Wraps Infocomm 2011
The draw of soon-to-be-offered PA and headset gear made for a busy Califone booth at June’s annual conference.
Large-group audio amplification was a key theme as attendees grew excited looking at a prototype of the yet-to-be announced PA419, a portable 30-watt system that will be the first of its kind to offer a built-in docking station for a smartphone. The 900mHz PA is said to have dual wireless mic receivers and will be compatible with the rest of the Califone line of wireless mics and PA gear.
For attendees representing churches or rental houses who were interested in more power in their portable PAs, the neighboring PowerPro SD (PA919SD) delivers 90 watts coupled with its ability to send wireless audio to an unlimited number of powered companion speakers (the first in the industry). The excitement also included buzz over the Assistive Listening / Tour Guide System, which is the first to protect the users hearing by restricting the volume playback to not exceed 85dB.
Those looking for an installed audio solution were intrigued by the ability to upgrade their own existing wired PA gear to become wireless with a simple kit and by the Infrared Audio System for its ability to connect teleconferencing systems. There were even questions from amusement park representatives about the weather-resistant Paging Horn (PHT15).
In addition to PA gear, innovations also abounded in the development of new headphones and headsets. Shown were samples of the recently acquired Odyssey, Discovery, Explorer and 610 series as well as the never-before seen washable Titanium series, which were seen soaking in a tub of water! Hinted at was the promise of another ground-breaking first – the upcoming launch of the industry’s first headphone cords that are guaranteed for life.
The show had its lighter moments too with Infocomm’s first ever QR-based promotion (read more about Quick Response codes).
Enthusiasm for these developments also rippled through media members with coverage by the pro audio industry’s leading magazines including: Home Toys, ProSound Web, System Contractor News, Sound & Video Contractor in its Day 1 and Day 2 wrap-ups, Telcom Reseller . Coverage by leading educational magazines also included eSchoolNews.
Califone staff agreed there was even more excitement in the mood of this year’s record-breaking number of attendees than there was compared to the 2010 Infocomm show.
This blog was amended 8/2/11 to include the live link to the PA419.
Tags: 3.5mm plugs, audio, classroom, computer, Cord chewing, headphones, Headsets, Hearing Safety & Protection, infrared, monaural, mono, noise-reducing earcups, PA Speakers, portable pa, speakers, stereo, usb, voice amplification
