When it comes to implementing the system control portion of an A/V project, there are two distinct choices available: configuration or programming. Extron MediaLink®, IP Link®, and now TouchLink Systems are all designed from a configuration approach. For most applications, configurable systems offer significant advantages over programmable systems, and provide benefits for consultants, integrators, end users, and even programmers.
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This paper discusses and clarifies the issues surrounding the analog sunset and the implications for Blu-ray Disc players and commercially pre-recorded Blu-ray Discs. Additionally, this paper discusses cases where, especially for professional A/V applications, the provisions of the analog sunset do not apply. Awareness of how, when, and if the analog sunset will affect an A/V system will help designers and users choose the best mix of system components to suit their needs.
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Digital Rights Management - DRM is used by owners and holders of intellectual property to enforce restrictions on the use of their copyrighted content. A/V professionals and their customers need to be aware of DRM, the relevant restrictions on the playback of protected material in public and commercial spaces, and the potential impact on A/V system design and operation. This paper will discuss the two prevalent DRM protocols in use, AACS - Advanced Access Content System, used to protect digital music and video content, and HDCP - High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, for securing digital interfaces including HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort.
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HDCP - High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection is an encryption protocol for copy-protected video content such as Blu-ray Disc and HD movie downloads. This article describes HDCP in detail, introducing the components of an HDCP system – sources, repeaters, and sinks, as well as the three phases of the HDCP protocol – authentication, encryption, and renewability.
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Digital video signals are becoming widely prevalent throughout the A/V industry. They are considerably different in comparison to traditional analog video signals, with specific performance and timing requirements that must be maintained throughout the entire signal path. This paper offers an introduction to digital video signals and the digital video formats currently in use. It also explains how eye diagrams can be used to quantify and visualize digital video signal integrity, and the importance of digital video signal conditioning when designing digital A/V systems.
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The EDID data structure is used extensively to communicate display capabilities to attached computer graphics cards and other source devices. This paper offers an in-depth look into the operational process and pitfalls users may encounter when integrating EDID reliant source and display devices.
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Extron IP Link technology enables A/V devices to be controlled, monitored and accessed from any computer connected to the network. As with all IP enabled network devices, there are security concerns that need to be addressed. Developing and implementing a solid security policy to maximize the availability of the IP Link devices on your network will ensure uninterrupted monitoring and control of your A/V systems.
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Extron IP Link® hardware and software enable A/V personnel to take advantage of a computer network infrastructure to dramatically improve the response time of troubleshooting, supporting, and remotely configuring distributed clusters of A/V equipment. Centralized help desks and maintenance personnel can monitor A/V rooms campus wide, gathering operational information to quickly resolve problems. Equipment failures and product lifecycle times improve by easily generated proactive maintenance schedules and by automating events such as turning off projectors.
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ActiveX® is a defined set of technologies developed by Microsoft® for sharing information among different applications. The focus of this paper is on Extron's GlobalViewer® ActiveX controls, which can be downloaded, installed, and executed by a Web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer®.
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A/V over twisted pair is the transmission and distribution of audio and analog video, as well as control signals over wiring traditionally associated with data networking and telephone systems. This wiring is commonly known as UTP, or unshielded twisted pair. Special interfacing equipment is required to send video and audio signals over UTP wiring. UTP-based A/V systems are appealing for many applications because they offer numerous advantages in terms of cost and implementation, and deliver performance comparable to systems using RGB coaxial cabling.
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Special system design and signal processing considerations are essential in order to ensure optimized performance. This paper details the two primary factors that affect twisted pair A/V system performance, cable length and skew, and offers guidelines on how to properly calibrate signals and select the best equipment and UTP cable for high performance transmission of signals in a twisted pair A/V system.
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Advanced Digital Sync Processing (ADSP) is a proprietary Extron technology that addresses potential issues with sync in RGB computer-video signals that could compromise, and even prevent, proper video display. Today's digital flat panel monitors and projectors can be particularly sensitive to imperfections in sync signals. ADSP technology serves to optimize sync so that consistent, reliable video display can always be ensured. This paper provides an overview of Extron ADSP technology, as well as recommendations for ensuring integrity of sync signals in an A/V system.
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The design approach of the IP Intercom product is simple; it is designed to drop onto your network and run, requiring no special network capabilities or hardware upgrades. The traffic generated for room-to-room or room-to-help desk calls is modest and will not be significant in most networks. Network administrators can verify that their network is configured with sufficient bandwidth for optimal operation of the IP Intercom system.
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The Extron IP Intercom® system is an integral part of a complete help desk solution. With the push of a button, IP Intercom users can communicate with A/V support staff for fast problem resolution.

The IP Intercom integrates easily into any Ethernet LAN, it does not use any special network capabilities for audio delivery. It depends on the normal overhead bandwidth designed into a healthy network and only needs 80 Kbps for a room-to-help desk call. While the IP Intercom is simple to configure and use, it includes advanced capabilities, such as redundancy and manual call load balancing.

The Extron free IP Intercom HelpDesk™ software has the capability to "broadcast" to multiple IP Intercom units. This paper covers network bandwidth considerations with respect to the IP Intercom system, as well as firewall issues and the typical benefits of using VLANs.
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Learning challenges within our school systems are exacerbated by poor acoustics and no or inadequate sound reinforcement. Current day methodologies for creating an even sound field within the classroom, conference room, or boardroom provide mediocre, uneven results. Extron invented a new, patent-pending loudspeaker system called Flat Field Technology that virtually solves the problems associated with designing even, predictable room sound fields.

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Class D amplifiers are used for their high efficiency, but they have some undesirable characteristics, one of these being the residual switching frequency ripple. This paper shows a method of switching frequency ripple reduction by means of ripple steering. With this technique a second output is constructed, into which the switching ripple is steered, substantially relieving the main output from a major artifact of Class D operation.
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Audio power amplifiers have typically been supplied power by the simplest possible means, usually an offline supply with no line or load regulation, most commonly based on a line frequency transformer. Even modern amplifiers utilizing switchmode power supplies are usually designed without line or load regulation. The exception has been made for high-end audiophile amplifiers. The pros and cons of a regulated power supply are investigated.
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Switched-mode power supplies are increasingly common in audio power amplifiers, and are desired for their relatively small size and weight, as well as high efficiency. This article provides an introduction to power factor correction, which substantially reduces AC harmonics and prevents noise impact on other A/V products in the system.
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Classroom sound field amplification systems have been successfully used to help students with hearing impairments. Recent research has demonstrated that even students with normal hearing ability benefit when these systems are used in their classrooms. This paper describes the basic components of a sound field system and summarizes research related to the benefits that can be realized when classroom amplification is used to support the delivery of effective classroom instruction.
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