AV Technology - June 2008 - (Page 40)

TECHNOLOGY OBSOLESCENCE WHAT IS E-WASTE? focusing on the infrastructure rather than the human interface (like projectors, touchscreens, and LCDs), which changes rapidly. “It is easier to get a good return on investment for loudspeakers versus smaller accessories like microphones and small mixers. And a good amplifier is a good amplifier, even 10 years from now,” he says. “The core of the system is a good investment. Think about spending money to future-proof the infrastructure; invest as much as you can in the backbone. Don’t install Cat5 cable when Cat6 or fiber will be the standard in a few years.” Leamy suggests that if loudspeakers are chosen for reliability and longevity, as well as performance value and cost, then they can also be an integral part of the infrastructure. “There are many loudspeaker systems that are ten years old or more. I consider that a good investment in infrastructure, especially in our current times of disposable goods,” he says. As for recognizing which technology is here to stay, Leamy says, “When technologies are adopted by a broad spectrum of the market, it is a good sign that technology will be around for a while. When manufacturers invest heavily into a technology due to mass adoption, there is a pretty good chance that technology will be around for a while.” Some companies turn to leasing to minimize technology investment risk and to guard against getting stuck with obsolete technology. “Leasing is an option as long as you have an exit strategy. You can get in for 3percent down and a dollar buyout, but leasing is not a panacea,” says Leamy. “For purchases over $100,000, a lease may be a better option than a bank loan, but you must also look at total cost of ownership. It is the cost of the equipment plus integration and accessories. And at the end of its life, the equipment may be worth nothing.” Wilson adds, “Leasing comes down to accounting. To me, leasing makes a lot of sense. Companies like Cisco have a leasing program where they take back the old technology and resell it so you have a guaranteed buyback value upfront.” OPTIONS FOR AV EQUIPMENT The sobering fact is that the world is facing an increasing deluge of electronic waste. The EPA states that almost 50 percent of electronics sold between 1980 and 2004 are still in use or reuse, and 9 percent of products sold during that time are still in storage. That majority percentage (59 percent) translates into hundreds of millions of pounds, a volume that would easily overwhelm recyclers today. “But the network for electronic product recyclers is growing,” says David Thompson, director of corporate environmental affairs for display manufacturer Panasonic. Thompson is also president of the Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC (MRM), an elec- tronics recycling organization spearheaded by Panasonic. According to Thompson, electronics recycling compliance varies from state to state, but generally follows either a return share model or a sales model. “In Maine, recycling efforts are focused on home or small business e-waste. In California, the emphasis is on display technology like LCDs or CRTs, but recyclers will not accept medical equipment or cars. Funding is from an advance recycling fee at point of sale, and business waste is not covered,” he says. “In Minnesota, manufacturers must collect 60 percent of the weight of goods sold, but the state does not enforce how to collect the products. In Minnesota, business waste is covered.” Several states, such as Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Texas, define business waste as any waste that is not generated by a household. “These states have excluded business waste based on this type of definition,” adds Thompson. In Washington State, the manufacturer’s responsibility is based on returns and current sales. “Washington takes an average of both and tasks the manufacturer with paying a fee to a government-sanctioned agency for recycling,” says Thompson. “In New York City, any manufacturer wishing to sell products has to have a collection program approved by the New York Department of Sanitation.” The varying state laws exist due to the lack of cohesive direction from the federal government. Thompson notes, “The laws are being rewritten from the 1970s to cover ewaste, or universal waste as it is called. Laws thus far have focused on display technology due to lead content in the glass of devices like CRT displays. LCDs have mercury in the back light and older plasmas have a small amount of lead in the glass.” Businesses that are looking to unload a large amount of obsolete technology may have to look for private recyclers. “Most local governments don’t have permits to collect www.avtechnologyonline.com 40 | AV TECHNOLOGY | june 2008 http://www.avtechnologyonline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AV Technology - June 2008

AV Technology - June 2008 Contents Precedent Corporate: Global Standardization Government: Strategic Technology Planning Education: It’s All Just a Click Pre-Empting Projector Breakdown Dealing With Technophobes Keeping Ahead of Technology Obsolescence Understanding Video Codecs Rules of Engagement Network, See & Learn Sound From the Heart Sportsbook Makes an Impact Upgrading an AV Image Product Review: Polycom’s RealPresence Experience HD Tech Horizons: A True AV Networking Standard? Product Spotlight: Digital Media Servers; Flat Panel New Products Ad Index AV MO: Calculating Fiber Optic Transmission Distance

AV Technology - June 2008

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