MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems is acquiring the assets of MRMC (Mark Roberts Motion Control), a developer of robotic camera systems, motion control solutions, and automated camera tracking technologies for broadcast, digital cinema, sports production, and live events. As part of the transaction, MultiDyne has established MultiDyne Robotics and Motion Control, a new company that will maintain the MRMC brand. The acquisition brings MRMC’s core technologies, intellectual property, manufacturing capabilities, and key engineering expertise into the MultiDyne organization, creating a powerful combination of complementary technologies that extend MultiDyne’s reach to the very beginning of the content creation chain.

[The Experience Economy, Revisited]

"MRMC is a world-class brand with an exceptional reputation for innovation, engineering excellence and customer success," said Frank Jachetta, CEO of MultiDyne. "This acquisition represents a natural and highly strategic extension of our business. MultiDyne has long been focused on the transport, processing and management of video, audio and data signals. MRMC places us at the point of image acquisition itself, allowing us to participate in a much broader portion of the production workflow. Together, our technologies create a powerful end-to-end ecosystem for content creators, broadcasters and live production professionals worldwide."

MRMC has been involved with camera robotics and motion control for six decades, developing solutions that enable precision camera movement, automated tracking, virtual production workflows, and cinematic motion control for some of the world's leading broadcasters, filmmakers and content creators. The move comes during a milestone year for MultiDyne as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The MultiDyne and MRMC product portfolios have virtually no overlap. Instead, the two companies serve many of the same customers, channel partners, and markets with complementary technologies. MultiDyne's fiber-optic transport, camera interface, and signal processing solutions are widely used throughout professional production environments to move video, audio, and data across complex infrastructures. MRMC's robotic camera systems, tracking solutions, motion control rigs, and automated production technologies complement those workflows by controlling the physical movement, positioning, and automation of the cameras themselves.

The combined portfolio will strengthen MultiDyne's value proposition across broadcast television, sports production, digital cinema, virtual production, corporate AV, houses of worship, live events and emerging content creation markets. The acquisition also significantly strengthens MultiDyne's international presence, particularly in Europe, where MRMC has built a respected global brand and loyal customer base. MultiDyne plans to maintain MRMC's operations in the United Kingdom while preserving the engineering expertise, product innovation and customer relationships that have made the company a trusted partner throughout the industry.

"MRMC has earned tremendous loyalty throughout the broadcast and cinema industries because of its innovation, product quality and commitment to customer success," said Neil Maycock, a member of the MultiDyne leadership team, who will now run MRMC as managing director. "Our priority is ensuring continuity for customers, partners and ongoing projects while creating a strong foundation for future growth. We see tremendous opportunities to expand the reach of MRMC technologies through MultiDyne's global sales channels, customer relationships and long-term investment strategy."

Legrand has acquired Girtz Industries, a provider of custom-engineered modular power enclosures and related services based in Monticello, IN. Girtz Industries’ development and integration of complete power systems support the reliable provision of critical power across datacenter, industrial, and commercial applications.

[Pro AV Newsmakers: A Ricoh Acquisition and Riedel Networks' New CEO]

“The unprecedented demand for power is reshaping our energy landscape," said Brian DiBella, president and CEO, Legrand, North and Central America. "Girtz Industries’ modular power and generator solutions are indispensable to industries that require critical back-up power or off-grid, behind-the-meter primary power options. Legrand is a growth company focused on reaching €15 billion in revenue globally by 2030. To help meet that goal, we continue to acquire businesses that meet global needs, including energy transition and datacenter expansion. Adding Girtz Industries to our portfolio is a natural next step for us. We are extending our reach along the power chain by adding support for power generation and redundancy. This complements our existing portfolio of power quality, power distribution, and cable management solutions, which helps us continually evolve and improve the lives of our customers.”

Girtz Industries joins Legrand as a business unit within the company’s Electrical Wiring Systems division led by Ravi Ramanathan. David Girtz, who has served as Girtz Industries’ president and CEO for nearly 40 years, will continue to lead the Girtz business and team, reporting to Ravi.

“For our hundreds of employees, and for our customers, today is a great day in our impressive journey,” said Girtz. “Since 1963, Girtz Industries has built and maintained a reputation for providing high-quality, reliable products backed by an expertly qualified and reliable team. Our teams take a lot of pride in the fact that precision engineering has always been a mainstay of the Girtz brand. Now, backed by Legrand’s financial strength, Girtz Industries will be able to further invest in our people and facilities within our local community, while also increasing capacity for production and testing services at an accelerated rate. Legrand’s proven expertise in efficiently scaling operations will also help us meet the growing demand from our customers, as well as innovate for more diverse applications.”

CTI has acquired Texolve Digital of Oakmont, PA. Adding Texolve’s team, which provides broadcast engineering and integration at the highest level, will expand the broadcast media division’s ability to serve clients worldwide. It is CTI's second acquisition in less than a month, after acquiring Valley Communications Systems on May 19.

“I don’t think there’s another broadcast engineering and integration company in the U.S. that provides broadcast solutions for all the major league sports in their city," said John Laughlin, CEO of CTI. "It’s incredible: Texolve works with the [Pittsburgh] Penguins at Acrisure Stadium, the Steelers at PPG Paints Arena, and the Pirates at PNC Park. I can’t tell you how excited I am to bring this team into CTI’s broadcast division.

“Their focus on problem-solving and client satisfaction makes them a strong fit for the culture here at CTI. I can’t wait to see what they can do as part of our growing broadcast division, which already counts the NYSE, the Houston Rockets, the University of Michigan, and the Philadelphia Union among its clients.”

CTI's Whirlwind of Acquisitions

CTI has been one of the busiest Pro AV companies dating back to February 2024. CTI first acquired Vistacom of Allentown, PA, that month and a mere three months later, CTI acquired not one, but two companies, first, Advanced Systems Integration (ASI) to expand its Pro AV services to Minneapolis, and then San Antonio-based Digital Technology Solutions.

That momentum continued into 2025, when CTI acquired its 39th U.S. location in Delta AV, providing expanded coverage of the Pacific Northwest to Portland Metro Area. CTI also used 2025 to expand its West Coast operations with the acquisition of LightWerks and then extended its global reach with the acquisition of Candeo Vision of London in the U.K. This year already, CTI has made four acquisitions with this move following May's acquisition, which came on the heels of its April acquisition of Nomad AV Systems after the late March acquisition of Streamline Solutions, expanding its reach to Seattle.

Other World Computing (OWC) has acquired PowerON Services, known for its IT asset disposition (ITAD), trade-in, reverse logistics, refurbishment, and technology value recovery solutions. The PowerOn acquisition is an ideal enhancement to OWC’s SellYourMac.com (SYM), a purchaser and reseller of used Apple computers, iPhones, and iPads. Together, the three will ensure organizations have access to the best ways to upgrade, reuse, recover, deploy, and manage technology so they can save money, reduce complexity, remain agile, and keep more equipment out of landfills.

[Korbyt Has a New CEO, and Yes, More Acquisitions]

Founded in 1994, PowerON specializes in the movement, processing, refurbishment, and responsible recycling of used computing, mobile, and consumer electronic devices. Headquartered in Roseville, CA, just outside Sacramento, the company operates a primary processing facility supported by a network of third-party partner facilities serving customers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions.

“We’ve spent over 30 years helping consumers, educational customers, and corporations recover value and extend product lifecycles, along with designing programs for computing manufacturers to divert an incredible amount of technology from the landfill back into the reuse market,” said Brent Kelley, founder and CEO, PowerON Services. “What excited us about OWC is that they’ve always been at the forefront of extending the usability of technology, which meshes so well with our reuse-first philosophies. They understand that great technology shouldn’t have a short lifespan, customers deserve smarter and more sustainable solutions, and doing the right thing for the environment can absolutely go hand-in-hand with building a strong global business.”

As part of the OWC family of companies, PowerOn's operational and services footprint will be dramatically expanded across America and around the world. PowerON’s comprehensive service offerings include customized and turnkey product take-back programs, value recovery solutions, reuse strategies, reverse logistics, repair services, secure data destruction, recycling, de-manufacturing, and brand protection initiatives. The company’s leadership team brings more than 100 years of combined experience across the ITAD and trade-in industries, with expertise spanning global sales, software development, customer service, logistics, value forecasting, design, marketing, and data security. This collaborative and multidisciplinary approach enables PowerON to deliver reuse and recycling solutions while helping clients maximize value recovery and support sustainability goals.

“What Brent and the PowerON team have built is really special because they understand this business isn’t just about recycling hardware. It’s about helping organizations get more value out of the technology they already own, keeping good equipment working longer, protecting data properly, reducing unnecessary waste, and creating smarter lifecycle strategies from beginning to end,” said Larry O’Connor, founder and CEO, OWC. “OWC was founded on this belief, and we are delighted to bring an organization of PowerON’s caliber into the fold, as we endeavor to grow and enhance our capabilities in these areas.”

Bringing PowerON into OWC brings together two companies that believe technology should last longer, deliver more value, and create less waste. By combining OWC’s data storage, memory cards and readers, connectivity, expansion, software and apps, accessories, and services with PowerON’s take-back programs, ITAD services, reverse logistics, and value recovery experience and expertise, the two companies will enable customers to achieve a more complete technology lifecycle ecosystem built around smarter reuse, sustainability, and long-term ROI.

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

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

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

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

People News

Audio-Technica Strengthens Leadership Team

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

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

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

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

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

Daktronics Welcomes Steffan Piolet to European Sales Team

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

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

Korbyt Appoints Andrew Robson as Chief Executive Officer

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

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

PlexusAV Strengthens US Team

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

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

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

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

Re-Sauce Welcomes Beth Warren as Global Consultancy Partner

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

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

Company News

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

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

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

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

Adder Releases AIM 6 Software Upgrade

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

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

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

Coastal Source Launches Nationwide 2026 Road Tour 

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

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

EPOS Powers-Up Battery Replacement Strategy

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

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

Samsung and AOPEN Partner to Unify Multi-OS Classrooms

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

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

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

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

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

Pro AV Around the World

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

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

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

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

CTI is making headlines once again on the acquisition front. The "largest privately held AV integration and events provider in the United States" has acquired Valley Communications Systems of Chicopee, MA. The acquisition expands CTI’s coverage throughout the Connecticut River Valley, including the Boston, Hartford, and Albany markets, and adds Valley’s 80-year legacy of audiovisual innovation and client service to CTI’s growing national footprint.

[MORE TUESDAY ACQUISITION NEWS: Panasonic Projector & Display Acquires HIVE]

“For more than 80 years and across three generations of leadership, Valley Communications has built a remarkable reputation for innovation, reliability, and relationships,” said John Laughlin, CEO of CTI. “What stood out immediately was their culture and their people. They share CTI’s belief that long-term success comes from taking care of clients, solving problems, and investing in your team. We’re excited to welcome Valley Communications to CTI and to continue building on the incredible foundation they’ve established throughout New England.”

CTI has been one of the busiest Pro AV companies dating back to February 2024. CTI first acquired Vistacom of Allentown, PA, that month and a mere three months later, CTI acquired not one, but two companies, first, Advanced Systems Integration (ASI) to expand its Pro AV services to Minneapolis, and then San Antonio-based Digital Technology Solutions.

That momentum continued into 2025, when CTI acquired its 39th U.S. location in Delta AV, providing expanded coverage of the Pacific Northwest to Portland Metro Area. CTI also used 2025 to expand its West Coast operations with the acquisition of LightWerks and then extended its global reach with the acquisition of Candeo Vision of London in the U.K. This year already, CTI has made three acquisitions with this move following its April acquisition of Nomad AV Systems after the late March acquisition of Streamline Solutions, expanding its reach to Seattle.

Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation has acquired U.K.-based media technology company Hive Media Control (HIVE), strengthening its capabilities in media playback and control for immersive and fixed-installation environments. The acquisition marks a further step in Panasonic’s evolution from a hardware-led manufacturer into a broader visual solutions ecosystem provider, expanding its proposition beyond projection and display into software, workflow, and integrated media-delivery solutions. HIVE will continue to operate as a standalone, vendor-neutral business.

[Day 2 AV/IT Interoperability: Panasonic Projector & Display Americas]

"This is a strategically important step for Panasonic as we continue to evolve our business beyond a hardware-oriented model toward broader visual solutions and workflow value," said Yousuke Adachi, CEO of Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation. "Under MEVIX, our visual solutions brand, we have been clearly articulating our commitment to contribute to customers across the total workflow, not just at the hardware endpoint.

"This acquisition is a major step in that direction. HIVE brings proven expertise in media playback and control, and when combined with our projector and display portfolio, we believe it can create meaningful customer value through simpler deployment, greater flexibility and a better end-user experience."

Panasonic will support HIVE’s continued growth while preserving the independence, agility, and openness that have shaped its position in the market. This includes continuity for HIVE’s existing customers and partners, including those using HIVE alongside projector and LED display brands beyond Panasonic.

“We are inspired and honored by the opportunity to work with Panasonic, while continuing to grow HIVE as an open and independent ecosystem," said Mark Calvert, co-founder and CEO of HIVE. "In nature, the most powerful systems are interconnected, adaptive, and free to evolve, a philosophy that sits at the heart of HIVE. This partnership gives us the scale to accelerate our vision while preserving the openness and platform-agnostic approach our customers rely on."

Media servers play a central role in immersive environments and large-scale visual installations, helping manage playback, synchronization and control of content across multiple displays and surfaces. With HIVE, in particular its flagship BeeBlade platform which is based on the Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) standard, Panasonic broadens its ability to support customers not only at the display endpoint, but across a wider part of the workflow from content playback and control through to deployment and operation.

Panasonic views the media server market as a growth area, supported by increasing demand for immersive attractions, museums, themed environments, and other permanent visual installations. Within this space, HIVE has built a strong position by offering a more compact, scalable and future-ready approach, underpinned by its SDM-native architecture and open ecosystem design.

For customers, the combination of HIVE’s media control architecture and Panasonic’s projection and display technologies is expected to create value through greater deployment flexibility, a smaller infrastructure footprint, fewer external devices, simplified cabling, and more streamlined installation and operation. It also supports a better overall end-user experience where HIVE and Panasonic solutions are used together.

Last week, AVIXA acquired Lightapalooza from HTSA, the Home Technology Specialists of America. The next edition of Lightapalooza will be co-located with InfoComm 2027 in Orlando, FL.

[AV Network's ISE, NAB Show, and InfoComm Coverage]

Lightapalooza is a conference and trade show focused on residential illumination, energy control, and natural light optimization. HTSA launched Lightapalooza in 2022 for custom electronics integrators, lighting manufacturers, lighting designers, specifiers, buying groups, architects, and designers to connect, share ideas, and establish new partnerships. It grew from 225 attendees in its first year to more than 1,600 in 2026, drawing manufacturers, integrators, and allied partners from across the industry. In that time, it became a catalyst for a broader shift: lighting has emerged as the fastest-growing category in residential custom integration, and Lightapalooza has been at the center of that conversation, connecting the people and brands driving it forward.

“HTSA saw a need for its community to connect in exploration of business growth opportunities. They created this space to bring the channel together to do that through product demonstrations, training, education, and professional networking,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, chief executive officer of AVIXA. “As the trade association for the AV industry, one of AVIXA’s roles is to help facilitate the marketplace. We do this in many ways, most notably through our trade shows around the world—the premier forum for connection.”

“The acquisition places Lightapalooza inside an organization whose structure is designed to reinvest in the communities it serves,” said Tom Doherty, founder of Lightapalooza and director of new technology initiatives for HTSA. “As a non-profit trade association, the surplus from AVIXA’s events flows back into education, certification, research, and professional development for the industries it represents, which will further support the growth of Lightapalooza and the residential lighting community.”

Well, that was a wild week of Pro AV, wasn't it? As the staff of SCN prepared to head to Las Vegas for NAB Show 2026, four acquisitions went down that you may have missed last week (or at least need a refresher!).

Thomas Riedel, founder and owner of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group, acquired ARRI. This marks the largest acquisition of his career to date. Under Riedel's new ownership, ARRI’s existing management team will continue to lead the company and further advance its ongoing transformation. The company will retain independent operations and remain headquartered in Munich. You can read our full coverage from last Tuesday by clicking here.

CTI made yet another acquisition, because of course they did. CTI has been one of the busiest companies in Pro AV acquisitions since the end of 2024, and last week added Nomad AV Systems of Eden Prairie, MN. Nomad strengthens CTI’s Justice Division with courtroom AV integration expertise that began with innovative mobile solutions used daily in courts across the United States, and later expanded to include full audiovisual design and integration services. Read all about it right here.

AJA Video Systems made an announcement on Wednesday that it acquired Comprimato, a live video encoding and processing software provider for virtualized and cloud productions and broadcasts. The move will unify the AJA and Comprimato development teams behind AJA’s BRIDGE LIVE family of IP streaming products. You can find out the details by clicking here.

Lastly, Sportway Media Group and Broadcast Solutions jointly acquired Studio Automated, an AI technology provider for automated and remote live sports production. By combining AI-driven technology, software-defined workflows, premium broadcast hardware, and global operational expertise, the partnership aims to cover the entire spectrum of live sports production—from grassroots competitions to top-tier international events. You can read about it here.

That wasn't all. There were quite a few people moves you want to know. As always, we have you covered in this weeks Pro AV Newsmakers.

People News

ASG Taps Andy Darcy to Drive Growth Across IP Broadcast, Live Sports, and Experiential AV

Advanced Systems Group(ASG) appointed Andy Darcy as VP of system build and delivery. The SI side of ASG has expanded rapidly, driven by an increasing demand for IP-based (ST-2110) broadcast facilities, live production environments, and experiential AV deployments. Darcy’s new role focuses on scaling the System Build and Delivery team to meet that demand while improving efficiency, collaboration, and overall client experience.

Previously chief technical officer, West Coast, Darcy brought deep experience across systems integration, engineering, and sales leadership to that role. He began his career in systems integration, live sports, newsroom, master control design, and buildout. He then moved into global roles supporting integration partners and product management. Now, he oversees operations, project management, and build teams while improving alignment across the team to support its growth.

Michael Phipps Promoted to President and CEO of Christie

Christie parent company, Ushio, has promoted Michael Phipps to president and chief executive officer of Christie Digital Systems and its subsidiaries.

Phipps succeeds Takabumi Asahi, who held the position for two years and continues as chief executive officer of Ushio Group. Phipps joined Christie in 2008, becoming chief financial officer in 2019 and president and COO in 2024.

“The industry is constantly changing, but what stays at the heart of what we do is our customers," said Phipps. "We listen to their business challenges and work collaboratively to support their vision, so they can rely on our technology to create unforgettable experiences. I want to thank Mr. Asahi for his guidance over the past two years and look forward to continuing to work with our customers and employees in my new capacity."

Daktronics Hires Jeff Taggart to the Sales Team

Daktronics welcomed Jeff Taggart as the newest sales representative supporting high schools and community facilities in eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. In this role, Taggart partners with athletic directors, school administrators, activity coordinators, and local sign companies as they explore upgrades to their scoreboards, timing systems, and LED video displays. He will serve as the primary contact for project questions, product recommendations and guidance on Daktronics’ industry-leading solutions designed specifically for high school sports and community recreation venues.

As a new member of the high school, parks and recreation team, Taggart brings a customer-focused approach centered on communication, collaboration and ensuring schools receive the support they need from project planning through installation and long-term service.

INFiLED Strengthens North American Team

INFiLED announced a series of leadership changes within its North American operations. Henry Ambrose has been promoted to president and general manager, while Chris Donaldson joins as SVP of sales, North America, and Bryan Boehme takes on the role of senior business development manager for Location Based Entertainment in the Americas. The appointments reflect INFiLED’s continued investment in its U.S. team as it looks to build on growing demand across rental, fixed installation, and location-based entertainment markets.

Ambrose originally joined INFiLED as VP of business development to launch its North American operations, and has since built the business from the ground up, developing strategic market initiatives, assembling a high-performing cross-functional team, and positioning the company as a trusted provider of LED display solutions across rental, fixed installation, and experiential environments. He has more than three decades of experience in engineering, product development, and executive leadership, including nearly 14 years at Video Equipment Rentals (VER), most recently as the executive director of LED Install, and earlier in roles at Barco and Sharp Electronics.

Joining the expanded North American leadership team, Donaldson brings more than 27 years of Pro AV industry experience to his new role. Donaldson has built a strong reputation for developing high-performing sales teams, strengthening channel partnerships, and delivering sustained commercial growth in competitive markets. In his new position, he leads U.S. sales strategy and execution, with a focus on channel development, expanding market share, and aligning INFiLED’s portfolio with the evolving needs of the North American AV community.

Boehme brings more than two decades of global sales leadership to the role, having previously served as VP of global sales at Christie Digital, where he partnered with leaders in themed entertainment, live events, and enterprise environments. At INFiLED, he focuses on deepening the company’s engagement with creative studios, integrators, designers, and operators across the LBE ecosystem.

OWC Appoints Rob Steffens as Chief Financial Officer

Other World Computing (OWC) appointed Rob Steffens to the position of chief financial officer (CFO). Steffens is responsible for leading global finance, operations, and strategic planning.

He brings more than two decades of hands-on financial and operational leadership scaling high-growth media and technology businesses to his new role at OWC. Steffens played a central role in transforming Marvel Entertainment from a ~$100 million publicly traded business into a $4.5 billion acquisition by Disney, and then helping scale it into a $50 billion global entertainment powerhouse over the following decade. Across multiple senior leadership roles at Marvel, including CFO and co-president, he drove landmark deals, expanded high-margin divisions, and led complex post-merger integration and global growth initiatives.

SoundTube Welcomes Jason Pavao as Sales Engineer

SoundTube Entertainment appointed Jason Pavao as sales engineer. In this role, Pavao works closely with integrators, consultants, and distribution partners to provide an increased field presence as SoundTube continues to build and enhance its team.

Pavao brings a well-rounded background in audio, AV systems integration, unified communications, and technical sales support as a field sales engineer for many years. His experience includes hands-on work in customer-facing technical roles with companies like Yamaha, Bosch and others, giving him a practical understanding of project workflows and real-world application requirements.

Partnerships

d&b audiotechnik and L-Acoustics Unite with a a New Standard for Noise Prediction

L-Acoustics and d&b audiotechnik have teamed up with SoundPLAN to develop the SDE standard. A considerable step towards reliable noise prediction, SDE provides a neutral standard for noise prediction across multiple sound systems.

As outdoor events continue to grow in urban areas, effective noise management has become critical. Until now, predicting noise emissions from festivals and events with systems from different manufacturers has been challenging, as each system relied on its proprietary tools. The lack of interoperability often resulted in inconsistent noise predictions, making it difficult to meet environmental requirements.

The SDE standard directly addresses this challenge by providing a unified method and file format to ensure reliable, consistent, and comparable predictions in environmental noise software. It defines how to export data from system design software, such as d&b’s ArrayCalc or L-Acoustics’ Soundvision, and details the methodology for calculating complex acoustic interactions. This includes calibration and decoherence factors, ensuring the highest level of accuracy at any distance—something that hasn’t been possible until now.

With SDE, system technicians can export their designs as standardized SDE files, which can then be imported into environmental noise software like SoundPLAN. This streamlined, secure and fast workflow, as well as the consideration of complex acoustic summation for the correct calculation of coherent sources (considering phase), allow consultants and event organizers to perform equivalent calculations in order to accurately predict noise emissions for festivals with multiple stages and systems from different manufacturers. In the future, the SDE format will be made available to other manufacturers and other noise pollution software.

Shure Partners with Edge Sound Research To Provide Ultimate Audio Experiences 

Shure has become a minority investor in EDGE Sound Research, a start-up company who is developing new experiential audio technologies that redefine how many audiences consume sound. The company was founded in 2019 by two University of California, Riverside students, Ethan Castro and Valtteri Salomaki. Castro was inspired by his life experiences as a hard-of-hearing music producer and engineer. Salomaki has been focused on information systems and marketing strategy. Together, they have grown into an innovative organization working to revolutionize entertainment.

Shure and EDGE Sound Research have already been collaborating on new innovations. Shure’s DCA901, the first array microphone tailored for broadcast, brings an improved immersive experience to every home with the help of EDGE Sound Research’s Virtual Sound Engine. Fans watching from their couches can now hear the game with the same sense of presence once exclusive to premium seating.

Casambi and Somfy Partner to Advance Intelligent Lighting and Shading Ecosystems

Casambi and Somfy announced a strategic partnership designed to deliver seamless integration between wireless lighting control systems and motorized shading solutions. No matter the scale, complexity, or control protocol, Casambi’s LightingOS unifies devices and technologies from its global OEM ecosystem, connecting everything through one powerful, intuitive platform. From luxury hotels to university campuses, retrofits to new builds, Casambi thrives in many environments.

Somfy’s innovations in motorized shading and daylight control complements Casambi’s wireless lighting platform, creating a unified solution that supports automated scenes, daylight harvesting, glare reduction, and energy optimization. Together, the companies aim to reduce system complexity for specifiers and installers while delivering a premium end user experience.

Company News

Dale Pro Audio Expands Capabilities with Launch of Dale Integration Services

Dale Pro Audio has launched Dale Integration Services, a new team created to deliver comprehensive audio consulting, design, procurement, and deployment services. Dale Integration Services helps clients plan, source, and deploy AV systems with greater confidence and efficiency, all while reducing the complexity and uncertainty often associated with audio-related projects.

With deep technical expertise and strong manufacturer relationships, Dale Integration Services helps clients identify, procure, and deploy the ideal solutions for their specific use case with confidence—resulting in fewer operational headaches and systems that perform as intended from day one. From early-stage consultation through procurement and installation, Dale Integrations Services offers a seamless, integrated approach. Core services include:

• Consultation and System Design
• Procurement, Staging, and Logistics
• Rack Fabrication
• Installation
• Programming and Commissioning
• RF and Wireless Implementation

The Digital Signage Summit Turns 20

Returning to the Hilton Munich Airport, Germany, on May 20-21, for its 20-year anniversary edition, The DSS is driving exchange between senior executives, technology leaders, and the brands investing in the next wave of connected experiences. In 2026, The DSS, presented by Integrated Systems Events and invidis consulting GmbH, takes on an even more international scope, reflecting its position as a truly global platform for the industry. 

To mark this anniversary, The DSS 2026 program will look back at the breakthroughs that have shaped the industry over the past 20 years and look ahead to what will define the next decade of digital signage strategy.

This May, the event returns with an insightful program, cementing 20-years as the must-attend digital signage business event. This milestone edition will focus on NextGen Signage, centered around nine conferencing themes: Managed Signage, Digital Signage in Retail and Beyond, Converged Communications, Operating Systems and Cyber Security, Green Signage, Future-Proofing Digital Signage, AI in Signage, The Future of CMS, and Retail Media. Across two days of keynotes, panel discussions, and expert-led sessions, The DSS 2026 will offer critical insight on the transformative forces impacting the industry from global politics and artificial intelligence to climate change and market maturity which are reshaping the operational and strategic foundations.

Sportway Media Group and Broadcast Solutions have jointly acquired Studio Automated, an AI technology provider for automated and remote live sports production. This acquisition combines AI-driven technology, software-defined workflows, premium broadcast hardware, and global operational expertise to cover the entire spectrum of live sports production—from grassroots competitions to top-tier international events.

[SCN Announces 2026 Stellar Service Awards]

Studio Automated brings AI software that enables a high level of automation in multicamera live production and remote workflows, and supports a wide range of sports, providing efficient, scalable, and sustainable live sports production, supporting global green production targets.

Through its large-scale operations, Sportway provides real-world production environments in which AI-based workflows are continuously trained, refined, and deployed at scale—enabling reliable, proven automation in demanding live conditions. Broadcast Solutions, as a system integrator and technology provider, delivers OB vans, remote production infrastructures, VAR solutions, and premium broadcast workflows for major international events. Through its acquisition last year of Egripment B.V., a global specialist for camera movement technologies in sports, live entertainment, and broadcast, the partnership gains direct access to premium camera hardware, engineering expertise, and an extended end-to-end value chain.

All three parties have worked closely for several years with DMC Production in live sports environments. DMC has played a key role in refining Studio Automated’s AI-based multicamera production software across sporting events. This long-term collaboration has ensured that the technology is not only innovative, but also proven in real-world, high-pressure production conditions.

Looking ahead, the shared technology roadmap will further expand the platform’s capabilities. By enabling real-time event detection directly from live video feeds, the ecosystem will allow the creation of instant highlights, clips, and replays during live matches. This enhances fan engagement, unlocks new content formats, and creates additional monetization opportunities for broadcasters, leagues, and rights holders.

The joint platform brings together AI production continuously trained on real, large-scale live data; tight integration of software, hardware, and production workflows; a unified ecosystem where premium broadcast productions and automated workflows coexist; real-time event detection powering instant highlights and replay experiences; and a single partner for rights holders.

“It is a major step in the evolution of Sportway Media Group to bring core software capabilities fully in-house across the production value chain,” said Daniel Franck, CEO of Sportway. “We have worked closely with Studio Automated for more than seven years. A shared technology roadmap allows us to further strengthen our offering and deliver even more scalable and reliable live productions to our clients.”

AJA Video Systems has entered into an agreement to acquire Comprimato, a live video encoding and processing software provider for virtualized and cloud productions and broadcasts. The move will unify the AJA and Comprimato development teams behind AJA’s BRIDGE LIVE family of IP streaming products. The terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

[MORE PRO AV ACQUISITION NEWS: CTI Acquires Nomad AV Systems]

“Comprimato has proven to be a trusted, strategic AJA partner for years now, supporting us through the continued evolution of our BRIDGE LIVE line of IP video solutions," shared Nick Rashby of AJA. "This agreement sets our R&D, support, sales, and manufacturing on track to become tightly intertwined, which will allow us to accelerate development of the BRIDGE LIVE and Comprimato lines. The synergies between our companies and technology are undeniable, and together, we’ll be able to address rapidly evolving customer needs faster than ever and break new ground in broadcast production.”

As part of the agreement, AJA will acquire Comprimato’s comprehensive portfolio of software solutions. This includes Live Transcoder for video encoding and transcoding, Live Standards Conversion for flexible frame rate conversion, the Twenty-One SMPTE ST 2110 encoding appliance, and the JPEG 2000 Codec SDK.

Comprimato CEO & Co-founder Jiří Matela and the entire Comprimato leadership, development, and operations team will join AJA once the deal is closed. Comprimato will continue to operate as a separate brand under AJA and retain its European offices. Sales structures, including sales, channels, customer support, and currently shipping products, will not be impacted.

“We've built Comprimato with a bold vision for the future of live encoding and media production, making broadcast-quality video processing more accessible, flexible, and powerful," concluded Matela. "AJA is the ideal partner to accelerate that vision. AJA’s global reach, hardware expertise, and manufacturing capabilities combined with our software innovation is expected to enable our team to move faster and bring solutions to market that neither company could achieve alone. The latest agreement marks an exciting next chapter for our team and our customers.”

Thomas Riedel, founder and owner of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group, has acquired ARRI, the Munich-based premium manufacturer of camera and lighting technology for motion picture and live entertainment. This marks the largest acquisition of his career to date.

Under Riedel's new ownership, ARRI’s existing management team will continue to lead the company and further advance its ongoing transformation. The company will retain independent operations and remain headquartered in Munich.

[A Busy 2026 for Pro AV Acquisitions... So Far]

“My entrepreneurial path has been closely tied to ARRI for years,” said Riedel. “I have great respect for this exceptional brand, its outstanding products, and its strong team. At the same time, I see tremendous potential and am confident that, together, we can position ARRI for long-term stability and future success.”

Through the acquisition of ARRI, Riedel establishes a close strategic alignment between ARRI and the Riedel Group, expanding its expertise across the entire production chain, from camera optics to distribution. ARRI’s ecosystem of camera, lighting, and systems technology complements the Riedel Group’s existing portfolio and opens up new technological and strategic market opportunities for both companies.

Founded in 1917, ARRI has been family-owned ever since and is regarded as a global leader in professional film technology, having been recognized with 20 scientific and technical awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “For more than a century, ARRI has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, and the highest quality. This success story will now continue and remain in German ownership,” said Dr. Walter Stahl, managing director of ARRI GmbH and member of the founding family.

Through close collaboration, ARRI and Riedel aim to unlock new areas of growth, especially in live entertainment and sports. By combining their respective technologies, the companies plan to develop integrated solutions that open new creative and technical possibilities for customers. As the first joint milestone of this collaboration, ARRI will debut its camera technology at the Eurovision Song Contest, where Riedel serves as the technology provider and NEP oversees production.

“Thomas Riedel has built a first-generation family business and stands for entrepreneurial continuity and long-term thinking,” said Chris Richter, managing director of ARRI. “We look forward to working with a successful entrepreneur and to the resulting market opportunities and access, both in existing and new markets.”

CTI, one of the busiest integration firms on the acquisition front, has made another, with its second strategic move of 2026. The AV integration and events provider acquired Nomad AV Systems of Eden Prairie, MN. Nomad strengthens CTI’s Justice Division with courtroom AV integration expertise that began with innovative mobile solutions used daily in courts across the United States, and later expanded to include full audiovisual design and integration services.

[Pro AV Newsmakers: A FOR-A Acquisition, an ADI Partnership, and CEDIA Registration Opens]

“For nearly two decades, Nomad AV Systems has been a trusted provider of courtroom AV systems across the country, first with mobile solutions, like their Evidence Presentation Systems, to full integrations. Nomad’s focus on simplicity, reliability, and customer-driven innovation for the customer makes them a natural fit for CTI,” said John Laughlin, CEO of CTI, “It’s an honor to be entrusted with a company with roots dating back over a hundred years and a history of innovation just as long. I look forward to guiding this team into the future and supporting their ongoing growth and success.”

CTI’s Justice team supports courts at all levels, local, state, and federal, and has completed over 3,500 installations in 42 states. CTI also serves enterprise, government, education, mission-critical, broadcast media, and stadium customers worldwide as a member of the PSNI Global Alliance and across the United States, with locations from Michigan to Texas and New Jersey to California.

Dating back to February 2024, CTI has made plenty of headlines in acquiring other firms to expand its presence. CTI first acquired Vistacom of Allentown, PA in February 2024. Just three months later, CTI acquired not one, but two companies, first, Advanced Systems Integration (ASI) to expand its Pro AV services to Minneapolis, and then San Antonio-based Digital Technology Solutions.

When the calendar flipped to 2025, CTI acquired its 39th U.S. location in Delta AV, providing expanded coverage of the Pacific Northwest to Portland Metro Area. CTI also used 2025 to expand its West Coast operations with the acquisition of LightWerks and then extended its global reach with the acquisition of Candeo Vision of London in the U.K. CTI has kept that momentum going in 2026, with this acquisition following its late March acquisition of Streamline Solutions, expanding its reach to Seattle.

What seems like the usual cadence, last week brought us some more Pro AV acquisition news. This time, FOR-A acquired Tamu Radiance, a spin-off of the information equipment business of Tamura Corporation along with Tamura’s consolidated subsidiary, the manufacturing arm, Aizu Tamura Corporation.

Through this transaction, FOR-A merges the strengths of its video solutions with Tamura’s audio and wireless technology by creating innovative products and solutions by integrating its video technology with the acoustic and wireless intercom technology of Tamura Corporation. By bringing together the development, manufacturing, and sales resources as a single entity, this acquisition enables technological integration that achieves "manufacturing" beyond the mere inheritance of existing assets.

That wasn't all that went down last week. Buckle up; here is your weekly dose of Pro AV newsmakers.

People News

ASG Names Broadcast Engineering and System Design Veteran Andrea Cummis VP of Systems Engineering

Advanced Systems Group (ASG appointed Andrea (Andy) Cummis as VP of systems design and engineering. In this role, Cummis leads design and engineering for ASG’s systems integration business, leading broadcast engineering, system design, and complex integration projects. She was the first woman to serve as president of the national board of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE).

She was the SVP of engineering and operations for Oxygen Media, responsible for its successful launch. Cummis was the founder of a New Jersey-based integrator known for designing and building advanced broadcast facilities, control rooms, and production environments. She’s held several high-level engineering roles within broadcast networks, TV stations, media organizations, and live event venues during her career.

Also last week, ASG entered a partnership with Beam Dynamics, developers of the Beam Asset and License Intelligence Platform, to offer the platform to its global clientele. For ASG, the introduction of Beam's asset intelligence and lifecycle economics capabilities reflects the firm’s commitment to supporting clients with the most powerful tools available.

DisplayNote Appoints Paul McNicholl to Drive MSP Channel Growth

DisplayNote has appointed Paul McNicholl as business development manager for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), as the company expands its channel strategy and route to market. His role centers on helping partners introduce solutions that can be deployed across diverse customer environments, while aligning with both commercial objectives and operational requirements.

McNicholl brings experience across multiple industries and will focus on developing relationships with MSP partners, supporting the adoption of DisplayNote’s software within managed service offerings.

Hitomi Broadcast Expands Sales Team

Hitomi Broadcast added Nicola Milburn as technical sales manager. In this role, Nicola works with customers and partners to help them get the most from Hitomi’s MatchBox timing measurement solutions while supporting the company’s continued growth.

Milburn brings extensive experience in technical sales within the broadcast technology industry, with more than 19 years in direct sales and over a decade working with channel partners across international markets. Her career has focused on helping broadcasters and production teams understand and deploy complex technical solutions through practical demonstrations, product knowledge and ongoing support.

At Hitomi, Nicola works closely with existing customers to ensure they are fully utilizing MatchBox solutions while also introducing new capabilities across the expanding MatchBox ecosystem. She also leads market development initiatives aimed at bringing Hitomi’s precision timing technology to new sectors, while representing the company at tradeshows and industry forums.

Company News

ADI Expands Relationship with Daisy; Gets Expo Tour on the Road

Daisy announced a strategic relationship with Parasol, a 24/7 remote support service owned by ADI, to enhance customer support across Daisy’s growing customer base. Initially, Parasol will extend Daisy’s technician-led support model beyond traditional business hours, providing always-available expertise for clients nationwide.

Daisy is leveraging Parasol’s expert team to provide overflow and after-hours support via phone, text, email, and chat. This ensures clients enjoy consistent and reliable around-the-clock access to qualified technical help and proactive system monitoring when issues arise outside regular business hours.

The expanded relationship enables Daisy to extend coverage during evenings, weekends, and periods of high call volume, ensuring clients continue to receive timely, knowledgeable support while relieving branch owners and technicians from constant phone and text traffic. Together, Daisy and Parasol will continue developing new ways to help enhance ongoing customer experiences as technology and service expectations evolve.

Also last week, ADI launched its annual ADI Expo Tour. Beginning in April, the ADI Expo will travel to 28 cities across the United States and Canada, bringing the power of an industry tradeshow to selected markets by connecting dealers, integrators, and leading manufacturers for an immersive one-day experience designed to uncover new revenue opportunities, strengthen competitive positioning, and deliver actionable insights participants can implement immediately to grow their business. The show kicked off in Nashville, TN on April 7, followed by Toronto, ON on April 9. This week, it heads to Detroit, MI on April 14, and then Fort Lauderdale, FL on April 21, Anaheim, CA on April 23, and Teaneck, NJ on April 30. In May, the Expo will travel to New Orleans, LA, Chicago, IL, and Charlotte, NC. In June the Expo will be in Edmonton, AB, San Jose, CA, and Arlington, VA.

Registration Opens for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026

Registration is now open for CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator (CIX) 2026, returning to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, September 1-4, 2026. CEDIA Expo/CIX will bring together more than 14,000 attendees and 300-plus exhibiting brands across key categories, including lighting, security, audio, video, smart home technology, and design. The event combines product discovery, hands-on training, and industry collaboration, providing integrators and installers with the tools, insights, and partnerships to grow their business.

Attendees will experience 20 dedicated Sound Rooms along with immersive product demonstrations, and in-depth Manufacturer Product Training sessions, creating a highly practical environment for learning, product evaluation, and connection. To learn more about CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 and register, please visit cediaexpo.com.

Grass Valley Launches Future Playmakers Program

Grass Valley launched its Future Playmakers Program, a new global initiative designed to support and develop the next generation of professionals in sports production and media technology. The program reflects Grass Valley’s continued investment in education, workforce development, and long-term industry growth. It is built to help students gain practical experience while enabling higher education institutions to strengthen their production programs with access to professional-grade tools and workflows.

The Future Playmakers Program combines scholarships, hands-on learning, technology access, and institutional collaboration. It is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of talent trained on industry-standard solutions used across live sports and event production. Through the program, Grass Valley will select up to 10 students annually from participating partner institutions. Selected students will receive financial support alongside access to experiential learning opportunities designed to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world production environments.

Haverford Systems Transitions to an Employee-Owned Company

Downingtown, PA’s Haverford Systems, a longtime provider of audiovisual integration services, turned the entire family-owned enterprise over to its employees by forming a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

Becoming an ESOP presents a variety of benefits for the Haverford team. First, it allows for a succession plan that creates continuity in company leadership and culture because leadership can remain in place and employees maintain ownership of the company. Second, because that ownership is represented by shares in the company distributed to employees over time, the ESOP creates a retirement benefit in addition to other savings plans, such as a 401k or 403b. Third, because Haverford Systems is a registered S-Corp, the ESOP status frees the company from state or federal corporate tax obligations, allowing for more liquidity, increased cash flow, and better opportunities to grow and expand.

Haverford Systems clients and partners can look forward to increased employee engagement and motivation, increased focus on long-term value for all stakeholders, and continuity of company culture that will continue to prioritize client experience and quality of work.

LEA Professional Partners with Precision Sales Group (PSG)

LEA Professional announced a new partnership with manufacturer’s representative Precision Sales Group, based in Concord, NC. This collaboration enables LEA to customers in the Southeastern United States.

With over 20 years of experience working with dealers in the Southern United States, Precision Sales Group (PSG) is perfectly positioned to assist with LEA’s sales growth in the region. Through this partnership, PSG will represent LEA Professional’s Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity. These series enable integrators to utilize cloud-based remote control, monitoring, notifications, and more from any internet-enabled device, allowing them to stay connected anywhere in the world.

WAVIT Expands 2026 Mary Cook Empowerment Scholarship to Support Women in AV/IT

WAVIT (Women in AV/IT)'s Mary Cook Empowerment Award: Designing the Future returns for 2026, now, thanks to Shure, with two scholarship recipients, expanding the program’s impact and providing additional opportunities for women entering the professional audiovisual industry. Created to honor the legacy of the late Mary Cook, the scholarships, like Cook, champion the advancement of women in the AV/IT industry.

Each recipient will receive a full InfoComm experience, industry memberships (WAVIT membership, AVIXA membership, and access to WAVIT’s mentorship program), and mentorship opportunities and direct access to industry leaders and guidance.

Application deadline is April 29, 2026, and recipients will be announced June 1.

The strategic partnership between Sony Corporation and TCL Electronics Holdings Limited is official. Following a memorandum of understanding announced in January, the two companies officially announced the partnership on March 31. While it primarily concerns home entertainment products, there is a Pro AV element as well.

Under the partnership, Sony will establish a wholly owned subsidiary for its home entertainment business, with TCL holding 51% and Sony holding 49% of the shares. The new company, BRAVIA Inc., will succeed to Sony's home entertainment business. While this includes consumer TVs (BRAVIA), home audio equipment, and more, B2B flat panel displays (B2B BRAVIA) and B2B LED displays are also part of the mix.

The new company will be responsible for product development and design, manufacturing, sales and logistics, and customer service, and is expected to operate the integrated business globally. As part of the partnership, 100% of the equity in Sony's subsidiary, Sony EMCS (SOEM), which is responsible for the manufacturing function of Sony's home entertainment products, will be transferred to TCL. However, transfer of all or part of the equity in another Sony manufacturing subsidiary, Shanghai Suoguang Visual Products (SSVE), is still under discussion.

Completion of the transactions under this partnership is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions, with the new company expected to commence operations in April 2027. BRAVIA Inc. will be headquartered in Sony’s Osaki office in Tokyo. The products under the new company are expected to carry the globally recognized “Sony” and “BRAVIA” names.

Following the passing of JLCooper Electronics founder, Jim Cooper, a deal has been made to secure a future for the brand. TSL announced the acquisition of the company, which is known for professional control, automation, synchronization, and interfacing products.

The move ensures continuity of service and support for JLCooper's global customer base spanning Pro AV, live events, music, radio, and education markets. It also expands TSL’s capabilities into adjacent markets while broadening its technology offering to its core broadcast customers.

JLCooper’s range of interfaces will be added to TSL’s Hummingbird control ecosystem, giving creators, operators, and engineers expanded options and greater flexibility in how they connect and control systems within the latest software-defined, cloud, and hybrid workflows. The addition of MIDI control and communication solutions further enhances TSL's capabilities and broadens TSL’s industry reach into music and audio production.

“With the sad news of Jim Cooper’s passing, it was important to find a way to secure the future for JLCooper’s revered technology, while ensuring continuity for its customers, and we’re glad we’ve been able to move so quickly to achieve this,” said Matthew Quade, CEO, TSL.

Following the acquisition, TSL will move JLCooper’s production operations from El Segundo, CA, to its base in Northridge, CA, after which TSL will commence production and shipping of JLCooper solutions.

“We were all terribly shocked and saddened by Jim’s passing, and have been working round the clock to find a way forward for his business that would ensure his legacy continues and maintains support for the users that have grown to love JLCooper solutions for the past 46 years,” said Chuck Thompson, general manager, JLCooper Electronics. “I’ve been delighted by how TSL has been able to provide a route forward in a short timescale, and the professional understanding and support the TSL team has shown. I can’t imagine a better home for the brand and products, and look forward to working with TSL on providing customers with enhanced options for their future workflows.”

Apogee Insight has acquired PMA Research, an authority in professional video projector and display market intelligence. The acquisition ensures continuity of PMA’s trusted research services while expanding resources, analytics capabilities, and coverage into new and rapidly growing areas.

[WARGO: Pro AV, By the Numbers 2025]

PMA Research traces its origins to Pacific Media Associates, founded by Dr. Bill Coggshall, whose pioneering work established tracking and analyzing the global projector market. The company was renamed PMA Research in 2013 when Nick Rogers assumed leadership following Dr. Coggshall’s retirement. With Rogers now retiring, Apogee Insight has acquired the PMA Research organization, including its extensive historical datasets, experienced research team, and its portfolio of industry reports and services.

PMA Research will continue to operate with the same commitment to accuracy, independence, and integrity that has made it a trusted source for manufacturers, distributors, and channel partners worldwide. The existing PMA team will remain in place, including regional staff in Japan and Taiwan, ensuring uninterrupted service for clients. Clients will continue to receive the same PMA Research reports, data services, and analyst support they rely on today, with additional offerings to be introduced as the combined organization expands its capabilities.

Apogee Insight founders Lee Dodson and Sean Wargo will direct the organization forward, expanding the research portfolio while investing in modern analytics technologies and additional proprietary data sources to support the evolving display market. Lee will serve as COO and Sean will serve as chief analytics officer (CAO) of PMA Research.

“PMA Research has earned its reputation over decades as the definitive source of display market intelligence,” said Dodson. “Our priority is to preserve that legacy and build on it — expanding the scope of research, strengthening the data foundation, and giving our clients deeper insight into a display market that continues to evolve.”

The acquisition will allow the organization to extend its coverage beyond displays and into adjacent and emerging categories. The combination of PMA Research’s syndicated data portfolio and Apogee Insight’s applied research and survey capabilities will offer the ability for companies to take the PMA Research resources farther than ever before while adding deep proprietary industry data to Apogee Insight.

“The display industry today spans far more technologies than when PMA first began tracking projectors,” concluded Wargo. “By combining PMA’s unmatched historical data with Apogee Insight’s analytics capabilities and expanded data sources, we can deliver a clearer, more complete view of more of the market while maintaining the integrity clients have always relied on.”

CTI has acquired Streamline Solutions of Seattle, adding the team’s 17-year history of low-voltage AV design and integration to CTI's Seattle office. CTI serves customers worldwide as a member of the PSNI Global Alliance and across the United States, with locations from Michigan to Texas and New Jersey to California.

[Neat Has a New CEO, Plus , You Guessed it, Another Acquisition]

“For CTI, the best part of acquisitions is the people who join our team,” said John Laughlin, CEO of CTI. “Streamline Solutions is a perfect example: Over the years, the team has built a reputation for excellence in commercial AV installations in Seattle. They’re a fantastic match for the culture that drives CTI, and I look forward to the depth their team will add to our Seattle office.”

CTI has been one of the busiest companies in Pro AV dating back to February 2024. It had three acquisitions in 2025 alone. Dating back to February 2024, CTI first acquired Vistacom of Allentown, PA. Just three months later, CTI acquired not one, but two companies, first, Advanced Systems Integration (ASI) to expand its Pro AV services to Minneapolis, and then San Antonio-based Digital Technology Solutions.

When the calendar flipped to 2025, CTI acquired its 39th U.S. location in Delta AV, providing expanded coverage of the Pacific Northwest to Portland Metro Area. CTI also used 2025 to expand its West Coast operations with the acquisition of LightWerks and then extended its global reach with the acquisition of Candeo Vision of London in the U.K.

Barco has reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of French-British premium audio company VerVent Audio Holding. The company, which is based in Saint-Étienne, designs and manufactures high-end audio systems under the Focal and Naim brands.

[Pro AV Newsmakers: E4 Experience's Next Stop, Partnerships Made, and 7 People on the Move]

VerVent’s portfolio spans loudspeakers, immersive and active audio solutions, headphones, studio monitors and automotive and yachting OEM systems. Its strong global retail and distribution network, including more than 80 boutiques and thousands of sales points, provides an immediate platform for go-to-market acceleration.

The enterprise value of the acquisition is about €135m and the transaction will be financed with Barco’s own funds. After closing, VerVent will be integrated into Barco’s entertainment division. The acquisition will facilitate Barco’s evolution towards integrated AV solutions, offering high‑end visualization and audio solutions to consumer and professional customers.

Beyond the home and consumer segment, the deal will also create opportunities to develop integrated AV propositions in home cinema, public spaces, and professional cinema. "By welcoming VerVent and its iconic Focal and Naim brands into the Barco family, we accelerate our strategy to deliver fully integrated solutions where image and sound reinforce each other seamlessly," An Steegen, Barco’s chief executive, said. “The addition of high‑fidelity audio strengthens the overall experience of our offering across high‑end residential and broader consumer/home entertainment environments, as well as in professional markets."

It was a busy week in the acquisition files once again for Pro AV.

Collabtech Group Acquires MediaCentric

Collabtech Group acquired MediaCentric, a wholesale AV design, installation, commissioning, and services firm. The combined organization brings together advanced AV field execution, digital signage and video wall expertise, global infrastructure, and scalable support services to help partners deliver more reliably, without taking on added operational burden. Following the acquisition, partners of Collabtech Group also now have expanded access and a clear path to broader geographic support.

[SCN Stellar Service Awards 2026 Nominations Now Open]

MediaCentric services Arizona, Colorado, California, and Texas, with deep expertise in digital signage, video walls, complex integrated environments, and large-scale field operations. Through the acquisition, partners gain access to a single, channel-only delivery platform with expanded reach and capability across the full delivery life cycle, from proof of concept programs through deployment and ongoing support.

Amino Secures Private Ownership

Amino Communications has been acquired by Sapphire Technology Group (“STGL”), establishing stable private ownership to support its next phase of disciplined growth in Pro AV, digital signage and pay TV. STGL is wholly owned by Keith Todd CBE, who was chairman of Amino from 2007 to 2019.

The acquisition provides long-term investment backing and a simplified capital structure designed to accelerate product development, strengthen operational performance and drive sustainable profitability. Leadership and customer-facing teams remain unchanged. Amino will continue operating under its established brand, with no changes to customer relationships or support models.

VTG and NSCA Make Strategic Moves

Also making headlines for the second time in a month was VTG. Virtual Technologies Group (VTG), backed by Jacmel Partners, acquired Vector Tech Group, a regional provider of customized and integrated IT solutions to businesses and other organizations. Vector Tech will continue to serve its current roster of customers and employees as a subsidiary of VTG. Brightwood Capital Advisors provided financing for the transaction. Get all the details from our coverage by clicking here.

Lastly, NSCA acquired Navigate Management Consulting. Combining Navigate Management’s expertise with NSCA’s business resources and AI capabilities gives members more direct access to tools and guidance. You can find out more by clicking here.

Now, on with the show.

People News

Advanced Systems Group Promotes Gretchen Taipale to VP, Managed Services

Advanced Systems Group (ASG) has promoted Gretchen Taipale to VP, managed services, following the promotion of Jody Boatwright, former VP of Managed Services, to ASG’s Chief Strategy Officer.

In her new role, Taipale sets strategic direction for ASG’s Managed Services department and oversee the delivery of media operations and production services through a global workforce that supports some of the world’s largest enterprise organizations. Managed Services provides staffing and builds fully operational teams for production, studio, media, and creative environments that are embedded at client facilities. Taipale joins the executive team after serving as managing director for ASG’s Creative and Production Managed Services team, where she led account management and agency services.

Palmer Digital Group Names Chuck Lewis President  

Palmer Digital Group has promoted longtime VP Chuck Lewis to president. Lewis has been largely responsible for the company’s year-on-year growth since launching in late 2018, setting up the organization’s B2B structure with an emphasis on business development and marketing for the fast-growing QSR and fast casual market. That emphasis resulted in near-immediate success thanks to a focused product portfolio, strategic partner network, and in-house manufacturing operation that accelerated delivery of durable, modernized digital menu boards and kiosks equipped with hardware and software.

Lewis has taken on many additional leadership responsibilities over the company’s first seven years, including marketing activities (strategic planning and communications), customer service, project management and new product development. The latter includes the introduction of a battery-powered mobile kiosk in 2025, and a forthcoming AI-powered outdoor kiosk with an outdoor-rated speaker.

Further differentiating Palmer Digital Group is the company’s installation department, which also continues to grow in 2026. Lewis recently added two more project managers to this department, which can handle local, regional, and national deployments.

Partnerships, New Locations, and More Company News

Screen Innovations and Shade Innovations Partner with Phoenix Marketing Group

Screen Innovations (SI) and Shade Innovations have partnered with Phoenix Marketing Group (PMG) to to deliver support, training, and in-field expertise to dealers nationwide—before, during, and long after every SI system is installed.

Phoenix Marketing Group has expertise spanning architecture, design, lighting, shading, automation, audio/video, outdoor entertainment, and acoustics, strengthening SI’s position as a complete, next-generation smart home solutions provider for both indoor and outdoor environments. PMG’s seasoned, CI-focused sales team—comprising over 40 highly trained sales professionals—will act as an extension of SI’s own sales and support force, ensuring dealers across the country receive consistent, superior service.

Sennheiser Relocating American HQ to Nashville

Last fall, Sennheiser announced plans to relocate its Americas Regional Hub from Old Lyme, CT, to Nashville. Now, the company has an address: Sennheiser will be moving to Rock Nashville, a 600,000-square-foot production campus that offers purpose-designed rehearsal studios and industry-driven initiatives.

The project represents the creation of at least 25 jobs and an investment of $2.5 million into the Tennessee economy. Sennheiser is the first company to partner with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) to locate within the Rock Nashville facility. The company plans to have U.S. operations fully transferred from Connecticut to Nashville by Q4 2026.

SoundTube Appoints Midwest AV for Illinois and Wisconsin

SoundTube Entertainment announced the appointment of Midwest AV as its manufacturer’s representative for Illinois and Wisconsin. Midwest AV is led by Barbara Sjodin, who brings more than 20 years of industry experience, including 10 years working directly as an AV integrator. That hands-on background provides firsthand knowledge of system design, bid processes, installation workflows, and project commissioning. Today, Midwest AV continues to work closely with integrators and consultants across the region in a representative capacity.

The appointment strengthens SoundTube’s commercial presence in Illinois and Wisconsin, supporting its expanding portfolio of Dante/PoE-enabled loudspeakers, the IPD ecosystem, outdoor and landscape solutions, and SolidDrive invisible speakers for architecturally sensitive environments.

TransAudio Group Adds Trinnov Audio Products to Portfolio

TransAudio Group has added Trinnov Audio products to its growing list of innovative manufacturers. Trinnov Audio, the French specialists in advanced audio processing and room optimization technologies recently launched NOVA, a compact, powerful, and flexible studio processor designed to bring enhanced room optimization to both professional and project studios.

At the heart of NOVA is Trinnov’s Optimizer technology, a room optimization engine using Trinnov’s 3D Microphone for acoustic measurement. Trinnov’s La Remote provides hands-on access to key functions and personalized shortcuts. With up to six channels of optimization available via software licenses, NOVA dramatically improves the accuracy of your monitoring environment, reducing the influence of room anomalies and enabling better mix decisions with confidence.

Navigate Management Consulting has officially become part of NSCA as an in-house business service. When Solutions360—the owner of Navigate—was acquired by Northrim Horizon in late 2025, its new owners made the decision to keep Navigate within the commercial integration community, facilitating a transition of ownership to NSCA.

[Embracing the Workforce Evolution]

“This transaction allows Solutions360 to stay focused on building exceptional software for systems integrators, while ensuring our customers continue to benefit from the strong consulting and educational resources Navigate provides,” explained Nate Gardner, CEO at Solutions360. “With NSCA’s leadership and reach, I’m confident that Navigate will grow and impact an even broader segment of the integrator community.”

This transition is part of NSCA’s ongoing commitment to improving access to business tools and resources while ensuring that Navigate's expertise in process management, operations, and leadership continues to serve commercial integrators. The addition expands NSCA’s ability to help its members strengthen operations, streamline processes, and boost profitability. Navigate’s online learning platform, Navigate Academy, will become part of NSCA’s eXcellence in Business Operation (XBO) Knowledge Hub, which will be launched later in 2026.

“With this transition, we can drive more successful business results into member companies," said Brad Malone, president of Navigate. "I’m excited to collaborate with NSCA in bringing the expertise of NSCA’s Business Accelerators and Member Advisory Council to members in a more coordinated fashion to achieve a lasting impact in profitability. 2026 will be an exciting year, and the first of many to come.”

The integration of Navigate and the creation of the XBO Knowledge Hub represent NSCA’s next chapter in helping members access tailored business insight more intuitively, combining human expertise with advanced technology to deliver the right resource at the right time.

“We’re always striving to improve member awareness of and access to those resources," concluded NSCA executive director Tom LeBlanc. "The goal of the XBO Knowledge Hub is to modernize how members find customized assistance. The opportunity to bring Navigate in-house is a catalyst for this initiative. Under Abernathy’s leadership, members will continue to have a trusted concierge to guide them toward impactful tools and expertise. And with Navigate joining the NSCA family, those touchpoints—and the value behind them—grow even stronger.”

Virtual Technologies Group (VTG), backed by Jacmel Partners, has acquired Vector Tech Group, a regional provider of customized and integrated IT solutions to businesses and other organizations. Vector Tech will continue to serve its current roster of customers and employees as a subsidiary of VTG. Brightwood Capital Advisors provided financing for the transaction.

[Virtual Technologies Group Announces Acquisition of Whitlock IS]

“Beyond the clear strategic and complementary fit with VTG’s platform, Vector Tech’s dedicated employee base and exceptional customer service make it an invaluable addition to our IT service offerings and organization," said Greg Yarrington, chief operating officer at VTG. “This partnership expands our product portfolio and enhances our ability to serve our clients with greater capabilities and expertise.”

The acquisition of Vector Tech expands VTG’s footprint in the Midwest and enhances its existing array of IT services with a complementary, high-growth suite of services. The combined business will provide tailored end-to-end solutions and IT infrastructure services to businesses and organizations in the manufacturing, education, healthcare, government, financial, professional services, non-profit, and automotive sectors.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Vector Tech, and we’re very excited for what’s ahead as we partner with Jacmel and VTG," said William Loiacano, president and CEO of Vector Tech. "We’ll be uniquely positioned to serve a larger and more diversified customer base, while continuing to bring the same high-quality services that have defined our firm for more than three decades.”

The addition of Vector Tech comes during a period of significant expansion for VTG’s platform. The firm recently completed its acquisition of Whitlock IS, a software solutions and IT services firm serving federal and enterprise clients.

Last week, Christie Digital Systems USA and Vista PHX announced an agreement in principle to sell the Christie Broadcast and Professional Video business to Vista PHX, a new corporation created by former Vista Systems owners and industry veterans, Clark Williams and Jeff Wilson. The transaction, expected to close by the end of February, would mark the return the video processing technologies to the innovators who designed, built, and championed them.

[LAST WEEK: 3 (THREE!!!) Acquisitions to Know]

“The divestiture of the Broadcast and Professional Video group reflects our continued focus on our long-term strategic priorities," said Michael Phipps, president, Christie. "We believe that returning the video processing family of products to Clark Williams, Jeff Wilson, and the Vista PHX team will best position them for sustained growth under owners whose core mission is centered on these products. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and responsible transition for employees, customers, and partners.”

Continuing to operate in Phoenix, AZ, newly formed Vista PHX will acquire the Christie intellectual property and essential operational infrastructure for the Spyder, Terra, Phoenix, and Mastering Gateway product lines.

“Bringing Spyder and the other innovative video processing product lines back under independent ownership is significant,” said Clark Williams, CEO of Vista PHX. "For our customers, this acquisition means continuity where it matters and acceleration where it counts. The same team, the same engineering DNA—now with the clarity and autonomy to move faster and invest deeper in the platform our customers rely on."

This transition will bring these video processing platforms back to their roots, where the products were originally developed and manufactured. In particular, the transaction will help secure the future of the Spyder brand, a benchmark for uncompromising performance in live events, broadcast, and high-end installations worldwide. The Phoenix-branded distributed content management system, Terra SDVoE platform, and Mastering Gateway Series further reinforce Vista PHX's capabilities in delivering end-to-end mission-critical video processing solutions.

Key Highlights of the Acquisition

• Customer and Service Commitment: Vista PHX is committed to a seamless transition, honoring all existing warranties and service agreements while maintaining and strengthening the high standard of technical support customers rely on.
• Return to Roots: The Spyder, Phoenix, Terra, and Mastering Gateway video processing product lines would return to their original creators, ensuring focused leadership and a clear product vision.
• Product Continuity and Quality: Vista PHX would own and support the Spyder X80, Spyder X20, Phoenix, Terra, and Mastering Gateway platforms, with an unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and performance.
• Experienced Leadership: Led by CEO Clark Williams and CFO Jeff Wilson, Vista PHX brings decades of hands-on expertise in designing, delivering, and supporting mission-critical video systems.

Ricoh, a 2025 SCN Top 50 Systems Integrator, has acquired ET Group, a Canadian workplace technology and collaboration integrator. This strategic acquisition by Ricoh Canada accelerates Ricoh’s expansion into high‑growth digital services, strengthens its position as a leading provider of end‑to‑end workplace experience solutions in Canada, and reinforces its global strategy to support an evolving workplace environment.

[2025's AV/IT Industry Mergers and Acquisitions]

By integrating ET Group’s audiovisual (AV) engineering expertise and long‑standing reputation for designing, delivering and supporting enterprise-wide collaboration environments—particularly within government and other highly regulated sectors—Ricoh further enhances its ability to provide scalable, technology‑driven workplace solutions across Canada.

“Businesses today need secure, seamless, and intelligent workplaces that empower people to collaborate from anywhere,” said Meagan Moody, country manager, Ricoh Canada. “ET Group’s proven AV expertise, innovative service model, and deep customer trust are a perfect complement to Ricoh’s digital services portfolio. Together, we can expand our impact and bring new value to organizations navigating increasingly complex workplace needs.”

This strategic investment expands Ricoh’s digital workplace capabilities with enterprise grade AV design, integration, and support; hybrid meeting and collaboration solutions; managed digital workplace services; and workplace experience and on-site staffing services.

ET Group brings a highly skilled team of AV engineers, designers, project managers, and support specialists trusted by major corporations, government agencies, and judicial systems. Its expertise in secure, resilient environments complements Ricoh’s footprint with Canada’s large enterprises and public institutions. Customers will benefit from a more comprehensive service ecosystem that now integrates audiovisual and collaboration technologies; office and workplace experience services; mailroom automation; managed print, scan, and fleet services; and on‑site staffing and managed services.

Virtual Technologies Group (VTG) has acquired Whitlock Infrastructure Solutions, a software solutions and IT services firm specializing in IT operations management for enterprise organizations. The transaction was supported with financing arranged by Brightwood Capital Advisors.

[2025's AV/IT Industry Mergers and Acquisitions]

The acquisition of Whitlock strengthens VTG’s commercial enterprise service capabilities and federal government services expertise. Whitlock’s specialized IT consulting, managed services, and deep relationships with leading software providers complements VTG’s managed IT infrastructure and cybersecurity offerings. The combined VTG platform, which is supported by strategic capital from Jacmel, will deliver comprehensive end-to-end managed IT and cybersecurity solutions to government agencies, education organizations, non-profits, and enterprise customers across diverse sectors including energy, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace and defense, financial services, and technology.

“We’re very excited to welcome the Whitlock team to VTG,” said Quentin Gayles, chief revenue officer of VTG. “Enterprise leaders want fewer handoffs and more accountability, predictable performance, and quick recovery when things fail. Whitlock strengthens our IT operations management platform with ValueFirst and 24x7 FirstCall support, adding the discipline to standardize service delivery, improve observability, and accelerate incident resolution. Combined with VTG’s ability to design, deploy, and support infrastructure, cybersecurity, and collaboration environments at scale, we can take end-to-end accountability across distributed sites delivering higher uptime, stronger governance, and a better end user experience.”

“The acquisition of Whitlock is another important step in growing VTG into a leading end-to-end IT services platform,” said Nick Jean-Baptiste, co-founder and co-managing partner of Jacmel Partners, which back VTG. “Whitlock’s deep technical expertise, long-term client relationships, and proven track record of deploying next generation technologies made it a compelling strategic fit. We’re eager to work with both the VTG and Whitlock leadership team to enable synergies and unlock their full growth potential.”

Viking Mergers & Acquisitions acted as the sell-side M&A advisor to Whitlock. Ice Miller served as legal counsel to Jacmel and VTG while Fox Rothschild represented Whitlock on the transaction.

SCN Top 50 systems integrator, Ricoh, has acquired Presentation Products (PPI), a New York-based AV integrator with advanced managed services capabilities. The acquisition expands Ricoh’s digital services portfolio in North America by building upon the strengths of Cenero, the company’s wholly owned managed AV services provider, and reinforces its global strategy to support an evolving workplace environment.

“Ricoh is investing in high-growth digital services that enable enterprises to build more connected, collaborative, and intelligent workplaces,” said Bob Lamendola, chief digital services and delivery officer, Ricoh North America. “PPI’s strong reputation, deep technical expertise, and established presence in New York City, the largest AV market in North America, will immediately increase our ability to deliver integrated workplace solutions at scale.”

Founded in 1994, PPI brings a team of 100 specialists in AV, engineering, design, and technology integration, serving enterprise clients across finance, legal, media, and other high-value sectors. PPI’s design and engineering expertise fast-tracks Ricoh’s workplace experience strategy, offering a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that span AV, IT, collaboration platforms, and managed services.

“Ricoh’s vision for a connected, intelligent workplace aligns perfectly with the work our team has been doing for decades,” said Orin Knopp, founder and CEO, PPI. “By becoming part of Ricoh, we can bring even greater scale, resources, and innovation to our clients while preserving the culture, expertise, and relationships that define who we are. We’re proud to contribute to Ricoh’s growing digital services vision and to create new opportunities for our employees and clients alike.”

Ricoh and PPI are committed to a seamless integration that maintains service continuity and exceptional client support. PPI employees will join Cenero in Ricoh’s growing digital services organization, gaining access to expanded career paths, training, and resources while maintaining the values that have made PPI a trusted partner to its clients for more than 30 years.

“This acquisition is a milestone in our global strategy to invest resources in businesses with future growth potential, such as Workplace Experience," said Takahiro Irisa, senior corporate officer and president of Ricoh’s global Digital Services Business Unit. "We remain steadfast in advancing our global workplace services capabilities, including AV integration, to empower our clients to tackle challenges in transforming their workspaces and work styles to meet evolving employee and technology needs in shifting workplace environments.”

Daktronics has acquired the intellectual property (IP), equipment assets, and technical expertise from X Display Company Technology Limited (XDC), which designs mass-transfer processes and MicroLED technology.

[2025's Pro AV Acquisitions, the Recap]

Daktronics believes that the acquisition will continue to differentiate the company in all segments of its business, and that it represents another step forward in Daktronics’ product innovation strategy, which is designed to accelerate growth and enhance competitive positioning. Daktronics has been investing in XDC since 2020, helping accelerate XDC’s development of MicroLED capabilities and applications.

Key acquisition highlights include IP assets to enable advanced display solutions with ultra-fine pixel pitches for large-format video walls and medium-sized commercial displays; specialized equipment assets for the development of displays with MicroLED and MicroIC technology; and talent Integration, with Daktronics hiring 15 XDC employees with deep expertise in mass-transfer, MicroLED development and MicroIC design.

“We believe this move further strengthens our competitive position and will allow us to provide current and future customers globally with the next generation of display technology,” said Daktronics Interim president and CEO Brad Wiemann. “It also gives us an experienced team of engineers in the field of MicroLED and MicroIC technologies that we believe reinforces our commitment to technical excellence and innovation.”

SCN: How long have you been with AVI-SPL, and what are your responsibilities?

John Zettel: I joined AVI-SPL back in April of 2000. Hard to believe it’s been 25 years. I started as CFO, focused on strengthening our financial side, and about five years later I stepped into the CEO role. My role is to ensure we’re moving in the right direction and creating the kind of company where our people and our customers can be successful.

SCN: How has the recent acquisition by 26North impacted AVI-SPL?

JZ: The partnership with 26North has been very positive for us. It gives AVI-SPL financial backing and strategic support to accelerate our growth, expand globally, and continue investing in innovation. What’s important is that our leadership team and culture remain intact, so our customers and employees get the benefit of added resources without losing what makes AVI-SPL unique. It really helps us to deliver even greater value to the organizations we serve.

SCN: Speaking of acquisitions, AVI-SPL sure does a lot of them, including CCS Southwest not long after the 26North acquisition was completed. What’s the strategy here?

JZ: CCS Southwest is a very respected provider of AV and UC in Arizona. Bringing them into the AVI-SPL family strengthens our overall presence in the Southwest and helps us expand into new market verticals that we previously did not have to focus on, like education. The cultural fit is what makes this acquisition especially meaningful. Over the past 34 years, CCS Southwest has built a strong reputation for helping clients transform how they communicate and collaborate, and we see a strong cultural alignment that’s dedicated to doing what’s right for our teams and communities.

Acquisitions are an important part of our growth strategy. They help us reach new markets and go deeper in the ones we’re already in. But the truth is, less than a third of AVI-SPL's growth comes from acquisitions. Most of it is organic, driven by the great work our teams are doing and the deep relationships we have with our customers.

SCN: How important is sustainability to AVI-SPL, and are you seeing it growing in importance for your customers?

JZ: Sustainability is central to how AVI-SPL operates and creates value for our customers. It’s not a separate initiative. It’s embedded in how we design, deliver, and support technology solutions worldwide. We’ve now published two annual ESG Impact Reports to demonstrate this.

Our customers are on similar journeys. Many now include ESG and sustainability criteria in RFPs and procurement decisions, looking for partners who can help them reduce their carbon footprint, manage electronic waste responsibly, ensure cybersecurity, and verify their impact with real data. Sustainability is moving from being a differentiator to being a core expectation.

SCN: How important has managed services become for AVI-SPL?

JZ: Organizations today need more than just great technology. They need a partner who can make sure that technology runs reliably, scales globally, and adapts as their needs evolve. That is where AVI-SPL’s managed services come in. It is one of the fastest-growing parts of our business, because it allows our customers to focus on their core priorities while we ensure their digital workplace is performing at its best every day.

SCN: What can AVI-SPL’s Symphony do for customers, and how popular is the service?

JZ: AVI-SPL Symphony takes the complexity out of managing collaboration technology. It gives IT and workplace teams one powerful platform to monitor, manage, and support meeting spaces across their entire organization. Today, Symphony is trusted by many of the world’s largest companies, managing tens of thousands of spaces globally and proving the real value of simplifying how the world works and connects.

SCN: Is hiring still an issue for Pro AV integrators?

JZ: The demand for skilled talent continues to grow as the market expands and technology evolves. At AVI-SPL, we have put a lot of focus on building strong career pathways, investing in training and development, and creating a culture where people want to stay and grow. In 2025, our global employee retention numbers reached 91%. We’ve made the training and certification of our employees a key advantage in the marketplace, and our employees, in turn, are happier and stay with us longer. Hiring top talent remains a focus, but it’s the retention and upleveling of our existing talent that must also be a priority.

SCN: What are some of the other significant challenges facing integrators today?

JZ: The pace of change, supply chain pressures, and higher customer expectations are real challenges in our industry. What sets AVI-SPL apart is that we have the scale, partnerships, and expertise to turn those challenges into opportunities and deliver consistent, innovative solutions worldwide.

SCN: What’s the secret to AVI-SPL’s success?

JZ: We have built a company over the last two decades that we believe is uniquely differentiated in terms of our size, presence, and platform of what we offer. All of that has allowed us to work with global companies and be their strategic partner throughout their lifecycle, which not only goes into design and integration, but also the services that manage that on a continual basis. The secret comes down to our people and their commitment to our customers. With rapid changes in our industry, our team continually adapts to customers' needs by staying abreast of the changes in technology, committing to training, and obtaining certifications to instill confidence with our customers.

SCN: What’s the next big thing for the Pro AV industry?

JZ: It's all about elevating the user experience. That means creating immersive environments where people can see, hear, and truly feel the technology at work, while also enhancing everyday life in meaningful ways. The technology we deliver should make work and life easier, more flexible, and more enjoyable. A specific example of the continued evolution within the industry is the deeper integration of AI and data analytics into the workplace experience. We are moving beyond just connecting people to enhancing how they collaborate, using intelligence to make meetings more productive, spaces more efficient, and support more proactive. Coupled with continued advances in immersive technologies and sustainability, we are on the verge of a new era where AV is not just enabling work but actively shaping the future of how people engage and create together.

2025 was a busy year with no fewer than 30 significant announcements. When the 2025 SCN Top 50 Systems Integrator list was released in December, it was no surprise that a merger, an acquisition, and a rebranding were announced by companies at the top of the list.

In August, 26North Partners LP announced the completion of the acquisition of a controlling stake in AVI-SPL from Marlin Equity Partners and other selling shareholders. In my interview with AVI-SPL's CEO, John Zettel, he said, "We have had three previous financial equity sponsors in private equity, and they all have been unique and brought certain relationships and benefits to our company over the years. In 26North, after a wide and long vetting process, we really narrowed in on 26North for a couple of reasons. Their understanding of the industry, their extreme desire for the industry, and what is going to benefit AVI-SPL. Because ultimately, we'll be able to continue to do what we're doing."

But that wasn't the only acquisition news from AVI-SPL. Not long after the 26North deal was signed, the company announced the acquisition of CCS Presentation Systems Southwest. In a recent interview with SCN content director, Mark J. Pescatore, Zettel said, "Acquisitions are an important part of our growth strategy. They help us reach new markets and go deeper in the ones we're already in. But the truth is, less than a third of AVI-SPL's growth comes from acquisitions. Most of it is organic, driven by the great work our teams are doing and the deep relationships we have with our customers." AVI-SPL continues to hold the top spot on the SCN Top 50—by a large margin.

If you weren't paying attention to the news, it might appear that a newcomer snuck in at number three on the Top 50, but it's our friends from what is formerly known as AVI Systems. In April, AVI Systems ushered in a new era by announcing a rebrand to FORTÉ. "We have become much more than an AV systems integrator," Jeff Stoebner, CEO, FORTÉ, told SCN.

Coming in at number six on the Top 50 is Yorktel-Kinly. In August, Yorktel, along with portfolio company One Equity Partners, signed an agreement to combine with Kinly, creating a workplace experience and collaboration provider with expanded reach.

From small to large, a plethora of other companies round out the year with news of expansion through mergers and acquisitions, rebranding, and divestitures.

As always, we are grateful to be chosen to break the news on certain stories to our readers.

The list below represents the most recent announcement at the top.

Daktronics Acquires XDC Display Business

Daktronics has acquired the intellectual property (IP), equipment assets, and technical expertise from X Display Company Technology Limited (XDC), which designs mass-transfer processes and MicroLED technology.

Daktronics believes that the acquisition will continue to differentiate the company in all segments of its business, and that it represents another step forward in Daktronics’ product innovation strategy, which is designed to accelerate growth and enhance competitive positioning. Daktronics has been investing in XDC since 2020, helping accelerate XDC’s development of MicroLED capabilities and applications.

Read the full article here.

TRISON Acquires Pioneer Group

TRISON, a global company dedicated to the digital transformation of physical spaces, acquired Pioneer Group on Dec. 1. Pioneer Group focuses on being a multi-service provider of audiovisual solutions, network infrastructure, and electrical services mainly in the quick service restaurants and stadia verticals, as well as retailers and corporate clients. This acquisition expands TRISON's offerings by leveraging the expertise that Pioneer Group has gained over its 14 years in business. Pioneer Group has a strong client base that includes well-known names such as KFC, Joe and The Juice, and numerous sports clubs.

Read the full article here.

Broadsign Acquires Place Exchange

Out-of-home (OOH) ad-tech provider Broadsign has acquired Place Exchange, an independent OOH supply-side platform (SSP), with a minority investment from Crestline Investors. Combining Broadsign’s content management system, ad serving, and buy-and-sell side capabilities with Place Exchange’s SSP and complementary solutions, the acquisition bolsters Broadsign’s global programmatic digital OOH offering and fast-tracks innovation across its entire OOH ad-tech portfolio. Broadsign publishers will be able to tap into new demand sources while Place Exchange’s DSP partners and media buyers gain access to premium international inventory on the Broadsign Platform.

“Demand for OOH advertising continues to hold strong, but for the OOH market to seize new growth opportunities, rapid evolution is key," shared Burr Smith, CEO, Broadsign. "The acquisition of Place Exchange will allow Broadsign to deliver the most comprehensive OOH advertising solution in the market. We see the future of OOH as smarter, more efficient, dynamic, and measurable. With Place Exchange’s team and technology, and Crestline’s investment, Broadsign will deliver on that vision much faster.”

Read the full article here.

Acquisition Alert: VITEC Acquires Datapath

VITEC formally announced the acquisition of Datapath, a strategic move designed to strengthen VITEC’s video wall and video distribution portfolio, offering customers access to expanded engineering capability, customer support, distribution, and geographical reach. Datapath is known for its real-time video processing for large-scale video walls, AVoIP content distribution, and KVM control in mission-critical control rooms, commercial applications, and creative environments.

The integration will see Datapath’s product names and categories—including its video wall controllers and processors, AVoIP solutions, capture cards, and control room solutions—preserved within the VITEC portfolio. VITEC intends to maintain familiarity while enhancing support and development capabilities for Datapath. Datapath serves customers in more than 100 countries across multiple verticals.

Read the full article here.

Sound Productions Acquires ProAudio.com

Sound Productions (SoundPro) has acquired ProAudio.com, based in Grand Prairie, TX. Founded in 1971 as Crouse-Kimzey Company, ProAudio.com has been a resource in the Pro AV with deep roots in broadcast, installation, and live sound markets. ProAudio.com will begin integrating its operations under the Sound Productions brand. During the transition, customers can continue to expect the same great service, with expanded access to SoundPro’s extensive inventory, educational resources, and technical expertise.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the talented ProAudio.com team to the SoundPro family,” said Joshua Curlett, CEO of Sound Productions. “Our companies share a long history in this industry and a deep respect for the professionals who power it. With this acquisition, SoundPro is expanding what we can offer customers across every market we serve, nationally.”

Read the full article here.

Biamp, ClearOne Execs Offer Further Clarity on Acquisition

Biamp announced it was acquiring assets from ClearOne. Those assets include several patents, plus intellectual property and brands related to audio processing, microphone array processing, echo cancellation, and beamforming designs and techniques. According to Rashid Skaf, Biamp president, CEO, and co-chairman, the move strengthens the company's "deep audio engineering foundation and will enhance future product innovations across our portfolio."

Joe Andrulis, EVP of corporate development for Biamp, provided SCN with more details about the acquisition. First, he clarified that the transaction was an asset purchase through which Biamp acquired only select designs, patents, and related technologies from ClearOne.

Read the full article here.

Pixel Power Acquired by Imagine Communications

Imagine Communications will acquire Pixel Power Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rohde & Schwarz, representing a strategic alignment for both companies. The move enables Imagine to offer broadcast customers an extensive portfolio of live production and playout solutions, while allowing Rohde and Schwarz to focus on its core operations in test and measurement, technology systems, and networks and cybersecurity. The acquisition is expected to close in 2025 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

Read the full article here.

Suirui International Required to Divest 2020 Acquisition of Jupiter Systems

On July 8, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a presidential order, retroactively prohibiting the February 2020 acquisition of Jupiter Systems by Hong Kong-based Suirui International and its larger Suirui Group. The company was given 120 days to divest its stake in Jupiter Systems' assets and property.

TAA-compliant video wall processors from Jupiter Systems power mission-critical control rooms across U.S. agencies, making it a high-stakes player in the national security conversation. According to Craig Stumbaugh, VP of global sales for Jupiter Systems, Suirui has been referred to as the "Zoom of China" because of its dominance in Asian markets—but its reach ends there.

The investigation of the acquisition began in late 2024 when questions around whether the proper documentation was submitted to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). While the investigation has not uncovered any security breaches, the review by CFIUS signals Washington's willingness to retroactively block a deal viewed as strategically risky.

Read the full article here.

Ross Video Acquires ioversal

Ross Video has acquired ioversal, creators of Vertex, an immersive experiences platform. The acquisition marks Ross Video’s expansion into experiential technologies, strengthening its end-to-end live production ecosystem.

The Vertex AV production suite is designed for interactive exhibits, live entertainment, large-scale productions, and dynamic projection mapping. Vertex provides the tools to unify video, audio, lighting, and control into one solution to create, manage, and automate captivating experiences.

Read the full article here.

Avidex Acquires CCS New England

Avidex announced the acquisition of CCS New England, one of the region’s premier systems integrators serving the greater New England region. The acquisition is part of Avidex’s strategic growth plan, aimed at expanding its reach in key U.S. markets to better serve enterprise, healthcare, education, and government clients.

“The acquisition of CCS New England represents a pivotal moment in our mission to transform how organizations collaborate, connect, and communicate while also supporting our strategy to expand Avidex’s impact in key regions across the United States,” said Jeff Davis, CEO, Avidex.

Read the full article here.

HARMAN Acquires Sound United. Here's What to Know

HARMAN International has completed the acquisition of Sound United. Sound United’s portfolio of audio brands includes Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics. HARMAN is now empowered to bring consumers more choice, deeper innovation, and exceptional experiences across listening environments.

This strategic milestone marks a significant expansion in HARMAN's core audio business and footprint across key product categories including home audio, electronics (amplifiers, hi-fi components, AVRs), headphones, and car audio. Combining Sound United’s distinguished portfolio with its audio business enables HARMAN to deliver a more comprehensive audio portfolio.

Read the full article here.

AVI-SPL Acquires CCS Presentation Systems Southwest

The acquisition of CCS Presentation Systems Southwest strengthens AVI-SPL’s resources in the U.S. Southwest region. This region has shown considerable growing demand for IT services covering the full lifecycle of unified communications, audiovisual, collaboration, and experience technology solutions.

Read the full article here.

AVI-SPL Acquisition Completed

On August 13, 2025, 26North Partners LP announced the completion of the acquisition of a controlling stake in AVI-SPL from Marlin Equity Partners and other selling shareholders. Marlin and select shareholders will retain a minority interest in the company. Financial terms were not disclosed. The agreement was announced in June.

Just hours after the announcement of AVI-SPL's acquisition by private equity firm 26North, AV Technology content director Cindy Davis sat down with CEO John Zettel to ask him the questions on everybody's minds and more

Watch the exclusive interview below:

AVI-SPL is a trusted partner to the world’s most recognized brands, serving more than 86% of the Fortune 100. The company delivers mission-critical AV, collaboration solutions, and experiential technology that power the modern workplace, with installation, integration, and managed services across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and the Asia-Pacific regions.

Read the full article here.

Kinly Merges with Yorktel

In August, Yorktel, a portfolio company of One Equity Partners, signed an agreement to combine with Kinly.

This strategic merger will significantly accelerate global growth and expand next-generation systems integration capabilities with a larger talent base and portfolio of managed services and technology offerings. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory and other approvals.

“This acquisition is an intentional step forward to grow with purpose and is an example of what is still to come as we pursue our strategy and deliver advanced solutions to our global clients,” said Ken Scaturro, CEO of Yorktel. “We are committed to leading the next wave of agentic transformation—simplifying operations, reducing complexity, and empowering organizations to work smarter, all while improving the customer experience.”

Read the full article here.

Wowza Accelerates AI-First Strategy with Acquisition

Wowza, known for its video streaming infrastructure for mission-critical applications, recently acquired AVA Intellect, an AI-native startup specializing in intelligent and embedded agent technology for video platforms. The acquisition reinforces Wowza’s commitment to embedding AI across the entire video lifecycle, starting with capabilities that drive immediate value for customers. As part of the acquisition, AVA’s co-founder, Mike Vitale, has joined Wowza as head of intelligence, accelerating Wowza’s shift toward an AI-first product strategy.

“What drew me to Wowza was the chance to pair next-gen AI with a platform that already powers some of the most demanding video infrastructure in the world,” Vitale said. “We’re building on that foundation with new intelligence that’s embeddable and aligned with how developers and product teams want to work today—across industries, use cases, and environments.”

Read the full article here.

Exclusive Interview: Hall Technologies' CEO on Acquisition of Atlona Portfolio from Panduit

Shortly after the announcement of the acquisition of the Atlona portfolio from Panduit, Hall Technologies' CEO, Ken Eagle, sat down with AV Technology's Cindy Davis to discuss the details behind the acquisition, its implications for employees, the evolution of the two brands, and the company's roadmap through 2026.

Watch the exclusive interview below.

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

Reported on June 30, Audinate entered into an agreement to acquire Iris Studio, which specializes in AI-powered, cloud-based camera control technology. Audinate and Iris are actively working on integrating future roadmaps to bring Iris functionality to Dante customers.

“The addition of Iris to the Dante ecosystem is a major step forward for the Dante platform,” commented Aidan Williams, co-founder and CEO of Audinate. “Combining Iris's broad applicability and cutting-edge remote production capabilities with powerful cloud-based management software like Dante Director will provide significant value for customers managing the millions of Dante-enabled devices in the field today.”

Read the full article here.

NETGEAR Acquires Exium

NETGEAR announced a definitive agreement to acquire Exium, a cybersecurity company, as part of its continuing investment in cloud-based solutions for advanced business connectivity. The acquisition builds on the company’s goal of delivering next-gen networking solutions that provide simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to small and medium enterprises. Exium’s products and expertise will help to add an integrated Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform to NETGEAR’s robust network offering. This solution will offer the first, completely integrated, network and security solution, purpose built for MSPs and SMEs.

Read the full article here.

CTI Acquires Candeo Vision of London

CTI has acquired Candeo Vision of London, U.K. The company is known for its expertise in AV integration, and its locations in London and Nottinghamshire mark CTI’s first presence in the U.K. CTI currently serves customers worldwide and across the United States as a member of the PSNI Global Alliance.

“In their nineteen years serving clients across the United Kingdom, Candeo Vision has built an excellent team and a great reputation,” said John Laughlin, CEO of CTI. “I’ve grown to admire the company through the work we’ve shared as members of the PSNI Global Alliance. They’re the right people to bring CTI into the UK, and I look forward to seeing them grow and prosper with the resources that CTI brings.”

This marks yet another acquisition since February 2024 for the audiovisual, IT, and unified communications (UCC) solutions provider. This is the third acquisition of 2025.

Read the full article here.

Sound Devices Acquires JH Audio

Sound Devices has announced the acquisition of JH Audio, a U.S.-based in-ear monitoring developer and manufacturer. The deal brings the two pro audio technology brands under the Audiotonix group portfolio, which also includes Allen & Heath, Calrec, DiGiCo, DiGiGrid, Fourier Audio, Harrison, KLANG:technologies, Slate Digital, Solid State Logic, and sonible.

“We couldn’t be more excited about bringing the JH Audio team into the Sound Devices fold," said Matt Anderson, CEO of Sound Devices. "Both teams’ R&D aspirations and the close link between RF and IEMs align perfectly, and with a focus on innovation to deliver future synergies across our Astral family and other products is one that has me, and the whole team here salivating, and one that should delight all our customers in the coming months.”

Read the full article here.

AVPro Global to Acquire RTI

AVPro Global Holdings has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI), known for its intelligent home and business control and automation solutions. With the move, AVPro is adding to a collection of companies that already includes AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, Bullet Train, ThenAudio, and Murideo.

RTI’s portfolio includes remote controls, automation apps, processors, touchpanels, keypads, and AV signal routing solutions. By uniting AVPro’s expertise in audio and video signal connectivity with RTI’s remote control and automation solutions, the company aims to drive accelerated innovation and deliver a seamless experience for end users.

Read the full article here.

Sonance Acquires Blaze Audio

Sonance has acquired Copenhagen, Denmark-based audio innovator Blaze Audio. This strategic acquisition secures the Blaze Audio brand and its sales and marketing operations, reinforcing Sonance’s long-term commitment to delivering complete audio solutions and enhancing its presence in the global professional audio sector.

"This is about more than just expanding our product portfolio," said Ari Supran, CEO of Sonance. "It’s about bringing together two companies that share a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-first thinking. Blaze Audio brings a bold, focused amplifier lineup and adds sound reinforcement loudspeakers that help fill out the Sonance Professional loudspeaker range. This combination will help us push the boundaries of how integrated audio can perform and look across professional, residential, and marine applications."

Read the full article here.

Lectrosonics Acquired by The Freedman Group

The Freedman Group, parent company of audio brands including RØDE, Mackie, Aphex, SoundField, and Event Electronics, has acquired Lectrosonics, the U.S. manufacturer of professional wireless audio systems.

Founded in 1971 and headquartered in New Mexico, Lectrosonics has been at the forefront of UHF wireless audio technology for film, broadcast, and high-end theater applications for over five decades.

Read the full article here.

CTI Acquires LightWerks

CTI has acquired LightWerks of Carson, CA. This expands CTI’s current operations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, while bringing Boise, Idaho, and Montana into CTI’s coverage for the first time. CTI serves customers worldwide as a member of the PSNI Global Alliance and across the US, with locations from Michigan to Texas and New Jersey to California.

Read the full article here.

AVI Systems Rebrands as FORTÉ

AVI Systems is ready to usher in a new era. Announced at its annual Global Sales Summit on April 22, in Dallas, with approximately 330 staff and nearly 300 partner attendees present, the integrator announced a rebranding to the name FORTÉ.

“We have become much more than an AV systems integrator,” Jeff Stoebner, CEO, FORTÉ, told SCN. “In recent years, we made a series of major investments to grow the business's capabilities and expanded office locations to serve every major market in the U.S. We’ve also expanded our global deployment capabilities, created robust managed services offering, developed five innovative practices areas with deep industry expertise, and we’re able to deliver solutions with unmatched speed with our Velocity solutions. Due to our expanded capabilities, we’ve become a strategic partner, helping our customers transform their modern workplace."

Read the full article here.

3G Productions Purchased Assets of Switch Video

Over the past two decades, West Coast-based 3G Productions has steadily grown its live event production services and systems integration businesses. Bolstering the company’s strategic plans to diversify its client base and further develop into a national brand, 3G Productions announced last month that it purchased the assets of Switch Video, a provider of video rental services for the film/television, corporate/tradeshow, and live event and touring industries.

3G assumed ownership of Switch Video’s operations in both Castaic, CA, and Atlanta, rebranding them as 3G Productions facilities. Switch’s leadership team—including industry veterans Alan Barber, Justin Edgerly, and Shawn Orm—will remain with 3G and will be tasked with leading the business development of the company’s new vertical markets.

Read the full article here.

Powersoft Acquires 51% of K-Array

Powersoft Group today announced a binding investment agreement to acquire 51% of the share capital of K-Array from H.P. Sound Equipment. The agreement also allows for Powersoft to purchase the remaining 49% of K-Array's share capital. The transaction is expected to close by next month.

By combining its know-how in amplification systems, signal processing, and transducers with K-Array's expertise in compact, high-performance loudspeaker engineering and design, Powersoft will be able to accelerate its expansion in these markets and strengthen its position. The combination will also open up new joint business opportunities and allow for the expansion of business offerings into new market segments within the Powersoft portfolio. Plus, the combined presence of the two companies through their distribution networks will drive greater penetration in high-growth markets such as Asia and Latin America, further consolidating the Group's global positioning.

Read the full article here.

LG Acquires Majority Stake in Bear Robotics

LG Electronics has taken a significant step in advancing its robotics capabilities by securing a majority stake in Bear Robotics, a prominent Silicon Valley-based startup specializing in AI-driven autonomous service robots.

On Jan. 22, LG’s board of directors exercised a call option to acquire an additional 30% stake in Bear Robotics. This follows an initial investment of $60 million in March 2024, which secured LG a 21% stake and a call option agreement for up to an additional 30% stake. Upon completion of the call option exercise, LG will hold a controlling 51% stake in Bear Robotics, effectively incorporating it as a subsidiary.

Read the full article here.

CTI Acquires Delta AV

CTI has acquired Delta AV of Gresham, OR, which has been serving clients in and around the Portland area for almost 30 years. CTI serves customers worldwide as a member of the PSNI Global Alliance and across the United States, with locations from Michigan to Texas and New Jersey to California.

Read the full article here.

Xpect Solutions Acquires GovDefender

Systems integrator Xpect Solutions, which has been delivering IT and physical security solutions to federal agencies for more than 20 years, recently announced its acquisition of GovDefender, which is known for systems modernization as well as enterprise IT web, mobile, and application development. The strategic acquisition enhances Xpect Solutions’ ability to provide technology solutions for federal law enforcement and national security customers.

Read the full article here.

New Year's Acquisition: AVI Systems to Add AVCON

AVI Systems is starting the New Year with a new acquisition. Today, the company announced it will acquire Cary, NC-based AVCON, a systems integration firm that designs, installs, and maintains AVL technologies for companies, houses of worship, and other organizations. The acquisition will close on Jan. 15 and will include transitioning all AVCON employees to AVI Systems.

“AVCON’s founder, Frank Yarborough, has built an incredible company with a stellar reputation for audiovisual design and support,” said Jeff Stoebner, CEO of AVI Systems. “The alignment between AVI and AVCON is quite remarkable in that both organizations strive to be a trusted advisor to each customer we serve. I look forward to having Frank and his team become employee-owners at AVI Systems and help us continue our growth trajectory.”

Read the full article here.

Out-of-home (OOH) ad-tech provider Broadsign has acquired Place Exchange, an independent OOH supply-side platform (SSP), with a minority investment from Crestline Investors. Combining Broadsign’s content management system, ad serving, and buy-and-sell side capabilities with Place Exchange’s SSP and complementary solutions, the acquisition bolsters Broadsign’s global programmatic digital OOH offering and fast-tracks innovation across its entire OOH ad-tech portfolio. Broadsign publishers will be able to tap into new demand sources while Place Exchange’s DSP partners and media buyers gain access to premium international inventory on the Broadsign Platform.

[You Can Make an Impact]

“Demand for OOH advertising continues to hold strong, but for the OOH market to seize new growth opportunities, rapid evolution is key," shared Burr Smith, CEO, Broadsign. "The acquisition of Place Exchange will allow Broadsign to deliver the most comprehensive OOH advertising solution in the market. We see the future of OOH as smarter, more efficient, dynamic, and measurable. With Place Exchange’s team and technology, and Crestline’s investment, Broadsign will deliver on that vision much faster.”

Broadsign is acquiring the Place Exchange platform, including its expansive network of inventory in the United States and abroad, deep demand-side platform integrations, and suite of innovative programmatic solutions, including the PerView OOH measurement solution. The Place Exchange SSP supports workflows for planning, targeting, delivery, reporting, and attribution that are similar to online, mobile, and other digital ad channels.

Place Exchange also offers advanced programmatic guaranteed capabilities, reach and frequency measurement, audience-based targeting on a per-screen level, dynamic bid triggers, geospatial targeting for moving media, advanced analytics and reporting, and more. Place Exchange has also developed pioneering solutions for on-screen cinema, programmatic audio, place-based video, and in-store retail media, expanding the scope of digital OOH (DOOH) across the larger digital media ecosystem.

With the acquisition, Place Exchange CEO Ari Buchalter and the Place Exchange team have also joined Broadsign. “OOH is having a major moment, with more buyers and DSPs of all shapes and sizes leaning into the medium, sparking a new era of innovation," said Buchalter. "The combination of Place Exchange and Broadsign comes at a perfect time, unleashing the most complete OOH advertising solution built by the industry’s leading platforms to meet this demand. Together with Broadsign, we’ll be able to accelerate the advancement of OOH workflows, with a focus on automation and data, to reimagine how the channel is bought, sold, and measured for the better.”

Marking Broadsign’s fourth acquisition in less than seven years, the agreement expands Broadsign’s team to 370 employees globally, and its network of programmatically transactable OOH inventory to 1.8 million screens. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Today, VITEC formally announced the acquisition of Datapath, a strategic move designed to strengthen VITEC’s video wall and video distribution portfolio, offering customers access to expanded engineering capability, customer support, distribution, and geographical reach. Datapath is known for its real-time video processing for large-scale video walls, AVoIP content distribution, and KVM control in mission-critical control rooms, commercial applications, and creative environments.

The integration will see Datapath’s product names and categories—including its video wall controllers and processors, AVoIP solutions, capture cards, and control room solutions—preserved within the VITEC portfolio. VITEC intends to maintain familiarity, while enhancing support and development capabilities for Datapath. Datapath serves customers in more than 100 countries across multiple verticals.

Datapath's advanced video wall processing, multi-display graphics, and AVoIP engineering expertise will be integrated into VITEC's solutions, allowing it to offer a broader range of capabilities to support IPTV distribution applications. Once the integration is complete, nearly 50% of VITEC’s workforce will be engineers, underscoring the company’s commitment to technical innovation and customer-centric development.

Phil Webster, VP of R&D for VITEC, was leading the R&D team at Datapath. Now, he will be responsible for the engineering teams across the entire VITEC portfolio of video streaming solutions. “Bringing VITEC and Datapath together will allow us to accelerate product development and offer an even broader range of solutions, features, and services," he said. "We’ve worked hard internally to align systems and strengthen both businesses, and we’re excited to integrate our combined expertise."

Nicolas Quesne, deputy CEO of VITEC, said the company's portfolio complements VITEC's IPTV distribution technologies and opens new opportunities in the control room sector. "This move marks an exciting new phase for VITEC as we continue our growth as a company,” he added.

Yes indeed, Pro AV faithful. Another week sees yet another major Pro AV acquisition. This week it was SoundPro adding to its brand.

SoundPro acquired ProAudio.com, based in Grand Prairie, TX. ProAudio.com will begin integrating its operations under the Sound Productions brand. During the transition, customers can continue to expect the same great service, with expanded access to SoundPro’s extensive inventory, educational resources, and technical expertise. You can get the full details in our complete coverage by clicking here.

There was plenty more that occurred. Get caught up below.

People News

Almo Pro AV Introduces Revitalized Hospitality Leadership Team

Almo Pro AV has formed its newly revitalized Hospitality Leadership Team. The strategic move is designed to accelerate growth, strengthen customer partnerships, and deliver technology, furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), and service opportunities to the thriving hospitality industry.

The division is led by SCN The Nine 2023 alum Karen Castaño, recently appointed VP of hospitality, who brings more than a decade of proven leadership and strategic experience to the role. Under her direction, the hospitality division is focused on expanding Almo’s market presence and enhancing its end-to-end support for resellers, integrators, and hospitality customers nationwide.

Joining Castaño are Gregory Kokorda, director of FF&E sales and Ashley Parrent, director of sales, Hospitality. Kokorda oversees Almo Pro AV’s FF&E sales strategy, leveraging years of experience in hospitality design and product integration. Known for his consultative approach and attention to detail, Kokorda helps partners deliver cohesive, functional, and visually compelling environments that enhance the guest experience. He plays a key role in advancing Almo’s position as a comprehensive solutions provider for hotels and resorts nationwide. Parrent manages sales strategy and partner development within the Almo Hospitality Division. With a strong background in Pro AV and hospitality technology, Parrent is dedicated to helping resellers and integrators grow their business while delivering exceptional guest-focused outcomes. Her leadership ensures customers receive personalized, end-to-end support from planning through installation.

Fivestone Studios, Bella Add Creative Leader Gregory Hadden

The digital experiential specialists at Fivestone Studios, along with their colleagues at commercial production and post company Bella, welcome creative innovator Gregory Hadden to their teams as EVP, Creative and Growth. Hadden brings more than two decades of global creative leadership experience to his new role, having built and led studios and campaigns for the likes of Google, PepsiCo, Ram Trucks, Hasbro, IBM, and IKEA. As the founder of TMI, creator of Motive Made Studios, and architect of Project Unlimited Productions, he has pioneered new possibilities for clients through storytelling, tech, community, and commerce, proving that big ideas are the driving force behind sustainable growth.

As EVP, Creative and Growth, he works across Fivestone Studios and Bella to shape integrated growth strategies, build long-term client partnerships, and drive creative excellence across every discipline, from film and design to brand strategy, emerging tech, and original IP.

Renkus-Heinz Appoints Jonathan Phillips as CRO

Renkus-Heinz has appointed Jonathan Phillips as chief revenue officer. Phillips oversees global partnerships and revenue strategy. Phillips brings 25-plus years of expertise scaling technology companies from innovation to market. A named inventor on patents in materials processing and algorithmic analysis, he secured multi-million-dollar development programs from the Canadian government while advancing manufacturing technologies with an advanced science team at Equispheres. Earlier, he built and led Canadian operations for Cintex Metal Detection Systems through its acquisition by 3i and co-led Canadian Inkjet Systems to its sale to Domino Printing Sciences.

.“I’m thrilled to join the Renkus-Heinz leadership team at such a pivotal moment in the company’s journey,” stated Phillips. “With its legacy of innovation and a rapidly expanding portfolio of transformative solutions, Renkus-Heinz has strong technology and market position in professional audio. I'm focused on accelerating revenue growth through expanded distribution channels and deeper customer relationships in all key markets.”

RG Jones Sound Engineering Announces Pro Audio Restructure

RG Jones is expanding its Pro Audio division. After it found its new leader in commercial manager Sam Thomas in November 2024, RG Jones has appointed Sam Brazier and Ricky Spiers as project managers in the RG Jones Sound Engineering Pro Audio Division, alongside significant investment in its audio inventory.

Braizer is a theatrically trained engineer with a list of credits from touring and London’s West End. His expertise is in delivering complex audio systems with the key attention to detail required by musical theatre. Taking this knowledge into RG Jones’s client base is a challenge he is really looking forward to.

For Spiers, the relationship with RG Jones began almost a decade ago, working as a freelancer on many of the larger shows the company oversees. This knowledge of of the RG Jones landscape means Spiers is well placed to head up the day-to-day running of the Pro Audio division.

SoundPro Welcomes Hector Varela to the Sales Team

SoundPro welcomed Hector Varela to its sales team. With almost two decades of experience in the AV industry, Varela brings a deep understanding of both the technical and musical sides of sound. Before joining SoundPro, he worked with GC Pro for 18 years, managing projects ranging from live sound to system installations. As a seasoned front-of-house engineer, Varela has mixed for concerts, conferences, and a wide variety of live events, and he’s also known for his expertise in house of worship system design and consulting.

Company News

Neutrik Group Americas Announces Partnerships with New Manufacturer’s Rep Firms

Neutrik Group Americas announced the new addition of four electronics manufacturing rep firms that will represent Neutrik Group products throughout their North American and Mexican territories. These companies include CBC Electronics, LuscomBridge, MacInnis Group, and Kruvand Associates.

Located in Sorrento, FL, CBC Electronics was founded in 1972 and represents Neutrik Group products throughout Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Headquartered in Campbell, CA, LuscomBridge represents the union of Luscombe Engineering of San Francisco and Bridge Marketing. LuscomBridge will represent Neutrik Group throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada. The MacInnis Group has offices in Massachusetts, Long Island, and Upstate New York. Based in Dallas, TX, Kruvand Associates will represent Neutrik Group throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico.

More Renkus-Heinz News: Company Strengthens Northeastern Presence

Renkus-Heinz has a new sales rep agreement with the John B. Anthony. Backed by JBA’s regional expertise, the new partnership will bring Renkus-Heinz’s solutions to the New York and New Jersey region, reinforcing Renkus-Heinz's market presence throughout the Northeast.

JBA was founded in 1960 and is a regional provider of sales, marketing, and support solutions for the Pro AV market. The team has extensive experience in many areas of the industry, from pro audio and video to AV integration. Specializing in market verticals such as house of worship, sports venues and theater, JBA is positioned to ensure Renkus-Heinz’s advanced audio products are installed in the right applications to deliver optimum performance and customer satisfaction.

Sontronics Relaunches in US in Partnership with KMC Music

Sontronics has officially relaunched in the United States through a new partnership with KMC Music. This marks a major new chapter for the Sontronics brand as it brings its microphones to the states with renewed focus, expanded availability, and a long-term commitment to the American market.

Through this partnership, Sontronics will be represented exclusively in the U.S. by KMC Music, giving artists, engineers, producers and performers direct access to the full range of British-designed microphones.

Pro AV Around the World

Bolin Technology appointed Trigitec B.V. as the master distributor for Bolin products in the European Union. Through this agreement, Trigitec will represent Bolin’s complete portfolio of PTZ cameras, decoders, controllers, and AV over IP solutions throughout the EU, providing regional sales, marketing, technical support, and distribution services. The partnership ensures that Bolin’s European resellers and system integrators receive direct access to local expertise, faster product availability, and dedicated pre and post-sales assistance. Based in the Netherlands, Trigitec B.V. brings years of experience in professional AV distribution, systems integration, and technical consulting.

Humly is expanding its presence in Italy by appointing AGC The Company, led by founder Darwin Alessandro Cannavò, together with Alessandro Guerra, as its official commercial agency for the Italian market. AGC The Company will spearhead Humly’s local sales efforts, driving adoption of the brand’s hardware and software solutions for space booking, scheduling, visitor management, and workplace optimization across Italy. The new partnership reflects growing demand in Italy for smart, user-friendly workplace tools. The market is showing that organizations increasingly seek integrated solutions to book rooms, desks, and parking spaces, manage visitor journeys, and streamline workflows.

Utelogy Corporation is expanding its long-standing partnership with Continuant, a global audiovisual and unified communications (AV/UC) integrator and managed service provider. Together, the two companies are deepening their collaboration in the United Kingdom to deliver a unified solution for intelligent AV/UC management and support. Utelogy and Continuant have partnered for several years in North America, delivering innovative, service-driven AV and UC solutions to enterprise customers across multiple sectors. With this expansion into the U.K., Continuant will continue to leverage the Utelogy Platform to provide clients with real-time monitoring, analytics, and automation for their AV and UC environments, ensuring consistent performance and optimized operations across global deployments.

Sound Productions (SoundPro) has acquired ProAudio.com, based in Grand Prairie, TX. Founded in 1971 as Crouse-Kimzey Company, ProAudio.com has been a resource in the Pro AV with deep roots in broadcast, installation, and live sound markets. ProAudio.com will begin integrating its operations under the Sound Productions brand. During the transition, customers can continue to expect the same great service, with expanded access to SoundPro’s extensive inventory, educational resources, and technical expertise.

[Pro AV Newsmakers: A Huge Acquisition, a New CEO, and What Else You May Have Missed]

“We’re thrilled to welcome the talented ProAudio.com team to the SoundPro family,” said Joshua Curlett, CEO of Sound Productions. “Our companies share a long history in this industry and a deep respect for the professionals who power it. With this acquisition, SoundPro is expanding what we can offer customers across every market we serve, nationally.”

The acquisition comes during a period of rapid growth for SoundPro, which has recently expanded its national footprint, invested in advanced operational technology and logistics capabilities, and continues to build strong relationships with manufacturers and integrators. By uniting two trusted Texas-based organizations with shared values and complementary strengths, SoundPro is poised to deliver an even higher level of service and support to customers nationwide.

“SoundPro’s growth has been fueled by a simple promise—treat people right and always deliver excellence,” added Mark Bradford. “ProAudio.com has lived by the same principle for more than 50 years. This partnership honors that legacy and creates exciting opportunities for our teams, partners, and customers.”

QSC, a leader in professional audio, video, and control solutions, has announced a strategic decision to divest its DCS (Digital Cinema Speaker) product line to Moving iMage Technologies (MiT). This decision underscores QSC's long-standing commitment to expanding its Q-SYS networked device portfolio, a foundational component of its Full Stack AV Platform.

About the Transaction

As of October 31, 2025, MiT has assumed full responsibility for the manufacturing, distribution, and servicing of all DCS products. The deal includes the entire Digital Cinema Series (DCS) loudspeaker product line, including all products sold under it. This specifically covers the Screen Channel ("SC"), Subwoofer ("SB"), Surround ("SR"), and Screen Channel ("RSC") product lines.

Moving iMage Technologies (MiT), a publicly traded company and a prominent provider of technology, products, and services to the Motion Picture Exhibition industry, is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California. MiT was founded in 2003 and has a history of collaboration with QSC, having acquired QSC's USL Accessibility product line in 2022. “It feels nice to be passing this legacy onto a company with whom we have a strong history, and we trust will continue to do great things with this line,” Heyn said.

“As a longstanding focus to grow Q-SYS, the DCS loudspeaker product line has become a non-core part of our long-term growth strategy,” Heyn added. “However, the DCS product line’s strong legacy and customer base made it a natural fit for a focused cinema provider like MiT.” This transaction allows MiT to take the lead in supporting and growing the DCS product line, ensuring continuity of service for existing customers, while QSC simplifies operations and focuses on its core businesses.

A Laser Focus on Full-Stack AV

While divesting the DCS loudspeaker line, QSC assures its customers that the Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform is primed for the cinema market. “Cineplexes operators are always looking to create seamless, connected experiences across their multiple space types— lobbies & concessions, hospitality zones, rental meeting spaces, arcades & immersive attractions, and more.

Heyn explained the Q-SYS customer value and key differentiator through the lens of Place, Space, and Applications. “Traditional AV providers tend to operate only at the Application level—offering point solutions that were not designed to connect those Applications across an entire Space, much less bridge the data-driven insights necessary to deliver a truly holistic experience for a given Place like a cineplex.”

The Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform, however, was designed to unify Spaces and scale across diverse Places—whether high-performance workplaces, higher education environments, or entertainment destinations.

QSC will support this platform-focused vision, in part, through its robust portfolio of loudspeakers, including NL Series networked loudspeakers, high-performance installation loudspeakers like PL Series, commercial loudspeakers like AcousticDesign Series, and active loudspeaker solutions, including QSC K Class, L Class, and C Class.

On Monday, Biamp announced it was acquiring assets from ClearOne. Those assets include several patents, plus intellectual property and brands related to audio processing, microphone array processing, echo cancellation, and beamforming designs and techniques. According to Rashid Skaf, Biamp president, CEO, and co-chairman, the move strengthens the company's "deep audio engineering foundation and will enhance future product innovations across our portfolio."

Joe Andrulis, EVP of corporate development for Biamp, provided SCN with more details about the acquisition. First, he clarified that the transaction was an asset purchase through which Biamp acquired only select designs, patents, and related technologies from ClearOne.

“We do not plan to offer or support ClearOne-branded products,” he continued. "Instead, we’ll leverage these assets to accelerate innovation in areas such as microphone array design, DSP processing, and overall room audio performance—enhancing our future product roadmap.”

So, will the ClearOne brand remain? "ClearOne remains a publicly traded company with operations independent of the assets acquired by Biamp," Andrulis explained. "However, use of the ClearOne brand in association with products derived from the acquired technology is unlikely to continue beyond 2026."

The transaction was an asset purchase and did not involve personnel, so where does this leave ClearOne? According to Derek Graham, CEO, ClearOne, it's not going anywhere and it's not leaving its customers in a lurch.

“ClearOne will continue to exist as a public company after this asset sale,” Graham said. “We believe that this asset sale is the best way to maximize value for current shareholders while allowing the company to pivot to take advantage of new business opportunities in the future. We appreciate the support of our channel partners and customers over the years, and we plan to continue to provide support for our products consistent with our published warranty policy.”

Biamp has entered into an agreement to acquire assets of ClearOne, including intellectual property and brands. Announced today, the acquisition adds signal-processing designs and patents to the Biamp technology portfolio.

[Pro AV Newsmakers: Zones Enters Pro AV, Plus The Screen Works New Chapter Begins]

For more than two decades, ClearOne engineers have made innovative contributions in DSP, acoustic echo cancellation, microphone array processing, and beamforming/beam-steering techniques. The acquired assets include designs and several significant patents associated with beamforming microphone arrays and related audio signal-processing innovations.

“ClearOne helped set benchmarks in professional audio, particularly in beamforming microphones and core DSP,” said Rashid Skaf, Biamp president, CEO, and co-chairman. “Bringing these assets into Biamp strengthens our already deep audio engineering foundation and will enhance future product innovations across our portfolio. Our mission remains delivering the most reliable, best-sounding experiences in the market, and these assets align squarely with that goal.”

Biamp does not assume any obligations to continue selling, supporting, or developing ClearOne-branded products as a result of this transaction. The company’s focus is on thoughtful integration of selected IP and designs into future Biamp solutions in ways that elevate performance, ease of deployment, and long-term value for customers.

Imagine Communications will acquire Pixel Power Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rohde & Schwarz, representing a strategic alignment for both companies. The move enables Imagine to offer broadcast customers an extensive portfolio of live production and playout solutions, while allowing Rohde and Schwarz to focus on its core operations in test and measurement, technology systems, and networks and cybersecurity. The acquisition is expected to close in 2025 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

[Avidex Acquires CCS New England]

“This alignment not only opens up exciting new opportunities to scale our innovation but also ensures customers benefit from more tailored solutions, improved support, and a stronger foundation for evolving workflows,” added James Gilbert, deputy CEO of Pixel Power. “Our team is energized by the possibilities ahead and ready to help in shaping the next chapter of broadcast technology.”

Imagine and Pixel Power have a shared vision for the IP and cloud-based future of broadcast and digital streaming markets. This strategic acquisition enables Imagine to immediately broaden its live production ecosystem and playout offerings via integration of Pixel Power’s software-defined, deploy-anywhere platforms—bringing together complementary approaches, technologies, and engineering expertise that will provide customers with deeper integration possibilities and a broader set of tools to meet every need.

The addition of Pixel Power’s PRISMON multiviewer, which delivers powerful master control and cloud capabilities, will complement the ultra-low-latency production capabilities of Imagine’s popular SNP Multiviewer and enable Imagine to offer the most comprehensive portfolio of IP and IP-hybrid multiviewer solutions available on the market.

Imagine will maintain the Cambridge facility, combine Pixel Power’s existing support with Imagine’s care and services team, and fully support all current global customers and the installed base for Pixel Power’s PRISMON, Gallium, and StreamMaster platforms.

“We are proud of the achievements of Pixel Power, and we are confident that Imagine is the right home for their continued growth and expansion," said Thorsten Sauer, CEO of Pixel Power and VP media solutions of Rohde & Schwarz. “This move allows us to focus more deeply on our core operations and customer base while ensuring that we pass the reins to a new owner who cares deeply about our customer base and will take the business to the next level.”

Pixel Power customers and partners can expect the same level of service, now backed by Imagine’s focused broadcast industry resources and expertise. All parties are firmly focused on continuity and are working together to ensure a smooth and collaborative transition.

October opened with a bang as more acquisitions stole the Pro AV spotlight.

First, Ross Video announced its acquisition of ioversal, creators of Vertex, an immersive experiences platform. The move marks Ross Video’s expansion into experiential technologies, strengthening its end-to-end live production ecosystem. You can get all the details in our coverage by clicking here.

Later that same day, Avidex announced the acquisition of CCS New England, one of the region’s premier systems integrators serving the greater New England region. The acquisition is part of Avidex’s strategic growth plan, aimed at expanding its reach in key U.S. markets to better serve enterprise, healthcare, education, and government clients. We had the exclusive inside scoop, so get all the information by clicking here.

Now, buckle up. There are a bevy of people movers and partnerships to in which we have to get get you caught up.

People News

Pedro Andres Sanchez Joins Fivestone Studios as Executive Creative Director

Fivestone Studios welcomed Pedro Andres Sanchez to its team as executive creative director.

A creative leader with nearly two decades of experience, Andres Sanchez is widely recognized for blending design, technology, and storytelling to create immersive and interactive experiences. He has directed major permanent experiential projects for brands including T-Mobile, Verizon, IBM, Harley-Davidson, and McDonald’s. Most recently as GVP, group creative director for Razorfish, he led the Physical x Digital team in crafting large-scale immersive retail experiences and interactive brand activations. Prior to that, as creative director at Leviathan (now Envoy Chicago), he oversaw multidisciplinary teams delivering immersive experiences for branded environments, executive briefing centers, and public spaces.

Kokusai Denki Amplifies Sales Team with Adam Daniul

KOKUSAI DENKI Electric America has appointed industry veteran Adam Daniul to its sales team. Daniul takes on the role of Southeast regional manager, initially covering the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

He joins KOKUSAI DENKI direct from FOR-A Corporation. His 12 years of experience at FOR-A, including nearly four years as VP sales and more than five years serving the Southeast, has also kept him well-versed in regional business trends, some of which share parallels across verticals.

Daniul is leveraging his strong industry relationships across the region and brand knowledge to develop new business, drive sales, and serve existing customers across KOKUSAI DENKI’s customer base. Those customers include both end users and the company’s regional channel partner network, including integrators, dealers and rental houses. Daniul’s depth of experience also includes several years with a distribution firm and a manufacturer’s representative which, along with his time at FOR-A, have prepared him with a broad industry of how the channel business operates and thrives.

Nemal Welcomes Adeline Ferro as Director of Business Development

Adeline Ferro, MBA, has joined Nemal Electronics as its new director of business development. She is leading Nemal’s expanding efforts in healthcare technology, focusing on OR connectivity solutions built with Neutrik’s Hybrid Med connectors. She also serves as a link between Nemal's sales representatives throughout the Americas and its engineering team, ensuring the delivery of custom solutions tailored to clients' needs.

With over 25 years of experience in broadcast and Pro AV—including leadership roles at Viacom—Ferro brings deep industry knowledge and a customer-first mindset to Nemal.

PPDS Welcomes ‘Edutech Expert’ Emily Pirtle

PPDS appointed "AV expert," Emily Pirtle, in a move further strengthening its sales team in North America. In her newly created role of regional sales manager for TOLA, encompassing Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, Pirtle is focused on four key growth markets representing over 3.5 million small businesses and opportunities.

With an accomplished career spanning over 20 years, she brings a diverse set of skills and knowledge to the PPDS North America team, with specialist expertise and leadership experience in sales, account management, client relations, strategic planning, and business development. Her primary responsibilities include developing and managing relationships with integrators, resellers, and customers, identifying new sales opportunities and leads, and collaborating with partners.

She will also work with national and international teams to develop and implement new strategies to further increase and expand brand recognition and drive product awareness of PPDS' evolving portfolio of award winning Philips Professional Displays, and complementary hardware and software solutions, to a wider audience.

ProjX360 Appoints Kristina Marshall as Onboarding Director

ProjX360 hired Kristina Marshall as onboarding director. Marshall leads initiatives to help new clients learn ProjX360 and adopt proven workflows that streamline operations from sales through service.

Marshall brings over a decade of experience spanning both integration and SaaS solutions for the AV industry. She served at Portal.io from 2017 through 2025, where she worked closely with dealers and manufacturers to simplify quoting and procurement processes. Prior to that, she worked as a system designer and project manager at Kiwi Audio Visual (2013–2017), overseeing design, documentation, and job execution from pre-wire through project completion.

Company News

AC Americas Announces U.S Distribution Partnership with Innosonix

AC Americas announced its exclusive partnership with German audio innovator Innosonix for distribution across the United States. Innosonix is known for its advanced DSP-driven Class D amplifiers, offering up to 32 channels in a single rack unit. Its technology is designed for demanding applications in immersive audio, themed entertainment, and architectural installations—where precision, scalability, and reliability are paramount.

This strategic alliance marks a significant expansion of AC Americas’ audio portfolio, bringing Innosonix’s multi-channel amplifier technology to the U.S. market for the first time under an exclusive agreement.

Humly Partners With Avitor for Irish Distribution

Humly announced a new partnership with Irish AV distributor Avitor that will introduce the workplace solutions to businesses and campuses throughout Ireland. This collaboration marks Humly’s official entry into the Irish market.

Avitor, a value-added distributor in the AV and collaboration space, has selected Humly as a key addition to its brand portfolio for all-in-one professional space booking and management. The partnership reflects the increasing demand from organizations for smart, user-friendly workplace tools to book rooms, desks, and parking spaces, manage visitor journeys, and more — across one ecosystem featuring Humly’s hardware and/or software solutions.

Listen Technologies Partners with Akoio

Listen Technologies has partnered with Akoio, a company dedicated to hearing wellness through accessibility and lifelong sound health for both organizations and individuals, to expand education and access to inclusive audio experiences. The collaboration will highlight how innovative assistive listening technologies like Auracast broadcast audio are helping more people hear clearly in public and private spaces.

Akoio helps organizations adopt impactful solutions that meet the everyday needs of their employees. Together, they will ensure organizations are inspired to act and equipped with the strategies and tools to create environments where people can thrive. Listen Technologies and Akoio will focus on education, awareness, and strategic implementations to demonstrate the human and business impacts of access to clear audio.

Midwich Partners with Lightware Visual Engineering

Midwich announced a new U.S. distribution partnership with Lightware Visual Engineering. Through this partnership, Midwich will bring Lightware’s portfolio, including its Taurus UCX platform, advanced matrix switchers, AV over IP technologies, and USB-C connectivity solutions to integrators, resellers, and end users across the United States. Midwich customers will also benefit from dedicated sales support, training, and technical expertise to help them design and deploy Lightware solutions in a wide range of environments.

POPE Professional joins RAVENNA partner community

Lawo, developer of the RAVENNA audio-over-IP technology, welcomes Indian Pro AV company POPE Professional Acoustics Ltd as the latest partner to the thriving RAVENNA community.

POPE Professiona is known for its innovative range of audio solutions including loudspeakers, subwoofers, line arrays, amplifiers and digital signal processors. The company also offers comprehensive manufacturing, audio system design, installation and support, and has contributed to numerous high-profile projects across the country.

SMPTE 2025 Media Technology Summit Plans Unveiled

SMPTE, the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, has announced plans for this year’s Media Technology Summit. SMPTE’s annual conference focusing on media innovations, solutions, and technologies is taking place Oct. 13-16 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA.

This year’s Summit will feature multiple technical conference tracks. Highlights include a Live Broadcast Symposium with sessions from the EBU, Marvel Studios, and AWS, as well as a Global AI Standards Forum with presentations from Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and others. SMPTE is also expanding its Solutions Hub, where attendees can explore three Interactive Zones: Acquisition & Live Capture, Processing & Post Production, and Delivery & Consumer Display. Each zone will spotlight the latest workflows and technologies that are shaping the future of media.

This news comes on the heels of SMPTE being recognized with a Technology and Engineering Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) for its ST 2067 family of standards, which defines the Interoperable Master Format (IMF). SMPTE, along with Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA), Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI), and University of Southern California’s Entertainment Technology Center (USC-ETC), will be honored at the upcoming 76th Annual Technology and Engineering Emmy Awards. The ceremony is set to take place on December 4, 2025, at Prince George’s Ballroom in New York City.

Ross Video has acquired ioversal, creators of Vertex, an immersive experiences platform. The acquisition marks Ross Video’s expansion into experiential technologies, strengthening its end-to-end live production ecosystem.

[HARMAN Among a Slew of Acquisitions Last Week]

The Vertex AV production suite is designed for interactive exhibits, live entertainment, large-scale productions, and dynamic projection mapping. Vertex provides the tools to unify video, audio, lighting, and control into one solution to create, manage, and automate captivating experiences.

“Vertex gives our customers a powerful new way to tell their stories,” said David Ross, CEO of Ross Video. “It also extends our live production solutions into the experiential world, opening creative possibilities that inspire audiences everywhere.”

The acquisition underscores Ross Video’s commitment to broadening its portfolio across broadcast, sports, entertainment, and live events, offering customers a unified toolkit that combines live video production with experiential AV. With decades of expertise in media servers and interactive control systems, the ioversal team strengthens Ross Video's ability to deliver innovative and engaging end-to-end solutions.

“From the very beginning, our mission with Vertex has been to simplify complex audiovisual productions and give creators the freedom to focus on storytelling rather than technical hurdles,” said Martin Kuhn, co-founder of ioversal. “Together, we’ll be able to bring Vertex to an even wider audience and unlock incredible new possibilities for experiential media. We are deeply proud of what our team has built and are excited to be part of the Ross Video family."

Ross Video has acquired LAMA, a developer of audio production software known for its innovative live mixing solutions. This move strengthens Ross Video’s audio solution set and core audio technology, while bringing in a highly experienced team in audio-focused solutions.

[AVI-SPL Acquires CCS Presentation Systems Southwest]

“We are excited to welcome the LAMA team to Ross,” said Jeff Moore, EVP and chief marketing officer of Ross Video. “Ross Video has built its legacy on giving our customers everything they need to connect with their audiences. This acquisition extends our audio capabilities, both on-premises and in the cloud.”

LAMA’s software is designed to streamline live audio workflows, whether operated by seasoned audio engineers or streaming content creators. Built for speed, flexibility, and integration, it supports use cases ranging from live broadcasts and esports to corporate events and streaming. Its features address connectivity, mixing, and mix automation with a modern, software-defined approach.

The acquisition reinforces Ross Video’s commitment to providing end-to-end solutions for live production. With LAMA, Ross customers will gain access to fully integrated audio mixing tools that complement their existing video workflows, removing silos and streamlining production.

“We’re always listening to our customers, and they kept telling us how impressed they were with LAMA’s intuitive approach to audio mixing,” said Nigel Spratling, VP of production switchers at Ross Video. “When we took a closer look, it was clear LAMA had built something truly special: technology that’s modern, efficient, and aligned with the needs of today’s operators."

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

[AVI-SPL Acquisition Completed]

This acquisition strengthens AVI-SPL’s resources in the U.S. southwest region. This region has shown considerable growing demand for IT services covering the full lifecycle of unified communications, audiovisual, collaboration, and experience technology solutions.

“Our vision is to help organizations everywhere work smarter and live better,” said John Zettel, chief executive officer of AVI-SPL. “We believe by bringing CCS Southwest’s resources and regional knowledge together with AVI-SPL, we will ensure an elevated local customer experience where our customers need us most.”

Organizations of all sizes and sectors are rethinking how to meaningfully engage their stakeholders and create flexible work models and educational spaces where people connect and communicate from anywhere, at any time. The combined portfolio of AVI-SPL and CCS Southwest will deliver enhanced UC, AV, and experience technology, along with a suite of professional, managed, and support services to enable customers to easily plan, deploy, operate, and optimize their technology investments.

“As the co-founders of CCS, my wife Beth and I are filled with pride and excitement as we look toward the next chapter for the company we started 34 years ago,” said CCS founder and CEO John Godbout. “What began as a two-person operation has grown into something far greater than we could have ever imagined, thanks to the dedication of our employees, the loyalty of our customers, and the support of our vendor partners. We are confident that AVI-SPL will carry this legacy forward with the same passion and commitment.”

Further, the acquisition by AVI-SPL will provide CCS Southwest’s customers with immediate access to AVI-SPL global operations that support multinational projects with a centrally managed, delivery program that oversees in-country purchasing, project management, and day-two support services. CCS Southwest customers will now have access to the AVI-SPL Symphony platform to monitor, manage, and analyze their entire collaboration estate.

Another week in Pro AV brings yet another big acquisition. Yorktel, along with One Equity Partners, announced an agreement to combine with Kinly last Tuesday, Aug. 12. The two firms will merge into a workplace experience and collaboration provider with expanded reach. Be sure to check out our full coverage here.

Also, on August 13, 2025, 26North Partners LP announced the completion of the acquisition of a controlling stake in AVI-SPL from Marlin Equity Partners and other selling shareholders. Marlin and select shareholders will retain a minority interest in the company. Financial terms were not disclosed. The agreement was announced in June. We covered that news here and Cindy Davis of AV Technology interviewed CEO John Zettel in June when news of the coming acquisition broke.

Of course, that wasn't all. Get caught up on this past week's people movers and partnerships across the industry.

People News

D-Tools Appoints Utz Baldwin to Lead Data Solutions Initiative

 D-Tools has added industry veteran Utz Baldwin as its new head of data solutions. Baldwin brings a deep legacy of leadership and innovation in the connected home and smart building sectors. A former system integrator and long-time D-Tools user, Baldwin brings firsthand experience and deep industry insight, having previously served as Chairman and CEO of CEDIA, where he launched the organization’s first formal research department. Most recently, Baldwin was VP of innovation at Builder Homesite, where he developed data-driven solutions, connected top consumer brands with new home buyers, and led digital transformation initiatives that applied data and AI to enhance marketing, design, and sales strategies.

In his new role, Baldwin will lead market research and guide the evolution of the D-Tools Industry Information & Insights (I3) initiative. I3 provides actionable market intelligence, benchmarking, and analytics for the entire systems integration ecosystem, from integrators and buying groups to manufacturers and distributors. His experience at BDX directly aligns with D-Tools’ vision for delivering data solutions that power smarter business decisions.

Lectrosonics Appoints Nick Haring as Eastern U.S. Regional Sales and Technical Manager

Lectrosonics welcomed Nick Haring as Eastern U.S. regional sales and technical manager. Haring will play a vital role in Lectrosonics’ business across 20 states in the eastern region, representing Lectrosonics products to dealers, rep firms, systems integrators, as well as existing and future customers.

Haring comes to Lectrosonics with an extensive background in the pro audio, lighting, and MI industries. He held a variety of managerial roles at Guitar Center before joining Jetwave Wireless as director of sales, a boutique firm specializing in high-end deployment of production wireless technologies, including wireless microphones. Most recently, Haring has been a managing member at Red Label Productions, overseeing and participating in all activities of a sound, lighting, and event production company.

Planar Welcomes Additions to New York, Florida and Caribbean Sales Teams

Planar has welcomed Mark Aultman back to the company as regional account manager for Florida and the Caribbean and added Maura Fitzgerald as regional account manager for Metro New York. Aultman brings nearly a decade of experience with Planar, during which he successfully expanded the company’s LED and LCD footprint in the Southeast United States. His strong relationships with channel partners, end users and industry partners is instrumental in driving regional growth. With a proven track record and customer-first mindset, his return reinforces Planar’s commitment to delivering display solutions and local support.

Fitzgerald joins Planar with more than a decade of experience in account management, customer engagement, and channel sales. She most recently supported integrators across the New Jersey and New York City markets at ADI Global Distribution.

Her background in the Pro AV industry, leadership in AVIXA’s Women’s Council in New York City, and proven ability to develop strategic relationships will be a strong asset to Planar’s partners and customers in the Metro New York region.

Ron Cottaar and Jae O Choi Park Step into Mew Leadership Positions at PPDS

PPDS has updated its EMEA sales and global marketing management teams with the promotions of Jae O Choi Park and Ron Cottaar to lead the company’s amplified growth ambitions.

Park, who joined PPDS as European sales director in 2022, has been officially promoted to the newly created position of EMEA commercial head. Park, who has held the role on an interim basis since 2024, will now officially oversee all European sales and support activities. Since joining the company three years ago, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and resilience. Amid frequent changes, he has been a steady and reliable force, serving as a key pillar in PPDS’ commercial success and playing a vital role in driving growth in key markets and regions.

Supporting the bigger picture, Cottaar will now serve as head of global marketing, leading his teams around the world and devising new strategies to expand PPDS’ global presence and sharpen the PPDS brand and values on a local, regional, and international scale. Now in his seventh year at PPDS, his dedication and open-mindedness, as well as his vision to augment success with the strategic introduction of a global marketing platform, as well as AI and marketing automation, have played an instrumental role in the continued development of the organization, making him a key driver in its future achievement and an invaluable member of the senior leadership team.

Shure's Chris Schyvinck to Keynote 2025 Sustainability in AV (sAVe) Global Conference

Shure president and CEO Chris Schyvinck will be a keynote speaker at the 2025 SAVe Global Conference held in Los Angeles on September 24-25.

The global conference will feature a number of different speakers from around the world, providing diverse insights about how various organizations can approach sustainability.

Held at UCLA’s Luskin Conference Center, the conference will offer networking, workshops, and industry leaders to inspire the industry to do its part to meet growing sustainability responsibilities.

Schyvinck will provide a deeper look at Shure’s initiatives, including how the Company achieved its goal of using 90 percent recyclable and/or renewable packaging for new products by the end of 2025 – one year ahead of its timeline.

Company News

Dillinger Labs Appoints Tempesta Trading B.V. Benelux Region Distributor

Dillinger Labs has named Oisterwijk, Netherlands-based Tempesta Trading B.V. distributor for Europe’s Benelux Region (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg).

Since its founding in 2009, Tempesta Trading B.V. has built strong relationships with customers throughout the Benelux region. Tempesta has consistently strengthened its position in the protective case market, without compromising its core values: integrity, product expertise, and a personal approach. What began as a small initiative quickly grew into a dynamic trading company with a passion for quality, sustainability, and customer focus.

Globo and Grass Valley Partner 

Grass Valley expanded its strategic partnership with Globo to transform Latin America’s media entity’s Prime-Time production infrastructure through adopting a software-defined approach.

Globo is deepening its collaboration with Grass Valley as part of a major initiative to modernize and future-proof its live production capabilities. The agreement marks a new phase in Globo’s long-term technology transformation program, centered on the deployment of Grass Valley AMPP (Agile Media Processing Platform) as the backbone of its future production operations.

Since 2022, Globo and Grass Valley have worked closely to deploy AMPP across Tier 3 content production environments, embracing a flexible, software-defined architecture. The success of this initiative laid the groundwork for this next chapter: a multi-phase migration of Globo’s primary production control rooms, including those used for marquee Prime-Time events, to a platform powered by the AMPP ecosystem.

INFiLED Opens Chicago Showroom

INFiLED has opened its newest showroom in Chicago, further expanding the company’s U.S. presence. Joining its existing LA Experience Center, the new Chicago Experience Center features LED displays for both fixed installation and rental/staging applications. The facility also features INFiLED's repair service center, and it will serve as a hub for hands-on, certified INFiLED technical training.

With the Chicago Experience Center, INFiLED’s goal is to give customers the opportunity to experience a real-time demonstration of corporate and live event possibilities. Strategically located in the Midwest, the Chicago showroom offers easy access from anywhere in the country and will provide local AV industry experts for project consulting and technical guidance support.

Products on show include INFiLED’s fixed mounted WV, WP, and WT series and a variety of hanging rental solutions powered by Green Hippo, along with its all-in-one corporate solution, OrionLED series, showcased in its meeting spaces.

RGB Spectrum and Wildfire Technology Integration Forge Strategic Partnership

RGB Spectrum and Wildfire Technology Integration, a nationwide AV integrator, have joined forces to deliver next-generation visualization and command solutions to public safety agencies around the globe. Together, the two companies are focused on enhancing real-time decision-making environments, combining RGB Spectrum’s high-reliability video display and KVM solutions with Wildfire Technology’s expert design, integration, and support services. The result is a seamless and scalable approach that equips operators, dispatchers, and field personnel with the visual intelligence they need—when and where they need it.

An immediate example of this partnership in action is the recent deployment at the Clovis Police Department (PD) in California. To meet the evolving demands of situational awareness, Clovis PD launched a new Real Time Information Center (RTIC), purpose-built to unify surveillance, dispatch, and field operations data into a single, flexible visualization environment.

Working in close collaboration with Wildfire Technology and RGB Spectrum, the Clovis team deployed a 14x 5.6-foot dvLED video wall with an ultra-fine 0.9mm pixel pitch, powered by the advanced Zio 4000 Series AV over IP processor. This robust system supports 16 HDMI inputs, 12 outputs, and up to 60 simultaneous IP video decodes, seamlessly aggregating real-time feeds from drones, license plate readers, traffic cameras, sensors, and the XtendPoint KVM matrix—all into a powerful, intuitive visual command interface.

Screen Innovations Launches Shade Innovation

Screen Innovations has expanded and rebranded its U.S. shade manufacturing operations in Austin, TX. Now operating under the name Shade Innovations, this strategic move marks a major milestone in SI’s growth and commitment to innovation.

The rebrand includes the launch of SI’s proprietary motor and control technologies, enhanced automation and production capabilities, and the introduction of The SI Way—a comprehensive initiative designed to make Shade Innovations the easiest, most reliable, and most trusted partner for dealers and customers alike.

Renaming SI’s shade and window coverings division to Shade Innovations sharpens the brand’s focus on window covering solutions. While Screen Innovations remains dedicated to projection screens, Shade Innovations represents the company’s shading and window covering services. Existing Screen Innovations dealers can continue purchasing shades under the Screen Innovations brand just as they always have.

SoundTube Names PSA as New Rep Firm for TOLA Region

SoundTube Entertainment appointed Professional Sales Agents (PSA) as its new manufacturer representative for Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

PSA will represent SoundTube’s complete portfolio of commercial audio products, including Dante-enabled PoE speakers, in-ceiling and surface-mount models, outdoor and landscape systems, line arrays, and SolidDrive invisible sound transducers. Backed by patented technologies such as BroadBeam for consistent off-axis performance and installation tools like SpeedWing and BroadBeam Ring, SoundTube solutions are designed to streamline installations without compromising audio quality.

tvONE Launches Pixel Academy

tvONE has launched its Pixel Academy, a new center for AV training that blends professional AV technology with expert-led, hands-on instruction. From advanced signal processing to seamless video distribution and multi-window solutions, Pixel Academy is built to empower the next generation of AV innovators.

Strategically located at tvONE’s R&D Innovation Centre in Maidenhead, just 20 minutes from London Heathrow, Pixel Academy offers easy access for AV professionals across the UK and Europe. The training facility features the company’s latest high-performance solutions, including the award-winning CALICO PRO and CORIOmaster2 video processors, as well as a full array of LED displays in both traditional and creative formats.

In August, Yorktel, a portfolio company of One Equity Partners, signed an agreement to combine with Kinly. This strategic merger will significantly accelerate global growth and expand next-generation systems integration capabilities with a larger talent base and portfolio of managed services and technology offerings. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory and other approvals.

[Pro AV Newsmakers: Acquisitions, Investments, and More]

“This acquisition is an intentional step forward to grow with purpose and is an example of what is still to come as we pursue our strategy and deliver advanced solutions to our global clients,” said Ken Scaturro, CEO of Yorktel. “We are committed to leading the next wave of agentic transformation—simplifying operations, reducing complexity, and empowering organizations to work smarter all while improving the customer experience.”

The addition of Kinly’s operations, workforce, and client base will enhance Yorktel’s ability to meet the evolving needs of enterprise and public sector clients across the globe. “Merging with Yorktel marks an exciting next chapter for our team and customers,” said Tom Martin, CEO of Kinly. “Our organizations are aligned in values, strategy, and a relentless focus on delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. Together, we will drive innovation, provide great opportunities to our employees and partners, and create even more value in a rapidly changing collaboration market.”

Together, the merged company will serve over 2,500 clients across 27 global locations, with more than 1,600 employees, including 900-plus industry-specialist accreditations. This expanded scale elevates the ability to deliver truly global managed services, from on-site support and proactive monitoring to remote management, cloud voice, and AV lifecycle services, with greater consistency, capacity, and speed. Clients will benefit from broader geographic coverage, unified service operations, and an enhanced portfolio of AV, UCC, and UCaaS solutions, all backed by a commitment to ISO-certified security practices.

“We are proud to support the combination of Yorktel and Kinly, allowing both companies to be more relevant and valuable to their customers through their combined offerings in the continuously evolving AV space,” said Carlo Padovano, partner at OEP.

It was a big week in Pro AV, and yes that means more acquisitions. Here is your weekly rundown on what you have may missed in personnel moves, partnerships, and much more.

First, D-Tools secured a $12 million Series C investment through StellarIQ, with continued support from Greybull Stewardship, D-Tools’ majority investor. The new funding supports D-Tools' mission to become the de facto end-to-end software solution for electronic systems contractors and reinforces Greybull’s long-term commitment to the company. We covered the news here last Tuesday and you can find out the details here.

Elsewhere, Navori Labs acquired Signagelive. By the end of 2025, the joint organization will boast more than 45 dedicated developers focused exclusively on delivering scalable, flexible, and data-centric signage technology. You can get the details here.

Now, on with the show.

People News

Jessica Tropea Joins Neutrik Americas

Neutrik Americas has added Jessica Tropea to its team as customer solutions engineer–fiber optics. With more than a decade of experience in technical sales, fiber optic solutions, and customer-focused engineering, Tropea brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions for complex applications.

Prior to joining Neutrik Americas, Tropea held key roles at companies such as Fiber Instrument Sales (FIS) and BTX Technologies, specializing in fiber optic technologies and customer engineering support. Her expertise spans solution design, technical sales support, and project management for OEMs, system integrators, and end users across multiple industries.

Telos Alliance Welcomes Egor Tyagunov to Global Sales Team

Telos Alliance welcomed Egor Tyagunov back to the company in his new position of sales manager, media solutions, EMEA. Tyagunov’s previous tenure with Telos Alliance was as sales manager for the CEE and CIS regions.

In his new role, Tyagunov will primarily focus on the Jünger Audio and Linear Acoustic product lines, which are uniquely positioned to provide television, streaming, and on-demand broadcasters with the tools needed to deliver compelling, immersive TV audio to today’s sophisticated viewers.

Company News

Audiologic Appointed as Official Distributor of QSC Audio in the UK and Ireland

Audiologic has been appointed official distributor for the QSC Audio product portfolio in the U.K. and Ireland. Audiologic has a long-standing and successful relationship as distributor of Q-SYS in the U.K. This new appointment to be official distributor of QSC Audio solidifies that wider relationship between both companies and significantly broadens the product portfolio and expertise at Audiologic for all QSC products within the AV market, specifically catering to the systems integration market. The expanded portfolio includes the recently introduced KC12 loudspeaker system, L Class system, and the K.2 and CP loudspeakers, complementing Audiologic's existing Q-SYS offering.

The partnership encompasses comprehensive sales support, as well as technical and logistical services. Customers in the U.K. and Ireland will benefit from faster delivery times, localized support, and improved access to training and support resources for all QSC Audio products.

B-Tech, SYSTEAM GmbH Have New Distribution Partnership

B-Tech AV Mounts announced a new distribution agreement with SYSTEAM GmbH, an IT distributor based in Ebensfeld, Germany. This strategic partnership supports B-Tech’s continued growth in the DACH region and marks SYSTEAM’s expansion into the professional AV sector.

Founded in 1985, SYSTEAM has built a strong reputation within the German IT channel and recently launched a dedicated Pro AV Business Unit, securing display partnerships with brands such as Samsung and Avocor. The collaboration will give SYSTEAM access to B-Tech’s full portfolio of AV mounting solutions, covering everything from dvLED and digital signage to video conferencing and multi-screen video walls.

SYSTEAM will promote the B-Tech brand through targeted marketing campaigns, training, and project support, with joint webinars and events already in the pipeline. The partnership builds on shared values and complements SYSTEAM’s existing success with Neomounts, one of B-Tech’s partner companies in the Global Mounts Group

Clearwing Joins Clair Global

Clearwing, which offers production services and systems integration from its Milwaukee and Phoenix-based offices, has joined Clair Global. The alignment enables both companies to expand their capabilities while maintaining the personal, relationship-focused approach that has earned client loyalty over the past five decades.

Founded in 1976, Clearwing has earned its reputation by delivering audio, lighting, video, and rigging solutions for live events and permanent installations. Within its systems integration business, Clearwing has delivered solutions for a vast portfolio of museums, performing arts centers, educational facilities, houses of worship, arena and stadium venues, and themed entertainment applications.

Clearwing will maintain its brand, leadership, and team. Joining Clair Global provides Clearwing with access to greater resources, infrastructure, and support, enabling the company to serve clients more effectively and take on larger, more complex projects.

For Clair Global, Clearwing’s addition strengthens its presence in key regional markets and brings in another team of top-tier professionals who uphold strong values and a focus on delivering outstanding results.

Renkus-Heinz Appoints Quest Marketing as New Sales Representatives

Quest Marketing is now Renkus-Heinz's new sales representatives in Florida. This new collaboration aims to enhance Renkus-Heinz’s presence in Florida and Puerto Rico, bringing its range of loudspeakers to even more customers.

Quest Marketing is a Florida-based technology rep company. Formed in 1996, the organization works with audio, video, lighting and music companies that offer innovative solutions. Early on, Quest Marketing’s product focus was on studio recording and post, but as technology evolved, they branched out to loudspeakers, amps, processors and consoles, making them an ideal partner for Renkus-Heinz.

Navori Labs has acquired Signagelive. This combination creates what has been touted by Navori Labs as the world’s largest independent, channel-only CMS platform provider (by installed base).

[StellarIQ Invests $12 Million in D-Tools]

By the end of 2025, the joint organization will boast more than 45 dedicated developers focused exclusively on delivering scalable, flexible, and data-centric signage technology. Offering an API-first, headless CMS architecture with advanced data integration, AI-powered analytics, and media monetization capabilities, the new Navori Labs Group is purpose-built for forward-thinking mid-sized to enterprise customers—particularly those operating in dynamic, content-driven environments such as retail media.

Former Signagelive CEO Jason Cremins and CCO Frank Larsen will complement the executive leadership team of the Navori Labs Group around Group CEO Jeffrey Weitzman, contributing their experience to drive the company’s strategic growth. In addition, Signagelive’s long-standing CTO, Marc Benson, will remain a key pillar of the Group’s technology leadership.

“What we’ve built is far more than the sum of its parts,” said Weitzman. “We’ve combined deep-rooted expertise, bold vision, and operational excellence into a leadership team that’s truly unmatched in CMS innovation and industry insight."

Navori Labs now operates with a global footprint, serving customers with dedicated teams in Lausanne (CH), Cambridge (UK), Montreal (CA), Copenhagen (DK), Mexico City (MX), Dubai (AE), Riyadh (SA), India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris, and Australia, among others. The company remains proudly Swiss, retaining its headquarters in Lausanne, while enhancing local support and regional sales presence across continents.

Both Navori Labs and Signagelive share a deep commitment to partner success and customer satisfaction. Their combined cultures are rooted in delivering best-in-class digital signage software, channel-focused service, and long-term value for employees and clients alike.

“This combination is a catalyst for transformation. It empowers our employees, energizes our partners, and delivers exponential value to our customers and prospects around the world,” commented Cremins, highlighting the impact across the ecosystem.

A plan for Panasonic to sell off its projector business to ORIX Corporation, a move that could have been worth close to $800 million, has collapsed. While there has been no official statement from Panasonic, a spokesperson told SCN the capital alliance with ORIX was terminated due to a discrepancy between the two companies' expectations regarding future business.

As reported last summer, Panasonic Connect had agreed to a strategic capital partnership with ORIX that would form a new company to operate Panasonic Connect’s projec­tor business and related operations. Originally, the company was supposed to launch in April 2025 and continue to use the Panasonic name, with ORIX holding 80% of the shares and Panasonic Connect holding 20%. Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation was announced on April 1, but the ORIX deal fell through earlier this month.

Now, the plan is to grow the Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary of Panasonic Connect. The change will not directly affect new product development plans. Plus, the company is moving forward with its MEVIX sub-brand, which was unveiled by Panasonic Projector & Display Americas (PPNDA) in June at InfoComm 2025 and covers various visual solutions, including projectors, dvLED, and flat panel displays.

"I want to assure stakeholders that this will not impact our operations. Our strategy remains unchanged under Panasonic Connect," said Taka Uchida, CEO of PPNDA. "We remain fully committed to establishing our new MEVIX brand as the leader in professional projectors and displays, and will continue with our strategy, maintaining the stability and innovation our customers depend on."

The second half of 2025 started off with major acquisition news in the Pro AV world. It came at us pretty quickly, closing out June and starting up July with early fireworks. Let's get you caught up with what you may have missed.

3G Productions acquired Main Light’s 70,000-square-foot location in Nashville, taking over Main Light’s Antioch neighborhood building, its full inventory, and all seven employees, who have now joined the 3G team. The shop’s complement of lighting equipment includes brands like Robe, MA, Ayrton, Martin, Elation, Chauvet, Astera, and Tyler Truss, among others.

Via this acquisition, 3G is better positioned to support its established Southeastern client base with more gear and a centralized location. Having also recently added multiple account managers based in the Southeast, 3G will be able to service its East Coast client base out of a more geographically desirable location. Main Light still maintains ownership and operations of its three locations in Wilmington (DE), Teterboro (NJ), and headquarters in Las Vegas, all of which will continue to operate with a sole focus on dry-hire lighting rentals.

Audinate ended June with its acquisition of Iris Studios. Iris offers a control-first video production platform that enables users to seamlessly manage cameras remotely, providing features like AI-driven auto tracking, real-time color correction and cloud recording, all from a single, cloud-based interface. The Iris platform is brand-agnostic and is currently enabled on a wide range of PTZ cameras on the market. You can read our full coverage here.

Panduit, which acquired Atlona in 2019, shut down the company Hall Technologies acquired Atlona's product portfolio. It was announced July 1 via an email to its customers, which Cindy Davis covered here.

As always, there was more than acquisition news. Here's what else you may have missed.

People News

d&b audiotechnik Welcomes Jocelyne Bückner as VP of Marketing

d&b audiotechnik named Jocelyne Bückner as new VP of marketing. In her new role, Bückner leads the company’s global marketing strategy, driving brand growth and market expansion. She focuses on developing and executing a comprehensive marketing roadmap, ensuring alignment across all territories and supporting d&b’s continued growth and innovation.

Bückner brings extensive experience in all facets of marketing, including brand management, PR, digital, performance, and product marketing. Having worked at d&b audiotechnik from 2016 to 2023, she has a deep understanding of the company’s culture, values, and spirit. Bückner is highly experienced in leadership roles and has successfully mentored and developed teams in the past. Most recently, she led Holoplot’s global marketing team.

LYNX Technik Appoints New Executive Leadership Team

LYNX Technik appointed new executive leadership. Markus Motzko has been appointed chief Executive officer and Vincent Noyer will take on the role of chief technology officer, forming a new leadership team to guide the company forward. Founder and longtime CEO Winfried Deckelmann will transition out of daily operations and continue to support the company as a member of the Supervisory Board, where he will serve as Chairman.

Motzko brings extensive experience in production processes, manufacturing optimization, and technical leadership. Since joining LYNX Technik, he has led production and administration, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth. Prior to joining the company, Motzko held roles in the industrial and medical semiconductor sectors, managing product development, supply chain operations, and customer engagement.

Noyer, previously director of product marketing, assumes the CTO role with over two decades of experience in the broadcast and live sports industries. Before LYNX Technik, he held senior positions at Ross Video, where he helped drive the success of the PIERO Sports Graphics solution.

PlexusAV announces Jim Reinhardt as US Sales Manager

PlexusAV appointed Jim Reinhardt as U.S. sales manager. With extensive experience at companies including tvONE, WyreStorm, and Crestron, Reinhardt brings a deep understanding of both the technology and the needs of integrators and end users across the AV industry. This appointment continues PlexusAV's growth, presence, and impact in the U.S. market.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join an early-stage technology company at a true inflection point of an industry that is demanding 100% interoperability and truly open standards," said Reinhardt. "The team, the product offering, and the vision at PlexusAV are all in place; now it’s about delivering value to businesses and organizations that demand flexibility, compatibility, adaptability, and reliability. I can’t wait to get started."

RISE Welcomes Arlen Schweiger as Director of Content

RISE Media Strategy appointed Arlen Schweiger as director of content. Schweiger brings nearly two decades of experience in the AV industry, with a comprehensive background that spans residential, commercial, and consumer sectors. His most recent role as editor-in-chief of CE Pro magazine, along with his previous editorial positions at Commercial Integrator, Security Sales & Integration, and Electronic House, have cemented his reputation as a content creator, known for his expertise, writing prowess, and deep industry knowledge.

In his new role, Schweiger will spearhead RISE's content strategy, overseeing the production of diverse content, including blogs, press releases, and case studies, as well as directing RISE’s search initiatives, including the new frontiers of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to the benefit of RISE clients. He will also focus on building and nurturing media relationships, expanding RISE's presence in international media as the company grows its global client base. Additionally, he will develop content distribution pathways to reach architects, designers, and builders for RISE’s integrator clients and design-forward brands.

Yamaha Appoints Sotaro Nishida to Executive Officer and SVP of Audio

Sotaro Nishida was appointed executive officer and SVP of audio at Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA). Nishida has been with Yamaha for over 20 years. In this newly created role, Nishida oversees both the Consumer Audio and Professional Audio departments, focusing on enhancing customer satisfaction while expanding the breadth and depth of innovative Yamaha audio solutions available to integrators, audio professionals, and consumers.

Before joining YCA, Nishida was the CEO of Yamaha Unified Communications (YUC). In 2024, YCA assumed sales, marketing, and support responsibilities for unified communications products in the U.S. Before joining YUC, he worked at Yamaha Europe’s headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, and handled assignments in Japan and Latin America. Throughout his time at the company, he has been involved with both the Pro Audio Division and the Music Entertainment Division.

Company News

Alfalite Obtains NCAGE and TAA Certifications

Alfalite has obtained both the NCAGE Code (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) and TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance certification, marking a major milestone in the company’s international growth strategy. These two certifications enable Alfalite to participate in defense and governmental procurement projects across NATO member states and the U.S. government, including contracts requiring strict compliance and traceability standards.

The certifications reinforce Alfalite’s presence in workspace, control room, and Security Operations Center (SOC) environments, where its LED displays are already deployed—often confidentially—in mission-critical facilities belonging to Ministries of Defense and Interior, military command centers, royal institutions, major telecom operators, and global news agencies. These trusted installations confirm the reliability and security performance of Alfalite’s technology in sensitive and highly regulated operational contexts.

Datapath VSN Processors and Graphics Products Now Compatible with Windows 11

Datapath is now offering its VSN video wall controllers with full Microsoft Windows 11 compatibility. Available now across the full suite of VSN controllers and graphics products, Datapath’s latest graphics driver provides improved performance, and more flexibility when specifying hardware for multi-source/multi-end point video wall applications. With the default operating system compatibility remaining as Windows 10, customers can now specify Windows 11 at no extra cost.

Along with reliability and speed, end users can benefit from the upgrade to Windows 11’s enhanced embedded security with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 which, along with Datapath’s Transport Layer Security encryption, provides additional peace of mind for mission critical applications. As well as support for Windows 11, the new driver also supports improved performance, especially for displaying complex web and 3D applications in industries such as electronics, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, robotics, and manufacturing.

Dillinger Labs Names Empire PRO New Distributor

Dillinger Labs, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eleven Engineering, has named Bell, CA-based Empire PRO its new distributor. Empire PRO is among the largest distributors of professional audio, video, and lighting equipment nationwide. The company provides its clients with a reliable, supportive, and efficient source of optimal full-system-solutions by distributing leading audio, video, and lighting brands, stocking deep inventory in-house, being centrally located in the heart of Los Angeles and delivering promptly.

LEA Professional Partners with AVA for Support in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa

LEA Professional announced its partnership with Audio Visual Associates (AVA), a manufacturer’s representative based in Missouri. This partnership promises to bring LEA’s rich technology catalog to Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Southern Illinois customers.

AVA Reps brings decades of industry knowledge and has built a reputation for dedicated service and technical expertise across a wide range of professional and commercial AV projects. AVA creatively connects customer-focused manufacturers with value-added dealers to ensure end users receive superior products and quality service. This collaborative approach makes them an ideal partner for LEA Professional, which strives to always deliver innovative and reliable audio solutions.

This partnership will bring LEA Professional’s Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity to AVA’s customers. These series allow integrators to utilize cloud-based remote control, monitoring, notifications, and more from any internet-enabled device, allowing them to stay connected anywhere in the world.

Neutrik Celebrates 50th Anniversary

NEUTRIK recently celebrated reaching the milestone of the creation of the 2-billionth connector with a civic reception at Neutrik Group headquarters in Schaan, Liechtenstein. A guest list of 45 included invitees from national and local government and media, as well as from within the company and its partner networks. Welcoming speeches were given by Robert Büchel, Liechtenstein Minister of Economic Affairs and Markus Beck, Deputy Mayor of Schaan. Also present was Manfred Kaufmann, President of the Liechtenstein Parliament.

Since its inception in 1975, the NEUTRIK brand has been at the forefront of interconnect technology. From its XLR and speakON connectors to the powerCON power connectivity series, and the advancements inherent in opticalCON fiber optic and etherCON data solutions, NEUTRIK has engineered the means by which these technologies can be deployed in heavy-duty, professional production applications, including in outdoor extreme environments.

Marking its milestone half-century, and celebrating the brand’s accomplishments and vision for the future, a special limited edition 50th Anniversary product line has been issued to commemorate this historic occasion. This commences with the release of special anniversary edition male and female XLR connectors and a ¼-inch instrument plug. These feature a new conductive zinc-based coating, providing an aesthetic dark grey metallic finish with a laser-engraved NEUTRIK 50 YEARS anniversary commemorative logo.

Transformation Entertainment Group (TEG) has named Austin, TX-based ProVideo & Sound its new representatives for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas (TOLA) territory.

ProVideo & Sound is a premier manufacturer’s representative firm specializing in professional audio, video, and lighting solutions across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. They represent a portfolio of top-tier AV brands, connecting manufacturers with dealers, integrators, consultants, and end users through trusted relationships, technical expertise, and regional market knowledge. ProVideo & Sound’s team is dedicated to providing exceptional sales support, product training, and strategic insight to help its partners succeed in today’s fast-evolving AV landscape. With decades of experience in the TOLA region, ProVideo & Sound is a reliable extension of the brands it represents and a valued resource to its channel partners.

Shortly after the announcement of the acquisition of the Atlona portfolio from Panduit, Hall Technologies' CEO, Ken Eagle, sat down with AV Technology's Cindy Davis to discuss the details behind the acquisition, its implications for employees, the evolution of the two brands, and the company's roadmap through 2026.

View the full video interview below.

The following is an edited snapshot. View the video above to listen to the entirety of the interview.

Cindy Davis: What led to the Atlona portfolio becoming available from Panduit?

Ken Eagle: Panduit is a giant in IT infrastructure, and the AV business wasn't their core competency or where they wanted to focus. As you know, I used to work for Atlona, and I loved working there; I've missed it ever since. When this opportunity became available, it just seemed like a natural fit to work together with them again.

CD: We've already seen on LinkedIn that some of the folks from Atlona are looking for new opportunities. Did any of the Atlona staff come over with the acquisition?

KE: I wish we could keep all of them. They've all contributed to making the Atlona brand what it is today, and that's just truly amazing. But yes, a large portion of the staff is still here. Most of the faces you know, and love are likely still here, but there are definitely some talented individuals who did not join us as part of this transition.

And if you are looking for key employees, I can tell you that anyone from the Atlona team is worth your time and investment to consider. I had the chance to work with that whole team for 7 ½ years, and I know the talent that's there.

CD: Will you continue to use the Atlona brand in addition to the Hall Technologies brand?

KE: Yes, absolutely, we'll have both brands. Hall Research as a business entity. Under that umbrella, Hall Technologies, which we know today, has a medical and AV component that produces audiovisual products. Hall Technologies will move forward with a more focused approach in the medical vertical, and Atlona will become the Pro AV brand.

CD: Hall and Altona currently have some overlapping product lines. How will that transition take place?

KE: Hall Technologies has a wonderful set of AV products, and throughout the rest of this year, there will be no change to that product line. Customers will still purchase those through all the regular channels that they normally would. Over the course of the year, our engineering, sales, and business teams will look at the roadmaps from Hall Technologies in Atlona and figure out how to best combine them.

As we round the corner into 2026, you'll start to see a merger of the Hall AV products into the Atlona brand. Those will emerge throughout next year as the Atlona Pro AV brand. Hall AV products will primarily focus on the medical channel, including patient monitoring products, monitors, signal extension, and management solutions.

As you move into larger matrix products, extension products, and UCC-type products, you'll see all of these migrate into the Atlona portfolio.

CD: What would you most like your customers to know?

KE: I most want people to know that both brands are still here. Both teams are still here. All the sales channels, the reps, and distributors are still there. The products are in stock as you've seen them all year and are available. Don't be afraid to reach out, continue buying the brands that you love. Atlona has been around for years. People love this brand. It is still here, it's being supported, marketed, and demoed. There's a training tour going on this year. And the same thing with Hall. Don't stop engaging. Don't stop using the brand. Even if some of the products are converting to Atlona, you're going to have equal access to both of those as that happens. So don't stop. Engage and reach out to your usual avenues of contact and sales. They'll be here and available for you.

[Breaking News: Hall Technologies Acquires Atlona Product Portfolio from Panduit]

On July 1, 2025, the following email memo was sent to Hall Technologies' Pro AV customers announcing the acquisition of the Atlona product portfolio from Panduit.

Dear Pro AV Customer,

We’re excited to share a major milestone in our journey: Hall Technologies has officially completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Atlona, a respected industry veteran and longtime competitor in the professional AV space.

This strategic move brings together two innovative leaders with a shared vision—to deliver cutting-edge AV solutions that are smarter, more flexible, and more accessible than ever before. Together, we will offer a more comprehensive product portfolio, enhanced service and support, and expanded global reach.

What This Means for You:

Access to a broader range of technologies from both trusted brands; enhanced customer support and technical resources; and continued innovation across education, corporate, medical, and government markets.

"The acquisition of Atlona is a bold and strategic step that strengthens our position as a global leader in the Pro AV industry. Atlona’s reputation for innovation, engineering excellence, and global reach perfectly complements Hall Technologies’ customer-first philosophy and technical expertise. Together, we’re building a powerhouse that will deliver even more value, flexibility, and forward-thinking solutions to our partners and customers around the world."

— Ken Eagle, CEO, Hall Technologies

"The acquisition of Atlona marks a pivotal moment for Hall Technologies and the AV industry at large. By bringing together two trusted and innovative brands, we’re not just expanding our portfolio—we’re creating a more powerful, unified force in Pro AV. This move allows us to better serve our partners with deeper expertise, broader solutions, and a renewed commitment to driving technology forward."

— Victor Baut, VP of Pro AV Sales & Marketing, North America, Atlona Inc.

As we move forward, our commitment to quality, reliability, and partnership remains stronger than ever. Whether you've worked with Hall Technologies, Atlona, or both—we're here to make your AV experience even better.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with your representative about how this impacts your current or future projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with your representative about how this impacts your current or future projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

sales@halltechav.com

sales@atlona.com

Audinate has entered into an agreement to acquire Iris Studio, which specializes in AI-powered, cloud-based camera control technology. Audinate and Iris are actively working on integrating future roadmaps to bring Iris functionality to Dante customers.

[INTERVIEW: Zettel Discusses AVI-SPL Acquisition by Private Equity Firm]

Iris offers a control-first video production platform that enables users to seamlessly manage cameras remotely, providing features like AI-driven auto tracking, real-time color correction and cloud recording, all from a single, cloud-based interface. The Iris platform is brand-agnostic and is currently enabled on a wide range of PTZ cameras on the market.

“The addition of Iris to the Dante ecosystem is a major step forward for the Dante platform,” commented Aidan Williams, co-founder and CEO of Audinate. “Combining Iris's broad applicability and cutting-edge remote production capabilities with powerful cloud-based management software like Dante Director will provide significant value for customers managing the millions of Dante-enabled devices in the field today.”

The acquisition of Iris strengthens Audinate’s video platform capabilities while also accelerating its broader vision for interoperable control and management across the AV device ecosystem. Iris enables OEMs with native cloud-based control directly into their devices, allowing users to remotely access, control, manage and monitor devices in real time - without the need for additional hardware. Iris has partnered with 14 different camera manufacturers, including Lumens, PTZOptics, Marshall, BirdDog, Telycam, AIDA, and more. Beyond cameras, the Iris software platform is also applicable to a variety of AV products, including encoders, decoders, vision mixers, and more.

The addition of Iris will bring greater value to Dante customers across a range of markets, including corporate, entertainment, sports, government, houses of worship, broadcast, and education. By combining advanced features like remote PTZ control, AI auto-tracking, color correction, and cloud recording with the capabilities of Dante Studio, AV professionals can deliver more flexible, efficient, and intelligent audio-visual experiences.

Iris’s current employees will join Audinate following transaction completion and will work in collaboration with Audinate’s teams to continue to expand the capabilities of the Iris platform and to integrate its functionality with Dante products.

“At Iris, we set out to rethink AV device control—intelligent, intuitive, and accessible from anywhere,” said Noah Johnson, CEO of Iris. “Partnering with Audinate gives us the scale, reach, and deep AV expertise to accelerate our roadmap and bring our vision to the next level.”