Archive - October 2015

Enterprise-grade videoconferencing with Panasonic

October 26, 2015
Business Systems, Unified Communications

Panasonic has introduced a new High Definition Visual Communications (HDVC) System, a platform for multi-site, enterprise-grade videoconferencing.

The two new models, the base KX-VC1300 and the enhanced KX-VC1600, enable a Full-HD video-communications experience across four or more sites. The KX-VC1300 and KX-VC1600 both deliver video in 1080p at 60 frames per second to ensure smooth, crystal clear audio and video – even under challenging bandwidth conditions. The new models also support H.261, H.263, H.264, and H.239 dual streaming, so they remain compatible with legacy videoconferencing equipment. This allows enterprises to expand and enrich their conferencing solutions while still retaining existing equipment and reducing capital expenditure. Both new models are also multi-device compatible, so they can be connected to a variety of devices, from laptops and desktops, to smartphones and tablets running Windows, iOS, or Android operating systems.

Graham Gibbs, National Manager, Unified Communications, Panasonic, said: “The system offers organisations a strong return on investment. Compatibility with other solutions means enterprises can expand and enrich videoconferencing while still retaining existing equipment and reducing capital expenditure. Crystal-clear image quality and multi-device compatibility ensures high quality, high definition videoconferencing, even on the go.”

The base KX-VC1300 comes with four-site connection capability as standard, while the fullyfeatured KX-VC1600 includes a built-in Multi-Connection Unit (MCU), offering up to six-site connection capability in its standard configuration. With the optional KX-VCS304 software upgrade, this can be expanded to up to 10 sites – the industry’s highest number of connection sites – without requiring expensive additional MCU boxes.

The KX-VC1600 also boasts ports for dual network connections, enabling high-definition videoconferencing over both private intranets as well as over secured internet connections.

The KX-VC1300 and KX-VC1600 will be provided with a three-year warranty and will be available from specialist Panasonic videoconferencing distributors and resellers in December. Pricing will start at around $7,630 RRP for a base KC-VC1300 hardware pack. For more information visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

Panasonic introduces scalable optical disc library system to meet increasing demand for long-term data storage

October 26, 2015
Business Systems

Panasonic has leveraged its optical drive technology, media technology, and sophisticated robotics technology to develop the Data Archiver LB-DH8 Series, a scalable optical disc library system that meets the need for long-term data storage. The Data Archiver is displayed for the first time in Australia at the Panasonic Business Showcase.

To meet the need for long-term storage at data centres, which are increasingly being built and enlarged worldwide, Panasonic’s Data Archiver allows multiple data storage modules to be configured in a server storage rack according to customer requirements, with high- volume optical disc storage of up to 638.4 terabytes per rack. Digital data is doubling every two  years  and  by  2020  the  digital  data  generated  worldwide  is  estimated  to  reach 44 zettabytes, or 44 trillion gigabytes.

Grant Stewart, National Manager, Professional Solutions, Panasonic Business Systems, said: “Australian businesses have identified the need to store ever-increasing data as one of the major challenges they face todayii. We are currently looking at partnering with local systems integrators to bring our solution to the Australian market.”

“Using  the benefits  of the  durability  of  optical discs,  Panasonic’s  system  can  safely and reliably store large volumes of digital data over a long period at low running costs to support customers’ information asset management,” Stewart added.

The system is designed for high-capacity, high reliability and high-speed data transfer. It consists of a data archiver magazine holding data storage discs and three types of modules: a bottom module (magazine carrier), a base module (magazine recording and playback unit), and an expansion module (magazine loader). The base module can house up to 76 data archiver magazines, each storing 1.2TB of data. A maximum of 91.2TB can be stored in each module. The 19-inch rack holds up to seven modules to achieve high-volume optical disc storage of 638.4TB max. per rack. Storage can be expanded according to the amount of data to be stored.

Panasonic’s newly-developed robotics technology has allowed this module configuration   to be achieved. The magazine carrier in the bottom module quickly transfers data archiver magazines housed in each module to the writer unit. In the writer unit, twelve discs in a data archiver magazine are loaded to ensure smooth writing and reading of large volumes of data.

RAID technology is used for high-speed data transfer at up to 216 MB/sec, ensuring high reliability that protects data from unforeseen failure. Recordable Blu-ray optical discs that have a storage life of 50 years are used to eliminate the costs of regular data migration. Standby power consumption is 7Wiv, reducing running costs.

Since optical discs are highly resistant to changes in temperature, light, humidity and ageing, they can be stored at room temperature, eliminating the costs associated with air conditioning during storage. Concerns about physical wear are eliminated, as optical discs are a contactless medium. Additionally, the data archiver magazine drawer is detachable  and data can be withdrawn and physically transferred by the magazine in the event of emergencies, which is useful for BCPs.

The depth of the archiver is 927mm, allowing it to be installed in standard 1,000mm racks  at data centres and facilitating its use in existing customer environments.

Dedicated management software: Windows/Linux

The system can be easily connected to an existing IT system via LAN using Data Archiver Manager softwarev provided with Data Archiver Manager (server OS: compatible with Windows). CIFS network protocol supports the NAS head function. Multiple Data Archiver units and all data archiver magazines can be managed as a single logical volume.

Panasonic has also developed a data archiver manager supported under Linux that can handle large-scale systems by extending its object storage technology. Magazines are managed by controlling the input/output of files using RESTvi based API. A single name space  functionvii   enables  management  of  large-scale  archive  data  and  configuration  of scalable storage. The NAS head function is also enabled. Australian  pricing  and  availability  for  the  Data  Archiver  LB-DH8  Series  is  yet  to be announced.

Panasonic announces AW-UE70, industry’s first professional 4K integrated PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) camera and AW-SF100G Auto Tracking Software

October 26, 2015
Business Systems, Professional AV

Panasonic is set to release the professional video industry’s first integrated 4K pan/tilt/zoom camera, the AW-UE70. The AW-UE70 delivers 3840 x 2160 resolution images at 29.97p/25p via HDMI, and is also capable of 4K IP streaming and incamera 4K recording.

The AW-UE70 offers crisp 4K footage and precise control for applications including remote studio use, auditoriums and stadiums, lecture and conference rooms, videoconferencing and collaboration, events, and reality show production.

Mathew Alexander, Product Marketing Manager, Broadcast and Professional Video, Panasonic, said: “The market for integrated cameras is growing quickly in Australia. Applications are expanding from remote TV or radio studios and reality TV programming to corporate boardrooms, and the higher education market where they support streaming of distance learning or broadcasting to ‘overflow’ rooms on the same campus.”

“We are also excited to release the AW-SF100G ‘Auto Tracking’ software. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the AW-UE70 camera, as well as the AW-HE40 and AW-HE130 cameras, and will automatically lock on to an object which is moving.”

“The biggest area of interest is around lecture capture. The software will allow the operator to lock onto a lecturer who is walking back and forth, and follow them so they are always in frame. The software detects object movement, not facial recognition, so the lecturer can turn their back or side to the camera, to write on a whiteboard for instance, and still be tracked. It can track without a sensor or token on the lecturer so it is easy to use,” Alexander added.

Key features

In addition to 4K 2160/25p, the AW-UE70 camera delivers many international HD signal formats including 1080/50p, 1080/50i, 1080/25p, 1080/25PsF and 720/50p.

Standard IP-control, built-in audio input and Power over Ethernet enables innovative ‘singlecable’ installation. A USB Webcam for videoconferencing and collaboration, a 20x zoom lens, preset functions, and wide field of view (65.1°) mean the camera offers operational flexibility.

The AW-UE70 offers key features aimed at production such as genlock, Optical Image Stabilisation (O.I.S), and remote switchable ND filters. The camera comes with 3G-SDI as well as HDMI video outputs and incorporates a 1/2.3-type MOS sensor and advanced processing. It also boasts direct from camera audio/video streaming up to 2160/30p and incamera video and audio recording to a microSD card at 2160/25p or 1080/50p.

IP, RS-422, and RS-232C in/out interfaces are included, as well as a built in web server which enables both browser control and IP-live preview, for up to 16 cameras, from PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. RS-422 Serial or IP control is available using Panasonic’s AWRP50, AW-RP120G controllers, AK-HRP200G paintbox, and the AW-HEA10 control assist camera, as well as appropriately programmed systems from Crestron, AMX, Winnov, and other manufacturers.

The AW-UE70 includes many powerful features that expand the capabilities of professional video system users. The combination of Panasonic’s Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), advanced Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), and an ingenious High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode means crisp and clear images, even in extreme contrast and lighting conditions.

The AW-UE70’s Night Mode makes it possible to shoot in virtually total darkness, by automatically switching to high-quality, HD monochrome video with the use of an optional IR illuminator – making the camera ideal for reality shows, sleep lab research, and staging support.

The AW-UE70 incorporates a highly-accurate pan-tilt head (with a pan of ±175° and a tilt of –30° to 90°). This enables precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions, for the capture of both slow and fast-moving objects without excessive vibration and bounce. The AW-UE70 is available in black or white at $7,499 RRP, with the AW-SF100G Auto Tracking software priced at $2,428 RRP. The new solutions will be available in November from specialist Panasonic Broadcast distributors and resellers. For more information on Panasonic Broadcast visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

Panasonic announces high-impact, high-reliability video wall

October 26, 2015
Display Solutions

The new 55-inch LED video wall promises high visibility, reliability and installation flexibility

Panasonic has released a new 55-inch LED video wall display that offers high impact, high reliability, and installation flexibility. The new TH-55LFV70 video wall has a bezel that is only 3.5mm wide at each join, for a near seamless appearance.

The panels can be mounted in landscape or portrait mode to suit the application, with up to 100 panels able to be configured and controlled in a single wall. The 55-inch panels are built to offer high visibility wherever they are installed. To ensure excellent performance from all angles in brightly lit showrooms or shopping concourses, they offer 700 cd/m2 brightness, an IPS LED panel with a wide viewing angle, and an anti-glare surface that reduces the reflection of ambient light.

Chris Maw, Product Marketing Manager Panels and Projectors, Panasonic, said: “Video walls now offer greater ease of installation, operation and affordability, with reduced total cost of ownership giving them appeal to a much broader range of customers.” “They are an excellent solution for customers wanting a high-impact display to promote sales such as car dealerships or boutique clothing stores. They stand out from the crowd and are ideal for displaying information in large areas from airports to convention centre lobbies.”

Panasonic video walls are simple to install, saving on labour and time. The panels are shipped with colour pre-calibrated so there is no adjustment necessary during installation and the modular mount uses magnets to ensure all panels are perfectly aligned. Additionally, a wall is easy to maintain as the panels can simply be removed from the mount. Video, audio, and control signals can be distributed to up to nine panels using a DIGITAL LINK single cable daisy chain. This removes the requirement for a splitter and simplifies the control of a multi-screen system.