Hunting down HDMI issues just got a lot easier with this handheld or rack-mountable test monitor from Murideo. Sioux Falls, S.D. - Murideo, an AVPro Global Holdings company, is excited to announce a new product, the MU-MON-SING, an 18Gbps 4K HDR HDMI input field test monitor with analyzer functions. The product features a seven-inch full HD playback screen, EDID management, a built-in signal analyzer, HDCP 2.3 support, battery adaptor, and more. Murideo’s 4K test monitor is a compact device that comes with a battery adapter for working around a job site, but also fits perfectly in a rack with an HDMI loop out port that will pass along any 4K signal. This monitor also offers signal analyzer information such as resolution, color space, HDCP, HDR confidence, and audio type analysis. The ability to view HDMI signals up to 18Gbps (4096x2160P60 4:4:4) allows integrators to use this monitor with every consumer source on the market. As a part of the Murideo testing and troubleshooting family, the standards for this product are of the highest in the industry. Matt Murray, CTO of AVPro Global, stated, “The MU-MON-SING was brought to market by the overwhelming requests of field installers. I would say it was designed by installers based on their feedback and requests. It combines field portability in a lightweight yet large (7 inch) screen with some basic analysis function, including incoming signal information like resolution, frame rate, chroma sub-sampling, HDR, and more! It should become a common tool for field installers to have on the trucks.” For more information or to purchase MU-MON-SING, please contact Murideo at 605-330-8491 or visit www.Murideo.com. About Murideo Murideo, an AVPro Global Holdings brand, was created to satisfy the need for modern testing tools in the custom A/V market. Through a depth of knowledge brought on from years of experience in the electronics industry, the team at Murideo has brought cutting edge testing equipment to the world that was previously only available to the elite. The philosophy of Murideo is simple, focus on technology, focus on design, and focus on our users. For more information, visit www.Murideo.com or call (877) 886-5112.
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Traditional category runs are cheap, easy to use, and can provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) up to 100 Watts. While copper has always been reliable cabling, it suffers from signal interference as well as length and bandwidth limitations. To keep things short, 4K and 8K video signals carry massive amounts of bandwidth, and copper can only carry these signals short distances, even heavily compressed. Now, more than ever, it makes sense to run fiber alongside traditional category runs. Fear not! Many advancements in fiber production technology have made fiber optic cable safer, more resilient, and more cost-effective. Although currently unable to carry power, fiber optics don’t suffer from EMI or RFI signal interference. Running duplex OM3, allows for 40Gbps Video Signal and 100Gigbit Ethernet up to 100 meters. Traditional 10.2Gbps Video Signals and 10Gigabit Ethernet can be extended further at over 300 meters. In this battle of infrastructure, both is better. Fiber optics help future proof the install for years to come while category cabling can be repurposed for other uses such as lower network signals and PoE solutions. Mastering running both can reduce truck rolls, simplify upgrades, and increase overall job revenue. This Tech Tip is brought to you by Sam Metiver. Sam has been apart of AVPro tech support for over 2 years. In this time he has become a crucial member of the team taking a special interest in new and upcoming audio video distribution technologies. In his spare time he enjoys music and is a stand up comedian! Look out for more future Tech Tips from Sam. This article is apart of a continuing year long series that highlights the people and experience of those that have worked closely with the Imaging Science Foundation for years. If you missed the last opening article from last month start here. We have accomplished much over the years, and I have personally been recognized, awarded and written about for years - that is certainly not the whole story. The untold story is the years of hard work of many other ISF instructors who have made this possible. I have not done this alone, and it is time many of them have been given a voice. This is the first of a year long series where you will here from some of the top calibrators working alongside ISF, we hope you enjoy. -ISF Founder, Joel Silver This month we will hear from Hartmut Berberich... With the introduction of the first practical projectors and the laser disc, my career with AV installation started. I learned the hard job of installing a CRT projector. Not only the convergence, but also the colors and more give me a headache sometimes. At InfoComm 2001, I learned Mark Hunter's colorfacts system and I was thrilled. This was the first tool in my eyes for better color, not only the test pattern. In 2006 I got my first contact to ISF by a Belgian instructor. In a closer cooperation with a former German instructor, I learned more and more about calibration and used this for my own dealer training also. In Amsterdam in 2008 I met Joel Silver. He was running an ISF class. What a big difference. I got flashed. Here, I learned so much about calibration, which I could use successfully in my dealer training. Since this time Joel and I always meet in Amsterdam or other places in Europe. Either helping him to run the ISF class in Amsterdam or running over the show. Also working together with AVPro team members Jeff, Matt and Loel. In this time, a family of AV enthusiasts was built up and is still working today. In those days, I was working for a well known European projector supplier and doing training in Europe, Russia, China, and South Asia. Over this whole time I had been in contact with Joel discussing some bigger projects like laser projectors and more. When I left the projector supplier in October 2012 Joel appointed me as an ISF instructor. Wow, I was so so proud about this honor. Now, beneath my normal work, I'm doing ISF training with focus in the German speaking area. Here I'm working together also with Roland Seibt (test chief of the biggest German magazine in the area, Video), a well known specialist on HDR. Working together with bigger suppliers like LG, Samsung or Optoma and broadcasters is a smart advantage and allows us to stay updated on new technology. And last but not least always being in contact with Joel and the team of AVPro, discussing the latest development and trends. Best regards, Hartmut I first became aware of Murideo products during an ISF Level II Training class several years ago. That was where I was first introduced to the Murideo SIX G Signal/Pattern Generator - and its companion - the Murideo SIX A Signal Analyzer. I quickly learned that if I wanted to calibrate a display device accurately and efficiently or effectively troubleshoot a problematic 18Gbps connection chain, the Murideo SIX G and SIX A tandem was the preeminent and indispensable tools to have on hand. To this day, I still use both regularly for performing a variety of test-and-measurement procedures, including signal integrity/verification, troubleshooting - and of course - display calibration. However, I recently started using a new and extraordinarily powerful test-and-measurement tool; and as the saying goes: “There’s a new sheriff in town.” Working closely and in conjunction with major format originators, A/V manufacturers, and standards associations - the SEVEN Generator represents the culmination of intense R&D and unparalleled design excellence. The SEVEN is a formidable, quantum-leap behemoth that packs an amazing array of tools and capabilities. These tools and features warp the SEVEN G into an entirely new universe of A/V Test and Measurement. It literally creates a new market category, and it accomplishes it all without breaking the bank, your bank. The SEVEN Generator is the A/V Test & Measurement Appliance that everyone has been clamoring for, so let’s take a closer look. Below is just a sample of the tools and tests available. ALL IN ONE BOX! VIDEO
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The Murideo SEVEN G is truly GROUNDBREAKING. Whether you are an A/V equipment manufacturer, an OEM, an electrical engineer, a professional calibrator, or an integrator/installer/dealer, you will discover a plethora of features and functions that will:
Finally, the SEVEN G is designed to be FUTURE RESISTANT (it already supports HDMI 2.1 standards and requirements), and it’s not stopping there. This marvel will ultimately play a key role in creating a better future for the A/V industry with vastly improved and more capable and stable products rolling off the assembly line. I hope you will take a closer look at this impressive and powerful A/V Test & Measurement machine and pick one up for yourself! For more in-depth information regarding the capabilities for the SEVEN G, please download the User Manual at www.murideo.com/SEVEN-G. This product review was submitted by industry veteran John Tumbleson. Learn more about John's experience in A/V and what drives his enthusiasm for the industry below. Before starting my career in the high-tech industry; i.e. Apple, Iomega, Claris etc., I worked in the high-end audio industry where I manufactured my own private label speakers and studio monitors. This was the early to mid 70’s, and I subsequently became involved in the design and installation of discotheques at various restaurants and bars all over the country. A seminal moment for me came in the early 80’s when Sony introduced the Beta HiFi VCR system; and the world of video began to merge with the world of high-end audio. This became the genesis of what we now call “Home Theater” and at that point, I became bitten by the Home Theater “bug”. For many years Home Theater was a “hobby” for me, as my career at Apple and other companies was basically my day job. Then in 2012, I started on a new career path which incorporated A/V system control with residential and commercial projects, but I also became heavily involved with audio and video distribution and calibration. In 2014, while designing a commercial control project, I was introduced to AVPro. At that point - as it is said, our paths crossed, and a few years later, I officially joined AVPro. And as they say: “The rest is history”. My hobby is now my day job. But, I doesn’t really feel like a job, because it’s just too much fun!
Tech Tips are written directly by the Murideo's Tech Support Team. With years of experience seeing every HDMI signal available and working with hundreds of different products, the support team picks up helpful knowledge talking to Integrators, calibrators and electronics manufacturers around the world. This series is aimed to share that knowledge. Here is this month tech tip:
Uncompressed Video distribution can be hard; Passive Copper HDMI cables falter with distance and HDMI extension methods suffer from bandwidth limitations. The Answer? Active Optical Cables of course! What are Active Optical Cables (AOC)? AOC HDMI Cables are uncompressed HDMI Cables capable of running 100 Meters due to 4 Strands of Fiber over the TMDS Lanes which carry Audio and Video signals. BUT not all AOC cables are made the same, just like anything some manufactures will take short cuts in the engineering and development areas. Many AOC cables require external power or worse, use Plastic Optical Fiber used in TosLink cables, a known poor quality fiber type not ready for high bandwidth signaling. These lower quality products will take up space with extra power supplies and often are unable to reach 18Gbps bandwidths, which is need for HDR and high frame rate video. The Solution! The Bullet Train 10K AOC HDMI Ultra High Speed Cable is capable of uncompressed 48Gbps signaling and requires no external power supply. Bullet Train 10K AOC cables use Cleerline SSF OM2 Glass Fiber, and high quality fiber that is safe to terminate in the field. This means if we ever move past HDMI as a delivery method you can always cut off the heads of the cable and easily terminate the 4 individual fiber runs located inside the cable shielding. Not only future proofing your runs but allowing them to serve multiple distribution purposes. This article is apart of a continuing year long series that highlights the people and experience of those that have worked closely with the Imaging Science Foundation for years. If you missed the last opening article from last month start here. We have accomplished much over the years, and I have personally been recognized, awarded and written about for years - that is certainly not the whole story. The untold story is the years of hard work of many other ISF instructors who have made this possible. I have not done this alone, and it is time many of them have been given a voice. This is the first of a year long series where you will here from some of the top calibrators working alongside ISF, we hope you enjoy. -ISF Founder, Joel Silver This month we will hear from Julien Berry... When asked to write up my experiences and memories with ISF, two things came up, one humorous and then something I consider very important, let’s explore both. First Humorous During the very first ISF class I gave in Paris back in 2006, one of my journalist friends noticed that I often wear black clothes. Now this has nothing to do with the fact that Joel always wears black clothes as well. I have always been this way since I was a teenager. I replied that day and still do ever since that it is a very convenient way to ensure a good contrast ratio and black level for the systems I am dealing with. No interferences. It is also a way to advocate dark environment to improve the viewing experience. Now Important
In 2008, I managed to secure an actual movie theater like screening room for the class since I happened to calibrate it in a regular basis. While it might have seemed overkill given the number of attendees, it gave quite an impression with an added bonus of a guided tour of the facility. Nowadays, my class are hosted at the French Sony facilities witch gives me access to professional products in addition to the consumer ones. It has been a great satisfaction and privilege to be able to give a glimpse of the movie making process to people typically associated with the other end of the spectrum, namely the residential AV installers. As the years came by, I also had the opportunity to train tech guys from post production facilities and even movie theater projectionists. The next class shall bring those different kind of people together for the benefit of everyone through exchange of views and experiences. You are able to sign up for my next class today, here are the details, and don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have: Paris France Hosted by Sony France 07/06/2020 –07/08/2020 9am-6pm Julien Berry Website - http://hdvc.fr/ Email - info@hdvc.fr By Jason Dustal The first AVPro Academy class of 2020 is officially in the books! Thanks to Andy Spolar at the AWA reps showroom in Chicago, IL where we not only host the class, but also have our brand new AVPro Edge Experience Center. The AVPro Edge Experience center is a great place to visit to see live demos of AVPro Edge and Murideo products such as the Multi-Viewer, the 16x16 matrix switch, extenders, Murideo HDMI test equipment, and more. If you are in the area feel free to stop by and meet Andy. He can give you a live demo of AVPro Edge products and discuss with you about what AVPro can do for you and your customers. AVPro Academy consists of 2 days day of learning the fundamentals of Audio and Video in residential and commercial environments. During day 1 we cover everything from system design to troubleshooting. We dissect HDMI and learn how to troubleshoot small to large distributed A/V systems. Day 2 is all about display calibration and learning the core fundamentals on how to make a display look it’s best. My favorite part of AVPro Academy is always the hands-on activities. The students in this class learned how to use the Murideo tools to test the bandwidth on various HDMI cables, test devices for HDCP compliance, read and emulate EDID, and some valuable troubleshooting skills. Steve from Cleerline stopped by and gave a great demo on fiber optics. The class learned about the great benefits of using fiber as the A/V backbone, and by the end of the class some of the students themselves were terminating fiber in less than a minute. For the rest of the hands on activities we had some great tools and displays to practice with, including LG and Sony OLEDs, a Sony Z9 LED/LCD, JVC projector, a 2x2 video wall, and light meters from Xrite, Klein, Portrait Displays, and Jeti, and of course AVPro Edge distribution and Murideo HDMI testing products.
This particular AVPro Academy class had a wide variety of students…some who were brand new to the A/V industry, and some with as much as 30 years experience. We even had a Home Theater enthusiast who wanted to learn about calibrating his displays at his own home. It is not uncommon to meet students in class with all kinds of different backgrounds. Broadcasters, manufacturers, post production, colorists, writers, and TV reviewers are just some examples. Most of the students stayed for the second day to learn about display calibration. This is a service very near and dear to my heart as I am a videophile who is always chasing the perfect picture. Learning this skill as an integrator is valuable and can set you apart from your competitors. Consumers want to maximize the potential of their system, and learning this skill will help with that. Integrators use the skills they learn to sell better systems and to maximize customer service, which in turn maximizes profits. Everyone who attends day 2 of class gets to learn the basics of ISF calibration, including an introduction to different display technologies, hands on with the tools that are used for calibration, and a temporary CalMAN license so they can go home and practice calibrating. Everyone who attends class and takes the ISF Level 1 exam earns a certificate and is listed on the ISF website as a certified dealer (imagingscience.com/dealers). CEDIA and AVIXA members are also awarded CEUs for attending AVPro Academy. One class down and several more to go in 2020! If you would like more information on class dates and locations, feel free to give us a call at 605.274.6055 or you can always visit our training site at avpro.training. Thanks and I hope to see you in 2020! Find more information at https://www.avpro.training/avpro-academy.html AVPro Academy is an AVIXA and CEDIA certified course, earning you credit hours. I started the ISF with a simple but radical idea at the time. I wanted to build a network of professionals that would adjust home TVs to accurately display the intent of creative artists and film directors. The initial focus was high-end residential integrators. Our success in that market was the result of meeting business owners with wonderful relationships with affluent clients. They were driven to install systems that would sound better and look better than anything their clients had ever seen before. We met most early ISF dealers through CEDIA and found many like-minded supporters there. Their clients saw vastly superior TV pictures and had the ability to afford them, and we were launched. We soon discovered volumes of manufacturer’s technical staff that understood what we were doing and would support our efforts. With them we were able to design TVs that could be easily calibrated in the field. That brought ISF features to millions of mainstream TVs. I never thought that could be possible for a radical idea. Studios were using consumer TVs as “client monitors”, and I soon found volumes of content creation professionals becoming ISF calibrators. That brought the concept full circle. There are now many thousands of professionals whose everyday work is faithful to the intent of artists and directors. -Joel Silver, Founder of the Imaging Science Foundation If you want to be a consumer electronics professional, where is your sphere of influence? Let’s explore the entire process. You will see where you fit in and how critical to the industry your role has become. The entire artistic process is a series of optical and electronic “Transfer Functions”. Think of a digital signal coming into your TV, and then light comes out. That’s one kind of transfer function. Let’s follow the steps that deliver the intent of the director to viewers.
We have accomplished much over the years, and I have personally been recognized, awarded and written about for years - that is certainly not the whole story. The untold story is the years of hard work of many other ISF instructors who have made this possible. I have not done this alone, and it is time many of them have been given a voice. This is the first of a year long series where you will here from some of the top calibrators working alongside ISF, we hope you enjoy. This month we will hear from Kevin Miller... I was involved in the creation of the ISF with Joel Silver dating back to the spring of 1993 when working at The Perfect Vision as the Publisher and CEO. The idea that Joel so eloquently described was spawned over cocktails one evening at an InfoComm show in New Orleans. A little over a year later, in February of 1994, Joel launched his company with the first ever ISF seminar at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. I was at that seminar as a student with my Philips color analyzer in hand. I started my company, ISFTV, in February of 2001. Later that year, I co-instructed a seminar with Joel that followed the CEDIA show in Indianapolis. Day two of the seminar, as fate would have it, was on 9/11/2001. We had a very large group of nearly 60 students who were all quite shaken by the morning’s events. Our great friend Stu Kobak, who ran a DVD review web site of his own called Filmsondisc.com, got Joel on the phone and encouraged him to have us finish that seminar even in the face of the horrific events of that day. We did persevere and got the class to the finish line. Following that 2001 seminar, I spent many years co-instructing ISF seminars with Joel all over North America, which was a great learning experience. Joel helped launch my company as he has done for many small businesses all over the world. I am proud to have been a part of the creation of the Imaging Science Foundation, and continue to work closely with Joel and a number of talented technicians all over the country, furthering the goal of delivering the artist’s (Director’s) intent to consumer’s television screens. I have also been heavily involved for many years on the professional side of our industry, now supporting over 60 Post Production facilities with my professional calibration services and technical consulting in the New York Tri-state area. I have also been providing technical and product development consulting to TV and video source manufacturers since 2003. Kevin Miller ISFTV Email: kevin@isftv.com Web site: www.isftv.com They say a craftsman is only as good as his tools, and that couldn't be more true when it comes to calibrating displays. The whole point of calibrating a display is to test it against a known standard with extreme precision and accuracy. In some cases (such as post-production) an inaccurate display can disrupt the workflow of the project. This ultimately costs time, money, and frustration amongst the people who are doing everything they can to finish the project on time.
Today there are hundreds and hundreds of test patterns available to set up and calibrate displays. The SEVEN Generator is packed full of test patterns from the best in the business. We included patterns from ISF, Digital Video Solutions, the Professional Video Alliance, Spears and Munsil, Bill Wetzel, and some of our own Murideo patterns as well. You will never run out of test patterns with the SEVEN! If you have custom test patterns, reference images, or videos that you like to use, feel free to upload custom material with our Uploader Software. Lip sync errors are painfully apparent in any A/V system. These issues have plagued integrators and calibrators for years, and until now, there has not been a calibration tool that allows you to measure lip sync. Now with the SEVEN Generator, you can not only calibrate the audio and the video but also easily measure for lip sync. These issues are hard to track down and are notorious for causing troubleshooting calls and truck rolls. Adding lip sync testing to your calibration ensures these issues don't show up after you leave the job site, and puts you ahead of your competitors. HFR (High Frame Rate) is right around the corner and will make video look smoother than we've ever seen before. Sports fans and gamers are very excited about this, and calibrators need to be able to set the display up correctly for this new, highly anticipated feature. The SEVEN comes stock with native 120fps video material, which makes testing for HFR a breeze. HFR, along with other features, is part of the brand new HDMI 2.1 spec. There is a lot of talk about HDMI 2.1 right now, and we are seeing products coming with these new high bandwidth connections. Not only does bandwidth increase to 48Gbps with HDMI 2.1, but it also comes with some pretty cool features like eARC. eARC provides much more bandwidth for audio to travel from a display back to an audio source such as an AVR or soundbar. This will allow for fully uncompressed audio, including Dolby Atmos, over the eARC channel which is something the industry has not seen before. As a calibrator, it will be essential to test for these signals to ensure that your customer is getting the highest possible quality audio signal for their system. Easily use the Seven Generator to test for these signals and configure the audio in your customer's system the best way possible. Speaking of HDMI 2.1, the SEVEN was built with this new standard in mind. It will come stock with an HDMI 2.0 output, and once available, you will be able to send in your unit and Murideo can upgrade it to HDMI 2.1. Again, something that's the first of its kind and only available from Murideo. This generator is packed full of features that will make a calibrator's life much easier. This highly advanced tool will ensure that your jobs are completed efficiently and at the highest possible level of quality. Increase customer satisfaction and outshine your competition! For more information visit murideo.com or give us a call at 605.330.8491. Murideo Introduces the SEVEN Generator, an Approved Test Device for Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Audio™1/28/2020 New from Murideo, the SEVEN Generator is unlike any other with extensive audio and video testing capabilities.
Sioux Falls, S.D. - Murideo is proud to present the SEVEN Generator, the next generation in HDMI test and measurement equipment. An approved test device for Dolby Audio™, the SEVEN hosts an unmatched suite of audio and video tests ideal for the video device, display, or repeater manufacturer as well as the consummate video professional. The SEVEN is shipping now with full 4K video capabilities that can be upgraded to 8K in the future (late 2020). This upgrade will include full 40 Gbps speeds, 5, 8, and 10K test patterns, and more. Murideo is responsible for the SIX-A Analyzer and DPL Labs certified SIX-G Generator Field Test Suite. Popular among the world’s top integrators and calibrators, the success of these products paved the way for the development of the Seven Generator. The SEVEN is the first low cost alternative HDMI test suite for pre-compliance testing of HDMI 2.x compatible products. A partial list of test tools included is listed below:
This device is the ideal solution for display calibration and evaluation. The test suite allows the user to construct a test signal with any video format and any audio format, then execute a test based on your own parameters and allows for reporting. The impeccable performance in video generation is just the beginning. The SEVEN was designed with advanced audio testing capabilities, including A/V Sync (Lip Sync), Audio Latency, and Dolby Audio. The Audio Suite of tests is available in HDMI Tx, ARC Tx, and eARC Tx. With additional features like tone generation, frequency sweeps, AV Sync measurements, audio latency measurements, this is an audio swiss army knife. The built-in photo-diode sensor and microphone allow you to get real-time sync and latency measurements from HDMI and ARC/eARC. The SEVEN Generator is listed at $5,999.00 MSRP and includes a free update to HDMI 2.1 Video (hardware update) and DTS test tool suite (firmware update) later this year. To purchase, evaluate or receive more information, please email info@murideo.com, contact Murideo at 877-886-5112 or visit www.Murideo.com/Seven-G. About Murideo Murideo, an AVPro Global Holdings brand, was created to satisfy the need for modern testing tools in the custom A/V market. Through a depth of knowledge brought on from years of experience in the electronics industry, the team at Murideo has brought cutting edge testing equipment to the world that were previously only available to the elite. The philosophy of Murideo is simple, focus on technology, focus on design, and focus on our users. For more information visit www.Murideo.com or call (877) 886-5112. Press Contact: 605-782-2471 www.Murideo.com A new decade is here and its time to invest some time in yourself and your business. A great way to do that is with the training courses offered by AVPro.Training. With all new class dates for the upcoming year, there are plenty of opportunities to increase your knowledge and refine skill set, especially with HDMI 2.1 on the horizon. Below are the classes available from AVPro.Training: ISF Level III SeminarJoin Joel Silver, 2018 CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award winner, for this hands-on training in distributing and controlling 4K60 (4:4:4) signal distribution in a multi-room dwelling. Learn and do what it takes to get a signal from a new UHD HDR player to every zone in the installation via various devices including fiber optic, HDBaseT, HDMI over IP and even terminating fiber. You will also explore and learn HDR-10, Dolby Vision and HLG video calibration on today’s latest display technologies including flat panels and projectors. Coming out of ISF Level III, you will have the knowledge to teach customers about picture quality and be able to confidently explain why investing in a better TV or projector is worth it. This will all contribute to more margin and better sales, ultimately increasing the bottom line. All of this and more is covered in ISF Level III! 2020 Dates: February 8-10 | Amsterdam, Netherlands Pre ISE, Hosted by JVC March 3-5 | Auckland, New Zealand April 8-10 | Vancouver, BC, Canada Hosted by JVC May 5-7 | Chicago, IL Hosted by NEC September | Denver, CO Pre-CEDIA, Hosted by CEDIA October 6-8 | Dallas, TX November 4-6 | Los Angeles, CA AVPro AcademyBuilding an A/V system for a client can be complex, especially when dealing with high bandwidth HDR video systems. Our goal is to teach A/V integrators how to design, build, troubleshoot, and maintain systems to keep their clients happy and keep coming back for years to come. AVPro Academy is a 2 day course from our knowledgeable and experienced trainers that will teach you about these complex systems and how to overcome technical limitations. After you complete AVPro Academy and pass an exam you will earn a certificate and become ISF Level I certified.
HAAThe Home Acoustics Alliance has developed the foremost course for Home Theater Acoustics design and performance. Whether you are seeking improvements in an existing system or building a new one, the course provides the framework and knowledge to practice acoustic design and calibration in the field. The various "Elements" that outline this framework are reviewed by the acoustical calibrator and graded based upon how well they conform to industry standards. The calibrator then has the information necessary to "pro"scribe the required changes to bring performance up to its best. 2020 Dates: February 6 | Bracknell, UK A special one-day, information packed course. Earn the HAA-HT1 Certification February 15-19 | Amsterdam, NL May 11-15 | Las Vegas, NV PVAThe PVA Certified Professional Video Calibration course provides professional video calibrators the most in-depth and comprehensive calibration training available today. PVA training workshops are based on years of expertise in the physics of video and psycho-visual perception. Proven facts, solid concepts and decades of expertise come together in this unique, top rate workshop. Join PVA for a three-day Professional Video Systems Calibration workshop and gain the hands-on experience and skills you need to properly calibrate modern high definition video systems – practical knowledge that can start generating revenue for your business immediately. 2020 Dates: January 11-14 | Las Vegas, NV Post CES February 15-18 | Amsterdam, NL April 23-26 | Las Vegas, NV Post NAB Murideo Introduces the SEVEN Generator, an Approved Test Device for Dolby Audio. New from Murideo, the SEVEN Generator is unlike any other with extensive audio and video testing capabilities.Murideo is proud to present the SEVEN Generator, the next generation in HDMI test and measurement equipment. An approved test device for Dolby Audio, the SEVEN hosts an unmatched suite of audio and video tests ideal for the video device, display, or repeater manufacturer as well as the consummate video professional. Murideo is responsible for the SIX-A Analyzer and DPL Labs certified SIX-G Generator Field Test Suite. Popular among the world’s top integrators and calibrators, the success of these products paved the way for the development of the Seven Generator. The impressive video capabilities of the SEVEN include native 10/12 Bit BT2020 video output with over 1000 patterns, including HDR, SDR, Dolby Vision, and HLG. Test patterns are generated from FPGA or raw YUV files for a truly native experience and include video playback. The SEVEN includes the full suite of patterns from Diversified Video Solutions and other patterns and videos from Bill Wetzel, ISF, PVA, Portrait Displays, and Spears & Munsil. This device is the ideal solution for display calibration and evaluation. The test suite allows the user to construct a test signal with any video format and any audio format, then execute a test based on your own parameters and allows for reporting. The SEVEN has 1.5TB of storage, with reservations for up to 3 minutes of 4K60 4:4:4 video playback so the user can quickly load patterns using the USB 3.0 interface and is capable of 120 frame video playback. The impeccable performance in video generation is just the beginning. The SEVEN was designed with advanced audio testing capabilities, including A/V Sync (Lip Sync), Audio Latency, and Dolby Audio. This Dolby approved test device contains all current Dolby Audio streams, including; Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus (w/Dolby Atmos), Dolby MAT (Dolby Atmos), and Dolby True HD (w/ Dolby Atmos). The Audio Suite of tests is available in HDMI Tx, ARC Tx, and eARC Tx. With additional features like tone generation, frequency sweeps, AV Sync measurements, audio latency measurements, this is an audio swiss army knife. The built-in photo-diode sensor and microphone allow you to get real-time sync and latency measurements from HDMI and ARC/eARC. For more information or to purchase the SEVEN Generator, please contact Murideo at 877-886-5112 or visit www.Murideo.com/Seven-G. Integrators have been hanging flat panel TVs and installing projectors for decades, but how many of those are calibrated? There is no doubt that every year TVs and projectors get better and better, and with HDMI 2.1 already here, we are about to see some truly unbelievable images. As great as these displays are, we are (and will always be) dealing with the same old dilemma: the display manufacturers have no idea what type of room the display will be in. They also can't predict every lighting condition, seating positions, what type of content the customer will be watching, nor what other gear may be in the system. So, how do you ensure that the picture quality is optimized for each and every one of your clients? The answer is calibration. Calibration is a 100% custom service based on the client's unique environment and situation. No two rooms, systems, or people are the same, so why treat them as such? As I travel around and teach people about displays and calibration, I have been bringing up the infamous Game of Thrones episode that was "too dark" (read my take on the episode here). Every time the topic comes up, everyone in the room winces and has a nice chuckle about the amount of controversy this caused. Multiple integrators have told me that their customers were calling in, claiming that their new TV was broken! Here is my question: if the display the customer was watching had been calibrated, would there have even been a controversy? Or phone calls? Or truck rolls? I have a personal client of mine who was unfortunately going through chemotherapy treatments. Her vision was severely sensitive and any bright light gave her a massive migraine. As a film buff, watching movies is one of her favorite hobbies, but because her TV was so bright she could not enjoy her favorite pastime. As a last-ditch effort before returning the TV to the retailer, she hired me to come over and check things out. During the calibration, we looked the test patterns together so I could tune the TV to her room and her vision. Two hours later, she was hugging me and crying because she could finally enjoy her movies without the migraines. Since then, she has referred me to at least five new clients. I love sharing this story because it really shows how important it is to understand not only a display's capabilities, but also the level of customer service you can potentially provide to your clients. These days most displays are pretty easy to calibrate. Just a few basic adjustments to a display can make a major difference in picture quality. Now that we have Autocal with CalMAN (a calibration software package by Portrait Displays), a full calibration can be done quickly and accurately. If you consider yourself a custom integrator, this a great way to separate yourself from your competitors! My challenge to you is to find out if your competition offers calibration. Visit imagingscience.com/dealers, enter your city and see what is happening around you. You might be surprised by what you find. I recently hosted a webinar on this topic and had the founder of the ISF Joel Silver, HDTVTest's Vincent Teoh, and Portrait Displays Tyler Pruitt as guests. We had a great discussion about the industry and what we are excited to see over the next few years. Feel free to check that out here. We host AVPro Academy and ISF courses all over the world several times throughout the year. Here you can learn more, in great detail, about this custom service and what you need to get started. If you have been before, but it has been a few years, maybe it's time for a refresher. Check out the dates and locations for these classes here. If you are not calibrating the TVs and projectors that you install, I'd be interested in hearing why. What is holding you back? Written by Jason Dustal, AVPro Head of Training and Education Today’s digital age has resulted in a greater need for homeowners, bars, airports, and sports arenas to distribute audio and video over long distances. Previously, coax cable was used to transmit these analog signals but, as resolution has increased, so has bandwidth. This created a need for infrastructures that can distribute higher bandwidth digital signals over a long distance. The use of Category cable and the introduction of HDBaseT came to the rescue. Using CAT cable, we can extend HDMI signals over 10x the distance of HDMI’s 10-meter specification. However, HDBaseT doesn’t use a traditional digital signal to transmit audio and video. While connection speeds for networks are measured in Mbps (Digital measurement of bits), HDBaseT signals are measured in MHz (Analog measurement of waveforms). So, what does this mean? Traditional ways of testing CAT cable using category testers does not determine whether or not the CAT cable can handle an HDBaseT signal. Most testing equipment made for category cables will check that the pinouts match on both ends of the cable, and sometimes the distance; more expensive units can even test for network speeds. Unfortunately, even if they can test data rates, it’s done in Mbps, and HDBaseT is measured in MHz. This renders the device inadequate for audio/video signals. While both can fall victim to EMI and attenuation from length, HDBaseT signals are more susceptible to both. So, how do I test HDBaseT signals? While there are a few solutions that test CAT cable for HDBaseT signals, they are expensive and few and far between. Don’t worry, hope is not lost. Tests can be run using a few simple tools you may already have:
Together these tools are only a proving ground for category and better results can be achieved by following both the HDBaseT Gold Standard and the HDBaseT Do’s and Don’ts. Checking category runs prevents frustration during installation and helps prevent additional truck rolls costing you money. So you want HDR, but it's not displaying on your TV or Projector? This guide will walk you though troubleshooting this issue.One of the most common issues that integrators have today is not being able to trigger HDR on a display. This can be frustrating, especially when it seems like all of the stars are aligned and everything in the system is HDR capable. Here are some tips on system setup and troubleshooting that will help you in case you run into this issue. In the following scenario we are looking at this system: UHD Blu-ray Player --> AVPro Edge Matrix Switch --> AVR --> Display Some tips before you start troubleshooting:
How to troubleshoot for "No HDR": NOTE: Conduct these troubleshooting tests with either the Murideo SIX A and G or the Fox & Hound Kit. This guide is written for the SIX A & G Test Suite, but the process is almost exactly the same with the Fox & Hound Kit. Always have a known good 18Gbps HDMI cable in your kit. You will use this for testing different components in the system. Testing the source:
Testing the matrix switch:
If the source is outputting an HDR signal, the HDMI cable connecting the blu-ray player to the matrix switch tests out, and the matrix switch’s EDID is correct, then the problem should be solved. If not, confirm that the HDMI cable that connects the matrix switch to the AVR is passing 18Gbps. If it is not, replace the cable. If the cable tests out and shows zero errors, it’s time to move to the next component downstream. In this case that would be the AVR. Testing the AVR: Since the AVR has an input and an output you will have to test both.
At this point you have tested every other component and every HDMI cable in the system. If you are still not able to get HDR to the TV, follow these steps to test it:
In some cases, you may be dealing with an HDBaseT Matrix Switch. Here are some tips from HDBaseT that will endure a successful installation:
There are many ways to troubleshoot a system, and with the proper tools and methodology you can track down problems in a minimal amount of time. Come up with a plan, take things one step at a time, keep track of what you have and haven’t tested, and if problems continue to persist you can always call our tech support department at 877-886-5112 or +1 605 274 6055 (Int'l).
For years televisions have been plug-and-play. From the introduction of color television, to component, to the early years of HDMI, everything just worked. Today, we live in a world of catching up. Our legacy set top boxes struggle to produce 4K while advanced 4K displays sometimes resist the change to new formats. But hope is not lost, understanding common issues in today’s mixed resolution world can decrease the amount of time spent troubleshooting. 4K and HDR have taken the world by storm. Next-Gen gaming consoles and premium streaming devices have made this possible within the home but not all displays are as accepting as others. You may find a host of problems while simply trying to connect your device. Problem:
Distributed systems are a perfect way to deliver all sources to any part of the home; but what about HDR sources on legacy displays that do not support it? While scaling to the resolution of the display may show picture, you might find an issue with the image displayed. Problem:
Dolby Vision is the cream of the crop in terms of HDR. The ability to adjust brightness levels frame by frame attracts many consumers to buy displays capable of doing it. Unfortunately, not everyone can agree on how to process Dolby Vision leaving us with different profiles used in the market. If the source plugs directly into the display, this is not an issue. However, in a distributed system with multiple displays capable of Dolby Vision, they might not be processing it the same. Problem:
As displays continue to move from 4K to 8K and beyond it is almost guaranteed that new issues will arise. Being able to diagnose these problems now will help your ability to address them in the future. For help managing EDID and addressing high end 4K visit support.AVProEdge.com or give us a call at 877-886-5112. Here at AVPro and Murideo we talk a lot about ISF calibration and how important it is when building a high performance A/V system. Display calibration is necessary to achieve two goals:
As important as ISF calibration is to a home theater system, it is as equally important in a commercial environment. Let’s take your favorite sports bar for example. Next time you go, look around at all of the displays see if they all match. Check out the grass on the baseball field. Does it look real or radioactive? Take a look at the white jerseys. Can you see detail in the jersey or is the white totally blown out? Calibration will fix all of these problems by making all of the displays look the same. Next time you encounter a video wall, maybe at an airport, take a look at each panel. Especially when an advertisement pops up. Are all of the panels equal in brightness, or are some brighter or darker than others? Do they match in color, or are some white while others are a blue-ish white? Now imagine that you are a marketing executive for a brand that pays for advertising space in that airport. What would you think if you saw your brand or logo on the screens and the color of your logo was incorrect? All of these problems will be fixed with calibration since all of the displays are calibrated to the same standard. In many cases a commercial display will be initially set up in its brightest picture mode. Not only does this ruin the image quality, but it can literally be painful to look at. That last thing someone wants after a nice dinner in a restaurant is a migraine. In one extreme case, in an airport I had to close my eyes while coming down the escalator because the LED wall is entirely too bright. Not only is this unnecessary wear and tear on the display, but it can be dangerous! As important as ISF calibration is in a home theater system, it is equally and arguably more important in a commercial environment. In these cases, the goal is not only image fidelity and accuracy, but also to save the life of the displays and to keep people looking at these displays comfortable and safe. AVPro and Murideo have everything you need to offer display calibration to your clients. From pattern generators (the Murideo SIX G and VideoForge PRO) to meters and software including CalMAN we have you covered. Not only does AVPro offer the tools you need, we also work hand in hand with the Imaging Science Foundation to put on the best training in the industry. Have questions on how to get started or want to attend an ISF class? Give us a call at 877-886-5112 or visit avpro.training/isf for more information!
Calibration, testing and troubleshooting, Murideo is gearing up for CEDIA 2019 and will be located in booth #1643. This year be sure to stop by for scheduled demonstrations including HDR calibration, calibration with CalMAN AutoCAL, 8k and more with Jason Dustal of AVPro and Tyler Pruitt of Portrait Displays. The SIX A & SIX G Test Suite will be on display as well as the Fox & Hound Kit, a must on every integrator's truck. Finally, don't miss the AVPro Customer Appreciation Party on Friday, September 13 from 7-10PM at 10 Barrel Brewing in downtown Denver, details below! We'd love to meet you at CEDIA! Visit us at booth #1643 or simply fill out the form above to set up a meeting time. CEDIA SHOW SCHEDULE Thursday, September 12 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday, September 13 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday, September 14 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM VENUE The Colorado Convention Center 700 14th Street Denver, CO 80202 AVPRO CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 13, 2019, AFTER CEDIA DAY 2 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM WHERE: 10 BARREL BREWING - DENVER, 2620 WALNUT STREET, DENVER, CO 80205 JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF DRINKS AND FOOD AT THIS OPEN HOUSE STYLE EVENT. STOP BY FOR ONE OR STAY ALL NIGHT, WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT WE RECEIVE FROM OUR AMAZING CUSTOMERS! Our August webinar was a great success and covered Display Calibration in 2019. A big thank you to host Jason Dustal and special guests Vincent Teoh of HDTV Test, Tyler Pruitt of Portrait Displays and Joel Silver of the Imaging Science Foundation. If you missed the webinar check out what's new in the recording below. For years AV Technology has been plug and play, things just worked.... In today's world of HDMI distribution, things are different. Variables between displays and sources have continued to increase in complexity. Each product has their own detailed specifications that are slightly different than other, similar products. These specifications rely on something called EDID (Extended Display Identification Data). Contained within the EDID information is metadata sending preferred resolution, audio, timing, and a host of other information pertaining to the capabilities of the display. When a source is connected to the display the EDID information is sent back to the source, which will then generate the correct signal. Most displays have a setting that must be enabled to do HDR formats, these settings can change the EDID information.
EDID FlowThe largest problem in distributed systems is the mismatch of EDIDs from different models and manufacturers. AV manufacturers handle these issues in two different ways, unmanaged and managed. In the example below we compare two matrix switchers, a 4x2 with unmanaged EDIDs and a 4x2 with managed EDIDs. Unmanaged EDID
Managed EDID
Once you have an understanding of managing EDID, that knowledge can be used to tackle all kinds of problems both in the field and in design. From shortening sync times, fixing color space, or just getting the best quality audio and video, EDID management can change the whole system. AVPro Edge has made a huge leap forward in EDID Management. Using the AC-DA12-AUHD-GEN2, AVPro has created an EDID Compiler mode which uses the video capabilities of a display or projector and combines it with the audio capabilities of an AVR or soundbar. The DA12 also includes a 1080p downscale port allowing support for a legacy AVR. This can bring Dolby Atmos to your home theater while avoiding AVR limitations and shortening sync times. AVPro Edge continues to push the edge of innovation.
When I started calibrating, TVs and projectors were nowhere near as advanced as they are today. A TV back would only have a few controls and they were usually buried in the minefield of the service menu. Sometimes the controls worked, and sometimes they didn’t. I just had to do my best with what I had to work with. I still run into these situations sometimes, but luckily it’s not often. The difference today is that our equipment and software are light years better and the calibrator community is as big and as strong as ever. I want to invite you to join our newest hour long webinar on display calibration in 2019. I'm going to do a quick refresher for those calibrators that may be a little rusty, then I will talk about all the advancements in imaging science, we will also talk about all the mis-information that is out there as well as what the future holds. One of the most popular videos on our YouTube page is my calibration webinar from last year. But this one will be the most exciting one I’ve done so far. I’ll have 3 special guests on to talk about some of their experiences and what they are looking forward to in 2020 and beyond. Calibration Expert Guests
Want to learn even more?If you haven’t taken the class before, there is not a better time than now. During the ISF class we spend 3 full days covering everything related to electronic imaging and the standards that hold everything together. This includes hands on activities such as fiber termination, front panel TV controls, and manual and automated calibration of the grayscale and color gamut on the displays that we have in class. EDID management and HDCP compliance cause headaches everyday. We will show you how to use the necessary tools to keep track of and manage these things. Not only will you come out of class with a solid foundation of video signals and a new skill, but also CEDIA and AVIXA credits. If you take and pass the ISF exam you will be listed on the ISF site as a certified dealer so potential customers can easily find you.
We see a wide range of students come through the ISF class. Seats have been filled by not only A/V integrators, but also cinematographers, post production editors and colorists, broadcast engineers, medical professionals, even home theater enthusiasts looking to learn. Continuing education in our industry is a MUST, and we invite you to class even if you have taken the course before. With the introduction of 4K and HDR (High Dynamic Range), the AV industry has been flooded with various signal types that may not be supported by your distributed system. Does your device say 4K60Hz, yet still no signal? Is you device “full 4K”? The truth is, some devices cannot handle higher bandwidth 4K (4K60Hz 4:4:4 8Bit/18G or 4K60Hz 4:2:2 12Bit/18G). Using a 4:2:0 Chroma manufacturers can produce “4K60Hz” devices that are only handling 50% of the color information, as well as not displaying full HDR (4K60Hz 4:2:0 8 or 10Bit/(9G). Leaving customers with a choice to use only a few select 4K formats. For years manufacturers have been hiding behind this vague specification affecting switches, extenders, and even HDMI cables. Looking for specs that include 18Gbps or 4K60 4:4:4 with HDR, help notate a wide open, high bandwidth 4K signal. AVPro Edge provides many 18Gbps solutions, including all of our 444 extenders and AUHD products, that ensure the best video quality for your customers. Murideo, trusted in HDMI testing and troubleshooting, also provides tools to help confirm correct signaling with the Fox & Hound Testing and Troubleshooting Kit and the SIX-A Analyzer & SIX-G Generator Test Suite. The Imaging Science Foundation continued its international training, this time making a stop in Australia. ISF teamed up with AVPro and AVD to put on a display calibration course down under. Jason Dustal ISF Level III Instructor, taught this class and he had this to say: "ISF along with our partners at AV Distributors recently hosted the first Australian ISF class in a couple of years! The class was attended by a wide variety of people including experienced calibrators, medical professionals, post production professionals, and some who are brand new to calibration! We spent time talking about 18Gbps distribution and how to troubleshoot HDMI issues. Lots of hands on activities with both flat panels and projectors gave the attendees a glimpse of what to expect in the real world when servicing clients! We'd love to see you at the next class, cheers mate!" ISF hosts classes all year long around the world, if you are interested in becoming an ISF certified calibrator register for class today. For more information on ISF Visit AVPro.Training
In order for a distributed video system to work nicely with different kinds of displays EDID managing is crucial. What is an EDID?
An EDID is the data that is sent from a display to a source, this data tells that source what kind of signal to output. Some displays may ask for 1080p resolution with 2ch audio, and some may ask for 4K resolution with HDR colors and Dolby Atmos, in order for these two displays to play nicely inside one installation we need to manage the EDID to work with both. Every integrator has been here; you connect everything in a new installation, play your source and....... one or more displays do not have picture. If you are working with 4K, you may have an EDID problem. The Fox & Hound has many capabilities, in this article we are going to explore how you can use your Fox & Hound to manage the EDID's in your system. There are two main ways you use the Fox & Hound for EDID management: Testing an Multizone Video Distribution System Scenario: 8 video zone installation, using different brand displays, the source is a Apple 4K streamer. When the integrator turns on the system, 4 displays have a picture, 4 displays say no picture. You have tested all the cables and connection points and extenders and they all work - You have an EDID problem. The Answer: Find the television inside the system that is the oldest or has the lowest capabilities. Your goal is to find an EDID that will work with all the displays in your system. Connect the Analyzer to this display and copy the EDID. You will be able to see all the information from that EDID including:
The final step would be to place this EDID from your Analyzer into your video matrix switcher. Connect the analyzer to the input of your matrix switcher and using the matrix web GUI you can use this EDID on each input. We recommend AVPro Edge's line of matrix switchers for easy EDID management. Saving your favorite EDID's Scenario: You find a EDID from a specific display that works great for all the products you like to install, even when you use different brands of displays, this EDID works every time. You go to a new install and they don't have the type of TV that outputs the EDID you like to use. How can you get your favorite EDID into this installation? The Answer: By using the Fox & Hound HDMI Testing and Troubleshooting kit you can save your favorite EDID for later use. This might not seem that exciting but if you are working with 4K and HDR, having the perfect EDID is essential. To give you a head start the Fox & Hound comes loaded with the most useful EDID's already loaded. This is only one of hundreds of ways you can use the Fox & Hound to save time when working with HDMI. If you do not currently have a Fox & Hound from Murideo right now is the time to buy, we just introduced a payment plan where you can get a Fox & Hound for $199.00 a month for 12 months. For more information give us a call! Getting your hands on professional HDMI testing, troubleshooting and calibration equipment has never been easier. Purchasing HDMI test equipment can be expensive, but with the new 12-month payment plans from Murideo, things just got a lot more affordable.
Murideo offers two Generator and Analyzer pairs: The Murideo SIX-G and SIX-A: A robust 18Gbps 4K HDMI Generator and Analyzer combination that also comes with a PC software, perfect for calibrators, manufactures, and integrators testing areas.
The Murideo Fox & Hound: A 18Gbps 4K HDMI testing kit that is built to be in every integrators truck. Very easy to use and understand, this tool saves integrators time and money, hands down.
*A credit card must be on file to participate in this promotion. This card will be automatically charged every month. |
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