Transcript
Issue 1 :: Q1 2007 :: Monthly Digital Newsletter
KeyNews Digital Table of Contents 1. Key Digital Forms Unique Partnerships
Key Digital Forms Unique Partnerships
2. Key Digital Hosts CU on the Road 3. Meet the “Key” People at Key Digital Systems 4. NEW PRODUCTS ➔ The KD-VP6 and KD-VP8 ➔ The KD-HDMI4x1 and KD-HDMI2x1 5. Key Digital® Announces it’s “Golden Key” Award Winners
Using Key Digital Products Makes Even the Big Companies Appear to be Bigger and Better Many high quality video display companies have been frustrated by the quality of their distributed video signal. Although their displays and sources may be of the highest quality, the results when they distribute video signals can be less than satisfactory. To improve the signal shown at trade shows and conferences numerous companies have approached Key Digital to solve these problems. Two of these companies, Toshiba and Panasonic are using Key Digital designed distribution systems and HDMI wiring to give the best possible video performance available.
6. Technology Corner ➔ Making Audio and Video work with HDMI 7. What is SMPTE? 8. Calendar ➔ Upcoming Events 9. New Distributor ➔ Key Digital in Russia 10. Ask the Experts
With the advent of 1080p software, the need for high quality video signal distribution is more important than ever. When Toshiba was working on displaying their high technology Regza displays at CEDIA 2006 and CES 2007 they asked Key Digital to design and provide the best possible HDMI distribution system to maximize the 1080p viewing experience. The results were beyond expectations. As commented by virtually everyone, it was as if every display had a source connected directly into the screen. Truly impressive results. If you would like Key Digital to assist you in designing the best possible video distribution system for your clients, just contact our sales department at
[email protected]. We can custom design a great system that will show off the best possible picture whether it is for two displays or 100 displays. The design not only includes the distribution products, but also the specifics for cabling. Systems can also be designed when using multiple sources into multiple displays for both residential and commercial installations.
More info:
[email protected]
KeyNews Digital
Issue 1 :: Q1 2007 :: Monthly Digital Newsletter
Key Digital Hosts CU on the Road
As the SME (Subject Matter Expert) for Video Technology at CEDIA University, CEDIA and Key Digital have an ongoing relationship that involves education and training. During 2006, Key Digital continued their support of CEDIA with the creation of three new video technology courses. We not only supplied the technical information for these courses, we taught them at CEDIA University in Dallas and the CEDIA EXPO in Denver. Our staff of four CEDIA certified instructors are, in our humble opinion, the best in the business. These instructors bring life to the courses with their complete understanding of video technology and how to use it in both the home and in commercial installations.
During 2007, CEDIA University will be featured at Key Digital’s Home Theater Institute from March 21st through March 24th 2007. Courses from virtually all parts of the CEDIA curriculum will be featured. ESD – Electronic Systems Designer, EST – Electronic Systems Technician – Workshops, Seminars, Core Curriculum, CEDIA Professional Certification and Key Digital Product Training. Key Digital has contracted with a special hotel rate at the Radisson Hotel New Rochelle, One Radisson Plaza, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Telephone: 914-576-3700. Mention Key Digital for a rate of only $119 per night. To learn the latest in Video Processing, HDMI, DVI, Video Switching and Distribution, you must come to this special Key Digital/CEDIA University On the Road event. For further information, with a complete class listing including the special Key Digital Product training Seminars, please go to the following CEDIA web site:
Best Installations Feature Best installations to be featured in Key Digital’s Newsletter.
http://www.cedia.net/education/2007CUOTR_Reg.pdf or contact Nicole at
[email protected] for more information.
Winner will receive certificate for best installer or most creative installer. Top three entries will receive training credits that can be used at upcoming trainings sessions at our facility in Mount Vernon, NY.
Have a great way you’ve used Key Digital products? Find something only our products can do? Key Digital wants to know about it. Send all submissions to
[email protected]
KeyNews Digital
Issue 1 :: Q1 2007 :: Monthly Digital Newsletter
Meet the “Key” People at Key Digital Mike Tsinberg, President of Key Digital, provides the engineering leadership that makes Key Digital the experts in Digital Video technology. Mike’s expertise is recognized by numerous professional organizations including SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and the EMMY (Academy of Television Arts & Sciences) technical awards committee.
What is SMPTE?
Mike grew up in the Ukraine and attained his formal education at the Rybinks Institute of Aviation Technology where he earned a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE). Although Mike has developed expertise in numerous areas of radio tracking devices and military satellite transmissions, Mike is widely known for his work on the development of DVD and HDTV technology for both Phillips and Toshiba in the USA. This work is mostly original thinking and development which has been recognized by the 40 patents he has earned in the video technology.
You have probably seen or used the SMPTE color bars in video calibration or have seen these letters used in the video industry, but what do they signify? SMPTE stands for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and is the leading technical society for the motion imaging industry.
Knowing that the advent of High Definition video signals would require a new class of products, Mike started Key Digital which allows him to design and manufacture products that could be used with these technologies. Large Video Display companies depend on Mike and his team of video experts to design distribution systems for allowing high definition signals to be distributed through numerous displays and locations.
SMPTE individual members are worldwide, as well as over 250 Sustaining (Corporate) Members, allowing networking and contacts to occur on a larger scale. The members include engineers, technical directors, cameramen, editors, technicians, manufacturers, educators, and consultants. SMPTE was founded in 1916 to advance theory and development in the motion imaging field. Today, SMPTE publishes ANSIapproved Standards, Recommended Practices, and Engineering Guidelines, along with the highly regarded SMPTE Journal and its peer-reviewed technical papers. SMPTE holds conferences and local Section meetings to bring people and ideas together, allowing for useful interaction and information exchange.
His seminars and classes on video technology are required education for anyone needing to know the latest on how video signals work and are used in both commercial and residential systems.
A special membership of SMPTE, SMPTE Fellow, has been awarded to Mike Tsinberg, President of Key Digital Systems. This membership is awarded to individuals who have, by proficiency and contributions, attained an outstanding rank among engineers or executives in the motion-picture, television or related industries. Mike’s received this honor in recognition of his leadership in the design and development of DVD and HDTV technology. Other esteemed SMPTE Fellows include Ray Dolby, Philo Farnsworth and Edward W. Kellogg. For a complete listing of SPMTE Fellows, past and present, you can go to the following website:
Mike has been awarded an “EMMY” for his work and is internationally known as one of the most knowledgeable technology experts in High Definition transmission and distribution. This expertise has also been acknowledged by SMPTE which awarded him the prestigious title of SMPTE Fellow. Besides watching lots of video, Mike enjoys an occasional glass of Pinot Noir, listening to jazz and reading works by Ernest Hemingway, Arthur Clark and Larry Niven.
http://www.smpte.org/membership/fellow.cfm
KeyNews Digital
Issue 1 :: Q1 2007 :: Monthly Digital Newsletter
New Products Showcase Two New High Performance Scalers KD-VP6, KD-VP8 At CES 2007, Key Digital Systems introduced two new high performance scalers, the KD-VP6 and the KD-VP8, part of Key Digital’s High Performance, High Definition Spider Series offering the best in digital video performance.
The KD-VP8 can be used with DVI-D connectors. DVI-D to HDMI adapters are available from Key Digital. Furthermore, KD-VP8’s CAT5 HDMI outputs can be used in conjunction with Key Digital BobCAT Series of CAT5-to-HDMI converters.
Both KD-VP6 and KD-VP8 accept Standard Definition (SDTV) 480i and PAL 576i Composite, Component and S-Video, as well as Extended Definition (EDTV) 480p and 576p component analog sources and output component video format with optional usercontrolled de-interlacing capability. This ability allows traditional video sources, such as VCRs, camcorders, game consoles and video components that only have a Composite or S-Video output, the potential quality of 480p component video performance.
Specifications
The KD-VP8 also has the additional benefit of providing digital outputs through HDMI and HDMI over CAT5 interfaces. The digital output format is always the same as that presented at the selected analog input.
KD-VP6 and KD-VP8 by Key Digital® are available now
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Input Power: External AC to DC power supply included (5 volt DC@ 5 Amps, 110-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz)
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Remote Control: Included
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Enclosure Type: Metal
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Dimensions: 8.5” x 5” x 1.75”
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Product Weight: 8 lbs
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KD-VP6 MSRP $575.00
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KD-VP8 MSRP $825.00
Both the KD-VP6 and KD-VP8 have multiple paths for choosing an input to be sent to the display device. Key Digitals’ Intelligent Auto Sense (IAS™) will automatically locate and switch an active video input to the display. Additionally, input selection is also possible via a front panel pushbutton, a supplied infrared remote control, wired remote interface or, for automated control systems, an RS-232 interface.
KD-VP6 Video Processor converts Composite/S-Video/
KD-VP8 Video Processor converts Composite/S-Video/
Component Inputs to Component Output
Component Inputs to Component/HDMI/CAT5/CAT5E/CAT6/ CAT7 Outputs
KeyNews Digital
Issue 1 :: Q1 2007 :: Monthly Digital Newsletter
New Products Showcase Two New High Performance HDMI Video/Audio Switchers KD-HDMI4x1, KD-HDMI2x1 Both the KD-HDMI4x1 and KD-HDMI2x1 have multiple paths for of choosing an input to be sent to the display device. Key Digitals’ Intelligent Auto Sense (iAS™) will automatically locate and switch an active video input to the display. Additionally, input choice is also possible via a front panel pushbutton, a supplied infrared remote control, wired remote input or for automated control systems, a RS-232 input. In the event you need to switch more than 4 inputs and are using multiple displays, additional HDMI displays and inputs can be handled by daisy chaining multiple KD-HDMI4x1 devices.
With the growing acceptance and use of HDMI connections video and audio, Key Digital announces the introduction of two new high performance HDMI video/audio switchers, the KDHDMI4x1 (4 inputs to 1 output) and the KD-HDMI2x1 (2 inputs to 1 output). These switchers are part of Key Digitals’ Chroma Series™ of video/audio devices that solve many of the problems that HDMI products currently present to consumers and custom installers. These problems typically prevent the pass through of signals from the HDMI source to the HDMI display. Both the KD-HDMI 4x1 and KD-HDMI2x1 solve these problems by using Key Digital designed protocols in the firmware that specifically allows for superior EDID communication between devices. These designs guarantee that when an HDMI source is connected through a Key Digital device to a HDMI display, it will pass the complete video and audio signals with no degradation.
As with all Key Digital HDMI products, the KD-HDMI4x1 and KD-HDMI2x1 switchers are fully HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) compliant. Both switchers can be used with DVI-D connectors by using adapters available from Key Digital. Additional specifications include the ability to handle all clock rates up to 165 MHz and all frame rates including 50 Hz, 60 Hz and 72 Hz.
Additionally, these switchers will support virtually any video resolution up to 1080P at 60Hz assuring the user of the best possible performance from the video signal. A wide variety of connections are included for the audio signal including digital PCM via coax or Toslink optical and analog audio via left and right RCA connections. This wide variety of adaptability allows for the use of additional digital sound processing for home theater audio signals via a separate receiver or surround sound preamplifier.
Key Digital KD-HDMI4x1 and KD-HDMI2x1 Switchers are available now
KD-HDMI2x1is an Auto HDMI Switcher with
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KD-HDMI2x1 MSRP $525.00
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KD-HDMI4x1 MSRP $825.00
KD-HDMI4x1 is a HDMI Switcher with capability of
capability of switching 2 HDMI/HDCP/DVID (up to 1080p) Inputs to 1 HDMI/HDCP/DVID Output.
switching 4 HDMI/HDCP/DVID (up to 1080p) Inputs to 1 HDMI/HDCP/DVID Output.
KeyNews Digital
Issue 1 :: Q1 2007 :: Monthly Digital Newsletter
Key Digital® Announces it’s “Golden Key” Award Winners for 2006 Key Digital’s prestigious “Golden Key” Awards are in recognition of outstanding performance in providing sales, technical information and service to their customers. In commenting on the award winners, Michael Lakhter, Vice President of Sales stated, “It is only appropriate that we recognize our best business partners for their outstanding efforts during 2006. Key Digital values the strong relationships we have with our distributors, dealers and representatives and therefore this recognition communicates our thanks and appreciation.”
Electronic Stockroom, Regional (West Coast) Home Theater Distributor:
“They fearlessly jump into any new product, market or opportunity. In their first year, they sold more of our products than many distributors that have that been with us from day one!”
The Key Digital® Distributor & Dealer Awards for 2006 (including commentary by Michael Lakhter) are: ADI, National (Multiple Locations) Pro A/V Distributor:
“With over 180 locations nationwide, installers can pick up the products they need every morning, knowing the products will be in stock and available for sale”
Mito Corporation, National (Single Location) Professional A/V Distributor:
“Superior technical know-how and installation of turnkey systems for both the Marine and RV industry”
Audio Associates, Corporation Home Theater Representative:
“Great staff, great management, great technical training. They understand how to make dealers into loyal customers with service and support. The Rep of Reps!”
Professional Audio Associates, Regional (East Coast) Home Theater Distributor:
“Our business partners since 1999. They never fail to achieve terrific sales results for Key Digital products. A superior distributor by any standard of measurement.”
AVAD Central, Regional Home Theater Distributor:
“Unprecedented growth comes from great product training, same day shipping and delivering custom products to virtually any location”
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, National Specialty Reseller:
Capitol Sales, National (Single Location) Home Theater Distributor:
“Their custom division has thrived under new management. They are becoming a national force in the custom installation market with significant growth.”
“Their advantage over their competition comes from an indepth technical knowledge of virtually all video and audio products and an individual and personalized customer approach to system design”
Ultra Media, Regional Specialty Reseller:
“They specify quality products and know how to make money.”
Digital Connection Online Reseller:
Award plaques were presented to all these outstanding companies during the CES Show in January 2007.
“Strong Internet presence coupled with the best in technical customer support. They understand the needs of the DIY (do-it-yourself) installation market”
Michael Lakhter added, “We are looking forward to continued growth and success with all our partners in 2007.”
KeyNews Digital
Issue 1 :: Q1 2007 :: Monthly Digital Newsletter
New Distributor
Technology Corner
Key Digital in Russia Key Digital is not only a North American company; its expertise is truly worldwide. We are not only experts in NTSC and ATSC broadcast signals, we also have expertise in standards used around the world such as PAL and SECAM. With this expertise becoming more widely known, it was just a matter of time before the Russian market would be demanding Key Digital products. This past fall, Key Digital’s President, Mike Tsinberg and Vice President of Sales, Michael Lakhter traveled to form an alliance with SOVIET POWER, a Russian distributor of high technology products. With the growing middle and upper classes of the Russian market growing substantially, the demand for high performance video and audio has had significant growth. The growth of commerce has also developed the need for the distribution of video signals in hotels, eating establishments and entertainment venues. All this growth has provided the need for Key Digital expertise and products.
Making Video and Audio work with HDMI As many of you are aware, Key Digital is one of the subject matter experts for CEDIA. In questioning many of the attendees of the video courses taught by Key Digital representatives, a large number of installers are frustrated by the lack of predictability of audio and video working with HDMI. In many cases, installers have defaulted to the use of analog component video connections to assure that the system will work properly in the customer’s home. Key Digital has the products to solve this problem. For example, communication can breakdown when you insert a device between the HDMI source and HDMI display. This inability to “shake hands” is not easily predictable, especially when using products not designed under the strict HDMI guidelines. You can predict the results by using any Key Digital HDMI Distribution Amplifiers or HDMI Video Switchers.
Since both Mike and Michael are native born Russians, communicating with their new distributor will be no problem. This is a large benefit in an extremely technical field. Better communications gives better end results. We welcome SOVIET POWER to the worldwide Key Digital network of high technology distribution partners.
All Key Digital HDMI products will allow the paths of both the video signal and audio signal to maintain their integrity and be sent to both a display and home theater receiver for 5.1, 6.2 or 7.1 signal processing. No more will the audio no be available to the receiver due to poor HDMI signal communication. In addition, Key Digital has the products that will allow you to send HDMI signals to distances far greater than the 75 feet that is typical of conventional HDMI cables.
Calendar Upcoming Events
Key Digital prides itself on being the leading HDMI technology expert. If you have any technical questions email
[email protected]. If you have any design questions email
[email protected].
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CEDIA’s CU On The Road March 21-24, Mount Vernon, NY Key Digital Headquarters
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Infocomm 2007 June 19-21, Anaheim, CA Booth #6535
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CEDIA 2007 September 5-9, Denver, CO Booth #798
KeyNews Digital
Issue 1 :: Q1 2007 :: Monthly Digital Newsletter
Ask The Experts Dear Key Digital...
Q: Dear Key Digital,
Q: Dear Key Digital
Q&A
I have been forced to use analog component video cables for my installations rather than HDMI. With many of the products I sell, the HDMI signal does not pass through the receivers I am using. In some cases the audio portion of the signal is lost and no audio is heard. Can you help?
I have been custom calibrating my customer’s video displays for years. Why would I want to use a video processor to perform this function?
Ralph, Brooklyn, NY
John, Santa Monica, CA
A: Dear John,
A: Dear Ralph,
Many displays do offer conventional controls over many of the video display calibration adjustments that are needed for a quality video image. Unfortunately, most sources do not have this flexibility. Therefore, although you may be adjusting the display correctly, the display only works with a source. For the best possible image, each source should be adjusted individually to the display for the best possible picture. For example, a Key Digital Video Processor allows you to adjust and calibrate the brightness and contrast of each input to give the best possible black level from each source. A DVD player may require a different adjustment from the cable box being used. This ability to adjust each input for a wide variety of resolutions, brightness, contrast, color etc. is the only way to give your customer a true calibrated video display for each source being used. Our recommendation for most customer installations is the Key Digital Systems KD-VPHD2. It offers numerous HDMI and analog inputs which can all be individually calibrated to the display. Each input is then scaled to the native resolution of virtually the customer’s display. An extremely versatile high quality video processor.
HDMI cables require that the communication link between the source and display remain in tact. Any time you put a device, such as a receiver, between the source and display this communication can be lost. At Key Digital, we recommended that you strongly consider only those products that assure the customer that the signal will not be corrupted. All the cables, switchers and distributions amplifiers designed and manufactured by Key Digital are guaranteed to preserve the HDMI signal when installed properly. For assuring the best HDMI signal distribution, we recommend either the KD-HDMI2x1 or KD- HDMI4x1. The choice depends only on how many different inputs you need. A further description of these two new products is contained in the new product section of this newsletter.
Our Product Recommendation: KD-HDMI4x1, KD-HDMI2x1 depending on the number of sources
Our Product Recommendation:
For an answer to any question about video or audio, contact “Ask the Experts” at
[email protected]
KD-VPHD2
› Key Digital® Systems › 521 East 3rd Street :: Mount Vernon :: NY 10553 › Phone :: 914.667.9700 › Fax :: 914.668.8666 › Web :: www.keydigital.com
