Dave D: What are your views on optimization software like Smaart controlling a system DSP as opposed to an actual human interpreting the data and making the adjustments?

Ray: I suspect that a good human operator will beat an automated process for a while yet. I am sure that eventually there will be automated tuning systems that will equal the best human operator but I think it will be a while yet before we see them.

Zim: Had a chance to evaluate the JBL EVO system?

Ray: No. I saw it at a trade show, and think they have a bunch of neat ideas in that package, but I don't know how well it works.

Zim: What applications do you think something like EVO would be best suited for?

Ray: To me the obvious applications are ones where there is not an experienced operator to tune the system. The other neat thing about the package is that it is a complete package and can be bought by smaller operations who just need a basic system and it will have everything they need in the one box. That has a lot of appeal to those who don't know about sound and don't care to learn, but just want a basic system that works for their simple application.

Moderator: PSW is arranging for a contractor to evaluate an EVO system and provide a review, as soon as possible.

Ray: Great!

Jon Tatooles: The holy grail of systems interconnects would be a single connection for both video and audio. What do you see that connection being?

Ray: CobraNet, of course, VBG. We can't do video now, because there is not enough bandwidth to do top quality video. When the 10 Gigabit Ethernet comes out next year, that will start to change.

Moderator: Tell us about what you were up to at the recent InfoComm show?

Ray: I gave a class on CobraNet together with Deb Britton from Peak, and manned a small booth.

Jerry: Is InfoComm worth attending if you're primarily interested in sound/audio?

Ray: If all you are interested in is audio then it might not be. But most of us wind up doing at least SOME video or teleconferencing, so that makes the show important, even for audio guys like me. The projector shootout is always interesting.

Moderator: Perhaps increasingly important due to the "C" word - convergence?