HDMI Goes Pro
HDMI, short for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is a digital video technology that was, until recently, more well-known in consumer AV than professional AV systems. HDMI is one flavor of digital video technology, along with other formats such as DVI and DisplayPort, which holds the promise of a single cable for audio, video and data. The rise of HDMI popularity in the consumer market is attributed to Blu-ray DVD players that required HDMI connections to function. For better or for worse, HDMI is now showing up in more and more pro systems. More
Be Very, Very Careful What You Wish For
 For nearly two and half decades, the industry's wish list has included a desire for software and hardware integration to facilitate automation, control and security functionalities within one package offering. The thinking was that if this could be accomplished, the cost savings would be dramatic, both in initial cost and long-term operational costs. More
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Dallas Roundtable Date Change
It is not too late to sign up! The Dallas roundtable has been moved to December 10. Member roundtables bring AV professionals together for networking and a discussion of major topics. Plan to join InfoComm staff and fellow members to discuss AV matters and learn about new member benefits, free of charge! Register today!
Maximize Your Visibility: Post a Job on the InfoComm JobSite
The InfoComm JobSite has been viewed 40,000 times since its launch in April. If you don't have a posting, you are missing the opportunity to maximize your visibility.
Special Marketing Offer to InfoComm Members
Eclipse Marketing, an InfoComm International Affinity Partner, is offering one year of free hosting service (estimated value $189) or a free spec sheet template design (estimated value $289) with a purchase of a website. Also, InfoComm International members receive an additional 10 percent off any website. Act fast, this special ends December 10! Contact Eclipse Marketing today!
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2010 Education Catalog Available
 The 2010 Education Catalog is now available on the website. The 48-page catalog is interactive and a PDF can be downloaded for future reference. It's full of information about all of InfoComm's education classes and events. Be sure to turn to the chart at the end of the digital catalog for career training that is listed by career paths: designers, installers, technology and project managers, sales professionals and executives, and live events professionals. The catalog even has some quizzes for sharp AV professionals who like to test their knowledge!
 Look for the RU logo to see how many renewal units each class provides.
Next Virtual CTS Prep Class to Begin January 11
The next session of InfoComm's popular course, GEN113 CTS Prep Virtual Classroom, a five-week certification preparation class, begins January 11. Not familiar with how a virtual classroom course works? Visit www.infocomm.org/vclass to read about how virtual classroom instruction compares to traditional classroom and online courses. The beauty of this preparation class? No travel required, and it's "EduBuckable"!
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Updated CTS-D Exam Now Available
 The new CTS-D exam is ready at Prometric Testing Centers worldwide. All InfoComm certification exams are developed by volunteer subject matter experts (SMEs). Periodically, exams are updated based on data, testing and psychometric evaluation. International and domestic SMEs spent significant time and effort with our professional testing experts to update the CTS-D exams. InfoComm thanks its SME volunteers and committee members, who continue to work within the certification program processes! Apply now and register to take your specialized certification exam.
Are You Certified? Please Complete a Survey
All current CTS, CTS-D and CTS-I holders — please check your inbox in the upcoming weeks for a survey we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete. The survey questions are easy to answer and should only take 5-8 minutes. We value your opinion and need to hear from you! If you do not receive a copy in your email by January 1, please email us at certification@infocomm.org to let us know.
Renew Your CTS Certification
Did you know that if you took the old CTS exam (i.e., you did not take the exam at a testing center), you have a full 12 months after your certification expires to renew without retaking the test? Let us help you renew — chances are you have many of the RUs you need; here's the application. Your expiration date is on your certificate. If you need help, give us a call at +1.703.273.7200 or 1.800.659.7469.
Did you know that there are more than 400 classes, seminars, assessment tools and webinars that you can take to earn RUs? There are at least seven different ways to earn the 30 RUs you need to renew. Check your transcript now for InfoComm-registered courses, and then take a look at this list to see the many choices you have to help you keep your current CTS advantage.
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InfoComm iQ Launches New Look for AV Products and Providers!
InfoComm iQ launched a new look and navigation for the AV Products and Providers section of the InfoComm website. Its revised look focuses more attention on what matters most — new products and fresh content! Users can access content with ease, thanks to front page display of products, news and videos. The top navigation also enables visitors to browse product categories, manufacturers and AV service providers quickly and easily. Sign up for our monthly iQ Announcer, subscribe to an Industry News feed or browse the latest content about our industry at www.infocommiq.com.
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Comment on InfoComm's Newest Draft Performance Standard
InfoComm International has made a draft performance standard, Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination Components (INFOCOMM 2M:2009 DS 1), available for public review. A successful professional audiovisual system installation depends on the clear definition and coordination of processes, resources, and responsibilities of the design and installation project teams. A properly documented audiovisual system provides the information necessary to understand and implement the system goals and project requirements in a logical and efficient manner. The documentation should complement and coordinate related architectural, engineering and construction documentation. This standard outlines a consistent set of the standard tasks, responsibilities and deliverables required for professional audiovisual systems design and construction.
Commenting procedures and more information in the form of a single-page summary are available from the InfoComm website . Comments are encouraged from both InfoComm members and any interested party, internationally. The review period will remain open until December 14, 2009. This review process is in accordance with the ANSI accredited standards developer process.
For more information, contact Joe Bocchiaro, Director of the InfoComm Performance Standards Program, at +1.703.279.6370 or standards@infocomm.org.
Videoconferencing Lighting Performance Standard Task Group Update
In conjunction with the Illuminating Engineering Society's annual technical conference, the Videoconferencing Lighting Performance Standard Task Group met for its third face-to-face session in Seattle. This task group is populated by members from the IES and InfoComm. There has been a considerable amount written to this point, with the document now formatted as a working draft. Videoconferencing CODEC manufacturers and camera manufacturers have been issued a survey regarding new camera chip technologies, such that the task group can evaluate how these emerging cameras will affect the light parameters and measurements in the standard. If your company is a manufacturer that has not received this survey and would like to participate, please email standards@infocomm.org.
Audio Coverage Uniformity in Enclosed Listener Areas Performance Standard
 The InfoComm ACU Standard has now been available in the ANSI Bookstore for several months and is gaining broad and international acceptance. Numerous design consultants have reported that they are incorporating the standard in their bid specifications for audiovisual systems. Several audio test and measurement equipment companies have begun work on incorporating the ACU conformance verification measurements in their instruments and software. Several loudspeaker manufacturers have begun to investigate how to instruct audio system designers in applying their devices to pass ACU conformance. Technology managers are now asking for ACU to be incorporated in their new facilities and architectural acoustics design software manufacturers are working on new modules to add ACU prediction.
If you are involved in audio reinforcement in any way, learn how to apply ACU in your business model. To purchase the standard, visit http://webstore.ansi.org and use "InfoComm" as a keyword. Additionally, InfoComm members receive a 30 percent discount by entering the code "infocomm" during checkout.
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The New Reality 
Business has changed forever; have you? Boost your profits at NSCA's 2010 Business & Leadership Conference and learn from experts and professionals who've been through tough economic conditions. Formerly the Fall Business Conference, the popular event this year will be held February 25-27, 2010, at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. More
NSCA's 2010 Business & Leadership Conference is sponsored by InfoComm.
Insight Media's Green Display Report Discounted for Members
Insight Media is pleased to offer InfoComm members a 30 percent discount on the recently published Green Display Report: The Business Threats and Opportunities of Green Displays. The report, normally priced at US$1,500, is available to InfoComm members for US$1,050.
The report focuses on the green product and lifecycle characteristics of three application categories: Laptops, Monitors and TVs. Green activities in these products are influencing their use, labeling and regulation for pro-AV and IT distribution channels and products. This report will provide the background, framework and strategic ideas for pro-AV equipment and channel partners regarding how to anticipate changes and seek opportunities that can leverage these changes.
Get complete report information, including the Table of Contents. To order, please contact Dian Mecca by email or at +1.203.831.8464.
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