HARMAN Professional Introduces HiQnet System Architect™ Version 3.0, Featuring Audio Video Bridging (AVB) Capabilities at InfoComm 2011

At InfoComm 2011, HARMAN Professional today announced the introduction of its HiQnet System Architect™ Version 3.0 system configuration software, the first version of System Architect to provide Audio Video Bridging (AVB) capabilities. Version 3.0 offers AVB networked audio routing support, along with a host of additional functionality including support for the dbx® SC 32 and SC 64 Digital Matrix Processors and the BSS® Audio/NETGEAR® GS724T 24-Port Ethernet AVB Switch, the world’s first true networkable AVB devices.

“Audio Video Bridging is clearly the future of audio/video signal distribution, and our System Architect version 3.0 provides systems integrators and installers with an important new tool for designing and configuring AVB-based networked A/V systems,” noted Adam Holladay, Senior Market Manager, HARMAN Professional System Development and Integration Group (SDIG). “With System Architect version 3.0, the complexities of networked audio routing are greatly reduced.”

HARMAN HiQnet System Architect version 3.0 enables designers to efficiently and reliably configure a HARMAN AVB-based audio/video system using a vastly simplified graphical interface for audio routing. Signals are routed by dragging and dropping from a filterable list of all available source AVB signals onto the destination device icon in the main workspace – singly or multiple at a time. Releasing the mouse launches a pop-up routing dialog for the destination device and signals are assigned to available channel inputs. AVB enables time-synchronized, ultra-low-latency audio and video signals to be distributed over IEEE 802 Ethernet networks, offering the potential to greatly simplify A/V system wiring and installation while providing expanded signal-distribution and control capabilities.

System Architect 3.0 is compatible with all HARMAN AVB-ready products including the dbx SC 32 and SC 64 Digital Matrix Processors with the new AVB high-speed option card installed. The SC processors with the AVB high-speed option card are the world’s first truly-networkable AVB audio processors in that AVB signals may be routed over an AVB network. The System Architect 3.0 workspace also includes the BSS Audio/NETGEAR GS724T 24-Port Ethernet AVB Switch - the world’s first AVB switch for networking multichannel audio and video over standardized Ethernet. As with HiQnet devices, a representation of the switch may be loaded into the System Architect 3.0 Venue, and double-clicking will launch the NETGEAR management HTML pages in the default Windows browser so as to integrate control of the switches with the rest of the HiQnet system.

System Architect 3.0 is being demonstrated at HARMAN Professional Booth #743 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL (June 15 – 17). Underscoring its support of Audio Video Bridging technology, HARMAN Professional is also exhibiting at the AVnu Alliance pavilion at Booth 383e in the Convention Center, and BSS Audio and dbx are co-sponsoring the AVnu Alliance contractor evening at the Rosen Center, Thursday June 16 from 5:00 - 6:30pm. More information on this event, open to contractors and consultants, will be available at the AVnu Alliance pavilion.

Recent versions of HARMAN HiQnet System Architect have also offered a host of significant enhancements An improved Custom Panel Designer (introduced in version 2.3) makes it easier for integration professionals to create customized control interfaces. Performance for metering controls has been improved, giving panel designers greater ability to monitor larger numbers of devices simultaneously. A simplified access control configuration interface was also recently introduced. This interface makes it easier to set up multiple user rights by providing a more immediate focus on the users, rather than the devices in the system. The redesigned interface is particularly useful for when System Architect is used as the day-to-day operator’s audio system control application with the new Kiosk Mode feature.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Harman Introduces HiQnet Performance Manager Software Tailored For Touring & Performance Venue Sound

At Prolight + Sound 2011, HARMAN Professional announced the introduction of its HiQnet Performance Manager™ software, a highly-refined user interface that facilitates the design of touring and live performance venue sound reinforcement systems. Designed especially for touring and theatrical sound engineering, HiQnet Performance Manager is an application-specific iteration of the category-leading HARMAN HiQnet System Architect 2 connectivity and control software application for professional-grade audio system integration.

“In touring, time is money and Performance Manager dramatically streamlines the system design, setup and tuning process, allowing the JBL VerTec® System Engineer to achieve a higher level of performance with more consistent results on a daily basis from venue-to-venue”, explained Paul Bauman, Director of Tour Sound Product Application and Application Engineering, JBL Professional.

HiQnet Performance Manager provides a comprehensive, step-by-step workflow that directly corresponds to real-world system configuration, taking the workflow paradigm introduced in System Architect 2 to a higher level of functionality for any live performance audio application. It is fully integrated with JBL’s Line Array Calculator II loudspeaker configuration and acoustic modeling software. The user begins by loading templates of the speaker arrays used in the system, and then runs Line Array Calculator II for each array as part of the initial sound design task of determining how many and which type of loudspeakers are required to cover a given venue. For each array, Performance Manager automatically loads the passive VerTec or powered VerTec DrivePack® DPDA line array configuration into the main application workspace – the first of many automated design processes native to the software application. Loudspeakers can also be manually loaded into the templates if desired.

Once the user defines the required amplifier parameters for the passive loudspeakers within the arrays, Performance Manager automatically loads the correct number of Crown Audio VRACK or other user-determined amplifier racks into the audio system. The software then associates the amplifier outputs with the bandpass crossover inputs for the selected array and programs the amplifiers with the correct JBL preset data, as well as gain shading and JBL Line Array Control Panel equalization parameters that are determined in JBL’s Line Array Calculator II as part of the modeling process to optimize sound pressure level and frequency response over the defined audience geometry.

“HiQnet Performance Manager greatly simplifies loudspeaker preset management as well as power amplifier networking, grouping, monitoring and control. It is the ideal complement to the Crown Audio® VRACK turnkey power amplifier rack solution for JBL VerTec line array systems and the automated generation of pre-configured control panels combined with a tablet-friendly, highly-intuitive user interface will be a huge timesaver for the touring sound engineer”, added Brian Pickowitz, Market Manager, Crown Audio International.

Representations of the bandpass inputs for each loudspeaker section are overlaid onto the arrays, enabling the user to easily visualize the array configuration, whether JBL DrivePack-powered or driven by external Crown Audio power amplifiers. Performance Manager software also significantly simplifies system networking configuration – the user can simply drag and drop devices discovered on the network onto the pre-configured devices within the Performance Manager workspace to synchronize all addressing and parameter values.

In addition, the Performance Manager graphical interface provides embedded control panels for array calibration, time alignment and system EQ which utilize input section digital signal processing resources available in either Crown I-Tech HD power amplifiers or JBL DrivePack-powered loudspeakers with DPDA digital audio input modules. Input attenuation, equalization, delay settings and bandpass controls are all readily-accessible directly within the main application workspace along with flexible grouping and comprehensive solo / mute functionality for system testing.

Once system tuning is complete, Performance Manager’s Show Mode display is optimized for the actual live performance offering appropriate adjustment control ballistics for equalization and dedicated monitoring interfaces for levels, speaker loads, thermal conditions and AC power requirements. The workspace for all stages of Performance Manager’s workflow has a common design motif, with monitoring functions overlaid on top of the same loudspeaker bandpass representations within the workspace, making visualization easier and more consistent across various workflow screens.

HiQnet Performance Manager is ultimately a product of Harman’s ongoing commitment to develop application-specific versions of the HiQnet® platform, addressing the day-to-day tasks of audio professionals in a broad range of markets. “By comprehensive analysis of the workflow of audio professionals in touring applications, HiQnet Performance Manager provides an enhanced productivity tool unlike anything else available,” summarized Adam Holladay, Senior Market Manager, HARMAN Professional System Development and Integration Group.

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Pro Sound News front page for new Sound Technology Project Team

Pro Sound News Europe gives front page coverage to Sound Technology's announcement of its new Project Team to service the needs of leading audio consultants and installers.

The newly created three man team is the technical cornerstone of Sound Technology's professional division servicing the commercial audio sector. Providing pre and post sales support for individual products and, critically, “engineered” system solutions, key customers of Sound Technology can now call upon the Project Team in the UK, which combined with additional resources from Harman's global support network, offers unprecedented back-up for their audio projects.

With experience in audio design assistance and delivery of world-class venues the team is headed by Sound Technology's chief project engineer Tom Williams. David Bradshaw, formerly Technical Manager at Ministry of Sound in London, and Sam Brandon, returning to Sound Technology Ltd for this role, complete a highly technical and experienced team.

"This team is in place to better support customers and consultants, not to rival them. We are a resource they can call on to help." says Tom Williams. “We’re here to make sure that the right information and support is readily available and easily accessible for anyone that is looking to use any Harman Professional products as part of a project, whether that is in the form of detailed design support on a project, technical product info or simply project pricing. Collectively we have practical experience of a wide range of differing audio applications and we’re here to help people have smooth ride when looking at Harman equipment for any potential project, whether it be a small café/bar or a large capacity stadium and everything in between. Basically we aim to help people looking for premium audio systems to have an easier life, whether consultant, contractor or venue.”

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/news/project-team
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/commercialaudio

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The single largest networked AV system in history? Harman Professional at CityCenter Las Vegas

In what is rumoured to be the the largest networked AV system in history, CityCenter Las Vegas contains a Harman Professional system featuring BSS Soundweb London networking, Crown amplification and JBl speakers throughout - on a mind-blowing scale.

The numbers speak for themselves - 750 BSS London networked DSP units, 700 Crown amps, and more than 5,300 JBL loudspeakers. The Soundweb London BLU-link network can send 256 channels of audio everywhere all at the same time, with a theoretical quarter of a million possible end-points.

See the article below courtesy of System Contractor News:

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IEEE publishes first Audio Video Bridging (AVB) Standard

The AVnu Alliance™ is pleased to announce that the IEEE has ratified and published IEEE 802.1Qav, the first of the core Audio/Video Bridging (AVB) standards. IEEE 802.1Qav defines forwarding and queuing for time sensitive streams and is part of a suite of standards developed by the IEEE 802.1 AVB task group.

AVnu Alliance, a group of industry leading companies dedicated to promoting the emerging AVB networking standards across a broad range of markets including automotive, consumer electronics, and professional A/V, commend the IEEE 802.1 AVB Task Group for their hard work.

Harman International is a founding member of the AVnu Alliance™ with numerous products in development utilising AVB technology. Already announced is a co-branded BSS Audio / Netgear Ethernet AVB switch.

AVB will be integrated into Harman's HiQnet System Architect software in an upcoming release.

Further information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/harman-international/news/avb-standard

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I.E. publishes detailed look at HiQnet System Architect v2 in use for Burnley FC stadium design.

Last month Installation Europe magazine reported in the first use of Harman HiQnet System Architect v2 software at Turf Moor, the home of Burnley Football club. This month (November 2009 edition) they take an in-depth look at how software engineer Martin Barbour used the new package to design the audio installation at the stadium.

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Fully integrated Harman Pro stadium sound solution for Burnley FC

Sound Technology is delighted to announce that AMS Acoustics and ETA Sound have designed and installed a complete Harman Pro solution for the 22,000- capacity Turf Moor stadium in Burnley.

With their promotion to Football’s elite Premier League, Burnley FC have treated supporters at their 22,000-capacity Turf Moor stadium to a fully integrated digital network public address system that is highly-intelligible and PA/VA compliant.

Having spent 33 years outside the top echelons it was perhaps fitting that The Clarets’ first clash would be with reigning champions Manchester United. Part of the client’s brief was to effect a 12th man home advantage … and the PA received a rousing reception and a famous victory was recorded.

BBC's Phil McNulty on his BBC website blog:
"Turf Moor's press box comes complete with glorious views, with what looks like an east Lancashire landscape painting as the backdrop to the action - and with a genuine contender for the loudest public address system in world football, you get the full package."

Read the comprehensive installation story at:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/installprojects/burnleyfc

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Football and Sports Arena magazine features Sound Technology stadium sound solutions

The latest Football and Sports Arena magazine carries an impressive article regarding Sound Technology's projects and solutions for engineered stadium sound.

With our portfolio of products from Harman Professional Group, the world's largest professional audio company, coupled with proven experience in the execution of world-class projects, Sound Technology and Harman Professional are uniquely placed with the skills, products and capabilities to deliver at the highest level.

You can read the article online now at: www.fsarena.co.uk/?p=343

See also www.soundtech.co.uk/stadium-sound

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Harman International And NETGEAR To Launch Co-Branded AVB Switches At InfoComm ‘09

Harman International Industries, a leading provider of branded audio and infotainment electronics for the home, the car, and sound professionals, today announced an agreement between its BSS division, and NETGEAR®, Inc., a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, to launch the world’s first AVB (IEEE Audio Video Bridge) switches for networking multichannel audio and video over standardized Ethernet.

Today’s announcement, made at InfoComm ‘09, sees the immediate introduction of a pair of 16-port and 24-port co-branded switches featuring specialized AVB hardware and software for use in a wide array of fixed installation audio video applications. Standardized multichannel audio and video over Ethernet, enabled by AVB, provides AV professionals and their customers with considerable cost-per-node savings in deploying complex AV systems, while advancing integration, ease of use and system functionality and control.

The IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging Task Group is an IEEE initiative comprising engineers from a host of technology leaders in the semiconductor, enterprise computing, automotive, professional AV, consumer electronics and networking solutions markets. The group has developed protocols to allow vendors to build a standards-based network with the appropriate quality of service for high-quality audio performance and production.

Co-branded BSS Audio|NETGEAR, today’s introductions are available through Harman Professional’s global distribution network and will complete the signal chain between Harman Professional’s new pre-standards AVB-enabled products including Crown Audio CTs amplifiers and dbx processors. Like dbx, and Crown Audio, BSS Audio are members of the Harman Professional Group. BSS Audio is a recognized leader in highly reliable audio networking technologies for fixed installations and professional touring.

Commenting, Robert Urry, Harman Professional Chief Technology Officer, noted, “Today’s introduction is a game-changing moment in AV integration that immediately makes advanced AV networking simpler, more affordable, more effective and more compelling to a broader market than was ever before possible. I am confident that AVB will grow the market for professional-grade AV products and services by enabling a new, wider variety of AV applications from distance learning in education and corporate training and communications, to digital signage in retail, hospitality and municipalities countless other uses in medicine, banking and, of course, entertainment and infotainment. We’re very pleased to work with NETGEAR in leading the industry by being the first to launch an AVB-capable switch.”

Sanjay Kumar, NETGEAR’s Director of Product Management for Switching agrees. “NETGEAR is always striving for innovations and developing products that will bring its customers the maximum benefits from the latest technologies. We foresee the market potential and benefits of AVB switches to our customers. Working with Harman Professional enables NETGEAR to prove this remarkably high-performance and rugged technology in the most demanding professional-grade applications before migrating it to other markets. We’re confident that the new BSS Audio|NETGEAR switches will provide the professional community with plug & play standardization coupled with great sound and video!

The new IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging standards provide three major enhancements for 802-based networks:
• Precise timing to support low-jitter media clocks and accurate synchronization of multiple streams
• A simple reservation protocol that allows an endpoint device to notify the various network elements in a path so that they can reserve the resources necessary to support a particular stream
• Queuing and forwarding rules that ensure that such a stream will pass through the network within the delay specified by the reservation

The enhancements enabled by IEEE 802.1 standards require no changes to the Ethernet lower layers and are compatible with all the other functions of a standard Ethernet switch (a device that follows the IEEE 802.1Q bridge specification).

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Harman Professional Debuts Next Generation HiQnet System Architect™ Version 2.0 At InfoComm 2009

In an introduction that radically simplifies professional audio networking, delivers greater design and integration capabilities to audio professionals and improves system performance and efficiency, Harman Professional today debuted HiQnet System Architect™ version 2.0. A highly intuitive, highly functional audio configuration and control interface for designing specialized audio networks for a wide array of applications, HiQnet System Architect 2.0 takes a newer approach to system design than the previous generation by providing users with intelligent choices based on job function, system application and system sophistication.

System Architect 2.0 features a new system design philosophy centered on workflow and the use of a diagrammatic representation of the installed or live sound venue. Devices are arranged by both their physical and logical placement allowing the designer to ‘educate’ System Architect about how they are to be used. In return the software is able to provide automation of many of the laborious system design tasks for free. For example, once the user has defined the layout of the venue and informed the software about which areas of it the amplifier outputs logically serve, System Architect provides embedded control panels which are automatically tied to the correct devices and provide source-selection, level, mute and metering, instantly accessible for each user-defined space, directly from the main Venue View. The factory-supplied panels can also be edited or completely replaced with fully-customized user control panels. The use of the user-defined spaces also provides feedback to the user by informing of any errors or warnings of the devices contained within by turning yellow or red, depending on the level of the condition. Combining this functionality with control panels for each space within the venue is the beginning of a long-term plan to merge the boundaries of system design with system control and monitoring.

According to Rick Kreifeldt, Harman Professional SDIG Vice President, System Architect Version 2.0 is a significantly more intelligent application than any professional audio industry application that has come before. “System Architect Version 2.0 is powerful because it seeks to combine the intelligence, experience and objectives of its users, and it’s been designed in close cooperation with the world’s leading practitioners in AV integration,” Kreifeldt explained. “The workflow oriented interface readdresses the interaction between designers and system design by framing his or her input not simply in terms of technology components but also on how the system is used. Couple this with a new informed approach that provides each participant with a tool suited to their needs and permissions, and you’ll quickly appreciate how System Architect makes the design process more efficient”

System Architect 2.0 also provides tour sound professionals and fixed installation system designers with considerable additional organizational benefits: adding the ability to create racks and arrays directly in the workspace, further enhancing the mechanisms of grouping devices. And by understanding more about the responsibilities of a certain device and its physical location within a rack, an array or a room, finding a specific device is made easy with new comprehensive list filtering techniques.

“System Architect Version 2 improves the system design experience for all users of the application, enabling significantly more efficient workflows,” Kreifeldt continued. “Designers can start with their end-goal — more often than not the loudspeaker configuration — and very quickly and intuitively work backwards because System Architect essentially connects the dots in an intelligent, logical way to evolve the speaker configuration into an AV system.”

In interviews with industry professionals, several complicated or time-consuming system design elements became common threads of conversation. The philosophy behind System Architect 2.0 is to speed up system design by tackling the organization of devices, the grouping of devices for control, system-wide routing of networked audio and creation of custom control panels. Importantly for the future, the underlying mechanisms by which these common issues have been addressed in version 2.0 also provide the foundations for several more considerable time-saving system design tasks to come.

At InfoComm this year, SDIG will also demonstrate Harman HiQnet™ products streaming Ethernet AVB in a technology preview. The company will showcase several new Ethernet AVB products including a dbx SC 32 Digital Matrix Processor, an Ethernet AVB architectural wall-plate from BSS Audio and a Crown CTs amplifier. The demonstration system will be connected together with an Ethernet AVB switch. The demonstration brings to fruition over three years of research and development as well as comprehensive participation and leadership in the IEEE AVB 802.1 Audio/Video Bridging (AVB) Task Group initiative.

A preview of System Architect will demonstrate how it will use the new venue design concepts to provide Ethernet AVB routing not just on a device-by-device level, but also to entire physical and logical spaces within a system, with one simple drag of the relevant signal.

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