30 January, <strong>2012</strong> Amsterdam RAI, NL www.disco-europe.org
HDBaseT Alliance makes <strong>ISE</strong> debut <strong>The</strong> concept <strong>of</strong> ‘triple’ play – the provision <strong>of</strong> Internet access, television and phone over a single broadband connection - has been around the telecommunications industry for a decade. When wireless was added, it became quadruple play. But the AV industry is going one better with 5Play – or at least, it will if the HDBaseT Alliance achieves its goals. 5Play sees the convergence <strong>of</strong> uncompressed full HD digital video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, power over cable and various control signals via a single Ethernet cable, obviating the need for the pile <strong>of</strong> spaghettilike cabling that bedevils many homes and businesses. “It is,” says Micha Risling, marketing committee chair <strong>of</strong> the HDBaseT Alliance, the organisation behind 5Play, “the only technology that enables long-reach wired connectivity up to 100 meters for uncompressed full HD multimedia content and up to 100 watts <strong>of</strong> charging power via a single cable.” Founded in June 2010 by LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Valens Semiconductor, the HDBaseT Alliance now has over thirty members including the likes <strong>of</strong> AMX, Crestron and Kramer. It exists to develop and promote a technical standard for the technology. This will be the HDBaseT Alliance’s first appearance at <strong>ISE</strong>. “Initially, the HDBaseT Alliance has targeted Korea, Japan and the U.S. as early adopters,” notes Risling. “As technical adoption continues, the Alliance is expanding to promote HDBaseT technology in additional geographical landscapes – including Europe. <strong>The</strong> Alliance recognises the potential for HDBaseT technology within the European market and <strong>ISE</strong> <strong>2012</strong> is a great opportunity to meet with key influencers within the industry.” Although relatively young by industry standards, there are already products available from Alliance member companies that feature HDBaseT technology, and a selection <strong>of</strong> these will be on show at the Alliance’s <strong>ISE</strong> stand. “Booth visitors will have the opportunity to see several technology use case demonstrations and meet with Alliance and member company representatives,” says Risling. “<strong>The</strong>re will be two separate demonstrations. <strong>The</strong> first will showcase an HDBaseT home theatre installation and highlight the HDBaseT multi-room AVR concept. This demonstration will centre around a prototype HDBaseT Single Wire TV (including power) connected to two media players via a multi-zone AV receiver. <strong>The</strong> second demonstration will Risling: <strong>ISE</strong> is a great opportunity to meet with key influencers showcase the HDBaseT whole-home networking concept with a prototype <strong>of</strong> an HDBaseT enabled switch. This switch will connect to various sources – for example, laptop, gaming console and so on – and several displays via HDBaseT and HDMI connections. One <strong>of</strong> the sources will be a prototype <strong>of</strong> an HDBaseT camera, demonstrating a new use case for HDBaseT as well as an HDBaseT input interface to the switch. A smartphone or tablet will serve as the control point to the HDBaseT switch, providing a user interface for switching, source selection and control.” Risling says that he is looking forward to meeting installers, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, contractors and consultants from a broad cross section <strong>of</strong> the AV industry including digital signage, projectors, surveillance cameras, education and hospitality. It is, <strong>of</strong> course, early days. However, the potential <strong>of</strong> the technology and the HDBaseT standard is unquestionably exciting. For <strong>ISE</strong> visitors looking to understand what the future might bring, the HDBaseT stand (7K210) looks like a ‘must visit’ destination. www.hdbaset.org Welcome return: ISCE continues its push into Europe After exhibiting at <strong>ISE</strong> for the first time in 2011, the Institute <strong>of</strong> Sound and Communications Engineers (ISCE) is returning to Amsterdam in <strong>2012</strong> and will be located on Stand 7E214. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in the UK, the Institute is active in many areas including training, standards development, and the broader promotion <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> wellengineered audio in public spaces. “ISCE is excited to return to <strong>ISE</strong>, in view <strong>of</strong> the great interest shown by sound system experts outside UK in the prospect <strong>of</strong> increased activity by ISCE in Continental Europe,” comments Ros Wigmore, <strong>of</strong> the ISCE. Wigmore: promoting engineers wherever they may be “It is a surprise that there is no real equivalent body for pr<strong>of</strong>essional sound system engineers in most other countries, but ISCE is open to all and is well able to promote technical excellence and support pr<strong>of</strong>essional engineers wherever they may be. <strong>The</strong> Institute intends to extend its range <strong>of</strong> certified training courses in <strong>2012</strong> and to obtain relevant third-party endorsement <strong>of</strong> their quality and relevance. An industry-wide Newsletter will be available to the industry and indeed to all who have an interest in technically excellent sound systems.” A further advance is a scheme whereby owners and users <strong>of</strong> audi<strong>of</strong>requency induction-loop systems (AFILS) that are defective or whose performance is not as good as required, can obtain a technical survey and a recommendation for remedial action from a qualified ISCE member at a supportable cost. Wigmore concludes: “ISCE also hopes to extend its training courses to venues outside UK. <strong>The</strong> presenters will either travel to venues or train groups <strong>of</strong> local presenters to deliver the courses. We believe that our participation at <strong>ISE</strong> will help to drive this process, and look forward to meeting both existing and new members in Amsterdam.” www.isce.org.uk Rise 53
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