The distinction between broadcast and professional AV is blurring as the two worlds converge and overlap, creating a new era in content creation that benefits both markets.

Historically, broadcast-quality production required dedicated studios, specialized engineering teams, SDI-based infrastructure, and significant capital investment. Today, many of those barriers are coming down. But the end goal remains the same—to produce high-quality content that looks good, helps deliver important messages, and fosters engagement while being cost-effective and easy to use.

Corporate and education customers are increasingly expected to create, deliver, and distribute high-quality video content at speed, whether for executive communications, training, education, live productions, hybrid events, product launches, or customer and student engagement. As a result, these end users are turning to technologies that combine the reliability and image quality of broadcast with the flexibility and accessibility of AV. This creates new markets, customers, and opportunities for those in both broadcast and Pro AV.

Interest is growing in solutions including budget-friendly studio cameras with expandable future pathways and PTZ options that incorporate the cinematic look, zoom, and AI-based technologies.

The Drivers

Several trends are accelerating this convergence. AV-over-IP is moving video and audio transmission away from dedicated media and cabling toward standard IT networks. This gives organizations more flexible production environments and broader ways to deliver content across rooms, campuses, and remote locations.

At the same time, remote and cloud-based production tools are reducing the need for physical control rooms, fixed studios, and specialized editing suites. Teams can now switch, manage, and edit content from virtually anywhere, lowering both operational complexity and cost.

[Sony Electronics to Launch Two Compact, Lightweight 4K PTZ Cameras at InfoComm 26]

AI-powered capabilities are also playing a critical role. Intelligent features such as AI auto framing, tracking, and enhanced autofocus, seen in Sony’s latest PTZ cameras, are helping non-technical or less-experienced users produce more professional results with less manual input. These capabilities are especially important in corporate, education, and faith environments, where internal teams or volunteers may not have traditional broadcast expertise but still need to deliver polished, consistent content using intuitive technologies.

Video Becomes Central

This evolution is visible in the growing use of PTZ cameras across auditoriums, mixed-use spaces, lecture halls, studios, and meeting environments. Equipment is becoming smarter, easier to deploy, and better suited to multipurpose use cases. Instead of building production around highly specialized facilities, organizations can create scalable video ecosystems that support everything from simple internal messaging to sophisticated live productions.

As video becomes central to how organizations communicate, thought leadership, internal messaging, and education are becoming more dependent on production capabilities. Using the latest technologies, end users can now create high-quality content quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively with fewer barriers and resources, making them better positioned to inform, influence, and engage their audiences now and into the future.

There’s nothing better than a successful deployment of new AV when everything is running smoothly. New auto-framing audio and video conferencing hardware and software connect in-person and remote participants, and a control system automatically initiates a meeting and starts the presentation on display. Participants collaborate, sharing content and video that is seamlessly switched to different displays. It’s AV/IT nirvana.

Until it’s not. We asked AV/IT industry thought leaders about how their company’s products and solutions help ensure interoperability and connectivity not only on the day of deployment, but also on Day 2 and beyond. Below are some excerpts.

For the full interviews, check out the sidebar on the right.

Omer Brookstein, CEO and co-founder at Xyte, said, “The real goal isn’t simply to connect devices. It’s to make AV easier to manage, easier to support, and easier to improve over time. Open cloud connectivity helps organizations monitor mixed fleets more consistently, move data between systems, automate routine tasks, and adopt new tools without rebuilding everything around a single vendor’s stack.”

“We focus heavily on open standards and network-based solutions, said Emma Eagle, manager of Marketing at Hall Research. “When AV technology works the same way other IT systems do, it becomes easier to deploy, manage, and scale across an entire organization—from small meeting rooms to large conference spaces.

“Established customer deployments may require upgrades to maintain long-term interoperability, as the protocols themselves are often evolving,“ Amy Zhou, director of Sales at Magewell, added. “For example, the popular NDI connectivity technology has changed over the years; it’s now on version 6.3 overall, and media formats within it have gone from NDI High Bandwidth to NDI HX, NDI HX2, and NDI HX3. This makes the upgradability of our products crucial for continued interoperability and compatibility.”

Joel Mulpeter, senior director of Product Marketing at Crestron, said, “Our products always need to work with the network—not against it. When we get deployed in a facility, the network exists, and we’re part of that ecosystem, so we ensure that we’re good citizens on that network.”

“By combining manufacturer-agnostic interoperability, robust management, and scalable design, Audinate’s solutions help ensure connectivity that works without friction, every day, at any scale,” said Jim Kidwell, principal product marketing manager at Audinate.“

“At ViewSonic, we approach product development with the full ecosystem in mind,” said Shane Roma, technical product manager of dvLED and Commercial Displays at ViewSonic. “A unified API structure reduces programming complexity, accelerates deployment, and minimizes support calls across diverse installations.”

Effi Goldstein, President of the HDBaseT Alliance, added, “Our commitment to an open, vendor-agnostic standard empowers businesses with exceptional flexibility. Organizations can mix and match products across multiple brands without risking compatibility issues, supporting business continuity, easier maintenance, and long-term investment protection.

“Sennheiser’s commitment to interoperability—across Dante, open APIs, alliance partnerships, and secure cloud management—helps organizations build AV ecosystems that are connected, scalable, and ready for whatever comes next,” said Jakub Kolacz, manager of Product Management Software at Sennheiser.”

Adam Sowers, senior manager of Business Development at Sony Electronics, added, “As a founding member of Open AV Cloud, we help to drive best practices around open ecosystems and interoperability for IP-based integrations, control, and monitoring that work across environments.”

“By prioritizing interoperability at every level, Shure empowers IT teams to deliver collaboration environments that are consistent, intuitive, and scalable wherever work happens,” added Justin Ramirez, senior director of Software Sales at Shure.

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 your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Jerry Berger, Consultant Liaison at Absen

Higher education is undergoing a seismic shift. As student expectations evolve and hybrid learning becomes the norm, institutions are rethinking what it means to create an engaging, flexible, and inclusive classroom environment. At the core of this evolution is technology—not as a novelty, but as a necessity.

Today’s classrooms must be more than just a place to lecture—they must become dynamic collaboration hubs. Visual technology, particularly direct-view LED (DVLED) displays, is playing a pivotal role in this transformation. These ultra-clear, scalable displays provide an immersive visual experience that supports both in-person and remote learners, ensuring every student feels present—no matter where they are.

Equally important is adaptability. Classrooms now serve multiple purposes: lectures, virtual guest speakers, collaborative group work, and content sharing across campuses. Technologies that offer seamless connectivity, high reliability, and simple content management empower faculty to shift between modes without disruption.

We’re also seeing a shift toward sustainability and longevity. Universities are looking for energy-efficient solutions that reduce long-term operational costs while enhancing the student experience.

Ultimately, the goal is not to digitize for the sake of innovation, but to create environments where attention spans stretch, participation grows, and students are more deeply connected to the content—and to each other. As higher ed continues to evolve, institutions that prioritize immersive, flexible, and future-ready classroom tech will be the ones that lead the way.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Omer Brookstein, Chief Executive Officer at Xyte

As the modern classroom rapidly evolves with increased reliance on technology and digital learning, higher education institutions face mounting challenges in managing a growing number of AV and UC devices across classrooms, lecture halls, buildings, and campuses. To keep pace, IT and AV managers need powerful tools to monitor device health, detect faults early, and ensure seamless operation.

Following the pandemic, students and faculty—whether attending in person or remotely—now expect flexible, reliable hybrid learning environments. They depend on immersive AV systems, robust communication infrastructure, and cloud-based platforms that support real-time collaboration and consistent performance. These technologies not only deliver content but also personalize the learning experience, empowering students to engage in ways that suit their individual learning styles.

Audiovisual technology plays a crucial role in delivering a personalized learning experience, but as a growing number of higher education facilities invest in new technologies, they require a streamlined, scalable way to manage and monitor their solutions effectively, allowing them to control and monitor devices in dispersed locations.

Using new and advanced cloud technologies with thousands of AV devices deployed across sprawling campuses, IT directors and chief information officers can, for the first time ever, monitor and manage devices from multiple vendors and in multiple locations through a unified interface, without moving from their office chair. This cohesive visibility improves operational efficiency, extends the life cycle of critical classroom technology, and enhances responsiveness, keeping the focus on education—not on equipment maintenance.

With just a few clicks, IT and AV managers can use Xyte to remotely monitor and address device issues before end users even notice them, saving the institution time and money while keeping staff and students satisfied.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

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

The Pro AV higher education market, paradoxically, has become both more simplified and more complex.

On the one hand, emerging technologies such as AI and unified communication software are helping to streamline the process of installing, provisioning, managing, and using AV equipment that has become mission-critical for higher education classrooms—from conferencing bars to projectors. On the other hand, with the growth and maturation of hybrid learning—otherwise known as the ability to learn and teach from practically anywhere—integrators, AV specialists, and IT managers are forced to manage an ever-growing and increasingly complex ecosystem of connected AV devices.

After all, higher education students increasingly desire the flexibility hybrid learning provides in that it affords in-person instruction when they can and remote learning when they can’t. This enables them to better manage personal and professional commitments outside of school. Meanwhile, professors who may attend a midweek conference can still maintain office hours while off campus. As a result, AV assets are increasingly spread out across a variety of geographies and scenarios—from the traditional classroom to the home and practically anywhere in between.

To wrangle this complexity, AV manufacturers are introducing cloud-hosted software solutions. This additional software layer will empower everyone along the AV value chain to seamlessly integrate and oversee all deployed AV systems from a unified dashboard that is accessible anytime, anywhere.

Integration of such software will require a mindset shift for all, but the rewards are unmistakable. Manufacturers will be able to manage a product’s entire lifecycle seamlessly; integrators will be able to install and provision AV assets more efficiently; campus IT pros will be able to monitor and manage AV assets more effectively; and finally, the students and instructors will enjoy an improved overall educational experience.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Brandon White, Director of Product Development at Vanco International

When I think about how higher education classrooms have changed in recent years, the first word that comes to mind is agility. Not long ago, a classroom was just a static space: four walls, a whiteboard, and maybe a projector if you were lucky. Today, it’s a dynamic environment: flexible, inclusive, and shaped as much by how students learn as by what they’re learning.

What changed was the mindset. The pandemic was the big turning point. Suddenly, everyone had to use technology tools to help facilitate learning. Once that barrier was broken, there was no going back.

An area that I’ve seen continue to evolve is how higher education spaces are utilizing more collaboration products to support BYOD. At this point, it’s assumed that students will bring their own laptops, tablets, or phones. The job of the AV system is to support that seamlessly and reliably.

Imagine a lab table where four students plug in, press a button, and their work pops up on the shared screen with no fuss and no delay—just learning in real time. This isn’t a hypothetical: We’ve seen solutions like KVM switches and wireless video switchers become very popular for this exact application. This kind of simple, intuitive tech encourages students to share ideas, challenge each other, and stay engaged.

Even as collaboration technology becomes part of the fabric of the modern classroom, however, it’s important to foreground simplicity and reliability. You can design the most sophisticated classroom in the world, but if the instructor or students have to call IT every time they want to share their screen, you’ve missed the mark. The tech should disappear into the background and let educators do what they do best: teach.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Micah Shippee, Director of Education Solutions and Channel Sales at Samsung Electronics America

Higher education institutions are increasingly prioritizing the integration of AI for various aspects of teaching, learning, and administration. AI’s projected impact is multifaceted, with the potential to transform both instruction and on-campus security.

From an instructional perspective, AI mirrors the adoption of the pencil in education. A century ago, teachers would say, “Today we’re going to learn math with our pencils.” Over time, the pencil became so ubiquitous in learning that its use as a tool no longer needed to be mentioned. If meaningfully adopted, each innovation is destined to have a Pencil Moment. We are seeing AI rapidly approach its own Pencil Moment.

One clear area of opportunity is the interactive whiteboard, which has seen widespread use across campuses. When enhanced with AI, these displays can help educators scale their instructional strategies and create more engaging learning environments. Educators can automatically transcribe lectures, generate summaries, and create instant quizzes from those transcripts. Students can connect wirelessly and participate from their own devices, turning passive lectures into interactive learning moments. This shift enables more formative assessment, which serves as a better gauge of knowledge retention. In these cases, the introduction of AI transforms the whiteboard into a hub of smart solutions that simplify, enhance, and empower the learning experience.

While the benefits of AI are promising, its adoption also raises new challenges, particularly around information security. AI tools can strengthen cyber defenses by monitoring network activity, analyzing logs, and detecting anomalies in real time. Digital twin technologies can even enable predictive maintenance to prevent issues before they arise. However, malicious actors can also exploit AI to launch more advanced cyberattacks. These dualities make it critical for higher education institutions to adopt AI responsibly, ensuring data privacy and minimizing risk as they unlock the technology’s full potential.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Mikey Shaffer, Senior Director of Sales at Listen Technologies

Personalized learning and flexibility continue to lead the evolution of higher education. Today’s students expect content to be accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device—making bring your own device (BYOD) more critical than ever. Technologies that deliver high-quality audio directly to personal devices are at the forefront of this shift.

Solutions like audio over Wi-Fi and emerging innovations such as Auracast broadcast audio are transforming how students engage with lectures, presentations, and campus events. These tools enable students to access live or recorded audio through smartphones or Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids and earbuds—removing barriers to participation and fostering inclusivity.

At the same time, AV and IT teams benefit from scalable, campus-wide solutions that reduce hardware dependency and simplify system management. As institutions continue to prioritize accessibility, flexibility, and student engagement, technologies that enhance audio delivery will be essential in shaping the future of learning.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Levi Lavrinyuk, Director of Marketing at Lightware

Higher education is in the midst of a transformation. Students and instructors expect an intuitive environment where they can easily share content and control the classroom’s AV equipment without delay or hassle.

As AV/IT infrastructures scramble to keep pace, three key trends are emerging: hybrid and active learning models, BYOD, and remote systems management. Traditional lecture halls are giving way to flexible, collaborative spaces. Institutions are layered in collaborative zones, fixed pods, and breakout rooms equipped with displays, capture cameras, and interactive media. Instructors may move from lecturing to facilitating small-group work, while remote students engage via live streams. The AV backbone in these environments must handle multiple simultaneous signal paths reliably.

Gone are the days when cable clutter and overcomplicated AV systems got in the way of instructors and students. Today, they all demand simplicity: video, audio, USB, Ethernet, and power in a single interface. USB-C is rapidly emerging as the standard for future-proof deployment, enabling seamless host switching and universal interoperability across platforms. AV/IT designers must now account for USB-C laptops (both Mac and Windows) and mobile devices that all need to connect seamlessly without dongles or drivers.

As campuses scale, AV/IT teams can no longer keep a physical presence in every room. Monitoring, diagnostics, and remote control are fast becoming baseline requirements. By deploying technology that enables these features, institutions can not only future-proof their classrooms but also save significant amounts of time and money on their AV investments.

Lightware’s efforts focus on simplifying signal management in these evolving environments, remaining dedicated to delivering the technology that helps higher education institutions overcome integration roadblocks and build collaboration environments that perform every single day. Our versatile and scalable USB-C host and video switching solutions deliver seamless BYOD workflows and equip AV/IT professionals with the right tools to build learning environments that are resilient, future-ready, and aligned with institutional goals.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: William Smart, Director of Vertical Account Sales, Higher Education at Legrand | AV

The application of AV in higher education settings is evolving at a rapid rate, with many universities deploying solutions to streamline the classroom experience both online and in-person. The hybrid learning model is here to stay and remains popular because students like both the in-person and remote aspects of it. As a result, a lot of universities are using Legrand for remote learning and management applications. We provide virtual meeting solutions that automatically frame the classroom and integrate with Zoom and Microsoft Teams, streamlining the online learning experience. Combining your AV into a product that allows you to bridge technologies provides flexibility for the user and makes learning accessible to students from anywhere with an internet connection.

While today’s students are accustomed to technology being a central part of their lives and learning processes, many educators are embracing trends like AI, VR, and AR to efficiently manage classroom operations. I speak with a lot of universities that tell me they envision having AI drive the automation in the room, so if a teacher walks in, they can activate their remote meeting client, turn on the lights, switch it to their preferences, and begin their lesson without needing to set up their computer or additional hardware.

Another trend we’re seeing in higher education environments is the adoption of AV-over-IP technology. AV over IP allows educational institutions to do campus-wide deployments over existing network infrastructure, providing the flexibility and scalability they require. It's great for large lecture halls because it cuts down on the equipment in the room and enables educators to route content from a variety of sources to multiple displays and projection systems. By investing in modern technological innovations, universities are future-proofing their campuses and enhancing the overall educational experience for students and teachers alike.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Rob Norton, Senior Product Manager, User Interface and Control at HARMAN Professional Solutions

Today’s modern higher education classroom is evolving, driven by the need for more flexible, interactive, and accessible learning environments. As hybrid learning becomes more prevalent, education systems are continuing to adopt technologies that streamline instruction, enhance engagement, and improve overall classroom management.

A key aspect of this transformation is the integration of smart technology to simplify classroom interactions for both students and educators. Beyond the classroom, automation technology is being used to improve campus operations for health and safety concerns. Automatic smart sensors and control systems help manage factors like air quality, occupancy, and security by notifying educators and students directly, thereby creating a safer and more efficient learning environment.

Bringing together information from these disparate systems requires a highly adaptable and capable control system. Platforms that support multiple standard programming languages allow for more opportunities to easily leverage industry-standard tools and well-proven code resources rather than forcing plugins to be written from scratch. Drag-and-drop visual programming tools like Node-RED can enable even non-programmers to create sophisticated control programs.

As the adoption of the AMX MUSE automation platform has grown, we’ve heard time and again that our partners are impressed with how easy it is to adopt, and how the availability of online resources to support development increases their efficiency and capabilities.

As technology continues to reshape education, institutions that embrace these innovations are better equipped to support both students and educators, fostering a more connected and dynamic learning experience. At HARMAN, our solutions are designed with a philosophy of open standards, interoperability, flexibility, and ease of use to enable designers, developers, and technicians to create environments where technology helps instructors and students collaborate, create, and enjoy teaching and learning.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Effi Goldstein, President of the HDBaseT Alliance

In today’s higher education landscape, learning is no longer limited to a single modality, as students expect content to be accessible on their terms—in person, remotely, or on demand. Additionally, educators face the ongoing challenge of being able to focus on teaching rather than managing the room’s technology. In both cases, this requires Pro AV that prioritizes ease of use, seamless connectivity, and a universal experience anywhere—on and off campus.

For educators, technologies that enable pre-configured device setups are crucial, allowing them to minimize setup time and get right to teaching. Products like Logitech’s Preset Button, enabling seamless camera switching, and Tekvox’s Drop-In AV for simplified operation are excellent examples of solutions that are solving this problem. Plug-and-play BYOD support is also now more important than ever, with USB-C leading the way as the universal connectivity interface. Whether in a classroom, lecture hall, or collaboration space, users need to be able to connect and engage without delay.

As higher education continues to evolve, so will the applications for Pro AV. Expect one thing to remain consistent: the demand for user-friendliness and flexibility for both students and teachers in any Pro AV system.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Jeff Muto, Product Marketing Director at ViewSonic

The education market is continuously bringing innovation to campuses and classrooms, whether it’s K-12 or higher learning institutions. There is a plethora of hardware and software tools being developed to help students engage more with each other and get more excited about learning.

ViewSonic is seeing investments being made in hardware tools like touch-screen monitors, direct-view LED displays for customization in larger venues, ultra-wide 92- and 105-inch interactive displays for front-of-classroom solutions, and other smart hardware. These tools give students the opportunity to quickly express what they are learning and share it with the classroom and fellow students—even those who are remote.

A lot of higher education classrooms utilize cell phones during classes and lectures so students can interact with the various touch-screen hardware and computers in the classroom by casting from their mobile devices or scanning QR codes. Whether recording audio or video, or interacting with the teacher or professor, students can use their own devices to increase learning opportunities.

Library innovation and makers centers are being built to include the latest technologies. Students can rent out the center to finish class projects or learn new skills. Another type of space on higher education campuses comprises dedicated study spaces with interactive displays. These can be used for viewing CAD files, brainstorming on digital whiteboards, practicing presentations, etc., with fellow students and those who are off campus.

Campuses are making investments in premium technology to aid career development and readiness. The California State University at Fullerton installed a ViewSonic direct-view LED display to be used as a backdrop for students who are studying news broadcasting or showcasing student films.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Ivan Schwartz, Director of Consultant Relations at AtlasIED

Times are changing, and the modern higher education classroom is changing, too. This shift is primarily driven by the adoption of advanced technologies developed to enhance student engagement, improve accessibility, and create positive learning environments. As universities work to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty, they must assess the spaces they occupy and the best possible AV solutions for their unique needs to ensure that both in-person and remote learners have access to clear and intelligible audio.

Many modern classrooms, lecture halls, and study halls feature hard, reflective surfaces, which create acoustical challenges and can impair speech intelligibility. Missing crucial information during a lecture can be detrimental to a student's learning experience.

Digital beam steering technology can significantly enhance speech clarity in educational settings by directing sound precisely toward the audience, minimizing disruptive reflections, especially in large, reverberant spaces. This results in clearer audio delivery, which boosts student engagement and participation while ensuring uniform sound coverage throughout the room. Synchronizing audio with visual content reduces misunderstandings and cognitive strain, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment. This improvement not only aids comprehension for all students but also can increase accessibility for those with hearing impairments.

Higher education institutions can support student comprehension and successful student outcomes by integrating advanced technology such as digitally steerable loudspeakers. Embracing these technologies fosters a more flexible, accessible, and engaging learning environment, enhancing the student experience and empowering educators to deliver more impactful and effective instruction.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Manager of Business Development for Higher Education at Q-SYS

As higher education continues to evolve, institutions are reimagining the classroom experience to better support student engagement, collaboration, and personalized learning. One of the most notable trends is the shift toward blended learning models—an approach that combines in-person teaching with online components. This hybrid structure provides students with greater flexibility while empowering instructors to tailor learning experiences based on individual needs.

Active learning environments are also transforming how students engage in the classroom. Traditional lecture halls are being replaced with flexible, technology-rich spaces that encourage group collaboration, peer interaction, and hands-on learning. Educators are further supported by data-driven instruction, using real-time analytics to assess student participation and adjust lesson plans accordingly to improve outcomes.

Technology plays a pivotal role in enabling these advancements. For example, lecture capture systems allow students to revisit recorded sessions anytime, reinforcing comprehension and knowledge retention. Automated tracking cameras enhance this experience by following instructors or highlighting student interactions—especially valuable in simulation labs or dynamic learning environments.

To capture every voice in the room, ceiling microphones ensure inclusive participation, while simplified user interfaces—powered by room sensors, NFC card readers, or scheduling integrations—create intuitive, automated experiences for both faculty and students.

Importantly, cloud-based AV systems provide IT teams with the ability to remotely monitor and manage classrooms, ensuring uptime and scalability across campus.

As institutions continue to modernize their learning environments, many are turning to software-based platforms that offer long-term scalability and flexibility. These platforms can unify audio, video, and control across multiple learning spaces while supporting future technology needs. For example, universities working with Q-SYS have implemented scalable solutions that enhance both the teaching and learning experience.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: John Razes, Vice President of Technical Services at Mersive Technologies

The higher education classroom is rapidly evolving, driven by the need for scalable, integrated technology that empowers educators and engages students. There are several trends that we are seeing on the front lines of the industry. The first is a shift towards platforms that offer scalability across entire campuses rather than isolated solutions for individual rooms. This is crucial as universities prioritize networked solutions that provide a consistent experience in varied learning environments. Mersive’s approach, particularly with our Solstice platform, exemplifies this trend. Not only is it scalable, integrating seamlessly with existing university networks, but AV/IT teams can also easily deploy it via cloud to numerous spaces.

Another trend is meeting higher education budgets where they are. Many collaboration solutions force educational facilities into a subscription model that doesn’t jibe with higher education’s unique budget requirements and cycles. Mersive’s Perpetual Upgrade Plan is designed—and exclusively available to—higher education, allowing institutions to make a one-time purchase that includes lifetime support and updates, sidestepping the financial challenges faced by educational institutions. This model not only optimizes budget allocations but also eliminates the hassle of annual renewals, ensuring that universities always have access to the latest technology without recurring costs. Stretching budgets even further, Mersive’s software-led approach extends the life cycle of AV deployments.

Finally, we are seeing increased adoption of technology-enabled active learning (TEAL), which creates more engaging experiences and collaboration for facilitators and students. Solstice Active Learning provides video and audio routing for multi-screen environments that is quick to deploy and easy for facilitators to use. The solution doesn’t require custom programming, a matrix switcher, or additional expensive hardware.

By focusing on scalable, software-led AV solutions with flexible pricing models and powerful add-ons like active learning, Mersive is helping to redefine the higher education classroom, making it more affordable, collaborative, and adaptable to the evolving needs of students and educators.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

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

We anticipate that several main AV trends in higher education will continue shaping classroom environments to bring lessons and lectures to life, enhancing student engagement.

The first growing trend we have identified is the adoption of active learning spaces. We see higher education institutions transitioning from traditional lecture formats to active AV learning environments that promote collaboration and interaction. Features can include rotating seats and tables—enabling students to face peers for team-based activities and fostering a more dynamic and engaging learning experience.

The second trend is the integration of advanced AV technologies. Modern classrooms are increasingly incorporating high-definition projectors, interactive whiteboards, and integrated audio systems to create immersive educational environments. We believe that this AV technology trend facilitates clearer communication and more engaging presentations, catering to diverse learning styles and improving overall comprehension.

The third trend is an emphasis on flexible and collaborative furniture design. We foresee a growing focus on evolving AV technology integrating with classroom layouts that support flexibility and collaboration. Furniture that can be easily reconfigured allows for seamless transitions between different teaching methods, accommodating both group work and traditional lectures. This adaptability enhances student engagement by supporting various instructional strategies.

Advanced presentation technology, interactive whiteboards, and integrated audio systems can manage lighting, shading, security, and HVAC systems across campuses—all synced to a single, cohesive control system. By integrating these innovative technologies and design principles, higher education institutions can transform their classrooms into dynamic AV spaces that bring lessons and lectures to life, ultimately enriching the student learning experience.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Joe DaSilva, Vice President of Marketing at Extron

Today’s tech-savvy generation is driving the transformation of higher-education learning spaces that foster engagement and collaboration. Traditional lecture-based teaching methods have given way to interactive, multimedia-driven learning experiences. At the heart of this transformation is advanced AV technology.

Extron technologies help facilitate this evolution. Extron video wall processors enable dynamic, high-resolution content displays that capture students’ attention and promote visual learning. Whether displaying intricate scientific simulations or collaborative dashboards, these processors facilitate immersive educational experiences. Paired with powerful transmitters, receivers, and distribution amplifiers, educators can ensure high-quality content delivery to multiple displays across the classroom or campus.

USB integration technologies enhance flexibility by enabling seamless connectivity between laptops, cameras, and document cameras. This fosters a collaborative environment where instructors and students can effortlessly share content using wireless presentation systems like Extron ShareLink Pro. On the control and automation side, control processors provide centralized management of AV systems, simplifying the user experience and minimizing disruptions during lectures. Motion sensors can detect presence in a room and even prepare the room by turning on lights, adjusting shades, and environmental controls.

Audio quality also plays a critical role in engagement. Amplifiers and speakers designed for classroom environments ensure clear, evenly distributed sound, making it easier for students to stay focused and absorb information. These voice reinforcement systems are especially valuable in hybrid learning setups, where both in-room and remote participants must experience consistent audio quality.

By investing in powerful AV technologies, higher-education institutions can stay competitive with engaging learning spaces. These systems empower educators to deliver rich, interactive content that enhances student outcomes. In the rapidly changing educational landscape, embracing innovation will be key to attracting a diverse and talented student body.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Greg Dieckhaus, Sales and Account Manager, Southeast U.S. at Datapath

Digital signage offers immediate and effective benefits for both students and tutors on college and university campuses.

With displays across the facility, including reception, corridors, libraries, rest and relaxation spaces, and, of course, lecture halls, students can have instant visual access to a wealth of information from a wide range of media.

The numerous displays can be in the form of traditional single panels or, for maximum impact over longer distances, large-scale video walls. From faculty wayfinding to news feeds, and sports results to timetables, displays can provide a wealth of information—the key ingredients are processing power and simplified software management to enable the chosen content to be flexible as needed.

Content managers (usually within the IT department) require technology that makes switching of the source media as easy as possible. An easy-to-understand software interface, which can work alongside other Windows applications, is fast and effective and avoids the need to switch or move between different technologies.

For added convenience, this software should be capable of creating and storing instant templates for particular content when required, such as multiple sports events or team selections.

Signage can also be used to great effect in emergency situations, with technology that can instantly switch to a certain set of protocols or messages when needed.

Datapath hardware and software, for example, can use application protocol interfaces (APIs) and node red technology to work with third-party hardware, instantly controlling lighting, AC, access, and, of course, messaging in the event of a fire or some other emergency situation.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: John Hulen, Director of Channel Marketing, Education at Crestron

Simple connectivity, a repeatable user experience, and increasing engagement are among the most impactful developments in the higher education classroom.

One important trend in the higher ed classroom is the widespread adoption of wireless presentation solutions like Crestron’s AirMedia technology. These solutions have evolved to simplify connectivity for faculty and students compared to wired options requiring different cable adapters or dongles, which can be unreliable or easily lost. Wireless presentation solutions can facilitate engagement by allowing up to four participants to share content simultaneously.

Eliminating complex programming requirements for AV technology and moving towards configurable user interfaces is another evolving trend. With Crestron’s .AV Framework capabilities, systems can have a uniform look and feel across the entire campus by simply connecting a device and configuring what will be shown on a touch screen. Depending on the hardware used in the classroom, control processors might not be required.

One form of technology facilitating better engagement includes using multiple cameras to capture the classroom experience for hybrid learning or lecture capture. Microsoft Teams and Zoom conferencing programs allow for multiple camera streams. Cameras with presenter tracking can follow the professor as she walks back and forth at the front of the room, but a camera framing the in-person students, which can zoom in when a student asks a question, increases engagement for remote students.

Using Visual AI, Crestron’s Automate VX chooses between different cameras to reframe a speaker to accommodate the direction he is facing. With the Intelligent Video Room Designer software, visualizing how the room will operate puts the control in the hands of the system engineer or technical end users based on specific preferences. Group framing, conversation mode, presenter tracking, and other methods help increase participation, no matter where students are when joining the class.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Steve Bogart, Business Development Manager of Education at Atlona

Higher education classrooms are evolving to be more flexible, interactive, and student-centered. Hybrid and HyFlex learning models allow students to choose between in-person and online participation, offering greater accessibility and convenience. Traditional lecture-based teaching is being replaced by active learning strategies such as flipped classrooms, collaborative problem solving, and project-based learning—all of which enhance engagement and knowledge retention. With that often comes the need to support more AV and USB sources in the room, including connectivity to 4K cameras, conferencing bars, microphones, speakers, and other peripherals.

Gamification and immersive learning tools such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming education by creating hands-on, interactive experiences, particularly in fields like medical training, engineering, and history. Learning analytics and predictive modeling help educators track student performance, offering insights that allow for personalized interventions and improved learning outcomes. Additionally, there is a growing focus on soft skills, interdisciplinary education, and micro credentials, enabling students to acquire industry-relevant expertise alongside their degrees.

To facilitate engagement, institutions are adopting learning management systems like Canvas and Blackboard, AI tutoring assistants, and collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Digital whiteboards, annotation tools, and polling platforms like Kahoot and Poll Everywhere encourage active participation. Immersive technologies, including VR headsets and AR applications, bring complex concepts to life through interactive simulations. Video switching solutions, such as hardware-based switchers and software platforms like OBS Studio and Atlona, enhance the hybrid learning experience by seamlessly managing multiple video sources, ensuring high-quality content delivery for both in-person and remote students. These advancements are collectively reshaping higher education, making learning more engaging, data-driven, and adaptable to modern students' needs.

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Stephane Tremblay, President of the SDVoE Alliance

Higher education is in the midst of a technological renaissance, driven by the need for more adaptable, engaging, and future-ready learning environments. As higher education facilities embrace hybrid and flexible learning models, campuses are evolving beyond the traditional lecture hall by integrating classrooms, laboratories, esports arenas, and collaborative spaces with audiovisual technology designed to support diverse approaches and enhance student engagement.

As a result, technology managers are tasked with creating scalable, future-proof solutions that accommodate everything from real-time lectures to digital media production. One of the most notable trends shaping this new era is the rise of esports. Once a niche extracurricular activity, esports has become a strategic investment for many universities, where purpose-built arenas and training facilities have become recruitment tools and community hubs. Institutions such as Harrisburg University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have led the way, leveraging robust AV infrastructures to support their esports programs.

The SDVoE Alliance’s Power of 10 initiative directly supports higher education environments with benefits such as zero latency for real-time interaction, uncompressed 4K60 video for immersive visuals, and InstaSwitch for seamless transitions—ideal for classrooms, esports training, and control centers. These features enable institutions to provide pristine video and audio performance with ultra-fast switching that supports everything from high-stakes competitions to interactive coursework.

An example of the Power of 10 in action is Hongkuang University in Taiwan, where the Department of Game Development and Application trains students in digital media and gaming with a complete API-controlled AV system. Their esports training facilities demonstrate how advanced AV and control systems can enhance educational outcomes and the student experience. As higher education facilities continue to evolve, SDVoE provides the performance, versatility, and future-proof infrastructure needed to support engaging learning experiences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AVT Question: Please share your insights into emerging trends and how AV/IT technologies are reshaping the higher education classroom and beyond.

Thought Leader: Dana Corey, General Manager of Global Sales at Avocor

Higher education students are becoming digital natives, which is driving a growing need for classroom technology to evolve. This growth is facilitating new and engaging learning environments, which are in turn transforming classrooms into collaborative learning hubs. Whether the technologies are interactive displays, audio equipment, or other peripherals, collectively they can create a cohesive ecosystem that supports this trend.

The adoption of interactive learning techniques in higher education classrooms, such as group discussions and brainstorming, has resulted in an increased reliance on interactive displays. Interactive displays not only boast touch-point capabilities for seamless collaboration and brainstorming sessions, but they also maximize the effect of interactive educational content such as videos, games, quizzes, and presentations. Having multimedia readily available on an interactive display creates multiple benefits, such as higher student engagement levels, the ability to personalize experiences and content for different learning styles, and data collection for valuable teacher insights.

Furthermore, the interactive display serves as an inclusivity tool, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to access educational resources and creating digital equity in the classroom. Inclusivity is also enhanced via the interactive display through accessibility features such as magnification and closed captions in virtual settings, removing barriers to learning and creating equal opportunities for all.

At Avocor, we recognize these growing trends and the need for the higher education classroom to evolve in a cohesive way. To meet these ever-changing demands, we have introduced the interactive A Series display. Equipped with a detachable 4K camera for hybrid learning environments and seamless integration with familiar educational tools, the A Series enhances the classroom experience for both students and staff.