn Allcot.

New streaming media technology and content delivery networks are enabling houses of worship to expand their outreach through online live and on-demand services. An article by Shonan Noronha, EdD.

Anthony D. Coppedge, the principal technology evangelist for Church Media Group, makes the argument that 16:9 technology can enhance a church’s worship experience.

Gavin Haverstick, the lead acoustical engineer for Auralex Acoustics, offers the top 10 house of worship tips for controlling sound, arguing that having an acoustically balanced space is an essential part of spreading the “word.”

There is a never-ending debate in AV circles concerning the role that standards should play…indeed, a debate concerning what “standards” even means. Contributing Editor R. David Read lends his voice.

In a city renowned for its flashy signage, the Digital Signage Expo (DSE 2008), held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in late February, was a huge success. A review by R. David Read.

We present the Digital Signage Expo 2008 New Product Wrap-Up.

In his monthly Sight Lines column, Gary Kayye, CTS, continues his efforts to promote “selling services,” this time with particular focus on intellectual property.

In his monthly Sound Advice column, Peter Mapp, FASA, presents part two of his discussion regarding reverberation, in which he asks, “Is it a good or bad thing?”

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May 19, 2008
Schools and Colleges

The University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) new CNSI (California NanoSystems Institute) theater/auditorium provides a wide range of AV technology with minimal technical support. An article by Jim Stokes.

McKibben Hall, part of the University of Southern California’s (USC) Keck School of Medicine, now features AV and distance learning technologies, which has been installed in the facility’s four lecture halls and 14 multi-disciplinary laboratories. An article by Dawn Allcot.

AV technology, particularly digital signage, has come to play a vital role in people’s everyday lives, and a visit to the local K-12 school, college or university campus quickly illustrates the many ways in which AV technologies are relied upon. An article by Ralph Bachofen.

Mario J. Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, of Audio Visual Resources, explains the high cost of the “low bid” model. An advocate for standards and uncompromised quality, Maltese offers a new path that he believes can improve the entire industry.

Educational communication systems have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Contributing Editor R. David Read traces the evolutionary path.

David Danto, director of Global Multimedia Engineering for Lehman Brothers and director of Emerging Technology for the IMCCA, presents a discussion of telepresence, arguing it has changed the face of conferencing.

References to the “green movement” have become pervasive in the media and general business community. The commercial AV industry has not escaped this growing trend. An analysis is presented by Tim Henson, CTS.

A preview of the biggest show in commercial AV history, InfoComm 2008, is offered by Dan Ferrisi. In addition to previewing the show, we also present a sidebar about InfoComm’s certification programs becoming ANSI accredited, a contribution by Wayne Crawford of NXTcomm, and a guide to maximizing your time at the show by InfoComm’s Jason McGraw.

In his monthly Sight Lines column, Gary Kayye, CTS, discusses the move toward 16:9 technology. He argues that it’s not just for consumers anymore.

Continuing his series on reverberation, asking whether it’s a good or bad thing, Peter Mapp, FASA, author of the Sound Advice column, delivers part three of the discussion.

In his monthly Down to Business column, David McNutt pursues his analysis of the economy, and how it relates to our market, by studying some of the indexes that seek to measure consumer confidence and the business outlook.

Countryside Baptist Church (Clearwater FL), a small house of worship, has leapt from sub-par audio outfitting to a newly installed technology complement boasting clear audio and vivid video. A House of Worship: Technology article by Dan Ferrisi.

David Lee Jr., PhD, in his House of Worship: Business column, heralds the arrival of a “savior” for our industry: high definition. He connects it explicitly to church settings.

Guy-Tek, Inc., a Redondo Beach CA-based systems integration firm headed by Guy O’Hazza, presents two key offerings to its clients: intimate familiarity with entertaining people, and expertise in AV/IT collaboration. An article by Dan Ferrisi.

Chuck Wilson, the executive director of NSCA, specifies the NSCA activities occurring at InfoComm ’08 and how they can contribute to a successful show.

Joseph Bocchiaro III, PhD, CTS-D, CTS-I, urges readers of his AV Café column to “become part of the solution” as it pertains to sustainability and conservation, and how green principles relate to our industry.

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June 23, 2008
Theaters and Auditoriums
InfoComm issue

The Royal Court Theater, part of Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria cruise ship, is a three-story, 800-seat venue that features opera-style box seating, professionally staged productions and movie screenings. An article by Jim Stokes.

The Spokane Symphony Orchestra (SSO) was looking for a new home. The Martin Woldsen Theater at The Fox’s intimate environs fit the Orchestra to a “T.” An article by A. Jaye Nordling, with Dan Ferrisi.

Our InfoComm 2008 New Product Spotlight section highlights more than 170 new products making their debut at the InfoComm exposition.

The recent National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention was buzzing with innovation and business activity, despite uncertain economic conditions and a slight decrease in show attendance. Shonan Noronha, EdD, has the report.

Recent activities within the AV community and the markets we serve have brought into sharper focus the need to reduce the industry’s negative impact on the environment. An analysis by Shonan Noronha, EdD.

R. David Read presents the 18th installment of his series documenting Industry Pioneers in the AV community, this time covering Dr. John K. Hilliard (1901-1989). This is part one of the piece.

In his monthly Sight Lines column, Gary Kayye, CTS, presents his annual Kayye’s Krystal Ball Mid-Year Review, in which he updates and analyzes his predictions made in December 2007.

In his monthly Sound Advice column, Peter Mapp, FAES FASA, asks a provocative question about consultants: “Do we really exist?” Further, he wonders whether manufacturers understand them.

In Down to Business, his monthly column, David McNutt parses globalization and regionalization. Looking at both sides of that coin, he concludes that, in the end, the bottom line is education.

The Fountain of Life Center (FLC), which characterizes itself as “a spiritual oasis,” is a sprawling complex, taking up more than 105 acres in Florence NJ. It features several buildings, each of which is teeming with technology. A House of Worship: Technology story by Dan Ferrisi.

In the first part of a series, David Lee Jr., PhD, author of House of Worship: Business, discusses interfacing with worship leaders. In the series, he shares his secrets and strategies.

Joseph Bocchiaro III, PhD, CTS-D, CTS-I, author of AV Café, believes the “AV Dream” is starting to come together. He ties together several threads, each relating to quality, standards and certification.

Randal A. Lemke, PhD, executive director of InfoComm International, asks readers to look beyond the InfoComm trade show and partake in the yearlong slate of activities offered by the association.

Chuck Wilson, executive director of NSCA, articulates an old adage: Knowledge is power. He discusses NSCA’s education efforts, including the latest developments vis-à-vis ESPA, the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance.

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July 21, 2008
Retail Environments 23rd annual Commercial Systems Integration Survey report

Elizabeth Arden, a retail beauty products industry leader, has completed the makeover of its New York City-based Fifth Avenue Red Door flagship store, after four months of renovation. An article by Jim Stokes.

Digital signage has moved beyond the niche it once occupied in the corporate world to become a business-critical communications vehicle, driving investments in infrastructure across multiple industries and business sizes. Retail is a primary driver. An article by Sanjay Castelino.

As part of its quarterly Market Intelligence Briefings (MIB) research to help keep members ahead of the competition, NSCA recently released an in-depth look at industry sales trends. A preview by Chuck Wilson.

R. David Read presents the conclusion of his article tracing the history of Dr. John K. Hilliard (1901-1989). This is the 18th installment of our series documenting Industry Pioneers.

In his monthly “Sight Lines” column, Gary Kayye, CTS, asks whether design consultants should be doing programming. He argues in favor of expanding the services one sells as intellectual property.

Peter Mapp, FAES, FASA, author of the monthly “Sound Advice” column, addresses the ubiquity of music and sound in the contemporary media-centric world.

In his monthly “Down to Business” column, David McNutt discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act, arguing there are newly emerging reasons to become complaint. In particular, he asserts states and municipalities have fashioned their own legislation with more “teeth.”

Gettysburg Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDAC) in Gettysburg PA has a traditional approach to worship and, in that vein, sought subtle, yet advanced, sound and video systems to help the pastor deliver his message. A House of Worship: Technology article by Dawn Allcot.

David Lee Jr., PhD, offers part two of his series about interfacing with worship leaders. He makes the case that effective communication, in tandem with appropriate media use, will significantly enhance worship.

Maland Presentations, based in Seattle WA, is a prime example of a company whose ability to diversify has led to enviable success in the commercial AV market. An article by Dan Ferrisi.

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August 18, 2008
Corporate Facilities
CEDIA issue

AV conferencing systems installed at Court Square Capital Partners allow the private equity firm located in the heart of Manhattan to keep in touch with business executives worldwide. An article by Jim Stokes.

The original, and still primary, use for digital signage is marketing and promotions in retail establishments, but innovative integrators and end users have expanded the applications for the technology. An article by Dawn Allcot.

More and more customers are asking systems integrators to create telepresence environments for their companies. Todd Luttinger, president/cofounder of Videré Conferencing, addresses designing and building systems to fulfill client needs.

R. David Read provides his annual review of the InfoComm exhibition, this year held in Las Vegas NV. The show was hugely successful, breaking attendee and exhibitor records.

We present part one of the InfoComm 2008 New Product Wrap-Up. This time, we cover AV introductions at the InfoComm expo.

In his monthly “Sight Lines” column, Gary Kayye, CTS, touches on the success of the InfoComm expo, arguing that our market is back, busy as ever and plowing forward.

Peter Mapp, FAES, FASA, writer of the monthly “Sound Advice” column, covers the importance of impulse response measurements.

In his monthly “Down to Business” column, David McNutt recognizes that we are currently experiencing a slow economy. Still, he argues that focusing on the right goals makes them attainable.

Many people would not equate cutting-edge audiovisual systems, including a 40-channel mixing console, live radio broadcasts and video recording capabilities, with a Mennonite Church. They’d be wrong. An article by Dawn Allcot.

David Lee, Jr., PhD, presents part three of his series discussing interfacing with worship leaders. This time, he covers preparing a written report, delving into what such a report must contain.

Drawing on the wildly successful Iron Man film, Joseph Bocchiaro III, PhD, CTS-D, CTS-I, spotlights what he calls “AV Superheroes.” He emphasizes the similarities between Iron Man and the best our industry has to offer.

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