Just
another technology show, or?
© 2015 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
INFOCOMM ’15 is an annual audio/visual
conference typically in Las Vegas, but this year it was held in Orlando,
Florida from June 13 – 19th. It’s not a consumer product or broadcast equipment
showcase, but rather a conference aimed at the meeting presentation
professionals and those with presentation equipment needs. As technology has
broadened in scope, products have overlapped their usefulness into other applications
and allied fields, so an attendance of 950 exhibitors and 38,000+ attendees, a
5.6 % increase over last year, is not considered unusual.
Attendees vary from
industry professionals to those with an interest or need for the products exhibited.
If you qualify, free exhibit passes are available early in the year, however,
late registrants are accommodated at a price. Some free show passes could be available
from exhibitors. I always find attending this show useful in gathering facts on
these new technologies such as 4K presentation flat screen displays and related
acquisition equipment.
(TIP: Since this is a summer show with rotating locations in tropical
climates, you would be well advised to dress accordingly. As is always the case
in walking this or any other exhibition, comfortable shoes are a must.)
This year’s show had a major
4K flat screen presence. These screens come in many shapes and sizes that are
designed for various unique applications such as indoor and outdoor digital
signage. Digital signage is much like an advertising poster or billboard. It
lends itself to constant message changes and the incorporation of digital
computer art. Samsung probably had the best representation of 4K digital
signage and displays. I had restricted & escorted press access to view
prototypes and learn about concepts that may some day be available. 4K flat
screens that incorporate a razor thin bezel and feature clear see-thru, translucent
and mirror one-way see-thru surfaces, for applications in the medical and
hospitality industry. A display that is wrapped around a wall’s corner; a
beverage cooler with a video screen display replacing the traditional glass
door, and not shown to me, but discussed as a work in progress, a roll-up flat
screen that’s still under research and development. Related Samsung display
products such as TV receivers and computer monitors share all this technology.
So what I saw at the show may in some form be in the homes and offices of
tomorrow. http://smbz.us/1Fx8uzH
Shure, an 80 year-old
American audio products company, unveiled a soon to be released MOTIV digital
microphone and recording solutions product lineup. It’s made up of 6 recording solutions
that individually work with some or all MAC, PC, iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android
devices.
Most impressive to me was the free MOTIV Mobile App that allows you to
optimize the new MV88 digital stereo condenser microphone designed for iPhone,
iPod and iPad.
A free recording application is also available should you not
have one of the many such apps already available. http://bit.ly/1IalmC2
SK Telecom demonstrated the
Smart Beam Laser video projector that could easily be the World’s smallest
laser projector. Measuring a mere 2.2” x 2.2” x 2.2” and weighing 6.88 ounces,
it can project a 16 x 9 image from 20” to 150” with 60 ANSI lumens on virtually
any surface. It uses a Laser Diode as a light source with auto focus and is
battery powered. Connection is via HDMI/MHL wireless (Miracast or Airplay). http://bit.ly/1H9AlgK
Casio also showed four
models of what they term LampFree® projectors. These projectors range from 2500
to 4000 lumens and project 60” to 100” screen sizes. They utilize a Casio Laser
& LED hybrid illumination process with a projected life of 20,000 hours. Closed
captioning included on all models. While still portable, they are physically
much larger than the Smart Beam projector. http://bit.ly/1IalyRU
The items I’ve chosen for this article are just a small smattering of
what INFOCOMM had to offer. I chose products on the basis of my reader’s
interests. I intend to do future articles on 4K technologies and what it means
to you. I also plan on a follow-up article on the Shure MOTIV product series.
So stay tuned, more is yet to come….
Images:
Infocomm, Shure, SK Telecom
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
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