According to the Texas Education Agency, Texas is one of the top five states with the highest number of public school enrollments. Manor Independent School District in Manor, Texas, is one such district where student enrollment continues to grow and thrive. In fact, the district has built two new schools to accommodate a projected 5,000 more students in the next four to five years. With nearly 10,000 students currently, the district will double its enrollment in that time. Manor needed future-ready edtech that would align with the excellence and culture of continuous improvement the district has dedicated itself to during this growth. The district chose BenQ Boards as its standard for classrooms going forward.

Manor ISD was using a mix of lamp-based projectors for its classrooms managed by a control system. The control system was complicated to learn and difficult to keep updated while the projectors required keeping a running stock of bulbs, both of which were expensive. For the district’s small tech team, maintaining and monitoring lots of disparate systems and components across 24 buildings, which includes 17 instructional locations in the district, was a time-consuming hassle. For its new schools Manor Early College High School, Manor Rise Academy, Wildhorse Elementary School, Manor New Tech High School, and Manor Elementary Early Learning Center David Gonzalez, Manor ISD Director of Technology, wanted to put in a much simpler device agnostic and innovative classroom solution. His mission was to find the latest and greatest tech that was proven and would last a long time. That solution was BenQ Boards.

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“Technology should be all about how to get back to teaching and instruction in the most innovative way possible that our staff and students can relate to,” said Gonzalez. “BenQ continuously demonstrates the way they support today’s teachers and staff while enhancing learning in exciting ways for students.”

In their selection process, there were many things Manor ISD looked for and found in the BenQ Boards:

Flexibility

Manor ISD is 96 percent Mac iOS driven, so whatever they chose needed to be compatible. BenQ Boards are platform, software, and device agnostic. What’s more, the Google EDLA-certified BenQ Boards empower teachers to teach their way, whether they choose to use the whiteboard, share their screen wirelessly, or load lessons from the web. Making the transition to the BenQ smart boards easy and exciting for teachers and students is the award-winning EZWrite 6 software. Teachers can do it all with this license-free annotation and collaboration software designed to fit any teaching style. It allows teachers to use any interactive course and existing IWB file to make lesson-building a snap. Users have the freedom to annotate and work directly from the interactive display or a wirelessly connected device. When teachers are creating or presenting lessons, EZWrite’s Floating Tool empowers them to add text to any app, video, website, document, or image. They can also choose the pen color, erase, open files, or take screenshots. In addition, BenQ Boards feature InstaShare 2, the award-winning wireless casting system that allows multiple users to share to the screen simultaneously as well as create split-screen lessons with a single tap and enable cloud whiteboarding for students to contribute and write on the screen from wherever they're located — whether in the class or joining remotely. From the smart board, teachers can quickly log into their cloud platforms and apps, including Google Classroom, ClassLink, and others.

“We try not to tether our teachers and staff to the wall,” said Gonzalez. “Being able to walk around the classroom and give instruction as opposed to just staying by the board was really important to keep our teachers in the power zone and engaged with our students.”

Ease of Management

In addition, the smart boards supported Manor ISD’s infrastructure with the ability to easily setup, monitor, and update the smart boards. BenQ features Device Management Solution (DMS) and Account Management System (AMS), which allow the district’s tech team to remotely configure settings, push updates, monitor device analytics, and manage user permissions. These solutions are not only free, eliminating the district’s former control and management solution that was costly and complicated, but also provided simplified, centralized management, reducing the burden on Manor ISD’s tech team responsible for managing 24 sites. This streamlined approach enables educators to focus more on teaching and instruction, rather than troubleshooting technical issues. Gonzalez said, “BenQ’s AMS and DMS system was a big selling point.”

Content Management System

Another need for the Manor ISD tech team was the ability to push out different kinds of content using not only the BenQ Boards but also BenQ digital signage displays. In the past, the school had used an expensive system that didn’t fully address their content or security needs. The BenQ Board and smart displays benefit from BenQ’s X-Sign broadcast software, which turns any BenQ smart board or display in the school into signage and allows schools to keep everyone informed and up to date on events, safety protocols, and emergencies.

“Safety is always top of mind,” Gonzalez explained. “We want to make sure we can leverage these displays to push out a wide range of information, from security alerts and campus notifications. To our district board meetings and content from our YouTube channel. X-Sign as part of the BenQ system provides that flexibility.”

Demonstrating Success

BenQ provides an innovative ecosystem that solves numerous challenges for teachers and tech staff alike while aligning with future-ready skills that will empower forward-looking students who are innovative and proficient. 

“I use the BenQ Board every day in the classroom,” said Aylie Moya, ninth grade English 1 teacher at Manor ISD. “I show PowerPoints, text, and clips to promote comprehension and discussion in class. The BenQ Board is a really nice tool, especially when I need to get students involved. We use the writing tools on the board when students and I are breaking down writing prompts or finding evidence in text. I’ll have students go up to the board and highlight or underline different parts of the text that support the claims they make and build connections.”

The impact of the BenQ Boards at Manor Early College High School, Manor Rise Academy, Wildhorse Elementary School, Manor New Tech High School and Manor Early Learning Center has been felt districtwide.

“BenQ’s comprehensive suite of solutions provides us with the best of the best and aligns perfectly with our vision of simplifying and standardizing technology districtwide,” Gonzalez added. “Now our teachers can focus on what matters most—delivering high-quality instruction to our students. Other teachers from other campuses want to know when they’re getting BenQ Boards. That kind of excitement and confidence bodes well for adoption of a new standard.”

Projector manufacturers invite teachers to get closer to the action—or at least the lesson plan—with short-throw projectors. As the product category implies, short-throw projectors are positioned closer to the screen than a traditional or standard-throw projector. That means they’re a better choice in tight quarters, but that’s not the only advantage these projectors provide for educational facilities.

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"The traditional reason for a short-throw projector was to support interactive whiteboards," recalled Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development, BenQ North America. "In 2024, the primary reason for short-throw projectors is to enable a larger screen in a smaller space. Emerging markets like simulation, floor projection, and immersive rooms require short-throw projectors to enable larger images without having to mount the projector so far back that it is impractical."

Billy Harrison, product manager, mainstream video projectors, Optoma, agreed that short-throw models are great for space-constrained environments. “The number one reason short-throw projectors have grown in popularity is due to the big image they project from a short distance,” he said.

Another selling point is that short-throw projectors do not require special installation considerations beyond those needed for standard-throw projectors. According to Yann Sablayrolles, product manager projector, Panasonic Connect North America, short-throw units are generally easier to install and maintain.

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"They can be mounted on ceilings, desktops, or carts—and can be placed closer to the display surface while still creating the same size image," he explained. "They offer greater installation flexibility with minimal cost increase and no sacrifice in performance or features. They are incredibly good space savers."

Educational Applications

Experts agree that short-throw projectors can be effective in classroom environments. From a practical standpoint, short-throw units can accommodate installations where there isn't enough distance to place a standard-throw projector or there are obstructions in the ceiling where the projector would typically be placed, according to Ryan Pitterle, senior project manager, projectors, Sharp. But there are other benefits as well.

“Generally speaking, when you’re in a smaller classroom where the professor and/or students will be moving around a lot within the classroom, short-throw projectors are the best option because they have specific features to reduce exhaust noise and unwanted distractions when students are seated close to the projector,” Sablayrolles said.

“Short-throw projectors require significantly less throw distance and are less prone to shadowing from participants in the room,” added Harrison. “When using standard-throw projectors, participants and viewers moving close to or in front of the projector can create a shadow, which is undesirable and distracting for others.”

“One key factor is installation volume, which refers to the total space needed to create an image of a certain size," explained Daniel Oey, senior IT product manager, LG Business Solutions. "Flat-panel displays and direct-view LEDs have a thin installation volume, as they are mounted directly to the display surface. However, standard-throw projectors will need a larger installation volume, as they need to be placed at a distance away from the display surface to create a larger image.

"While an older option, projectors are still a highly relevant member of a portfolio of display solutions. For larger images, projectors are often more cost-effective from an image size perspective," Oey continued. "Ultimately, short-throw projectors are a good choice for both classrooms and larger lecture halls, because they offer a good balance of smaller installation volume, image quality, brightness, and cost effectiveness."

Opinions on lecture hall use are more mixed. Mia Shen, senior business line manager, ViewSonic, said short-throw projectors "might not always be the best choice due to the limited throw distances and potential brightness limitations." Pitterle added that large lecture halls often require screens that are larger than the maximum size supported by most fixed lens short-throw projectors. But Wudeck said new 4K short-throw laser projectors are “especially well-suited to lecture halls, enabling 300-inch screens with Rec. 709 color accuracy that can replicate complicated organic colors in fine detail for science and art lecture halls.”

Lens Options

Are there limits with lens choices? That depends on the projector model you choose. “Some short-throw projectors come with fixed lenses, which provide advantages in projector size and cost, while other projectors have the ability to change lenses for more flexibility, but typically results in a bigger and more expensive projector,” Oey said.

"While there’s a cost associated with interchanging lenses," Sablayrolles acknowledged, "this is a good option for those looking to use their projector in a variety of settings and applications."

Generally, Shen said short-throw projectors have fewer lens options compared to traditional projectors. If your short-throw projector has a fixed lens, Shen said there is less flexibility in adjusting the throw distance, which could be a limitation in larger or irregularly shaped rooms. Pitterle advised installers to pay attention to the throw ratio, which is the throw distance divided by screen width.

Projectors usually fall into three categories based on their throw ratio. While estimates vary between manufacturers, Oey said standard-throw projectors generally have a throw ratio greater than 1.0, while the throw ratio for short-throws is around 0.75-1.0 and ultra-short-throws have a throw ratio less than 0.5.

Wudeck differentiated between the three most popular types of short-throw projectors. "Home theater ultra-short-throw projectors are placed close to a wall and have integrated speakers, while immersive projectors for museums and simulation rooms are designed for very large images and blended together," he said. "The traditional classroom models typically have a maximum image size of 130 inches and are designed for whiteboards."

Yes, ultra-short-throw is another subcategory, with projectors that can be placed even closer to the screen, often from only a few inches, while providing a full-sized image. “The difference between short-throw and ultra-short-throw is the lens throw ratio and lens design,” Harrison explained. “Short-throw projectors use a standard front-of-the-projector lens that can be easily identified by the round protruding lens."

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"Ultra-short-throw projectors can create large images from very short distances, resulting in a small installation volume and almost eliminating the possibility of shadows," Oey said. "They achieve this by using powerful aspherical lenses. However, as a result they are typically more expensive. Also, because they are placed close to the display surface, the projected image is sensitive to projector mount alignment and display surface flatness, which can cause image distortion."

Considerations and Limitations

Short-throw projectors do not require a special kind of screen, so standard drop-downs or fixed-frame models are just fine. And for a traditional classroom, Wudeck said you can use any screen or whiteboard made in the last 20 years. "For environments with high ambient lighting, a short throw projector can be used with an ALR [ambient light rejection] screen," Harrison advised. "ALR screens reject ambient light back into the environment, allowing for bright and crisp images even in bright rooms."

Any technology has its limits, and there are some disadvantages associated with short-throw projectors, staring with less installation flexibility. As Shen explained, the limited throw distance means these models are generally not suitable for very large rooms or lecture halls where the projector needs to be placed far from the screen.

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Harrison also emphasized the need to mount or place the projector close to the projection surface. “For example, a mainstream short-throw projector like the ZH450ST can generate a 100-inch image with a throw distance of 3.6 feet and an even larger 120-inch image from a longer throw distance of 4.3 feet,” he explained. “Short-throw projectors cannot be used from the middle or the rear of the room, as the projector image size will be too large and have poor focus.”

In applications where large screens are needed, a short-throw projector may not suffice. "Traditional fixed lens, short-throw projectors sometimes have limitations to the maximum screen size supported,” Pitterle said. Go bigger than that limited image size and your image can lose focus on the edges, Wudeck added.

There is also the issue of no (or very limited) zoom capabilities. As Harrison observed, most Pro AV short-throw projectors with fixed or interchangeable lenses are limited to 1.15x zoom. “This is the nature of short-throw lens projectors overall and not a limitation of any particular projector company,” he noted.

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That lack of zoom means installation can also be challenging, due to the precision needed to square the image on the screen. As Wudeck noted, if your projector doesn't offer lens shift and/or zoom, your projector has to be mounted exactly right to properly fill the screen. "Most mounts will provide sufficient adjustment," Pitterle added, "but professional installation is still recommended."

Sablayrolles said a short-throw projector body can often be bigger and heavier than a traditional projector because of the size of the lens, and he also warned about potential sensitivity to screen imperfections. “It’s really important that you have a perfect screen or wall to project on,” he noted. “Since the projector is placed close to the screen, it is much easier to see imperfections/issues with a screen while using a short-throw projector.”

And, of course, there's cost. If you want that extra flexibility, expect to pay for the convenience. "Short-throw projectors are often more expensive than traditional projectors with similar specifications," Shen confirmed.

Check Your Distance

Ready to install your short-throw projector? According to Sharp's Ryan Pitterle, you can mount it to the ceiling using a standard ceiling mount or with a wall mount attached just above the screen. For a less permanent solution, you can place it close to the screen on a pedestal or table. Some manufacturers even offer custom mobile projector carts, such as the Epson ELPCS01, which is designed exclusively for its PowerLite 810E/815E 3LCD short-throw projectors.

If you need help to determine the best configuration of the room and projector placement, there are several online tools that can help. For example, Panasonic Connect offers a Throw Distance Calculator and Optoma has its own Projection Calculator. Both sites let you calculate projected image size, projection distance, and more based on specific models and lenses.

Schools nationwide face a common challenge—how to modernize aging infrastructure to integrate cutting-edge technology into classrooms, ensuring students are prepared for the future. According to NEA Today, half of America’s public schools are more than 50 years old. Adding to the complexity are issues such as deteriorating VGA wiring, outdated whiteboards and projectors, and other AV components that teachers struggle to make functional while keeping up with future-ready standards. Paso Robles Joint Unified School District in California was at this all-too-familiar crossroads. They needed a budget-friendly and immediate solution. For less money than rewiring alone, the school was able to launch into the future with BenQ Boards.

Paso Robles enrolls over 6,000 students across its eleven schools. Despite the annual growth of its district, Paso Robles faced outdated classrooms with 90s-era VGA projectors and infrastructure. The traditional approach of updating cabling and projectors posed significant challenges—construction to open walls, hiring electrical and cabling contractors, and laying extensive—and expensive—new wiring, which would all require a massive budget and time that the district didn’t have. Moreover, this solution offered no new future-ready capabilities for educators.

“Technology has evolved significantly since our classrooms were built, but you wouldn’t have known it to step inside them,” said Scott Buller, MBA, director of Information Technology at Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. “We didn’t have the funds for an infrastructure upgrade to support newer model projectors. But even if we did, that solution would only get us halfway to what we really needed for our students to be future-ready. We didn’t want to rebuild our classrooms—we wanted to transform them.”

An alternative solution emerged—equipping the entire district with Wi-Fi enabled smart boards. This would allow the district to delay infrastructure upgrades until funds were available. Most importantly, smart boards would provide educators with the technology needed for engaging and collaborative learning.

The Decision

After a significant testing period with many smart board manufacturers, Paso Robles selected BenQ Boards. BenQ Boards were the best choice for interactive displays to meet and exceed all the district’s must-haves, including a germ-resistant surface and tools to support the district’s mission for greater equity and inclusion.

“BenQ outshone all the other smart boards we evaluated,” Buller said. “Beyond the sleek hardware and cutting-edge technology, it delivered a comprehensive package. From the intuitive user interface to remote management, BenQ offered more than just a smart board—it delivered a seamless, educator-centric experience that’s zeroed in on the future of learning and flexibility. 

While BenQ Boards are designed to boost active learning opportunities for everyone, they’re designed with busy educators in mind. Teachers can get started using them right way with very little training. They offer fast, personalized log-in for teachers using a NFC card, annotation tools, wireless screen sharing for their own device as well as student’s, and screen recording with the ability to save, open, and share personal files on cloud storage and network drives.

The BenQ Boards’ ecosystem is made up of license-free software to address educators and IT staff’s biggest challenges. These include the AWS-qualified EZWrite whiteboarding software, InstaShare wireless screen sharing, and Account Management System (AMS) and Device Management System (DMS). EZWrite 6 transforms collaboration with a digital canvas and tools that make sessions productive and engaging, enabling students to share information and develop ideas through various operating systems and from different locations. Teachers can use their BenQ Boards like a whiteboard, display, computer, and wireless screen-sharing system. And because the software features multiplatform support, it can run on Android and Windows devices as well as web browsers on Mac, iPad, and Chromebook, with a consistent and engaging experience across all devices, even sessions with remote participants. EZWrite 6 is also packed with classroom tools for all subjects, including timers, rulers, protractors, compasses, and more. Whiteboard sessions can be saved on the cloud, allowing users to pick up where they left off quickly or students to access recorded lectures on any device and refer to them later. Teachers also can open IWB, PDF, PPT, and DOC files and image files directly on the whiteboard. To complement the experience, the split-screen windows function enables multiple applications to be opened side by side—with no need to tap between content—making it even easier to conduct lessons and further comprehension.

For collaboration, InstaShare goes above and beyond just screen sharing. It is an education-focused presentation and collaboration solution designed to give teachers greater flexibility and control over their lessons. This powerful solution offers cross-platform support, allowing up to nine users to simultaneously share content from their Windows, Apple, Android, and Chrome devices. They can share their screens, photos, files, and even live camera feeds for more engaging discussions. With InstaShare 2, teachers are no longer bound to their board. They are free to move around and interact with their class, creating a perfect environment for active learning.

As a central hub for every classroom, IT and admin staff are given the tools they need to manage and update the BenQ Boards throughout the district effortlessly with DMS and AMS. DMS gives IT managers at-a-glance device analytics for any BenQ Board. They can easily monitor and analyze the status of all the BenQ devices on a single dashboard, including managing displays, apps, and OTA updates remotely for maximum convenience. The AMS allows schools to create user-specific account settings where teachers can quickly access their files, apps, and settings directly from the IFP. BenQ Boards integrate with schools’ most favorite apps, including Google, Kahoot!, ClassLink, and more. Finally, they benefit from BenQ's X-Sign Broadcast software, which turns any BenQ smart board in the school into broadcast signage and allows schools to keep everyone informed and up to date on events, safety protocols, and emergencies. 

ROI

For Paso Robles’ school, the BenQ Board saved a significant amount of money while providing educators with tools for fostering 21st century skills. These include:

Increased engagement: By using BenQ Boards, teachers can introduce hands-on learning. From the display’s antimicrobial interactive screen, multiple students can participate with lessons with enhanced interactivity, thereby increasing engagement.

Increased interactivity: Students are encouraged to take a more active role in their learning (less sit and get lectures). For example, BenQ Boards allow learners to manipulate content, explore concepts, and solve problems, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Personalized learning: The displays have opened the door to more easily fostering personalized learning experiences for all students. For example, teachers are able to use BenQ Board’s translation tools for ELL students.

Multimodal learning: With the BenQ Board’s audio, visual, and touch capabilities, teachers have been able to enhance lessons that include all learning modalities.

“We were at a fork in the road on how to move our classrooms into the future affordably,” Buller said. “Instead of rewiring our classrooms and using all available money toward replacing our legacy projectors, we were able to invest in BenQ Boards and propel our school district into the future of learning. We saved money, and increased engagement, accessibility, inclusion, collaboration, and tech skills—all while meeting the needs of our teachers and IT staff. The BenQ Boards’ features and tools have transformed our learning possibilities.”

To prepare students for the future, educators must foster creativity, effective communications, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. When the Leadership Academy Network (LAN) in Fort Worth, TX, decided to update its old smart boards, selecting ones that aligned with its mission and fully prepared students became paramount. BenQ Boards proved to be an ideal fit.

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A pioneering partnership between Fort Worth Independent School District and Texas Wesleyan University, LAN aims to enhance learning outcomes at the district's six PK-8 Leadership Academies. Its mission revolves around accelerating student achievement through service and an unwavering commitment to excellence, including its approach to technology upgrades.

The factors that went into the school’s decision were simple but critical. “Number one, is it good for students? And two, is it good for teachers?” explained Alex Seltzer, executive director of operations, LAN. “My job is to make sure that teachers and students have exactly what they need. It was a yes to both questions when we evaluated the BenQ Boards.”

BenQ Boards’ active learning features position schools at the forefront of technology. Many of its features are the result of partnerships with schools and continuous feedback from educators, including the EZ Write whiteboard and annotation tools that allow students to work hands-on with concepts. Educators and students can draw, take screen grabs, and easily incorporate them into the lesson with additional annotations and graphics to further comprehension.

Also, the smart board can record, save, and share lessons easily. Teachers simply tap the record button on the onscreen menu to create tutorials on the fly. These can be saved to the network, cloud (such as Google Classroom), or any connected storage for students to refer back to later. To drive collaboration opportunities, multiple students can work at the smart board simultaneously.

The BenQ Boards are also providing educators at LAN with what they need do their jobs better. For example, they can use the smart board’s InstaShare wireless presentation system to foster stronger connections with students by allowing them to move around the room as they teach, as well as invite collaboration by allowing students to share to the screen from their own device.

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Plus, educators can get started using the boards right away from any BenQ Board on campus. With a swipe of their personalized NFC card, educators can log into any BenQ Board instantly. All their settings, files, and apps are ready for them, and they have access to their chosen cloud service. This helps streamline content sharing by allowing them to pull up lessons stored anywhere, or save them, without being connected to a laptop. Plus, BenQ Boards natively integrate with leading apps, such as Kahoot, ANTON, and Genially, which are ready at login.

With the implementation of BenQ Boards, the new school year at LAN kicked off strong for students and teachers. “We’re in a digital and interactive age where there can’t be any walls around access or learning,” added Seltzer. “BenQ Boards provide an additional layer of interactivity and connectivity across campuses. Now we can log into any board and teach from one campus to another.”

The Pro AV Best in Market (BiM) 2023 award winners for AV Technology have been announced, with 31 companies recognized in the inaugural program. The BiMs provide companies with the opportunity to highlight products that were new or newly upgraded within the last 12 months. Entries were judged based on a range of criteria by independent, third-party judges and editorial teams. Additional BiMs were presented by other Future AV brands, Sound & Video Contractor and Systems Contractor News, which had initially created the awards program during the pandemic for companies that were unable to attend live events.

Check out the AVT winners and comments from our judges. 

22Miles, Wayfinding AI Assistant

Getting people to their destination makes or breaks the customer experience and 22Miles takes wayfinding to a personal level that transforms the user's event experience. 22Miles is changing the game and it will be exciting to see how they continue to develop voice, AI, and augmented reality.

7thSense, R-Series 10

7thSense's R-Series hardware is sleek and powerful. With a year of performance out in the field, the hardware has proven it can fulfill a variety of production services. It's also impressive that they understand the value of the hardware as a standalone product with their willingness to ship it without any 7thSense software on board.

7thSense, Juggler

7thSense knows how to balance all your pixel needs as the impressive Juggler hardware suite packs power and precision in a petite form factor. The ability to combine multiple Jugglers to create more complex environments and establish redundant systems is a value-add when failure is not an option. While there are many options for users to consider in the market today 7thSense has a proven history both in the US and around the world.

Avocor L Series

The Avocor L-Series is a great option for users looking to deploy 105-inch 21:9 aspect ratio displays into collaborative spaces and they provide value to users in providing both touch- and non-touch-enabled displays. The overall form factor and presentation are clean and the ability to use Microsoft Teams Front Row is just one way to fully appreciate the way this display can transform a meeting space.

BenQ, LK935 Business Projector

The BenQ LK935 Business Projector really sets the stage for an affordable collaboration suite. A projector that can activate 21:9 aspect ratio content and Microsoft Teams Front Row for 25-50 percent of the cost of smaller flat panel display options on the market shows that projection technology is not dead and BenQ is putting a lot on the table.

Brompton Technology, TrueLight

Brompton improves the LED experience with processing to activate extra white emitters to improve overall spectrum and performance in virtual productions. The ability to dynamically calibrate across panels allows users to maximize the performance of the direct view content in ways that other systems fall short.

Clear Digital, Vue LED Posters

Clear Digital's Vue LED Poster product offering is another appealing option for users to distinguish themselves, their products, or support their brand identity. While this concept of arraying LED panels together to make a larger display is not new Clear Digital has presented one of the better form factors and feature sets on the market.

Clear Digital, Evo Roll Series

The EVO Roll series shows that effective digital signage can be simple and unique. Clean lines, battery-powered, water resistant, and a unique form factor are a recipe for success.

ClearOne, DIALOG UVHF Wireless Microphone

The ClearOne Dialog wireless system is a strong microphone solution for complex environments as the support of UHF and VHF frequencies ensures end users will have multiple channels available to use. The 12-hour battery pack also adds to the convenience factor when it comes to business use in demanding workflows.

Clevertouch by Boxlight, CleverHub

Clevertouch offers users an exceptional platform for collaboration if you add CleverHub within your deployments. The various forms of collaborative connectivity and built-in digital signage features are strong offerings but the CleverConnect option to have 50 devices share content redefines what can be achieved in the classroom or meeting room.

Clevertouch by Boxlight, Clevershare

The sleek integration of Clevershare into the ecosystem is a win on so many levels. The ability to use an app or a dongle can help transform the teaching environment while the administrative controls limit bad actors from interfering with your class time.

Crestron AirMedia Connect Adaptor

The strength of the AirMedia remains Crestron's commitment to security and longstanding history of bringing reliable products to market. The integration and deployment tools also add value to larger deployments.

Digital Projection, Radiance LED EV Series MicroLED

Digital Projection adjusts to the shifts in the market to direct view displays with a stunning micro-LED solution in the Radiance series. This Radiance line really fits the bill for many installs that benefit from DP's legendary color fidelity to woo customers without the need for lenses.

Epson, PowerLite 810E Extreme Short Throw with 4K Enhancement

5,000 lumens of laser light driving a 21:9 aspect ratio with a screen size of up to 160-inches creates the opportunity for a unique user experience. The feature set of the PowerLite 810E provides a host of connectivity options while the ability to do split screens adds value for collaboration.

Epson, BrightLink 770Fi Interactive Ultra Short Throw Lamp-Free Laser Display

The BrightLink 770Fi 1080p 3LCD Interactive Ultra Short Throw Lamp-Free Laser Display lives up to its name delivering 4,100 lumens and a 100-inch interactive screen size. Epson continues to champion the 3LCD technology but uses a laser light source to extend product life and reduce operating noise and the potential for downtime due to lamp failures. The ability to choose between 21:9 and 16:9 aspect ratios allows users to stretch the canvas to meet the needs of various learning environments.

Extron, MGP 641 xi

The MGP 641 xi multi-window processor is a winning combination of Extron's previous generations of hardware with modern flexible outputs supporting DPT, DPT3, SDI, and HDBaseT output capability. Other manufacturers compete with aspects of this windowing processor but Extron delivers a more robust offering in the three models of the MGP 641xi processor.

Haivision, Command 360

The Haivision Command 360 video platform is a strong product offering in the market and the quick deployment and network security are significant value adds.

JVC Professional Video, KM-IP8S4 CONNECTED CAM vMix Studio Switcher

The KM-IP8S4 CONNECTED CAM vMix Studio Switcher is a powerhouse of a system for under $5500 and I think the strength of this system is its support for traditional SDI signals as well as network-based NDI.

L-Acoustics, L Series

L-Acoustics presents a great audio system with the new L-Series. The angle-less system and the need for fewer cabinets simplify installation and deliver classic L-Acoustics performance. While designed for long throws there are a number of applications where these 10-degree vertical cabinet arrays may change the way integrators design systems.  

LED Studio, EDGE Series

The LED Studio EDGE Series is a strong option for retrofitting existing video walls with its native 16:9 aspect ratio design. The strength of the application for me is the optional EDGE Connect module that eliminates the need for a third-party video wall processor.

Matrox Video, Matrox ConvertIP SRST

So many users have adopted HDBaseT over the years and now that IP is ready to take over we've been lacking a tool such as the Matrox ConvertIP SRST transmitter/receiver. When you need to push the boundaries beyond the limitations of HDBaseT Matrox provides a standards-based IPMX solution that allows you to reliably distribute signals further with confidence.

Media Resources, TruView Flexible dvLED

TruView Flex builds upon the 145K installations they already have in the field with options to bend and wrap direct-view LED displays for indoor and outdoor applications. With 50K customers already, the new Flex line presents opportunities to help clients create new visual experiences.

Megapixel VR, HELIOS LED Processing Platform & 100G ST2110 Input

The HELIOS LED Processing Platform packs 8K of video processing into a single rack unit configured via a software-less browser based platform. This innovative approach to control and powerful hardware will allow users to scale back required hardware while scaling video effortlessly on any large digital canvas.

Owl Labs, Owl Bar

The OWL Bar is a welcome addition to their existing 360 degree camera/speaker solution and the ability to switch between camera views using the operating system is what makes this ecosystem so strong.

Parker Group, AVenue

Parker Group's AVenue is an impressive service that allows you to capture and record up to 50 AV streams and securely redistribute the materials using its media management server. 

Pure Fi, Pure Fi Pro HDMI 2.1 Active Optical Cable

Finally, an optical HDMI cable designed for installation in conduit maximizing performance at a value price of $360 per run.

Salamander Designs, Arc Table

The Salamander Designs Arc table is an extremely functional and beautiful piece of furniture for your collaboration suite. The build quality is strong and the various finishes allow you to match your environment. Extra features such as the ability to integrate wireless charging are presented in a much cleaner way than other tables on the market.

Sennheiser, TeamConnect Ceiling Medium

Sennheiser TeamConnect is a product that you won't notice once it's installed but you'll benefit from its presence in your environment. The audio demo of Team Connect shows the product excels in environments that other systems can't handle in terms of room size or background noise. When it comes to ceiling-mounted microphone solutions in collaboration spaces the TeamConnect 2 system might just be the best on the market.

SiliconCore, 1.9mm XR LED Video Wall

In my opinion, SiliconCore has long manufactured the most stunning direct-view displays in the industry and the new 1.9mm XR LED Display boasts an impressive suite of features to lead this year's class of virtual production panels. While not every production environment needs to achieve 240Hz it can be immensely helpful in some workflows and the combination of visual clarity, color fidelity, and impressive refresh rates demonstrates that SiliconCore is still at the top of its game.

Sony Electronics, BZ40L Series of Professional BRAVIA Displays

Having deployed a number of Sony Bravia Pro displays this past year I have been immensely pleased with the performance and capabilities of Sony's signage platform. One of the areas that was lacking in previous displays was anti-glare performance and Sony addresses this area significantly in their new BZ40L series.

ViewSonic LDS135-151 Direct View LED Display Solution Kit

If you're looking to deploy a large format direct view LED display you can't get any easier than ViewSonic LDS135-151. What sets the ViewSonic LDS135-151 apart is the folding design that allows the unit to be packed into a flight case for rugged and reliable transport.

The Fort Worth Independent School District in Texas has purchased BenQ Boards for its elementary schools. Fort Worth ISD plans to install 3,000 RP7503 BenQ Boards to upgrade 81 of its elementary schools over the next year, starting with an initial rollout of 300 displays. The interactive BenQ Boards feature intuitive tools to enhance learning comprehension, engagement, and collaboration for in-person, virtual, and hybrid classrooms.

"Forth Worth ISD is transforming its approach to education, and we're excited to be part of the incredible initiatives taking place," said Alex McCure, senior manager, Key Partner South, BenQ Business and Education Solutions. "Our BenQ Boards, with their innovative feature set that comes standard with all models, will be the perfect complement to supporting teachers, students, and staff in every possible way."

[What is the Future of AV Technology in Higher Education?]

BenQ Boards feature germ-resistant screens as part of the company's ClassroomCare benefits. The smartboards ship with a nano-ionic silver coating (guaranteed toxin-free) that guards against most bacteria, letting instructors teach without worrying about germs spreading among students. This coating provides protection for years, even when the screen is cleaned regularly. With official TÜV and SIAA certification, BenQ interactive displays meet the highest quality standards so schools can maximize the educational potential of collaborative, hybrid classes without creating new health concerns. In addition, as students and teachers spend more class time using interactive screens, it is crucial to safeguard their eyesight. Extended exposure to blue light, flicker, and reflections causes eye strain and may lead to damaged eyesight. ClassroomCare also incorporates BenQ's EyeSafe features: low-blue light, flicker-free, and glare-resistant properties.

EZWrite annotation and collaboration software gives users the freedom to annotate and work directly from the interactive display or a wirelessly connected device. When teachers are creating or presenting lessons, EZWrite's Floating Tool empowers them to add text to any app, video, website, document, or image. They can also choose the pen color, erase, open files, or take screenshots.

[Meet the Future of Education: LG CreateBoard]

The InstaShare feature empowers students to present their ideas in class, without the hassle of cables, on up to nine screens being shared simultaneously. Where remote students or guests are joining, the display is compatible with all videoconferencing software such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, with an optional Intel-powered slot-in PC, which expands the utility of the screen even further. BenQ has also made it possible for two apps to be opened on screen side by side, making lessons more efficient. For example, teachers can explain in detail with a whiteboard on one side and support content on the other, or utilizing InstaShare's Floating Window mode, share a connected screen alongside another app in use.

BenQ Board smart displays are cloud-friendly, making them the epicenter for classroom management as well as engagement. They eliminate the complexities of using interactive display technology that robs valuable class time or having to depend on connected devices to access and manage files and content. Once teachers are logged in, their personal settings are instantly recalled and they can securely access and save lesson materials on Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or the network.

[The Class of 2023: Celebrating 13 Outstanding AV/IT Teams of Higher Ed]

As a central hub for each and every classroom, it's important IT and admin staff have the tools they need to manage and update the BenQ Boards. IT managers have access to at-a-glance device analytics for any BenQ display using the included AMS software. They can easily monitor and analyze the status of all the BenQ devices on a single dashboard, including managing displays, apps, and OTA updates remotely for maximum convenience. BenQ Boards also benefit from BenQ's X-Sign Broadcast software, which turns any BenQ smart board in the school into broadcast signage and allows schools to keep everyone informed and up to date on events, safety protocols, and emergencies.

Hacked. Data breach. Cyberattack. These words are getting more and more airtime. A look at recent headlines reveals corporations, K-12 schools, universities, healthcare organizations, and financial and government entities have all been victim of expensive cyberattacks. In fact, they’re at an all-time high, according to IBM’s recently released Cost of a Data Breach Report. While the financial industry has received the lion’s share of attacks, the report found that healthcare data breaches are among the costliest, with a record-breaking price tag of $10.1 million, on average. Many breaches are shown to be a result of employee error, complicated technologies, and third-party vendor solutions that are bridged into the network. Now with the hybrid workplace and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) becoming the norm, it’s more likely the doorway will be left open to more prevalent attacks. The best defense is prioritization on specifying ultra-secure meeting room technology, namely wireless presentation systems. 

For any organization looking to replace cables, the best wireless presentation systems (WPS) must be able to support existing and future technology, as well as make the displays in the room work harder. Features like touch-back control, and the ability to split a screen to share information from two presenters or more at the same time are critical to effective collaboration. With new 4K displays and the increased use of video – good video and high resolution are also a must. But for any company that has been subject to ransomware, data breaches, or handles sensitive information, the security functions of a system are often the most important part of evaluating any WPS.  

Let’s look closer at what’s happening in the hybrid workplace, meeting rooms, and why security is such an important consideration. Typically, employees aren’t coming into the office for the same work they can complete at home. Rather, their focus is to meet and collaborate with colleagues and conduct presentations in-person. That means that their time in the office is limited and they’re tasked with squeezing out every minute of productivity during that time. They can’t waste it setting up or troubleshooting complicated presentation technology. They need to be able to present from their device as quickly as possible without cables. That’s why more and more companies are adopting WPS.

A WPS has the benefit of allowing a user to present from their own device without plugging an HDMI cable into their device. There are many WPS options on the market, and not distinguishing between them is where security can fall apart. The most common systems use a custom software application to mirror the screen on a laptop or computer through the organization’s network. This hardware-free option has advantages in cost, but it can impact performance and security—more on that later. A second approach, and one that’s most popular for larger businesses and government organizations, is to use a hardware-based button that connects to a device and users simply tap it to present to the screen. These systems, however, have critically different architectures and interfaces when it comes to security.

While the app/network approach seems simple and clean since there are no buttons or hardware, it can create unanticipated security risks for IT. First, because these devices are connected to the network, hackers can exploit any vulnerabilities in the device either from in the room or via the internet. In fact, many of these systems have already been shown to have vulnerabilities that allow a hacker to gain control of the network—or shut it down. To protect against this, companies have become reliant upon and overly confident in expensive subscription programs to keep the system constantly upgraded. While these types of systems may be cheaper to buy, they can be much more expensive to own. For example, most app/network systems recommend setting up a VLAN to isolate the network from the main network to keep it more secure. Let's look closer at that.

VLANs can only provide basic protection and can be vulnerable to hackers looking to penetrate the system. For example, Rice University will not allow a wireless presentation to use the network due to this risk, especially after U.S. retailer Target had to notify over 40 million customers that their customer data was stolen in 2013. That attack was done by a hacker who accessed an air conditioning controller that was connected to one of the Target networks and then used it to bridge into the most sensitive data servers of the company. 

Now let’s look at wireless presentation systems that use a combination of USB buttons and network connectivity to enable screen mirroring. USB ports have significant security risks. In fact, the Department of Defense restricts the use of USB—a ban that was issued after a virus was found to be spreading through military networks by copying itself from one removable drive to another. Here’s why: If a hacker can access the receiver connected to the display, then there is a risk that someone can access the presentation outside the room. The presenter has no idea that their presentation is being shared outside the room. It has been advised that customers using these systems secure access to the receiver to keep this from happening, which can be expensive and impractical—especially if it is mounted on a projector or the back of a display.

The third approach for button-based systems is using the HDMI port to connect to a device. Besides not having to connect to a network or load an app to make it work, it has the built-in advantages of high security. It’s certified against known threats that exploit both the network and USB button architectures. While it does require hardware, a button-based approach delivers the simplicity and speed required for meetings in the age of hybrid. Plus, it’s a main reason these types of buttons are used in meeting rooms at Toyota, the father of maximizing production efficiency.

 But if the Target attack and subsequent high-profile attacks that have occurred since have taught organizations anything it’s that security demands a multi-layered approach. In addition to utilizing an HDMI technology, there are a few other technologies now available in these systems that lead the way in delivering the ultimate in security protection—protection that is strong enough to meet the rigorous requirements of financial and bank institutions. 

Wi-Fi 6 and WPA3 Authentication

Wi-Fi is a common and comfortable word, thanks to the proliferation of the wireless technology in our homes and mobile devices. However, there’s a marked difference between the authentication and encryption found in our domain, which primarily uses WPA2 and is not appropriate for high-security network deployments, and Wi-Fi 6. Higher security Wi-Fi network deployments must be configured for WPA3 authentication, which—along with AES 128-bit security encryption — ensures that any intellectual property remains private and safe from tampering or unintended disclosure—guaranteeing that presentations are absolutely secure.

Common Criteria (CC), Evaluation Assurance Level EAL6 Augmented (EAL6+) Standards CC refers to the EAL, which has seven levels graded from EAL1 to EAL7. For any device connected to a network – such as a networked printer all the way up to a Cisco network switch, companies certify the security level of these products using the global EAL standard. For example, an enterprise-class router or firewall might have an EAL 4 level, while a bank card payment device might have a higher rating of an EAL 5 or 6. For wireless presentation systems, a solution tested and certified under the rigorous EAL6+ standard is the highest protection possible outside of being military grade. Why is common criteria EAL6+ certification critical? The data breaches the majority of companies have suffered from in the past years came from unsecured wireless devices like printers, scanners, mobile phones, or laptops connected to their Wi-Fi network since cyber-attacks aim at these devices as the weakest points to get “way in” to a business network. In addition to WPA3, financial services generally use EAL6 augmented (or EAL6+) security compliance in their payment systems to justify the additional costs spent when handling high value protected assets that are transmitted in high-risk situations.

Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)

State and federal government agencies are most likely familiar with FIPS. It’s the standard for handling sensitive data, such ensuring a private taxpayer return doesn’t get leaked onto the Internet as well as other sensitive private and government communications. Financial and healthcare institutions and other regulated industries are often required to use this standard. Currently there’s only one WPS on the market to meet the stringent requirements of this encryption standard, the BenQ WDC30, which ensures the wireless transmission is encrypted with an encryption key generated by the unit and a new encryption key is created every time it is used. It is the only wireless presentation system that can be used with sensitive government information. As such, it keeps millions of government employees from having to share a cable when presenting in sensitive environments.

As organizations look to deliver greater workplace agility that ensures a plug-and-play experience when presenting and collaborating, security is key. Until now, security and ease of use were mutually exclusive benefits in the presentation technology marketplace. Meeting rooms and other collaboration areas have traditionally relied upon expensive matrix systems that were complicated to use and severely limited. Users were chained to a cable that had to be passed among other presenters.

The WPS category introduced freedom, but some models do so at price. Systems reliant upon software, apps, and network logins allow users to present from anywhere, but they’re needlessly complicated. IT and tech staff have to download and configure software/app and users have to log into the network. As this article has shown, those are complicated and risky steps today. USB-based hardware buttons don’t completely eliminate those risks. The best bet as companies look to safeguard data, their network, and user devices in the era of the hybrid workplace is a hardware-based HDMI WPS built from the ground up to be certified in critical security standards in operation for organizations handling sensitive data. At the same time, users need to be equipped with tools that aid in meeting efficacy. Those tools include a tap-to-present meeting experience with no software or logins required, quad split screen to allow up to four attendees to share to the screen simultaneously, touch back control that grants presenters the ability to control the connected device directly from a compatible interactive screen, and clear, stable transmission of audio and video. Users don’t waste any time collaborating, and data and the network are completely safe.  

In Texas, POST Houston is a contemporary example of repurposing and redesigning an old building as a mixed-used space that can be utilized for more than one purpose and enjoyed more fully. POST Houston has reclaimed the building of what was once the city’s U.S. Postal Service headquarters and central U.S. mail system hub, which closed in 2015. The historic building was bought and intentionally transformed by Lovett Commercial into a multi-purpose space.

At the design hands of architect Jason Long and OMA New York, the adaptive space both preserves its history and welcomes ongoing change to suit the needs of the city. It opened in November 2021, showcasing simultaneous programming for art, entertainment, food, culture, work, and more.

[Large-Venue Projectors: Key Features for Presentations in Big Spaces]

“POST Houston will be a microcosm of the diversity that makes the city itself so exciting: an agglomeration of culture, food, and tropical urbanism housed within a solid concrete shell," Long explained. "By cutting into the building and drawing people in and through it, we are aiming to fold different programs into every corner—weddings next to food halls next to concerts next to new ways of working—and to turn Houston to a view that reveals the city’s radical ambition.”

That ambition is reflected in the seriousness in which the building’s design and technology were pursued. Throughout the massive space are three monumental staircases that divide the building and beckon visitors in, up, and through the complex. Attractions include a rooftop Skylawn, theater promenade, market hall, collaboration venue, and media art space, which is where visitors will find two large art galleries. Overseen by contemporary art curator Christine Starkman, formerly of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the art and film exhibitions are as mutable as the building.

[Holosonics Enhances ‘Horn Man’ Exhibit]

For the grand opening of POST, Starkman brought in artists Drew Bacon and Charles Lim. Bacon’s installation, Bounties from the Late Abundant Age: Drew Bacon Moving Image Projects, focused on miniature grocery products labels, their materiality, specific graphic construction, and instinctive icon making strategies, which was studied in a projected two-channel film piece that filled the large panel screens. Charles Lim’s Sea State 6: Capsize and phase 1 is a two-channel film that explores the sea and its role in the determination of national boundaries, physical, and geographical, as well as psychological and imaginary.

There is a process to working with artists and ensuring that they have what they need to bring their vision to the space. Projectors are at the top of the list, but not any projector will do, with more artist requesting high-end, cinematic laser projection technology. “Artists are creating with video, film, audio, computer-based technologies, so they’re aware of what they need—really powerful projectors—to accurately depict their work,” said Starkman.

[DiGiCo Consoles Power Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art]

Traditionally, finding a high-brightness projector to deliver the quality and features needed have only been found in cinematic projectors that carry a steep price tag, which is not feasible for contemporary art museums that can have multiple film-based installations that can take multiple projectors to produce. Starkman approached Kirby Liu, the executive director of POST and an architect, who suggested BenQ. The company's LU Series large-venue BlueCore laser projectors deliver affordable models with more than 8,000 lumens of brightness. Its latest additions, the 8,500-lumen LU9750 and 10,000-lumen LU9800, produce high brightness and precise image accuracy for less than $15,000.

For POST Houston, BenQ supplied 10 8,000-lumen LU9715 laser projectors. Bacon used six BenQ projectors to produce a massive two-channel video installation that filled the wall. Lim used four projectors, also used in a two-channel setup. But the real proof in the quality of the laser projector technology was the comparison between them and Bacon’s smaller installations, where he had setup small gallery projectors.

“There was a stark difference,” Starkman offered. “Comparatively, the laser projectors were brighter, more impactful. The images are strong, but the equipment replicated that. A lot of the public gathered to take in both pieces. You feel kind of inside the water when you watch Lim’s piece. With Bacon, it’s so bright because he was doing color—green, red, and yellow—you sit in the space surrounded by those colors.”

[Review: BenQ ScreenBar Plus Is Easy on the Eyes]

Since the opening, Starkman has busily pursued additional art and film installations, which have included upcoming projects with Rice University’s architecture school and projecting a live feed from the International Space Station. Leveraging the projectors’ installation versality and brightness, Starkman is able to continuously adapt the raw gallery spaces as needed.

“This space started on the highest level with OMA, but then organizing shows with Drew Bacon, Charles Lim, Mel Chin—we’re able to match that with high quality technology,” said Starkman. “It’s a very different kind of space. It's not just about art and white cube space. POST is a future vision—post-contemporary, a post-curatorial practice.”

BenQ is launching the latest video camera in its DVY family, the DVY32 smart 4K UHD video camera. Compatible with all leading video conferencing platforms, the video camera boasts Zoom certification, BenQ’s color performance technology coupled with a high-performance Sony 4K image sensor, 120-degree-wide field of view with 5-times digital zoom, AI-powered auto framing, two omnidirectional microphones, and H.265 video encoding for smooth streaming with less bandwidth.

“The DVY32 allows organizations to outfit numerous rooms without breaking the bank or compromising on quality,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America.

[SCN Hybrid World: Seeing Is Believing with Conference Cameras] 

BenQ’s DVY32 ensures:

• Calls look their best: The DVY32 produces vivid 4K UHD video with a 120-degree field of view that lets those on the far end see everyone clearly and in rich detail, making it the perfect videoconference camera for meetings as well as online demos and product launches. BenQ’s enhanced low light performance makes subjects stand out from the dark. With digital pan, tilt, and zoom, users can keep the audience focused on what’s important while the AI-powered auto framing adjusts the shot so that everyone is always on screen. In addition, the smart video camera automatically corrects distortion to stream accurate videos. It also utilizes the latest compression standard, H.265, which requires less bandwidth and ensures smooth streaming even with suboptimal network conditions.
• Calls sound their best: The best audio quality occurs when meetings are face to face, and that’s the standard that the DVY32 achieves. The DVY32 is equipped with two omnidirectional microphones that pick up audio from 26 feet (8 meters) away and minimize distracting background noise. The noise-suppressing microphones tune out background noise, so people don’t miss any information.
• Great meetings from any platform, using any display: The DVY32 passes Zoom standards for optimal video conferencing, but it’s also compatible with all leading video conferencing apps, including TeamViewer Meeting. Its flexible mounting options make it ideal for any computer or smart display. Just mount it, connect it, and start calls right away. For greater flexibility, it can also be put on a table or wall mount.

BenQ released new secure InstaShow WDC30. Featuring three layers of wireless protection—Wi-Fi 6 encryption, ISO EAL6+, and FIPS 140-3—the InstaShow WDC30 is engineered and certified to meet the stringent security requirements of U.S. government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and other high-risk enterprises. Users can instantly connect the germ-resistant WDC30 button to their laptop and tap to present sensitive data with 4K@60fps video output to up to two displays without network logins or software downloads, which can pose network security threats.

"The risk of a cybersecurity attack is multiplying at an alarming rate every year, with an average cost of data breaches to companies worldwide coming in at $3.86 million and sources predicting that $172 billion will be spent on information security this year alone," said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America Corp. "The WDC30 is the first commercially available wireless presentation system to meet FIPS and EAL6 security standards that can help thwart costly and catastrophic cybersecurity events. It's even more secure than common accounting programs and most networks."

[BenQ Ensures Ultra Simple Meetings with New Wireless Presentation System]

Focused on security

Meetings are a vital part of ensuring the smooth operation of banks and government agencies. However, these meetings can contain highly sensitive and confidential data and intellectual property that can be leaked or accessed when shared via an app, network, or USB-based wireless presentation systems (WPS). Likewise, these types of systems can expose the connected device and the network. BenQ's InstaShow WDC30 protects data, devices, and the network with security certification. Its network-free, secure, button-based design prevents vulnerabilities caused by network exposure, reliance on apps or software, or malicious USB inputs.

Opening up the option for financial institutions and government agencies to wirelessly present without an expensive HDMI matrix system, sharing cables, and network patches, the WDC30 triple protects the wireless transmission of data from cyberattacks in three key ways:

• WPA3-encrypted Wi-Fi 6 technology: Wi-Fi 6 technology not only ensures a fast, stable connection but also the highest grade of encryption available. WPA3's cutting-edge security protocols enable more robust authentication, deliver increased cryptographic strength for highly sensitive data markets, and maintain the resiliency of mission-critical networks.
• ISO EAL6 tested and certified design: The Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) in Common Criteria ranges from EAL1 to EAL7, and EAL6+ is defined as a level that offers extremely high security assurance for protecting high-value assets against severe security risks. The certification, done by a third-body security party, took BenQ two years to achieve. Only EAL7 military-grade certification is higher.
• FIPS 140-3-Certified Crypto Module: Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) certification is required by the U.S. government and other regulated industries (e.g., financial and healthcare) that collect, store, transfer, share, and disseminate sensitive data. Compliant with 140, Level 3, the WDC30 has enhanced physical security, which includes BenQ's InstaShow chip that has no ability to communicate with or send data to devices or networks.

[SCN Hybrid World: Seeing Is Believing with Conference Cameras] 

More flexible, simpler meetings

In addition to its security infrastructure, the InstaShow WDC30 supports wireless presentations in any shared space, providing instant connection in frequently challenged environments and allowing devices to connect up to 90 feet away. It works with any type of presentation device and any operating system, with the split-screen function supporting up to four inputs from multiple devices simultaneously and fast switching between presenters. With quick, one-tap presentation technology, presenters don't have to hassle with logins or software downloads, allowing meetings to start right on time. It can present any content, including crisp text and smooth video at up to 60 fps at 4K resolution, to up to two displays. Plus, each secure button features BenQ's silver ion coating to help prevent the spread of germs between users.

At long-last, mask mandates are being lifted and the migration back to the office and classroom has begun. But the pandemic changed the course of many products that will be integrated this year and going forward. 

Following are just 45 of the products (in random order) that will make a difference in 2022. 

Forum Collaboration Suite

Middle Atlantic’s Forum Collaboration Suite is the answer to solving meeting equity for the hybrid workforce. Whether attendees are in person or joining remotely, they will be able to equally participate to productive conversations. The Forum Display Stand comes in either free-standing or floor-to-wall-mounted versions to support 42- to 75-inch displays. Hidden storage and an acoustic felt display shroud ensure a sleek look and superior performance. The Forum Table options include multiple shapes and sizes, all of which make sure everyone can be seen and heard equally. Set the stage for superior video conferencing with Forum.

VPL-FHZ85

Sony’s VPL-FHZ85 WUXGA 3LCD laser projector supports 4K60P input and combines brightness with efficiency, installation flexibility, and advanced operational capabilities, making it a reliable option for corporate, education, faith, and esports applications. The projector offers excellent picture quality and high brightness at 7,300 lumens (8,000 lumens center), delivering rich imagery and satisfying demanding lighting conditions. The new model incorporates Sony’s Reality Creation real-time signal processing, mapping, and analysis technology—resulting in crisp, clear pictures and text for effective presentation and display. The Reality Text feature improves text-based presentation materials by providing clearer letters and lines with enhanced legibility.

AbseniCon3.0

Absen’s AbseniCon3.0 is an all-in-one conference display solution which provides standard FHD resolution and stunning visual experience at 110, 138, and 165 inches diagonal—perfect for the enterprise and education markets. With a fully integrated LED control system, Android operating system, and internal speakers, it can satisfy all your needs in conference without additional external equipment. A friendly user interface and support of multi-way wireless sharing can further simplify your content sharing. Its easy-to-use mounting structure package allows you to mount the system to the wall or build a mobile stand in hours.

ADECIA 

Yamaha’s ADECIA family of award-winning communication products enables organizations to overcome implementation, configuration, and room acoustic challenges by providing all the equipment required for a successful installation with the highest audio quality. ADECIA includes the new RM-CG ceiling microphone, new RM-CR audio processor, and Yamaha’s long-trusted PoE switches and VXL Series line array speakers. Every component automatically integrates, reducing complexities and costs. Designed for a variety of rooms and audio connections, the end-to-end flexible solution immediately detects, configures, and optimizes all components, accounting for the location of speakers and microphones, reverberation, and echo behavior for the best-sounding meeting.

OmniStream 111 WP

Atlona’s OmniStream 111 WP is the newest member of the OmniStream Pro family. It includes a single-channel networked AV encoder for HDMI sources up to UHD @60 Hz and HDR plus embedded audio. It features a US two-gang, wall plate form factor, and includes interchangeable black and white wall plates and face plates. This networked AV encoder features advanced high-quality, VC-2 visually lossless video compression technology with user-selectable, video quality optimization engines designed for computer-generated imaging or motion video content. Flexibility is optimized when paired with an OmniStream 121 single-channel decoder, offering diverse use cases across a variety of networked AV environments. 

3000 Series 

Audio-Technica’s 3000 Series Frequency-agile True Diversity UHF wireless systems let users operate within the congested UHF spectrum, over two frequency bands (DE2 [470–530 MHz] and EE1 [530–590 MHz]). Notably, these systems are available with the option of network control and monitoring, along with the same easy setup, versatile operation, and rock-solid high-fidelity sound as standard 3000 Series components. These options also make the 3000 Series compatible with A-T’s proprietary Wireless Manager software, a Mac OS/Windows application for remote configuration, control, monitoring, spectrum management, and frequency coordination of compatible Audio-Technica devices in installed sound or sound reinforcement applications. 

PT-FRQ50U 1-Chip DLP SOLID SHINE 4K

Panasonic’s 5,200-lumen PT-FRQ50U 1-Chip DLP SOLID SHINE 4K laser projector answers the demand for ultra fine-detailed resolution and provides features ideal for education, corporate, and exhibits. Addressing a wide range of projection applications and 4K environments, the PT-FRQ50U offers virtually maintenance-free operation with enhanced reliability for continuous operation. Adding Quad Pixel Drive combined with high-speed frame rates with minimal latency, the projector retains sharp, crisp 4K images, creating a sense of realism perfect for simulations and esports. The projector’s 2.0x zoom lens brings large images to confined spaces and the wide V/H lens shift expands installation flexibility.

Dante AV

Audinate’s Dante AV delivers perfectly synchronized audio and video streams—all on a 1Gb network. AV signals can be routed anywhere, independently, without moving cables or connectors. Dante AV utilizes Dante Controller software for automatic discovery and one-click routing. Dante AV uses a JPEG 2000 codec for visually lossless 4K performance, and eight channels of Dante audio are built-in, compatible with all Dante audio products. Dante AV-enabled products are readily available, including PTZ cameras from Bolin Technology, and a range of encoders and decoders from Patton Electronics. Dante AV provides ease of use, seamless multi-vendor interoperability, and integrated control.

ClickShare Conference

Barco’s ClickShare Conference brings wireless conferencing and a revolutionary workplace experience—combining powerful remote communication with easy-to-use wireless collaboration.

ClickShare Conference allows you to start a meeting from your device using your preferred conference tool, and automatically connects wirelessly to room cameras, speakerphones, sound bars for a more immersive meeting. In less than seven seconds, you can conference and collaborate with our secure, connected, and cloud-managed solution.

With ClickShare Conference, bring your own meeting and decide how you collaborate in any meeting space—from huddle to boardroom—and share using the improved conferencing button and collaboration app to make your meetings richer and more interactive.

STREAM.One 4K

SAVI Controls’ STREAM.One 4K encoder and video processor delivers next-generation video distribution, providing H.265 encoding with multi-layered capabilities and up to 4K60 4:4:4—all over a single network cable to each display. Combining Canvas video wall with Canvas sync, the STREAM.One 4K synchronizes a source over multiple displays, creating a unified viewing experience while eliminating the cost and complexity of video wall design and installation.

Parlé Conferencing Bars 

Biamp’s Parlé all-in-one conferencing bars feature Biamp Audio and Video Intelligence technologies to deliver premium AV experiences in small- to medium-sized conference rooms. The ABC 2500 Audio Bar includes a 27-microphone array with beamtracking technology to actively track and intelligently mix conversations around the room, as well as two smart speakers that actively adjust speaker performance. The VBC 2500 video bar adds a 4K ePTZ camera that automatically identifies, focuses on, and frames active meeting participants. To install, connect a single USB cable and press the Biamp Launch button, which automates deployment and tuning.

KDS−10

Kramer’s KDS−10 is an advanced, dual-stream transceiver for streaming 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) video signals via Ethernet over copper cable. KDS−10 can be set as either an encoder or decoder. As an encoder, it encodes and streams one or two HDMI inputs over an IP network. As a decoder, it receives the encoded signal, decodes it, and outputs it to an HDMI output.

LK936ST

BenQ’s LK936ST is the first short-throw, high-brightness, 4K projector delivering incredible color accuracy and contrast—all for under 6,000 dollars. A game changer for golf simulators with its exclusive golf color mode, it’s also a versatile performer for home theater, gaming, and corporate installations. It offers 4K resolution with 8.3 million pixels, 5100 ANSI lumens, 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio, HDR, and laser-generated RGBY hues that cover an unparalleled 92 percent of the Rec.709 color gamut. Setup is easy with its short-throw zoom lens and large H/V lens shift. It’s even maintenance-free, with a 20,000-hour laser lifetime and a filter-free, dust-proof sealed optical engine.

Performance Series Ultra High-speed HDMI Cables

C2G’s Performance Series Ultra High-speed HDMI Cables with Ethernet support high bandwidth to 48Gbps and all HDMI 2.1 features—including uncompressed 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, dynamic HDR, and eARC—as well as the latest audio formats. They are ideal for high-resolution applications such as gaming, video production, and broadcasting. Dynamic HDR optimizes video on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis and provides an extended contrast range. They feature an in-wall (CMG/FT4) rated jacket, compact overmolding, integrated finger grips, twice the port retention for reliable connections, and gold-plated connectors for better shielding, increased electrical conductivity, and durability.

DirectLight Ultra Series

Planar’s DirectLight Ultra Series line of MicroLED video wall displays delivers always-on, high-performance, high-resolution display experiences with the finest pixel pitches—from 0.6 to 0.9 millimeters—for mission-critical and refined applications. Planar DirectLight Ultra Series presents several display technology advancements that, in combination, deliver big performance with MicroLED technology, off-board power supply, proprietary alignment technology, and the powerful Planar WallDirector Video Controller and corresponding video wall management software. The U.S. TAA Compliant displays are also covered by the Planar EverCare Lifetime Limited Warranty, providing complete product coverage from controller to sub-pixel and everything in between.

MCX Gen 2 Controller

Black Box’s MCX Gen 2 Controller is an all-in-one network controller and manager for the Black Box MCX AVoIP system. Enabling complete control over the MCX system, the controller simplifies setup and management of MCX AVoIP systems, facilitates full asset tracking of devices with real-time status monitoring, and offers strong security to ensure continual protection of data and content.

    The MCX Gen 2 Controller supports scheduling and automation of key events and delivers actionable insights through advanced analytics. These tools and an intuitive GUI make it easy to optimize MCX system performance for efficient, reliable multimedia distribution and management.

DIALOG 10 USB

ClearOne’s DIALOG 10 USB is the industry’s only single-channel wireless microphone system offering professional-quality audio with USB connectivity.

Offering plug-and-play simplicity and wireless convenience, DIALOG 10 USB is the perfect solution for webcasting and cloud-based collaboration through Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WebEx, GoToMeeting, and other apps. Setup is a breeze with the included USB Type C cable that connects to any PC for audio, power, and control. With no external power source or additional audio cables required, DIALOG 10 USB is one of the easiest and fastest ways to enjoy high-quality audio in any application.

TeamConnect Ceiling 2

Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC2) microphone is now integrated with
1 Beyond’s Automate VX. This collaboration enables the state-of-the-art ceiling mic to enable voice-activated camera tracking for rooms of all sizes, including boardrooms, classrooms, and other meeting spaces. Multiple TCC2 ceiling microphones can be combined to cover larger spaces, and up to 12 cameras can be placed anywhere to get the best angles. This integration allows the real-time positional information from the TCC2 to automatically switch the cameras to the optimal view, regardless of where the speaker is located in the room, ensuring a lifelike meeting and classroom experience for remote participants.

SEAMLESS dvLED Mounting Systems

Peerless-AV SEAMLESS dvLED Mounting Systems were crafted by experienced custom engineers and support staff in order to solve the most complex design and technology integration challenges. The result was an ideal solution for any unique application. With Kitted and Bespoke Series options, SEAMLESS offers slim, space-saving designs that are easily adaptable to support various dvLED display sizes and brands. The dedicated Kitted Series solutions are precisely engineered to fit major panel manufacturers specs and adapt to standard video walls. When a standard solution is unsuitable, Peerless-AV Bespoke Series solutions bring any unique flat, corner, or curved configurations to life. 

EXPAND Vision 3T

EPOS Audio’s EXPAND Vision 3T from is an all-in-one video collaboration solution for today’s smart office. Join meetings with just one touch and perform like you’re there in person. Enhance collaboration with full HD video and exceptional voice pickup and noise cancellation powered by EPOS AI. 

Simple to set up and simple to install, the EXPAND Vision 3T comes Microsoft Teams certified or optimized for leading SIP-based UC solutions. Enjoy a natural meeting experience and boost productivity with crystal-clear facial expressions, body language, and voice capture.

One:Quick Series

LG’s One:Quick Series of collaboration solutions is designed to support all in-person and remote work environments. The series includes three parts: the One:Quick Works video conferencing display and all-around productivity tool; the versatile One:Quick Flex touch display with a moveable stand to accommodate diverse usage scenarios; and the One:Quick Share wireless presentation system, which allows users to easily connect their laptop wirelessly to compatible LG digital signage products. This latest collection is designed to deliver an intuitive experience, enhancing productivity and collaboration to make office communication more convenient than ever.

Unite

Intel’s Unite solution is a flexible, easy-to-use wireless collaboration platform that excels across use cases and organizations of all types and sizes. A growing library of apps delivers just-in-time tech while a publicly available SDK streamlines development of custom integrations. A powerful in-room collaboration tool, it also seamlessly integrates with popular UC apps, giving remote participants the same rich viewing experience as on-site participants. Digital art and dynamic signage capabilities expand its utility. Easily adapted and managed, the Intel Unite solution provides the security and flexibility crucial to addressing the future of work, teaching, and patient consultations in healthcare operations. 

Nureva Console

Nureva Console is cloud-based management software that’s included with every Nureva system. It lets you remotely install updates, check devices, adjust settings and access the Nureva Developer Toolkit to customize integrations with existing workflows and third-party products. A recently added feature in Nureva Console lets you remotely check background noise in a room and the range you should expect. It’s all thanks to Nureva’s patented Microphone Mist technology, which takes the quietest reading found in a 1-minute period from continuous 500-millisecond captures. This captures the essence of the background noise, omitting speech events or sounds that are not consistently there.

C2070

Konftel’s C2070 is a video solution for huddle- to medium-sized meeting rooms, uniting the Konftel Cam20 4K conference camera with the Konftel 70 speakerphone and its OmniSound audio quality. Konftel’s OCC Hub brings everything together into one convenient kit, so a single USB cable is all a user needs to connect the camera, the sound unit, and the room’s screen to the video collaboration app on their laptop.

M 4K25 RGB

Christie’s M 4K25 RGB pure laser projector re-imagines the M Series with RGB pure laser technology, UHD 4K resolution, our latest TruLife+ electronics, electronic color convergence (ECC), and an intelligent lens system (ILS1) that’s compatible with legacy M, J, and Crimson Series projector lenses.

With 25,000 lumens and a vastly superior Rec.2020 color performance, the all-in-one M 4K25 RGB has a technology-leading form factor at 41.7 kg (92 lbs). It features double the brightness, double the color volume, and quadruple the resolution over our legacy M Series projector.

PanaCast 20

Jabra’s PanaCast 20 allows you to make an impression from wherever you dial in. This personal video conferencing device features a 13-megapixel camera that delivers impressive 4K UHD video.

It’s clever too, with AI-powered features engineered to enhance your collaboration. With intelligent zoom, intelligent lighting optimization, and picture-in-picture, PanaCast 20 automatically delivers an outstanding professional video experience. Use with an industry-leading Jabra headset or speakerphone for incredible collaboration—wherever you work.

Solo

LiveU’s Solo, stream live your event and keep communicating with your viewers and communities—flawlessly and with virtually no delay. Simple to use, LiveU offers affordable and high-quality portable live video solutions for every type of virtual event and remote production. 

The LiveU Solo video encoder offers one-touch, wireless live streaming from your camera or another video source directly to popular online platforms or any customizable web destination. All based on our reliable cellular bonding technology, the LiveU Solo is used by the world’s top broadcasters, corporate enterprises, universities, and sports organizations.

CV605-U3 PTZ Camera

Marshall’s CV605-U3 PTZ Camera is a USB-based, Zoom-certified camera with USB-C, IP (Ethernet), and HDMI connectivity—making it ideal for virtual learning, streaming, and conferencing. The CV605-U3 PTZ Camera offers flexible output options with USB-C and IP. HDMI opens a wide range of options with HDMI monitoring or switching workflows, and IP (H.265/H.264) provides an easy, single cable-to-camera setup and operation. Certified by Zoom, the CV605-U3 can operate seamlessly within a Zoom Room infrastructure. It starts with an 85-degree, wide-angle AOV with ultra low-distortion and high-quality video, which sets the standard much higher at this price point.

IPMX Development Kit

Macnica’s IPMX Development Kit helps hardware vendors test, evaluate and develop IPMX-ready AV over IP products. The kit emphasizes many key technologies and applications required for building and managing AV over IP systems, including sub-frame latency, USB extension, and outstanding UHD quality over 1GbE networks. Macnica’s MPA1000 full-stack AV over IP and ME10 SoC modules are included. Each helps product developers evaluate how standards-based video works with current and future products, and offers a reliable reference to the connections and configurations required for production purposes. An integrated web interface with customizable APIs helps product developers uniquely customize their IPMX products. 

LHM2-N & LHM2-P Active Optical Cables

Opticis USA’s LHM2-N & LHM2-P Active Optical Cables were recently unveiled. The two additions to Opticis’ active optical cable (AOC) lineup are the LHM2-N (fixed-end) and LHM2-P (detachable). These new HDMI 2.0-based additions to Opticis’ AOC lineup offer simple plug-and-play installation and deliver true 4K (4096x2160) resolution for high-speed video and audio signal transmission up to 100m (328ft) without any degradation. The all-new LHM2-N and LHM2-P are made explicitly for mission-critical, digital signage, and cinematic display applications using a plenum-, LSZH-, or TPU-graded hybrid cable. These high-performance active optical cables support a high dynamic range (HDR) with digital cinematic initiatives (DCI) that display vibrant images and offer incredible theatrical experiences for movie enthusiasts.

Poly Studio P21

Poly Studio P21 has everything you need for a pro-grade video call experience, and comes ready to go with a single USB connection that works with any video app. A brilliant 21-inch display, built-in high-definition camera, full-fidelity speakers, microphone, and adjustable ambient lighting will make you look and sound crazy good.

     The Poly Studio P21’s rich stereo speakers ensure you’ll never miss a word, and with the advanced microphone, you can be sure you’re always heard loud and clear—no shouting required. It also offers the convenience of compatibility with the video call apps you use every day.

XiO Cloud, PPDS Enabled Displays, Signage, and TVs

PPDS has teamed up with Crestron to create the most advanced version of the award-winning control and management solution on Philips workplace displays. Crestron’s XiO Cloud now integrates with a wide range of Philips models, including T-Line and C-Line interactive displays, plus the full range of digital signage and professional TVs. 

     The ability to deploy and manage workplace displays is now a simple, fast, and secure process, enabling remote control of the display’s functions from a single location—driving productivity and long-term financial gains. Installation times can be cut by up to 90 percent, with customers now able to remotely provision thousands of displays before they’re installed. 

TD1655

ViewSonic’s TD1655 is a portable 15.6-inch touch display. Ideal for travelers, remote workers, and classrooms, the TD1655 can serve as a complementary touchscreen to a laptop or tablet. The 1080p resolution offers an amazing viewing experience, while the 10-point projective capacitive touchscreen delivers a smooth and natural writing experience. The USB Type-C ports enable quick and easy transmission of audio and video, and can deliver up to 60W of two-way power. At less than an inch thick and weighing only two pounds, the ultra-slim TD1655 fits into any bag, briefcase, or backpack. 

Sonia

Xilica’s Sonia range of networked amplifiers and ceiling speakers modernizes installed audio systems for IT-friendly collaboration spaces. The series includes the Sonia C5—a compact, 5.25-inch in-ceiling speaker with a wide, even dispersion pattern that enables fewer speakers in large spaces. Sonia C5 is powered by Sonia Amp, a PoE+-enabled amplifier with integrated network switch that can power up to eight Sonia C5 speakers in a daisy chain. The Dante-enabled, plenum-rated design creates a single CatX drop to the ceiling for a full room audio system. When paired with Xilica Solaro DSPs, Xilica’s VoiceMatch technology optimizes room audio and acoustics for highly intelligible speech. 

Brightcove Video Cloud

Brightcove Video Cloud is an online video communications platform designed to help users engage their audiences, monetize content, or sell products and services across multiple devices. With solutions for monetization, marketing, e-commerce, internal communications, live streaming, analytics, and more, the platform is a simple and intuitive interface with features designed to support all video use cases. The secure and reliable platform lets users upload and easily manage content, uncover audience behaviors, boost ROI potential, reduce storage and delivery costs, and more. With the Brightcove Video Cloud platform, users have all the tools they need to increase engagement, sales, and revenue. 

SLD (Smart All-in-One dvLED) Series

Daktronics’ SLD Series makes acquiring a new all-in-one smart LED display solution easier than ever. This turnkey direct-view LED solution eliminates the installation and operational complexities associated with a traditional LED display system for those looking to add an element of luxury to their workplaces, educational spaces, and other indoor areas. Options start at 110 inches and increase to 220-inch diagonal sizes, feature a standard 16:9 aspect ratio, and offer pixel-perfect HD resolution at 1920x1080 pixels.

Integration Designer 11

RTI’s Integration Designer 11 marks a major update to the RTI programming software, providing a single programming platform for residential and commercial applications. Version 11 introduces the all-new Coral template with full support for RTI Music, customizable scroll bars across the touchscreens and apps, swappable backgrounds, and new fonts—all with auto programming for a fast start and beautiful finish to any project without sacrificing any of the advanced customization for which RTI is legendary. Integration Designer 11 also includes full integration with the RTI online driver store, enabling integrators to find and add drivers without leaving the software.

SF 8CT SUB

Extron’s SF 8CT SUB is an in-ceiling subwoofer that complements the Extron range of ceiling speakers by extending the low-frequency response in music and high performance audio applications. Designed to be mounted in the ceiling structure, the plenum-rated SF 8CT SUB blends in with other ceiling speakers in the system. The 8-inch (203 mm) low-frequency driver delivers rich bass for exceptional audio quality, even from smaller systems. With low- and high-impedance taps and an integrated low-pass filter, the SF 8CT SUB offers the flexibility to meet a wide variety of system requirements.

IP Former

Barix’s IP Former hardware turns existing analog loudspeakers into feature-rich, networked, PoE-powered IP speakers. It provides an IP network interface, audio stream decoder, and amplifier front end for a two- to eight-ohm speaker. New AES67 support enables interoperability with Dante-compatible products and AES67-based audio-over-IP networks. Also new is direct integration with Barix’s IC Paging solution, enabling IP Former devices to be used as audio playout endpoints with zone and multi-master support in the company’s advanced, IP-based paging and intercom platform. Additional recent enhancements include synchronization of audio playout across multiple speakers in the same area over shared IP infrastructure.

OG-DANTE-12GAM

AJA’s OG-DANTE-12GAM is a 12G-SDI to Dante IP audio bridge. The high-density solution allows users to easily bridge 12G, 6G, and 3G SDI sources with embedded audio to and from the Dante IP audio ecosystem with 64 channels of simultaneous bridging per card. OG-DANTE-12GAM features industry-wide compatibility with openGear frames, allowing for up to 640 channels of SDI/Dante audio bridging within a single standard 2RU frame like AJA’s OG-X-FR housing 10 cards. 

Evolution EVEX4K70

Vanco’s Evolution EVEX4K70 4K HDR Extender delivers 4K HDMI signals at 60Hz, 4:4:4 sampling, HDR, and bi-directional PoE up to 230 feet (70 meters) over a single Cat6 cable with zero latency. The extender is equipped with an HDMI loop-out for local monitoring and supports bidirectional IR pass-through for source and display control. It features digital optical output and supports multiple audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD 7.1CH/Dolby Digital 5.1CH. The extender automatically adjusts for compatibility and gain, eliminating the need for EDID and EQ adjustments.

Glass Enterprise Edition 2

Glass Enterprise Edition 2 featuring BlueJeans Meetings is new for 2022. Verizon business customers can purchase Glass Enterprise Edition 2 with BlueJeans preloaded to integrate wearables into new ways of working, offering an immersive and hands-free video conferencing experience that enables employees to work smarter, faster, and safer. BlueJeans Meetings paired with Glass Enterprise Edition 2 and a Pixel 6’s 5G mobile hotspot can boost productivity and facilitate collaboration for remote workers from anywhere. By allowing a supervisor to see a remote employee’s vantage point virtually, BlueJeans on Glass helps field workers access expert support without leaving the job. 

SuperJoy

PTZOptics’ SuperJoy do-it-all serial, IP, and NDI camera control joystick has just gotten better with updated firmware. The SuperJoy can now search for and add PTZOptics or NDI cameras for instant camera discovery and network configuration. Users can also create larger camera groups, with up to 170 cameras in a single workflow. SuperJoy can also control remote sources via NDI Bridge. Putting sophisticated multi-camera production control at the fingertips of users of any ability level, the SuperJoy has fully featured control over any PTZOptics, HuddleCamHD, Sony, Birddog, Newtek, and other PTZ cameras for select settings.

Digital Signage Ready (DSR)

22Miles’ Digital Signage Ready (DSR) is a portfolio of software and service bundles for quick setup and deployment of common digital signage experiences. DSR encompasses entry-level digital and interactive signage software and content management features for digital signage, touch screen, videowall, wayfinding, and meeting room booking applications. The DSR SaaS portfolio consists of a content management system with numerous application sets, widgets, and stylish templates. 22Miles’ DSR also includes white glove service to assist customers with project setup, training and deployment, content development, and data integration.

HOME

Lawo HOME makes IP setups as simple. Built into every current mc² console, and soon also into Lawo’s video and radio ranges, HOME provides automatic device detection with one-step assignments—complete with security features including access control, quarantining of unknown devices, and remote parameter tweaking. WAN (multi-site) and LAN (on-site) transport are supported. Leverage point-to-point connections with up to three stageboxes without additional network infrastructure.

BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display solutions, is ensuring meeting participants can present a wealth of content from a variety of sources— including the latest USB-C-enabled laptops—affordably, easily, and quickly with the new InstaShow S WDC20C wireless presentation system (WPS). The plug-and-play WDC20C features USB-C connectivity, zero software or driver downloads, AES 128-bit security encryption and WPA2 authentication, HDCP, and mobile compatibility for up to 32 collaborators with four simultaneous connections, sharing to a display for incredibly streamlined meetings and presentations. 

“Meeting participants and educators need to be able to share content from their laptop, Chromebook, or even a digital microscope to the displays or projectors in the room with as much ease and efficiency as turning on the lights,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America Corp. “InstaShow is the only affordable, fully hardware-based screen sharing-system engineered to enable that level of simplicity without the burden and risk of downloading and configuring software or apps while safeguarding organizational networks. With the introduction of our new WDC20C model into the InstaShow S family, we’re ensuring the latest and future devices with USB-C can join and share content without any hassle."

Simple Meetings Means No Software or Apps

Today’s meeting rooms and classrooms are collaboration hubs bustling with new ideas and content that shape innovation and successful learning. Every minute is critical. To make sharing those ideas and content ultra-simple and fast, InstaShow eliminates the need to download software or apps, or run updates. Even guests to the organization are free to join and collaborate by simply plugging the InstaShow button into their laptop. With a simple tap, meetings start immediately, and participants can sit anywhere in the room.

Truly Flexible and Intuitive Meetings

InstaShow extends its barrier-free approach with several unique features. Along with standard notebooks and mobile devices, it’s the only WPS system that can be directly connected to Chromebooks, which is a big advantage for schools and companies that have adopted Chromebooks as a standard platform. InstaShow can also plug into other HDMI sources, including Blu-Ray players, digital cameras, digital microscopes, or medical imaging devices for easy wireless sharing. In addition, InstaShow is one of the few wireless presentations that supports using HDCP copy-protected content.

[BenQ Connects Workspaces with DVY Series Conference Cameras]

With built-in support for extended desktop, users can look at notes and upcoming slides during the presentation without any additional software uploads to support the function. Finally, InstaShow’s latest models are interoperable with any interactive display, thanks to the fact that it uses native HDMI and USB connections and protocols to wirelessly communicate with the display. InstaShow S also features Touch Back, allowing users to control the laptop, annotate, and manage the presentation directly from the interactive display.

All these capabilities give corporations and educational facilities an affordable and more robust upgrade path compared to installing new cabling, a video distribution system, and/or displays in the room. Unlike other WPS options on the market, InstaShow doesn’t require yearly licensing fees. Organizations can save thousands and scale to the required number of rooms or classrooms needing screen sharing capabilities in minutes.

Primed for the Future

As USB-C becomes the definitive interface for all consumer electronics, BenQ’s InstaShow WDC20C WPS features one hassle-free USB-C connector. This provides users with the benefits of faster data transmission rates, high-resolution image quality, speedy power delivery, along with compatibility with a growing range of devices.

[Review: BenQ ScreenBar Plus Is Easy on the Eyes]

Once users plug in the WDC20C and tap the button, they’re ready to present. The system allows up to 32 buttons—the highest of any network-free WPS—with four users able to share content to the display device simultaneously. Mobile device users can either connect via the WDC20C button or wirelessly connect using Apple Airplay, Miracast, or the BenQ InstaShare app, available for Android and iOS.

With industry-leading technology requiring no software for installation and no driver for execution, InstaShow blocks potential routes of malware, viruses, or external threats. Advanced AES 128-bit security encryption and the WPA2 authentication protocol ensure that any intellectual property remains private and safe from tampering or unintended disclosure, guaranteeing that presentations are absolutely secure. Plus, it operates on an autonomous network, which transmits data securely without connecting to the organization’s primary network. This design prevents traffic flowing over Wi-Fi from being intercepted and valuable data from being stolen in an unsecure Wi-Fi environment. 

Because it is equipped with an advanced wireless router system that delivers up to 60 frames per second video, IT departments can rest assured content will always be easily and smoothly shared without constant training, bandwidth concerns, or help desk calls.

We all spend way too much time in front of monitors. The BenQ ScreenBar Plus computer monitor light won’t reduce your screen hours, but it might help minimize eye strain while eliminating the glare on your screen from your traditional desk lamp.   

The unit comes in three pieces—the lamp body, mounting fixture, and tabletop controller—and includes an illustrated quick start guide. No tools or additional hardware are required. Setup is literally a snap. Align the lamp’s power socket with the opening on the fixture and it snaps into place. 

Next, clip the mounting fixture to the top of your monitor. According to BenQ, the ScreenBar Plus is compatible with monitors that are as thin as 0.4 inches or as wide as 1.2 inches. Finally, using the controller’s integrated cables, connect the USB-A to a port on your computer (or a 5V USB wall charger) for power and the USB-C to the back of the light.

Convenient Control

The tabletop controller is roughly the size of a headphone earcup, and its center is dominated by a large power button that doubles as a tuning knob. Press the knob for on/off, and rotate the knob left or right to adjust brightness (up to 950 lux) or color temperature, which ranges from tungsten to daylight (2,700-6,500K). A button near the edge toggles between brightness and color temperature control; small icons with even smaller lights indicate which mode is active. 

BenQ also includes an auto dimmer option on the controller. Press that button and an optical sensor (also on the controller) will adjust the brightness of the ScreenBar Plus based on the ambient light in the room. Be advised, however, that the auto dimmer will also adjust the color temperature. If you like your light warmer or cooler, it might be best to use the manual settings. When you turn the unit back on, it automatically returns to the last manual setting or auto adjusts, so you don’t need to reset your levels every time you use it. 

The light fixture features a row of dual-color, flicker-free LEDs, a reflective surface to improve light output, and a protective lens to keep probing fingers (like mine) from touching and/or damaging the LEDs. It is just shy of 18 inches long in an aluminum alloy housing with an anodized, dark silver finish. The mounting fixture includes a solid counterweight for the lamp, so the unit feels sturdy when positioned on top of your monitor. The bracket that holds the light is plastic, though, so I would avoid needlessly taking the fixture in and out. Just set it and forget it. 

[Digital Signage: The Future Is Bright]

There is a little “wiggle room” for you to adjust the light angle and control the spill across your desk, but the USB-C connector prevents you from completely rotating the ScreenBar Plus. No matter where you set it, there is no distracting glare on the screen. 

Sharing Space

It is important to note that the ScreenBar Plus is a desk lamp, not a video light. Granted, if you turn the fixture upside-down in the mount, so the LED lights are almost directly facing you, it can provide some illumination. I had to try, of course, but don’t do it—you’ll generate some pretty substantial shadows behind you, the LEDs will reflect badly if you wear glasses, and you’ll be staring at dozens of LEDs, which even at their lowest setting are distracting and way too bright to look at for any extended length of time. (Remember, this product is supposed to reduce eye strain.) Best to stick with its intended purpose. 

On my 34-inch Samsung monitor, the ScreenBar Plus fits with room to spare, but on a more standard 21-inch monitor, it eats up a lot of real estate, which can be a problem when used with an external webcam. Because of the design of its adjustable clip, I was able to perch my Logitech C270 webcam on the light bar (on either side of the mount), but you could have a problem with other models. You’ll also have an off-center webcam, which may cause camera framing issues.

[Proper Lighting Absolutely Matters During Meetings, Videoconferencing and More]

There’s a lot to like with the ScreenBar Plus. It illuminates an area about a foot deep and two feet wide, which is ample space for a keyboard, mouse, and paperwork. As advertised, there is no glare on your monitor. The controller is compact and easy to use. And the light quality, with a CRI of >95, is pleasing no matter what color temperature you choose. As long as it can cohabitate with the webcam on top of your monitor, this is a winner for master control workspaces, home offices or cubicles, and some portable production units that need controlled crew lighting on location.

When it comes to making a big statement with video, it’s hard to deny: projection is still king. Sure, LED is becoming much more attainable, but there are countless applications for which projection will always reign supreme. How else can you turn a landmarked building into a massive moving canvas? Or bring the floor of basketball arena to life for a pulse-pounding pregame show?

To drive these one-of-a-kind experiences, manufacturers have been pushing the envelope of innovation with new projector models that are brighter and more efficient than ever before. The following are some of the latest devices in the category. 

[ The Technology Manager’s Guide to Projectors and Screens ]

Barco UDM-4K22

The new UDM-4K22 from Barco is designed to deliver impactful experiences from a lightweight and compact form factor. With 21,000 lumens of brightness, the projector features a rugged design, 4K resolution, and wide color spectrum imagery, outperforming the Rec. 709 color space.

[ Why Projection Still Has a Bright Future ] 

The UDM enables diverse setups thanks to its configuration flexibility and wide range of available peripherals, such as a motorized frame and high-quality glass TLD+ lens series. Barco Pulse Single Step Processing technology handles warping, scaling, and 4K UHD processing in only one step, resulting in sharper images, lower latency, and less dark time. The UDM is also the first projector in the Barco range that is fully connected. The Barco Projector Management Suite Dashboard and remote log file access enables faster and more effective troubleshooting. Users can manage the brightness settings of a projector fleet and keep track of operating conditions through a secured cloud-based platform and integrated 3G connectivity.

BenQ LU9915 Large Venue Laser Projector 

BenQ LU9915 BlueCore laser projector is its brightest choice for large venue applications, featuring, 10,000 ANSI-lumen brightness and 100,000:1 contrast ratio for brilliant viewing experiences even under bright ambient lighting. The BlueCore laser engine also delivers superior color performance through a dual color wheel system, support for 360° and portrait installation and up to 20,000 hours of perfect performance with 24/7 operation with dramatically improved durability for diverse application opportunities. LU9915 is compatible with a selection of eight motorized lenses, and built-in edge blending, and geometric correction make it a great fit for a wide range of installation possibilities, captivating audiences at museums, entertainment venues and large corporate spaces.

Canon REALiS WUX7000Z LCOS

The REALiS WUX7000Z LCOS Projector combines long-lasting performance, high brightness, and a wide range of interchangeable lens options and advanced features in a compact design. Featuring 7,000 lumens of brightness and native WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution, the REALiS WUX7000Z is well suited for higher education, corporate applications, advertising and marketing, houses of worship, simulation and training, museums and galleries, and more.

The laser light source provides 20,000 hours of continued projection, and a vertical 360-degree rotation allows omnidirectional projection as well as portrait orientation. The REALiS WUX7000Z offers a center lens design and is compatible with six interchangeable Genuine Canon lens options for a variety of applications. The lenses include the Ultra Short Fixed lens RS-SL06UW, which is compatible with Marginal Focus for accurate projection onto a curved surface, and features a throw ratio of 0.54:1.

Christie Griffyn 4K32-RGB

The Christie Griffyn 4K32-RGB combines Christie’s electronics, which deliver native 4K at 120Hz and the option to upgrade to 2K at 240Hz or 480Hz, and the company’s proprietary RGB laser illumination architecture with integrated cooling and a sealed optical path.

The Griffyn 4K32-RGB is Christie’s first projector to offer digital convergence, which gives users the ability to select red, green, or blue individually and adjust each color via remote control, for precise image alignment. Griffyn 4K32-RGB produces an exceptionally wide color gamut, achieving greater than 96 percent of the Rec. 2020 color space, for an immersive audience experience. Ready to illuminate any surface with 34,000 lumens while operating at less than 46dBA at full brightness, the projector is designed for demanding large venue applications.

Digital Projection M-Vision 23000

Digital Projection’s new M-Vision 23000 projector is the brightest single-chip DLP laser phosphor projector in the world, according to the company. With 23,000 lumens of brightness, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and direct-red assist lasers, the new M-Vision model offers bright three-chip imaging performance.

Featuring DP’s ColorBoost + Red Laser technology, this compact and lamp-free projector has been optimized to produce realistic Rec. 709-standard colorimetry at single-chip luminance levels. The M-Vision 23000 is designed to excel in venues contending with high ambient light with sharp and color-accurate imaging. Capable of displaying 4K UHD with frame rates up to 60Hz, as well as HDMI 1.4b for Side by Side, Frame Packing, and Top-Bottom 3D formats, the M-Vision 23000 is well suited for a range of large-venue applications. 

[ Laser Projectors Deliver Increased Value for Schools ] 

Epson Pro L30000UNL

Epson’s brightest, most technologically advanced projector to date, the Pro L30000UNL is designed to project content and captivate audiences in large venues. The 3LCD Pro L30000UNL features native WUXGA resolution with 4K Enhancement Technology to deliver high contrast, true-to-life images with 30,000 lumens of brightness.

The Pro L30000UNL offers a full suite of features to withstand the rigors of staging and live events, such as a mechanical shutter, sealed optical engine, and compatibility with Epson’s lens family. The projector also comes equipped with a built-in camera giving users access to configuration tools and making applications such as edge blending or stacking of multiple projectors easier. Powered by a virtually maintenance-free laser light source with up to 20,000 hours of operation, Epson’s Pro L30000UNL combines high-quality visuals with a range of features for high-performance use cases.

Optoma ZU720T

The Optoma ProScene ZU720T is a compact fixed-lens laser projector with 7,500 lumens of brightness and WUXGA resolution. The ZU720T features 4K and HDR10 compatibility and a variety of integrated installation features, including image blending and warping and four-corner correction to accommodate complex installations.

With its fixed, telecentric lens design, full motorized lens shift, and 1.8x manual zoom, the ZU720T offers the flexibility of interchangeable lens projectors in a compact, all-in-one solution. For a short-throw alternative, the Optoma ZU720TST offers the main features and benefits of its predecessor including high brightness with 7,000 lumens, color precision, and quiet operation, making it well suited for digital signage applications in corridors, edge blending and projection mapping, simulation, and immersive installations.

[ The Latest in Short-Throw Projectors for Education ]

Panasonic PT-RQ35K

Panasonic’s PT-RQ35K is designed to deliver high-quality visuals for the themed entertainment industries, offering 30,000 lumens of brightness and 4K (3840 x 2400) resolution quality in a small and lightweight form factor. The PT-RQ35K eases logistics and installation hassles with several new features and workflow improvements, including Smart Projector Control and Near Field Communication. These features make it easier to read and change basic projector setup functions without the need to turn on the projector. The Remote Preview function makes it possible for users to check the content signal remotely via multimedia control software or a web browser. The PT-RQ35K Series offers virtually 20,000-hour maintenance-free, 24/7 operation due to its filter-less design for uninterrupted projection in a range of high-performance applications.

Sharp NEC PH Series

The Sharp NEC PH Series comprises the PH3501QL (40,000 center lumens) and PH2601QL (30,000 center lumens) 4K RB laser projectors. The flagship PH series harnesses both laser phosphor and RGB laser technologies to deliver benefits in terms of cost, operational efficiency, and image quality.

The projectors combine high brightness, accurate detail, and wide colors beyond Rec. 709 space with installation flexibility to deliver an immersive visual experience. The use of a red and blue laser light source goes beyond the color and brightness output of traditional laser phosphor projection systems, providing a bright image with high uniformity. The efficient light processing system has a lower initial cost than RGB laser projectors and lower operational costs than Xenon-based projection systems by avoiding lamp and filter replacements. The PH Series is designed for fixed installations in multi-purpose sports and events halls, theaters, museums and leisure parks, as well as the most demanding mapping applications.

Sony VPL-GTZ380

Sony’s VPL-GTZ380 is a native 4K (4096 x 2160), 10,000-lumen SXRD projector. The model combines high contrast and brightness and high dynamic range with a wide color gamut to offer an immersive visual experience in nearly any lighting condition, making it well suited for a wide range of corporate, entertainment, and simulation applications. At 112 pounds, the flagship projector incorporates cutting-edge technology into a small form factor for installation flexibility, and enables quiet operation. 

Featuring a newly developed 0.74-inch native 4K SXRD panel, the VPL-GTZ380 provides detailed imagery with a high 16,000:1 contrast ratio that delivers deep blacks and allows the projector to be used in both bright and dark environments. The VPL-GTZ380 achieves a wide color gamut of 100 percent DCI-P3 without any loss of brightness, and supports HDR formats including HDR 10 and HLG for more natural color reproduction.

BenQ’s line of DVY Series cameras helps enable a friction-free meeting experience in work spaces from small to large. The DVY21 1080p webcam has features to support huddle room collaboration, while the DVY22 4K digital zoom camera will meet the needs of midsize spaces, and the DVY23 1080p PTZ conference camera will support teamwork in large rooms. The cameras are available individually and as part of a smart videoconferencing bundle with the ST02 meeting room display series.

Targeted at huddle rooms, the USB plug-and-play DVY21 1080p HD webcam has an 88° field of view to capture meeting participants. It features omnidirectional microphones with noise suppression and automatically adjusts to lighting conditions.

For midsize meeting rooms, BenQ’s USB 3.0 plug-and-play DVY22 4K 126° wide-angle conference camera features 4x digital zoom, AI-powered auto-framing that smartly senses everyone in the room, omnidirectional microphones with noise suppression, dual-stream support, and powerful low-light performance.

The DVY23 1080p PTZ conference camera, built with the AV system flexibility necessary in large conference rooms, offers 20x optical zoom and RTSP and RTMP streaming support. DVY23 video output options include USB 3.0, HDMI, 1GbE with PoE, and 3G-SDI. Its suite of control ports includes RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, LAN, and remote control to ensure compatibility with any existing control protocol utilized in the room.

The videoconferencing bundle that may be purchased with these cameras includes BenQ’s 4K UHD ST02 Series displays, available in a variety of sizes ranging from 43 to 86 inches.

As facilities reopen and business travel begins to pick up, AV professionals can once again visit showrooms to learn about and train on the latest pro AV technologies. AVNetwork spoke with key manufacturers to get the inside scoop on their showroom experiences and find out what integrators and technology managers can expect when they're ready to visit.

Absen

Website: absen.com

Location: Shenzhen, China

Showroom Dimensions: 11,409 sq. ft.

Brands or Products Featured: 15 Absen products are featured in the showroom, including its Acclaim Series, Polaris Series, and N Plus Series.  

Fun Fact: The showroom is part of the larger Absen Manufacturing complex at the corporate HQ in Shenzhen, China.

BenQ

Website: benq.com/en-us/business/index.html

Location: Plano, TX

Showroom Dimensions: 40 sq. ft.

Brands or Products Featured: BenQ’s satellite Plano office showcases a boardroom fully equipped with all of the company’s corporate display workplace solutions. The collaboration space features the RP02 Series interactive displays. For easy screen-sharing, the meeting room also highlights the InstaShow S WDC20 wireless presentation system. To round out its presentation capabilities, the boardroom houses the BenQ LH770 laser projector.

Fun Fact: In addition to its HQ in Costa Mesa, CA, BenQ opened a sales and marketing branch at the Shops at Legacy in Plano, TX in 2013. The energy-smart location positions the company closer to its clients and partners in the region and serves as a showroom to demonstrate the full UCC solutions lineup.

NanoLumens

Website: nanolumens.com

Location: Atlanta, GA

Showroom Dimensions: 1,456 sq. ft.

Brands or Products Featured: The NanoLumens showroom features many of its products including its Nixel Series of Curvable LED Displays and narrow-pitch Engage Series.

Fun Fact: There are over 11.8M pixels in the NanoLumens showroom for clients to experiment with and enjoy.

Planar

Website: www.planar.com 
Location: New York, NY
Showroom Dimensions (square feet): 5,000 sq. ft.

Products Featured: The space showcases an extensive selection of Planar’s LED and LCD display solutions, demonstrating technologies designed to entertain, wow, educate, collaborate, inspire, and more. This ranges from the latest in fine pitch LED video wall display technology, LCD video walls with the narrowest bezels, 4K LCD displays, transparent displays creating see-through installations, and a range of display solutions featuring interactive capability. Showroom visitors can experience the Planar LED MultiTouch, Planar TVF Series, Planar CarbonLight LED Displays, Planar DirectLight X LED Video Wall System, and Planar TWA Series—in addition to the Planar LookThru Transparent OLED Display, Clarity Matrix G3 LCD Video Wall System and an assortment of Planar 4K LCD Displays.

Fun fact: With more than 50 million pixels on display, the building is one of the most unique interactive showrooms and event spaces in New York. Presenting the latest in technology with elements of design and art, the showroom entices integrators and end users to come demo the products on display.

Shure

Website: shure.com

Location: Rose Shure Customer Experience Centre in London

Showroom Dimensions: 9,000 sq. ft.

Brands or Products Featured: With the backdrop of some of Shure’s iconic microphones like the Super 55, Shure features audio products in the systems integration space, including its Microflex Advance and its IntelliMix P300 audio conferencing processor. For conference and discussion application, Shure showcases its Microflex Complete Wireless solutions. Wireless presentation requirements are addressed by products such as the ULX-D. Shure’s products are complemented by the availability of a range of hardware and software-based AV conferencing options so clients can experience Shure audio capabilities enhancing their preferred vendors’ solutions.

Fun Fact: This new Rose Shure Experience Centre is named for the company’s former chairman, Rose L. Shure. Mrs. Shure’s husband, Sidney N. Shure, founded the business in 1925. Rose Shure remained closely involved with the company for more than 60 years, until her passing in 2016.

Sony Electronics

Website: sonycine.com/dmpc

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Showroom Dimensions: 3,500 sq. ft. soundstage and a 1,100 sq. ft. photo studio

Brands or Products Featured: Sony's Digital Media Production Center features its Cinema Line cameras such as VENICE, FX9, FX6, FX3, as well as professional display technology including BVM-X300 and BVM-HX310 professional monitors, 4K and 8K Pro BRAVIA displays, and a Crystal LED direct view display system.

Fun Fact: The 27-seat Viewing Room is home to Sony’s Crystal LED display. The 24-foot wide display system has over 37 million sub-pixels and an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 2.66:1, making it ideal for displaying anamorphic VENICE content. The DMPC also has a dedicated Workflow Suite featuring post-production tools, including the ability to color grade XAVC, RAW, and X-OCN files on HD, UHD, 4K, and 8K displays in both SDR and HDR.

The What: BenQ is partnering with Meeting Room 365 to natively integrate the scheduling and productivity software suite into its corporate large-format displays, including its CP Series DuoBoard interactive displays and CS Series smart presentation displays.

The What Else: By implementing Meeting Room 365, BenQ's DuoBoard and CS Series now display a weekly meeting schedule, organizer, and subject matter information, allowing users to see room availability and book reservations. Meeting participants can also quickly access Microsoft Outlook, Office 365, Exchange, and Google Workspace via Meeting Room 365 integration, enabling corporate users, IT managers, and solution providers to confidently deploy BenQ corporate displays.

[BenQ Debuts CS Series Meeting Room Display]

BenQ's corporate large-format displays, including the company's lineup of DuoBoard interactive displays and digital signage, provide advanced visual communication, meeting room automation, and collaborative conferencing. 

"Meeting rooms are the most dynamic environment of an enterprise, which requires that employees be able to easily and quickly reserve and utilize those spaces," said Penny Su, business unit director, Google Jamboard and Enterprise Collaboration Solutions. “Meeting Room 365 creates a professional and simple way to add room displays to the office and have highly visual confirmation of room status. This partnership continues our dedication to creating full-service solutions that are integrated with the variety of systems and applications that make ideas come together and businesses run more smoothly and productively."

The Bottom Line: With Meeting Room 365 pre-installed on DuoBoard and CS corporate meeting room displays, the most common tasks conducted in enterprise and SMB conference room installations are now streamlined.

The What: BenQ has announced the new CS Series premium smart signage display for meeting rooms. Available in 65-, 75-, and 86-inch models, the 4K UHD CS Series is designed to enable highly engaging meetings and presentations.

The What Else: The CS Series features BenQ's InstaShare 2 wireless presentation system. It allows up to four participants to share their screen, with four devices appearing on screen simultaneously for maximum information analysis and collaboration. In addition, it supports Miracast and Airplay for flexible screen sharing. 

Related: BenQ Ships RP02 Series Interactive Flat Panels for Meeting Rooms

The CS Series includes multiple built-in features made for effective coworking in order to maximize meeting time. The display is platform-agnostic, complementing any workflows that need to run specialized software during meetings. Via the Duo OS window feature, users can simply access the software, such as AutoCAD or Photoshop, from the display's OPS slot or external device. The Duo Windows mode maximizes the screen real estate by splitting the screen into two windows, eliminating the need to switch between apps and software screens. 

The CS Series display is compatible with any mainstream video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, and Cisco Webex. Designed for versatility, the CS pairs with BenQ's new, enterprise-grade DVY21 compact full HD huddle room webcam, DVY22 smart 4K camera for midsize meeting rooms, and DVY23 20X zoom PTZ camera for large conference rooms. The display also comes integrated with Meeting Room 365 to quickly and easily keep everyone up to date about upcoming meetings and room schedules.

"There are many things in the meeting environment that can waste time, impede productivity, and cut into the bottom line," said Penny Su, business unit director, Google Jamboard & Enterprise Collaboration Solutions for BenQ America Corp. "The BenQ CS Series is the latest addition to our corporate display range that combines our expertise in signage, display, and collaboration technology. It's engineered to create efficient meeting experiences that are simple, engaging, and highly collaborative."

The Bottom Line: The CS Series is designed as a comprehensive meeting room display with a built-in wireless screen-sharing solution, whiteboarding and collaboration tools, videoconferencing integration, digital signage capabilities, and account and device management.

Spring Independent School District in Houston is undergoing strategic change with an ambitious five-year action plan. Key imperatives of the plan are focused on reaching every child, driving excellence in every school, developing a culture of high performance from teachers and staff, and engaging stakeholders in the community. Accomplishing those goals required a hard look at the organization’s operational excellence and implementing technology to improve classroom instruction and outcomes. The district decided now was the time to replace the costly lamp-based projectors in every classroom with ultra-bright, long-lasting laser projectors. 

“Our projectors were 12 years old. It was difficult to find bulbs anymore because they're so old,” said Ben Leung, director of Technical Support services at Spring ISD. “Even when we replaced the bulbs, the lamps were dim or worse, dead on arrival. We were spending upward of about $40,000 a year on them and the quality wasn’t even consistent.”

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Projectors and Screens

Traditional lamp-based projectors require the school to maintain a supply of bulbs, have staff available to replace them, plus a way to properly dispose of them, which adds associated costs. Many projector lamps contain chemicals such as mercury gas, which can be hazardous. The EPA recommends recycling bulbs, but some states and local jurisdictions actually require it, which can incur additional fees.

A lamp typically lasts a maximum of 5,000 hours, but the average is closer to 2,000 hours. Even with a new lamp, the brightness can be all over the map. It’s also a fact that lamp brightness slowly deteriorates as the projector is used, which means they’re quickly burning through that brightness with daily classroom use. Schools are having to replace lamps faster, which can quickly drive up costs and maintenance.

Another problem of lamp-based projectors is having to regularly clean filters. Projector filters are designed to filter out dust and other debris. Left unchecked, dust can build up on the lens and the engine, causing a poor-quality picture and even shorten the projector lifespan. Maintenance staff has to spend time climbing up a ladder repeatedly to clean or replace the filters. With 42 schools and close to 1,900 projectors installed throughout Spring ISD, that was a lot of labor and time to keep classroom technology operating smoothly.

To solve this problem, the district’s IT staff decided to update with laser-based projectors. They brought in laser projectors from multiple vendors. Their governance committee, which is made up of teachers in the district, were able to test and compare each of the projectors over an intense nine-month period. 

“In the side-by-side projector comparison, BenQ’s LW Series BlueCore laser projectors came out on top in terms of functionality, brightness, and performance,” Leung said. “The teachers liked them the best.”

The school selected 4,000-lumen WXGA LW720 and the short-throw 3,600-lumen WXGA (1280x800) LW820ST from BenQ’s classroom BlueCore laser projectors. With the projectors, schools no longer have to worry about keeping a supply of lamps on hand, theft, or properly disposing of them. In addition to the lower cost of ownership they improve classroom instruction with brightness and clarity that every student can see. The projectors employ BenQ’s dual color wheel systems for improved color performance by increasing color ratios and purity of RGBY color, greatly enhancing color saturation and at the same lumen output of lamp-based projectors for better viewing experiences. Furthermore, the projectors provide teachers with wireless presentation capabilities from their laptops. This allows them to collaborate with students and present without being chained to their desk or podium.  

“Our teachers loved the projectors’ brightness and color accuracy,” Leung said. “When they compared it to the other laser projectors, that’s what they noticed most, and now they have freedom.”

To ensure the lifespan of the projector as well as protect the laser brightness and color quality, the projectors are designed with BenQ’s DustGuard technology. Dust, when hit with the intensity of the laser, can melt and harden inside the laser bank and eventually short out the projector. DustGuard prevents dust from gathering inside, which can be extremely damaging to laser projectors, and eliminates the use of ineffective dust filters or the labor involved to clean them. The technology includes hermetically sealed laser modules to protect the laser bank. The design has passed the dust chamber test standard for the international dustproof rating of IP5X.

“For the past 12 years, we went into every classroom, climbed a ladder, blew out dust and changed the filter and bulb of every projector,” Leung said. “That’s a lot of maintenance and costs we no longer have to worry about for years to come. If that wasn’t enough, we also have observed an almost 95 percent decrease in help desk tickets. BenQ BlueCore laser projectors have lowered our total cost of ownership so significantly it’s become our new district standard.”

This year, the AV/IT industry has witnessed agility and innovation like never before. Existing technologies are being leveraged and manufacturers have developed new products and solutions to help facilitate a healthy return to corporate and college campuses, hospitality, and more.

Over the coming months, as the workforce returns to the office and more students return to the classroom, AV/IT managers are deploying no-touch, or touchless technologies to automate everything from opening a door to launching everything needed for a meeting. We reached out to manufacturers to learn about the solutions they’re working on for this new, touch-free world.

1 Beyond

As a manufacturer of automated camera solutions, we have been hearing from customers for a while that they want a room that “just works.” Teachers and CEOs who walk into a room for a meeting do not want to worry about the technology. IT managers expect low-maintenance and low-support requirements with more rooms outfitted for videoconferencing.

With social distancing and hygiene concerns, the need for automated, “touch-free” rooms has only increased, and this includes larger multi-use and divisible conference room spaces. Thankfully, recent technology advances are making this possible for audio, video, content sharing, and control. These “hands-free” automated rooms will benefit users for years to come—even after the COVID crisis is behind us. Remote work and hybrid meetings are here to stay.

22Miles

In the COVID-19 era, there are many new challenges in the return to normal. Today’s kiosks offer a plethora of features: automatic voice control prompts to reduce physical touch on the device, access to communications via QR codes, on a smartphones, and facial recognition and multi-user tracking for employee and guest check ins.

Other capabilities include temperature checks via built-in thermal scanning technology, emergency alerts and updated news on facility policies, and instructions for safely navigating a facility to adhere to social distancing. Additional interactive wayfinding throughout a facility can guide navigation around a building, regulating available spaces and pre-approved routes to reduce wandering and support effective social distancing.

AtlasIED

Reducing manual contact with people and technology is priority number one in the return to normal life during COVID-19. AtlasIED’s new Atmopshere lineup was designed to reduce physical contact with technology that controls a business’s or school’s public address, life safety and security, and audio systems. For instance, a QR code accessible through Atmosphere’s digital signal processor grants authorized users access to certain audio settings directly from a personal mobile device.

Leveraging this hands-off approach is Atmosphere’s ambient noise compensation technology. Built into the DSP are multi-patented algorithms, which enable it to continually learn and adapt to changes in the environment, such as noisy hallways when students transition between classrooms and lively lunch hours in the break room at businesses.

Atlona

Ease of use has become the guiding principle in AV and control systems, but the concept of “safe” has grown increasingly essential, leading to an approach that favors automation. Imagine entering a meeting space, presenting material, and leaving the room without touching anything but a personal laptop or mobile device. Atlona switchers—including the AT-OME-MS52W and AT-UHD-SW-510W—incorporate automatic display control, wireless presentation, automatic input selection, and occupancy sensor triggering to make this is a reality.

On the control side, Atlona’s Velocity System offers QR Code BYOD Control for environments that require manual interaction. Velocity generates a QR code that can be displayed on the touchpanel GUI or printed and placed inside the room. Users scan the code with their BYOD device to take full control of the AV system.

Avocor

At Avocor, we’ve been closely monitoring CDC guidance as the world continues to learn about COVID-19, and the data that we’re seeing is that the virus isn’t often spread by touch like people initially thought. Gesture or voice control can be awkward and difficult to get used to; it can just feel unnatural.

It’s more important to find solutions that allow you to have a more seamless meeting experience that feels familiar—especially as we navigate significant changes to the workplace. Teams working in-person don’t have to physically touch a display with their finger to have a successful meeting experience. Because of their low cost, companies can invest in stylus pens in bulk so that teams can have their own dedicated tool, for example. And if you do choose to use touch control, our displays work seamlessly with latex gloves, and we’re also collaborating with companies that have anti-bacterial cleaning solutions, such as Austere Clean & Protect. 

BenQ

For years, BenQ has recognized the value and flexibility that touchless technology provides, and we have developed solutions that let the users and participants choose how they interact with them. 

Our touchless capabilities encompass voice-activated control and proximity sensors that automatically adjust the screen for blue light and glare in our interactive flat panels (IFPs). Also integrated into our IFPs is our InstaShare software, which allows anyone to join in, share, and interact with content on screen safely from anywhere using their Chromebook, laptop, or personal device. But organizations shouldn’t have to upgrade their displays or projectors to benefit from in-room wireless screen mirroring. Our InstaShow is a completely app-free, secure wireless presentation system that creates a contact-less collaboration experience without network access or expensive infrastructure or hardware investments.

beyerdynamic

At beyerdynamic, we’re seeing more interest in products like our ceiling array and table-top microphones. Our MPR 210 and RM 30 microphones with Revoluto technology ensure great voice quality throughout the room and a perfect touchless environment tool when group meetings are necessary. 

We’re also seeing more innovative uses of products like the Phonum Bluetooth wireless speakerphone. Miami University came up with a remote learning solution: using Phonum on a mic stand with an iPad to broadcast classes to students. The Unite intercom bundles were released a few months ago to help live broadcasters, like houses of worship, better manage their productions while keeping distancing protocols in place. The bundles are feature rich and easy to navigate, with user-friendly manuals.

Biamp

As some employees cautiously migrate back into traditional offices, the desire for touchless technology in shared spaces has grown tremendously. In response, Biamp is pushing innovation to help reduce points of contact between users and devices.

Our recently launched Modena family of Wireless Presentation Systems enables users to access a space’s AV equipment and share content with colleagues, in the room or remotely, directly from their device or via their preferred UC system. With Modena Hub or Modena Hub+, every laptop, tablet, or mobile device can both share screens with a display and receive content, enabling attendees to collaborate without the need to touch or pass devices. Modena Server, a multi-room wireless presentation device, further extends this capability into common areas or other non-traditional meeting spaces.

Bose

We’re all looking at how we can best utilize and develop technology for increased collaboration and better experiences. AI’s ability to improve noise cancelation—and even learn which surrounding noise to suppress—means you won’t need to ride the mute button or constantly increase or decrease the volume because of the surrounding noise. We’re also going to see AI used with video products as a way to provide more comprehensive telemetry on how the room or space is being used, to ensure safe distancing, for example. 

Apps that control AV devices will become more commonplace, as they safeguard users from needing to touch multiple devices. This gives users the ease and freedom to control AV equipment; the NCH 700 UC is a perfect example, as it uses the Bose Music app for adjusting controls (in addition to touch commands on the earcup) and providing software updates automatically. 

Chief

The onset of COVID-19 has led the digital signage industry to recognize major shifts, such as the move to touchless interaction through QR code implementation, haptic technologies, and mobile app integration. Legrand|AV supports a myriad of these new or accelerated trends.

Chief’s Impact Kiosk and Fusion Cart products fit the needs of experiential design, while meeting the new operational demands stemming from COVID-19. As a continued response to our partners in this changing market, Chief is excited to add our Tablet Series mounts, which expand our robust product offerings for safe spaces. This new category features tabletop and floor-standing mounts, as well as accessories to support column and VESA tablets with integrated temperature sensors, printers, and Q&A screens.

Christie

Creating a touchless space is especially important now, and for many public spaces, it will be a necessity. Christie offers Pandoras Box AirScan, which combines with Pandoras Box Widget Designer to transform digital content—whether it’s presented on a LED or LCD video wall or projected onto a wall or screen—into a touch-free, interactive experience.

Pandoras Box AirScan is an IR laser-based solution that creates a motion-controlled user interface with up to 24 interaction points for displays up to 30 feet in size. It features a built-in motion stabilizer for high-speed processing and damping of the sensor motion data. AirScan is installed in front of a display and then connected to a PC with Widget Designer, where settings can be adjusted and customized to the application. AirScan is well suited for public spaces like museums, entertainment venues, and theatres looking to transform displays from touch to touchless.

Crestron

Touchless controls weren’t a new innovation as a result of the pandemic. Wireless collaboration and remote control of conferencing have increasingly been deployed in meeting spaces, lecture halls, and boardrooms for ease of presentation and collaboration. Now, touchless solutions have become more important for the return to work to support distancing and to reduce common control touchpoints. 

Crestron developed new control experiences for touchless controls that will support the return to work, including the Crestron ONE app and the new 70 Series Touch Screens. Employees and guests can safely and reliably control the AV, communications, lighting, automation, and other experiences in the Crestron system with the Crestron ONE app on their personal device. When users approach a 70 Series Touch Screen mounted on the wall or situated on a table, the proximity sensor wakes the screen to show the QR code to connect to the system wirelessly.

Extron

Now more than ever, the subject of AV automation is becoming a major talking point within organizations of all sizes. Touchless room control can be accomplished by scanning a QR code on an Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanel with your personal device. Simply point your camera at the QR code displayed on the touchpanel and you’ll automatically be taken to the Extron Control for Web interface, which provides the same flexibility of control. Extron also offers several mobile apps to help automate AV system functions, and provides easy room AV control from the palm of your hand. All our apps are free on Google Play or the App Store. 

In spaces with an Extron HD CTL 100 Workspace Controller and an OCS 100C Occupancy Sensor, organizations can benefit from automated display control based on motion detection, minimizing button presses while helping individuals remain productive.

HuddleCamHD

To protect personnel from unnecessary exposure, studios are being built with multiple IP-connected PTZ cameras that can be remotely controlled by a single operator. No longer are multiple skilled camera operators forced to share a small, "high-touch" space; instead, all unnecessary interaction is removed. 

One camera operator is too many for most meeting and lecture capture applications, though. PTZOptics’ sister company HuddleCamHD uses AI tools to automate camera operation—allowing teachers and meeting participants to interact naturally. The HuddleCamHD HuddleView uses face and motion detection to automatically frame shots so that virtual meetings feel personal and inclusive. The SimplTrack2 uses autotracking to allow educators to teach as they do best: at the front of their classrooms.

Intel

Although a pandemic was not the driver behind development of the Intel Unite solution, the collaboration platform was born with a host of features that make it well suited to a contactless world. Its wireless connectivity means there are no shared dongles or cables. Wireless connectivity also facilitates social distancing, since meeting participants no longer need to be within reach of a cable. With the platform’s remote capabilities, either through Protected Guest Access or a UC such as Webex, they don’t even need to be in the same room. The Intel Unite software is also open platform, which allows participants to use their own device to share content.

Kramer

At Kramer, we recognize the challenge that so many organizations are facing to ensure business continuity during COVID-19. That is why we have developed an innovative new contact monitoring technology: Corona Tags, small, battery-powered trackers for recording interactions that don’t adhere to the CDC or NIH social distancing guidelines. They track anonymously and securely—protecting individual privacy while recording valuable information to help enterprises and institutions continue to operate safely during the pandemic with minimal down time. Kramer’s Corona Tags are designed for easy rapid deployment and meet the most stringent privacy requirements of GDPR.

Kramer’s VIA family of wireless and/or wired presentation and collaboration solutions also feature touchless connectivity, BYOD, BYOM, and remote management. Kramer Control features touchless automation, remote access, and remote troubleshooting.

LG

As businesses around the country reopen amid the ongoing pandemic, we here at LG Business Solutions USA have expanded our suite of Health Protocol Solutions. In partnership with other technology leaders, we’re offering an array of new options—including touchless interactive digital signage displays, wellness kiosks, occupancy management systems, and more. These solutions combine LG’s displays with the industry’s top sensors and software to help businesses and public venues address the specific needs of the current touchless environment. 

I think we’ll continue to see this rapid rise in gesture and voice control in the post-COVID era. Gesture and voice technology were already emerging as viable alternatives to touchscreens even before COVID struck. Now, having gone through a global pandemic, it may be awhile before consumers are comfortable interacting with frequently touched displays.

Logitech

As companies begin to think about how to bring their employees back into the office, Logitech is helping to keep employees safe and secure by partnering with Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to create contactless experiences in meeting rooms leveraging their voice assistant technologies. 

For our customers that use Amazon, our Logitech Solutions for Zoom Rooms with Alexa for Business allows employees to begin, end, and schedule meetings simply with their voice. Google customers can say “Hey Google” on Logitech Solutions for Google Meet to help them with all their conference needs and minimize contact, while Microsoft users are able to ask Cortana with Logitech Room Solutions for Microsoft Teams.

Mersive

Mersive Solstice has always offered touchless collaboration, content sharing, control, and markup for meeting and learning spaces. However, in 2020, Mersive launched three major new product initiatives that further enhance Mersive’s ability to support the hybrid workplace: Solstice Conference enhances collaboration among onsite and remote participants through touchless videoconferencing; Solstice Active Learning enables video routing for confidence monitors in large spaces where participants need to spread out; and Solstice Cloud allows organizations to monitor and manage the return to work through remote deployment analytics, alerts, and management capabilities. 

As we move into 2021, Mersive is focusing on the next iteration of capabilities that will support safe and healthy workplace collaboration—including smart new features built around room occupancy, monitoring of scheduled versus ad-hoc meetings, and more. 

OnQ

There’s no doubt the pandemic catalyzed massive adoption of low-touch and touchless solutions. To use retail as an example, people are looking for ways to shop safely, while stores are eager to find new ways to increase customer engagement without physical interaction. 

OnQ’s Converge Control lets shoppers scan a QR code on their phones to take control of an in-store digital display. What retailers especially love about this solution is that it doesn't require an app, and customers don’t need to connect to the store’s Wi-Fi network. What’s more, customers can purchase on the spot using their phones and have products shipped to their homes.

Peerless-AV

With an increased importance set on best ways to stay safe in the pandemic, Peerless-AV introduced new solutions for public health preparedness and viral transmission prevention with an Occupancy Control Kiosk, three variations of Temperature Sensing Digital Signage Kiosks, as well as Temperature Sensor Tabletop and Floor Stand Mounts. These solutions allow companies and businesses to follow guidelines in real time. 

The Temperature Sensing items offer self-service, non-contact temperature screening via a tablet; Occupancy Control regulates foot traffic at each point of entry and detects if a visitor is wearing a mask, while also displaying dynamic digital messaging, such as rules, instructions, wait times, promotions, and other information. 

Samsung

Businesses have had to shift quickly to outfit their spaces to ensure safety. One product designed to facilitate this is the Automatic Digital Hand Sanitizing station, equipped with MagicInfo and built-in IR motion-sensor. The kiosk dispenses sanitizing gel or foam and delivers safety information via the display screen that consumers need to follow while inside the building. Additionally, we have seen the Samsung Pro TV integrated into education and hospitality spaces to assist with messaging, wayfinding, and social-distancing protocols. 

Sennheiser

Remote meetings are no longer optional, but have quickly become a given. Travel limitations and social distancing recommendations have resulted in reduced room capacities at companies, so there will always be someone participating remotely, and that requires the right collaboration equipment. Moreover, there is a substantial demand for equipping more rooms with remote conferencing technology. 

Besides the obvious need for more supportive collaboration products, the increased sensitivity and awareness toward hygiene matters will continue. Users have become sensitive to interacting with shared devices, and so touchless workflows are on the rise. 

For reasons of simplicity and convenience, touchless audio was a focus for Sennheiser pre-COVID and will continue to be something that we explore long after COVID is behind us. We are happy to be able to offer a suite of products that meet touchless demands now and in future. 

Sharp

Sharp has been offering touchless solutions for years—making this year’s adjustment easier. Sharp worked with Amazon Alexa to create MFP Voice, a feature that has become essential to office safety. This voice activation feature offers a touchless solution by allowing users to print, copy, scan, and fax, simply by speaking the desired commands. 

Sharp has also developed Synappx Go, an app that can be installed on your smartphone and used to control your MFP’s scanning, copying, and printing needs. This means users touch their personal device and not a shared device.

Shure

The pandemic has altered audio capturing plans for a number of industries, and Shure’s array microphones—which are traditionally thought of for conference rooms or classrooms—have found success in providing quality audio in other professional applications. 

Where tabletop, lavalier, and handheld microphones are no longer feasible, Shure offers options of overhead-mounted array microphones with steerable coverage technology to provide broadcast-quality audio. The MXA910 array microphone, the MXA310 tabletop microphone, and the new MXA710 linear array microphones are the leading products in this category. MXA products have been used for several broadcast applications, including being mounted inconspicuously for reality TV shows and to capture interview audio in radio and TV studios.

ViewSonic

As it became clear that the pandemic was going to be a long-term issue, ViewSonic shifted product offerings to provide partners with ways to keep their businesses moving. With the continued need for wayfinding, communication, and safety, ViewSonic introduced health kiosks that hold a hand sanitizer dispenser (optional), a media player, and a 24- or 27-inch monitor that can be used to welcome customers or provide information as people enter a business. These displays come with integrated software that allows users to communicate wirelessly.

ViewSonic has been working with its factories and partners to ensure they have the resources to keep their business moving forward.

WolfVision

We’re seeing tremendous interest in our range of Cynap all-in-one AV appliances. This is especially true in education, corporate, and judicial environments, where people are looking to minimize the amount of interaction they are forced to have with shared surfaces. Overall, our Cynap solutions have proven to be an ideal way to swiftly implement safe working and learning environments because they provide all the functionality needed in the modern meeting space in a single appliance. This includes wireless presentation, HDMI connectivity, source selection, web conferencing (i.e. Zoom, MS Teams, BlueJeans, et cetera), and room control.

Yamaha

Earlier this year, Yamaha introduced ADECIA, a family of communication products for enterprise or meeting spaces. ADECIA provides all the components and automatic technologies to reduce set up time, costs, and complexities.

It introduces the RM-CG multi-beamforming ceiling microphone and RM-CR audio processor, and includes Yamaha's long-trusted PoE switches and VXL Series line array speakers. By utilizing four dynamic beams that continuously track voices and adaptive Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Human Voice Activity Detection technology, the ceiling microphone creates an audio experience that sounds as good as personal tabletop microphones. The solution auto-detects installed components, auto-configures the devices, and auto-optimizes audio performance so that components never have to be adjusted after the initial setup, even in reconfigurable rooms. 

BenQ, the global exclusive distributor of Google Jamboard, is providing the cloud-based display and collaboration tools that career and technical schools need to seamlessly adapt to hybrid and remote learning models. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia Career Institute (GCI) recently installed Google Jamboard 4K UHD all-in-one interactive displays across its three campuses in Georgia and Tennessee. The Jamboard’s integrated Google Workspace, Google Meet videoconferencing application, and cloud-based collaboration tools provide instructors with a user-friendly system for teaching remotely, delivering outstanding virtual vocational preparation to students during the pandemic. 

“Jamboard supports what our teachers already know: Google,” said Lauren Davis, regional director for GCI. “It is not foreign, so they could get started right away without fear of moving into the remote model or creating a bad experience for our students. When you already know Google, the Jamboard makes it very easy to step into a remote learning model.” 

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Transformative Classroom Solutions

Using Jamboard’s built-in features and capabilities, GCI was able to create and launch a virtual program for its theory classes in a matter of weeks without introducing new workflows or programs. From the Jamboard, teachers simply log into their Google account to pull up materials within Google Docs, access Gmail, or launch classes in Google Meet. With a tap of the onscreen videoconferencing app or the meeting reminder on their calendar, teachers can get remote classes started easily. Because the display comes built-in with a wide-angle camera, microphone, and speakers, instructors did not have to learn how to operate additional equipment.

Jamboard’s digital whiteboard feature was especially critical for opening up channels of interaction, engagement, and comprehension shown to be pivotal to successful remote learning. Digital whiteboarding allows any student in the Meet to annotate or mark-up materials on screen. With the click of a button, Jamboard users can toggle between the whiteboard, other Google applications, and the call. All sessions as well as any notes written on the board can be saved to Google Classroom. These features benefit in-person practical exercises as well. Users can draw and review saved models and techniques on the screen before beginning hands-on exercises.

In addition to advancing the organization’s learning methods, the displays have solved absenteeism. Before, when a student was absent, instructors would have to work with each individual on makeup content, reteaching the same lesson and gathering all of the data for the student. Now students can view recorded classes in their Google Classroom account. This also has helped solve any COVID-19 quarantine dilemmas because students can pursue their theory classes from home as well as safely attend vendor webinars. 

The organization is exploring how the Jamboards can be used in the future to create a hybrid remote structure, where instructors will teach theory material to students onsite and online simultaneously. This would allow the school to use the same instructor for theory classes across all campuses and to fill instructor positions more easily in cities where it’s harder to find licensed professionals.

“Google Jamboard sparks the real-time collaboration through the cloud that extends the Google Workspace and Classroom experience to new environments and applications,” said Penny Su, business unit director, Google Jamboard and enterprise collaboration solutions for BenQ America Corp. “GCI is a great example of how technical schools can build a flexible yet successful hybrid-remote program that allows students to continue their learning no matter if they’re in the classroom or joining from home.”

As part of its efforts to mitigate evolving security threats, BenQ recently received ISO 27001 certification for its InstaShow wireless presentation system. ISO 27001 is an internationally authoritative standard that specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system within the context of an organization, thereby ensuring that data remains secure, complete, and usable. After undergoing stringent reviews by the British Standards Institution (BSI), BenQ was awarded the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification on Sept. 14, 2020.

"The wireless presentation system market is growing quickly, giving customers an abundance of options that may undermine their security best practices," said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America Corp. "Information security has always been at the heart of BenQ R&D, and that mission has established InstaShow as a leader in the field. It's the first ISO 27001-certified solution to be affordable, operate without the requirement of risky software applications, and offer a unique alternative for sending a wide variety of HDMI sources around a room wirelessly."

Related: BenQ Debuts InstaShow S Model for Conference Rooms

InstaShow was designed to provide users with an HDMI-based collaboration solution that proactively minimizes threats that cause information breaches and expensive fallout. It's well suited for security-oriented businesses such as banks, law firms, and accounting firms, as well as government, military, and educational institutions. Unlike many solutions on the market, it is entirely hardware-based, requiring no setup or drivers, which means no unauthorized or malicious software will make its way into the user's computer.

With InstaShow, users can connect any device with an HDMI or USB-C output to wirelessly mirror content to the room's display without risk to the device or the network. It works with any OS or hardware platform, including PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks, while promising absolute data security via measures such as WPA2-PSK protection with 128-bit encryption and secure handshake procedures. Furthermore, Onward Security, a leading ISO 27001 and ISO17025-certified security lab, tested the InstaShow wireless encryption system for KRACK attack vulnerability — vulnerabilities that were found in competing wireless presentation systems — and found none. Helping customers safeguard their data and privacy, the current ISO 2700 certification strengthens InstaShow's continuous prioritization and improvement in upholding security best practices.

InstaShow offers meeting room flexibility due to its ability to connect to non-computer devices without an app. In addition to supporting the latest notebooks, tablets, and phones, the InstaShow HDMI button can be connected to Blu-ray players, document cameras, AV receivers, Chromebooks, BrightSign or Scala digital signage players, digital microscopes, as well as monitors and projectors with HDMI out ports. The InstaShow USB-C port can support the native output of digital cameras as well. The system can also be used to replace a traditional wired HDMI switcher since it supports up to 32 different input sources.

The What: BenQ is now shipping its new RP02 Series interactive flat panels (IFPs), which are designed for in-person and remote collaborative meetings. 

The What Else: The 4K UHD IFP series is available in three models: the 65-inch RP6502, 75-inch RP7502, and 86-inch RP8602.

Related: BenQ Announces Zoom-Certified Videoconferencing Displays

The new BenQ RP02 Series enhances UC meeting preparation and participation, fostering collaboration beyond locations and platforms. The IFPs feature BenQ's EZWrite 5 cloud-based annotation solution, and InstaShare wireless collaboration to create an interactive and collaborative meeting room remotely. The cloud whiteboard capabilities allow users to interact with the screen from their Chromebooks, Surface, Mac, or any mobile device. Its built-in Floating Tool presents an easy-to-locate menu of options that empowers users to write on top of any app, video, website, document, or image intuitively. Whether using Windows, Mac, Chrome, or Android, participants can take notes on top of any content and save them to their chosen cloud storage account. With screen capture, the IFP can be used to capture all—or just part—of the screen. InstaShare smoothly streams audio files and full-HD-quality videos from up to nine devices at a time. Users can also mirror and control all digital content across the devices, including BenQ IFP, PCs, tablets, and smartphones.

The IFP also features what the company says is world's only germ-resistant silver ionic screen with TUV and SIAA certifications and BenQ's Smart EyeCare solution, which protects users from blue light, flicker, and glare. For ease of connectivity, there are convenient front I/O ports with USB-C as well as an NFC reader, which allows employees to swipe a key card or ID badge to quickly access their settings and cloud accounts, such as Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive. The RP02 is also equipped with a 15W subwoofer and an eight-array microphone with embedded noise cancellation to clearly capture live and recorded meetings.

To lighten the workload of IT and AV tech staff, BenQ RP02 IFPs also feature Device Management Solution (DMS), Account Management System (AMS), and X-Sign Broadcast. DMS enables remote and centralized management of multiple IFPs via a local network, making it simple for IT managers to remotely monitor, control, and configure displays individually or as groups at once. AMS allows technology personnel to access and manage files and personalized settings for various accounts, and they can easily update the firmware over the air whenever an update is available. With AMS, users can log in to their accounts to easily access and manage their files and personalized settings. X-Sign Broadcast is a simple-to-use wireless broadcast system that can push alerts, messages, and announcements during meetings. For example, HR and IT can leverage X-Sign to remind meeting-goers of best practices during the pandemic.

"A lot takes place in a meeting, and when people can come together—no matter where they're located—to craft or present ideas, innovation takes shape," said Carly Burton-Sallay, digital marketing manager at BenQ America Corp. "The RP02 was designed from the ground up to support the dynamics of modern meetings. The RP02 Series helps businesses with tools that are easy to use yet state-of-the-art, so that whatever users are working on, everything they need is right at their fingertips."

The Bottom Line: Designed to eliminate any barriers distance can create and drive exciting presentations and brainstorming sessions, the cloud-enabled RP02 Series IFPs feature cloud whiteboarding for Windows and Android, new user interface and annotation tools, mobile interactivity, duo screen, and messaging capabilities.

The What: BenQ has announced that its large-format displays will now deliver solutions with Zoom Video Communications. The large-format displays comprise digital signage and interactive displays. 

The What Else: BenQ digital signage and interactive displays will incorporate Zoom to modernize corporate conference rooms and personal offices for efficient and interactive telecommunication. BenQ displays with Zoom will enable remote screen sharing, content collaboration, and whiteboarding with notes.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Conference Rooms

"Partnerships with technology leaders such as BenQ are key to our mission of delivering high-quality visual communications for the world," said Jeff Smith, head of Zoom Rooms, Zoom Video Communications. "Together, we can help businesses and individuals overcome today's challenges to build toward tomorrow's success."

"BenQ remains highly focused on professional needs of the corporate market," said Conway Lee, president of BenQ Corporation. "Recognizing the dynamic nature of our customers, as well as challenges and opportunities facing the world at large, our displays will incorporate Zoom to provide video conferencing and chat services."

The Bottom Line: The integration with Zoom affirms BenQ's commitment to present and future corporate requirements for visual communication and conferencing. With the new solutions, business owners, SMB presenters, and enterprise IT managers can rely on BenQ to support full interoperability and seamless videoconferencing. Similarly, integrators and solution providers can confidently recommend certified products with the assurance of complete compatibility and communication.

Whether it’s for a classroom or a school auditorium, buying a projector for a school isn’t simple. There are many considerations beyond price alone that impact the total cost of ownership (TCO). Before selecting a projector for your school, be well aware of all the associated costs of both lamp and lamp-free projectors to get the most out of the budget and to prolong the life of the technology investment. 

The Hidden Costs of Lamp-Based Projectors

For decades, lamp-based projectors have ruled the classroom. While these models can seem like a great value, there’s more than just the initial upfront price tag to consider. Replacement lamps, or projector bulbs, are essential to these projectors — and the root of many problems and additional costs. Schools bear the expense of maintaining a healthy supply of replacement lamps as well as the labor to replace them and any fees for properly disposing of them. 

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Projectors and Screens

While keeping replacements on hand is smart, sometimes it’s hard to locate them. There is no guarantee that a model that was purchased to last 10 years will have a replacement lamp five years later. Many manufacturers are discontinuing lamp-based models or getting out of the projector business completely. If replacements are found, they can run anywhere from $50 to $400 apiece. In addition, schools have to store them securely. Lamps are valuable and can be resold easily on eBay. Should they be stolen, schools risk the expense of replacing them.

Not only does it cost money to buy and store lamps, but also to dispose of them. Many projector lamps contain hazardous chemicals, such as mercury gas, which means that they shouldn’t be thrown in the trash. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends recycling bulbs, but in many states and local jurisdictions, it’s a requisite and can incur additional fees. 

Another challenge is that a projector lamp gradually goes dim over its lifetime. A lamp typically lasts a maximum of 5,000 hours, but the average is actually closer to 2,000 hours. Even with a new lamp, the brightness can be all over the map. It’s also a fact that lamp brightness slowly deteriorates as the projector is used, and as schools can use a projector for hours every day, they’re having to replace lamps sooner to get the same brightness, which can quickly drive up costs and maintenance.

The second most expensive cost to a traditional projector is the filter, which is designed to keep dust out of the projector. Dust that is left to build up on a filter can cause a projector to overheat and eventually short it out. However, there are two expenses involved in cleaning the filter. One is the labor, which may require as little as blowing off the dust or as much as thoroughly washing and drying them before they’re put back in. For one or two projectors, that job isn’t to arduous, but with 20 or more, it becomes a much more time-consuming task. In an auditorium or gymnasium, where the projector is mounted on the ceiling, there’s also the expense of renting a lift to reach it. 

Advantages of Laser Projectors

While a majority of projectors today use lamps, the purchase of lamp-free projectors is on the rise, according to Futuresource. In the first quarter of 2020, more than a third of all 3,500-lumen and brighter projectors were lamp-free. There are three major lamp-free projector technologies: 100 percent LED, a hybrid of LED/laser, and 100 percent blue laser. 

LED options can quickly be ruled out because the brightest options available are only 2,000 ANSI lumens, which is bright enough for darkened home theaters but not a well-lit classroom. In addition, they’re not intended for hours of daily use. While adding laser light sources to LEDs does amp up the brightness, the light source warranty may be only rated for a maximum of 6,000 hours on many models. In addition, the combo of LED and laser light sources can make it hard to achieve accurate color over time.

Completely sealed blue laser projectors are the ideal choice for classrooms for several reasons. These lasers are the only lamp-free projector technology capable of delivering 5,000 lumens or higher at 4K resolution, 20,000 hours of performance, and meet Rec. 709 or UHD color standard for proven color accuracy. 

The best blue laser projector models offer a sealed engine, which eliminates the need for a filter, lowering the projectors TCO even further. Rather than relying on a paper or cloth filter for dust protection, filter-free laser projectors feature a completely sealed laser engine that prevents dust from entering and shortening the life of the unit. The most rigorously tested models have earned an international dustproof protection rating of IP5X or IP6X, a trusted certification given to today’s most popular mobile and smart watch technology. Here, it’s a testament of the projector’s ability to protect against dust over the entire life of the projector. 

Projectors have been a classroom mainstay for years and will continue to play a pivotal role in helping students thrive and learn as the cost of blue laser projectors come down. Laser projectors provide schools with a budget-friendly, zero-maintenance option that is future-ready and user- friendly.

Bob Wudeck serves as Senior Director of Business Development for BenQ. 

It’s clear: the classrooms that students are making their way back to this fall are not the places they left in the spring. Distance is key, with pupils being forced spread out within these environments, so it’s imperative that everyone can see the material being presented. 

Delivering on this increased demand for big-screen solutions is a category that has been elevating engagement in educational settings for some time: the short- and ultra-short-throw projector. This showcase highlights the latest models of this versatile and cost-effective technology from the leading brands in the field. 

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Projectors and Screens 

BenQ EW800ST

According to BenQ, the EW800ST is the first education projector to feature cloud account integration, screen-mirroring capabilities, smart app capability, and internet and wireless connectivity to promote diversified teaching and blended learning in classrooms. The EW800ST offers personal account control and cloud services integration via the BenQ Account Management System (AMS), allowing instructors individualized access to lesson plans and educational materials in cloud storage. EW800ST also includes X-Sign Broadcast, a centralized messaging and display scheduling system.

EW800ST’s user interface is optimized for education and interaction, providing content navigation in addition to the traditional projector remote control. The EW800ST lets students and teachers navigate educational content not only with a traditional mouse or keyboard, but also from any device via the BenQ Smart Control app. Equipped with the onboard BenQ Suggest app store, users can also download a variety of smart apps, including web browsers for lessons generated right from the projector. With WXGA resolution and a 15,000-hour lamp life, EW800ST’s engaging and expansive visual quality is enhanced by new Infographic and Video Modes, designed to accentuate modern educational materials that contain mixed graphics, data, charts, video, and text.

Casio XJ-UT352WN

Casio’s Ultra Short Throw XJ-UT352WN LampFree projector is an all-in-one solution for the education market, providing high-quality projection technology with enhanced features and functionality. It features 3,500 lumens and a WXGA native resolution of 1280x800, enabling the projection of large, bright images. The XJ-UT352WN uses Casio’s Laser and LED Hybrid light source to project vibrant colors with no lamps or filters to replace and long-lasting performance of up to 20,000 hours. The XJ-UT352WN has an improved dust resistant design and is network ready with LAN Connectivity (RJ-45) and optional wireless capability.

Additionally, the XJ-UT352WN includes Casio’s Educational Solutions suite that facilitates easier use of projection in classrooms. Auto Input Search and One Click Connection enable class to start quickly. PC and Projector Remote and the Moderator Function allow teachers to remotely display their device or their students’ devices from anywhere in the classroom. 

Christie DHD630-GS 

Christie's GS Series projectors take 1DLP technology to higher levels of brightness, image quality, and color reproduction with laser illumination. From education and training venues to events and beyond, professional-grade Christie GS Series models deliver high performance and reliability in high-usage environments. 

Christie DHD630-GS 1DLP offers 6,125 lumens with HD resolution. Laser illumination provides 20,000 hours of high-quality visuals with a 4,000,000:1 full on/off contrast ratio. Its small footprint, low weight, full suite of lenses—including an ultra-short-throw option—and 24/7 operation durability makes this projector ideal for higher education. The DHD630-GS is also whisper quiet, with a noise rating of 36dBA, enabling it to be placed anywhere in a room. 

Epson BrightLink 735Fi

Epson’s BrightLink 735Fi 1080p 3LCD interactive laser display is designed to turn almost any flat surface into a widescreen digital whiteboard. Displaying 100-inch, 16:9 or ultra-wide 110-inch, 16:6 images, the BrightLink 735Fi offers split screen, side-by-side viewing and up to 65 percent more interactive space versus 75-inch flat panels, for better visibility and engagement in social-distancing classrooms.

Featuring 3,600 lumens brightness, Full HD 1080p resolution, and a virtually maintenance-free 20,000-hour laser light source, the projector offers built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi and supports software-free, peer-to-peer wireless connectivity from Miracast-enabled devices. Users can save, email, and print without a PC, or share content to other networked BrightLinks. This laser display is also compatible with value-added software including Epson Easy Interactive Tools, Epson iProjection app, Epson Projector Management Utility, and SMART Learning Suite. Featuring dual-pen interactivity with auto calibration, touch capabilities, and easy-to-install touch module, the BrightLink 735Fi is a true collaboration device integrating the utility of a whiteboard, projector, and interactive display, with no additional computers required. 

LG HU85LS

The LG Ultra-Short-Throw Projector (HU85LS) is a 4K laser projector that can produce a 90-inch image when placed just two inches from the projection wall, and a 120-inch image when just 7.2 inches away. This ability to create a large projection display in nearly any room arrangement makes it especially well suited for classrooms.

The HU85LS adopts three-channel laser technology to create RGB color via different light sources. Because of this, the HU85LS has no color wheel, so it significantly reduces “rainbow” effects that can be experienced by conventional projectors. Its 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio displays the deep blacks and smooth gradients necessary for engaging a cinematic 4K UHD experience. The LG Ultra-Short-Throw projector also offers voice control through the included Magic Remote with an integrated microphone. Wireless connection is available any iOS, Android, or Windows device, and standard inputs include USB-A, USB-C and HDMI. In addition, the projector offers wireless screen mirroring, webOS 4.5 for native web browsing, two integrated 5-watt speakers, and a Bluetooth-out port to boost wireless audio through a separate stereo system.

Maxell MP-TW4011

Maxell Pro AV’s MP-TW4011 3LCD laser interactive projector is engineered to transform the interactive experience for K-12 classrooms with a bright display and interactive software. Featuring 4,200 ANSI lumens brightness, the MP-TW4011 combines Maxell’s Accentualizer and High Dynamic Contrast Range 2 (HDCR2) technology to enhance image sharpness, gloss, and shade while correcting color and tone distortion. With 3LCD laser technology, the projector has 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation and can operate up to 50,000 hours with Long Life 2 Mode in use.

StarBoard Interactive Presentation Software optimizes writing and drawing capabilities with freeform shape and handwriting automation. The interactive pen tool allows users to draw and write directly on the projected screen without a PC and can operate as a compass, ruler, protractor, or stopwatch. 

The MP-TW4011 incorporates the optional finger-touch unit that enables the projector to detect finger touch activity on the screen area. Windows Multi Touch allows users with touch-enabled Windows 8.1/10 systems to operate the PC directly from the interactive screen with up to six pens or touches.

NEC UM383WL

NEC's UM383WL ultra-short-throw HLD LED projector is a low-maintenance display solution for education and corporate customers that need up to 130-inch diagonal video and images at an affordable cost. Its ultra-short-throw lens (0.27:1 throw ratio) helps eliminate shadows on the screen along with projected light in the presenter’s eyes created by traditional front-projection systems, and the HLD LED light source eliminates the maintenance requirements that exist in lamp-based projectors. 

Its features include horizontal and vertical keystone adjustment or cornerstone correction, ECO Mode technology for lower power consumption, and input/output panel, including dual HDMI, VGA, and RJ-45 for networking. It also offers NaViSet Administrator 2, a free software tool designed to ease administration and management for large installations. Administrators and users will also benefit from the ability to remotely monitor and control the projector over a network, which will save IT employees time and help reduce the costs related to projector operation.

Optoma ZH406ST

The Optoma ZH406ST is a 4,200-lumen 1080p DuraCore laser short-throw projector that delivers high performance in a lightweight, compact size. Featuring a 300,000:1 contrast ratio, 4K UHD input, HDR10 and HLG compatibility, and a 0.5:1 throw ratio, the ZH406ST produces 100-inch images from only several feet away, making it well suited for small classrooms, conference rooms, and other space-constrained environments. 

Equipped with vertical lens shift, four-corner correction, and 360-degree and portrait mode operation, the Optoma ZH406ST enables flexible installations. Additionally, a laser light source eliminates the need for lamp and filter replacements, providing up to 30,000 hours of low-cost and virtually maintenance-free performance in Eco mode. The Optoma ZH406ST also offers HDMI 2.0, HDMI, and VGA inputs for connectivity to high-quality 4K HDR digital video or legacy analog video sources, while LAN and RS-232 enable control via Crestron, Extron, AMX, or Telnet. 

Panasonic PT-TW371R

Panasonic’s PT-TW371R Series of short-throw WXGA (1280x800) resolution LCD projectors are designed for easy setup, whether on a table top or mounted from a ceiling. The wireless series connects to laptops, mobile devices, and other sources for supporting presentation needs. 

The PT-TW371RU has interactive capabilities and includes two interactive pens and Whiteboard Software for PC to support writing and drawing on projected images, as well as the ability to save work to a PC for later distribution. The PT-TW371R Series can project an 80-inch image from an approximate distance of 2.5 feet without creating any screen shadowing, which is well suited for rooms where space is limited. Its 3,300 lumens of brightness with 16,000:1 contrast ratio and operating noise of 30dB make it particularly adept for classroom and meeting room visualization. New technology extends lamp replacement to approximately 20,000 hours by reducing degradation and improving cooling capabilities for low TCO and less maintenance downtime.

ViewSonic PS750W

The ViewSonic PS750W is envisioned as a complete interactive projection solution for the classroom. With native WXGA resolution and an ultra-short-throw lens, the PS750W includes an embedded camera, laser curtain module, and wall-mount kit. It features a brightness of 3,300 lumens, while its 0.23 throw ratio allows it to be placed just inches away from a wall or screen. It is flexible enough to be ceiling-mounted or placed on a tabletop. 

The PS750W comes the company’s cBoard software, enabling users to write, highlight, edit, and transform documents and images on-screen in real time, making it a big-picture alternative to interactive whiteboards and displays. Connectivity options include HDMI, HDMI/MHL, USB 2.0, VGA Out, S-Video, Composite, RJ45, and RS-232, ensuring all types of external devices can be connected. 

The What: BenQ has released the SL02K Series, a Pantone-Validated family of professional digital signage displays for 24/7 hospitality, retail, and corporate applications. 

The What Else: The Pantone color system is used across many verticals, including graphic design, fashion, industrial design, corporate branding, and more. The SL02K Series’ Pantone Color Mode ensures content is broadcast with colors chosen by designers and in alignment with global brands. 

Related: BenQ Adds to BlueCore Laser Projector Lineup With New Classroom Models

The displays offer additional color adjustment flexibility with fine-tuned custom color modes, fulfilling the needs of a variety of professional designers for different types of artwork and ensuring branding accuracy. Cinema Mode adds depth and dimension that make videos pop while Photo Mode delivers product details that are realistic and vivid without any oversaturation or picture distortion. Finally, M-Book Mode replicates how videos and images are displayed on macOS devices.

BenQ’s SL02K Series displays are available in 43-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models. The family of PID (public information display) panels feature 4K UHD resolution that combines with 500 nits of brightness to help captivate passersby. The 50,000-hour lifespan enables 24/7 operation without dimming. It can be mounted in portrait or landscape mode to fit any installation. 

The BenQ SL02K Series displays are designed to help customers create compelling signage installations without requiring additional peripherals, content management systems (CMS), or design software. They are USB plug-and-play ready, run on an Android 8.0 platform, and feature built-in 4GB memory and 32GB storage. The series also integrates with BenQ’s X-Sign CMS software, which allows organizations to build, schedule, and broadcast content. With X-Sign, users can get started right away, choosing from hundreds of templates. For example, BenQ has added customizable templates regarding best practices relating to COVID-19. In addition, the series features BenQ’s Device Management Solution application for remote and centralized display management. The display also can be leveraged for videoconferencing with Google Meet hardware compatibility for spaces that need to flex with both signage and conferencing capabilities in the new norm. 

“For years, BenQ has been a trusted display solutions provider in the design and video production community,” said Alex Mooney, manager of marketing and pre-sales for BenQ America Corp. “Our SL02K Series displays are a continuation of our pursuit in end-to-end color-accurate presentations. Achieving Pantone Validated status means that these displays assure on-screen color fidelity and interoperability with Pantone-qualified color production devices. Designers and customers now have the assurance the final version of their signage campaigns will be just as flawlessly reproduced in the final presentation stage as they appeared during the design phase.”

The Bottom Line: Winner of Digital Signage Magazine’s Best of Show Special Edition 2020, the new SL02K Series displays are approved by Pantone, the global authority on color and provider of professional color tools for designers, to demonstrate the superior fidelity in reproducing the Pantone Matching System Colors. When paired with BenQ’s Pantone Validated designer monitors, they provide an end-to-end solution that covers everything from content creation to deployment.

BenQ has published a technical white paper that focuses on the security-related details of the architecture, components, and technical control for its BenQ InstaShow wireless presentation system (WPS). As security is a major concern for every organization, this white paper explores how BenQ designed the InstaShow WPS to minimize the attack profile of schools and businesses by eliminating security vulnerabilities. 

“Wireless presentation systems open up a world of productivity, allowing multiple presenters to share the screen during a meeting and quickly exchange ideas,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America Corp. “This white paper shares how our designers and R&D engineers created a methodology that eliminates the security threats found on most other wireless presentation systems. This is accomplished by both system modularization and improving the modules to create an integrated security architecture.”

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Conference Rooms 

This white paper details InstaShow’s system security architecture and the platform’s three security levels. In addition, the document also highlights InstaShow’s security certifications. The BenQ InstaShow receivers and buttons have been extensively tested and certified by Onward Security to identify and disclose any critical vulnerabilities. The company tested for a variety of security breaches, including unauthorized network access via the receiver, as well as unauthorized viewing of wireless transmitted content by a third party. Onward Security tested the InstaShow wireless encryption system for KRACK attack vulnerability, and found no vulnerabilities.

InstaShow is an all-hardware, plug-and-play presentation system for meetings and collaboration. The latest addition to the InstaShow family of collaboration tools, InstaShow S WDC20 is designed to support up to 32 participants or input sources at a time. 

The entire InstaShow family is fully interoperable with any operating system or hardware platform while providing data security through WPA2-PSK protection with AES 128-bit encryption. InstaShow S can maintain stable wireless connections even in less-than-ideal Wi-Fi environments. Equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 ac/n for transfer speeds of up to 700Mbps, the S model facilitates sharing of presentations, pictures, documents, and video. It also features native support of extended desktop functions for presenters to privately view or take notes, backup data, and monitor other applications while simultaneously delivering presentations.

Download the InstaShow security white paper here. 

In our Coping with COVID-19 series, AVNetwork is interviewing manufacturers to discover how they’re handling the COVID-19 crisis and how the pandemic has impacted their businesses.

Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America discusses the company’s response to COVID-19.

AVN: Have you pivoted your business strategy in response to COVID-19? If so, how?

BOB WUDECK: We have transitioned to an entirely work-from-home model wherever possible. One of the biggest changes we made early on was ensuring that our customer service reps and trainers had the right equipment—high-quality audio, video backgrounds, and internet speeds—at their homes to deliver the same caliber of support that BenQ has always provided in the office. Using virtual and cloud-based tools, they’re able to conduct demos and webinars remotely for IT directors, AV staff, and technology managers as well as reseller trainings. 

We’ve also enhanced our support and services with the flexibility customers need right now. We can meet with customers from their chosen UC platform or our own GoTo Meeting platform. By combining flexibility with high-quality voice, live video, and access to visual content, we’re continuing to stay ahead of customer needs. 

AVN: How have your day-to-day operations changed during this time?

BW: Our day-to-day operations have changed very little. Despite being unable to have face-to-face meetings with decision makers or attend events and give live demos, we’ve had success transitioning to a virtual model and are able to  carry on from home.

AVN: Has COVID-19 had an impact on your supply chain? If so, how are you handling any  delays?

BW: COVID-19 has dramatically accelerated our supply chain within our monitor, e-reading lamp, and home theater product lines. April was a record month for us due to the strong demand in those markets. 

While education tenders or access to buildings are delayed, the impact has been relatively minimal. In fact, we’re seeing a leap in interest and conversations around our interactive flat panels (IFPs), which are the only IFPs on the market with a germ-resistant, antimicrobial coating designed to prevent the spread of germs while working at a touch screen. As people consider the health impact of interactivity, a germ-resistant screen is no longer interesting—it’s essential. 

AVN: Have you implemented any virtual training/education resources for integrators?

BW: We've been virtually training integrators nonstop since the beginning of the crisis. We've also done many reseller trainings to brief them on new products as well as update them on the current status.

AVN: What has been your largest leadership success during this time?

BW:  The biggest leadership success for us has been flawlessly transitioning to an entirely work-from-home model without any real impact to our overall revenue or operations. Our warehouse operation teams have also kept health and safety at the forefront while managing to prevent any slowdown in operations. 

AVN: How do you think business will change post-COVID-19?

BW: I think the biggest impact will be how people gather together going forward. For example, in the past, people shared an HDMI cable to present in a group meeting, but now they have to think about the limited reach of that cable and how close in approximation it requires people to work. 

Now, we’ll see businesses consider a wireless presentation system such as InstaShow not only as an affordable, easy-to-use alternative, but one that enables people to work separately, yet still share the screen. COVID-19 will also change how small- and medium-sized businesses allocate their technology budgets. They will be more cost-conscious and look at how to attain more functionally practical and affordable solutions for meeting rooms rather than spend on an expensive system that doesn’t offer any flexibility. 

In addition, I think we’ll see end-users consider more feature-rich solutions, such as a higher resolution and color-accurate display and monitor models, in the event that should they need to work from home, they can do so without any delay or frustration. 

To stay up to date with the impact of coronavirus on pro AV, subscribe to our enews. 

The way we work is in an unprecedented state of flux. With the growing trend of remote work, offices are shifting their space from accommodating personal tasks to a group-first focus. While the huddle room tide has been rising for some time, the demand for spaces in which teams of all sizes can collaborate is continuing to grow. And for these spaces to function optimally as hubs for teamwork, they need technology to facilitate the creative thinking process. 

A New Approach

As Millennials and Gen-Z employees make up more and more of the workforce, they’re bringing a lot of demands with them. One of these is the requirement that companies support their preferences for the way they like to work, a request that can put strain on an enterprise’s standards. 

“IT departments prefer standardization in unified communication platforms and AV solutions for meeting rooms; however, employees are more productive when using their own devices and the UC technology of their choice,” said Lieven Bertier, segment marketing director, workplace at Barco. This was an inspiration behind the development of ClickShare, one of the most popular wireless collaboration solutions on the market. “Our range is perfectly suited for BYOM (bring your own meeting), a natural extension of BYOD, as it allows people to host a conference call using their preferred conferencing platform from their personal devices.”

According to Bertier, the ClickShare Conference range was designed to be truly agnostic, connecting to the AV USB room peripherals (speakerphones, soundbars, cameras) and working with the UC solutions of the user’s choice. “Starting a meeting is very intuitive, simple, and always the same: no downloads, manuals, training, or extra tools needed,” he said. Nevertheless, Barco offers apps for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS devices to enable flexibility in connectivity. 

Plug and Play

The ability for users to just plug in and present was also paramount for BenQ, according to Bob Wudeck, the company’s senior director of business development.

“Customers want an easy-to-use, secure system that allows them to share content without downloading software or an app,” he said. “This helps eliminate risks to their device and allows them to get started faster.”

BenQ engineered its latest solution, the InstaShow S WDC20, with flexibility, performance, and affordability in mind. “Not only is it completely app-free with 4K resolution support, it also is able to present more screens simultaneously on the display (up to four) than any other similar app-free screen mirroring system,” Wudeck said. “In addition, organizations aren’t limited by what devices they can connect; they can connect notebooks, Chromebooks, Blu-ray players, document cameras, digital signage players—essentially, anything with an HDMI out port.”

Airtame’s VP of product Simon Hangaard Hansen echoed the others’ sentiment that simplicity is paramount in this device category: “Customers want the technology they use to collaborate in offices and meetings to be hassle-free and reliable,” he said. And one major hassle in today’s technology landscape is that of interoperability. “This is why Airtame embraces a cross-platform approach, combining a suite of products that work together with other applications to make screen sharing, digital signage, and device management straightforward and reliable, no matter the size of the business,” he said.

According to Hansen, Airtame 2 is device agnostic—working with Windows, Chromebooks, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. “There are flexible presentation options, as customers can present using the Airtame app to one or many displays, simultaneously, or they can present using Google Cast, Miracast, and AirPlay,” he said. “Importantly, customers can even allow colleagues and guests to present, even when they’re on a different network.”

For WolfVision, the goal was to achieve wireless 4K screen mirroring with as little effort required on the end users’ part as possible. “WolfVision customers value Cynap’s unique app-free, button-free, mobile device-agnostic meeting room spaces, which enable wireless screen mirroring for all laptops, smartphones, and tablets,” said Christian Loacker, WolfVision global sales and marketing director. “We have found there is huge demand for systems such as Cynap Pure Pro that do not place restrictions on device compatibility, and are able to deliver a consistent user experience to every meeting participant.”

The company’s Cynap Pure solution is engineered to be set up out of the box and used immediately. It also offers prepared API modules for integration with third-party controllers, and APIs are available for customized room control system integration if required.

Doing it All

Of course, the ability to easily share content is just the beginning. “Organizations today demand a large range of needs from their meeting space presentation systems, including robust content sharing, videoconferencing, digital signage features, and more,” said Troy Suttle, VP of product marketing at Mersive.

The company designed its Solstice platform to provide all of the collaborative capabilities users need in a room, from high-resolution wireless content sharing to content manipulation with mark-up features, to bringing in remote participants via agnostic conferencing support through Solstice Conference. “While many meeting and collaboration solutions solve only one part of the problem for customers, Mersive takes a holistic approach to teamspace collaboration.” This approach even extends to room calendar integration and digital signage playback, delivering continued value from the system between meetings.

The complete ecosystem was also top of mind for Biamp when it acquired Huddle Room Technologies just before ISE in February. Now branded as its Huddle Hub, the solution is positioned as a flexible piece within its comprehensive meeting room suite. “We’re committed to ensuring that our room systems support all the UC solutions available today and ensure they are as convenient and high-performing as possible,” said Joe Andrulis, Biamp’s executive vice president of corporate development. 

With this goal, Huddle Hub enables users to share content locally from their device directly to the room speakers and display, or launch a UC client from that same device to engage participants across the world using the room’s microphones and camera as well. “The distinctiveness of Huddle Hub is the combination of feature richness, performance, and how well it pairs with the rest of the Biamp product portfolio to provide a complete room solution,” Andrulis said. 

With the aim of flexibility, Kramer designed its VIA family of collaboration solutions to not only support all manner of teamwork, but in a variety of verticals as well. “Uniting strengths is the key requirement for wireless collaboration,” said Yael Chicheportiche, product manager at Kramer. “The VIA Campus2, for example, fits perfectly the education applications, able to show up to six user screens on one main display or up to 12 screens on two displays, with full moderation capabilities for the teacher and remote control.”

Make it Easy

End users demand simple tools that integrate into their workflows; tech managers require robust tools that simplify their rooms. “From an IT manager’s perspective, Kramer’s VIA technology joins the dots for seamless integration, with products that offer installation flexibility as well as features that make management a simple process—with cloud-based control for operability, software updates, monitoring, and so on,” Chicheportiche said. Kramer’s VIA Site Management (VSM) software enables IT administrators to configure, monitor, manage, and control all connected VIA devices. VSM can generate alerts on the system’s health and includes actionable reporting and analytic tools.

ScreenBeam also strives to simplify things for the tech manager. “They don’t want three boxes if they can do it with one,” said Jay Taylor, the company’s senior director of strategic alliances. “ScreenBeam helps reduce such complexity, which has benefits in both capital costs for hardware and labor and maintenance, saving companies significant money.”

Further easing things on the administrator side, the ScreenBeam 1100 allows AV/IT managers to support both internal and external networks with a single device. “This makes deployment easier while providing more flexibility for different network policies and deployment requirements,” Taylor said. According to the company, ScreenBeam is also the only wireless collaboration provider that is a co-engineering partner with Microsoft. “With 1.2 billion Microsoft users worldwide, this partnership is significant,” Taylor said. “With ScreenBeam, users can wirelessly ink and annotate across the Office 365 environment, storing and sharing those notes with colleagues in meetings or through their natural workflow.”

Under Control

Of course, it would be difficult to deploy all of these products at scale if they lacked the ability for monitoring—and impossible if they didn’t meet stringent security requirements. 

Like Kramer’s VSM, Biamp’s Huddle Hub includes management tools that allow users to monitor its availability, ensure performance, and make updates to firmware. Its security measures include utilization of a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) secure boot protocol, which guards against malware; WPA2-PSK technology for confidentiality; randomly generated passcode when a new session starts; and AES-128 encryption of all the video and audio streams.

BenQ’s InstaShow family also features WPA2-PSK protection with AES 128-bit encryption for data security, and has been tested and certified by Onward Security as having no critical and high-risk security vulnerabilities. It also meets the requirements for California's Consumer Privacy Act.

Airtame Cloud fulfils the needs of tech managers to keep track of the status of all of their endpoints, enabling them to view and update device settings and monitor performance from anywhere. The company’s approach to security includes the ability to lock the Airtame 2’s settings panel with a password from within the device’s settings. When applying settings, HTTPS encryption is used between the managing computer and the Airtame being managed.

WolfVision provides remote administration tools for free via its vSolution Link Pro software. On the security front, all wireless data is encrypted, and IEEE 802.1X authentication protects the network and ensures that no devices are allowed access until authorized. A closed Linux operating system means that system modifications are not allowed, and this also keeps the system free from viruses and malware.

According to ScreenBeam, the company’s multi-network design is completely air-gapped so that network interfaces cannot be bridged, as there is no internal signal routing that might compromise network security. ScreenBeam provides three levels of security for the active connection, including connection-level security support for most enterprise network certificate-based security requirements, and session-level security with AES 128. The company also includes a remote CMS tool, allowing IT/AV departments to manage all the receivers in their deployment.

Mersive provides administrators with centralized monitoring and management, as well as analytics. “[This] allows admins to go beyond simply maximizing deployment uptime to help them optimize their meeting space ROI through data driven insights,” Suttle said. “All of this is supported by enterprise-grade security. Mersive has been deployed in the world’s most protected public and private organizations because we stay at the forefront of best security practices, implementing multiple layers of security to ensure every deployment remains safe from unwanted threats.”

“For tech managers it is paramount that solutions used by their employees are fully secure, easy manageable, and compatible with existing IT infrastructure,” said Barco’s Bertier. ClickShare devices feature ISO 27001 certification, enabling orgnaizations to deploy them in any infrastructure configuration they prefer: standalone, connected, or fully networked. “But real value comes when managing, monitoring, and updating the units with the XMS management platform or Overture.”

The What: BenQ has launched the BlueCore WUXGA and 1080p 4,000- and 5,000-lumen laser projectors. The LU710, LU930, LH710, and LH930 eliminate lamps and feature a filter-free laser engine sealed and rated to prevent dust accumulation. Without lamps and filters, as well as protected from particles that shorten projector life, the new models significantly lower the total cost of ownership for schools.

The What Else: With the LU710 (WUXGA) and LH710 (1080p) offering 4,000 ANSI lumen brightness and the LU930 (WUXGA) and LH930 (1080p) delivering 5,000 ANSI lumen brightness, the projectors are capable of producing clear images in both dark and well-lit classrooms. To further this concept is BenQ’s new LumiExpert technology. LumiExpert automatically detects the ambient light conditions of the room and adjusts the projector’s brightness to maximize clarity and comfort. With Rec. 709 color coverage, the projectors offer enhanced color saturation, true deep blacks, rich colors, and fine subtle details that are vital to education. The LH and LU models also feature an advanced Infographic Mode to deliver brighter, better color gradation of charts, data, and other visual information and ensure text is clearly legible. The additional Vivid Mode serves to emphasize colorful imagery when displaying video or photos.

Related: Optoma Ships ZW403 and ZH403 Laser Projectors for K-12 Classrooms

BenQ designed the LU and LH series BlueCore laser projectors to power up in half the time and with less power consumption of a traditional lamp-based projector. The signal power-on feature turns the projector on automatically once an input signal from VGA or HDMI is detected. Teachers can get started right away and make the most of the class time. 

Compatible with BenQ’s InstaShow wireless presentation system, schools can instantly turn any classroom into a collaborative environment for everyone—without burdening the school’s network or introducing security risks. BenQ’s InstaShow is a plug-and-play, zero-software solution that allows up to 32 participants to present from any device—including Google Chromebook and Apple devices—to the BlueCore laser projector in the room with a simple push of the button transmitter. InstaShow supports both the 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and WPA2 authentication protocol to ensure network data and student information remains private and safe from tampering or unintended disclosure.

With BenQ’s exclusive centralized control software, IT personnel can remotely manage an entire district’s network of projectors from a single, centralized location via the local network. Offering powerful scheduling and configuration features and remote on/off capabilities, the software allows IT and technology staff to monitor and control the projectors as a group or individually. The comprehensive software is also compatible with an assortment of control systems, including AMX, Creston, Extron, and PJ Link. This makes it easy to integrate each of these projectors into existing systems and ensure they’re running smoothly.

“Laser technology offers incredible brightness and color that really engages viewers, which makes it perfect for learning,” said Carly Burton-Sallay, digital marketing manager at BenQ America Corp. “However, it has been cost-prohibitive for most schools. Our engineers have worked tirelessly to close this gap with models that fit not only our high-performance standards but also are now affordable for schools looking to upgrade their legacy lamp-based projectors.”

The Bottom Line: At the heart of BenQ’s LU710, LU930, LH710, and LH930 is BenQ’s renowned BlueCore IP5X-certified, dustproof, filter-free laser engine. BenQ’s high-output laser source guarantees 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation. BlueCore’s value exceeds that of 10 lamp replacements over the life of the projector, based on the average brightness cutoff of typical long-life lamps. The laser is also built for years of daily classroom use, delivering superior image quality and performance, and the hermetically sealed DLP chip resists heat for over 100,000 hours without degradation.

The What: BenQ has added to its InstaShow family of collaborative wireless presentation systems with the release of the InstaShow S WDC20. The InstaShow S button can connect to nearly any device using the HDMI port, can securely mirror the screens of up to four sources at 4K resolution, and allows presenters using an interactive flat panel (IFP) display to annotate their presentations on Windows computers directly from the IFP’s touchscreen.

[BenQ Introduces Smart Projector for Collaborative Digital Workspaces]

The What Else: The new InstaShow S model adds more options to the platform, allowing laptop users to share content while supporting a wider range of devices. For mobile devices, participants can either connect an InstaShow S button, or wirelessly connect using Apple Airplay, Miracast, or the new BenQ InstaShare app, available for Android and iOS. With InstaShow S, users can smoothly share ideas or stream full HD 1080p video and 16-bit stereo audio wirelessly to an HDMI-equipped display device.

The new S model is designed to support up to 32 participants or input sources at a time, replacing the cost of standalone wired HDMI switchers and simplifying complex installations. The system’s split-screen mode allows up to four users or sources to be shared to the screen simultaneously. The touch-back feature gives presenters the ability to control their laptop applications directly from an IFP. Moreover, when paired with an IFP, the split-screen mode and touch-back feature enable up to four laptops or devices to be controlled directly from the display. Like the rest of the InstaShow family, it is fully interoperable with any operating system or hardware platform while ensuring absolute data security through WPA2-PSK protection with AES 128-bit encryption. 

InstaShow S can maintain stable wireless connections even in less-than-ideal Wi-Fi environments. Equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 ac/n for transfer speeds of up to 700Mbps, the S model facilitates easy and smooth sharing of presentations, pictures, documents, and video. It also features native support of extended desktop functions for presenters to privately view or take notes, backup data, and monitor other applications while simultaneously delivering inspirational presentations.

Built from the ground up to eliminate modern security threats that wireless presentation systems can introduce, InstaShow is certified by cybersecurity provider Onward Security as having no critical and high-risk vulnerabilities as based on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS).

“Large conference rooms don’t just require a screen-mirroring system that will allow many presenters to share their content; they need one that doesn’t expose the network to potential threats or expose confidential content to unauthorized viewing,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America Corp. “As we enter a new age of BYOD and collaboration, BenQ is committed to ensuring that organizations follow best practices for network security. InstaShow is the only wireless system that can operate independently of the network, truly minimizing the corporate network attack profile, in addition to ensuring a 100-percent 128-bit AES-encrypted content stream. Also, users can wirelessly cast from any mobile or HDMI device, potentially replacing the expense of a traditional wired HDMI switcher.”

InstaShow S starter kit comes complete with a receiver, two HDMI transmitter buttons, and tabletop button holder. Additional USB-C buttons will be available later this year. IT managers can also use the BenQ device management software (DMS) solution to maintain and remotely configure InstaShow units.

The Bottom Line: InstaShow is an all-hardware, plug-and-play presentation system designed to make meetings and collaboration intuitive, simple, and secure. Users no longer have to awkwardly pass around a single HDMI cable between other participants, run risky third-party software, or acquire network access to share their screens during meetings.

Organizations interested in testing the InstaShow screen-mirroring system can take advantage of the BenQ Try and Buy program by signing up and selecting their preferred model. After 30 days, those that decide to purchase their InstaShow will receive $300 off the already attractive MSRP of $999 (WDC10), $1,099 (WDC10C), and $1,499 (WDC20).

The What: BenQ has introduced the EW800ST, a smart projector for business. 

[BenQ Releases Voice-Activated Interactive Flat Panels Powered by AWS]

The What Else: The EW800ST makes it possible to start projecting from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop—whether it’s a PC, Mac/iOS, or Android device—in a few steps with no software required. Wireless connectivity eliminates cable clutter, and an included USB dongle means there’s no need to find the right dongle for each device.

The EW800ST enables participants to present in a way that’s most convenient for them. The EW800ST comes with a USB Type-A port that supports a wide range of file formats—including JPEG, PDF, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

The BenQ EW800ST smart projector includes 16GB of storage and built-in business apps that increase productivity during meetings. Participants can start a video conference with Blizz—a global team collaboration app—remotely access another computer to view files or troubleshoot via TeamViewer, create documents collaboratively via WPS Office, as well as search the internet on Firefox. Through BenQ’s X-Sign broadcasting technology, any connected device can send text, images, and video links to the EW800ST, and everyone in the meeting room will see the message immediately on the projection screen. BenQ Smart Control turns a smartphone into a remote control, a mouse pad, and a keyboard, allowing users to navigate the projector and its business apps directly from their own device.

With its 0.49 short-throw ratio, the EW800ST is well suited for small meeting environments. It projects an 80-inch image from less than 1 meter away, which saves valuable real estate in the meeting room for participants to gather. It also ensures that speakers who talk with their hands don’t block the presentation. The EW800ST offers 3,300 lumens in WXGA native resolution, and Infographic Mode showcases texts and graphics in detail with high brightness and better color gradation.

The EW800ST features BenQ’s Dust Guard technology. A built-in anti-dust accumulation sensor rejects a large amount of dust accumulation to further improve durability and lower overall maintenance costs. In addition, the Lamp Save mode provides up to 15,000 hours of operation before lamp maintenance is needed. 

The EW800ST also features BenQ’s Device Management Solution (DMS) and Account Management System (AMS) tools. DMS enables remote and centralized management of multiple digital projectors via a local network, allowing IT managers to remotely monitor, control, and configure projectors individually or as groups at once. AMS allows IT personnel to access and manage files and personalized settings for various accounts, and they can update the firmware on the EW800ST over the air whenever an update is available. With AMS, any user can log in to their account to access and manage their files and personalized settings.

“Walk into today’s meeting room and you’ll see participants using their own devices, not just laptops, but smartphones and tablets as well, to brainstorm, take notes, and share ideas. Despite this new dynamic, it can still be cumbersome and sometimes impossible to connect to the room’s projector, depending on the device being used,” said Carly Burton-Sallay, digital marketing manager, BenQ America Corp. “The EW800ST gives meeting goers the tools they expect to collaborate freely without having to wrestle with technology. It’s the first huddle and meeting room projector designed for the future of intuitive and intelligent collaboration.” 

The Bottom Line: The projector’s wireless internet connectivity, screen-mirroring capabilities, and built-in browser and business apps enable colleagues to share ideas in today’s agile, collaborative workplaces, helping teams to be more productive. 

BenQ has earned Tech & Learning's 2019 Award of Excellence for the installation of its RP Series Interactive Flat Panels (IFP) within the Kankakee school district in Illinois. Recognized in the award's district category, the BenQ IFPs have been critical to Kankakee achieving the goals in its Competency Pilot. The pilot aims to create a learning structure that incorporates real-world knowledge, provides future career-related competencies, addresses challenges, and helps students earn credits in other ways besides traditional coursework in conventional classrooms.

"Today's classroom has become the launch pad for students' future, and with that, schools are seeking tools that align with their mission of helping each and every one of their students succeed," said Carly Burton-Sallay, digital marketing manager at BenQ America Corp. "This award is a wonderful recognition of Kankakee's determination to build rich learning opportunities that go far beyond the classroom. We're proud to have helped the district achieve an anywhere, anytime learning environment."

BenQ RP Series IFPs helped Kankakee school district easily and affordably transition K-12 classrooms to collaboration-based models of learning without introducing complex setups or workflows that require extensive training. Teachers can easily share a wide range of content, from text to videos and images, in 4K UHD resolution. Content vividly pops off the screen, even with the lights on, keeping the students' full focus on the lesson. The 20-point touch screen enables multiple users to interact simultaneously. This direct interaction helps young students develop fine motor skills. The IFPs also come with advanced tools that older students can utilize to create detailed artworks, presentations, and other projects.

To see the full list of Tech & Learning 2019 Award of Excellence winners, visit techlearning.com/news/awards-of-excellence-winners-announced-by-tech-and-learning-magazine.

BenQ will feature its latest display innovations for higher education at EDUCAUSE, held October 14-17 at the McCormick Place West in Chicago. In Booth 319, the higher-ed IT community will see a comprehensive portfolio of classroom solutions designed to simplify deployment and maintenance, deliver digital agility and flexibility, and improve student outcomes, including the premium RP Series interactive flat panels (IFP), Blue Core laser projectors, and InstaShow wireless presentation systems.

“Higher education organizations and their IT staffs have a heavy burden to stay on top of evolving technology trends while balancing cost, maintenance, and management cycles,” said Carly Burton-Sallay, digital marketing manager at BenQ America Corp. “EDUCAUSE is a great opportunity to see how BenQ is engineering its display solutions around those tenants. Our IFPs and Blue Core laser projectors are designed to pave the way for a successful digital transformation.” 

Part of the BenQ family of award-winning RP Series IFPs, the cloud-enabled RP7501K is a 75-inch 4K UHD display designed for education. It features classroom-ready features, a user-friendly interface, and advanced fine IR touch technology for collaboration. The RP7501K incorporates Smart Eye-Care technology designed to eliminate the health effects associated with blue light and glare, and a germ-resistant screen that kills most germs accumulating on screen surfaces while preventing cross-infection or epidemics in classrooms. The RP7501K is integrated with Saffi voice assistant technology powered by AWS, allowing teachers to control and access display capabilities through voice commands, and InstaShare to wirelessly stream visual, audio files and full HD quality videos from any PC or mobile. For IT and AV managers, the IFP is bundled with hassle-free, cloud-based management tools including BenQ DMS local device information and management software, apps and an Over-the-Air Update feature for simple and efficient campus-wide device management that effectively lowers TCO and energy consumption.

Offering an alternative to traditional lamp-based projectors and delivering optimized visuals and energy efficiency, BenQ has a full lineup of Blue Core laser projectors designed to fit any learning environment. The LK953ST Blue Core laser projector is an HDR laser projector for education 4K UHD resolution. Designed to handle a range of content in meeting and collaboration environments, the projector generates 5,000 lumens of intense Blue Core laser-powered brightness for 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation. It utilizes 0.47-inch single-DMD DLP technology as well as 4K Image Amplifying Technology to enhance the quality of projected images, while Pixel Enhancer 4K motion-adaptive edge enhancement detects changes in the color between an object and its background to produce sharp edges and precise surface textures. The LK953ST is also integrated with network control and management systems, including Extron, Crestron, AMX, and PJ-Link for network control via LAN, allowing it to be integrated into network infrastructures. For non-LAN infrastructures, it supports RS-232 for reliable long-distance installations up to 50 feet.

At the show, BenQ will demonstrate the WDC10 HDMI and the WDC10C UBC-C models of its InstaShow wireless presentation system. Enabling BYOD classrooms, InstaShow allows multiple presenters to lead from any device. It is designed to host up to 16 presenters at a time and is interoperable with any OS or hardware platform while ensuring absolute data security through WPA2-PSK protection with AES 128-bit encryption. The new WDC10C model expands the system’s compatibility to a plethora of devices utilizing USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. It supports low-latency full HD 1080p video and 16-bit stereo audio wireless streaming capability to any display device. For instructors, InstaShow gives them the freedom to move around the room. For IT and technology managers, this is a presentation tool that doesn’t impact the network and keeps data protected. Organizations can mix and match WDC10 and WDC10C buttons in the same room, delivering connectivity for any notebook.

The What: BenQ has added to its Premium RP Series of interactive flat panels (IFPs) with voice control powered by AWS. Directly integrating AWS with BenQ's Saffi voice-assistant technology, the RP Series IFPs use a voice-enabled remote that is designed to simplify instruction tasks and introduce more flexibility in the classroom.

The What Else: The voice capability is available as an Amazon skill and can access the deep features of the Premium RP Series through simple voice commands. Perfectly suited for active learning classrooms, the voice-activated 4K UHD IFP lineup includes the 65-inch RP6501K, 75-inch RP7501K, and 86-inch RP8601K. A quick firmware update is available to integrate Saffi to units already out in the market.

"When we introduced the RP Series IFPs, our goal was to deliver a new and powerful way for teachers to command the classrooms and to drive learning potential for students through cloud collaboration, multiuser account management, and support for campus text and video broadcasting systems," said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business, education and CinePro solutions at BenQ America Corp. "Voice control is a natural expansion of these features. For over a year, we've been working with AWS to perfect the integration of voice. With our latest update, teachers and students will enjoy a more seamless, flexible and productive experience. BenQ's Saffi IFPs are the future of smart collaboration."

The new BenQ Remote offers tools to help teachers keep the classroom on task. These tools include a pointer that creates a virtual spotlight that highlights areas on the screen and brings students' focus to key content. In addition, the remote features a freeze screen function, enabling instructors to check and ensure the safety and legitimacy of content on their laptop before sending it to the screen for students to view.

When combined with BenQ's EZWrite 5.0 platform, the IFPs become a hub for sharing ideas, notes, and opinions. Participants can capture images of the screen and make annotations on the screen from their devices, regardless of their location. In addition, files can be downloaded and uploaded to cloud services, such as Google Drive and Dropbox, directly from the screen without the hassle of connecting USB cables and other devices.

The IFPs also come with dual pens that allow two users to write or draw simultaneously with different colors. Within Brush Mode, participants can also use a physical paintbrush to meld technology and art. With the handwriting recognition feature, the IFPs instantly convert written text, numbers, forms, and drawings into easily legible digital text without having to switch modes.

The Bottom Line: With AWS built into BenQ's Saffi remote, the Premium RP Series IFPs further the line’s interactive experience and collaborative technologies. Once the Saffi skill is enabled, staff can simply access the flat panel's extensive menus via voice for easy operation. In addition, they can play specific content on the screen, change modes, and more without having to be next to the panel—saving time and making operation smoother.

More AV devices are ported for IP. More feeds are migrating to the enterprise network. More AV systems are software-driven. Convergence is a done deal, right? Not quite. There are still growing pains when it comes to deploying AV at scale. While audiovisual technologies are still the “magic”—from mesmerizing 4K to immersive audio—applying IT acumen in the planning stage will help build efficiencies, no matter where you are in the AV/IT conversation.

WHAT DO IT MANAGERS WANT?

All content, all access, all of the time—this is the mantra of Millennials, the dominant contingent of today’s workforce. Gen Z, born approximately between 1995 and 2005, will demand even more bandwidth and the latest tech tools at work. Expect more video-driven communications to support the pervasive meeting culture. Video and connectivity need to be “everywhere,” even outside, explained Tim Maffei, senior director of IT at EVERFI, a fast-growing edtech software company. “That’s where relying on a traditional conference phone, a big TV, or projector won’t cut it.”

According to a study from Gartner Research on Millennials and technology, “Millennials are more likely to use higher-end technologies in their personal lives, so it’s no surprise that they have a more positive view of IT strategies that encourage the use of personal devices at work.”

The demand for uber-connected, latest-and-greatest personal tech applies to AV as well, and IT directors need to support it all. “Some employees want lav mics and wireless handhelds. The next thing you know, you are scaling up, tech wise,” Maffei said. At EVERFI, the computer—once the central tool of the workday—UCC, and other AV technologies all “fall under IT,” he said, and it can be hard to distinguish between IT and AV.

While some observe the separation of AV and IT teams and workflows, Maffei is “experiencing the opposite: pro AV being a required service from IT as a result of the proliferation of videoconferencing and UCC.”

Whatever codecs are chosen by IT directors, they have to be easy for all staff members to use. While it might seem like an obvious point, keeping the end user in mind will save time and service hours in the long run. The same rule applies for AV.

LEVERAGING THE EXPANSION OF IT PRODUCTS, CLOUD

As Sam Recine, sales director, Americas and Asia Pacific at Matrox, sees it: “The number-one thing being attached to existing AV infrastructures already in place is high-quality, low-bitrate encoders. It’s hundreds of millions of dollars of hardware and software from hundreds of different manufacturers.”

He explained that the area of converged infrastructure is the one where end users themselves have (often) leapt ahead of AV service companies. AV companies are still too suggestible to the traditional AV hardware suppliers and they have not sufficiently leveraged the expansion of IT products, broadcast products, and cloud services. “It can be tough for an AV company when it shows up with a high-bandwidth, high-cost, proprietary hardware approach to a problem, and the end customer knows about 30 different ways to solve the same problems using approaches that are far more scalable and help enable new applications.”

Case in point: “Matrox was at ISE 2019, and we had our VP of R&D running an AV-over-IP interoperability demo from multiple different manufacturers in the AIMS booth,” Recine said. “We also had AV-over-IP, IP-KVM, and IP Video Wall products on demo in our booth and in dozens of our OEM partners, using different brands. But the hottest item (most leads) from the show was our cloud recorder that mates with the Panopto Enterprise Video Management Cloud Platform. This is for lecture capture and other enterprise communications applications.” Creating libraries of content is a value to originators of content such as universities, large corporations, and the ilk. Services like Panopto create a private YouTube-like interface for intelligently searching through thousands of hours of curated content assets.

FAST CONFIGURATION

One perennial issue with IT teams is that there’s no downtime. If an AV system is too cumbersome, requires too many manual updates, or it locks a facility into a siloed system, chances are it won’t make the final equipment list. That’s why companies like Harman, QSC, Utelogy, Crestron, and others collaborate with IT vendors to create interoperable paths between AV and soft-codec solutions. For example, at ISE, Biamp announced that its Tesira conferencing solutions are now certified for use with Hangouts Meet hardware, meaning that its digital signal processing (DSP) will work easily with Google. The company also introduced a deployment tool that streamlines configuration.

ACKNOWLEDGING STRENGTHS

The Biamp and Google example underscores the need for synergies. This transcends the hardware and software discussion, too. At the fundamental level, IT professionals bring value to an organization because they understand data. They know what it means to manage Internet Protocol-type data, how to assign ports, how to lock them down for security, how to manage bandwidth, and how to allocate in a software-defined way. These are concepts that are relatively new to AV teams. Where AV professionals still have the edge, according to Recine, “is in the expertise in acoustics, aesthetics, user interface design, and personalization of applications for target use cases.”

AV professionals hold insights about what people may bring into a room and try to connect, how people might behave with an interface, and what exists already in terms of management by AV processors. Optimization is important; there are myriad drivers that exist from Crestron, Extron, and AMX by Harman that are not as familiar to the IT teams as the AV professionals. Sharing knowledge and best practices will make deployments of any scale more efficient.

“The best outcomes are the ones where IT people and AV people recognize each other’s strengths and leverage those strengths, and that’s not a subordinate-type thing,” Recine said.

REMOTE MANAGEMENT

The demand is growing for software-based AV systems that give managers centralized control and robust remote access. BenQ’s MDA (Multiple Display Administrator) software, for example, simultaneously and remotely manages multiple displays via LAN or RS-232, which can save managers time on adjusting individual units via remote monitoring, scheduling, email alerts, and on/off control from a single location. Cloud-based automatic firmware updates will feed every display in the network the latest patches. Kramer Control is another cloud-based control and management solution that lets IT/AV managers deploy, control, monitor, and support AV systems, infrastructures, and any third-party devices. It is scalable and has no single point of failure.

Similarly, at ISE, Harman announced an alliance and product offering between AMX and Zoom Video Communications. Available now, two new solutions integrate the AMX Acendo Core Collaboration System and the Zoom Meetings service, as well as AMX Modero G5 Control Panels and the Zoom Rooms Controller app. Crestron’s XiO Cloud lets AV pros remotely update millions of devices in the same time it takes to update one, and implement security fixes in minutes. XiO Cloud also lets tech managers audit logs of every change from the cloud for more efficient diagnostics.

KEEP LEARNING

One of the reasons traditional AV integrators may not have adopted IT best practices is a matter of education; they may not have realized pertinent resources are available. More manufacturers are hoping to bridge this gap by offering IT skills training and encouraging the recruitment of new types of talent into AV firms—from networking experts to cybersecurity leaders.

There’s another reason to stay responsive to IT trends and nurture IT relationships, according to Joe Andrulis, executive vice president, corporate development, Biamp. “Pro AV is moving to the network, and if you don’t have a great relationship with the IT department that controls it, your odds of winning big enterprise pro AV sales are in serious danger.”

Recine believes that work groups can be given the tools to collaborate together and take advantage of specialized skills; it is a powerful way to assimilate knowledge. “It’s like what our students hear in school,” he said. “The best thing you can learn is how to learn, because you’re going to be learning for the rest of your life.”

Margot Douaihy is a writer, storyteller, and frequent contributor to Systems Contractor News and AV Technology.

Info

BENQ
benq.com

EVERFI
everfi.com

BIAMP
biamp.com

GARTNER RESEARCH: “MILLENNIAL DIGITAL WORKERS REALLY DO DIFFER FROM THEIR ELDERS”
gartner.com

MATROX
matrox.com/graphics/AV_Tech

Bag & Baggage Productions (B&B) could write the book on flexibility. After all, the Hillsboro, OR-based theater company started touring the town in 2005 with nothing more than a van, mobile sets, and a handful of actors. By 2008, they had grown to become a popular fixture of the community and leased the historical converted Venetian Theater in the heart of the city’s Main Street. However, B&B required a new home when it was slated to be sold in 2016.

Nimble as ever, the company set its sights on its own permanent residence and found a 5,000-square-foot bank building just two blocks away. B&B aptly named the new home The Vault, as a nod to the building’s history as well as a signifier of the company’s permanence in the city and within the theater scene.

Unlike the Venetian—which was a large, 386-seat proscenium theater that was originally a movie theater—The Vault was built out as a small, black-box-style theater. This style is known for being simple. There’s no stage, just a flat floor and unadorned walls. Guests are situated around the four walls with the actors taking “the stage” in the middle of the floor. This change in setup was just one of the ways the company was reinventing itself.

“We had been at the Venetian for eight years, so we had gotten used to doing things a certain way,” said Jim Ricks-White, technical director for Bag & Baggage. “The Vault was a refreshing departure from that. When we started this process of looking for a new space, we started recalling our early years of operating out of a van. Everything had to be flexible. We wanted this space to reflect that humble beginning and not only function as theater but as a multipurpose event space that we could rent out to the community. To be that flexible, we had to be really selective of what technology we used and optimize the space for it.”

Technology has been the driving force for achieving that vision. Due to the size of the space, larger physical sets weren’t possible and something the company wanted to move away from anyway. Therefore, B&B decided to rely heavily on lighting and projection technology to set the scene, which, from a technology viewpoint, would make what was happening behind the scenes in the control booth just as important as what was happening on stage.

With that in mind, the executive team at B&B and Opsis Architecture created a facility that could host any kind of event, from corporate meetings to wedding receptions and film festivals, and specified technology that would allow them to carry that off. That included a BenQ 4K BlueCore laser projector, eight Mitsubishi projectors, a full JBL surround sound system with Lutron control, a Da-Lite projection screen, and a Crestron controlled digital lighting rig in the theater and in the control booth all manner of behind the scenes support such as a video camera and monitor to visualize the theater from the booth, an audio mixer, a wireless video distribution system, a patch bay panel, and a control system.

Because space was at a premium, B&B needed a rack that can handle many inputs while at the same time being incredibly accessible. Opsis Architecture selected Middle Atlantic Products SR Series Wall Mount Pivoting rack. Designed to address the need for space-saving solutions to house system distribution points, the SR Series’ innovative design allows the rack to be mounted on a wall and pivot open 90 degrees on a floor base to provide quick access to rear equipment connections without having to leaving room behind it. The rack also incorporates Middle Atlantic's built-in cable management and tool-free QuickMount system to integrate technology to best-practice standards.

“Having the ability to control and plug and play all of the technology to the show or event specifications has afforded us an incredible amount of freedom,” Ricks-White said. “Though we’re operating from a smaller space now compared to the Venetian, everything is right there in the rack—our camera input and monitor, all our HDMI connections, and our entire sound system. Access to the back of the rack has been incredibly useful in getting to our HDMI ports, which are in the back of the rack. For the first couple of shows, I was in the back of rack two or three times a show. Being able to swing open the rack and quickly plug into my next inputs was critical. It’s fast and simple.”

From a stage and technology management point of view, the consolidation of all that tech in one space has been a benefit for the crew, giving them something they didn’t have at the Venetian: better access and control of the technology. Previously, the sound booth and the lighting booth were in separate locations in the balcony. This required two operators for every show because if something went wrong in one place during a show, the other person couldn't get up and go fix it. Now everything is right where it’s needed.

“For example, if I suddenly lose signal on something at the mixer, I literally take three steps, look at the rack, and see if I'm getting signal at the switcher,” Ricks-White said. “There’s no digging around. It gives me three points that I can look at before I have to come down to the floor and figure out what's going on. It makes troubleshooting so much faster. It’s also key to our future as an organization. With everything we do, we keep asking ourselves how we, as a theater company, can move into the 22nd century. We will by staying flexible through technology and investing it in.”

To that end, The Vault was recently awarded a $50,000 technology grant to fund the purchase of the 4K projector. With the projector, the company has created a state-of-the-art digital projection laboratory that allows area artists, students, animators, innovators, and digital content producers to experiment with 4K technology. The projector also allows them to screen film festivals with 4K HD movies in the space as well as serve any presentation requirements for banquet, corporate, and event clients.

“We’re already doing 4K projection mapping for scenes, and we’re going to keep pushing the technology envelope and evolving,” Ricks-White said. “Our system will change down the road to naturally keep pace with what’s available. With a rack like this, we’re ready for that. It’s the brains of our operation.”