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NICE TO SEE YOU, TO SEE YOU ISE
Listed under: Show News
Published: Thursday, January 17, 2008
ISE seems to be the show that keeps on growing. Having seen a 50 per cent rise in visitor numbers from a total of 99 countries in 2007, the signs are good that ISE 2008 will be the biggest yet. Taking place once again in Amsterdam's RAI exhibition complex, the event will play host to more than 400 exhibitors, manufacturers' workshops, networking pavilions and events, demonstrations of the latest digital signage and home theatre technologies with lots more besides!
As well as the chance to see a plethora of treats from some of the leading players in the industry, there will be some all-new features this year, including the GUI gallery, a showcase of new ideas relating to control system interfaces; a pavilion dedicated to the installation of AV facilities in houses of worship; the ISE Presentation Theatre, in which visitors will be able to drop in on a series of seminars and workshops showcasing the latest developments within the corporate events market; and perhaps the most intriguing debut of all, an innovative, entirely open house demonstration of digital signage christened Expo TV.
With the assistance of Nexus Digital Signs, visitors will get the chance to experience first-hand the workings of an extensive signage network, from the creation and distribution of content, to its eventual display on a total of 48 screens located throughout the venue, comprising various passive and interactive models to highlight just how many signage options are available.
Wandering through the vast expanse of the RAI and seeing where your feet take you is one way, and a potentially rewarding one at that, to experience what ISE 2008 will have to offer. For the more business-like and/or short of time among you however, the Meeting Maker programme has been set up, whereby upon registering, attendees will be able to pre-book appointments with participating exhibitors. Those taking part include Sony, Crestron, DMI Europe, Toshiba and Philips, along with dozens of others. Full details and appointment forms can be found on the ISE website.
But of course, perhaps the main draw of an event like this is always going to be the chance to get an early glimpse at what the big names have in store over the coming year. By way of a heads up then, allow us to share with you some of the information that's reached us so far....
SONY - STAND S184
Japan's finest will be giving those present the chance to get a good look at their PCS-HG90 HD video communication system which, when used in conjunction with a series of LCD monitors, will make possible High Definition 3D image projection. On a similar theme, ISE 2008 will furthermore see the European launch of the company's first full HD, networked business projector. The VPL-FH300L promises to combine 6000 ANSI lumens with a 2k (2048x1080) resolution and boast extremely low levels of power consumption, as well as many other features. Also on show will be the IP conferencing and monitoring facilities of Sony's IPELA range, which promises to take video conference technology to the next level.
IMERGE - STAND J13
Designed as the perfect partner to their MS5000 media server, Imerge's new MP1000 Networked MediaPlayer promises to provide convenient access to remotely stored content, while also acting as an impressively featured standalone player in its own right. The built-in optical drive and impressive sound hardware should make it a worthwhile addition to any rack system or home theatre space, with the added bonus that it can upload and record content directly to the MS5000.
The same stand will additionally play host to new offerings from NetStreams and Polk. The former will be showing off their new TheaterLinX multi-room audio system – which is capable of seamless integration with an existing home cinema set-up – while the latter will be looking to impress the ears of passers-by with six new subwoofers. Their entry-level PSW and Micro Pro ranges promise both power and value, with the CSW155, following on from its launch at 2007's CEDIA Expo, catering to high-end users in the form of a rich-sounding, 1.5m-tall in-wall unit.
KALEIDESCAPE – STAND K63 //PIC2
The media storage specialists will be unveiling the latest upgrade to their KEAOS operating system, as used in the company's advanced media servers. Features new to KEAOS 3.5 include the ability to synchronise media libraries with iTunes, iPods and other digital audio players, increased drive security, a dedicated classical music interface and even the facility to share personalised movie scripts and favourite scenes with other Kaleidescape users.
AQUAVISION – STAND Q85 //PIC3
Purveyors of bath-based TV viewing Aquavision will be looking to make waves with their Series4 range of HD-Ready water resistant LCD screens. These uniquely feature an RS232 control port, which will enable operation from a suitable touch-panel located anywhere within the home – designed to be fully compatible with most automation control systems (including Crestron configurations), they should be well worth looking out for.
CRESTRON – STANDS F23 AND F14 //PIC4
Among the treats in store from leading automation provider Crestron will latest addition to the Isys touchpanel series (the TPS-6L), a new series of lighting products tailored to the European market and their Media Processing System, which aims to combine a control system, matrix switcher, mic mixer, audio processor and QuickMedia distribution centre in one rackmount-ready package.
Look out too for the powerful AMS-AIP home theatre processor – the latest addition to Crestron's Adanto Media System range. Boasting 1080p upscaling, scalable 'picture in picture' functions (perfect for security camera feeds) and even the ability to display a touchpanel layout (allowing the user to control HVAC and security devices from a basic remote interface), it's all set to give home theatre set-ups a major boost in functionality. Factor in built-in tuners, a 100W 7-channel amplifier, Ethernet connectivity and a host of other features, and it would seem that Crestron have another winner on their hands – but we'll let you be the judge.
ASHERIDGE COMMUNICATIONS – STAND Q1888
These UK distributors will be showing off the hardware offerings of its brand partners, including ZÕN's ZAS series of multi-room solutions, PureLink's DVI Matrix Routers, MuxLab's wide range of baluns and SCION Technology's video switching units.
SMART-E – STAND I90
Expect some heavy duty stuff to be on display from Smart-e, who will be introducing the SLX-50 short-range transmitter, a new CAT5 input module and a number of mid-range and high-end AV distribution matrices under the SNX banner.
BMB ELECTRONICS – STAND K28
The electronics supplier will be lifting the lid on the latest European releases from US-based Tributaries Cable, the Series 7 and Series 9 interconnects. Billed as the culmination of Tributaries' cable and connector design experience spanning some 15 years, the latter are to be the company's new flagship product. The Series 7 meanwhile promises to replicate the main design elements of its high-end sibling, while making use of more cost-effective materials. Both will be available in separate analogue audio, digital/video and HDMI varieties and will feature gold-plated, solid brass connections, solid metal covers and waterproof woven jacketing.
SPEAKERCRAFT – STAND C70
These in-wall speaker experts have chosen ISE 2008 as the launchpad for half a dozen new product ranges. Among the line-up will be a new revision of its MODE keypad, the MODE Free, which incorporates RF wireless functionality into a palm-sized portable display, while still retaining the extensive control features of its wall-mounted, hard-wired counterpart.
Also present will be three 'Mini' additions to Speakercraft's Theatre In Motion Experience (TIME) range. These in-ceiling speakers made a big splash last year, thanks to their ability to descend from their housings when activated, aided by a CAT5-powered miniature motor assembly. The smallest member of the family, the TIME Mini 2, now boasts an exterior diameter of just 145mm, while housing a 65mm full-range driver.
Bass-lovers should meanwhile keep an eye out for the company's introduction of three modular, in-wall subwoofer systems. Each muscular unit will contain a 'Cinema Sub' driver in either 8-, 10- and 12-inch variations, and feature the option to have them installed within an 'Accutune' cabinet.
LUTRON – STAND O75
Famous for their renowned automated lighting products, Lutron will be giving this year's ISE visitors a good look at their HomeWorks Control System, along with an early glimpse of its updated range of SeeTouch keypads. Dubbed SeeTouch International, these have been redesigned to appeal to users in various global territories, can be personally engraved and feature both infrared receiver control and contact closure inputs for connection to motion detectors and door sensors.
The company's Sivoia QED technology will also be making an appearance – a daylight control system for use in commercial and residential applications, this motorised roller and Roman blind solution will include near-silent electronic drives, simple installation and design features intended to make control of heavier drapes and furnishings more effective.
SMART TECHNOLOGIES – STAND K120
Interactive whiteboard specialists Smart Technologies will be looking to impress with their 600i, which combines a touch-sensitive display with the Unifi 45 Projector, making it a fully-integrated presentation system with plenty of appeal to business and educational users. Other products on show at their stand will further include their SMART Board 685, complete with 16:10 aspect ratio, promising-sounding SMART wall, Sympodium interactive pens and Actalyst interactive overlay.
ADAPT CONTROL SOLUTIONS – STAND N80
Scandinavian automation specialists Adapt will be hoping to make a name for themselves in the UK this year, with a big promotional push planned in the not-too-distant future. First stop for them will be ISE 2008 of course, where they'll be presenting their PPC-L60T and TPC-660G touchscreens. The former is due to feature a 6.4-inch TFT display, 400MHz on-board CPU, expandable RAM up to 512MB and a CompactFlash socket, all powered by either Windows CE 4.2 or XP Embedded. The latter, while sharing many of its cousin's features, will further add a fanless cooling system and an AMD LX800 CPU.
AMX – STANDS C62 and K36
The automation gurus are all set to have a sizeable presence at the event, with two demonstration areas in which they will be showcasing their latest residential and commercial wares, plus a dedicated multilingual 'education stand' (K36). Here delegates will be able to catch two specially-devised training seminars and view a rolling programme of 15-minute presentations throughout the event's duration, which will cover 'New Product Introduction' and 'Economical Room Control'.
On the product front, attendees can look forward to new offerings from the Procron, Matrix, AutoPatch and Inspired Signage ranges, the latter of which will include a five-screen demonstration of the company's time synchronisation module, allowing for real-time display of content across a limitless number of panels in any pixel configuration. From AMX themselves meanwhile, the 5.2-inch MVP-5200i Modero ViewPoint touchpanel and Metreau entry communication system will both be receiving their first European airings.
PRO DISPLAY – STAND R150
Several intriguing products from UK-based Pro Display will no doubt be grabbing the attentions of some attendees – the first of these being their Switchable Intelligent Glass Design. A form of optical glass that's able to change its appearance in the presence of an electrical current, a simple ON/OFF switch transforms its transparency to to translucency, which raises a whole series of exciting security, privacy and even projection surface possibilities.
Appearing alongside this will also be their Mirrorvision LCD screens – TFT panels that feature video and PC inputs and appear as mirrored surfaces when powered down, making them suitable for use in innumerable locations, from hotel elevators to bathrooms. Mirrored technology of a different kind is meanwhile put to good use throughout their Cinema Pro range of rear projection screens, which employ optical mirror rigs in either 80-, 100- or 120-inch sizes. Rounding off the company's show offerings will be their Canvas Art Wall Speakers – these combine the company's unique sound panel and transducer designs with a flatpanel 'canvas' appearance that can adorned with an extensive choice of images and designs, enabling them to blend well into any contemporary interior.
CEDIA – STAND N70
Of course, ISE 2008 wouldn't be complete without the presence of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association. Representatives of the organisation will be on hand, ready to discuss all aspects of CEDIA's work, with a drinks reception for its existing and prospective international members taking place at 4pm on the Tuesday.
ISE 2008 will also be the ideal opportunity to get up to speed with CEDIA's education programme. They will be mounting a series 45-minute 'bite-sized' seminars on the show floor free of charge, aimed at giving attendees a taste of the full CEDIA training experience. Topics covered will include integrated technology for low-carbon homes, technical design for high-performance home cinemas and the top ten technology and consumer trends in residential custom installation. Those interested will need to get in quick – places on these sessions can be reserved at the CEDIA stand, and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Visitors will also have the chance to attend the Association's RIBA-accredited CPD course for architects and design professionals, entitled 'Designing Future-ready homes'.
SVI – STAND F113
Don't forget, several representatives of this fine publication will also be in attendance. Stand F113 is where you'll find our editor and advertising team throughout the event, so do feel free to drop by – they're looking forward to seeing you there!
RAI Exhibition Centre (Halls 1-7)
Europaplein 2-22
1078 GZ Amsterdam
Netherlands
Opening hours:
Tuesday January 29
10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday: January 30
9:30 - 18:00
Thursday: January 31
9:30 - 16:00
Online pre-registration: €25 (£18 approx.)
Onsite registration: €40 (£29 approx.)
For further information visit: http://www.iseurope.org
With the assistance of Nexus Digital Signs, visitors will get the chance to experience first-hand the workings of an extensive signage network, from the creation and distribution of content, to its eventual display on a total of 48 screens located throughout the venue, comprising various passive and interactive models to highlight just how many signage options are available.
Wandering through the vast expanse of the RAI and seeing where your feet take you is one way, and a potentially rewarding one at that, to experience what ISE 2008 will have to offer. For the more business-like and/or short of time among you however, the Meeting Maker programme has been set up, whereby upon registering, attendees will be able to pre-book appointments with participating exhibitors. Those taking part include Sony, Crestron, DMI Europe, Toshiba and Philips, along with dozens of others. Full details and appointment forms can be found on the ISE website.
But of course, perhaps the main draw of an event like this is always going to be the chance to get an early glimpse at what the big names have in store over the coming year. By way of a heads up then, allow us to share with you some of the information that's reached us so far....
SONY - STAND S184
Japan's finest will be giving those present the chance to get a good look at their PCS-HG90 HD video communication system which, when used in conjunction with a series of LCD monitors, will make possible High Definition 3D image projection. On a similar theme, ISE 2008 will furthermore see the European launch of the company's first full HD, networked business projector. The VPL-FH300L promises to combine 6000 ANSI lumens with a 2k (2048x1080) resolution and boast extremely low levels of power consumption, as well as many other features. Also on show will be the IP conferencing and monitoring facilities of Sony's IPELA range, which promises to take video conference technology to the next level.
IMERGE - STAND J13
Designed as the perfect partner to their MS5000 media server, Imerge's new MP1000 Networked MediaPlayer promises to provide convenient access to remotely stored content, while also acting as an impressively featured standalone player in its own right. The built-in optical drive and impressive sound hardware should make it a worthwhile addition to any rack system or home theatre space, with the added bonus that it can upload and record content directly to the MS5000.
The same stand will additionally play host to new offerings from NetStreams and Polk. The former will be showing off their new TheaterLinX multi-room audio system – which is capable of seamless integration with an existing home cinema set-up – while the latter will be looking to impress the ears of passers-by with six new subwoofers. Their entry-level PSW and Micro Pro ranges promise both power and value, with the CSW155, following on from its launch at 2007's CEDIA Expo, catering to high-end users in the form of a rich-sounding, 1.5m-tall in-wall unit.
KALEIDESCAPE – STAND K63 //PIC2
The media storage specialists will be unveiling the latest upgrade to their KEAOS operating system, as used in the company's advanced media servers. Features new to KEAOS 3.5 include the ability to synchronise media libraries with iTunes, iPods and other digital audio players, increased drive security, a dedicated classical music interface and even the facility to share personalised movie scripts and favourite scenes with other Kaleidescape users.
AQUAVISION – STAND Q85 //PIC3
Purveyors of bath-based TV viewing Aquavision will be looking to make waves with their Series4 range of HD-Ready water resistant LCD screens. These uniquely feature an RS232 control port, which will enable operation from a suitable touch-panel located anywhere within the home – designed to be fully compatible with most automation control systems (including Crestron configurations), they should be well worth looking out for.
CRESTRON – STANDS F23 AND F14 //PIC4
Among the treats in store from leading automation provider Crestron will latest addition to the Isys touchpanel series (the TPS-6L), a new series of lighting products tailored to the European market and their Media Processing System, which aims to combine a control system, matrix switcher, mic mixer, audio processor and QuickMedia distribution centre in one rackmount-ready package.
Look out too for the powerful AMS-AIP home theatre processor – the latest addition to Crestron's Adanto Media System range. Boasting 1080p upscaling, scalable 'picture in picture' functions (perfect for security camera feeds) and even the ability to display a touchpanel layout (allowing the user to control HVAC and security devices from a basic remote interface), it's all set to give home theatre set-ups a major boost in functionality. Factor in built-in tuners, a 100W 7-channel amplifier, Ethernet connectivity and a host of other features, and it would seem that Crestron have another winner on their hands – but we'll let you be the judge.
ASHERIDGE COMMUNICATIONS – STAND Q1888
These UK distributors will be showing off the hardware offerings of its brand partners, including ZÕN's ZAS series of multi-room solutions, PureLink's DVI Matrix Routers, MuxLab's wide range of baluns and SCION Technology's video switching units.
SMART-E – STAND I90
Expect some heavy duty stuff to be on display from Smart-e, who will be introducing the SLX-50 short-range transmitter, a new CAT5 input module and a number of mid-range and high-end AV distribution matrices under the SNX banner.
BMB ELECTRONICS – STAND K28
The electronics supplier will be lifting the lid on the latest European releases from US-based Tributaries Cable, the Series 7 and Series 9 interconnects. Billed as the culmination of Tributaries' cable and connector design experience spanning some 15 years, the latter are to be the company's new flagship product. The Series 7 meanwhile promises to replicate the main design elements of its high-end sibling, while making use of more cost-effective materials. Both will be available in separate analogue audio, digital/video and HDMI varieties and will feature gold-plated, solid brass connections, solid metal covers and waterproof woven jacketing.
SPEAKERCRAFT – STAND C70
These in-wall speaker experts have chosen ISE 2008 as the launchpad for half a dozen new product ranges. Among the line-up will be a new revision of its MODE keypad, the MODE Free, which incorporates RF wireless functionality into a palm-sized portable display, while still retaining the extensive control features of its wall-mounted, hard-wired counterpart.
Also present will be three 'Mini' additions to Speakercraft's Theatre In Motion Experience (TIME) range. These in-ceiling speakers made a big splash last year, thanks to their ability to descend from their housings when activated, aided by a CAT5-powered miniature motor assembly. The smallest member of the family, the TIME Mini 2, now boasts an exterior diameter of just 145mm, while housing a 65mm full-range driver.
Bass-lovers should meanwhile keep an eye out for the company's introduction of three modular, in-wall subwoofer systems. Each muscular unit will contain a 'Cinema Sub' driver in either 8-, 10- and 12-inch variations, and feature the option to have them installed within an 'Accutune' cabinet.
LUTRON – STAND O75
Famous for their renowned automated lighting products, Lutron will be giving this year's ISE visitors a good look at their HomeWorks Control System, along with an early glimpse of its updated range of SeeTouch keypads. Dubbed SeeTouch International, these have been redesigned to appeal to users in various global territories, can be personally engraved and feature both infrared receiver control and contact closure inputs for connection to motion detectors and door sensors.
The company's Sivoia QED technology will also be making an appearance – a daylight control system for use in commercial and residential applications, this motorised roller and Roman blind solution will include near-silent electronic drives, simple installation and design features intended to make control of heavier drapes and furnishings more effective.
SMART TECHNOLOGIES – STAND K120
Interactive whiteboard specialists Smart Technologies will be looking to impress with their 600i, which combines a touch-sensitive display with the Unifi 45 Projector, making it a fully-integrated presentation system with plenty of appeal to business and educational users. Other products on show at their stand will further include their SMART Board 685, complete with 16:10 aspect ratio, promising-sounding SMART wall, Sympodium interactive pens and Actalyst interactive overlay.
ADAPT CONTROL SOLUTIONS – STAND N80
Scandinavian automation specialists Adapt will be hoping to make a name for themselves in the UK this year, with a big promotional push planned in the not-too-distant future. First stop for them will be ISE 2008 of course, where they'll be presenting their PPC-L60T and TPC-660G touchscreens. The former is due to feature a 6.4-inch TFT display, 400MHz on-board CPU, expandable RAM up to 512MB and a CompactFlash socket, all powered by either Windows CE 4.2 or XP Embedded. The latter, while sharing many of its cousin's features, will further add a fanless cooling system and an AMD LX800 CPU.
AMX – STANDS C62 and K36
The automation gurus are all set to have a sizeable presence at the event, with two demonstration areas in which they will be showcasing their latest residential and commercial wares, plus a dedicated multilingual 'education stand' (K36). Here delegates will be able to catch two specially-devised training seminars and view a rolling programme of 15-minute presentations throughout the event's duration, which will cover 'New Product Introduction' and 'Economical Room Control'.
On the product front, attendees can look forward to new offerings from the Procron, Matrix, AutoPatch and Inspired Signage ranges, the latter of which will include a five-screen demonstration of the company's time synchronisation module, allowing for real-time display of content across a limitless number of panels in any pixel configuration. From AMX themselves meanwhile, the 5.2-inch MVP-5200i Modero ViewPoint touchpanel and Metreau entry communication system will both be receiving their first European airings.
PRO DISPLAY – STAND R150
Several intriguing products from UK-based Pro Display will no doubt be grabbing the attentions of some attendees – the first of these being their Switchable Intelligent Glass Design. A form of optical glass that's able to change its appearance in the presence of an electrical current, a simple ON/OFF switch transforms its transparency to to translucency, which raises a whole series of exciting security, privacy and even projection surface possibilities.
Appearing alongside this will also be their Mirrorvision LCD screens – TFT panels that feature video and PC inputs and appear as mirrored surfaces when powered down, making them suitable for use in innumerable locations, from hotel elevators to bathrooms. Mirrored technology of a different kind is meanwhile put to good use throughout their Cinema Pro range of rear projection screens, which employ optical mirror rigs in either 80-, 100- or 120-inch sizes. Rounding off the company's show offerings will be their Canvas Art Wall Speakers – these combine the company's unique sound panel and transducer designs with a flatpanel 'canvas' appearance that can adorned with an extensive choice of images and designs, enabling them to blend well into any contemporary interior.
CEDIA – STAND N70
Of course, ISE 2008 wouldn't be complete without the presence of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association. Representatives of the organisation will be on hand, ready to discuss all aspects of CEDIA's work, with a drinks reception for its existing and prospective international members taking place at 4pm on the Tuesday.
ISE 2008 will also be the ideal opportunity to get up to speed with CEDIA's education programme. They will be mounting a series 45-minute 'bite-sized' seminars on the show floor free of charge, aimed at giving attendees a taste of the full CEDIA training experience. Topics covered will include integrated technology for low-carbon homes, technical design for high-performance home cinemas and the top ten technology and consumer trends in residential custom installation. Those interested will need to get in quick – places on these sessions can be reserved at the CEDIA stand, and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Visitors will also have the chance to attend the Association's RIBA-accredited CPD course for architects and design professionals, entitled 'Designing Future-ready homes'.
SVI – STAND F113
Don't forget, several representatives of this fine publication will also be in attendance. Stand F113 is where you'll find our editor and advertising team throughout the event, so do feel free to drop by – they're looking forward to seeing you there!
RAI Exhibition Centre (Halls 1-7)
Europaplein 2-22
1078 GZ Amsterdam
Netherlands
Opening hours:
Tuesday January 29
10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday: January 30
9:30 - 18:00
Thursday: January 31
9:30 - 16:00
Online pre-registration: €25 (£18 approx.)
Onsite registration: €40 (£29 approx.)
For further information visit: http://www.iseurope.org
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