Technomad Upgrades Audio Presence at Club Med Sandpiper

Systems integration firm Axxentos of Fort Lauderdale, Florida turned to Technomad upon evaluating the outdoor audio needs of Club Med Sandpiper in nearby Port St. Lucie.  The new outdoor audio systems, featuring 14 Technomad weatherproof loudspeakers, comprise part of a property-wide renovation alongside indoor AV upgrades and general construction projects.

Club Med Sandpiper’s 400-square-mile resort property exists in southern Florida’s sweltering climate, requiring durable outdoor audio systems that can withstand the year-round heat, humidity and moisture.  The resort also required high-quality loudspeakers that could power full-range, high-volume audio over long distances, and reproduce soothing background music at clearly audible levels.

Many of the 14 Technomad loudspeakers comprising the outdoor audio system are installed in a 70-volt configuration to accomodate lengthy cable runs - including these two high-power Berlin models

“I’ve learned what gear can survive in harsh environments over the years, and from all the outdoor installations I have done, only one company reliably endures the elements — and that is Technomad,” said Olivier De Kegel, owner and president of Axxentos.  “They also produce great sounding audio.”

 

The external pool system proved the biggest challenge as De Kegel had little guidance from the resort, other than that management wanted a nice-sounding background music system during the afternoon and a louder system in the evenings.  He installed two Technomad Berlin loudspeakers, the largest loudspeaker in the company’s range, to handle both requests with one system.  The Berlins accommodate every activity from Bingo to full-blown nightclub-style events.

Axxentos installed a 70-volt infrastructure to accommodate long cable runs from a new central audio headend to various areas, including the bar.  Ten Technomad Vernal 70-volt loudspeakers power the bar zone, delivering music and entertainment to guests enjoying daytime activities and the nightlife.

Two Technomad Noho loudspeakers also welcome guests with high-energy music audio at the entrance as they check in, with lower-volume background music playing in between arrivals.

The Technomad Berlins provide everything from soothing background music to high-energy nightclub soundtracks by the resort's main pool

“The resort wanted a system they could easily manipulate at the welcome area to balance loud and soft audio, and the Nohos offer power that is closer to the Berlin but compact enough for installation at the entrance,” said de Kegel.

Elsewhere, Axxentos installed AV systems in new conference rooms, built a mobile DJ unit and renovated a large theater system, merging existing equipment with some new components.  But the outdoor audio systems remain the crown jewel of the resort upgrades.

“This was my largest installation to date, with some interesting upgrades and unique challenges,” said De Kegel.  “They went from being fully analog to a more digital, centralized model.  There won’t be any dull nights with the high-quality audio systems they have, and the durability of the Technomads ensure they won’t have to replace the outdoor systems every two years.”

Harris Broadcast Communications Ships Energy-Efficient MDCL Transmitter to KBLA-AM

Multicultural Radio Broadcasting, Inc. (MRBI) radio station KBLA-AM in Los Angeles has upgraded its transmission system, with plans to light up a new Harris 3DX-50 solid-state AM transmitter by the end of January.

KBLA is a Spanish-language station transmitting mainly religious programming at 50,000 watts.  The new transmitter implements Modulation Dependent Carrier Level (MDCL) technology using Harris Adaptive Carrier Control Plus (ACC+) systems to help the station reduce average power consumption and operating costs.

“The power bill is of primary consideration when running a 50,000 watt radio station,” said Jim Glogowski, senior vice president and chief technical officer for MRBI.  “We burn a lot of power while transmitting at this level, so the Harris system helps our bottom line while offering a big environmental upside from a green standpoint.”

KBLA expects The Harris 3DX-50 AM Transmitter to pay for itself due to its energy-efficient MDCL technology

The exact MDCL algorithm for the KBLA system is AMC, short for Amplitude Modulation Companding.   Harris ACC+ systems support AMC as well as DCC (Dynamic Carrier Control), another MDCL algorithm.  Both offer high-power AM stations a way to sharply reduce power.  WOR-AM in New York City is one recent example, proving a power consumption savings of 37 percent using Harris ACC+ systems.

 

“We expect the transmitter will pay for itself in a very short period of time,” said Glogowski.

MRBI has several high-power Harris transmitter installations, including a 3DX-50 at KVRI-AM in Blaine, Washington.  Glogowski pointed to reliability and signal quality as other reasons for choosing the 3DX-50 for KBLA.

The new 3DX-50 includes a Harris Dexstar AM exciter, which Glogowski said establishes a technology roadmap for a future HD Radio upgrade — though he expects the station to continue operate in analog-only mode for the foreseeable future.   Other changes include basic modeling upgrades to the station antenna system for maximum efficiency.  KBLA also has a Harris Intraplex T1 STL system to provide high quality, robust delivery of content to the transmitter site.

StreamGuys and Haivision Partner for Live Transcoding and Internet Content Delivery

Content delivery network and streaming media provider StreamGuys, Inc. and Haivision Network Video, the leader in live video transcoding, have struck a partnership to offer complete live video asset management and streaming services to their customers, from broadcasters to enterprise-level businesses.

Haivision’s KulaByte product line offers cloud- and server-based live transcoding solutions that allow StreamGuys to deliver a single live video source to many customers and devices at multiple bitrates, formats and resolutions.  The KulaByte transcoding technology improves StreamGuys’ workflows by combining live transcoding with the flexibility of targeting specific streams for devices using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), RTMP, RTSP, MPEG-TS, and Smooth Streaming.

StreamGuys’ virtualized, adaptive bitrate streaming service on the server side delivers the most appropriate bitrate to each device based on current network conditions — ensuring the highest possible signal quality at the correct resolution.   The combined solution offers a robust and reliable service for enterprise-level organizations and small-to-medium sized companies that deliver video assets to multiple platforms, from SD/HD desktop streaming to 3G and 4G mobile devices.

This strategic partnership  positions each company as a reseller of the other’s services — allowing StreamGuys to offer live transcoding with Kulabyte’s professional hardware, software, and service solutions, and Haivision to include StreamGuys for content delivery and distribution within their solutions.  Both companies see opportunities to enhance services for customers doing anything from single live events and 24/7 channels to enterprise-level video distribution.

“We see strong collaborative opportunities for enterprise markets, as well as education, medical and corporate verticals,” said Peter Forman, vice president of Haivision’s internet media division.  “There is a growing need for organizations to place video assets out in front of the firewall and distribute them over the public internet.”

The StreamGuys CDN and Haivision’s KulaByte transcoding technologies have been used together often by mutual clients.  The two companies combined transcoding and delivery solutions to serve professional sports and events including multi-camera mobile applications for the live broadcast of national auto racing events.

“Haivision’s attention to detail and commitment to customer support matches our philosophy,” said Jonathan Speaker, COO of StreamGuys, Inc.  “Their ability to produce high-quality source signals and seamlessly re-encode it many ways allows us to take advantage of our adaptive bitrate delivery, ensuring we can immediately stream to iOS devices, Flash players, Silverlight and other platforms.  Our customers and their viewers receive professional, high-quality content with efficient and reliable delivery.”

TNDV: Television Gives New ‘Inspiration’ to Road-Tested Mobile Production Truck

TNDV: Television, offering mobile production services for broadcast, entertainment, worship and other live events, has given its first truck a new lease on life — from an interior HD makeover to a shiny new exterior.

Nic Dugger, president of TNDV, purchased “Old Blue,” the production truck he cut his teeth on from his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The four-time Emmy winner had the body refinished, updated the interior and added it to the truck cab that has been on the road since the company launched seven years ago.

The front booth area of Inspiration features a completely new HD system, including a Ross Vision 2 production switcher

“MTSU was the catalyst for my career,” said Dugger, who worked on the truck as both a student and a faculty member.  “It gave me tremendous opportunities, and rather than say goodbye to an old friend it presented a perfect opportunity to upgrade.”

Dugger and his team rechristened the truck as “Inspiration” and installed a new complement of HDTV production gear, including a Blackmagic Design router, a Ross Vision 2 production switcher, Aja KiPro video recorders, Hitachi Z-HD5000 cameras, a Yamaha DM2000 audio mixer, Tascam X-48 audio workstations, an RTS Cronus intercom system, and brand new Clark cabling and wiring.  Gerling and Associates renovated the existing truck shell.

Inspiration joins “Aspiration,” the company’s recently-launched 12-camera SD/HD/3D truck, as TNDV’s broadcast and production presence grows.  Both trucks now cross the United States, producing at least two live events a week for broadcast and cable networks, venues, worship organizations, corporations and other customers.  The Red Carpet Show for “Soul Train Awards 2011” was the first Inspiration project, with a large number of recent and upcoming Nashville-based awards shows following.

TNDV added the shiny new Inspiration exterior to an existing truck cab for a now-retired mobile production vehicle

TNDV estimates that its current workload is approximately 60-percent broadcast television and 40-percent corporate, worship and live entertainment.  The company offers a full complement of mobile flypacks that are customized to fit the needs of the client in addition to mobile production services from its two trucks.

TNDV also provides media production and secondary services including single-camera productions, digital non-linear editing and post-production, DVD authoring, AV-related event services, web video implementation and voiceover production.

 

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Harris Corporation and Automotive Broadcast Network to Deploy Scalable Digital Out-Of-Home Solution to 1,000 Dealerships

The Automotive Broadcast Network (ABN) has selected Harris as its vendor of choice for a dynamic, scalable Digital Out-Of-Home (DOOH) solution to augment its popular Dealer TV broadcast at auto dealerships across North America.

The solution will deliver superior technology, network operations management, and turnkey field services, including dealership installations and support.  Harris was awarded the contract due to its full-service approach for ABN.

“Harris has the depth and efficiency as an organization to deliver a full range of products and service across the entire network, allowing us to focus on sales and marketing.  They also can scale with us quicker and more efficiently than any other vendor,” said Jerry Daniels, president and CEO, Automotive Broadcast Network.

ABN launched its Dealer TV service in 2008 to enhance the automotive retail experience for customers and better control sales environments.  The Harris DOOH solution, which is an upgrade to ABN’s existing digital signage system, will roll out at 1000 dealerships in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2012, bringing diverse and targeted content to every screen in the network — along with the broadcast-quality graphics, superior video quality and rich data of Harris^® InfoCaster™ technology.

The complete Harris DOOH solution will allow ABN to control the entire customer experience at each dealership.  This includes unique and targeted content in the showrooms, service departments, welcome areas and other departments.  Local dealerships can also upload content to ABN for placement on the applicable screens, and control content delivery by location.

“The Harris DOOH network will significantly extend our ability to market specific messages to appropriate audiences, helping dealerships to increase sales and otherwise stir customer interest,” said Daniels.  “Digital signage is an ideal way to communicate with everyone that visits the dealership and reach customers at various points of transit.  By strategically placing multiple displays throughout the dealerships with messaging relevant to location, we can facilitate communication with customers in a very consistent and effective manner.”

Daniels added that  he is interested in using digital signage to educate and inform customers about all the different opportunities and services that dealerships have to offer — from service specials to discount programs — and in having the flexibility to create vibrant, attractive displays that capture customer attention.

“We have a unique need in that, to our knowledge, we are the only company in our industry that is mimicking broadcast content to this extent,” said Daniels.  “We want to provide that rich broadcast viewing experience to the consumer, and Harris is really the only company that offers that kind of platform.  Harris delivers the broadcast-quality graphics, dynamic screen presentations, content management and scalability we need to achieve our goals.”

Daniels said that the Harris DOOH network solution will also enable integration into social media tools like Facebook and Twitter, and provide stronger local content tied to news, weather and other pertinent information.

“ABN has built a unique viewing experience for the automobile industry with Dealer TV, mixing family-friendly entertainment with promotional content to create an environment to engage and retain customers,” said Harris Morris, president, Harris Broadcast Communications.  “Harris’ solutions and service will help ABN evolve the entire experience, from engaging customers with the right content at the right time to helping dealerships sell automobiles and services — all tied to an exciting digital out-of-home experience.”

Barix Audio over IP Solution to Support Live Streams from 2012 International Piano Festival

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, January 16, 2012 — Audio over IP pioneer Barix AG will bring the 2012 International Piano Festival to a global audience this year through the power of streaming media.

The International Piano Festival is a series of weekly piano concerts taking place from March 3 through April 7, 2012 at the historic 400-seat Teatro Miela in Trieste, Italy.  The Association ‘Il Concerto, founded in 2007 to spread knowledge and love for music, hosts the annual event.  Featured performers this year include internationally-known musicians Anna Fedorova, Natalia Morozova, Marcos Madrigal, Roberto Prosseda, Trio Maurice and the duo Chiara Soave-Cecilia Baccolo.

The Barix Exstreamer 1000 will encode audio from the 2012 International Piano Festival in Trieste, Italy

Barix will provide a complete Audio over IP solution to support the live audio streams originating from the theater.  Listeners can access the streams at home or on the go at http://www.ilconcerto.eu/Il_Concerto/Live.html using desktop computers, smart phones, tablets and other web-accessible devices with audio reception.

 

The Association ‘Il Concerto cites broadcast-quality sound, flexibility and ease of use as key reasons for choosing Barix.

“Barix makes broadcasting applications dramatically simple,” said Riccardo Radivo, artistic director of the International Piano Festival.  “In addition to supporting live streams in the theater, the Barix Audio over IP solution will enable listeners everywhere to hear the concerts on desktop computers, smart phones and other audio devices, expanding the vistas of the Association’s knowledge and love of music.”

The International Piano Festival audio feeds will originate from a front of house mixer in the theater.  A Barix Exstreamer 1000 professional Audio over IP device will receive a balanced stereo signal from a mixer output, and encode the audio for distribution over a high-speed broadband connection.  (A second stereo output from each mixer will connect to a digital recorder for live recording.)

Barix Instreamer firmware will encode the analog audio signals in the MPEG1 Layer III 48Khz format — the highest bit rate allowed for maximum audio quality.  The broadband connection will transport the digital encoded signals to a remote Icecast server, which enables the live stream over fixed and mobile devices.

About Barix AG (www.barix.com)

Barix AG, headquartered in Zurich Switzerland, specializes in research and development of state of the art IP based communication and control technology. Barix products are stand-alone and able to remotely connect worldwide over standard networks / Internet offering new and improved solutions to the professional audio distribution, communication and automation industry. Barix products provide solutions in audio over IP (audio distribution and monitoring, communication, security) and automation (remote controlling, monitoring and maintenance).

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Barix AG, Seefeldstrasse 303, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland

Phone: +41 43 43322 11, Fax: +41 44 2742849

Barix Technology Inc, St. Paul, MN – (866) 815-0866

http://www.barix.com

http://www.ip-audio.info

 

DataNab Expands Range of Universal Monitoring and Control Devices

DataNab, a supplier of low-cost IP-enabled solutions for commercial and residential systems, announces new Modbus I/O modules for networkable and standalone monitoring and control applications.  The devices deliver new and flexible I/O options to users while retaining the low cost associated with DataNab products, and broadens the company’s I/O product range for contractors, systems integrators, end users and OEMs.

The company begins shipping two new I/O devices in Q1 2012:

• Ui28_PC2, featuring 28 universal inputs and two high-speed pulse counters
• Ui16_R5, featuring 16 universal inputs and five relay outputs

The new devices can be purchased separately or as part of a larger DataNab solution with sensors, building management software and/or other control and automation devices.

DataNab ModBus devices offer low-cost solutions for universal monitoring and control applications

Ui28_PC2

The Ui28_PC2 is ideal for monitoring sensors and metering devices.  Users can efficiently monitor temperature, humidity, current and other status points for building automation, energy management and other applications.   It is one of the few devices of its kind with 28 inputs, giving customers an easy way to gather data from a large number of sensors with a single device.  It is also the first DataNab universal I/O device to feature two high-speed, 32-bit pulse counters.

“Pulse counters have grown in popularity due to the wealth of metering applications today,” said Adam VanOort, president of DataNab.  “The Ui28_PC2 will help our customers more easily track consumption tied to electrical, water and gas usage, since most utility meters have a pulse output.  It is an effective way to help businesses and residential customers track and manage their monthly utility costs.”

Businesses can further benefit by using the Ui28_PC2 to monitor sub-circuits by connecting up to 28 current transducers (CTs) to the device.  This can help customers measure usage specifically tied to certain elements, such as lighting circuits, in addition to using the pulse counters to measure a building’s total energy usage as recorded by the main utility meter.

Ui16_R5

The Ui16_R5 reduces the input count and adds five output relays, making it ideal for monitoring and control of multiple points.  The output relays enable the control aspect and can be used network-wide to easily turn lights on and off, activate or de-activate alarms or fire up the air conditioner or heating system to address room temperatures.

The Ui16_R5 offers Form C outputs, which provide a normally closed and normally open contact for each relay.  This simplifies wiring for contractors, integrators and end users.

“The Ui16_R5 offers a simple solution for convenience stores, quick service restaurants and other small businesses to easily monitor signals and control the associated equipment, from rooftop systems to the boiler room,” said VanOort.  “The device also features a heartbeat timer so that it can continue to operate standalone in the event of network failure — ensuring that the building remains comfortable and equipment continues to operate.”

Both devices are compact and rail-mountable, and capable of working with 12-24 volt AC or DC power supplies to maximize ease of use for all customers.

Harris Plans Dynamic Digital Out-Of-Home Presence at NRF Convention and Expo

Harris comes to this year’s NRF Convention and Expo (January 16-18, 2012, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Booth #3223) with an emphasis on energizing brands, increasing revenue and maximizing the overall retail experience through digital media.

At Retail’s BIG Show, Harris will demonstrate its digital out-of-home (DOOH) retail solutions and share the technology footprint that powers some of its most notable retail projects.  The company will showcase digital signage content seen at various global retailers today, including 4400 7-Eleven convenience stores, one of the largest DOOH networks in the United States; and Harrods, London’s most famous luxury department store.

Guy Cheston, director of advertising and sponsorship for Harrods, will discuss how retail brands are embracing digital media as a highly effective advertising medium, and how Harrods has responded by making digital signage a key part of its marketing strategy.  Cheston will present “Digital Screens within a Luxury Retail Environment” in the EXPO Hall, Room 3D05, on Tuesday, January 17 from 3:00-3:45 pm.

Harris will also sponsor a social media wall on the show floor, with the Harris^® InfoCaster™ DOOH suite for content creation, management and playout powering NRF’s official Twitter feed.

Harris DOOH solutions allow retailers to build, customize and manage profitable out-of-home networks, featuring powerful high-definition (HD) video and graphically rich content that engages customers, enlivens stores and turns browsers into buyers.  Harris DOOH software heightens the impact for retailers by enabling advertising and promotional capabilities that enhance ROI and brand awareness.  Other benefits include improved customer measurement and integration with point-of-sale, inventory, pricing and other business systems.

Technomad and Electrocom Revitalize Stadium Audio at Historic Tacoma High Schools

Two illustrious high school stadiums in the Tacoma Public Schools system enjoyed vastly improved sound for the 2011 football season, thanks to comprehensive distributed audio system upgrades at both locations.

Lynwood, Washington-based systems integration firm Electrocom managed the upgrades, installing Technomad advanced audio loudspeakers and high-powered amplifiers among other components at Stadium High School and Lincoln High School.  Electrocom handpicked the systems to replace aging horn components that were in disrepair and bleeding into adjacent neighborhoods — prompting a flurry of complaints.

Technomad advanced audio loudspeakers and amplifiers power exceptional voice quality for football and track events at Stadium High School in Tacoma

The stadiums’ long, rich histories are evident in their grandeur:  large, bowl-shaped venue designs with concrete bleachers and expansive sideline space.  This made sound improvements — especially even, venue-wide coverage — unusually challenging.

“These are not typical press box installations where we mount and blast away,” said Matt Wright, project manager at Electrocom.  “We positioned narrow-dispersion loudspeakers at multiple points, with enough SPL, or sound pressure, to cover the distance of the field in some cases.  We also needed a wireless amplifier solution at each stadium to remain under budget.  It would have been expensive and complicated to run wires the length of the field and trench into the concrete.”

 

Technomad PowerChiton4 high-power amplifiers provide the wireless solution for pole-mounted loudspeakers on the visitor sidelines at each stadium.  The IP66-rated amplifiers offer a waterproof design for outdoor audio, and a compact, modular form factor for greater proximity to loudspeakers.  The 1600-watt amplifiers also pack plenty of power for loud stadium environments.

Wright adds that Technomad loudspeakers provide exceptional audio quality and are among the best at containing audio within the confines of a stadium or similar venue.  “The end users are very happy with the audio quality,” he said.  “The Technomad systems have improved intelligibility and increased audio isolation from the neighbors at both stadiums.”

Electrocom installed Berlin 9040 and 6040 narrow-dispersion loudspeakers at both stadiums.   All Stadium High School loudspeakers mount to four large steel light poles — two above and behind the home side bleachers, and two above and behind the visitor side.  Each home side pole supports two Berlin 9040 loudspeakers aimed toward the front row at a steep angle to cover the audience.  One Berlin 6040 aims outward to cover the field.

Technomad Berlin narrow dispersion loudspeakers and PowerChiton outdoor amplifiers power audio at both stadiums

 

One visitor-side pole supports two Berlin 9040 loudspeakers powered by a Technomad PowerChiton4 amplifier and RF solution to cover one end of the bleachers.  A second pole supports two Berlin 9040 loudspeakers and a PowerChiton4 for the near bleachers; and a single Berlin 6040 with a dedicated PowerChiton4 amplifier to cover an extension of the bleacher away from the cluster.  Allen PoleStar mounting hardware supports all loudspeakers.

A mix of Berlin 6040 and 9040 loudspeakers cover the Lincoln High School field from three locations behind the home bleachers, including the end zones for audio during track and field events.  Berlin 6040s and PowerChiton4 amplifiers cover the visitor side from the front corners of the bleachers.

“These are among the largest stadiums we’ve done and there were plenty of challenges,” said Wright.  “Technomad loudspeakers provide high-quality audio, high-frequency intelligibility and strong SPL along with a weatherproof design.  And the PowerChiton amplifiers provided a way to get audio to difficult places without being cost-prohibitive.”

Harris Corporation Wins Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award

Harris Corporation’s Broadcast Communications operation in Quincy, Illinois has received the state’s 2011 Governor’s Sustainability Award.  Harris was one of 25 companies and organizations across the state to receive the award.

The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center presented a Continuous Improvement Award to the Quincy facility, marking the location’s sixth Governor’s Sustainability Award.  The awards honor achievements in protecting the environment, sustaining the future and improving the economy.

In addition to its six Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Awards, the Quincy facility has been honored for its sustainability achievements at the national level.  The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable honored Harris with its prestigious Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (MVP2) Award in 2008.  Harris Corporation has also been named one of Newsweek magazine’s “500 Greenest U.S. Companies” for three years running — landing at position 109 on the 2011 list.

“Harris’ commendable green practices serve as a model of environmental stewardship for residents, businesses and institutions throughout our state,” said Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.  “Implementing energy efficiency upgrades, fuel savings, pollution and waste reductions, and other sustainability improvements requires vision, strong leadership and the dedication of individuals throughout an organization.  I applaud Harris’ prioritization of these important objectives and accomplishments.”

Harris in Quincy implemented nine environmental impact reduction projects last year, which also saved the company $137,000.  The installation of an electric motor generator to reduce air emissions, material usage and costs associated with diesel fuels was among its noteworthy green achievements.  The project eliminated approximately 43,800 gallons of annual diesel fuel purchases, on-site air emissions and an above-ground storage tank with associated spill risks.

Other green projects at Quincy have resulted in the reduction of 2,673,000 gallons of water, 14,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, and 3585 therms (or 358,500 cubic feet) of natural gas — together saving the facility more than $25,000 of annual operating costs.

Harris Broadcast Communications in Quincy, home to the company’s radio and television transmitter manufacturing center, has also achieved ISO 14001:2004 certification.  This honor signifies that an organization has the management systems in place to proactively identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, continually improve environmental performance, and implement a systematic approach that identifies objectives and demonstrates achievements.

“The Harris Quincy facility’s environmental impact reduction efforts are a longstanding tradition and are well respected in the local community and on a state level,” said Chris Parsons, vice president, global operations and supply chain, Harris Broadcast Communications in Quincy.  “Every employee here has a vested interest in minimizing our impact on the environment, and those employees that make improvement suggestions are given the opportunity to implement their ideas whenever possible.”