Xantech Products Chosen for Locker Room Facilities at University of Illinois’ Baseball Field

A major expansion of the locker room facilities at Illinois Field, home to the University of Illinois baseball team, presented the Big Ten powerhouse with an opportunity to also upgrade its installed training and entertainment audiovisual systems. C.V. Lloyde, a Champaign, Illinois-based design-build firm and full-service music retailer, acted as both consultant and installer on the project, incorporating A/V source selection and control hardware from Xantech, a leader in the field of audio/video remote control and distribution for 40 years.

“Even though this is a Division 1 collegiate campus, the budget for A/V was quite modest,” reports Stephen Morris, president and CEO of C.V. Lloyde, a family-run business that has been in operation since 1867. “Xantech fit the bill – it addresses the financial constraints but also provides flexibility and reliability.” The expanded facility opened at the start of the new season in March 2011.

The locker room construction provided training staff for the Fighting Illini – the 2011 Big Ten Tournament Champions – with the opportunity to implement new A/V systems for both instructional and entertainment purposes, according to Morris. “The coach was excited to turn this into a teaching venue and a locker room for the future,” he says. “A locker room typically isn’t a place to hang out, but he wanted to make it a local hangout for the players and to also use it for classroom instruction and training.”

A Xantech 6.4-inch CSPLCD64GW Smartpad LCD Graphic Touchpanel in the main locker room manages selection of audio and video sources, including DirecTV, video playback, multiple computers and various music sources, such as CD, iPod docking stations and a radio tuner. Throughout the rest of the facility, in the coach’s and umpires’ locker rooms, training room, dry area and players’ lounge, C.V. Lloyde installed a D5SHK4 4-Source 4-Zone Wall Mount Kit from Xantech’s Digi-5 DDS digital distribution and control system, which features keypads with digital audio amplification.

“I wanted to give them a control surface that felt relevant for today, with color and multiple pages – one that was easy and intuitive for them to operate, and could be installed on a budget. That’s why I felt the Xantech color touchpanel was a good choice,” explains Morris, who notes that the university has been one of the primary customers for C.V. Lloyde’s design-build operation for over 20 years.

“A projector on a lift in the main locker room drops down at the touch of a button. We drop a screen, we drop down a projector, and we allow them to project multiple different source selections. And all that control is through the touch pad,” he adds.

To support playback of training videos, as well as MLB game broadcasts for motivation and entertainment, C.V. Lloyde installed two LG large-screen HDTV displays and a retractable BenQ projector in the main locker room. Two LG HD displays in the lounge can share the locker room video source or can be locally selected to other sources, including a Sony PS3 video game console and a Blu-ray Disc player. Seven full-range ceiling speakers and a subwoofer in the locker room, and two wall-mount, full-range speakers plus a subwoofer in the lounge, carry the audio.

For the other rooms, which required basic volume control and selection between multiple audio-only sources to a pair of ceiling speakers, Xantech’s Digi-5 system was appropriate, continues Morris. “Each keypad has a built-in 15-watt/channel amplifier, allowing us to be self-contained with power and control all over CAT5 wiring, which eliminated the need for long speaker wire runs. An easy, programmable interface ended up being perfect for a simple audio solution that addressed the budget constraints as well.”

In order to distribute control and video signals between rooms while maintaining 1080p quality, Morris also utilized a total of five Xantech HDMIC5IR Point-to-Point HDMI and IR/CAT-5 extender baluns with IR wall plates. “That allowed me to distribute high-def content over long distances but also carry the IR control,” he elaborates. The system enables local infrared control of the DirecTV boxes, which are located in a central rack, from each TV display.

Having less than two years of experience with Xantech products, says Morris, he was grateful for the support provided by technical sales engineer Dana Hathaway. “He was instrumental in making sure that we chose the appropriate pieces for the system and helped explain, particularly with the newer Digi-5 equipment, how that integrates.”

He concludes, "My relationship right now with Xantech is also largely because of the support of Director of Business Development, Rick Seegull, and his team. They helped us deliver a very flexible system that the University is proud of."

For more information, please visit www.xantechcommercial.com.

Datexx Continues Fall Retail Merchandising Program with New Series of Safety Light Displays for Halloween Season

Following the success of their “Back to School, Back to Profits” retail merchandising program, Datexx, the industry leading manufacturer and marketer of innovatively designed, eco-friendly LED consumer lighting solutions, today unveiled their second series of displays for the Fall season, all featuring a wide range of solar and battery powered LED personal safety lights.

The program announced today by Datexx President Mei Noguchi is composed of four distinct self-contained product displays, each featuring stand-out four-color headers designed to maximize impulse sales, focused on personal safety for the Fall and Halloween season. Dealers can either order displays as configured at http://dealers.datexx.com, or they can customize displays to meet their individual requirements.

The Datexx LED-38 Solar Bug Display features 12 units of the Datexx LED-38 Solar Bug personal safety light keychains. The Solar Bug is a state-of-the-art solar powered personal safety light, featuring Super Bright LED lights that can be seen in a 360-degree radius, with wings that expand and contract for a wider range of light. Available in green and red models, the Solar Bugs come complete with a key chain ring that allow the bugs to be easily attached to a belt-loop or backpack. For added peace of mind, the Solar Bugs are entirely solar powered, eliminating any worry over dead batteries!

The Datexx LED-50 E-Flare Display features 12 units of the Datexx LED-50 E-Flare personal safety flashlight. The sleekly designed Sentina LED-50 features Super Bright LED lighting options to deliver 360-degrees of visibility. Blinking red lights warn approaching vehicles, while a bright beam flashlight provides bright white light for improved visibility on dark roads or paths. Powered by three AAA batteries, the LED Lights are both energy efficient and long lasting.

The Datexx LED-48 Safelite Display features 12 units of the Datexx LED-48 Safelite personal safety light. Incorporating a light-conducting tube that projects a bright blinking light, as well as a light-reflecting panel for additional visibility, the Safelite is powered by 2AAA batteries. Perfect for bikers, the SafeLite can also easily be attached to bicycles with an included bracket.

The Datexx LED-76 uLite Display features 12 units of the Datexx LED-76 uLite waterproof outdoor flashlight and personal safety light. Featuring two settings, one that projects forward and one that shines red as an emergency warning light, the innovative, dual use uLite is perfect for outdoor use in a variety of settings. Its magnetic base allows for secure mounting to metal surfaces, and the included mounting bracket transforms the flashlight into a waterproof bicycle headlight.

“Our safety light display program is designed to enhance a retailer’s standard Halloween planogram,” explained Noguchi. “The safety of children during the dusk hours is as much priority for all parents during the Halloween season, as candy and costumes. Now, shoppers can ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters while shopping for all their Halloween essentials.“

“We’re offering dealers the option of mixing different SKUs together into one shipper display,” she explained. “This allows dealers to incorporate our fun Solar Bug lights and our functional personal safety flashlights into displays that appeal to parents and children alike. The bottom line is this: Datexx leads the industry in offering the broadest selection of high performance, eco-friendly, and stylishly designed personal LED safety lights, and we are leveraging this leadership position for the Halloween season by offering dealers an unprecedented selection of countertop displays that will drive those seasonal sales to the max.”

For more information on the Datexx Safety Light displays, dealers are encouraged to visit http://dealers.datexx.com.

Pandora Internet Radio Integration Makes Niles IntelliControl ICS System The Ultimate Whole-House Music Distribution Platform

Niles®, The First Name In Custom Installation®, today released a firmware update to its IntelliControl® ICS IM-NET that enables users to access content from Pandora® Internet Radio in addition to Rhapsody® and SIRIUS|XM®. IntelliControl ICS IM-NET is the latest in the growing family of source integration modules for the GXR2 MultiZone Receiver.

"The inherent flexibility and adaptability of the GXR2 MultiZone Receiver is once again demonstrated with this easy-to-install firmware update for Niles' IntelliControl ICS system," today said Mike "Sparky" Detmer, President of Niles. "The GXR2 was designed and engineered to be 'future-ready' and adaptable to meet the constantly changing demands of custom installers and their clients. IM-NET offers custom installation professionals a high-performance solution for providing their clients easy access to all of their favorite Internet-based music content, which now includes Pandora Radio, Rhapsody and SIRIUS|XM."

The IM-NET allows dealers to put an IntelliControl ICS user's digital music library or favorite Internet music services at their fingertips—without having to sit and browse on a computer. IM-NET's web server-based administration utility provides simplified management of digital music sources, including networked PCs, Macs and NAS drives. Metadata for all digital music is provided for display on connected control devices and user interfaces, including the Contact, a full-color wall-mount touchscreen.

The IM-NET provides simple integration with the GXR2 Modular Multizone Receiver—the first receiver to use interchangeable source card modules. The receiver accommodates any combination of up to six modules, virtually expanding the system to an unlimited number of sources, and allows dealers to expand systems to up to 30 zones, each with fully independent choice of source and control. Its easy plug and play integration provides integrators with the perfect retrofit solution for digital music management.

CAS Group Ltd. Appointed as Exclusive Distributor for The AVC Group in China and Taiwan

Strengthening the representation of its ELAN®, NILES®, Xantech®, and ATON® brands throughout China and Taiwan, The AVC Group today announced the appointment of CAS Group Limited, formerly Xantech China Ltd., to serve as its exclusive distributor in the region. The announcement was made today by Mark Terry, president of The AVC Group, who said that CAS Group Ltd. will now work closely with Claude Sabourin, International Sales Manager, Asia at The AVC Group.

“Cliff Wong and his team of proven professionals at the CAS Group have what it takes to bring our brands to the next level of success in China and the surrounding regions,” Terry said today. “They have the experience, relationships, and commitment necessary to strengthen our leadership position in this vitally important and growing market. Their prior success with Xantech speaks well for their future success with our other brands.”

CAS Group Ltd. is the successor company to Xantech China Ltd. Effective this month, the company changed its name and now operates as a stand-alone distributor for brands of The AVC Group, as well as for Omnimount, Magenta, and BrightSign. The company employs 15 sales professionals and maintains offices in Beijing and Shenzhen in addition to its headquarters office in Hong Kong.

Cliff Wong, CAS Group Ltd. Sales Director, said, “We are honored to represent these iconic brands. Our market is growing and expanding at a very rapid rate and our customers are looking for the quality, performance features, and reliability that the brands of The AVC Group deliver. The value propositions offered by ELAN, NILES, Xantech, and ATON provide our dealers with a complete range of complementary system solution options and connectivity tools to offer their customers.”

The CAS Group Ltd. is headquartered in Unit 1701, Union Park Tower, 168 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong. The phone number is 852.31051493. Cliff Wong can be reached by email at cliff@the-casgroup.com.

ELAN g! Control System Earns Its Sea Legs In New Custom Yacht Installation

When Tim and Stephanie Bearden of Jonesboro, Arkansas decided to build a new custom 107’x20’ Sharpe houseboat, they made sure that every last detail met with their exact specifications. In addition to the five bedrooms, three bathrooms, full kitchen, full bar and extensive boat-wide audio/video systems, one of their biggest requests was that it must include the ELAN g! Control System, the latest in state-of-the-art entertainment and control technology.

Ryan Heringer, president of Jonesboro, Arkansas-based Sound Concepts, previously installed an ELAN system in the Bearden’s home in 2008, and he was sure the new ELAN g! Control System would be perfect for their new houseboat.

“First and foremost, the Beardens wanted a top-of-the-line multi-room, multi-source audio/video system that was simple to control and adjust. I have installed the ELAN g! System in homes and businesses, so for me the first boat installation was an exciting idea,” said Heringer. “Since it is IP-based and can be controlled with the g!Mobile app on iPhones, iPads and any Internet-connected PC, the g! System is perfect for this application. Now the Beardens can relax and enjoy their time on the boat and make any changes they need to the audio, video, lighting, surveillance, heating and air conditioning systems from anywhere on board.”

Just like a house, preparing a 4,000 square-foot boat for guests can be a chore. The heating and air-conditioning needs to be adjusted, lights need to be turned on, and everybody has to know how to operate the audio and video systems in the different rooms so the owner can relax. With the ELAN g! Home Control System, the Beardens can be sure their houseboat is ready to entertain before they even leave home. With a few touches and swipes on an iPhone they can set the lights, heating, air-conditioning, and boat-wide audio and video to fit their needs for that particular day. And while they are out on the water, they can even keep an eye on their three-year-old daughter and her friends through ELAN g! with an IP camera and microphone installed in her special “kids’ cuddy”.

“In addition to having full system control on my iPhone,” remarked Tim Bearden, “my wife and I love that we can monitor the kids’ cuddy right on our iPhones. Now we can entertain guests or relax on the top deck and know that our kids are playing safely in their room below deck.”

The two-story houseboat features nine flat screen TVs, 38 speakers and three Sunfire subwoofers divided into eight video zones and 12 audio zones. The family and guests can access a wide variety of entertainment sources including four DirecTV feeds, Internet streaming movies from Vudu, a Samsung Blu-ray player, an iPod dock, AM/FM tuner and SiriusXM satellite radio.

All those aboard can access the g! controls through a multitude of interfaces including nine ELAN TS2 touch pads located throughout the upper and lower decks, an ELAN TS10 10-inch touch panel in the kitchen, an ELAN HR2 remote, ELAN g! On-Screen-Display on all nine TVs, and three iPads that will remain on board. And to ensure the family and guests can always stay connected, the houseboat has a DSL connection when docked, a cradle point Internet router for mobile Web access, and a commercial-grade cell phone signal booster.

Heringer had previously installed ELAN control systems in two houseboats for the Beardens, but this was the first time the new IP-based ELAN g! Control System got a chance to take to the sea.

“As great as the old systems were,” said Bearden, “we were still carrying a remote around that we had to switch to each zone as we walked from room to room. With ELAN’s new g! Control System, we can control everything with simple icon-based controls on a few iPads that we bought just for the houseboat. It’s so convenient that soon we’re going to have Ryan upgrade our home system as well.“

Available starting at $1860 for a single-room, four sub-system control solution, the ELAN g! Series Control System can be expanded quickly and cost-effectively to enable whole-home control of every room appliance. ELAN g! provides users with the most uniform and intuitive icon-based control from their favorite devices, including TVs, touch screens, touchpads, PCs, iPhones, and iPads. The standardized interface works across platforms, so that the trendy g!Mobile app users love on the iPhone appears and works similarly on ELAN touch screens, valets and handheld remotes as well as users' televisions and mobile devices. And the system's IP backbone makes it just as easy to control the system from across the room - or across the globe.

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Partners With The Response Network to Offer High Quality, Low Cost Online In-Service Training

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®) has entered into a strategic partnership with The Response Network (TRN) to provide its member agencies with high quality online in-service training courses at substantially discounted prices.

The initial courses, which include Use of Force, Applied Ethics, and, soon, Policing the Mentally Ill, will be available at TRN’s online, in-service training portal, www.policecommunity.net. This 100% online training portal is exclusively dedicated to meeting the training needs of the global law enforcement, public safety and security communities.

CALEA and TRN will formally unveil the partnership, and demonstrate the initial courses, at the upcoming 2011 Summer CALEA Conference taking place at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherlands Plaza Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 27-30, 2011. TRN will be demonstrating its online in-service courses at Booth #14 in the vendor area.

TRN President & CEO Bradley J. Naples stated that he was excited about the new partnership with CALEA and he looks forward to working with CALEA agencies. “This strategic agreement leverages the technical training expertise of TRN in a manner that benefits CALEA clients,” he said. It also establishes another advantage of being CALEA Accredited, according to CALEA Chairman Louis M. Dekmar.

According to CALEA Executive Director Sylvester Daughtry, “We believe that this initiative demonstrates CALEA’s constant commitment to provide better client services in a manner that complements the needs of contemporary public safety agencies. When developing this client-focused partnership, CALEA sought to establish a business relationship with an organization that had a strong connection to the broader public safety community and a demonstrated ability to deliver superior quality online in-service training. To this end, TRN’s existing endorsements by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), and the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) complemented CALEA’s vision for the relationship and positioned the partnership for success.”

Over the last year large and small law enforcement agencies have endorsed the Police Community.net training concept. These agencies include the:

Detroit (MI) Police Department
Covington (VA) Police Department
Galax (VA) Police Department
Virginia Beach (VA) Police Department
Newport News (VA) Police Department
Liberty Township (OH) Police Department
Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff’s Office (JSO-Duval County)
St. Augustine (FL) Police Department
St. John’s County (FL) Sheriff’s Department
Clayton (OH) Police Department
Park Ridge (IL) Police Department
Aberdeen (SD) Police Department
Cape Coral (FL) Police Department
Ocean City (DE) Police Department
Story County (IA) Sheriff’s Department
Lincoln (NH) Police Department

TRN’s training programs are also endorsed by Brit Insurance, The FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), and the Association of Public Safety-Communications Professionals (APCO).

www.PoliceCommunity.net is a registered trademark that is owned and operated by The Response Network Inc. The Response Network's mission is to develop and deliver to law enforcement and public safety professionals a complete curriculum of educational courseware that meets their training needs ranging from in-service training to degree granting programs. For more information, contact pcn@policecommunity.net or call 1-877-288-0451.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations. The purpose of CALEA’s Accreditation Programs is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence.

When It Comes To Charging Cell Phones, It Helps To Be Specific

Specificity is important in every aspect of life, and that includes using a charging device tailored to the specific needs of each individual smartphone platform. Mizco International’s DIGIPOWER division today introduced the industry’s first Platform-Specific Smartphone Charging Kits, which provide the exact amount of power required for iPhone, Android and Blackberry platforms, allowing smartphone owners to charge up faster than ever.

Until today, virtually every universal charging device was designed to perform optimally for one smartphone platform —the iPhone. These charging devices will charge Android and Blackberry smartphones, but they do not provide the optimal amount of power and take longer than necessary to deliver a full charge. DIGIPOWER’s new platform-specific charging kits ensure that each smartphone’s power requirements are addressed individually and completely, and will fully charge smartphones much faster than other charging devices.

Available at all major retailers and online stores, the new DIGIPOWER line comes in Black with Green for the Android platform, Black with White for the Blackberry platform, and Black with Silver for the iPhone platform. The new DIGIPOWER line includes a Home & Car Kit that retails for $29.99, a Home Charger that retails for $24.99, a Car Charger that retails for $19.99, and a combination Power & Sound Kit featuring a set of ear bud headphones and a Home and Car charger that retails for $39.99.