The Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center has upgraded its therapy observation system by installing PTZ cameras from Marshall Electronics. The center has outfitted its therapy rooms with five CV612-TWI PTZ Cameras and installed one CV630 PTZ Camera for centralized monitoring by the executive director.

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Founded in 1991, the center provides speech, language and literacy services to children from birth through 18 years of age, with fees based on their family’s ability to pay. The center has supported more than 12,000 children and offered over $3 million in financial assistance since its founding.

“This was a much-needed upgrade as our cameras were at least 20 years old, if not older,” said Susan Combee, executive director at The Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center. “The new system is so much better. The quality is outstanding, and the parents/guardians can also zoom in and see the sessions at different angles.”

This enhanced capability is especially important given the nature of the therapy provided. The center works with children experiencing speech, language, fluency, voice and apraxia disorders. The new Marshall Electronics camera system has significantly improved the ability for parents to observe therapy sessions in real time, improving continuity of care from clinic to home.

“Families can now follow their child’s session from multiple angles. Sometimes the kids are at the table, on the floor or moving a lot,” explained Combee. “This level of visibility helps to understand the therapy techniques and reinforces carryover at home.”

Each therapy rooms’ camera feed is visible within dedicated observation rooms that are equipped with monitors, controllers and headphones, allowing for clear audio and uninterrupted viewing. The camera control features let parents/guardians pan, tilt and zoom to follow the action.

“We are one of the only speech and language centers in the area that have this capability,” said Combee. “With this new system, parents can see exactly what’s happening and it opens the door for so much more communication with our families.”

In her own office, Combee uses a large central monitor to oversee all therapy rooms at once, not only to ensure operational efficiency, but also to bolster safety and staff support.

AV Technology's content director, Cindy Davis, recently visited Hall Technologies' Dallas headquarters. There, she interviewed CEO Ken Eagle and co-founders Ali and Gail Haghjoo about the company's 40 years in business and the markets it serves, such as healthcare, corporate, and education.

Ali Haghjoo reflected on the early days when in 1990 he engineered products for the financial industry. "I came up with the first multi-user interface, and that was our foray into the AV market, that product. We started to make little switchers, matrix switchers, video splitters, and pretty soon we found ourselves in this market called Pro AV market."

Hall Technologies' foray into the healthcare market began with engineering switchers and extenders to work over several hundred feet. Today, healthcare is one of Hall's largest markets followed by corporate and education.

The Haghjoos and Eagle discussed the organizational changes that began in 2018 with funding from Gun Lake Investments, a rebranding, and a move to Dallas.

[Meet Hall Technologies' CEO]

When asked about Hall Technologies philosophy, Eagle responded, "That's simple. A lot of people may have seen the brand for a long time, maybe moved away from the brand, or maybe they're new and coming back to it. The thing to know about Hall Technologies is we're built on custom solutions and reliability. So, if you're looking for a standout brand that's unique, that maybe fits what you do in a sea of a lot of "me too" products, Hall is the place you want to go. You'll find reliability, you'll find customization, and you'll find a product that will fit your need, differentiate you from the other solutions that are out there, and make you more valuable to your customer."

Check out the video for the full interview.

In 2016, a large donor wall built with commercial LCDs was integrated in the Brent & Lynn Belzberg Donor Recognition Centre on the main floor lobby of Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital. Installed by Toronto-based design and integration firm Envision, the video wall at that time was the biggest and most complex donor wall in North America, according to Envision chief executive officer Mark Wilson. 

“We were seeing a growing need in hospitals for large-scale recognition of significant donations, and Mount Sinai was the first to really have the ambition to do what they did,” Wilson said. “They wanted to make a big and bold statement to the general public and to all of their stakeholders that conveyed how important the culture of philanthropy was to them.” 

When the original donor wall was nearing its end of life, the hospital again consulted Envision—this time on a redesign. “The original installation was designed in a way to allow the screens to be updated at a future date, which meant we could retain the majority of the fixture and replace the technology on the inside,” Wilson said. “The client wanted a specific look and feel as well as detailed control of the content management system. That really drove the technology decisions.” 

Located in a narrow hallway of the lobby space, the donor wall had always presented challenges from the perspective of viewing angles, Chris Murdy, head of Digital and Innovation at Envision said. “It was a focus of ours to improve the seamless look of the canvas and to reduce the repair surface of the display, which is susceptible to damage from the high amount of foot traffic through the hallway,” he said. “Moving to an LED product, we wanted to specify something where cabinets, modules, or tiles could be easily replaced if need be.” 

A Fine Choice

After a careful evaluation of suppliers, Envision recommended a Planar LED solution, which ultimately led to the installation of a nearly 36-foot-wide, 6-foot-high (18x5) Planar MGP Series LED Video Wall with a 1.5mm pixel pitch (MGP1.5). 

As a large retrofit, Murdy said the redesigned donor wall was very complex from the perspective of forming a new product into an existing design. “There was also a high expectation of reliability, which required a lot of thought and planning into providing redundancy with power, data, and media playback,” he said. “We worked with Planar engineers to specify the right LED controllers and to ensure we would not have a mismatch with video distribution.” 

Murdy added that the project also had a huge requirement to provide the hospital with a much more dynamic tool, allowing them to easily modify the canvas or reformat content. “This was a complete, ground-up reinvention of the experience,” Murdy said. “It was important to establish the future value of this opportunity with the client and ensure they didn’t feel limited by the technology. Planar was a key partner in this regard.” 

Vince Rozas, director of Design and Production at Sinai Health Foundation, said the new Planar LED video wall—with its multifaceted use and vibrant clarity, and the new content designed by Envision—has completely revamped how the hospital recognizes its many generous donors. “Previously, we were dealing with constraints given the fact that the display wasn’t seamless,” Rozas explained. “It was smaller fonts, inconsistent colors, and things could easily get lost in the seams.” 

But following the update, the hospital now has a captivating fine-pitch LED surface to engage audiences, and more flexibility in the way they can present messages, graphics, and videos. They also have more control over managing content. “We are a lot quicker on our feet,” Rozas said. “If we need to react to something or change the content that is displayed, we can do it a lot faster.” 

And, while the primary function is donor recognition, the hospital can also use the LED video wall for other purposes such as signature events, communications, large fundraisers, or brand marketing initiatives. “We can plug-and-play anything,” he said. “The animations are clean; the colors much brighter; and visually, the scale of the video wall is really eye-catching,” Rozas said. 

 “Like so many examples of great design, the new donor wall blends really well within the environment,” Wilson said. “It’s integrated in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing; the video wall is very large in scale, but it doesn’t look oversized. The way LED has transformed the experience is incredible, and most importantly, it provides an impressive canvas for the foundation to recognize its donors.” 

Boston Medical Group has opened up a broader universe of features and benefits for both patients and users that add up to a more compelling digital signage experience. It did so with the help of Visix, successfully transitioning its AxisTV 9 digital signage network to AxisTV Signage Suite.

Tahssin Alani, field service analyst, audio visual support for Boston Medical Group's heads up the  IT department. Since joining the staff 10 years ago he had three main objectives: improve visual resolution, enhance functionality, and extend the network to new locations. While the third element has happened naturally over time due to departmental enthusiasm, the switch to AxisTV Signage Suite has had a powerful effect on the first two.

“We’ve grown from 20 to 50 screens over my time here, and now have 29 departments with a presence on the network,” said Alani. “Some departments contribute by advertising their services, and our communications department manages most of the content, which includes welcome messages, health notices, organizational awards, and our ‘Rewriting Healthcare’ series which features stories from patients, community partners, doctors and other staff members. I designed the templates for them to create layouts, and they publish the content. AxisTV Signage Suite makes that process very quick and easy, and the visual quality has substantially improved. The colors really pop, and people pay attention to the screens.”

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It's essential that people pay attention to the screens, as Visix developed a special application to keep visitors informed about wait times. Boston Medical Group’s strategy includes mixing in wait time slides with colorful public service announcements, informational slides and other content to keep screens lively and dynamic. All 29 departments active on the network leverage the wait time application to keep patients relaxed and eliminate repetitive trips to the front desk.

Alani says a small number of people from each department can adjust wait times from their desktop, laptop or mobile device by simply logging into the application, selecting their department and selecting a time interval from a drop-down menu. “It removes the ‘how long’ question from being asked over and over by multiple patients, reducing stress for all involved,” said Alani. “Visix created a very simple, orderly and intuitive interface with this application that has proved incredibly useful. It takes seconds to make an adjustment, and the changes are immediately replicated to the corresponding display. If the wait time was changed from 30 to 15 minutes, that adjustment will appear the next time the slide appears in the rotation.”

While Visix initially built this functionality into Boston Medical Group’s AxisTV 9 network, the transition to AxisTV Signage Suite offers many new possibilities that were previously not available. Alani is especially enthused about the software calendar application, which can connect with Outlook for conference room bookings and other departmental needs. He says this will bring value to all departments but particularly in the more executive and operations-focused buildings, such as the FGH Building and Carter Conference Center. 

Alani anticipates continued expansion of the network into new buildings, and there are plans to add screens in satellite facilities. The same AxisTV Signage Suite platform will serve these other locations, including the Brockton Behavioral Health Center about 25 miles to the south. Separately, he is in discussions with Visix to roll out a wayfinding pilot.

“The growth of our network has been demand-driven,” said Alani, noting that new departments tend to come on as they learn how other departments benefit from its use. “The fact that we can do much more with this new platform will drive further expansion. We’re only using about 50% of AxisTV Signage Suite’s capabilities. There’s still a lot to learn, and we’ll gradually roll out new features and applications over time.”

Avidex and Artisight will harness the strengths of both companies to provide a turnkey virtual care solution. Avidex will take on the role of the in-room technology integrator, leveraging its expertise to install and support the solution's essential AV equipment and platform integration of its proprietary TigrPX interactive patient engagement system, enabling the Artisight smart hospital platform to leverage the in-room television for virtual care delivery.

The companies will offer their combined solutions to new and existing client hospitals and health systems, ensuring that patients and staff receive an enhanced virtual care experience. This collaboration will provide a sustainable care delivery model that enables hospitals to provide a safer care environment, improve care coordination, and support quality improvement.

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"We believe that the synergy between Avidex and Artisight will create a transformative impact on patient care and healthcare delivery," said Andrew Gostine, MD, MBA, CEO and co-founder of Artisight. "By combining Avidex's audiovisual expertise and its TigrPX patient engagement solution with Artisight's advanced AI-driven smart hospital platform, we are poised to offer healthcare facilities a comprehensive virtual patient care solution that significantly improves patient care, satisfaction, and hospital efficiency."

Artisight's smart hospital platform, built on advanced AI technology, enhances patient care by streamlining end-to-end processes through high-quality video and audio processing, computer vision, voice recognition, and best-in-class indoor positioning systems. Prioritizing enterprise-grade stability and seamless interoperability, the Artisight platform combines intelligent sensors, deep learning technology, and contemporary integrations, resulting in significant enhancement of clinical care. This HIPAA-compliant platform also automates remote patient monitoring, improving operating efficiency while ensuring timely notifications to clinicians when attention is needed. The hardware- and EHR-agnostic platform reduces clinician burnout and improves nurse and patient satisfaction.

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Avidex's TigrPX Interactive Patient Engagement System (IPS) transforms how patients are engaged, educated, entertained, and cared for to improve the patient and staff hospital experience. Developed from decades of evidence-based research and a deep understanding of the patient experience, TigrPX delivers patient-centered engagement tools, staff-patient communication, automated staff workflows with EMR/hospital system integrations, and optimizes the patient care environment with virtual care platform partners like Artisight.

Epic, a medical software supplier, has upgraded the audio mixing console in its multipurpose audio facility on its Wisconsin campus to a Solid State Logic System T platform. The new system is comprised of an S500 large-format modular mixing console and dual redundant TE2 Tempest Engines plus various Net I/O interfaces, including MADI Bridge units that handle a variety of broadcast, music production, and multimedia post production projects at the studio.

“This space is used as the broadcast facility for the meetings that take place in the auditorium," explained audiovisual media team leader Paul Micksch. "I record and broadcast to 15 countries. In addition to that, I run the media team here and do a lot of production and post production for our video media, including making music beds, and for any of the other audio and video media that we use.” 

Founded in 1979, Epic is home to more than two dozen office and service buildings, a 65-room training center, a 5,800-seat auditorium, and the 11,400-capacity Deep Space auditorium, next to which is the audio studio. The Deep Space auditorium was built in 2013, at which time Epic installed an SSL C100 HD digital audio console, principally to broadcast software introductions and other events from the new venue. The studio, which has an attached live room, is also used to produce and post-produce media for those events and for Epic’s various products and platforms. 

[Why Emerson College Turned to Solid State Logic in Broadcast Audio Upgrade]

“We try and offer information in an entertaining way, so we demonstrate software scenarios on stage and have a skit as part of our keynote executive address,” Micksch elaborated. “Our CEO will talk to gathered attendees and we put on a demonstration of various aspects of our software theatrically. That can have all sorts of sound effects and music cues.” 

In his position at Epic, Micksch handles anything from audio capture through post production to broadcast mixing, plus location sound, sound design and recording, as well as composing and playing anything from pop to orchestral music. Previously, he would produce music at his home studio, but with the construction of the new auditorium and studio 10 years ago, he explained that the team made it a recording studio as well.

Micksch was so satisfied with the performance of Epic’s previous Solid State Logic console and with the company’s technical support that he jumped at the chance to install a System T when it came time to upgrade. He couldn’t be happier with the performance of SSL’s latest generation broadcast and music production platform. 

“System T has really taken me into what feels like the next century of digital consoles,” he said. “The I/O count is great; I've got 192 channels that I can route, and I can set the console up in an extremely configurable way for how I mix the show. I can take individual channel counts from the unique presentations that we have in the main room, and I have a multi-viewer television on which I can monitor various feeds both from the presentation and from the cameras in the room. Then I can configure the System T however I need to for whatever the show might be and put things where I need to put them. And the touchscreen surface is just so flexible.”

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Audio networking was still in an early stage of adoption when the auditorium and studio were built a decade ago, Micksch explained. Thus, the infrastructure was based on MADI. “I've gone Dante native, but we haven't updated the front-of-house console, so I'm still receiving MADI over multi-mode fiber and I have SSL MADI Bridges in the system here to convert to Dante,” he said of the new system.

While it would have been possible to mix for broadcast from the venue using a live sound console, the new studio space was built to meet the challenges of generating a sufficiently high-quality production from a large auditorium filled with thousands of people. “We decided that the mix for our recordings and to international folks should be produced in a different way," he recalled. Broadcast sound is very different from live sound, and I don't have the same battles in the studio, acoustically. and environmentally."

Christie Mirage 4K40-RGB pure laser projectors have formed the centerpiece of a new extension to a research center at IRCAD (Institut de Recherche contre les Cancers de l'Appareil Digestif) located within the University Hospital of Strasbourg, France. IRCAD 3 is the latest addition to the globally recognized surgical research and training institute, and the 2,400 square meter (26,000 square foot) hub building dedicated to robotics. AV integrator DEYA installed a pair of Christie Mirage 4K40-RGB projectors in its 237-seat auditorium, delivering 3D and outstanding color reproduction required for specialist learning. A Christie Terra SDVOE-based AV-over-IP solution is used to power content at the auditorium, and the building features a host of IP-connected audiovisual elements throughout, including speakers, microphones, digital signage and video conferencing technologies.

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“The aims of the auditorium were above all 4K and 3D, but also to ensure a very immersive experience,” said David Hiltenbrand, audiovisual technician at IRCAD. “We wanted, unlike the other auditoriums we had, to have a large, wide projection area so we could display at least five or six images to provide versatility. We were looking for a laser projector with beautiful colorimetry and strong 3D capabilities. The choice naturally turned to Christie, who was the only manufacturer at the time to offer this type of product. We also switched to video over IP throughout the building, and that’s a complete paradigm shift.”

The auditorium is equipped with a fully modular stage space, with the 11.6-meter (38 foot) display powered by two Christie Mirage 4K40-RGB pure laser projectors. The 40,000-lumen projector achieves greater than 95% of Rec.2020 color space, and its 120Hz refresh rate enables 3D applications. The all-in-one projector delivers detailed images, built-in warping and blending, near-field communication monitoring and an at-a-glance preview screen. The auditorium features microphones installed within the seats, a discreet but powerful audio solution, six 4K cameras and a video conferencing system. DEYA—which was responsible for all technology throughout the building—also established an AV control room and implemented an ecosystem of equipment throughout IRCAD 3, all connected over IP with a Christie Terra AV-over-IP solution.

“The 3D element in surgery is very important, since it allows you to have the depth ratio to understand the various elements,” said Carlos Alves, head of IRCAD audiovisual department. “Colors are also very important, and obviously everything must be very defined to see all the small vessels and so on. And with 4K resolution and at 60Hz or 120Hz, it allowed us to have all these required elements. The architect has made a magnificent auditorium with waves at ceiling level and leather armchairs. So, we had to combine technology and aesthetics, which was another challenge.”

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The outcome is a highly specified center of excellence, equipped with powerful AV technology that has blended the required high levels of performance while maintaining the ultra-modern aesthetics of the building.

Partnering with Dimensional Innovations, an experience design, technology and fabrication firm, Daktronics has manufactured and installed a new LED video wall in Cook Children’s Hospital’s new Prosper, TX, location. Opened in December 2022, the video wall will add an immersive digital element that will light up the facility while engaging patients and their families.

The primary function of the display is to provide an awe-inspiring wow factor while delivering a calming natural scene reflective of the Texas landscape and to slowly change scenery throughout the day. It will also be used for special events to show presentations, movies, and other information and messaging as needed.

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“Providing positive distractions and soothing elements for children and their families, this stunning display from Daktronics will serve as a focal point for the newly-opened Cook Children’s Hospital in Prosper, TX,” said Alex Divine, healthcare account director, Dimensional Innovations. “Offering an immersive escape before an appointment can make an uncertain situation much more manageable for pediatric patients, families and hospital staff.”

The LED video wall measures approximately 13.5x24 feet and features a tight 1.9-millimeter pixel spacing to deliver full 4K, high-resolution imagery with excellent clarity and contrast. The versatility of this display allows for three additional source inputs to allow for any other combination of dynamic video content, facility announcements and branding, and other messages to be scheduled or adjusted at a moment’s notice.

[SCN Installation Showcase 2022] 

“We’re grateful to be a part of bringing joy to this important space,” said Steve Bayer, Daktronics special projects director. “Working with Dimensional Innovations has been a great experience and we value our strong partnership with their team of professionals as we work together to bring desirable and memorable experiences to audiences using digital technology.”

There’s nothing quite like a visit to the doctor’s office to make you feel unwell or at least unclean (as if that exam table paper will prevent me from getting shingles). Add to that the general feeling of unease that accompanies most visits—I don’t know about you, but I don’t stop by the doctor’s office to swap cookie recipes—and it’s fair to say any distraction would be a welcome distraction.

During my most recent routine visit, I encountered such a diversion. Every once in a while, men of a certain age need to visit the dermatologist, point to various freckles and assorted skin tags, and let the professionals sort it out. So, there I sat, silently pondering the adequacy of my sunscreen use, when what to my wondering eyes did appear but an interactive touchscreen in portrait mode. Now, I could cinch up my paper modesty kilt and read about psoriasis, chronic hives, and cold sores.

It was a hypochondriac’s dream!

All kidding aside, healthcare digital signage, particularly in patient rooms, is a great idea. Patients can peruse a variety of health topics while they wait. That kind of engagement might lead to questions about other offerings, such as cosmetic surgery, or even referrals.

My dermatologist told me it’s been a very popular addition to their practice. However, the touchscreens are about more than sharing health tips. Doctors can access anatomy images, so it’s easier to illustrate issues like acne to teenagers. There’s even a whiteboard function, which can be used to annotate over images on the screen or keep the kids amused while the adults talk.

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I know what you’re thinking: Who needs interactive digital signage when we have smartphones? Well, according to Statista, smartphone ownership for U.S. seniors (65+) more than doubled from 2015 to 2021—but it’s still only at 61%. That’s a lot of older folks waiting to be served who aren’t playing Roblox. You’ve got a captive audience, why not give them the opportunity to gain some knowledge and not focus on how long they’ve been sitting there?

Not only are interactive displays great for patients, they also represent a potential ongoing revenue stream for integrators. As we all know, content is king. PatientPoint was the communication platform at the office I visited, but there are plenty of options out there. Sure, some practices will be more hands-on than others, but I’m betting most would rather have someone else (read: you) manage the content.

[Editorial: Digital Signage Future Is Bright]

Installation, maintenance, content creation, managed services—healthcare digital signage could be just what the doctor ordered for a healthy systems integration business.

The Discovery Network TV Show, “Operation: Healing Heroes” features a different veteran in each episode, from all eras of war, telling their stories. Now in its seventh season, the show has allowed veterans to share their experiences and challenges. The interviews are typically conducted in outdoor settings like fishing boats, where production quality can be tricky because of the need for wireless, capturing sound in remote locations, and natural sounds that could interfere.

“When we’re hearing these really heartfelt and genuine stories from our veterans, there is no way to interrupt for a sound issue or ask them to do a re-take,” said Keith Anderson, producer. “We get their story as it is told. These women and men have made many sacrifices and their stories are important to capture as genuinely as possible.”

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He stressed the imperative need to have the right equipment in place so that the conversation is natural while securing the best production quality for the audience.

The show implements Shure TwinPlex mics with ADX5D to capture the interview audio. And with the rechargeable batteries and the battery status indicator remotely monitored, they don’t have to worry about stopping during the shoot or during a crucial conversation to change batteries—especially on a boat or elsewhere where it can be hard to access equipment.

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Some episodes even go beyond fishing. A recent episode featured a veteran interview on horseback. He was using Saddles in Service, an equestrian organization that helps veterans with PTSD.

The show is produced by Operation Healing Heroes, who as a 501c3 charity organization provides funding for the treatment of PTSD. Founded by the show hosts, Jay Garstecki and Ben Olson in 2015, the organization has filmed and documented more than 50 stories from women and men who have served. In addition, the show has become a resource for veterans to learn about alternative PTSD treatments. To date, they’ve treated (and paid for) PTSD treatments for more than 100 veterans.

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“These are very emotional stories of our heroes and we’re proud that we can give them a platform to share their experiences with others and support them in a way that they deserve,” said Garstecki.

PPDS is partnering with the international charity, Eye Care Foundation, with the donation of two 4K UHD Philips professional displays. The displays will be used to help prevent avoidable blindness and other serious eye conditions in Vietnam.

The donation forms part of PPDS’ focus on supporting charities that bring positive change globally, as well as the recently launched TPV Cares—a brand-new foundation that harnesses the talents of PPDS, TP Vision, MMD Monitors and Displays, and AOC teams and technologies to help and support people and communities in more than 200 countries.

The Eye Care Foundation

The Eye Care Foundation is an inspiring international charity, founded in Amsterdam and active in countries in Asia (including Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) and Africa (Tanzania). Born out of the need to help provide and establish good and affordable eye care in developing countries, the Eye Care Foundation is completely focused on helping those for whom good medical care is inaccessible or unaffordable to prevent and cure avoidable blindness and visual impairment.

Challenge: Facilitating Training

Training those who are on the ground providing eye care in the countries in which the Eye Care Foundation operates is a fundamental requirement for the charity.

“The biggest challenge is to find enough resources to stabilize the growth of vision loss worldwide," explained Björn Stenvers, director of Eye Care Foundation. "The displays from PPDS have allowed us to train and empower the local team at Vinh Long Hospital, with the aim of educating patients on the importance of seeking eye care earlier, helping to prevent sight loss.”

One such project is in Vietnam, where community health workers are being trained to increase access to eye care services, contributing to the reduction of avoidable blindness in Vinh Long province.

Professional displays facilitate this training, enabling the teams to show affected eyes and how they may be treated—super-sized and in high resolution.

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The Philips Solution

Two Philips professional displays—a 65-inch and a 43-inch Q-Line—were selected, shipped, and installed in the Vinh Long Eye Hospital in Vietnam, one for use in the treatment rooms for training and for reviewing images with patients, and another for use in the bustling reception area. Both displays allow the Vinh Long team to educate and inform on the importance of early intervention in eye issues, using video, imagery and static content.

Healthcare facilities have varied communications needs for both outward-facing and internal messaging. Whether it’s the delivery of infotainment to waiting areas and patient rooms or critical care notices at nurse stations, hospitals and clinics increasingly leverage digital signage technology to keep visitors, patients, and staff informed in real time.

The use cases are diverse and some, notably on the interactive side, are often more prevalent in healthcare than other verticals. One example of this is wayfinding, the most common digital signage application we see in hospitals today.

Large hospitals are notoriously difficult to navigate. Intuitive touchscreen kiosks—much sleeker and aesthetically appealing than the clunky units of yesteryear—give visitors multiple ways to locate their destination depending on their preference, and relieve them of further stress.

For example, they can choose to receive a printed set of directions, scan a QR code, receive a text message, or access wayfinding instructions through an app. Also, these systems can be programmed to support multiple languages on a single display, allowing non-English speakers—or those for whom English is a second language—a more comfortable way of getting the information they need.

Hospitals also leverage digital signage kiosks for patient check-in, reducing the burden on hospital staff. In non-emergency scenarios, the patient registers via a kiosk with built-in blinders (for privacy purposes) or a tablet. The individual is assigned a code (also for privacy purposes) and is entered into the queuing system. Patients can then monitor their progress—from check-in to consultation to the X-ray room—to determine where they are in the outpatient care process.

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Healthcare professionals now take advantage of digital signage when meeting with peers, too. At Hawaii Pacific Health, guests can access wayfinding and session information through interactive displays powered by Visix AxisTV Signage Suite software. The screens provide information on what happens in each conference room, as well as their location in the facility. Users can also access a directory to perform keyword searches for specific events.

Modernized Messaging

It's no secret that digital signage is the platform that businesses and organizations turn to when there’s a desire to modernize their communications strategies. The main reason is often to efficiently provide important updates to audiences in a timely manner that also captures attention in a compelling way—something that print, email, and other visual communication methods simply don’t achieve.

The Atlanta chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities—an organization that provides lodging to families whose children are in treatment at nearby hospitals—has taken an intriguing approach by using digital signage to communicate time-sensitive information to the families it serves. With displays positioned in high-traffic hallways, the system also runs content that tells the story of Ronald McDonald House and its current missions, as well as "thank you" messaging to donors and volunteers.

A more common approach to modernized healthcare facility messaging can be found at the Jamestown Family Health Clinic in Sequim, WA. Owned by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, this is one of the largest family practices on the Olympic Peninsula, with 26 primary care providers and 18,000 active patients. Previously, the facility relied on its already busy staff members to manually post written notes in its waiting room to communicate important information to patients.

[Digital Signage on the Go]

Now, the facility can deliver more consistent, real-time communications with its new digital signage system, which features two 50-inch video displays positioned at opposite ends of its large lobby area. Jamestown also benefits from a digital signage-focused Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) package, a subscription-based OpEx solution that enabled the clinic to avoid incurring a capital expense to invest in the necessary gear for the new system.

Managed Service Opportunities

The shift from CapEx to OpEx is a familiar transition that we’ve seen trickle down from the IT space to Pro AV, including the digital signage sector. Healthcare professionals, already stretched thin prior to the pandemic, are now seeking to reduce their capital expense budget while also outsourcing management, maintenance, and other tasks to lessen these burdens on in-house staff.

Managed service offerings that include 24/7 remote monitoring keep integrators in front of these clients and allow for troubleshooting and resolution, often before the customer is aware that an issue has occurred. Integrators that offer these post-installation services can help hospitals and clinics operate more smoothly, while strengthening their client relationships and establishing new, ongoing revenue sources.

[Editorial: Digital Signage Future Is Bright]

Similarly, partnering with suppliers that offer subscription-based packages extends the value of the managed service plan coming from the integrator, as the latter pairs ideally with the subscription model. Institutions that are reticent to commit to CapEx procurement models will find the quickly emerging HaaS offerings taking shape around the AV industry attractive.

Often, the entire hardware portion can be written off as an OpEx expense; in the case of a Visix HaaS plan, media player ownership is never transferred to the client. Instead, a monthly cloud and player subscription is bundled with the media player itself.

Emerging Needs

As is the case with all markets this industry serves, healthcare has its unique needs and quirks. Analytics is one technology area that will help end users in most industry verticals address audience needs moving forward. This is particularly true when used with retail and hospitality networks, as analytics can help clients better understand audience behaviors, as well as the effectiveness of out-of-home ad campaigns.

In healthcare, the value of analytics will be more about tracking audience numbers, such as participation in blood drives. This is a very new technology that will rapidly emerge for varied use cases, but we see analytics as a dynamic toolset for better understanding contributions, consumer reactions, and overall effectiveness of a digital signage campaign.

For AV integrators, understanding the unique needs of healthcare means investing the time in discovering and understanding what each customer wants to achieve when it comes to patient, employee, and visitor experience, and how digital signage can help them get there. In making this effort, they position themselves as the long-term, trusted partner that healthcare facilities can continually call upon as they scale their systems upward and further explore what digital signage technology has to offer.

Wake Technical Community College—Wake Tech—in Raleigh, NC, serves approximately 70,000 students. At the Perry Health Sciences Campus, students take courses that prepare them for certification as emergency medical technicians and paramedics. 

Wake Tech's IT and AV staff designed a simulation suite AV system in-house. The Raleigh office of Pro AV integrator Inter Technologies handled system installation and commissioning. As one of Inter Technologies’ trusted suppliers and Wake Tech’s vendor of choice, Extron provided the project's AV switching, distribution, control, and audio products.

[Here's How Extron Connects Researchers in Korea with AVoIP Solutions]

An "Over-Engineering" Challenge

A major portion of the budget for the simulation suite went toward room construction and acquisition of the patient simulation system. The patient simulation system includes several full-body, anatomically correct adult, infant, and obstetric mannequins remotely controlled by software capable of presenting a broad set of clinical symptoms and vital signs under a variety of programmable scenarios. The audiovisual system is as important as the simulation system because it records and streams the video and audio events of the training sessions for debriefings and real-time observation by instructors and students. With the limited budget allocated to the suite’s AV system, the designers were intent on not over-engineering it. Yet, they also focused on assembling an AV system that was robust enough to support the important mission of preparing future lifesavers for their jobs, while keeping operation simple so as not to distract from training.

Design Solution: 3 Things to Know

1. Training Exercises Streamed Live to Overflow Classrooms and Recorded for Debriefs

To capture all the activity during training exercises, each of the simulation suite’s four “rooms” is equipped with a PTZ camera on the wall and a beam-tracking pendant microphone on the ceiling. A DXP 84 HD 4K PLUS matrix switcher routes the HDMI video from the cameras. The simulation room mics, plus the instructor’s control room mic, feed into a digital audio distribution system that performs routing as well as digital signal processing for acoustic beam steering and acoustic echo cancellation. Two of the HDMI outputs from the video matrix switcher connect to an SMP 352 dual recording streaming media processor, which also receives analog audio from the audio DSP. 

The SMP 352 records and streams training sessions from two simulation rooms simultaneously. The recordings are played back for debriefs to help students and instructors evaluate student performance. Recordings are saved to internal memory and to USB flash drives. Students can take the flash drives with them to review independently or to show others. For realism, only the student EMT team that would be present for a real-life rescue are typically in a simulation room tending to a “patient.” But the SMP 352 streaming outputs can be sent over the network to overflow classrooms, or even over the internet via a soft codec such as Zoom, allowing larger student groups to observe real time or review recordings.

[Here's How Extron Enhances Medical Training, Simulations at VinUniversity]

2. Flat Panel Displays and Speakers in the Simulation Rooms Provide Real-Time Views of Training Activities

The simulation suite AV system is equipped with six 55-inch flat panel displays to give observers a bird’s-eye view of the activity around each “patient.” One of these displays is located in the overflow classroom. The rest are mounted above the location of the mannequin in each simulation room. For example, in the living room setting shown on the first page of this case study, the display is above the foot of the sofa where the “patient” lies supine. In the bedroom, there are two 55-inch displays—one above a bed, where an adult mannequin lies, and the other above a crib containing an infant mannequin. All six displays show the same PTZ camera feed, as selected in the control room. The matrix switcher routes the selected PTZ camera HDMI video output to a DTP HD DA8 4K 230 distribution amplifier which extends the signal long-distances over DTP shielded twisted pair cable runs to the six displays. Mounted behind each display is a DTP HDMI 4K 230 Rx receiver that converts the signal from DTP to HDMI.

To accompany the video shown on the 55-inch displays, the sounds captured by the ceiling mics in the simulation rooms are routed by the audio system to ceiling speakers in the simulation rooms. The AV control processor ensures that the sound heard from the speakers is from the same room being shown on the displays by commanding audio routing to select the mic feed from the same room as the currently selected PTZ camera. Sound from the selected microphone is also heard in the control room over a pair of SM 3 speakers that are driven by the stereo outputs of an MPA 152 Plus amplifier that receives its input from the audio DSP.

3. Instructors in Control Room Manage the AV System from a Touchscreen Display, Operate Mannequins from a Laptop

From the control room, instructors and their assistants can control the AV system and execute simulation scenarios from a single operator position. As seen in the images in this article, a laptop on the desk directly in front of the instructor runs simulation software from Laerdal Medical Corporation, makers of the medical mannequins. This software can run pre-programmed simulation scenarios, or the instructor can operate the mannequins on-the-fly. Physiological parameters are set, trends initiated, and actions logged. The Laerdal software provides “patient” vital signs to computer monitors in the simulation rooms.

A 24-inch touchscreen monitor at the control room instructor desk is used to control the AV system. The Wake Tech AV team designed the AV control GUI and the Inter Technologies installation team configured the control system using Global Configurator Professional. An IPCP Pro 350 control processor commands all AV system components via a network switch. The touchscreen AV control user interface on the 24-inch monitor is implemented via a TLI PRO 101 TouchLink interface unit, allowing live HDMI video from the simulation room PTZ cameras to be displayed within the AV control GUI.

Positive Results

Jennifer Unitis, manager of academic computing, noted that since the beginning of her AV career, she has been hands-on with AV installations, whether creating designs, climbing ladders to run cables, or racking-up equipment. Being that close to the hardware, she realized early on the capabilities, ease of installation and operation, and reliability of Extron AV products. That’s made Unitis an enthusiastic Extron advocate wherever she’s worked. Along the way, she and her associates trained with Extron and earned several Extron AV technology certifications.

“I was glad to learn that the school is an almost 100% Extron campus, and that everyone on the AV team has one or more Extron certifications,” she noted.

[AV Network's top stories, product news, and expert insights] 

Unitis affirms her AV team’s sentiments that “Extron was incredibly helpful in assisting with the design of the EMS simulation suite. They helped us create a solution that met all of our goals. We built a high-end simulation environment for a fraction of the normal cost of a system with this much capability. Faculty and students find the system easy to operate and are fully satisfied.” The simulation suite plays an integral role in helping Wake Tech meet its EMS program mission of “Serving the state of North Carolina as a leader in education for the emergency medicine profession.”

Adding to its suite of health relationship management and patient engagement solutions, Equiva today unveiled its digital signage offering. This solution provides a flexible framework for healthcare organizations (HCOs) to create engaging experiences that deliver educational, informational and promotional offerings to patients, visitors, and staff across waiting rooms, high-traffic public areas and employee-only locations.  

[Digital Signage: The Future Is Bright]

“Digital signage is often overlooked or is an afterthought in healthcare organizations, yet it provides numerous opportunities to support real-world needs of patients and visitors as well as the providers and organizations who deliver services to these individuals,” said Equiva CEO Nir Altman. “With continued advances in healthcare consumerization, HCOs must do more to engage captive waiting room audiences and share content that promotes their own organization. Our solution empowers HCOs to move forward with digital signage in a way that serves their strategic needs - quickly, flexibly, affordably and securely.” 

According to Altman, many Equiva customers have seen solid results in using the company's tablet devices to engage with patients, and asked about new approaches to plan, deploy, and manage digital signage infrastructure in a more cohesive and cost-effective way. “Our solution addresses the needs of HCOs who face short-term budget realities to leverage existing hardware across multiple sites while also planning longer-term strategies aligned to overarching organizational priorities,” Altman added.  

[Maximize Digital Signage with Content Planning, Management]

Equiva’s cloud-based digital signage solution is optimized for healthcare security demands and can be deployed in less than four weeks, with flexibility to create content and manage updates to meet the needs of individual departments and units while also supporting company-wide initiatives. The solution enhances the company’s health relationship management platform, an integrated omnichannel solution for collaborative, hyper-targeted digital health engagement. 

In addition to supporting brand positioning, HCOs use public-facing signage to improve patient and visitor satisfaction by creating calming environments that reduce perceived wait times. Content can be delivered via digital signage to extend warm welcomes, advance health awareness, inspire wellness, promote timely events, and instill confidence by spotlighting key providers and highlighting service excellence. 

Many organizations also use digital signage behind the scenes to engage and educate employees. “This is becoming increasingly important as HCOs seek to address today’s employee satisfaction initiatives," Atlman said. "Flexibility is key to address wide-ranging needs across employee populations in a timely fashion.” 

Global visualization company Barco has collaborated with Strategic Radiology, whose 1,500+ affiliated radiologists can now benefit from Barco's premium radiology and mammography solutions and services.

[Barco Roadmap 2022]

Strategic Radiology is a national coalition of privately owned, independent radiology practices representing a membership of over 1,500 radiologists across the U.S. They have come together to improve quality, gain operational efficiencies, and innovate the future of radiology’s private practice model. Via Strategic Radiology, all these groups now have access to Barco diagnostic imaging solutions.

Strategic Radiology members can choose a variety of high-quality diagnostic monitors to fulfill their needs for the hospitals they support, at outpatient clinics and in their homes. Barco diagnostic monitors are known to increase diagnostic accuracy, improve clinical productivity and save time and money.

[Barco Expands G Series Projectors]

Two Strategic Radiology members have already taken advantage of this partnership by purchasing Barco diagnostic monitors for their practice:

• Naugatuck Valley Radiological Associates (NVRA) is an institute of diagnostic imaging staffed with twelve highly trained and board-certified radiologists who strive to provide the best patient care.
• Southeast Radiology has been committed to staying on the forefront of modern-day radiology, maintaining up-to-date training on all the latest imaging technologies and interpretations. All radiologists of SERL are board-certified and received their training at nationally recognized academic institutions.

Focused on improving the delivery of care in radiology, Barco connects healthcare professionals at every patient touchpoint, from the imaging room, to radiology, through specialist consultations, and into the surgical suite. Barco offers the widest selection of fit-for-purpose medical imaging solutions that deliver the complete diagnostic picture supporting higher diagnostic capability, workflow, and cost effectiveness.

[Magewell Partners with Barco to Enhance Wireless Conferencing Experiences]

“The recently implemented relationship between Strategic Radiology and Barco has allowed Southeast Radiology to align cutting-edge radiological image visualization technology with the rapidly evolving needs of private practice radiologists," said Dr. Eric Rubin, radiologist at Southeast Radiology.

Overlake Medical Center, a 350-bed, non-profit regional hospital in Bellevue, Washington, has installed a state-of-the-art Exterity IPTV system. Designed to improve the patient experience and manage the hospital's in-house video requirements, the new system is a key part of Project FutureCare, an upgrade and refurbishment project currently in progress at the award-winning healthcare facility. With a budget of $250 million, the five-year project will ensure Overlake continues to set the standard for overall healthcare excellence in the region.

The cornerstone of Project FutureCare is a newly built, 240,000 square-foot tower which opened in February 2021. This new facility has a new concourse-style drop-off and improved wayfinding, while also offering larger, single-patient rooms that combine the space for family zones as well as state-of-the-art technology.

During the design phase, Jeni Connelly, IT Senior Project Manager at Overlake, and technology lead for the new building, realized that a new IPTV system could act as a catalyst for improving patient experience at the Medical Center.

"We evaluated our legacy video system--largely coaxial-based cable TV--and realized it didn't support the in-room entertainment experience we wanted to offer our patients," she said. "The New East Tower project gave us a chance to change that for the better. We decided to opt for a state-of-the-art IPTV system as we felt it would be the ideal solution to address our 'patient experience' quandary, as well as service the full array of our day-to-day video needs."

The IPTV system needed to consolidate 350 patient rooms--as well as common areas and a videowall in the entrance lobby--onto a single network, which is centrally managed and supervised. The hospital also hoped to upgrade the existing cable TV system to include video-on-demand (VoD) services, while giving patients swift access to information and educational videos as well as other internal content.

Neurilink, based in Boise, Idaho (with an office in Seattle), was chosen as the AV systems integrator for the project and started work in March 2020. The company worked with Exterity to design an IPTV system that would satisfy the varying demands of the hospital staff and patients alike.

The system comprises a 4TB Management server that hosts all applications and devices on the system including VoD services and recordings, and in-house custom channels, including a patient education VoD library. Hollywood movies are also available for patient entertainment, with Pro:Idiom encrypted videos streamed directly to healthcare-grade SmartTVs. The system also incorporates ATSC and QAM Gateways to capture cable TV and OTA (over-the-air) channels to complement VoD and utilize, when required, the hospital's existing RF system. In addition, an AvediaStream m9605 Media Player powers the video wall in the lobby and provides the ability to seamlessly display 4K video and detailed graphics (up to 4K, 60fps), creating a captivating visual experience on arrival.

Each of the new patient rooms contains a hospital-grade display complete with a simple, intuitive user interface custom-designed by the team. For convenience, the menu is navigated with the "nurse call" pillow-speaker remote so that a single device is all that is needed for the patient to be in full control.

The Exterity IPTV solution has made it simple for Overlake to provide patients and staff with managed access to different categories of content--whether VoD, in-house videos, proprietary programming or OTA broadcasts--via a streamlined system that is robust, reliable and simple to use. The hospital has significantly improved the patient experience and delivers increased value for all of its stakeholders.

As Jeni Connelly noted, "The Overlake neighborhood includes many of the biggest names in technology and we are delighted that our new IPTV system delivers an experience that is as slick and convenient as the latest consumer device."

Located in Adelaide, South Australia, Hampstead Health is dedicated to delivering high quality, comprehensive, integrated, multidisciplinary primary health care services to the people of the local community. 

According to Toni Jones, Human Resources Manager at Hampstead Health Family Practice, the facility has a very large and busy reception area that is often quite noisy, making quick and clear communications with incoming clients a challenge. Add to this normal operating environment the Covid-era required installation of Perspex Safety Screens and you end up with an environment that further reduces speech intelligibility. 

“We needed a solution that would protect the health and safety of our clients and team and improve direct, two-way communication in the reception area,” she explained.

To design and install the right solution for Hampstead Health, Jones approached their reseller AV Australia, who then turned to Exertis ProAV Australia, their specialist commercial AV distribution partner in the region. After consulting with the customer on site, Exertis recommended the Contacta Bridge Bar system that is part of the Window Intercom System family. Exertis installed a demo system for the customer and, after Hampstead Health recognized the advantages of the system after trialing it for a week, then recommended AJS Lighting Sound Events to serve as the local installation partner on the project.

The Contacta Bridge Bar System provides full duplex communication for staff and customers/patients, including an integrated hearing loop for customers wearing hearing aids. The Window Intercom Systems counter the loss in speech intelligibility caused by the installation of Perspex Safety screens at counters in Healthcare, Retail, Airports, Banking and Ticketing environments, anywhere with a Service Counter and Perspex screen. 

According to Exertis ProAV Australia General Manager Nick Cocks, “In today’s Covid environment, the addition of Perspex safety screens can mean a loss of up to 12dB in sound level, combining that with protective masks eliminating the ability to lip read, the capacity to understand speech clearly is greatly diminished for both staff and patients.

“The Contacta Window Intercom Systems allow for speech intelligibility to be increased so that customers and staff do not need to raise their voices or speak around the screens. The other advantage is that the amplified sound field is limited to the speakers’ vicinity, so customer confidentiality is maintained, which is vitally important in the health and banking sectors,” Cocks emphasized.

Now that the new Contacta system is installed and fully operational, Hampstead’s Jones is seeing a higher quality of two-way communication between staff and clients. “Since installing the Contacta Bridge Bar System, communicating with our patients is so much easier. There is no longer any need to raise voices to be heard and, most importantly, the reception staff are extremely happy with the system.”

AVIXA has put together a rich education program focused on pro AV design and integration that will be part of InfoComm 2021, which takes place Oct. 23–29, 2021, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The program will explore key factors influencing design and integration, from the pandemic to inclusivity.

“AV experiences start with insightful designs, and InfoComm 2021 is offering a variety of perspectives to enhance your design and integration toolbox,” said Annette Sandler, director of live content U.S./Canada, AVIXA. “A theme that’s woven throughout this program is the importance of designing for all. These sessions will challenge the way you approach design to create a better AV experience for everyone.”

Redesigning the Virtual Healthcare Workspace During a Pandemic

The session “Redesigning the Virtual Healthcare Workspace During a Pandemic” will explore how Mass General Brigham healthcare system’s collaborative media department and its teleconferencing, streaming, hosting, and remote work tools became critical overnight. Bo Toof, senior video producer and streaming specialist at Partners HealthCare, will share success stories, including a high-visibility livestreamed Harvard Medical Grands Rounds presentation and interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAD).

Getting Real About Inclusive Design

In the session “Getting Real About Inclusive Design,” Bren Walker, partner and principal of integrated systems at Kirkegaard, will discuss the key principles of inclusive design, the relationship between diversity and inclusive design, how inclusive design relates to universal design and accessibility, and the ROI of inclusive design. The session will look at how Microsoft and the University of Cambridge’s Inclusive Design Toolkits have been used in real-world situations, as well as a case study of inclusive design principles on AV systems design projects for performing arts and education projects.

How Strategy Defines Workplace Content Design and Implementation

Emily Conrad, co-founder and president of Tessellate Studio, and Rachel Casanova, senior managing director of Cushman & Wakefield, will present the session “How Strategy Defines Workplace Content Design and Implementation.” Conrad and Casanova are collaborators defining a holistic workplace experience with a goal to create office spaces people want to go to every day. In this session, they will offer an overview of the process that shapes their experiential projects and detailed techniques and technologies they employ.

InfoComm is giving our readers a free Exhibit Hall pass to the show! Use VIP Code “FUTURE” to redeem your free pass. Click here to register.

For the latest show updates, visit our InfoComm 2021 hub.

The What: LG Business Solutions USA has announced two new hospital TVs (models 65US772M and 15LS766A) designed to improve patient management and engagement while adhering to critical safety standards for deployment in healthcare facilities.

[Pro AV Assists Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic]

The What Else: The company’s biggest-screen in-room hospital TV ever, the 65-inch 4K Ultra HD model 65US772M features LG’s NanoCell display technology for a sharp, vivid picture in an ultra-slim design. The LG 65US772M provides built-in support for hospital pillow speakers and embedded broadband LAN capability so hospitals can deliver video on demand without requiring a separate set-top box in the patient room. It also includes LG EZ-Manager configuration software with an intuitive interface for setting up the TV to work in a hospital setting, plus a software-enabled access point feature that turns the TV into a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

The 15-inch LG 15LS766A Personal Healthcare Smart Touch TV with webOS 5.0 includes LG’s IPS panel technology and a multi-touch screen. It is designed to be installed on an adjustable arm for use in shared spaces or smaller patient rooms and will support the new, modular LG AM-AC21EA video camera, which attaches securely to the 15LS766A and supports HD video communication.

[AV Central to Floating Hospital’s Operations]

The Bottom Line: The new 65- and 15-inch LG hospital TVs are UL Certified for use in healthcare facilities to give hospitals peace of mind that the technology works safely so healthcare workers can focus on patient care. LG hospital TVs are compliant with the general UL 60065 Standard (for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus - Safety Requirements), as well as additional safety requirements in Annex Q, Equipment for Use in Health Care Facilities, that address risks identified by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) that are unique to healthcare facilities.

With more than 5 billion people lacking access to safe surgical care and 50 percent of the world’s population living near a coast, the charitable organization Mercy Ships uses its fleet of hospital ships to increase access to state-of-the-art medical care worldwide. Transforming lives by serving one nation at a time, Mercy Ships began its work in 1983 with the launch of the Good Samaritan hospital ship, which provided care throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America for 11 years.

Mercy Ships currently has one ship in operation, the Africa Mercy, which launched in 2007 and provides services throughout Central and Western Africa. With the need for their services continuing to grow, Mercy Ships wanted to build on the work of Africa Mercy, which is able to perform approximately 7,000 interventions a year, and expand their fleet by building another ship of equal or greater capacity.

With that in mind, Mercy Ships has taken ownership of the newly constructed 37,000 GRT (gross registered tonnage) hospital ship Global Mercy, which will double Mercy Ships’ current capacity and will offer increased training opportunities for their crews. Over the expected 50-year lifespan of the ship, Mercy Ships estimates that more than 150,000 lives will be improved through surgeries alone. Mercy Ships is able to provide these services with the help of more than 1,300 volunteers from over 50 nations who work anywhere from two weeks to two years, and whose skills and specialties include medicine, operations, AV, and other areas.

When fully in operation, the ship will hold up to 950 people. Hospital functions will be contained to decks 3 and 4 and will cover approximately 75,350 square feet (or 1.3 football fields). Medical facilities will include six operating rooms, 102 acute care beds, seven ICU isolation beds, and 90 self-care beds. This area will also include meeting rooms and conference spaces that will help the crew to conduct in-house training sessions. Meeting spaces were designed based on crew feedback and experience.

Since the ship is a brand-new build, Mercy Ships has focused on installing the newest technologies on the market. “As a new ship, we were able to design it from the ground up to meet our exact needs instead of retrofitting one,” said Jonathan Dyson, director of enterprise infrastructure for Mercy Ships.

The health organization partnered with North Star Engineering, which served as the overall technology consultant for the new ship. The QSC Q-SYS Ecosystem of audio, video, and control solutions will serve as the main AV platform aboard the Global Mercy. This network-driven solution will allow each location within the ship to be controlled internally, or remotely from Mercy Ships’ headquarters in Lindale, TX. The platform will help manage the shipwide P.A. system, as well as AV and control for meeting rooms, café areas, hospital training rooms, and the auditorium. It gives Global Mercy the ability to integrate PTZ cameras, microphones, control panels, speakers, and amplifiers through a software-based centralized control interface. Overture by Barco is being deployed to control and manage equipment in the meeting/conference rooms and auditorium.

“Improving technology within the organization has always been at the forefront of our minds within the technology group. However, it is a constant balance between being conscious of the funds our donors provide and the benefits we see available in emerging technologies,” said Dyson.

These technology integrations provide functional tools to empower the volunteer crew to perform their work efficiently. Technology also keeps the crew connected to those back home and colleagues aboard the ship during their time at sea, helping them collaborate and administer fast and effective care to their patients. “With better communication, our staff is able to work internationally with different offices and support teams, providing much better care for patients who board our ship,” Dyson added.

Shipwide P.A. System

The ship’s wide area public address system is able to span 11 decks of the Global Mercy thanks to the Q-SYS Ecosystem by QSC. Q-SYS’ Core 510i processor sits at the ship’s AV helm, controlling 20 CXD-4.3Q network amplifiers that in turn power 100 QSC AD-C6T-LP loudspeakers. The crew relies on three Q-SYS PS-1600H paging stations for shipwide communications. The full-featured Q-SYS control engine within the Core processor gives Global Mercy teams complete control of the audio setup, giving them the ability to route audio sources to multiple locations throughout the ship.

“QSC is honored to work with Mercy Ships to provide technology—including our Q-SYS software-based audio, video, and control ecosystem—to further enhance the ship’s capabilities and create a floating work environment where users can quickly and easily collaborate,” said Anna Csontos, executive vice president, chief market officer and chief of staff at QSC. “Mercy Ships is a wonderful organization, and we are proud to contribute to such a wonderful cause.”

Conference Rooms

The Global Mercy will have 10 conference/meeting rooms, each set up using the QSC Q-SYS Ecosystem. Each room will be configured with NEC displays, QSC PTZ conference cameras, a QSC Q-SYS Core 110f processor, Q-SYS TSC-7w Network Touch Screen controllers, and QSC in-ceiling loudspeakers with Audio-Technica ceiling microphones. These integrations will give the staff the ability to conduct presentations and video calls, and help them connect with staff and experts around the world.

[The Technology Manager's Guide to Conference Rooms]

Auditorium

Giving staff the ability to hold meetings, seminars and presentations with the entire crew, the 682-seat auditorium will be fitted with a separate audio reinforcement system, but the room will still use QSC Q-SYS Ecosystem. The auditorium will feature an Allen & Heath QU32 digital console, QSC CXD4.3 and QSC CXD4.5 amplifiers, QSC WL3082 Wideline 8 with QSC WL212-sw subwoofer, QSC AP-5102 high-power loudspeakers, and QSC K12.2 powered loudspeakers.

The room’s lighting system will include a Martin M2GO HD lighting control console, and Rush MH 6 Wash, Rush MH 1 Profile Plus, and Rush PAR 2 Zoom lights from Martin by Harman. Sony EVI HD-1 cameras will be installed to enhance overall presentation capabilities.

AV Gives Back

Technology providers including Barco, NEC Display Solutions of America (now Sharp NEC Display Solutions), Peerless-AV, and QSC also chipped in to provide donated and/or discounted products.

Mercy Ships relies almost entirely on volunteers and donors to accomplish its mission, according to Bobby Baker, head of corporate relations at Mercy Ships.

“For Peerless-AV to be able to help out by donating products that we manufacture was the least we could do to give back to this amazing organization that brings lifesaving medical treatment to those in need around the world,” said Nick Belcore, executive vice president, Peerless-AV, whose company provided over 1,000 mounting solutions for Global Mercy.

NEC Display donated more than 2,000 commercial-grade displays for the vessel that were used in the meeting/conference rooms and auditorium. “Mercy Ships matches NEC’s vision of ‘Orchestrating a Brighter World,’” said an NEC Display spokesperson when the donation was announced. “With this partnership, we’re helping Mercy Ships achieve its goal of bringing hope and healing to those who need it most. The technology we’re providing is all commercial-grade, so it will provide lasting value for Mercy Ships, and in the end will create value for society as a whole.”

“NEC has really gone beyond the call of duty with its gift, and as a result of like-minded companies, we are able to bring state-of-the-art healthcare to parts of the world that need it most,” Baker added. “We’re all about bringing dignity to people and giving others the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways. When you can restore sight to a child with a 15-minute cataract removal surgery, it’s a powerful thing. Our donors make this possible.”

Mercy Ships also relies on volunteer AV and IT professionals to keep its ships running. The organization is currently looking for a minimum commitment of three months for volunteer positions including AV technicians and service desk analysts.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit mercyships.org/volunteer.

Time to Set Sail

Mercy Ships expects Global Mercy to be ready to receive patients this spring, and the ship is scheduled to begin its first voyage in Africa by late 2021. With the focus on technological enhancements centered around overall ship communication and meeting rooms, time will tell if further enhancements will be needed and requested from the hospital and operations units once the ship is up and running.

One thing is certain, however: technology plays a foundational role in the mission-driven work of Mercy Ships. Dyson concluded, “Mercy Ships has always been about bringing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor. While technology is not a highlight, it provides us with a necessary foundation and vehicle on which we can stand to provide that hope and healing, the ‘leg up’ for those we serve.” 

With technology incorporated into every aspect of our day-to-day lives, healthcare providers have consistently looked to AV providers for meaningful engagement to improve overall patient health. Many of these solutions afford increased comfort and increased engagement throughout the complex, as well as providing important health information. But with the spread of COVID-19 limiting personal interactions, healthcare providers are looking to quickly increase technology integration—including contactless and remote solutions—so they can continue to provide the same level of services, engagement, and entertainment while keeping employees and patients safe.

Patients often spend hours in their rooms waiting for treatments or results from physicians or nurses. With this being the case, one of the first places many healthcare providers look to engage with patients is through in-room media systems. Keith Donahue, vice president of corporate marketing for Avidex and TeleHealth Services, said, “Hospitals and clinics are incorporating technology and systems to give patients a more home-like experience. A better patient experience includes an interactive, healthcare-grade digital TV experience with entertainment programming, relaxation, and educational content options.”

As the technology continues to evolve, many integrators may look to virtual reality (VR), which is growing in popularity and could be a helpful tool in providing forms of entertainment and relaxation for patients. Also, with patients able to stream content directly through apps like Netflix and Hulu, providers are requesting technology that allows patients to stream content similarly through the in-room media systems.

These systems can also be used to care for patients, even without them knowing it. Donahue feels that patient rooms can serve as a sort of partner in patient care. “When patients turn to television for entertainment and escape, clinical caregivers can passively expose them to health messaging, planting the seeds of awareness and interest. When patients are ready to learn more, a video-on-demand strategy allows hospitals to deliver condition-specific education.” This nearly subliminal messaging allows healthcare providers to continually reinforce vital healthcare information with the goal of decreasing the number of patient readmissions.

These interactive platforms are also being used to automate healthcare staff workflow, including patient requests/information, prescription requests, telenursing, and in-room controls. Donahue explained, “Using an integrated dashboard accessible through workstations or mobile devices, clinical staff can assign condition-specific education, quickly view education plan progress, track engagement metrics, monitor patient communications, and rapidly respond to patient room requests for greater patient satisfaction.” The field is also seeing systems that allow for more patient control of personal room settings including lighting and temperature, meal ordering, and digital whiteboards displaying pertinent care information.

Trevor Fedele, director of sales at MXL Microphones, added that a significant shift he is seeing involves bringing doctors to patients remotely, whether through telemedicine carts or wall-mounted display networks. “We are also seeing many health insurance companies offering telemedicine services for routine physical appointments.” Due to COVID-19, Fedele said they are receiving requests for large numbers of medical carts, with providers forgoing a slower transition phase and opting instead to put these carts to immediate use.

Beyond patient rooms, hospitals are looking to invest in AV systems that are integrated throughout their complexes to offer a better patient, visitor, and staff experience. This advanced technology integration allows for increased engagement within conference and meeting rooms, training rooms, and public areas like waiting rooms, lobbies, and cafeterias. Real-time messaging and wayfinding systems that help visitors navigate facilities are becoming standard features in many hospitals. These messages, which can be dispersed throughout the complex, allow providers to send targeted messaging to specific locations, including waiting rooms, lobby areas, and designated staff areas.

Scott McMullan, director of the Medical Innovation Group (MIG) at Diversified, stressed that one of the most important factors in delivering technology solutions for healthcare environments is the human element. “It’s not just AV for healthcare. It’s a screen that delivers real-time information to a surgical team, a digital sign that updates an anxious family in the waiting area, or a kiosk that guides a patient to a critical consultation. Ultimately, implementing these solutions is about identifying trends in patient care and using technology—from the screens in the OR to the cameras and microphones recording procedures and the data collected from them—to improve the quality of care and help reduce patient safety issues.”

With COVID-19 changing the way medical services are provided, virtual consultations and services will see increased uptake due to the focus on limiting physical contact. One of the biggest trends integrators identified related to remote devices. Fedele said, “We have seen companies manufacture thermometers that can be plugged into a computer so the doctor can read a patient’s temperature, as well as small lights and cameras to check a patient’s ears.” With telemedicine becoming more widespread, providers will be looking to incorporate cutting-edge technology that allows patients to connect with medical teams in a reliable and safe manner.

With the fear that COVID-19 patients could quickly overwhelm healthcare providers, TeleHealth Services partnered with Banyan Medical Systems to provide audiovisual telenursing solutions to their client hospitals, helping them to limit direct contact that can spread the disease. Nursing staff members are able to remotely care for patients, including those in isolation rooms, using a networked TV, mounted camera, and pillow speakers to facilitate communications between the patient and the caregiver. The goal is to provide a rapid response, allowing hospitals to deliver needed care while addressing potential nurse shortages and reducing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) that’s sometimes hard to find.

When it comes time to discharge patients, many medical professionals still rely on printed handouts to explain the patient’s diagnosis and treatment, though this material may be difficult for some patients to understand because of language barriers and limited literacy. Interactive display systems have been found to be a more effective method of educating patients; one study found that using an interactive display can increase overall comprehension and retention by up to 50 percent. Additionally, decreasing the amount of paper used in healthcare centers not only has an environmental benefit, but it is another way to limit additional contact and risk of exposure.

[Shift Offers Free VR Training for COVID-19 Healthcare Workers]

Telemedicine solutions will be fundamental in navigating the future of healthcare in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Personal safety will be a concern that stays with us long after the pandemic subsides and some patients may be left wondering if going to the doctor’s office is worth the risk of exposure. Healthcare providers and patients alike will not only welcome the advancement of these technology solutions but may well demand it.

The What: In response to the current global health crisis, Key Digital has created a method for healthcare providers to reduce exposure time by decreasing the time physically spent in each patient’s room. The company is proud to introduce the new Key Digital Medical Monitoring System (KDM Monitoring System) for the present and ongoing healthcare concerns and the answer to future in-patient telehealth needs.

The What Else: The Key Digital Medical Monitoring System is a local network AV solution for effective and immediate telecommunication between patients and nurses in a hospital, hospice, or in-patient facility. In the patient room, the system features a 1080p PTZ camera at each patient bed, professional USB speaker and mic combo, and communication link with the nurse’s station initiated by patient via emergency button. The nurse’s station features a dual-monitor system with four- or 16-patient view, and full two-way voice link initiated by the nurse using Key Digital Management Software, a pre-programmed PC software user interface. Any PC at the nurse’s viewing station can control video, camera, audio, and voice.

Related: beyerdynamic's UNITE Helps Nurses Treating COVID-19 Patients 

After a brief needs-analysis collection, Key Digital will create a turn-key solution to meet the needs of each installation. Systems outside of four and 16 patient are also possible. The system is completely preconfigured and verified by Key Digital’s engineers before shipping to minimize the amount of installation time necessary in the in-patient environment.

“Key Digital has always operated as a company seeking to solve AV needs with our inventive engineers and extensive product solutions, but this pandemic hits us not just as a technology company, but as individuals with loved ones at risk,” said Masha Lakhter, COO of Key Digital. “In our tight-knit office alone, we all bear the burden of worrying about our friends and family both in need of care and facilitating that care courageously in spite of the known risks. This KDM Monitoring System project and our solution is the result of the respective parents, grandparents, children, and relatives of at-risk persons that make up Key Digital coming together to brainstorm ways to contribute positively in such an uncertain and frightening time. We were able to expedite the release of our turnkey solution to meet the needs of the medical community now when it’s needed most. Adopting Key Digital’s Medical Monitoring System now will immediately help reduce the risk of unnecessary exposure between patients and healthcare staff, and we are proud of our positive contribution in this unsettling climate.”

The Bottom Line: The Medical Monitoring System’s development was guided by a registered nurse on Key Digital’s sales team. In addition to the company’s exhaustive research and analysis for this system, this individual’s insights added to the understanding of the intricacies of the in-patient medical field and the identification of AV needs through the eyes of a seasoned AV professional.

beyerdynamic’s UNITE system has been allowing hospital nursing staff to wirelessly transmit emergency signals from their patient’s monitoring devices directly to them.

At a prominent hospital in NYC that currently has multiple floors treating COVID-19 patients, nurses needed to be able to hear the monitor alarms that their patients were connected to while they worked and moved around the hospital floor. The hospital contacted their AV integrator and beyerdynamic directly, and together they quickly created a solution solving the hospital’s specific needs using their UNITE wireless communication system.

Related: beyerdynamic’s Unite AP4 Access Point Now Shipping

Each nurse on the floor is responsible for two patients in a room, so two UNITE TP Bodypack Transmitters were distributed per room, each with a TG L58 lavalier microphone connected to the transmitter. The mics are arranged to pick up only the sounds of the patients’ monitoring devices.

Each nurse then received a UNITE RP-T Receiver Bodypack and a DT 1 single-ear headphone that they keep with them while they work throughout their shift. If any of their patients’ alarms are set off, the nurse instantly hears it. The hospital also purchased a UNITE CC-36P Cockpit Case to charge, store, and manage their system.

Initial feedback from the hospital has been extremely positive—the nurses are very impressed with the functionality, ease of use, and audio quality. They plan to outfit two more floors in the hospital with identical systems before the end of the month.

Sony Electronics has received FDA 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration for the company’s NUCLeUS Operating Room, Imaging Management, and Collaboration Control platform.

[Sony Launches TEOS Workplace Management Solutions]

Proven in Europe with more than 500 operating room installations at hospitals in the U.K., Belgium, Sweden, and other locations, Sony is cleared to begin the marketing and sales of the network-based platform in the United States immediately.

Supporting up to 4K resolution using existing network infrastructure, NUCLeUS provides an enhanced, streamlined workflow for operating rooms and clinical spaces with direct access to imaging data from an easy-to-use central dashboard. With secure, managed access, professionals can capture and manage video and audio content in near real-time for collaboration and teaching purposes.

[Road to ISE 2020: Sony]

“We are eager to put NUCLeUS in the hands of doctors, nurses, and OR managers in the U.S. so they can experience firsthand how the platform can dramatically improve surgical collaboration and potentially contribute to better patient outcomes,” said Theresa Alesso, president of Sony Electronics’ Pro division. “With the ongoing development of unique ‘smart applications,’ NUCLeUS will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the OR.”

Capabilities that are a part of NUCLeUS include:

• Providing hospitals with a secure, encrypted means of recording, archiving, distributing, and managing surgical video and other types of medical imaging and patient data without requiring expensive network infrastructure upgrades
• A software-based platform that greatly reduces room hardware requirements
• Fully scalable solution that can be extended to serve additional rooms or hospital buildings at any time
• Smart applications and additional optional features can be added remotely as they are released
• Support for third-party applications via APIs and a variety of mechanisms and tools
• Secure HIS integration, fully HL7 and DICOM compliant.

Bradley and Montgomery (BaM), an independent creative agency, recently unveiled a first-of-its-kind virtual reality (VR) room that depicts a patient’s room at Riley Hospital for Children. The virtual room will enable people to experience what it’s like to be a patient or a parent staying at Riley and highlight the high-level of care provided by the hospital, without ever stepping foot inside.

“Riley is an incredible place,” said Mark Bradley, founder and president of Bradley and Montgomery. “The minute you step through the doors, you really feel how they are bringing hope and care to sick kids and families. We wanted to capture this feeling and use virtual reality to extend the Riley experience outside the physical walls of the hospital. VR gives us the opportunity to bring the hospital to the community in ways that were simply not possible before.”

Riley Children’s Foundation will utilize the VR room at select fundraising events, allowing donors and potential donors to see the impact their dollars are having—or could have—on the hospital and those staying in or visiting it.

Ciick here to experience the VR video of Riley Hospital for Children. 

“Including a VR experience at Riley Hospital for Children opens the virtual doors to donors to see where their money is being used and further illuminates areas that are still in need of funding,” said Meghan Miller, chief operating officer for Riley Children’s Foundation. “We are grateful to be the first hospital in Indiana to offer this unique VR experience to show donors and potential donors all of the good work happening at Riley.”

Later this year, BaM plans to develop a VR operating room to showcase the industry-leading medical equipment Riley utilizes, and a room within the upcoming maternity and newborn health center, which Riley is currently raising money to build. 

“There is tremendous opportunity for VR in the non-profit world because the technology offers the ability to evoke empathy and understanding,” added Bradley. “By seeing first-hand what Riley is offering its patients, we hope empathy prompts greater impact.”

The What: LG has introduced the 15-inch personal healthcare display (model 15LU766A), a new touchscreen smart TV.

The What Else: The 15-inch personal healthcare display (model 15LU766A) is designed so patients can experience interactive and engaging content, while offering healthcare providers a flexible platform that’s easily installed, managed, and maintained.

The LG 15LU766A offers convenience, connectivity, and more options and services. For example, LG’s Pro:Centric Direct interactive TV platform allows system integrators virtually unlimited application design options while providing the health care providers and patients access to pre-loaded apps and new streaming services.

Personalized interactive services are enabled by the TV’s multi-touch screen, Quad-core processor and webOS operating system for patient engagement providers. This touchscreen recognizes the presence of more than two points of contact with the surface, allowing more users to experience interactive services and entertainment.

The full HD display delivers crisp picture quality with 400 nits of brightness. The IPS screen is designed to deliver excellent picture quality from virtually any angle, while the 15LU766A’s “Instant On” feature allows immediate TV power-on and picture display for additional user convenience.

“LG’s healthcare technology focuses on purposeful innovation for a superior patient experience. This new TV exemplifies that philosophy,” said Tom Mottlau, healthcare director at LG Electronics USA. 

The Bottom Line: The 15LU766A is UL hospital-grade listed for use in dialysis clinics and other multi-tap-powered healthcare facilities. It can be used as a standalone display or arm mounted and comes with an adaptor that fits most existing arm mounts in addition to the option of being mounted to a VESA standard arm. The 15LU766A comes with a conventional power supply for standalone applications.

Tempest Technologies is providing dentists offices with the latest technology, leading to more specific, personalized care.  

With the latest surge in technology in medicine, Tempest Technologies worked closely with a clients’ multi-state dentist offices to create a more advanced experience for patients. “Our client’s goal was to accommodate the doctor and the patient’s communication through the dentist chair,” said Mike Conway, project manager for Tempest Technologies. “For example, the doctor can pull up previous X-rays, office visit notes, or other pertinent documentation, and review it in the chair with the patient utilizing a touch-screen monitor. At that time, the doctor can review any new information with the patient, including the X-rays taken in .jpeg form. The dentist can provide the patient with a treatment plan and the patient can sign-off on any documents – All in the room and utilizing KanexPro’s 4K HDMI KVM Extender.”

Tempest Technologies tested several manufacturers while on the hunt for the ability to send USB touch-screen interactivity between the doctor and the patient, meanwhile, providing the ability to power at either end and a stable, uncompressed video where the dentist and patient can visually see all the details of their dental work. “Although we’ve been utilizing KanexPro’s solutions for over two and a half years, we selected the 4K HDMI KVM Extender after testing several manufacturers,” said Conway. “The KanexPro Extender has a bi-directional power source with image stability supporting up to 4K video resolution and because of the way the client wanted to utilize the device, the extender provided us with immense versatility for the environment. Part of the product is enclosed and we haven’t experienced any dissipation in any of the 200+ 4K HDMI Extenders we’ve installed withstanding heat and other factors, which would occur with many other products.”

[KanexPro to Launch USB-C and HDMI Switcher for "Ultimate Conferencing" at ISE 2019]

Working in a medical office, it was critical that Tempest Technologies to integrate the 4K HDMI KVM Extenders in a timely manner because the offices could not have any downtime. Tempest Technologies had to work closely with KanexPro to ensure the products were received quickly, and with little to no installation time. “The 4K HDMI KVM Extender has been our go-to product from KanexPro and we can’t rave enough about the level of customer support we’ve received from their team,” said Conway. “Each of the staff members we’ve worked with have been very accommodating because they understand we’re in a crunch for time. Typically, because there’s a long lead time in product availability, we’ve been able to work behind the scenes with the sales staff to generate P.O.s and they’ll set product aside once they’re manufactured. Unlike many other manufacturers, we’ve experienced personalized support in securing quantities. I cannot recommend working with KanexPro enough. The level of product quality and customer support that I’ve received, at such a reasonable product price point, is incredible.” 

The KanexPro 4K HDMI KVM Extender over HDBaseT 2.0 with USB 2.0 (EXT-HDBTKVM100) is HDCP 2.2 compliant and features the latest HDBaseT 2.0 technology to extend uncompressed HDMI video, audio, USB 2.0, control signals, and PoC over a single CAT5e/6 cable. The PoC compliant extender comes with only one power supply, which means that, it can be powered from either sender or Receiver to save installers time and without extra cost installing a power outlet. The HDMI extender runs on shielded CAT6 or higher up to 100 meters providing full 4K@60Hz or up to 150 meters providing full HD 1080p/60 or 1920x1200@60Hz.

KanexPro’s collaboration with Tempest Technologies continues to broaden its portfolio as a medical solutions provider. “Tempest Technologies was searching for a reliable bi-directional USB with HDMI capabilities for quite some time and our 4K HDMI KVM Extender was the perfect solution for the job,” said Jaspreet Singh, application sales engineer for KanexPro. “The installation with Tempest Technologies was our largest medical installation to date, with over 300 operating rooms across three states. And, we continue to work with Tempest Technologies to complete more installations. The 4K HDMI KVM Extender is ideal for medical, corporate, and education markets where the extender offers two USB interfaces for connecting keyboard and mouse or other USB based HID device, meanwhile, allowing SOFTCODEC systems to be utilized for video conference and use with PTZ cameras. Recognized for high-resolution video, the 4K HDMI KVM Extender offers uncompromiszd quality at an affordable price point with our guaranteed 3-year performance warranty.”

The What: Atmosphere has introduced its Atmosphere Healthcare 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) 10-bit single screen display system. Designed for medical/dental offices and hospitals, the single screen 4K display system addresses the limited benefits offered by traditional waiting room TV setups. The system features Atmosphere’s proprietary 4K nature content that is specially produced to create a sense of relaxation and calmness for patients prior to treatment.  

The What Else: Available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 105-inch 4K display configurations, the single screen display package features Atmosphere Healthcare’s proprietary high-resolution scenic nature video content. The scenic videos are specially produced to help induce a feeling of relaxation and calmness in patients. The single screen display package can be purchased and professionally installed either through Atmosphere Healthcare or an authorized AV integrator. In addition to the single screen display system, Atmosphere Healthcare 4K display systems are also available in multiple screen solution and customized solutions.

The Bottom Line: Shot in ultra-high resolution in natural environments around the world, Atmosphere’s 4K video content is produced with a special “Slow Movement” process. This technique gives the video content an almost-dreamlike quality that can measurably reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, such as high blood pressure and accelerated heart rate and breathing.

Atmosphere’s Media Player application provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface supporting all of the system's features, including playlist creation, scheduling, looping and audio control. All features can be remotely controlled by the atmosphere healthcare iPad Controller App available on the App Store. Software updates and new content are done online.

Digital Signage Expo (DSE) has announced the fourth installment in its free 2019 webinar series, which targets specific end user verticals, is to be presented Thursday, January 24 at 2 p.m. ET.

Moderated by Healthcare Innovation Editor in Chief Mark Hagland, the 30-minute session will benefit healthcare operators, technologists and communications professionals responsible for their facility’s digital signage communications network. 

Featured discussion leaders include:

• Dileep Varma, Head of Product Development & Operations, Outcome Health
• Kim Sarubbi, Chief Operating Officer, Cannabis Medical Network

The webinar will discuss applications currently in use in a variety of healthcare settings, with a focus on the effectiveness of third-party networks in doctors’ offices to further patient education, help reduce perceived wait times, use technology to illustrate care alternatives and better understand treatment goals.

Attendees will learn:

• The importance of patient education
• How to increase compliance
• How to create up-sell opportunities
• Who and how to target audiences with digital signage in healthcare settings
• How doctors are using interactive signage in the course of treatment
• How to maximize digital signage impact in healthcare

Attendance for this 30-minute webinar is free, but registration is required HERE.

When technology design and integration company Walker Engineering was asked to assess the paging and public address systems at the sprawling Houston Methodist Hospital, they encountered an assortment of older analog systems that were inadequate for the needs of a modern medical facility, including integration with the new Paula and Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III Tower, a 22-story, one million-square-foot building for cardiovascular and neurosurgery. 

In keeping with Houston Methodist’s state-of-the-art approach to medicine, efficient communications across all 10 downtown buildings was a critical need. Walker recommended Bosch Praesideo digital public address and emergency sound system as a scalable, flexible enterprise solution to serve the new Walter Tower and unite it with the rest of the campus. 

“We had previously upgraded several of the medical center‘s suburban facilities, but the downtown campus was a different kind of challenge,” said Matt Kenjura, manager of technology preconstruction for Walker. “Each existing building had its own legacy paging system, and the goal was to find an operational approach that could pull those patchwork analog systems into a modern digital environment, and do it without downtime to critical communications. Bosch Praesideo has the flexibility and scalability to keep all these adjacent systems working throughout the transition.”

In a hospital environment, communications is a critical component of efficient care delivery, most notably when a patient requires immediate assistance. Houston Methodist’s goal was to allow system-wide call distribution while enabling floor-level and single-building traffic to function without losing any of the 1700-plus daily PA calls.

Walker Engineering’s approach was to harness each outlying building’s system by converting the audio signal to digital with Bosch Praesideo, enabling the system’s control network to work with the existing analog amplifiers and transducers. These systems, in turn, are chained together based on which side of the street the building is located, essentially creating two primary control loops. An additional Praesideo system then connects all the buildings together to enable campus-wide calls. This nested architecture functions as the core for the distribution network. 

“All the mission-critical campus-wide paging resides on the network, backed up by two redundancy networks,” said Kenjura. “There’s a Praesideo network controller and audio expander in each building. Calls are routed according to priority, and are routed locally on the floor, within a building, or across the campus. The key is reliability and intelligibility, because a Code Blue call is literally life-or-death.”

That mission-critical urgency was a driving force in the upgrade of the existing systems. The first phase was to create a network, replacing relay-based analog signal routing by replacing existing signal processors with a Bosch Praesideo PRS-NCO3 network controllers and digital conversion hardware in each building.

Using Praesideo for networked digital distribution was an instant success. Missed calls were now getting through, solving the majority of problems with the system. Legacy amplifiers and loudspeakers could still be used, saving Houston Methodist considerable money while putting the infrastructure in place to convert failing components to Bosch Praesideo as the opportunity arose. 

It‘s in the new Walter Tower where the Praesideo system’s capabilities are in full effect. In that facility, the entire public address system is an end-to-end Bosch Praesideo system from call station to loudspeakers, including all network control, signal processing, and amplification. This creates numerous operational advantages.

In addition to advanced call routing, each Praesideo system component can be monitored and controlled from a computer on the network, creating efficiency through visibility of each physical asset. Any operational fault, such as overloads, faults and short circuits, can be remotely identified and addressed, which simplifies troubleshooting and minimizes downtime. These advantages are being realized in the satellite buildings by replacing outdated amplifiers with Praesideo power amplifiers, connecting them to the existing loudspeakers. 

Overall, the downtown Houston Methodist Hospital campus is operating roughly 3,000 audio channels to nearly 7,000 speakers across 126 zones in its 10 buildings, all running through a total of 14 interconnected Praesideo systems. Beyond paging, the network handles data, intercom, access-controlled video surveillance, cable TV, and mass notification of life safety systems. 

With the goal of championing the health needs of children and their families, Children's Minnesota deploys a Dante audio network to deliver a patient experience like no other.

With two hospital locations, 12 primary care clinics, six rehabilitation centers and nine specialty care sites, Children's Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the U.S. Star Studio is the hospital's in-house television studio with production spaces located on both the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. Star Studio programming is shown on Children’s own 24-hour television channel. In addition to pre-recorded programs, Star Studio also produces twelve unique live and interactive shows a week.

To increase production efficiencies and to provide better audio quality for the studio's interactive game show programs and recorded content, Ben Diger, Star Studio Broadcast Engineer at Children’s Minnesota, began using Dante-enabled equipment and the Dante Via software for the multi-channel routing of computer-based audio.

Dante is the de facto standard, multi-channel digital media networking technology from Audinate that uses standard IP infrastructure—not traditional analog cabling—to network audio devices, making interoperability easy and reliable. By getting rid of analog cables, Dante eliminates noise, hum and channel limitations. Dante Via software allows any computer-based audio to easily be networked, including audio from software applications, built-in microphones and peripherals.

"With live and prerecorded content, audio is 80 percent of the experience, and if we have bad audio, no one's going to watch," said Diger. "Producing a show with high-quality, professional audio is a must for us. Dante allows us to do this."

The Dante audio network platform allowed Diger and his team to pull in separate game show audio and music channels, as well as microphone and headphone channels, from a single computer, creating a virtual studio. The team also uses Dante to tie together its intercom system over the network, instead of traditional XLR cabling.

Star Studio was using a digital/analog system to connect the two large studios—which are 12 miles apart—but the setup was very channel limiting, making changes was difficult, and there were noise and latency issues. Diger explained that the hospital campuses are connected over fiber. With two 32-channel mixers with Dante cards in place, Diger turned to Dante Domain Manager to link the two subnets.

With Dante Domain Manager, Star Studio’s audio is efficiently integrated into a single, manageable and secure audio over IP network that won't disrupt or delay any of the hospital's audio needs. Dante sends near-perfect audio from one mixer to the other across town, with far fewer cables and almost no delay. The result is a high-quality, efficient digital audio integration that helps keep hospital programming engaging and entertaining.

"Dante Domain Manager perfectly streamlines our workflow by allowing us to access any of our audio sources and destinations from anywhere in our hospitals," said Diger. "Whether it be on our Minneapolis campus or our St. Paul campus, we're able to pull in our program feed or microphones to any of our studios."

With the added benefits of network security, user authentication, audit capabilities, and the ability to seamlessly expand Dante systems over any network infrastructure, Dante Domain Manager is an essential tool for Children’s Minnesota. Diger trusts Dante and Dante Domain Manager to also provide the high quality, near zero latency audio required of listeners.

"We need our content to be a high-quality, positive experience for the children," said Diger. "Dante and Dante Domain Manager allows us to do this in a very efficient, effective, and secure way. Dante audio networking is powerful, easy, and transparent—it just works."

When you're designing and installing a new AV system for the executive boardroom of Hawaii's leading healthcare provider, everything has to be top quality, totally reliable, and easy to use. So when project and sales manager Jeff Kang of systems integrators Custom Audio Video designed this new system, he based it on Symetrix Radius AEC DSPs.

"Symetrix is my go-to processor for all of my installs," Kang said. "Symetrix DSPs sound good, they work well with other gear, and they're reliable. I chose the Radius AEC because I needed a DSP processor that did automatic echo cancellation for conferencing, was small and relatively modular, and was easy to control from a third-party system without writing a lot of code. The Symetrix controller number architecture makes it really easy to assign a specific function in a module and toggle it on and off or run a value up and down. As a result, I can deploy it quickly: I plug in the DSP, set up the communications, assign the controller number, and it just works."

The Custom Audio Video team removed the old, outdated processor and installed two Symetrix Radius AECs. "For conferencing, we installed 11 Beyerdynamic MPR 210 W horizontal ceiling microphones and a Shure GLXD wireless lavalier mic for the presenter," Kang said. "The Radius AEC has eight inputs with echo cancellation for conferencing, so I needed two units to accommodate 12 mics. I used Dante to get audio between the two DSPs: I brought mics from the second unit to the first unit and AEC reference from the first unit to the second unit, then did some time alignment to account for transmit and receive latency between the units."

The Radius AECs feed three different conferencing avenues: An analog telephone card to allow speakerphone functionality; a feed to a Vaddio AV Bridge that allows the client to do Skype, Cisco Webex, Microsoft Lync, and other computer-based conferencing; and feeds to a Polycom RealPresence for dedicated videoconferencing.

Custom Audio Video installed eight JBL Control LCT 81C/T ceiling tile speakers, and Kang programmed the Radius AEC so that the lavalier mic is only routed to the speakers at the back of the room. "The room is about 35 feet long, and without absorbing material it's a little hard to hear in the back," he said. "So I zoned the speakers in stereo pairs, front to back, and the microphones at the front only come out the back speakers so people don't have to raise their voice. It's just loud enough to carry your voice to the back of the room. You can stand with the wireless lavalier directly underneath the back speakers, and it doesn't feed back. If someone joins a conference from off site, that goes through all eight speakers."

Kang used the Radius channel direct outputs, which do not carry AEC processing, for the sound-reinforcement system. He used the AEC outputs for conferencing. "Automatic echo cancellation prevents echoes or weird delays when they're doing conferencing site to site," he said. "It especially comes into play when the client bridges two difference conferencing types. For example, this client likes to do a video call, with microphones going to the Polycom RealPresence, then dial a phone number and tie a voice-only party in through the analog phone card. With the Radius, they can dial a phone number and connect the two calls so the person on the phone can simultaneously talk with the person on Skype and to everybody in the room. Automatic echo cancellation takes care of all the noise, the echo, and automatic gain, so only the talker's microphone gets turned up, and everybody else gets pulled down a little bit. I use a bit of ducking, a bit of EQ, and some bandpassing."

All audio routing is automated. "We gave them Extron wall mount and table pocket touchpanels to turn the speakers up and down, turn the return from the phone call up and down, and turn their microphones up and down," Kang said. "If they turn up the volume on the phone, it brings up the phone in the speakers and the echo cancellation handles anything that happens. But the basic control is one button. You hit the Start button, and it turns itself on, reroutes everything, fixes all issues from the previous conference, and you're ready. You hit the red button to turn it off. Clients should not have to concern themselves with more than that. The company executives were very pleased."

Conferences and presentations can be recorded through a non-AEC (dry) output on the Radius AEC to a USB flash drive, using a Denon DN-700R network SD/USB audio recorder in the AV rack. A networked desktop computer in the AV rack is assigned to the room but presentations can be done with just about any sort of Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android device, with virtually any standard connector. "I tried to come up with every use case they could have in the next 10 years and throw it in this room," Kang said. "They're very happy with this system and with the functionality we've provided."

When you make the client's executives happy, good things happen. "We're working on other projects for the group later this year, bringing some of their hospital AV systems up to speed," Kang said. "We'll use Symetrix for those systems too. I use so much Symetrix that I have a Symetrix Prism at home for testing different programming combinations. I even have a Symetrix ARC volume control on my desk. They're great DSPs."

The What: Yorktel has integrated its Univago HE telehealth platform-as-a-service with Epic MyChart.

The What Else: Expanding on existing integrations in various clinical workflows, the latest advancement in the collaboration between Epic and Yorktel allows for Univago HE to be leveraged within MyChart so patients can participate in both scheduled and ad hoc virtual visits with their providers from their personal computer or mobile device.

The integration enables clinicians and patients to launch a Univago HE video call directly from within an Epic application. In addition to MyChart, Univago HE works with Epic Hyperspace, Haiku, and Canto. These additional integrations give providers access to Univago HE's rich feature set specifically developed for telehealth applications in inpatient environments, such as clinical consults, assessments and observations, interpreter services, and virtual family consults/visits.

Univago HE is an end-to-end telemedicine services platform that delivers the versatility, reliability and security vital to a broad range of telemedicine applications. An extension of Yorktel’s proven Univago video services platform, Univago HE was created specifically for healthcare to stabilize and simplify video technology so clinicians can use it and rely on it for delivery of virtual care in all clinical environments. The platform is versatile and flexible enough to scale across entire healthcare systems and comes with a rich set of tools to manage proactively and keep operational 24/7/365.

The Bottom Line: Univago HE’s support for open standards and multiple protocols provides for interoperability with traditional videoconferencing systems (SIP, H.323), Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business, and WebRTC browsers. This ensures scalability while enabling healthcare providers to leverage existing investments in video technologies.

The explosion of Voice Assistant (VA) technology in the consumer segment has been phenomenal, with 37 million units of smart speakers installed worldwide as of the end of 2017. This technology is starting to make waves into the B2B environment, with Futuresource Consulting predicting that by 2022, 82 million professional AV displays and room control devices shipped will be voice-enabled. This excludes usage of dedicated consumer smart speakers in healthcare, hospitality, and education.

“Much activity has been occurring within the consumer space around voice assistants and smart homes and this is translating into greater interest in the B2B space,” said Chris McIntyre-Brown, associate director at Futuresource Consulting. “End-users and service providers are asking OEMs if they can also take advantage of VA and voice control. Increased productivity and efficiency along with improved customer service are two of the primary drivers.”

This new report from Futuresource Consulting maps out the B2B applications and competitive landscape for voice control and voice assistant technologies. It is clear that the major brands reviewed in the report want to be part of the action as it is strategically important. Controlling the user interface will enable companies to deepen their relationship with users, offer personalized services and the ability to undertake deeper user analytics.

Amazon is leading the voice revolution in the consumer space and is continuing to build out its Alexa-for-business suite of capabilities with new features, including smart scheduling integrating with Office 365, Exchange, and G-Suite calendars. Amazon has also partnered with leading companies like Crestron, Polycom, and Cisco for office control, automation, and communication applications.

IBM, another pioneering company in the B2B space, announced earlier this year that its AI platform ‘Watson’ was being extended with a white label VA solution for third parties. It’s no surprise that there is lots of interest and excitement in the application of this technology. However, McIntyre-Brown said that, “It will take time; most companies are in the evaluation phase of how best to implement voice and what level of capability and intelligence will be most suitable for their customers' use cases. In terms of adoption, B2B will lag behind consumer adoption, not least because of data privacy and security concerns. Voice is not quite there yet, but it is not far off, and the number of pilots and meaningful integrations and partnerships is increasing.”

According to Futuresource, corporate will be the lead off vertical for implementation of VAs. This is where the firm sees the greatest benefit being offered in terms of improved productivity, time saving, automation, and more obvious compelling hands-free use cases. However, the report highlights some interesting user case studies that are being implemented in other verticals such as healthcare, hospitality, and education.

The world has a shortage of healthcare workers right now but by 2030, that shortfall could reach 15 million. Technology will play a big role in how countries are able to address the problem.

The Reach of Telehealth

Remote areas are usually hardest hit by health worker shortages. Telehealth has long been a solution for reaching patients in these areas, but with lower costs for equipment and better connectivity, the practice is growing. Remote nurses, physicians, and pharmacists can reach more patients in less time and for less cost than by relying on traditional approaches.

Telehealth minimizes the effects of provider shortages not just by reaching patients who can’t make it to an office but by making interactions more efficient through standardized workflows and eliminating office wait times. That way, nurses and physicians can call on more patients. Pharmacy teams can also serve more patients by establishing processes to fill requests faster because they can receive many requests in advance.

Better Treatments

New technologies are also providing patients with better diagnoses and treatments. Many new treatments are less invasive, meaning faster recovery and healing. Better outcomes equal shorter stays, easing the burden on hospital and facility workers.

Decreased risk and improved outcomes also mean patients are less likely to return for follow-up or to receive treatment for complications.

At-home patients can use devices to monitor everything from weight and blood pressure to insulin and other levels. These technologies replace some traditional face-to-face visits and can be followed up with video calls. Thanks to artificial intelligence, algorithms mining medical records and healthcare trackers such as wearables and sensors, allow patients to take more control over their health. Technologies ultimately mean less dependency on healthcare workers.

The Future of Healthcare

The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that by 2025, the shortage of physicians in the U.S. will be in the range of 34,600 to 88,000. Fortunately, advances in healthcare technology are rapid, allowing healthcare providers to extend their reach significantly

There’s a lot of talk about nurse robots that can perform a variety of tasks including carrying patients, helping the elderly battle loneliness, and reminding patients to take their medication. They are certainly not ready to replace humans, but they can begin to fill gaps in care with simple tasks that contribute to nursing staff’s long hours and burnout.

The right solutions can benefit providers, patients, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Technologies can not only make healthcare more efficient but can perform some of the tasks people don’t want to do or to assist in jobs where there are not enough trained providers.

This blog was originally published on PSNI's website: http://blog.psni.org/av-blog/technology-in-health-care-shortage

When Hurricane Harvey slammed into Houston last fall, Texas Children’s Hospital was ready to provide care to the children and families in need thanks in part to the Christie Phoenix system installed in Mission Control. Opened in April 2017, Mission Control is a unified operation center allowing for real-time communication and decision making for staff across the system to respond and get ahead of potential impacts. The facility has helped Texas Children’s reduce transport response times, improve the patient-acceptance process, optimize system communication—and deal with crises.

“Texas Children’s wanted consolidation of several operational functions to bring people from different departments into one central place. The idea was to build a new section, take down the wall of the old and have one big combined space,” said Darren Graves, senior technology consultant, Smith, Seckman, Reid (SSR) Inc. “They wanted some flexibility to show any of the workstations and workstation monitors on the video wall.”

The SSR team has been the technology consultant for Texas Children’s for several years and with the new section being built, knew there was going to be a large audiovisual component. Along with Texas Children’s IS (Information Services) Department, SSR researched various companies and selected the Christie Phoenix information management system. Diversified, number two on SCN's Top 50 list, was selected for the purchase and installation of the Christie Digital Phoenix system.

“We wanted something highly reliable and flexible for growth if we want to renovate the other side of the space. We wanted something with a network-based distributed architecture and something with redundancy and controller failover because it’s a 24/7 operation,” said Graves. “As we went down the check boxes of what they needed, Christie won in all of those."

“Operationally, the function of the space is a tremendous help and Hurricane Harvey hit right after it opened, which was an incredible coincidence. They were able to get any information from any source and have it all in one viewable space,” Graves continued. “They could also send the information to the conference room screens if they needed to. From an operational standpoint, the Phoenix seemed to help immediately. From an ease of use standpoint, which was another checkmark for us, the training on Phoenix went really well and everyone learned quickly how to use the system – which was a big benefit. They were able to change settings as needed on their own very quickly.”

Graves said he and his team were impressed with Christie’s Professional Services and the overall customer service provided by Christie.

“John Porter came down to certify the system and he was amazing. He took over and just made it work,” added Graves. “If things weren’t quite right with the network, he showed us what to do and how to do it. It was topnotch service. Texas Children’s IS department, Diversified, and SSR worked together to meet the construction schedule and John added the final piece. He did a great job with the training and certified our system complete, wrapping up the project.”

During its first month of operation, the transfer team reduced its time from dispatch to pick-up by 20 minutes. Cutting down the response time has led to a significant increase in transports and faster medical treatment.

With the Christie Phoenix system in place at Mission Control, new doors of opportunity for Texas Children’s continue to open up when it comes to speed and efficiency—and, where every minute counts when it comes to health care—saving lives.

INSIDE
• AV Monitoring Gets Real in 2018: Analysis by Cindy Davis
• Quality Monitoring of Remote AV over IP
• Parametric Analysis
• Mission Critical: The AVOC
• Five Case Studies That Make the Case
• Solutions Showcase

Click here for our January 2018 Technology Manager's Guide to Remote Monitoring.

Peter Jackson, CEO of Bluescape (bluescape.com) On December 14th, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission repealed “net neutrality,” the 2015 Open Internet Order that classified broadband service as a utility covered by Title II of the Communications Act. The goal of the 2015 net neutrality order was to protect the “open internet.” The objective of the 2017 repeal, as stated by the FCC, is “restoring internet freedom.” Both are worthy goals, so why is everyone up in arms?

Imagine the internet is the system of roads we use every day to get to work, run errands, visit family and friends, etc. Now that the internet has been “freed” a third party can decide which roads you can use and which you can’t. In this case the third party is likely to be a handful of broadband companies including AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, among a few others. They can now create bundles of internet access services much like how we purchase cable TV today: North and South interstates are included in the basic package, but if you want to go East or West—or on any local roads—you’ll have to pay more. Imagine subscribing to a bundle of social media sites for $20/month and another $50/month for streaming video and $35 for a bundle of news sites…you get the picture. How much are you, the consumer, willing to pay?

Let’s dig into the business and economic impacts of the repeal further. For years, businesses have been rapidly adopting cloud-based applications ranging from accounting software to content collaboration and ideation systems. Some of these systems are aimed at improving employee productivity, and some are designed to enhance the customer experience. Regardless of what the applications do, the reversal of net neutrality will directly affect the ability of companies of all sizes to meet the continually evolving expectations of their customers.

For smaller businesses and those in the growing gig economy, this decision could be devastating. The “open internet” essentially leveled the playing field and enabled business of all sizes to compete, globally. With the so-called “free internet” (as the FCC is billing the repeal decision), instead of providing an equal opportunity for all to reach potential customers, the internet becomes an expensive channel only big business can afford. Entire business models of today’s fastest growing companies could soon no longer be viable.

One of the arguments in favor of the recent decision is that prior to the 2015 regulation none of the service providers engaged in the practice of throttling access. And some providers have pledged that they will not change their practices and begin blocking or throttling websites as a result of the FCC’s decision. That’s great, but we all know publicly traded companies are beholden to their shareholders and continually under pressure to increase profits. What happens if they change their minds and decide to leverage their position of power? There is nothing to stop them unless the FCC is willing to engage in reactive policing.

There is no question that the massive changes in how we communicate, consume content and interact with each other do require some policy changes to stay current, just not this one. Internet access can’t be a political football that is punted around by every new administration.

Despite fiery rhetoric on all sides, too few will ultimately gain from the repeal of this legislation and as the financial, economic and employment impacts are realized, people will rise up. It’s time to update legislation to meet the realities of the twenty-first century before it’s too late.

Digital signage software and solutions provider 22 Miles has released its latest whitepaper titled "The Real Cost of Lost Patients: How digital wayfinding saves time, money and frustration."

"When a colleague and I were showing showing our Waytouch Premier to a children's hospital, their main concern when implementing interactive wayfinding was engagement and ROI,” said Kathy Isaacs, account manager at 22 Miles. “We realized that a whitepaper would address their needs. With some of our wayfinding consulting partners, and using analytics built into our software, we were able to produce a concise data driven perspective.”

To download the whitepaper and learn more about the ROI of wayfinding in medical centers, visit http://www.22miles.com/markets/healthcare-digital-signage/.

IT services provider, ConvergeOne, has acquired Strategic Products and Services (SPS) according to an internal memo sent today. Effective immediately, SPS, a global, multivendor communication and networking managed service provider, is now SPS, a ConvergeOne Company.

“We are really excited about the acquisition of SPS which stems from the complimentary businesses we both have,” Scott Clark, vice president, Marketing at ConvergeOne, exclusively told SCN.

“This acquisition advances our strategy to continue to grow ConvergeOne’s managed services and cloud solutions,” John A. McKenna Jr., chairman and CEO, ConvergeOne, stated in today's release. “With this acquisition, ConvergeOne gains scale, portfolio expansion with a growing video solution, additional managed services, and technical resources backed by decades of experience and certified expertise."“ConvergeOne and SPS are focused on services – professional, managed and cloud. The addition of SPS compliments the ConvergeOne portfolio and how we service customers,” added Clark.

Read the full press release here: https://convergeone.com/press-release/acquisition-of-sps/

NewBay Media’s AV Technology magazine invites technology managers and C-level decision-makers to submit proposal abstracts for the AV/IT Talks Series convening during the AV/IT Leadership Summit in New York City, November 9-10, 2017. The Summit will take place at the stylish Stewart Hotel in Manhattan.

If you are a technology manager or AV/IT user working within institutions of higher ed, corporate, health care, government, transportation, entertainment, and other commercial enterprises facing the challenges of converging AV/IT technologies, please submit a 100-word (max) abstract.

Successful Ingredients of a 10-minute AV/IT Talk:

• Anatomy of an AV over IP Project (We want specifics! The more specific your talk, the better.)
• AV/IT-Related Challenge / Solution
• AV/IT Action Plans (i.e. Networked AV Security, AV as a Service, Data-Driven Designs)
  
• Pain Points and Real-World Remedies
• Great Images to Illustrate Your Points
• Exceptional Case Study of AV in Action
• Lessons Learned and Hard-Earned Wisdom
• AV/IT Technology & Storytelling. What is the EQ (Experiential Quotient) of This Project?
  
• Call to Action! Inspire us. Challenge us to see and think differently about AV/IT.

How to Submit an Abstract

Email your 100-word (max) proposal abstract,* a brief bio note, and two low-res images to support your proposal to Margot Douaihy, editorial director, AV Technology , and Cindy Davis, events producer, AV Technology . Use the subject line: AV/IT Talk Abstract. The AV Technology Advisory Board will review final proposals.

Abstract Deadline: September 5, 2017

*This Call for Speakers is for AV/IT users and technology managers only.* Stay tuned for registration info.

Mercom Capital Group, a global communications and research firm, released its report on funding and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity for the healthcare information technology (IT) and digital health sector for the second quarter and first half (1H) of 2017. Mercom’s comprehensive report covers deals of all sizes from across the globe.

Global VC funding for healthcare IT and digital health companies in 1H of 2017 was 36 percent higher year-over-year (YoY) with a record $4 billion raised in 359 deals, compared to the $3 billion raised from 286 deals in 1H 2016. Q2 2017 VC funding also was at its highest ever, increasing 47 percent to $2.4 billion in 194 deals compared to the $1.6 billion raised in 165 deals in Q1 2017. Q2 2017 had the second-most deals recorded (194) in a quarter since 2010. In Q3 2014, there were 212 deals.

The Digital Health sector has now received $22.5 billion in the 3,031 VC funding deals Mercom has tracked since 2010.

Total corporate funding in health IT companies—including VC, debt, and public market financing—came to $2.4 billion in Q2 2017 compared to $1.8 billion in Q1 2017.

“This was the best half and best quarter ever for digital health companies as a result of a few very large deals,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO and co-founder of Mercom Capital Group. “We are now comfortably on pace to have the biggest funding year for digital health companies. Even with such robust funding, there is still no sign of any digital health IPOs and M&A activity is yet to catch up to the funding momentum.”

Healthcare practice-centric companies received 31 percent of the funding in Q2 2017, raising $745 million in 63 deals compared to $574 million in 50 deals in Q1 2017. Consumer-centric companies accounted for 69 percent of the funding this quarter, raising $1.6 billion in 131 deals compared to $1 billion in 115 deals in Q1 2017.

The top-funded areas in 1H 2017 were patient engagement solutions, at $684 million; data analytics, at $458 million; mHealth apps, at $399 million; booking, at $391 million; telemedicine, at $297 million; mobile wireless, at $275 million; and electronic medical records, at $237 million.

The top funded categories in Q2 2017 were patient engagement companies, with $669 million; mHealth Apps companies, with $325 million, data analytics companies, with $264 million; and electronic medical records companies, with $236 million.

There were 68 early stage deals in Q2 2017, including two accelerator and incubator deals.

The top VC deals in Q2 2017 included $500 million raised by Outcome Health, $231 million raised by Modernizing Medicine, $140 million raised by PatientPoint, $90 million raised by Blink Health, $75 million raised by WuXi Nextcode, and $70 million raised by ClassPass.

A total of 454 investors (including two accelerators/incubators) participated in funding deals in Q2 2017 compared to 309 investors in Q1 2017, of which four were accelerators/incubators.

Twenty-five different countries recorded Healthcare IT VC funding deals in Q2 2017.

In 1H 2017, there were a total of 90 Healthcare IT M&A transactions, compared to 110 in 1H 2016. M&A activity in the second quarter of 2017 was down with 41 M&A transactions (five disclosed) compared to the 49 M&A transactions (seven disclosed) in Q1 2017.

Practice management solutions and data analytics companies were involved in the most M&A transactions in Q2 2017 with five each, followed by medical imaging companies with three transactions.

Prominent M&A transactions in Q2 2017 included the acquisition of Best Doctors for $440 million by Teladoc, Cochlear’s acquisition of Sycle for $78 million, athenahealth’s acquisition of Praxify Technologies for $63 million, and the acquisition of Entrada by NextGen Healthcare (a subsidiary of Quality Systems) for $34 million.

The full report is 102 pages in length, contains 66 charts, graphs and tables, and covers 732 investors and companies.

Click here to learn more about the report.

On April 28, Olympus Corporation of the Americas (OCA) signed a definitive agreement to acquire Image Stream Medical, Inc., a healthcare systems integrator based in Littleton, MA. Olympus is a technology provider that specializes in the design and delivery of solutions for medical and surgical procedures, among other core businesses. This acquisition aims to further enable both companies to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs and enhance quality of life for patients.

Image Stream Medical's technology has made sophisticated visualization and healthcare environment integration for their customers easier and more intuitive. Image Stream Medical's expertise includes a deep knowledge of IP-based image management solutions, the ability to offer end-to-end workflow for every clinical specialty, an approach to IT backbone technology which unifies separate clinical areas allowing complete enterprise-wide access to critical data and media, and experience leveraging Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to provide new, value-added services for healthcare facilities.

"We are very happy to welcome Image Stream Medical to the Olympus family," said Nacho Abia, OCA president and CEO. "Image Stream Medical is a top-tier integration provider that continues to experience consistent market growth on the strength of its products and operational excellence. This relationship provides us with an exciting opportunity to enhance the continuum of care throughout the healthcare enterprise. We believe the acquisition of Image Stream Medical will accelerate our progress in achieving the universal goals of healthcare reform and furthers our ability to achieve our mission of contributing to society by making people's lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling around the world."

"Image Steam Medical was founded with the vision of solving the key clinical and business challenges for healthcare systems by facilitating collaboration across their enterprises. By connecting clinicians with the visual insights they need, and with each other no matter where they are, we help teams work more efficiently and effectively," said Eddie Mitchell, Image Stream Medical CEO. "I couldn't be more excited today as we move forward to join Olympus to help better realize that vision. The combination of Olympus' unparalleled imaging and surgical technology, together with the innovative and customer-focused solutions we have cultivated at Image Stream Medical, will allow our customers to provide improved care for their patients."

"The synergy between Olympus and Image Stream Medical is unprecedented," said Todd Usen, president of the Medical Systems Group at OCA. "Combining Olympus' global reach and expertise, world class support infrastructure, and market leadership with Image Stream Medical's innovative products, will result in superior work flow and patient care and safety enhancements for healthcare enterprises. We are thrilled to soon create better platforms to provide patients with increased access to more advanced procedures, such as minimally invasive surgeries."

The acquisition will initially benefit the business and customers in the U.S. and it will help Olympus to subsequently create a global systems integration platform. Olympus and Image Stream Medical customers will experience no immediate changes in resources, services, or contacts. Over time, customers will have the opportunity to enhance their systems integration implementation based on an expanded and enhanced portfolio and expertise. Image Stream Medical will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary under the existing name for the foreseeable future. More details on the acquisition will be available in the future.

Mercom Capital Group, a global research and communications firm, released its annual report on funding and mergers and acquisition activity for the Healthcare Information Technology (HIT)/Digital Health sector in a record setting 2016. Mercom’s comprehensive report covers HIT deals of all sizes across the globe.

Venture capital (VC) funding, including private equity and corporate venture capital, in the Healthcare IT sector came in at $5.1 billion in 622 deals in 2016, a new record for the sector. By comparison, $4.6 billion was raised in 2015 in 574 deals. Total corporate funding in Health IT companies—including debt and public market financing (plus IPOs)—came to $5.6 billion in 2016, a drop of 30 percent compared to $8 billion in 2015.

Healthcare IT VC funding passed the $5 billion mark in 2016, recovering from a down year in 2015.

• Healthcare IT VC funding passed the $5 billion mark in 2016, recovering from a down year in 2015.

Since 2010, the sector has received $18.5 billion in VC funding in 2,672 deals and almost $7.5 billion in debt and public market financing (including IPOs), bringing the total funding for the sector to $26 billion.

“Venture capital funding bounced back after declining in 2015,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO and co-founder of Mercom Capital Group. “Digital Health public companies, on the other hand, continue to struggle.”

Consumer-centric companies brought in about $3.5 billion in 437 deals in 2016, up from $3.1 billion in 403 deals in 2015. Practice-centric companies raised more than $1.6 billion in 185 deals in 2016, slightly up from the $1.5 billion raised in 171 deals in 2015.

Top funded areas in 2016 included: mobile apps, which received almost $1.3 billion, wearable sensors with $592 million, data analytics with $574 million, telemedicine companies with $528 million, mobile wireless companies with $228 million, and wellness with $218 million.

The top five VC funding rounds in 2016 were: Chinese company Ping An Good Doctor with $500 million, Chunyu Yisheng’s $183 million round, Flatiron Health’s $175 million raise, Jawbone’s $165 million, and Meet You with a $151 million round.

A total of 1,115 investors (including accelerators/incubators) participated in VC funding rounds in healthcare IT companies in 2016, compared to 923 in 2015. The top VC investors in 2016 were Khosla Ventures, with seven deals, followed by GE Ventures, Social Capital, and BlueCross BlueShield Venture Partners, with six deals each.

There were 83 accelerator and incubator deals in 2016, compared to 55 in 2015.

A total of 35 countries saw Healthcare IT VC funding deals in 2016 compared to 27 in 2015.

M&A transactions in the health IT sector in 2016 dropped slightly to 205, compared to 219 transactions in 2015. There were 21 companies that made multiple transactions in 2016. Six public companies were also acquired or merged in 2016.

Mobile health apps were involved in the most M&A transactions in 2016 with 21, followed by data analytics companies with 19, practice management solutions with 16 transactions, and telemedicine companies with 12.

In the last five years, 206 companies have made multiple acquisitions led by IMS Health with 12, and CompuGroup Medical and iMedX with 10 each, Quality Systems with nine, Emdeon and McKesson with eight each, and athenahealth, GE Healthcare, PracticeMax, and TELUS HEALTH with seven each.

The top five disclosed M&A transactions in 2016 included: the $2.75 billion acquisition of MedAssets by Pamplona Capital Management, the $2.6 billion acquisition of Truven Health Analytics by IBM, the $2.35 billion acquisition of Press Ganey Associates by EQT Equity fund EQT VII (EQT), the $950 million acquisition of Netsmart Technologies by Allscripts & GI Partners, and the $820 million acquisition of Verisk Analytics' healthcare services business from Verisk Health (known today as Verscend) by Veritas Capital.

Debt and public market financing for healthcare IT companies fell to $533 million in 18 deals in 2016, compared to $3.4 billion in 29 deals in 2015. There were four IPOs in 2016 raising a combined $234 million, compared to seven IPOs in 2015 bringing in $2.2 billion. NantHealth raised $91 million followed by Tabula Rasa HealthCare with $51.6 million, Oneview Healthcare with $46.5 million, and Senseonics with $45 million.

Of the 30 digital health public companies Mercom tracks, only eight companies beat the S&P 500, compared to 15 in 2015 and about 60 percent of health IT public companies stocks were in negative territory in 2016.

Tower Arch Capital has recapitalized Corbett Technology Solutions, Inc. (CTSI) in partnership with its management team. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA, CTSI is an integrator of communications solutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. CTSI designs, installs, and maintains audiovisual, sound, safety, healthcare, and education communications technology solutions for clients across multiple markets, including corporate, government, healthcare, education, senior living, multi-family residential, and houses of worship.

"CTSI has a long legacy of success in the Mid-Atlantic, and I am proud of what our team here has been able to achieve since our founding 47 years ago,” said founder and president Chris Corbett. “For our customers, vendors, and employees, I am excited to partner with Tower Arch Capital to continue to grow CTSI within and beyond our current region."

David Topham, partner at Tower Arch Capital, commented, "We are excited to build on CTSI's strong foundation and look forward to expanding their reputation as the provider of choice for complex audiovisual and communications solutions." Ryan Stratton, another Tower Arch Partner, added, "Chris has assembled a world-class management team at CTSI, and we are very pleased to work with Gino Ruta, John Farabaugh, and the rest of the team as communication and collaboration continue to become increased areas of focus for companies across every industry."

Yorktel has detailed plans to increase its presence in Asia Pacific (APAC) with the opening of a new office in Tokyo and appointment of Aaron Wentzel as Yorktel vice president of business development, Asia Pacific.

“Trends in APAC align with Yorktel’s strategic roadmap, as organizations across the region in vertical markets, like healthcare, increasingly consume cloud-based video communications services,” said Ron Gaboury, CEO, Yorktel.

Industry research shows the Asia Pacific healthcare video conferencing market was valued at $133.3 million in 2015 and is expected to reach revenues over $668.4 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 25.9 percent during the forecast period.

Wentzel is charged with developing business opportunities for Yorktel’s portfolio of cloud, unified communications and collaboration (UC&C), and video managed services. Also, Wentzel will collaborate with partners, such as West Unified Communications, extending Yorktel’s resources, expertise, and the credibility with Fortune 1000 enterprise and federal government agencies accrued over 30 years.

“Aaron’s history exemplifies achievements in partner enablement, workforce development, geographical expansion, and managed service across the spectrum of visual communications,” Gaboury said. “His track record as a general manager shows an ability to uncover new opportunities and articulate complex value propositions in simple, yet powerful terms. Aaron’s expertise aligns perfectly with Yorktel’s business, and he is a welcome addition to our team.”

Wentzel brings more than 18 years of audiovisual, broadcast, managed services, and UC&C experience to Yorktel, as well as a history of successful leadership. Previously, Wentzel served as the executive officer for Media Access Group (a PTS Consulting Group Company), a provider of AV professional managed services, UC&C solutions, and system designs for many large financial institutions, fashion brands, and other Fortune 500 companies in Japan.

Prior to that role, Wentzel spent nine years at Bloomberg Television, where, for almost five years as Asia Pacific broadcast operations manager, he oversaw the entire region from Tokyo.

“Yorktel is known across the world as an industry leader and I am honored to have been entrusted with its growth across APAC,” Wentzel said.

Among the 84 countries that comprise Yorktel’s customer footprint are Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and China. In addition, one of the company’s three global datacenters is located in Singapore.

“Each day, video communication grows more prevalent,” Wentzel added, “and businesses across Japan and throughout APAC are realizing the collaborative and financial returns from it.”

Technologies has named Steve Thunder its hearing loop sales engineer. Listen Technologies created the new role to raise greater awareness of hearing loss, a disability that affects 360 million people worldwide, and to educate integrators, venue owners, and those experiencing hearing loss about hearing loop technology.

Steve Thunder

Hearing loop (induction loop) systems utilize an electromagnetic field to deliver audio signals to individuals with a cochlear implant or telecoil-equipped hearing aid. Hearing loops are ideal for houses of worship, classrooms, theaters, conference centers, and other environments that present auditory challenges to those with hearing impairments. Loop systems effectively and affordably deliver discreet in-ear sound so listeners can hear clearly without additional equipment. Despite the success of this technology, awareness of hearing loops is low.

An acoustical engineer who has designed and installed hundreds of loop systems, Thunder will work closely with the Listen Technologies channel to promote education about hearing loop systems.

“Steve brings extensive loop experience to our growing team and will provide great support for our installation partners and industry advocates,” said Peter Papageorge, vice president of sales and marketing, Listen Technologies. “We are excited to welcome Steve to Listen Technologies and look forward to working with him to raise awareness of hearing loops.”

“I am thrilled to be part of the hearing loop team at Listen Technologies and to work with other great loop installers throughout the country to make the world a more accessible place for anyone suffering from hearing loss,” Thunder said. “We have a tremendous opportunity to engage the public on an issue that impacts so many of us—either directly or through our connection to a loved one with hearing loss—and make a difference that will foster inclusion and improve quality of life.”

Previously, Thunder was president and hearing loop engineer at Assistive Hearing Systems. He holds a BSE in acoustics from Purdue University.

Vince Lepore and Mark Johnson, pictured with an equipment rack featuring Focusrite RedNet components. Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL has installed a comprehensive system of Focusrite RedNet Dante-networked audio converters and interfaces in its Full Sail Live 1 building, which is home to the university’s Show Production Bachelor of Science degree program. Incorporating RedNet MP8R eight-channel Mic Pre and A/D converters, RedNet D64R 64-Channel MADI-Dante Bridges, RedNet HD32R Pro Tools | HD/HDX Bridges, and RedNet 2 16-channel remote-controlled analog interfaces, the new Focusrite system not only provides networking throughout the facility, but also offers students practical experience with the Dante Audio-over-IP protocol.

Full Sail Live 1 encompasses a large production space and a variety of ancillary show production-related rooms in a facility where students learn about sound reinforcement, lighting, live video and multimedia, automated lighting, concert touring, and audio measurement systems.

“We were looking for a solution to connect all those different rooms together over IP. RedNet was that solution for us,” said Vince Lepore, course director of the Show Production Systems course at Full Sail University.

The RedNet system allows diverse live audio production equipment from a variety of manufacturers to interoperate on the Dante network, including Yamaha CL5, DiGiCo SD7, SD8, and SD9, and Avid Profile mixing consoles, Lepore said. “We also have a Calrec Summa console that has a Hydra 2 I/O box with a Dante card installed, so that’s on the network as well. And we have Lab.gruppen LM44 and BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-806 loudspeaker processing on the network,” which in turn feed loudspeaker systems by Dynacord, Meyer, JBL or L-Acoustics, he said.

At the front end of the system, five RedNet MP8R microphone preamplifier units are installed at the stage as a Dante splitter system for the entire building. “All of our sources hit the MP8R head amps, which are controlled by a Yamaha CL5 at our front-of-house position,” Lepore said. “All of the other rooms within the building are fed gain-tracked splits of those microphone inputs. The audio quality is great, and we’ve had great feedback from instructors and students alike, specifically about the MP8Rs. Those five units are the core of the system.”

An equipment rack featuring Focusrite RedNet components, recently employed at Full Sail University. In that same rack is a RedNet 2, which enables audio to be returned to the stage from any console or other audio device on the Dante network. Three RedNet D64R interfaces are in place to convert Dante audio channels to MADI for input into the DiGiCo consoles.

“We also have three RedNet HD32Rs, which connect our Pro Tools systems to the network,” Lepore said. “We can now record from anywhere on the network and we can play back to anywhere on the network from any of our Pro Tools systems. That’s really given us a lot more flexibility to our Pro Tools workflow.

“We have a RedNet 2 unit in our video control room that takes sources from the video control room, such as playback feeds, and puts them onto the network. They are then available to all the different consoles throughout the building.

“The flexibility of the RedNet system overall has been really tremendous. More than anything, the scalability is really nice. I see this as just the start to the system; it can grow with us.”

There was previously an AoIP networking solution installed at Full Sail Live 1, according Mark Johnson, program director, Show Production Bachelor of Science degree program at Full Sail University. “We had some reliability issues, so just getting the RedNet solution in place was a real benefit for us. The bonus was that it is a contemporary, well-known networking system that is used prominently in the professional industry. It works for us in a practical way, so that we can get signals from A to B and have the systems talk to each other. But it’s also the perfect vehicle for teaching about networking and about Dante. The students are really thrilled about the application and the ability to learn new technology.”

Approximately 200 students pass through the Show Production Bachelor of Science degree program every year, Johnson said, and every single one gets hands-on experience with the RedNet system and Dante networking. “It’s a 20-month program and when you get out at the end you’re equipped with a solid skillset in production in general. Even if you’re interested specifically in lighting or audio or video, you get exposed to the whole program offering. That gives you an advantage once you get out in the field, because you understand how the other guys are working.”

Fortuitously, Focusrite RedNet product specialist Shilpa Patel is located very close to the Full Sail campus, Johnson said. “She has been really key, and can be over here in an instant to help us. She’s been really instrumental in helping us get the system up and running, and has even exposed us to some of the capabilities of the system that we weren’t aware of.”

Listen Technologies has granted 17 Southern California-based employees of AVI-SPL Level 2 hearing loop certification from Listen Technologies.

Hearing loop systems use a magnetic field to wirelessly transmit audio to a person’s telecoil-enabled hearing aid or cochlear implant. ListenLoop, the system offered by Listen Technologies and powered by Ampetronic, provides individuals with hearing loss the ability to enjoy a discreet listening experience without background noise, competing sounds, or other acoustic distortions that reduce sound clarity.

Listen Technologies’ hearing loop certification program includes web-based instruction and hands-on training of how hearing aids and hearing loop systems work, as well as how to assess an environment for suitability. The coursework includes detailed instruction on the equipment used in hearing loop systems, how to interpret loop design drawings and apply best-practice installation techniques. Successful completion qualifies a dealer or system integrator to purchase and install perimeter loop systems.

Buildings present many variables that could possibly interfere with the hearing loop system’s magnetic field. Through the certification process, Listen Technologies applies a systems view to minimize interference and ensure the best possible installation. A properly designed, installed, and operating ListenLoop system delivers real tangible benefits for the end user.

Listen Technologies has developed multiple levels of training to ensure the quality of loop installations and to support dealers’ long-term success in the hearing loop market. AVI-SPL supports its customers with design, consultation, installation, and training to ensure that the best quality solution is delivered to meet the needs of a particular application.

“AVI-SPL is dedicated to the ongoing training of our technical staff to better support our customer needs,” said Michael J. Brandmire, sales engineer at AVI-SPL. “AVI-SPL now has more Listen Technologies Level 2 certified technicians than any other integrator in Southern California. It’s an honor to work with such a great organization and I applaud the ongoing and outstanding support we receive from our manufacturers.”

In an effort to promote healthy eating in its patients and their families, Boston Children’s Hospital has recently introduced its own take on dinner and a show. About three times a month, the hospital produces a live, multi-camera cooking demonstration anchored by a Broadcast Pix Mica 1000 integrated production switcher.

One of the largest pediatric medical centers in the United States, Boston Children’s Hospital offers a complete range of health care services and more than 200 specialized clinical programs. Its new video production system was installed as part of a renovation of the hospital’s Fresh Food Court, which reopened in July. The dining area includes a number of recognizable restaurant chains, but also features the Chef’s Playground, an interactive, made-to-order cooking station that focuses on healthy eating habits and nutrition.

Summer Menegakis, retail operations marketing manager, said the hospital’s executive chef, as well as guest celebrity chefs, teach patients how to prepare healthy meals at the station. “When they go home, patients are excited about cooking and they’re excited about eating healthy,” Menegakis said. “And they’re inspired to have their parents make these kinds of meals at home.”

The video production system includes four Vaddio RoboSHOT PTZ cameras, with two installed under the range hood to provide clear views of the cooking surfaces, one mounted to provide coverage of the prep station, and a fourth in front of the cooking station to provide a wide shot of the area. Audio is a unique challenge during productions because the fan in the range hood can be very noisy. The chefs are equipped with headset microphones, but handheld mics are also used so patients in the audience can ask questions and be heard.

Pro AV Systems in Chelmsford, Mass., handled the system design and integration for the hospital’s video production system. Rather than purchase separate components, Pro AV chose the Mica’s integrated system structure to provide a single user interface for camera control, switching, and graphics, as well as additional production tools.

“They wanted a single operator, easy-to-use system that they could grow with,” explained Mark Woods, director of engineering for Pro AV Systems. “The Mica was basically a one-stop shop for everything they wanted to do. It was much easier to use, but didn’t handcuff them into a basic system.”

At first, the video productions were going to be very simple, but the hospital has already added some sophistication with the Broadcast Pix system. Custom videos are produced for each guest chef, which are played through the Mica’s built-in clip store. Plus, the live output of the Mica is displayed on the LCD menu boards and two “portrait” video walls (composed of stacked 55-inch monitors on either side of the Chef’s Playground) in the food court during productions. “It changes the ambience of the space completely,” Woods said.

The Mica is housed on an AV cart along with two monitors, and is wheeled into the Fresh Food Court for productions. One monitor is dedicated exclusively to graphics, while the other is used as a more traditional TD video wall. The monitor setup was designed using Fluent-View, Mica’s customizable multi-view, while the lower-third graphics are created with the built-in Inscriber CG. All productions are broadcast live through the hospital’s in-house network and recorded so they can be replayed.

With the compact 1000 control panel, Menegakis handles all production duties during the cooking demonstrations, including switching, graphics, and camera control. “I am not a technical person at all,” she admitted. “The joystick makes everything pretty seamless. For me, I couldn’t ask for something simpler.”