AV News August 2025

August 2025

In this Issue

Hospitality: is AV the key to recovery?

Midwich Group announces “compressed margins”

Glastonbury’s Dragonfly Stage

AV News Awards 2026 Breaks Tradition at ISE

Donal Murphy, Chief Executive, DCC Group commented: “The divestment of Info Tech in the UK and Ireland is a further material step in simplifying our Group and focusing on our high growth, high return, energy business.”

DCC sells off Info Tech business

DCC plc has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of DCC Technology’s Info Tech business (‘the Business’) in the UK and Ireland to AURELIUS, a globally active private equity investor (the ‘Transaction’). The Transaction values the Business at a total enterprise value of c.£100 million on a cash-free, debt-free and normalised working capital basis. In the year ending 31 March 2025, the Business recorded revenue of £2 billion and represented approximately 1% of DCC’s continuing operating profit.

The net cash proceeds to DCC of the Transaction are not material, reflecting the working capital seasonality, and the supply chain financing (£156 million as of 31 March 2025) associated with the Business. DCC also retains freehold title of our UK national distribution centre in Burnley, England. The Transaction is subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of this calendar year.

The remainder of DCC Technology, our Pro Tech business, is principally based in North America, with a smaller growth platform in Europe. DCC Technology is the largest specialist professional AV distributor globally and has a complementary position in high-quality Life Tech products in North America. Donal Murphy, Chief Executive, commented: “The divestment of Info Tech in the UK and Ireland is a further material step in simplifying our Group and focusing on our high growth, high return, energy business. It follows the sale of DCC Healthcare announced in April 2025. We have made huge strategic progress this year. We are confident that

AURELIUS will be a strong partner for our UK and Ireland Info Tech business, driving further operational and financial improvement. This transaction also represents a positive move for our team, providing new opportunities for growth, development, and long-term success.”

Telenor IoT whitepaper guiding businesses through connectivity

Telenor IoT, together with Analysys Mason has released an updated version of the comprehensive guide, ‘Connectivity technologies for IoT’. This new edition provides businesses with an essential, up-to-date overview of today’s rapidly evolving IoT connectivity landscape, including the latest technological advancements and market developments. As older 2G and 3G networks are phased out globally and new innovations emerge, businesses face increasing complexity in selecting the most reliable and future-proof connectivity solutions. This guide serves as an indispensable resource for companies currently utilizing IoT, as well as those planning or evaluating new projects, particularly in sectors like logistics, manufacturing, utilities, and transportation where consistent connectivity is critical.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the updated guide leverages data from industry experts Analysys Mason and Telenor IoT to evaluate key cellular IoT technologies, both established and new. It offers a straightforward analysis of 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), assessing each based on critical factors such as coverage, latency, energy efficiency, and global availability.

Key takeaways from the updated whitepaper include:

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•The Enduring Reliability and Longevity of 4G Networks: 4G is the most adopted and globally accessible IoT connectivity option today and likely to remain so in the upcoming decade, providing robust coverage and performance for a wide range of IoT applications.

•Measured Expectations for 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap):

While 5G RedCap is positioned to bridge the gap between low-power and high-performance IoT use cases, its broad adoption depends on the rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) networks, which is still in its early stages. Wider availability is anticipated closer to the end of this decade.

•Cautious Optimism Around Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): Satellite-based IoT can extend coverage to remote areas by connecting devices directly via satellite. Some solutions reuse 4G spectrum through operator partnerships, while others use NB-IoT over dedicated satellite bands. However, regulatory approvals, spectrum allocation, and technical maturity suggest a phased, incremental adoption.

“In an increasingly connected world, making informed decisions about IoT connectivity is more critical than ever,” says Martin Whitlock, CTO at Telenor IoT. “This updated whitepaper helps businesses to navigate the complexities of current and emerging technologies, ensuring their IoT strategies are aligned with realistic market developments and built for long-term success.”

To download the full guide “Connectivity Technologies for IoT” and gain critical insights into IoT connectivity strategy, please visit https://iot.telenor.com/iot-insights/ connectivity-technologies-for-iot/.

The Business Digital Index (BDI) evaluates cybersecurity postures

The Business Digital Index (BDI), created by Cybernews, evaluates the cybersecurity postures of 75 European Union government institutions and found that 67% received a D or F rating — placing them in high-risk or critical-risk categories. The BDI also revealed that every institution in the study had experienced at least one data breach. Email spoofing vulnerabilities were found across all C-rated institutions and in 96% of D- and F-rated ones. In addition, 46% of F-rated institutions had suffered a recent breach, and 85% of employees in the lowest-rated organisations were reusing passwords that had already been exposed in previous leaks — a major red flag for security hygiene.

Key research takeaways include:

•The average cybersecurity score across EU governmental institutions was 71/100, classifying them as high-risk based on BDI methodology.

•67% of EU governmental institutions received a D or F score. 32% received a D score, and 35% received an F, while 33% were rated C. No institutions scored A or B.

•All 75 evaluated institutions had experienced at least one data breach, and 46% of F-rated organisations had suffered recent data breaches.

•85% of employees in F-rated institutions reused breached passwords, while the figure stood at 71% for D-rated and 8% for C-rated organizations.

•SSL/TLS configuration issues were present in 100% of F- and C-rated institutions, and 92% of D-rated ones — leaving systems open to data interception and manin-the-middle attacks.

•System hosting vulnerabilities affected 92% of D- and F-rated institutions and all C-rated ones, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.

•96% of D- and F-rated organizations had domains vulnerable to email spoofing, compared to 100% of C-rated institutions.

•Exposed corporate credentials were found in 96% of F-rated and 83% of D-rated institutions, but only 12% of C-rated ones.

For this study, The Business Digital Index researchers analysed 75 European Union government institutions. The report evaluates cybersecurity risk across seven key dimensions: software patching, web application security, email protection, system reputation, hosting infrastructure, SSL/TLS configuration, and data breach history.

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AV News Awards ramps up!

The AV News Awards returns in 2026 with one of the most significant evolutions in its history. Long recognised as a fixture of the ISE programme, the event steps away from its traditional breakfast format and embraces a bold new afternoon setting, shaped around industry networking and direct engagement.

Taking place on Tuesday 3 February 2026, the opening day of ISE, the event will be hosted in Garden F—an outdoor networking space located within the Fira Gran Via venue—from 14:00 to 16:00. This change marks a deliberate response to how the AV industry now gathers, communicates and celebrates achievement.

The new format introduces a standing reception, replacing seated formalities with an environment designed to foster connection and conversation among industry leaders, media, and professionals. With a focus on accessibility and interaction, the updated structure reflects the pace and priorities of the modern AV sector.

The 2026 programme will open with an exciting keynote address at 14:15, followed by the awards ceremony at 14:30, and a networking reception with drinks and light hospitality from 15:00. The aim is to deliver a focused, high-value experience—recognising excellence while enabling meaningful dialogue.

Nominations opened on 1 August.2025. The Awards honour outstanding achievements across various cat-

egories, including AV technology, industry, products, projects, and services. They showcase marks the industry’s-leading companies and professionals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of audiovisual solutions and services.

Tickets to attend the event will also go live on 1 August, with high demand anticipated due to limited capacity in the venue.

The 2026 edition will also be supported by a distinguished line-up of sponsors, representing some of the most innovative and influential organisations in the AV industry—further enhancing the prestige and reach of the event.

This marks not a break from tradition, but a strategic evolution that enhances the Awards’ role in the industry. By embracing the pace and atmosphere of ISE, the 2026 edition delivers a format that is more timely, more engaging, and more closely aligned with the way the AV community connects and celebrates today.

Further updates, including nomination guidance, keynote announcements, sponsor profiles, and ticketing links, will be available at:avnewsonline.com

Blue Touch Paper and IAdea combine for digital signage preview on MDEP

Blue Touch Paper has announced a new collaboration with IAdea to accelerate the commercial and Go to Market programs for Microsoft’s Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) hardware vendors, as part of the digital signage preview. Microsoft first revealed the signage preview at InfoComm 2025, positioning it as a secure, scalable platform that plugs straight into Microsoft Intune, Azure AD and Defender for Endpoint, giving IT teams the same management and security posture they already enjoy with Teams-certified devices. The preview is being refined in partnership with IAdea, Appspace and Planon and is now in a demo-and-validation phase with selected enterprise clients. Jon Sidwick, Co-Founder at Blue Touch Paper says: “MDEP brings the security and manageability of Microsoft to Android-based signage. IAdea makes it buildable, Blue Touch Paper makes it bankable. That one-two punch lets OEMs focus on innovation while partners focus on sales.”

Within the collaboration, IAdea will mentor and certify third-party hardware vendors through its new MDEP Accelerator Program, providing reference designs, system-on-modules and fast-track testing to reduce timeto-market for compliant media players and smart displays. Blue Touch Paper will translate those engineered devices into revenue, crafting offer structure, channel strategy and partner enablement that turn MDEP’s technical leap into sustainable growth for vendors and resellers.

Jane Hammersley, Co-Founder at Blue Touch Paper comments: “Signage is often the missing link between a company’s digital workplace strategy and the physical spaces where people actually move. Our job is to translate that technology and promise of communication efficiencies into channel revenue by crafting the offer, activating the sales motion and lighting the fuse for sustained growth.” John C. Wang, IAdea CEO, added: “With over 20 years of engineering Android-based media players, IAdea sees MDEP as a game-changer for enterprise devices. Blue Touch Paper’s channel expertise ensures those advantages land with maximum impact.”

trategic consultancy Blue Touch Paper has announced a new workplace-experience specialist, to accelerate the commercial system Platform (MDEP) hardware vendors as part of the digital

Midwich Group posts pre-close Trading Statement

Midwich Group plc (AIM: MIDW) has provided a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (“H1 2025”). Outlook for the full year remains in line with the Board’s previously revised expectations. Revenue for H1 2025 is expected to be approximately £620 million, representing a decrease of approximately £28 million (4.3%) versus H1 2024*. Revenue on a constant currency basis reduced by 2.7% (excluding approximately £11m of currency translation headwinds) whilst organic revenue on a constant currency basis was approximately 3.5% below H1 2024.

Whilst global market conditions remain challenging, we were pleased to see a return to growth in the UK & Ireland (“UK&I”) which grew approximately 5% versus H1 2024, as a result of new vendor launches and market share gains. UK&I represents approximately 40% of Group revenue. Revenue in EMEA, which reduced by approximately 7.3% vs H1 2024 on a constant currency basis, was impacted by significant softness in the German corporate end user market and, particularly, major delays to purchase decisions in education ahead of new federal funding being made available later in 2025. Outside of Germany (which represents around one third contribution for the EMEA region), the Group saw revenue growth of approximately 3% in the rest of EMEA, reflecting stronger demand for more technical, higher margin, product categories.

Midwich’s North American business saw revenues de-

collaboration with IAdea, the enterprise-grade signage and commercial and Go To Market programs for Microsoft’s Device Ecodigital signage preview.

The Board continues to assume general macroeconomic conditions will remain challenging for the remainder of 2025. Despite this general backdrop, the Group has a strong pipeline of opportunities and productivity initiatives which, when combined with a continued focus on driving further overheads efficiencies and maintaining prudent cash management, the Board’s full year expectations remain in line with its previously revised expectations. As previously disclosed, the Board continues to expect trading for the current year to have a higher weighting to the second half than prior years.

cline approximately 8.5% on a constant currency basis, resulting from tariff uncertainty and the planned transition to new technical vendors. As trade negotiations are finalised, and new vendors come on stream, we expect to see this region return to growth and deliver strong profitability over the medium term. Overall, the Group delivered a robust gross margin of approximately 17.7% (H1 2024: 18.0%*), which reflected the continued added value delivered by the Group and the focus on higher margin technical product categories. Adjusted EBIT was approximately £15.4 million in the period, a reduction of 29% versus H1 2024 on constant currency basis. The Adjusted EBIT margin was approximately 2.5% of sales (H1 2024: 3.4%), reflecting the decline in revenue and the Group’s operational leverage. Adjusted profit before tax for H1 2025 is expected to be around £9.5 million (H1 2024: £17.2 million).

Cash generation in H1 2025 was in line with the Board’s expectations. Adjusted net debt** increased by approximately £17 million from the prior year end to £148 million, as a result of deferred acquisition payments and normal working capital seasonality. Cost reduction actions taken in the period will result in a oneoff cash cost of approximately £2m. At 2.6x adjusted net debt compared to adjusted EBITDA*** at the period end, leverage is expected to reduce to approximately 2.2x by the year end and remains comfortably within the Group’s covenants.

Stephen Fenby, Group Managing Director, commented: “The first half of 2025 has been challenging for our industry, with education and corporate spend suppressed due to several factors such as high government debt, low or negative GDP growth and tariff uncertainty. As a result, we have seen reduced demand and price erosion of mainstream products which has contributed to compressed net margins, however our higher margin technical product categories, which represent approximately two thirds of H1 sales, continue to be more resilient. Despite the challenging macro backdrop, the Group has been proactive with its initiatives to drive improved future performance including developing new vendor and customer relationships, building new revenue streams and pursuing operating and cost saving efficiencies. These include exploring opportunities around implementing AI solutions designed to improve the efficiency of the business. Midwich remains a leading player in a large industry, and we continue to maintain or grow market share in key profitable regions, with a focus on delivering the best service to our customers and vendors. There is no doubt that the first half of 2025 has been tough, and I recognise that the additional workload on my colleagues is significant. I, along with the Board, would like to thank them for their continued efforts. The initiatives and actions taken to expand our reach and improve performance means we continue to look forward with confidence.”

Midwich will announce its half year results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 on 9 September 2025.

Notes

*Prior year restated throughout this statement to reflect reclassifications following to the adoption of new accounting standards. These include amendments to IAS 1 presentation of financial statements, IFRS 16 leases, IAS 7 statement of cash flows, and IFRS 7 financial instruments: disclosures. Comparative financial results have been restated as if these changes had always been adopted. The changes are reclassifications that do not alter the net financial performance or position previously reported.

**Adjusted net debt is borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and excludes lease liabilities

*** Adjusted EBITDA operating profit before acquisition costs, exceptional items, share based payments and associated employer taxes, depreciation, amortisation, and impairments and, for leverage purposes, includes a proforma twelve-month contribution from acquisitions.

Scala opens dedicated showroom in London

Digital signage and integrated solutions specialist, Scala, officially opened its new 142 m2 showroom in Central London, UK. Located just a short walk from Angel underground station, the showroom will serve as a dynamic hub for technology demonstrations, partner meetings, and educational initiatives all supporting Scala’s presence in the UK and across the wider European market. The Scala London showroom was officially opened on the evening of the 9th of July with a party attended by key integration partners. “Scala technology can be found across London; in iconic landmarks as well as transport hubs, banks and high-end retailers, so it feels fitting and tremendous to be opening a dedicated showroom in the capital,” said Harry Horn, General Manager EMEA, Scala. “This is a dedicated space where we can share our latest solutions and collaborate with our partners as we work together to create top customer service experiences. We hope that the hands-on interaction offered by the showroom will inspire clients and partners to consider how technology can be used creatively, efficiently and effectively across a variety of sectors to better serve customers and grow revenues.”

In addition to displaying a variety of screen formats and Scala media players, the showroom features a variety of Scala solutions including:

•Digital Menu Boards - Scala’s digital menu boards support structured, programmatic content to deliver interactive, personalized digital experiences based on business data and customer context

•Lift and Learn – Scala’s assisted selling solution to promote product discovery and comparison to drive sales

•Gondola and End Cap Solutions - Integrated into existing shelving, Scala’s multi-screen solution creates a personalized shopping experience to gain shopper insight and create upsell opportunities.

•Pick and Play - Using large-format screens as well as QR code functionality this solution gives customers truly personalized experiences.

•Sentient Signage - Executed over a variety of screen formats, customer movements and gestures, trigger relevant promotional messaging.

Analytic sensor solutions from Scala’s sister company Walkbase, will be available in the showroom within the coming weeks as will a demonstration version of the recently announced hospitality solution Scala Quintet. The London showroom is the latest in a series of dedicated experience spaces planned across Europe as part of Scala’s growth strategy for 2025 and beyond.

Exertis strengthens visual solutions with LED Studio partnership

Exertis has signed a strategic distribution agreement with UK owned and operated LED Studio, further expanding its display portfolio with a curated range of high-performance LED technologies. This new alliance reinforces Exertis’ commitment to delivering innovative, energy-efficient visual solutions across the UK and Europe, supporting its growing network of AV and digital signage partners with locally available, premium-grade LED displays. Jamie Brothwell, Managing Director of Exertis Business, commented: “We’re delighted to wel-

Digital signage and integrated solutions specialist, Scala, officially UK. Located just a short walk from Angel underground station.

officially opened its new 142 m2 showroom in Central London, station.

come LED Studio into our portfolio as our LED display partner. Their focus on innovation, energy efficiency, and quality manufacturing aligns perfectly with our values and ambitions. We’re excited about what this means for our business and, crucially, for our reseller partners across Europe.”

A key driver behind this partnership is LED Studio’s focus on simplifying the complexity traditionally associated with LED display technologies. Through intelligent product design, fewer components, and a modular architecture that aligns with common aspect ratios, LED Studio makes it faster and easier for channel partners to specify, install and support LED solutions, without the need for extensive specialist knowledge. The partnership also supports the growing demand for sustainable technology in the AV sector. LED Studio’s solutions are designed with energy efficiency at their core, empowering end users with lower power consumption displays that reduce operational costs and carbon footprint. As energy prices rise and sustainability targets tighten, these technologies provide a compelling alternative to traditional LCD systems, without compromising on

brightness, reliability or visual impact. Through this partnership, Exertis will offer a selection of LED Studio’s flagship technologies designed for simplified deployment, exceptional image performance, and long-term sustainability, ideal for today’s fast-paced and environmentally conscious commercial environments. Paul Bromley, Director of Channel Sales & Partnerships for LED Studio, added: “This partnership is all about scale and service. By combining our cutting-edge LED solutions with Exertis’ reach and reputation, we’re giving the channel a powerful new proposition of high-performance products, backed by local availability, expert support and the confidence of a UK owned and operated manufacturer who truly understands the market.”

To bring the partnership to life, The LED Studio and Exertis will be running a series of joint launch events at The LED Studio’s UK headquarters, starting this summer. These sessions will give channel partners and consultants the opportunity to see the technology in action, meet the teams behind the partnership, and explore how this new collaboration can unlock commercial and creative opportunities across the region.

Christie Pandoras Box product line acquired by German team

Christie Digital Systems Germany GmbH has announced that it has signed a letter of intent to negotiate a binding agreement for the sale of its Pandoras Box product line, which includes media servers, software, accessories as well as Widget Designer and AirScan, to Daniel Schäfer, one of the founders of coolux, consultant Daniel Kaminski, and long-time user Andre Maier. The transaction will allow the three individuals, who have an extensive understanding of the product line and the market, to continue to grow the award-winning Pandoras Box real-time rendering engine and control system solution.

Both parties are enthusiastic about the potential of this acquisition and are working toward finalizing a purchase agreement. “Our passion for Pandoras Box runs deep – more than 50 years combined. As a team, we bring knowledge and experience as end users, customers, consultants, and in technical operations. We’re eager to explore and expand its capabilities, providing the best real-time rendering engine and control system on the market for our customers,” says Schäfer. Michael Phipps, president and COO of Christie, adds: “Pandoras Box users worldwide will benefit greatly from these three individuals’ ingenuity and expertise in software and hardware design and operations. I’m pleased with our strategic decision to sell the product line to this dedicated team.” The impending purchase agreement will allow Christie to streamline and re-focus on its core strengths, driving innovation and growth in its primary markets.

PlexusAV chooses AVIT VISION as distributor

in Spain and Portugal

PlexusAV, the professional AV division of Sencore, and providers of a suite of human-focused AV-over-IP solutions, has announced that they have signed a distribution agreement with AVIT Vision AVIT VISION for distribution of the PlexusAV range across Spain and Portugal. Steven Cogels, Global Director of Business Development at PlexusAV, confirmed, “We are beyond excited to have signed AVIT VISION as our distributor for Spain and Portugal. AVIT VISION has an amazing array of products and brands, backed up by stellar tech support and a deep knowledge of the AV Industry. We couldn’t have wished for a better partner in region.”

Manu Barazal Sanjuan, Chief Executive Officer at AVIT VISION stated: “The open standards and interoperability features that IPMX brings to the table are groundbreaking for AV. At AVIT VISION, we believe that the adoption of IPMX will change how the whole industry views AV. We are especially excited about the ability of IPMX to handle both compressed and uncompressed signals, regardless of the format. Features like bandwidth monitoring and endpoint health checks, as seen in the PlexusAV Visual Array, already provide just a small glimpse into the future. We are very excited to have signed such a forward-thinking brand to add to our stable of brands here at AVIT VISION.” The innovative PlexusAV products have now been added to the catalogue of solutions offered by Spanish distributor AVIT VISION and are available to all its customers.

L-Acoustics advances audio industry sustainability

L-Acoustics has announced a strategic investment in French-based MagREEsource. It has also established exclusive partner rights in the professional audio industry for sustainable and sovereign, European-based rare earth magnets critical to loudspeaker manufacturing. This forward-looking partnership introduces a breakthrough circular economy model for the professional audio industry through innovative magnet recycling and

manufacturing technology. By investing in MagREEsource, L-Acoustics is supporting a start-up partner that will allow the loudspeaker manufacturer to significantly reduce its environmental footprint while diversifying its supply sources for neodymium magnets essential to loudspeaker manufacturing. This strategic move demonstrates L-Acoustics’ commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing supply chain resilience.

For L-Acoustics, this collaboration represents a transformative approach to sustainable manufacturing in the audio industry. The proprietary recycling technology of MagREEsource enables 100% recovery of neodymium magnets from various sources, including loudspeakers, electric vehicle engines, and wind turbines generators, transforming them into high-performance magnets made with 100% recycled material. This circular process drastically reduces the environmental impact compared to traditional magnet production methods. “The strategic investment and partnership with MagREEsource represent a significant advancement in our sustainability journey,” said Hervé Guillaume, CEO at L-Acoustics Group. “By securing exclusive access to this revolutionary technology for the professional audio sector, we are not only reducing our environmental foot-

“By adding Jabra to our leading vendor portfolio, we’re empowering headsets, video conferencing, and intelligent communication devices said Jamie Brothwell, Managing Director – Exertis Business.

print but also strengthening our supply chain resilience and delivering on our commitment to responsible innovation. We’re proud to support a promising startup whose breakthrough technology has the potential to transform sustainability practices across multiple industries. The ability to recycle nearly 100% of magnet materials from diverse sources creates a true circular economy model that can benefit the audio sector and beyond.”

“This partnership with L-Acoustics represents a pivotal moment for MagREEsource,” said Erick Petit, President and Co-founder of MagREEsource. “Their strategic investment provides crucial resources that will accelerate our growth and technology development. This collaboration with a global industry leader validates our approach and opens potential opportunities for innovation in the professional audio sector. Together, with our circular ‘magnet-to-magnet’ model, we’re creating a sustainable and sovereign supply chain for rare earth magnets that addresses critical environmental and resource challenges while demonstrating how established companies and disruptive startups can partner to drive innovation with the process and to the final loudspeaker design and conception.”

The environmental benefits of this partnership are

substantial. A recycled magnet from MagREEsource produces 91% less carbon dioxide than traditionally manufactured magnets from newly extracted materials—just 6 kg of CO compared to 67.6 kg for conventional manufactured magnets. Additionally, the recycling process uses 86% less water, saving approximately 1,187 litters per kilogram of magnet produced. The new partnership opens possibilities for future recycling initiatives within L-Acoustics’ ecosystem. Potential opportunities include exploring end-of-life magnet collection hubs and integration of new designs using recycled magnetic materials in future product development. These forward-looking approaches align with L-Acoustics’ sustainability vision and could contribute to reducing industry dependence on newly extracted rare earth elements.

The current pilot facility of MagREEsource in Noyarey, France, can process 80 tons of magnets annually, with plans to expand to a full-scale MagFactory by 2028 capable of producing 1,000 tons per year. This innovative approach has garnered significant support from European institutions and their future MagFactory project was awarded last month ‘European Strategic Project

Exertis joins forces with Jabra

Specialist distributor Exertis has announced a new strategic partnership with Jabra. Jabra’s professional headsets are designed for comfort and deliver superior sound quality. Each headset features advanced noise-cancellation technology to enhance collaboration and productivity. Jabra’s intelligent video conferencing solutions provide an immersive experience and offer flexibility to scale in every space.

This exciting launch marks a significant milestone in Exertis’s commitment to offering best-in-class technology to partners across the UK. “By adding Jabra to our leading vendor portfolio, we’re empowering our resellers with access to an innovative range of professional headsets, video conferencing, and intelligent communication devices that support the modern workplace and hybrid environments. Jabra perfectly complements our growing UC & AV portfolio. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing partners with premium products that meet the demands of a modern work force, enabling seamless communication and collaboration,” said Jamie Brothwell, Managing Director – Exertis Business. “Jabra’s cutting-edge solutions align perfectly with our goal to provide high-quality, trusted technology that delivers real value to our customers.” Exertis will be distributing Jabra’s products throughout UK & I. “We are delighted to partner with Exertis. Their expertise and commitment to providing premium technology solutions align perfectly with Jabra’s mission to empower customers to collaborate and drive productivity in today’s hybrid workplace,” said Nigel Dunn, Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA North at Jabra. “This partnership is an exciting step in expanding our reach and bringing innovative, world-class audio and video products to even more customers across the UK and Ireland.”

empowering our resellers with access to an innovative range of professional devices that support the modern workplace and hybrid environments;”

PPDS partners with leading Nordic TV and streaming provider Allente

PPDS has announced a new partnership with leading Nordic TV and streaming provider Allente, adding new premium entertainment services and experiences for local and international guests staying in hotel rooms with Philips MediaSuite TV in Scandinavia. Founded in 2020 as part of a merger between Canal Digital and Viasat Consumer, Allente – headquartered in Oslo and Stockholm – offers premium TV entertainment choices and streaming services via satellite and IPTV to one million customers in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Further demonstrating PPDS’ localised approach and commitment to supporting hoteliers in delivering personalised home-from-home TV entertainment experiences in all parts of the world, this latest international collaboration will provide guests with seamless and secure access to Allente’s new fully integrated hotel app. Configured for Philips MediaSuite TVs, and available exclusively in Scandinavia, hoteliers and their guests have a choice of flexible, competitively priced content packages to choose from. This ranges from curated premium channels to a full entertainment suite, with live sports, blockbuster movies, TV series, and other exclusive content available and accessible from a single convenient location. Bringing even more choice for hoteliers and their guests with Philips MediaSuite TVs, this collaboration sees Allente join the growing list of streaming partners, including Apple TV Plus, Disney+, Netflix, Canal+, and more. Philips MediaSuite is the world’s first dedicated hospitality TV to come Netflix ready and with Google Cast built in, allowing guests to take full control of their viewing experiences by accessing their preferred streaming accounts via their own personal devices.

Nils Brovold, Sales Manager Pro TV for Nordics at PPDS commented: “With Allente we are enhancing the hotel guest experience, making in-room entertainment as intuitive and enjoyable as home streaming. Guests can personalise their viewing experience with instant access to their favorite content.” Therese Mellin, B2B Director at Allente, added: “This partnership with PPDS for Philips hotel TVs allows us to bring our premium entertainment offering to more hotels, elevating the guest experience to new heights.”

Leyard opens new showroom in Eindhoven

Leyard Europe has announced the opening of a dedicated showroom for the Benelux region at Strijp-T in Eindhoven, marking a strategic relocation from its previous Antwerp location. The new facility, situated in a converted Philips factory, serves as a comprehensive hub where customers can experience Leyard’s state-ofthe-art LED display solutions in a relaxed, modern setting designed to showcase real-world applications. The innovative showroom design features five different Leyard LED display products positioned across five distinct environments, each with a different pixel pitch and each demonstrating specific use cases. This approach allows visitors to experience how Leyard’s LED technology integrates seamlessly into various professional settings, with a philosophy that centres on practical demonstration rather than traditional product display. Leyard’s NEV Series, with standard and high-brightness options available, is installed in a restaurant setting where it functions as a digital signage solution, displaying menu updates and daily specials. Leyard MGP Complete, a comprehensive video wall solution that includes LED cabinets, a video controller, cables, spare modules, and wall mounts all in one package, is positioned in the adjacent kitchen area, with plans to support a takeaway corner for sandwiches and drinks later this year. On the exterior of this area, and also serving as

PPDS has announced a new partnership with leading Nordic TV and services and experiences for local and international guests staying in

and streaming provider Allente, adding new premium entertainment in hotel rooms with Philips MediaSuite TV in Scandinavia.

the same fifth floor as the main boardroom.”

The move to Eindhoven provides significant operational advantages for the sales team, while the new location offers substantial improvements over the previous Antwerp facility, providing better accessibility and a more modern environment for client engagement. “I’m more than happy that we have a showroom now which is just 50 minutes from my house, so if there are any small issues, I can be on site quickly to help out,” van der Heiden says.

To celebrate the opening, Leyard organised an open day on at the beginning of June that attracted more than 40 companies, demonstrating strong industry interest in the new facility and its innovative LED screen installations. The launch event was enhanced by the presence of Leyard’s roadshow trailer, specially relocated from Prešov, Slovakia for the occasion. “When you open one side of the trailer, there are an additional eight different LED solutions inside,” van der Heiden explains. “It was a very nice, exciting day, and was a big hit with our customers.”

digital signage, is a Planar CarbonLight LED Display - a versatile line of carbon fibre LED displays designed for temporary and fixed installations.

One of the standout features is the huddle space installation, designed for informal meetings and presentations. This cosy area features a round couch arrangement and Leyard’s VDS Series, a fixed installation indoor solution with Chip-on-Board (COB) LED and protective surface treatment. This solution allows for intimate demonstrations, where Leyard representatives can present directly to visitors before guiding them through the other screen installations. The main boardroom on the fifth floor meanwhile features a Leyard All-in-One Touch LED Display – a full HD 108” LED display designed for seamless integration in modern, multi-use spaces.

The customer journey through the showroom is carefully orchestrated to maximise engagement, as Robin van der Heiden, Territory Head BNL at Leyard Europe, explains: “The main thing we are focusing on is making boardrooms smarter. After completing presentations in the huddle space, I can easily walk clients through the four other screen environments, concluding visits in the restaurant area where they can continue discussions over lunch or coffee,” he says. “During summer months, meetings can extend to the rooftop garden located on

The new showroom has received enthusiastic feedback from industry professionals. Robin Kalaykhan, Presales Consultant at Yielder, says: “The open house was a seamless experience, just like the LED displays themselves. The combination of innovative technology and the team’s in-depth expertise sets Leyard apart from the competition.” Rob Bakker, Pro AV Business Development Manager Benelux at ADI Global, adds: “What an experience in this distinctive location at Strijp-T. The five LED screens not only look great, but really come to life in the space: tangibly sharp, smooth, and full of impact.” The new Eindhoven showroom represents Leyard’s commitment to providing hands-on experience with their technology solutions, allowing customers to see and understand how LED displays can enhance their specific business environments before making investment decisions.

Optoma Partners with AWE to expand premium home cinema in the UK

Optoma announced its new partnership with AWE, the UK’s premier distributor to the custom installation and electrical retail channels. With this collaboration, Optoma brings its latest range of 4K UHD and laser projection solutions to even more home cinema enthusiasts across the UK. Recognised globally as the #1 4K UHD and DLP® projector brand, Optoma has been delivering immersive visual experiences since 2000. This partnership with AWE marks a strategic step in further strengthening Optoma’s footprint in the premium AV and home cinema segment. “Optoma is very thrilled to be partnering with AWE distribution,” said James Fitzgerald, B2C Sales Manager at Optoma. “This collaboration harnesses AWE’s unparalleled wealth of knowledge in the AV industry, making it a perfect match for our expanding range of home cinema projectors. Their state-of-the-art facilities provide the ideal environment to showcase our cutting-edge technology, and we are

eager to see how this partnership will elevate our brand presence and market reach.”

With increasing demand for big screen home entertainment, particularly in laser technology as lamp-based models phase out, Optoma’s portfolio is designed to meet the expectations of today’s tech-savvy and experience-driven consumers. AWE’s commitment to high-performance solutions and dealer support makes them an ideal partner for Optoma’s next chapter in the UK.

“We are delighted to welcome Optoma and their Home Cinema projector range to our portfolio,” said Stuart Tickle, Managing Director of AWE. “Optoma offers an excellent product range, from value-driven solutions to premium home cinema models. Their latest technologies, especially in laser and ultra-short throw, bring true innovation to our dealers. We look forward to growing the brand together and delivering outstanding bigscreen experiences to the UK market.”

Avocor strengthens its presence in Italy

Avocor has announced the expansion of its operations into Italy with the launch of a dedicated local team. This strategic move reflects Avocor’s long-term investment in Southern Europe and reinforces its commitment to delivering faster, localised, and more tailored support for regional markets. “Italy is an important growth market for interactive collaboration and display technology, making this the right moment for Avocor to establish a local presence,” says Dana Corey, SVP & Global GM at Avocor. “With digital transformation underway across the world, Avocor’s presence in Italy will provide our resellers and end users access to the best technology and solutions for their needs.”

The Italian team is led by Darwin Cannavò and Alessandro Guerra, two experienced professionals with deep expertise in AV/IT and a proven track record in the Italian AV Channel. Their combined efforts will focus on accelerating Avocor’s growth across key verticals including corporate, education, healthcare, public administration, and retail. “It’s very exciting to be setting up Avocor’s Italian office,” says Darwin Cannavò, Country Sales Manager Italy at Avocor. “With a local presence, Avocor will be better able to connect with regional partners and customers, respond more efficiently to their needs, and deliver impactful solutions for a range of vertical markets.”

Renowned for their strong track record under the GlobalMountsGroup: Neomounts, BTech, and Audipack. The local Italian team now brings this integrated approach to Avocor. As the team develops, existing relationships will be strengthened whilst pursuing new business opportunities and expanding its partner network. The objective is to unlock valuable up-selling and cross-selling synergies and deliver comprehensive solutions that integrate mounting systems, displays, and collaborative technologies.

With its globally recognised portfolio of high-perfor-

mance interactive displays, Avocor offers seamless integration with leading collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams. Zoom, and Google Meet. Through this local expansion, Italian customers and partners will gain direct access to:

•Tailored support for local projects

•In-language training and live demonstrations

•Participation in trade shows, roadshows, and industry events across Italy

Avocor’s mission in Italy extends beyond delivering hardware; it is focused on fostering genuine business relationships and developing a sustainable, adaptable, and collaborative ecosystem tailored to the needs of the local market. The company remains dedicated to longterm innovation and will continue its active participation in both national and European events to enhance visibility and cultivate strategic partnerships.

WorkBetter, work smarter: PPDS delivers the ultimate office

PPDS has announced that its advanced range of dvLED, interactive, and signage solutions have been selected to create the ultimate office-away-from-the-office experience inside WorkBetter’s newly upgraded flexible working premises. Based in Sofia – one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bulgaria – WorkBetter brings a new era for coworking. Founded in 2021 during the pandemic, it provides a range of inspiring and flexible workspaces for businesses and individuals to help drive productivity and creativity.

With a slogan boldly declaring ‘Work from home sucks,’ WorkBetter offers a range of co-working options, whether for daily, weekly, monthly or permanent residency,

with businesses of all types, including Infosys, Aldi, Vivid, Booking.com, DELL Technologies, to name a few, among a growing base of clients. With such strong demand, WorkBetter’s co-founder and CEO, Tony Aleksandrov, has expanded to three locations. Bogdan Blinda, Regional Sales Manager - SEE, Israel and Turkey at PPDS commented: “The appeal and demand for flexible co-working offices and space continues to grow at a significant pace. Last year, the market was valued at $22.01 billion and is expected to reach $82.12 billion by 2034. To stay on top and meet the ever-evolving needs of its diverse range of clients – whether individuals or entire teams – WorkBetter want to ensure the experiences and capabilities provided are to the highest standard. To achieve that, the quality and reliability of its display technology is crucial.”

Part of an upgrade and modernisation program in its original office buildings – listed as WorkBetter 1.0 and WorkBetter 2.0 (located just 120 meters apart), WorkBetter, PPDS, and AV integration specialist, OmniChannel BG, were the standout choices to deliver on its ambitions. This included a new suite of future-proof solutions, combining the latest in display technology and advanced screen sharing, interactive and collaboration capabilities, strategically placed throughout –from main reception areas to the gymnasiums. Supporting over 12,000 sqm of flex-office space and more than 1,300 working stations combined, OmniChannel worked together with PPDS to create a network of displays and solutions, integrated into a smart, unified system. Following extensive consultations, this included a fleet of information displays to guide users with real time updates, presentation displays to deliver impactful visuals, collaboration displays to encourage creativity and team-

work, and room booking and control displays to simplify space management.

Always with an eye to the future, WorkBetter’s criteria also included the ability for its new solutions to adapt to future workspace needs and challenges. Sustainability was also crucial, with solutions that offered reduced power consumption and better efficiencies for management a key requirement. Aligning perfectly with the Workbetter team’s objectives, a total of 30 Philips Professional Displays were selected to deliver a tailored solution with visual impact and intuitive performance. Creating a digital journey at every turn, 12x 10’’ Philips T-Line (10BDL4551T/00) multi-touch displays were installed to create an advanced, remotely managed room booking system. A versatile all-in-one solution, content is easy to update remotely, with Power-over-Ethernet enabling flexible and effortless placement on office walls, these displays were also placed in the gym for easy control of the audio system there. Carefully selected to enhance both collaboration and visual engagement, other displays selected for the project include 8х 55”, 6 65” and 2х 75” Philips Business TVs, and a 65” Philips Collaboration (E-Line) display.

Designed on an Android platform, Philips Business TVs allow easy wireless sharing of content for presenting and more via integrated Google Cast. Meanwhile, the intuitive touch experience with the range of Philips interactive displays brings seamless connectivity throughout the building. Delivering an instant impact to all who set foot in the WorkBetter, a striking Philips Unite LED 5000 Series 1.5 pixel pitch wall was selected and installed. Enhancing brand image and other communication opportunities, the Philips Unite LED 5000 Series supports up to 12-bit colours and HDR10+ resolution for near perfect colour and brightness accuracy and the deepest visual experiences.

Realising lower energy consumption across each of the displays, the WorkBetter fleet is easily managed for time efficiencies, while also bringing the added benefit of a more connected and contented customer base. PPDS teams ensured that every product not only fit the aesthetic and functional requirements specified, but also worked flawlessly together as part of a unified network, ensuring seamless interoperability across the systems. The installation was managed with precision and attention to detail and all systems were rigorously tested to guarantee optimal performance. On site configuration and training ensured WorkBetter could adopt the technology confidently and with minimal disruption. The new seamless, high impact environment with powerful technology that has exceeded client expectations. Tony Aleksandrov, Co-founder and CEO at WorkBetter, commented: “This project reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge AV solutions that empower teams to connect, collaborate, and communicate more effectively. Together we created a smart and engaging environment that supports productivity and innovation from day one. OmniChannel, PPDS and Philips Professional Displays covered all of our expectations, and we are extremely satisfied with the result.”

Hospitality: AV - the key to success?

Even before the pandemic, pundits and practitioners in hospitality have debated the relative importance to growth and innovation of factors including personalisation, novelty, wellness, sustainability and the immersive nature of guest experiences. Almost the day we started our research into the current state of the hospitality industry, the number of closures announced in the first quarter of 2025, rose sharply. The Hospitality Market Monitor from CGA by NIQ and AlixPartners, reported that between January and March 2025 regular pubs and bars closed at a rate of 20 a week. In contrast, ‘themed’ bars showed 24.3% growth over the last 12 months, with the total number of establishments in the niche nearly treble the size it was in March 2020. Restaurant startups are notoriously difficult to make stick, with startup costs can ranging from £150,000 to well over £1m. There are some 89,600 restaurants currently trading (ONS figures) of which some 40% are Quick Service Restaurants. Most now use digital technologies to attract customers, process bookings and to reduce no-shows. Integrated digital technologies are as much part of running a restaurant as hobs, ovens and freezers.

So, what are factors that are the factors which determine success in hospitality, and what role can AV play in bringing this about? AV News editor Bryan Denyer reports. with the help of Megan Zeller, senior director of business development at Peerless-AV, Corinna Denbow, Marketing Activation Specialist at Clevertouch and Luca Bertani, Content Marketing Professional Leader at Powersoft.

So. Hospitality is a huge, growing and yet significantly unsatisfied business opportunity – but, meeting this latent demand is far from easy agrees Luca Bertani, Content Marketing Professional Leader at Powersoft:

“Technically, audio-visual (AV) systems in the hospitality sector are some of the most challenging and fascinating to design and install. They need to fulfil a series of functions simultaneously, ranging from background music distribution and paging to safety alerts and immersive entertainment experiences. Their intricacy is

not only in terms of scale but also in the range of spaces they need to work with. The term ‘hospitality,’ then, is used to describe a wide variety of environments: from cozy cafés and upscale boutique hotels to large luxury resorts with dozens of zones, each demanding an AV solution tailored specifically to its needs.”

“A single system can be required to deliver seamless performance across various applications -setting mood in a restaurant section, making announcements in a lobby, driving live entertainment in a pub, and even in-

tegrating with emergency communication protocols. And it must all happen in a flexible, robust, and – most importantly – simple-to-use fashion, by individuals with minimal or no technical experience. Simplicity and dependability are not afterthoughts; they are basic requirements.”

Megan Zeller, senior director of business development, Peerless-AV, shares the belief that AV plays an important role in achieving the requirements for success in hospitality: personalisation; novelty; wellness’; creation of immersive experiences; and sustainability. “Absolutely, AV plays a growing role in supporting all five of these trends in hospitality. Immersive technology is enhancing guest experiences around the world. We’re seeing bars, restaurants and sports lounges install massive LED video walls with surround sound systems to create moments that guests can’t replicate at home. This all enhances guest dwell times and return business, keeping people inside the venue longer and not losing their attention and spend to another venue.”

But Zeller finds that deployment of AV technologies in hospitality is patchy: “Some hospitality brands are making excellent use of AV and seeing great success. But there are still some that are hesitant to make the leap yet, still holding on to outdated display and video wall technology when they could be upping their game. This is when it’s so important that they speak to trusted AV integrators and manufacturers that are experts in this field to guide them and advise what solutions are best for their application requirements. Being an ‘always on 24/7, guest-first’ industry, it’s essential that partners truly ‘get it’. There are some big personalities and bold visions in the hospitality industry, which makes it a very interesting and sometimes challenging space – but also relentlessly exciting. As we’ve seen in recent projects with Resorts World, Blinders Sports Lounge and Mohegan Sun.”

With adoption far from universal, Corinna Denbow, Marketing Activation Specialist at Clevertouch believes that hospitality still represents a growing opportunity for the AV industry: “Definitely! AV plays a huge role in helping hospitality venues meet customer demands: Personalisation? Digital signage can show tailored content depending on who’s checking in or what’s happening that day. Novelty and immersive experiences? Think eye-catching video walls, interactive displays, or even ambience that shifts throughout the day. Wellness? Touchless check-ins and calming visuals help guests feel more relaxed. And when it comes to sustainability, AV helps cut down on printed materials and allows remote content updates—less waste, more efficiency.”

Bertani adds that it is not just a matter of delivering technological tour de force: “Regardless of size or location, customers generally want more than just technical performance. What they are looking for is an AV system that enhances the overall ambiance for their guests. Well-designed AV should elevate the atmosphere of a venue and contribute to its identity. This brings us to a concept that is central to hospitality AV design: the acoustic signature.”

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Repurpose and evolve

Traditional hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants seem to have largely lost their original purpose, with competition for the drinks business from supermarkets and chain stores. Can AV help with redefining a new ‘raison d’etre’? Zeller finds that: “AV is helping traditional hospitality venues evolve. In sports bars and lounges, for example, LED video walls are becoming the new centrepiece, not just for showing sports, but for hosting trivia nights, karaoke, or community parties. By creating interactive, shared experiences, AV gives people a reason to gather again, helping these spaces regain relevance and footfall. It also opens up new revenue streams with third-party advertising or upselling.”

Denbow comments that: “A pub isn’t just a pub anymore; it can be a sports hub, a quiz night venue, or even a co-working space during the day. With the right AV - like digital signage that changes with the time of day or displays that stream events - you can completely shift how a venue is used. It’s all about flexibility.”

Personalise and customise

Generating repeat visits and regular trade is often a function of how ‘special’ the customer is made to feel about venue or experience. Zeller believes that: “Demand for personalised and customisable AV is growing but since the hospitality industry is so guest-centric and every property or venue has its own objectives and visions, there isn’t a one size fits all approach. Venues want AV solutions that reflect their individual brand identity and operational goals. Many are also multi-event spaces, so flexibility and scalability are key.”

“From the guests’ point of view, they want digital signage that meets their needs and expectations, and most of the time they’re not thinking about the technology, but more how easily they can find their way, access information or be entertained during their stay or visit. To keep them connected and up to date with what’s going on via clear wayfinding and real-time scheduling updates to restaurant menus, event and amenity info. They want to feel that the technology is serving them, not getting in their way,” she adds. “In a sports bar, for example, guests gather to have a shared UHD sports viewing experience that far exceeds their home viewing experience.”

Pandemic legacy

Some AV derived technologies were very much pandemic specific, but as the risk has diminished these innovations have often been retained. Denbow finds that inn respect of touchless technologies, for example, “The pandemic may have been the initial push, but the demand hasn’t faded. Guests still appreciate not having to touch surfaces unnecessarily, and solutions like QRbased check-ins, gesture-based navigation, or mobile-controlled displays are more popular than ever.”

One factor that is undeniably at play is the require-

ment for hospitality vendors to offer personalised and customisable AV solutions, tailored to the unique preferences and requirements of individual hospitality establishments. Denbow believes that this is an inevitable consequence of the need to differentiate: “It’s not surprising. A boutique hotel doesn’t want the same AV setup as a conference centre. We work with all kinds of businesses to tailor solutions that fit their brand, budget, and guest needs.”

Other hangovers from the pandemic have been proved to have long-term benefits: “When venues use the cloud to manage digital signage or room bookings, it opens the door to integrating with other systems, like lighting or HVAC. We’re seeing more and more hospitality businesses looking for “smart” setups that respond to what’s happening in real-time.”

Replace or enhance?

While many of these innovations are known to add value to a hospitality venue, hospitality is, at its heart, a ‘peo-

ple business’. Naturally, a large influx of tech worries some – and not just the old stagers. Fortunately, it is largely accepted that technology is an enhancement rather than a replacement for human interaction. Denbow acknowledges that: “It’s a tricky balance. AV isn’t here to replace people, but it can take care of repetitive tasks, like check-ins or wayfinding, so staff can focus on the more personal touches. In venues watching their budgets, AV often ends up doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.”

One simple application that occupies a dipropionate amount of staff time is ‘guest messaging’. Guest messaging apps are well into their technologically mature state but are still underused in most properties. This is changing: “Slowly but surely. They’ve been underused for a while, but as guests get more used to mobile-led experiences, we’re seeing more venues link their AV and messaging platforms, so you might get a push notification that matches what’s showing on the signage in the lobby.”

To deliver messaging consistently, guests expect ro-

bust Wi-Fi connectivity and effortless integration with their personal devices. Venues need to invest in highspeed networks and advanced AV infrastructure. Denbow finds: “Guests expect strong Wi-Fi and the ability to stream, cast, and connect without a headache. We’re seeing venues investing heavily in back-end infrastructure, so their AV systems are rock solid and fast. From our own experiences, when Clevertouch put on a conference at a hotel, or exhibit at a large venue, we expect high-speed internet for all attendees.”

IoT adoption

Very few hotel guests would object to getting a message on their mobile phone, the issue of technology becomes more controversial where technology is deployed to control the guest environment. For example, using IoT-enabled sensors to monitor and control AV equipment, lighting, climate control. “It’s pretty clever stuff. Sensors can detect when a space is occupied and turn on displays or adjust content accordingly. For some time, our displays have had light and motion sensors, and we also have a sensor that gathers data on the air quality in the room.”

Greater monitoring and control is often paired with greater personalisation and customisation of the guest experience. “It’s a growing trend. From personalised welcome screens to curated content in lounges or suites, guests really respond to experiences that feel designed just for them. And that kind of personal touch builds loyalty. Signage has always been an important part of the guest experience, especially for events within a hotel or venue, but now it’s moving much further on from just displaying a welcome name and logo, observes Denbow.

The fact that many of these things can be done has stimulated a growing demand for personalised and customisable AV solutions tailored to the unique preferences and requirements of the individual venue and even the specific guest. Denbow is not surprised by this trend: “It’s not surprising. A boutique hotel doesn’t want the same AV setup as a conference centre. We work with all kinds of businesses to tailor solutions that fit their brand, budget, and guest needs.”

Continues change

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the expectations and experiences of guests evolve accordingly. Denbow comments: “Guests today are tech-savvy and expect things to “just work.” Whether it’s checking in with their phone, casting Netflix to their room TV, or navigating with interactive signage - technology is part of what makes or breaks the experience now. For example, all of our large-format screens come with Clevershare and native sharing, meaning visitors can cast from their phone or laptop in seconds. People expect to be able to scan a QR code to access information on their phone. What they don’t expect is to scan the QR code and choose the content to display on the large

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screens - that’s where we’re pushing boundaries and improving guest experiences.”

The security issue

With the proliferation of IoT solutions and interconnected systems, cybersecurity threats pose a growing concern for the hospitality industry: how should a hospitality business keep itself and its customers safe: “It starts with picking secure, cloud-native AV systems—ones that come with strong encryption, regular updates, and multi-level access controls. We take data security seriously and work closely with IT teams to make sure everything is locked down. We have robust protocols which are verified by BSI and Cyber Essentials.”

Those venues which depend on gambling as part of their revenue stream feel an even greater obligation to keep customers safe and secure, while at the same time creating immersive and engaging environments.

“It’s all about creating a vibe. Bright, engaging signage and immersive displays keep guests entertained and encourage them to stay longer. Dynamic content can also be tailored to promotions, events, or crowd mood. You can put the control of the signage in the hands of the staff, for example, a staff member could press a button “jackpot” which would trigger all of the screens in the area to change to a relevant winner’s screen,” says Denbow.

Emerging technologies

Venues are starting to invest in cutting-edge AV technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to create immersive and engaging experiences for guests. Denbow cautions that these emerging technologies are still at a very early level of development: “They’re exciting and definitely create a buzz, but they’re still more niche. If done well— like virtual venue tours or AR wayfinding - they can be impactful. But for many, the ROI still comes faster from more practical AV solutions like signage and booking systems”.

Zeller is a little more circumspect about the current value of some emerging technologies: “At the moment, I would say I’ve not seen VR and AR technologies as delivering a worthwhile investment in the hospitality sector, but this will undoubtedly change over the next five years as there is more exploratory integration of AI in AR/VR and more practical use cases are identified. Key to the technology taking off is accessibility and ensuring end user demands are met to encourage more meaningful use cases and widespread adoption. 22 Miles are integrating AR into wayfinding platforms, for example, allowing users to interact with a kiosk by scanning a QR code and opening AR maps in their camara app for step-by-step navigation to wherever they want to go in a venue.”

But is an investment by a hospitality venue in creating personalised experiences, including gaming, dining options, and entertainment a reliable way of increasing the

net spend per customer? Denbow believes it is: “Yes, we’ve seen it. Interactive menus and upsell prompts on signage all help to nudge the guest into spending a little more or trying something new. It’s subtle, but effective.”

So do AV deployments increase customer retention and encourage repeat visits to a venue? Denbow thinks it is a ‘no brainer’ “Absolutely. When someone remembers an event or a stay because the visuals were stunning or the tech made everything smooth, they’re far more likely to return or recommend the place. AV helps create those memorable “wow” moments.”

Sound makes a difference

Beyond the visual impact of an immersive hospitality experience, Bertani emphasises that sound can play an equally important role. He believes that the process should start with the creation of an ‘acoustic signature’ of the venue: “To put things simply, acoustic signature separates a good installation from an exceptional one. It’s the sound quality of a room – the beautifully balanced combination of speaker placement, tuning, and sound design that makes the listening experience not merely enjoyable but also predictable and memorable. To make a culinary analogy: consider that ubiquitous international hamburger brand. Whether you’re in Tokyo, New York, or Rome, you know exactly what that burger is going to taste like. And whilst it might not be

haute cuisine, it is consistent. And consistency brings comfort.”

The acoustic signature, says Bertani, can be as important as a visual identifier like. a logo or colour scheme, to brand identity: “Likewise, an acoustic signature offers a comfortable, sometimes predictable listening experience, no matter where you are geographically. In chain eateries, hotel chains, and amusement venues, that predictability governs and defines brand identity. In smaller, independent venues, it adds personality and emotional resonance to the space, becoming part of what patrons take away with them in memory.”

“Achieving this level of consistency and emotional impact isn’t down to luck. Much of the magic is accomplished through advanced digital signal processing (DSP). DSP platforms allow integrators to adjust systems to the architecture in each room in detail, ensuring clarity, appropriate energy levels, and intelligibility in all zones. Tuning DSPs carefully doesn’t just make an occasional system sound good -it makes the entire space feel inviting, balanced, and pleasurable.”

Bertani argues that the role of the sound in ‘setting the mood’ cannot be overstated: “Whether it’s the gentle roll of jazz in the cocktail bar, the crisp articulation of voice in the conference room, or the enveloping, comfortable bass in the nightclub, sound is proven to influence people’s moods. A properly designed system takes into account how audio is heard in the different parts of

the building. As an example, quieter, less obtrusive sound might be necessary behind a concierge desk, while a more upbeat sound is to be expected in entertainment or dining spaces.”

“Because hospitality environments vary so widely, from cultural expectations to architectural design to the purpose of each space, great AV solutions cannot simply be replicated from one project to the next. Each installation presents unique challenges and requirements. This calls for highly adaptable systems, capable of responding to shifting needs while offering reliable performance around the clock,” he adds.

Conclusion

AV systems can play a pivotal role in making events unforgettable, increase customer retention and encourage repeat visits to a venue. Zeller has found that: “Hospitality venues such as casinos and sports bars, with gambling as part of their business model, are using AV for all manner of applications but one to call out is the use of large-format LED video walls in slot tournament zones so gamers can view live leaderboards during tournaments, as well as sponsor promotions and upcoming events. In doing so this is creating energy and excitement that boosts the time players spend on machines, drives spend and player retention.”

The hospitality industry has made significant progress since the challenges of the pandemic, with many businesses starting to regain stability. But, to stay competitive, hospitality venues must remain agile, innovate, and adapt to changing customer needs by embracing key trends. Where customer experience lies at the heart of every service, the pressures are particularly intense. With machine learning and real-time analytics, business leaders can now predict trends and make moves faster, turning data-driven strategies into a competitive advantage.

Innovations in AV technology are reshaping and enabling the hospitality industry, providing venues with cutting-edge solutions to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations. Among the trends in hospitality AV are remote monitoring and centralised control. Cloud-based systems and networked audio protocols such as Audio over IP (AoIP) have altered the dynamics of rolling out and managing systems. But these benefits come with a cost, both in terms of financial investment and technical complexity.

High-quality AV solutions require robust, mission-critical components that are built to run continuously with minimal maintenance. They need to be intuitive for non-technical staff while offering enough depth for integrators to fine-tune and troubleshoot when needed. In hospitality, there’s no room for a sound system that is failing during dinner hour or a distorted sound during a keynote presentation.

Customers want to sit at the bar and have a drink without yelling. They want to have a dinner conversation without straining their ears. They want to stick around in the lobby with music at the suitable level. And when the

time is right, they want to dance. A good hospitality AV system makes all of that possible, not by being seen or heard, but by simply being there and doing its thing, flawlessly.

Zeller concludes: “Certainly, the use of dynamic, engaging AV experiences inside hospitality venues increases guest dwell times, revenue and return business. We know this from our own personal experiences that when we’ve visited a really impressive venue and we have created memories, we will likely revisit because of our emotional connection and we’re likely to share our photos and encourage others to visit.”

Ultimately, the hospitality industry is one that builds welcoming, enjoyable spaces for human beings. And when viewed in that way, the role of AV extends beyond technical ancillary, it’s an organic part of the experience. Whether at a high-end resort or High Street bar, guests shouldn’t be aware of the AV system. It just needs to perform, invisibly and seamlessly, and participate in providing an overall enjoyable experience.

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Panasonic 4K-ready entry-level displays

Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation has announced the EQ3 Series of entry-level flat panel 4K displays, available in six sizes from 43” to 86”, providing a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-install solution for a variety of environments such as corporate meeting rooms and classrooms. Each display features a 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels – four times higher than FHD displays – and brightness of 500 cd/m², delivering excellent visibility and clarity, even in bright environments. The EQ3 Series uses an ADS wide-view panel[1], coated with a high haze treatment. This reduces glare in bright environments, delivering accurate and vivid colours, regardless of viewers’ position.

Available in six display sizes: 86”, 75”, 65”, 55”, 50”, and 43”, the EQ3 Series is suitable for environments of any size. Each display can be installed in landscape or portrait orientation, tilted either forwards or backwards by up to 20°, providing the desired installation flexibility – especially where space is limited. The EQ3 Series is capable of operating for up to 18 hours a day, providing complete peace-of-mind for operators needing to display images continuously. Each EQ3 Series features three HDMI inputs, with CEC support enabling users to operate basic functions on connected devices from the display’s remote control. It also features a built-in 4K USB Media Player, enabling users to seamlessly play content from a USB device.

The displays support external control via LAN or RS232 (PJLink) and are also compatible with AMX D.D./ Crestron Connected (V2) and Crestron XiO Cloud LAN Control[2] for centralised remote network management. “Although this is an entry-level display, it distinguishes itself with a sleek, professional design and advanced ADS panel technology that delivers exceptional image quality and wide viewing angles. It’s a cost-effective solution that meets the high standards of both corporate and educational settings,” comments Hartmut Kulessa, European Marketing Manager, Visual System Solutions at Panasonic Connect Europe. The EQ3 Series of displays will be available from Q3 CY2025.

Notes

1Except for 55-inch model, which adopts VA panel 2Support for Crestron Connected™ and Crestron XiO Cloud™ will be added sequentially through software updates.

Clear-Com expands Arcadia Central Station

Clear-Com has announced a significant expansion of the award-winning Arcadia Central Station with new software updates. Together, these releases dramatically enhance Arcadia’s functionality, making it the most powerful and flexible 1RU intercom solution on the market. It now supports the full Clear-Com product ecosystem, enabling connectivity across Clear-Com products as well as third-party Dante/AES67 devices. Arcadia Central Station is said to be the leader in scalable, IP-based intercom by seamlessly integrating wired and wireless systems across digital, analog, Dante/AES67, and Clear-Com’s I.V. Direct.

The latest enhancements include support for V-Series IrisX Panels & flexible port allocation. Users can now connect up to 32 V-Series IrisX panels directly to Arcadia, enabling high-density key panel workflows traditionally reserved for expensive and complex matrix systems, making this a true game changer. Port allocation flexibility also lets operators balance HelixNet digital party line and I.V. Direct connections as needed, for the flexibility to suit almost any workflow. “With this release, Arcadia moves beyond party line communications into

Clear-Com has announced a significant expansion of the award-winning

Absen X Versatile: world’s largest LED virtual production screen

On July 14, at the grand opening of the Versatile AI Virtual Film Base and the AI Virtual Film Technology Launch Event in Deqing, the world’s largest monolithic LED virtual production stage was officially unveiled. In a joint venture by Absen and Versatile, this groundbreaking stage features a 270-degree curved LED screen with a diameter of 50 metres and a height of 12 metres. The total floor area of the stage reaches 5,000m², with the LED display covering approximately 1,700 m² - the equivalent to four standard basketball courts.

Powered by LED virtual production technology, the recreation of complex, large-scale, and costly scenes in film and television can now be achieved through a combination of virtual environments and minimal physical sets. Scene changes can be completed within minutes, and when paired with immersive 8K LED walls and realistic lighting, the filming experience becomes highly authentic. This significantly enhances both production efficiency and visual immersion, offering industrialised support for content creation which traditional on-location shoots simply cannot match.

a true communications hub,” said Dave MacKinnon, VP of Product Management of Clear-Com. “It’s a complete communications solution that grows with customer needs, integrates easily into existing infrastructures, and supports everything from party line to IP matrix key panels, all in a 1RU device.”

Arcadia’s robust architecture supports nearly any operating environment, on analog XLR, IP networks, or fibre, and accommodates wireless across 1.9 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5 GHz spectrums. Many different industries including broadcast studios, houses of worship, live theaters and sports arena users can deploy sophisticated, multi-channel communications without the need for traditional matrix frames. As with all of Clear-Com’s products, it integrates seamlessly with other equipment to facilitate seamless productions with an easy setup and intuitive controls.

As virtual production technology continues to reshape the film and television industry, Absen is committed to advancing the application of LED virtual studios and driving innovation in production techniques. With a customer-centric approach, Absen has successfully overcome key technical challenges in delivering superior LED display performance on camera. These breakthroughs include HDR rendering, accurate colour reproduction, high frame rates, high refresh rates, and the mitigation of moiré and aliasing effects during closeup filming -forming a comprehensive and industry-leading LED virtual production technology system.

Absen has maintained a long-term partnership with Versatile, with both parties accumulating extensive experience in the field of virtual production. During the implementation of this landmark project, the two technical teams worked in close coordination, from early-stage planning and tackling key technical challenges, to on-site installation and calibration. Focusing on fine pixel pitch, high resolution, and precision display, Absen not only provided industry-leading LED displays, but also delivered a comprehensive solution that includes core display technologies, expert engineering

award-winning Arcadia Central Station with new software updates.

On July 14, at the grand opening of the

the

execution, colour management, and full-process technical support. This played a critical role in enabling the successful launch of the world’s largest monolithic virtual production stage.

Absen’s LED virtual production solutions have been widely adopted in major markets including the United States, China, United Kingdom, France, Russia and Canada. These solutions have been successfully implemented in numerous virtual studios and xR stages, with dozens of flagship projects receiving highly positive market feedback. The launch of the world’s largest monolithic LED virtual production studio represents not only a breakthrough in physical scale, but also a significant leap in technological innovation and application for Absen’s LED-based virtual production solutions. Building on this milestone, Absen will continue to drive efficiency and quality in the film and television industry through cutting-edge technology, while constantly expanding the boundaries of artistic creation and visual expression.

Disguise X1 offers the power of Disguise, on any device

Disguise has today unveiled X1, a game-changing portable version of its industry-leading Designer software. X1 lets creators run stunning 4K visuals directly from their own laptop or hardware — no proprietary media servers required. It’s the first time Disguise’s powerful production engine has been made available in a flexible, software-only format, giving production teams total freedom to design, map and deliver wherever their vision takes them.

Developed for professionals delivering small-to-medium live events including concerts, theatre productions and corporate brand experiences, X1 works by providing users with convenient, on-the-go access to the same, trusted software used to pre-visualise, sequence and control headline shows across the globe. The portable new solution has already been used on several live events during an exclusive pilot, including Bullet for My Valentine at Rockfest in Germany, Festival Napa Valley, and the USA and Canadian legs of Central Cee’s world tour. “In order to support the world’s biggest shows and installations, we have high-performance media servers powerful enough to seamlessly run visuals on LED walls over 4,000 square metres in size,” explains Chief Prod-

Versatile AI Virtual Film Base and the AI Virtual Film Technology Launch Event in Deqing,

world’s largest monolithic LED virtual production stage was officially unveiled

uct and Technology Officer at Disguise, Raed Al Tikriti. “But not everyone needs all that power — or has the space or budget for it. That’s why we decided to create X1. With X1, for the first time, anyone can harness the same powerful Designer tools used on the world’s biggest productions, all in a portable format that’s easier and more cost-effective to bring on tour or support smaller productions.”

X1 users will be able to plug their license key into their laptop to instantly access the latest version of Designer. Show visuals can then be imported into Designer from any real-time graphics tool, including Notch, Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner, Unity and more, thanks to Disguise’s RenderStream protocol. To help users hit the ground running, X1 includes a ready-to-use and ever-expanding content pack, featuring high-impact Notch and TouchDesigner effects — from pulsing DJstyle visuals to beautifully crafted motion looks, all created in-house by Disguise’s Creative Services team. Each look will also be rendered as a high-quality video ready for seamless playback and looping, giving users maximum flexibility to elevate every show — however they choose to deliver their content.

X1 also enables users to preview the content on a 3D mini replica of their stage or environment. Users will also benefit from the Designer timeline, a beloved feature that enables users to schedule and edit all the visuals needed to run their show or experience live. They’ll also be able to rely on Disguise’s critical redundancy features, with built-in 1:1 failover for added security.

Alex Loftie, Video Programmer for Central Cee’s tour comments: “With Central Cee’s shows in Canada and

the USA generally having a more intimate feel at smaller venues, it made perfect sense for us to use X1 on a laptop. It allowed us to pack light, easing the burden of transporting kit between multiple venues — but it also meant everything could stay on Disguise and I didn’t have to re-program the show with a different solution, which saved a huge amount of time and budget. Being able to stay within the Disguise ecosystem is so key. When we returned to larger venues in Europe, we were able to easily transition back to Disguise media servers, ultimately giving us the flexibility to use Disguise’s familiar and reliable Designer software across shows of any size.”

Glenn Jenkins, Video Engineer on Bullet for My Valentine’s tour, valued the flexibility and control that X1 brought to the production. “Live shows on tour are never carbon copies of each other. Last-minute changes come up every time, and using X1 meant we were able to keep up with the rest of production and make quick, crucial edits on site thanks to Disguise’s timeline workflow.” Jackson Cobb, Video Programmer on Festival Napa Valley adds that the travel-ready status of X1 is a game-changer. “Being able to shut my laptop after the show, put it in my bag and just walk away without transporting a server with me was incredibly freeing.” Kate Freer, projection designer on Festival Napa Valley, adds: “Having this new solution doesn’t totally eliminate the need for server-run shows. There will always be larger productions that require more power. But it makes show control so much more accessible, and being able to use X1 in a festival scenario like this has been a dream.”

Delta has launched the DOP-300S Series Touch Panel HMI. Engineered to meet the demands of smart manufacturing and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the DOP-300S Series is available with a 7” TFT LCD or a 10” TFT LCD for easy viewing.

Delta brings power, connectivity, flexibility and security to smart manufacturing

Delta has launched the DOP-300S Series Touch Panel HMI. Engineered to meet the demands of smart manufacturing and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the DOP-300S Series is available with a 7” TFT LCD or a 10” TFT LCD for easy viewing. Power and flexibility are assured through its high-performance dual-core ARMbased CPU and support for MQTT and OPC UA protocols. With optional Wi-Fi and built-in 4G antennas and an easy-to-install wireless communication module, the DOP-300S Series significantly enhances connectivity, ensuring seamless data acquisition from equipment and efficient data transmission to the cloud.

Combined, these features make the DOP-300S Series a powerful ally for a wide range of industrial applications and market segments where advanced remote monitoring, network flexibility and security are crucial. Commenting on the introduction of the DOP-300S Series, Ufuk Ozer, Product Manager, Delta, said: “As a gateway

to the IIoT, the DOP-300S Series ushers in a new era of smart manufacturing. It transforms the vision of a fully integrated service ecosystem into reality, with HMIs playing a critical role in enabling communication between operators and machines. Therefore, the demand for more connected, intelligent interfaces is growing rapidly. The DOP-300S Series HMI meets this requirement by delivering a smoother, more intuitive operation that’s enhanced by advanced software features. They include data integration, cloud applications, and mobile monitoring, making the DOP-300S Series the ultimate smart HMI solution for modern industrial needs.”

The DOP-300S Series does not require extra hardware, which both eases deployment and ensures the solution is budget-friendly; an important consideration given the financial and economic backdrop faced by many manufacturers. Its flexibility makes the DOP-300S Series well-suited to OEMs and machine builders, system inte-

grators and IIoT providers. It is expected the DOP-300S Series will attract interest from across a variety of industries and regions - particularly in Europe - where countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain and UK are already heavily focused on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

DOP-300S Series users benefit from: Flexible DIACloud and DIAWebDesigner Integration: The DOP-300S Series consolidates equipment data and uploads it to DIACloud - a secure platform that allows devices to communicate as if they were on the same local network. DIAWebDesigner, a PC-based software tool, enables the development of customised dashboard projects, which can then be deployed to DIACloud. Once deployed, those projects allow for remote monitoring and data visualisation to support seamless smart manufacturing management and a secure IIoT ecosystem. Together, DIACloud and DIAWebDesigner empower OEMs to deliver faster and more efficient services to their customers. By enabling real-time remote monitoring and troubleshooting, they 1/2 help reduce maintenance time, minimise downtime, and eliminate the

need for costly on-site service visits. Compatibility with IoT protocols and in-house cloud-based solutions: Companies are looking for scalable, future-proof solutions that allow them to integrate new technologies (such as IoT, AI, and machine learning) seamlessly into their operations.

DOP-300S compatibility with IoT protocols and in-house cloudbased solutions addresses this demand. Dual Ethernet ports enable the separation of internal control networks from external or enterprise networks, reducing the risk of cybersecurity threats and ensuring sensitive industrial data is protected. Easy to view: Full lamination on the front-side, results in fewer on-screen reflections, making operation easier under all lighting conditions, reducing operator-error and eye strain. The DOP-300S Series provides advanced capabilities, including cloudbased remote access, data collection and customised dashboard - all at a competitive price point – enabling manufacturers to deliver quality, speed and value in the era of smart manufacturing and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Boom launches ARC: ‘game-changing’ dual-host bridge

Manufacturer Boom Collaboration has launched a dual host connectivity hub, set to revolutionise how video conferencing meetings are staged in the future. The Boom ARC smart bridge for intuitive host switching, is being hailed as the dawning of a new era, by joining in-room and Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) systems together for the first time, in a best of both worlds scenario. “The video conferencing world moves fast, and we know we have to move even faster to stay ahead,” says Co-Founder Fredrik Hörnkvist.

“Our focus has always been on creating solutions that simplify collaboration while delivering an exceptional experience, based on any device across any platform in any room. We believe the ARC is unique in the market – designed for the hybrid reality we all work in. It offers automatic switching between room-based and personal devices, while providing USB-C power delivery and versatile input/output optionsincluding HDMI, for effortless flexibility. It’s set to become a new star for us.”

Hörnkvist highlighted: “Since the pandemic a lot of organisations have learned that whether it was hybrid work or bringing

everyone back into the office, whatever model they chose, many went all in on dedicated in-room solutions – Teams, Zoom or Google Meet etc. This was great and at the forefront of market developments at the time.

Now many larger organisations are realising, after analysing user behaviour, that employees overwhelmingly prefer the simplicity of a single-cable setup using their own device. The ARC solves this dilemma in a magical way so they don’t have to sacrifice the investments already made but can have their cake and eat it by combining both options within the same ecosystem.”

Texas-based Boom offers the complete array of conferencing solutions, from dedicated kits to videobars, multi-camera controllers, in-room systems and cutting-edge connectivity. It can be sourced from UK distributor Aldous Systems.

Fellow founder, Holli Hulett emphasised: “There’s already been so much interest and excitement. The ARC reflects our continuing mission to simplify conferencing and create intuitive tools for modern work. Simplicity is our North Star guiding light – but what sets the ARC apart is how effortlessly it blends flexibility and platform-agnostic performance with a zero learning curve.”

Key ARC features include:

•Automatic host switching between in-room and BYOM setups

•USB-C with power delivery

•HDMI support and flexible I/O ports

•Cross-platform compatibility (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc)

Hulett concluded: “The ARC is a perfect addition and represents the next chapter following the launch of our ZYGO one-cable-connection hub last year. The ARC can be tailored to perform exactly how customers want. That could be Teams on one screen and Meet on another – any combination in any format is possible. It unites everything in a best of both worlds way. In addition, the ARC ensures less maintenance and support for in-room systems whilst also delivering all the AI and smarter features that today’s latest end points deliver, from one intuitive piece of hardware. It’s our new box of tricks that turns traditional conferencing on its head.”

ITV adopts OOONA Integrated for localization and accessibility

OOONA has announced that ITV has adopted its flagship platform, OOONA Integrated, to streamline its localization and accessibility workflows. The platform is currently being deployed across ITV’s Access Services operations. ITV is one of the world’s most prominent content creators and distributors. It is the largest commercial distributor and streamer in the UK and has an international footprint across 13 countries plus a global distribution network. With a commitment to creating immersive entertainment experiences that resonate with audiences everywhere, ITV relies on its localization and access services to reach millions of viewers around the world.

The adoption of OOONA Integrated marks a significant step in upgrading ITV’s access and localization infrastructure. The platform provides a secure and scalable environment for managing translation and accessibility services, enables real-time workflow monitoring, and

streamlines user authentication with SSO. It also allows the ITV team to benefit from advanced team collaboration features such as split tasks, integrated watch-folders, and the latest features of the OOONA toolkit, including automated quality checks, and integration with a growing number of third-party AI solutions to enhance productivity. “We chose OOONA because the team really understands our access services and localization workflows, and the platform supports these off the shelf,” says David Padmore, Director of Accessibility at ITV. “What’s more, the OOONA platform enables us to make good use of AI and automation developments within a secure environment as we seek to streamline our production processes.”

“We are proud to partner with ITV for their localization and accessibility needs,” adds Wayne Garb, OOONA co-founder and CEO. “Their decision to adopt OOONA Integrated strongly affirms the value our platform brings to major content producers striving for operational efficiency in quickly delivering world-class content at high quality standards, in any language or format.”

Kramer unveils all-in-one

Pro Matrix for seamless video processing

Kramer has announced the ‘landmark’ launch of its new MTX3-88-PR-PRO all-in-one matrix, bringing unrivalled high-performance video processing and scaler-based clean switching capabilities to a variety of settings, including corporate, educational, government and more. Soft-launched during InfoComm 2025, Kramer now confirms the new single-box all-in-one solution will be available to its growing base of partners

and customers located in the UK market, and beyond. Solidifying Kramer’s globally recognised position as the AV industry’s leading innovator for flexible, robust, and streamlined solutions for collaboration and meeting spaces, the MTX3-88-PR-PRO is part of Kramer’s broader Series 3 audio visual signal management (AVSM) portfolio, offering professionals a complete and integrated solution for diverse audio and visual needs. Available now, the All-in-One Pro Matrix has been designed for greater rack efficiency, reducing installation complexity, with minimal cabling and fewer potential points of failure. The solution is ideal for sharing local and remote content via a range of innovative features. Offering near-latency-free scaler-based clean switching (< 1 second), the MTX3-88-PR-PRO enhances presentation experiences with clean and instantaneous content routing for uninterrupted transitions in presentations and remote displays. The system’s powerful multi-view and video-wall capabilities allow content delivery from multiple sources on individual displays with custom layouts on-the-fly or via configurable presets. The system simplifies BYOD connectivity – especially valuable in education – with dual USB device groups that enable seamless connection of DP Alt Mode-capable USB-C devices as AV and USB host sources, supporting both local and extended USB host/device configurations.

A rich set of Dante audio inter-

faces for mixing and processing by the integrated DSP provides clear sound distribution, with additional features including a multi-zone amplifier, built-in IP-based control capabilities and AV streaming and recording with enterprise-grade IT-networking and security. Versatile connectivity is at the core of the system’s design, which includes.

•Eight USB-C, HDMI and air-casting inputs, along with two optional USB-C ports on the first two inputs that support multi-stream transport (MST).

•Eight interchangeable HDBaseT 3.0 input or output ports.

•Eight HDMI outputs.

•H.264/265 streaming output.

Kramer’s Series 3 AVSM portfolio exemplifies Kramer’s commitment to delivering high-performance tools that meet the exact specifications of modern AV infrastructures. From small-scale meeting rooms to large, complex installations, the AVSM solutions offer flexibility, reliability and ease of integration, empowering professionals across industries to optimize their AV setups with unmatched operational efficiency. The MTX3-88PR-PRO, as part of Series 3, is fully compatible with the entire Series 3 range. Through HDBT3.0, it can connect to Kramer’s extensive EXT3 & SWT3 offering, to allow a full Kramer AVSM solution – with no need for 3rd party integrations.

Dorit Bitter, EVP Product & Technology at Kramer, commented: “A landmark product, the MTX3-88-PR-PRO offers a high-performing all-in-one solution for meeting rooms and other presentation spaces of all sizes and levels of complexity. It’s a big world, and we’re making it smaller every day through robust, reliable technology that can handle the most intricate installations while being simple to operate for every participant.”

Vivitek projectors brings life to Pompeii Continuum

Vivitek, a brand of Delta, the visual display brand for all meeting spaces, announced that 15 of its projection solutions have been used in an artistic project entitled the Pompei Continuum. Encompassing the art, history, and culture of Pompeii, the exhibition was created to support Pompeii’s candidacy to become the Italian Capital of Culture for 2026. Opening in December 2024 to January 2025, the temporary exhibition welcomed over 20,000 visitors who were drawn by the history, art, culture and mystique of Pompeii. The creative and technical integration of the Vivitek projectors was entrusted to PlayArtMultimedia, an experienced Italian AV partner known for delivering large-scale immersive installations.

During the exhibition, three entire squares were illuminated exclusively by projectors to display the wide array of artistic content created especially for the Pompei Continuum. These included ecclesiastical works, artistic paintings, and sketched outlines that captured the beauty and brilliance of this significant city. The art was surface-mapped onto ancient buildings and structures – themselves rich with centuries of history – to create an immersive experience for visitors. The 15 Vivitek projectors selected by PlayArtMultimedia to display the eye-catching content were especially engineered for large venue environments. The project’s projector lineup comprised: DU9900Z (x8), DU9057Z (x1), DU9800Z (x3), and the DU8395Z (x3).

The Vivitek DU9000 Series is a groundbreaking line of single-chip DLP laser projectors created to redefine brilliance and innovation in large venue projection, making it ideally suited to the Pompei Continuum. Revolutionising projection in demanding environments, the D9000Z Series has been designed for seamless integration and control, offering unmatched operational features while setting a new benchmark for performance and versatility. The DU8395Z is also a large venue laser projector. It is especially well-suited to unusual projection requirements – such as mapping – as it has picture-in-picture functions and stuns with its brilliant image quality and durability. The device offers a constant light output of 15,000 lumens, ensuring it delivers the crisp image quality and vibrant colours that the organisers of the Pompei Continuum demanded. PlayArtMultimedia chose Vivitek’s projectors for their high brightness output, excellent image definition, relatively low energy consumption levels, and single-chip 0.96-inch DLP technology. To ensure visitors enjoyed an optimal viewing experience, a wide range of lenses – from the wide-angle 0.8–1.2 to the long-throw 4.0–7.0 lenses – were used. PlayArtMultimedia’s technical team benefitted from the ease of lens installation, noting that Vivitek lenses are lighter than the competition and simple to mount onto the projectors. Giuseppe Casciello, General Manager, Playartmultimedia, stated: “Given the logistical and practical considerations involved, Playart had to install the projectors in seven towers, each con-

taining two projectors, except for one tower which housed three projectors illuminating the front of the Sanctuary of Pompeii. The projectors were in operation daily for seven hours a day and, despite the demands placed upon them, they provided fault-free performance throughout the entire exhibition.” Giuseppe explained: “This was due to the projectors’ advanced cooling, which reduces heat-related stresses on key components. This ensures consistent performance and long-term durability.”

Jazzellerault Festival embraces immersive audio

The 32nd edition of Jazzellerault Festival has taken an innovative approach to immersive audio technology, combining L-ISA deployment with comprehensive education for visiting engineers. As celebrated acts like Imagination featuring Leee John, Avishaï Cohen Trio, and Richard Galliano performed at the L’Angelarde venue, their FOH engineers were learning the nuances of spatial sound mixing with L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology.

The thoughtful collaboration between Scène de Nuit – NT Event, L-Acoustics Certified Provider, and the festival’s diverse roster of international sound engineers transformed the technical implementation into a valuable learning experience. Each of the six visiting engi-

The 32nd edition of Jazzellerault Festival has taken an innovative approach with comprehensive education for visiting engineers.

neers—many encountering L-ISA for the first time—received personalized guidance in spatial mixing techniques, expanding their professional toolkit for future projects. “We realised we had an incredible opportunity,” explains Lucas Vaillant of Scène de Nuit. “These FOH engineers working with international artists, but most had never mixed in immersive audio. Jazzellerault offered a learning environment where they could explore spatial mixing with the sophistication that jazz, funk, and soul demand.”

The festival’s unique format—featuring one artist per day across six days—provided ample time for system calibration and engineer consultation, turning each performance into a bespoke sonic experience. Despite its intimacy, the L’Angelarde venue posed several technical challenges. A low central catwalk and a front truss height limited to 6.8 meters required inventive system engineering. “The most significant constraint was the clearance under the front truss,” says Vaillant. “To maintain optimal sightlines and ensure safe rigging loads, we limited the main arrays to five speakers per hang.” Using L-Acoustics Soundvision software, Vaillant mapped out the space, accounting for the venue’s structural elements while predicting audience coverage and visual impact. “Soundvision allowed us to design within real-world parameters,” he adds. “We could model the catwalk and truss heights and simulate how the loudspeaker system would behave before installation.”

Scène de Nuit deployed a frontal L-ISA configuration comprising five flown arrays of five Kara II per hang. Two centrally flown sub arrays each featured three KS21 subwoofers in cardioid mode, offering a sufficient level of low frequency while reducing stage bleed. Front-fill coverage was handled by six A10 Wide speakers in downmix mono, ensuring intelligibility for nearfield listeners without compromising the immersive image for the wider audience. The digital audio architecture integrated a Dante-based FOH mix with MADI input to the L-ISA Processor II via Auvitran Audio ToolBox conversion. The processor then distributed Milan-AVB to ten LA12X and one LA4X amplified controllers for full-system power and control.

Early collaboration between Scène de Nuit and the lighting team ensured the L-ISA configuration could be integrated without compromising other production elements. The presence of a centrally rigged video projector, for instance, influenced subwoofer placement. “As soon as we proposed L-ISA, I contacted the lighting designer to coordinate rigging and sightline requirements,” says Vaillant. “This kind of teamwork was key to ensuring the whole system came together harmoniously.” Scène de Nuit also consulted L-Acoustics touring application engineers during design, particularly around sub placement and preset configuration to maximise cardioid performance and reduce stage spill.

The festival welcomed a diverse roster of FOH engineers, many encountering the object-based mix for the first time. One of them tried the Stereo mapper feature and placed some objects inside. Scène de Nuit reached out to each engineer in advance to offer guidance and address any concerns about spatial mixing. “Some were hesitant, others curious,” says Vaillant. “But every one of them walked away impressed by how L-ISA reduces masking and improves instrument separation. It allowed them to rethink their approach to mix balance and compression.” Engineers noted how L-ISA enhanced definition across complex arrangements—particularly valuable for genres where subtle phrasing and tonal nuances are essential. The experience also offered a valuable learning curve, expanding engineers’ creative toolkits for spatial sound.

While most audience members may not have identified the technology by name, they certainly felt its impact. L-ISA technology delivered consistent coverage and fidelity across the venue, ensuring an engaging and emotionally resonant listening experience in every seat. “The audience doesn’t need to understand how it works—they just know it sounds great,” says Vaillant. “But in reality, people sitting far left or right enjoyed the same clarity as those in the centre, which wouldn’t happen with a traditional stereo system.” Following the success of this deployment, Scène de Nuit is already exploring further enhancements for future editions of the festival. “This project confirmed how perfectly L-ISA suits the sophisticated nature of the Jazzellerault lineup,” concludes Vaillant. “It elevated the live music experience without losing the intimacy that defines the festival”. approach to immersive audio technology, combining L-ISA deployment

Sennheiser Spectera helps Arcadia’s Dragonfly soar at Glastonbury

This year’s Glastonbury festival witnessed the return of performance art collective Arcadia Spectacular and their iconic Dragonfly Stage, an extraordinary 13-metre-long installation crafted from a transformed Sea King military helicopter. The colossal metallic sculpture dominated the festival landscape, reimagined as a living creature through dynamic projection mapping, LED illumination, and upgraded laser technology integrated into its wing structures. Founded by creative engineers Bertie Cole and Pip Rush, Arcadia debuted at Glastonbury in 2007 and has held a permanent area since 2014. This year marked a significant wireless evolution for Arcadia, with Sennheiser’s revolutionary Spectera wireless system delivering pristine audio performance in one of the most demanding RF environments in the world.

Kevin Gwyther-Brown, Business Development Manager – Professional Audio at Sennheiser, has worked closely with Arcadia for the past year, building a relationship that has evolved alongside the technology. “The Arcadia team has been familiar with Spectera since the system was announced at IBC 2024. Their vision was always to move to Spectera, and it came to fruition at this year’s festival,” he says. “For me, this is all about the evolution of the relationship between Arcadia and Sennheiser, both in terms of our collaboration and the equipment being utilised. We were able to implement the use of Spectera this year following a conversation between Bertie and I about trying out new technology on the Dragonfly.”

The colossal metallic sculpture dominated the festival landscape, reimagined as a living creature through dynamic projection mapping, LED illumination, and upgraded laser technology integrated into its wing structures. The timing proved fortuitous, as upgrades to the Dragonfly’s lighting and laser systems provided the perfect opportunity to enhance the audio and RF capabilities alongside these other technical improvements. The collaboration extended beyond Sennheiser to include industry partners, with input from Paul Rose and the team from audio rental company AF Live adding valuable expertise to the project.

The 2025 Dragonfly installation presented unique challenges, requiring reliable wireless coverage across a large area while maintaining audio quality in a busy festival landscape. The performance takes place suspended above the audience, inside a near 100-metre diameter ring of inward facing PA towers. Since the stage is well within the PA coverage, and therefore subject to significant delay, IEMs are essential for all performers, even those not accustomed to using them. Pre-show checks are critical to ensure each artist is comfortable with their mix before entering the structure.

“To meet this need, we required three distinct IEM coverage zones: backstage (for soundcheck), FOH (for engineers to monitor via the same system), and inside the structure,” explains Rob Cook, FOH Engineer for the

Arcadia Dragonfly Stage. “The performance area is enclosed in a sphere of custom LED panels, which also functions as a surprisingly effective Faraday cage.”

Sennheiser’s audio solution centred on the new Spectera wireless system, which took centre stage in delivering solid performance across the demanding RF environment. Spectera is the world’s first wideband, bidirectional digital wireless ecosystem, offering up to 64 channels (32 in/32 out) in a single rack unit. Spectera’s Audio Link modes provide unprecedented control of latency, audio quality and more for each link, while its bidirectional bodypacks manage both in-ear monitor and mic/line signals simultaneously. Six Spectera SEK bodypacks delivered IEM mixes for DJ and MC monitoring, while also providing monitoring for featured artists including Becky Hill, offering reliability, flexibility, and clean coverage across the site. The system’s ability to connect multiple antennas to a single Base Station to extend coverage meant that one antenna could be positioned inside the helicopter structure, and another at the front-of-house position, providing excellent range extension across the festival field.

The Base Station was located at FOH and connected directly to the mixing console via MADI, seamlessly integrating with the existing audio infrastructure. “Spectera made this setup effortless,” says Cook. “We placed the Base Station at FOH with a local antenna that also

covered the entire Arcadia field. A second antenna, connected via a 100-metre ethercon run, was installed at the structure entrance with direct line of sight to the performers. Both antennas transmitted and received on the same TV channel, providing seamless, dropout-free coverage across the field, even including catering.”

“We can’t deploy vocal monitors due to the limited space, which makes the IEM system absolutely vital,” adds Jacob Kuenzler-Byrt, Stage Manager and Deputy Technical Manager at Arcadia. “Spectera’s power and pristine clarity delivered across the board, allowing each vocal artist to immediately feel comfortable and connected in such a unique environment. The coverage of the entire arena, as well as the stage, was flawless, and the options it creates for dispersed performance elements are really exciting. This extended coverage was a huge improvement from 2024.” Sennheiser’s Marcus Blight, Technical Application Engineer, and Kevin Gwyther-Brown, Business Development Manager – Professional Audio, both offered support for the flawless deployment of the Sennheiser Spectera system at the Dragonfly Stage during Glastonbury 2025.

Meanwhile, four channels of EW-DX handheld transmitters, equipped with MM 435 capsules, handled DJ and MC vocal duties in a hybrid side-by-side configuration. A pair of omni-directional active antennas were installed inside the helicopter, with the EW-DX micro-

phones operating exclusively within the Dragonfly body and running analogue signals to an SD rack. Marcus Blight, Technical Application Engineer at Sennheiser, worked alongside Gwyther-Brown to ensure flawless deployment. Both arrived ahead of the show opening to carry out RF checks and ensure everything was locked in and ready – a crucial step in an environment as RFheavy as Glastonbury. “RF robustness, flexibility and scalability allowed the team to provide solid coverage across a large area of the site,” Blight notes. “Spectera offered a massive sonic advantage, offering low-latency digital audio to the IEM users and a fast, easy deployment for the crew, who were surprised how simple the system is to use. EW-DX, combined with the MM 435 capsules, provided vocal clarity that cut through the track and immersed the audience.”

“The sound quality of Spectera is unmatched,” adds Cook. “It feels like using a high-end studio headphone amp. The lack of noise floor, superb stereo separation, and flawless coverage allowed me to mix nearly the entire weekend through IEMs. With a suboptimal FOH location and the constant need to stay on comms during Arcadia’s show, that reliability was invaluable.” Kuenzler-Byrt approached the 2025 setup with knowledge gained from the previous year’s outing. The trust and collaboration between the teams resulted in a setup that was not only more efficient but also forward-looking, aligning with Arcadia’s ever-evolving creative and technical ambitions. “Sennheiser have been brilliant since the collaboration began in 2024, and the support from Kevin and Marcus has been incredible, especially on such an unconventional production,” he says. “It’s an absolute pleasure to work with such a professional team and we’re very excited to keep building new avenues together.”

“The evolution of our work with Arcadia represents everything we strive for in relationships,” concludes Gwyther-Brown. “From our initial collaboration in 2024 to this year’s full Spectera deployment, we’ve grown together, with each project pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in live performance technology.” Spectera was also used for Nile Rodgers & Chic’s performance on the Pyramid Stage, along with Dhani Harrison’s Friday slot on the Acoustic Stage. As well as the Dragonfly Stage by Arcadia Spectacular, Sennheiser’s Spectera was also used for Nile Rodgers & Chic’s performance on the Pyramid Stage, along with Dhani Harrison’s Friday slot on the Acoustic Stage at this year’s Glastonbury.

Khalifa University aerospace students pioneer innovation

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced major student and faculty achievements stemming from the use of ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator, which provides hands-on experience in aircraft design and performance evaluation, directly contributing to a growing body of student-led research and academic success. From the spring 2025 semester, aerospace engineering students have utilised the Merlin MP521’s advanced capabilities to produce several conference papers and research projects, with several projects being recognised at major events, highlighting Khalifa University’s growing impact in aerospace education and research. Many aerospace engineering students are currently using the simulator.

The flight simulator’s Excalibur III software, a real-time, non-linear simulation environment with six degrees of freedom, has enabled Khalifa University students to model and test a wide range of air vehicles, from gliders and rockets to fixed-wing, fixed-wing VTOL (vertical take-off and landing), multirotor rotary wing, and tilt rotor vehicles. The MP521 Flight Simulator uses Merlin’s S-function driver interface, which provides a link to the Khalifa University’s linear Matlab/Simulink software. This capability has helped students and researchers develop control systems to interact with the Merlin real-time Excalibur III non-linear flight application.

Dr Rafic M. Ajaj, associate professor, aerospace engineering, at Khalifa University, says: “The Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator has significantly enriched our aerospace curriculum, providing students with an advanced platform to apply their knowledge in flight dynamics, stability and control. It supports both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, offering an interactive approach to learning that enhances understanding beyond traditional methods. Additionally, it has proven to be an invaluable tool for student research projects, such as the AIAA Design, Build and Fly competition, and has generated great enthusiasm during open day events.”

Amir Khosh, commercial solutions manager at Antycip, says: “We are thrilled that the Merlin MP521, installed in October 2023 at Khalifa University, continues

hub.

to empower students with the tools they need to excel in aerospace engineering and prepare them for real-world challenges. By allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a dynamic, hands-on environment, the simulator bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical experience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the next generation of aerospace engineers.”

The integration of the state-of-the-art Merlin MP521 simulator into its curriculum reinforces Khalifa University’s position as a leader in aerospace education, help to equip students with industry-relevant skills and handson experience that will shape the future of aviation and aeronautical engineering.

WSDG unveils Studio D at FAMA music complex

The award-winning architectural acoustic consulting and media systems engineering firm WSDG has unveiled its latest contribution to FAMA Studios. Studio D is a discreet yet powerful creative space concealed

Studio D is a discreet yet powerful creative space concealed within

within the walls of the Dominican Republic’s most forward-thinking music hub. This latest addition marks the fourth studio designed by WSDG for FAMA, a boutique label and music company known for cultivating talent across genres and markets.

While FAMA’s main studios - A, B and C - offer expansive spaces for professional recording, mixing (including 5.1 for film), and artist development, Studio D is something entirely different. Hidden behind a disguised library door and nestled beneath a staircase in a restored colonial building in Santo Domingo’s historic district, this intimate studio is a self-contained creative retreat tailored for vintage synth experimentation, analogue gear integration, and all-in-one recording sessions. “FAMA understood that flawless acoustics are only half the story,” says Silvia Molho, WSDG’s Partner and Art Director. “They wanted an inspiring environment that sparks creativity - and in Studio D, we delivered that in the most unexpected way.”

FAMA’s owners - a family with deep cultural and philanthropic roots in the Dominican Republic - originally approached WSDG in 2006 to design a professional studio to support their annual music festival and to offer high-

end recording capabilities for regional and international artists. Over time, the project evolved into an entire complex, including multiple studios and a boutique hotel next door to host visiting creatives. Studio D, completed in 2024, is the culmination of that vision: a personal passion project for the studio’s owner and a creative hideaway for select clients.

From a design perspective, Studio D breaks many of the traditional rules. The space is asymmetrical, compact, and carefully engineered to maintain acoustic integrity while embracing aesthetic innovation. Wallpaper-grade wooden wall finishes, a multi-layered ceiling, and customised lighting transform the room into a visually striking cocoon. The studio integrates vintage keyboards, custom speaker configurations, and a turntable-ready workstation, making it ideal for experimentation and spontaneous composition.

Technically, the studio is anchored around a Yamaha DM3-D Digital Mixing Console with Dante and an iMac Studio workstation. Monitoring is handled via Genelec 8361A and Yamaha DXl1K speakers, offering exceptional audio detail and flexibility. The outboard gear includes a full rack of preamps from API, Manley, Rupert Neve Designs, RME, Universal Audio, and others, enabling a broad range of tonal options for tracking and mixing. The studio also boasts a curated collection of vintage synthesizers, providing endless creative possibilities for producers and artists. “We had to reinforce the colonial-era structure from the inside out to support the technical requirements,” Molho explains. “It’s small, but it’s packed with technology and isolation. No one walking through the building suspects that a fully professional studio is hidden there.”

WSDG oversaw every aspect of the design and buildfrom architectural consultation and structural modifications to acoustic tuning by David Molho, Acoustic Engineer, and AV integration by Federico Páez, Senior Systems Engineer, supported by the rest of the team. According to Molho, Studio D reflects a rising demand for multifunctional, immersive studios that serve both technical and emotional needs. “More and more artists want to create in places that feel unique, intimate, and inspiring,” she continues. “Studio D proves you don’t need a massive space to achieve world-class results, just great design and a clear creative vision.”

“FAMA is a perfect example of what we’ve always envisioned for WSDG as a business,” concludes WSDG Founding Partner John Storyk. “They’ve been our clients since 2015, and in that time, we’ve supported them as they’ve grown from a single studio to a full creative campus with Studios A, B, C, and now Studio D. This industry runs on trust, service, and relationships. When you support your clients with care and creativity over the years, they keep coming back - and they bring others with them. That’s how we’ve grown, and it’s why collaborations like this one with FAMA are so meaningful to us.”

the walls of the Dominican Republic’s most forward-thinking music

Meyer Sound elevates the worship experience at Church360

Church360 in Grand Prairie, TX, has dramatically transformed its audio experience with the installation of a Meyer Sound PANTHER large-format linear line array system, delivering powerful clarity, consistent coverage, and rider-ready performance for its 2,700-seat main sanctuary. The new system supports a wide range of programming - from weekly worship to concerts and conferences - and represents the culmination of an eight-year vision led by the church’s Technical Director and Lead Audio Engineer, Steve Constantino. “When I first started here, the existing system was already at the end of its life,” says Constantino. “We had significant inconsistencies across the room. Every seat sounded different. My goal was to give every seat the same experience—the same clarity and energy.”

Constantino, who has extensive touring experience with companies like Clair Global, approached the project with a rigorous eye for performance and detail. Church360 had previously installed a Meyer Sound LEOPARD system in a student ministry building on campus, and the positive experience sealed the deal. “Everyone loved the sound of that room. The clarity, the fullness—we knew we wanted that on a bigger scale,” he says. That confidence was reinforced after Constantino experienced PANTHER firsthand. “I went to a PANTHER demo a couple of years ago,” he recalls. “I heard it and I thought, ‘wow, this box is a game changer.’”

The final design centres around dual arrays of ten PANTHER loudspeakers as the main hangs, supported by LEOPARD arrays for side coverage. ULTRA-X20, ULTRA-X40, and UPQ units provide fill and balcony support, while low end is handled by 17 2100-LFC low-frequency control elements. The system is driven by 11 Galileo GALAXY processors, with a robust Milan AVB network supporting signal transport and system monitoring, plus a full analogue backup. “I wanted a system that wouldn’t be anywhere near its limits,” Constantin explains. “We host concerts, conferences and special productions. I needed something with headroom, stability, and coverage.”

Church360 in Grand Prairie, TX, has dramatically transformed its audio large-format linear line array system, delivering powerful clarity, consistent main sanctuary.

The entire system was designed by Constantino and installed in collaboration with David Leuschner of AV integrator Pro Audio Video, with support from Entertainment Manufacturing Group, which provided network cabling and motorized rigging inspired by touring workflows. All components are flown on chain motors for full ground access and easy service. The system was installed this spring and tuned in two phases: an initial deployment to meet an Easter deadline, followed by a secondary round of refinements once the team had a few weeks of hands-on experience. In the process, two additional ULTRA-X20 front fills were added to perfect coverage in the front rows. “It was worth every bit of effort,” says Constantino. “We had staff members poking their heads into the room during tuning week, saying, ‘Wow, this sounds great.’”

To Constantino, one of the most striking improvements is in speech intelligibility. “It doesn’t sound like the pastor is coming through a P.A. system - it sounds like he’s just talking to you in the room. And the reduction in hearing fatigue is huge. Even after loud events, you

audio experience with the installation of a Meyer Sound PANTHER consistent coverage, and rider-ready performance for its 2,700-seat

don’t walk out exhausted.” In addition to its modern P.A. system, the project includes a nod to Meyer Sound’s legacy product line. When Constantino identified the discontinued CAL column loudspeakers as the perfect fit for the lobby, Meyer Sound agreed to manufacture a custom pair.

The upgrade has also improved the audio in Church360’s live stream, which reaches more than 2,500 people weekly. “I’m not fighting the P.A. anymore,” notes Constantino. “What I hear in the room matches what I’m sending out.” Leuschner notes that the success of the project reflects a uniquely collaborative process. “That’s what makes Meyer Sound different,” he says. “This was a rare project where the integrator, manufacturer, and end user all aligned,” he says. “And when that happens, it’s magic.”

TVC Technology Solutions completes AV installation at care home

TVC Technology Solutions, one of the UK’s leading AV specialists for the care and hospitality sectors, has announced the successful completion of a comprehensive audio-visual installation at Cheadle Grange Care Home. The project reinforces TVC’s position as the ‘go-to’ expert in AV solutions for care homes that are seeking to enhance resident engagement, safety, and staff efficiency. The care home sector presents unique challenges for AV systems, including the simplicity of resident use, integrated safety features, and screen viewing and audio accessibility for people with disabilities or impairments. TVC’s extensive experience in AV installation in the care sector and other hospitality venues provides the company with a unique expertise that helps care home managers make informed choices.

“We really understand the unique requirements of the care home environment and bring that experience to managers and specifiers in the sector who may not appreciate the range of solutions available, all of which we can provide,” says Andy Greaves, Sales Director at TVC Technology Solutions. “Our goal is to provide AV systems that are not only seamless and reliable but also aligned to the needs of both residents and staff. The Cheadle Grange project exemplifies our commitment to creating audio visual installations that enrich daily life, support care teams, and provide lasting value.”

Starting with an in-depth design consultation to understand Cheadle Grange’s specific needs from their partners Hiedi Lazenby Design, TVC assessed the site and drew up structured plans to budget and developed an installation strategy to minimise day-to-day disruption. Central to the installation are seven 75” 4K LG commercial displays for Cheadle Grange’s popular lounges and an impressive 86” 4K LG commercial display in the dedicated cinema room. Further 65” and 75” 4K LG screens are installed in shared lounges and group communal areas, all mounted on Peerless AV professional flush-fit wall brackets for safety and clean aesthetics. These commercial-grade screens offer longer ‘always on’ operation life than typical consumer TV screens, delivering long-term value to the care home.

For the Cheadle Grange’s 75 guest bedrooms, TVC installed Mitchell & Brown JB-32FH1811BL Full HD Smart TVs throughout. This popular 32” model, known for its incredibly user-friendly design and full range of smart TV services, comes with a seven-year manufacturer’s guarantee, further enhancing the installation’s long-term value. To ensure a seamless installation, all cabling was hidden and aesthetics maintained, reflecting TVC’s reputation for high-quality, care-sensitive setups. Furthermore, TVC addressed the need for safe, wheelchair-friendly viewing by fitting all wall-mounted screens on low-height brackets, ensuring cable management and wall-hardware installation were fully compliant with care home safety standards.

As part of their ongoing service, TVC is now delivering proactive maintenance visits, system health checks, and technical training for Cheadle Grange staff to ensure the system remains easy to operate and fully supported. With this project, TVC continues to build a strong portfolio of care-home installations across the UK, leveraging its sector-specific expertise to support better living environments through technology. From sensory room displays to digital signage for activity schedules, TVC delivers turnkey AV solutions tailored to each home’s demographic and care model. “We believe that every care home should benefit from reliable, intuitive AV systems that bring the community together and aid routines,” added Andy Greaves. “Our approach combines first-class products, sector insight, and long-term value with full support - a formula that care providers across the UK already trust.”

Oslo’s Byens Tak now offers premium audio experience

Perched atop the historic Folketeater Building in Oslo, Byens Tak is a breathtaking event space that offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape, fjords, and surrounding forests. Once known as Stratos, this twelfthfloor venue has long been a hub for cultural and social gatherings. When Rodeo Architects took over the space, they envisioned a venue that blended modern functionality with its rich historical character. To achieve this, they needed a dynamic audio solution that could deliver pristine sound while preserving the venue’s aesthetic integrity. That’s where Renkus-Heinz came in.

Byens Tak is a highly versatile space, hosting everything from corporate events and conferences to concerts, club nights, and private celebrations. The venue’s architectural heritage presented a unique set of challenges for audio installation. With its long, narrow layout and intricate acoustics, which included two large domes originally designed for natural sound amplification, ensuring even sound coverage without intrusive equipment was a critical requirement. “The whole space is protected, so we had to work around the existing architecture. The client wanted the speakers to be as integrated and as invisible as possible while still delivering high-quality audio,” explains Daniel Glaister from Benum, Renkus-Heinz’s distributor in Norway. Additionally, the audio system needed to cater to vastly different applications. In the daytime, the venue functions as a co-working space and hosts professional meetings, requiring flawless speech intelligibility. By night, it transforms into an atmospheric bar and club, demanding powerful, immersive sound for DJ sets and live performances. To meet the venue’s diverse needs, Benum specified a system featuring two Renkus-Heinz IC Live Gen5 digitally steerable column arrays, permanently mounted on the long wall. These were complemented by two Renkus-Heinz SA118 subwoofers, which were mobile on wheels for flexibility.

The IC Live Gen5 Series was the ideal choice for Byens Tak, as the beam-steering technology allowed for precise control over sound dispersion, ensuring consistent audio coverage across the entire space while minimizing reflections from the domed ceilings. “The IC Live Gen5 models are powerful yet incredibly discreet. We could colour-match them to the venue’s walls, making them almost invisible,” Glaister notes. “With beam steering, we could direct the sound exactly where it needed to be, avoiding problem areas and ensuring speech clarity as well as high-energy sound for DJ performances.” Additionally, the placement of the subwoofers – one on each side of the room rather than in traditional stereo alignment – allowed for even low-frequency distribution, avoiding hotspots and dead zones. Since the installation, Byens Tak has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The venue’s owners and event organizers have praised the system’s flexibility, coverage, and ease of use. “They’re especially thrilled with how adaptable the system is. Whether it’s a business presentation, a wedding, or a club night, they can quickly switch between presets to get the perfect sound,” says Glaister. “And most importantly, they love how it blends into the space without disrupting the venue’s character.” Byens Tak is a project that showcases how innovative audio technology can enhance a historic venue without compromising its architectural integrity.

TVC Technology Solutions, one of the UK’s leading AV specialists for completion of a comprehensive audio-visual installation at Cheadle

for the care and hospitality sectors, has announced the successful Grange Care Home.

The collaboration between Benum and Renkus-Heinz has resulted in a venue that not only respects its rich history, but also meets the demands of modern event production. The ability to seamlessly transition between different audio requirements has positioned Byens Tak as one of Oslo’s premier event spaces, capable of hosting a diverse range of functions with unmatched audio clarity.

Perched atop the historic Folketeater Building in Oslo, Byens Tak is a breathtaking event space that offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape, fjords, and surrounding forests.

APPLICATION

Kramer sets new benchmark for scalability and flexibility

Kramer has revolutionised teaching and learning at John Abbott College in Quebec, bringing all-new connected capabilities and possibilities to classrooms using a range of advanced AV over IP solutions. In response to a rapidly growing student population and limited campus space, the new dynamic classroom complex, led by Canadian integration partner AVI-SPL in collaboration with Kramer, sets a new benchmark for scalable, flexible and user-friendly learning environments.

With a campus area of 1,600 acres, John Abbott College is an English-language public college located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, near the western tip of the Island of Montreal. Faced with the daunting challenge of creating additional teaching space without undertaking a major construction project, the college took a modular approach to increase classroom capacity. Completed in just four months, 32 prefabricated units were installed to form Maple Hall, housing 13 state-ofthe-art classrooms designed to adapt to the evolving needs of educators and students alike.

Following a rigorous selection process, Kramer AV over IP solutions were specified to replace traditional pointto-point cabling with a fully networked solution. This design enables any source to be routed to any display –across classrooms or even campus-wide – opening the door to more interactive and collaborative teaching methods. “Technology should enhance the lesson, not interrupt it,” said Ryan Forster, Coordinator of End User Experience at John Abbott College. “That’s what Kramer helped us achieve. Instructors walk in and everything just works. They can focus on teaching, not on technology.”

The project emphasized ease of use and low maintenance. All AV equipment is neatly housed in podium racks, while AV traffic is routed through a robust network backbone of Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti switches. Motion sensors and integrated controls for lighting and shades further streamline the user experience and improve energy efficiency. The wealth of new Kramer technology allows the college to run with new levels of efficiency across the board. For both audio and video, the system supports real-time flexibility, allowing instructors to:

•Split displays for breakout group content

•Broadcast a single presentation across rooms

•Annotate shared content from any device

•Instantly adapt classrooms for different teaching styles

“We’re no longer locked into single-purpose rooms,” added Forster. “With this infrastructure, we can scale, adapt, and grow on demand. Instructors don’t need to think about inputs or buttons.”

The new setup enables instructors to split screens by group, share content from one class to another, or spotlight student presentations with a tap on the control panel. Instructors can annotate content directly on the

interactive display or from their laptop and have it appear instantly on every screen in the room. “It’s about flexibility,” Forster said. “We now have the infrastructure to support teaching that adapts in real time— whether it’s small group breakout sessions or sharing a single presentation with multiple classrooms.”

Encouraged by this success, John Abbott College plans to expand Kramer’s AVoIP infrastructure throughout the wider campus, redefining how learning spaces are designed and deployed. “This is more than an AV upgrade,” Forster added. “It’s a long-term investment in how we teach and learn. We’re no longer locked into single-purpose rooms. If a classroom needs to serve a different course tomorrow or scale up for a guest speaker, we can do that without new infrastructure.”

Jesse Gadon, Kramer VP of Sales, North America, concluded: “We are delighted to have supported John Abbott College with this project. At its heart, Kramer technology is about improving and enhancing people’s lives, and it’s fantastic to see students enjoying the benefit of smart simplicity and seamless integration. The benefits for both students and educators is evident. They now have the flexibility to operate with seamless, clear collaboration at a single touch, be it inside the classroom or beyond, with the additional peace of mind of improved energy efficiency. We look forward to seeing students thrive as we continue to work closely with Ryan and his team.”

Kramer has revolutionised teaching and learning at John Abbott College bilities to classrooms using a range of advanced AV over IP solutions.

College in Quebec, bringing all-new connected capabilities and possisolutions.

Tateside installs 1 Sound across Soho Mews House

The latest iteration of the Soho House members club experience, Soho Mews House, promises a next-level of exclusivity with membership extended to only the most long-standing of the brand’s patrons on an invite-only basis. Designed with a more refined and mature atmosphere in mind, the new Mayfair club reimagines the early days of the Soho House brand.

Opened in October 2024, the launch party brought together an A-list guestlist spanning from James Corden to Stanley Tucci and Olivia Coleman, with invitees serenaded by Nick Cave. London-based integrators, Tateside, led the AV integration at the new premises, strengthening their already long-standing relationship as a trusted technology partner of Soho House across all its sites in the capital. “We were approached with a design-led brief to install a high-quality audio system to match the high-end interiors of new Mews House,” explains Jack Cornish, Technical Director at Tateside. “We felt that 1 Sound was a perfect match for this, so we designed a system based around their custom-finished loudspeakers.”

The project comprised audio across the ground, first and second floors, including the reception area, the Piano Bar, a main dining room and a live performance

space; the ‘Half Moon Bar’. 1 Sound’s wood-stained finished and custom-coloured loudspeakers fit the bill when it came to ensuring the elegant interiors remained undisturbed. In the Piano Bar, which has already hosted the likes of Jools Holland and Macy Gray, Tateside opted for 1 Sound’s C6 loudspeakers and WSUB45’s which are used for both acoustic Piano and DJ performances.

The Piano was fitted with DPA microphones, the prestigious brand chosen for crystal-clear pick-up of performances, most fitting to the upscale interiors. To keep things simple, a Skaarhoj motorised fader bank was installed, allowing for basic microphone control without a bulky mixing desk or the need for a sound tech on site. 1 Sound monitors in a matching wood stain finish are placed on the piano and the DJ booth.

Upstairs in the main dining room, Tateside opted for 1 Sound’s compact C4 coaxial loudspeakers and MiniSUB5 subwoofers, the latter of which were installed under banquette seats. “In the private dining room, MiniSub5s were positioned above the draped fabric ceilings, allowing us to integrate high-quality audio with a small footprint and minimal visual impact,” continues Cornish. Finally, the Half Moon Bar, a live performance area on the second floor, makes good use of 1 Sound’s Tower column cardioid loudspeaker systems, complemented by further C6 units and WSUB45 wall subs.

Wood stain and cream finishes continue the interior theme, whilst the cardioid pattern of the column systems is effective at controlling noise on the stage in such a tight space, boasting -20 dB rear attenuation. “In the performance space, the loudspeakers are clearly on display, but still integrate nicely thanks to custom finishes,” explains Cornish. “The wood stain matches the joinery, so they naturally look the part.” Furthermore, thanks to the Q-SYS control backend, the rooms support multiple modes, switching from DJ mode to live performance mode, which includes audio EQ and automatic time alignment shifting. DMX show lighting is tied in through Q-SYS, with comprehensive control via an Apple iPad or simplified switching via Pragma wall panels on each floor. “For us, this was a real passion project where we were able to implement high-performance, great-looking products, play with custom colours and design something that looks as good as it sounds,” concludes Cornish. “We’re proud to continue to support all Soho House sites across London with our managed services team.”

Sennheiser and Lumens partner on future of meeting spaces at Taiwan HQ

Sennheiser has partnered with Lumens Digital Optics Inc. to create a professional conferencing demo space at Lumens’ headquarters in Taiwan. The collaboration highlights the seamless integration of Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) with Lumens’ CamConnect Pro voice-tracking camera system – offering a smarter, more engaging conferencing experience. Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) integrates seamlessly with Lumens’ CamConnect Pro voice-tracking camera system – offering a smarter, more engaging conferencing experience

The installation demonstrates how combining best-inclass audio and video technology can solve real-world AV challenges and deliver unprecedented meeting equity. Designed for effortless operation and simple deployment, the solution enables automatic camera tracking and precise voice pickup, significantly enhancing hybrid communication experiences. Sennheiser’s TCC 2 is a ceiling array microphone featuring dynamic beamforming technology. It delivers an ultra-narrow and highly accurate voice capture beam, which detects the speaker’s position and transmits that location data to the Lumens system. This allows the cameras to automatically track and frame the active speaker, with no additional coding or complex configuration required. Lumens’ CamConnect Pro is an advanced speaker tracking and auto-switching multi-camera processor. Equipped with AI for precise people tracking, the system autonomously controls up to four IP PTZ cameras, intelligently directing each shot and switching angles in real time to capture each speaker clearly and naturally. The result is a scalable, easy-to-deploy solution suitable for a wide range of professional environments, including council chambers, boardrooms, classrooms, and auditoria. By automating production elements and reducing the need for manual control, the system enhances both meeting efficiency and inclusivity. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to creating powerful, flexible conferencing solutions that support more inclusive and productive meetings,” says Jessica Wong, Business Communications Sales Lead, Hong Kong & Taiwan at Sennheiser. “The integration of our TeamConnect Ceiling 2 microphone with Lumens’ CamConnect Pro camera system delivers a seamless, high-performance experience that’s easy to deploy and manage.”

Clear-Com boosts communication at Merlin Theme Parks

Clear-Com recently celebrated the successful implementation of its EQUIP intercom system at Merlin Theme Parks, enhancing ride operations, safety, and guest satisfaction through improved team communication. As a long-standing trusted technology partner,

Tyrell introduced Merlin to Clear-Com’s EQUIP system, a hands-free, full-duplex intercom solution designed to streamline real-time conversations between ride operators, loaders, and platform staff. From the outset, Tyrell worked closely with both Merlin and Clear-Com to scope the technical requirements, facilitate product demonstrations, and ensure each deployment was tailored to the unique footprint of individual attractions.

Kiran O’Connor, Continuous Improvement Lead at Merlin Theme Park, highlights the communication challenges the park faced: “People would stand at a phone or a point on the ride having conversations, they weren’t checking bars or batching people into lanes. That was a bottleneck we set out to solve. We needed a hands-free, full-duplex communication system without the need to press a button or pick up a phone. After evaluating several suppliers, Clear-Com’s EQUIP system hit everything we were looking for.” The EQUIP system’s integrated battery life lasting a full operating day, with no trailing battery packs, and natural full-duplex conversation capability have revolutionised communication for the teams. “Initially, some team members were hesitant, wondering if they should talk because suddenly everyone could hear them. But very quickly, they settled in

The latest iteration of the Soho House members club experience, Soho ship extended to only the most long-standing of the brand’s patrons

Soho Mews House, promises a next-level of exclusivity with memberpatrons on an invite-only basis.

and understood when the right time was to have those conversations. Things that previously required stopping operations to speak to a ride operator can now happen instantly over the headset,” said O’Connor.

The results have been remarkable:

•Up to an 18% increase in ride throughput by reducing delays and improving seat filling efficiency

•An average improvement of 8-9% across multiple rides, one of the largest gains from recent operational changes

•Significant risk mitigation for teams working at height or in complex environments through instant, hands-free communication

Clear-Com has partnered closely with Tyrell throughout the rollout, customising the solution for each attraction’s unique needs. “Tyrell has been instrumental in making this project a success,” said Ben Turnwell, EMEA Regional Sales Manager. “They have been involved at every stage, from technical planning to on-site support and aftercare.” “At each new attraction, Clear-Com visits our site, understands our operation, and makes bespoke recommendations on transceiver placement and cabling routes to optimise performance,” explained O’Connor.

CODA Audio systems for three Maastricht city-centre bars

The value of premium audio in restaurants and bars has never been higher. As well as offering high quality food and drinks menus, discerning restaurateurs are placing great emphasis on the all-round experience of their guests, complementing unique interior designs with sound systems that can support a variety of requirements. In the Dutch city of Maastricht, integrator Verjans AV, specialists in the hospitality sector, recently designed and supplied CODA Audio systems for three city-centre venues.

With vast experience of both installation and live event audio, Harald Verjans first encountered CODA Audio in 2013 and has been a fan of the brand and customer of Viladco, CODA’s Benelux distributor, ever since: “I attended a demo in Hanover and was immediately struck by the audio quality and the power coming from such small boxes. The fact that all the different cabinets share the same sonic signature was also a big plus. When the three venues in Maastricht wanted exceptional high-fidelity audio from their systems, CODA loudspeakers were the obvious choice.”

Verjans installed a new CODA Audio system for the recently opened Bar Nola. The management at this stylish restaurant and bar wanted the best possible sound from a discreet professional-grade system which matched the ambience of its carefully designed interior. The system comprised 8 x CODA Audio HOPS5 (compact two way double 5” high output point source) with 2 x CODA Audio U12 subs. Next door at Cafe Van Bommel, a dynamic cafe bar which has been a feature of Maastricht nightlife for more than thirty years, Verjans upgraded to a CODA system featuring 6 x HOPS8i (double 8”) with 2 x G715-Pro (three-way, full range 15”). Completing the trio of installs was nearby Club Roto, a popular late-night bar and club featuring DJ sets, where 12 x CODA Audio G712 (three-way, full range 12”) were installed alongside 2 x G15-Sub sub extensions.

All three installations are powered by CODA Audio’s LINUS DSP amplifiers. Hans Engelen from CODA Audio distributor Viladco comments: “We are seeing an increasing number of retail and hospitality units recognising the value of investing in very high quality professional audio systems. Their customers demand high standards, and creating the right atmosphere is key to that. Live and background music reinforcement is central to this ethos and expert integrators like Harald, with CODA’s qualities at their fingertips, are able to deliver fantastic solutions which deliver long-term value for money.”

Meyer Sound PANTHER and 2100LFC power Roskilde Festival

The 2025 edition of Roskilde Festival marked Meyer Sound’s eighth year as the festival’s Official Sound Partner, and the pairing of PANTHER large-format linear line array loudspeakers and 2100 LFC low-frequency control elements provided clear and powerful audio at the sold-out festival’s main Orange stage. The system included a grand total of 135 PANTHER loudspeakers and 56 2100-LFC elements, with additional support from 29 1100-LFC and 24 900 LFC low-frequency control elements, eight LEOPARD M80 compact linear line array loudspeakers, and six ULTRA X40 compact point source loudspeakers. “The thing about PANTHER and 2100-LFC is that they were made all along knowing who it’s going to be mating with, so they have a very compatible phase response,” says Meyer Sound’s Director of System Optimisation Bob McCarthy. “They merge together in a way that makes it feel like it’s just one singular source of full-range sound.”

A wide range of solutions powered great performances in a variety of genres across the other six stages, all provided by Victory Event, Stage & Tour APS. Like the Orange stage, the Arena, Apollo, Avalon, and EOS stages featured PANTHER, bringing the festival’s total number of PANTHER loudspeakers to 239. The Arena stage also featured 2100-LFC, and the solutions powering the rest of Roskilde Festival’s stages included our LEOPARD and LINA compact linear line array loudspeakers and our new ULTRA X80 versatile point source loudspeakers. “The challenge with Roskilde Festival is that we have seven stages in a very cramped and small area, so a good sound design is essential to a good audience experience,” says Lars Liliengren, the festival’s head of production. “With Meyer Sound we ensure perfect coverage and minimal disturbance of the stages.” Next year, the Orange stage will be expanding to accommodate the production for even larger touring performances.

Chamber of Industry and Commerce installs TCC M microphones

Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling Medium (TCC M) microphones were installed in 34 training and meeting rooms of the new office building of Hannover’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Manufactured at the audio specialist’s headquarters in Wedemark near Hannover, 36 TCC Ms were delivered straight from the production plant to facilitate learning and collaboration in IHK Hannover’s new building in the Lower Saxony state capital.

Hannover’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) envisioned their new office building to be a centre of exchange and networking. When it came to fitting their 34 meeting and training rooms as well as their plenary hall with ceiling microphones, IHK Hannover and system integrator PIK AG selected Sennheiser’s TCC M microphones to facilitate learning and collaboration in the

In the Dutch city of Maastricht, integrator Verjans AV, specialists CODA Audio systems for three city-centre venues.

specialists in the hospitality sector, recently designed and supplied

new office building. Utilising patented automatic dynamic beamforming technology and Sennheiser’s TruVoicelift function, the TCC M ensures exceptional speech intelligibility by automatically focusing on the speaker’s voice, regardless of their location in the room. This innovative feature allows for seamless communication during meetings and training sessions, ensuring that every word is heard clearly.

TCC M is utilised across various rooms at IHK Hannover, primarily for team meetings and hybrid teaching sessions. The first floor features a dedicated teaching area comprising eight rooms, all equipped with the TCC M. Remarkably, the TCC M eliminates the need for presenters or lecturers to use additional microphones, as it effectively captures audio in these hybrid lecture environments. In the CEO meeting room, the integration of Q-SYS with the TCC M facilitates advanced features such as camera tracking, while other rooms utilize simple USB cameras without tracking capabilities. “The

decision to implement Sennheiser’s TCC M microphones reflects our commitment to providing innovative media technology to meet the requirements of modern conference and training rooms”, stated Markus Wermers, Project Manager at PIK AG, the main contractor for the project. “The decision to implement Sennheiser’s TCC M microphones reflects our commitment to providing innovative media technology to meet the requirements of modern conference and training rooms,” said Markus Wermers, Project Manager at PIK AG

With a coverage area of up to 40 m², the TCC M microphone delivers the advanced audio quality and features found in Sennheiser’s award-winning TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2). Their versatile installation optionssurface-mounted, suspended, flush-mounted, or using the TCC M Ceiling Tile - allow for flexible room configurations and cleaner setups, creating an optimal environment for collaboration. “Our goal with the TCC M was to empower users in mid-sized meeting environments with superior audio technology,” said Denise Beater, DACH Business Communication Sales Manager Sennheiser. “We are proud to see our TCC M deployed locally in the Hannover region, where they will significantly enhance the overall experience for both in-person and remote meeting participants at IHK Hannover.”

The selection process for the TCC M was driven by the need for a suitable ceiling microphone that could seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure at IHK Hannover. During the search for new solutions, it became evident that most ceiling-mounted microphones were too large, including Sennheiser’s TCC 2. After exploring options, integrator PIK AG’s Chief Sales Officer, Daniel Gallin, reached out to Sennheiser to inquire about the availability of the newly announced TCC M microphones. At the time, they were not yet on the market; however, the Sennheiser team confirmed their production timeline, ensuring delivery just in time for the project.

The family-owned company successfully delivered the first-ever produced TCC M ceiling microphones directly to IHK, starting with serial number 00030. The local connection between IHK Hannover and Sennheiser heightened the excitement, as both organizations share a commitment to quality and innovation in the Hannover region. “We believe that investing in Sennheiser products is an investment in the future of effective communication and collaboration. The reaction we’ve received from users has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to see how these microphones will enhance training sessions and hybrid meetings at IHK Hannover,” said Markus Wermers, Project Manager at PIK AG.

Poland’s 120dB doubles

up on Solid State Logic’s System

Introducing a whole new generation of concert goers to live music, Polish sound specialist 120dB doubled down on a pair of SSL System T consoles and full Dante network to cater for a sell-out arena tour by Polish social media sensations Genzie. Using an audio setup specified by 120dB founder Michal Mika, the company used its own 48 fader System T S500m flypack in the FOH position while a 32 fader System T S500 was provided by SSL’s Polish distributor Commercial Audio for monitor mixing all artist IEMs. Formed in 2021, Genzie is a collective of content creators from Kraków with more than two million YouTube subscribers and billions of video views.

Taking the brand on the road, this year’s Genzie Offline Tour gave fans the opportunity to see them live on stage at a series of sell-out concerts culminating in Warsaw’s COS Torwar Arena. “I was responsible for all the audio on the tour,” says Mika, who founded 120dB as a full-service audio company in 2012 and has a background in audio mixing across live music, eSports and broadcast. “That included all the stage audio, such as the monitors and RF equipment, as well as front of house, and I was also responsible for the onstage multitrack playback system.”

120dB is an early adopter of SSL’s System T, having installed the first System T in Poland into its ST1 sound truck in 2018 and rolling out a full Dolby Atmos ready truck with a 64 fader System T S500 two years later. More recently the company bought the 48 fader flypack system used on the Genzie Tour, and a Tempest Control App (TCA) console which Mika says is ideal for touring with rap and EDM artists where he doesn’t need a lot of faders and needs to travel light. “System T is so flexible and easy to route audio, it made a huge difference to how we managed the show and it enabled me to be much more creative,” says Mika. “More importantly, I think it sounds awesome; in Poland, the big events and festivals almost always utilise high end PA systems, and it really makes a difference when you’re mixing on the System T.

“Although this show was relatively simple with six vocals and playback stems, I had so much space in the mix bus that I knew I had the freedom to experiment. The System T has the dynamic room and scope to push the boundaries and still have pristine high-end outputs. For the artist IEMs, we started rehearsals with another console, but after talking to the Commercial Audio team we replaced it with another System T. Although our monitoring engineer programmed it in the same way, everything sounded so much bigger and brighter, and the console’s bus compressors meant that the signals were much louder and still significantly under clip. Even for in-ears, the System T made sense.”

Maintaining a simple setup at each venue, the only analogue connectivity used on the whole tour was for audience mics and for the warmup DJ; Dante connectivity across the board, from the Shure Axient Digital mics to

Introducing a whole new generation of concert goers to live music, tem T consoles and full Dante network to cater for a sell-out arena

the playback machines, kept signal flow simple and easy to set up. “Dante is a very natural environment for us and System T’s easy connectivity with Dante was a huge benefit on the Genzie tour,” says Mika. “It meant we avoided any analogue splits, and it kept everything very simple. Multitracks consisted of stereo stems, a clicktrack, timecode, and tone for the switcher, and were all sent from redundant Mac Minis via Dante into the DirectOut Maven unit which acted as a redundant switcher. The FOH and monitor consoles simply picked up whatever they needed directly from the Dante network.”

SSL’s VP console sales Rob Davidson isn’t surprised to see that Mika is putting his System T consoles to good use, irrespective of use case. “Working with partners like Michal and 120dB is really important for manufacturers like SSL because it’s how we find out how our technology is being implemented in the real world,” he says. “Collaborations like this help drive our R&D teams to deliver features that customers want and need. The fact that 120dB is making good use of its System T consoles across a range of disciplines, from sports broadcasting and eSports to music FOH, is testament to its flexible design and ease of use.”

Polish sound specialist 120dB doubled down on a pair of SSL Systour by Polish social media sensations Genzie.

ON renovation of Latin America’s largest digital art façade

The iconic façade of the FIESP building on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo, Brazil- home to Latin America’s largest open-air digital art gallery - has been entirely transformed. ON, the international audiovisual technology company behind the original installation in 2012, has completed a sweeping technological overhaul of the SESI Digital Gallery, replacing the previous 26,000 LED dots with more than 120,000 newly engineered units. The result: a fourfold increase in resolution and more than ten times the brightness, offering a dramatically enhanced visual experience to millions who pass by each year.

More than a feat of engineering, the SESI Digital Gallery is a curated space dedicated to artistic expression. It serves to showcase digital artworks and video art by invited artists, exhibit cultural and experimental audiovisual content, and function as a platform for urban visual communication. Crucially, it reinforces FIESP’s role as a supporter of culture and innovation in Brazil. The FIESP building - an emblem of Brazilian modernist

and brutalist architecture - famously appears to float above Paulista Avenue. At night, its trapezoidal steel façade transforms into a monumental digital canvas. ON’s renovation involved replacing the entire digital skin with around 120,000 newly designed LED dots, each installed by hand with architectural precision across 2,818 square meters, making it one of the largest permanent LED art installations in the world.

The new system raises maximum brightness from 45 to 471 cd/m² and increases resolution from 221 x 170 to 480 x 322 dots. Colour reproduction has expanded from 68 billion to over 281 trillion possibilities, thanks to 16-bit RGB processing. Each dot operates at 24 volts (compared to 5 volts previously), greatly improving efficiency and stability. The sealed architecture of the new system, with groups of 40 dots connected in weatherproof units, dramatically reduces the risk of failure from oxidation or contact wear - an important consideration given São Paulo’s demanding climate. “Our goal was to raise performance without compromising the building’s architecture,” said Hugo Rodrigues, CEO of ON. “We had to develop a structure that was lighter, more powerful, and nearly invisible from a distance.”

The upgrade presented major engineering challenges. The FIESP façade’s distinctive geometry with its honeycomb-like structure and strict weight limitations required every bracket and connection to be custom designed. The installation executed dot by dot - entirely by hand - beginning in January 2025, demanded months of meticulous manual work, often under tough weather conditions and at height. Engineers had to devise new mounting strategies, pixel-mapping systems, and control logic to handle the complex trapezoidal geometry of the building. “Installing this many dots on such a challenging structure was like assembling a giant instrument,” said Rodrigues. “We needed to respect the architecture while making the technology almost invisible.”

One of the critical breakthroughs was the development of a custom pixel mapping system tailored to the building’s unique contours. Traditional video mapping methods were incompatible with the trapezoidal geometry. ON reprogrammed the control boxes so each segment of the façade could correctly interpret and display content-allowing for seamless playback of audiovisual artworks across the irregular surface. “We had to teach the building how to ‘read’ the video data in a new way,” Rodrigues explained. “Now, each control box understands its exact starting point, which enables pixel-perfect alignment with the architecture.”

Content delivery and control have also been significantly upgraded. The new system is managed via a centralized controller that processes real-time video inputs through HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort, converting them into DMX protocol signals for precise playback across the building’s irregular façade. ON developed a fully customized pixel mapping architecture, enabling each control box to identify its exact position on the façade - essential for seamless alignment of content across non-linear surfaces. To make the platform accessible for creatives, ON also generated an intuitive

APPLICATION

pixel map compatible with standard visual design software, allowing artists to develop and preview content without needing deep technical knowledge. This approach bridges the gap between technical complexity and creative freedom, turning the gallery into a programmable, artist-friendly canvas.

Energy efficiency has also been improved: while overall performance has increased dramatically, the use of optimized hardware and voltage management minimizes waste. The system is engineered for daily operation, with a total maximum power draw of 259.72 kW (at 85% efficiency), and operates up to 14 hours a day. ON also provides biweekly preventive maintenance to ensure optimal performance over time.

Brompton LED processing transforms education

Brompton Technology’s LED processing solutions are at the heart of a cutting-edge virtual production studio recently installed at Detroit Country Day School, believed to be the first professional-grade VP and VFX studio in any PreK-12 educational institution in the United States. Detroit Country Day School, a private, independent, co-educational school in Michigan, is known for its innovative approach to liberal arts education, including an award-winning film programme.

Thanks to a generous gift from DCDS Trustee Danialle Karmanos and her husband Peter, the new state-of-theart facility features a rack-mounted 4K Tessera SX40 LED video processor and two Tessera XD 10G data distribution units, powering an impressive 26ft by 8ft INFiLED DBmk2 1.9mm pixel pitch LED volume. The system runs at a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and is already transforming educational experiences across grade levels. “When we started researching the leaders in LED technology, Brompton rose to the top,” explains Mike Medvinsky, Creative Technologist at Detroit Country Day School. “All the major concerts and video production studios are run through Brompton, so they were our first choice.”

The xR Studio is part of a larger complex called ‘The Studios’ which includes a vodcasting studio and VR lab. The donor-led project represents a significant advancement in PreK-12 educational technology and creates opportunities for students to engage with professional-level production tools. “This is new territory not only for us to learn the technology, but for us to create the curriculum and experiences to engage students and help them become more engaging storytellers. That’s what ‘The Studios’ are designed for,” says Medvinsky. The Brompton Tessera LED processing platform offers critical features that have proven invaluable to the school’s workflow. “One thing we use often is the colour shaping in the Tessera software, fine-tuning the colour in the studios with the colour through the in-camera lighting,” notes Medvinsky. “It really helps when we can fine-tune the saturation or the gamma using the curves

in the software itself to match what’s in the studio.” Medvinsky also highlights other Tessera features that enhance their production capabilities: “The OSCA (OnScreen Colour Adjustment) feature in the software is fantastic when we’re trying to edit something in real time, and being able to adjust the nits in the software is also useful. We’re really trying to match the analog colour with the digital colour, and the Tessera software has really helped fine-tune those capabilities.”

The installation came with comprehensive support from Brompton Technology, including on-site calibration and training. “Webster [Moyle, Technical Sales Manager at Brompton] came by to see the space and help me learn more about the Tessera software, as well as how the LED technology works,” Medvinsky continues. “Once the INFiLED tiles were in, we had Jason Tennstedt (Senior Field Application Engineer) come in to do the calibration, along with another three days of training.”

The studio’s technical infrastructure, designed in collaboration with 4Wall Entertainment as the integration

The iconic façade of the FIESP building on Avenida Paulista in digital art gallery - has been entirely transformed.

in São Paulo, Brazil- home to Latin America’s largest open-air

partner, includes a RED camera with Mo-Sys tracking system and Disguise media servers that work seamlessly with the Brompton LED processors. The impact on image quality has been remarkable. “When the 1.9mm pixel pitch INFiLED tiles were installed, there was an instant difference in the quality of the LED assets that we were putting on the volume. Firstly, through the eye, and then through the camera. It made such a difference,” exclaims Medvinsky.

The xR Studio is already being utilised across the curriculum, with students as young as prekindergarten creating content while learning about virtual production workflows. In one recent project, an 11th-grade student created a documentary about the Detroit riots of the late 1960s using the studio’s virtual production capabilities. “The overall goal for ‘The Studios’ is to create a space where students’ creativity meets technology - and they have a space to create, seek, and tell their stories,” Medvinsky states. “We are designing ways to use the studio spaces, not only as a film and content capture environment, but also as a place-based teaching desti-

nation, where students and teachers can come to our xR Studio as their classroom and bring a location to them.”

Looking ahead, the school plans to further expand the system’s potential, and is considering adding an LED floor within the next year or so to take full advantage of the space’s xR capabilities. The school’s ongoing relationship with Brompton Technology remains a crucial component of their success. “We’re continuing to learn the system and the technology as we go along, but we’ve had a really great start from Webster and Jason,” Medvinsky reflects. “The customer service has been excellent.”

Will Jennings, Senior Project Manager, who led both the design and installation on behalf of 4Wall, reflects on the system’s versatility. “The INFiLED tile with Brompton LED processing is a dynamic combination, creating gorgeous visuals in person, but more importantly, looks incredible on camera,” he says. “During the design process, we focused not only on how the tools will go together, but how to put full control in the hands of the volume operators. Brompton’s reliability and advanced feature set make it as obvious a choice in classrooms as it is on the set of a feature film.”

Sharing his perspective on the broader impact of the technology, INFiLED’s Senior Field Applications Engineer Jason Tennstedt adds: “With cutting-edge LED technology from Brompton and INFiLED, education and production environments achieve unparalleled clarity, efficiency, and creativity -transforming learning and workflow into dynamic, high-impact experiences. LED technology revolutionizes learning spaces and production environments by enhancing visibility, reducing energy costs, and promoting sustainability—brightening minds and workflows alike.”

“We are incredibly proud to see our Tessera LED processing technology, alongside INFiLED’s display innovations and 4Wall’s expert integration, enabling the next generation of visual storytellers at Detroit Country Day School,” concludes Moyle. “This installation represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking application of our technology that we love to support. Seeing students as young as prekindergarten engaging with professional-grade virtual production tools that are identical to those used in major Hollywood productions and concert tours is truly inspiring. We’re committed to continuing our support of educational initiatives like this, that bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry-standard technology.”

PPDS appoints ‘top tier’ AV engineer Fredrik Lundqvist

PPDS has announced the latest addition to its growing EMEA Technical Sales Support team with the appointment of highly experienced specialist Fredrik Lundqvist. Bringing more than 21 years of ‘top tier’ specialist AV knowledge and experience – plying his trade at some of the world’s most established and recognised display manufacturers – Fredrik joins the PPDS team as Technical Manager for the Nordic and Baltic regions. Based in Stockholm and reporting to PPDS Director Technical Sales Support EMEA, Jan Van Tieghem, Fredrik offers a broad spectrum of specialist technical skills and industry knowledge – global and local – to PPDS’ flourishing Nordics region. Previous roles include Sales manager for Hospitality, Marketing Manager for B2B, Technical Engineer for B2B, SmartTV manager for B2C, among others. Further reinforcing and validating PPDS’ unrelenting commitment to its partners, customers, and team members, Fredrik will work closely with Jan in supporting pre- and post-sales activities in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. This includes the full breadth of PPDS’ growing and highly versatile hardware and software portfolio – including digital signage, ePaper, interactive, and dvLED displays – ensuring seamless installations across all verticals, including retail, hospitality, corporate, education, and more.

As part of the team, Fredrik will also actively provide dedicated support for customers in mastering the application of PPDS’ products, services, and solutions; assisting with integration for tailored projects; defining best configurations for unique customer needs, simulating and testing customers set ups ahead of and during installations; and overcoming any interface or compatibility challenges. Discussing his new role, Fredrik commented: “I am proud and excited to have joined the PPDS team and to be part of the company’s success moving forward. I believe my experience to date working in a variety of roles for leading global AV companies has given me a solid foundation, particularly in understanding customer needs and working in fast paced, innovation driven environments. My ambition is to ac-

PPDS has announced the latest addition to its growing EMEA Technical Sales Support team with the appointment of highly experienced specialist Fredrik Lundqvist.

tively contribute to PPDS’s ongoing success by bringing knowledge, fresh ideas and solutions that drive both innovation and sustainability. I have seen PPDS surprise and disrupt many of its competitors in the market in recent years, which has ultimately benefited me as I stand here in this new role. The decision to join was a simple one.”

Jan Van Tieghem added: “At PPDS, we don’t ever compromise on quality and performance, neither with our products nor in our teams. As our solutions continue to evolve and the technical complexities increase, it’s imperative we have the right personnel with the right skill sets both to understand and overcome any challenges faced, and to always provide the highest levels of professionalism. Fredrik’s background and experience in the Nordic and Baltic markets make him the ideal candidate for this important role. On behalf of PPDS, I welcome Fredrik to the team and look forward to great things.”

PlexusAV announces Jim Reinhardt as US Sales Manager

PlexusAV, the professional AV division of Sencore, providing a suite of human-focused AV-over-IP solutions, has announced the appointment of Jim Reinhardt as US Sales Manager. Steven Cogels, Global Director of Business Development at PlexusAV, confirmed: “As we grow our business in the US, we knew it would also be important to grow our sales team to support the ever-expanding requirements of our customers. We spent quite some time searching for a suitable candidate and were thrilled when Jim applied for the new role we created. Jim has previously worked for tvONE, WyreStorm and Crestron and so he truly understands the technology we are selling and the industry. We are very excited that he has chosen to join us.”

Jim Reinhardt confirmed: “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join an early-stage technology company at a true inflection point of an industry that is demanding 100% interoperability and truly open standards. The team, the product offering, and the vision at PlexusAV are all in place; now it’s about delivering value to businesses and organizations that demand flexibility, compatibility, adaptability, and reliability. I can’t wait to get started.”

PlexusAV has announced the appointment of Jim Reinhardt as US Sales Manager.

AtlasIED names Dirk Greef as Regional Sales Manager for Germany

AtlasIED has announced the appointment of Dirk Greef as Regional Sales Manager for Germany, supporting the company’s ongoing international growth and presence across Europe. Dirk Greef joins AtlasIED Europe GmbH and will be based in Germany. Dirk Greef has over a decade of experience in the industry, having held es-

AtlasIED has announced the appointment of Dirk Greef as Regional Sales Manager for Germany, supporting the company’s ongoing international growth and presence across Europe.

sential sales roles in both integration and distribution. His career includes more than five years with a German integrator, where he directed the company’s sales and commercial operations. He then took on the role of Area Sales Manager for Western Germany at a leading German distributor, where he further enhanced his market knowledge and built strong customer relationships. “Dirk will be an excellent addition to our team, and we anticipate his contributions will greatly assist our European expansion, which continues to be a crucial goal for us,” said Simon Godfrey, Director of Sales- EMEA of AtlasIED.

In his new role, Dirk Greef will focus on expanding AtlasIED’s footprint throughout Germany, introducing the company’s extensive product range to integrators, consultants, and end users across the region. His appointment comes at a time of strategic growth for AtlasIED in Europe, as the company invests in regional support and market development. “I firmly believe in AtlasIED’s technology, team, and vision for the future,” said Dirk Greef. “I am eager to enhance the brand’s presence and connect customers with innovative audio and communication solutions.”

Jagger steps into a new role with Powersoft

Powersoft has announced the promotion of Varun Mahesh Jagger to the newly created role of regional manager (distribution) for the EMEIA region. Jagger joined Powersoft in 2018 and had served as the Italian company’s sales manager for EMEIA (Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa) since 2021, where he played a pivotal role in growing Powersoft’s presence across the region. In his new position, he will be responsible for overseeing Powersoft’s EMEIA distribution network and directly manage area sales managers Cosimo Cecchi and Simone Scaramuzza. He will continue to report to Powersoft’s global sales manager (distribution), Fabrizio Romano Bolzoni.

In his new role, Jagger takes on a broader strategic remit for the region, explaining that he sees the promotion as an opportunity to optimise Powersoft’s regional distribution strategy, expand into new verticals, and scale the sales team in line with local growth potential. “Powersoft is already seen as an innovative leader for amplifiers across the world. But the perception of the brand, and the knowledge of our products, is not uniform across markets and verticals,” he says. “Over the mid-to long-term I aim to streamline the distribution network to leverage us for growth across verticals and markets – preparing the sales team for better growth in the region and supporting our distributors and partners to translate Powersoft’s global vision at a local level.” Jagger also expresses his gratitude for the support of Powersoft’s leadership team and his sales colleagues. “Fabrizio and [sales director] Luca Giorgiare both leaders who lead from the front, and I am thankful to them in laying a strong foundation for me on which to grow,” he comments. “They have constantly helped push the envelope and will continue to do so. Simone and Cosimo are wonderful people, great team players and excellent sales managers with deep knowledge of their markets. I will also be learning from their experience in each market. In the end, it is a team effort–and without Simone and Cosimo, there is no team.” Welcoming Jagger to his new role, Bolzoni adds: “This organisational change reflects our continued commitment to

Powersoft has announced the promotion of Varun Mahesh Jagger to the newly created role of regional manager (distribution) for the EMEIA region.

strengthening our presence in key markets and enhancing the support we provide to our distribution partners. With his experience and dedication, we are confident that Varun will play a crucial role in helping our distribution partners grow their businesses while further developing Powersoft’s brand in these strategically important territories.”

“I look forward to implementing new ideas, building efficiencies and working closely with our partners to deliver sustainable growth across the entire EMEIA region,” concludes Jagger.

Live Technology strengthens team with two key appointments

Live Technology has announced two significant new appointments as the business bolsters its team to support customers across the live events sector, following its launch last month. Tim Haskell joins the dedicated live events distributor as Product Specialist – Professional Lighting, bringing more than 15 years of industry expertise with a focus on the film, TV, and broadcast sectors. Tim will be supporting Live Technology’s professional lighting team, helping to expand its presence in these markets following the addition of SUMOLIGHT and Elation to its portfolio, alongside Martin Professional, Robert Juliat, Macula, and StageSmarts.

Tim joins from Rotolight, where he played a key role in developing both sales and customer relationships in the UK and several major international markets. Tim Haskell, Product Specialist – Professional Lighting at Live Technology, said: “I have worked with several well-established lighting brands in recent years, but the quality, colour fidelity and performance of the lighting brands that Live Technology distributes takes studio and location lighting to a whole new level. I am truly excited at the opportunity to expand our market presence with these dynamic products.”

Stuart Down has been appointed Head of Audio and will work closely with the sales, business management, marketing, and applications teams—as well as key brand partners—to further strengthen Live Technology’s position in the performance audio market. Stuart

brings a wealth of experience from his time as Head of UK Sales at L-Acoustics and is well-respected across the industry for his technical knowledge and strategic sales leadership. Stuart Down, Head of Audio at Live Technology, commented: “I’m excited to be joining Live Technology at such a pivotal time. Its commitment to its customers and its strong portfolio of performance audio brands makes this a fantastic opportunity. I look forward to working with the team to further develop our presence in the entertainment, broadcast, and creative technology spaces and deliver outstanding solutions to our partners and clients.”

Steve Fay, Managing Director of Live Technology, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome both Tim and Stuart to Live Technology. Each brings a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge that will be instrumental in driving growth and supporting our customers with industry-leading solutions. These appointments reflect our ongoing investment in providing exceptional expertise and service across both lighting and audio for the live events market.” Launched in June, Live Technology is a dedicated division specialising in audio, lighting, and video solutions for live events. Backed by Midwich and built on Sound Technology and PSCo’s deep expertise and passion, this new division brings together a dedicated team, an expanded product portfolio, and a renewed focus on making it easier than ever for live events partners to create ‘wow’ moments.

Planar and Leyard

Europe

announce appointment of Filip Cogghe as Vice President of Europe

Planar and Leyard Europe have announced the addition of Filip Cogghe as vice president of sales, marketing and service for Europe. Cogghe joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in the AV and display technology industries, most recently serving as sales director for global and strategic corporate sales at Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH. There he played a pivotal role in forming and executing global sales strategies. “We’re happy to have Cogghe lead sales and marketing efforts across Europe,” said Chief Executive Officer at Planar Sidney Rittenberg. “With an impressive background that is highlighted by demonstrated sales leadership and growth as well as complex solution integration and involvement in mission-critical installations, he’s the right leader to guide this team in extending unrivalled support and visualization solutions to more customers in the European region.”

“It is an absolute privilege to spearhead efforts for a company that continues to push the boundaries of innovation in visual display technology,” said Vice President of Europe Filip Cogghe. “I join the organisation at a time of exciting momentum with industry-leading product developments on the horizon. I look forward to leveraging my deep market knowledge and client-centric approach to help drive the company’s efforts in Europe to an even brighter future.” Filip Cogghe is based in the Brussels metropolitan area and graduated from Thomas More University of Applied Sciences.

Jose Miguel Valenzuela Martin named Adder salesperson of the year

At Adder, we believe in celebrating the people who drive our success and this year we are thrilled to recognise Jose Miguel Valenzuela Martin, sales manager of Intronics Spain, as an Adder Recognized Sales Person of the Year. This award honours Jose for his exceptional sales performance, unwavering dedication, and remarkable contributions to our distributor network. Jose consistently goes above and beyond, not only exceeding sales targets but also fuelling growth through innovative strategies and outstanding customer engagement.

His passion for excellence and deep understanding of the market have significantly boosted our presence and performance in the region. Whether it’s building strong client relationships or bringing fresh, creative thinking to the table, Jose’s impact is undeniable. Nico Borgognone, strategic sales manager at Adder, shared his appreciation, saying: “Jose is always there when we need him. He’s dedicated, easy to work with, and truly cares about the success of Adder. It’s a pleasure to have him as part of our extended team.”

The Adder Distributor Awards are designed to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our distribution partners around the globe. These accolades not only spotlight exceptional performance but also shine a light on the shared values that make our distribution network so strong, collaborative, and supportive for our customers.

Planar and Leyard Europe have announced the addition of Filip Cogghe as vice president of sales, marketing and service for Europe.

CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX)

Going far beyond the exhibit floor layout, CEDIA Expo/ Commercial Integrator Expo promises to be a comprehensive showcase of new technologies, new products and new ideas from some of the most important names in residential and commercial systems integration — names that one might overlook on the floor layout but who will be at the show in considerable force! The event returns to the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver, Colorado, from September 3–6, 2025. Organizations like Harman and Samsung exemplify the synergies in residential and commercial systems integration. Harman Luxury Audio Group will have offerings from Revel, Mark Levinson, JBL Synthesis, and Arcam on display at Booth 2512, just as Samsung will showcase its range of UHD televisions, projectors, and playback technologies. Likewise, ADI and Snap One underscore the essence of integration and the multiplier effect when brands come together to make the whole greater than the sum of parts. Show-goers at CEDIA Expo/CIX can look forward to offerings from ADI and Snap One’s varied product lines, including Access Networks, Control4, episode, OVRC, Pakedge, Sunbrite, Triad, and Wirepath, among its many other brands at Booth 1512 in Denver. Nice is also a booth that will feature multiple leading technologies, including audio, energy management, shading, security, lighting, and smart home that constitute category-defining solutions from its 2GIG, ELAN, Furman, Gefen, Linear, Panamax, Proficient, and SpeakerCraft among its other brands. Legrand AV is similarly comprehensive in its range of technologies products and brands, including Chief, Connectrac,

C2G, Da-Lite, Luxul, Middle Atlantic, On-Q, Sanus, Vaddio and Vantage, in addition to Legrand shading solutions. “The integration business is about brands, products, and technologies coming together in powerful systems to deliver exceptional experiences,” explains Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo/CIX. “It’s fitting, therefore, that our exhibitors will feature a host of incredible products and solutions working together to provide incredible experiences for businesses, homeowners, and the integrators who design and deploy the systems.”

Whether your focus is the connected home, pioneering workspaces, or dynamic hybrid environments, CEDIA Expo/CIX is the only North American event where the residential and commercial integration worlds come together, offering unmatched opportunities to learn, network, and stay ahead.

Timely trends and breakthrough tech at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025

With CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) set to return to Denver, September 4-6, Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo/ CIX, shares some of the top trends and storylines shaping this year’s event as the list of exhibitors continues to prove its strength. “Denver in September will be an Expo to remember,” says McGraw. “This show is ground zero for the innovations, partnerships, and conversations that will shape residential and commercial integration for years to come.”

•8K breaks out of the theatre

8K is no longer niche — it’s here, and it’s everywhere. With support from the 8K Association and major brands debuting next-gen displays and projectors, such as Digital Production, Sony, and Samsung, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 will be a proving ground for just how far the technology has come. In luxury homes, massive 8K video walls are redefining the entertainment experience and doubling as digital art canvases. But the applications go far beyond residential: in education, retail, and corporate spaces, 8K is powering immersive learning, visualization, and dynamic signage. With razor-sharp detail and dynamic scalability, 8K is becoming an indispensable tool in the integrator’s toolkit — and this September, it will be on full display in Denver.

•Outdoor tech expands the experience

The lines between indoor and outdoor living continue to blur, and today’s smart homes are expected to deliver seamless tech experiences in both. Top-of-the-line brands such as Neptune TV and Sol-Lux will be showcasing industry-defining outdoor technology solutions this September.

From 4K/8K outdoor-rated displays to directional speakers, weatherproof AV, landscape lighting, and smart grills, CEDIA Expo/CIX will showcase the whole ecosystem of outdoor innovation. Whether for entertaining, relaxing, or enhancing curb appeal, outdoor spaces are becoming high-performance zones. Even outdoor appliances like pizza ovens, grills, and fire features are being networked into the broader control ecosystem, and integrators are stepping in to bring it all together.

•The garage goes fully connected

Once overlooked, the garage is becoming one of the most integrated spaces in the modern home — and in light commercial settings too. EVs now sync with home networks, launch lighting scenes, and interface with energy management systems. At the same time, garages are transforming into private gyms, workshops, and remote studios, requiring robust automation, connectivity, and security. At this year’s show, integrators will find tech that ties doors, HVAC, lighting, and surveillance into broader home and business automation from companies like Lutron, Graber, and Airzone.

The garage is a staple of American entrepreneurship (HP, Google, etc.), so you’ll see bootstrapped and VCbacked start-ups at the show debuting their innovations at CEDIA Expo/CIX in Denver this September.

•Lighting that performs and transforms Lighting and shading are no longer finish-line features — they’re foundational to the design and integration process. At CEDIA Expo/CIX, expect to see everything from smart fixtures and human-centric lighting to advanced shading and control protocols that serve both form and function. These systems are being specified for luxury homes, hospitality venues, workspaces, and wellness environments, giving integrators and designers new tools to shape the experience of a space. Expect to see high-performance fixtures, advanced control systems, and designer-grade options from exhibitors like Klus and Lucetta that meet both the aesthetic and tech-

nical demands of today’s installations.

•Scalable security for smart living and workplaces Security has become a must-have in both residential and commercial installations — and it’s growing smarter, sleeker, and more integrated by the day. From discreet sensors and access control to video analytics and automation triggers, CEDIA Expo/CIX will feature security solutions designed to function quietly in the background while providing robust protection. Exhibitors include Allegion, HoloVision, and Ring. These systems are increasingly tied into AV, lighting, and HVAC controls, offering seamless safety for homes, MDUs, retail shops, and boutique offices alike.

•And let’s not forget the sound

Premium audio remains a cornerstone of CEDIA Expo/ CIX. Hi-Fi listening rooms, vinyl experiences, and immersive theatres will demonstrate how top-tier sound elevates any space, residential or commercial. Sound is where emotion meets technology, and this year’s show will celebrate it with demo spaces that highlight both innovation and pure listening joy. Many top brands, such as Yamaha, Harman, and L-Acoustics, will offer hands-on demonstrations in sound rooms on the show floor or in dedicated demo rooms, making it easy to hear what’s next.

•One show, dual-market impact

Perhaps most exciting for today’s integration professionals: the increasing convergence of residential and commercial technologies. For system integrators working across both spaces, CEDIA Expo/CIX offers a single destination to explore unified platforms, scalable solutions, and new business opportunities that span the full spectrum of connected environments. “Systems integration is driven by emerging technology and evolving client expectations,” says McGraw. “This show is where we see the future take shape — from luxury homes to smart offices and everything in between.” With over 350 exhibiting brands, live demonstrations, sound rooms, and a packed education schedule, CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 is the ultimate destination for anyone shaping the future of integrated spaces.