new generation universal interface - extron electronics

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Tweeker Use ............................................................3Extron Creates a New Role ......................................4Life In Another Aspect Ratio ....................................5New Products ..........................................................6Tech Corner: EQ 100 for Videoconferencing ............8Unique Techniques ................................................10Web Tip ................................................................12New News..............................................................14

In This Issue:

The BARCO BandReturns to theINFOCOMM StageIn our second look at industry bands thatperformed at Extron’s INFOCOMMInternational party, the focus shifts to thetalented musicians from projector manu-facturer BARCO. BARCO has beenrocking the Battle of the Bands stageand helping to make the Extron parties asuccess since the first Battle of theBands in 1995.

The core of the BARCO band wasformed back in 1988, just after Extronbegan shipping the industry’s firstcomputer-video interface and three yearsbefore the first INFOCOMM party. Thennewly hired BARCO employee BruceAllers decided he needed to find outwhich of his new co-workers weremusicians!

Extron introduces the RGB 150xiuniversal computer-video interface. TheRGB 150xi offers a 15-pin HD input, abuffered local monitor output, AdvancedDigital Sync Processing (ADSP™), activeaudio interfacing, ID bit termination, andsimultaneous output of composite andseparate H&V sync. For installations, theRGB 150xi features under-desk andthrough desk mounting capabilities, aninternal 100 to 240-volt switch-modepower supply and a vented metalenclosure. The RGB 150xi is ideal foruse in rental and staging applications aswell as permanent installations.

The RGB 150xi is an ideal replacementfor the RGB 120p in installations whereyour customers ask for an interface with a15-pin HD type input connector, audiointerfacing and the versatility to provide

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New Generation Universal Interface:Extron’s RGB 150xi

stable images to any display they choose now and in the future.As the display market has evolved toward higher resolutions,computer-generated audio, and digital LCD, DLP and plasmadisplays, we have introduced interfaces with audio, ADSPTM,and many other advanced features. The RGB 150xi is one ofExtron’s new generation of universal computer-video and audiointerfaces, compatible with VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2, Mac,SUN, and SGI signals—and many more. The RGB 150xi providesa 15–130 kHz horizontal scanning range with 300 MHz (-3dB)video bandwidth, so it is able to handle high resolution computer-video from SUN/SGI or CAD workstations.

THE BARCO BAND

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CONNECTIONSThe RGB 150xi offers the popular 15-pinHD input connector for connection to allVGA-style computers, with Mac andSUN/SGI adapter cable kits available. Asan extra advantage, the RGB 150xiprovides a buffered local monitor output,keeping the source signal at its highestresolution and eliminating the need foran external monitor breakout cable. TheRGB 150xi provides simultaneouscomposite and H&V sync outputs so youhave a choice of RGBS or RGBHV bysimply selecting the appropriate BNCoutput connectors—no configurationnecessary. Simultaneous output is espe-cially useful when the interface will befrequently used with different displaydevices. The RGB 150xi allows ID bittermination for use with laptops or anycomputer without an external localmonitor.

ADVANCED DIGITAL SYNC PROCESSINGDigital display devices are becomingincreasingly common in new A/Vsystems as well as installation upgrades.

You’ll find one of these fixed-resolutiondisplay devices anywhere, from a universityauditorium to a command & control center.These devices, by nature, are very particularof the sync formats that they will accept.LCDs, DLPs, and plasma displays oftenhave trouble with sync signals that havebeen altered through previous processing orinterfacing. The RGB 150xi offers Extron’sexclusive Advanced Digital SyncProcessing technology (ADSP™), whichcompensates for the sync processing limita-tions of digital display devices. ADSPprovides all-digital sync processing so thatstable images are produced on digitaldisplays. Common image problems—suchas hooking, tearing, or bending at the top ofthe screen—are prevented.

ACTIVE AUDIO INTERFACINGMany applications require not onlycomputer-video but also audio interfacing.Audio interfacing converts computer-generated, unbalanced audio to line-levelbalanced audio. The advantage of balancedaudio is that it maintains signal quality overlong cable runs, whereas unbalanced audiodoes not. To meet the growing demand for

audio, the RGB 150xi offers a convenienttwo-in-one package of computer-video andaudio interfacing.

A/V ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLYExtron is the first to offer interfaces housedin compact, vented metal enclosures. Thevents on the RGB 150xi reduce the accumu-lation of internal heat, a significant advantagefor interfaces mounted under or throughdesks or other surfaces and running 24 hoursa day, seven days a week. Adequate coolingprevents the electronics from becomingdamaged and reduces the likelihood of heateffecting surrounding areas. The RGB 150xiincludes a 100–240VAC, 50/60 Hz, auto-switchable internal power supply—no needfor an external power supply that clutters upthe A/V environment. As convenient, discreetinstallation options, the RGB 150xi offersoptional mounting kits. The under-deskmounting kit mounts the interface under adesk, podium, or table, while the through-desk mounting kit mounts the interfacethrough a desk, podium, or other flat surface.

The RGB 150xi part number is 60-293-01and lists for $755.00 (US Dollars). Theoptional under-desk mounting kit partnumber is 70-077-01 and the optionalthrough-desk mounting kit part number is 70-077-02.

http://www.extron.com/product/listbytype.asp?id=rgb150xi

RGB 150xicontinued from page 1

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Brooks Bussard ofDallas Sight & Sound in

Dallas, TX uses anExtron Tweeker as a

spark plug in his weedwhacker. As you cantell from the picture,

this weed whacker really does work –

talk about impressivesystem integration!

Send us your photograph ofhow you use the Tweeker. If we publish it in a future issue of ExtroNews, we’llgive you a free VTG 150.

Send entries (along with your explanation)

to: Extron Tweeker Contest1230 S. Lewis StreetAnaheim, CA 92805

Not much later the first BARCO band wasformed and jamming in the companywarehouse.

About the same time that the All Star Bandwas being formed, Allers and band mateSteven Barlow approached Extron regardingperforming at Extron’s Big Top Bash heldduring the 1995 INFOCOMM Internationalin Dallas, Texas. Extron liked the idea andtogether with the All Stars, BARCO filledthe bill as one of the first industry-basedbands to perform at the Extron INFOCOMMparties. Although the lineup has changedsome, the BARCO band has been a fixture atthe Extron parties ever since.

This year at Extron’s Ship Wreck Bash inOrlando, Florida, Extron was happy towelcome back the BARCO band once again,with Allers joining the All Star Band aswell. The plan for the evening was forBARCO to follow the performance of theAll Stars, but Mother Nature had somethingto say about it and rained on the All Starsjust as they finished their set. The rain

The Barco Bandcontinued from page 1

eventually ended, with the BARCO bandhitting the stage very late that evening.

The BARCO set included Vonda Shepherd’s“Searching My Soul” and Stevie RayVaughn’s “Love Me Darling” and “Leave MyGirl Alone.” The latter was adapted to “LeaveMy Man Alone” by lead vocalist WendyBosley. The remainder of the line up includedBruce Allers, guitar and backup vocals; KevinBarlow, bass guitar; Mark Palm, drums; andDavid Traeger, rhythm guitar. Steven Barlowput down his guitar this year and covered thekeyboards, filling in for Bob Cardone whowas unable to attend. While Steven did a greatjob, we look forward to seeing Cardone rejointhe BARCO band on stage at INFOCOMM2000 in Extron’s hometown of Anaheim,California.

“We’re just a bunch of musician wannabes,but we put a lot of hard effort into it,” saysAllers, who has actually been playing forover 30 years. “We’re always hoping thatsomeone at the parties will discover us, andwe’ll be able to quit our day jobs.”

ExtroNews™

PresidentAndrew Edwards

V.P., FinanceEd Ellingwood

V.P., OperationsBob Nichols

V.P., Product DevelopmentDave Pincek

V.P., R&DBrian Taraci

V.P., EngineeringSteve Somers

V.P., Human ResourcesJoanne Grush

V.P., Information TechnologiesIvan Perez

Director of SalesJeff Gibson

Sales Manager of Developing TechnologyMandi Speer

Pacific Rim Sales ManagerGeoff Abbott

PR/Media ManagerRosia Senh

Technical EditorsPat Charlton, Chris Elmore, Mike Fitzgerald,Roger McCarten, Jim Scrivner, Joe da Silva

Graphic DesignersJill Streit, Cyme Azar

Technical IllustratorRandy Drumm

Technical WriterJune Lee

We welcome your comments and contributions!Please submit ideas to Marketing Dept.714.491.1500 • 800.633.9876

ExtroNews is published by Extron Electronics/RGB Systems Inc. 1230 South Lewis Street,Anaheim, CA 92805. All rights reserved. Noportion of this newsletter may be reproduced inany form without written permission from ExtronElectronics. Every effort has been made toensure accuracy in content; however, Extronassumes no responsibility for errors andomissions in the information provided herein.ExtroNews is sent free of charge to communicationindustry professionals and end-users. Sendaddress changes, requests for copies, andeditorial correspondence to: Marketing Dept.,Extron Electronics, at the address above, or call714.491.1500 or 800.633.9876; FAX714.491.1978. Printed in the United States ofAmerica.

JEFF GIBSON

Extron Creates a New Role:Manager of Education and Trainingby Jeff GibsonDirector of Sales

As part of Extron’s commitment to providequality education and training for our dealers, wehave welcomed Jim Clements as our newEducation and Training Manager. Jim recentlyretired from the Navy after 20 years of service asan aviation electronics technician. He wasinvolved in all aspects of training for 18 years,and has an extensive background in the trainingindustry, specifically in technical and manage-ment training. In addition to graduating fromSouthern Illinois University with a Bachelor ofScience in Workforce, Education, Training andDevelopment, Jim was a Master TrainingSpecialist in the Navy and is currently aMicrosoft Certified Professional (MCP).

Jim will oversee all of our training efforts,including Extron School, Extron School on theRoad, Extron Videoconferencing, Extron Web-casts, and Extron’s Regional Technical Specialistswho provide training in their respective regionsworld-wide. In a continual effort to ensure ExtronSchool offers the best A/V training in theindustry, Jim is researching and implementing thelatest trends in both the A/V and training indus-tries. In a field that is changing as quickly asours, this is an integral role in providing the

service you need. Ongoing revisions includecontinual updates of our training curriculum toincorporate the most current and advanced technolo-gies, information, and products. Our training depart-ment’s goal is to provide our Extron Schoolattendees with the most comprehensive, yet user-friendly, training guides possible.

With the expansion of our ever-growing videocon-ferences and webcast training, our curriculum isalso designed specifically to meet the requirementsof distance learning environments. Extron is able toadapt and provide training on almost any A/Vsubject you request and in the forum that suits youbest. We are dedicated to providing you with thetools you need to do the best job possible, therebymaking your jobs easier and more effective. If thereis any type of training that you need simply contactour sales support staff and we will take it fromthere.

Extron is also currently constructing a state-of-the-art training center to include two dedicated multi-media training rooms, two videoconference rooms,and a computer-based training room. This centerwill enhance our training in all aspects of specificA/V technology and industry theory, thereby rein-forcing our commitment to remain at the forefrontof dealer support through education and training.

Jim Clements is a great addition to all of ourtraining efforts. His experience, education, andenthusiasm will ensure Extron continues to provideyou with the service, support, and solutions youhave come to expect and enjoy.


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JIM CLEMENTS

STEVE SOMERS


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Life In AnotherAspect…Ratioby Steve SomersV.P. Engineering

The competitive history of film and televi-sion created a legacy of varied aspect ratioimages that challenge the most creativeengineering minds as well as all the rest ofus who use the products that manipulatethem. When television began, its popu-larity caused a decrease in movie theaterattendance. Back then, the aspect ratio ofmovie film and television were nearly thesame (1.33:1). The movie industry soughtto create a new experience for moviegoers,so wide screen formats of various sizesevolved over the years. Currently, the mostpopular movie formats are “academy” or“flat” at 1.85:1 and cinemascope (“scope”)format at 2.35:1. For about 45 years now,the movie industry garnered the widescreen while television was stuck with itsnearly square format.

ENTER WIDESCREEN TVOur new high definition digital televisionaspect ratio is 16:9 or 1.78:1. It’s an improve-ment. See Figure 1, page 16. The size isapproaching academy but some distance from“scope” size. The HDTV consortium decidedthis aspect ratio is the best mathematicalcompromise for displaying a wide range ofimage material. Prior to DVD, one couldpurchase some movies on tape or laser disc inwidescreen format. However, most movieswere converted to standard television formatvia a method of editing called “pan and scan”.This method supports a 4:3 window that maybe positioned within the widescreen image tocapture most of the action but loses thesweeping view and artistic emphasis thewidescreen format intended. On the otherhand, DVD is a digital storage mediumcapable of providing many useful features, notthe least of which is multiple aspect ratios.

FILM TO VIDEOThere are two choices that maintain fullimage width when transferring film materialto video…letterbox or anamorphic. Forletterboxing, the telecine aperture isadjusted so that the width of the film imagefits inside the active television frame hori-zontally. Since the film image is muchwider than it is tall, there will be blackregions at the top and bottom of the videoimage. While this method works and thefull panoramic film image is preserved, thevertical resolution of the image is signifi-cantly reduced… by 32% with 1.85:1 stockand 44% with 2.35:1 stock! Blow up thisimage with a home theater projector andyou’ll see the vertical resolution loss I’mtalking about. The advantage is that with asmaller vertical dimension less film will berequired and filming cost will lower. Thedisadvantage is that less film area is used,so resolution is sacrificed. Pictures maylook “grainy”.

ANAMORPHIC – WHAT IS IT?Webster defines anamorphic as producingor having different magnification of theimage in each of two perpendicularmeridians – used of an optical device or theimage formed by one. Looking back at thenative aspect ratio of film, it’s still about thesame size as our current TV picture. In theanamorphic mode, a special lens on thecamera takes a wide-angle view andoptically squeezes it to fit into a full 35mmframe. Thus the image width is narrowerand the vertical height fills the filmnegative.

Think of its effect like squeezing a balloonin your hands. When pressure is applied tothe ends of a balloon, the top and bottomwill bulge upward/downward. The overallvolume is maintained. Likewise, theoverall resolution is maintained on filmwith the anamorphic effect. Now, to playback this film, the projector must have thesame type anamorphic lens to expand theimage or the image will appear distorted.Filming in anamorphic mode is widelyused, involves many other technical facets,

and is solely at the discretion of thefilmmaker. There are several film formatsand, with the anamorphic method, film-makers today must consider the impact oftheir decisions on the large video after-market.

ANAMORPHIC DVD – A GOOD THINGWe’ve talked about the optical effect thatanamorphic filming provides. Anamorphicprocessing for the DVD is a significantissue. Not all movie studios are releasingfilms remastered in anamorphic format.Look for indications on the packaging suchas “1.85:1 anamorphic” or “enhanced for16:9 TVs” or “anamorphic widescreen”.

For “enhanced” DVDs, the movie issqueezed anamorphically at the time of thefilm-to-video transfer recording; i.e., imageslook tall and skinny so as to improvevertical resolution. (The standard versionside of a disc is not affected. It is recordedas pan & scan.) This means that therecording takes advantage of storage spacethat is wasted by the black bars at the topand bottom of the screen. Actually, thoseblack bars don’t really take up muchrecording space because, due to compres-sion, not much information is needed toreplicate them. But, the DVD is capable ofmuch more resolution storage than what isused if the movie is recorded only in theletterbox mode. When the anamorphicrecording is viewed in the letterboxedmode, processing in the player scales every

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For more information on these, or any other products,contact your local Extron Representative at 714.491.1500 or 800.633.9876 (Extron USA)

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Extron’s SW 6 Component is a six input,one output switcher that accepts andswitches RGsB, HDTV, component video,S-video, and composite video signals. With180 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth, theSW 6 Component is designed to allowconvenient, centralized control of widebandHDTV or other high-resolution inputsignals in a home theater environment. TheSW 6 Component offers an auto-sequencingmode for automatic sequential switchingthrough inputs and an auto-switching mode

for automatic switching to the active input.For control, the SW 6 Component offersfront panel buttons, contact closure control,and RS-232 control. For video inputs andoutput, the SW 6 Component providesfemale BNC connectors. The rack-mountable SW 6 Component includes a100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz, auto-switchableinternal power supply.

The SW 6 Component part number is 60-309-01 and lists for $895.00 (US Dollars).

SW 6 ComponentComponent/HDTV Switcher with Internal PowerSupply and RS-232 Control

http://www.extron.com/product/product.asp?id=sw6cs

ADA 6 ComponentComponent/HDTV Distribution Amplifier with Internal Power SupplyExtron’s ADA 6 Component is a one input,six buffered output distribution amplifierthat accepts and distributes RGsB, HDTV,component video, S-video, and compositevideo signals. With 180 MHz (-3dB) RGBvideo bandwidth, the ADA 6 Component isideal for distributing signals to multipleHDTV or other high-resolution displaydevices throughout a home while main-

taining original signal integrity over longcable runs. For video input and outputs, theADA 6 Component provides female BNCconnectors. The rack-mountable ADA 6Component includes a 100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz,auto-switchable internal power supply.

The ADA 6 Component part number is 60-310-01 and lists for $695.00 (US Dollars).

http://www.extron.com/product/product.asp?id=ada6c

BNC 5 RC CableExtron’s BNC 5 RC Cable is an extremelyflexible and durable cable, making it ideal forrental and staging applications as well aspermanent installations. The larger sizediameter of the RC Cable reduces the likeli-hood of cable damage and loss of connectors.The extraordinarily smooth surface of thecable’s outer jacket reduces friction and makesit easy to pull and maneuver through tightspots. The RC Cable’s attenuation of -4.7dB/100 feet @ 100 MHz allows it tomaintain signal structure and integrity. This

cable is comprised of five color-coded coaxconductors for RGBHV signal distribution.The RC Cable may be terminated utilizingmany popular connectors and crimp tools,minimizing retooling costs. This cable featuresa built-in ripcord that aids in the stripping ofthe outer jacket, minimizing the possibility ofcable damage during installation and makingtermination both quicker and more convenient.Sequential numbering is printed at one-footintervals on the cable jacket, allowing forquick measurement of cable length.

Available in bulk rolls of 500 feet (153 meters), the BNC 5 RC Cable part number is 22-127-02 and lists for$765.00 (US Dollars).

http://www.extron.com/product/product.asp?id=cables


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Extron’s P/2 DA2 WM AAP is a wall-mountable, one input, two buffered outputVGA/XGA distribution amplifier withaudio. The P/2 DA2 WM AAP providesopenings for optional ArchitecturalAdapter Plates (AAPs). Over 100 AAPsoffer various audio and video pass-throughconnectors for additional signal connec-tions. For convenient architectural integra-tion, the P/2 DA2 WM AAP fits flush intoa wall, podium, or table and has a four-gang wide face plate available in grey,black, or white. This design combinesshallow depth (under two inches) with wallmounting plates for easy installation inexisting walls. The P/2 DA2 WM AAPoffers 300 MHz (-3dB) RGB videobandwidth and is compatible with VGA,

SVGA, VESA, XGA, and SXGAgraphic cards, monitors, projectors, and LCD panels. To maintain signalintegrity during long cable runs, the P/2 DA2 WM AAP offers level andpeaking controls.

For video, the P/2 DA2 WM AAPprovides a 15-pin HD male inputconnector and two 15-pin HD femaleoutput connectors. For audio, the P/2 DA2 WM AAP features a 3.5 mm female audio jack for unbalanced input and a 3.5 mmcaptive screw connector for balanced or unbalanced output. Also, the P/2 DA2 WM AAPdistributes Mac signals by using an optional Extron Mac/VGA adapter(s).

P/2 DA2 WM AAP (grey) part number is 60-311-01 and lists for $425.00 (US Dollars). P/2 DA2 WM AAP (black) part number is 60-311-02 and lists for $435.00 (US Dollars).P/2 DA2 WM AAP (white) part number is 60-311-03 and lists for $435.00 (US Dollars).

http://www.extron.com/product/product.asp?id=p2da2wm

P/2 DA2 WM AAPVGA/XGA Distribution Amplifier with Audio and Adapter Openings

Extron’s P/2 DA2 EC AAP is a channel-mountable, one input, two buffered outputVGA/XGA distribution amplifier with audio.The P/2 DA2 EC AAP provides openings foroptional Architectural Adapter Plates (AAPs).Over 100 AAPs offer various audio and videosignal pass-through connectors for additionalsignal connections. The P/2 DA2 EC AAPfits flush within a European electrical channelfor easy installation. Due to the buildingconstruction methods used in Europe, wiringinside of an exterior wall is not possible, soelectrical wiring and cabling are routedthrough channels that run along the outside of a wall.

With 300 MHz (-3dB) RGBvideo bandwidth, the P/2 DA2EC AAP is compatible withVGA, SVGA, VESA, XGA,and SXGA graphic cards,monitors, projectors, and LCDpanels. To maintain signalintegrity during long cableruns, the P/2 DA2 EC AAPoffers level and peaking controls. For video, the P/2 DA2 EC AAP provides a 15-pin HDmale input connector and two 15-pin HD female output connectors. For audio, the P/2 DA2 EC AAP features a 3.5 mm female audio jack for unbalanced input and a 3.5 mmcaptive screw connector for balanced or unbalanced output. Also, the P/2 DA2 EC AAP distrib-utes Mac signals by using an optional Extron Mac/VGA adapter(s).The P/2 DA2 EC AAPpart number is 60-311-10 and lists for $515.00 (US Dollars).


P/2 DA2 EC AAPEuroChannel VGA/XGA Distribution Amplifierwith Audio and Adapter Openings


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Extron’s EQ 100, the industry’s firstsix-band video equalizer, allows theuser to improve videoconferencingexperiences in a number of ways. TheEQ 100 allows the luminance amplitudeof any of six frequency bands to beadjusted independently, providing totalcontrol over detail and sharpness. Usingthe EQ 100, the user tailors the imagesfrom the camera(s) to produce a clearand consistent image. The EQ 100allows the user to make the best of thelimited bandwidth of most videoconfer-encing systems.

VIDEOCONFERENCING AND VIDEO COMPRESSIONMost current videoconference systemsmake use of some form of digitaltelephone connection (ISDN BRI, T-1/DS=1, etc.). Since raw full-motionvideo exceeds 90Mbps, it is clear thatthe typical digital connections used are“bandwidth limited” (they carry lessinformation than is generated by avideo source device). In order tooperate in this limited bandwidth trans-mission environment, videoconferencesystems make use of a processor knownas a CODEC (COder-DECoder). Thisprocessor takes in the video sourceinformation and uses a method of datacompression to produce a data streamthat is able to “fit” into the telephoneconnection. In order to achieve highcompression ratios, most encoders willforward only the data that changes from

frame to frame in the video stream.Remember—CODECs will not discrim-inate. Any changing picture informationmust be forwarded as new picturedetails data to the far end. Noise that ispresent in a video signal is nothingmore to a CODEC than constantlychanging picture details. Therefore,CODECs will work harder and harderto forward what is essentially uselessinformation, possibly dropping framesin order to do so. This will cause theimage to become uneven, with motionbecoming increasingly jumpy.

Where does this video noise comefrom? Actually, there are many sourcesof noise in any electronic system. Wemay or may not be able to do anything

about certain sources of video noise.One source of video noise is the“ringing” and “jitter” we see from aCCD/CID device when it tries toresolve an image that has a lot of finedetail (a shirt or jacket with fine linesand patterns in different colors, forinstance). Up to this point, the noisethat a video source generated asinterline CCD and CID noise wassomething we just had to live with (anddoesn’t that go down well with theboss?). Not any more.

THE EQ 100 ADVANTAGEThe EQ 100 allows the luminanceamplitude of individual bands offrequencies to be adjusted. These bands(1.5 MHz, 2.5 MHz, 3.5 MHz, 4.5 MHz, 5.5 MHz, 6.5 MHz) corre-spond to levels of detail within theimage. The 3.5 MHz band adjustmentcan be used to adjust finer levels ofdetail, such as the patterns on the shirtin the above example. The 1.5 MHzband can be used to adjust less finelevels of details such as facial features.The EQ 100 allows these adjustments

EXTRON’S EQ 100

USING THE EQ 100 FOR BETTERVIDEOCONFERENCINGby Roger McCartenProduct Manager


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to be made independently; one level ofdetail can be attenuated withoutaffecting the other levels of detail.

The EQ 100 is the only effectivedevice designed to reduce noise in thevideo signal. As we have alreadynoted, ringing, smearing and jitterynoise can be seen when a CCD/CIDdevice is imaging fine details. The EQ100 helps to sharpen and resolve thesignal from the source in such a wayas to effectively eliminate this “ringingand jitter” noise, thereby relieving theCODEC from the task of having todigitize and forward it on a constantbasis. Less noise means less processingrequired and that means that frame ratecan be maintained or sustained at anideal level (for most systems today thismeans NTSC — 30 frames per second).

CAMERA EQUALIZATIONSay that in your quest to provide aseamless and professional image, youpurchased cameras with the bestpossible signal-to-noise ratio available(tens of thousands of dollars each). Insuch a case you should not be experi-encing the noise problems that occur inthe typical videoconference system(systems that use cameras that cost

between $1,000 and $6,000). Even so,you still may have problems deliveringa professional and seamless image tothe people at the far end who receiveyour video.

Chances are that you have purchasedcameras from many different manufac-tures, depending on the job each camerawas intended to perform. The resultsmay be a surprise. (A specific value/color blue as generated by eachdifferent camera will look different onthe video display.) If you are lucky,each camera will have such extensivesetup controls (and you will have suchvast amounts of unlimited time) thatyou will be able to balance the camerasto a common reference and you willhave seamless interpretation of specificcolors across all of the cameras.

If you are like the rest of us, however,it will not be possible, through elec-tronic setup controls on each of thevideo devices, to establish perfectcolorimetry and contrast levels acrossall sources. (Most video sources in usein most videoconference systems donot even have basic controls overcolorimetry and setup.) As the CODECor external switcher images from

camera to camera to VCR to video-microscope and back again, the colorswill look dramatically different (andthis can be a special nightmare if youhave more than one camera pointed onan audience area — the result will bethat half the audience looks a littleblue and half looks more red—depending on which camera is pickingup which area at any time).

Once again the EQ 100 can turn thisnightmare into a happy reality. It canmemorize the individual settings requiredfor each input source to be perfectlybalanced in contrast and color with all ofthe other sources. You merely route yourinput sources to the switcher (Figure 1)and then to the EQ 100 before handingthem off to the CODEC, and you are wellon the way to that professional look youwere after from the start.

Keep in mind that once the video iscompressed and sent down the line anddecompressed at the far end, the EQ 100 is of limited help in correctingthe video images. The ideal spot for theEQ 100 is before the video even makes itto the compression stage within theCODEC.

FIGURE 1.VIDEOCONFERECE SYSTEM


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Unique Techniques:Extron Grey Helps the WRI Stay Green

Would you like to see your installation covered here? Do you have a uniquemethod of using Extron products? Tell us about it! Call Rosia Senh at714.491.1500 and your unique technique may be in the next issue of ExtroNews.

World Resources Institute (WRI), aWashington D.C.-based center for environ-mental research and policy promotion,recently renovated their new facilities. WRIhas two goals: to promote biologicalresource management and climate protec-tion, as well as environmentally friendlydevelopment and enterprise on a globalbasis. Videoconferencing plays an importantrole in keeping the world informed on theorganization’s research in these areas, whileat the same time allowing the WRI to “walkthe talk,” by avoiding unnecessary travel,and the pollution generated by it.

GETTING THE MESSAGE OUTTo best facilitate effective communicationsby the organization’s members, it was deter-mined that a local venue for presentations andpress briefings, as well as audio and video-conferencing was necessary. “We are aboutproviding information and knowledge,” saysDonna Wise, Vice President ofCommunications at the WRI. “We have tofind ways to do that efficiently, effectively,and quickly, to a large number of individuals

worldwide, so we are going to take advantageof everything possible in order to get thatinformation and knowledge out to people.Obviously, high-tech is a means by which wecan more effectively communicate with amuch broader global audience.”

The WRI chose Hoppman CommunicationsCorporation of Chantilly, Virginia to designa conference center. The room selected isroughly rectangular with about 1400 squarefeet of floor space, and can be subdividedinto three smaller conference areas. A closetnear the room’s main entrance made for aconvenient spot for equipment racks.

Composite video and audio systems in theroom were built around an ExtronElectronics 8x4 Matrix 50 switcher. Sourcematerial routed through the Matrix 50 willreach any of the room’s outputs, includingprojection and videoconferencing systems.An Extron CVDA 6MX distributionamplifier further splits up one of the Matrix 50outputs between a press feed multi box nearthe main display and an auxiliary wall plate

at the opposite end of the room.

The Matrix 50 offers three exceptionallyuseful features: Extron’s Simple InstructionSet (SIS™), presets, and audio attenuation &gain control. SIS is provided for RS-232control with a third-party control or Extron’sWindows®-based control program. SIS usesshort, easy-to-remember commands insteadof lengthy, tedious strings of code, so SIS isconvenient for quick, hassle-free program-ming. The Matrix 50 offers twelve memorypresets of matrix configurations. This time-saving feature allows a user to set up totwelve I/O configurations and keep them inmemory, so there is no need to reprogrameach tie configuration every time it’s used.The Matrix 50 offers audio attenuation andgain control because different input sourceshave different line-level outputs. Forexample, the audio from a DVD player islouder than the audio from a low-level mic.The Matrix 50 allows the user to set thevolume levels so the audio outputs all havethe same loudness, no matter which audiosource is being used.

H. SHIFT

V. SHIFT

VIDEO LEVEL

AUDIO LEVEL

HIGH Z 75 Ohm ADJUST

AUDIO

INPUT

RGB 324

SHOW ME/SELECT

H. SHIFT

V. SHIFT

VIDEO LEVEL

AUDIO LEVEL

HIGH Z 75 Ohm ADJUST

AUDIO

INPUT

RGB 324

SHOW ME/SELECT

ADJUSTSHOW ME/

SELECT

An RGB 324 was placed in a floor box for use at the room's podium.

The "Show Me" button allows the user to select the appropriate input in the room.

WorldResourcesInstitute

WRI

the RGB 320, so a separate power supply isnot necessary.

The RGB 320 is a switching interface witha built-in six input, two output switcher.One of the RGB 320’s convenient featuresis a special memory feature calledSmartSave™, which provides fifteenprogrammable memory blocks per input.These blocks are used to store all of thepicture settings needed for a specific appli-cation. When a specific input signal isselected, the RGB 320 searches for amatch and automatically recalls the inputsettings appropriate for that particularcomputer signal rate. With SmartSave,users do not need to re-calibrate thesettings each time a specific computer isselected. There is no need to adjust thehorizontal shift or other setting repeatedlyfor a particular source, since SmartSaveenables that source to be automaticallydisplayed with the appropriate imageadjustments.

For connecting a buffer to the RGB 320,Extron offers Seventeen ConductorInstallation Plenum Cable, which combinescomputer-video, composite video, audio,power, and control into a single jacketedcable. For easier and quicker installations,this install cable includes six mini high reso-lution coaxial conductors, four sets of 26gauge twisted pair wires, and three 20 gaugewires, so multiple cables are not necessary.

BENEFITS OF WRI’S A/V SYSTEM“Right now we are so satisfied,” Wisedeclares. “We only had a portable projectoruntil a few months ago. Now, [the system]allows us to have our meetings here at ourhome–our office space–as opposed to goingthe National Press Club and spending$5,000 to put on a press conference. We arenow fully equipped to invite the press intoour own facility, and yet we maintain thecapability of connecting over the Internetvia audio or videoconferencing to bring incollaborators that may not have the where-with-all to fly here. It’s just excellent.”


11

COMPUTER-VIDEO SWITCHING WITHTHE RGB 320 INTERFACING SYSTEMComputer-based imaging and informationare seen as valued tools, with MicrosoftPowerPoint used for both local presenta-tions and videoconferences. “We are firmbelievers in this 30 second sound bitesociety, and the idea that visuals provide amuch higher retention rate of material,”says Wise. With Extron’s RGB 320 system,users may control what is shown on thecentral display from where they are sitting.The RGB 320 system, comprised of theRGB 320 6x1 switching interface and RGB 324 interface buffers, is particularlyuseful for centralized management of multiplecomputer-video sources, as each source maybe selected as the current input for the centraldisplay device by using the “Show Me”button on the source’s local RGB 324. Toallow computers to reach the presentationsystems, an Extron RGB 324 was placed in afloor box for use at the room’s podium, with asecond interface placed in a nearby wall plate.A third RGB 324 is found in a floor box inanother subdivision. Each buffer is an inputfor a computer signal, which is converted toRGBHV, and routed to a RGB 320 located inthe room’s equipment closet. The RGB 320will then select that buffer as the active sourceand route it to the Epson 7300 projector.

The RGB 320 interface also outputs to anExtron ADA 2 300 HV distributionamplifier, which then routes the computersignals to an auxiliary wall plate and anExtron VSC 100 scan converter. The scanconverter converts the computer outputcoming from any of the interfaces to anNTSC signal that is now available at thepress feed multi box and through thevideoconferencing system.

The RGB 324 is a mountable buffer thatdistributes video and audio sources to theRGB 320 system switching interface. The“Show Me” button allows each user toselect the local buffer as the active source,so its source is routed to the central display.The RGB 324 receives power directly from

THIS RACK HOLDS THE MATRIX 50 SWITCHER,

THE CVDA 6 MX DISTRIBUTIONAMPLIFIER, AND THE RGB 320

SWITCHING INTERFACE.

PRODUCT MENU

The first item on the naviga-tional bar provides access tojust about anything you’dever need to know aboutExtron’s products. Click onthis link to find web pagescontaining a photo, descrip-tion, features, specifications,and an application diagramfor each product. Thesepages are organized byproduct type (MatrixSwitchers, Interfaces, etc.)to make finding a particularproduct easier.

Also, on each product page under the sidebar “Related Info”, you’ll find access tomany useful materials for the specific product, such as:

• Brochures (available in English, Spanish, German, and French)• User manuals• Catalog pages containing detailed information and specifications• CAD drawings*

Most of these files are available as Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) files, and can be viewedwith the Adobe Acrobat Reader**.


12

NEW & IMPROVED SEARCH ENGINE

We’ve dramatically changedthe way that information isstored and retrieved on ourweb servers, and haveadjusted our search engineto take advantage of thisnew database architecture.We’ve added some newfeatures that will allow youto fine-tune your searches,but more importantly, we’veimproved the accuracy andspeed of the engine. This means that you’ll be able to find what you’re looking forwith greater ease.

In addition, we’ve reorganized our main menu by categorizing product and othersite information. In this issue, we’ll look at the first two items on the Extron mainmenu: the “Product” link and the “Technical” link.

Big Changes In CyberspaceYou may have noticed that

Extron’s website has

undergone a facelift. It may

appear that little has

changed outside of a few

minor cosmetic enhance-

ments, and there are a

number of new items worth

exploring. Over the next

several newsletters, we’ll be

taking a closer look at some

of the new features of

Extron’s website.


13

TECHNICAL MENU

The next item on the naviga-tional bar is the Technicalsection. This section containsa variety of technical articlespertaining to Extron productsand A/V technologies:Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ), A/V technologyprimers, application articles,reference lists of laptopcommands and graphic cardpin configurations, technicalsupport contact information,and an archive of Extron's technical papers. More specifically, you will find:

• Frequently Asked Questions: We get a lot of technical questions fromcustomers. We’ve taken the most common queries and posted them on our website to help you find answers more quickly.

• Technical Primers: These articles cover fundamental A/V technologies andproducts. If you’re looking for an introduction to basic electricity or an explana-tion of what a scan converter is and does, this is the area you’ll want to review.

• Technical Features: Extron has some of the leading minds in the A/V industryworking under its roof, and often we can get them to commit their ideas and tech-niques to paper (and screen). In this section, you’ll find articles written by Extronengineers and product developers that will help you get the most out of your A/Vapplications. In addition, they’ll cover emerging technologies and discuss theirimpact on the industry.

• Laptop Key Commands: Numerous laptops require a specific key sequence toactivate the external video port, and different laptops require different commands.This section provides a handy reference to those commands. Print it out and takeit with you, if you’d like.

• Graphic Card Pin Configurations: A handy reference that lists all of the mostcommon connector types for PC graphic cards in detail. Pin assignments, resolu-tion and frequency ranges are provided for easy reference.

• Technical Archive: A one-stop utility for finding any technical article that’s beenposted to Extron’s website. If you can’t find it in any of the above sections, checkhere.

* CAD Drawings are available in .DXF file-format and require AutoCAD or a similar CAD program to view them.

** The Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html.

StayTuned

to the next edition of

ExtroNews, as we continue to

explore the new and improved

features of Extron’s website.

Until then, stop by

http://www.extron.com

and see the new site

for yourself.


14

DDIIGGIITTAALL PPRROOJJEECCTTIIOONN

Digital Projection has recently introducedthe Lightning 10sx and Lightning 15sx totheir large venue LIGHTNING projectorline. The projectors incorporate the three-chip Digital Light Processing™ (DLP)technology. They have a horizontalscanning range of 15 to 120 kHz, a verticalscanning range of 24 to 100 Hz and anative resolution of 1280 x 1024, withsource compatibility up to 1600 x 1200/1920 x 1080 (compressed). The Lightning10sx offers an ultra-high-brightness of10,000 ANSI lumens brightness output,with the Lightning 15sx offering 12,000ANSI lumens. The projectors offer threeindependently configurable inputs on 5BNC connectors, which are selectable viaremote control. The projectors will acceptRGB, component video, S-video,composite video and serial digital inputs.The Lightning 10sx has a suggested listprice of $109,995 with the Lightning 15sxhaving a list price of $124,995.

Recommended Extron accessories: Forcomputer connection, use the RGB 202xi,RGB 302/304 or Architectural Series inter-faces. For RGB distribution, use ADASeries distribution amplifiers and BNCextension cables. Use the new DVS 100 toenhance video signals.

ExtroNews publishes information about newproducts that are relative to the Extron productline in the New News section. If you would like

a new product to be reviewed for New News,please send a press release, literature, contact

name and a four color slide or photo to:

Lightning 15sx

Pat Charlton, New NewsExtron Electronics1230 South Lewis StreetAnaheim, CA 92805Phone: 714.491.1500 ext. 6244

MMIITTSSUUBBIISSHHII

Mitsubishi has recently announced theX300 LCD projector. The X300 uses threepolysilicon active-matrix LCD panels toproduce a 1024 x 768 true XGA resolu-tion, or a maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 (compressed) to allow forlarger workstation compatibility. It iscompatible with PCs, Macintoshcomputers, workstations, NTSC, NTSC4.43, PAL, PAL M, PAL N, SECAM, PAL60, component video and HDTV. It has ahorizontal scanning range from 15 to 82 kHzand a vertical scanning range from 50 to85 Hz. The X300 weighs 13 pounds, offers2000 ANSI lumens brightness output, andhas a built-in 2D Y/C separation linedoubler. The projector inputs are: RGB (15-pin HD x2) and composite video (BNC and RCA). The suggested retailprice is $11,495.

Recommended Extron accessories: ForVGA, use the P/2 DA2 MT, P/2 DA2 Plus,SW 2 VGA DA2 A/AF or other VGAswitchers and VGA plenum and non-plenum extension cables. For Mac, use theMac DA2 Plus and our Mac/VGAadapters. Use the new DVS 100 to enhancevideo signals.

X300

BBAARRCCOO

BARCO has recently added theBarcoReality 6400 DLC to its family ofcompact LCD projectors. TheBarcoReality 6400 DLC offers a horizontalscanning range of 15 to 115 kHz, a verticalscanning range of 25 to 150 Hz and a trueSXGA (1280 x 1024) resolution. Thisprojector displays all sources from VHSvideo to the latest HDTV formats to high-resolution workstations with resolutions upto 2000 x 1280 pixels. The projector inputsinclude: component video, configurableRGB 5-wire BNC (RGBHV/BNC), VGA(15-pin HD), composite video (BNC orRCA), S-video (4-pin mini DIN) and aSDI serial digital input/output. The unit isequipped with 1.8" polysilicon LCD panelswith Micro Lens Array (MLA) anddelivers 3,400 ANSI lumens light output.The BarcoReality 6400 DLC has asuggested list price of $24,995 withoutlens. BARCO offers a full suite of lenseswith list prices ranging from $1,995 to$5,995.

Recommended Extron accessories: Forcomputer connection, use the RGB 202xi,RGB 302/304 or Architectural Series inter-faces. For RGB distribution, use ADASeries distribution amplifiers and BNCextension cables. Use the new DVS 100 toenhance video signals.

BarcoReality 6400 DLC


15

NNEECC

NEC has recently announced theMultiSync® XT5000, the industry’s firstultra-compact “Compact High LightOutput” (HLO™) projector. TheMultiSync XT5000 is compatible withcomputer signals up to 1280 x 1024 andvideo standards including NTSC, PAL,SECAM, Y/C, DVD, RGB and 1080i,720p and 480p HDTV. It is the first highlight output projector to have aPanelLink™ digital connection interface.The simple digital-to-digital connectionoffers the cleanest, artifact free computerconnection possible. D1 serial digitalinterface is also available. The projectorinputs are: RGB (RGBHV/BNC and 15-pin HD), component video, S-video (4-pin DIN), and composite video (RCA orBNC). It is designed for the large screenrental, staging and permanent installationmarkets and weighs 100 lbs. The suggestedlist price is $54,995.

Recommended Extron accessories: ForVGA, use the P/2 DA2 Plus, SW2 VGADA2 A/AF or other VGA switcher andVGA extension cables. For Mac, use theMac DA2 Plus and our Mac/VGAadapters. For direct digital signal distribu-tion and extension use the new D/2 DA4or DDTX/DDRX transmitter/receiver.

MultiSync™ XT5000

SSIIMM22

SIM2 Multimedia has recently announceda new super bright and lightweight LCDprojector, the SLC HB1. The SLC HB1 iscompatible with VGA, SVGA, XGA,SXGA (compressed), Mac 13", Mac 16",PAL, NTSC and SECAM. The projectorhas digital zoom, focus and magnification,plus video on data Picture in Picture. Itoffers a horizontal scan range of 15 to 80 kHz, a vertical scan range of 56 to 120Hz and a true 1024 x 768 resolution. Itprovides 1800 ANSI lumens brightnessoutput and weighs 13 pounds. Theprojector inputs are: RGB (15-pin HD x2),S-video (4-pin DIN), composite video(RCA) and USB input. The suggested listprice is $9,800 US Dollars.

Recommended Extron accessories: ForVGA, use the P/2 DA2 MT, P/2 DA2 Plus,SW 2 VGA DA2 A/AF or other VGAswitchers and VGA plenum and non-plenum extension cables. For Mac, use theMac DA2 Plus and our Mac/VGAadapters.

SLC HB1

RRUUNNCCOO

Runco has recently introduced a newDLP™ projector, the Reflection™ VX-1.The Reflection VX-1 can accept computerresolutions from 640 x 480 to 1280 x 1024.With a resolution capability of 1024 x 768,the Reflection VX-1 is the first single-chipDLP projector capable of both 1080i and720P HDTV signal reception. Theprojector inputs are: RGB/component (15-pin HD), S-video (4-pin DIN), andcomposite video (RCA). The ReflectionVX-1 weighs just 17 pounds and offers1000 ANSI lumens brightness output. Thesuggested list price for the Reflection VX-1is $14,995.

Recommended Extron accessories: ForVGA, use the P/2 DA2 MT, P/2 DA2 Plus,SW 2 VGA DA2 A/AF or other VGAswitchers and VGA plenum and non-plenum extension cables. For Mac, use theMac DA2 Plus and our Mac/VGAadapters. For component video distributionand switching use the SW 6 Componentswitcher or the ADA 6 Component distri-bution amplifier.

Reflection™ VX-1


16

four horizontal lines to three. How do youtake advantage of anamorphic DVD?

Simply go into the setup menu of yourDVD player. Look for a selection that tellsthe player what type of TV you have. Mostcurrent players have this feature; however,early models may be missing this control.Typically, selections will be: 4:3 standard,4:3 pan & scan, and 16:9 widescreen.Select 16:9 widescreen. Now the DVDplayer will show the movie in its actualanamorphic-recorded format. Yourwidescreen TV will naturally stretch theimage by about 33% to make it look normalagain. If you are showing the movie on aCRT projector, just have the projectoraspect ratio adjustments set for a 16:9 pres-entation. For standard 4:3 projectors, therewill be a problem. The image will looksqueezed just as on a standard TV. Unlessthe projector has special scaling features or a16:9 imager, you’ll have to run it in standardletterbox mode or 4:3 pan & scan mode.

VIDEO SCALINGUp to now, the discussion assumes thatmovies are played at the standard televisionscan rate. Today, image scaling is agrowing part of our involvement withproviding large screen images. Whetheryou’re using a direct-view CRT display, aCRT projector, or a fixed resolutionprojector of any type, image scaling hasadvantages. For fixed resolution projectors,scaling is a necessity… whether done inter-nally or externally.

Now, let’s get one thing clear right up front.Image information that does not exist on thesource material (disc, tape, etc.) will NOTbe created somehow in the scaling process.The purpose of image scaling is to make theimage fit (including black bars on letterboximages) the display-imaging device asclosely as possible. In other words, makethe scan rate format take advantage of theavailable pixel space provided by thedisplay. This is important for fixed resolu-tion displays like LCD projectors. If the

incoming material is letterboxed, the blackbars at top and bottom will be scaled alongwith the active picture. The aspect ratio ofthe picture is maintained. For CRT projec-tors, image scaling allows us to takeadvantage of the projector’s optimum reso-lution (the sweet spot). Also, because it is avariable resolution device, the image heightand width may be set anywhere within itsavailable range.

In a scaler, the television video is decodedand digitized into memory planes. Once inmemory, the image information may beread out at any number of rates. Thoseoutput rates that correspond to the sameaspect ratio will faithfully represent theincoming signal at the new line rate. Thismeans what goes in just comes out, butfaster. So, there is some confusion aboutjust what the scaler is doing. The image isscaled in terms of boosting its line rate andperceived resolution to some highergraphics display rate. We’ve been doingthat for a number of years with linedoublers and line quadruplers… they“scale” at integer multiples of either 2 or 4.

Because the fixed resolution projector mustmake the image fit the available pixel mapof its imager, scaling has specificallyaddressed the typical graphic resolutions ofimagers as their densities progressed interms of VGA resolutions (i.e. 640x480,800x600, 1024x768 and so on). Most ofthese “standard” resolutions are 4:3 aspectratio except for 1280x1024, which is 5:4.Here, some decisions must be made as tohow the 4:3 image will fit on the imager.Something must be sacrificed… either thewidth comes in or some pixels are lost attop and bottom.

There are essentially two types of scalers.The fundamental concept of a scaler mostpeople have in mind is one that changes theimage to any line rate and any aspect ratio.That type scaler exists… just call Snell &Wilcox. But, remember that when youchange the aspect ratio, you will distort the

image. To overcome aspect ratio distortion,complex image interpolation is required.The other type scaler (most common andcost effective) is the one that changes theimage scan rate to any one of the specificVGA line rates. Knowing ahead of timewhat the customer needs here makes thedesign of the scaler much simpler and lowercost. And, 98% of the time, that’s all weneed. That doesn’t mean that lower costscalers may not do some interpolation tointelligently size the image to fit an imager,many do.

SETTING UP FOR 16:9But, let’s get back to the issue of handlingwidescreen material with scalers and whatto do. As we proceed into the 16:9widescreen format, confusion arises withscalers. Remember that I said that ananamorphic DVD image would be correctedby the horizontal scan system of awidescreen TV? The scaler can perform thesame function if it can output 16:9 line

Aspect Ratiocontinued from page 5

StandardFilm & Video

4:3 or 1.33:1Aspect Ratio

New WidescreenTV Format

16:9 or 1.78:1Aspect Ratio

Academy MovieFormat

1.85:1Aspect Ratio

CinemascopeFormat

2.35:1Aspect Ratio

continued on page 18

FIGURE 1.


17

TV/Graphics

SignalSourceFormat

Image result for each of the popular signal formats (aspect ratio maintained)on popular displays, screens, or projector imagers.

DisplayFormat 4:3

4:3

1.33:1

AnamorphicMovie (DVD)

HDTV

16:9

Graphics(1280 x 1024)

5:4

LetterboxMovie

1.85:1

AnamorphicMovie (DVD)

1.25:1 1.78:1

5:4

16:9

LetterboxMovie

2.35:1

2.35:1

1.85:1

ASPECT RATIO CHARTASPECT RATIO CHART


18

ELIDE CARDOZElide handles the Midwest/CanadaTeam. In 1994, Elide began at Extron inCustomer Support for the NortheastTeam. She has held the position ofTeam Leader for the Midwest/CanadaTeam for the past two years.

Extron’s Internal PromotionsExtron is pleased to announce the promotions of Elide Cardoz, Humphrey den Dekker, and Casey Hall to the positions ofRegional Sales Managers. In their new positions, each will coordinate and manage a customer support team while providingdealer visits, on-site product demonstrations, and training. Elide, Humphrey, and Casey will also focus on sales analysis andparticipate at all Extron Schools On the Road held in their respective regions.

HUMPHREY DEN DEKKERHumphrey handles the Southeast/SouthAmerica Team. He began at Extron in1991 in the International SalesDepartment. From 1994 to 1995, hehelped establish our Extron Europeoffice in the Netherlands. Humphreyhas held the position of Team Leaderfor the Southeast/South America Teamfor three years.

CASEY HALLCasey handles the West Team. In 1996,Casey began at Extron in OrderProcessing. In 1997, he joined theCustomer Support Department and hasheld the position of Team Leader forthe West Team for the past year.

rates. Here’s what you do: Tell the DVDplayer you have a 16:9 widescreen displayfrom the setup menu. Now, input theanamorphic image from the DVD player toyour scaler. Set the scaler to output at oneof the widescreen rates, assuming that it hasthis capability. If you set the scaler for848x480, 1280x720, 1365x768, or1920x1080, the aspect ratio will becorrected for full vertical resolution andproper viewing in the 16:9 aspect ratio.

If widescreen rates are not available,increase the scaler’s vertical scan rate, ifyou can. This will shorten the image pictureheight and allow scaling to a high line rate

Aspect Ratiocontinued from page 17

scaled to 16:9 (often seen on plasmadisplays) will appear stretched horizontallyabout thirty-three percent. Obtaining thecorrect aspect ratio requires this material bedisplayed within the imager format withblack sidebars taking up unused image space.

A FITTING ENDConverting or scaling to make multipleimage formats fit within available displaytechnologies will continue to challenge us.Perhaps you’ll find the Aspect Ratio Charthelpful with image aspect ratios. Oh, and Iencourage you to join forces in favor ofanamorphic DVD releases. You can reallysee the difference.

for a 16:9 monitor, plasma display, or 16:9capable projector. Alternately, a 4:3 scaledanamorphic image may be corrected if thevertical height on the projector can bedecreased to create the 16:9 ratio. Thebottom line: regardless of using a scaler, ornot, widescreen movies must be letterboxedon a 4:3 display if you want to view fullimage width.

If you have a fixed resolution 4:3 or 5:4aspect ratio projector you will only be able todisplay the full image in a letterbox mode.This means that, for the correct aspect ratio,you will not realize full vertical resolution ofthe imager. Standard 4:3 television material

EXTRON ELECTRONICS/RGB SYSTEMS, INC.1230 South Lewis Street, Anaheim, CA 92805800.633.9876 714.491.1500 FAX 714.491.1517U.S.A.

EXTRON ELECTRONICS, EUROPEBeeldschermweg 6C, 3821 AH Amersfoort+31.33.453.4040 FAX +31.33.453.4050The Netherlands

EXTRON ELECTRONICS, ASIA41B Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 089003+65.226.0015 FAX +65.226.0019Singapore

EXTRON ELECTRONIC INFORMATIONEXTRONWEB™: www.extron.comEXTRONFAX™: 714.491.019224-hour access—worldwide!

800.633.9876 • www.extron.com

Architectural solutions for15-pin HDs with Audio

Extron’s P/2 DA2 WM is a wall mountable, one input, two buffered output VGA/XGA distribution amplifier with audio. For convenient architectural integration, this high performance DA fits flush into awall, podium, or table. This design combines shallow depth (under two inches) with mounting plates foreasy installation into existing walls. With 300 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth, the P/2 DA2 WM iscompatible with VGA, SVGA, VESA, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA sources and displays. An EC model is available for the European electrical channel mounting systems. The P/2 DA2 WM and P/2 DA2 EC are available with openings for Architectural Adapter Plates as additional signal connectors.

· Accepts VGA, SVGA, VESA, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA modes· 300 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth· ID bit termination selectable with dip switch· Converts unbalanced audio to balanced line-level audio · Level and peaking help maintain signal integrity for long cable runs

· Accepts VGA, SVGA, VESA, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA modes· 300 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth· ID bit termination selectable with dip switch· Converts unbalanced audio to balanced line-level audio· Level and peaking help maintain signal integrity for long cable runs

Extron’s SW2 VGA DA2 A and SW2 VGA DA2 AF are mountable, two input, dual buffered output combination switchers and distribution amplifiers. With 300 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth, the SW2 VGA DA2 A/AF switches two 15-pin HD sources to two buffered 15-pin HD outputs. For audio, theSW2 VGA DA2 A/AF switches two stereo audio sources to one stereo audio output. The SW2 VGA DA2 Aoffers all connectors on the back panel. The SW2 VGA DA2 AF is identical to the SW2 VGA DA2 A,except that one input source’s video and audio connectors are located on the front panel of the SW2 VGA DA2 AF.

· Accepts VGA, SVGA, VESA, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA modes· 300 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth· Converts unbalanced audio to balanced line-level audio· Auto-switching and manual modes available· Under-desk mounting brackets included; optional through-desk mounting brackets available

BUFFERED

LOCAL MONITOR

COMPUTER

INPUT

ID PIN11

ID PIN 4P/2 DA2 MT

INPUT

AUTO POWER

ID PINS

UN

ITY

GAIN/PEAKING100%

50%

114

AUDIO

BUFFEREDLOCAL MONITOR

WITH ADSPTM

P/2 DA2 WM

RGB 500 WITH ADSPTM

AUTO POWER

P/2 DA2 EC

ID PINS

100%

UNIT

Y

50%

GAIN/PEAKING


http://www.extron.com/product/product.asp?id=p2da2mt

http://www.extron.com/product/product.asp?id=sw2vgada2a

P/2 DA2 MTPart Number: 60-295-01

SW2 VGA DA2 APart Number: 60-297-01

SW2 VGA DA2 AFPart Number: 60-297-02

P/2 DA2 WMPart Number: 60-296-01

Extron’s P/2 DA2 MT is a mountable, one input, two buffered output VGA/XGA distribution amplifierwith audio. For discreet architectural integration, this compact DA offers convenient, detachable bracketsfor mounting under a conference table or podium. Optional brackets are available for through-desk mount-ing. With 300 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth, the P/2 DA2 MT is compatible with VGA, SVGA,VESA, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA sources and displays. Level and peaking help compensate for distortionassociated with long cable runs and bandwidth response from A/V display devices. Active audio interfacingconverts computer-generated, unbalanced audio to balanced line-level audio.

P/2 DA2 EC Part Number: 60-296-10


Extron School and Extron School On the Road Schedules1999Nov 18-19 ..........................................Extron School Sales Class ............................................Anaheim, CADec 2-3 ..............................................Extron School Tech Class ..............................................Anaheim, CADec 6-7 ..............................................Extron School On the Road ........................................New York, NYDec 8-9 ..............................................Extron School On the Road ........................................New York, NY

2000Jan 11-12 ............................................Extron School On the Road................................................Irvine, CAJan 13-14 ............................................Extron School On the Road................................................Irvine, CAJan 18-19 ............................................Extron School On the Road ..........................................Houston, TXJan 20-21 ............................................Extron School On the Road ..........................................Houston, TXJan 27-28 ............................................Extron School Sales Class ..............................................Anaheim, CA

EXTRON ELECTRONICS/RGB SYSTEMS, INC.1230 South Lewis Street, Anaheim, CA 92805800.633.9876 714.491.1500 FAX 714.491.1517U.S.A.

EXTRON ELECTRONICS, EUROPEBeeldschermweg 6C, 3821 AH Amersfoort+31.33.453.4040 FAX +31.33.453.4050The Netherlands

EXTRON ELECTRONICS, ASIA41B Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 089003+65.226.0015 FAX +65.226.0019Singapore

EXTRON ELECTRONIC INFORMATIONEXTRONWEB™: www.extron.comEXTRONFAX™: 714.491.019224-hour access—worldwide!

devices were fixed-resolution displays,primarily LCD projectors, DLP projec-tors, and plasma displays. HDTV andvideo materials were run off twoseparate QuVis digital recorders. “TheShoot-Out went extremely well. Thesignals were beautiful and the distribu-tion excellent,” remarks Steve Somers,Projection Shoot-Out Chairman andExtron’s VP of Engineering.

The dealer training, held immediately

after INFOCOMM Asia, involved morethan seventy-five dealers from variousparts of Asia. The dealers were split intotwo classes. One class attended thestandard Extron School training, whilethe other class focused on newproducts and hands-on training.

Extron thanks everyone who partici-pated in this year’s INFOCOMM Asiaactivities and looks forward to seeingyou at INFOCOMM Asia in 2001!

This past September Extron exhibitedour latest products at INFOCOMM Asia,hosted in Singapore. There was acontinual flow of visitors who stoppedby the booth to speak with our ExtronAsia support representatives, to see thenew products, and to watch thedemonstrations.

To show our appreciation for the tremen-dous support of our Asian dealers,consultants, and manufacturers, Extronheld a welcome reception the firstevening of the show. We greeted over300 guests at the reception and enjoyedthe opportunity to mingle with A/Vindustry professionals from all over Asia.

For the first time, the Projection Shoot-Out had no CRT displays in the displaydevice comparison event. All 38 display

Extron’s booth ofnew products andworking stations at INFOCOMM Asia ‘99in Singapore.

Extron at

new generation universal interface - extron electronics

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