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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is almost that time. InfoComm 2026 is about to open its doors in just a few days. Leading up to the show, we reached out to a select group of exhibitors to discuss the buzzwords and trends they expect to hear and see throughout the show floor from June 13-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

[Products, Sessions, Insights: InfoComm 2026 on AV Network]

Top trends from the show floor

Sean Shallenberger, director of sales, US, Adamson: One of the topics at Infocomm that we will probably have a lot of questions about is immersive audio. We’re seeing interest from consultants, integrators, and end users alike, all looking to better understand how this technology can be applied in real-world environments.

At the show, we will be demonstrating our own solution, the Fletcher Machine. We will show meaningful improvements in control, clarity, and overall audience experience.

Capabilities like precise localization, enhanced creative storytelling, and greater consistency across the listening area are reasons to look at an immersive solution. As a result, immersive audio is quickly shifting from a niche concept to a practical tool that many in the industry are actively exploring.

Mina Shin, vertical marketing manager, ViewSonic: We expect the buzz to be less focused on chasing "bigger and brighter" displays, and more focused on how to simplify solutions for use in real-world environments. We will be showcasing our MIP technology, which will certainly provide a "WOW" factor, but it’s not the whole story. We want customers and partners to understand real-world use cases, and how ViewSonic products and technologies can help them grow and expand. We also expect conversations to move toward removing the friction between technology and the people who use it every day. For displays, that means All-in-One innovations, easier-to-deploy setups, and enabling human experiences through AV technology.

Joel Mulpeter, senior director, product marketing at Crestron: We anticipate a focus on how systems connect and deliver real insight. AI generates a lot of attention, but translating its capabilities into a better understanding of the workspace and the workforce will be invaluable. Customers are looking for practical, scalable solutions that improve reliability and lead to meaningful outcomes, not just new features. This year at InfoComm, we’re telling a cohesive story that brings together our recent product introductions across content, collaboration, and control. Individually, these innovations solve real workplace challenges. Together, they help build environments where collaboration feels intuitive, productivity increases, and teams truly thrive.

Robert Detwiler, senior director of product management at Planar: As far as display technology is concerned, we expect to see significant advancements in visual performance, durability, and efficiency. This spans improved viewing angles, enhanced brightness, and color performance, protective treatments like encapsulation and designs for effective heat dissipation.

We see steady demand for ultra-wide format displays, especially in the case of supporting collaboration and enhanced productivity. Of course, with a growing emphasis on blending displays into architecture, we also find more manufacturers releasing creative platforms that support custom and visually distinctive installations. This includes curved displays, wrapped columns, halos, 90-degree right angle and cube designs that are being used to create truly one-of-a-kind deployments.

Karam Kaul, VP of audio, HARMAN Professional Solutions: At InfoComm 2026, we expect to hear a lot of buzz around performance-first technology, platform-agnostic AV, and simplified device configuration in AV ecosystems—trends that align closely with HARMAN Professional’s latest innovations... Rather than treating audio, video, and control as separate layers, we’re showing how a single, standards-based architecture can deliver consistent, predictable performance across the network, even in enterprise-scale environments.

Sean Bowman, associate VP of North America Sales at Shure: AI will be a major theme, especially how it’s being used to deliver real value to customers, applied to simplify workflows, save time, and improve collaboration. We’ll also see strong momentum around software, cloud platforms, and deeper integration between AV and IT systems...Our flexible solutions, available on Windows and Android, with devices certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, can be remotely managed via our cloud service, ShureCloud, providing IT teams and AV professionals global scalability and ease of management for any AI-powered environment.

Bob Caniglia, director of sales operations, Americas, Blackmagic Design: We’re seeing growing interest in IP-based workflows, remote production capabilities, and tools that reduce complexity without sacrificing quality. As more organizations are producing video content in-house, there’s a strong focus on solutions that are intuitive and robust, without requiring highly specialized teams to operate them...We’re highlighting how organizations can build end-to-end workflows that are easy to implement, cost effective, and still deliver broadcast-quality results. It’s less about any single product and more about how everything connects to support today’s level of content creation and distribution.

John Halksworth, senior product manager, Adder: We are expecting to see a big focus on interoperability, security, and the convergence of AV and IT. As systems become more network driven, there’s an increasing demand for solutions that are not only high performance but that are also scalable, easy to manage and secure. AI-assisted workflows and smarter, more intuitive system monitoring are also likely to be key themes with the overall conversation shifting from individual products to complete and integrated ecosystems and this is exactly where we’re focused.

Anna Kozel, VP of marketing at VuWall: We expect a lot of discussion around secure AV over IP, interoperability, and how AI-ready platforms will shape future control room workflows. As organizations manage more sources, data, and systems than ever before, the buzz will be around solutions that reduce complexity while improving operator efficiency and situational awareness...We’ll be introducing the fully rearchitected TRx 4.0, unveiling a new core platform, and showcasing G&D’s next-generation keyboard control devices—all designed to give operators faster, more flexible control of any source, on any display, across complex control room environments.

Mark Donovan, CTS-D, CTS-I, director of commercial applications at Audio-Technica: One theme we’re hearing repeatedly is predictability and simplification. Alongside conversations about innovation and performance, attendees are clearly focused on systems that scale without becoming fragile, that align with standard networked audio practices, and that reduce installation and support complexity over time. There’s a noticeable shift away from novelty for novelty’s sake and toward solutions that integrators can replicate across rooms and buildings with confidence. Much of the buzz comes back to trust—trust that systems will work as expected in real environments.

Darren Lin, CEO, MAXHUB US: We expect the buzz to center around AI, simplified deployment, and more integrated workplace experiences. Customers are looking for smarter meeting solutions, but they also want technology that is easy to deploy, use, and manage.

AI-powered features such as camera framing, speaker tracking, audio optimization, meeting capture, and automated summaries will continue to attract attention. At the same time, we believe there will be strong interest in solutions that reduce complexity across different room types. MAXHUB’s portfolio addresses this with all-in-one Microsoft Teams Rooms solutions, BYOD collaboration, LED displays, digital signage, portable capture, and cloud-based device management.

Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora: Dante over Wi-Fi will be the buzz as no company has successfully achieved that with a microphone/speaker system. Aurora's battery power SmartSpeak will show how effectively this can be done... [Aurora will be showcasing] Dante/AES67 over Wi-Fi, which is an industry first, along with over 10 new products including the new beamforming V-Array technology and AI-based control system code/interface creation tool.

Ivy Li, marketing director, Telycam: One of the biggest themes will continue to be the convergence of broadcast and AV workflows. Expectations for high-quality video experiences have expanded far beyond traditional media production, and users today increasingly expect broadcast-level production value in corporate communications, collaboration environments, education and live events. Ultimately, the goal is no longer just about technology itself, but about delivering better overall meeting and communication experiences.

Another key topic will be the continued maturity of IP-based infrastructure. AVoIP is no longer viewed as an emerging trend—it is increasingly becoming part of standard system architecture. Rather than replacing traditional video infrastructure entirely, IP-based workflows are now commonly deployed alongside conventional signal distribution systems as part of a hybrid environment.

Amy Zhou, director of sale, Magewell: We are very proud of our Pro Convert IP decoders because they make our customers very happy by solving their challenges in bridging IP-based media with traditional AV signals and devices. Our Pro Convert IP decoders are highly acclaimed for their rich feature sets, reliability, low-latency performance and versatility in Pro AV, broadcast and IT use cases. Our continued engineering efforts to strengthen integrations with third-party hardware and software partners add more advantages by empowering a broad ecosystem for seamless production and distribution workflows.

Steven Barlow, president, DVIGear: AI solutions, but a more grounded version than last year. Buyers have moved past asking why AI matters and are now asking to see real products and learn how they can actually use them. Vendors that can demonstrate this and who can answer the specifics will stand out. AI is the conversation across every IT category right now. Both integrators and end users want to see AI-based products that offer real and viable solutions. The show is the right venue to make that visible.

Catherine Koutsaris, product marketing manager, Matrox Video: Beyond the technology itself, I think attendees will be looking closely at what truly differentiates solutions in a crowded AV market. Customers are asking more questions about how technologies work together within real-world environments, rather than evaluating products in isolation. So, the conversation is shifting toward usability and interoperability. There will also be continued interest in AI, automation, and technologies that help teams boost productivity.

Mark Boyadjian, customer solutions director, Neutrik Group: I expect there to be a heavy focus on AI-driven integration and environments—focused within educational sessions and keynote speakers, along with new product development for real-world applications. We will also be part of the AVIXA educational sessions, teaching a Certified Renewal course for the first time. The session, “Neutrik AV Connectors—From Setting Standards to System Performance” will be taught by myself and fellow customer solutions engineer, Brant Mathiason.

Scott Bowditch, VP Sales, North America, Matrox Video: We expect strong interest around experiential technologies that combine LED environments, virtual production, and unified control workflows to help organizations deliver more engaging live audience experiences. We also expect continued industry focus on integrated AV ecosystems, interoperability and simplified production workflows as customers look to deploy scalable solutions in any live event environment across all markets.

Ken Eagle, CEO, Hall Research: AI will dominate the conversation, but not always in a meaningful way. There’s going to be a lot of “AI-enabled” messaging without clear, practical value.

The more important shift is happening underneath that: higher bandwidth demands, increased reliance on IP-based distribution, and the continued push toward unified connectivity standards. Integrators are looking for stability and interoperability more than hype. The companies that stand out will be the ones solving real deployment challenges—not just layering new features on top of existing complexity.

Gina Sansivero, VP of marketing and corporate communications, AtlasIED: AI is a topic that’s on everyone’s mind. With the rapid growth and advancements in AI within our industry, the discussions we have about it during the show are extremely valuable. From a product perspective, we are contributing to this conversation by highlighting our new AIX platform, which supports AI expansion and is compatible with advanced sensors. AIX is designed to adapt as intelligent security and AI technologies evolve to meet changing requirements. We look forward to discussing what’s next for AI on the show floor.

AV/IT TEAM:

Brandon Landwehr, AV services manager

GOALS: Appleton, Wisconsin’s Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is a two-year public college, established in 1911 as the nation’s first vocational and adult education system. FVTC offers high-tech occupational training for today’s workplace, featuring specialized centers that replicate real-world scenarios to prepare students and refine their skills across 70 associate degree offerings.

Spanning 12 campuses, FVTC comprises nearly 400 classrooms, meeting rooms, executive offices, and conference centers equipped with state-of-the-art technology. These areas are all managed by a three-person AV team, which means efficient technology management is essential. FVTC’s AV services manager, Brandon Landwehr, and his team recently partnered with Automation Arts to implement new classroom standards.

CHALLENGES: This new effort needed solutions that would benefit the faculty and students in the classrooms today, while also evolving with them over time. All classrooms are standardized in terms of technology and layout, ensuring consistent experiences for faculty, especially adjunct professors.

FINAL INSTALL/USER BENEFITS: The Crestron ecosystem was the perfect fit for these needs; FVTC relied on the Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP platform, AirMedia wireless presentation systems, Crestron intelligent video solutions, and the XiO Cloud management platform.

“Crestron’s ecosystem empowers us to tailor technology for specialized spaces while maintaining consistency across our campuses,” Landwehr said. “It simplifies support and streamlines inventory management, which is critical for a small IT team like ours.”

Standard classrooms rely on the DM Essentials product lineup and Crestron control to provide streamlined point-to-point connectivity for classroom materials to be shared. Faculty know what to expect when they enter these spaces, so connecting to the system is seamless—no matter which campus they might be teaching on that day. FVTC is in the process of adding more multi-purpose rooms to the campus to maximize space. Designed with longevity in mind and to support evolving learning environments, DM NVX technology was selected as the backbone for these divisible classroom setups due to its flexibility and reliability.

Specialized learning environments, such as culinary classrooms, baking labs, and dental hygiene labs, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, deliver a hands-on and experiential approach for practical training. AirMedia wireless presentation systems are paired with PTZ cameras to provide connectivity to the in-room monitors, offering additional views of demonstrations. For example, in the kitchens, each culinary workstation features a display that utilizes AirMedia technology to provide students with a personalized view of the lesson or lecture notes. Adaptable to future instructional needs, the content can be modified for every lesson, allowing students to view the materials that best suit their class needs for that day.

To support administration, the boardroom adopted the same approach, emphasizing ease of use and best-in-class reliability. The Crestron intelligent video portfolio provides a multi-camera system that makes hybrid meetings effortless. The Automate VX system is paired with eight 1 Beyond p-Series cameras to show in-room participants from every angle. Multiple displays around the room ensure that content is always within view. The environment is fully automated, empowering administrators to focus on their goals without worrying about the technology supporting them.

“Our intelligent video system lets us focus on the meeting—not the technology,” Landwehr said. “Our users value how the automated environment simply works, allowing them to concentrate on their goals while remote participants feel genuinely included.”

While embracing technology solutions has created learning environments that are ready to grow with faculty and students, the classroom workflows have tasked the AV team with even more to manage. The XiO Cloud platform has been instrumental in maintaining smooth operations across the college, as Landwehr and his team can mitigate issues before they impact faculty or students. The platform is heavily utilized to proactively monitor device uptimes. This approach to AV support frees the team to focus on planning future deployments and skill development rather than on reactive troubleshooting.

With the Crestron solutions portfolio, FVTC was able to maintain technology standards across a plethora of environments. The consistent approach delivered top-tier solutions that have modernized learning environments and helped them remain manageable for the IT team despite the scale and scope of their room portfolio.

When California's Stanford University unveiled its new Computer and Data Science building, known on campus as CoDa, the goal was to reshape how students, professors, and researchers across departments collaborate to create. This 167,000-square-foot hub, located at the crossroads of the schools of Engineering and Humanities and Sciences, is not just another academic building; it was designed to transform how people think and work.

Behind the scenes, this project centered on a complex infrastructure with two four-story buildings connected by bridges at every level, dozens of standardized collaboration rooms, three high-functioning classrooms, and an elaborate digital art installation that was introduced late in the project.

High Expectations, Long Timeline

Audio Visual Design Group (AVDG), a longtime collaborator with Stanford University, was tasked with leading the AV design and integration across classrooms, conference and seminar rooms, collaboration spaces, and more than 60 small, flexible rooms that could be quickly used by students, professors, or researchers for a variety of purposes. Katie Benson, senior key account manager at AVDG, noted that working with an esteemed institution like Stanford also comes with high expectations.

“This is a well-regarded institution of higher learning that provides technology that meets the standards for education and collaboration," she said. "We’ve done many projects on the Stanford campus, but the CoDa project was one of the largest and most unique in scope. A project of this size and diversity of AV spaces was going to require dedicated attention to detail, and we were up to the task.”

When they were invited to lead the AV systems design in 2019, AVDG had to navigate a long timeline that has become common in higher education installations; the project broke ground in 2022 and the building officially opened in February 2025. The project also required an extensive preconstruction phase, during which the integrator had to navigate evolving needs and technology requirements. Early in the process, AVDG shifted its focus to the infrastructure required to support the technology to follow, including structural supports, screen locations, and ceiling coordination to ensure a smooth execution during the install phase.

“During the programming phase in the first year, which included identifying room types, quantities, and the typical technology in each, and approximate cost, we had to be nimble and adapt to the changes and track cost variances accordingly,” Benson recalled. “As the project progressed, we became more engaged with the project team, including the architects, user representatives, and those affected by AV, such as the network team and other trades providing infrastructure for AV.”

Ambitious Audio

Across the two-building complex, AVDG outfitted 36 team rooms, 26 huddle rooms, and six large and eight medium conference rooms, including some with overflow that opens via bifold doors. In addition, AVDG identified three larger classrooms as standouts, including one with the second-largest Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system in the world.

This ambitious classroom is highlighted by Meyer Sound's variable-acoustics deployment, which reshapes the room’s acoustics in real time using microphones and a distributed loudspeaker network. This is combined with an integration with QSC Seervision Automatic Camera Position Recall (ACPR). The room was also equipped with nearly 100 microphones and 128 loudspeakers, requiring approximately 50,000 feet of cable in the ceiling alone.

“Nobody’s ever done ACPR and Seervision with a Constellation system. It was something that hadn’t been tested before,” said Chris Bubp of AVDG, who served as project manager on the CoDa project and is also the production manager for AVDG on the West Coast.

Given the ambitious scope of the AV installation, some challenges could be expected, but AVDG reported very few issues. “Given the complexity of the largest classroom in the building, there was a lot there that could go wrong, but it ended up working out really well,” added Bubp.

Displays All Around

In the same classroom, AVDG had to install and configure five projectors, facing different directions, mounted 20-25 feet above the floor within a massive oval ceiling. This required careful planning and coordination with other trades to ensure that the projectors were at the correct distance from the custom-sized projection screens. Serviceability of the classroom systems, which was considered throughout the installation, required AVDG to build custom slide-out frames and pulleys to facilitate component access and servicing.

Among the other spaces in CoDa, technology included projectors from Panasonic and Epson, displays from Samsung, conferencing platforms from Cisco, and control systems from Crestron and Cisco, all aligning with Stanford’s standards within each space. Although many of these spaces were standardized, some still required special attention, such as a fourth-floor event space that required AVDG to install a 21-foot-long, 750-pound projection screen. Without a freight elevator, it took a full morning to move it into the space.

Despite intermittent severe weather in California that the team had to work around, the general contractor, Whiting-Turner, and its foreman, Owen Barcelona, kept the install on track. “I called him the Iceman because it didn’t matter what challenge a trade threw at him, he seemed unfazed and ready to find a solution,” said Bubp.

Digital Art Challenges

Early in the construction phase, the university announced a multi-story digital art installation for the stairwell between the two buildings. “We’d been working on this building for a number of years, and we were introduced to this nuanced, specialty art installation that was a new, exciting challenge to the project,” Benson said.

To bring the art display to life, AVDG used four NEC projectors with inverted lenses, cameras to capture live imagery, and a Crestron control system that adjusted for changing daylight in the space. Given that the stairwell is the building's architectural centerpiece, the AV aesthetics were critical, and the projection system with cameras had to be incorporated so it would almost disappear within the space. A major challenge of the project required technicians to work suspended from four floors while installing cameras, cabling, and support hardware.

When integrating the projector, there was little margin for error in achieving exact geometry, so the art was projected as the arts team intended. “One of them was a short-throw reverse image projector that had to point in the opposite direction with a snorkel lens on it,” Bubp explained. “We had to get that as accurate as possible because there are no zoom adjustments or anything on those. So, it was a lot of measuring, a lot of testing, a lot of late nights trying to get the art people exactly what it was that they were looking for.”

More than a year later, students and professors are successfully using the spaces within CoDa. AVDG credits the smooth process to extensive planning, which enabled the team to address any issues that arose.

Benson also highlighted their ability to keep all partners, manufacturers, contractors, and university members connected, which led to the successful execution of this complex installation. “It’s about communication," she said. "It’s about staying aligned with the different trades and understanding where everyone fits within the schedule.”

What a busy week it was in Pro AV. People were on the move, HARMAN opened a new Experience Center, Crestron announced a huge partnership, and we had a pair of acquisitions you may have missed.

There were two big acquisitions that went down on the same day last week. First, Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation started Tuesday morning bright and early, announcing it had acquired U.K.-based media technology company Hive Media Control (HIVE), strengthening its capabilities in media playback and control for immersive and fixed-installation environments. We had all the details, so CLICK HERE to continue reading.

Later in the day, CTI announced its THIRD acquisition of 2026, acquiring Valley Communications Systems of Chicopee, MA. The acquisition expands CTI’s coverage throughout the Connecticut River Valley, including the Boston, Hartford, and Albany markets, and adds Valley’s 80-year legacy of audiovisual innovation and client service to CTI’s growing national footprint. Find out more by CLICKING HERE.

Now, get caught up on the rest of the week's action.

People News

Audio-Technica Strengthens Leadership Team

Audio-Technica has announced key leadership appointments designed to further strengthen its sales organization and drive continued growth across the Americas. Mark Humrichouser has been promoted to VP, sales, U.S headquarters and System Solutions Group Americas. In this expanded role, he oversees brick and mortar sales, e-commerce, System Solutions Group (SSG) Americas Sales, broadcast sales, SSG Marketing and regional SSG initiatives.

Jim Schanz joined the company as executive director, System Solutions Sales, effective March 23, reporting to Humrichouser. He leads initiatives to strengthen pro audio channels, deepen customer relationships, and identify growth opportunities.

Brompton Technology Appoints New Regional Sales Manager for Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau

Brompton Technology has appointed Jude Lam as regional sales manager for Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. In her new role, Lam supports Brompton’s customers and partners across her territory, helping to deepen the company’s presence in the market and build on its existing relationships across the region.

Lam joins Brompton with strong industry experience spanning international LED sales, virtual production, and customer engagement across multiple territories. She spent time at AOTO, where she supported broadcasting and control room projects across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and more recently PIXREAL, where she worked on a number of key international projects.

Daktronics Welcomes Steffan Piolet to European Sales Team

Daktronics has expanded its international sales team with the hiring of Steffan Piolet to expand the company’s indoor and stadium projects in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. His focus is on ensuring the market understands how our indoor offerings differ from the outdoor business.

Previous experience for Piolet has been in multiple phases, including a digital signage integrator in the retail and hospitality industries, in sports technology for launching and monetizing direct-to-consumer streaming services, and playing sports as a professional cricket player.

Korbyt Appoints Andrew Robson as Chief Executive Officer

Korbyt has appointed Andrew Robson as chief executive officer. Robson brings a distinguished track record as a chief executive and revenue leader in the financial services technology sector and is uniquely positioned to lead the company into its next chapter of growth. Robson joins Korbyt from Verity, a provider of research management software, data, and analytics serving more than 350 financial services firms globally, where he served as CEO from 2021 until the company's acquisition by TMX Group in 2025.

As CEO, Robson is focused on accelerating Korbyt’s product innovation, strengthening customer engagement, expanding global market opportunities, and further scaling the Korbyt Anywhere platform. In corresponding moves, Travis Kemp has been appointed chief product officer, leading the strategic direction and continued evolution of the Korbyt Anywhere platform, including AI-powered digital signage and space management innovations, and Nathan Fullington has been appointed chief customer officer.

PlexusAV Strengthens US Team

PlexusAV appointed Seth Warner as U.S. sales manager, based just outside Cleveland, OH. After serving six years in the US Air Force and five years in law enforcement, Warner brings a disciplined, solutions-focused mindset to his role. He has spent the last decade working within the AV industry, alongside extensive experience implementing EHR and EMR systems across hospitals, giving him a strong understanding of complex, mission-critical environments and customer needs.

PPDS Welcomes Nicole Rutherford as New Event Marketing Specialist in North America

PPDS has appointed Nicole Rutherford as new event marketing specialist. An accomplished business owner, leader, and marketing professional of over 10 years, Rutherford supports PPDS day-to-day marketing efforts with a strong focus on events, partner engagement, and sales enablement.

These responsibilities incorporate coordinating logistics for trade shows and regional events, managing marketing assets, supporting digital and social content, and working with both national and regional partners to help drive brand awareness and engagement.

Re-Sauce Welcomes Beth Warren as Global Consultancy Partner

Re-Sauce welcomed Beth Warren as its global consultancy partner, leading growth and transformation across key regions. An enterprise marketing executive with more than 20 years’ experience, Warren brings a proven track record in driving revenue growth, brand transformation and scalable go-to-market strategy for both publicly listed and high-growth B2B technology companies. She is recognized within the digital signage sector, with deep expertise as a retail SME, spanning connected store experiences that keep CMS, retail media and ad-tech platforms at the center of the ecosystem.

The partnership marks a significant step in Re-Sauce’s international growth strategy, strengthening its presence in the North American market and beyond, and enhancing its ability to support clients operating across multiple regions. In her new role, Warren focuses on positioning marketing as a core growth driver for B2B organisations, helping clients differentiate more effectively, sharpen their brand positioning and translate full-funnel strategy into measurable commercial outcomes.

Company News

AVIXA Unveils New AVIXA.org to Enhance Content Discovery for AV Professionals

AVIXA launched its new AVIXA.org, designed to enhance the discovery of professional AV resources for AVIXA members and the broader AV community, including training, certification, and thought leadership.

“Our goal was to move the website to its next phase by removing any sense of disconnection between users and the valuable content they consistently tell us they need,” said Steven Guzi, director of digital product, AVIXA. “Much like our trade shows, we want everything we provide to be easy to discover and useful, whether you’re an experienced Pro AV professional or exploring your future in AV.”

The evolution of the new website reflects extensive stakeholder and user feedback gathered through interviews at trade shows, surveys, and analysis of user behavior from the previous version of the site. This research process highlighted that many users were missing pathways to both new and essential resources that can support their growth through the Pro AV industry. In response, AVIXA introduced new features designed to improve content discovery as users navigate education resources, industry insights, and additional offerings.

Adder Releases AIM 6 Software Upgrade

Adder Technology launched its latest release of AIM, its IP KVM matrix management software, introducing an enriched user experience for both system administrators and desktop operators. Rebuilt with a focus on visibility, control and usability, AIM 6 simplifies the management of complex ADDERLink INFINITY matrix environments while enabling fast and intuitive switching at the desktop.

AIM 6 has been redesigned from the ground up. A new, intuitive interface provides clearer system insight, streamlined navigation, and more efficient day-to-day control. From monitoring system health to managing users, devices and connections, administrators can now interact with their entire IP KVM matrix more quickly and with greater confidence.

The update delivers improved system visibility and control across the IP KVM matrix; simplifies management workflows for faster configuration and operation; redefines the user experience with a more intuitive, accessible interface; and strengthens system security with enhanced protection and access control.

Coastal Source Launches Nationwide 2026 Road Tour 

Coastal Source will take its latest innovations on the road this spring and summer with a nationwide 2026 Road Tour, bringing hands-on demonstrations, new product introductions, and interactive system design tools directly to dealers across the country.

Running from May through July in key markets nationwide, the tour will highlight major additions across the Coastal Source ecosystem, including new EVO and VIA lighting solutions, the 1000 Series Bollards, expanded outdoor audio offerings, and the introduction of PowerSource, a plug-and-play outdoor power distribution system designed to simplify installation and improve system performance. The tour will also introduce the Coastal Source Design Studio, an interactive platform that streamlines system design and presentation for dealers. Visit the Road Tour webpage here for dates.

EPOS Powers-Up Battery Replacement Strategy

EPOS is ’charging-up’ a battery replacement program to simplify a more sustainable future ahead of new legislation coming into force across parts of the world. Going forward all new product launches will provide the option to replace batteries with a simple paperclip or similar tool, rather than any complex or complicated procedures.

Søren Holm Printz, VP corporate strategy and product management, said EPOS is committed to extending the lifespan of its products by offering user-friendly battery replacement solutions. The EPOS IMPACT 500 on-ear Bluetooth headset is the newest member of the product range, and part of the enhanced sustainability strategy, where just a paperclip is required. Furthermore, original equipment replacement batteries will remain available through EPOS and its partners for five years after a product is discontinued.

Samsung and AOPEN Partner to Unify Multi-OS Classrooms

AOPEN, known for its commercial and industrial computing solutions, and Samsung Electronics America announced a strategic collaboration that seamlessly pairs AOPEN Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) models, based on Intel Core processors, with Samsung Interactive Displays. This partnership delivers a plug-and-play computing experience on large-format interactive flat panels, designed to bridge the gap between personal devices and front-of-room classroom technology.

By integrating AOPEN’s WB5116-W and Chromebox OPS models with Samsung’s Interactive Display lineup, the collaboration brings an elegant, modular solution to modern education: centralized device management across multiple operating systems.

VIVID Studios Joins Stage Precision's Global Service Network as an Authorized Service Partner

Stage Precision has welcomed VIVID Studios to its Service Partner Program as an Authorized Service Partner (ASP). Specialists in creative technology and immersive experiences, VIVID Studios will support the delivery of Stage Precision solutions across complex, experience-led projects.

Launched in 2023, Stage Precision’s Service Partner Program was created to build a trusted network of technical partners across the live-event, virtual production, and AV sectors. Dubai-based creative technology specialist, VIVID Studios, has integrated Stage Precision's SP Grid platform into its wider ecosystem of system design and digital experience tools. Using digital content design, AV technology, and artificial intelligence, VIVID transforms venues and attractions into living, interactive environments.

Pro AV Around the World

Bluesound Professional announced a new sales representative agreement with Generation AV. Lenbrook Asia will continue to serve as the official distributor, while the new representative partnership with Generation AV will accelerate the brand’s growth in the Asia region, bringing their innovative audio solutions to a broader audience. Specializing in the professional, commercial, and residential markets, the company is well suited to ensure Bluesound Professional’s scalable audio streaming solutions reach the right installations, enhancing audio experiences across a wide range of commercial spaces.

Crestron Electronics has been named the Official Smart Hospitality Systems of Espai Barça, a project redefining Spotify Camp Nou and its surrounding district into a next-generation, always-on destination. Espai Barça is FC Barcelona’s landmark initiative to modernize and expand its stadium and campus, reimagining one of the sports venues as a year-round destination for sport, business, hospitality, and community engagement. As part of a multi-year collaboration, Crestron has already and will continue to deliver the underlying technology infrastructure across Spotify Camp Nou, providing an integrated ecosystem of content, collaboration, and control solutions.

HARMAN Professional Solutions officially opened its newly revamped Experience Center in Singapore. Designed as a purpose‑built business Experience Center, the space demonstrates how HARMAN Professional solutions address customer needs across multiple vertical markets through real‑world applications and collaborative engagement. More than a traditional showroom, the space has been reimagined as a platform for solution exploration, co‑creation, and executive engagement, reflecting the evolving ways B2B organizations navigate technology amid increasing complexity in today’s business environment.

PPDS has formed a new strategic partnership with leading Italian AV distributor, Prase, a Midwich Group company. Founded in 1993, and a Midwich Group Company since 2019, Noventa di Piave (Venice)-based Prase distributes an extensive range of AV and IT solutions with corporate, education, and retail among its core target verticals. PPDS recently joined Prase at MIR 2026, Italy’s largest AV event, which included the official launch and availability of the foldable and height-adjustable 135-inch Philips Unite LED 6000 Series AIO.

AVT Question: Please share insights into how your company’s products and solutions help ensure interoperability and connectivity not only on the day of deployment but also on Day 2 and beyond.

Thought Leader: Joel Mulpeter, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Crestron

Interoperability is absolutely top of mind for us at Crestron. We ensure we’re working with best-in-class protocols, brands, security practices, and everything else to help people succeed in deploying Crestron. Our AV-over-IP and audio-over-IP products include Dante and AES67 network protocols, for example. Additionally, we’ll soon be shipping DM NVX 380 Series platform devices with H.264 encoding, enabling the distribution of compressed video over Wide Area Networks (WANs) and across segments of an AV network with bandwidth constraints.

I don’t often bring interoperability into discussions about security, but it applies here: Our products always need to work with the network—not against it. When we get deployed in a facility, the network exists, and we're part of that ecosystem, so we ensure that we’re good citizens on that network. We don't get to decide how that network is configured; that’s specified by the customer for their specific needs. To serve those end customers properly, we need to make sure we support the right security protocols, the right tools, and everything else that’s important to those solutions that are living on the network.

And, of course, we can help our customers create Crestron ecosystems in which every device is designed for interoperability within that system. Ultimately, it’s the customer’s choice: Whether they specify our solutions or need something manufactured by a third party, we are constantly striving to ensure that all those hardware and software solutions work and play well with one another.

InfoComm 2026 is set to return to the Las Vegas Convention Center from June 13-19 to showcase the latest and greatest in Pro AV innovation. Join us as we continue our annual preview of the show with InfoComm Impulses, taking you behind the scenes, allowing several exhibitors to talk trends, technology, inspiration, and an exclusive special sneak preview of what they’ll show in their booths.

[Products, Sessions, Insights: InfoComm 2026 on AV Network]

Today, Joel Mulpeter, senior director, product marketing at Crestron, talks the culture of collaboration.

SCN: What is your company’s story at InfoComm this year

Joel Mulpeter: Collaboration isn’t just something we enable; it’s a culture we create. Crestron is committed to empowering spaces where technology unburdens users with connections that feel natural and engaging. This year at InfoComm, we’re telling a cohesive story that brings together our recent product introductions across content, collaboration, and control. Individually, these innovations solve real workplace challenges. Together, they help build environments where collaboration feels intuitive, productivity increases, and teams truly thrive.

SCN: Why is InfoComm such an important show for you and your company?

JM: InfoComm is where real conversations and real experiences happen. Seeing technology live, asking questions, and engaging face to face matters in ways digital channels cannot replace. Even as technology accelerates hybrid interactions, being in the room still has unique value and InfoComm demonstrates that on a large scale.

SCN: What do you expect the buzz to be on the InfoComm 2026 show floor?

JM: We anticipate a focus on how systems connect and deliver real insight. AI generates a lot of attention, but translating its capabilities into a better understanding of the workspace and the workforce will be invaluable. Customers are looking for practical, scalable solutions that improve reliability and lead to meaningful outcomes, not just new features.

SCN: How are metrics being used to measure the “earn the commute” reality?

JM: Organizations can leverage workplace data to understand whether spaces are truly supporting collaboration. Beyond room bookings, they are looking at the experience and effectiveness of these spaces. When meeting rooms work consistently and deliver value to users, they are more inclined to take advantage of those resources.

It was another busy week in Pro AV. Audio-Technica is now Crestron certified, the PowerHouse Alliance welcomed a new member, and Humly and Xyte collaborated on collaboration.

[ENTER TODAY: SCN Installation Product Awards 2026]

Get caught up in your weekly dose of Pro AV newsmakers.

Company News

Brad Sousa Impact Fund Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Grants

The Brad Sousa Impact Fund, organized by the AVIXA Foundation, is accepting applications for grants through May 25, 2026. Recipients will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday, June 18, during InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The fund was established to honor the late Brad Sousa, chief technology officer of Forté (formerly AVI Systems) and a member of the AVIXA board of directors. It supports the AVIXA Foundation’s global mission through impact investing and strategic partnerships, with a primary focus on developing audiovisual and digital transformation professionals—and strengthening their understanding of each other’s interconnected needs. Through digital transformation, organizations and communities integrate technology into everyday life to drive meaningful impact and enable lasting change.

The Brad Sousa Impact Fund will award grants to people in pursuit of educational and vocational outcomes; programs that impact society, community, and culture; and partnerships that amplify missions of associations, community, and nonprofit organizations. In 2025, three grantees were selected from a diverse group of submissions and honored at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, FL. Rosie Riveters, Tech25, and WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) were given financial support for their missions. Their efforts provide hands-on STEM-learning for young women, address the demand for skilled AV broadcast and event technicians, and provide a cohort for career exploration and pathways to employment in AV and IT.

Audio-Technica Solutions Now Certified for Use with Crestron Automate VX

The Audio-Technica ATND1061 ceiling array microphone and ATUC digital discussion systems have been certified by Crestron for use with its Automate VX voice-activated camera switching solution. The collaboration between Audio-Technica and Crestron offers seamless, scalable, high-performance solutions for professional environments, including corporate boardrooms, classrooms and government chambers, that demand both clarity and efficiency, without technical disruptions.

As official trigger sources for the Automate VX solution, ATND1061 and ATUC provide low-latency beam talker position data and discussion states for fast, precise camera switching. When paired with the Automate VX system, the ATND1061 delivers accurate, AI-driven camera switching based on voice detection from any angle, ensuring effortless tracking of meeting participants. In addition, the ATND1061DAN Dante® audio networking enabled array can leverage the capabilities for streamlined communication, elevating the video conferencing experience. When the ATUC is paired with Automate VX technology, the discussion system's push-to-talk functionality triggers the appropriate camera to instantly focus on the active participant, ensuring everyone is seen and heard clearly.

The Automate VX voice-activated camera switching solution receives input from the ATND1061 or ATUC to automatically trigger connected Crestron 1 Beyond cameras, bringing a multicamera studio experience to any collaboration space. Participants never lose sight of who’s speaking as the Automate VX system not only switches to the appropriate camera, but also autoframes the speaker to ensure that even nonverbal cues are captured so conversation can continue to flow naturally.

D-Tools Releases SI v24

D-Tools released System Integrator (SI) v24, the latest version of the company’s end-to-end business management platform, highlighted by a new multi-user project editing feature that enables real-time enhanced collaboration capabilities to integrators worldwide. This release addresses the real-world pressures integration firms face today, including tighter project timelines, more complex scopes of work, and the constant need to do more with leaner teams. SI v24 reflects D-Tools’ ongoing investment in practical capabilities that improve how integration teams work, from initial estimate through final installation, without adding complexity or compromising accuracy.

The centerpiece of SI v24 is multi-user project editing, a long-requested capability that changes how integration teams work together. For the first time, team members across sales, design, engineering and installation can work within the same project at the same time. SI v24 also improves how integrators coordinate with outside parties. A new Gantt chart export to Microsoft Project lets teams share detailed project timelines with architects, general contractors and other collaborators who do not use SI. Integration firms can present professional, accurate project plans to any stakeholder without workarounds, duplicate entry, or reformatting work.

Humly and Xyte Bring Workplace Devices and Room Intelligence into One Platform

Humly and Xyte Connect+ have partnered on a new integration, empowering seamless integration of Humly hardware products on Xyte’s cloud platform, bringing Humly Room Display and Humly Booking Devices into a single platform for monitoring, control, and management.

Xyte’s approach provides a consistent way to deploy, monitor, and manage devices from day one, strengthened through an open API to drive third-party development and integration with technology partners like Humly. The Humly devices automatically connect to Xyte’s cloud environment, where manufacturers, integrators and end users can access real-time system health data, monitor performance, execute remote commands, and manage devices at scale through a unified interface. Customers can also connect Humly devices through Xyte Edge, a new on-prem interface device that enables secure local connectivity to the cloud platform.

Through integration with Humly Sense, organizations can bring environmental data from built-in Humly sensors and other open networked devices into Xyte for centralized visibility and analysis. The initial rollout imports environmental data collected through sensors built into Humly hardware devices, enabling customers to adjust temperatures and address Co2 levels as conditions change. These and other continuous readings are presented within Xyte’s analytics environment, providing intelligence to optimize workplace conditions, improve space utilization, and fuel operational decisions.

The Xyte integration embodies Humly’s continued investment in open integrations and interoperable ecosystems following the release of a Q-SYS plug-in at ISE 2026 and the launch of Humly Sense last year. By joining the Xyte platform, Humly strengthens its position within the AV and workplace technology landscape while extending the value of its hardware and sensing capabilities. For Xyte, the integration welcomes its first dedicated workplace experience technology provider to the platform, and expands its offering with proven room booking, desk management, and workplace intelligence solutions. The addition of Humly sensors to gather data-driven insights also extends Xyte’s reach into building intelligence, with Humly Sense offering a direct route to third-party sensors in HVAC, lighting and other building systems.

Peavey Commercial Audio Appoints Streetwise Sales for Northeast US

Peavey Commercial Audio has announced the appointment of Streetwise Sales as its official sales partner in the United States. The partnership marks a significant step in Peavey Commercial Audio’s strategic growth plans, enabling closer engagement with integrators, consultants, and end users across key sectors including corporate, hospitality, education, and large public venues. By leveraging Streetwise Sales’ extensive industry relationships and regional expertise, Peavey aims to accelerate adoption of its comprehensive portfolio of networked audio, DSP, and loudspeaker solutions.

Streetwise Sales is known for its deep understanding of the professional and consumer audio landscape and its ability to drive meaningful market engagement for leading technology brands. Through this collaboration, customers across the United States will benefit from enhanced access to Peavey Commercial Audio’s solutions, backed by responsive, knowledgeable local support. With Streetwise Sales now representing Peavey Commercial Audio from Virginia to Maine, both organizations are aligned in their mission to deliver innovative, scalable, and user-friendly audio solutions that empower integrators and end users alike.

PowerHouse Alliance Announces AV Plus as New Member 

PowerHouse Alliance has added MDY Group, now doing business as AV Plus, as its newest member. The company will provide coverage across Southern California and Southern Nevada, strengthening the organization’s presence in these key markets.

AV Plus brings a strong presence across multiple locations, including Southern California and Southern Nevada, with plans for continued expansion. The company enhances PowerHouse Alliance’s network with additional regional strength and technical capabilities.

The addition of AV Plus reflects PowerHouse Alliance’s continued focus on strategic growth and maintaining comprehensive territory coverage across the U.S. The organization remains committed to its long-standing mission of combining national scale with localized service and expertise.

Pro AV around the World

Broadsign welcomed Manuel Ameneiros as head of Latin America (LATAM) media sales and service. The newly formed role is designed to provide additional support to customers and partners in LATAM and grow and scale the business. Working out of Mexico City, Ameneiros advances strategic relationships with agencies, advertisers, and media owners across LATAM. With programmatic digital OOH (pDOOH) still developing in the region, he also helps customers navigate the shift toward more automated, data-driven OOH buys that integrate seamlessly with omnichannel campaigns.

GUDE Systems is strengthening its sales network in Africa and the Middle East through a new partnership with Abcom Distribution and Abcom Digital Kenya. At the same time, GUDE has recruited Kumaran Kannan, an experienced industry expert, to further develop its AV business in these growth markets. Through this strategic collaboration, GUDE Systems aims to provide AV integrators and specialist planners in the region with direct access to its high-quality, IP-based power distribution units (PDU).

People may complain about meetings—how many they’re required to attend, how long they take, and how they prevent one from getting any real work done. But the reality is without them, it’s hard for companies to achieve anything meaningful.

For organizations, therefore, investing in the right meeting room technology should be a high priority. And this usually means deploying systems that are easy to use, standard throughout the campus or across campuses, and embrace emerging technologies.

Oliver Van Camp, product director—meeting experience at Barco, said meeting rooms are often where the biggest differentiation for a company finds its origin. "It’s where innovation is happening, it’s where decisions are being made, it’s where culture is being transferred between colleagues. It’s really a central point for driving innovation, collaboration, [and] culture," he explained. “It has become more important to connect to that AI capability, but also simplify usage to make sure that any meeting room in the workplace has the same workflow, the same capabilities, and is basically the same for any user."

Keeping It Simple

In organizations that house large numbers of conference rooms, the flexibility and scalability that AV over IP-driven systems offer simplifies deployment and management, according to Joel Mulpeter, senior director of product marketing at control and automation systems manufacturer Crestron Electronics. At the room level, meeting participants want wireless plug-and-play capabilities that don’t require additional adapters, dongles, or software—or a complex set of commands to share content.

“As much as we love talking tech and talking about how amazing it is, [our users] want to meet with colleagues in a meeting room,” Mulpeter said. “And if it is too hard to use, that’s a problem.”

This is why Airtame aims to deliver a system that gives users a similar experience to what they enjoy when streaming movies at home. In the conferencing environment, the meeting participant’s focus should be the other people in the room and the information they are sharing. Jonas Gyalokay, co-founder of Airtame, argued the enabling technology shouldn’t require people to pay much attention to which conferencing platform they’re using during any given session.

“As a user, you shouldn’t actually care that much about which type of video call that you have," Gyalokay said. "I don’t care whether that’s a Teams meeting, a Zoom meeting, a Google Meet, or a Webex. The only thing I care about is having good audio and good video and getting that [meeting] started on the screen.”

Ryan Blair, CTS-D, CTS-I, pre-construction manager at IES Communications, noted that the modern conference room must support hybrid teams, and relies on features such as AI-powered enhancements like real-time transcription, speaker tracking, and video framing. In BYOD or BYOM workflows, participants may use their own devices to control the cameras and microphones in the room.

Blair also points to the adoption of USB-C, enabling one cable interface for video, data, and power. “It’s exciting because the USB power delivery has been extended to 240 watts to support high-power and performance laptops, docking stations, and even small monitors between 27 and 32 inches,” he said.

While USB-C may have expanded capabilities, it’s also made the end user’s life easier, Mulpeter observed. Not that long ago—with the multitude of connection options that existed, such as HDMI and VGA—it wasn’t always clear to meeting participants which cable to use. “We walk up to a desk, we see a USB-C cable, we plug it in, no questions asked,” he explained. “USB-C has normalized that.”

Platforms Are Driving Design

For Blair, one of the most important developments in conferencing technology has been how the platforms have evolved to support AI-driven framing, voice tracking, and even intelligent direction/production. The goal is to make the room as user-friendly as possible, and he believes Microsoft Teams and Zoom have pushed AV professionals to standardize these workflows.

“It’s really changing how we look at rooms,” he said. “Keeping the connections in the room minimal and the interface simple goes a really long way.”

That said, BYOD/BYOM environments add a level of complexity because they must support multiple platforms and a variety of different generations of devices. Blair said providing a "single, clearly labeled BYOD or BYOM seat helps a lot. Engineering USB correctly with validated hubs, bridges, and cable links to support people bringing in their own ecosystem is very important.” It’s also necessary to test different laptop brands and models to confirm that, for example, a MacBook will behave the same way as a Windows laptop.

While wireless room configurations cut down on the need for physical cables and connections, Blair acknowledged it’s not ideal for all applications. Wireless systems may be great for displaying documents and slides in high-attendance sessions, but high-motion content, environments that experience heavy RF interference, or meetings with strict security requirements are often better served by wired connections.

However, in most cases, Blair prefers to provide both options. “I like to do a hybrid design where we have wireless as a backup to a wired path, or vice versa,” he added.

Keeping Things Secure

At the individual manufacturer level, the reputable brands have worked to ensure that their devices are secure, cannot be tampered with easily, and that connectivity between their products and, for example, the cloud is solid. The integrator’s job, then, is to verify that all the points throughout their deployments are also secure, according to Van Camp.

“There have been examples in meeting rooms where even cables could be the breach point,” Van Camp said. “Making sure that all of the connected devices, and the way that the information is transported between those devices, is secure is key.”

The first step in ensuring that conference rooms are secure is determining the security posture of the client in question, Mulpeter said. When it comes to AV/IT security, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. “Every customer will want to keep it secure in their way and not just [follow] a blanket document that covers everything,” he said.

Some organizations, such as government agencies and financial institutions, have stricter requirements than others. While companies with fewer constraints may be tempted to turn off some security features to make the technology easier for its users to navigate, this isn’t always recommended. Arriving at the best solution requires integrators to conduct some meaningful discovery.

“Understanding the security posture of the customer, making sure that the products can comply with that, and then making sure the work is actually done to make them compliant is critical, especially since everything is network-connected these days,” Mulpeter said. “You can’t have something on the network and just skip these steps.”

For the engineers at IES, centralizing firmware management and segmenting networks are two of the primary ways to keep conferencing environments secure. “[We ensure that] our AV network has its own VLAN,” Blair said.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the trends and solutions shaping the modern workplace and collaboration spaces.

Thought Leader: Joel Mulpeter, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Crestron

Traditional AV cloud deployments focused primarily on device management and remote monitoring—essentially digitizing existing workflows. Today's evolution centers on contextual awareness, where endpoints understand not just their operational status but also their role within the broader spatial ecosystem. This shift from device-centric to workflow-centric intelligence represents the next frontier.

The convergence of real-time data analytics with machine learning is enabling unprecedented automation. Cloud platforms now correlate multiple data streams—occupancy sensors, audio levels, network performance, and user preferences—to create predictive models that enhance both user experience and operational efficiency.

This interconnected intelligence is driving the next wave of practical AI applications in AV. Unlike generic AI implementations, these systems leverage domain-specific insights about spatial acoustics, visual optimization, and human interaction patterns. The result is AI that doesn't just respond to commands but anticipates needs, resolves issues before they impact users, and continuously learns from each interaction.

AVT Question: Please share insights into the company's roadmap and what 2026 holds for its AV/IT customers.

Thought Leader: Brad Hintze, Executive Vice President of Customer Success and Marketing at Crestron

For over 50 years, Crestron has focused on delivering solutions for content, collaboration, and control. As those products evolved, it became clear that they all had to work together—seamlessly. Most vendors excel at one; we integrate all three.

One area that’s of particular focus for us in 2026 is collaboration. The modern workplace has evolved into a universe where constant collaboration is absolutely vital, and so ensuring that devices facilitate collaboration without friction for the user is key to success.

Hybrid work is now the norm for many organizations, and AI tools are a common part of most meetings. With those developments come challenges: How do you deliver excellence across hundreds of rooms without the time and expense of custom integration every time? How do you ensure that every collaborator has a consistent, intuitive, and user-friendly experience, whether they’re in-person or remote? And how do you create the infrastructure that best leverages the AI functions that are at your disposal?

Crestron set out to engineer solutions that are purpose-built to meet those challenges. Our engineers strove to answer what amounted to a single question: What if collaboration just worked—everywhere, every time?

By bringing together content, collaboration, and control in ways that truly integrate, we're making great collaboration the default experience everywhere. As 2026 begins, we’re releasing a suite of innovations that work together as one ecosystem.

It's a theme we’ll be focused on throughout 2026. The solutions we’ve created share a commonality with the new products we’ll introduce as 2026 progresses: thoughtful design from the outset. For us, collaboration isn’t an afterthought; it’s engineered into every Crestron product.

AVT Question: Please address pain points faced by AV/IT departments today and share insight into how your company supports AV/IT end users in creating a successful installation.

Thought Leader: Brad Hintze, Executive Vice President of Customer Success & Marketing at Crestron

Crestron has a philosophy that is at the root of everything we do. True Blue is a commitment to shared success—fueled by a commitment to excellence and a passion for the transformative power of technology to create incredible experiences, and driven by a holistic approach to collaboration and connection. We're driven by innovation, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We embrace new ideas, explore emerging technologies, and collaborate with our customers to create solutions that redefine what technology can do. That collaborative spirit also extends to our integrators, our partners in the industry, and the culture we’re nurturing inside Crestron. We engage directly with our channel partners in the field to ensure every project is set up for success.

Our Design Services team is an excellent resource to advise on space planning and system design, helping to create environments that meet our clients’ needs and expectations from the start. Our world-class training programs are accredited by widely recognized and respected major industry organizations, enabling our community to further their education as our solutions—and the verticals we serve—continue to evolve. Crestron’s dedicated technical support team is prepared to support every project, and when paired with our commitment to making industry-leading products that are globally recognized for their reliability, you’ve got a formula for successful installations, time after time. These efforts elevate the success of our dealers, which ultimately enhances the experiences of our end customers.

Simply put, we stand behind our stuff. All of this is about a vision for the future—a future where technology empowers us all and positively impacts the places where we live, work, and learn.

Ahead of ISE 2026, Crestron announced the new Collab Compute, a purpose-built hardware platform that powers Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms software on Microsoft Windows operating systems, to operate at the heart of a truly effective collaboration ecosystem. It was designed from the outset to deliver intelligent, scalable, and future-ready collaboration across almost any space.

Meeting the Moment with New Solutions

In addition to the Collab Compute platform, Crestron is also introducing a suite of hardware and software products that work seamlessly in concert to deliver outstanding collaboration experiences. They include:

The Automate VX 6.5 multi-camera speaker tracking solution is a powerful firmware update that simplifies intelligent video deployments and offers greater device support. This update includes AutoMeasure, a feature that utilizes computer vision and ArUco markers to precisely detect the position and orientation of cameras and microphones, resulting in a calibrated system that delivers consistent, high-quality video performance without requiring manual measurement.

The new 80-Series Touch Screens, intelligent, purpose-built user interfaces that deliver intuitive control, flexible scheduling, and enterprise-grade security across nearly every space and workflow. This next generation of Crestron touch screens brings the user a single interface for scheduling, UC control, and room automation.

The 1 Beyond i12D Camera, an intelligent PTZ camera with built-in speaker tracking, delivering advanced video features like group framing and intelligent switching in a single, elegant device — with no complex programming. These 4K cameras feature built-in microphones for speaker tracking and Visual AI, all in a single, streamlined device that enhances everyday meeting rooms by providing high-quality, intelligent video without the extensive infrastructure required by larger systems.

DM NAX Intelligent Audio is a scalable platform built with an ecosystem of mic pods, speakers, and AES-67 devices, delivering AI-ready audio that scales from huddle rooms to high-impact spaces. Features include Direction of Arrival Audio (a beamforming function that tracks a speaker’s location), advanced DSP, noise reduction, and auto-mixing. Specifically tuned for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Zoom AI Assistant, the platform delivers speaker tracking, crystal-clear audio, and AI summarizations and transcriptions.

Crestron’s EVP of Customer Success and Marketing, Brad Hintze, said, "They're more than innovations. They're building blocks, a foundation for intelligence spaces, a framework for consistency, trust, and scale."

ISE 2026 is inching closer, ready welcome the Pro AV world to Fira de Barcelona from Feb. 3-6. As a show prep, SCN conducted a series of short Q&As, to talk trends and pre-show buzz, plus give you an exclusive sneak preview of what you'll see on the show floor.

[SCN's ISE Insiders 2026]

Today, Joel Mulpeter, senior director, product marketing at Crestron, talks how collaboration technology that delivers the same intuitive experience whether someone's in a huddle room, a large conference space, or anywhere in between is a must-have in today's world.

SCN: What technology or industry trend will be providing the most buzz on the ISE 2026 show floor?

Joel Mulpeter: AI will certainly generate significant buzz at ISE 2026, and rightfully so. We're seeing AI capabilities mature from novelty features into genuinely useful tools that enhance the meeting experience, from intelligent framing and audio processing to predictive space analytics.

However, the trend I'm seeing resonate most strongly with our customers is the demand for scalable, unified solutions that work consistently across all types of spaces. As return-to-office initiatives continue to expand, organizations are grappling with a practical challenge: They need collaboration technology that delivers the same intuitive experience whether someone's in a huddle room, a large conference space, or anywhere in between.

SCN: What is your company’s main focus at the show this year?

JM: We are highlighting our continued legacy in delivering solutions for content, collaboration, and control. We are uniquely positioned in our integration across all three of these areas. The modern workplace has evolved to where frictionless experiences have become vital, and our purpose-built solutions help to solve those challenges.

SCN: What makes ISE a unique trade show for the Pro AV industry?

JM: ISE is unique for our industry given its scale, and the global audience that it captures. The exhibitors on the show floor cover a large number of verticals, and for us—as a manufacturer in both the commercial and residential spaces—it is a special show that brings our whole company together.

SCN: When it comes to hybrid meetings, are we getting closer to meeting equity?

JM: The tools are certainly in place to help organizations achieve meeting equity in their spaces. The technology continues to improve with better camera functionality and improved audio quality, both of which help feed the AI-assisted tools that have come to the market. Solutions might not be one-size-fits-all, and so these experiences must be scalable to adapt to different workflows across departments and even global regions.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: John Hulen, Director of Vertical Marketing at Crestron Electronics

In higher ed sporting venues and esports, one of the most important factors for an immersive and engaging experience is flawless technology integration. When a fan or athlete looks at the game on the field or the court, then looks at the displays nearby or within the line of sight, all must be in sync. And when more than one display is adjacent to others, they all need to be in sync as well.

With the recent AV-over-IP technology advances Crestron has made, stadiums, basketball courts, esports arenas, and other sporting venues have become excellent application examples for seamless video, audio, and control solutions.

One such terrific example is at Liberty University, where the football team is popular with students, faculty, and community members. When they needed a cutting-edge way to build enthusiasm at these events, Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP technology was the perfect solution. The venue becomes crowded quickly during games, but spectators can always see the action on the large screen without missing a beat.

To keep everyone engaged in large arenas or stadiums, it requires a networked AV solution which utilizes multicast capabilities.

Taking technology integration to the next level, the Liberty University basketball arena uses Crestron solutions integrated with intelligent lighting controls, court projections, and audio playout systems. With young student workers helping to manage the technology at events, the user experience needs to be as seamless as possible. Therefore, Liberty designed its own control interface on the Crestron touch screens to make it simple to find specific buttons, even under the pressure of a live game.

When choosing the best audio, video, and control technology for a higher ed sporting venue, I recommend reading or watching one of Crestron’s case studies. This will help you better understand how the top educational institutions offer engaging experiences to their athletes and students.

I’ve been a remote worker since 2014, but oddly enough, it wasn’t until the pandemic that I felt more connected to my colleagues. Today, no matter where workers are located, it’s rare for a meeting not to be “face-to-face.” Connecting via a camera has made a positive and significant difference in helping me feel more connected to individuals and the team. Rather than bumping into someone in the hallway or lunchroom, I’ll have a quick huddle via Slack.

But it takes an overall company culture to embrace videoconferencing technologies and collaboration platforms to help ensure remote and hybrid workers are integrated into the workflow. More than the feeling of inclusion, this is important for workplace efficiency and productivity.

We asked AV/IT industry thought leaders to share their insights into the elements and culture of creating productive collaboration environments near and far. Some excerpts are below, and you can read the responses from all 45 respondents here.

TYLER TROUTMAN,
Strategic Market Development,
Shure

In modern workplace and education environments, collaboration extends beyond physical boundaries. Teams are not defined by a single office, campus, or time zone. Instead, we are experiencing hybrid, global collaboration daily. To keep people connected and engaged, organizations and educational institutions must prioritize spaces that foster meeting equity, ensuring every participant can contribute, whether they are in person or remote.

Meeting equity begins with clarity. This includes clear communication, clear visibility, and clear participation. Too often, poor audio leaves remote participants struggling to keep up, which directly impacts engagement and productivity. High-quality audio and intuitive conferencing tools are essential so that everyone in the room can hear and be heard without distraction.

Creating productive collaboration environments also means designing spaces that adapt to evolving working styles. Some teams thrive in open huddle areas, while others need structured, presentation-style rooms. The most effective collaboration culture acknowledges that no two meetings are alike, and provides reliable, scalable technology that works across spaces.

Ease of use is also critical, especially when it comes to those responsible for set up. Technology should empower people to focus on the conversation at hand. For IT leaders, this means access to solutions that are simple to deploy and manage, while delivering a consistent experience for those in the meeting. For end users, it means technology that fades into the background, so communication feels effortless.

When every voice in a room is heard, everyone in the room feels connected, and teams unlock stronger engagement and decision-making abilities. By integrating intuitive, high-quality audio solutions into adaptable spaces, organizations and higher education institutions can cultivate cultures of collaboration that thrive regardless of where people are joining a meeting from.

SKYLER BOWDEN,
Senior Marketing Manager,
Mersive

The traditional meeting setup feels outdated. The default one-presenter-at-the-front approach, where someone clicks through slides while the room half-listens, is familiar, but doesn’t invite participation. And let’s be honest—meetings often start with a scramble to get the AV working before anything productive happens.

This structure is familiar because it reflects how many of us were taught: lecture-style, passive, and linear. But effective collaboration demands more than just taking turns at the front of the room; it asks for space, both physical and psychological, for contribution.

Room layout plays a bigger role than we give it credit for. Can content be shared from anywhere? Can everyone see the display—not just those at the head of the table? Do the tools invite participation or require a technical specialist to operate?

Some organizations build rooms with fully equipped workstations with individual displays and audio setups for every contributor. In the right context, this is a powerful way to invite interaction. But for many IT and AV teams, that level of design and support isn’t realistic. Overengineered spaces become more burden than benefit when the goal is simply to work better together.

That’s why the best rooms often offer the simplest design—a blank creative slate. There is no dominant display, no obvious “front”—just intuitive, flexible tools that allow people to share content, brainstorm, and collaborate however they work best. These spaces don’t dictate how meetings should run; they invite people to create their own way of working.

That’s especially critical now. Asking employees to return to the office is no longer a default; it’s a request. If the workplace is going to compete with the flexibility of remote work, it has to offer more than just a desk and a whiteboard; it has to offer value.

F. JOSEPH POMPEI,
Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
Holosonics

Collaboration has become the defining skill of modern organizations. Whether people are huddled up in an open office, gathering in a conference room, or connecting virtually across time zones, success rests first with the participants—their insight, attentiveness, and capacity to work together. Optimizing this depends greatly on the environments and technologies that enable it, and building a culture that embraces real communication.

We often focus on access and connectivity, making sure everyone can log in, join, and participate. Yet, the quality of the environment itself—how it looks, feels, and, critically, how it sounds—determines whether collaboration truly works. Even with the best tools, it is difficult to share ideas when overlapping conversations compete for attention, voices blur, and important details are lost in background noise.

Productive collaboration requires clarity of purpose, communication of ideas, and sound. The way we design for listening determines how well people understand one another and stay engaged. When sound is clear and distractions are minimized, attention improves, creativity rises, and every participant has a chance to contribute meaningfully.

This is not just a technical consideration, but a cultural one. When an organization invests in environments where every participant can hear and be heard, it sends a powerful signal: that every voice matters. It is saying that collaboration is not simply about proximity or platform, but about presence, equity, and shared understanding.

As workplaces continue to evolve, one principle remains constant: Productivity starts with connection, and connection starts with clarity. The future of collaboration will belong to environments designed not only for access, but for understanding. When people can truly hear one another, everything else falls into place.

EMMA EAGLE,
Manager of Marketing,
Atlona

I’ve learned that creating productive collaboration environments, whether in person or spread across distances, starts with a foundation of trust, clarity, and respect. Teams work best when they know their voices are valued and when everyone has a clear understanding of goals and expectations. That sense of alignment allows people to focus less on logistics and more on contributing their best ideas.

Another key element is intentional communication. In today’s hybrid and global environments, it’s not enough to rely on casual touchpoints; structure matters. Setting regular check-ins, using the right tools, and encouraging both formal updates and informal conversations help keep connections strong. At the same time, flexibility is important; recognizing different work styles, time zones, and cultural perspectives makes collaboration more inclusive and resilient.

Finally, I believe the most successful collaboration comes from creating a culture of shared ownership. When individuals feel empowered to take initiative and understand how their work impacts the bigger picture, collaboration becomes less about assigning tasks and more about building something meaningful together. Near or far, it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, accountable, and motivated to contribute—not just because it’s their role, but because they truly care about the outcome.

GEORGE BORDEN,
Senior Reseller Account Manager, Central Region,
Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America

Creating a culture of effective collaboration means ensuring that every participant—whether seated in the office or joining remotely—has an equal voice, clear visibility, and seamless access to shared resources. The foundation of this culture begins with software. Unified chat platforms replace isolated email exchanges with searchable, topic-driven conversations, creating an archive of organizational knowledge. When integrated with video conferencing, teams can shift from chat to face-to-face discussions instantly with high-definition video, AI-generated transcriptions, and virtual breakout rooms supporting deeper engagement.

Beyond communication, centralized file management ensures that projects move forward without version confusion. Cloud-based solutions like OneDrive or Google Drive enable real-time co-authoring of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, while app integration brings business tools such as Salesforce directly into the collaboration platform. This single-pane approach streamlines workflows and reduces wasted time toggling between apps.

The physical workplace also continues to evolve for successful hybrid collaboration. Modern meeting rooms are designed for inclusivity, with intelligent audio and video systems that employ speaker tracking, noise suppression, and group framing to give remote participants the same presence as those in the room. Layouts such as Microsoft Teams and Front Row further bridge the gap, placing remote attendees at eye level and integrating chat, reactions, and shared content in one cohesive view.

Finally, interactive digital canvases, such as Sharp’s AQUOS BOARD, extend collaboration into the creative realm. These large-format displays allow dispersed teams to brainstorm, annotate, and ideate together as though standing side by side. Pairing this with one-touch meeting join solutions like Sharp’s Synappx eliminates technical barriers and ensures meetings start smoothly.

These advances result in a collaborative ecosystem that is inclusive, frictionless, and designed for how teams truly work—near and far.

GEORGE TRUONG,
Vice President of Operations,
Black Box

Modern AV collaboration platforms have evolved into mission-critical business infrastructure, requiring almost zero downtime. This evolution demands sophisticated service delivery that ensures consistent, reliable collaboration between end users and the integrator.

Collaboration environments build upon four pillars: user experience optimization, proactive monitoring support, and continuous improvement on efficiency and utilization. Service reliability extends beyond traditional uptime metrics to encompass experience quality indicators across all locations. This requires establishing global SLAs that account for regional variations while maintaining or exceeding standards on compliance. User experience optimization focuses on reducing friction in collaboration workflows, implementing one-touch join, automated room configurations, or an intuitive but simple interface that reduces support requirements.

The current demand emphasizes shifting from reactive service to preventive service models with proactive self-health. Operational capabilities that can identify degradation patterns before they impact users. This proactive stance requires cultivating analytical mindsets within operations teams, teaching them to analyze usage data and identify optimization opportunities. Organizations implementing "partnered solutions" services that provide full 24/7 remote and onsite support for customer ecosystems build user confidence while gathering insights into service improvement.

Scaling operational excellence requires establishing a culture to drive excellence that defines best practices and disseminates knowledge across the organization. Successful implementation of tiered support models that balance responsiveness with global consistency. The enabling factor for operational excellence is a sophisticated monitoring platform that provides real-time visibility into collaboration performance, enabling rapid response to issues while building historical data for trend analysis and capacity planning.

JOHN KRUSE,
Senior Field Solutions Architect,
ViewSonic

The most effective collaboration environments today are not defined by a single technology or meeting room; they are built at the intersection of space, tools, and culture. As organizations reimagine how people connect and create, successful collaboration strategies must focus on removing friction and enhancing human interaction, regardless of location.

Intentional design is the starting point. Physical environments should support a variety of work modes—from brainstorming sessions to hybrid meetings—and incorporate fundamentals like optimized acoustics, visibility, and comfort. Equally important is flexibility: Modular furniture, adaptable displays, and scalable AV systems allow spaces to evolve as teams, technologies, and workflows change.

Frictionless technology is another essential element. Solutions should integrate seamlessly across platforms, enabling intuitive, one-touch connectivity and interoperability with conferencing, control, and content systems. When technology disappears into the background, creativity and collaboration come to the forefront.

Beyond hardware, culture is the true driver of productive collaboration. Spaces and systems must support meeting equity, making remote participants feel as present and valued as those in the room. Features like AI-powered framing, spatial audio, transcription, and translation can level the playing field and ensure every voice is heard.

Looking ahead, collaboration environments will become increasingly intelligent and persistent. Cloud platforms, data analytics, and AI will not only support meetings but actively shape them—anticipating needs, connecting content, and extending collaboration beyond physical boundaries.

Ultimately, the future of collaboration isn’t about creating rooms; it’s about designing ecosystems that inspire creativity, foster connection, and empower teams to work together—anytime, anywhere.

OLIVER VAN CAMP,
Product Director, Meeting Experience,
Barco

In the rush to adopt the latest collaboration technologies, organizations often chase flashy features while overlooking the fundamentals that ensure long-term success. The most effective meeting room solutions prioritize three core elements: ease of use, trust, and smart technology.

Even the most advanced technology fails if employees struggle to use it. Collaboration tools must be intuitive, flexible, and consistent across meeting rooms and devices. When participants can connect, share content, and engage seamlessly, meetings start faster, adoption increases, and teams focus on collaboration—not on troubleshooting technology.

Collaboration technology frequently handles sensitive content, making trust a critical factor. Robust security, configurable access levels, and regular updates protect data and ensure compliance. In hybrid workplaces, teams depend on consistent performance across rooms and devices. Systems that fail or require troubleshooting disrupt meetings, erode confidence, and reduce productivity. Investing in reliable technology ensures meetings run smoothly, builds trust among users, and supports higher adoption rates.

And last, but not least, the role of intelligence in the meeting room cannot be denied. AI can enhance collaboration when applied thoughtfully. Features like automated transcription, intelligent facilitation, and real-time insights can add value when they complement existing workflows rather than creating complexity.

Technology should empower teams to work smarter, freeing them to focus on discussion, creativity, and decision-making rather than constantly adapting to new systems.

Successful technology adoption requires a clear strategy. Evaluate solutions based on usability, security, reliability, and scalability first—then consider advanced features. By focusing on the fundamentals, organizations can ensure that collaboration tools truly enhance productivity and engagement, both now and in the future.

TERRENCE BOYD,
Senior Strategy and Business Development Manager, Alliance and Technology Partnerships,
Sony Electronics

In today’s dynamic environments, collaboration is no longer confined to meeting rooms; it happens across campuses, hospitals, production floors, and retail spaces. The most productive environments connect people, content, and ideas with ease, no matter where they are.

At Sony, we believe collaboration thrives when technology works together—not in isolation. And we’re not alone; our customers and partners maintain that same philosophy. Sony’s Alliance and Technology Partner ecosystem plays a vital role in shaping environments where people create, communicate, and collaborate. Through alignment with leading partners across digital signage, AV control, unified communications and collaboration (UCC), remote management systems (RMS), and hardware and mounting solutions, we deliver seamless, end-to-end experiences that make teamwork effortless and inclusive, and remove barriers and guesswork for our customers.

Having an open ecosystem, as Sony does, gives customers the freedom to choose the technologies that best fit their needs, whether the goal is a hybrid meeting space, a digital signage network that informs and inspires, or a control system that simplifies complex workflows. Together with our partners, we integrate these solutions that enhance Sony’s core offerings and bring added value to every project because customers expect robust, turnkey options.

This collaborative approach ensures that every solution meets current requirements while remaining ready for the innovations ahead. By combining Sony’s strengths with the expertise of our partners, we create spaces that adapt to people rather than asking people to adapt to technology.

In a world that continues to change rapidly, success depends on partnership. Through collective innovation, Sony and its partners are delivering human-driven collaboration experiences that help people work smarter, connect more deeply, and achieve more together.

CHARLIE JONES, Global Partner Relations Manager,
Sennheiser

Building effective collaboration spaces relies on conferencing technology that reduces complexity to deliver a seamless user experience. Intelligent automation is driving this evolution, transforming meeting rooms into intuitive environments that enhance communication without distracting participants. The goal is a smart conference space where microphones, cameras, and control systems work together automatically to keep the focus on productivity.

To reduce complexity, IT and AV professionals can take advantage of the advancements in interoperability of audio, video, and conferencing platforms, as well as insights drawn from years of audio expertise and knowledge of meeting dynamics. For example, beamforming microphones have redefined sound quality by isolating voices from background noise, which is coupled with robust networks delivering low latency. The result makes it easier for both in-room and remote participants to follow conversations without disruption.

Building these rooms goes beyond simply deploying technology and relies on robust central management. Software and cloud platforms that tackle room planning and device management can allow for faster, more scalable deployments to meet today’s substantial workplace demands. These virtual room design tools that also monitor and manage the interoperability between AV protocols ensure consistent, high-quality user experiences across entire organizations with effective planning and reduced manual setup.

As AI and automation continue to advance, meeting environments will only become more intuitive and adaptive. While fully autonomous conference rooms are beyond the horizon for the moment, the innovations available today are already paving the way toward a future where technology supports collaboration seamlessly, freeing teams to concentrate fully on their work.

NANCY KNOWLTON,
Chief Executive Officer,
Nureva

There really are no secrets to productive collaboration; it all comes down to people, process and technology.

Productive collaboration—whether across the hall or across continents—starts with people. Valuing individuals and their experiences is foundational to any successful collaborative environment. When people feel respected and empowered, they bring their best selves to the table. That’s why the first step is to give them the tools and environments they need to create and collaborate. Comfortable spaces, intuitive platforms, and access to the right resources signal that their contributions matter.

Next comes the process. Collaboration doesn’t just happen; most often it needs to be taught, then nurtured and refined. Teams must learn how to work together effectively, understanding when group work accelerates outcomes and when individual effort sharpens focus. A well-designed process for collaboration clarifies direction, roles, and expectations, and it enables teams to work faster and better. Nobody is born knowing how to collaborate, so setting out some guidelines can be enabling, not restrictive. It helps people see how their work fits into the bigger picture and how they can contribute meaningfully to shared goals.

Technology is the final layer—the enabler that makes collaboration seamless and scalable. From cloud-based applications and unified communications platforms to high-quality audio systems and smart cameras, technology removes barriers and connects people in real time. But it’s not enough to simply deploy tools. Organizations must relentlessly research and observe: Is the combination of people, process, and technology delivering the results the business needs? Is it making teams more productive, more creative, and more aligned?

Ask. Observe. Refine. The most productive collaboration environments are those that evolve—driven by the needs of the people within them and the outcomes they’re working to achieve.

JOHN HENKEL,
Product Marketing Director,
NETGEAR Enterprise

The convergence of broadcast, unified communications, and AV infrastructure is accelerating rapidly. Creating productive collaboration environments starts with building unified IP ecosystems that don’t distinguish between near and far work; instead, they treat all collaboration as equal, regardless of location. This requires moving beyond traditional box shifting to a solution-led consultancy that embeds AV into broader digital transformation strategies.

The most effective collaboration cultures prioritize user experience over technology showcasing. Organizations succeeding in hybrid environments focus on broadcast-quality experiences as the new standard for enterprise communications—not just for special occasions. This means investing in scalable solutions that make remote participants feel as present as in-room colleagues, eliminating the second-class-citizen experience that plagues many hybrid setups.

From huddle spaces to large conference rooms, consistent, reliable technology across all collaboration points builds confidence and adoption. When teams trust that their tools will work seamlessly, whether they’re together or distributed, cultural resistance to hybrid work diminishes. This consistency requires robust networked solutions with centralized management, ensuring every space delivers professional-grade experiences.

The shift toward AI-driven AV, advanced lighting and sound, and immersive experiences is fundamentally about creating systems smart enough to adapt to how people naturally collaborate—not about adding layers of complexity. Organizations embracing this approach create environments where technology becomes invisible, allowing teams to focus on ideas rather than troubleshooting connectivity.

The bottom line: Productive collaboration cultures emerge when infrastructure supports authentic interaction regardless of physical location, when user experience trumps technical specifications, and when organizations commit to unified ecosystems rather than patchwork solutions.

PETRO SHIMONISHI,
Director of New Business Development,
Panasonic Projector and Display Americas

Today’s workplaces and classrooms are no longer defined by four walls. Collaboration must be seamless, whether participants are across campus or across the globe. To meet this demand, organizations need technologies that are both robust and flexible to empower instructors, students, and employees to connect in ways that are simple, reliable, and interactive.

Panasonic recently surveyed higher education IT leaders, which revealed that 83 percent of students regularly interact with projectors and 81 percent say these technologies positively impact learning. These findings highlight that when collaboration technologies are intuitive and dependable, they become essential to how people learn and work.

However, decision-makers also flagged a growing concern: As devices become more feature-rich, they risk becoming harder for faculty and employees to manage. This underscores the importance of technology that reduces complexity rather than adding to it. Solutions must be designed for plug-and-play simplicity, while delivering professional-grade performance.

That’s why Panasonic and Artome partnered to create the PT-VMZ-AVCART, an innovative, mobile AV solution that combines Artome’s flexible design with Panasonic’s advanced projection to transform any space into a collaboration hub. These solutions eliminate the need for permanent installations, instantly transforming any classroom, huddle space, or boardroom into a connected, collaborative environment. By combining Panasonic’s advanced projection with Artome’s flexible design, organizations gain scalable tools that adapt to their unique spaces and needs.

The culture of collaboration today depends on access, flexibility, and ease of use. Whether enabling a professor to engage hundreds of students or allowing hybrid teams to brainstorm across time zones, the goal is the same: Technologies should inspire interaction, not inhibit it. At Panasonic, we believe the most productive environments are built on tools that make connection effortless anywhere, anytime.

JOEL MULPETER,
Senior Director, Product Marketing,
Crestron

We often talk about building a culture of collaboration. As people have returned to the office as part of their hybrid schedules, it’s critical that we serve the needs of those who come into that space. Technology needs to be seamless—disappearing into the background but delivering the rich experiences they expect.

Take, for example, the rich experiences you have in Microsoft Teams at your desk—can you take that experience into a conference room? You don’t want to have a different platform when you walk into the meeting room; you want to use the familiar one you’ve used at your desk.

You also want things like the “eyes and ears” in that room to be intelligent and smart. You want cameras that react to workflows in the room, and not cameras that must constantly be told what to do. You want audio that hears what you have to say and can then feed that into remote connections and the accompanying AI tool. You need to be getting tangible benefits out of that tool: translation, transcription, actionable insights, and so on. And then, you want to leverage that platform—Teams, Zoom, or whatever you prefer.

Beyond those tools, it’s also important to find the right balance of other AI features. Edge AI is especially useful and efficient in presenter tracking, for example. You don’t need to send that processing to the cloud and bring it back again—just do it in the camera. Cloud AI is better for things such as translation and transcription, identifying people, and so on. Ultimately, the goal is to create spaces that truly drive the culture of collaboration.

JOSH ARNOLD,
Director, Collaboration Product Strategy,
Q-SYS

In today’s workplace, collaboration is not confined to AV systems; it’s about crafting holistic experiences that empower people and culture. The rise of the high-performance workplace reflects a shift from static office environments to dynamic destinations that foster connection and creativity. Forward-thinking organizations are reimagining their spaces to build culture, expand mentorship, and enhance well-being across both high-impact rooms and the spaces in between. This reflects a deeper understanding: Technology should not just connect people, but also inspire and bring them together.

This transformation is already happening at scale. According to a recent whitepaper developed by Frost and Sullivan in partnership with Q-SYS, 46 percent of IT and telecom leaders are modernizing office technology, while 50 percent are investing in new perks and experiences. With over 5.6 billion square feet of Class A space positioned for high-performance transformation and 9.1 billion square feet of U.S. office space ripe for reinvention, the workplace has become a critical lever for organizational productivity.

Second, simplicity in technology is paramount. The most powerful collaboration tools are those that disappear into the background, enabling fluid interaction without friction. When technology is standardized, intuitive, and accessible, hybrid equity thrives—enabling every participant, near or far, to contribute equally. When users don’t have to think about how to connect, they can focus on what matters most: sharing ideas, solving problems, and building relationships.

Finally, smart collaboration environments should enable a feedback loop for continuous improvement. Rich spatial and usage data help organizations optimize layouts, refine workflows, and adapt to evolving needs—turning workplaces from static assets into dynamic engines for growth.

In essence, high-performance workplaces center on people and experience. They eliminate friction, create hybrid equity, and drive measurable outcomes. By embracing intentional design, user-centric simplicity, and data-driven evolution, organizations can create environments where creativity and productivity thrives.

Do you have legacy AV equipment that is still earning its keep? Does your organization have a combination of hardware and software from different manufacturers, and does interoperability sometimes pose an issue? Is your AV/IT department full speed ahead with AV over IP, the cloud, and AI-enabled systems?

No matter which end of the AV or IT spectrum your systems reside, these 25 industry thought leaders share insights into the transition to IP, trends in The State of AV/IT today, and predictions for the next few years.

CATHERINE KOUTSARIS
Product Marketing Manager at Matrox Video

For many organizations, the biggest hesitation in modernizing AV systems is the belief that moving forward means ripping everything out and starting from scratch. In reality, most end users don’t need or want to replace entire systems. What’s more practical and sustainable is keeping the elements that still work well and bridging them with newer technologies. This approach reduces staff retraining and avoids waste. Teams can then evolve at their own pace.

That’s where interoperability comes in. Today’s AV/IT environments often resemble technology islands—ecosystems that work well independently but don’t always communicate with one another. End users may value their existing cameras or video walls, but when new requirements emerge, incompatibility becomes a real obstacle. AV gateway products are a great way to bridge between older systems and newer technology, allowing both to be used in the same installation.

Standards-based solutions provide the clearest path forward. Open standards like IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110 make it possible to mix equipment from multiple manufacturers and reduce the risk of vendor lock-in. In practice, this can mean running day-to-day conferencing over a corporate 1GbE network while seamlessly shifting to a 10GbE broadcast workflow for high-end production—all with the same underlying infrastructure. Organizations gain freedom from vendor lock-in and proprietary constraints.

The advice for end users is to focus on flexibility. Prioritize systems that integrate with what you already have and embrace open standards. This approach ensures that today’s investments remain relevant, while giving you the freedom to adopt new technologies and build AI-over-IP systems that can grow with you on your own terms.

RICHARD JONKER
Vice President Marketing and Business Development at NETGEAR Enterprise

The most successful organizations are shifting their mindset from, “What AV equipment do we need?” to, “How can we create experiences that drive business results?” This approach means your AV investments should solve specific business challenges rather than simply upgrade hardware.

The proof is in your meeting rooms. Setup time has dropped from seven frustrating minutes to under twenty seconds. This translates to improved productivity and employee satisfaction.

Behind the shifting mindset are four key technologies reshaping how you’ll interact with AV systems: AV over IP, cloud solutions, artificial intelligence, and extended reality (XR/AR). These represent fundamental changes, creating practical benefits for organizations willing to evolve.

AV over IP leads this transformation by using your IP network infrastructure instead of dedicated AV cabling. This means you get to benefit from all the advantages of the network world: easier scaling when adding endpoints like speakers, microphones, or displays; when you need remote troubleshooting by IT teams without the need for room visits; better integration with existing security tools; and the flexibility to reconfigure spaces as needs change.

As your AV systems become networked, artificial intelligence transforms infrastructure management through automated configuration and intelligent power optimization. However, connectivity introduces security vulnerabilities requiring proactive protection. Modern solutions now integrate AI-driven network simplification with built-in cybersecurity capabilities, creating inherently secure, intelligent systems that adapt to threats while simplifying operations.

At NETGEAR, we believe that organizations investing in these transitions today—and focusing on experiences that solve specific business challenges—are positioning themselves for significant advantages as the market evolves.

SAM SABET
Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Shure

The simple answer for any customer looking to invest in new AV technologies today, whether for upgrading or otherwise, is to consider a flexible, adaptable platform. Today’s AV world is characterized by rapid and constant changes. These changes are evident both in the environment—workspaces, collaboration modes, and the balance between RTO and remote work—and in features and technologies such as AI, feature deployment speed, and processing power.

When choosing a platform, it’s imperative to keep in mind the ease of adaptability to evolving changes. Consider the flexibility of configuration and provisioning, as well as the longevity of the platform. Shure’s ecosystem of MXA and collaboration solutions, supported by software infrastructure like ShureCloud and our advanced DSP and AI algorithms, provides a perfect platform. It can automatically adapt and grow with our end users’ needs.

EMMA EAGLE
Manager of Marketing at Hall Research

When it comes to evolving AV systems, whether you’re replacing legacy gear or updating something relatively new, the key is to plan for what’s next—not just what’s now. AV and IT are no longer separate worlds. Your AV strategy should be as scalable, secure, and manageable as the rest of your IT infrastructure.

Don’t get stuck on spec sheets. Instead, ask: Will this system grow with us? Can it integrate with cloud platforms? Is it simple enough that anyone can use it without frustration? Because at the end of the day, simplicity drives adoption, and adoption drives ROI.

The next few years will bring even more AV over IP, smarter automation through AI, tighter cybersecurity requirements, and an increased demand for sustainable solutions. Organizations that embrace these shifts will be in the best position to maximize both their technology and their people.

My advice? Evolve with intention. Choose solutions that are scalable, secure, and user-friendly. That’s how you future-proof your AV/IT investments.

MAX RITCHER
Co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing at Insta360

The AV/IT industry is at a turning point..

We’re moving from static, hardware-first setups to flexible, cloud-connected ecosystems that are easier to manage and adapt to how people really work. Three forces are driving this shift: the cloud, AI, and interoperability.

Cloud platforms now sit at the center of modern AV, making it possible for IT teams to monitor and update systems across campuses or offices from one place. This reduces complexity and takes the burden off on-site staff.

AI adds another layer, turning AV from something reactive into something proactive. We’ve seen this in the evolution of Insta360’s enterprise tools. We came from humble (yet ambitious!) origins with the Link AI webcam. This was our first entry into the industry, already sporting smart tracking. We’ve now moved onto the Connect video bar for larger rooms, and our latest release, Insta360 Wave. As an AI speakerphone, we’ve crafted something that is adaptive and resilient, designed to work together with our other products as a seamless experience.

But none of this potential can be unlocked without interoperability. Proprietary systems have long slowed progress by creating silos and forcing users into narrow ecosystems. That’s why open standards matter. By supporting initiatives like OpenAV Cloud and pushing for shared APIs, the industry can break down barriers, give organizations more choice, and ensure systems can grow together instead of being locked in.

The convergence of cloud, AI, and interoperability is shaping the future of AV. We’re beyond just releasing flashy tech for its own sake. We’re building smarter, more reliable systems that actually make work easier and more connected for everyone.

OLIVER VAN CAMP
Product Director, Meeting Experience at Barco ClickShare

Today’s meeting room technology must do more than connect devices; it needs to enable seamless, inclusive collaboration for all meeting room users. That’s why Barco ClickShare and Microsoft are re-imagining hybrid collaboration through smarter, more human-centric meeting experiences.

ClickShare provides a secure, scalable meeting room system that lets room participants conference, collaborate, and present with just one click, with no technical hassle, no cables, and no delays. Intuitive and easy to use, ClickShare ensures the meeting experience is consistent and seamless across any space—from huddle rooms to large boardrooms—and is designed around how people truly work.

In a Microsoft Teams environment, this experience becomes more intelligent and user-friendly. AI-powered features like speaker recognition, automatic camera framing, and smart content sharing create meetings that feel more natural and engaging, whether participants are in the room or remote.

AI is now doing even more to support the flow of work. Features like speaker attribution (knowing who’s speaking), facilitator agent (a virtual assistant capturing next steps and deadlines), and interpreter agent (allowing everyone to speak in their native language) benefit both in-room and remote participants. These tools help overcome proximity barriers, reduce administrative tasks, minimize miscommunication, and integrate smoothly into everyday workflows—even as they are still emerging.

ClickShare brings wireless collaboration solutions into the meeting room, empowering companies to run AI applications locally and in real time via the ClickShare Base Units. This unlocks smarter, faster interactions—from live speaker recognition and automatic camera framing to translation and real-time note-taking—enhancing every interaction to keep users productive, engaged, and focused. Together, ClickShare and Microsoft are redefining hybrid meetings: secure, smart, scalable, and made for people.

RYAN WALLENBERG
AIMS Member and Vice President of Engineering at Cobalt Digital

Whether AV systems are for rich experiences in venues or for managing signals on campuses like businesses or universities, they often involve equipment from different tech categories. For example, in many organizations it is not rare to see mixtures of two or all three of the following things: media processing equipment, signal extension and switching equipment, and IT department equipment.

There are many factors that have made it possible to accomplish any task that previously required hardwired cables to be achievable using packetized IP. The most challenging thing left to overcome while migrating from hardwired cables to IP is dealing with mixing different equipment types, equipment classes, and vendor solutions with interfaces such as HDMI.

The two most important things that have happened to address this final challenge is the emergence of open standards and specifications—such as SMPTE ST 2110, AES67, NMOS, and IPMX—and the emergence of IP-to-IP gateway converters of many types to help deal with conversions of media profiles within the media options of the standards and between different media and protocols including proprietary options.

End users looking to evolve legacy or even newer AV systems should consider IPMX-compliant solutions that offer smooth plug-and-play integration. An optimized hybrid infrastructure will leverage interoperability for high-quality audio, video, and data for SMPTE ST 2110 transport across common networks. Organizations should be able to add capabilities at their own pace while avoiding vendor lock-in and giving them the flexibility to build infrastructures that grow with them. Several vendors have always offered modular and standards-based technologies that adapt to real-world challenges, and they are now embracing IPMX integration.

SKYLER BOWDEN
Senior Marketing Manager at Mersive

In today’s hype-heavy tech climate, AI gets most of the headlines. Promises of 10x productivity and AI-driven transformation abound—but for AV/IT professionals managing real systems, real spaces, and real users, it’s essential to cut through the noise.

The truth? AI will shape the future of collaboration—but it won’t fix broken workflows or magically modernize outdated AV infrastructure. Productivity gains only happen when technology is aligned with how people actually work, connect, and communicate. This is especially true in education, healthcare, and enterprise environments, where every decision has to balance performance, cost, security, and usability.

What’s often overlooked in the rush to optimize is a critical factor: the human experience. Meaningful technology doesn’t just improve business outcomes; it impacts how people feel about their work. When meetings are more efficient and tools actually support connection instead of complicating it, your teams regain focus, time, and energy. That’s where real value emerges: better engagement, clearer communication, and a healthier work-life balance.

The most exciting AI potential isn’t about replacing people; it’s about revealing insights. Meeting analytics can surface engagement trends, highlight contributor impact, and track follow-ups so no one flies blind. Instead of attributing all tasks to the in-room device, imagine a system that accurately reflects every participant’s input and commitments—remote or on-site.

So what’s the takeaway? Don’t get distracted by magic wands. Invest in technology that is secure, scalable, and user-friendly—solutions that create space for the innovation your teams are primed to deliver. Then, let AI help you fine-tune how your teams meet, share, and succeed—without forcing in one-size-fits-all tech that misses the mark on deeper challenges like process gaps. AI will naturally optimize efficiency, but not overnight and not without an intimate understanding of how your teams do their best work.

BLAKE ABIG
Director of National Sales at Full Compass Systems

In my role, I spend much of my time listening to colleges, universities, and corporations as they rethink how their AV systems support teaching and collaboration. One of the most common concerns I hear is that rooms feel inconsistent. A professor might walk into one classroom and everything works smoothly, then step into another and struggle to get the system started. The same frustration shows up in corporate offices. Consistency is one of the simplest ways to improve user confidence and adoption.

Another challenge customers raise is the pressure on lean support teams. Higher ed IT groups may be responsible for hundreds of classrooms, while corporate AV staff cover global meeting spaces. I often hear, “We can’t be everywhere at once.” This is where centralized, cloud-based monitoring really makes a difference. When teams can see issues in real time and push updates remotely, they spend less time firefighting and more time enabling productivity.

Clients are also curious about how artificial intelligence fits in. What I tell them is that AI works best when it disappears into the background. Cameras that automatically follow a presenter, microphones that remove noise, and live captions that improve accessibility all make the experience smoother without adding complexity.

Finally, one theme that comes up again and again is equity for remote participants. Whether it is a student joining from home or a colleague dialing in from another office, people expect to be seen and heard clearly. That is no longer optional; it is the baseline.

The most successful AV strategies I see are the ones that put people first. When systems are reliable, intuitive, and supportive of everyone in the room and beyond, the technology simply enables better outcomes.

MITCH RAUCH
U.S. Sales Director at Powersoft

As AV systems grow more complex and distributed, spanning corporate campuses, higher education institutions, and dynamic multi-use facilities, the role of the integrator is evolving just as quickly. Success in today’s audiovisual environments requires more than just great sound and video; it also depends on smooth, seamless integration with the broader IT infrastructure.

Legacy rack rooms and point-to-point signal paths are giving way to decentralized, IP-based infrastructures. AV-over-IP is no longer a trend—but the very foundation. In this environment, amplifiers are active, networked components capable of intelligent signal routing, system synchronization, and real-time control. As a result, integrators are becoming more involved in network design, such as IP addressing, VLANs, QoS, and switch configuration, which are as essential as gain structure and speaker coverage.

Cloud integration is accelerating the evolution of network-based devices. Remote monitoring and system management capabilities are quickly becoming indispensable. Whether diagnosing issues, pushing firmware updates, or fine-tuning performance from a distance, cloud connectivity empowers integrators to deliver faster, more efficient support, often before the client even notices a problem. The shift to cloud integration can save time, reduce site visits, and pave the way for recurring service models.

Through these advancements, our mission at Powersoft remains to deliver transparent, intelligible audio without distraction. We’ve embraced this evolution with platforms like Unica and Nota 142. Both Unica and Nota 142 are purpose built for decentralized, IT-friendly environments, and combine robust performance with smart design and native cloud connectivity. Unica and Nota 142 highlight our commitment to helping integrators meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s demands by bridging the worlds of AV and IT with powerful, future-ready solutions.

JAKUB KOLACZ
Manager Product and Commercialization, Business Communication at Sennheiser

As AV systems become increasingly networked, end users are grappling with how to evolve their environments without creating disruption. Legacy software, fragmented device tools, and rising IT security expectations often slow progress—yet the demand for simpler, more scalable management is only growing.

Now is the time for end users to prepare for this new era of AV/IT convergence. The priority is ease of deployment and configuration. Complex setup processes not only consume valuable IT/AV resources but also increase the risk of errors. Solutions that enable devices to be onboarded quickly, with minimal dependencies, free teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

Next, interoperability and centralization are key. While many organizations still rely on a patchwork of vendor-specific tools, the future lies in platforms that embrace open standards and integration. By consolidating device management into a single, standardized platform, teams gain a clearer view of their systems and reduce friction across locations and departments.

Security remains non-negotiable. With AV fully part of the enterprise IT landscape, encryption, authentication, and role-based access are essential to protect both data and devices.

Finally, consider ongoing performance. Management shouldn’t stop at installation. Proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and predictive maintenance help teams spot issues before they escalate, keeping collaboration spaces available and reliable.

IT and AV pros should consider feature-rich, cloud-based device management platforms offering them all of the above services and more, with room to scale as systems become even more complex in the future. Providing a centralized hub for devices ensures not only improved on-site or remote management, but also the ability to react quickly to any issues at the time they occur.

Looking ahead, the convergence of AV and IT will continue to accelerate. End users who prioritize simplicity, interoperability, and proactive management today will be best placed to evolve their systems tomorrow, without sacrificing security or reliability.

ART WEEKS
Project Manager at ZeeVee by Kramer

We’re at an inflection point where both integrators and end users are rethinking AV system design. The old rack-full-of-boxes model is giving way to multi-function components that combine switching, DSP, and control. The motivation isn’t just fewer devices; it’s lower total cost of ownership over the life of a system.

By consolidating functions, projects install faster, take up less rack space, draw less power, and reduce the number of potential failure points. That translates to fewer service calls, easier remote management, and reduced labor costs across the system lifecycle. Realistically, integrators can save thousands per room, per year, while giving clients a cleaner, more reliable experience. It also helps projects get approved faster because decision makers can see long-term savings rather than just the upfront price tag.

At the same time, high-performance environments—like large lecture halls or mission-critical control rooms—are pushing adoption of AVoIP. End users want ultra-low latency and the flexibility to scale on standard networks. Today, that often means choosing between 1Gb and 10Gb deployments, but we’re seeing more forward-thinking firms pre-install CAT-6a cabling even when starting at 1Gb. That future-proofs the space, making it easier and cheaper to upgrade when higher bandwidth is needed.

In short, the state of AV/IT today is about simplification without compromise, and the next few years will be defined by scalable networked video paired with systems designed to reduce complexity, cost, and risk.

JOHN KRUSE
Senior Field Solutions Architect at ViewSonic

The convergence of AV and IT is reshaping how organizations design and manage their technology ecosystems. For end users modernizing legacy systems—or even optimizing newer ones—the goal is no longer just to add AV, but to create connected, intelligent environments that align with enterprise IT strategies.

There are a number of important considerations that go into achieving this. First, interoperability is foundational. Proprietary silos, especially technology-based ones, are becoming less viable, so end users should prioritize solutions certified across major platforms—Teams, Zoom, Google Meet—and integrate these with control systems to ensure long-term flexibility.

The second consideration is keeping the cloud as your control layer. Cloud-enabled management is shifting from optional to essential. Remote monitoring, analytics, and centralized updates improve uptime, lower service costs, and scale across campuses and enterprises.

Third, consider that AI is moving mainstream. AI features are already raising user expectations—from camera framing and noise suppression to predictive diagnostics. The differentiator in the coming years will be how seamlessly these features enhance collaboration and reduce friction.

Fourth, remember that budgets are tight, so sustainability and ROI are under more scrutiny than ever. End users should look for solutions that extend product lifecycles through firmware updates, modular upgrades, and energy efficiency instead of requiring rip-and-replace strategies.

And finally, as AV lives fully on the network, alignment with corporate IT security standards is critical. Device-level protections and encrypted data handling must be built in—not bolted on.

The state of AV/IT today is one of acceleration—driven by interoperability, cloud-first management, and AI intelligence. End users who embrace openness, scalability, and sustainability will not only protect their investments but also position their organizations for smarter, more adaptable experiences in the years ahead.

PAUL HARRIS
CEO at Aurora Multimedia

For end-users looking to evolve their AV systems, I recommend attending industry trade shows like InfoComm, ISE, and NAB, among others, which provide a neutral platform to explore new technologies. Ignore the marketing, and what size booth, and who throws the best parties. Do not be a “zombie” tradeshow walker either. That is where you walk aimlessly and get sucked in by the pretty shows people put on, but miss what is right in front of you that can make a difference. Dealer and distributor local shows can work well, just understand the limitations and combine them with other research, as many of these shows will only show you what they sell and are aligned with, leaving out many other brands and new technologies.

If you really want to do what is right for your company, due diligence is everything. Talk directly with a variety of manufacturers and test the products yourself to see if they meet your requirements. Nothing is better than a good old-fashioned shootout between brands, especially if the end user is in control of it to make sure everything is on a proper playing field. All manufacturers are guilty of making their products sound as good as possible. That is simply marketing at its best or worst, for that matter.

Ask questions like what makes your technology better than the competition, what is your warranty, where is it made, what is the life span of the product, do you make the product (yeah, many companies just slap their name on OEM and pretend it is theirs, support, education, TAA compliant, and roadmap. Don’t fall into the AI trap where companies make it sound exciting from a buzzword. See that it really does what they say, regardless of the tag line. At the end of the day, you are solving a problem, and it does not matter what fancy wrapper it comes in; does it simply do what is advertised, and does it do it well?

ADAM SOWERS
Senior Manager, Business Development at Sony Electronics

As organizations evolve their AV systems, the integration of interoperability, cloud solutions, and AI is paramount. AV systems aren’t just about hardware anymore; now, it’s all about being open, smart, and working together seamlessly. Even the newest legacy systems must catch up with the demands of hybrid work, smarter buildings, and AI-powered experiences. How would this actually get done? By embracing interoperability.

For anyone choosing platforms, I’d recommend looking for those that support open architectures and APIs. This is because open systems make it much easier for all your devices and services to communicate with each other. Think of it this way: By choosing solutions that can grow and adapt, you’re making sure your tech keeps up with the times as best as possible and is set up to evolve as quickly as possible. If you haven’t yet, check out initiatives like OpenAV Cloud, of which Sony Electronics is a member, to help you stay ahead.

Additionally, we’re all aware of the impact AI is starting to have. For example, virtual assistants and service bots are not just for demos anymore. Tools like predictive maintenance and smart troubleshooting mean less downtime and happier users. Virtual attendants can automate routines, personalize rooms, and manage schedules with minimal fuss.

Over the next few years, the efforts to unite disparate systems to create holistic solutions will finally come together. To prepare for that, think about going for modular, cloud-native solutions that are ready for AI and can grow with your evolution path. And partner with brands—like Sony—that believe in interoperability and open standards.

NICOLE CORBIN
Vice President of Product at Utelogy Corporation

As AV and IT continue to converge, the future belongs to organizations that embrace interoperability, automation, and intelligent systems. From cloud control platforms to AI-driven workflows, the industry is moving into an era where your technology estate shouldn’t just be about how it’s managed, but about how it’s orchestrated (ideally remotely and automatically).

Legacy and even modern AV systems weren’t designed to support the kind of dynamic, scalable, and data-driven operations today’s enterprises demand, but that’s changing fast.

At Utelogy, we’re seeing end users evolve by connecting AI agents across their IT/AV environments to support services that manage device health, power scheduling, room utilization, and even energy-saving measures. But these agents need a toolkit to work—a platform that provides control, telemetry, configuration, and automation in real-time. That’s where the Utelogy Platform comes in, delivering innovations like Agentic AI on our MCP Server to solve these challenges.

Agentic AI brings a conversational interface to the heart of AV/UC operations. Issue a command like, “Restart all devices in Building B with recent alert history,” and the system not only executes it, but recommends how to turn that action into a self-healing event going forward. This is AI for productivity, not just novelty.

Our advice? Don’t be afraid to integrate. Whether you’re managing a few rooms or thousands of devices across campuses and continents, the right tools let you reduce manual effort, increase uptime, and make smarter decisions using the data you already have.

In the coming years, the winners won’t just be those who adopt the newest tech, but those who build agile, interoperable systems that allow humans and machines to work together. The future of AV/IT isn’t siloed; it’s smart, connected, and cloud-enabled.

JATAN SHAH
President at QSC

My advice to end users looking to evolve their AV systems is to focus on flexibility, scalability, and intelligence. Technology is moving quickly, and the most future-ready solutions are those that adapt as your needs change while simplifying day-to-day experiences.

One of the biggest shifts in the industry is the move toward full integration of AV, IT, and building systems. AV is no longer a standalone function; it’s becoming deeply embedded in the workplace and experiential design. This means organizations should seek out open platforms that can seamlessly integrate into broader ecosystems rather than locking into closed or siloed technologies.

Another important trend is the rise of AI and data-driven automation. Instead of just enabling meetings or presentations, AI is becoming the eyes and ears of the room, driving context-aware actions like presenter tracking, speaker detection, and intelligent room adjustments. This shift makes technology more intuitive, reduces friction for end users, and helps deliver consistent, high-quality experiences.

Scalability also plays a critical role. End users should think not only about solving today’s challenges, but also about whether their AV approach can expand across multiple spaces or campuses while continuing to deliver measurable outcomes. Collecting and analyzing data from connected systems will become essential for optimizing utilization, proving ROI, and informing future planning.

Ultimately, the future of AV/IT is about creating smarter, more connected environments that support collaboration and innovation. By prioritizing open, data-driven platforms, organizations can ensure they’re not just keeping up with change but actively shaping spaces that are efficient, adaptive, and human-centered.

KATHRYN TAUB
Senior Product Marketing Manager at Audinate

Over the past decade, AV over IP has become central to professional systems, with nearly every major manufacturer offering networked products. And yet, interoperability across brands remains uneven, and customers expect systems that are easy to deploy, adaptable, and capable of integrating devices from different vendors.

The main challenge is that many products are built on unique implementations that work within a single brand but don’t extend beyond it. Such closed systems may be reliable, but hinder specialized features, gradual upgrades, or integration with existing investments. Open standards offer a pathway toward compatibility, but progress is slow and adoption is uneven, usually limited to basic transport of media across the network. Licensable platform solutions have become a widely adopted alternative. Backed by dedicated engineering teams, they extend beyond basic transport to provide APIs, stronger security, monitoring, and cloud-based tools that work consistently across multiple manufacturers.

Interoperability is what ensures AV-over-IP systems meet expectations in practice. Reliable audio and video depend on devices working together without added latency or quality loss, regardless of brand. As networks grow from single rooms to campuses, interoperability allows them to scale without fragmentation or costly redesigns. Shared APIs and common control frameworks make management practical by giving integrators the visibility they need to simplify support. Security underscores the same point: A system is only as strong as its weakest device, and without network-wide encryption or access control, interoperability is incomplete. Systems must balance performance and flexibility so they can meet the distinct demands of any environment.

The future of AV over IP depends on interoperability. With common protocols, consistent testing, and manufacturer-agnostic design, the industry can build networks that scale and adapt with ease. Interoperability safeguards current investments while opening the door to the innovation and growth that will define the next generation of AV systems.

BRAD HINTZE
Executive Vice President of Global Marketing at Crestron

Ultimately, convergence is all about scale. While organizations grow and their services expand, every system has to evolve to support new demands. This doesn’t mean simply upgrading individual components; instead, it requires a strategic approach and selecting platforms that are built on scalable standards that can grow with an organization over time. This scalability isn’t enough on its own, though. The platforms must also offer flexibility to accommodate a diverse range of spaces and room configurations to address smaller huddle rooms and multifunctional boardrooms alike. When choosing solutions that balance both of these components, organizations can future-proof their environments while maintaining consistency and performance.

Just as important is the user experience, as the expectations of end users are rising rapidly.

Today’s employees walk into a room with a clear vision for how they want the space to operate. Basic connectivity and audiovisual capabilities are no longer sufficient. Organizations must enable people to use the room with an easy-to-use system that offers AI features such as transcription and notetaking—just like they have come to expect from their individual workspaces.

Success lies in selecting technologies that scale with your organization while enhancing the experience of every individual who interacts
with them.

KEITH YANKE
Vice President of Product & Solutions Marketing at Sharp Imaging
& Information Company of America

The AV/IT landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by AI, cloud interoperability, and new display technology. For end-users upgrading legacy or newer AV systems, it’s important to consider scalability, security, and sustainability.

AI is transforming display intelligence. From content triggering based on audience behavior to predictive diagnostics and remote monitoring, AI makes systems smarter, more responsive, and easier to manage. Paired with cloud-based management, AV networks can be centrally controlled, ensuring updates are applied, standards upheld, and devices remain secure throughout their lifecycle.

As systems grow more interconnected, interoperability introduces both opportunity and risk—making security foundational. AV systems must be designed with lifecycle security in mind, including firmware and software support beyond deployment. With that, manufacturers will be expected to maintain robust protocols throughout a product’s life.

As display technologies evolve alongside AI and cloud, LED displays continue to gain momentum with chip-on-board (COB) and smaller pixel pitch options becoming more affordable. When paired with cloud-driven control, LED provides scalable, high-performance displays that integrate seamlessly into AV/IT ecosystems.

Immersive experiences—from simulation to projection mapping—are expanding as AI simplifies both content creation and the mapping process. Tasks that once required niche expertise now have easier learning curves, making immersive environments more accessible to broader markets and applications. Combined with cloud-based platforms, interoperable AV systems can deliver these experiences in ways that are seamless, adaptable, and scalable.

Sustainability has also become a decisive purchasing driver. Beyond efficient hardware, cloud interoperability supports smarter lifecycle management—optimizing usage, reducing waste, and extending product longevity. Combined with durable displays, this proves that performance and sustainability can align.

Looking ahead, AV/IT systems will be defined by their ability to adapt, connect, and contribute to intelligent, secure, and sustainable workplaces across industries.

EFFI GOLDSTEIN
President of the HDBaseT Alliance

Whether upgrading legacy installations or enhancing newer deployments, end users would be best served by adopting a strategy centered around proven, reliable standards.

Modern AV systems are expensive, and organizations need to be sure that today’s investment will support tomorrow’s requirements. Building on established protocols like HDBaseT helps teams avoid getting locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem, resulting in greater and faster access to equipment than when relying on one source. This flexibility is especially important when it comes to maintenance, replacement, and time-sensitive system expansion.

Another key factor that must be taken into consideration is maintaining full functionality of the interfaces being used. For example, USB-C has become ubiquitous in modern devices, but not all connectivity solutions support the same bandwidth, creating hidden bottlenecks. For example, when connecting a USB 3.0 camera, you don’t want it to be downgraded to USB 2.0 because a system’s connectivity infrastructure can’t handle the higher data rates. Quality standards ensure your investment performs at the level it was intended to.

An additional advantage of standards-based systems is their ability to support upgrades in stages rather than being forced into complete overhauls. HDBaseT’s backward compatibility means you can reuse existing components and upgrade others as needs evolve incrementally—all while staying within budget. This offers dual benefits: It’s more economically friendly for the organization, and it supports sustainability initiatives by extending equipment lifecycles.

PETRO SHIMONISHI
Director of New Business Development at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas

AV/IT convergence not only poses an opportunity to streamline workflows, but it also exposes the need for flexible, interoperable, and easy-to-use solutions. Delivering end-to-end workflow solutions is essential to empowering AV professionals to focus on what matters: creating shared experiences. Effective, efficient workflows allow users to deliver stronger results with fewer resources to maximize the value of AV systems.

We’ll continue to see more integrations between hardware and software providers to streamline workflows and give customers the ability to design, create, and manage applications with more ease than ever before. For instance, at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas, we recently partnered with XTEN-AV to develop an integration that allows AV professionals to specify the correct lens for their Panasonic projector. Corporate AV/IT teams can confidently create system designs, reducing guesswork and speeding installation of interchangeable lens projectors.

Another market trend we anticipate will continue is the evolution of simplicity in installations. Universities upgrading lecture halls or other spaces often require additional hardware to manage streaming, content sharing, and network integration. This can increase system complexity, which becomes challenging for tight spaces. Panasonic’s displays and projectors feature SDM card slots and our partnership with Matrox Video gives AV professionals the freedom to choose the AVoIP standard that best meets their needs, with a clean system design that’s flexible for the future.

The migration of AV system workflows to the cloud is accelerating. This transition will help power seamless, engaging content as siloed, proprietary systems inhibit integration and innovation. As a founding member of OpenAV Cloud, Panasonic aims to accelerate this transition by supporting OpenAPI standards and working with the association to create a cloud-to-cloud communication standard that drives easy, cross-platform collaboration.

JOE ANDRULIS
Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Biamp

AI continues to transform the audiovisual landscape, integrating into both legacy and contemporary AV systems. For end users, this ongoing evolution represents an unprecedented opportunity to enhance meeting experiences while also simplifying system management and support.

Beyond traditional configuration and provisioning, AI is fundamentally reshaping how end users experience corporate meetings of all types, whether participants are in person, remote, or in a hybrid setting. The most remarkable aspect of this transformation is its invisibility. Participants benefit from sophisticated, AI-driven enhancements without ever sensing the technology working behind the scenes. This seamless integration is crucial for creating truly effective meeting environments that prioritize simplicity, speed, and unwavering reliability.

Modern conferencing solutions exemplify this invisible intelligence. All-in-one conferencing bars, for example, demonstrate how AI can elevate user experiences through intelligent features such as beamtracking technology, which actively monitors and intelligently mixes conversations to ensure remote participants feel fully engaged. Coupled with AI-powered noise reduction algorithms, these systems deliver crystal-clear voice reproduction that eliminates distractions and maintains professional communication standards.

Visual intelligence further enhances the experience through electronic pan-tilt-zoom cameras paired with auto-framing technology, ensuring all participants remain perfectly positioned regardless of their location or movement. This technology keeps everyone front and center, creating an inclusive environment where physical location becomes irrelevant to participation quality.

The impact of AI also extends into operational excellence, benefiting end users in other ways they may not realize. For technical support teams, AI provides unprecedented insights into system performance, enabling rapid problem identification and resolution. This enables support teams to implement predictive capabilities to address potential issues before they impact end users, transforming reactive support into proactive system optimization. This paradigm shift ensures that mundane technical issues are resolved automatically, while more complex challenges are anticipated and prevented, creating a seamless, uninterrupted meeting experience for all participants.

OMER BROOKSTEIN, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Xyte

For enterprise end users looking to evolve their AV systems, the most important step is ensuring a foundation that’s open and adaptable. Proprietary silos slow innovation and increase costs, while open APIs provide the flexibility to integrate best-in-class solutions and scale as needs change. That’s why OpenAV Cloud—an industry initiative focused on standardizing open, cloud-based APIs and fostering cross-platform collaboration—is so critical.

The value of choosing an OpenAV solution is clear: It delivers vendor-neutral flexibility, easier integrations and scalability, and faster support and troubleshooting—all while future-proofing AV/IT investments with the backing of industry leaders. With this foundation in place, enterprises can not only streamline today’s operations but also prepare for the intelligent automation that’s rapidly reshaping the industry.

The real opportunity today, however, lies in how AI will transform the way AV systems are supported, maintained, and experienced. AI-powered teammates are emerging as a force multiplier for IT and AV teams.

Autonomous issue resolution means that if a microphone drops mid-call, AI detects it and reboots or reroutes before users notice. With proactive scheduling and monitoring, AI forecasts failures from usage patterns and environmental data, then books service windows automatically. Context-aware support in hybrid meetings allows AI to adjust audio, cameras, and layouts to match participants and context. And finally, with self-service for end users, employees can resolve minor issues with AI-guided instructions, reducing IT workload.

AI in enterprise AV isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about augmenting teams with intelligent assistants that deliver resilience, efficiency, and better user experiences. Future-ready AV means building for both interoperability and intelligence—without one, the other cannot succeed. And with AI teammates stepping in to resolve issues, anticipate needs, and empower users, organizations that embrace this shift now will set the pace for the entire industry.

STEPHANE TREMBLAY
President of the SDVoE Alliance

Today, we’re recognizing that many integrators, IT managers, and end users are seeking solutions that deliver high-quality performance without requiring a complete rip and replace of existing infrastructure. As a result, AV over IP has emerged as a viable solution. By shifting AV distribution onto standard Ethernet networks, it enables organizations to harness the power of their current infrastructure while unlocking new levels of flexibility, scalability, and reliability. Unlike traditional systems that often depend on proprietary hardware and cabling, AV over IP integrates seamlessly into IT environments.

A key advantage of AV over IP, and particularly Software-Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE), is its ability to deliver high-performance video and audio with the reliability and interoperability that IT teams expect. With SDVoE technology, audiovisual functions become software-defined, meaning updates, enhancements, and even new features can be deployed through firmware rather than hardware replacement. A software-based approach offers significant future proofing, delaying obsolescence and protecting investments. In an era where supply chain disruptions and budget pressures remain real challenges, that flexibility matters.

Higher education, corporate facilities, houses of worship, and other verticals need standardized, interoperable solutions that scale to large spaces without compromising user experience. In higher education, for instance, AV over IP enables classrooms, lecture halls, and collaborative spaces to run on a consistent backbone, easing IT management and improving reliability.

Looking ahead, AV and IT continue to converge more closely. AV is no longer siloed, but treated as another service on the network, and is subject to the same demands for uptime, security, and scalability. Ethernet’s continued evolution, coupled with AV over IP’s flexibility, suggests that over the next few years, organizations will increasingly standardize on 10G Ethernet backbones. As a result, AV systems will become more reliable, interoperable, and adaptable to future needs, ensuring end users can keep pace with changing expectations without constant reinvestment.

Renkus-Heinz has launched new third-party control plug-in-modules for Crestron and Q-SYS, developed in partnership with Control Concepts.

[Control Concepts Introduces On-Prem Dashboard for Shure Conferencing Devices]

To simplify complex installations, users have long sought a single-platform solution for reliable system control. Always looking to improve customer experience, Renkus-Heinz partnered with Control Concepts to develop the new third-party plug-ins to enhance workflow and improve cohesive control across all Renkus-Heinz products.

The plug-ins were designed to eliminate integration hurdles by ensuring full system compatibility. They provide proven, trusted solutions that let developers focus on results and smoother workflows. The plug-ins were also created to save users hours of valuable time, by streamlining system management.

Beyond workflow improvements, the plug-ins are backed by Control Concepts’ official Supported Product Program. Control Concepts’ ongoing support of the plug-ins empowers integrators with the assurance that their API integrations are fully tested, approved, and endorsed by the manufacturer, whose in-depth product knowledge ensures responsive support and quick issue resolution. “We chose to work with Control Concepts to develop these plugins due to their long-standing relationship with integrators and manufacturing partners to deliver high-quality solutions,” Brandon Heinz, product manager, Renkus-Heinz stated.

Control Concepts delivers well-crafted software and integration solutions, helping manufacturers create products that are easier to adopt, integrate, and trust. “We are proud to be selected as Renkus-Heinz's partner for API integration with Crestron and Q-SYS,” commented Steve Greenblatt, President and Founder of Control Concepts. “We value their focus on creating products that are programmer and integrator-friendly, and the availability of endorsed and supported plugins is a strong example of this dedication.”

With the launch of these new plug-ins, Renkus-Heinz and Control Concepts are providing a new solution for seamless integration, compatibility, and user confidence in large-scale AV projects. “We have plenty more plug-ins planned for the future,” revealed Heinz. “We look forward to seeing how our customers will put them to use.”

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: John Hulen, Director of Channel Marketing, Education at Crestron

Simple connectivity, a repeatable user experience, and increasing engagement are among the most impactful developments in the higher education classroom.

One important trend in the higher ed classroom is the widespread adoption of wireless presentation solutions like Crestron’s AirMedia technology. These solutions have evolved to simplify connectivity for faculty and students compared to wired options requiring different cable adapters or dongles, which can be unreliable or easily lost. Wireless presentation solutions can facilitate engagement by allowing up to four participants to share content simultaneously.

Eliminating complex programming requirements for AV technology and moving towards configurable user interfaces is another evolving trend. With Crestron’s .AV Framework capabilities, systems can have a uniform look and feel across the entire campus by simply connecting a device and configuring what will be shown on a touch screen. Depending on the hardware used in the classroom, control processors might not be required.

One form of technology facilitating better engagement includes using multiple cameras to capture the classroom experience for hybrid learning or lecture capture. Microsoft Teams and Zoom conferencing programs allow for multiple camera streams. Cameras with presenter tracking can follow the professor as she walks back and forth at the front of the room, but a camera framing the in-person students, which can zoom in when a student asks a question, increases engagement for remote students.

Using Visual AI, Crestron’s Automate VX chooses between different cameras to reframe a speaker to accommodate the direction he is facing. With the Intelligent Video Room Designer software, visualizing how the room will operate puts the control in the hands of the system engineer or technical end users based on specific preferences. Group framing, conversation mode, presenter tracking, and other methods help increase participation, no matter where students are when joining the class.

As residential integrators gathered at CEDIA Expo/CIX in Denver last week, many attendees were looking to grow their businesses by expanding into commercial projects. They weren’t alone: Industry experts agree the convergence between residential and commercial integration is experiencing substantial growth.

Jason McGraw, group VP and show director of CEDIA Expo/CIX, said there is strong data behind the trend. “Both CEDIA and show organizers survey attendees annually, and we’ve consistently seen an increase in the number of commercial projects being installed by traditionally residential-focused integrators,” he explained. “This reflects a broader market shift where the lines between residential and commercial spaces, and the technologies used in them, are continuing to blur. Resimercial is not only growing, it’s accelerating.”

CEDIA put a greater focus on resimercial opportunities at the show, including education sessions, manufacturer product training, and more commercial brands on the CIX show floor. “To be clear, the show’s core will always be rooted in the residential integration channel,” McGraw said. “But we’re evolving with the market and helping integrators tap into the fast-growing opportunities at the intersection of residential and commercial, because that’s where a lot of exciting business potential lies.”

Kathleen Thomas, head of custom install for Sony Electronics North America, said the convergence of residential and commercial is a “natural progression” in the maturation of the custom integration business. “It is definitely a growing channel for Sony,” she added. “About 30% of our residential dealers purchased a commercial product from Sony last year, whereas a few years ago it was a very rare occurrence.”

Sony has seen a big increase in display products, including panels and projectors, overlapping between markets. In fact, Thomas said the company’s CLED commercial video wall has found a spot in the residential market.

Familiarity and Relevance

ADI | Snap One’s VP of product management, Matt Kamp, said a number of the company’s product categories are becoming increasingly relevant for both residential and commercial applications. “We’ve seen strong overlap in the audio product area, where residential and light commercial work has significant overlap,” he noted. “Additionally, high-quality outdoor products—designed for homeowners looking for durable televisions, audio, and networking—translate well to light commercial work.”

Luke Heckel, Sonos commercial sales lead, said his company is seeing a “significant and growing” overlap, particularly within its existing customer base. In fact, much of the company’s commercial growth was organic, as residential clients started installing Sonos products in their offices, gyms, and restaurants.

“Many business owners already experience the benefits of Sonos in their homes and want to bring that same intuitive, high-quality audio experience into their commercial spaces,” he explained. “That familiarity makes the transition almost effortless for integrators, because they’re not introducing a completely foreign platform; they’re extending something the client already knows, trusts, and loves into a new environment.”

Crestron has also seen growth in the crossover between residential and commercial spaces, according to Brad Hintze, the company’s EVP of global marketing. “We see light commercial spaces leveraging technology to deliver a compelling experience,” he explained. “These projects need pros who know how to deliver that experience while maintaining that it is super easy to use. That’s precisely what CEDIA integrators have been doing with Crestron. Given the growth opportunity and the experience within luxury homes, these spaces are a natural fit.”

Contributing Factors

McGraw said the convergence trend was significantly amplified during the pandemic. “With the rise of hybrid work, remote learning, and connected lifestyles, people started demanding commercial-grade tech performance in their homes,” he noted. “At the same time, commercial spaces such as offices, university dorms, hospitality environments, and even corporate lobbies began adopting more home-like design and comfort elements, including residential-style audio, lighting, and furnishings.”

Since then, several factors continue to influence the resimercial trend. “Part of it is organic development, as a lot of their residential customers are business owners and the customer wants to do business with someone they trust,” Thomas offered. “Some integrators have pursued the business to help diversify their customer base to ride out challenging periods in the housing industry.”

Heckel agreed trust is a major driver of the resimercial trend. “When a client has already seen how well their integrator delivers in the home, it’s a natural leap to have that same team handle the business environment,” he said. “We often hear about integrators gaining substantial commercial business from existing residential customers who also own or manage businesses in need of technology integration.”

As residential installers are beginning to do light commercial work, Kamp said education is a key factor. “At ADI | Snap One, we not only provide products that can translate from residential environments to light commercial environments, but also the training and support for installers to best know how to adjust the products for commercial environments,” he explained. “This support allows installers to capitalize on new streams of income and revenue opportunities.”

A Positive Trend?

Of course, manufacturers are challenged to balance the aesthetic needs of the residential space with the performance requirements of the commercial space. Kamp argued that strong automated control systems are central to finding that balance.

“With products like Control4 X4, which offers a sleek interface and is designed for enhancing the smart living environment for homeowners and business owners alike, users can easily adjust settings, routines, and controls through an updated mobile app, T4 touchscreens, or a web interface,” he added. “Meanwhile, reliable networking ensures that these systems perform seamlessly in both residential and commercial environments. By providing consistent connectivity and simplifying deployment and maintenance, robust networking solutions allow the technology to fade into the background, so users experience both high performance and a clean, uncluttered space.”

So, is the resimercial trend a good thing? “Absolutely,” Heckel declared. “For integrators, diversification isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Resimercial work offers a natural, low-barrier way to expand service offerings without having to retool an entire business model. It allows integrators to strengthen relationships with existing clients, tap into new revenue streams, and remain busy during economic shifts that might slow purely residential or purely commercial work.”

For Sonos specifically, Heckel said the resimercial trend helps the company partner with integrators in a broader range of projects. “It’s a win-win: Integrators grow their portfolios, and customers enjoy consistent quality whether they’re at home, at work, or anywhere in between,” he added.

Thomas also sees resimercial as a positive trend. “Anything that diversifies the custom integration business and leverages the relationships that the integrator has with their customer to drive business is a good thing,” she noted.

Videobars are making online meetings better and often more efficient than traveling to face-to-face encounters. A quad-camera system, the Crestron Videobar 70 captures the motion, beamforming microphones record the sound, and its stereo speakers for playback are ideal for medium or large rooms. Crestron likes to call it an all-in-one collaboration bar, and it's easy to see why.

If your goal is complete coverage of the meeting’s attendees, you have two video options. Three narrow field of view 4K cameras (left, center, and right) capture individual participants with 14-degree overlap, while the main 20 MP wide-angle 4K camera frames the entire group. The 4K image may be output on two separate displays at 30fps. So many cameras give you so many display options, such as multiple views or picture-in-picture, to customize your meeting experience.

Audio is captured throughout the room with 24 microphones, and the two 10-watt speakers clearly reproduce it. With aural features like speaker equalization, adaptive beamforming, dynamic noise suppression, dereverberation, acoustic echo cancellation, and automatic gain control, your audio will probably be better than your ears will actually hear.

The Videobar 70 is massive (relatively speaking), measuring just over 38 inches long and weighing about 13 pounds. Although portable, it is a dominant feature in the room. The center-mounted camera array is concealed by a metal door and is surround by an LED that glows green or red.

Connection ports are in the rear. From left to right is the AC input, reset button, USB-C port, USB-C microphone input, two USB-A ports, two LAN inputs, three HDMI outputs, two HDMI inputs, and 3.5mm audio I/O. A separate TS-1070 touchscreen control panel is vital for custom control of the videobar.

Making Connections

I’ve reviewed numerous videobars and this one has to be the biggest I’ve seen. More like a piece of expensive office furniture, the package came in a large box with the Videobar 70, TS-1070 touchscreen, and all the cabling you need. The initial setup was a little complicated, so I asked for Crestron’s help.

The TC-1070 gets its power from the gray Ethernet cable plugged into the Lan PoE port on the PWE-4803RU power supply. The blue Ethernet cable runs from the LAN output to Input 1 on the Videobar 70. An HDMI out connects the videobar to a monitor, in our case a Samsung 55-inch 4K display. Input 2 on the Videobar 70 accepts the internet signal via an Ethernet cable.

Power up both the touchscreen and the videobar. After the color parade is finished, you should be ready to go. That should have been the case. However, our university’s firewall is so strong, it recognized a non-university, non-approved signal and blocked it (as it should).

I had to contact IT, give them the pertinent info on the Crestron 70, and allow the unit to be recognized. This didn’t happen overnight. It seems that the video touchscreen needs its own Wi-Fi signal on its own line. Once the university allocated two separate lines for the touchscreen, the system operated properly.

The system defaults to mirror mode. That is easily switched off on the touchpanel. The camera tracked the subject as he moved throughout the room. There was a second or two of lag before the camera caught up to him, but once the facial recognition locked on the person whatever he would do, the camera would track them.

When we initially heard audio for the first time, it was extremely loud. We didn't realize the quality and power of the speakers. Once we got it down to a reasonable level, it sounded less like a surround sound system in a movie theater. After a few moments of fiddling around, everything was set up and working properly, it was incredible what the Crestron videobar could do.

You're Gonna Be a Star

With the Videobar 70, you are the producer of a Hollywood-style meeting. Your clients, coworkers, or students have the best seat in the surround sound theater for their meeting. Seriously, the sound and picture make me want to compare it with a major studio production.

In this instance, AI really does enhance the viewer/attendee’s experience. However, there are some logistic loops you must jump through. Depending on what software version is installed on the videobar, you’ll need a Microsoft Teams or Zoom account.

I was complaining about the difficulty at my university about getting access to an Ethernet connection because of the firewall. At home I wouldn't have had those problems, but I don't have my own Zoom account. There also are a lot of connections that must be made, so I found it helpful to label each end of the cable to know where its proper placement is.

[Product Review: Think Outside the 'Box']

The Crestron Videobar 70 is great for any meeting with only a few minutes of setup time—once you know where everything goes. Optimal sound and visuals will enhance any meeting or presentation. You can control all the Videobar’s features with touchscreen control, so you can take better command of your meetings and make each presenter the star attraction.

Walking into InfoComm 2025 felt oddly familiar—the badge scan, the flood of LED walls, and that unmistakable energy. It brought me back to my first day of freshman year at NJIT in Newark, NJ, standing outside Cypress Hall. You know the feeling of new faces, new rules, and the silent hope that you’re wearing the freshest kicks on campus. That same nervous curiosity was in the air in Orlando, not just from first-time attendees, but also from seasoned pros trying to make sense of AI, hybrid work models, and tech partnerships that didn’t even exist a year ago.

It got me thinking maybe what the AV industry needs most right now isn’t new technology. Perhaps we need a mindset reset, a chance to feel like freshmen again.

As a freshman, I was wide open to the possibilities of what I could accomplish and learn. But that feeling is harder to come by in your career. You find your lane after a few years, and the longer you stay in it, especially in AV, the less you tend to deviate. You become hyper-focused on goals, deliverables, and deadlines.

Then, each year, InfoComm arrives, and suddenly, that wide-eyed energy comes back—not necessarily from the tech itself, but from the people still asking, "What’s next?"

That’s when I realized I’ve been in this industry for more than 10 years. And while that might not seem long compared to some, it's long enough to see how much has changed and how much hasn’t. Tech keeps evolving. But the mindset? Often, it’s still stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it” mode.

Be Curious, Not Certain

It took nearly a decade for AV professionals to truly understand the role of IT in our world, and even longer to figure out how to collaborate with it. I remember when “IT convergence” was just a buzzword. I used to roll my eyes. Now? It’s foundational. AV lives on networks, relies on software, and strives to play nicely with data security (I'll save that for another article).

We can’t afford to take another 10 years to figure out AI. Technologies are moving too fast and adoption cycles are short. Customers are already experimenting, whether we’re ready or not.

That’s why curiosity matters more than certainty. The professionals who’ll thrive next aren’t the ones clinging to what they know. They’re the ones asking, testing, exploring. They’re demoing tools that feel just outside their comfort zones. They’re willing to say, “I’m still learning.”

And here’s the shift no one wants to say out loud: Niche knowledge alone won’t cut it anymore. It’s no longer enough to just be an audio engineer, control programmer, or video wall expert. We need to find the middle ground, being experts in our craft while building enough generalist knowledge to collaborate, adapt, and lead in new spaces.

Sit in the Front Row

In college, I sat in the front row for most classes. I focused better, listened more, and walked out actually understanding the material. That same mindset works in AV.

As we head into Q4, most people tend to wind down. However, this is the best time to build momentum and adopt a strategic approach. Start reviewing what worked this year, identify skill or tech gaps, and set learning goals tied to your 2025 initiatives. Don’t wait until January to explore AI tools, automation platforms, or new hardware and software updates. Use Q4 to learn, test, and align those insights with what you want to accomplish for yourself and what you can help others achieve.

This isn’t about being the most intelligent person in the room. It’s about being the most engaged. The ones who treat September like a soft launch for Q1? They’re already ahead of the curve.

Find Your Study Group

When I started in technical support at Crestron, I knew the products but not much else. Moving into sales gave me a new perspective. Then, working for an integrator opened my eyes to operations, including logistics, timelines, and client dynamics, among other aspects. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was unintentionally building a study group, mentors, peers, and coworkers I could lean on when I didn’t know something.

Looking back, that network was one of the most valuable parts of my growth. And it wasn’t built through a formal program. It happened through curiosity, relationship building, and being willing to admit when I needed help. Want to fast-track your learning? Don’t do it alone.

• Connect outside your function. Shadow someone in ops, design, marketing, or service. Ask for 15 minutes to understand how their world works.

• Start recurring check-ins with someone more knowledgeable than you. Make it biweekly, informal, maybe even 10 minutes long. You ask questions. They talk. You absorb.

• Document what you’re learning. Create a shared folder, group chat, or digital notebook to log useful links, insights, and lessons.

• Make learning a habit, not an event. Every meeting, client call, or demo is a live case study. Treat it like one.

You don’t need to be an expert in everything. But when you surround yourself with people who know what you don’t, and you learn from them, you stop guessing and start growing.

Don’t Be Afraid to Look Lost

If there’s one thing that’s helped me grow in this industry, it’s this: I’ve never been afraid to look lost. I’ve never minded asking what some might call a dumb question. I’ve raised my hand in rooms full of experts and said, “Hold up, can you explain that again?”

In any tech-heavy space, there’s pressure to act like you know everything. But that’s just ego. The most confident people I’ve met are those who admit when they don’t know something and then figure it out.

Here’s the truth: No one has it all figured out. The ones who thrive aren’t faking expertise. They’re embracing discomfort. They’re saying, “I don’t get this … yet,” and then put in the work.

If this past year has made anything clear, it’s this: We’re all freshmen again. No matter how long you’ve been in AV, or how much you think you know, AI, automation, and next gen collaboration tools are reshaping the landscape. Fast.

But that’s not something to fear. It’s something to lean into.

[Viewpoint: If You Build It, Will They Come?]

Being a freshman isn’t about being clueless. It’s about being open to learning, changing, and asking better questions. The technologies we’re seeing aren’t just buzzwords. They’re invitations to rethink how we work, design, communicate, and grow.

This is our chance to move forward and faster. But only if we show up with curiosity, humility, and the courage to raise our hand and say, “Teach me.”

Contrary to what you might be reading in some news outlets, hybrid work remains the norm for many organizations, which means balancing the AV needs of remote and in-office employees remains a top priority. The challenge lies in creating a consistent, high-quality collaboration experience regardless of where employees are located.

Achieving this starts with a user-first AV design philosophy, prioritizing ease of use, intuitive interfaces, and seamless integration across platforms. Whether someone is working from a fully equipped conference room or their kitchen table, the technology should enable, not hinder, productive collaboration.

When AV systems are intuitive and easy to use, they enable productivity without requiring employees to become tech experts. In the office, that means equipping conference rooms with interfaces that make starting a meeting or sharing content as simple as a single touch. At home, it means deploying high-quality webcams, microphones, and headsets that deliver clear audio and video with minimal setup.

These tools should work seamlessly with the organization’s chosen collaboration platforms, offering plug-and-play simplicity and minimal learning curves. The goal is to ensure equity among remote participants and those sitting in the boardroom.

To meet this challenge, scalability and flexibility are essential. Office spaces need AV systems that can adapt to changing headcounts, new collaboration styles, and evolving technology platforms. Similarly, remote workers require solutions that are simple to set up but powerful enough to support high-quality video and audio for virtual meetings. A scalable system ensures that the same core technology can be applied across large boardrooms, huddle spaces, and home offices, while flexibility allows for quick pivots in response to user feedback or organizational changes.

One of the biggest hurdles in supporting hybrid collaboration is bridging the gap between AV and IT. As AV systems increasingly rely on networks, cloud-based platforms, and software-driven controls, AV and IT teams must work together more closely. This means standardizing on interoperable platforms, streamlining device management, and building infrastructure that supports both robust AV performance and secure IT practices. Unified platforms that allow for remote diagnostics, firmware updates, and user management are helping to eliminate silos between these traditionally separate departments.

AI is also rapidly transforming how we interact with AV systems in hybrid work environments. From intelligent room controls and automated camera framing to real-time transcription and predictive analytics, AI-driven tools are streamlining collaboration and helping organizations deliver a more consistent user experience.

Ultimately, balancing the AV needs of remote and in-office workers is about more than just selecting the right gear—it’s about designing an experience that empowers people to connect and collaborate naturally, no matter where they are. By prioritizing user-first design, investing in scalable and flexible solutions, fostering deeper integration between AV and IT, and harnessing the power of AI, organizations can build a resilient and adaptable AV ecosystem that supports the future of work.

[Keeping Up with Hybrid]

These topics and technologies will be front and center next month at CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX), the industry’s most comprehensive gathering of technology professionals, manufacturers, designers, and solution providers. Industry leaders including Legrand | AV, Crestron, and Sony will showcase solutions specifically built for the hybrid era.

From next-gen conferencing systems to networked audio platforms and flexible video distribution tools, the event will highlight innovations designed to make hybrid work feel effortless and inclusive. Education sessions dedicated to leveraging AI for AV will be emphasized, identifying practical ways to integrate AI into workflows today and enabling teams to maximize productivity and improve meeting equity across hybrid spaces. Find out more at cediaexpo.com.

Named after NVIDIA co-founder Chris Malachowsky, the University of Florida’s newly constructed Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology in Gainesville, FL, is a seven-story, 263,440-square-foot facility dedicated to the advancement of AI, computing, and data science. Completed just over a year ago, it houses faculty and students from the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Department of Computer Information & Information Science & Engineering, Department of Electrical & Computing Engineering, the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research, the Florida Semiconductor Institute, and the Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World.

[SCN Exclusive: Signage Ahoy!]

One of UF’s primary missions is to offer all its students, regardless of academic focus, the opportunity to receive education on AI and its relevance in their chosen discipline. UF also works with other universities, colleges, and K-12 schools, helping them incorporate AI education into their own programs. Malachowsky Hall plays a starring role in these efforts.

Among the key spaces in Malachowsky Hall are the AI Lab, IOT Lab, and VR/Robotics Lab. Each features large Absen video displays that faculty and students utilize for data visualization. The systems were custom designed by the manufacturer in collaboration with UF’s in-house AV team, and integrated by MDM Commercial, an integration firm based in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Monitoring Mosquitos and More

Hans van Oostrom is chair and associate professor in UF’s Department of Engineering Education, which, at 6 years old, is the university’s youngest department. The department oversees two AI master's degrees, along with the undergraduate AI certificate program that is open to all UF students. “Our focus is to improve engineering education through research methods and best practices,” he explained.

Currently, the VR/Robotics Lab is being used primarily for robotics projects. Students run programs and simulations off site and then come to the lab to monitor how their robots perform in a physical environment. Van Oostrom said the department is striving to develop VR technologies for education, but these efforts are still in their infancy. However, the lab is already equipped with the infrastructure to accommodate the sensors and camera systems required when more virtual reality-focused projects come to the forefront.

Swarup Bhunia, director of UF’s Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World, was heavily involved in the development of the IOT Lab. He explained that the facility is used by graduate and undergraduate students to build smart sensors that are applied to internet of things technologies.

One project, led by Bianca Burini, assistant professor in the UF Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences Florida Medical Entomology Lab, is using IOT technology to track mosquito colonies in the interest of relocating them. Burini argued that genetically controlling mosquito populations is critical to reducing vector-borne diseases.

“We are developing a sensor module in the IOT Lab to track mosquitos [through] infrared imaging and recording the sound of their wing beats,” Bhunia explained. “On top of that, we are running a machine learning algorithm to detect how many mosquitos there are, where they are moving, whether they are an adult or an infant, and if they are male or female.” Once AI and sensor technology can track these colonies, researchers can use that data to determine how and where to relocate them.

Both the IOT and VR/Robotics Labs are outfitted with an Absen Acclaim A2712 PRO LED video display with a 1.2mm pixel pitch, measuring 24 feet wide by 13 feet tall. Chase Natoli, executive vice president of technical sales at MDM Commercial, noted that the Acclaim Series is well-suited for these rooms—bustling spaces where technology needs to be rugged.

“LED modules, inherently, are kind of fragile, [and] we’ve noticed this product has held up better because of the construction configuration of materials and the modules themselves,” Natoli said. “We were able to give them something that should last a long time and holds up to the kind of wear and tear that goes on in those rooms.”

AI on Display

A frequent user of the AI Lab, Kiley Graim, assistant professor at UF, focuses on computational genomics. “If you’ve ever known someone who’s gotten a disease and the standard of care hasn’t worked for them, I’m the person the med school would reach out to because my lab designs AI methods that figure out what’s going on based on their genetic data,” she explained.

In analyzing the patterns across an individual’s genome, Graim and her team can make predictions on things like how their disease will progress and what drugs they will respond well to. “And we’ve had some success," she added. "This is the goal, right? To make people’s lives better.”

Graim said that UF’s AI Lab offers the chance to build community. She and her students regularly host joint meetings with other AI and data science groups around campus. Plus, they use the facility to conduct “practice” defenses and conference talks, giving students the opportunity to gain experience on discussing their work.

The AI Lab features an Absen HC0.9 PRO II video wall at a 0.9mm pixel pitch. Peerless-AV provided a custom mount for the curved display, which spans 23.6 feet wide by 13.3 feet high. According to Fernando Correa, industry development director at Absen, this model figures in the manufacturer’s narrow pixel pitch line of displays, which incorporate Integrated Matrix Device (IMD) 4-in-1 technology. “This not only enhances mounted strength but also significantly lowers the risk of LED damage, which is crucial in a lab setting,” he said.

Lon Vance, senior engineer, project manager, Audio Visual Systems at UF, noted that the curvature of the screen in the AI Lab enables a more immersive experience for viewers that are close to the display. “It fills your peripheral vision,” he said.

[NAB 2025: Tariffs, Convergence, and the AI Killer App?]

A Datapath video processor runs the displays in all three labs. A Crestron DM-NVX AV-over-IP-based system provides video distribution and allows for the same content to be shared throughout all three labs. According to Vance, UF took advantage of this capability for a presentation given by Jensen Huang, NVIDIA CEO, in Malachowsky Hall’s NVIDIA Auditorium. “He did the presentation in the auditorium downstairs, and we broadcasted it on those three displays,” Vance said, noting that transforming these labs into overflow spaces is practical when the university hosts high-draw speakers like Huang.

For Graim, Malachowsky Hall facilitates cross collaboration among UF’s different colleges and departments. “I work with people in chemical engineering and electrical and computer engineering, and we can just meet in the AI Lab [for] a shared seminar or a group meeting,” she said. “It’s wonderful because it puts a lot of us together, physically, on campus.”

AV/IT TEAM:

John Schrenker, manager of Learning Space and Classroom Technology

GOALS: The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) was founded in 1829 in Rochester, New York, and is known for its multi-disciplinary blend of technology, arts, and design. The latest development on campus is the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED), which takes audience-centered design to new heights and covers more than 120,000 square feet of new construction.

RIT aimed to create an inclusive and technologically advanced space within its new SHED building. Integrator Kinly previously worked alongside RIT, which led to confidence in the team for the design and integration of the project. Kinly knew Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP technology would be the right fit, as it is already incorporated into the school and AV system.

CHALLENGES: The primary challenge was creating a space that could accommodate the diverse needs of all students. The space needed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the college to maintain consistency and remain easy to use for students and instructors.

“We want to create a seamless learning environment for our students with an environment that supports the different modalities of our staff,” John Schrenker, manager of Learning Space and Classroom Technology at RIT, said. “Faculty have the flexibility to lecture in place or use active learning groups and displays around the room for a more collaborative approach.”

FINAL INSTALL/USER BENEFITS: RIT’s SHED allows students to explore multiple interests and consider what is possible when combining those interests. It houses maker spaces, team spaces, dance studios, rehearsal rooms, 27 new classrooms, an ASL and Deaf Studies Community Center, and a performing arts theater. Transforming the center of campus, the building spotlights students and faculty while empowering them to think laterally, be creative, and apply what they have learned in the classroom, while catering to students with accessibility requirements.

Crestron DM NVX AV over IP was introduced in a previous project and has become the standard. The implementation was done to future-proof its multicast environments and allow multicast streams to be broadcast campus-wide in future applications and projects.

“AV-over-IP is extremely flexible and allows us to adapt our spaces as needs evolve, Schrenker said. “For example, if we have a room that suddenly requires a second display around the room, DM NVX allows us to very easily add that additional input to the system.”

The atrium has a 23-foot-tall and 20-foot-wide video wall connected to the Crestron DM NVX technology systems. This wall displays advertisements and messages or streams live events. Most of the large classrooms and lecture halls are based on multiple presentation systems with seven laser projectors recessed from the ceiling.

Crestron Flex for Zoom software is available in every classroom for video conferencing, along with DM NVX technology for dynamic content sharing throughout the facility. Shure microphones are on all the tables, as well as handheld microphones for larger lectures. The smaller classrooms have LED display technology that leverages DM NVX technology for content sharing and distribution. Crestron scheduling panels are outside of each classroom to show whether or not the room is occupied.

Maker spaces also utilize DM NVX technology and laser projection, allowing engineering students to collaborate on projects internally and throughout campus. The multi-disciplinary robotics club, aero design, and electric vehicle teams all use these spaces to continue innovation and classwork.

The dance studio incorporates DM NVX technology, transforming the background of the dancers to fit each routine’s theme. The music room has a fully integrated laser projection and an LED display. Crestron touch screens, such as projection screens, lighting, and audio, are incorporated in large spaces and classrooms to control the environment. RIT also utilizes Crestron XiO Cloud technology operations management platform for device management and remote monitoring.

The SHED purposely synergizes technology, art, and design under one roof. With flexible spaces that foster and stimulate creativity, collaboration, and discovery, the building is designed to uniquely serve every student and support their ambitions.

[The Class of 2024: Celebrating AV/IT Teams in Higher Ed]

Is your presentation space looking for more cameras with even more control? Well, then there is good news on the horizon. Crestron Electronics has released a firmware update for its 1 Beyond intelligent video camera line. The new 1 Beyond cameras 2.0 firmware introduces intelligent switching for up to five cameras in a single room alongside a host of powerful features that enhance tracking, automation, and integration in workplace and learning spaces. This latest feature set is ideal for middle-market collaboration and presentation rooms to bring multi-camera switching capabilities to even more spaces.

[SCN Hall of Fame Profile: Rony Sebok]

Crestron’s 1 Beyond cameras, which originally allowed users to deploy one primary device and one presenter-tracking companion, now support intelligent switching for more cameras. With the new 2.0 firmware, users can target medium-sized rooms and connect up to four i12 or i20 companion cameras to a primary i12 camera for a more dynamic and automated experience.

Intelligent switching between all deployed cameras can be automated using visual cues for i-Series cameras or a custom Crestron Control program, which can switch between i-Series and p-Series cameras. The new 1 Beyond multi-cam module helps integrators create custom programs based on triggers, like from ceiling microphones. This flexibility allows integrators and users to tailor camera behavior to the unique needs of each space while maintaining a streamlined, single USB connection from the primary camera to the video conferencing system. New configuration options allow for camera prioritization and will automatically switch to capture movement in essential areas like a whiteboard or lectern.

“As the workplace continues to evolve, Crestron remains committed to delivering intelligent video solutions that harness the power of automation and AI for framing and tracking to elevate the meeting experience,” said Brad Hintze, EVP of global marketing at Crestron. “This update reflects direct feedback from our dealers and clients, giving organizations even greater flexibility to create scalable, engaging, and seamless collaboration environments.”

Beyond expanding intelligent switching, the firmware update adds powerful enhancements to the 1 Beyond camera lineup including recallable presenter tracking profiles in i20 cameras; face priority focus in p-Series cameras; seamless DM NVX AV-over-IP technology integration; and home position for p-Series Cameras.

AV/IT TEAM:
Left to right: Enrique Hernandez, senior Instruction Technology analyst; Wyatt Medina, audiovisual engineer; Chris Dieterich, manager of Instructional Technology; Jacob Phillips, lead systems design engineer

GOALS: The Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC) is a unique life sciences innovation district located in downtown Phoenix. It is shared by multiple institutions, including Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona, along with TGen, healthcare providers, and life sciences companies. This collaborative environment is designed to foster innovation, education, and economic development through shared resources, facilities, and expertise. However, the presence of multiple schools and organizations also adds complexity for the instructional technology team responsible for managing PBC’s tech infrastructure.

“We don’t just serve one school; we’re supporting ten colleges across two universities,” Chris Dieterich, manager of Instructional Technology at PBC said. “Our team has to ensure the technology meets everyone’s needs.”

With a team of four, including Enrique Hernandez, Dieterich’s group operates as a centralized internal resource, tackling all tech requirements across the PBC. Recently, the team was tasked with upgrading conference rooms that were operating with decade-old equipment.

CHALLENGES: The existing conference rooms were equipped with outdated displays mounted on two-rail wall mounts. The mounts didn’t leave any room to service the display or to mount the room’s video conferencing system nearby. As a result, components had to be mounted either under the conference table or directly to the wall beside the display. This setup was not only unattractive but also hindered serviceability. Troubleshooting issues required tech team members to crawl under the table to access cables and equipment.

“It didn’t look pretty, and if something needed to be fixed during a meeting, people had to move out of the way,” Dieterich said.

Recognizing the need for a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing solution, Dieterich reached out to Legrand | AV for a solution.

FINAL INSTALL/USER BENEFITS: Legrand | AV recommended its Chief Tempo Flat Panel Wall Mount System. Designed to streamline installation, increase serviceability, and improve overall aesthetics, Tempo offers end-to-end scalability and flexibility that is purposely designed from installer feedback. One of the most valuable features of the Tempo mount is its service-access-friendly design. The mount pulls away from the wall for approximately 13 inches of service depth, allowing ample access to cables and AV equipment for simple, fast maintenance checks. Additionally, the Tempo system includes Lever Lock storage plates that can hold devices plus cabling, keeping everything concealed behind the display for a cleaner look.

The Tempo profile is less than two inches deep, which allows it to meet ADA compliance requirements when the display depth is less than two inches. It supports post-install leveling adjustments and offers a 10-degree display tilt for better viewing angles, enhancing usability. The Tempo Wall Mount System also includes accessories that further support and streamline the flat panel solution. The accessories include the Camera Shelf, 650mm Interface Extenders, Crestron UC Bracket Accessory, and Video-Sound Bar Mount.

In the initial phase, the team upgraded three conference rooms at PBC with new 65- or 75-inch displays, all mounted on the Chief Tempo Wall Mount System. Behind the display, the team mounted a Crestron NVX unit, Shure ANI4IN audio network interface, USB extender, and Middle Atlantic’s RackLink power distribution unit. This approach eliminated mounting equipment under the table, drilling and patching drywall, and painting. Plus, it resulted in a much cleaner and more organized setup.

Now, the team can simply pull the display out from the wall to access cables or devices, which is a considerable improvement compared to the previous mount, which required them to remove the display entirely for any kind of access. It also means they can manage issues or replace components with minimal disruption.

“We’ve definitely cut the installation time in half, but we’ve also sped up how quickly we can troubleshoot issues, do maintenance, or add or replace devices,” Hernandez said.

The conference room installation was just the beginning for the PBC. Even in just three rooms, the team could already see the benefits of using the Tempo Flat Panel Wall Mount System more widely.

“We revise our room type standard every year. The Tempo mount is our new standard, including the in-wall option for brand-new builds,” Dieterich said. “Anywhere we have a display mounted—whether that’s in a classroom, conference room, or digital signage—we’ll mount it with Tempo. It’s a no-brainer.”

[The Class of 2024: Celebrating AV/IT Teams in Higher Ed]

Completed in Fall 2024, the Maury County Judicial Center in Columbia, TN, is a newly constructed, 58,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate a growing region while modernizing court proceedings at the same time. Nashville, TN-based architect Workshop oversaw planning and building design, while S&L Integrated, headquartered in Thomasville, GA, deployed the courtroom AV systems.

[Here's How AI Poses Ethical, Legal Issues to Content Producers]

two-story building, the new courthouse houses six courtrooms, three on each floor. Upstairs, one jury courtroom features a traditional layout, with the jury box to the side of the bench and attorney tables. The other two incorporate the Virginia Revival Model (VRM), which puts the jury in front of the judge’s bench. Four associated enclosed spaces are assigned to each courtroom, providing attorneys and their clients with somewhere to meet privately.

For architect Workshop, one design goal was to incorporate elements referencing Maury County’s historic courthouse building a few blocks away in Columbia’s downtown core. For example, the pews positioned throughout the public hallways were extracted from the historic building and refurbished for the Judicial Center. The thin film coverings on the private conference room windows, featuring images depicting Maury County’s history, are another element.

“Recognizing that they were moving from the historic courthouse was very important to them,” James Kennon, principal architect at architect Workshop, explained in a video produced by S&L Integrated. “We worked with the county archives to develop a series of photos that told the history of the county.”

Digital Evidence Support

From a technological perspective, Maury County needed courtroom AV systems that could support digital evidence such as body and dashcam footage as well as surveillance videos, explained Stan Mobley, senior account executive for state, local, and corporate clients at S&L Integrated. This need is prevalent among the courthouses his firm works with in Georgia and Tennessee, as is the integration of reliable videoconferencing capabilities and user-friendly control.

To address this, S&L Integrated developed a courtroom AV package that can be tailored to meet specific client requirements. In general, it includes Crestron DM NVX AV over IP distribution, Q-SYS control, QSC ceiling speakers, Marshall POV cameras, LG displays, a combination of Audix microphones and Sennheiser wireless systems, and WolfVision whiteboard and annotation tools (when requested).

At the Maury County Judicial Center, the primary goal was to provide a good user experience for everyone working in the courtroom, including the judge, attorneys, court clerk, court reporter, and other staff. To achieve this, it’s necessary to understand how each judge runs his or her courtroom, explained Nathan Tomberlin, account executive at S&L Integrated. For example, do they want the ability to approve digital evidence before attorneys share it wirelessly to courtroom displays? If so, their touchpanel must be equipped with “preview” and “approve” commands.

“This is putting protections in place to follow the due process of how the judge wants to manage the court proceeding,” Tomberlin said. “It puts all of the power back on the judge.”

Control Flexibility

It can also allow for flexibility. During particularly intense proceedings, a judge may give the court clerk authorization to run the technology from their own touchpanel, so the judge can keep their focus on witness testimony. Good control programming can also simplify things for the court reporter, who may access and modify mic volumes through their touchscreen.

“They don’t have to go through their software with their mouse to click on the microphone levels to get them right,” Tomberlin said. “Instead, we give them a touchpanel and they can make any adjustments right there on the screen.”

While each courthouse is different, they all share common requirements, which is why S&L Integrated offers a courtroom AV package. As Mobley explained, this promotes standardization across courthouses, which facilitates service and support for the AV integrator. Perhaps more importantly, it provides a smoother user experience.

“Within a circuit, there may be three judges and six courts,” Mobley added. “The courtrooms may look different—some may be modern while others are historic. But when we standardize the systems, a judge coming from County A to County C doesn’t have to spend time learning a system that’s unfamiliar to him. He has a touchpanel that looks exactly like the one in his home court.”

Court-Appointed Audio Capture

Part of the AV package that S&L Integrated proposes to its courthouse clients includes a combination of Audix conferencing microphones, such as the MG18 and MG18HC gooseneck condenser mics mounted in the ATS1 tabletop base, as well as ADX60 boundary mics to capture speech from those who aren’t equipped with a dedicated microphone.

“From an audio perspective, the most important person in the room is the witness,” said Gage Helton, director of operations at S&L Integrated. “The second most important is the judge. Then, obviously, you need to be able to hear the jury. Many contractors that do general purpose installations don’t make things audible enough when they do courtrooms, or there’s feedback because they didn’t EQ the room. For this reason, we tend to use column array speakers, tune them, then the MG18 mics in most places. But for positions closer to the arrays, we’ll opt for the MG18HC, which is essentially the same mic with a hypercardioid pickup pattern.”

Witness and jury foreman mics are usually shock-mounted, with everything else mounted on the ATS1 bases. The ADX60s are placed on prosecution and defense attorneys’ tables to capture sidebar discussions.

Helton noted that the ATS1 base’s physical button is easier for non-technical operators to use, versus bases that incorporate either a touchscreen or capacitive button. “We’ve found that users can get confused by those—especially when you factor in the stress that comes with being in court—and either fail to trigger them when it’s their turn to speak or accidentally turn them on when it’s not,” he explained.

[Unheavenly Acoustics]

he unit’s detachable cable also makes for smoother installs. “A lot of gooseneck bases for conferencing have an attached cable, so you need to figure out how to dress it and route it in an unobtrusive way. With the ATS1, we can just run our own cable and terminate, which makes the install so much cleaner,” he said.

While this may seem like a lot of microphones, there is a need to take all courtroom participants into account. “One reason is, in many installs we send multitrack audio to the court reporter so they can produce the most accurate transcript possible,” Helton said. “Another is that we like to have a press feed plate for higher-profile cases, so reporters can just plug in and get a clean audio mix. For larger courtrooms, we’ll also do a mix-minus through small speakers at various locations, so the participants can hear everyone else clearly but not have echo of themselves.”

AV/IT TEAM:
Left to right: Greg Hull, senior AV specialist; Antonio S. Cipriano, AV manager; Raymond Barnes, senior AV specialist

GOALS: The genesis of this project was a directive from the Smith School’s dean, Prabhudev Konana, to bring more value to the online and hybrid EMBA programs and align with the University’s strategic goal of reimagining learning. After evaluating other universities’ distance learning platforms, the goal was to build an immersive space that would allow instructors to interface with students via state-of-the-art technology and practices. By using technology familiar to faculty, they reduced the need for technical oversight during class, simplified adoption, saved training time, and boosted teaching efficiency. The dynamic and energetic teaching experience that a professor is now able to give over Zoom is unmatched by what they would be able to provide remotely from home.

A key design requirement was operational simplicity. The system would need to be engineered so that it did not require advanced technical expertise to operate. A technician would be able to prepare the room with just a few touches on the control panel, support the instructor before class begins, and then step away while remaining available for assistance as needed.

The space was also designed to provide a more professional environment for the school’s video production and marketing teams. The studio’s lighting and technology can now be leveraged to enhance photography and recording sessions. In that capacity, it has been used in numerous ways.

From a technical perspective, the team sought to create a seamless and immersive dvLED video wall experience that could simultaneously display Zoom participants, the active speaker, and the slide content being discussed by the professor.

For audio, the priority was to maintain mobility and avoid encumbering the professor with wired or wireless lavalier microphones. Instead, the team implemented a zone-based audio solution using a beamforming ceiling-mounted microphone. The goal was to allow the professor to move freely between the podium, lightboard, and green screen area without compromising audio quality.

At the podium, a touch display was installed, enabling real-time slide annotation and intuitive interaction with presentations or applications through natural gestures. Additionally, the team wanted to integrate the Zoom chat window into the video wall, allowing students to engage by asking questions, seeking clarification, or providing feedback in real time. This setup would enable the professor to respond immediately, without needing to return to a separate computer interface.

CHALLENGES: When the AV manager joined the school in September 2023, the project was still in its development phase. After review, it was clear the proposed design needed refinements to enhance its capabilities, improve the intended user experience, and better align with the potential of the chosen technology.

By early 2024, the design underwent a complete overhaul, retaining only the originally proposed studio lighting system. While the initial concept was tailored for a narrowly defined purpose, the revised design is significantly more flexible and dynamic, better aligning with the evolving needs of the program. In short, the final implemented design was designed, procured, and installed in about six months, just in time for the fall semester.

An additional key challenge was aligning the technology with faculty pedagogy to create an optimal teaching experience. Through iterative adjustments to video wall layouts, configurations, and furniture, the team collaborated with faculty to ensure the system supported instructional goals effectively.

FINAL INSTALL/USER BENEFITS: This space offers a dynamic and immersive environment designed to enhance the learning experience for both instructors and students. Primarily supporting online and hybrid MBA programs, the room provides a significant improvement over traditional remote teaching methods.

Rather than viewing an instructor delivering a lecture from a home office, students engage with a more interactive presentation, where the instructor can move through slides, annotate content in real time, and gesture naturally. The inclusion of a lightboard system further enriches the experience, allowing faculty to visually demonstrate formulas, workflows, and key concepts with clarity.

This setup fosters a more personal and engaging connection between students and faculty, ultimately adding substantial value to the online and hybrid MBA offerings. It exemplifies the innovative approach that distinguishes the Robert H. Smith School of Business from other programs.

[The Class of 2024: Celebrating AV/IT Teams in Higher Ed]

There was a time when the term "restaurant AV" meant an analog TV set sitting on the bar and a reel-to-reel tape deck playing Muzak. No longer: In the 21st century, restaurant AV means taking video and audio to the next level and beyond, because today's tech-savvy patrons expect no less.

The Big, Big, Big Picture

There are large displays in sports bars across the United States, and then there's the gigantic 4K display in Blinders Sports Lounge in Charlotte, NC. This 5,500-square-foot sports bar/restaurant, which seats 160 inside and 60 more on the 1,500-square-foot patio, has installed an 850-square-foot 4K dvLED video wall over its bar.

Visible from all areas of the main room, the 10,000-pound display can show up to 24 different feeds or any combination of fewer feeds at a larger scale for sports, parties, movies, and esports tournaments. It’s no wonder that Blinders describes the visual experience as immersive viewing: It's like having a video billboard inside the sports bar.

“Kush Anandani, the owner of Blinders Sports Lounge, is an avid sports fan who wanted to create an incredible space in his hometown of Charlotte that mimicked the exceptional experiences he had watching sports at different Las Vegas spots,” explained Rob Meiner, technical sales engineer for Peerless-AV, which provided the mounting system for the video wall in association with AV design firm DCBolt Productions. "To achieve this, Kush wanted to provide a high-definition viewing experience of a sportsbook, combined with the live energy of a sports lounge and the luxurious detailing of a cocktail lounge.”

Of course, offering a gigantic video wall isn’t enough. To motivate sports fans to come back to Blinders after watching the game here once, the viewing experience has to be as comfortable as possible. "The Unilumin USlim2 displays are mounted at a 10-degree forward tilt, making this structure stand out as unique as it delivers the ultimate viewing experience for every guest, no matter where they are seated,” Meiner said. "We implemented a SEAMLESS Bespoke floor-to-wall mounting structure made of steel, weighing 6,000 pounds."

The video wall is controlled by an iPad loaded with the Creston Go app, so it can support custom software made by DCBolt. The lounge is also home to a nearly 50,000-watt VOID Acoustics sound system, also installed by DCBolt, that feeds a row of 24-karat gold-plated speakers installed under the dvLED screen. Total cost for the AV package: a cool $1.5 million.

Currently being billed as the largest dvLED video wall of its kind on the East Coast, the installation required a great degree of care and forethought. “For a dvLED video wall of this scale, precision engineering is critical to account for factors such as total wall load, tight tolerances, and heat dissipation,” said Meiner. “To guarantee optimal performance for 24/7 operation, we conducted thorough testing on samples in advance.”

Sunlight and indoor lighting had to be factored into the mix as well. No problem: “Besides having the angle of the video wall tilted forward 10 degrees, Blinders and their industrial designers selected fixtures that are appropriate for the space and ensured they were placed and angled correctly,” Meiner noted. “This includes ceiling lights and wall sconces that have baffles to direct light and prevent it from spilling. Additionally, windows are slightly tinted to filter outdoor lighting to create a darker ambiance, while the indoor lights are considered warm white light.”

Then there was the challenge of fitting the video wall into the restaurant itself. “Some of the challenges included fitting large-scale installation equipment within the space, such as getting an atrium lift inside the building, and the structure of the bar making it impossible to use ladders or scissor lifts,” said Meiner. “Additionally, working with several types of teams at once in such a tight space and limited time frame presented its challenges, but through collaboration and constant communication, we ultimately made it work to achieve the desired results.”

The Blinders video wall and VOID sound system were installed and ready to go in time for March Madness earlier this year. "Everyone is extremely happy with the final result,” Meiner concluded. “Peerless-AV's close partnership with DCBolt throughout the installation allowed the teams to navigate tight timescales to deliver a result that lives up to its promise of exhilarating, immersive 4K sports action from the moment guests step inside.”

That Sounds Italian

Prati Italia is an upscale Italian restaurant in Jacksonville, FL, whose many rooms are also used for private events and conferences. The sound system at this restaurant was modern when it was installed in January 2013. But time and technology wait for no one, which is why Prati Italia decided to upgrade its audio system as its existing equipment started to fail.

As it turned out, its best choice was to install a SoundTube DSM-16 Dante system manager, which transported audio using Prati Italia’s existing network cables and outlets. This proved to be an ideal solution for this location.

“The old audio system had equipment in various rooms with separate control panels,” explained Ken Hecht, VP of SoundTube Entertainment. “Integrating it through the centralized Ethernet network enabled us to use existing Ethernet cables, which simplified the installation. By using PoE to power the new amplifiers, we were able to centralize everything in one location and add new capabilities without the expense and time required to run cabling.”

Prati Italia IT manager Jerry Gray chose a cost-saving hybrid approach for the upgrade, an approach that allowed the restaurant’s legacy Crown and Ashley amplifiers to be integrated with the DSM-16 and three SoundTube IPD-Hub 2 DSP amplifiers on a property-wide network. The DSM-16’s audio outputs, which can be assigned to different areas of the restaurant on a zone basis, are sent to various SoundTube speakers.

The restaurant has 18 RS500i pendant speakers and 23 CM62-BGM 6-inch in-ceiling speakers in the interior areas. Meanwhile, the outdoor deck has 10 SoundTube SM82 8-inch outdoor extreme weather surface mount speakers, plus four amplifiers designed for multi-room applications powering passive speakers, an audio extender box, and a remote volume control system.

The best part: “All of the audio zones can be controlled using a tablet computer,” said Gray. "So, not only is our new sound system more flexible and better sounding than ever before, but it is extremely easy to control from anywhere in the restaurant using a tablet.”

Lessons Learned

Obviously, the AV installations at Blinders Sport Lounge and Prati Italia are very different. Still, some common lessons can be learned from them both. For one thing, there are innovative restaurateurs who are open to investing in the latest in AV technology, which means there are opportunities worth exploring by integrators and installers.

[Show Me the Money]

lso, the advanced possibilities offered by modern AV equipment can make a real difference in making restaurants more attractive to patrons. In a very obvious sense, the gigantic video wall at Blinders gives sports fans a good reason to keep coming back. In a more subtle way, the same can be said of Prati Italia’s audio system, which helps make the dining experience more enjoyable. Restaurant AV can be expensive and eye-catching or affordable and enhancing—but either way, it can be a competitive advantage that can help keep patrons coming back for seconds.

Crestron 1 Beyond cameras are now NDI ready. The company has officially completed the NDI certification process for 1 Beyond p-Series and i-Series cameras. This certification further demonstrates NDI’s growing relevance as an IP video connectivity standard in Pro AV cameras. The seamless integration with leading platforms like Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms makes NDI an essential building block for dynamic, high-quality collaboration experiences across industries.

[The Integration Guide to NDI]

Crestron 1 Beyond cameras, known for their AI-driven presenter-tracking and intelligent switching, are now fully NDI certified and will soon be listed in the NDI Product Finder. This includes the upcoming addition of NDI support to the i12 camera as well as the recently launched TAA-compliant cameras, designed for Government deployments.

“Completing NDI certification is a big step forward in ensuring our customers have flexible, high-quality, and interoperable video technology at their fingertips,” said Connor Bright, group product manager, Intelligent Video and AirMedia at Crestron. “Building upon the previous success of NDI with the Automate VX multi-camera switching solution, the addition of these cameras enables more seamless integration into workplace environments, and empowering IT and AV teams to deploy smarter solutions with confidence.”

"Having Crestron go all-in on NDI for 1 Beyond cameras is a milestone moment, not just for NDI, but for the entire ProAV ecosystem," said Charles Dobson, business development at NDI. “Crestron has always supported technologies built on standards. They recognize that promoting these standards help the entire industry grow.”

On June 10, the day before the InfoComm 2025 show floor opened, the winners of SCN Installation Product Awards 2025 were revealed during a ceremony at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Winning products were recognized across 12 categories, including two new categories for 2025: Most Innovative KVM Solution and Most Innovative Speaker Solution (Installed).

"The SCN Installation Product Awards are all about celebrating Pro AV product innovation, and I want to congratulate all our winners for 2025," said Mark J. Pescatore, content director, Systems Contractor News. "It's clear that our industry is not resting on its laurels and that manufacturers are continuing to deliver new solutions to simplify workflows for integrators and end users."

And the winners are:

Most Innovative Audio Hardware

Extron: XPA U 4004 FX Power Amplifier

Sennheiser: Profile Wireless

Xilica: RoomHub

Most Innovative AV Installation Accessory

MAXHUB: Express Install Table Stand

NETGEAR AV: M4350 Series AV Switches

WyreStorm Technologies: NHD-510-TX Encoder

Most Innovative Camera

Blackmagic Design: Blackmagic PYXIS 6K

Canon: EOS C400

Promethean: 4K ePTZ Camera

Most Innovative Collaboration Product

Haivision: Command 360

LG Electronics USA: LG CreateBoard 105-Inch UltraWide Interactive Display

Mersive Technologies: Mersive Pro

Most Innovative Digital Signage Product

BrightSign and LG Electronics USA: LG UV5N Series UHD Displays Running BrightSignOS

Chief: Velocity Outdoor Pedestal System

ViewSonic: LDS138-151 Direct View LED Display Solution Kit

Most Innovative Emerging Technology

Ampetronic and Listen Technologies: Auri

Crestron Electronics: Automate VX

QSC: Q-SYS Reflect

Most Innovative KVM Solution

Matrox Video: Avio 2

Most Innovative Speaker Solution (Installed)

Bose Professional: Forum FC112

Shure: Microflex Loudspeakers

Sonos: Era 100 Pro

Most Innovative Sustainable Product Strategy

LED Studio: ECLIPSE

Most Innovative Video Display

MAXHUB: DVLED Raptor Series V3

Planar: DirectLight Slim Series

PPDS: Philips TruePerformance LED

Most Innovative Video Projection Solution

Epson America: PowerLite L695SE

Panasonic Projector & Display Americas: PT-RQ7

Most Innovative Videoconferencing Product

Vaddio: EasyIP Dock

Each of the nominated products were submitted by their respective manufacturers. Industry professionals were able to vote for their favorite products through a ballot accessed through avnetwork.com. Up to three winners were selected in each category, based on the number of entries. The nominated product must have first shipped between January 1, 2024, and May 9, 2025. Products that won in last year’s awards program were not eligible in any category this year.

InfoComm 2025 is here. We have you covered with everything you'll want to see on the show floor. AV Network is live in Orlando, bringing you product news all the way through the final day on June 13.

[New Products and InfoComm Insights]

Today, check out Crestron, Daktronics, Mersive, Plexus AV, and Promethean.

Crestron and the Future of Content, Collaboration, and Control

Crestron will showcase innovation and seamless experiences across content distribution, intelligent collaboration, and intuitive control. At the center of booth 2300, Crestron’s vision comes to life through an immersive environment that integrates with the Crestron platform.

New to attendees will be the DM NVX 384. The newest generation of AV over IP technology supports native USB-C connectivity, multi-input switching, and resolutions up to 5K. The new Multiview feature enables multiple sources to be displayed on a single screen—ideal for high-demand environments including control rooms, classrooms, hospitality venues, and command centers.

Also enhanced is the AirMedia Connect Endpoint. Crestron’s plug-and-play wireless presentation platform now includes a wired USB-C option, enabling instant content sharing and conferencing with no drivers or downloads. Built-in digital signage and control features make it a complete solution for flexible meeting spaces.

Also on display will be new XiO Cloud Management Platform Licensing, enhanced Visual AI Direction, the next generation of MPC4 Controllers and Panels, and a new Midspan USB-C solution.

Daktronics Bringing Indoor LED Technology Advancements to the OCCC

Daktronics will highlight advancements in LED technology for the indoor market, including MicroLED, COB (Chip On Board) and bendable modules at booth 4233.

Those product lines include the COB product that was previously introduced at InfoComm but now includes a 2.5mm pixel spacing option. Another product on display at the event includes Daktronics' bendable module to fit the curves and shapes of many different architectural needs. From columns to curved walls and more, this solution is a great fit as evidenced by the project at Riyadh Front Mall for esports.

Continuing to enhance the experience for the AV market and installation teams, Daktronics Speed Frame mounting solution will be showcased as well. This advancement allows for quicker installation of dvLED displays while minimizing downtime for end users.

Mersive Collaboration Suite to Make International Debut

Mersive Technologies will premiere its new Mersive Collaboration Suite at booth 5055. Mersive Collaboration Suite comprises three products—Mersive Pro, Mersive Essentials, and Mersive Smart—that address key pain points for collaboration and wireless sharing in today’s educational environments, enterprise organizations, and healthcare facilities.

Shrinking budgets mean there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for collaboration; companies require cost-effective, high-ROI products for each space. Tech complexity is also growing, so ease of use is paramount, with minimal user training required. Additionally, the speed of change in today’s technology means there is an increased need for workspaces that are agile and can stay ahead with future-proof technology that evolves with workplace needs. Finally, cyber risks are more prominent than ever. AV/IT teams and integrators must safeguard data, particularly in diverse user and BYOD environments.

Mersive Collaboration Suite, which includes Mersive Pro, Mersive Essentials, and Mersive Smart, directly addresses these challenges. Mersive Pro is the new performance standard for wireless collaboration. Part of the Mersive Collaboration Suite, it pairs Mersive’s Gen4 Pod with a powerful new subscription tier for organizations that need secure, high-resolution content sharing and support for complex room configurations. Mersive Essentials caters to smaller, sharing-only applications, such as huddle spaces or breakout sessions. Mersive Smart is an app designed for smart TVs and streaming devices that transforms meeting spaces into dynamic hubs of productivity.

PlexusAV to Unveil Further Connectivity Solutions

PlexusAV will showcase new additions to its IPMX ecosystem at booth 3581. Leading the showcase is the new P-AVN-HDBT-GTW, a flexible gateway device that integrates HDBaseT 3.0 wall plates, switchers, PTZ cameras, and more into the PlexusAV IPMX network, while also enabling output from IPMX to HDBaseT 3.0 for even more flexibility.

Also debuting is the P-AVN-HDBT-WP3 HDBaseT 3.0 wall plate series, which supports HDMI and USB-C inputs, configurable auto-switching, and up to 60W laptop charging in a sleek US Decora style 2-gang design. In addition, PlexusAV will preview the P-AVN-CL-100, a one-wire USB-C connectivity hub designed to simplify meeting room connectivity. It features both a full-featured USB-C input and HDMI input, USB ports for camera and speakerphone peripherals, charging up to 100W, and an Ethernet bridge for network access, delivering a true single-cable solution for modern collaboration spaces.

Also on show will be the PlexusAV P-AVN-VA-Visual Array. The Visual Array makes the PlexusAV system truly turn-key by providing bulk deployment, with the ability to configure a large number of units quickly and is super easy to drive. The system's dashboard provides device statistics, alarm aggregation and even handy tools such as IGMP auto detect and IP Conflict detection. The Visual Array brings up the full PlexusAV system quickly and will auto-configure transceivers, create video walls, and monitor content with live video thumbnails from one screen, ensuring a user-friendly experience. The platform supports routing of AVN-4, AVN-2 and Stream Conversion Gateway signals, next to third-party IPMX devices. Completing the InfoComm lineup will be the Plexus AVN-4 and PlexusAV AVN-2 transceivers.

Promethean to Reveal New Workplace Solutions

Promethean will showcase the new ActivPanel 10 Premium IFPD with software DisplayNote Launcher at booth 4787.

The ActivPanel 10 Premium easily connects remote, hybrid, and in-person employees with just one touch to maximize teamwork and ensure meeting equity—so everyone has a voice and feels part of the discussion. The panel and premium accessories, including an All-in-one Remote and ActivPen 2, paired with DisplayNote Launcher, help teams connect and collaborate in real-time, seamlessly increasing engagement and productivity no matter where they are. Users enjoy a 4K full-array local dimming (FALD) screen, enhanced built-in audio, and a compute module that fits with their existing tech ecosystem, improving security and peace of mind for both IT professionals and employees.

A custom-fit and cord-free 4K ePTZ camera delivers professional-grade, crystal-clear optics with electronic pan, tilt, and zoom to ensure in-person and remote participants have an equal seat at the table. With no messy cables or need to switch inputs, users simply plug in the camera, open their preferred app like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, or Webex, and immediately start meetings at the panel without needing to take extra steps.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends, best practices for creating high-quality content that engages audiences, and choosing the best tools for production.

Thought Leader: Joel Mulpeter, Director of Product Marketing at Crestron Electronics

Is generating high-quality content easier today? Much easier. From our perspective, the biggest leap forward has been the broad adoption and refinement of AV-over-IP technology. Besides a reduction in the sheer amount of cabling that’s needed when you compare it to previous AV content delivery systems, there is a world of other benefits.

When we introduced our latest encoder/decoder—the DM-NVX-384—Crestron’s executive vice president of Global Marketing, Brad Hintze, made these observations:

The first benefit of AV-over-IP solutions is scalability. Customers need technology in more spaces and with more sophisticated deployments. They need technology that easily scales to support them. This is true in both growing enterprises and residential, hotel, or marine projects that evolve and expand. Mix in near-zero latency, and it’s easy to see why this technology remains a go-to solution for dealers creating AV systems for everything from enterprise businesses to elegant homes.

It’s easy to build feature sets into these devices, too. For example, we were able to add USB-C connectivity to the device, as modern laptops, smartphones, and tablets all support USB-C. USB-C connectivity can provide a video input and also get USB connectivity peripherals—such as a webcam, speakerphone, or conferencing device—back to a user's laptop.

Multi-input switching in a single box is also a plus. When customers have a bunch of sources at a lectern, podium, and so on, it gives you the ability to switch those sources. (The need for this feature is very common in educational settings, for example.) We also have the ability to support 5K video, which is becoming fairly common with 21:9 and 32:9—super-wide and ultra-wide—displays. Those aspect ratios are becoming more popular in VR headset applications and immersive monitors.

One of Crestron’s areas of focus over the last several years has been refining and perfecting the technology that’s needed for modern work. We’ve hosted events, webinars, and summits on the topic—and even made it a training track.

So, what is “modern work,” anyway?

The research we’ve seen (and some we’ve been part of) points to a state of “hybrid permanence.” While it’s true that more workers are being asked to return to the office, that’s often not a five-day-per-week arrangement. In any given meeting, collaboration session, or even casual chat, in-person workers are almost always conversing with remote colleagues as well.

[Keeping Up with Hybrid]

The realities of modern work mean that the office needs more connected spaces than ever—and that’s not changing. From our perspective, the systems that enable modern work and improve the experience can be divided into three distinct parts: content, collaboration, and control.

Content: To share that content, a room’s got to be ready for anything, from AV systems that can deliver data at near-zero latency to BYOD solutions that don’t require a presenter to download yet another program to their laptop.

Collaboration: We’ve all attended meetings where the remote staff was treated to a “view down a bowling alley.” Engagement is bound to suffer if everyone can’t see and be seen—and hear and be heard. Virtual collaborators will feel left out, missing sidebar conversations, nonverbal cues, and more. Effective teamwork, whether in-person or remote, requires tools that facilitate the best possible communication and project management.

Control: When someone walks into a meeting space, they shouldn’t have to worry about the tech that will drive that meeting, from lighting to climate to the elements mentioned above. The best interfaces are intuitive, empowering people to manage technology, personalize workspaces, and effortlessly transition between tasks. The goal here is to achieve those results from a single pane of glass with one touch—or even no touch at all in a completely automated space.

Widespread Accommodation

Delivering content as efficiently as possible has been an industry focus for the past several years, and wireless presentation systems have evolved to include wireless conferencing. The nomadic nature of hybrid works calls for technology where there’s no need for a permanent presentation device in any collaboration space. What’s needed is a solution whereby users can simply walk in with their laptop or tablet and present to their screen without additional drivers, software, or cables.

However, there’s another layer here: Integration with a variety of platforms is a huge bonus. While an enterprise may have standardized on Microsoft Teams, for example, that salesperson from an outside vendor may not—and they’ll need everything to work and play well together when they’re making that critical pitch.

The best of all possible worlds is one in which a user can conference on their laptop using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Google Meet, or any preferred software without concerns about interoperability. All these demands illustrate the need for simple solutions, such as a dongle that offers a frictionless way to achieve everything described above, preferably with no extra cables or software downloads required.

[Viewpoint: How Smart Is Your Office?]

So, how do you specify the proper hardware for a space to avoid that bowling alley vibe? One effective way to arrive at an answer is to start with the workflow. Determine what the space will be used for and in what ways. The function of the room directly impacts camera requirements, for example. By tailoring your camera setup to the specific workflow of the space, you'll create a more effective and natural video collaboration environment that serves your users' needs. Let's look at three common deployments.

Presentation Spaces: If the room has a designated presentation area, consider using one camera at the front of the room capturing people at the table and a separate camera focused on the presentation zone or whiteboard area. This dual-camera approach ensures that both presenters and participants are clearly visible.

Training Rooms: Training environments have unique needs. You’ll want a presenter tracking camera at the front, allowing instructors to move freely while presenting. A system that includes group presenter tracking capability may be useful when multiple presenters need to share the stage. Depending on the use case, additional cameras might be required to capture student interactions or Q&A sessions.

Immersive Collaboration Spaces: If you're designing a large, high-value space with a multicamera approach, you’ll need cameras placed strategically around the room, intelligent switching between cameras based on human behavior and active speakers, and the ability to composite different camera views for the optimal remote experience.

[Crestron Is Elevating Hybrid Meetings... Again]

The right AI software can select the best camera based on where someone is looking and continues to switch cameras if they change direction while speaking. If someone turns their head while they’re talking, the system automatically switches to offer a head-on view of that speaker (not a profile). Another beneficial feature is optical zoom, which occurs within the physical lens of a camera, as opposed to digital zoom, which reduces the pixel density of an image and renders it less clear.

Control System Considerations

The beauty of the right control solution is that any room can instantly create the perfect environment. Imagine the moment someone enters a room. The occupancy sensor detects someone, then the system turns on the display and sets the temperature and light levels. All that’s left is for the meeting organizer to push a “start” button on a screen, and the room dials into the meeting they’ve scheduled.

Our product development team tends to build solutions based on the answers to four questions:

Is it simple to use? Solutions that simplify spaces bring the best out of the technology being deployed, from touchpanels to processors.

Is it scalable? People with little to no programming experience should be able to scale up a solution quickly.

Is it secure? Since bad actors can do a lot of damage from a control entry point, finding a best-in-class solution is vital.

Is it easily integrated? A unified platform should ensure all the technology, including non-Crestron brands, works together in a cohesive and coordinated way.

In a hybrid work environment, with its blend of in-person and remote staff, every space needs the kind of connectivity that was once specified for just a few select rooms in an organization. From a small huddle space to a massive lecture hall, the systems that drive these rooms—from AV to unified communications to lighting, shading, and even climate control—have never been more complex. Simplifying and automating these disparate functions and devices is the key to increasing productivity, alleviating user frustration, and reducing calls to the help desk.

Contrary to popular belief, the Magic 8 Ball is not a reliable predictor of future events. Luckily, for InfoComm 2025 attendees, industry experts will be on hand to provide more accurate observations on AV's path toward tomorrow.

Free to all attendees, “2030 Vision: The Future of AV” is an hourlong session in the Valencia Ballroom (W415AB) on Thursday, June 12, starting at 11 a.m. It will explore emerging technologies and innovations, as well as explore what's next for the industry from the perspectives of manufacturers and end users.

Moderated by AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes, “2030 Vision: The Future of AV” will feature a panel of industry visionaries including Brad Hintze, EVP of marketing for Crestron, Eric Hutto, CEO of Diversified, Christine Schyvinck, president and CEO of Shure, and Jason Antinori, senior solution architect and program lead, Intelligent Building Centre of Excellence, for TELUS. Audience questions will be encouraged as well.

The user experience will no doubt be a topic of conversation. For example, Hintze expects data collection will soon help room control systems adapt to the needs of users in real time. "Users are looking for their technology to anticipate more of their needs without always having to be prompted," he explained. "In the next several years, control systems will continue to make improvements to simplify the user experience while also delivering a higher ROI for the teams that deploy these spaces."

Hutto sees three big trends that are reshaping AV workflows, starting with the acceleration of demand for seamless hybrid experiences. He also believes convergence is redefining the integrator’s role into that of a “convergence architect,” a professional who is fluent across multiple disciplines. Plus, there’s a shift within the industry from product to experience.

[Executive Q&A: Time for Transformation]

"These trends are exactly why conversations like the ones happening on our panel are so important. They’re not just reflections, they’re roadmaps," Hutto said. "Pro AV’s future depends on leaders who are willing to set the pace and define what comes next."

Crestron announced on April 17, 2025, that effective May 1, a 5% tariff surcharge will be added to all invoices issued by United States-based Crestron. Per a statement from Crestron, the surcharge is due to the fluidity of international tariff policies, policies which have seen rapid change since news of them broke about a month ago.

The company remains committed to their partnerships they have built and will continue to be transparent in communication about changes in hopes of minimizing disruptions and concerns for their customers and global partnerships.

Per the release, "the tariff surcharge will be applied to the total gross amount of all hardware items on each invoice prior to any discounts, sales tax, or shipping charges. It will not apply to services and software subscriptions. Given the dynamic nature of the situation, the tariff surcharge rate and application remain subject to change. As global tariff policies evolve, Crestron will continue to monitor developments that may require future adjustments and will communicate any changes."

AVT Question: Please share how technologies are helping to reshape the workplace and create user-friendly environments.

Thought Leader: Joel Mulpeter, Director of Product Marketing at Crestron

As Crestron’s Brad Hintze noted in a recent edition of our magazine, Smarter Spaces, “Following years of chasing a perfected hybrid working model, many organizations are now considering mandatory office attendance. For many, it’s a major change as many employees who have built their recent work lives around remote and semi-remote or hybrid working will eventually be required to attend the office full time in the near term.”

We’d already begun to consider this trend—when an employee is required to split their time between home and headquarters, making the transition as frictionless as possible and keeping the in-person experience as engaging and productive as the remote office become top priorities.

We had written about this in a previous edition of Smarter Spaces: “Designers are rethinking traditional paradigms to create hybrid conference rooms that work for everyone—in person and remote—which means designing for the camera as much as the people in the room. It also means rethinking that rectangle. We have to design so everyone has eye-to-eye contact with remote participants and any displayed content. But we can’t lose what we know about in-room collaboration that works, which includes everyone in the room being able to see one another as well.”

Visual AI programs can go a long way toward ensuring that cameras are always attuned to a speaker or presenter, but thoughtful design, including changing the room orientation and implementing curved or trapezoidal conference tables, can help guarantee the best results. It’s also vital to ensure the right lighting and shading solutions are deployed, and that user interfaces are designed to be as intuitive as possible.

All of this demands that integrators work closely with the team designing the physical office. That’s why it’s so important to involve a technology professional early in the design process and facilitate discussions with end users in order to bring the right technology into the mix.

The Pro AV industry is loaded with awards. Hey, even SCN has more than one awards program (and you should be on the lookout for the Installation Product Awards that will be announced at InfoComm in June). But there's something special about the SCN Stellar Service Awards. They recognize excellent service as well as the manufacturers, distributors, and integrators that provide it. Once again, we received thousands of votes across eight award categories from you, our readers—thank you for taking part. And now, here are this year's providers of exceptional service.

Best Design Services/Tools

Platinum: Sennheiser Control Cockpit

Sennheiser’s Control Cockpit is the trusted software tool for seamless audio management, empowering integrators and IT teams to turn ambitious UC concepts into reality. The centralized software provides effortless control, monitoring, and maintenance for entire microphone ecosystems, including Sennheiser’s EW-DX4, SpeechLine, and TeamConnect products. Offering a real-time, browser-based interface accessible from any device, it ensures complete visibility over all network-enabled devices, streamlining even the most complex AV installations. Advanced features such as global system statistics, instant notifications, and remote configuration enable users to manage setups with ease at any scale, including multicampus deployments. With powerful search and filter functions, intuitive device grouping, and real-time status updates, Control Cockpit reduces downtime and simplifies troubleshooting—enhancing efficiency for corporate boardrooms, higher education, and large venue installations.

Gold: Draper Managed Services

Silver: L-Acoustics Milan Manager

Best Online Shopping Experience

Platinum: BZBGEAR

BZBGEAR combines an intuitive, feature-rich platform with excellent customer support. Its website is designed to provide AV professionals and broadcasters a seamless shopping experience to find the right gear. Through advanced search filters, detailed product pages, and real-time inventory updates, customers can quickly locate their ideal needs. A product comparison tool helps make informed decisions, while pristine images, product videos, and downloadable spec sheets and manuals offer complete transparency. The BZBGEAR online shopping experience enables users to discover solutions tailored to their needs. An interactive BZBGEAR Configurator provides step-by-step guidance for selecting compatible devices, streamlining system design, and customers benefit from live chat support where knowledgeable AV experts assist in real time.

Best Online Training

Platinum: SynAudCon Online Audio Training

For more than 50 years, SynAudCon has been teaching audio practitioners and professionals. Here is some feedback from course graduates:

• "I enjoyed the course. There were many things I considered basic before taking the course, but after taking the course I learned that I was misinformed. I will carry over this information to my workplace and be able to explain to my peers the correct way of doing things and most importantly why it must be done this way." A.G.

• "I thought this course was great. I found that although I already had a good bit of knowledge on sound systems, the course really helped fill in some gaps. The material was clear cut and framed in a way that just made sense. I will gladly recommend this course to others in the field.” C.N.

Gold: QSC Q-SYS Control and UCI Training Series

Silver: Crestron Electronics Crestron Technical Institute

Best Project Management Tools

Platinum: XTEN-AV

XTEN-AV's cloud-based software lets users complete their AV designs, create proposals, and manage projects and tasks on a single platform. This makes the XTEN-AV a single source of truth for all kinds of project, design, and sales data—easily accessible and completely human and machine agnostic. A built-in diagramming tool, X-DRAW, offers users patented drawing automation with AV-specific capabilities. Users can also use corrective AI to identify and rectify incorrect connections. X-VRSE, the VR platform, lets users design their AV rooms on a VR platform and visualize them. And with the newest launch, X-Pro, users can manage tasks and create events, facilitated by robust analytics and a review page, offering performance metrics, milestone tracking, and actionable insights for smarter project management.

Gold: ProjX360

Silver: D-Tools

Best Sales Operation

Platinum: Extron

When customers call Extron, there is an actual, experienced person to answer and assist with any product question or issue. The company's Sales Support Team is international, so expert advice is never far, wherever in the world customers may be. Whether getting need advice in selecting the right AV solution, assistance in addressing technical issues, or placing an order, Extron delivers timely, reliable, and professional help along the way.

Gold: Sound Productions Pro Audio, Video, and Lighting Sales

Silver: Listen Technologies Sales Operations Team

Best Supporting Content

Platinum: Extron

Extron Insiders can access a comprehensive library of exclusive tools, training materials, and product insights designed to support AV professionals at every stage of system design and integration. From AutoCAD, Visio, and Revit libraries to detailed A&E specifications, block diagrams, and panel drawings, Extron provides the technical documentation needed to streamline project planning and execution. Beyond documentation, Extron Insiders gain access to an extensive video library, featuring how-to guides, out-of-the-box demonstrations, and educational technology insights to help users configure and deploy AV systems efficiently. Insiders also benefit from direct access to configuration tools, firmware downloads, and repair services.

Gold: Exertis Almo The E4 Experience

Silver: Shure User Guides

Best Tech Support

Platinum: Matrox Video

Matrox Video’s technical support isn’t just a help desk—it’s an extension of the company's product development team. Support specialists are deeply embedded in Matrox Video’s software and hardware workflows, ensuring unparalleled knowledge and assistance. Unlike traditional call centers, its team actively participates in product design, bug triaging, and product review meetings, allowing them to address issues at the root level. With team members boasting more than 15 years of extensive experience in the Pro AV industry, Matrox Video continues to assist customers with products that have been in the field for decades. Beyond troubleshooting, Matrox Video acts as the voice of the customer, relaying real-world insights to our development teams to drive continuous product improvement.

Gold: Shure Customer Experience Team

Silver: PTZOptics Tech Support

Best Value-Added Services

Platinum: Shure Wireless Workbench and ShureCloud

Shure’s Wireless Workbench (WWB) and ShureCloud provide value-added services to Shure’s product portfolio, ensuring seamless wireless management and remote device control. WBB offers real-time frequency coordination, monitoring, and control, enabling audio professionals to manage complex RF environments—all at no extra cost. With advanced scanning and interference detection, WBB maximizes spectrum efficiency. ShureCloud enhances the Shure ecosystem by enabling secure, cloud-based device management and firmware updates. Users can remotely monitor system performance, ensuring optimal operation without the need for on-site troubleshooting. This remote capability enhances workflow flexibility and efficiency.

Gold: Exertis Almo LinkLab Professional Services

Silver: Epson America Expert Support Team—Projectors

AVT Question: Please share insights into your company's roadmap and what 2025 holds for customers.

Thought Leader: Brad Hintze, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing at Crestron

The watchwords for Crestron in 2025 are content, collaboration, and control. We’re focused on creating best-in-class solutions for each of those categories in every vertical we service, from enterprise to education, home to hospitality, and more.

When it comes to content, we’ve been expanding our line of DM NVX AV-over-IP solutions to provide every client with crystal-clear audio and video, near-zero latency, and USB-C connectivity to support the most popular formats. We’re also adding and refining products in our AirMedia wireless presentation and conferencing systems so that BYOD/BYOM situations are nearly automatic for the user.

To facilitate collaboration, we’re focused on creating technology to make the most out of hybrid meetings in every space of an organization—most notably, those high-impact spaces where the biggest decisions are made. To that end, we’re refining our family of products that leverage intelligent video technology, including our line of 1 Beyond cameras and Automate VX multi-camera speaker solutions, which rely on Visual AI to really make for a natural meeting experience for both in-person and remote attendees. Our Crestron Flex videoconferencing products remain immensely popular as well.

And control is, of course, at the heart of what we do; control solutions are what put Crestron on the map half a century ago. These products have evolved to the point where one-touch or even no-touch control is something that our clients should expect: Walk into the room that you’ve scheduled for a meeting and every part of that space is ready—from lighting to shading to content presentation and even climate.

There’s much more, of course, but that’s a fair cross-section of the products that support our core philosophy—creating seamless, intuitive experiences and simplifying technology for the way we live, work, and learn.

The University of Nebraska has a storied history when it comes to college football. What it didn't have was a centralized location for its current Big 10 football operations. Take SCN Top 50 systems integrator ECC—and a $165 million construction budget for the new Osborne Legacy Complex—and that is no longer the case. Based in Lincoln, NE, ECC has a longstanding 30-year relationship with its hometown college and was the easy choice for the latest addition to campus.

[The Integration Guide to Digital Signage 2024]

The Osborne Legacy Complex dons the name of College Football Hall of Fame coach Tom Osborne, who was a big part of that storied history, leading Big Red to three national championships from 1994-97. Now, the 315,000-square-foot facility is home to Huskers football's entire football operations. This includes a wide array of football offices, meeting rooms, and walkthrough areas, as well as the Ndamukong Suh Strength and Conditioning Center, main student-athlete dining and academic center for all 22 sports, and the Hall of Champions curated experience.

“We will point back to the completion of this facility as a landmark event in everything that happens going forward,” Nebraska athletics director Troy Dannen posted on X to commemorate the official opening of the complex last September.

Less Complex Operations

The complex was a necessity to make things, well, less complex. Prior to the Osborne Legacy Complex, football operations were housed throughout the Huskers football venue, Memorial Stadium, and made simple tasks like coaches' meetings an ordeal that sometimes required walking from one of the interconnected complexes to another.

"The Osborne Legacy Complex was built to invest into one of the most comprehensive student-athlete experiences in the country and bring the Nebraska football program operations under one single, accessible facility," explained Mark Allen, account manager for ECC.

[Diamond Days and Displays]

To make the Osborne Legacy Complex come to life, ECC installed a smorgasbord of Pro AV. However, per Allen, one of the earliest challenges was "meeting the stringent project schedule required to complete such a large-scale project and coordinating the system implementation with the various construction teams’ schedules that directly affected the implementation process."

Construction began in January 2021 and ECC received its project order for the AV systems in July 2022, with the installations process beginning later that fall. All systems were go for this past college football season.

Big AV for Big Red

There is AV aplenty throughout the complex, ranging from high-tech audio, visually stunning displays (like the wall-to-ceiling video wall in the primary locker room), and digital signage systems primarily showing off Husker football promotional content from both current day and historical programs and players.

The video walls were one of the more challenging pieces of the equation. There are a variety of Samsung displays throughout the complex, like the massive 85-inch 4K display in the football equipment rooms and the 98-inch commercial 4K display in the offense and defense staff conference rooms selected by engineering and technical services firm Salas O'Brien.

"The biggest driving piece behind the selection process for the complex’s video walls and displays was due to the product availability in alignment with the project’s timeline," Allen said. "As the project was extremely complex with multiple moving parts, the availability of products began to change based on the timeline at hand, which required strategically changing to some other manufacturers that still achieved the desired high-end quality."

As Allen explained, the audio systems were also a bit tricky as there is not one unified system throughout the complex. Like the displays and projectors, the audio systems were designed and selected by Salas O'Brien and include loudspeakers from Fulcrum Acoustics, subwoofers from JBL, a Holosonics audio spotlight system, and a variety of products from Shure, just to name a few. The systems encompass the entirety of the complex in the Hall of Champions, Ndamukong Suh Strength and Conditioning Center, Hawks Outdoor Practice Field, Athletic Medicine Area, Howard and Rhonda Hawks Gaming Theatre, Brook Berringer Players’ Lounge, Frank Solich Locker Room, Walkthrough Room, Team and Position Meeting Rooms, Bruce Grewcock Family Head Coach’s Office and Lounge Area, and Ricketts Family Football Team Auditorium.

"The bigger systems have interconnection through the QSC Q-SYS Core processors that they operate on—and as such can be interconnected—but these usually run as standalone systems in typical use cases," Allen explained. "The smaller audio systems run exclusively as standalone systems. If there’s a need to, audio can be pushed from the Memorial Stadium core audio system into the core Osborne Legacy Complex audio system utilizing networked QSC Q-SYS Core processors."

Each space has QSC touchscreen displays while Mersive's Solstice wireless sharing allows for content sharing via BYOD devices. Each touchpanel controls AV settings like volume as well as gear, such as Panasonic PTZ cameras.

A prime example of where all the technology comes together is the Brook Berringer Players’ Lounge. Here a Samsung 2x4 video wall and JBL loudspeakers are used by players for entertainment. A theater, located inside, employs a single-display video wall and Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeakers that are powered by a Dolby Atmos and DTS:X home theater processor and QSC power amplifiers.

Now, how about those projectors? Both Christie and Barco projectors were used in different spaces. The Walkthrough Room, for example, uses five 25,500-lumen Barco laser video projectors that are "blended together across a 99.6-foot-long Da-Lite video projection wall to create an interactive space for coaches and players to walk through game plans and simulate real game situations at a 1-to-1 scale," Allen said.

ECC turned to Crestron NVX AV-over-IP technology as the Pro AV control system infrastructure behind the complex's systems. Barco video wall processors power both the Experience Lobby video wall and the locker room’s ceiling video wall to deliver engaging 3D, high-performance content. Multiple Extron switchers were also being used behind the scenes to bring the AV experience altogether.

Sign(age) of the Times

With all these massive video walls and 3D displays, digital signage is found throughout the complex. As Allen explained, digital signage drives the overall experience at the Osborne Legacy Complex.

"Some of the digital signage for this content is tailored to the specific space," Allen explained. "For example, the Hall of Champions serves as the front door to Husker football using interactive displays to tell the story of Husker football."

Another shining example is in the Ndamukong Suh Strength and Conditioning Center, where digital signage details the weekly workout leaders to help the team push each other to excel. A built-in Nutrition Station includes digital signage to communicate the nutritional offerings available to the athletes.

"Outside of this area, there’s a blended projection wall marked the 'ONE PERCENT' that details historical performance and workout statistics to help drive top-tier performance," Allen added. "The Jackson Family Recovery Center features two 1x5 SkyVue outdoor-rated video wall systems that communicate detailed recovery information."

Behind the signage, a Four Winds Interactive CMS, which was already familiar to the in-house technical teams, is used for the more interactive and demanding content. For content that’s more informational, Allen explained, Triple Play serves as the CMS, while doubling as the IPTV system throughout the complex.

"The digital signage and AV systems are operated by an in-house, professional team for Husker football that solely manages and creates content for the facility, with additional management and content creation done by Husker Vision, which is the in-house technology team for all of Husker athletics," Allen said. "The technology is primarily utilized by coaches, student athletes, and in some cases by the student-athlete tutors."

ECC and Nebraska hope that they are both revolutionaries in what has been created on campus. But ECC is not done just yet: Several "add-on options" were proposed. And now that the dust has settled, ECC will help implement them to enhance the already strong core systems and make them more efficient.

[SCN Exclusive: Signage Ahoy!]

"ECC always designs and engineers our solutions with future-growth in mind, and the AV systems at the UNL Osborne Legacy Complex are no different," Allen concluded. "The Pro AV and audio systems are built on Crestron NVX and QSC Q-SYS control systems, which are inherently scalable and will both allow for easy scalability in expanding on these systems."

Crestron Electronics is enhancing its Intelligent Video portfolio, through the Automate VX multi-camera speaker tracking solution, to create a more immersive and engaging collaboration environment. An increasing demand for multi-camera solutions is reshaping the meeting room experience across larger spaces to enable better experiences through additional camera angles. Automate VX directs the cameras to capture a speaker from multiple perspectives depending on where they are looking so that key moments are always captured to enhance virtual collaboration.

The latest Automate VX update brings new features such as Visual AI Direction, which enables more fluid interactions during meetings as cameras seamlessly switch to capture speakers based on the angles of their face. With this enhancement, Automate VX intelligently selects the camera that shows the clearest view of an active speaker’s face. With this solution, in-person attendees can act naturally to glance around the room to content on the displays or other attendees in the room without worrying about how those moments are captured for virtual attendees. The Visual AI Direction feature leverages edge AI to understand the angle someone is facing to switch from one camera to another so that the speaker remains well-framed and centered while avoiding less optimal shots of the side or back of someone’s head.

[Keeping Up with Hybrid]

By leveraging multiple cameras around a room, Automate VX eliminates reliance on a static, fixed view of participants common in single-camera systems to help virtual participants remain engaged in the meeting. The expanding feature set of Automate VX simplifies the meeting room experience where greater collaboration and improved engagement occur naturally without any worry about the technology in the room.

“We continue to invest in leveraging Visual AI auto-framing and presenter tracking to deliver the most compelling meeting room experience on the market so that participants can contribute and engage with their peers without interruptions,” says Crestron’s EVP of global marketing, Brad Hintze. “By introducing Visual AI Direction technology, we create a dynamic experience where cameras are automatically adjusted and switch flawlessly in real-time, to ensure speakers are highlighted at the right moment and at the right angle for virtual participants. These smooth transitions remove the obstacles of poor camera angles that result in disjointed collaboration from disruptions such as when presentation content is being blocked, or a presenter is facing a different direction.”

Automate VX also provides software tools that enable rooms to be configured ahead of time with simple drag-and-drop functionality. The latest update brings in the ability to add furniture directly to the Intelligent Video Room Designer software making it simple to add tables and chairs to room layouts. These pieces can be scaled and moved around the layout as needed to make space planning more efficient and accurate before finalizing designs. This empowers stakeholders to visualize different furniture configurations ahead of time and enables additional room scenarios to be added to an existing set-up.

[SCN Hybrid World: Room with a (Wide) View]

Another new feature introduction, called Breadcrumbs, enables faster deployments and fine-tuning of the system to accommodate unique acoustic characteristics within a space. Chairs may move, or presenters may move more freely around the room as they speak. To account for these variations, this feature collects the past 100 audio pickups from the microphones in the room to provide important positional data for room usage. These data points allow IT managers to monitor usage and adjust audio pickup locations to yield the best results for room usage and proper switching.

Whether in person or remote, there is no denying that audio is the key component to positive hybrid experiences. In a world where employees and students alike need clear and intelligible audio, speakerphones offer a simple and quick setup to bring a conference anywhere and at any time.

[SCN Hybrid World: Right on Schedule]

Like many technologies in the post-pandemic world, speakerphones have evolved with enhancements over the past few years. SCN talked to manufacturers to find out what to look for when turning to speakerphones.

Plug-and-Play All Day

Portability. Bluetooth. USB-C. These are the terms thrown around with modern conferencing technology and what many people are looking for in their hybrid solutions. It should come as no surprise that it is no different for speakerphones.

In the "work from anywhere" world—as Josh Blalock, chief video evangelist at Jabra, calls it—portability and plug-and-play connectivity are table stakes for speakerphones. As Blalock explained, whether using a USB-C, USB-A, or Bluetooth connection, users want a frictionless meeting process from start to finish from an office huddle room or at their kitchen table. But, of course, it's always about the audio.

"High-quality audio is paramount," Blalock said. "Voice drop-offs, muffled audio, and background noise are not only frustrating, but also disruptive and can impact meeting productivity. Premium audio capabilities like full duplex audio help back-and-forth conversation in meetings sound and feel like they’re in person."

For Alan Nicholls, enterprise sales manager, MAXHUB, speakerphone features and capabilities are dictated by where the device is being set up. “For a dedicated conference room, portability and wireless are usually not necessary," Nicholls said. "For a traveling worker, the needs completely change. Portability, battery life, I/O, and Bluetooth will all be necessary. Something everyone needs is audio fidelity, voice pickup range, and noise cancelling."

[SCN Hybrid World: Out of Sight Sound]

In today's hybrid world, one in which multiple devices are daisy-chained and connected to an array of solutions, how much of a requirement is a charging dock for speakerphone setup? "Charging docks are popular in the conference speaker space, not so much in the portable speaker space," Nicholls said. "The USB-C port is used for both direct connectivity and charging. So, instead of a proprietary dock, you can use any USB-C cable to connect it to any device."

Conference Room Ready

With all-in-one solutions like videobars and highly advanced in-ceiling speaker and microphone systems, are speakerphones still an optimal choice for larger conference rooms? Joel Mulpeter, director, product marketing for Crestron, explained that Crestron Flex Pods were designed for this purpose. "For a larger space, a flexible, expandable system such as the Flex Pods solution is the ticket," he said. "It’s especially useful for mixed use rooms—conference rooms that need to double as training spaces, for example."

"Traditionally, speakerphones were a fixture of large conference rooms, but today we see them more and more in huddle rooms, collaboration spaces, and home offices," Blalock added. "As a portable, plug-and-play device, speakerphones have become a key addition to many hybrid workers’ work-from-home spaces. They’re also a perfect companion for business travelers that need high-quality audio while working from a hotel or other location outside of their normal day-to-day."

More AI and Beyond

AI is everywhere, and speakerphones are no exception. Blalock admits generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Zoom AI Companion are at the core of every conversation when it comes to future enhancements in the conference room and beyond. "How well these AI tools receive and interpret input determines their success in driving productivity. The ability of speakerphones to accurately capture conversation in meetings is critical as even minor AI misunderstandings can impact AI-produced meeting transcripts and action items—and ultimately disrupt workflows and reduce productivity," he noted. "Maximizing high-quality audio in speakerphones will help to better harness the potential of AI companions in the year ahead."

[SCN Hybrid World: Room with a (Wide) View]

Expanding on that high-quality audio, Mulpeter added that in a world of AV-over-IP and audio-over-IP, future enhancements should always be aimed at creating spaces that are easily adaptable to the client’s wishes. "AV-over-IP and audio-over-IP is really the backbone of future integrations," he explained. "It’s expandable, it’s got the potential for broad interoperability, and we welcome a variety of third-party devices into our installations. Microphones are a great example. Our systems can handle a variety of applications, from speakerphone conversations to videoconferencing, all with very simple and intuitive controls."

Now that you know what features to look for, here are several speakerphones to consider for enhancing your conference room or hybrid meeting experience.

Atlona Captivate AT-CAP-SP100

The Atlona Captivate AT-CAP-SP100 speakerphone, which is USB and Bluetooth-ready, provides 360-degree coverage to capture voices within a radius of up to 16 feet. Its six-element microphone array focuses on audio pickup while suppressing background noises, allowing individual meeting participants to be heard clearly. Advanced acoustic echo cancellation and noise reduction further enhance voice intelligibility by eliminating unwanted sounds.

AVer FONE700

AVer’s FONE700 offers advanced audio technology with noise suppression, double-talk detection, and de-reverberation, ensuring clear, echo-free communication. Its full duplex system optimizes meeting experiences, while a single USB connection simplifies setup and reduces clutter. Equipped with three directional and 18 omnidirectional microphones, and supporting up to four speakerphones, it can capture voices within a 131-foot range. The FONE700 adapts to various room sizes and is certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, RingCentral, and Barco.

Biamp Speakerphone

The Biamp speakerphone is a combination of its TesiraFORTÉ X 400 DSP, Parlé TTM-X tabletop microphone, and Tesira HD-1 dialer hardware. The combination provides both telephony control and PoE with a dial pad from the Tesira HD-1 Dialer. The TesiraFORTÉ X 400 offers easy setup via Biamp Launch software, featuring AI-based automated startup and room tuning. The Parlé TTM-X mic is a low-profile 4.7-inch tabletop microphone with Beamtracking technology to focus on persons speaking anywhere in the room across four 90-degree audio zones for full 360-degree room coverage.

Boom Collaboration Boom GEMINI

The Boom GEMINI offers 48kHz wideband audio with a four-microphone, 26-foot, 360-degree omnidirectional range. The included expansion unit connects easily to extend the audio and microphone capacity for medium to large meeting spaces. The Boom GEMINI twin speakerphones are designed with enhanced features such as dynamic noise reduction, automatic echo cancellation, and USB plug-and-play capabilities.

ClearOne CHAT 150 BT

The ClearOne CHAT 150 BT was designed with simple USB and Bluetooth connections to personal computers, mobile devices, and desk phones. Its steerable microphone array with first-mic priority intelligently activates the microphone closest to the talker, reducing ambient noise interference. With features such as advanced noise cancellation, full duplex distributed echo cancellation, and automatic level control, the CHAT 150 BT offers intelligible, natural audio and is compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.

Crestron Flex Pods

Crestron Flex Pods are a tabletop wireless audio solution that provide flexibility in how users deploy Crestron microphone and speaker solutions across an organization. Crestron Flex Pods include built-in microphones, speaker, and audio controls that wirelessly connect to a UC room solution such as a Microsoft Teams Room. No matter where people are in the space, the solution Flex Pods can be moved to ensure optimal range and reach so everyone can hear, and be heard, clearly.

Jabra Speak2 75

The Jabra Speak2 75 is a personal pocketable device for the coffee-table-conferencing, dining-room-dialing, and hotel-hot-desking meeting rooms of today’s hybrid world. The next generation of Jabra’s Speak Series, the Speak2 75 includes a 65mm speaker, super-wideband audio, full duplex audio for the most natural conversations, and four beamforming microphones. It features an intuitive microphone quality indicator, as well as both USB-C and USB-A connectors on the same cable.

Logitech Logi Dock

Logitech’s Logi Dock is an all-in-one docking station with one-touch meeting controls and a built-in speakerphone to simplify the personal workspace and improve the video meeting experience while decluttering the desktop space by providing a single connection point for desktop devices. Logi Dock is built with enterprise-grade audio and includes features that enable users to leverage the noise-cancelling speakerphone. For private conversations, users can automatically switch audio to another headset or earbuds—and switch to music from Logi Dock’s speaker once the meeting concludes.

MAXHUB BM35

Designed for use in small to mid-size meeting spaces, the compact MAXHUB BM35 Bluetooth teleconference speakerphone features an eight-microphone array and 360-degree omnidirectional audio algorithms to capture voices up to 19 feet away—enabling meeting participants to be clearly heard, while reverberation suppression minimizes distractions. With automatic gain control, intelligent algorithms adjust the volume of participant voices dynamically, keeping fluctuating volumes to a minimum., Bluetooth provides the ability to Connect two BM35s via Bluetooth for larger groups.

MSolutons MS-SP10

The MS-SP10 is a USB smart conference speakerphone with an embedded architecture design for use in meeting spaces of all sizes. It adopts the combination mode of main microphone plus extension microphone, capturing audio nearly 33 feet away with 360-degree omnidirectional pickup. The MS-SP10 integrates a diverse set of AI audio algorithms to accommodate noise reduction, echo cancellation, reverberation suppression, and automatic gain. The MS-SP10’s high and low-frequency speaker design plays music rich in bass and treble, and delivers clear and natural voices.

Sennheiser TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker

Optimized for small Microsoft Teams rooms, the TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker’s intuitive design is intended to give teams a way to collaborate in hybrid meetings as if everyone is in one place. Intelligent solutions such as integrated voice recognition software and automatic meeting notes make an equitable meeting experience possible for remote and hard-of-hearing participants. The speaker offers an omnidirectional speaker and covers a 7.5-foot radius with seven integrated beamforming microphones.

Telycam SONO

Telycam’s SONO AI-enhanced wireless speakerphone is designed to improve the way participants experience audio during videoconferences in personal workspaces, as well as small and medium-sized rooms. SONO incorporates a 1.75-inch speaker and eight omnidirectional microphones, with its direction-of-arrival recognition algorithm adjusting pickup toward the current speaker. A pickup distance of 16 feet ensures that everyone in the room can be heard. Additionally, SONO’s AI-driven noise reduction algorithm continuously learns and adapts dynamically to filter out noise such as keyboards, chairs, air conditioning, and other environmental sounds while ensuring that voices remain natural and clear.

Yamaha YVC-330

The Yamaha YVC-330 speakerphone, with SoundCap technology, provides clear audio in open workspaces and remote meetings by creating a 3-foot “audio bubble” around the speaker. This feature blocks background noise, ensuring only voices within range are transmitted. With additional capabilities like far field noise reduction and human voice activity detection, the YVC-330 filters out irrelevant sounds for enhanced call clarity. Compact, USB-powered, and ready for instant use, it easily transforms any space into a professional meeting environment, making it ideal for flexible or remote work setups.

Founded in 1857 by brothers Herman and Augustus Kountze, First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has grown substantially over the years. Today, FNBO has more than $30 billion in assets and is one of the largest privately held banks in the United States.

[Strategies and Solutions for Corporate Campus Displays]

In 2020, FNBO decided to fully refresh the AV systems in its Omaha, NE-based, 45-story headquarters, which is the tallest building between Chicago and Denver. The refresh included more than 250 conference rooms on 40 floors and the construction of the project's crown jewel, the Experience Center on the 19th floor.

Longtime FNBO AV supplier CTI was chosen to do the multi-year refresh, which wrapped up at the end of 2024. “The reason we chose CTI to be part of our team is we needed a partner that could be part of us, dream with us, be visionary with us, but yet then provide a practical, functional solution that would work for us,” said FNBO SVP Brenda Dooley. “We kind of knew what we wanted, but we didn't know how to pull it together. So, it was important that we had a partner with us long term as we look to how technology changes in the future and provide those solutions for us.”

To put it mildly, the refresh was very much a transformation. “FNBO’s idea of a video collaboration-style conference room had been a wall-mounted TV with an HDMI cord coiled up beside it,” said Josh Keller, design consultant, CTI. “Then COVID happened and they had to reinvent everything. Everybody was now at home—and the company had not been set up for videoconferencing and didn't have the infrastructure in place to do it. That's where this project came from.”

The Crown Jewel

Without a doubt, FNBO’s Experience Center is the peak of CTI’s AV refresh. It is a large, comfortable space with extensive seating, bolstered by ceiling-mounted Barco video projectors and Shure microphones, Samsung LED monitors, Absen video walls, and LG BH Series Ultra Stretch digital signage. “They wanted to create an environment that would appeal to the caliber of clients they’re trying to attract,” Keller said. “Because their focus is on credit card processing, their goal is to ensure these high-level customers feel welcomed and valued the moment they walk through the door."

To describe the Experience Center’s video assets as eye-catching is an understatement. "As soon as you step off the elevator, you’re greeted by an Absen 1.5-pixel wraparound LED video wall designed to immediately draw you in,” said Keller. “We incorporated several portrait-mounted Samsung Q Series 98-inch displays and strategically placed ultra-stretch screens throughout the space. Add in the immersive background audio, a high-end lounge area for client meetings, and multiple conference rooms, and the Experience Center delivers a truly engaging environment.”

Barco projector mapping helps the Experience Center combine storytelling, discovery, and hospitality on its walls. “We incorporated several truly unique elements,” Keller said. “There’s a custom wood relief map wall that’s brought to life with projection mapping, allowing visitors to see each branch location highlighted on the surface. Another highlight is a section where their original 19th-century charter is embossed onto the wall. Motion-activated by walking up to the wall simulates the charter being written in real time as someone approaches. It’s a uniquely immersive way to connect their roots with modern storytelling.”

Universally User Friendly

Given that FNBO’s staff are not tech gurus, CTI designed the bank’s conference rooms (of varying sizes) to be consistent in design while being very easy to use. Basically, if you know how to run one FNBO conference room AV system, you know how to run them all.

[The 8K Debate]

“Everything had to be standardized,” said Keller. “When you're doing something like this, if you go through and sit down and try to design every single room by itself, it's just not possible. For instance, we standardized on Samsung for pretty much all the in-room displays; whether it's their smallest display at 55 inches or all the way up to 98 inches.”

Functionally speaking, FNBO’s rooms are controlled using touchpads loaded with Zoom videoconferencing software. CTI selected Neat bars and control pads equipped with cameras, speakers, and microphones for use in the smaller rooms, while Shure MXA910 ceiling array mics, Logitech Rally cameras, and Altas speakers were used in the larger spaces.

“Any video routing was done through Crestron DM NVX equipment throughout the building,” Keller said. “Anything that we had to tie in through a video matrix was done that way. Most of the system controls throughout the building go through Crestron as well.”

It is the Zoom touchpads that provide a standardized user experience in all FNBO’s conference rooms. “When you walk into any of their rooms, they have a Zoom touchpanel so that the user experience is exactly the same no matter the size of the room,” said Keller. “When we get to the real advanced rooms, we do add a secondary page for additional controls. But you still have that main Zoom user interface so that it doesn’t matter who is walking into the room: Anybody could have a basic meeting there.

[Product Review: Shokz OpenMeet UC Presents New Twist on Office Headset]

"Since we were getting to retrain the users at this point, the way that we wanted to retrain them was that you don't even need an HDMI cable at this point,” he added. “We recommended that they join wirelessly through Zoom, and then share any content that they had through that connection. This approach met their needs."

Security Considerations

Completing the FNBO project did not come without its challenges. Besides the sheer scope of the project with its hundreds of rooms, CTI had to ensure that the system was sufficiently secure to protect bank financial information and other confidential data.

“We had to make sure that everything was vetted by their team,” said Keller. “So, in the very beginning, all the equipment had to be penetration-tested to verify its security. We did have to provide those tests back to them and make sure that the security team itself was signing off on everything that was going to be on their network before we installed it.”

All content that runs on FNBO’s AV LAN is kept isolated from the traffic on the company’s main network. "We built a separate AV network that was a closed loop and not connected to the internet at all,” Keller explained. “Only the UC engines and anything that needed to have active security updates on a daily basis has been connected to the outside world."

[Viewpoint: Office Buzz or Buzzkill]

Today, FNBO’s advanced AV system is wowing visitors and staff alike. “Overall, I thought the refresh project went really well,” said Keller. “This was one of my largest projects in my career to date. But thanks to CTI’s skilled engineering team, it worked.”

It was a busy week at ISE 2025. With all those new products, you may have missed all the newsmakers in Pro AV last week. Yes, there was another acquisition, several more people moving up the ranks, Zoom Rooms certifications, and a slew of new partnerships.

Be sure to get caught up in this week's Pro AV Newsmakers.

ISE 2025 Best of Show: SCN | AV Technology

People News

AVI Systems Announces Five Senior Leadership Promotions

AVI Systems has promoted five leaders from within the company as part of the company’s strategic evolution to support rapid growth and further position AVI Systems as a trusted, strategic advisor to its customers.

To manage continued growth, AVI Systems evolved its operational leadership structure. This evolution ensures the company has the right leaders in place to drive innovation, implement best practices across the company’s locations, and scale to meet growing customer demand.

[New Year's Acquisition: AVI Systems to Add AVCON]

The following senior leaders have been promoted:

• John Bagnell has been promoted to EVP. In this role, he oversees all AVI regional business units in the United States, fostering continuity and collaboration, driving regional growth, and aligning to AVI’s value proposition
• Shannon O’Reilly and Roland Schlegel will both serve as new SVPs reporting to Bagnell. In their new roles, long-time AVI regional leaders, O’Reilly and Schlegel, expand their oversight and support in existing regions, mentoring regional and area VPs, driving strategic growth plans, and ensure best practices across their expanded regions.
• Michael Safranski has been named SVP of operations. He leads AVI’s Integration, Delivery, and Managed Services teams to ensure alignment across all service lines and adoption of standards and best practices. This represents an expansion of Safranski’s current role as VP of managed services.
• Keith Yandell has been promoted to SVP of innovation. In this role, Yandell continues to oversee the Practice Team, emerging technologies and offerings and AVI’s own Innovation Vault, which is showcased at each AVI LIVE event held nationally. In addition, he is establishing a new vision for AVI’s customer experience centers.

Zixi Strengthens Commercial Leadership

Zixi has appointed Josh Wiggins as chief commercial officer and Kris Alexander as VP of product and industry marketing. These strategic hires reinforce Zixi’s leadership team as the company continues to drive innovation and expand its market presence in next-generation video contribution and distribution.

Wiggins brings over 25 years of experience across the media and entertainment ecosystem, specializing in business development, sales, and customer success from machine learning and metadata solutions to drive industry-wide growth, serving in senior commercial management roles in AWS, ThinkAnalytics, GrayMeta and Deluxe to name a few. In his new role, Wiggins leads Zixi’s go-to-market strategy, business development, sales operations, and partnerships, ensuring that customers and partners can maximize efficiency and revenue opportunities with Zixi’s technology.

Alexander joins Zixi with decades of experience leading strategy, product, and marketing at businesses such as AWS, Akamai Technologies, and numerous board advisory roles in M&E and technology to create new market opportunities and drive revenue growth. At Zixi, he leads messaging, packaging, thought leadership, and education to simplify and accelerate the journey of customers to take advantage of IP-based live video.

Company News

Riedel Expands 5G Expertise With MECSware Acquisition

Riedel Communications acquired MECSware and launched of the transformative Private 5G network solution Easy5G. Developed in collaboration with MECSware, Easy5G is set to enhance 5G usage in dynamic environments like live events, remote productions, and industrial facilities, offering flexibility, simplicity, and rapid deployment.

Established in 2015 by Dr. Torsten Musiol, MECSware develops and supplies easy-to-deploy and easy-to-operate 4G/5G system solutions for private networks. As part of the acquisition, MECSware will join the Riedel Group, but will remain an independent company.

Easy5G redefines Private 5G deployment by combining Wi-Fi-like simplicity with the robustness of carrier-grade systems. With only a handful of setup parameters, the system can be operational in under 60 minutes, cutting deployment time by weeks compared to traditional networks. No specialized 5G expertise or dark fiber is needed; Easy5G can be managed by general IT personnel using a standard switch infrastructure.

Crestron Joins Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform

Crestron Electronics will join the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP). Built on the Android Open Source Project (ASOP), MDEP is a platform open to device manufacturers and software developers to create new, innovative solutions with users in mind. Solutions that are part of the Microsoft ecosystem are backed by the trust, security, and management standards set forth by the brand.

“By joining MDEP, we're taking the next step in delivering purpose-built solutions that combine Crestron's expertise in workplace technology with Microsoft's enterprise-grade security and management capabilities,” said Crestron’s EVP of global marketing, Brad Hintze. “This will enable us to create more specialized, secure, and manageable devices that address the specific needs of modern workplaces, while maintaining the seamless integration our customers expect. We look forward to bringing our first MDEP-powered products to market soon."

LEA Professional and NETGEAR Announce Interoperability Partnership

LEA Professional entered into a Pro AV partnership with NETGEAR AV, which announced the interoperability between the NETGEAR AV Line managed switches and the LEA Professional Connect Series IoT-enabled smart amplifier family for professional audio systems.

This partnership highlights the compatibility of NETGEAR AV’s product portfolio with LEA Professional’s. The two technology companies form this partnership to enhance their combined customers’ experiences.

Among the company’s product lineup is LEA Professional’s award-winning Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity. These series enable integrators to utilize cloud-based remote control, monitoring, notifications, and more from any internet-enabled device, allowing them to stay connected anywhere in the world.

L-Acoustics and Treble Technologies Announce Strategic Partnership and Investment

L-Acoustics announced its participation in Treble Technologies’ Series A funding round, alongside a strategic partnership between the two companies.

This strategic partnership unites the two in a shared mission to transform how audio professionals design and optimize sound experiences. By combining L-Acoustics’ sound system expertise with Treble’s acoustic modeling technology, the brands are creating a more powerful and efficient workflow for their partners, from venue acoustics to system design.

Treble’s wave-based simulation technology brings new capabilities to the partnership, addressing complex acoustic phenomena including diffraction, phase effects, and wave interference, particularly in the low-frequency domain. The hybrid solver achieves these detailed calculations up to 100 times faster than conventional solutions, enabling partners to analyze and optimize sound behavior more comprehensively and efficiently than ever before. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in giving sound designers the tools they need to create exceptional audio experiences with greater confidence and precision.

Samsung and Cielo Partner with AI-Powered Digital Signage Technology

Samsung has partnered with Cielo, a manufacturer in AI-powered franchise solutions, to transform retail advertising and franchise operations. This collaboration combines Samsung’s VXT display technology and Cielo’s AI-driven platform, introducing game-changing tools for digital marketing and operational efficiency.

As part of this strategic alliance, Cielo is introducing SmartSigns, a Digital Signage as a Service (DaaS) solution that leverages Samsung’s VXT technology to deliver ‘the right message to the right audience at the right time.’ By integrating CieloVision’s KYAI (Know Your Audience Intelligence) for real-time analytics and AI-driven advertising, businesses gain powerful insights into consumer engagement.

Shure Strengthens Commitment to GPA’s Global Partnership Program

Shure is returning to GPA’s Global Partnership Program. This collaboration aims to enhance workplace technology by combining Shure’s unmatched audio products with GPA’s global reach and expertise.

GPA is dedicated to transforming businesses worldwide through intelligent and human-centered workplace technology. By welcoming Shure into its Partner Program, GPA continues its tradition of fostering strong, enduring relationships with top-tier global vendors. Shure’s century-long commitment to excellence in audio technology uniquely positions the company to meet the sophisticated needs of modern enterprises.

GPA’s stringent selection process ensures that only the most reliable and innovative technology providers join their elite program. Shure’s inclusion reinforces its reputation for delivering superior audio performance and reliability, qualities essential for GPA’s goal of enhancing enterprise customer experiences.

Symetrix Radius NX 4x4 IP DSP is Zoom Rooms Certified

The Symetrix Radius NX 4x4 IP DSP along with third-party TCC2 Ceiling Microphones, and AD-C4T-LP ceiling speakers are certified for use in Zoom Rooms environments, enabling enhanced audio echo cancellation and system controls.

Symetrix brings seamless unified communications and system control to all types of workspaces. From simple huddle spaces to workspaces requiring multiple microphones, Symetrix components provide flexibility in networked digital audio routing, processing, and configurations when being integrated with Zoom Rooms.

With this integration, the Symetrix Audio Echo Cancellation algorithm can be utilized. This provides more flexibility and pristine audio quality in multi-microphone and multi-speaker applications. The integration also permits HID synchronization for users to have controls for making calls, changing the volume of Zoom Rooms, and having access to status monitoring.

Every year, Future publications contracts with AV industry experts to evaluate products submitted by manufacturers exhibiting at ISE for its Best of Show awards. This year, the Best of Show awards are presented by nine of Future's industry publications, including Systems Contractor News.

Our expert judges were meticulous in their review of the products chosen for them to evaluate. While we can tell you the judges are your peers, AV/IT managers, directors, engineers, or industry consultants and integrators, their names, as always, remain anonymous.

AV Network at ISE 2025

• Our Favorite Booths from the Social Media Universe
• New Products
• Mike Blackman's Exclusive 1:1 with Cindy Davis

The Winners Are...

• Clear-Com, FreeSpeak ICON
  What the judges said: "The Clear-Com Freespeak system is the most versitle professional grade wireless intercom on the market today because you can interface with matrix and IP systems. The new Icon Beltpack further distinguishes the product line from the competition with easy placement of remote transceivers and a scalable number of beltpacts. The refined beltpack has an improved display and additional programable keys pulling from the existing Edge design. Integrators needing a robust solution for complicated environments should feel comfortable free-speaking with Clear-Com."
• Crestron, Crestron AirMedia Connect Endpoint, Crestron
  What the judges said: "The AirMedia Connect Endpoint builds on Crestron's history of supporting wireless collaboration adding wired connectivity and the ability to operate independently of the network. Overall, the new form factor looks more professional."
• Episode, Episode Extreme Environment In-Ceiling Speaker
  What the judges said: "Episode creates installer-friendly hardware solutions that survive harsh outdoor environments to provide high-quality acoustic performance. Episode Extreme Environment In-Ceiling Speakers are well built and with their controlled distribution model, they help protect integrators from others poaching system designs."
• LEA Professional, Connect Series Touch
  What the judges said: "The Connect Series Touch controllers from LEA are visually stunning and easy to configure and effortless to use. Audio quality matters but so does the user control experience. The LEA Connect Series Touch experience leverages their network-centric model and displays a commitment to the customer experience that is second to none."
• LED Studio, EDGEi
  What the judges said: "I'm impressed by the quality of the LED color reproduction and color gamut. Clear and crisp image quality. The sustainability aspect of lower power consumption is innovative in the market and backed up with facts. The idea of an all-in-one LED to replace LCD and have the same resolution in the same size is interesting and a first move for replacing LCD video walls. It's the first time an LED manufacturer adds a player to the screen. The all-in-one is easy to use for digital signage, and the market has been waiting for this type of product to replace the flat panels with the right size and resolution—and higher lifetime."
• LUMA, Luma 4K Hybrid Turret Varifocal Camera
  What the judges said: "The Luma 4K Hybrid Turret Varifocal Camera adds significant value for integrators with the quick OvrC configuration and active deterrence capabilities that will help end users minimize the chances of becoming a victim of crime."
• MAXHUB, MAXHUB XBoard V7 Series
  What the judges said: "MAXHUB's XBoard V7 Series is an exceptional interactive display system with its integrated camera and beamforming microphones. The camera's intelligent framing, tracking, and focus capabilities steal the show due to the 50MP, but the panels impressive color reproduction is another reason this display is top of the class."
• Shure, Microflex (MX) Loudspeakers
  What the judges said: "Microflex (MX) Loudspeakers are the next progression in conferencing audio solutions from Shure. Integrators will appreciate the ability to select a networked MXN5W-C in-ceiling speaker or use the MXN-AMP with onboard DSP utilities to drive up to four passive speakers. With four speaker options to choose from there is bound to be an option that best fits your next project or you can use the MXN-Amp to leverage existing hardware."
• WolfVision, VZ-2.UHD Visualizer
  What the judges said: "WolfVision makes the highest performing document cameras on the market, and the new VZ-2.UHD Visualizer brings value to the table without sacrificing quality. The ability to pivot the camera to switch from image to presenter capture capability increases optionality for users and the refined control interface makes it a breeze to operate."

The showfloor is open. Welcome to ISE 2025. For the next four days, thousands upon thousands of Barcelona visitors will take in as much Pro AV as they can. AV Network continues to be your one-stop shop for updates from the show to make sure you know what to check out on the showfloor.

Today, check out the latest from Crestron, XTEN-AV, HP | Poly, DiGiCo, and Neat.

Crestron Advances Content Distribution and Announces New XiO Cloud Licensing Model

Crestron Electronics is showcasing its suite of enhancements to its content distribution portfolio, including the new AirMedia Connect Endpoint, more DM NVX 384 encoder/decoder features, and new subscription tiers for the XiO Cloud platform.

The new AirMedia Connect Endpoint extends the reach of the AirMedia Connect Adaptor, bringing USB-C connectivity and a wired connectivity option to the table to complement wireless capabilities. The solution offers a versatile form factor and enhanced connectivity options to simplify content sharing, conferencing, and digital signage in meeting and learning spaces. This plug-and-play solution provides the ability to present or host a meeting from personal devices using the wired or wireless connectivity method that works best for each space.

The DM NVX 384 encoder/decoder represents the next generation of AV-over-IP technology, with USB-C connectivity, multi-input switching, support for multiple resolutions, and a new powerful feature that will be enabled via a free firmware update: multiview. Multiview allows up to six content sources to be displayed simultaneously on a single screen in different layouts, expanding capabilities for large-format displays in applications like command-and-control centers, bars/restaurants, or education spaces.

The XiO Cloud service is available in a free XiO Cloud subscription and a paid XiO Cloud Premium subscription to cater to diverse organizational needs. Customers have found value in the XiO Cloud platform, and this new free XiO Cloud subscription brings a limited feature set of these capabilities to a larger group with remote device deployment and management with SMS/email alerts for proactive monitoring of Crestron devices. The paid XiO Cloud premium subscription delivers more advanced support and a more predictable annual licensing model for large deployments. The XiO Cloud premium subscription adds third-party device monitoring, room level functions, and REST API access for advanced customization and integration. The XiO Cloud Premium subscription uses a device-based licensing model allowing you to purchase a specified device count based on the anticipated number of devices in your XiO Cloud account.

XTEN-AV Launches X-Pro, New Project Management Platform

XTEN-AV launched X-Pro in Barcelona. The innovative project management platform streamlines workflows and optimizes operations across design, installation, and support as a cloud-based platform that empowers users to complete AV designs and proposals and progress to project management, on the same platform.

With an intuitive interface and powerful capabilities, X-Pro seamlessly integrates project management with XTEN-AV's design and proposal platform, enabling users to manage every stage of their projects efficiently and collaboratively. X-Pro offers a host of features designed to address the challenges faced by AV integrators, designers and installers.

• Create Tasks and Link Them to Events
• Mobile Access for Field Technicians
• Clock-in/ Clock-out Functionality
• Comprehensive Project ROI Insights

HP | Poly Debuts the Poly Studio V12 Video Bar and Poly Lens Pro for Rooms

HP | Poly announced new collaboration solutions, including the Poly Studio V12 video bar, along with comprehensive IT management services and support, designed to bring teams together from wherever they join a meeting.

The Poly Studio V12 USB Video Bar is a compact solution for small meeting rooms, offering enterprise-grade audio and video capabilities without compromising on performance. Leveraging the latest generation of NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technologies plus a 20megapixel camera, the Poly Studio V12 packs a punch, blocking out unwanted background noise to ensure clear communication. The system integrates seamlessly with leading video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, and offers simple setup via USB connectivity, and multiple power options, providing flexibility to suit any BYOD or PC-based room.

The Poly Studio V12 USB Video Bar will join HP’s comprehensive lineup of next-generation video conferencing solutions. The next-generation Poly Studio portfolio includes the Poly Studio V-Series premium USB video bars, the Poly Studio X-Series all-in-one video bars, the Studio-G Series modular video conferencing solutions, and the Poly Studio E360 center of table companion camera.

Additionally, HP | Poly introduce the new Voyager Legend 50 Series Headset which offers AI-enhanced noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and long-lasting battery life, making it an ideal choice for today's flexible worker.

DiGiCo Quantum225T Makes its Official Debut 

DiGiCo launched its “T” software version of its most compact Quantum Range desk, the Quantum2²⁵T. Boasting refined hardware and Quantum processing, the Quantum2²⁵T’s functionality and worksurface are instantly reconfigured to provide the specialist theater programming tools that deliver the versatility needed for theater sound design, rehearsal, and show operation.

The console’s intuitive programming and workflow enhance the cue system with DiGiCo’s renowned Auto Update and cue data management tools.

The Quantum2²⁵T is equipped with 96 input channels and 48 busses, as well Mustard and Nodal Processor tallies to 36 and 48, respectively. Mix minus is also included in the new feature set, plus a larger 24x24 matrix. There are four MADI ports and dual DMI ports for added connectivity, 8x8 analog and four AES channels for local I/O, built-in UB MADI, and optional Optocore, plus dual PSU.

Neat Introduces BYOD Offering Neat Select 

Neat announced at ISE that its Neat Bar and Neat Bar 2 are now available with Neat Select, a Bring-Your-Own-Device solution providing greater flexibility and making high-quality videoconferencing more accessible to businesses of all sizes. Neat Bar and Neat Bar 2 with Neat Select can now be deployed with or without Neat Pad and centrally managed and maintained via Neat Pulse.

While many businesses have standardized on a single collaboration platform, others have realized that a one-size-fits-all approach does not support their hybrid teams or diverse client base. With Neat Select, Neat Bar and Neat Bar 2 can be deployed as BYOD devices, giving customers the freedom to use the video collaboration platform or business applications of their choice for greater productivity and ease of use. Plus, Neat Select can address interoperability challenges, enabling seamless integration across different collaboration platforms.

Traditional BYOD solutions present many challenges to IT and end users alike. They are difficult to manage, do not provide IT with visibility into space utilization, and deliver an inconsistent user experience. Using Neat Pulse, Neat’s management and premium support offering, Neat Select can be centrally managed as part of the overall device deployment and remotely controlled to support users and deliver a consistent, simple experience. Plus, real-time utilization and workspace environment data is available in Neat Pulse and through APIs for greater deployment visibility.

The Pro AV newsmaker blitz of 2025 didn't slow down. Starin made a couple big moves, Exertis Almo has a new partnership, and companies like Bose Professional are adding to their teams.

Here's what you may have missed last week. 

[All AV Network ISE Coverage in One Space!]

People News

3G Productions Continues to Expand Sales Team

West Coast-based live event production and systems integration services provider 3G Productions has bolstered its sales staff with two recent hires: Sebastian Yepes as director of accounts, and Juan Segovia as account manager.

Based in Orlando, Yepes comes to 3G after more than seven years with 4Wall Entertainment, most recently serving as the director of live Events. Prior to that, he spent three years as OPAV’s director of accounts, and has also worked for both ESPN and Telemundo Media, a division of NBCUniversal.

In his new role as director of accounts, Yepes is responsible for growing 3G’s business on the East Coast and in the touring market, especially within the Latin music industry, where 3G already has a solid presence and is looking to expand.

Segovia, who is located in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, also joins the company from 4Wall, where he has been both an account executive and project manager. His background further includes maritime AVL positions with Navalimpianti USA and Carnival Cruise Line Entertainment.

In his position as account manager, Segovia is leveraging his relationships and deepening 3G’s footprint on the East Coast, assisting Yepes to support their shared client base. Segovia is additionally be tasked with handling 3G’s growing used equipment sales business.

Bose Professional Expands Sales Leadership Team

Bose Professional has appointed Rick Renner as regional sales manager for the Central U.S. region and Tim Valley as regional sales manager for the Western U.S. region. Katie Stewart will be managing the Eastern U.S. region, as part of Bose Professional’s three-region approach to sales in North America. These strategic hires and appointments are part of Bose Professional’s continued commitment to strengthening its sales leadership and driving growth across the U.S. market.

Rick Renner joins Bose Professional with over 20 years of experience in the professional audio industry. He has held leadership roles at Sennheiser Electronic Corporation and Shure Incorporated, where he most recently served as senior director, professional audio U.S. In this role, Renner played a key part in building long-lasting partnerships with end users, channel partners, and artists, which resulted in record sales growth. 

Valley also brings over 20 years of experience in sales and management in the professional audio industry. He has held key positions at Shure Incorporated and BrightSign, where he most recently served as director of commercial sales. His expertise in team leadership and building customer relationships makes him an ideal fit for Bose Professional’s growing presence in the Western U.S. His career is marked by a focus on fostering deep connections with customers and advancing sales strategies that deliver results.

A.C. ProMedia Welcomes Kurt Metzler as Business Development Manager

A.C. ProMedia, distributor of products and solutions for the commercial and Pro AV installation markets, appointed Kurt Metzler as business development manager. In his new role, Metzler focuses on expanding the company’s presence by cultivating strong relationships with key accounts, providing comprehensive training to clients and sales representatives, and uncovering new growth opportunities. Additionally, he works closely with the supply chain department to streamline order processing and support marketing initiatives by representing the company at tradeshows, promotional events, and product demonstrations.

Metzler has a distinguished career spanning multiple decades in the pro audio industry. He has held roles at companies such as AVL Media Group, Powersoft Advanced Technologies, and Meyer Sound Labs, where he earned a reputation for driving sales, launching innovative products, and fostering lasting relationships with customers and industry stakeholders.

Nemal Electronics Adds New Sales Rep

Nemal hired Omar Newball as its new sales rep. Newball is a connectivity specialist with expertise in RF and fiber technologies, making him a trusted asset in projects requiring advanced communication and network solutions. His dedication and technical knowledge ensure seamless integration and outstanding results in every endeavor.

Newball is a highly skilled professional with over 20 years of experience in customer service, specializing in delivering exceptional support and fostering strong relationships with clients. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, his ability to connect with diverse clientele enhances his effectiveness in meeting their needs.

Shotoku Announces Leadership Developments 

Leadership is developing at Shotoku Broadcast Systems. The international manufacturer of easy-to-use and reliable robotic and manual camera support systems has announced significant changes in its product and sales management team. Clive Mumby has assumed the role of robotics product manager and Vishal Kagdada has stepped into Mumby’s former role as sales manager.  

Following seven years as Shotoku’s sales manager, Mumby is stepping into his new role. His 30-plus year career in both commercial and operational television environments, including tenures with international broadcasters and multiple broadcast equipment vendors, positions him perfectly to drive Shotoku’s ongoing product development.

Kagdada who joined Shotoku as technical sales manager in 2021 with a background in broadcast systems integration as well as the manufacture of precision engineering systems outside the broadcast market, plays an even greater role in supporting and growing Shotoku’s global customer base, drawn from some of the highest profile national and international broadcasters and governments.  

Company News

Exertis Almo Named National Distributor for MuxLab Professional Signal Distribution Solutions

Exertis Almo has been named Top National Distributor for MuxLab professional signal distribution solutions. Through this newly expanded relationship, Exertis Almo’s channel partners now have access to MuxLab’s complete portfolio of professional signal distribution products for Pro AV, AVoIP, Broadcast, Video Conferencing and Digital Signage, along with enhanced marketing, sales and support engagement to benefit the network.

Featured MuxLab Solutions available through Exertis Almo include:

• Muximus Control Software Solution: A fully customizable integrator control platform, which includes AVoIP, Digital Signage, Dante Audio, 3rd party devices and the MuxControl integrator interface designer to create end user tablet experiences.
• Seamless AVoIP Transceivers (4K30-4K60): The HDMI-over-IP PoE seamless transceivers are designed for AV streaming over LAN, WiFi and Internet. Designed for Commercial and Residential AV, Classroom Projector, Digital Signage, Boardroom, and Medical Information Systems.
•  KVM Control Room Solutions: Enables a single operator to control multiple computers in a control room environment using one keyboard, mouse, and monitor, switching seamlessly between different sources.

Starin's Big Week

Starin, The Farm AV, and Toolfarm will now operate under the global Midwich brand. This strategic alignment reflects the unified vision of these leading organizations to provide technology solutions to their partners and clients.

The rebranding signifies the culmination of a collaborative journey between these industry innovators, streamlining resources and expertise under the Midwich Group’s umbrella. Together, they aim to provide unparalleled service and support to integrators, resellers, and technology professionals, enhancing their ability to address evolving market demands.

Midwich will continue to focus on building profitable revenue and market share across three hardware technology growth pillars in the U.S.: unified communications and collaboration (UCC), media and entertainment, and integrated audio complementing this portfolio with recurring revenue solutions and services.

Starin also announced a new partnership with Absen. This strategic collaboration expands Starin’s product portfolio and delivering advanced LED solutions to the North American market. Together, Starin and Absen are poised to meet the increasing demand for LED technology, providing customers with innovative solutions, support, and a commitment to excellence. This partnership underscores Starin’s dedication to leading the AV industry and addressing the evolving needs of its clients.

“We are committed to serving our customers by recognizing and addressing their needs in this dynamic market segment,” said Tyler Brebberman, VP business management, Starin. “Partnering with Absen allows us to offer comprehensive LED solutions, aligning with our mission to deliver impactful, high-quality products that drive success for our clients.”

Audinate Announces New Partnerships

Heading into ISE 2025, Audinate announced that Sennheiser, Symetrix, and Powersoft have joined as new partners adopting Dante Media Encryption into Dante-enabled products. Dante Media Encryption protects the content of Dante media flows between devices using strong AES-256 encryption, safeguarding media from interception or unauthorized access.

Dante Media Encryption can be enabled via a firmware update for many existing Dante devices. Dante Media Encryption capabilities are fully compatible between updated devices in managed Dante networks.

 “We are pleased to partner with Audinate to bring Dante Media Encryption to market,” says Charlie Jones, senior partner relations manager, business communications, Sennheiser. “As an independent 3rd party working with over 600 manufacturers, Audinate is uniquely positioned in the industry to provide a manufacturer-agnostic, interoperable encryption solution that customers desire.” 

DigiValet Announces New Integration With Crestron Control Systems

DigiValet's hospitality solutions are now fully integrated with control systems from Crestron. This integration combines DigiValet’s guest experience solutions with advanced control and automation products from Crestron.

DigiValet’s tablet-based guest room solutions are installed in guest rooms at hotels across the globe, including Wynn Las Vegas, Raffles Singapore, Bulgari Paris, and St. Regis Maldives.

DigiValet offers comprehensive guest engagement and control, including lighting, shading, HVAC, hospitality television (including IPTV and OTT services), in-room dining ordering and PoS, housekeeping service requests through job dispatch systems, restaurant and spa reservation, and personalized messages and promotions.

LG and BrightSign Announce Alliance, Launch Integrated Digital Signage Solution

LG Electronics and BrightSign announced a collaboration resulting in a new series of LG ultra-high definition (UHD) digital signage displays running BrightSignOS. These displays will be available to U.S. customers in the second quarter of 2025, with international markets following.

The new LG 49, 55, and 65-inch UV5N series models will run the trusted BrightSignOS on LG’s powerful, embedded system-on-a-chip (SoC) multi-core processor. These displays are designed to transform content delivery and offer a wide variety of BrightSign partner content management system (CMS) solutions. They cater to a range of vertical markets, including transportation, retail, museums, hospitality, corporate, education, and healthcare. Businesses across industries are seeking to take control of content, create engaging customer experiences, and optimize the potential of signage applications. These true-integration signage solutions provide end users with real-time access to both BrightSignOS and the display.

Rise Announces Launch of Rise AV

Rise has launched Rise AV. Rise AV will build on the success of Rise Women in Broadcast (WIB), which was established in 2017 in the broadcast and media industry. With over 3,000 members worldwide, Rise has supported many women, advocates, and companies in technical, engineering, operations, marketing, sales, and executive roles through its programs.

The mission of Rise AV is to create an inclusive AV industry where gender diversity thrives, inspiring innovation, equity, and opportunity for all. It will focus on attracting and retaining talent, education and awareness, mentorship, and partnerships. In May 2025, Rise AV will introduce its first initiative in the U.K.—Rise AV Mentoring—a six-month dedicated program Global supporting women’s career and personal development. This will be led by Rise’s award-winning Mentoring Manager, Carla Maroussas.

Rise AV was founded by Rise’s Founder and CEO, Sadie Groom and Rachael Hamilton, who will become managing director. Hamilton has 18 years of experience in the AV sector, having previously been brand director of AV Magazine. She then founded IAR, the AV industry’s first business and marketing consultancy.

VigilLink Announces New Partnership with TecNec Distributing

TecNec Distributing and VigilLink announced a new partnership designed to expand TecNec’s offerings with VigilLink’s innovative AV-over-IP solutions. This collaboration aims to deliver AV products to system integrators, dealers, and rental houses across the Pro AV, broadcast, and pro audio industries. TecNec will distribute VigilLink’s full line of products.

Through this partnership, TecNec will leverage its 30 years of expertise as a premier value-added distributor, providing VigilLink’s innovative fiber optic and AV over IP solutions to its extensive network. VigilLink continues to extend its reach in the Pro AV market, focusing on environments where reliability, speed, efficiency, and security are critical.

Yamaha ProVisionaire Plan Collaborates With XTEN-AV

 Yamaha has announced a collaboration between the company’s new ProVisionaire Plan software, which brings intuitive ease and speed to designing and configuring professional conferencing systems, and XTEN-AV, a cloud-based, AI-powered professional AV design platform.

ProVisionaire Plan is a browser-based tool which allows users to enter basic information, such as the dimensions of a room, then automatically chooses and arranges equipment to deliver an optimal audio solution. The results are presented visually, including a 3D view which allows investors to clearly imagine the system they are investing in.

The new collaboration will see ProVisionaire Plan seamlessly integrated into XTEN-AV's AV TOOLS function. This enables not only product searches, but also the seamless integration of automated equipment selection tailored to specific projects. Providing users with a one-stop experience, it will further accelerate audio system design, reducing overall workload and costs.

Crestron Electronics has released a 2024 Sustainability Report that showcases progress and future commitments from the company to support sustainable initiatives. Crestron remains focused on three key pillars: corporate environmental stewardship, sustainable manufacturing excellence, and partnerships with the channel and customers. Crestron sees sustainability as an integral part of company operations to benefit the planet and support long-term business goals. As the report outlines, these pillars support critical goals for the company’s future vision, which include promoting social responsibility, minimizing environmental impact, and driving technology innovation.

“We are committed to our sustainable business practices, and this report reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our dedication to creating a positive impact on the world around us,” said Dan Feldstein, CEO and resident at Crestron. “This year's report highlights our progress in key areas such as reducing our carbon footprint, promoting responsible sourcing, fostering a healthy workplace, and driving innovation in sustainable technology. We are proud of our achievements, but we also recognize that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement and look forward to even further progress.”

[Why and How Sustainability Matters in the AV/IT Industry]

Crestron has remained committed to social responsibility with longstanding programs and commitments over the years. The Crestron Eagles Program was established to help support veterans of our country and has remained an important initiative in the company since its creation by founder George Feldstein. Efforts with the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital and Girl Scouts of America are other community outreach opportunities that the company supports, in addition to a highly dedicated internship/co-op program that is designed to uplift young talent for career development.

The focus on environmental efforts remains top of mind for the organization, which has implemented programs such as e-waste data collection, recycling practices, and waste training. In manufacturing processes, this includes setting standards for the ethical sourcing of materials as well as conducting supplier assessments to evaluate performance. Crestron’s Supplier Code of Conduct outlines expectations for sustainable practices for Crestron suppliers.

[Cindy Davis Declares AV Industry's Top Trend for 2024]

Crestron designs products to help promote energy consumption through automation, meeting energy code standards and other conservation goals organizations might have. Intelligent lighting and environmental systems leverage daylight harvesting and occupancy-based systems to track usage and make real-time adjustments. In addition, Crestron's high-quality product standards result in solutions with longer product life cycles.

Read the report. The 2024 Sustainability Report outlines the current practices and programs put in place by Crestron, in addition to outlining a strong vision for the future. The full report is available here.

Welcome back, Pro AV Nation. It was another busy week in partnerships and people movers. Of course, the SCN Top 50 Systems Integrators 2024 also came out this past week and made some headlines itself. 

AVI-SPL was No. 1 on the list, and also leads off our list of Pro AV Newsmakers for this week. 

People News

AVI-SPL Appoints Kelly Bousman to Lead Global ESG and Sustainability

AVI-SPL appointed Kelly Bousman to the newly created position of SVP of ESG and sustainability. Bousman—who joined AVI-SPL in 1997 and has held various positions related to new business and market offerings, from e-commerce to customer marketing, preferred supplier engagement, and global brand strategy—shifts from directing AVI-SPL's global marketing strategy to owning the company's global environmental, social, and governance strategy and operationalization. 

Bousman steps into her new leadership role at a pivotal time in the company's transformation, global expansion, and increasing global interest in corporate sustainability and ESG action. The inaugural AVI-SPL ESG Performance Report details the company’s ESG materiality analysis, goals, policies, and actions. 

Bousman is tasked with building connections across AVI-SPL’s stakeholders to create new value through sustainability and diversity practices. She chairs a committee of global AVI-SPL business leaders and steers cross-functional workstreams to achieve AVI-SPL’s ESG Blueprint milestones across a rolling three-year time horizon.  

To ensure ongoing alignment and progress, Bousman interfaces regularly with customers, employees, suppliers, and industry partners to co-create sustainability business models. This includes co-chairing the AVIXA Sustainability Advisory Group starting in 2025. 

HH Audio Promotes Kyle Watson

HH Audio, part of the Headstock Group, promoted Kyle Watson to the position of divisional sales manager Europe. Kyle will be responsible for the growth of HH Audio in the territory and will work closely with the company’s European partners, leading the release of exciting new ranges and helping to determine what products should be next in development.

“I’m excited to be taking on my new responsibilities and meeting and working with our European partners," Watson said. "With a range of new HH Audio products about to be launched and ISE just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better. I’m very much looking forward to the challenge."

Riedel Appoints Jan Eveleens as CEO of Product Division

Jan Eveleens assumed the role of CEO of the Product Division at Riedel Communications, succeeding Rik Hoerée, who has decided to step back from his position after over a decade of dedicated service with Riedel.

“Rik has been an integral part of the Riedel family since 2012, playing a vital role in shaping the company’s growth and success,” said Thomas Riedel, founder and CEO of the Riedel Group. “While we’re sad to see him go, we’re grateful that he will continue to support us throughout the leadership transition. We thank Rik for his immense contributions and wish him the very best as he takes time to recharge and spend more time with his family.”

Eveleens is a highly experienced and respected industry veteran from its own ranks to lead its Product Division. Since joining Riedel in 2018 as director of business development, Eveleens has been a driving force behind key initiatives, including the restructuring of production and purchasing operations, and has helped steer the company through global supply chain challenges.

Xyte Welcomes AV Industry Veteran Randy Klein as President of the Board

 Xyte welcomed Randy Klein, former president and CEO of Crestron Electronics, as the company’s president of the Board of Directors. Klein, who previously served on Xyte’s Advisory Board, brings decades of Pro AV industry experience and a proven track record in global enterprise and residential technology growth.

Klein served as president and CEO of Crestron Electronics for a significant portion of his 31-year tenure at the company, until his retirement in 2021. Known for his dedication to innovation, Klein’s influence has left a lasting impact on the AV industry. At Xyte, Klein brings his strategic vision and market expertise to drive the company’s mission of establishing a unified industry standard for cloud-based collaboration. This includes the monitoring and management of AV devices, rooms and buildings, and advanced feature licensing.

Company News

CCS Expands into Midwest 

CCS Presentation Systems has opened its newest office in the La Crosse area of Wisconsin. This expansion is a result of a strategic partnership with Wisconsin natives Eric and Kristi Pederson, whose expertise in education and technology aligns perfectly with CCS’s mission to deliver innovative AV solutions. 

The Pedersons bring extensive experience in education‐focused technology integration. Together, they aim to serve K‐12 schools, higher education institutions, and organizations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Northern Illinois, with additional focus on enterprise, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. 

The Holmen office exemplifies CCS’s growth strategy, leveraging strong local partnerships to expand its presence while maintaining the personalized service the company is known for. Eric and Kristi’s backgrounds in education and technology make them uniquely qualified to support CCS’s goals of fostering innovation and connection. 

Crestron Earns SAVe Certification

Sustainability in AV (SAVe) announced that Crestron has become SAVe Certified, underscoring its commitment to environmental and social The SAVe Certification program highlighted the transformative impact of engaging representatives from several departments. Crestron employees engaged in a rich exchange of ideas, leading to innovative and forward-thinking initiatives, particularly in Product Design, which was a focal point of discussion. This collaborative spirit demonstrated the power of a unified approach to tackling sustainability challenges and created a shared sense of purpose.

Crestron has taken decisive action to integrate sustainability into its core strategy. The company has launched a series of monthly workshops, ensuring that all three pillars of sustainable development—environmental, social, and economic—are deeply embedded in its practices. 

Powersoft Expands Presence with MIFA Musique

Powersoft is further expanding its distributor network by welcoming MIFA Musique as its newest distributor in Morocco. The appointment will significantly strengthen Powersoft’s presence globally and the company’s footprint in North Africa, bringing its audio solutions to a wider audience across Morocco.

Founded 29 years ago, MIFA Musique has become one of Morocco’s high-quality audio solutions provider. Powersoft. Part of the MIFA Group, which operates in three branches—mobility and leisure/entertainment, professional equipment and services—MIFA Musique operates through various locations in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier, and Tetuán through company-owned stores in collaboration with authorized dealers and large retail chains.

Snap One Expands Portfolio with Yealink and Audio-Technica

Snap One, now part of ADI, has added office communication and collaboration solutions from Yealink and Audio-Technica to its product portfolio. This expansion is a direct result of the integration of Snap One and ADI and marks a strategic step into the conferencing space, further supporting customers with innovative solutions to help drive new growth opportunities across these complementary and adjacent spaces. 

According to Snap One commercial market senior director Scott Normand, conferencing is currently a critical solution in high demand from customers and the addition of Yealink and Audio-Technica solutions helps meet this growing demand.

Yealink offers an extensive portfolio of office communications solutions, including office speakers, microphones, videoconferencing cameras, and several all-in-one solutions combining collaboration hardware and software. Snap One customers now have access to more than 60 Yealink SKUs in key subcategories
including PTZ Video Bars, Room Systems, Rolling 65 and 86-inch interactive displays, as well as speakers, mics, cameras, and scheduling panels. 

Audio-Technica offers a full range of conferencing microphones, providing another product category for customers to consider when designing commercial office projects. Snap One customers will now have access to 94 SKUs from Audio-Technica including conferencing and boundary mics, wireless handhelds/ lavalier/ head worn mics, ceiling/ podium mics, as well as antenna/ accessories. The introduction of Audio-Technica will benefit customers by providing high-value microphone, boundary, and conferencing accessories.