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According to Jim Reinhardt, U.S. sales manager for PlexusAV, the Pro AV industry is undergoing a significant transformation, as network-based video and audio become the backbone of modern systems. One of the biggest drivers of this shift is the growing adoption of open standards, particularly IPMX, which was launched as a certifiable standard for AV over IP transport at ISE 2026.

IPMX is gaining momentum in the industry, largely because the protocol promises something the industry has been asking for: brand interoperability. As systems become more complex and organizations deploy AV across larger networks, customers are demanding solutions that work across multiple manufacturers.

The long-term vision goes even further. As IPMX continues to gain traction, more AV devices such as projectors and flat-panel displays are expected to include native IPMX support. Eventually, the need for separate decoding hardware and extra HDMI connections will gradually fade, simplifying system design and allowing video to exist entirely on the network.

For PlexusAV, that open approach is central to its strategy. Reinhardt explained that the company is focused on building an ecosystem not only around AVoIP endpoints, the devices that encode and decode signals across a network. “There are different parts and pieces to a Pro AV solution, whether that’s traditional baseband or even AV over IP,” he said. “But it has to start somewhere.”

Of course, designing AVoIP solutions is never just about moving signals between points. Engineers must constantly balance three critical factors: video quality, latency, and bandwidth. Reinhardt described this balancing act as a “codec triangle.”

Achieving the highest performance across all three metrics is technically possible, but it’s very costly because it may require uncompressed networks that are impractical for most installations. Think 100 Gb networks—when the Pro AV market mostly lives within a 1 Gb network infrastructure. By optimizing performance within those 1 Gb constraints, PlexusAV aims to deliver high-quality video while keeping systems manageable for IT teams responsible for maintaining the network.

While not part of the codec triangle, another important factor is flexibility. Every deployment has unique requirements, and those requirements can vary depending on the use case. Some applications demand ultra-low latency, while others prioritize video quality or network efficiency. PlexusAV supports multiple compression technologies, giving integrators the ability to tailor installations based on the requirements of the end user, Reinhardt noted.

Beyond video distribution, the company is also expanding its product line through software and new hardware categories. One example is the Stream Conversion Gateway, a software-based “bridge” that converts various protocols from various sources (such as IPTV and NDI cameras) into IPMX-compatible streams for interoperability between all sources on one network. As a result, new and legacy equipment throughout a corporate or college campus can work together.

Audio is also becoming a bigger part of the equation. PlexusAV has unveiled a family of IPMX-enabled speaker solutions, including in-ceiling, pendant, and surface-mount models. These speakers leverage established audio networking standards like Dante and AES67 but use IPMX as the backbone for distribution.

Other new products include the PlexusAV HDBaseT 3.0 Wall Plate that delivers uncompressed, zero-latency video. With HDMI and USB-C inputs, it provides intelligent auto-switching as well as optional manual control for legacy and modern devices. Plus, the PlexusAV ChargeLink is a USB-C connection hub for small and medium-sized meeting spaces. A true one-cable solution, a single USB-C cable provides network access, data transfer, video sharing, and up to 100W of power delivery.

Looking ahead, PlexusAV is investing heavily in research and development. “Listen to the market, embrace the change of what the market’s looking for,” Reinhardt said. Customers will see the fruits of that labor later this year at NAB and InfoComm.

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In recent years, the Pro AV industry has had more than its fair share of mergers and acquisitions. But when VITEC acquired Datapath in late 2025, it was less about overlap and more about true synergy. SCN content director Mark J. Pescatore talks with Colin Farquhar from VITEC and Mark Bohs from Datapath to get more details about why this is a winning combination for the markets they serve. Plus, learn how they are addressing cybersecurity in their AVoIP solutions—and get a preview of what to expect from both companies at InfoComm 2026.

It's here! Get your copy of the October SCN Audio Issue today.

Every October, SCN dives into the world of sound, bringing you insights from expert audio manufacturers for your next installation. This month, Chuck Gloman restores the spirit of radio, Graeme Harrison tells us how music can enhance the retail experience, and Matt Czyzewski dives into the power of predictable audio performance.

Also this month:

• Executive Q&A's with GraceNote and Vanco.
• AI and live events
• A deep dive into audio technology from Dante and Audio-Technica
• Insights from SCN The Nine Andie Mace

Find out more inside. Your copy of the October SCN Audio Issue is one click away.

Sponsored Content

Want to sell your AV business? It might not be as easy as you think.

Jennifer Smith Broeckling, a business broker with Murphy Business Sales, sheds some light on the topic with SCN content director Mark J. Pescatore. Explore the reasons why you might consider selling, how selling to family or key employees can make the process easier (or more complicated), why you should involve a business broker in the sale process, and more.

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

Dante: Under Control

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

At Issue

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

Download the Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV.

Read the September issue of Systems Contractor News.

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A note from AV Technology's Cindy Davis: On April 21, 2025, I learned the news of the unexpected death of Martijn van der Woude, vice president of global marketing and business development at Philips Professional Displays (PPDS). I am deeply saddened. My interactions with him, which included several interviews, revealed a man of great kindness, humor, and an unwavering commitment to sharing his knowledge of technological advancements and their implications for our industry. His dedication to sustainability and ensuring its message was accurately communicated was evident. He will be missed.

[Pro AV Mourns the Loss of Martijn van der Woude]

Out of respect, we held off posting this video interview with van der Woude, conducted during ISE 2024 in Barcelona. Still, we also want to honor his memory, so we are sharing it now. His excitement lives on.

Check out the full video interview below.

Off to the Races!

In February 2024, PPDS signed a deal with Oracle Red Bull Racing, announcing the three-year extension of the partnership between the two companies. And PPDS is inviting its clients to the races. "What you will see there is a completely upgraded garage where Max parks his car, which will be a full LED experience," said Martijn van der Woude, vice president of global marketing and business development at PPDS.

PPDS and van der Woude understand the importance of building relationships. "We give our customers on the race day an experience as if they are one day part of the team. I think we all know that relationships in technology, business, and any other business are important, and to celebrate those relationships, we are inviting our customers to those races on a global level. So, all the races in the world, in all regions, it's always the same out-of-this-world experience."

PPDS is in the process of upgrading Red Bull Racing's Paddock Club experience. "There is already a great LED solution there, but we will even make that bigger and better and brighter," said van der Woude. The factory of Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes is expanding, and PPDS is part of an exclusive team of suppliers to upgrade the facility. "The facilities in Milton Keynes Red Bull Racing add another dimension for us in terms of hospitality. It brings the highest level of hospitality to our customers," added van der Woude.

In true form, van der Woude exclaimed, "Follow us if you are a Formula 1 fan, or even if you're not, because we bring the latest green innovations to Red Bull Racing Partnership."

PPDS is a trading name of TP Vision Europe B.V. (“TP Vision”) and MMD-Monitors & Displays Nederland B.V. (“MMD”), registered in the Netherlands, with their head offices in Amsterdam. TP Vision and MMD are wholly owned subsidiaries of TPV Technology Limited (“TPV”), the world’s largest manufacturer of monitors and a leading provider of display solutions.

PPDS exclusively markets and sells Philips-branded professional displays, covering professional TVs, signage and direct view LED solutions, worldwide under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V.

By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV’s manufacturing expertise in displays, PPDS employs a competitive and focused approach to bring innovative products to market—from its 10-inch touchscreen through to unlimited direct view LED displays. Designing solutions that make a positive impact, both for resellers and for end customers—at the right time and in the right places.

It's here. Get your free copy of SCN's Integration Guide to Distribution.

[Subscribe to the New-Look, FREE SCN Newsletter]

It's All about the Relationship

Yes, the Pro AV industry uses distributors to procure equipment, but today’s distributors offer a whole lot more. Learn how they are improving the shopping experience and providing educational opportunities, all while helping customers navigate through current tariff concerns.

Distributor Profiles

From technical support to engineering services to training opportunities, learn how different distributors are taking the value-add concept to a new level.

Download the Integration Guide to Distribution.

Read the August issue of Systems Contractor News.

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In this exclusive video interview from InfoComm 2025, WyreStorm’s product development director, Zec Voislav, shares a behind-the-scenes look at its new powerful unified communications solution, as well as the award-winning tools it has in place to help customers get—and keep—its products up and running.

Check out the full video interview below.

Already a familiar name in the AV-over-IP space, WyreStorm’s latest product offering—a solution based around its SW-640 presentation switcher—is poised to become a staple of workplace unified communications.

“We are not just creating a presentation switcher; we are building the whole solution,” Voislav said. “The SW-640L-TX-W has been great; it has been well received by our customers, but now we are bringing in two new cameras and a new camera bridge, so now you can connect to the presentation switcher (SW-640L-TX-W) and connect up to four cameras wirelessly or with a USB-C connection. Meeting rooms with a multi-camera system are really popular these days.”

But between its AI-enabled website and the free, AVIXA-certified WyreStorm Academy, one area of WyreStorm’s business model that will never change is the support it provides its customers.

“On our new support hub website, you can get all the information about how to install our devices, as well as the latest updates, firmware updates—and there is a built-in AI bot if you can’t find what you need,” Voislav said. “Your customer will be much more comfortable installing and programming your devices if you provide a good education.”

Combine that world-class support with products that are easy to use, powerful, and reliable, and it’s no wonder WyreStorm has been a leader in AV distribution for more than 15 years.

“Simple is the key word for our devices,” Voislav said. “We are going in that direction to provide easy configuration. For example, an AV-over-IP system is really complex, but how we did it—you basically answer the questions through our configuration tool, and you'll be ready to go.”

About WyreStorm

WyreStorm stands out for its relentless pursuit of innovation, quality, and accessibility in AV. We engineer powerful yet easy-to-deploy solutions that simplify complex installations, empowering integrators and transforming user experiences across industries. Our technologies in AV signal switching, distribution, and unified communications continue to shape the market, earning global recognition and trust. Beyond manufacturing, we invest in the industry’s future through WyreStorm Academy, providing free education and upskilling for AV professionals worldwide. This year, we’ve expanded our global reach, launched innovative solutions, and remained focused on making AV reliable, approachable, and impactful. Hallmarks of a true Manufacturer of the Year. Find out more here.

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Industry partnerships and innovative products are never in short supply at InfoComm—and nowhere was this more evident in 2025 than at the booth of Panasonic Projector & Display Americas (PPNDA). Jared Darensbourg, director of sales, and Petro Shimonishi, director of new business development at PPNDA, gave AV Technology a brief overview of these developments.

Check out the full video interview below.

Foremost among the announcements from PPNDA was the company’s new sub-brand, MEVIX: Media, Entertainment & Visual Transformation.

“It's a game changer for us,” Darensbourg said. “You're going to see new products, solutions, and innovations coming out of the Panasonic brand that you're going to be super excited about. Our new RQ4K5—a 40,000-lumen, 3-chip DLP 4K projector—is going to be amazing for house of worship, rental and staging, and live events. You name it—there's going to be success for this model.”

And in recognition of the growing need for flexible spaces—particularly in higher education—PPNDA has partnered with Artome to create a new adaptable, portable projector solution.

“Nine times out of 10, our projectors are mounted to a ceiling. But a classroom may be laid out one way, and an instructor may come in and want to change the layout,” Shimonishi said. “Our partnership with Artome integrates our award-winning VMZ Series projectors with Artome’s new PT-VMZ-AVCART, which includes a space for VMZ projectors—any model—to be mounted inside. The cart features built-in speakers, subwoofer, and controls—pre-programmed and pre-wired for Panasonic projectors.”

Finally, Shimonishi revealed that PPNDA is now a member of the Open AV Cloud Association, which was formed in resistance to proprietary protocols in AV.

“With the cloud and artificial intelligence, our industry needs a great standardized architecture that allows for easier interoperability of devices,” she said. “Our vision is to make all of our products—from projectors, displays, dvLED displays, and immersive environments like this—easy to install, manage, and communicate with other products over the network.”

About Panasonic Projector & Display Americas LLC

Established on April 1, 2025, Panasonic Projector & Display Americas LLC (PPNDA) is a B2B company committed to delivering innovative visual solutions across education, corporate and entertainment industries. The PPNDA mission and dedication is to simplify complex workflows and empower professionals in the AV industry to focus on the art of storytelling, the power of communication, and the joy of connecting people through shared experiences. With passion, collaboration, and commitment, PPNDA will shape the future with cutting-edge product and services that enhance the customer experience. Learn more here

Sponsored content.

The Pro AV space is undergoing rapid transformation, with direct-view LED (dvLED) displays leading the charge. Known for seamless visuals, exceptional brightness, and long-term reliability, dvLED technology is redefining how organizations communicate, collaborate, and engage.

Once viewed as prohibitively expensive or complex, dvLED is now more accessible than ever—thanks in part to ViewSonic. ViewSonic is delivering scalable, user-friendly dvLED systems designed to meet the needs of a broader market.

Scalable Solutions for a Broader Market

Before diving into industry-specific use cases, it’s important to highlight ViewSonic’s comprehensive dvLED product lineup—engineered to address a variety of needs, spaces, and budgets.

The LDS Series is a mobile, all-in-one solution that arrives pre-assembled in a flight case for fast, flexible deployment—ideal for events and temporary installations. ViewSonic's LDC Series are configurable modular displays with fine pixel pitches (1.2–2.5 mm), designed for high-impact environments like control rooms and executive lobbies. The LDM Series consists of pre-configured dvLED systems tailored for businesses and higher education environments without breaking the bank.

Each series is designed to simplify setup, reduce maintenance costs, and deliver a premium viewing experience.

Real-World Applications Across Industries

ViewSonic’s dvLED solutions are already making an impact across sectors, proving that cutting-edge display technology doesn’t have to be exclusive.

Corporate and Enterprise

In today’s workspaces, crisp, reliable visuals are essential. The LDC Series delivers high-resolution content perfect for boardrooms, collaboration spaces, and operations centers. Its modular design adapts easily to various room layouts while maintaining visual integrity.

Retail, Hospitality, and Events

The LDS138-151 mobile dvLED display is a gamechanger for event-driven and retail environments. It sets up in minutes—no wall mounts or technical crew required. Simply unfold, plug into a standard 20-amp outlet, and deliver stunning visuals on demand.

Higher Education

Universities are embracing dvLED to transform large venues like auditoriums and gymnasiums into high-impact communication hubs. With easy operation and durable builds, these systems thrive in high-traffic settings where reliability matters most.

Driving Accessibility in Pro AV

dvLED once came with a steep learning curve and hefty installation costs. That’s no longer the case. Thanks to advancements in design and manufacturing, dvLED is now both more affordable and easier to deploy.

“dvLED technology is improving as prices come down, which opens up new opportunities for higher education, large conference rooms, and public spaces,” said Shane Roma, technical product manager at ViewSonic. “Our all-in-one systems make video walls seamless and easier than ever to specify and install.”

Roma also pointed to ViewSonic’s integration of GOB (Glue-On-Board) technology, which enhances durability—making dvLED a strong choice even in high-touch or public areas.

Enabling the Next Wave of ProAV

With a focus on accessibility and innovation, ViewSonic is helping organizations rethink what’s possible with dvLED. By delivering scalable, intuitive solutions across industries, ViewSonic is setting the stage for a more immersive, connected future in Pro AV.

“dvLED is gaining traction thanks to its unmatched image quality, scalability, and flexibility,” noted Ryan Strayer, senior director of sales at ViewSonic. “We’re seeing increased adoption in sectors that previously relied on LCD or projection.”

About ViewSonic

ViewSonic is a global leader in visual and collaboration solutions, empowering businesses with innovative technologies that enhance productivity, communication, and operational efficiency. Its comprehensive portfolio includes award-winning monitors, interactive displays, projectors, and integrated software platforms that support secure device management and team collaboration. Built for today’s hybrid work environments, ViewSonic solutions are scalable, flexible, and designed to integrate seamlessly across various systems. Headquartered in Brea, CA, ViewSonic is committed to delivering exceptional performance, customer support, and forward-looking solutions that help businesses succeed in a digital-first world. Find out more here.

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Russ Newton, head of strategic partnerships at AI-Media, recently spoke with AV Technology during the company’s debut appearance at InfoComm. Having met with a great deal of success in broadcasting, Newton said he is excited to bring AI-Media’s LEXI Voice solution into the AV space.

Check out the full video interview below.

“What's interesting about the audio-visual world and being able to work with integrators and designers is the potential to bring forth a symmetrical experience of translation that's facilitated by audio-visual and leveraging AI,” Newton said. “As soon as you're able to grab that best-quality audio, it's basically an endless opportunity because that ensures the highest quality of accuracy.”

The LEXI Voice tool not only makes spaces accessible where there would otherwise be a language barrier, but now, a lower price point means the solution itself has become accessible to more venues than ever.

“The cost is no longer cost-prohibitive and can be automated in terms of delivering captions,” Newton said. “LEXI Voice is a game changer because it's no longer just something that brings forth accessibility, but it allows organizations to step into new markets, to expand their influence within their organizations. It brings cohesiveness more efficiently because we can take a single language in and translate to any of their desired languages, so people can participate.”

And finally, security is a perennial concern among organizations that rely on the cloud for handling sensitive information. Customers can rest assured that security is also top of mind for product developers at AI-Media.

“At the end of the day, our objective is to build feature parity between our on-premise and cloud offerings, including being able to bring forth secure cloud options—very specifically to address the concerns of security,” Newton said. “We already have successes with very well-known organizations that have the highest levels of security, where we've deployed captioning solutions to fulfill that with full on-premise logic, and so bringing in translation and voice is the next step.”

About AI-MEDIA

Founded in 2003, AI-Media has grown from humble beginnings to become the world’s leading captioning technology provider. AI-Media was founded with the belief that everyone deserves access to information. And this vision remains today as we continue our journey as the world’s leading captioning provider, pioneering technology that’s revolutionizing the way millions across the globe consume content. Today, AI-Media is a global organization that helps many of the world’s leading brands caption their TV broadcasts, live streams, events, virtual meetings, and more. Our team is spread across the globe, with more than 500 employees situated across six office locations in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Our technology delivers over 7 million minutes of captioning, transcription, and translation for live and recorded media content, online events, and web streams every month.

Sponsored Content

At InfoComm 2025, DTEN Head of Alliances Scott Krueckeberg took AV Technology on a brief tour of the company’s latest interactive, intuitive meeting management solutions

Check out the full video interview below.

With DTEN’s core product—a turnkey touch-screen collaboration board complete with camera, speakers, and microphones—end users can host a meeting right out of the box. State-of-the-art, built-in features that fly under the radar have always been central to the company’s design philosophy:

“We think that the best technology disappears in the room,” Krueckeberg said. “If you're constantly looking at it, or if it's intrusive, you're not really going to engage with that, and it's not going to keep you as productive as possible.”

However, Krueckeberg emphasized that DTEN’s expertise extends well beyond hardware. “We have a full software suite built on the back end, where a single IT manager—they might be new or inexperienced—is able to see all their devices on a single pane of glass,” he said. “We provide health reports. We have things like predictability, where they can check to know what things are important that day so they can stay on top of it.”

And when it comes to flexibility, end users can rest assured that regardless of their chosen collaboration platform or device management needs in the workplace, DTEN is going to be a reliable foundation for all their spaces.

“We're able to scale solutions to small, medium, and large rooms—and some of our customers haven't settled on their platform of choice, so we're staying flexible. Not only do we provide multiple platforms, but we also have BYOD technology in there.” Krueckeberg continued, “We have kiosks that allow you to engage virtually and manage people that aren't on-prem employees, but also guests in your building. These workplace tools are coming to life and being implemented more than ever. That more-than-just-the-meeting-room approach is a big value add to the DTEN structure.”

About DTEN

DTEN is changing the way people connect and collaborate through immersive, video-first devices and subscription services. Our solutions are found in businesses, schools, homes, and hybrid environments worldwide, delivering intuitive, high-quality, and real-life video conference experiences for every meeting space. As the recipient of multiple international awards, DTEN is recognized for plug-and-play simplicity, superior audiovisual clarity, and fluent, elegant designs.

DTEN, Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, California, and is a certified technology provider for Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms.

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Amazon Signage continues to expand its digital signage footprint with three exciting developments. From new mobile capabilities to growing collaborations and upcoming event participation, Amazon Signage is committed to enhancing the digital signage experience for its customers.

Meet the New Mobile App

On May 28, 2025, Amazon Signage released a companion app to the well-received Signage Stick that launched last fall. With the app, customers can now set up multiple Sticks at once, compared to the previous one-at-a-time approach that required a physical remote. Provisioning multiple Sticks has been a much-sought-after feature by customers and Content Management Software (CMS) providers alike, saving time and effort when configuring Sticks for larger installations. To further expedite setup, the app can store network name, password, and CMS selections through “Profiles,” eliminating the need to re-enter profile information every time additional Sticks are added.

The Signage app's dashboard makes it easy to view and monitor Signage Sticks all in one place. Sticks can be grouped into “Locations,” providing a convenient way to organize. The app can also act as a virtual remote making it easy to restart or reset Sticks when connected to the internet. The app can be found on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Latest Providers

Amazon Signage's CMS provider network has doubled in size since the Stick's launch in September 2024. This strategic expansion offers organizations broader choice and flexibility in digital display solutions. By combining hardware expertise with curated CMS providers, the expanded network continues to reduce implementation barriers while maintaining premier performance. Amazon Signage's growing roster of providers reinforces its commitment to delivering agile, customizable solutions. Learn more about the providers.

Amazon at InfoComm 2025

Amazon Signage will be at InfoComm 2025, taking place June 11-13 in Orlando, FL. InfoComm drew over 30,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibitors in 2024. The Signage team will host meetings in a dedicated room where they will demonstrate the ease and functionality of the Signage Stick to guests and attendees. To schedule time with the team, contact: signage-info@amazon.com

These developments—the new mobile app, expanded provider network, and upcoming InfoComm presence—represent Amazon Signage's ongoing commitment to simplifying digital signage deployment while offering customers more choice and flexibility. Amazon Signage looks forward to continuing this momentum throughout 2025 and beyond.

Amazon Signage Stick: Professional Digital Signage for SMBs

The Amazon Signage Stick is a cost-effective, purpose-built media player for small and medium-sized businesses. Engineered with security in mind, it offers professional-grade performance with easy setup, 4K video, Wi-Fi 6E, enhanced stability, and scalability. The Amazon Signage Stick bridges the gap between consumer-grade and industrial options, providing reliable, secure digital signage without compromising quality or budget. 

Readily available on Amazon, it empowers businesses to fully leverage digital signage technology.

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Building on more than a decade of success with its legendary Solstice Pod, Mersive is poised to make yet another leap forward in keeping people connected with the software-based Mersive Collaboration Suite.

Theresa Benson, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Mersive, recently sat down with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis to discuss how the three solutions comprising the Suite are thoughtfully designed to accommodate organizations of any shape or size.

Check out the full video interview below.

For Benson, a desire to advance the entire collaboration space has been at the heart of her career at Mersive from the start.

“As a technologist, I think, ‘Why haven't we been able to solve this elegantly?’ You see display manufacturers trying to solve it, and you see computer manufacturers trying to solve it, but nobody has come up with a bulletproof, smooth way of connecting.” Benson continued, “I hope Mersive is the rising tide, and that what we do lifts all ships across the collaboration space.”

Mersive’s Collaboration Suite marks a paradigm shift for the company. The most approachable solution in the Suite is the Mersive Smart app, designed for smaller businesses with smaller budgets. It offers simple wireless sharing to smart devices without the need for a pod. Mersive Essentials is the mid-range product, with a Mini device and subscription plan ideal for conference rooms, huddle spaces, study rooms, and other places where teams gather. The performance tier is Mersive Pro, featuring dual 4K out, a powerful performance processor, more cache than ever, multi-share, and AI features for creating gorgeous visual experiences for complex or high-impact spaces.

“We looked at the very human pain points of connectivity and asked, ‘Why are they there?’” Benson said. “How might we help an organization be able to share content wherever they want—not just on the screen right in front of people standing in the room? It's all about that connection of people and ideas and concepts—on one pane of glass or many panes of glass—that we tried to bring forward with this new product line.”

Security is a perennial concern in any workplace, but particularly in settings where sensitive information is being shared using collaboration technology and vulnerable networked peripherals. Mersive customers, however, can rest assured that the Mersive Collaboration Suite will have no such weakness.

“When we built these new products, security was not an afterthought; it was the first thought,” Benson said. “We have done the work of educating our people, defining policies and practices for software development, and then doing the hard work. And it's really involved, now that we've put this extra layer of security in our software and firmware, but it's worth it.”

And finally, in an era of ever-increasing technological complexity, Mersive strives to bring things back to basics—from lightning-fast installation to an intuitive user experience. Mersive’s retro website (retromersive.com)—created just for InfoComm—is a nostalgic throwback to simpler times.

“We have this mantra of: ‘Tech was easy, then it got hard, and we fixed that.’ Thinking back to the original Pong and Space Invaders, you didn't need a manual to use what was insanely high tech back then. Somewhere along the way, technology companies forgot that and made everything complicated. So the whole idea goes back to when things were easy and intuitive and just worked. Retromersive.com will walk people through that journey.”

To experience the Mersive Collaboration Suite firsthand, be sure to stop by the Mersive at InfoComm 2025 and play a game of Centipede while you’re at it in the company’s retro-themed booth (5055).

About Mersive Technologies

Mersive began by developing edge-blending technology for immersive multi-projector displays. As the company evolved, it reimagined its technology to break down barriers that prevent teams from working effectively. In 2014, Mersive introduced dongle-free, cable-free sharing, transforming how people collaborate. Today, Mersive continues to push the limits of what’s possible, creating intuitive technology that brings people together. With certifications like ISO 27001 and HIPAA, along with a SOC 2 Type 2 attestation, users can rest assured that Mersive products protect privacy and safeguard data through encrypted connections and secure access protocols. Whether in business, education, or healthcare, Mersive’s solutions help teams connect, innovate, and achieve their goals. For more information, visit mersive.com.

Sponsored content.

Custom Channels music-for-business streaming platform is enhancing digital signage. The URL-based solution has three-tiered software plans which are built on a common foundation of music hand-picked by passionate music mavens exclusive for use in the business environment; the highest quality digital sound with no variations in volume; no talk or interruptions from commercials, promos, or DJs; and less song repetition.

Kurt Oleson, COO and owner of Custom Channels Pro, sits down to answer all questions asked about this innovative music-streaming solution.

AV Network: What exactly is Custom Channels Pro and what makes it different from other business music services?

Kurt Oleson: Custom Channels Pro is a gamechanger for the digital signage industry. It’s the industry’s first URL-based music streaming solution designed specifically for digital signage integrators and CMS providers to bundle music with signage.

It is a self-serve, no-code, hardware-free solution that can be integrated into the platform, hardware, or software of the AV integrator’s choosing. What makes it unique is the incredible flexibility and compatibility of the secure URLs that a partner can provision in almost any environment, making deployment of multimedia installations hassle-free. This flexibility—combined with the professionally curated, built-for-business playlists—positions Custom Channels Pro as an exciting new business opportunity for installers and CMS integrators.

AVN: What need did you see in the market that led to the creation of Custom Channel Pro?

KO: As an industry leader in B2B music streaming for the last 25-plus years, we have had many integrator partners approach us about creating a simpler onboarding process for their clients. Businesses that leverage music and signage are ideal targets for simplification and consolidation. Integrators and resellers are always looking to provide value and generate recurring revenue, but they can often be held back by fragmented vendor systems, managing multiple hardware installations, and dealing with poor partner support. Custom Channels Pro addresses all these frustrations, while also being designed to provide value for businesses that want to take full advantage of licensed music.

AVN: How easy is it for AV integrators to bundle with digital signage?

KO: Integrators using Custom Channels Pro can provision a secure, universally compatible URL in seconds and drop it into their CMS of choice with no additional configuration needed. We even offer an API for CMS providers who want to take the product a step further and build a native licensed music integration.

AVN: What is the state of the business music market today? How much of it is licensed vs. unlicensed and what exposures do customers face?

KO: Recent studies have shown that businesses playing music that is aligned with their brand image can increase sales by over 30%—many of our customers come to us because they realize that a basic playlist put together by a manager or marketing executive simply won’t cut it.

That said, the number of businesses still playing unlicensed music is what makes this product so appealing to integrators. An estimated ~$2Bn in royalties is not being distributed to music creators as a result of misuse in the B2B music market. So not only can Custom Channels Pro partners provide an enterprise-grade, bundled music service with signage, but they can also help their clients overcome compliance and legal issues by utilizing Custom Channels Pro. Businesses can receive thousands of dollars in fines from any one of the major Performing Rights Organizations if found in violation of licensing laws. It’s our goal to ensure that artists and creators are fairly compensated and businesses are protected, so the solution needs to be simple.

AVN: What impact do you think Custom Channels Pro will have on an integrator's ability to sell a turnkey display/music solution?

KO: Custom Channels Pro gives integrators the ability to bundle music and signage in virtually any industry—retail, restaurants, hotels, medical, dental—and there are a few key advantages that partners will see immediately. First, they will have an instant upsell for any existing business where they are providing signage, and this can be pitched without asking the client to make any additional investment in hardware or installation costs since the URL can be embedded in existing platforms. Second, many integrators will find that Custom Channels Pro will unlock many non-traditional spaces to music streaming. Businesses where overhead audio equipment hasn’t been installed or isn’t traditionally included—now anywhere with a screen is a potential source of licensed music for the client and a recurring revenue stream for the partner.

AVN: How does the integrator pricing work for Custom Channel Pro?

KO: Pricing is offered at a tiered, wholesale rate based on business volume and deployment needs. As a trusted partner in the AV industry, Custom Channels will also work directly with partners who need custom pricing for enterprise business or clients with unique music needs. Between-song messaging is also available as an add-on.

AVN: Is Custom Channels Pro available globally or in specific geographies? If available initially only in North America, will it eventually be available in other regions?

KO: Custom Channels Pro is launching in North America with plans to expand to other countries in the future.

About Custom Channels

Custom Channels is the leading music for business streaming platform. Its three-tiered software plans are built on a common foundation of music hand-picked by passionate music mavens exclusive for use in the business environment; the highest quality digital sound with no variations in volume; no talk or interruptions from commercials, promos, or DJs; less song repetition; and no inappropriate language. Visit www.CustomChannels.net to learn more.

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Producing great video content from your meetings and events shouldn’t be a juggling act. But, for many teams, it still means stitching together multiple tools, navigating complex AV setups, or relying on expensive or limited resources to get professional results that deliver a strong message.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce Quorum One—our new all-in-one video production platform purpose-built to help elevate the message from modern meetings through highly polished video content.

Quorum One is a unified AV production system from Ross Video that combines automation, switching, clip playout, and AI camera tracking in a single box. This intuitive, browser-controlled platform is simple to deploy, operate, and scale across rooms, teams, and locations.

It’s everything you need to create polished, broadcast-quality meeting video that tells better stories—without the complexity and expertise that comes with traditional broadcasting technology.

The Shift in Meeting Production

As hybrid working becomes the norm, corporate teams are rethinking how they engage rather than just inform through their video meetings and live events. Whether it’s a company-wide town hall, training sessions, podcasts, shareholder meeting, or a leadership update, there is a need to build stronger connections between teams, voices, and messages, building trust through clarity – which can come from clear, high-quality visuals and smooth production, regardless of where they’re tuning in from.

Corporate AV environments are typically led by IT, with a focus on integration, simplicity, and ROI that deliver professional results. But most production tools were never built with those priorities in mind. That’s where Quorum One changes the equation.

Meet Quorum One

Quorum One is an all-in-one AV production platform built specifically for corporate meeting production. It’s a single, integrated system that combines core AV functions—automation, switching, clip playout, and AI camera tracking—in one platform.

It delivers broadcast-quality meeting video through automated production workflows, with smart switching and AI-powered camera tracking. Once installed and programmed, cameras can automatically track, focus, and broadcast, allowing you (or anyone) to go live with the touch of a button.

On the technical side, Quorum One is optimized for IP workflows, featuring an NDI-native architecture that ensures seamless integration into modern AV infrastructure. Quorum One is managed via a browser-based interface and deploys quickly in most environments. It works well with existing networks, requires under 30 minutes of training, and fits easily into IT-led ecosystems.

Dynamic updates occur with no downtime, reducing training and hardware costs. Thanks to Ross Video’s intuitive, web-based UI framework (Aura), Quorum is controlled on any system with an internet browser. Quorum is controlled on any system with an internet browser.

There is also expanded support for conference microphone systems, which enables Quorum to respond to microphone activity in real time for automatic camera selection and movement, as well as dynamic, operator-assisted coverage.

Key Benefits

Whether you’re outfitting an executive suite, a podcast booth, or a meeting room, Quorum One delivers the same core value – consistent, high-quality production across every space

With Quorum One, you can:

Learn fast – Suitable for anyone to operate, with minimal training required (under 30 minutes)

Look like a pro – deliver polished, high-quality video without a full production team

Stay focused – automate the heavy lifting and direct cameras with a simple tap

Scale with ease – roll it out across rooms, buildings, or global campuses without complex AV builds

Cut clutter – replace racks of gear with a single box, and reduce the number of vendors and hardware

Tell better stories – automate, switch, playout, and track like a pro using a seamless, intuitive interface

Gain trust – ensure every message is clear, consistent, and credible, every time

Work smarter – produce repeatable, cost-effective content without relying on full AV crews

How Quorum One Compares 

While other options on the market offer fragments of the workflow, Quorum One is designed for non-technical users who care about professionalism and building trust through clear communication. Combining video switching tools, automation, and AI camera tracking solutions into one tightly integrated system supports that goal.

It’s a comprehensive platform that balances cutting-edge NDI technology with practical, IT-friendly simplicity. So, you don’t need a whole AV crew to get broadcast-quality results. With Quorum One, you get it all in one.

See Quorum One at InfoComm

Whether you’re looking to upgrade a few key rooms or roll out across a global enterprise, Quorum One gives you and your corporate communication teams a powerful new way to deliver smart, professional-quality meetings with less effort.

And now, you can see it in action as Quorum One is making its official debut at InfoComm. If you’re at InfoComm 2025, join us at booth #8061 to get hands-on with Quorum One, or book a private session with an expert here to receive personalized advice on your next project.

About Ross Video Everything You Need to Connect With Your Audience Every day, Ross powers live productions for billions of viewers. With the industry’s widest range of high-impact, high-efficiency solutions and services, Ross helps all manner of organizations create and share compelling content, from leading broadcasters to houses of worship, stadiums, corporations, education and governments. With approximately 1300 team members around the world and manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Austria and the most reliable service in the industry, we are here to turn your ideas, plans and strategies into reality.

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For years, companies have relied on basic tools for webinars, video calls, and presentations. But today, clients expect the polish of network television—whether it’s for an all-hands meeting, a virtual event, or a public-facing livestream.

For AV consultants and system integrators, that shift has made control room design a top priority. Instead of putting together one-event setups, organizations are investing in centralized systems that deliver consistent, high-quality video across teams and locations.

These control rooms now anchor enterprise video—connecting offices, campuses, and global hubs, and supporting everything from leadership broadcasts to live internal events and studio productions. As video becomes part of everyday operations, rather than occasional productions, the control room is no longer a support tool but a strategic asset—the central hub for all AV production, whether within the corporate studio, production of a live event, or managing digital signage in corporate headquarters and satellite offices.

Simplifying Control Room Operations for All Users 

Traditional AV setups were built for one-room presentations—not necessarily for managing multi-location video at broadcast quality. Today’s corporate clients need capabilities like live switching, remote camera control, virtual sets, robotic camera systems, and automation to deliver polished content at scale—often while integrating with existing infrastructure. Virtual studios are also shaping enterprise AV plans. Many teams are turning to software-based production environments to create on-brand visuals with real-time graphics and virtual sets.

AV production crews span a wide range of experience—from beginners to seasoned professionals. Regardless of skill level or experience, users increasingly expect to walk into a room, press a button, and walk out with a broadcast-quality recording and a high level of automation—no crew required, no troubleshooting.

AV consultants help define those expectations, identifying where automation, remote control, and preconfigured workflows can streamline operations. Consultants and system integrators then design and deliver tools that produce consistent, high-quality results—easy to use and designed to minimize training and support.

User-friendly interfaces, repeatable workflows, and remote monitoring give AV teams the tools to manage studio-grade productions with solutions that are easy to use and deliver reliable, repeatable results.

Scaling Enterprise Video Without Overbuilding 

A single control room might handle a CEO keynote one morning, a video podcast in the afternoon, and a multi-source panel the next day—supporting internal communications and branded video from one centralized interface. To manage a broad range of productions reliably, systems must be compact, integrated, and easy to maintain. Overbuilt or piecemeal setups create friction and make scaling harder.

The most effective solutions are built to work within existing infrastructure and support protocols like NDI, Dante, ST 2110.

Ross Video offers a modular platform that supports this approach:

> Ultrix combines routing and audio processing into one compact, rack-efficient platform.

> XPression - 2D & 3D graphics and animations for any live video format, in real time.

> PTZ and Furio robotics provide automated, silent tracking cameras that enable multi-camera setups without large crews.

> Carbonite delivers intuitive switching for live production control.

> DashBoard offers no-code, customizable user interfaces that let internal teams manage productions easily and give AV teams the flexibility to tailor control panels for different workflows.

> Inception ties everything together with tools for content planning, scripting, and production workflow coordination.

Together, these tools support lean, repeatable control rooms—built for the demands of modern enterprise video, whatever the production format.

Supporting Every Stage of the Project

Control rooms often span multiple environments and require coordination across teams, spaces, and timelines.

AV consultants work with Ross Video solutions architects to validate workflows that help move projects quickly from planning to proposal, streamline approvals, and reduce guesswork. System integrators rely on modular implementation guidance and factory-tested builds, along with real-time assistance to reduce risk, stay on schedule, and deliver clean installs with confidence.

Ross Video stays involved from early consultation through installation and beyond—providing 24/7 technical support and responsive engineering resources that keep projects moving and give clients confidence long after the system goes live.

Enhance Control Room Performance

Broadcast-quality corporate video is now the standard. AV consultants and system integrators who deliver scalable, operator-friendly systems are becoming trusted partners to the enterprise.

Ross Video provides the tools, project collaboration, and support to help you build them.

Talk to a Ross AV solutions expert to get started.

About Ross Video Everything You Need to Connect With Your Audience Every day, Ross powers live productions for billions of viewers. With the industry’s widest range of high-impact, high-efficiency solutions and services, Ross helps all manner of organizations create and share compelling content, from leading broadcasters to houses of worship, stadiums, corporations, education and governments. With approximately 1300 team members around the world and manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Austria and the most reliable service in the industry, we are here to turn your ideas, plans and strategies into reality.

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As IP video standards evolve, many ProAV system designers are evaluating how to stay flexible without locking into a single format. Format flexibility is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s why a modular platform that supports a broad mix of baseband and IP formats today is essential, along with a clear, cost-effective path to add or switch formats as requirements change—all without replacing core hardware.

This kind of platform isn’t just future-ready, with support for emerging standards as they gain traction; it’s also capable of running multiple formats simultaneously within a single system. That allows users to deploy best-of-breed endpoints based on performance, operational needs, and budget—without the complexity of managing a tangle of standalone converters for every format.

That’s where hyperconverged, IP-native production switchers like Ultrix Acuity and Ultrix Carbonite come into play.

These systems are redefining how control rooms, live event spaces, and corporate studios are designed—offering hybrid flexibility, streamlined operations, and the real-time performance today’s AV environments demand.

Why Traditional Switchers aren’t Enough

In dynamic live production settings, predictable switching speed and deterministic performance are critical. Relying solely on IP-based routing—especially with compressed or software-defined transports—can introduce latency or unpredictability that disrupts the viewing experience.

Ross production switchers overcome this with internal crosspoint matrices, enabling frame-accurate switching whether your sources come from SDI, NDI, ST 2110, or even IPMX in the near future. This ensures seamless execution, no matter what transport technology.

Flexible by Design, Built for the Future

Ross Video’s Ultrix platform is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern AV facilities:

> ST 2110 (with NMOS) for broadcast-grade IP workflows

> SDI for legacy and hybrid systems

> NDI, JPEG XS, IPMX-ready pathways for evolving ProAV ecosystems

> Fiber, HDMI, MADI for edge integration

> Support from SD to UHD, across any format or transport

Start small and scale as your infrastructure evolves—without needing a forklift upgrade. With Ultrix, you're investing in a platform that's not only compatible with where your facility is today, but also where the industry is headed tomorrow.

More Than a Switcher: The Hyperconverged Advantage

What sets Ultrix Acuity or Ultrix Carbonite apart is its hyperconverged architecture. You’re not just buying a switcher—you’re integrating:

> Frame sync, format conversion & color correction

> HDR/SDR conversion

> Audio embedding and mixing

> Flexible multiviewers (up to 48 heads!)

All in a single chassis. That means fewer racks, fewer cables, lower power consumption, and a smaller environmental footprint. By consolidating multiple functions into one system, Ultrix helps modern corporations reduce energy usage, minimize e-waste, and streamline infrastructure for more sustainable operations. It’s a smart choice for both your production needs and your corporate sustainability goals.

A Consultant’s Dream: Scalable and Simplified

For AV consultants and system integrators, Ultrix simplifies everything—from system design to long-term maintenance. Whether you’re building a 4K-capable boardroom, a hybrid control room, or a corporate event studio, you get a future-ready backbone that integrates smoothly with both IP and legacy gear.

With options like Carbonite for midsize productions and Acuity for large-scale needs, you can tailor the platform to fit each project’s scale and budget—without compromise.

Conclusion: Building Smarter IP Facilities Starts Here

As IP continues to redefine the ProAV space, solutions like Ultrix Acuity and Ultrix Carbonite give you the tools to design smarter, faster, and more adaptable AV environments.

They’re not just switchers—they’re the heart of your next-gen IP production system.

Talk to a Ross AV solutions expert to get started.

About Ross Video Everything You Need to Connect With Your Audience Every day, Ross powers live productions for billions of viewers. With the industry’s widest range of high-impact, high-efficiency solutions and services, Ross helps all manner of organizations create and share compelling content, from leading broadcasters to houses of worship, stadiums, corporations, education and governments. With approximately 1300 team members around the world and manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Austria and the most reliable service in the industry, we are here to turn your ideas, plans and strategies into reality.

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Taka Uchida, chief executive officer of the new Panasonic Projector & Display Americas (PPNDA), recently sat down with Systems Contractor News’ Mark Pescatore to preview the company’s presence at InfoComm 2025 and discuss some overall themes to look out for at North America’s premier AV industry show. But first, Uchida discussed what makes PPNDA different from the Panasonic Connect brand users know and love, as well as—perhaps even more importantly—what remains unchanged.

Watch the full video interview below.

“The quality and reliability of our products and services have stayed the same because the factory is staying the same—R&D, engineering, and even the sales team and customer support. The key difference is that we are smaller now, so we are more agile and flexible,” Uchida said. “Also, this new company is focused on visual categories, so we can invest more in that specific industry. In the past, we were more hardware-centric as well, but customer needs are changing: They're requiring total workflows and ecosystems. Through partnerships with other industry leaders, we can provide this type of comprehensive solution.”

Uchida then went on to explain what InfoComm attendees can expect from the new and improved PPNDA in Orlando:

“We’re expanding our high-end projector lineup—a new 40,000-lumen, 3-chip DLP projector to streamline onsite workflows for large-venue entertainment,” he said. “Additionally, customers have been asking us when we'll introduce dvLED, and after careful research and development, we’re excited to introduce an all-in-one dvLED indoor solution for control rooms, classrooms, and even showrooms. We also plan to highlight our new industry partnerships, which are growing even more critical to supporting customers with comprehensive solutions for streamlined workflows.”

Beyond PPNDA, if you have attended InfoComm on multiple occasions, you are well aware that each year has a popular theme or two running throughout the event—keywords that underscore the latest trends in AV. According to Uchida, the words buzzing around the trade show floor in 2025 will be AI, cloud-based solutions, and immersive.

“[Customers] are looking for how they can make work easier and more efficient. In order to realize that, different automations such as cloud-based device management and AI technology are key,” Uchida said. “In our booth, we'll showcase total workflow offerings powered by partnerships, AI software, and immersive applications. In order for the experience to be truly engaging, the content’s quality and closeness to reality are vital. We’ll highlight an example of our work with IGLOO to bring an immersive meeting room to life with their software and our high-quality 4K projector, the PT-RQ7 Series.”

Finally, Uchida emphasized that in a world increasingly reliant upon remote connection, there is an enduring value in meeting with customers and industry colleagues face to face, as well as seeing exciting new solutions up close, at gatherings such as InfoComm.

“InfoComm is a place where we can learn what is happening in the market, attend the provided educational sessions, and exchange information with industry peers in person,” Uchida said. “We can connect with people from a wide range of markets and regions. It's inspiring to see so many great minds come together. My favorite part, though, is the opportunity to interact with many customers in one place. We can discuss the challenges they're facing, explore how our solutions can help them achieve their goals, and gather inspiration for future product and solution development.”

For an in-person look at the latest offerings from Panasonic Projector & Display Americas, be sure to visit InfoComm booth 1201.

About Panasonic Projector & Display Americas

Established on April 1, 2025 Panasonic Projector & Display Americas LLC (PPNDA) is a B2B company committed to delivering innovative visual solutions across education, corporate and entertainment industries.

The PPNDA mission and dedication is to empower professionals in the AV industry to focus on the art of storytelling, the power of communication, and the joy of connecting people through shared experiences.

PPNDA will shape the future with cutting-edge product and services that enhance the customer experience.

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Hall Technologies’ chief executive officer Ken Eagle recently sat down with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis to discuss the latest developments in USB 3.2, including its enormous potential in both corporate and educational environments, as well as the role it plays in Hall’s exciting new Discovery 3 Series extenders. He also touched on the recent drama surrounding tariffs, with some words of reassurance for Hall Technologies customers.

Watch the full video interview below.

But first, Eagle made sure to clear up any lingering confusion around different kinds of USB technology. With regard to the amount of bandwidth you’re going to get out of a product, he said, “We go all the way back to USB 1.0, 2.0, 2.2, and then 3.1 and 3.2. In general, with the technology, if you're buying the newest version—let's call it 3.2—then you're going to be backwards compatible.” He continued, “Couple that with connector types ranging from USB-A to USB-B to USB-C. Now you've got connector types and different versions of USB firmware, and sometimes they're compatible—sometimes they're not.”

Hall’s best-selling Discovery family of USB extenders has been a favorite among corporate and higher education clients for years—offering the affordability and reliability organizations need to keep connected. Building upon that success, Eagle said the feature-rich Discovery 3 Series promises improved flexibility, with the option to mix and match transmitter and receiver types.

“Discovery 3 adds USB 3.X support, and that gives you higher bandwidth, charging, more compatibility with products—but we've also expanded the family to be more than just a wall plate and a receiver that's locked you into a configuration,” Eagle said. “We've set up the transmitter and receiver to be a wall plate or a box version. That means you can have a traditional wall-plate-to-box solution; or a box-to-box, box-to-wall-plate, or wall-plate-to-wall-plate solution if your application requires that.”

The flexibility of Hall’s USB 3.2 lineup goes beyond form factor, with greater bandwidth capacity allowing users to make device upgrades without the risk of their presentations or online conferencing hitting a bandwidth bottleneck. Conversely, the backwards compatibility of USB 3.2 also means that existing peripheral devices can operate to their full potential.

“Connecting to somebody who's remote dialed in or connected online via Teams or Zoom or other kind of session—if you're doing that, you're then connecting to USB peripheral devices in the room such as cameras, microphones, and even systems outside of the room,” Eagle said. “So, the USB 3.2—3.X—becomes really important. Hall is now incorporating that technology into our new line of products in 2025, and you'll see more at InfoComm coming up, as well for the rest of the year.”

And finally, when it comes to tariffs, Eagle understands the uncertainty end users may feel around making big AV upgrades right now, but he also wants customers to rest assured that Hall Technologies is not in the business of making “a knee jerk reaction on pricing.”

“Where we are for Q2, there will be no change to our prices,” Eagle said, “You can go ahead and move forward with Hall products—spec them in as you would. As we get close to the end of Q2, if significant policy changes are made, we'll reevaluate. I'm sure anybody would. But given the great amount of stock already in the U.S. to cover those products, and the exemptions that the administration put in place, we're not making any changes to pricing. We want our customers to know that.”

About Hall Technologies

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the right technology can prove essential to staying in touch with the world around us. For 41 years, Hall Technologies has been a leader and innovator in the design and manufacturing of signal and connectivity solutions with a longstanding reputation for providing top-quality, highly reliable end-to-end solutions.

From video distribution and switchers/scalers to completely integrated audio, video, and communication systems, we aim to strengthen the human connection, whether that be in medical spaces, corporate meeting spaces, classrooms, or more. Hall Technologies offers best-in-class communications through signal management and extension solutions.

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When it comes to sound, Bose Professional is never satisfied with the status quo. Justin O’Connor, product management director of performance systems at Bose Professional, recently spoke with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis about the groundbreaking EdgeMax in-ceiling loudspeaker system and the immense value it adds to a professional AV market niche that has evolved very little in recent decades.

Watch the full video interview below.

For years, the average in-ceiling loudspeaker has provided conical coverage—that is, sound comes down from the device in a cone shape. This means that if there are multiple in-ceiling speakers in a space, overlapping cones are likely to create disturbances, and a person standing up may get less coverage due to gaps—even if the speakers are performing optimally. Bose Professional EdgeMax, however, takes a different approach.

“EdgeMax still hides the speaker. It gets most or all of it away in the ceiling but overcomes the acoustic drawbacks inherent to a speaker pointing straight down,” O’Connor explained. “What EdgeMax does is shoot horizontally and down from the ceiling, which is really an innovation—an evolution. It's something that nobody else is quite doing. You get more acoustic factors that are closer to a surface-mount speaker, but you're still hiding the loudspeaker away.”

When asked about the opportunities EdgeMax offers consultants and designers taking on a new project, O’Connor said they should think about it more like a surface-mount loudspeaker, which has up to 180 degrees of coverage. But beyond standard installations, he said that while his team can make recommendations about how to use the devices in novel ways, Bose Professional’s customers have truly driven the innovation around how EdgeMax pushes the boundaries of standard applications.

“The possibilities become limitless once we free ourselves from, ‘Oh, it looks like a ceiling speaker,’” O’Connor said. “The thing I like about our industry is that no matter how much we as manufacturers tell our customers what our products can and should do, they come up with amazing solutions that even we didn't think of. Integrators, consultants, and system designers—they see products that are innovative and say, ‘Wait, I've got an idea.’ And they think of things that we didn't even come up with.”

Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in a recent case study at the legendary Gold’s Gym in Venice California. Despite a lack of wall space and extremely high ceilings, the client found a creative solution that gave them the high-impact sound they were looking for.

“One of their main gym rooms is pretty big, and it calls for the EdgeMax covering the edges, but the middle needed a little more attention,” O’Connor explained. “They could have hung regular pendants, but then again, you get those cones. So, they custom fabricated a mount to hang EdgeMax loudspeakers where the ceiling is way too high. With this application, they get that directional, non-conical, forward-projecting response, and that's something we never would've thought of directly on our own.”

Bose Professional brings unforgettable moments alive.

It’s that moment. The one when the featured act brings everyone to their feet during the show’s encore. Or when the worship team rises to its powerful crescendo and moves the entire congregation. And it’s the key moment during a conference call that connects and unites a work team from around the globe.

Pro audio is about building incredible experiences, one piece at a time.

That’s why we’re here.

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Martijn van der Woude, vice president of global marketing and business development at Philips Professional Displays (PPDS), recently took Systems Contractor News on a brief tour of the PPDS booth at Integrated Systems Europe 2025. He highlighted the latest additions to PPDS’ robust display portfolio, discussed some notable new installations, and provided a sneak peek at what we can expect to see from the manufacturer in the coming months.

Check out the full video interview below.

Van der Woude reaffirmed the PPDS commitment to environmentally thoughtful product design, which in turn helps organizations meet even their most ambitious sustainability goals. “We’re going to a larger size in epaper, so our dedication to sustainability is again showcased at ISE this year,” he said. “Our QE line is an LCD display product with a 300-nit performance, running at 60 watts at 65 inches. It is a C-rated product, and this year, it also received EPEAT Climate Gold certification. We are dedicated to epaper because of its zero-power performance, making it our most sustainable product.”

In addition to the new PPDS products on display, van der Woude noted the rebranding of the Wave Platform—a remote device management platform—to Philips Wave. “We did this because that cloud solution is now so close and important to our display range,” he explained. “It covers all the product ranges that we have, from epaper to LED, LCD, and interactive whiteboards, and we were confident in rebranding to Philips Wave. It's now an essential part of an API-first strategy, so it can easily integrate with our software partners.”

Beyond the booth, the pros at PPDS have been hard at work helping venue decision-makers across Europe bring their wildest display dreams to life. According to van der Woude, one recent project involves an urban outdoor LED display located at the beautiful FC Barcelona stadium.

He continued, “Philips is also a founding partner of the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands. We bring in awesome content, and with AI we make it come to life—both in terms of picture quality and animation. We are very happy to showcase that partnership and to see that AI actually drives a completely different experience on our displays.”

PPDS is a trading name of TP Vision Europe B.V. (“TP Vision”) and MMD-Monitors & Displays Nederland B.V. (“MMD”), registered in the Netherlands, with their head offices in Amsterdam. TP Vision and MMD are wholly owned subsidiaries of TPV Technology Limited (“TPV”), the world’s largest manufacturer of monitors and a leading provider of display solutions.

PPDS exclusively markets and sells Philips-branded professional displays, covering professional TVs, signage and direct view LED solutions, worldwide under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V.

By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV’s manufacturing expertise in displays, PPDS employs a competitive and focused approach to bring innovative products to market—from its 10-inch touchscreen through to unlimited direct view LED displays. Designing solutions that make a positive impact, both for resellers and for end customers—at the right time and in the right places.

Sponsored content.

ISE 2025 concluded with unprecedented attendance figures , marking a 15% increase from the previous year. The Barcelona-based event demonstrated the expanding market, particularly in enterprise and large-scale digital signage technology implementations. The exhibition's scale and scope attests for the industry's continued evolution, with manufacturers and integrators showcasing increasingly sophisticated solutions.

Key Trends That Dominated the Show

Artificial Intelligence and IoT convergence emerged as central themes, with numerous exhibitors demonstrating how high performing digital signage software now incorporates AI-powered content optimization and audience analytics. These connected solutions primarily targeted enterprise-level deployments with substantial budgets and technical resources.

Digital signage design innovations featured prominently, especially in sustainable solutions through power-management innovations and E-paper technologies. Manufacturers presented energy-efficient digital screens in retail and smart power management systems, responding to growing environmental concerns and energy cost considerations.

Security also received significant attention, with vendors highlighting enhanced IT-grade features for digital signage advertising and content management. Integration capabilities were also prominent, with demonstrations of automated systems for digital menu boards and cross-platform connectivity.

Small Medium Business (SMB)-Focused Solutions

Although ISE successfully covered the majority of trends in the industry, it needed more exposure for one critical area — SMBs and digital signage. Reports from Markets and Markets highlighted SMB-adoption fueling digital signage growth, while studies from Mordor Intelligence and Digital Signage Connection emphasized increasing demand for simplified, cloud-based solutions that require lower technical expertise. These indicators pointed to a shifting landscape where SMB needs would carry more weight.

A large part of the industry remains focused on enterprise-level implementations and complex solutions, overlooking SMB’s inclination for cost-effective, easy-to-deploy systems. Manufacturers prefer to showcase higher-end, technically complex products requiring specialized IT knowledge and significant capital investment at the expense of addressing the growing SMB segment's need for accessible solutions. This needs to change given the industry forecasts that emphasize the rising importance of affordable, user-friendly digital signage solutions capable of seamless business integration.

The Amazon Signage Stick directly addresses this gap by offering a plug-and-play solution in an affordable media player, enabling SMBs to deploy professional digital signage without technical expertise or significant upfront investment. Its seamless integration with existing business tools and emphasis on user-friendly operation makes it the exact type of solution that was conspicuously absent from ISE's showcase.

Amazon’s Signage Stick is a digital signage media player that empowers small and medium businesses with premier signage performance at an attainable price. Designed to deliver a hassle-free experience, the Signage Stick enables quick device setup and auto-launch of content management software (CMS, separate subscription required). Seamless integration with leading CMS applications makes it easy to connect to a screen and quickly showcase content in kiosk-mode. Whether deploying a single display or scaling across multiple locations, the Signage Stick offers businesses a professional and affordable way to elevate their signage with the peace of mind and quality that comes with the Amazon brand.

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Ross Noonan, technical sales and marketing manager at LED Studio, recently took a few moments at Integrated Systems Europe 2025 to discuss how the company keeps sustainability at the heart of everything it does—from product design and development, to future-proofing that ensures customers can keep up with changes in display technology and make the most of their investment for years to come.

Check out the full video interview below.

“We believe that sustainability goes hand in hand with innovation,” Noonan said. “We believe that one of the best ways to save energy, money, and reduce your carbon footprint is actually making savings when you're not using the screen. LED displays can use up to 15 percent of their peak power, even when the screen appears off (blank). The Eclipse is designed to save 100 percent of energy usage when that screen is off. In this instance, 'off' means off.”

He continued, “The other product in our portfolio is the Edge Series. Designed to replace outdated LCD displays, it's available in 43-, 55-, and 65-inch cabinets, which can fit existing LCD VESA brackets, or directly onto the wall. This innovative approach means raw material usage is reduced by as much as 60 percent and componentry by up to 60 percent, as well as reducing shipping weights and dims compared to traditional LED cabinets by as much as 45 percent. This helps save money, maximizing ROI and reducing carbon emissions. Another huge benefit is that the Edge Series reduces the number of installed cabinets by as much as 85 percent compared to standard-sized LED products. This simplifies installation, making it easier to get a uniform display due to fewer physical parts, and fewer seams between cabinets.

In addition to being an environmentally friendly option, the Edge Series passes along the ROI benefits of sustainable product design directly to the end user, allowing them to modify their display over time.

“You can customize for your different applications—SMD (Surface Mount Diode) if you are looking for a more budget-conscious screen, COB (Chip-on-Board) if you want those energy savings and popping visuals, but also flip-chip high bright if you want to put that screen in a shop window or an area that's much brighter,” Noonan said. “But the nicest thing is that three or four years down the line if you want to change that technology, you can take the old modules off and upgrade. We're giving people future-proof capabilities, which is really important as technology evolves.”

At LED Studio, we are committed to bringing your vision to life. From the first spark of design to the production of premium LED displays, we guarantee exceptional craftsmanship and the latest in technology at every stage. We believe return on investment starts the second you turn your display on, and continues throughout the product lifecycle, our aim is to maximise ROI for our clients.

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In a recent conversation with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis, Sharp senior vice president, and general manager Mark Quiroz shared his vision for Sharp in the coming year, insight on which verticals have the greatest potential for growth in the broader display market, and thoughts on how display manufacturers can best support both end users and integrators.

Watch the full video interview below.

It’s widely accepted that the pandemic fundamentally altered how we interact with technology, but according to Quiroz, we have now reached an inflection point in our desire—and need—to return to in-person experiences. When it comes to displays, he explained, this shift is particularly apparent in the corporate and retail spaces.

“I'm particularly excited about the rebound of commercial real estate; it's been in a tough spot and display has suffered from that downturn,” he said. “But as folks are coming back to the office, it's going to be about getting the right technology so they can work more productively in a more hybrid type of environment.”

“And everybody thought that [online shopping] was going to be the end all be all, but I think folks are still looking for great experiences within the retail environment,” Quiroz continued. “That, then, raises the bar on what that experience needs to be, because it has to compete with a very efficient way of buying and trading goods. So, that's where the opportunity to deliver these incredible in-store, brick-and-mortar experiences becomes critical for retailers. How do you do that? Whatever you need to communicate—you deliver through visually striking displays.”

Yet despite this mounting need—all the cutting-edge display technology in the world is useless if it’s not made with the integrator and end user in mind. Fortunately, the experts at Sharp are in vanguard when it comes to thoughtfully designed and deployed displays.

“It's about understanding the needs of both communities; you want to make things very simple,” Quiroz said. “Focus on the solutions and tools to be able to manage, deploy, and operate display fleets. We need to make that easier, because it's a challenge going from hanging one single panel to deploying a custom project where it's basically a mini construction project. So, the ability to support those communities with access to engineers, R&D, and so forth on a real time basis—that's really important.”

And finally, what is Quiroz most excited for in 2025? In a word—dvLED.

“I came in at its inception, when it was really starting to take—six or seven years ago—and now the applications are starting to widen and we're at the knee of the curve where it's growing gangbusters,” Quiroz said. “I mean, there's a reason why you see consolidation and investment coming into the display space: They see that there's an opportunity, and that really excites me. So, I do think 2025 is going to be a key year for that.”

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) is a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s Sharp Corporation, a global technology company that has been named to Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Company List. Sharp strives to help businesses achieve Simply Smarter work by helping companies manage workflow efficiently, create immersive and engaging environments, and increase productivity. SIICA offers a full suite of secure printer and copier solutions, commercial displays and projectors, Dynabook laptops, management and productivity software and fully managed services. As a total solutions provider, Sharp has a reputation for innovation, quality, reliability, and industry-leading customer support expertise.

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ISE 2025 has wrapped, and it did not disappoint. From more than 1600 exhibitors to inspiring and informative panel discussions, it was a whirlwind of activity. We had a chance to walk the convention center floor and check out some of the latest innovations in AV.

Here are five key takeaways from Christie's stand at ISE 2025.

Projection Isn’t Dead

Projection was very much alive and well across the show floor. Christie launched the Sapphire 4K40-RGBH—the world’s first high-brightness projector with hybrid laser illumination per Christie. The Sapphire 4K40-RGBH combines RGB pure laser and a dual laser phosphor illumination system and is compatible with all screens. This enables optimal viewing for standard gain screens, silver screen 3D, and rear-screen projection surfaces in both 2D and passive and active 3D.

Additionally, projection was shown in displays that demonstrated how it can be used to create exceptional experiences, including projection mapping.

Projection mapping is solely the purview of projection—it can’t be achieved with LED technology—and can be used to create dynamic, eye-catching displays. At ISE, we saw this used to great effect, including by artist Quayola on the Casa Batlló’s façade. On the Christie stand, we saw a projection mapped temple-inspired 3D sculpture – with over 800,000 facets—using two Griffyn 4K50-RGB pure laser projectors.

Market and Application-Inspired Displays

Market and application-inspired displays continued to trend across the show floor at this year’s ISE. We are long past the days of seeing a few boxes or a simple rectangular screen on trade show stands. Now, the focus is on showing how users can integrate AV technology into their applications. We saw examples of LCD and transparent LED shown in retail and food and beverage applications.

On the Christie stand, new Jazz Series 1DLP laser projectors were paired with Widget Designer to create a dynamic and interactive museum-inspired display, with custom content from Him & Her, and design by Faber.

Video Walls

As with previous shows, LED video walls continued to dominate booths across the show floor—from flat and curved to absolutely massive, there was a video wall for every application and budget.

Attendees at Christie’s booth saw a slightly different take. A multi-pixel pitch MicroTiles LED display showcased four different pixel pitches, from 0.75mm to 1.5mm, in a single display. Also showcased was a Core Series III LED video wall, which is designed to deliver impressive performance, energy efficiency, and value.

Ease of installation and operation is at the heart of Core Series III, with an innovative, lightweight design—30% lighter than its predecessor—that allows for easy handling. It delivers the impressive visual performance expected from advanced LED technology while boasting up to 40% increased energy efficiency over Core Series II.

Interactive and Immersive Experiences

Similar to the trend towards showcasing AV technology in situ, interactivity and immersive experiences were highlighted at this year’s show. This doesn’t come as a surprise—the immersive entertainment market is forecasted to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of over 6% from now until 2023.

Christie invited attendees to experience an immersive room, created in partnership with Augmenta. The room featured interactive content on the walls and floor, with content management provided by Pandoras Box Software. It was designed to show that immersive experiences aren’t only for large venues—they can be created in modestly sized spaces with well-priced technology.

Evolution of Technology for Live Events

From aisles of rigging gear and trusses to mobile LED video walls, the live events market had no shortage of AV solutions at this year’s show. AVIXA has forecasted that global revenue for venues and events will grow to USD $57.2 billion by 2029, making it the fastest-growing vertical market in AV.

New solutions for the market were abundant, like the Sapphire 4K40-RGBH projector, and new multi-screen windowing and processing technology from Christie’s Broadcast and Professional Video group, which showcased the Spyder-S Series.

With five variants, the Spyder-S Series turns everything you know about multi-screen windowing and image processing upside down. It moves beyond a traditional “one-size-fits-all” solution to allow you to create exactly the system you need with its modular-distributed architecture. It supports HD, 4K, and 8K resolutions at ultra-low latency to ensure synchronized, picture-perfect quality for critical applications like live events.

That’s a Wrap from Barcelona

ISE 2025 was a hit! With over 1600 exhibitors and insightful panels, the event showcased the latest in AV innovations. From projection and LED video walls to attraction-inspired displays, learn about the AV trends and tech that can inspire and elevate your next project. Visit the Christie website for more photos, videos, and products from the show.

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Kevin Christopherson, director of Product Marketing at Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America recently sat down for a conversation with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis. They discussed the joint venture with projection powerhouse NEC Display Solutions, the introduction of and potential applications for Sharp branded projectors, as well as what’s coming up for Sharp in 2025.

Watch the full video interview below.

When Sharp entered a joint venture with NEC in 2020, both organizations were already at the forefront of their respective product categories. In Christopherson’s opinion, these two complementary companies coming together made perfect sense—each providing much-needed technological resources and expertise to the other.

“The great thing about it is all that heritage, all that technology, and, most importantly, all the people that have made those product lines stand above the rest over the years—those all came along with that joint venture,” he said. “From development to marketing, product development, and R&D—all those folks are still working on these products as we transition from the NEC brand to the Sharp brand.”

As a result of that partnership, Sharp recently unveiled several new (and now award-winning) projector models—the XP-P, XP-X, and XP-A Series—combining NEC’s 35 years of experience in the projection space and Sharp’s cutting-edge advancements in display solutions. 

“InfoComm 2024 was a pivotal point in our joint venture. That was the first time we were showing Sharp-branded projectors.” Christopherson continued, “These are completely sealed solutions—filter-free with no lamps. They're laser-based units, and the benefit to our users is that they are maintenance-free. We have an adjustable Zoom—a motorized zoom focus lens on the P Series. You move up to the X Series and you're going to get a gamut of six different lenses depending on what type of application you're putting it into.”

And while LCD and dvLED displays are a flashy, eye-catching solution for some applications, the potential for projection is limited only by the imagination. From the boardroom to the classroom and even the cinema—Sharp projectors provide 4K image quality at virtually any scale, with innovative features that allow the end user to flex their creativity.

“Our products can achieve 3D mapping, so you can map a projected image onto whatever you're doing,” Christopherson said. “We have museums projecting onto dinosaurs and doing immersive shows with that type of technology. It’s very cool to see. You can edge blend the units—use multiple units together. There's a lot of flexibility across the lineup.”

Finally, while a busy 2025 will see the release of several exciting products from Sharp, according to Christopherson, the big story for the coming year is continued brand migration.

“Over the next nine months, all our products across the entire portfolio—and I'm not just speaking about projection, but LCD as well as direct view LED—will migrate over to the Sharp brand,” he said. “It’s kind of a journey as far as this joint venture goes; getting us all under the strong Sharp umbrella and moving together under one brand is important, and it gives clarity to the customer moving forward.”

[A Crystal-Clear Vision for the Future of Sharp] 

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) is a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s Sharp Corporation, a global technology company that has been named to Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Company List. Sharp strives to help businesses achieve Simply Smarter work by helping companies manage workflow efficiently, create immersive and engaging environments, and increase productivity. SIICA offers a full suite of secure printer and copier solutions, commercial displays and projectors, Dynabook laptops, management and productivity software and fully managed services. As a total solutions provider, Sharp has a reputation for innovation, quality, reliability, and industry-leading customer support expertise.

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The digital signage landscape is evolving rapidly, with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) driving significant growth. This surge is fueled by cloud-based, networked solutions that have democratized access to digital signage technology. While these solutions offer a simple plug-and-play approach, SMBs face a dilemma with media players (small devices that connect to screens to display digital content): Choose consumer-grade devices that lower upfront costs but lack reliability and security, or opt for more expensive, complex industrial solutions. This highlights the need for balanced solutions that are cost-effective, easy to use, and viable long-term.

Enter the Amazon Signage Stick, a professional media player purpose-built for digital signage. It offers premier performance at an affordable price, easily obtainable on Amazon. The Signage Stick boasts features designed to meet SMB needs, including seamless integration with leading content management software applications and auto-launch in kiosk mode for uninterrupted operation. Its user-friendly setup allows for quick connection to screens within minutes using a mobile device. The Signage Stick delivers powerful performance with its quad-core SoC, 4K video capabilities, and high-speed Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Security features include a secure boot loader and data encryption, alongside smooth, non-disruptive updates. It's also scalable, allowing for effortless expansion across multiple displays and locations.

Amazon has partnered with industry-leading content management software (CMS) providers, offering a diverse selection for various industries, use cases, and budgets. Supported CMS partners include AbleSign, Neon Screens, NoviSign, NowSignage, OptiSigns, Play Digital Signage, PosterBooking, Poppulo, Rise Vision, ScreenCloud, and Yodeck. Each supported CMS works out of the box, allowing users to centralize digital assets and streamline signage operations efficiently. More information is also available on the Amazon Signage dedicated portal.

The Amazon Signage Stick combines professional features with SMB-friendly pricing, reducing upfront investments, and complex setups. This allows businesses to focus on creating engaging content. Its plug-and-play simplicity, improved reliability, and ease of use ensure that businesses can deploy impactful visual communications without technical anxieties. Suitable for various industries, from retail shops to education, clinics, and multi-location facilities, the Amazon Signage Stick empowers users to harness the full potential of digital signage confidently. Available in the U.S. for $99.99 on Amazon and Amazon Business, it offers the quality and peace of mind synonymous with the Amazon brand. The Signage Stick represents a significant step forward in digital signage technology, providing SMBs with an accessible, powerful tool to enhance their visual communication strategies and drive business growth.

Amazon Signage Stick: Professional Digital Signage for SMBs

The Amazon Signage Stick is a cost-effective, purpose-built media player for small and medium-sized businesses. Engineered with security in mind, it offers professional-grade performance with easy setup, 4K video, Wi-Fi 6E, enhanced stability, and scalability. The Amazon Signage Stick bridges the gap between consumer-grade and industrial options, providing reliable, secure digital signage without compromising quality or budget. Readily available on Amazon, it empowers businesses to fully leverage digital signage technology.

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Watch the full video interview below.

Large-scale displays have been a common sight at sporting venues for decades. However, when it comes to the cutting-edge video walls gracing today’s esports and sports arenas, Absen is playing a totally different ball game.

Tim Deasy, senior sales engineer, and Nick Wilson, industry development director for sports and DOOH at Absen recently sat down with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis to discuss the growing role of video walls in esports and sports, effective strategies for working with teams and venues, critical technology considerations for space design, and the cutting-edge Absen products leveling up arenas nationwide.

Like the in-person attendees at a pro basketball game, fans at esports events are invested in the performance of their favorite players and want to feel like they’re a part of something. But in esports, the number of people watching via online streaming platforms can be an order of magnitude larger than those who choose to show up to a physical venue—making it absolutely critical to select video walls that bring a real “wow” factor and keep fans coming back.

“We are nerds, at the end of the day,” Deasy said. “We want the latest, greatest, and best of things. At home, we've spent $1,000, $2,000, or $3,000 on just the computer setup. So to get us to come out to these events, it's got to be something really grand—something that looks great.”

And beyond mere aesthetics, products such as Absen’s popular MR Series are designed for durability in high-traffic environments. These displays can withstand approximately 2,000 pounds per square meter—strong enough to hold a car—making them extremely well-suited to live esports and sports settings. Both Deasy and Wilson agree that floor-mounted video walls are one of the most exciting trends in the industry.

“The floor solution is unique in the sports industry—not just esports,” Wilson said. “There are features there that maybe haven't been thought about: How can we use it in concourses? Everyone's looking down—at least I do. When I'm walking around airports and concourses, I'm usually on my phone or looking down. And so the floor might be a good sponsorship idea.”

But while significant in-person foot traffic is both an important technological consideration and an opportunity to get creative with video wall content, a more advanced camera setup may still be necessary to properly capture and stream the live excitement to remote audiences.

“You have cameras being pointed at the screens to be able to see live audiences or for live audiences to see online,” Deasy said. “The ability to shoot something with a camera requires an upgrade in technology from the norm. You typically have an LED or something, but if you shoot it without technology that supports it—it's not going to work. You're going to see a bunch of lines all over the screen and a bunch of colors being distorted. It's going to be a mess.”

In this exclusive interview learn why, with Absen, end users can rest assured that they have a skilled solution provider in their corner (and in their floor, and in their ceiling…). Click here to watch the full video interview.

ABOUT ABSEN INC.:

Absen Inc. is the US subsidiary of Absen, a leading LED display manufacturer, and is based in Orlando, FL. Absen, a global leader in LED display manufacturing, is renowned for its high-quality and innovative solutions. This combination of fantastic products with a knowledgeable sales team allows us to offer turnkey solutions with outstanding client experiences.

With thousands of installations across the USA, Absen Inc has quickly become the LED manufacturer of choice for a variety of prestigious projects. Highlights include sporting venues for the NBA, MLS, and NBC; casino installations for MGM Grand and Caesars Palace; premier events including the Ultra Music Festival, Comic-Con, and the Emmys; and digital signage in the heart of NYC’s Times Square.

Watch the full video interview below.

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Building upon its many decades of expertise in commercial and residential technology solutions, Sharp has entered a new era of innovation since the onset of the joint venture with NEC Display Solutions more than four years ago. Ben Hardy, senior product manager of Large Format Displays, and Ryan Pitterle, senior product manager of Projectors at Sharp recently sat down with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis to discuss what has changed over the past four years and—perhaps even more critically—what hasn't.

Hardy explained that one of their top priorities with the joint venture was guaranteeing a seamless transition for both companies’ customers.

“We listened to market feedback and pain points on products that we were planning on replacing, and made sure we maintained a lot of functionality and features that customers expect,” he said. “Obviously we want to make sure that the transition from using either NEC or Sharp products is fluid and smooth. And the goal was always to ensure quality, on top of that customer experience.”

But behind the scenes, the real magic was in figuring out how to leverage the combined expertise of two already highly regarded AV industry brands.

“When you bring two teams together, you're bringing together two separate firmware teams, hardware teams, software teams, and everything,” Hardy said. “So it was important that we all came together and laid out everything and really focused on where each company thrived and what they did best—starting there and building up from that.”

When it came to projection technology specifically, Pitterle explained that Sharp did not previously have a strong presence in the United States, and this made NEC’s 35 years of experience in the space an immediate point of interest. 

“When customers are introduced to Sharp projectors, there's going to be a lot of NEC heritage and quality behind those products, and I think they will recognize that,” he said. “But the Sharp QA process is fantastic. Even in these first few Sharp projector series launched in the U.S., that QA process has made significant improvements to products before they hit the market.”

These new-to-market products include Sharp’s XP-P Series 4K UHD projectors, introduced this past June at InfoComm.

“These are truly commercial-grade projectors designed for corporate conference rooms or anywhere that you need a 100-plus-inch screen and you want a consistent experience across displays,” Pitterle said. “It was intentional for our first Sharp-branded projector to push the boundaries of projection technology.”

On the large-format display side, Hardy mentioned the new MultiSync PN-ME2 Series digital signage and conferencing displays. Currently ranging from 43 to 65 inches, Sharp has plans to (literally) expand these sleek, feature-full, and user-friendly displays up to 75, 86, and 98 inches in the coming month.

Pitterle ended the discussion on a hopeful note, saying, “We're not slowing down and we're not stopping innovation. We're going to continue to drive forward. Over the next nine months, everything is either going to be refreshed or get an upgrade.” He continued, “In some cases, it's just going to be a simple brand transition over to Sharp, but our roadmap is also full of exciting new products. We're happy to continue the Sharp legacy, as well as the quality products started by NEC that our loyal customers have come to expect.”

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) is a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s Sharp Corporation, a global technology company which has been named to Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Company List. Sharp strives to help businesses achieve Simply Smarter work by helping companies manage workflow efficiently, create immersive and engaging environments, and increase productivity. SIICA offers a full suite of secure printer and copier solutions, commercial displays and projectors, Dynabook laptops, management and productivity software and fully managed services. As a total solutions provider, Sharp has a reputation for innovation, quality, reliability, and industry-leading customer support expertise.

Did you miss one of the latest AV Technology roundtables? Searching for valuable insights from industry veterans and Pro AV thought leaders? Look no further—it's all right here in the new AV Technology/SCN Event Center. 

Here you can register for upcoming webinars and find past ones on demand. Everything from esports and education to videoconferencing in the hybrid workplace is available for your viewing. These events are hosted by AV Technology's Cindy Davis or SCN's Mark J. Pescatore (or if you're lucky... both!) and feature insights from the experts themselves from companies like AVI-SPL, Crestron, Ross Video, Shure, and many more. 

Don't be left behind. Stay on top of current trends and talking points that are captivating the Pro AV universe. Check out the new AV Technology/SCN Event Center today!

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Today's meeting rooms and collaboration spaces are equipped with a wide range of devices including high-quality web cameras, microphones, speakers and dedicated room PCs to provide seamless meeting experiences.

Most high-quality meeting room peripherals have already adopted USB-C, and so did the vast majority of laptops and mobile devices. The wide adoption of USB-C in today’s consumer technology is creating a dramatic shift in AV applications and, because of the shift, USB-C will drastically change traditional meeting room connectivity.

The key advantage of USB-C is that it allows the transmission of 4K video, audio, USB data, and Ethernet as well as charging through a single connection, eliminating the need for additional cables by combining the functionality of four cables (including AV cables, USB cables, Ethernet cables and power cables) into one, effectively rendering legacy connections and designs obsolete.

This advantage translates into a wide range of benefits for both AV professionals and for those using USB-C enabled meeting spaces in their everyday work. For installers and integrators, it means offering simpler rooms with more versatile functionality at a better price point. For businesses, it means lower investment while also creating future-ready collaboration spaces. For end users, it delivers an enhanced meeting experience by simplifying how they connect to cameras and sound systems to share and present their content in the room. Using a single cable to transfer all those signals also allows easy host-switching, enabling users to hand over control of the room to other team members, creating more freedom in BYOD operations.

The USB Pyramid

By understanding one of the core concepts of USB technology, many issues can easily be avoided. USB devices connect to their host in a pyramid-like topology made of ‘tiers’, where the host (e.g. a BYOD laptop) is at the top at Tier 1 (or sometimes taking up Tier 2 as well, also known as Root Hub). USB networks are limited by latency, and every USB peripheral, hub or cable added to the chain takes up additional tiers and introduces latency. Based on the average latency the guideline is a maximum of seven tiers, and exceeding this can lead to connection issues.

Not every USB device is created equal, and depending on the class of the device it can add different levels of latency, determining the amount of tiers taken up in the USB ‘pyramid’.

Lightware’s Full Featured 1m to 5m USB-C cables don’t add any additional tiers to a USB system, same for our 8m and 10m active optical cables (AOC) USB-C cables when transmitting USB 3.0. However, when AOC cables are transmitting USB 2.0 data, they add one additional tier to the system. 

What’s in the Cable?

Another set of installation complications is rooted in an often overlooked yet crucial element of every USB-C application—the USB-C cable. If we said that not every USB device is created equal, then this is particularly true about USB-C cables.

It can be challenging to determine if a particular USB-C cable is suitable for a professional AV application simply by looking at it, given that the shape of the connector doesn’t reveal the features and the data speeds of the cable. It is therefore crucial that AV professionals choose the right cable for their applications that are ‘full-featured’ which allows them to bring the most out of USB-C technology and helps them avoid any operational issues, such as the lack of charging or insufficient video transmission.

To promote successful presentations and meetings, Lightware encourages system designers to clearly indicate to end users what USB-C features (USB host switching, AV, Ethernet, charging, etc.) are capable of with particular cables in meeting spaces.

Lightware Delivers

Recognizing the potential in USB-C connectivity as well as the associated challenges, Lightware has introduced the Taurus UCX product family, a versatile and powerful suite of devices designed to streamline connectivity and enhance user experience.

Lightware’s Taurus product line simplifies USB-C switching within collaborative environments, allowing users to walk into a room, connect their laptop or device, and use all available USB assets.

While the Taurus UCX was designed for standalone applications and thus, for smaller rooms, challenges arise when the distance between components exceeds standard cable lengths. Lightware tackled this issue by offering a portfolio of ‘Full Featured’ cables, including active optical cables up to 10 meters in length, and also developed the Taurus TPX, utilizing SDVoE technology to extend USB-C capabilities up to 100 meters in a point-to-point application.

Lightware has big plans for 2024 and beyond that look to the future needs of collaborative environments. Its vision of UC convergence with networked AV architectures manifested in the recently introduced Taurus TPN. The next generation of Taurus devices with SDVoE technology is Lightware’s newest development allowing AV professionals to create UC-over-IP applications with HDMI 2.0 signals and full bandwidth USB 2.0 from multiple sources to multiple destinations through 10G Ethernet networks.

Besides leading the way in USB-C signal management solutions, Lightware is dedicated to accelerating the adoption of USB-C connectivity in meeting rooms and offers comprehensive training and educational resources for AV professionals to help them overcome the initial challenges. Its mission is to help its partners and customers develop more versatile room systems, lower project costs, reduce programming labor, and accelerate deployments.

Click here to learn more about the cables and solutions discussed.

Lightware invents and delivers signal management solutions for the AV industry for more than 25 years, allowing AV and IT professionals to securely control, distribute, monitor and manage video and audio signals between diverse sources and multiple users. By utilizing USB, USB-C and HDMI connectivity their reliable and versatile extenders, matrix switchers and AV-over-IP devices empower meetings spaces, education applications and live events in more than 30 countries across 4 continents.

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No stranger to accolades on the trade show circuit, ADTECHNO has been an established leader in the AV industry for nearly three decades. Most recently, its groundbreaking Dante AV Ultra DAV Series won Best of Show titles at both Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) and InfoComm—a combination of state-of-the-art functionality and seamless integration with over 4,000 existing Dante products positioning the manufacturer as a true innovator in signal processing technology.

At ISE, the judge for AV Technology said, “ADTECHNO's DAV-01 is primed to become my favorite Dante AV Ultra encoder and decoder on the market. There are so many features built into this standards-based hardware solution that sets it above the competition.” 

These many features include—among myriad others—being able to facilitate the transmission of 8-channel audio, up to 4Kp60 4:4:4 video, USB, IR, and RS-422 serial commands over a 1GbE network. Seamless integration with the renowned Dante Controller software enables AV professionals to effortlessly manage and route each signal individually, providing a streamlined and efficient workflow for audio and video distribution.

The Dante AV Ultra Encoder (DAV-01ST) in particular features 12G-SDI and HDMI input ports (HDMI exclusive to DAV-01HT), converting video and audio into Dante AV Ultra signals. Conversely, the Dante AV Ultra Decoder (DAV-01SR) stands out with dual 12G-SDI and HDMI output ports per channel, with DAV-01HR exclusively offering dual HDMI output.

The DAV-01 was also received with excitement at InfoComm, where the judge for Sound & Video Contractor said, “This is a very interesting niche product, creatively using the Dante AV protocol to transport audio, video, and control systems over the network via IP. It was a smart move to also integrate with the Dante controller software. The video preview and headphone jack are an added bonus.” 

With respect to the DAV-01 models, Shinichi Yasui, product manager at ADTECHNO, added, “The standout feature of the Dante AV Ultra encoder and decoder is their ability to deliver perfect audio and video synchronization with ultra-low latency, critical for professional AV environments where every millisecond counts.” Yasui continued, “The familiar Dante Controller Software simplifies the management of video, audio, and control signals, enabling AV professionals to route signals with unprecedented ease.

The InfoComm judge on behalf of AV Technology was likewise impressed with the DAV-02: “I have not seen many Dante video products just yet and this device does it well with simple installation.”

Both the Dante AV Ultra Encoder (DAV-02HT) and Decoder (DAV-02HR) feature advanced source-switching capabilities, delivering visually lossless video and perfectly synced audio with a single network clock and eliminating any lip-sync issues. The DAV-02HT is equipped with USB-C and HDMI input ports, and automatically switches sources when it detects an incoming TMDS signal. The DAV-02HR features dual HDMI output ports, allowing for simultaneous video display.

Beyond receiving praise on the trade show floor, the Dante AV Ultra DAV Series is turning heads among ADTECHNO’s peers in the broader AV industry. “We’re excited about ADTECHNO’s new additions to the Dante AV ecosystem,” Joshua Rush, Audinate’s chief marketing officer commented. “There’s a growing demand for AV-over-IP systems, particularly in legislative, high-end conference, and educational settings. In such environments where IMAG is commonly used, Dante AV Ultra delivers subframe latency and perfect lip sync so there’s no awkward delay between live presenters and audiovisual reinforcement. ADTECHNO DAV-02 is designed specifically for these applications, delivering audio and video with deterministic latency so they never lose sync. This feature streamlines the entire workflow from setup through to the content’s ultimate destination, significantly boosting efficiency.”

So if you didn’t catch ADTECHNO at ISE or InfoComm (or even if you did!), be sure to visit stand 8.B42 at the 2024 International Broadcasting Convention this September, and see for yourself why the Dante AV Ultra DAV Series is the most versatile and seamlessly integrated set of encoders and decoders on the market.

ADTECHNO Inc., established in 1997, is a well-known manufacturer of audio and visual professional equipment in Japan. We design, develop and manufacture high quality, cost effective image signal processing equipment including AVOIP encoder/decoder, LCD displays, signal extenders, splitter and converters for the fields of broadcasting, digital signage, education, medical, security and factory automation.

Our specialization in AV distribution and professional display solutions provides unique and niche products that create unprecedented value, opportunity and satisfaction to our customers. At ADTECHNO, we have been guided by our vision and commitment to quality, efficiency and reliability that leads to maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction and long term business relationships.

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During InfoComm 2024, AV Network caught up with Martijn van der Woude, Vice President of Global Marketing and Business Development at Philips Professional Displays (PPDS), to discuss the company's latest innovations and display technologies. The company showcased both mechanical and electronic innovations and discussed its partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing.

Check out the full video interview below. 

Philips Professional Displays is extending its LED display lineups to include an all-in-one system on a chip (SoC), a feature already in its LCD displays. "With a remote control, you can control brightness and other settings. Plus, they have a soundbar included," said van der Woude. In addition, the setup and installation are easier and quicker for system integrators. 

The company has a longstanding commitment to sustainability, which grows stronger each year. "We are really committed now to getting the power consumption down of products," said van der Woude. "For the first few years, we focused mainly on certifications for using recyclable plastics, but today, we go deeper into the products with ultra-low power reduction." There is an ePaper product that is zero power, and we also managed to reduce power in our standard signage products even in our outdoor LEDs. "And power means CO2 footprint, and that's what the market should expect." 

Today, all Philips Professional Display products integrate with the PPDS Wave cloud-native platform for remote device management. "That means that our clients and system integration partners get all the information and telemetry of a display, and also the setup becomes easier and reduces the amount of time people need to go onsite because everything can be done from a cloud perspective."

PPDS is in the third year of its partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing. "I must say it's a dream partnership," van der Woude said. "Two companies in completely different markets and worlds in which they operate make strengths together." The spectacular custom-built, 10m2 portable Philips dvLED wall is just one of 17 Philips professional displays from PPDS that are used to transform the trackside hospitality experience for race day guests in the Oracle Red Bull Racing Paddock Club.  "It makes a much more visual experience on large displays which travel around the world to 24 races per year," van der Woude added. 

The Oracle Red Bull Racing partnership drives Philips Professional Displays to a higher level. "We're working on high brightness outdoor displays, for instance," he explained. "We're working on esports solutions for LED where you need a very high refresh rate. At PPDS, we want to be in the highest level display technologies, and that's the common ground we have in that partnership," van der Woude said.

PPDS is a trading name of TP Vision Europe B.V. (“TP Vision”) and MMD-Monitors & Displays Nederland B.V. (“MMD”), registered in the Netherlands, with their head offices in Amsterdam. TP Vision and MMD are wholly owned subsidiaries of TPV Technology Limited (“TPV”), the world’s largest manufacturer of monitors and a leading provider of display solutions. 

PPDS exclusively markets and sells Philips-branded professional displays, covering professional TVs, signage and direct view LED solutions, worldwide under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V.

By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV’s manufacturing expertise in displays, PPDS employs a competitive and focused approach to bring innovative products to market—from its 10-inch touchscreen through to unlimited direct view LED displays. Designing solutions that make a positive impact, both for resellers and for end customers—at the right time and in the right places.

Welcome back to another issue of SCN magazine. This month, we explore corporate campus displays and what technologies are driving today's hybrid office spaces. We also get in the ring with Meptik and the WWE, head to the cloud, and take a study in standards.

Go ahead and check out July's issue today.

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Since 1981, Jupiter Systems has been at the forefront of command and control, serving customers in transportation, military, security, traffic, and more. AV Network recently caught up with Craig Stumbaugh, Jupiter’s acting global vice president of Sales, at InfoComm to discuss product offerings, cybersecurity, and a reputation of reliability.

Watch the full video interview below.

While Jupiter’s 21:9 5K displays, direct-view LEDs, and collaboration software featured prominently in this year’s booth, a particularly exciting new addition to their video processor lineup took center stage.

“This year we're debuting our new Catalyst Element video wall processor, augmenting our existing product portfolio by offering more capability in a smaller package,” Stumbaugh said. “It's a single-rack unit processor that comes with our Canvas collaboration software, and it also has the ability to drive content on up to 32 HD displays from applications, streams, direct connect sources, webpages, et cetera.”

Another new development involves JITC certification, which places Jupiter products on a short list of those vetted specifically for military and government applications.

“JITC is going to take Jupiter into the future in cybersecurity applications, both on-prem and virtually,” Stumbaugh said. “Our PixelNet product, which was JITC certified, will expand our penetration into those markets and allow us to have more and larger deployments that might come in contact with multiple classifications and networks.”

And just generally, Stumbaugh concluded, there are some pretty significant advantages to being the oldest manufacturer of video wall processors in the Pro AV market.

“What just sets us apart is that we're developing solutions from the rack of equipment all the way to the display, so we're able to control that entire environment from end to end,” he said. “What that does is it guarantees a solution, the performance of that solution, and how that solution is deployed, not only today, but in the future because we can anticipate customer needs.”

Jupiter is the world leader in video wall processors for over 40 years and continues to drive technological innovation with its industry-leading 21:9 ultra-wide LCD and MicroLED display solutions.

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Check out the full video interview with Black Box from InfoComm 2024 below.

AV Network caught up with Black Box at InfoComm 2024 to learn about its new control room solutions and industry trends.

As it has for many years, Black Box continues to solve the unique challenges and needs that its customers have in the control room space across all vertical markets, whether it's a Network Operations Center (NOC) or a Security Operations Center (SOC), or in places like aerospace, defense, transportation, and, of course, the broadcast and media space.

Keith Lanson, the marketing director at Black Box, unveiled the company's latest control room solutions at InfoComm 2024. These include the Radian video wall processor, the Emerald family of IP KVM products, and the DESKVUE and AV WALL products, all designed to meet the evolving needs of the control room industry.

During the discussion, Eric Farkas, a senior product engineer at Black Box, shed light on the evolving landscape of AV technology in control rooms. He touched upon various aspects, including the advancements in display technology, the shift in source types, the changing logistics within control rooms, the emerging trends in video walls, and the strategies to address security concerns. 

One of the significant trends is that the operators don't always have a workstation in front of them, which means the equipment is further away. "That's why things like AV extension, AV distribution, and KVM extension while processing technology are so important," said Farkas. "The other thing that's changed significantly is the type of sources. We're seeing streaming sources as opposed to real video sources."

Efficiency in the control room is really important today. "One of the ways that Black Box addresses that is everything from our innovative design, seamless integration of physical and virtual machines, and the way that we support our control room ecosystem with ISO certified products, global 24/7 customer service," said Lanson.

Black Box is a trusted IT solutions provider delivering cutting-edge technology solutions & products and world-class consulting services to businesses around the globe. The breadth of our global reach, continuous innovation, and depth of our expertise accelerates customer success by bringing people, ideas, and technology together to solve real-world business problems. Since being founded in 1976, technology has changed, but our commitment remains steadfast.

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Ready for a paradigm shift in how you think about LED displays and video walls? We sat down with Ross Noonan, Global Technical Sales and Marketing Manager at LED Studio, to discuss how the company is banking on not selling you what you don't need and how they are creating a truly more sustainable LED display product. And even if you don't make a purchase from LED Studio, Noonan hopes to educate LED display buyers on how to understand what they need versus what they think they want.

Simplifying a Complex Industry

Unless purchasing an all-in-one solution for a specific need, Noonan said, "There are so many variables involved when buying LED displays." Figuring out the size of the pixel pitch, the type of pixel technology, how bright it needs to be, and the refresh rate needed are all careful considerations that will determine the overall specification of the screen.

Noonan added, "One of the first steps we took was to make LED simpler for the end user and the installer because, if it's easier to install you're less likely to get issues, even before you get to turning the screen on for the first time. If your product is really complex, then a lot of the time, the screen gets installed badly in terms of cabinet alignment, which will affect image quality."

LED Studio's EDGE Series indoor LED is a perfect example of designing for simplicity. They fondly call it the "video wall killer." "We set out to create a product that was a direct replacement for flat panel video wall technology, which we see as the old legacy form of large format displays using screens," Noonan explained. To ensure ease of specifying, LED Studio started by creating the biggest fixed install cabinets in the world (43-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch) that can be specified the same way a popular video wall panels would be, and to ensure retrofitting is simple using standard VESA fixing points or directly to the wall. "We wanted to make the technology easy to specify into existing projects, and this has been achieved" Ross added.

Here's where this gets interesting. If a customer wants a 130-inch display using traditional video wall cabinets measuring 600x337mm, it will require 25 cabinets. LED Studio's EDGE Series can be used in 2x2, 3x3, and 4x4 arrays, and to build a 130-inch display, it would only require four 65-inch cabinets.

Check out the 43-inch EDGE Pro, and the 54-inch EDGE Pro. 

Upping the Ante and Setting the Record Straight

"We wanted to create a platform with the EDGE Series that you could interchange pixel technologies and customize it depending on where it's going to go," said Noonan. For example, in a shop window application, the EDGE Series uses the relatively new Flip Chip High Bright technology. "In the past, you've had to use quite a low-resolution outdoor or even rental LED even though it's going in a shop window because you need that extra brightness," Noonan explained. "We've broken the trend a bit and offer a Swiss army knife product where you can customize it however you want in terms of resolution, brightness or pixel technology (SMD, Flip Chip or COB). It gives you ultimate placement flexibility if you want to change it in the future."

As pixel pitches are getting tighter, which translates into higher resolutions, the cost for some LED display technologies is also coming down. "As this is happening, we're finding that a lot of the time, people are not being properly informed," Noonan said. "We say to our clients, 'Don't pay for pixels that you don't need or don't pay for resolution that you don't need.' You need to understand the target audience and where the minimum target audience viewing distance is going to be and work backward from there."

The rule of thumb that many follow is that the minimum viewing distance (in meters) is approximately equal to the pixel pitch (in millimeters). So, for a 2mm pixel pitch screen, the minimum viewing distance would be around 2 meters. "People get fixated on this, and it often leads to the purchase of the wrong pixel pitch. Ask yourself this: how often is someone going to stand right in front of a large display that is more often or not 100" plus in size? Not very often. Perhaps we should start to think about it in terms of optimal viewing distance, which is based on screen size and target audience position. Getting these calculations right can save significant amounts of money and energy consumption amongst other hidden costs like content creation and playback," Noonan added.  

When it comes to creating stunning immersive spaces, most people assume that the finer the pixel-pitch, the better the experience. "With costs coming down, we're starting to see LED being a viable alternative to projection in immersive applications because it has lots of benefits: you don't get shadows, and you can customize the pixel density based on budget and desired viewer experience," Noonan explained. "We're seeing a trend that leans towards really, really high resolutions when perhaps it is not always needed. Just look at projection, for example, that has dominated these use cases. If you go to many of these immersive galleries, the pixel density is quite low; in fact, when you get close to the walls, the pixels can be 3 or 4mm in size, and yet the spaces look truly incredible, and it doesn't impact the viewer experience as you're not meant to get that close to the walls. We're not saying there aren't applications that require super tight pixel pitches; of course, there are. We just want people to beware that it's not always needed."

Real Sustainability and Less Complexity

Nearly every manufacturer has a sustainability message. Many promote the use of recycled plastic and packing materials and lower power consumption. But LED Studio is going a step further. "Our mission is not only to make LED simpler but to use fewer components, less shipping costs, less packaging, and fewer individual bits and pieces that make up a screen," Noonan explained. "We're on a mission to eradicate throwaway culture with our V1 Architecture." The cabinet infrastructure allows for the pixel technologies to evolve as technology progresses, with options for Flip Chip High Bright (4000nits), Common Cathode, and the traditional SMD, allowing customers to tailor the display to their exact needs.

"If you want to upgrade or relocate the display, you may need to change the pixel pitch or brightness. With V1 Architecture, only 30 percent of the display undergoes replacement (the modules), preserving the remaining 70 percent in its original state. This approach reduces waste, ensuring maximum ROI," Noonan concluded.

LED Studio is a turnkey solution provider specializing in cutting-edge LED display technology. We excel in the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of large-format displays. As specialists in cutting-edge technology, we transform your vision into stunning LED displays that captivate and engage.

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One of three co-founders of Re-Sauce, CEO Gordon Dutch knows a thing or two about Pro AV. A former co-owner of Peerless-AV, he’s delivered display solutions and more to various vertical markets across the world. Now, he’s helping manufacturers navigate the challenging path of international expansion. Dutch spoke with SCN about the business of supporting Pro AV businesses.

SCN: You launched Re-Sauce about three years ago. How did your Pro AV journey lead you here?

Gordon Dutch: After a brief career in law and then music, I moved into Car Audio in 1990 and built up a chain of high-end retail stores. Four years later, I opened BBG Distribution, which grew into one of the leading AV distributors in the U.K. In 2009, I merged with Peerless and became one of the owners of Peerless-AV, joining their Global Board and maintaining personal responsibility for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

During my time there, we won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise—only around 7,000 U.K. businesses have received this honor over the last 60 years. And personally, I was inducted into Installation magazine’s Global Hall of Fame in 2017 with its Outstanding Contribution Award. In 2021, I stepped down, sold my shares, and launched Re-Sauce. 

SCN: How is Re-Sauce different from your previous Pro AV endeavors?

GD: Re-Sauce is a business and sales consultancy. I founded the company with Lee Baker, former COO of Midwich Group, and Ian Sempers, former owner of Medium (which he sold to Exertis). Between us, we have built, run, merged, sold, and even floated a number of successful and significant AV businesses.

When the pandemic caused so many issues in the market—from supply chain disruption to lost sales—we felt a consultancy business could really help brands who were struggling. Over time, Re-Sauce expanded into a full-service digital marketing and public relations agency. 

SCN: How is Re-Sauce different from other agencies?

GD: We are a sales and business consultancy first, and we are purely dedicated to Pro AV, IT, and UC. In fact, the only reason we moved into marketing and PR was at the request of our clients.

When we engage with a business, the first area we consider is their current go-to market, including the channels/verticals they serve and in what territories. My old company, BBG, mainly distributed American brands, so I have a 30-year history of making those brands successful in Europe.

By adding the marketing and PR, we effectively became a one-stop shop for any U.S. brand or global brand looking to become successful in Europe. Our experience allows clients to avoid making expensive mistakes over here in Europe, and ensures we hugely accelerate their growth and maximize their ROI. And it’s not just a one-way street: We also help European brands break into the U.S. market. 

SCN: So, Re-Sauce isn’t just a U.K. company?

GD: Not at all. As my role for Peerless involved building the brand pretty much everywhere outside the U.S. (and often inside it), I travelled extensively in Europe and all over the world. During that time, not only did I build up an amazing level of contacts, but I had to deal with all sorts of distributors, systems integrators, VARs consultants, press, and marketing agencies. As soon as Re-Sauce launched, I re-engaged with many of those contacts. Today, Re-Sauce has an office close to London, as well as a translation hub in Dusseldorf, and satellite PR offices in Munich, Paris, and Madrid. We also have partner agencies in the Middle East, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. I cover the U.S. personally and we sometimes partner with specialist U.S. agencies for certain key verticals. 

SCN: What’s the secret to Re-Sauce’s success?

GD: Unlike most other agencies, we don’t cut and paste. Normally, we undertake a thorough review of the business and come back with a detailed report on areas where we can assist them. For example, we might introduce them to local distributors, systems integrators, VARs, and consultants.

We know which verticals and which territories have been successful for these distributors and SIs. Our contacts are normally at owner or board level, which accelerates a new brand’s progress.

Once we have assisted with that process, we are able to provide advice on all sorts of areas—from channel and vertical marketing to other forms of lead generation—and, of course, we provide all the services you would expect from a modern digital marketing business, with a special focus on global websites. 

SCN: Why should a U.S. business consider building a global website for European markets?

GD: Before you launch anything, there are many specific requirements that you need to follow to be successful in Europe. At the very least you need to be aware of GDPR, which stands for General Data Protection Regulation. That was launched about six years ago by the EU as well as the U.K. to stop data and personal contact information from being exploited by unscrupulous companies. It also crosses into all sorts of areas that are critical to a brand’s ability to communicate with their overseas clients. Navigating GDPR is a key part of any global website—and happens to be one of our specialties.

The other reasons are down to local languages and local SEO. When developing the Peerless-AV website and brand, we put in a lot of work around what key global languages were required. We also needed to find companies that translated not just into the local language, but had a full understanding of AV, so the translations were 100% accurate. Poor translation reflects badly on a brand and leads to a lower level of engagement in local markets, because they feel you aren’t prioritizing them. SEO changes by market as well, so it’s really important to know the terms and vocabulary used for AV in those local markets. 

SCN: Does Re-Sauce have any success stories to share?

GD: One of our first projects was with HYPERVSN, a holographic brand backed by Sir Richard Branson and Mark Cuban. That was pretty much a dream project, and we were involved in everything from their go-to market analysis and organizing their global launch of a new line, to sales introductions, customer service, and even their website and PR. After that, we worked with DTEN, then more recently with PlexusAV and many other brands. We also work with several clients on projects we can’t publicize under NDA, but you can see some of our “public” success stories at www.re-sauce.net.

Sponsored Content

AV Technology recently sat down with Steve Bogart, business development for Education in North America at Atlona, to discuss classroom technology trends and how the company addresses those needs. Atlona has a presence in and serves the similar but different AV technology needs of K-12 and those of higher education.

K-12 Trend

Classroom AV and PA systems around the school are often not integrated. "The core of the K-12 classroom is the interactive display, but there is a separate audio system for emergency notifications," Bogart said. This kind of integration is an area of focus at Atlona. "For instance, it's a problem if the program audio in a classroom is playing while a separate system announces a critical message. If the audio for that video program doesn't mute, the message could be missed. We have developed a system where we monitor the paging system to mute in-room audio to ensure critical messages are heard." This integrates the emergency notification system into the AV system.

Bogart noted that technologies in K-12 classrooms tend to run as disparate systems. "There could be an emergency notification system and a lock system, but there hasn't been any real integration of those into classroom audio technologies." 

Higher Ed Trend

During the past decade, there has been a growing trend for AV departments to take on more programming of AV systems. "There has been a push where institutions are becoming more self-reliant," Bogart said. "They can't call an integrator and do a truck roll to send a technician out to make minor changes. The Atlona Velocity AV control system is meant to be edited in real-time and much easier to develop a program than traditional systems." This doesn't replace the relationship with an integrator. "Integrators will often provide installation services, but we're finding a lot of institutions have staff that are doing some of the installations of smaller systems," Bogart added. "If it's a whole new building, usually there's a consultant, drawings involved, and much more integrator involvement. We have no intention of ever selling directly or having a direct agreement with an end user." 

Making It Easy—for Everyone

During the past few years, teachers and instructors learned to embrace classroom technologies, but ease of use became a rallying cry. "We're finding institutions are becoming less brand-loyal and more technology-specific," Bogart said. What is most important is that the interface is familiar from room to room. "An instructor doesn't know what glass they're touching, and they don't care, they just want to know that they can hit the "system on" button, and it will turn on.

Atlona recently started shipping its new VKP-8E Velocity 8 button keypad controller. Do we need another keypad on the market, you say? Yes! Bogart shared, "The big difference with this keypad that I hadn't seen in the industry is the unique flexibility during provisioning. An integrator can set it up and invite the end user to the configuration. Maybe they just have view rights, or maybe they have full admin rights. Then, once the project is done, they can transfer ownership over." 

The VKP-8E Velocity 8-button keypad controller is a cloud-based solution but doesn't have to be deployed in the cloud. "If the institution doesn't want to leave it cloud-based, you can just put it in local mode, and it runs locally," Bogart said. The cloud gives it a lot of flexibility and a lot of power either as a standalone control system or integrated into a full Velocity system."

Atlona Supports

In support of its channel integrators, Bogart said, "We offer free training certification for integrators and end users on Atlona products."

Bogart has quickly become a highly regarded thought leader in the ed tech world and recently began a series of EdTech Talks. Check out the first one, Multicast for the AV Professional in Education.

Check out Atlona's Education Technology VIP Program, built to serve AV and IT professionals in the K-12 and higher education communities. The qualification process is easy; just complete the online form.

What about support when you need an extra hand? "An end user can call into our support line just like an integrator can," said Bogart. The hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST, and weekend appointments are available.

Atlona, a Panduit company, is a leading manufacturer of AV distribution, AV over IP, collaboration, and control solutions. Our core brand vision is to improve technology for the sharing of ideas, through innovative AV products used every day in a wide variety of commercial and educational applications. Atlona prioritizes quality, user experience, simplicity, and management in every product we develop. More information about Atlona is available at atlona.com

Sponsored Content

We caught up with Martijn van der Woude, the PPDS vice president of global marketing and business development, at Integrated Systems Europe 2024 to discuss the latest slate of Philips LED products.

As for the displays themselves, he said, “We have now basically three different LED technologies: We have our SMD technology, we have Chip-on-Board technology, and we have a technology in between which is called QCOB—an SMD with a layer over it. We also go to higher resolutions; we have an all-in-one in 4K and in 8K, which is quite unique, as well as a video wall replacement.”

In addition to superior picture quality, van der Woude pointed out the considerable cost and installation time savings associated with PPDS displays: “That technology reduces around 40 percent of the cost. So you have a 4K picture quality, but you have a price level that is actually comparative to a full HD.” He continued, “And as LED gets more and more accepted in the market, there is a big demand for faster installation. With the current labor shortages in Europe and North America, a faster installation time makes the difference.”

For an in-depth look at the PPDS displays featured at ISE 2024, check out the full above.

At PPDS, we help you to bring the digital to life. We’re part of the largest display manufacturer in the world, TPV Technology. And we proudly hold the exclusive global rights to bring Philips branded digital signage, LED displays, professional TVs and monitors to life. What’s more, we have the innovation to bring that together with complementary hardware and software to build global solutions that work for you.

Sponsored Content

Think of a digital signage deployment in the hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands. Now, think of how one might plan, deploy, and manage such a program. Answer? 

A collaboration between ChromeOS and Lenovo resulted in the Lenovo Chromebox Micro, a pocket-sized, cost-effective, and energy-efficient mini-computer and media player to power kiosks and digital signage—on a global scale.

"This solution is specifically designed for commercial customers focused on kiosk and digital signage in retail, enterprise, education, and conference room solutions," said Marc Godin, vice president and general manager of Commercial Smart Devices Solutions Group, Lenovo. “The device can help transform any business by offering unparalleled visual experiences in a small but powerful solution that's easy to deploy.”

The Chromebox Micro is transforming retail and hospitality sectors by offering unparalleled visuals for advertising, promotions, and infotainment. In the corporate world, including trading floors, banks, and manufacturing units, the Chromebox Micro drives dynamic communications. In schools and universities, the device enhances learning experiences and plays a crucial role in transportation hubs like airports, where it efficiently delivers real-time information and wayfinding. The Chromebox Micro ensures seamless data visualization and presentations in high-stakes environments such as control rooms and corporate meeting venues.

"It was designed at the core to be a pocket-sized, plug-and-play solution that is not only quick to deploy and easy to manage, but also flexible enough to power incredible experiences across a broad range of use cases," added Bryan Lee, vice president of ChromeOS and Education, Google.

Small in Size, Big in Benefits

The Chromebox Micro offers advantages that are not available in competitive products because most media players within the industry are Windows- or Android-based. "This makes the Lenovo solution global, scalable with lower TCO (total cost of ownership) because of the Google ChromeOS security," Godin said.

The Lenovo Chromebox Micro is smaller than some smartphones, making the applications practically limitless. "It is currently the smallest and lightest form factor in the media player space with additional longevity and security," Godin explained. "You can place the Chromebox Micro in out-of-the-way places such as under desks or shelves in retail environments."

An IT Dream

There is no limit to the number of Lenovo Chromebox Micro devices deployed on a network. "The device is easy to manage remotely with a Chrome Enterprise/Kiosk Management license," Godin explained. Access to the Google Admin console makes deploying, troubleshooting, and monitoring devices easy, while the Titan-C security chip provides top-notch security. Chrome Remote Desktop allows monitoring, troubleshooting, and control of devices from anywhere.

The Lenovo Chromebox Micro works with any kiosk or display with a USB-C, USB-A, or an HDMI port. The fanless, ventless, dust-proof ChromeOS compute solution supports dual displays at 4K resolutions.

Lenovo has collaborated with Instorescreen to offer 15.6- and 21.5-inch inFLEX displays specially designed for the Lenovo Chromebox Micro. The displays feature a rear cavity to accommodate the Lenovo Chromebox Micro, ensuring unhindered access to all ports while offering a streamlined and integrated appearance. The Lenovo Chromebox Micro pairs with the inFLEX displays through a single cable from a USB-C port to provide video, power, and data for a ready to deploy solution out of the box.

Creating Great Experiences

The Chromebox Micro can be the driving force behind advanced digital displays in various industries. The device enables interactive learning through whiteboards in education, streamlines check-ins with self-service kiosks in travel, and enhances operational oversight with monitor and control displays in manufacturing. It also improves employee management with check-in displays and delivers timely information in waiting areas. “The Chromebox Micro is essential for efficient communication and management across diverse sectors," concluded Godin.

To learn more about the Lenovo Chromebox Micro and Lenovo OEM Solutions click here.

About Lenovo: Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of 'New IT' technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation, together with Lenovo's world-changing innovation, is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere.

Sponsored Content from Black Box.

Within the AV industry, the name Black Box is synonymous with excellence in manufacturing. Fewer people will immediately associate Black Box with its robust, global consulting and integration business.

Alan Kaye, CTS-D, director of AV engineering, and Brian Trampler, senior product and strategy manager, Modern Workplace at Black Box, recently sat down with Cindy Davis, brand and content director of AV Technology to discuss the AV division of Black Box Network Services.

“Black Box is historically known as a manufacturer of AV products, but this is a whole different services division that does the design, installation, maintenance, and support of everything that we have going on today,” Kaye said. “We handle everything from huddle rooms to auditorium spaces and large-venue-type of spaces and more."

The Best Bundle for the Job

Installation, equipment, and on-site support comprise conveniently bundled turnkey solutions for many Black Box clients. “We've put together several pre-bundled packages for customers to review, and they come in huddle, small, medium, large spaces," Kaye explained. "They can be altered, depending on the size of the room and needs. There are a lot of packages, because we cover the major hardware manufacturers like Cisco, Poly, Logitech, Yealink, Crestron, and so forth, and then the different platforms that they will work off of such as Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, Webex, or whatever they use.”

A Complete Solutions Provider

With eight separate technology groups within Black Box—AV among them—the company has access to a wide array of professionals to meet their clients’ needs. "During our process of discovery with the customer and doing a needs analysis of their requirements, we are completely vendor-neutral. We are going to give the best solution available to that customer," Kaye said. "In fact, our solutions group is a separate division from our products group, and there is complete independence in engineering a solution that meets the needs of the client."

“Obviously when you're going into a new building and doing all the Category cable pulling and so forth, there are other needs that kind of diverge off of that,” Kaye explained. “The technology groups all complement each other, and as a result, we're able to offer a total end-to-end solution much more than most companies out there.”

Trampler echoed this sentiment, “If we're talking to a customer about the digital workplace and their UC platform, obviously there's going to be an AV component there,” he said. “For example, if we're providing the Zoom meetings platform to somebody, could we also provide them the AV infrastructure and the Zoom Rooms integration?

Because of the depth of expertise, the Black Box team can offer more to the partnership with its clients. “We can take that initial product and add any of the other capabilities that we have for UC, for CX, or for the rooms themselves,” Trampler added. “We can help a company in an advisory, consultative capacity on how to get the best out of what tools they have and add on those capabilities, whether it's as a service or whether it's a part for that project.”

In addition to the breadth of expertise found between the technology groups, Black Box has 5,000 employees and physical locations in more than 35 countries worldwide, and is well-resourced to meet the requirements of large, multi-national contracts.

“We had a customer that was a large international conglomerate headquartered in Germany,” Kaye said. “When they found out that we had AV capabilities—design capabilities—they said, ‘Why wouldn't we go with someone else right within the same company?’ When we did our discovery, we provided a needs analysis on what they were looking for from an AV perspective and meeting room spaces, and we provided a design and a quote.”

AV as a Service

And when it comes to AV as a Service offerings, according to Trampler, consistency is of the utmost importance. “Our goal is to be able to offer that [AVaaS] in a model where it's complimentary to all of our other services,” Kaye said. “The project management that we would give our hyper data center customers is the same project management that they're going to get with an AV installer. The steps remain the same, the processes remain the same, and the way that we report out to our customers and clients remains the same.”

“As part of the AV as a Service, there's a three or five-year refresh cycle built into that service,” Trampler said. “If, in three years when a customer’s AV as a service is up, and they want to do a refresh, then we're able to up them to the next generation of equipment and design so that they're not losing a technological advancement.”

Seizing COVID Era Opportunities

While COVID-19 had a devastating impact on many corners of the AV industry globally, Kaye’s outlook on the lasting changes brought about by the pandemic is optimistic.

“There was a positive part—the proliferation of Zoom, Google Meets, Teams, and similar platforms. There was this whole convergence on how people can and still communicate remotely together and be productive,” Kaye said. “I've also seen a big change in the types of rooms that are being designed for corporate environments, the number of rooms, and the technology that's going into those spaces.” With AI-enabled cameras and audio, room control and automation, together these systems can provide analytics to help make informed decisions.

For Trampler, the transition to more connected, technologically sophisticated buildings has provided Black Box with a unique advantage. “In that building, when you walk into a conference room, it's not only monitoring how many people are coming in, but it can see that the ambient temperature in the room is going up because now it's occupied. Now let’s make sure that we're not over occupying that room based on standards that are now in place because of a hybrid workforce.”

“Being able to work with our connected buildings team, our structured cabling team, our network team, and our security team to make sure that all of these functions work in concert is very important to the customers that we're working with today,” Trampler concluded. “So we're not only coming in as an AV company; we truly are coming in as an IT infrastructure and services company that has multiple specialties under our belt.”

Click here to learn more about Black Box Services: Redefined Audio Visual Solutions and Integrations with Black Box.

About Black Box: A trusted IT integrator for more than four decades, Black Box delivers leading-edge technology solutions and premier services to businesses around the globe in every major industry. We have a dedicated AV Solution Engineering team that is skilled at building solutions for customers needing conference rooms, huddle spaces, operations centers, classrooms, auditoriums, and collaboration spaces.

Our custom design and consultancy services will provide you with the right product mix from leading partnerships including Crestron, Zoom Rooms, and WebEx that meet your video conferencing and collaboration needs.

Sponsored Content

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

More Opportunities

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

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

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

Powerful

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

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

Flexibility Built-in

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

Scalable Applications

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

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

Answering Integrators Needs

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

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

Inquiries 

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

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

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

Sponsored Content

Systems Contractor News sat down with 7thSense team members Rich Brown, chief technology officer, John Higgins, product development director, and Alex Hughes, principal software architect, to discuss the company's 20 years in video systems and how it all led to the largest video system deployment in the world, at Sphere in Las Vegas. 

Systems Contractor News: Looking back on its 20-year history, how has 7thSense stayed at the forefront of innovation in video systems? 

John Higgins: Simply put, solving complex problems motivates us. We have a long history of pushing the boundaries in video systems, from the company's foundation in world-leading planetaria through ground-breaking theme park attractions and now into the largest video system in the world. We have great relationships with our technology partners. Quite often, they are also introducing the latest innovations into the market, so we are keen to work with a partner on the same journey. 

Alex Hughes: The power and capabilities of available hardware have expanded massively over the last twenty years, but those advances have sometimes come with a corresponding increase in complexity. 7thSense has invested heavily in building a unified, integrated product range that can scale from small to extremely large installations.

Some individual technologies, such as SMPTE ST 2110 (ST 2110) video over IP, have relied on large-scale development efforts by our technology partners. We have contributed the experience gleaned from our own development and deployment efforts, both current and previous.

Rich Brown: 7thSense has always focused on the performance and quality of the visual result. We have had a longstanding relationship with a GPU manufacturer that has helped us stay on top of advancements in graphics processing. We were happy to have them as a partner we could lean on for their advanced networking capabilities as well. We used ST 2110 technologies for our Actor and Delta Media Servers, and Conjurer Generative Engines. More broadly, as a company, we are constantly developing and adapting our product offerings to suit emerging industry requirements and bring new techniques and capabilities to our customers.

SCN: 7thSense was recently involved in Sphere in Las Vegas, providing the media server and pixel processor solutions that power the content on the internal and external LED displays. What technologies and partnerships stood out for you on this project?

 JH: The whole video system is a ground-up redesign for 7thSense. This has leveraged new technology in every aspect of video generation and delivery. The standout effort was the development of a NAS (networked attached storage) streaming system. Partners who specialize in high-speed NAS systems and high-bandwidth data transfer came through with a rock-solid solution, which works perfectly when coupled with the 7thSense Actor media server. The fact that this pairing delivers frame after frame of content without missing a beat is hidden from most visitors to the venue. Still, for me, it's amazing, and coupled with ST 2110 video delivery, it really sets the bar for other large-scale venues.

AH: The standout technology has to be the use of ST 2110 video over IP to transport massive amounts of very high resolution, high bit-depth, uncompressed imagery from storage to screen. Being able to deliver image data via a packet-switched network (PSN) represents a step change in capability and flexibility.

Supplying the necessary data rates has also required developing and deploying very sophisticated disk storage systems, not just at the hardware level but also for the corresponding software to manage content.

Our Juggler pixel processor has been instrumental in providing the flexibility and capability to tie together a very complex network of systems.

Finally, the use of precision time protocol (PTP) has been vital to allowing a highly parallel distributed system to function as a single unified entity.

RB: From the outset of the Sphere project, we needed to really push the upper edge of what is possible with ST 2110, streaming very high bit-depth 4K media from our Actor Media Servers to our Juggler pixel processors, and when we set out to do it, there weren't any tools on the market to test that high of a spec. So we partnered with a manufacturer of video signal test equipment to expand the capabilities of its ST 2110 testing and analysis tools to encompass the higher requirement. These test tools have proven to be incredibly useful not only for product development but in project deployment as well. 

When it comes to Juggler pixel processors, the power of the product is rooted in the creative use of FPGA technology. Sphere uses a second generation of Juggler hardware, building upon what worked well with the first Jugglers and essentially doubling processing capacity with a newer generation of FPGA hardware. 

SCN: How have the technology advancements made achieving large-scale video projects more achievable and affordable? 

AH: Video over IP can be treated similarly to other data types, allowing for a more consistent, efficient, and resilient distribution system.

JH: Having a totally IP-based video system enables many more possibilities when it comes to system reliability. The shift from video cables and local storage hard drives over to ST 2110 video and storage on a centralized NAS makes hardware redundancy significantly more capable. In addition, bringing external IP video sources into the system is hugely simplified over previous technologies, and with a venue like Sphere, flexibility and reliability are essential. 

RB: Technology advancements often allow us to reduce the overall amount of equipment needed to build a system. Our GPU-based servers all use the latest high-performance components. With more powerful GPUs, it is possible to output more channels of video from a single server, reducing overall system complexity. With Juggler, doubling the FPGA capability effectively halves the total quantity of pixel processors needed to perform that task. 

For Sphere, we developed an entirely new media distribution and programming workflow to meet the requirements and simplify the system's use. This was critical for a system of this size and complexity.

Check out more awe-inspiring 7thSense installations here.

Sponsored Content: 7thSense is a privately owned creative software and technology company with offices in Upper Beeding (Sussex) and London in the UK, Orlando, Florida, and Burbank, California. Established in 2004, we are technology innovators who specialize in pixel generation, processing, and management by providing a toolkit of advanced products that enable storytellers worldwide to fulfill their vision. As a team, our dedication to performance and innovation allows us to consistently push the limits of storytelling.

Sponsored Content from Azulle. 

The rise of sophisticated digital signage systems does not come on its own. The world is also seeing a rapid adoption of high-resolution screens, interactive features, and small, fanless hardware that go unnoticed, while still keeping business signage running 24/7. Mini PCs, the preferred hardware for digital signage, are reshaping the industry with their cost-effectiveness, versatility for single or multi-screen setups, capability to drive 4K video walls, energy-efficient operation, and easy deployment, leading to cost savings and efficient content delivery.

With mini PC’s reshaping and facilitating the digital signage landscape, various sectors are raving about the possibilities and enhanced communication, engagement, and customer satisfaction offered by these small form devices. Azulle, a manufacturer and brand of mini PCs, stands as a premier hardware solution for digital signage, preferred by numerous companies in the food, retail, education, and transportation industries, with both Android and Windows hardware options.

Revolutionizing Retail Displays

At shopping malls, stores are struggling to drive traffic with static signs. By integrating digital signs and mini PC sticks retailers create dynamic, eye-catching displays that showcase their latest fashion collections and promotions. Customers are drawn by the interactive screens, which increases foot traffic and sales. The store's ability to update content remotely saves them time and money, and they can quickly expand this technology to their chains.

Telelogos Media4Display, a prominent digital signage software provider leveraging Azulle mini PCs for their point-of-sale systems, has effectively transformed advertising for business retailers into a highly cost-efficient endeavor. In one of the many European chains it partners with, its digital signage software has helped retailers reach over 300 stores with a full TV channel rollout without the need for an ad agency. 

Elevating the Restaurant Experience

The days of printed, sometimes stained, and wrinkly menus are long gone. Restaurant businesses are looking to set a tech-savvy atmosphere at their locations, replacing their traditional menu boards with power vibrant digital menu displays powered by mini PCs. These dynamic menus not only look more appealing but also allow for real-time updates, enabling the restaurant to promote daily specials and adjust prices instantly. Businesses have been able to see the positive feedback from an interactive dining experience through increased patronage and efficiency.

E-display, a full-service turnkey digital signage solution in the United States and Canada, has consistently endorsed the use of Azulle mini PCs in numerous restaurant partnerships, including well-known establishments like Sbarro pizza chains, Big Orange, Famous Wok, and others. Its combined software and Azulle's hardware solutions offer an effective and visually appealing means to showcase menus and promote products, ultimately bolstering revenue without unnecessary expenditure. This innovative approach not only eradicates the need for ongoing menu printing expenses but also enhances in-house branding and elevates the overall customer experience at these establishments. Furthermore, it significantly heightens the visibility of “hot deals”, resulting in increased conversions. Additionally, it simplifies the sharing of nutritional information with customers, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Informative Travel Terminals

Airports and train and bus terminals are facing the challenge of keeping passengers informed with real-time travel updates. They have turned to mini PC sticks to transform their aging information boards. These compact devices are discreetly installed throughout the terminal, delivering essential flight information, gate changes, and weather updates. Passengers appreciate the timely and accurate information, reducing anxiety and enhancing their travel experience.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) have significantly enhanced customer convenience by deploying more than 600 Azulle mini PCs, integrating digital platforms and advertising displays throughout its extensive rail systems. These mini PCs power real-time data displays both onboard and at stations, reducing wait times and customer frustration. This initiative has not only boosted advertising revenues but also engaged commuters and tourists with valuable travel information and enticing offers, rekindling the joy of travel.

Educational Enhancement

Educational institutions, spanning college campuses, schools, laboratories, and research organizations recognize the need to modernize the classroom and enhance engagement and awareness throughout their organizations.

The impact has been striking. Students have responded enthusiastically to interactive content that provides real-time updates on news, resulting in heightened comprehension of events and shared information across campus. Moreover, the integration of mini PCs has opened doors to distance learning, ensuring students can readily and affordably access educational materials beyond the traditional classroom setting, especially vital in regions prone to snowy seasons.

Prominent institutions such as Northwestern University, George Washington University, and many others have harnessed the power of REACH Media Network's digital signage software and Azulle hardware to disseminate crucial information about on-campus activities, class locations, and weather-related or health concerns. In addition, student and staff information is secured with the use of hardware like mini PCs, protecting any sensitive data.

Unlock the Full Potential of Digital Signage with Azulle's Cutting-Edge Mini PC Devices

Azulle mini PCs offer the performance, memory, and storage to keep signs running 24/7. They support any operating system and content management software, making it easy for you to push campaigns to signs remotely without the need for specialized technical assistance.

Among Azulle's standout offerings is the Ally, its inaugural enterprise-ready Android mini PC, driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 series. Additionally, the Access fanless mini PC stick, equipped with the latest Intel processor, empowers your digital signage endeavors, offering your choice of Windows 11 Pro, Linux, Custom Chrome OS Flex, or Zoom. These Azulle devices have emerged as industry pacesetters, highly recommended for their excellence in digital signage hardware.

Join us to learn how to successfully make multi-track recordings and virtual soundchecks, using Dante audio networking and Yamaha professional audio products, including TF, QL and CL series consoles, and Rivage PM7 & 10. Receive tips and advice from industry veterans, and real world perspective from a studio owner and composer, for running a stable network environment including Dante Virtual Soundcard and the Dante Accelerator interface.

Click here to register.

Major developments are ushering in a new era with digital signage solutions that are easier and more affordable to design, deploy, and maintain in the field. This informative white paper details how the best new smart signage systems have overcome a major TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) hurdle, by eliminating the need for separate media players and simplifying the content playback. Find out:

• How to select the right kind of smart signage.
• Why open architecture software platforms allow the most Content Management Software (CMS) partner options.
• How to improve profitability when planning a major digital signage rollout or on routine illustrations.
• Why the desire for ‘retail experiences’ is fueling the rise of more cost-efficient solutions.

PowerPoint presentations used to be cutting-edge and exciting. So were VCRs, Walkman tape players and brick-sized mobile phones—back in the day.

But today’s sales teams need better. Their audiences are increasingly bored, sitting passively through slide deck after slide deck, and then forgetting whatever they heard as soon as they leave the briefing room.

What can salespeople do to update their presentations, close more deals and score more wins?

The key is to use immersive presentation tools, like the Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) 6K Series, recently introduced by Prysm, a leader in display and visual collaboration solutions. These seamless, super-sized interactive video displays offer sales teams new ways to deliver standard content, be more authentic and draw audiences in. More specifically, sales teams that use this innovative technology can:

• Easily incorporate several types of content, from multiple sources, even in real time
• Amplify a point by moving, re-sizing and annotating content on a single digital canvas (which isn’t possible in PowerPoint)
• Invite audience members to come up, touch the screen and interact freely with the video windows and their contents
• Deliver customized experiences that truly impress, particularly when used on a video wall

By manipulating simultaneous video windows on a panoramic, ultra high-resolution display, presenters can create an immersive experience that draws audiences right into the action on the interactive touch screen. There are no distracting bezels to break up the 6K by 2K video image, and the LPD 6K Series’ intelligent light engines deliver consistent and sharp images, with over one billion discrete colors and truly deep blacks up to a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1.

Prysm Collaboration Solutions Presentation

This 2:21 video shows the LPD 6K Series working with Prysm Collaboration Solutions to engage and excite viewers.

“LPD 6K Series displays will capture your audience’s attention and hold it throughout the presentation,” Hannah Grap, Prysm’s VP of Marketing, said. “Coupled with creative interactive scripts and visuals, the LPD 6K Series will put the wow factor back into your presentations.”

Close More B2B Sales

And getting more prospects to your office and engaged 1:1 can help you close more deals. In fact, The Washington Post reported that more than eight in ten executives prefer in-person meetings.

“Providing an immersive, interactive sales experience is an effective way to engage your prospect and impress them, and when your audience is having fun watching and interacting with what is being presented, you can’t help but get your message across,” Grap explained. “An LPD 6K Series display married to a great content experience will help close more deals – and more than repay the investment in this technology.”

Increase B2B Close Rates: Five Ways Immersive Presentations Help You Win

This short Prysm ebook highlights how immersive presentations can help close sales.

Improve Internal Collaboration

Prysm’s LPD 6K Series displays also help sales teams collaborate more effectively, by providing flexible visual tools that make it easy to share content and ideas, across the office or across the world. This blending of workspaces nurtures a culture of teamwork that can accelerate the pace of innovation and improve productivity.

“Enhanced collaboration means better results sooner for your company,” Grap said.

Prysm Drives Results

Companies as diverse as Standard Process, Schlesinger Associates and Under Armour are using Prysm’s LPD displays and Prysm Collaboration Solutions to engage audiences and close more sales.

As Kevin McDermond, program director for Under Armour’s brand creative team, explained, immersive presentation technology allows the company to tell a powerful visual story by bringing digital content to life. “We consider ourselves to be great story tellers,” McDermond concluded. “The Prysm wall is an incredible tool to help us deliver our message with passion and pride.”

Prysm’s LPD 6K Series Single-Panel Displays

This web page provides a detailed explanation of the LPD 6K Series display family, with many useful links.

Prysm Software Features

Prysm also makes advanced collaboration software, for use on the LPD 6K Series and other displays.

Prysm Customer Stories

Stories from the wide range of companies using Prysm video display and collaboration products.

FREE Webinar | August 29, 2018 | 1:30 PM EDT

Meeting rooms and their technologies are evolving at a rapid pace. This webinar explores unique insights into the audience perspective, what elements affect their engagement and the critical factors – including technology - to maximize collaboration environments. Whether your company has meetings or creates meeting environments – both dedicated meeting rooms and huddle spaces – you will want to hear Barco’s technology collaboration expert, Lieven Bertier, talk about the factors critical to conducting successful meetings and engaging participants. We’ll also have a little fun exploring some data and statistics about what makes meetings productive.

Moderated By: Margot Douaihy, Editor-at-Large, AV Technology
Speaker: Lieven Bertier, Director GTM Strategy & Services, Meeting Experience

Register Here : https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8938029370060900097