On AVoX: Samsung

Chris Mertens, Vice President of US Sales, B2B Displays at Samsung Electronics America
(Image credit: Future)

AVT Question: Please share insight into the current state of networked AV and control; what you see as barriers to entry; and what advice can you offer on how AV/IT managers can overcome limited resources or a lack of buy-in.

Thought Leader: Chris Mertens, Vice President of US Sales, B2B Displays at Samsung Electronics America

It’s not uncommon for AV equipment to show its limitations before end-of-life. Users can begin to experience usability challenges that impede operations and the desired returns on investment.  

Consider the total cost of ownership of new solutions, including initial purchases and projected costs over time." — Chris Mertens, Vice President of US Sales, B2B Displays at Samsung Electronics America

At the Stevens Institute of Technology, its multimedia services team had invested in digital whiteboards to connect in-person and remote students for hybrid learning. But in addition to being expensive, the whiteboards required intensive setup and back-end infrastructure. Professors became frustrated by a significant lag time when writing on the boards, which disrupted the pace of learning.

Stevens’ multimedia team evaluated interactive displays as a more optimal solution. The displays were easy to set up and use, and were affordable. Importantly, they came with built-in videoconferencing and a responsive, realistic writing experience—which were critical to the hybrid classroom. Instead of being frustrated with technology, teachers and students now enjoy more immersive, collaborative learning. Seeing these successes, Stevens’ multimedia team is planning to install interactive displays across its entire campus.

Stevens’ story offers several takeaways for AV/IT managers who are considering updates to existing equipment:

First, develop a detailed plan, including installations and a budget for hardware and software. Consider the total cost of ownership of new solutions, including initial purchases and projected costs over time. Second, involve end users in the purchasing discussions. Listen to their ideas and concerns, and check in regularly following deployment. Ensure that you’re providing proper training and ongoing support for their success. And third, have strategic measures of success, including quantitative benefits like anticipated cost savings. Consider qualitative goals, such as how Stevens’ leaders wanted to raise productivity and improve engagement in a new hybrid learning environment. 

By planning with budget, total cost of ownership, and targeted outcomes in mind, you can make smarter IT decisions and demonstrate the value of new investments.

AV Technology's Thought Leader Series on AVoX

Check out what other industry thought leaders have to say about the state of networked AV. A full list with links can be found at the bottom of the On AVoX, the Intro Article

Cindy Davis
Brand and content director of AV Technology

Cindy Davis is the brand and content director of AV Technology. Davis enjoys exploring the ethos of experiential spaces as well as diving deep into the complex topics that shape the AV/IT industry. In 2012, the TechDecisions brand of content sites she developed for EH Publishing was named one of “10 Great Business Media Websites” by B2B Media Business magazine. For more than 20 years, Davis has developed and delivered multiplatform content for AV/IT B2B and consumer electronics B2C publications, associations, and companies. From 2000 to 2008, Davis was the publisher and editor-in-chief of Electronic House. From 2009 to present, as the principal of CustomMedia.Co, Davis developed content plans and delivered content for associations such as IEEE Standards Association and AVIXA, content marketing for Future Plc, and numerous AV/IT companies. Davis was a critical member of the AVT editorial team when the title won the “Best Media Brand” laurel in the 2018 SIIA Jesse H. Neal Awards. A lifelong New Englander, Davis makes time for coastal hikes with her husband, Gary, and their Vizsla rescue, Dixie, sailing on one of Gloucester’s great schooners, and sampling local IPAs.