Hitachi Leads The Way In Networking Technology With Introduction Of CP-X3010N 3LCD Projector

-- New CP-X3010N 3LCD Projector And New Software Updates Highlight Hitachi’s Leadership Position In Networking Innovation --

Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group, continues to lead the way in providing end-users with networking capabilities with the introduction of the new CP-X3010N 3LCD projector. Hitachi addresses the growing demand for networking technology with tools that lower the total cost of ownership as a result of added convenience, security and ease of operation.

“With the CP-X3010N being the networkable counterpart to the CP-X3010, Hitachi offers networking options for projectors of all sizes and applications,” said John Glad, product manager, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group. “In addition, with a variety of network-related functions proprietary to Hitachi, our networking capabilities are renowned in the industry.”

The CP-X3010N offers unmatched performance and convenience, with a brightness of 3,000 lumens, a 2000:1 contrast ratio and networking capability. The CP-X3010N features 16 Watts of built-in audio, eliminating the need for external speakers, while maintaining a low noise rating of 29 dBA in Eco Mode. Additionally, the CP-X3010N features a long lamp life of 3,000 hours in Standard Mode and 6,000 hours in Eco Mode.

The CP-X3010N also features Hitachi’s proprietary My Buttons functionality, allowing two programmable buttons on the projector to execute any projector command. The CP-X3010N also offers input Source Naming, allowing users to rename input sources to fit their needs. Closed Captioning functionality is also available with the CP-X3010N.

Alongside the introduction of the CP-X3010N, is the release of Hitachi’s Projector Management Application (PJMan) Version 7. This proprietary technology provides the functionality to control, diagnose and manage an individual or group of Hitachi projectors from a single location. The ability to produce queries and reports in real time is a new feature of this latest version, providing AV/IT managers with the ability to gather real-time and historical data to analyze projector usage and produce call tickets. PJMan’s advanced email, report and scheduling capabilities contribute to the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.

Additionally, Hitachi’s Projector Control Application (PJCtrl) allows a user to control the functions of their Hitachi Projector through a toolbar on their desktop or laptop PC. Since all of the functions for controlling the projector are on the PC, PJCtrl helps to reduce costs associated with lost remote controls and battery replacement.

Users can control up to five of the same Hitachi projectors simultaneously and can be customized to suit the user’s individual preferences and needs with PJCtrl. It also has an advanced control menu that is ideal for installation and maintenance. Depending on the projector model, users can control Hitachi projectors via a direct RJ-45 connection, an 802.11 b/g wireless connection, or an external Ethernet-to-Serial device.

With the importance of campus security, Hitachi’s proprietary My Image functionality allows AV/IT administrators to transfer still images, such as emergency alerts, from a PC to each projector on the network. When the My Image function is utilized, the images are automatically displayed on all the projectors, including the projectors that are not in use at the time. This is ideal for applications in which multiple projectors are networked across a large space, such as a school, campus or large corporate environment. My Image is ideal for sending presentation images ahead to a projector, sending morning announcements to rooms on campus or sending important notifications.

Also, Hitachi’s Projector Messenger Application (“PJMessenger”) software allows an administrator to send real-time (or stored) text messages that appear on the screen of the projector. This is ideal for sending campus wide announcements and important notifications. When used in conjunction with the scheduling function, notifications can be shown at preset times, making each screen a virtual message board.

Biamp Systems Acquires Creative Audio

In a major expansion of its audio engineering research and development capabilities, BIAMP® Systems today announced the acquisition of Creative Audio, of Brisbane QLD Australia. The acquisition, which was announced by BIAMP Systems President Ralph Lockhart, provides the company with immediate access to a highly evolved and experienced engineering development team that will enable BIAMP Systems to accelerate its R&D programs in digital audio networking technologies.

Currently, Creative Audio products are featured in many prestigious installations throughout the world including the US House of Representatives, the Sydney Opera House, Stadium Australia, and Heathrow Airport. The company has developed forward-looking networked technologies for audio control and communications, as well as advanced paging systems.

"Creative Audio has proven to have a remarkable technical core with a keen understanding of contractor requirements and end-user needs," Lockhart noted. "BIAMP Systems shares this close connection to the market and places a high value on providing innovative approaches that create valuable solutions for our customers. I am confident that our engineering teams, though separated by many miles, will jointly raise the bar in turning out great new products".

Creative Audio was established in Brisbane in 1986 as a technical development group focused on creating engineered product solutions for paging and audio communications applications. The company's products include entertainment communications systems and large scale automated paging control systems.

A CobraNet® licensee, Creative Audio has carefully assembled a team of highly qualified engineers and developed comprehensive in-house research and development capabilities. With dedicated expertise in analog and digital circuit design; professional audio systems engineering; software development and digital signal processing, the Creative Audio engineering team and the BIAMP Systems engineering team are highly complimentary, and the acquisition provides new resources and skill sets in the ongoing product development efforts of the company.

Commenting on the acquisition, Creative Audio Engineering Director, Neil Packer, said, "Rarely in business do companies achieve such a compelling fit as we have achieved with BIAMP today. Our engineering competencies will compliment the work BIAMP is doing extremely well, and there is a strong cultural fit as well".

"Our goal in acquiring Creative Audio was to take two strong design groups and leverage the best of both to apply bright minds and fresh approaches to the development of new product options for our customers," explained Steve Metzger, BIAMP Systems Vice President of Business Development. "Both organizations share a passion for excellence, and this move allows BIAMP to reach into new market opportunities with the same eye for creating forward-thinking solutions as we have with our current products. We're excited about what this means for us and our customers!"

The acquisition has no effect on the product distribution channel. Australian-based Audio Products Group (APG), a leading distributor of premium AV products and a valued Biamp partner, will continue on as BIAMP’s distributor throughout the Oceanic Region. The acquisition of the new organization will provide APG additional opportunities to bring innovative AV solutions to their market.