Got at least Another 30 Minutes of Fame This Fall

Had the privilege of being quoted in a couple of magazines this Fall:

In an article titled “Videoconferencing Goes Down Market” InAVate magazine:

“A cloud-based solution like LifeSize Connections allows a small vendor like me to implement very large projects very quickly for new customers,” says Kaleidoscope’s Christianson.

“Say that I have a customer that wants 30 endpoints deployed around the U.S.and 120 desktop systems for his mobile workforce and wants them all to be able to conference via a schedule or ad hoc as they like. In a traditional installation, this would take a lot of planning, a lot of work to get the infrastructure up and running, a lot of bandwidth or need to co-locate some central equipment and a lot of time and training.”

“With LifeSize Connections, I can have the mobile systems up and running immediately, using the firewall traversal, the MCU, presence server and IM client that are build into the service. The endpoints can be added as soon as I can get a tech on-site. And in this case, the entire deployment would be done by techs that just need to know how to hook up a codec and make a call.”

For the full text of the article, click here. 

The other article was in AVTechnology magazine titled “The Sate of IP-Based AV Control Systems.”

One common pitfall is to overwhelm users with too many options. For example, J. Scot Christianson, owner of Kaleidoscope Videoconferencing, remembers a room where users had to select the source for each of the four monitors. If that weren’t enough, each time they wanted to change a source, they had to select each output and then make the switch.

“It was an extremely flexible system, and any combination of inputs to output could be achieved,” Christianson says. “But from the user perspective, the room was completely non-functional and was the most avoided room on campus. They just wanted a button that said, ‘start presentation’ [or] ‘use document camera’”

The article can be found here: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/newbay/avtech_201110/index.php#/38

1. Invite the guest via the Connection app on a mac or pc.
2. Initiate a text chat to the guest. In the title bar of that window will be the connections id in brackets [gst-1614976320-3501]. Write that down.
3. Login to your endpoint.
4. Add this guest to the local directory using the connections id from step 2
5. Save. You can then delete this entry from the endpoint since you will not be able to actually call them with this entry. However, this causes the guest to receive a notification that the endpoint has added them as a connection and it will ask if the guest wants to add the endpoint to their contact list.
6. The guest can choose “Yes” and then dial the endpoint whenever they want.

If you have your guests connect first to the endpoint, then you can add in other connections users without every having to use your soft client.

Let me know if you have any questions or need any clarification.

Camera Controllers

PTE-300

•  Default IP Address: 192.168.1.160
• Default Baud Rate: 9600,N,8,1

Central Controllers

NI Series

• Default Administrator User Name: administrator
• Default Administrator Password: password
• Default User Name: NetLinx
• Default Password: password

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• See NetLinx Studio or the Master Configuration Manager webpages

Digital Signage

IS-PLAYER-200

• Default IP Address: DHCP (zero-config)

IS-SPX-1000

• Default IP Address: DHCP (zero-config)
• Default User Name: <none>
• Default Password: <none>

Reset to Factory Defaults:

1. Unplug the unit from the power.
2. Push the reset button and keep it pressed.
3. Power up the IS-SPX-1000 unit.
4. Wait with the reset button pressed for at least 8 seconds.
5. Release the reset button.

IS-XPT-2000

• Default IP Address: DHCP (zero-config)

Endeleo

UDM-0102

• Default IP Address: 192.168.0.96
• Default User Name: <leave blank>
• Default Password: admin
• Default Baud Rate: 9600,N,8,1 No Flow Control

UDM-0404

• Default IP Address: 192.168.0.96
• Default User Name: <leave blank>
• Default Password: admin
• Default Baud Rate: 9600,N,8,1, No Flow Control

UDM-0808-SIG

• Default IP Address: DHCP (zero-config)
• Default User Name: administrator
• Default Password: password

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Use the ‘RESETFACTORY’ command or Use the WebConsole’s Security Settings tab

UDM-1604(B)

• Default IP Address: 192.168.0.96
• Default User Name: <leave blank>
• Default Password: admin
• Default Baud Rate: 9600,N,8,1, No Flow Control

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Use the ‘Hub Reset’ option in the Configuration Webpages, then cycle power

UDM-1604C

• Default IP Address: 192.168.0.96
• Default User Name: <leave blank>
• Default Password: admin
• Default Serial Port: 9600, N, 8, 1, No Flow Control

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Use the ‘Reset Hub’ option in the Configuration Webpages, then cycle power

Environmental Controls

ENV-VST-C

• Default Password: 1988
• Restore to Factory Defaults:
• Use the ‘ZAP!’ command

ViewStat

• Default Password: 7777

Network/Communication

CSG (Communications Gateway)

• Default IP Address: 192.168.69.1
• Default User Name: admin
• Default Password: 1988

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Use the ‘Factory Reset’ tab in the web pages or press the Reset Switch on the rear panel continuously during the boot process.

MET-ECOM/-D

• Default IP Address: DHCP (zero-config)
• Default User Name: Admin
• Default Password: 1988

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Push and hold the ID/Reset pushbutton on the rear panel for at least 10 seconds.

NXA-ENET8POE

• Default IP Address: 192.168.2.10
• Default User Name: admin
• Default Password: 1988

Reset to Factory Defaults:

1. Remove the power cord from the back of the device.
2. Remove all cables from the front-panel ports.
3. Connect port 1 to port 2 on the front panel, using a standard network cable.
4. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the switch.
5. The PoE LEDs (FIG. 1) will flash on and off at least two times, followed by the ƒn Link/ACT LEDs. Do not disconnect the cable or the power cord until only the first two Link/ACT LEDs are a steady green and the others are off.
6. Disconnect the power cord and THEN disconnect the network cable.
7. Reconnect the power cord. The NXA-ENET8POE is now reset to its factory defaults.

NXA-ENET24

• Default IP Address: DHCP
• Default Privileged User Name: Admin
• Default Privileged Password: 1988
• Default Normal Exec User Name: guest
• Default Normal Exec Password: guest

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• The switch’s system defaults are provided in the configuration file “Factory_Default_Config.cfg.” To reset the switch defaults, this file should be set as the startup configuration file.

NXA-WAP200G

• Default IP Address: 192.168.1.240
• Default User Name: Admin
• Default Password: 1988

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Press the Reset button on the rear panel for 10 seconds

NXA-WAP250G

• Default IP Address: 192.168.1.240
• Default User Name: Admin
• Default Password: 1988

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Hold down the reset button on the bottom panel for 10 seconds or more, any configuration changes you may have made are removed, and the factory default configuration is restored to the access point.

NXA-WAP1000

• Default IP Address: 192.168.0.1
• Default User Name: admin
• Default Password: 1988

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Pressing and holding the Hard Reset button on the rear panel for six seconds resets the unit to factory default settings.

NXA-WAPZD1000 (Zone Director)

• Default IP Address: DHCP/ 192.168.0.2
• Note: The NXA-WAPZD1000 is shipped with its default IP address settings as “DHCP”, but if it is installed outside of a DHCP network, the device will revert to the default IP address (192.168.0.2).
•  Default User Name: admin
• Default Password: admin

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Press and hold the Reset button for 8 seconds. The Status LED will now start flashing green to denote its default status.

NXR-ZGW/-ZRP

• Default IP Address: 192.168.1.140
• Default User Name: Admin
• Default Password: 1988

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Press and hold the ID Button for approximately 30 seconds to return the NXR-ZGW to factory default settings.

NXR-ZGW-PRO/-ZRP-PRO

• Default IP Address: DHCP/169.254.1.2
• Note: The NXR-ZGW-PRO is shipped with its default IP address settings as “DHCP”, but if it is installed outside of a DHCP network, the device will revert to the default IP address (169.254.1.2).
• Default User Name: Admin
• Default Password: 1988

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Press and hold the ID Button for approximately 30 seconds to return unit to factory default settings.

Television Distribution System

DTV-TX Transmitter

• Default IP Address: DHCP

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• In the Configuration Manager, Click to reset the Network Settings for selected Transmitter to DHCP.

DTV-RX Receiver

• Default IP Address: DHCP

TVM-1600

• Default IP Address: 192.168.0.96
• Default User Name: <leave blank>
• Default Password: admin

Video Management/Distribution

MAX Server

• Default IP Address: 192.168.1.30
• Default User Name: root
• Default Password: mozart

MAX-CSD10

• Default IP Address: DHCP
• Default User Name: administrator (Web Interface)
• Default Password: password (Web Interface)

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Press and hold the ID button on the front panel for 10 seconds to reset the parameters and reboot the MAX unit.

MAX-CSE

• Default IP Address: DHCP
• Default User Name: administrator (Web Interface)
• Default Password: password (Web Interface)

Reset to Factory Defaults:

• Press and hold the ID button on the front panel for 10 seconds to reset the parameters and reboot the MAX unit.

V2 Server

• Default IP Address: DHCP
• Note: (use ‘ping V2AMX-<SVCTAG>’ to find IP address. <SVCTAG> is the service name, which you can find on the front of your server.
• Default User Name: Administrator
• Default Password: vision2

Project management is a field that is dedicated to deadlines. Every resource needs to be properly accounted for, with each person managed in a way that helps ensure project completion both on time and on budget. It’s no wonder, then, that project managers are subjected to a constant barrage of stress. The closer you get to a deadline, the more the anxiety you experience, and that anxiety is going to lead to a poor quality of life and errors in your decision making.

This type of stress may seem like a regular part of the job, but it’s unhealthy for both your mind and body. As much as your experience may have taught you that you can handle that level of pressure, your body was not designed to be stressed every time you have a deadline, and studies have shown that your own anxiety is often placed on those you oversee. That’s why it should be a goal to find a way to reduce this stress as much as possible and work more comfortably even as you get close to end dates.

How to Reduce Stress at the Deadline

• Get a Grip on Life Anxiety

In many ways, anxiety is cumulative. The more you experience from other aspects of your life, the more you’ll experience when you’re dealing with deadline stress. So look for methods to control the anxiety you experience away from work. See a therapist if necessary, integrate relaxation techniques into your life, refrain from activities that cause stress (this includes the little things like watching horror movies or spending time with friends that cause anxiety) – the less anxiety you feel away from work, the less anxiety you’ll feel at the deadlines.

• Teach People and Use SMART Goals

The great project managers plan for every little aspect of a project and utilize their human resources as best they can. But even the best project managers rarely teach others how to utilize the ideas in the SMART goal system, including multiple smaller goals that help not only the staff member plan their projects better, but will give you a much better method of finding out if the individual is still progressing at a pace that shows they’ll be ready by the time you need them. That level of planning and knowing that you’re tracking everyone’s work well will decrease overall stress on the project.

• Invent Fake Deadlines

Maybe there is something in the water, but far too many project managers use the actual deadline as a deadline. But often with large projects, there is ample time to invent a fake deadline that passes the stress on others to deliver on time, while you worry about keeping things on track. False deadlines give you plenty of time to handle any unforeseen errors, while still helping you put pressure on those you are waiting on to complete their projects.

• Keep Communication Open

Another issue that commonly affects project managers is withholding issues while you try to work a solution. But the more you hold back an important discussion (such as if there is evidence that the project may be behind) the more the stress of the deadline will be combined with the stress of waiting for the important discussions. Keeping communication open throughout will reduce some of the pressure you experience near to the deadline.

• Keep Track of Your Thoughts

Project managers should consider keeping a journal with them at all times. This journal is a place that you can write down any thought that comes to mind you need to remember. One of the interesting things about stress and anxiety is that when your brain has something that’s bothering it, it tends to increase your stress hoping that you’ll remember. Project managers often have thoughts roll through their heads while they work.

By keeping a journal with you, you can reduce some of the pressure you put on your mind. Write down anything that you know you need to remember, and review it as needed to help you keep track of those thoughts. This is a stress relief method that people use to help them sleep, but works just as well when you have a job that requires a considerable amount of mental energy.

Experience Less Stress at Deadlines

Japanese psychiatrists also use a technique known as Morita. Morita psychology focuses on the idea that when you have something that causes anxiety you embrace it like an old friend and move forward anyway, rather than try to suppress the stress.

Still, you should always look for ways to reduce your anxiety, because no amount of stress is healthy on your mind and body. Consider the above techniques and always look for new ways to reduce anxiety in your own life to make deadlines less stressful events and to help you maintain your mental health.

About the Author: Ryan Rivera has managed numerous projects, but his current goal is to help people – including project managers – reduce the amount of pressure they experience regularly. You can find out more anxiety information at www.calmclinic.com.

Apparently not if he is running for office. Nowadays, a change in thinking by a political candidate never results from the receipt of new data or information, new wisdom from experience with an issue, a better analysis of an issue or even a change in public opinion.

Nope, we all know – because the mainstream media tell us so – that any candidate who changes a position does so because of an inherent genetic disorder: the “flip-flop” gene. “Flip-floppers,” as they are known, have probably possessed this defective trait since birth, but only in the heat of a campaign can the flaw be observed.

No one wants to vote for a flip-flopper, and most of us never have. Right? We all know the best candidates are the ones who laid out their positions on all the issues a long time ago and haven’t budged an inch since. You know the type of candidates I’m talking about, the successful ones like Ralph Nader, Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich.

Just about every officeholder who has been around for a while has changed his or her view – er, I mean flip-flopped – on at least a few issues. In fact, there seems to be a direct correlation between the length of term in office and the severity of the flip-flop. Consider the Senate’s longest-serving member, Sen. Robert Bryd, who was once a member of the KKK. However, for the past decades in the Senate he has worked hard to support civil rights. Now, that is one hell of a flip-flop.

The naive person might think Sen. Bryd became more enlightened on the issue of race, or that the people he represents had changed their viewpoint and as a good representative Sen. Bryd reacted to that change. Nope, just another lousy flip-flopper.

In the presidential race, each campaign has accused the other of flip-flopping on a variety of issues. One attack of flip-flopping is countered by an attack on the other as an even bigger flip-flopper, the assumption being that voters will always cast their ballot for the lesser of two flip-floppers.

Of course, covering the flip-flop issue provides another great way for the media to handicap the presidential horse race without having to deal with all the nasty details of the issues at hand. It is a lot easier to say that a candidate has “flip-flopped” on campaign finance than to take 20 minutes to explain the convoluted and twisted system of campaign finance laws with which candidates have to cope. That would take way too much work, and with a 24-hour news cycle to fill with copy, you can’t waste time doing detailed reporting. Not to mention that fact that hyping the flip-flop battle is guaranteed to get ratings, whereas explaining campaign-finance laws just doesn’t sound that sexy.

Which, oddly enough, brings us to the antidote for the flip-flop defect: a well-informed electorate. An electorate that understands and thinks critically about the issues and understand why a change in policy might be a great idea – and not a sign of weakness – can cure the flip-flop disease forever. Because such an electorate knows a candidate’s current position on an issue – the position he is running on and will promise to carry out when elected – is much more important than any past stand.

Unfortunately, the delivery mechanism for this antidote – the mainstream media – is severely dysfunctional and perhaps unwilling to give us the shot we need. After all, the side effects could be severe.

A well-informed electorate might start asking questions about why our government provides so much to large corporations and their wealthy owners and asks for so little in return. A well-informed electorate might even start asking why the giant media corporations have been allowed to circumvent media ownership laws and create media monopolies to dominate print, radio and television broadcasting in certain lucrative markets. Or why after wave upon wave of telecommunications deregulation, the United States is falling behind other nations in broadband access, including some with highly regulated telecommunications markets. These aren’t the types of questions you want to see brought up if you are an anchor or reporter whose paycheck is signed by Rupert Murdoch or the president of General Electric.

So, for now, it looks like the great flip-flop epidemic of 2010 will continue to run rampant through our political system.

“We had a baker that came in every day at noon,” one teller said. “I loved the way his deposits smelled.” Another teller complained, “We had a guy that owned a fresh fish market, and I hated handling his money. It reeked of fish.”

I had always heard of “the smell of money” but never imagined the expression referred to powdered sugar and fish.

I know from experience that fear also has an odor. If you have ever been with a large group of people who become suddenly scared, you know what I mean. Physiologists have traced this sensation to chemicals released by the sweat glands when someone is stressed or afraid.

For contractors with the Department of Homeland Security, I imagine fear smells like money. Ever since Sept. 11, 2001, many of us have been afraid and willing to do whatever it takes to avoid another attack. By simply invoking the memory of that day, politicians and government contractors can still get us to agree to new technologies or measures without questioning the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

After the most recent terrorist plots were foiled, various Beltway bandits smelled an opportunity and started offering up all sorts of fancy gadgets to help alleviate our rational and irrational fears.

Current gizmos include a machine to test any liquids that you might want to bring on your next airline trip. For only a few billion dollars (or 10 or 20), we can make sure Grandma’s can of Ensure isn’t going to take the plane down. Another new invention that I have been subjected to of late, takes a full-body X-ray of you as you go through airport security. Yet another idea being tested is to tag passengers and their luggage with little radio bugs that can be traced throughout the airport just like the little ID tags that the Humane Society will implant in your dog for $20.

Already being deployed in U.S. airports are “puffer” machines developed by GE Security to detect explosive residue on would-be terrorists. It works like this: You step into a machine that looks like a telephone booth, and it “puffs” a blast of air at you to dislodge any particles or vapors from your person or clothes. The machine analyzes the blown-off materials for explosive residues or gunpowder. GE has sold 64 of the machines so far for $170,000 each.

Of course, this machine will only work if you have explosives on your clothes, skin or carry-on bags. Smart terrorists might think to have one person handle the explosives and then clean and seal the container before giving it to the bomber who would take it on the plane. Because of the time involved in running people through this machine, only a few travelers are randomly selected to be puffer-tested.

One security expert said, “It’s like Las Vegas. We’re gambling on the odds that we’ll get the right person at the right time.”

Though the machines might be ineffective in stopping terrorists, they do seem to effectively reduce our fears.

“Customers love it,” said Brenda Geoghagan, director of public information at Tampa International Airport, where one of GE’s puffer machines is installed. “I think they feel that it’s the latest technology, and any new technology for security people take very positively.”

Rational people might point out that because over 40,000 people died in car accidents in the United States last year and zero people died from terrorist attacks on airplanes in the United States last year, you should be more afraid to get in your car than on an aircraft.

Rational people might also point out that there are better ways than random sampling, such as behavioral profiling, to detect who might be a terrorist and need to be “puffed.”

Rational people might point out that if we took the tax money used to subsidize the airlines and pay for all these new gadgets, we could develop a 21st century rail system that would get you where you need to go quickly and comfortably. Trains are also a bit harder to steer into buildings.

But preying on people’s fears, though highly profitable, is not about making rational decisions.

Portions of this post were first printed in the Columbia Daily Tribune in an article by the author.