AVT Executive Summary

• The Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College (OCC) launched "Food Is Art," a dynamic digital installation designed to visually embody the program's mission and educational values from the moment visitors enter.
• Developed in collaboration with design firm leftchannel, the project uses high-speed macro photography of raw ingredients to create an engaging, contemporary, and frequently updated aesthetic that avoids the pitfalls of static imagery.
• The installation serves as a strategic extension of the college’s institutional identity, transforming the physical space into a purposeful tool for communicating excellence to students, partners, and the community.

When Oakland Community College (OCC) opened its new 78,000-square-foot Culinary Studies Institute in Royal Oak, Michigan, the college wanted the building to do more than house kitchens and classrooms. It wanted the space itself to make a statement about the program before a single class began.

That ambition took physical form in "Food Is Art," a feature digital art installation running across a large-format LED display adjacent to the teaching kitchen and restaurant that could announce the institute's mission at launch and hold up as permanent architecture thereafter.

"The video makes an unexpected visual statement that complements the design of the building, merging technology, environment and food as art," said Peter Provenzano Jr., OCC's chancellor. "When someone visits the space for the first time, they are wowed and impressed by the size and dynamic nature of the content.”

The exhibition label describes the piece as "a journey through motion and texture, a visual language shaped by ingredients and their preparation," using macro lenses and high-speed cameras to uncover "the hidden poetry of nature" and transform food into "a luminous story of form, rhythm, and light.”

A Screen with a Purpose

The LED display itself was part of the building plan early on, developed alongside Ideation Orange, the design firm behind the Culinary Institute's interiors and branded environments. A screen isn't automatically a brand statement, though; it needed a reason to exist beyond filling wall space.

That's the challenge brought to leftchannel, a Columbus, OH-based motion and experiential design studio. "They had already planned a digital screen as part of the culinary space, but the screen itself was a vessel without a purpose," said Alberto Scirocco, leftchannel's President and Creative Director. "The question wasn't 'What can we build?' but rather 'What should this surface say and do for the college?'"

From there, leftchannel gave the screen its job: telling a story about food, craft, and the culinary program itself. The studio defined and led what would move across it: content strategy and visual direction tied to the institute's brand identity and educational mission.

Grounding the Concept in Craft

Rather than showcase chefs or plated dishes, leftchannel built "Food Is Art" around the raw materials of cooking: grains, liquids, and textures captured in motion as they transform and combine. "We created a language of visual textures that honored food as a subject; raw, tactile, elemental, but rendered it in a way that felt graphic and contemporary," Scirocco said.

Getting there took some careful calibration. Macro photography of food, Scirocco noted, "can easily veer into the grotesque or overly clinical." The team wanted to celebrate food's raw texture "without it feeling unappetizing." Using high-speed tabletop photography, leftchannel kept the imagery simultaneously graphic and appealing.

OCC also wanted the investment to hold up over time. "OCC wanted to make a statement with that section of the building but didn't want something that would be dated and become static, so the digital installation allowed us to change the images regularly and keep it fresh," Provenzano said.

A Signature of the Building

For OCC, the payoff extends beyond aesthetics. The installation is a physical expression of the educational excellence and innovation the college has built its identity around, making the program's values visible to students, industry partners, and visitors alike from the moment they walk in. A culinary program's reputation rests on craft and creativity being visible, rather than being confined behind kitchen doors.

That reflects a broader shift on campuses, where digital installations increasingly function as an extension of institutional identity into physical space, working alongside admissions materials, campus tours, and everyday student life to shape how a program is understood.

Scirocco put it directly: "We brought intentionality to a medium that's often driven by spectacle. At OCC, the installation isn't just beautiful, it's purposeful. That's the difference between a screen that's nice to look at and a screen that becomes part of how students, staff, and community understand the institution."

For institutions considering something similar, both Provenzano and Scirocco point to the same starting point: vision before hardware. Provenzano advises building in time early in a project's design phase to align vendors and internal stakeholders around the technical specs. Scirocco frames it in brand terms: "Before you commission a digital installation, know what you want it to mean. Even if your final work is completely abstract, it should be designed around a clear narrative or idea, an organizing principle that everything else hangs on."

In keeping up with one of Pro AV's latest trends, Epson has unveiled its first all-in-one dvLED displays. The LE-C1 Series displays are now available. Powered by chip-on-board (COB) technology, the new series provides an expansive viewing experience with exceptionally bright, high-contrast images, even in high ambient light environments. All-in-one dvLED displays deliver a complete, ready-to-deploy solution that simplifies installation, setup and day-to-day operation.

[Integrators … Mount Up!]

“The response to Epson’s first dvLED solutions has been incredibly positive, with customers especially drawn to the image quality enabled by COB technology, as well as the edge-to-edge display design and ease of integration,” said Ramzi Shakra, senior product manager, Epson America. “Organizations are looking for display solutions that are easy to deploy, simple to manage, and backed by a trusted technology partner. Epson delivers all of that through a complete display ecosystem designed to meet a wide range of application, performance and budget needs.”

Epson’s new LE-C1 Series includes the LE-C1135 135-inch and the LE-C1162 162-inch Full HD 1080p models, plus the LE-C14K135 135-inch 4K model for ultra-fine detail and comfortable close-range viewing. Designed to provide the benefits of an all-in-one dvLED display while streamlining installation and operation, the LE-C1 Series features an operating system-free design that helps reduce maintenance requirements and potential security vulnerabilities, offering a dependable, low-maintenance “set-it-and-forget-it” content delivery solution.

Powered by advanced COB technology, the LE-C1 Series offers enhanced image clarity and surface protection, as well as lower energy use compared to conventional SMD dvLED displays. Factory-calibrated LED modules, preassembled cabinet columns, and a preconfigured controller simplify installation and help ensure a seamless, uniform image right out of the box. The COB technology coupled with a common cathode design also reduces power consumption and heat output, maintains a cool display surface and allows the 135-inch display to operate from a single 120 V 15A power source.

Flexible connectivity options, including dual HDMI ports, optical S/PDIF, 3.5 mm audio, Bluetooth remote, and LAN control, make it easy to integrate into a wide range of Pro AV environments.

Atlona, a brand of Hall Research, has added five encoders and decoders to its OmniStream AV over IP platform. Recently unveiled, the five additions include the OmniStream Encoder, OmniStream+ Encoder with USB, OmniStream Decodr, OmniStream+ Decoder with USB, and OmniStream Encoder Wall Plate.

[The Next Chapter of Pro AV: Leadership, Legacy, and Mentorship]

The expansion brings USB support directly into the OmniStream+ encoder and decoder chassis, a feature that previously required a separate companion device. The update gives integrators more ways to move 4K/60 4:4:4 video, audio and, on OmniStream+ models, USB signals over standard Gigabit Ethernet, without adding hardware to the rack or the wall.

“Our dealers have been asking for built-in USB on OmniStream for a while, and rather than adding another box to the system, we built it into the encoder and decoder itself,” said Ken Eagle, CEO, Hall Research. “Updates like this come directly from the people installing our products every day, and that connection is what we want OmniStream to keep delivering.”

Integrators who needed USB extension alongside OmniStream+ video previously paired the encoder or decoder with a separate USB companion unit. The new OmniStream+ Encoder with USB and OmniStream+ Decoder with USB combine video, audio and USB into a single endpoint, reducing the number of devices needed at each connection point for conference rooms, classrooms, huddle spaces and other USB-dependent AV over IP installations.

The OmniStream Encoder Wall Plate brings the same encoding performance to a two-gang, in-wall form factor, letting integrators mount a source connection directly into a wall or furniture rather than routing back to a rack-mounted encoder.

All five products are designed to work alongside OmniStream devices already in the field, giving current dealers and integrators a way to add USB support or wall plate flexibility to existing systems without replacing infrastructure that is already installed.

Quick view:

• GRIP Action Sports Hub in Tampere spans six floors with diverse, acoustically challenging environments, including an Olympic-standard SkatePark, a Climbing Center, gyms, studios, and function rooms.
• To overcome hard surfaces, uneven walls, and high background noise, a total of 57 Genelec Smart IP loudspeakers and six 4000 Series active installation models were strategically positioned throughout the venue to maintain crystal-clear music and announcements in every zone.
• By using Genelec’s single-cable Smart IP technology, installation partner 4Business Oy significantly reduced the required cabling around complex physical obstacles like skate ramps, climbing walls, and concrete columns.

Athletes and sports enthusiasts in Tampere have a new destination for physical activity and social connection. GRIP Action Sports Hub is a newly opened centre for exercise, work, and relaxation, welcoming everyone from organised groups to solo athletes. Across six floors, GRIP Action features dedicated areas for a variety of amateur and professional sports, as well as spaces to cool down and observe. A high-quality Genelec Smart IP solution was chosen to maintain consistent coverage and intelligibility while accommodating the complex architecture and ever-changing visitor behavior.

[College Football Is Here... and Ole Miss Used the Vegas Sphere for a Heisman Campaign]

The venue includes an Olympic-standard SkatePark, a Climbing Center, a gym, group training spaces, restaurant, sauna, and observation areas. “With hard surfaces, uneven walls, and constant activity, we required a powerful loudspeaker solution with flexible placement and precise directivity to ensure music and announcements remained clear," explained Kimmo Kimmo Lauttajärvi, Sales Manager at 4Business Oy. sales manager at 4Business Oy.

Already familiar with Finnish loudspeaker manufacturer Genelec, the owners of GRIP Action were confident in 4Business Oy’s recommendation to use the brand for the venue’s sound system. As Lauttajärvi explained, during the design stage, Genelec assisted by recommending the most suitable product series for the unconventional acoustic spaces. That led to a total of 57 Smart IP loudspeakers and six compact 4000 Series active installation loudspeakers installed to deliver sound throughout the six-story building. For 4Business, this would significantly simplify installation by reducing the amount of cabling that would otherwise need to be routed around ramps, climbing structures, and other physical obstacles.

On the first and second floors, thirteen Smart IP 4430 loudspeakers were installed throughout the main SkatePark areas, including the Street, Park, Jump Track, and Vert. Mounted on walls and concrete columns, the 4430s provide the high output and controlled coverage required to keep music and announcements clear throughout these large, noisy spaces. A further nine ultra-compact 4410 models provide background music across supporting areas, including the shop, changing rooms, showroom, office and break room.

The Climbing Center features seven 4430 loudspeakers, positioned on flat wall surfaces and directed towards climbers as they move across the angled climbing walls. Another two 4410 units provide background music in the changing rooms. All loudspeakers throughout the SkatePark and Climbing Center feature Genelec’s RAW finish, which utilizes uncoated recycled aluminium cabinets.

Within the Sports Center, eight compact 4420 loudspeakers deliver background music and announcements throughout the gym, while two ultra-compact 4410 models provide consistent performance in the changing rooms. Two 4040 loudspeakers from Genelec’s 4000 Series active installation range serve the group exercise studio, while two 4030 models deliver audio in the spinning studio. These loudspeakers feature Genelec’s standard black finish to complement the premium appearance of the studios.

The sixth-floor meeting and function facilities include eight 4420 loudspeakers and two 4030 units, providing clear, detailed sound at comfortable listening levels. A further eight Smart IP loudspeakers provide coverage across the lobby and circulation areas, comprising three 4430 models on the first floor and one 4420 on each of the remaining five floors. Together, the system ensures a consistent audio experience throughout the building.

“Thanks to Genelec, each area of the venue benefits from clear, consistent sound, while staff can easily tailor audio settings in each zone to suit the activity taking place,” said Lauttajärvi. “The scale and architectural variety of the building could easily have made the system complicated to install and operate. Smart IP technology helped simplify both the physical installation and its ongoing management, with the flexibility to adjust each space as needed, while the 4000 Series provided a compact and detailed audio solution for smaller zones."

“The overall sound quality has exceeded our expectations,” added Janne Sievänen, CEO at GRIP Action Sports Hub. “The Genelec hardware is truly first-class, and combined with the extensive acoustic treatment throughout the building, the result is clear and balanced, even in our largest and most demanding spaces. For us, the most important thing is the end result, and in terms of sound quality, we are more than happy with what has been achieved.”

School is back in session (down here in South Florida, at least), which means the window for summer vacation has come and gone. I hope you had a chance to get away and do whatever it is you do to take a break. My family went on Star of the Seas, a massive Royal Caribbean vessel, for a seven-night cruising adventure.

I treated myself to the Diet Coke drink package (they call it a soda package, but who are we kidding) and upgraded my family to the "fun drink" package, which included coffee-based concoctions and alcohol-free mixed drinks. Diet Coke is enough fun for me. Then, I loaded up a Jack Reacher novel on the Kindle, grabbed some flip flops, found some stretchy shorts (a must when ice cream is available before, during, and after every meal), and set sail on the high seas.

While I have grown to appreciate cruising, here's the thing: I'm not particularly good at sitting still. Plus, if my headshot doesn't give it away, I come from a long line of melanin-challenged folk, so tanning is never an agenda item, even with the excessive supply of sunscreen I packed.

So, to keep myself from bouncing off the walls of our cabin, I filled my time with activities. I swam with dolphins. I watched multiple comedy shows and duelling piano performances. I walked around ports of call and purchased T-shirts that later shrunk in the dryer. I even worked out in a huge gym surrounded by people who didn't look like they only work out on vacation.

And, of course, I started making mental notes of all the Pro AV on the ship. It wasn't exactly a scavenger hunt; like so many entertainment venues, Star of the Seas was loaded with gear. From speakers around the pool deck (I see you, DAS Audio) to a mini-ribbon display above the escalators directing you to the gangplank and your next port excursion, the presence of our industry was practically unavoidable.

Beyond the extensive Samsung digital menu boards and digital signage displays, there were some unique visuals as well. For example, the outside wall of the comedy club had multiple screens mimicking the look of windows showing a stylized animated silhouette of a comedian working a crowd. It was a very eye-catching effect.

Then there was Absolute Zero, the onboard arena for an ice skating show. Our cruise happened to be during the last match of the World Cup. The ship has a sports bar, but it wasn't big enough to accommodate the hundreds of passengers who wanted to watch it in a communal setting. So, Royal Caribbean used the venue's projector mapping technology to create a "pitch" theme on the ice, and shared the game on the big screen that usually provides background graphics for the show. Talk about setting the mood.

The Royal Theater was its own special Pro AV candy store. The two-deck space in the forward section of the ship hosted several shows during the cruise, but none more spectacular than a full production of Back to the Future: The Musical. We're talking a flying DeLorean and an array of video walls used for backgrounds, special effects, and more.

During a Q&A session with members of the cast and crew, I was told the production requires about 70 live mics for the musicians and cast—there's a lot of Shure headworn mics on stage, but a few Shure wireless handhelds show up for "performances" of songs like "Johnny B. Goode" during the show. And the front-of-house setup was built around a DiGiCo SD7 digital mixing console. Sorry, they didn't share all their secrets, so I don't know how they made the car fly. Maybe next summer…

Quick view:

• Samsung's innovative displays, including the QBC Series signage, aggregated diverse data sources into a single, actionable view of critical intelligence.
• The deployment of Samsung WAFX-P Interactive Displays enhanced group collaboration by enabling seamless screen sharing directly from team members' Galaxy Books and tablets.
• The interactive displays provided native annotation capabilities and video conferencing support, allowing the team to mark up live data on-screen while coordinating directly with local health officials.

During the 2026 World Cup, Samsung provided the Health Security Operations Center (HSOC) with display and mobile technology solutions that enabled the sharing of critical data and collaboration among 30 participating organizations. The HSOC is a part of the National Center for Health Security and Resilience, a collaboration between Georgetown University and MedStar Health.

[8.5 MILLION Pixels Power World Cup Fan Festival]

For more than six weeks before, during, and after the tournament, the HSOC produced daily situation reports, conducted twice daily briefings, and provided early notification to local health departments when disease signals were identified, demonstrating how centralized monitoring and coordinated information sharing can help surface emerging issues for further assessment.

Drawing on its experience supporting government agencies, Samsung worked with the HSOC coalition to build a functioning operations environment in the weeks and ahead of the tournament’s opening match. Samsung provided the center with technology, including laptops, tablets, and large-format displays, to help public health experts securely collect, analyze, visualize, and communicate health intelligence during the Cup.

As various data sources came together, Samsung's innovative displays, including the QBC Series signage, presented a single, actionable view of the intelligence. The large 4K ultra-high-definition screens helped the HSOC team collectively review trends and emerging risks. During meetings, Samsung WAFX-P Interactive Displays streamlined collaboration, allowing the team to seamlessly screen share from their Galaxy Books and tablets, annotate directly on the display and video conference with local health officials. 

These solutions helped the HSOC team act on shared public health information from over 50 data sources spanning more than 145 jurisdictions, including data connected to airports and tournament travel, as the team monitored signals across hundreds of pathogens and assessed potential risks.

“Public health operations centers can prove critical during international events and gatherings of all sizes, especially mass gatherings that draw millions of people from around the world,” said Todd Maxwell, director of regulated business development, Samsung Electronics America. “In these instances, health leaders need coordinated, multidisciplinary situational awareness to aggregate and analyze disparate public health data, and enact immediate communications and response if a risk emerges.”

The Galaxy devices that Samsung provided throughout the HSOC provided the endpoint for the operations, allowing the HSOC to easily and effectively analyze multiple sources of health-related information and data via the technology. Additionally, AT&T provided wireless connectivity to extend Samsung’s technology ecosystem beyond the walls of the operations center, enabling connectivity across jurisdictions and helping HSOC teams coordinate with local health departments, field contacts, and partner organizations. Also, HARMAN, a Samsung subsidiary, provided JBL speakers and headphones to support audio and voice communication among teams working across the HSOC.

“Having connected technology is critical for end-to-end flow of intelligence, from aggregating real-time public health data to presenting a unified view of disease signals for monitoring and decision making,” said global health security expert, Rebecca Katz, Ph.D., M.P.H., a professor at Georgetown University and HSOC Director. “Our goal was to make the HSOC a trusted resource for the public health community, health systems, and most importantly, the public. We were able to bring that mission to life by ensuring our teams operated within a connected environment for distilling public scientific data into actionable guidance during a complex, large-scale event.”

Systems Contractor News is now accepting entries for the SCN Top 50 Systems Integrators 2026. Our rankings showcase some of the top Pro AV integrators and offer a better understanding of our industry. The results will be published in the December 2026 issue of SCN, and will include information about managed services (new for this year). Submit your form here.

Thank you in advance for helping us provide an industry snapshot for our readers. Deadline is Monday, October 5, so enter today.

College football has kicked off and the start of the NFL season is right around the corner. The timing is perfect to download your FREE copy of the SCN September edition: The Sports Issue.

We take a look at the booming business of high school athletics with 'Friday Night Lights, Camera, Action.' Plus, we'll take you inside Cosm and the new MLS headquarters, both of which are engaging visitors with immersive sport experiences.

Also in September:

• Steve Greenblatt looks at AI as a problem solver.
• A look at the rush to adopt 'new stuff' from Nigel Spratling.
• The mobile revolution: A new aspect for Pro AV.
• AVoIP, assistive listening, people on the move, and much, much more.

Don't delay. Get your free copy of SCN today!

The following statement was provided by d&b audiotechnick.

With profound sadness, d&b audiotechnik announces the passing of Larry Italia who served as president and CEO of d&b audiotechnik Americas from 2018 until his retirement at the end of 2025. Italia passed peacefully at his home following a brief illness.

A veteran of the professional audio community, Italia was instrumental in guiding d&b audiotechnik Americas through a period of significant growth and leading the organization through the challenges of the global pandemic. Prior to joining d&b audiotechnik, Italia served as VP of integration at Sound Image and held positions in sales and management at Yamaha before rising to VP of Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems. A staunch supporter of his friends and family, Italia cared deeply about everyone who was in his circle and a part of his team and his influence and impact on the business of professional audio will be felt for years to come.

Italia is survived by his wife, family and close members of the professional audio community, many of whom he considered part of his family. The professional audio community has lost a true champion, and Italia will be deeply missed.

Quick view:

• It is the first high school in the nation to implement the Daktronics Camino show control platform.
• The project features a new Daktronics LED video display measuring 27.56x80.05 feet at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
• Camino enables dynamic, data-driven event presentations and streamlined production workflows.

Daktronics  has partnered with Massillon Washington High School in Ohio to install a new LED video display and become the first high school in the nation to implement the Daktronics Camino show control platform, bringing production capabilities previously reserved for collegiate and professional sports venues to a high school environment.

[Circa: A High-Tech Oasis Rising above Low-Tech Downtown Vegas]

The project features a new Daktronics LED video display measuring 27.56x80.05 feet at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Integrated with Camino, the system provides advanced game-day production tools, including real-time graphics, statistical integration, dynamic animations, automated content triggering and coordinated presentation workflows. Previously used exclusively by collegiate and professional sports organizations, Camino enables dynamic, data-driven event presentations and streamlined production workflows.

As the first high school to implement Camino, Massillon continues its tradition of adopting innovative technologies that elevate the game-day experience, reinforcing its reputation for investing in the fan experience while embracing innovative production techniques. The decision to implement Camino was driven by a desire to maximize the capabilities of the new display and enhance content presentation throughout the stadium.

"When construction of a new locker room required the removal of our old scoreboard and install of a new one at the other end of the stadium, we knew this was our chance to upgrade our game day," said David Wagner, scoreboard operations manager at Massillon Washington High School. "But this new board will only be as good as the content that is being played on it. This is why we wanted to get Camino as part of our new system. The ability to improve the displaying of our GIP, stats and sponsors was a huge draw for me after seeing several videos, including the one from the (New England) Patriots. I can't wait for our fans to see this new board."

Beyond enhancing the fan experience, the system also creates opportunities for students to participate in live event production. Students can contribute as content creators, camera operators, producers and technical operators while gaining experience with workflows and tools commonly found in professional sports environments.

Drawing on experience in professional sports production, including work with the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew organizations, Wagner helped shape a vision that combines advanced presentation technology with opportunities for student involvement and community engagement.

"Massillon has continually demonstrated a commitment to creating premier experiences for its students, fans and community," said Kyle Sydow, Daktronics high school market manager. "Becoming the first high school to implement Camino reflects a forward-thinking approach to game-day production. This project shows how technology traditionally used at the collegiate and professional levels can enhance high school event presentation while creating meaningful opportunities for students."

MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems is set to unveil tthe MDoG-8800. This solution extends its openGear portfolio with a high-density fiber transport solution for 12G-SDI and 4K/8K workflows.

[Are We Building Tomorrow’s Workplace Through Yesterday’s Process?]

“The MDoG-8800 is a classic MultiDyne fiber transport solution redesigned for the bandwidth, density and operational flexibility that modern facilities require,” said Jesse Foster, director of strategic accounts and products, MultiDyne. “Moving from 3G to 12G gives customers a direct single-link path for 4K, while the eight-channel architecture and integrated routing crosspoint let them build the exact transport configuration they need. The choice of fiber-per-signal or integrated CWDM also ensures that the module fits equally well in new facilities and established fiber environments.”

The MDoG-8800 brings MultiDyne’s point-to-point fiber transport expertise to an open-architecture platform that broadcasters and AV professionals can configure around their preferred mix of technologies. The module evolves MultiDyne’s quad-channel 3G openGear fiber transport offering to 12G-SDI, enabling single-link 4K signal transport while increasing channel density and simplifying system design. Embedded audio and ancillary data pass transparently with the SDI signal.

Each MDoG-8800 supports eight channels and incorporates a 12G routing crosspoint that allows users to direct any input to one, several or all available outputs. This flexible internal routing supports a broad range of unidirectional and bidirectional configurations, including four-channel transmit and four-channel receive operation, while helping users adapt the same module to changing signal-distribution requirements.

There are two primary optical configurations offered for the MDoG-8800. A fiber-per-signal version provides eight discrete optical connections for facilities with abundant fiber capacity and workflows that favor straightforward point-to-point connectivity. An integrated CWDM version multiplexes eight signals onto one fiber and can be cascaded with a second module to transport 16 signals over a single fiber. This combination gives customers the freedom to prioritize simplicity, fiber efficiency or system density according to the application.

It was another busy week in Pro AV. Riedel Communications has a new CEO; Neat and Peerless-AV expand their leadership positions; a slew of manufacturers made new partnerships; and then, of course, was FORTÉ and D-Tools.

D-Tools started a busy Tuesday by announcing its merger with Portal.io. The merger creates a stronger technology partner for commercial integrators by bringing together complementary strengths. Want more details? Dig in here with our full coverage.

Later that same night, SCN had the inside scoop, breaking the big news that FORTÉ acquired Vega Global. Fresh off its split from GPA, FORTÉ chairman and CEO Jeff Stoebner sat down with us to discuss what was behind the strategic acquisition. Spoiler alert, it wasn't simply expansion for the sake of expansion. Learn more in our exclusive interview here.

Now, on with the show.

People News

Neat Deepens Leadership Bench for Global Expansion

Neat has appointed Sandeep Mehra as SVP and general manager of International. In this key executive role, Mehra drives market expansion, commercial execution, and strategic partner ecosystems across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific regions.

A 20-year industry veteran across SaaS, video collaboration, and enterprise technology, Mehra has scaled businesses from early-stage startups to multi-billion-dollar global operations. He spent over a decade at Cisco in senior leadership roles spanning sales, engineering, and go-to-market. His tenure included serving as managing director for APAC collaboration sales, VP of customer experience across ASEAN and Korea, and global GM for video devices out of Oslo, where he launched a suite of innovative products covering work-from-home solutions and Intelligent Spaces. Early in his career, Mehra co-founded India’s pioneer conferencing company, which was acquired by Webex; he later served as an executive leader at Moxtra.

Peerless-AV Appoints Rob McKenna as National Account Manager for CI, Retail, and eCommerce

Peerless-AV has announced the expansion of its CI, retail, and ecommerce team with the appointment of Rob McKenna as national account manager McKenna brings 37 years of consumer electronics industry experience to the role, further strengthening Peerless-AV's growth strategy across key commercial and residential channels.

McKenna joins Peerless-AV with an extensive track record of building high-value retail and custom business throughout the CI channel at known organizations. In his new role, McKenna is responsible for managing and expanding key account relationships across custom integration, retail, and eCommerce channels. His appointment reflects Peerless-AV's continued commitment to strengthening its partnerships and accelerating digital growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Riedel Evolves Leadership and Global Go-to-Market Organization

Riedel Communications is strengthening its leadership and global go-to-market structure for 2027. Lutz Rathmann will become chief executive officer (CEO) of Riedel Communications, assuming overall responsibility for the product division and managed technology division. At the same time, Anthony Zuyderhoff will take on the role of chief commercial officer (CCO), leading the company’s newly unified global go-to-market organization. Jan Eveleens, currently CEO of the product division, will retire at the end of 2026 following a long and successful career in the broadcast industry. The new setup brings the product division and managed technology division into closer alignment, combining Riedel’s product development and live-production expertise more closely.

The new setup brings the product division and managed technology division into closer alignment, combining Riedel’s product development and live-production expertise more closely. Both divisions will retain their respective teams, expertise, and market focus while collaborating more closely across the business. At the same time, Riedel will connect its customer-facing sales, service, support, and marketing functions through a shared go-to-market leadership, enabling a more coordinated and consistent approach to customers and partners.

Before returning to lead Managed Technology in 2020, Rathmann had already held senior roles at Riedel, including Vice Director Global Events and Head of Project Management. Since then, he has strategically expanded the business, developed new opportunities and partnerships, and advanced the solution portfolio for international event and live productions. Together with Jan Eveleens, he has also driven closer collaboration between Managed Technology and the Product Division—laying the groundwork for bringing both areas even closer together under his leadership.

Zuyderhoff, currently Executive Director Global Sales, will assume leadership of the new go-to-market organization and bring Riedel’s primary customer-facing functions under a shared direction. The new setup is designed to make collaboration more seamless, accelerate decision-making, and strengthen how Riedel supports customers and partners across products and services.

Whitwam AVI appoints Jack Baker as Operations and Project Manager

Whitwam AVI is continuing to strengthen its operations with the appointment of Jack Baker as operations and project manager. Having spent the past three years as maintenance manager, Baker brings an in-depth understanding of the business and its clients. In his new role, he is developing tools and processes to improve onboarding, renewals, and contract management, while supporting colleagues and removing barriers to support consistent, scalable delivery.


He has held engineering roles at Virgin Media and Ultra Electronics, as well as aboard several mega-yachts, giving him extensive experience of complex, high-pressure technical environments.

Partnerships

Absen, Polywall Announce Strategic Technology Partnership

Polywall and Absen announced a strategic technology partnership. The collaboration delivers solutions that provide organizations with a seamless, high-performance foundation for their command and control environments.

The partnership addresses the growing demand for sophisticated, reliable visualization solutions in network operations centers (NOCs), security operations centers (SOCs), transportation hubs, utilities, and public safety facilities. By combining Polywall control room software platform with Absen's LED displays, enterprise customers get a unified ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency, situational awareness, and decision-making.

The joint solution has already been successfully deployed in complex operational environments, including high-profile government and financial sector projects . At the heart of the partnership is a commitment to interoperability, with both companies' technologies tested and validated to ensure optimal performance and reliability in 24/7 operational settings.

AIMS Welcomes Bolin Technology and ITDev as Newest Members

The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) today announced that ITDev and Bolin Technology have joined the organization as its newest members. The additions bring a professional PTZ camera and AV over IP hardware manufacturer and a FPGA design and IP licensing specialist into the alliance, further broadening the range of expertise represented among AIMS members as adoption of IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110-based standards continues to expand across broadcast and Pro AV.

Bolin Technology designs professional PTZ cameras and AV over IP solutions built for real-world production environments. ITDev and Bolin Technology join a growing roster of broadcast and Pro AV companies working within AIMS to advance IPMX and support the industry's transition from proprietary, point-to-point systems to open, standards-based IP media networking.

AISpeech Appoints Empire PRO as U.S. Distribution Partner

AISpeech has appointed Empire PRO as its U.S. distribution partner to support its continued growth in North America. Under the agreement, Empire PRO will help bring AISpeech products to dealers, integrators, consultants, and end users across the United States, supported by regional inventory, order fulfillment, technical assistance, and customer service for the Pro AV channel.

Empire PRO is a professional audio, video, and lighting distributor based in the Los Angeles area. The company serves dealers, systems integrators, consultants, and technology partners with access to leading AV brands, in-house inventory, logistics support, technical resources, and full-system solution support.

Almo Pro AV Partners with Audio-Technica 

Almo Pro AV and Audio-Technica have jointly announced that Audio-Technica’s flagship D50 Digital UHF Wireless System is now available for order through Almo Pro AV. For integrators, the partnership offers much more than just access to a new wireless platform. Almo Pro AV’s in-house audio team also provides technical and business development support, while LinkLab Services can help with everything from system design and programming to commissioning and labor. Together, these resources give integrators a way to move from product selection to project deployment with expert support at every stage.

As wireless systems become increasingly integrated into commercial AV networks, RF reliability, scalability, and ease of deployment are critical considerations for integrators. The D50 is designed specifically for these demanding environments. The system uses antenna summing and Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) technology to improve RF stability across the available UHF frequency range. Its high-density capabilities allow integrators to deploy more wireless microphones in environments where RF spectrum is limited. Dante networking also simplifies system integration by allowing multiple channels of digital audio to travel over a single network cable. For integrators, that can mean less cabling, easier troubleshooting and potentially lower installation labor.

AtlasIED Partners With PT Hikari Indo Sarana

AtlasIED announced its partnership with PT Hikari Indo Sarana, a Jakarta, Indonesia-based distributor. The partnership aims to expand AtlasIED’s APAC reach.

Hikari Indo Sarana has over 25 years of industry experience and has consistently held its highly respected position since its inception in 2001. The company is known as a top-quality project supplier and system integrator. Hikari Indo Sarana specializes in the hospitality, office, data center, and industrial sectors.

INFiLED Appoints UC Technology Partners for the Northeast United States

INFiLED has appointed UC Technology Partners as its representative firm for the Northeast United States, extending the LED display manufacturer’s reach into one of the country’s densest commercial AV markets. The appointment forms part of a wider expansion of INFiLED’s North American channel strategy, through which the company is building a network of regional representative firms to bring its sales and support capability closer to integrators and end users.

Founded in 2024 and based in Connecticut, UC Technology Partners is an AV and IT sales and marketing organization representing manufacturers in the unified communications and commercial AV sectors. The Northeast-based firm covers nine states: New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Its founders, Aaron Chisena and Rob Leclerc, bring more than five decades of combined experience earned working directly with manufacturers, integrators, service providers, and end users.

TRENDnet Partners with Hiperwall

TRENDnet and Hiperwall announced a new partnership that makes select TRENDnet managed switches compatible with Hiperwall technology. This collaboration gives users better networking infrastructure options for demanding AV over IP and video wall installations.

The new compatibility enables businesses and organizations of all sizes to deploy Hiperwall-powered video wall systems using certified TRENDnet managed switches. This delivers the network performance and reliability required for high-end visualization environments across a wide range of applications and industries.

Click here for a full list of TRENDnet managed switches now certified for compatibility with the Hiperwall video platform.

Company News

Reinforcing its commitment to helping customers build recurring revenue through a growing portfolio of services, ADI has redesigned its Parasol experience within its 1Plan platform, providing custom integrators with a single place to design, sell, activate and manage recurring services. The update brings Parasol into the 1Plan platform alongside ARCC, ADI's cloud-based network management service. Customers can now access Parasol and ARCC through a single portal, simplifying access to recurring services. They also benefit from modernized business administration capabilities, including more streamlined credit card management, granularity for user management and permissions, enhanced notification management, and centralized end-customer contact management.

AVer Information introduced its Try & Buy Program, an evaluation initiative that allows organizations to test eligible AVer products in their own environments before making a purchasing decision. Designed to simplify the technology evaluation process, the program provides customers with up to 60 days to assess AVer solutions within their existing meeting rooms, classrooms and professional AV environments.

PPDS announced the evolution of its EcoDesign learnings, wrapped together with its ‘future proof product thinking’, to become ReDesign. Alongside the new naming, the company has extended the circular design approach that enabled the EPEAT Climate+ Gold rated Philips Signage 3650 EcoDesign, applying it to the development of new products. This philosophy reinforces PPDS’ long term commitment to sustainability, circularity, and social responsibility, embedded through every stage of its product lifecycles. The reimagined ReDesign philosophy is built around six core principles: reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, recycle, reinvent.

Product News

Biamp announced that its Kleeo Desk Manager is now Zoom Certified for Workspace Reservation. This certification enables organizations to provide employees with a unified, streamlined desk booking experience directly within Zoom Workspace Reservation, bringing the power of Kleeo to the collaboration tools their teams already use.

Blackwire Designs has announced a full catalog integration into Specifi, the all-in-one business management platform built for AV integrators. This integration allows custom integrators to feature, specify, and quote Blackwire products across their entire workflow, from Specifi-built integrator websites to final client proposals. Authorized Blackwire dealers using Specifi can effortlessly pull accurate product data, specifications, live pricing, and high-resolution imagery directly into client-facing proposals, technical documents, and the client portal, eliminating manual data entry.

Boland Communications introduced a new SMPTE ST 2110 input option for its full range of professional 4K HDR monitors. Featuring integrated 25GbE connectivity and SMPTE ST 2022-7 protection, the option brings resilient UHD monitoring directly to IP-based production environments without requiring external ST 2110-to-SDI gateways. The integrated design reduces the switch ports, gateways, transceivers, cabling, rack space, and power required for monitor walls, production control rooms, master control facilities, mobile production units, and other multidisplay environments. Removing external conversion equipment also simplifies installation and maintenance while reducing system complexity and potential points of failure.

Carousel has unveiled enhancements to its integration with the Amazon Signage Stick. Carousel Cloud's latest update introduces several key feature enhancements that streamline digital signage operations across Amazon Signage OS devices. The Carousel dashboard now supports over-the-air updates, flagging when Carousel app or Amazon Signage OS updates are available and allowing operators to launch them together manually or schedule them to install automatically overnight. Energy efficiency is improved through an updated Power Save feature, which uses Amazon Signage's HDMI-CEC display control to automatically switch compatible HDMI displays on and off at scheduled times. Furthermore, content display reliability is enhanced via Amazon Signage's OS-level rotation APIs, keeping settings fixed across reboots to ensure proper portrait and inverted-landscape playback for all content, including YouTube. To provide deeper device visibility, Carousel now reliably identifies specific Amazon Signage Stick models by reading their model identifiers directly through APIs, while regular resource monitoring tracks CPU, memory, disk usage, and overall health to give operators a clear view of each player's operational status.

Summary:

• Feld Entertainment deployed RF Venue’s RF PA Extension Kit paired with a CP Stage Antenna, creating a reliable, high-performance wireless audio link across three stadium zones, reaching remote speaker positions up to 300 feet away without the time, complexity, or infrastructure required by traditional cable runs.
• The RF PA system offered a straightforward, plug-and-play installation that streamlined load-in and simplified system calibration.
• The deployment successfully proved that wireless signal extension can save significant time while giving production teams greater flexibility to place delay speakers throughout large venues.

Feld Entertainment recently brought the Monster Jam World Finals XXV, the 2026 championship event, to Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah, where its sound team faced a familiar challenge for large-scale stadium production: extending PA coverage to remote speaker locations without the time, complexity, and infrastructure required by lengthy cable runs. To meet the challenge, the team turned to RF Venue’s RF PA Extension Kit paired with a CP Stage Antenna, creating a wireless audio link that proved both simple to deploy and reliable across the expansive venue.

[The Next Chapter of Pro AV]

“We needed to extend the range of our PA system without running additional cable,” said Clarence Achille, Feld Entertainment manager, sound operations. “The RF PA Extension Kit eliminated that requirement entirely, giving us the coverage we needed without the added infrastructure.”

The Feld Entertainment audio team, including Achille serving as system tech, Denicia White at front of house as A1, and Austin Powell of Poll Sound handling RF coordination, divided the Monster Jam World Finals system into three zones throughout Rice-Eccles Stadium, with the most distant speaker position located approximately 300 feet from the transmission point. Despite the distance and the challenging RF environment of a major stadium event, Achille reports that the RF PA Extension Kit maintained a solid connection throughout the deployment.

For transmission, the Feld team paired the RF PA Extension Kit with RF Venue’s CP Stage Antenna, a compact circularly polarized antenna designed for demanding live production environments. According to Achille, the combination made setup particularly straightforward. “We paired the CP Stage Antenna with the RF PA Extension Kit, and the installation was seamless, genuinely plug-and-play,” he notes. “The CP Stage was compact and easy to deploy, and we were especially impressed with the range of the antennas.”

Because Monster Jam productions operate in demanding environments where equipment may be exposed to changing weather conditions, the outdoor-ready design of the system provided another important advantage. “Setup was straightforward, and the IP rating gave us real peace of mind for our outdoor event,” Achille says. “Knowing the system could handle exposure to the elements meant one less thing to worry about on site.”

Rice-Eccles Stadium also presented the team with a crowded RF environment. Working alongside several Shure PSM 1000 systems, RF Coordinator Powell was able to easily slot the RF PA Extension Kit into the production’s overall frequency plan as it operates in the less congested 470-to-506 MHz UHF band.

The Monster Jam deployment marked Feld Entertainment’s first experience with RF Venue products. The company worked directly with the RF Venue support team in selecting and deploying the solution, with the results opening the door to additional applications on future productions. For Feld Entertainment, the ability to establish remote PA positions without hundreds of feet of additional signal cable offers practical benefits that extend beyond a single event. By reducing cable infrastructure, the RF PA Extension Kit can help streamline load-in and deployment while providing production teams with greater flexibility in placing delay speakers and other remote PA elements throughout large venues. What’s more, the RF PA receiver units have up to 800 milliseconds of built-in digital delay to allow time alignment with the main PA’s propagation.

“The kit simplified our workflow considerably and saved us significant time,” Achille concluded. “Across the board, everyone involved was pleased with the results. Overall, we were extremely impressed with the performance of the system, and we’re excited about the possibilities it opens for our more complex projects going forward.”

Quick view:

• To support everything from corporate events to live music and celebrity DJ sets, Astys Audio Video installed a complete Optimal Audio loudspeaker system powered by LEA Professional Connect Series amplifiers, delivering even coverage, tonal balance, and high output without distortion.
• The venue’s audio network relies on Dante-enabled LEA Professional CS704D and CS1504D 4-channel amplifiers, providing up to 1500 watts per channel alongside onboard 96kHz DSP.
• To simplify staff operations, a wall-mounted Connect Series Touch PoE panel was installed, allowing venue employees to manage volume levels and select audio sources across individual zones effortlessly, ensuring the sound environment matches the venue's shift from relaxed dining to peak nightclub energy.

Located in Pune’s vibrant Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, F Lounge by FTV features a contemporary interior complemented by an expansive alfresco area, creating a dynamic environment that transitions effortlessly from daytime social gatherings to high-energy evening events. With dedicated VIP seating, a spacious dance floor, and flexible event spaces, the lounge accommodates a variety of experiences, from casual dining and corporate functions to live music performances and celebrity DJ appearances. LEA Professional was called up to provide a complete audio system design capable of serving multiple hospitality functions throughout the venue.

[A High-Tech Oasis Rising above Low-Tech Downtown Vegas]

The venue's owner, a seasoned international traveler with extensive exposure to premium hospitality experiences worldwide, had high standards for the audio system. One of the primary challenges was achieving consistent coverage and tonal balance throughout the space while maintaining the ability to deliver high output when needed. The venue ultimately selected a solution built around Optimal Audio loudspeakers powered by LEA Professional Connect Series amplifiers.

"The goal was to provide even, high-quality sound that could get loud without distortion while maintaining tonal balance throughout the venue," said Sparsh Basak, owner of Astys Audio Video . "LEA amplifiers stood out because of their power density, built-in DSP, loudspeaker presets, flexible control options, and overall sound quality and reliability."

Astys’s team installed several Dante-enabled Connect Series 704D and Connect Series 1504D amplifiers to power the nightclub. The CS704D is a 4-channel amplifier with 700 watts per channel, and the 4-channel CS1504D provides 1500 watts per channel. The Connect Series also includes 96kHz DSP as a standard feature, providing a range of benefits that greatly enhance audio performance and system versatility.

A Connect Series Touch PoE-powered wall controller was also installed to provide a tactile controller for the system. The wall-mounted, touch-enabled control panel is designed for simple and intuitive control of LEA amplifiers, including source selection and volume adjustments by individual zone.

Astys’s team utilized LEA’s free SharkWare software to configure a base profile and push it out to all the pre-staged LEA amplifiers. SharkWare includes amplifier grouping, offline design, granular user access control levels, locked speaker tunings, and a graphical EQ. SharkWare also allows users to monitor the status of every amplifier connected to the network, as well as the status and performance of individual channels. Additionally, with LEA Cloud, AV integrators like Astys can remotely control and monitor amplifiers from anywhere.

Today, the audio system at F Lounge delivers the premium experience envisioned by management, providing clear, balanced sound throughout the venue while maintaining the flexibility to support everything from relaxed dining periods to high-energy entertainment events.

What to know:

• Because concrete, glass, and ice create severe acoustic reflections, integrator Avonlyd utilized the arena's short throw distances and KV2 Audio’s precise directional control to keep audiences in the direct sound field, maximizing speech intelligibility without resorting to excessive volume.
• Avonlyd and KV2 Audio extensively mapped the venue using EASE and SketchUp software to test coverage, delay times, and speaker placement in advance.
• To avoid obstructing the existing central media cube, the team engineered a new steel suspension structure to hang an oval array of eight KV2 VHD4.18 subwoofers around the cube, complemented by 26 ESD12 full-range loudspeakers flown around the rink's perimeter.

Indoor ice hockey arena, Leangen Ishall (Arena) opened in 1977 and is home to Nidaros, one of Norway’s Elite Hockey League teams. The 3,000-capacity venue hosts competition matches, training sessions, and public skating events throughout the year. A recent renovation of the ice arena called for an audio upgrade, one that could deliver precise, intelligible sound across the venue. A new KV2 Audio system was selected to meet the challenge.

[Inspiration for Creating Immersive Experiences]

AV integration specialist Avonlyd AS designed and commissioned the upgrade that would fulfill the requirements of the venue. “The arena demanded a sound system capable of delivering exceptional speech intelligibility for announcements, high-quality music playback, and consistent coverage across audience seating areas,” said Edgar Andraa Lien, partner, founder, and sales director at Avonlyd. “Due to the inherently reverberant nature of an ice hockey arena, there were several acoustic challenges that we needed to overcome.”

The performance requirements were set by consulting engineers COWI, whose tender specified two demanding—and potentially conflicting—targets: high sound pressure level and a high Speech Transmission Index. Built from large concrete walls, exposed steelwork, and expansive reflective surfaces of glass and ice, Leangen Arena’s previous sound system struggled to overcome the long reverberation lines.

Avonlyd had been in contact with KV2 Audio from the early stages of this project, during which a core solution was developed by the two companies well in advance of the installation. Lien worked closely with Leo Tanzil, KV2’s technical support director and product specialist for APAC, throughout the design process, refining the EASE models and optimizing the loudspeaker design.

“Loudspeaker positioning, amplifier racks, cable routing, and mounting details were all digitally modeled to verify coverage, delay values, and predicted intelligibility,” Lien explained. “KV2 Audio’s comprehensive SketchUp library proved invaluable as it allowed every loudspeaker to be precisely integrated into the digital venue, giving us detailed data for coverage and intelligibility.”

Fredrik Haugdal and Øyvind Antonsen of COWI met with Avonlyd and KV2 Audio at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Barcelona. The consultants placed significant emphasis on simulation data, documentation, and design methodology, and the meeting gave Avonlyd the opportunity to present its EASE models, SketchUp drawings and the technical reasoning behind every major design decision.

“Meeting the consultants face to face at ISE was extremely valuable,” said Lien. “It allowed us to walk through the project together, explain our design philosophy and demonstrate how every engineering decision had been validated. Those discussions helped build confidence—not only in our approach, but in KV2 Audio as the right solution for the venue.”

An eight-piece subwoofer array system from KV2’s VHD Series and twenty-six ESD Series full-range loudspeakers were chosen to deliver power and clarity across the arena. “The original plan was to suspend the subwoofer cluster in the centre of the ice rink for low-frequency reinforcement, but a media cube was already suspended in this position to display scores and live match content to the audience,” he said. The digital EASE model had already allowed them to determine the optimum loudspeaker placement, leading to the installation of a completely new steel suspension structure around the media cube from which eight VHD4.18 subwoofers were deployed in an oval geometry that reflected the layout of the arena. Additionally, 26 ESD12 2-way, passive loudspeakers were flown around the perimeter of the ice rink, with four positioned along each short side and nine along each long side.

Since the installation, Leangen Arena has seen significant audio improvement during ice hockey matches and public skating events. KV2’s VHD and ESD Series deliver smooth, even full-range coverage across the seating areas, ensuring audiences hear all announcements and enjoy pristine music playback during matches, intervals, and public events.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was working with people who share the same engineering mindset,” concluded Lien. “KV2’s Leo Tanzil, Sascha Khelifa and Dominik Krampera were always available throughout the design and integration process, and this close collaboration ensured that every aspect of the system was carefully refined, from the earliest EASE model through to final optimization."

Quick view:

• The new 30,000-plus-square-foot facility replaces an aging infrastructure with high-performance Extron AV technology, enabling secure, real-time audio and video sharing across autopsy suites, observation areas, and training spaces.
• Utilizing Extron DTP matrix switchers, signal transmitters, and SMP 352 dual-channel recorders, the facility allows medical staff to view live procedures, capture high-definition recordings for case documentation, and streamline clinical and training workflows with simple TouchLink Pro control panels.
• Supported by Extron's extensive control driver library, the control processor coordinates PTZ cameras, microphones, displays, and an Extron ShareLink Pro wireless system alongside a Cisco Webex Codec, delivering unified, hybrid conferencing and remote collaboration across all facility spaces.

Extron AV technology has been deployed at the new Lubbock County Medical Examiner’s Office in Texas to enable secure, real-time communication between autopsy suites, observation areas, and training spaces. Designed by DataCom Design Group and installed by Moyers Group, the system supports clinical workflows, forensic accuracy, and training requirements across the 30,000-plus-square-foot facility.

[Integrators … Mount Up!]

Two independent AV systems, each centered on an Extron DTP CrossPoint matrix switcher, provide reliable routing of video and audio between spaces while allowing separate operation and controlled interconnection for live demonstrations and collaboration. The result is a flexible, standards-based AV environment that enables staff to view procedures in real time, communicate across rooms, and record sessions for later review.

“Extron allowed us to implement a robust yet flexible control system to give medical staff access to a wide range of AV technology,” said Nick Rogers, CTS programming and commissioning agent. “Extron excelled with a wide range of control drivers that allow simplified control and programming of third party devices such as conferencing codecs, microphones, displays, and PTZ cameras.”

Lubbock County needed clear audio and video between autopsy rooms, the special autopsy space, the viewing room, and the training conference room. Each space had different routing needs. The system had to send signals only to selected rooms. Staff wanted to see procedures in real time, record sessions, and review material without delays. They also needed simple controls for switching and monitoring.

The new facility introduced two separate AV environments with different roles. One covered the autopsy, observation, and circulation spaces, while the other served the training conference room. The county needed both to operate independently, yet still support direct communication between locations. A routing method was required to connect these systems without merging them.

Coordination with the IT department was important. The training room had to work with the county’s Cisco Webex Codec. This required careful planning. The codec needed to integrate with touchpanels, cameras, microphones, and local device inputs. Staff training also mattered. The system offered many options, so users needed to understand each function.

The system uses Extron DTP HDMI transmitters and receivers for signal extension, along with SMP 352 dual channel recorders to capture live procedures for documentation and training. A dedicated AV system in the training conference room integrates an Extron ShareLink Pro system for wired and wireless content sharing and connects to a Cisco Webex codec for real-time communication with the autopsy suite. Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanels and an IPCP Pro 255Q xi control processor provide intuitive system control, enabling staff to manage routing, camera feeds, audio, and recording with ease. The completed installation delivers a modern AV infrastructure that supports medical training, case review, and day-to-day operational needs while ensuring reliable, clear communication throughout the facility.

The county now has an AV environment that fits the clinical demands of the building. It supports training, case review, and communication. With their system design, and use of Extron technologies, the Moyers Group helped the medical examiner move from an aging facility to a modern space with reliable AV tools across all rooms.

Summary:

• FORM50 Fitness partnered with Pro Audio Design (PAD) to address room reverberation and echo.
• The installation pairs full-range DAS speakers for impactful, rhythmic bass with Symetrix audio processing.
• PAD delivered a seamless audio infrastructure, serving as a proven operational model and high-standard design blueprint for future FORM50 studios as the brand continues to expand.

FORM50 Fitness, a boutique reformer studio brand founded in 2018, combines streamlined strength training with Pilates-influenced precision movement to deliver full-body workouts centered on proper form and hands-on coaching. Following the success of her original location in Astoria, Queens, founder Monica Marder recognized that expanding the brand would require elevating the physical and acoustic environments of her spaces. To achieve a premium sonic atmosphere for her Brooklyn Heights studio, Marder partnered with Pro Audio Design (PAD).

[The Next Chapter of Pro AV]

In fitness environments, sound directly shapes the client's emotional and physical performance. While initial retail audio equipment provided sufficient volume, it lacked the vocal clarity necessary for instructors to deliver precise coaching safely without straining their voices. PAD approached the project holistically, combining customized acoustic treatment with high-performance audio hardware to solve the challenges common to long, reflective workout spaces.

The team addressed room reverberation while installing full-range DAS speakers to supply powerful, motivating low-end frequencies alongside clear high frequencies. To keep operations simple for instructors, PAD integrated Symetrix audio processing, which provides user-friendly volume control and feedback suppression without requiring complex technical adjustment.

"PAD’s specialized attention to our needs made a massive impact on this location.," Marder said. "They managed every stage of the project from design, to installation, to tuning, to calibration, and I felt confident at every step that we’d made the right investment."

By aligning high-end audio architecture with functional fitness design, the Brooklyn Heights location creates an immersive environment where music energizes participants while instruction remains effortlessly clear. The successful integration now serves as a blueprint for future FORM50 studios, giving leadership the operational confidence to expand the brand while maintaining high standards for client experience and instructor support.

“The studio is a completely seamless sonic environment to step into and it makes the instructor setup incredibly simple and easy to dial-in so they can focus on what matters most,” Marder concluded. “Being able to ensure that high-quality experience gives me a lot of relief and freedom to run the business. PAD was instrumental in ensuring that.”

Quick view:

• The space incorporates 38 Harman JBL Pro speakers—including 13 subwoofers and JBL-M2 master reference monitors—powered by Crown amplification, BSS digital signal processing, and a Dante network to deliver reference-grade accuracy and balanced imaging from the front to the back of the room.
• Unlike traditional loud venues or clinical recording studios, the lounge was developed in collaboration with ArchitectureWorks to feel like a comfortable living room.
• The custom audio infrastructure offers full operational versatility, distributing sound throughout the entire venue

An integral part of Birmingham’s Lakeview Marina District, the High Dive HiFi Lounge, places an emphasis on creating a space with exceptional audio fidelity. Founder Bart Stephens was focused on immersive group listening and feature top-notch HiFi systems.

[The Real Differentiators]

At the onset, Stephens wanted to develop a HiFi lounge that raised the bar on what was possible acoustically and sonically. This goal led him to Grammy and Emmy Award-winning producer and mixer Nathaniel Kunkel, of Studio Without Walls, who is a collaborator with Advanced Systems Group (ASG) and was lead systems designer for this project. Kunkel became the principal audio designer of High Dive Lounge, working closely with ASG and Jim Pace, president, audio intervisual design and VP/partner ASG, who led the overall initiative for ASG.

“Of all the projects I have designed playback systems for I must admit I am most proud of the system at the High Dive HiFi Lounge," Kunkel said. "The systems perform at the highest level in so many respects. The imaging from room front to room rear, balance of reverb time to absorption, flexibility of format capability, system linearity, environmental comfort, and lastly, sheer power, make this a place to experience music with others that is truly unparalleled.”

With Kunkel and acoustician Jeff Minnich of Valencia Technical Consulting, both long-time ASG collaborators, the team handled all the acoustical design, equipment selection, sale and delivery, plus stayed in consistent dialog with Stephens from the concept stages until completion.

Like a recording studio, the architecture and interiors are designed to keep the room quiet and the music crystal clear. Music is played at the lounge all day and night with levels low enough for conversation. Nowhere in the space is acoustically challenged, and when it’s time for the full experience, “Even if you sit in the far back, it’s still going to thump,” said Pace. “There are eight, 12-inch subwoofers in the ceiling alone.”

The ASG audio team worked in close collaboration with Bruce Lanier and his team at ArchitectureWorks to ensure the mechanical and electrical design performed and looked as good as the owner wanted.

“The room is designed to feel comfortable, more like a living room than a recording studio,” explained Lanier. “There was an intentional effort to keep an emphasis on things like good daylighting, honest materials, and thoughtful details throughout the process—even as we were working to incorporate high performance audio systems and acoustical design.”

The selection of speakers was critical in achieving Stephen’s goal of having optimized sound. High Dive has 38 Harman JBL Pro speakers, including 13 subwoofers. “The JBL-M2 master reference monitors continue to fill a performance threshold for rooms of this size," said Pace. "The BSS processing mates with these and the entire Harman network is Dante capable, as are the amplifiers. Speakers are in the ceilings, in the bathrooms.”

By integrating JBL Professional studio monitors with BSS processing, Crown amplification, and a Dante network extending to outdoor and ancillary spaces, High Dive HiFi Lounge delivers reference‑level accuracy alongside the scale and impact required for live performance. "It’s a system designed entirely around listening quality, without sacrificing operational flexibility,” concluded Chris Hansen, director, recording and broadcast, Harman International.

ViewSonic is not going to like me for saying this, but its new VG1457 14-inch dual-screen portable monitor is not for everyone. However, for those of you who can truly use it, I’m betting it’ll become invaluable in short order.

Flexibility is the main appeal for the VG1457. You've got two screens that can be used to make one big display or two identical versions of your current display or even show content from two sources at once. There's even built-in Auto Pivot, so the orientation adjusts to how you've positioned the unit.

The VG1457 ships with two USB-C cables, a power supply, and a nifty sleeve that provides a little extra protection during transport. You can also cut out a portion of the packaging and create a small case for the cables and power supply.

Each 16:10 LED panel features 1,920x1,200 pixels, so they are basically Full HD but taller (WUXGA, technically speaking). In other words, they don't hold a candle to the ViewSonic VG3456C 34-inch curved ultra-wide monitor on my desk. Then again, my desktop monitor isn't going with me to sales meetings (or anywhere else). But I don't want to undersell these panels—they are bright with an anti-glare surface, 8-bit color, and 800:1 contrast ratio—and should deliver at least 15,000 hours of use.

You've got three USB-C ports on the adjustable integrated kickstand (please, don't kick it). The top port (C1) is dedicated to the top display (when the unit is completely unfolded), while the middle port (C2) provides access to both displays and audio output. C2 is the default main input signal when both ports are in use and the one I mostly used during testing. The bottom port (C3) is strictly for monitor power. Bonus feature: Plug in the included power adapter into either C1 or C2 and it can charge a device plugged into the other port.

Also on the kickstand is a four-button stack, a tactile control panel for navigating a handful of small, on-screen menus. I probably should have read the directions, but I just went right into it.

Turns out it’s a very intuitive way to customize your panels. The top two buttons are up and down, while the bottom two buttons are OK and back. From here, you can change inputs, adjust the volume and image brightness, and modify how sources are displayed. Download ViewSonic's vDisplay Manager software for even easier on-screen display adjustments.

The bottom button also doubles as the power button, and there's a small power indicator light next to it. While it's best to plug in the VG1457, it can also work off your laptop’s battery. That said, it chewed up battery power very quickly, so I’d argue against relying on external battery power unless you have the world’s shortest presentation.

We finish our tour of the kickstand with two 2-watt speakers, positioned above the ports and the buttons. They sound exactly how you think low-power speakers on a monitor kickstand would sound—think entry-level speakerphone, not high fidelity. Sadly, there is no EQ or other adjustments for the speakers, only volume.

If you're like me and work with a wider desktop monitor, going back to a smaller laptop screen can be … an adjustment. The VG1457 provides a bigger canvas (comparable to a 19-inch monitor) than most laptops when you set it to Full Screen mode, albeit with about a 1-inch bezel in the middle. You can set horizontally, as usual, or vertically for more of a portrait approach to your computer workspace. If you have a compact laptop, this monitor is a godsend. Just be sure your ports are positioned upward when you use the kickstand to avoid cable kinks.

There are three other display modes. Mirror, as you'd expect, mirrors your laptop display, while Extend gives a wide view across all three. There's also Dual Source, which allows you to dedicate each panel to a separate device—not a universal need, but could be very handy in some scenarios.

Mirror mode is where the VG1457 really shines. Not every presentation happens in a conference room, and not every room has easy access to a projector or even a large-screen TV. But you can fold the VG1457 so it resembles an A-frame, which activates what ViewSonic calls Share Mode. That means meeting participants on both sides of the table can see your presentation clearly, while you navigate from your laptop at the head of the table.

Available for about $350, ViewSonic is clearly targeting "road warriors" with the VG1457, be they sales associates, consultants, or other frequent travellers. The well-built unit weighs less than 3 pounds but folds up neatly for easy transport, and punches above its weight for flexible presentations and oversized screen real estate. Again, I understand the VG1457 does not address a universal Pro AV need—but if you have the need, it’s definitely going to be a want.

Almost 20 years ago, when I was deeply invested in the sustainability proposition and the emerging world of green building, I read a book with a title that is difficult to ignore for anyone in the AV integration space: Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets.

Written by Barry LePatner, the book examined why construction projects so often produced familiar poor outcomes: cost overruns, delays, disputes, compromised results, and frustrated owners. Sound familiar?

The book was published in 2007, long before the current AI moment, and certainly was not about hybrid work, intelligent buildings, adaptive collaboration environments, or the future of the modern workplace.

Yet what it triggered in me at the time has stayed with me since, and feels even more relevant today. The way we go about building something is as important as the thing we intend to build.

When a process is fragmented, information is incomplete, incentives are misaligned, and accountability is divided, disappointing outcomes should not always be treated as isolated failures. They may actually be the predictable product of the system used to create them.

That principle has particular relevance for the AV and collaboration industry because we have long occupied an unusual position between two worlds. Our value is increasingly shaped by the digital environment: software, platforms, data, user experience, and now intelligence. Yet our systems and delivery model remain highly embedded within the physical environment, dependent upon walls, ceilings, furniture, cabling, acoustics, lighting, power, and construction schedules.

Despite years of discussion about AV and IT convergence, the physical side of that equation has continued to dominate how our environments are delivered. AV is still largely funded, designed, procured, installed, commissioned, and handed over through workflows inherited from a project-centric construction model.

That model was/is not designed around the continuous adaptability, shared outcomes, and ongoing learning realities of today. It was designed to define what largely static physical structures would be built, divide that answer into scopes, allocate risk, control change, and eventually reach completion. Because AV was so closely integrated into that process, we inherited much of the same inertia, fragmentation, and accountability challenges.

Interconnected Environments

As collaboration outcomes become more dependent on the speed and agility of digital capability, what was once an awkward tension risks becoming a foundational constraint.

The workplace is becoming one interconnected environment, whether our organizational structures are ready for it or not. Physical space, workplace applications, collaboration platforms, occupancy data, identity, employee experience, organizational policy, and eventually AI-enabled contextual intelligence are all becoming increasingly interdependent.

That means more stakeholders in the build process, greater consequence to the decisions each makes, more complexity across the lifecycle, and much less certainty about what future users and workflows will require.

In other words, we are taking a delivery model that was already struggling with fragmentation, information asymmetry, and divided accountability, then asking it to absorb more participants, faster change, greater integration, and far less visibility into the future.

The book does not provide a contemporary blueprint for solving that challenge. But it offers a valuable diagnosis of the familiar model we still work within, and an invitation to recognize why simply forcing more technology and complexity into it will not produce a fundamentally different outcome.

That is why the traditional reliance on defining project-centric scope upfront deserves much greater scrutiny.

Rethinking Scope

Our procurement models typically begin by trying to define the answer. Requirements are established, translated into specifications, divided between disciplines, priced, contracted, and then managed against the original definition. Commercial accountability depends upon the assumption that the intended result can be understood with enough confidence at the beginning.

For physical construction, much of that discipline will always be necessary. Buildings require plans, budgets, sequencing, code compliance, and contractual clarity.

But the modern workplace presents a different challenge. Organizations are still being asked to define long-term requirements when their visibility into future need is shrinking. AI is changing interfaces, workflows, support models, collaboration patterns, and the role of the workplace itself. Capabilities that might seem experimental if not futuristic when a project begins may become commonplace before the initial deployment reaches completion.

The more intelligent and adaptive the workplace becomes, the less credible it is to believe that all meaningful value can be specified at the outset.

That does not mean scope disappears. It means scope cannot continue to be treated as a complete and static answer.

A tightly defined scope may provide immediate commercial certainty while simultaneously constraining future opportunity. It can reward delivery of what was understood yesterday while leaving no one responsible for what becomes possible tomorrow. The conventional process seeks to eliminate uncertainty, yet the future workplace must embrace the opportunity of uncertainty and a capacity to learn and adapt to whatever the future holds.

There are no quick or easy answers to this new reality. But I believe there are two practical directions end-user leaders can begin pursuing today: reconsider how the workplace itself is designed, and challenge whether the procurement and accountability models around it are capable of supporting that design.

A Layered Approach to Design

The first direction begins with recognizing that the workplace is not a single system operating to a single lifecycle. It is an interconnected environment spanning infrastructure, hardware, digital capability, and contextual intelligence. Each layer changes at a different speed and should be considered accordingly.

The infrastructure layer includes the structure, power, pathways, network cabling, acoustics, mounting provisions, furniture, environmental systems, and other relatively permanent characteristics of the space. It moves slowly, lasts a long time, and is disruptive and expensive to change. Its role should be to provide a resilient foundation without unnecessarily predetermining what must sit above it.

The hardware layer includes cameras, microphones, displays, loudspeakers, sensors, control devices, local compute, networking equipment, and other physical technology endpoints. Hardware may be digitally upgradeable, but it remains constrained by its processing power, memory, optics, connectivity, inputs, outputs, sensors, and physical architecture.

The digital layer is the software and data environment that activates and connects that hardware. It includes operating software, collaboration platforms, applications, control logic, identity, APIs, integrations, analytics, cloud services, and management platforms. This is where capability becomes far more agile, but only to the extent that the infrastructure and hardware beneath it allow.

Finally, the emerging contextual intelligence layer interprets who is gathering, why they are gathering, what they are trying to achieve, what has happened previously, which constraints or preferences matter, and how the environment might respond. It connects real-time signals, organizational knowledge, history, individual needs, and human purpose to create a more relevant and adaptive experience.

The practical principle is that each slower-moving layer should create permission for the faster-moving layer above it to evolve, rather than predetermining its limits.

That offers end-user leaders a different way to think about scope today. Does the largely static infrastructure simply support the current equipment list, or does it preserve future flexibility? Does the hardware only meet today’s specification, or can it support new software capabilities as they emerge? Is the digital architecture open and integrated enough to enable future intelligence? Are we imagining contextual experiences while making foundational decisions that may prevent them?

These are not abstract future questions. They belong in current design and governance conversations.

Moving Toward Shared Accountability

But layered design alone is not enough. A workplace may be architected for evolution and still be pulled back toward a static answer by the procurement model through which it is delivered.

That is the second practical direction for change.

A process built around tightly defined upfront scope, fragmented contracts, lowest initial cost, and responsibility that largely ends at handover will naturally reinforce the very outcomes we are trying to move beyond. It encourages each participant to optimize their own deliverable, even when the employee ultimately experiences the result as one integrated workplace.

Specification accountability remains necessary, but it is no longer sufficient. The future workplace requires greater shared accountability for how the combined environment performs, adapts, and creates value across its lifecycle.

That does not mean every partner can guarantee every workplace outcome. Collaboration quality, employee behaviour, organizational culture, and business performance will never sit entirely within the control of an architect, consultant, integrator, or technology provider.

But partners can be held accountable for their contribution to those outcomes. They can help establish the original assumptions, identify how their decisions enable or constrain the intended experience, remain involved in measuring performance, and participate in refining the environment as needs and capabilities change.

That is very different from completing a project, signing off the scope, and transferring responsibility to an operational team. It treats the workplace not as a static collection of assets, but as an organizational capability that should improve over time.

Many AV and workplace technology leaders may reasonably feel they have limited authority over these wider processes. Construction may sit with real estate. Procurement may be centralized. Workplace policy may belong to HR. AI governance may reside elsewhere in the enterprise.

But leadership has rarely been defined by remaining comfortably within an established lane. It often begins with recognizing that the existing lanes no longer serve an outcome for which you carry some responsibility.

Catalyzing Integrated Processes

This is not about AV leaders claiming ownership of the entire workplace. It is about becoming catalysts for a more integrated process: connecting physical decisions to future digital consequences, bringing the right stakeholders together before major constraints are locked in, and asking how success will be judged across the lifecycle rather than only at commissioning.

It means pursuing two connected propositions.

Design the workplace for evolution.

Procure the partnerships and accountability that allow it to evolve.

Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets was a catalyst for this reflection because it challenged the idea that flawed outcomes are always caused by the failure of individual participants. Sometimes capable people working within a flawed structure will continue to produce flawed outcomes.

For the collaboration industry, that is not only a lesson from the past. It is a warning about the future.

We cannot seek to procure tomorrow’s intelligent workplace through yesterday’s construction workflow.

We may not yet know the specific technologies, capabilities, or experiences that will define that future. But we do not need to wait for those answers before beginning the work. The practical path available today is to rethink the foundations we design and the models through which we procure, operate, and remain accountable for them, so that future change becomes something the workplace is prepared to embrace rather than something it is structured to resist.

Sonos has introduced a new multichannel streaming amplifier engineered to bring high-level flexibility and scalability to professional integrators. Built specifically to handle large, open-concept floor plans, the new Amp Multi solution expands the Sonos experience into high-density systems without adding friction for installers.

[The Real Differentiators]

Designed to address evolving space layouts, Amp Multi features eight amplified outputs delivering 125 watts each at 8 ohms. Integrators can assign any output to any of up to four independent zones, with the capacity to drive up to 24 Sonos Architectural speakers per unit or scale up by combining multiple units.

At the hardware level, the device utilizes a GaN power architecture paired with Class-D post-filter feedback (PFFB). This combination ensures high dynamic accuracy while maximizing thermal efficiency, enabling fanless, silent operation that maintains long-term stability without dust buildup or thermal stress.

Amp Multi offers workflow efficiency for professionals at every stage of a project. Physical installation is streamlined by a flat-back design, recessed connectors, and a 1.5U chassis paired with a dedicated 2U Rack Mount requiring just eight screws. The mounting system automatically creates spacing for passive ventilation, eliminating the need for separate vent panels and maintaining clean cable routing. For setup, each unit emits a unique audible chirp triggered via the Sonos app, allowing technicians to identify hardware in equipment racks instantly without manual PIN entry.

For system calibration, Sonos introduces ProTune, a manual sound optimization tool. ProTune grants granular acoustic control over each output using a 10-band parametric EQ, gain adjustments, stereo width control, and delay offset to solve challenging room geometry. Additionally, the integrated Optimize Sonos Speakers feature applies targeted DSP profiles specifically calibrated for Sonos Architectural hardware.

By merging custom integration workflows with the approachable control of the Sonos app, Amp Multi allows integrators to build robust, scalable systems that adapt to changing project needs while delivering clean, reliable multi-room audio.

Summary:

• Highmark Mann Center completed major venue upgrades—including a new L-Acoustics sound system—to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
• The new L2D speaker system fixes long-standing coverage gaps, giving lawn and terrace audience members the same high-fidelity sound quality as those sitting inside the main pavilion.
• By using Soundvision prediction software and L2D directional control, the venue can project full, powerful sound to the back edge of the lawn without spilling over into the adjacent Parkside neighborhood.

Philadelphia’s Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1976 as the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Fifty years later, the venue draws more than 400,000 visitors annually to Fairmount Park. Ahead of its milestone anniversary, Highmark Mann underwent extensive upgrades, including a new backstage facility, the Skyline Stage, a reimagined plaza, and an innovative L-Acoustics L2D audio system.

[Colorado's Historic Fox Theatre Modernizes Audio]

When VP and general manager Evan Rogers joined Highmark Mann five years ago, he audited the legacy sound system and consulted touring crews, peer venue operators, and major promoters. Discovering that nine out of 10 incoming productions requested L-Acoustics, Highmark Mann partnered with local certified provider Bauder Audio Systems. By the end of this summer season, major acts had (or will have, with a few weeks to go) utilized the new setup.

The venue seats 4,500 under the TD Pavilion roof, 2,000 in the Connelly Terrace, and over 6,000 on the Great Lawn. Delivering premium sound to lawn patrons while mitigating noise pollution in the adjacent Parkside residential neighborhood presented a core challenge. Highmark Mann mirrors other urban venues like the Hollywood Bowl, where boundary control is essential. Following a successful demo in late 2025, four compact L2D enclosures were flown above the lawn at pre-existing delay points in mid-May.

Despite using only four hang points, the L2D array delivers exceptional output. Each unit houses 20 transducers powered by an LA7.16i amplified controller, replacing the need for 24 conventional boxes. Powered by Progressive Ultra-Dense Line Source (PULS) technology, the system maintains a coherent wavefront across long distances, ensuring pristine audio clarity for patrons sitting at the very back of the lawn.

Additionally, the L2D system addresses previous sound coverage gaps in the Connelly Terrace. Its 60-degree progressive vertical directivity and cardioid design allow the lower modules to cover near-field terrace seating while upper drivers push sound to the lawn edge. The system debuted on June 13 for a performance by Bleachers, delivering full-range audio across the entire lawn without requiring supplementary delay hangs.

Using L-Acoustics Soundvision CAD software, Bauder Audio Systems predicted exact sound coverage and containment before installation. The precise directivity allows Highmark Mann to deliver high-fidelity concert sound while respecting its surrounding community.

“L-Acoustics and Bauder have been right here with us all along during this upgrade, and it really feels like a very successful partnership," Rogers said. "That’s not always the case when you’re dealing with vendors that are just pushing the next sale. The most important thing is that sense of engagement, of being connected to what’s happening inside the pavilion, and our new system truly delivers that.”

Absen has unveiled its new LR V3 Series. This transparent LED display solution is engineered for the demands of touring, festivals, and large-scale live events. Designed to move efficiently from one production to the next, LR V3 combines creative versatility, lightweight construction and streamlined deployment to give rental companies, production teams and designers greater flexibility from load-in through showtime.

[Video Wall Brings MLK’s Vision to Life at Atlanta's King Center]

“Today’s touring professionals need technology that gives them more creative options without adding unnecessary complexity to the production,” said Emily Chan, president Absen. “With LR V3, our focus is on giving crews and designers a platform that can adapt to the stage, move efficiently from show to show and deliver the performance audiences expect.”

At the center of LR V3’s creative capabilities are adaptive louvers that allow the display to transition from transparent to solid stage visuals with a single touch. Combined with curved configurations, mixed-panel connections, and 90-degree L-shaped applications, LR V3 gives production designers greater freedom to integrate LED into the overall stage environment and create structures beyond conventional flat displays.

Touring equipment needs to perform night after night while keeping crew requirements, transportation and changing production configurations in mind. LR V3 is available in three lightweight cabinet sizes: 39.37×19.69×3.15 inches, 19.69×39.37×3.15 inches, and 39.37×39.37×3.78 inches (1000 × 1000 × 96 mm). The lightweight design, combined with a pre-lock system, supports one-person handling and installation to help crews move more efficiently during setup.

LR V3 is also designed for outdoor production environments, with water-resistant modules, power boxes, and cables providing additional protection for demanding live event applications. LR V3 gives production teams multiple ways to build beyond a traditional flat LED wall. Dual horizontal curve locks support angle adjustments from -7.5 degrees to +10 degrees, giving designers the ability to create curved display configurations while maintaining secure cabinet connections.

A 45-degree dual-edge design on both sides of the cabinet also enables 90-degree L-shaped displays, opening additional possibilities for dimensional stage structures and scenic integration. For touring and festival productions, efficiency extends beyond the build itself. LR V3 incorporates retractable positioning pins for efficient on-site maintenance, along with quick maintenance access for modules and power boxes.

Together, LR V3’s lightweight construction, installation features, maintenance access, and transportation systems are designed to reduce handling demands and help rental and staging teams keep equipment moving efficiently from one production to the next.

Today, a Pro AV integrator that started in a small city in North Dakota back in 1974 has expanded its global footprint in a big way. FORTÉ, which recently announced plans to separate from GPA at the end of the year, has acquired Vega Global, a systems integrator with a significant presence across the APAC region.

FORTÉ acquired the international company through Chicago-based Baird Capital, which acquired a majority stake in Vega back in 2020. Terms of the acquisition between the two private companies were not disclosed. Jeff Stoebner, chairman and CEO of FORTÉ, told SCN that while the company remains committed to its local and regional customers, this move "accelerates our ambition of being as close to our global customers as possible."

With the acquisition, FORTÉ now has team members in more than 20 countries and offers AV solutions and managed services in more than 70 major markets. Based in Minneapolis, FORTÉ is already established in Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, in addition to 42 office locations in the United States. Now, it adds offices in Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

Vega brings more than 750 employees to FORTÉ, growing the company's workforce by roughly 50%. According to Stoebner, plans call for adding more technicians to Vega operations in the near future. "I'm excited about growing a global brand," he added.

Eventually, Vega will adopt the FORTÉ brand. However, Stoebner expects it will likely take close to a year to change the name. During the transition, it will be known as Vega Global, A FORTÉ Company. Steven Medeiros, who currently leads Vega, will remain with the company as CEO of FORTÉ Asia.

Stoebner said FORTÉ specifically targeted Vega because the company is "growing nicely in a market that is growing nicely." He said the APAC region will generate close to $200 million in Pro AV business this year, and Vega has been growing at a rate of 14% CAGR.

When it comes to multinational customers, Stoebner said the questions are less about the technology or even the price. Instead, it's about coverage. "We're working to build the answer for that type of customer, the global customer," he said.

While cloud-based solutions and AI are certainly impacting Pro AV deployments, Stoebner argued most of the customer investment is still in hardware. "There's a physical nature to what we do," he explained. "There's a lot of hardware … and that hardware requires technicians to integrate and support. What’s been true for a long time is you have to have people, trucks, and tools as close to the customer as possible."

With the Vega acquisition, FORTÉ is building a model where it can better manage the quality of its global delivery of services. Stoebner said the company learned a lot from its partnership with GPA over the past six years—but now it's focused on applying that knowledge and investing in its own infrastructure.

"We want to enhance the customer experience end-to-end under the FORTÉ brand," Stoebner added. "This acquisition is not the end of our journey, but it is another important milestone."

Quick view:

• The merger brings together two software platforms, offering a complete portfolio that covers every business stage. The company will maintain all three existing products—Portal.io for quick client-facing proposals, D-Tools Cloud for end-to-end operational management, and D-Tools System Integrator (SI) for large-scale enterprise deployments.
• Integrators will see no immediate changes to their everyday workflows, software access, pricing terms, or support teams.
• By merging their massive manufacturer and distributor data repositories, the combined company creates a comprehensive product catalog and shared AI innovation.

D-Tools and Portal.io have merged, a move that unites two widely used software platforms serving commercial, residential, and security AV professionals. Together, the companies give integrators a portfolio of purpose-built products that scale with their business, from proposal through enterprise deployment.

[Diversified's New Global Managed Services Practice, and More People Movers and Partnerships]

For nearly three decades, D-Tools has been an anchor platform for the integration industry, building the breadth and scale integration businesses need to bring structure, accuracy, and control to their operations across sales, system design, engineering, project management, and procurement. Portal.io has spent 15 years understanding how dealers sell and turning that insight into an intuitive proposal and catalog experience.

The two companies have been partners for more than a decade, since Portal.io’s managed product catalog was first integrated into D-Tools SI. Bringing the organizations together reflects a recognition that integrators are better served by one team investing in the tools they depend on every day than by two teams solving the same problems twice. The acquisition was announced in August.

For customers, there is no forced migration and no plans to end-of-life any product currently offered. Rather than force every customer into a single system, D-Tools and Portal.io will continue to support each platform while working with integrators to match the right software to their needs.

G Paul Hess continues as CEO, while Kirk Chisholm, founder and CEO of Portal.io, joins as chief product officer, with responsibility for product vision and strategy across the portfolio. Josh Willits, Portal.io’s COO, will serve as head of Portal.io, continuing to lead the Portal business unit.

"Putting our two teams together is a real chance to shape where this industry goes and to build what dealers have always wanted," Chisholm said. "In a world of AI, an integrator should be able to run their entire business on software that is powerful, beautiful, and intuitive all at once. If you had to handpick two companies to deliver on that, it would be D-Tools and Portal.io. That is the company I want to build, and it is why I am excited to take on product for the combined organization.”

Details:

• Transformation Church deployed a comprehensive Riedel Communications system across its three-story venue to support a high-volume digital ministry reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers.
• The new ecosystem eliminated previous system bottlenecks by providing full-facility wireless coverage, crystal-clear audio that reduces listening fatigue, and per-source volume control for custom audio mixes.
• Color-coded SmartPanels and intuitive software made configuration easy enough to delegate to line techs, while direct, proactive support from Riedel ensured a seamless, reliable operation for the production crew.

Transformation Church is a digital ministry which has deployed a comprehensive communications infrastructure built around the Riedel Communications Artist intercom ecosystem. Reaching tens of thousands of concurrent viewers live and hundreds of thousands more online, the church requires flawless real-time communication among directors, camera operators, lighting teams, audio engineers, stage managers, and broadcast staff. As production scale increased, the church’s previous setup operated at its absolute limits, prompting the move toward a more flexible, reliable, and scalable matrix system.

[The Integration Guide to House of Worship]

Designed and deployed by system integrator Diversified in collaboration with the church's internal technical team, the new communications network spans Transformation Church’s expansive three-story facility. The venue features a 3,000-seat auditorium, production control rooms, media studios, meeting areas, and children's ministry spaces. At the core of the deployment is an Artist-1024 intercom matrix, supported by more than 50 Bolero wireless beltpacks distributed across 39 antennas, over 40 1200 Series SmartPanels in 1RU and 2RU configurations, and more than 90 Riedel headsets in PRO and AIR variants.

The immediate improvement in audio clarity drastically reduced listening fatigue for crew members working long production days. Staff members no longer need to run beltpack volumes at maximum levels just to understand cues. Additionally, the Bolero wireless ecosystem provides complete, uninterrupted coverage throughout the entire building—including elevators and exterior areas—allowing staff to roam freely without losing connectivity. Beltpacks also leverage Bluetooth pairing, enabling hosts and operators to handle personal calls or IFB monitoring through a single headset without switching devices mid-show.

The addition of SmartPanels streamlined day-to-day operations through intuitive, color-coded interfaces that allow users to easily distinguish channels, groups, and priority feeds. Unlike the church's previous party-line setup, the Artist matrix provides per-source volume control, allowing back-end level adjustments for individual users without affecting the entire team. This ease of configuration enabled production leaders to delegate daily communications management to dedicated technical staff, freeing executive directors to focus entirely on show execution.

"We like to say we're a content house packaged as a local church. Everything we do is a coordinated effort — whether it's video, lighting, audio, stage management, or cameras — communication touches every part of the production," Tyler Tritten, technical director at Transformation Church. "The flexibility and reliability of the system make it easier for our teams to stay connected and focused on what they're doing.”

Beyond hardware capabilities, the direct partnership with Riedel Communications proved invaluable. Proactive manufacturer support, including unprompted site visits from sales engineers to resolve minor technical issues on the spot, established a high level of trust. By integrating Riedel's scalable Artist matrix and Bolero wireless infrastructure, Transformation Church built a robust, future-proof platform capable of supporting its expanding production demands and global digital ministry.

Details:

• Z2 Entertainment kept the Fox Theatre's 30-plus year old outdoor PA system instead of replacing it, refurbishing the speaker enclosures to maintain the venue's visual and acoustic identity.
• Lux AVL replaced the failing, power-hungry original amplifiers with compact Powersoft X Series units.
• The upgrade eliminated technical failures and added modern digital control (via Dante and ArmoníaPlus).

The Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO, managed by independent venue group Z2 Entertainment, is historic live-music hall that balances heritage with the technical demands of modern touring productions. Over the years, Z2 Entertainment built its reputation on preserving classic rooms while updating crucial infrastructure to deliver consistent performance for visiting artists and sound engineers. However, balancing preservation with modern expectations often brings unique technical challenges.

Powersoft answered those challenges, helping to modernize the Boulder classic.

[The Next Chapter of Pro AV]

When recurring amplifier failures threatened live performances at the Fox Theatre, Z2 Entertainment brought in Lux AVL to diagnose the issues and implement a reliable, long-term solution without altering the venue’s iconic acoustic character. The source of both the challenge and the charm lay in the venue’s legacy loudspeaker system. Originating from large-scale outdoor events across Colorado during the 1990s, the system was later repurposed for permanent installation inside the Fox Theatre. Rather than replacing these historic enclosures, Z2 Entertainment chose to refurbish their internal components. This decision preserved a piece of local audio history, but it introduced severe technical constraints. The power-hungry PA required multi-channel amplification and substantial wattage for every single cabinet.

Beyond resolving reliability concerns, Z2 Entertainment wanted to optimize its physical layout. The technical team aimed to relocate the heavy amplifier equipment off the stage area and into a compact loft space. This shift freed up valuable stage footprint for touring productions, but required a high-power system with an extraordinarily small footprint and lower electrical draw.

To solve this spatial and electrical puzzle, Lux AVL selected Powersoft’s X Series amplifier platform, integrating a mix of X8, X4, and X4L models. Designed for demanding touring and installed sound environments, the X Series consolidates amplification and advanced loudspeaker management into a single lightweight chassis. By combining high channel density with internal DSP, routing, and matrix capabilities, the new platform allowed the engineering team to consolidate the entire drive system into a drastically smaller rack. Ethernet connectivity, three-phase power supplies, and redundant signal paths—utilizing both Dante and analog inputs—ensured rock-solid stability during live shows.

Altogether, the installation included four Powersoft X8 units, one Powersoft X4L, and one Powersoft X4, all featuring integrated DSP and Dante connectivity, alongside eight B&C Speakers 18SW115 drivers. The hardware is housed in a Middle Atlantic BGR-25SA-32LRD rack equipped with a Middle Atlantic FAN2-DC-FC cooling unit and two custom-labeled Lux AVL keystone patch bays. Network infrastructure and signal routing are managed via two NETGEAR switches: an MSM4214X-100EUS and a GSM4212P-100NAS.

Additionally, the integration of Powersoft’s ArmoníaPlus software platform provided Z2 Entertainment’s technical staff with intuitive control, remote Wi-Fi monitoring, and streamlined workflows consistent with modern touring standards. The result is a seamless hybrid: historic enclosures driven by state-of-the-art power and processing.

“They walk into the room and it still feels like an old club," Wessley Stern, director of operations for Lux AVL, concluded. "But when you turn it up, it sounds like a modern system, and that’s exactly what they were aiming for.”

Since commissioning, the upgraded system has operated with total stability, eliminating past component failures while delivering exceptional clarity and headroom. By pairing refurbished vintage speakers with cutting-edge amplification, Z2 Entertainment and Lux AVL extended the life of a legacy audio system, demonstrating how smart technical choices can keep historic, independent venues modern, competitive, and true to their roots.

SCN: How long have you been with this company, and what are your responsibilities?

Curtis Heath: I have been with Guitar Center for almost five years. My responsibility is to lead our B2B platform, which includes Audio Visual Design Group (AVDG), Guitar Center Professional (GC Pro), and Custom House at Guitar Center, bringing together Pro AV, pro audio, systems integration, managed services, and high-end music solutions for corporate, education, hospitality, houses of worship, venue, stadium, and entertainment clients.

SCN: Does your integrator business, AVDG, have any overlap with your music-based brands?

CH: Yes, but the overlap is strategic rather than transactional. AVDG is a true Pro AV integrator focused on complex systems integration, corporate AV, higher education, healthcare, stadiums, and large-scale environments. GC Pro and Custom House are more rooted in pro audio, music gear, studios, venues, artist relations (artists, engineers, producers, etc.), and entertainment spaces. Where the overlap becomes powerful is when a client needs more than one capability. A stadium, for example, may need integrated AV infrastructure from AVDG, musical instruments and backline from Guitar Center, and high-end audio or artist-facing support from Custom House. That combination is very unique in the marketplace.

SCN: As an integrator, how do you find that sweet spot between technology and simplicity for corporate AV?

CH: The sweet spot starts with people. In my opinion, talent and culture are the real differentiators in any AV company. The gear matters, but the gear is secondary to the people designing it, engineering it, installing it, programming it, supporting it, and helping the client understand how to use it. In corporate AV, the goal is not to impress the client with complexity. The goal is to create rooms, systems, and experiences that feel intuitive, reliable, and consistent. The best corporate AV environments are often the ones where the technology almost disappears. That only happens when you have a team culture that is focused on listening first to the client's needs and goals, solving the actual business problem, and thinking through the experience from the client’s point of view.

SCN: Which markets are showing the most growth?

CH: We are seeing strong momentum in corporate, higher education, healthcare, legal, stadiums and venue work, and AI-related clients. Corporate AV continues to evolve as companies rethink collaboration spaces, executive briefing centers, hybrid meeting environments, and return-to-office expectations. Higher education remains a strong vertical because campuses are continuously modernizing. Stadiums and entertainment venues are also showing real growth because venues are no longer just designed around one primary event. The AI vertical (our largest) is especially interesting. They need AV environments that can keep pace with their growth, and they often value partners who can move with urgency while still maintaining discipline and quality.

SCN: How important is AVaaS to AVDG, and is demand increasing for managed services?

CH: AVaaS is important, and I do believe it will continue to become more relevant in our industry. That said, the reality is that many clients still budget and operate through a traditional CapEx model, especially when it comes to larger AV investments. That makes AVaaS a real opportunity, but also one that will take time to fully mature. We are seeing momentum, but education is still a big part of the process. For AVDG, the direction is clear: We want AVaaS to work, and we believe it can create value for both the client and the integrator. But we also have to meet clients where they are today.

SCN: How is AVDG helping its clients with cybersecurity?

CH: Cybersecurity has become critical. AV systems are no longer isolated pieces of hardware sitting in a room. They are networked systems, often connected to enterprise infrastructure, cloud platforms, user devices, cameras, microphones, control systems, and remote management tools. That means AV integrators have to think more like technology partners. We need to work closely with the client’s IT and security teams, follow network standards, document systems properly, and make sure the solutions we deploy do not create unnecessary risk. AVDG helps clients by designing with security in mind from the beginning. The best cybersecurity approach is not something added at the end of a project. It has to be part of the design, deployment, and support model.

SCN: Do AVDG’s customers have a clear vision for how they want to use AI in their projects?

CH: Some do, but many are still trying to define what practical AI means inside their environments. There is a lot of excitement around AI, but the clearest use cases right now tend to be around productivity, automation, analytics, meeting intelligence, support, and better user experiences. In Pro AV, I think the near-term value of AI is less about a futuristic concept and more about solving real problems. Can AI help improve meeting summaries? Can it optimize room usage? Can it support predictive maintenance? The customers who are most advanced are not asking for AI just to say they have AI. They are asking how it can improve workflow, reduce friction, increase uptime, and create better experiences. That is where the conversation becomes much more meaningful.

SCN: You recently held your inaugural Resonate technology expo in Nashville. What made you decide to produce the show?

CH: We created Resonate because we saw an opportunity to bring the full Guitar Center Business Solutions ecosystem to life in one place. Nashville was the right place to do it. It is Music City, but it is also a growing business, entertainment, hospitality, education, and technology market. We wanted clients, vendors, consultants, educators, artists, and internal teams to experience how these worlds connect. The goal was not just to create a trade show. The goal was to create a platform for connection, education, technology, music, and business development.

SCN: Was Resonate a success, and can we expect to see more tech expos in the future?

CH: For a first-time event, it validated the idea that there is real value in bringing Pro AV, pro audio, music, vendors, clients, and thought leadership together under one roof. What made it successful was not only the attendance or vendor participation, but the conversations it created. It helped clients better understand the depth of Guitar Center Business Solutions. I do expect Resonate to continue. We will keep learning, refining the format, and making sure it delivers value. The opportunity is to build it into a recurring platform that supports the industry, our clients, our partners, and the broader Guitar Center mission.

Details:

• Refreshed end zone videoboard and control system are ready for the coming 2026 college football season.
• The display improved resolution 4.5 times the previous screen using the Daktronics Renew product line.
• The display is capable of variable content zoning so it can show one large image or multiple zones of content to meet the needs of UTEP Athletics at every event.

Daktronics has refreshed the video display and control system at the University of Texas, El Paso’s (UTEP) Sun Bowl Stadium. The display improved resolution 4.5 times the previous screen using the Daktronics Renew product line, adding to the visual game-day experience for Miners fans. Daktronics is also including a complete Show Control solution as part of the upgrade.

[A High-Tech Oasis Rising above Low-Tech Downtown Vegas]

“We’re grateful for our continued partnership with Daktronics, and we’re excited about the recent enhancements that have been made to the Sun Bowl video board,” UTEP VP and director of athletics Jim Senter said. “This comes at an opportune time as we launch a thrilling new era in the Mountain West Conference and are introducing numerous initiatives designed to improve the fan experience.”

While the physical display dimensions remain the same at 33.5x60 feet, the resolution improves with a new 10mm pixel spacing compared to the previous 15HD pixel layout. This brings 50% more LEDs spaced closer together, creating 4.5 times the resolution to deliver greater image clarity and contrast to Miners fans.

“Daktronics is honored to assist in upgrading the game-day experience at the Sun Bowl, one of college football's most unique stadiums,” said Daktronics sales representative Charlie Durrenberger. “It was great to work with the university and its fine staff on this project from the early stages through to completion.”

The display is capable of variable content zoning so it can show one large image or multiple zones of content to meet the needs of UTEP Athletics at every event. This includes any mix of video, replays, statistics and game information, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.

Summary:

• UMD journalism lecturer Josh Davidsburg is using Sony FX30 cinema cameras to teach students how to merge traditional reporting with cinematic techniques for social media, digital platforms, and modern documentaries.
• The FX30 offers high-end features—such as low-light capability, advanced autofocus, S-Cinetone color science, and lightweight ergonomics—at a fraction of traditional production costs.
• Journalism students at UMD start on standard ENG-style video cameras to learn core production basics before "graduating" to the FX30 for advanced cinematography and documentary courses

Josh Davidsburg, a documentary filmmaker and principal lecturer at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, is using Sony’s FX30 cinema cameras to help his journalism students at the learn new ways to tell a story. He finds the Sony FX30 is the right camera for the evolving field of “creator” journalism, a unique blend of feature and documentary-style filmmaking suited for social media and digital platforms from YouTube to streaming services.

[Ready for the Virtual World]

“Growing up, I was deciding between being a TV journalist like my dad or a movie director because I had a passion for film and cinema,” said Davidsburg. He chose the former, which led to a journalism degree and eventually a teaching position at UMD.

Davidsburg describes modern-era documentaries as a convergence of journalism and cinema, likening them to the pioneering work of 1970s “new journalism” writers like Hunter S. Thompson or Tom Wolfe, who injected literary techniques into their reporting. Newer camera technologies have also dramatically democratized filmmaking, now with high-end capabilities that cost a fraction of the early prices of production cameras, putting them easily in reach of students and reporters at any level.

Currently, UMD has six FX30 cameras and about 40 Sony ENG-style cameras—a mix of the HXR-NX800, HXR-NX5U, and HXR-NX3 models. Journalism students start with the ENG cameras in their first video production course and then “graduate” to the FX30s in cinematography and documentary producing courses.

Davidsburg’s personal filmmaking projects were also responsible for bringing the FX30 to the UMD students. He shot his latest documentary, “A Banner Year” about local, nonprofit newspaper The Baltimore Banner with Sony’s FX3 cinema camera, which he described as a perfect run‑and‑gun camera with the ergonomics and video‑focused controls to match his shooting requirements.

“When you're following newspaper reporters who are often dealing with sensitive topics and confidential sources, you don't want something big and imposing,” Davidsburg said. “I was often filming at night and with the FX3’s low light capabilities, the camera can almost see in the dark.”

Production for “A Banner Year” is complete and his experience with the FX3 led him to choose the FX30 for his coursework. The FX30 offers many of the FX3’s capabilities but at a lower price and with enough features to give students an entry into the cinematic world.

“The FX30’s ergonomics are great,” he said. “Students aren’t complaining about lugging giant cameras everywhere. The leap in quality from the cameras we were using to the FX30s is incredible. They can go out and come back with a beautiful image that inspires them and gets them excited about this type of work.”

Students find the FX30’s autofocus valuable when dealing with the shallow depth of field of cinema shooting. The camera’s color science with the S-Cinetone picture profile combined with its dynamic range elevates everybody's shooting according to Davidsburg. The UMD program is also pairing the FX30s with Sony wireless audio, and the camera-to-editing workflow is straightforward and compatible with UMD’s editing software.

Most importantly, UMD students are getting a head start on their future careers, gaining valuable hands-on experience that they will eventually apply on a set or in a newsroom. “If you're doing documentaries right, you're taking cinematic techniques and journalistic techniques and combining them to do journalistic storytelling," he concluded. "With these cameras, we’re on that track.”

Unlike the first two weeks of August, there was not a flood of acquisitions this week. That didn't mean there wasn't an abundance of new hires, promotions, strategic partnerships, and more company announcements you needed to know.

[SCN Top AV Consultants 2026]

So, sit back and get caught up with this week's Pro AV Newsmakers.

PEOPLE MOVERS

Almo Pro AV Expands Leadership Team

Almo Pro AV expanded its leadership team with two internal promotions and one executive appointment. The leadership advancements include Jane Tran, VP of growth marketing; Liz Wheeler, director of business development; and James Salter, VP of vendor marketing.

Tran leads Almo Pro AV's marketing strategy to help attract new customers while strengthening existing relationships. Working closely with the company's sales and marketing teams, she oversees demand generation initiatives and digital marketing efforts that help manufacturer partners and customers drive growth. Tran brings nearly 20 years of experience building brands and helping technology organizations grow across multiple industries.

Wheeler leads a team of business development managers and helps shape the strategic direction of the company's business development organization. Working across multiple areas of the business, she collaborates with manufacturer partners, sales leadership and key stakeholders to strengthen relationships and expand opportunities throughout the channel. Recognized for her strategic insight and collaborative leadership, Wheeler has been a key contributor to Almo Pro AV's success for more than a decade and will play an important role in the continued evolution of the company's business development strategy.

Salter brings more than 20 years of experience in the Pro AV and technology industries. In this new role, Salter leads the company's vendor marketing group, working closely with manufacturer partners to strengthen strategic relationships. He is an accomplished marketing leader, having successfully led global teams and scalable programs that delivered measurable business results. Previously with Microsoft, AVer, and Canon, Salter brings deep expertise in partner marketing across Pro AV, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, enterprise software and other emerging technologies.

Pieter Claes Joins AtlasIED

AtlasIED has appointed Pieter Claes as director of sales-EMEA. In this role, Claes assists with AtlasIED’s footprint expansion in EMEA by strengthening relationships with local customers, channel partners, and sales representatives across the region. He also collaborates with AtlasIED’s sales team, independent manufacturer representatives, and key channel partners to strengthen relationships, expand market opportunities, and drive growth across strategically targeted verticals.

Claes joins AtlasIED with more than 15 years of experience in professional AV sales and channel development. Most recently, he served as regional sales director at Biamp, where he worked closely with customers, partners, and integrators.

CODA Audio USA Adds to Technical Team

CODA Audio USA has added three new technical team members who will offer support in the areas of pre-sale support, system design, and commissioning. The new additions to the team will provide a strong support base of expertise and experience across the network.

New York City-based Brad Ward joins CODA Audio USA as a freelance design consultant, bringing vast experience as a sound designer and AV consultant. He specializes in the design and engineering of high performance sound systems for theatre, music, and immersive environments worldwide.

Ward is joined by Houston-based founder and CTO of MultiPoint Integrated Technologies, Michael Mordente, who has enjoyed 3-plus years in the professional audio space, including large scale stadium and arena touring, system design and install, consulting, training and R&D. Completing the trio is New Jersey-based Shil Patel, a systems design engineer specializing in large-scale professional audio and integrated AV systems for houses of worship, institutional, and commercial environments. The founder of system integrators Omni Technology,

Diversified Expands Global Services Strategy 

Diversified has added a new Global Managed Services Practice, bringing together the company’s proven managed services capabilities into one organization. Rob Mello has joined Diversified as VP-global managed services to lead the new practice.

The practice will focus on three main priorities: delivering consistent quality at a global scale, creating long-term client value, and driving intelligent service operations. Mello brings more than two decades of experience building and scaling technology-enabled services for global organizations, including NTT DATA, Orange Business Services, and IBM. Across his career, he has created new practices, launched differentiated service offerings and led complex transformation initiatives that aligned technology, operations, and commercial strategy. A patent holder and author, Mello has a proven record of turning innovation into scalable capabilities and measurable business value.

Partnerships, Announcements, and More Company News

ADI Launches Inaugural Control4 NEXT Conference for Certified Technicians

ADI is launching its Control4 NEXT, a three-day education and training conference created for Control4 Certified Technicians. As part of ADI’s continued investment in the long-term success of the Control4 platform and its authorized dealer community, the event will provide attendees with advanced technical education, hands-on product training, and direct access to the teams shaping the future of Control4.

Scheduled for October 20-22 in San Antonio, TX, Control4 NEXT reflects ADI's continued commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and customer success. Designed to become an annual gathering for the Control4 professional community, the conference will bring together advanced training, direct collaboration with engineering and product teams, and advanced previews of future innovations across the Control4 platform.

More than a training event, Control4 NEXT is designed to strengthen connections across the Control4 ecosystem, giving integrators an opportunity to learn, collaborate, share best practices and explore new opportunities for business growth.

frame:work Becomes a Member-Based Organization

frame:work, the community for live pixel people that has been organizing conferences, meetups, and the New Talent List through countless volunteered hours since 2019, today announces the next step: a professional society for community, by community. The new framework.video website is live and membership is open.

“This is a genuinely exciting next chapter for frame:work," said SCN Hall of Famer and board member, Sarah Cox. "Membership is open, it's open at every stage of a career, and that part matters. Growth was never the number. It's whether people feel they belong here and can contribute and feel that what they know is worth sharing or help someone looking for advice. Everyone has something to teach and something to learn, and membership is how we make room for that support and growth across our pixel community.”

Humly Strengthens German Market Presence

Humly has strengthened its presence in Germany through a new distribution partnership with DELO Computer GmbH. The agreement expands access to Humly's workplace hardware and software ecosystem while providing customers and reseller partners across Germany with enhanced local product availability, technical expertise and responsive customer support.

As an official distribution partner, DELO Computer will help strengthen Humly's market visibility throughout Germany while ensuring products are readily available through local sales channels. The partnership also enables faster response times, localized technical support and stronger engagement with resellers and customers across one of Europe's largest workplace technology markets. Building on DELO Computer's established expertise in modern workplace technologies, the companies will work together to help organizations create more transparent, productive and people-centered work environments.

Syntegra Brings LEA Professional to Bulgaria

LEA Professional announced a partnership with Syntegra, a Sofia, Bulgaria-based commercial AV distributor. This partnership will connect the Bulgarian AV industry with LEA Professional’s extensive technology catalog.

With nearly 40 years of combined experience in the AV industry, the Syntegra team is perfectly positioned to assist LEA’s footprint expansion in Europe. Through this partnership, Syntegra will represent LEA Professional’s Network Connect series of professional amplifiers, as well as the companion Dante Connect series, which features Dante and AES67 connectivity.

SFM Named Master Distributor for DJI Enterprise in Canada

SFM was appointment master distributor with the civilian drones and aerial imaging technology company, DJI Enterprise. The agreement gives SFM direct access to distribute DJI Enterprise's complete portfolio—including drone platforms, payload and sensor accessories, docking and automation software, and enterprise data management tools.

SFM will be supported by DJI Enterprise with pre and post-sale technical guidance, deployment assistance, and training for its partner base. The solutions are aimed at organizations that need faster, safer, and more accurate ways to collect data, spanning fields such as public safety, geospatial, energy and utilities, and oil and gas.

Uniguest Renames Tripleplay, eStream and pCare under Hub Brand

Uniguest has renamed three of its flagship technology platforms as part of a strategic move to bring its core portfolio together under the Hub brand. Tripleplay is now Hub AV, eStream is now Hub Media, and pCare is now Hub IPS. The Tripleplay, eStream, and pCare brand names will be retired, with the platforms moving forward as Hub AV, Hub Media and Hub IPS respectively. Together with the existing Hub Digital Engagement Platform, the renamed solutions create a unified family of Hub platforms spanning Uniguest’s key markets and applications.

The move follows the successful relaunch of Otrum as Hub at ISE 2025 and represents the next stage in Uniguest’s strategy to create a clearer and more cohesive identity across its technology portfolio. While the names are changing, the underlying platforms are not. Customers will continue to use the same technology, supported by the same teams, expertise and product roadmaps.

Under the new naming structure:

• Hub AV, formerly Tripleplay, provides IPTV, digital signage and video distribution technology for enterprise, hospitality, sports, corporate and other professional environments.
• Hub Media, formerly eStream, provides media management, enterprise video and content delivery capabilities.
• Hub IPS, formerly pCare, delivers interactive patient experiences for healthcare providers.
• Hub, Uniguest’s Digital Engagement Platform, provides a unified platform for managing and delivering digital experiences across hospitality and other environments.

In an ongoing effort to improve situational awareness during active incidents, accelerate emergency response, and strengthen investigative capabilities, a growing number of law enforcement agencies across the United States are investing in real-time crime centers (RTCCs). These centralized operations hubs, now serving communities ranging from large metropolitan areas to small municipalities, are redefining how police departments manage information, coordinate resources, and respond to unfolding events.

Regardless of size or budget, the core mission of every RTCC remains the same: Improve public safety by reducing response times, increasing operational efficiency, and enabling officers to make better‑informed decisions in real time. According to the National Real‑Time Crime Center Association, more than 300 RTCCs are currently in operation nationwide, with a reported 148% increase in adoption of centralized monitoring technologies between 2020-2024.

At its core, an RTCC is a centralized, technology‑driven hub within a police department that aggregates and analyzes live data feeds to provide immediate, actionable intelligence to officers in the field. These feeds typically include surveillance cameras, 911 call data, license plate readers (LPRs), body‑worn cameras, drone footage, and other sensor‑based systems. In many cases, this information can be shared across jurisdictions or accessed remotely, extending the reach of the center well beyond a single physical location.

By consolidating disparate sources of data into a single operational picture, RTCCs allow analysts and dispatchers to monitor incidents as they unfold, identify suspects more quickly, and relay critical information directly to responding officers. This real‑time visibility has proven invaluable during high‑risk incidents, major crimes, and large‑scale public events, where seconds can make a measurable difference.

Big City Benchmark

One of the earliest and most advanced examples of an RTCC is operated by the New York City Police Department. Launched in 2005, the city’s multi‑million‑dollar RTCC was among the first of its kind in the nation and remains a benchmark for large‑scale deployments.

Operating 24/7, the center provides data‑driven support to officers across all 77 precincts serving a population of approximately 8.5 million residents. Thousands of surveillance cameras feed into the system, along with facial recognition tools, LPRs, gunshot detection sensors, and social media analysis platforms. Together, these technologies enable analysts to generate instant intelligence for detectives and officers at crime scenes.

A key component of the NYC RTCC is the Domain Awareness System (DAS), a Microsoft‑developed platform that integrates CCTV cameras, radiological sensors, and other data sources into a unified interface. DAS applies artificial intelligence to tasks such as facial recognition, predictive analytics, and gunshot detection—using acoustic sensors commonly known as ShotSpotter—to help locate incidents quickly and accurately. Officers in the field can access DAS and 911 data through handheld devices, ensuring that intelligence reaches decision makers without delay.

Smaller Success

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Warner Robins Police Department in Georgia, which serves a community of approximately 90,000 residents. The city unveiled its own RTCC at the Law Enforcement Center, creating a modern hub for technology‑driven policing tailored to a mid‑sized municipality.

Staffed by two to three personnel from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, the 900-square-foot center integrates live traffic cameras, LPRs, public safety databases, and communication systems to support coordinated responses to incidents as they occur.

“We looked at how we could improve our operations,” said Captain Eric Gossman. “And we identified a shortcoming of utilizing technology to improve our workflow.”

Inspired by a visit to Georgia Tech’s operations center, Gossman recognized the potential of centralized monitoring to transform how the department handled critical situations. The department partnered with Solutionz, under the supervision of senior account manager Heather Kireta, to bring the concept to life.

The project involved approximately $257,000 in renovations and technology upgrades, including the installation of Haivision Command 360 video wall solution featuring a large, central LG LCD display. Two staffed workstations equipped with desktop monitors sit in front of the wall, and multiple BYOD inputs are available for flexibility.

“With the Haivision system we can view up to 16 4K streams of high‑resolution video at the same time,” Gossman explained. “At a desktop, I might only be able to monitor two streams. This allows us to see everything at once. For an agency of our size, it’s perfect.”

Measurable Improvements

Since the RTCC became operational, Warner Robins has seen measurable improvements in response times and officer safety. By providing officers with greater awareness of what they may encounter before arriving on scene, the center has helped reduce uncertainty during critical calls.

“We’ve had two homicides that the center helped close that might not have been resolved as quickly otherwise,” Gossman said. “We’re now looking to integrate Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology, which will be operated from this center. At that point, we’ll be running 24/7.”

According to Kireta, once the project was approved, implementation took approximately three months after construction was completed. The scope included running nearly 2,000 feet of Cat 6 cabling to connect the RTCC to the department’s central IT closet, installing the video wall, and deploying two 24/7-rated desks provided by Fountainhead Control Rooms, with fully networked personal computers and videoconferencing capabilities.

“The department wanted multiple wall displays where operators could view different content simultaneously,” Kireta explained. “We designed a system that brought all those feeds together and significantly improved their ability to respond to incidents.”

The Haivision Command 360 platform’s software and hardware components can connect to cable TV boxes, encoders, decoders, and other sources, allowing disparate feeds to be managed through a single interface. Operators can drag, drop, and manipulate content on the video wall with ease, while built‑in KVM functionality enables seamless control of multiple systems. LG LCD displays with ultra‑thin bezels were selected to create a clean, continuous video wall appearance.

Integration and Infrastructure

As RTCC adoption accelerates, manufacturers of control room technologies are developing solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of public safety environments. For example, RGB Spectrum offers a portfolio of multiview and control technologies tailored to operations centers. According to Dan Marcus, VP of business development, the RTCC market has expanded far beyond its early adopters.

“It used to be that large cities were the first to deploy crime centers,” Marcus said. “Now we’re seeing them everywhere. They’re evolving alongside technologies like drones, wearable cameras, and mobile devices that support first responders.”

RGB’s offerings include the Zio video over IP platform, video wall processors, KVM over IP systems, and its IPX Flyaway Kit for portable command and control applications. What differentiates the company’s approach, Marcus explained, is tight integration.

“The multiview processor is part of the matrix,” he explained. “There aren’t external boxes converting IP streams back into HDMI. It’s a hybrid IP solution that can also accept baseband inputs, with all processing handled within the Zio platform.”

This hybrid approach allows operators to manage multiple local inputs with minimal latency, an essential requirement for real‑time monitoring of video sources at different resolutions. “A lot of times, it’s a trade‑off between fidelity and latency,” Marcus added. “Lower latency generally requires more bandwidth, so agencies must decide how important video quality is to their mission.”

Redundancy and Reliability

Another major player in the RTCC space is Extron. In 2025, the company worked with systems integrator North Carolina Sound to upgrade the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center in Bolivia, NC. The project transformed an existing call center into a modern RTCC serving as the primary link between the public and emergency services.

While the original AV system was functional, it lacked redundancy, meaning a single component failure could bring operations to a halt. The upgraded system was designed to deliver optimal signal integrity, true redundancy, and failsafe operation for the center’s 911 workstations, centralized dispatch system, and specialized communications equipment.

Operators manage emergency calls through a computer‑aided dispatch system, with sources displayed on a Planar Clarity G2 video wall, individual workstations, and an adjacent conference room. Extron’s XTP modular matrix system provides centralized switching and distribution, while the NAV Pro AV over IP system links the 911 center with a conference room and a backup emergency operations center.

“The key to an efficient control room workflow is the harmonious integration of every system element,” said Joe da Silva, Extron VP of marketing. “Our goal is always to ensure a flawless operational experience for the end user.”

Monitoring the Situation

Modern RTCCs centers are typically built around a combination of dvLED and LCD video wall systems, which are supported by large-format displays and operator desktop monitors. Touch-enabled displays that support interactive workflows, annotation, and real-time collaboration are also widely used at operator positions to enhance control, navigation, and user interaction with critical systems.

“Direct-view LED is rapidly becoming the preferred solution for primary visualization walls due to its seamless design, high brightness, and scalability,” said Greg Fechner, sales director for state and local government at Planar. “These attributes allow agencies to display multiple data sources clearly across large environments where visibility from any position in the room is critical. LCD video walls remain a strong option, particularly in applications requiring very high pixel density or where budget considerations are a factor.”

Since its inception, the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) has used Planar’s Clarity Matrix LCD video wall system. As the number of integrated camera systems grew, and additional technologies and data sources were added, the department upgraded to a nearly 36x7-foot Clarity Matrix G3.

The system serves as the central visualization platform, supporting monitoring of thousands of live camera feeds. This includes fixed cameras, body cameras, and other real-time data sources, providing officers and analysts with a unified operational picture. When an incident is not in progress, the video wall serves as a collaborative tool that supports CPD’s ongoing intelligence work.

“At the end of the day, command centers require a complete ecosystem of display technologies that perform without compromise,” said Fechner. “Planar delivers that ecosystem with the reliability, clarity, and long-term support these mission-critical environments demand, while also helping agencies standardize on a single manufacturer to simplify deployment, streamline support, and ensure consistency across their operations.”

Whether deployed in a city of millions or a town of fewer than 100,000 residents, RTCCs have proven their value for modern policing. As AI, facial recognition, drones, and predictive analytics continue to mature, these centers will become even more capable and effective.

At Warner Robins, the results are already clear. “We always try to stay one step ahead of criminals,” Gossman said. “This crime center has helped reduce our response‑to‑call times and close cases faster. It’s been a big win for our department—and I’m sure for many others across the country as well.”

Need more command and control insights? Get your free copy of SCN's Integration Guide to Command and Control.

Green Hippo’s new Estuary Series is a next-generation media control platform engineered for the scale, speed, and creative ambition of today's most demanding live productions.

Built on the proven CALICO video processing architecture from sister brand tvONE and refined for the unforgiving realities of showtime, Estuary delivers ultra-smooth, multi-layered switching across massive LED canvases — with one-frame end-to-end latency, 10-bit/HDR processing, and up to 256 layers of real-time visual control. This is the infrastructure that disappears into the performance and lets the art breathe.

Designed for concerts, touring, broadcast, immersive environments, and large-scale installations, Estuary gives operators command over expansive visual systems without the sprawl. The platform supports four canvases up to 64,000 × 64,000 pixels, seamless transitions, and a fully open control ecosystem, including DMX/sACN, HippoNet, Companion, and REST API. Whether it's anchoring a lighting workflow or running as the central media hub of a full production, Estuary unifies the entire visual stack under one roof.

"Estuary is the missing link," says Bob Bonniol, Chief Innovation Officer at ACT Entertainment. "It marries the power and flexibility of a world-class pixel canvas controller with the control workflow that lighting designers already know and love — the grandMA3 console. For the first time, the lighting operations and the media operations can live in the same language. That changes everything."

The Estuary Series launches with three purpose-built models. The MC1 is a compact 1RU controller sized for studios, corporate environments, and simulation spaces, deceptively powerful yet elegantly contained. The MC2 is a touring-grade 2RU system with modular I/O, engineered for concerts, keynotes, and immersive installations that live on the road. And at the summit, the MC4 is Green Hippo's arena-scale flagship: up to 256 layers, sub-frame latency, and the raw horsepower to drive the world's largest productions without breaking a sweat. All three models support high-bandwidth HDMI and SDI modules, advanced IP workflows, and the complete Estuary feature set.

Green Hippo’s Kasai media server is a compact powerhouse, specifically engineered for the demands of smaller events and professional tours. Housed in a robust 2U, tour-ready chassis, the Kasai balances extreme portability with the high-end performance expected of the Hippotizer range. Its hardware is designed to withstand the rigors of the road while delivering unparalleled power in a custom, durable case.

Technically, the Kasai excels with support for two 4K outputs or high-performance generative events. It features two swappable output modules—supporting HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and 12G SDI—allowing for maximum flexibility in various production environments. With 4TB of internal media storage and an optional capture card slot for additional inputs, the Kasai ensures creative professionals have the resources needed for seamless execution. By combining swappable hardware with massive storage and professional-grade outputs, the Kasai stands as an essential tool for flexible, reliable media management on any scale.

Create custom web-based controls for Hippotizer Media Servers through the new REST interface. Trigger Timelines and Presets, upload and manage media, and see the status of your Hippotizer Media Servers all from a simple web page or RESTful control system. Simplify the control and management of Hippotizer systems in your next installation.

The Hyco MX is Green Hippo’s flagship media server, engineered for the most demanding high-performance video workflows. Designed to unleash creative potential, it integrates seamlessly with the powerful Hippotizer platform.

Key features include the new REST API for custom web-based control, and support for NotchLC, an agnostic 10-bit codec ensuring enhanced color accuracy from creation to display. With HippoNet, users can synchronize multiple units, managing complex, large-scale systems effortlessly via a single ZooKeeper. The server also offers flexible output management, allowing intuitive configuration for projector blends and sub-mixes.

Operational efficiency is bolstered by the Show Manager for easy event switching and "Show Lock" protection, alongside a removable U.3 media slot for rapid storage access. Integrated media management automatically handles format transcoding, while PixelMapper extends video capabilities to lighting fixtures. The Hyco MX combines purpose-built hardware with an intuitive interface, providing a robust solution for professional, real-time video production.

Details:

• The NC30 acts as both an NDI encoder and decoder in a single device.
• It simplifies Bring Your Own Device workflows.
• Designed to fit directly into existing AVer ecosystems, the compact unit lets organizations easily expand AV over IP across meeting rooms and classrooms while maintaining centralized control and leveraging current hardware investments.

AVer Information released the NC30, a flexible NDI encoder and decoder designed to simplify AV over IP deployments. The NC30 connects cameras, displays and room systems across the network, supporting more efficient deployment of meeting, learning, and collaboration environments.

[NDI Partners with KTC to Bring Native IP Video to Commercial Displays]

“As organizations continue to adopt AV-over-IP and hybrid collaboration technologies, they need solutions that are flexible, easy to deploy and simple to manage,” said Katie Sullivan, senior product manager for AVer Information. “The NC30 helps bridge traditional AV systems with network-based workflows while making it easier for users to access professional AV resources from meeting and learning spaces.”

Supporting both encoding and decoding within a single device, the NC30 enables seamless conversion between HDMI, USB-C, and NDI video sources. Built to complement AVer's existing ecosystem, the NC30 allows organizations to maintain a consistent platform across cameras, peripherals and AV-over-IP infrastructure, simplifying deployment and management through a single ecosystem.

The NC30 enhances Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) workflows by enabling users to access room cameras and AV resources directly from personal laptops. With support for 4K60 video, USB-C connectivity, NDI HX, HDMI pass-through, and flexible audio routing, users can quickly connect to room technology without requiring additional hardware or complex configuration.

Designed for meeting rooms, classrooms, training spaces, and hybrid collaboration environments, the NC30 helps bridge traditional AV systems with network-based workflows. The NC30's compact form factor and broad compatibility support AV over IP deployments while helping organizations leverage existing AVer technology investments.

Quick summary:

• Ninety-six A15i speakers, and16 KS21i subwoofers were installed at Houston's 20,656-seat Shell Energy Stadium, replacing an outdated 2012 vocal-only PA with a high-energy, music-friendly setup.
• Engineers solved complex coverage gaps around the stadium's north video screen without structural modifications..
• The new system tightly directs clear, impactful audio into the stands while keeping noise off the field for game officials and out of the surrounding downtown neighborhood, earning immediate praise from fans.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought re-found soccer fandom to Houston, which served as one of the major host cities. Since 2012; however, the city's soccer culture extends far beyond international tournaments, operating weekly at Shell Energy Stadium. To enhance the game-day experience, LD Systems, a Clair Global brand, recently installed L-Acoustics A Series loudspeaker system.

[LD Systems Gets NFL Stadium World Cup Ready with Enhanced Sound]

The 20,656-seat venue, which is the first downtown soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer, hosts four distinct teams: Houston Dynamo FC, the National Women’s Soccer League's Houston Dash, Texas Southern University Tigers football, and the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League. Since majority owner Ted Segal committed over $30 million to venue overhauls starting in 2021, upgrading the stadium’s original 2012 audio system became a top priority. The club sought higher energy, superior intelligibility, and impact for fans without increasing off-site noise pollution in the surrounding East Downtown neighborhood or interfering with players and officials on the pitch.

Sustainability and physical constraints were central to the redesign. The venue actively works toward LEED-certified decarbonization goals, requiring any new system to limit electrical draw. LD Systems achieved this by utilizing existing cabling infrastructure and keeping structural modifications to a minimum, powered efficiently by just twelve L-Acoustics amplified controllers.

The physical layout of the stadium presented unique acoustical challenges. While the east and west bowls feature large overhangs for easy speaker suspension, the north and south ends lack overhead structures. The north end is further complicated by a massive video display measuring 34x73 feet, leaving limited mounting space near a noisy, angled supporters' section. Using L-Acoustics Soundvision modeling software, engineers mounted enclosures directly onto the scoreboard structure and directed additional corner arrays back toward the end zone, closing coverage gaps seamlessly.

In total, the installation features 96 A15i enclosures (84 Wide and 12 Focus models) paired with 16 flown KS21i subwoofers for full-range musical fidelity. Powered by 10 LA12X and two LA4X amplified controllers, the system delivers precise vertical directionality, keeping high-SPL audio focused on the stands while avoiding the playing field.

The new deployment replaced the old vocal-reinforcement setup with a dynamic, music-friendly sound system ideal for matchday DJs and live production. The immediate improvement in clarity and low-end impact transformed the overall game-day atmosphere, earning instant acclaim from stadium attendees and technical operators alike.

“We heard a ton of unsolicited comments about how much better the sound is from people that had no idea that there even was a new sound system in there," Matt Rhodes, sales engineer at LD Systems, shared. "Fans, who are not technical people, said to us, ‘Wow, it sounds so much better this season.’ To get that kind of feedback was really cool.”

By pairing advanced L-Acoustics technology with smart engineering choices, LD Systems provided Shell Energy Stadium with a high-impact, energy-efficient audio solution. The upgrade ensures the venue remains a premiere destination for live sports and entertainment while honoring its environmental commitments and downtown neighbors.

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) has released a new Sharp Displays control plug-in, which enables direct control and monitoring from within the Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform. The plug-in has received the Q-SYS Verified badge and is now available in Q-SYS Library.

[Cybersecurity: Lock It Down]

"Q-SYS is a widely adopted platform in enterprise and education environments, and this Q-SYS Verified plugin reflects our commitment to meeting customers where they are," said Mark Quiroz, SVP and general manager of Sharp's Professional Display Division. "By integrating Sharp displays directly into the Q-SYS Ecosystem, we're helping integrators deliver consistent, high-quality AV experiences with greater efficiency and confidence."

Developed in collaboration with Q-SYS and supported by Control Concepts, the Q-SYS Verified Plug-in allows integrators to manage key display functions, including power, input selection, audio, brightness, diagnostics, and status monitoring directly from the Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform. It supports all current Sharp large-format displays, Sharp All-in-One dvLED models, and legacy NEC large-format displays. There is also flexibility to access other display functions using Sharp's expansive control set. This is part of a shift toward simpler integration for partners, making it easier to specify Sharp in projects where Q-SYS is the designated platform.

Alfatron Electronics has unveiled its new 3GSDI-HD SDI to HDMI Converter. This compact and reliable converter enables seamless conversion to HDMI for easy connection to monitors, displays, and projectors without signal loss or latency—making it an ideal solution for use in professional broadcast, AV, and video production applications.

[The Next Chapter of Pro AV]

“The new 3GSDI-HD is a versatile unit that facilitates a variety of signal conversions commonly encountered in today’s application environments, and with its small footprint, the unit can easily be placed just about anywhere," said Tiaan Hoogstad, marketing director at Alfatron Electronics.

Designed to support high-speed signal transmission up to 2.970 Gbit/s, the ALF-3GSDI-HD ensures clear video performance for 720p, 1080i, and 1080p image resolutions. Built to support SMPTE 425M, 424M, 292M, and 259M-C standards, this versatile converter integrates seamlessly into professional SDI workflows.

With its compact form factor, the 3GSDI-HD is an ideal choice for broadcast racks, live events, control rooms, AV integration, and portable production systems. Further, the unit’s integrated SDI loop output also enables users to easily extend or distribute SDI signals to additional displays or equipment.

Extron has introduced the DSC 12G‑HD A and DSC HD‑12G A.These high‑performance 4K/60 scalers are engineered to streamline SDI and HDMI workflows in professional AV, broadcast, and production environments. Designed to support SDI‑to‑HDMI or HDMI‑to‑SDI conversion powered by Extron’s Vector 4K scaling technology, the DSC 12G‑HD A converts 12G‑SDI, 6G‑SDI, 3G‑SDI, and HD‑SDI signals into high‑quality HDMI output, while the DSC HD‑12G A converts HDMI signals into a 12G‑SDI, 6G‑SDI, 3G‑SDI, and HD‑SDI formats.

[Integrators … Mount Up!]

“The DSC 12G-HD A and DSC HD-12G A scalers expand system design options for integrating broadcast-type equipment within professional AV environments,” said Casey Hall, chief marketing officer for Extron. “With our Vector 4K scaling technology and carefully designed audio features, these products deliver the performance, versatility, and advanced functionality required to support many different applications.”

Both video scalers feature audio embedding and de‑embedding, seamless transitions for upstream switching, aspect‑ratio control, and the ability to display logo images. Front‑panel controls, intuitive on‑screen menus, Ethernet and USB configuration, EDID management tools, internal test patterns, and compact 1-inch half‑rack enclosures make them easy to integrate into any system design.

Quick view:

• Edith Cowan University (ECU) implemented a full Riedel Communications ecosystem (including Artist nodes, Bolero wireless intercom, and MediorNet units) that unifies audio, video, and comms across multiple venues, enabling complex capabilities like running two independent broadcasts simultaneously.
• The infrastructure brings real-world live production workflows directly into the educational environment, giving students hands-on experience with contemporary, industry-standard equipment and practices used at professional venues like the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
• By using Riedel SimplyLive RiCapture, instructors and students can record up to six video streams along with production communications. This allows them to replay live feeds to analyze workflows, retrace decisions, troubleshoot mistakes in real-time, and preserve session recordings as study materials.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Australia, implemented a comprehensive Riedel Communications infrastructure that brings professional live production workflows into the teaching environment. Connecting spaces across the university—from broadcast facilities to the theater—the integrated ecosystem makes communications, audio, video, and recordings flexibly accessible throughout the building.

[How Radford University Achieved 'Flawless Audio']

At the heart of this infrastructure are two Riedel Artist-1024 nodes, which are primarily used at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) — a specialized academy within the university — as well as in the broadcast department. In addition, stage managers and directors can use Riedel Bolero wireless intercom to move between different event areas while maintaining uninterrupted communication with the rest of the production teams.

MediorNet is now being used as the technical backbone to ensure reliable distribution of audio and video. The ECU team utilizes five MicroN UHD units as well as an additional mobile unit that reliably transmits signals within the building and, when a fiber-optic connection is available, also supports outside broadcast scenarios. MediorNet HorizoN connects traditional SDI and MediorNet infrastructures with ST 2110 workflows within the broadcast environment. This ecosystem ensures the independent execution of two parallel broadcasts. Furthermore, live productions from the theater auditorium can be fully integrated into the broadcast environment, including backstage communication, video, and audio transmission.

“Our partnership with Riedel has significantly transformed communications and coordination across our venues," said Richard Reddrop, associate professor of associate dean (production and design), WAAPA. "Stage managers, front-of-house teams, technicians, backstage crews, and production staff are now able to work together through a single integrated communications platform, creating a more connected and professional operating environment. Importantly, it provides our students with the experience of industry-standard workflows and technologies that reflect contemporary professional practice."

Another key component of the ecosystem is Riedel SimplyLive RiCapture. ECU operates three RiCapture servers, including two larger systems for 4K workflows and a dedicated system for teaching. With SimplyLive, students and instructors can record up to six video streams simultaneously along with the associated production communications. During training sessions, they can replay the recorded feeds and communications to review production workflows, retrace decisions, and identify where and why issues occurred. This gives students immediate, practical feedback on their work in a professional live production environment. Instructors can also record teaching sessions and make them available to students afterward as part of the course materials.

“Artist, Bolero, MediorNet, and SimplyLive create a learning environment here at ECU that can be ideally adapted to the students’ needs as well as to various production formats," concluded Chris Johnson, director Oceania at Riedel Communications. "Students are thus given the opportunity to experiment and work in a practical environment that mirrors real-world production workflows."

The New York Stock Exchange creates a steady stream of live content, including opening and closing bell ceremonies, corporate announcements, interviews, IPO events, broadcasts, digital streams, and its daily live show, NYSE Live.

A few years ago, it became clear to the production team that an upgrade was needed. As production demands grew across the trading floor and event spaces, the team pushed its control room, which had not been updated since 2010, to its limits.

“We were definitely behind on technology, and some of it was even starting to die on us," recalled Ian Wolff, director of broadcast and AV operations, NYSE. "We were also lacking space for everything we wanted to do. There were some days we did two or three events in one control room, which isn’t ideal. There’s only so much jerry-rigging you can do."

To meet growing demands and prepare for the future, last year the NYSE decided to redesign the area and build three matching control rooms. Planning for future scalability was also key. The NYSE kept SDI for most of the facility, added NDI where it added clear benefits, and ensured the new setup could adapt as requirements evolve.

The new control rooms are built on Ross Video technology. Each room supports identical workflows, giving the team a consistent environment and the ability to move productions between rooms quickly.

Three Carbonite switchers are central to the project, with one in each control room. The main room uses Carbonite Ultra 60 for NYSE Live, handling larger productions with more guests, feeds, and complex visuals. The other two rooms support more live events, such as investor programming and daily content.

XPression remains important in every control room. By combining XPression with Carbonite, the team created a smooth workflow and can trigger graphics more quickly. Three additional TouchDrive panels further improved control and efficiency.

The project also introduced openGear and Ross Tally to simplify signal conversion, standardize infrastructure, and support production throughout the building. NDI is used in select rooms and event spaces where permanently installed cameras reduce setup time and help the team respond quickly to new productions.

“The combination of a Carbonite switcher, Xpression, and Ross Tally made everything a whole lot easier than doing productions with several different machines. They just talk seamlessly," Wolff said. "openGear has proved a lifesaver and a space saver. You don’t have racks and racks of encoders, just a 4 RU unit with a few cards in the back.”

CTI managed the integration and worked closely with the NYSE team throughout the project. They developed a tailored solution based on how the team operates and supported the move from the legacy control room to a temporary setup and ultimately the final space. Ross Video provided hands-on technical support during the process and continues to support the team today.

With three identical control rooms, the NYSE can now run multiple live productions simultaneously, with less strain on people and systems. Interviews, ceremonies, investor events, and daily programming no longer have to compete for space.

Having identical control rooms also reduces operational risk. If one room has a problem, productions can move to another with the same setup and continue with minimal interruption—a redundancy that was a key objective from the start.

The facility is also built for the future. While SDI meets current needs and security requirements, the system can scale to support 12G-SDI and 4K workflows over time.

Chief, a brand of Legrand | AV, has released its new TiLED Universal Trim Kits. The new Trim Kits complement the TiLED dvLED mounting ecosystem, giving integrators a fast, repeatable way to deliver a clean, architectural perimeter finish on video wall installations without the cost, lead time, or unpredictability of custom millwork or field-cut alternatives.

[Chief Display Mounts Help Crestron Modernize Its Training Rooms]

“When dvLED video walls are deployed into design-forward spaces, the finishing details are critical,” said David Albright, senior product manager, video wall solutions and services for Chief. “Integrators shouldn’t have to choose between a polished result and a predictable timeline. TiLED Universal Trim Kits give them both.”

As dvLED moves into more design-forward commercial environments, the quality of the perimeter finish has become just as important as the quality of the display itself. Integrators have long faced a gap at project close-out: custom millwork adds cost and lead time, field-cut trim introduces jobsite risks, and manufacturer-specific edge covers lock them into narrow compatibility. TiLED Universal Trim Kits close that gap with an off-the-shelf modular system that installs after the panels are up with no cutting or fabrication required.

TiLED Universal Trim Kits are a modular finishing system comprised of side and top/bottom panels, seam covers, and corner components that work together to elegantly enclose exposed cabinet edges and conceal cabling around dvLED video walls. Because the trim installs as a final step after the display is installed, integrators can finalize the structural installation on their own timeline and add the finishing Trim Kit without redesigning scope or adding days to the schedule. Trim is available as individual components or as pre-configured kits sized for common 27-inch configurations (4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 8x4 and 8x8). Vented top and bottom trim profiles promote passive cooling airflow, protecting display performance and longevity after enclosure.

TiLED Universal Trim Kits are compatible with TiLED Universal mounts, legacy TiLED mounts, and TiLED Off-the-Wall mounting systems (adapter required), as well as other third party and OEM mounts with video wall depth of 3-5.25 inches (76.2-133.35mm). This broad compatibility means integrators working across different project types and mount generations can specify a single trim solution with confidence, reducing the learning curve and jobsite variables across large multi-site rollouts.

TiLED Universal Trim Kits are purpose-built for environments where dvLED installations have high visibility including corporate lobbies, higher education campuses, control rooms, retail stores, hospitality spaces, and government facilities. In each of these settings, a dvLED wall is expected to look finished and intentional whether the display is powered on or off. TiLED Universal Trim Kits deliver that result.

Details:

• Going wireless removed trip hazards, cable ramps, and floor obstructions, creating a safer, cleaner environment that directly benefited guests using wheelchairs or mobility aids, catering staff, and event attendees.
• The RF Venue system overcame difficult architectural limitations—where floor or overhead cable runs were impossible—delivering clean, delay-optimized audio for both the luncheon and gala speaker setups.
• Eliminating long cable runs significantly reduced setup time, simplified logistics, and proved so successful that Midway Production Services integrated the system into more than 20 subsequent productions.

Midway Production Services recently deployed the RF Venue RF PA Extension Kit, alongside RF Venue Diversity Fin antennas and DISTRO distribution systems, to solve audio challenges during two VIP fundraising events at Radford University in Virginia. By adopting this wireless approach, the production team eliminated extensive speaker cable runs across public walkways, delivering flawless, uninterrupted sound without creating safety hazards or aesthetic disruptions.

[A Dream(scape) Come True: UNLV Immerses Higher-Ed AV/IT Professionals in Virtual Reality]

The events included an informal luncheon and a formal black-tie gala. Radford University, recognized for academic excellence, innovative technology, and sustainability, hosted alumni, donors, and university leaders. Both gatherings demanded reliable wireless microphones and distributed loudspeaker coverage. However, the venue’s architecture offered no viable traditional cable paths. Floor runs would have obstructed heavy foot traffic, and overhead drops were impossible due to ceiling construction.

Midway paired RF Venue Diversity Fin antennas and DISTRO systems with the RF PA Extension Kit to power two Turbosound iP300 loudspeakers for the luncheon delay system. Later that evening, they used the same setup to feed the main array of Electro-Voice EV Evolve 50 speakers. The wireless link maintained pristine audio throughout both settings without requiring cables to be taped down or covered with ramps.

This cable-free solution proved vital for accessibility, as many guests relied on walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids. Eliminating floor hazards created a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environment.

“Clients rarely comment on the technology itself; they simply expect everything to work,” said Brian James, senior project manager for Midway Production Services. “This time was different: the client specifically noticed there weren’t any cables on the floor, and one guest with mobility challenges thanked us because navigating the venue was so much easier.”

The kit also simplified logistics and reduced setup time by eliminating lengthy runs. Configuring the receiver's built-in delay timing took only minutes. Midway has since integrated the RF Venue system into over twenty subsequent productions with excellent results, praising its ability to streamline workflows while enhancing safety and guest comfort. Ultimately, the invisible technology allowed Midway to meet both technical demands and high event standards seamlessly.

Executive Summary

• Physical spaces are becoming connected environments that integrate touchpoints into a seamless customer journey.
• This "Connected Customer Experience" turns locations into strategic assets that shape perceptions and strengthen relationships.
• Future competitive advantage depends on intelligently integrating technology to create memorable experiences and drive sustainable growth.

For decades, organizations have invested heavily in making digital experiences smarter. Websites became interactive. Mobile apps became personalized. Loyalty programs became data-driven. Artificial intelligence is accelerating every aspect of customer engagement.

Today, an equally important transformation is underway, not on our screens but inside the physical places where customers shop, dine, stay, relax, and receive care.

Restaurants, hotels, retailers, medical practices, spas, fitness centers, and other customer-facing businesses are no longer simply physical locations. They are becoming digitally intelligent, connected environments capable of communicating, personalizing, measuring, and continuously improving the customer experience.

I believe this transformation will define the next era of customer engagement.

For years, businesses managed the customer journey in pieces. Marketing attracted customers before the visit. Operations owned the experience during the visit. Loyalty programs worked to bring customers back afterward. Each stage evolved independently because the technologies supporting them evolved independently.

Customers, however, never experienced those divisions. They experienced one relationship with one brand. The disconnect was never in the customer journey; it was in the technology behind it.

That limitation is finally disappearing. Cloud platforms, APIs, AI and intelligent integrations now make it possible to connect systems that once operated in isolation. For the first time, physical spaces themselves can participate intelligently in building customer relationships.

This is what I call the Connected Customer Experience.

A Connected Customer Experience is created when a digitally intelligent physical environment connects every customer touchpoint before, during, and after the visit into one seamless, measurable journey that consistently reinforces the brand, strengthens customer relationships, builds loyalty, and drives long-term business growth.

Music, messaging, signage, loyalty, AI, and analytics are no longer separate technologies. Together, they become one coordinated, strategically managed experience that customers remember and return for.

Where Brands Are Built

The Connected Customer Experience comes to life in the moments that matter most. A guest walks into a restaurant expecting more than a good meal. A traveler enters a hotel looking for comfort and confidence. A shopper steps into a retail store hoping to discover something new. A patient arrives at a medical practice seeking reassurance and trust. A guest enters a spa expecting relaxation and renewal. In every case, the customer isn't simply purchasing a product or service. They're experiencing a brand.

For decades, those physical environments remained largely passive. Music played in the background. Digital displays communicated information. Loyalty programs lived inside mobile apps. Customer messaging occurred before or after the visit. Each element served a purpose but rarely worked together as part of a unified strategy.

Today, that's changing. Physical spaces are no longer just places where transactions occur. They are becoming intelligent, connected environments that help shape perceptions, strengthen relationships, and actively reinforce the brand at every stage of the customer journey.

The next competitive advantage won't come from simply deploying more technology. It will come from transforming physical spaces into strategic, brand-building environments that create stronger customer experiences, deepen loyalty and drive sustainable business growth.

The Opportunity for Customer-Facing Businesses

Restaurants, hotels, retailers, healthcare providers, spas, fitness centers, and other customer-facing organizations all face the same opportunity: transforming physical spaces into connected customer experiences that consistently express the brand while strengthening loyalty and supporting long-term growth.

For companies operating in this space, the opportunity is increasingly about connecting technologies that have traditionally been managed separately. Branded music and AI-powered messaging can shape how a physical space sounds and feels, while integrations with loyalty programs and digital signage platforms can bring those touchpoints together into a single connected experience. The broader goal is not simply to connect technologies, but to help organizations create experiences customers remember, relationships customers value, and brands they choose repeatedly.

The Next Competitive Advantage

The Connected Customer Experience is not another technology trend. It is a new blueprint for customer-facing businesses.

Organizations won't distinguish themselves by deploying more technology than their competitors. They'll distinguish themselves by connecting technology more intelligently to create physical environments that actively build brands, deepen customer loyalty, and drive sustainable business growth.

That future is no longer theoretical. It's already taking shape, one connected customer experience at a time.

Quick hits:

• Brompton Technology’s 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors and Tessera XD 10G distribution units powered the visual clarity, color accuracy, and contrast needed to render the piece's complex pixel structures and deep black backgrounds.
• Artist Kim Asendorf, who builds software art intended for universal device playback, noted that Brompton’s system's "almost surreal" display quality, making Brompton controllers his preferred setup after first using them at Art Basel Miami Beach.
• The project highlights an ongoing shift in contemporary digital art, where processing hardware is treated as an active part of the artwork rather than a passive display screen.

Brompton Technology’s Tessera LED processing recently helped bring German visual artist Kim Asendorf’s PXL DUO POD to life at Art Basel Hong Kong, delivering the color, depth, and precision required to present its evolving pixel structures on a large-scale interactive LED installation.

[The Art of Digital Signage]

Presented by New York and London-based contemporary art gallery Nguyen Wahed, PXL DUO POD formed part of Zero 10, Art Basel’s global initiative dedicated to art of the digital era. A special development within Asendorf’s expanding PXL ecosystem, PXL DUO POD followed PXL DEX, the first work in the series, and its cylindrical successor, PXL POD. Asendorf developed the Duo version after discovering an unexpected visual relationship when viewing two PXL POD works adjacent to one another.

Presented across two LED screens positioned side by side, PXL DUO POD placed two evolving systems alongside one another, allowing their colors, movement and pixel density to interact. Visitors could use a control pad to rotate the forms, zoom in and alter the camera angle, directly influencing how the work was experienced.

For the Hong Kong presentation, a ROE Visual Topaz 2.6mm LED system was driven by Brompton’s 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors and Tessera XD 10G data distribution units. The combination enabled the work’s individual points of light, carefully developed color palettes, and deep black backgrounds to be reproduced with the clarity required to preserve its spatial qualities and constantly changing detail.

“I create software art meant to run on every device. Brompton Technology changed my mind,” said Asendorf. “I care deeply about display quality, but what Brompton controllers bring to LED walls is almost surreal. Now I have a first-choice setup.”

Asendorf’s relationship with Brompton began at Art Basel Miami Beach, where his work Raster und Spektrum was presented during the inaugural Zero 10 program. Following Asendorf’s meeting with the Brompton team at a demonstration in London, the gallery requested that Brompton’s processing technology be used for his Miami Beach presentation. Fuse Technical Group provided technical management and introduced the project team to Absen. As a result, Absen LED panels were used for the exhibition, paired with Brompton LED processing to deliver the deep blacks and pixel separation essential to Asendorf’s work.

The progression from PXL DEX, through PXL POD to PXL DUO POD reflects a wider shift in contemporary digital art, where software, interaction, physical installation and display technology all contribute to the artwork. The screen is therefore more than a surface for presenting a finished image, making accurate color reproduction, contrast, motion and processing essential to preserving the artist’s intent.

“I was fortunate to be in the room when Kim visited our London headquarters with Matthew,” concluded Rob Fowler, director of business development at Brompton Technology. “It was fascinating to learn more about this rapidly growing area of art as well as see how the work we have been doing over the lifetime of Brompton Technology to enhance accuracy and faithful image reproduction dovetails with the work Kim is creating.

“Seeing his response to our Tessera platform, and the pleasure he took in viewing his work rendered on LED using features we have developed over more than a decade, was hugely gratifying. It demonstrated how processing can become integral to the way an artwork is experienced, rather than simply a means of displaying content.”

We are living in an immersive world, with audio systems becoming more focused and digital content getting more realistic. Displays and video walls are getting larger and more defined as well, which means knowing what is behind that display is more important than ever.

From lobbies to control rooms to retail and hospitality spaces, dvLED has moved from novelty to expectation. "Here's a truth every integrator learns fast," Robert Meiner, technical sales engineer, Peerless-AV added. "The structure behind the wall determines whether an installation looks flawless on day one and stays flawless for years."

All-in-One or Bust?

One of the big questions for integrators today revolves around the simplicity of installation. Is there a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting dvLED displays and video walls? Are all-in-one solutions now the go-to?

Unfortunately, there is no one answer, as several factors play a role in the decision. The larger and heavier a display installation, the more necessary a custom solution becomes. The structure of the build, whether it's a wall or a floor, may not be suitable for the ease of installation provided by an all-in-one system, thus requiring a customized approach.

However, according to John Kozlowsky, channel manager at Absen, all-in-one solutions are becoming increasingly popular for dvLED projects on a smaller scale in corporate boardrooms, conference rooms, classrooms, and retail environments where requirements are relatively straightforward and timelines may be tight. Many manufacturers keep all-in-one systems in stock, which make them ready to ship quickly. They simplify installations because everything is preconfigured, including the number of panels, modules, cables, processors, and mounting hardware.

Meiner agreed. The market is moving toward consolidation, he explained, which means clients want fewer vendors, faster timelines, and a single point of accountability. All-in-one solutions answer all three.

For example, the Refinio Media Wall by Peerless-AV, a turnkey dvLED display solution for high-end meeting spaces, consolidates the display, mounting structure, and essential supporting technologies into one engineered system, significantly reducing pre-installation room preparation, shortens installation timelines, and helps lower overall project costs.

"The practical impact is real," Meiner said. "Less time on site. Fewer surprises. A more predictable bill of materials. For small and midsize integration teams especially, that efficiency translates directly into margin and the ability to take on more projects without expanding crews."

Planning and Precision Required

According to Justin Spangler, senior director of service and support at Planar, one of the biggest misconceptions about dvLED is that it's simply another display that mounts to a wall. The reality is that successful LED installations require an exceptional level of planning and precision.

"Challenges often include structural engineering, wall flatness, mounting tolerances measured in fractions of an inch, power and signal coordination, environmental conditions, logistics, and coordinating multiple construction trades," Spangler added. "Even small installation inaccuracies can affect panel alignment, image uniformity, and long-term reliability."

Much like mounting options are not the same, neither are the walls upon which they are mounted. "Most 'display problems' are actually structure problems," Meiner offered. "Solve the mounting layer correctly and the majority of these headaches simply do not materialize."

This presents the biggest challenge in mounting systems, as not all walls are perfectly flat—and the larger the wall gets, the larger the chance of inconsistencies throughout. Kozlowsky said sometimes mounting 3/4-inch plywood to a wall can create a suitable surface for installation, while other situations call for a custom mounting system to achieve the flattest possible surface.

Kozlowsky and Meiner agree that adequate access behind a video wall or display is a must. Many all-in-one systems are installed by lowering the display panels onto a wall-mounted bracket, Kozlowsky explained, so clearance must be available above the recess to allow the display to be installed properly.

LEDs also generate quite a bit of heat. Per Meiner, a mount that ignores airflow or buries access points creates long-term maintenance headaches. Sufficient space also needs to be considered for cable management, processors, and other serviceable components.

Unfortunately, as Meiner pointed out, service access is one of the most overlooked specification decisions in any dvLED video wall project. Front-serviceable designs, he offered, allow a technician to remove and replace an individual cabinet from the face of the wall, usually with magnetic or mechanical pull tools. Rear-serviceable designs require working space behind the array and suit applications with a dedicated service corridor or freestanding structure.

"The best practice is simple," he concluded. "Decide on the service strategy at the design stage, not after the wall is built. Match the substructure to the access you will realistically have in that room. The right mounting system makes panel replacement a quick, low-stress swap rather than a disruptive operation, and that directly protects the client's uptime and your service reputation."

The Pro AV industry loves standardization, which is yet another challenge to dvLED installations: There are none. At least just yet.

"We’re much closer than just a couple years ago," explained David Albright, senior product manager, video wall mounts and services, Legrand|AV, Chief. "The challenge has never been simply attaching a display to the wall. It’s creating a mounting system that’s flexible enough to accommodate the differences between cabinet designs while delivering the precision alignment adjustments required for today’s fine pixel pitch microLED displays."

Tools of the Trade

These challenges reinforce why specialized installation expertise matters. According to Spangler, Planar acts as an extension of the integrator's team from project conception through final commissioning.

The company's Professional Services organization focuses exclusively on LED display deployments, and that commitment extends well beyond installation. Planar provides comprehensive post-installation support through technical support, field service, preventative maintenance, replacement part management, repair services, and its Planar Care maintenance program.

"Our collaboration begins well before the first panel is installed through design reviews, site readiness assessments, constructability evaluations, installation planning, logistics coordination, and dedicated project management," Spangler said. "Several members of our Project Management Office hold Project Management Professional [PMP] certifications, bringing proven project management methodologies to complex deployments."

Chief's TiLED Universal Wall Mount solutions are another way to simplify dvLED installations. Albright said the mount is compatible with more than 95% of interlocking dvLED cabinets from virtually every major display manufacturer including Absen, Barco, Hikvision, INFiLED, LG, LianTronics, Philips, Planar, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Unilumin, and many others.

While Chief offers display-specific TiLED mounts, its TiLED Universal systems give integrators a single common dvLED mounting platform that works across nearly every project. This simplifies specification, inventory, and installation because integrators can standardize on one solution instead of relying on multiple manufacturer-specific products.

Peerless-AV unleashed the Refinio Media Wall at ISE 2026, but its SEAMLESS dvLED mounting systems have long been a "go-to" for integrators. "Unlike LCD video walls, dvLED arrays leave nothing to hide behind," Meiner said. "There are no bezels to mask a misaligned tile. A fraction of a millimeter of variance between cabinets shows up as a visible seam or shadow line the moment content plays. Peerless-AV’s SEAMLESS dvLED mounting systems are engineered for exactly this challenge.

"The Connect Series is built to the precise specifications of major panel manufacturers, so cabinets land where they should with the alignment tolerances dvLED demands," he continued. "Features like fine micro-adjustment, integrated cable management, and serviceable access are not extras. They are what separates a clean install from a callback."

Other manufacturers, such as Mount-It! PRO, are continuing to reinvent wall mount solutions for modern day installation. Its Zaxxis Micro dvLED video wall mount, which was unveiled at InfoComm 2026, offers precise Z-axis depth control in a 43mm profile. Meanwhile, Absen's all-in-one Saturn Series features rear-serviceable modules and power boxes, and can transform into several configurations like curves, cylinders, and arcs.

Whether you go all-in-one or a customized fit, careful planning of dvLED and LED walls and displays is more important now than ever before. Working with manufacturers from planning and through the lifespan of the wall, whether it is with their online tools or after-installation care, dodges many of the pitfalls behind the display. If challenges are addressed and installations are done correctly, the dvLED video wall will shine and bring awe to visitors, while the support system remains the unsung hero.

Summary:

• Integrator ArtAV standardized on LEA Professional Connect Series amplifiers and Fohhn loudspeakers to tackle complex, temporary museum installations.
• For John Akomfrah’s 'Listening All Night To The Rain' exhibit, ArtAV deployed LEA Connect Series 168 amplifiers to power and synchronize 104 audio channels across multiple gallery spaces.
• LEA Professional's web GUI (WebUI) simplifies daily operations for front-of-house staff, while IoT capabilities allowed ArtAV’s team to remotely monitor metering, perform fault-finding, and adjust levels directly from the U.K. throughout the exhibition’s run in Italy.

Galleries and museums around the world host an enormous range of art installations and exhibitions, but what appears on screen or occupies the space is often only part of the experience. Audio plays a significant role in these environments, whether by setting the atmosphere, providing complementary background music, or serving as the installation's soundscape. Recently, integrator ArtAV has gradually standardized on Connect Series amplifiers from LEA Professional and loudspeakers from Fohhn.

[No Drawing Required]

ArtAV specializes in exactly these kinds of spaces, where the supporting AV technology must be technically sophisticated, reliable over extended periods, and nearly invisible. The relationship between ArtAV and LEA was facilitated by Audiologic, whose expertise and industry relationships helped connect the two companies. Together, these technologies have enabled ArtAV to balance operational simplicity with a robust technical foundation across several international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale.

Behind the scenes, though, these systems are far from simple. Many installations involve a lot of audio channels spread across several rooms or outdoor areas, with equipment concealed in walls, plant spaces, or temporary racks. ArtAV's team sets up, measures, and fine-tunes the audio at each installation using LEA Professional's extensive DSP parameters and its highly regarded Sharkware configuration suite.

“Usability can be every bit as important as amplification power and sonic performance,” said Simon Weightman, project manager at ArtAV. “In addition to the built-in DSP capabilities and speaker tunings, LEA amplifiers offer an absolutely fantastic web GUI [WebUI] that simplifies day-to-day operations for front-of-house staff. That is a huge benefit and a significant part of the reason we standardized on LEA for amplification.”

ArtAV worked alongside John Akomfrah on his largest and most ambitious exhibition to date, Listening All Night To The Rain, at the 60th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale. It included 104 audio channels distributed across a basement gallery, flanking side rooms, and a main hall, all of which were required to play in precise sync.

Each space carried its own distinct soundscape: 18 loudspeakers setting a foreboding tone in the basement, voices threading through a suspended sculptural cloud of tape players and vinyl records, and a sphere of sound shaped by 20 loudspeakers in the main gallery's immersive eight-projection wrap-around. With spaces in close proximity and wildly different sonic characters, the audio mix needed to both stand alone in each room and cohere as a single, unified experience.

LEA’s amplifiers proved central to achieving that balance. ArtAV’s team installed several Connect Series 168 amplifiers to power the exhibit. The CS168 is an 8-channel amplifier providing 160 watts per channel. All amplifiers in the Connect Series are professional-grade, IoT-enabled smart amplifiers suitable for installations of any size. They support both Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z, selectable by channel, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers to handle different speaker impedances, while streamlining installations and reducing equipment costs. The Connect Series also includes 96kHz DSP as a standard feature, providing a range of benefits that greatly enhance audio performance and system versatility.

Artgoers and critics responded very positively to the exhibit, praising its immersive blend of moving image, sound, and archival material, with major reviews calling it a “magnificent” and emotionally overwhelming experience.

“As installations become more immersive and increasingly reliant on complex audio, having intelligent amplification is now just as important as having great loudspeakers,” said Weightman. “With LEA, we know we have a platform that is reliable, flexible, and easy to support remotely, which allows us to focus on helping artists realize their vision.”

Snapshot:

• Captures 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps with a 1-inch, 50MP CMOS sensor, 20x optical zoom, phase-detect autofocus and optical image stabilization.
• Supports professional workflows with 12G-SDI, timecode, genlock, FreeD camera tracking, SFP+ fiber connectivity and professional XLR audio.
• Ships with Horizon Web for intuitive camera control, image adjustment, intelligent presets, tracking and automation.

Introducing the PTZOptics Rise 4K. This new flagship broadcast PTZ camera brings technology once reserved for high-budget studios within reach of more broadcasters, producers, and production teams by combining cinematic 4K imaging, professional broadcast connectivity and intelligent video technology in a robotic camera designed for sports, broadcast, live events, enterprise studios, universities, houses of worship, and independent productions.

[A Turning Point for AI]

It gives teams a practical way to add high-quality camera angles, expand multicamera coverage and create more polished content without placing an operator at every camera position. “Rise brings together engineering expertise and continuous innovation with a deep understanding of real-world production workflows shaped by years of user input and feedback.," said Matthew Davis, chief technology officer at PTZOptics. "Our goal is to put the imaging quality, precision and advanced capabilities once limited to major broadcast networks and high-budget television studios within reach of more broadcasters, production teams and professional creators.”

At the heart of Rise is a 1-inch, 50MP CMOS sensor that captures 4K Ultra HD video at up to 60 fps. A 20x optical zoom and approximately 71-degree horizontal field of view provide the flexibility to move from wide establishing shots to detailed close-ups. Phase-detect autofocus keeps subjects sharp, while optical image stabilization and smooth brushless motors support stable images and precise, natural camera movement. A built-in three-stage ND filter provides greater exposure control across changing lighting conditions.

Rise provides the connectivity and synchronization required for professional multicamera production. Timecode and genlock keep cameras precisely synchronized, while FreeD support enables integration with virtual production and augmented reality systems.

Video outputs include 12G-SDI for 4K60, 3G-SDI, HDMI and USB 3.0. Network options include NDI HX, RTMP, RTSP, SRT and 12G-compatible SFP+ fiber connectivity. Professional XLR inputs with 48V phantom power, onboard TF card recording and front and rear tally lights complete the production package.

Rise ships with Horizon Web as its standard camera interface, bringing responsive camera movement, image and color adjustment, intelligent presets, tracking, auto-framing and automation into an intuitive browser-based workspace accessible from any device on the same network.

“Production teams are being asked to create more content, cover more events and capture more angles with limited resources,” said Claudia Barbiero, director of global marketing at PTZOptics. “Rise gives them an attainable path to higher-end production, combining broadcast-quality imaging with intelligent tools that help smaller teams accomplish more.”

Details:

• Vue, the largest cinema operator in the U.K. and Ireland, has installed Auri across 20 cinemas—covering over 28% of its total circuit admissions..
• Guest experience next-generation Bluetooth Auracast technology.
• The system installs quickly on walls or ceilings without requiring expensive venue retrofits or operational downtime.

In a major step forward for entertainment accessibility, Vue, the largest cinema operator in the U.K. and Ireland, is rolling out the innovative Auri assistive listening system across its locations. Co-developed by industry pioneers Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, Auri leverages Bluetooth Low Energy Auracast broadcast technology to deliver crystal-clear, personalized audio directly to moviegoers. The initial deployment spans 20 Vue cinemas, covering more than 28% of the circuit’s total admissions. This initiative reinforces Vue's commitment to combining premium comfort with technology to create an inclusive, top-tier big-screen experience for all patrons.

[Ready for the Virtual World]

“This installation of Auri in Vue Cinemas marks a major milestone in the adoption of Auracast technology within the cinema industry," said Craig Davey, national sales manager U.K. and Ireland, Ampetronic | Listen Technologies. "As one of the first large-scale deployments of Auracast in cinemas, it demonstrates how next-generation assistive listening technology can be seamlessly integrated into entertainment venues.

“The rollout highlights Vue’s commitment to improving accessibility and offering a more convenient and personalized listening experience. It also showcases the growing momentum behind Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as the future standard for public venue accessibility.”

Auri transforms the cinema experience by offering a seamless "bring your own device" model. Moviegoers with Auracast-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds, or headphones can simply select the venue’s audio stream to receive low-latency, high-quality sound directly through their personal devices. For guests without compatible tech, dedicated Auri receivers paired with standard headphones are available to borrow. Beyond serving those with hearing loss, the system delivers audio descriptions for visually impaired guests and provides tailored sound options for neurodivergent individuals seeking a less overwhelming environment.

Narinder Shergill, general manager at Vue U.K. and Ireland, emphasized that partnering with Ampetronic and Listen Technologies helps remove barriers so audiences can focus on deeper emotional connections to the film. Auri joins a series of recent innovations at Vue, including spacious Ultra Lux recliner seating, EPIC premium large-format screens featuring HDR projection with Dolby Atmos sound, and streamlined retail concepts.

From an operational standpoint, Auri provides a hassle-free, future-ready solution for venue operators. The system installs quickly without requiring structural retrofits or costly downtime. Compact black or white transmitters mount easily on walls or ceilings to blend into the decor while broadcasting to an unlimited number of devices within range. Operators manage the network using centralized Auri Manager software, and the system can operate alongside legacy accessibility setups.

Craig Davey, national sales manager for Ampetronic and Listen Technologies, highlighted the deployment as a landmark milestone for Auracast adoption in the entertainment industry. Vue joins other notable U.K. venues utilizing Auri, including Brighton Station, the University of Oxford, and the Birmingham Hippodrome. As consumer adoption of Bluetooth LE Audio devices continues to accelerate, Vue’s proactive installation positions the chain as a leader in modern, accessible cinema.