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Cornhuskers Coverage Conversion

HuskerVision, the in-house production department for University of Nebraska Athletics, has been working in phases to streamline its operations since 2023. Most recently, it deployed an IP-based ST 2110 video infrastructure and opened a centralized production facility to connect three co-located control rooms to multiple venues on campus. Also in this issue, learn how Bally's Baton Rouge is using AVoIP to unify video distribution, audio control, and digital signage.

At Issue

Industry experts from Atlona, DVIGear, Just Add Power, and Matrox Video consider some of the challenges associated with adopting an AVoIP workflow.

Download the Integration Guide to AVoIP.

Read the June issue of Systems Contractor News.

Is 2026 the year we find one standard to rule them all? Judging by what is being prepared for the show floor, the answer is a resounding no. There will be plenty of Pro AV standards and solutions on display from AV over IP, to IPMX, to HDBaseT.

[SCN's ISE Insiders 2026]

Before you head to Fira de Barcelona for ISE 2026 on Feb. 3-6, take a look at some products you won't want to miss below.

AIMS to Officially Launch IPMX as a Fully Developed Standard

The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) will mark a major milestone for Pro AV over IP at ISE 2026 with the official launch of Internet Protocol Media Experience (IPMX) as a fully developed, certifiable standard. ISE 2026 will be the first major industry event to showcase formally certified IPMX products. In booth 5K880, AIMS will highlight the first wave of IPMX-compliant products, which successfully completed formal certification during the recent IPMX Product Testing and Certification Event held in Geneva, Switzerland.

To complement the certified products on display at ISE 2026, AIMS will present a live IPMX demo in its booth, focusing on real-world IPMX deployments and practical implementation. The demonstration will highlight the ease of deploying and operating IPMX-based systems, showing how the standard is ready for use in Pro AV environments today. Attendees will also be able to get a preview of the latest IPMX training initiatives that are in development for 2026 and beyond.

IPMX will also be featured in several partner kiosks within the AIMS booth. In these kiosks, member companies Packet Storm, Providius, Evertz, MegaPixel, and Meinberg will demonstrate IPMX-based systems across a wide range of real-world scenarios, including interoperability with SMPTE ST 2110, AES67, JPEG XS, Dante, and more.

Just Add Power Brings Innovative AV over-IP Solutions to Barcelona

Just Add Power will offer an exclusive preview of its latest AV over IP advancements that unlock possibilities for designers, operators, and installers at booth 2Q600. Attendees can experience live demonstrations of Just Add Power’s new MC-TX1-RACK Rackmount MaxColor Encoder as well as the MC-USB device for keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) control, and the MC-QX MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Encoder for dynamic display layouts and multiscreen scenarios.

The new MC-TX1-RACK encoder combines three MC-TX1 MaxColor 4K60 4:4:4 HDMI encoders into a single rackmount chassis, streamlining cable management, reducing clutter, and significantly speeding up installation for both compact and large-scale AV over IP systems. The MaxColor USB 2.0 over IP device (MC-USB) represents a significant leap forward in integrated system control by enabling flexible access and robust control over distant computers, ensuring efficiency and security in 4K60 UltraHD environments. The MC-QX MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Encoder combines Just Add Power's MaxColor technology, 4K network video tiler, and Warp Engine technology into a single, powerful device.

Kiloview to Advance Its Integrated AV-over-IP Ecosystem from Connection to Transmission

Kiloview will highlight the continued evolution of its complete, lightweight, and fully integrated AV over IP ecosystem at booth 4M800. Covering connection, control, management, and transmission, Kiloview’s solutions are designed to simplify complex IP workflows and deliver a more unified, reliable, and scalable experience for professional AV users.

At ISE 2026, Kiloview will present its next-generation IP media management solution, designed to simplify, visualize, and optimize AV over IP workflows, making complex systems more reliable and visible. Serving as the foundation of Kiloview's ecosystem, this system can instantly visualize the entire network, monitor device status in real time, and provide intelligent diagnostic alerts to ensure flawless operation. Media routing is seamless and low latency with priority handling for critical streams such as NDI.

At the heart of the ecosystem is a compact plug-and-play platform that unifies device management and streamlines multi-channel wireless bonding reception. Integrating with Kiloview’s P-series wireless bonding encoders, the system supports multi-channel reception with synchronized outputs and monitoring through Kiloview's latest IP management solution. Supporting NDI, SRT, RTMP, and HLS protocols, allows flexible IP format conversion and local recording and multiview monitoring.

The Cradle Series RF02 further completes Kiloview’s ecosystem by providing modular encoding, decoding, media gateway card and software-ready computer card with unlimited expansion capabilities. The FXC-A8800 Compute Card brings powerful capabilities for audio/video mixing, switching, graphics processing, and software-defined workflows, allowing for efficient handling of complex production tasks. Together with other expansion cards, the RF02 provides complete end-to-end AV workflow support, covering encoding, decoding, transcoding, multiviewing, routing and more.

PlexusAV to Showcase New HDBaseT 3.0 Solution

PlexusAV is launching its first HDBaseT solutions: the P-AVN-3-HDBT IPMX Gateway Transceiver and P-AVN-WP301H HDBaseT 3.0 Wall Plate, available in both U.S. and EU/UK-W form factors.

The P-AVN-3-HDBT is a high-performance transceiver capable of both encoding and decoding video, built on IPMX open standards for flexible deployment in modern AV networks. It extends HDMI and USB-C signals from the wall plate using proven HDBaseT 3.0 technology and delivers 4K60 performance using JPEG-XS, H.264, and H.265 codecs for high-quality, ultra-low-latency video transport across a range of professional applications.

The P-AVN-WP301H HDBaseT Wall Plate, available in black or white and in US Decora Style designs and EU/UK model/designs, provides a simple and intuitive AV experience with dual HDMI and USB-C inputs, auto-switching, and up to 60W USB-C charging when powered. Built on HDBaseT 3.0, it delivers uncompressed, zero-latency 4K60 video from in-room devices to the P-AVN-3-HDBT or other compatible HDBaseT 3.0 receivers. Its single-cable connection simplifies installation while supporting BYOD workflows across classrooms, meeting rooms, training spaces, hospitality venues, and government environments.

Additionally, intoPIX and PlexusAV launched PlexusAV’s new IPMX-ready P-AVN-4E and P-AVN-4D, dedicated encoder and decoder solutions leveraging the intoPIX TicoXS FIP codec, with support for the JPEG XS Temporal Differential Coding (TDC) profile.

The P-AVN-4E and P-AVN-4D represent a significant step forward in PlexusAV’s IPMX product portfolio. Designed as dedicated encoder and dedicated decoder devices, they provide integrators with greater deployment flexibility while simplifying AV over IP system architectures. Like other PlexusAV P-AVN products, they rely on intoPIX’s proven TicoXS FIP technology to deliver high performance, ultra-low latency, and full IPMX interoperability.

SDVoE Alliance to Highlight Power of 10 in Collaboration With IDK Corporation and Aurora Multimedia

The SDVoE Alliance will present live demonstrations at ISE 2026 in collaboration with SDVoE Alliance members IDK Corporation and Aurora Multimedia. The demonstrations, hosted in the SDVoE Alliance booth, will show the Power of 10 in action across conference rooms and judicial applications.

IDK Corporation will demonstrate its USB Neo Series, including the NJR-L21UC-T encoder and NJR-L31UC-R decoder, designed to support modern conference room workflows. The USB Neo Series transports video and USB peripherals between devices, supporting BYOD/M, auto-switching and call status awareness to maintain the correct host device during a call. By leveraging SDVoE technology for point-to-point or AV-over-IP deployments alongside UEX capabilities, the USB Neo Series offers a flexible, scalable and plug-and-play approach for conference room environments.

Aurora Multimedia will present a judicial and government-focused demonstration featuring the SmartSpeak desktop beam-forming microphone with a 6-inch touch controller and USB-C and HDMI ports. Aurora Multimedia's device supports bidirectional SDVoE transmission, enabling simultaneous encoding and decoding over a single 10G connection. The demonstration will illustrate how SDVoE-enabled desktop stations can streamline AV workflows in courtrooms, counsel chambers and congressional halls.

The Alliance will also debut FlexLinQ, what it is dubbing the 'future of AV over IP.' For integrators, it removes many of the traditional constraints associated with network readiness while working seamlessly on existing infrastructure—from Cat5e to Cat6A and beyond, FlexLinQ automatically adjusts to the infrastructure that exists on site, eliminating the need for manual bandwidth planning. Find out more at booth 5E900.

Just Add Power's Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP) system configuration software now fully supports the Intellinet Network Solutions 54-Port L3 Fully Managed PoE+ Switch. This integration offers integrators even more flexibility for deploying Just Add Power systems, including multi-switch configurations in commercial and enterprise applications where high port density, advanced routing, and significant Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) demands are required. By combining robust network infrastructure with AMP's streamlined management, integrators can confidently scale their systems to meet the needs of even the most complex projects.

[How AV over IP Elevates a Humble Meeting Room into an Innovative Collaboration Hub]

"Supporting the Intellinet switch with our AMP software reflects our long-term commitment to expanding an open, flexible ecosystem for AV-over-IP," said Ed Qualls, CEO at Just Add Power. "As projects grow in size and complexity, we want integrators to know that Just Add Power will continue to deliver the tools and partnerships they need to stay ahead of evolving demands, giving them the flexibility and confidence to build networks that scale with their customers' needs."

The integration of AMP with the Intellinet 562041 (IPS-54GM06-10G-850W) switch unlocks a powerful and scalable solution for AV over IP deployments. With 48 PoE+ ports and six 10G SFP+ uplinks, the switch is optimized for high-bandwidth environments that require VLAN segmentation, multicast streaming, and seamless expansion across multiswitch configurations. AMP's intuitive interface simplifies setup and control, enabling integrators to deploy complex systems quickly and confidently. Fully compatible with Just Add Power's Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor series, this combined solution delivers intelligent traffic management, robust power delivery, and flexible architecture—making it ideal for commercial AV, smart infrastructure, and future-ready network designs.

With AMP software support, Just Add Power expands the ecosystem of compatible hardware integrations for its AV over IP solutions, giving integrators the proper tools to streamline configuration and management of this switch. The result is greater efficiency, reliability, and scalability, empowering integrators to deliver powerful performance across a wide range of applications.

When Jennifer O'Donnell took over K O'Donnell’s Sports Bar and Grill in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2019, she had one mission: to make it the ultimate destination for sports fans. From made-from-scratch menu items and specialty cocktails to trivia nights, every detail is crafted to enhance the customer experience. But it isn’t just the ambiance and food that make K O'Donnell’s stand out—it’s also the unbeatable video atmosphere.

Deciding it was time to transform K O’Donnell’s into a high-tech viewing haven, RevampIT AV was enlisted for the massive AV installation. The project brought in a network of 71 displays and 21 video sources supported by Just Add Power’s Ultra product series, allowing every customer a clear view of the action, no matter where they sat.

O'Donnell wanted more displays, a simpler control system for her staff, and a setup that would ensure her bar could accommodate all types of sports and digital signage needs without a hitch. For Jack Thompson, owner of RevampIT, the upgrade was an exciting challenge.

“K O'Donnell’s is packed on game days. With this kind of demand, reliability is non-negotiable. They can’t afford a system that goes down. That’s something a lot of sports bars are challenged with and why integrators need distribution and manufacturing partners who understand these challenges and how to solve them,” Thompson said.

To ensure seamless distribution across the expanded display network, RevampIT installed a stack of three Ruckus switches, which were instrumental in supporting the high-performance, AV-over-IP system powered by Just Add Power. RevampIT added six new displays and eight new video sources, including DirecTV, Roku streaming devices, and an AppleTV for Chive TV programming—each supported by Just Add Power decoders (receivers) and encoders (transmitters).

The team also implemented SAVI, a user-friendly control system that would make managing 77 displays more practical for the staff. Since Just Add Power’s rich feature set is compatible with most control systems, RevampIT AV was able to confidently install the SAVI system while benefitting from Just Add Power’s innovative image pull feature, which allows the bar’s managers to view what’s on each display from the SAVI control device without having to walk around the building.

“With Just Add Power’s image pull feature, managing the displays has never been easier,” Thompson said. “They [bar staff] just check the screen on the device, and they know exactly what’s playing. For a venue with this many displays, that makes their job fast.”

The upgrade at K O’Donnell’s demonstrates Just Add Power’s scalability and sustainability. The previously installed Just Add Power components are joined by the new Ultra encoders and decoders in the system, the models of which can be independently selected based on the source and distribution requirements. Just Add Power’s UL-708POE model is integrated with the bar’s DirecTV sources, which provides the flexibility to break out the audio signal and broadcast it over the speaker system on game days. This adaptability is critical for a bustling sports bar like K O'Donnell’s.

Blackwire Designs played a vital role in the installation’s success. Blackwire’s expertise with both the Ruckus switches and Just Add Power’s AMP configuration software helped to ensure smooth integration between the devices. RevampIT also relied on Blackwire’s Network Provisioning Service, which preconfigured the network hardware before installation, allowing Thompson to skip on-site setup and troubleshooting.

“Thanks to Blackwire, this project was nearly turnkey,” Thompson added. “I was even able to send them the existing Just Add Power encoders, and they preprogrammed everything with the new Ruckus switches. It saved me a ton of work.”

Blackwire’s support proved even more indispensable when a power surge caused by a neighborhood transformer outage damaged some of the Just Add Power units. Blackwire stepped in immediately.

For K O'Donnell’s, the upgraded system has not only met but exceeded expectations, offering O'Donnell and her staff the flexibility, control, and reliability they need to keep patrons engaged and coming back for more. And with Just Add Power’s scalable, future-proof design, the system is ready to adapt to whatever needs may come next, ensuring K O'Donnell’s remains one of Scottsdale’s premier sports bars.

Just Add Power has launched its MC-TX1-RACK, designed to simplify and accelerate video installations. The MC-TX1-RACK combines three MaxColor encoders into a single rackmount chassis, providing a cleaner and more efficient way to manage multiple video sources. The product supports 4K60 4:4:4 resolution and all audio formats, and its Audio Return Channel (ARC) functionality ensures smooth two-way audio integration.

[AVoIP and KVM in the Control Room]

The MC-TX1-RACK is a space-saving solution that simplifies cable management, reduces clutter, and speeds up installations in various environments, from compact setups to large-scale AV over IP systems. It is built upon the proven capabilities of the award-winning MC-TX1 MaxColor encoder and is the first product in the MaxColor lineup to integrate three encoders into one compact chassis without sacrificing performance.

“The MC-TX1-RACK is a direct response to customer needs, offering a unique, space-saving solution that simplifies complex installations while delivering the high-performance AV distribution Just Add Power is known for,” said Ed Qualls, CEO of Just Add Power. “This innovation reinforces our role as a leader in AV over IP by making high-performance video distribution more efficient for any size system without compromising on quality or scalability.”

The MC-TX1-RACK is a fully assembled, ready-to-install 3 RU solution with front-facing ports for easy access. Centralized Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation by eliminating the need for separate power supplies. By centralizing multiple encoders in one chassis, the MC-TX1-RACK reduces potential points of failure and simplifies troubleshooting, leading to more reliable system performance.

The MC-TX1-RACK is part of the Just Add Power MaxColor ecosystem and is designed to be used alongside Just Add Power decoders for complete video distribution. The unit's adaptable design also supports future expansion, making it ideal for evolving installations.

Select models in the new Cisco Catalyst 1300 Series lineup are now supported by the Just Add Power's configuration software, Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP). The Cisco Catalyst 1300 Series Switches are simple to use and designed and built for enterprise branch offices as well as SMB networks. Just Add Power’s AMP simplifies configuration of Omega, Ultra, or MaxColor devices—and supported switches—into an HDMI matrix switching system.

“Our goal at Just Add Power has always been to make installation and configuration of a system as simple as possible, allowing integrators to save time and money on their projects,” said Ed Qualls, CEO and founder of Just Add Power. “Our support for Cisco Catalyst 1300 Series switches in AMP is a further example of the dedication to provide easy installation, unmatched scalability, and outstanding performance to our customers.”

[Integrated Production Switchers: Doing More with Less]

Just Add Power’s AMP consolidates and streamlines the process of setting up individual Just Add Power devices—discovering them on the local network, presenting them in a list, and allowing installers to name them, configure their IP addresses, and assign channels to transmitters—while assisting with updates when new firmware is released. Once the Just Add Power system is configured, AMP also provides a user interface that can be used to control source switching.

The Cisco Catalyst 1300 Series Switches are fixed, managed, enterprise-class Gigabit Ethernet Layer 3 switches designed for small and medium-sized business and branch offices. These simple, flexible, and secure switches are ideal for deployment out of the wiring closet.

ISE 2025 is right around the corner, ready to open its doors in Barcelona from Feb. 4-7. 2025. AV Network will be bringing you updates ahead of the show to make sure you know what to check out on the showfloor. 

Today, check out what AVIXA has in store, new dvLED from Peerless-AV, AVoIP from Just Add Power, Digital Projection's 1-Chip DLP Technology, Matrox's IP video technology innovations, and Black Box's KVM solutions. 

[AV Technology, SCN Invite ISE 2025 Exhibitors to Enter Best of Show Awards]

AVIXA Will Deliver a Dynamic Program of Learning and Networking

AVIXA will present a wide-ranging program of learning and networking, including a comprehensive summit program, broadcast AV in action at the AVIXA TV Studio, interactive sessions at Xchange LIVE, and much more.

AVIXA will present a comprehensive summit program at ISE, which includes the AV Broadcast Summit, Control Room Summit, Digital Signage Summit, Education Technology Summit, Smart Building Summit, and Smart Workplace Summit. In addition, AVIXA has curated ISE education tracks for five mega trends driving the industry: AI, audio, cybersecurity, retail, and sustainability. Learn more about the summit programs and learning tracks.

AVIXA TV will broadcast live at ISE from the AVIXA TV Studio (8A880) and bring hands-on demos and lively discussions while showcasing the latest technology for integrating broadcast-quality content into corporate environments.

The AVIXA TV Studio anchor desk will feature Ross Video’s Voyager tracked solution, which will add AR elements to the broadcast, along with a green screen virtual stage powered by Voyager Trackless technology. The studio will also feature control room support from XPression, Tria Express Duet video server, and Ultrix Carbonite routing and switching platform. In addition, graphics will be created by Ross Video’s Rocket Surgery team. Also on display are a Barco 6x6 TruePix video wall at the anchor desk and a Barco 4x4 LED XT video wall in the podcast area as well as Shure will provide SM7B microphones and boom stands and TwinPlex headsets for the livestream and podcast area.

AVIXA Xchange LIVE (3R150) will return to ISE for four days of interactive sessions covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital signage, certification, wellness, and more. On Friday, frame:work will take over the stage to facilitate conversations around AV career opportunities.

At the AVIXA Member Lounge (3S400), visitors can meet the membership team to learn more about member benefits and certifications including Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) and Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) and enjoy some hospitality. 

To learn more about AVIXA’s programs at ISE, visit www.avixa.org/ISE.

Matrox Will Showcase Its Latest IP Video Technology Innovations

Underlining its commitment to high and open standards, Matrox Video will demonstrate a range of devices designed to transform Pro AV environments, control rooms, and live event productions, including IP KVM extenders, IP video gateways, graphics and capture cards, video wall appliances, and encoders. 

Located at booth 5E350, Matrox Video will shine the spotlight on Matrox Mura DVW, designed to redefine the possibilities for scalable, secure, and high-performance video wall installations. This IP-based 4K distributed video wall appliance creates synchronized video surfaces of any size and rectangular arrangement. Each device supports high-density decoding—up to one 8K60, four 4K60, or sixteen 1080p60 streams in H.265 or H.264.

The company will also showcase technologies in the IP video gateway market: Matrox Vion and Matrox ConvertIP DSH. Vion is a 4K-capable IP video gateway for media processing and conversion, offering multi-channel encoding, decoding, and transcoding across formats like H.264, HEVC, and NDI, while supporting protocols such as IPMX, ST 2110-22, and SRT.

Also being showcased at ISE is Matrox Avio 2, the world’s first open standards-based IPMX/ST 2110 IP KVM extender, which offers scalable, flexible and secure connectivity for mission-critical applications that require remote access to computing equipment. Avio 2 provides unparalleled video quality and performance, with support for up to 4K60 4:4:4 resolution, delivering real-time remote performance without compromise.

Additionally, Matrox Video will present its system-based video wall controller powered by Matrox LUMA Pro Series graphics cards and the new Matrox Mura C4K Quad HDMI 2.0 capture cards. The company will also showcase the Matrox Extio 3 IP KVM extenders and the Matrox KMLync keyboard and mouse switch, enabling remote monitoring and control of systems across a multi-monitor workspace with up to four 4K or 16 full HD displays. 

Peerless-AV Showcases an Exclusive Line up of dvLED Concepts

At Booth 3Q150, Peerless-AV will be showcasing new, never seen before SEAMLESS dvLED mounting and kiosk concepts in partnership with display hardware, software, and content brands. Experience a wide range of full solutions that demonstrate Peerless-AV’s expertise in design, engineering, and manufacturing dvLED mounting solutions, structures, and finishes that address evolving, diverse and complex end user requirements in corporate boardroom, in-store retail, control room, showroom environments and more. 

Peerless-AV’s SEAMLESS dvLED Mounting Systems  will include an ISE-exclusive showing of the Kitted Universal third generation product. Kitted+ substructures and Bespoke products will also be featured alongside first-time showings of new design concepts, featuring a mix of compatible dvLED display cabinets. From curved and angled mounting designs, to innovative, all-in-one cladded constructs (110 inches up to 165 inches) with premium custom specifications and finishes, to single/dual-sided portrait kiosks (86 inches up to 138 inches) with customization options.  

A new Motorized Height Adjustable Cart will make its ISE debut, designed to safely mount, move, and store the latest interactive displays up to 95 inches. Also on display will be the 2024 redesigned SA771PU SmartMount Articulating Wall Mount for 50-90-inch-plus displays with In-wall Box and ACC-SB2 UC/VC Soundbar Mount, together with  the STS650 Universal Scissor Wall Mount with the ACC-UCM2 optional accessory for storing media players.

Digital Projection Unleashes the Power of1-Chip DLP Technology

Digital Projection will paint Barcelona red (and green, and blue), showcasing its new 1-chip projectors, which incorporate Texas Instruments’ ground-breaking High-Efficiency-Pixel (HEP) DMD for never-before-seen color accuracy and native contrast, as well as its Nexus electronics platform

Under the banner of its new campaign, We Love Color, the Digital Projection Booth (3K700, in ISE Hall 3) will center on the color reproduction offered by the company’s  new 1-chip DLP projectors: the E-Vision 16000i-WU and E-Vision RGB 4K+. 

Powered by a 0.8-inch HEP digital micromirror device (DMD), the E-Vision 16000i-WU features increased mirror tilt angle for improved light efficiency and ‘filled via’ technology for higher native contrast, delivering unprecedented image quality, brightness and efficiency. The new E-Vision RGB represents a further leap forward in 1-chip projection technology, achieving the full REC 2020 color space at 4K+ resolution, for cinematic-grade visuals without the artifacts associated with traditional 1-chip DLP projectors with color wheels. With 10,000 lumens and HDR support, the RGB laser-illuminated E-Vision RGB delivers stunningly realistic visuals with dynamic contrast ratios of up to 10,000:1.

Where once the complex installations that required advanced warp and blend were reliant on expensive third-party applications, Digital Projection’s recently introduced software tech stack—powered by its next-generation electronics platform, Nexus—allows customers to design and implement an entire installation entirely within the projector ecosystem. On display at ISE will be several Nexus-powered tools, including Advanced Align, Projector Controller II and Multi Projection Simulator Pro, which visitors to the Digital Projection booth will have the opportunity to demo in a dedicated software area.

Just Add Power to Amp Up the AV-Over-IP Experience

Integrators visiting Just Add Power's booth 2R600 will have the first look at the new MaxColor USB 2.0 over IP device (MC-USB), which provides access to all computers on the system with KVM support. Highlights at the booth will also include the MC-QX MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Transmitter and other products from the award-winning MaxColor family.

Taking center stage at ISE will be Just Add Power’s MC-USB, with two USB-C 2.0 ports on the front, one UBC-C 2.0 on the back, and two USB-A 2.0 on the front, all integrated into the system over 1Gb LAN. Compatible with Just Add Power’s renowned MaxColor series, the MC-USB provides access to all computers on the system with built-in keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) support, including touchscreen and webcam interface.

Also at the booth will be the Just Add Power MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Transmitter (MC-QX), combining the company's MaxColor technology, 4K network video tiler, and video rotating technology. Users can simultaneously watch up to four 4K60 video sources in multiple formats on a single display, including single-screen or tiled video in a variety of layouts. With the MC-QX warping capability, installers can rotate any source image in a Just Add Power matrix—cable boxes, media players, game systems, cameras, and more — in 0.1-degree increments in real time with incredibly low latency. The rotated image can then be sent to an unlimited number of receivers in the network, allowing for the creation of massive artistic video walls using a single MC-QX. In addition, it supports multichannel audio.

Black Box Showcases Advanced IP KVM Solutions

Black Box will showcase its advanced IP KVM solutions at Hall 5, Booth D700, providing systems integrators, control room designers, live event producers, and Pro AV and broadcast professionals with innovative tools to enhance workflow efficiency, scalability and collaboration. These solutions address the challenges of mission-critical environments and professional workflows, enabling real-time decision-making, seamless multisite management and intuitive teamwork across distributed operations.

Attendees will be able to explore the expanded Emerald DESKVUE family, including the Emerald DESKVUE PE receiver, which now supports more desktop monitors and video wall configurations. This new support makes it possible for control room operators to have four on their desks, while control rooms that require larger video walls can have arrays with 2x2, 2x4, or 4x4 layouts.

Black Box will also highlight the Emerald 4K KVM-over-IP receiver, with support for 4K/60 and 5K (coming soon) over cost-saving 1G IP networks, and the Emerald Remote App, which enables secure, high-performance connectivity to virtual machines and physical systems—both Mac and Windows laptops—from virtually any location. These cutting-edge technologies, combined with seamless video wall control, empower professionals to create flexible, intuitive and highly reliable workflows for control rooms, studios, and live events.

The Just Add Power3G Ultra AV-over-IP system has been installed at the new Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux location in Webster, TX. Installed by integration firm Technologic, the system ensures a high-quality and flexible video distribution across more than 80 displays, including an impressive video wall that mimics a scoreboard design.

“Just Add Power is low maintenance, so as an integrator, we have stability in a project that we don't have to provide constant support to,” said Bill Whittenberger, senior account engineer, Technologic. “On top of the performance, you get the ease of video wall configuration and management without a separate video wall processor and controller. It eliminates those extra pieces of equipment as points of failure.”

[Pro AV Takes Center Stage in Sports Bars and Live Music Venues]

Just Add Power has been a chosen solution for other Walk-On’s locations. For the Webster location, Technologic faced the challenge of distributing 16 video sources—including 10 DirecTV boxes, two cable boxes, an Apple TV, CHIVE TV, and an auxiliary port—to Samsung displays ranging from 55 inches to 70 inches throughout the restaurant. The goal was to ensure ultralow latency, synchronized viewing, and flexibility to route any source to any screen.

Technologic installed 84 Just Add Power 3G Ultra VBS-HDIP-508POE 4K receivers and 14 VBS-HDIP-707POE transmitters. The 707POE transmitter supports 4K Ultra HD video resolutions over a single Cat-5e cable with ultralow latency, accommodating HDCP 2.2, HDMI 2.0, HDR, HDR10, and all lossless multichannel audio formats, including Dolby Atmos. The system also supports control inputs with RS-232, CEC, and IR. Built-in video wall capabilities allow for flexible portrait and flipped configurations without additional hardware, while integrated scalers on the receivers adjust images to fit screens seamlessly. In the future, new displays or sources can be added to the system easily with the addition of a corresponding receiver or transmitter. This allows Technologic to provide an evolutionary, scalable, systems approach to 4K video signal distribution—even as the system grows.

[USB-C and AVoIP]

System control at the sports bar is managed via GameView on an iPad, enabling staff to easily operate the system. The audio is zoned to control volumes for displays in different areas, including the indoor bar, outdoor patio, and banquet room.

“Guests want more than great drinks and food; they want an exceptional, full-service experience,” said Taft Stricklin, chief sales officer for Just Add Power. “Walk-On’s is a stellar example of how our AV-over-IP platform can do just that. Our technology empowers bars and restaurants to design an AV system that perfectly aligns with their vision, whether it’s for one screen or hundreds, or a custom video wall made up of screens that are rotated or flipped upside down. This flexibility and performance are why our solutions are trusted by so many renowned establishments like Walk-On’s.”

According to one study, viewers retain 95 percent of a message when watching it in a video, compared to 10 percent when reading it in text. 

There has never been a more exciting and opportune time to implement displays into your corporate, education, museum, healthcare, hospitality, government, or transportation environment. The cost of displays has come down, content management and workflows have become easier to use, and there's no better way to engage audiences.

Whether a massive wrap-around video wall in the lobby to set the tone and enforce brand identity, a virtual studio for announcing new products or hosting a town hall, large displays for classrooms and collaboration spaces, strategically placed displays throughout campuses for wayfinding, kiosks, critical messaging, dynamic content in cafeterias, projection-mapped immersive experiences and so much more, it's an exciting time.

We asked 25 AV/IT industry thought leaders to share their insight into what’s in store in displays, content, and signal distribution. Below are some excerpts but check out the full interviews by clicking on the manufacturer’s name in the sidebar.

Robert Detwiler, senior director of Product Management and Training at Planar, said, “With a greater variety of LED display products available than ever, customers are not only taking their installations to new heights, but they’re also able to find a solution for nearly every need.”

Keith Yanke, vice president of Product Marketing and Solutions at Sharp, added, “Whether through vibrant clarity, collaborative potential, or the energy-efficient benefits of ePaper, modern displays are designed to meet the evolving demands of businesses, offering improved ways to communicate messages sustainably and impactfully.”

Offering some advice, Cullen Gross, sales engineer at Carousel Digital Signage, added, “We recommend that tech managers partner with systems integrators or consultants to confirm how different screen sizes, orientations, pixel pitches, heights, and viewing distances contribute to the visual element of their communication initiatives.

There’s more to the visual experience than what’s on the surface of the display. Displays wouldn’t operate without a litany of infrastructure, content management systems, signal distribution, security protocols, and much more.

“The effectiveness of a SOC hinges on the synergy of its security tools. In many centers, the challenge lies in connecting these systems into a cohesive unit,” said Aaron Leiker, vice president of Operation Centers at Haivision. “In the face of ever-changing security threats, SOCs must be built on a foundation of flexibility and adaptability.”

New technologies impacting the digital signage space include AI, XR, 3D, and IoT integration, which can create smarter, more tailored experiences for viewers. “Curated discounts and augmented reality product visualization can increase dwell time while providing valuable insights that allow users to refine their business strategies,” added Kianna Pompa, product manager, BRAVIA Professional Displays at Sony Electronics. “Trigger-based content, which is adjusted based on environmental factors, can also enhance engagement and provide more value all around.”

Whatever the future holds, we can rest assured that the display technologies coming next will be creative, immersive, problem-solving, and uniquely suited to any environment.

AVT Question: Please share your insight on what end users need to know about today’s displays, applications, content, cost of ownership, flexibility, and what to expect from future tech.

Thought Leader: Taft Stricklin, Chief Sales Officer at Just Add Power

In the world of displays, you truly get what you pay for. While it might be tempting to opt for budget-friendly, low-performance options, these often result in a higher total cost of ownership (TCO) in the long run. While there might be a cost-saving upfront, inexpensive displays frequently incur additional costs through maintenance, shorter lifespan, and lower image quality, ultimately leading to a more significant financial burden long term.

Today’s market offers high-quality displays that have become increasingly affordable. These advanced displays come in various sizes and can be configured in multiple formats, including portrait, landscape, video wall, and even angled setups when using proper video distribution solutions. This flexibility is not just a technical feature but a creative advantage, providing visually stunning and memorable images that leave a lasting impression.

With the demand for integrated and sophisticated display setups, high-quality displays prove also to be superior in handling networked multi-screen configurations. With the proper distribution systems, these advanced displays can seamlessly connect and synchronize, creating cohesive and dynamic visual experiences. This capability is essential for applications that require synchronized content across multiple screens, such as digital signage, control rooms, and large-scale events.

One of the most exciting advancements in display technology today is dvLED technology, which is revolutionizing how we experience visual content—akin to the thrill of seeing jumbotrons at sporting events. These large screens not only offer vibrant and clear visuals but also enhance accessibility, making it easier to check scores and read information at a glance. 

Investing in high-quality displays is a wise decision that pays off in performance, flexibility, and overall user experience. Cutting corners might save a few dollars initially, but the long-term benefits of superior displays are undeniable and well worth the investment.

While video walls, flat panels, and projectors deliver eye-popping and engaging content in brilliant color and resolutions, they are merely the window dressing to what goes on behind the scenes.

A bevy of hardware and software solutions are needed to transmit and receive the video signal, switch sources, manage content in real-time and securely, and deliver audio to round out the user experience. Here are just a few; 22 to be specific!

22Miles’ Content Manager

22Miles’ Content Manager is an all-inclusive platform that enables efficient management of visual communications for projects of any size. It features over 1,000 customizable templates, AI-powered design suggestions, and fast editing tools, making it an ideal low-code, drag-and-drop solution for content management for systems integrators. With the industry’s most extensive library of enterprise software integrations and one-click widgets for interactive features like room reservation, 22Miles Content Manager is a future-proof solution that evolves with your business. The platform is compatible with most new and existing hardware, making it perfect for new deployments and retrofits. 

Atlona’s OmniStream 2.0

Atlona’s OmniStream 2.0 AV-over-IP firmware adds support for 4K60 video with 4:4:4 color sampling alongside better bitrate efficiency and integrated multiview processing. OmniStream 2.0 features the new VCx codec that delivers less than one frame of latency from encode to decode, enabling 4K60 4:4:4 streams with artifact-free presentation of computer-generated content and fast-motion video. Increases in coding efficiency enable additional HD streams over 1Gb Ethernet networks, multiple 4K streams over 10Gb switch-to-switch uplinks, and simultaneous 4K and HD over Gigabit Ethernet. OmniStream 2.0 also enables simultaneous display of multiple sources from OmniStream Pro encoders onto one screen.

Audio-Technica’s ATND1061

Audio-Technica’s ATND1061 Beamforming Ceiling Array Microphone has received major upgrades with its latest firmware update, including Video System Control Architecture (VISCA)-over-IP and Voice Lift technology. VISCA offers synchronized control of multiple video peripherals, improving interoperability and meeting equality. Using VISCA over IP, you can position the camera to match with the audio captured by the ATND1061. This creates a more natural experience in hybrid calls. The ATND1061 now includes Voice Lift, a technology that improves the communication environment in a space where voices don’t carry (i.e. larger rooms). Voice Lift makes a presenter’s words more intelligible.

BrightSign’s XT5 Digital Signage Players

BrightSign’s XT5 Digital Signage Players elevate and future proof digital signage activations to create captivating experiences for years to come. The XT245 delivers robust 3D motion graphics in 4K and vibrant HDR video, from Full HD to breathtaking 8K, all while being powered over Ethernet for highly efficient deployments. Meanwhile, the XT1145 enables live video playback via an HDMI input and expands engagement options with USB and serial connections. Brands can seamlessly blend broadcasts into signage, including live news and sports, to offer an engaging atmosphere. And finally, the XT2145 can control two screens simultaneously with dual HDMI outputs. This capability has become more critical as brands look for ways to engage consumers with more dynamic visual content. 

Carousel Digital Signage’s Carousel Daily

Carousel Digital Signage’s Carousel Daily is a new feature for Carousel Cloud that extends the reach of traditional digital signage content well beyond the facility walls, enabling seamless communications to thousands of devices. Leveraging Carousel Cloud’s existing content management, scheduling, and multi-platform tools, users can effortlessly push important organizational news and information directly to intended audiences. Bulletins are distributed as links or QR codes to iOS, Mac, AppleTV, and/or Android mobile devices, with external URLs that seamlessly guide viewers to essential destinations such as training completion, video viewing, company messages, and annual enrolment. Carousel Daily ensures the right messages publish on the right mobile devices, desktops, and displays.

Crestron’s AirMedia

Crestron’s AirMedia enables secure wireless collaboration in the modern digital workspace. Easy to deploy and manage, the solution can be used in conference rooms, huddle rooms, lounges, lobbies, or almost any space to establish a productive meeting environment. When integrated with the Appspace digital signage application or other web-based signage providers, AirMedia can display digital signage content when no presentation is being made or when the room is not occupied. This turns every screen into a content hub to display corporate branding, company news, or list the events slated for that day.

[25 AI-Enabled AV Products]

Datapath’s VSNMini 300 Video Wall Controller

Designed for college, sportsbook, and corporate environments, among others, Datapath’s VSNMini 300 Video Wall Controller can be used as either a personal video wall controller/workstation or as a standalone video wall controller. It boasts a slick form factor, with a modern aesthetic and the industrial-grade components that customers require. Ideal for small- to medium-sized applications, the VSNMini 300 supports the latest standards, including 12th Generation Intel Processors (i9, i7, i5) and NVMe (M.2) SSD storage for maximum performance. Graphics and capture capabilities are provided via three PCIe slots that can be configured as required with Datapath’s Image graphics, Vision capture, and ActiveSQX IP decode/encode cards.

DVIGear’s DN-300H 

DVIGear’s DN-300H DisplayNet SDVoE Transmitter/Receiver USB HID is the newest addition to the DisplayNet AVoIP family. Based on the latest SDVoE ASIC technology, the DN-300H supports USB HID device extension and routing with instant switching. It offers innovative software-defined KVM functionality, multi-screen KVM support, and advanced features including hotkey routing and system control. The DN-300H delivers unprecedented functionality and versatility in an ultra-compact, low-profile form. This unit provides switchable transmitter and receiver functionality with 10G copper and fiber network interfaces. A host of cutting-edge features and a low price point ensure high value for system integrators and their customers.

Green Hippo’s Hippotizer

Green Hippo’s Hippotizer Media Server Range provides real-time video playback, manipulation, and 3D mapping for video production in live event, AV, and broadcast applications. With reliable, purpose-built hardware, Hippotizer boasts industry-leading performance with multiple live capture, input, and output options. Hippotizer’s multi-user, network-based architecture and ZooKeeper interface seamlessly mix DMX, Timecode, Timeline, MIDI, OSC control, and API to build and add elements to any production. With Hippotizer’s complete set of intuitive pre-visualization and mapping tools, instant content updates or pixel-perfect video mapping are made easy. 

Haivision’s Command 360

Haivision’s Command 360 enables enterprise, defense, government, and public safety organizations to make real-time, critical decisions fast by centralizing multiple communication sources into a secure, intuitive video wall display that can span any size network and multiple locations. Command 360 can be set up and fully operational quickly, minimizing disruption to mission-critical environments. Upon setup, the next-generation solution—with its secure, browser-based user interface—delivers the advanced functionality needed to coordinate and manage an entire operation or command center. Key features include easy-to-use, intuitive control; enhanced security; multi-site and remote scalability; fast, easy deployment; and real-time visibility.

IHSE’s kvm-tec Scalable Pro Line

IHSE’s kvm-tec Scalable Pro Line supports up to 5K60 video over a 10G network switch. It uniquely features the ability to control and manage up to 16 computer sources on a single display via a single keyboard and mouse. By simply moving the mouse inside the gridded cell and clicking, the operator has full control of the source.

Jupiter Systems’ Zavus XP

Jupiter Systems’ Zavus XP (XP stands for Xtreme Pixels) represents the pinnacle for Jupiter display engineering, as it can handle all typical deployments, but excels in digital signage. Zavus is available in pixel pitches of 0.7mm, 0.9mm, and 1.2mm, and is truly built for the modern office. The key technology used for Zavus XP is flip-chip COB, providing an encapsulated pixel area with a smooth black resin coating that provides a cooler surface and delivers 30 percent improved energy efficiency over standard dvLED, superior grayscale, as well as unrivaled image depth and contrast. It is powered in collaboration with Megapixel VR processing for superior performance.

Just Add Power’s MC-QX

Just Add Power’s MC-QX MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Transmitter combines Just Add Power’s award-winning MaxColor 4K60 features with its innovative tiling and warping technology. It allows 4K60 source devices to be displayed on a single screen instantly, along with Warp Engine’s source rotation capabilities. Users can watch four 4K60 video sources simultaneously in multiple formats, including single-screen, video wall, or tiled video. Further, installers can rotate any source in a Just Add Power system in 0.1-degree increments in real time with incredibly low latency. The rotated image can then be sent to an unlimited number of receivers in the network, allowing for the creation of massive artistic video walls.

Korbyt’s Experiential Signage

Korbyt’s Experiential Signage empowers businesses, universities, and corporate organizations to create truly immersive, interactive digital experiences with a near-endless array of third-party sensors and devices, including touch-interactive tablets, pressure sensors, mechanical and capacitive-sensing buttons, temperature sensors, lift and learn sensors, or even optical sensors. Experiential Signage is the newest addition to Korbyt’s cloud-based CMS that lets administrators engage employees, students, customers, and guests via various channels, including digital signage, desktop, email, and mobile devices. With more than 1 million endpoints, 300 cloud migrations, and more than 100 native integrations to date, Korbyt Anywhere is the most advanced platform to captivate audiences on any screen, anywhere. 

Matrox Video’s Mura DVW

Matrox Video’s Mura DVW, a high-performance IP-based 4K distributed video wall appliance, enables the combination of multiple units in various arrangements to easily create a fully synchronized video surface of any size. Mura DVW integrates advanced computing, networking, video decoding, and graphical processing capabilities to deliver seamless visual experiences with maximum security. Mura DVW video walls are flexible and scalable, enabling you to build fully distributed video walls with performance that improves as more appliances are added. Each Mura DVW appliance supports high-density and flexible decoding—up to one 8K60, four 4K60, eight 4K30, and sixteen 1080p60 streams—all in H.265 (HEVC) or H.264 (AVC).

Mersive’s Solstice Dynamic Digital Signage

A blank screen is wasted space. Mersive’s Solstice Dynamic Digital Signage feature makes it simple and easy to bring new life and functionality to all your screens and spaces. Maximize your display’s potential with engaging visuals between meetings, by serving up content from dynamic web pages or content from Google Slides, PowerPoint, AppSpace, Carousel, Tripleplay, and more. With vibrant digital signage on touchscreens, you can create a rich experience by allowing end users to perform a range of actions. Book rooms, submit IT tickets, play videos, display important information, and more, by simply tapping on the display—all within a customizable environment that matches your organization’s branding for a more connected experience.

Navori Labs’ StiX 3800 Media Player

Navori Labs’ StiX 3800 Media Player supports flawless 4K content playback at 60fps, ensuring your media is displayed with stunning clarity and detail. Ideal for various settings, from retail to corporate environments, the compact device is also equipped with AI-powered footfall tracking, providing valuable insights into audience metrics and engagement. Features like auto-activation allow for effortless installation, while PoE capabilities minimize connectivity requirements. The StiX 3800 also promotes sustainable practices by activating the display only when the audience is detected. This makes the StiX 3800 not only a powerful digital signage solution, but also an environmentally conscious choice.

Realmotion Engine

The Realmotion Engine by Realmotion is a versatile spatial computing software. Realmotion Engine can handle both dynamic, interactive elements in real time and linear video content. Integrated with commercial-grade sensors and content creation platforms, it offers unparalleled flexibility, performance, and reliability for projects of all scales. Realmotion Engine can be leveraged in various scenarios, including interactive digital experiences, projection mapping, digital art installations, broadcast, live event venues, and more. A key strength is its ability to integrate sensor data, media outputs, media playback, lighting management, and content management through one scalable software.

RGB Spectrum’s SuperView IPX

RGB Spectrum’s SuperView IPX is a state-of-the-art multiviewer that consolidates up to eight video images on a single screen, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making workflows. Supporting both HDMI and IP inputs, it allows users to seamlessly display local and remote video sources with complete flexibility. The SuperView IPX features 4K 60Hz input and output resolutions, customizable display layouts, and presets, along with H.264 and H.265 decoding. With an embedded architecture for enhanced security and control via a browser-based GUI, Telnet, and RS-232, it is the ideal solution for mission-critical 24/7 operations.

Ross Video’s XPression Tessera

Ross Video’s XPression Tessera is a multifaceted solution for managing and filling video displays in any studio or venue. The XPression Tessera Distributed Workflow system utilizes a simple region-mapping tool to allow users to slice up a graphic on a large canvas and distribute it across multiple channels or engines for pixel-accurate rendering. A single Take ID can be used to trigger the animation to play out in perfect synchronization across one channel or dozens of them. From simple studios to the largest live event stages, Ross Video can help you engage with viewers.

Vanco’s PAEXEARC

Vanco’s PAEXEARC Digital Audio Extender with eARC transmits HDMI eARC/ARC digital audio signals up to 328 feet and S/PDIF signals up to 656 feet over a single Cat5e/6 cable. It supports bi-directional PoC, allowing power supply from either end, and features simultaneous SPDIF and HDMI outputs for a customized audio solution. With CEC pass-through in eARC/ARC mode, it enables integrated control of multiple devices. Designed for reliable performance and compatibility with various audio systems, the PAEXEARC is ideal for enhancing audio distribution in meeting spaces and classrooms, ensuring high-quality sound and ease of control in large or complex setups.

Vizrt’s Viz Virtual Studio Go

In the age of hybrid working, learning, and connecting, it’s become a key challenge to capture and keep the audience's attention. The Viz Virtual Studio Go by Vizrt was designed to help drive engagement in any instance where video is shared, boosting communication, understanding, and connection. Software and hardware are pre-configured with fully designed and customizable AR graphics and an included virtual set scene. Engineered with award-winning virtual studio capabilities, powered by Viz Engine, and built on the connected workflows of NDI, storytellers are empowered with best-in-class technology to create engaging presentation experiences out of the box.

Another week in Pro AV has passed, and with it, more news of partnerships and personnel moves. Get caught up with what you missed last week right here.

[Welcome WMAS]

People News

AV Pro Global Appoints VP, Commercial Sales Americas, Expands MXnet Systems Group

AVPro Global Holdings parent company of AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, Bullet Train, Murideo, and Thenaudio audio/video distribution products, has appointed Jerrie Anderson as VP, commercial sales for the Americas. Anderson oversees business development initiatives in the Americas, including expanding the AVPro Edge MXnet AV-over-IP penetration into the commercial market segments of business and corporate, education, government and TAA, hospitality and retail, houses of worship, and medical. Anderson is a distinguished sales leader in the commercial AV industry, equipped with extensive experience to propel the AVPro brand portfolio growth initiatives. His expertise is set to unlock new opportunities, enhance customer value, and accelerate AVPro's position as a market leader.

At Crestron and Christie Digital Systems, Anderson successfully spearheaded business development initiatives, enhanced strategic channel partnerships, and collaborated with clients to optimize efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. He brings 20-plus years of experience developing and leading profitable initiatives in transformative technology, including Pro AV/UC commercial/enterprise, integrated building control (hardware & software), mission/business-critical control rooms, and modern workplaces/classrooms.

The company also made several key appointments to its MXnet Systems Group (MXSG), a newly formed specialty design and development business unit dedicated to expanding the AVPro Edge brand’s MXnet AV-over-IP product portfolio to address the growing need for AV-over-IP. Andy Herron has joined the MXSG as a product manager, focusing on creating effective go-to-market strategies to sustain double-digit AV growth over the IP space. Deby Jimenez has joined the MXSG as an AV sales engineer focusing on client engagement, delivering comprehensive presentations for Level 2 and Level 3 AV-over-IP systems to the AV consultant community, AV integration firms, and potential clients, showcasing the MXnet technical capabilities and value propositions.

With 15 years of experience in the AV and networking industry, Herron brings a wealth of knowledge to the MXSG product manager position. His background includes significant roles in product management at QSC and WyreStorm Technologies, where he successfully launched numerous products and served as a subject matter expert at industry events. Jimenez brings over 20 years of experience in professional AV, IT, and networking technologies to her new role. As a seasoned AV systems engineer, she has a proven track record in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex AV systems, with expertise in IP networking.

A.C. ProMedia Appoints Gary Pace as National Sales Manager

A.C. ProMedia welcomed Gary Pace as national sales manager. This role was developed as part of the company's strategic plan for the AV market. He will be working closely with Anthony Stofflet, Luminex brand manager, and Shane Shah, AUDAC/CAYMON brand manager, to grow and develop the company, brands and markets.

In his new role, Pace is responsible for establishing strong client relationships and expanding distribution and mindshare among system designers, consultants, and live sound companies for the Luminex, AUDAC, and CAYMON brands in the United States and Canada.

Pace’s background includes in-depth knowledge of the audio market, networking technologies, client needs, and integrator requirements, which he gained from his prior work as the national sales manager for Powersoft Advanced Technologies and as a sales manager for Beyerdynamic and Dynacord. To round out his integrator experience, he provided technology solutions for advanced lighting and sound as an integrator.

AV Industry Veteran Jay Rohe to Join CCS Presentation Systems HQ

CCS Presentation Systems Southwest has welcomed Jay Rohe as chief revenue officer. With over 18 years of experience as a top executive at Legrand AV, most recently as VP of commercial channel sales, Rohe brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to CCS.

Rohe is tasked with developing strategic partnerships, exploring new revenue streams, and expanding CCS’s reach. His leadership will be instrumental in driving the company's growth and continuing its reputation for delivering innovative AV solutions.

Mather Al-Ali Joins Visilink

Mather Al-Ali joined Vislink as VP of sales for Middle East and Africa Region. Mather is now responsible for driving sales across all Vislink solutions in the Middle East and Africa, with a particular focus on growing the defense, military, and public safety business.

He brings over two decades of regional MEA experience in sales leadership, with a proven track record of growing revenue, profitability, and business transformation. His extensive background covers key accounts, channel management, and regional strategy planning, with a deep understanding of the defense, government, maritime, telecommunications, and broadcast sectors.

Mather has previously held senior sales positions at multinational companies, including his most recent role as regional sales and managing director at Halo Maritime Defense Systems, where he oversaw business development, strategic partnerships and key account management for the EMEA region. His career also includes significant business development achievements in roles at Wartsila Voyage, ST Engineering, and ETL Systems, where he developed and implemented successful sales strategies and led regional teams to exceed business targets. Notably, Mather was part of the Vislink team from 2008 to 2013 as regional sales director for the MEA region.

Company News

Shure Meets Sustainable Packaging Goals Early

A year ahead of its own timeline, Shure has achieved its goal of using 90% recyclable and/or renewable packaging for new products. The company reached its goal early through a variety of aggressive initiatives.

With more than 1,500 different packaging pieces for a variety of different products, converting to sustainable packaging is a significant undertaking. It is especially difficult for high-performance electronic equipment that is shipped to various locations globally.

Efforts to convert to more sustainable packaging include:

• replacing thermoform trays with more sustainable, recyclable alternatives such as molded pulp.
• reducing overall plastic materials in packaging.
• reducing the amount of literature that accompanies products.
• right-sizing packaging for greater efficiency and reduced carbon footprint from shipping and storage.
• membership in the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

Shure manufacturing plants feature robust recycling programs for cardboard boxes and wooden pallets, keeping literally “tons” of cardboard waste and nearly 5,000 wooden pallets out of landfills. Shure works with suppliers who take action on sustainability, including suppliers who use solar power and recycled water in their operations.

Products are also designed with sustainability at the forefront, extending beyond just packaging. For example, Shure's rechargeable batteries are projected to prevent more than 100 million AA batteries from ending up in landfills by 2027. This figure is based on global data from users in diverse fields such as music production, theater, touring, education, business, government, and houses of worship.

Previously, disposable batteries powered microphones and transmitter packs, leading audio engineers to frequently replace them—even when they still had charge—to ensure seamless performances. Nearly a decade ago, Shure began offering intelligent Li-ion batteries for wireless microphones. This rechargeable technology is quickly being adopted by meeting rooms, schools, houses of worship, and many other venues. Plus, Shure has engineered its products to minimize overall power consumption, incorporating energy-saving "down" modes and allowing remote power monitoring through its free Wireless Workbench software.

Absen Announces New Distribution Partnership with The Design Oasis

Absen has agreed to a new distribution partnership with The Design Oasis, a provider of audiovisual gear and solutions in the United States. This collaboration will significantly expand the availability of AbsenLive's advanced LED products, including the Polaris (PL) 2.5mm and Polaris (PL) 3.9mm IP LED panels, throughout the rental and staging market.

As a South Florida distributor, The Design Oasis operates offices in Miami and Orlando and is expanding its reach with new locations in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. Its dedication to 24/7 support means customers can rely on consistent, high-quality service whenever they need it.

AlarMax Celebrates Grand Opening of Albuquerque Branch

AlarMax is expanding with its newest branch location in Albuquerque, NM. This expansion is the latest strategic milestone in AlarMax's nationwide growth, aimed at bringing high-touch service and cutting-edge technology to more markets across the United States.

The Albuquerque branch will provide local AlarMax customers with immediate access to inventory from more than 400 premier vendors. The branch will also deliver personalized customer service, technical expertise, and tailored integrated solutions for various project requirements – a combination of offerings that have become synonymous with the AlarMax brand.

Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group Enters Into Partnership with Sony

Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group and Sony Professional Display Solutions announced a new program for members that will give them access to a recognizable brand and their suite of professional-grade products. The announcement was made at the first-ever Ellipsys Catalyst event in Scottsdale, AZ.

The addition of Sony to the Ellipsys vendor roster makes an immediate impression on the commercial display and professional video offerings available to Ellipsys members. Sony’s BRAVIA Professional Displays range from HD to 8K resolution models and screen sizes that suit a range of solutions for business owners. And the brand’s professional projectors and AI-powered auto-tracking remote cameras allow commercial integrators to fill auditoriums, retail spaces, lecture halls, boardrooms and more with unforgettable images.

Modulo Pi Signs Distribution Agreement with MayCo

Modulo Pi has signed a distribution agreement with MayCo, a technology solutions distributor. This collaboration will see MayCo distribute Modulo Pi's range of media servers throughout the United States.

Modulo Pi’s media servers come as hardware-plus-software platforms for high performance and reliability. The company adopts an innovative approach based on two systems, Modulo Player and Modulo Kinetic. Available in different hardware configurations to meet the needs and budget of any project, Modulo Player and Modulo Kinetic have become a trusted choice for industry professionals worldwide. The media servers have already powered hundreds of projects in varied applications such as projection mapping, live events, immersive venues, theme parks, museums, and more.

Just Add Power Releases 2025 In-Person Certified Integrator Workshop Dates

Just Add Power has added new 2025 dates for its Certified Integrator Workshop. Held in-person at the company’s headquarters in Seminole, FL, the three-day workshop provides integrators with hands-on, practical training covering essential networking skills, AV-over-IP best practices, and in-depth knowledge of Just Add Power’s award-winning solutions. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to enhance both enterprise and residential installations and will have the opportunity to earn RUs and CEUs for AVIXA and CEDIA certifications.

Just Add Power's in-person Certified Integrator Workshop will be offered four times throughout 2025: Jan. 15-17, April 16-18, July 16-18, and Oct. 15-17. Registration is open at: www.justaddpower.com/training.

Just Add Power's Certified Integrator Workshop provides integrators with all the information needed to design, install, and configure a Just Add Power AV-over-IP system while making the most of the features and functions of the company's product line. Integrators will also learn to anticipate and prevent issues that may arise with complex or enterprise integrations and how to take over maintenance of an existing system. This is an in-depth workshop that includes extensive hands-on activities with Just Add Power equipment. Integrators completing this workshop may earn AVIXA RUs and CEDIA CEUs toward renewing their existing industry certifications, as well as earning the Just Add Power Certified Integrator designation.

InfoComm hits the Las Vegas Convention Center this June 8-14 for InfoComm 2024. As always, SCN looks to keep you up to date with preshow coverage of new products, events, and insights to expect on the show floor. And don't forget to bookmark the link below for all of SCN's InfoComm 2024 coverage. 

[Follow the ROAD TO INFOCOMM 2024 at AV Network] 

Harness the Power of AI: QSC CEO Joe Pham Will Deliver Keynote at InfoComm 2024 

Joe Pham, chairman and CEO of QSC | Q-SYS, will deliver the keynote at InfoComm 2024. Pham will take the stage Wednesday, June 12 at 11 a.m. PT and guide the audience through an immersive presentation on how the pro AV industry can capture the opportunities presented by AI.

Pham’s keynote “Everything Has Changed,” presented by Q-SYS, centers on acknowledging that artificial intelligence is reshaping our world. By seamlessly integrating AI with the technologies of sight and sound, AV holds the power to generate real-time profound experiences, drive transformative outcomes through data-driven insights, and ultimately cultivate more meaningful human connections in a world increasingly marked by disconnection.

“The potential unleashed by AI on our industry—from revolutionizing experiential delivery to completely reshaping our expectations for human interaction—is nothing short of profound,” said Pham. “I’m honored to take the InfoComm stage to encourage our broader community to capitalize on the once-in-a-generation opportunities presented by the unique intersection of AI and AV technologies.”

The show will also debut the InfoComm AI Experience on the trade show floor (C10125), featuring a lineup of engaging speakers, and exhibitors, a generative AI photobooth, and AVA AI — InfoComm’s new AI-powered guide.

Just Add Power's Must-See AV-Over-IP Solutions

Just Add Power will showcase its latest distributed AV solutions in Booth W845. At the show, the company will debut several additions to the MaxColor line, including the new MaxColor MC-TXWP1 wall plate that supports HDMI 4K60 input and distribution of source devices, perfect for BYOD, UCC, and huddle environments. The new MC-QX MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Transmitter and the MC-TX3 MaxColor 4K60 Series Transmitter will also be shown for the first time in the U.S. Just Add Power products will also be on display at the ADI Booth, C7019 and the Blackwire Designs Booth C9869.

The new Just Add Power MaxColor MC-TXWP1 PoE thin, two-gang HDMI wall plate transmitter provides integrators with a convenient HDMI port that natively supports 4K60 input from any source. It distributes 4K UHD video from connected 4K BYOD sources with no downscaling or subsampling. With the MC-TXWP1, 4K60/4:4:4/36-bit video can be distributed over a 1Gb managed network using Cat 5e/Cat 6 cable. It delivers instant, seamless switching; 4K up- and downscaling; and HDR management while supporting all lossless audio formats and HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision for the best viewing experience. To match any décor, the unit’s faceplate is available in black, white, or custom colors.

The Just Add Power MC-QX MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Transmitter combines the company’s MaxColor technology, 4K network video tiler, and Warp Engine technology. It allows 4K60 source devices to be displayed on a single screen instantly along with source rotation capabilities. Users can simultaneously watch up to four 4K60 video sources in multiple formats, including single-screen, video wall, or tiled video. With the MC-QX warping capability, installers can rotate any source image in a Just Add Power matrix — cable boxes, media players, game systems, cameras, and more — in 0.1-degree increments in real time with incredibly low latency. The rotated image can then be sent to an unlimited number of receivers in the network, allowing for the creation of massive artistic video walls using a single MC-QX.

Igloo Vision Brings Three  Immersive Spaces to InfoComm 

Visitors to this year’s InfoComm will be hearing a lot about immersive technology.  Igloo Vision will be bringing three immersive projection spaces to the show in partnership with Panasonic, Fuji, and Christie. All three spaces will be powered by Igloo’s software platform for immersive spaces, Igloo Core Engine (ICE).

The company’s own Booth C9377 will feature an open-fronted immersive space with floor projection provided by Christie, showcasing how immersive spaces can be used across a wide range of industries for an even wider range of use cases.

In West Hall at Panasonic’s Booth W1500, Igloo will be powering an immersive meeting room, showing how immersive technology can enhance and improve the office experience and provide a key to more effective collaboration.

Also in West Hall, at Fuji’s Booth W1500, visitors will be able to see a world-first in the form of an immersive space with walls, floor and ceiling projection for a fully immersive experience, powered by Igloo and built by Canadian design and construction company, FalkBuilt. This space will showcase the power of immersive technology for visualization in architecture, engineering, construction and real estate, as visitors can step right inside designs and surround themselves with model data.

Take a sneak peek in the video below. 

Enterprise IT Program Returns to InfoComm 2024

After the successful enterprise IT programming at last year’s InfoComm, enterprise IT will make its return in Las Vegas. This year’s program will feature a new two-day AVoIP Foundations workshop, plus education sessions on topics such as IoT solutions, IT and AV system design and integration, network design, and more, as well as a meetup and a show floor tour focused on enterprise IT.

“A baseline professional AV skillset today requires some basic IT competencies, and the same can now be said about IT technicians needing, at minimum, to know how to manage AV on a network plus some aspects of how AV works in a physical space,” said Annette Sandler, Senior Director, Live Content, U.S./Canada, AVIXA, producer of InfoComm. “InfoComm 2024 will offer an essential training ground whether you are an IT tech seeking knowledge of AV systems or an AV tech working on IT systems.”

There are two sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as a show floor tour and an enterprise technology managers IT meetup at AVIXA Xchange Live. You can view the full enterprise IT program here.

Apantac to Introduce Its Latest Innovation in Dante

Apantac will unveil its latest innovation, DA-HDTV-Dante-Tx-UHD at Booth C8004. The 16-channel multi-codec audio HDMI converter is tailored for Dante applications. Designed to meet the demands of modern audiovisual environments, this converter seamlessly bridges HDMI signals to Dante audio, offering versatility and performance.

The DA-HDTV-DANTE-Tx-UHD is a standalone box that can be easily installed anywhere, it effortlessly converts HDMI 2.0 signals to 16 channels of Dante audio, ensuring compatibility across various audio eco systems. It supports a wide range of codecs including Dolby ATMOS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, Dolby Surround and passes through Dolby Vision (pass through), DTS/DTS:X (including IMAX Enhanced), MPEG-4 AAC, MPEG-H, SONY 360RA, and Auro-3D. This ensures superior audio quality and compatibility with diverse audio formats. The HDMI 2.0 input is compatible with devices such as media players, gaming consoles, set-top boxes, and more.

Title: Director of Training and Development

Company: Just Add Power

Location: Seminole, FL  

Overtime: Martin is committed to staying active. He attends CrossFit regularly and plays soccer at least once a week. He can also be found playing his favorite video games late at night. 

Why You Need to Know Him: With a master's in education, Martin is deeply invested in facilitating learning and understanding. As the director of training and development with Just Add Power, he is determined to bridge the gap between development and deployment.

Eric Martin's path to the AV industry is a unique one, rooted in his passion for video games. His early experiences of figuring out the components needed to connect his gaming systems to his TV sparked his interest in computer hardware and building his own PCs. This knowledge became a valuable asset when he transitioned into teaching, allowing him to effectively teach science and computer programming.

His skills in AV, computer networking, and pedagogy were a perfect fit when Just Add Power needed a trainer to bridge the gap between legacy HDMI matrices and AV-over-IP. His role is to identify areas where integrators could benefit from additional knowledge, making installations easier and more efficient.

"My job is to spot where the integrator needs to know or learn more so the installation is easy without wearing a programming hat," Martin explained.

Just Add Power is constantly innovating, and so is Martin, who is expanding his knowledge to easily translate highly technical subjects into accessible terms that others can understand. He is never afraid to ask questions, which stems from his early education days. 

"That comes from my days as a teacher when I dealt with teenagers who were afraid to ask something for fear of sounding stupid to their peers," he said. "If I don't understand it, how could anyone else possibly understand it?"

Martin takes pride in Just Add Power's industry-leading technical support programs, in-person and remotely. For him, the job doesn't end when the device works; the entire system must function seamlessly. He is also passionate about investing in the future of the AV industry by developing education programs for Just Add Power to take into local Florida schools. "It's gratifying to think we're helping propel the next generation of AV installers into the future," he offered. 

With the industry constantly changing, Martin believes you have to be willing to modify and improve your resources continually. "Coming from a science background, you learn that there are a thousand ways to fail or for something not to work, but it's all about finding that one success," he said. "There's a eureka moment where everything comes together at once. Usually, a gradual evolution—a small tweak, adjustment, or modification—goes into the product, training, or installation, but it amounts to a huge difference in the end."

Meet the rest of The Nine.

Along with broader global efforts to achieve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, the Pro AV industry is making the effort to conserve resources and minimize long-term environmental impacts. In fact, many industry members are setting action-orientated goals and implementing sustainable practices across its business and supply chains.

[Logitech Transitions to Recycled Plastic, Next-Life Materials]

Keeping Up with SDGs

“Sustainability is important in Pro AV because we are a multi-billion-dollar industry that grows larger by the year—and consequently has a progressively greater impact on sustainability,” said Christina De Bono, founder and president for Sustainability in AV (SAVe). “Each year, we’re in a progressively stronger position to make things worse or make them better. So far, our industry doesn’t have a lot of positive achievements to show for itself.”

Led by industry volunteers, SAVe hopes to inspire the AV industry to develop strategies to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “Like every industry, ours is a significant contributor to the problems we face," said De Bono. “But it’s also in a position to significantly advance positive change. The SDGs are not some pie-in-the-sky fantasy. They are the product of a massive global effort—endorsed in 2015 by every member of the United Nations—to identify not just what needs to be done but how to achieve them.” 

With the United States being one of the few nations failing to report on SDG progress and the general public's lack of awareness, SAVe hopes to change that within the AV industry. "We already have a critical mass who favor sustainable development," added De Bono. "SAVe is committed to empowering them with information and resources to act."

After serving as the official sustainability partner for ISE in 2023 and 2024, SAVe was inspired to launch SAVe 2024, a sustainability conference in mid-March that brought AV leaders from around the globe together in Los Angeles to collaborate, learn, and connect. SAVe also offers several programs and initiatives, including SAVe: A Second Life, helping to support responsible recycling by ensuring usable equipment is kept in a cycle of use rather than entering the waste stream.

SAVe certification workshops can help organizations identify ways they can make an impact on sustainability issues by developing actionable steps toward progress. Once an official plan is developed, an organization can submit it to SAVe to be granted SAVe Certification, demonstrating to all stakeholders that they are serious about sustainability. “SAVe Certification workshops are important because they provide a rapid, adoptable, easy-to-maintain way to incorporate sustainability-advancing behaviors and practices into an organization,” said De Bono.

Products and Solutions

“Pro AV business leaders have two roles in impacting climate change,” said Michael Boettcher, president of Edge, which is a consortium of AV integrators. “The first is to move as fast as possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operations and supply chains. Secondly, business activities can also contribute to innovation and solutions to prevent, mitigate, and adapt to climate change and its adverse impacts on the planet.”

LED Studio is taking steps to eliminate "throwaway culture" with its V1 Architecture, a proprietary infrastructure designed to accommodate evolving pixel technologies, within its EDGE Series of displays. The company launched the 54-inch EDGE Pro and the 65-inch EDGE earlier this year.

[SCN Hybrid World: Videobars Offer Simplified Conferencing Solution]

Considered a direct replacement for LCD video wall panels, the EDGE Series offers simplified installation for integrators. The 54-inch EDGE Pro has fewer internal components than traditional LED display cabinets, reduces the amount of raw materials used during manufacturing, and features Chip on Board (COB) MicroLED pixel technology that can deliver substantial energy savings versus LCD for customers, which improves ROI.

“Enhancing sustainability and removing the complexity associated with LED display installations is at the heart of everything we do,” said Rob Bint, CEO, LED Studio. “Our ability to present an LED display with the option to choose from three advanced manufacturing technologies and various pixel pitches is a massive evolution in the LED industry. It is a significant turning point in a move towards a more sustainable display industry by protecting initial investments, reducing waste, and supporting technology progression.”

One SAVe 2024 sponsor, Sony Electronics, enacted an environment plan called “Road to Zero,” which is built on goals concerning four environmental perspectives: curbing climate change, conserving resources, controlling chemical substances, and promoting biodiversity. With this in mind, the company has moved forward with initiatives like being engaged as an EPA SmartWay Shipper for transportation sustainability and freight efficiency, as well as leveraging recycled material, SORPLAS (sustainable orientated recycled plastics), for parts. Its San Diego headquarters was awarded the LEED gold certification in 2010 and procured 100% renewable energy by purchasing renewable energy certificates.

“We would like to emphasize the importance of transparency in sustainability efforts,” said Kanaru Fukushima, senior manager, marketing for Sony Electronics. “Our commitment to sustainability is not just a checkbox; it’s an ongoing journey that requires continuous improvement. We encourage open dialogue with our stakeholders to foster accountability and transparency, driving positive change across the industry.”

PPDS North America introduced modularity in its Philips Signage 4000 Series (D-Line), allowing the potential for repairs and renovation of displays, and introduced the first PPDS EcoDesign displays, which use less than half the energy of their direct competitors and have been recognized with the EPEAT Silver Climate+, an ecolabel from the nonprofit Global Electronics Council (GEC).

“For us, the greatest thing is being transparent about our efforts and making the information our system integration partners and customers need about the sustainability of Philips Professional Displays readily available,” said Nick Beglaries, commercial vice president, professional displays, PPDS North America. “Last year, we introduced a toolkit for our SIs, enabling them with all the information, regularly updated, all in one place.”

[Check Out the New PPDS EMEA ‘Super Sustainable’ Master Showroom]

A Package Deal

Many industry members, including representatives from Sony Electronics and PPDS North America, commented on the importance of sustainable packaging and shipping. Just Add Power has moved to 100% recyclable material over the past five years. It even uses an independent cardboard recycling pickup for large packaging that its facilities can’t reuse. "We specify that our manufacturing partners use recycled materials in manufacturing when available, like the steel for our cases,” said Ed Qualls, CEO, Just Add Power.

Just Add Power has even found various efficiencies within its building, including utilizing a solar array to provide 90% of its annual energy requirements. “Since the installation in November 2023, we have already reduced our carbon footprint by over 11 tons,” said Qualls. The company even thinks of sustainability regarding plants on their property, using self-pruning trees like foxtail palms and peanut flowers for ground cover, allowing them to forgo gas or electric-powered garden tools to maintain them.

At the center of WyreStorm's sustainability drive is the transition to eco-friendly paper materials, a departure from traditional plastic-based packaging that helps reduce its impact and align with consumer preference for eco-conscious products. "Two-thirds of our packaging, even more so now, is filled with paper instead of plastics," explained Samantha Buchanan, marketing and administrative manager with WyreStorm. "All of our packaging is cardboard—and whenever we ship anything, whether to a show or our customers, we try to use paper products over any Styrofoam or bubble materials unless necessary."

Legrand | AV is dedicated to eco-conscious practices at every product lifecycle stage and is in the last year of its fifth sustainability roadmap. “We’re actively developing our sixth roadmap, which would be from 2025 to 2027, but our goal is to be net neutral for carbon by 2050 and reduce single-use plastics by 2030,” said Kathryn Gaskell, director of eco-design and regulatory.

For those claiming higher costs hold them back from sustainability initiatives, Gaskell feels this is a common misnomer within the industry. “We assumed we’d have to go up in cost because the sustainable solution we found would be more expensive. We were surprised in a great way that it wasn’t," she noted. "It may be a wash, it may be a little less … when you’re looking at it, I think you should assume it’s the right decision, and luckily, our company leans into the right decision versus the cost.”

With a focus on improving technology resource utilization, VITEC modified its entire product design process to minimize the environmental impact and optimize energy consumption for all solutions, leveraging renewable energy strategies like including photovoltaic panels and heat pumps to power facilities across the globe. The company also looks at sustainability opportunities within its logistics, reducing travel between its manufacturing site and customers. In 2022, VITEC launched the GreenPEG initiative to measure, reduce, and compensate for all carbon emissions, including everything from raw material extraction to final recycling.

"There is a growing sense that eco-friendly design and sustainability practices in enterprise video applications are not just good for the planet, but also business," said Phillippe Wetzel, CEO, VITEC. "Effectively implemented, these strategies streamline the processes; they reduce waste, cut costs, and reduce enterprise video's environmental impact."

Real change doesn’t happen alone. De Bono hopes the groundswell of interest in sustainability is gaining momentum—and that events like SAVe 2024 can be a starting place for impactful, long-lasting partnerships. “Partnerships are nothing less than force multipliers,” said De Bono. “They are essential to creating the groundswell of support we need to effect real and lasting change.”

AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Joe Andrulis, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Biamp

Two areas where Biamp sees tremendous value for AV and IT managers in creating a successful conferencing experience are, one, through the integration of AI into conferencing technology; and two, offering AV conferencing peripherals in a bundle that is certified to work with the dominant unified communication (UC) platforms, especially Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google.

After all, the explosion of IoT devices in the office environment, especially providing more conferencing equipment in the hybrid work era, means IT and AV pros are often tasked with managing an increasingly larger and diversified array of devices with the same internal resource constraints.

Simplify and Speed Commissioning with AI AV and IT managers can now leverage AI to create a high-quality conferencing experience for their users without sacrificing efficiency. One such tool is Biamp Launch, which automatically optimizes and tunes a conference space at the touch of a button, taking what was once a highly specialized function that could take hours or even days to execute, down to minutes. Furthermore, this type of automation also allows for more scale—the ability to do more rooms easily in less time, with less labor, but still allowing for the required customization to ensure an extraordinary experience within each space.

UC-Certified Conference Room Bundles Driving this push for automation is the mass adoption of standardization due to the rise of ubiquitous UC platforms that have radically changed the AV Pro market. To further empower AV and IT managers, Biamp offers conferencing room bundles based on the size of the conference room, offering a mix of AV peripherals including cameras, mics, loudspeakers, and control devices, along with a Lenovo UC host compute—essentially everything required for an effective conference room experience. These bundles are also certified with the major UC providers to make provisioning, installing, and commissioning conferencing rooms as seamless as possible.

Ultimately, the industry is responding to enterprise AV and IT managers to help them implement effective AV conferencing solutions efficiently and conveniently, either through a preferred integrator or by themselves.

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AV Technology asked thought leaders from 15 AV/IT manufacturers to share how the company supports end users. Granted, the first line of support is with your integrator, but manufacturers often play a critical role in supporting the overall effort.

We've learned of projects where an integrator and AV/IT team have devised an outside-the-box idea and need some boots on the ground to help make everything come together. In other instances, training is needed to roll out a large deployment. And let's not forget that extended warranties help everyone's bottom line.

While you might find some of the answers similar, you will see many nuances. We hope you'll find the following insightful and helpful.

A few highlights are below and click on the company name in the sidebar to read full interviews from all 15 companies. 

"We’ve taken a very deliberate approach, working hand in hand with our Pro AV community to design, develop, and enhance both our products and our outreach based on their needs and feedback." —Mark Bonifacio, Director of Business Management, Professional Display Solutions at Sony Electronics

"In addition to providing top-notch hardware, we go the extra mile by offering valuable software, APIs/SDKs, and customization tools—all free of charge." —Rob Moodey, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Matrox Video

"Panasonic engineers assist and support the installation team while simultaneously training event staff on how to use the technologies. This closes the skills gap for in-house audiovisual teams for seamless future operations." —Thomas Carroll, Group Manager, PIVS Service at Panasonic Connect North America

"Sometimes, there are circumstances that prevent us from speaking directly to the end user. In those cases, we take extra care to make sure that the dealer or integrator working directly with the end user has a complete understanding of what Atlona’s technology will bring to their facilities." —Paul Beals, Sales Engineer, Northeast at Atlona

AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Joel Carroll, Executive Vice President of Sales at Mersive Technologies

The future of AV is now and has already migrated to a software-centric approach, which plays a crucial role in assisting our partners and customers in not only installing, but also maintaining an excellent experience for both users and admins. While hardware is still a core component in the solutions we provide as the AV industry, the complete user journey from installation to customer experience is heavily rooted in the quality of the software provided by the manufacturers. 

Mersive Technologies’ Solstice Pods have an extensive life cycle and act as a central hub within the overall ecosystem. Through Solstice Cloud, AV/IT teams can easily deploy features, updates, patches, and more on demand or according to a schedule to minimize network disruption. This approach provides the necessary connectivity, while the user-facing software enhances ease of use and offers advanced capabilities such as video conferencing, wireless collaboration, and AV-over-IP routing.

With Solstice Cloud, all our customers can deploy Pods at scale and have complete control from anywhere. For example, one Mersive customer has successfully deployed 15,000 Pods across 500 different locations via Solstice Cloud. When adding a new Pod to their fleet, they simply plug it into the network, register it, and push a configuration template to the device. It quickly comes online and seamlessly integrates into the space, ready for use.

Additionally, Solstice’s Operational Analytics help AV/IT teams determine how a space is being used for maximizing efficiency. Stephens Institute tells me they use this data to see how their educational spaces are being utilized and to inform and maximize the design of new spaces, whether it’s a lecture hall, study space, or smaller classroom.

Ultimately, successful installations only happen when hardware and software work seamlessly together, at which point “solutions” become “experiences.” Mersive has an exceptional team that helps our customers understand their system goals and develop a plan for deployment. 

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AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Megan Zeller, Senior Director, Business Development at Peerless-AV 

Peerless-AV has remained a trusted partner for AV/IT integrators seeking to create seamless and successful installations, offering comprehensive support to end users to ensure the success of their installations and a commitment to evolving products with cutting-edge technology.

Peerless-AV’s product line reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by AV/IT professionals. Engineered with a commitment to user-centric design, Peerless-AV solutions come equipped with features that simplify the integration process. From sleek mounting solutions to adaptable AV components, our products are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing AV/IT infrastructure. 

However, a successful AV/IT installation requires more than high-quality hardware; it demands knowledge and guidance. Peerless-AV provides a wealth of resources, including the Certified Installer Training Program—offering both in-person or online webinar options, as well as detailed installation guides, comprehensive documentation, and instructional videos. This allows users to navigate the installation process with confidence. These resources serve as valuable references and contribute to reducing installation time and minimizing potential challenges.

When challenges arise, having access to reliable customer support is crucial. Peerless-AV takes pride in offering responsive and knowledgeable assistance with queries, troubleshooting issues, providing timely solutions, and more, ensuring that customers feel supported throughout the entire installation journey. Peerless-AV customer service also offers real-time chat with a real person through the live chat tool on peerless-av.com. 

In the rapidly advancing world of AV/IT, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Peerless-AV invests in continuous research and development to deliver products that align with the latest industry standards. By embracing constant innovation, Peerless-AV enables end users to future-proof their installations, ensuring long-term success and adaptability in the face of technological advancements.

As technology continues to advance, Peerless-AV empowers professionals to create successful AV/IT installations with confidence and ease. 

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AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Effi Goldstein, President of the HDBaseT Alliance

With its ability to provide long-range signal extension of UHD AV, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 100 watts of power, and control up to 328 feet (100m) over a single Category cable, HDBaseT is already a long-established ally to AV professionals looking to streamline their installations. 

That said, when it comes to the end-user experience, it’s the plug-and-play nature of HDBaseT that truly sets the technology apart. As BYOD continues to proliferate in school learning spaces and conference rooms everywhere, so does the need for fast, simple, and hassle-free connectivity for laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices. Too often, that important meeting or classroom presentation is derailed by an evasive Wi-Fi password, network firewall, and equipment incompatibility. HDBaseT can bypass all these literal barriers to entry with configuration-free simplicity that just works, and a system that’s vastly easier for AV/IT managers to maintain.

Additionally, as USB continues its own rapid adoption rate, I am proud to say the HDBaseT Alliance is already ahead of the curve with our soon-to-be-released HDBaseT-USB3 standard, allowing for high-performance, low-power, long-range USB 3.2 and power distribution. Not only will this advancement provide a more flexible and affordable professional-grade extension for our industry’s fastest-growing interface, but, along with our planned certification program, will also guarantee interoperability of devices regardless of manufacturer.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Joe Chordas, Vice President of North American Sales and Corporate Marketing at ZeeVee

ZeeVee supports AV/IT integrators and end users in creating successful installations in several key ways. We offer the industry’s broadest range of AV signal distribution solutions. Our ZyPer4K 10Gb encoders and decoders are ideal for applications that require uncompressed 4K video distribution with near zero latency.

For those installations where uncompressed 4K video will suffice, our ZyPerUHD60 1Gb models are ideal, especially for Zoom and Teams rooms. They are also future-proofed to connect to, or grow into, a fuller AV infrastructure as the need arises. ZeeVee also supports its partners by maintaining readily available stock for quick shipping, allowing them to complete projects on schedule.

Our ZyPer Management Platform (ZMP)—instrumental in the installation, controlling, and maintaining of our AVoIP encoders and decoders—has long been a key differentiator. In 2023, we further enhanced network security with the release of ZMP 3.x, a major upgrade that stands as the industry’s most secure management interface for network-based AV systems. All users will benefit from the latest version, but particularly those operating mission-critical systems in the government, enterprise, and healthcare sectors. 

Another way we bring value to our partners and end-users is with our high-touch, customer-centric support. This attention to their engineering and system configuration needs provides extreme value—further enabling them to complete projects in a trouble-free and efficient manner. 

Finally, as a founding member of the SDVoE Alliance, we take our responsibility to provide training very seriously. This includes our regular Certified Solution Partner Training webinars, which share best practices for AV and IT professionals installing, maintaining, and expanding AVoIP systems.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Carrie Kaumans, Corporate Channel Marketing Manager at Listen Technologies

Listen Technologies is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and successful installation experience for AV/IT end users. We prioritize a customer-centric approach by providing first-rate technical support with a focus on rapid issue resolution. When a customer contacts us, they are immediately connected to a live and knowledgeable tech professional, eliminating the frustration associated with automated systems. Our commitment to first call resolution means that our experts work diligently to address any concerns during the initial contact.

We recognize the importance of time, and our average wait time of less than 30 seconds underscores our dedication to minimizing downtime for our customers. Whether through phone calls, emails, or real-time chat support during business hours, our customers can expect swift responses. We pride ourselves on responding to most emails within an hour, ensuring that written communication is both timely and effective.

By offering comprehensive support across various communication channels, we empower end users to navigate any challenges they may encounter during installation. Our live, real-time assistance is not just a service, but a partnership in creating a successful installation. Our team’s expertise, coupled with a commitment to efficiency and accessibility, sets the stage for a positive customer experience and a smooth deployment process. At every step, our goal is to exceed customer expectations. 

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AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Gina Sansivero, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at AtlasIED 

As a hardware manufacturer, it is essential for us to support end users throughout the buying journey. As customers consider our products and solutions, we offer multiple touchpoint opportunities for end users to connect with us, often in concert with our integration partners worldwide. Additionally, we’ve created a range of resources to support their decision-making process. 

The process starts in product development, where we conduct customer focus groups and symposiums to receive feedback and ensure we build products with features that solve true challenges our end users face. Once the product ships and is available for purchase, our salespeople are available for consultation directly with end users. We help educate and inform the end users while supporting our integrator partners, who are our sales channel to the markets. During a customer’s research phase, we also provide relevant case studies to reference, and our sales teams help connect new users with existing customers who have used our products. 

We also offer a free system design assistance program to help customers determine the type of products to install to help create the best system option for the environment and users’ needs. For example, end users supply our engineers with project specifics and a floor plan, and then we create a package indicating speaker placement by type, a block diagram level of signal flow, and a material equipment list. 

AtlasIED focuses on training and education through our Academy. Live classes, on-demand tutorials, and self-guided courses for end users and integrator partners ensure that our technologies are understood, and the solutions are fully explained to support design, installation, maintenance, and ongoing support throughout the product life cycle.

From product development to post-sales support and training, there is no finish line once a project is completed. We work with end users long after to ensure they are satisfied with our products throughout their use. 

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AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Sam Kennedy, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Crestron

We spend a lot of time and energy thinking about just that—the end user.

We constantly strive to build products that are incredibly intuitive and easy to use. The design of the hardware, its control layout, the fit and finish—it’s all carefully considered and tested. The idea is that you can touch a Crestron product with zero training, and it will simply work.

Another aspect of our end user support is consistency: It doesn’t matter if your business is standardized on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or any other platform; we will help to ensure that the user experience is the same in every room of your enterprise, no matter the size.

Furthermore, Crestron is a leader in the field of automation. When one walks into a room that’s been designed using Crestron technology, that room will react intelligently, whatever the task at hand might be. For example, the lights may come up as you enter. Should you begin a call or a presentation, lights, and shading may adjust accordingly. Systems such as our Automate VX multi-camera speaker tracking solution offer automatic framing and optical zoom when a collaborator is speaking, which creates a much better meeting experience for both remote and in-person collaborators—especially as a part of our Sightline package of technology.

There are other support aspects that might not be quite as obvious: We include certain camera features, for example, that either drop a privacy screen over the lens or turn the camera to the wall when a device isn’t in use, offering an extra level of privacy when a meeting ends. 

In short, ease of use, consistency, and automation are in our DNA as an organization—and those factors that positively impact the end user are baked into everything we make.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into how your company supports AV/IT managers in creating a successful experience.

Thought Leader: Pamela Qualls, Chief Operating Officer at Just Add Power

At Just Add Power, we work with integrators to design and install AV-over-IP projects. In those cases, while we don’t connect with the end user directly, there are things we can do to make sure that the end user’s experience is a positive one. First, we make our products work reliably for many years with high-quality audio and video. Our products have a five-year warranty, so while our device failure rate is less than one percent, if there is a transmitter or receiver that doesn’t work, we will replace it quickly and get the system back up and running. Our seamless integration with commonly used control systems ensures that the end user will have a simple interface for source switching and distribution that can be an element of the other automation they have installed at their facility.

On the other hand, we sometimes have large organizations as end users of the products, and they have their own integration teams. Whether we are working with these internal teams or the integrators mentioned above, our technical support is second to none. Our techs are trained in our facility in a multi-year process and rise through levels of expertise as they learn the ins and outs of AV over IP. When an integrator calls our tech support team, they access experts who will help them troubleshoot the whole system—not only the Just Add Power devices. If there’s a problem with the switch, the cables, or a display, our team will do what they can to help identify the issue and solve it, or point the integrator to the source of a solution. We also offer quarterly three-day trainings—with all housing, food, and local transportation paid—to any integrator who would like to develop their AV-over-IP expertise.

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

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

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

Shure’s MV7 Dynamic Microphone

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

IHSE’s Draco Vario Ultra DP Esports Extenders 

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

Vizrt’s TriCaster 2 Elite

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

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

LeagueSpot

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

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

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

Black Box’s MCX AVoIP Distribution System

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

LG’s 37.5-inch Curved UltraGear Gaming Monitor

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

Reely, an AI-powered video platform

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

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

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

Digital Projection’s Radiance LED EV Series 

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

Roland’s VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer

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

Crestron’s DM NVX AV-over-IP Distribution

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

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

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

ViewSonic’s XG2431 24-inch Gaming Monitor

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

Da-Lite’s Tensioned Advantage Screen with SightLine

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

Listen EVERYWHERE

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

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

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

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

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

Peerless-AV’s SEAMLESS dvLED Mounting Systems

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

Marshall Electronics’ CV570/CV574 Miniature Cameras

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

Extron’s XTP Systems

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

Blackmagic Design’s ATEM Television Studio HD8

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

Ophit’s OMP-HM Optical Fiber Extender 

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

SoundTube’s Focus Point FP6030-II Speaker

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

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

Vanco’s PROHD8K Ultra-High-Speed HDMI Cables

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

[RELATED: 15 Thought Leaders on Esports]

Underestimate the importance of corporate culture at your own peril, not to mention the peril of your company or department.

[CEDIA 2023: Blurred Lines]

“At the Tipping Point,” a new whitepaper released by Crestron in partnership with WORKTECH Academy, emphasized the importance of corporate culture and workplace flexibility. Here’s one of its many insights: “The growing preference for and adoption of modern work practices can be attributed to one factor above all else: a cultural re-appraisal of working life by employees around the world in the aftermath of the pandemic, for whom flexible working is no longer seen as a perk but an expectation.” 

Roughly translated, that means people like the freedom of hybrid work, and they don’t want to give it up.

However, it might surprise you to learn that more than two-thirds of 18-34-year-olds surveyed from a pool of 3,000 employees across nine European countries wanted to return to the office full time. Maybe they crave socialization, or they think the office is the best place to build their personal networks, or they just don’t have a place at home where they can conduct business without the distractions of parents or roommates.

[Blueprint for Success: Dance in the Rain]

Conversely, almost two-thirds of all workers were unwilling to return to the office. While there are probably many factors at play, my guess is that most workers over the age of 40 just don’t want to wear pants.

Regardless of attire desires, it’s clear that companies need people-centric solutions. But what about the Pro AV industry itself? No matter where your company lies on the hybrid work spectrum—from “hardly hybrid” to “hyper hybrid,” according to the whitepaper—how healthy is your corporate culture?

One company that seems to have found a formula that works is Just Add Power. In July, I visited the company’s headquarters near Tampa, FL, as part of a media tour. I know, J+P doesn’t exactly have a glamorous product line. It offers a collection of black boxes and wall plates. Mind you, they are well engineered—MaxColor 4K/60 Series AV-over-IP solutions deliver 4:4:4, 36-bit color performance—but generally, J+P's solutions are designed to be hidden from view.

[Just Add Power AVoIP Solutions Support 4K Video Wall for FDPA]

Apparently, the company decided to keep the bells and whistles for the office. Classic movie posters fill one of the main halls. There’s an onsite commercial kitchen, and the company is known for hosting community events. For the employees, there’s a gym, complete with weights and cardio gear. Every workspace I saw can be raised or lowered, so workers can sit or stand as desired. There’s even a big sectional sofa that serves as an informal setting for team meetings. And don’t get me started on the cigar bar or classic car garage. No, I’m not kidding.

Going to the J+P office is an experience, which is precisely what our AV/IT Summit keynote speaker, Kay Sargent, preached in August (and I discussed in last month’s editorial). Is it working? Well, most of the employees who interacted with the media tour had been with the company for many years, so you tell me.

[Viewpoint: What's Your Professional Mindset?]

I’m not saying every company needs a collection of classic cars or even classic movie posters. That’s what works for J+P. But in today’s hypercompetitive environment, where hiring and retaining employees seems to be more difficult than ever, you need to develop a corporate culture that works for your company before everyone starts moving to Tampa.

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

The Dante (R)evolution

An exclusive Q&A with Audinate’s Joshua Rush explores the advances in the company’s audio networking solutions and the expansion of its video business.

At Issue

Experts explain how Dante technology can simplify or improve installations for integrators.

Product Showcase

Check out the latest house of Dante-enabled AV solutions from AtlasIED, Audio-Technica, Aurora Multimedia, Clockaudio, Just Add Power, PTZOptics, Vaddio, and Yamaha UC.

Download the SCN Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV.

Read the September issue of Systems Contractor News.

Get your free copy of the SCN Integration Guide to AVoIP.

Tar Heel Technology

The new Curtis Media Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill relies on a dedicated AV-over-IP network to allow every learning space to originate and display multimedia content, as well as route any source to any destination in the building. Learn how the system helps workflows in HyFlex classrooms, a professional broadcast studio, and more.

At Issue

Industry Experts discuss the importance of interoperability in today’s AVoIP environment.

Product Showcase

Check out the latest AVoIP solutions from Atlona, Audinate, Aurora Multimedia, Black Box, Datapath, DVIGear, Hall Technologies, IHSE USA, Just Add Power, Liberty AV Solutions, Matrox, RGB Spectrum, Snap One, TD SYNNEX, and Yamaha UC.

Download the SCN Integration Guide to AVoIP.

Read the June issue of Systems Contractor News.

InfoComm 2023 is right around the corner. We've been doing our best to keep you up to date on all there is to see in Orlando this June.  Today, take a look at five more exhibitors you need to add to your must-see list. 

[InfoComm 2023: 'No Stopping Us Now']

ZeeVee to Feature Latest AV Distribution Solutions

ZeeVee will unveil its latest AV signal distribution solutions, including a new 1 Gig, AVoIP encoder and decoder, at Booth 4061. 

Here's what to see:

• Session: Enterprise IT: AV Network Preparation, Readiness and Design: Director of product management, Art Weeks, will share best practices for AVoIP network design. He will provide examples of real-world AVoIP networks along with a high-level checklist of things to plan for in the design of any AVoIP network. 
• ZyPer4K SDVoE Wall Plates: SDVoE encoder and decoder wall plates feature 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet ports for general purpose device attachment to a network, as well as audio input and output jacks to drive line-level stereo audio. They can distribute content via HDMI 2.0b and USB-C, as well as USB 2.0, which can be configured and routed via the ZeeVee ZyPer Management Platform (ZMP). A video select button on the encoder wall plate enables users to choose either HDMI or USB-C video inputs when both are connected. 
• HDMI 2.0 Extender: HDMI 2.0 extender kit permits signal transmissions of up to 165 feet (50 meters). Normally, HDMI cables only reach 50 feet before signal deterioration occurs, which can lead to onscreen images pixelating, lagging or dropping out entirely. The kit preserves the signal integrity via Cat6/6A/7 cables that are also more efficient to run through walls and crawl spaces than HDMI cables.  

Just Add Power Blazes the AV-Over-IP Trail

Just Add Power is set to showcase its latest distributed AV solutions in Booth 1725. Integrators will see the latest addition to the company's 4K60 MaxColorTM Series, the MaxColor 2 transmitter and receiver. Building on the innovation introduced with the MaxColor 1 4K UHD distribution platform, the new solution adds KVM support, and a fiber port connect alongside native 4K60Hz in and out.

In the booth, Just Add Power's MaxColor Series 2 will be shown. Because it can distribute 4K60/4:4:4/36-bit color video over a 1GB managed network using existing Cat X (Cat 5e minimum) cable, or over 10G fiber cable, integrators can use the cable that best fits their projects. It also boasts a USB-C port, supporting, for example, a USB web camera signal over IP. With the new Audio Return Channel feature from Just Add Power, installers can easily send audio from a TV connected to a MaxColor 2 receiver across the network to another MaxColor 2 receiver—connected to an audio-video receiver or another ARC-enabled amplifier—making project design even easier and more flexible.

The MaxColor Series 1 and 2 transmitters and receivers provide integrators with an affordable and scalable 4K UHD distribution platform to support today's 4K source content with high frame rates natively over existing network infrastructures. MaxColor also offers deep-color and 4:4:4 chroma support to ensure that what is seen on the screen matches the output of the source with no subsampling or downscaling. The series delivers zero detectable latency, instant and seamless switching, 4K up-and-down scaling, and HDR management while supporting all lossless audio formats and HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision for the best viewing experience. Additional features include image pop, push, pull, and integrated control.

Just Add Power will also lead its manufacturer training, "Stress-free AV-Over-IP," on June 15 at 11 a.m. in Room W310AB. The session will share why AV-over-IP solutions are often the best option to meet customers' demands. Taught by Just Add Power's Jeff Terzo, vice president of global business development, and Eric Martin, director of training, this lively session will first focus on designing a system and then follow up with hands-on demonstrations of setting up and configuring a system. Attendees will be eligible to earn one RU toward CTS, CTS-D, or CTS-I certifications.

Visionary to Highlight Sustainable AV-over-IP Technology

The modular system design and architecture of AV-over-IP provides many benefits to sustainability, including greater scalability, energy efficiency, longer product life, reduced material consumption, simplified maintenance and repair, remote management, and more efficient use of resources. At Booth 3761, visitors will see the rich benefits of Visionary’s modular AV-over-IP technology contribute to a lower environmental impact compared to traditional fixed matrix switching. 

Recently, Visionary supported one of the largest AV-over-IP deployments in the world with over 2,500 endpoints at Resorts World Las Vegas. During the initial design, the systems integrators, end users and Visionary’s in-house engineers performed calculations on the power requirements for Visionary’s endpoints versus some of the competitive products that were being considered. It was determined that Resorts World Las Vegas would be reducing its carbon footprint by 532 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent and saving over $60,000 per year in energy costs by utilizing Visionary’s eco-friendly, low-power endpoints. The Carbon Dioxide emissions are equivalent to 59,808 gallons of gasoline consumed, or correlates to greenhouse gas emissions avoided by 23,007 trash bags of waste recycled instead of landfilled.

The over-engineering of AV-over-IP endpoints has led to excessive power consumption. Often, manufacturers pack their devices with a multitude of features to stand out from the competition. However, many of these features are not required by the end users and result in excessive power consumption. As AV-over-IP technologies continue to advance, it is essential for manufacturers to strike a balance between innovation and real-world system requirements. Over-engineered devices not only consume more energy but also increase the total cost of ownership for users, as they pay for features they don’t necessarily need. To address this issue, the AV industry should focus on developing energy-efficient and streamlined solutions tailored to specific use cases and market segments. At InfoComm 2023, Visionary will showcase their commitment to designing and manufacturing sustainable, AV-over-IP solutions, without compromising the necessary features to support many of the most demanding AV applications.

PoE Power: MSolutions Eliminates Most Hardware for USB and USB 3.0 Camera Switching

At InfoComm, MSolutions will demonstrate how users can toggle between four cameras—one per input—to bring them into a presentation or lecture. Its latest gateway switching device breaks new ground by removing the need for HDBaseT transmitters and receivers for most USB 2.0/USB 3.1 camera switching ecosystems that support collaborative environments.

MSolutions introduced its MS-0401 Series of Gateway switching devices at ISE 2023 in February, including a PoE-powered HDBaseT-to-IP Gateway device for switching HDBaseT cameras onto IPMX networks. MSolutions has now pulled off an impressive feat with a new addition to the series that removes the need for extenders when switching USB cameras. MSolutions will present its innovation, made possible through its new MS-0401U device and special cables, on the HDBaseT Alliance Booth (3403) at InfoComm next month.

MSolutions’ PoE-powered MS-0401U is a small form-factor unit with five ports and on-board channel selection. The device offers two types of switching, allowing up to four independent source devices or hosts to be linked through the MSolutions Gateway to a single output. This allows users to switch between cameras to provide different viewpoints during a presentation or lecture, for example.

As with other MS-0401 switching devices, MSolutions allows the user to deploy the device in a reserve configuration, with a single input switchable to four selectable outputs. This is an ideal configuration for a larger space with projectors or displays positioned around the room, where the single output replicates camera content to two or more end points connected to the MS-0401U switch.

In either configuration, MSolutions has reduced the cost of deployment inside meeting and learning spaces by using special RJ45-to-USB cables to carry signals from host devices with no extenders required. The removal of hardware potentially saves thousands of dollars for end users, with cost-savings multiplied by the room. Special firmware is added to the device on request to enable USB 3.1 switching for high-speed devices including 4K cameras. The MS-0401U supports distances of 50 feet or more for USB or USB 3.1 signals without extenders.

Magewell to Preview New Device and Stream Management Software

Visitors to the Magewell Booth 2855 will be treated to a sneak preview of the company's second-generation centralized device management software. The successor to the established Magewell Cloud platform, the new Control Hub will feature an enhanced device management interface and expanded stream conversion capabilities.

Flexibly deployable on-premises or in the cloud, Control Hub will provide centralized configuration and control of multiple Magewell streaming and IP conversion solutions. Administrators, IT staff and systems integrators can easily manage multiple encoders and decoders across disparate locations through an intuitive, browser-based interface. An HTTP-based API is also available for third-party integration.

[Can NDI Become Ubiquitous?] 

The Control Hub software will support Magewell hardware products including Ultra Stream and Ultra Encode live media encoders; Pro Convert NDI encoders and decoders; the Pro Convert Audio DX IP audio converter; and the USB Fusion capture and mixing device. Users can remotely configure device parameters, monitor device status, trigger operational functions—such as starting or stopping encoding—and perform batch firmware upgrades across multiple units of the same model.

Control Hub features a revamped user interface that makes it even simpler and more efficient to manage multiple encoders and decoders. Its redesigned dashboard provides expanded information in a more intuitive layout, making it easier for users to see the status of their devices and deployments at a glance. Video from remote Ultra Stream, Ultra Encode and USB Fusion units can be previewed directly in the Control Hub interface without needing to open the individual device's interface panel.

Control Hub expands on the stream conversion capabilities of the earlier Magewell Cloud software with support for more protocols and a more flexible stream routing architecture. Users can define presets for stream input sources and output targets, then create 'channels' that map each input to one or more output protocols and destinations. Control Hub converts between RTMP, SRT (in caller or listener mode), RTSP and transport streams (delivered over UDP or RTP).

SRT Relay—previously a separate function in Magewell Cloud—is now just a specific Control Hub channel mapping configuration that routes SRT inputs to SRT outputs. This simplifies SRT streaming workflows by letting SRT encoders and decoders connect via Control Hub rather than directly to each other, minimizing firewall headaches and eliminating the need for public, static IP addresses at every endpoint.

The Fullerton Police Department Association (FPDA) in Fullerton, CA recently added a Just Add Power MaxColor 4K60 Series transmitter and receiver to its new meeting and event space. Installed by HB Integration, the MaxColor natively supports 4K60 in and out, supporting the association's new 2x2 4K video wall.

"I was able to confidently tell the FPDA I had a perfect solution, because it's something I've vetted myself," said HB Integration's Jason Gibson. "I have had Just Add Power in my own home since 3G and have been using the MaxColor models since their release. Their products are easy to install, they have great support, there's no lag, and they are continuously evolving to add even more simplicity to the system."

[You Got to See this Enormous 92-Foot Video Wall]

For FPDA, HB Integration design plans consisted of four Apple TV video sources. Through the Apple TVs, the organization would be able to access its Direct TV channels from the Direct TV app as well as music and other content with ease. In addition, anyone would be able to AirPlay content directly from their own device. With the focus on providing a high-quality viewing experience that would complement the Apple TV's 4K content options and the 4K Sony displays that make up the video wall, the integrator selected the MaxColor 4K60 Series. The system infrastructure is supported by the GSM4212PX-100NAS 10-port stackable Gigabit Ethernet switch from NETGEAR, Ubiquiti UDM-SE router, and Ubiquiti U6 Mesh access point that's inconspicuously mounted up on the wall. The video wall is controlled by a URC control system, which is fully compatible with the Just Add Power system.

MaxColor natively supports 4K60 in and out, allowing end-users to play 4K Ultra HD video from the growing number of 4K sources and devices, including Apple TV. With MaxColor, 4K 12-bit video can be distributed over Cat 5/Cat 6 cable, eliminating the expense of upgrading to fiber and buying more costly network switches. The series works with existing Just Add Power drivers and supported control systems. In addition, it supports MPEG downstreaming for connected devices, such as a laptop or a mobile device. The series features instant seamless switching, 4K up- and downscaling, all audio formats, seamless HDR management, and Dolby Vision for the best viewing experience. Additional features include image pop, push, and pull, as well as 90-degree image rotation for landscape and portrait modes.

[One Standard to Rule Them All?]

"Our MaxColor Series was engineered to provide the 4K-video-over-IP distribution platform that installers and end-users have been clamoring for," said Taft Stricklin, chief sales officer at Just Add Power. "The installation at FPDA is an excellent example of the proliferation and demand for 4K experiences beyond the living room. We're proud to be the system of choice for HB Integration's design and help them create a flexible and easy-to-use distribution system that will meet the association's visual needs now and in the future."

Just Add Power announced its new Certified Integrator Workshop and Introduction to AV-over-IP classes are now approved for AVIXA renewal units (RUs) and CEDIA continuing education units (CEUs). The hands-on, three-day Certified Integrators Workshop provides 8.5 AVIXA RUs and 8.5 CEDIA CEUs to those who successfully complete the training while the Introduction to AV-over-IP provides 3.5 AVIXA RUs and 3.5 CEDIA CEUs.

"Training has always been at the heart of what we do and a valuable part of building installers' expertise," said Eric Martin, training director at Just Add Power. "Whether you're joining us in person or catching one of our nationwide trainings offered at our partner locations, these two opportunities are a fun and enjoyable way for attendees to level up their understanding to create amazing installations—all while earning RUs and CEUs."

[On AVoX: Just Add Power]

The Just Add Power Certified Integrator Workshop teaches installers how to design, build, implement, and troubleshoot any Just Add Power AV-over-IP HDMI distribution system. This course requires no prior knowledge, covering all aspects of a project beginning with system design and ending with a fully functional HDMI matrix switcher. Because of the integral nature of the Just Add Power system and all that it touches, the class also includes training on basic computer networking, HDMI specifications, and video standards. In the past year, Just Add Power has expanded its list of supported switches and released the award-winning MaxColor 4K60 Series 1 and Series 2 systems, making training more exciting and beneficial than ever. Classes are hosted quarterly at Just Add Power's headquarters in Seminole, Florida. There is no cost to attend the workshop and all meals, local travel, and lodging are included. Participants are responsible for their travel costs to Florida. The remaining 2023 workshops will take place on April 19-21; July 19-21; and Oct. 18-20. Information and registration for the workshop can be found at: www.justaddpower.com/training-registration.html.

[AVoIP Standards: The Fight to Get It Right] 

Just Add Power's Introduction to AV-over-IP class teaches installers how to design, install, configure, and troubleshoot a standardized Just Add Power AV-over-IP HDMI distribution system. Participants will learn to anticipate and prevent issues that may arise with standard installations and learn best practices to ensure every project is a success. This is a one-day class that includes extensive hands-on activities with Just Add Power and networking equipment. Classes are hosted by Just Add Power partners throughout the United States at no cost to participants.

Introduction to AV-over-IP classes are currently scheduled for:

• March 7 at WAVE Electronics in Dallas
• May 16 at Pioneer Music Company in Kansas City, KS

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Christian Young, Pro AV Product Manager at ATEN Technology

The selection of one type of transmission technology over another is based on the type of application. AV over IP (or AVoIP) is ideal for when video, audio, and other types of signals need to be shared across different buildings, campuses, and even geographical locations. AVoIP offers many advantages, such as limitless flexibility and scalability, easy IP setup, daisy chaining capabilities for multiple displays, and convenient integration and installation. With careful planning and coordination, there are no major obstacles to applying this technology nowadays.

AV over IP hardware is not very expensive when compared to traditional AV infrastructures of video matrixes and extenders. Companies buy the number of encoding and decoding devices required at that moment and expand in the future as needed, a network switch to handle the signal from the encoder to the local area network, and high-grade (CAT 6a or CAT 7) or fiber optic cables.

However, because AVoIP can use the existing IT network in the company, bandwidth is a key consideration system integrators and AV/IT managers need to plan for in advance—and this can be very expensive. What would the load of data be in three or five years? What type of data will the video signal have? What type of image quality and latency is acceptable for the application? How many locations will the data need to be sent in the future? These are just a few questions that should be asked/considered when implementing a future-proof infrastructure.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Richard Bugg, Digital Products Solutions Architect at Meyer Sound

Adapting to the future never has been easy. The speed at which users adopt new technology depends on more than just “it’s a better solution.” Consider the move from the typewriter to the word processor. Early machines were expensive and required technical knowledge beyond most in the “typing pool.” The full potential was not unlocked until users realized that they no longer had to start again to make one simple change.

Frequently, early adopters are those who have a task that cannot be accomplished easily with existing technology. Unless the cost of the new technology is trivial, deployment is slow until production increases and prices fall. Likewise, the availability of those who can install and use new technology is limited. And sometimes, “bold new things” just don’t work out. How does a responsible manager spot long-term success among all the possibilities?

Cost is key, but it is important to identify all of the acquisition, installation, operation, and lifetime costs. With an existing infrastructure, what will be the repair and replacement costs next year, or five years from now? Aging infrastructure in installations is a place to start. Where are you in the life cycle of your wiring, and can it support existing and emerging technologies? In the past, designing network infrastructure for transporting media was challenging. Simply working out what might be required often led to “over-provisioning” during the design phase. Now the level of traffic required for systems to “just work” has risen so high that over-provisioning becomes impractical and expensive. 

In this context, technologies and systems that provide deterministic, guaranteed, performance provide an advantage that should be sought out.

So the answer is that it’s complicated, but looking at all of the real costs will help determine when a proposed change in technology will provide a significant advantage.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Frank Santos, Director of Product Knowledge at Vanco

I’d really love to see the industry get past the idea that AVoIP is expensive. There’s a persistent belief that AVoIP solutions aren’t cost-effective unless you’re operating at a really large scale.

That’s just not true anymore. Once a system is big enough to require an 8x16 matrix, you can deploy an AVoIP solution for an equal or lesser cost, and that’s just the initial outlay. When it comes to maintenance and expansion, AVoIP has a big advantage over traditional AV. You can expand the system easily and keep it cost-effective by just adding more switches, and you don’t have to worry nearly as much about distance limitations; the content can go wherever the network does. There are also hidden savings in terms of labor. With remote monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities, you don’t have to roll trucks every time there’s a problem, and a single skilled technician can manage a sprawling system.

I’m a big believer in buying boxes for today and putting in infrastructure for tomorrow. Maybe you’re not ready for 10-Gig switches now, but you should pull cable like you are. Even legacy gear can benefit from a robust, structured cable plant, using devices that convert and extend the AV signal over CAT cable or fiber. Getting that infrastructure in place is the first step towards a fully networked system, and you benefit immediately.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Fred Morgenstern, Vice President of Technology at Neutrik Americas

Neutrik comes at networked AV and control from a different angle than most companies. First, we ask whether it needs to be rugged? Is the environment unpredictable, with the possibility of accidental disconnection? Only after those questions have been answered does Neutrik get involved. If ruggedness is required, then the Neutrik portfolio is broad enough to encompass everything from RS232 signaling all the way up to and beyond 100 Gb/s fiber optic transmission. That whole range of speeds is active now in the AV market. At the slow end, simple switch signaling remains necessary. On the extreme other end of the speed spectrum, the connective requirements between UHD OB trucks, for example, are simply massive.

Our product sales tell us that IP technologies are challenging and often displacing DMX and AES/EBU signals; that audio, video, and lighting are ever more commonly converging onto shared-switch architectures; that 10 Gb/s Ethernet is becoming the standard both for current requirements and for future-proofing (even for such slower-speed requirements as multichannel digital audio, which currently operates quite happily on CAT 5e networks); and that the appetite for discrete fiber strands is only growing in tandem with increased sophistication in the broadcast realm, ranging from sports broadcasting, to government facilities, to houses of worship. 

The one word that comes to mind when I think of AVoIP/AVoIT trends is “more.” Everyone is demanding more: more integration of formerly disparate signaling, more transport options, more speed, more storage, more leading-edge products, and more interoperability. Neutrik leads that movement in the ruggedized connectivity space. Responding to those customer demands for more is integral to our product development roadmap.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Jamie Trader, Vice President at AMX HARMAN Professional Solutions

AV/IT managers are being tasked with creating multi-functional meeting spaces with incredible capabilities for enabling both local and remote collaboration. Room requirements include diametrically opposed features such as simple, standardized user interfaces and flexible, sophisticated BYOM support. Software-based video conferencing technologies from Zoom, Microsoft, Cisco, and others continue to usher in new ways to work and learn and are making meeting spaces more functional and collaborative than ever before. What’s more, the shift to remote work and distance learning is forcing technology upgrades to be instantiated just as suddenly.

Rare is the instance when an AV/IT manager can perform a wholesale redesign of a space without the requirement to reuse some existing equipment or infrastructure. The relentless advancement of technology has always made the process of updating existing audio video systems a non-trivial exercise. And due to the increased significance of software integrations, the rapidity of technology change has increased significantly. Technology managers don’t have the luxury of replacing every single system component every time enhanced capabilities are desired. New products need to fit with old, enable better experiences, and be adaptable to tomorrow’s technologies yet to be identified.

At AMX, our mission has always been to simplify how users interact with technology while delivering solutions that are reliable and secure. But adding to that now is immense focus on open interoperability; making sure that now more than ever an institution’s current investment in technology can be extended and augmented—versus displaced. Open APIs, third-party app support, interoperable video codecs, and a vastly reduced need for proprietary training are just some of the underpinnings of new products we’re launching in the months to come. 

Because you shouldn’t have to undermine your past decision-making or limit future potential every time you wish to improve your collaboration and learning spaces today.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Robert Bird, Product Marketing Manager at Atlona

Network infrastructure is a key consideration when designing or deploying AV-over-IP systems. 1G systems offer solid performance and video quality, and can run on switches and cabling common in most modern networks. 10G systems typically do less compression and have lower latency, but compatible switches and infrastructure are more expensive and less common. AV/IT managers should carefully evaluate the video content they plan on supporting with the system. 

1G systems will serve nicely for most business communications such as PowerPoint presentations, document sharing, and website navigation. For more fine-detail applications such as medical imaging, detailed CAD drawings, or complex spreadsheets, 10G may be more appropriate. 

Much of the AV equipment installed in the last several years has HDMI connections, which are supported by virtually all AV-over-IP systems. Depending on their vintage, the gear may support a mix of 1080p and 4K resolutions, but both can be accommodated by scaling or smart EDID management. AV-over-IP is also in a great position to support legacy equipment and can handle new devices as systems grow. 

While it is not realistic to build a system that is entirely future-proof, AV-over-IP comes close. Its scalable nature means that inputs and outputs can be added or moved as needs change. Many systems are also backward compatible. That means it is very likely that the equipment added in the future will work with existing components and support new standards.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Chris Mertens, Vice President of US Sales, B2B Displays at Samsung Electronics America

It’s not uncommon for AV equipment to show its limitations before end-of-life. Users can begin to experience usability challenges that impede operations and the desired returns on investment.  

At the Stevens Institute of Technology, its multimedia services team had invested in digital whiteboards to connect in-person and remote students for hybrid learning. But in addition to being expensive, the whiteboards required intensive setup and back-end infrastructure. Professors became frustrated by a significant lag time when writing on the boards, which disrupted the pace of learning.

Stevens’ multimedia team evaluated interactive displays as a more optimal solution. The displays were easy to set up and use, and were affordable. Importantly, they came with built-in videoconferencing and a responsive, realistic writing experience—which were critical to the hybrid classroom. Instead of being frustrated with technology, teachers and students now enjoy more immersive, collaborative learning. Seeing these successes, Stevens’ multimedia team is planning to install interactive displays across its entire campus.

Stevens’ story offers several takeaways for AV/IT managers who are considering updates to existing equipment:

First, develop a detailed plan, including installations and a budget for hardware and software. Consider the total cost of ownership of new solutions, including initial purchases and projected costs over time. Second, involve end users in the purchasing discussions. Listen to their ideas and concerns, and check in regularly following deployment. Ensure that you’re providing proper training and ongoing support for their success. And third, have strategic measures of success, including quantitative benefits like anticipated cost savings. Consider qualitative goals, such as how Stevens’ leaders wanted to raise productivity and improve engagement in a new hybrid learning environment. 

By planning with budget, total cost of ownership, and targeted outcomes in mind, you can make smarter IT decisions and demonstrate the value of new investments.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Samuel A. Recine, AIMS Pro AV Working Group Chairperson; Vice President of Sales AV/IT Group, Americas and Asia Pacific at Matrox Video

Academically, everyone understands the benefits of moving to networked media over IP; there is an infinitely better distance story and many more devices can be supported concurrently. Additionally, the performance is now well-proven. The possibility of gaining synergies and leveraging new converged workflows by combining data, communications, and rich media on the network is very alluring. 

AV and IT teams also still need to get things done, however. Things must be secure, and we need end users to be able to access the technology in a way that’s either familiar to them or whereby learning something new is easy and has a noticeable, immediate benefit.

Individual rooms and projects are different problems, compared to system design, when it comes to managing a very large group of assets and organizational goals through time. AV and IT are going through the same system design considerations that broadcasters are going through with the migration from SDI to IP. The work done over the last 10 years that has been influenced by a nuanced balancing of end user needs with manufacturers' realities and the evolving capabilities of services providers is finally paying off with open standards such as SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX. Some system-wide new architectures with scale and scope and a healthy ability to keep evolving into the future are now in use and providing huge gains in workflow efficiencies, new abilities, and asset management.

It is reasonable for stakeholders to balance between short-term needs and long-time system evolution. Stakeholders are getting better every day at understanding the moving parts and building their strategies. With remote work thrust into focus by the pandemic, the use of high-reach technologies are balanced versus goal-driven rich experience technologies. Whether the missions are high-impact live operations, organization-wide communications, teaching/learning, or entertainment—there are few cases of one-size-fits-all, and many cases where there are a high number of options for assembling solutions and reaching organizational goals. Both IT and AV skills are being flexed in new ways.

Like other organizations contributing useful ingredients to IP-based systems, Matrox provides hardware and software to help capture, store, process, transport, share, and secure audio-visual media over IP, and fuse IT/PC-based workflows with pro AV workflows.

Whether operating at the high-stream-density end of the Matrox portfolio or the high-performance end of it, Matrox espouses the values of Zero Trust in cybersecurity and open standards in media asset management. Among many others, this also includes Matrox’s products that are designed to support and evolve with SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Dan Holland Marketing Manager at IHSE USA

These days organizations may need to be able to bridge multiple KVM matrices over existing IP networks that may be as near as the next room or as far as a corporate office across the world. 

When it comes to planning for the future of the network, the biggest barriers that can slow down productivity are security risks and the inability to easily access remote sources. As AV/IT managers look to make AV-over-IP upgrades, prioritize security alongside remote accessibility. That means the system will need to be flexible and ensure great performance for users but with the security requirements IT demands to protect from increasing cybersecurity risks. A high-performance system will allow users to connect to far-flung IP-based systems effortlessly, and to interact with them in real time with no delays or detectable artifacts—as if they were in the same room. An effective countermeasure to cybersecurity attacks is a system that separates the matrix from the IP network. This prevents direct access to data and maintains the integrity of the KVM system throughout the session. Together, organizations will have the best of both worlds—flexibility and security!

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Taft Stricklin, Sales Team Manager at Just Add Power

We’re in unprecedented times: There’s an explosive demand for transmitting 4K signals over the network at a time when equipment and chip shortages are making it difficult to fully realize project goals. Traditionally, this would have been a barrier, but now it can be a great opportunity. In the past, for example, not being able to get your hands on exact equipment models might have meant being locked into a specific, extremely limited, and expensive AV matrix—or alternatively, a transmitter/receiver set that didn’t have all the right features.

Now, AV/IT managers can future-proof their AV-over-IP system with agile and modular components. Modularity delivers the capacity for growth and can benefit organizations in two ways: one, at the system level, where organizations can easily add more screens and sources of any resolution at unlimited scale by simply adding a receiver to a display and/or a transmitter to a source; and two, at the hardware level, with transmitter and receiver models that can be deployed to meet network system needs now but upgraded in the field for new features later. In either case, the project can go on without sacrificing features or throwing away money on hardware that will have to be ripped and replaced.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Michael DiBella, Director of Commercial Product Marketing at Crestron

Honestly, I think the biggest barrier is one of mindset, given the technology we’ve developed. There’s a resistance to migrating from a processor—a piece of hardware, a device one might perceive as easier to manage and control—to a network that can expand.

If there’s a determination that a company is willing to entertain a software solution, there’s another variable: Is it on-premises or off? I’d be willing to bet that most IT professionals would be more comfortable with an on-premises software solution; it’s less of a “giant step,” especially given the importance of data integrity, security, and so on. 

I think that once one understands the benefits of a software solution, it’s an easier sell. These solutions come with incredible cost savings in terms of the ongoing management of that control system. Instead of managing tens, if not hundreds, or even thousands of individual processors across individual rooms, floors, and buildings, now you’re managing a few servers (or even just one) controlling hundreds or even thousands of rooms.

It’s vastly easier to update that single server with a general software update than pushing out firmware updates to all of these different processors as well. Additionally, with the right software, one can integrate existing hardware into the overall solution.

Here’s an example: We’re seeing more and more deployments of video walls and signage. You might have an existing Crestron control processor in a conference room, but now you want to interact with that video wall. You could now use a solution such as VC-4, Crestron’s virtual control; it’s easier to deploy, and as that processor hits the end of its life, you merely buy an additional license for that room and retain all the functionality.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Jennifer Crotinger, Product Manager at C2G

AV integrators may have a little hesitation moving toward networked solutions because network switches are traditionally an IT play. However, as distance and resolution requirements increase, the need to use a networked AV system increases. AV integrators need to look ahead to where video is going and embrace the change, understanding that you don’t need to be a network expert to successfully deploy an AV-over-IP system.

How do we do that? AV-over-IP systems are less costly than traditional matrix switches and easier to manage through moves, add-ons, and changes. By connecting encoders and decoders to a network switch, you can infinitely add additional sources and monitors. Maintenance on a networked AV system, like firmware updates, can be done at the controller and pushed out to all the connected endpoints. You no longer need to go out to each endpoint and update individually.  

Many different AV protocols are available depending on the application. Some systems such as H.264/265 or JPEG 2000 run over a 1G Ethernet switch. These types of systems tend to have fewer bandwidth requirements, but compress the image more than other systems. These types of AV-over-IP systems are good for applications where you want to stream content over the internet. H.264/265 systems have a bit more lag than a JPEG 2000 system. You would choose a JPEG 2000 system if you are doing live broadcasting such as a concert or a sporting event, where you are watching live but also streaming to monitors throughout the stadium. You can’t afford much delay in these cases because you want to be sure the screens match what’s happening in the moment. 

The growing need for higher resolution and increased bandwidth to achieve the desired experience compels AV professionals to consider all these factors when specifying systems that can use existing infrastructure as well as leave room for future developments.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Tzahi Madgar, President of the HDBaseT Alliance

Aside from cost, bandwidth—or a lack thereof—is right up there as a primary barrier to entry for AV/IT managers working with networked AV and control. Even before the wider-spread adoption of hybrid learning and work-from-home arrangements, enterprise backbones were already heavily stressed. Now factor in a seemingly insatiable demand just for video conferencing and it’s easy to see how your network can quickly become maxed-out. 

With that in mind, being able to unburden your IP network by not using AVoIP when unnecessary can pay dividends for your installation as a whole. This can be accomplished by utilizing point-to-point technology such as HDBaseT in-room, where you get the highest quality of video and fully uncompressed 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 with zero latency locally, while at the same time keeping the devices on the network for management and control purposes and offloading the video payload from it. Another bonus of implementing an HDBaseT-enabled solution is its plug-and-play nature, which doesn’t require lengthy setup or costly ongoing service and maintenance, thus eliminating yet another familiar barrier that has long plagued AV/IT managers. Plus, as more system designers recognize the need for hybrid AVoIP and HDBaseT installations, new bridge solutions now in the market help remove yet another barrier of moving video payload on and off the IP network easy and seamlessly.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Andrew Starks, Director of Product Management at Macnica and Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) Board Member, and Marketing Working Group Chair 

Today, the biggest obstacle to the adoption of AV-over-IP technology is a lack of interoperable, open standards. With so many proprietary solutions out in the field, the obvious downside is not being able to send or receive video flows from the disparate systems that customers end up owning, either due to legacy or to the need to accommodate use cases that aren’t covered by one solution, such as live production and meeting room presentations. 

The lack of interoperability exasperates this situation, resulting in the duplication of networks and exploding complexity at the control layer. For example, a multi-site organization that upgrades their systems over the course of years is likely to have multiple islands of AV-over-IP ecosystems with no clear path to creating a unified, manageable system from a user experience or maintenance perspective. As a result, everything becomes a special case for the IT department and the support desk gets swamped. 

Thankfully, there is hope on the horizon. The group of companies supporting IPMX, (Internet Protocol Media Experience) through the non-profit AIMS (Alliance for IP Media Solutions) is rapidly expanding, with companies such as Panduit, Barco, Lumens, Sencore, and AV Pro Global recently announcing their support. As this set of standards moves towards ratification and adoption, we can begin to see a world where video on the network is “just video” and the transport technology quietly fades into the background as it supports an incomprehensible number of use cases, many of which have yet to be dreamed. 

Just as it should be.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Paul Vander Plaetse, CEO of VuWall

While AV-over-IP is trending and will continue to do so, there are many hurdles to overcome for AV/IT managers to have full control of their visualization system, which can include any number and type of screens, sources, and formats. 

First, the migration to IP isn’t necessarily a straight line. There may be devices that still need to be accessed but may not be network compatible. One reason for this might be as simple as not yet wanting to replace old but otherwise fully functioning equipment since upgrading AV sources to IP demands a large investment in time and hardware that can rarely be done all at once. Another reason is for security purposes. In either case, interoperability is key here.

By deploying solutions that are backward- and forward-compatible with installed assets and having the software to manage an entire visualization system, AV/IT managers can develop a seamless, productive, and intuitive workflow to oversee any part of the system. In this way, organizations can systematically make upgrades as their budget and requirements allow while still operating a cohesive ecosystem that accommodates traditional AV sources (HDMI set-top boxes and DVI signals from PCs, et cetera), any IT sources (web pages, cloud applications, VNC, and KPI dashboards), as well as the latest AV-over-IP equipment (IP cameras and encoders). With a modular, scalable, and interoperable system, AV/IT managers can be prepared for anything.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Rich Ventura, Vice President of B2B at Sony Electronics

As AV/IT managers plan for the future with limited resources and rigid infrastructures, both proper planning and establishing goals at the onset of a project help keep things on track from a timeline and budget perspective. AV/IT managers should also take advantage of the copious benefits available from manufacturers, such as integrated solutions, warranty programs, and bundles.  

Companies including Sony are providing more transparency to the community by providing important resources such as field-based sales support engineers, technical product documentation and key product specifications, building information modeling (BIM) content, CAD drawings, case studies and white papers, among others. These valuable resources provide a more accessible way to inform, plan, specify, and integrate a project. AV/IT managers should also consider flexible technologies that can accommodate various infrastructures and installation methods. Additionally, scalable technologies that can grow with the customer—through software and firmware updates to unlock new capabilities—allow users to get the most out of their technology without paying for unnecessary features. Selecting trusted, dependable manufacturers that provide compatibility among key partners is also critical to ensuring a seamless installation and longevity. 

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Brad Price, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Audinate

AV networking technology offers flexibility, scalability, and ease of use, becoming the standard protocol for high-quality installations in almost all verticals. In the early stages, however, the adoption of networked AV was slowed by two challenges, the tendency for integrators to stick with familiar, legacy solutions, and the requirement for video signals, which carry more data and require a higher bandwidth in comparison to audio signals. That said, the AV industry has made massive progress in a short period of time to overcome these barriers. 

For those who were reluctant to change, the pandemic showcased the downsides of relying on legacy audio products. For example, at-home recording studios became more important than ever, and adopted audio over IP as a logical step. An IP-driven approach allowed the capture of multi-track audio directly on computers with no need for additional conversions or adapters. This investment in network infrastructure is a safe way for customers and end users of AV systems to smartly future-proof installations. The barriers to entry for networked video came down with the introduction of Dante AV. Dante AV allows complete end-to-end IP workflows encompassing both audio and video, making content more accessible and useful while providing IT-level management and scalability. Dante’s multi-vendor approach delivers true interoperability with low latency and precision timing, even over 1G networks.

To plan for the future, AV and IT managers should look to software-based solutions. Key semiconductor component shortages have accelerated a shift towards the adoption of software solutions in audio and video products. The decreasing costs, increasing computational power, and improving flexibility of the software approach have enabled developers to deploy networking technology such as Dante into a plethora of next-generation AV products, opening up more opportunities for end users.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Justin Kennington, President of the SDVoE Alliance

AV over IP is a fast-growing market. The need for solutions that can support 10 Gbps and deliver true 4K is driving the adoption of IP-based solutions. The rapid innovation of IP-based solutions has disrupted the industry, with different approaches to AV over IP being introduced, leading to a mashup of IP-based solutions that do not deliver a unified solution. The IP mashup has caused immense barriers to entry due to the lack of interoperability. This will only become more complex and create even more significant disruption unless it’s addressed head-on. 

Fortunately, the SDVoE Alliance continues to address today’s AV over IP discrepancies with a completely interoperable full-stack solution. The SDVoE Alliance is the only solution to provide an interoperable solution. Other platforms are either vendor-proprietary or fail to meet full-stack requirements, leading to future interoperability challenges. 

Together, the SDVoE Alliance’s members provide over 700 solutions designed to integrate seamlessly and flexibly to provide system integrators, designers, consultants, and installers with a reliable, sustainable solution. SDVoE technology provides an end-to-end hardware and software platform for AV extension, switching, processing, and control through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs, and interoperability. SDVoE’s off-the-shelf capabilities eliminate the need for manufacturers and users to patch together solutions from many pieces, and, as a result, eliminate traditional barriers to entry for professional AV applications.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article