AV News January 2022

The direct channel to the industry

January 2022 www.avnews.co.uk Page 13

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2022: the year ahead

AV News Awards – the finalists

AV News looks ahead to the year ahead in AV and UC, assessing key markets in hybrid work spaces, education and presentations.

We reveal the Award finalists in the solution, project and industry categories in the run-up to the presentations to the winners at ISE.

Bett in person event postponed Exertis’ biggest ever acquisition In the light of the escalating Covid situation in the UK, the live Bett show has been postponed, to he 23-25 March 2022, when the show will continue to take place at the ExCeL London.

In a statement, Bett’s organisers said: “Our commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our community necessitated the shift and we considered feedback from many of our exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and speakers, as well as the impact of changing travel restrictions globally. Our global partners Microsoft, BESA and the UK’s Department for Education are supportive of the change and the new show dates.”

“Holding Bett in-person at the end of March presents an important opportunity for the education and technology community to come together to

learn, trade and network and to look positively to the future of teaching and learning.”

They further explained that, if you have already registered to Bett, “your registration will automatically be transferred to the new dates. We will be in touch in the New Year to ex-

plain the next steps and to let you know more about the rescheduled event. In the meantime, please do make sure that if you have booked hotel rooms and flights you contact your providers to cancel your booking or move forward in line with the new show dates.”

Sharp launches products to help offices adapt Sharp UK announced the launch of a range of new technology solutions designed to support the safety of employees upon the return to the office. The new solutions include: an updated Optimised Visitor Management system; the Communicate and Collaborate furniture range; and the Plasmacluster Air Purifier.

Ensuring a safe working environment for a workforce keen to return to the office has been a key challenge for business leaders in 2021. In June, Sharp surveyed more than 6,000 office workers in small-to-medium sized business across Europe and found

that over half (55%) claimed it was important for them to be able to meet with and work with colleagues physically. In addition, almost three in five (58%) said that working in a dynamic office environment had become more important since the pandemic.

These preferences are set to continue into 2022 amidst the latest government mandate for office workers to return to home-working. To support business leaders in meeting this clear demand for office working in 2022, while also creating a safe environment, Sharp UK has launched the following products:

TAP INTO TEAMS MEETINGS Logitech Tap for Microsoft Teams Powered by Lenovo ThinkSmart Edition Tiny

•Optimised Visitor Management (OVM) – The refreshed site-monitoring system from Sharp has been upgraded to help businesses manage their premises and keep employees safe from COVID-19. OVM’s updated software offers sophisticated new features including questioning enhancement, multiple geofencing capabilities, contactless sign in/out options, as well as improved reporting and dashboards, all for compliance and health and safety.

•Communicate and Collaborate

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Exertis’ biggest ever acquisitionDCC Technology, which trades as Exertis and is one of the world’s leading technology distribution and services businesses, has announced its acquisition of Almo Corporation in North America. The acquisition is the biggest yet in the history of parent company DCC plc. The move signals an ambitious strategy for Exertis, extending its international scale in the Pro AV sector and ramping up its expansion in the North American market. The addition of Almo Corporation builds on other acquisitions in North America such as Stampede, Jam Industries, The Music People and JB&A, adding depth to its consumer portfolio.

It expands Exertis’ Pro AV capability to form the largest specialist Pro AV business in North America.

Alongside its Pro AV business, Almo Corporation is the largest distributor of mainstream appliances, delivering a comprehensive portfolio of products including full kitchen packages with essential appliances to small and medium-sized retailers throughout the U.S. In addition, it is the leading distributor of premium appliances, serving retailers and builders designing luxury residential installations for refrigeration, ventilation and cooking in both indoor and outdoor settings. Almo’s thriving business in consumer appliances and lifestyle products will add scale to Exertis North America’s business in the consumer channel. In an interview with AV News, Tim Griffin MD of D CC Technology and Exertis said: “It’s a substantial proAV asset ion its own right but it also

Tim Griffin, DCC Technology & Exertis Managing Director says, “The acquisition of Almo Corporation is the largest in DCC’s history and signals our confident and ambitious intent to expand DCC Technology. comes with a great platform for us to be able to extend into consumer appliances and ecommerce, so we are very happy with those additions above and beyond the proAV space. Obviously, we’ve got proAV there and we have now got a similar sized asset to combine into a genuine power-house.”

Almo’s 75-year-old, third-generation, family-owned business brings 660 employees, nine distribution centres and more than 2.5 million square feet of warehousing space across North America. Almo Corporation will benefit from leveraging Exertis’ financial resources and

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supply-chain logistics, delivering to its vendors and partners a host of improved business opportunities, efficiencies and potential for profit. The acquisition will provide Exertis North America with increased backend economies of scale allied to the front-end specialisation that will add multiple benefits for all its vendors and partners.

Almo will continue to be operated by the Chaiken Family, with Warren Chaiken as President and CEO and Gene Chaik-

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Headline News Continued from page 1

Exertis’ biggest ever acquisition en as Chairman. The combined Exertis and Almo Pro AV divisions will in due course be led

by Sam Taylor, current Executive Vice President & COO of Almo Pro AV. Shortly after the completion of the integration, the combined business will be rebranded as Exertis Almo Pro AV. John Dunne, a long-time senior executive with Exertis, currently leading the Exertis Pro AV team in North America, will join the Almo executive team and help lead the integration. The Premium Appliances and Mainstream Appliances divisions will continue to be led

by Steve Terry and Jack Halperin respectively – both industry veterans in those markets.

Exertis’ expanded North American operation becomes a $2.4 billion business overseen by Martin Szpiro, Managing Director of Exertis North America. It forms part of the international expansion strategy of Exertis International, under Managing Director Clive Fitzharris.

Tim Griffin explains “The acquisition of Almo Corporation is the largest in DCC’s history and signals our confident and ambitious intent to expand DCC Technology. By integrating Almo with our North Amer-

ican Business, we will form the largest specialist Pro AV business in North America. Almo’s 75-year history of growth and success, combined with its longstanding relationships with industry partners and its ability to continually innovate and expand will be great assets to Exertis. In turn, we will bring significant economies of scale, global supply chain access and other benefits to the customers of Almo Corporation.”

Warren Chaiken, Almo Corporation President & CEO says, “Having just completed a yearlong celebration of 75 years of growth and business success, the time is right to give our manufacturer and channel partners a truly global distribution stage so they can operate their businesses at a greater capacity, leverage more buying power and the ability to compete for a more comprehensive position in the global supply chain. We are committed to growing with our partners by remaining their value-added distributor with larger scale and access to more products, more services and more financial support. For them, this transition will be seamless in that we will operate business as usual.”

Vision announces Benelux BDM Hot on the heels of announcing a new Business Development Manager (BDM) for France, Vision has welcomed a new Benelux BDM, Sam Dijs.

Having previously worked at Dutch AV integrator ‘Presentation Partner’, Dijs now champions the Vision brand, working closely with TD Maverick - Vision’s distributor in Belgium and Netherlands: “Vision have a ‘Customer-First’ ethos,” says Dijs. “My experience in AV has given me a deep understanding

port our resellers throughout the whole buying, delivery and after sales processes. I’m all about helping customers become even more successful.”

Meanwhile, the company has also been busy making unboxing videos which add some seriously useful content to our website – “no marketing fluff or puff” says Vision MD Stuart Lockhart “We’re all about making it as easy as possible to get the information you need on a prod-

Vision has welcomed a new Benelux BDM, Sam Dijs.

Continued from page 1

Sharp launches products to help offices adapt furniture range – This dynamic range of furniture and digital signage has been designed to support the new hybrid workspace. The range consists of three variations of the Collaborate table, the Levitator and Switch 45 digital screen stands, and two new Digital Signage Stands. The three key

system. The filtration system clears any impurities and releases clean water molecules back into the air. The device continues to monitor air quality with its built-in sensors, which can be adjusted to be more or less sensitive.

Julian Hodges, Group Manager - Product Marketing at Sharp

of what resellers need. Vision’s customers already benefit from ample stock and fast delivery times and now I’m able to sup-

uct, without the hassle of having to ask. Every time you ask a product question we update our website with the answer, so

Avocor has announced the launch of its new E Series interactive displays. Available in four sizes, ranging from 55” to 86”, the E Series features optically bonded glass in a 4K IR interactive display format. This impressive combination delivers a smooth, leading-edge touch technology display solution of exceptional value, which is ideal for all sizes of office, classroom, meeting room and huddle space appli-

switch between using a pen or finger to create a fluid, collaborative real-time environment for users. A zero parallax optically bonded glass surface with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coating ensures a crisp image with smooth, pixel-perfect inking.

“As meeting equity has become paramount for all types of organizations, we’ve recognized that our customers require a performance and feature set

we’re constantly improving the content”. So it only remains for me to say thank you for your business in 2021 and wish you

all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

Avocor announces its new E Series

Avocor has announced the launch of its new E Series interactive displays. Available in four sizes, ranging from 55” to 86”, the E Series features optically bonded glass in a 4K IR interactive display format. easy access to USB drive data with the 55” also offering a Type-C connectivity option.

In addition, a high-quality, front-facing soundbar module is included, ensuring that the display provides 30W conference room audio delivered crys-

Sharp UK announced the launch of a range of new technology solutions designed to support the safety of employees upon the return to the office. The new solutions include: an updated Optimised Visitor Management system; the Communicate and Collaborate furniture range; and the Plasmacluster Air Purifier. products can transform any office into a flexible workspace that supports collaboration and teamwork for both onsite and home-working employees.

•Plasmacluster Air Purifier – Sharp’s range of air purification and humidification devices create Plasmacluster Ions which are attracted to airborne particles. The particles are then broken down by removing surface proteins, the tiny particles stick together and are drawn into Plasmacluster’s triple filtration

UK said: “The pandemic has brought a gauntlet of challenges for business leaders and a new threat landscape to company wellbeing. Now that the health risks are better understood, the expectation from employees is for their offices to be as COVID-safe as possible. At Sharp, we aim to provide businesses with the tools to create a safe workplace, and these new solutions are core to that mission.”

cation.

Designed to create a more equitable meeting and collaboration experience, all models in the E Series feature Avocor’s UiQ touch-enabled interface for remote control-free use. This superior glass display technology facilitates a smooth, extremely accurate, low latency writing experience through instant writing object recognition. This allows any user to quickly and easily

tal-clear audio quality.

The AVE-5530, AVE-6530, AVE-7530 and AVE-8630 are available globally now for $2,699, $3,299, $4,699 and $7,499 respectively, through Avocor’s network of authorized dealers.

from all products,” said Dana Corey, Avocor Global Sales SVP. “We have this need for value performance in mind when we created the E Series, which is an ideal interactive display solution that’s affordable, offering outstanding value.”

Ideal for BYOD, there is a wide range of connectivity options, including enhanced HDMI-out that supports 4K video @60Hz, front-facing guest HDMI, USB touch and hub connection for

P3 AV News January 2022

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Business News

CTOUCH increases UK stock and hybrid distribution CTOUCH UK Ltd have recently opened-up increased stock holding ability in the UK to enable it to meet market demands from both end-users and resellers alike. A new warehouse facility and logistics contract has been secured and implemented with renowned specialist transportation company, Relay Technical Transport Ltd, to offer nationwide coverage, with specialist white glove delivery service.

CTOUCH Europe, through planning and long-term manufacturing relationships, were able to avoid any major stock shortages for touchscreens in the UK, seen by much of the AV industry, and have seen an increase in demand as a result.

Gregg Ringer, Head of Market Development in the UK commented: “Over the past 12 months we have seen increased demand for our touchscreens. By expanding our distribution ability, we have ensured that we are able to meet this demand.”

He went on to comment on CTOUCH’s ability to trade directly with a number of resellers in recent months due to distribution issues. “To avoid delay and overcome recent distribution challenges,

we have been able to trade directly with our resellers, whilst working closely with our UK distribution partner Exertis Ltd. This Hybrid model increases our breadth in the UK and gives resellers more ways in which to pro-

existing customers and partners, and we want this to continue. We have doubled the size of the UK team, and by increasing our distribution capability, we are now confident our new initiatives can be realized in 2022. This is

The channel: investing in profitable billing through automation Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT resellers to invest in PSA solutions, as better billing not only enhances productivity and is more cost-effective; but it also frees up staff resources to focus on what’s important: growing the business and bringing in more revenue. But, what Rob Hancock of Giacom asks, can they do to work to select best-of-breed billing solutions that offer the ability to scale as they grow?

As channel firms grow, many

To succeed, channel businesses need to be able to bill for both scenarios from the same system accurately; and to provide customers with real-time visibility on their in-month usage. This way invoices can be clearly understood when delivered to clients, with no unwanted surprises.

MSPs also need their billing systems to provide transparency and a single view of their customers. This is often the reseller’s primary source of the

tention, simply by streamlining and simplifying the billing process. Today, these sophisticated systems should be able to manage invoices from multiple vendors, in different formats, and assign the correct costs to each of their customers – and enable invoicing to be automated, so that it is not a heavy burden on the business.

Moreover, replacing manual data entry with automated processes enables MSPs and their customers to gain great-

tools to enable them to better plan, monitor and implement faster billing cycles for their customers and teams. Here, Rob Hancock of Giacom emphasises the importance of investing in PSA solutions, as better billing not only enhances productivity and is more cost-effective; but it also frees up staff resources to focus on what’s important: growing the business and bringing in more revenue – but, what is key to consider on this PSA journey?

quantity of SaaS or software licences that might have been sold to each of their customers, among other items. So, it’s important that the correct inventory and costs are attributed to each of their customers. Not only for their own visibility, but also to build their confidence that they are being billed correctly and getting value from their investments.

er real-time insights into their bills, increasing transparency.

So every cost can be correctly reviewed and justified.

Additionally, managing licencing is often a frustrating task for MSPs when it comes to billing. This is because customer licence information changes as the client’s business changes. For example, an MSP might add new users and software, or remove people when they come off the company’s payroll. The management of these elements is fine-grained and has to be kept on top of. But a PSA tool can bring all of these areas together so the end-customer ends up with a clearer bill; and so that the MSP ends up with fewer functions to manage, via a single point of interaction between its different systems, ultimately improving the efficiency of these processes. This was reflected in statistics by Autotask (2019), which found that investing in a PSA helps to reduce customer dissatisfaction by 48%, and can increase response times by 28%, enabling companies to take more efficient routes,

back-office systems that manage invoicing and payments can often struggle to operate efficiently and accurately. This is because many businesses are unknowingly using inefficient systems, however these poor invoice and billing practices have a knock-on effect on profitability.

Instead, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT resellers can benefit from PSA (Professional Service Automation)

cure our products.”

With a number of exciting products and initiatives being launched by CTOUCH over 2022, the move demonstrates a commitment to the UK market by the touchscreen specialist. CEO Francois Barlinckhoff commented: “The UK is an extremely important market for CTOUCH where we have thousands of

exciting times for CTOUCH as an organisation”.

One of CTOUCH’ recent pledges has been around sustainability. The company is on a mission to be the most sustainable touchscreen manufacturer in Europe, going the extra eco mile by lowering its CO2 footprint by 25% and increasing circularity by 25% in 2025.

Black Box launches partner program Black Box has announced the launch of the Black Box Velocity Partner Program, which gives VARs and resellers across North and Latin America the programs, training, product authorization and support to boost sales and revenues. Members of the Velocity Partner Program also gain access to strategic pricing incentive programs designed to assist in closing new business.

“While we've always focused on delivering best-in-class products and solutions, we've put fresh energy into our channel-focused offerings to help our partners sell more effectively and successfully” said CJ Ballejos, Vice President of Sales, Americas TPS at Black Box. “Combining resources across key areas of sales and support, the new Black Box Velocity Partner Program delivers a wide array of tools our partners can use to kick sales into high gear.”

The benefits of joining the Black Box Velocity Partner Program include access to evaluation units for installation and testing, as well as reduced-cost products for demos and for sales and technical staff training. VARs and resellers can earn incentives for sales, registrations, authorizations and other customer loyalty activities. Velocity Partner Program members can take advantage of a 4% discount for any sale to federal, state, or local government body and for sales into the education

market. When Black Box is in a competitive bid to win business, partners also can use the "meet comp" program to gain an edge in pricing.

Currently in phase 1 of the rollout, covering North America and Latin America, there are plans to expand the program internationally in the near future. All partners begin as Ruby Partners and then qualify for training and authorization across one or more of three key areas — pro IoT, pro AV, pro KVM — or as an authorized partner for all professional products.

Barco appoints LANG AG as preferred distribution partner For more than 30 years, LANG AG has been successfully supplying the Pro AV market with premium equipment from the Belgian manufacturer Barco.

LANG AG has positioned itself as a full-range supplier, both in the event sector and for the individual requirements of system integration. Since then, LANG AG is also known Continued on page 6

as a service and training partner, among others for Barco products.

The now concluded agreement, which comes into effect at the beginning of the new year, strengthens the partnership in the product range of image processing, but also expands the cooperation in the range of projection. Both product groups are now ideally positioned to jointly serve the

needs of the Pro AV market in Germany and Austria.

This partnership goes beyond the distribution agreement by also encompassing the common goal of innovation and development of a future-proof product portfolio. The focus is on collaboration in bringing the best and most innovative solutions to the market.

Stijn Henderickx, Senior VP EMEA at Barco, is convinced that the partnership will be successful: “We know Lang AG as a global leading service provider for professional video applications who always puts customer focus, innovation and quality at the heart of its operations. This very much radiates with the Barco heritage and spirit. Joining forces is a natural fit. I’m convinced that this new partnership will enable us to strengthen our businesses by delivering the most innovative technologies and superior customer service to the German and Austrian customers.”

"We have always appreciated the strategic cooperation and continuous exchange on the latest developments with Barco. Both companies have always shared the ambition to offer the market qualitative and future-oriented solutions.

Now the basis for an even closer partnership has been created, with a clear goal to provide the best possible service to our customers." concludes Peter Mathia, CEO of LANG AG.

Convergence Some of the major shifts impacting the industry include the convergence of IT and telecoms, where connectivity and voice comes closer together. This affects the requirements of billing systems that are needed to support the channel. These systems must become more sophisticated to support MSPs as they grow in scale to meet customers’ needs.

Today, MSPs need to handle increasingly complex billing processes. More and more, there is a mix of fixed cost licenses and variable cost items to manage – consequently meaning that there is a lot of data to process during billing.

Investing in PSA Billing shouldn’t be a challenge for MSPs and their employees to manage. Equally, associated systems should be easy for customers to access and understand too. Despite recent developments in cloud accounting solutions and technology platforms, many organisations continue to use Excel-based systems for manual billing. However, this approach is mostly dated and inefficient – especially when you consider that it is possible to issue customers a single, accurate, almost-completely-automated monthly bill.

Instead, by introducing modern PSA (Professional Service Automation) software into the mix, profitability can be enhanced for MSPs, along with greater customer satisfaction and re-

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P5 AV News January 2022

Business News Continued from page 6

The channel: investing in profitable billing through automation while enhancing satisfaction.

customer

Not just your billing In many respects, a PSA acts as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool too.

It provides a ticketing system to manage technical processes and acts as a whole business process model for MSPs to benefit from, automating complex multifaceted business processes. Further, PSA is all about improving the visibility of each project, for each customer and cutting the bureaucratic burden that

Photo by Marvin Meyer accompanies many laborious manual processes.

In short, by using a PSA today, MSPs can improve the management of their accounts in such a smart way that it allows their employees and customers to make more intelligent decisions about their operations. To illustrate this point, the role of PSA was highlighted in the Datto 2020 State of the MSP report as one of the most valuable tools that positively impacts MSP businesses. Therefore, it’s not just billing that is well managed. Any additional licence upgrades, downgrades and deletions made in the MSPs portal can be matched against the PSA system. Depending on the size of the business, this can dramatically cut the time spent managing and monitoring software licences.

Just as importantly, it ensures the customer is not leaking revenue and profit for using unnecessary licenses.

The PSA marketplace is quite crowded too. So when MSPs choose one, they need to select a tool that is right for their business. Today, it’s important to consider the PSA’s flexibility, integrations with current software packages, security processes and if they offer implementation support.

For smaller companies, the

price will be a major factor, so it’s worth weighing up how effective the gains will be in comparison to its overall cost, as well as whether they will outgrow a particular software solution. Partnering with a wellknown PSA tool like Autotask or ConnectWise will enable integration with multiple systems to increase business efficiency – also as firms scale, they’re capable of supporting growth too.

Responding to change Another key transition in the market to consider is the maturity of SaaS pricing models.

Traditionally, SaaS would be priced per user, per month.

Whilst there were some complexities to this, the pricing was easy to understand, either input into systems or via formulas in spreadsheets to manage costs and produce invoices.

With new portals and invoicing models entering the market, such as Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience, this will change the way MSPs have to provision and bill clients for software licenses.

With this new model, an MSP will have to balance the cost benefits of different licence lengths against the flexibility their clients’ need to increase or decrease the volume of software licences demanded in real-time. Therefore, the capabilities of supporting billing systems must change to facilitate this trend. Therefore, it’s important to work with PSAs that are prepared for this kind of change.

Effective PSA integration For Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), meeting MSPs’ needs means adapting to the ever-changing business and tech environment. They’ll be attentive to customers’ needs and help deploy the right PSA solution, that supports MSPs as they grow from being an SMB themselves, to becom-

P6 AV News January 2022

ing mid-market or enterprise sized.

Creating a solid MSP-CSP partnership with the support of PSA means resellers can manage a single bill, broken down by customers, with the details of all the services they have paid for. When dealing directly with cloud distributors, MSPs can also integrate their PSA with the CSPs Application Programming Interface (APIs), so any discrepancies can be easily identified in licence counts between the platforms.

This helps free the MSP from the monthly management and manual processing of invoices

too, so they can focus on client care instead.

Conclusion Professional Service Automation has the power to drive profitable change for MSPs and their customers. By integrating this software with their own billing systems, they can accurately and effectively improve the laborious challenge of software and hardware inventory management, along with the associated problem of providing accurate invoicing to customers for technology and services purchased.

But, selecting the right tool here is important. Channel businesses must work with their CSPs to select best-ofbreed billing solutions that offer the ability to scale as they grow. Further, replacing spreadsheets with dated invoicing systems will not only make it possible to increase internal productivity; but the data insights created via PSA and its ability to automate billing will enable channel firms and customers to make better joint decisions. This approach will ultimately lead to better, more trustworthy customer relationships between MSPs and their customers – and eventually, over time, greater MSP profitability.

Hall Technologies appoints Mizzen Marketing

Hall Technologies has appointed Mizzen Marketing as their representatives for the Southwestern region of the US. Mizzen has a longstanding reputation in the TOLA region of excellent customer support and positive industry relationships.

Hall’s recent move to Texas positions them well for expansion into the TOLA area with Mizzen’s appointment.

“Mizzen Marketing is a solid company full of rock-star salespeople,” says VP of Sales and Marketing at Hall Technologies, Hal Truax. “Appointing them to represent us in the TOLA region offers us additional sales opportunities, and engagement in this region. I’ve always been impressed with Mizzen because they are a company known for closing deals and offering their partners the best technical and customer support – hands down. We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership.”

“Mizzen Marketing is thrilled to have been chosen by Hall Technologies as their manufacturer’s rep for Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas,” says Dave Taylor, founder of Mizzen Marketing. “We’ve long been aware of their well-deserved reputation for creating quality high-performing products that are a backbone of the Pro AV industry and are honoured to join their team. “I am so excited to have the opportunity to once again work with some of the best people I know, including Hal Truax, Ken Eagle, Nelson Solares, and Kelly Perkins (among others),” adds Vice President of Mizzen Marketing, Lisa Peveler. “These folks set the standard for excellence in product development, marketing, training, and customer care. We look forward to sharing the Hall Technologies story with our industry friends in TOLA! Skyline reports a record year in Digital Transformation Skyline Communications has announced a record year in the making as the ICT media and broadband industry ramps up Digital Transformation investments. Whether you are creating a cloud-native proposition or next-gen data centre, deploying an ST2110 all-IP foundation for your media operation, ramping up a LEO mega constellation, deploying OTT services, looking into leveraging IP for Distributed Access Architectures for your distribution plant, or cloudifying parts of your operation, it all boils down to the same essence.

You are stepping into a new

world poised with transformational technology. The only certainty is that you have to be ready to evolve continuously and to adapt to inevitable unexpected changes.

This “Digital Transformation” applies to any business out there determined to be successful in the new emerging data-driven world. “Today we see a lot of traction among our users in the field of Digital Transformation, with organizations now increasingly focusing on the essence of what Digital Transformation is all about,” commented Ben Vandenberghe CEO at Skyline Communications. “Because it’s about a lot more than just deploying a new virtualized and cloudified ecosystem and transitioning your existing business and workflows into it. If that’s your mindset, you’re missing the whole point of Digital Transformation and of what’s happening everywhere around you.”

“It’s actually about bringing yourself into a position where you can also leverage the future, untapped potential of this new generation of transformational technologies.

That means ensuring that you can evolve continuously with your operation in the context of a highly unpredictable and ever faster evolving market.

This is a completely different perspective, because suddenly the way you architect your technology ecosystem, for example, becomes very relevant and determinative. At the same time, Digital Transformation is also very much about people and methodology, so you need to ensure that

your entire business is organized around this.”

Skyline’s offering is entirely and uniquely designed with all the key objectives of Digital Transformation in mind. Its powerful and agnostic open-architecture data acquisition and control plane capabilities enable users to create a real-time updated digital twin of their entire operation. This standardized and secure digital twin consolidates all the user’s hardware, software, and cloud resources, across all vendors, technology and domain boundaries. The DataMiner platform comes with a wealth of standard applications and solutions, such as real-time dashboards and sophisticated AIOps analytics. Out of the box, these are tightly integrated with that digital twin, resulting in unprecedented ease of use and minimal friction towards continuous evolutions.

Moreover, the open architecture, which extends all the way up to the data consumption layer, also permits agile teams to leverage any other tools to tap into that standardized and secured digital twin. This includes standard APIs, web hooks, user-definable APIs, and linking the DataMiner digital twin with industry-standard messaging and event streaming solutions such as Kafka and Rabbit MQ.

Business News Businesses need stronger cyber security for IOT solutions Research by Inmarsat reveals that most businesses face security challenges when deploying Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Those surveyed said the fear of external cyber-attacks and poor network security are their two biggest concerns, underlining the need for stronger cyber-security defences for their IoT solutions. The research also shows businesses are increasingly taking proactive measures to combat IoT security threats, such as introducing internal IoT security policies and investing in new security technologies.

According to the research, ‘Industrial IoT in the time of Covid-19’, based on the interviews of 450 global respondents across the agriculture, electrical utilities, mining, oil and gas, and transport and logistics sectors, more than three quarters (77 per cent) say their organisation’s IoT projects could be more secure. Half (50 per cent) of all businesses consider the risk of an external cyber-attack the biggest security challenge associated with the use of IoT projects within their

cent of those without a formal IoT strategy in place). IoT security is also a higher priority in those organisations where IoT purchasing decisions are made at board level by the C-suite, or by the senior leadership team.

Here, a higher-than-average proportion of respondents are focusing on upgrading their existing security technologies (46 per cent, compared with the sample average of 39 per cent).

Commenting on the findings, Mike Carter, President of Inmarsat Enterprise said: “With

organisations.

Businesses are also acutely aware that stolen, misused or misplaced data from IoT projects could give competitors access to confidential business information. For this reason, the other top IoT security threats identified by those Photo by Adi Goldstein

nearly four in five of our research respondents reporting their organisation’s IoT security could be more robust, many businesses clearly continue to face serious security challenges in their IoT deployments.

The accelerating speed of IoT adoption over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it a proliferation of security concerns, given the increasing number of potentially vulnerable endpoints associated with IoT projects. Comparing our latest results with our 2018 IoT survey, security risks are growing, but in response, businesses are becoming more aware of cyber-security threats and doing more to respond.”

“Overall, our results reveal that those organisations with a formal IoT strategy in place, or who enjoy full support for their IoT projects at the boardroom level, lead the way in terms of having the most informed, security-conscious mindsets and are taking positive, proactive steps to shore up their cyber-security defences. These organisations tend to understand best the gravity of IoT cyber-security issues, taking essential measures such as introducing internal and external IoT security policies and investing in, or upgrading security technologies.

“Cyber-security risk management is vital at the network level. Inmarsat’s global ELERA network, the latest evolution of our industry-leading L-band network, is designed specifically to deliver the most secure and highly reliable IoT connectivity to business-critical applications, even in remote places.

By enabling organisations from all sectors to access IoT securely anywhere, we enable new possibilities.”

surveyed include poor network security (49 per cent), insecure or unencrypted edge networks and employees mishandling data (both 44 per cent).

Since Inmarsat’s last IoT survey in 2018, IoT adoption has dramatically accelerated, with the resulting proliferation of networks intrinsically creating more vulnerable endpoints across IoT networks and the number of perceived security threats associated with industrial IoT networks increasing accordingly.

However, considerable progress has been made over the last few years to combat these threats, with an increasing number of companies responding by creating an internal IoT security policy. Nearly half (48 per cent) of all organisations now have one in place, compared with only 32 per cent in 2018. Many more businesses are now investing in new security technologies (46 per cent, compared to 33 per cent in 2018) or creating an external IoT security policy for suppliers and partners (41 per cent, compared to 29 per cent in 2018).

Those organisations which have a formal IoT strategy in place, are more likely to take measures to ensure their cyber-security, with over half (53 per cent) having created an internal IoT security policy (compared with only 43 per

Brompton Technology and Garden Studios partner Home to a technically advanced film production complex, Garden Studios is a onestop-shop for a wide variety of TV and film productions, designed specifically to support the latest technologies as well as decades of future innovation. Its in-house Virtual Production stage is driven by Brompton Tessera processing, ensuring it delivers superb image quality to every production that comes through its doors.

Launched this year and growing rapidly, Garden Studios aims to be the most friendly, supportive, and sustainable film studio in London. The facility boasts three traditional sound stages, totalling over 3,700m2, as well as an array of supporting spaces.

The jewel in its crown is its state-of-the-art Virtual Production stage, which allows filmmakers to shoot live action footage within a pre-visualised virtual world, using 3D CGI modelling and precision camera tracking to make it all look as real as possible.

“Whether our clients are looking to shoot a feature film, short-form promo, commercial or music video, Virtual Production can deliver a sustainable and cost, time, and travel-effective solution for their project,” says Garden Studios’ Virtual Production Supervisor, Mark Pilborough-Skinner.

The 445m2 Virtual Production stage is powered by cutting-edge tech from Epic Games (Unreal Engine), MoSys (Star Tracker tracking technology), ROE Visual (Di-

amond 2.6mm LED panels), and Brompton Technology (Tessera LED processing), opening up unlimited creative possibilities in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

Additionally, the LED panels have been dynamically calibrated with Brompton’s Hydra measurement system, making them Brompton HDR-ready.

This unlocks the full potential of each LED and allows the team at Garden Studios to take full advantage of exceptionally realistic-looking visual content and extra-wide colour gamut.

“Brompton is an integral part of our VP stage,” explains Pilborough-Skinner. “Apart from their Tessera processors, which are the industry gold standard for LED processing in virtual production for film and television, we can always count on the company’s renowned 24/7 service and support. Brompton heavily invests in R&D and offers extensive training resources to our in-house VP technicians, helping us push forward and deliver the high-quality service we have already become known for.”

Another feature Pilborough-Skinner and the team find particularly useful is the remote 3D LUT control offered by Brompton’s latest Tessera v3.2 software, via Pomfort’s Livegrade.

“Using Livegrade Studio to export 3D LUTs directly to Brompton Technology’s Tessera processor has allowed us to rapidly switch between different grades of our VP content and lighting scenar-

ios non-destructively,” says Pilborough-Skinner.

“This is fantastic for Virtual Production and opens up more creative possibilities without

nical relationships with our customers has always been Brompton’s objective, right from when the company was founded back in 2011. It’s

The facility boasts three traditional sound stages, totalling over 3,700m2, as well as an array of supporting spaces. (Image credit: Garden Studios) having to spend additional time rebuilding and switching between set ups.”

Brompton has always recognised the importance of investing in long-term business relationships with likeminded organisations. Garden Studios’ overall ethos, and its commitment to adopting technology that can constantly deliver and evolve with the market, instantly resonated with the team at Brompton.

“We feel privileged to be able to work with innovative companies such as Garden Studios, bringing cutting-edge LED processing technology and sharing our technical expertise with their team,” says Brompton Technical Solutions Manager, Adam Callaway, who has worked closely with Garden Studios.

“Forming long-term tech-

been amazing to watch Garden Studios’ facility grow and evolve in such a short space of time. Their vision and dedication are inspiring, and the results they’re achieving are absolutely first class.”

“The great thing about Brompton is their extended network of industry contacts and our shared values when it comes to delivering high quality service and creating an open and transparent working space, where each member feels empowered to share their knowledge,” concludes Pilborough-Skinner. “It’s brilliant having Brompton as a partner and we are confident that our current set-up means we can continue innovating and bringing the latest in VP to our clients!”

Nearly half of UK employees are ready for a workplace metaverse •47% of people want companies to adopt an office metaverse in the future •41% believe that the metaverse will boost inclusion and diversity in the workplace •65% believe that the metaverse will increase flexibility and enable people to manage their own work schedule

•47% of the UK population want companies to adopt an office metaverse in the future •41% believe that the metaverse will boost inclusion and diversity in the workplace •44% of people are keen to adopt virtual reality in the workplace

Research released today by Owl Labs suggests that nearly half (47%) of the UK population want companies to adopt the metaverse - a highly immersive virtual world that recreates opportunities for work, socialising, entertainment, and education - in the workplace. 54% of the UK population is optimistic that an office metaverse would boost hybrid work, with a further 52% confident that the metaverse can help to bridge the gap between in person and remote workers by creating a more immersive environment.

As well as exploring the metaverse, the UK also expects higher adoption of immersive technology to drive more engaging hybrid work practices. Over half (52%) of the population want better video conferencing technologies, while a further 44% are ready to adopt virtual reality (VR) in the workplace.

The UK’s growing appetite for more immersive office environments is reflected in

in an office metaverse.

Growing focus on flexibility and inclusivity for hybrid and remote workers is driving a need for more immersive technology. Nearly two thirds (65%) believe that the metaverse will increase workplace flexibility, while a further 34% believe that the metaverse will help reduce proximity bias by ensuring that those in the office fulltime don’t receive unfair preferential training, treatment or progression.

By allowing everyone to interact on the same level playing field regardless of location, 41% believe that the metaverse and immersive collaboration technology will boost inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Over a third (39%) believe that the metaverse has the potential to increase collaboration and creativity by facilitating seamless social interactions which are more engaging for those working remotely.

Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs notes: “With hy-

a quarter (25%) of the UK wanting employers to incorporate holograms and avatars at work, while a third (33%) want companies to adopt augmented reality (AR).

Interestingly, there is a tech divide between younger and older generations when it comes to wanting more immersive technology at work.

Those aged between 18 and 24 are the most open (56%) to exploring the metaverse at work, while only a third (38%) of those aged over 65 years old would be keen to do so.

Similarly, over a half (55%) of 18- to 24-year-olds are keen for employers to adopt VR, compared to just 35% of those aged 65-year-olds and above.

Across the UK, Northern Ireland is the most forward-thinking, with nearly two thirds (61%) keen to work in the metaverse. In contrast, the Northeast of England is the most reluctant to adopt the metaverse, at just 37%. Over a half (52%) of Londoners are keen to work

brid work firmly cemented in our work culture, the need for technology that makes the remote working environment more immersive has never been more important.

Through our own experience, we already know how innovative technology can create an environment where everyone feels like they’re in the same room regardless of location. As hybrid work can present potential challenges around presentism and a divide between the in person and remote workforce, immersive technology - like the Meeting Owl, AR and now the metaverse - can be effective tools to boost inclusion and create a more united workforce.”

P7 AV News January 2022

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Technology News

LG monitor line-up optimised for home and office Designed to meet the needs of professional users globally, LG’s newest premium monitors for 2022 will make their debut at CES 2022. Both the LG UltraFine Display (model 32UQ85R) and LG DualUp Monitor (model 28MQ780) offer sleek and practical designs,

prise that these solutions both took home CES 2022 Innovation Awards.

The new LG UltraFine Display is a professional-quality monitor designed with the needs of art directors, graphic designers, photo/video editors and live streamers in mind.

Designed to meet the needs of professional users globally, LG’s newest premium monitors for 2022 will make their debut at CES 2022.

Both the LG UltraFine Display (model 32UQ85R) and LG DualUp Monitor (model 28MQ780) offer sleek and practical designs, enhanced connectivity and superior user experience for both home and office. enhanced connectivity and su- Its 32-inch 4K UHD (3,840 perior user experience for both x 2,160) resolution Nano IPS home and office workers, in- Black panel boasts 2,000:1 cluding creative professionals contrast ratio and 98 percent and programmers. With peer- coverage of the DCI-P3 colour less picture quality, powerful gamut, ensuring deep blacks performance, customisability and vibrant colours that reand convenience, it is no sur- main true across a wide view-

ing angle in various ambient conditions. LG’s first Nano IPS Black panel empowers the LG UltraFine Display to deliver realistic and nuanced black tones, adding more depth to images and allowing creators to realise their visions with advanced precision.

To maintain the level of colour accuracy required by today’s creatives, the LG UltraFine Display comes with a detachable auto self-calibration sensor. Calibration can be easily scheduled via LG’s intuitive software, saving users time by performing this critical calibration automatically.

A multitasking powerhouse ideal for all kinds of tasks such as content creation and coding, LG DualUp Monitor features a Nano IPS display with a unique 16:18 aspect ratio – a completely new format in the monitor market.

The innovative Square Double QHD (2,560 x 2,880) resolution monitor offers the same screen real estate as two 21.5-inch displays and has a vertical split view function that lets users see more in one glance. Boosting productivity and convenience, the LG 28MQ780 elevates user comfort with the ultra-adjustable LG Ergo stand which saves space as it clamps securely to most desks and tables. And the double height screen of LG DualUp Monitor reduces side-toside head movements, the main cause of neck pain.

“LG’s premium monitors for 2022 deliver the picture quality, features and usability that can satisfy the needs of both professional and home users,” said Seo Young-jae, senior vice president and head of the IT business unit of LG Electronics Business Solutions Company. “These CES Innovation Award winning-products are examples of our commitment to explore new form factors and functionalities to expand and strengthen our flagship monitor lineup.”

Clear-Com’s new FreeSpeak Edge Base station For several years, Clear-Com's FreeSpeak digital wireless product family has been one of the most widely used wireless intercom systems in Germany, a trend that is continuing with the newest addition to the family, the FreeSpeak Edge Base Station.

Clear-Com’s German Partner,

sound’s Managing Directors.

“In our first deployment of the base station, we used it during Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt’s Summer Night performance to gain practical experience with it.”

Hannes Gremm, the intercom technician on site at the Phil-

Base allows us to use our existing components of the FreeSpeak family, such as IP and E1 antennas, beltpacks and charging stations, in smaller plug-and-play setups. This makes it cost-effective for us, plus the compact base station is cheaper and easier to ship,”

Audio-Technica, has provided FreeSpeak Edge Base Stations to numerous customers since its release earlier this year— rental companies, live events companies and video production companies—and it has been extremely well-received by the marketplace.

The first FreeSpeak Edge Base Station in Germany was delivered to COBRA sound light in Hamburg, where it was immediately put to use ensuring smooth operations for several productions. “The big plus of the new FreeSpeak Edge Base Station is its interfacing capabilities,” said Hendrik Thode of COBRA sound light. In his role, Hendrik is responsible for all communications solutions for COBRA. “In addition to providing plenty of 4-wire ports, the base station can also connect directly to Dante devices, and the CCM™ programming is very self-explanatory and intuitive," he said.

The Edge Base station has also found success in several deployments for Freaksound in Bruchköbel. “Our main business is in the dry hire sector, but we are noticing a trend that people also like to call on our technical expertise on site for extensive intercom setups,” explained Stefan Niemeyer, one of Freak-

harmonic, said, “The Dante connection made it very easy on site to integrate the different mixing consoles into the intercom setup. With the help of the web interface [CCM], I was able to reliably monitor the system during the entire production.”

"For us, flexibility is the trump card in day-to-day business. A base station that can connect analogue party line, balanced audio as well as Dante directly allows us to react to our customers' requirements at any time and to respond to spontaneous requests during production," concluded Niemeyer.

HD Wireless, a video production company in Mechernich, has been using various intercom solutions from Clear-Com in a wide variety of production formats for many years. “We often use the Eclipse® HX Matrix platform in our productions, as it provides us with maximum flexibility and almost unlimited resources”, said Patrick Nußbaum, Managing Director, HD Wireless.

For smaller productions, however, HD Wireless is really enjoying the benefits of the FreeSpeak Edge Base Station can offer. “The Edge

Nußbaum concluded.

The FreeSpeak Edge Base Station provides a standalone solution for FreeSpeak Edge 5 GHz systems, as well as support for FreeSpeak II® 1.9 GHz and 2.4 GHZ IP Transceivers via AES67 connections, previously only available through Eclipse® HX Digital Matrix systems with an E-IPA card. The single 1RU device supports up to 16 total beltpacks and 6 IP transceivers (10 E1 Transceivers), with the flexibility to mix and match bands, as well as up to eight ports of IP interoperability with third-party Dante connections.

With a mixture of IP, 2-wire and 4-wire audio ports, the FreeSpeak Edge Base Station can integrate a variety of systems, including Clear-Com Encore party line and even two-way radio systems with an intelligent GPIO interface.

“Countless rental companies in Germany have invested in Clear-Com to solve their communication requirements in the best possible ways,” said Jan Saueressig, Brand Manager for Clear-Com at Audio-Technica. “The FreeSpeak Base Station is another reliable solution from Clear-Com that provides new opportunities for our customers.”

monthly Pro AV Projector Tracking Service panel, which is made up of Pro AV dealers and systems integrators. In the +5000-lumen, laser-phosphor projector segment, Sony had a trio of projectors on November’s list. Epson and NEC rounded out this November list.

Here are the top five models from November in this segment: •Sony VPL-PHZ50 •Sony VPL-PHZ60 •Epson PowerLite L630SU •NEC NP-P605UL •Sony VPL-FHZ75/W 3. Installation Projectors with Interchangeable Lenses – This

“Top 5″ list is compiled from PMA’s monthly Distributor Projector Tracking Service panel, which is made up of IT, Pro AV, and CEDIA distributors. For the installation/ interchangeable lens projector segment, NEC had the best-selling model in November, while Panasonic swept the rest of this Top 5 list.

Here are the top five models from November in this segment: •NEC NP-PA703UL-41ZL •Panasonic PT-MZ780 •Panasonic PT-MZ680 •Panasonic PT-MZ880L

•Panasonic PT-MZ880 Resellers, distributors and manufacturers are invited to visit PMA’s site each month at www.pmaresearch.com to see the 5 Top Selling projectors for these channels, as well as new product blogs and information on PMA Research’s projector market research offerings.

Top-selling projectors revealed in Channel tracking PMA Research, the worldwide market information experts on front projectors, has posted highlights from their most recent Projector Tracking Service results to the “Top-Selling Projectors” area of their website.

For more than 25 years now, PMA Research has collected monthly sell-through data from leading U.S. projector dealers, retailers, web resellers, and distributors. Their Tracking Service family of monthly reports offer timely data and analysis on unit sales, true volume-weighted street prices, and inventories of projectors for

these channels.

Each month, PMA Research posts their “Top 5” Projector Lists for the following categories: 1.. 4K UHD and 4K Support Home Entertainment Projectors -- This “Top 5″ list is compiled from PMA’s monthly Retail Projector Tracking Service panel, which is made up of U.S. retailers, web resellers, and custom installers.

For 4K UHD and 4K Support home entertainment projector sales, Epson had a pair of projectors make the November list. Samsung made its

first appearance on a PMA Top 5 projector list, and Optoma and ViewSonic also had top-selling home entertainment projectors last month.

Here are the top five models from November in this segment: •Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3800 •Optoma UHD38 •Samsung The Premier LSP7T •Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5050UB •ViewSonic PX701-4K 2. Laser Projectors (Normal/ Semi-Throw) with 5,000 and Higher Lumens – This “Top 5″ list is compiled from PMA’s

P9 AV News January 2022

Technology News

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Technology News

Vision launches unboxing videos Vision has launched a series of unboxing videos for its proAV mounts, audio and installation products on YouTube, making it super-easy for AV installers to preview included components and assess the product suitability during pre-sales research and short-listing stage.

Filmed in one-take in a relaxed no-nonsense style, the videos are short and full of information with Vision director Stuart Lockhart showing all included components with a brief explanation of their potential uses.

“Our customers are installers who don’t have time to waste,” says Lockhart. “In the unboxing videos I show them exactly what’s in the box and remind them what they might need them for – no marketing fluff and puff.”

“It means when installers turn up on site, they can be confident they have everything needed to complete the install,” adds Lockhart. “We know how frustrating it is to discover an essential cable or other component is not included when the installer is already on site. The

videos eliminate that risk, ensuring a fast, effective install free from unnecessary delays and hassle.”

The unboxing videos double as a valuable pre-sales tool, providing a summary of the product’s capabilities and applications for anyone conducting pre-purchase research.

“Unboxing videos have become highly popular and valued for consumer electronics,” explains Lockhart, “and business buyers of proAV kit expect nothing less than they enjoy at home.”

Vision’s unboxing videos feature on its website product pages and can be viewed and shared by Vision resellers and installers from Vision’s YouTube page. Videos are available for 42 of the most popular products with more to follow.

Vision sells its proAV installation solutions including mounts, stands, connectivity devices and audio products exclusively through channel partners and supports user and partners alike with a lifetime warranty on all products.

Vivitek DU9900Z heavy-duty features built-in edge-blending Vivitek has announced the launch of its latest heavy-duty laser projector DU9900Z, with edge-blending and warping technology, motorised lens shift/focus/zoom, and lens position memory for easy installation. With the breakthrough of 22,000 lumens, high brightness and long-term stable quality, it is ideal for ProAV rental, staging, outdoor and large venues with a choice of optional lenses, 360-degree and portrait projection, and 24/7 operation capability for maximum installation flexibility.

As a single-chip DLP laser projector, the Vivitek DU9900Z is equipped with a powerful 0.96inch DMD chip. It can easily deliver super 22,000 lumens high brightness, 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and WUXGA resolution. The new upgrade of the system makes performance of the DU9900Z more outstanding, and it can run continuously for 30,000 hours in the "Eco Mode", guaranteeing 24/7 operation. Compared with traditional light source products, it can greatly reduce the maintenance cost

for replacing the lamps.

Vivitek’s DU9900Z weighs only 49kg and offers flexible installation options, allowing for almost unlimited mounting flexibility. To meet all installation requirements, the DU9900Z can support with five different motorised lenses with Len Positioning Memory. This enables the position of the lens to be easily adjusted by electrical control, regardless of where the projector is located. This projector can display image sizes ranging from 40” to 500” without image distortion and can be easily calibrated to use H/V keystone correction (four corners). Also, it supports 360-degree installation and can be installed without limited the projection angle.

With support for HDBaseT connectivity, image signals can be conveniently transmitted to the projector over long distances via cable and a standard CAT5e/6-LAN interface that has been integrated in the DU9900Z for digital audio content. This allows the projector to be placed up to 100 metres from the source by using only

low-cost cabling. In addition, the projector has a 3G-SDI connector, which allows a camera to be used as an image source.

Vivitek has thought about how to make life easier for Systems Integrators (SI), too.

That’s why the DU9900Z has been engineered to support Art-Net, a royalty-free communication protocol that enables DMX512-A and RDM (Remote Device Management) and lighting data to be transported over an ethernet network. Art-Net uses a simple UDP-based packet structure designed to provide efficient and low overhead data flow. It is used to communicate between ‘Nodes’ (e.g. intelligent lighting instruments) and ‘Server’ (a lighting desk or general purpose computer running lighting control software).

Previously, an SI would need to build up two control systems with two operators; one for lighting, and one for the projector. With Art-Net, SIs now only need to build up one system to control the lighting and the projector at the same time, with the projector responding immediately via a compiler pro-

gram with DMX. The DU9900Z comes with edge-blending and warping technology. Multiple projectors simultaneously project a combined image for a stunning display and seamless image on large displays. It also supports Vivitek’s PJ-Control tool, which has a simple and easy-to-use UI design and adds further control viewing options, settings, scheduling, and display adjustment features that can be controlled over a network.

For added convenience, it also helps users to control multiple projectors remotely, allowing for the creation of projector groups for simultaneous projector control. This not only means a simple setup for users, but it also provides relevant information on projector status so that projectors on the same network can be easily and automatically detected and visualised, with easy navigation combined with an intuitive design making for a completely user-friendly user experience. The DU9900Z is priced at £26,990 ex VAT and is available immediately.

7000 series has been designed to provide the highest levels of fire safety, slowing down the spreading of fire flames. The solution has been ruthlessly tested and certified with British standard BS476, European standard B1 DIN4102

and North American standard UL94.” Martijn van der Woude concluded: “Whether it’s a simple, traditional installation, or something more extravagant that flows seamlessly around doorways, the 7000 series simplifies the spectacular.”

Philips 7000 LED range for bezel-free installations of any size PPDS has announced the launch of the brand new Philips L-Line 7000 series – its most flexible and versatile indoor LED range to date. Fashioned on feedback, the new 7000 series – the latest in a growing range of Philips LED solutions from PPDS – overcomes many of the traditional barriers and limitations around size, shape and brightness of LED instal-

limitations and providing the tools and the freedom for our customers to be as creative as their imaginations allow.”

All Philips 7000 displays are available as 25cm height as standard, with 50cm, 75cm and 100cm width variants, each of which can be seamlessly mixed and linked together in any landscape format, whether it’s four screens or 1,000.

calibration on location, reducing disruptions and inconveniences.

With Philips Active Health Monitoring, all displays can be easily managed 24/7 remotely, with any issues or potential problems – right down to pixel level – able to be flagged up and addressed before they happen, while an IP30 conformal coating means displays are

must for display owners with many geographical locations.

Jeroen Brants, Product Manager LED Displays at PPDS, said: “With safety of paramount importance, particularly in high footfall locations, such as retail and public spaces, the Philips

Philips 7000 LED range Versatile sizing

The Philips L-Line 7000 series LED display comes with a height of 25cm and is available in 50cm, 75cm and 100cm widths. These displays are ready to be installed in any landscape format with no limitations to size. Also readily available in stock with bevelled corners to form curved videowall designs in both convex and concave formats.

Active Health Monitoring

lations, as well as addressing cost of ownership (power saving) and fire retardancy, for a safer, truly bespoke, imaginative and attention-demanding performance in almost any indoor environment.

Available now, the 7000 series bezel-less displays provide 1200-nit brightness – perfect for even the most challenging light conditions, including direct sunlight behind glass – and comes in a range of different size variants to suit any design, shape or size. Martijn van der Woude, director business management at PPDS, commented: “The market has spoken, and we have responded.

Whether it’s a corporate office, a retail store or a public space, with the new Philips L-Line 7000 series, we’re removing

Equipped to fulfil even the most ambitious and creative designs, the 7000 series is also readily available in stock in standard flat or with sloping bevelled corners (for L-shape cornering and curvature, 90180 degrees) and in both convex and concave formats for curved installs with perfect results. All units come with builtin cable wiring, keeping power and data cables tidy, while display cabinets are daisy-chained for both power and data to minimise clutter and speed up installation.

For a seamless, fast and simplified installation experience, every Philips L-Line LED panel is calibrated at PPDS’ modern, state-of-the-art factory under perfect circumstances, meaning there’s no need for further

protected from indoor elements – such as dust, dirt, fungus and moisture – reducing the chances of short circuiting or corrosion. “A blank panel is a sign of failure,” van der Woude elaborated. “It doesn’t matter how simple or extravagant your installation may look and how incredible the content being shown is, an inactive panel will always be what people gravitate to and remember. It’s important for us that that scenario is avoided wherever possible.

In addition, the 7000 series features ‘Dynamic Power Saving’ technology, allowing for up to 20 per cent lower running costs compared to other comparable market models, reducing total cost of ownership without compromising on quality or performance – a

Achieve perfection through precision. Active Health Monitoring makes maintenance fast, simple and predictable by displaying the exact item of failure and its location – even on pixel level. Utilising this software that works in real-time both online and offline, replacing the relevant part becomes an efficient process, and a must for display owners with many geographical locations.

Factory calibrated Every Philips L-Line LED panel is calibrated in our dedicated, state-of-the-art factory under perfect circumstances. That means there’s no need for further calibration on location, resulting in quicker installations.

Calibration and configuration files are available to ensure fast maintenance.

Dynamic Panel Connect Mix and match each of the

Philips L-Line 7000 LED panel sizes to form a single display of any shape and dimension.

Dynamic flexible alignment pins ensure a perfect fit in any circumstance – resulting in a smooth, seamless display surface. For added convenience and efficiency, each LED panel features openings on each side to allow for versatile wired connection between the LED panels and any external input connection. Openings on the top and bottom of the LED panel can be popped out in case access is only available from the top or bottom of the panel.

Unique in every way

Create bezel-free LED displays of any shape, size or resolution.

The modular design of Philips 7000 Series LED cabinets means you can adapt to any space. Build vast, immersive installations or assemble intriguing patterns. Easily create videowalls that flow seamlessly around doorways and other openings. Even corners and curved displays become easy to create with the new Philips 7000 series.

Built-in cable and data wiring Your Philips LED display features built-in cable wiring to keep power and data cables tidy. Display cabinets are daisy-chained for both power and

data, allowing you to minimise clutter and speed up installation.

High-performance LED

Philips LED displays use high-performance LEDs, which are tested thoroughly, energy efficient and cost effective.

IP30 rated conformal coating Dust, dirt, fungus and moisture-resistant conformal coating protects this product and enables easier maintenance.

IP30 rated and certified against ingress for reduced chance of short circuit from dust and corrosion.

Fire retardant

Fire retardant design slows down the spread of flames in the event of fire and help protect the structural integrity of the LED panel in case of fire. Tested and certified with European standard B1 DIN4102, British standard BS476-7, and North American standard UL94.

Optional brackets

easy-mount

Patented easy-mount brackets make installation even faster. These optional items are available for flat LED mounting, convex curved (177.5/175/172.5 degree), and L-shape 90-degree corners.

P11AV News January 2022

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW G-TOUCH® GEM SERIES! Introducing the all-new G-Touch® Gem Series. We have created the most powerful, engaging touchscreens for education and corporate enterprises.

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Feature

2022: new year predictions After the last two years, you might feel that you know all you need about the shape of the market and how it will impact on resellers and integrators next year. At AV News. We pretty much share your opinions. But just to make sure we have surveyed some of the thought leaders and opinion formers in the industry to see if we can reach a consensus.

1.Macro trends in the AV market Bob Michaels. CEO at ZeeVee: “I trust most will agree that 2021 was a year unlike any other in recent memory for reasons we can all rattle off in our sleep. However, 2021 will soon be a memory and it is most important to focus on the future. To do this, we can point to a few trends that should provide guidance as to what we can anticipate as we move into 2022.”

“The second half of the year has shown the market is making a dramatic comeback. This is evidenced by the rise in inquiries and the pace of new product orders - driven primarily by corporate, casino gaming, medical/healthcare, higher education and government sectors. We attribute this to pent-up demand from the early pandemic lockdown months when projects in progress, and those being planned, were largely put on hold. I anticipate this “catch up” trend will continue well into 2022.”

“IP is becoming mainstream in consultant designs. This is most welcome as it is helping to convert the still wary or uninformed integrators and end-users away from matrix signal distribution to AVoIP solutions (our own ZyPer4K, XS, XR and ZyPerUHD encoders and decoders as well as those from other manufacturers).

While I believe our (and other) training programs have been instrumental in assisting the design folks in their decision making and analysis of appropriate applications, the real proof has been in the pudding. Installations of IP based video transport continue to climb and there are an abundance of success stories in every vertical of every shape and size to point to. We have always been committed to helping advance the technology by supporting these professionals with our training programs, webinars, SIGNAL Partner program and knowledgeable “actual humans” who will answer their questions when they call. This will continue!

“Supply chain issues are slowly being resolved. Let’s face it, the key word here is ‘slowly’ and no doubt about it, 100% product availability is key to making it possible to get projects and businesses back on track. We are proud that our planning efforts continue to enable us to ship our AVoIP products in just a matter of a couple of weeks.”

“Considering the above upbeat feedback from InfoComm and the market at large, 2022 holds the potential for stellar growth throughout our industry — a well-deserved pay out for all the work everyone has put in over the recent challenging period. As always, we’re here to help you navigate the New Year and support you in any way that we can.

2.Prospects for the UC market Clément Wehrung, Product Strategist at Fuze believes that the unified communications market will grow with a focus on user workflows Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no longer about transitioning the same on-premise workflows to the cloud. Now, with the rise in hybrid and remote workers, it’s important for companies to consider what their employees will need in terms of communication solutions in the next five years. Will they still need a phone number? How will they collaborate externally? I believe the collaboration market will expand with a laser focus on how to support hybrid and remote workers.

includes sharing short video messages, moving from SMS to voice memos, and incorporating chat work streams that interface at a lower level with document collaboration and email platforms. The lines between messaging and document collaboration and messaging and email, etc. will start to blur, while organisations focus on a new asynchronous communication - first productivity culture.

evolving times.”

Finding 2: 37% of IT leaders say lack of technical skills within their team is their biggest frustration - “With over a third of IT leaders across Europe essentially lacking in-team experience and

Jeremy Keefe, CEO, Nuvias UC

Clément Wehrung, Product Strategist at Fuze 3.Yet more hybrid?

Nuvias UC: “We asked IT decision-makers across the UK, Benelux, Sweden, France, Spain and Italy, for their thoughts on the biggest challenges and opportunities for the UC market in 2022. The Nuvias UC team asks what the findings means for the channel: Finding 1: 70% of businesses expect a split between ‘in’ and ‘out’ workers- Hybrid working looks here to stay, with many workers showing reluctance in going back to the office full time. From a cultural perspective, seven in ten IT leaders we asked across Europe believe hybrid working will cause a divide between those who come into the office and those who work from home.

Jeremy Keefe, CEO, Nuvias UC, foresees there being a higher demand for channel support in deploying not just the technologies but the accompanying business strategies for organisations to make sure that employees have the collaboration tools they need, both at home and in the office.

Keefe comments: “UC will play an integral role in business mo-

know-how during what has been a stressful period of accelerated digital transformation, its understandable why the skills frustration has arisen.”

Nick Waldeck, Commercial Director, at Nuvias UC, sees an opportunity for IT resellers to establish themselves as technical experts on all aspects of UC as he anticipates that businesses will be eager to develop more synergistic relationships to fill the knowledge and skills gap.Waldeck comments: “The labour shortages being experienced around the world and across all industries indicate the skills issue is unlikely to be resolved any time soon and may even get worse. I envision that over the next 12 months, just as channel partners will be called upon to help fill in the technical skills gap for businesses, by the end of the year we’ll be seeing partners increasingly performing in a consultancy-led role.”

Finding 3: Over 40% of IT leaders are looking for communications tools that work easily across all devices - An increase in communication channels may have relieved the immediate challenges of remote working, but many businesses (2 in 5) still think their employees are not fully satisfied with the communication tools provided. Knowing this, how will businesses meet employee demands in 2022? Jeremy Keefe, CEO, Nuvias UC, believes remote worker expectations – coupled with the possibility of future lockdowns – will motivate business and IT leaders to address the disruption arising from lack of communication tool integration. For IT resellers, this is an opportunity to complement the provision of UC communication solutions for businesses with guidance. Keefe comments: “Accelerated digital transformation has meant we’ve become accustomed to communicating and collaborating across a plethora of different platforms and devices. As a result, many now expect the same ease of integration of communication channels they experience in their personal lives to be reflected in their work tools. By giving their teams what they want, businesses can expect to see a rise in productivity”

Unified Communications (UC) and Contact Centre (CC) will continue to converge The unification of UC and CC is enabling CC agent and supervisor experiences to become more integrated with the rest of their organisations, allowing them to resolve problems more efficiently.

New workflows will emerge with blended voice and text experiences that will take place behind the scenes. For example, a CC agent communicating with a supervisor combined with Listen Whisper Join (LWJ), to listen in on training calls.

Asynchronous work is just getting started New standalone tools have started to emerge offering better asynchronous communication, with the first being collaboration. This

Nick Waldeck, Commercial Director, at Nuvias UC, rality – the application of moral standards in the professional environment – and business continuity as organisations look to mitigate cultural barriers. We’re experts in the technology but it’s having a real understanding of the business and what companies are facing that is just as important. And that’s where the channel has an opportunity to be invaluable in providing insight for these

Continued from page 14

P13 AV News January 2022

Feature

4. Emerging technologies Despite a 5% drop in the global RFID market in 2020 compared to 2019, due to the impact of COVID-19, the market recovered well in 2021. According to the newly released RFID market research report from IDTechEx, ‘RFID Forecasts, Players, and Opportunities 2022-2032’, the global RFID market is estimated to be valued at $11.6 billion in 2021, rising to $12.2 billion in 2022. This market comprises RFID labels, cards, fobs and any other form factors, as well as tags, readers, and software/services for both passive and active RFID.

5. Market dynamics COVID has had a detrimental influence on many aspects of our lives; yet, COVID-19 also speeds up the digital transition. In the UHF sector, for example, IDTechEx has observed the retail apparel business, the largest RFID application sector in terms of tag numbers, adopting RFID at a quicker rate. According to IDTechEx, retail apparel alone will require over 20 billion RFID labels in 2022 – albeit there is still some way to go, with RFID accounting for just roughly 26 percent of the entire addressable market for apparel in 2022.

Despite the retail apparel industry's success, there are also plenty of other industries that are gaining traction. Other retail sectors besides apparel, such as footwear, cosmetics, fragrance, electronics, and supply chain & logistics, as well as the food industry, such as Quick-Service-Restaurant, have also received solid interest and investment. In the HF sector, contactless card sales remain the strongest, driven mostly by contactless payment, transportation, and secure access applications, with 2.6 billion cards demanded in 2021.

IDTechEx predicts that this trend will continue in the short-to-medium term. In the LF sector, animal tagging (such as pigs, lambs, and pets) continues to be significant since it is still a legal obligation in many more regions, with 640 million tags being used in this sector in 2021. According to IDTechEx’s ‘RFID Forecasts, Players, and Opportunities 2022-2032# report, a total of 28.4 billion passive RFID tags will be sold in 2021, up from 23.8 billion in 2020, representing a double-digit growth rate.

greater focus on initiatives to ensure that AI is being implemented ethically and without bias.

COVID-19 as a catalyst - The long-term impact of the pandemic, from a business and technology perspective, is manifesting itself in a number of ways such as the use of low/no touch technologies at access points, and intelligent video solutions to ensure that social distancing and public health guidelines are being adhered to. The pandemic has also caused supply chain issues that have resulted in some businesses designing and manufacturing their own components. This is something that we anticipate more organisations doing in the security sector.

5G finding its place - For us, a new technology only becomes a trend when we start to see valuable use cases appear in the security and surveillance sector. This is starting to happen with 5G. While much of the hype around 5G has been focused on improvements in network performance for consumer applications, 5G networks show genuine potential for video surveillance solutions and could bring particular benefits from a cybersecurity perspective.

Finally, all trends should be viewed through the lens of sustainability- Sustainability can no longer be considered a trend. It needs to be embedded in everything we do: how we design and manufacture products, how we run our business, the performance of our suppliers – all aligned to reducing our environmental impact, and operating in an ethical and trustworthy way.

Wherever a technology trend looks like presenting an opportunity, it needs to also be examined through the lens of whether it can be developed and brought to market in a sustainable way.

deliver experiences that matter.”

“To achieve this, businesses can no longer look at things in a narrow way – just buying a solution that does a single job is no longer enough. Businesses will need the ability to compose memorable and personal experiences depending on what is needed both inthe-moment and over time.”

“To deliver on its ambitions in the experience economy, a business will need speed-to-value applications plus the agility to combine them with all kinds of workflows that support more touchpoints across the organisation. This comes from CPaaS (communication platform as a service) which will need to be combined with UCaaS (unified communications as a service) workstream collaboration apps and CCaaS (contact centre as a service). Gartner predicts that in 2022, 90% of enterprises will have CPaaS as a core IT skill set and will be self-composing what they need. “ “Ultimately, there will be reimagining of existing narrowly focused apps combined to create a utopian platform that addresses the more complete, organisation-wide experiences that you’re composing solutions for. It’s a whole new game and companies are going to have to transform themselves around the idea that their value goes way beyond their products and into the total experience their customers have with their brand.”

9. Innovations in collaborative workplace Jonathan Mangnall, Managing Director, EMEA, for Utelogy: “Remote and hybrid workspaces are becoming the rule rather than the exception. Enterprises are transforming their pre-pandemic office spaces into sophisticated collaborative spaces with enhanced videoconferencing, teamwork areas, dedicated meeting spaces, and large event spaces. The management of these new rooms and systems is shifting from AV-based to IT-focused, with an emphasis on networked systems offering performance, quality, affordability, and easy collaboration. The employee experience should be firstclass regardless of whether they are working in an office or from home.”

6. Top trends for the physical security sector in 2022 Johan Paulsson, CTO at Axis Communications comments: As we look to 2022 it’s clear that matching the ongoing pace of technological innovation to an equal evolution in building trust in the use of technology is imperative. Trust is becoming increasingly important for individuals, organisations, and legislators, so it’s interesting to see how many of our technology trends for 2022 can be linked to the need to build a trusted technology ecosystem, and ultimately a smarter, safer world.

Connection across hybrid environments – To the end user, the architecture being used to deliver services has become invisible.

Whether processing takes place on a device, local server or in a remote data centre, everything is connected. As a security solution vendor, it’s up to us to provide the tools and flexibility to help people decide on the best solution for their unique situation. Given that ‘connected’ has become the default, we do believe that most surveillance solutions will ultimately be hybrid; combining cloud, on-premise server and edge technologies.

A new default for cybersecurity – While we foresaw the rapid acceleration towards Zero Trust network architectures a year ago, we now believe it to be a default approach. The Covid-19 pandemic has played a role here too, as flexible working has seen more devices connected remotely over the public internet. Taking a Zero Trust approach involves evaluating the security profile for each device each time it connects which has significant implications for the video surveillance industry, with various checks and validations moving from ‘nice to have’ to ‘must have’.

Authenticate everything – The ability to establish the authenticity of video footage is fundamental. Tampering with video after it is captured, along with increased sophistication in creating manipulated images, means that we may see the authenticity of video surveillance footage being more regularly questioned. As this is an issue for the security industry as a whole it’s imperative that the sector aligns to standardise its approach, ideally based on opensource software and initiatives.

AI becomes established and accepted - Many would also argue that AI is no longer a trend. Indeed, we’re all using and being exposed to valuable AI and deep learning-based services on a daily basis. Our view remains that technology in itself shouldn’t be regulated, but that legislation and regulation relating to the development and use of AI-based technologies and applications should be adhered to by every organisation employing AI. We expect to see a

P14 AV News January 2022

Johan Paulsson, CTO at Axis Communications

7. Predictions around the subject of Customer Experience in 2022 Simon Harrison, SVP/ CMO at Avaya: “In 2022, employees and customers will expect to be able to connect with work in the way that suits them in the moment. We already do this in our personal lives and now we want to connect with businesses in the way that we connect with each other. But technology hasn’t caught up with this yet so the most important shift in 2022 will be communications technology catching-up with the blooming API economy to

“Organisations are looking for the right toolset of technology and services. The Utelogy platform turns the support model from reactive to proactive, resonating with companies that are more geographically dispersed than ever and focused on the employee experience.”

“Utelogy is seeing a shift from a traditional product “break/fix” approach to an “intelligent and automated” methodology that takes into account the Total Experience (TX). Managed services models are starting to offer comprehensive solutions combining AV devices, software, and exceptional proactive customer support. These changes occurring in the global workspace require support organizations to adapt their logistical operations as well as their business mindset, presenting challenges but also significant growth opportunities.”

“Focusing on the voice of the customer has given us the ability to grow Utelogy more than 270% from 2020 to 2021. This falls in line with the recent AV Service Management trends report by *Futuresource that predicts a 400% growth rate in the next four years.”

Many thanks Thank you to all of those who contributed to this piece if even half of the predictions come true, 2022 looks like being a busy and successful year for the channel. Good luck and good health to all of you for the year ahead.

Jonathan Mangnall, Managing Director, EMEA, for Utelogy

Bryan Denyer, Editor

Opinion

Building business success through passionate partnerships Promethean, a leader in the world of education technology for almost a quarter of a century, is committed to transforming the way the world learns and collaborates. Designing learning and collaboration tools that are built for breakthroughs, Promethean builds lasting partnerships which support channel partners in achieving business success.

Promethean has long demonstrated its dedication to the channel, with extensive support, award-winning solutions, and value-add services delivered through an open and transparent Partner Programme. Responding to the changing needs of the market, Promethean has further leveraged the power of partnerships with the introduction of Radix VISO device management for its ActivPanel range.

A changing landscape This year has seen a rapid evolution of the classroom. New and still-evolving health and safety guidelines for schools require teachers, administrators, and IT directors to quickly transform educational settings for hybrid and remote learning.

This has resulted in a proliferation of new edtech devices, within educational ecosystems that were already complex. Managing all these devices and keeping them secure has never been more important.

Supplied as standard with the ActivPanel, Promethean’s award winning interactive flat panel display (IFPD), Promethean Panel Management is ideal for essential management operations such as mass updates, panel grouping and setting configurations.

Recognising that there is an ever-growing number of other devices in schools’ technology ecosystems, Promethean has identified an opportunity for channel partners to add even greater value to customers by expanding management to cover a wider set of needs beyond Promethean Panel Management.

This has led to an exciting new partnership with Radix, a market leader in device management for education. Radix VISO Device Management and Promethean Panel Management together deliver comprehensive device management, allowing IT to manage growing infrastructures more efficiently, while improving security and ensuring a seamless user experience.

ActivPanel with Radix VISO Device Management Radix VISO Device Management enables IT Admins to manage all their schools’ ActivPanels, Laptops, Chromebooks and more from one user friendly app.

With every new ActivPanel purchase, customers can now access one year’s free Radix VISO license, which will enable the management of virtually any device in a school’s technology ecosystem.

As well as adding greater value to customers, this new partnership gives channel partners the opportunity to build additional business and drive new revenue streams.

Through Radix VISO, customers can benefit from: •Tailored IFPD management – interactive screens installed in classrooms, meeting rooms and public locations need remote management. Radix VISO device management is tailored for managing devices in such scenarios with a unique set of tools and interface •Device administration - centrally manage updates, settings and apps across a range of devices – from Promethean ActivPanels and Android OPS’s to iPads and laptops.

•Support for devices with remote troubleshooting and remediation for panels •Messaging and alerts module – send eye-catching messages and alerts based on device location. Record and broadcast announcements To explore how the ActivPanel with Radix VISO device management creates a powerful sales proposition and helps to drive additional revenue opportunities, find out more about becoming a Promethean Partner. Visit PrometheanWorld.com/gb/partners/

P15 AV News January 2022

Application News

Christie lights up ‘The Mechanics Exterity IPTV transforms the of Wonder’ patient experience The Russia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is drawing visitors in with its striking exterior, and, once inside, offers guests a view into the regions of Russia, as well as the scientific and cultural achievements of the country.

The focal point of the pavilion is ‘The Mechanics of Wonder’, an immersive installation that uses seven Christie 3DLP projectors and Christie Conductor software to projection map visuals onto a model of a human brain. The installation was conceptualized

content for the installation and were tasked with explaining the structure of the human brain in just six minutes.

“To show how neurons function, we turned to figurative and abstract animation and universally familiar imagery such as flowers, stars, and the Northern Lights,” says Anton Kolodyazhny, Creative Director at dreamlaser. “The key message of this interactive experience is that just as the brain develops by rebuild-

underside of the model brain would be essential. To this end, we installed a 0.37:1 UST (4K) lens.”

“Thanks to the wide range of lenses available for the projectors, we had no problem dealing with the fact that there are places inside the pavilion where it is physically impossible to install projection equipment.

And the correct placement of the projectors is essential. The ultra-short throw lens comes in handy here, adds Shagov.

Exterity, a VITEC company, has announced that Overlake Medical Centre, a 350-bed, non-profit regional hospital in Bellevue, Washington, USA, has installed a state-of-the-art Exterity IPTV system.

Designed to improve the patient experience and manage the hospital’s in-house video requirements, the new system is a key part of Project FutureCare, an upgrade and refurbishment project currently in progress at the award-winning healthcare facility. With a budget of $250 million, the five-year project will ensure Overlake continues to set the standard for overall healthcare

which is centrally managed and supervised. The hospital also hoped to upgrade the existing cable TV system to include video-on-demand (VoD) services, while giving patients swift access to information and educational videos as well as other internal content.

Neurilink, based in Boise, Idaho (with an office in Seattle) was chosen as the AV systems integrator for the project and started work in March 2020.

The company worked with Exterity to design an IPTV system that would satisfy the varying demands of the hospital staff and patients alike.

The system comprises a 4TB

captivating visual experience on arrival.

Each of the new patient rooms contains a hospital-grade display complete with a simple, intuitive user interface custom-designed by the team.

For convenience, the menu is navigated with the ‘nurse call’ pillow-speaker remote so that a single device is all that is needed for the patient to be in full control.

“This was our first experience of working with Exterity and I can’t speak highly enough of the team there,” added Laura Moorhead, Senior Account Executive at Neurilink.

The Exterity IPTV solution has

Aerial view of the Russia Pavilion. [Photo by ©Dany Eid/Expo 2020 Dubai] CGI rendering of the brain in the Russian Pavilion [credit Big Screen Show] and planned by Simpateka Entertainment Group, with video content produced by dreamlaser, and equipment and technical support provided by Big Screen Show. Christie Professional Services is providing maintenance and support of the system.

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai are drawn to the domed structure of the Russia Pavilion, located in the Mobility District, whose outer surface is composed of intertwined thread-like tubes of various colours. The bright colours and constantly shifting alignment of the tubes symbolize the eternal cognitive process.

Once inside, the focal point of the Pavilion is ‘The Mechanics of Wonder’, designed and created by Konstantyn Petrov and Simpateka Entertainment Group.

The installation is a massive 3D kinetic model of the human brain, rising from the floor atop of a spinal cord, and includes diodes on the ceiling and floors and screens around the perimeter of the room.

“We set out to tackle several very important objectives with our project,” says Sergei Tchoban, the architect behind the project.

“First, to produce a spectacular structure whose architecture would align with the theme of the district and at the same time feature associations with Russia as a great country. One such association comes from the way the small dome sits inside the larger, which may be modern and emphatically dynamic, but also resembles the traditional Russian matryoshka. dreamlaser created the video

ing connections, the more connections between people, the richer the field of ideas; in short, that the future of humanity will be defined by cooperation.”

Simpateka’s kinetic brain model measures 9.2 metres (30 feet) long, 5.5 metres (18 feet) wide and 10 metres (33 feet) high from the floor. dreamlaser began by scanning the structure to create the UV map for the projection mapping. Finally, dreamlaser mapped content with a five-digit pixel display resolution.

The team from Big Screen Show (BSS) used seven Christie Boxer 4K30 - 30,000-lumen 3DLP projectors - to map the brain. Six projectors are suspended from above, and one is below the kinetic model of the human brain.

“Initially, we were given the task of illuminating the shape of the brain with projection,” says Project Manager Alexander Shagov from BSS. “As it turns out, the structure is non-static and can be opened up. This made the task somewhat more challenging and determined the final positioning of the projectors in relation to the décor.”

Looking back at the development of the project, Shagov explains: “In April, we carried out an on-site test of the projection on the kinetic sculpture. It became clear that a projection from below and an ultra-short throw (UST) lens setup to illuminate the

P16 AV News January 2022

During installation and operation, BSS employed Christie Conductor, which enables projectors to be synchronized and controlled from a single point.

“You can use [Conductor] to turn a group of projectors on or off with one key press and monitor the operation of a group of projectors online, including their status and any errors that may occur. You also have the option of working with each projector separately, adjusting all the required settings from a single workstation,” says Shagov.

For support and maintenance of the projectors, Christie Professional Services has been contracted to ensure the system performs flawlessly for the duration of Expo 2020.

The success of any project, especially one that is so significant on a global scale, rests largely on confidence in both people and technology. “We have been collaborating with Simpateka for a long time and have completed many projects with them internationally, including Expo 2010 in Shanghai, Expo 2015 in Milan, Expo 2017 in Astana, and now Expo 2020 in Dubai,” says Shagov.

“We have worked with Christie equipment at myriad venues in Russia and around the world since the company was founded more than 20 years ago.”

Exterity, a VITEC company, has announced that Overlake Medical Centre, a 350-bed, non-profit regional hospital in Bellevue, Washington, USA, has installed a state-of-the-art Exterity IPTV system.

Each of the new patient rooms contains a hospital-grade display complete with a simple, intuitive user interface custom-designed by the team. For convenience, the menu is navigated with the ‘nurse call’ pillow-speaker remote so that a single device is all that is needed for the patient to be in full control. excellence in the region.

The cornerstone of Project FutureCare is a newly built, 240,000 square-foot tower which opened in February 2021. This new facility has a new concourse-style drop-off and improved wayfinding, while also offering larger, single-patient rooms that combine the space for family zones as well as state-of-the-art technology.

During the design phase, Jeni Connelly, IT Senior Project Manager at Overlake, and technology lead for the new building, realised that a new IPTV system could act as a catalyst for improving patient experience at the Medical Center: “We evaluated our legacy video system – largely coaxial-based cable TV – and realised it didn’t support the in-room entertainment experience we wanted to offer our patients,” she says.

“The New East Tower project gave us a chance to change that for the better. We decided to opt for a state-of-the-art IPTV system as we felt it would be the ideal solution to address our ‘patient experience’ quandary, as well as service the full array of our day-to-day video needs.”

The IPTV system needed to consolidate 350 patient rooms – as well as common areas and a videowall in the entrance lobby – onto a single network,

Management server that hosts all applications and devices on the system including VoD

made it simple for Overlake to provide patients and staff with managed access to different

services and recordings, and in-house custom channels, including a patient education VoD library. Hollywood movies are also available for patient entertainment, with Pro:Idiom encrypted videos streamed directly to healthcare-grade SmartTVs. The system also incorporates ATSC and QAM Gateways to capture cable TV and OTA (over-the-air) channels to complement VoD and utilise, when required, the hospital’s existing RF system. In addition, an AvediaStream m9605 Media Player powers the video wall in the lobby and provides the ability to seamlessly display 4K video and detailed graphics (up to 4K, 60fps), creating a

categories of content -- whether VoD, in-house videos, proprietary programming or OTA broadcasts – via a streamlined system that is robust, reliable and simple to use. The hospital has significantly improved the patient experience and delivers increased value for all of its stakeholders.

As Jeni Connelly notes, “The Overlake neighbourhood includes many of the biggest names in technology and we are delighted that our new IPTV system delivers an experience that is as slick and convenient as the latest consumer device.”

Application News

disguise powers 5G courtside concert NBA series xR specialists All of it Now (AOIN) used disguise gx2cs to immerse viewers of the NBA Conference Finals in an extended reality (xR) concert experience custom-designed to reflect the unique style of each of the four performing artists.

AT&T, the Official 5G Wireless Network Partner of the NBA and presenting partner of the NBA Conference Finals, offered a unique connected music ex-

to mention coordinating between busy schedules of each artist.

To achieve the custom virtual environments, AOIN marshalled four disguise gx 2c media servers to be used in PRG’s xR studio. Content from Unreal Engine and Notch was rendered on ROE Black Onyx and Black Marble LED video displays to form the visual backdrops for the artists’ virtu-

is a unique partner.”

A key new feature for AOIN was the exposed parameters feature included within disguise RenderStream, which helped them control interactive graphics and the system directly from the timeline. Additionally, the ability to expose positional properties to enable objects within the scene so they could switch maps from the project’s timeline in the disguise Designer

BrightSign powers fully immersive rugby experience BrightSign, LLC, has announced that its players are behind the new All Blacks Experience, arguably the world’s most immersive sporting visitor experience which was implemented

by Wellington-based company Toulouse - an AV, lighting and technology consultancy. Conceived by Ngai Tahu Tourism and New Zealand Rugby with an overall concept designed by Workshop E, it uses innovation and technology to provide a full sensory, interactive and immersive experience showcasing the All Blacks, the Black Ferns and the Maori All Blacks.

The All Blacks Experience takes the visitor through what it takes to shape, make and

to match their kicking, catching, line out and accuracy skills against New Zealand’s best players in the "hands on" interactive zone.

“Even though we opened during a global pandemic, the reaction we saw from visitors was everything we hoped for and more,” said Phil McGowan, General Manager of the All Blacks Experience. “Rugby fans emerge very emotional. The All Blacks Experience has performed flawlessly since opening. Blank screens or screens displaying incomplete content would destroy the magic and the atmosphere we have worked so hard to create. The technical installation conceived and executed

long blended projection screen, with sound belting out through 14,400 watts of amplification when the haka is performed.

The Step-Up Zone presents a completely different challenge to both the visitor and the AV designers. Here a series of playing cages with 4 meter tall portrait projection screens are the game surface of choice as visitors compare their skills against the All Blacks themselves when they kick, pass and throw a rugby ball.

For Marc Simpson, Managing Director of Toulouse, there was only ever one player option in the frame: BrightSign. Marc said, “We selected BrightSign players for this new installa-

Everyone was very excited to work with xR technology and happy with the results, Mora reports. “For the artists to see that they can interact with the stages was really promising to them to the point where some said they would want to use this in their live shows – that’s pretty incredible!” he declares. xR specialists All of it Now (AOIN) used disguise gx2cs to immerse viewers of the NBA Conference Finals in an extended reality (xR) concert experience custom-designed to reflect the unique style of each of the four performing artists. perience with its 5G Courtside Concert Series. The four-part series, starring hip-hop legends 2 Chainz and Big Sean, two-time Grammy-nominated Cordae, and rising star CHIKA featured ground-breaking xR visuals on completely virtual stages. Portions of the performances aired on TNT and ESPN’s broadcast coverage of the NBA Conference Finals, and full performances were released online following the telecasts.

To bring this unique broadcast to life, AOIN teamed with sports marketing and talent management company Wasserman Media Group, xR stage and equipment provider PRG Production Studios, and Unreal Engine and Notch content specialists Flight School Studio. The concept was to create discrete environments for each artist that matched their aesthetics and performance styles.

Interactive elements engaged with the artists and DMX components enabled the lighting to respond to different movements included in the performances. Each musical experience functioned much like an in-person show with an added virtual layer on top. xR was the logical choice for the project, not only due to Covid-19 health concerns but also as a way to avoid the heavy cost and time involved in building out the unique physical environments for each artist - not

al environments.

A follower was also deployed during the xR production to track the artist’s movements and change the xR content in response. This meant integrating tracking data in post.

Raw camera tracking simply wouldn’t work so disguise developed a timecode recorder to allow real-time data to be sent from Follower to the media servers to facilitate xR calibration and recording with extra coefficients. disguise also provided Notch support enabling AOIN to use just one system for Unreal Engine content rendering and Notch rendering with no additional dongles. Using the compressed workflow of Unreal Engine through the gx 2cs with Notch helped maintain creative continuity and produce a more cohesive look.

“The new timecode functionality is the best example of the unique capabilities that disguise can provide, while being able to integrate both Notch and Unreal into a xR project is another very unique thing that disguise allows us to do,” says Berto Mora, Producer at AOIN. “I don't think that there are many other platforms that could support both content streams as seamlessly as disguise did.

That kind of support in creating a custom tool for a project or in developing an existing tool for a specific use case is a really good example of how disguise

software gave AOIN even more new control capabilities.

Everyone was very excited to work with xR technology and happy with the results, Mora reports. “For the artists to see that they can interact with the stages was really promising to them to the point where some said they would want to use this in their live shows – that’s pretty incredible!” he declares.

AOIN had worked with all the project partners before. According to Danny Firpo, xR Project Manager for AOIN: “We had that kind of trust and collaborative loop. Flight School understands content production as well as post-production pipelines – that’s incredibly valuable. And the Wasserman team knows when to be handson and when to be hands-off and to let their creative partners do what they do best, which is great. I think they are all pretty happy where we ended up,” says Firpo.

Firpo is a big believer in xR and has seen how far the technology has come: “Today, you now have people that don't even know about xR, and can get the documentation and figure it out. Whereas in the past, this kind of workflow was completely unchartered. So I just think that overall, the technology has improved and it's something we feel confident in and are offering it more and more to our clients.”

The All Blacks Experience takes the visitor through what it takes to shape, make and be an All Black, one of the most successful sports teams in the world. be an All Black, one of the most successful sports teams in the world. The Experience sits across one floor of approx-

by the Toulouse team based on BrightSign players has delivered fully.”

The variety of requirements

imately 1800 square meters, adjacent to a number of highend hotels in Auckland’s popular Sky City district. It consists of 10 locations or ‘zones’ each with a unique set of hardware supporting the storytelling and drawing the visitor in to the experience of being an All Black, a Black Fern or a Maori All Black.

Together, these zones immerse visitors in the history, culture and the people who have made the All Blacks, hearing directly from past and present legends of the game. Visitors get the opportunity to test out their rugby abilities with the chance

provided an inherent challenge for the team from Toulouse. The unique needs of each zone required individualized solutions that had to be carefully worked through. There was no one size fits all for this project. For example, the Shaping Zone offers interactive games that demonstrate the psychology and emotional development stages of All Blacks training - presented on 26 individual touch screens that allow each tour participant to pitch their skills against the opposing team. At the other end of the scale, the Haka Zone presents a stadium pre-match playing on a 4m tall and 17m

tion as we have a long history with the product. It is robust, flexible, responsive and easily adaptable to our needs. Given that we were installing during the pandemic making supply lines challenging, we needed a product that could guarantee availability and ease of use and reliability for the client. Toulouse uses BrightSign players extensively in installs because of their robust and solid proven track record. Delivery was within the installation timeline and the players worked across the range of platforms – from intimate to large-format projection.”

The All Blacks Experience is powered by 36 BrightSign HD224 players and 30 HD1024 players supplied

by Midwich. The players run screens varying in size from 32” Signage Screens to a 13m wide edge blended, curved, 3x projector screen. Marc Simpson said, “We find these players extremely user-friendly to install and program. They accommodate the client-provided media seamlessly. In addition to the delivery of content to the screens, they can perform many of the functions of a control system, eliminating the need for a separate set of hardware and reducing complexity.”

News January2021 2022 P17 P17AV AV News November

Awards Finalists

Award Finalists 2022

First, let us thank all of those who contributed to the phenomenal number and quality of entries received for the 2022 AV News Awards. As you know, the winners will be announced at the presentation ceremony to be held at the ISE show in the Fira de Barcelona on Tuesday 1st February.

In the meantime the finalists in the solution and project categories – the winners of the personal categories will be announced at the presentation ceremony.

Presentation Innovation of the Year

Nominee

Nominee

NovaStar H Series Flagship Video Splicing Processor

MAXHUB

NovaStar’s H Series is NovaStar’s all-in-one H Series Flagship Video Splicing Processor, designed specifically for ne-pitch LED applications. Integration of controller and splicer into a single unit, paired with an expandable modular architecture, allows the H Series to tackle applications that previously would have taken 80 pieces of equipment. True 4K inputs, ultra-low latency, 3D, and HDR all work together to provide integrators with a revolutionary splicing controller that minimizes setup time and cost while maintaining stunning image quality.

1. NovaStar’s H Series is the first product in the industry to integrate a controller and splicer into the same machine. This approach is aimed at solving difficulties faced by integrators working with high resolution fine-pitch LED displays.

2. The biggest benefit of the H Series comes from the integration of controller and splicer. Typical solutions require two separate products to perform these functions. For an integrator, this means more cables, more power supplies, and more things that can go wrong. There can also be integration issues between the two products. Providing a single product that performs both these functions eliminates all of these issues.

3. Controlling the H Series is extremely easy for users. Real-time web control is available using Windows, iOS, Android, or Linux, with cross- platform support provided. 100MB bandwidth is used for communication, ensuring control is fast and smooth. Operators can wirelessly control the unit from a 100 meter radius, making control convenient for integrators.

4. Every application has its own special requirements, and integrators must adapt to these needs to achieve an excellent visual result. H Series allows users to adjust display parameters for output image, testing image, and display control, making sure the picture is perfectly suited to application’s location and the display being used.

5. Many large applications may have a team of people working together, a situation that can cause confusion. Most similar products are unable to handle this type of use, but the H Series was designed with this in mind. Multiple authorization levels can be set for user access, ensuring safety. 200 users can access the

The Raptor series is an all-in-one LED wall from leading collaboration brand, MAXHUB, part of the CVTE family. CVTE is the largest manufacturer of interactive display technology in the world and under the MAXHUB umbrella, creates market- leading solutions that embodies CVTE’s spirit of continuous innovation and commitment to develop products that dramatically advance the ability to communicate and collaborate more effectively.

The MAXHUB LED Raptor Series represents the next generation of innovative LED Wall technology, the innovative design makes the Raptor incredibly versatile and very cost-effective solution for modern meeting spaces, auditoriums, and receptions.

1. MAXHUB offer a wide range of sizes for every space, ranging from 120” to 220”, each with narrow pixel pitch LED panels for a visually stunning experience.

2. A 3-in-1 design that includes the control unit, receiving unit and power supply with no need for additional components, making it a cost-effective option for customers considering an LED wall.

Additionally, panels are accessed from the front of the display, making the Raptor incredibly easy to maintain.

3. The MAXHUB Raptor features an ultra-thin bezel and is ultra-light weight, making it incredibly easy to install, either directly on a wall or onto a mobile trolley. Standard installation times range between 3-6 hours, dramatically reducing installation costs. 4.

The all-in-one functionality feature in-built 4. Android 9.0 OS, LAN screen-sharing for up to 4 windows and an integrated soundbar with 2x30W speakers featuring built-in vibration dampening technology.

5. Unique to MAXHUB, the MAXConfig app s/w delivers exceptional control and intuitive access to all the LED’s interactive features, including signal source, power, brightness and even window content management through terminal devices that can be extended to 3rd party control systems.

MAXHUB video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=N4XLSbTBRVo

web terminal simultaneously, with 50 users able to simultaneously send data for display, with a delay of less than 500ms. Users can also view operations performed by others. All these operations, including input and output signals, can be previewed in real-time.

AV Reseller / Integrator of the Year Nominee Project Audio Visual Project Audio Visual has completely transformed over the last year becoming the ‘go-to’ for hybrid workplace transformations, specialising in truly connected Microsoft Teams Rooms.

Its service and support structure have been revolutionised with criteria designed for the evolving requirements of collaboration and the most comprehensive set of checks globally.

Project Audio Visual has continued to grow. Doubling its team and investing in upskilling, with over 104 courses completed in 12 months.

Project Audio Visual invested £250,000 in its o ce and demonstration space, creating the ultimate working environment for the team and surrounding them with the emerging technologies they are also championing.

1. Workplace Transformations Project Audio Visual has evolved over the last 12 months after recognising that they needed to position themselves differently to survive. The company has pivoted to support the hybrid workplace delivering solutions that maintain the digital workflow and transform workspaces into destinations. Their ethos is to create a seamless experience, whether employees are working remotely, at a desk in an office or in a meeting room, with video communication at the heart of this.

2. Service and Support The company revolutionised its service and support structure for clients, establishing a new service division and devising new ways

P19 AV News January 2022

Awards Finalists

of being able to provide support during periods when travel globally and locally in the UK was not permitted. This is designed to specifically cater for the rise of hybrid working. All inquiries are answered within 30 minutes, with clients getting straight through to an expert who can assist, speeding up the resolution time. Preventative Maintenance Visits now have specific criteria to include Teams and Zoom Room environments, AV networking infrastructure and additional details to support remote engineers.

3. Revolutionising Remote Management Project Audio Visual has developed a ground- breaking virtual remote support solution called EyesOnSite. This goes beyond the offering of traditional support packages to deliver a unique virtual solution that allows technicians to experience exactly what the client is seeing through a Servicewear Glasses system, based on a client's site and a dedicated support team.

4. Training and Professional Development Project Audio Visual is continually providing its team with opportunities to learn new skills and acquire qualifications and certifications. This has accelerated in the last 12 months with the company’s enhanced focus on the hybrid workspace and the need to keep up to date with the developing hardware, IT services, products and networking infrastructure behind an ecosystem. Over 104 courses have been completed in the last 12 months. The company is also working towards the Microsoft Gold Partner accreditation to reinforce its specialized skill set in delivering Microsoft Teams Rooms environments.

5. Investment in Excellence Project Audio Visual has invested £250,000 in the refurbishment of its office and demonstration space. This has been designed to create the ultimate working environment for the team, as well as surround them with the emerging technologies that they are also championing in the market so that remote maintenance, video-based client calls and training can be done with the utmost ease and confidence.

3. We won a multi-million contract to install the new double stacked perimeter LED at Manchester City football ground. A very high profile and proof of concept project which received worldwide news coverage. We delivered on time and within budget.

4. We took on eight new members of staff including five apprentices who are going through our training and mentor programmes, gaining engineering, electrical and auto-visual qualifications.

5. During the lockdown, we put additional monitoring in place to look out for key mental health indicators to ensure no one is struggling. In addition, pioneers HR and H&S teams have all completed Mental Health First Aid Courses.

AV Project of the Year (Commercial) Nominee HYPERVSN x Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland x Avantage HYPERVSN Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland and TMI Agency was launching the new Coca-Cola Zero Sugar flavour and decided to employ HYPERVSN Slots and HYPERVSN Solo L for the campaign called #bestcokeever. HYPERVSN devices were installed at the Zurich Main Station by the HYPERVSN Authorised Reseller Avantage. When

Nominee Pioneer Group Ltd Pioneer Group was founded in May 2011; this year, we celebrate a decade of supporting customers on their digital journey. Grown out of a drive for innovation and a determination to defeat obstacles, group Directors Paul Childerhouse and Chris Appleyard joined forces to deliver the seamless integration of digital, electrical and IT solutions to transform locations worldwide. Starting with five team members and now standing at 55.

We take a connected approach to AV solutions, electrical contracting and network infrastructure across stadia, hospitality, retail, public sector and corporate settings.

Pioneer should win this award because, in a year when our own business faced losses, and our clients had to find new ways to continue trading, Pioneer found ways to support our employees (both mentally and financially) and our clients. Despite the pandemic, 1. In 2021 we double our turnover and profit by helping our customers find new ways to work during the pandemic 2. We set up a new division to the company and won a multi-million contract to install digital out of home billboards across the UK working on behalf of market leaders Clear Channel.

P18 AV News January P20 December 2022 2021

playing the holographic slot-machine people got a chance to win various prizes including a bottle of the new Coke.

The campaign lasted for two weeks and expanded across 5 shopping malls, 45 sampling locations and 150 in-store activations. In total around 18k people played the HYPERVSN Slots and around 150k product samples were handed out.

1. This is the first time Coca-Cola has relied on the interactive holographic solutions to engage with the customers and add the gamification element to the product sample handouts.

2. HYPERVSN Solo L and Slots were installed at Zürich Main Station and across 5 malls in the country for two weeks from July to August 2021 by HYPERVSN Authorised Reseller Avantage together with TMI Agency.

3. 17,500 people played the HYPERVSN Slots at the Zurich Main Station and across all the locations, around 150k product samples were handed out within two weeks.

4.150 in-store activations, 5 shopping malls and 45 sampling lo-

cations were set up for the #bestcokeever campaign all across Zurich. 108 promoters were hired who worked for 954 hours. The news about the campaign reached 2.1mln households via Migros Magazine.

5. Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland and TMI Agency were extremely happy with the campaign results and they are already planning a new one for the coming Christmas.

The video of the case is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IQ6Q5LAAa0

Nominee GENELEC Supercell are renowned for their popular mobile games including the genre defining ‘Clash of Clans. They wanted their new headquarters to be as ground-breaking as the games they create.

The Supercell project is a collection of amazing spaces, you have to see the video to appreciate how unusual it is. The audio element is enormous, involving the integration of nearly 500 Genelec loudspeakers throughout the Finnish company’s HQ in Helsinki.

Genelec’s Smart IP technology was invaluable, underpinning the entire project by delivering the highest quality audio. Genelec made life easy throughout every stage of the process.

1. High fidelity, studio quality audio adapted to t various areas including meeting rooms, the gym, foyers, and cafes.

2. All loudspeakers are manufactured to extremely high environmental standards, and speakers were recycled from the previous building where possible.

3. Smart IP and Voice Lift technology greatly enhances the conferencing experience and team meeting rooms.

4. Supercell is one of the largest installations ever of powered networked loudspeakers.

5. Flexible mounting options and the extensive RAL colour range means that loudspeakers t seamlessly into their environments.

Nominee Genee Care Solution Genee During COVID-19, care homes were hit extremely hard; they were unable to contact or see their families in the same way as the rest of the UK. Genee have developed a flexible touch screen solution for care,

Awards Finalists residential and nursing homes. The G-Touch Care Solution allows residents to view videos, TV shows and set up video conferencing with family & friends.

Residents can participate in activities whilst sat at the interactive touchscreen table and can be used by staff for training or inter-care home video conferencing. The solution includes software that helps residents with health issues, including dementia and Alzheimer's.

1. Helped care homes bridge the gap between families during the COVID-19 Pandemic as well as multitouch capabilities allowing multiple residents to use the screen at the same time.

2. Allows more activities for residents. The Genee G-Touch Care Solution has a multitude of applications with a huge range of topics, including jigsaws, number games, and even specialist Apps for Dementia, thus helping with cognitive skills including thinking, memory and reasoning. There is also an option for residents to download specific apps and games.

3. Simple user interface from switch on enabling use by anyone without any IT skills.

4. The solution was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic for the new demands care homes faced and delivered within weeks to care homes across the country. The solution has been developed and now is the only true all in one interactive solution for care homes combining hardware and software to provide a truly integrated solution.

5. Built with residents and staff in mind. The Care home solution comes with a High Low Flip Table allowing users to adjust the height depending on their needs and wants. Users can also flip the touchscreen horizontally allowing more users to utilise the touchscreen at the same time.

space for input connection. The slim and bezel-less infinity design also allows the display to blend seamlessly into its surroundings without disrupting the desired vision within and beyond the screen. Simplifying the display’s weight and thickness helps to deliver the ultimate viewing experience.

5. The display utilizes Samsung workspace features including Smartview+ , in addition to Google Duo and Microsoft Teams to provide a seamless visual user experience.

Nominee Fusion all-in-one digital billboard

new season, or for holidays such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day. 5. House of Rituals runs on a store management system. First Impression created a custom plug-in to allow the BrightSign application to extract data. As a result, the screens automatically reflect store opening times and can also be powered down altogether. The application also draws on the data to ensure that the customer is only offered lines that are available in store on that specific day.

Video Link: https://player.vimeo.com/video/496847795

Digital Signage Innovation of the Year Nominee Samsung All-in-one (IAB) 0.84 4K 146''

Nominee Brightsign Talisman Perfume Collection BrightSign launched the Talisman perfume collection, into a new market at House of Rituals, and to mark the brand’s 20th anniversary, First Impression built a display around the innovative use of ‘visual light communication’ controlled by BrightSign players.

Once a perfume is selected based on the customer’s inputs on an iPad, an LED light underneath the bottle is illuminated. If the customer picks up the glass pipette from the perfume bottle, a video plays describing the perfume. A fully custom skin around the BrightSign players allows them to interact smoothly with the iPads, and the application delivers valuable marketing data.

1. The Talisman collection combines light and scent to make House of Rituals an in-store experience like no other. Customers enter the basic perfume ingredients that they like (The Fresh, The Florals, The Sensuals, The Woods, The Orientals) and the application illuminates LED lights under all the bottles of perfumes aligned with this scent.

2. To create the display, First Impression built a bespoke bridge between two different programming worlds. A development team of six programmers created a fully custom skin around the BrightSign players, allowing the players (running BrightSign OS) to interact smoothly with the iPads (running iOS). This innovation extends BrightSign players beyond their normal functionality.

3. Alongside creating an exceptional customer experience, the application delivers valuable purchasing data to Rituals. The display can connect the options showcased to the customer with what they eventually purchased and can even show metrics on most popular times and hours of sales.

4. First Impression has offered House of Rituals a flexible, easy to access approach to managing their in-store brand experience through a custom store control system and App. At the click of a button, content delivered by the screens can be changed for the

The Samsung All-in-one (IAB) 0.84 4K 146''is a next-generation display that rede nes the meaning of visual experience and delivers 4K resolution. This 16:9 form factor model can be installed with ease, dramatically reducing the installation process time from two days to two hours while decreasing the cost due to the display’s internalized deco bezel, S-box and pre-assembled frame kit included in the package. The all-in-one 0.84 4K 146'' Samsung display also pairs with Microsoft Teams and Google Duo’s intelligent video conferencing platform to create a seamless video experience for consumers.

1. The Samsung All-in-one (IAB) 0.84 4K 146’’ display has transformed the installation process from two days to two hours saving valuable time. This innovative, enhanced installation features a pre-adjusted seam, and a ‘Pre-Assembled Frame Kit’ to easily enable TV-level installation convenience. In addition, the display’s internalized deco bezel, S-Box and pre-assembled frame kit included in the package has decreased the total cost of ownership adding to the overall ease of the product’s installation.

2. The Samsung All-in-one (IAB) 0.84 4K 146'' features Black Seal Technology that blankets the screen with perfect uniformity creating a seamless canvas for purer black levels with enhanced depth and delivers unparalleled contrast with immaculate detail.

The IAB’s 20bit processing presents exact colour mapping with faultless accuracy. The product’s deeper bit depth at low greyscale delivers extraordinary contrast ratio and smooth, natural tonal gradients. Additionally, the Micro HDR and Micro Motion allow users to enjoy advanced picture refinement, as the IAB delivers stun-

Fusion is a smart, all-in-one digital billboard solution. It is compact to ship, easy to install, requires no additional hardware and has the world’s most comprehensive monitoring platform built directly into the frame of the display. This includes full remote diagnostics, secure network security encryption, a monitoring system for hundreds of points and pro-active alerting.

This plug and play signage solution comprises 3000 x 1280mm cabinets that ship in one compact box. The slim design allows for efficient installations and instant digitisation of static billboards.

Its inbuilt smart light sensor adjusts to light conditions, ensuring content remains visible.

1. Slimline Design Enabling One-Day Deployment: Fusion is quicker to install than any other billboard solution and can be hung on traditional billboard infrastructure, enabling instant digitisation of static billboards. The modular design simply clips together for efficient installations and allows for easy ongoing maintenance. The slim form factor of just 96mm depth contributes to it being the lightest display of its kind on the market, reducing the need for complex structural support, saving estate owners and integrators time and money on installation labour.

2. Plug and Play: Fusion is a plug and play solution. The connectivity and diagnostic tools are built into the frame of the display, so no additional media players, switchers or analytics devices are needed to connect the billboard to a network, drive content or monitor its performance. This unique system architecture can also be integrated into other monitoring and CMS software, such as Quividi, Ayuda, Scala and Broadsign, and with the specific buying platforms of media owners.

3. Unrivalled Monitoring and Maintenance: Fusion features the largest multi-layer redundancy system in the market, ensuring the highest possible uptime for network owners. This, combined with a full remote diagnostic and monitoring system with the capability to monitor hundreds of points via a pro-active alert system.

Trained VOD Visual service engineers are available 24/7 globally and respond within 15 minutes to identify issues and wherever possible fix them by deploying over-air remedial actions. Secure network security encryption reduces threats by ensuring hackers are kept off of the network, minimising reputational risk for the estate owners.

4. Smart, Bright Technology: Fusion is available in 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 16mm pixel pitches and has been designed especially for outdoor applications. The LEDs are packaged to fully withstand all weather conditions and have a smart sensor built in to measure the level of direct sun exposure and change the brightness accordingly, so content remains visible in even the harshest of conditions. The display reaches a maximum calibrated brightness of up to 6500 nits making it ideal for out of home environments including eye catching roadside displays, sharing passenger and guest critical information at travel terminals and leisure attractions to ensure brand messages shine brightly in retail destinations.

5. Enhanced Sustainability Credentials: The responsive brightness is also one contributing factor to the low overall power consumption of the display and enhanced sustainability credentials. This makes Fusion the greenest, most energy efficient and sustainable LED display of its type on the market, drawing a fraction of the power consumption of standard LED screens. Adjusting to the conditions means that the LEDs are not being run at their peak brightness constantly, making the display much more energy efficient. This significantly reduces electrical waste and therefore heat generation, negating the need for noisy and energy wasting fans, extending the lifespan of the display and ensuring industry

ning HDR10/10+ illuminating peak brightness with an improved 120Hz frame rate.

3. Two of the All-in-one (IAB) 0.84 4K 146’’ screens can be installed side by side to create a 36:9 form factor model with a detachable feature. Equipped with a Micro AI Processor, it’s perfect for a large meeting room or classroom, this installation can connect through individual screen movements or third-party video processors and can support up to four screens with the Multi-Link HDR. 4. The product’s 89mm whole thickness after the completed installation design, features a convenient direct input connection on the screen without a separate S-Box and does not need to secure

P21 AV News January 2022

Awards Finalists Nominee Vivitek NovoDS New and existing users of Vivitek’s popular NovoDS Digital Signage solution are able to bene t from a People Counting Widget designed to increase public safety relating to crowd control. Available for free at launch, the People Counting Widget adds value to all organisations’ Digital Signage needs. It comes at a time when Digital Signage is increasingly important for organisations to ensure that social distancing guidelines are met in public and o ce spaces. This is of increasing importance with staff now returning to the workplace, customers coming back to stores and education institutions welcoming students after the lockdown and summer period.

1.The People Counting Widget helps drive more use and therefore more value from new or existing investments in digital signage solutions.

2. The People Counting Widget makes managing crowd control both easy and safe, giving peace of mind to those managing a site (school, office or store) and those attending or visiting it.

3. Digital Signage plays a critical role in communicating information and advice about any health-related updates, or changes to any social distancing guidelines, which it can be used to reinforce. It can of course continue to display welcome messages, way-finding information, lunch or promotional offers, weather and travel updates, or last minute lesson or room changes, helping people stay safe, updated and informed at all times.

4. Images and music play lists can be pre-selected or updated in real-time to keep them relevant and appropriate.

5. It reflects Vivitek’s focus on adding value, as the free upgrade features applied to the entire NovoDS portfolio of add on devices to add Digital Signage to existing screens, as well as NovoDisplay which offers a 4K screen with digital signage and wireless collaboration embedded.

AV Project of the Year (Live Events /Digital Events)

Illuminarium project is one of the first to see disguise’s unique cluster rendering feature deployed. Developed in partnership with disguise and Epic Games, cluster rendering allows visuals on any scale to be rendered at unlimited scale and complexity. This is done by splitting video content into fragments that are each rendered by different disguise machines, increasing the overall render power of the content. The impact of this is instantly noticeable.

Gone is the need to choose between ground-breaking graphics and large-scale visibility you can now have both. These solutions also solve latency issues that often come with projects that are larger than the limited processing power of an individual server or machine. Instead, users looking to create and deliver high-fidelity, photorealistic imagery at scale are able to let their imaginations run wild with no technology constraints.

4. A real collaborative process: disguise and Illuminarium worked on the creation of an entire new workflow bible for this project to allow for iterations of the content over time. Different teams could now produce content to the same specs set by Illuminarium as they open up similar venues around the world. All of this work had to be documented in a way that would allow a new team to come in and produce content using those templates, ensuring the right codecs and frame rates throughout. Even the naming convention was all followed to allow for the project to work and be delivered at scale. This workflow template continues to be used in the deployment of Illuminarium’s upcoming venues around the US. 5. A new innovative format that can and will be replicated: With upcoming venues in Las Vegas opportunity to further replicate this experience across the globe. The Illuminarium Experiences expansion includes the opening of new venues in US cities as well as future openings in the APAC region. The next five to seven years will likely see dozens of Illuminarium venues, with content creators from around the world coming together to create and deploy breath-taking content of unmatched scale with ultimate wow factor, all with the help of disguise’s remote collaboration workflow.

Nominee HYPERVSN at the Albanian Ministry of Culture with Relsson

Nominee

Illuminarium Experiences (in partnership with disguise) Illuminarium Experiences, the digitally delivered experience venue, partnered with disguise, the leading platform which enables visual experiences of the highest level, to create multi-sensory Illuminariums that are “VR without the Goggles”.

Both teams worked together with system integrators at Electrosonic to integrate a powerful media playback system into 18,000 ft2 of projection space. This has pushed the limits of technology, working across 46 4K projectors, with disguise upgrading its vx 4

media server to offer up to 60 terabytes of super-fast SSDs and integrating real-time graphics through disguise’s proprietary RenderStream infrastructure, producing one of the largest immersive experiences.

1. First-of-its-kind: The disguise-Illuminarium partnership has delivered a first-of-its-kind immersive entertainment initiative, transporting users to a wild African safari, from the Atlanta BeltLine, without the need for travel or VR headsets. disguise was chosen to provide unparalleled media playback systems and video server technology - pushing breath taking 4K content that has made Illumniarium one of the largest examples of real-time rendered content at this scale.

2. Cutting-edge technology at its best: This multi- sensory journey could only be brought to life with the help of cutting-edge technology. 20 disguise’s unique vx 4 media servers and 12 of its rx rendering nodes powered real-time generated cinematic scenes at a 240-degree native field of view (versus the average 210-degree human field of view), surrounding visitors in a sensory space of sight, sound and scale. The challenges encountered through the project saw both teams work very closely together to provide ad hoc solutions that would later set a new standard in content rendering and become offerings that disguise would also provide to other customers, such as the upgrading of the media server’s storage space to 60 terabytes of super-fast SSDs. 3. Cluster rendering has widened horizons in the industry: The

P22 AV News January 2022

Gigantic Holographic Humans, including Albania’s Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, installed in the city square to celebrate the “Anniversary of Tirana". This project created and installed by Relsson, a HYPERVSN Authorized Reseller, and was a one-off event to celebrate Tirana and showcase the futuristic vision of the country.

The 40-unit HYPERVSN Wall was installed to celebrate Tirana through holographic technology. The project was gigantic holographic humans, as well as a 11-minute combination of video and animation, depicting Tirana’s history through the ages suspended in mid-air in the City Square.

1. The event was a great success, with the Media in Albania giving HYPERVSN and Relsson huge TV coverage and exposure including 24 minutes of TV coverage, and over 250k tracked engagements.

2. Never before has a hologram-like solution of this size, let alone a holographic human of 4m x 1.5 m, been installed in a City centre.

3. Innovative technology used to engage the younger demographic, successfully attracted them to the celebration of their country and culture using fresh, new technology.

4. The installation was impressive and effective with holographic technology, that being a HYPERVSN Wall of 40 units, plus the modular wall structure which was used to assemble the units and link to the arch which is Relsson’s proprietary development.

5. Custom holographic content, created by Relsson, included a 15-minute animated and recorded video on the history of Tirana plus a message from the prime minister and minister of culture as a holographic human.

Nominee Panasonic 1.ioneering Immersive Projection: Panasonic is pioneering the creation of incredible immersive experiences through the use

of projectors. Its range of 4K projectors, up to 50,000 lumens, and additional associated technology innovations, such as its Real Time Tracking Projection Mapping system, have been used to fulfill the public’s growing desire for immersive entertainment, edu-tainment and art-tainment experiences.

2.Creating the biggest pictures: The most immersive experiences often require large scale images, surrounding and filling the vision of visitors with the content. This is achieved by seamlessly blending images from multiple projectors to look like one single image.

Panasonic has the most sophisticated and simple to use blending solutions including Geometry Manager Pro Software, Geometric adjustment for 3D mapping (ET-UK20), Gradation Smoother and Edge Blending Black Level Adjustment. https://business.panasonic.co.uk/visual-system/products-and-accessories/technology/ on-board-geometric-adjustment 3.Resolution for every need: Panasonic offers the whole range of projector technologies and resolutions to enable users to create the immersive experience they require. From LCD Projectors with 4k input capability for the budget constrained, to 1-Chip and 3-Chip DLP Projectors with pixel shifting technologies to Native 4K Chipset in 3-DLP projector models for the ultimate in high resolution images.

4.Invisible is important: Although projectors are an essential element in creating an immersive environment, they also need to remain an invisible technology, so as not to distract the audience from the immersive impact of the image. Panasonic focuses on producing the quietest and most compact projectors in all its ranges, alongside an incredibly wide variety of specialist Ultra Short Throw, Periscope and Fisheye lenses to ensure projectors can be easily hidden in ceilings or positioned in the most difficult of spaces.

5.Reliability: In most attraction and entertainment venues projectors could be operating intensively for long periods. All Panasonic’s laser projector models contain built-in features to prevent black screen time. For example, all have a multi drive laser light source, so that should one light source fail, the projector can still operate. All laser models also feature a fail-safe input system ensuring that if an input fails, it will switch to a back-up without loss of image. All projectors come with a standard 3-year warranty or a guarantee of 20,000 hours of non-maintenance operation in normal mode – whichever comes first. Warranty extensions are available for up to 5-years and customised warranty plans are possible.

Remote maintenance solutions are also available, with Panasonic monitoring the performance of the projectors remotely and providing servicing and maintenance as required.

1.Panasonic Immersive Experiences – Illuminarium 2.Panasonic Projectors On The Monumental Tour Stage: https:// business.panasonic.co.uk/visual-system/etude-de-cas/des-videoprojecteurs-panasonic-sur-la-scene-du-monumental-tour 3.Panasonic Helps Nobel Celebrate Space https://business.panasonic.co.uk/visual-system/case-study/Nobel-Week-Lights 4.Panasonic Immersive Experiences – Bylo Nebylo, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir https://business.panasonic.co.uk/visual-system/bylo-nebylo 5.Panasonic Immersive Experiences – The National Museum in Prague https://business.panasonic.co.uk/visual-system/large-theater-projection-in-a-limited-space 6.Budapest parliament: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0w-SUXTBo1I

AV Project of the Year (Education) Nominee Sunderland College Igloo Cylinder Igloo vision Sunderland College was looking to install an immersive environment to enhance teaching and learning, so turned to Igloo Vision’s expertise.

We installed a fully immersive 360° 7-metre cylinder with full projection, equipped with our Immersive Media Player and Enterprise software package. The space was acoustically treated to reduce noise transfer between classrooms as well as containing a movable podium for system control, which can be placed inside or outside the cylinder.

Awards Finalists It’s being used to train students safely and efficiently in real-world work environments, to obtain the experience of working in simulated real- world settings and to enrich educational experience.

1.The cylinder allows Sunderland College teachers to innovate their practice and provide better experiences for students at the college, improving participation and retention.

2.The space has enabled Sunderland College to attract potential students to new T Level courses, alongside increasing student numbers, showing the college’s commitment to digital strategy and digital literacy.

3.Alongside improving student aspirations by providing an interactive space that incentivises and motivates the students, the cylinder offers a place for better work experience placements and for local employers to partner with the college on vocational courses.

4. With a 360° cylinder and full-floor projection, the space is truly immersive and takes educational environments to the next level by transporting students to real-world settings for training and experience, on construction sites, in hospitals, around offshore wind farms, and many more.

5.The cylinder enables Sunderland College to improve communication and cross-site interaction between different departments and local colleges, creating a whole new paradigm of teaching skills and allowing students to draw on the best examples of whatever they are learning – no matter where they are located.

Nominee Burnley College Digital Transformation, BenQ UK with Roche System Integration Burnley College has transformed the teaching and learning experience for A Level students through investment in digital and interactive technologies to enable collaboration and create engaging and interactive learning.

Finding the perfect front-of-classroom technology was essential, so the team worked with integrator Roche System Integration and manufacturer BenQ on an ambitious AV rollout of 74 interactive at panel displays, one for every learning space. These integrate seamlessly into the Google ecosystem and provide teachers with a consistent experience in every classroom, with an Account Management System (AMS) enabling instant access via the Cloud to documents from their drives.

1. The long-standing partnership between BenQ and Burnley College has seen a range of different installations over the years. This has enabled Burnley College to upscale its technology offering as the campus grows, with ease and confidence. As BenQ devices are agnostic, they are able to offer integration into the existing ecosystem, proving vital during the pandemic for utilising Google Classroom. BenQ devices also provide cross-platform integration with legacy software and devices.

2, The BenQ IFPs are designed for seamless integration with the Google Workspace. Teachers can instantly access their documents and teaching materials from the Google Drive directly from the display via the Cloud or BenQ’s Account Management System (AMS).

This means classes can be run without needing another device and documents can be annotated or amended anytime, anywhere.

3. BenQ’s built-in ClassroomCare+ Smart Eye- Care technology contributes to student wellbeing by minimising blue light exposure and providing a flicker-free image, helping to aid concentration and reduce any feelings of fatigue after prolonged screen exposure.

4. BenQ’s DMS (Device Management Solution) provides Burnley College with a management solution that means IT staff can troubleshoot and remedy displays remotely, allowing IT teams to deliver updates for new online features to each display from a remote central location, reducing in- person contact and saving valuable time for the IT department.

5. Beyond the installation, BenQ has worked with Burnley College to provide ongoing maintenance, aftercare and training for the teaching teams to maximise the success of device adoption and ensure the whole system continues to be utilised effectively across the campus.

Nominee HYPERVSN at Tartu University Hospital HYPERVSN’s partner in Estonia, KNM Eesti, helped Tartu University Hospital reduce the fear and pain levels experienced by children by 95% during their medical procedures. 3D holographic visuals of cartoon characters were shown on HYPERVSN Solo L in

the neurology department's procedure room and 51 children with 28 different diagnoses participated in the research.

In this project HYPERVSN holographic technology was used as distraction technique, to help patients with fear and pain. HYPERVSN device displayed 31 different 3D animations (cartoon characters, magical forests, easter bunnies, etc) designed to captivate the viewers and reduce fear and pain during medical procedures.

1. The results showed that after looking at the 3D visuals children's pain levels were reduced by 95%. 51 children with 28 different diagnoses participated in the study, and their pain levels were assessed by the nurses with the FLACC pain scale, before and after looking at the 3D visuals.

2. 3D visuals significantly reduced not only children’s fear and pain levels, but also increased the work efficiency of the doctors and nurses: kids were now sitting still and medical staff didn’t have to deal with their panicking - as a result, they can attend to more patients daily.

3. HYPERVSN single display units displaying Holographic 3D animations of cartoon characters, positively impacted the children at this hospital, and could be used more widely in healthcare.

After the successful study at the Tartu University Hospital, the holographic devices are now used in procedure and operations rooms in six of the largest hospitals in Tallinn, Tartu and Parnu and there’s more interest coming in from other medical facilities across the country.

4. As a result of this study, both doctors, nurses, parents and children can claim that HYPERVSN holographic devices can reduce or lead to a complete lack of awareness of fear when carrying out medical procedures. This could change the industry.

5. This story generated a lot of great press including the key Estonian daily newspapers and numerous international AV and Digital Signage focused magazines.

AV Manufacturer/ Developer of the Year Nominee Peerless-AV Peerless-AV is 80 years old, celebrating decades of technology innovation, strategic acquisitions, and international business growth between 1941 and 2021. Leveraging its maturity and unrivalled reputation for manufacturing quality AV products, Peerless-AV is a brand renowned for its agility and flexibility to adapt to new emerging technologies and markets. Since it produced the first TV wall mount in 1965, the business has always moved with the times, ex-

panding its portfolio to include multiple industry-firsts according to customers’ changing needs. In September 2021, Peerless-AV hosted its first ever showcase event in London with over 20 exhibiting partners and cojoining events.

1. 2021 has been another great year for Peerless- AV in terms of achieving record business growth across the globe, as well as increasing the size of its global team and ensuring an uninterrupted, high level of customer service and fulfilment, all during a pandemic.

2. Now with 80 years under its belt, Peerless-AV is as agile as ever and, as its very name suggests, continues to design, manufacture and deliver unrivalled products, dependable customer service and industry leadership.

3. In 2021, Peerless-AV launched its new generation Outdoor Digital Menu Boards for the fast growing QSR market and in December launched its new generation 55" Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Display offering significant new operating system upgrades.

4. In September, Peerless-AV's first ever showcase and networking event took place, marking a milestone for the EMEA business and reflecting the company’s commitment to bringing the AV industry together, encouraging positivity and interaction.

5. In 2021, Peerless-AV held a charity golf day at Foxhills in aid of the Ruth Strauss Foundation and raised £18,000.

Nominee Promethean With a legacy spanning over two decades, Promethean has firmly positioned itself as a leading manufacturer of AV solutions that have been designed to transform learning environments for both practitioner and learner.

Driven by a commitment to education and a determination to support its two-tier distribution model, Promethean’s robust strategy is centred around delivering practical solutions that drive end-user demand and enable its channel partners to meet strategic objectives through partner programmes and innovative market initiatives.

1.Commitment to channel partners – working in constant collaboration with partners over the last year, Promethean developed Partner Connect – a unique programme which bolstered two-way dialogue and gave partners access to a regular stream of high value and high-quality content. Alongside the well-established Partner Programme, this supported partners to: drive competitive advantage, increase ActivPanel sales and achieve above-market growth.

2.Dedication to distribution development – Promethean operates a dual-distribution model in the UK giving its partners increased flexibility and choice when it comes to meeting evolving partner needs. Identifying that partners required more focused support than ever before, Midwich was appointed as a specialist AV distributor to work alongside incumbent distributor, Tech Data.

3.Serious about sustainability – increasingly high on procurement agendas, Promethean has initiated an enhanced sustainability strategy that spans all operations – from product design and manufacture through to logistics and business operations. In addition to achieving carbon neutrality in 2019 through offset purchases, Promethean has improved its outbound transportation model to reduce emissions by 30% and reduced packaging materials - this has increased transportation efficiency by 20%.

4.Continued product innovation – despite the challenges faced by the education sector over the last year, Promethean stayed true to its design philosophy of delivering edtech solutions that support the learning space by enhancing its offering to help teachers to effectively navigate the hybrid environment. This includes the launch of a new Screen Share app and introduction of Panel Management as part of a major ActivPanel update.

5.Maintaining market leadership – against a backdrop of continued market challenges, Promethean has maintained its market leadership with the ActivPanel. Excluding China, Promethean was the leading brand in interactive display technologies with an 18% share of the total interactive display market in 2020. (Futuresource Q4 2020).

Nominee Datapath Datapath has remained visible and active throughout a remarkably challenging year, with continued investment in product innovations and unequalled customer support with training and user-friendly support tools. Despite the global pandemic, sales remain strong, with revised sales targets being met in all territories and exceptional growth in the US. Formed in 1982, Datapath has grown to become a leading global force in video processing hardware and software. We are acutely aware that client support is essential to successful AV business, and have invested heavily in this area in past years to ensure we meet and exceed clients’ needs and expectations.

1.Team Investment: The past 18 months have brought considerable investment to how Datapath supports its customers. Two key positions have been added to our management team – David Spence being appointed to Director of Customer and Technical Support (global) and John Hohenstein as Customer Service Manager for North America. These teams focus on one thing – fully supporting

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Awards Finalists our customers with dedicated technical support, advice, and sending resources when required.

2.Commissioning: Following a soft roll-out last year, Datapath’s commissioning offering is now available internationally on all large projects and has been warmly welcomed by integrators and end-users alike. With Datapath engineers available throughout the design, build and testing process, this service ensures zero issues with the video processing part of any install. This is particularly beneficial in large, multi-input projects such as command and control rooms or broadcast monitoring. The popularity of Datapath’s commissioning offering is growing by the month, particularly in the US, with high profile installs such as the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park stadium and the New York office of the NBA. 3.2021 has also seen the successful launch of Datapath’s new Channel Partner Program - strengthening customer and partner relationships by providing a comprehensive solutions, services and support offering. The Datapath Channel Partner Program has been designed as a practical way of demonstrating the company’s commitment to its partners, and to help add extra value to your business. Operating as a tier-based initiative, the program sees Datapath partners benefit from exclusive benefits on pricing, support, territory and training. Our partners have fully embraced the benefits of our offering, with 175 channel partners signed up at the time of writing.

4.Complimentary DDCT and inbuilt diagnostic suite Datapath’s Display Driver and Configuration Tool (DDCT) is now available as standard on iolite 12i, VSN Micro 600, iolite 600 and full portfolio of 11 and 9-slot VSN chassis. This free software brings numerous benefits to help make systems operate at maximum efficiency, with minimal set-up hassle. Users can set-up even the most creative of video displays in minutes using an in-built database of manufacturer hardware which takes into account bezel dimensions, pixels, refresh rate and so-on. However, it is the free Diagnostic Suite part of the software that brings that extra peace of mind to client support. The diagnostics in the software continuously monitor the health of a system, ensuring factors such as core temperatures, software updates, cabling and connectivity are all working to best practice. Gone are the days when any issues would mean a lengthy document of code to decipher where problems lie.

With a user-friendly GUI, the end user is instantly made aware of obvious problems by using the diagnostic suite (incorrect wiring port, for example), which can be fixed with ease.

5.

AVIXA-approved training: Our AVIXA-approved training course, focused around our VSN video wall processors, has been warmly received all around the world this year, from Chile to Shanghai, and New York to Derby. With practical and written components, the course ensures customers get hands-on familiarity with our hardware and software, avoid any technical pitfalls, plus earn valuable CTS points. “We’re thrilled that Datapath has developed this course to support the CTS program,” said David Labuskes CTS, CAE, RCDD, Chief Executive Officer of AVIXA. “The more companies invest in providing education resources, the more the AV industry can elevate itself to higher standards.”

To reinforce our remote training capability, Datapath have this year launched its Online Experience Center. Powered by the very latest video processing technology. The Online Experience Center features Datapath’s Arqa and Aligo solution for seamless KVM and content sharing across the solution. Processing power comes in abundance courtesy of Datapath’s award-winning VSN1172 video controllers. With a trio of video walls spread out between two rooms, plus several operator terminals, Datapath’s Online Experience Center is able to showcase operations in real time due to multiple cameras. Users will be able to see the room as an overview of any area and watch the content for the different screens in real time in a one-to-one

Nominee Clevertouch Technologies (a Boxlight Brand Boxlight Ltd) A NASDAQ listed company, Boxlight’s Clevertouch Technologies rebranded in March 2021 from Clevertouch to combine all of our manufacturing solutions under one umbrella. We make worldclass, market-leading and award-winning innovative technologies for all meeting, open spaces, classrooms and software solutions that embrace the communication and collaborative needs of educators and corporate clients alike. We do this with the end customer in mind and every solution is created to make life easier for them. Clevertouch supplies not only leading technical products but also ClevertouchLive to control and update all your products whilst also managing your digital signage. We are an innovator.

1.Clevertouch Technologies are now the number one touchscreen brand in Australia, UK, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Belgium and fifth globally 2. Clevertouch Technologies have grown 30% during a pandemic year – exceeding all revenue expectations and unit sales (now 40,000) 3. Clevertouch Technologies go the extra mile (quite literally) this summer when shipments were delayed our very own sales director drove a 500- mile round trip to deliver panels to a school in order for them to be ready to open again in September.

4. Clevertouch Technologies continue to look to the future, our research and development never sit still, we are continuing to bring

P24 AV News January 2022

out better solutions. We listen to our clients and we endeavour to create solutions that address their needs now and in the future.

5. Clevertouch Technologies care about our colleagues, we have made significant changes to ensure we address diversity and inclusion within the company. All start are treated fairly and all staff are shareholders in the business. We succeed because we have a great team all of whom have a voice in our business.

Nominee SMART Technologies We believe that making connections that matter is the most important work in the world. A world where everyone can nurture and share their unique greatness. As human beings, as innovators, empowering connections that matter is what we love to do and have always done, since day one. We were made for this.

SMART embraces the challenges of an ever- evolving world, growing ourselves and revolutionary tech alongside it. It’s why we design solutions in the name of flexibility and accessibility for all.

1.Who could’ve foreseen a global pandemic cancelling all the in-person events our business depends on? From personal sales meetings, product demos, showcases, professional development to large scale annual trade shows and conferences – everything was halted. As a 30+ year events heavy, experientially focused company, we were left to figure out what to replace these tried and tested methods with.

2.The relationship between environment and experience is something we value strongly and build into our solutions at every turn.

That’s why, this past year, we ran headlong into the challenges of connecting people completely virtually. We seized the unique opportunity to play with the relationship between environment and learning by re-imagining what an online conference experience could be. From global roundtables to inspiring keynotes, we connected passionate education and business leaders across the world. Creating the SMART 360 platform to amplify bold voices, uncover new solutions, and inspire.

3.Instead of people coming to a big trade show or single event, we were able to come to them, with an expanded array of offerings and time. It optimized and preserved these custom experiences and content so they could live on and be shared endlessly. SMART 360 has garnered 7194 global attendees from diverse rolling events with a 37% conversion rate on 19,269 registered users in over 150 countries expanding our brand and product awareness beyond what was imaginable just a year ago. This immersive environment empowers attendees all over the world to easily browse evergreen content, attend live virtual events, receive support, network, and most importantly power the connections that matter – everywhere.

4.We grew our events team by 43% dedicating new resources to SMART 360 - Over 32 hours of 39 Live and Semi-Live Sessions covering multiple global time zones 5.13 regional sessions delivered in 9 different languages 32 exhibit hall booths with 9 dedicated to Channel - Over 6K views of 39 different sessions 10,890 virtual booth visits

Education innovation of the year Nominee Samsung Flip 4 interactive whiteboard The Samsung Flip 4 provides teachers and students a high-quality education experience with enhanced usability and specialized features to meet ever-changing education needs. Newly added USB Type C connectivity provides integrated video control and power (65w charging). The touch latency is the industry’s fastest, and the multi touch feature allows simultaneous touch for up to 20 people on 85-inch clear UHD display. The Flip 4’s intuitive control panel, full sound speakers and brightness control sensors enhance the overall classroom experience and enables seamless video communication in a remote or hybrid classroom environment.

1.The Flip 4 provides integrated video control and power functionality through USB-C support. The product additionally features a versatile selection of connectivity options, including USB, HDMI, DP and screen sharing. The recently added built-in OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) slot, ensures the Flip 4 is accessible from a variety of devices and allows users to connect to preferred third- party education solutions and to school information systems. When teaching a class, the Flip 4 works seamlessly in the background to allow teachers to focus on engaging their students.

2. The Flip 4’s touch latency is 20ms, which is the fastest in the industry and improves the speed of touch through prediction logic. Also, people can write and draw on the large display using any object as a writing tool. Users can quickly erase the drawings with a finger or palm swipe.

3.The Flip 4 is equipped with seven-button front control panel comprised of the most used features including: the home screen, freeze frame, black screen, note on, volume and power. With the front control panel, users can access seven features immediately by just clicking a button, maximizing user convenience. From a UX perspective, since the upper part of the Flip 4 is hard to reach, the menu bar is now accessible in the middle or left/right side of the display. Furthermore, the Window menu bar is placed at the bottom to provide a more intuitive user experience.

4.The Flip 4 provides optimal usability through flexible brightness display control according to external light or brightness inside the classroom. The anti-glare film is applied to prevent the reflection of outside light when writing to better keep the attention of students and ensure important lessons deliver a lasting impression for optimized student performance and progress.

Additionally, a total of four front and rear facing speakers boast enhanced output with rich sound quality especially for classroom environment.

5.Users can power faster device interactions with less load time with 17% more memory (RAM), upgraded from 3G to 3.5G and a storage increase from 16G to 32G. Samsung displays paired with Cisco’s and starting in the second quarter of 2022, Microsoft Teams and Google Duo’s intelligent video conferencing platforms featuring auto- framing and speaker setting, create a seamless video experience for students and teachers. These enhanced col-

laboration capabilities empower any teacher to lead their class while encouraging students to develop new ideas without the hassle of any technical difficulties.

Awards Finalists Nominee

Nominee

Lumio SMART Technologies

Clevertouch Impact Plus Gen 2, Clevertouch Technologies

The project was needed in response to the international pandemic as schools had gone into lockdown. Many schools were not prepared for what was happening, schools were at different stages of their EdTech journey. Suddenly children were not in school and teachers still had to deliver learning. A project was required which would enable schools to deliver learning remotely so that all children could continue to access lessons. SMART's Lumio (formerly SMART Learning Suite Online) helped make this possible.

•SMART worked closely with a Demonstrator School based in the Midlands who was able to cascade support and information across over 100 schools nationally.

•No two schools were alike which meant Pheasey training required a different plan of action for each. Support ranged from infrastructure development, staff training, increasing confidence levels to proper software selection. Pheasey proudly showed schools what had worked well for the children of their primary school including the use of SMART software and the impact that it had on teaching and learning both in class and in full lockdown using a hybrid model.

•SMART Learning Suite software including Lumio, has promoted active learning for youngsters during very difficult and challenging

The Impact Plus is Clevertouch's fifth-generation large format interactive display and is part of the award-winning Clevertouch Plus series. The new Impact Plus meets the needs of the modern classroom, designed as a resource-saving device for teachers, by teachers. This isn't just a touchscreen. It's a complete teaching solution that comes with software and tools to engage pupils and make everyday teaching tasks easier to perform. There is no lag, no messing around with USB sticks or laptops, and no delay in starting your lesson off right with the Impact Plus.

1. Impact Plus is a teachers' favourite because it is a walk-in and use screen that doesn't require a laptop or USB to be plugged in for the teacher to begin a lesson. Lux User interface is designed to be just one click away from any of the screen features. It comes packed with software and apps that enable teachers to start creating interactive, fun and engaging lessons in minutes – lessons that would have previously taken hours to produce.

2. Clevershare allows teachers to cast, share and annotate onto the screen from their laptop, tablet or mobile.

3. Teachers with years of carefully crafted lesson plans can continue to use them on their new Plus device. Lynx software automatically converts Smart, CFF and IWB files without losing features, formatting or essential data.

4. No need for teachers to connect a laptop to use the screen as all existing lessons can be accessed via their cloud accounts. But if teachers choose, there is a built-in PC. 5. Our teacher-led product development strategy means that we know what teachers need because it is easy for them to tell us. In addition, Clevertouch prides itself on having a direct channel with the people using the screens, enabling the development team to quickly incorporate requested features and technology advancements directly into the product development programme, ensuring every new generation of Impact Plus stays relevant to the teachers using it.

Nominee

times enabling a familiar classroom environment anywhere. Providing thousands of children access to remote learning with personalised activities and online assessments. This would not have been possible without SMART software. It streamlined planning for teachers with accessible files for students whether at home or in class. It gave every learner an equal voice whether at the back of the class or across town learning remotely. And kept kids logging on making learning fun and engaging with game-based activities like Monster Quiz. This was clearly shown through Pheasey Learners with the last week in lockdown attendance online continuing to be above 90%.

•During the first round of support 48 Demonstrator Schools across the country supported 4,000 schools and colleges, 200,000 teachers and 2 million students.

•The Demonstrator round 1 focused on the response to the pandemic and helped ‘fight the fire’ in response to the education crisis. As we have now moved in the second wave of Demonstrator Support which looks to help schools bring a sustainable approach to their tech use to develop children’s skill set for the 21st century and beyond – SMART will be there to support. https://go.smarttech.com/pheasey-dfe

Lightware Visual Engineering Cisco Webex functionality

Nominee Lightware Taurus Switchers The AV team at Edinburgh Napier University manages several AVequipped rooms. The university also pivoted to a hybrid model to accommodate students and faculty who need to log-in remotely or travel to and from campus. The university is installing AV kits in more than 40 rooms for easier device connectivity, with Lightware Taurus UCX switchers as the main hub. Users connect to a Taurus switcher through one USB-C cable combining video, audio, control, Ethernet signals and begin sharing content. Using Lightware technology, the university is adapting to the trends reshaping education while meeting the technology expectations of students and faculty.

1.Lightware is the only manufacturer offering a one box solution for allowing laptops to utilise in-room USB peripherals 2. Taurus UCX has enabled the flexibility of choice with which soft codec to use. Zoom/Teams/WebEx/GoToMeeting, we are completely agnostic and therefore the end user does not have to decide upfront and commit to a native solution that may not offer features they need later on 3. Lightware’s solutions provides lecturers and students the bene ts and flexibility of ‘plug and play’ BYOD capabilities, with ease-ofuse, first- class experience and a user-friendly interface

supply) required. Just connect to the internet, the software and firmware will update to the latest version and you are ready to go.

Manage all devices centrally via Zoom Admin Portal or DTEN's Orbit portal 3.Affordable: Our range comes at a price point that means even very small businesses can justify the cost of our solutions. In addition, with our DTEN GO and MATE which has a list price of £1,149, companies can utilise their existing screens to create a collaborative touchscreen.

4.Designed for any workspace: Our DTEN range provides users with a full suite of tools that fit perfectly in almost any workspace.

From home offices to huddle spaces and up to boardroom scenarios, with the same ease of use and quality of audio and video.

5.Reliable, Professional Experiences: DTEN removes all the cables, components and complexity from meeting room solutions.

So, you can say goodbye to the familiar experience where you have trouble starting your meeting because the last user unplugged a cable or changed the input on a screen. Just simple, reliable, one touch meetings every time. The Audio & Video AI in DTEN devices does all the smart work to ensure you have a professional grade meeting every time. Adaptable to different meeting types and various room layouts & situations.

Collaboration Innovation Nominee DTEN DTEN is changing the way people connect and collaborate through immersive, video-first devices and subscription services. Our solutions are found in businesses, schools, homes and hybrid environments worldwide, delivering intuitive, high- quality and real- life video conference experiences for every meeting space. As a recipient of multiple international awards, DTEN is recognised for plug- and-play simplicity, superior audiovisual clarity, and fluent, elegant designs. DTEN was founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Jose, California; Zoom Video Communications, Inc. is an investor.

1.Powerful Collaboration Tools DTEN technology for Zoom powers immersive meeting experiences; our smart camera and advanced audio technology deliver lifelike face-to- face experiences with the added benefit of whiteboarding and sharing documents.

2.No, IT Required: Our solutions are truly plug and play and can be set up straight from the box in minutes. DTEN devices come with ZoomRooms preloaded and have just one cable (the power

Lightware was recently used to add video functionality in a high pro le installation undertaken at the headquarters of a major London capital investment company. Systems Integrator, Display Manager appointed Lightware for the remodelling of meeting rooms & conference rooms in the building.

The client wanted a unified, one button call-start in all rooms but the initial planned for Cisco Webex solution required a third-party system controller for the project, which made that difficult.

Lightware’s switchers, MMX4x2-HT200 and MMX8x4-HT420M, specifically designed for conference room environments provided the superior integration to the Cisco product that was required to deliver a first-class user experience.

1.Most Cisco Webex Devices have only one HDMI input. A Lightware switch can add multiple inputs, and formats such as Display Port, DVI, VGA and USB-C, greatly expanding the functionality with no need for various dongles at the meeting room table or hidden in a local credenza 2.Lightware switching products work with Cisco Touch 10 room control panels, require zero programming and can be easily configured to directly communicate with Cisco Webex Devices in collaboration rooms.

3.Lightware’s open API environment meanwhile makes it possible for every bit of data to be openly available for higher level management, monitoring, and control applications. That meant that not only could a much greater rang 4.With budgetary pressure also being applied to the project due to the pandemic, the cost- effectiveness of the Lightware solution also became a contributing factor and the decision was made to add them to the specification

Nominee Crestron Flex The Crestron Flex platform helps bring out the best in every meeting room and home office. Crestron Flex offers the ease and simplicity of one solution — all from one company. Crestron Flex has the hardware that makes collaboration easy with desktop phones, tabletop and front of room devices. From any Crestron Flex device, you control everything you need from scheduling a meeting room and launching your presentation to starting a videoconference and adjusting lighting, shades, and climate. With Crestron Flex you can have a native Microsoft Teams or Zoom Rooms meeting experience plus connect any device for a BYOD experience.

1.Crestron Flex is a single platform that is easy to use, easy to deploy, and easy to support.

2.Crestron Flex provides purpose-built devices that deliver intelligent video, clear, crisp audio, localized AV, content distribution, and video conferencing.

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Feature 3. The Crestron Flex Digital Workplace Technology platform provides an effective utilization of workspaces that include solutions for room and desk booking, space availability, and space usage metrics.

4.Crestron Flex is scalable and allows you to easily add or change spaces, easily understand utilization, and easily support all spaces.

5. Crestron Flex is ideally equipped for mass deployment throughout any sized facility.

Nominee SMART TeamWorks SMART TeamWorks Software is an end-to-end visual collaboration solution designed to leverage the power of SMART Board interactive displays for fast, flexible and limitless collaboration. SMART TeamWorks software helps empower teams to collaborate across places and time zones and attain better productivity. It supports more effective meetings and deeper contribution by allowing for simultaneous interactions between colleagues and works in conjunction with any web- based conferencing - including Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

The TeamWorks platform continues to innovate with the release of the new TeamWorks 4 in 2021.

1.Dynamic content creation: · Connected whiteboard supporting dynamic content · Pressure-sensitive, intelligent, and contextual inking for a fast and fluid inking experience. · Unlimited sticky notes to add ideas and files. · Pull content from and save meeting recaps to OneDrive 2.Automatically convert hand drawings to objects.

3.Choose from a variety of meeting templates.

4.Speech to text conversion and voice commands.

5.Limitless collaboration: · Wirelessly screencast up to eight devices to the SMART Board and share with remote colleagues using any conferencing solution so everyone is on the same page, for accelerated innovation. · Participants can join and contribute to the whiteboard from devices via meeting PIN, QR code or ultrasonic pairing using the free Contributor app available for iOS, Android and Windows.

Sustainability Innovation of the Year Nominee Clevertouch Technologies (a Boxlight Brand Boxlight Ltd) A NASDAQ listed company, Boxlight’s Clevertouch Technologies rebranded in March 2021 from Clevertouch to combine all of our manufacturing solutions under one umbrella. We make worldclass, market-leading and award-winning innovative technologies for all meeting, open spaces, classrooms and software solutions that embrace the communication and collaborative needs of ed-

P26 AV News January 2022

ucators and corporate clients alike. We do this with the end customer in mind and every solution is created to make life easier for them. Clevertouch supplies not only leading technical products but also ClevertouchLive to control and update all your products whilst also managing your digital signage. We are an innovator.

1. We have moved 60% of our internal and external meetings online: As a company, we have moved to an online-first model where if a meeting or demonstration can take place online without the need for travel, then this is our first choice. This has allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint while still ensuring customer satisfaction.

2. 50% reduction in packaging and localised warehousing to reduce transportation: In 2021, we redesigned our packaging to allow more units to fit in a container, thus reducing transportation.

We also opened localised warehousing, meaning we can reduce the need to ship smaller deliveries across the globe.

3. Clevertouch recycling scheme - for old equipment: We offer all end users the chance to let us recycle their old products regardless of brand. These units are refurbished and provided to developing countries. Where we are unable to refurbish, we ensure these are recycled correctly.

4. All company cars moving to Tesla from 2022.

5. Technological improvements Our environmental sensors observe the room’s ideal levels of humidity, dust, pollution and allergens in the air to allow you to ensure optimum levels for air quality monitoring to improve health and well-being. Our latest digital signage solutions are designed to reduce the need for printed material within education, healthcare and corporate environments.

Nominee Samsung Samsung’s global 2022 sustainability initiative strives to incorporate environmental sustainability into everything it does. The company’s products are thoughtfully designed to minimize their impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle – from the planning and manufacturing stages to their use and 100% recycled materials packaging. As part of the initiative, Samsung will increase the use of recycled plastics as product components to reduce carbon emissions by 77,000 tons. Samsung also increased resource circularity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions with eco-friendly resin made from recycled plastic. Samsung is focused on reducing waste, promoting energy efficiency, and conserving resources throughout display products.

1.As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, Samsung’s production line will increase the use of recycled plastics made

from marine waste materials, which include plastics, metals, rubber, paper, and textiles as components in all Samsung TVs and monitors - reducing carbon emissions by more than 77,000 tons.

2.Samsung will receive Its First Global Carbon Footprint Certification for Signage and obtain Carbon Trust’s CO2 measured product carbon footprint label, paving the way for carbon reduction. Samsung will be able to cut the carbon emission of the smart signage through enhanced production efficiency. Additionally, Samsung will launch an evaluation system to track the carbon emissions of all its visual display products in 2022.

3.Samsung’s approach to packaging is simple and focused on conserving resources, reducing waste, and promoting reuse. For example, our 2021 TVs featured boxes made with 100 percent recycled materials. Our 2021 eco-packaging program was born to create sustainable packaging, first by reducing oil-based ink printing and then with a dot- matrix design so that anyone can create a functional piece for home by giving a second use to the packaging of their TV or monitor. Now, as part of our 2022 sustainability initiative, we are making the items inside the box more eco-friendly by reducing the amount of ink used in packaging, replacing all of the staples used at box edges with glue and reducing the box assembly time by 20%. By minimizing text and graphic imagery on

the Eco- packaging, the oil-based ink from colour printing that’s traditionally used on TV or monitor boxes is eliminated, helping to further reduce waste. Samsung’s Eco-Packaging program is not only focused on inspiring consumers to recycle, but also to re-use and re-purpose cardboard packaging.

4.To prevent consumers from throwing away old remote-control batteries that are wasteful and hazardous to the environment, Samsung introduced the industry’s first SolarCell Remote that is battery-free, features an RF harvesting Antenna and re-charges from the lights inside your home. This all-in-one remote has sustainability built-in and is made from regenerated resin made from recycled plastics, making it easy to control external devices and support the environment at the same time. The 2022 enhanced SolarCell Remote uses technology that generates electricity from radio frequencies from devices like Wi-Fi routers, to power the remote day and night. With our new SolarCell Remote, we hope to eliminate nearly 400 million batteries from landfills.

5.Additionally, Samsung is rethinking consumers’ device set-up and daily product usage to increase energy efficiency. Traditionally, when your TV or monitor is plugged in but not turned on, it is still consuming energy using standby power. As a solution to this, Samsung is committed to reaching .004 watts of standby power in all Samsung TVs and monitors by 2023.

Nominee Konftel Konftel is a leading company within collaboration endpoint solutions. We created the world’s first commercial conference phone and since 1988, our mission has been to help people in businesses around the world to have meetings regardless of distance. We are Climate Neutral Certified, offering customers an option to purchase video conferencing equipment while keeping a clear climate conscience. Products are sold globally under the Konftel brand and our headquarters are based in Sweden. Read more about the company and our products at konftel.com

1.Konftel’s entire product portfolio is Climate Neutral certified. This means all greenhouse gas emissions have been offset across all aspects of the business 2.Konftel became the first company in the UC sector to secure this status 3.It has been secured for the second consecutive year and we are working towards new targets for next year 4.We are constantly looking at new ways of reducing our impact on the planet. As well as the investment in its carbon credit programme, Konftel will continue to reduce future business travel by staff. We have replaced all plastic packaging for accessory cables with paper-based alternatives.

5.Furthermore new pledges include all company owned cars becoming electric by the end of 2021. Konftel will ‘climate-optimise’ packaging for all deliveries sent from its head office. This includes replacing plastic bubble wrap with recycled paper, minimizing carton sizes, switching from plastic tape and using thermal labels that require less energy and generate less waste. In addition Konftel will explore options for improved energy efficiency at its biggest manufacturing sites.

Gem Series. We have created the most powerful, engaging touchscreens for education and corporate enterprises.

Opinion

G-TOUCH® SAPPHIRE RANGE

G-TOUCH® RUBY RANGE

G-TOUCH® EMERALD RANGE

FEATURES What’s new with Genee in 2022?

It’s another exciting and innovative year for Genee! Genee has been a UK manufacturer for over 17 years and is proud to still develop and support its customers from their head office based in Wolverhampton.

Multi Touch

Dual Pen

In 2022, Genee have just revolutionised their interactive touchscreen range. The all-new Gem Series gives end users the opportunity to pick a touchscreen that fits their requirements. The Gem Series consists of the Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald and screen sizes range from 55” all the way up to 98”!

Unlike most other manufacturer’s, Genee does not charge a subscription fee for its white boarding software. SPARK II is an interactive white boarding screen software; it provides a presenter or teacher with an infinite canvas area. As well as importing documents and images from local files or the internet, this software will run over the top of other applications allowing you to annotate, highlight and manipulate objects.

OPS Slot

Blue Light Filter

Anti-Glare

them to deliver these new hybrid lessons, have been critical. Even before the pandemic, Genee has been at the forefront of creating software to allow remote and collaborative learning with software such as Project Flow and Learn Hub.

Front Facing Speakers

5 Year Warranty

the full multi-touch capabilities are revealed.

G-Touch screens have always offered businesses the ability to operate in hybrid working environments. The all-new G-Touch connect bundle takes this further and give businesses a seamless working environment. The G-Touch Connect Bundle includes the G-Touch® Emerald with, USB Type C, all in one camera with 20 MP 4K Super wide 133° Field of View, microphone and speaker.

The connect bundle also includes the G-Touch® Smart video conferencing AI software which features Auto Framing and Speaker Tracking. Users can also choose from a i5 or i7 intel OPS unit.

The Gem Series consists of the Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald range. Each range Project Flow is a cloud-based lesson delivery tool like no other; has been created to give end users the opportunity to pick a touchscreen that allowing presentations, activities, questions and work to be sent directly to student devices. It offers automated differentiation and fits their requirements.

All of the Gem Series have 4K displays, 5-year onsite instant feedback on student performance to the teacher. Teachers needand to ensure thatWindows, all students are performing to the Chromebook best of their warranty are Mac and compatible. abilities and that lesson content is targeted to students’ individual needs and learning styles. Not only that but ensuring that students have understood all concepts before moving onto the next, is crucial to embed the learning. If the class contains individuals who have not fully grasped a particular concept, teachers need to be able to dedicate time to assisting and helping these students.

Whether businesses or schools continue as normal or change back

View our touchscreens and other products first at learning our very to hybrid environments, Genee has you covered. Unlike most other manufacturers Genee’s support is provided by their inown Genee Interactive Day! We will be hosting our very house team in theown UK. This is to give end users the confidence that they will always have the support they require. events in the new year so watch this space!

Multi-user gamification

It comes with a range of tools such as a Compass, Protractor, Ruler etc. It also has Science and Maths Content built within it. SPARK II also has the ability to import Smart Notebook Files and Microsoft 365 files, meaning teachers do not have to recreate their lessons! SPARK II is available for FREE on all G-Touch screens and on all teacher and student devices.

Supporting hybrid wotking With the uncertainty around COVID-19 and the spread of the new variants, Genee believes that hybrid education and hybrid working environments will continue into 2022.

Educators from all over the world have had to change the way they can deliver lessons and for many having technology that allows

P28 AV News January 2022

Designed specifically around multi-user gamification, Learn-Hub is a cloud-based software that includes nine fully adaptable learning activities. Activities are designed for Early Years & Primary students and can be customised and configured by the teacher to meet any level or topic of work. All activities are fully customisable with a simple interface to allow teachers to take full control.

Teachers can also save, print and record student results. Up to 4 students at the same time can utilise the activities competitively and when used on an interactive screen (such as G-Touch Tables)

To experience the latest Genee innovations call us now to book your very own Interactive Day! Genee is committed to keeping their staff and customer safe, this is why in 2022 Genee will be creating their own hybrid events to allow a safer environment to experience their technology.

Call us now for more information

01902 390 862

Call Sat or John now to book your spot!

sales@genee-group.com 01902 390 862

ISE 2022 Preview

ISE 2022 Booth Guide

When we set out to write this piece, the space was to be shared with the Bett preview. With postponement of the Bett shoe, its preview has been put back to the February 2022 issue – in time for the new March dates for Bett. In some respects the changes have been fortunate, with interest in ISE running at near fever pitch. What follows is a brief account of what you will be able to see in Barcelona. In the profound hope that the in-person event will take place.

Avocor Booth 2-F200/2-E250

Barco Booth 3D400.

Discover the revolutionary interactive display technologies for the enterprise that are shaping the way we work, connect and learn.

Avocor is exhibiting several new innovations at ISE 2022 including the full Google Meet Series One product portfolio. ISE will be the first time, since the strategic partnership with Google was announced in August 2021, that both products will be showcased side-by-side.

“ISE is the meeting place for the brightest ideas, smartest people, and most life-changing innovations to come together a create real, direction change in every market sector. We can’t wait to debut Google Meet Series One at ISE 2022 in Barcelona.” Said Scott Hix, CEO, Avocor. “With Google Meet Series One Desk 27 and Board 65, we’re now able to offer everyone meeting equity through shared devices for team meeting spaces and a personal device for

Marking the 17th year since it became a founding member, Barco, a leading visualisation and collaboration specialist, has announced confirmation of its plans to return to ISE 2022, with a dynamic and experiential 304 m2 showcase. Building on its reputation as a pioneer in LED technology, Barco will offer visitors the chance to discover its very latest display innovation, with the exclusive launch of its flagship direct view LED platform. Setting a new standard in the design of LED video walls, this platform, with its first-in-class quality and extra security and services, offers a premium visualisation solution that is built to last. Easy to install and maintain, it is designed for a reliable seamless, and unmatched viewing experience in any lighting, which makes it ideal for use in a whole host of applications, including control rooms, as well as corporate and broadcast environments.

Demonstrating its expertise in immersive experiences, Barco will also be creating its own spectacular projection mapping showcase, using its powerful UDX projectors and content from Dirty Monitor to bring a large-scale jewel to life on the booth. Additionally, visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the future of hybrid meetings in the experiential, two-floor ClickShare Tower. The showcase is on course to be the first large-scale in-person demonstration of the ClickShare range, as well as the ClickShare App. Demonstrating the power of the ClickShare App and its PresentSense functionality, the ClickShare Tower will enable customers to discover, first-hand, a truly room agnostic solution that can deliver transformative “walk in and connect” meeting experiences.

The timing of the display will come at a pivotal moment in the

your desktop - elevating the ability to see, hear and participate from anywhere - helping customers to connect and succeed in the evolved modern workplace.”

Visitors to the Avocor booth will also see it’s recently launched E Series and the Teams-certified W Series. Available in four sizes, ranging from 55” to 86”, the E Series features optically bonded glass in a 4K IR interactive display format. This impressive combination delivers a smooth, leading-edge touch technology display solution - at an exceptional value – and is ideal for all sizes of office, classroom, meeting room and huddle space applications.

The W Series is ideal for focus and small meeting rooms, corporate and home offices. Both the Teams-certified 65" WCD AVW-6555 and the all-in-one AVW-5555 interactive touch screens offer an integrated, high-quality conference camera with a microphone array and audio optimized for use with UC platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

into the future of the LED market and the role of its LED technologies for both the Digital Signage and Control Room Summits, the company will be sharing market predictions on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for hybrid working at the Smart Building Conference.

“We’re excited to be returning to ISE”, commented Inge Govaerts, Head of Corporate Communications at Barco. “With the change of venue, it feels like a new chapter for the industry, especially after such a tumultuous eighteen months. While we will be continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation very closely, we believe that ISE 2022 presents a valuable opportunity, giving us the platform to launch our products and connect to a global audience. Although certainly challenging, the last couple of years have fostered unprecedented creativity, driving us to innovate at pace to support new trends that were accelerated by the advent of the pandemic.

With the Barco ISE 2022 exhibit, we now have the chance to bring these new products together under one roof to show customers, old and new, the monumental technological progress made.”

“Perfectly reflecting this year’s ISE theme about reimagining the future, our vast showcase is innovation-filled, bringing to life our vision of the potential of everything from offices and corporate spaces to operation centres and attractions. At ISE 2022, we hope to highlight meeting room and display innovations that can help everyone bridge the technology gap and successfully transition to a new era of more immersive and impactful interactions.”

Konftel Booth 2E450.

Collaboration device specialist Konftel will showcase its latest product developments at ISE, as video meetings continue to grow in popularity and shape new working trends. Konftel has developed a special room type guide to help resellers and their customers pinpoint the most appropriate products and set-ups – to cut through the conferencing jungle. The end-goal is video enabled meetings, always and everywhere - from personal workspaces, focus and huddle rooms to large multipurpose facilities.

ClickShare journey, marking the milestone of over one million ClickShare installations, and the acquisition of over two million ClickShare app users. A global thought leader in visualisation, as well as collaboration technologies, Barco will also be participating in a number of ISE 2022 summits. As well as revealing insights

Continued on page 30

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P29 AV News January 2022

ISE 2022 Preview Continued from page29

Konftel 70 video kits: The new Konftel 70 is a versatile high-performance speakerphone that blends exceptional audio quality with a stylish accolade-winning design. It forms the audio centrepiece of two new video kits – the C2070 and C5070 – which are part of Konftel’s entire Climate Neutral certified portfolio. The Konftel C2070 is a video solution for huddle to medium meeting rooms, uniting the Konftel Cam20 4K conference camera with the Konftel 70 speakerphone and its OmniSound audio quality. The Konftel C5070 is a more powerful video collaboration solution for medium sized meeting rooms, combining the Konftel Cam50 PTZ conference camera with the Konftel 70. Both include Konftel’s OCC Hub that brings everything together into one convenient kit, where a single USB cable is all that’s needed to connect the camera, sound unit and the room’s screen to the video meeting on a laptop.

Konftel Personal Video Kit: The Konftel Personal Video Kit creates conferencing convenience both for the home and traditional office – making it ideally suited to today’s growing hybrid working trends.

The package consists of the Konftel Cam10 webcam and popular Konftel Ego speakerphone, delivering business class performance with high levels of usability as part of a compact and portable overall design.

Konftel C50800 Hybrid: The Konftel C50800 Hybrid is a premium video collaboration solution for medium to really large meeting rooms. Delivering outstanding image and audio quality, the package combines the Konftel Cam50 PTZ conference camera and the Zoom Phone certified Konftel 800 conference device, with the Konftel OCC Hub for One Cable Connection.

Nureva Booth 2F250

Peerless-AV Booth 3F700 Peerless-AV will be demonstrating a host of dvLED mounting solutions, outdoor displays and indoor/outdoor kiosks at ISE 2022.

Showcasing the company’s expert capabilities in dvLED video wall mounting integration, visitors will see various flat to wall and custom shaped dvLED video wall showcases in partnership with key OEM partners and supported by SEAMLESS Kitted and Bespoke mounting systems. These systems offer the highest level of Z-adjustment to help overcome installation irregularities, ensure the dvLED pixels are aligned, and to guarantee that the entire mount creates one flat plane, regardless of wall imperfections. Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays for all-weather, extreme temperature applications, will also be on the booth, including the new 55” XHB553-EUK, which retains an unmatched IP rating and award-winning feature set but is now lighter in weight with significant mechanical and operating system enhancements that include thermal load diffusion, customised brightness scheduling, auto-source switching, power saving, and pixel shifting, to name a few.

Also on the booth will be the latest Universal Outdoor Digital Menu Boards (KOF555-1/2/3), designed to support leading 55" outdoor commercial display brands. The sleek, new Outdoor Digital Menu Board models can support up to three displays to enhance outdoor drive-thru efficiency, are all-weather rated, UL 48 certified and offer a low operating cost, modular design, and a simplified twoman installation process.

This will be Nureva’s first participation in a large-scale conference and trade show since ISE 2020, and there is a lot to catch you up on. Nureva is shaking up the audio space by making it dramatically easier and less expensive for customers to get the audio performance they need in larger meeting and learning spaces.

“ISE continues to be a significant event for Nureva, and we are

delighted to be back in 2022 to give attendees a first look at the many additions and developments to our expanding audio-conferencing product line,” said Nancy Knowlton, Nureva’s CEO. “Hybrid working and learning has never been more important, and our audio solutions avoid the significant costs and complexities that other systems inevitably come with when outfitting larger spaces. Nureva offers simple, reliable audio solutions that are easy to scale and support across a business or education institution.”

Nureva XT is an integrated end-to-end solution that combines Nureva audio with a camera and premium services for hybrid classrooms. Nureva’s booth in the Unified Communications and Education Technology Zone will show how the company’s game-changing audio conferencing systems make it easy and affordable to get consistent, full-room audio coverage in mid-size and large meeting and learning spaces. Nureva systems deliver the audio performance that customers demand without the cost and complexity associated with installation, setup and maintenance of traditional multicomponent DSP solutions. Powered by patented Microphone Mist technology, Nureva systems are the only audio conferencing products that fill a space with thousands of virtual microphones to provide full-room pickup. This allows students or meeting participants to be heard throughout the room regardless of their location, the direction they face or the presence of unwanted sounds such as HVAC fans.

The company will showcase numerous recent developments including the additions of Voice Amplification Mode for training rooms and classrooms, the launch of Nureva XT, the company’s newest offering for learning environments, and analytics and insights in Nureva Console that give IT staff information about device usage and acoustic performance. Visitors to Nureva’s stand can also learn about the Nureva Developer Toolkit, which includes a growing collection of cloud-based APIs and support documentation for Nureva audio systems, and the newest product integrations and certifications with Microsoft Teams, Logitech and Barco ClickShare.

P30 AV News January 2022

The mighty power of Mover was chosen by a breakthrough global experiential entertainment company, Illuminarium Experiences, which deployed an impressive 162 of them throughout the 8,000-square-ft room, making it the largest installation of the linear transducer to date.

Sharp/NEC Booth The newly formed Sharp/NEC joint venture offers significant value to its customers and partners through an enhanced portfolio of products and professional services that’s delivered by an integrated and strengthened team. The venture’s ISE debut this February will showcase its advantages. Highlights on show include innovative solutions for the future of hybrid working and connecting teams for successful remote collaboration, as well as the latest business-critical applications for the Transportation, Retail Signage and Higher Education sectors. The solutions rely on the combination of hardware with stunning image quality, intuitive software and user-focused design. Together, they offer customers unmissable opportunities to communicate better with customers and collaborate effortlessly with colleagues.

“At ISE 2022, Sharp/NEC invites our customers and partners to experience the synergy of innovation and expertise in our new joint venture”, says Ian Barnard, newly appointed Senior Vice President Marketing and Product Management at Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe. “Customers will see how much more they can expect from the unified approach we are forging at Sharp/NEC.

Powersoft Booth 7M700 Italian audio specialists Powersoft is offering the very best in DMD solutions, whilst simultaneously immersing visitors in an unforgettable haptic experience at ISE 202. Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution will take centre stage at the company’s main stand, , where experts are on hand to guide visitors through the functionalities that DMD has to offer system integrators.

Dynamic Music Distribution offers SIs the ability to scale inputs and zones conveniently and efficiently with dynamic routing capabilities embedded on its amplifier platforms. This makes it simple to dynamically route music and other signal sources along with control signals between different zones and across multiple amplifiers – all independently of source location and without the need for a centralised DSP. With a single four-channel Mezzo amplifier now able to drive up to four independent zones of audio, thanks to Powersoft’s new ArmoníaPlus 2.2 software release, the DMD ecosystem was the natural choice to bring to life the most tailored or bespoke experience making it ideal for bars, hotels, fitness centres and other hospitality venues where sound is part of the overall customer experience.

At Powersoft’s second stand is opposite the company’s the main stand – and a haptic experience like no other will be showcased.

Mover is a patented low-frequency direct-drive/tactile transducer designed to create the ultimate 4D experience. At the stand, visitors have the opportunity to become engulfed in the vibrations from 20 Movers situated under the floor panels and within walls, with an LED wall that displays content interacting with the transducer.

Adaptable to various purposes, including 4D cinemas, theme parks, or venues with vibrating acoustic floors - as well as applications that go beyond entertainment - Mover lets audiences feel the sound through haptic perception by vibrating the surrounding environment, which the human body picks up and, through bone conduction, stimulates the inner ear, translating the vibrations into perceivable frequencies.

Innovative 8K technology, for instance, brings unprecedented clarity and depth. The broader display product line-up of Sharp/NEC means user choice and flexibility. Moreover, our shared resources and commitment to quality give customers efficiency and sustainability.”

A perfect example of the joint venture’s possibilities will be on display in the New Work area of the booth. The array of new meeting and collaboration solutions will include the touch-responsive NEC MultiSync WD551 Windows Collaboration display that’s become an office necessity alongside the fusion between the Sharp L752B display and the new Synappx platform of applications and services that’s bringing smart home convenience into the workplace. Other industry verticals will find sections of the booth devoted to their needs as well. The solutions for Higher Education will include a fresh look at the projector line-up that’s become indispensable for any educational institution. Signage for Retail and Transportation is a fast-moving speciality where new Sharp/NEC solutions will surprise and impress visitors.

Additionally, Sharp/NEC will present the next generation of its versatile and future-proof Direct View LED solutions. Visitors can experience captivating content on the latest Direct View LED lineups, which offer easy setup and straightforward operation. The higher-end LED models have finer pixel pitches for the best viewing experience in even the brightest environments.

“ISE 2022 is an exciting opportunity to debut our joint venture, despite the challenging times that we are all experiencing”, Barnard notes. “ISE has long been an important gathering point for both Sharp and NEC, and we believe organisers are taking the appropriate measures to make the event safe and successful. We’re taking safety measures very seriously, and we see others doing that too.”

ISE 2022 Preview

Sharp/NEC Booth E600 in Hall 3 On stand E600 in Hall 3, Sharp/NEC will showcase the greater choice that comes from two leading brands under one umbrella, and how its latest visual solutions and technology innovations go “beyond expectation”.

Visitors will experience a synergy of innovation and expertise as Sharp/NEC forges a unified approach from which its customers can expect more. Innovation in 8K for instance brings more clarity and more depth; a broader product line-up brings more user choice and flexibility; whilst shared resources and a commitment to quality brings more efficiency and sustainability.

A perfect example of the joint venture’s possibilities will be on display in the New Work area. The array of new meeting and collaboration solutions will include the NEC WD551 Windows Collaboration display that’s become an office necessity alongside the fusion between the Sharp L752B display and the new Synappx platform of applications and services that’s bringing smart home convenience into the workplace.

Solutions for Higher Education will include a fresh look at the projector line-up that’s become indispensable for any educational institution. Signage for Retail and Transportation is a fast-moving speciality where new Sharp/NEC solutions will surprise and impress visitors.

Additionally, Sharp/NEC will present the next generation of its versatile and future-proof Direct View LED solutions. Visitors can experience captivating content on the latest Direct View LED lineups, which offer easy setup and straightforward operation. The higher-end LED models have finer pixel pitches for the best viewing experience in even the brightest environments.

To learn more about the Sharp/NEC stand, please visit the dedicated ISE 2022 web page.

speak with Sony experts about key trends and industry challenges such as hybrid working and learning environments, and improved quality in content sharing and collaboration with advanced AV technologies across corporate, education, and retail sectors. They will also experience the latest portfolio of products and solutions in person, with the chance to demo newer products for the first time since their announcement.

Highlights include:

Shure Incorporated Booth 3N250 In today’s hybrid environment, is key that organisations, regardless of their size, equip their teams with the ideal solutions to enable them to remain as productive as always. Shure understands that not all companies have the same resources and needs and will be showcasing at ISE 2022 its Microflex Ecosystem and Stem Ecosystem portfolio, that provide extraordinary audio to all customers that are looking for a best-in-class conferencing experience.

Shure also understands the importance of technology that easily pairs with other communication platforms, creating a flexible, user-friendly setup. For this reason, Shure has been leveraging and will continue to build synergetic partnerships that enhance collaboration and provide for more equitable meetings. This year only, Shure IntelliMix Room became the world’s first software-based digital signal processing (DSP) for AV Conferencing that achieved official certification for Microsoft Teams when installed on the Crestron UC-C100-T Flex video Conference System Integrator Kit. Similar strategic partnerships include not only Microsoft Teams but also Zoom, Webex by Cisco and Google Meet certifications.

Among other technological partnerships, the recently announced Shure and Logitech’s collaboration, ensures Microflex® Advance microphones are supported and tested for use with Logitech video collaboration devices. By pursuing these alliances, Shure emphasizes its commitment to always provide extraordinary audio capabilities for customers across multiple conferencing platforms.

•Two impressive Full HD and 4K x 2K Crystal LED displays with breath-taking visuals, ideal for automotive, retail, corporate lobbies, showrooms, and entertainment environments.

•The flagship BRAVIA® series of 4K professional displays, including the recently released 100” and 32” displays •The latest range of advanced 3LCD laser projectors demonstrated, including recently announced VPL-FHZ80 and VPL-FHZ85 •The full suite of TEOS workspace management solutions, alongside digital signage and meeting room management solutions •A range of Sony’s cutting-edge Education solutions including the SRG Camera, Beamforming Mic and Edge Analytics solution “After what feels like a very long time of everyone being unable to attend impressive and important events such as ISE 2022, it is great to be back and once again showcasing our range of products and solutions to visitors, customers, and partners, says Damien Weissenburger, Head of Sony Professional Displays and Solutions.

“Many of the latest products and solutions we have announced in the last 12 months will be showcased on such a large stage for the first time. So, for organisations in the corporate, retail and education sectors, it is our hope that the demonstrations of what Sony has to offer will spark curiosity and inspire creativity to push forward with new ways of working, learning, and living. We are constantly developing new ways to invoke emotion and connect people and brands through quality imagery and smart collaborative solutions, and we hope you will see this vision in full technicolour at our ISE 2022 booth.”

Vivitek / Delta Display Solutions Booth Hall 3 3D820

• New sustainable and flexible ways of working and learning in widely-embraced hybrid environment •Comprehensive range of powerful and flexible AV presentation solutions Mark your agenda from 1 to 4 February 2022 and book your FREE ticket with a special invitation code: Vivitek: QVO65AKR - Delta Electronics: LJTPVLTL

Utelogy Booth 2C420 Utelogy is returning to the ISE Show in 2022 with a full exhibit planned to highlight its new technology and platform innovations for the Connected World. A number of significant products will be featured at ISE, including High Availability, U-Manage Analytic

Tiles, Microsoft Teams Integration, and enhanced cybersecurity measures.

The company will also highlight its Utelligence program for industry standards around security and ‘agnosticity’ as well as the ‘Utelogy beyond the conference room’ initiative. This program is designed to integrate its platform with other elements of the workplace such as booking systems for deeper analytics, IoT, and BYOD to support the ever-growing hybrid workforce.

Vivitek, at Fira Barcelona, is set to bristle with innovation, new ideas and concepts that will take your AV experience Beyond Visual Communications into an exciting future!

• Evolution of Vivitek’s NovoEcosytem that combines Wireless Collaboration and Digital Signage

Sony Booth 3E400 Sony is set to demonstrate its cutting-edge corporate, retail and education products and solutions at ISE 2022 in Barcelona. With products and solutions designed to facilitate creative collaboration, flexibility and interesting experiences, Sony’s presence at ISE 2022 is set to inspire visitors and integrators looking to cater to the post-pandemic customer demand for cutting-edge ways to connect people with each other and their brand.

Visitors to the Sony booth at ISE 2022 will have the opportunity to

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P31 AV News January 2022

Rise Up. Reimagine.

Ignite the Future.

At ISE 2022 experience world leading audiovisual solutions and thought leadership that will transform your business.

Fira de Barcelona | Gran Vía 1-4 February 2022

A joint venture partnership of

Discover more iseurope.org

Peoplewatch

PEOPLEWATCH Pixotope has branched further into the North American market with the appointment of Tanner Woodward as a new Strategic Account Manager. Tanner joins Pixotope with extensive industry experience in Virtual Production services, as well as a knowledge of live event broadcasting from experience as a camera operator and workflow manager.

As Strategic Account Manager at Pixotope, Tanner will manage existing channel partners, establish new dealer networks, and work to further establish links with creative agencies and corporate institutions, drawing from previous roles in Mo-Sys Engineering and RED Digital Cinema. Tanner comments, “I am extremely grateful and excited for this opportunity with the Pixotope team. I believe that the most valuable tools simplify and streamline processes to empower creativity. Pixotope embodies this mindset thanks to its innovative tools, and I am honored to be part of the team.”

stand the importance of the technical expertise, teamwork and clear communication to ensure we go over and above our partners and their end clients expectations,” adds Pitt.

Thanks to the growing reputation of Visualization, the team has evolved and expanded over the years since the company’s conception. A decade of exponential growth has led the company to branch out into product distribution, maintenance, and support, alongside its engineering heritage, offering customers technical solutions hand in hand with the ultimate customer experience.

Digital Projection has confirmed the appointment of Josef Saller as its new regional sales manager for the DACH region. Saller’s appointment is the latest in an extensive recruitment programme centred on growth in the EMEA region. In his new role, he will be tasked with further developing the company’s business through a select network of new and existing partners.

Saller’s AV experience dates back to 2001, when he was product manager at MediaMarkt. He later worked for Samsung and LG for 13 years, where he built up an impressive network of customers, dealers and distributors. With this considerable experience, Josef is perfectly placed to enhance Digital Projection’s growing reputation for innovation and market leading products such as the revolutionary Satellite Modular Laser System.

“After my meetings with Dirk Siedle [Digital Projection’s director of sales, EMEA], it was clear to me that this is what I had been looking for over the last few years,” says Saller. “I wanted to work for a company with a talented team, top products, and varied activities and challenges. I would like to thank Dirk for the trust he placed in me and for bringing me on board. “I see the potential as huge, as some manufacturers are reducing their presence from the German-speaking region, Digital Projection are committed to investing in future growth. I think we have a lot of opportunities to do business here for a long time to come.”

Commenting on the appointment, Dirk Siedle says: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Josef. I know that his excellent reputation and track record within the industry is well justified and he will be pivotal in our development of the DACH markets going forward.”

and commitment to provide an exceptional customer experience.

“I feel very privileged to take on this new role with Lumen," said Flitton. “With its strong fibre footprint, industry-leading solutions, and customer-first approach, Lumen is uniquely positioned for continued business growth. I am excited about the opportunity to drive investments across the EMEA region, to ensure the network infrastructure remains current and ready to meet future demands.”

Flitton has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. He joins Lumen from GTT, where most recently he was vice president of global pre-sales, and formerly was vice president of business operations for EMEA. Previously, he also served as vice president of EMEA service delivery at Level 3 Communications and held leadership positions at Vodafone, spanning business planning and operations.

Lumen Technologies has announced the appointment of James Flitton as vice president of infrastructure strategy and business development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Pixotope has branched further into the North American market with the appointment of Tanner Woodward as a new Strategic Account Manager.

The LED Studio expanded its team in the US, retaining Greg Stocker of SportsTech Advisers as strategic advisor and appointing Zach Molin as its technology and project manager.

Greg Stocker from SportsTech Advisers takes on a consultative role for the company. A seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in the US sports and venue industry, Stocker will lend his knowledge to expand The LED Studio’s clientele and secure long-

Visualization UK managing director Nick Pidgeon has welcomed Ben Pitt back to the Visualization team, having appointed him as the company’s first employee in 2005. Pitt, who worked for the company for nearly 12 years covering install, rack build, staff training and quality assurance, left in 2017 to pursue a career managing high-end, rack and install projects within the marine sector.

Visualization’s diverse approach to technical solutions was the main driving force for Pitt’s return to the company: “With Viz taking such a different approach to technical solutions I can see new avenues to explore and build on my existing skillset, whilst contributing my experience and knowledge at the same time,” he says.

Digital Projection has confirmed the appointment of Josef Saller as its new regional sales manager for the DACH region.

Visualization UK welcomes back its first-ever employee, Ben Pitt, as lead project engineer.

As lead project engineer, Pitt will be responsible for overseeing the installation of specialist solutions and services on behalf of the company’s channel partners, from full Direct View LED installs through to rolling out unified communications. “I under-

Lumen Technologies has announced the appointment of James Flitton as vice president of infrastructure strategy and business development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He will report directly to Annette Murphy, managing director for EMEA at Lumen.

In this newly created role, Flitton will be responsible for lead- The LED Studio expanded its team in the US, retaining Greg Stocker of ing the infrastructure investment strategy for the EMEA region, to SportsTech Advisers as strategic advisor and appointing Zach Molin as drive business growth and transformation, and meet the evolving its technology and project manager. needs of enterprise and wholesale customers. His primary focus will be to further expand the reach and capabilities of the compa- term partnerships with US vendors. Stocker has a proven track ny's fibre infrastructure, which powers both core network services record of successfully increasing revenue for businesses within and the Lumen platform, which combines network, edge cloud, the technology industry, having fuelled a 1500% global growth at security, and collaboration solutions. He will oversee a multi-func- Click Effects, where he spent 15 years. tional organisation across infrastructure strategy, network access Greg Stocker, strategic advisor at The LED Studio comments: “The management operations, and commercial relationships.

LED Studio has a long-standing history of innovation and has been “We are delighted to welcome James to our EMEA leadership team behind many of the most exciting developments in the LED landand this pivotal role,” said Murphy. “Our extensive and powerful scape as an OEM for other brands. I am looking forward to helping global fibre network infrastructure is the core of Lumen and the connect this longstanding design-focused LED manufacturer with foundation of the Lumen platform, driving both our and our cus- vendors, influencers, and clients who could benefit from their extomers' success. James' experience is an ideal fit for the company, pertise and long-term partnership approach to business.” as we look towards future infrastructure investments to accelerate “Bringing their comprehensive offering of design, manufacturing growth and innovation and enable our customers to deliver amaz- and installation of LED display solutions to the US will provide ing things.” clients and partners with a unique and compelling offering that Flitton will also be instrumental in shaping and executing the over- will benefit the overall market in a multitude of ways. I am conall Lumen business strategy for EMEA, which centres around the fident that this innovation company will become an instrumental company's purpose to further human progress through technology, player in the LED solution space for years to come. I’m excited and

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Diary and Events Peoplewatch

PEOPLEWATCH honoured that The LED Studio has entrusted SportsTech Advisers to help navigate the roll out of these much-needed solutions into the US market.”

Zach Molin joins from Sensory Interactive where he played a pivotal role specifying technology for large-scale real-estate LED display installations throughout America. With a background in theatre lighting design and LED technology, Molin will combine his technical experience with project management to lead The LED Studio’s client projects on a global scale.

Zach Molin, technology and project manager at The LED Studio explains: “This role will enable me to mix my technical knowledge of LED display technology with my project management skills to ensure achievable results are delivered and reduce lead time by offering a true turnkey solution. Having direct access to The LED Studio’s portfolio and proprietary manufacturing hubs will allow me to have influence in the build, which is incredibly beneficial to the success of a project and so hard to come by in this market.”

Technological Innovations Group (TIG) has announced the appointment of Bjørnar Rendalsvik as its new Sales Engineer for the Crestron regional sales team in Norway. Reporting to Regional Sales Director in the Nordics, Stein Ramsli, Bjørnar will be responsible for delivering exceptional, tailor-made training for Crestron partners, supporting customers and the wider sales team with his vast technical knowledge. He will also ensure the customer's needs are met by keeping in close contact during and following the installation of projects, offering support where necessary. Bjørnar's responsibilities will further involve ensuring visitors to the TIG's Experience Space in Oslo have the best Crestron experience.

On his appointment, Stein comments: “The Sales Engineer is really the bridge between our market-leading technology and our end-customers and partners. Quality in both products and solutions is key for us to ensure the best customer experience and deliver ROI. Our Crestron technical community have to be bestin-class and Bjørnar with his long history working within the AV industry and with Crestron products fits in perfectly with this role.

His dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction, through his technical knowledge, is second to none. I'm happy and proud to have a person of Bjørnar`s calibre join our team in Norway!”

Bjørnar adds: “Having spent over 20 years in the AV industry in various positions and companies, it is with a tremendous amount of pride that I prepare to join the team here at TIG! The Crestron brand has always stood for quality, ease of use and innovation, and my aim is to provide our customer base and end-users with the right solutions and products to enable them to tell their own success stories and grow their businesses.”

Technological Innovations Group (TIG) has announced the appointment of Bjørnar Rendalsvik as its new Sales Engineer for the Crestron regional sales team in Norway.

Maverick AV Solutions has announced the appointment of Tanja Tschorn as Business Unit Director of the DACH region -comprising Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Tanja has served at Maverick AV Solutions since 2015, and most recently managed several key brand relationships for the Smart Signage portfolio alongside Joan Aixa in the Maverick European team.

As the new leader of the DACH region, Tanja brings extensive industry experience and a creative approach to driving sales and marketing and will ensure excellence for Maverick’s customers across the region, leading its collaboration and digital signage strategies and helping to innovate for its IT and AV customers.

Tanja Tschorn commented: “I am really looking forward to working

P34 AV News January 2022

to create a seamless experience alongside our partners and vendors. DACH is a very successful region for Maverick with huge roll-outs of both smart meeting and smart signage solutions.

There is a great opportunity to champion new recurring revenue solutions for our industry, such as Tech-as-a-Service, as video conferencing technology becomes central to the business operations of both enterprise and SME businesses. There has never been a more exciting time to take on the Maverick leadership of this region.”

Joel Chimoindes, vice president, Europe, Maverick AV Solutions commented: “Over the past six years Tanja has shown incredible skills and a team-focussed approach. From leading sales teams to spending the last year working across Europe, she exudes relentless energy and an entrepreneurial attitude. The DACH region is a great space for innovation with so many great projects in its industrial, automotive and technology markets, and Tanja and the teams across DACH are perfectly positioned to be the distribution partner of choice over the coming years.” Tanja will be based in Germany, working across all of Maverick's DACH territories.

Maverick AV Solutions has announced the appointment of Tanja Tschorn as Business Unit Director of the DACH region.

Vision has appointed Clément Goalic as Business Development Manager, France to further develop the mounts and connectivity brand’s channel.

Vision has expanded its European team with the appointment of Clément Goalic as Business Development for France to drive awareness of the brand and further build Vision’s network of AV and IT channel partners country-wide.

“We are seeing excellent growth in France for our mounts and connectivity solutions and have ambitious plans to grow further with a solid ‘customer first’ strategy,” says Stuart Lockhart, director of Vision.

“With Clément on board, we are able to provide enhanced support to our French channel partners – distributors, resellers and integrators,” Lockhart continues.

“Our partners look to us for support in their daily activities,” says Goalic, “and with a dedicated resource in France we are able to support them with requests, business needs, project management and presales operations as well as dedicated channel events and raised visibility of the Vision brand.”

Goalic brings deep experience of supporting IT and AV resellers and integrators gained in his previous role as Business Development Manager for Samsung large format displays and LED at Tech Data .

“Far too many displays are sold without the right mount or stand to deliver the best user experience to the end-user,” adds Goalic. “We are working with our partners to drive up the attach rate to simultaneously boost end-user experience and increase the value of the sale, with increased brand visibility and attach rate campaigns.”

Vision sells its proAV installation solutions including mounts, stands, connectivity devices and audio products exclusively through channel partners and supports user and partners alike DiGiCo names Austin Freshwater as the company’s new Managing Director. Freshwater has been General Manager since 2017, with the promotion also signalling a new era for long-serving MD James

Gordon who remains CEO of Audiotonix.

Genelec has further expanded its Nordic sales operation with the recent appointments of Mirko Ekberg and Fredrik Setterberg, both of whom bring with them a wealth of professional audio experience.

Ekberg joins Genelec’s Finnish team as Pro Audio Sales Manager, with responsibility for developing both Studio and MI dealer networks and building closer relationships with key studio customers.

With a combined 20 year track record of distinguished sales management with both Fender and the Luthman distribution group, Ekberg steadily progressed to the role of Chief Sales Officer for Finland and the Baltics for Luthman Nordic.

Setterberg joins Genelec’s own Swedish distribution team as Sales Engineer, focussing on pre-sales and sales support across the Studio, AV and Home Audio segments. With over two decades of industry experience in both sales and technical solutions, Setterberg will be providing expert assistance to dealers, systems integrators and end users alike with training, demonstrations and on-site loudspeaker system calibrations.

Ekberg comments that “Genelec is an amazing brand and I'm thrilled and excited to be given this opportunity to join the family. I’ve always loved the process of really getting to understand my customers, so I’m looking forward to building and maintaining close customer relationships and providing a premium service at all levels.”

“Having been in the industry for many years, Genelec has always been the go-to brand for me when working as an AV integrator,” adds Setterberg.

“In my new role as Sales Engineer, I’m now pleased to be able to assist Genelec’s Swedish customers across all segments with system design and both pre-sales and post-sales support.”

“We’re extremely happy to add two such experienced, skilled and respected professionals to our Nordic sales team,” concludes Mikko Tuomi, Genelec’s Nordic Sales Director. “In their individual roles they will strengthen our already robust team, bring us closer to our key business partners, and provide even higher levels of customer satisfaction.”

ProSource, the largest audio, video and integration buying group in the United States, today announced changes in leadership to the Board of Directors, electing Walt Stinson as Chairman and Bill Janka as Vice-Chairman/Treasurer. The transition of leadership is effective immediately. Stinson succeeds Murray Huppin, former Chairman, and Janka succeeds Stinson, former Vice-Chairman/ Treasurer.

“I have loved serving as the Board Chairman over the past 10 years, and I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to the success of ProSource as an officer of the Board," said Huppin, CEO of OneCall. "Walt has been my partner as Vice-Chairman, and I am excited for the great initiatives he will bring to the group as the new Chairman. Bill is a CTA leader and an outstanding addition to the ProSource Board as Vice-Chairman/Treasurer.”

“The ProSource Board is filled with outstanding entrepreneurs and innovators," said Stinson, Chief Executive Officer at ListenUp. "I am looking forward to serving as Chairman as we work together to develop and grow the capabilities of our organization. On behalf of the entire organization, thank you to Murray for your strong leadership over the past 10 years, and congratulations to Bill, who succeeds me as Vice-Chairman.”

“It has been a privilege to serve on the ProSource Board over the years, and I continue to be inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of our members," said Janka, President and CEO at Mission Audio Video. "I am looking forward to working with Walt and this dynamic Board to grow and expand upon the rich offerings ProSource has developed for the membership. I see a bright business future for the ProSource membership, and will relish being part of that in the role of Vice-Chairman/Treasurer.”

“The ProSource Board of Directors provides the organization with strong leadership representing decades of industry experience,” commented Dave Workman, CEO and President of ProSource.

“The organization is very fortunate to be guided by the talented executives that have been elected to serve the membership with their focus on the many initiatives dedicated to their success. We welcome Walt as our new Chairman and Bill as our new Vice-Chairman/Treasurer. We are also delighted that Murray will continue to serve as a ProSource Board member.”

Opinion

IT and facilities managers - the new heroes of hybrid?

The way organisations work is changing - again. Early in the pandemic, it was largely about survival mode. The focus was ensuring equipment, software and security was set up to allow employees to be productive remote workers. Now, organisations are turning their attention to the challenges of hybrid working and looking at how they can use it to create a real advantage. Jon Knight of Ascentae looks at: How the new conundrum revolves around balance; How to enhance the quality of the working experience, both for those in the office and those working remotely’ How to enable employees to work together, communicate and collaborate effectively - wherever they are.

Organisations are looking for answers. Smart technology presents opportunities for IT and facilities managers to deliver the goods and shine The time to step up is now Hybrid working is here and looks like it is going to stay.

Especially with Millennials and Gen Z employees appearing to embrace it.

According to an international survey from Talents in Motion, PwC and Con il Sud Foundation, young talent (74 per cent under 35 years of age) are interested in smart working - and many see hybrid as the way of the future. A McKinsey & Company study revealed almost half of 18-to-29-year-olds favour hybrid work. And Gartner’s 2020 Reimagine HR Employee Survey found two-thirds of Gen Z employees expect to be allowed to work remotely.

Organisations are having to work out what that means for office space, the remote and in-office employee experience, and people’s wellbeing. It presents some challenging questions. What office space do we need? How can we make our office hybrid ready? What meeting rooms will be needed? What technology is required? How do we scale that technology?

That doesn’t mean everyone has to wait for directors to take the lead. The issues around hybrid working present IT and facilities managers with opportunities to be pro-active. To become key players in successful transformation.

It requires a strong understanding of the challenges and upto-date knowledge about the

technology available to provide solutions.

Know your office space and meeting rooms IT and facilities managers can better understand the challenges by knowing their building like a teacher knows the pupils in their class.

Assess the plus and minus points of each room. Take ac-

count of health and wellbeing considerations such as social distancing. Are there the right size and number of rooms? In larger rooms, is the screen big enough for people to see everyone as more than a speck?

Does the ambient lighting reduce the power of the visuals?

Can everyone be heard clearly, in room and remote?

Use data and user feedback to identify issues or potential problems.

Avoid problems by letting smart AV lead the way There’s no getting around it.

On the tech side, a great hybrid meeting experience requires both good audio and visual.

Poor sound or low video quality means distraction, frustration and poor communications.

Cluttering of cables can make things messy - and create a potential health and safety issue. If only some participants can use the whiteboard or other collaborative tools, it means others are disenfranchised.

That’s going to leave employees and guest participants underwhelmed. Typically, it may result in IT callouts and complaints. That’s not great for reputation.

Smart technology, particularly if it offers all-in-one function-

ality, can help organisations get it right. It allows for more seamless, effective and productive meetings. Cutting-edge LED walls and video walls, for example, can create a memorable wow factor.

Make collaboration easy with Intelligent Tech Creating that great experience and wow factor for employees

and customers is not a futuristic vision. The tech is here now.

The smart play is to get to know what’s out there and how it im-

proves collaboration and meeting participation.

For example, MAXHUB’s Raptor Series of integrated LED walls makes it simple to create an immersive experience, whether employees are working remotely or in the office. It maximises space and declutters the meeting room - avoiding the jumble and hassle of multiple cables, devices and remote controls.

The all-in-one, edge-to-edge LED wall design provides a single continuous screen to match any room. Built-in video processing in this video wall means crystal clear image quality. Built-in speakers deliver studio grade audio clarity.

Onboard functionality makes content sharing simple and effortless, so participants and presenters can interact fully and more naturally with each other.

Smart tech allows people to work smarter in a hybrid world.

Serving better by taking the lead When IT and facilities managers understand the organisa-

tional and C-suite challenges in a more holistic way, they are better able to find solutions.

A good place to start is to ask more questions, better questions, of departments and teams. The extra knowledge helps managers when finding out what intelligent tech can do, both for today and tomorrow. It allows them to inform and influence the decision-makers.

Organisations who get this right will enjoy the best outcomes

around the new way of working. Yes, there are challenges ahead. But they present an opportunity for IT and Facilities managers to be true heroes of hybrid.

Sources: Talents in Motion, PwC and Con il Sud Foundation Survey: https://www.talentsinmotion.org/it/risorse/think-tank-forum/talents-in-motion-live-1.html McKinsey & Company Survey (reported by BBC): https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210729-why-youngerworkers-want-hybrid-work-most Both the above cited in a Forbes article on ‘Hybrid Working Models: Why employees’ well-being must be a priority’: https://www. forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2021/12/06/ hybrid-working-models-why-employees-well-being-must-remain-a-priority/?sh=341ac34c315b MAXHUB Raptor Series: https://ascentae.com/products/maxhub/

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Diary and Events

ISE 2022 ‘Ignites the Future’

With seven conferences covering key vertical markets, professional development programmes from AVIXA and CEDIA, and a host of new show floor stages and events, ISE 2022 will inspire, educate and delight attendees.

ISE is pleased to announce details of its extensive thought leadership programme for 2022. This rich content offering will help attendees delve into the issues affecting market verticals, get up to speed with the latest technology developments and discover what the future holds for the industry.

With a packed schedule of conferences, wide-ranging education offerings from AVIXA and CEDIA, and show floor stages and networking lounges, ISE 2022 is designed to ensure that all attendees, whether from the AV channel or end-user community can empower themselves to ‘ignite the future’.

Integrated Systems Events Managing Director Mike Blackman said: “A visit to ISE is much more than the exciting

show floor. Not only do visitors get to see the latest innovations from world-class brands in pro AV, but there is also a huge choice in inspiring education and conference programmes which uncover hidden gems, showcase a world of opportunities, and address vital issues that today’s organisations face in getting back to business.”

Seven conferences through the week of ISE will target key vertical markets served by the pro AV industry; full details of the conference programme are available on the ISE website.

Topics covered include creating safe, sustainable, smart buildings; innovations re-shaping the workplace; the new agenda in digital signage and exploring the strategies, learning models and trends that are driving the deployment of digital learning technologies in universities, schools, corporate bodies and training facilities.

Learn about cutting-edge AV solutions and the latest industry trends at the AV Experience Zone produced by AVIXA. Pre-

Integrated Systems Events Managing Director Mike Blackman: “Our programme is designed to provide inspiration and support for every level of the business.

sented in Spanish, this show feature will showcase flawlessly executed AV projects and present customer testimonials from the most talented and experienced professionals in the sector. This second edition of the AV Experience Zone is aimed at end-users from major vertical markets, professional technicians, and includes sessions for students across its four-day programme.

“AVIXA is excited for the return of the AV Experience Zone at ISE – a lineup of free sessions presented in Spanish throughout the week that will examine the latest trends in pro AV,” said Sarah Joyce, Chief Global Officer, AVIXA. “We’ll explore topics such as unified communications for the corporate and hospitality sectors, new experiences through creativity and digital signage solutions for retail, digital solutions for education, AV’s role in the evolution of traditional broadcasting to new platforms, and much more.”

CEDIA is also hosting a com-

prehensive Professional Development Programme together with workshops and sessions.

Matt Nimmons, CEDIA EMEA’s Managing Director, explained: “The long-term success of our industry is reliant upon a welltrained and professional workforce. At ISE 2022, we have put together a terrific slate of sessions that will help our community grow their skills and make sure integrators can be at the top of their game, whatever technical or business challenges are coming down the line.

Thanks to our All-Access Training Pass, these training courses are also great value for money.”

Mike Blackman concluded: “Our programme is designed to provide inspiration and support for every level of the business.

We cover all areas of the fabulous world of AV, from smart buildings, cities, homes and workplaces to digital signage, learning, live events and superyachts. There’s so much to experience at ISE – I can’t wait to see you there.”

Integrated Systems Europe, ISE 2022, will take place at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía on 1-4 February 2022.

The ISE Conference programme runs from Monday 31 January through to Friday 4 February.

Digital Signage Summit 2022 to address green signage Taking place on 31 January 2022, the day before ISE 2022 opens its doors, the Digital Signage Summit promises to take a deep dive into some of the most pressing topics facing the digital signage industry today.

Top of the list is the growth in demand for green signage, as Florian Rotberg, Conference Chair and Managing Director of invidis consulting, explained: “There’s now a greater consciousness around environmentally friendly, sustainable digital signage solutions. In the past, end-customers never really asked about power consumption, but this has changed dramatically.”

Ongoing consolidation within the industry will also be discussed. Rotberg added: “There’s a lot of consolidation going on as projects become more and more global. End-users are also looking for more global digital signage integrators.”

Exclusive market insights will also be delivered, including the traditional invidis keynote, along with broad market cover-

age around the areas of digital signage, DooH, digital retail, new work and smart city.

Confirmed speakers include Alberto Cáceres, CEO at Trison; Valentina Candeloro, Director, International Marketing at Mood Media; Andy Bohli, CEO at Imaculix; and Christophe Billaud, CEO at Telelogos.

Digital Signage Summit ISE 2022 takes place from 10:30-18:30 on 31 January 2022 at the Fira de Barcelona and tickets are available here: Digital Signage Summit ISE. It is part of a rich programme of seven conferences taking place from Monday 31 January through to Friday 4 February.

This also includes the Smart Building Conference, Control Rooms Summit, Smart Workplace Summit, Digital Learning Summit, Live Events Summit and Superyacht Technology Summit.

Florian Rotberg, Conference Chair and Managing Director of invidis consulting: “There’s now a greater consciousness around environmentally friendly, sustainable digital signage solutions.

P36 AV News January 2022