Get your free copy of SCN's Integration Guide to House of Worship.

Volunteer-Friendly AV

A new production environment for Tennessee’s RockPoint Church Chattanooga serves as the backdrop for a conversation with integrators about the importance of balancing needs with budgets and long-term scalability for houses of worship. Plus, learn how RockPoint has embraced its new, volunteer-centered workflow to create a seamless experience for both in-person and online audiences.

At Issue

Industry experts from Absen, AtlasIED, LynTec, and Riedel discuss how the use of volunteer crews impacts house of worship AV design and product selection.

Download the Integration Guide to House of Worship.

Read the July issue of Systems Contractor News.

Celebrity Cruises has completed a major premium entertainment technology upgrade aboard Celebrity Solstice, installing a new Martin Professional lighting system as part of the ship’s extensive 45-day dry dock modernization. The project replaced the onboard theater’s original MAC 700 lights fixtures after nearly two decades of service with the newly released MAC Encore Two.

[Riedel Hits the Open Seas with Royal Caribbean]

As the first ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice-class fleet, the vessel underwent a comprehensive refurbishment as part of Celebrity Cruises’ broader fleet modernization initiative, which included upgrades to accommodations, public spaces and onboard entertainment facilities. The ship’s theater hosts multiple productions every day, with lighting systems operating for six to eight hours continuously and supporting three to four performances daily. Because cruise ship environments place unique demands on technical systems, reliability and serviceability were key considerations throughout the specification process.

The upgraded rig is anchored by MAC Encore Two fixtures to support the next generation of onboard entertainment, with Celebrity Cruises receiving the very first units produced and delivered from the factory. MAC Aura XIP fixtures were also selected to complement the Encore Two profile fixtures and provide additional creative flexibility throughout the theater. Together, the system delivers improved brightness, color consistency and effects capabilities while maintaining the reliability required for continuous operation at sea.

For an in-depth look at the installation, and to hear from those involved, watch the video below.

Coastal Source launched its 1000 Series Bollards. This new 1000 Series delivers outdoor audio performance through enhanced fidelity, increased power handling, deeper bass response, and unmatched environmental durability. Designed with flexibility for integrators in mind, the 1000 Series offers six configurable module options and multiple installation methods, including landscape, hardscape, and partially buried applications. Integrators can easily tailor system performance and aesthetics to suit a wide range of residential and commercial outdoor environments.

[How the San Diego Padres Route More Than 430 Audio Channels to 200-Plus Different Destinations]

"The 1000 Series represents a major milestone for Coastal Source and for outdoor audio as a category," said Franco D’Ascanio, CEO of Coastal Source. "We challenged ourselves to create a system that delivers the emotional impact, clarity, and dynamic range people expect from premium indoor listening environments while maintaining the durability required for the outdoors. The result is a platform that elevates every outdoor entertainment experience."

Leveraging technology developed for the company’s flagship 12.0 Line Source Bollard, the 1000 series incorporates a weatherized ribbon tweeter that delivers exceptional detail, clarity, and dynamic range across the listening spectrum. Combined with advanced acoustic suspension architecture and force-canceling bass technology, the system produces powerful low-frequency performance, natural vocal reproduction, and remarkable musical accuracy.

The series features sealed elliptical enclosures constructed from Coastal Source's proprietary color-through rotomolded composite material. Engineered to withstand harsh coastal conditions, the enclosure provides superior protection against moisture, UV exposure, temperature extremes, and corrosion while maintaining a refined architectural appearance.

The platform integrates seamlessly with Coastal Source's patented Plug+Play ecosystem and Uni-Connect cabling technology, enabling faster installation, simplified expansion, and long-term system reliability.

Engineered for demanding outdoor environments and designed to deliver extraordinary listening experiences, the 1000 Series Bollards provide dealers, designers, and homeowners with a powerful new solution for premium outdoor entertainment. Combining exceptional sound quality, architectural flexibility, and Coastal Source's legendary durability, the 1000 Series establishes a new benchmark for outdoor loudspeaker performance.

In case you missed it, Haivision Play ISR Premium was recently introduced. The new enhanced version of the Play ISR software-based, low-latency video player delivers advanced ISR video analysis, collaboration, and situational awareness capabilities for mission-critical operations.

[Convergence: What's Next?]

“Haivision Play ISR Premium gives ISR analysts the advanced tools they need to quickly understand, collaborate, and act on time-sensitive video intelligence,” said Brian Henry, president at Haivision MCS. “As part of Haivision’s growing ISR ecosystem, Play ISR Premium helps users improve situational awareness and make faster, more confident operational decisions in mission-critical environments.”

Designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) professionals in defense, public safety, and security operations, Play ISR enables users to view full-motion video (FMV) and embedded key-length-value (KLV) metadata in real-time. With Play ISR Premium, Haivision is expanding its AI-enabled ISR video ecosystem to deliver powerful processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) tools.

As ISR teams manage growing volumes of live video and metadata in increasingly time-sensitive operational environments, organizations require more efficient tools to review, analyze, and act on vital information. Purpose-built for tactical ISR analysts, systems engineers, and operational teams, Play ISR Premium features interactive mapping, annotation, recording, and collaboration capabilities designed to support faster operational assessment and more informed decision-making.

Designed for ISR teams that require rapid video review, collaborative analysis, and streamlined access to essential ISR data, Play ISR Premium introduces a comprehensive set of advanced operational capabilities, including interactive mapping, advanced annotations, integrated recording tools, zoom and pan controls, advanced timeline, and snapshot capture.

Play ISR Premium is part of Haivision’s AI-enabled ISR video ecosystem, which includes the Makito video encoder series for streaming from platforms and sensors, Kraken X1 Rugged for real-time AI-powered video processing, and the Kobra video operations platform for tactical operations and situational awareness.

At its headquarters in Rockleigh, NJ, Crestron operates its Crestron Technical Institute (CTI), a hands-on training facility where integrators, engineers, and technology professionals learn to install, configure, and deploy Crestron systems at a professional level. As a refresh cycle approached to address outdated displays and aging mounts, the new environment needed to demonstrate what a modern AV deployment can deliver. What Crestron’s infrastructure team built, with the Chief Tempo flat panel in-wall mount system at its center, not only delivered on that goal, but added a training room where the technology itself became part of the lesson.

[Crestron and Creating a Culture of Collaboration]

The training rooms had last been updated roughly 10 years prior, with a pair of 86-inch displays and two 65-inch screens on traditional articulating wall mounts. The plan for the next chapter of the interactive, hands-on CTI courses called for five 98-inch LG CreateBoard touchscreens capable of supporting simultaneous input from multiple users at once. At that size and weight, traditional articulating mounts weren’t built for the job. Any flex or movement degrades the touch experience, and for a room designed to demonstrate precision AV, that wasn’t something the team could work around.

Two additional requirements shaped the install. First, Crestron wanted its DM NVX AV over IP solutions visible to students rather than hidden behind the displays, staged in dedicated accessory boxes beside each screen so trainees could see the infrastructure they’d be specifying in the field. That meant accommodating an unconventional three-box configuration per position. Second, the team needed easy serviceability.

Chief’s Tempo was selected for all 10 display positions across three classrooms. It keeps large displays tight to the wall, eliminates flex during touch interaction, and provides built-in service access without needing to remove the display.

“When you’re training the people who install AV systems for a living, the room itself sets the standard,” said Alex Villiard, principal infrastructure engineer, training, Crestron. “We needed mounting that could handle 98-inch touchpanels without any movement, support a custom layout that put the infrastructure on display, and let us get in and out for service without turning it into a project. The Chief Tempo flat panel in-wall mount system gave us the flexibility to build something that doesn’t exist as a standard configuration."

Making the DM NVX AV over IP platform visible has had a real instructional effect. The exposed Crestron solutions generate conversations in the room, where students ask about the hardware they’re looking at and get hands-on context for systems they’ll be specifying in the field.

“The Crestron Technical Institute is where our customers come to learn how to build with our systems,” added Villiard. “The touch experience is exactly what it should be, the infrastructure is visible and purposeful, and we can service everything without taking the room offline. That’s the environment we wanted to build.”

“What Crestron built in those training rooms is exactly what Chief mounts are designed to enable, a professional installation where the mounting solution supports the experience rather than limiting it,” said Dorian Haro, product manager, Legrand | AV. “Tempo was the right fit because it solved three distinct problems at once: stability for large-format touch displays, serviceability for a high-use environment, and the flexibility to support a custom layout that served a real instructional purpose. That’s the kind of deployment Chief is built for.”

Zynchro System is harnessing the power of AI at the core of technical development while at the same time delivering its new AI assistant, Zyvo, to aid customers with content creation and campaign management.

[An AI Future]

Zynchro’s digital signage business's latest update delivers enhanced integrations with a full range of partners including android platforms CE Labs, Bluefin, Sony Aitrios, Placer.ai, and IRT for 8k content, as well as continued support for BrightSign and Elgato Stream Deck. Importantly, a manager of a digital signage network trained on the creation, management, and reporting features of Zynchro can seamlessly manage a vast and varied array of mixed platforms in the field. Retailers are currently running a variety of digital signage hardware in massive nationwide signage networks, all managed cohesively and simultaneously using only the Zynchro CMS.

“Saving time and money, essentially maximizing the monetization of their digital signage investments, is the most important metric for our customers,” stated Jose Behar, Zynchro CEO. “So, we are pleased to introduce Zyvo, a custom AI assistant that provides step-by-step instructions in campaign development and improved efficiencies at all levels within the application.”

Zyvo analyzes campaign results and delivers AI summaries of ideas and next steps based on performance. Clear and actionable reporting on key metrics enable brand managers to quickly and effortlessly make adjustments for significant improvements to bottom-line ROI.

Another example of augmented capabilities in monetization for Zynchro customers is found in a recent partnership with Placer.ai. Placer.ai delivers place-based data driven by interaction from customers’ cell phones. Location data is stored in the cloud and analyzed as part of a dynamic and robust Zynchro reporting tool further allowing network managers to optimize decision-making. Advanced location analytics deliver data tied to individual player performance, customer interaction with signage, and more, unlocking deep insights for enterprise-level optimization.

One week after the news of two brand new CEOs at Adder Technology and Epiphan Video, M&W Pro Audio introduced a new CEO of its own. There were also strategic appointments from Chyron, Korbyt, Visionarty, and Hai Robotics, while NSCA welcome new executive leadership to its board.

[The SCN July Issue Is Here: Dive Into an AI Future]

Missed it? Don't worry. As always, get caught up on the week that was in your Monday dose of Pro AV Newsmakers.

Chyron Strengthens Middle East Presence with Appointment of Ahmed Magd

Chyron recently appointed Ahmed Magd as sales director for the Middle East. Magd comes to Chyron with a strong leadership and live video production background, including previous senior commercial roles at Riedel Communications, Clear-Com, and Al Masa IT Distribution. His experience encompasses distributor and reseller management, key client relationships, and cross-border business development initiatives.

With almost two decades of experience in broadcast and media technology, Magd is responsible for driving Chyron's growth strategy across the Middle East, strengthening relationships with customers and partners, and helping broadcasters leverage Chyron's solutions for graphics, sports production, newsroom operations, and live content creation. Magd has a strong reputation for driving business growth, expanding partner ecosystems, and establishing market leadership in highly competitive environments.

Hai Robotics Expands Americas Leadership

Hai Robotics has appointed two senior executives to its Americas leadership team: Alan Berstein as general manager, Latin America (LATAM) and Paul Pendleton as VP of delivery.

Berstein leads Hai Robotics' growth and expansion strategy throughout Latin America while strengthening support for customers and partners across the region. He is responsible for building and scaling the regional team, expanding market presence, and ensuring customers have access to the resources and expertise needed to maximize the value of their automation investments.

Pendleton leads the end-to-end delivery of Hai Robotics' warehouse automation deployments across the Americas, overseeing delivery strategy, execution, talent development, customer satisfaction, and operational performance. Pendleton joins Hai Robotics with extensive experience leading large-scale automation programs and complex industrial projects for enterprise customers

TJ Waldorf Appointed SVP of Marketing at Korbyt

Korbyt appointed TJ Waldorf as SVP of Marketing. He brings more than two decades of experience leading go-to-market strategy for high-growth SaaS organizations, including leadership roles with several private equity-backed enterprise SaaS companies.

Most recently, Waldorf served as CMO at 1WorldSync, where he helped triple annual recurring revenue (ARR), expand the company’s global marketing organization and played a key role in its acquisition by Syndigo. Throughout his career, he has led marketing transformations, product launches and revenue growth initiatives across enterprise technology companies.

M&W Pro Audio Names Phillip Bunch as Chief Executive Officer

M&W Pro Audio has appointed Phil Bunch as chief executive officer. Bunch brings extensive professional audio manufacturing, operations, executive leadership, and global supply chain experience to the company. Bunch joined M&W Pro Audio immediately prior to the company's worldwide debut at the recent InfoComm trade show in Las Vegas, where M&W introduced its first two products, the D24 and D32 digital mixers. SCN covered the company's arrival here: Pro AV Newsmakers: Introducing M&W Pro Audio.

Prior to stepping into the new role at M&W Pro Audio, Bunch previously served for eight years as VP of global operations at Tectonic Audio Labs. He was previously the longtime president of Phase Group, where he has been responsible for overseeing the company's operations across its QA and engineering services, automation, supply chain management, and procurement divisions. Additionally, Bunch has held senior leadership positions at Eastech and Esoteric Audio, overseeing engineering, product development, manufacturing, quality, procurement, and global supply chain organizations throughout Asia and North America.

NSCA Welcomes New Leadership

NSCA announced the election of new officers to its board of directors for 2026-2027. Shedan Maghzi, strategic advisor at Avidex and current NSCA treasurer, assumed the role of president on July 1, 2026.

Maghzi replaces Dale Bottcher, who is chief revenue officer at AVI-SPL. Bottcher will serve as NSCA’s immediate past president, replacing Dan Schmidtendorff, president and CEO at Communication Company.

Don Mastro, chief revenue officer at FORTÉ and current NSCA secretary, will become NSCA vice president; Chris Wasp Jr., CEO at Ronco, will be named NSCA treasurer. Christina De Bono, president at ClearTech Media, will return to her role as NSCA secretary after most recently serving as NSCA vice president.

As Wasp Jr. leaves the board to join the executive team, and Laurie MacKeigan, president at Backman Vidcom, steps down after fulfilling her three-year term, two new board members joined for the 2026-2027 term: Dawn Cagliano, president at IVCi and 2026 SCN Hall of Famer, and Brandon Conick, COO at CTI. It was originally announced during the 2026 Business and Leadership Conference that Valley Communications Systems CEO Michael Tremble would join the board of directors, but a series of mergers and acquisitions forced NSCA’s Leadership Development Committee to develop a new plan. Tremble will remain co-chair of NSCA’s Business and Leadership Conference Planning Committee.

Visionary Appoints Phillip Cordell as VP of Marketing

Visionary Solutions appointed Phillip Cordell as VP of marketing, a newly created position established to support the company's continued growth and expand its investment in digital content, customer education, and brand development. Cordell brings a combination of audiovisual industry expertise and creative storytelling experience to the role. He spent more than 13 years in AV integration, advancing from field technician to vice president of technical operations at M3 Technology Group, where he led engineering, installation and technical support teams. Following the sale of his stake in the company in 2020, Cordell founded HiPhi Productions, producing films, television, and digital content that has generated more than 50 million social media views.

As VP of marketing, Cordell leads Visionary's marketing strategy, brand development, and digital content initiatives while expanding the company's educational resources for partners, integrators and end users. His production background will support the development of online training programs, technical education, product demonstrations and multimedia content designed to accelerate adoption of Visionary's growing portfolio, including the recently introduced nexAV We-Cosystem.

Company News

Compare, Explore, and Decide with cavlo Compares at Seattle Tech Expo

cavlo is introducing a new feature at this year's cavlo Seattle Tech Expo, giving attendees an entirely new way to experience audiovisual technology. Debuting October 21–22 at the Lynnwood Event Center, cavlo Compares is a hands-on product evaluation experience designed to help integrators, consultants, end users and technology professionals compare similar technologies in a neutral environment and determine which solutions best fit their own applications.

Developed in partnership with Coherent Design, cavlo Compares moves beyond traditional product demonstrations by allowing attendees to interact with multiple solutions within the same product category, all under the same conditions, so they can evaluate products based on their own priorities and project requirements.

Coherent Design will oversee the on-site evaluation process to ensure every participating manufacturer is presented fairly and consistently. Products will be displayed using standardized conditions, allowing attendees to compare features, performance, usability and functionality without influence.

LEA Professional Announces New Partnership with AVL Alliance

LEA Professional announced a new partnership with AVL Alliance, a Rocky Mountain region-based manufacturer’s representative. This partnership will bring LEA Professional’s extensive technology catalog to customers throughout Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Texas.

AVL Alliance brings over 25 years of experience in live production and integration to the partnership. Through this partnership, AVL Alliance will represent LEA Professional’s Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity.

Learning environments have endured a seismic shift over the past five years, as classroom and instructional models were transformed first through necessity and subsequently through new behaviors and preferences born through change. AV technology has played a substantial role along the way, from bringing physical and remote learners together through UC platforms to enhancing collaboration through streamlined connectivity and control technologies.

AI-based technologies have increasingly played a role in this changing classroom technology landscape, with beamforming microphones and camera tracking technology among the first to make a difference in our evolving education environments. Today, they have become powerful tools to help expand access to spoken word content across languages and models in real time with on-demand subsequent access just as easy (and expected) for the learners to access.

We’ve all become accustomed to live tools on our phones that can caption the words of the person in front of us, including real-time translations, and even re-speaking those words in a language we best understand. These capabilities (and much more) are possible today to help learning become more accessible, efficient, and comprehensible.

Besides all the “magic” AI can bring to maximize learning and understanding, there are also regulations that have been increasing at federal, state, and local levels regarding accessibility. For example, “WCAG 2.1 Level AA” codifies the Department of Justice’s final rule on ADA Title II with respect to online content for public entities, including K-12 districts and public universities. So, in many situations, captioning is required, not just helpful.

Diversity Abounds

The community that makes up an education student body has evolved over the decades. Today, you’ll find students of all ages and from diverse backgrounds as international as any United Nations event. With that comes all manner of hearing abilities and languages—but that doesn’t mean any of those languages are what’s being spoken in the room.

Add to that the art of multitasking by many of today's students, where they slice their time in the classroom (if they’re in a room with others at all) across multiple activities and devices while lectures and classmate conversations unfold. Like me, some prefer to read transcripts rather than watch a video or listen to an audio recording; they may be a faster reader or their setting may just be more conducive to reading a transcript rather than experiencing a lecture in real time.

These are the dynamics that have propelled AI captioning or translation from advantageous to must-have. When evaluating these valuable solutions, buyers should consider aspects such as flexible pricing, ease of setup, accuracy, latency, allowance for custom word libraries, word filtering and substitution, automated indication of speaker change, automated punctuation insertion, a documented API for automation, file-based access to transcripts and sidecar files (used for adding captions to videos), and a live data feed to get captions and translation out to other platforms and systems. That’s quite a list, but they all matter when it comes to performance.

The better AI captioning systems add a grammar filter to know the right spelling (for example, “they’re,” “their,” or “there”), with latencies of three to four seconds for native captions. An additional second or two is acceptable for translations. The field of translation is evolving rapidly and getting better at managing word-order differences between languages.

Voice fingerprinting is also coming along fast. At first, in file-based material, a system could identify someone's voice in isolation so that the AI could ID the voice. It had time to process the file and provide their name along with their captioned words. Now, it’s possible to do this in real time with live captions as people speak, thanks to high-speed GPU processing.

One of the easiest ways to make spoken word content easier for folks in the classroom to absorb and retain is with a caption video display. Tech by companies such as ENCO makes this simple, with a local NUC-type PC running totally on-prem, using no internet, taking a local in-room mic feed, and displaying text captions on a video monitor of any size in real time.

Further, those captions can be sent to mobile sites or apps or other devices and recorded as text transcripts. After all, it's just data. Then, those transcripts can be married with video or audio recordings of the sessions later, making them highly searchable for students who want to go back and review targeted material again. All this can happen while allowing the instructors to upload custom word libraries, so the AI systems have a leg up on knowing about complex or uniquely spelled words and technical jargon.

This same technology is available today to support students who may not speak the native tongue. In some cases, you might need an Internet connection for live translations, but more companies are providing entire on-prem live translation capabilities as well. Users can even display both the in-room language captions and various other live transitions on the same screens or on other screens or devices in the room. (And don’t forget those multi-lingual transcripts.)

Keep in mind that many students also learn remotely. Today's technology can deliver these same live captions to where they learn, while still originating from the room where the little NUC computer resides. However, those captions and translations require relay through a public web server following standard datasec/cybersecurity policies. They can also be passed onto streaming encoders to feed streaming CDNs, a method traditionally closer to the proven CEA-608/708 closed captions that broadcasters use.

The Third Rail

Captions and transcripts are very much the “third rail” of content. When coupled with audio and video (live or recorded), they can be the gateway to identifying essential nuggets of information within hours of long recordings. Searchable transcripts can quickly return results—and with the right content management system, users can instantly link to the point in a recording where something specific was mentioned.

While smaller institutions might need an in-room, off-network portable caption cart for occasional captioning and translation needs, what if there are dozens of rooms that require captions? Not a problem—remember, it's all just data.

A central cluster of campus servers can feed classrooms around a connected campus, employing useful signal routing capabilities such as audio over IP to get in-room audio to the central servers. The same infrastructure can bring the caption text data back to the room to show on a video monitor via a tiny Raspberry Pi or similar small computer, with its web browser looking back to the proper server.

You can also bank transcripts from all the sessions, allowing students to access them later (based on user authentication controls, since not everyone has access to every class). An overall “conductor” application can oversee when sessions are routed to a caption engine where the captions and transcripts can be accessed.

The ability to caption speakers isn’t limited to the lecturer up front, of course, as ceiling-mount or other additional microphones can capture student questions and comments that inevitably take place. Some caption systems can even label the speakers, for example, as "lecturer" and "student."

When learning is paramount, the best educational environments make available the course material and dialogues in as many ways as the learner can absorb. AI tools are there to help make this highly affordable, flexible, and deployable across a variety of situations, buildings, technical environments, and other requirements.

Universities are under increasing pressure to deliver consistent, technology-enabled learning experiences across multiple campuses, often while managing growing AV estates with limited IT resources. For Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina in Colombia, a historic institution founded in 1893, addressing these challenges became a priority. It responded by launching RAUDA, an ambitious initiative designed to centralize and standardize audiovisual infrastructure across its campus network. The school turned to Kramer to do both.

[UNLV Immerses Higher-Ed AV/IT Professionals in Virtual Reality]

With locations in Bogotá, Pereira, and Valledupar, the university had developed a diverse AV landscape over time, designed to support both in-person and hybrid learning for undergraduate and graduate students across a wide array of disciplines. Relying on a mix of technologies, including classroom touchscreens and commercial displays in halls and reception areas, the systems were managed independently. This fragmented approach made it difficult to maintain consistency across learning environments and shared spaces, along with limited visibility into system performance and slowed response times when issues arose.

To address this, the university launched RAUDA. The goal was not only to improve day-to-day operations, but also to enable more consistent experiences for both faculty and students. Working with system integrator Merge, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina implemented the first phase of the RAUDA project by deploying a centralized AV over IP architecture across its sites. Classrooms, auditoriums, meeting spaces, and digital signage endpoints were connected into a unified network, allowing content to be distributed and managed more flexibly across locations.

An array of Kramer solutions were selected. These included Kramer KDS-EN7 encoders and KDS-DEC7 decoders for content distribution; VIA GO 3 devices for wireless presentation and collaboration; KC Virtual Brain 5 and Panta Rhei for system management, monitoring, and control; VSM on Cloud for centralized, cloud-based management; a dedicated network infrastructure built around NETGEAR M4250 switches, and TP-583TXR units for transmission support.

“Kramer gave us the ability to centralize and simplify AV management across campuses while delivering a more reliable and consistent experience for users,” said César Andrés Rodríguez Ángel, national director of technological innovation at Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina.

The impact has been felt both operationally and from a user experience perspective. Centralized control has helped streamline support workflows and reduce incident response times, while delivering more consistent and reliable AV performance across campuses. According to the university, this has translated into improved availability of learning spaces and a smoother experience for both staff and students.

The new infrastructure has also unlocked additional capabilities, particularly in the area of digital signage. The university can now manage and update content in real time across high-traffic areas, supporting more agile and targeted communication with students and visitors.

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: Jakub Kolacz, Manager of Product Management Software at Sennheiser

The shift to AV in the cloud reflects both a technological and operational evolution—one where systems are no longer treated as isolated room-based setups but as part of a broader, networked ecosystem. The defining trend is the move to centralized, cloud-based management platforms that provide continuous visibility into device health, configuration, and performance across multiple locations.

A key benefit of cloud platforms is the ability to remotely configure, monitor, and diagnose systems, allowing AV and IT teams to manage deployments proactively. For audio specifically, this means maintaining consistent performance by tracking device health, RF conditions, and firmware alignment from a unified interface. This is especially valuable in hybrid work scenarios, where the expectation is that every meeting delivers a reliable, high-quality experience regardless of location.

At the same time, centralized data unlocks deeper insights into usage patterns, fault trends, and environmental factors, informing better system design and ongoing optimization. Over time, this data foundation supports more advanced capabilities, including AI-driven monitoring and automated corrective actions, shifting teams toward oversight and governance rather than manual intervention.

That said, this transition comes with some important considerations. As AV systems become true network endpoints, they inherit IT-level requirements for security and compliance. Network stability is critical, and without it, the benefits of cloud management diminish. There is also a need for closer alignment between AV and IT teams, as shared ownership of systems can create complexities if responsibilities and workflows are not clearly defined.

Ultimately, cloud-based AV marks a shift from managing individual devices to managing system intelligence—but success depends on balancing innovation with infrastructure.

For more than a decade, AV Technology and Systems Contractor News have joined forces to deliver a full day of hot-topic panels, peer networking, and intimate conversations with vendors at the AV/IT Summit.

If you are a CTO, CIO, AV/IT director, consultant, or integrator, the AV/IT Summit on Aug. 5, 2026, in Times Square, is the must-attend event of the summer.

Space is truly limited, so apply now.

Check out the video below and learn why SCN’s Mark Pescatore and AVT’s Cindy Davis think you need to register to attend.

Designed to Engage, Inform, and Inspire

Our keynote, "The AI Moment for the Collaborative Workplace," delivered by Byron Tarry, founder and chief transformation officer of NΞXXT, is sure to inspire you and challenge your assumptions of AI in the workplace. Tarry will explore how analytics, automation, and intelligent agents can anchor the digital layer of a space, offering the ability to generate insight, optimize performance, and increasingly collaborate with the people who use it.

Pain Points 2026: Bring yours and get answers!

Designing the Modern Higher Ed Classroom: Moderated by HETMA's Joe Way

Broadcast-Level AV for Enterprise and Higher Ed: What you need to know to get started and level up.

The Consultant’s Roundtable: Learn how they can help your organization plan, design, deploy, and manage AV and IT infrastructure solutions—and, of course, simplify the process.

The State of Collaboration: We discuss the new collaboration space and the drivers for high-quality solutions.

The Great AI Debate: We discuss how AI is truly impacting Pro AV.

Better Every Year

“Each year I have been involved with the AV/IT Summit, it gets better and better,” said Cindy Davis, content director for AV Technology. “Last year, we introduced the Pain Points session, and it was so much fun. Attendees bring their top AV/IT pain points, and our panel of experts and other attendees attempt to solve them.”

On a more serious note, our panels cover some of the most important topics in the AV/IT industry today. There’s plenty of networking time to talk further with our speakers, your peers, and the AV/IT Summit vendors to share ideas.

You might think that stating that space is limited is a marketing ploy, but it’s not; we can only accept a limited number of people. Attendees must qualify to attend, so register today!

We look forward to seeing you at the AV/IT Summit!

Brompton Technology’s Tessera LED processors were at the heart of the revival of the American Psycho musical, which ran at London’s Almeida Theatre. Based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 cult novel, the production brings satire and high-energy 80s pop aesthetics to life through an LED floor that is central to the show’s visual storytelling. The system, comprising ROE Black Marble 4 panels powered by Brompton’s Tessera SX40 processors, was supplied and integrated by Universal Pixels. Installation was led by Dom Coppola and Scott James of Universal Pixels, with final configuration by Matt Morris.

[dvLED Explained]

The production features set design by Es Devlin and video design by Finn Ross of FRAY Studio, with lighting by Jon Clark. Rather than a conventional upstage LED wall, the creative team opted for a full LED floor, a decision that allowed performers to become light sources themselves, lit from beneath, creating an immersive and psychologically intense visual environment. The floor incorporates a drop, slide, and lift mechanism, enabling set pieces to be pre-loaded and deployed rapidly within the Almeida’s intimate space.

The requirements set by the creative team were stringent: An LED floor that was capable of 10-bit color, which was non-negotiable. “We were able to utilize our ROE Black Marble 4 on Brompton, which was the perfect product for this," explained James Paul, theater lead at Universal Pixels. "The LED panels needed to be incredibly bright, as they were the only light source in the room at some moments, creating an impressive visual effect. The product also needed to be flush at the edges so the thrust stage looked as clean and sharp as possible, allowing the audience to sit close to the stage.”

Durability was equally critical. The cast’s demanding choreography, combined with the constant movement of scenic pieces across the floor, required a surface that could withstand heavy use without deterioration. The ROE Black Marble 4’s hardwearing matte tile surface proved ideal for the job. The processing setup, two 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors and four XD 10G data distribution units with full processor and cable redundancy, reflected how integral the LED floor was to every aspect of the production.

Having worked on both the original 2013 Almeida production and the 2016 Broadway run, video designer Finn Ross was determined that this revival would look entirely different: A complete visual overhaul to reflect both a new political moment and a more stripped-back, performer-led approach to the storytelling.

To this end, the LED floor represented both a creative and technical breakthrough for the show. “Rather than working with the usual upstage LED wall, it was quite satisfying to do away with that and have the actors stand on the LED floor instead,” he explained. “Working with a lighting designer like Jon Clark, who isn’t afraid to use just a few lights or let people actually be the light source, was exciting. You have these moments where people have this incredible glow lifting them from underneath, reinforced by something that can produce a solid, reliable color that you can key in with lights."

The intimacy of the Almeida placed particular demands on color precision. With audiences seated close to the stage, the absence of any visual artifacts was vital. As Ross explained, LED walls in theaters, which are not typically bright, are a difficult thing to make work because they like to be bright. “Having features like PureTone keeps the color range but also allows you to use the wall at a much lower level," he added. "Being able to work in 10-bit was really helpful, too. Because the audience is just so close, there’s nowhere to hide when people are close to the pixels, and because we were working in a lot of block colors and gradients, having that color information was invaluable.”

The content itself, displayed on the LED floor, was built around a strict visual language developed by Ross and set designer Es Devlin; a system combining block text, gradients, and analogue noise interference. Noise textures were locked tightly to the music using drum stems from the show’s electronic dance score, with frames advancing on the beat. Luma mattes shaped the stage around performers, and at key dramatic moments a white noise blood splatter erupts beneath a character. Art-Net control over the Brompton processors allowed smooth, dynamic level changes throughout, with the production ultimately driving the floor to full brightness for the show’s climax, a first for Ross in a theatre environment.

For Universal Pixels, Brompton’s reliability and support made it the natural choice for a production where failure was not an option. “Reliability and fast support is critical when working on theatre productions,” said Paul. “For shows like this where the screen is integral to the storytelling, we have nowhere to hide. With long gradients spanning the entire length of the screen, we were able to avoid banding due to 10-bit color and utilizing features like Dark Magic and Extended Bit Depth to give us perfectly smooth gradients.”

"American Psycho is a perfect example of what's possible when LED technology is pushed beyond its conventional use in theatre,” concluded Patrick Goodden, technical sales manager (U.K. and Ireland) at Brompton Technology. “The creative team's decision to put the screen on the floor rather than the wall, and use the full range of brightness in such an intimate space, speaks to a growing confidence in what Tessera processing can deliver. We're proud to be part of productions that treat LED as a genuine storytelling tool."

Opened to the public in 2004, As-Syafaah Mosque in Sembawang, Singapore has completed a renovation to modernize video distribution across its four-story facility. The upgrade streamlines daily operations throughout the main prayer halls, women’s prayer area, 17 classrooms, and a basement overflow space. It also improves streaming and recording for Friday prayers to accommodate a growing congregation and ensure a more inclusive worship experience. All of this was completed within one month to avoid disrupting the mosque’s daily operations.

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The solution integrates Extron AV technologies for AV signal switching, scaling, and distribution over shielded twisted pair cabling, enabling 4K video routing and delivery to 14 displays and 10 projectors across reception areas, prayer halls, classrooms, and the main auditorium.

“Extron was chosen for their established brand, fantastic support, and local repair center," said Alan Hong, sales and project manager, Maxxmedia International. "Extron products have been successfully deployed at many mosques around Singapore and are well known for their reliability, ease of use, and performance.”

To support the needs of all worshippers, As-Syafaah uses an Extron SMP 351 H.264 Streaming Media Processor with Dual Recording LinkLicense enhancement to stream and record sermons, including Friday prayers. Streams are distributed to monitors throughout the mosque and recordings are accessible online. Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanels and IPCP Pro control processors provide intuitive system control for non-technical staff, including video layouts, picture-in-picture, PTZ camera control, routing, and audio preset switching.

Additionally, the team selected an Extron DXP HD 4K PLUS high-performance 4K/60 HDMI matrix switcher, DVS 605 scaler with seamless switching, DTP HD DA 4K 330 distribution amplifiers, and DTP HDMI 4K 330 transmitters and receivers to perform AV signal switching, scaling, and distribution over shielded twisted pair cable throughout the expansive mosque’s four levels.

The new installation at As-Syafaah has been very well received. Staff appreciate the user-friendly GUI, which they find highly intuitive, and report a significant improvement in the daily flow of operations. They also value the peace of mind that comes with Extron’s reliability and support.

The AV system upgrade at As-Syafaah has transformed the mosque into a modern, highly functional space for religious and community activities. Through the seamless integration of Extron products, the mosque now benefits from an advanced, user-friendly AV solution that elevates its programs and services. This project showcases the capability of Extron technology to provide reliable, high-performance AV systems designed to meet the unique demands of religious centers.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes officially opened as northern Adelaide’s first premium full-service hotel. Anchored by a dramatic 46-foot-high atrium, the hotel offers four purpose‑built conference and event spaces totaling 4,758 square feet, including the Shoalhaven Ballroom and pre-function areas, supporting up to 250 guests. Integration firm Corporate Initiatives designed and deployed a venue-wide audiovisual system centered on JBL Professional loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers.

[4 Opportunities in 2026 for Pro AV Integrators in Hospitality]

Combining contemporary hospitality spaces with integrated event infrastructure, the hotel was built to support a wide range of corporate meetings, functions, and social gatherings while allowing staff to manage the majority of AV requirements internally without dedicated on-site technicians. The installation spans more than 80 loudspeakers across reception, lobby spaces, restaurants, bars, conference facilities, public amenities and recreational areas, creating a consistent audio experience throughout the property while maintaining operational simplicity for hotel staff.

“Music creates an emotional connection,” said Faisal Sayed, general manager of Corporate Initiatives. “It sets the tone, energy and mood in every space. It supports the brand experience, activates areas commercially and helps deliver seamless conferencing. A good sound system is fundamental.”

A venue‑wide JBL Professional audio solution, powered by Crown amplifiers, were deployed throughout the reception, lobby, bar, restaurant, atrium, balcony, gymnasium, elevators and function spaces. 14 JBL Control 16 ceiling loudspeakers installed throughout reception, lobby and amenities areas, while 25 JBL Control 18C/T loudspeakers support ballroom spaces, the gymnasium and additional high-traffic zones. Three JBL Control 24CT loudspeakers provide coverage within elevator areas, and 20 JBL Control 65 pendant speakers selected for the hotel’s bar, restaurant and reception environments. 20 JBL SLP14 surface mount loudspeakers deployed throughout the balcony and the venue’s 14-meter-high atrium space, while four JBL 8128 in-ceiling loudspeakers support select gym and reception areas. The system is powered throughout by Crown amplifiers, providing centralized control, reliable operation and scalable zone management.

“We’re working closely with IHG on standardizing audiovisual platforms across its hotels,” said Gayan Dias, strategic relationships manager at Corporate Initiatives. “JBL offers the versatility we need, from indoor to outdoor applications, and when paired with Crown amplifiers, it provides the zoning sophistication and reliability hotels require.”

One of the hotel’s primary goals was to create conference and function spaces that could operate independently without requiring extensive external AV support. The integrated system allows guests to host presentations, meetings and events using built-in microphones, displays and sound reinforcement already configured within the venue.

“Most clients only need a microphone, a lectern, and a screen,” said Amy Davies, director of marketing and sales at Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes. “What sets our spaces apart is that all the technology is already there. Guests can host professional events without bringing in external AV or additional equipment.”

The project also emphasized the role of background music in shaping guest experience across hospitality environments. Different playlists, voicing profiles and volume levels were configured for specific spaces throughout the hotel, allowing audio to adapt naturally between dining, conferencing and social settings.

According to Nick Screen, VP and GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC, hospitality venues increasingly require systems that balance audio performance with operational simplicity. “Hotels today need AV systems that are powerful and flexible, but also intuitive for non-technical staff,” said Screen. “A unified ecosystem like JBL and Crown allows venues such as Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes to move seamlessly between conferencing, events and social settings while maintaining a consistent guest experience.”

More than a year after opening, Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes continues to expand its appeal beyond business travelers, attracting sports groups, leisure guests and private events. With integrated JBL Professional loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers supporting conferencing, hospitality and public spaces throughout the property, the hotel has established a flexible AV foundation capable of adapting to evolving operational and guest demands.

Powersoft unveiled MM-Force and Spixel at InfoComm 2026. These two transducer technologies were developed for OEM loudspeaker manufacturers and specialized audio applications requiring compact form factors, high power efficiency, and advanced system integration capabilities.

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MM-Force is a low-frequency transducer platform available in 8-inch and 10-inch formats engineered for compact subwoofer applications where installation depth, weight and vibration control are critical design constraints. Based on Powersoft’s high-motor-strength and moving-magnet technologies, MM-Force combines an ultra-shallow profile of less than 70mm with inertially balanced moving parts to minimize vibration during operation. MM-Force is intended for OEM integration in flush-mount architectural loudspeakers, compact portable systems, automotive audio systems and outdoor loudspeaker applications requiring high environmental protection ratings.

MM-Force incorporates a moving magnet topology that reduces the amount of neodymium required compared to conventional moving coil loudspeakers, while maintaining high motor strength and output capability. The design also enables low resistive losses and improved power efficiency when paired with Powersoft Class-D amplification platforms.

Spixel is a compact 2.5-inch full-range transducer platform developed for applications requiring high SPL performance and extended frequency response in the upper bass range from minimal enclosure volumes. Derived from the same high-motor-strength design principles used in Powersoft’s IPAL technology platform, Spixel extends the company’s transducer development into compact full-range applications.

Designed for OEM loudspeaker manufacturers and custom-integrated systems, Spixel supports applications including point-source loudspeakers, line arrays, portable systems and wave-field synthesis speaker matrices. Spixel is available in both 4-ohm and 100-ohm configurations and delivers frequency response down to 100 Hz from a compact 2.5-inch format. Spixel also integrates onboard identification and monitoring technologies through native AnyMATE and SpeakerMATE support, enabling loudspeaker identification, status monitoring and visual diagnostics without requiring additional external hardware or increased system complexity.

“MM-Force and Spixel were developed to help OEM partners address system design challenges related to size, efficiency and integration while achieving higher performance in increasingly constrained physical spaces,” said Mitch Rauch, U.S. sales director for Powersoft. “Both platforms are designed to simplify deployment and maintain system reliability across a wide range of professional audio applications.”

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: Lital Grossman, Executive Director for OpenAV Cloud

The cloud has transformed nearly every corner of enterprise technology. CRM, HR, finance, communications—all managed remotely, integrated seamlessly, and accessible from anywhere. It is now AV’s turn. But unlike those industries, AV is arriving at this moment carrying decades of proprietary infrastructure and siloed thinking.

The opportunity is significant. Cloud-connected AV means IT and facilities teams can monitor device health across hundreds of rooms from a single dashboard, respond to issues before they disrupt a meeting, automate workflows based on room status, and integrate AV systems with the scheduling, collaboration, and security platforms already running the enterprise. For end users, this translates to fewer disruptions, more reliable spaces, and technology that behaves like the rest of the IT stack—predictable, manageable, and scalable.

But the shift comes with real cautions. Not all cloud AV is created equal. Many vendors have moved infrastructure to the cloud while keeping their APIs closed, their data inaccessible, and their ecosystems locked. Organizations risk trading one form of dependency for another—swapping on-premise silos for cloud-based ones.

Security is another consideration that cannot be overstated. AV devices are increasingly IP-connected endpoints, and they need to be treated as such—with proper authentication, encrypted communication, role-based access, and documented protocols that IT and security teams can actually evaluate.

The path forward is openness. Cloud AV that exposes consistent, secure, read-write APIs gives organizations real choice—the ability to integrate best-of-breed solutions, build unified management layers, and avoid lock-in entirely.

The cloud moment for AV is here; the question is whether the industry will seize it openly, or simply rebuild the same walls in a new place.

Working on behalf of Harris County and the NFL's Houston Texans, and alongside technical consultants WJHW, LD Systems installed a new Fulcrum Acoustic bowl audio system at NRG Stadium, or Houston Stadium as it was called for the 2026 World Cup. Up to 72,220 fans per game gathered for soccer’s most awaited tournament, where Houston Stadium hosted seven matches with nine international teams across June and early July.

[8.5 MILLION Pixels Power World Cup Fan Festival]

LD Systems integrated the venue’s original audio requirements stadium-wide in 2002 and has provided its technical maintenance and production support for every major event since. The new system is based on a large-scale deployment of weather-resistant Fulcrum loudspeakers, ensuring reliable operation whether the stadium’s roof is open or closed. All loudspeaker enclosures are now able to withstand potential exposure to environmental challenges in what has become the largest World Cup in history.

The main bowl (situated on the venue’s ‘super truss’), concourses, and support spaces utilize a total of 1,194 Fulcrum loudspeakers comprising AHC443 high-output horn-loaded arrays, CS218LWR dual 18-inch weather-resistant subwoofers, and various other models including CX1226-MT200, CX1226, CX1595, CX826-MT120, FH1566 and FH1595. The overall system weight has been reduced by 40% compared to the previous rig.

The LD Systems team, including project manager Michael Keefe and project engineer Anthony DiDonato, had six months to remove the old system and install the full, site-wide upgrade, yet bowl system tuning was completed in just six hours over a single day.

“We added eight subwoofer arrays (four per side) to enhance low-frequency performance, and the sonic results have exceeded expectation; we’ve actually had to turn them down,” said LD Systems sales engineer, Kevin Broussard. “The system now delivers clearer highs, much better vocal intelligibility, and a powerful low-end that you can physically feel, and feedback on the venue’s new sound capabilities has shifted dramatically.”

System amplification is provided by Powersoft Unica amplifiers serving the main seating bowl and concourse systems, and Crown DCI amplifiers are dedicated to clubs, back-of-house, and ancillary spaces. LD Systems has also installed a new control system and network backbone across the building. The primary mixing platform is a Yamaha Rivage PM5, and wireless audio is supported by Shure Axient wireless microphones.

The audio infrastructure is managed through a Q-SYS platform featuring Core 5200 processors operating in a redundant configuration for mission-critical system reliability, and the Core 610 processors service the suite-level audio systems.

“One of the biggest improvements during this entire upgrade was adding dedicated audio to over 260 suites," Broussard concluded. "Previously, the suites relied on spill from the bowl or delayed TV audio, which could lag by up to four seconds. Now, every suite has its own speaker system, control panel, and multiple selectable sources: bowl audio, TV audio, radio, postgame feeds, and Bluetooth.”

Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Divine Wisdom, stands in the district of West London. While the cathedral’s domed roof and arched windows draws hundreds of visitors each week, its original sound system was no longer fit for purpose. Renkus-Heinz UBX16 loudspeakers were installed to modernize the cathedral.

[London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art Goes Virtual... Production]

Week after week, congregants reported difficulty hearing clearly. While it could provide low-level background music for visitors during the day, the system performed poorly when used for speech during services, producing muddy and unintelligible results. System integrators API Sound & Visual, who specialize in the design and installation of AV systems for houses of worship, heritage buildings, community spaces, and commercial buildings, worked closely with distributors CUK Group to start from scratch and design a new, dedicated speech system that delivers clarity from front to back, while respecting the space and its architectural limitations.

Stephen Neath, sales director at API Sound & Visual, explained that in a space of the scale of Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, dominated by hard marble surfaces, sound reflects endlessly. "It was imperative that the system was highly directional, focusing audio precisely where people are seated; otherwise, the spoken word would simply be lost,” he said.

To meet these goals, two Renkus-Heinz UBX16 loudspeakers were installed as the main left and right sources, chosen for their precise vertical pattern control. Their beams were aimed to cross approximately two-thirds of the way down the nave to provide primary coverage. To ensure even horizontal dispersion, two powerful but compact UBX8 loudspeakers were positioned on the left and right sides and aimed outward. An additional pair of UBX8s was installed further down the room at the sides as delay fills, reinforcing the main system and maintaining clarity and level consistency for attendees towards the rear.

Guided by CUK Group, compact Powersoft amplification was specified to pair effectively with the loudspeakers, enabling a tidy rack installation while providing greater flexibility for system tuning and overall performance. Control is handled via a single-button wall panel with a small display, allowing preset “scenes” to be selected so the system is automatically configured. This ensures that, during services, staff can focus entirely on worship.

“API approached us for design ideas in this unique space,” explained James Lawford, live sound channel manager at CUK Group. “We carried out a 2D direct sound simulation using EASE Focus to check coverage and dispersion from the main loudspeakers. This allowed us to confirm the placement of the delays and ensure the system would cover the entire space.”

Prior to installation, a system demonstration was held for key cathedral staff, allowing them to hear the results first-hand. “The difference was immediately obvious,” added Neath. “The new system was a million times better than what they were used to.”

The cathedral’s extensive marble surfaces meant direct drilling was not an option. The previous system had been mounted using wooden backings fixed into the grout rather than the marble itself, and this approach was carefully reused for the new installation. Another challenge presented by the marble was in cabling, however, the installation progressed smoothly overall. The loudspeakers’ black casing also helped blend discreetly with the cathedral’s detailing, minimizing overall visual impact and preserving the unique aesthetics.

Where complaints about poor audibility had once been a weekly occurrence, the response has since been overwhelmingly positive, with worshippers able to hear clearly throughout the space, without compromising its historic character.

“The project is a credit to API’s careful installation process, and the predictable, high-quality results that can be achieved using Renkus-Heinz UBX Series loudspeakers, even in highly reverberant environments,” concluded Lawford. The result is a system that finally allows the spoken word to be heard as intended, restoring clarity, enhancing engagement, and ensuring the cathedral can continue to serve its community with confidence.

SoundTube Entertainment has released its U.S.-made CM62-BGM-II-US and IPD-CM62-BGM-II-US in-ceiling loudspeakers. These new audio solutions provide consultants and integrators with readily available TAA- and BAA-compliant audio solutions for projects requiring domestic sourcing.

[Made in the USA?]

As procurement requirements increasingly favor American-made products for federal, military, education, corporate, and other regulated environments, SoundTube's latest loudspeakers enable AV professionals to meet compliance requirements without compromising audio performance, installation efficiency, or networked audio capabilities.

Manufactured in SoundTube's Lenexa, KS facility as part of the company's Made in America initiative, the new 6.5-inch coaxial ceiling speakers are built on SoundTube's proven CM62 platform. The CM62-BGM-II-US is a passive background music loudspeaker, while the IPD-CM62-BGM-II-US incorporates SoundTube's Dante-enabled IPD technology, delivering networked audio, power, monitoring, and control over a single Ethernet connection.

"Over the past year, we've seen a noticeable increase in projects where TAA and BAA compliance are specified from the outset," said Peter Melvin, VP at SoundTube. "Consultants and integrators are looking for American-made solutions that don't require tradeoffs in sound quality, network capabilities, or installation simplicity. With these products readily available, we're giving our partners the confidence to specify compliant solutions that perform as well as the projects demand."

AI capabilities in the AV industry are obviously accelerating rapidly—and with them comes a series of challenges. These include considerations around ethics and transparency about how AI is used, as well as training to ensure that teams across multiple parts of every business are using AI in a responsible way.

While the industry continues to navigate those challenges, it’s important to have some kind of formal accountability framework to keep everyone on the same page. Unfortunately, those frameworks have lagged behind the speed of development of AI tools.

That’s why we were really pleased to see the introduction of a new standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 42001 is the world’s first AI management system standard, and it provides valuable guidance for the fast moving world of AI deployment.

What is ISO 42001?

According to the ISO, the standard is designed to “set out a structured way to manage risks and opportunities associated with AI, balancing innovation with governance.” It specifies the requirements for an organization to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) within organizations.

ISO 42001 supports businesses as they consider what they need when rolling out AI. It covers whatever AI tools are being used, as well as how best to manage AI projects, including the assessment and mitigation of risks.

The ISO outlines its target users for 42001 as organizations "providing or utilizing AI-based products or services" and its objective as making sure those organizations have the guidance they need to use AI responsibly and effectively, even while the technology continues to evolve.

Consider all this, we felt it was important for Pleneo to follow the standards set out by ISO 42001, and were pleased to be the first device manufacturer in AV and unified communications to achieve the certification laid out by the standard. But why is it important that not just us but the wider industry adheres to standardization like this? And how does it actually keep companies, particularly tech companies, accountable?

Responsibility and Compliance

One of the biggest considerations for AI adoption is making sure that you’re using tools in line with regulations and in the most responsible way. There are a lot of ethical concerns over the data that’s used to train neural networks and models. If data is from an unverifiable source, there might be issues around ownership or biases being embedded into a final product or service. This unverifiable data is what stops people from trusting many AI products, as does the environmental impact of large AI applications.

The governance around how you use and manage data in your systems also ties into the correct use of AI. The ethical and responsible considerations aside, any organization using AI must be compliant with regulations and legal requirements. As the technology continues to be rolled out, there’s only going to be more regulations on the way.

The ISO 42001 framework, and its adoption of the PDCA—or Plan-Do-Check-Act—methodology ensure that companies are continually reviewing their use of AI data across their business to make sure they’re in line and compliant. For Pleneo in particular, the certification validates the approach we’ve taken to embedding AI technologies within our platforms. We’re not leaning on larger datasets available to public-facing AI tools but are instead processing intelligence locally.

It’s this data processing that the ISO 42001 standard addresses. We know that our use of AI reduces cloud dependency and preserves privacy. And with this standard, we’re able to demonstrate to our users a responsibility with our AI adoption, and that they can trust our AI tools in the same way as any other products in our lineup. Trust is going to be key for the entire industry as AI adoption continues.

Guidance and Opportunity

Businesses across all industries are appointing AI evangelists within their ranks. The AV industry is no different. Regardless of whether they’re new hires or people taking on the mantle within existing roles, many are working with AI for the first time. ISO 42001 provides those people, and organizations more widely, with practical guidance on how to deploy AI in many different ways, and how to mitigate AI-specific risks effectively when they arise.

Handling these sorts of issues more easily opens the door to innovation. Less time spent handling risks means more time taking advantage of the opportunities that AI presents across things like product and service development. That’s what is possible with the right framework in place thanks to the standards outlined by ISO 42001.

For the Pro AV sector, and for modern workspaces in particular, AI is influencing how meetings are prioritized, interpreted, and experienced. Oversight of the technology needs to extend beyond data protection to the integrity and predictability of automated decision making itself.

Formal governance standards like those from ISO will set mature platforms apart from experimental implementations. This is what ensures that intelligent meeting environments are viewed not as emerging technology, but as reliable, accountable enterprise systems.

Extron AV switching and control helped transform a Highland Community College (HCC) distance learning classroom into a dynamic esports hub. The HCC team envisioned a facility capable of hosting weekend-long tournaments with high schools in the local area. These tournaments would give students a hands-on experience competing in an esports environment. The room also needed to foster teamwork, collaboration, and a strong sense of community between players and coaches.

[Course Correction]

The presentation needed the capability to switch seamlessly between gaming stations and send the signals to large screen displays. To achieve this, the athletic director and coaches relied on Extron AV technologies to build a presentation system capable of 4K scaling while maintaining uninterrupted signal integrity.

“We have Extron products on our campus that have remained powered on for over 12 years and that we still use every day,” said Michael Gunderson, information technology services support specialist, media systems, with HCC. “The durability, features, and simplicity of Extron products makes all the difference in keeping our esports center running smoothly.”

Extron’s DTP CrossPoint 84 4K matrix switcher, which is at the heart of the AV system, distributes content from PCs and gaming systems to spectator viewing displays. Extron DTP Series wallplate transmitters were also used to position input connections in convenient locations. HCC has a well-established relationship with Extron and relies on the manufacturer's proven track-record of delivering high-quality, reliable products and industry-leading support.

For advanced signal routing and real-time switching between gaming systems and displays, the DTP CrossPoint 84 4K provides everything HCC needs without signal lag or delays. This improves coordination during team play, allowing coaches to analyze each player’s development. Engineered for flexibility, the DTP series products make it easy to connect devices, ensuring reliable signal routing with little to no cable clutter throughout the facility. Thanks to Extron AV technology, HCC’s esports facility has become a vibrant hub that empowers students to compete and engage with one another.

The new esports facility is a big hit across campus and amongst outside guests. Students enjoy high-quality audio and visuals during practice sessions and tournaments, while coaches focus on improving team coordination and player development. Extron’s reliable, high-performance technology lets players and coaches compete and train in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. HCC has made Extron products its first choice when considering upgrades to the new esports facility.

The World Cup has filled venues across the United States, with major cities taking part in outdoor fan festivals, bringing the action to hundreds of thousands of more soccer fans. Unilumin helped bring one experience to life, deploying two large-scale LED installations at FIFA Fan Festival Dallas, including a custom 16.4-foot Interactive LED Sphere and the Main Stage LED display at Dos Equis Pavilion. Together, the installations deliver more than 8.5 million pixels of immersive visual experiences for fans throughout the festival.

[Estadio Banorte Stadium Is Now the World’s Largest 10G SDVoE AV over IP Network]

Developed in collaboration with AMS Events, the Interactive LED Sphere combines large-scale LED technology with fan participation to create an immersive experience that invites visitors to become part of the display itself. Designed as a giant illuminated soccer ball, the sphere serves as a centerpiece attraction where fans can scan a QR code, upload a photo, and watch as their image appears on the massive LED display in near real time. The result is an engaging and shareable experience that celebrates the excitement, energy, and global community surrounding the world’s most popular sport.

Located within FIFA Fan Festival Dallas at Fair Park, the Interactive LED Sphere is positioned to engage fans from around the world in an environment designed to accommodate up to 35,000 visitors at a time, creating a highly visible and shareable destination within one of the tournament’s premier fan celebrations. The sphere features 3.9mm outdoor LED technology, weighs approximately 13,000 pounds, and contains approximately 3.7 million pixels. Construction, integration, testing, and commissioning required seven days to complete prior to opening.

Beyond the Interactive LED Sphere, Unilumin, which partnered with AMS Events, also supplied the LED display for the festival’s Main Stage at Dos Equis Pavilion within Fair Park. Measuring 46x26 feet, the URMIII 3.9mm outdoor LED wall delivers a resolution of 2912×1664 and more than 4.8 million pixels, providing a stunning visual backdrop for live programming and fan experiences throughout the event.

Orlando Science Center has unveiled its newly renovated eight-story dome theater, The Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities, featuring a Christie RGB pure laser projection system that transforms the former IMAX venue into a versatile immersive theater with 8K content for educational programming, giant-screen presentations, live planetarium experiences, and special events. Christie partner SSIA Technologies consulted and installed the systems.

[Increase Engagement, Reduce Waste]

At the heart of the installation are eight Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB projectors configured in a full-dome projection system that delivers bright, high-resolution imagery across the theater's newly resurfaced dome. The Dome also includes an inset Christie CP4435-RGB pure laser cinema projector for 3D science, nature and space movies.

"One of our primary goals was to replace our aging film projection system with the best solution available for our guests," said Stephen Holt, VP of facilities and exhibits, Orlando Science Center. "Working with our consultant and project partners, we identified a state-of-the-art projection and audio solution that would allow us to create immersive experiences for years to come. The result is a venue that can support everything from live planetarium shows and giant-screen films to educational programming and special events."

"We were tasked with delivering a solution that met stringent requirements for resolution, brightness, image quality, and overall performance," said George Barnett, co-CEO and founder at SSIA Technologies. "The Christie Griffyn projectors enabled us to achieve those goals while overcoming the physical constraints of an existing IMAX theater. The combination of image quality, reliability, and flexibility made them an ideal fit for this application."

Installing the projection system presented unique challenges. Four Griffyn projectors and the CP4435-RGB cinema projector were housed within the theater's existing projection gallery, while four additional Griffyn units required custom placement at the front of the dome to ensure complete image coverage. The installation team also worked within tight physical spaces while coordinating with ongoing construction activities throughout the renovation.

Despite those challenges, the project was completed in time for the theater's public opening.

The renovated theater seats more than 300 guests and serves as a multipurpose immersive venue rather than a traditional planetarium. While astronomy programming remains an important part of the theater's mission, the upgraded projection system enables a much broader range of educational and entertainment experiences.

The Science Center also invested heavily in content creation as part of the project, ensuring visitors would immediately experience the full capabilities of the new venue.

"Technology is only as good as the content it presents," said Annette Sotheran-Barnett, co-CEO/founder at SSIA Technologies. “Orlando Science Center recognized that from the beginning. They made content development a priority, creating experiences that showcase both the technology and the stories being told. When audiences see real-time astronomy visualizations and immersive fulldome content running on this system, they immediately understand what's possible."

One highlight is an introductory dome presentation, custom-produced by SSIA, which showcases the projection and audio systems while offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the technology powering the experience.

"Any time that presentation is running, I find myself stopping to watch it," added Holt. "It highlights the effort that went into creating the dome experience and showcases the incredible range of content that can be presented in the space. It leaves guests excited about what they're about to see."

Beyond singing along to Neil Sedaka in the car, my friend has never been musically inclined. And yet, now he's a published songwriter.

He sent me a link and there it was, a Christmas song. It wasn't him singing, but it was a fully composed song. He wrote the lyrics and a prompt, and an online AI service built his musical vision.

I gotta try this, I thought. Finally, a chance to repair my relationship with AI. Between bad headshots and warped action figures, my AI experiments over the past couple of years, while fun, would probably not land in the win column.

I've always wanted to record music, but I was impeded by my musical limitations. Writing lyrics isn't the problem, and I could carry a tune in a bucket in my younger days. But my drumming is elementary at best, my keyboard work is weak on a good day, and I'm guessing at least two guitar manufacturers would gladly pay me to admit publicly that I don't use their gear. So, to make my rock star dreams a reality, I'd need a band, some sort of recording studio, and a substantial budget to pay for all of that.

Scratch that plan. Enter AI.

First, I needed a song. I've had a song title floating around my subconscious for a while, so I sat down and wrote "Rockin' Chair" in about 20 minutes. If you study the lyrics, you can pick up the subtext of getting older and the loss of youth. But mostly it's an invitation to get busy on the front porch. (Hey, this is rock 'n' roll, not a sewing circle.)

Then, on a lazy Saturday, I went to the Suno website on my personal laptop. It took a few minutes to register, a few minutes more to write a prompt, and maybe two minutes to type in the lyrics. So, let's say I invested about 30 minutes in the process.

Suno spit out several versions of my song in less than a minute. And they were good.

Oh, the cadence was off, and none of them sounded exactly like how I "heard" the song in my head. However, every version had a good beat, background vocals, solid instrument work, and all the spit and polish you'd expect from a hit single.

I literally closed my browser and walked away. Didn't even look at it for more than a week. Honestly, I needed to process what had just happened. In seconds, AI had made my song a reality. I hadn't even plugged in my amp.

At this stage of my life, I have no illusions of becoming a musical sensation. If everything goes right, maybe I'll make tens of cents in royalties from "Rockin' Chair" over the next decade, which will not even cover the cost to use the service for a month. Oh, you can get a taste for free, but if you want to tweak your song and avoid copyright issues, you'll need to spend some money.

But that's not the point, is it? The point is a guy who can only play a few chords on a guitar could publish a toe-tapping tune in less time than it took to write the lyrics.

That said, this is AI, which means it has to learn how to do all this, no doubt using data (read: songs) produced by copyrighted artists. Remember, AI is not about soul, it's about statistical patterns. Essentially, my song is a kernel of creativity wrapped in a cocoon of predictive chunks and synthesized production.

So, is Suno a shortcut? You bet. Does that make it less of a song? I'm not sure. After all, we've been listening to songs built around music samples for decades. One could argue that AI is the next step in that sort of musical evolution. And I have it on good authority that Nashville music pros are using Suno to quickly produce demos (and save a lot of money in the process).

I'm not ready to equate machine learning to inspiration. But I'll say this: I think "Rockin' Chair" is a good song—and without AI, it would have never existed beyond my notepad. Rock on.

Technology leadership does not only mean asking an industry for better products or faster roadmaps. Sometimes it means looking back at the assumptions that have served us well, and asking whether they still serve the future we now need to build.

One of those assumptions in the AV industry is standardization.

For years, standardization has been one of the most important operating principles in enterprise AV and collaboration. It has helped organizations scale, reduce complexity, improve supportability, control cost, and create more consistent user experiences. Indeed, I spent more than a decade leading an organization that built its value proposition on the principle of Scale, Standardization, Simplification, & Speed.

We all know our industry's journey. There was a time when AV-enabled spaces were relatively few. Organizations invested only in the most important rooms. Bespoke design was possible because the volume was manageable.

Then the world changed.

Collaboration became more central to how organizations worked. Video became normal. Hybrid work expanded the pressure on meeting environments. Costs came down. Expectations went up. The challenge was no longer a handful of premium rooms. It was tens, hundreds, or thousands of spaces. In that reality, standardization was not only logical. It was a rational and required response to scale.

We have seen similar patterns in other industries. Local, highly human-scale models gave way to larger systems built around consistency, efficiency, and scale. Then, disruptive digital platforms introduced a third possibility: combining scale with greater personalization and relevance. We all know those stories, from Amazon to Netflix and beyond.

I believe that moment has arrived for our industry!

Change in an Era of AI

There will always be a place for highly customized spaces: executive environments, boardrooms, innovation labs, teaching studios, immersive rooms, command centres, and other spaces where deeper tailoring is justified. But for the broader enterprise estate, the old trade-off between scale and personalized fit is going to change in an AI era. Not because AI is a magic wand, but because it is relevant to addressing the very frictions that standardization was designed to manage.

We know that in the past, more capability meant more complexity. More flexibility meant more support burden. More customization meant more cost and inconsistency. That was not practical, which is why we simplified and standardized. Simplified room types, user interfaces, and feature sets. Exactly what was required to make the overall experience usable and manageable.

But there is a difference between simplifying because users have simple needs, and simplifying because our legacy systems and workflows could not manage complexity.

And that distinction matters.

Meeting and learning spaces were not simplified because users all wanted the same experience, but because more capability created too much friction to justify otherwise. So we designed interfaces to meet the lowest common user denominator. And in turn, we answered the needs of the supporting stakeholders as well, because the cost of variation was too high.

That made sense, but it also created a hidden effect. One of the hidden risks of standardization is that it does not only standardize solutions, it can standardize imagination. Over time, the constraints of a model become so familiar that we stop seeing them as constraints.

But what if some of those assumptions were actually just necessary coping mechanisms? Did we standardize because it represented the best possible experience, or because variation was too difficult to deliver, support, govern, or evolve?

That is not a criticism of the past, but a challenge for the future. It is not that we built the wrong rooms in the past. It is that in a new AI reality, the game itself has changed.

And that is what makes this new era so difficult.

Decisions in a Period of Unparalleled Uncertainty

End-user AV technology managers are being asked to make decisions in a period of unparalleled uncertainty, yet with traditional inertia. The investment decisions being asked of them today are expected to serve organizations for years ahead, yet they are being made in a reality where AI will change workflows, user expectations, interface models, support structures, and the role of the physical workplace itself in ways we cannot yet fully imagine.

That is a hard position to be in. It is easy to say “be more innovative, evolved, prepared” from the outside. It is much harder to put your name to decisions when the crystal ball is murkier than ever, and the consequences of getting it wrong may become visible sooner than ever.

So, the practical question is not whether every future capability is ready to deploy tomorrow. The better question is whether today’s standards, partner relationships, and decision criteria are preparing your organization to take advantage of that future potential or constraining it.

I do not believe the future is a pendulum swing from standardization back to customization. The better proposition is that the very definition of standards needs to evolve to create an entirely new paradigm.

Consider that historically, a room standard meant a fixed room type, equipment package, UI, capability set, and lifecycle expectation. A comprehensively defined answer built heavily upon the realities of traditional physical construction and real estate lifecycles.

In the next model, a standard may need to become more than just a defined answer. It may need to become more of a foundation.

The physical infrastructure, network requirements, security model, platform architecture, interoperability principles, and support processes may still need to be standardized. But above that foundation, the experience layer must become increasingly adaptive and digitally agile. One that can behave and equip users differently for a project review than for executive alignment. Differently for training than for ideation.

The room may be physically the same. The experience may not be.

That is the new possibility. The emergence of standardized infrastructure with adaptive experience.

That is how we can truly serve diverse users, activities, and outcomes, while leveraging that diversity as the very reason we convene people in the first place. All the reasons that were not possible in the past are eroding before our eyes.

Embrace that concept, and it frankly changes the role and importance of the end-user AV technology manager. The job is no longer simply to define the right room standards and defend them over a five-year lifecycle. Rather, the job is to build the conditions through which collaboration environments can evolve as capability, user expectation, organizational need, and AI-enabled possibility change around them. It is to recognize that we cannot deliver tomorrow’s adaptive collaboration expectations through models built around yesterday’s static propositions.

So the next leadership question is not simply “what can we standardize?”

It is “what should our standards enable?”

That is a very different question.

Manage and Mitigate Opportunities and Risks

Of course, I am not suggesting we all just embrace AI enthusiasm and unbridled optimism. But as in any time of change and lack of clarity, it means developing a strategy to manage and mitigate both the opportunities and risks ahead.

That strategy will, of course, not look the same for every organization. A global bank, university, healthcare provider, government agency, technology company, law firm, and manufacturer will each have different collaboration realities. But here are a few universal questions you might ask of your current standards to catalyze the mindset shifts we all need to embrace.

>> Which current standards still deliver value because they improve reliability, consistency, security, supportability, or user confidence?

>> Which exists because variation was historically too difficult to manage?

>> What infrastructure truly needs to remain fixed and physical, and what could become more flexible and digital?

>> Where might today’s standards, even unintentionally, limit tomorrow’s capability?

A “medium meeting room” is not a meeting purpose. A classroom is not automatically a learning experience. As we move from an era of equipping rooms to enabling outcomes, true leadership will be about understanding what people are actually trying to achieve in these spaces: deciding, creating, teaching, selling, learning, aligning, innovating, or responding to change. Understanding those patterns will become the critical capability in enabling spaces to adapt to real-time context and application.

Of course, that should change conversations with the supply chain: vendors, integrators, consultants, and service providers. They should not only be challenged on what they can deliver today, but on their vision of the future, and how they can help you prepare for it. In an AI era, the value of a partner may increasingly depend less on whether they can deliver an agreed standard today and more on how they can help that standard evolve tomorrow.

The risk of not making these sorts of foundational adjustments is not just technical debt, financial write-off, or user dissatisfaction. If collaboration is becoming the critical infrastructure of innovation, then the cost of rigidity becomes a constraint on organizational speed. A room standard anchored in yesterday's thinking that cannot evolve may slow more than a technology refresh. It may slow how quickly an organization can embrace the new ways of working of an AI age. And that should be a critical concern for every organization.

Across the industry, we need to embrace the fact that the game has changed. The constraint set is changing. The expectations of users, teams, and organizations are changing faster than traditional meeting room lifecycles were ever designed to absorb. So if that old model treated standards as fixed answers, the next model should treat them as adaptive foundations. The goal is not to choose between consistency and personalization. It is to create the conditions where consistency, governance, supportability, and scale can coexist with far greater human relevance, flexibility, and transformative future capability.

The industry can build products. Vendors can develop platforms. Integrators can deliver systems. Consultants can advise. But end users live in the real organizational context. They know the workflows, constraints, cultures, frustrations, security realities, support burdens, and business priorities that determine whether technology creates value and impact, or merely fills rooms.

So, whether you are an end-user Collaboration Enablement leader, or wherever else you might sit in the industry, I leave you to consider this.

Will the next “standard” you develop be anchored on a room type at all? Or might it be based upon the foundational principle of adaptability itself?

And if that is indeed the case, what might need to change in you, your team, and your organization to make that a reality?

Holt Renfrew recently expanded its investment in premium audio with a second deployment of 1 SOUND solutions at its flagship Toronto location. Holt Renfrew partnered once again with GAV MGMT to elevate the in-store experience through thoughtfully integrated sound.

[More in Store]

Located at 50 Bloor Street East in Toronto, the project focused on creating a refined audio environment that complemented the retailer's luxury atmosphere while maintaining the clean architectural vision developed by STUDIO PAOLO FERRARI. The objective was to deliver clear, full-range sound with balanced low-frequency support and consistent coverage throughout the space without drawing attention to the technology itself.

After upgrading Holt Renfrew's experiential floor with a premium 1 SOUND system, the retailer experienced stronger sales and events during the first month following the installation. Encouraged by those results, the decision was made to continue investing in premium audio by upgrading another floor of the store.

The second installation became part of a larger initiative to create a more immersive shopping experience throughout the flagship location, recognizing that carefully designed sound contributes meaningfully to the way customers experience a luxury retail environment. Luxury retail presents unique design challenges. Every element of the customer experience is intentional, requiring technology to enhance the environment without competing with it visually. GAV MGMT approached the project with equal attention to acoustic performance and architectural integration.

The design process began with a detailed evaluation of the floor's layout, customer circulation, ceiling conditions, merchandising zones, and acoustic characteristics. Using 1 SOUND's Auralis prediction and 3D design software, the team modeled loudspeaker coverage before installation, allowing placement to be optimized for consistent performance while preserving the store's refined aesthetic.

Rather than forcing a standard loudspeaker layout into the space, the system was designed specifically around the architecture and customer journey. The distributed audio system utilizes 1 SOUND Cannon C5i loudspeakers paired with MiniSUB5 subwoofers to create a balanced listening experience across the retail floor. By combining column-mounted loudspeakers and ceiling mounted MiniSUB5 subwoofers extending only five inches below the ceiling, GAV MGMT created a system that delivers articulate music playback, controlled low-frequency support, and even coverage throughout the space while remaining visually unobtrusive.

The result is an audio environment that feels natural and is sonically intelligible rather than distracting. Music remains clear, warm, and consistent from one department to the next, contributing to the atmosphere without overwhelming conversation or competing with the luxury shopping experience.

Within Holt Renfrew, audio serves a purpose beyond background music. It helps shape how customers perceive the environment, how long they remain engaged within the space, and how the overall brand experience is delivered. By integrating premium sound seamlessly into the architecture, GAV MGMT created an environment where technology supports the retail experience without becoming its focus.

Hennepin Arts, the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the historic theaters of downtown Minneapolis, has completed a major audio upgrade at the State Theatre. Designed and installed by Audio Logic Systems, the new d&b audiotechnik KSL-Series line array system replaces the theat’s aging, unsupported audio system, catapulting the 1921 "pleasure palace" into the modern era with pristine audio quality, improved sightlines, and unmatched efficiency.

[Ooo La Las Vegas: Paris Hotel and Casino Amps Things Up with Audio Upgrade]

The 2,181-seat State Theatre hosts a varied mix of Broadway touring productions, concerts, and comedy acts. Because its decades-old audio system had aged out, the venue needed a solution that would meet the expectations of today's audiences and touring acts.

"Audiences are accustomed to the sound quality and experience at the bigger shows they attend, and we don't want to lag behind," explained explained Merritt Benton, head sound engineer at the State Theatre. "When management asked if the investment was necessary, I emphasized that the new system was rider-friendly. d&b sounds incredible, and in the touring music world, it’s what you see most often. It's the wish list PA for touring folks.”

Addressing the State Theatre’s unique architectural acoustics was a primary challenge. According to John Simshauser, director of operations and design at Audio Logic Systems it is essentially three distinct acoustic spaces in one: the main floor, a typical balcony, and a very deep, 50-foot under-balcony space. "The broadband directivity provided by KSL-Series, really cleaned up the room by providing better control in the 90 to 400Hz range, a common problem zone for theatres like this," he said. "We chose to implement d&b's ArrayProcessing, to ensure every seat in the house had the same tonal balance and sonic experience. This mitigated some of the tuning and carving we might otherwise need to do and were able to seamlessly manage those three different zones. The KSL’s incredible rear rejection also cleared up the room’s 250Hz low-mid buildup that hit the performers' microphones on stage.”

In addition to sonic improvements, Audio Logic Systems also achieved critical practical victories. By relying on the precise modelling of d&b’s ArrayCalc, software the team was able to fly the new line arrays five feet higher than the previous system, drastically improving sightlines for patrons on the outer sides of the theatre. Furthermore, the efficiency of the d&b amplification recovered valuable real estate, considering the theater used six, 44-space amp racks to power the previous system.

The environmental adaptability of the system also proved to be a major advantage in Minnesota's fluctuating climate. "Here in Minnesota, when the doors open, the humidity in the room can swing by as much as twelve points,” Benton shared. “In the past, I would reach for a 31-band EQ to tame the highs. Now, I just update the temperature and humidity control in the R1 Remote Control, and it adjusts the frequencies right back into place. Fixing this on the array, rather than the console was a fun, new concept for me.”

As part of this comprehensive audio overhaul for Hennepin Arts, Audio Logic Systems also installed a new d&b audiotechnik system at the nearby Pantages Theatre. Opened in 1916, the intimate 1,014-seat venue required a system with ample power and exceptional pattern control, utilizing fewer amplifier channels. Audio Logic Systems deployed the new d&b CCL (Compact Cardioid Line array) system that features broadband directivity control while only utilizing a single amp channel.

Since the installation at the State Theatre, acts ranging from comedians like Chelsea Handler to musicians like Raye and SatchVai have performed in the upgraded room. "There are always happy faces and handshakes at the end of the day, which is as good as you can get in the rock and roll world," Benton concluded. "Our PA is miles and miles ahead of what it used to be.”

The story of Mic Drop starts inside the former West Hollywood home of Larrabee Studios, the legendary recording space founded by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. For Mic Drop founders Leo and Oliver Kremer, a professional musician himself, that history was more than just trivia—it was a technical mandate. To bring their vision of a hip, modern karaoke bar into fruition, the Kremer brothers teamed up with the engineers at Pineapple Audio to create a technical backbone powered by the Sennheiser EW-DX digital wireless system.

[Sustainability: How Far Has Pro AV Come?]

Having formerly acted as the bass player for Third Eye Blind, Kremer understood the value of high-quality audio and wanted to kill off the thin, distorted sound that usually defines a night of karaoke. He envisioned "Art Disco"—a vibe that’s equal parts 1920s glamour and 1970s glitz.

The project was a massively intricate undertaking. With 30 wireless channels running at the same time across 13 private suites and a main stage, Matt Edgar of audio visual consultant Pineapple Audio noted that the main hurdle of integration was delivering acoustic separation while keeping that high-end studio feel across a 6,000-square-foot floor plan.

"We were intentional about preserving the building's integrity," Edgar explained. "Each room acts as its own controlled environment. Our goal was to minimize bleed between suites while maximizing clarity. We wanted guests to get the same performance they'd expect in a professional studio, no matter where they are in the venue." The EW-DX was the only piece of technology considered to properly bring the vision to life. The system features an ultra-low 1.9 ms latency, which is the difference between a singer feeling "in the pocket" or feeling a distracting delay in their monitors.

Managing 30 channels in the middle of West Hollywood has the potential to become an RF nightmare. Edgar’s team handled this by utilizing Sennheiser’s Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software to perform floor-by-floor environmental scans. By mapping the RF floor and using a centralized receiver setup, they assigned frequencies with surgical precision.

"The EW-DX system uses an equidistant frequency grid," said Edgar. "It makes coordination way simpler because it gives us consistent audio across every channel without intermodulation risks. We used Sennheiser Control Cockpit for the initial naming and network setup, but now we handle the ongoing management through remote monitoring." On the operational side, Mic Drop uses CHG 70N network-enabled chargers. When a group leaves a suite, the handhelds go right back into the docks to top off the BA 70 rechargeable batteries. This allows the staff to monitor battery health from the front desk, ensuring that no guest is ever interrupted by a dead battery.

At Mic Drop, the gear is part of the art. The venue uses bespoke, gold-plated Sennheiser microphones that stand out against the burgundy and midnight blue walls. These aren't just for show; they’re the primary connection between the singer and the stage. "The microphone is the ultimate touchpoint," Oliver Kremer said. "You feel the weight. You feel the power the second you grab it. It changes how you perform."

That love for the hardware is even built into the ceiling. The room’s centerpiece is a functioning disco ball sculpted as a 30,000-tile replica of the Sennheiser e 835 mic dubbed the “Macrophone.” As Leo Kremer put it, "We debated altering the design but ultimately decided that it had to be an exact replica. It’s eye catching, it's elevated, and it's super fun. That’s Mic Drop to a tee."

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: Steven Hoenig, Senior Director, Portfolio Expansion Program Management at Legrand | AV

The shift to cloud-managed AV isn’t just a technology upgrade; it’s a fundamental rethinking of how AV/IT teams operate. For institutions and organizations managing dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of spaces, the traditional break-fix model has a ceiling. Cloud platforms remove that ceiling.

The clearest benefit is visibility. Cloud-managed infrastructure lets you see early warning signs—unusual power draw, devices going offline, and patterns that precede failure—before anyone picks up the phone. That shift from reactive to proactive fundamentally changes what a small AV/IT team can manage effectively.

Scalability follows naturally. A team of three shouldn’t be limited to what three people can physically touch. Remote power management, automated monitoring, and developer-accessible APIs scale reach far beyond headcount. Automation handles the routine; staff focus on work that requires human judgment.

Energy management is underappreciated. Scheduled power-down routines for high-draw equipment during off-hours yield meaningful consumption reductions—relevant for any organization with sustainability commitments or operating cost pressures.

The cautions are worth noting. Network reliability becomes foundational; monitoring is only as good as your connectivity. Data security and access control require deliberate architecture, especially in sensitive environments. And cloud management without an operational framework generates a lot of data with no clear use for it.

The organizations getting the most out of AV in the cloud aren’t just using new tools; they’re redefining what their teams are capable of.

New amplifiers, line switches, racks, and user interfaces are now ensuring crisp audio and venue flexibility at Petco Park. Daktronics recently completed an audio control system upgrade with the San Diego Padres. The overall project makes it possible to route more than 430 audio channels to over 200 different destinations in the ballpark for the 2026 season.

[LED University: Daktronics Lights Up College Scoreboards]

“This upgrade represents a significant step forward in how we deliver the game experience at Petco Park, ensuring our fans can clearly hear and feel the energy from every seat,” said Erik Meyer, Padres VP of broadcasting and entertainment. “Through our partnership with Daktronics, we’ve implemented a best-in-class system that gives us precise directional and locational audio control so we can tailor sound throughout the ballpark. Our enhanced game presentation creates an engaging and memorable experience for everyone who walks through the gates.”

The project began with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) upgrade with redundant Q-SYS enterprise servers from QSC. This open architecture platform allows for multi-channel, multi-destination audio processing and distribution. This upgrade includes multiple pieces of audio equipment and software preparations, including 80 in-bowl amplifiers; 15 back-of-house amplifiers; 26 NETGEAR AV line switches; fully-isolated analog backup system for all in-bowl amplifiers; Yamaha DM7-EX mixing console; 14 new control racks built on site, integrated with 12 existing racks; and 24 user interfaces.

Installation of new Dynacord IPX and IX amplifiers included more than 350 amplifier-speaker terminations to ensure everything was operational and fully functional.

“This project was a large undertaking that our team was able to complete in nine weeks, all while making sure the existing system was operational up until three weeks before the start of the season,” noted Doug Dodge, Daktronics audio field engineer. “We were able to fully install and complete the programming of the system in this short window with the entire audio team executing multiple phases both on- and off-site leading up to a successful first event.”

Daktronics in-house programming provided monitoring, control and alerts from all audio system components with custom plugins for interfacing with USP battery backups, amplifier room temp sensors, loudspeaker complex impedance and existing legacy audio hardware. The team also created 24 user interfaces to ensure control flexibility for the Padres and their team from touchscreen interfaces in clubs, restaurants and monitoring stations throughout the venue.

June came to a scorching hot close with Pro AV personnel announcements and partnership news, and that momentum has carried over to July. We had a Broadcast AV acquisition, while Adder, Ampetronic | Listen Technologies, Epiphan Video, and FOR-A made strategic appointments and hires, while Visionary, Chryon, and Owl Labs offer new trainings and services.

[The SCN July Issue Is Here: Dive Into an AI Future]

In acquisition news, Broadcast Solutions GmbH, a systems integrator and provider of innovative solutions for the broadcast media industry, is acquiring BFE Studio und Medien Systeme GmbH. This transaction is expanding its service portfolio to include in-depth expertise in the areas of studio and production technology, media IT, control center and control room systems, and customized hardware and software development.

As an independent company and an established brand with offices in Mainz and Vienna, BFE will become part of the Broadcast Solutions Group. The existing shareholders, Martin Dempf and Sven Hesselbach, will continue to jointly manage the company as managing directors. Peter Dinkel and Doris Hartl will continue to lead BFE in Vienna as managing directors. Customers and partners will not experience any changes to their points of contact, ongoing projects or services.

Now, make that cup of coffee, sit back, and get caught up on the week that was in your Monday dose of Pro AV Newsmakers.

Neil Hillier Appointed CEO to Lead Next Chapter at Adder

Adder Technology has appointed Neil Hillier as chief executive officer as part of a planned leadership transition and strengthened executive structure designed to support Adder’s continued growth, innovation, and global expansion. Additionally, Adder appointed: Paul Allen to chief financial officer; Jamie Adkin to VP of global sales; and Duncan Miller to VP global marketing and customer experience to bring together marketing, customer experience, and professional services and support.

Hillier succeeds Adrian Dickens, who transitions to the role of founder and executive chair following 42 years leading the business, with Nigel Dickens moving to Emeritus CTO. Hillier’s appointment aligns with the long-term stewardship principles established through the company’s recently announced Employee Ownership Trust.

Since joining the company in 2016, Hillier has played a key role in helping drive more than 70% revenue growth, building on the company’s global market position and helping shape its long-term strategy. With over two decades in the KVM industry, Hillier brings broad leadership experience spanning engineering, technology, operations and commercial management.

Ampetronic | Listen Technologies Strengthens Executive Leadership Team

Listen Technologies and Ampetronic have promoted Kevin Jewkes to SVP of global revenue and named Alan Kennedy VP of operations. Jewkes is responsible for Ampetronic | Listen Technologies’ overall sales strategy, sales operations, team leadership, and global go-to-market execution across North America and international markets. He strengthens and grows channel and partnership programs and works with the chief marketing officer and also collaborates with product management to ensure customer and market insights inform product strategy.

Kennedy is responsible for the strategy, performance, and scalability of the organization’s operational engine. He ensures that supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, quality, facilities, and IT operate as a unified system to reliably deliver products, support growth, and meet customer commitments. His background and experience are well-suited to translating company and product strategy into operational architecture that will enable the organization to scale efficiently.

Daktronics Sarah Rose Inducted to IDEA Hall of Fame

Sarah Rose, VP of global services at Daktronics will be honored by the Information Display & Entertainment Association (IDEA) at the 2026 IDEA Conference in Cincinnati, OH. Rose, along with John Adams of The Score, are two long-time fixtures in the sports industry who will be inducted into the IDEA Hall of Fame at a formal ceremony on July 15 during the conference.

Rose leads Daktronics’ global technical and professional services teams. She ensures they are fully equipped to deliver an outstanding customer experience by fostering a learning approach, both internally and externally. Previously, she managed the service teams for large sports venues, rental and staging, and international markets.

She has been a regular IDEA Conference attendee and influencer for more than 25 years. She represented a Daktronics team that received a total of 14 Allied Achievement GMAs and the President’s award in 1999. Her passion and activism for IDEA are always on display, serving on various committees, including Women and Inclusion & Outreach, which introduces high school and college students to careers in the industry.

Epiphan Video Appoints George Birchall as Chief Executive Officer

Epiphan Video has appointed George Birchall as chief executive officer. Birchall, formerly chief commercial officer, succeeds founder Mike Sandler, who will transition into the role of president.

Birchall has played a central role in expanding Epiphan's global commercial operations, deepening partner engagement, and driving the adoption of Epiphan solutions across multiple markets. As CEO, he leads the company's day-to-day operations, strategic growth initiatives, and ongoing investments in innovation.

FOR-A America Expands U.S. Sales Team

FOR-A America has added two regional sales leaders. Both Jaz Wray and Fernando Cruz come with a wealth of experience in SaaS platforms, AI-driven live production technology, and IP-based workflows. Cruz and Wray help advance customers’ vision and success with revived energy and excitement.

Wray’s sales and project management experience extends beyond media and entertainment to telecommunications, working with companies such as NEP, Ross Video, and Barco. Cruz led business development for the Corporate, Education, and Government segments of Sony Professional and Phantom/Vision Research, and most recently drove the global promotion and sales acceleration of SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX solutions for Macnica Americas.

Company News

BirdDog's Entire Product Line Is Now NDI 6.3 Compatible

NDI announced that BirdDog has become the first hardware manufacturer to achieve full NDI 6.3 compatibility across its entire product lineup of cameras, encoders, and decoders. BirdDog hardware now natively supports NDI 6.3’s enhanced discoverability features. Those features include active Discovery Server registration through the new Sender Advertiser APIs, hostname-based device grouping, and real-time property broadcasting. This makes scalable IP video deployments far simpler, especially in segmented enterprise networks where that kind of simplicity has historically been difficult to achieve.

Before NDI 6.3, scaling across subnets was manual and complex. Discovery Server setup, IP tracking, and mDNS limitations made it difficult for sources and receivers to connect across VLANs. NDI 6.3 fixes that at the protocol level. Compatible BirdDog devices now auto-register with a central Discovery Server, route video via unicast, and send real-time status updates, significantly reducing deployment overhead.

Chyron Launches the All-New Chyron Academy:

The all-new Chyron Academy has officially launched, a ground-up redesign of the company’s product-training platform. Built on a fully custom, Chyron-branded learning experience, the new Academy replaces Chyron’s previous training system based on a third-party platform and launches with learning content covering the latest version of PRIME, Chyron’s flagship real-time broadcast graphics platform.

Chyron Academy is designed to serve two audiences at once: Customers and freelancers training on PRIME for the first time, and longtime Chyron users looking to become experts in the platform’s latest capabilities. Over the life of the previous legacy training program, more than 3,700 broadcast professionals registered to train on Chyron products, earning nearly 1,900 belt certifications across PRIME, PAINT, and Click Effects, including more than 60 Certified PRIME Black Belts worldwide. Chyron has transitioned that community to the new platform, migrating more than 950 current learners, along with the full certification history for every learner.

The redesigned Academy centers on a PRIME Belt certification path, taking learners through four levels—Yellow (Designer Basics), Green (Intermediate), Blue (Advanced), and Black (Expert)—with earned badges and completion dates appearing on each learner’s dashboard as a visual record of skill mastery. Every course module pairs a demo with a hands-on, full-screen simulation, so learners practice real PRIME workflows, such as building a lower-third graphic step by step, rather than passively watching video. An animated progress dial fills as learners complete demos, simulations, and quizzes, with a belt certification awarded automatically at 100% completion. Learners can enroll and move through the belt levels at their own pace. The program is suitable for individual learners, or supervisors or instructors can monitor the progress of their teams. The platform launches with five published PRIME courses spanning roughly 150 hands-on lessons, demos, simulations, and quizzes combined.

Owl Labs Launches Owl 360 Services

Owl Labs recently introduced Owl 360 Services, its first subscription service built to meet the needs of IT administrators. As organizations look to support hybrid work with deeper video enablement across more spaces, Owl 360 Services delivers three subscription tiers, offering dedicated support, centralized device management, proactive insights, and warranty coverage scaled to the size and complexity of the deployment.

The newly launched, highest-value Enterprise tier delivers a premium channel partner-only offering with advanced analytics, dedicated account management, and four-year warranty coverage, while the Enhanced tier will follow soon in Q3 with advanced analytics, dashboards, and API integrations. Every Owl Labs device is enrolled in the Core tier at no additional costs, giving all customers built-in analytics from the start. All three tiers provide unique insights, including talk-time insights, meeting duration tracking, visibility into the most frequently used devices and rooms, bulk deployment capabilities, reliable update management, and improved device tracking.

PlexusAV Appoints SINIUS PRO GmbH as New Distribution Partner

PlexusAV appointed SINIUS PRO GmbH as its distribution partner for Germany. The partnership will support PlexusAV’s continued growth in the German market, providing system integrators and AV professionals with access to its high-performance, open-architecture AV over IP solutions based on the IPMX standard.

The announcement follows a meeting at the EAV Group Solution Center in Heilbronn, Germany, bringing together the PlexusAV and SINIUS PRO teams. Through this partnership, SINIUS PRO will provide local market expertise, technical support and access to PlexusAV’s AV over IP solutions for system integrators and AV professionals across Germany.

Screen Innovations and Shade Innovations Unleash AI-Powered Support Agent

Screen Innovations (SI) and Shade Innovations have unveiled ATEN, an AI-powered support assistant built exclusively for its global network of dealers and installers. Named after the ancient Egyptian sun god whose light reached everyone, everywhere, ATEN was designed to provide instant access to SI expertise—anytime, from anywhere. Whether at a desk, on a jobsite, or atop a ladder on a late Sunday evening, dealers and installers can access accurate guidance and answers in seconds through text or voice.

Purpose-built for the custom integration industry, ATEN has been trained on SI's extensive library of product documentation, recorded support calls, installation guides, specifications, technical resources, and support knowledge. ATEN delivers immediate assistance across the company's entire portfolio, including motorized screens, window coverings, Black Diamond, SI Motor Technology, Zigbee and PoE protocols, the SI Ecosystem, drapery solutions, and more.

Visionary Level 1 Technical Training Approved for AVIXA CTS Renewal Units

Visionary Solutions' Level 1 Technical Training has been approved by AVIXA as a CTS Renewal Unit (RU) Provider course. The in-person training program is approved for 3.5 renewal units for CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I and Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certifications through May 31, 2028.

Visionary's Level 1 course provides an introduction to Visionary's AV over IP product portfolio and the foundational knowledge required to deploy audiovisual systems. Designed for system integrators, IT professionals, and technical support personnel new to Visionary products, the course covers network configuration, VLite installation and operation, encoder and decoder configuration, deployment best practices, third-party control integration, and system troubleshooting.

Participants gain an understanding of core AV over IP concepts, Visionary's product portfolio and system architecture, network considerations for reliable audiovisual distribution and best practices for system design and deployment. Course participants will learn how to deploy Visionary's solutions in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments and configure VLANs to separate video and audio traffic across different networks. The hands-on curriculum also covers endpoint configuration and management, troubleshooting techniques and operational workflows commonly encountered in professional AV environments.

For years, many felt that “good enough” in higher education classrooms meant a projector, a screen, and maybe a monitor. But "good enough” doesn’t cut it anymore. Amid enrollment pressures, rising costs, faculty adoption, and shifting expectations for hybrid learning, institutions are rethinking how they approach AV upgrades and installations.

“The baseline functionality of ‘good enough’ has increased and will likely continue to trend upwards,” said Ben Pickrel, president of CCS Presentation Systems. And that baseline of what you need in classrooms has clearly shifted since the pandemic.

“It’s gone from being a nice-to-have to being a need,” said Erin Maher-Moran, IT manager for classroom technology at Johns Hopkins University and chair of the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA). This evolution has been key to changing what is “good enough,” and it’s clear that some of these investments and upgrades are becoming indispensable on campus.

Hybrid Is Not Optional

Based on the comments from the experts who spoke with SCN, hybrid is not optional on campuses. “The demand for hybrid teaching environments have forced schools to invest in a more robust technology package that includes multiple cameras and audio solutions in support of both in person learning and online video calls,” said Pickrel.

And it’s not just installing a single camera pointed at the professor, which is something we saw a lot of interest in early in the pandemic. It’s about understanding that hybrid isn’t just about broadcasting a class or lecture; it’s about engaging with students. “The goal is to make remote students feel like they are in the room, and that means showing and hearing both the professor and the students in the classroom,” Pickrel noted.

One way to address this has been to use multiple cameras that capture both the instructor and the students, along with microphones that support discussion-based learning. “Cameras and tracking systems are getting better, particularly with the implementation of AI," noted Troy Dale Powers, AV systems support lead at Northwestern University and vice chair of HETMA.

Lecture capture also extends the reach of classroom lectures, enabling institutions to reuse and share course content. “Video capability combined with lecture capture systems stretch resources, allowing a professor to teach from one classroom to multiple locations,” Pickrel explained. “More students attending the same class increases the overall tuition dollars without sacrificing the quality of the teaching, along with access to the recorded material.”

An Emphasis on Sound

Sound reinforcement in classrooms is also being treated as a priority and critical need rather than an afterthought as it was in the past. Those who choose to underinvest in classroom audio enhancements risk missing the mark, and students’ learning outcomes can suffer.

“Classroom voice amplification systems are essential to help schools meet the needs of students and instructors,” said Joe da Silva, VP of marketing at Extron. “By distributing sound evenly throughout the room, they ensure that every student hears the instructor’s voice clearly, no matter where they are seated. These professional-grade systems maximize speech intelligibility for students while also reducing vocal strain for instructors, allowing the freedom to move naturally around the classroom.”

Larger campuses are relying on standardization and consistency to support large-scale deployments across multiple rooms. Standardized systems streamline installation and maintenance for integrators, and faculty become more comfortable.

“Well-designed campus AV relies heavily on consistent user experiences from room to room,” da Silva added. “For faculty, a unified interface ensures that every room works the same, allowing instructors to walk in, start teaching, and not be distracted by the technology."

This also allows faculty to focus on delivering content without worrying about not being able to access it if they have trouble using the technology in the room. “The faculty want to be able to concentrate on their content delivery,” said Maher-Moran. “They don’t want to have to worry about walking into a space and having to be like, wait, what is this room like? They want to have the same user experience from room to room.”

This level of standardization also helps lighten the load for campus IT teams supporting hundreds of classrooms. It’s much easier to troubleshoot, in person or remotely, if the rooms are standardized from one to the next.

Touchpanel Importance

One of the most visible elements of the AV system is the control system touchpanel, which faculty frequently interact with directly. “With the interface having such a central role, the quality of the entire AV system is often judged by the experience the user has with the touchpanel,” said da Silva.

The latest and greatest technology—and how complex it is—doesn’t really matter to the faculty if the interface doesn’t make any sense to them. If the interface feels clunky, it will make the system seem unworkable and cause them to avoid engaging with it. “They don’t care how complex the room back end is,” Powers explained. “It doesn’t matter to them, as long as it makes sense on that little touchscreen and they can push a couple of simple buttons and make it work.”

On the flip side, many institutions learn the hard way what doesn’t work for modern classrooms. Complexity is clearly not synonymous with greater impact. Not every room needs every imaginable feature, and many institutions overspend on impressive technology that doesn’t align with needs or faculty comfort levels. Schools have to balance power with usability.

“The goal of any technology integration into a classroom setting is to enhance the learning experience for the students,” Pickrel said. “Proper design principles will balance the need for complex capabilities with an intuitive, easy-to-use control interface, allowing the professors to focus on teaching, not on the technology.”

Avoiding Misalignment

There has often been a misalignment between technology and pedagogy, but Maher-Moran noted that institutions are doing a better job through collaboration with instructional technologists. “It’s much better for us to work with the instructional designers and find out exactly how these instructors are going to be teaching,” she explained.

This also helps avoid a common problem of installing something and hoping people will just use it. The more a system requires support or cheat sheets to use, the less it will be used, and technology that isn’t used is just a wasted line item. That’s why faculty adoption is so critical—without it, even the best-designed systems will fail, even if they work perfectly.

Investing in training will boost instructor confidence and help them discuss elements they may be resistant to. You can also look for internal advocates who can help others use the technology. “Identifying ‘champions’ within the university is an extremely successful method to help drive adoption long after the initial training sessions are done,” added Pickrel.

Looking ahead, industry professionals see a focus on adaptable, flexible classroom design and an increasing reliance on AI integration. Maher-Moran noted that the use of AI will extend beyond its current applications, such as camera tracking, to include system monitoring and room health. She also highlighted that AI-powered learning tools are gaining traction. “Chat agents, AI chat agents are somewhere I think we’re going to see growth,” she predicted.

As it is in many industries, AI is where the next evolution of classroom technology is heading. Potential future applications we could see AI supporting range from syllabus-based Q&As to more complex classroom simulations. “With AI becoming so prevalent in everyday life, I think there’s going to be more of a push to utilize AI tools in classrooms and within our systems,” Maher-Moran said.

Powers agreed but offered a note of caution. “I think the problem is we don’t know what it’s going to look like,” he said. “The AI that we were talking about two years ago isn’t what we’re talking about today.”

Looking for more knowledge about classroom AV? Get your free copy of SCN's Integration Guide to Education.

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: John Kruse, Senior Field Solutions Architect at ViewSonic

Cloud is no longer an emerging concept in Pro AV; it’s becoming the operational backbone for how systems are deployed, managed, and scaled.

For many organizations, the primary benefit is visibility. Cloud-based platforms provide centralized monitoring across rooms, buildings, and global campuses, allowing IT teams to proactively identify issues, push updates, and maintain consistent performance without being physically present. This shift is especially valuable as AV footprints expand and support resources remain constrained.

Scalability is another key advantage. New rooms and devices can be onboarded quickly, configurations can be standardized, and updates can be deployed broadly with minimal disruption. This reduces deployment friction and shortens the time between design and usability.

Cloud also enables better data-driven decisions. Usage analytics, system health metrics, and performance trends give organizations insight into how spaces are actually being used—informing future investments and helping justify budgets with real data. Platforms like ViewSonic’s myViewBoard Manager, for example, reflect this shift by enabling centralized, cloud-based device management and remote control across distributed display environments.

However, moving AV into the cloud is not without considerations. Security and compliance must be addressed up front. AV devices are now part of the broader IT ecosystem, requiring alignment with network policies, authentication standards, and data governance practices. Organizations in regulated industries may face additional scrutiny around where data is stored and how it is transmitted.

There is also a dependency on network reliability. Cloud-managed systems assume consistent connectivity, and outages—whether local or upstream—can impact control, monitoring, or functionality.

Ultimately, cloud in AV is less about convenience and more about operational maturity. Organizations that approach it strategically—balancing scalability with security—will be better positioned to manage growing AV ecosystems with confidence.

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: Petro Shimonishi, Director of New Business Development at Panasonic Projector & Display Americas

The AV industry is undergoing a meaningful transformation, shifting from isolated, hardware-centric systems to open, cloud-connected ecosystems. This evolution is less about moving AV to the cloud and more about extending its capabilities through connectivity, interoperability, and intelligent management.

A defining trend is the move toward open, platform-agnostic systems. As organizations deploy increasingly complex technology stacks, seamless communication across devices is now essential. Historically, proprietary protocols made multi-vendor deployments difficult to manage, which is why industry collaboration is critical. Efforts like the OpenAV Cloud Association are helping drive standardization across device telemetry, cloud-to-cloud communication, security models, and open APIs.

At Panasonic Projector & Display Americas, we’ve embraced this shift as a founding member of the OpenAV Cloud Association and by introducing web-based APIs across our projector and display portfolio. These APIs enable third-party integration and allow external applications to monitor and control devices over IP networks. Through our partnership with XYTE, users gain real-time visibility and remote management.

The benefits of cloud-connected ecosystems are clear: improved system visibility, faster troubleshooting, reduced downtime, and more scalable deployments.

However, there are important considerations. Security and data protection remain top priorities, as connected devices introduce new potential attack surfaces. This is why cloud solutions must incorporate secure communication protocols and rigorous standards such as SOC2 compliance—supported by Panasonic’s ongoing firmware updates and XYTE’s secure cloud infrastructure. Reliability is another concern. That’s why it’s important that Panasonic solutions continue to operate locally, even if the network goes down. Meanwhile, avoiding proprietary lock-in provides long-term flexibility, while clear data policies and total cost visibility support smarter long-term decisions.

Ultimately, cloud-enabled AV should help organizations work smarter and respond faster while staying secure and flexible.

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: Toine Leerentveld, Director of Product Management, Cloud and Control Services at Crestron

Most conversations about AV in the cloud still focus on what moves where. The more useful question is, what changes about the relationship between vendor, integrator, and customer once the control layer becomes software?

Start with deployment: Cloud-managed AV should reduce the number of people who need to be in the room, literally and figuratively. Crestron built the XiO Cloud platform around that idea, letting one technician provision and monitor a global room footprint from a single dashboard, and turning most truck rolls into remote sessions. The measure of success is not the dashboard itself, but how much faster a new site comes online compared to five years ago.

The control layer is where the bigger shift happens. Crestron Virtual Control (VC-4) can run in a customer's private cloud or existing virtualized environment, scaling from a single room license to enterprise deployments at the customer's pace rather than the vendor's. Growth and upgrades stop being hardware events. That changes the procurement cycle, the refresh cycle, and, eventually, the org chart on the customer side.

Security gets glossed over in this conversation more than it should. Microphones, cameras, and room sensors tied to cloud services create a different threat model than legacy AV. Crestron treats security as a development discipline, with encrypted communications, role-based access, and a real vulnerability response program. The vendors who do the same will pull away from the ones who treat it as a press release.

The last shift is feedback velocity. Software updates ship in weeks, whereas hardware revisions took years, which means a customer request can become a feature inside the same budget cycle. The vendors who actually use that speed will define the next decade of this category.

Clear-Com has provided Gen-IC virtual intercom, its cloud-based voice communications system, for SaxaVord Spaceport, the first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport in Europe.

SaxaVord Spaceport is located at Lamba Ness on the island of Unst in the Shetland Islands, and is developing infrastructure and critical services to support future orbital test flights. The site has secured Spaceport and Range licenses from the Civil Aviation Authority and is designed to support small rockets delivering payloads into low Earth orbit.

Gen-IC has been deployed to support the spaceport’s ground control center. The system includes a 32-user license supporting PCs located within the control center, mobile devices operating on-site and off-site, and remote access for operators who require connectivity beyond the facility.

“Reliable communication is essential to safe and efficient launch operations,” James Withey, senior systems consultant engineer, CC Sales UK at Clear-Com said. “Gen-IC lets SaxaVord’s teams and visiting payload operators connect instantly from any location, while giving administrators the control and scalability needed to support evolving mission requirements.”

The system allows range administrators to remotely add, manage, and remove users, as well as assign voice loop communication keys as needed. This enables rapid reconfiguration of user interfaces to support visiting payload teams and changing operational requirements.

An on-premises voice recording system is also included, capturing audio from eight dedicated voice loops via a Clear-Com LQ eight-channel interface. The system provides storage and playback capabilities to support operational review, health, and safety requirements, as well as training.

Future expansion may include integration of tactile control hardware and the site’s radio network through additional interfaces.

Brighton College, located in the United Kingdom, makes its performing arts program a major focus on campus. Students benefit from enhanced facilities, including the new Richard Cairns building which houses the 400-seat Cairns Theatre, as well as other spaces dedicated to drama, music, and dance. A number of lighting fixtures by Martin and Elation help to bring the stage and students to life.

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

The College stages a wide range of musical, dramatic, and dance performances, from informal concerts to large-scale productions, and placed a strong emphasis on equipping its new facility with technical provision of the highest level to support a fully professional experience for audiences and participants. The college invested in a significant number of lighting fixtures by Martin and Elation (both distributed in the U.K. by Live Technology) to best serve its ambitious program.

“We wanted to invest in kit which easily caters for the varying demands of the venue, and also enables us to follow a five-year growth plan to invest in equipment and brands that allow us continuity and consistency when purchasing products or topping up from hire houses further down the line,” performing arts technical and facilities manager Joe Wailes explained.

While predominantly based in The Cairns Theatre, the kit is also moved around the site to cater for various events in the school’s other 60, 80, and 120-capacity spaces, covering everything from drama, musical theater, classical music, rock nights, comedy, and corporate functions. In order to achieve optimal results, Wailes looked closely at a number of options, and arranged on-site demonstrations of prospective solutions, including one conducted by Live Technology.

Per Wailes, a majority rig of Martin MAC Viper XIP’s was selected due to the build quality, light output, and feature set, offering good value for money. A plan is in place to add MAC Encore Two to the package to provide, what he called, top-quality, high-fidelity lighting options. “Due to the layout of the space, we then needed to look at a smaller profile option that would work alongside the VIPER XIPs," he added. "Josh (Wakley) of Live Technology suggested that we look at the Elation Paragon S, and it turned out to be a clear winner in our eyes, offering high color rendering and impressive output for its size, while its IP rating offered us the ability to use the units for functions across the site."

Wailes also added Martin MAC One Washes along with the VDO Grid Mount system. The current inventory of 22 is planned to grow to 64 by the end of 2027.

As well as Martin MAC Viper XIP, Martin MAC One Washes and Elation Paragon S, the college also took delivery of two Martin Macula remote follow spot systems, used to make standard moving lights follow performers and/or objects on stage. The college’s investment in its new Martin and Elation stock allows it to be self-sufficient and push beyond the boundaries of ‘school theater’ into a firmly professional realm. With close connections to the community, which sees it in year-round operation in and out of term time, The Cairns Theatre is set for a very bright future.

Miri Technologies recently introduced its V410 live 4K video encoder/decoder for streaming, IP-based production workflows, and AV over IP distribution. Winner of a 2026 NAB Show TV Tech Best of Show Award, the V410 combines ease of use with rich functionality, robust connectivity, innovative features, and flexible format support.

[The SCN Integration Guide to AVoIP]

The versatile Miri V410 is user-configurable either as an encoder or as a decoder. It can encode one live 4K Ultra HD output at 60 frames per second or two simultaneous 2K QHD (2560x1440) channels. As a decoder, the device can decode two streams concurrently from most supported source formats. Video input and output connections include HDMI, 3G-SDI and USB interfaces with embedded audio support.

The Miri V410 is designed for easy operation, even by less-experienced streamers and volunteers, while providing deep enough controls and advanced capabilities to meet the needs of expert producers and media engineers. Its intuitive web interface is complemented by a front-panel LCD screen and configurable buttons for easy on-device control and monitoring. A large, customizable tally light ring around the top of the unit and front-panel VU meters further enhance operator convenience, while two-factor authentication bolsters security against malicious attempts to access and disrupt media infrastructure.

For live streaming, the V410 can encode or decode H.264 or H.265 in a wide range of protocols including SRT, RTMP, RTMPS, HLS, TS over UDP, and RTSP. For video-over-IP workflows, the V410 can encode NDI HX2 or NDI HX3, and can decode both of those formats as well as NDI High Bandwidth and the emerging OMT (Open Media Transport) open-source technology. In encode mode, the V410 can even transcode from NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX2, NDI HX3, or OMT inputs to streaming formats and protocols. Content can also be recorded to files on a microSD card or external USB drive.

The V410's robust network connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi 7 to maximize wireless performance even in crowded environments, while dual Gigabit Ethernet connections, one with PoE support, provide multi-LAN connectivity or redundancy. For maximum internet resilience and performance, the V410 can also be paired with Miri's X510 dual-cellular bonding router.

Demand for higher bandwidth and higher resolution content continues to intensify across industries. In response, AJA Video Systems unveiled Io Xpand, a high-performance Thunderbolt 5-enabled PCIe expansion chassis for AJA KONA and Corvid video and audio I/O cards. Io Xpand unlocks the performance of AJA PCIe I/O cards for video professionals leveraging Thunderbolt 5 laptops and mini-PCs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

[Broadcast AV Takes Center Stage]

Io Xpand is ideal for creative or live production environments where space is limited and portability matters, including on-set, remote production, and live switching. Video professionals can pair the new chassis with either a KONA 1, KONA 4, or KONA 5 I/O card and a Thunderbolt 5-equipped computer to create a powerful, compact workstation with advanced throughput and video capture/playback functionality. For AJA Developer Partners, most AJA Corvid I/O cards can easily be used with the Io Xpand enclosure to develop smaller-footprint solutions.

AJA’s new Io Xpand chassis includes a 0.8m Thunderbolt 5 cable, Thunderbolt cable lock, power cable, and universal power adapter. It will be offered as a standalone unit, or in three bundles that include the Io Xpand and either a single KONA 1, KONA 4, or KONA 5 card. The KONA 5/Io Xpand bundle provides Thunderbolt 5 laptop and mini-PC users with access to the PCIe card’s high-performance 12G-SDI I/O, additional frame stores, and full I/O stack, including AES/EBU audio and machine control, in a portable, plug-and-play solution.

“Across media and entertainment and proAV, we’re seeing a move toward more compact and highly configurable workstations. With this shift, creative and video professionals are asking for high quality I/O solutions, like our KONA and Corvid cards, that can deliver breakthrough performance on the newest laptops and mini-PCs equipped with Thunderbolt 5,” explained AJA president Nick Rashby. “Io Xpand delivers a convenient, cost-efficient solution for harnessing our Desktop I/O capabilities with a smaller form factor workstation that travels easily.”

AVPro Edge together with regional distributor Duoson AV, brand representative Polaris Controls, and systems integrator POP Media Technology, has completed the world's largest 10G SDVoE AV over IP single network powered by AVPro MXnet at Mexico City's Estadio Banorte football stadium. Known across Mexico as "El Coloso de Santa Úrsula," after the neighborhood in which it is located, the venue now features more than 500 video displays and over 20 video walls, creating the ultimate live sports experience for fans. The system delivers live action, replays, wayfinding, and branded content on screens throughout the venue—an engineering achievement made possible by the unmatched performance of AVPro's 10G SDVoE AV-over-IP ecosystem.

[Subscribe to the SDVoE Alliance Newsletter]

The Estadio Banorte stadium is the largest stadium in Latin America. Opened in 1966 and rising more than 7,000 feet above sea level, the immediate challenge was of immense scale. For tens of thousands of fans in the stands and millions more watching around the world, every one of those screens must come alive at exactly the right instant. So, how do they deliver pristine, perfectly synchronized video to every concourse screen, suite, hospitality space, and giant video wall throughout an enormous concrete bowl, all from a single source?

The answer was a single AVPro MXnet ecosystem. AVPro delivered a complete end-to-end ecosystem engineered to function seamlessly as a unified solution. At the heart of the system are MXnet 10G SDVoE transceivers—compact encoder/decoder endpoints installed behind each display—paired with MXnet 100G core switches, MXnet access switches, and dual CBOX-HA control systems for high-availability management of the entire network. Together, these components route spectacularly clear and detailed live video content to displays and large-format video walls throughout the stadium. Because every endpoint communicates on the same network using the same protocol, any source can be routed to any screen, anywhere in the building, on demand.

“The AVPro design team set up and carefully tested the entire AV system in the factory laboratory before deployment, validating the system architecture prior to delivery to Mexico City,” explained Kevin Wang, VP of product development at AVPro. “This level of preparation ensured a seamless installation once onsite, demonstrating the significant value of combining detailed engineering and design preparation carried out by the entire AVPro team.”

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: Adam Sowers, Senior Manager, Business Development at Sony Electronics

Like most areas of modern business and everyday life, AV has shifted to the cloud. As organizations move away from on-prem hardware, AV-as-a-Service (AVaaS) has become a practical, forward-looking model—one that delivers value today while remaining flexible for what’s next.

The benefits are clear. Cloud-based AV improves efficiency, accessibility, and consistency while centralizing visibility and control. Teams gain real-time insight into device health and usage, issues can be identified before they become outages, and the need for on-site maintenance is reduced. Additionally, collaboration becomes more reliable and repeatable across locations.

At the platform level, different solutions serve different roles. Sony’s Device Management Platform (DMP) is purpose-built to manage Sony’s displays, offering device-specific monitoring, control, analytics, and software management that are tightly aligned with Sony hardware. In parallel, Xyte provides an open, hardware-agnostic cloud platform designed to manage devices from multiple manufacturers through a single pane of glass. That openness is especially valuable for organizations and integrators supporting mixed AV environments.

Together, these cloud platforms integrate with content providers to enable seamless digital signage, while cloud collaboration tools support consistent meeting experiences that promote meeting equity. Subscription-based models further simplify budgeting and improve cost predictability.

As with any cloud strategy, success starts with a reliable network, well-defined security and compliance requirements, and alignment with vendors that prioritize interoperability over lock-in.

This is why Sony, Xyte, and other AV manufacturers and technology providers support OpenAV Cloud—an industry initiative focused on driving collaboration, standards, and interoperability for the long-term benefit of integrators and end users.

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: Joe Andrulis, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Biamp

The audiovisual industry has reached a pivotal moment. Comprehensive, cloud-based software solutions now deliver what organizations have long sought: a unified platform for managing AV environments throughout their complete lifecycle from anywhere in the world. From initial design concepts through deployment, real-time monitoring, continuous optimization, and daily use, modern cloud-based management platforms provide AV and IT teams with integrated tools at every critical stage. This end-to-end approach reinforces organizations' commitment to connecting people through extraordinary audiovisual experiences across their global operations.

These maturing, cloud-based desktop applications, such as Biamp Workplace, are transforming how AV installers work on-site and remotely, relieving common pressures during installation and commissioning. Built-in intelligent tools enable automated device discovery, streamlined firmware management, and intuitive device configuration. Perhaps most revolutionary is that AI agents are now assisting technicians in configuring devices properly, dramatically reducing setup time and eliminating guesswork during large-scale deployments.

What makes these AV management solutions truly versatile is operational flexibility. Whether teams work fully on premises, remotely, or in hybrid scenarios, the same powerful capabilities remain accessible. Platforms that can support offline or hybrid workflows can also help maintain continuity and momentum regardless of network conditions, supporting productive, consistent workflows. This adaptability means faster commissioning cycles and greater confidence in deployment outcomes, especially for environments that must continue to operate regardless of network conditions.

Ultimately, the holy grail of AV management is within reach: providing organizations with unprecedented control over their entire AV infrastructure at every stage. Whether operating in the cloud, on-premise, or through hybrid architectures, today's comprehensive platforms enable seamless oversight from initial design and deployment through ongoing optimization and support to product end of life—delivering the visibility, efficiency, and reliability that modern audiovisual environments demand.

AVT Question: Please share insights and trends on AV/IT in the cloud, including the benefits and cautions.

Thought Leader: Mohammad Al-Taraireh, Director of Product Management at Shure

As enterprises standardize collaboration spaces across campuses, regions, and hybrid work environments, AV is no longer a one-time room build; it’s becoming a managed service. The shift to cloud-connected AV reflects a broader reality: IT teams are being asked to deliver consistent experiences at scale while keeping systems secure, supportable, and measurable over time.

The biggest benefit of cloud-based AV is not only remote access, but, most importantly, operational control. When devices are connected through a cloud management layer, organizations gain centralized visibility into what’s deployed, what’s healthy, and what needs attention. That makes it possible to apply a fleet mindset: consistent configurations across room types, faster rollout of standardized templates, and proactive monitoring that identifies issues before they disrupt meetings. In practical terms, cloud management reduces truck rolls; shortens time-to-resolution; and helps maintain a predictable user experience, whether a space is a huddle room or a large, divisible conference room.

Interoperability remains essential, especially as Microsoft Teams and Zoom become the standard interface for daily work. Cloud-connected AV can support repeatable designs that align audio performance to certified room environments, helping reduce inconsistency and rework across varied spaces.

However, cloud connectivity raises important precautions. Organizations should evaluate security and governance first, including role-based administration; authentication alignment with IT identity practices; and clear policies for device onboarding, updates, and access control. Network readiness also matters. Segmenting AV endpoints, confirming bandwidth and quality-of-service, and planning for lifecycle management are key to ensuring reliability.

Ultimately, cloud-based AV enables scale without sacrificing control and turns room technology into an enterprise system that can be monitored, governed, and continuously improved.

Located in Kansas City, Tap Ins is a unique entertainment concept combining mini golf with a full-scale sports bar experience. Spanning an impressive 3.5-acre complex, the venue features 18 outdoor holes and 18 indoor holes housed within a greenhouse environment, alongside a vibrant sports bar, beer garden, and yard games area.

At the heart of the experience is a visually immersive environment, with a total of 105 displays deployed across the venue, including large-format 220-inch direct-view LED video walls on each course. The project was delivered by integrator ICTEK, who designed and implemented a robust AV infrastructure to match the scale and ambition of the space.

From the outset, this was a highly demanding, large-scale AV deployment. The system needed to distribute content from 20 different sources across the 105 screens, ensuring perfectly synchronized playback throughout the entire venue.

Given the size of the site, the AV infrastructure had to span across two separate equipment racks, connected via fiber, while maintaining signal integrity and low latency. In addition, the system needed to support both large-format video walls and multi-view configurations, allowing flexible content layouts across different zones.

Beyond Performance

Beyond performance, the integrator also required a solution that would remain cost-effective and supported by a responsive technical team, critical factors in winning and delivering the project successfully.

To meet the demands of this large-scale venue, ICTEK deployed a WyreStorm AV-over-IP solution built around 16 NHD-120, two NHD-150, and six SW48-410 network switches, creating a powerful and dependable foundation for content distribution across the entire site.

The NHD-120 units formed the core of the video distribution system, helping deliver high-quality content across the venue’s many displays with the flexibility needed in a fast-moving sports and entertainment environment. To add another layer of versatility, the NHD-150 units brought in the multi-view functionality required for more dynamic content presentation, allowing multiple sources to be shown simultaneously across video walls and key zones. This gave the venue greater freedom to tailor what guests saw in each space, whether that meant live sports, entertainment content, or custom layouts designed to match the energy of the moment.

Supporting it all, the SW48-410 network switches provided the high-bandwidth backbone needed to carry AV traffic reliably across the 3.5-acre site. With fiber links connecting the two equipment racks, the system was able to maintain stable long-distance transmission and consistent performance throughout the venue.

Together, these WyreStorm solutions helped deliver an AV environment that feels as flexible as the venue itself, scalable, synchronized, and ready to support a wide variety of experiences across all displays.

“WyreStorm is our go-to for video distribution, and this project reinforced why,” Tim Owens from ICTEK explained. “It was our first time working with multi-view at this scale, and integrating it with a third-party control system required some support. The WyreStorm team was responsive, knowledgeable, and helped us get everything running exactly as needed.”

The result is a fully synchronized, highly flexible AV system that enhances the customer experience across every part of the venue, supporting everything from live sports broadcasting to dynamic, multi-zone entertainment.

“Sound is not merely an accompaniment to my visual installations; it is an intrinsic element, co-constituting the overall sensory experience,” said artist and visionary Refik Anadol, whose DATALAND, the Museum of AI Arts, opened to the public on June 20, 2026, at The Grand LA in downtown Los Angeles. With that conviction at its core, DATALAND has partnered with L-Acoustics to create an aural environment unlike anything found in any permanent museum anywhere in the world. One powered by an L-ISA Hyperreal Immersive spatial system and, for the first time in the Americas, the groundbreaking L-Acoustics Ambiance hybrid active acoustic enhancement solution, installed by Certified Partner Solotech.

[SCN Goes Inside Cosm Atlanta]

DATALAND is the world’s first omni-sensory AI arts museum, activating all five human senses. Its inaugural exhibition, Machine Dreams: Rainforest, developed by Refik Anadol Studio’s collective of artists, scientists, architects, and engineers, runs through January 31, 2027. Spread across five galleries, Machine Dreams: Rainforest redefines art for the age of machine intelligence. No longer a finished object, this art is a living work that unfolds in real time through the dynamic interplay of data, computation, and human presence. Visitors interact directly with artworks that respond to them; biometric data from wearable devices is woven into the experience itself.

L-Acoustics is among a group of technology collaborators on the project, alongside NVIDIA, Google Cloud, Founding Olfactory Partner L’Oréal Luxe, and Epson. As the audio partner, L-Acoustics’ role goes far beyond sound reinforcement: Its technology is integral to the full realization of Anadol’s creative vision, shaping every emotional beat of the experience through a 250-speaker spatial ecosystem with a resolution unprecedented in any permanent museum anywhere in the world.

The Sound of DATALAND

At the heart of DATALAND’s audio architecture is L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal audio, which gives artists the ability to ‘paint’ with sound across a three-dimensional canvas, in front of, above, and entirely surrounding each visitor. Audio content created by composer and sound designer Kerim Karaoğlu draws on original music, the acoustic ecology of the rainforest, and the sacred healing songs of the Yawanawá, and is fully integrated with the visual art, responding to the visuals in real time, inhabiting the same space, completing the experience at a sensory level that transcends any single medium.

L-Acoustics Ambiance extends this further, transforming the acoustic character of the room itself. Ambiance can make a space feel intimate or vast, enveloping or electric, altering the reverberation time and character of the room in real time to serve the creative content. DATALAND marks its first permanent installation in the United States.

Anadol’s work is guided, as he described it, by “a desire to craft a soundscape that would serve as an auditory echo of both the architectural essence and the subtle emotional atmospheres inherent in the spaces.” L-Acoustics Ambiance is the instrument that makes Anadol’s vision possible.

“For Refik and the DATALAND team, sound has always been as essential to the work as the visuals themselves, which is what makes this collaboration so meaningful,” said Yann-Gaël Gicquel, director of product management, spatial systems at L-Acoustics. “This is the culmination of a long and deeply shared vision. We’ve worked together to build technology that supports the art, and becomes part of it. With L-ISA and Ambiance, that means giving Refik’s studio something they can keep playing, keep evolving, keep imagining with. That is what it means to be a true creative partner.”

Engineered for Every Vision

Because DATALAND is designed to evolve, with its content and experiences continuously developing over time, L-Acoustics engineered each gallery to deliver the most flexible, most adaptive audio platform possible. Whatever Anadol’s team imagines, this spatial system can realize it.

The first space guests encounter upon entering DATALAND, the Discovery Portal sets the tone for everything to follow with welcoming L-Acoustics sound via four Soka colinear arrays and four SB10i subs driven by a single LA7.16i. Premium L-Acoustics background music systems extend through all common areas and the gift shop, ensuring the sonic quality of the museum reaches every corner of the guest journey.

DATALAND’s main exhibition space, nearly 5,000 square feet with overhead speakers positioned 21 feet high, is the centerpiece of the immersive audiovisual experience. Three vertical rings of L-Acoustics loudspeakers envelop visitors in a fully spatial acoustic landscape designed to support Refik Anadol Studio’s generative visual art. Sound can be precisely localized to any point on the walls or ceiling, creating a seamless union of image and audio.

The bottom layer alone features 27 Syva colinear speakers, each paired with a Syva Low and Syva Sub, delivering remarkable sonic resolution and low-frequency extension across the full sweep of the space. The surround and height layers add 25 and 12 X8i coaxial speakers respectively, with eight KS21i subwoofers providing room-filling foundation. Twenty-five X6i coaxial loudspeakers deliver direct-routed personalized audio encounters for individual guests. The space is driven by 12 LA7.16i amplified controllers using L-SMART technology, which continuously monitors and optimizes power consumption to average 30% greater efficiency compared to traditional processing platforms, with zero compromise to the sound. An L-ISA Processor II controls the object-based mix.

The Sanctuary measures 20x35 feet, with ceiling speakers reaching 30 feet high, a configuration that takes full advantage of Ambiance. Here, the technology is used not merely as a sound effect, but as a live acoustic tool: The reverberation time and character of the room itself shift in real time with the content, transforming the space from intimate to immersive and back again.

Three rings of loudspeakers surround the gallery: a bottom layer of 17 5XT compact coaxial speakers, a surround layer of 11 X8i, and a height layer of six X8i. Low-frequency power comes from two KS21i and nine SB10i subwoofers, with six 5XT for individualized audio moments.

Connecting the exhibition areas, the Latent Gallery features video on one wall and seamless overhead audio continuity throughout. Ten X8i loudspeakers and two KS21i subs ensure visitors are never outside the sonic experience as they move between galleries.

The Infinity Room is a compact, self-contained space where audio and video are deeply intertwined for an intimate sensory encounter. A focused L-Acoustics system, comprising 25 X6i and 10 X8i loudspeakers plus two KS21i subwoofers, all driven by three LA7.16i, provides clear, full-range sound reinforcement in precise support of the room’s visual installations.

Across all spaces, the DATALAND installation deploys a total of 250 L-Acoustics loudspeakers, with audio transport split between Milan-AVB and AES67 protocols, giving DATALAND maximum flexibility for whatever its content becomes next.

“My work is guided by a desire to craft a sonic landscape that would serve as an auditory echo of both the architectural essence and the subtle emotional atmospheres inherent in the spaces,” Anadol has said. “With L-Acoustics L-ISA and Ambiance technologies, those atmospheres are no longer fixed. They are alive.”

Welcome to what Epson is calling brilliance without boundaries. With a surge of large-display installations across multiple market, Espon has introduced the new EB-XQ2030B 30,000-lumen, 4K Laser 3LCD projector. Designed to deliver the image performance artists and creative teams need to bring ambitious visions to life, especially in productions where color, contrast and detail are critical to the experience, the EB-XQ2030B pairs 3-chip 3LCD color, impressive black levels and vivid 4K detail at up to 30,000 lumens of brightness, enabling large-scale visuals with the depth and clarity demanded by immersive environments.

[How InfoComm Has Changed in Five Years]

“Projection technology continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, and our commitment to leading that evolution has never been stronger,” says Chris Teguh, product manager, Epson America. “Our continued investment in projection technology has enabled this incredible engineering achievement. The EB-XQ2030B pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in large-venue projection, delivering unprecedented brightness, and impeccable image quality in a smaller, lighter footprint. This combination empowers artists and creators to bring their work to life in places that were previously unfeasible.”

Brilliant Visuals without the Bulk

At its core, the EB-XQ2030B’s 3-chip 3LCD technology produces rich, full-color output, while high native contrast delivers the deep black levels essential for immersive, large-scale experiences. Its 4K Crystal Motion technology² produces intricate detail with exceptional clarity, enabling immersive and interactive experiences across complex surfaces and demanding environments.

The EB-XQ2030B sets a new benchmark for versatility and performance in its class as the world’s smallest and lightest 30,000-lumen projector,³ bringing flagship-level projection into spaces where conventional 30,000-lumen-class systems can be difficult to place, support or conceal. Enabled by Epson’s proprietary Advanced Cooling Engine, its dramatically reduced size and weight, along with optimized airflow for quiet, efficient operation, give system designers greater flexibility to integrate high-brightness projection into a wide range of venues without compromising architecture, sightlines or visual impact. To further enhance flexibility for complex installations and creative applications, Epson is also introducing its new H-Series lenses with an expansive throw ratio coverage (0.35–11:1).

Designed with every stage of transportation and installation in mind, the projector’s precision-engineered chassis balances power with a compact, deployment-friendly form factor. Plus, its hermetically sealed optical engine and filterless design with IP6X-rated dust resistance reduces maintenance and service disruptions in hard-to-access environments, so integrators can count on consistent visuals from installation through long-term operation.

Built to withstand the rigors of permanent deployment and evolving AV ecosystems, a newly integrated Intel SDM slot offers expandable connectivity with support for AVoIP and media player modules to give integrators and creators the freedom to build around current infrastructure and workflows. Additionally, Epson software tools and NFC³ quick read/write configuration via Epson Projector Configuration Tool⁴ simplify setup, monitoring and management across single- and multi-projector systems.

Expanding Limits with New H-Series Lens Family

Alongside the EB-XQ2030B, Epson is expanding its professional lens lineup with the introduction of the new H-Series lenses – a unified family designed to meet the full spectrum of modern installation demands. The new portfolio delivers comprehensive throw ratio coverage from 0.35 to 11:1, combining four all-new lenses and six updated models. Two new ultra-short throw options expand creative possibilities: one featuring an L-shaped lens designed for 90-degree projection onto off-axis surfaces, and a straight UST option with a 0.39 throw ratio, ideal for rear projection and tight spaces. A newly added zoom capability in the ultra short throw range provides even greater flexibility, while long throw options support image delivery across expansive venues. Combined, the range allows floors, ceilings and unconventional surfaces to become dynamic display canvases, with consistent brightness and color across multi-projector setups.

Artificial intelligence has taken over Pro AV. At least, it feels that way. New products tout “AI this” or “AI that.” Some folks brag how AI is simplifying their inbox or streamlining their reports, while others fear for their jobs. Every professional conversation somehow seems to wind its way back to AI.

Once we get past summaries that reduce hourlong meetings into bullet points and Instagram videos that trample on intellectual properties for comedic effect, what does it all mean? From machine learning to large language models (LLMs), how is AI truly impacting the Pro AV industry today, and what can we expect in the coming years?

To find the answers, SCN reached out to industry futurists and technologists to collect their thoughts on the current state of AI in Pro AV—and explore potential roadmaps into our industry's next chapters.

Accentuate the Positive

Julian Phillips, SVP and managing director of XTG, the AVI-SPL Experience Technology Group, has spoken extensively about AI and last year released LevAIthan: A Brief History of Humanity and AI, a book co-authored with Athena, his AI assistant. In his book, he argued that we should stop calling it “artificial intelligence” and start calling it “augmented intelligence.” His point is that AI’s greatest value is in strengthening people, not replacing them.

“If we call it artificial intelligence, we think substitution. If we call it augmented intelligence, we think amplification,” he explained. “The wording matters because language shapes strategy. The best AI does not remove the human being from the experience; it makes the human more capable within it.”

According to Phillips, AI is most powerful when it helps designers, technicians, support teams, and end users work faster, smarter, and with greater confidence. “At AVI-SPL, for example, Symphony helps organizations monitor and manage assets across the network, identify issues earlier, and support users more proactively,” Phillips said. “That is a practical example of intelligence improving both operational performance and the user experience.”

In his role at Midwich, Chris Neto, head of emerging markets, revealed that AI is changing the conversation both internally at and with external vendor partners. “'Emerging markets' used to mean geography. Now it also means capability,” he said. “AI is accelerating that shift. Markets and verticals that may have lagged in the traditional sense now have the opportunity to leapfrog through software-driven, AI-enabled solutions.”

And that’s where Neto’s role is evolving. “It’s no longer just about identifying where growth might happen,” he said, “it’s about helping our teams within Midwich understand what’s possible and then extending that insight to our vendors and manufacturer partners so we can move together, faster and more strategically. AI doesn’t replace strategy, but it absolutely sharpens it.”

Of course, the willingness to integrate AI with AV systems depends entirely on the client, said Rich Green, president and CEO of Rich Green Design. "We’re still very early in the AI journey," he said, "so what my clients demand is superb audio, superb video, and flawless connectivity. Our job as integrators is to help them understand how AI fits into their broader digital transformation strategy. If AI can improve speech intelligibility or automate presentation connectivity, hooray! If it gets in the way, VC partners get ornery."

Perceptions and Realities

So, is AI being perceived in Pro AV as a godsend or a job killer? If you ask Neto, it's following a very familiar pattern.

“Every major shift, from DSP to networked AV to the cloud, came with the same fear cycle,” he said. “AI is just the latest iteration. The difference now is the speed and accessibility. The people who see it as a job killer are usually thinking about tasks. The people who see it as a tool are thinking about outcomes.”

"The Pro AV industry has always relied heavily on automated workflows, and AI represents a new era for efficiency," added David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA. "Adopting AI requires thoughtful consideration of how it fits into current systems and processes. In some cases, it may accelerate tasks or simplify programming, but the fundamentals remain the same: Professionals are still defining the goals, guiding the system, and validating the outcomes."

AVIXA maintained a pragmatic view of AI in its education program at InfoComm 2026. "AVIXA is focused on what’s actually happening with AI today," Labuskes said. "We’ve moved past the phases of 'AI will do everything' and 'AI isn’t doing most of those things.' Instead, we’re now in a phase where practical applications are emerging and adoption is steadily growing. Rather than focusing on fears of widespread job loss, the emphasis is on how people are actually using AI in their day-to-day roles to work more efficiently and effectively."

Phillips warned that AI literacy is vital in today's Pro AV workplace, because AI is entering the workplace—whether people are ready for it or not. "In modern Pro AV, understanding AI is becoming as important as understanding signal flow," he said. "AI literacy matters because it helps people separate real capability from hype. It helps them ask better questions, apply the tools responsibly, and have more credible conversations with customers who are already looking at how AI fits into their workplace strategies. This is not about keeping up, it's about staying ahead."

Joe Andrulis, EVP of corporate development for Biamp, expects AI will empower productivity gains, because it eliminates training barriers and helps workers come up to speed more rapidly. "With AI, products get easier to implement because the products themselves incorporate artificial intelligence to make setup more dependable and to handle situations dynamically," he explained. "However, I don’t know the net effect, positive or negative. I think the effect of AI will be varied by sector and by application area. Some jobs are going to be greatly enhanced, and AI will be a big boost to AV, while others might be negatively impacted."

For example, Andrulis acknowledged that one of the big challenges in the dealer community has been finding qualified people. "The more that AV systems can incorporate intelligence natively, the more easily integrators can install systems with less specialized workers, which can make it easier to hire while also ensuring a more standardized outcome across geographies," he said. "In the past, customers were often willing to pay for high-value installation services, but that was very difficult for dealers to scale as the pool of qualified experts is very limited. With AI, they are giving up some of that high-value work, but in return they get scale. Scale is how dealers can win with AI."

Aim Higher

"On the design and pre-construction side, AI tools are meaningfully accelerating how integrators work," Green observed. "AI can help parse complex RFPs, draft system narratives, cross-reference equipment specifications, and even generate first-pass signal flow documentation. Work that used to take days can now take an hour. That's not a small thing because it frees up real time for the higher-value, higher-judgment work that actually requires a human expert."

That expertise is an indispensable part of equation. "We dare not underestimate the human in the loop," Green warned. "Nurturing talented and competent professional humans is the most important path to sustained success and prosperity. The liability and the craft are still ours to own."

AV has always been built on relationships, trust, and experience, which Neto said AI can’t replace. Instead, AI removes friction. “It handles the repeatable, the predictable, and the scalable, which frees us up to focus on what actually matters: creativity, customer experience, and quality service,” he said. “So no, it’s not killing jobs, but it is going to expose complacency.”

Based on discussions with clients and other integrators, Dave Van Hoy, president of Advanced Systems Group, said defining what AI is for Pro AV really depends on who you ask. “AI is a buzzword. AI is an initiative. AI is an actual functional tool. We're at the evolution of these tools, where all these things are true,” he offered. “It’s in many applications. It's a management initiative with no clear definition. It's being used today in everything from camera tracking to closed captioning, graphics generation, and many other things."

AVIXA research shows a shift toward practical adoption. According to Labuskes, studies of AI use in the Pro AV workplace show significant growth in implementation, along with increased recognition of its benefits, particularly since the rise of GenAI. "While AI continues to evolve, it is clearly becoming more deeply embedded within organizations," he said, "and as adoption matures, its business impact will be increasingly measurable."

But Phillips believes too many organizations are treating AI as a productivity hack, rather than as a "partner in exploration" that can help teams model possibilities, test ideas faster, identify patterns, and solve problems. "If we're implementing AI just to make us faster," he argued, "we're aiming too low."

Present Practicalities

In the real world, AI features have gone from nice-to-have to expected faster than most people realize. “Walk into any modern meeting space, and AI is already there—whether people call it that or not,” Neto offered. “Auto-framing, speaker tracking, noise cancellation, transcription, translation. These aren’t futuristic features anymore, they’re baseline expectations.”

However, when it comes to AI and UCC, Neto thinks the industry needs a reality check. “AI is only as good as the environment it’s operating in,” he explained. “We can’t talk about AI-driven transcription and translation, arguably two of the most in-demand features from end users, without talking about acoustics. If the room sounds bad, the AI performs badly. It’s that simple.”

Shure is already integrating AI into its products to provide intelligent noise suppression and voice focus. "AI is only as effective as the data it ingests," agreed Christine Schyvinck, president and CEO of Shure, "so pristine audio is paramount for AI to do its job and for end users to experience greater productivity."

In other words, speech intelligibility should now be considered foundational for meeting spaces. Poor acoustics lead to poor data, which leads to poor outcomes.

“So, while AI is raising the bar for what these systems can do, it’s also raising the bar for how we design spaces,” Neto advised. “Integrators and designers need to think beyond the camera and the codec and start with the room itself. Because at the end of the day, if the AI can’t clearly understand what’s being said, everything else falls apart.”

Improving Products

Schyvinck believes AI can be a game changer when it comes to product development—with the right governance, policies, and planning. At her company, AI is not only assisting with the process, it's making product development more effective and efficient.

"AI has definitely helped accelerate many tasks, which can help us bring products to market faster," Schyvinck noted. "It is especially well suited for rapid prototyping. AI assists with learning and acquiring user feedback earlier in the development process, which is something we value a great deal at Shure because of our focus on customer input."

Schyvinck said Shure has been leveraging AI in its products for years, and it serves a critical role in today's UCC products. " AI helps with hybrid work pain points," she explained. "It enhances meeting intelligence, workflow automation, personalization, and analytics."

AI is certainly improving Biamp products—for example, cameras include auto zoom and focus as well as tilting capabilities, while AI noise reduction is helping to improve voice intelligibility in ways that users may not even realize. "Thinking broadly, AI is enabling products to become easier to use while also becoming more flexible," Andrulis said. "AI software, such as Biamp Launch, is now embedded into system programming, including auto setup and auto tuning.

"This is useful beyond just installation, as it can adapt to changes in the environment. As a result, the end user is getting a much more polished experience in a wider set of use cases," Andrulis added. "It’s all happening more efficiently and at lower cost, with overall better performance and without any overt action from individuals."

Predictions and Next Steps

AI has already made some pretty impressive technological strides. As Labuskes said, "While our eyes are on how AI is being used in practical AV applications, we're also tracking its potential to make huge shifts across the industry."

Coming soon, look for continued growth in Edge AI, which is the practice of running AI locally on AV devices instead of sending it to the cloud. And beyond that is Physical AI, which combines sensors and control systems with AI to create meeting rooms that essentially run themselves.

Van Hoy said the best is yet to come. "Today, AI can take care of many mundane tasks," he said. "As we go forward, it will be able to do more sophisticated things, including technical direct productions and allow voice control of AV systems for unattended use. The applications will continue to evolve, particularly in the routine applications where humans provide the least creative value."

Schyvinck has already seen the shift from static hardware to adaptive learning systems. "End users want meetings that automatically generate, track, and facilitate action items and tasks," she explained. "They want rooms that self-diagnose issues and trigger support workflows or even self-heal."

Green agreed that platforms that can flag anomalies in system behavior before a client even notices a problem are a "genuine operational win" for integrators and end users. "AI-enhanced knowledge management systems for system integrators and support technicians will be a game changer," he predicted.

Voice control in professional environments needs attention, Green said, mostly because consumer voice AI tech can't be used due to cybersecurity and privacy concerns. However, he expects agentic AI, which makes its own decisions and takes action, to have a significant impact on system interoperability. "It’s a wild frontier fraught with hazards but improving exponentially," he added. "That’s the space to watch right now."

A Word of Warning

For Neto, the future of AI in Pro AV is about better overall experiences, not features. The industry is heading toward environments that are context-aware spaces that "understand who’s in the room, what they’re trying to do, and adjust in real time without manual intervention."

However, that kind of AI integration should probably come with a warning sticker. "Just because we can automate everything doesn’t mean we should," Neto said. "There’s a balance between intelligent and intrusive. The winners won’t be the ones who cram in the most AI; they’ll be the ones who use it with purpose thoughtfully, transparently, and in ways that actually make human interaction better, not more complicated."

For Green, the IT manager is often the integrator's point of contact, and they are "extremely cautious" about introducing AI. "Cybersecurity is top of mind in these firms. AI poses new threats, often cleverly disguised," he explained. "It’s best to defer to predictable reliability and hold off on AI tricks in these environments. Sophisticated clients can see right through them."

While AI-driven diagnostics and remote monitoring are maturing, Green said the interoperability and standardization layer still needs improvement. "Integrated systems can be sourced from a dozen different manufacturers, and the AI features often live in proprietary ecosystems that don't talk to each other elegantly," he noted. "The industry needs either stronger open standards or deeper partnerships at the platform level before AI can reach its full potential in a fully integrated system."

Andrulis had his own warning—about unintended consequences. "As the systems become smarter, we need to recognize that our industry is about audio and video sensors," he said, "and as they become more widely used and data is processed more intelligently, there are valid concerns about surveillance or the misuse of personal information. Users may not even be aware it’s happening.

"The good news is that as we get more information, we can do even more wonderful things with that information, but that is assuming good intentions," he continued. "Bad actors can use that information in ways that do not benefit end users. There is a potential dark side to this paradigm and as an industry we need to be cognizant of that."

The July issue of SCN is now available. Be sure to download your FREE issue today!

Have you heard? AI has gone beyond a buzzword, as it dominates the AV industry, whether it is enhancing solutions or creating a path to more innovation. This month, we are joined by industry experts from Shure, Midwich, ASG, and many more to dive into how AI is shaping AV today... and tomorrow.

[How InfoComm Has Changed in Five Years]

Also in July:

• An inside look at accessibility on campus with ENCO.
• People on the move.
• Mission-critical video.
• Insight on ISO 42001 certification.
• Plus, the Integation Guide to House of Worship.

It's the perfect cure for the post-InfoComm, summertime blues. Download the July issue of SCN today!

Samsung Electronics introduced new education solutions for its Android-based Samsung Interactive Display lineup, making shared classroom displays easier to personalize and manage. The new solutions reflect Samsung’s focus on practical classroom tools for teachers and school IT teams.

[A Combination of Contemplation and 'Wow']

“Digital classrooms depend on the right balance of advanced hardware, intelligent software and intuitive user experiences,” said Hyoung Jae Kim, EVP of the visual display business at Samsung Electronics. “By bringing together AI and seamless connectivity, Samsung’s interactive display solutions are designed to support a more flexible, connected learning environment in which teachers and students can thrive.”

In schools where multiple teachers use the same classroom display throughout the day, access and privacy can become daily challenges. Samsung Account Management Solution (AMS), which comes pre-installed on compatible Android-based Samsung Interactive Display lineup models, allows each teacher to access their own account using a QR code or an NFC-enabled ID card. This streamlined sign-in experience helps schools support shared devices without relying on local profiles tied to a single display.

As schools add more connected displays, IT teams need a simpler way to manage users, devices and classroom permissions. Samsung Education Portal provides a central location for IT managers to register teachers and enroll devices. In terms of user management, NFC binding links NFC cards to teacher accounts so staff can sign in to shared displays with their assigned cards. IT teams can also enable Samsung AMS on selected displays and manage account access when needed, allowing classrooms to stay ready for the next teacher.

Samsung AI Assistant provides AI tools for common classroom tasks directly on compatible Android-based Samsung Interactive Displays. The app supports content discovery, transcription, summaries, and quizzes, helping teachers encourage student focus, participation and comprehension throughout lessons.

Features like Circle to Search, enabling teachers circle on-screen text or images to find related information, visuals, videos, and web links, and Live Transcript convert spoken instruction into real-time text on the screen, both make lessons easier to follow for students with hearing impairments, as well as multilingual learners.

Samsung’s Android-based Interactive Display portfolio gives schools a range of options for classrooms, media rooms and shared learning spaces, with three new models coming soon: WAF-S, WAFX-PS and WAHX-M. These models, along with the existing WAF and WAFX-P series, support Samsung AI Assistant and Samsung AMS. The lineup is also EDLA-certified, providing seamless access to services like Google Classroom and Google Drive, which further enrich the educational experience.

Extron has unveiled a new update to its EMS Express Mobile Software–Quantum Ultra, designed to streamline video wall control with new capabilities including live content preview and full compatibility with the latest Quantum IN4DTP3 and OUT4DTP3 cards. With EMS version 1.8 and Quantum Ultra firmware 6.03, users can now view live and static source content directly within the EMS interface, simplifying the process of designing presets and visualizing current status across complex video wall configurations.

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

“The latest EMS-Quantum Ultra update reflects our commitment to delivering smarter, more intuitive tools for AV professionals,” said Casey Hall, chief marketing officer for Extron. “With features like live content preview and seamless DTP3 integration, we’re empowering users to manage even the most dynamic video wall environments with greater ease and precision.”

Other recent enhancements include expanded user account support, now accommodating up to 50 login accounts with unique usernames and passwords at three access levels: Admin, Designer, and User. This makes it easier to manage large teams by defining who can configure systems, design layouts, or simply operate the video wall. In addition, Canvas capacity has been doubled from 10 to 20, enabling users to control up to 20 video walls with different resolutions and screen arrangements from a single Quantum Ultra or Quantum Ultra II system. Administrators can assign permissions and manage source access for each Canvas, ensuring secure and efficient operation across multiple video walls.

EMS–Quantum Ultra combines the freedom of wireless control with an easy-to-use tablet application operated with familiar finger gestures. These include drag and drop, pinch, zoom, swipe, and tap. It facilitates preset selection, window size and position, and other common tasks and can work in tandem with Extron Videowall Configuration Software (VCS) and a control system.