We’re not sure if anyone keeps these kinds of records, but it’s possible FSR Inc. will set an InfoComm show record for most new products introduced at a single trade show with almost 30 new offerings crammed into booth C7730 this week.
The products, as always with FSR, are divided into two categories: infrastructure products for carrying data, AV and power such as ceiling, wall and floor boxes; and connectivity products, such as cabling, extenders and switchers.
“We have something in every one of those categories—and more,” says director of global sales Chaz Porter.
One of the company’s big focuses lately, says Porter, is expanding its table box line. About six years ago, FSR started offering round table boxes, but “there are still many customers who like the rectangular ones.” FSR responded with its Revolution series of table boxes, rectangular boxes that are modular and allow for the most connectivity per square inch of any product of its kind. Revolution boxes also come in clamp-on styles for the edge of desks, tables and other work surfaces, says Porter.
Another major focus for FSR is helping its customers embrace the so-called workplace of the future. They’re doing that by incorporating the HuddleVU line into a new series of bundled packages, dubbed the HuddleVU Works series.
The HuddleVU Mini station is 44 inches long, ideal for a meeting of three or four people. It’s equipped with three HDMI and one VGA input and needs only a display to create a perfect collaboration environment.
A step up from there in terms of size is the HuddleVU Classic, which measures 60 inches and works best with four to six people. It comes with inputs for VGA, HDMI, Display Port and Mini Display Port.
The top of the HuddleVU Works line is the Platinum offering, also 60 inches with the aforementioned outputs and a touchscreen control system, all built around a switching scaler.
“There are a number of systems and levels of complexity,” says Porter. Customers like to be able to walk in and plug in whatever devices they have and have them work.”
FSR is also expanding its HDBaseT line to include a scaling and switching conference and board room product and reintroducing Compass as Compass 3.0 with digital inputs. It’s a product many refer to as a Swiss Army knife of switchers, says Porter.
With the need to extend HDMI, Porter believes HDBaseT is the popular method of doing that.
FSR was the first company to install AV technology in hard-deck ceilings, says Porter, although others now try to imitate The Frame. It’s a new approach to hiding technology in a time when offices are getting smaller, more collaborative and just different.
“We’re trying to cram more productivity into the work space and old rack closets are going away,” says Porter. “We’re trying to show people new ways to hide their connectivity products.”