Industry & Technology News: Spring 2008 

SAGE Advice for Sound Decisions   

To Our Customers

Greetings!

 

Sage Mission StatementSpring has sprung, and so have fuel costs. Take this opportunity to discuss video teleconferencing options for your company. Recent advances in technology make long-distance communication more efficient with higher quality results than ever before. Save the planet (plus time and money) by installing videoconferencing equipment in your facility. For more information, see the latest in HD videoconferencing below under A/V News: "Major Additions to Polycom VIDEO Solutions." Call SAGE to schedule a free site survey.

 

In this issue, we've emphasized several exciting educational technologies. These include Crestron's iMedia Classroom Control systems, ShoreTel's Voice over IP solutions, and VBrick's streaming video offerings.  Once you've taken a few minutes to read about some of these, you're welcome to call us if you have questions or you'd like more information.

 

Every quarter, this newsletter will keep you up-to-date on industry news that affects you. If you want to learn more, or need any information about technology other than what we've mentioned, please send us an e-mail. Feel free to call us at (717) 653-6641. We appreciate your feedback, and we're here to help.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mark Showers

CTS - Systems Specialist

 

Enhance Your Classroom with Crestron iMedia

With iMedia, even the smallest, most basic classrooms can be connected to their campus network and remotely managed with RoomView software. iMedia (IM) is a one-wire solution: it transmits power, control data, high-resolution RGBHV, composite video, and high-quality audio all over a single CAT5e cable. IM is designed for simple, low-cost projector control and source select solution. An intuitive set-up wizard makes system configuration quick and easy. IM supports e-Control® for remote system control and RoomView® integration for facility-wide system management.

Read more about:  Crestron iMedia and QuickMedia

Read more about:  Case Study: Crestron iMedia at Minnetonka School District

Read more about:  Crestron Electronics, Inc

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ShoreTel VoIP Connects Independent School District

The Claremore K-12  district called for a network that would support nine schools and over 4,000 students. Students and teachers needed access to homework and grades at any time, and administrators required 24-hour use of financial applications. District technology directors realized their need for a cost-effective, easy-to-manage system with real-time Voice over IP support. The project necessitated enough flexibility for frequent moves, adds, and changes, making ShoreTel the obvious solution. ShoreTel provided BlackDiamond, Alpine, Summit, and Shoregear switching technologies, along with ShorePhone telephones and the ShoreWare Director system manager.

Read more about:  Claremore ShoreTel Success Story

Read more about:  ShorTel Pure IP Unified Communications Solutions

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VBrick Live Streaming Video Technology

Video is one of the most efficient and effective ways to bridge time and space. Regardless of personal location, modern video technology gives each and every student the opportunity to learn in the same environment. VBrick has helped over one thousand educational institutions implement scalable, reliable communications solutions. VBrick uses existing IP networks to deliver important information: stored and recorded lectures, streamed live news, digitized media libraries, and other critical class content.

Watch:  VBrick Education: Knowledge Through Video

Read more about:  VBrick Live Streaming Video Technology

Read more about:  VBrick Systems, Inc

Read more about:  VBrick K-12 Digital Learning Systems

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Planning for Emergency

The importance of intelligibility and clarity of emergency voice announcements cannot be understated. Every building has specific needs that must be addressed when a complete communications system is designed. In the event that a catastrophe occurs, there is no time to send personnel from floor to floor, to call another location, or even to repeat an announcement. It is never too late for facility security personnel to take a close look at what is required to protect a building's inhabitants.

Read more about:  Emergency Communications System Considerations

 

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Surviving Digital Broadcast Conversion

For the last 58 years, Blonder Tongue Laboratories has manufactured equipment for broadband systems. When Congress mandated a complete conversion from analog to digital broadcast, Blonder Tongue employed its considerable experience and knowledge to compose an easy-to-understand Digital Transition Survival Guide. This guide explains the new methods for providing television signals to televisions in professional, industrial, and educational environments before, during, and after the February 2009 transition.

Read more about:  Surviving Digital Conversion

Read more about:  Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc

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Vaddio Defines Conference Camera Control

Vaddio designs, manufactures, and sells specialty videoconferencing and presentation cameras. Vaddio began with a simple philosophy: make camera technology easy to install and easy to use. Since then, Vaddio has created some of the most unique camera control products in the industry, providing designs that can be integrated into virtually any conference or presentation room.

Watch:  Video Product Demonstrations

Read more about:  Vaddio

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Major Additions to Polycom Videoconferencing Solutions

Polycom Video Solutions Group (VSG) announced both an addition to the world-leading High Definition HDX Series and new pricing, packaging, and competitive tools for the RMX 2000 Real-time Media Platform. The Polycom HDX 7000 series offers a powerful HD videoconferencing solution for medium-sized meeting rooms. Featuring HD video, voice, and content sharing, this update has begun shipping in North America in conjunction with HDX version 2.0.2.

Read more about:  Polycom VIDEO Solutions

Read more about:  Polycom, Inc

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101 Microphone Tips and Tricks

Trouble coaxing perfection out of your new, state-of-the-art sound system? Ideal audio might be a matter of just moving your microphones. Curt Taipale presents this helpful guide on mic positioning for places of worship. SAGE is proud to share this piece from Technologies for Worship Magazine, which has been educating churches since 1992 on modern-world technology and ministry. TFWM leads the charge in being an essential industry resource for churches. This particular article features tips and tricks for both specific musical instruments and recommended microphones.

Read more about:  Ideal Microphone Placement

Read more about:  Technologies for Worship Magazine

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SAGE Adds PDR Plasma Mount Line

PDR Mounts is an industry leader in quality and craftsmanship. PDR's extensive line of plasma, LCD, and projector mounts is produced using high-grade structural steel held to strict ASTM and Underwriters Laboratory standards. These units have all successfully endured load-tests at over four times their rated capacity. All PDR Mounts products are made in the USA, guaranteeing you both reliable support and quick domestic service. Being the original equipment manufacturer for some of the world's largest consumer electronics corporations, PDR boasts security and creative engineering with unparalleled features, quality, and ease of installation.

Read more about:  PDR Mounts

 

 

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ShoreTel Presents IP Telephony from A-Z

The decision to transition to an IP telephony solution often proves both time-consuming. Viable timetables, potential cost savings, and choices between the best possible technology vendors all seem overwhelming, and the questions endless. ShoreTel realizes that switching to IP telephony and summarily deploying a new system is no small task. To make the entire process easier, ShoreTel created "IP Telephony from A-Z - The Complete IP Telephony eBook."

Read more about:  ShoreTel IP Telephony from A-Z

Read more about:  ShoreTel receives Internet Telephony Magazine's Product of the Year Award

Read more about:  ShorTel Pure IP Unified Communications Solutions

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What's All the Talk About SIP Communications?

How can a communications protocol transform your business? IP communications can impact every enterprise with lower costs, powerful new applications, and simplified management. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) builds on the benefits of IP by adding intelligence to business processes and providing both users and enterprises with better communications control. SIP supports any form of real-time communication: voice, video, or instant messaging. Additionally, SIP delivers presence: an application that lets users inform others of their status, their availability, and how they can be contacted—before a communication session even begins. Avaya makes your people more productive, your business more intelligent, and your customers more satisfied by putting communications at the heart of your enterprise.

Read more about:  Avaya SIP Presence

Read more about:  Avaya Business Technologies

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Connecting Systems, Connecting People

Disparate nurse call devices stretched and slowed personnel at the Village at Robinwood, a retirement campus in Hagerstown, Maryland. Obsolete equipment from three separate systems forced each staff member to carry two pocket pagers and a cordless phone. Enter SAGE Technology. SAGE provided a robust Voice over IP-enabled Wi-Fi infrastructure along with rugged wireless handsets purpose-built for healthcare. The new hybrid enables caregivers in effective response to the hardwired intercom, patients' wireless pendants, and telephone-based emergency calls.

Read more about:  SAGE at Robinwood

Read more about:  Tel-Tron Life Safety Systems

Read more about:  Ascom i75 VoWiFi Communications Handset

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Versus VISion Patient Tracking Dashboard

Versus debuts the VISion Dashboard, which joins the veritable VISion real-time suite of locating, automating, and reporting tools. The Versus dashboard allows executive and management staff to monitor expenditures and departmental and enterprise needs, and to make rapid decisions despite the unpredictable nature of the healthcare environment. The dashboard features real-time data streaming on fully customizable menus so that users can make adjustments to resources as necessary. Metric gauges and graphs will help decision makers identify and manage nurse-to-patient ratios, order completion, National Patient Safety Goal compliance, the potential for ambulance divert status, and a host of other revenue-affecting conditions.

Read more about:  VISion Patient Tracking

Read more about:  Versus Technology

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Schedule Your Service

Don't forget to schedule your service as far in advance as possible. Should you require it, we can provide extra pre-planning support for your renovation or construction project. Help us to help you!

Schedule now:  Online Service Request Form

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SAGE Service Maintenance Agreements and Blocks of Service

Your telecommunications system is a vital element of your organization. Often the last thing on your mind is the preventative maintenance of this equipment. When your warranty expires, there is an increased risk of costly repairs to your telecommunications system. Since you depend heavily on this system being fully operation, SAGE has many options available to help you simplify your service needs. Be sure to contact your sales representative about our Silver, Gold, and Platinum Service Maintenance Agreements. SAGE also offers pre-paid Blocks of Service, which present discounted rates on labor and save you money in the long run. Numerous customers have already taken advantage of these, even arranging open purchase orders for whatever amount that their budgets allow. Each time a work order is completed, we provide a summary report so that you can easily track your hours, dollars, and remaining balance. For additional information, please contact our office.

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SAGE News

SAGE Achieves InfoComm International's CASVP Silver Level Designation

SAGE Technology Solutions, Inc has qualified as an InfoComm International Silver Certified AudioVisual Solutions Provider (CAVSP). This designation recognizes that 50 percent of the regional office's sales, customer service, and technical staff have achieved and maintained individual InfoComm certification. InfoComm's Standards of Excellence are a guidepost for companies and professionals who both place their customers first and offer quality solutions. They require the commitment to provide complete customer satisfaction and convey the importance that solutions providers place on their own skills development through continuing education. Finally, they acknowledge the critical role that audiovisual professionals play as partners with IT specialists, architects, building managers, and others.

Read more about:  Certified AudioVisual Solutions Providers

Read more about:  InfoComm AV Certification

Read more about:  InfoComm

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SAGE is Hiring!

SAGE Technology Solutions is always growing. With growth comes a need for  more personnel, particularly those experienced in Voice, Data, Video, Sound, and Security. Know anyone looking for a great communications company to work with? Have them visit our web site to see the current positions available and submit an online job application

 

 

 

 

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SAGE Technology Solutions, Inc. - 1040 West Main Street - Mount Joy, Pennsylvania 17552

 

© 2008 SAGE Technology Solutions, Inc.