AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends and technologies that help engage fans, distribute audio and video in near real-time, and make a difference in sporting venues and esports arenas.

Thought Leader: Mario Ponce, Market Development at Shure

One of the most important elements in creating an immersive esports environment, whether on campus or online, is delivering consistent, high-quality audio for both athletes and spectators. Clear, uninterrupted sound not only keeps competitors connected but also drives engagement for audiences following every play. And while esports continue to expand across higher education, access to professional-grade audio equipment has become essential to the experience.

For athletes, reliable communication is key. Using a dedicated microphone that’s separate from a gaming headset ensures clarity and precision. A dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern remains the best choice for isolating the voice and rejecting ambient noise from other players or crowd sounds. This setup also allows athletes to choose high-performance headphones or in-ear monitors for improved accuracy and situational awareness, which can be a significant competitive advantage in fast-paced games like FPS or racing games.

The type of connection is another consideration. USB mics, like the MV6, are ideal for direct digital connection during virtual tournaments, and XLR mics are ideal for integration into professional mixers or venue sound systems during in-person competitions. A microphone that supports both USB and XLR connections, like the Shure MV7+, gives student athletes and event organizers enhanced flexibility.

Beyond the hardware, modern audio technology offers built-in digital signal processing (DSP) and software applications that make professional sound more accessible. Features like automatic gain control, noise reduction, and voice optimization ensure athletes sound their best without technical distraction. Software tools now also allow users to adjust EQ, compression, and noise gates intuitively, bringing studio-grade control to campus gaming arenas.

With these advancements, higher education institutions can empower athletes and production teams to deliver a truly immersive audio experience that enhances communication, minimizes distractions, and ensures spectators don’t miss a moment of the action.

If you've attended one of my webinars during the past six years or more, you'll know that I am a staunch advocate of high-quality audio. That sentiment goes beyond the workplace into my home. My top-of-the-line 65-inch OLED is paired with the best surround sound system I could afford.

Hear Me Out

Until three years ago, I had my interviews for articles transcribed by a woman who knew the industry. Not only did I need her to listen intently to sometimes two different people, but she also needed to discern different dialects and pick up on industry jargon. If my interview were 30 minutes long, it would take her 90 minutes to transcribe, and I'd generally receive it a day later. Two years ago, I began using an AI-generated transcription service that turns around my interviews in a few minutes with around 90 percent accuracy. Given I need to review everything, that percentage is acceptable. I'm only paying a few dollars per interview, and the speed is practically real-time. Unless 100 percent accuracy is needed, human transcriptionists are looking for a new career path.

Within the past year, companies offering highly sophisticated AI transcription services have exploded.

The floodgates have opened. In January, Future editors received a plethora of press releases that hit our inboxes announcing new products and services incorporating AI that enhance the benefits for end-users, integrators, and employees. It's an exciting time.

At Your Service

Like many of you, our company has its fair share of meetings. Every Monday at noon, ET, we have an all-hands B2B Tech Group meeting with, at last count, 53 invited guests. Future, the parent company of AV Technology, has an office in New York City, but the majority of our staff is remote, spread across the U.S. and the U.K., and in more time zones than I can keep track of. For the past few years, Google Meet has become our common meeting space. Having worked remotely since 2014, I have to admit, it's nice to see the faces of the people I work with (just not every Monday, please!).

After extensive research, internal testing, and security measures, Future deployed Gemini, part of Google's family of multimodal AI models and an AI assistant for companywide use. Like other AI assistants, Gemini's features are numerous and growing. I was skeptical because I had already tried its transcription feature and found it was not nearly as accurate as the paid service I was using.

In particular, during the past six months, I have noticed that almost every meeting I participate in, whether it's a Teams, Zoom, or Google meeting scheduled by someone outside my organization, soon after the conclusion, I often receive a meeting recap, and sometimes action items.

Much to my surprise, the summaries and action items have been mostly accurate and pretty helpful. The truth is, I can be more engaged and collaborate more effectively when I am not taking notes. That is, if the AI agent is picking up everything that all the participants are saying.

True Story

Several months ago, Future's B2B senior leadership team flew in from various locations and, along with New York City area employees, conducted a series of planning meetings. Each meeting also comprised three to six remote participants. Our NYC conference rooms are outfitted with a display, webcam/soundbar, and a microphone on the table. The meeting I participated in had approximately 10 people seated at a long conference table, with a microphone in the middle. Plain and simple, I couldn't hear everyone, and when more than one person spoke at once, it was a disaster.

It's not surprising that over the course of the 90 minutes, many sidebar conversations took place that weren't germane to the primary goal. Ironically, those were the conversations I could hear more clearly.

Gemini was not being used to capture this meeting, which was a good thing because the small group sitting together at the end of the table was discussing where to go to dinner that evening, and not everyone was invited. The problem was that I could hear that "quiet" sidebar conversation more clearly than some of the important voices during the meeting.

[Agentic AI, Cindy’s Dahlias, and a Cautionary Tale]

Cindy Predicts Agentic AI as the Top Trend for 2026

I have moderated countless webinars and written even more articles about the importance of high-quality audio in classroom and meeting spaces. As if on its own, being able to hear everyone clearly isn't enough to justify investing in high-quality audio; I firmly believe agentic AI will be the new driver.

Microsoft Copilot, Zoom AI Companion, and Google Gemini are very sophisticated AI-powered tools that have many agentic features. Some of these features have quickly become active participants, and one could argue that they are the most productive participants in a meeting.

High-quality audio in meeting spaces is no longer just about delivering "meeting equity" for the hybrid workforce and remote students. Even if there's no remote participant, using the agentic AI features in Microsoft Copilot, Zoom AI Companion, and Google Gemini can transcribe and summarize meetings and suggest action items. Think about all the time each person spends (or doesn't bother) on figuring out the salient points from a meeting and what action they need to take. More to the point, did they really listen and remember what action is required? For individuals who weren't able to attend the meeting, a summary with action items can be sent.

I believe the use of agentic AI in meetings in 2026 is going to grow exponentially. And I can attest to how much time it has saved me and how it has reminded me of the key points and actions needed.

The reality, and the real point of what has turned into a rant, is that if you don't invest in high-quality audio for your meeting spaces and classrooms, you are making a statement that you don't want to enable people to be more productive. And we all know that CFOs view productivity as the real measure of success.

In 2026, agentic AI will be the most significant driver of finally achieving buy-in for high-quality audio integrated into meeting spaces and classrooms. That's my prediction, and I am sticking to it.

If you want to fill someone’s stocking with a multi-tool, you might want to skip the pliers/knife/file combo and consider the Sennheiser Profile Wireless. I gave this system a serious test drive earlier this year. It’s basically a rectangle of audio goodness (see image left). The charging bar houses two wireless transmitters and a transmitter that connects directly to your phone via USB-C or Lightning (for older iPhones). Both transmitters have integrated mics, but you can also use the locking 3.5mm connector to add a lavalier for a more traditional on-screen look. Pop on the included windscreen on the charging bar and those stored mics become a handheld mic (see image right). Attach the charging bar to a small tripod (it has a 1/4-inch thread) and now you have a tabletop mic. It might not be a great multi-tool for home improvement projects, but the Sennheiser Profile Wireless delivers plenty of flexibility for video projects.

SCN Stocking Stuffers is a seasonal series that highlights affordable Pro AV tools for industry professionals on your “nice” list.

In the world of microphones, it’s easy for boundary mics to be overlooked, both literally and figuratively. They're not flashy. They don’t swing from booms or stand tall on stage. Instead, they sit quietly, flush-mounted or discretely placed, doing their job with incredible efficiency.

But to those who understand their magic, boundary mics are indispensable. Whether you're capturing crystal-clear dialogue in a boardroom, micing an altar in a church, or unobtrusively capturing voices on stage in a school play, a good boundary mic can be the secret to exceptional audio.

Also known as a pressure zone microphone (PZM), a boundary microphone deploys a mic capsule mounted just a few millimeters above a rigid surface and facing toward it (not up or out). In practice, a down-facing condenser capsule is mounted above the rigid bottom plate of a mic housing and the housing is positioned flush onto a larger surface, usually a table, wall, or floor.

The concept is rooted in physics: A boundary mic capsule diaphragm responds to variance in pressure (hence "pressure zone”) created between the capsule and the rigid surface in the “boundary” between air movement and no possible air movement. Direct sound waves and early reflections off the rigid surface arrive sufficiently in-phase that the coherent signals are additive, resulting in a 6 dB boost in sensitivity while avoiding the comb filtering and phase interference that can muddy the sound when capturing direct and reflected sounds that arrive out of phase due to transmission path length. Directional boundary microphones are created by rotating the capsule within the boundary space to point outward horizontally.

Benefits and Limitations

Unlike traditional stand-mounted condenser or shotgun mics, boundary mics take advantage of their proximity to a rigid surface to provide clear, natural, and intelligible signals, particularly in environments where conventional mics might struggle. Their compact form factor and discreet appearance make them ideal for installations where visibility is a concern, or where foot traffic would knock over a traditional mic stand in seconds.

There are four key strengths of boundary mics. First, they offer natural sound with extended reach. The placement near a surface minimizes destructive phase interference and captures sources evenly. They also provide wide coverage. Omnidirectional or hemispherical patterns cover a broad area, ideal for group dialogue.

A low profile is another advantage. They blend into surfaces and stay out of sightlines, which is ideal for video capture and permanent installs. Plus, installation is easy. They can be permanently installed in tables, podiums, or ceilings for long-term setups.

These days, there are different boundary mics for different applications. For example, the Audio-Technica ES947c/FM3 is designed to be embedded directly into conference tables. Newer models like the ES964 feature multiple capsules for modern immersive and multi-zone applications. You can even integrate boundary mics into a Dante-based AV network with models like the ATND971a.

Of course, they’re not perfect for every situation. One common issue is mechanical noise. A pen click, finger taps, or coffee cup thuds on the same conference table can transmit directly to the mic capsule. You can mitigate this with good placement and surface isolation, but it’s something to be aware of in environments with fidgety users.

Placement Tips

When it comes to getting the most out of a boundary mic, placement is everything. Surface quality matters. Use hard, flat surfaces (for example, wood, glass, or stone) to reflect sound evenly. Avoid tablecloths or uneven surfaces.

You also want to avoid center placement. Don’t stick a mic dead center on a large table. Instead, space multiple mics equidistant from participants.

Mind the mechanical noise, too. Place felt pads or isolation rings under the mic to reduce transferred vibrations—and keep your mic clear of busy hands.

Finally, use the right pickup pattern. Select cardioid for focused speech pickup or omni for capturing sound evenly throughout the space.

[Unheavenly Acoustics]

Boundary mics may not be glamorous, but they are one of the most practical and efficient tools in the modern audio toolkit. Their ability to capture natural, intelligible sound across a variety of challenging environments makes them a must-have for any serious audio pro.

Whether you’re trying to maintain sightlines in a theater, clean up a conference call, or mic a choir without a forest of stands, boundary mics give you high performance with minimal footprint. And with advancements like Dante connectivity and programmable control, they’re more versatile than ever.

Having the right wireless microphone for quick interviews—from 30-second spots for social to three-minute shorts for YouTube—is no longer an option, but a necessity. With the Saramonic Ultra two-channel wireless microphone system, I found just what I needed.

[More from Cavadi: Premium Podcasting with the MV7+]

The way people digest content has seen a dramatic change over the past few years. While reading an interview is still a popular choice, people like to see it in action and put faces to the names they’ve read for years. Whether at a baseball stadium checking out a new videoboard or conducting a Q&A at an InfoComm booth, wireless mics bring that experience to life—which means crystal-clear sound, good pickup, and no drops are imperative.

As you may know from previous reviews, I spend my free time podcasting and Substack-ing about sports. I recently took the Saramonic Ultra wireless mic system to a baseball game for a test run. The results were extremely positive, and I am now ready for success on the trade show floor.

Ultra Unboxing

The Saramonic Ultra system comes in a tight, compact box with nearly everything you need included. In the box, you’ll find another boxed set of accessories as well as the hard-shelled charging dock that also serves as the holder for the kit. The charging station/travel case holds two wireless, clip-on transmitters, the receiver, and two adapters for iPhones, cameras, and USB-C smartphones.

A couple of notes here. The charging ports for the mics and receiver have a blue sheath protecting them. Be sure you remove them, or you may wind up at your event with a dead battery. Second, as it is with smartphones and almost any other USB-C device, you get a charging cable, but the wall charger block is not included, so if you plan on plugging into a wall, make sure you have one. The good news is once you get a good charge, you are good to go for up to 24 hours.

There is a slew of accessories, including a pair of windsscreens and an antenna that boasts an additional 924 feet of range, that fit in a soft bag with a pull-string close. Yes, you have to carry an additional bag with you, but it’s a non-factor for me, as I typically have my backpack with me to carry my tripod, computer, and everything else needed for my mini studio on the go.

Fine Tuning

Setup is pretty straightforward. Open the box, connect the receiver to your phone, clip on the mics, and off you go. There is a Saramonic app that you can use for recording, but I used the Blackmagic Camera app for my test. I simply flipped the switch to Saramonic within the app, and I was off and running. It was that easy.

The receiver has a clip, but you can use the adapters to plug it right into your phone or camera. An OLED screen and dial allow you to easily scroll through options like output, mic gain, recording settings, timers, mono/stereo settings, and more. The transmitters have a clip to attach to your jacket or button down, but included magnets help keep them in place in case you are wearing a thinner T-shirt.

A huge feature for the transmitters for me is that they are IPX5 water resistant. As someone who fancies football and baseball games in the elements, that is a home run (excuse the pun). They are also designed with omnidirectional microphones that feature auto-gain and advanced noise cancellation, plus, the system allows for 32-bit float audio and recording.

Take Me out to the Ball Game

To put the Saramonic Ultra to the test, I conducted a quick interview at a baseball stadium with another college baseball journalist before a game. It was not a quiet environment. There were teams warming up in the background, some wind, and the sounds of fans slowly trickling into the stadium as well as music over the PA system.

There was some of that music in the background, but it hardly affected the conversation in the final edit. I also talk with my hands, so when I decided to hold the microphone (instead of clip it to my clothing) and wave my hands, it didn’t lose much pickup.

Take a look (and listen) for yourself.

The mics are an ideal fit for journalists, content creators, podcasters, live streamers, and anyone else looking for a quality sound and wireless convenience for interviews. You cannot buy the pieces individually, so if you are looking for just one wireless mic, you may want to look elsewhere. However, with a list price of $269, the Saramonic Ultra is a hit for novices and pros alike.

Me: It's trade show season. I don't have time for any product reviews.

Shure: Hey, did you see our new mic that lets you plug in a second mic or a musical instrument without a mixer?

Me: Well played, Shure. Well played.

At its core, the new Shure MV7i "smart" microphone is a podcaster's dream. It's based on the same form factor as the SM7B, an XLR mic that's based on the SM7 that debuted in the 1970s. Though it only weighs 1.25 pounds, this is not a small mic; it's more than 6 inches long and 3.5 inches wide.

[Welcome WMAS]

The back panel of the mic has a USB-C port for simple connection to your laptop or phone. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can monitor your audio directly from the source. But the star of the show—and the reason I simply had to test this mic—is a combo XLR/1/4-inch input. It allows you to connect another mic or a musical instrument, such as an electric guitar, and record both sources at once without a mixer.

DSP and Other Details

What's in the box? The MV7i includes a yoke that allows you to angle your mic after it's attached to a stand. There's also a black windscreen that needs to be removed if you flip your microphone orientation for use with a boom mic stand, as well as a 10-foot USB-C cable.

A few technical specs to share: The MV7i features a cardioid pickup pattern, with a 50-16,000 Hz frequency response and adjustable gain up to +36 dB. It offers up to 24-bit, 48 kHz sampling, as well as 16-bit, 44.1 kHz sampling for iOS users. There's also phantom power for mics that you plug into the MV7i.

The diecast aluminum mic body sports an LED touchpanel that provides a little built-in branding opportunity, too. You can customize the colors on the touchpanel through Shure's MOTIV Mix Desktop app or MOTIV apps on your mobile device, so if you insist on putting your mic in the shot (don't get me started), the LED display can be tailored to match your company's logo color. You can also adjust the LED brightness and turn off the "pulsing" mode (for live metering) if you find it distracting. The touchpanel also serves as a mute button.

Several Shure DSP features are configured via the various MOTIV apps. For example, the Auto Level Mode with SmartGate provides real-time mic gain recalibration for consistent output and prevents overlapping dialogues during two-channel recording. There's also the adjustable reverb (good for music, not so much for interviews), Digital Popper Stopper, and a real-time denoiser, which does an amazing job removing ambient noise you didn't realize was there until you shut it off.

I really like the audio output choices. Not planning on a lot of post? Mixdown is the down-and-dirty option, combining both sources into one mono signal. Multi-track keeps both signals as separate mono tracks, so you can separate them later for editing. And the stereo setting records one stereo audio track, adding the mic input to both channels along with the stereo audio from the 1/4-inch jack. That's a good choice for a music demo or maybe a voiceover with some background music.

There is a catch: The MV7i only supports mics or instruments with an XLR or 1/4-inch output; there's no USB-C input. I suppose that could be on the product roadmap for the future, but for now, you're limited to analog.

Plug In and Play

On its own, the MV7i is an outstanding USB microphone. Use it and you'll be the best sounding participant in your next videoconference, or you can output the audio directly to your DAW. You need one of the MOTIV apps to change the out-of-box settings and set your output mode, but you don't need it to actually use the mic.

The multi-source audio magic happens in the MV7i itself. To test it, I plugged in an Audio-Technica AT2040, a hypercardioid dynamic mic that's also purpose-built for podcasting. I know it was supposed to work, but I was still amazed that I had two high-quality mics from two different manufacturers working in concert with only one USB cable feeding my laptop. It also worked flawlessly with my iPhone.

Both mics sounded great, but the Shure's extensive digital effects do not automatically carry over to the second mic. At one point, the MV7i sounded like it was deep in a concert hall, while the AT2040 sounded like it was, well, in my office. To fix this, go into a MOTIV app and adjust the XLR or 1/4-inch input separately. I decided to match both mics, but you can choose what sounds best for your project.

Once you configure both inputs the way you want them, the MV7i keeps those settings, even if you unplug the mic. So, when I connected the MV7i to a second computer and specified it as an audio track in my Mixcraft DAW, that concert hall sound came through on both mics.

For my next test, I dug out my old Audio-Technica PRO 3H, a handheld mic I think I've owned since parachute pants were a thing. The XLR mic plugged in without a problem. It still sounds just fine, by the way, but the on/off switch was useless—it was always on when plugged into the MV7i. Still, the MV7i played nice with my XLR mics, old and new.

Then, just to be thorough, I pulled out my electric guitar. Don't get excited—I know maybe five chords, but at least I could test the mic. It was easy enough to insert my cable into the 1/4-inch jack, which is hidden inside the XLR port.

I slipped on my beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones and plugged them into the MV7i's headphone jack, turned on the app, strummed a G, and there it was. No mixer, no external converters, no amp, just a boy and his guitar. Add a little reverb on the vocal and suddenly I'm getting delusions of bright lights and merchandising deals.

The MV7i is priced at $349, and Shure also offers a podcaster bundle that includes the no-frills MV7X (with XLR output) for $499. So, do I recommend it? Well, if you just need a USB podcast microphone, Shure's MV7+ offers the same look and performance as the MV7i for about 20% less. However, for podcasters on the go, or even corporate podcasters with limited space or technical know-how, it's hard to think of a simpler wired setup with this level of quality. Seriously, two cables—one of which comes in the box—and you're creating broadcast-quality audio interviews.

[Wireless Microphone Headaches]

Plus, it's no secret that a lot of Pro AV folks have roots in (or still perform) music. For them, the MV7i is an easy way to record vocals with an instrument—and the built-in features can improve the quality of the finished product without fixing it in post. I get the feeling the MV7i will be pulling double duty in a lot of facilities.

Sennheiser unveiled its one-channel version of its Profile Wireless 2.4 GHz all-in-one microphone solution. Designed to be lightweight and ultra-portable, the one-channel version covers typical usage scenarios of solo creators, while allowing for later expansion of the system by including the same two-channel receiver as the Profile Wireless 2-channel system.

The streamlined single-mic system comes in a compact bag and includes a second USB charging cable. Also, a 32-bit float firmware update for all Profile Wireless systems is available for download on the Sennheiser website. Just like the two-channel version, the solo system is quick and easy to set up—no app required. It can be used on cameras, with smartphones and computers, and can be combined with an external lavalier microphone or even used to create a wireless boom. The mic has an operating time of up to seven hours, and 16 GB of memory for up to 30 hours of internal recording.

The Profile Wireless 1-channel mic system comes in a rugged pouch that includes the clip-on microphone with mini windshield and magnetic mount, a two-channel receiver, two USB cables, USB-C and Lightning adapters, a camera cable and a shoe mount adapter. As all Profile Wirelesss components can also be bought separately, nothing stands in the way of expanding the system to two channels at a later point in time.

For 32-bit float recording, Profile Wireless combines the audio signals of the two A/D converters inside the Profile Wireless mics to create a single 32-bit float audio stream. Creators who prefer 24-bit recording due to its lower memory requirement still have the option to deactivate 32-bit float recording and turn on the Safety Channel Mode. This will output a 6dB version of the audio in addition to the original sound level and thus help protect against clipping.

To update their Profile Wireless system to firmware version V4.1.0, creators are can visit the Sennheiser website.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends, best practices for creating high-quality content that engages audiences, and choosing the best tools for production.

Thought Leader: David Missall, Insights Manager for Consultants and Technical Application Engineer Manager at Sennheiser

With the rapid development of user-friendly content creation tools and platforms, it’s easier than ever to produce high-quality content to capture audience imagination, especially as these technologies have become more accessible and affordable. Working for an audio manufacturer and seeing advancements up close, it’s been incredible to witness how the importance of audio has come to the forefront. This is not only a trend in the world of podcasting as an audio-first medium, but, as content in general has exploded over the last five years, we see expectations for quality audio are higher than ever before across so many facets of life, from education to conferencing.

Audio can no longer be an afterthought, as end users simply will not tolerate poor audio quality, especially with the advancements that have come with AR, XR, and VR in corporate and educational settings. While the visual advancements are obvious with conferencing capabilities like automated person tiling and virtual backgrounds, organizations today must also make sure that their audio technology is as advanced and reliable. With an abundance of the population on daily video calls for work or taking remote classes, it doesn’t matter how crystal clear a video stream is if the audio is not up to par; the ability to connect with the audience is lost. Subpar audio is exhausting, with participants finding themselves frustrated and disengaged by any barrier to effective communication. At Sennheiser, we strive to elevate this experience with pristine audio capture via our patented intelligent beam-forming technology in our unified communication solutions.

AVT Question: Please share insights on emerging trends, best practices for creating high-quality content that engages audiences, and choosing the best tools for production.

Thought Leader: Vanessa Jensen, Market Development Manager at Shure

The way audiences engage with content has evolved dramatically over the past five years. High-quality content isn’t just about sharp visuals, but about creating interactive, personalized, and multi-sensory environments to engage and capture audiences. High-quality audio is a critical yet often overlooked element of the evolution of content creation.

Whether producing social media content and podcasts or conducting interviews, premium sound quality enhances engagement, credibility, and audience retention. Poor audio and distracting background noise can distract viewers and make even the best visuals look unpolished. In the past, capturing high-quality audio required bulky equipment and a wired setup. Today, with Shure’s MoveMic 88+ Wireless Stereo Microphone, professional wireless audio is more accessible than ever, even for those new to content creation. The compact, direct-to-phone stereo microphone offers a seamless solution for creators who need studio-quality sound while on the go. MoveMic 88+ pairs directly with smartphones via the Shure MOTIV app(s), or to computers and cameras using the MoveMic Receiver, eliminating the need to carry additional audio gear.

With four selectable polar patterns, MoveMic 88+ is adaptable for various recording scenarios, and users can also make real-time adjustments to EQ, noise reduction, compression, and more. Featuring a 100-foot wireless range and up to eight hours of battery life, MoveMic 88+ is built for flexibility, making it the perfect solution for creators, mobile journalists, and filmmakers working in dynamic environments.

Creating content will continue to evolve as advanced tools and the flexibility of wireless connectivity enables creators to produce highly engaging, high-quality content more efficiently than ever.

AUDIX unveiled its new OMX series of dynamic vocal mics. Comprising the OMX-E, OMX-M, and OMX-T, this product family matches a handheld microphone to each of three common stage scenarios. The OMX-E is geared towards singers who move closer to and farther from the mic during a performance; the OMX-T offers the tightest pickup range for sharing the stage with loud instruments; and the OMX-M fuses a medium-tight capture zone with a subtle mid-high presence. Just below each mic’s capsule, a color-coded ring encircles the housing, allowing quick identification with no need to read the mic’s name. All three models feature robust zinc alloy construction, a hypercardioid pattern, and singular vocal clarity that elevates the performer and delights the audience. 

[Product Review: Premium Podcasting]

“We often hear customers say that if they choose the right AUDIX mic for the source, they get a great sound with usually zero tweaking needed at the mixing console,” said Simon Beesley, product marketing director for AUDIX. “The new OMX microphones lean into this philosophy by providing purpose-built variants for three singing styles and gig situations performing musicians are highly likely to encounter. All offer the construction quality and bang for buck AUDIX has come to be famous for. Between the OMX-E, OMX-M, and OMX-T, every type of vocalist is sure to find their perfect mic.”

3 Mics Purpose-Built for Different Singers and Gigs

OMX-T: For many bands, keeping the lead singer’s mic free of unwanted bleed and feedback is an uphill battle. This is not only because stages in showcase-oriented clubs tend to be small. Some venues favor mainly (or only) backline sound for guitar, bass, and even drums, so these instruments tend to get played louder than in a fully miked-and-monitored plot. Too often, the lead guitarist brought the amp for the stadium gig of their dreams. Whatever the challenge, the OMX-T isolates all the vocals while maximizing rejection of other nearby signals. Meant for singing very close, it retains detail with neither exaggerated bass boost nor loss of clarity. Its exceptional gain-before-feedback carves out a space in which both the singer and listeners will hear every word. Its silver-colored ring serves as visual reference to its application.

OMX-E: For many musicians, singing engages the entire body, and this is visible in their microphone technique. One moment, an intimate and emotional passage might be sung very close to the mic; the next, the singer backs off to belt out a rousing chorus. Seasoned vocalists also vary mic proximity and axis to affect loudness and bass response in service of the song. The OMX-E was made for such artists. It is specifically designed to capture consistent detail and frequency response throughout an expanded range of distances relative to the performer. The dynamic capsule ensures worry-free performance. The green band flags the mic as an OMX-E.

OMX-M: Engineered with a mid-tight pickup zone, the OMX-M is perfect for singer-songwriters and frontpeople who skew towards singing close to the mic but still need a degree of latitude. Reproducing the softest to the loudest passages, the OMX-M delivers studio-quality sound. Its gentle mid-high boost gives vocals an intimacy and urgency that will serve musical genres from acoustic folk to modern rock with equal excellence. Its bronze-colored ring is the visual nod to its versatility.
 

Sony recently announced the addition of NDI to select cameras as well as a new microphone. Here is the latest news from Sony. 

Sony Electronics Introduces Free NDI License

NDI capability will now be offered as a standard, free feature for select Sony compatible remote camera systems.  This update will be available both for newly sold (as complimentary NDI license) and existing applicable products (through a firmware upgrade).

[NDI Reigns over AVoIP Protocols]

Eligible models:

• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Auto Framing Camera BRC-AM7
• Cinema Line Camera ILME-FR7, ILME-FR7K
• PTZ Auto Framing Camera SRG-A40, SRG-A12
• PTZ 4K Color Video Camera BRC-X400, PTZ HD Color Video Camera SRG-X400, SRG-X120
• POV/BOX Camera SRG-XB25, SRG-XP1

Firmware upgrades for PTZ Auto Framing Camera BRC-AM7, Cinema Line Camera ILME-FR7, ILME-FR7K, and PTZ Auto Framing Camera SRG-A40, SRG-A12 are coming soon.

For models awaiting firmware upgrades (Cinema Line Cameras ILME-FR7, ILME-FR7K, and PTZ Auto Framing Cameras SRG-A40, SRG-A12), a free NDI license will be provided from Dec. 1, 2024. This will ensure uninterrupted access to NDI support until the firmware updates are released. By offering the NDI capability free of charge across a range of compatible remote camera models, Sony is empowering creators, broadcasters, and businesses to elevate their video production workflows with seamless, high-quality connectivity.

Sony Launches DWM-30 Digital Wireless Microphone

Sony is also expanding its DWX Series of digital wireless technology with the DWM-30 professional handheld microphone. The new model is compatible with the entire DWX family and can utilize three different Sony mic capsules with different pick-up patterns, and also accepts third-party mic capsules.

[Wireless Microphone Headaches]

The DWM-30 digital wireless microphone transmitter is the successor to DWX Series model DWM-02N, an established choice for a range of professional audio recording environments from broadcast stations to live music performances. The new model combines a user-friendly design, reduced weight, and an approximately six-hour battery life with support for the latest codec modes. It is compatible with current DWX series models and operates within the frequency guidelines adopted as a result of the FCC spectrum reallocation. This model features a wideband operation (up to 148MHz) and allows tuning to frequencies as mandated by the FCC spectrum guidelines UHF-TV Ch 14-36 (470.125-607.875MHz) and 38 UHF-TV (614.125-615.875MHz).

While in plain view to AV professionals, ceiling microphones go largely unnoticed by those who benefit from them most. But interactive collaboration and education—coupled with hybrid work and learning models—are making them a must-have technology for organizations and institutions that strive to deliver a natural, no-fuss experience.

Today’s meeting “headquarters” may be a conference room on a corporate campus, but most gatherings now incorporate a hybrid element. This means that remote participants must be able to hear their onsite colleagues clearly, no matter where they are in the space. David Missall, insights manager for consultants at Sennheiser, noted that ceiling microphones provide this capability, while making for a less cluttered conference room.

[Welcome WMAS]

“We are in an era where bad audio is no longer acceptable,” Missall said. “Creating an inclusive meeting experience where everyone can be heard equally, no matter where they’re joining from, is key.”

Ceiling mics also make for a less disruptive meeting experience, noted Mark Donovan, CTS-D, CTS-I, applications engineering manager for professional markets at Audio-Technica. “[There is the] benefit of limiting the participants’ interaction with the technology, which significantly reduces user error as well as removing unnecessary distraction that could disrupt the natural flow of meetings,” he said.

The ability for remote participants to hear their onsite colleagues wherever they happen to be in the conference room is important, argued Vanessa Jensen, market development manager at Shure. Some collaboration participants move around a lot, which necessitates a system that can capture those who are—and are not—sitting at the conference table.

[Wireless Microphone Headaches]

“People want to get up, engage, present, use a whiteboard,” Jensen explained. “The flexibility that ceiling microphones offer is heads and tails above what we could achieve with a standard microphone.”

Improved Features

One notable advancement in ceiling microphone systems is their integration with camera tracking technology. For example, Audio-Technica’s ATND1061 beamforming ceiling array microphone is compatible with many PTZ cameras. “This allows cameras to be directed to the active talker in order to improve the meeting experience for the users,” Donovan said. “These features have become very reliable as the ability to accurately pinpoint voice locations has improved dramatically.”

At Sennheiser, Missall points to beamforming technology as one key advancement in the ceiling microphone category. Capable of adjusting automatically to a room’s acoustics, this tech generates focused pickup patterns that isolate speech from background noise. “This has enhanced audio quality and simplified the user and integration experience,” he said.

There are also continued efforts to block sound from outside the desired coverage area so meeting participants aren’t distracted by noise, such as closing doors or shuffling papers. Jensen points to features that Shure offers, such as advanced noise filtering, speech gating threshold, and virtual acoustic boundary, all of which aim to improve the performance of its MXA products. Plus, automatic nonlinear processing and automatic noise reduction—which change dynamically with the environment—improve audio performance in the conference room itself.

“It gives us the ability to have really high-quality audio in that particular coverage area, and we’re ignoring things that are outside of that coverage area,” she said. “We’re blocking it so people on the far end aren’t hearing it, and they can really focus on the conversation.”

Deployments and Alternatives

In applications requiring only three or four mics, Donovan recognizes that wired analog microphone systems may be less costly. However, for larger-scale installations—or those requiring wireless capability—he maintained that ceiling mics may be less expensive and easier to integrate. “Most ceiling arrays require only a network connection, which can vastly simplify infrastructure and labor when compared to analog wired solutions,” he said.

[SCN Hybrid World: Out of Sight Sound]

Ceiling microphones can cost more than tabletop mics, Missall acknowledged, but he encouraged integrators to consider the long-term benefits. Once again, because they are positioned where people can’t reach them, they’re not exposed to repetitive handling, which cuts down on wear and tear, as well as maintenance.

According to Donovan, the primary concern when deploying ceiling microphones should be placement. “While array microphones can pick up extremely well at longer distances within their coverage radius, mounting a ceiling array too high will begin to limit the coverage area, possibly requiring more microphones,” he explained.

He also encouraged integrators to take camera tracking into account, since location accuracy capabilities decrease as meeting participants move further away from ceiling microphones. For example, while it may be easy to capture a headshot of an individual meeting participant at three meters, a wide-angle shot may be required at five meters.

As enterprise-level organizations continue to adopt AI to improve their business performance, high-quality audio will continue to be a top priority. “As we move towards AI-driven tools in the workplace—solutions like Copilot, for example—ceiling microphones are really great in terms of being able to capture the clear, intelligible audio that is going to enable more accurate transcription, captioning, and so on,” Jensen said. “Thinking about the future and where we are all headed as employees, I think, will help guide you to the right solution.”

Ceiling Mics for Medical Simulations

Ceiling microphones need not be restricted to conference spaces. Takeshi Senoo, director of product marketing at Yamaha, noted that applications where it’s impractical for users to be holding a mic are good candidates for these products, such as lecture halls and training spaces.

Senoo cited a deployment at the Centre for Advanced Medical Simulation at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The 6,000-square-foot facility houses a variety of immersive learning spaces where instructors present aspiring healthcare and medical professionals with real-world scenarios, so they can learn how to respond quickly and safely while under pressure.

Skills are practiced on mannequins—audio and video signals from the simulation rooms are fed to the control rooms, where operators manipulate the mannequins remotely based on what they are hearing and seeing. Operators also deliver instructions to the teachers in the simulation rooms via in-ear microphones as the scenario plays out.

In one of its large simulation rooms, NAIT upgraded to a Yamaha RM-CG ceiling array microphone for more intelligible audio. Previously, the space featured two small puck mics that were mounted on the 12-foot-high ceiling. This was limiting, since the mics could only capture the sound that was directly underneath. Plus, because the sessions are often noisy, participants had a hard time hearing what was going on, which led to slower response times and a less realistic simulation.

Featuring multi-beam tracking, the RG-CG, which is integrated with the room's existing Biamp system, allows for a variety of room layouts such as an operating room or a neonatal intensive care unit. According to Yamaha, NAIT is currently developing plans to deploy the RG-CG across all its simulation spaces.

Prior to becoming the senior content manager at SCN, I spent a decade covering sports. While most of that is in the rearview mirror, my fantasy football podcast is still going strong. When Shure released a new microphone that "empowers content creators with next-level recording and streaming," I had to check it out.

Spoiler alert: I was not disappointed.

Full of Features

The MV7+ podcast microphone comes packed tightly with everything needed to get right into your podcast or livestream. There is a Quick Start Guide, which is just that—short and to the point. I used the USB-C connector to plug right into my MacBook (the mic is compatible with both Mac and Windows, as well as several Apple and Android mobile devices), but there is a XLR output connector should you want to use an audio interface or mixer. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack for convenient monitoring and a 5/8-inch threaded mount for use with most stands or boom arms.

The mic itself is loaded with fantastic features, none of which requires you to be a podcasting expert to use, so it's a good option for that company executive who needs a solid mic for addressing a hybrid workforce via videoconferencing. The LED live meter may be my favorite. You can easily customize the color of the pulsating meter, although I stuck with the preprogrammed red for muting and green for live. A simple touch of the finger gets you back and forth from muted to live during your show.

[Product Review: Keep on Tracking]

Shure's Voice Isolation Technology separates vocals from background noise, while a real-time denoiser for eliminates ambient noise. A new DSP engine, which is already onboarded in its design, takes no experience to use. It includes an auto level mode that automatically adjusts mic gain based on distance and speech volume, plus an adjustable reverb (plate, hall, and studio) with your choice of intensity level. There's even Shure's new Digital Popper Stopper, which reduces harsh plosive sounds without an add-on pop filter.

The MV7+ integrates with Shure's free MOTIV Mix Desktop app, providing users the ability to configure all aspects of the MV7+. The software also offers multi-track recording and routing to support users with a greater control of their livestreaming and recordings. As a no-frills fantasy football podcaster, my audio mixing skills are essentially nonexistent. However, after getting a "tour" of the mic at 2024 NAB Show with Garrison Krotz, manager, global media relations for Shure, I realized the app was very easy to navigate.

Now Hear This

As a journalist, I don't use words of great magnitude—like epic, for example—lightly. However, the MV7+ sound is of epic proportions.

Before I took it for a spin on the podcast, I hooked it up to my work computer and had a Google Meet call with SCN's own Mark J. Pescatore. He immediately noticed the difference. As a longtime listener of my podcast, he was excited to hear the next episode. While on the same test call, I rolled my chair back about two feet and he still heard me clearly—and still heard me when I rolled back about five feet.

Now don't get me wrong: For best results, you want this mic somewhere between 6-12 inches from your mouth. However, the pickup distance is not an expectation of typical podcasting mics, so I was pleasantly surprised.

Then, it was time to debut the Shure MV7+ podcast microphone on my 3 and Out Fantasy Football Podcast on the Gridiron Ratings network. We are not a high-tech show, as both of my cohosts Zoom in from afar. There has always been minimal production editing and even less audio editing (translation: none).

It's also worth noting that my previous mic was inexpensive—I bought it four years ago when the show started, not expecting our little YouTube show to go anywhere. To compare the quality between the original mic and the MV7+ is almost unfair. I went from "sounding better than a computer mic" to broadcast-quality audio and felt like a true podcasting pro.

[SCN Review: Jabra Videobar Is Built for Busy Meetings]

We had some fun with it—I let me daughter do the intro so I could sit back and see how different voices interact with the mic and MOTIV Mix app. I did not notify either of my cohosts that I had gotten a new mic, but they were both immediately able to tell there was a difference. Mark listened in and added to our YouTube comments that my audio was head-and-shoulders superior to previous episodes … and my cohosts, who were still on their older mics.

Just how good is the MV7+ podcast microphone? Since the maiden voyage in June, it has been my 3 and Out microphone. It is an absolute steal for the production quality it provides. Pricing starts at $279 on the Shure website; if you're new to podcasting, you'll probably want the $299 desk stand kit to get started. Additionally, if you want to save desk space like me, Shure offers bundles with a boom arm, as well as bundles with headphones.

['Retro' Review: Shure MV51]

Whether you're a podcaster or hosting town hall meetings for your company and clients, the professional feel paired with ease of use that the Shure MV7+ provides is worth the investment. Plus, if you're a podcaster who is also frequently on Zoom, Google Meet, or any other meeting platform, now you have a mic that makes you sound better there as well.

As AV professionals, we all like the proverbial bells and whistles. But sometimes, simplicity wins the day. So, it is with the Sennheiser Profile USB microphone. Instead of bells and whistles, it succeeds with an uncomplicated, compact design and strong audio performance.

You've Got the Look

Technically, the Profile is a condenser microphone with adjustable gain that offers a cardioid pickup pattern and frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz. The mic itself is less than 7 inches tall, including the removeable stand, and the diameter of the stand is a little less than 4 inches. As a result, the Profile does not take up a lot of work surface real estate. It also couldn't be seen in my typical videoconferencing medium close-up when I positioned it about 1 foot in front of me on my desk.

[Product Review: Follow You, Follow Me]

Also, the Profile features an adjustable tilt. You can leave the mic standing straight or aim it anywhere within a 45-degree angle. A self-locking joint keeps the mic at the angle you want—no locking or screw tightening required. That's a nice touch.

The rear of the Profile has a USB-C port (USB-C cable included) and 3.5mm headphone jack, while the front of the mic sports four controls. The gain control knob is surrounded by an always-on green LED ring, which turns yellow if your audio is clipping or red if your mic is muted. The mute button sits above the gain control knob and has its own red LED ring that lights when active. (Sennheiser really wanted to make sure you know when your mic is not hot.) Below the mute and gain controls is a knob that handles the mix for your headphones, allowing you to adjust the levels between the mic and your device audio. The lowest knob is for headphone volume adjustment.

As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I believe you should avoid having your freestanding mic in your shot. I concede that I might be in the minority on this one, thanks to the proliferation of online content that gladly shows mics, boom arms, and basically any other equipment that's within reach.

So, maybe it's no longer a big deal—but if your mic is going to be visible, at least make sure it's nice to see. With its black metal housing and table stand, the Profile offers a slick design that's stylish, not distracting. Sennheiser also offers the Profile in a streaming set that includes a boom arm.

Gain Supreme

I tend to use a speakerphone during videoconferences, and I generally get no complaints about my audio. However, when I recorded a Google Meet and switched between the two sources, there was no comparison. The Profile sounded, well, like a professional microphone.

[Sennheiser Applauds New FCC Rules for Wireless Mic Technology]

The easy-access gain adjustment is a game changer. I can get loud when I need to, and my "radio voice" tends to be louder than my indoor speaking voice. I had to crank up the gain and practically eat the mic before I could get this thing to clip. During everyday use, I kept the mic roughly 2 feet away from my mouth and was heard loud and clear during videoconferences by adding maybe 25% gain.

To give it a true test, I attached the Profile to my Ultimate Support Systems boom arm, stood up, and recorded my June editorial in my office directly to Adobe Premiere Rush. Oh, I popped a few Ps during my monologue, and I could have used my isolation shield to reduce the room noise, but overall the Profile delivered a very solid audio track. Later, I used the Profile when recording a video interview and got nothin' but compliments.

Now kids, you should never judge your own self-worth based on what other people say about you. However, it's perfectly fine to judge your mic based on what other people say about it.

Case in point: I was part of a videoconference and another participant—who didn't know me and didn't know I was reviewing the mic—commented on how much he liked the look of the Profile on the boom arm. (Yes, I left it in the shot on purpose.) Another person was very impressed with the audio quality, especially considering the mic was positioned about 1 foot from my face, which is roughly twice the distance I use when I'm recording voiceover work.

In a later meeting, I forgot to swing my boom arm around to bring the mic closer to me. I had left the gain up from the previous meeting, but the mic was more than 2 feet away—and not pointed directly toward me. Still, we carried on our conversation for a few minutes without complaint.

[SCN Hybrid World: Out of Sight Sound]

Priced at $129 at B&H Photo Video and other retailers, the Sennheiser Profile USB mic will look professional on your CEO's desk during a town hall and deliver significantly better results than a typical speakerphone. It's also right at home on a boom arm, so your podcasts, voiceovers, and other production recordings are covered, too. Small but mighty, not to mention simple but stylish, the Profile delivers an affordable upgrade for corporate audio applications.

So, you want to make corporate videos with your phone, computer, or DSLR, but the on-board mic won't cut it—and you don't want the talent tethered to your gear. Shure has heard your call for help and responded with its MoveMic Two Receiver Kit. Now, your training videos, interviews, and location shoots can feature the audio intelligibility required to share your message.

[On Hybrid Work 2024: Shure]

The MoveMic Two Receiver Kit includes two MoveMic wireless lavalier mics with charging case, the MoveMic receiver, and connecting cables. The wireless mics live in their own charge case, which you charge via a USB-C connection. A small LED outside the case indicates the charge status, and two smaller LEDs indicate the status of the individual mics.

 The whole system is stored in a roll bag, which has mesh pockets for the charge case, receiver, and assorted cables and accessories. The roll bag has some light padding that offers some protection, but considering what's inside, it's best to handle with care.

According to Shure, the mics and receiver can run for up to eight hours, while the case can store up to two full charges as well. It takes less than three hours to charge the case or the receiver. Throughout my tests, I never had an issue with power. The system supports PCM/WAV and AAC for Android, as well as PCM/WAV, MP4, AAC, and ALAC for iOS. Both the mics and receiver offer 50Hz-20kHz frequency response, 24-bit audio, and 48kHz sampling rate, with up to 60 dB gain adjustment.

Mic Basics

The flat black MoveMic is about 2 inches long with windscreen. When you attach the mic with the clip facing out, your clothes hide most of the mic body, so it's no more noticeable than any other lav.

I installed the windscreen immediately. Yes, you can remove it, but considering it's made of thin plastic covered with thin foam and snaps in place with more plastic, I'd just set it and forget it. The mic also has an IPX4 rating, so you can record in light rain or snow (no swimming allowed).

Each mic sports one button that handles all the necessary functions—power on/off, mute/unmute, and pairing—and two LEDs use different colors to indicate the various functions. Push the button for a few seconds to turn it on and connect with the receiver. Keep holding it a few seconds more to enter pairing mode.

[Review: Let's Get Small]

When the mic is on, one short button press and the mic is muted, while another short press makes the mic live again. Hold the button for a few seconds to shut off the mic. A red LED stays on as long as the mute is active; otherwise, the lights shut off after a few seconds.

It's simple enough to pair one or two MoveMics to Shure's MOTIV Audio app via Bluetooth for audio recordings on your phone. You can also pair with the MOTIV Video app to record videos and even livestream to Facebook or YouTube. That's right, Shure MoveMic offers dual-channel, direct-to-phone functionality. But here's the catch: Without the receiver, you are limited to these two apps—and there's no DSLR connectivity.

Receiver Advantages

About the size of half of a compact cell phone, the MoveMic Receiver offers extensive controls and options. There's a power button on one side, while the other side includes a USB-C port for phone/computer connectivity and charging, 3.5mm audio out for connection to your DSLR, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for live monitoring. It's small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, but there's a built-in cold shoe mount (with a hinge) for easy mounting to your DSLR or camera support system.

The front of the receiver has a small, bright display, as well as a really small, recessed joystick for menu navigation and a red "X" button that lets you back out of various menus. Despite its size, the joystick is surprisingly responsive. The menus allow you to set separate gain levels on each mic, turn noise reduction on or off, switch recording modes (speech, singing, and flat), change the display names of the mics (very helpful), and even shut off the LEDs on the mics (not something I recommend).

Turn on the receiver and it immediately starts looking for mics, and a small LED above the screen will flash blue until it finds one (or two). Once I paired the mics via Bluetooth, it found them easily and consistently.

But there's a quirk: After I paired one of the wireless mics with one of the MOTIV apps on my phone to test it, the mic no longer wanted to play nice with the receiver. That's because the mic stays paired with the app until told otherwise. If you decide to use a mic without the receiver for some quick one-off project, you'll need to go into the receiver's devices menu, find the uncooperative mic, and reconnect it.

You will likely need to install firmware updates at some point. Download the Shure Update Utility app to get the latest firmware for all the components of the system. Installation is pretty simple—and you'll want this software, anyway, to keep all your Shure digital products up to date.

Unfair Testing

As is right and proper, I decided to put the MoveMic Two Receiver Kit in a ridiculous and completely unfair situation to see how well it could perform. And what better place to challenge a wireless microphone system than the middle of the 2024 NAB Show exhibit hall? I interviewed Shure's associate manager of global media relations, Garrison Krotz, at the company's booth in the Central Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center during the show. I also did not turn on the noise reduction to make sure the test was completely unreasonable.

And yet, it wasn't. I recorded our conversation on my iPhone 15 using the MOTIV Video app. Even with show floor background noise, the interview was clear. Oh, a little noise reduction would have helped, but it was still far better than what you'd get from the mic in your cell phone. And no drops—despite being an area no doubt blanketed with Bluetooth and other wireless activity, I experienced no interference and no lost audio.

I also produced a separate, off-site interview during NAB Show using this system (featuring, ahem, a different company). We were in a hallway outside of a lively reception area, so there was plenty of background noise. Again, I kept the noise reduction off, but I did reduce the background noise a bit in post using Adobe Premiere Rush. I was very pleased with the results.

Of course, I also wanted to test the noise reduction capabilities of the MoveMic Two Receiver Kit, so I shot a stand-up less than 6 feet from my air conditioner's outdoor condenser unit. That's the big piece of equipment that makes the loud rattle-and-hum that is so familiar to those of us who live in South Florida. Shure's noise reduction technology was nothing short of astounding, dropping the noise to a low hum.

Finally, let's talk range. Shure noted the MoveMic components have line-of-sight range of up to 100 feet. I positioned one mic more than 50 feet away in another room. It didn't move and I had no issues. Meanwhile, I took the second microphone outside for a walk. The signal was solid, except when I didn't follow the rules and strayed too far from line of sight. So, while it won't work across a football field, it should be fine across a basketball court, though I'd probably keep it in the paint to be safe. 

['Retro' Review: Shure MV51]

The MoveMic Two Receiver Kit is priced at $499 on the Shure website. If you're content with only direct-to-phone connectivity, you can save a little cash and buy two MoveMics for $349.

I don’t think I can stress enough how easy this system is to use. Almost everything about it is intuitive. Honestly, I had already paired the mics and started testing them before I even thought about reading the user guide. The audio is excellent, the receiver provides customized control through a simple user interface, and you can carry on an on-screen conversation without running wires or sharing a mic. Time to kick the audio quality of your corporate videos up a notch … or two.

Shure debuted its updated, newly designed low-profile WL18Xm professional lavalier condenser microphones at InfoComm 2024. This includes the cardioid WL185m, supercardioid WL184m, and omnidirectional WL183m, for use with wireless bodypack transmitters. 

The refreshed portfolio builds on the legacy and performance of existing Shure WL lavalier microphone technology, offering full and accurate sound quality with an improved presence response. The WL18Xm line delivers enhanced specifications for optimal compatibility with modern wireless systems and is specifically designed for speech and presentation applications in corporate, education, and worship environments. 

['Retro' Review: Shure MV51]

“Our WL series has been the go-to lavalier solution for decades, known for reliability, durability, and full, accurate sound. As wireless technology continues to improve, we saw an opportunity to innovate and evolve the industry-standard WL line into a product that meets the requirements of professionals using today’s modern, digital systems,” said Nick Wood, senior director, professional audio products, at Shure. “We’re introducing a product that users already know and love, now with lower self-noise, improved RF immunity, higher dynamic range, and improved max SPL.”

The WL18Xm line is 8 mm shorter than its predecessor, making it lighter, lower-profile, and easier to use. For flexible placement on speakers, presenters, and performers, each lavalier is available in either black or white with LEMO or TA4F connector options. The microphone’s innovative tie clip can be rotated in 90-degree intervals for accurate positioning.

AV/IT manufacturers pulled out all the stops to develop and bring to market a whole new wave of products and solutions to enable the demands of today’s hybrid collaboration environments. Whether the corporate enterprise, higher education, health care, government, or hospitality, end users expect robust experience and easy-to-use solutions.  

This Part 1 compilation comprises 20 of the hundreds of products and solutions that enable today’s hybrid collaboration environments. Watch for Part II.   High-quality microphones, auto-framing PTZ cameras, all-in-one conferencing bars, display carts, presentation systems, media switchers, scheduling and room booking software, and displays are among the dozens of solutions available. 

Shure’s Microflex Advance MXA901 Conferencing Ceiling Array Microphone

Shure’s Microflex Advance MXA901 Conferencing Ceiling Array Microphone is a modern audio solution designed to deliver enhanced directional voice capture and reproduction with minimal setup required. It offers flexible installation options with a sleek form factor, perfectly fitting the room’s aesthetic. It’s built with Single Zone Automatic Coverage Technology, enabling users to automatically capture the talkers they wish to hear. MXA901’s onboard IntelliMix DSP includes Automatic Gain Control, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Noise Reduction, and Automatic Mixing to deliver high-quality sound for all participants. The MXA901 is certified for use with popular collaboration platforms including Microsoft Teams and Zoom Rooms.

Barco’s ClickShare Bar

Barco’s ClickShare Bar is an innovative all-in-one video bar for effortless wireless conferencing in hybrid meetings. ClickShare continues to offer simplicity and ease-of-use through our wireless ClickShare portfolio in hybrid meeting rooms. The newly added video bar works seamlessly with any laptop and on any video conferencing platform. With the bar, initiating a wireless video call only requires a single click on the ClickShare Button or in the ClickShare App. For IT managers, it brings easy installation, reduced total cost of ownership, and unparalleled flexibility. With just one device needed to equip an entire meeting room alongside a display, deployment is significantly simplified, and installation cost is reduced.

Atlona’s Omega AT-OME-MS42

Atlona’s Omega AT-OME-MS42 is a 4-by-2 matrix switcher that delivers exceptional performance and value for 4K/UHD presentation and video conferencing applications in small-to-medium AV environments, including meeting rooms, conference rooms, and lecture halls. The OME-MS42 combines the benefits of auto-switching for USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort, plus integrated display control and USB extension, offering flexible capabilities for 4K presentation and software video conferencing applications. Selectable AV switching modes across HDBaseT and HDMI outputs enable simple configuration and effortless ease of use tailored to a specific application. When used with the OME-EX-RX receiver or OME-SR21 scaling receiver, the OME-MS42 can be remotely powered over HDBaseT.

Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling Medium (TCCM) Ceiling Microphone

Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling Medium (TCCM) ceiling microphone is designed to cater to mid-sized meeting rooms and collaboration spaces, boasting an impressive coverage of up to 40 square meters. Beyond its exceptional functionality, this microphone is elegantly designed for seamless integration into conference rooms or lecture spaces, providing superior audio quality for both onsite and remote participants. In recent weeks, the TCCM has achieved certifications and integrations with Crestron, AVer, and Lumens.

Chief's Fit Mobile Cart

Chief's Fit Mobile Cart for interactive displays is designed for adaptability and collaboration, this mobile cart brings flexibility and functionality for corporate, educational, and diverse professional environments. To ensure seamless integration into various settings, it accommodates flat panel displays ranging from 55-86 inches and weighing up to 175 pounds. Its suite of features includes three height adjustment options, ranging from 44 inches (112cm) to 60 inches (153cm), which ensures accessibility for diverse users, promoting inclusivity and comfort throughout interactivity. A height-adjustable shelf, capable of supporting up to 10 lbs., facilitates convenient storage for essential accessories such as keyboards, laptops, and styluses, streamlining workflow efficiency.

Engineered with 4-inch casters and compact 29-inch legs, the cart prioritizes safety and portability. Moreover, its design accommodates displays with varying VESA mounting patterns, guaranteeing compatibility with a wide range of interactive display models. The Fit Mobile Cart ships with an interface bracket that accommodates displays larger than 15x15 inches (400x400mm), while displays smaller than 15x15 inches (400x400mm) can be mounted directly to the cart's faceplate.

Yamaha UC’s RM-WOM Omnidirectional Wireless Tabletop Microphone

Yamaha UC’s RM-WOM Omnidirectional Wireless Tabletop Microphone, designed to be positioned on a conference table to provide a comfortable audio conferencing experience with no configuration needed, is part of the ADECIA series of Dante-networked wireless conferencing components. The mic captures consistent, crystal-clear audio for highly intelligible speech and natural-sounding conversations in conference calls, video conferences, remote collaborations, and distance learning. The microphone is well suited for small- to medium-sized training rooms, conference rooms, classrooms, multipurpose rooms, or boardrooms.

Sony’s Professional BRAVIA 4K HDR Displays

Sony’s Professional BRAVIA 4K HDR Displays for commercial environments, the BZ50L, BZ40L, BZ35L, and BZ30L series, range from 43 to 98 inches and accommodate high-end, mid-range, and standard needs where reliability, picture quality, and broad compatibility are required. They incorporate Pro BRAVIA users’ favorite features such as unparalleled image quality, a wider viewing angle, thoughtful professional features, and a smart System on a Chip (SoC) platform. The standout bright BZ40L series uses a state-of-the-art panel treatment with a Deep Black Non-Glare Coating that offers high haze and low reflection, while maintaining deep blacks and high contrast.

Vanco’s EVSW4K41 4K 4x1 Wired and Wireless Collaboration Switcher

Vanco’s EVSW4K41 4K 4x1 Wired and Wireless Collaboration Switcher is a multi-format collaboration switcher that enables seamless switching from multiple wired or wireless presenters. Miracast and Airplay allow wireless casting from BYOD devices. EVSW4K41 also has two HDMI inputs and a USB-C input with 60w of charging and USB 2.0/3.0 data support. The switch supports uncompressed HDMI 2.0b, 4K@60Hz video with full HDR, and HDCP2.2 compliance. EVSW4K41 is also outfitted with two USB-B posts for host connections, two USB-A ports for peripherals, and front panel buttons for display control. EVSW4K41 also features audio de-embedding for breakout to an amp or audio distribution system. 

Panasonic Connect’s WX-AM800 Ceiling Array Microphone

Panasonic Connect’s WX-AM800 Ceiling Array Microphone is its latest addition to the professional audio ecosystem offers several unique, customer-driven innovations to enable ease of installation and use in meeting rooms, classrooms, or other spaces. Designed to cover a 30 by 30-foot area with four adjustable zones and with the support of up to four exclusion areas, the WX-AM800 beamforming ceiling mic array automatically adjusts its sensitivity based on the location of the speaker and features built-in integration with one Panasonic PTZ camera for voice tracking (no control system required). The WX-AM00 features Dante digital audio connectivity with support for AES67 and a separate LAN connection for third-party control. 

The most unique feature includes the ability to add up to two Panasonic DECT Wireless microphones to the system without having to use rack space, thanks to the WX-AU202 Antenna/Receiver, which mounts on a wall or ceiling and connects back to the ceiling microphone using one CAT5e cable (up to 195 ft run)—audio from the two DECT wireless microphone channels, along with the audio from the ceiling mic are transmitted back to the Dante network over a single CAT5e cable. Panasonic’s Microphone System Configuration Center Software, compatible with Microsoft Windows 10 & 11, allows the user to set the room size, place the ceiling microphones and configure a whole host of audio DSP settings such as Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Audio Input Ducking, Equalization, Digital Noise Reduction, Panasonic PTZ Camera integration, adjust the range of the Panasonic antennas and more

Lightware Visual Engineering's Taurus Switcher

Lightware Visual Engineering's Taurus Switcher solutions now has a new integration with Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows. Developed for system integrators, IT professionals, and corporate meeting room users, it delivers advanced Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) functionality and room control capabilities for Teams meeting spaces.

Powered by the Lightware Taurus UCX/TPX Series Universal Switchers, the solution augments the Microsoft Teams Rooms experience by allowing users to effortlessly integrate their personal laptops with the room’s meeting system. This enables flexible content sharing together with access to lighting, projector and shade controls from a single control panel.

By configuring the Lightware Companion App on a Microsoft Teams Rooms PC and integrating the Companion module within Lightware Advanced Room Control (LARA), additional functions can be introduced to further enhance meeting room capabilities. Lightware Taurus Switchers have also been validated for use by a wide range of leading meeting room technology manufacturers, including Lenovo, Poly, Logitech, Yealink, and Barco.

Absen’s K V3 Series

Absen’s K V3 Series, now in the U.S., delivers unparalleled precision and versatility in LED display technology. Featuring pixel pitches from 1.56mm to 3.9mm and dual brightness configurations, it provides clarity and adaptability across lighting conditions. The series promotes energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, and creative flexibility with modular structures for custom setups. TÜV-certified for safety, it’s ideal for enhancing retail, exhibitions, and corporate spaces with vivid, lifelike visuals.

AtlasIED’s Atmosphere AZMP Series Audio Processors 

AtlasIED’s Atmosphere AZMP Series audio processors include a built-in premium amplifier to help customers consolidate products in an audio rack and streamline system integration. Available in four-zone (AZMP4) and eight-zone (AZMP8) models, the AZMP products offer background music, paging, and sound masking capabilities all in one solution. Tech managers can create multiple zones to support a variety of installation configurations. Each model can function exclusively in multi-zone sound masking or mixed-use applications to ensure privacy, comfort, and productivity. For instance, certain zones can use sound masking while others play background music or paging announcements.

Crestron Control App for Zoom Rooms Software

The Crestron Control App for Zoom Rooms Software solution is a software control application that allows existing Zoom Rooms, regardless of pre-installed brands, to natively use Crestron Control to expand its capabilities. The powerful, consistent app can deliver control over everything from lighting, shades, AV solutions, peripherals, and the Zoom Rooms software platform itself, and can all be managed from a single user interface—quickly, intelligently, efficiently, and securely. As the world has settled into hybrid permanence, the need for the seamless integration of tools such as Zoom software—along with the rest of a meeting room’s technology—has become critically important. 

Jabra’s PanaCast 50 Video Bar System

Jabra’s PanaCast 50 Video Bar System is an Android collaboration bar to facilitate next-level hybrid meeting experiences. It is an integrated solution with speakers, microphones, video camera, and an Android-based compute unit, as well as a 10.1-inch-high resolution Touch Controller. It delivers all features and functions of the Jabra PanaCast 50, including the Panoramic-4K 180-degree field of view, Virtual Director, Intelligent Zoom, and Dynamic Composition. It offers a full suite of flexible, scalable deployment options with a one-touch start/join controller, offering a collaboration experience on native UC applications like Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms.

Listen Technologies' ListenWIFI

ListenWIFI by Listen Technologies is the next generation of the Listen EVERYWHERE audio-over-Wi-Fi solution. ListenWIFI streams venue audio to smartphones through a free, customizable app or directly to new LWR-1050 receivers. When used with proper signage and neck loops, the new receivers make ListenWIFI compliant with ADA and international accessibility requirements. ListenWIFI Beacons provide location-based audio for a fully automated and seamless user experience. Beacons are small units that can be mounted on a wall and transmit information to LWR-1050 receivers and smartphones running the ListenWIFI app. ListenWIFI is used for assistive listening, language interpretation, streaming video or TV audio, self-guided tours, and audio description.

Mersive Solstice

Mersive Solstice gives employees the ability to start collaborating faster. After all, when hybrid workers come into the office, the last thing they want to do is spend valuable time getting connected. Organizations have echoed that sentiment, expressing a desire to reduce IT support requests and resource expenditure. And so not only does Solstice allow app-based sharing via the Solstice app, but users can now connect quickly using the web app. They simply open the browser on their device and visit share.mersive.com to begin wirelessly and securely sharing content, with no app download required. 

Planar UltraRes W Series

The Planar UltraRes W Series line of 105-inch ultra-wide-format 5K LCD displays is optimized for next-generation collaboration for today’s modern hybrid workforce. The series provides customers with an ultra-wide format 21:9 display ideally sized to suit the most popular unified communications and video collaboration platforms. In addition to brighter, wider color gamut panels with local dimming, Planar UltraRes W Series features multi-source viewing, remote monitoring, 24/7 reliability and is available with interactive touch technology.

Nureva Plug-and-Play Audio Systems

When choosing an audio system for a larger meeting space or classroom, an important consideration is compatibility with other room solutions. Nureva’s Plug-and-Play Audio Systems pair well with a fast-growing list of leading brands like Logitech, MAXHUB, and Sony, providing comprehensive audio and video solutions that combine simplicity with Pro AV performance to support rapid and broad deployments. The Nureva HDL pro series features systems certified for Microsoft Teams—the HDL410 system for extra-large Teams Rooms, and the HDL310 for large Teams Rooms.

Humly Booking Device

Humly’s Booking Device is a premium hardware solution that provides corporate and shared office environments with a versatile capacitive touchscreen to view and reserve available bookable spaces. Its slim form factor houses a small, high-resolution LCD display (3.46 inches) and provides flexible mounting and positioning options on and underneath various surfaces. Humly is now shipping two accessories that enhance functionality. Humly’s PoE and Desk Control automatically adjusts users’ preferred seating positions while remotely powering the Booking Device. A separate external sensor immediately notifies the local Booking Device upon entering a personal booth, switching the device to “booked” mode.

Videobar VB1

Bose Professional’s Videobar VB1 conferencing device is an all-in-one USB meeting solution specifically designed for medium-sized meeting spaces up to 20-by-20 feet. The Videobar VB1 provides six automatic beam-steering microphones, a 4K ultra-HD camera, and signature sound—together removing video conferencing hardware headaches. The Bose Professional Videobar conferencing devices help you huddle up, connect, and get more done.

Panasonic Connect’s latest addition to the professional audio ecosystem offers several unique, customer-driven innovations to enable ease of installation and use in meeting rooms, classrooms, or other spaces. Designed to cover a 30 by 30-foot area with four adjustable zones and with the support of up to four exclusion areas, the WX-AM800 beamforming ceiling mic array automatically adjusts its sensitivity based on the location of the speaker and features built-in integration with one Panasonic PTZ camera for voice tracking (no control system required). The WX-AM00 features Dante digital audio connectivity with support for AES67 and a separate LAN connection for third-party control. The ceiling mic can be mounted in the ceiling (bracket included), on the ceiling (bracket included), is compatible with a VESA mount (for pole-mounting), and has hooks for suspension cables (cables not included). 

[Roadmap 2024: Panasonic Connect]

The most unique feature includes the ability to add up to two Panasonic DECT Wireless microphones to the system without having to use rack space, thanks to the WX-AU202 Antenna/Receiver, which mounts on a wall or ceiling and connects back to the ceiling microphone using one CAT5e cable (up to 195 ft run)—audio from the two DECT wireless microphone channels, along with the audio from the ceiling mic are transmitted back to the Dante network over a single CAT5e cable. Panasonic’s Microphone System Configuration Center Software, compatible with Microsoft Windows 10 & 11, allows the user to set the room size, place the ceiling microphones and configure a whole host of audio DSP settings such as Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Audio Input Ducking, Equalization, Digital Noise Reduction, Panasonic PTZ Camera integration, adjust the range of the Panasonic antennas and more

Panasonic Connect’s WX-SR200P digital wireless microphone system uses DECT to transmit audio over a 1.9 GHz spectrum—enabling a solid, secure connection that is likely to protect against mandated frequency spectrum changes. Optimized for presentations, the system delivers excellent sound quality in small to large spaces with an internal low-cut filter switch to enhance speech. Panasonic’s wireless microphones, bodypacks, and receivers are easy to set up, making the system a best-in-class solution for in-room or remote presentations for many education scenarios.

The FCC has changed frequency spectrum operation parameters every couple of years. Panasonic’s WX-SR200P digital wireless microphone system uses DECT, which offers protected and encrypted communication to transmit the audio over a 1.9 GHz spectrum. This enables a solid, secure connection that is more likely to be immune from further frequency spectrum changes, unlike UHF and 2.4 GHz wireless communication systems.

The microphone and receiver are pair-registered and use encryption for communication, which offers less interference with other wireless devices and prevents eavesdropping.

Panasonic’s distributed system architecture separates the antenna from the wireless receiver. Up to eight antennas can be connected to one Panasonic wireless receiver, allowing you to expand system coverage from small classrooms to larger classrooms, meeting rooms, and auditoriums.

Extron has expanded its line of VoiceLift Pro wireless microphone system packages to enable educators to meet the needs of today’s teaching styles and instructional spaces. These complete audio reinforcement packages are simple to integrate and intuitive for anyone to use. 

Capabilities are enhanced with mixing and digital signal processing of audio sources to fit the needs of various teaching methods like HyFlex, allowing students to clearly hear the instructor’s voice, in-person or remote. A broader choice of standard system configurations with mix-and-match combinations of pendant and handheld microphones enables users to create a system that suits their requirements for collaborative teaching and student participation. Flexible mounting options are available to support installation on a wall, above a suspended ceiling, and behind flat panel displays.

[Extron Offers New Desk Scheduling and Processing Solutions—and Vanguard dvLEDs Get Quantum Ultra Certification]

"The design innovations we’ve added to our popular VoiceLift Pro microphone system represent the next generation of classroom voice amplification technology that keeps pace with evolving user needs," said Casey Hall, chief marketing officer at Extron. "These new VoiceLift Pro packages also complement our latest PlenumVault Direct View classroom AV system with options to add control interfaces, video connectivity, and direct integration with GlobalViewer Campus Communication Suite."

VoiceLift Pro improves speech clarity, reduces vocal strain, and promotes an accessible and inclusive learning environment ensuring everyone can clearly hear what is being said. Each system contains all the components necessary to evenly distribute the teacher's voice throughout the classroom: wireless microphones with charging station, PVCA 452 controller amplifier, Flat Field speakers, mounting hardware, and cables. Comprehensive communication features include on-mic volume control, the ability to trigger lecture capture, and priority page sensing to mute audio for PA announcements. The VoiceLift Pro System's Instant Alert feature enables teachers to discreetly request assistance with the press of a button.

Today’s mobile devices have really upped the visual game. With decent lighting and a steady hand, you can create some high-quality video using a phone or tablet. The problem is the audio—good luck getting acceptable sound if you’re standing more than a few feet away.

['Retro' Review: Shure MV51 ]

The Saramonic Blink500B2+ wireless microphone system helps bring your audio up to your video standards. You don’t have to stay within arm’s length of the camera, plus it includes two microphones, so you can carry on a conversation without looking like you’re huddling together for warmth. Let’s take a deeper dive into the features of this two-mic system.

The Receiving End

The whole system lives in a sturdy plastic charging case with LED battery indicators in the front and USB‑C charging port in the back. Open the top and there’s a place for everything, including both transmitters (with integrated mics), the receiver, and USB-C and Lightning adapters, which let you plug the receiver into your phone, tablet, or computer. Saramonic also includes a drawstring pouch to hold the case, with a separate space in the pouch for additional accessories such as windscreens and connecting cables.

The receiver has a small cover designed to protect the contacts for the adapters. You will lose this cover almost immediately after you remove it; Saramonic engineers must have known this would happen, which is why the carrying case is designed to store the receiver with the adapter still attached. (And let’s be practical: If you aren’t switching between adapters, why not leave it on?) However, sometimes the adapters can shift a bit and lose connectivity.

One side of the receiver has a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can monitor your audio, plus a 3.5mm analog out for connecting to a camera or mixer. The other side includes the power button and “M” (menu) button. You use both to navigate through the various settings, which are displayed on a small but very clear OLED screen on the front of the unit. The screen is also where you can monitor various settings, such as battery life (for the receiver and transmitters), wireless signal strength between the components, audio levels, and more.

[Review: Magewell Says Let's Get Small]

Connectivity is pretty simple. Attach the proper adapter to the receiver, then plug the receiver into your mobile device. Pair the receiver to the mobile device via Bluetooth and you’re good to go. I had no issue pairing the Blink500B2+ receiver with an iPhone 15 or a Samsung Galaxy A14. No problems with a Microsoft Surface laptop, either. I even used the audio out to connect to my Canon DSLR via the supplied 3.5mm cable—and the transmitter’s clip secured the unit to my camera shoe.

The system uses the 2.4GHz wireless frequency—not exactly an exclusive neighborhood. It automatically scans for frequencies (there is no manual option), but before you start recording, make sure you are free of interference.

Mic Check

Each transmitter has a built-in 6mm omnidirectional microphone capsule and belt clip. The mics have a frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz, 48kHz sampling, and 24-bit audio. However, the Blink500B2+ transmitters do not have the option of attaching a lavalier. If you want a similar system from Saramonic with that feature, you’ll want to consider the Blink 500 ProX B2R, thought it does cost more.

The transmitter is about the size of two postage stamps side by side and less than 1 inch thick. One side of the unit has power and noise cancellation buttons, while the other side has a USB-C charging port. A status indicator ring on the front of the unit lights up to keep you informed about Bluetooth pairing, noise cancellation, and more.

[Pure Resonance Introduces Bluetooth Wireless Audio Receiver—What to Know]

If your talent shows up in a T-shirt, you’re doomed. There’s no real way to hide this thing. You can use one of the included magnets to hold the mic in place on their shirt, but that status ring will be facing the camera and stays lit as long as there is a Bluetooth connection. Better keep a roll of black gaffer’s tape at the ready.

With its integrated clip, the transmitter’s best friend is a sport coat lapel (just like your trusty lav). For on-camera work, this is going to deliver your best audio. You can also hide the transmitter in a shirt pocket, again using one of the included magnets to keep it in place. The results might not be quite as good (I was told I sounded a bit muddy), but it’s certainly acceptable for a videoconference.

For best audio results, you can hold it like a handheld mic. The problem is that the transmitter is so small it looks like you’re talking into your fist. Not a problem if you’re recording off-camera narration, but this is not an on-screen look you want. Another option is to position the transmitter on a nearby table and hope for the best, but I heard a noticeable drop in audio quality when I placed it less than 2 feet away.

Fine Tuning

According to Saramonic, battery life on the transmitters can last about 20 hours, while the receiver has a battery life of about 14 hours. When charged, the carrying case can provide more than one full system charge, so there should be plenty of power for your project. Lithium-ion batteries running low? It takes about two hours to get a full charge for the receiver, transmitters, or charging case. Saramonic also included a USB-C port on the receiver, so you can charge it while in use.

As far as range, Saramonic says the Blink500B2+ is good for almost 500 feet of wireless transmission. My test didn't go that far, but I did have one transmitter more than 50 feet away from the receiver in another room. Then, I walked the second transmitter outside (in a completely different direction), staying in motion until I was more than 70 feet away from the receiver. I did have three drops, and each one happened when there was a concrete exterior wall between me and the receiver. So, if you have line-of-sight and don’t stray too far, you shouldn't have any problems.

The Blink500B2+ offers plenty of options. For example, you choose your output mode (stereo, mono, or safety track), apply a low-cut filter, and enable or disable your mobile device’s speaker. You can also adjust the level of noise reduction, strong or weak. Continuing my habit of conducting unreasonable tests, I decided to use the Blink500B2+ just a few feet away from an air conditioner's outdoor condenser unit. The system's noise reduction worked far better than expected. Here, check it out:

Priced at $129 on the Saramonic site, the Blink500B2+ includes both mic transmitters, receiver, adapters, charging case, and other accessories. You are definitely getting a lot for your money. That said, the components are well made but mostly plastic. Audio quality is quite good, but not good enough for that next Hollywood blockbuster you’re producing. And the included windscreens are tricky to attach and not exactly subtle.

[Review: More Than a Mic]

Before you think I’m being too critical, did I mention the whole system costs $129? Saramonic has packed a lot of performance into a very affordable two-mic wireless system. There are options to maximize its performance, as well as plenty of battery life to keep you shooting. It’s also absurdly simple to use—I mean, you don’t even have to manually pair the transmitters to the receiver. From training and promotional videos to podcasts and lectures, the Blink500B2+ lets productions from your mobile device sound as good as they look.

Fine, I admit it: I suffer from mic envy. I'm always looking for that next tool that can help my "radio voice" sound that much better. During last year's Hybrid Strategies for UC&C virtual conference, I was joined for two sessions by the late, great Brad Sousa from AVI Systems. He had the Shure MV51 on a boom arm and I was blown away by the look and sound—and I knew I had to test it for myself.

Now, the MV51 is not a new model. You can tell because the back of the mic sports a Micro-USB port instead of USB-C, which is quickly becoming the de facto standard. But if you are looking to upgrade your audio for videoconferencing, podcasts, and other projects, let me tell you why you might want to take a new look at this older—dare I say vintage—USB mic.

[Tiny Mic, Big Sound—Meet the New Shure MoveMic]

First, despite a dated USB port, it has proper technical specs. With a large diaphragm for capturing big sound and a cardioid pickup pattern, the MV51 condenser mic has a sampling rate of 44.1/48 kHz and 20-20,000 Hz frequency response. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is useful for live signal monitoring when you have a simple audio setup. The mic relies on phantom power via the connection to your computer, tablet, or cell phone.

I know the modern world of videoconferencing and podcasting is full of headphones, microphones, mic stands, and other accessories. My personal rule is that if I can't avoid keeping my equipment in the shot, make sure it's worthy of being seen. The MV51 passes this test with flying colors.

The lines on the grille are strong, offering a great retro look. It's also a solid build, with an all-metal (diecast zinc) design. According to Shure's John Miller, who served as director of industrial design during its creation, the MV51 was based on the Model 51 mic, which was introduced a couple of years after World War II and manufactured for almost 30 years. The resemblance is obvious, and the new mic even features Shure's logo design from the 1940s.

Of course, the Model 51 didn't have a touchpanel on its face. The touchpanel gives you easy access to your mic and headphone levels. Indicator lights glow green in mic mode; simply slide your finger across the indicators until you are at the level you want. Press the headphone icon and the indicator lights turn amber to avoid confusion. A mute button with a bright red light also makes it clear when your mic is not in use.

[SCN Hybrid World: Expert Insights and 16 Speakerphones to Know]

Five preset modes, which can be adjusted via a touchpanel on the front of the MV51, help you optimize your pickup pattern and EQ. The "speech" mode is ideal for my work, but there are modes for acoustic instruments, live performances, and singing. Planning to sweeten your audio in post? There's also a "flat" mode without processing.

One feature I love is the integrated adjustable kickstand. Just place the MV51 on your work surface and aim it toward you. You can also unscrew the rubber tip from the end of the stand and attach the mic to a standard 5/8-inch mic stand or boom arm (see photo).

Shure included three cables with my MV51: Micro-USB to USB-A, Micro-USB to USB-C, and Micro-USB to Apple Lightning (for those who don't have the latest iPhone upgrade). However, in Shure's MOTIV app, the MV51 is not fully supported via USB-C, so users with a Lightning connection have access to more extensive settings in the app, such as custom presets. The mic records to MOTIV via USB-C without issue—but we definitely need a software update here. It'd be great to add the MV51 to the desktop app, too.

None of these features matter if the mic doesn't deliver quality audio, but the MV51 performed very well. You can hear my sample audio, a reading of part of my February 2024 editorial, here. I recorded the sample in "speech" mode using Adobe Premiere Rush with no additional processing. I think I caught one P-pop when I said my last name, but otherwise it warmed up my vocal nicely. Between its performance, features, and healthy dose of style, the MV51 is still a mic to consider for your desktop audio activities.

Sponsored Content

A recent classroom AV upgrade at Virginia Tech has afforded instructors and students alike the ability to remain connected to their remote counterparts—utilizing a dynamic, BYOD approach to collaboration technology that facilitates a seamless lecture experience. In a virtual interview powered by one of the university’s new, ceiling-mounted microphones from Panasonic Connect, Eric Brooks, audio engineer, and Rob Viers, director of Classroom AV Services at Virginia Tech sat down with Cindy Davis, brand and content director for AV Technology to discuss the update, and how pandemic-era technology decisions have set VT’s campus communities up for present and future success.

Audio has always been a consideration when selecting new campus AV products, but according to Brooks, it took on an entirely new significance in the wake of COVID-19. “Post 2020, everyone was used to calling with clear audio; your face was close to the laptop screen and you could hear everyone really well,” he explained. “And so, when we started to come back in person, we really had to take audio into account as far as folks in these hybrid settings. This helped us shift our focus to ceiling microphones, and making sure that classroom audio was clear and concise not only for local students or faculty but also for those on the far end of the call.”

Since the beginning of the upgrade, the team at Virginia Tech has outfitted approximately 50 percent of their 350 AV-enabled classroom spaces with at least one ceiling-mounted microphone and camera, facilitating flexible in-person and hybrid learning. “We basically turn the room into one giant webcam, so end users can just plug a USB into their computer and utilize whatever software that they want,” Viers said. “It's been very popular, so we're trying to get it into every single space. Of course, budget and time don't always allow for that, but we're utilizing it in as many locations as possible.”

Speaking from a standard classroom with a capacity of 25 to 40 students—equipped with just a single ceiling mic—Brooks and Viers came through crystal clear. “This Panasonic Connect ceiling microphone also allows for an extension out to add a couple more Dante channels for lapel or handheld mics or what have you,” Viers said. “If I was an instructor and I had a long day, I could utilize that and not have to speak very loudly. I'm not exactly yelling right now. I'm more or less just talking and the single microphone does a great job picking that up.”

Multi-purpose

But in addition to these upper-level classrooms, a unique multi-purpose room now offers higher-end and executive-level users an unparalleled meeting experience. “This room has five projectors, two televisions, three ceiling-mounted microphones, and 11 cameras, on top of 44 Panasonic Connect digital wireless DECT microphones,” Viers said. “The room itself had to be very versatile so that a standard class could hold a session very easily. We can shift into what we call the governance mode when the president's council is in session, and then we also have special guest layouts as well.”

Previously, according to Viers, meetings for any of these higher-end users were a massive, manual undertaking. “We would bring in a full video production suite—40 microphones and four cameras—and we'd have operators running everything just to provide that realistic feeling of an actual video production for the people on the web call,” he said. “We're talking six to eight people, and six to eight hours of setup and teardown.”

Standardization and Ease of Use

For Brooks and Viers, standardization and ease of use were foremost concerns when it came to outfitting learning spaces of every size during this upgrade. “It just makes life easier on end users. So, whether you come to the Blacksburg campus or the Northern Virginia campus, or even the upcoming Innovation campus—we want you to experience that same look and feel when it comes to engaging with the technology,” Viers said. “We don't actually support computers in many of the classrooms, so our BYOD has to be open and inviting for everybody.”

To further ensure that future end users are able to reap the benefits of the recent installation, Viers pointed out that they have tried to steer clear of hardwired connectivity. “A lot of what we do these days is IP-based,” he said. “With our cameras, we're trying to go a lot more NDI, if at all possible. We’re certainly looking at PoE for powering them and things like that—leveraging the network as much as possible.”

Brooks was quick to credit Viers’ design work, as well as Virginia Tech’s installation team and programmer, for the success of the university’s massive AV rollout. “There was a lot going on between the planning and on the back end, but over the course of roughly a week and a half it all kind of came together.” He continued, “The end users have been incredibly happy with it. And with the simple USB connection, no one's the wiser as to the smoke and mirrors behind the curtain.”

Click here to see Panasonic Connect's AV portfolio.

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At Panasonic Connect, we harness our decades of expertise and listen to our customers to provide innovative, forward-looking solutions that help you reach specific goals and meet evolving industry demands. What sets us apart as a leading technology provider is our ecosystem of partners, innovators and integrators that we work with to connect customers to the right technologies that move your business forward.

Content creators, videographers, and mobile journalists now have reliable, broadcast-quality audio that fits in their pocket. Shure introduced its newest line of wireless clip-on microphones, the MoveMic Microphone System. According to Shure, its ultra-lightweight design is the smallest dual-channel direct-to-phone wireless lavalier solution available, developed with a custom acoustic design and proprietary wireless software to ensure professional audio quality while on the go.

Shure’s discreet and durable MoveMic series connects directly to phones in both single—MoveMic One—and dual-channel—MoveMic Two—configurations for use with MOTIV and MOTIV Video apps on iOS and Android. For those seeking universal compatibility, the standalone MoveMic Receiver and bundled MoveMic Two Receiver Kit seamlessly integrate with devices like cameras, computers, and third-party smartphone apps. MoveMic’s patented lavalier design and patent-pending wireless technology make it a reliable and flexible solution regardless of whether users are going direct-to-phone or connecting to the MoveMic Receiver.

[The Shure Mics and Technology Behind the Magic of the 2024 GRAMMY Awards]

5 MoveMic Features to Know

• Ultra-Compact Design—At just 8.2g and virtually invisible when worn, MoveMic was designed for discreet, mobile audio capture. 
• Dual-Channel, Direct-to-Phone—The smallest solution of its kind, offering seamless connectivity to smartphones via Shure's MOTIV apps, and universal compatibility with cameras, computers, and more. 
• Broadcast-Quality Audio Every Time—Thanks to Shure’s patent-pending technology, content creators can capture high-fidelity audio with minimal background noise, even in the busiest environments. 
• 24 Hours of Recording—Powered by a USB-C charging case, MoveMic ensures its always ready to record, no matter where or when its needed. 
• Quick and Easy Setup—After pairing MoveMic One and Two with a user’s preferred device, the microphones will automatically reconnect to the last-paired device when removed from the charging case and powered on. By eliminating setup time between shots, creators, journalists, and videographers can be ready to record in an instant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[On Next-Gen Audio: 15 Thought Leaders]

[On Visualization Technologies: 28 Thought Leaders]

[On Streaming Technologies: 15 Thought Leaders]

[On Esports: 15 Thought Leaders]

The new Shure Microflex Wireless neXt 2 (MXW neXt 2) Microphone System is Certified for Microsoft Teams. This certification signifies the seamless compatibility and reliable performance of the MXW neXt 2 with Microsoft Teams, providing users with exceptional audio quality in hybrid teaching and conferencing environments. 

The MXW neXt 2 is an all-in-one two-channel wireless audio system designed to offer a versatile, innovative, and cost-effective solution for diverse spaces in corporate and education. With a choice of rechargeable wireless microphones, it features a unique combination of advanced onboard DSP capabilities and comprehensive audio I/O connections, including USB, Dante networked audio, and analog audio. It pairs mics at touch-of-button, which simplifies complex installation workflows and offers outstanding audio out-of-the-box. 

Shure’s MXW neXt 2 is ideal for classrooms in schools and education institutions as well as for business and corporate training spaces where users need a quick, easy-to-use, and outstanding audio during their presentations.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thought Leader: Effi Goldstein, President of the HDBaseT Alliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thought Leader: Patrick Prothe, Director of Marketing at Audinate 

One of the biggest challenges to any successful AV installation is device interoperability. The primary ways to deal with interoperability issues are (a) the “walled garden” approach—a single-brand universe of products; (b) the establishment of standards, but the standards often don’t provide the implementation or support of the underlying technology; and (c) using a fully supported holistic transport solution developed by a third party. The huge advantage of the third-party solution is that if something goes wrong with the implementation, there’s a company that supports the platform, has a deep understanding of the technology, and wants to help integrators and manufacturers alike.

Audio and video stream synchronization is another challenging area for successful installations. Manufacturers that offer an integrated solution or a single tool for configuration and one-click routing of all audio and video devices solve the common issues associated with synchronization while simultaneously providing unprecedented flexibility in signal routing and simplified system commissioning.

Another aspect of successful installations is the skill set and experience of the integrator, which manufacturer training opportunities can heavily influence. Many manufacturers offer comprehensive training options for in-person and online learning, providing an easy way for system designers, installers, and other industry members to become experienced working with the manufacturer’s products. Some manufacturers offer training at major trade shows for greater convenience. In addition to training, many manufacturers have a rich online library of whitepapers, application diagrams, and technical documentation on their products and APIs.

Additionally, many companies offer professional services, which provide consultants, integrators, and end users with an easy path to access the manufacturer’s technical expertise directly. Professional services teams can help deliver comprehensive system designs and successful deployments, make recommendations for optimizing and managing complex systems, or help resolve complex interoperability issues with third-party devices.

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

Thought Leader: Jill Young, Marketing Manager, IT Channel at Legrand | AV

At Legrand | AV, we have invested heavily in support services at every stage of a project. 

Our Solutions Engineering team consists of experienced AV professionals ready to help clients navigate the design process, provide expert guidance through technical challenges, and research new solutions for unexpected snags during rollouts. This team’s primary mission is to help dealers through the AV design process at no additional cost. They can also jump in at later stages of a project as a set of fresh eyes to ensure an existing AV system design is flawless. 

The Solutions Consulting team, as well as our regional sales team members, are always eager to work with end users by providing walkthroughs and post-installation training so that our IT and AV partners and their end user clients are able to understand and use the full suite of features our AV solutions bring to the table. 

Beyond that, our individual brands also have dedicated services to support end users, including Luxul’s Customer Assurance Program for networking, Chief’s TiLED Solution Services for dvLED installations, and Vaddio’s lifetime support on all their products, to name just a few. All of these services are our way of going beyond the product to provide exceptional AV experiences. 

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

Thought Leader: Thomas Carroll, Group Manager, PIVS Service at Panasonic Connect North America

Live events are booming as consumers crave more immersive experiences. To meet this demand, event teams are integrating projection, camera, audio, and display technologies into museums, concert halls, and immersive art exhibits in truly unique ways. The result is a surge in immersive tech, an industry expected to hit $167.75 billion by 2032. With this growing adoption, event teams need technology partners who provide seamless installation, showtime, and post-performance services. 

Panasonic Connect offers a suite of services in addition to our well-known products, which customers can take advantage of across all stages of an installation. Beginning with the planning process, customers come to us with a vision. Whether working with an existing audiovisual infrastructure or creating a new space, venue, or workflow entirely from scratch, Panasonic Connect brings the right experts to the right solution and recommends the best technologies and software to bring the experience to life. With a growing lineup of industry-specific partners, content providers, and system integrators, we also offer recommendations for third-party solutions to ensure holistic, cohesive ecosystems. It is our role to listen to customers and work closely with our ecosystem of partners, innovators, and integrators to meet customer needs. 

Panasonic Connect’s hands-on services extend to the installation process. With many venues struggling to find skilled tech workers, Panasonic Connect offers on-site installation support. With this service, Panasonic engineers assist and support the installation team while simultaneously training event staff on how to use the technologies. This closes the skills gap for in-house audiovisual teams for seamless future operations. 

Even when an installation is complete, Panasonic Connect offers 24/7 remote monitoring capabilities, which gives our engineers alerts should on-site technical problems arise. Engineers can remotely access the device’s software to evaluate the issue and address it immediately or, if needed, relay the information back to the event team to set up a time to come on-site. 

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

Thought Leader: Paul Beals, Sales Engineer, Northeast at Atlona

We will always support the end customer in the most practical way possible. Sometimes, there are circumstances that prevent us from speaking directly to the end user. In those cases, we take extra care to make sure that the dealer or integrator working directly with the end user has a complete understanding of what Atlona’s technology will bring to their facilities. We find that it’s more productive when we can accompany the partner. This allows us to gather input from the installers as well as the end users and/or technology managers who will operate and maintain the systems. 

We start with the basic questions of what purpose each room will serve, and who the true end users of the installed equipment will be. This helps us determine the comfort level that users will have with technology, so we can make decisions that will appeal to the environment. For example, the presence of an on-site technology manager means that we can design a more interesting system to serve more applications. That is particularly beneficial if the design is for a multi-purpose space. Then there are the more granular elements to consider, including potential sightline intrusions and room oddities that can affect the user experience. We also need to understand if people with visual or hearing impairments will use the space.

Once the design is complete, we consider what training services, if any, are required based on the complexity of the system. A multi-camera system that integrates a wealth of third-party equipment may require more training services, and may require that the installer partners with a programmer to ensure that everything works together. Post-installation, we assist with adjustments or add-ons if and as required, based on user feedback. Ultimately, we all want to make sure that the end user’s experience is as good as possible.

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

Thought Leader: Mark Bonifacio, Director of Business Management, Professional Display Solutions at Sony Electronics

Sony’s philosophy is to solve customers’ pain points and be a strong partner to the industry through education, alignment with other leading companies, and direct interaction with customers—end users, resellers, distributors, the channel, integrators, or consultants. We’ve taken a very deliberate approach, working hand in hand with our Pro AV community to design, develop, and enhance both our products and our outreach based on their needs and feedback.

We’re focused on making Sony products easier to inform, spec, and integrate through engagement efforts such as our ACE (architects, consultants, and engineers) Portal. This provides critical assets and knowledge, including BIM (building information management) content, CAD drawings, and Revit files, as well as technical information, configurator tools, webinars, and case studies. Sony remains committed to our end users beyond the point of sale. This is demonstrated through our regular Tech Tuesday series of webinars, taking a deeper dive on some of Sony’s latest technologies and offering our community an open forum to learn and ask questions. Additionally, the RV on AV video series is focused on thought leadership and trending topics in the market. 

Support is also shown through our continual updates and improvements through initiatives such as free firmware updates and license upgrades, which bring new functionality to products and solutions and let them grow as a customers’ needs develop. We pride ourselves on building strong, continued relationships with our end users and integrators, checking in to make sure their technology is working hard and meeting their needs. We appreciate the chance to see our customers and spend time with them in their space, as well as at industry and Sony-sponsored trade shows and events. Sony also takes care to shine a spotlight on customers through case study and marketing opportunities, strengthening relationships whenever the opportunities arise.

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

Thought Leader: Rob Moodey, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Matrox Video

Matrox Video recognizes the importance of supporting AV/IT installations to ensure success for our customers—the manufacturers and integrators that supply, spec, and design those installations. They are successful when the end users are successful. Our commitment to facilitating seamless installations encompasses several key elements.

First, our products are renowned for their user-friendly design, both for hardware and software. Our customers consistently praise the simplicity and reliability of our offerings, emphasizing that they “just work.” This ease of use enhances the overall user experience and contributes to the success of installations.

In addition to providing top-notch hardware, we go the extra mile by offering valuable software, APIs/SDKs, and customization tools—all free of charge. This added value extends beyond the initial purchase. With this comprehensive suite of resources, our customers have the power to continually optimize their AV/IT setups.

Our dedication to customer support is unparalleled. Our support team goes above and beyond to assist both existing and potential customers. We also provide support services at no extra cost.

Recognizing the challenges associated with hardware replacement in mission-critical environments, we prioritize a long product life cycle. We not only design our products for durability, but we support them for an extended period. This ensures that our customers can rely on their installations without the disruption of frequent hardware changes.

Furthermore, we advocate for open standards, believing that the flexibility to choose among the best available options maximizes value. This approach not only facilitates smooth installations but also allows our customers to select the most suitable components for their specific needs.

Our comprehensive support for AV/IT installations revolves around user-friendly products, added value through free software and support services, a commitment to extended product life cycles, and a dedication to open standards for optimal customization.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

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

Assistive listening systems play an important role in creating immersive experiences for esports athletes and spectators. Assistive listening systems can support athletes and spectators with chronic or situational hearing loss by filtering out ambient noise and delivering audio from games and commentators directly to listeners’ ears via earbuds or headphones connected to receivers. Audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening systems let listeners use their personal smartphones as receivers, so there’s no equipment to check out or return. They simply download a free app on their smartphone, select a channel, and listen to clear, intelligible audio in their ears. If they wear Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids or cochlear devices, they can stream audio from their smartphone to these devices. 

Assistive listening systems help players and fans overcome the challenges of hearing loss, distance from the audio source, background noise, language, and acoustics that can make hearing difficult, detract from the gaming experience, and prevent participants from fully engaging in esports.

When selecting an assistive listening system for esports, consider who will be using the technology. Do they prefer to borrow equipment or BYOD? Select a system they are likely to use.

Also consider the unique challenges of the space. The esports arena in the Digital Creative Lab at the University of Southern California (USC), for example, is enclosed, and there is a collaborative space adjacent to the arena. To ensure everyone in the collaborative space can experience what is happening inside the enclosed arena, USC selected an audio-over-Wi-Fi assistive listening system. Spectators can follow the action by streaming the audio from the gaming and the instructor in the esports arena. Gamers and spectators with hearing loss can also use the streamed audio for assistive listening.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: Jeff Schneider, Director of Sales, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions at Digital Projection

Like any sporting event, watching the action unfold on a big display makes the experience more immersive and engaging for spectators. At the same time, it provides athletes a way to demonstrate their skills to fans and peers. Nothing handles this application better than a dvLED video wall. It can be scaled to any size, customized to any aspect ratio, and configured to display multiple windows of game play at once. A dvLED is also highly versatile and integration friendly, which enables it to function as both a display for gaming, as well as digital signage for upcoming events, scores, and streaming media from on- and off-premise components. The multi-functional dvLED video wall can juggle diverse applications with ease and without any compromise in brightness or resolution. Another huge perk for esports applications is their low latency. This precludes any lag during intense, action gaming for smoother, more enjoyable and competitive gameplay. 

Like any large-format display, proper design is paramount to the performance of a dvLED video wall. Lighting, the physical space, usage, applications, and electrical requirements are variables that can impact the image quality and viewing experience of a dvLED video wall in an esports facility and should be carefully considered before installation. Aligning with a manufacturer that offers comprehensive design and tech service and support on the job site can streamline this process and ensure optimal results. Also keep maintenance in mind. Replacement of individual modules comprising an dvLED display of heavy usage is not uncommon. Be sure spare parts are readily available and can be shipped quickly for minimal interruption in the esports action. 

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: Daniel Evans, Senior Vice President of Sales at Magnifi

Competition in the esports industry is growing, and sponsors and fans are looking to engage with gamers and teams through more immersive and action-oriented experiences. One of the major advancements is AI-driven tools, which provide gamer creators and developers with rapid scalability, automation, and real-time and intuitive features, making it easier to create high-quality and visually engaging gameplay footage and sports highlights. This allows content producers, developers, streamers, or esports teams to focus on game strategy rather than the laborious tasks of editing and post-producing hours of gameplay footage.

There are also opportunities for AI to address the rapidly growing localization market, allowing creators to reach a larger and more diverse global audience with translated content. AI-drive algorithms can help creators generate living-world environments that are expansive, respond to players’ actions, and provide a fully immersive experience.

AI-driven tools also provide advances in marketing strategies and tactics, creating more monetization opportunities through automated branding and cross-channel publishing, among others. As fan bases desire more personalized and engaging experiences, global marketers are paying attention to the way AI can help them optimize their campaigns, create customized content, and build relationships in the esports and gaming communities. AI algorithms also offer predictive analysis for market and data insights and user behavior.

AI has applications for use across the entire esports production process, from generating content to creating non-player characters (NPCs) with humanlike intelligence—all ultimately driving sports and fan engagement. AI use cases in the esports industry are vast, driving the industry to new heights and providing unique and immersive gaming experiences to players at every turn and on every device. AI’s ability to automate repetitive tasks, analyze large amounts of data faster than humans, and streamline processes makes it a true game changer that is reshaping the way games are developed, experienced, and enjoyed.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: Justin Strazdas, Product Marketing Manager, Video and Production at Roland

Esports is highly dependent upon the competitor’s reaction time, so while having the latest and greatest graphics card in their system can be a priority, it goes far beyond that with the range of peripherals required. For example, a monitor with low “input lag” is a critical component for split-second win-or-lose situations. They also need a mouse that suits the comfort and style of the player; some need to try several different models before they find one with the response and sensitivity they require to compete. And audio can make or break a competition if their opponent’s footsteps are lost in the mix. For that, there are audio mixers designed to deliver optimized EQ frequency adjustment and headsets that provide accurate sound fields. While there are many more pieces like keyboards and chairs that are necessary for long-term success, ultimately it comes down to the fans who make this industry a reality.

For them, immersive experiences within esports events rely on so many areas of technology to work, and it’s fascinating to see how quickly it has evolved in step with audiovisual and broadcast workflows. LED walls are installed in so many competitive spaces now, with creative panel layouts that not only provide magnified gameplay for spectators, but also assets like live statistics, game maps, and dedicated camera shots for each player. Video switchers are increasingly capable of handling the video sources required to provide a memorable experience for in-house and streaming audiences, with automation tools that are critical for executing complex show cues. I think the next frontier is gamification, as it presents many new ways to increase audience participation, reward fandom, and bring the community even closer to the experience. The idea that fans could collectively change the course of a competition is an exciting possibility.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: Keri Manasa, Regional Director, Solutions and Consultants Team at Legrand | AV

Universities looking to construct esports arenas need to work on a business case that includes multi-use capabilities. A stellar example of an esports arena doing all the right things is The Fortress at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. They retrofitted an existing structure and built in flexibility to tackle anything from one-to-one or team-to-team competitions as well as graduation ceremonies and everything in between. 

They made room for that flexibility by adding T-trusses throughout the space to mount digital signage and speakers at virtually any weight capacity. This allows them to adjust the configurations to best suit the viewing experience for that particular match. 

One way they were able to target their budget dollars was to forego adding 4K or 8K capabilities. Most of the audience is watching the streams through tablets or smartphones, which are not 4K or 8K ready. For the price jump to accomplish 4K, they did not see the expected benefit. By eliminating this cost, they answered the needs of their current audience and took those budget dollars to invest in power and all the fiber connections they needed. A trench was dug into the floor to provide ample room to run power and cable.

As a side note, their rack room had limited space behind the racks, so they installed a garage door in that hallway for maintenance access and ventilation during gameplay. This sort of forethought showcases the type of out-of-the-box thinking that an esports project can require. 

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: Jared Darensbourg, National Live Events Manager at Panasonic Connect

Esports is the fastest-growing sport in the world right now, estimated to surpass $10 billion in the next few years. And while sporting venues and arenas have their eyes on this growth, a more untraditional candidate, universities, do too. With admissions rates declining, universities have struggled to recruit the next generation of students. Esports offers a new channel to pique the interest of potential admits. However, it’s one thing to create an arena. It’s another to attract students, generate buzz, and keep players and viewers coming back for more. The right technology is the key differentiator.

One challenge that universities face when developing esports arenas is room. Often, they don’t have the space to create massive stadiums and therefore need to repurpose empty lecture halls, theaters, or gyms. In these cases, it’s important that AV teams incorporate immersive elements to best optimize the space and create a spectator-style venue. Projectors offer detailed, sharp, color-rich images that create the look and feel of a high-end esports arena. Projectors can also be used to project live streams of games, so players and viewers can easily watch and participate in the action from afar.

Yet live streams bring on new challenges too. For larger programs, there’s often multiple games happening at once, requiring audiovisual teams to seamlessly switch between different participants to keep audiences invested. To minimize setup, streamline workflows, and reduce the number of on-site personnel needed, AV teams can invest in live production platforms to easily switch between streams from one location to another. With ST 2110 capabilities, teams can be completely remote and choose to use PTZ cameras for on-site filming, with Ethernet to send streams back to control rooms.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: James O’Hagan, Vice President of Education Innovation at LeagueSpot

In recent years, the educational landscape has witnessed a significant shift towards integrating scholastic gaming and esports across all grade levels. This evolution reflects a broader recognition of the educational potential inherent in digital play. Schools, libraries, and child-focused organizations are still in the early stages of crafting secure, walled gardens of digital play, tailored specifically for their youth communities.

These digital environments offer more than mere recreation; they are spaces where game titles align with the values and objectives of their stakeholders. This careful selection ensures that the content resonates with educational goals, wrap-around supports can be included, and promotes a balanced blend of enjoyment and learning.

One key aspect of these digital playgrounds is their focus on protection. By establishing exclusive spaces for children and adolescents, educators and administrators can shield young users from external influences that might not align with their community’s ethos. This safeguarding is critical in an era where digital exposure is ubiquitous, yet often unregulated.

Moreover, these platforms serve as fertile grounds for honing skills vital for the future. Participants engage in collaborative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and digital literacy, all within a framework of structured play and positive adult interaction. Such environments also foster inclusivity, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to interact and learn in a shared digital space.

The role of audiovisual technology in these initiatives cannot be overstated. High-quality AV solutions are pivotal in creating immersive, engaging experiences that captivate young minds. As educators and technologists, our task involves not only providing the hardware but also understanding the dynamics of digital play in educational settings.

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

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: Michael Tuohy, Technical Support Manager, Just Add Power

The explosion of esports has caused ripple effects in the AV integration industry. Live audiences—numbering annually in the millions—have continued to grow yearly, with typically double-digit percentage point increases. With this surge in engagement, there is a growing need to leverage today’s signal distribution technology. AV over IP has become a go-to option to link gamers to the audience, allowing for a rewarding and immersive experience.

When distributing game video for a live or streaming audience, choosing a product that offers visually undetectable latency is of paramount importance. Seconds can be the difference between victory and defeat in a competitive environment. Audience immersion is lost when the spectator is a beat behind the gameplay due to high latency.

Quality is the next focus. Users and the audience want to see the detail and immense color range of modern gaming platforms. A fuzzy, washed-out picture or unclear audio will simply not suffice. Fidelity to the original content must be respected to ensure that details are not lost. When selecting equipment, look for 4K60 resolution with HDR10/ Dolby Vision, deep color support, and multichannel audio.

The final key tenets are scalability and reliability. Systems must be able to span large venues, accommodate creative device placement, and support flexible system sizing. Once installed, the system needs to work reliably; nothing breaks immersion faster than dropped video frames or lost audio. Make sure your chosen equipment is battle-tested and has robust support engineering available to back you up.

Focusing on these performance categories when selecting an AV-over-IP solution and applying creative energy to system design will ensure your esports program has an AV distribution system that will immerse gamers and spectators in the experience, and fuel growth in this exciting industry, for years to come.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: Heather Blair, Senior Account Manager, Esports, LG Business Solutions

As a result of growing esports popularity, an increasing number of schools are launching esports clubs and competition teams as extracurricular activities for a broad range of students. Knowing that only 54 percent of students participate in traditional sports, educators have come to appreciate the surging popularity of gaming among youth. As of 2022, 175 universities have joined the National Association of College Esports (NACE), many of which initially became involved through student-run clubs that eventually joined organized, competitive leagues. As the competition heats up and attracts ever-larger investments and public attention, the number of participating schools is likely to continue growing.

In order for fledgling esports programs to deliver meaningful student experiences, they must first evaluate and consider whether their existing computer gear and infrastructure are sufficient to perform at a competitive level. These games typically require up-to-date gaming PCs with powerful graphics cards, while high-quality monitors and peripherals can greatly boost player effectiveness thanks to higher picture quality and brightness, better contrast, clearer communication with teammates, and highly responsive input devices. 

Some programs—particularly at middle schools and high schools—have succeeded in repurposing existing equipment and spaces to provide a cost-effective opportunity without encountering opposition. While esports is indeed growing quickly, there can still be obstacles—particularly at the K-12 level—in attaining funding and support from the school boards and administrators responsible for student and community needs. 

Institutions that want to address the widest swath of student interests and attract diverse student populations are helping put esports on an equal footing with traditional sports. Through the rise of scholarships, famous student players, and even fortunes made possible by allowing student athletes to sign sponsorship deals, it’s clear that esports has become an important campus activity and will continue to be an enrollment driver as the industry matures.

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AVT Question: Please share insight into setting up an esports program within higher education at any level, including the technologies that make a difference and the elements that create an immersive experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Thought Leader: Mark Boyadjian, Senior Customer Solutions Engineer at Neutrik

Whether you are new to esports and gaming or regularly compete, manage, broadcast, or produce events—esports have become an undeniable global phenomenon. With numbers in viewership and attendance eclipsing traditional pro sports, the pace of growth requires an experience for athletes and spectators that rivals the biggest musical act concert tour.

Unlike traditional sporting events where the game field is supported by large and small displays around the field or venue, in esports the displays are the game field. Making sure that the gaming equipment on the competition stage is designed to be reliable for the competitors, with low-latency signal chains, is the minimum requirement.

Once the gaming field is set for maximum performance, we need to provide what the players see and do to the live audience and streaming viewers—not just a video feed, but an immersive experience that lets everyone feel like they are part of the competition. To succeed in this endeavor, there are design considerations: available budget, the size of the venue, from where attendees will view the action, broadcast booth location(s), secondary entertainment, food vendors, gamer art and gaming gear vendors, and available network speed—inside and outside of the venue—for streaming and social media interaction. Together, the answer to these questions defines what the athlete and fan experience will be.

If you are reading this and shaking your head at the complexity of creating such an experience, realize that there are industry professionals for each facet of live gaming events. If this will be an installed system for a school or esports venue, a systems integrator will be a great place to start. If this is a temporary or rental space, contact your local AVL rental house. Companies that manufacture the equipment used in esports spaces are also a terrific and typically free information resource for making sure the event has what it needs to be a success. 

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