AV News December 2023 by AV News

DECEMBER 2023

In this Issue AVIXA Women’s Council UK : Recognising and supporting strong women in AV in 2023 CTOUCH : 6 benefits of interactive touchscreens for your working environment

Highlights of 2023 1

EDITOR’S LETTER

AI yes / AV not so much! London mayor scotches London Sphere plan

Anybody watching the Grand Prix from Las Vegas over last weekend can’t have failed to be impressed by the track side LED Sphere event venue. A year ago, it seemed almost certain that a similar venue would be built in London’s Olympic Park. Immediately after the spectacular Las Vegas showing. News was released that the London option has been cancelled by the London Mayor. Over the last month we have been subjected to a litany of pro-technology support from government. But while support for AI technology has been almost universal, with some caution expressed about the negative impact of AI on employment. Government support for technology in general is far from universal. AI is OK – AV? Not so much! London Mayor Sadiq Khan has rejected proposals to build a Las Vegas style MSG Sphere in Stratford’s Olympic Park. Once again, local NIMBYs have held sway, and plans for the 21,500-capacity venue have been shelved on the basis of local’s contention that the Sphere said would have “disrupted their lives”. The mayor justified his decision on the grounds of light pollution, the potential power costs and a lack of “green credentials”. Supporters of the development pointed out the value of “world class and innovative entertainment venues” in the capital and the business opportunities it would create. Some 1,000 local residents opposed the plans to build The Sphere in Olympic Park. It was estimated to cost a significant £800 million with supporters suggesting it would add billions to the London economy. The original Sphere, designed by architect Populous, cost $2 billion to build in Las Vegas. Opponents of the London scheme contrasted the Las Vegas site with the

relatively busy London site with its retail and sporting venues in the locality. The developers, MSG, countered that the project would create 2,200 jobs in the local vicinity and add an estimated $2billion to the London economy and $50 million in annual revenue for local businesses. A final decision on the Sphere now rests with the Communities Secretary Michael Gove for a final ruling. We can only hope that his decision to create the biggest deployment in the world gives due weight to the factors which influenced last year’s decision when an application from the Madison Square Garden (MSG) company was approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). “The 21,500-capacity venue is designed for the next generation of immersive experiences” and would feature the biggest and highest-resolution LED screen in the world, an “infrasound haptic system” of vibrating floors, and “beamforming” audio technology. “The building’s facade is a spherical LED screen measuring two hectares (five acres). It is expected to glow and be covered with animated adverts for much of the time” reported the Guardian. At the time, the MSG The Sphere’s supporters included the University of East London and the former cabinet minister Matt Hancock. Paul Westbury, from MSG, said the application had gone through a “thorough assessment” and that the venue would help make Stratford a global destination for music and technology. Surely a boom for any capital city? Bryan Denyer, Editor

COLUMN

AVIXA Women’s Council UK - Recognising and supporting strong women in AV in 2023

023 has been a fantastic year of celebration, gratitude, awareness and recognition. The AVIXA Women’s Council UK, part of the global AVIXA Women’s Council, goes from strength to strength every year, thanks to the commitment of the Council’s committee, its diverse members and continued support from industry driving forces. The Council meet virtually once a month and face-to-face whenever possible around industry shows and networking events to plan

A great turnout at the Peerless-AV AV Showcase at Lord’s, 16-17 May.

new topics and ideas. This year, the Council organised a series of webinars around themes that were not only close to the hearts and minds of the council but that appealed and encouraged positive interactivity from all areas of the AV world. Visit the AVIXA Women’s Council UK Events page to watch the following webinar recordings from this year. * Men’s Mental Health Webinar, 14 November #ZEROSUICIDE The last event of the year was a first for the AVIXA Women’s Council UK, in response to feedback from male colleagues and connections for an open forum around International Men’s Day. For over 20 years, the day has been held globally on 19 November, in celebration of men’s contribution to society, highlighting positive male role models as well as raising awareness of men’s well-being. This year’s theme was around ‘Zero Male Suicide’. Iffat Chaudry of Involve and the ‘Whatiff?’ podcast hosted the webinar and was joined by panellists Stephen Davies, Nuvias UC, Matthew De Gannes, AREC - JacobsMassey AV Specialists, Russell Harpham, Sound Control Technologies, and Dan Rowe #ANDYSMANCLUB. * Creating a Menopause-Friendly Workplace Webinar, 18 October

COLUMN

17 March meet up at the AV User Group to celebrate International Women’s Day and the #EmbraceEquity theme.

According to research from consulting firm Ipsos, women in Britain are more comfortable talking about menopause that any other nationality. There is certainly a large improvement towards destigmatising menopause in recent years. However, although something that all women on the planet will potentially experience in their lives, it is still a taboo subject to many. Changing this sentiment, especially in the workplace, is so important so that women can feel more supported, comfortable and confident in their daily lives. In this webinar, workplace wellness coach and author Clare Davis provided insights into the intricacies of this natural life transition, and how it impacts not only individuals experiencing it, but also those around them. * How to can stand out and land your dream job in the AV industry Webinar, 23 July AV Recruitment Specialist Denise O’Keeffe delivered this webinar, imparting her wisdom on the skills and qualifications that are desirable in the AV industry, the importance of having a diverse and inclusion AV workforce, why networking is so important to boost confidence, exchange ideas and meet people of all professional levels. * Beat burnout at work Webinar, 27 April This was the first webinar with author and coach Clare Davis on a topic that many are likely to have experi-

enced with research showing that burnout is on the rise worldwide and has been at an all time high since spring 2021 amongst Gen Z, young millennials and women especially. Watch the recording to find out the tell tale signs of individuals that may be struggling in the workplace and learn tips to combat feelings of mental distance from one’s job, energy depletion and negativism. * How to be an Ally Webinar, 24 January The first webinar to kick off the year was focused on promoting the power of allyship and advocacy in fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Hosted by Bubble PR’s CEO Sadie Groom and joined by Iffat Chaudry and Northamber’s Kiel Hillier, discussions centred around how everyone can become an ally and actively support those in less advantaged positions, not just at work but in the world around them. Look out for upcoming events from the AVIXA Women’s Council UK and join the conversation in 2024! The next in-person meeting will be held at Integrated Systems Europe in Barcelona, 30 January to 2 February. In 2023, the AVIXA Women’s and Diversity Council co-presented: “Technology at the Service of Inclusion” at the AVIXA Xchange Live booth. For further information and registration, email AWCUK@avixa.org.

FEATURE

YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO USE IT CTOUCH NEO

The days of having to figure out how that complicated touchscreen works are over! Designed to be used by even the least tech-savvy person, CTOUCH Neo has the most intuitive user interface you have ever seen. You already know how to use it.

Easy whiteboarding with only the essentials to choose from

Use AirServer to wirelessly share your screen

Share, inspire, have fun! With CTOUCH by your side.

Gain quick access to the internet with the embedded Chromium browser

Change your source with one touch

OPINION

up and actively share ideas with colleagues on the digital whiteboard. You can swipe, tap, drag, enlarge images, and draw. This provides a more intuitive and natural way of interacting with the content on the screen. This not only sparkles up the meeting, but also allows you to give each other insights into plans, ideas, and work to be done more quickly and effectively.

6 benefits of interactive touchscreens for your working environment We no longer just work in offices. In fact, we increasingly work remotely and for longer periods of time. From home, at a flexible workplace in the area, in a local cafe, or even from the beach. Companies have found a mix between working from home and working in the office in different ways. This balances the advantages and disadvantages of working from home. However, the need to collaborate has not changed.

hether in groups, with your own team, or with colleagues from other departments, working together can be a challenge. This is especially true when working remotely. How can you ensure that those working in the office can collaborate well with colleagues working from home? And what about all those creative ideas that emerged during a brainstorming session? How can you make sure that they are not lost when everyone is back in their own little room behind their laptop the next day? Good technology is essential. The success of teams depends on the tools they are provided with to do their work. And that goes beyond just having a good laptop or monitor to share your screen. Touchscreens can add a lot to a hybrid working environment. We have listed the six most important benefits of an interactive touchscreen in a hybrid working environment: 1. You get more interaction and engagement when meeting Be honest, how often do you check your watch during a meeting? And how often have you fallen asleep during a colleague’s endless presentation? We feel your pain. With a touchscreen, you may not be able to change the quality of the speaker, but you can certainly improve the quality of the meeting. You have the ability to stand

2. You’ll present better Do you sometimes struggle with a presentation on your laptop? No? Of course, you never have any problems with that. But your colleague certainly does, right? You see them sweating, walking back and forth from the presentation screen to the laptop every time they have to switch to the next slide. And there goes the connection again. Start over. “Oops, sorry, the laptop battery is almost empty, does anyone have a cable?” Well, presenting with a touchscreen is much easier. You can smoothly play the presentation from the USB-stick connected to the screen. You can stand relaxed in front of the group and concentrate on your story. This gives a much more professional impression when you have to present something to a client or group of people. 3. Knowledge sharing and collaborating becomes more efficient. Teamwork works better (and faster) when interaction is optimal. No problems with systems freezing, lost post-its, or projects that don’t fit together well. A robust digital infrastructure is the foundation of hybrid working. And a touchscreen is the central digital point in your workspace. Unlike a monitor, with a touchscreen you can collaborate with multiple people at the same time, such as in a brainstorming or meeting room. This way, everyone can contribute to that new project or important assignment, so you can really work towards results in the short time you have. Moreover, many collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams, Miro, and Trello, support touch. That’s not without reason. Touch is particularly valuable for stand-up meetings and digital scrumming.

OPINION

4. You save costs and space Compared to a monitor or television, an interactive touchscreen can save a lot of space. After all, not every working environment has access to multiple meeting rooms, while the need to hold regular team meetings, for example, is there. With a touchscreen, you can work anywhere in your office. You can share the screen of your phone or directly open a web browser or other applications that allow you to bring your colleagues or customers into your story or message in an instant. This also brings cost benefits because you can start using workplaces multi functionally without the need for unmanned meeting rooms and empty furniture. So, you are also doing something sustainable! 5. A touch screen encourages spontaneous results and freedom Freedom? Ok, this may sound a bit strange. Let us explain. A touchscreen does not only offer advantages for scheduled (video) meetings. In fact, often the best ideas arise spontaneously. So how great is it to have a tool at your disposal with which you can make your brilliant ideas come to life ad hoc, on-the-spot, instantaneously and immediately? And also share them with others. And how nice is it to be able to put a schedule on the whiteboard dur-

ing a short conversation and be able to set priorities? A touchscreen gives you the ultimate freedom to start a conversation at any time of day. And to seek interaction to share knowledge. 6. Your organisation becomes more attractive to employees. A nice salary and a pleasant working atmosphere are no longer the only important factors when choosing for an employer. More and more employees and job seekers indicate that the way of working is an important factor. And the use of modern technology is also decisive. Certainly, millennials and younger generations are already used to digitalisation! They expect their employers to help them to keep developing their knowledge and skills in the best possible way. An interactive screen contributes to this tremendously. Social interaction is and remains need (and motivator) number one. And that is precisely where the added value of an interactive touch screen lies. Your hybrid working environment? That’s where touch belongs!

ADVERTORIAL

ucts have been very well received and 2024 will see the brand penetrate much deeper across the country, as well as into parts of Europe too via Westcoast’s extensive logistics network.” Disruptive solutions

Why video conferencing is set to ‘Boom’ at Westcoast A new name has officially entered the UK video conferencing market in partnership with international distributor Westcoast – with big plans and big ideas to ‘Boom’ during 2024. Boom Collaboration was formed in 2020 by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett, in a bid to disrupt the sector and stand out from the crowd – creating high performance, high value advanced products.

he ambitious Texas-based business has quickly developed an extensive conferencing portfolio and operates in 30 countries, with plans to extend to 20 more, having added 12 new markets in 2023. Its operation is underpinned by the creation of four logistics centres covering all corners of the globe. Sustained success The fast-growing manufacture recently appointed Westcoast as its official UK distributor to act as a catalyst for further international sales success. Westcoast will supply the complete Boom Collaboration range, including 4K PTZ conferencing cameras, video bars, personal devices and audio speakers – to more than 5,000 active resellers across the country and beyond. “Westcoast provides us with the perfect platform to officially launch the brand into the UK and open the door to sustained sales success - for all parties and most importantly their resellers. We want to offer something a little different both in terms of our products and how we do business. We are not another ‘me-too’ brand,” Hörnkvist highlights. “The UK is a very important market to us with huge potential. We want to work closely together with Westcoast and their resellers to maximise the many opportunities this new partnership creates. So far our prod-

The Boom UNO vertical video bar, MAGNA 4K PTZ camera and GEMINI expandable audio innovation are some of the many devices available through Westcoast, along with the GOJO multi-camera controller. “Boom Collaboration might be a relatively new conferencing name but the company has quickly built an impressive reputation and a very comprehensive product portfolio, which covers everything from personal workspaces to huddle rooms and large boardrooms,” says Westcoast’s UC Business Manager, Sam Armstrong. He added: “There’s lots of innovation too such as intelligent video bars, expandable wireless audio and even a user friendly multi-camera controller to facilitate live events.” “Boom Collaboration can offer our resellers something different and it is a very welcome addition to our high calibre UC collaboration division across the UK and also France and Germany. We are confident this new partnership will be a big success.” Boom’s co-founder Hulett agrees with the importance of building long term relationships. “We are young and fresh with new ideas, backed by years of personal experience that already makes us experts in this field. We are not afraid to stand out, be bold, brave and loud and do things a little differently. A disrupter to take on the field.” She continues: “It’s about offering the highest levels of support to resellers through the distribution channel and going the extra mile with Westcoast. We don’t want to just stay in the middle lane. We recognise resellers have the relationship with customers. Together we can help them transition to the new world we live in. They can lean on us. We are happy to help.” “Our vision is based on creating better meetings. Simply. We offer future proof solutions with solid compo-

ADVERTORIAL

nents and technology to stand the test of time. We cover all user and room size environments. Equally we want to show personality, fun and passion. We are young with lots of ambition to grow. Joining forces with a huge industry powerhouse like Westcoast will add further fuel to the fire and enable us to penetrate deep into the UK and wider international markets. This is a major step forward in our growth strategy. Boom is beginning to boom.” Hörnkvist added: “Through these interesting, challenging and evolving times, from lockdowns to hybrid working, conferencing has been at the fulcrum of dramatic changes in daily and working life; how people interact and communicate, almost from anywhere. We might still be a relatively new kid on the block but we’ve already made big strides forward with much more to come. Over the last few years we’ve been laying strong foundations for sustained growth so that Boom can really start to boom in the UK and beyond!” Knowledge gap Boom Collaboration aims to help plug a knowledge gap in certain areas of the market, from audio and video technology to meeting etiquette. “We work across all sectors of the industry from AV integrators to traditional telephony resellers and accredited partners such as Zoom and Barco. We’re completely agnostic though and sales continue to rise by around 45% year-on-year. There’s definitely a knowledge gap due to the fast tran-

sition of people working from home and an explosion in software-based solutions such as Teams and Zoom. We aim to be the piece that’s missing in the sector.” Hulett points out: “Our goal is to emphasise the vital role hardware plays to improve the meeting experience. We are a trusted advisor about the best end points to drive the end user experience. It’s about matching the right equipment to the right rooms and helping organisations to transition at whatever stage of the journey they are on. Our portfolio is built with tomorrow’s meetings in mind. We offer future proof solutions with solid components and technology to stand the test of time. From all-in-one-solutions to multiple video camera mixing controllers and full room solutions. We cover all bases. Our partners and customers are at the centre of everything we do. We offer a true partnership through the entire lifecycle.” “We are young with lots of ambition to grow. We have agility, like to be different and the future is bright. We want to bring in dedicated in-house R&D and product teams and continue to build our distribution network all over the world. I’d say we are at a tipping point to accelerate much further forward, based on sustained, controlled growth. 2024 will be a big and exciting year for us in the UK and around the world.”

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FEATURE

Education: learnings from the pandemic?

he pandemic forced almost immediate and fundamental change to teaching practices and the structure of education. New technologies were adopted for the short term but questions about the long-term future remain. AV News looks at the ways that the deployment of edtech, driven by the pandemic. could provide the infrastructure for the adoption of the emerging technologies of AI and VR.

“During lockdown, it became clear that mental health and wellbeing is the number one priority for successful teaching and learning. Emphasis on this remains important, therefore we need to maintain high levels of support for students and teachers to maintain educational and personal outcomes,” says Simon Port, Head of UKI & ANZ at Promethean. He continued: “The pandemic highlighted how many students had access to resources and where they were more limited. Access to technology and infrastructure should be provided so all students can benefit from quality education regardless of geographical location or social-economic background. While standards are high across most areas of the UK and Ireland, we should remain vigilant to ensure equal access to quality learning experiences. While online learning remains an option in individual circumstances, in-person teaching, and social learning. should be prioritised”. Therefore, Simon Port believes that education technology should always be viewed in a teaching support role: “Edtech should always have a supportive role in teaching and learning; providing teachers with simple and robust tools that they can easily incorporate into their daily practice, so they prepare the children - not the technology. Edtech’s ability to create complex and variable simulations is an invaluable tool in developing complex competencies in students. It can be used to develop project work around the application of mathe-

matics to real-world problems, giving a far more valuable learning experience than simply doing sums”. The pandemic, and in particular lockdowns, enforced changes to education practice over the course of a few months that had previously persisted for decades. But, which of the practices and procedures adopted during the pandemic are likely to be retained going forward, ut which will see a reversion back to the former status quo? Samantha Bews, account manager at Sharp NEC Display Solutions, believes that the pandemic edtech rollout will drive change in the long term: “I think some adaptions will remain like Blended Learning, where many implemented this. Blended leaning allows for greater flexibility and accommodates diverse learning styles. The use of video conferencing solutions allows virtual meetings, collaborative projects, and communication among students, teachers, and parents. The Flipped classroom approach allows students to learn at home either by choice or illness etc. and remains a valuable tool. I do feel the pandemic has allowed Education to drive a more impactful digital footprint and teachers continue to receive professional development in digital literacy and technology integration to enhance their ability to effectively use online tools for teaching and learning.” The hybrid option Throughout the pandemic and post-pandemic periods the adoption of digital alternatives was always a mixed bag, with varying outcomes. For example, take the case of a school that offered a virtual alternative for parents’ evening, which actually led to an increase in ‘attendance’ from parents! While many schools are still keen to deliver face-to-face services, hybrid services are known to ensure everyone’s needs are catered for and so parents who cannot attend in person can dial in remotely to stay involved. Undoubtedly, some schools struggled with low attendance post pandemic because it became more widely known that lessons did not have to take place physically inside a classroom. Even though students were encouraged to return to school, reality encouraged adopting a hybrid approach to ensure that students did not fall behind in learning if they fail to attend classes in person. At the very least, it is now understood that if any situation should arise where a school cannot operate in its buildings, online learning can be effective in ensuring children still get an education. We have seen some circumstances where schools have lost power, suffer heating problems, flooding or fire damage and online learning has been a great alternative as a backup that ensures no interruption in learning. Tech and the curriculum

FEATURE

Post pandemic much discussion has centred on exactly what should be taught in order to make those being educated genuinely useful citizens? A great deal of attention has been directed to the STEM disciplines. But. Is this all we need? Not necessarily: “STEM, humanities, and creative arts are all valuable elements of a balanced curriculum. They should be taught to complement each other, not at the expense of one another. Prior to the pandemic, the arts and creative industries were worth £23.3 billion p/a in turnover (Arts Council England, 2018). Of course, STEM will continue to have a significant focus, but we need to consider how these skills are being taught. It’s important to recognise the value of teaching practical, certified skills training as well as academic pathways that help prepare students for the future.” Easy access to equipment, that costs a fraction of what it used to, gives young people a far greater ability to develop their ideas and creativity than before. Some technologies can lower the barrier to entry for more technical creative arts and give a greater platform for collaboration and communication for these projects. For example, some leading visualisation and game design software provides free student editions that allow its users to learn and experiment without any considerable financial commitment. On a similar note, modern music software can provide students with the tools to create near-studio quality recordings on a very reasonable budget, with help from good tutoring. Writing and editing software can assist in papers and presentations. Classroom technologies, such as ‘front-of-class solutions’, give students the opportunity to get hands-on in the classroom and develop practical and theoretical skills. Whether it’s animation or coding, there are plenty of accessible resources for students to use in the classroom and in their own time. Gamification of education also helps to make social learning more appealing in a classroom setting. “Schools and teachers need to be aware of different pathways into learning specialist skill sets, while not assuming that every child needs to only learn industry-specific skills. It’s also important to make sure we teach students certified TVET (technical and vocational education and training) skills as that is where the need is greatest.” However, the emphasis on STEM subjects is justified because they encourage experimentation and creativity. “As well as this, these subjects can be taught in a way that is more practical which allows children to absorb the curriculum easier. Given the ability to focus on such subjects moving forward will provide students the opportunity to be more hands-on and apply their knowledge to other subject areas within the school – not to forget later on in life.” Where now for edtech?

So, is education technology simply a disaster recovery mechanism? Is it a platform for hybrid working? Or is it the infrastructure for the emerging technologies of AI and VR? Samantha Bews, account manager at Sharp NEC Display Solutions: believes that it can be much more a mere platform for collaboration: “Educational technology plays a crucial role in preparing young people for future work roles by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed in a rapidly evolving tech driven world. Edtech provides digital and technical skills, remote adaptions, soft skill development, and online networking exposure. By integrating edtech effectively into education, educators can equip students with the skills and competencies needed to succeed in a dynamic and technology-driven job market.” But what of the emerging technologies? “VR is probably furthest ahead in its development and integration into existing schools. Alongside this, it is easier for schools to adopt compared to XR and AR which may require interaction with real-life environments and resources. We are seeing VR adoption in real time at the moment, but there is still potential to make even more of it. VR allows students to engage with simulations without the need for heavy, expensive, and complex installations, thereby providing access to those who are in locations or economies that would struggle to access relevant workshops.” “It is likely that schools will adopt VR headsets first and while some already have, a big budget is needed to do so. Even so, those who have adopted VR headsets have felt a lack of support from the companies they bought the devices from which has made it difficult for teachers to navigate how they can build a lesson around the technology. With the support VR could have the potential to be really successful in a classroom environment – Geography and Science are two subjects which could utilise VR headsets to teach the curriculum at hand.” Teaching STEM subjects, in particular, with VR can encourage students to be hands-on and in turn more creative with their approach. This can be incredibly beneficial for students who learn better with more active learning. “Likewise, the implementation of technology such as interactive screens increase class participation and involvement which are just some examples of valued skills that can be applied to life outside of the classroom, such as in personal life for building relationships with peers and work life for contributing in meetings or discussions. Forward-thinking Forward-thinking schools are looking at their curriculum and examining how they can offer a wide, more up-to-date, curriculum for children - which includes

FEATURE

lessons like coding and gaming. “Coding is important in education globally (not just in the UK), the subject has been part of the curriculum since 2014 and continues to be a massively important part of education. The issue lies in having the resources to keep teachers up to date with the latest software and materials. It can be said that children are more advanced in this area and therefore know more than the teachers themselves. However, in time, we should see a change in these as new teachers are more likely to already have these skills to hand.” Esports is another avenue which education establishments are beginning to incorporate into their offerings. As Esports rises in popularity amongst the younger generation, we anticipate it to become an industry in its own right, similar to traditional sports like football. Esports is much more than just playing games, there are a variety of career paths for students to choose including sports nutrition, coding, coaching, playing to name a few. As the industry continues to rise in popularity, so will the demand for skills in these areas to fill the jobs needed for it to thrive. Education establishments will need to invest in the technology such as esports equipment, monitors, PCs, peripherals and more to be able to educate these students efficiently. Incorporating Esports into education is a trend we expect to grow in the years ahead. Ed-tech holds incredible importance in preparing young people for future work roles where workplaces and careers are more reliant on ever evolving technology than previous generations. Teaching students the basics, provides them with leverage to demand higher-paid roles and succeed in these said roles. Whilst it is important to teach young people ed tech, it is also necessary that staff are also literate in the subject. INSERT PICs with captions: Simon Port, Head of UKI & ANZ at Promethean: ““Edtech should always have a supportive role in teaching and learning; providing teachers with simple and robust tools that they can easily incorporate into their daily practice.” Samantha Bews, account manager at Sharp NEC Display Solutions: “Educational technology plays a crucial role in preparing young people for future work roles by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed in a rapidly evolving tech driven world.”

Case study: reshaping education at Charterhouse While it is difficult to put a positive spin on an event that is said to have shortened the lives of 230,00 people in the UK alone, the increased deployment of edtech, driven by the pandemic, has provided the digital

infrastructure for the emerging technologies of collaboration, VR, AI and others. The widespread adoption of these new technologies will enhance learning, and subsequently prove advantageous for future work and employment even in the most traditional of institutions. Globally, there are over 572 million knowledge workers in the world of work has changed accordingly, and while the consensus supports the view that in-person teaching and learning is best, is education really equipping coming generations with the skills they will need in the future? We look at perhaps one of the UK’s most traditional learning establishments to see how it is changing in the light of new demands with the deployment of mew edtech. Kramer has installed a range of new audio-visual technologies at Charterhouse, one of the UK’s leading independent schools, to create outstanding learning opportunities that prepare pupils for the modern world. Founded in 1611 and located in Godalming, just outside of London, Charterhouse is home to 960 students aged 13 to 18 in a historic 250-acre campus. Notable alumni include British prime ministers and politicians, world-leading scientists and academics, and renowned writers and artists. Today, Charterhouse’s vision is to become the best coed boarding school in the country. It aims to do so by developing a truly world-class educational experience, with targeted investment in facilities to modernise the learning of its pupils in preparation for their adult lives. However, the school’s legacy lecture theatre, built in the 1980s, was holding back progress. The school needed an advanced audio-visual system to meet modern expectations, ready to be used for teaching real-world, business scenarios like presenting and pitching. Prime AV, the integrator for the project, recommended Kramer as the ideal technology vendor for the new audio-visual theatre system. Kramer was chosen for the robustness, reliability, and ease of integration of its products, and because the Kramer Control system is sophisticated without being complicated, delivering an exceptional user experience. The Kramer equipment installed included a control keypad (RC-74DL), a room controller (SL-1N), and a presentation switcher/scaler (VP-440X). In the last school year, the school opened its newly renovated lecture theatre, a modern auditorium with sophisticated AV and presentation facilities. Ever since, the results have been clear: Charterhouse now has an advanced teaching auditorium suited to a world-class campus. Teachers can educate and present in a modern and engaging style and pupils can practise live presentation skills using state-of-the-art AV equipment. In addition, use of the lecture theatre has increased across all student levels and academic disciplines, and Charterhouse is even able to host dynamic speaker events and

FEATURE

Kramer has installed a range of audio-visual technologies at Charterhouse, one of the UK’s leading independent schools, to create outstanding learning opportunities that prepare pupils for the modern world.In the last school year, the school opened its newly renovated lecture theatre, a modern auditorium with sophisticated AV and presentation facilities.Charterhouse now has an advanced teaching auditorium suited to a world-class campus. Teachers can educate and present in a modern and engaging style and pupils can practise live presentation skills using state-of-the-art AV equipment.

loan the space through its Community & Partnerships Programme to assist with external educational endeavours. Chris Hibbs, Director, External Relations & Foundation at Charterhouse, said: “We are now in the advantageous position of having an AV-rich facility that is being utilised by all year groups, across all academic disciplines. Our newly renovated lecture theatre enables traditional teaching environments to diversify, and teaching staff to present and educate in a style that is modern and engaging.” He added: “Pupils are now able to practise live presentation skills as well as receive feedback from peers and through video analysis reviews. This takes them through real challenges and real problems and gives them proper exposure to some of the technologies that they’ll encounter, preparing them for future work.” Pete Baxter, Senior Vice President of EMEA at Kramer, said: “Technology provides schools like Charterhouse with endless opportunities to teach and learn. But offering a natural experience for pupils, while enabling lecturers to continue with their preferred ways of teaching

habits, is far from simple. That’s why Kramer focuses on the development of easy connectivity, top-quality audio and video, and simple content sharing. Our technologies are optimised to the unique modern needs of education - we want everyone to be able to present, share, and engage, no matter where they are. It’s fantastic to see this vision now realised at Charterhouse, and we can’t wait to follow the inspiring progress of its students.”

The AI conundrum Artificial Intelligence is sure to impact on education – how should it be used and managed? And do the advantages outweigh the threats? Taking a positive of AI, it presents a great opportunity as a supportive technology for teachers. There is potential for assistance with lesson plans, creative ideation, topical research and more. But “Introducing AI runs the risk of not knowing if the student is absorbing knowledge - or are they just handing in work that has been created by an AI bot? Sure, schools can look to implement data policies, consent, regular assessments,

FEATURE

clear accountability etc, but who would be in charge of ensuring these are all being met?” Either way, AI is definitely here to stay - so schools and teachers will have to play their part to educate students about best practice and ethical use of AI tools. “We need to educate teachers and students about safe and compliant use of AI, not only to uphold the validity of education and assessment, but also to safeguard against potential legal issues of drawing in copyrighted information. Although lawmakers will have a role to play in setting out legislative safeguards around AI, school leaders and local authorities may consider providing their own guidance to protect teachers in their roles and make sure they are comfortable with its uses.” But does the issue go deeper than a few students using ChatGPT to knock out an essay running late? Does AI actually pose a threat to all traditional teaching and learning practice? It depends on who you ask! “If used to support teachers, by helping with lesson planning, for example, it will be a very useful tool. Although it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for face-to-face or online teaching. Ultimately, it has its benefits like many other technologies. There is significant value and importance of teachers bringing interpersonal elements and soft skills to the classroom - AI can never replace this!” Could AI be used to lighten teacher’s workload? For example, AI could contribute towards marking assignments and homework, allowing teachers more time to focus on other things. While AI currently has the possibility to make such a positive impact, its usefulness is limited to certain subjects at this trial stage. However, with every new technology, it brings opportunities and also threats – the main one with AI being security concerns, plagiarism and cheating. Schools will need to be mindful when adopting AI into their practice, especially in early deployments of this new technology. There is sure to be a lot of focus on how to ensure AI is safe and fit for use in the classroom and education as a whole. To summarise, AI technologies have the potential to enhance education in various ways, they also pose certain challenges and requires careful consideration. Samantha Bews, account manager at Sharp NEC Display Solutions “For me, I am not sure this is something that needs to be implemented, it could lead to loss of personalised learning, and reduced adaption to cater for people’s individual needs. Tutoring and face to face support allows for human emotions on relatable topics, bringing greater empathy between students and teachers. In an era where there must be more attention to mental wellbeing, highly publicised in the higher education sector, we should be focusing on building relationships and interactions with real people.

AR and VR – a commercial reality for the

AV market As the edtech industry prepares to return to Bett London next month, Alistair Hayward, Chief Revenue Officer, Avantis Education, shares his thoughts on why AR and VR are starting to come of age in education, and how AV resellers can best capitalise on the commercial opportunity this presents. Schools around the world are harnessing the potential of AR/VR in a diverse range of ways. While many are putting student engagement theory into practice with experiential learning, others are exploring more innovative ways to integrate AR/VR into curriculum delivery, including using VR headsets with other classroom technologies. AR/VR technology’s potential to empower SEND students and support SEL (socio-emotional learning) is also being increasingly recognised, giving teachers a powerful tool for behaviour management as well as health and wellbeing. This makes AR/VR very different to most other edtech. AR/VR is not only truly cross-curricular, but it also transcends the boundaries of traditional teaching and learning to provide a holistic education solution – for every part of school life. So, when schools invest in AR/ VR, there is potential for a much greater return on investment. “At Avantis, we’ve been part of the market evolution since launching our first AR/VR education solution in 2017. Since then, ClassVR has experienced huge global growth. Used in more than 90 countries and over 100,000 classrooms worldwide, we can see from our own sales trends that AR/VR is starting to become more normalised in education. It still has the ‘fun’ factor for students, but as more schools harness the holistic benefits, AR/VR adoption is increasingly commonplace. The best evidence for this is the USA, where we’ve secured our first district-wide deal to put ClassVR in every classroom.” The tides are positively turning for AR/VR, and we expect it to become even more mainstream in the next 12 months – especially in European countries where PNRR funding is available. To date, the UK has lagged in this regard, but with a General Election on the cards for 2024… who knows what the future holds? In the meantime, many schools are using their own budgets and pupil premium funding to introduce AR/ VR, presenting an immediate opportunity for AV resellers, especially those already selling to education. Augment your portfolio If you’re already selling to education, adding AR/VR to your existing product range will not only add value to your customers, but it also creates an additional revenue stream with virtually no uplift in resource required. Take ClassVR for example. As a plug-and-play AR/VR

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solution designed specifically for education, it comes with everything a school needs to deploy AR/VR. Giving teachers the headsets, classroom management portal and a curriculum aligned resource library, this hardware/ software/content combination makes it quick and easy to introduce AR/VR. “This set-up also makes ClassVR easy to demonstrate. And in our experience, schools that have a demonstration typically always make a purchase, even if it’s just a set of eight headsets to get them started. If your customer base has been saturated with visualisers and 3D printers and are not due for an interactive panel refresh for a few years, bringing AR/VR into your portfolio is an opportunity to generate incremental income from existing relationships” When pitching AR/VR to your customers, position the technology as a solid all-round investment so schools can tap into a wider range of funding sources. If budget is available for STEAM, AR/VR ticks the box. If it’s to improve inclusivity for SEND students, there’s plenty of use cases to show it works. And the cross-curricular and knowledge retention potential is already well evidenced by its use in global classrooms. Preparing for growth While the market is shifting towards more widespread adoption of AR/VR, bringing it into your portfolio now

will still put you ahead of the curve. To better support AV resellers with making the most of this opportunity, Avantis Education is launching a new global partner programme at Bett 2024. The programme will equip partners with the training and support needed to achieve AR/VR sales success, not least access to ClassVR – the world’s leading AR/VR brand for education. “As an industry veteran when it comes to implementing partner programmes, I can promise that the new Avantis programme brings the best of any accreditation. Partners can expect honesty and transparency, a wealth of sales and marketing support, and most importantly – a firm commitment to building our businesses together.” To discuss the commercial opportunity of adding AR/ VR to your portfolio, or to learn more about the Avantis Education Partner Programme, email partners@classvr. com or visit stand NK41 at Bett London 2024. Avantis Education is the home of ClassVR – the virtual reality solution developed specifically for schools. With ergonomically designed headsets, an intuitive classroom management portal, and a rich content library powered by the Eduverse, ClassVR has everything schools need to bring experiential learning into the classroom. Break down geographical boundaries. Create powerful immersive learning experiences. Make the impossible, possible!

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display solutions on the market to support their new DISCOVER 2 series, and any display on the UK market. In addition to innovative functions, the sustainability aspect is given high priority throughout the entire production and life cycle. This is in line with the efforts of parent company edding to become a climate-neutral company by 2030. We will be attending ISE on stand 5C240 so see you in 2024!

Legamaster Complete Presentation and Communication Solutions Helping your learning or meeting space be user friendly and futureproof. Collaborate for a brighter future!

Our products for meeting solutions Every meeting room, classroom or boardroom is unique, which is why Legamaster offers a variety of professional displays and mounting solutions, as well as the Legamaster Evolve touchscreens and new Panorama 21:9 105” Touchscreen. It covers screen sizes from 43” up to 105” which shows the breadth of Legamaster’s display and mounting solutions range. Legamaster and Visualization have gone one step further by putting together packages so you have a one stop supplier for the majority of applications. Plus, Visualization offer a technical support and know how which is unrivalled in the traditional AV industry. They also hold stock of Legamaster displays ensuring a quick turnaround for projects. The new complete solution range includes:

egamaster presents new, more sustainable professional display solutions featuring the new Legamaster Discover 2 range and Legamaster Accessories in conjunction with our • Column systems: height-adjustable or fixed height quality UK Distributor partner Visualization. Legamaster, the professional division for visualpresentation solutions from the edding Group, is now working closely with its UK Distribution partner, Visualization, to launch a new generation of professional

with new fast motor • Wall mounting: height-adjustable or fixed height • Mobile fixed height/or flexible height stand for all sizes of Legamaster Discover range – 43” – 98”, plus new

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Panorama mobile stand for 105” • Optional accessories like 4K meeting cameras, built in OPS PCs and soundbars can be easily added to your order. Make the best use of your space Make the best use of the space available to you by combining our complete Legamaster digital display solutions with our professional wall system giving acoustic boards and glassboards in the latest fashionable shades. It's easy to create the interactive and professional solution that’s right for you. Professional Range – 21:9 for MTR - Motion and Panorama Legamaster have recently updated the motion range to include a stand for larger screens – the Panorama mobile which will take screens from 85” right up to 110”. Panorama mobile stand – just launched to support the new popular 21:9 105“ Panorama interactive display. It has the right functionality for extra-large and extra heavy displays. First unveiled in Frankfurt, the new XL heavy duty Panorama mobile stand supports screen sizes of between 85” and 110” and can comfortably handle weights of up to 120kg. Available in mistral grey and compatible with Legamaster’s range of touchscreens and professional displays, the Panorama mobile has been designed to facilitate installations in almost any environment, offering a stable and stylish mobile floor stand to meet end user needs and requirements. With keyhole fixings on the back plate and a hook-on mounting system, the Panorama mobile is designed for easy installation and ensures the best possible end user experience. Legamaster’s Business Development Manager, Mark Dew, commented: “The growth and demand for larger displays across many different verticals, such as education and increasingly corporate, is clear for all to see, with the market continuing to rise. But whilst many displays are getting thinner, they still carry a fair level of weight. It’s crucial therefor that investment is protected, both in terms of security – you don’t want it falling off a mobile stand– and ensuring the best possible user and viewing experience.” He continues: “The Panorama Mobile ticks all the boxes, with our team of designers creating a highly secure, highly reliable and, a more flexible and versatile solution capable of holding almost any display up to 110” and a whopping 120kg in weight. Whatever the setting, whatever the needs, the Panorama mobile won’t let you down.” Doing good with Legamaster Displays and 1% for the planet A very special feature of the Legamaster display solutions is the 1% for the planet certification. As part of

this certification, Legamaster donates 1% of its sales to the 1% for the Planet Foundation to support sustainability and environmental projects worldwide. “edding/ Legamaster have taken the bold step to become a Profit For company,” says Mark Dew, who is responsible for the Legamaster product portfolio sales in the UK. “Our company is not only embracing sustainability in our product choices/company ethos but is also investing in giving back to society through worthwhile charities. That's why it was important for us to give back a part for a future worth living with the new Legamaster complete display solutions.” The first units are now available from our specialist distributor Visualization, as well as the full range of Legamaster professional displays from 43” to 98”, and Touchscreens from 55” to 105”. Wishing all our seasons greetings and peace and posterity in 2024! More information: Call Vizuk on : +44 (0)1628 673702 or Mail Us : hello@vizuk.com Legamaster mounting solutions cover all AV requirements ranging from small, single screens to large format displays, projectors, speakers, interactive touchscreens and UC equipment, as well as large, multi-screen video walls and digital signage. Designed to stringent TUV and UL safety standards by our in-house team of engineers in the Netherlands, Legamaster products are available as wall or ceiling mounts, or as freestanding, mobile or bolt-down floor stands. Legamaster AV Mounts products are found in prestigious hotels, shopping malls, government facilities, corporate offices, sports stadia, restaurants, airports and conference facilities worldwide. Simply email info-uk@legamaster.com or call 07498418059 for more information.

Let AV tech transform your business.

Discover the latest technology solutions for your business at ISE 2024.

ISE is the world’s largest AV and systems integration exhibition. It’s your destination for innovation, to connect, collaborate and create. Join us in 2024 and see the future of business technology.

A joint venture partnership of

Fira Barcelona | Gran Vía 30 Jan - 2 Feb 2024

Get your FREE TICKET Register with code: avnewsmagazine iseurope.org

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ISE 2024 is ‘Your Destination for Innovation’ in Pro AV and Systems Integration For the past two decades, ISE has been the trusted platform for leading global AV brands to unveil and demonstrate groundbreaking solutions that enrich our lives. This year the innovation journey continues at the biggest and best edition yet.

ntegrated Systems Europe (ISE) will return to Barcelona (30 January – 2 February 2024) as the most comprehensive exhibition for the pro AV and systems integration sectors and is set to raise the bar once again. Mike Blackman, Managing Director, Integrated Systems Events said, “Without a doubt, ISE is your ‘Destination for Innovation’, and we will prove that this is not just a claim. With more than 1200 confirmed exhibitors and the biggest ever show floor space, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to discover groundbreaking innovations at ISE 2024. In addition, our comprehensive content programme gives a platform to more than 100 of the industry’s most innovative representatives. And don’t miss our keynotes. These creative minds will impressively demonstrate how AV is shaping our daily lives.” Two decades of innovation and with no limit in sight, key highlights for ISE 2024 include: Seven Extended Technology Zones: ISE 2024 offers a broad spectrum of the most innovative companies that cater to every interest. From Audio, Content Production & Distribution, Digital Signage & DooH to Lighting & Staging, Multi-Technology, Residential & Smart Build-

ing, Unified Communications & Education Technology, you’ll find everything under one roof. ISE has grown once again and will now also fill Halls 1 and 4 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Hall 1 becomes the new home for Lighting & Staging, while Hall 4 provides a new location for Content Production & Distribution while also allowing the Multi-Technology and Lighting & Staging Zones to be extended. Congress Square & the Discovery Zone: This year’s significantly expanded Discovery Zone in Congress Square is a must-visit. More than 70 companies new to ISE since 2022 will be showcasing their groundbreaking innovations, ensuring that you encounter new and unexpected solutions that can revolutionize your projects. The Catalonia Pavilion in Congress Square hosts local businesses active in the AV industry as well as highlighting business growth opportunities. It is also the location of the ISE Open Innovation Challenge, hosted for the third year running by ACCI (the Catalonia Trade & Investment Agency) and Enterprise Europe Network. The Challenge is a hybrid matchmaking service that connects technology providers with Catalan corporations looking to purchase solutions. Also located in Congress Square is the Barcelona City Council who will host local start-ups as well as the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster. European / Latin American AV Summit: High-tech innovation in Europe and Latin America is paving the way for unprecedented collaboration and commerce between the two vibrant regions. ISE 2024 will be exploring these opportunities in a new summit on 30-31 January 2024. The groundbreaking European / Latin American AV Summit (ELAS), supported by ACCIO-Catalonia Trade & Investment, promises to unite government representatives, thought leaders, and industry giants to foster understanding, strengthen connections, and ignite innovation across continents. The ELAS 2024 speaker lineup also includes Martin Saul, CEO ICAP Global, Chairman of the AVIXA Board of Directors; Paco Guzman, META AI; Federico Bausone, Executive Director, Crestron Latin America; Christina De Bono, Founder and President, SAVe Sustainability; and Sean Wargo, Vice President, Market Intelligence, AVIXA alongside top government Latin American and European Union representatives. NEW for ISE 2024, Plug and Play, the leading innovation platform that connects startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies will host a four-day programme. Morning sessions at the Plug and Play Stage will kick off with keynotes and panel sessions on innovation topics, while the afternoons will be all about startups. Forward-thinking companies, at the forefront of innovation, will get the opportunity to showcase their solutions on stage and make pitches to investors. Located in Congress Square the Plug & Play Stage will be a chance to see the future

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in action. ISE Content Programme: Building knowledge and upskilling has never been more important for AV professionals. ISE’s informative conference programme is designed to inspire and equip attendees with the information and tools required to lead an organisation. It’s also a great opportunity to network with the people and companies redefining the global AV industry. With nine specialist conferences taking place during the show, visitors can learn from the most innovative minds in the industry, enjoying a host of immersive demonstrations, inspiring panel discussions and workshops. There will also be free-to-attend sessions taking place throughout the day at ISE, running concurrently with the conferences. ISE’s innovative approach extends this year to the deployment of a real-time, AI powered translation and transcription service provided by KUDO for the conferences, ensuring that the content is available to the widest possible audience. Visit the ISE Conferences website to learn more about this year’s comprehensive programme https://www.iseurope.org/ ise-2024-conference-programme Opening Keynote Speaker Multi Academy Award-Winning filmmaker, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, has been revealed as the Opening Keynote for ISE 2024. Most widely known for her Academy Award-winning documentary shorts: Saving Face and A Girl in The River: The Price of Forgiveness, Obaid-Chi-

noy is the first filmmaker from Pakistan to win an Oscar and the first female film director to have won two Oscars by the age of 37. In her keynote, Obaid-Chinoy will talk about the importance of storytelling and how technology is transforming lives. ISE Tech Tours: AV in Action throughout Barcelona. Get ready to meet the most innovative companies in Barcelona at the ISE 2024 Tech Tours! Collaborating with the Catalan Audiovisual Cluster, these tours provide a unique opportunity to witness cutting-edge technologies from the ISE show floor in action. The programme for 2024 has been expanded to offer even more exciting experiences this year. While the official tour slots are limited, many venues are open to the public during your stay in Barcelona. Don’t miss the chance to witness technology at its finest, directly from the heart of Barcelona’s innovation scene. Learn more about the ISE 2024 Tech Tours and register your interest at https:// www.iseurope.org/tech-tours Barcelona LLUM Festival: Away from the show floor, take the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona in a completely different way at Llum BCN, festival of the light arts, sponsored by ISE. Head out after dark in the urban Poblenou neighbourhood as it is transformed with light projections, installations, and light sculptures by contemporary artists. Registration for ISE 2024 is now open. Use the code avnewsmagazine for FREE registration. Visit www. iseurope.org to secure your space and sign up for updates.

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Highlights of January 2023 Maverick brings Zoom to channel partners Maverick, a specialist business of TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) announced a new agreement with Zoom to extend the reach of its fully integrated communications and collaboration solution portfolio to all Maverick partners in Europe. Maverick is focused on enabling partners to address the fast evolving market opportunity for solutions that support smart virtual collaboration and hybrid working models. In addition to its Zoom offering, Maverick will support partners in developing comprehensive smart, future workplace-focused solutions with a comprehensive portfolio of Zoom-enabled hardware and software products from many of the industry’s brands. Partners can also access required technical resources accreditations via Maverick in order to enable deployment of Zoom solutions. As hybrid work becomes a permanent fixture within the modern workforce and employees continue to take advantage of flexible working policies, a hidden mental health crisis could be on the horizon, as excessive device usage and poor management lead to severe challenges for staff engagement across the hybrid environment., as a major cause for concern.

Vizrt Group invests in partners with expanded offering and new program Vizrt Group announced its plans to increase partner investment in 2023 with the first ever Vizrt partner program, and to significantly develop the NewTek channel ecosystem. The aim of Vizrt Group’s substantial partner investment is to extend its certification and training offerings of Vizrt solutions to current and future NewTek and Vizrt partners. This will be the first time since the acquisition of NewTek by Vizrt in 2019, that NewTek partners will gain access to training, certification, and the opportunity to sell the Vizrt product portfolio. NewTek will also widen its channel partnerships beyond its traditional channel resellers with new tiers and offerings for systems integrators, value added resellers, consultants and more. Is hybrid hiding a problem? As hybrid work becomes a permanent fixture within

the modern workforce and employees continue to take advantage of flexible working policies, a hidden mental health crisis could be on the horizon, as excessive device usage and poor management lead to severe challenges for staff engagement across the hybrid environment. As a new Barco ClickShare survey reveals today, 1 in 3 workers (33%) who mostly work in the office found it easier to tell when a colleague is overworked or stressed when seeing them face to face, leaving remote workers at risk of struggling under the radar of management teams. This comes as over 1 in 4 (27%) of staff report experiencing burnout over chronic work-related stress that has not been managed successfully. Overall, 7 in 10 (72%) workers reported holding some negative views towards hybrid working, with over a quarter (28%) pointing to tech overload – when excessive use of devices reduces their capacity to accomplish their work, as a major cause for concern.

February 2023 PPDS adds ‘Wave’ of sustainable management services and applications PPDS has announced the official launch of its Wave ecosystem. The new, scalable and secure, state-of-theart cloud platform is complemented with a dedicated ProStore marketplace for premium PPDS and certified development partner applications, all fully proven to integrate with Philips professional displays, while supporting a variety of use cases across industries including retail, education, corporate and hospitality. Demonstrated publicly for the first time at ISE this evolutionary cloud ecosystem, which has been meticulously developed to extend and enhance the power of Philips digital signage, interactive displays and professional TVs with Android SoC, has been the subject of extensive live trials and factfinding meetings with valued partners, developers and end customers situated around the world. The result brings a fresh and future proofed approach, allowing system integrators and customers to control display fleets of any size, monitoring and controlling multiple displays at the same time, and for developers to easily access unique professional display features across different device platforms.

Midwich shares year-end trading update Midwich Group plc (AIM: MIDW) has provided a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2022. The Group finished the year strongly and the Board now expects to report record revenue for 2022 of £1.2 bil-

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lion, representing growth of approximately 40% over the prior year (39% at constant currency), with organic growth of over 20%. The gross margin was broadly in line with 2021 levels. As a result of this strong performance, the Board now anticipates reporting adjusted profit before tax for the 2022 period comfortably ahead of market consensus. Adjusted net debt at the end of the year was under £100 million (representing approximately 1.7 times adjusted EBITDA), in line with the Board’s expectations. Cash generation was between 50% and 60%, which was also in line with the Board’s expectations given the Group’s strong revenue growth. In order to support the delivery of its acquisition pipeline, in December 2022 the Group increased its revolving credit facility from £80 million to £175 million.

March 2023 BrightSign enables world first kinetic digital experience Technology from BrightSign, LLC has been used to power a continuously rotating 4m2 digital glass cube at Pixoul Gaming, a new state of the art virtual reality (VR) and Esports hub in Abu Dhabi. The impressive structure, which was created by Dubai based digital media studio and systems integrator DigiComm, is believed to be a world first because of its size, weight and kinetics. It incorporates 38 BrightSign XD234 media players powering synchronised content across 123 55” and 49” LG display units. As well as being fully encased in screens, the large cube houses a walk-in room that is also lined on all sides and above with digital displays. The whole installation weighs around 4 tonnes and can carry up to six people at a time.

April 2023 Positive industry report from PLASA and WeMakeEvents Following on from the international industry-wide survey conducted in November 2022, PLASA and WeMakeEvents have now published the full report. Completed by over 1,300 people in over 40 countries, the data offers clear insights into how the events, entertainment and installation industries are recovering from the pandemic, and highlights the rebound, along with what challenges remain. The data will be presented to government departments and financial institutions to help raise the profile of the live sector, and it’s hoped, gain meaningful, long-term support. This report builds

on the comprehensive survey conducted by PLASA and WeMakeEvents in 2021. Financially, the industry has mostly “bounced back” as predicted, with companies with over a million-turnover seeing positive growth.

Sports Direct flagship store powered by inurface media Sports Direct opened its five-floor Manchester as its flagship store, powered by inurface media’s innovative AV solutions. The extravaganza of displays, LEDs, and interactive tech has transformed the retail unit into an awe-inspiring experiential shopping hub, creating the ultimate destination for consumers. Within the store, consumers can form a deeper connection with Sports Direct and the individual brands within the store using interactive AV solutions. The installation features an impressive 104 individual displays - 29 LCD and 68 LED displays, including the largest fixed indoor screen within a retail store in Manchester! Further adding to the impressive mix so far, the store also contains– 181sqm of LEDs, which is almost enough to fill an entire singles tennis court, as well as five interactive tablets, two projectors, and interactive jump booths.

May 2023 Direct-View LED - the Next Big Thing? Results shown through data collected from PMA’s monthly Distributor and Pro AV Tracking Service saw exponential growth in revenues for dvLED prior to the pandemic. 2019 saw revenues grow to more than five times 2018 sales levels. Even through the pandemic, growth continued with revenues in 2020, 2021 and 2022 increasing by 13%, 45% and 39% respectively. Sales of dvLED have slowed down in the first quarter of 2023, but PMA feels this business remains vibrant, and there are plenty of bids in progress. Parts and labour shortages continue to delay large custom AV installations tied to renovation and construction projects. But these video walls are finding their way to corporate lobby installations, higher education lobby and wayfinding displays, and entertainment venues, all which will fuel growth for this category. As manufacturers and distributors continue to fine-tune bundled dvLED packages for “less-custom” use, the category will only continue to grow.

The rise of the Boomerang Employee Some 71% of professionals are open to returning to

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their pre-Covid employers after realising the ‘grass wasn’t greener’ . A quarter admit to having already reached out to previous employer, while 49% admit their original reasons for leaving – purpose, pay & flex – are no longer relevant. However, 48% claim that current employer no longer meets their needs in current climate! Why? A quarter say that the cost-of-living crisis has changed how they feel about current employer, even though 82% remain in touch with previous employer – with third saying it is to keep ‘door open’. But a word of warning, 44% of managers hesitant to hire previous employee.

vision icon Conchita Wurst of the 2014 winning anthem ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’. The record-breaking drone display consisted of two 4-minute shows featuring Celestial’s signature ability to bring giant drone art organic forms to life, Ukraine’s national bird (the White Stork) and Liverpool’s symbolic mythical creature (the Liver Bird. The drones took to the sky to spell out Liverpool Loves Ukraine before creating a 100 ft wide White Stork that then morphed spectacularly into the Liver Bird.

June 2023

LG unveils new ecommerce store

Promethean’s new State of Technology in Education report

Promethean released its seventh annual State of Technology in Education report. The survey of UK educators and, for the first time, pupils, offers insights into the use of technology in schools and its impact on the well-being factors that make up the staff and student experience. According to the research, educators believe social-emotional learning (SEL) has become less of a priority in schools – with 6% fewer respondents saying it’s a key part of their school’s strategy compared to last year’s report. However, most are largely confident in technology’s ability to support SEL (57%), noting how it improves student engagement (71%) and strengthens collaborative or community-based learning (69%). However, the findings showed that almost a third (29%) of schools are yet to implement any SEL-dedicated measures at all. The report also sheds light on the benefits technology provides to educators, with improved student engagement (71%) and behaviour (63%), and its ability to support experiential and immersive learning (67%), cited as the key plus points. Many pointed to the advantage that more novel edtech innovations, like AI, provide to schools, with 98% saying they welcome these types of technology. Revealing insights into pupils’ approaches to technology for the first time, the report found that students are resoundingly confident in the technology and its benefits, with 88% saying they enjoy using it in class.

Eurovision’s record-breaking drone show

Liverpool’s Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Opening Ceremony was marked by the largest single-location drone show in the UK to date, featuring 624 drones flown by Celestial as part of the National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome alongside a performance by Euro-

July 2023 LG Electronics (LG) has unveiled a new and enhanced website for its UK shoppers, offering a highly customer-focused experience helping people to explore, shop and compare products and promotions with ease. The new LG.com website is now live and is packed with vibrant design and interactive elements. It boasts a range of new features including the company’s symbol coming to life, engaging customers with a new level of expressiveness. This refresh coincides with LG’s recently announced new brand direction and visual identity, which shares further insight into the Life’s Good mantra, delivered through a more dynamic and youthful look and feel across all physical and digital customer touch points. The brand symbol, composed of the letters ‘L’ and ‘G,’ can perform eight unique motions, including nodding, spinning and winking. With its new capabilities, the brand symbol can greet customers with a friendly smile or move along with background music on digital platforms in a variety of entertaining ways.

Strong growth for PSNI Global Alliance PSNI Global Alliance, the global network of premier technology integrators and service providers, continues its global growth momentum with the announcement of new Certified Solution Providers (CSPs) to reinforce its worldwide influence for higher AV standards. An 18-month period of remarkable growth has seen PSNI now established as the largest professional AV alliance in the world by territory and revenue, with the latest additions amplifying their presence across the world, from India and Southeast Asia to Europe and the US.

Exertis and Poly launch ‘Exertis Voice’ platform Leading distributor Exertis has announced the launch

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of ‘Exertis Voice’ its new UC (Unified Communications) platform which unveiled to an audience of resellers and business customers. Hosted by both Exertis Voice and Poly, the exciting launch event featured speakers presenting on how, together, the two companies can prepare delegates for the telecoms industry’s shift to digital following the PSTN and ISDN switch off in 2025. Presenters included Rik Hubbard (Cloud Services Director, Exertis Cloud), Steve Jobburns (UC&C Manager, Exertis Voice), Nick Birtwistle (CEO, Boom), and Geoff Towns (Head of Enterprise Services, Exertis).

before the pandemic,” says Sean Wargo, Vice President of Market Intelligence, AVIXA. “However, looking below the surface, one can still see a varied landscape of opportunity. Immersive experiences across the venue and events market is a particular one to watch.” Pro AV revenue will grow from $307 billion in 2023 to $402 billion in 2028 – a 5.6% compound annual growth rate.

August 2023

Over a quarter (27%) of AV professionals believe that customer trust in their organisation has been weakened by the shift to remote work, with security concerns topping the list when it comes to issues with hybrid working. That’s according to a new ‘Trusted Connections 2023’ study from AV solutions provider Kinly. The research, which surveyed 150 UK-based AV professionals working across ‘high trust’ industries like banking, finance, healthcare, energy, and the public sectors, revealed that communication via open Wi-Fi networks (89%) was the top security concern with hybrid work. This was closely followed by unauthorised saving or copying of documents (88%) and webcam hacking (87%).

Barco first half sales up 10% Barco Group’s orders and sales both grew to record levels for the first semester. In the first half of the year, orders increased 6% versus the first half of 2022. Growth was driven by a particularly strong demand in Entertainment. Order growth in Entertainment and Enterprise was offset by HealthCare where order intake declined compared to a strong 1H22. With a positive book-to-bill ratio in 1H23, the orderbook expanded to 505.8 million euro. Sales grew to 520.9 million euro, a year-over-year increase of 10% and representing an all-time high for a first semester at Barco. Sales growth was driven by both business units in the Entertainment division, and also by Meeting Experience. Sales grew in APAC, Americas and, most pronounced. in EMEA. In China specifically, sales declined as the recovery in economic activity from the pandemic is taking longer than expected. Within the first semester, after a strong yearover-year sales growth in the first quarter, sales grew at a slower rate in the second quarter as this is compared to a stronger quarter last year, when demand surged after the pandemic.

September 2023

Hybrid working poses a risk to hightrust organisations

Is ‘Working From Home’ (WFH) coming to an end? Three years on from the first Covid lockdowns, is the on-going conflict between working from home and returning to the office, coming to an amicable end? Global video manufacturer Boom Collaboration feels peace might conferencing be on the horizon, as a clearer and more consistent picture begins to emerge finally. Texas-based Boom Collaboration was founded by Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett in 2020, ironically right in the middle of the pandemic! The company initially saw an explosion in demand for USB home working devices but is now witnessing a 40% rise in office video bars plus a 32% growth in high performance PTZ cameras and expandable audio devices, this year.

Pro AV industry forecast to add $100 October 2023 billion in revenue The pro AV industry is forecast to add nearly $100 billion in revenue over the next five years, reaching $402 billion in 2028, according to AVIXA’s 2023 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA). With pandemic recovery largely in the past, the industry is poised for healthy growth through 2028, even if year-over-year percentages slowly decline. “This year’s update to the pro AV industry forecasts shows a return to a rate of growth that would have been considered more normal

LG presents its vision for the future LG Electronics (LG) today shared its first step to become a media and entertainment platform company, a business transformation that will enrich customers’ lives by delivering valuable services and a unique collection of curated contents in products, including LG OLED and LG QNED TVs. LG shared its new direction and strategy at the webOS Partner Summit 2023, held at the

HIGHLIGHTS

LG Sciencepark in Seoul, South Korea, and attended by content producers, providers, developers, and industry figures from over 30 countries. The first event of its kind, webOS Partner Summit 2023 provides the perfect forum for LG to share its new vision – and the immense value of the ever-evolving and expanding webOS smart TV platform ecosystem – with its trusted global partners. Since its launch on LG Smart TVs in 2014, webOS is one of the most widely used smart TV platform in the world. Beyond the 200 million LG TVs worldwide, webOS is now supporting several third-party TV brands in multiple markets. Moving forward, LG plans to extend webOS to more third-party TV companies and expand the platform to other product categories, within 3 years, LG expects to have over 300 million webOS-powered devices.

of ‘work’ is flexibility. Brits are embracing flexible work - and they want more of it. This year’s data has shown (again) that employees feel more productive, balanced, and loyal to their companies when they have flexibility. Many employees will even make sacrifices for flexibility - 38% would give up 10% or more of their salary for flexible working hours, 21% would give up 15% or more for flexibility in their working location, and 10% would quit their job if they were no longer able to work remotely or hybrid. Up until 2020, in-office was the primary way to work. From 2020 to 2022, the world participated in a forced work-from-home experiment, introducing many to remote working.

December 2023

Barco and Crestron announce patent AV News Awards 2024 keynote license agreement for ClickShare announced Barco and Crestron Electronics, Inc. have entered into a global patent license agreement earlier this year. This enables Crestron to utilize some of Barco’s ClickShare patents for Crestron’s own collaboration solutions, including AirMedia wireless conferencing and presentation systems. The agreement will further spur growth of solutions for the BYOM market with the development of additional presentation and conferencing solutions. In today’s working environment, 60% of workers still face technical challenges when they’re joining a hybrid meeting. The Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) concept enables users to host calls from their own laptop with their preferred conferencing solution, using the audio and video equipment in the meeting room. Because of the growing interest in hybrid meetings, Barco and Crestron expect the market for wireless conferencing systems to accelerate significantly over the coming years.

November 2023 The many degrees of hybrid

It’s hard to believe that over three years ago we were in a completely different mindset when it came to work - both physically and mentally. Up until 2020, in-office was the primary way to work. From 2020 to 2022, the world participated in a forced work-from-home experiment, introducing many to remote working. Today, hybrid work is what employees desire - and it’s what they have - with almost half (46%) of UK employees currently working in a hybrid format. One theme that has remained consistent in any post-pandemic discussion

Rachel Swann, CEO of UMA, has been confirmed as the Keynote Speaker for the AV New Awards presentation at ISE 2024. Attendees of the AV News Awards can expect an insightful presentation on UMA’s significant impact in the AV industry. The Keynote will showcase how UMA goes beyond financial savings, reshaping workspaces to prioritise employee well-being and operational efficiency. The presentation will highlight UMA’s commitment to sustainability, exploring its use of ethical AI and informed decision-making to track and manage carbon footprints in line with the goal of achieving Net Zero. Emphasising UMA’s success, driven by rich user-driven data sources, the presentation will illustrate a comprehensive narrative of authentic space utilisation. Attendees will be encouraged to envision a future where UMA’s meaningful data guides decisions, contributing to a more connected and efficient AV industry.

PEOPLEWATCH

Double award winner joins A+K Anders+Kern has announced the appointment of Dan Clarke as Sales Manager. Dan brings a wealth of experience in the AV & IT industry, having worked in channel distribution for over 15 years. He has a proven track record of success in building relationships with key partners and driving sales growth. In his new role, Dan will be responsible for leading the Anders+Kern sales team. He will focus on developing and implementing strategic sales initiatives to achieve the company’s ambitious growth targets. “We are delighted to welcome Dan to the Anders+Kern team,” said Barrie Meehan, Managing Director of Anders+Kern UK. “Dan is a highly experienced and respected sales professional with a deep understanding of the AV industry. We are confident that he will make a significant contribution to our continued success.” A seasoned sales professional with a demonstrable record of success in the industry, Dan has twice earned the AV News Sales Professional of the Year award. His approachable, energetic, and helpful demeanour has made him a trusted resource for numerous resellers. Dan takes pride in his reputation for honesty, flexibility, and a consistently positive attitude. “I am excited to join Anders+Kern and help the company achieve its ambitious goals,” said Dan. “I am passionate about the AV and workspace industry, and I am committed to providing our customers with the best possible solutions.”

Genelec USA expands team Genelec Inc. (aka Genelec USA), the U.S. distribution arm of Finland-based active monitor manufacturer Genelec, announces a wave of appointments, promotions and new hires in 2023, as the company continues to develop its strong sales force, streamlined logistics, and industry-leading customer support. Additionally, the company’s headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, have been remodelled with a variety of ultra-modern updates and amenities, including an open-area floor plan with expanded dining facilities, as well as a new modular office cubicle layout to handle the bolstered employee roster. First, longtime Genelec USA team member Eric Daubney has been promoted to Digital Content Manager. Out of college in 2012, he worked in the world of recording studios, music publishing and post-production, where he regularly encountered Genelec studio monitors: “I had never heard music sound so good in my life!” he recalls. He joined Genelec Inc. in 2015 in a sales support role and has been a key member of the team ever since, focusing first on order processing and then taking on U.S. social media management for the brand. He notes, “I’m thrilled to move into the position of Digital Content Manager for Genelec Inc. Being a creator myself, and with the passion I have for the company and the industry, I couldn’t think of a better role to be in. It’s great to see how the audio community reacts to content, whether it’s through social media networks, online events or in person events. I have a great team of people here in the U.S. and overseas and am excited to continue working on engaging content to benefit the company and our customers globally.” Additionally, David Agoglia has joined Genelec USA as Service Manager. His previous experience includes a strong background in music gear sales, and as a member of the rock band Rev Theory, Agoglia toured the U.S., Europe and Canada supporting the band’s recording

PEOPLEWATCH

contract with Interscope Records. “I’m excited to start working at Genelec,” Agoglia notes. “Music and sound have always been a passion of mine. After my tenure as drummer of Rev Theory, for almost 10 years I was a manager at a local music store, where we specialized in the buying and selling of used instruments. I look forward being a part of this already amazing team!” Next, Mary Stewart has joined Genelec USA in the position of Sales Administration Coordinator. Stewart’s degree in Sociology has enabled her to excel at customer service, and recent work experience as a paralegal has enhanced her attention to detail. She comments, “I am very excited to be joining Genelec! I’ve been familiar with Genelec for 15 years, and I really admire that the company prioritizes both innovation and creativity while also being sustainable. Previously, I worked as an Immigration Paralegal after graduating from Emmanuel College in 2021. Last year, I hosted a podcast with my friend, and I had so much fun learning about the entire process of starting a podcast – from writing a script, recording and editing audio, to ultimately publishing an episode. I’m looking forward to getting to know my colleagues better and being a part of such a hardworking and supportive team.” Additionally, Andrew Eggleston has joined the team part-time as a shipping specialist, splitting time between his new role at Genelec and his studies at MassBay Community College in nearby Wellesley, majoring in computer science. He notes, “My interest in computers and technology systems has helped a lot at Genelec, from setting up and understanding Dante networks to debugging workstation issues. When I’m not in class, I’m in the Genelec Inc. warehouse strapping and wrapping freight orders, and I am always available to help with more technical problems.” Izzy Akdikmen has joined Genelec USA as Product Support Specialist. Akdikmen’s studies and work experience include managing and engineering in music recording studios. She is proficient in Pro Tools, Dolby Atmos and Sony RA360 immersive software as well as other software applications relevant to the pro audio industry. “I am glad to be joining such an innovative company,” Akdikmen states. “I love working with others and learning something new every day! I first heard Genelec speakers when I was studying at the New England School of Communications, and they quickly became my go-to speakers for mixing and critical listening. Music is a central part of my life, as I enjoy playing drums and bass in my free time. I am excited about building relationships

both within the company and with customers!” Finally, Ben Morris has also joined the team as Service Associate. He is a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Sound Record Technology program, where he focused on acoustics, audio circuitry, analogue / digital recording, and studio repair / maintenance. He has been interested in music and the gear that makes it since childhood. Before Genelec, he worked at a local recording studio as well as a tube amplifier repair shop. “In the short time I’ve been in this position, I’ve had the opportunity to wear many hats,” notes Morris. “There is a huge variety of responsibilities in this role, and I look forward to putting my experience and passions to good use as part of the Genelec USA team!”

Tommy Edlund joins Intinor as CEO Intinor, Sweden’s leading developer of products and solutions for high quality video over the internet, has appointed Tommy Edlund as CEO. He takes on the role from Lina Zackrisson, who leaves to run her family’s business. Edlund is an engineer by training, and a graduate of Umeå University. For almost a quarter of a century he has worked for Konftel, a pioneer in collaborative communications. Most recently he was deputy CEO as well as director of sales for its operations. “We are very pleased to welcome Tommy to our company,” said Fredrik Jonsson, Intinor chairman. “We believe that his experience and knowledge are a perfect fit for the leadership we need to continue our growth worldwide.” On joining the team, Edlund emphasised that he takes over a business in good health. “It feels incredibly exciting to have been trusted to lead a successful and well-established technology company like Intinor. I look forward to getting to know the whole team better and take the company to the next stage of development.” He replaces Lina Zackrisson, who led the company since the beginning of 2022. “I definitely have mixed feelings about leaving Intinor to take over the family business from my father,” she said. “It has been a joy and delight to work with the Intinor team, and to lead the company to where we are now.”

AV News December 2023

Articles inside

Education: learnings from the pandemic?

OPINION

AVIXA Women’s Council UK - Recognising and supporting strong women in AV in 2023