InfoComm International Audiovisual (AV) Contemporary Research Introduces New Products at InfoComm 07

Contemporary Research Introduces New Products at InfoComm 07

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InfoComm 07
SOURCE: Contemporary Research  ·  POSTED: 06/01/07
www.crwww.com

INFOCOMM BOOTH 6437

CR Adds New SignStream RAID Server

Contemporary Research introduces a new SignStream server, the SSV-306 RAID HDTV server. The new server, built for media-intensive applications, can host up to six SignStream HDTV signage channels, and features RAID5 drive support. Up to eight high-speed HD media drives can be installed in the server’s front-access hot-swappable drive bays for reliable, self-healing operation.

SignStream is a new technology by CR that serves as an integrated, single-server solution HDTV digital signage distribution and display control. Rather than requiring a signage server for each display, SignStream broadcasts high-definition signage and media throughout a facility as standard ATSC HDTV channels. Onboard Web pages manage playlist and display control scheduling, while small, inexpensive controllers handle individual display control. All channels and commands travel through the “other GigaHertz network” – the site’s existing RF coax wiring, so there is no impact on the LAN – downloads and Web communication require only the server’s Ethernet port.

Doug Engstrom, CR Communications Director states, “Adding a server option with RAID 5 support and hot-swap drives dramatically extends system reliability and simplifies service. If one drive goes down, the SignStream server continues to run. Another benefit of RAID 5 technology is that, as more drives are added to support more HDTV channel cards, reliability, storage space, and access speed increases as well.”

CR Introduces SignStream Media Express Software

Contemporary Research announces Media Express, a new generation of SignStream browser-based software for digital signage that integrates media playback, display control, and event scheduling into one easy-to-use application. Media Express can create and run daily schedules for media and display control. The scheduler can freely assign playlists during the day, turn on displays, change HDTV signage channels, lock out local display user control, and shut everything down for the night. In addition, Media Express can launch emergency alerts facility-wide.

Media Express is included with SignStream, a single-server digital signage solution that broadcasts high-definition content as HDTV channels, using existing TV infrastructure. Low-cost controllers manage displays over the same pathway, eliminating the need for added control wiring, Ethernet bandwidth, or dedicated display-mounted servers. The new software will be previewed at the InfoComm07 show in Anaheim, CA at booth 6437.

CR Communication Director Doug Engstrom states, “SignStream is a novel solution for digital signage, employing one server and one Ethernet connection to distribute HD signage across an entire facility. Taking advantage of many sites’ “other GigaHertz network” – their existing RF cabling – SignStream delivers true high-definition signage without affecting the facility LAN. With the introduction of Media Express, SignStream offers a fully integrated, Web-driven media and control solution for digital signage broadcasting.”

CR introduces the ICC2-ATSC Tunes in HD Displays

Contemporary Research introduces the ICC2-ATSC, an integrated display controller and universal HDTV/NTSC/QAM tuner. The ICC2-ATSC networks with system software through the same RF coax that carries the TV channels. This allows SignStream HDTV digital signage and display control systems to employ Ethernet-driven solutions facility-wide without requiring additional wiring or network bandwidth.

Featuring simultaneous HDMI, RGB/Component and composite video outputs, the ICC2-ATSC delivers high-definition video to flat-panel monitors and video projectors. Audio connections are available from HDMI, SPDIF optical and coax, and stereo audio ports. An internal, updatable library of control protocols enables  RS-232 control for most models of displays and projectors.

The ICC2-ATSC provides 2-way RF control and status information, and an onboard or external IR sensor can receive interactive commands from an optional wireless IR remote. In addition, an alternate model, the ICC1-ATSC, responds to 1-way RF commands.

CR Tech Sales Director Jim Avetta states, “While many of our distributed signage and display control systems include displays with built-in HDTV tuners, some sites prefer commercial-grade displays or video projectors, which rarely include HD tuners. The ICC2-ATSC makes that choice possible.”

About Contemporary Research

Contemporary Research designs and creates solutions for an HDTV world, offering cutting-edge products HDTV display control, digital signage, and tuning. In addition, CR supports a proven line of analog TV tuners, closed-captioning tools, as well as commercial and educational media systems. For more information about Contemporary Research products, visit us on the web at www.crwww.com or call (888) 972-2728.



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