Toronto-based, specialist audio visual consultants to the education sector, Advanced Inc., are pleased to announce the implementation of a number of value-add initiatives designed to rejuvenate and enhance students’ usage at the University of Toronto.

The deployment consisted of a ceiling-mounted projector and projector screen, a digital audio processor, a large flat-panel LCD screen and a multi-functional, portable, custom lectern for presenters.

The brief:
The two guiding principles set out by the University of Toronto before embarking on the project was:

• Ease-of-use/user friendliness
• Maintaining a low overall cost by using the most economical products.

The project in detail:

• Ceiling-mounted projector & projection screen
  A large Draper projection screen was installed on the east wall for presentations projected from an NEC ceiling-mounted projector fixed on a Draper motorized lift.The projector can be raised above the operating height when not in use however, the main purpose of the lift is to lower the projector to ground level for service and lamp replacement.

• Digital audio processor
  The system is also equipped with a Biamp digital audio processor to control audio signals and matrix them to specific areas of the space used for the events taking place. Audio signals from the presentation system and voice support are processed through the d.a.p. and connected to Biamp power amplifiers that drive the room’s TOA speaker system.

• Large, flat panel LCD monitor
  A large-format, NEC, 65″ flat panel LCD monitor was mounted on the side wall that will be used to display either the University’s branded digital signage or live TV.

• Portable, custom lectern with touch panel
  A portable custom lectern was provided for presenters. The lectern has the facility to connect a laptop to the system and a Crestron control touch panel on the lectern allows the presenter to control all aspects of the audio visual presentation. Additionally, the room environment can also be controlled including lighting levels along with motorized blinds.

For more details on our range of products and expert services for the education sector,  contact Advanced Presentation Products now or call us TOLL FREE at (800) 436-6239.

At CES, Casio announced that it has created a mercury-free laser and LED hybrid light source, capable of high-brightness projection for use in the next-generation projectors the company has developed under its “clean & green” concept. Casio is releasing a line of GREEN SLIM projectors with the new light source, introducing the world’s first mercury-free high-brightness data projectors.



How?  Well, according to Casio, they have achieved this high brightness by combining a laser, a fluorescent element and an LED. Casio has achieved a high output of green light, which has been considered difficult with conventional semiconductor light sources, by very efficiently converting blue laser light into green light, using the fluorescent element. The high-brightness light of 2,000 or more lumens was then attained by projecting blue laser light, green light converted from blue laser light with the fluorescent element, and light emitted by a red LED through a DLP chip onto the screen.

Use of the laser and LED hybrid light source makes Casio’s GREEN SLIM projectors the world’s first data projectors bright enough (2,000-3,000 lumens) for projection in a well lit room without using a high-pressure mercury lamp.

At CES Casio actually showed nine different models of 2000-3000 ANSI lumen GREEN SLIM projectors; however, the only one that’s realistically going to ever be used in the home theater market would be the XJ-A240, a 2500 ANSI lumen 1280×800 projector – but even that is a stretch as it’s only 720p at best.  However, we bring you this news story to alert you to this new technological break-through as you are likely to see more LED-based laser projectors.

If you want to understand the technology in detail, you’re out of luck as Casio doesn’t have a whitepaper on the subject yet.  In the meantime, go read this release from Casio Japan:  http://www.casio.co.uk/News/Casio_Releases_Worlds_First_Mercury_Free_High-Brightness_Projectors/

Now you can experience the benefits that instant assessment can bring to your classroom through a new trial offer from Advanced Education in partnership with SMART.

For a limited time, we’re inviting educators in Ontario to apply to try SMART Response™ interactive response system free for 30 days. There’s no charge and no obligation to purchase at the end of the trial.

Trying is believing

SMART products complement each other - and many of them extend the capabilities of the SMART Board™ interactive whiteboard. These products support all modes of instruction and help teachers engage students who have varying abilities and learning styles.

After trying SMART Response in your classroom, we hope you’ll agree that it’s an easy and effective way to assess student learning. With instant insight into student understanding, teachers can adjust instruction to ensure all students grasp a concept before moving on to the next topic. Teachers are also able to track student performance and manage assessment results using the system’s comprehensive tracking and reporting features and built-in gradebook.

Learn more about SMART Response.

Don’t delay. Apply today.

This offer is available only until February 8, 2010. To get started, simply complete the online application form. You’ll then be contacted by Advanced Education if you are chosen to participate.

If you are selected to be part of this free trial program, you’ll also have access to an exclusive website containing links to content, resources, training and professional development materials that can help you get the most from your experience with SMART Response. For additional information, please contact us at info@advanced-inc.com.

Apply Now.

This video from Advanced Products Group (APG) showcases a recent installation of a 3 x 3 panel Infinite Plasma Wall.

It was shot at the new Ferrari of Ontario dealership in Vaughan, Ontario to celebrate the launch of the new Ferrari California in Canada.

APG offers flexible, highly competitive design and rental services to help create an amazing audio visual experience for either a one-off event or for a more permanent application.

Our focus is placed exclusively on the successful design and implementation of high-end, high-impact display solutions that provide maximum impact to your exhibition stands, boardrooms, award shows, conferences and live events.

For more information visit: www.apgdisplays.com.

Mississauga, Toronto, ON. - APRIL 2009.

Leading provider of audio visual solutions across Canada, Advanced Inc., has  qualified as an InfoComm International Diamond AudioVisual Solutions Provider (AVSP).

This designation recognizes that a percentage of the company’s sales, customer service and technical staff have achieved and maintained individual InfoComm Certification and have completed relevant coursework from the InfoComm Academy.

InfoComm awards individual Certification to audiovisual professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and comprehension of the science and technology used in communications including audio, video, display and systems.

“…professionalism and an aspiration to excellence…”

“An AVSP designation gives AV companies a competitive advantage in the marketplace,” said Randal A. Lemke, InfoComm International’s executive director.

He added, “Customers of audiovisual communications and presentation systems can be confident of professionalism and an aspiration to excellence when working with these companies that have invested in education and training to stay current on the latest AV technologies and techniques.”

Emphasis on best practice

The company-level AVSP recognition program is the only such program available for the commercial audiovisual industry. In addition to confirming that a percentage of the company’s employees are InfoComm certified and have completed important coursework, the Diamond AVSP designation means that Advanced Inc. has agreed to comply with 10 Standards of Excellence developed in collaboration with industry experts to emphasize the best practices of audiovisual businesses.

Customers first

The Standards of Excellence are a guidepost for audiovisual companies and professionals who place the customer first and offer quality audiovisual solutions. They include the commitment to provide complete customer satisfaction with audiovisual solutions that provide value to the client.

They convey the importance that audiovisual solutions providers place on their own skills development through continuing education. They also cover the critical role that audiovisual professionals play as partners with IT specialists, architects, building managers and others.

What are the ‘Ten Standards of Excellence?’

Developed in collaboration with industry experts to emphasize the best practices of AV businesses, Advanced Inc. adheres to the following standards:

1. Complete Solutions - The AV Solutions Provider (AVSP) works to provide a comprehensive AV system that meets the client’s communications needs.
2. Informed Advice - The AVSP pursues a collaborative relationship with the client to understand the needs and recommend solutions to achieve complete customer satisfaction.
3. Best Value - The AVSP seeks to give the client the best possible value and return on investment.
4. On-Going Technical Support - The AVSP provides on-going support for the AV system through warranty and maintenance programs to ensure the system’s usability and the client’s satisfaction.
5. Systems Compatibility - The AVSP designs or provides a seamless operational interface for components used in a rental environment or permanent installation to create a stable and viable system.
6. Scalability - The AVSP designs and integrates AV systems that promote ease-of-use, long-term cost-effectiveness and upgradeability.
7. Clear Scope of Work - The AVSP specifies in the proposal and quotation all the necessary components and services required to create the AV system and clearly calls out and discusses any exceptions.
8. Appropriate Documentation - The AVSP provides appropriate and complete documentation of the system as specified in the vendor’s proposal and quotation or the consultant’s specification.
9. Expert Technical Staff - AVSP staff are in programs to become industry certified, to maintain their certification and to keep current on new developments in AV technology.
10. Training Support - The AVSP is a source of professional training services to help the client become proficient in using AV technologies and systems and to advance their communications goals.

Get in touch

For more information on this designation, contact Advanced Inc. via this website, e-mail us or call us on (905) 502-1110.

Catch the BIG GAME on a 126″ Video Wall, or in the Great Outdoors

Where will you catch all the action of the Super Bowl this year?  It is a question many sports fans ask, and our answer is dependant on a number of variables – Is anyone having a Super Bowl party?  Which sports bar has the best atmosphere?  What venue has the biggest and best TV?

For the best viewing experience, sports fans can watch the Super Bowl on a 103” Plasma TV from Panasonic. Can’t afford the $75,000 price tag? Rent it! Advanced Products Group (APG) is the only Canadian company that can make it possible. APG’s unique screen lifter ensures the 103” Panasonic will be delivered to any location for the big game.

And how about watching the game on a 126” High Definition Bezel-less Video Wall?

You can catch the Super Bowl on the Infinite Plasma, an amazing video wall, at locations around Toronto including Hoops Sports Bar & Grill, The Loose Moose Tap and Grill, or select Shoeless Joe’s to name a few!

“Good food and cold beer only go so far in the world of sports bars.  The locations with the largest and most elaborate HD displays generally win the battle when it’s time to pick a location to watch the big game,” said Andrew Salamon, General Manager, Advanced Products Group. “For bar and restaurant owners, renting a screen is a great way to generate more revenue on Super Bowl night, or any other major sporting event.”

You can watch the big game outside on your favourite sports bar patio, or even in your own hot tub. For those of us who want to watch the game in the outdoors as they lounge in a hot tub, you can now do so through a 23”, 32” or 46” All-Weather LCD SunBrite TV available through Advanced Products Group.  These HD LCD displays are resistant to snow, rain, humidity, dust and insects, and can be left outdoors year round as they are operational in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 50°C. 

See a weather resistant display in action at Jack Astor’s Toronto. And enjoy the game! Wherever you choose to watch the Super Bowl this year, Advanced Products Group has the display solution for you.

APG Supplies Outdoor TVS to Jack Astor’s

Mississauga, On – November 17, 2008 – Today, Advanced Products Group (APG) is pleased to announce a distribution agreement with AQUiVO to supply their range of weather resistant LCD screens across Canada. APG is also the leading distributor for SunBriteTV, the all weather outdoor LCD television. As part of this announcement, APG announced that Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill in Toronto has purchased four 47” outdoor AQUiVO LCD TVs.

“The addition of the outdoors LCD TVs keeps our patios open longer, generates more revenue and keeps our guests coming back, “said Andrea Jacks, general manager and partner, Jacks Astor’s Bar & Grill. “Simply put, having LCD TVs that are weatherproof keep our guests happy. They are a great boost to our business.” 

“Adding LCD TVs is a simple way to generate more revenue for your restaurant on game and event nights. Bar and restaurant owners are thrilled with the fact that they have now extra seats generating much more revenue now that the TVs are outside,” said Andrew Salamon, General Manager, APG. “Statistics prove that patrons will stay longer, eat and drink more on the patio if they are entertained via these TV’s. And customers experience all the excitement and quality with outdoor TVs – now, there is no need just gather at the bar.”

Both APG distributed LCD TV lines, are ideal for a variety of outdoor situations, including patios, pub gardens, shopping centres, public transport, outdoor marketing events, and other environments that require specialist, hardwearing screens, such as spas or swimming pools.

The pricing on different screen sizes range from $1,900 to $35,000 (CDN).“For events, concerts, patios, sports stadiums and more, our line-up of weather resistant LCDs, from AQUiVO and SunBrite, adds excitement to a venue or event,” adds Salamon. “You can entertain your guests outdoors in any weather condition – even during our icy Canadian winter. If you have the event or venue, APG has the outdoor screens for any situation and weather condition.”

AQUiVO LCD TV’s are constructed with fully sealed, lightweight aluminum frames and a toughened glass front, the of weather resistant LCD screens are perfect for outdoor use at a variety of events or permanent locations, such as pubs, bars, sports venues, and many other applications.  The AQUiVO is capable of enduring a variety of weather conditions, including rain, humidity and dust. The LCD TV’s also ensure superb brightness, contrast and colour quality. The AQUiVO screens come in five different sizes, 42”, 47”, 52, 57” and 70”.

SunBrite TV’s all-weather outdoor LCD televisions are designed for permanent outdoor residential and commercial installation. Ideal for Canadian winter - internal thermostatically controlled heater protects the TV in temperatures as low as minus 31 degrees Celsius. The corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum exterior protects the internal TV components from rain, dirt, insects and other outdoor elements. The SunBrite TV comes in three different sizes, 23”, 32” and 46”.

About Advanced Products Group

Advanced Products Group are experts in creating the right presentation environment and offer the most successful design and implementation of high-end, high-impact display solutions that provide maximum impact to exhibition stands, boardrooms, award shows, conferences and live events. For more information please visit www.apgdisplays.com

Advanced Products Group (APG) had a starring role at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with products featured at the film party for the premiere of the Bahamian movie “Rain.”

“It’s Better in The Bahamas” and APG made it a dynamic reception for the premiere of “Rain” at an exclusive reception at Six Steps restaurant. The event was hosted by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Film Commission to celebrate their first film at TIFF. Bahamas Film Commissioner Craig Woods flew in from Nassau along with the movie’s stars Marion Bethel, Renal Brown and Ron Butler. The film was shown on a 60” NEC Plasma provided by APG.

APG Solution (Rental):

For the event for the film “Rain,” APG set up a 60” NEC Plasma TV to show the film as the crowd mixed and mingled.

For more details on this event or to request information on Advanced Product Group’s range of commercial services, please contact esales@advanced-inc.com or call (905) 502-1110.

Click thumbnails below to view larger pictures.

Introducing the giant 82-inch professional-grade LCD for digital signage and corporate information display from Advanced Inc, Canada’s leading provider of audio visual products and services.

82” professional-grade LCD display ideal for corporate and digital signage applications.

Enhance your image in a big way. The 82” NEC MultiSync LCD8205 delivers big-screen performance and capabilities for your corporate and digital signage applications.

Its sheer size (landscape orientation provides an active screen area of almost six feet in width and more than three feet in height) captures the attention of audiences both near and far. And with full high-definition resolution, lightning-quick response times, the widest possible viewing angles and high brightness/contrast, your images and messaging keep all eyes on the screen.

This level of performance makes this display ideal for corporate lobbies and boardrooms, digital signage applications and tradeshows/events, leaving positive, lasting impressions.

• High brightness (600 cd/m2) helps overcome ambient lighting obstacles for distraction-free viewing
• Remarkable contrast (5000:1) provides for staggeringly deep blacks and improved color depth
• Thermal protection includes fan-based technology specially designed to work in both landscape and portrait modes and be controlled locally or remotely. Internal temperature sensors control self-protective circuits, while special self-diagnostics communicate the status of the thermal characteristics
• Protective panel (optional; LCD8205-P) creates new display opportunities in high-traffic or potentially hazardous environments
• TileMatrix™ allows you to create video walls (up to 16 displays in a 4×4 matrix equaling 27 ft. diagonal)
• TileComp™ works in tandem with TileMatrix to compensate for the bezel width and create a more seamless video wall
• Five picture and audio modes adjust the picture and sound, optimizing for the best viewer experience
• Color temperature adjustable from 2600 - 10,000K, allowing for perfect whitepoint matching across screens as well as matching to source devices
• AmbiBright™ technology automatically adjusts the backlight depending on ambient lighting brightness for optimal picture quality and viewing.

For more information on NEC LCD Displays, contact Advanced Inc. or call 905-502-1110.

Advanced Products Group. Audio Visual Displays, Products, Services & Solutions - Right Across Canada.

Advanced Products Group (APG) played a vital supporting role during A-list celebrity Ashlee Simpson’s recent visit to fashion chain Zellers in Toronto.

The renowned audio video specialist provided a large format, state-of-the-art HD plasma screen as a backdrop to the ‘Request’ fashion line promo in which Ms. Simpson also sang a snippet of “Pieces Of Me”.

Ashlee Simpson starred at a Zellers’ fashion promo in front of an Advanced Inc. 103” plasma screen.

The Event:
The 23-year-old singer was in town to promote Zellers’ ‘Request’ line of fashion and accessory products at Square One Shopping Centre, located in Mississauga, Ontario and home to Canada’s largest Zellers store at 163,000 square feet.

About Zellers:
Zellers Inc. is Canada’s second-largest chain of mass merchandise department stores, with 282 locations in communities across Canada. Zellers is headquartered in the Toronto suburb of Brampton, Ontario, and is a subsidiary of Hudson’s Bay Company (”HBC”). The chain offers customers value, stylish brands, service, price competitiveness and great value through “Every Day Low Prices”.

Project Details:
APG was contacted by HBC to once again provide a cutting edge, show-stopping, digital display for a marketing event they were planning; the event was a high-profile Ashlee Simpson appearance at the Square One Zellers location where she promoted Zellers’ new ‘Request’ clothing line and was interviewed by Rick Campanelli - host of CTV’s ‘Entertainment Tonight’.

Previous projects with HBC included an 18’ wide Infinite Plasma video wall, used as the stage backdrop during the fashion-show press launch of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games ‘Team Canada’ uniforms.

APG Solution (Rental):
The 103” plasma was decided upon as the best solution for what HBC wanted to accomplish – a high-profile, larger than life display, while taking up a minimal footprint on stage and a lightning-fast setup and dismantle time. Due to the event taking place in the middle of Zellers’ retail floor, lengthy setup and dismantle times were out of the question.

The 103” displayed 1080p video loops of Zellers’ Ashlee Simpson ‘Request’ clothing TV commercials, as well as other custom-created High Definition HBC content. Two separate video sources were fed into a Folsom Image Pro unit, and then exported to the 103” Plasma via RGB. Operating resolution was 1920 x 1080.

As Ashlee Simpson fans began arriving at 7:30am for her noon appearance, the  provided the audience with fantastic visual stimulation while they waited, displaying a 44-minute video loop of Zellers and Ashlee Simpson related advertising spots and information. It also provided an amazing background during the press conference for Ashlee Simpson.

For more details on this event or to request information on Advanced Product Group’s range of commercial services, please contact esales@advanced-inc.com or call (905) 502-1110.

Advanced Products Group. Audio Visual Displays, Products, Services & Solutions - Right Across Canada.