It was yet another busy week in Pro AV. Audix, PPDS, and Grass Valley were among those to announce strategic promotions and hires, while WAVIT announced the winners of the 2026 Mary Cook Empowerment Scholarship. And yes, there were two more acquisitions of note.

[Survey Open for SCN Top AV Consultants]

First, CTI made its second acquisition in less than a month, acquiring Texolve Digital of Oakmont, PA. Adding Texolve’s team, which provides broadcast engineering and integration at the highest level, will expand the broadcast media division’s ability to serve clients worldwide.

Next, Legrand acquired Girtz Industries, a provider of custom-engineered modular power enclosures and related services based in Monticello, IN. Girtz Industries’ development and integration of complete power systems support the reliable provision of critical power across datacenter, industrial, and commercial applications. It joins Legrand as a business unit within the company’s Electrical Wiring Systems division led by Ravi Ramanathan. David Girtz, who has served as Girtz Industries’ president and CEO for nearly 40 years, will continue to lead the Girtz business and team, reporting to Ravi.

Now, before InfoComm opens its doors, get caught up with the week that was in your regular dose of Pro AV Newsmakers.

People News

AUDIX Welcomes Eric Reese and Sam Vitali

AUDIX appointed Eric Reese to VP and Sam Vitali to the position of director of sales–European markets.

In his new role within the Videndum Creative Solutions family of brands, Reese oversees all functions at AUDIX, including sales, marketing, product development, and operations. He brings over 26 years of extensive experience in the AV and entertainment industry to his new position. Having started his career as a reliability engineer at Peavey Electronics, his background spans the entire product chain—from manufacturing and designing integrated AVL systems to global business development and channel management.

Vitali oversees sales, marketing, and operations within the EMEA region to ensure the brand is optimally represented and supported across Europe. He brings a wealth of experience across sales, marketing, and operations within the music technology industry. He joins AUDIX following a highly successful tenure at Focusrite.

beyerdynamic Names Jesse Dean Managing Directorof the Americas

beyerdynamic has appointed Jesse Dean as managing director of the Americas. In this role, Dean oversees beyerdynamic's business operations, sales strategy, and brand development across North and South America.

Dean brings more than 25 years of experience across the professional audio, video, creator, and consumer technology industries to beyerdynamic. Throughout his career, he has held a range of leadership roles. Most recently, Dean served as director of business development, Americas at RØDE, where he played a key role in the brand’s expansion across the United States.

Brompton Technology appoints Andrew Beaudet as Head of Sales for the Americas

Brompton Technology welcomed Andrew Beaudet as its new head of sales for the Americas. With almost three decades of experience across the music and digital signage industry, Beaudet found his passion for sales running a distributions company with independent manufacturers.

Building on that knowledge, he branched into digital signage where he worked with major LED display manufacturers. By meeting people in the live events industries and observing their work, he developed a keen understanding of what they deserve from large-format LED displays. During his 10 years working with BARCO in its live event and retail division, the camaraderie of the production teams he worked with left a lasting impression. He brings that same respect and understanding to his new role at Brompton.

Grass Valley Appoints Sam Craig as Vice President, Global Pre-Sales

Grass Valley has appointed Sam Craig as VP, global pre-sales. Craig returns to Grass Valley after serving as VP of advisory services at Diversified and previously spent seven years with the company in a number of leadership role.

In his new role, Craig leads Grass Valley’s global pre-sales organization, working closely with regional teams across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC to strengthen collaboration, align customer engagement strategies, and support continued growth across the Grass Valley Media Universe.

PPDS Names Tom Keefe as new Director of Sales for Philips LED in North America

PPDS has welcomed sales professional and Pro AV ‘veteran’, Tom Keefe, as its new director of sales dvLED North America. Keefe's appointment plays an integral role in PPDS continued growth trajectory and long term ambitions in North America, which includes establishing Philips Professional Displays as the preferred partner for premium indoor and outdoor dvLED projects.

An AVIXA CTS holder, he brings extensive market knowledge and 23 years of experience to the PPDS team, with proven expertise in sales, business development, category management, marketing strategy, brand building, distribution, partner relationship management, and market analysis. His core responsibilities include developing and defining PPDS’ organizational sales structure and executing its go-to-market strategy.

Howdy, Partner

Audinate and Soundtrack Technologies Partner to Streamline Business Music with Dante Integration

Soundtrack Techvologies, a music streaming provider for businesses, announced that its hardware solution, the Soundtrack Player, is now compatible with Audinate’s Dante ecosystem. This strategic integration makes it easier than ever for businesses to deploy professional-grade background music across industry-standard Dante networks.

The collaboration bridges the gap between AV networking and commercial music streaming. By enabling Dante directly on the Soundtrack Player, integrators can now route licensed, high-quality music to any Dante-enabled device—including speakers, amplifiers, and processors—via the local network.

Miri Technologies Partners with Midwich For Distribution in North America

Miri Technologies has expanded the global reach and availability of its products with the signing of a new distribution partnership for the United States and Canada with Midwich. The agreement reinforces Miri's channel partnership strategy for meeting the rapidly growing demand for the X510 dual-cellular bonding router and the new V410 4K live encoder/decoder in the world's largest commercial market.

The Miri X510 router enables resilient internet connectivity anywhere by forging multiple wired and wireless links (including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G and satellite) together to overcome speed limitations and withstand network disruptions even in challenging environments. Powered by Speedify channel bonding technology from Connectify, the X510 bolsters internet connectivity for any type of data and supports use cases ranging from live streaming and remote broadcast contribution to trade shows and disaster response.

WAVIT Announces Recipients of 2026 Mary Cook Empowerment Scholarship

WAVIT (Women in AV/IT) announced the recipients of the 2026 Mary Cook Empowerment Scholarship: Designing the Future. Created in memory of industry pioneer Mary Cook, the scholarship recognizes emerging women leaders in the AV/IT industry who demonstrate passion, leadership potential, and a commitment to advancing their careers in audiovisual technology.

This year marks a significant expansion of the program, with two scholarships awarded for the first time, made possible through the support of sponsoring partner Shure. The scholarship program continues WAVIT’s mission to invest in the next generation of women in AV and honor Mary Cook’s enduring legacy of mentorship, advocacy, and empowerment within the industry.

The 2026 scholarship recipients, Alexa Johnson of IMS Technology Services and Emily Cieslak from TeamPeople, were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants for their enthusiasm, career ambition, and dedication to shaping the future of AV/IT.

Bell Bank is one of the largest family-owned banks in the United States, built on a culture of connection and community. Bell Tower, the company’s Fargo, North Dakota headquarters, is a 14-story, 105,000-square-foot facility that serves as the hub for the institution. As such, the Town Hall section of the corporate headquarters needed to reflect that central focus with a space that went beyond the traditional corporate model of a boardroom or meeting room.

Bell Bank envisioned a dynamic, multi-functional environment serving as a collaborative center for meetings and training sessions that can then transition seamlessly into a professional production space for high-level events such as receptions, presentations, and more.

To bring this vision to life, Bell Bank turned to FARBER Sound – Venue Transformation, leveraging a long-standing partnership built on a deep understanding of the bank’s operational culture. A project of this scope demanded a proven power control foundation. For FARBER, that meant incorporating LynTec into the project.

A Core Challenge

The core challenge was significant: the Town Hall needed to function simultaneously as a multi-purpose event space and a broadcast-capable facility. That dual mandate required integrating a wide range of disparate audio, video, and lighting (AVL) systems spanning everyday presentation gear, a professional mixing console and stage box network, multi-camera 4K capable video production infrastructure, architectural lighting, and a full complement of event and entertainment lighting fixtures. Each system category carries its own power requirements, startup dependencies, and operational profiles. The task was to unify all of those elements under a single, intelligent power control solution that could adapt automatically to whatever mode the room needed to be in, without placing the burden of technical management on the bank’s staff.

To address this, FARBER’s system designer, Cory Deming, specified a LynTec RPC-384 power control panel as the backbone of the entire AVL system. The RPC-384 manages sequenced power distribution across all AVL subsystems, ensuring every component powers on and off in the correct order based on the active room configuration. “We have been using LynTec products for decades and were confident this would be the correct product to handle the Town Hall requirements,” Deming said.

Beyond on-site performance, the RPC-384 also enables FARBER’s team to monitor system performance and handle the majority of troubleshooting remotely from their headquarters in Plymouth, Minnesota, reducing the need for on-site service calls and providing Bell Bank with a responsive support infrastructure.

Physical flexibility was built into every layer of the design as well: the stage was engineered in full, half, and quarter configurations, complete with an ADA-accessible ramp, with the entire assembly storable out of sight when not in use. The Chauvet Pro and GLP moving-head lighting fixtures can be repositioned into preset looks saved to the control system and executed on any touch panel in the room, eliminating the need for ladders or manual repositioning between events.

Working in close collaboration with the architectural team, Farber integrated multi-angled acoustic ceiling clouds to optimize sound diffusion while contributing to the visual identity of the space. A proscenium design and curtain system enable dynamic theatrical reveals and adaptable performance configurations, giving the room a range of presentation modes that would feel at home in a professional venue. Detailed EASE acoustic modeling guided targeted treatments to parallel walls and other reflective surfaces, improving speech intelligibility across all event types. The result is a room where under-the-hood complexity stays invisible, and the experience remains focused on the content.

“Bell Bank needed a space that could do two very different jobs without feeling like either one was a compromise," said Dave Farber, owner of FARBER. "The only way to make that work is to get the power architecture right from the start. Our experience working with LynTec products in other projects gave us the confidence that the RPC could handle an installation this complex.”

A Unified Solution

The RPC-384 provides the unified power control foundation that makes the dual-purpose room architecture practical. The production backbone it manages includes a Yamaha DM7-EX digital mixing console, a 20Gbit redundant fiber network supporting AVoIP, Dante, GreenGO, HiQnet, NDI, and sACN protocols, and a 12G SDI video infrastructure anchored by Panasonic 4K PTZ cameras, a FOR-A production switcher, and AJA matrix routing. The architectural and event lighting system centers on Chauvet Pro and GLP moving-head fixtures and wash units, all addressable and positionable from the room’s touch panels. The front-end interface throughout is an Extron control system, providing staff with a clean, intuitive surface for day-to-day operation regardless of what is running beneath it.

By interfacing the Extron control system directly with the LynTec RPC-384, FARBER turned power management into a background function. When a staff member taps a touch panel to configure the room, the RPC-384 sequences power to the appropriate equipment automatically. A simple presentation mode enables only the necessary audio and video components. A full Town Hall production spins up the complete system, including the control booth, only when dedicated technicians are on-site. Bank staff operate a professional-grade venue confidently, regardless of their technical background.

There will be many trends circulating the InfoComm show floor in 2026, and standards are always front and center. Whether it is IPMX, SDVoE, NDI, or a bevy of other AV over IP standards, manufacturers have the products and solutions you need to bring installations to life.

[SCN's InfoComm Impulse Preview Series]

Take a peak at what these nine booths will be showcasing, but bookmark this page and check back, as we will update with more as we hear more to have you prepped for the show.

AIMS to Advance IPMX Education 

The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) will focus on Internet Protocol Media Experience (IPMX) education. Through expert-led sessions and the development of its Official IPMX Training Series, the organization will provide the Pro AV industry with the knowledge required to design and deploy IPMX-based AV over IP systems.

At booth C7487, AIMS will provide live demonstrations of IPMX-certified products and tools, illustrating how IPMX enables seamless integration across AV systems while supporting both Pro AV and broadcast requirements. It will also launch the Official IPMX Training Series, a free online program designed to help the Pro AV community better understand, design, configure, and deploy IPMX-based AV-over-IP systems. Structured as a three-level curriculum covering foundations, systems design, and advanced networking concepts such as PTP and SMPTE ST 2110, the program provides a practical path for engineers and integrators building AV-over-IP infrastructures.

Additionally, Andrew Starks, AIMS board of directors’ member and director of product management for Macnica, will present the session “How IPMX Expands Live Production Beyond Broadcast” on Tuesday, June 16, from 1:30-2 p.m. local time in meeting room W232. On June 18, Samuel Recine—AIMS board of directors’ member and vice president of global strategic partnerships at Matrox Video— will co-present “IP for Corporate Broadcast AV” from 1:30-3 p.m. in room W231.

Aurora Multimedia Introduces Dante/AES67 Over Wi-Fi

Aurora Multimedia will be showcasing its new architecture designed to enable Dante and AES67 audio networking over Wi-Fi infrastructure. Aurora’s newly developed wireless architecture enables Dante/AES67 audio streams to operate across modern Wi-Fi environments, opening new possibilities for flexible system design and deployment.

The new wireless architecture is designed to integrate with existing Dante-enabled ecosystems while leveraging enterprise wireless networks commonly deployed in corporate, educational, and public environments. These include flexible collaboration spaces; higher-education learning environments; live event production and temporary installations; rapid deployment AV systems; and historic buildings where cabling infrastructure is limited.

You can find out more from Paul Harris in our SCN InfoComm 2026 Impulses.

AVPro Global Brands to Showcase Its Growing Ecosystem 

AVPro brands (AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, RTI, Murideo, Bullet Train, ProControl, and ThenAudio) will showcase its growing ecosystem through a series of immersive, application-driven demos designed to mirror real-world commercial environments at booth C7028.

One such solution will be the AVPro Edge MXnet USP Series, the next generation AV over IP ecosystem designed to create hybrid AV systems. USP is built on AVPro Flow technology, aimed to provide native interoperability with conferencing platforms, camera systems, recording/streaming solutions, and production equipment, creating a unified platform for modern deployments.

The newest ConferX matrix switcher from AVPro Edge delivers features designed for commercial integrators. Instantly switch between HDBaseT and HDMI sources with side-by-side display and scaling options built for commercial applications. Features include HDBaseT inputs compatible with the latest ConferX HDMI/USB wall plates, RS-232 control, HDMI stream control, 5-volt toggle for CODEC disconnection, and aspect ratio conversion for ultra-wide displays.

Cobalt Digital to Showcase End-to-End IPMX Ecosystem

Cobalt Digital will highlight its expanding IPMX ecosystem at booth N7163, engineered to bring broadcast quality to Pro AV applications. The lineup includes standalone signal processors, audio monitors, multiviewers, gateways, converters, encoders, and decoders that make SMPTE ST 2110 workflows easy to deploy, manage and scale.

Designed for systems integrators as well as end users, Cobalt’s interoperable IPMX certified product portfolio provides a straightforward migration path from SDI to IP—delivering the flexibility and scalability of ST 2110 without the complexity traditionally associated with high-end IP infrastructures.

At the center of Cobalt’s InfoComm lineup is the new COBALT blueCORE family of fully featured standalone signal processors designed to bridge SDI and ST 2110/IPMX environments with exceptional versatility. blueCORE combines the audio and video processing functions required for live production and AV signal management into a single 1RU device. blueCORE’s self-contained architecture makes deployment fast and simple: power up the unit, connect signals, and it is ready to operate with or without a computer.

Also on display will be enhancements to the COBALT PACIFIC compression platform including a new ST 2110/IPMX output option for the COBALT PACIFIC ULL-DEC upgradeable software-defined decoder. The enhancement allows decoded content to be available simultaneously over SDI and ST 2110/IPMX. The device includes a built-in frame sync that can be configured to emit a PTP-locked signal for ST 2110 operation. Cobalt also leverages the PACIFIC line to deliver a complete solution for interconnecting IPMX sites over the Internet. The PACIFIC 9992-ENC “IPMX-to-Internet” gateway appears as a destination within the NMOS controller at the sending site, enabling any patched content to be transmitted instantly to the corresponding PACIFIC ULL-DEC “Internet-to-IPMX” gateway at the receiving end.

Covid Introduces 20 Gbps USB-C Cable Built for Pro AV Installations

Covid will introduce the USBC-G2P60 at booth C8859. This high-performance USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 cable was engineered for Pro AV and commercial environments requiring reliable high-speed data, consistent power delivery, and extended installation lengths.

Delivering up to 20 Gbps bandwidth and 60W Power Delivery, the USBC-G2P60 is designed to support conferencing, collaboration, digital signage, and device connectivity applications where performance and reliability are critical. Available in 6, 10, 12, and 15-foot lengths, the cable features USB-C male-to-male connectivity, RoHS compliance, and a durable construction designed for everyday professional use.

Covid will also be expanding its panel-mounted Terminal Block Pigtail Connector line, and will introduce the EHW-210, a 4K 60Hz Wireless HDMI KVM Extender designed to deliver high-performance wireless AV, broad touch-screen compatibility, and one-to-many distribution in a cost-effective platform.

HDBaseT

The HDBaseT Alliance will reveal how the technology addresses today’s evolving system-level challenges, including complex USB workflows and the rapid growth of multi-camera environments driven by AI-enabled applications at booth C8759.

Celebrate 15 years of HDBaseT technology and its role in shaping modern Pro AV connectivity with the Alliance at its booth. Since its founding by LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Valens Semiconductor, HDBaseT has delivered reliable, uncompressed, long-distance, plug-and-play connectivity over a single Category cable. The Alliance booth will include a Power Wall display featuring 70 new products and solutions from over 30 HDBaseT Alliance members, demonstrating the diversity of HDBaseT across verticals. 

Demonstrating the continued evolution of the HDBaseT ecosystem, HDBaseT chipset provider Valens Semiconductor will introduce the VS6310, the company’s newest low-power USB3 extension solution, compliant with the HDBaseT-USB3 standard. The VS6310 is designed for integration into a broad range of professional AV applications, including active cables and embedded products such as e/PTZ cameras, video bars, touch controllers, and other USB-enabled devices.

MSolutions to Expand MS-DP-ALT Series with HDMI-Enabled USB-C Extension Solution

MSolutions will debut the latest evolution of its innovative MS-DP-ALT Series at booth C7685. MSolutions will showcase the new MS-DPA-HCP, a single-cable USB-C extension solution that adds a switchable HDMI input for expanded source flexibility in meeting rooms, classrooms, auditoriums and collaborative spaces.

The new MS-DPA-HCP continues MSolutions’ strategy of simplifying modern AV connectivity through streamlined USB-C transport over category cable infrastructure. The series extends DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) signals over a single category cable, enabling transport of 4K video, USB data, and power through one streamlined connection.

The MS-DPA-HCP introduces automatic switching between permanent in-room HDMI sources and guest USB-C laptop connections, solving a common challenge in modern BYOD meeting environments. In a typical conference room installation, a permanently installed PC can remain connected through HDMI while guest presenters automatically switch to their laptop connection when plugging into the USB-C interface.

NDI to Host Live Demos, AI Video Workflows and Developer Session

NDI will be at booth C7572 in Central Hall with a packed agenda for developers, integrators, and AV professionals. Visitors can see live demos of NDI 6.3, featuring real-time stream insights, performance tracking, multi-location production with distributed source management, and AI-ready metadata workflows. A live Zoom integration demo will also illustrate how NDI is bringing broadcast-grade quality into enterprise collaboration environments.

On the education side, NDI technical director Roberto Musso will lead "Introduction to NDI Development" on Tuesday, June 16 from 4-5 p.m. local time at W203/W204, offering developers a hands-on on-ramp to building on NDI.

PlexusAV to Introduce "Final Piece" of AV over IP Portfolio

PlexusAV will officially unveil its new flagship P-AVN-6-S transceiver at booth C10301. The P-AVN-6-S is a high-performance uncompressed IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110 solution with native 12G-SDI I/O, designed to bridge traditional SDI infrastructure and modern IP-based workflows across a single open-standard network. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with PlexusAV devices and cross-vendor AV solutions.

Purpose-built for live events hybrid production environments and Pro AV applications demanding uncompromised signal integrity, quality and timing precision, the P-AVN-6-S enables organizations to transition seamlessly between baseband and IP workflows without vendor lock-in. This makes it ideal for mission-critical workflows where signal quality, low latency, interoperability, and timing precision are non-negotiable.

The P-AVN-6-S delivers uncompressed quality over IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110 compliant networks up to 4K60, at approximately 18 Gbps throughput. A major differentiator is the unit’s integrated PTP-to-Genlock capability, which synchronizes SDI outputs directly to IP-based timing with ±12 pixel phase accuracy. Combined with ST 2022-7 hitless redundancy across independent primary and secondary network paths, the platform is engineered for deployments where timing accuracy and uptime cannot be compromised. Support for 1GbE, 10GbE, and 25GbE networks provides a direct integration path between traditional baseband infrastructures and open-standard IP distribution.

SDVoE Alliance to Feature Member Demonstrations From IDK Corporation, Aurora Multimedia, and Kramer

The SDVoE Alliance will present member demonstrations at booth C7074 from alliance members IDK Corporation, Aurora Multimedia, and Kramer. These demonstrations will highlight SDVoE applications for conference rooms, judicial and government environments and command-and-control operations.

IDK Corporation will demonstrate its USB Neo Series, including the NJR-L21UC-T encoder and NJR-L31UC-R decoder, designed to support modern conference room workflows. The USB Neo Series transports video and USB peripherals between devices, supporting BYOD/M, auto-switching and call status awareness to maintain the correct host device during a call.

Aurora Multimedia will present a judicial and government-focused demonstration featuring the SmartSpeak desktop beam-forming microphone with a 6-inch touch controller and USB-C and HDMI ports. Aurora Multimedia’s SmartSpeak supports bidirectional SDVoE transmission, enabling simultaneous encoding and decoding over a single 10G connection.

Kramer will host a command-and-control demonstration featuring the Kramer ZyPer4K-XSE platform. Kramer’s demonstration will showcase seamless KVM roaming across three displays and a dynamic 2x2 multiview configuration. A single keyboard and mouse will move between individual screens and multiview windows. At the same time, hotkeys will enable operators to promote any source to the full-screen home display or instantly reset the system to its default layout.

Visionary to Introduce the nexAV We-Cosystem

Visionary Solutions will debut its new nexAV We-Cosystem audio, video, and control platform. Built for converged AV and IT environments, the nexAV We-Cosystem combines AV over IP routing and switching, audio DSP processing, room and enterprise control, device discovery, workflow orchestration, and user-interface development within a unified software platform. The platform is designed for applications ranging from hospitality and conferencing to enterprise-wide AV deployments, allowing integrators and end users to design around operational requirements rather than vendor-imposed limitations.

The launch reflects Visionary’s long-standing focus on simplifying AV deployment through software-driven infrastructure and AV over IP technologies. As AV platforms become increasingly over-engineered and burdened by unnecessary complexity, nexAV is focused on delivering practical customer value through adaptable system design, simplified workflows, and scalable architecture, allowing organizations to deploy the functionality they actually need without unnecessary overhead.

At the center of nexAV is Visionary’s Flex Architecture DSP framework and integrated Audio Engine. The platform uses template-based DSP workflows intended to simplify deployment while allowing systems to be customized for different applications. Native Dante and AES67 support allows the Audio Engine to integrate into modern networked audio environments ranging from individual rooms to campus-wide systems. Rather than forcing organizations into vendor-prescriptive ecosystems, the nexAV We-Cosystem is designed to support mixed technology environments while maintaining centralized management and a consistent user experience across deployments.

VuWall and G&D to Simplify AV over IP Distribution

"We expect a lot of discussion around secure AV over IP, interoperability, and how AI-ready platforms will shape future control room workflows," Anna Kozel, VP of marketing at VuWall told SCN. "As organizations manage more sources, data, and systems than ever before, the buzz will be around solutions that reduce complexity while improving operator efficiency and situational awareness."

You can read the VuWall | G&D InfoComm Impulse show preview by clicking here to find out more.

There’s nothing better than a successful deployment of new AV when everything is running smoothly. New auto-framing audio and video conferencing hardware and software connect in-person and remote participants, and a control system automatically initiates a meeting and starts the presentation on display. Participants collaborate, sharing content and video that is seamlessly switched to different displays. It’s AV/IT nirvana.

Until it’s not. We asked AV/IT industry thought leaders about how their company’s products and solutions help ensure interoperability and connectivity not only on the day of deployment, but also on Day 2 and beyond. Below are some excerpts.

For the full interviews, check out the sidebar on the right.

Omer Brookstein, CEO and co-founder at Xyte, said, “The real goal isn’t simply to connect devices. It’s to make AV easier to manage, easier to support, and easier to improve over time. Open cloud connectivity helps organizations monitor mixed fleets more consistently, move data between systems, automate routine tasks, and adopt new tools without rebuilding everything around a single vendor’s stack.”

“We focus heavily on open standards and network-based solutions, said Emma Eagle, manager of Marketing at Hall Research. “When AV technology works the same way other IT systems do, it becomes easier to deploy, manage, and scale across an entire organization—from small meeting rooms to large conference spaces.

“Established customer deployments may require upgrades to maintain long-term interoperability, as the protocols themselves are often evolving,“ Amy Zhou, director of Sales at Magewell, added. “For example, the popular NDI connectivity technology has changed over the years; it’s now on version 6.3 overall, and media formats within it have gone from NDI High Bandwidth to NDI HX, NDI HX2, and NDI HX3. This makes the upgradability of our products crucial for continued interoperability and compatibility.”

Joel Mulpeter, senior director of Product Marketing at Crestron, said, “Our products always need to work with the network—not against it. When we get deployed in a facility, the network exists, and we’re part of that ecosystem, so we ensure that we’re good citizens on that network.”

“By combining manufacturer-agnostic interoperability, robust management, and scalable design, Audinate’s solutions help ensure connectivity that works without friction, every day, at any scale,” said Jim Kidwell, principal product marketing manager at Audinate.“

“At ViewSonic, we approach product development with the full ecosystem in mind,” said Shane Roma, technical product manager of dvLED and Commercial Displays at ViewSonic. “A unified API structure reduces programming complexity, accelerates deployment, and minimizes support calls across diverse installations.”

Effi Goldstein, President of the HDBaseT Alliance, added, “Our commitment to an open, vendor-agnostic standard empowers businesses with exceptional flexibility. Organizations can mix and match products across multiple brands without risking compatibility issues, supporting business continuity, easier maintenance, and long-term investment protection.

“Sennheiser’s commitment to interoperability—across Dante, open APIs, alliance partnerships, and secure cloud management—helps organizations build AV ecosystems that are connected, scalable, and ready for whatever comes next,” said Jakub Kolacz, manager of Product Management Software at Sennheiser.”

Adam Sowers, senior manager of Business Development at Sony Electronics, added, “As a founding member of Open AV Cloud, we help to drive best practices around open ecosystems and interoperability for IP-based integrations, control, and monitoring that work across environments.”

“By prioritizing interoperability at every level, Shure empowers IT teams to deliver collaboration environments that are consistent, intuitive, and scalable wherever work happens,” added Justin Ramirez, senior director of Software Sales at Shure.

Vanco International has debuted a new line of Dante Audio Adapters, designed to help integrators connect common audio sources and legacy gear into Dante-enabled systems quickly and cost-effectively. These adapters allow integrators to instantly add Dante connectivity to any audio source or sink, dramatically expanding system design options. They also support mid-cycle system upgrades and enable applications to transition to Audio over IP without forcing a full system overhaul.

[Tech Perspectives: The Bundling Conundrum]

“We built these adapters because Dante demand keeps showing up in real projects, and customers want a straightforward way to tie legacy and new components together,” said Brandon White, director of product development at Vanco. “It’s a small add-on that creates a big path forward for integrators.” 

Each Vanco Dante Audio Adapter supports a single signal format, delivering a native connection experience for the source while providing a true Dante workflow for routing and distribution. The lineup includes: Analog in/out, XLR (male and female), Bluetooth input, ARC in/out, and USB-C in/out (2x2).

As Dante-based workflows continue to expand beyond traditional large-scale audio environments, integrators are increasingly leveraging modern, networked distribution on both new and retrofit projects. These adapters help broaden what can live on a Dante backbone, turning non-Dante components into Dante-capable devices and expanding network audio opportunities in office buildings, hospitality venues, campuses, event venues, and houses of worship.

Walk through the floor of any trade show today, or flip the pages of a trade journal, and you will find that "AI" has become the AV industry’s most pervasive marketing adjective. It is touted as a panacea for our industry’s most chronic ailments.

There is a seductive premise taking root in the C-suites of global integration and AV manufacturing firms: If AI can draft a scope of work (SOW), generate a Python script in seconds, or write grammatically correct marketing copy, we can finally decouple our growth from the scarcity of senior engineering talent. We can, supposedly, hire novices and use AI to "level them up" to expert status instantly.

This is a strategic error. AI is a revolutionary tool for efficiency, but its value is directly proportional to the user’s existing expertise. When an AV firm uses AI as a substitute for experience rather than an enhancement of it, they are accumulating "competency debt" that eventually comes due in the form of system failures, truck rolls, and tarnished reputations.

Spot the Difference

To understand the risk, we must first distinguish between the two types of AI currently reshaping our industry. The first is what we might call deterministic AI algorithms. This is the "black box" technology we’ve used for years: acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) in a DSP, auto-framing logic in a 4K camera, or background noise suppression in Microsoft Teams. These are narrow systems trained for specific tasks. They require configuration, not prompting. They are highly reliable because they don’t "think;" instead, they filter based on set parameters.

The second, and more volatile, species is the Large Language Model (LLM), driven by neural network computational systems like GPT-4, Claude, or Gemini. Unlike the narrow algorithms in our hardware, an LLM is a probabilistic engine. It doesn't follow a hard-coded logic tree of "If X, then Y." Instead, it predicts the next most likely "token" in a sequence based on vast amounts of training data. However, because it relies on probability rather than physical reality, it lacks an inherent compass for technical truth.

The difference between an expert and a novice is most visible in the "prompting gap." In the era of GenAI, your domain vocabulary is your programming language.

When an entry-level technician asks an AI to "write a scope of work for a 10-person conference room," the AI provides a beautifully formatted, professional-sounding document. To the novice, it looks perfect. But to the veteran, it may be a liability. It might omit EDID management, ignore heat load calculations for the rack, or fail to specify the PoE+ requirements for the network switch.

Contrast this with the expert’s prompt: "Draft a SOW for a high-impact boardroom using a Q-SYS Core 110f, Shure MXA920 arrays, and a Dante-backed network. Ensure the commissioning section includes speech privacy testing, 802.1X authentication protocols, and AES67 stream verification."

The expert isn't just chatting with a bot—they are applying technical guardrails. AI is used to skip the "blank page" phase, achieving a 30% productivity gain while maintaining 100% technical accuracy. The novice, lacking that vocabulary, accepts a "hallucination" as a standard.

A Lack of Trust

The greatest danger in the novice-plus-AI model is what researchers call the "trust trap." LLMs are designed to be helpful and confident, even when they are fundamentally wrong. In a technical field like Pro AV, this leads to plausible nonsense.

An AI might confidently provide a string of API commands for a control processor that looks syntactically correct but contains a command that does not exist in the current firmware version. The expert sees this and thinks, "That command doesn't exist in this API; I need to verify the documentation." The novice sees this and thinks, "The AI gave me the code, so it must be the solution."

Without the internal filter of years spent in equipment racks, the novice cannot distinguish between a brilliant shortcut and a hallucination. They treat the AI as a senior mentor—an infallible source of truth—when the expert knows it should be treated as a junior assistant whose work must be carefully graded.

This isn't just theory: Recent data confirms the emergence of an "efficiency dividend." Top-tier professionals using AI see an average 25% increase in speed for complex tasks. These figures are based on a landmark 2023–2024 study conducted by Harvard Business School in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), as well as a 2025 global productivity survey by SAP.

However, 2025 benchmarks from firms like Vectara show that for specialized technical tasks, LLMs still hallucinate at rates between 15% and 35%, incurring an “accuracy tax.” In an industry where a single transposed IP address or an under-powered PoE port can cause a system-wide blackout, a 35% error rate is not an acceptable trade-off for speed. While a novice might appear 40% more productive on paper by generating documents quickly, the likelihood of them introducing a critical error into a system design is nearly 20 percentage points higher than an expert using the same tool.

Empower Your A-Team

For the principal of an AV firm, the takeaway is clear: Do not use AI to make your C-Team look like your A-Team. Instead, use it to empower your A-Team and allow them to realize their world-class skills while simultaneously delivering astonishing productivity. To ensure future success, firms should be funding AI training for their most experienced and qualified team members, because they are the only ones who can spot the 20% of the output that will break the system.

When a novice relies on AI to bridge their lack of experience, they may be gaining speed, but they are also accelerating their arrival at a wrong conclusion. Ensure your new hires master the essentials of AV; you can't vet a machine’s logic if you haven't yet mastered the fundamentals yourself.

As we move deeper into 2026, the gap between the firms that use AI to enhance expertise and those that use it to hide a lack of expertise will widen. The former will see unprecedented productivity gains and scale, while the latter will find themselves explaining to a client why their AI-designed boardroom is dead on arrival.

Efficiency is the byproduct of AI, but judgment remains the unique product of the human professional. Firms that forget this may find their reputations "hallucinated" away.

Audinate has launched Dante Preset Creator. A companion to Dante Controller, Dante Preset Creator is a free online tool to help users configure network settings prior to setting up hardware.

When hardware is available and ready for configuration, presets generated by Dante Preset Creator can be imported into Dante Controller and applied to the network. Settings can be applied selectively, ensuring any existing configuration changes are maintained.

“The ability to plan ahead without access to the equipment makes on-site setup a much smoother process,” said Laurence Crew, product manager at Audinate. “Dante Preset Creator delivers capabilities that Dante users have been asking for. We’re pleased to offer this new online tool free for the Dante community.”

Dante Preset Creator is available now and is free for all users at GetDante.com. The associated application, Dante Controller, is also free and available for download for Mac OS or PC.

Wellington International is "Where Champions Are Made." Located in Wellington, FL, the equestrian facility hosts competitive events 42 weeks a year, including the 13-week Winter Equestrian Festival that begins in January, and attracts more than 350,000 attendees as well as some of the world's top riders annually.

For a long time, management was not "tech forward," admitted Patrick McKenney, director of technology at Wellington International. But those days are gone, as Murray Kessler, who took over as CEO in late 2024, understands the role technology plays in modern sports production. Now, McKenney is leading the facility through a phased upgrade that includes audio and video elements.

Indiana-based Dodd Technologies has served as the integrator partner for Wellington International for about two years, helping with new LED video walls and production lighting elements. Upcoming plans include replacing an aging display with a new dvLED display for the International Arena, the premier competition space at the facility. Dodd will also assist with new PA systems for a new stadium and grass derby fields on the south grounds, McKenney said.

An on-site mobile production unit handles the video production for events. According to Kevin Reilly, video production director, production is split, with broadcast production for ESPN channels on one side of the trailer and stadium production on the other. The production side is built around a Ross Carbonite production switcher, Ross XPression graphics, and Evertz DreamCatcher replay system. Reilly said both productions usually share five Sony HD camcorders and two Sony PTZ cameras, though the mobile unit can support up to 16 cameras.

There are 18 competition rings at Wellington International, which are used for practice, competition, and instruction. Every ring has an announcer booth that is wired for sound, as well as Showgrounds Live, its proprietary software for managing entries, prize payouts, stabling, and more. Video services are also available through Showgrounds Live, so riders can get replays almost instantly on their phones, along with AI analytics about their "trip" in the ring.

More than 400 channels of Dante audio are used across the 200-acre campus. Wellington International upgraded to Dante Domain Manager last year, which provided a unified clock across campus and simplified operations. McKenney said Dante has "really allowed us a great deal of flexibility in audio distribution."

For example, the facility can direct music to each ring (or a combination of rings) across the facility without running additional cable. Plus, while there are usually announcers at every ring, Dante allows them to "share" an announcer between several rings on slower days. Networked audio even reaches hundreds of permanent equine stalls. "We have a very robust network infrastructure of single-mode fiber," he added, "and with Dante, it's just as easy as plugging in a couple of devices on each end, route it in the control room, and you're gone."

Another part of the audio upgrade has been the introduction of LEA Professional amplifiers. Three seasons ago, Florida-based Peerson Audio handled an audio upgrade for the International Arena, which included new JBL loudspeakers and LEA amps. McKenney said he tried a couple of LEA Connect Series 704s because he was intrigued by the idea of a 1 RU amplifier providing four channels of 700 watts per channel at 70 volts. (The 70-volt option was important because of the long cable runs across the campus.)

Since then, Wellington International has purchased more than a dozen LEA amplifiers, and there are plans to purchase more than a dozen more in the next year to replace aging equipment. "LEA amplifiers have really allowed us to up our production quality, our production level, our ease of maintenance," he said. "Their ability to … have the level of flexibility, of adjustability, the network control, and the built-in Dante, it's just been absolutely incredible."

With more than 30 locations around Central Florida, Addition Financial Credit Union has been focused on enhancing both collaboration and communication in the hybrid workplace. Specifically, it was looking for a seamless videoconferencing experience in its headquarters’ main conference room, one that hosts two high-level meetings on a monthly basis.

The credit union recently went through a technology-enhanced makeover, creating a conferencing environment that enables employees to meet more efficiently and share information clearly, while supporting hybrid communication with clients and internal teams, according to Andrew Mulazzi, Lumens Southeast zone manager.

So, why the change? As with corporate settings across all verticals, the meeting space continues to evolve, becoming more hybrid with more remote participants. That is especially true for Addition Financial Credit Union, with many locations spread throughout the area.

Initially, the main conference room was oriented 90 degrees, with the typical large rectangular table and display on one end. "That arrangement was not conducive to include remote and in-room participants seeing each other easily," explained Chet Neal, CTS, president of Altamonte Springs-based RelianceAV, which partnered on the integration. "A U-shape table arrangement was chosen to address that challenge and to make content presented more easily viewed. It also provides better camera angles that offer a better experience for remote attendees."

Prior to the technical installation, Neal said there was an existing screen, projector, and lift used for these conferences. RelianceAV renovated the room, building a wall to support a 135-inch EZ LED Visual dvLED video display with 1.2mm pixel pitch. The enhancements only took RelianceAV one week to fully install, commission, and train with the client.

"The room also had a bad flutter echo from the windows and a large drywall ceiling section," Neal added. "[Primacoustic] acoustic panels were added to the walls and acoustic ceiling tiles were used to effectively address this."

RelianceAV turned to a wide range of Pro AV solutions to pull the room together. Lumens CamConnect Pro and Lumens auto-tracking cameras were at the heart of the installation. Mulazzi explained CamConnect enables intelligent, microphone-driven speaker tracking, automatically switching and framing the active speaker without the need for manual operation.

The Lumens solutions work in tandem with Yamaha's RM-CG ceiling array microphone, while incorporating Barco ClickShare for wireless content sharing, allowing team members to instantly present from any device. Additionally, a Dante two-channel power amplifier from Muxlab, switches provided by NETGEAR, and touchpanels from Aurora Multimedia enhance the new technology.

The end result is what Neal called the ultimate BYOD room. Microsoft Teams is the most used collaboration tool, but Addition Financial wanted participants to be able to host and run meetings from their laptops. "The Lumens Connect and Aurora DSP allows for USB video and audio to be distributed to a wired laptop connection through Aurora VPX AV over IP solution, or wirelessly with the Barco ClickShare," he explained.

The conference room has been well received, and the credit union is looking to update four smaller conference rooms to all include videoconferencing capabilities. "Working with RelianceAV was a great experience," Mulazzi added. "Chet and his team worked with our sales and engineering teams to design the workflow and implement best practices for the Lumens solutions deployed. RelianceAV’s integration expertise ensured that all technologies—from audio to camera tracking—worked together flawlessly."

Audinate has launched Dante Director Professional, a comprehensive web-based management solution designed for remote management of any size AV installation from 50 devices to many thousands. The software solution addresses the growing challenge of maintaining distributed AV infrastructure at scale by providing centralized monitoring, management, and security authentication capabilities.

[Dante: Under Control]

"Organizations are deploying both large and widespread Dante-enabled AV systems at unprecedented scale," said Laurence Crew, product manager at Audinate. "Dante Director Professional gives technical teams the tools they need to manage these distributed networks efficiently while maintaining the security and reliability that mission-critical communication systems demand."

Dante Director Professional delivers an easily accessible solution that enables IT and AV teams across campuses, office buildings, and global facilities to monitor device health, diagnose issues remotely, and ensure systems remain operational without requiring on-site presence. The enterprise-focused management platform for Dante devices, including remote management, enhanced security, scalability, system integration, and ongoing data retention.

From campus-wide large university installations to worldwide corporate deployments, early adopters of Dante Director Professional have reported better insight into their Dante networks. "At Rutgers University-New Brunswick, we support close to 300 general-purpose classes and learning environments across four campuses spread over 12 miles, and Dante Director Professional is an invaluable tool for remote monitoring and diagnosis of our AV systems,” said Ed Rebert, AV systems manager at Rutgers.

For houses of worship of all types, installing a high-quality audio system that delivers clear speech from the altar, supports musical performances, and accommodates live streaming is often the most critical component of a new build or retrofit. Achieving the right balance between speech intelligibility and musical reinforcement can be challenging—particularly if acoustics, architecture, and aesthetics are not carefully considered from the outset.

The specifics of an effective audio system depend heavily on the space itself, as well as the technologies selected to support it. Two recent projects—one a modern chapel in Texas and the other a historic church in New York City—illustrate how thoughtful system design, collaboration, and planning can overcome acoustic challenges in vastly different worship environments.

Modern Problems

Located on the campus of St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, TX, Hasley Chapel was designed to be as visually striking as it is acoustically refined. Designed by Dallas-based architectural firm GFF, with audio system specification and installation by local integrator Clear ProAV, the chapel overlooks a pond and wooded area and hosts traditional worship services, weddings, memorials, small conferences, and other events.

Compared to the church’s main worship hall, which accommodates both contemporary and traditional services, Hasley Chapel is more intimate, seating approximately 120 people on the main floor, with a balcony for overflow seating or a modest choir. Despite its smaller footprint, the space presented significant audio challenges: The area behind the stage is entirely glass, the stone side walls feature multiple windows, and the chapel’s 35-foot ceiling and high-pitched roof further complicate sound control.

While the chapel embraces a traditional aesthetic, its modern execution demanded that technology be seamlessly integrated. “The aesthetics are huge,” explained Chad Fuller, systems designer at Clear ProAV. “Everything we did, especially with the audio, had to fit into the design. The look and feel of the chapel are beautiful, but there are a lot of reflective surfaces to contend with. We really had to think carefully about the system as a whole and how it fit into the space.”

The floor-to-ceiling glass walls limited speaker placement options and increased concerns around reflections and glare from natural light. Working closely with church leadership and the architectural team, Clear ProAV focused on minimizing the visual impact of technology while maintaining consistent, intelligible coverage.

A custom-designed L-Acoustics audio system was selected for its sonic performance and its ability to visually blend with the chapel’s stone walls. Subwoofers and front-fill speakers were also discreetly integrated into the stage and surrounding steps, while an additional pair of L-Acoustics speakers supports the balcony. All audio is managed via a Q-SYS control system and a Yamaha digital mixing console.

The result is a system that delivers “natural, even sound” throughout the room, according to Fuller. “Anytime we’re designing audio in a traditional space, reflective surfaces like stone and wood are a major concern,” he added. “We also had to account for the balcony to ensure coverage to the back of the room while minimizing reflections.”

To address these issues, Clear ProAV collaborated with the architect to slightly tilt the glass balcony panels downward, redirecting reflected sound into the audience rather than back toward the stage. Speaker placement was also carefully calculated to minimize energy directed at the glass wall behind the altar.

Equally important was preserving the chapel’s visual integrity. “They don’t want to see a big PA hanging in the room,” Fuller explained. “In a space like Hasley Chapel, the audio system must become part of the architecture. So, we’re taking our technology and making it part of the room.”

While acoustic treatments such as wall or ceiling panels can help control reflections, they are not always acceptable from a design/aesthetic standpoint. “If we can find treatments that match the aesthetic, we’ll recommend them,” Fuller said. “But sometimes the client wants a nice, clean look with no visible treatment at all.”

Retrofitting History

If new builds pose challenges, retrofitting audio systems in historic worship spaces can be even more complex. Michael Walker, director of engineering at system integrator IVCi, in Hauppauge, NY, recently worked on a major audio upgrade at St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City.

Preserving the church’s architectural heritage was paramount. Over nine months, the church collaborated with reseller AudioPros, design consultant Salas O’Brien, and IVCi to deploy a new audio system—including an Allen & Heath AH-SQ-5 digital mixing console, Shure microphones, and Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) AC6 ADAPTive column loudspeakers, all on a Dante network.

“One of the biggest challenges is that St. Bartholomew’s has the second-largest pipe organ in the world. There are thousands of pipes throughout the building, so you can’t just drill wherever you want," Walker noted. "Everything must be planned very carefully.”

In some cases, the installation team drilled through more than a foot of limestone to route new fiber cabling to the basement. Structural engineers were also brought in to confirm that mounting locations could safely support the selected loudspeakers.

The team chose EAW AC6 speakers for their “steerability,” which allows sound to be precisely directed to a specific area of the room, using EAW’s Resolution software. “You install the speakers, then steer the audio so it goes where you want it and nowhere else,” Walker explained. “That’s critical in a space with long reverberation times.”

EAW's Resolution software (specifically Resolution 2) is free-to-use simulation software for audio engineers to design, model, and optimize EAW loudspeaker systems. It can accurately predict coverage and performance in venues using EAW's proprietary F Chart acoustics modeling software engine for precise acoustic and mechanical analysis, which includes interactive array adjustments and real-time feedback for systems like adaptive audio.

Resolution enabled Walker and his team to use detailed sound mapping, whereby individual lobes of the loudspeaker could be focused on specific seating areas. The approach helped maintain sonic clarity while reducing reverberant buildup caused by the church’s soaring cathedral ceilings.

“Directional control in loudspeakers is extremely important in these environments,” said Bryan DiFabio, application and support engineer at EAW. “It keeps sound on the audience and off reflective surfaces like walls and balconies.”

No Substitute for Planning

DiFabio noted that EAW’s proprietary design tools such as Resolution and F Chart allow system designers to model performance in advance, experimenting with different arrays, heights, and coverage patterns before installation. “That reduces guesswork and helps ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for worshippers,” he said.

Maintaining speech intelligibility while delivering adequate sound pressure levels remains one of the biggest challenges in worship spaces. “You want a strong direct sound-to-reverberant ratio at every seat,” DiFabio explained. “High ceilings, reflective surfaces, and long decay times make that balancing act especially difficult.”

Modern IP-based audio systems rely on software tools to fine-tune performance. At IVCi, Walker’s company has developed custom internal applications for project management, system design, and pricing, alongside industry-standard tools such as sound pressure level (SPL) meters and real-time analyzers to identify and correct problematic frequencies.

Ultimately, both projects underscore the importance of planning and communication. “Everyone has to be on the same page well before you step on site,” Fuller said. “You have to understand the space and have a clear plan for how you’re going to fill it with sound.”

Whether designing a modern glass-walled chapel or retrofitting a centuries-old landmark, successful audio installations in houses of worship depend on careful coordination between architecture, technology, and acoustics—ensuring clarity, consistency, and reverence for the space itself.

Samsung’s UniverSE Training Center in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, was constructed nearly 15 years ago, consisting of two large buildings: the training center and the dormitory. Technology has evolved in those 15 years, and the limitations of the aging infrastructure became increasingly apparent. A new, fully integrated, network-based solution was implemented centered around Dante AV helped the training center move from analog to AVoIP.

[Dante: Under Control]

The center features approximately 70 classrooms and 60 lecture halls, each equipped with a combination of analog AV systems and a few early digital devices. Classrooms operated independently, lacking the ability to share audio or video between them. Staff had to move from room to room to make adjustments or troubleshoot issues. Although the central broadcasting room was operational, it did not have the necessary network infrastructure to oversee and manage AV systems across more than 130 rooms.

Time for Change

The turning point came when the training building, which includes a broadcasting studio, required a network upgrade. The need for central control, remote access, and better integration across classrooms became essential rather than optional.

System integrator Seoul Visual Tech was brought on board to support the project, recognizing the need to transition from fragmented analog systems to a future-ready digital AV over IP solution. Their goal was to create a centrally managed, stable, and scalable AV system that could support current and future needs while adhering to a constrained budget.

The plan began with the training building. While much of its internal structure and some classroom AV hardware would remain, the AV network itself would be completely overhauled. Meanwhile, the dormitory building was scheduled for full interior renovations, including classroom spaces, followed by the installation of new, network-based AV equipment.

This would be one of South Korea’s largest AV integrations of its kind, connecting over 130 classrooms. A project of this scale required a constant need for flexibility and problem-solving, with the team navigating product availability, firmware updates, and advanced device configuration. Budget constraints also forced the team to shift from a full replacement approach to a hybrid strategy that combined old functional devices with new AV equipment. This meant that every decision had to consider not only functionality but also the interoperability of each piece of equipment.

Seoul Visual Tech designed and implemented a new system featuring a fully integrated, network-based solution centered around Dante AV. Dante AV is an integral part of the Dante platform that transports video alongside audio over standard IP connections, delivering low-latency, high-quality results.

At the core of the system is Dante Domain Manager. Dante Domain Manager is a powerful network management solution that brings security, scalability, and complete control to AV over IP systems. It lets organizations segment their Dante networks into manageable “domains,” ensuring reliable performance while simplifying system organization. With robust user authentication, role-based permissions, and real-time monitoring, Dante Domain Manager helps integrators and IT teams maintain stable, secure audio networks across campuses, venues, and enterprise facilities. For Samsung UniverSE, Dante Domain Manager enabled real-time monitoring, device management, and clock synchronization across four dedicated VLANs.

In the broadcasting room, a Q-SYS Core 610 DSP serves as the audio matrix, while AMX’s NMX 2600 Dante AV-A series encoders and decoders manage video transmission between classrooms. Netgear AV Line switches, equipped with intuitive AV-focused interfaces, simplify the management of the complex network structure.

In total, over 130 Dante AV-enabled video devices were installed, and the AMX control system was utilized to manage classroom power, device control, and AV routing. With managed API integration with Dante Domain Manager, video routing could now also be handled externally within the custom control system.

The outcome was a modern AVoIP solution that precisely met the needs of the UniverSE Training Center: high-quality, stable, centrally controlled audio and video transmission across the entire campus. The days of staff having to walk from room to room are over. Now, from a single centralized hub, operators can monitor, manage, and control audio and video in every classroom instantly.

Not only did the system address the original issues, but it also introduced new operational efficiencies that the team hadn't anticipated. The network-based design made the system scalable and adaptable, enabling the center to keep up with future growth and technological advancements.

Looking Ahead

The success of the UniverSE project opens the door for further Dante implementations at other large-scale sites. Seoul Visual Tech has already deployed Dante and Dante Domain Manager in several Samsung Semiconductor facilities and is exploring more advanced Dante-based configurations.

For the UniverSE Training Center, this project was not just an AV upgrade; it represented a full digital transformation. Through careful planning, smart partnerships, and resilient problem-solving, the team constructed one of South Korea’s most sophisticated AVoIP infrastructures. They accomplished this by focusing not only on the technology but also on the experiences of the people who use it: students, instructors, and operators alike.

January in the Pro AV industry is alive and well. Before ISE 2026 kicks off, there were a flurry of big moves from Disguise, Daktronics, Chyron, Custom Channels, and many more.

[SCN's ISE Insiders 2026]

It was a hectic week of new hires, promotions, and partnerships. Get caught up below in your weekly Pro AV Newsmakers rundown.

People News

Analog Way Appoints Jeff Singer as Chief Marketing Officer

Analog Way appointed Jeff Singer as chief marketing officer (CMO). In this worldwide role, Singer leads Analog Way’s global marketing strategy with a strong focus on go-to-market execution, sales enablement, and ownership of the company’s product roadmap and product definition. Drawing on his extensive experience in technical product marketing and a customer-centric approach, he will also contribute to elevating the user experience across all customer touchpoints, ensuring consistent value throughout the customer journey.

With over 30 years of experience in global marketing and product launches, Singer has led go-to-market and demand generation strategies for technology-driven organizations worldwide. He previously served as executive director of global product marketing at Crestron Electronics, where he developed and led the positioning of strategic platforms across global markets.

Chyron Strengthens Support in Sports Venues

Chyron promoted Owen Seaton to VP, venue solutions. Seaton brings a wealth of expertise to the role, including both customer perspective and deep knowledge of venue display control technology. Based on input from end users and buyers as well as his own experience, Seaton contributes vital guidance to roadmaps for Chyron products.

Seaton is backed by a strong and growing team of technical, support and creative services professionals. Over the past two fiscal years, these teams of experts have consistently grown at 90% year-over-year on average.

Custom Channels Names René Arnold Senior Director of Partnerships

Custom Channels has appointed René Arnold to the position of senior director of partnerships. Arnold drives the company’s channel sales growth and deepen its integration into the commercial AV ecosystem by reaching more enterprise customers through trusted AV and IT partners.

Arnold comes to Custom Channels from audio and visual business solutions provider Rockbot, where she served as senior manager of the partner program. Prior to Rockbot, she was an account manager at AVI Systems (now Fortè). Prior to Forté, Arnold got her start in the commercial AV industry at PTG (Promotion Technology Group), where she developed a strong appreciation for the benefits of joining together music and digital signage. Arnold also credits her time there for providing her with a solid understanding of how to best support partners and their needs.

Daktronics Hires Thomas Welling to AV Channel Partner Team

Daktronics has hired Thomas Welling as an account executive in the company’s AV channel partner sales team with a focus on expanding AV market growth in the Southeastern United States. Welling began this full-time position in 2025 to proactively meet with clients to understand their project requirements and propose effective AV solutions to meet those needs.

Welling brings previous Daktronics sales internship experience and a degree in Sport and Entertainment Management to this role. This includes experience representing Daktronics at industry conferences and customer demonstrations.

OpenDrives Appoints Trevor Morgan as CEO

On the heels of investment news, OpenDrives promoted long-time chief operating officer, Trevor Morgan, to chief executive officer. Morgan has led a multi-year operational and strategic transformation of the business and brings deep experience in data management and SaaS across both early-stage companies and Fortune 500 enterprises, including Cisco and Capital One.

OpenDrives ended last week with the announcement of an add-on investment to its previous funding rounds led by IAG Capital Partners. The new capital will support OpenDrives’ continued strategic market growth as it expands its software platform across media, sports, and enterprise video production teams worldwide.

Panoptec Technologies Holding Strengthens Group Leadership

Guntermann & Drunck GmbH (G&D) made key leadership appointments at Panoptec Technologies Holding, the group uniting G&D, VuWall, and Tritec under a shared strategic and technological framework. Mark Schmidt has been appointed chief technology officer (CTO) of Panoptec Technologies Holding, and Alena Lombartová has joined the organization as chief financial officer (CFO).

Schmidt has been with VuWall since its early European expansion in 2014 and most recently served as the company’s CTO, where he played a central role in shaping its technology roadmap, security initiatives, and platform strategy. In his new role, he focuses on aligning R&D efforts across the group, leveraging synergies between engineering teams, and accelerating the execution of Panoptec’s shared innovation roadmap.

Lombartová joins Panoptec as Group CFO, bringing international experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and operational governance within technology-driven organizations. Previously serving as CFO at Leyard Europe, she brings extensive experience and deep expertise in the AV industry to her new role.

StreamGuys Names VP of Digital Sales and Strategy and New EVP of Technology

StreamGuys appointed Dara Kalvort as VP of digital sales and strategy and promoted Eduardo Martinez to EVP of technology. Kalvort leads the company’s sales efforts for the StreamGuys Ad Network, growing digital audio revenue through relationships with agencies and brands. The move creates new revenue opportunities for publishers while giving brands access to highly targeted, premium digital audio audiences. Martinez, who spent nearly two decades at StreamGuys, previously served as VP of technology, leading R&D and helping bring many of the company’s core products to market. In his new role as EVP of Technology, he mentors and guides technical operational teams across the company.

Partnership and Events

Audinate Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Dante

2026 will mark the 20th anniversary of Dante, celebrating two decades of innovation and AV excellence that have transformed professional audio and video distribution worldwide. Originally developed to simplify the complexity of digital audio networking, Dante has grown from a bold idea into the de facto standard for AV over IP. Today, Dante is trusted by manufacturers, integrators, and end users across multiple environments, including live sound, commercial installations, education, and broadcast.

“Twenty years ago, Dante didn’t just solve a technical challenge. It redefined what was possible for AV,” said Aidan Williams, chief executive officer at Audinate. “What began as a better way to move high-quality audio reliably and easily over IP has become a platform that underpins today’s AV systems. This milestone validates our vision, the sustained collaboration of our partners, and the depth and commitment of the global Dante community.”

Dante has continuously evolved to meet the needs of a rapidly changing AV landscape. From enabling plug-and-play audio networking to expanding into video, control, and cloud-based management, Dante has ushered in an era in which AV systems are more flexible, software-driven, and network-centric than ever before.

Updates for AES Show Nashville 2026

AES Show Nashville 2026 will deliver a tightly curated three-day technical program, Friday, Oct. 30- Sunday, Nov, 1, paired with a two-day exhibition taking place Saturday and Sunday, designed to bring together audio professionals, technologists, creators, and educators for in-depth learning, discovery, and connection.

The exhibit floor will serve as a central hub for activity throughout the weekend and will feature the AES Main Stage, home to the opening ceremony, the show’s main keynote, and a dynamic schedule of interviews, insights, and appearances from industry leaders and “famous friends” across music, media, and technology.

Advanced Systems Group and Nu·Studio Announce Exclusive Partnership

Advanced Systems Group (ASG) announced an exclusive partnership with Nu·Studio, the company behind the first modular, portable studio designed for immersive audiovisual production. Under the agreement, ASG will serve as the exclusive reseller of Nu·Studio, bringing the platform to market through its global sales, installation, and service infrastructure.

Nu·Studio is a studio infrastructure designed to be adaptable as technology, standards, and workflows evolve. Built as a modular, reconfigurable acoustic control room, it allows for integrated audiovisual workflows with a portable, non-permanent framework that installs in days and can be relocated or reconfigured as needs change.

The partnership brings together Nu·Studio’s modular studio environment with ASG’s 28 years of experience in end-to-end sales, installation, training, and long-term service for media production environments worldwide.

Bergamot Asset Management Acquires 50% Stake in Augspurger and Professional Audio Design

Bergamot Asset Management has acquired a 50% stake in Augspurger and Professional Audio Design and Malekpour Design Partners. The three companies will operate under the newly created Augspurger Holdco, a new parent company created in partnership with Bergamot and Dave Malekpour, founder and president of the group.

The partnership, which was completed prior to Thanksgiving after several months of due diligence, combines Bergamot’s capital investment and operational leadership with Malekpour’s entrepreneurial vision, positioning Augspurger for new growth and operational efficiencies while maintaining its reputation for "craftsmanship, performance, and design excellence."

Disguise, ASB GlassFloor Partner

Disguise and ASB GlassFloor announced a strategic partnership that turns the arena floor into a fully customizable interactive digital surface. This will enable coaches to visualize ball tracking data as well as players’ live positions, movement speed and performance metrics right on the playing surface, allowing teams to win more matches. The technology will also enable more venues to become multi-purpose entertainment spaces by offering augmented reality (AR) floor experiences, such as interactive games, to fans and advertisers at halftime.

ASB GlassFloor’s operational system for the digital court, GLASSCOURT OS, feeds directly into Disguise’s servers. Adopting the Disguise environment means that, on top of the GLASSCOURT OS solutions, ASB GlassFloor now enables all venues to use the most state-of-the-art media servers in the industry to directly feed interactive content to the floor.

As part of the partnership, the Disguise platform will be used exclusively on all ASB Arena and Event Services floors, as well as ASB GlassFloor sports courts and activations, including the NBA All Star Weekend, FIBA Basketball Champions League Final 4 and the EuroLeague, and the company’s facility in Orlando, the ASB Athletes Lab. Developed in collaboration with the NBA, the Athletes Lab will be used to showcase the technology and allow teams and clients to see the immersive sports solution in action, as well as acting as a testing ground for future innovation. Disguise and ASB GlassFloor will also provide three full-sized, portable event rental basketball courts that will see usage at marquee sports events across the United States and Europe this year.

Playback Distribution Announces New Distribution Partnership with Vicoustic for U.S. and Canada

Playback Distribution was appointed U.S. and Canadian distributor of Vicoustic. The partnership is poised to strengthen Vicoustic’s presence in North America by targeting key growth opportunities in the Hi-Fi, residential custom integration, and pro audio markets, and uplevel the customer experience by streamlining the process from project design to fulfillment.

Founded in 2007 in Portugal, where every product is designed and manufactured to this day, Vicoustic is known for high-performance acoustic treatment that blend technical rigor with sustainable and stunning design. The company has maintained a strong presence in North America for over a decade, delivering acoustic solutions that span professional audio, hi-fi and home cinema, residential CI, and more.

“The SoundTube Showdown” Training Experience Scheduled in Kansas City

SoundTube Entertainment is hosting The SoundTube Showdown, a two-day immersive training event taking place Feb. 18–20, 2026, in the Kansas City area. Designed to move beyond the traditional classroom seminar, the SoundTube Showdown blends in-depth technical training, certification credits, and high-value networking into a dynamic, game-inspired experience where every participant walks away a winner.

The event builds on SoundTube’s Tubey Training program, named for the brand’s squeeze-ball mascot, Tubey, and transforms it into a competitive, high-energy learning environment focused on real-world AV solutions and system design.

Pro AV Around the World

LEA Professional’s commercial audio technology catalog is set to reach more Australian customers in 2026 through a new distribution partnership with Jands, one of Australia’s leading AV distributors. The Jands team has been providing technology solutions to its customers since 1970. Thanks to Generation AV, LEA Professional’s APAC manufacturer’s representative and authorized sales partner, Jands, and LEA Professional, the partnership came together.

City Springs Theatre Company, based in Sandy Springs, GeA, mounts four large-scale Broadway-style musicals each year. Each production is staged at the Byers Theatre within the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center—a 1070-seat venue requiring the production team to “build the show house” from the ground up each time. The theater turned to a Dante-enabled TiMax SoundHub, TiMax TrackerD4 tracking, and a Dante network backbone for a recent production of The Wizard of Oz to ensure enhanced audio for all guests.

[‘The Wizard of Oz’ Gets Radical Audio Reinvention]

Anthony Narciso approached The Wizard of Oz, “as if we were doing a tour,” given the lack of permanent infrastructure, creating a fully deployable sound system that transformed the static venue into an immersive, story-driven soundscape.

“We deploy a spatial audio system and tracking for the spatial audio system that allows voices to be placed in time and space,” Narciso explained. The large cast, including a child ensemble, demanded precision and clarity across a complex mix of dialogue, music, and effects.

To meet this challenge, the design relied on a Dante-enabled TiMax SoundHub, TiMax TrackerD4 tracking, and a Dante network backbone to connect microphones, consoles, processors, and amplifiers seamlessly.

Dante, We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Producing The Wizard of Oz posed both artistic and logistical challenges. The load-in period was just over a week, half the normal time. “We normally have about 12 to 14 days to get up a show, and we have about a week to put this up,” Narciso noted.

From a creative standpoint, the show demanded sonic storytelling that could balance orchestral grandeur, environmental effects, and vocal clarity. “The biggest thing for me is providing clarity to cacophonous moments,” Narciso explained. During the tornado sequence, for instance, “we have to be swallowed by this tornado... but we also have to hear the orchestrations clearly.”

Achieving that clarity required precision control of placement, movement, and intelligibility—made possible only through a robust, flexible Dante infrastructure connecting every piece of gear digitally.

We're Off to See the Wizard...

The Wizard of Oz sound design hinged on a TiMax-based spatial audio system. The TiMax SoundHub processor and D4 tracking system create delay-based spatialization — placing each performer’s voice in its physical onstage location with near-millimeter accuracy.

“Without Dante, this is not even a conversation,” Narciso emphasized. “You need an individual channel for each speaker cabinet... Dante’s the way to go to do spatialized audio.”

The complete signal chain included: Shure Axient wireless microphones feeding a DiGiCo console via Dante; each microphone sent over Dante to TiMax SoundHub; DiGiCo Orange Boxes convert Dante to AES3 to feed 17 amplifiers driving 65 loudspeakers; QLab playback systems running Dante Virtual Soundcard for primary and backup operation; Wavetool monitoring software leveraging Dante splits for real-time RF and audio analysis; Clear-Com Arcadia intercom integrated with Dante for crew communication and spotlight monitoring; and much more.

The Magical Wizard of Oz

The payoff was immediate. Audience members and colleagues alike noted the crystal-clear intelligibility and spatial realism. “It sounds better than some Broadway shows,” one lighting designer commented. Others praised that they “understood more of the words in your shows there than I do in a Broadway show generally.” This reaction wasn’t just about volume or clarity; it was about how the sound occupied the theater space, enveloping the audience in a fully immersive experience.

In the company's earlier years, sound was the area that needed the most improvement. Amongst several other improvements, implementing the spatial system led to the audio receiving frequent compliments from longtime patrons and new audience members alike. This feedback highlighted the importance of spatially accurate sound placement, something Dante-enabled networks make seamless.

“The best thing I can tell you is Dante just works," Narciso concluded.

In any modern AV system, it’s very likely that you’ve used Dante to connect and send audio and video between hardware and software devices. Dante has become the most widely used AV over IP platform for installed AV, studio, and live event professionals.

Built using standard networking hardware and Cat 6 cabling, Dante networks send low-latency, multi-channel audio and video signals between devices and software applications. Dante is now included in more than 4,000 products from more than 600 manufacturers, which makes it incredibly easy to connect devices across multiple manufacturers.

Start with the Basics

At the heart of all Dante systems is the free Dante Controller application. This tool enables the creation of connections between Dante devices. The devices themselves then remember where to send and receive signals after disconnecting Dante Controller from your network. This is the default configuration type of many Dante networks and is referred to as an “unmanaged” Dante network.

Dante Controller includes several troubleshooting features that allow you to probe your network to detect issues in switches, cables, clock settings, bit depth, and more. Dante Controller is actively maintained and updated to introduce new features, resolve user issues, and provide compatibility with evolving technology.

As Dante networks grow, become more complex, and require additional levels of security, administration, and control, additional software has been created to solve more complex control needs. Dante Director and Dante Domain Manager (DDM) are designed to provide administration-level oversight, organization, security, management, and control.

The first level of control provided by Dante Director and DDM is the ability to organize large networks into logical groupings. Organization can be by room, region or space, and is not dependent upon the underlying network hardware infrastructure. This provides a basis in which admins can organize devices logically, making the establishment of proper signal routes reliable.

For example, in school deployment, the auditorium system can be separated from systems running in the classrooms. This constrains the routing of signals within each “domain” and prevents any unintentional signals between unrelated areas of the network.

Step Up Security and Access

The second, and often most important facet, is the control and security of user access. In complex systems, there are likely many required users of AV systems—admins and end users at all skill levels. With a management application, admins can control who has access to each domain and require authentication to view or make any changes to the Dante network. This ensures only identified users can make subscription changes, login to the server, and ensures a consistent, predictable network configuration.

Dante Director provides a third facet of control, which is the ability to remotely access, monitor, and manage a network. Because Dante Director is a SaaS application, once configured, an entire Dante network can be accessed from any location with internet access, even on a mobile phone.

In typical unmanaged networks, Dante Controller must be connected directly to a switch on the network to manage those devices. With Director, Dante Controller can now be used from anywhere because all control signals are routed through a SaaS platform, making network management, diagnosis, and control even easier.

Finally, the Dante Managed API enables administrators to build innovative custom integrations, control surfaces, and tools. This could be the integration of Dante into third-party control and monitoring applications, the creation of simplified control surfaces, or even the integration of new bleeding-edge technology. For example, an admin may choose to build a simplified interface that enables switching between multiple devices within a room—lavalier mics to podium mics, for example—giving simple, yet powerful access to inexperienced users.

So, what does all this mean if you’re designing an entirely new AV system? Whether you’re an integrator or the end user, specifying the inclusion of servers and services that you’ll need from the outset will serve you well. For example, most large deployments will benefit significantly from including a server in original budget estimates and proposals.

Get even more insights: Download SCN's Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV.

Like many rural school districts around the world, the educational systems in certain areas of the Netherlands are facing major challenges. Three schools in the town of Sneek made the decision to find a new way to confront these challenges. They wanted to find a way to share resources between the three schools without disrupting timetables, and without requiring students to travel to different campuses. With the help of Dante AV, this was ultimately achieved.

[Enabling Immersive Classrooms]

The teachers envisioned a Virtual Campus with an immersive classroom design, one that could transform the traditional remote learning experience from a flat computer interaction into something that felt natural and connected for both students and teachers. What’s more, “We wanted technology, but without feeling the technology or being aware of the technology,” said Thorba Wierstra, geography teacher and IT policy officer at Bogerman, one of the three schools in the Zuid-West Fryslân municipality. “We wanted to find new technology to use not because it's technology, but because we wanted a better way for our students to learn, for us to be better teachers, and to make things possible that were not possible before.”

The vision was for each of the three classrooms to be equipped with interconnected screens, all positioned relative to each room’s perspective, to give the feeling of one joined-up classroom for all. This setup would allow students to see their teacher and peers across multiple locations as if they were all in the same room, breaking down the barriers of physical distance and enabling students to collaborate and interact in real time.

To achieve the sense of location immersion, Shure ceiling microphones capture the sound in each location, while small AIDA point-of-view cameras capture the students from distinct locations at the proper physical angle, and Audac soundbars placed under each screen provide localized, directional sound.

To deliver the immersive classroom experience with this structure, the layout critically needed to be supported by precise audio and video synchronization and imperceptible latency. This had been a long-term challenge for the project: real-time interaction through cameras, microphones, and screens had to be seamless and natural, especially over the distances between the schools in which each classroom was located. NFGD was challenged with delivering a system that could achieve a latency of under 4 milliseconds, the level of performance essential for maintaining the flow of conversation and collaboration in a classroom setting, where even slight delays can disrupt learning. For NFGD, the solution was obvious: Dante AV Ultra.

Dante AV Ultra ensured natural, smooth, and perfectly synced communication between locations. Its precise synchronization of audio and video streams ensures that teachers’ voices and movements are perfectly aligned, regardless of the distance between locations.

With the Virtual Campus in place across all three schools and shared lessons regularly taking place, the project has been a complete success. “It was not possible to justify supporting a curriculum or paying a teacher when only five or six students signed up in a district,” said Wierstra. “Once we connected the schools and brought them together, we can now offer a smaller course, expand to 20 or more students, and have one teacher teaching all of them.”

Get all the details in the video case study below.

In recent years, a new goal for the management of AV and IT systems has emerged, striving toward a “single pane of glass” for monitoring and management. The goal, of course, is to aggregate systems information to a centralized location to ensure optimal uptime and top-tier systems management.

Whether you are managing a large enterprise, house of worship with a relatively modest system, or MSP monitoring many customer installations, having insight into daily system functions can make all the difference. It could easily differentiate between a frenzied call before a critical event or being able to proactively resolve issues before they affect end users.

The single pane of glass vision is entirely contingent on the broadest definition of interoperability. Universal connectivity requirements demand that all devices communicate using common protocols and standards without vendor-specific bottlenecks. Seamless data exchange must occur regardless of manufacturer origin, with consistent behavior across all network-connected components.

Unified management imperatives require that a single control interface access all device parameters through standardized discovery and configuration processes. Common monitoring and diagnostic capabilities must be complemented by synchronized status reporting and alert mechanisms. Without true interoperability, the single pane of glass becomes fractured, defeating its fundamental purpose and value proposition.

Freedom of Choice

The Dante platform has become a critical piece of the single pane of glass initiative. By ensuring device connectivity and interoperability, the Dante platform, expandable through API connectivity, provides the essential glue that brings signal transmission, device data aggregation, control, and management to Pro AV installations and workflows.

True interoperability facilitates freedom of choice in vendor selection, allowing system designers to choose products from any manufacturer without ecosystem constraints. This approach avoids forced upgrades of entire systems while leveraging competitive pricing and functionality improvements across multiple suppliers. Investment protection comes through future-proofing against vendor discontinuation and market changes.

The technology evolution advantages are equally compelling. True interoperability enables integration of new innovations, preserving existing investments while enabling new capabilities. Systems can scale organically as requirements evolve, adapting to changing client needs without starting over. This flexibility transforms AV installations from static implementations into dynamic, evolving platforms.

Ethernet-based audio and video networking has replaced analog constraints with standard network infrastructure that supports audio, video, control, and monitoring simultaneously. PoE eliminates additional cable requirements, while gigabit speeds accommodate even the most demanding high-channel-count applications.

By adopting standard network protocols, AV systems can now take advantage of any off-the-shelf network hardware. Layer 2 and Layer 3 compatibility across broad network infrastructure, QoS prioritization, and VLAN support ensure easy setup and consistent, reliable performance of an AV network. Software tools for management, monitoring, and control ensure optimal network connectivity and performance.

No Programming, No Hardware

Automatic discoverability eliminates configuration complexity. For example, Dante devices automatically announce their presence upon network connection using standard discovery protocols that enable immediate device recognition.

Pro AV systems must function without programming requirements that create barriers to implementation and ongoing management. Easy routing and monitoring with freely available software must enhance automatic discovery and mapping, all of which is essential for maintaining the single pane of glass vision.

Configuration must be with easy routing options, such as a visual matrix without the complexity of command-line programming. Automatic resolution of clock leaders and followers, latency compensation adjustments, and setting other critical parameters is a must for easy adoption.

True interoperability leverages standard network infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated switching hardware. Any high-quality managed switch can support Pro AV networking requirements, allowing existing IT infrastructure to accommodate AV without additional specialized equipment. Network convergence can reduce both equipment and maintenance costs while providing scalability through established networking principles.

Open APIs and comprehensive SDKs enable integration flexibility. This essential developer-level access enables the creation of custom controls and data integrations to meet the single pane of glass initiatives.

Integration capabilities extend to third-party control systems that can access all device functions without limitations. Custom user interfaces can reflect specific workflow requirements, while building management systems integrate AV network status with other facility systems. Mobile applications enable remote monitoring and control, extending system management capabilities beyond traditional boundaries.

Enterprise-grade encryption is desirable in many corporate, governmental, and educational applications. This protects AV content and system integrity. To be most effective, encryption efforts must be easily applied across multiple manufacturers and systems. Encryption within only a single manufacturer ecosystem limits hardware and software selection and stands in the way of true interoperability.

A centrally managed, certificate-based encryption strategy enables the fast deployment of encryption across AV systems. By managing security certificates on a central server, configuration is not only easier, but the updating and rotation of keys ensures a higher level of security than static endpoint credentials. These security measures are integrated transparently without compromising ease of use or system performance.

Broad OEM adoption provides the ecosystem depth necessary for choice and innovation. For example, in the Dante ecosystem, there are currently more than 4,000 Dante-enabled products from more than 600 manufacturers, with continuous growth in device variety and capability. This drives competitive innovation and feature advancement across manufacturers, giving integrators and end users the ability to select products that best fit both need and budget.

Interoperability Is Critical

For integrators, objective interoperability standards reduce project risk while increasing profitability through predictable compatibility that eliminates costly system integration failures. Standardized training and support reduce operational overhead while client confidence grows through consistent, reliable results. The business case is clear: True interoperability directly improves project margins and client satisfaction.

For OEMs, interoperability expands market opportunities without requiring massive ecosystem investments. Standard compliance reduces development costs and time-to-market, while customer loyalty increases through freedom of choice rather than artificial lock-in strategies. The focus of innovation shifts to product excellence rather than proprietary barriers, creating sustainable competitive advantages.

The reality is that subjective or proprietary "interoperability" can create hidden costs that may not meet the long-term goals of AV systems. In contrast, interoperability benefits are seen across ecosystems like the Dante platform. End users get the best-of-breed products to use daily, integrators gain ease of implementation, manufacturers gain a sustainable and future-proof business model, and service providers benefit from effective service, data reporting, and collection.

The Dante platform demonstrates that true interoperability is not just technically possible but economically essential. When interoperability is objective, measurable, and uncompromising, the entire industry benefits. Integrators deliver better projects faster and more profitably, AV professionals manage complex systems with confidence and ease, and OEMs compete on innovation and quality rather than proprietary lock-in strategies.

Get your free copy of SCN's Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV.

Dante: Under Control

Dante offers different tools to solve more complex control needs. Audinate’s Jim Kidwell provides a primer on the differences between Dante Controller, Dante Director, and Dante Domain Manager to help you find the right solution for your next Pro AV install.

At Issue

Industry experts from ADTECHNO, AJA Video Systems, Audio-Technica, and Cobalt Digital discuss the most compelling selling points for a Dante-based networked solution.

Download the Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV.

Read the September issue of Systems Contractor News.

September opened with a flurry of Pro AV moves. There were a lot of new people in new places, partnerships, and road shows announced. As always, let's start with a couple of acquisitions.

Just weeks after announcing the completion of the 26North Partners acquisition of AVI-SPL, the company has now acquired CCS Presentation Systems Southwest (CCS Southwest), an audiovisual design and systems integration firm headquartered in Mesa, AZ. CCS has a 34-year history of serving customers in the Arizona market with a focus on continuously optimizing communications and collaboration solutions for the modern workplace and campus. While CCS has capabilities and locations across the United States, AVI-SPL has only acquired CCS Southwest, the operating entity serving Arizona. Read the full details in our coverage here.

Following the sale of CCS Southwest and the retirement of founder John Godbout, the CCS Presentation Systems headquarters is moving to Houston, TX, and will be led by the new owners of the CCS brand, Ben and Elizabeth Pickrel.

One day later, Ross Video made headlines, acquiring LAMA, a developer of audio production software known for its innovative live mixing solutions. You can find out what you need to know in our coverage here.

Now, on with the show.

People Movers

People News

AVIXA Welcomes José Aragón as Chief Financial Officer

AVIXA appointed José Aragón as the chief financial officer. In this role, he will lead the association’s financial growth strategy.

Aragón most recently held the position of VP of finance, networks, and studios at A+E Global Media, a multinational media company. During his tenure, he led several transformative initiatives, including serving as a key finance partner for the company's digital growth strategy. Prior to his role at A+E Global Media, Aragón was the VP of finance for Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV Production. He has also held executive finance positions at Univision and NBCUniversal.

Christie Appoints Jim Hallas as VP, Product Management

Christie has appointed Jim Hallas as VP, product management. Hallas will lead the company’s display product strategy and display product lines while aligning customers’ needs with the company’s innovation and capabilities to support the company’s long-term strategic vision to maintain its position as a trusted partner worldwide.

Most recently, Hallas served as business and engineering manager for the DLP Cinema, Pro AV, and Industrial Group at TI, where his team pioneered the HEP pixel technology and holds five patents for various technology innovations.

DMF Lighting Appoints Charlie Derk as Senior Director of Product Strategy 

DMF Lighting has appointed Charlie Derk as senior director of product strategy. In this new role, Derk will lead DMF’s product roadmap and innovation strategy, driving the continued development of lighting solutions designed to elevate performance, aesthetics.

With more than 25 years of experience in the luxury residential and architectural lighting industries, Derk brings a blend of engineering expertise, market insight, and customer-driven innovation. He has held leadership positions at Legrand (where he was most recently VP of strategy for Legrand’s Building Control Systems division), Crestron Electronics, Doherty Design Group, and Lutron Electronics, where he was instrumental in shaping product portfolios and introducing advanced lighting control and automated shading solutions.

Telos Alliance Welcomes Jeff Williams as Director of Western US Sales

Telos Alliance welcomed Jeff Williams to the position of director of Western U.S. sales. Williams brings four decades of radio and broadcast experience, plus a family legacy in broadcast and pro audio, to support customers across the Western United States.

Williams began his career in broadcasting at age 16, working with Shotgun Tom Kelly, and followed with roles at San Diego’s KFMB, Boston’s WRKO, and leadership positions with Gannett, Jacor, Clear Channel, and Knight Broadcasting. Since 2015, he has been general manager and owner of Yellowtec USA.

Dante Partners

Dante Is Everywhere

There were several partnerships made with Audinate's Dante platform last week. Here is a quick rundown of who is now Dante-enabled.

AVer's Pro AV cameras will come with Dante Ready licensing. Dante Ready is a licensing program that allows manufacturers to ship their Pro AV products with Dante installed but not activated, so that Dante functionality, such as a channel of Dante AV-H video, can be activated on site whenever it’s needed, offering flexibility and scalability for AV over IP systems. With this integration, AVer’s professional AV cameras offer customers the ability to access Dante AV-H, which is a powerful technology that delivers smooth, high-quality, low-latency video over standard networks. Users simply enter a license key to unlock the functionality, with no hardware change required.

The Freedman Group, parent company of renowned professional audio brands RØDE, Mackie, and newly acquired Lectrosonics, has announced a new partnership with fellow Sydney-based technology leader Audinate. The agreement will see the integration of Audinate’s powerful Dante platform integrated into a suite of next-generation products across The Freedman Group’s portfolio, unlocking advanced networking capabilities for creators and professionals worldwide.

Grass Valley announced a new partnership with Audinate that brings native Dante audio integration into AMPP. With this update, production teams can manage Dante audio streams directly within AMPP without additional hardware. The integration supports up to 128x128 bidirectional channels with latency as low as 1ms, making it easier to scale professional IP audio across cloud, on-prem, or hybrid workflows. The move also introduces a flexible licensing model for Dante I/O, available hourly or monthly, giving broadcasters and event producers a cost-effective way to deploy professional audio networking for anything from short-term projects to enterprise-scale operations.

New Partnerships

Partnerships

Gotham Audio Custom Cables and Cable Stock Now Available in North and South America

Gotham Audio is now available throughout North and South America distributed by Audio Collective Group. Built for professional recording studios, live performance venues, broadcast facilities, post-production houses, and high-end home audio, Gotham Audio offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of premium cabling in the industry—spanning microphone, instrument, studio, digital audio, speaker, video, hybrid, and custom solutions.

Known for Swiss engineering and built upon Reussen Shielding Technology, Gotham cables are built for noise rejection, clarity, and signal transmission in every commercial and residential install.

PlayBox Neo U.S. Partners with AI-Media

PlayBox Neo has partnered with AI-Media to integrate advanced automated captioning, translation, and voice translation solutions directly into the PlayBox Neo broadcast playout ecosystem. Broadcasters, government organizations, universities, and corporate AV facilities now have access to cost-effective, broadcast-quality captioning and multi-lingual voice services, which expands their audience reach while staying compliant with accessibility regulations. They can easily deploy professional-grade captions and multilingual translation at broadcast quality without incurring additional staffing or infrastructure costs.

Through the U.S.-based partnership, PlayBox Neo customers gain access to AI-Media’s ALTA 2110 IP broadcast encoder and LEXI Text, an automated captioning solution that delivers same-language and translated captions with broadcast-grade accuracy and ultra-low latency. The solution also includes LEXI Recorded for pre-recorded content, enabling captions to be produced in less than half the program’s runtime. To ensure high accuracy, AI-Media applies its customized Topic Models, which recognize speakers’ names, industry terminology, and brand-specific language.

In addition to captioning, AI-Media’s new LEXI Voice adds real-time translated voice output. With LEXI Voice, PlayBox Neo customers can provide multilingual viewing experiences across both live and on-demand content. These solutions integrate seamlessly with all PlayBox Neo products, making them accessible to every organization using PlayBox Neo technology.

Pro AV Around the Globe

Pro AV Around the Globe

HARMAN Professional Solutions announced the appointment of Freevox as the distributor of its AMX video and control solutions in France. This new agreement builds on Freevox’s existing role distributing HARMAN Professional’s audio brands, including JBL Professional, BSS, Crown, Soundcraft, Lexicon, and dbx.

PPDS announced a new strategic distribution partnership with FVC, expanding its reach and strengthening its presence across the Middle East and parts of North Africa. Under this new agreement, FVC will represent and distribute the full PPDS portfolio of Philips Professional Displays, including the latest digital signage, direct view LED displays, and professional TVs, delivering world class AV solutions to customers across a wide range of verticals.

New Locations

New Digs

AV Stumpfl celebrated the opening of its new production hall at its headquarters in Wallern an der Trattnach, Austria, together with its entire team during this year’s summer family festival. The new facility adds 23,680 square feet (2,200 square meters) of production space, effectively doubling the company’s production capacity. Last year, AV Stumpfl invested in new equipment for a second production line and welcomed 20 new team members. Until now, this team was spread across various parts of the company building, which proved inefficient. With the new production hall, workflows can now be organized much more effectively.

USSI Global opened a new repair and logistics complex in Suntree, FL. The new facility is allowing the company to expand beyond its warranty business and add broadcast headend and production equipment to its catalog of repair services. Located about 15 miles north of the company’s Melbourne headquarters, the new repair complex is allowing USSI Global to consolidate three logistics centers into one. Anthony Morelli, president and CEO, USSI Global, said the company is already seeing improved operational efficiencies.

Road Shows

Hit the Road, Pro AV Style

JBL Professional launched its 2025 Installed Audio Roadshow, a coast-to-coast tour showcasing the brand’s most trusted commercial audio solutions in real-world environments. From September through November 2025, the roadshow will make 30 stops nationwide, offering AV integrators, consultants, system designers, and facility managers an opportunity to experience JBL sound in the region where they work with their customers. The JBL Installed Audio Roadshow will kick off in Los Angeles and visit major markets including San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Miami, among many others.

The JBL Installed Audio Roadshow delivers application-specific demonstrations that highlight clarity, coverage, and control across hospitality venues, retail spaces, schools, houses of worship, and entertainment environments. Each stop will feature the latest solutions, along with insights into system design best practices, guided walkthroughs, hands-on product exploration, and networking with industry professionals.

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Sennheiser announced the remaining dates for its 2025 Connect & Collaborate Roadshow, including events this fall and early winter. Following a spring and summer of successful stops, Sennheiser will continue its North American tour with visits to Washington, D.C. on September 9, Toronto, Ontario on September 16, and New York City on October 21.

The roadshow is designed for end users, distributors, consultants, integrators, and resellers, providing hands-on training for designing and deploying business communications solutions in meeting spaces and lecture halls. The events will feature live demonstrations of Sennheiser’s TeamConnect (TC) family of products, such as the TC Bars and the TC Ceiling Medium microphone with beamforming technology and TruVoiceLift. Sennheiser technical experts will be on hand to offer practical advice, while partners including Q-SYS, NETGEAR, Lightware, Planar, and Audinate will participate in select locations to highlight seamless integration. Attendees may also earn up to 5.5 AVIXA CTS RU credits by engaging in qualifying sessions.

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Sony Electronics’ Professional Display Solutions group is once again embarking on an interactive technology road show across North America from September 2025 through March 2026. Attendees to the AV Tech Expo will be immersed in the company’s range of Pro AV offerings, including professional BRAVIA displays, the direct view Crystal LED display, AI-enabled PTZ cameras, and device provisioning and management solutions. They will also get a first-hand glimpse at upcoming technology, before it comes to market. Additionally, the company’s knowledgeable product experts will be available to answer questions and demonstrate the latest innovations for a number of professional verticals and applications.

You can catch the show here:

• New York, NY | Sept. 24-25, 2025
• Boston, MA | Oct. 21, 2025
• Los Angeles, CA | Oct. 28 & 29, 2025 
• Fort Lauderdale, FL| Nov. 12, 2025
• Chicagoland Area, IL | Jan. 14, 2026
• Plano, TX | Jan. 21, 2026 
• Toronto, ON | Feb. 2026
• San Diego, CA | Mar. 2026

Welcome to the Alliance

Join the Club

Stage Precision has joined the OpenAV Cloud. The OpenAV Cloud fosters interoperability through open APIs and shared protocols, ensuring that AV systems, tools and platforms can communicate seamlessly across brands, disciplines and geographies. By becoming part of the OpenAV Cloud community, Stage Precision is reinforcing its long-standing mission of delivering customers true freedom of choice, flexibility and system integration without lock-in.

Telos Alliance, Jünger Audio, and TVU Networks unveiled a new collaboration to integrate Telos Alliance’s portfolio of cloud‑enabled audio solutions directly into TVU Networks’ MediaMesh platform, delivering next‑generation audio capabilities for broadcasters and content creators worldwide. In today’s ever-evolving broadcast landscape, audience expectations are rising, and cloud production is quickly becoming the new standard. With the integration of the Telos Alliance and Jünger Audio audio-handling tools with MediaMesh, TVU Network’s clients will gain the direct ability to automate complex audio workflows, ensure consistent, high‑quality audio, and leverage AI to ease manual workloads.

Hitomi Broadcast joined the Grass Valley Alliance, delivering native MatchBox Software solutions for the AMPP ecosystem. This strategic partnership addresses one of broadcasters' primary concerns about migrating to software-based production: maintaining precise timing and synchronization throughout complex virtualized workflows.

The integration brings Hitomi's trusted timing measurement capabilities directly into AMPP environments through MatchBox Software Analyser, MatchBox Probe, and MatchBox Renderer applications. MatchBox Software solutions operate entirely within AMPP's virtualized infrastructure, enabling engineers to position timing measurement probes throughout their broadcast chain without signal conversion or external routing. This provides true end-to-end visibility, allowing broadcasters to monitor timing at multiple points from a centralized web interface whilst maintaining the same millisecond-accurate measurements that broadcast professionals rely on worldwide.

Audinate is expanding support for SMPTE ST 2110-30 and AES67, further strengthening Dante’s integration with broadcast networks. Building on a foundation of interoperability and high-performance audio transport, the latest updates equip broadcasters with new tools to meet the demands of modern production workflows.

[AES70 in Control]

Dante is already widely used as the backbone for audio over IP in broadcast environments, powering everything from comms to remote production and studio infrastructure. As video workflows continue their shift from SDI to IP, most notably with the adoption of ST 2110, there is a growing need for convergence with established Dante audio networks. These updates help ensure compatibility and interoperability between Dante and ST 2110-based video systems and networks without sacrificing performance and ease of use.

“These enhancements strengthen Dante’s role in bridging audio and video workflows across modern broadcast networks,” said Mark Gerrard, group product manager at Audinate. “Interoperability has always been central to our approach, and as broadcast networks and production needs continue to evolve, we remain focused on extending Dante’s capabilities to meet real-world demands.”

The latest updates give broadcast teams more flexibility in how they manage ST 2110-30 and AES67 audio flows, whether working in a mobile unit or across a multi-facility operation. Core configuration tasks, such as defining flow parameters and adjusting PTPv2 clock settings, can now be completed directly in Dante Controller without the need for Dante Domain Manager. This simplifies setup for smaller or fast-paced environments where cloud or server-based tools may not be practical. For larger or more complex systems, broadcasters can continue using Dante Domain Manager to automate configuration, apply global policies, and coordinate settings across subnets, while also taking advantage of expanded device-level control.

Added support for 96 kHz audio enables broadcasters to meet the demands of high-fidelity production workflows, including music programming, immersive audio, and live event capture. To enable this, Dante now supports ST 2110-30 AX, BX, and CX conformance levels, ensuring interoperability with systems and equipment operating at higher sample rates.

New device-level configuration capabilities further extend Dante’s utility in broadcast environments. Features such as the ability to assign flows within a broader multicast address range, define custom RTP payload IDs, and specify PTPv2 clock DSCP values are among several enhancements designed to improve compatibility with third-party devices, support a wider variety of network designs, and provide long-term flexibility as systems scale and evolve.

The Pro AV wheel keeps on turning, and last week there was yet another acquisition.

Christie Digital Systems Germany GmbH has entered into a letter of intent to negotiate a binding agreement for the sale of its Pandoras Box product line, which includes media servers, software, accessories as well as Widget Designer and AirScan, to Daniel Schäfer, one of the founders of coolux; consultant Daniel Kaminski; and long-time user Andre Maier.

The transaction will allow the three individuals, who have an extensive understanding of the product line and the market, to continue to grow the Pandoras Box real-time rendering engine and control system solution. Both companies are enthusiastic about the potential of this acquisition and are working toward finalizing a purchase agreement.

Now, on with the show.

People News

DPA Microphones Welcomes Chris Kontopanos

Chris Kontopanos has joined DPA Microphones as the company’s new regional sales manager for the Mid-Atlantic territory, which includes Washington D.C., Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Eastern Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. In his role, Kontopanos oversees sales of DPA Microphones, Austrian Audio, and Wisycom solutions.

An industry veteran with nearly three decades of experience, Kontopanos comes to DPA from Digital Video Group (DVG), where he was senior broadcast account manager. A top-performing, multi-award-winning sales expert, he offers a history of strong professional audio and AV integration sales results, proactive account management and strategic problem solving.

Nureva CEO Nancy Knowlton Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal

SCN 2024 Hall of Famer, Nancy Knowlton, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the medal recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to their country, province or community, or who have achieved distinction abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Knowlton received the honor at a ceremony hosted by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI) on July 15, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, in recognition of her contributions to the community and country in public policy in business and philanthropy. The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honorable Salma Lakhani, made remarks and presented medals alongside CGAI leadership.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was presented to Knowlton soon after she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, in 2024, by the Governor General of Canada, the Right Honorable Mary Simon, for her exceptional contributions to education.

A pioneering figure in Canadian technology, she has dedicated over 30 years to transforming the way people learn and collaborate. Before cofounding Nureva, she and her husband, David Martin, created SMART Technologies and introduced the SMART Board. Today, as president and CEO of Nureva, Knowlton continues to drive innovation with audio conferencing systems powered by patented Microphone Mist technology, which is simplifying audio for hybrid teams and classrooms around the world. She is also president and CEO of Nialli, a Nureva subsidiary founded in 2020 that develops intuitive digital planning solutions to help construction teams collaborate more effectively and keep projects on track.

SpinetiX Expands U.S. Partner Support

SpinetiX appointed Annabelle Kayye as national customer success sales manager, United States. This newly created position reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the indirect business model and to the dedication to providing enhanced business support to channel partners across the U.S.

In her new role, Kayye serves as the point of contact for members of the SpinetiX Channel Partner Program in the United States and will focus on strengthening partner relationships, streamlining access to SpinetiX resources, and delivering a comprehensive channel enablement experience. With a strong background in account management and project consulting, Kayye will help partners deepen their expertise in the SpinetiX product portfolio, identify new growth opportunities, and maximize the business value of their projects.

Company News

3G Productions Launches UsedGear.com

Officially launched on July 1, 3G Productions' new site, UsedGear.com, features a wide selection of gear regularly cycled out of 3G’s own rental inventory to ensure clients always have access to the latest, top-tier tools. UsedGear.com will also serve as a platform for 3G’s integration customers to resell equipment that has been replaced during system upgrades or retrofits.

UsedGear.com offers more than just used lighting gear—it also features a wide selection of professional-grade audio, video, and rigging tools. The site showcases premium brands like Robe, MA Lighting, Shure, Kinesys Automation, and ROE Visual, with a particularly robust inventory of in-demand systems from d&b audiotechnik and L-Acoustics—all meticulously maintained and ready for immediate use.

To encourage repeat visits, the website will routinely feature specials, including its current grand opening deals on a d&b GSL full arena package and V Series loudspeakers, Kinesys motors, and ROE CB8 video wall.

LinkLab Services Engages in Partnership with Ion Visual Solutions

LinkLab Services, the services company under Almo Pro AV, announced a strategic expansion of its partnership with Ion Visual Solutions. Through this collaboration, LinkLab can now bring customized, prioritized dvLED deployment and support to AV integrators nationwide.

Learn more in the video below.

Midwich and Audinate Announce Strategic Distribution Partnership

Midwich and Audinate announced a new U.S. distribution partnership aimed at accelerating access to scalable, networked AV solutions. This partnership aligns with Audinate’s change in channel strategy, providing a better way to manage and distribute its portfolio to integrators in the United States. It enables greater channel effectiveness and improved management of subscription renewals, term licenses, and support and maintenance agreements. As part of this strategy, Audinate is refining its channel approach to enhance focus and deliver an elevated level of service to its partners and customers.

Midwich will offer Audinate’s technologies, supported by Midwich Plus, the company’s technical services team with decades of experience that provides pre-sales consultation, system design guidance, and deployment support to ensure customer success at every stage.

In addition to Audinate hardware, including the complete line of Dante AVIO adapters, Midwich’s software delivery capabilities make it easy for systems integrators to acquire Dante Domain Manager (DDM), Dante Virtual Soundcard (DVS), and Dante Via licenses—streamlining access to flexible, license-based audio networking solutions.

PK Sound, Moonlight Productions Expand Partnership

PK Sound has advanced its longstanding partnership with Moonlight Productions, a production technologies provider based in Montana. Moonlight recently expanded its inventory of PK’s robotic line source technology with an investment in a new T8 compact line array system and complementary T18 intelligent subwoofers.

Moonlight’s latest purchase comprises eight T8 robotic line source elements, four T18 intelligent subwoofers, and six ultra-versatile Tx14 intelligent point source modules. As with other offerings in the Trinity Series that feature PK’s patented Multi-Axis Robotics, T8 enables precise, real-time control of a system’s vertical and horizontal coverage with an unmatched degree of precision.

The new equipment bolsters the company’s existing inventory of T10 medium-format robotic systems and G218 subwoofers, as well as more offerings from the company’s legacy VX, CX and K Series. The investment was facilitated by ACT Entertainment, PK Sound’s exclusive North American distributor. 

Pro AV Around the World

PlexusAV announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with AVIT Vision for distribution of the PlexusAV range across Spain and Portugal. The innovative PlexusAV products have now been added to the catalogue of solutions offered by Spanish distributor AVIT VISION and are available to all its customers

Completed in 1926, Providence Park is the oldest facility configured as a soccer-specific stadium for use by an MLS team. Two professional soccer teams, the Portland Timbers of MLS and Portland Thorns FC of NWSL, use the facility as their home pitch, and both clubs rank among the top ten in attendance among professional soccer teams (men's or women's) in the United States and Canada. Now, the audio pitch is enhanced with Dante.

[An [Atlanta] Brave New Vision]

The facility has undergone several recent renovations to expand its seating capacity to over 25,000, with associated infrastructure and AV upgrades. As expected with any MLS stadium, cameras abound around the stadium to catch the never-ending action from several simultaneous angles. The AV feeds are broadcast to multiple top-tier streaming services for the fans who cannot watch the match live.

But there’s much more to the AV experience at Providence Park than just the cameras. And all the sounds of the fan experience couldn’t happen without Dante.

The independent audio feeds are sent to Yamaha QL5 and QL1 mixing consoles for broadcast preparation. QL series consoles offer all-in-one mixing, processing, and routing capability for live sound, corporate speech events, installations, and more. A Shure AD4D wireless receiver paired with Shure Axient microphones transmits pristine audio via Dante from fieldside for transmission over the stadium’s public address system driven by BSS Soundweb London DSPs. AVIO adapters dot the landscape to help integrate analog signals from external vendors and partners onto the Dante network.

Providence Park has also invested significantly in accessibility for its fans and guests via an assisted listening program from Listen Technologies. Dante makes it easy to route different radio, Spanish language, or television broadcast feeds to assisted listening devices so that fans can have the full experience of watching a soccer game at the stadium.

Dante Controller software is a key element of the Dante platform, acting as a one-stop shop for managing AV routing—with separate, independently routable streams for audio and video. Users don’t have to worry about re-establishing routes when a device is moved or power cycled—saving time, worry, and setup costs.

In the future, Providence Park plans to implement Dante Domain Manager to expand its management capabilities, improve redundancy, increase security and segmentation of duties, and provide additional services. But for now, take a peek for yourself at how it all came together.

The Tykeson Rehearsal Hall at the University of Oregon’s School of Music and Dance is a place where tradition and innovation converge. The hall was designed with meticulous attention to its acoustics, making it ideal for early chamber music performances. With the help of Dante AV, the hall's historic acoustics now meet modern demands.

[Audinate Acquires Iris. Here's What You Need to Know]

Since 2017 the hall’s analog AV system served its purpose of capturing student performances and showcasing the work of musicians. But as the school’s reputation grew and its audience expanded, its analog infrastructure, tied to a single control room, could no longer keep up.

“We were really happy with the quality that we got from all of our analog equipment," said Jasper Walton, recording engineer, University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. "But we weren’t thrilled with the fact that we were tied down to just one place, or that it was a big hassle to run new lines every time you wanted to add or move a control room or a station."

The AV system Tykeson Hall was built around an analog workflow, with all microphones and cameras hardwired to a single control room located in the Bach Festival's boardroom. "We were always competing with space in there," said Walton. "Is this going to be a recording control room where we can put a technician, or is this going to be a place where the executives need to take phone calls and run meetings?”

While this setup worked in the past, it became increasingly restrictive as the school sought to expand its reach. The Oregon Bach Festival brings in hundreds of musicians as well as audiences from across the globe, and demand grew for livestreams and remote access to performances. "Audiences that weren’t able to be here were interested in all of the performances that were happening in this room and all the other places across campus," said Walton.

However, the analog system required all recordings to be funneled into the single control room, where they were digitized for streaming. This meant that performances could only be managed from one inconvenient location, and expanding the system to other parts of the building would require costly and disruptive rewiring.

"Part of the challenge of getting that stuff out to the world and the wider audiences was that the way this building was built and designed - we couldn’t move out of the control room until we could get things on the campus network," he explains.

Going Hybrid

The school tackled its challenges by adopting Dante, a network-based solution that allowed them to integrate their existing analog equipment into a modern, flexible system. By using Dante-enabled encoders and stage boxes, the school was able to transform its analog signals into digital ones that could travel across the campus network. This hybrid approach—bridging analog and digital technologies—not only modernized their system but did so without disrupting the school’s historic spaces. “We were able to move out of the boardroom into a newly created, dedicated, control room in a different room in the building,” Walton said.

At the core of the new system are Yamaha Dante-enabled stage boxes and AJA Dante AV Ultra video encoders. These devices act as bridges, respectively converting analog audio and video signals into Dante-enabled network signals.

"All of the analog microphones are coming in just over XLR cables, into the patch bay," Walton says. "That gets fed into this Yamaha stage box, which converts all the analog audio into Dante network signals we send to the control room over the campus network.”

The Dante AV networked video workflow is equally transformative. "All of the video, coming in over traditional analog SDI cables, comes into the patch bay," he said. These signals are then routed to the AJA Dante AV 4K-T video encoder. “This is the magic box that lets us place our control room wherever we need it. It converts our analog SDI video signal into a Dante AV signal, allowing the signals to travel wherever we need them across the campus network."

A second AJA Ultra decoder located in his office, in a totally separate building, is connected to the same network as the devices in Tykeson Hall and Beall Hall. “The Dante devices are each assigned to their own domains, which we manage with Dante Domain Manager. This allows us to share devices between each building’s domains,” said Walton.

Dante Controller, the software used to route and manage Dante devices, played a fundamental role in simplifying the deployment of this hybrid system. "Dante Controller is the tool that we use to interface with our Dante devices," Walton said. "It’s easy to learn and use, and it makes my job simpler, not more frustrating." The software’s simplicity enabled the school to quickly train student employees in its operation while still offering enough advanced functionality to manage unique setups. "When we add Dante AV to the mix to get video on the network, we don’t need a separate piece of software to manage video flows. Sending video streams to wherever we need them to go is just as simple as routing audio has always been."

The system also includes portable Dante AVIO USB adapters, which allow guest performers and technicians to plug laptops and other devices directly into the network and appear in Dante Controller for simpler routing and management.

The new system has enhanced and simplified how the School of Music and Dance manages its performances. Technicians set up control rooms wherever space was available, managing multiple performances simultaneously across various campus venues. Livestreams bring these events to audiences around the world, while faculty and students gain easy access to recordings for review and archival purposes.

The flexibility of the network-based AV system also opens up exciting possibilities for future workflows. “Currently, we use the second Dante AV decoder as a backup recording of performances in Berwick [Hall]," he says. "Potentially in the future, we are looking at consolidating all recording and streaming of events in our multiple venues into just one control room. This decoder would allow us to pipe the video stream over from Berwick."

Now the school can preserve its investment in analog infrastructure while gaining the flexibility of a modern networked AV system. The need for fixed control rooms was eliminated, and performances can now be managed from anywhere on campus with just a laptop and a network connection.

"We really enjoy the fact that we can now set up a control room or a mixing station or whatever we need, wherever we need it," said Walton. "It’s made life pretty easy."

Games Done Quick (GDQ) operates semiannual “speedrunning” marathons for gaming competitors that raise millions for causes like the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. GDQ has honed its events to a well-oiled logistic and technical machine, combining live performances in hotel ballrooms with real-time Twitch streams viewed by millions. With each of these marathons running 24 hours a day—for an entire week straight, Dante AV has helped simplify and elevate their workflows.

[Historic Style, Modern Tech]

However, managing this intricate setup has not always been seamless. “Our primary show is unique in that we have to serve both an online audience, streamed on Twitch.tv, and an in-person audience at a hotel ballroom," Jason Deng, director of technology at GDQ explained. "We also provide CCTV so that anyone staying at the hotel can watch the event on their in-room TVs.”

This dual-delivery setup, coupled with GDQ’s reliance on volunteers to manage critical AV workflows, created challenges that their prior solutions weren’t designed to address. That’s when GDQ turned to Dante AV.

Challenges Solved

Before adopting Dante AV, GDQ relied on a mix of video specifications and connectivity technologies that demanded significant resources and effort to manage. For video transmission, their go-to solution came with notable limitations. “With NDI, we needed to set up a PC in the ballroom and another PC to capture the signal at the hotel’s CCTV location,” Deng said. This configuration required multiple machines and technicians, and it was prone to signal degradation and artifacting if there were any network disruptions.

GDQ also experimented with connectivity technologies such as HDBaseT, but as Deng noted, “We had problems if the signal had to hop through network switches.” The complexity of laying out SDI cabling further compounded the challenges in physical setups, particularly in tight or difficult-to-access areas.

These limitations, combined with the need for user-friendly, reliable systems that volunteers could easily manage, highlighted the need for a more robust, streamlined solution.

A Familiar Face

GDQ’s previous experience with Dante for its audio networking made the transition to Dante AV remarkably smooth. “Most of our audio flow already ran through the Dante platform, so we were quite used to that system,” Deng said. When the opportunity arose to incorporate Dante AV, GDQ deployed a solution that drastically simplified their video workflow: a single AJA Dante AV 4K-T transmitter in the ballroom, and a Dante AV 4K-R receiver at the hotel’s consumption area.

This combination proved to be a match for the fast-paced, visually demanding content of GDQ’s gaming marathons. Based on the Dante AV Ultra codec, these devices deliver 4K60 4:4:4 HDR video with ultra-low latency and visually lossless quality over standard 1GbE networks. They support SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs, which helped GDQ streamline their SDI cabling. Dante AV Ultra audio and video streams are fully time-aligned and individually routable, ensuring flawless synchronization across displays.

“With AJA’s Dante AV-enabled gear, we deployed a single hardware solution—a source in the ballroom and a receiver at the hotel’s consumption area. It was essentially plug-and-play,” Deng said. “We tested it first to make sure it worked, but we didn’t need to set up multiple machines or deal with four or five different pieces of hardware.” The result was a reliable, low-maintenance setup that eliminated the switch-hopping issues and frequent troubleshooting required by their previous workflows. “With Dante AV, when you’re using an unmanaged switch like ours, there are no such issues.”

Volunteer-Friendly and Built for Success

GDQ’s reliance on volunteers to operate its AV systems made ease of use a critical factor in technology selection. “Since this is a charity fundraiser, we rely heavily on volunteers to manage audio and video,” Deng said. “It’s important that we use software and equipment that are volunteer-friendly.”

For that, the team used Dante Controller, a centralized management platform that provides a clear visual interface for routing AV signals. “Dante equipment has been great because Dante Controller provides a one-stop shop where you can see exactly where the signals are going,” Deng said. “It can also be managed remotely by those who know the system, and we can write training documentation for volunteers.” This user-friendly approach not only made the system accessible to volunteers but also reduced GDQ’s reliance on external contractors, helping to keep costs down.

Championship Results: Reliability, Scalability, and Quality

The impact of Dante AV on GDQ’s events has been transformative. One of the most notable outcomes is the reduction in technical overhead. “Before Dante AV, we needed two technicians and three machines to get a signal from the ballroom to the hotel CCTV,” Deng said. “Now, with Dante AV, we only need one technician and a plug-and-play AJA Dante receiver and transceiver.”

In addition to streamlining operations, Dante AV provided 24/7 reliability for the seven-day event. “The image quality was excellent, and it worked 24/7 for the entire event without any signal degradation,” Deng said.

Dante AV’s interoperability and scalability also stood out. The platform integrates seamlessly into the larger Dante ecosystem, enabling GDQ to manage both audio and video signals through the same interface. “Adding Dante AV is a smooth transition whether you’re already in the Dante ecosystem or new to the platform. And with Dante Controller, you can see the signals which makes laying out networking much easier than SDI,” Deng said.

As GDQ continues to refine its technical workflows, Dante AV is poised to play an even larger role. “I’ve been wanting to deploy more Dante AV to the rest of our stack,” Deng said. While bandwidth considerations remain a factor for future expansions, GDQ’s successful deployment of Dante AV for its flagship events demonstrates the platform’s ability to meet demanding professional AV requirements. “Dante AV works for us on many levels,” said Deng. “It’s reliable, easy to use, and eliminates many issues associated with other AV-over-IP technologies.”

AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington, TX, plays home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, but offers so much more. Opened in 2009, the stadium’s massive 160-foot-wide HD video board, mobile app integrations, and robust Wi-Fi network reinforce its image as a high-tech venue. Now, a Dante audio system enhances the fan and concert goer experience further.

[LEA Professional Amps Up Northwest Stadium for Washington Commanders Action and More]

The facility hosts a wide variety of events, including high school and college football championships, concerts, international soccer, the Professional Bull Riders World Finals, motorsports, and other public and private events, ensuring year-round utilization. The fan experience remains a cornerstone of its success. Furthermore, its global recognition is underscored by its selection as a host facility for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

The stadium’s AV team undertook a massive three-year project to convert the entire stadium over to Dante audio. The first year involved replacing all of the stadium’s amplifiers with Dynacord IPX10:4 units. The IPX series offers advanced 96 kHz high-resolution digital signal processing for the highest performance, internal analog-to-digital conversion with ultra-low latency, and a superior signal-to-noise ratio. The 4-channel, Dante-enabled 2500-watt IPX10:4 amplifier can run in either 48- or 96 kHz, including FIR Drive.

Year two encompassed remodeling the south side of the stadium, including suites, clubs, corridors, concessions, and more, while year three involved the north side. All existing BSS DSPs were replaced with Dante-enabled BLU-806DA DSPs coupled with BLU-120 and BLU-326DA I/O expanders. The Soundweb London BLU-806DA offers configurable I/O, configurable signal processing, and a high bandwidth, fault-tolerant digital audio bus. The processor features Dante audio with primary and secondary ports for fault tolerance, with control through a separate Ethernet port. The BLU-806DA also includes support for integration with Dante Domain Manager.

All Dante channels feed into a Solid State Logic (SSL) System T console for mixing and production. System T bridges the gap between commonly found DAW and controller setups. Its digital audio handling and advanced production workflows, including Dolby Atmos, are complemented by SSL production tools optimized for immersive music production, providing multi-format immersive and object signal paths. Full SSL dynamics and EQ are available on every channel and bus, along with 3D panning, DAW control, Dynamic Automation, Dante integration, and an inbuilt effect rack.

Gary French, AT&T Stadium’s A1 audio engineer, said that working with Dante offers seamless, low-latency audio networking, allowing him to manage complex audio setups efficiently with high-quality, uncompressed sound over standard IP networks. Dante's flexibility and scalability make it ideal for professional audio environments, enhancing French’s ability to deliver top-tier sound experiences.

“Working with the Dante-enabled SSL console is a game-changer for me,” said French. “Its flexibility and ease of integration make managing even our most complex audio setups a breeze.”

The stadium’s massive AV network is separate from the data network, but the stadium uses the SSL HC Bridge SRC when content needs to be shared between them. HC Bridge SRC provides 256 bi-directional channels of sample rate conversion for Audio-over-IP (AoIP) networks. HC Bridge SRC facilitates connecting audio between devices running at different sample rates or in different clock domains on Dante (48 and 96 kHz), AES67 or ST 2110-30 networks. The two network connections can be to physically or virtually separate networks, providing control isolation between two sets of equipment where an AoIP discovery and control ‘firewall’ is required.

One of the best aspects of the project was that even over three years, none of the fans at any of AT&T Stadium’s events were impacted by the changeover.

“Dante has proven invaluable at the stadium because it delivers higher quality audio with greater flexibility and scalability, all while simplifying integration and control across various devices and platforms,” said Richard Bratcher, audio consultant at AT&T Stadium and owner of Caprock Professional Services. “Even though moving away from CobraNet was a massive undertaking, transitioning to Dante was worth the effort.”

NAB Show 2025 is days away. Today, AV Network continues its preshow coverage, bringing you new products and must-see showcases to add to you to-do list for the show floor, which opens at the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 6.

Today, take a look at what Sony, Christie, Audinate, Miri Technologies, and ENCO are bringing to the LVCC.

3/31—NAB Show 2025 Notebook: 5 Booths to Add to Your Must-See List

4/2—NAB Show 2025 Notebook: Make Sure You Visit These 5 Booths in Las Vegas

Sony to Address the Live Production, News and Production, Imaging, and Virtual Production Markets

At booth N439, Sony Electronics will immerse attendees in leading innovations, insights, workflows, and expertise supporting four key areas: live production solutions, news and production workflows, imaging solutions, and virtual production. Sony’s ecosystem of tools drive connections and creativity and streamline processes for individual creators and enterprise productions. New highlights include a Super35mm camera system with Variable Neutral Density (VND), an ultra-compact Full-frame camera extension system, and a camera tracking solution for enriching content creation.

Sony’s enhancements and technologies support the latest industry needs and capabilities by enabling new forms of expression and productivity through cloud and IP protocols, cinematic capture, and Spatial Content creation, as well as augmented extended reality (XR) and virtual effects (VFX) workflows. The company is empowering broadcasters, cinematographers, production teams and content creators at all levels to bring their vision to life with more flexibility and efficiency.

For example, the HDC-F5500V Super 35mm 4K CMOS system camera for live production will make its debut at NAB Show 2025. The camera features a global shutter imager, PL lens mount, and a new optional software license adds VND capabilities for increased depth of field control and a wide range of brightness control through virtual iris capabilities. Designed for the demands of today’s live productions, the camera provides beautifully detailed imagery and ND control during on-tally. It also offers workflow advantages including a wealth of features for HDR and SDR production, and the same infrastructure as its HDC-5500V 2/3-inch counterpart, including IP networking, remote multi-camera operation and an in-CCU (camera control unit) record option.

For a full list of what to find at booth N439, click here.

Audinate Bridges the Gap between Broadcast and AV

As the future of media production brings broadcast and AV technologies closer together, Audinate is set to demonstrate how the Dante platform is advancing audio and video with broadcast-grade standards and performance, ensuring seamless product interoperability and control.

[A New Ebook from the Publishers of SCN and TV Tech: AV for Broadcast]

At NAB 2025, Audinate aims to embrace the growing accessibility of broadcast technology and its seamless integration with AV markets, recognizing the growing importance of video production in sectors such as corporate, higher education, and houses of worship.

Visitors who drop by the Audinate booth N127 can explore the latest advancements empowering broadcasters to embrace the future of IP-based production, cloud workflows, and remote events:

Dante Connect facilitates cloud-based broadcast production and is frequently used in broadcast to support flexible production environments, including remote production options for on-air talent, adoption of new translation and localization services, and more. Dante AV brings audio and video together on a single, streamlined platform, making production workflows more efficient and intuitive. Visitors will experience high-quality, cost-effective solutions, from the premium performance of Dante AV Ultra to flexible, budget-friendly options like Dante AV-H and software-based tools. Audinate will also showcase the power of the Dante Managed API, enabling automated routing for effortless operation—even for non-technical users like volunteers. The latest addition to the Dante AVIO line, the Dante AVIO Install series, was recently launched at ISE. This new series features Euroblock analog audio connectors, ensuring seamless integration with installed analog audio equipment. Additionally, it includes the Dante AVIO ClickGrid mounting system, offering flexible mounting options for racks, posts, and under-table configurations. This means broadcasters can now deploy Dante connectivity quickly and efficiently while maintaining a clutter-free install.

ENCO to Demonstrate New AI-Driven Voice Fingerprinting Solution

Within its West Hall booth W1743, ENCO will demonstrate a new AI-driven voice fingerprinting solution for its enCaption systems that detects and identifies each speaker in real-time, based on each speaker's unique vocal characteristics. ENCO’s new voice fingerprinting technology hits an entirely new benchmark through its AI-powered functionality, adding a novel function to the captioning and translation workflow through a single-stream audio mix that dynamically identifies each speaker.

ENCO will also support live stage captioning of panels and lectures for the fourth straight year, with enCaption services active on five stages across two exhibit halls. In addition to producing and presenting real-time, live captions on stage-adjacent displays, ENCO will for the first time offer real-time translations to mobile devices via its new enTranslate Mobile platform at the NAB Main Stage in the West Hall. There ENCO will translate live panels and presentations to Spanish, French, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese and German, made accessible to spectators via posted QR codes at the entrance.

ENCO’s Speaker Identification introduces another innovation to the company’s captioning systems. Based on ENCO’s latest AI implementation, enCaption identifies each speaker and then seamlessly inserts their names when identified, automatically labeling their captions in real-time. Each visual identification is based on speaker profiles added to the system for each presenter.

Christie to Demonstrate the Future of Virtual Production

Christie will showcase its Virtual Projection solution at JB&A’s Pre-NAB Technology Event on April 4-5 at The Horseshoe in Las Vegas.

With Virtual Projection, users can create a virtual production environment faster and at a fraction of the cost of big LED volumes. With technology that includes Christie RGB pure laser and hybrid RGB pure laser and laser phosphor projectors with a Mirage Pro license and Pandoras Box Server, virtual production is accessible, adaptable, and scalable, with superior image fidelity.

This cost-effective solution makes high-end production methods accessible to more creators in broadcast, film, and live events and provides them with a flexible solution and returns creative freedom and budget balance to the production process. For large or complex production designs, multi-projection arrays seamlessly align using Mystique Pro Venue Edition.

NAB SHOW DEBUT! Miri Technologies to Showcase X510 Dual-Cellular Bonding Router

Miri Technologies is ramping up for its NAB Show debut in Las Vegas, where the network technology startup will have its own booth for the first time. Exhibiting in booth W2801 in NAB's "Premiere Park" area, the company will showcase how its X510 dual-cellular bonding network router enables resilient, high-performance internet connectivity anywhere for live streaming, newsgathering, remote production and more. Miri is also rolling out a new "Try Before You Buy" program to allow potential customers in the United States to test the X510 in their environments before purchase.

Fast, stable internet connectivity is essential in today's professional media workflows, but many locations still suffer from service disruptions, speed limitations and inconsistent performance that can lead to lost viewers, missed moments and lost revenue. The Miri X510 router can combine multiple wired and wireless (4G, 5G, Starlink and Wi-Fi) data connections into one bonded link that provides resilience against internet outages while delivering exceptional performance even in remote locations with poor network coverage.

The Pro AV newsmaker blitz of 2025 didn't slow down. Starin made a couple big moves, Exertis Almo has a new partnership, and companies like Bose Professional are adding to their teams.

Here's what you may have missed last week. 

[All AV Network ISE Coverage in One Space!]

People News

3G Productions Continues to Expand Sales Team

West Coast-based live event production and systems integration services provider 3G Productions has bolstered its sales staff with two recent hires: Sebastian Yepes as director of accounts, and Juan Segovia as account manager.

Based in Orlando, Yepes comes to 3G after more than seven years with 4Wall Entertainment, most recently serving as the director of live Events. Prior to that, he spent three years as OPAV’s director of accounts, and has also worked for both ESPN and Telemundo Media, a division of NBCUniversal.

In his new role as director of accounts, Yepes is responsible for growing 3G’s business on the East Coast and in the touring market, especially within the Latin music industry, where 3G already has a solid presence and is looking to expand.

Segovia, who is located in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, also joins the company from 4Wall, where he has been both an account executive and project manager. His background further includes maritime AVL positions with Navalimpianti USA and Carnival Cruise Line Entertainment.

In his position as account manager, Segovia is leveraging his relationships and deepening 3G’s footprint on the East Coast, assisting Yepes to support their shared client base. Segovia is additionally be tasked with handling 3G’s growing used equipment sales business.

Bose Professional Expands Sales Leadership Team

Bose Professional has appointed Rick Renner as regional sales manager for the Central U.S. region and Tim Valley as regional sales manager for the Western U.S. region. Katie Stewart will be managing the Eastern U.S. region, as part of Bose Professional’s three-region approach to sales in North America. These strategic hires and appointments are part of Bose Professional’s continued commitment to strengthening its sales leadership and driving growth across the U.S. market.

Rick Renner joins Bose Professional with over 20 years of experience in the professional audio industry. He has held leadership roles at Sennheiser Electronic Corporation and Shure Incorporated, where he most recently served as senior director, professional audio U.S. In this role, Renner played a key part in building long-lasting partnerships with end users, channel partners, and artists, which resulted in record sales growth. 

Valley also brings over 20 years of experience in sales and management in the professional audio industry. He has held key positions at Shure Incorporated and BrightSign, where he most recently served as director of commercial sales. His expertise in team leadership and building customer relationships makes him an ideal fit for Bose Professional’s growing presence in the Western U.S. His career is marked by a focus on fostering deep connections with customers and advancing sales strategies that deliver results.

A.C. ProMedia Welcomes Kurt Metzler as Business Development Manager

A.C. ProMedia, distributor of products and solutions for the commercial and Pro AV installation markets, appointed Kurt Metzler as business development manager. In his new role, Metzler focuses on expanding the company’s presence by cultivating strong relationships with key accounts, providing comprehensive training to clients and sales representatives, and uncovering new growth opportunities. Additionally, he works closely with the supply chain department to streamline order processing and support marketing initiatives by representing the company at tradeshows, promotional events, and product demonstrations.

Metzler has a distinguished career spanning multiple decades in the pro audio industry. He has held roles at companies such as AVL Media Group, Powersoft Advanced Technologies, and Meyer Sound Labs, where he earned a reputation for driving sales, launching innovative products, and fostering lasting relationships with customers and industry stakeholders.

Nemal Electronics Adds New Sales Rep

Nemal hired Omar Newball as its new sales rep. Newball is a connectivity specialist with expertise in RF and fiber technologies, making him a trusted asset in projects requiring advanced communication and network solutions. His dedication and technical knowledge ensure seamless integration and outstanding results in every endeavor.

Newball is a highly skilled professional with over 20 years of experience in customer service, specializing in delivering exceptional support and fostering strong relationships with clients. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, his ability to connect with diverse clientele enhances his effectiveness in meeting their needs.

Shotoku Announces Leadership Developments 

Leadership is developing at Shotoku Broadcast Systems. The international manufacturer of easy-to-use and reliable robotic and manual camera support systems has announced significant changes in its product and sales management team. Clive Mumby has assumed the role of robotics product manager and Vishal Kagdada has stepped into Mumby’s former role as sales manager.  

Following seven years as Shotoku’s sales manager, Mumby is stepping into his new role. His 30-plus year career in both commercial and operational television environments, including tenures with international broadcasters and multiple broadcast equipment vendors, positions him perfectly to drive Shotoku’s ongoing product development.

Kagdada who joined Shotoku as technical sales manager in 2021 with a background in broadcast systems integration as well as the manufacture of precision engineering systems outside the broadcast market, plays an even greater role in supporting and growing Shotoku’s global customer base, drawn from some of the highest profile national and international broadcasters and governments.  

Company News

Exertis Almo Named National Distributor for MuxLab Professional Signal Distribution Solutions

Exertis Almo has been named Top National Distributor for MuxLab professional signal distribution solutions. Through this newly expanded relationship, Exertis Almo’s channel partners now have access to MuxLab’s complete portfolio of professional signal distribution products for Pro AV, AVoIP, Broadcast, Video Conferencing and Digital Signage, along with enhanced marketing, sales and support engagement to benefit the network.

Featured MuxLab Solutions available through Exertis Almo include:

• Muximus Control Software Solution: A fully customizable integrator control platform, which includes AVoIP, Digital Signage, Dante Audio, 3rd party devices and the MuxControl integrator interface designer to create end user tablet experiences.
• Seamless AVoIP Transceivers (4K30-4K60): The HDMI-over-IP PoE seamless transceivers are designed for AV streaming over LAN, WiFi and Internet. Designed for Commercial and Residential AV, Classroom Projector, Digital Signage, Boardroom, and Medical Information Systems.
•  KVM Control Room Solutions: Enables a single operator to control multiple computers in a control room environment using one keyboard, mouse, and monitor, switching seamlessly between different sources.

Starin's Big Week

Starin, The Farm AV, and Toolfarm will now operate under the global Midwich brand. This strategic alignment reflects the unified vision of these leading organizations to provide technology solutions to their partners and clients.

The rebranding signifies the culmination of a collaborative journey between these industry innovators, streamlining resources and expertise under the Midwich Group’s umbrella. Together, they aim to provide unparalleled service and support to integrators, resellers, and technology professionals, enhancing their ability to address evolving market demands.

Midwich will continue to focus on building profitable revenue and market share across three hardware technology growth pillars in the U.S.: unified communications and collaboration (UCC), media and entertainment, and integrated audio complementing this portfolio with recurring revenue solutions and services.

Starin also announced a new partnership with Absen. This strategic collaboration expands Starin’s product portfolio and delivering advanced LED solutions to the North American market. Together, Starin and Absen are poised to meet the increasing demand for LED technology, providing customers with innovative solutions, support, and a commitment to excellence. This partnership underscores Starin’s dedication to leading the AV industry and addressing the evolving needs of its clients.

“We are committed to serving our customers by recognizing and addressing their needs in this dynamic market segment,” said Tyler Brebberman, VP business management, Starin. “Partnering with Absen allows us to offer comprehensive LED solutions, aligning with our mission to deliver impactful, high-quality products that drive success for our clients.”

Audinate Announces New Partnerships

Heading into ISE 2025, Audinate announced that Sennheiser, Symetrix, and Powersoft have joined as new partners adopting Dante Media Encryption into Dante-enabled products. Dante Media Encryption protects the content of Dante media flows between devices using strong AES-256 encryption, safeguarding media from interception or unauthorized access.

Dante Media Encryption can be enabled via a firmware update for many existing Dante devices. Dante Media Encryption capabilities are fully compatible between updated devices in managed Dante networks.

 “We are pleased to partner with Audinate to bring Dante Media Encryption to market,” says Charlie Jones, senior partner relations manager, business communications, Sennheiser. “As an independent 3rd party working with over 600 manufacturers, Audinate is uniquely positioned in the industry to provide a manufacturer-agnostic, interoperable encryption solution that customers desire.” 

DigiValet Announces New Integration With Crestron Control Systems

DigiValet's hospitality solutions are now fully integrated with control systems from Crestron. This integration combines DigiValet’s guest experience solutions with advanced control and automation products from Crestron.

DigiValet’s tablet-based guest room solutions are installed in guest rooms at hotels across the globe, including Wynn Las Vegas, Raffles Singapore, Bulgari Paris, and St. Regis Maldives.

DigiValet offers comprehensive guest engagement and control, including lighting, shading, HVAC, hospitality television (including IPTV and OTT services), in-room dining ordering and PoS, housekeeping service requests through job dispatch systems, restaurant and spa reservation, and personalized messages and promotions.

LG and BrightSign Announce Alliance, Launch Integrated Digital Signage Solution

LG Electronics and BrightSign announced a collaboration resulting in a new series of LG ultra-high definition (UHD) digital signage displays running BrightSignOS. These displays will be available to U.S. customers in the second quarter of 2025, with international markets following.

The new LG 49, 55, and 65-inch UV5N series models will run the trusted BrightSignOS on LG’s powerful, embedded system-on-a-chip (SoC) multi-core processor. These displays are designed to transform content delivery and offer a wide variety of BrightSign partner content management system (CMS) solutions. They cater to a range of vertical markets, including transportation, retail, museums, hospitality, corporate, education, and healthcare. Businesses across industries are seeking to take control of content, create engaging customer experiences, and optimize the potential of signage applications. These true-integration signage solutions provide end users with real-time access to both BrightSignOS and the display.

Rise Announces Launch of Rise AV

Rise has launched Rise AV. Rise AV will build on the success of Rise Women in Broadcast (WIB), which was established in 2017 in the broadcast and media industry. With over 3,000 members worldwide, Rise has supported many women, advocates, and companies in technical, engineering, operations, marketing, sales, and executive roles through its programs.

The mission of Rise AV is to create an inclusive AV industry where gender diversity thrives, inspiring innovation, equity, and opportunity for all. It will focus on attracting and retaining talent, education and awareness, mentorship, and partnerships. In May 2025, Rise AV will introduce its first initiative in the U.K.—Rise AV Mentoring—a six-month dedicated program Global supporting women’s career and personal development. This will be led by Rise’s award-winning Mentoring Manager, Carla Maroussas.

Rise AV was founded by Rise’s Founder and CEO, Sadie Groom and Rachael Hamilton, who will become managing director. Hamilton has 18 years of experience in the AV sector, having previously been brand director of AV Magazine. She then founded IAR, the AV industry’s first business and marketing consultancy.

VigilLink Announces New Partnership with TecNec Distributing

TecNec Distributing and VigilLink announced a new partnership designed to expand TecNec’s offerings with VigilLink’s innovative AV-over-IP solutions. This collaboration aims to deliver AV products to system integrators, dealers, and rental houses across the Pro AV, broadcast, and pro audio industries. TecNec will distribute VigilLink’s full line of products.

Through this partnership, TecNec will leverage its 30 years of expertise as a premier value-added distributor, providing VigilLink’s innovative fiber optic and AV over IP solutions to its extensive network. VigilLink continues to extend its reach in the Pro AV market, focusing on environments where reliability, speed, efficiency, and security are critical.

Yamaha ProVisionaire Plan Collaborates With XTEN-AV

 Yamaha has announced a collaboration between the company’s new ProVisionaire Plan software, which brings intuitive ease and speed to designing and configuring professional conferencing systems, and XTEN-AV, a cloud-based, AI-powered professional AV design platform.

ProVisionaire Plan is a browser-based tool which allows users to enter basic information, such as the dimensions of a room, then automatically chooses and arranges equipment to deliver an optimal audio solution. The results are presented visually, including a 3D view which allows investors to clearly imagine the system they are investing in.

The new collaboration will see ProVisionaire Plan seamlessly integrated into XTEN-AV's AV TOOLS function. This enables not only product searches, but also the seamless integration of automated equipment selection tailored to specific projects. Providing users with a one-stop experience, it will further accelerate audio system design, reducing overall workload and costs.

It's hard to believe ISE 2025 is just about a week away. We're here to make sure you stay up to date with the latest ISE 2025 news. Before the showfloor opens its doors in Barcelona from Feb. 4-7. 2025, AV Network is highlighting new products and anticipated debuts from Pro AV's community. 

Today, check out Kramer's new speakers, Christie's 'Experience is everything," Kordz bevy of new solutions, what Adam Hall Group is up to, and the latest audio enhancements from Audinate. 

[ISE 2025: The Must-Attend Event for the Pro AV Industry]

Kramer to Showcase New PoE-Powered Dante Speakers and High-End Installed Audio Portfolio

Kramer recently released its new line of premium speakers. This broad portfolio includes PoE-powered Dante speakers alongside other innovative models, delivering exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and simplified installation for professional environments and will be on display at ISE 2025. 

This portfolio introduces PoE-powered Dante speakers, which enable seamless integration into networked AV systems. These soakers reduce installation complexity and wiring requirements, making them a perfect fit for modern installations. Each PoE-powered Dante speaker has a corresponding passive model with the same industrial design and sound profile, allowing system integrators to mix and match speakers while maintaining consistent sound quality and a cohesive look across installations.

The new speakers are part of Kramer’s broader audio portfolio, which also includes DSPs and amplifiers, offering professionals a complete and integrated solution for diverse audio needs. The speaker product range features wall-mounted, ceiling, and pendant models in various form factors, designed to suit varied environments.

Adam Hall Integrated Systems Presents Integrated Audio, Lighting, and Control Solution

Adam Hall Integrated Systems will introduce the new update for LD Systems QUESTRA. With version 1.3, the design and management software platform makes it possible to do a variety of things, including the ability to integrate third-party solutions for the control and automation of network-based installation solutions. Other highlights include the IP67 fixtures from the Cameo DURA series as well as the expansion of the DQOR speaker series to include dedicated subwoofer models for permanently installed indoor and outdoor use.

QUESTRA 1.3 Update: Control Commercial Audio and Lighting Solutions. QUESTRA 1.3 is designed to be a one-stop solution for specialist planners and installation service providers. Users can now configure and manage audio, lighting, and video technology using a centralized software platform. A new, centralized system architecture and the use of nodes provide the basis for the much wider array of functions in QUESTRA. The Logic Nodes enable modular programming and time-based automation, and they provide extended integration options and seamless management of integrated devices. The Calender Node, for instance, is suitable for complex scheduling tasks, whilst the Network Command Node enables third-party control via TCP, UDP, and HTTP.

LD Systems DQOR SUB 8: Installation Subwoofer for Indoor and Outdoor Use. The LD Systems DQOR series is now complete thanks to the introduction of its own subwoofer models. The new DQOR SUB 8 is equipped with an 8-inch woofer and a 10-inch passive cone and is available in three versions for flexible use: as a passive model (DQOR SUB 8) for outdoor use, as an active model (DQOR SUB 8A) with integrated 250W power amplifier for indoor use, and as an IP55-capable, active Dante solution (DQOR SUB 8D).
 
Cameo DURA: High-Performance Solutions for Demanding Architectural Lighting. The IP67 fixtures in the DURA series from Cameo are suitable for accentuating buildings, facades, and art objects. With the DURA SPOT RGBW spots in four different light outputs and the DURA LINE RGBW linear fixtures in two different lengths (50 cm/100 cm), the DURA series provides the right solution for almost any creative application and environment. Whether for architectural and lighting designers or for building owners who want to showcase their properties in a professional manner, the hard-wearing DURA series offers flexible, energy-efficient lighting solutions that impressively highlight any project.

Audinate to Showcase Enhanced Solutions

Audinate will be showcasing the Dante AVIO Install series of adapters available in 2-channel analog input and output versions. These adapters are designed for seamless integration into installed Dante-enabled systems, delivering reliable, high-quality audio performance tailored to the Pro AV market.

The Dante AVIO Install series seamlessly integrates legacy analog equipment and enables new connections. With Euroblock connectors, installation-friendly mounting options, and excellent audio performance, these adapters empower installers to deploy high-quality audio systems with confidence and ease.

Also on display in Hall 2, stand 2S700 will be the new telemetry monitoring and retention features in its cloud-based SaaS tool, Dante Director. Dante Director now enables the collection and retention of device latency for up to 30 days, viewable in a convenient time-series chart that displays latency spikes as they occurred. 

Experience Creativity and Christie Integrated Solutions

Christie and its partners will demonstrate how technologies work together to deliver immersive and interactive experiences at ISE 2025. Christie will present its most extensive showcase of AV technology to date across two stands in Hall 3–3K500 and 3C400—under the theme ‘Experience is everything’.

At booth 3K500, a fully interactive floor-to-ceiling projection mapped room, created by Christie partner Augmenta, will combine audio and visual elements to stunning effect. Attendees can interact with content projected on the walls and floor of the room driven by Pandoras Box media server. Monitors will also display tracking data and reveal how the technology dynamically responds to attendees’ movements.

Christie’s newest addition to its 3DLP, native 4K lineup of projectors—the Sapphire 4K40-RGBH, will be stacked and displayed in a rear projection application using a screen provided by Stewart Filmscreen. Visitors can experience a striking demonstration of projection mapping onto an ornamental temple façade using two Christie Griffyn 4K50-RGB pure laser projectors and Christie Mystique automated alignment and recalibration technology.

Kordz to LaunchNew Outdoor, USB-C and Next Generation HDMI Cables at ISE 2025

Kordz is launching a bevy of new solutions at at Stand 2E310, including outdoor-rated Cat6 cables, advanced USB-C cable solutions, and a series of enhanced HDMI offerings.

Kordz is expanding its networking line with a new range of professional grade, outdoor-rated network cables. Debuting at ISE 2025 are three new products: for above-ground outdoor installations the PRO SlimCat Cat6 U/UTP Outdoor Network Cable and ONE Cat6 U/UTP Outdoor Network Cable, and for below-ground, ONE Cat6 U/UTP Direct Burial Network Cable.

[USB-C and AVoIP]

Kordz is also launching at ISE 2025 its first-ever USB-C cabling products. The introduction of its PRO Active Optical USB-C cable and PRO Passive USB-C cable marks Kordz’ highly anticipated entry into this rapidly growing market, given the brand was built upon resolving many of the industry’s early-stage HDMI cabling woes. Kordz’ new full-featured USB4 Gen2 and USB3.2 Gen2 USB-C cables aim to once again help the industry overcome the many current challenges of USB-C connectivity by delivering reliable, hassle-free connectivity that meets the demanding AV and power requirements professional integrators encounter today.

Kordz will also release a series of upgrades debuting at ISE 2025. Leading the charge is the new PRO4 HDMI range, the next generation of its best-selling PRO3 series, delivering enhanced performance and reliability for professional AV installations. Designed by integrators for integrators through the unique “Kordzification” process, new PRO4 Active Optical HDMI cables support data rates of 48Gbps across large distances without external power, ensuring reliable performance for even the most advanced AV systems. 

Audinate has launched Dante Virtual Soundcard Pro (DVS Pro). This innovative software solution offers audio professionals enhanced performance and workflow flexibility. Building on the foundation of the Dante platform, DVS Pro expands the possibilities for demanding audio environments with higher channel capacity, integration into virtualized environments, and versatile installation options.

Dante Virtual Soundcard Pro equips users with a comprehensive set of features to address even the most complex audio challenges, empowering professionals across live sound, studio recording, broadcast, and commercial AV applications.

[Doubling Down on Dante]

Key features include:

• Expanded Channel Capacity at Higher Sample Rates: Support for up to 128x128 channels at 96 kHz ensures impeccable clarity and nuance throughout the signal chain.
• Enhanced Device Connectivity: Seamlessly connect with a broader array of Dante-enabled devices with up to 64 flows, providing flexibility and the ability to scale their systems.
• Virtual Machine Installation: Expand deployment possibilities with compatibility for virtual environments.
• Reliable Synchronization for Software-Driven Audio Workflows: Clock leader and unicast clocking support enables Dante audio to operate entirely in software-based environments.
• Flexible Licensing Options: Transferable licenses provide convenience and adaptability for evolving workflows.
• Cross-Platform Support: Available for both Mac and Windows, fitting into any professional setup.

Dante Virtual Soundcard Pro transforms any PC or Mac into a powerful Dante-enabled device. By utilizing the computer’s standard wired network connection, the software eliminates the need for additional hardware, making it ideal for applications such as live and studio multitrack recording, media playback, conference systems, lecture capture, and collaborative production. 

[CES Keynote: SiriusXM CEO, 'Crime Junkie' Podcast Host Explore Audio Evolution]

“As the audio industry shifts towards networked, software-based solutions, Dante Virtual Soundcard Pro leads the way in delivering accessible, scalable, and high-fidelity connectivity,” said Will Waters, principal product manager at Audinate. “With expanded channel capacity, higher sample rates, and features like virtual machine installation and unicast clocking, DVS Pro gives audio professionals the flexibility they need to seamlessly bridge traditional hardware and evolving software workflows—all within the familiar Dante environment they trust.”

Audinate has released Dante Studio v2.6 software and Dante AV-H v1.5 technology. Both updates, now available for download, support multichannel video with up to four video Rx channels, delivering enhanced control and functionality to meet the growing demand for versatile AV solutions across industries.

Designed to support a range of applications—from unified communications and education to live events—these latest releases add multichannel functionality, enabling rich, multi-angle video experiences suited to corporate meetings, classrooms, and live streaming environments. Dante AV seamlessly integrates with existing Dante audio systems, while Dante Domain Manager or Dante Director can offer centralized control, robust monitoring, and user access management. These products empower decision-makers to deploy AV solutions with confidence, knowing they have secure, reliable, and scalable technology that easily adapts to growing demands—all within the trusted Dante platform.

[Doubling Down on Dante]

“We’re taking significant strides to simplify and enhance video workflows across a broad spectrum of industries," said Will Waters, principal product manager at Audinate. "By enabling multichannel video integration directly into applications on PCs and offering OEMs a seamless way to incorporate multi-angle video into their solutions, we’re delivering tools that empower operators to create richer, more dynamic AV experiences. Whether in corporate, educational, or live-event settings, these updates open new possibilities for effective communication, collaboration, and creative production."

Dante Studio v2.6 brings Dante video directly to PCs, eliminating the need for extra hardware like capture cards. This release allows operators, video producers, and AV managers to receive and manage up to four Dante AV-H video streams, providing new functionality for video conferencing, streaming, and recording.

[Intimacy and Connections: The Evolution of Audio]

For OEMs building products for professional AV applications, Dante AV-H technology delivers a rapid time to market and cost-effective solution for H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC SoC-based video products. This latest release with 4 video Rx channels enables Dante AV-H to be built into new product categories like multichannel decoders, video switchers, vision mixers, and multi-viewers. This functionality enables seamless real-time video transitions, which are ideal for a variety of verticals within the Pro AV Industry. The firmware update is available to all Dante AV-H devices, new and in the field.

Audinate, developer of the Dante AV-over-IP solution, has enhanced its Dante Controller with a significant update. The application has long been a reliable tool for IT and AV managers to route signals, monitor latency, and diagnose network issues, and this update provides a modern look to match the power of the underlying functionality. 

[Doubling Down on Dante]

The open and easy-to-use routing matrix and entirely new graphic design make it more pleasing for users who spend their valuable time with the application. “This release addresses the most commonly requested feature of Dante Controller—that it can’t easily be used in a dimly lit room,” said Laurence Crew, senior product manager of Audinate. “Even if we hadn’t overhauled the visual representation of everything else in the application, Dark Mode is easily the most welcomed feature of the release. We look forward to our users getting their hands on this release to further spark their joy with the Dante platform.”

[SCN Top 50 Systems Integrators 2024]

Dante Controller is an easy to learn and powerful tool that enables interoperable signal routing, control and network diagnostics between the over 4000 Dante-enabled audio and video devices currently available from over 600 different manufacturers. 

AJA Video Systems has been delivering Dante-based solutions since 2020. AJA Product Manager Damian Horne talks with SCN content director Mark J. Pescatore about the advantages of a Dante-based workflow for churches, schools, and live event venues — and how AJA’s recently enhanced Dante AV 4K-T transmitters and 4K-R receivers can improve that workflow.

AudioControl is incorporating Dante network connectivity into the Director Model M4800D multizone amplifier, eight-channel platform. The AudioControl Director Model M4800D combines 100 watts/8-Ohms, 200 watts/4-Ohms of output into an 8x4 stereo matrix that extracts clarity and detail from any loudspeaker, plus onboard DSP (digital signal processing) including graphic and parametric equalization by zone. The M4800D allows for the ability to bridge channels, giving integrators configuration flexibility for any imaginable system design.

[The Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV]

“Dante technology built into AudioControl’s best-in-class high-power amplifier lineup enables integrators to deliver the clarity of uncompressed audio over a standard IP network using readily available CAT5e, CAT6 or fiber optic cable with near-zero latency,” explained Steve Haas, director of product development at AudioControl. “Factor in the matrix switching and DSP features of the Director Model M4800D, all engineered into a compact 1U chassis, and this amplifier represents the ultimate multi-zone solution for AV professionals.”

[How Dante Is Redefining Audio Excellence at Apogee Studio]

AudioControl’s DSP engine also offers an expanding library of onboard custom digital profiles tailored for popular architectural loudspeakers, enabling integrators to quickly fine-tune each zone for ultimate performance. The M4800D also features full matrix audio capability from any of the eight analog/digital inputs to any output across single or multiple amplifier channels. The Director Model M4800D delivers AudioControl’s known audio performance while utilizing minimal rack space.

Let's face it: As an industry buzzword, AV-over-IP is often used as an overarching term to cover many diverse technologies. It's no wonder that many AV customers—and the professionals that serve them—find it confusing. Before your commit to an AVoIP installation, here are some important areas to consider and clarify.

[The Integration Guide to AVoIP 2024]

First, it's important to convey that there is no “one-size-fits-all” AVoIP solution. Steven Barlow, president of DVIGear, said many people overcomplicate the physical architecture of AVoIP systems. “For the majority of systems, it’s simply a matter of choosing the appropriate size network switch and then adding an endpoint for each source and display device. Everything beyond that is done in software," he explained. “The system will deliver the most value when its capabilities are leveraged as much as possible."

Budgets and Bandwidth

Budget is always a good jumping-off point, as it can help determine the system’s capabilities and infrastructure. When choosing a system, experts advise focusing on resolution, image quality, latency, and power consumption. “Don’t be shy to compare products and make manufacturers prove the capabilities, serviceability, and image quality,” said Paul Harris, CEO and CTO with Aurora Multimedia.

There is also a correlation between needs and budgets. "Low latency and the highest quality require a lot of bandwidth,” said Joshua Rush, chief marketing officer for Audinate, which is known for its Dante AV solutions. “But if you’re streaming content to YouTube, you can choose a lower-cost, lower-bandwidth solution because of the higher compression requirements.” 

Bandwidth can also impact cost, with infrastructure requirements becoming much more expensive as bandwidth needs increase. For example, if you’re looking for a 10 Gb solution, your cabling will become more complex compared to a 1 Gb solution—and what is required will become more specific. A 1 Gb solution can also allow you to use existing infrastructure more often than a 10 Gb solution. There may also be additional fees to certify cabling to guarantee it will support 10 Gb installations and beyond. 

“Everything has to be perfect for the 10-gig plus solution to perform how I want it to,” offered Keith Yandell, VP of innovation with AVI Systems. “Whereas a 1-gig solution can weather some poor cable quality a little better.” 

[The ABCs of AVoIP, Part 1]

Avoiding Traffic Jams

Even the term "streaming video" can be confusing, with many equating the term to services like Hulu or Netflix or media players like Roku. Audinate feels AVoIP is a more accurate description of their offerings. “We transport high-quality content with extremely low latency within the room, like a church sanctuary or lecture hall, out to an overflow room—or bring audio and video into the computer, which then streams to remote participants,” said Rush.

The industry is also fighting against many other assumptions about the technology, such as it's more complex than point-to-point connections, as well as security fears about allowing AV devices to talk to cloud services. “Some people still wrongly equate 'network' with Wi-Fi signals dropping out and having to reboot their home routers, so they don’t have confidence that networked AV solutions are reliable,” said Rush. 

Another thing to remember is the importance of a properly configured network that can handle multicast traffic, which many customers struggle with because they outsource their route switch environments. Knowing there is nuance to multicast traffic is important to ensure you don't encounter issues when launching the system. "We'll hear, it's ready, we're fine," said Yandell. "We'll deploy a solution and crash their network because they didn't set it up correctly."

Network typology and setup can also be challenging, and configuring the various brands requires education to know which IP devices work well together. “It is not as simple as plugging the CAT cable or fiber into the switch," said Harris. “A person needs to understand the movement of data over the uplinks, PoE requirements, VLAN, unregistered multicast, jumbo packets, QOS, and much more. At the end of the day, you can make an AV-over-IP product easy to use, but the network switch and cable integrity are key.”

Even though any new technology or approach can be scary for those with limited experience, network-based solutions are the way forward and have been considered reliable by most for quite some time now. With comprehensive training and expanded service offerings, the industry will break down some of the confusion concerning AVoIP, leading to more successful adoption by all.

AVoIP Innovators

Through Audinate's leadership in the space, there is now, more than ever before, a massive interoperable ecosystem, making it easier to find interoperable audio and video devices for every application. Based on common IT standards, Dante devices from any manufacturer can run alongside data traffic on networks comprised of conventional switches and cabling.

"Unlike proprietary methods of solving the challenges of AV-over-IP that can become outdated with evolving Ethernet standards, Dante's approach allows it to adapt to new networking technologies and bandwidth requirements," said Rush.

[The Dante (R)evolution]

The industry has become very familiar with Dante’s tools, which support everything from single-room systems to large-scale deployments. This has helped with the overall adoption of AVoIP due to its ability to be proven to run at scale and operate as a good network citizen.

Known as one of the largest ecosystems in the Pro AV industry, HDBaseT provides increased options for installers and system integrators, offering secure and long-reaching AV signal distribution. It is known for easy setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting, which makes it easy for many users to navigate.

Plus, with a large install base and the fact that it is embedded within many devices like projectors, screens, and PTZ cameras as a native connectivity port like an HDMI or USB interface, it operates as plug and play. “As AV becomes so deeply entrenched in our workflows, these aspects become very important when choosing a connectivity technology,” said Effi Goldstein, president of HDBaseT. 

NDI, which allows users to move high-quality, real-time video, audio, and bidirectional metadata over standard Ethernet networks without cumbersome point-to-point cabling, has become a popular choice in the AVoIP spectrum. Unlike many other AVoIP technologies, it operates entirely in software without reliance on hardware. Many AV technologies, including cameras and broadcast and software tools, support NDI I/O.

“Many of these tools are adaptable for use in cloud environments,” said Nick Mariette, director of product management at NDI. “For basic functionalities, such as screen capture, monitoring, or even NDI Bridge—which allows you to transport NDI between software or hardware tools located in separate networks, including WANs or the Internet—there is likely an NDI tool available to meet the need.” 

[NDI Reigns over AVoIP Protocols]

NDI recently introduced its latest upgrade, NDI 6, which adds 10-bit color depth, marking a first for the platform. “NDI 6 marks a significant enhancement in video quality by upgrading NDI transport from 8-bit color depth to higher color depths that now support formats such as NDI High Bandwidth and HX3, which offer 10‑bit quality," Mariette added.

Another week in Pro AV has passed and another acquisition made headlines, as did an LG and Mo-Sys partnership.

Convergint acquired Esscoe, a provider of mission-critical security and fire and life safety systems in the Chicago and Midwest regions, enabling Convergint to accelerate growth across the Midwestern U.S.—building on Esscoe’s long-standing reputation for delivering innovative solutions to its customers. Read the full story here. 

LG Electronics acquired a stake in Mo-Sys Engineering. The strategic seed investment and partnership will expand LG Business Solution’s capabilities in the virtual production and broadcasting technology segments, enabling LG to deliver a more comprehensive lineup of sophisticated hardware and software-based solutions, according to Ki-mun Paik, SVP and head of the Information Display business unit of LG Business Solutions Company. You can read our full coverage here. 

Here's what you missed. 

[On Your Business: Sales Is Not a Four-Letter Word]

People News

Kira Baca Appointed CRO for Newly Merged Fabric x Xytech Entity

The newly combined entity of Fabric and Xytech Systems, currently known as Fabric x Xytech, appointed Kira Baca as chief revenue officer (CRO). With over 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment (M&E) services and technology sector, Baca plays a pivotal role in driving revenue strategies and spearheading growth initiatives for the combined organization.

Baca’s impressive career includes leadership roles at Technicolor Creative Services, SDI Media (now Iyuno), Sony NMS, and Rightsline, where she was instrumental in revenue growth and global expansion. Most recently, she served as chief revenue officer at Atelier Creative Technologies, where she developed a new go-to-market strategy and established the global teams for sales, business development and strategic partnership teams. Throughout her career, Baca has managed global client accounts for major entertainment companies, orchestrated international mergers, and secured transformative technology deals. In August 2023, she was appointed to the Board of Directors for Fabric and has been closely collaborating with Rob Delf and the team during their rapid growth and market expansion.    

Follow-Me appoints Thijs Bruins as Global Sales Manager

Follow-Me, manufacturers of high-end performer tracking solutions for lighting, immersive audio, video mapping and stage automation applications, appointed Thijs Bruins as global sales manager.

Bruins oversees the Follow-Me global sales network, aligning existing partners, expanding the network to improve customer experience and providing a strong base for the company’s future growth. He has a wealth of technical expertise, starting out at a young age as a lighting technician and continuing to juggle this freelance work and training, Bruins moved on to the role of manager of special projects at Trekwerk, before joining TAIT as business development manager where oversaw the growth of TAIT’s presence in Europe through the pandemic.

Peter Thomsen Appointed as Commercial Director at nxtedition

nxtedition appointed of Peter Thomsen as its new commercial director. With an impressive track record in the international media industry, Thomsen brings a wealth of expertise to nxtedition.

Thomsen’s career in media technology began with NTP Technology, where he developed his technical expertise in audio solutions and broadcast infrastructure. He then transitioned to Danmon Systems where he excelled in systems integration, project management, and business development. His success in driving business growth at Danmon positioned him to lead the establishment of Qvest’s operations in the Nordics, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence and delivering innovative media technology solutions.

RCF Appoints Manager of Installed Sound and System Designs

RCF has appointed Jim Reed to the newly created position manager of installed sound and system designs. In his new position, Jim Reed is tasked with spearheading business development in the permanent integration market sector, including working with integrators on system design, and serving as liaison between RCF’s U.S. operation and the headquarters in Italy, reinforcing the ongoing development of market-driven products for the system integration market sector.

From the start of his time with RCF in sales and products support, Reed drew upon his history in the audio industry working as an A1 audio technician, FOH engineer, and installation project manager for several AV companies to quickly establish himself as the lead product specialist for the U.S. With a primary focus on the installation and larger production company markets, he developed a range of training and instructional materials for RCF, including videos and in-person training seminars, covering topics from basic audio theory to comprehensive system design. His expertise extends to on-site product demonstrations and sales training seminars for some of the largest AV retailers in the U.S.

From the start of his time with RCF in sales and products support, Reed drew upon his rich history in the audio industry working as an A1 audio technician, FOH engineer, and installation project manager for several AV companies to quickly establish himself as the lead product specialist for the U.S. With a primary focus on the installation and larger production company markets, he developed a range of training and instructional materials for RCF, including videos and in-person training seminars, covering topics from basic audio theory to comprehensive system design. His expertise extends to on-site product demonstrations and sales training seminars for some of the largest AV retailers in the U.S.

USSI Global Welcomes Christina Murgo

USSI Global has added an experienced AV and digital signage professional to its leadership team as the company prepares for business growth in a thriving industry sector. Christina Murgo joined USSI Global’s Digital Signage and Technology Group as director of sales and business development, leading a new initiative to bring the company’s enterprise-level project management model to a broader customer base. 

Murgo is tasked with applying USSI Global’s proven model to meet the needs of medium-to-large digital signage networks that can benefit from a turnkey approach. That includes developing custom service plans and select value-added services that align with the capital budgets of each customer and preserve the long-term integrity of the technology and infrastructure. Murgo’s 25 years of experience across diverse roles with NEC, Scala and AVI-SPL provide the foundation for success in an exciting role.

SMPTE’s David Grindle to Conclude Term as Executive Director

David Grindle will conclude his term as the SMPTE’s executive director on Oct. 18. Grindle has served SMPTE in this role for two years, guiding its ongoing evolution and growth in supporting professionals across the industry. Collaborating with staff, volunteers, members, and the SMPTE Board of Governors, he has played a central role in making the Society more accessible and valuable to its global membership—from students and early career professionals to well-established creatives, engineers, and executives working in media and entertainment.

[ST 2110: An Introduction]

As executive director, Grindle led SMPTE in launching new products and educational initiatives designed to bring added benefits to both individual members and corporate partners. The Society’s achievements during his tenure include making standards and self-study courses available free on demand to members, expanding outreach to students and new entrants to the industry, amplifying the organization’s focus on global membership, introducing simpler and more flexible options for membership, and realizing cost reductions and greater operational efficiency. True to form, Grindle also inspired the Society’s members to learn how to tie a bow tie in raising money for the SMPTE Education Fund.

Through technical conferences, industry events and partnerships, and its continually expanding offering of timely educational programs and courses, SMPTE has helped a wide array of media professionals to further their knowledge and careers. To this end, notable accomplishments during Grindle’s tenure include supporting the regionalization of the various German SMPTE Student Chapters, creating a larger cohort and expanding the potential reach of each university’s program; adding Clark Atlanta University, the first HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) to join the SMPTE Student Chapter family; further augmenting the educational resources and solutions available through SMPTE Rapid Industry Solutions (RIS) initiatives; and launching training courses focused on practical knowledge for IP-based media operations.

Company News

Calrec, LAMA, Lawo, Gallery Sienna, and Telos Alliance Join the Dante Ecosystem

Audinate welcomed new cloud-based solutions from Calrec, Gallery Sienna, LAMA, Lawo, and Telos Alliance to the growing list of applications that support native Dante audio in cloud-based production workflows. The recently released SDK for Dante Connect enables software developers to build Dante audio transmission and reception natively into their cloud-based applications. 

[Head in the Cloud(s)]

Calrec, Gallery Sienna, LAMA, Lawo, and Telos Alliance join the expanding ecosystem of cloud-based software applications to choose direct integration of Dante into their applications. Integrating Dante directly into cloud-based applications enables end customers to connect any existing Dante hardware or software to cloud-based software applications using Dante Connect. 

These new Dante integrations give broadcasters and audio engineers a vast array of new products to choose from when building cloud-based Dante audio production workflows. 

BrightSign Partners with Praevar

Praevar, a manufacturer of intelligent outdoor displays and kiosks, has partnered BrightSign. The collaboration will put BrightSign’s technology inside outdoor and semi-outdoor digital signage and digital out-of-home (OOH) displays.

Since 2016, Praevar has designed and manufactured indoor and outdoor displays for many OOH media companies. The company will combine its commercial-grade displays with the power of BrightSign’s System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solution, BrightSign Built-In. This will transform Praevar’s high-brightness Placard and Podium series displays into all-in-one visual messaging and marketing solutions that users can easily deploy and manage.

The solution meets the growing demand for smart commercial displays with built-in media playback, storage, and management capabilities. It also empowers retailers to extend marketing reach outside the physical limits of brick-and-mortar stores to windowfronts, sidewalks, concourses, and plazas of retail and mixed-use environments.

Since 2016, Praevar has designed and manufactured indoor and outdoor displays for many OOH media companies. The company will combine its commercial-grade displays with the power of BrightSign’s System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solution, BrightSign Built-In. This will transform Praevar’s high-brightness Placard and Podium series displays into all-in-one visual messaging and marketing solutions that users can easily deploy and manage.

Cinegy and Scale Logic to Announce Strategic Partnership

Cinegy and Scale Logic announced a strategic partnership at IBC 2024. The two companies will be working together to extend Cinegy’s presence in the United States and elsewhere, allowing Cinegy to take advantage of Scale Logic’s technical expertise, reseller network and extensive media customer base. U.S.-based and other global customers will be able to acquire complete turnkey media solutions based on Cinegy software and the comprehensive range of hardware and technical competence provided by the long-established and well-respected Scale Logic team.

Scale Logic will be providing integrated solutions for all aspects of broadcast and AV, based around Cinegy’s Archive, Desktop, Capture, Air and Multiviewer applications installed on best-of-breed server, storage and networking solutions.

Boom, TD SYNNEX Ink Major North American Distribution Deal

Videoconferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration is partnering with TD SYNNEX. Boom’s complete range of high performance cameras, audio and connectivity hardware will be distributed by TD SYNNEX across the United States and Canada.

Per Boom founder Fredrik Hörnkvist, Boom’s MAGNA Pro 4K PTZ camera and innovative HALO, AURA, and UNO videobars are set to become some of the company’s most popular product linest. He also outlined how the new Boom ZYGO multi-connectivity hub will create even more sales opportunities for TD SYNNEX customers. Fellow founder Holli Hulett says the company’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) technology ethos and platform agnostic approach will help further drive demand.

“TD SYNNEX is committed to empowering innovative partners to achieve great outcomes with technology,” said Sandi Stambaugh, SVP of vendor business management at TD SYNNEX. “With Boom added to our comprehensive portfolio of vendor partners, we’re able to enrich the breadth and depth of our offerings so customers can continue to accelerate their business and unlock growth for the future.”

Specifi Partners with Nice North America

Specifi announced a new integration with Nice North America, a subsidiary of Nice. The new collaboration, which follows recent successful integrations with brands including Snap One and Masimo Consumer Audio, will empower Nice dealers to create compelling proposals, which enhance client communications through the client portal, and bolster their online presence with Specifi WebBuilder. Additionally, Nice will introduce Specifi’s Builder Tech-Marketing Solutions to their builder and integrator partners. These powerful marketing tools include the creation of builder microsites and proposals that showcase home technology standards and options, simplifying the presentation and sale of tech options through builders.

Matrox Video Appoints Intronics to Serve as Distributor

Matrox Video has a new partnership with value-added distributor (VAD) Intronics, a Netherlands-based specialist in IT, AV, KVM, and industrial custom connectivity solutions. Intronics will focus on supplying Matrox Video's AV-over-IP infrastructure solutions, including the Matrox ConvertIP Series of IPMX/ST 2110-ready encoders, decoders, and converters and the Matrox Maevex 7100 and 6100 Series of encoders and decoders, to customers in Spain and the Benelux region.

[ST 2110: An Introduction]

With headquarters in Barneveld, offices in Belgium and Spain, and additional sales forces throughout Europe, Intronics supplies standard stock products as well as customer-specific solutions in and beyond the Benelux region. The company provides further value through pre- and post-sales technical support, training, and more.

Haivision MCS Awarded $61.2 Million Production Agreement by U.S. Navy

Haivision MCS, a subsidiary of Haivision, was awarded a significant five-year production agreement by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), with an estimated total value of $61.2 million USD (approximately $82 million CAD). This strategic agreement positions Haivision at the forefront of delivering combat visualization and video distribution systems for the U.S. Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet. 

Under this new production agreement, Haivision MCS will provide to the U.S. Navy a comprehensive suite of Haivision ultra-high performance video processing solutions for mission-critical display along with video transcoding, storage, and distribution components. These systems will be integral to the Navy's Combat Information Centers (CICs) across various surface combatant vessels, enhancing situational awareness and mission planning capabilities. The advanced visualization technology is designed to support the Navy’s future combat systems, including those planned for AEGIS Destroyers (DDGs), Aircraft Carriers (CVNs), Amphibious Ships (LHDs, LHA, LPDs), Frigates (FFGs), Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs), and the next-generation United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutters, among other critical applications. Haivision’s next-generation systems will play a pivotal role in supporting mission-critical applications by delivering superior situational awareness throughout the ship.   

This award builds upon Haivision's ongoing success with the U.S. Navy’s CANES (Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services) program, which already leverages Haivision’s real-time video encoding, transcoding, recording, and playback technology for ship-wide video distribution.

Grass Valley and ES Broadcast Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement

Grass Valley reached a strategic partnership agreement (SPA) with ES Broadcast. This agreement marks the continuation and expansion of a long-standing relationship that has flourished over more than a decade, positioning both companies for further growth and success.

The agreement entails a multi-million-dollar annual spend by ES Broadcast across Grass Valley's extensive product portfolio, including live production infrastructure, cameras, and switchers. ES Broadcast, recognized as the first AMPP-certified partner globally, will also emphasize the expansion of the AMPP Platform as a key component of its strategic focus.

ES Broadcast, with a presence in the U.K., mainland Europe, and the United States, is a global business known for its sales and systems integration, as well as its expansive hire business. The company rents Grass Valley camera systems to major sporting, news, and entertainment events across the globe, further solidifying Grass Valley's presence in the industry.

ES Broadcast's commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through its status as an Authorized Service Provider (ASP) for Grass Valley in the U.K., Ireland, Spain, and through its Crosspoint Spain division. This ensures that customers receive certified, knowledgeable, and experienced support services, a crucial component of the ongoing growth strategy for both companies.

Audinate and Lawo are collaborating to bring Dante audio and video technologies  into Lawo’s HOME Apps. This will include the provision of native discovery and management mechanisms for Dante devices and software as well as access to Dante audio and video within Lawo’s HOME management platform.

For seamless interoperability, Lawo intends to integrate Dante APIs and SDKs for access to control, management, and media signals for Dante networks directly into HOME. To this end, Lawo will also introduce new Dante Importer (southbound) and Dante Exporter (northbound) services into, and out of, HOME, which will be similar to the approach Lawo developed for the interaction between HOME-native and NMOS-compatible devices.

[The Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV]

This underscores the importance of the Dante network protocol in the studio, install, and live-sound sectors and will enable the coexistence of the Dante and RAVENNA protocols on a microservice-based application level. Already available for audio hardware by means of Dante cards installed in a Lawo Power Core modular I/O and DSP gateway, the envisaged integration will now be extended to HOME Apps and also include Dante AV video signals.

The most obvious benefit of this collaboration will be the ability to mix a diverse pool of audio sources (Dante, SMPTE ST2110, NDI, SRT, and RAVENNA) with Lawo’s HOME mc² DSP app controlled from an mc² audio or crystal broadcast console, or a headless mixer setup.

[ST 2110: An Introduction]

HOME Apps’ Dante integration is expected to provide interoperability and agility for a diverse range of Dante-enabled sources and destinations, such as power amplifiers, immersive audio speaker arrays, and more. 

“The integration of Dante into HOME Apps is an important milestone for Lawo’s open, unified HOME platform,” stated Jamie Dunn, Lawo’s Deputy CEO. “Providing Dante integration on a server-based microservice level is bound to yield a vast range of creative benefits for operators as it helps them navigate the transition to future-proof hardware-abstracted processing.”

Get your free copy of SCN's Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV.

Doubling Down on Dante

Facilities are adding video to existing audio installations. Audinate’s Kat Taub explores Dante’s evolution to a complete AVoIP platform and provides an inside look at the Dante AV deployment at Grace Community Church.

At Issue

Industry experts discuss the advantages of a Dante-based networked solution.

Product Showcase

Review some of the latest Dante-enabled products from AJA Video Systems, AtlasIED, Clockaudio North America, Neutrik Americas, PTZOptics, and Sennheiser.

Download the Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV.

Read the September issue of Systems Contractor News.

From the Santa Monica Pier and surfer's paradise to the Fortune 500-driven cityscape, Santa Monica is a city of contrasts. Located in the heart of the city is the aptly named Apogee Studio. The studio is the brainchild of Bob Clearmountain who recently turned to Dante to expand the studio’s listening options.

Clearmountain’s achievements leave him in the rare air of being a genuine AV legend. He is well known for his work with major acts, including Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Roxy Music, The Pretenders, and Bryan Adams. He has mixed some of the most iconic live shows in music history, including Live Aid, The Concert for New York for 9/11, and the Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts.

The large space adjacent to Apogee’s offices and warehouse has hosted legendary recording artists and up-and-coming artist showcases and serves as “The Lab” for Apogee’s product development and testing. If you’re lucky enough to get on the guest list with up to 180 other music fans for a show at Apogee, it’s an intimate experience you’ll never forget. However, the audience interest was often greater than what the studio could hold, so Clearmountain turned to Dante to expand the studio’s listening options.

[Tech Perspectives: The Emperor Has No Clothes]

“We actually have four rooms here, and I wondered how we can tie all the rooms together. It'd be great if we could do a live, immersive mix in the main studio with the old Neve 8068 console and have people be able to listen to it in other rooms,” said Clearmountain. “And then I thought, ‘Well, we could do it with a Dante network.’”

The studio’s audio system is based around Apogee’s Symphony Mk II Special Edition, a multi-channel audio interface featuring Apogee’s flagship AD/DA conversion, modular I/O (up to 32 inputs and outputs), intuitive touchscreen display and optional microphone preamps. It supports three connectivity modules, including Thunderbolt, Pro Tools + Dante, and Waves SoundGrid. The protocols operate in different modes in the Symphony Mk II, so they turned to Dante Virtual Soundcard and a Dante network to propagate audio throughout all the rooms.

Dante Virtual Soundcard is a software application that turns a PC or Mac into a Dante-enabled device, allowing Dante audio traffic to be transmitted and received between other Dante-enabled devices. In Apogee Studio’s case, a Symphony Mk II in the studio is equipped with an optional Dante hardware module. The audio is transmitted via a dedicated Dante network to the remote rooms, each equipped with a Mac running Dante Virtual Soundcard. Dante Virtual Soundcard allows people in each of the three other rooms to monitor the live immersive audio stream through their Symphony MK IIs, exactly as heard through the Atmos speakers in the main studio.

[A Study In Standards]

The Dante integration now delivers pristine, low-latency audio to all the rooms so that the audience can experience the full, immersive performance regardless of location.

“Setting up the Dante network was fairly painless. We just got a router to use as its own Dante network without any other stuff on it. And then ran cables where we needed them to go,” said Clearmountain. “It's pretty easy, really.”

At the heart of Kani, a city located in the south-central Gifu Prefecture of Japan, lies the Kani City Cultural Creation Center. The main theater of the Kani City Cultural Creation Center is designed primarily for live theatrical performances with an acoustic reflection pattern that has a short reverberation time of about 1.6 seconds. The acoustic and audio engineers recently elevated the audio experience with a Yamaha Active Field Control (AFC) Immersive Audio System that would transfer audio over a Dante network.

Built to serve as the city’s civic focal point, the Kani City Cultural Creation Center doesn’t think of itself as an arts center but as a "human home" filled with people's memories and promotes socially inclusive theater management that fosters connections. The venue was built to present civic activities, including large-scale performances that involve local talent, community-building workshops, and nurturing performing artists and community arts workers. In early 2024, the venue hosted an event in which contemporary dance was performed to an orchestral accompaniment. The performance involved dancers on stage while the orchestra was seated in an orchestra pit at the front of the stage that was raised from the pit floor to stage level at different times in the performance. 

[The Evolution of Virtualized Production]

The event challenged the venue staff to find a way to enhance the experience for the audience as the theater’s acoustic reflectors and additional curtain decorations used in the performance would significantly absorb the sound and not provide a rich, reverberant and immersive atmosphere. This is where the Yamaha and Dante system enhances the experience. 

“The AFC system is based on the assumption that all signals, from the AFC engine and digital mixer to the processor, are exchanged via Dante,” said Hayato Ikeda, a sound engineer with the Kani City Cultural Creation Center. “This theater has permanent audio equipment that is fully compatible with Dante, from the Yamaha digital mixer to the power amplifiers, so we were able to make the decision to give AFC a try."

The detailed, dimensional regenerative electronic reverberation control capabilities of Yamaha’s AFC Enhance were used in the theater to create acoustic spaces in which acoustic images were positioned and controlled by AFC Image. For AFC Enhance, two rows of four microphones were hung from the ceiling to collect the natural sound in the theater, and Ikeda used that sound to process and create a consistent resonance throughout the room regardless of the orchestra pit position. For AFC Image, 37 microphones were set up in the orchestra pit, and seven boundary microphones were mounted on stage for the dancers. The microphones in the pit were mainly targeted at string instruments and reinforced the parts of the performance where the sound of string instruments has difficulty reaching the audience when the orchestra pit is lowered. The microphone inputs were passed to a Yamaha QL5 digital mixer for EQ before being sent to the AFC engine for spatial processing before being amplified through 37 NEXO speakers installed throughout the theater.

[We Checked out the Omega Mart During InfoComm... and Had Our Minds Blown]

The effect of the spatial audio experience delivered during the performance was transformative and sounded very natural—so natural that when Ikeda turned off AFC Enhance during practices, it felt “strange.” There were also no complaints from the musicians and the maestro, who were very strict about sound quality, which was an endorsement of its own.

“We made full use of Dante during the show, transmitting data from all 52 microphones through the Dante-enabled Yamaha digital mixers and the AFC engine and out to the amplifiers,” said Ikeda. “This performance would have been virtually impossible without Dante.”

The show floor at InfoComm 2024 opens today.  Here are a few more booths you must add to your list. And don't forget to bookmark the links below for all of SCN's InfoComm 2024 coverage. 

[The Road to InfoComm 2024: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go]

[Trends, Technologies, and What to Expect in Vegas]

Dante Director on Display

Audinate will demo the Dante Director, which is now available to the public, at Booth C8012. Dante Director enables the remote management of Dante devices from any manufacturer across the internet using a simple, convenient web dashboard. Dante Director provides a powerful, interoperable, manufacturer agnostic IoT platform for the AV industry.

Designed to meet the varying needs of all Dante-based AV-over-IP networks, Dante Director enables IT and AV administrators to be more productive via remote access for management and monitoring. Admins can remotely configure Dante channel subscriptions, control user access, ensure network security, and monitor multiple Dante networks from a single account.

Dante Director works closely with Dante Controller to provide AV management capabilities. After initial setup, users can remotely launch and use Dante Controller from any internet connection without requiring direct local access to the network. With Dante Director, administrators can manage multiple AV networks from a single web dashboard, providing faster response times, increased flexibility, and better peace of mind through real-time monitoring.

Daktronics to Show Flip-Chip COB Product

The latest in Flip-Chip COB (Chip On Board) LED technology will be showcased by Daktronics at Booth W2617. Visitors will see a 0.9-millimeter pixel pitch COB product creating a 7x12-foot 4K screen on one side of the booth and two 0.9-millimeter COB displays on the other side of the booth: One with high frame rate and the other pure black contrast. The company’s latest Integrated Matrix Device (IMD) LED technology will also be in the booth, including a 1.2-millimeter floor display and a 0.7-millimeter display with a 110-inch diagonal size. A speed frame mounting demo rounds everything that can be seen at the Daktronics booth.

The line of products Daktronics offers with this COB technology ranges from 1.8 millimeters down to 0.9 millimeters. It brings less heat to the display face and removes the wire bonds to increase reliability. It also decreases the power consumption for a lower cost of ownership over time.

Christie Brings New Solutions and a MicroTiles LED... Piano?

Christie is celebrating its 95th anniversary at InfoComm 2024. Attendees to Booth W1024 will experience Christie technologies in action from an immersive, interactive room to a piano wrapped in MicroTiles LED.

New features and solutions that will be on display. Attendees can experience the newest version of Pandoras Box Software, which includes significant enhancements to the 2D Warper feature that is integrated with Workspaces. Users can visualize their stage set-up in 2D, with all layers and pixel parameters, and warp content without switching content views. This allows for more intuitive navigation and faster workflow.

Guests can also learn about the new Pandoras Box Content Management System (CMS), which improves control of the media timeline and content scheduling, and how to become a beta tester.

Christie’s newest RGB pure laser projector—the M 4K15 RGB—will make its InfoComm debut equipped with the new 0.8-1.16:1 ultra-high-contrast lens for 6,000:1 contrast and outstanding image quality. Attendees are invited to experience the M 4K15 RGB projector and lens in a light-controlled environment during demonstrations that take place between 3:30-5 p.m. daily at the booth.

Christie will showcase a MicroTiles LED-wrapped piano, created in partnership with the band Something Corporate and Procraft Media. The band required an LED solution that could encompass as much of the piano as possible and be bright enough to be seen during outdoor, daytime performances. Attendees can see why the small form factor and high brightness of MicroTiles LED made it the ideal solution.

Kramer to Unveil TBUS Product Line

Kramer will debut its TBUS product line at Booth C8327. The TBUS introduces a new era of tabletop connectivity designed specifically for modern meeting environments, combining advanced technology with user-centric design.

The TBUS product line redefines conference room connectivity with its easy-to-install, robust table-mount solutions that fit seamlessly into any meeting space. This innovative system simplifies the technology experience by integrating all connectivity needs into a single cable solution for charging, AV, and USB peripherals, enhancing meeting efficiency and reducing clutter.

Featuring a sleek, small design that blends into meeting room aesthetics, the TBUS ensures that workspaces remain neat and professional. Its components are installed and maintained from above the table, making upgrades and maintenance hassle-free and saving valuable time for IT staff.

Kramer’s TBUS offers unmatched flexibility with its mix-and-match modules and a simple slide and lock mechanism, allowing users to customize their setup as needed. Designed with end-users in mind, the TBUS keeps tabletops tidy and enhances the functionality of meeting rooms without compromising on style or space.

Think Beyond with AVI-SPL 

At Booth C7031, AVI-SPL will showcase communications and collaboration technologies and workplace solutions. AVI-SPL invites attendees to experience the future of work in a hybrid world through curated selection of modern AV, UCC, and workplace management solutions. 

Visitors to the booth will:

• Gain insights into the latest developments in digital workplace technology, including new workspace management tools like Microsoft Places, for which AVI-SPL is a launch partner. 
• Immerse in interactive displays featuring surround video, virtual reality (VR), and a 5.6-meter diagonal, larger-than-life video signage wall. 
• Witness the power of AVI-SPL Symphony, the AI-enabled AV technology management software. 
• Connect with industry experts ready to go beyond with you. 

Audinate has added Dante Media Encryption to the evolving security features and benefits of the Dante AV-over-IP platform. Dante Media Encryption protects the content of media flows using AES-256 encryption, safeguarding media from interception or unauthorized access.  

“Dante Media Encryption is the only fully interoperable and manufacturer-agnostic solution for AV installations, providing a powerful tool to customers that must adhere to strict security and privacy mandates,” said Mark Gerrard, group product manager, Audinate. “The introduction of Dante Media Encryption demonstrates Audinate’s ongoing industry leadership in the Pro AV industry.”

Designed with security at its core, Dante offers device, network, and media-level protections for Pro AV manufacturers to integrate into their products and system solutions. A multilayer security architecture already provides a solid foundation for manufacturers and systems integrators to follow best practices when configuring Dante and their products to meet new regulations. The addition of Dante Media Encryption enables Pro AV equipment manufacturers to upgrade qualified Dante firmware and software in new or existing designs to support AES-256 encryption security policies on managed Dante networks.

[The ABCs of AVoIP]

Managed networks are fundamental to a secure AVoIP system, with Dante Director and Dante Domain Manager (DDM) providing secure access controls, network segmentation, policy management, and event logging as essential protections to an installation. Dante Media Encryption capabilities are fully compatible between updated devices in managed Dante networks, and Dante Media Encryption policy is configurable by the AV network administrator through an intuitive user interface on the Dante Director management platform. Dante Director also provides strong key management, including key rotation, for enrolled devices.

Dante product updates for Dante Media Encryption will be available for OEMs to integrate with their products in the second half of this year.

We are just days away from InfoComm 2024. Before Pro AV's show of all shows takes over the Las Vegas Convention Center this June 8-14, keep up with SCN's preshow coverage with new products, events, and insights to expect on the show floor. And don't forget to bookmark the links below for all of SCN's InfoComm 2024 coverage. 

[The Road to InfoComm 2024: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go]

[Trends, Technologies, and What to Expect in Vegas]

What to Expect from Sony at InfoComm 2024

Visitors to Booth 2201 will experience Sony solutions that are “Creating Connected Experiences” with partners to offer an end-to-end solution that helps to connect people, facilitate memorable experiences, and create a sustainable future.  The booth will have an auditorium environment, a collaboration space demo, and a live Device Management Platform in action. 

[Check Out These New PTZs from NAB Show at InfoComm 2024]

At the show, Sony’s Pro BRAVIAs will also be complemented by the company’s Device Management Platform (DMP), which supports large networks of Sony BRAVIA Professional Displays through device and network alerts and remote insights. DMP allows users to roll out network-wide updates or adjust device settings with organization profiles, bulk actions, and application version control with immediacy, from virtually anywhere. DMP also can be used with Sony’s Zero Touch Provisioning which optimizes setup by allowing users to create profiles for the displays and apply them based on use case.

Additional solutions and products expected to be at the booth are:

• Five series of Professional BRAVIA Displays: Along with the flagship BZ53L model and BZ40L Series, Sony will introduce the EZ20L, which offers essential professional features including simplified pro settings for easy setup and maintenance. They accommodate simple, affordable signage in 16/7 applications with RS-232 and standard IP control, and come with built-in BRAVIA Signage Free 2.0 software, which enables standalone digital signage, without a set-top box. 
• Scalable Direct View Crystal LED Displays.
• Glasses-free 3D Spatial Reality Displays: The ELF-SR2, which provide highly realistic, three-dimensional content without special glasses or VR headsets. Boasting new configurations and features, attendees can also experience multiple stacked Spatial Reality Displays.
• Innovative Projectors and PTZ Cameras: See the powerful, HETMA Approved SRG-A series cameras use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver natural-looking camera movements, without a dedicated operator, and offer Full Body, Waist, and Close-Up Auto Framing modes. A new V2.0 firmware update for the series is expected in September 2024. It adds more flexible and effective video presentation such as multi-person framing, face registration, and improved operability including an enhanced user interface and an assignable function button on the remote control.
• Conferencing and Collaboration: In conjunction with its partners, Sony will showcase connected solutions that heighten conferencing and collaboration including the mid-range VPL-FHZ85 and VPL-FHZ80 interchangeable lens projectors and the ultra-compact VPL-PHZ61 and VPL-PHZ51 fixed lens projectors, which are HETMA Approved.

SoundTube, Dante Host Panel on Flexible Audio Spaces

SoundTube Entertainment and Dante will host a panel discussion and reception, focusing on the future of flexible workspaces and audio solutions. The panel discussion will take place on Thursday, June 13, at 5:30 p.m. local time with doors open for cocktails and discussion at 4 p.m. PT at Piero’s, conveniently located across from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The session will explore the evolving needs of flexible workspaces—a topic increasingly relevant to sectors such as higher education, hospitality, and corporate environments.

SoundTube’s curated panel of experts includes Kay Sargent, a senior principal at HOK, renowned for her global expertise in workplace design and strategy. Sargent's insights on creating adaptable gathering spaces are supported by innovative tools developed by her team, which help stakeholders understand and design functional spaces effectively.

Joining Kay on the panel will be Frank Padikkala, senior technical sales engineer from Dante, Jesse Miller, CEO of Midtown Video, and Ken Hecht, SVP at SoundTube.  Together, they will discuss how audio-over-IP solutions, including Dante endpoint-to-endpoint solutions can be leveraged to create sophisticated, versatile, and dynamic audio environments, addressing the needs of today's and tomorrow's flexible spaces.

MSolutions to Debut New Docking Extender

MSolutions will unveil its new docking extender solution in the Stirling Communications Supply Booth W2153 with Symco, its new manufacturer’s representative. The new MS-63DOC Docking Extender is an innovation that simplifies installation and consolidates all video, audio, and data signals through a single USB-C cable and removes the complexities of traditional HDMI connectivity for moving signals over long distances in medium to large meeting and learning spaces.

MSolutions will demonstrate how the MS-63DOC Docking Extender requires only one USB-C cable—connected to the Host unit— to transmit 4K@60 4:4:4 video, data, audio, and Ethernet over Category cable to a Device unit (Receiver). Positioned up to 100 meters (333 feet) away, this Host acts as an HDBaseT gateway to the Device, streamlining connectivity and enhancing flexibility.

Beyond a mere receiver, the MS-63DOC Device functions as a robust docking extender, supporting up to two displays (via separate HDMI connections), a USB or PTZ camera (via USB 3.2 or USB-C connections), and an audio speaker output. The Host also includes a built-in control system to manage the third-party meeting room elements such as camera control, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Powersoft to Make Waves with New Maritime Solutions

Powersoft will make waves in Las Vegas by showcasing its new Unica maritime certification kit, its Verso cloud gateway, MyUniverso cloud platform, and new low-power Unica models at Booth C9327.

The maritime kit serves has undergone rigorous testing to achieve compliance with the main marine safety standards (IEC 60945 and IACS E10). The addition of a Unica maritime kit provides cruise ships and other marine vessels with all the same benefits offered by the platform, along with a number of unique selling points for marine users. 

In addition to the Unica maritime certification kit, Powersoft will showcase Verso, a gateway device designed to connect current Powersoft products to its MyUniverso cloud platform. Attendees will have the opportunity to find out how the Verso gateway helps system integrators and IT managers take full advantage of the MyUniverso cloud platform and discover Verso’s robust logging and data storage capabilities, which ensure local continuity or service even during internet outages.

The Powersoft team will demonstrate the concept of Unica as a platform, showcasing the latest updates and innovations that makes Unica the next-generation amplifier platform. For the opportunity to explore MyUniverso – the safe, responsive and ever-expanding Powersoft cloud – in more depth, InfoComm attendees can book a spot at a demo session by going to Powersoft’s website.

Realmotion Engine Software to Debut

Realmotion will introduce the Realmotion Engine software at Booth W558. According to Realmotion founder and principal Alexandre Simionescu, the decision to introduce a software-only version of its core technology comes in response to a growing demand to extend the capabilities of Realmotion to clients that prefer to manage and support their own hardware.

At its core, Realmotion Engine is a versatile spatial computing software platform built by game engine developers to handle both dynamic, interactive elements in real-time as well as linear video content. Integrated with a range of commercial-grade sensors and content creation platforms, it offers unparalleled flexibility, performance, and reliability needed for projects of all scales.

One of Realmotion Engine's strengths is its ability to integrate sensor data, media outputs, media playback, lighting management, and content management through one scalable software. Users can seamlessly layer various features and technologies to develop dynamic outputs tailored to their specific needs, effectively optimizing production workflows, and reducing operational costs by lessening the need for multiple platforms, systems, and tools.

Realmotion Engine can be leveraged fully in a wide variety of use cases, including interactive digital experiences, projection mapping, digital art installations, broadcast, live event venues, activations, digital signage, as well as theme based entertainment, and location based entertainment. 

AVPro Edge has introduced an MXnet Evolution II encoder , an MXnet Evolution II decoder, and an MXnet Evolution II wall plate encoder. These new models increase installation efficiency and flexibility by adding compatibility with Dante audio to the enhanced video quality of MXnet Evolution II, providing integrators with critical endpoint options while simultaneously consolidating wiring paths.  

“Our objective with these new MXnet EV2 solutions was to assist our integration partners who deploy Dante audio, but send the data across an independent network,” explained Matt Murray, CTO at AVPro Edge. “Integrators appreciate the exceptional quality of the MXnet ecosystem, and the addition of these Dante endpoints effectively simplifies long cable runs into single-destination endpoint routes, enabling integrators to use these devices as break-out bridges, leapfrogging encoded signals closer to the Dante devices in the system.”

[5 Sentiments from NAB Show 2024]

• MXnet Evolution II Encoder and Decoder Solutions: Installations that systematically deploy Dante audio but segregate it to an independent network can now simplify long-haul transport cabling to a single endpoint. Dante streams are ferried from the EV2 encoder to any EV2 decoder endpoint, bringing encoded signals closer to Dante devices. As an example, Dante-enabled amplifiers can be strategically located physically closer to the speaker systems they will power, potentially overcoming Dante’s 100-meter Category cable distance threshold while also minimizing the length required for analog speaker wire. Dante-equipped self-amplified speakers may also take advantage of merged centralized stream routes. Creative application of these new MXnet EV2 devices will result in significant material and labor savings for system deployments.
• MXnet Evolution II Wall Plate: The AC-MXNET-1G-EV2WP is an MXnet Evolution II encoder with selectable switching between HDMI and USB-C inputs packaged in an elegant, low-profile, PoE-powered wall plate. Similar in function to the model AC-MXnet-1G EV2, system encoding may now be placed where it is most convenient. A/V signals are converted into precision multicast data packets, routed to any or all system decoders via Category 6A cable tethered to an MXnet PoE network switch.

Established in 1911, TsingHua University in northwest Beijing has a combined student population of over 50,000, with 21 schools and 59 departments encompassing science, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, history, philosophy, economics, management, education, and art. The School of Economics & Management (SEM) was founded in 1984. When constructing a new academic building, the university turned to Dante to fulfill its extensive audio needs.

The teaching areas in the new building include 23 multimedia classrooms, 14 standard classrooms, and more than 40 seminar rooms. Approximately 700 Dante-supported devices were installed to support the school’s audio needs, making it the most extensive network-based audio system in mainland China. 

 “It was a prospective decision to choose to use the Dante Networking system in our new building,” said HongGang Zhao, head of Multimedia at TsingHua University’s School of Economics and Management. “It gives us lots of flexibility. As quick as a new idea comes, it will help us to make it happen.”

Dante is a complete AV-over-IP platform that allows audio, video, and control data to be transported over standard 1Gb Ethernet networks. Supported in over 3,800 Dante-enabled products from more than 550 manufacturers, Dante replaces point-to-point analog and digital connections with software-based IP routing, allowing users to send AV channels anywhere on the network with perfect digital fidelity. 

The project team selected the Dante-enabled BSS BLU-806DA for audio processing throughout the building. The BSS DSP features a low latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus of 256 channels and four card slots for custom I/O configurations of analog, digital, and telephony cards.

The team also selected Dante-enabled Shure ULX-D wireless microphones for larger classrooms to provide better audio coverage and consistent sound during lectures. Dante AVIO USB adapters were also included in the classrooms to allow students and instructors to connect any computer to a Dante network with zero software installation, which was ideal for remote instruction and conferences.

Device management and monitoring requirements were paramount, with approximately 700 Dante products on the network. Thus, the project team implemented Dante Domain Manager, a server-based software solution that provides a centralized view of the entire deployment. The software allows the team to divide the system into groups to manage broadcast traffic more efficiently on the computer network and improve maintenance efficiency. Through a centralized view, the team receives alerts when issues arise in the system. Then, they can access the system from anywhere, determine the problem, and solve it remotely.

[Audinate Introduces Dante Domain Manager Subscription Model]

“Dante Domain Manager with its API has been straightforward for us to use,” said HongGang Zhao. “With the ability to see all the devices at once on the network, it’s easy to monitor and manage our systems. Sitting in the control room, we can identify the system issue remotely in advance, this allows us to work more efficiently and keep our classrooms operating smoothly.” 

The school recognizes the importance of network multimedia technology in the future of smart classrooms in higher education. With the growing adoption of related technologies, such as the cloud, big data, and AI, the school hopes to seamlessly connect new technologies in the future to the Dante platform to expand teaching capabilities for staff and students alike.

Designed in Collegiate Gothic style, Princeton University Chapel in Princeton, NJ, is believed to be one of the largest university chapels in the world. Visitors to the chapel come for worship, weddings, and musical performances, enjoying an aesthetic that reminds them of days of yore.

Unfortunately, so did the audio system.

Washington Professional Systems, which installed the existing sound system in the 1990s, was called upon once again to modernize the Princeton Chapel audio system with technology set for the future—all while keeping the integrity of the university's house of worship entering its 96th year of service.

Let There Be Sound

The Princeton Chapel is not simply a historic house of worship, but an elaborately decorated one, with high-arching ceilings, ornate stained-glass windows, and a pipe organ. As John Fish, WPS senior engineer, recalled, the challenging installation required a complex system.

Project engineering began in December 2022, with the installation starting in April 2023. The project was complete in September 2023, though WPS provided some fine tuning throughout October. That's quite impressive, considering the chapel remained in use throughout the project. Per Fish, all work had to cease during services, but could continue in a quiet manner during organ and choir rehearsals.

WPS had the advantage of understanding the old system, which the company installed in the 1990s (and was designed by Acentech). "It was a combination of custom pew-back speakers in the transept and custom-tapered nine-element column arrays throughout the nave," Fish explained. "That the system lasted for 30 years is a tribute to its successful implementation—but within the last decade, the system’s performance certainly suffered from the age of its components."

[The Integration Guide to House of Worship 2023]

The new system, designed by Sam Berkow of SIA Acoustics, includes a wide array of Pro AV solutions. As Fish explained, it uses more than a dozen Renkus-Heinz Iconyx digitally steerable line arrays.

"For the purpose of delivering highly intelligible voice lift, the design could have stopped there," Fish said. "But the system design went on to provide a means to support the extensive use of the space as a performance venue. This was accomplished with the use of 24 Fulcrum Acoustic 5 and 8-inch coaxial speakers mounted within the newly refurbished chandeliers.

"These speakers had the effect of wrapping the listener with music, creating a concert hall like experience for choral and orchestral music," he continued. "These two speaker systems combined to provide very musical and accurate lift and playback of musical performances while simultaneously allowing for highly intelligible speech lift."

Also in use is an Allen & Heath Avantis digital mixing console and Dante-based network, plus a Clear-Com communication system, Listen Technologies systems for assisted listening, Shure wireless microphone system, and additional mics from DPA, Earthworks, and Audix.

Chapel-Sized Challenges

According to Fish, the single greatest challenge was matching the right speaker system to the acoustic space, but there were several other challenges that existed simply because of the age and architectural complexities of Princeton Chapel. The building itself has a cruciform shape and a 65-foot vaulted ceiling, which made cabling a great challenge.

"The speakers in the chandeliers were fed from speaker cables that were integrated into the support chains leading into termination cabinets in the attic space," he explained. "They were then routed from the termination cabinets to a tower that ran from the attic to the basement. In the basement, the speaker cables were run in cable tray to the new audio rack location. Each of the 24 chandelier speakers had its own 12-gauge cable that led to three QSC CX-Q 4K8 8-channel amplifiers."

Remember those Renkus-Heinz speakers? Network audio distribution to the speakers was handled using individual home runs of 12-core, single-mode fiber leading down to the new audio rack location. Fish said four of the cores were used for Dante primary and secondary circuiting, while the remaining eight cores are for future implementation of a distributed video system.

[Blaze Audio Solves Challenges of Contemporary Worship Services]

Other challenges included mounting. The chandeliers were renovated with LED lights and had to be lowered, removed, and hoisted back into place once upgraded, making installation of the Fulcrum Acoustic speakers a challenge in both function and time. The architecture made the installation of other speakers tricky as well.

"Mounting of the Iconyx speakers onto the structural columns was especially difficult given that there was not a flat surface to be utilized on any of the columns," Fish noted. "This was made even more difficult given the edict that there was to be no penetration into the stone. Unique brackets, customized for each column, were positioned in the concave space created where two cylindrical details on the columns met. Once the brackets were in place, a vertical custom steel assembly was installed onto the brackets, providing a flat surface onto which the Iconyx columns were mounted."

While the architecture proved challenging, keeping the integrity of that historic pipe organ was essential. "The prime directive for the pipe organ was ‘do no harm,’” said Fish. “Since the pipe organ relies on the acoustics of the chapel, it is sometimes hard to ascertain where the instrument stops and the building begins. There was a small amount of acoustic treatment, designed by SIA Acoustics, put onto the south walls of the transept to control a spectral reflection back into the chancel area. An interesting footnote is that the fabric covering the treatment was printed with a high-resolution image of the stone wall onto which it was installed.

“While there was no real design consideration of the audio system related to the pipe organ, the DPA ST4011C recording mics are positioned to pick up the pipe organ for recording,” Fish added.

Ready for Service

One of the keys of the new sound system was ensuring ease of use. Clergy and staff had to be able to pick up on things relatively quickly to get the right aural tone. WPS installed the system with a “non-operator” mode to simplify the process and allow everyone involved to utilize the audio system for services.

“Multiple presets are accessible on a touchpanel located under the pulpit,” explained Fish.” Each one recalls a unique configuration of the system for each denomination and various weekly events at the chapel’s main altar and the altar in the Marquand Chapel. The 'non-operator' mode is designed to allow for the use of the fixed microphones and certain wireless microphones for voice lift.”

The pandemic changed the way people do so many things, and that includes in-person services. The sound system was designed with three modes for broadcasting and streaming. Additionally, there is a rack with an Apple Mac Pro running Avid Pro Tools with four Focusrite RedNet HD32R interfaces for broadcasting. Using the fiber backbone of the system, the rack allows for 128 channels of recording.

The user-friendly design of the sound system has been well-received by both the parishioners and visitors, as well as the Princeton Chapel staff. With advanced capabilities and future-proofed solutions, Princeton Chapel is set for enhanced and crystal-clear auditory experiences for—like its predecessor—another 30 years or more.

“In historic spaces at Princeton University, every alteration must be run through an extensive review process involving Princeton’s architectural team, Princeton’s project management team, the chapel’s operational staff, the audio design consultants, the general contractor, the electrical contractor, and WPS’ project team,” Fish said. “Of greatest importance is listening to everyone who is involved. Great ideas and solutions are not the exclusive domain of architects, designers, and engineers. Simple comments from the loftiest executive to the humblest worker can lead to the best solution.”

[Top Integrators 2023: Challenges for 2024]

"I’ve only heard very positive things," said Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., dean of religious life and of the chapel, Princeton University. "People can decipher our words and hear music in an appropriately blended way. People who formerly needed assisted hearing devices from the chapel don’t need them anymore. It is much easier to hear what is being said at the lectern and pulpit when you are in the chancel.”

"The chapel lighting restoration and sound system replacement project was a complex project that required attention to detail and collaboration with the design team and client throughout construction, system startup, and turnover," added Alexis Mutschler, assistant director of special projects at Princeton. "WPS was a team player and always prepared with an alternative solution or suggestion on how to better the system to give the university the best sound possible."

NADiV Audio has launched its NADiV range of Dante-enabled audio interface and control devices for portable and installed AV and pro audio environments, including houses of worship, recording studios, and live event venues.

[The Dante (R)evolution]

The NADiV family is anchored by two rack-mount interface products, Eight Squared and Sixteen Squared, that support multiple channels (8x8 and 16x16, respectively) of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion for Dante networks over a single category network cable. Both products include the number of standard XLR inputs and outputs that their product names suggest, converting standard mic and line audio sources to Dante network channels and vice versa. Customers can also request mic preamps to support for any number of XLR inputs on either product, while built-in front-panel LED monitoring allows technicians to confirm power, network status, sample rate and I/O signal presence.

The initial NADiV line also includes a 2x2 XLR flushmount wallplate solution (Two Squared Flush Mount) to provide I/O end points for local playout, and the 1RU Control Series 128, an audio routing and processing solution that supports up to 128 channels. The Control Series 128 is essentially a separate PoE-based network solution with summing router control that allows customers to remotely configure devices, manage audio routes, and control volume and other audio settings via a mobile device. Its audio processing capabilities also support independent channel strips, automix and high-quality DSP processing.

[The Integration Guide to Video Displays and Mounts 2023]

The NADiV line supports a very broad range of audio networking requirements and use cases across varied verticals, including zoned audio distribution and control strategies in corporate, education and hospitality settings with many meeting and gathering spaces. The NADiV line also embraces the Dante tradition of interoperability, as all products will work out of the box with third-party AV hardware. Moving forward, the NADiV family will continue to grow to support a broader set of customer requirements, from simple wall- and flush-mount interface needs to full-scale network routing needs of live and recorded Dante audio feeds.

Sponsored Content

When integrators speak, Blaze Audio responds. “We were getting a huge demand from our integration teams,” said Eric Huber, CX marketing manager at Blaze Audio. “They needed something more flexible, and Dante was the clear choice.” The company incorporated Dante into select products and is shipping four Dante-enabled PowerZone Connect amplifier series models.

More Opportunities

PowerZone Connect plus Dante unleashes many more opportunities from an integration standpoint. “We're talking larger scale projects, multi-zoning, long cable runs, and seamless integration,” Huber added. “The flexibility is just endless. Once you incorporate this with our built-in PowerZone Control DSP, add Dante to the mix, and it's very simple.”

Dante Controller provides point-and-click routing. “Dante eliminates all the analog cable patching that would need to be done,” Huber explained. There's no IP configuration needed because the Dante device is automatically recognized and gets assigned to an IP once you plug into the network. “If the client needs to upgrade, the integrator can come in, click a button, and you can expand on essentially anything, alleviating pressure on the integrator.”

If a room or a zone gets added, all the integrator needs to do is use the existing network that's in place.

Powerful

Each Dante-enabled PowerZone Connect amplifier has the Dante Ultimo chip built in and delivers up to 4x4 channels at 44.1 and 48 kHz. Cable lengths are extended; multi-channel digital audio is sent over a single Ethernet cable, allowing for a noise-free signal path over long distances with a default latency of 1 millisecond.

Dante allows for more flexibility and scalability in integration projects and simplifies the installation and expansion process. “Plus, Dante is compatible with other Dante-enabled devices, making it easy to integrate with existing systems,” Huber said.

Flexibility Built-in

The four PowerZone Connect plus Dante cover 125 to 3000 watts, handling most commercial-based applications. “The cool thing about them is that they're dual impedance, making it flexible for many scenarios. If you want to run a low impedance output for a stage or performance area and want to do an additional two channels or a single channel at 70 volts, you can do that with our four channel amps,” Huber noted. “It becomes a hybrid amp at that point, and with Dante, you can send signals wherever you want.”

Scalable Applications

Blaze Audio solutions are widely used in retail, hospitality, college campuses, small- to medium-sized performance venues, and houses of worship. “Where this becomes a Dante conversation is with multi-campus facilities,” Huber said. “This is the beauty of network audio. Back in the day if you were running 24 channels, that's 24 different cables for audio, but with Dante, it's just one run.” Another benefit is longer runs; with Dante, cable runs can be up to 100 meters.

“If the network exists, it's essentially a drag-and-drop installation where you're just plugging into a wall jack or switch that's already existing,” Huber added. “The simplicity of the installation becomes much cleaner, much simpler for the integrator. They're gaining more abilities to be able to process and route audio, meeting the needs of the most demanding applications. Dante is network hardware agnostic, plug & play with just about any professional network switch on the market.”

Answering Integrators Needs

Incorporating Dante into Blaze Audio's PowerZone Connect series of amplifiers provides integrators with more options and opportunities for their clients.

“It's about giving integrators the tools they need to grow individually and help their clients to the best of their ability. So many doors are opened when you add Dante and network audio,” Huber concluded.

Inquiries 

For inquiries about features and solutions offered by Dante-enabled PowerZone Connect amplifiers reach out to our dedicated team at blaze-audio.com

For additional information and support regarding Dante technology, please visit: www.audinate.com/meet-dante

About Blaze Audio: Blaze Audio specialize in pro audio solutions tailored for the commercial and leisure install markets. Our products deliver the power and exceptional sound performance demanded in commercial locations, and the technology, quality, and reliability expected by the professional audio market. Blaze Audio is a brand of Pascal, the world’s leading provider of pro audio amplifier electronics. 

ISE 2024 is rolling onward. Whether you are at Fira Barcelona, Gran Via or following product news from afar, don't worry, we got you covered.

Today, checkout new products from HDBaseT Alliance, Dante, Jabra, Biamp, and AUO. 

HDBaseT Debuts HDBaseT-USB3 for Professional-Grade USB 3.2 Extension

Highlighting the Alliance’s activities at booth #2P500 is the introduction of the HDBaseT-USB3 standard allowing for high-performance professional-grade extension of USB 3.2 Gen 1, up to 328 feet/100 meters over standard Category cable.  

Made possible by HDBaseT Alliance co-founder Valens Semiconductor’s new VS6320 integrated chipset, the groundbreaking technology will be on display in the HDBaseT Alliance booth featuring live demonstrations of both performance and stress tests. In addition, a dozen of the industry's first products supporting the new technology will be showcased, including extenders, cameras, and huddle-room docking stations for simple plug-and-play BYOD connectivity.

Also on display is the return of the Power Wall, providing visitors with an up-close look at over 60 of the latest HDBaseT 3.0 products. Additionally, select Alliance members in the booth will offer a comprehensive range of live demonstrations featuring the latest HDBaseT 3.0, KVM, and video conferencing products, as well as solutions for bringing Broadcast reliability to the Pro AV market, connectivity testing, and components enabling the powering of devices with more energy efficiency. Co-exhibitors include ATEN, Apantac, Good Way Technology, HDCVT, Key Digital, MSolutions, Silvertel, and Valens Semiconductor.

Audinate to Demonstrate the Dante Director

Audinate's Dante Director, a SaaS solution for remote Dante network administration and management, is available as a pre-release beta and on display at booth 3R730. Dante Director enables management of Dante networks from a simple, convenient web dashboard accessible from anywhere.

Designed to meet the needs of users with small to medium-sized Dante networks, Dante Director enables IT and AV administrators to remotely configure Dante channel subscriptions, control user access, ensure network security, and monitor multiple Dante networks from a single account. Dante Director joins the Audinate suite of products that bring professional management to AV solutions and includes Dante Domain Manager, which serves enterprise and on-premises network management needs. 

Dante Director works closely with Dante Controller to enable remote AV management capabilities. After initial setup, users can remotely access and manage channel subscriptions for networks managed by Dante Director from any location. 

Audinate is also celebrating it now has 50 manufacturers licensing Dante AV technology to build networked video devices. Kramer, Blustream, Magewell, Kiloview, Zenwin, Aavara, and Infobit AV are a few of the most recent partners that have joined the Dante AV ecosystem. There are now over 60 products available or soon to launch, including cameras, encoders, and decoders.  

Biamp Unveils New Amplified Loudspeaker Controller and Certifications

Visitors to Biamp booth 3D100 were introduced to the all-new Voltera D as well as new Zoom Rooms devices for existing conferencing solutions. Here's what you need to know:

• The new Voltera D Amplified Loudspeaker Controllers: The controllers include an onboard DSP, tools for tuning rooms, and a host of other  features that drive reliability and audio performance, as well as space and cost savings. They are configurable by either Tesira or the new Biamp VenueTune software, depending on user preference and audio network protocols, making setup and use easy. 
• Parlé Bar Certification Zoom Rooms: The Parlé VBC and ABC conferencing bars are now certified for Zoom Rooms, offering peace of mind and security to integrators, installers, information technology personnel, and end users, assuring them that the product is validated to work seamlessly within the rigorous standards of the Zoom Rooms UC platform. 
• Intelligent Director for Zoom Rooms Certifications: In addition, the Parlé VBC 2500a conferencing bar and Vidi 250 conferencing camera are now certified for Intelligent Director for Zoom Rooms. For hybrid meetings with a Zoom Room, Intelligent Director uses AI and multiple cameras to give each participant within a meeting room their own space in Zoom Meetings, with the best image and angle, so remote participants can see each person clearly, even in large conference rooms. 

Jabra Launches a Cloud-Based Platform for Easy, Secure Video Device Management

Jabra introduce Jabra+ for Admins, a cloud-based API-first software platform for remote monitoring and management of meeting rooms and devices at booth 2P130 in Hall 2.

The cloud-based, API-first software platform for remote monitoring and management of meeting rooms and devices offers a seamless experience from start to finish, allowing users to manage their communication devices with ease, saving time on administration and troubleshooting. IT administrators will have visibility and control over settings, firmware and insights from one unified software platform and can check in for real-time status updates from anywhere.

With Jabra+ for Admins, users can effortlessly monitor and manage all Jabra meeting room solutions with a clear visual overview of rooms, locations, and devices. The platform also allows users to manage all devices in a room collectively, optimizing the in-room experience by remotely configuring devices and updating firmware. The real-time online/offline status tracking of rooms and devices helps to identify immediate issues, reducing IT tickets and ensuring a seamless meeting experience.

AUO Corporation Showcases Next-Gen LED Dome Display

AUO will showcase its LED Dome Display solution at stand 5K200 (as well as ADP’s solutions on stand 5J100). The spherical, nearly 10-foot,  immersive display features AUO LED (ALED) technology, which offers high brightness, high resolution, high dynamic range and a wide color gamut for simulations and amusement applications. The technology has recently been deployed in several sites to deliver engaging entertainment experiences. AUO Corporation will participate at ISE for the first time, alongside its industrial and commercial display subsidiary, AUO Display Plus (ADP).

“Our LED Dome Display technology provides a stunning next-generation visual display solution for immersive experiences in both amusement and simulation applications,” said Dr. Wei-Lung Liau, CTO of AUO. “There is a growing trend towards LED deployment in this space, with fewer limitations than traditional projection systems allowing partners more creative freedom in their installations. AUO’s ALED technology offers superior brightness, contrast and image quality, which further enhances the sense of immersion and realism. The technology can apply to driving, sailing, and flying scenarios, delivering a realistic image for powerful, lifelike experiences.”

The solution uses ALED technology to allow for the immersive hemispherical shape to be achieved, with its modularized dome frame and cabinet designed to speed up the installation process to save time and labor costs. The display features 18-bit color depth when paired with the self-developed AUO controller, and it supports HDR formats to provide richer colors and smoother gradation. Its 4K resolution image and 120 Hz frame rate create smoother images, with increased details. AUO sphere image processing technology (powered by an AUO self-developed controller) allows partners to transform flat images into spherical content to fit the dome display, whilst real-time image processing enables players to interact with content instantaneously.

Audinate has introduced its a compact system-on-a-chip (SoC), the Dante Pro S1. Crafted for Pro AV and audio equipment manufacturers, the Dante Pro S1  integrates Dante network functionality in low channel count devices. The latest generation Dante solution was particularly designed to meet the evolving security requirements for enterprise Internet-of-Things (IoT), Unified Communications (UC), and advanced audio system implementations.

[A Question of Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth Vs. Wi-Fi]

The chip solution will be a focus of Audinate’s new innovations and provides a platform for new features such as media encryption. Dante Pro S1 offers an alternative to the Ultimo chip for OEMs building low channel count devices. New designs are encouraged to use Dante Pro S1 as it will provide future features and capabilities that may not be supported by Ultimo-based products.

Dante Pro S1 is designed for compact and power-efficient audio equipment solutions requiring Dante network interoperability. The chip is a versatile TFBGA100 package (8x8mm) and requires minimal external components to complete system integration. The underlying microcontroller is more power efficient than previous Dante solutions, resulting in low heat dissipation for space-constrained equipment designs.

[The Dante (R)evolution]

Dante Pro S1 is offered in multiple package configurations to support up to 2x2 channels at 96 kHz or up to 4x4 channels at 48 kHz audio encoding.

An evaluation kit is available for equipment manufacturers to prototype system designs using Dante Pro S1. The kit is based on the Dante Pro S1 reference design and includes XLR connectors for analog I/O and swappable network interface modules for a range of PHY and switch ICs. A full suite of technical documentation is also available.

Joshua Rush, chief marketing officer for Audinate, the company behind Dante, sat down with SCN to discuss the advances in its audio networking solutions and the expansion of its video business.

SCN: What are you most proud of with the evolution of Dante AV from where it started to where it is today?

Joshua Rush: I would say the widespread adoption by the industry. When I joined in 2014, Dante certainly had a lot of momentum. Hundreds of manufacturers had already adopted it by then, but it hadn't become the de facto standard. Seeing how manufacturers and especially end users, through their product and project install requests, have embraced Dante has been great. There's a report that RH Consulting does on the adoption of networked audio, and Dante has upward of 70 % market share in networked audio products. It's encouraging to see that.

[Dante: An Oral History]

I'm also proud of our foray into video, which we've been at for about four years. As we saw in audio, these things evolve in waves. There's the initial licensing by a manufacturer, a manufacturer getting a product to market, and then there's the sell-through and adoption of that product by the integrators and the end users. So, it's been fun to watch that same wave happen on the video side we saw on the audio side in the early days.

SCN: What’s new with Dante Audio?

JR: Starting with the manufacturer side, one of the significant shifts underway before the pandemic was the move to software. More and more, you're seeing AV products that use off-the-shelf components, whether just processors or full servers, and they essentially want the software.

Before the pandemic, we introduced Dante Embedded Platform, a way to run the Dante functionality via software, and we were working with several manufacturers to get Dante Embedded Platform to market. When supply chain challenges occurred during the pandemic, and not everyone could get the chips they wanted, there was increased interest in offering Dante as software. We saw a real uptick in customers transitioning from chips, cards, and modules to software. Dante Embedded Platform is just one example, but we also have our IP core product. We also have a product called Dante Application Library that's more for software developers, but again, a way to incorporate Dante into software.

We're also offering end users more tools and the capability to manage their Dante network through Dante Domain Manager. This powerful software suite allows customers to see all the Dante products on their network, divide them into zones that make sense for their particular installation, and establish user permissions. While that spans audio and video, that's an example of Audinate providing more value than just the pure networking component.

SCN: What do you see in the future for Dante Audio?

JR: We always have things in the pipeline that we're working on. At NAB this year, we introduced a product called Dante Connect. It uses the idea of remote production or distributed workflows across different geographic locations, a trend we saw before the pandemic but has since accelerated.

The idea with Dante Connect is to take everything customers love about the Dante network on the local area network and offer that over the cloud. Then you can use Dante Domain Manager to manage it globally—because once it goes into the cloud, you can create your domains wherever those might be in whatever cloud instance you're accessing. It's vital in the broadcast world because of distributed workflows, which became more prominent during the pandemic, and is here to stay with skeleton crews on site at venues, etc. This allows you to produce those events either at a different location where you have your mixing hardware in your studio or even mix it in the cloud.

One of our early beta customers is a big corporate client with over 100 facilities around the globe, and they want to be able to do coffee talks and different presentations and seamlessly get that routed between locations through the cloud. We're excited about where that technology can go, and it’s certainly the wave of the future regarding getting audio and, ultimately, video wherever it needs to be for customers.

[There's a New Chipset for Dante AV—Here's What You Need to Know]

A big push for us during the pandemic was rolling out Brooklyn 3, one of our main modules manufacturers use to incorporate Dante into their products. With Brooklyn 2 having some supply chain challenges, we migrated to Brooklyn 3, which has allowed more headroom to add additional features to enable manufacturers to continue adding and growing their Dante capabilities.

We're currently investigating media confidentiality or encryption, and having that additional headroom and processing capability in the next generation of parts will allow us to do that in the future.  

SCN: Now, let’s discuss video. What’s new with Dante Video?

JR: One of the things that makes video different from audio is that everything is uncompressed in the audio world, so you don't have to worry about codecs and different compression algorithms. Everything is essentially uncompressed; therefore, it works together.

Early on, when we got into video, we recognized that there are different use cases and technologies for various problems customers are trying to solve. We knew that as we got into video, it wouldn't look like it did on the audio side, but at the same time, we wanted to provide some key benefits.

One was the seamless integration of audio and video. We kept hearing from customers that they wanted network video to look and act like Dante Audio—super simple to use and discoverable as soon as you plug it into the network. So, we have delivered on that on the video side.

We have also been actively working on different flavors of Dante AV. First, it was Dante AV Ultra, which ensured we were first solving for the highest quality, lowest latency, and tightly synchronized use case. Last fall, we introduced Dante AV-H, which supported the opposite end of the spectrum—markets like corporate or higher education, where those video signals were ending up as a feed into Zoom and didn't need the horsepower of something like Dante AV Ultra.

We recently introduced Dante AV-A, in partnership with ASpeed, which falls between Dante AV Ultra and Dante AV-H. It is used primarily for video distribution for use cases like houses of worship or overflow rooms in performance venues with multiple screens around a concourse—any venue that takes high-quality video sources and repeats that across various displays.

[Dante Wants To Help You Navigate the AV-over-IP World—Here's How]

We're also excited about the number of known brands in the AVoIP space that rallied behind Dante AV. We're now up to 35 manufacturers that have adopted Dante AV, including several big names. 

SCN: What do you see in the future for Dante Video? 

JR: Dante Video is earlier in its lifecycle than I described on the audio side. We have a lot of manufacturers that have licensed it and are in the process of building products and bringing them to market.

I'm excited to see the products they are bringing to market, what kind of use cases and applications they solve, and how they use Dante to help solve problems. We have thousands of products on the audio side, so we look forward to seeing that same ramp-up happen on the video side.

We use software on the video side called Dante Studio, which allows you to get video signals into or out of a computer. When you talk about getting a Dante signal into Zoom or vMix, Dante Studio helps bridge that.

We also want to ramp up our management, control, and software tools to complete our video ecosystem. We want to offer things we have on the audio side for the video side that round out solutions for our customers.

SCN: Are there any industry changes that could impact Dante AV? 

JR: Cloud and cloud workflows are a big trend right now, which we've stayed close to and worked with some pilot partners during the pandemic. There's a lot of upside regarding what that can do in the future, not just from workflows and where you can access your Dante products and media signals, but from business models like the ability to rent Dante for a particular event. By having software-based Dante in the products and then having these cloud workflows combined, we can support some interesting business models in the future.

Another one that everyone's talking about is AI and what that means for the AV industry. We are looking at it, especially around management and control suite of our products, analytics, and providing information on Dante networks. The more we use the data to make those systems smarter and work better for customers, the more everyone benefits.