Tuesday, July 20

SiFi Control – Simplified Control for Fixed Install

Presented by Max Kopsho, CTS, MCSE, Director of Training and Consultant Relations, Kramer U.S.

This class covers how to take "Hang and Bang" installations and increase functionality and ease of use by adding low cost and easy to use control systems. We will cover the basics of control systems and system specifications. Come learn a unique sales process, needs analysis and ways of setting different customer expectations. Students will finish this course with an understanding of the technology used in simple control systems so they can maintain or increase their value in the AV solution.

Max Kopsho, CTS, MCSE, is currently the Director of Training and Consultant Relations for Kramer U.S.  Max is responsible for internal and external sales and technical training and consultant business development.  Max has worked in the AV industry for over 14 years managing sales, product management, channel marketing, field technical services and training.  He currently serves on the InfoComm Professional Education and Training Committee as Chairperson for the Curriculum Development Sub-Committee and as a member of the InfoComm Course Selection Committee.  Max  is Senior Faculty for InfoComm Academy and recently received the honor of being named the 2010 InfoComm Educator of the Year. He is the only person outside the DSEG authorized to teach and conduct certification program testing for the Digital Signage Certified Expert (DSCE) program.  Max has been an instructor for NSCA University, NAB and a keynote speaker at the M2M conference.

Thursday, July 8

AV for the Long Haul – Understanding Methods for Sending AV Signals Over Long Distances

Presented by Max Kopsho, CTS, MCSE, Director of Training and Consultant Relations, Kramer U.S.

This class will cover options available on the market and the technology behind long distance AV routing. Attendees will learn about traditional AV distance specifications and some ways to address the challenges with sending AV signals longer distances than the specification allows for. Students will finish the course with an understanding of twisted pair (CAT5, CAT6 and CAT7) solutions, fiber optics and IP based audio and video routing solutions. Participants should attend if they are interested in seeing solutions used in markets like education, digital signage, large venues, house of worship and many more. Attendees will gain an understanding of some of the solutions for a very common problem in AV.

Max Kopsho, CTS, MCSE, is currently the Director of Training and Consultant Relations for Kramer U.S.  Max is responsible for internal and external sales and technical training and consultant business development.  Max has worked in the AV industry for over 14 years managing sales, product management, channel marketing, field technical services and training.  He currently serves on the InfoComm Professional Education and Training Committee as Chairperson for the Curriculum Development Sub-Committee and as a member of the InfoComm Course Selection Committee.  Max  is Senior Faculty for InfoComm Academy and recently received the honor of being named the 2010 InfoComm Educator of the Year. He is the only person outside the DSEG authorized to teach and conduct certification program testing for the Digital Signage Certified Expert (DSCE) program.  Max has been an instructor for NSCA University, NAB and a keynote speaker at the M2M conference.

Wednesday, June 30

Cost-effective Digital Signage for Small-to-Medium Size Installations

Presented by Dave Gentile, Director, Business Development, AMX

Your clients want digital signage at an affordable price and you want it to be easy-to-install and profitable. Enter AMX’s Inspired Signage (IS) XPress solution, a non-subscription based hardware and software bundle. The IS XPress software features a simple, comprehensive tool that allows users to quickly and easily create and publish templates and content. The media player has no moving parts and low energy consumption.

In this webinar you will learn:

• Basic features and functionality of the content creation & management software in a live product demonstration
• Tips on how to sell digital signage in the small-to-medium size business market
• How Almo & AMX will support you in growing your signage business through our Digital Signage Solution Provider program with educational courses, special pricing and more
• Why Inspired Signage XPress makes good business sense for both your clients and your business

What webinar attendees receive:

• A free trial of the IS XPress software plus access to “How To” videos
• Each webinar attendee will be eligible to purchase an IS XPress demonstration unit at a special price of $499 through July 31, 2010 – MRSP $1,850
• An invitation to be a part of the Almo/AMX Digital Signage Solution Provider program – as an AMX distributor, this is the first opportunity for dealers who are not direct with AMX to have access to their award-winning products.

Tuesday, June 29

Digital Signage: An All in One Solution

Presented by Jonathan Brawn, Principal, Brawn Consulting

If you're an integrator focusing on the education or corporate markets, this is a session you can't With all the complexities involved in digital signage, it is sometimes easy to become overwhelmed in the process. For the vast majority of installations, complexity is an impediment to reaching your goals rather than a requirement. Digital Signage: An All in One Solution takes a look at the market, as well as the 7 Key Elements of Digital Signage and provides directions on how to “Keep It Simple” using the Samsung DID network displays and MagicInfo i as good examples on how to uncomplicate your digital signage lives.

Jonathan Brawn is a principal of Brawn Consulting, an audiovisual consulting, educational development, and marketing firm, based in Vista, California. Brawn Consulting has a national footprint with connection to the major manufacturers and integrators in the commercial audiovisual industry.

Thursday, April 29

How to Design Bar and Restaurant Music Systems with Superior Sound and Lots of Profit

Presented by Gary Blouse, Director of Training, Niles Audio

In this class you will learn how to create a marketable system solution for a bar or restaurant that is easy to sell and install. We will show you how to accomplish the following:

• How to create "zones" so different sources can be selected
• How to provide adequate volume for outdoor areas
• How to introduce paging into the system
• How to design control solutions that make the system easier to operate
• How to integrate control of multiple video monitors
• How to design the system so you maximize your profit margins

An industry veteran with over 28 years experience, Gary Blouse has trained and educated thousands of salespeople and installers throughout his career. As Director of Training for Niles Audio, a provider of audio, video, and control solutions for the residential and commercial markets, he is directly responsible for the company’s training initiatives, both domestically and internationally.

In addition to being a renowned classroom and webinar trainer, Gary also produces online training videos and e-learning modules. Most recently he collaborated with other industry veterans to create the new low-voltage Electronic System Professional Alliance (ESPA) certification.

April 22, 2010

Simplified Control Systems for Standard Fixed Installs

Presented by Max Kopsho, Director of Training and Consultant Relations, Kramer U.S.

This class covers how to take “Hang and Bang” installations and increase usability by adding low cost, ease of use and increase functionality. Come learn how by going through a unique sales process, needs analysis and setting different expectations and understanding technology we can maintain our value in the solution. This course covers the basics of how to define and develop a Simplified Control System for a Standard Fixed Installation and some of the terminology used in creating these basic control systems. This class helps us as technical sales people and sales engineers change our approach to these solutions from “Hang and Bang” to “Standard Fixed Installation” or “SiFi Install”. Three learning objectives that will be accomplished by this program:

1. Learn basic control system terminology to develop needs and specifications.
2. Learn how simplified control systems can be cabled for easy installations.
3. Learn how to build easy to use interfaces for a pleasant customer experience.
4. Basic Terminology and Needs Analysis
5. Features and Benefits – Benefit Mapping to Customer Needs
6. Control Communications and cabling
7. User interface, Integration and Applications

Max Kopsho, CTS, MCSE, is currently the Director of Training and Consultant Relations for Kramer U.S. Max is responsible for internal and external (Kramer Partner and Industry Event) sales and technical training and consultant business development. Max has worked in the AV industry for over 13 years managing sales, product management, channel marketing, field technical services and training.

April 15, 2010

Defying grAVITy – The Keys to Understanding the Impact of IT on AV

Presented by Max Kopsho, Director of Training and Consultant Relations, Kramer U.S.

Join us and learn about integrated AV/IT solutions and their overall system capabilities. This webinar will cover some major hot topics, buzzwords, terminology and specifications for AV and IT. This class includes fundamentals of what the IT specifications are and how to translate them to the overall audiovisual system requirements. Participants will discuss current options available in the market and a brief outline will be presented on what is available in the converged AV and IT marketplace. Learning objectives that will be accomplished by this program:

1. Market and Review Tools for Needs Analysis and Site Survey for AV and IT Needs
2. Three New Technologies in converged AV and IT systems
3. Three Trends in Technology in the AV and IT Combined Market

Max Kopsho, CTS, MCSE, is currently the Director of Training and Consultant Relations for Kramer U.S. Max is responsible for internal and external (Kramer Partner and Industry Event) sales and technical training and consultant business development. Max has worked in the AV industry for over 13 years managing sales, product management, channel marketing, field technical services and training.

March 24, 2010

Introduction to Samsung's MagicInfo i Software

Presented by Jonathan Brawn, Principal, Brawn Consulting

Samsung has proudly introduced the successor to their popular MagicInfo Pro digital signage software, dubbed MagicInfo i. The new software introduces dozens of user interface improvements and many function upgrades. It also fundamentally changes how the user interacts with the software, making it inherently multi-site and multi-user compatible through a web browser. This presentation is designed to offer a complete overview of the changes in MagicInfo I, how the new system works, and the basics of what the new user interface looks like, and how it works. We will also cover the computer hardware required, the software platforms it supports, and the content files the system handles.

Jonathan Brawn is a principal of Brawn Consulting, an audiovisual consulting, educational development, and marketing firm, based in Vista, California. Brawn Consulting has a national footprint with connection to the major manufacturers and integrators in the commercial audiovisual industry.

March 23, 2010

Digital Signage 101 for Pro AV Integrators

Presented by Gary Kayye, Chief Visionary, Kayye Consulting

If you're not already interested in a Digital Signage (DS) network, you will be. The DS market is the key to the future of not only the ProAV market, but it's, literally, the future of a huge chunk of the Advertising market too! The advertising opportunities that exist with the explosion of DOOH (Digital Out of Home) market (meaning any advertising that's not traditional TV, radio or print ads) have even set up a system where many DS networks can be totally financed within a couple of years via well-designed and integrated ad-based DS system.

That's right - it's not only possible to justify the budget for a DS network but you can design a system that not only profitable for your client, but will give you residual revenue every month for years as well. This seminar or keynote address is designed to help you understand Digital Signage, how it works, how to implement a system and how you can design it to leverage the Ad Networks, too! And, we'll explore everything you need to know about the future of Digital Signage and how to justify it to your campus or facility. It's a 1-hour look at where DS is now and where it's heading with the integration of Social Networking and personalized digital information displays.

Gary Kayye, founder of rAVe [Publications], has been using social media for three years. He's Twittered and YouTubed and blogged. He even teaches social media to college students (at UNC-Chapel Hill’s top-rated journalism school), and partnered with top industry organizations (CEDIA, InfoComm) to bring you social media coverage of industry events. He's had a few false starts, but, also, a lot of wild successes. He know what works and what doesn’t, and now want to pass that knowledge on to you.

March 16, 2010

HDMI Basics: From Design, Electrical and Physical Platform Perspectives

Presented by Dan Smith, National Trainer, Magenta Research

Understanding the basics of HDMI constructs from a design, electrical and physical platform perspective will assist the A/V professional in designing, installing and troubleshooting projects. Covered in this presentation will be:

• Design
• Bandwidth requirements
• Electrical layer
• Cable dispersion
• Special needs
• Transport options
• Switching

Dan Smith is the National Sales Manager for Magenta Research and works with resellers and integrators across the U.S. with their installations and projects.

March 10, 2010

Using UTP for Signal Extension

Presented by Dan Smith, National Trainer, Magenta Research

Signal extension for video, audio and serial of unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is a common practice of simplifying transport and the extension of signals. Learn the basics about the technology to assist in choosing the right product, designing systems, installation and troubleshooting for projects using UTP. Covered in this presentation will be:

• Advantages of transporting HD video over UTP
• Background of UTP
• Transmission line definition
• Crosstalk
• Transmission line performance
• UTP performance
• Cable length compensation
• Aperture distortion
• UTP cross talk and skew

Dan Smith is the National Sales Manager for Magenta Research and works with resellers and integrators across the U.S. with their installations and projects.

March 9, 2010

Success Strategies for Selling Interactive Whiteboards

Presented by Alan Sylvia, Education & Training Consultant, Hitachi Software Engineering

If you're an integrator focusing on the education or corporate markets, this is a session you can't afford to miss. Interactive whiteboards are in demand - do you have a reliable brand to offer to your customers? In just an hour, get an A-Z overview of the interactive whiteboard market, selling & closing tips along with tools to get you started. You'll learn:

• Hitachi StarBoard 101: A basic understanding of the Hitachi Starboard interactive software and content options for end-users
• Sales Tools: Practical advice on selling interactive presentation products in various applications with an emphasis on the K-12 education and corporate marketplace
• Demo Tools: How to effectively demonstrate the product to potential clients and utilize short-throw projectors to create a compelling solution
• Market Comparison: Compare the unique selling points of interactive products available through Hitachi versus other brands
• Closing the Sale: Insightful evaluation and buying criteria used by educators and corporate buyers

March 3, 2010

5 Key Markets for Developing a Digital Signage Content Business

Presented by Ryan Cahoy, Product Manager, Rise Vision

You’ve read all the research and know digital signage is the hot market to for displays. Hey - did you forget about content? What now? Join us as we explore 5 key markets to target along with a review of:

• “White” or “Private” labeling your own software solution with your own brand to increase margins
• A simple ROI calculator to help reseller partners in reviewing different business models to determine the best way to position the software and make money
• How to create a recurring revenue stream by providing a software content solution
• The RiseVision software-as-a-service model that’s not complicated and doesn’t require months of install training

Ryan Cahoy’s presentation is based on real-world installation examples from corporate, education, restaurant and more. His lively and interactive presentation style has made his training sessions popular at tradeshows, seminars and online presentations across the U.S.

March 2, 2010

WHY-HDMI? – Understanding the Impact of HDMI/DVI on System Integration

Presented by Max Kopsho, Director of Training and Consultant Relations, Kramer U.S.

Clear up the acronym maze so you can make the best recommendations for system integration. Understand the considerable advantages (and disadvantages) of digital video solutions and how they impact integration and high definition capabilities. Participants will learn the fundamentals of how the digital video specifications apply to system requirements such as HDMI 1.3, DVI, HDCP and EDID.

This course provides a quick reference guide to the various types of digital signals used in the Pro AV market and some that have crossed over from the consumer market. We will compare them to their analog counterparts and discuss how they are transported and the cables used. Once that review baseline is established the class will cover the new DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort specifications and technologies. We will explore the ins-and-outs of how to maintain the balance of quality and performance with budget and simplicity. A section of the course will be spent covering the major problems and considerations when considering analog HD vs. Digital HD. A quick reference guide will be provided at the end of the course to help attendees work on what to ask when determining the advantages and disadvantages in the transport and interfacing of digital signals. This class will also cover the fairly new standard, DisplayPort, and how that fits into the integrators mix.

Three learning objectives that will be accomplished by this program:
You should attend if you are interested in: Getting a better understanding of how to choose and implement a digital AV system, if you are choosing between standard definition or high definition, if you are the decision maker or influencer on the purchase of an analog or digital AV system, or if you are concerned about getting the highest quality video system for your worship, corporate and education facilities.

Max Kopsho, CTS, MCSE, is currently the Director of Training and Consultant Relations for Kramer U.S. Max is responsible for internal and external (Kramer Partner and Industry Event) sales and technical training and consultant business development. Max has worked in the AV industry for over 13 years managing sales, product management, channel marketing, field technical services and training.

February 4, 2010

Social Media Marketing for ProAV Dealers

Presented by Gary Kayye, Chief Visionary, Kayye Consulting

Do you feel like you’re missing out on social media? Or do you think it’s just a passing fad? Everyone’s been talking about it lately, and we’re sure you’re wondering if there’s value in it for you, as a B2B enterprise, an A/V dealer. Well, there is!

Social media has real value to you as a way to build your brand and authentically communicate with your customers and industry colleagues. Don’t get us wrong – social media takes commitment. You have to ADD VALUE, or you just become spam! We know you may have doubts about social media, but the reality is that more and more people are using it, and if your customers aren’t on it now, they will be very shortly. You don’t want to be left behind.

Social Media Marketing for ProAV Dealers is a seminar specifically written for Integrators of AV gear and how they can leverage Social Media to build themselves, their brand, mid-share, market share and he'll even cover how to leverage social media in client service and support applications. This 1-hour session will include coverage of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, SecondLife, Podcasting, and more in addition to a step-by-step process you can use to set-up Social Media in your dealership.

Gary Kayye, founder of rAVe [Publications], has been using social media for three years. He's Twittered and YouTubed and blogged. He even teaches social media to college students (at UNC-Chapel Hill’s top-rated journalism school), and partnered with top industry organizations (CEDIA, InfoComm) to bring you social media coverage of industry events. He's had a few false starts, but, also, a lot of wild successes. He know what works and what doesn’t, and now want to pass that knowledge on to you.

January 28, 2010

All LED Backlights are not Created Equally; Exploring LED Technology

Presented by Scott Roche, Senior Field Marketing Manager, Sharp USA

Just how do you position LED so that your customers understand how it works, become familiar with the benefits and are willing to pay more for it?

LED LCD televisions are relatively new to the industry, and they have many advantages over the traditional CCFL LCD sets that we are accustomed to. Some of these advantages include greater energy efficiency (in fact, the Sharp LE series boasts the most energy efficient TVs on the market today!), a more uniform picture which produces darker blacks and brighter colors for an overall better viewing experience, and a longer lifetime than traditional CCFL models—up to 100,000 hours!

Join us for an informative webinar on Light Emitting Diodes in LCD TVs and learn about the differences and advantages of Sharp’s full array LED over CCFL and other existing LED technologies plus insight into where this technology is headed.

This session is complete with demonstrations of advanced features such as Optical Picture Control, AQUOS Net, 120HZ De-Judder functionality, Sharp's new X-Gen panel, and more. Scott will also discuss the E77 AQUOS lineup and Sharp’s service and support.

January 27, 2010

Videowalls: Technologies, Applications and Samsung Solutions

Presented by Alan and Jonathan Brawn, Brawn Consulting

The course will cover the basics of videowalls and the technologies and content that drives this exciting niche in the display and digital signage markets. From the fundamentals we will explore numerous applications and provide insights into the products that Samsung provides to make the sometimes complex videowall design and integration process more understandable and manageable through leading edge display technologies, controls, and Samsung support.

January 26, 2010

Digital Content Protection (DCP) Overview and Applications

Presented by Dan Smith, Magenta Research

The presentation is worth 0.5 CTS Renewal Units and is intended to give the audience a 30 minute overview of DCP to enhance their ability to work with it while designing, installing and troubleshooting solutions involving the technology.

The presentation content includes;

1. Terminology
2. The Content Protection Path
3. Common Interfaces that use DCP
4. Usage Scenarios
5. Topology Constraints
6. Data Elements
7. Authentication Steps
8. Considerations for switching DCP

December 14, 2009

Understanding AV Signal Distribution - Balanced vs Native

Presented by Jeremy Evans and Bill Carlin, Cables To Go

In this webinar, we will explore the electrical characteristics of audio/video signal distribution as a function of the environment according to the demands of the installation. Learn the practical limitations of using UTP (Cat5e) and native (coaxial) connectivity solutions. We'll uncover how A/V signals are adapted to a UTP environment, learn what practical differences may affect your installation when using UTP, and explore the limitations of Native versus Adapted Runs. At the end of this webinar, you'll be able to make the best choice for your A/V signal distribution system in different environments.