LifeSize, a global leader in high definition video communications, announced the release of LifeSize 3.0, the latest software revision to the world’s most advanced and affordable high definition video products, LifeSize® Room™ and LifeSize® Team™.

New features of LifeSize 3.0 include increased embedded multipoint functionality with support for 6-way voice activated switching and 4-way continuous presence, allowing for four on screen participants plus data streaming. Significant camera enhancements in auto focus, auto exposure, and color correction were also achieved in LifeSize 3.0 which allows for optimal performance in any lighting environment.

“With LifeSize 3.0 we deliver a rich, immersive telepresence experience that is even more vivid and lifelike than ever before. As with our complete portfolio of video solutions we continue to innovate and enhance the performance of our products,” said LifeSize CEO, Craig Malloy. “We strive to make it the best video communications solution in the marketplace.”

“We believe in the power of video and the ability it has to truly change the way people communicate. We remain committed to making our high definition products affordable, accessible, full-featured and easy to use for everyone, everywhere.”

“LifeSize Room turns any room into a telepresence environment simply by using your existing broadband network,&rdquo said Casey King, CTO LifeSize. “”Additionally with LifeSize 3.0, not only are up to 6 participants able to join a video call, but because the embedded multipoint conferencing feature is fully integrated it is far easier to use.”

In addition to the release of LifeSize® 3.0, LifeSize unveiled LifeSize SDI Adapter. This easy-to-use hardware device connects third party HD cameras, including the Sony EVI-HD1 HD camera, to the LifeSize® Room™ video solution.

According to BBC news - Sony are due to release “an ultra-thin television” that is “brighter and crisper than current generation screens”

The TV, which is due to go on sale in December uses organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) to produce the image, resulting in a screen only 3mm thick.

OLED screens are said-t0-be more energy efficient than the popular LCD panels - as they do not need a backlight to boost brightness.

The BBC also states that it is  “difficult and expensive” to make large screens using the [OLED] technology. Sony’s first OLED TV costs £850 (roughly $1700 CAD) and has an 11 inch display.

OLED screens are brighter than LCD panels and also have better contrast ratio - resulting in sharper pictures.

The diodes emit a brilliant white light when attached to an electricity supply and are also being developed for use as replacements to traditional light bulbs.

Sony has hailed the new television as a signal of its returning strength as a technology innovator.

Sony’s president, Ryoji Chubachi said at a news conference at its Tokyo headquarters: “Some people have said attractive products are slow to come at Sony despite its technological strength”

He added:”I want this world’s first OLED TV to be the symbol of the revival of Sony’s technological prowess.

“I want this to be the flag under which we charge forward to turn the fortunes around.”

Sony’s executive deputy president, Katsumi Ihara said: “I don’t think OLED TVs will replace LCD TVs overnight. But I do believe this is a type of technology with very high potential, something that will come after LCD TVs.”

The new TV goes on sale in Japan on 1 December. There are no plans for a global launch as yet.

The OLED TV has a lifespan of about 30,000 hours of viewing - half that of Sony’s LCD televisions.

(Reference BBC News)

With summer well underway and people spending much more of their time outdoors, the timing of a new innovative technology launch at Advanced will be a hit with any business looking to push the boundaries of where it displays its media and entertainment.

Don’t let the environment constrain your displays

In the past, video displays have largely been confined to dry, indoor areas due to problems with ambient light and fears that inclement weather or dust build-up could damage the equipment.

HD picture quality outdoors, even in the rain

AQUiVO is a revolutionary new range of weather resistant LCD screens, specifically designed for use outdoors and in wet, humid or dusty environments. These unique screens offer the latest HD picture quality, with an IP56 all-weather protection rating for use in beer gardens, bathrooms, spa areas, hospitality areas and terraces.

Defense against water, dust, humidity and contact

IP stands for Ingress Protection, the level of rating given to a screen in its defense against water, dust and humidity and suitability for use outside. Dust is prevented from entering in any amount that is harmful to the working of the screen, and the screen is completely protected against contact. AQUiVO screens are protected against water from heavy seas or projected in powerful jets, and these will not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities.

Crystal clear images even in bright sunlight

Every screen in the range has a fully sealed, lightweight aluminum frame and a toughened glass front, finished with an anti reflective coating which means they can display excellent quality pictures even in bright sunlight.

Limitless display solutions

Come rain or shine, humidity or dust, the state of the art LCD panels ensure superb brightness, contrast and colour quality. This makes these screens the first LCDs suitable for use on patios, for sporting events, in spas, theme parks, on public transport and at golf courses, to name but a few.

The largest screen of its kind

The screens are currently available in 3 sizes including 55″, the largest screen of its type on the market, with either HD Ready or Full HD technology resolution.

For more information on the groundbreaking range of AQUiVO screens, contact us at 905-502-1110 or visit http://www.apgdisplays.com/products/aquivo/.

ADVANCED announces a SMART new product launch—the Senteo interactive response system

Advanced is now carrying the new Senteo™ interactive response system by SMART Technologies Inc. From Radio Frequency (RF) technology and large LCD screen (3 lines of text), to ergonomic design and extended battery life, SMART has bundled an impressive set of features in the Senteo interactive response system. SMART reports that the Senteo interactive response system, which was launched June 1, has already garnered highly positive feedback.

Meet Senteo

The Senteo interactive response system is a handheld assessment tool designed to enhance learning. Combined with a USB receiver and a set of radio frequency handsets, the system enables educators and presenters to quiz, poll, assess and gauge audience understanding, all within SMART’s Notebook software. The Senteo interactive response system can be used along side the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, or with a projector, PC and white screen.

Formative and summative assessment

You can use the Senteo interactive response system in a classroom or training environment. A moderator can pose a question and within seconds the respondents’ answers are anonymously logged on a laptop at the front of the room. With the system, trainers can get instant feedback by posing questions before, during or after a lesson to find out if students are on track. When employers need to confidentially acquire employees’ opinions, the Senteo interactive response system can be used for polling. The Senteo response system eases fears of giving a wrong answer in front of peers, or of expressing unpopular opinions. In all cases, immediate feedback is received which can be later used to help shape the rest of the lessons or future organizational changes. By providing instant feedback, the system increases the vital one-to-one interaction between parties.

SMART features

This highly intuitive system includes remotes, a central receiver and powerful software that allows you to quiz, survey and assess. The Senteo also works seamlessly with Notebook™ software and Microsoft® Word, Power- Point® and Excel® software.

For a Senteo or SMART board Interactive whiteboard demonstration, contact us at 905-502-1110 or email us at sales@advanced-inc.com.

Infinite Plasma… the world’s first modular bezel-less plasma panels designed to connect seamlessly, display beautifully and expand infinitely.

Bezel-less
With less than 5mm separates the high quality plasma image from the edge of the unit, countless 42″ plasma panels can be joined together in a large screen format to carry huge, virtually seamless images.

Modular
The panels can be used alone, to create a slick “floating image”, or in combination to create any number of interesting configurations including horizontal or vertical strips, partial brick walls or massive displays.

Infinite Applications

Perfect for:

• control room, command centre or broadcast facility
• conference room, boardroom or lobby
• concert hall, church, museum or public space
• airport, train station, museum or gallery
• retail environments, sporting arenas
• dynamic digital signage
• exhibition hall, display booth or convention centre
• reception areas that entertain during registration
• exhibition booths that stop traffic
• awards events
• corporate presentations,

With Infinite Plasma, the possibilities are truly infinite.

About Advanced Products Group

Advanced Products Group is a division of Advanced Inc., Ontario’s leading provider of presentation products, services and solutions to corporations, educators and government. Advanced Products Group’s mission is to search the world for the latest, most innovative, highest

impact audiovisual products and bring them to Canadian marketers and a Canadian audience via rental or sales.

Currently, APG offers:

• • Infinite Plasma™, bezel-less, high resolution multi-plasma display
• panels that connect to create an infinite range and size of display
• options
• • 84” Plasma™, the worlds largest plasma screen
• • 61”, 55” & 50” plasma displays
• • HoloScreen, displays a projected image on any transparent surface
• • More unique products are on the way.

To learn more about Infinite Plasma and other innovative products, call Andrew Salamon at 905-502-1110, or email plasma@advanced-inc.com