So, you still don’t agree that a power adjustable flat desktop that lifts the entire dispatch console is superior to a split-level desktop with separately controlled power adjustments. After all, so many users can’t be wrong! Alright, then let me add that Americon makes the best split-level dispatch console on the market. But, how can that be after what I’ve just said against the split-level concept? True, we are not big believers in split-level dispatch consoles, however we make them in order to remain competitive and maintain our position in the growing dispatch console industry. Continue reading →

To recap, I don’t believe that a dispatch console with a split-level desktop and separately controlled power adjustment is as practical, or ergonomic as a power adjustable flat desktop.

I favor a full-lift system with a single flat, deep desktop with a steel integrated slatwall and adjustable monitor arms. This approach provides maximum adjustability of the monitors and eliminates the pinch point dangers inherent when movable surfaces meet, or cross. Continue reading →

I’m always excited to see photos of newly completed control room projects because they mean another satisfied customer.

This photo was taken on installation day before the hardware was installed. The project is for a health care institution in San Diego, CA and includes the control room consoles in the photo as well as matching consoles placed on the opposite wall. I hope to receive another photo to share when the consoles are fully outfitted. Specific to this project are our OMNI linear consoles with customized configurations and adjustable corner consoles for sit-stand. Continue reading →

It’s no secret that the dispatch industry favors a sit-stand operator console with a split-level desktop and separately controlled monitor and keyboard surfaces. This is the paradigm for the dispatch industry that most operators and managers have never questioned and I see it in the specifications for just about every dispatch console project that I quote. Although, we manufacture the best split-level dispatch workstation on the market, we do not necessarily subscribe to the belief that the split-level design is the safest and best ergonomic solution. Continue reading →

When you have your funding and are looking for the best control room console, or video wall for the money, don’t be reluctant to bring pricing into the conversation with vendors. This does a number of things, all of which help you acquire a quality product at a price that fits your budget. Vendors appreciate a frank discussion on pricing because it helps them offer the appropriate product, or it says they can’t meet your price point and they exit the conversation. Continue reading →

In my business, it’s not unusual for prospective buyers to withhold the names of competing control room console and video wall vendors. I suspect that’s because the buyer thinks that withholding this information will somehow bring a better price, or prevent vendors from taking advantage. Does keeping the names of the competition out of the conversation really benefit the buyer? I say not, and here’s why. I’ve been in this business for many years so I know my competitors and I know their pricing. That’s my job. Continue reading →

It’s really not that complicated. I’m talking about the modern video wall systems that everyone is buying for their control rooms, ops centers and alike. The audiovisual integration business used to be mired in cumbersome electronics that seemingly did the job, but cost a bundle to buy, integrate, install and service. And then after all of that effort and expense, many of these display systems ended up as “eye candy” to impress visitors. Continue reading →

You still see consumer grade plasma flat panel displays on the web and at your local electronics store. They are impressive and handle motion really well. However, they aren’t intended for professional applications where they are running continuously for seven days a week, 24 hours a day. I make this point because surprisingly, I’m still being asked if plasma displays are a good choice for intensive use in control rooms. Continue reading →

You may have stumbled over my new “micro site”, Videowallsusa.com and wondered why. The answer is simply that the larger our company’s presence on the web, the better our visibility on search engines and the easier it is for our prospective customers to find us. I hope that the micro site will perform well as a portal linking visitors to controlroomsusa.com Continue reading →

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked this question. Certainly there’s a place for individual consumer grade LCD flat panel displays in a commercial setting as long as they aren’t used too often, or for extended periods of time. Otherwise, if the demands are so minimal that it makes more sense to replace than repair, a lesser consumer product may well be the answer assuming the consumer product also meets performance requirements. Continue reading →