When choosing a PTZ camera, Minrray or other mdoel, it is important to understand which lens options are available. Before we dive into the specifics, let us look at what “field of view” (FOV) is and how it impacts the overall viewing experience.

FOV can be described as: “how much of an object is visible after viewing it through an optical lens”.

It is important to understand that there are two different specifications to consider – Horizontal FOV and Vertical FOV. Below is an example of Horizontal FOV with a lens, having 6.3 degrees FOV (tele). We can observe at 15 feet from the subject, there is 1.7’ visible when the camera is zoomed in, and 22’ when zoomed out.

The notion that “bigger is always better” does not hold true when selecting a lens. Careful consideration MUST be taken to match the environment and the needs of the installation to the correct lens type.

The chart below can be used as a “general guideline” (distance from camera to subject):

Lens options are available in resolutions supporting Full HD (1920x1080p) up to 4K.

There are many online tools available to aid in lens calculation, but caution should be exercised as specifications between manufacturers can widely vary. When in doubt, please consult with your local Techni-Contact sales manager or technical specialist for further assistance.

The Xilica Solaro QR1 is the little brother in the line of fully configurable, open architecture DSP Processor.  The QR1 has a wide range of optional card slot available from USB audio, GPIO, AES/BEU, analogue in and out to relay cards.  Standard 4×4 Dante networking comes standard as does AES67 connectivity. 

As many integrators are challenged with “where can I install the AV equipment” in many boardrooms. The QR1 is literally so small, it can be installed right under the boardroom table, in a cabinet, above the ceiling.  Literally anywhere. This little powerhouse does not require to be installed next to an electrical outlet as it can be powered by a POE switch.  That is right!  This DSP is POE powered which makes the QR1 extremely flexible for installations. 

As this is an open architecture design platform, the QR1 will easily fit the requirements from a boardroom/conference space to a small facility with multi-zone paging/BGM solution. When a client requires an AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancelation) there is no requirement for extra hardware, simply request an AEC license for the client to unlock that feature.  A little reprogramming of the design in Xilica Designer (Open Architecture DSP software) and the client is set to go.

 For larger channel I/O (larger than 16 channels), the FR1 would be the solution to use.

With the same DSP power as the big brother Solaro FR1 and the control scripting abilities of LUA over IP, the QR1 has shown to be a true Powerhouse with its innovative design and features.

Voice lift for video conference applications in board rooms or lecture halls can be tricky and do require a little planning and expertise.  At the outset, ignoring the type of room that we are working with, particularly the nature and location of hard surfaces. may lead to undesired results for the client.  Additionally, if the space is lively, room acoustical treatment may be required. 

Additionally, placement of the microphone array should not be near a noise source such as an HVAC duct, a fan, noisy lighting, etc. Other considerations include, building code, using proper cabling, conduit requirements, raceways and of course accessibility of the ceiling. This all needs to be taken in to account when designing and installing conferencing microphones.

A leading go-to solution is the beyerdynamic MPR 210 Ceiling microphone.  This array device has 17 capsules that are engineered to build an audio corridor pickup pattern.  As an example of this powerful technology, one can be as little as 2-3 feet from the MPR 210 and talking normally. While speaking at the same level, 15-20 feet away, the microphone would have very similar properties.  This is of course based on room acoustics.

The below images exemplify 2 typical MPR 210 installations. Notice the audio corridors generated by each of the MPR 210 array microphones.  Audio from the local side (near end) does not usually get transmitted to the near end speakers as this would cause issues with the microphone.  The audio from these microphones is transmitted to the remote end (far end) as to not interfere with the local audio.

You may have standardised on another DSP platform over the years, but the Canadian market is taking notice of Xilica. Their DSPs are competitively-priced, modular solutions, getting dealers results you expect: Simplicity, profitability and in stock!

How long should a firmware update take? 5min? 10?

Let’s see how the WolfVision CYNAP compares.

NDI is an IP Based Video solution that simplifies sending live digital media to other devices and applications over a network. (For more info on NDI: https://www.ndi.tv/about-ndi/)

Video presentation and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom (just to name a couple) can leverage this technology to make capturing video and audio from cameras, and other content sources seamless and simple. Say “goodbye” to traditional HDMI or USB extenders. Video can also be sent to Production tools such as NSCaster, OBS, etc. prior to being sent to your collaboration software.

Minrray UV950A and UV510A cameras can be ordered with optional NDI to facilitate sending low latency, HD Video to your PC over a standard IP based network.

University of Westminster has solved the problem of how to teach laboratory classes online during the current Covid-19 pandemic using WolfVision Cynap presentation and collaboration systems in its Life Sciences Department.

To facilitate in-person teaching, Cynap is used to live stream lesson content between different laboratories allowing students to occupy multiple labs, enabling safer social distancing.

Each Laboratory has a Cynap to send and manage network streams from the other rooms, whilst also providing all the app-free, dongle-free, cable-free BYOD connectivity and collaboration tools that Cynap offers. AMX systems are used to control Cynap from the lectern and Cynap’s browser control also allows control via mobile devices.

Students who cannot attend lectures are able to join classes from home, and University of Westminster also uses Cynap as a capture device for its Panopto video platform, scheduling recordings in each laboratory, and making them available for on-demand use by students.

For more info: https://www.wolfvision.com/vsolution/index.php/en/solutions/education/university-of-westminster

Toronto, May 26, 2020 — Xilica®, a global leader in digital signal processing technology for AV and installed sound, has appointed Techni+Contact Canada as its sole distribution partner for the Canadian market.

Headquartered in Montreal with multiple Canadian offices, Techni+Contact has served Canada’s professional AV business community for more than 40 years. The company has built a strong reputation as a value-added reseller for manufacturers, and a trusted provider of customized AV over IP solutions backed by personalized service and dedicated support.

Xilica joins an impressive range of Techni+Contact-represented brands, including AMX, Ecler, Utelogy, Spinetix and WolfVision. The addition of Xilica’s modular DSP solutions strengthens Techni+Contact’s value proposition as a supplier of complete conferencing solutions for key business verticals. Techni-Contact works closely with a growing network of Canadian AV dealers, resellers, systems integrators, AV project consultants, and installers, and performs particularly strongly in corporate, education and government projects. The company expects to see growing interest from live event venues seeking large-format systems, as well as hospitality businesses seeking flexible installed solutions for restaurants and bars.

“Xilica is the first professional DSP manufacturer in the Techni-Contact portfolio, and fills an important gap in our product line,” said Julie Legault, President of Techni+Contact.  “Xilica is aligned with our core verticals, and will help us propose and configure fully integrated solutions that are more competitive and on target with what our customers seek. Their clever, compact, and modular designs are an especially strong fit for the AV over IP ecosystem, while providing end users with the freedom of complete AV device control across the network,” Legault added.

Legault adds that Xilica’s assorted modules, field-swappable cards, and expansion devices remove the need to invest in large stockpiles of inventory for various products. “Depending on the cards we mix within a Xilica DSP, we can quickly configure whatever functionality our customers need,” she said. “This results in operational efficiency that saves us money, inventory, and warehouse costs, and makes the entire value chain work better for our customers.” 

Techni+Contact will be aggressive and proactive in its market outreach to raise brand awareness and visibility of Xilica’s high-quality products, according to Legault. She also looks forward to contributing to online Xilica Certified™ training events and webinars in the near future, and expects to host Xilica brand launch events – as well as in-person Xilica Preferred™ advanced training events – after the COVID-19 pandemic passes. Xilica Certified™ and Xilica Preferred™ events are the two tracks associated with Xilica’s recently-announced Xilica Genius Global Training Program.

“Techni+Contact is a well-respected organization that is laser-focused on our core verticals, and equipped with the specialism and expertise that our shared customers demand,” said Mark Ullrich, Sr. Manager, Application Sales for Xilica. “With multiple locations throughout Canada, advanced logistics facilities and an ability to consistently stock Xilica products with quick delivery, we are very fortunate to have Techni+Contact join our global partner network. We look forward to working closely with a highly talented and dedicated team that is uniquely qualified to represent our growing brand in Canada.”  

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About Xilica

Xilica® is an award-winning manufacturer of innovative, next-generation digital signal processing solutions for AV/IT control and command applications including conference, corporate, hospitality and leisure, retail and transportation. From its headquarters in Toronto, Canada, Xilica sells and supports products worldwide in over 75 countries, gaining rapid acknowledgement for its all-modular, ultra-small-format and high-performance product ranges that solve critical business challenges.

www.xilica.com

HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP CREATE A UNIFIED REMOTE AND OFFICE WORKFORCE

PART 1 EFFECTIVE CAMERA CONSIDERATIONS

Join us for an in-depth discussion detailing how proper camera selection can enhance video collaboration, reduce costs, and improve relationships with colleagues.

Video conferencing, when deployed effectively, fosters meaningful face-to-face interactions to help create better teams and increase productivity, sales, and decision-making.

Whether, in a traditional office setting, remote office workspace or at the kitchen table, vendors such as Minrray camera address the broad range of collaboration environments.

You will learn:

• How to choose the right camera solutions for your environment
• Mistakes to avoid to effectively leverage video collaboration
• How new technology can help in video presentation

REGISTER HERE

Please join our team of experts on June 2nd at 1 PM EST:

• Hosts:
  • Daniel Beaulieu (Regional Sales Manager – Eastern Canada)
  • Kyle Gagne (Regional Sales Manager – Western Canada)
• Technical panelists:
  • Dave Nicholas (Technical Engineer)
  • Mark Gillner (Technical Resource Specialist)