Winter 2010

The ROI of Visual Communications
Understanding the value of digital signage starts with thinking of it in a new way

By Jeff Collard
As seen in AV Technology

Since the inception of digital signage, businesses have struggled to develop a successful argument for return on investment (ROI). A big problem has been a narrow definition of what digital signage is and how it is applied. The name "digital signage" tends to convey an image of electronically updating signs or billboards conveying a specific message to a general audience. Visual communications is a better description of what this technology application provides, and this re-definition helps frame the debate around a two-way exchange of information within an overall communication strategy. ROI provides a measurement of project success, but makes the assumption that the costs and returns can be isolated from the rest of the business. When visual communications is viewed as an integral part of your communication network and facilitates an exchange between your intellectual assets (information) and your audience (customers, employees or visitors), you have the opportunity to make those assets work harder for you -- although it will be difficult to measure the ROI.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Stay Informed with Video Observation Center

As seen in PoliceChief Magazine



Thanks to a network of more than 150 cameras posted at intersections throughout the city, the Charlotte, North Carolina, Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) can see real-time traffic problems and criminal activity, saving valuable time in dispatching police officers and emergency crews to the scenes.

The video network system, which has the capacity for up to 512 cameras, affords CMPD officers in the Video Observation Center the chance to catch criminals in the commission of crimes and provides video evidence of those crimes, said Officer Craig Allen of the CMPD. The camera feeds are recorded, which gives officers the ability to review archived video. The system also gives incident commanders the ability to assess crowd and traffic issues at large-scale events in a matter of seconds.

The CMPD and the CDOT view the feeds via multiple 40-inch LCD monitors and seven Christie digital projectors, said Joe Semmelmann, account representative with ClarkPowell, the professional audio/video systems integrator that designed and integrated the Network Operations Centers for both departments.

The original systems were intended for facilitating traffic flow through construction areas, but it did not take long for the CDOT and the CMPD to see the advantages of expanding the system. The CMPD built its own Network Operations Center but still has the capability to view, from the central CDOT router, multiple feeds projected onto seven large screens. Multiple conference rooms and dispatch centers are also linked to the CMPD router. In 2008, the seven projectors at the CMPD center were replaced with Christie Digital models that are rated for 24/7 use and have higher resolution.

The system has made a huge difference in the department. Allen said, "The video network system has been used in over 300 arrests, including bank robbery, numerous foot pursuits, and larceny of auto, to name a few. The video system is like having many watchful eyes in areas that may go unnoticed by the average person."

No Shortcuts for These Videographers
Users of high-end video camera lenses demand the best

By Craig Johnston
As seen in TV Technology

Video camera lenses are like a lot of pieces of video equipment: there's "good-enough," and there's top-of-the-line. And while the vast preponderance of video lens purchasers may walk away with a lens that will get them by, some lens users step up to the plate, open their wallets and buy the best there is.
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SMARTTM Meeting Pro

SMART Meeting Pro helps you collaborate without worrying about technology. Meeting Pro works with a computer to connect interactive displays and laptops. Local and remote participants can make, move and save notes on any screen with a touch of the display.

Multiple Displays Multiply Collaboration
Meeting Pro makes it easy to slide notes, documents and windows over multiple displays. Connect laptops and displays together so you can view or work on documents with several sets of data at once.

Long-distance Relationships That Work
Meeting Pro lets you collaborate as if your team is in the same room. Set up conferences automatically -- just walk into a meeting room and begin. Work on the same documents simultaneously, or write notes that everyone can see.

Digital Notes Made Easy
Make notes on any screen using digital ink. Add pages and jump from page to page. Open documents from your network or launch a Web browser. View all your pages as thumbnails and save all of your work -- documents, notes, annotations -- to a network, desktop or USB key, and e-mail them to your team.
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Download a 30-day trial of SMART Meeting Pro 2010

New Products

XH A1S HDV Camcorder
For the professionals who require a smaller, lighter weight HD camcorder but who won't give up capability and performance, Canon offers the XH A1S. Our latest in a family of high quality HDV camcorders, the XH A1S delivers advanced features and a wide range of image parameter controls to make your vision a reality- and at a very attractive price. LEARN MORE




AG-HPX300
P2 HD Camcorder with AVC-Intra
The AG-HPX300 is world's first affordable full 10-bit, 4:2:2 professional HD camcorder. With 17x interchangeable lens, three 1/3" 2.2-megapixel 3-MOS imagers and full 1920x1080, 10-bit 4:2:2 AVC-Intra recording, the HPX300 brings true master-quality HD recording within your reach -- all with the benefit of P2's faster, independent frame, file-based workflow. LEARN MORE


An expanded ProRes family. Powerful new ways to collaborate. Even tighter integration between applications. The leading post-production suite just got better.

• Final Cut Pro 7
• Motion 4
• Soundtrack Pro 3
• Color 1.5
• Compressor 3.5
• DVD Studio Pro 4

LEARN MORE




Kayak HD/SD and Kayenne XL Panel

Affordable Multi-Format Switching
Our Kayak™ HD and HD-upgradeable Kayak SD switcher family includes 14 highly affordable systems designed for live production, small corporate studios, and editing applications in environments requiring HD and/or SD production capabilities. This powerful, multi-format expansion of our popular Kayak family features a compact design, superior image quality, and a number of high-end features not found in any other manufacturers' products. Kayak HD is also available with an optional Kayenne™ XL control panel. LEARN MORE

Special Offers, Financing Options & Rebates

ClarkPowell offers special pricing on overstock items and demo units. Quantities are limited. CLICK HERE to download a list of the latest offerings.


Mail-in rebates up to $300 on NEC projectors.
Now through March 31, 2010, you can advance your display technology in environments of all kinds when you take advantage of amazing mail-in rebates (MIRS) on popular NEC projectors. LEARN MORE


Introducing two new options to Make the HPX300 Even More Affordable
From now through March 31, 2010, you have 2-Ways to make the
AG-HPX300 more affordable and easily obtainable.

Choose which option is best for your business

1. 0% financing for 24 months with only 25% down. Grow your production capabilities through this affordable offer-0% Interest Financing.
2. $0 Down, No Payments for 90 Days and Low Rate financing. When it comes to your video production, acquire the equipment you need today with no initial cash outlay. 3.99% financing on 24 months term will give you no payments for your first 3 months.

See your ClarkPowell representative for details.