In astronomy, a "singularity" is the center of a black hole. At the University of Rhode Island (URI), “The Singularity” is the name of a massive AV installation project. The Singularity's goal is to standardize and upgrade AV equipment in 150 classrooms and 14 auditoriums at URI’s main Kingston campus.

This ambitious project, which is now being executed by URI’s five-person Information Technology Services (ITS) AV department, was inspired by the university’s struggles to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. “When COVID hit, almost none of our classrooms were hybrid capable in any way, shape or form,” recalled Jeffrey Levesque, URI’s lead information technologist. “The non-standard solutions we managed to patch together served their purpose back then—but we knew we needed to come up with an approach that was consistent campus-wide, easy for staff to operate using a consistent touchpanel interface in each room and capable of being supported remotely from our office.

"This is why we decided to standardize our AV equipment campus-wide. I wanted equipment that I could put into every room no matter what it was, whether it was an auditorium, an active learning, or standard classroom, a meeting room—all of them.”

AVoIP for All

To manage the entire system, URI selected Epiphan’s Pearl Nexus AV over IP content playout and lecture capture solution. This included using Pearl’s Panopto for content management and Q-SYS Core Nano platform for control. The result is a fully automated AV environment in each classroom that allows instructors to walk in, make a few connections, and teach.

“I really enjoyed programming in the Q-SYS environment,” said Levesque. “Our rooms use Core Nano so that we don't have to run audio ins and outs into those spaces. Instead, everything is running on a Dante network."

URI uses NETGEAR AV line switches and network power supplies to run its internal AVoIP multicast network. In each upgraded room, URI installs an Apple Mac Mini computer, QSC TSC-70-G3 touchscreen controller, Q-SYS NV-21-HU ingest and receiving device, QSC SPA-Qf 60x2 audio amplifier, and two QSC AD-S8T loudspeakers. There is also one QSC NC-20x60 PTZ conference camera with audio tracking. Each lecture is captured using an Epiphan Pearl Nexus that supports automated recording.

Video is displayed in two ways in URI’s classrooms and auditoriums. Each space is equipped with Sony laser projectors (the VPL-PHZ60 and VPL-PHZ61 are the main models) and Da-Lite Model C with CSR pulldown screens. Select rooms also include Sony 4K BRAVIA monitors, which are typically 65 inches but can be as large as 85 inches.

To ensure accurate, clear, and echo-free audio capture, each space features an Audio-Technica ATND1061DAN beamforming ceiling array microphone, which can automatically focus on designated zones for audio pickup, such as the lectern or areas where students are speaking. At the same time, this system prioritizes the instructor and follows them as they move, so the lesson’s audio never gets missed.

The ATND1061DAN shares its voice tracking information with the QSC PTZ cameras in real time. This allows the cameras to automatically adjust and follow whoever is speaking, resulting in human-level tracking quality without requiring an actual operator. Plus, the ceiling mic can support up to 32 user-defined pickup zones, which are configured using Audio-Technica's Digital Microphone Manager (DMM) software. This also includes defining exclusion zones near doors and other problematic areas to block unwanted noise. For instructors who are still not ready to rely on ceiling mics, URI also has a Catchbox Plus wireless lavalier mic system available.

URI supports a BYOC (Bring Your Own Conference) approach, where users can access platforms like Zoom, Teams, and WebEx. For those instructors and students who want to plug their own devices into the classroom AV system, URI provides HDMI, USB-C, and Barco ClickShare wireless connections.

In fact, the only thing that URI’s standardized AV rooms don't have is their own scheduling system. “This is because room bookings are handled by our scheduling department on campus,” said Levesque.

Working Ahead

Installing a standardized AVoIP network to 164 locations is a tall order for any IT department, especially one with only five employees. To handle the challenge realistically, Levesque and his people resorted to intensive planning before a single cable was cut.

“Our philosophy is to do all your prep work ahead of time and get all of the parts in house before you do anything,” Levesque shared. “Once you have what you need on hand, it is time to put a prototype system together and try to break it—in other words, try to figure out what things can go wrong in the installation and what can be done to fix it. We applied that philosophy to this new install, and that's what helped make it go really seamlessly.”

That said, challenges did arise once the actual installation began. “One of the biggest challenges was learning to stand up and manage the dedicated, internal AV over IP multicast network that we needed, which is isolated from the main campus network,” said Levesque. “Luckily, the NETGEAR switches made it really easy thanks to their intuitive interface, while their support has been top notch.”

The URI IT team also had some issues when it came to adding AVoIP into larger rooms where a typical 48-port switch wasn’t enough. The solution was to start stacking switches. “That's been a little bit of a challenge to execute, but it's actually not that bad," Levesque said. "Frankly, once we had the AV over IP networks up, the subsequent issues we’ve faced are really trivial.”

Lessons Learned

Since starting The Singularity AV standardization upgrade project in Spring 2024, URI’s ITS department has completed more than 30 rooms. Because the university operates on a seven-year planning cycle, its goal is to transition the remaining rooms within the next three to four years, pending annual funding allocations.

Providing URI with a standardized AV infrastructure is proving to be a shrewd move. As for lessons learned from the project? As outlined above, extensive upfront planning and prototyping results in fewer problems during installations and faster overall delivery times. “Putting together a fully working classroom in my office first really paid off,” said Levesque.

It's also vital to have the professional installation team do all of the work themselves, rather than solicit support from people who could do some of it for less. “We’ve learned that we can't ask our student population to help us install things,” he said. “We had issues when we tried to do that.”

The third and final lesson: “While we can stand up our own networks, we're slowly reaching that point where we do need to expand our team, especially now that we’re moving to more network-based classrooms,” said Levesque. “The trend in AV these days is to put everything on the network. As a result, we really do need to hire somebody full time to help manage the AV over IP network that we're standing up all over campus.”

Plainfield High School, located in Plainfield, NJ, recently underwent a major renovation on its campus. The project included the upgrade of the existing Plainfield High School auditorium to a professional-style performing arts center, its mini-theater converted to a black box theater, and two classrooms transformed into a new esports arena.

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It was no easy task. One focus of the renovation was on making the auditorium the main viewing space for esports events. The problem? The performing arts center and theater were adjacent to each other; however, the esports arena was on the other side of the school. PureTek Group was brought on to make the vision and future of esports at the high school a reality.

The Space Between

Considering the magnitude of the project—three unique spaces that had to be interconnected despite the space between—PureTek Group completed the renovations quickly; it was only a year and a half from inception to the ribbon cutting on June 7, 2024. According to Dan Litvin, president, PureTek Group, the primary challenges were threefold.

For one, Litvin and his team needed to create a cohesive and integrated system across three distinct yet interconnected venues, each of which incorporated innovative technologies tailored to its unique function. Ensuring these systems worked harmoniously required meticulous planning and a deep understanding of both the individual requirements of each space and how they could complement one another.

That required forward-thinking, enhanced technologies leading to a second challenge—it had to be usable by the school staff and students operating the venues. “Designing high-performance systems is only part of the equation,” Litvin added. “Ensuring they are accessible, intuitive, and support a wide range of programming and curriculum needs was essential.”

Another major challenge was to future-proof the design, ensuring the venues remain visually inspiring, technologically advanced, and educationally relevant for years to come. "This meant not just using the best available technology but also designing with adaptability and evolution in mind," Litvin said.

Of course, there was also the challenge of tying it all together and keeping the communications open from the control room to the spaced-out theaters and arena. With the auditorium and esports arena on different sides of the school, a reliable intercom system that ensured good range and coverage was non-negotiable.

Litvin and PureTek Group selected Pliant's CrewCom 2+2 Control Unit (CCU) for the auditorium control booth, with three CrewCom 900MHz Radio Transceivers (RTs) located throughout the school to provide seamless coverage. The system also includes seven CrewCom 900MHz 2-Volume/2-Conference Radio Packs with seven SmartBoom PRO single-ear headsets.

"The main benefit that we found with this system is that the radio packs can 'roam' or switch between different radio transceivers for optimal signal quality, while maintaining uninterrupted communication," Litvin detailed. "This gives the user the ability to be within any part of the larger coverage area and still have connection."

This was important for this project because the CrewCom system is used during performances to coordinate between the control booth, backstage, and sometimes the green room (either the black box theater or a repurposed classroom during events). Also, during esports tournaments, while the auditorium is used as a viewing area for the live gameplay, the main broadcast setup is in the esports arena.

"The Pliant system allows the school to coordinate between the auditorium control booth and the broadcast setup in the esports arena," Litvin explained. "This allows for clear instructions among the entire production team and provides a cohesive, professional, and incredibly memorable experience for the audience."

It was the collaboration between Plainfield High School, PureTek Group, and expert partners that got the job done so successfully. "We maintained open and consistent communication, proactively solved issues before they became problems, and stayed focused on delivering a world-class result that reflects the values and vision of the Plainfield community,” Litvin said.

Let Them Play

Plainfield Public Schools’ leadership wanted to give its students every advantage and to make their new esports arena a must-see site for competitions. What started as a small, summer initiative caught fire and required its own arena for competitions.

Viewing the competitions takes place in the 1,600-seat performing arts center. Per Litvin, spectators can watch on a new 35x14.8-foot Da-Lite screen, which is supported by a Barco UDM-4K30 projector with R9862020 lens, as the event is streamed in real time with immersive lighting in the auditorium reflecting the effects in the esports arena to engage attendees. Live sounds of the audience are captured and played over speakers in the esports arena to keep players engaged with the attendees.

Because the black box theater across campus serves as a green room for esports events, clear and concise communication between the production teams is a must. "To achieve a collaborative performance, communication is key, so reliable coverage from a distance is a necessity," Litvin explained. "With CrewCom, production personnel at the school are able to communicate clearly from the esports arena all the way to the backstage booth in the auditorium. The CrewCom system is used extensively throughout the school and produces unified performance, from standard backstage theatrical production applications, to managing cameras, lighting, and audio from room to room at a distance."

The arena itself—which is restricted to competitors, coaches, and production teams—has 20 gaming stations that accommodate four teams of five players, with additional stations that are home to broadcast operators, two sets of shoutcasters, and a replay operator. It is also used for esports practices and hands-on STEM opportunities, making it much more than a gameday production center.

As Litvin explained, Corsair/Origin gaming machines were selected for the stations, while 20 PTZOptics Studio Pro cameras were chosen to capture players’ emotions and responses in real time. Two PTZ cameras capture wide views of the arena, two additional cameras capture shoutcaster teams, and a feed from the replay operator highlighting top plays in real time are used to livestream on YouTube, Twitch, and the auditorium. Productions are managed with a Vizrt TriCaster 2 Elite video production system.

Enhancing the Arts

The auditorium was not a fresh build but a renovation, which certainly helped the timeline. According to Litvin, prior to the upgrade, the auditorium contained outdated and broken technology, a difficult-to-use control system, and an uninviting aesthetic. Litvin and PureTek Group enhanced that with professional grade technology, making the performing arts center not only an exciting venue for cheering on the Plainfield esports team, but a wide range of theatrical performances for years to come.

As Litvin described, key to the upgrade were the unRAVL Controls by PureTek, which provide streamlined intuitive controls via touchpanel for the rigging, AV, and lighting systems to maximize usage of the space by students, educators, guests, and renters with authorized system access. A 30,000-lumen 4K laser projector brings the 35x14.8-foot projection screen to life. The screen is on a motorized hoist system to be raised and lowered for usage. A line-array speaker system, including Electro-Voice and Dynacord units, flanks the stage, while fill speakers below and above the balcony ensure even and high-quality sound distribution.

Additionally, the performing arts center contains more than 1,640 feet of RGBW strip lighting by Acolyte (with controls by Madrix) on 11 runs that cover the walls and ceiling. PureTek Group lighting designers outfitted Plainfield High School with control of 4-inch increments of the strips, with various presets. Also installed were three 4K PTZ cameras and one portable handheld camera to livestream performances to the Plainfield Public School’s YouTube channel. "Students and parents can receive recordings and share, in real time, with relatives and friends from near and afar," Litvin said.

Thinking Inside the Box

According to Litvin, the 120-seat black box theater was an underutilized, existing space that wasn't properly outfitted for performances. Now it is serving multiple purposes.

"As an esports green room, athletes will be able to watch gameplay in the black box theater while they await their scheduled game time," Litvin explained. "The [theater] is also being used as a setting for drama education, theater tech practice, as well as a small intimate setting for student-run productions. It is also being utilized for professional education seminars for Plainfield Public Schools educators and administrators, while also providing a college lecture-hall style classroom setting to prepare students for university and provide an alternative setting for education."

To accomplish the multifaceted happenings in the theater, it was equipped with a comprehensive unRAVL system including new rigging, AV, and lighting. The system is tied together via intuitive controls with presets for common applications, allowing usage of the space for multiple functions by a maximum number of users.

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lainfield High School and PureTek saw immediate positive results, right from the start. “During the ribbon cutting, the Pliant CrewCom intercom system was a lifesaver,” Litvin said. “We had clear communication between the esports broadcasting space, the main control booth in the auditorium, and with students running production backstage. It allowed students to take ownership as well as enabled the smooth running of a complex event that included many back-to-back performances.”

The key to communications has been its ease of use, and that has shined through the early stages of use. “Making sure that students are able to use the equipment and that the controls are streamlined enough for them is always a consideration in our equipment selection,” Litvin concluded. “The feedback from Plainfield High School on the Pliant gear has been great.”

Da-Lite has joined the Q-SYS ecosystem with its new Q-SYS plug-in integration, Da-Lite Screen Controller. As a contributor, Da-Lite collaborated with Q-SYS to create a control solution that integrates seamlessly into Q-SYS, a cloud-manageable audio, video, and control platform.

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The Screen Controller box allows remote control of a screen or control through a TCP/IP connection or RS-232 Communication. Da-Lite worked closely with Q-SYS, which has fully vetted and endorsed the following plug-in integration with a Q-SYS Certified badge.

The Da-Lite Screen Controller plug-in integrates the control of a screen through a TCP/IP or RS-232 connection to the Da-Lite Screen Controller. The Screen Controller is an accessory for Da-Lite motorized projection screens with integrated low-voltage control or an external low-voltage control.

“We are committed to simplifying setup and operation as part of a great experience,” said Wendy Cox, director, product management, at Da-Lite. “With this latest plug-in, we have enabled Q-SYS integration as part of our motorized screen offering, making it much easier to program and control Da-Lite screens within the Q-SYS platform.”

The Screen Controller interface box is configured to supply all the control that configuration integrators or end users might need for their projection screen and is powered by PoE, which requires a connection to an Ethernet switch that provides PoE+ power (30W minimum). Its web interface can be used for initial device setup, administrative control, and operation. This device is compatible with the Vaddio Deployment Tool, which scans the network for Vaddio and Da-Lite devices, lists them by model and IP address, identifies all devices that are not set up, and provides the controls to complete the initial device setup. It will also provide links to each device's web interface.

LaRue County High School, located in Hodgenville, Kentucky, educates roughly 800 students and was recently in need of a substantial auditorium revamp. Despite a few newer technical elements, the original audio video and lighting (AVL) technologies were installed over 30 years ago, and the auditorium's systems weren't working as well as they once were. The space needed further improvements, as it's used for theater productions, district board meetings, and other gatherings throughout the year. To tackle the substantial project, the high school contacted JCA Media, who assessed and completed the renovation and installation in just about a month.

Originally, staff at LaRue High School had intended to bring on JCA Media strictly to enhance the sound systems. However, once integration specialist Alex Peake arrived on the scene and communicated other building elements that they could improve together, LaRue and JCA combined forces on a much more extensive upgrade that also included lights and projection.

The auditorium now has fully controllable DMX LED house lighting by The Light Source. On stage, eight The Light Source RGBW pendants, ten Chauvet F-145WW fresnels, and eight Chauvet Ovation P-56FC PAR lights were installed. A Chamsys QuickQ30 Console and three Doug Fleenor Designs Preset 10 Stations allow for control in the booth and around the room.

Peake and the rest of the JCA Media team overcame the biggest hurdle, which was starting the overhaul from scratch after gutting the auditorium. They installed a full-range PA system with a Martin Audio SXC118 18-inch cardioid sub, two Martin CDD12B mains, Martin CDD6B choir monitors, CDD5B booth monitors, and new X8 floor monitors, all of which Peake refers to as "a solid, working, functioning system that is going to be reliable, sound great, and last a long time."

A Da-Lite Cosmopolitan Electrol projection screen was installed right behind the proscenium, and an Epson EB-PU1008B laser projector was installed at FOH for easy maintenance access. For further flexibility, three NEC M861 86-inch displays were also installed to run video feeds when the screen can't be lowered. Video distribution is handled via Kramer with a VP440H2 Switcher, VM-4HDT HDBaseT distribution, and three TP-580R HDBaseT receivers at the displays.

For system control, staff have the ability to turn on the AV system from the auditorium's new RTI IST-10 touchpanel. The system asks if they want to use the entire AV system, just audio or just video. If video is selected, the system asks if they want to use projection, displays, or everything simultaneously. This results in a much simpler way of turning on and off the system tech for staff and volunteers. In addition to that, the system will automatically shut itself down at midnight each night if left on to elongate system life.

Distributing power and providing control over the audio, video, and lighting (AVL) system is a LynTec RPC329 Relay Panel with motorized breakers. Sixteen circuits are dedicated to house and theatrical lighting, while four of the panel's circuits power the audio rack, which is triggered with Furman sequencers. The RPC is a single panel with the flexibility to accommodate a multitude of control platforms, including DMX, sACN, HTTP, Telnet, RS-232, or BacNET, found in AVL in space. Built on the industry-accepted G3 Powerlink hardware platform by Square D, the patented RPC family combines circuit protection and power management, on/off control, and power sequencing in one affordable and scalable panel.

"Using a LynTec power control system with RTI makes it easy for staff, teachers, or the auditorium's technical director to interface with any kind of power control," Peake stated. "LaRue really wanted to lock this system down, as a lot of less experienced hands can touch the booth. LynTec is the perfect option because we now have full control over multiple protocols. The LynTec panel also has the ability to turn off theatrical features when they're not in use, saving energy and prolonging the life of the AVL assets in the auditorium. There are a lot of control manufacturers, but there is simply no one else like LynTec."

Not only has this auditorium refresh positively affected board meetings, but the improvements have also made the logistics behind programs and ceremonies so much simpler for LaRue. Prior to the remodel, the control stations were out of commission, and staff had to go to the booth and manually switch on faders and the light board one by one. Because of the ability of LynTec to properly sequence power on and off, now staff can simply walk in, press one button, and watch everything fade on almost immediately. One week after the installation, LaRue High School held an awards ceremony where the major upgrades were showcased.

"LaRue's colors are white and blue, and at the ceremony, they projected a mixture of white and blue with the PAR lights on stage with nice front light. The principal and families were just ecstatic," Peake said. "The theater department head was elated with the new system's functionality."

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The methodically curated collection of AVL products powered by LynTec will make all the difference to students and staff utilizing the auditorium at LaRue County High School. With extra rack room, extra power, and extra DMX availability, the school will be able to enjoy the new auditorium improvements now with the option to expand its technology in the future. Ample circuits are left to support future growth in the AVL system, which signifies that LaRue is committed to keeping their investment protected and up-to-date.

"The LaRue team was shedding happy tears when we were training them on the system. It's incredible to witness a client that is outwardly satisfied and grateful," Peake added. "The reliability and confidence they have in the system proves to us at JCA once again that there are a lot of power control manufacturers, but there is simply no one else like LynTec."

Da-Lite, a brand of Legrand | AV, has reimagined its HD Progressive screen surface portfolio. The new HD Progressive 1.0 and HD Progressive 1.0 Perf allow integrators to meet the ever-growing 4K projector sales trajectory and the need for high-resolution screen surface and projector pairings.

The new Da-Lite screen surfaces have been developed to better address installation needs with a more focused selection that enables easier specification. The new HD Progressive 1.0 is a front projection screen surface created for high resolution up to 16K. Available in sizes up to 16-feet high, this surface is recommended for laser projectors with ultra-short, short, and standard throw lenses. Its pure white appearance provides brilliant image color and white field uniformity. It is ideal for a wide range of environments from conference rooms and training rooms to edge blending and large venue projection needs.

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The new HD Progressive 1.0 Perf is a front projection screen surface designed for high resolution up to 4K. It is recommended for laser projectors with ultra-short, short, and standard throw lenses, with a neutral white appearance that provides brilliant image color. Available in sizes up to 8-feet high seamless, this premium, acoustically transparent surface is suited for projects with speakers placed behind the surface.

All the new screen surfaces are GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold certified to meet and exceed stringent standards for indoor air quality. Additionally, they can be cleaned with mild soap and water, are flame-retardant, and mildew-resistant.

“Our new HD Progressive surfaces are designed with the future of AV installs in mind,” said Patrick Kittredge, senior product marketing manager, Da-Lite & Middle Atlantic. “The new screen surface technology carries on the integrity and ingenuity of Da-Lite brand by comprehensively addressing installer needs for a more streamlined selection.”

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The new HD Progressive surfaces will join the existing HD Progressive technology, including HD Progressive 1.1 Contrast, HD Progressive 1.3, HD Rental, and HD Progressive ReView 0.9.

 Da-Lite a brand of Legrand | AV, has reengineered its popular Parallax Thin screen to offer a convenient alternative to rigid screens that ship assembled in large crates. This innovative solution offers wider sizes with a smaller shipping footprint, enhancing logistics and cost efficiency. Specifically designed for ultrashort throw (UST) projectors, this 1/2-inch-thin bezel fixed frame screen features the new Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen surface—Parallax Pure UST 0.6. Available in 16:9 HDTV and 21:9 ultrawide formats, it complements Da-Lite’s extensive 21:9 offering, ideal for larger spaces with Microsoft Teams Front Row setups or collaboration spaces where ambient light control is essential.

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“In partnering with integrators and AV professionals, we learned that the biggest obstacles on a two-piece projection project are the shipping challenges and costs incurred,” said Patrick Kittredge, senior product marketing manager, Da-Lite and Middle Atlantic. “The reengineering of our Parallax Thin screen reflects our commitment to improving technology and logistics. It provides the same high res look of a TV that Parallax Thin is known for, but ships more quickly and economically."

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Delving deeper into the screen surface, each layer of Parallax Pure plays a crucial role in preserving image quality in high ambient light environments. The ambient light-rejecting technology incorporates a micro layered optical lens system that rejects light. Some layers absorb light, while a special saw-toothed-shaped layer blocks light from above, preserving high-contrast, bright images even in brightly lit environments. This technology mimics the look of a television but without the glare from windows or lighting fixtures.

Supporting collaborative learning is a major priority for Endicott College, a small liberal arts college 20 miles north of Boston. This is why the college’s Audio Video Services department has built a proof of concept, AV-enabled collaborative classroom in partnership with Integrated Multimedia Solutions (IMS). Anchored with Extron products, the prototype was installed in the Garrish School of Business' (GSB) Team Building Room during the 2023 college winter break.

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Built in 2013, GSB’s Team Building classroom has always been a space where 40-48 students work and learn together in groups. Connectivity and multimedia information sharing has been a constant in this room, both between students and with their professor sitting at a computer-equipped instructor’s station.

“The space was originally equipped with an Extron XTP system,” recalled Greg April, director of Audio Visual Services, Endicott College. “The first nine years proved the overall interconnection with the academic program, but as the XTP system neared the decade mark, the capital replacement process came into play. We could either buy a replacement XTP and move on, or we could use the replacement as a test ground for further upgrade options in the future.”      

Given how much has changed in AV networking technology since 2013, it made sense for Endicott College to move to a new generation of technology and use its design as a proving ground for the entire campus. This is why the decision was made to replace the XTP system with new Extron NAV Pro AV over IP products. “The Extron NAV system would be able to replicate all of the original system’s signal management and distribution functions, while offering the benefits of using the latest technology to stream video, audio, and control signals over the college network, as well as increased scalability,” explained Robert Morin, who handles AV system design and sales for IMS.

Tale of the Tables

The basic design of the Team Building room uses eight 5x7-foot Spectrum Industries InVision collaboration tables, with each table accommodating a team of six students. A 43-inch 4K LED display is mounted on each side of the pedestal that joins two attached tables, giving each team its own local display.

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Every team table is equipped to power and connect student laptops and other BYODs. Extron Cable Cubby enclosures, reused from the previous installation, house connecting cables, network ports, and power outlets. The room’s network allows students to share AV content from their devices on their table's local displays.  

At the instructor’s station, an Extron TouchLink Pro 10-inch touchpanel allows any team’s content, as well as content from the instructor, to be sent to the other table displays and the room’s projection systems. Content is projected onto screens on opposite walls of the room to ensure that everyone can see it at all times. A floor box connects the station to the room’s projection system and collaboration tables.

A rack within the instructor's station houses its PC as well as AV system components including the audio amplifier, Extron IP Link Pro control processor, and the NAVigator System Manager, which is used to control the NAV Pro AV over IP system. The instructor station also has its own connection cables for laptops or other BYODs.

Something Old, Something New

When it comes to the Team Building room’s AV equipment and system, the new technology includes the NAVigator with Link License upgrade to include 48 endpoints, plus 10 Extron NAV E 101 encoders, 11 NAV SD101 scaling decoders, IPCP Pro 360Q xi control processor, and touchpanel. The room was rounded out with a pair of Extron FF 220 speakers and an MPA 601 audio amp, and a network switch was installed in the teaching station's equipment rack to allow the room's operation to continue even in case of a network outage.

"Endicott's AV system has a dedicated VLAN for its control devices and AV switches, and now a dedicated NAV VLAN for the Team Building room," April added. “Another design goal was to upgrade the control system to be compatible with Extron Global Configurator Pro and the latest Extron Global Viewer Enterprise management software. Thanks to excellent equipment, a solid design, and an involved network team that was critical for success, the room's up-time has been on par with a wall-mounted TV.”           

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Meanwhile, the Cable Cubby enclosures weren’t the only piece of existing tech that Endicott College and IMS were able to recycle. “The existing two NEC laser projectors and Da-Lite Advantage Electrol projection screens were reused,” Morin said. “Existing furniture that was repurposed includes the eight media collaboration tables for the teams and a Spectrum Industries Freedom XRS Elite height-adjustable lectern for the instructor's station.”

Time Crunch

Ripping out the existing AV system and installing the new one between semesters was a major challenge for the Endicott College/IMS project team. But it wasn’t the only issue.

“Getting buy-in on a fundamental system design change was the first step,” said April. “I, for one, am conservative in making design changes—and rarely would I consider myself an early adopter of the latest tech toy. Then, when the original team building room was brought online, there were issues stemming from cabling problems. Though resolved long ago, the rough start was still very much in living memory for many members of the faculty.”

Still, once the choice was made to convert the room to NAV, timing the installation team with the class schedule was the main challenge. “We took advantage of a break in classes," April said, "and in four days, the old hardware was removed and the new system took its place.”

“The window for installation was short due to classroom schedules, but the installation and commissioning were successfully completed within the allotted time,” noted Morin. “Remote commissioning with Extron went smoothly and flawlessly.”

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The upgrade has been a solid success for Endicott College, with April reporting fewer calls to the help desk. With the project complete and concept proven, Endicott College has two other Team Building rooms that would benefit from similar upgrades. In fact, the second room conversion is currently under budget review, and April said other spaces could be improved by similar AV updates.

“There are several theater and event spaces on campus that have regular requests for capabilities outside of what the room was designed to do,” he explained. “NAV allows for such significant ad hoc matrix switch options using a web interface that could prove a game changer in system design.”

Carl Lukings is the proprietor of Horizon Solutions, an AV integrator/installer based in London, Ontario. Over his 40 years in business, Lukings has installed a lot of projectors in houses of worship. Based on his vast experience in this area, Lukings and his system designers at Horizon know why video projection remains so appealing to houses of worship, be they big or small, modern or traditional.

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“Churches today use video projection for a wide variety of applications in their sanctuary spaces and during their worship services,” he explained. “Projecting song lyrics, hymns, scripture readings, and other liturgical text is common, but projection is also being used for announcements, sermon illustrations, and teaching notes, as well as video content—everything from content that is specifically produced for the church market as well as anecdotal videos from YouTube and other sources. We’ve installed hundreds of projectors. Over 25 of them have been Christie Inspire Series 1-DLP laser projectors.”

“AV technology plays an essential role in engaging and captivating a congregation,” agreed Joe Mercier, Christie’s senior sales manager. “We live in a visual world, and projected images help communicate messages and keep congregations engaged.”

Importance of Affordability

When asked why houses of worship choose video projectors over video walls and other display options, Lukings responded with a one-word answer: cost.

“Churches are using video projectors in their worship and teaching spaces because of the low cost of these systems compared to the alternatives,” he explained. “If money were no object, many would love to install video walls or direct-view LED displays because of the inherent advantages of those technologies, including ultra-bright images and the ability to have people, objects, and sometimes set pieces close to the display — something that’s not as easy to achieve with video projection. The problem is that these alternatives to video projectors are cost prohibitive for congregations funded through offerings.”

[A Better Way to Connect]

Just how affordable are video projectors compared to video walls and dvLEDs? Lukings said it depends somewhat on the specifications and the requirements, but it's "usually a fraction of the cost. Often a quarter of the price or sometimes less.”

“LED video walls are a great solution for places of worship that have the space and budget, and want to engage a larger congregation,” Mercier agreed. “However, projection is a much more affordable and versatile option.”

But don’t let the lower price fool you: Today’s laser projectors deliver clear, crisp, and bright images in small packages. So, although projectors may not be everyone’s top choice, they are a highly acceptable, high-performance option for even the smallest of congregations.

Projectors can also be mounted in a less intrusive way, such as on a ceiling or another high point within the church. When coupled with a motorized screen that can be retracted when not in use, a projector can be a model of technological discretion. In those instances where video is being projected onto a church wall, the process is even simpler.

“For a funeral, wedding, or other church event where the video image may not be required or seen as being appropriate in the space, retracting the screen solves the problem of visibility,” said Lukings. “That's not possible with a video wall or a direct-view LED display.”

Lumens, Lumens, Lumens

When it comes to most-desired features, most churches start with resolution. "Questions about 4K and higher resolutions come up regularly,” Lukings observed. “But at the end of the day, the resolution is much less important than how bright the projector is—given the distance and the size of images that are being produced in church applications, any modern resolution will do if the image is bright enough.”

“Price and brightness are major considerations for this market,” added Mercier. “A projector needs to deliver a great lumen-to-price ratio.”

Delivering the right ratio can be a challenge in churches outfitted with multiple windows that allow sunlight to pour in. “A quality projector coupled with a screen designed for higher ambient light conditions can make all the difference in creating an impactful image,” Mercier explained. “In some situations, other controls may be needed, like window shades, to manage sunlight. An experienced integrator who can visit the site can help guide the place of worship to a solution that is ideal for them.”

[Making the Case for Managed Services]

Houses of worship are also interested in longevity and equipment serviceability. In the past, using projectors that relied on lamps, filters, and other consumables—and required scheduled maintenance—made life difficult (and expensive) for congregations, particularly those who relied on volunteers to keep the church running. Modern laser projectors have considerably eased service demands for churches, keeping costs down and aging volunteers off ladders.

As for the type of projectors that are best suited for houses of worship? The choice depends on the church, Lukings noted. Horizon sells more projectors with a traditional “middle of the road" lens ratio, in part because they are the least expensive lenses, but the company also sells short-throw projectors when warranted.

"Christie’s Inspire DWU960ST-iS is a great solution for churches looking for a short-throw solution at a great price point,” he added. “If we are working on a rear-projection application, then certainly a short-throw projector is the right solution.”       

Screen Suggestions

As for projection surfaces of choice? Again, product preferences are diverse because each application is different. “It's dependent on the venue,” said Mercier. “Some places of worship have ornate woodwork or millwork that they want to keep visible. Screens that retract enable these features to be seen when projection is not used.”

Horizon tends to install Draper screens, but also selects products from Da-Lite and Strong/MDI Screens from time to time. “We still see that the majority of churches are using motorized retractable screens,” Lukings said. “However, fixed screens are also found in a good portion of our church projects. There are also many churches that don't use traditional screen surfaces at all. Instead, they project onto a flat wall treated with a specific ‘projection screen’ paint.”

One last point from Lukings: When choosing a video transport system for projectors, opt for a video-over-IP solution rather than broadcast-based SDI. “In a church application, where you never know what sort of content somebody is wanting to be able to project, having a video-over-IP system in place ensures HDCP compliance and the option to send 16:10 format images," he explained. "Also, this technology provides additional flexibility for video routing and expansion of the system in the future. Video-over-IP or HDBaseT solutions provides a great infrastructure for today’s needs and into the future.”

The fact that projectors rule in the houses of worship market—while projection screen preferences vary widely—says a lot about this particular client base. Although they want to provide professional-quality AV to their congregations, churches as clients generally lack the budget, expertise, and trained support staff to afford higher-end AV solutions.

[Strategies and Solutions for Corporate Campus Displays]

That said, “The key to have a successful video installation in a church is listening to the client's needs and gaining an understanding of what it is that they're hoping to achieve,” advised Lukings. “It's also important to understand that the investment in technology that these churches are making will need to evolve as they learn how to make the technology benefit their ministries. So don't be afraid to shoot a little bit higher than what the minimum would be to make the sale. Being good stewards with their finances is on every church leader’s mind. They will appreciate a good investment in the long term.”

Da-Lite, a brand of Legrand | AV, introduced Myriad, an all-new ceiling-recessed, wall, and ceiling-mounted electric screen system. Available with 16 feet (5m) of the SightLine cable drop feature, Myriad is offered in sizes from 14-16-feet (4-5m) wide in 16:9 HDTV and 16:10 Wide formats. Tensioned products are available with HD Progressive 16K-ready and Parallax Ambient Light Rejection screen surfaces. Smart integrated anchor points for roller suspension allow for easy maintenance. Myriad is ideal for large meeting spaces, conference centers, lecture halls, large classrooms, houses of worship, and hotel ballrooms.

[Money Talks]

"Not only is Myriad an entirely new product, it also delivers on customer demand for the expansion of our SightLine feature," said Wendy Cox, director, product management at Da-Lite. "Myriad gives dealers an unprecedented level of flexibility by simplifying ordering, empowering them to expedite installations, and allowing them to make the necessary screen adjustments on the job site."

The Da-Lite Myriad Conceal ceiling-recessed screen, designed with ceiling trim in place to conceal the rough opening, eliminates the need to complete additional trim work once the screen is installed. The two-stage installation option affords the screen case to be installed during the rough-in construction stage and the screen surface assembly during the finishing stage.

[How Implementing AI Technology Is Changing the Pro AV Industry]

The Da-Lite Myriad Reveal wall and ceiling-mounted screen features versatile and adjustable brackets that accommodate either mounting preference. Installation is made easy with the built-in case leveling, which blends in with the border when the screen is fully deployed, and the bar smoothly rotates to white to blend into the sleek waterfall case aesthetic when retracted. Available on all Myriad models, Da-Lite's SightLine thin cable drop feature elegantly suspends the screen surface and eliminates black drop—the black border above the projection screen. This removes the extra step of measuring and specifying drop distance before ordering. With SightLine, vertical placement of the screen can be adjusted as the cables accommodate a range of drop distances.

The American Bankers Association (ABA) is a trade association representing the nation’s $23.4 trillion banking industry, which includes small, regional, and large banks that collectively employ approximately 2.1 million people. In late 2022, ABA moved to its current 87,000-square-foot headquarters in Washington, DC’s Dupont Circle neighborhood.

[Editorial: Videoconferencing Sparks ‘Zoom Boom’ for Cosmetic Procedures]

As part of the move, ABA further committed to Zoom videoconferencing in support of its active hybrid work environment. A host of multi-sized meeting and workspaces within the three-story office environment—including a large boardroom, two large conference rooms, 10 medium and nine small conference rooms, 11 huddle rooms, the CEO’s office, three coffee bars, staff lounge, and more—were equipped to support Zoom meetings effectively and efficiently.

“The majority of our people work two days a week from the office and the remaining time at home, so there's a big need for videoconferencing to support regular, daily meetings with anywhere from two people to over a dozen,” explained Tony Neal, ABA’s VP of infrastructure. “We also support weekly meetings of ABA stakeholders in other locations, for example, meetings of state banking association members and those of other types of committees, including our board of directors.”

ABA’s AV project was designed, managed, and installed by New York-based TRITECH Communications. TRITECH is no stranger to installing AV systems for the financial services industry, having already done such work for JPMorgan Chase, Moody’s Investor Service, and Brown Brothers Harriman, among others. “TRITECH was the best vendor to meet our needs, in part because they were already doing the cabling in the building,” Neal said. “For projects like these, I prefer the cabling vendor and the AV vendor to be the same—and their reputation as a reliable and savvy AV deployment partner made the choice easy.”

The sheer scale of the project, along with the fact that the ABA wanted it done reasonably quickly, made for a challenging build. ABA started the process with TRITECH in December 2021, moving into their new headquarters just 11 months later. Add the fact that these rooms had to seamlessly support a range of portable BYODs and TRITECH had its work cut out for it.

“This was right during the COVID-19 crunch,” recalled TRITECH’s Barclay Davidson, who managed the ABA project. “As such, we had problems getting some of the equipment specified for the large boardroom and two large conference rooms, such as the Crestron NVX AVoIP distribution systems. Crestron was experiencing a product shortage at that time, so they provided us with an interim solution until the NVX units we wanted could be retrofitted into the rooms in December 2023.”

The Big Three

Without a doubt, the large boardroom and two large conference rooms are the stars of this show. They are interconnected using networked AV-over-IP via a central headend located in the ABA’s AV room. The approach provides a future-proofed solution that allows the system to be easily scaled should requirements be added as technology evolves.

[Clancy: Crestron Answering Hybrid Workforce Needs]

The boardroom is equipped with a Planar 109-inch LED video wall, NEC NP-P605 6,000-lumen ceiling-mounted laser projector, and Da-Lite Tensioned Advantage 110-inch motorized projection screen installed in the ceiling. There are also mobile TV display cart connection plates within the boardroom to support additional viewing angles both within the room and when its accordion-style glass partition is open to create a 2,400-square-foot reception space.

Multiple Vaddio RoboSHOT 30E PTZ cameras in the boardroom provide coverage of the space. The setup is rounded out with a Zoom Room appliance that supports Zoom meetings, laptop connections with both HDMI and USB ports in a floor box, Soundtube CM-82 ceiling speakers, ceiling-mounted beamforming microphones, and lavalier and handheld microphones. All AV functions are controlled using a Crestron TSW-1070 10-inch touchpanel mounted on the wall that can also be connected to the floor box.

Meanwhile, the two identical 30-person, large conference rooms each have a pair of wall-mounted Samsung QB85R 85-inch displays, with a RoboSHOT PTZ camera mounted between them to capture the audience looking at the displays. A second camera is mounted on the ceiling facing toward the displays to cover a presenter standing at the head of the room. A mobile TV display cart connection allows those in the back to watch a closer display for detailed viewing, if required. Like the large boardroom, each large conference room has a Zoom Room appliance, HDMI/USB floor box, ceiling speakers, a similar selection of microphones, and Crestron touchpanel control.

Comprehensive Connectivity

The AV equipment in the rest of ABA’s meeting and team rooms varies depending on their usage and capacity. For example, each of the huddle rooms, which are designed to enable hybrid meetings with up to five in-person attendees, has a wall-mounted Samsung QB50R 50-inch flat panel display, plus a Logitech videobar connected to a small-format PC behind the display to support Zoom conferences.

[Viewpoint: Hybrid Headaches]

A Logitech Tap user interface located on the table controls the system, with an HDMI connection to enable content sharing from a laptop. However, the HDMI connection is not necessary for ABA staff laptops, which can share directly to the display via Zoom’s share screen functionality over Wi-Fi. A similar approach is used in the medium and small conference rooms, with some variance in monitor size.

The CEO’s office has a Samsung QB65R 65-inch display on a Chief TS325 articulating wall mount, along with a small-format PC and a Logitech videobar. Zoom conferences can be controlled from a user interface located on the table. The CEO’s office also has an HDMI connection to support content sharing from a laptop, if required.

[SCN Hybrid World: Videobars Offer Simplified Conferencing Solution]

Each of the three coffee bars features a Samsung 65-inch monitor connected to a BrightSign XD234 media player and CATV/streaming devices installed behind them. Plus, the staff lounge has a 55-inch monitor and a CATV/streaming device, while one visitor reception area has a similar setup housed in a cabinet under the TV.

“TRITECH also designed and installed a mesh network setup for end user cable TV stations in select but varying employee offices," Neal added. "The flexibility of the design allows ABA to move TV services to any office that requires it without running coax cable or disturbing the infrastructure.”

According to Neal, the ABA’s Zoom-centric facility is working as planned. “Our staff and people from the outside say that the rooms are great,” he said. “We've had very few issues with them, almost zero issues with them, to be honest.”

The secret to ABA/TRITECH’s success on this project? “Prototyping and testing the rooms as we did is always a good thing before they all get installed,” replied Neal. “Work with the AV vendor to make sure that everything meets your needs, do a lot of testing when the room is turned over to you by them, and, crucially, ensure that the room is easy for the customers to use from the onset.”

Da-Lite's Tensioned Advantage electric screen with SightLine cable drop is available in the latest release of the Modus VR visual experience platform. Da-Lite joins other Legrand | AV products featured on the Modus VR platform including the Middle Atlantic Forum Collaboration Suite and C3 Series Credenza, as well as the Vaddio IntelliSHOT , RoboFLIP, RoboSHOT 12E and 30E, TableMIC Microphone and CeilingMIC Microphone products. Da-Lite and Modus VR will host a live demo of the visualization tool during a webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 14 from noon to 12:45 p.m. ET.

[Hybrid Headaches]

“Two years ago, the SightLine cable drop feature redefined the projection screen category with its ability to add visual appeal and solve the most time-consuming obstacles in projection screen installations,” said Wendy Cox, director, product management Da-Lite. “Now you can see this eye-catching feature and speed up the buying decision process in a compelling way.”

Available as an option with the company’s Tensioned Advantage and Advantage electric screens, SightLine gives the impression of a floating screen. The single roller design suspension system features three or four thin cables that can accommodate drop distances up to 70 inches (standard) and 10 feet (optional) between the ceiling and the top of the screen. This innovation eliminates the need for the traditional black border above the projection screen and simplifies AV setups by creating space above a screen to place cameras or speakers, while its low-profile design preserves a room’s architectural integrity.

[Everything We Know about the Vegas Sphere, So Far—A Running Blog] 

Modus VR provides software tools that accelerate the design and sales process of commercial AV projects. Unlike other rendering packages, Modus allows for real-time presentation and on-the-fly changes, resulting in fewer meetings and faster alignment among stakeholders. In addition to its remarkable speed, Modus works with manufacturers to visualize the capabilities of real-world products, demystifying harder-to-understand concepts like microphone pickup patterns, camera field of view, speaker coverage, and more. Once a project is complete, Modus provides tools for generating traditional renders, 360s, line drawings, and a bill of materials in seconds.

We're presenting 25 companies with robust products to outfit large or small esports venues. Be sure to check out each website for more in-depth insight into esports product offerings. 

"The role of audiovisual technology in these [esports] initiatives cannot be overstated, said James O'Hagan, vice president of Education Innovation at LeagueSpot. "High-quality AV solutions are pivotal in creating immersive, engaging experiences that captivate young minds. As educators and technologists, our task involves not only providing the hardware but also understanding the dynamics of digital play in educational settings.

As this trend gains momentum, it is imperative for AV professionals to stay abreast of the evolving needs of educational institutions. This involvement can make a substantial difference in how effectively these digital playgrounds serve their purpose, thereby shaping the future of education in the digital age, "O'Hagan said.

Shure’s MV7 Dynamic Microphone

Shure’s MV7 Dynamic Microphone is a premium product for creators that seamlessly integrates into streaming and PC gaming setups. The MV7 includes both USB and XLR connectivity that can be used simultaneously as well as individually. With Voice Isolation Technology, the MV7 focuses solely on the voice and brings it to the forefront of the stream, delivering a consistent audio quality that can be further customized in the ShurePlus MOTIV app. The exceptional combination of a state-of-the-art microphone cartridge and cardioid pick-up pattern avoids background noise and unwanted sound, enabling gamers and streamers to perform at their best. 

IHSE’s Draco Vario Ultra DP Esports Extenders 

IHSE’s Draco vario ultra DP Esports Extenders offer an even higher level of performance for esports venue design professionals demanding support for higher refresh rates, combining esports and broadcast frame rate conversion with our exclusive Synchronized Sequential Frame Rate Conversion (SSFRC) technology. SSFRC constitutes a new generation of digital KVM signal extension using the innovative Lightweight Image (LICI) codec, developed in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits. This revolutionary coding technology ensures brilliant image quality at the highest video resolutions and frame rates with outstanding full color depth and 4:4:4 sampling. Unique to these extenders is the ability to define and scale a specific frame rate such as 240Hz to 60Hz.

Vizrt’s TriCaster 2 Elite

Vizrt’s TriCaster 2 Elite is a leading-edge solution without legacy compromises and traditional boundaries. TriCaster 2 Elite embraces the creation of any type of motion media content and delivers it to anywhere viewers want to watch.

The TriCaster 2 Elite is a transformative, software-driven hub of a digital media ecosystem that transcends conventional workflows by leveraging advanced media processing with networking and computing technologies to enable limitless and distributed production. TriCaster 2 Elite connects everything across a simplified network infrastructure via NDI, technology that enables IP and SDI interoperability. TriCaster 2 Elite is the most configurable, customizable, scalable solution available to meet the growing demands of digital media production organizations.

LeagueSpot

LeagueSpot, acclaimed for its robust security and clean-label experience, has emerged as the foremost gaming platform, expertly designed for user-friendliness and safety. It boasts the most extensive network of student esports teams throughout North America, ensuring a smooth and flexible user experience. It aligns closely with educational institutions as LeagueSpot prioritizes a secure, inclusive environment for all gamers. The platform encourages the development of teamwork, strategic planning, and personal responsibility, key skills for any collaborative endeavor. With LeagueSpot, competitive gaming is more than a pastime; it becomes a practical approach to honing life skills in a safeguarded setting.

Sony’s SRG-XP1 POV (point-of-view) Camera

Sony’s SRG-XP1 POV (point-of-view) Camera offers accessible 4K60p video production for esports. Compact dimensions and simple installation make for seamless multi-camera setups without dedicated operators. The wide-angle lens and wide field of view allow the camera to see an entire subject, even from very close range. Mounting flexibility enables the camera to capture the audience, players, or venue—even from tricky positions where it’s difficult or impractical to install traditional cameras. Streaming video, power, and camera control signals are all carried over a standard Ethernet cable, reducing installation costs and simplifying integration in IP networked production environments.

Black Box’s MCX AVoIP Distribution System

Black Box’s MCX AVoIP Distribution System utilizes SDVoE technology to deliver the video quality high-end AV applications required to display eye-catching content. MCX installs behind the scenes to extend and distribute true 4K60 Hz 4:4:4 uncompressed video and crystal-clear audio over your 10-Gbps network to an unlimited number of displays or video walls with zero source-to-display latency and seamless switching—all without sacrificing bandwidth. Add ControlBridge to enable operators to trigger MCX and control room systems via an intuitive touch panel GUI or even mobile devices. In control rooms, MCX reduces cabling, installation complexity, and breaks distance limitations of proprietary solutions. 

LG’s 37.5-inch Curved UltraGear Gaming Monitor

LG’s 37.5-inch Curved UltraGear Gaming Monitor (38GN95B-B) enables realistic visual immersion, regardless of playing field, as gamers experience the sensation of being in the center. The Curved UltraGear supports a wide color spectrum, 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut and color range 35 percent greater than sRGB 100 percent, delivering stunning colors that make vivid scenes. NVIDIA tested and verified G-Sync compatible, the monitor also reduces screen tearing and minimizes stutter for a smoother, faster gaming experience. An ultra-fast speed of 160 Hz allows quick action on the screen, and objects are rendered clearly for smoother gameplay and an almost surreal visual fluidity.

Reely, an AI-powered video platform

Reely, an AI-powered video platform, helps esports professionals and game content creators generate highlights by identifying and measuring the most engaging content and game clips. Within Reely, Magnifi offers Hype Score, a proprietary performance-ranking AI algorithm that analyzes the most engaging moments for producing highlight reels. It allows clients to measure energy, impact, consumer engagement, top five or top 10 game events, which showcase a player’s skill, and victorious moments. This amplifies the digital experience across all social media channels and creates new workflows for automated brand marketing, content integration, and monetization.

Panasonic Connect's KAIROS AT-KC200 and AT-KC2000 Core Mainframes

KAIROS AT-KC200 and AT-KC2000 Core Mainframes from Panasonic Connect are now available, offering improved functionality and performance like streamlined connectivity, improved video processing performance, and enhanced file storage capacity. The KC2000 will support significantly increased content capacity with a 96GB RAM Player, 32GB stills and a 850GB clip player, which eliminates the need for a stand-alone clip player in many applications. A new KC2000S1 model featuring two independent 200G ST 2110 NIC cards will also become available in December, giving production teams the ability to access up to 400G of ST2110 sources.

Digital Projection’s Radiance LED EV Series 

Digital Projection’s Radiance LED EV Series are available in a pixel pitch of 0.9mm and 1.2mm, which makes these microLED displays ideal for up-close viewing. Also contributing to their exceptional performance is peak brightness up to 1,200 nits, contrast up to 20,000:1, and a wide viewing angle (170 degrees horizontal/170 degrees vertical). Additionally, the 0.9mm microLED offers a wide, REC 709 and DCI-P3 color gamut. The 0.9mm offering hits the 4K imaging sweet spot at a 163-inch diagonal size. The EV Series extends up to a 2.5mm pitch, offering integrators options for myriad viewing requirements.

Roland’s VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer

Roland’s VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer is an all-in-one mixer for simultaneous in-house and livestreamed productions. It has six SDI and six HDMI inputs to manage your sources, three SDI and three HDMI outputs for signal distribution throughout your venue, six XLR inputs for analog audio, tools to mix embedded audio signals, and both USB and direct RTMP streaming outputs. All of this is combined with automation features like scene layouts, macro recording, and auto-switching. Connecting your stream to popular platforms is seamless; simply use Roland’s web app to send your stream info back to the mixer and go live.

Crestron’s DM NVX AV-over-IP Distribution

Crestron’s DM NVX AV-over-IP distribution delivers real-time images at a quality that is visually indistinguishable from the source. DM NVX is a standards-based solution that works with every network and creates an ecosystem of endpoints designed to work with your network and security protocols. Providing high-quality and low-latency AV, DM NVX provides a superior, unparalleled gaming experience for both players and attendees. Using standard network switches and CAT5e UTP wiring, a DM NVX system delivers a high-performance virtual matrix routing solution that is economically advantageous and infinitely scalable for any 4K content distribution application. 

Just Add Power’s MaxColor 4K60 Series 2 Transmitter and Receiver

Just Add Power’s MaxColor 4K60 Series 2 Transmitter and Receiver provide integrators with an affordable and scalable 4K UHD distribution platform to natively support today’s 4K source content, with high frame rates over existing network infrastructures. Additionally, MaxColor offers deep color and 4:4:4 chroma support to ensure that what is seen at the capable screen matches the output of the source with no subsampling or downscaling. The series delivers zero detectable latency; instant and seamless switching; 4K up and downscaling; and HDR management; while supporting all lossless audio formats and HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision for the best viewing experience. Additional features include image pop, push, pull, and integrated control.

ViewSonic’s XG2431 24-inch Gaming Monitor

ViewSonic’s XG2431 24-inch Gaming Monitor features native 1080p resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. It seamlessly combines speed, color, and control, and enables games to run at higher frame rates for amazing graphic performance. With AMD FreeSync Premium technology that synchronizes the monitors to the GPU output, it eliminates screen tearing and lag. The 0.5 response time allows every input to be faster and more precise. Connectivity includes DisplayPort and HDMI, as well as a number of pre-set customizable visual modes so the player is ready for any FPS, RTS, or MOBA games.

Da-Lite’s Tensioned Advantage Screen with SightLine

Da-Lite’s Tensioned Advantage Screen with SightLine is a perfect option for large format displays in esports arenas. The case of the screen can mount high up in the ceiling and the Sightline feature allows it to extend into the viewing space with the appearance of a huge floating display. The tensioned screen can then host the exactly matched screen surface, including the Parallax Stratos ambient light rejecting surface. Da-Lite screens are perfect for providing extra-large, high-resolution, high-contrast screens for any esports arena.

Listen EVERYWHERE

Listen EVERYWHERE by Listen Technologies offers the perfect solution for streaming audio over Wi-Fi, designed to meet your needs for assistive listening, language interpretation, and TV audio, all integrated into a single system, allowing guests to choose to use their smartphone or borrow the Listen EVERYWHERE Audio Receiver. You and your guests will love the system for its low latency, simplicity, audio quality, and flexibility. The Listen EVERYWHERE app allows you to fully customize and brand your guests’ experience with sliding promotional banners, a welcome ad or video, links to content, and custom labels for channels.

Epson’s EB-PU2216B 3LCD Large-Venue Laser Projector

Engineered with professional-grade reliability in a sleek, black cabinet, Epson’s EB-PU2216B 3LCD Large-Venue Laser Projector is a cost-effective solution for esports. Leveraging Epson’s 3-chip, 3LCD technology, 4K enhancement, and 16,000 lumens, it delivers uncompromising image quality and brilliant color brightness. For live events, the projector includes 3G-SDI input/output, and is conveniently powered from a standard 120 V power source. Plus, a 20,000-hour, virtually maintenance-free laser light source, hermetically sealed optical engine, and filterless cabinet offer low-maintenance operation. Paired with nine optional lenses and the optional PixAlign camera, it combines a host of premium features for setup with impressive image quality for impactful gaming experiences. 

ATEN Technology’s VE1843 True 4K HDMI/USB HDBaseT 3.0 Transceiver

ATEN Technology’s VE1843 True 4K HDMI/USB HDBaseT 3.0 Transceiver combines transmitter and receiver functions in one unit, offering flexibility for AV solutions. It uses HDBaseT 3.0 technology to extend True 4K signals up to 100m over a single Cat 6a cable with zero latency. It also transmits IR, RS-232, Ethernet, audio, and USB signals. Supporting HDCP 2.3, 3D, deep color, HDR, and more, it ensures high-quality visuals. With HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, it adapts to various environments. The fanless design prevents overheating, enhancing reliability. Ideal for conference halls, auditoriums, museums, and more, the VE1843 simplifies complex installations and enhances AV applications.

Peerless-AV’s SEAMLESS dvLED Mounting Systems

Peerless-AV’s SEAMLESS dvLED Mounting Systems are an ideal solution for even the most complex design and technology integration challenges. With Kitted and Bespoke options, SEAMLESS offers slim, space-saving mounts that are easily adaptable to support various dvLED display sizes and brands. The Kitted Series Universal Mounting System supports latching dvLED displays and adapts to standard flat video walls. When a standard solution is unsuitable, Peerless-AV provides custom, Bespoke solutions, bringing unique flat, corner, or curved configurations to life.

Marshall Electronics’ CV570/CV574 Miniature Cameras

Marshall Electronics’ CV570/CV574 Miniature Cameras feature low-latency NDI|HX3 streaming as well as standard IP (HEVC) encoding with SRT and other common streaming codecs, along with a simultaneous HDMI output for traditional workflows. Designed for esports applications ranging from player cams to capturing various arena camera angles, the CV570 contains a new technology sensor with larger pixels and a square pixel array, with resolutions of up to 1,920 by 1,080p. It uses a miniature M12 lens mount and is built into an ultra-durable and lightweight body, with dimensions of roughly 2 by 2 by 3.5 inches. 

Extron’s XTP Systems

Extron’s XTP Systems are ideal for permanent and staged esports venues. XTP is a complete AV distribution platform with unmatched performance and powerful integration features that streamline system design and installation. It offers fully integrated switching and distribution for digital video and audio, supporting local AV connectivity as well as remote devices over shielded CATx and fiber optic cable. The scalable XTP II CrossPoint Series modular matrix switchers feature a 50 Gbps digital backplane and support uncompressed 8K switching. While the esports installation evolves and grows, a wide variety of XTP I/O boards can be added into the existing frame. 

Blackmagic Design’s ATEM Television Studio HD8

Blackmagic Design’s ATEM Television Studio HD8 is a new family of all in one live production switchers that combines broadcast features with extreme portability. ATEM Television Studio HD8 includes eight standards-converted SDI inputs, two aux outputs, four chroma keyers, two downstream keyers, SuperSource, two media players, and many transitions, plus features like hardware streaming, recording, audio mixing, talkback, multiview, and optional internal cloud storage. There is an ISO model that records all video inputs and connects to up to eight remote cameras, as well as ATEM Television Studio 4K8 that includes additional support for Ultra HD standards up to 2160p60.

Ophit’s OMP-HM Optical Fiber Extender 

Ophit’s OMP-HM Optical Fiber Extender supports 4K/8K Ultra HD (3,840-by-2,160 or 7,680-by-4,320) resolutions up to 330 feet (100m) over MPO-connected multi-mode fiber. The pigtail-type extender supports OM3 (or OM4) fiber, and it is an ideal solution for video content applications such as digital signage, broadcasting, videoconferencing, large-venue auditoriums, control rooms, medical video integration in the OR suite, and various medical imaging modality applications. The OMP-HM provides easy plug-and-play installation; enables 8K Ultra HD resolution and electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection for reliability and security between the source and the device; and complies with HDMI standards, including CEC capable and HDCP compliant.

SoundTube’s Focus Point FP6030-II Speaker

SoundTube’s Focus Point FP6030-II Speaker features patented dual-parabolic dispersion control technology with a targeted 45-degree audio footprint and true stereo separation. This technology permits specific audio to be clearly heard within the defined space.  

Twin 1-inch concave aluminum high-excursion drivers deliver stereo/mono music and messaging, while the patented ZeroReflection enclosure technology ensures accurate sound reproduction. The FP6030-II ships with a clear dome, hanging bracket, sound sleeves, mounting bushing, rigid mount adapter, and a 15-foot hanging cable. Motion sensing and LED lighting modules, along with transformers/junction boxes for 25-, 70.7-, and 100-Volt applications are available.

Vanco’s PROHD8K Ultra-High-Speed HDMI Cables

Vanco’s PROHD8K Ultra-High-Speed HDMI Cables have been EMI tested to ensure minimal interference with wireless signals. Ideal for gaming, these cables support optional HDMI2.1 features that make all the difference, including variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates stutter and frame tearing for more fluid and better-detailed gameplay; quick frame transport (QFT), which reduces latency for smoother no-lag gaming and real-time interactive virtual reality; and auto low-latency mode (ALLM), an automatic setting for smooth, uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. 

[RELATED: 15 Thought Leaders on Esports]

Yes, you can go home again—but you might need a map. Such is the price we pay for progress, I suppose.

[Editorial: Celebrate Your Corporate Rituals]

Last fall, I was asked to be part of the Florida Atlantic University School of Communication and Multimedia Studies Careers in Comm and Media Week. Suzanne Ffolkes, assistant dean for strategic affairs and public engagement at FAU's College of Nursing, invited me to guest lecture for her "Rhetorical Theories of Persuasion" communications course.

It didn't take a terribly persuasive effort to get me to agree. I used to be a college instructor and was intrigued by the possibility of returning to the classroom for a limited engagement.

When was the last time you visited your alma mater? More than a dozen years ago, I was on campus to attend a football game while the legendary Howard Schnellenberger was coach. When I was a student, one of my editorial cartoons for the school paper lamented our lack of a football team, so the experience was a bit surreal.

Since then, the main campus has continued to grow even more, so much so that I had to find my bearings once I parked my car. Turns out I was relatively close to where I thought I was, but the familiar landmarks weren't quite so familiar anymore. When did they build this sidewalk? What building is that? And when did they add name-brand restaurants to the dining hall?

[SCN Installation Showcase 2023]

While the campus may have thrown me for a loop, I felt right at home in the classroom. Of course, I immediately started checking out the technology. For the record, they had a Crestron control panel, Sony projector, and Da-Lite projector screen. But there was no time to start punching buttons—the dean loaded up my presentation on the university's network and it was showtime.

I’ve taught more than a dozen college courses, but I haven’t had to prepare a lecture in a long time. On the one hand, this was just a one-off. There would be little if no notetaking from the students, and none of this was going to be on the test. On the other hand, what college student wants to hear someone drone on for 75 minutes on how he used to walk uphill in the snow both ways to attend class, especially when FAU’s main campus is in South Florida?

In the end, I did my homework and produced a real lecture. It was fun sharing a little bit of wisdom with the students. At one point, I broke out my old iPod as an example of marketing (Steve Jobs' "1,000 songs in your pocket" is one of the greatest slogans of the 21st century). I pulled some social media posts from my PR days out of the archives. I even tossed in a little theory—Maslow's hierarchy of needs—for good measure.

[Editorial: Penny Wise, Ammo Round Foolish]

There was, of course, a generational gap. For example, none of them had heard of Douglas Adams, whose book, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, had a profound effect on the absurdist side of my sense of humor. However, we had all heard of Taylor Swift, so there was common ground to be found. Plus, a few students wanted some extra advice after class, so I'll take that as a win. Go Owls!

InfoComm 2023 is here. We've been doing our best to keep you up to date on all there is to see in Orlando this June.   

[InfoComm 2023: 'No Stopping Us Now']

Welcome to the X-VRSE

XTEN-AV has collaborated with Liberty AV Solutions, AtlasIED, and Yamaha as launch partners for X-VRSE, the new Virtual Reality solution by XTEN-AV.

Since its launch XTEN-AV has been striving to automate AV design and documentation by integrating newer technology into its AI-powered platform. X-VRSE proves to be the ultimate step in innovation in AV design. The powerful VR solution, X-VRSE allows users to visualize, experience and customize their designs in an immersive environment. 

X-VRSE elevates the AV designing experience to a whole another level by allowing users to create an immersive environment of the spaces that they have designed. Users can alter room aesthetics, add, position, and change the devices in the room, check coverages, and preview the entire space in real time. A “Bring their own room” feature enables users to bring in their existing designs and experience them in the X-VRSE environment.

X-VRSE speeds up the project turnaround times by allowing AV designers, integrators and sales teams to visualize designs at the primary stages of a project.

In collaboration with Liberty AV Solutions, XTEN-AV will be exclusively showcasing Ashton Bentley products as a part of their VR solution. Updated information about Liberty AV Solutions along with access to the Ashton Bentley product range would facilitate an enhanced experience to its users, on the platform.

“Liberty AV Solutions is a market leader in the AV space and the Ashton Bentley product line-up is one of the most popular ones in the industry. Having Liberty AV Solutions as a launch partner reinstates our belief in creating a powerful VR solution, on XTEN-AV, as the next step,” said Vibhav Singh and Sahil Dhingra, co-founders, XTEN-AV. “X-VRSE is designed to introduce users to cutting edge technology and give them a world-class VR experience.”

Collaboration with a market leader like AtlasIED to enhance this revolutionary technology, equips XTEN-AV to provide an extraordinary experience to its users, on the platform. Updated information about AtlasIED and an access to their extensive product library, in X-VRSE, empowers XTEN-AV users to achieve more with this futuristic upgrade.

“We are excited to launch X-VRSE in partnership with AtlasIED. Adding a groundbreaking VR solution to the XTEN-AV platform was a well-planned next step to make the AV design and proposal software stronger,” said Singh and Dhingra. “This partnership with AtlasIED helps us offer the users with a world-class VR experience and empowers them to create even more comprehensive designs spaces.”

This collaborative venture serves to elevate the technology of X-VRSE, enhance XTEN-AV and provide an unparalleled experience to its users. Onboarding Yamaha as a launch partner provides users with access to Yamaha’s own collaborative products like sound bars, microphones, cameras, speakers, etc. to create stunningly immersive AV designs and experiences.

“The launch of X-VRSE in partnership with Yamaha represents a leap forward within the AV industry, celebrating an era of unprecedented design and visualization possibilities. AV professionals now possess the key to unlocking boundless creativity and unleashing the full potential of their projects, all within the confines of our innovative VR solution.” said Thomas Hemery, Yamaha general manager of global marketing and sales, Professional Solutions Division.

Williams AV to Showcase Assistive Communication Concept Using Bluetooth Auracast

Williams AV will showcase an assistive communication concept Bluetooth Auracast at Booth 3414. This concept, which is not available for purchase, gives attendees a glimpse into the technology and its potential applications in the Pro AV industry.

The new Bluetooth capability, Auracast, was announced by the Bluetooth SIG in June 2022. While the media has widely covered Auracast in consumer markets, coverage of potential applications for the Pro AV market has been light. However, Williams AV believes this technology will create new opportunities for AV professionals and will show a concept Bluetooth Auracast transmitter, receiver, and assistant at the professional audiovisual trade show.

The Bluetooth Auracast platform has many potential benefits, including simultaneously delivering up to 20 audio broadcasts to an unlimited number of people and delivering audio directly to an Auracast receiver, reducing latency and providing high-quality sound. These benefits will help AV professionals provide better audio for those with hearing loss and broadly deliver audio in public spaces. 

InfoComm 2023 attendees can visit the FutureTech Station in the Williams AV to view the assistive communication concept. The station is designed to explain how the Auracast technology works, the various components of an Auracast solution, and an overview of potential use cases. In addition, attendees are encouraged to give feedback on how they see this type of solution used in Pro AV settings.

Da-Lite Adds More Flexibility to SightLine Cable Drop Feature

Da-Lite continues to make it even easier for integrators to solve challenges with the new 10-foot SightLine Cable Drop option available with its Tensioned Advantage and Advantage electric screens, which will be showcased in Legrand | AV Booth 2201. While SightLine's standard 70-inch, aircraft-grade cable drop screen feature covers most custom drop-sizing scenarios, the new 10-foot drop is designed to provide more flexibility for unique installations, such as unusually high ceilings, where additional drop may be required.

SightLine has taken the industry by storm with its innovative approach to eliminating unsightly black drops and creating a screen that appears to float in the room. The single-roller suspension system features three or four thin cables that now accommodate drop distances up to 70 inch (standard) or 10 feet (optional) between the ceiling and the top of the screen. It preserves a room's architectural integrity and creates usable space above the viewing area for components such as Vaddio cameras and/or speakers. With the ability to dial in the exact viewing height on-site, this flexible system makes specifying, ordering, and installing a screen quick and easy. There is no need to calculate the drop distance ahead of time. Additionally, the cable height can be adjusted on-site for any future projector upgrades, allowing end users to maximize their screen investment and cut down on labor.

During the show, Da-Lite will also feature a UTB Contour 21:9 Ultrawide Format fixed-frame screen to demonstrate a more immersive and equitable meeting experience for end users. The brand offers a complete line of electric and fixed-frame screens in 21:9 Ultrawide Format standard part numbers.

Mersive Technologies Makes Setup and Collaboration Faster and Easier for Both Integrators and End Users 

We've already looked at the Solstice Pod for Education, but Mersive will also introduce the latest version of its Solstice collaboration platform, Solstice 6, at Booth 4875 .

Solstice enables users to easily share content from any device to any Solstice-enabled display in a meeting room, huddle space, classroom, or other collaboration environment. Solstice 6 makes deployment more intuitive than ever, meeting IT and AV professionals’ need for a simple out-of-box guided setup experience that gets them up and running fast without compromising configuration options. It also reduces the time required for end users to begin collaborating to mere seconds via web connectivity.

• Solstice 6 Makes Deployment Easy: When the integrator or IT professional first unboxes and plugs in the Solstice Pod, a new guided setup screen and installer tool opens to walk them through network, internet, and Solstice Cloud setup, as well as ensure that each Pod is properly deployed. The installer also automatically whitelists Solstice with Windows Defender so users can get the most out of the Solstice software
• Fast, Simple Collaboration with New Web App: Solstice allows users to use their own devices to collaborate via the Solstice app. However, not every user wants or is able to download an app on their device. Solstice 6 allows users to visit share.mersive.com to wirelessly and securely share content through a web browser without having to download the Solstice app.
• Improved Performance and Stability: Solstice 6 enhancements include support for a broader range of networks, devices, and room types. Mersive has also improved back-end processes that free up CPU and memory usage, so the meeting host has more power and resources available to them while using Solstice 6. 
• More Engaging Dynamic Digital Signage: Solstice 6 transforms Mersive’s digital signage capabilities through a completely customizable web page that is both interactive and dynamically responsive via the use of occupancy sensors, calendar events, or even API calls.

MXL Microphones Introduces New AC83 Bluetooth Microphone

MXL Microphones debuts its new AC83 Bluetooth LE 5.0 Enabled Boundary Microphone at the Marshall Electronics Booth 4107.

With its three-capsule battery design, the AC83 mic picks up direct sound, while simultaneously mitigating indirect sources, delivering optimal audio for every user. The AC83 microphone will capture the audio required over a long period of time, holding up to 36-hours of non-stop battery life.

Ideal for AV integrator and professionals, the AC83 is an excellent addition to any conference room application. Additionally, the new Bluetooth microphone is capable of transmitting sound up to 200-feet in range, offering a great solution for larger conference spaces, lecture halls and more.

Much like a light bulb has a usable life, so do most Pro AV products. After a product runs its course, though, what happens to it? From components to packaging, what parts are reused or recycled? And do companies have policies in place to reduce waste during the manufacturing process?

[Viewpoint: With Systems and Sustainability, Mutual Gains are Possible]

These questions speak to the growing importance of sustainability. While definitions can vary widely, SCN generally defines sustainability as meeting present technological needs while minimizing long-term environmental impacts and raw material usage.

Commitment to Conservation

Thankfully, many companies serving the Pro AV industry already have sustainability programs. Yamaha, for example, participates in several initiatives, including the UN Global Compact, and has its own Sustainability Committee. Sennheiser has included environmental protection efforts in its corporate guidelines, with specific emphasis on materials, energy efficiency, and recycling.

[NAB Show Launches Excellence in Sustainability Awards]

According to Luca Lastrucci, co-founder and CEO of Powersoft, conserving energy has always been a part of the company's DNA. With solar panels installed on its roof, for example, the company's main factory in Italy generates enough power to be self-sufficient. "Not only does such an approach reduce the impact of equipment on the environment," he explained, "but it also represents an interesting economic advantage."

In 1995, Powersoft introduced Class D PWM technology, which Lastrucci said is "based on extremely high efficiency that allows it to transform all the energy drawn from the mains into usable power, and to recycle the reactive energy coming back from the loudspeakers. This was pretty revolutionary at the time, and it took a bit of time to be widely adopted, so we’re proud to have been at the heart of this advent."

Other Powersoft technologies aimed at improving efficiency and consequently reducing power consumption are now part of the company's design philosophy called Green Audio Power. "We will continue to contribute toward environmental sustainability, thanks to smaller, lighter, and more efficient amplifiers," Lastrucci added. "This equates to lower electricity bills but also a lower carbon footprint, as well as a smaller impact on the environment as a result."

[Editorial: Sustainability Can Be Taught]

Early last year, collaboration products developer Xilica, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, announced its commitment to carbon neutrality. The company is working to ensure its products will have net zero impact on the environment and achieve Climate Neutral Certified status. (Climate Neutral is a global nonprofit that helps companies offset their carbon emissions.)

“We know that fighting climate change requires strong, coordinated action across industries, and hope our own efforts will make a positive contribution to the larger movement for greater environmental responsibility,” said James Knight, Xilica’s COO, at the time of the announcement.

In a blog posted last month, Broadsign CEO Burr Smith said the company has pledged to reduce and offset its carbon footprint starting in 2023. The company, which worked with experts to understand its carbon footprint, is still finalizing its plans, but expects to share details in Q2. 

“We are committed to this because we understand the climate crisis is one of the most significant challenges facing the world and we all, individuals and businesses as well as governments, must do more to make our future brighter,” Smith wrote. “I don’t want to leave future generations, including my grandkids, worse off because nobody cared enough to try and make things better today.”

Reducing Waste

Patrick Cuddy, CTS, serves as director of enterprise and Pro AV distribution for Legrand|AV. As a LEED Green Associate (LEED is a popular green building rating system), he's also very much a part of the company's sustainability efforts. That includes a place on the AVIXA Sustainability Task Force, a volunteer group focused on creating standards and best practices for the Pro AV industry to create a more sustainable future.

[Sustainability Is a ‘Top Business Priority’ for PPDS]

Legrand|AV has made a conscious effort to embrace sustainability. Middle Atlantic Products, for example, uses recycled steel in its products, and provides packaging to customers to send batteries back for recycling. Da-Lite’s screens have received certification for low emitting projection screen fabrics from the GreenGuard Environmental Institute. Another Legrand|AV company retooled an entire product line to remove lead from its soldering process.

Is there waste in the AV industry? “There’s a ton—many tons,” offered Cuddy. “The challenge is that there are a plethora of certification systems. Some are targeted to specific industries or vertical markets, while others are more universal. It’s going to be interesting to see how we evolve to marry up those various standards.”

Sustainability does not exist in a vacuum; it is interdependent on a variety of factors. So, how does the AV industry get better? According to Cuddy, the first step is to “realize we need to get better.”

From shopping bags to electronics, U.S. consumers tend to practice a “use it and toss it” mentality. Cuddy would like to see the industry improve education efforts to customers, providing product life expectancy information and other details to encourage participation. “Our world is changing,” he noted. “We have more people, and we are very consumable in our focus in the U.S.”

According to Cuddy, one of the AV industry’s biggest issues is electronic waste, or e-waste. The majority of end-of-life components are added to a landfill instead of getting some sort of second life. Cuddy proposed that older equipment can be repurposed for different applications, stripped for parts, or even recycled for new products.

Reusing decommissioned equipment could have a positive impact on the supply chain as well as the environment. "Just because there's a newer version doesn't mean the previous version doesn't work for the right application," he offered.

Cuddy said recycling is pretty good at the manufacturer’s end, as it is part of the waste stream in the production process. However, he would like to see the industry find more consistent efforts to encourage the recycling of batteries, displays, and other components.

“It’s the installed base that doesn’t have that readily available,” Cuddy explained. “People have to realize their own footprint and the environmental impact of their own production consumption. That’s where our industry can really step up.”

How Green Is Green?

What's a good first step toward better environmental practices? Cuddy said manufacturers should look for opportunities to be more sustainable in the manufacturing process. They should also make sure all components and chemicals are compliant with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) standards. Even relatively simple actions, such as turning off lights in factories when there are no humans present or scheduling downtime for equipment maintenance, can make a difference.

For the installer, sustainability efforts often begin with asking manufacturers a single question: What is the end-of-life process for your products? Cuddy said adding sustainability information to bids and project specifications can be a very appealing feature for environmentally conscious clients.

Plus, some manufacturers offer services to reduce waste. For example, Middle Atlantic Products will assemble some items in racks prior to shipment. Not only can this improve installation efficiencies, but it reduces packing material waste at a job site. Cuddy said installers should look for manufacturers that provide those types of services.

In August 2020, d&b audiotechnik, a sound reinforcement equipment manufacturer headquartered in Backnang, Germany, announced the launch of its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, under which the company recovers systems that are end-of-life, remanufactures them, and resells them into the marketplace.

Remanufacturing is not to be confused with repairing, recycling, or refurbishing. According to the Remanufacturing Industries Council—an alliance of businesses, trade associations, and academia—remanufacturing is a “rigorous industrial process by which a previously sold, leased, used, worn, remanufactured, or non-functional product or part is returned to a like-new, same-as-when-new, or better-than-when-new condition from both a quality and performance perspective, through a controlled, reproducible, and sustainable process.”

At d&b audiotechnik, systems included in the CPO program are checked for damages and dismantled down to the component level. They are then reassembled, repainted, and tested before being reintroduced into the market. Robert Trebus, director of sustainability at the company, noted the process not only enables d&b to decrease the carbon footprint of its products, it also makes its systems accessible to customers who don’t have the budget to purchase brand-new gear. “[There is] an attractive price benefit [which has] opened up another business segment,” he said.

Integrators may also look to organizations like Sustainability in AV (SAVe) for guidance on how to make their organizations more sustainable. (See our story on page 28.) Last fall, the nonprofit launched its first certification program in partnership with Tempest Technologies, an AV solutions and service provider based in Issaquah, WA. SAVe's one-day program includes an education module, workshop, and assessment so integrators can develop a strategy for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. Once companies identify which SDGs they will focus on, they may remain in regular contact with SAVe to share their progress, discuss their challenges, and access resources.

Still, transparency on the manufacturing side of things can help everyone make better purchasing decisions. Anyone who has attempted to buy a sustainable product understands that it can be difficult to discern just how environmentally friendly the item actually is. For this reason, Trebus would like to see Pro AV industry associations develop guidelines that help designers, integrators, and end users determine just how "green" are the products that are being specified and purchased.

[SAVe, HETMA Join Forces to Expand Sustainability Initiatives]

“My concern is that by using the word ‘green’ everywhere, the end user can’t identify what is really sustainable and what is just a greenwashing marketing campaign,” he said. “We need a little bit more structure and guidance in the market.”

Regardless, Trebus believes that pursuing sustainability is the biggest opportunity of this decade. He argues that when manufacturers work on decreasing their carbon footprint, they automatically increase the quality of their products, pointing to similarities between sustainability best practices and ISO 9001 quality management standards. “When you develop a product that is more sustainable, you increase the quality of what you do,” he added. “The result is a much higher value product in the end.” 

AVIXA Sustainability Task Force

Created by the AVIXA board of directors, the Sustainability Task Force is a yearlong initiative tasked with creating “a common understanding of sustainability for our industry.” The co-chairs of the task force are David Silberstein, channel sales manager for DTEN, and Thomas Serbruyns, vice president of strategic initiatives for Barco. The group is expected to disband by August 2023, once it had submitted a proposal that investigates how the organization can support the Pro AV industry’s efforts in becoming more sustainable.

Participating Organizations

ACT Associates

Arup

Augusta University

Barco

Branch Pattern

CalPoly

Clear-Com

Crestron

Cyviz

Distributed Sound & Video

Dobil Laboratories

DTEN

Electronics & Engineering

Emory University

HP

HS Solutions

Legrand |AV

Luxul

Midwich Group

MOOD MediaNETGEAR

Niza Alta Tecologia en Comunicacion

Optoma

Pro-Motion Technology Group

Prysm Systems

QSC

Shure

RGB Spectrum

Symetrix

Technology Architecture Design

University of Guelph

University of Virginia

Vaddio

Visualization

From residential installations to the U.S.S. Stargazer set on Star Trek: Picard, projection screens have a variety of use cases. Whether it is a live event, immersive attraction, or home theater, having the right screen can enhance the experience for the viewer.

Projectors bring to life the vivid colors and imagery of content creators, but all can be lost without the screen that best suits the content. With considerations like the surface of the screen, projector size, or ambient light capabilities, it is imperative to make the “right” choice the first time.

Touching the Surface

Simply put, projection environments can vary widely. Aaron White, home theater and Pro AV sales lead at Severtson Screens, offered up a few questions that must be answered when considering the right screen for each installation.

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

“There are a lot of factors to consider,” he said. “Are there speakers behind the screen, so that you need an acoustically transparent material?  What type of projector are you using: UST or standard front projection? Is there a lot of ambient light in the room or is it completely blacked out?”

Wendy Cox, director of product management at Da-Lite, a brand of Legrand|AV, said addressing these concerns is critical for any installation. “You are selecting a resolution technology from the projector and content,” she added. “So, if you don’t select the screen surface that matches the resolution and technology needs, you’re really missing out on optimizing the investment. It’s also a major part of the end user’s experience, because if you don’t pair the right screen surface and projector for the environment, it may result in a less-than-optimal image.”

"It can make or break the image quality, which anyone who has walked into a sports bar or house of worship with a projection screen may have experienced,” noted Ryan Gustafson, CEO of Screen Innovations (SI). “Ambient light rejecting [ALR] technologies, such as Screen Innovations’ Black Diamond and Slate screen optics, were developed to provide a viable option for environments plagued with ambient light.”

Light Management

As Gustafson explained, there are plenty of variables to consider when selecting a screen. Throw distance, viewing area, and projector mounting are all part of the equation. However, one key consideration that seems to be at the forefront is how well it rejects ambient light.

[SCN Hybrid World: 11 Speakerphones for Today's Workspace]

“Black Diamond is Screen Innovations’ most popular ambient light rejecting screen material, followed by Slate,” he added. “SI’s Unity screen material renders the highest color accuracy when used in dark environments. All of these options, with the exception of Black Diamond, are available with acoustic transparency.”

“Ambient light, natural or artificial, can come from any source in a room,” said Cox. ”In two-piece projection, the only light you want hitting the screen is from the projector. Screen surfaces featuring ambient light rejection properties can separate light in the environment from projected light. Ambient light that falls on a standard projection screen will compete with light from the projector and wash out image contrast, color saturation, and dynamic range, affecting the viewing experience.”

“Most screen surfaces don't reject ambient light as much as they do to compensate for it,” added White. “Many materials add back contrast that ambient light has lost.  Other screen materials provide for better reflection of the primary light source [i.e., projector] rather than indirect light sources coming from other angles. A true ALR material generally has some type of layering or reflectors that redirect the unwanted light sources away from the screen while directing the projectors image back to the audience.”

Keeping those screens flat is also of utter importance. As White said, one of the benefits of a fixed-frame installation is it remains static and is not susceptible to creases.

For the smallest creases, bumps, or folds, you’d be surprised at some of the easiest tricks of the trade. “Using a blow dryer on the crease is an industry trick that solves a lot of shipping or installation mishaps,” Gustafson said.   

Size Matters

Projection screens are used in many environments. A home theater, for example, will require drastically different dimensions than a commercial installation. “The general rule of thumb for 16:9 or 10:10 formats, in a commercial setting, is to figure the depth of room divided by two to achieve the ideal screen diagonal,” explained Cox.

“Screen size often has some personal preference and bias associated with it,” admitted White. “However, it can also be limited by the room size and projector specs; if the projector is placed a long distance from the screen, it may lose a lot of its light by not being bright enough or also be able to zoom to the desired size. Another major determining factor is seating distance. A rule of thumb is your seating distance should be about three times your screen's viewing height.”

[Epson Projectors, Strand Lighting Get Visitors In the Mood]

Which is more advantageous for your installation, fixed or motorized screens? “Fixed screens are more stable, delivering a more accurate installation of dimension and aspect ratio than motorized screens,” Gustafson offered. “Motorized screens are more flexible and prone to expand and contract in a 120-degree truck or attic. Although motorized screens are natively flat, they can move with air movement throughout the room. Still, they are a great choice where preserving the architectural and decorative integrity of a room is important or when a room serves multiple purposes.”

Luckily, finding the right screen size is relatively easy. Most companies offer online tools to get started, such as Da-Lite’s Screen Surface Selection Calculator and Screen Designer Tool and SI's Screen Material Wizard.

While there are many considerations, there are also a number of projection screens available. Here are some current offerings from several manufacturers.

Da-Lite Tensioned Advantage with SightLine

Da-Lite’s new cable drop feature, SightLine, available with the Tensioned Advantage electric screen, gives the impression of a floating screen. Available in sizes up to 177-inch diagonal (16:9) or 182-inch diagonal (16:10), it is a ceiling recessed electric screen designed with ceiling trim in place. This conceals the rough opening and eliminates the need to complete additional trim work once the screen is installed. Its two-stage installation option allows the screen case to be installed during the rough-in construction stage and the screen surface assembly during the finishing stage. Sliding installation brackets allow mounting flexibility for easy attachment of the screen housing to the structure above the drop ceiling.

Draper TecVision Series

Draper offers 11 TecVision formulations to deal with any projection requirements, including five ALR formulations. Each TecVision surface is designed for uniform performance across the image and from screen to screen. Draper tests each formulation periodically to make sure it still performs within specs. This attention to detail allowed Draper to attain Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) certification for color accuracy for every TecVision formulation. Draper's optically seamless technology makes seams invisible on very large installations. TecVision surfaces are available with electric and rechargeable battery screens like the Acumen series, as well as fixed screens like the Profile+. 

Elite ProAV Presenter Pro Riser CineGrey 4D

This portable, electric floor-rising projection screen with Ceiling Light Rejecting technology is designed for ambient light room environments. Its tab-tension design maintains a flat and taut front projection surface to provide a ripple-free image suitable for standard long-throw projectors. It’s ALR characteristics allow the Presenter Pro to be used in rooms with ambient light in lecture halls, boardrooms, training facilities, and other environments where lighting cannot be controlled. Using “scissor-backed” cross risers, the CineGrey 4D material rises and lowers easily.

 EPV Twilight Series

The new Twilight Series comes in a variety of sizes in Electric, Manual, and Tension Twin models. All three models are dedicated to outdoor spaces for nighttime use. The screen material is supported by a tab-tension system to provide a flat and taut projection surface for use with ultra, short, and standard throw projectors. Its wide viewing angle accommodates small gatherings or large-venue events.

Screen Innovations Black Diamond

In 2008, Screen Innovations designed Black Diamond to solve the problem of washed-out projection screens in rooms with light. Black Diamond is capable of rejecting light on both the horizontal and vertical axis, so lighting from fixtures above and windows on the side is simultaneously rejected. The optics in Black Diamond result in an immersive dark room experience without the need for blacking out adjacent walls.

Severtson Screens Impression Series

Severtson’s Impression Series fixed frames with SAT-4K screen material are designed for specialized applications where a permanent projection screen is desired. Made in the United States, the SAT-4K replicates the cinema experience in home and commercial settings. Acoustically transparent, the entire sound stage can be placed directly behind the screen at the same horizontal axis, allowing the vocals and the special effects to be completely in sync with the images on display. The SAT-4K screen meets or exceeds all industry standards for optimum video and acoustic performance.

Stewart Filmscreen Luxus

The 100-inch screen is a compact, below-ceiling retractable surface mount motorized screen for commercial and residential applications. With built-in controls and a removable case bonnet, the new Lexus is ideal for corporate, educational, gaming, and residential use. The Luxus is equipped with a universal hanging bracket, 12v trigger, and dry contact for easy control with optional IR or RS-232. The system supports image widths just over 15 feet and scales up to 209 inches in diagonal 16:9 format with a 12-inch backdrop. 

While COVID-19 variants are keeping so many people guessing about the status of their offices and how long they might be working from home, one Nashville-based company is not anxious, because its flexible new headquarters was designed for hybrid workgroups by Fort Lauderdale, FL-based Think Simple.

HealthStream is a software developer that helps healthcare organizations improve workforce development, talent management, credentialing, and performance assessment. In 2020, the company played a crucial role in training healthcare workers to safely handle patients with COVID-19.

[Rethinking Your Office]

While no one at HealthStream foresaw the coming pandemic, they were well equipped to function during the lockdowns. That’s because working remotely was already an important part of the company culture when executives began planning the new, 67,000-square-foot headquarters in 2019. “It was an opportunity to design the offices we really wanted from scratch,” said Mollie Condra, vice president of communications and investor relations.

Although based in Nashville’s Capitol View area, the company has seven additional offices, and a large number of employees were already working at least part of the week from home. On any given day, prior to the lockdowns, perhaps 300 people might have been present in its headquarters, with 600 or more in other locations. “It was a given that if you scheduled a meeting, at least one person would join remotely,” Condra added.

The new headquarters includes 71 conference rooms, 51 of which include videoconferencing. There are also 43 small huddle rooms, each with seating for two to six people, five larger meeting rooms with seating for up to 24 people, 20 rooms intended for local meetings, and an all-hands space called the Forum, with seating for more than 300 people (including two employee lounges) and the ability to include hundreds more via video.

Unifying the Team

In planning the move, one of the biggest questions was what sort of technology could power the communications between those working in the office and team members in other locations. While they were already using a popular unified communications platform, they were heavy users of Office 365, which could include Microsoft Teams.

“It was obvious to me that HealthStream would benefit from a switch to Microsoft Teams, so in our initial meeting, I showed them Mercury, part of the Crestron Flex product line,” said Will Gilbert, partner at Think Simple. “With Mercury, you just walk into a meeting room, plug in your laptop and start Teams. That’s it. Now, instead of the camera and microphone built into your laptop, you’re using the camera and microphone we installed in the room. The room’s flat-panel display mirrors your laptop screen.”

Gilbert felt Mercury would be a natural in the huddle rooms, where up to four employees might meet comfortably with multiple team members joining from other locations. By pairing Mercury with Teams, HealthStream would be also able to save hundreds of thousands of dollars on licensing fees. “They were already using Office 365, of which Teams is now a part,” he explained, “so licensing an additional communications platform was no longer necessary.”

[Workers Aren’t Ready to Return to the Office]

Think Simple built a custom Crestron interface they expected to use in several larger rooms, but HealthStream wound up using it in all but the Forum and the Strategy Room. The focal point of the Forum is a large open area where staff can set up a podium, 82-inch display, and temporary seating and tables for a speaker panel. Opposite the “stage” area is a stairway that features tiered seating and two more wall-mounted 82-inch displays. Facing the stage on the left and right are the employee lounges, which feature sound and video systems that can be combined with the central areas.

“This space was definitely the most challenging of any we worked on at HealthStream,” said Geoffry Ranson, an engineer and programmer for Think Simple. “We spent a lot of time mapping out the room and programming the sound system, so that presenters can walk around as they wish without causing feedback.”

Beyond accommodating the presenters, the outside walls are all glass, making reverb control a high priority. The solution features two K-Array line arrays in the tiered seating areas plus 24 QSC ceiling speakers in the lower portions that fill out the rest of the space. The central area also includes a Vaddio PTZ camera.

The Strategy Room can seat more than 30 people and include remote participants via Microsoft Teams. According to Condra, the main purpose of the room is to support planning for HealthStream’s Performance Incentive Program. To optimize these meetings, the room includes a variety of computer resources plus an Epson Pro-L laser projector with 164-inch Da-Lite screen, Vaddio PTZ camera, Revolabs wireless mics, Biamp DSP, and Crestron presentation system with a matrix switcher, mic mixer, and audio amplifier.

AV Transparency

Every meeting room includes Crestron AirMedia, so users can connect laptops wirelessly instead of plugging in a USB cable. Every room except the Forum includes a Crestron scheduling panel as well. A 12-screen digital signage system is used internally and for welcome messages to visitors. Two conference rooms are divisible with air walls that retract into their ceilings. Plus, there are 10 more presentation rooms in which Think Simple repurposed Crestron systems from its old headquarters.

“The thing our users like the most is that the AV systems are transparent,” said Andral Johnson, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the new conference center. “They plug in their laptops or type in an address for AirMedia and they just work. There’s nothing to think about, nothing to mess with. In our old headquarters, we never knew when we’d get a call and have to drop everything to run and help. That’s no longer an issue.”

Today, while other companies debate whether (or when) to require their staffs to come back to the office, management at HealthStream remains committed to a hybrid work model. Think Simple is fully on board, doing nearly all its service with a support package that includes remote monitoring of the AV systems. “While we included unlimited on-site labor, we’ve only been out to Nashville once since we finished the installation,” Gilbert noted, “and that was to oversee a large firmware update.”

“Think Simple did an awesome job,” added Jeff Adams, assistant vice president, business operations, HealthStream. “Once we decided to switch to Teams, it was just a question of how best to implement it. At the end of the day, their expertise and ability to solve problems was fantastic.”

At a ceremony at InfoComm on Tuesday, Systems Contractor News content director Mark Pescatore announced the winners of the 2021 Installation Product Awards, with wins from manufacturers including ClearOne, Kramer, Sharp NEC Display Solutions, Shure, Crestron and more. 

Products were nominated by the manufacturers and chosen by online ballot. There are 13 categories, with two winners in each. 

Most Innovative Audio Hardware

ClearOne BMA 360
The ClearOne BMA 360 with Voice Lift and Camera Tracking technology is an advanced beamforming microphone array ceiling tile that delivers superior audio performance and deployment ease. It’s an ultra-wideband, frequency-invariant beamforming mic array with uniform gain response across all frequency bands. With 6G Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) and FiBeam technology, conference participants experience natural and full-fidelity audio across all beams and within a single beam.

Shure Microflex Advance MXA710 Linear Array Microphone
The Shure Microflex Advance MXA710 Linear Array Microphone is designed for high-quality audio capture in premium AV conferencing environments. The sleek linear form factor allows for placement virtually anywhere in a meeting space including on a wall, around a display, on the ceiling, or in a conference room table. Available in two lengths and three colors, the MXA710 includes proprietary Shure IntelliMix DSP and Autofocus technology that provides all the processing needed for echo-free and noise-free conference audio.

Most Innovative AV Installation Accessory

C2G Retractable Universal Mount 4K HDMI Dongle Adapter Ring with Color Coded Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, and USB-C/C2G30029
C2G’s Retractable Universal 4K HDMI Dongle Adapter Ring is the perfect addition to any meeting space or wherever you need to be connected. The standard configuration includes the adapters to connect nearly any device to an in-room display while supporting up to a 4K video resolution. This adapter ring has color-coded HDMI to DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, and USB-C dongle adapters, as well as a customizable integrated pull tab. Backed by a lifetime warranty.

Tripp Lite DisplayPort to HDMI over Cat 6 Extender Kit, KVM Support, 4K 60 Hz, 4:4:4, PoC, HDCP 2.2, 230 feet (B127A-1A1-BDBH)
Tripp Lite's Transmitter/receiver kit extends a 4K signal via Cat 6 cable from a DisplayPort source to an HDMI display up to 230 feet away. Supports UHD resolutions up to 4K @ 60 Hz (4:4:4) for crystal-clear video. Power over Cable (PoC) technology provides power to either end via Cat 6 cable. DIP switch selection allows bi-directional IR or USB function for controlling the source. Compliant with the Federal Trade Agreements Act (TAA) for GSA Schedule purchases.

Most Innovative Collaboration Product

Middle Atlantic Products FlexView Conferencing Cart with HuddleSHOT FC
Another exciting product collaboration from Legrand AV! This solution from Middle Atlantic and Vaddio was meticulously designed by our engineers to include all the necessary components for a videoconferencing system in small to mid-sized collaboration spaces. The FlexView Conferencing Cart with HuddleSHOT FC makes installation and usability a breeze for installers and end users alike, not to mention specification with one part number. Did we mention it’s only one part number?

Shure Stem Ecosystem
The Shure Stem Ecosystem provides AV/IT users with the freedom to mix-and-match devices to create the perfect setup in any meeting, allowing anyone to easily design, install, and manage collaboration spaces. Stem Ecosystem solutions are backed by a robust platform of tools designed to make the process of adopting new technology, or leveraging existing technology, effortless. Stem Ecosystem solutions include wall and table speakerphones, a ceiling microphone, a dedicated control device, and a central hub.

Most Innovative Digital Signage Product

Epson America PowerLite 805F Full HD 1080p Ultra Short-Throw Laser Projector
Delivering exceptional illumination, Epson’s PowerLite 805F ultra-short throw laser projector offers low maintenance, intelligent software, and powerful projection to unleash impactful experiences practically anywhere. Leveraging Epson’s 3LCD laser technology, Full HD resolution and up to 5,000 lumens of brightness, it delivers up to 130 inches of true-to-life images with 360° placement to transform a variety of spaces. Built-in content management software and a compatible creative content projection app allows users to easily create custom content and amazing effects.

Sharp NEC Display Solutions ActiveScene
A game-changing solution that transforms glass into dynamic displays, Sharp NEC's ActiveScene makes use of previously underutilized space. With Avery Dennison’s Vela smart window film, ActiveScene can be retrofitted to any glass surface. Controlled electronically, the film becomes opaque on command, creating a canvas for a unique AV projection. ActiveScene can turn glass storefronts into advertising displays, conference room walls into privacy screens or video canvases, glass-fronted museum vignettes into engaging history lessons, and more.

Most Innovative Emerging Technology

AtlasIED Atmosphere Ambient Noise Compensation and X-ANS Sensor
The Atmosphere X-ANS ambient noise sensor from AtlasIED uses patented adaptive filtering technology rather than a microphone to accurately measure the noise level of a commercial environment and adjust automatically without picking up voice. The information is transmitted to the audio processor as data—not as voice programming—lending more enhanced security and volume adjustment accuracy than conventional ambient noise sensors that simply send audio to the processor for analysis and compensation.

Crestron Electronics Crestron and Microsoft Teams Panels
Crestron and Microsoft Teams Panels allow workers to easily navigate their day with a superior level of options, performance, and responsiveness. The ability to gather, share, and act on room scheduling data in real time helps keep employees and management efficient and compliant with reconfigured safety protocols.

Most Innovative IoT Product

Crestron Electronics Crestron XiO Cloud
Crestron XiO Cloud is a unifying cloud-based platform for remotely provisioning, monitoring, and managing devices across an enterprise or an entire client base. This revolutionary platform enables organizations to simultaneously configure and deploy an unlimited number of Crestron products, thereby reducing installation time by up to 90 percent.

Liberty AV Solutions Arranger
Introducing Arranger, an AV software server application from Liberty AV designed to configure and manage AVoIP endpoints and AV systems with easy-to-build user interfaces with no programing skills required. Just as important as the software is the powerful and reliable hardware host—Arranger is designed to fully leverage the powerful capabilities of all Digi IP hardware. One software platform to build, manage, and control all Digi IP and AV devices on a network for many vertical applications.

Most Innovative Mounting Solution

Chief Tempo Flat Panel Floor Support System (AVSFSS)
When installing AV into corporate environment today, installers are limited in the number of site visits and amount of personal contact they can have, making inspections and remediation difficult. Additionally, the request to increase collaboration with dual-display videoconferencing is on the rise. The low-profile Chief Tempo Flat Panel Floor Support System uses the floor instead of the wall to support displays, eliminating the need for wall inspection and remediation for time and cost savings across large rollouts.

rp Visual Solutions Wallmate T-UP
Wallmate T-UP is a single-panel on-wall mount from rp Visual Solutions that can be mounted on top of drywall, concrete, or block walls. It features an up-down swing with lift assist to access removable peripheral plates for easy equipment assembly and service. Wallmate T-UP supports displays of 75 to 100 inches and up to 250 pounds.

Most Innovative Signal Management Product

Vanco EVMX88PRO
The Vanco Evolution 4K 8x8 HDBaseT Audio and Video Matrix sends up to 8 HDMI signals to up to 8 HDBaseT outputs, with mirrored HDMI outputs for up to 16 total outputs. It transmits 4K @ 60Hz, 4:4:4, and HDR up to 131 feet/40 meters over Cat 6. It can also send audio or ARC to up to 8 zones via digital optical outputs.

VuWall TRx 3.1 Centralized Management Platform
TRx 3.1, VuWall’s next-gen platform, is unique in combining AV-over-IP distribution and advanced multi-video wall and KVM management. TRx is a unified centralized platform used to configure, manage, and distribute virtually any source type to any display with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. TRx ensures interoperability in a multi-brand AV-over-IP infrastructure. TRx even allows users to easily create customized control panels to run on any mobile device, without any programming.

Most Innovative Streaming Product

PTZOptics PT-Superjoy-G1
PTZOptics' Superjoy camera control joystick offers serial and network-based control of PTZ cameras, allowing users to adjust pan, tilt, and zoom, and fine-tune settings including focus, iris/shutter, and red and blue gain. The Superjoy is configurable with up to 255 camera presets, including 9 push-button “quick presets.” It also features four customizable buttons that can be programmed to trigger “super presets,” sending commands via HTTP, UART, TCP, or UDP to practically any network-based device.

Visionary Solutions PacketAV Duet Wallplate Encoder
Visionary Solutions' new PacketAV Duet Wallplate Encoder is an HDMI over IP wall plate with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. The PacketAV Duet Wallplate Encoders provide powerful 4K UHD video and Dante/AES67 audio embedding/de-embedding, with internal VLAN tagging capability to separate audio and video network traffic as needed over a single gigabit Ethernet (PoE) port, now with built-in bi-directional Bluetooth wireless audio connectivity.

Most Innovative Videoconferencing Product

Mersive Solstice Conference
Solstice Conference is a new class of Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) room solutions from Mersive that delivers agnostic room conferencing and enhances collaboration between on-site and remote participants with Solstice’s rich, multi-participant content sharing. By leveraging the conferencing applications running on users’ laptops—including Zoom, Teams, and Webex—and providing wireless connectivity to the room display and audio-video peripherals, Solstice delivers a touchless, easy-to-use room system that is completely driven by users’ own devices.

Vaddio IntelliSHOT ePTZ USB Camera
Vaddio’s IntelliSHOT professional USB camera makes video collaboration and streaming classes easy and effortless. Whether auto-framing people around a conference table or tracking the classroom instructor, the IntelliSHOT ePTZ camera delivers stunning, foolproof performance. Free remote management and advanced auto-framing configuration allow integration partners to remotely fine-tune system performance for every environment. Its 30x zoom supports use in larger spaces. Room audio may be connected with the built-in audio mixer for an all-in-one videoconferencing system.

Most Innovative Video Display

LG Business Solutions USA LG Direct View LED Ultimate Business Display
Available for both indoor and outdoor installations, LG’s DVLED Ultimate Business Displays are designed to simplify the entire process of ordering, delivering, installing, and calibrating displays for a wide range of commercial applications. The new models come in 25 size configurations, from 81 inches to as large as 589 inches (49 feet), and aspect ratios in both 16:9 and 32:9 ultra stretch formats.

Samsung Electronics America The Wall, Model IWA
Engineered for longevity and configured for flexibility, Samsung's The Wall (IWA Series) makes a lasting impression in any business/retail environment. Its colossal screen measures in at over 1,000 inches, while remaining completely customizable in a variety of positions and easier than ever to install thanks to new wireless docking connections. Unmatched in brightness control, contrast, and color precision, The Wall is a one-of-a-kind microLED display that delivers top performance for a limitless entertainment experience.

Most Innovative Video Processing Product

Datapath Aetria
Aetria from Datapath allows integrators and end users to design and configure complex control room systems, including multiple video walls. Aetria’s power makes content sharing easy to control. This is an ambitious solution that integrates both the delivery process and the management of complex AV environments, making it suitable for small to very large installations. With built-in diagnostics and security, Aetria monitors all connected components to ensure smooth and secure operation.

Kramer VW-4
This video wall driver from Kramer presents a scalable and secure solution without the excessive cost. Designed for configurations from 2x2 to 8x8, one video input and four HDMI outputs deliver an easy-to-configure, scalable solution, negating the need for a 4x4 driver to create a 4x2 wall, equating to cost savings of up to 80 percent. The hardware-based solution and closed system increases reliability and security, with plug-and-play wired connectivity that requires no adjustments once in place.

Most Innovative Video Projection Solution

Da-Lite, a Brand of Legrand AV, Tensioned Designer Contour with Agility Battery Motor Option
Want the benefits of an electric screen and the flexibility of wire-free installation? Da-Lite's Agility battery motor option with the Tensioned Designer Contour or Designer Contour is ideal for no-fuss installations or retrofitting historic buildings. This lithium-ion battery motor option lasts over 200 cycles on a single charge via micro USB port, with wireless handheld remote operation and up to 16K-ready screen surfaces. Realize cost savings immediately as it is operational out of the box.

Sony Electronics VPL-GTZ380
Sony’s VPL-GTZ380 4K SXRD flagship projection system provides native DCI-4K resolution and extreme brightness. It complements Sony’s comprehensive laser projection lineup and combines powerful features and benefits. It delivers stunning imagery and an immersive viewing experience highlighted by 10,000 lumens brightness, 16,000:1 contrast, DCI-P3 wide color gamut, HDR support, quiet operation, and installation flexibility. The projector, compact for its class, boasts a superior visual experience at any distance and in varying lighting conditions.

The What: Da-Lite has introduced the Parallax Stratos 1.0, which is designed to deliver a high-value solution for rejecting ambient light in large scale projection. 

The What Else: Offering the freedom to install seamless ALR screens up to 16 feet in height, Parallax Stratos is available in a wide array of core Da-Lite tensioned electric and fixed-frame options. This Contrast Based ALR surface rejects up to 80 percent of ambient light with 1.0 gain for standard-throw projectors (1.0:1 or greater). 

“Parallax Stratos 1.0 expands our ALR offering to include screens such as Wireline Advantage and Tensioned Large Advantage,” said Da-Lite Product Manager Rhen Taylor. “Now there’s a high value ambient light rejection solution for auditoriums, convention halls and other large venues that require screens larger than 120” diagonal.”

The Bottom Line: Contrast Based ALR prevents projected images from appearing washed out by maintaining and enhancing brightness. The gray color and other proprietary design elements in the surface combine to absorb ambient light rather than reflect it. Da-Lite Parallax screens combat environmental and projection deficiencies to produce bright, crisp images.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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