3D is here to stay so we all need  Products we can rely on.

Whether we like it or not , 3D looks like it is here to stay and the UK is leading its adoption. In addition to Blu-Ray 3D all of our major service providers are offering 3D content. This means there has never been a more important time to ensure your installs and projects are sufficiently future proof to cope with the requirements.

As a trusted HDMI provider we take our obligation seriously and have made sure by conducting our own testing for 3D performance and compliance, that we are supplying only products that provide the best value and performance for 3D.

A quality install begins with quality basics. Our Belden CAT6 cable when terminated with EZ RJ45 connectors will guarantee you the performance you need . The EZRJ45 connectors allow easy visual varification of the wire map through the connector as well as the strongest physical termination by ensuring that the individual cores are in full contact with the pins and that the jacket fits fully into the back of the connector.

For transmission of 3D around the house, CE Labs of Texas have proven a winner with the HM1CK-3 HDMI over single CAT6. The HM1CK-3 are compact and efficient boxes that will carry full frame packed 3D over a single CAT6 cable while still providing RS232 and bi-directional IR control. These units give optimum performance and value for anyone that desires full HD, deep colour and 3D to any location up to 100m from the source.

Complimenting the transmitters, CE Labs have also upgraded their 4 and 8 way distribution amps to allow them to carry full HD, deep colour and fram packed 3D signals.

Asheridge employ the QD780-HD tester from Quantum. We carry out our own extensive testing on all new products, we don't just take the manufacturers word for it. The QD780 is the first affordable, portable HD test tool that allows full testing and varification of HDMIT DVI, and 3D systems. Unlike other HD testers which tend to be a simple source generator and screen, the QD780 performs a full analysis report, essential for any installer who claims their system is 3D ready and future proof.

Maximise Connector Protection. Optimise Network Integrity.

Asheridge distributes Contech Chemshrink, the most effective solution to protect the connections in your cable network. Contech is a patented, revolutionary product that gives increased protection from corrosion, vibration, temperature cycling, connector loosening and tampering.

The unique series of products provides three points of contact, completely sealing the cable, F-connector, and the tap spigot, creating a rubberized  encapsulation which brings dramatically enhanced protection to your network. Growing evidence suggests corroding / loosening of connectors increases the liklihood of network CPD. In addition the onset of digital CPD is proving to have the potential to be more destructive to network integrity than analogue CPD.

Benefits include:

• Fewer truck rolls
• Lower noise
• Improved network stability and integrity
• Drop connections that last 10 years or more

Asheridge and Legrand are now connected

We are delighted to announce a partnership with Legrand that will make the class leading home automation solutions of the prestigious Arteor range available to you and your customers.

Increase the value of the integrated solutions you install with the latest addition to Asheridge Communications unrivalled support for you.

Asheridge and Arteor can now bring you -

• Whole home solution from one supplier. Asheridge brings Arteor from Legrand, a solution that allows the automation of lighting, heating, blind, door entry and audio control in a single system.
• Uniform finishes for all switches and sockets around the home. This includes plug sockets and large plates (up to 8 modules) for complex AV outlets.
• Reduce energy consumption in the property. Having full control of the whole home provides the ability to switch off heating in unused rooms, run bulbs at 90% etc. reducing energy costs and extending bulb life expectancy.

You will also get full UK based sales and support assistance. With both Asheridge and the manufacturer being UK based you will receive full training, assistance with your system configurations, and a full wiring and programming information supplied once an order is placed.

For full details of this exciting range visit:
www.ashcomms.com

Asheridge Communications are pleased to announce the employment of Steve Gribby Chief Technology Officer, a newly created post responsible for the company’s technical vision and  leading all aspects of the company’s technology development.

Steve Gribby (CTO) has a proven and well established track record within the  industry most recently as Technical Director for Technetix, and previous to this as UK Sales and Ireland Marketing Manager at Tratec before the company merge. Steve was Managing Director of Arrow one of the first Distributors of satellite systems in the north of England.  During his career Steve has been responsible for designing innovative narrow cast solutions for Docsis and VOD deployments. Out of work Steven enjoy fine wine, food and great company. A keen walker he has tackled the El Camino twice and plans to repeat the ordeal, and  is often spotted out on the Southdown’s at weekends walking with the wife and dog.  

Jonathan Rigby Sales and Marketing Director, says “The addition of Steve Gribby to our team is vital in playing an integral role in the company’s strategic direction, development, and future growth. Steve brings to this role his experience in overseeing research and development, project management and leadership in this competitive landscape.”

The company have also expanded their infrastructure by acquiring new offices and warehouse space in Spain to accommodate Asheridge’s continued  growth in  the European CATV market, and are also pleased to announce a new UK Training and Demonstration facility, adjacent to the sales offices in Chesham, Bucks.

Jonathan continues “This expansion represents our need to support our continuing sales in Europe, and in the UK to provide our customer base with a facility for individual and group training and demos, and to view our range of products we offer.  One of the  advantages Asheridge has is  its ability to offer a comprehensive consultancy service to our customers” .

Finally there is a way for installers and integrators to reliably, test verify and troubleshoot HDMI and DVI systems. Asheridge have been appointed the UK and Espana distribution partner for the QD780 from USA based test equipment developer Quantum.

The 780 removes the need for guesswork and head scratching when testing or trouble shooting HD systems, no more do installers need to spend hours trying to solve HD problems with a ‘Plug & Pray approach’. The installer friendly tool is comes in a robust housing with an LCD touch screen and battery power for several hours of hand held operation between charges.

Developed as a 1 box solution the 780 operates as a source, a screen or a midstream analysis device that passively monitors the HD signal passing through it. The clear graphical menus on the touch screen enable the unit to be used as a source generator for any 2D or 3D picture format, with a variety of built in standard engineering test patterns as well as custom made 3D test patterns. If the source is suspected of being the problem then the 780 can be used as a display device to analyse the signals coming from the source device to make sure everything is working correctly. Results can be displayed as a simple pass / fail or more detailed information can be displayed about the individual components of the HD signal structure.

The QD780 will also test and verify audio, working as a test generator for all HD audio formats and test receiver for HD audio sources giving details of format bit rate and supported formats etc.

The key to successful installs is always preparation and the 780 is key to this process, enabling the installer to individually test all of the cables, repeaters, AVR’s, matrixes and displays, either in isolation or as a complete system with the 780’s ability to be inserted anywhere in the chain to monitor HDCP, EDID and hot plug events etc.

In recognition that the HDMI landscape is continually changing, Quantum have designed the 780 to be easily upgradeable  by simple firmware downloads, protecting the installer investment and maintaining the effectiveness of the tester.

Not everyone is an HD genius so Quantum have worked closely with CEDIA to put together a training course which not only covers the basics of HDMI, but how to use the 780 for effective troubleshooting and analysis. This not only gives the installer valuable skills that will save time and money on future installs but the course also carries valuable CEU points for CEDIA members. Training courses will be commencing early in 2011 at Asheridge.

Asheridge Communications  Ltd Announces PureLink™ Innovations for 2010

Asheridge Communications is the UK and Spanish distributor for PureLink™, a manufacturer specializing in leading edge digital connectivity products based in the USA.  PureLink™ has 10 years experience in the AV and Broadcast marketplace, providing the world’s most advanced line-up of  integrated and modular matrix routing, switching, distribution, and conversion systems. Their product range covers HDMI, DVI, and 3G-SDI, from 4x4 up to 320x320 cross-platform modular matrixes with direct fiber and Cat5 input and output available.

PureLink™ products can be found in mission critical AV installations, broadcast applications, flight simulators, large scale digital signage projects and command and control centres from Las Vegas to Dubai.  The PureLink™ install base covers many of the biggest government and military systems, simulator manufacturer’s display projects, and is specified by the world’s leading AV consultants. When questioned, system integrators who have specified the products say that they have done so based on the speed of switching, accuracy, and long-term reliability of the products.

Leading PureLink’s innovations for 2010 are the enhancements to its MX Series modular matrixes which now have not only HDMI, DVI & 3G-SDI cards all in a single matrix, but also the ability to bring Fibre and CAT5/6 to and through the matrix, with the ability to cross switch between formats and cable types. This eliminates the need to have separate external converter boxes in the rack, saving on space, power consumption and interconnections.  All of PureLink’s HD over fibre or CAT6 modules are available in pairs or as single units to enable the most efficient  and cost effective system design.

PureLink™ also makes a range of pre-made DVI and HDMI fibre cables up to 100 metres in length.

Also new from PureLink™ is their MXA-1600 Pro Audio/Video matrix. This model is a true cross-platform modular matrix, which allows a mixture of HDMI and DVI connections.  Its unique feature is that it has separate input and output boards for balanced audio.  This allows separate audio break out and input at the rack and eliminates the need for a separate audio matrix, saving rack space, power and costs.

 All of the PureLink™ matrixes are controllable by Crestron, AMX, Barco & Vista Spyder with RS232 and LAN connections. Features such as pixel re-clocking and capture of the EDID information on all input ports give the benefit of making their matrixes reliable and super fast at switching.  The touch screen controls on the front enable EDID display and capture, manual operation and diagnostic control for easy setup and operation.

PureLink™ has also just announced the launch of an HDMI over IP solution, which supports 1080p @ 60hz as well as carrying IR, HDMI v1.4a compatibility and a scaler built into the receiver module to allow displays of different resolutions to be connected to the same source. Up to 200 displays can be connected to the same LAN.

Asheridge is providing the training, support and consultation from their operations in the UK and Spain, with the ability to demonstrate and provide evaluation equipment, case studies and references when required. Having been involved in CATV, AV and Broadcast, Asheridge is well positioned to match the service, support and expertise that has built the PureLink™ brand in the USA and around the world.    PureLink™ is the informed choice among industry professionals for all mission critical installations.

Asheridge Provide ‘Purer Signal Solutions’ for HDMI distribution and help installers start a  ‘high fibre diet’ with ‘Easy Terminate Fibre Connectors’ – Stand B1 at CEDIA Expo 2010

Asheridge Communications the specialist provider of home and commercial AV solutions will be showing their latest selection of HDMI solutions including the  leading edge modular HDMI matrix, with a unique range of input and output card  options including HDMI, DVI, Fibre, Cat5e. Products on display will also include HDMI  Single Cat5e transmitter/receiver products, as well as scalars, and  HDMI test equipment. HDMI cables from Ethereal and others  will be available on the stand , including the DPL rated EPM and Platinum series cables.

Asheridge will also be showcasing an enhanced range of fibre termination and management products including a wider range of  easy terminate fibre connectors as well as fibre outlets and Fibre management solutions. To  educate installers to be able to test installed fibre, Fluke networks will be available on the stand to discuss fibre testing and best practice, and a number of special show promotions will be available.

Fluke Networks will also be running a number of 1 hour workshops covering Fibre termination testing and inspection during the event.

Asheridge will not be forgetting the bread and butter installation products  and will be demonstrating their full range of EZ terminate connectors including RCA, BNC and F type as well as the EZRJ45 from Platinum tools. In addition Asheridge  will introduce an increased range of cables from  Belden  and are pleased to announce that they have been selected to become a Belden Cable partner. They can now offer a wider range of control cables including 1502R Cresnet equivalent cable and KNX approved cables. Asheridge also continue to be one of the largest suppliers of the Belden mini coax cable. All of these cables and connectors will be available for hands on termination, and we look forward to showing installers how to reduce installation time.

There will also be the opportunity for testing, using the Fluke CIQ KRQ and Pro scanner products as well as seeing a full range of Fluke equipment.  Installers can ask us about cable verification and testing , and we will be offering deals on all our connector and  cable kits and special show deals on the CIQ testing kits.

We at Asheridge Communications are pleased to announce that we have been appointed  the  European distributor for CE Labs® HDMI™ Distribution and Digital Signage Product range . This means Asheridge are not only one of the UK’s leading HDMI™   trainers, but are now also in a position to provide an even wider range of market leading HDMI™   solutions to the AV industry. “We are extremely pleased to be able to add  CE Labs®  market leading products   to the Asheridge family,  and believe that these products will address the need to reliably and cost effectively distribute and control HDMI™ signals in both large and small AV installations.” Said Kevin Swanton UK Director for Asheridge Communications.

CE Labs® / Cable Electronics, are an American market leader and award-winning innovator in electronics, engineering and manufacturing,

The new HSW88C, 8x8 HDMI™  v1.3 matrix switcher kit, is supplied complete with eight remote controlled Cat 5 receivers.  Each receiver features a 7-segment digital display and built-in IR pickups to allow users to effortlessly control their content from any location. The  8 x 8 has been added to supplement the market leading  4 x 4 matrix switcher already supplied by Asheridge Communications.

The unique design of the CE Lab® Matrix product  helps to reduce signal loss by converting the HDMI™  signal and extending it up to 165 feet over CAT5e or CAT6  at resolutions of  1080p, 1080i, and 720p.

The new HSW88C features matrix master switching,  providing  the ability to pass any HDMI™  input to any output by either push button, IR remote control, or RS-232 control. The HSW88C has been  designed for easy installation with rack-mounting and wall-mounting designs for master and receiver respectively.  L.E.D. displays on the receiver and matrix units  help to reduce installation time when setting up the system.  The units are fully compliant with HDMI™  v1.3,HDCP and support Deep colour, where available.

All of the matrix products from CE Labs® S  benefit from individual input DIP switches that provide  a unique EDID control method. This either allows EDID to be learnt into the Matrix, passed through the matrix  or use a  default  EDID  setting.

Digital HD Media Players

Asheridge Communications, in conjunction with CE Labs®, can now offer a complete range of signage options to suit different budgets and applications. CE Labs® design and manufacture both the hardware and the software and can,  thus provide a COMPLETE one stop solution.

There are currently three Digital media players  available:

MP50A, entry level , cost effect single box solution that enables the user to play content from an array of different media cards, displaying content on most types of screen. This unit is ideal for playing local content on screen sizes up to 22”.

The HD300ZX  provides a range of output resolutions including the ultimate component HD output at 1080i to facilitate high quality moving image presentations on a larger screens.  The unit can either play local content from an onboard CF card (or from A USB drive) or can be networked to enable remote content delivery and scheduling over a LAN network.

The MP400A is the most versatile unit providing a variety of video outputs including full 1080P HD resolution via an HDMI™  connector. Designed to operate over a wide area network the units can be updated and controlled remotely. These networked media players have already been implemented in a number of strategic National Digital Signage projects across the US.

More than 120 AV Integrators attended the recent  Asheridge HDMI™ Training Road shows. These high-level training sessions were held at a number of strategic UK locations and focussed  on the HDMI™ interface ,  and  fibre optic termination & testing.  The 2009 Roadshows followed on from  the highly successful 2008 Road shows. This years’ locations included  Scotland, Manchester, Banbury and Gatwick enabling installers from all areas to attend.

The days consisted of two sessions , one  morning  HDMI™ session and one afternoon Fibre optic termination and testing session. The HDMI™ sessions  were led by Jeff Boccaccio, one of the world’s top authorities on HDMI™, and President of the US based testing and standards organisation DPL labs.

Jeff covered a number of key topics , including what stops HDMI ™ from working, the new HDMI 1.4 standard, and what impact it will have on installers, and their  clients. Installers were taken through every aspect of the HDMI™ interface, exploring HDMI eye patterns, display data channel corruption, bandwidth issues, capacitance losses and other common problems experienced by installers.

“We are taking the lead with these courses. For too long now installers have resisted using HDMI™ on projects , trying to go back to the old ways of distributing High definition using analogue component. It is now time to embrace the HDMI™ interface and for installers to sell the additional benefits that this can provide to their customers. Once an installer understands what is involved in the HDMI™ interface then it becomes easier for them to track faults down when they do exist.

Asheridge also demonstrated how products such as the HDMI - DAD enable installers to now cost effectively and quickly fault find in the HDMI™ chain.

The afternoon sessions were led by Nigel Hedges from Fluke Networks, leading professional in this field, delivering training on copper and Fibre Optic Network Testing and termination. These sessions were added to the course  this year as we believe that to get the maximum bandwidth necessary over the longest distance required for HD video  distribution,  fibre optic provides the best solution”. Commented Kevin Swanton Sales Director UK.

Members of the  Asheridge team were on hand to  demonstrate a number of fibre management solutions for both the rack and  consumer end of the network. Purelink HDX II units were also available to evaluate. These units can send 1080p , deep colour up to 1 mile with no loss of picture  quality.

Attendees on the course were accredited a minimum of 2 and half CEDIA training points, and qualified for special offers from Asheridge on a range of HDMI™ solutions.

Following the success of Asheridge Communications HDMI™ Road shows in December 2008, the specialist provider of home AV solutions is running another series of one day events from 2-5^th November. The sessions will again be led by the world authority on the subject, Jeff Boccaccio, President of US based DPL Labs and InVisions Technology. The latest course will also include a presentation by Fluke networks on termination and testing of fibre optic cables typically used in the latest fibre distributed HDMI and DVI systems.

The Asheridge Road shows will help installers and designers of HDMI™ distributed systems to improve their knowledge and understanding of this High Definition Interface, as well as providing tips on isolating and fixing typical HDMI™ faults. The course will bring installers up to date with the latest HDMI 1.4 standard and what it means to them.

There will also be the opportunity for fibre termination and testing, during the 2^nd half of the day when fibre optic training will be provided by Fluke Networks.  Attendees at the Road Show will also have the benefit of Cedia accredited training points.

“Asheridge are building on the success of the December 08 HDMI™ Road shows and this will give the UK CI Industry another chance to get impartial advice from a man who knows HDMI inside out. A number of key topics will be covered in the course, including what stops HDMI™ working as well as HDMI™ 1.4 and what it will mean to installers. We also hope that the questions and answers sessions at the end of the course will help installers to understand how to handle future HDMI™ issues and to learn from real life HDMI™ problems that others on the course may have experienced. We want this course to educate our installers as well as act as an industry forum to share ideas and knowledge”, says Sales Director Kevin Swanton.

Attendees on the course will also qualify for special offers on a range of HDMI™ solutions available from Asheridge.