Powersoft patents solar-powered completely independent AV device
Published: ASIA
WORLD: A patent on a new solar-powered bi-directional wireless A/V technology has been claimed by Italian manufacturer Powersoft, with business development manager Thomas Mittelmann declaring that it presents ‘endless possibilities’. The technology has already been incorporated into a product named the DEVA 1S.
The DEVA 1S comprises a power/control module consisting of a solar panel, batteries, processing, Wi-Fi communication, and amplification; and an interface module boasting loudspeakers plus optional devices such as a camera, a microphone and telemetric sensors. According to the manufacturer, the device holds the potential to fundamentally change how A/V installations requiring large infrastructures are conducted.
‘Theme parks, sport venues, corporate and public facilities, transport hubs, emergency rescue services, even shopping centres – they all have difficulties distributing sound and surveillance over large areas because of the infrastructure they demand,’ continued Mr Mittelmann. ‘DEVA is a self-contained, completely independent concept providing everything needed and it is wireless. It can be easily tailored to the exact requirements of an application and can be installed very easily.’
Described as ‘extremely efficient for long periods of operation and stand-by use’, the DEVA 1S, which can be either wall-mounted or pole-mounted, includes a high-capacity battery which charges through the solar panel even in low light conditions, reportedly offering approximately 30 days of stand-by. Meanwhile, Class-D amplification has been incorporated into the unit for up to 40 hours of continuous audio playback – equivalent to five eight-hour days.
Other features include full weather protection, an internal SD memory card, and both USB and Ethernet (including PoE) ports. The units can be configured via remote PC software.
Following the announcement, Powersoft managing director Claudio Lastrucci was quick to praise the DEVA 1S for its environmental credentials. ‘Powersoft has always prided itself on its extremely efficient amplifier technology,’ he explained. ‘Efficiency was also the key when designing DEVA. Solar power is green and freely available, but to keep a product compact, you must reduce the power consumption of everything running off it. The DEVA 1S is a fairly small device and capable of running longer than necessary even in complete darkness.
‘The same is true for the video or surveillance features of the unit. It is configured according to the customer's specifications, connects via Wi-Fi to standard equipment, and does not cost anything more once installed.’