WAV Helps to Launch Microsoft Surface 2

We were thrilled to assist Microsoft with their launch of the new Surface 2 and Surface 2 Pro by providing audio and video for the press conference launch in New York, NY on September 24.

For audio, we used a Soundcraft Vi 1 audio console to drive a Meyer's Line Array. The inputs included 8 Shure UHF-R wireless microphones, various demo inputs from the new Surface 2(s) and video playback from two Turbo 2 HD's. 

The projection screen for the press conference was a 16' x 9' daylight rear projection screen. We used two Christie HD 18K projectors (DLP) to give attendees a visual of the new Surface 2. Four Sony HXC100 camera chains connected to a Panasonic 450 Switcher that drove the satellite truck and the Vista Spyder Switcher for the projectors.

Look for our display by watching this video that was created at the press conference! 

125 Tips for Meeting Planners

NACR Show in Las Vegas, NV

Meetings and trade shows are completely different than they were 20 years ago. With technology and trends constantly changing, it can feel like meetings are completely different over a couple months.

We found 125 Tips for Today's Meeting Planners on CollaborateMeetings.com to be very insightful. From RFP's to blocking rooms to making sure your client's brand has a big impact during the event, this post offers advice on all aspects of meeting planning.

Of course, our three favorite pieces of advice relates to AV:

Make sure your AV partners understand your meeting objectives—your audience, your priorities and your hot buttons. Always inform them of changes to your program and include them in meetings with your venue. —Kevin R. Johnston, PlanSmart

Ideally, people should sit no closer than twice the height of a screen and no farther away than eight times the height of a screen. So if a screen is 10 feet tall, the audience should sit no closer than 20 feet and no farther away than 80 feet from it. —Scott Reagles, Initial Production Group

Storytelling is another way to think about how to frame your meeting. Know your message. Then, develop the story with a plot, a beginning, middle and end. Communicate the story using multiple messages: Theme the scene, reinforce it with music to create the right moods and immerse your attendees every step of the way. —Lenn Millbower, Offbeat Training

As Warner AV, we keep all these tips in mind when creating an AV display for a meeting or trade show.

You can read the entire post CollaborateMeetings.com by clicking here. 

And be sure to read our own AV tip How to Know Your Room for more tricks on making sure your next AV set-up goes smoothly before your next meeting.

AV 101: How to Wrap a Cable (the correct way)

If you've ever worked in A/V, the first thing you learn is how to wrap cords. When we saw this post and YouTube video on Wired.com, we laughed - especially at this quote:

Keeping your cables neat and tidy is a matter of nerd pride, with a side of OCD thrown in there just for fun. But, if you’re man-handling your cables by bunching them into random shapes or using some weirdo twisty knot method, you’re not just crossing a line in the sands of geek coolness, you’re destroying the precious connections between your gadgets.

Enjoy this video from the London School of Sound, but take note. This really is AV 101!

The Jeff Show: Denver Tips

Vesta Dipping Grill

For those of you who know me well, know that I like to fly and am also a fountain of knowledge about American Airlines.

For example, did you know that the spare aircraft for planes that fly in and out of New York LaGuardia are parked in Newark? Last month I was headed to Denver for a gig. The plane to Chicago broke down in New York. It took four hours to get the plane to Chicago since the eleven minute flight for the spare plane took three hours because air traffic control held it in Newark. So, I sat at O’Hare Airport all day waiting for a plane. Did I mention that I love to fly? Not as much as before that day.

Speaking of Denver, here are a few tips:

• First, let's talk food. The area around Coors Field is very cool and features many new restaurants. I was impressed by the Vesta Dipping Grill. Their hook is (go figure) they have dipping sauces for everything -- from barrel aged hot sauce to basil emulsion to crème anglaise -- I mean everything. However, they offer unique and delicious dinners on their menu like Colorado Striped Bass or Madras Grilled Venison, and a terrific drink menu to boot.
• Now, let's talk about getting in, out, and around Denver. First, fly out of Denver early. Actually, try to fly out as early as you can to any destination.
• Forget about pre-check. The line is longer then the regular lines. Just use the first class security line. The TSA people don’t care what class you are in. Everyone is cattle to them.
• When driving to and from the airport, if they are not working on the interstate you are using , it means traffic is so heavy they forgot it’s a road. Take however long you think it’s going to take to drive to your destination and double the travel time.
   
• Denver drivers have two speeds, up your butt or stopped. Sometimes that's the same thing.

I was going to write about Hawaii this month but decided to wait until I'm back again in November. Next month, I'll circle back to Indy, which was supposed to be this time. Oh well, until next time.