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

Thought Leader: Kathy Katz, Managing Partner at BrightLine

As I contemplate the future of the AV lighting industry, I’m reminded of flexibility’s importance. In our rapidly changing world, flexible responses are critical to economic and creative success. Budgets, installation dates, and project personnel change—as do, disappointingly, energy-efficiency standards. Resources have no regard for political climates, and all that each of us does to improve efficiencies will, at the very least, contribute to what we leave available for the next generation.

In practical applications, the best lighting and control solutions are highly adaptable—changeable, scalable, low voltage, and controllable—through myriad methods, from traditional consoles to playback panels to APPs, accommodating changing users and their level of programming ability. Similarly, if a venue expands or moves, the AV lighting system needs to easily expand or move. Pre-labeled port and cabling systems are available to ensure continuity through changes. Even lighting fixtures themselves should incorporate flexibility through software and hardware with variable-white color, adjustable grip equipment, and a vast range of looks and scenes available through programming.

Ultimately, AV lighting and control should be as simple—and can be as automated—as the sunrise and sunset are. With adequate and reliable lighting for all your corporate communications, the focus can remain on your message to ensure creative and effective meeting results.

And as we continue to collaborate with AI, it will only get easier to provide the best lighting solutions for visual and efficacy optimization—or will it? Like human nature, I find AI’s nature can tend to over complicate. The goal of corporate AV communications should always be clarity, delivered through a behind-the-scenes, highly orchestrated network of AV components that combine into an intuitive system, thereby delivering a safe, comfortable, natural, and future-proofed video environment.

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

Thought Leader: Rick Seegull, Senior Vice President, Technology and Business Development at Riedel Communications

In higher education sports and esports, it’s no longer just about the competition; it’s about creating connected, engaging experiences for athletes, fans, and the entire campus community.

In today’s collegiate venues, communication and coordination are everything. Behind every live event—football, basketball, a convocation, or an esports tournament—there’s a production team working in sync to bring the experience to life. Reliable communication networks, flexible signal routing, and intuitive tools make it easy to adapt, share content, and deliver professional-quality productions.

More campuses are now turning to decentralized, distributed routing architectures that connect multiple sites over fiber for video, audio, communications, and data with minimal cabling. This modular design uses small, interconnected nodes that can scale easily or even be deployed as portable flypacks. It’s a flexible, IP-style workflow without setup headaches.

A great example is Liberty University, which has built a connected campus environment that supports a wide range of live events, from athletics and academic broadcasts to large-scale convocations. Their IP-based communications solution, which features wireless beltpacks, streamlines workflows and allows teams to collaborate easily across venues, ensuring consistent, reliable performance no matter the size or scope of the event.

Lafayette University has taken a similar path, creating an IP-based production ecosystem that links its sports venues and mobile production setups. This flexibility allows their teams to produce live shows anywhere on campus, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with real-world broadcast and event workflows, using intuitive touch screen controls.

Esports add another layer of excitement. With players, commentators, and fans all interacting in real time, low latency and seamless communication are essential.

These innovations are about more than technology; they’re about connection, collaboration, and storytelling that make every experience immersive and unforgettable.

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

Thought Leader: Chuck Espinoza, Global Director of Education at Aurora Multimedia

In higher education, technology plays a vital role in transforming both sporting venues and esports arenas into immersive, engaging environments for athletes and spectators. A key driver of this transformation is the shift to 10Gb AV-over-IP endpoints, which deliver high-performance video, audio, and control across a networked infrastructure.

Unlike traditional matrix-based systems, 10Gb AV over IP provides the bandwidth necessary for uncompressed 4K video and multichannel audio with virtually zero latency. This ensures that live action—whether a basketball game or an esports match—is delivered to every display, scoreboard, and streaming feed in perfect sync. Fans benefit from crystal-clear visuals, instant replays, and interactive content across massive LED walls and distributed signage, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

For athletes and teams, these technologies enhance performance and training. Coaches can access multiple real-time camera angles, integrate analytics, and provide immediate feedback without delay. In esports, low-latency AV distribution is especially critical, as it ensures synchronization between gameplay, casters, and spectators—replicating the professional-grade experience of global tournaments.

10Gb AV over IP also brings scalability and flexibility, enabling universities to easily expand their systems as venues grow or needs evolve. By routing AV signals through standard Ethernet infrastructure, institutions reduce complexity, lower costs, and gain the agility to adapt to future technologies.

Ultimately, the adoption of 10Gb AV-over-IP endpoints empowers higher ed venues to create immersive, future-proof experiences. Athletes benefit from advanced tools and instant feedback, while spectators enjoy engaging, high-quality environments that rival professional sports and esports arenas. These technologies not only elevate the game-day atmosphere but also strengthen the institution’s ability to attract students, athletes, and fans.

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

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

Large-scale AV solutions, like dvLED video walls, are not only continuing to transform the way esports and higher ed sporting venues deliver experiences, but are now becoming an expected part of the experience. From immersive visuals and multi-screen displays to real-time updates, these technologies engage both athletes and spectators.

In the world of esports, high-resolution displays—like 4K at 60 frames per second—and vivid imagery are essential for showcasing fast-paced gameplay, fine details, and real-time reactions. Large dvLED screens keep audiences informed, with live feeds featuring high-resolution visuals displaying all of the action, stats, and instant replays—boosting energy and engagement in every match.

Traditional sports venues also benefit from immersive dvLED technology. Stadiums and arenas can use the same AV systems to display scores, instant replays, fan content, and promotional media, creating a unified and interactive experience across campus athletics.

High-quality audio systems built into these stunning visual displays further enhance events, delivering crystal-clear commentary, action-packed game sound, and crowd reactions that make both virtual and in-person experiences more thrilling.

By investing in top-tier AV infrastructure, esports venues and universities can create professional, captivating environments for all athletic programs, elevating the fan experience and building momentum for athletes.

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

Thought Leader: Rick Hoefling, Category Manager, Video, Photo, and Conferencing at Full Compass

In higher ed today, AV technology isn’t just supporting instruction; it’s redefining how campuses engage students across academics, athletics, and esports.

In traditional sports venues, immersive AV systems are transforming the experience for athletes and fans alike. High-brightness LED video walls, ultra-short-throw projectors, PTZ cameras, and distributed audio systems power dynamic content—everything from instant replays to real-time stats. These aren’t just game-day upgrades; they’re part of a larger shift toward more connected, engaging environments. Immersive sports simulation is another growing trend, blending projection, sensors, and responsive audio to create virtual athletic practice environments. These systems offer a realistic, data-driven way for athletes to refine their skills without needing a full field or facility.

Esports presents a different but equally exciting challenge. Success here hinges on low-latency video, responsive switching, and seamless stream integration. Many schools are designing hybrid spaces that function as both competition stages and broadcast studios—complete with NDI-based camera systems, real-time graphics, and sound-isolated commentary zones. For players, ultra-responsive displays and consistent audio are critical. For spectators, it’s all about capturing the intensity of gameplay and team dynamics through thoughtful production.

Whether it’s football or Fortnite, the core question is the same: How do we use AV to create an experience that’s immersive, inclusive, and scalable?

The answer lies in smart infrastructure—networked video systems, centralized control, and flexible display tech that adapts as needs change. Schools don’t need to do everything at once, but they do need a roadmap. That means thinking beyond the next season and planning for long-term growth.

As someone who spends every day immersed in campus AV planning, I can say this: The most exciting learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms anymore; it happens where students gather, compete, and connect—and AV is what brings those moments to life.

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

Thought Leader: Robert Scovill, Live Sound Market Manager at Eastern Acoustic Works

It’s easy to assume that esports events would be a natural fit for any modern-day concert sound system. These are huge events with large crowds of enthusiastic gamers set in an arena typical of the scale for full-blown music concerts. However, this competition is broadcast live with gamers sitting behind their gaming consoles competing in front of an audience.

Esports audio comes with specific demands and aesthetic sensibilities. One such demand is that nothing can impede the view of the screens for the audience. The other audio design criteria is that the system must be capable of covering a full 360 degrees of audience geometry, often with a steep vertical demand. Additionally, it must offer excellent pattern control to keep audio off the stage and away from the gamers themselves. This dovetails perfectly into the design philosophy for EAW ADAPTive systems, which was recently evidenced at the Riot Games’ 2025 LTA Championship in Texas. Will Taylor, owner of Square Wave Productions, said, “The easiest way to do this event was with the EAW Anna system. It’s a game changer for what we’re doing.”

EAW ADAPTive products, such as Anya, Anna, AC6, and Otto, are all active designs that hang in straight columns and can expand horizontally, with each corner hanging from a single rigging location. This allows them to disappear into the corners of the video screens. ADAPTive products are one of the only PA systems to operate as a single acoustic source; they can simply ADAPT their vertical coverage via Resolution software to any vertical start and stop point. This allows the production to be very flexible with trim height and overall line length with no sacrifice to vertical coverage for the audience. EAW ADAPTive products are a significant win for the production designers at pro-level gaming events.

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

Thought Leader: Chris Teguh, Product Manager at Epson

In higher education sports and esports environments, immersive technologies are enhancing athlete training and how fans engage. Projection-based systems have a major impact on this market, with the ability to transform static spaces into dynamic, data-rich environments. High-brightness, high-resolution projectors can turn any surface into an interactive display, enabling virtual practice environments, enhanced coaching visualization, and engaging fan experiences.

One area that is gaining attraction in higher education is golf simulation. Projection is uniquely suited to create a large, immersive environment where students can hit a golf ball without damaging a display surface. When integrated with advanced golf performance software, student athletes have access to realistic, data-driven practice sessions regardless of weather, time of day, or location. These systems enable athletes to study ball flight analytics and practice in lifelike projected visuals, helping athletes refine performance.

When selecting a golf simulator projector, the underlying technology is a critical consideration. 3LCD projectors utilize three dedicated chips to reproduce all primary colors at once, delivering exceptional color accuracy and consistency across the entire image. This ensures subtle gradients—such as those found on greens, and deeper tones like sand traps—appear balanced and lifelike. Additionally, high-resolution and native contrast are important for maintaining image depth and clarity in diverse lighting environments.

In esports, immersive projection can help create visually striking competition spaces that heighten audience engagement. From projected scoreboards and reactive lighting effects to floor-to-ceiling visuals that mirror in-game action, projection brings spectators close to the excitement and helps higher ed institutions stand out as innovators in athletic and digital competition spaces.

Ultimately, tools like projection mapping, simulators, and interactive displays enhance both training and spectator experiences by creating immersive environments that deepen skill development and captivate audiences.

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

Thought Leader: Mark Bishop, President at LynTec

In today’s higher education sports and esports arenas, large-scale LED video walls and digital displays have become the centerpiece of the fan experience. These technologies energize spectators, provide real-time stats and replays, and transform venues into dynamic environments that rival professional stadiums. Behind the scenes, intelligent power management is the often-overlooked element that ensures these systems perform flawlessly while maintaining efficiency and safety.

Video walls and projection systems demand significant, consistent power. Even energy-efficient LED systems consume electricity when in standby mode, as drivers and processors remain active. This phantom power draw adds unnecessary cost and heat, shortening the lifespan of critical components and increasing HVAC strain. Intelligent power control systems solve this challenge by automatically disconnecting loads at the relay or breaker level when displays aren’t in use, eliminating waste and protecting sensitive electronics from voltage irregularities.

For large athletic facilities or esports arenas, motorized circuit breaker panels or compact relay modules deliver precise, automated control. Operators can safely power down specific zones such as scoreboards, locker rooms, and gaming pods, or bring an entire facility online with a single button press or scheduled event. This sequencing prevents damaging power surges while optimizing energy use.

The benefits extend beyond cost savings. Intelligent power control simplifies operations for technical staff, enhances reliability during live events, and ensures that every display, amplifier, and lighting circuit functions as intended. As the esports market keeps growing and universities continue investing in immersive AV technology to engage students and fans alike, power management becomes the foundation for consistent, sustainable performance. It brings reliability to complex systems and keeps the energy focused on the action, where it matters most.

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

Thought Leader: Christian Young, Product Manager at ATEN Technology

Technology has transformed higher education sporting venues and esports arenas into immersive environments that enhance both athletic performance and spectator engagement. Traditional college stadiums and gyms now incorporate smart infrastructure—such as advanced LED displays, dynamic lighting, and integrated sound systems—that create a high-energy atmosphere and amplify the drama of competition. High-density Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity are equally essential, ensuring fans can share experiences in real-time, access interactive stats, and engage with live polls or replays through mobile apps. These digital touchpoints extend the game beyond the physical venue, blending the in-person and online experience.

For athletes, technology shapes preparation and performance. Wearable sensors, video analytics, and real-time performance dashboards provide coaches and players with actionable insights. In esports, similar principles apply: latency-free networks, ergonomic hardware, and adaptive gaming setups ensure athletes compete at their peak. Training tools like VR simulations and eye-tracking systems push both traditional athletes and gamers toward higher levels of precision and resilience.

What truly defines immersion is the seamless layering of these elements. Augmented and virtual reality can transport spectators into the heart of the action, whether it’s a 360-degree replay on a jumbo screen or a VR headset experience that simulates being courtside. Gamification—through fantasy leagues, digital leaderboards, or in-arena challenges—adds another dimension of engagement, turning passive audiences into active participants.

Esports, in particular, thrives on interactivity. Streaming platforms, chat integrations, and AR overlays give fans influence over the broadcast narrative, making them part of the event itself. Higher ed institutions that embrace these technologies foster stronger communities, attract broader audiences, and create memorable experiences that extend school pride. Ultimately, the fusion of smart venue infrastructure, real-time data, and interactive storytelling is what transforms sports and esports into deeply engaging cultural events.

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

Thought Leader: Effi Goldstein, President at the HDBaseT Alliance

Higher ed sports and esports unfold at a lightning pace that demands high-speed, real-time ProAV performance with no room for distractions. Athletes need immediate responses from their gameplaying equipment to stay focused and competitive, while spectators inside and remote audiences viewing a streaming broadcast both require the same instantaneous content delivery to feel a deep level of immersion. While all involved have their own individual rooting interests, each shares the same opponent: latency that disrupts the experience and reduces the impact of critical moments.

Therefore, a reliable, zero-latency connectivity infrastructure is essential for providing seamless KVM control to players that prevents disadvantages caused by delays. Uncompressed 4K video and synchronized audio are a must for allowing in-person spectators to react with the action, amplifying the energy at the precise moment when big plays happen. For remote viewers, delivering the same high-quality feed at the same time ensures they feel equally involved, no matter where they may be tuning in from.

Cameras must capture angles in perfect sync, with audio and lighting controls integrated to support the environment without interference. Solutions like HDBaseT 3.0’s 5PLAY enable this by transmitting fully uncompressed, zero-latency 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, power, and control over a single cable, which results in clean, streamlined installations without distracting cable clutter.

In higher education sports facilities and esports arenas, these technologies, tied together over a high-performance connectivity infrastructure, create a cohesive experience where every element operates in real-time. Institutions adopting such systems improve engagement and build stronger, more immersive live competitions.

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

Thought Leader: Carrie Kaumans, Channel Marketing Director at Ampetronic | Listen Technologies

Technology continues to transform the live experience in higher education sports and esports venues. Modern facilities integrate networked systems, dynamic video displays, and audio to create environments that captivate both athletes and spectators. Technologies such as Bluetooth LE Audio and Audio over Wi-Fi provide flexible pathways for personal listening, allowing fans, coaches, and participants to access clear, real-time audio directly to their smartphone, earbuds, or hearing aids.

Venues that seek to implement technologies to enhance accessibility for all patrons, regardless of their hearing ability or device preference, ensure that everyone shares the same great experience.

Flexible network control, multi-channel distribution, and integrated assistive listening capabilities help meet accessibility and compliance standards while enhancing audience engagement. These technologies make university stadiums, arenas, and esports labs more connected, adaptable, and ready for the future.

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

Thought Leader: Joe da Silva, Vice President of Marketing at Extron

Esports is no longer a niche activity; it’s a strategic pillar for student engagement and institutional innovation. Across campuses, AV/IT professionals are leading the charge to design immersive, high-performance environments that support competitive play, academic integration, and long-term program growth. Pro AV technologies are central to this mission, enabling institutions to deliver professional-grade experiences while integrating seamlessly with existing campus infrastructure.

Student-athletes expect low-latency systems with features similar to professional esports venues. High-refresh-rate displays, accurate audio processing, and high-isolation headsets support this standard. AV/IT teams also require tools that simplify system operation, such as control interfaces that automate source switching and audio management across multiple zones.

Beyond gameplay, AV system design plays a key role in community building. Large video walls and immersive sound systems transform lounges and labs into vibrant esports hubs, drawing in spectators and fostering connection. These spaces often serve multiple purposes—supporting coaching, training, and academic programs, so flexibility is key.

Scalability should be top of mind when launching or expanding an esports program. Start with core AV elements—robust displays, sound reinforcement, and reliable streaming—and build on a flexible signal transport backbone using copper, fiber, or IP-based solutions. This ensures clean signal paths and future-readiness.

Optimizing campus networks for simultaneous gameplay is equally critical. Early collaboration with IT teams helps align AV systems with security policies and bandwidth demands. Middle Tennessee State University’s esports arena exemplifies this approach, integrating scalable AV switching and distribution, streaming media processing, audio DSP, and amplification.

By investing in immersive, scalable AV systems, educational institutions can deliver esports experiences that excite students, support academic goals, and position themselves as leaders in competitive gaming.

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

Thought Leader: Ted Greely, Territory Account Manager at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas

As universities expand their athletic programs and esports initiatives, they’re increasingly expected to deliver the same broadcast-quality experiences audiences expect from professional venues. The new Lee and Penny Anderson Arena at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, which was built as the school transitions to Division I athletics, embodies how the right AV foundation can elevate both the in-person and remote viewing experience.

Panasonic Projector and Display Americas worked closely with the university to integrate professional-grade display technology throughout the arena, ensuring every seat and every screen contributes to an immersive environment. Across the facility, high-brightness 4K panels—including TH-43SQE2, TH-55SQE2, TH-65SQE2, TH-75SQE2, and TH-86SQE2 models—deliver vivid, reliable visuals for live game feeds, instant replays, player stats, and digital signage. The SQE2 Series’ 24/7 durability and color-accurate IPS panels make them ideal for the fast-paced demands of collegiate sports and esports competitions alike.

Beyond the displays, the arena’s ecosystem connects seamlessly with Panasonic’s professional cameras and streaming infrastructure, which supports content capture and distribution to remote audiences without adding technical complexity for staff. The result is a venue that operates like a professional broadcast environment, giving students and fans the opportunity to experience live sports and esports events with the same polish and excitement found in pro arenas.

From flexible signal management to energy-efficient design, each component works together to support a future-ready, connected campus. The Anderson Arena demonstrates how thoughtful AV integration can turn higher-education sports facilities into dynamic, multi-purpose hubs that inspire engagement, build community pride, and create new opportunities for storytelling both on the field and on the screen.

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

Thought Leader: Ken Vanier, Vice President Sales and Operations, Americas at WyreStorm Technologies

In higher education, sports and esports have become powerful drivers of community, pride, and engagement, and technology now sits at the center of that experience. From the moment a match begins, the quality of sound, video, and interactivity shapes how students, athletes, and fans connect. It’s not just about what’s shown on the screen, but how reliably and seamlessly it all comes together to create an atmosphere that feels dynamic, connected, and alive.

Modern athletic facilities and esports arenas depend on audiovisual systems that deliver clarity, synchronization, and flexibility. Large-scale displays, distributed audio, and rock-solid IP-based connectivity help institutions manage live events more efficiently while giving audiences the best possible experience, whether they’re courtside or watching from another room on campus.

For esports in particular, which have become hugely popular with the younger generation, performance and responsiveness are critical. Systems must handle real-time visuals, USB and KVM control, and seamless integration between multiple sources without lag or complexity. That’s where advanced AV-over-IP infrastructures have become essential, offering high-quality video, stable connectivity, and easier scalability for both live play and broadcast environments.

Beyond performance, sustainability and management have become key priorities for universities. With tools like WyreStorm’s SYGMA Cloud, IT teams can monitor and manage AV systems remotely, reducing downtime, eliminating physical travel, and simplifying maintenance. It allows schools to focus on enhancing the student and spectator experience rather than troubleshooting systems mid-event.

At its core, the role of AV in higher education sports and esports is about connection. When technology works as it should, seamlessly and reliably, it helps to build stronger communities, motivate students, and enhance the impact of every event.

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

Thought Leader: Stephane Tremblay, President at the SDVoE Alliance

Higher education venues are increasingly investing in technologies that enhance athletic performance and spectator engagement. Whether in traditional arenas or esports facilities, advanced audiovisual systems are altering how competition is viewed, shared and experienced.

In esports, latency is the critical metric. A delay of even a few milliseconds can determine the outcome of a match. To meet those demands, institutions are adopting professional AV systems capable of transmitting high-resolution content with near-zero delay. Software-Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE) has become a leading solution, enabling uncompressed, zero-latency video distribution over 10G Ethernet networks. SDVoE’s architecture supports end-to-end latency under 100 microseconds while maintaining full image fidelity for HD and 4K60 HDR signals. For campus esports arenas, that means synchronized gameplay and audience reactions, which are key to an authentic, competitive atmosphere.

Beyond esports, the same technologies enhance broader athletic and academic applications. Universities use SDVoE-based systems to route live feeds across multiple locations, from classrooms to gymnasiums, with flexibility and scalability. SDVoE’s interoperability allows equipment from different SDVoE Alliance members to integrate seamlessly, protecting investments and supporting evolving needs across facilities.

Ultimately, immersive spectator and athlete experiences rely on flawless performance and seamless integration. Whether supporting collegiate esports tournaments or enhancing live athletic broadcasts, technologies like SDVoE enable higher education institutions to deliver professional-grade performance, reliability, and engagement, providing the precision and responsiveness that today’s competitive environments demand.

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

Thought Leader: Nick Wilson, Digital Out Of Home, Sports Development Manager at Absen

The most memorable experiences in higher ed sporting venues and esports go beyond what fans are seeing and focus on what they feel. Today, technology is bridging players’ performances and audiences’ emotions, transforming these venues into immersive environments where every play comes to life.

It starts with seamless visual storytelling. High-resolution LED displays don’t just show the game; they amplify the venue’s energy, highlight key plays, and make fans feel like they’re part of the action. Crisp audio systems, synchronized lighting, and interactive content work together to create a shared atmosphere that connects everyone to the moment.

Emotion also drives branding and engagement. The sights and sounds that excite fans are the same elements that reinforce a university’s identity: its colors, traditions, and pride. Integrated technology allows every game to strengthen brand loyalty and showcase the school’s culture to students, alumni, and sponsors.

In esports and traditional arenas alike, these immersive environments also play a vital role in recruitment. Today’s athletes and esports players seek programs that match their competitive passion with a world-class experience. A dynamic, technology-rich venue signals investment, innovation, and commitment—qualities that help institutions attract top talent both on the field and in the digital arena.

Ultimately, the venues that succeed are those that merge technology, emotion, and identity. It’s not just about displays, speakers, or stats; it’s about leveraging them together to elevate excitement, build community, and create a memorable experience.

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

Thought Leader: Shane Roma, Technical Product Manager of dvLED, Commercial Displays at ViewSonic

An engaging and immersive esports experience is an amalgamation of technology, equipment, environment, community, and players’ skills. Because esports are a lot more visual than other athletic events, technological advancements can have a major impact on both players and the audience.

For the audience, it’s not just about watching. Spectators become engaged and want to understand the complexities. This is where high-quality AV equipment, and especially large-format displays, can power replays and broadcast feeds. Large dvLED displays, whether permanent like the ViewSonic LDM series or mobile like the ViewSonic LDS series, deliver high brightness levels, high refresh rates, and high resolution so the audience can view various camera angles and highlights. These displays also provide seamless picture-by-picture options and coverage for various camera angles, from POV to player cams, as well as split-screen visuals.

Large interactive displays are also great for broadcast teams, especially when doing play-by-play and offering color commentary for spectators. Being able to make matches understandable or showcase the tactics used by teams on an interactive screen provides context and storytelling for fans watching in person and through a broadcast feed.

For the team and players, it’s important to ensure that they have a high-end monitor that not only features high refresh rates and response times, but is the right size so that they can see the action. The “sweet” size for monitors is 25 inches, where players can utilize their peripheral vision without losing sight of their goal.

Because esports are highly screen-dependent, an environment that highlights the game is important, and it becomes necessary to create excitement through the visual experience. Various display solutions can heighten that atmosphere for both the players and audience.

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

Thought Leader: Randy Dickerson, Vertical Account Manager, Broadcast, Sports, and Enterprise at Panasonic Video and Audio Systems North America

Higher ed institutions are the perfect environment for students and professionals to leverage AV technology to improve sporting experiences. Many higher education institutions have traditional sports programs—like basketball or football—and esports teams, which are continuing to rise in popularity. PTZ cameras, audio, and switchers are critical to crafting engaging experiences for athletes and spectators, both in person and remote.

PTZ and studio cameras play a crucial role in capturing real-time gameplay for clear, 4K video and imagery. For esports, PTZ cameras can be placed in the commentators’ booth and strategically positioned above players’ screens to track and capture player reactions and POV shots. These unique angles give spectators a front-row seat to the action, making them feel like they’re part of the team. Similarly, for traditional sporting venues like basketball, PTZ cameras can be mounted on tripods and center-hung video boards to provide smooth preset moves for increased production value.

Effective content isn’t just dependent on video; audio and video must be synchronized to maintain viewers’ attention and deliver immersive, entertaining content. Panasonic’s PTZ cameras, like the AW-UE150A, offer a 3.5mm Mic/Line input and support audio embedding and encoding. Audio output to IP is also supported for institutions transitioning from digital audio cables.

Once audio is properly captured and embedded, a versatile production platform is needed to manage, mix, and distribute audio and video seamlessly. Switchers, like Panasonic’s KAIROS Live Video Production and Streaming Platform, fully support baseband and IP packets for inputs and outputs. In addition, streaming protocols like RTP, RTMP, RTSP, and SRT are supported for superior stability and security. KAIROS enables operators to mix, composite, and layer graphics with transitions, providing the flexibility and scalability to output professional-quality content in real time across multiple in-person and remote screens.

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

Thought Leader: Misty Chalk, Vice President of Sales, Americas at BrightSign

With younger audiences preferring to watch games at home, higher ed sports and esports venues face the challenge of attracting them with an immersive fan experience.

No one wants to arrive at a game and struggle to see the action in real-time. Advancements in digital display and media player technology give everyone a close-up view, regardless of where they are sitting. BrightSign’s latest Series 6 players, for instance, support quality 4K IP streaming and eye-catching visuals with no delay. Additionally, BrightSign Built-In offers flexibility to position a display anywhere with the power of BrightSign’s System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solution. This way, venues can take advantage of small spaces, incorporating displays into the stadium’s aesthetic design.

Creating a hyper-personalized journey of micro experiences for fans helps distinguish the stadium experience from at-home viewing. Displays can power interactive touchscreen games or photo booths that superimpose fans’ photos alongside their favorite players, sparking excitement and sharing across social media for broader reach. Media players with sensing technology can direct people to shorter bathroom and concession lines to minimize wait times and support a seamless experience.

From an athlete’s perspective, the latest displays and media players help create a positive pre-game and game-time experience. AI applications can detect the mood of the locker room before the game and adjust visuals accordingly. If players look serious, the display will show stats from the opponents’ previous games to help them prepare. However, if they seem nervous, the displays could update to more soothing imagery for a calm environment. Similarly, high-quality media players that can power 8K video and high-speed 3D motion graphics ensure esports players can easily watch their teammates’ progress and strategize effectively.

Higher ed stadiums are highly visual environments, making the latest display and media player technology critical to an immersive athlete and spectator experience.

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

Thought Leader: John Hulen, Director of Vertical Marketing at Crestron Electronics

In higher ed sporting venues and esports, one of the most important factors for an immersive and engaging experience is flawless technology integration. When a fan or athlete looks at the game on the field or the court, then looks at the displays nearby or within the line of sight, all must be in sync. And when more than one display is adjacent to others, they all need to be in sync as well.

With the recent AV-over-IP technology advances Crestron has made, stadiums, basketball courts, esports arenas, and other sporting venues have become excellent application examples for seamless video, audio, and control solutions.

One such terrific example is at Liberty University, where the football team is popular with students, faculty, and community members. When they needed a cutting-edge way to build enthusiasm at these events, Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP technology was the perfect solution. The venue becomes crowded quickly during games, but spectators can always see the action on the large screen without missing a beat.

To keep everyone engaged in large arenas or stadiums, it requires a networked AV solution which utilizes multicast capabilities.

Taking technology integration to the next level, the Liberty University basketball arena uses Crestron solutions integrated with intelligent lighting controls, court projections, and audio playout systems. With young student workers helping to manage the technology at events, the user experience needs to be as seamless as possible. Therefore, Liberty designed its own control interface on the Crestron touch screens to make it simple to find specific buttons, even under the pressure of a live game.

When choosing the best audio, video, and control technology for a higher ed sporting venue, I recommend reading or watching one of Crestron’s case studies. This will help you better understand how the top educational institutions offer engaging experiences to their athletes and students.

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

Thought Leader: Duncan Miller, Director of Global Marketing at Adder Technology

The modern sporting venue has evolved into a highly dynamic media hub, where switching, streaming, and real-time content production must operate with absolute precision. As arenas scale to support hybrid workflows, including remote and virtual production, one of the most impactful technologies behind the scenes is high-performance IP KVM. Its role in enabling flexible, secure, and low-latency access to distributed systems is becoming indispensable.

For switching and streaming today’s sporting events, three elements stand out. First, IP-based infrastructure has become the backbone for routing video, audio, and control signals at scale. Second, ultra-low latency workflows are essential to maintain timing accuracy between on-premise production, cloud services, and remote operators. Third, IP KVM extension and switching bring these workflows together by giving engineers, graphics teams, and replay operators seamless control of high-performance machines, wherever those systems physically reside. By decoupling systems from the control room, IP KVM supports secure remote operations, simplified equipment management, and flexible scaling during peak event periods.

When it comes to creating immersive experiences for athletes and fans, the same technologies play an equal role. Modern IP KVM systems allow production teams to manage high-resolution graphics, LED content, and multi-camera replay systems with complete responsiveness, ensuring in-venue storytelling feels immediate and connected. As more venues adopt remote or virtualized production models, IP KVM becomes even more valuable, enabling distributed teams to collaborate in real-time without sacrificing performance.

Ultimately, transformation technologies in sporting venues are those that strengthen responsiveness, resilience, and operational freedom. IP KVM is central to that shift, empowering teams to produce richer, faster, more engaging content no matter where the operators, or their systems, are located.

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

Thought Leader: Daniel Maloney, Technical Marketing Manager at Matrox Video

As colleges and universities invest in state-of-the-art sporting and esports facilities, the ability to deliver high-impact visual experiences has become just as important as the action on the field—or on screen. To engage fans, athletes, and remote audiences alike, these venues need infrastructures capable of distributing pristine, synchronized, low-latency video and audio signals across multiple displays, scoreboards, and production zones.

This is where IP-based workflows make a measurable difference. By replacing traditional, fixed video routing hardware with standard IT network switches, higher education institutions can build scalable systems that expand easily as facilities evolve. Video, audio, and control signals travel seamlessly over standard network cabling—often a single Cat 5 or fiber line—eliminating the complexity of proprietary formats while reducing setup time and long-term costs.

Beyond flexibility, the move to IP ensures consistency and performance. Standards-based technologies such as SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX enable uncompromised, broadcast-quality video delivery across the campus network with minimal latency—an essential factor for live gameplay, instant replays, and interactive displays. This adherence to open standards empowers operators to select best-of-breed tools, crafting their AV ecosystems to meet creative and commercial goals without being locked into proprietary solutions.

As higher ed institutions continue to blur the lines between live production, esports, and learning environments, IP infrastructure serves as the common foundation, empowering IT and AV teams to innovate without limitations.

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

Thought Leader: Paul Richards, Chief Revenue Officer at PTZOptics

Colleges and universities are transforming their athletic and esports programs with professional-level production tools that make every game more exciting for athletes and spectators alike. The technologies driving these experiences—robotic cameras, automated production software, and advanced streaming tools—are changing how we capture and share competition.

At PTZOptics, we’ve seen how PTZ cameras, with their ability to pan, tilt, and zoom remotely, empower small teams to produce multi-angle coverage once limited to large crews. By integrating these cameras with IP-based control and automation platforms, schools can create dynamic live streams and in-venue visuals that rival professional broadcasts.

In traditional sports, a few well-placed PTZ cameras can follow the action from baseline to bleachers, delivering smooth tracking shots and instant replays. Paired with analytics overlays and real-time score integration, the production becomes both informative and engaging. Meanwhile, AI-assisted camera control helps ensure no critical moment is missed, even when staffing is limited.

Esports brings its own challenges and opportunities. Fast-paced gameplay demands camera agility and software that can easily switch between player reactions, gameplay feeds, and audience views. Using robotic cameras allows production teams to highlight the intensity of competition while maintaining a polished, cinematic look.

Ultimately, immersive sports coverage is about the connection between players and their fans, teams, and communities. As production technology becomes more accessible, the focus shifts from hardware to storytelling. With PTZ cameras and intelligent control systems, educational institutions can deliver professional-quality coverage that celebrates their athletes and inspires their audiences—on campus and beyond.

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

Thought Leader: Rob Zeller, Vice President, dvLED at Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America

In today’s higher education sports and esports environments, technology defines the audience experience as much as the game itself. The most successful venues recognize that return on experience (ROE) can be as critical as ROI. Today’s spectators expect multiple large, high-definition displays that deliver pristine, reliable, and dynamic visuals. Low fidelity, visual defects, or technical failures can quickly erode engagement and diminish the energy of an event.

Modern facilities achieve excellence through connected ecosystems of displays and control equipment, where every screen—from main video replay displays to ribbons and interactive kiosks—forms part of a unified, dynamic canvas. This flexibility allows those within content creation to design unique experiences that adapt to each display’s resolution, orientation, and position within the larger visual network, maintaining visual interest and cohesion across the entire venue.

Other trends are interactivity and gamification. In both sports and esports, fans are no longer passive viewers. Integrating crowd-sourced mobile participation, live polls, interactive promotions, and fan challenges transforms spectators into active participants. This engagement drives emotional connection, increases sponsor value, and extends the in-venue experience beyond game day.

Behind the scenes, data-driven content programming has become a core advantage. Real-time information, ranging from next-generation player analytics to league-wide updates, is dynamically integrated into display networks to ensure that every moment feels timely, personalized, and relevant.

Finally, with environmental vision shaping the next generation of campus venues, universities and esports programs are prioritizing technologies that offer longer life cycles, lower power consumption, predictive maintenance, and reduced emissions. These advances prove that sustainability and performance can coexist.

These innovations form the foundation of the modern higher ed sports and esports experience: immersive, intelligent, interactive, and sustainable.

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

Thought Leader: Lisa Barlow Flournoy, Marketing Support Manager at DVIGear

Visitors to the SDVoE booth at ISE and InfoComm shows have experienced the benefits of 10GbE AVoIP technology behind the wheel of DVIGear’s DisplayNet Formula IP racing rig. The demonstration provides a fun and exciting way to experience the real-world advantages of SDVoE, especially the high-quality imaging and zero frame latency. High-resolution images require significant bandwidth. Unlike lesser AVoIP platforms, SDVoE utilizes 10G Ethernet technology that has been widely used in data centers all over the world for decades. SDVoE technology ensures that images do not suffer from compression artifacts that would otherwise degrade picture quality.

SDVoE 10GbE systems operate in real time with no visible latency. Latency is the delay between the transmission and reception devices in a system. For example, the synchronization between the action taken with a mouse, or in this case, a steering wheel, and the appearance of that action in a reception device, such as a large 4K monitor. The latency between an action and the resulting image is very annoying (think of a video where the audio is out of sync). Latency is often a problem on other AVoIP platforms, but not with SDVoE. A racing simulator demonstrates the spontaneity possible with SDVoE. Technically, there is some latency, but it is so low that human perception cannot detect it. However, this is not the case with other AVoIP technologies. A delay of just a few frames in a simulator can make the difference between taking the high-speed turn successfully or crashing.

High-performance signal distribution is key to engaging and stimulating esports events. Robust features of the SDVoE 10GbE platform make it ideal for these applications.

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

Thought Leader: Mario Ponce, Market Development at Shure

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thought Leader: Tomer Mann, Chief Product Officer at 22Miles

When it comes to visual communications, content is everything. Despite its central role in system success, however, content was long regarded as outside the purview of the integrator or technology manager. No more: Over the past five years, the rise of unified, highly integrated content management has changed that reality, putting AV professionals at the center of successful content creation and maintenance.

Now, API integration with critical enterprise platforms allows a content management system (CMS) to automatically refresh content. Enterprise employees can see real-time business analytics; hospitality and venue staff can get instant back-of-house schedule and work order updates; and university students can browse upcoming events alongside the latest images and videos from official campus social feeds.

While automation keeps content current, AI-assisted templates help make it engaging and on brand. For example, the 22Miles CMS offers customers access to a massive library of content templates, automatically customized with appropriate branding, logos, colors, and fonts. Users can customize interactive experiences like room booking in a matter of minutes, send the new content through the appropriate approval workflows, and push it out to the appropriate signs, apps, and devices—all through a web browser.

The way users consume content has also changed. It’s not enough to deliver real-time updates and useful tools to signs and room boards; you need to get that content to desktops, UCC devices, and mobile devices as well. A truly unified CMS simplifies this process, allowing you to push the same content to multiple applications with optimized layouts.

As content has become more automated and dependent on integration, it has been pulled into the AV orbit. Now, the CMS platform and workflows we spec and design are central to a fresh, engaging experience throughout the lifetime of the solution.

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

Thought Leader: Jeff Muto, Product Marketing Director at ViewSonic

Creative content is a primary way of engaging audiences and capturing their attention. It’s a fundamental way to communicate, share information, and connect with audiences. Advancements in technology, both in software and hardware, have allowed creators in the ProAV market to develop larger-than-life content. The shift from analog to digital has made media creation and distribution easier to produce, store, and deliver to various displays—from interactive to dvLED.

In the world of content creation, color accuracy and the delivery of large media files are a necessity. The colors seen on a desktop monitor must be true to life to ensure that the work generated is represented accurately across various mediums and platforms. Hardware with connections such as Thunderbolt 4 is needed as it has a higher bandwidth to be able to move the creative files from the desktop to a large-format display.

For the ProAV market, where the final output is communicated on larger-than-life displays and screens, color accuracy means that the colors on the work monitor should match the final product. This consistency is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the work, whether developing XR/AR/VR content or content that is loaded with other types of visual effects.

Many industries have specific color standards, such as sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3. These standards endeavor to ensure that the large-format and commercial displays, digital signage products, and big-screen monitors and projectors can maintain high color accuracy to cover these color spaces, but also be able to transfer the files from one location to another.

As digital signage and display hardware move to higher resolutions and bigger screen sizes, the color accuracy and speed at which the content is delivered are essential for creators who strive for excellence in their work.

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

Thought Leader: Kelly Harlin, Director of Solutions Marketing and Commercialization at Sharp

Audience engagement can be challenging, especially in a physical environment. There are several factors to consider, including age, gender, and lifestyle. Creating engaging content requires an understanding of these factors to help inform you on which technologies to deploy. For example, XR, AR, and VR are gaining popularity for customer engagement and are compelling tools, providing a unique opportunity to engage with customers in a sensational and memorable way. However, they require a deployment strategy that considers location and environment, a strong use case, application, and support. These technologies can also be expensive, so understanding their effectiveness to justify the return on investment is crucial.

Another tool to consider is AI, which has gained exponential popularity within the AV industry over the past five years. AI plays a significant role in gathering data about the physical environment and the individuals in that environment, using computer vision to detect objects, triggers to enable focused content delivery, and generative AI to customize text and images. AI gathers data and analytics that provide insight into who viewed the content, as well as the length of time they spent viewing. In some cases, the data can even be tied to POS and conversion. There are several solutions in the AV market that offer AI/computer vision, data, and analytics. One solution that has been trending recently is content management systems offering AI solutions to deliver strong, customized audience engagement and the ability to measure effectiveness. AV manufacturers are also key players in the AI space and offer a number of flexible AI and content management solutions to drive compelling and engaging audience experiences.

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

Thought Leader: Effi Goldstein, President at HDBaseT Alliance

As ProAV technology continues to evolve, so too do audience expectations. Larger displays, higher-quality projection, and immersive technologies like AI, AR, and VR have set a new standard for not just how content is delivered, but how it’s experienced. Today’s audiences, and especially the younger generations, don’t want to consume content—they expect to engage with it on a personal level.

One of the most effective ways to meet this challenge is by leveraging multiple cameras that are connected to a central, real-time compute unit that detects the user’s location and gestures and customizes the content and facilitates real-time interaction. The result is more customized experiences, such as those that we are already seeing, for example, with in-store digital signage that adjusts to individual shopper preferences, or theme park attractions that adapt to guest reactions. In short, passive experiences are quickly being replaced by dynamic, responsive ones built around the user, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

As future technology-immersed generations continue to drive demand for deeper engagement, AV professionals must make the effort to stay ahead of both understanding the new tools being introduced as well as implementing them seamlessly. Manufacturers and software developers will, of course, continue to innovate, but it’s up to AV integrators, installers, and designers to bring everything together in an integrated and engaging experience.

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

Thought Leader: Debbie DeWitt, Marketing Communications Manager at Visix

Crafting content to engage today’s audiences demands a strategic shift from designing for passive viewing to interactive experiences. Best practices center on creating content that prompts action and leverages interactive elements—whether using touchscreens, smartphones, QR codes, or sensors—to create personalized journeys.

No matter what the content, you have to focus on answering three core questions: What are you trying to say? Who are you trying to say it to? What do you want them to do? Then you craft a compelling narrative around these. You also have to choose formats strategically: data visualizations for complex information, videos for emotional impact, and dynamic images for visual storytelling.

However, the landscape has changed dramatically in the past five years. Previously, strategy and design were the purview of trained communications professionals and graphic designers. Today, digital literacy has surged, empowering a wider audience to contribute to content creation.

Generating high-quality content is also significantly easier today for people of all skill levels. AI-powered tools streamline text, image, and video creation, democratizing the process to allow more people to participate. However, human oversight remains crucial, and accuracy and brand alignment always have to be verified. Audiences are also demanding more transparency and authenticity.

Creators have to consider the reach of their content across the entire digital ecosystem. When designing for digital signage, they need to think about how content can be repurposed for websites, social media, video platforms, and internal presentations. A broader knowledge base is required to understand different technical requirements and audience behaviors.

Another positive development is the availability of analytics for success measurement. By including trackable calls to action, and analyzing interaction and viewing stats, we have better benchmarks to guide content strategy. Hopefully, this actionable data, coupled with more accessible creative tools, results in richer, more engaging audience experiences.

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

Thought Leader: Nick Ma, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Magewell

We’ve been saying for many years that corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies would need to adopt broadcast-caliber production capabilities to keep their viewers engaged in the increasingly saturated media landscape. That reality is now here, as audience attention spans are shorter than ever before, and organizations are putting greater emphasis on production values to engage and hold the interest of employees, customers, students, and constituents.

Fortunately, compared to five years ago, it’s also easier for enterprises and organizations to create compelling content—and more cost-effective, too. The convergence of broadcast and professional AV technologies has helped make the feature richness and visual excellence of today’s top content creation solutions accessible to both broadcast producers and AV professionals alike. Meanwhile, all-in-one production solutions are minimizing the amount of equipment required to create visually rich productions, reducing not only cost but also personnel requirements for each production.

For example, our popular Director Mini and new Director One all-in-one production solutions each combine multi-camera switching, graphics, instant replay, streaming, recording, and monitoring in one compact, intuitive device. This eliminates the need for separate products for switching, encoding, character generation, and so on—each of which might also have required its own trained operator. With our all-in-one solutions, different tasks can still be divided up between multiple production assistants if desired, or a single operator can control all aspects from one intuitive interface.

Similarly, these solutions’ ability to directly accept a wide range of input formats—from AV signals like HDMI to IP sources such as NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX, and SRT—eliminates the need for separate conversion devices, saving cost and workflow complexity. Our vision has long been to make it easy for AV professionals to create high-quality content that rivals premium media enterprises, and that vision is becoming a reality.

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

Thought Leader: Ramzi Shakra, Senior Product Manager, Large Venue Projectors at Epson

Engaging with consumers today—who are already overstimulated—requires thinking beyond just displaying content. It’s about capturing their attention, and, more importantly, keeping it.

Display technology has played a key role in the progression of immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. In just the last five years, the display industry has made immense improvements to help end users deliver content in unique ways that captivate audiences beyond their handheld devices.

Projection, in particular, is the only scalable display solution that lets users instantly adjust image sizes, light up almost any surface—walls, building, 3D objects, and even water—and seamlessly blend into the installation environments. Evolving rapidly over the last five years and propelled by the switch from lamp to laser as a light source, projectors have gotten smaller, lighter, and more powerful. Projectors remain one of the most cost-effective solutions for creating a large, immersive image. They can also accommodate diverse display needs and are particularly popular in immersive environments and for digital art experiences. With features such as 4K resolution and advances in ultra-short-throw lensing, today’s audiences can get very close to content, and the installer has a simplified mounting option close to the display surface. Advanced software and management tools, including optional installation-assist cameras, are also making projector control and installation easier, faster, and more efficient.

Having witnessed the advancement of projection over the last five years, I’m confident that innovation—and the end users putting it to the test—will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, making projection an even more powerful tool for transforming spaces and captivating audiences.

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

Thought Leader: Tom Bingham, Business Solutions Director at LG Electronics USA

A profound transformation is unfolding in the digital signage market, across all sectors, and it’s being driven in large part by dvLED technology. The dvLED market is moving away from standardized digital display packages to something that’s part of an experience, adding value. Decision makers across all vertical markets are no longer just looking at digital signage as just a TV, a display, or a desktop monitor; they’re considering more of a holistic approach to devices, enabling a digital connection to the customer and enhancing their experiences.

Today, people attending venues like arenas, concert halls, and sportsbooks expect a digital experience to be an integral part of the atmosphere, and content must resonate with customers, creating moments that connect with them. Shifting toward experiential engagement has brought about advancements in display sizes, form factors, and integrated software. These improvements enable more dynamic messaging and advertising, and even allow for monetization of screen assets.

Connectivity is at the heart of these advancements, enabling audiences to stay connected to live events in ways that make in-person experiences more compelling than watching from home. Compared to five years ago, content creation and display integration are far more advanced. dvLED technology, especially, has grown to become a seamless part of the experience, whether in sports, retail, or entertainment. Customers today are no longer looking at displays as isolated devices, but as part of a cohesive solution that enhances their entire experience.

The demand for smarter, more connected systems is greater than ever, leading to a more intuitive approach to deploying displays. Integrated platforms now enable the creation of sophisticated, high-quality content that resonates with audiences and improves customer satisfaction across various industries. The landscape has shifted—with technology playing a pivotal role in crafting memorable and immersive experiences for all.

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

Thought Leader: Joel Mulpeter, Director of Product Marketing at Crestron Electronics

Is generating high-quality content easier today? Much easier. From our perspective, the biggest leap forward has been the broad adoption and refinement of AV-over-IP technology. Besides a reduction in the sheer amount of cabling that’s needed when you compare it to previous AV content delivery systems, there is a world of other benefits.

When we introduced our latest encoder/decoder—the DM-NVX-384—Crestron’s executive vice president of Global Marketing, Brad Hintze, made these observations:

The first benefit of AV-over-IP solutions is scalability. Customers need technology in more spaces and with more sophisticated deployments. They need technology that easily scales to support them. This is true in both growing enterprises and residential, hotel, or marine projects that evolve and expand. Mix in near-zero latency, and it’s easy to see why this technology remains a go-to solution for dealers creating AV systems for everything from enterprise businesses to elegant homes.

It’s easy to build feature sets into these devices, too. For example, we were able to add USB-C connectivity to the device, as modern laptops, smartphones, and tablets all support USB-C. USB-C connectivity can provide a video input and also get USB connectivity peripherals—such as a webcam, speakerphone, or conferencing device—back to a user's laptop.

Multi-input switching in a single box is also a plus. When customers have a bunch of sources at a lectern, podium, and so on, it gives you the ability to switch those sources. (The need for this feature is very common in educational settings, for example.) We also have the ability to support 5K video, which is becoming fairly common with 21:9 and 32:9—super-wide and ultra-wide—displays. Those aspect ratios are becoming more popular in VR headset applications and immersive monitors.

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

Thought Leader: Bob Caniglia, Director of Sales Operations, Americas at Blackmagic Design

We’re all consumers of media, and the rapid advancements in production technologies in recent years have led to some sizable shifts in how we consume that media. Things like digital film, streaming, virtual production, the use of cinematic shooting for sports and virtual concerts, and many more all come together to make it possible for consumers to see blockbuster action and in-your-face, in-the-moment entertainment right in our living rooms and on our mobile devices.

Taking that a step further are the latest advancements in immersive video, which is a rapidly growing medium taking the industry by storm. Immersive video content surrounds the viewer, making them feel as if they are inside the scene. This typically incorporates technologies like 360-degree video, VR, and stereoscopic 3D video; and devices like AR/MR glasses, immersive video players, and VR headsets, where users can explore the environment by looking around in different directions.

The industry is evolving to meet changing demands, creating more of these interactive and engaging media experiences, making them more accessible, and expanding content for audiences. Thanks to innovative devices and improved workflows, the barriers to entry for creating this type of content have come down in just the last couple of years, so almost any broadcaster or filmmaker can now craft these dynamic stories that further engage and connect with viewers.

With these advancements in capture, production, and post-production technology, filmmakers can bring incredible moments to life like never before, from high-energy action scenes to breathtaking landscapes, intimate performances, and more. The result is a whole new level of realism and immersion for viewers, and this technology is making waves across industries like live entertainment, sports, filmmaking, gaming, and even specialized fields like medical training and military simulations. The possibilities for content creation with immersive video are practically limitless.

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

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

When it comes to engaging audiences with AV technology, integrators can take advantage of the latest technology advancements, such as new content management tools and digital solutions.

Today’s content systems are far more flexible and user-friendly than in previous years. Cloud-based content management systems allow for easy distribution and synchronization across multiple displays, regardless of location. This flexibility is critical in delivering dynamic content that resonates with intended audiences at the right time, while maintaining a cohesive visual design.

Additionally, over the past five years, advancements in digital signage technology have led to higher-resolution displays that are brighter, designed to withstand harsher environments, and provide better color accuracy. This creates an even greater impact when engaging audiences in outdoor installations on campuses, shopping centers, restaurants, or tourist attractions. The ability to create eye-catching content for wayfinding, educational information, or promotional messaging not only creates a smoother experience for guests but also allows businesses to increase sales and customer engagement. This opens the door to countless creative possibilities for designing content that effortlessly adheres to a space.

Today, display technology can respond to data inputs in real time. For example, a digital signage display can dynamically change its content based on audience reactions, time of day, or environmental factors. This level of data-driven interactivity wasn't as prevalent five years ago. All of these advancements prove to be valuable because of the evolution in how audiences consume content. Today, audiences expect interactivity, personalized content, and immersive experiences that blend digital and physical worlds—all possible with today’s content systems, flexible display options, and built-in technology.

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

Thought Leader: Russell Leak, Senior Customer Success Manager at Vizrt

Nowadays, everyone is a presenter. We’ve all become used to conducting meetings remotely, learning how to best communicate using a simple mic and camera on our laptops. But because online meetings have become so universal, corporate communications has recently become more ambitious in utilizing technology to make presentations and internal communications more dynamic.

Research conducted by Vizrt on effective internal communications found that the quality of a company’s communication affects how engaged employees are, with 70 percent of those surveyed agreeing that it has an impact on their engagement. Moreover, nearly half of the employees surveyed believe that company video communications need to provide an element of entertainment, affirming a desire for interactive graphics (39 percent), virtual reality (34 percent), and 3D animations (32 percent).

These preferences clearly reflect how viewers have come to expect high-quality graphics in any visual content consumed, and this comes from the convergence of broadcast and AV. Whether they’re tuning in to a town hall hosted by their company or a live sports game of their favorite team, audiences nowadays expect a top-grade viewing experience.

The good news is that generating high-quality, dynamic, and interactive content is now more accessible than ever. With AR graphics, for instance, any type of presentation comes to life. With stats and data being displayed in any format that suits the presenter best—for instance, a bar or chart—having the presenter interact with that visual element boosts the visual quality of the presentation.

Not only that, but it also improves the understanding of the information being relayed to the audience. When covering the presenter with a full-screen PowerPoint slide, there is the chance that the viewer disengages. Think of big elections or financial data shows; using AR and big screen technology, they convey a data-driven story while maintaining connection and engagement with the audience.

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

Thought Leader: Chris Feldman, Product Manager of Spatial Reality Display at Sony Electronics

Digital displays have matured a great deal over the last 10 to 15 years, making the technology more accessible in terms of size, resolution, cost, and quality. While these innovations can elevate a brand’s stature by providing a better user experience that fosters more engagement than static content, the relative ease of deployment and prevalence of digital displays have created a lot of noise. Generating high-quality material is easier than ever, but it is no longer enough.

Audiences are served an abundance of content everywhere they look, which means it can quickly become overwhelming and lose effectiveness. To combat this, it becomes increasingly important to differentiate your offering by creating visually memorable experiences through interactivity and immersivity. This is where new forms of enrichment like XR, AR, and VR come into play.

These trending technologies help create impact, which is a key component of establishing a connection with audiences. With only a moment to grab a person’s attention, your content needs to be unique, realistic, and appealing in order to be effective and to retain interest and recall. Standout products like Sony’s Spatial Reality Display, which offers glasses-free 3D content viewing, are so lifelike and immersive, making them a draw at trade shows and events. People gather around and bring their friends over to share in a visual experience that breaks the mold.

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

Thought Leader: Hal Truax, Vice President at PCD Audio & Video

We emphasize a holistic, data-driven approach to engaging audiences. Several best practices play a role in effective system integration, and the first of these is a robust content management system. A powerful, cloud-based CMS enables real-time updates across a network of displays—whether you're using traditional digital signage or immersive experiences like XR, AR, and VR. This integration ensures that content is current, context-aware, and easily customized.

The next best practice is deep audience understanding. With advanced analytics built into modern CMS platforms, brands can gather demographic and behavioral insights. This allows you to gear content specifically to the target audience’s needs so you can deliver messages that resonate, whether on a busy digital billboard or in an immersive VR training module.

A third best practice involves seamless integration of immersive technologies. Integrating XR, AR, and VR into the overall content strategy can transform passive, static viewing into interactive, engaging experiences. For example, an AR overlay on a digital sign might offer additional product information or interactive promotions, driving higher engagement.

Fourth, ensure unified brand messaging across channels. A well-integrated system ensures that all content—whether displayed on a high-brightness outdoor screen, an indoor digital poster, or within a VR experience—delivers a consistent, unified brand message. This cohesion boosts brand recall and enhances overall customer engagement.

Finally, there is a trend toward greater agility and flexibility. Compared to five years ago, both hardware and software have advanced dramatically. Modern systems are more agile, allowing advertisers to pivot their strategies quickly based on real-time data. This evolution makes generating high-quality, personalized content not only easier but also more effective.

In essence, combining a robust CMS with a deep understanding of your target audience—and then leveraging the latest immersive technologies—creates a dynamic, responsive ecosystem. This approach not only improves audience engagement but also streamlines operations and empowers brands to deliver high-quality, interactive content across all digital platforms.

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

Thought Leader: Jack Salamanchuk, Product Manager at Panasonic Connect North America

Consumers want immediate access to the content they are passionate about; from concerts and sporting events to their favorite streamers, they seek out personal experiences. With the global live streaming market estimated to grow by 16.6 percent between 2025 and 2029, production teams are increasingly seeking solutions designed with high-quality streaming in mind.

Live streaming presents broadcasters with a unique opportunity for increased interaction through video, enabling immediate engagement and allowing viewers to interact, comment, and participate in real time. This shift from passive viewing to active, real-time connection has revolutionized content delivery and audience participation.

Panasonic Connect recently announced its AG-CX20 4K Compact Camcorder, which is designed to increase mobility and high-quality video production. The camcorder offers ultra-low-latency streaming solutions, a key feature for enabling seamless interaction through livestreaming.

Ultra-low-latency streaming helps deliver crisp, clear viewing experiences with minimal lag. The AG-CX20 supports SRT-2, which improves livestream quality, reduces latency, and enables more flexible broadcasting. Additionally, it delivers broadcast footage with minimal delay, even in challenging network conditions, while preserving secure transmission to users.

Looking ahead, industries ranging from live entertainment and sports to higher education and corporate will continue to seek out easy-to-use, flexible audiovisual solutions that foster interactive experiences. Cameras and other audiovisual solutions designed with ultra-low latency in mind are key to meeting the growing demand for high-quality, engaging video content.

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

Thought Leader: Dimitris Katsis, Director, Display Engineering at Jupiter Systems

Jupiter Systems’ Zavus XP MicroLED display offers unique engagement opportunities via advanced displays, content systems, XR, AR, and VR. Today, best practices focus on immersive storytelling and interactivity. Leveraging Zavus XP’s high contrast (1,000,000:1) and 16-bit color depth, businesses can create vivid, large-scale visuals for applications like data visualization or simulations, ideal for enterprise settings.

Compared to five years ago, engagement has shifted from static displays to dynamic, user-driven experiences. XR, AR, and VR—now more accessible via web-hosted interfaces like Zavus XP’s Helios platform—enable real-time interaction across multiple locations, enhancing collaboration and training. The flip-chip COB technology boosts energy efficiency by 30 percent, supporting sustainable, touch-sensitive deployments.

Generating high-quality content is easier today due to AI-driven tools and streamlined workflows. Zavus XP’s web UI simplifies color and seam correction, reducing production time. Unlike 2020, when XR required complex setups, today’s plug-and-play systems and broader device compatibility (e.g., smartphones and headsets) democratize immersive content creation. Trends show audiences crave personalized, interactive experiences—think AR overlays for product demos or VR simulations for training—made scalable by Zavus XP’s modular inputs. The difference? Today’s tech prioritizes seamless integration and user control, transforming passive viewers into active participants.

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

Thought Leader: Travis Kemp, Vice President of Product Management at Korbyt

In today’s world, people are bombarded with messages—at their desks, on their phones, and in the workplace. Cutting through the noise requires businesses to be strategic, keeping content fresh, targeted, and relevant.

A cloud-based content management system (CMS) is essential for delivering engaging, real-time content to any connected display. Some CMS platforms can even integrate live data, making screens more dynamic. In a waiting room, for example, screens can display weather updates, news, and stock tickers to keep visitors engaged. In a manufacturing facility, the same technology can showcase production metrics and safety updates. The key is delivering bite-sized, relevant content to the right audience in the right context.

In public spaces like retail stores, malls, and transit hubs, grabbing attention is even harder. This is where AI and machine learning come in. Advancements in these technologies allow businesses to analyze dwell time—measuring which content holds people’s attention the longest—and optimize playlists accordingly. AI goes a step further by not only refining content selection but also generating new, more engaging content to maximize engagement.

With the right tools, businesses can move beyond static messaging and create dynamic, data-driven experiences that captivate audiences. The future of digital content isn’t just about pushing information, but about adapting, learning, and evolving to meet people where they are.

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

Thought Leader: Amber Ward, Marketing Director at Carousel Digital Signage

The ever-expanding digital signage universe continues to move in new directions, fueled in part by the evolution of the creative canvas. The impact of cutting-edge technologies is increasingly visible in public-facing digital signage experiences that clearly intend to draw attention and compel interactions. The broader adoption of advanced production elements and their growing adaptability to display technologies will continue to help digital signage operators unlock new creative avenues to strengthen audience engagement.

Where AR/VR/XR graphics and virtualized production techniques will help retail and other businesses make a statement in busy public spaces, digital signage serves a more informational-leaning purpose in spaces that serve internal audiences. Just the same, the businesses, schools and municipalities that emphasize the informative over the inspirational are leveraging a broader set of creative tool sets that offer an immediate impact to content creation and dissemination.

Familiarity is one reason behind that impact. Specifically, the emergence of common tool sets such Canva, Google Slides, and Geckoboard into the digital ecosystem provides creative teams with simpler ways to bring more content into their digital signage messaging. In many cases, these users have been using platforms to create and manage content for other purposes.

Carousel Digital Signage opened integrations to these toolsets last year, giving customers the option to use what they know and love to introduce new or improved efficiencies and experiences to their digital signage. Opening direct integration to Google Slides and Canva can be used to supplement existing content creation processes, such as simplifying quick editing jobs on slides or fueling faster content updates. We expect to see more examples of creative efficiencies, dashboard presentations, security alerting, and calendar system integration coming together with dynamic, real-time displays moving forward.

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

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

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

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

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

Thought Leader: Jim Doyle, Vice President of Creative Services at Ross Video

Engaging audiences today requires more than just high-quality visuals; it’s about creating immersive, adaptable experiences that feel natural. Over the past five years, advances in displays, content systems, XR, AR, and VR have dramatically changed how we approach storytelling.

The biggest shift? Accessibility. Technologies that once required dedicated teams and complex workflows are now intuitive, integrated, and scalable. Modern tracking systems have eliminated many reliability concerns of early virtual production, while AI-driven control systems enable operators to manage real-time graphics with minimal effort.

Virtual environments are no longer a novelty, but a necessity. Whether for broadcast, corporate AV, or live events, XR and AR extend creative possibilities beyond the limitations of physical space. Companies can swap sets instantly, tailor content to different audiences, and build dynamic, data-driven visuals without the cost and time investment of traditional production.

Another key trend is personalization. The ability to deliver customized content—through interactive displays, real-time data visualization, or AI-enhanced production—is redefining engagement. The most effective experiences aren’t just visually impressive; they adapt to audience needs in real time.

So, is generating high-quality content more straightforward today? Absolutely. Tools today are more powerful, workflows are more streamlined, and barriers to entry are lower. But the real opportunity isn’t just in the technology, but in how we use it. The best virtual production isn’t about flashy effects; it’s about enhancing storytelling, keeping talent comfortable, and creating experiences that captivate and inspire.

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

Thought Leader: Vanessa Jensen, Market Development Manager at Shure

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

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

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

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

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Based in Reno, Nevada, SoSu.TV has built a niche in serving government agencies by helping them broadcast public meetings and improve community engagement. Ensuring citizens can engage in these meetings is vital for transparency and communication between government officials and the public. With little AV expertise, SoSu.TV faced several challenges in supporting remote clients; they were often manually patching together systems and configuring solutions from various manufacturers. Collaborating with Yamaha and integrating the brand’s ADECIA system has been essential to overcoming these challenges.

Before partnering with Yamaha, SoSu.TV primarily focused on streaming and broadcasting, leaving AV systems integration to third parties. The sudden shift to virtual meetings due to the pandemic, when in-person attendance was restricted, pushed them to get more involved in AV integration. This transition was essential because poor audio quality in virtual meetings, such as open microphones and background noise, would often disrupt communication between government officials and the public. “The meetings we service are treated with a level of care and excitement similar to the Super Bowl; it’s equally as important to the government as it is to the citizens,” Mark Hatjakes, co-founder at SoSu.TV noted.

As they expanded services to rural and smaller agencies, the need for a scalable, user-friendly AV system became apparent. Many of these government agencies lacked dedicated AV teams, relying instead on IT or communications personnel with limited technical knowledge. SoSu.TV needed an audio solution that was easy to install, configure, and manage remotely, allowing them to support agencies without having to send technicians on-site for every new meeting setup.

“Working with Yamaha is unique because, despite being a massive company with vast resources, they operate like a boutique startup,” Hatjakes said. “They actively listen to end users, even touring our facilities to see installations firsthand. Their openness and responsiveness to feedback mean you get the best of both worlds: the support and resources of a large company, combined with the personalized attention of a smaller one.”

Delivered as an all-in-one audio solution for high-quality audio capture and playback, ADECIA includes 12-inch wireless gooseneck microphones that are ideal for government meeting rooms, where clear, real-time audio is essential. Wireless setup allows clerks to easily position the microphones before each meeting, and the team at SoSu.TV created custom legends in the software so users would know exactly where to place each mic. The VLX array speakers are connected via a single POE Cat5 cable, simplifying installation. The Yamaha RM-CR Processor acts as the brain of the system, integrating audio processing and control. SoSu.TV developed a custom touch panel using Yamaha’s ProVisionaire software, allowing government staff to manage key functions, like muting mics and speakers after a certain time limit. This easy-to-use interface for clerks enables them to adjust microphone and speaker levels from an iPad.

[Yamaha Is Transforming Audio System Planning and Design for AV/IT Pros]

One of the most significant advantages of the Yamaha ADECIA system is its scalability and remote management capabilities. Because the system is easy to install, SoSu.TV can ship it to agencies where IT staff can handle setup with minimal support. Once installed, SoSu.TV can manage the system remotely, troubleshoot, and provide configuration and updates without needing to send personnel on-site. This reduces service requests and frees up SoSu.TV’s team so they can run more meetings and focus on other tasks. Additionally, the ADECIA system has allowed SoSu.TV to reduce its equipment footprint, moving from large, two-rack systems to compact, half-rack configurations.

By reducing the amount of hardware required; scaling down on-site visits; and offering an easy-to-use, remotely managed system, SoSu.TV can deliver more services without a proportional increase in resources. These cost savings are passed on to government clients, making it an attractive option for smaller agencies that may not have large AV budgets.

For government meetings that offer public participation, SoSu.TV’s Nindeo platform integrates easily with web conferencing solutions, allowing citizens to engage with local government, ask questions, and make comments.

By leveraging Yamaha’s advanced audio technology, SoSu.TV is successfully enhancing broadcast quality for their government clients. Government clients have reported higher satisfaction with the quality of their broadcasts, and citizens appreciate the improved audio clarity. This partnership not only improves the technical aspects of the broadcasts but also strengthens the trust and engagement between government agencies and their communities.

As video professionals, SociallyU president André Dantzler and his team are always looking to push the boundaries of creativity. Inspired by the groundbreaking virtual interview Oprah did in 2020 from her home in Santa Barbara with Barack Obama, who was in D.C. at the time, Dantzler’s team partnered with Ryan Somerfield, director and DP at Tiny Giants AV to test out their own remote interview workflow—but taken up a few notches. The results of the test surprised them, and they believe it will ultimately help clients and other studios achieve a seamless virtual production interview experience that is no longer reserved for presidents or the broadcasting elite.

Live Streaming Made Easy

With Tiny Giants AV located in Sydney, Australia, and SociallyU located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, SociallyU endeavored to create a live-streamed virtual production interview that spanned continents. Their setup included four cameras in each location, for a total of eight cameras, which allowed them to create the look of a five-camera interview. They combined four of the camera feeds into two different over-the-shoulder shots, and another two feeds were combined to create one comprehensive wide shot. Their cameras included a mix of Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro, Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2, and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, all of which they were able to work with and manipulate to match things as much as possible. All cameras were fed into an ATEM Constellation 8K live production switcher.

They also used eight Blackmagic Ultimatte 12 4K real-time compositing processors—seven in the US and one in Australia for combined remote keying—with Tiny Giants AV’s feed coming to SociallyU where the Ultimattes performed the live keying. To unify the backgrounds, they used five Unreal Engines—four at SociallyU and one at Tiny Giants AV—all synchronized in real-time. They also heavily utilized the key and fill layer input on the Ultimattes to layer shots on top of each other, a feature that was critical in creating convincing over-the-shoulder shots.

[Introducing the New Family of Blackmagic Design Routers]

No Streaming Workflow Challenge Too Great

Testing was more complicated than originally anticipated, but the team at SociallyU has been very pleased with the results. They wanted to take this workflow to the next level, so they did things with keying not seen anywhere else, such as including two moving shots in each location using a camera slider connected into their Unreal computers, which rendered live. They figured out how to make it seem like they were looking at each other during the interview, but also added over-the-shoulder shots where both participants are included in the shot to increase realism. If one person raised their hand, for example, it would appear in the other person’s shot. When it came to the wide shot, the team layered in elements like the floor, the carpet, and the coffee table, achieving more dimensionality by merging foreground elements together.

They also had to factor in a two-second delay on the cameras in Chattanooga and managed that by both talking and video back-hauling over Zoom to facilitate the live conversation. This meant their control room had to live in “the past” in order to be able to live-cut the show. As a result, this created a new challenge in communicating with talent from the control room, as the control room’s responses to the questions would be delayed. They used a Blackmagic DeckLink 8K Pro capture and playback card to output the four SRT feeds. They did all of this in 4K, so they couldn’t just use Zoom, which is limited to 1080. With SRT, they were able to get higher quality, control the bandwidth, and get a much cleaner key because it was all in 4K. 

The Sky is the Limit for Virtual Production Interviews

Overall, the feel that they have only scratched the surface so far, and that the sky is the limit on virtual production interviews. Post-pandemic, it’s a balance between getting people back in a room together, a continued demand for virtual offerings, and enhanced real-time interaction, such as live, on-screen chats. Today, bringing in guests can be executed in new and exciting ways without the need for guests to be in the same location physically.