Atlona Ships 5×2 Matrix Switcher for Wired and Wireless Sources with USB Extension

January 7, 2022

Available immediately, new AT-OME-MS52W simplifies collaboration across wired and wireless inputs and connects USB devices at remote locations

SAN JOSE, California, November 19, 2020 – Atlona, a Panduit company, has begun shipping the AT-OME-MS52W 5×2 matrix switcher. Streamlining BYOD collaboration in today’s dynamic AV environments, the new switcher combines wired and wireless AV input support, integrated USB extension and rich integration features to empower applications ranging from video conferencing to multi-participant presentations.

The OME-MS52W features HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C inputs alongside mirrored or matrixed HDBaseT and HDMI outputs with selectable switching modes. All wired AV inputs and the local HDMI output support High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats and 4K/60 4:4:4 video at HDMI data rates up to 18 Gbps. Native, platform-based, wireless interfacing enables screen mirroring for iOS®, Android™, Mac®, Chromebook™ and Windows® devices without the need for a separate app, while moderator functionality, accessible through the OME-MS52W’s web interface enables an authorized user to preview, allow or block content from up to 16 wirelessly connected devices.

The OME-MS52W supports HDBaseT transport of video up to 4K/60 with 4:2:0 chroma subsampling alongside embedded audio, control, Ethernet and – when paired with a USB-capable Omega Series receiver such as the AT-OME-EX-RX or AT-OME-SR21 – USB data. Combined with USB 2.0 and USB-C interfaces for up to three host PCs and two peripheral devices, this USB extension capability makes the OME-MS52W an ideal integration solution for software video conferencing and unified communications applications including Zoom, Skype® for Business, Microsoft® Teams®, Cisco® Webex®, BlueJeans, and GoToMeeting®.

This new switcher offers a rich array of convenience and automation features that have made Atlona products the preferred choice of both systems integrators and end users. The OME-MS52W can automatically switch between inputs when sources are connected or removed, while automatic display control turns compatible monitors and projectors on or off without userintervention. Other integration features include audio embedding and de-embedding; motorized screen or display liftactivation; and trigger I/O ports to power the system up or down based on occupancy sensing. The switcher can be remotely managed through the Atlona Management System or Atlona’s innovative Velocity™ IP-enabled AV control platform, while TCP/IP and RS-232 support enable integration with third-party control systems.

“The OME-MS52W is a wired and wireless AV gateway plus so much more, providing a robust switching and USB extension solution for collaborative meeting spaces that is full-featured and flexible, yet easy to use and integrate,” said David Shamir, Vice President of Product Management, Atlona. “We’re excited to now be delivering its powerful benefits to our customers.”

The OME-MS52W is available immediately through Atlona’s extensive network of authorized channel partners and is backed by the company’s award-winning 10-year limited product warranty and support services. To learn more about the Omega Series, please visit atlona.com/omega.

About Atlona

Atlona, a Panduit company, is a leading global manufacturer of AV over IP distribution, connectivity, and control solutions. The company designs and engineers innovative, award-winning products for a diverse range of residential and commercial AV and IT markets. Backed by an award-winning 10-year warranty, Atlona’s products are developed to enable our customers’ ability to connect and collaborate with simplicity. More information about Atlona is available at atlona.com.

About Panduit

Global connectivity leader Panduit Corp. creates innovative electrical and network infrastructure solutions for applications across the enterprise. Headquartered in Tinley Park, Ill. and operating in 112 worldwide locations, Panduit’s technology leadership and robust ecosystem help support, sustain, and empower business growth in a connected world. panduit.com

 

USSI Global to Modernize and Maintain Sinclair Broadcast Group’s Satellite Network

January 7, 2022

USSI Global’s C-Band Interference Mitigation solution will upgrade satellite facilities for FCC’s C-Band transition, add managed services and a support layer for network operations

MELBOURNE, Florida, November 18, 2020 — USSI Global, a leading provider of customized network, broadcast and digital signage systems and services worldwide, will modernize Sinclair Broadcast Group’s extensive satellite network in compliance with the FCC’s C-Band spectrum transition. USSI Global will inspect and upgrade Sinclair’s vast satellite infrastructure over a three-year period, with all work expected to be completed months ahead of the FCC’s December 2023 Phase II accelerated relocation deadline. USSI Global will also provide a suite of managed services to maintain the network during and after the transition, reducing costs and providing a consistent high level of maintenance and reliability.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest TV broadcasters in the United States, owns, operates and/or provides services to 190 TV stations in 88 markets. The broadcaster’s satellite network supports critical uplink and downlink services for network affiliates, with 97 satellite facilities in operation around the country.

The FCC’s initiative will clear 300MHz of the C-Band’s 500MHz bandwidth frequency for 5G mobile services, and relocate service providers within that spectrum to the remaining 200MHz. As the C-Band spectrum is mostly used for TV and radio operations, Sinclair is one of the many providers that will vacate the 300MHz targeted for 5G services. These transitions will require affected providers to navigate complex technical changes including installation of new satellites and antennas, upgrades to existing antennas, repointing of antennas and antenna filtering to align with frequency changes.

USSI Global’s turnkey project management expertise will provide a consistent level of service across all technical renovations, managed services and support. The company will utilize its large team of RF field engineers and support staff to manage each phase. The ability to provide immediate response will substantially accelerate repairs and limitservice disruptions.

“Similar to the TV spectrum repack initiative that just ended, the C-Band spectrum transition is a technically challenging and multi-layered procedure that will affect tens of thousands of earth station antennas,” said Del Parks, CTO and Senior Vice President, Sinclair Broadcast Group. “USSI Global offers the comprehensive project management experience required to navigate Sinclair through what will be a very time-sensitive and labor-intensive transition, while ensuring our satellite services continue to operate without interruption.”

USSI Global’s project management strategy covers nearly every step of the technical process, including system design and integration, product procurement, commissioning and post-sales support. USSI Global will guide Sinclair technicians through all system transformations, including the retuning of nearly 500 satellite systems; and modernization of satellite dishes, filters, IRDs and/or antennas across all 97 facilities.

“Modernization of the satellite infrastructure requires a strategic partner that understands everything from re-grounding systems to maximizing the performance of the infrastructure,” said Harvey Arnold, Vice President of Engineering, Sinclair Broadcast Group. “USSI Global’s project management experience will ensure we meet challenging deadlines, while their technical knowledge will optimize our satellite contribution and distribution services upon moving to a new C-Band frequency.”

USSI Global COO Anthony Morelli adds that the managed services element of USSI Global represents an important new business direction for the company moving forward. “While our field engineers and technology partnerships will ensure a smooth transition and high-efficiency infrastructure, our managed services layer will accelerate their ROI by offloading advanced technical operations and system maintenance to our proven team of experts,” said Morelli. “We look forward to working with Sinclair Broadcast Group on this important project as we work toward our shared goal of an August 2023 transition, and beyond that to reduce their technical responsibilities through our growing ‘as-a-service’ programs.”

About USSI Global

USSI Global has provided high-quality, customized network and digital media solutions around the globe for more than 35 years. As part of our turnkey project management initiatives, USSI Global recruits and manages a specialized network of local partners and employees to fulfill every project phase and customer need, from initial site planning through to systems integration, commissioning and post-sales support. Front and back office services including a global network of field engineers and service providers, and a 24/7 call center to manage warehousing, logistics and repairs. Our proven history of managing technically challenging and time-critical projects has resulted in USSI Global’s excellent reputation with customers operating in three core industries: Broadcast, Digital Signage, and Electronic Business and Consumer Solutions. Visit www.ussiglobal.com for more information.

CP Communications Acquires SportsCam

January 7, 2022

CP will include SportsCam’s wearable camera and transmission offerings in its Red House Streaming brand, providing services for thesports, AV, public safety and security markets

St. Petersburg, Florida, November 17, 2020CP Communications, a leader in innovative solutions and services for live event productions, has acquired the assets of SportsCam, the groundbreaking innovator and creator of a wide range of wireless and roboticcamera products for live sports production. The acquisition expands CP Communications’ range of wired, wireless and cellular content acquisition and streaming systems for its Red House Streaming brand, while also opening the door for new business opportunities in AV, security and public safety.

SportsCam changed the fan engagement game with wearable wireless cameras, among the first technologies to embed camera and transmission equipment into clothing. Their products emphasize wearable, cloud-connected cameras to capture close-up sports action from varied points of view. The SportsCam products have been used in hockey, boxing and College Football broadcasts. They are also used by remote newsgathering teams, and serve many other content acquisition needs for broadcast and professional AV events.

CEO Kurt Heitmann is bullish about where SportsCam can take the company beyond sports production, most notably markets such as law enforcement, public safety, and oil and gas that rely on wearable and robotic cameras to document events. He sees strong synergies between SportsCam and products that CP Communications and Red House Streaming regularly leverage for sports and live events, including Mobile Viewpoint’s IP streaming and bonded cellular solutions.

“SportsCam has developed an impressive product family that allow our customers to capture and stream live events as they happen, and deliver secure, encrypted streams back to a studio or command and control center,” said Heitmann. “We have long used these products in sports production, and we can now apply the operational efficiencies and benefits to a broader range of acquisition and streaming applications under our Red House Streaming brand. We are excited to bring a proven broadcast-quality technology to markets that todayoften use consumer technology to record and backhaul live video to central locations.”

“Our 35 years of broadcast experience has gradually transitioned into a wider universe of streaming applications for virtual corporate events, houses of worship and live-streamed athletic events such as bike races, marathons and triathlons,” said Heitmann. “Our Red House Streaming brand was established to bring the cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency of IP, cloud services and bonded networking to more customers and markets. The SportsCam acquisition amplifies this strategy.”

Heitmann adds that SportsCam’s founder, Chris Stramacchia, will remain with CP Communications and work closely with the company’s engineering and R&D teams.

“I am very excited that SportsCam is now a part of CP Communications,” said Stramacchia. “The combination of our specialty camera expertise with CP’s strengths in wireless acquisition, along with streaming and bonded technologies, will allow the creation of exciting new imaging systems for a wide range of applications from sports to corporate and industrial. CP Communications’ longevity and reputation as an innovator in broadcast and media technology services provides a perfect platform for the growth of SportsCam products and services.”

About CP Communications

For more than three decades, CP Communications has provided high-quality, cost-effective live event production solutions to major broadcasters, sports leagues and teams, and event and production companies. Our solutions include access to experienced professionals, state of the art equipment, and innovative technologies and techniques for wireless audio & video content acquisition, transport and delivery. Our culture of innovation, coupled with the highest quality assurance standards and passion for customer service, promote collaboration with our clients to determine the best custom solution for each live event.

 

Atlona Reveals New Two-Input, 4K/UHD Switcher with USB Hub

January 7, 2022

Compact and cost-effective solution for small meeting spaces offers USB-C and HDMI inputs alongside USB data connectivity

SAN JOSE, California, November 16, 2020 – Atlona, a Panduit company, introduces a versatile new switcher in its Omega™ Series of AV integration solutions for modern workspaces and meeting environments. Available immediately, thecost-effective AT-OME-MH21 combines HDMI and USB-C inputs with advanced functionality and a built-in USB 3.0 hub for video conferencing peripherals or touch displays.

Ideal for huddle rooms, small meeting spaces, and even home offices, the two-input OME-MH21 offers integration and user convenience features including automatic display control, audio de-embedding, and high-quality 4K to 1080p down-scaling for use with HD displays. Automatic input selection intelligently switches between inputs when sources are added or removed, minimizing the need for the user to touch the device. This is particularly significant given today’s heightened health concerns as people return to shared physical environments.

The OME-MH21’s HDMI input and output support HDR and 4K/UHD, 60 Hz, 4:4:4 video at data rates up to 18 Gbps, while the USB-C input is ideal for direct AV interfacing with newer laptops and mobile devices plus data connectivity to the integrated USB 3.0 hub. The USB-C connection combines with the unit’s two USB type A ports and USB type B interface to support up to two host PCs plus two peripheral devices such microphones, speakerphones, or cameras. This efficiently enhances soft codec conferencing applications, with the ability to switch video and USB together between two host PCs.

“The OME-MH21 provides a compact yet comprehensive integration solution that is right-sized and attractively priced for smaller collaboration spaces,” said David Shamir, VP of Product Management, Atlona. “Its USB-C input and integrated USB 3.0 hub make it ideal for supporting the latest BYOD trends and the wide adoption of software-based conferencing solutions.”

The OME-MH21 is HDCP 2.2 compliant and can be configured and monitored remotely over a LAN or WAN through the Atlona Management System. Like all Omega solutions, the new switcher is backed by Atlona’s award-winning 10-year limited product warranty and support services, ensuring long-term product reliability and performance.

For more information about the Omega Series, please visit atlona.com/omega.

About Atlona

Atlona, a Panduit company, is a leading global manufacturer of AV over IP distribution, connectivity, and control solutions. The company designs and engineers innovative, award-winning products for a diverse range of residential and commercial AV and IT markets. Backed by an award-winning 10-year warranty, Atlona’s products are developed to enable our customers’ ability to connect and collaborate with simplicity. More information about Atlona is available at atlona.com.

About Panduit

Global connectivity leader Panduit Corp. creates innovative electrical and network infrastructure solutions for applications across the enterprise. Headquartered in Tinley Park, Ill. and operating in 112 worldwide locations, Panduit’s technology leadership and robust ecosystem help support, sustain, and empower business growth in a connected world. panduit.com

GatesAir Promotes Mark Goins to Vice President of North America Sales

January 6, 2022

Mark will manage the entire North American sales team while executing annual plans and sales targets

CINCINNATI, November 16, 2020GatesAir, a global leader in wireless, over-the-air content delivery solutions for TV and radio, announces the promotion of Mark Goins to Vice President, North America Sales effective immediately. Mark will lead an experienced team of North American representatives across regional sales management, key accounts and inside sales, and work with GatesAir executives to develop annual strategic initiatives for improved growth and support. He reports to Chief Revenue Offier Joe Mack.

Mark entered the broadcast industry upon joining Harris Corporation 19 years ago, and made the transition to GatesAir when the company was formed in 2014. He has gradually worked his way up the ladder, beginning with an inside sales position and becoming Senior Director, North America Sales upon transitioning to the GatesAir team. In between, he served as Strategic Account Manager and Regional Sales Manager, which provides him the diverse experience required to successfully lead the current North American sales team.

Mark sees ample opportunity for business growth in North America, and looks forward to supporting emerging customer needs with NextGen TV, HD Radio adoption, and single-frequency networks (SFNs) for TV and radio. He also anticipates broader opportunities for GatesAir’s Intraplex range as business models and networking opportunities expand with the Audio over IP transition.

“We are coming off a very successful TV repack initiative where we enjoyed the largest market share, and we intend to build on these strong customer relationships to deliver all the new possibilities that NextGen TV offers,” said Goins. “There is also a large percentage of TV stations unaffected by repack that require high-efficiency, solid-state transmitters to reduce their operational costs. That same high-efficiency technology will benefit our radio customers, whether they are replacing analog systems, adding HD Radio services, and/or establishing SFNs. Whether transmission or Audio over IP networking, our core focus remains providing excellent customer service and products that broadcasters can rely on.”

“Mark has successfully built lasting customer relationships and delivered strong results over his career at GatesAir,” said Bruce D. Swail, CEO, GatesAir. “His experience makes him the perfect replacement for Joe Mack, who very recently transitioned to a global sales management role as CRO. We are confident that Mark’s transition into this important position will be seamless, and we look forward to his contributions in this expanded role.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark for nearly 20 years, and he brings a broad skillset and leadership qualities to this position that will ensure a collaborative team environment and long-term success,” said Mack. “I’m thrilled to continue to work with him in leading our North American sales operation.”

About GatesAir   

GatesAir, Inc., a portfolio company of The Gores Group, provides complete solutions for over-the-air radio and television broadcasting, leveraging wireless spectrum to maximize performance for multichannel, mission-critical services. Powering over-the-air networks worldwide with unparalleled reliability for nearly 100 years, GatesAir’s turnkey solutions enable broadcasters to create, transport and transmit radio and TV content.  With customers in more than 185 countries, the company leads the industry in innovation and design breakthroughs, improving efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership with all products designed and assembled in the USA. Visit www.gatesair.com for more information, Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gatesair, and follow us on Twitter at @GatesAir.

About The Gores Group

The Gores Group, founded in 1987 by Alec Gores, is a global investment firm focused on acquiring controlling interests in mature and growing businesses which can benefit from the firm’s operating experience and flexible capital base. The firm combines the operational expertise and detailed due diligence capabilities of a strategic buyer with the seasoned M&A team of a traditional financial buyer. Over its 30-year history, The Gores Group has become a leading investor having demonstrated a reliable track record of creating value in its portfolio companies alongside management. Headquartered in Los Angeles, The Gores Group maintains offices in Boulder, CO, and London. For more information, please visit http://www.gores.com.

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