Product Review: Samsung 650ts

I was so excited to use the latest innovation in touch screen technology at the ACR Show at McCormick Place a couple weeks ago! The Samsung 650ts is a 65” touch screen that uses inferred sensors to follow your finger or pointer. When connected to a PC or Mac it acts as a mouse.

Out of the box, the monitor is controllable in only landscape orientation. The monitor can mimic the image of a laptop or desktop through the VGA, DVI or HDMI ports. With a USB cable attached to the computer and monitor, you are ready to go - no drivers needed.

With the help of the driver manufacturer, next window touch+2.9 USB driver utility, we were able to flip the monitor image using Windows 7 and recalibrate the touch capability with the downloaded driver. This action allowed us to hang the monitor in portrait mode to create what you see in the image to the left.

Having the flexibility to rotate the screen will give you more options on your next meeting or trade show. Call 815-469-1422 for your chance to use the Samsung 650ts on your next show.

WAV travels to "The Big Easy" with a new piece of equipment.

WAV Project Manager, Dave Ruke, set up and ran the Bankers Life and Casualty meeting at Harrah's Hotel and Casino in New Orleans.

Dave had fun using the new Soundcraft Si Compact 24 Channel Digital Audio Mixer. "This new mixer really helped me reduce set-up time, and I didn't need to use as much production table space," said Dave about the new equipment, "the mixer also has all the processing tools inside the mixer that are normally placed in separate rack cases, so it eliminates all the outside cable connects and space required for the extra processors."

Other time saving features of this new mixer that Dave likes includes memory storage in the mixer that can save and recall previous show set-ups, saving time on site programming and adjusting. Show presets can also be saved to a USB drive as well as be set-up on a laptop computer ahead of time and loaded to the console on site with the USB memory stick.

The business meeting used the new digital mixer, 6 Shure UHF-R wireless mic. systems, DVD playback, Digital sound FX boxes, and PC audio for occasional music. Video presentation was a 6K video/data projector to a rear-screen 9' x 12' image. He used 2 Power Point PC computers and 2 DVD players, and an ELMO Video Overhead device. Video switching was handled by a FSR Presentation-Pro 8 input switcher. The FSR was also used to store a logo for the meeting. Sound was 2 MacPhearson Monolith speakers on top of 2 Mackie Fusion 1800, self-powered subwoofers. The Monoliths were powered by Crown Xti-4000 amplifiers with built-in DSP to Bi-amp the Monoliths.

Warner AV Mixes with the Animals

Summer may be almost over, but it's never too late to talk about the Animal Crackers 2011 concert series at the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin.

Project Manager Dave Ruke had fun mixing the bands Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Rippingtons, Joey DeFracesco Trio and Special FX.

Warner AV supplied all the sound, back line gear and lighting for all of the concerts. For sound, Dave used a new Avid Digi/Design Venue SC-48 digital audio console. A Yamaha M7cl digital audio console was used for stage monitors. Electro-Voice DML series with Crown amplification and BSS Omnidrive DSP management were used for house speakers.

Overall, the bands didn't have to worry about their sound with our production, and many audience members said it was the best Animal Cracker series they had been to in years!

Harrison Ford and George Lucas at the EAA Show

During the last week of July, Warner AV had the privilege to work at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. The week was challenging, but Project Manager Kevin Peterson had the unique opportunity to design and and execute AV for the annual gala dinner. This year, the dinner featured special guests Harrison Ford and George Lucas along with the world-premiere of Lucas' new movie trailer, Red Tails, a movie about the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII.

To make this air craft-themed movie look fantastic on the big screen, a Screen Pro 2 Switcher plus controller was used to control five difference screens in three destinations - you could even play different sources to different screens. Additionally, a Christie 18 HD Projector was connected to local area network for control. A Sony HD tape player was connected to an SDI output to the switcher. For sound, a full Meyer sound system was used in the air plane hanger.

Over all, Warner AV had a very successful week providing sound to almost 541,000 air show attendees.

Warner Helps at Hands Together, Heart to Art

Last Friday, we provided sound equipment to Hands Together, Heart to Art - a summer camp for kids who have experienced the death of a parent.  Project Managers Steve Feledy and Dave Ruke even volunteered by running sound for the Final Show on  the last day of the first session of camp.

Steve and Dave had fun watching the kids. The campers performed storytelling-themed songs and dances. The kids also performed skits that they had created with the help of camp staff like the "The Old Lion and the Fox."

Dave particularly had fun watching the kids have fun a the Dance Party before the show. He said that "it was great to help the kids have a fun and memorable day at camp."

Get tickets to The All New Original Tribute To The Blues Brothers.

Our friends at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University gave us some tickets to The All New Original Tribute To The Blues Brothers for generously donating time and equipment to their summer camp for kids who have experienced the death of a parent, Hands Together, Heart To Art. We'd like to share some of the tickets with you!

Call 815.469.1422 for a free quote on your next event, and recieve one pair of tickets for opening night on July 6. We only have a limited number of tickets so call quickly

Check out AV's Boys of Summer: Stadiums!

The first day of summer is next week, and what better way to celebrate by finding out what baseball stadiums are doing to keep their audiences engaged by using the latest AV technology.

Brad Grimes' article, "AV's Boys of Summer," talks about all the AV updates some stadiums like Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles), Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City (The Royals), Citi Field and New York (The Mets) have made to keep things fresh.

In 2009, Oriole Park at Camden Yards experienced an overhaul complete with an AVI-SPL and SIA Acoustics, a variety of weather-protected loudspeakers including EAW AX364-WP, MK2394-WP, and JFX100i models. For video, the stadium transitioned from analog to HD with new Sony HDC1450 HD Triax portable cameras plus much more.

Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City decided to put their video on network. Working with Cisco Systems, they decided to have StadiumVision installed. The stadium also has over 400 HDTV's which can show the game, advertising and even directions and traffic information once the game ends.

Citi Field in New York needed a brand-new system. They used CobraNet, an audio system which comprises 160 Crown CTs 3000 amplifiers, along with 61 CTs 1200 and 19 CTs 2000 amps with PIP-Lite Modules. These network and power the main bowl speakers, club areas, suites, concession stands, bathrooms, and entrances.

If you could re-do an AV system in a baseball stadium, which one would you pick? What equipment would you use? Any new ideas you didn't read in this article?

Tech Tip #4: Sound Systems

The ProAV article, “How to Troubleshoot a Sound System” by Dan Daley inspired me to elaborate on how to work with a sound system that’s not cooperating. Any given system has the potential to give you and your audience a headache, but here are some tips that can lessen trouble shooting time during setup as well as ease your woes.

First, here’s a synopsis on how a sound system works. Audio technicians add layers of extra equipment to enhance the sound for every room and situation. Usually, technicians forget the basics. Every system follows the same route no matter how you set it up. All sound systems have a source of sound. Whether it is a microphone, CD/DVD player, MP3 Player, or computer, there needs to be something to amplify. The flow of audio travels to some kind of mixing device. Once mixed, it travels out of the mixer to sound manipulators. Sound manipulators consist of compressor / limiter, noise gates, effect units, delays and so on. After the sound is manipulated, it travels to the amplifiers. Finally the sound is broadcasted through speakers to the audience. When trouble shooting a sound system, always check the source first. Think in terms of separate areas - departmentalize where the trouble might be (ie. Source – Mixer – Manipulator – Amps – Speakers).

Next, look deeper into each department. Start with the source and think about the main problems that arise. The usual suspect is cable. Every sound technician should treat each cable like an expensive piece of gear. It's a pain, but bench test all of your cable after every use. Even open the ends and check every soldered connection to see if your cable is loose or if the solder is beginning to break away from the connector. Paying attention to your cable will greatly reduce setup time, every time.

The mixing console can seem intimidating. This can be easy. Nothing is infallible when electronics are involved, and with your mixer, channels can go bad. When you know that your source and cable are properly working, you should be able to visibly see some kind of meter, LED lights or analog needle, on each channel. If you do not “see” sound coming into the channel, switch channels on the board. This swapping will most likely solve your input problem. The same should be considered with your mixer’s output. Although specific distribution of sound is sometimes required to specific events, uncooperative outputs might mean that you need to make some creative adjustments.

Sound manipulation pitfalls also happen when a technician adds multiple devices between the mixing and amplification stage. With sound manipulation, there are usually two concerns that arise when trouble shooting a system, broken gear and swapped input/output. After you have looked at your mixer, bypass all of your manipulators and go straight to the amps. If you can hear sound, add each manipulator in line one at a time to find your trouble piece of gear. When setting up your system, keep close attention to your wiring path. Make sure that you have the correct cable connected to the correct input/output.

Amps are usually overlooked and can be the problem too. Power regulation, airflow, and cabling are usually at the root of amplifier problems. Double check to make sure that your amps are able to pull the amount of power recommended for the unit. Amps can also overheat – so check to make sure they are well ventilated.

Remember, speaker and amp selection go hand in hand. Overdriving your amps can cause catastrophic failure to your speakers. Make sure that when your system is setup and all your connections are made, you ease the sound into your speakers. You might be looking for replacements if you don’t.

These tips should help you figure out how to get your sound system back on track at your next meeting. Feel free to contact me at 815.469.1422 or info@warnerav.com for advice on your next meeting or event.

Award-Winning Booth at Audiology Now!

Project Manager Jim Woodier just returned from Audiology Now! in Chicago. Warner AV was involved with three booths which were very interactive for attendees:

• New Product Showcase Booth: Jim used VL3500 moving lights, 72" Coloblaze LED lighting, and conventional lighting for product accents.
• Unitron: For this booth, VL3500 moving lights were used for logo projection. A 4x4 high definition LCD video wall was sourced from 1080p solid state players. Five players were run in a synchronized configuration to maximize the overall resolution of the video wall.
• Oticon: Once again, VL3500 moving lights were used for color accents on scenic elements in the booth scenic elements. Conventional lighting instruments were needed for product and signage specials.

Everyone at Warner AV is also thrilled that the Oticon booth won "Best of Show" for the second year in a row!

Audiology Now! - Online Slideshow Maker

Praise for Warner AV

While cleaning up my desk, I came across letters from our clients and friends over the years. We want to thank everyone for their business as much as they have thanked us for ours. It's been an amazing time, and we look forward to working with you in the future.

• “…hard work, attention to details, driving days with the truck, treating our attendees and clients like family – and all while keeping a positive attitude…” – Amanda Boller, Bankers Life and Casualty (September 2010)
• “If you are looking for a company with dedicated individuals, excellent equipment inventories, reasonable labor rates, and 100% customer satisfaction, than I highly recommend Warner Audio Visual.” – John Trout, McDonald's
• “…nothing short of complete satisfaction for over ten years…developed a relationship with us that emphasizes trust, value and service… wouldn't hesitate to recommend Warner Audio Visual to anyone.” – Richard Murray, Johnson Wax (July 1995)
• “a partner whose interest was in helping us communicate our business objectives and doing it in a way that was consistent with Whirlpool’s culture and style.” – Bill Langbehn, Whirlpool (July 1995)
• “the Warner crew delivers a show that is technically perfect, as well as great to look at and listen to…the “can do” attitude when “can’t do it” situations arise.” – Ron Springer, Esprit Productions (March 2003)
• “That gym is not every soundman’s dream and you did a fantastic job.” – Pat Martin, McCord Gallery Cultural Center (October 2004)
• “You did an unbelievable job…guiding me through all my labor options…my main client (VP of Sales, CEO) were ecstatic about the results…” – Brian Sullivan (August 2007)
• "Your crew accommodated every need and made a challenging event seem carefully choreographed…handled every curve we threw at them with technical mastery and grace.” –Jason Smith, Escena Productions (September 2007)
• “Not only were they professional and very skilled, but their friendly spirit drew them in providing a quality sound system and their ingenuity in providing sound effects were all greatly appreciated.” – Reverend Dr. Wayne Basch, The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (December 2009)
• “You have our admiration and respect.” Donald Woodard, Dynamic Shows (January 2010)
• “…every review has been positive, the clients are thrilled and they [feel] they got a good value…” – Tom, Thomaswerks (April 2009)
• “…an incredible help with much of the staging pre-production and was invaluable on site…” – Blake Batterson, Business Media Productions (December 2003)
• “I don’t imagine that there are many agencies of our size that have enjoyed an anniversary with a highly professional audiovisual and lighting production like the one you provided” – Steve Rhea, Rhea & Kaiser (May 2003)
• “…a stunning work of both artistic and technical skill…a tremendous enhancement to the success of the evening…” – Henry McKinney, United States Navy Memorial Foundation (October 2003)
• “You have a top-notch team, and you performed well beyond our expectations.” - Henry McKinney, United States Navy Memorial Foundation (October 2003)
• “…a “can do” outfit that nitpicks every detail…covers all stages of production, from cargo pick up and delivery to ballroom specs in hotels throughout the world…friendly easy-to-work-with professionals…” – Richard Murray, American Airlines (July 1995)

Tech Tip #3: The Value of a Projector Screen

Ever wonder why anyone wastes time and money on a projection screen? There is a perfectly flat wall available in almost any convention center, conference room or break-out room. Or, do you just take the abilities of a projector screen for granted?

The January 2011 edition of Da-Lite Screen Company's series "Angles of Reflection" tackles the hard question: "What is a Projection Screen, Anyway?"

The article explains that projector screens enhance a meeting or presentation by absorbing light, making a too-bright room appear dim or even increasing the size of an image.                                                              

AG Connect Show

Here are some pictures from the AG Connect Show in 2011. Enjoy!

AG Connect - slideshow maker

Tech Tip #2: LCD Technology

LCD screens enhance your next meeting or tradeshow. It's a great tool for presenters or company representatives. This technology helps the audience to better see the presenter's presentation, or to quickly understand a complicated process or product - making your event a bigger success.


This technology can be hard to understand. A few days ago, I came across this easy-to-understand video by Bill Hammack from the University of Illinois. He explains LCD basics by taking a part a monitor and explaining how it processes information.

Truss Tape Winder

Winding truss tape can be an even bigger pain than wrapping cords.

That's why Cory Wetzell and Steven Feledy invented the truss tape winder.

"We positioned an electric screw driver in between the holes of a milk crate and fastened it together with a rubber band," says Project Manager Cory Wetzell, "it makes winding truss tape much easier and cuts the time down to a few minutes."

The truss tape winder may not be the next million dollar deal, but you can rest assured that Warner AV staff are always finding ways to make your next show's preparation quicker and more efficient.

Tech Tip #1: Wireless Microphones

Wireless mics are an essential part of any event. They give the presenter the ability to move around the room while still being heard by the audience. There are also many other ways a wireless microphone system can be used as a part of your next event.

As a producer, having a hand held wireless mic can make it easier for you to bring the show together during rehearsals. Having the ability to call cues and discuss the details of each session to everyone at one time can greatly reduce confusion and lost time.

Wireless microphones can be used in different applications other than a standard microphone. Wireless belt packs can be used to transmit audio from almost any device.

We have the ability to use the wireless microphone connection (where the lavaliere mic plugs in the belt pack does not) as an input to many other audio sources. Guitars, laptop audio, MP3 players, and CD Players are only some of many options that can be used as inputs into a wireless system.

To save time (and cable wire) on setup for large events, an audio engineer can use the output of the sound console, connect it to the wireless belt pack, and transmit the signal to the amplifiers. This application is good if the amplifiers are in a hard-to-reach place.

Keep in mind, wireless microphones are a great convenience, but even the greatest audio engineers can run into problems with any wireless systems.

Please follow these tips to ensure a great event:

1. Contact the venue and find the local televisions' frequencies that are being transmitted in the local city. It is illegal to broadcast wireless microphones on the same frequencies and it will cause interference.
2. Contact the venue and find out if there are any other events happening. If there are, coordinate with the other producers on what wireless frequencies are being used.
3. Wireless interference can happen. Using two lavaliere mics on different frequencies for one presenter can give you peace of mind.

Please keep all of these tips on mind and contact Warner AV with any questions regarding wireless microphones.

Friday Distraction: A Fashionable Mattress

An oldie but a goodie! Last year, we helped create a fashion show for the big reveal of a new mattress model. Who knew a mattress itself could be so exciting.

NACR Broadway-themed Sales Meeting

NACR hosted a Broadway-themed annual sales meeting in Orlando, FL at the Royal Pacific Resort last week. Approximately 220 sales people attended the meeting. 

Technicians Cory Wetzell and Dave Ruke helped to create a Broadway-themed meeting by creating a circle front projection screen. Presenters had fun entering the stage by making dramatic moves as a backlit sillouette.


NACR Sales Meeting - free slideshow

For more information on this event, call 815.469.1422 or email info@warnerav.com.

American Academy of Dermatology Tradeshow

Project Manager, David Ripp, set up and ran booths at the American Academy of Dermatology Trade Show for three pharmaceutical companies - two under Johnson and Johnson and one under Bayer.

AAD - slideshow with music

The total square footage of the booths for this humongous gig was 9,500.  The big technology features were large video walls and synched videos. David Ripp also set up iPad App integration. Warner AV oversaw the lighting and rigging for all of the booths.

1980's Party for Allos Theraputics

On the last night of Allos Theraputics' annual meeting, Warner AV helped take 100 attendees back to a time when Prince was a hit, MTV was in its infancy and Ray-Ban's were all the rage.

Crew-chief, Cory Wetzell, used a Screen Pro 2 Switcher and Controller to control the screens. A Hog 3 was used for the colorful lighting design, and a Midas Venice was used to mix sound during the meeting.

Allos Therapeutics - picture slideshow

Produced by Robert Bieber of Northstar (NSCI).  Decorations designed by Pink Monkey.

Welcome to WAV Action.

Warner Audio Visual has been in the corporate meeting, event and tradeshow business for over 40 years. Big clients like Toshiba, Honeywell, Case IH and Bankers Life and Casualty trust us to create one-of-a-kind audio and visual displays that are high quality and within their budgets. Find out what kind of projects our technicians are working on as well as some tips and tricks on what can seem like a complicated industry.