AV News March 2021

The direct channel to the industry

March 2021 www.avnews.co.uk page18 Can buildings protect us against Covid-19

Page 16

While there was no thought of the smart building concept as a tool to protect staff and visitors against the effects of the global pandemic,

There iso doubt in our mind that the end of the focus on the pandemic will coincide with a renewed emphasis on the environment and sustainability.

ISE offers refunds to reluctant exhibitors As promised, Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, has issued a statement to put exhibitors’ minds at rest on the questions of their cancellation or curtailment of their participation in the 2021 Barcelona event in June. Speculation has led to some exhibitors taking unilateral action, but the announcement by Blackman offers exhibitors a choice of options.

The statement rubs as follows: “Integrated Systems Events has been working hard alongside each of you to bring a successful ISE 2021 to Barcelona on 1-4 June this year. Together with each of you, our shared goal is to deliver a show that prioritises safety and brings a return on investment to our show community.”

“With the rapid implementation of vaccines, and the cur-

Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events: “Recognising and respecting the many members of our community we wish to give all our exhibitors the opportunity to choose if they wish to continue to be part of ISE 2021 Barcelona, without hindrance.” rent reduction in daily new cases, we see the COVID situation in many European countries (including Spain) improving at an increasing pace. Based on

this positive trend, we anticipate a climate that will make it possible to run an in-person event in Barcelona. However, we are realistic that current attitudes to travel may mean a lower volume of attendance than in previous years.”

“We are reviewing all options, and are listening carefully to feedback from the industry, with a plan to provide an engaging event in Barcelona for those who wish to be a part of it. ISE is a community of over 1,000 exhibitors and nearly 100,000 attendees and has grown as such through working together, focused on growing the market and delivering opportunities for the amazing people that make up this industry. And we recognise that not all the members of our community are ‘in the same place’ as we conceive of gathering together or travelling to Barcelona.”

“For those exhibitors and attendees who are unable to travel to Barcelona, we will offer a robust digital programme highlighting unique content that can only be found at ISE. In addition, we are exploring regional opportunities for the local markets of Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, taking ISE on the road for those who may not be able to make it to Barcelona. Recognising and respecting the many members of our community we wish to give all our exhibitors the opportunity to choose if they wish to continue to be part of ISE 2021 Barcelona, without hindrance.”

“This means: • No penalty fees will be due for any withdrawals that are made before 5 March.

• Those exhibitors who are committed at a higher level

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than they may need, have the opportunity to reduce their commitment without penalty.

• Those companies that decide not to continue and have paid in part or full for ISE 2021 will have the option of a full refund of their monies or be able use this as a credit towards participating in other ISE events in 2021 or even as a deposit/ payment for ISE 2022. This is about you and your success now and into the future.

• All exhibitors will retain their priority points from ISE 2020 and be able to participate in the rebooking process for ISE 2022 as dependent on their points and priority ranking.

• As promised before, all companies that exhibit at ISE 2021 will receive 2x the points for their participation at the in-person Barcelona event.

• Any companies that participate in the digital part of ISE 2021 or any of the future local events will receive priority points based on the level of their investment.

• In the event you need to cancel hotel reservations, cancellation deadlines have been extended to 22 March.”

“This past year has provided challenges to all of us in many ways, but we have in common a passion and commitment to go forward, to rebuild and help make our industry even stronger. We look forward to your continued participation with us at ISE 2021 and beyond.”

Given the consequences of any negative impact on the revenues generated by events on their organisers, AV News’ view is that the options presented by Mike Blackman are as fair as they can be, and we look forward to meeting our readers in Barcelona.

Energy sustainability meeting room AV

for

PPDS announces contingency plans for ISE 2021 “With safety and wellbeing of paramount importance to staff, partners and customers, a series of new virtual events are coming forward to support those who choose not to attend ISE 2021 in person, or in the event of the show’s cancellation, due to ongoing global health concerns.”

PPDS, the exclusive provider of Philips professional displays, has announced a series of contingency plans for its staff, partners and customers not wishing to attend ISE 2021 in Barcelona, June 1-4, should the event go ahead as planned.

PPDS – a long-term partner and continued supporter of ISE – has conducted extensive consultations with its global teams and the AV industry, amid the ongoing uncertainty and concerns surrounding the health and safety of travelling and attending the rescheduled industry event, which was originally

due to take place last month, Feb 2-5.

On the back of this feedback, in order to protect the safety and wellbeing of staff, partners and customers, and to ensure partners and customers can still receive the latest information

on all new company announcements and insights originally reserved for ISE, a special twoday virtual event has now been arranged, allowing the industry to participate from the comfort of their own homes, or office.

AV News sister title announces UC Awards programme UC News, the magazine of digital transformation and sister publication to AV News has announced a new Awards Programme for the autumn of 2021. The new Programme recognises the progress made in unified communications in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The Awards Programme will mark excellence in workplace solutions, remote and distributed working practices, education, training, retail, commerce and the arts.

Additionally, the UC News Awards will recognise innova-

tion in UC hardware, software and applications. For a full list of Award categories, please turn to page 13. Nominations open on the 1st September 2021.

NOW G SHIPPIN

www.tdmaverick.eu

Headline News Continued from page 1

PPDS announces contingency plans for ISE 2021 The first ‘PPDS Next’ event will take place March 3-4, kicking off with keynotes from Chris Colpaert, General Manager, PPDS and Franck Racapé, Commercial Vice President EMEA, PPDS – providing exclusive early access product updates, vital insights from last year and exciting news about what to expect in 2021. This will be followed by summer, autumn and winter 2021 events.

PPDS General Manager, Chris Colpaert, commented: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, our customers and our partners is of paramount importance. It has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone, with many of us being placed under strong restric-

national B.V., Stefan van Sabben, Global CSR and Sustainability Manager at TP Vision – MMD, and Mireille van Engelen, Business Transformation Manager at LQ Nederland Space is limited, with interest parties required to register via their PPDS sales manager at their earliest convenience.

Chris added: “Our final decision on our participation, will be dictated by our teams and partners – but to take away some of that uncertainty, we felt it was important to ensure communications with the AV industry, by creating a special two-day virtual event, which they can enjoy from a place they feel most safe and comfortable. We look forward to

tions, limiting our ability to travel freely and go about their normal way of life. While some people, if permitted, will be comfortable in attending an event, there are clearly many who, understandably, are not.

We as a company and as individuals fully respect that. We also understand there is a great deal of uncertainty, with many unsure if they should book flights or hotels, based on their own fears or indeed uncertainty if the physical event will indeed take place. As at ISE 2020, we supported our teams in their decisions to participate or not, and we are absolutely doing the same again for 2021. We will not be taking any risks and our final decision, if indeed it’s our to make, will be based on that, rather than financially.”

seeing you there.”

‘PPDS Next’ - at a glance: • Showcasing the latest range of Philips professional display products, which have been designed to help drive business forward and thrive in our rapidly changing world.

• More details of our the PPDS brand and market strategy • Exclusive market insights to fuel your competitive edge • Details of the new PPDS Online Business Platform • Hear our panel discussion on driving the circular economy, including market-leading guest speakers - Leendert Jan de Olde, Director Ecodesign & Sustainability at Philips Inter-

ISE and safety A final decision as to whether the show will take place or not is due March 1. ISE, for the first time, will have a digital offering, enabling remote participation from anywhere in the world, should people not wish to attend, Both the organisers of ISE and its new venue partner, Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, have announced an extensive set of measures to maximise the safety of everyone involved at ISE 2021. These include: • Dedicated entry points with temperature checks required for all prior to entering the venue • Pre-printing and self-scanning of entry badges • Digital signage messaging • On-site testing and quarantine facilities • Cameras in and around the venue as well as on the metro system to monitor distancing • Physical distancing and crowd control measures • Greater ventilation, additional cleaning, and sanitising • Compulsory face mask wearing in and around the venue.

Bose Expands availability of the Videobar VB1 Following the recent announcement of availability of the Bose Videobar VB1 all-in-one USB conferencing device, Bose Professional is now partnering with Barco to offer a complete audio-visual meeting solution. As people adapt to working both in the office and remote, it’s the hybrid office and meeting rooms that enable continued collaboration while maintaining human connections. Conferencing keeps work moving, and the Videobar VB1 can be

is to provide the conferencing and collaboration solutions people need, regardless of where and how they work,” stated Martin Bodley, director and global head, Bose Work at Bose. “Barco’s expertise in wireless conferencing solutions provides the capabilities needed for a full-room solution and complements the VB1’s capabilities. This alliance creates a solution that reduces wires, saves space and delivers a premium meeting experience with

combined with any Barco ClickShare Conference device, getting meetings up quickly and running smoothly with premium audio and video.

The Videobar VB1 is ClickShare Certified, ensuring interoperability with Barco technology.

Barco leads in wireless technology, so pairing ClickShare Conference with the Videobar VB1 significantly reduces the need for wired components in conferencing spaces. This declutters work areas and simplifies the act of joining meetings to a single button.

For a premium audio experience, the Bose Videobar VB1 uses six beam-steering microphones that actively focus on voices in the room and reject noise. The Bose-proprietary transducers reproduce accurate, room-filling audio from multimedia presentations, play Bluetooth® audio and ensure voices sound natural and clear. The 4K ultra-HD camera with autoframing delivers crystal-clear video, so remote participants can see presenters, whiteboards and other in-room objects. Its single-cable USB connectivity means there’s no need for separate audio and video cables at the table, reducing clutter, and it can be mounted to suit the space using the included table stand or wall-mount kit.

“The philosophy of Bose Work

a simple button.”

“We’re excited the Bose Work solutions are certified for use with Barco ClickShare Conference. Together we offer customers easy, intuitive and clutter-free meetings that make the new era of hybrid work simply work for everyone,” shared David Fitzgerald, vice president, Global Alliances at Barco. “Our guaranteed compatible products integrate seamlessly with existing platforms, bringing enhanced video and audio performance to popular third-party cloud services.”

For rooms with different configurations requiring additional mic pickup, yet also require the in-room technology to remain transparent, IT managers can add Barco ClickShare Conference to one of the Bose in-ceiling audio solutions. The innovative Bose ES1 system features the Bose EdgeMax in-ceiling loudspeaker, while the more conventional Bose DS4 system features four DesignMax DM2C-LP loudspeakers. Each solution is combined with the Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 microphone, Bose ControlSpace EX-440C processor and a PowerSpace P2600A amplifier, and is fully certified for Barco ClickShare Conference. Regardless of the in-ceiling audio solution selected, IT managers can be confident meeting rooms of all sizes will

be truly integrated.

Bose partners with other industry leaders in order to guarantee interoperability and deliver the best solutions possible for a variety of end user needs, ensuring the best possible UC experience.

To learn more about the Bose partner network, visit PRO. BOSE.COM/BWPartner.

Following the recent announcement of availability of the Bose Videobar VB1 all-in-one USB conferencing device, Bose Professional is now partnering with Barco to offer a complete audio-visual meeting solution.

AV News March 2021 P3

Business news

disguise recognised for fastest-growing international sales disguise secured a spot in the 12th annual Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200, as the sole live event technology provider among Britain’s mid-market companies with the fastest-growing international sales. This year’s special Covid-19 edition highlights the important contribution that private companies have made during the pandemic and marks the fourth consecutive year disguise has made it in the publication’s Fast Track league.

In the past year disguise has led the way in extended re-

nity, the disguise xR technology has reached a level of maturity that enabled an official release in April 2020, accelerated by the demand from artists, brands and organisations to engage remote audiences like never before.

Committed to providing wider access to its workflow, disguise further invested into the development of its rx and RenderStream support for Unreal Engine integration and vx 1 and vx 2 media servers tailored for high-quality productions of any scale. This new technology bundle has also introduced

workflow, at their own pace.

As disguise continues to work towards lowering the barrier of entry to xR and virtual production, it is also focused on providing an inclusive environment for talent from all walks of life to join and grow. This year, the company has launched an internship program with Kwanda and Workfinder, as it strives to welcome more women and ethnic minorities to the team and address the lack of diversity in the technology sector.

“I’m extremely proud of the continued work our ambitious team puts into growing the

TeamViewer acquires Upskill for enterprise AR TeamViewer, a leading global provider of secure remote connectivity solutions and workplace digitalization technology, has announced its acquisition of Upskill, the US-based pioneer in augmented reality (AR)

Upskill is expanding our footprint in the space of vertical augmented reality solutions in our largest market, the US. I am happy to welcome the Upskill team that adds significant technical

we will reinforce our mission to upskill frontline workers and to enhance industrial processes through technology. Our existing customers will benefit from an accelerated product development roadmap, global reach, and addi-

Oliver Steil, CEO of TeamViewer: “Joining forces with Upskill is expanding our footprint in the space of vertical augmented reality solutions in our largest market, the US.” software for frontline workers.

Upskill’s digital workflow solutions support workers especially in industrial manufacturing, inspection and audit use cases through real-time interfaces with smart glasses and handheld mobile devices. With Upskill’s strong presence on the North American continent, an engineering hub in Austin, TX, and reputable blue-chip

and solution delivery knowhow to our US organization.”

“Our joint AR teams now represent the world’s most experienced workforce in deploying wearable computing technology to the shop floor.

By acquiring Upskill, we strengthen our capabilities in enabling digital transformation across all verticals and parts of the value-chain

customers such as The Boeing Company, Merck KGaA and American Bureau of Shipping, TeamViewer strengthens its position as the number one global player in providing industry-specific AR solutions.

The company had started to strategically invest in that space in 2020 with the successful acquisition of European wearable software leader Ubimax, serving global champions like DHL, Siemens and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company.

Oliver Steil, CEO of TeamViewer, said: “Joining forces with

as the company is focusing on complementary use cases and industries such as aerospace, pharma & life sciences, insurance & claims management and retail. The enterprise AR market is huge and growing rapidly, and we are perfectly positioned to tap that potential.”

Brian Ballard, CEO of Upskill, said: “We are very excited to join TeamViewer and to further shape the future of work. Combining their strong sales and marketing capabilities and integrating with their AR and IoT solutions,

Over 140 disguise xR stages have been built in more than 35 countries to support the growing demand across film, broadcast, live music, corporate events, education, esports and more. ality and virtual production, accelerating development of its workflow and launching at a time when the live events industry has started recognising the need for immersive yet remote real-time production.

Since then, over 140 disguise xR stages have been built in more than 35 countries to support the growing demand across film, broadcast, live music, corporate events, education, esports and more.

Following two years of continued research and development alongside its key user commu-

new applications for disguise across on-set virtual production, offering uncompressed real-time rendering solutions that can significantly bring down post-production cost and time.

Last year, disguise has also made the decision to offer free access to its Designer licence for 12 months, in addition to launching free online training into its full suite of workflows on its newly-launched eLearning platform, ensuring all users had the opportunity to learn and upskill in their desired

impact and reach of disguise year after year. To be placed amongst such an impressive list of companies is testament to everyone’s commitment to ensure we provide the highest quality, cutting-edge technology and best-in-class service to our customers all over the world,” says disguise CEO Fernando Kufer.

Parks Associates identifies key trends in consumer electronics A new whitepaper from Parks Associates reports 40% of US broadband households have trialled at least one OTT video service during the COVID-19 crisis, while one-third of smart home device owners have increased usage of these products. The whitepaper “2021 Consumer Tech Trends to Watch” highlights some of the biggest announcements from CES 2021 and the technology

trends Parks Associates analysts believe will shape 2021.

“CES 2021 saw the traditional TV market leaders like LG, Sony, and Samsung redoubling their efforts to differentiate their sets in the face of extremely aggressive competition,” said Paul Erickson, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates.

“This new competitive environment has forced all CE market leaders to innovate in new

P12AV P4 AVNews NewsMarch November 20212019

ways, with new visual designs and AI features.”

Major TV manufacturers are looking beyond upgrades in display technology and performance to differentiate from competitors and add value to the experience through services such as cross-platform gaming, exclusive streaming

Continued on page 10

tional solutions and features within the TeamViewer portfolio.”

Upskill, founded in 2010, has two locations in the United States in Tyson’s Corner, VA and Austin, TX. TeamViewer plans to keep and grow these offices to expand its presence within the US and to build on Upskill’s important partnerships within the US tech ecosystem. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Opinion

Why the Last Twelve Months really matter…

While 2020 might seem like a distant memory to many already, when it comes to reporting on the performance of the IFPD market – it’s very much front of mind. That’s because the most recent Futuresource Consulting figures not only report on the latest quarter… They reveal how the market, and individual manufacturers, have performed throughout the whole of 2020 – and Promethean has been confirmed as leading the UK IFPD volume market*. Talking directly to Promethean’s UKI business leaders, AV News asks what it takes to consistently maintain leadership, especially in a market that’s starting to decline?

“Remaining fully operational throughout the first and second UK lockdowns undoubtedly contributed to our success last year. But it’s what we did before, during, and after, that’s made the biggest

impact. Staying open for business alone isn’t enough. Having the right foundations established in the first place is what really set us up to navigate through the challenges. These were in motion long before COVID-19 was ever even heard of,” explains Jim Wallis,

Programme as the backbone of our strategy, we’ve introduced installation certification training, demonstration registration and an online partner communications platform, to name just a few examples. These all make it easier for channel partners to do business with us, which backed by a product range which benefits from continued innovation, makes for a compelling proposition.”

The ActivPanel Elements Series, Promethean’s advanced IFPD, has been designed to give schools increased flexibility and choice. With product development aligning firmly with evolving market needs, the ActivPanel was not only the UK number one in 2020 – excluding China it’s the market leading brand globally.

“Market leadership is not just about the numbers,” emphasises Jim. “Being at the forefront of a market comes from doing everything right. Every aspect of our operations and business decisions are made with the customer, and our channel partners, in mind.

This is reflected in us maintaining our leading position over the last 12-month period.”

Simon steps in to elaborate on Jim’s comments: “That’s exactly right. We work hard to build stability for our partners that gives a platform for innovation.

If something isn’t working, we have solid foundations in place that enable us to make changes without compromising progress.”

20-year history

Head of UKI Markets at Promethean.

We asked Jim to elaborate on this further, especially given many others experienced challenges during 2020: “Naturally we were able to continue supporting customers and developing sales opportunities, because all of our teams were available and accessible. But when you look at the market figures over the last 12 months, and even further back than that, what you see from us is consistency. We’ve maintained steady growth by following a clear and long-term strategy.”

As one of the founding manufacturers of the interactive display industry, Promethean is definitely in one of the strongest positions to define what a long-term strategy should look like, with channel operations at the core of this. According to Simon Port, Head of Channel Operations EMEA and Asia Pacific, “We’ve made significant investment in our UK channel operations over the past five years.”

Having followed Promethean’s growth closely for over 20 years, AV News has seen evidence of what Simon and Jim are saying.

Most notably the move to a dual distribution model in 2017, and more recently the appointment of Midwich as joint UK distributor alongside incumbent Tech Data**.

“We do what’s best for our channel partners. If their needs evolve,

we need to keep pace. COVID-19 was a catalyst for many things in 2020, and it highlighted that there were areas that we could improve,” continues Simon.

“Another example of evolution is the Experience the Elements demonstration programme,” adds Jim. “As the UK went into lockdown it wasn’t an option to deliver face-to-face demonstrations.

But it wasn’t an option for us to stand still. With swift investment, we equipped every member of our business development team with professional video conference technology and made demonstrations available virtually. In doing so, we helped to maintain existing opportunities and generate new demand for our partners.”

It’s one thing to reflect on what makes success when the figures say that you’re a market leader, it’s quite another to look forwards.

Given the UK market is at 96% penetration when interactive projectors are factored into the figures, what does this mean for Promethean’s outlook in 2021?

“Schools are continuing to invest,” says Jim. “There’s still huge potential for upgrades to IFPDs, whether that’s from a legacy IWB or interactive projector. The functionality of IFPDs as a classroom display came into their own over the last 12 months. The flexibility of the ActivPanel has seen it used to support students learning from home, facilitate hybrid teaching models, and enable teachers to better engage students when they are back in the classroom.”

Simon echoes Jim’s comments: “IFPD technology has experienced a seismic shift in schools. It’s no longer a peripheral AV device – the IFPD is the connected hub of the modern classroom. This is something we have long championed, but we’re now seeing this use on a much larger scale.”

Future business Promethean continues to be a market leader not only when it comes to its sales performance, but also in the way it develops its business and channel operations. Some would say that there’s never been a better time to become a Promethean partner. To learn more about the Partner Accreditation Programme, visit: https://www.prometheanworld.com/gb/about-us/become-a-channel-partner/

Defining ‘definitive’ When asked to define ‘significant’, Simon provided an excellent overview of the Promethean Partner Accreditation Programme and how investment has been made in not only bringing this to market initially but bolstering it with enhancements year on year: “As we grew in the IFPD space, we needed our channel operations to grow too. Using the Promethean Partner Accreditation

*Futuresource Consulting Q4 2020 report on World Interactive Displays ** Exertis Ireland is the sole distributor of the ActivPanel in Ireland

AV News March 2021 P5

Advertorial

Genee..15 years.

Over the last 15 years, Genee has established itself as a major manufacturer and developer of interactive technology in the education and corporate marketplace. From the early years of interactive whiteboards to today’s sophisticated interactive touchscreens, touch tables and related hardware and software, Genee has carved out an enviable niche with its innovation, software, first class support and competitive pricing.

Touchscreen technology has been around for many years, but it is over the last 5 years that the software to support this technology has reached new levels. Genee has produced a touchscreen interface that is simple to learn and use, incorporating its ‘3-touch rule’.

“The User Interface is one of the most important factors when developing digital technology. Developing a ‘3-touch rule’ allows users to access any function within 3 touches, ensuring an intuitive and easy way to use our G-touch screens” stated Taz Arkate, Genee’s Product Development Manager.

Genee’s Interactive Touchscreens offer the latest in bright, clear display LED technology using only tier 1 panel suppliers using: antiglare technology; wide viewing angle displays with blue light filters; and 7H toughened glass for the classroom environment.

With a multiple of connections; 20-point touch; powerful front facing speakers; and an option for an OPS Unit, its range offers all that is required for a classroom or training environment.

“Developing the hardware alongside the software allows Genee to stand out as a unique and key player in the market.” stated John Adams, Senior Development Manager. “With Windows 10 and Android 8.0 options, device casting software, learning software developed by Genee and even a Genee App Store for dedicated and secure applications, the product stands out above the competition” he added.

Remote learning Remote learning is not just a buzz word but today is an essential part of any school’s learning environment. Genee has responded to this by ensuring its SPARK II touchscreen software licence is offered as an on-site and offsite license with no annual subscription fee. “It is now essential that students and teachers have the opportunity to be able to use the same software inside and outside the classroom without having to worry about additional costs or third-party software.

Our vision has always been to create software and hardware that is accessible and provides intuitive learning software, which is easy to use, interoperable and compatible with all legacy devices within the classroom. We aim to inspire a generation of trainers and instructional leaders who in turn inspire the classrooms and training centre in the future.

At Genee, the relationship doesn’t end once the product has been

installed, but continues with training sessions, resources and support throughout ownership. We are probably the last remaining independent UK manufacturer of interactive touchscreen displays and with our own software team and support team are in a unique position to understand and react to the needs of the UK market.

Our staff are based in the UK and so is our data adding a security level our competitors cannot match” stated Ranjit Singh, Genee’s Managing Director.

The range Genee has expanded its Interactive Touchscreen range adding new sizes and new product lines. Its ranges now consists of: •G-Touch 4K Classic which is new and is a stripped back solution for simple requirements and where budgets are tight. However, the range does not compromise on quality using the same panel, functionality and SPARK II software and still offers the full 5-year warranty when registered.

Screen sizes include 65”, 75” and 85” •G-Touch 4K Plus which is the main product range consisting of SPARK II Software, Android 8.0, device casting Software, Genee App Store and 5-year warranty when registered Screen sizes include 55”, 65”, 75”, 86” and 98”.

•The 55” screen size has been re-introduced into the G-Touch family due to the demand of many customers where space is an issue for classrooms or meeting rooms. The 98” interactive touchscreen is a brand-new screen size for Genee and completes the range. Ideal for large auditoriums and lecture theatres, this screen size enables viewing for a large audience.

•G-Touch 4K Premium provides an optically bonded panel which ensures the absolute best in image quality by ensuring no “bounce back” of the light between the glass display. It also adds further toughness to the display. It also enables the infra-red touch to operate closer to the glass making it even more responsive to touch.

The 4K Premium range includes all the features of the 4K Plus and is the ultimate in image quality and sleek design.

All the Genee G-Touch ranges have the option of adding a slot in PC (OPS) unit which enable the touchscreens to operate independently of external devices such as laptops or PCs though these, of course, can still be connected as required. The Genee OPS units come with Intel i3, i5 or i7 CPU’s with options of memory size and Windows 10 pre-loaded. They can be configured by Genee to ensure they match exactly what the customer needs to display and how they wish to operate.

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Advertorial

Genee’s application software has been designed by teachers with teachers in mind. It is key to bring your lessons to life and you can create dynamic lessons using Genee’s Project Flow, Learn Hub, Kidloland, Darts Maths plus hundreds more applications from the Genee App Store. Find out more on Genee’s software offering on www.genee-group.com .

Visualisers Having established the Genee G-Touch interactive touchscreen at the centre of the classroom environment, it is crucial to be able to add related products that can take your presentation to the next level. Genee offers a range of wired and wireless visualisers (also known as document cameras) to display the pupils or teachers' demonstrations, experiment or printed document onto the interactive touchscreen in a shared or one to one environment. With Genee visualisers you can make a strong impact on your audience by adding visual content in almost microscopic detail. Genee have developed the Genee toolbar software to provide a seamless interface to connect the visualiser content from the PC to the G-Touch interactive touchscreen.

Genee Wireless Visualisers have recently been launched to support remote learning and provide flexibility and manoeuvrability around the classroom, removing the need for cables and giving more options to teachers and students. It is not just the wireless connectivity that is important but also the ability to charge them overnight and run them for 6 hours during the day without the need to be plugged into the mains power Adding the wireless range has given schools and institutions the flexibility and freedom for teachers to home in on their home learning. It has given them the opportunity to be able to showcase work from home or the classroom while students are watching it live on their laptops at home. With the simple connectivity, teachers can continue to do their lessons using the G-Touch screen and the Visualisers to present their lesson and know that the students are watching it as it happens.

To complete the Interactive solution, Genee have developed over the last 3 years a fully integrated all-in-one visitor management systems (VMS) allowing the sign in and out of staff, visitors and even contractors.

This fully flexible integrated system allows badge scanning for staff and allows visitors to register sending an image and email to the person they are visiting. It keeps a record of who enters the building and produces a variety of reports. It is essential during a building evacuation not only producing a list of the people in the building but has an App for fire marshals that tells them who is in the building and even show a picture of each person. The reporting features are strong and can even link to payroll via the CSV file.

Whether you are a teacher, bursar, IT manager or trainer the Genee interactive range of products offers the very best in innovation and interconnectivity backed up by strong service, support, training and installation by its own highly trained staff.

You can find out more about Genee on www. genee-group.com or call 01902 390 862.

AV News March 2021 P7

Column

Introducing the Visual Learning Lab Hybrid teaching rooms will be the norm going forward, especially within Higher and Further Education; these spaces enable remote students to share in the same learning experience as those in the room, and help provide better teaching outcomes for the lecturer.

However, many of these hybrid teaching rooms are high-end, and can come with a fat six figure installation cost, limiting their appeal and wider adoption. Given the further squeeze on HE & FE budgets, is there an alternative. asks Intel’s Mark Frost.

The Visual Learning Lab (VLL) is a new concept and an alternative to provide hybrid teaching rooms at a more affordable pricepoint for the wider HE and FE market. Intel has collaborated with EdTech consultant Duncan Peberdy and a range of technology partners to create the first VLL which will be hosted by City of Glasgow College in 2021.

The collaboration to create a solution that is affordable without losing any of the practical affordances of something more expensive, and hasn’t just been between the technology partners. At all stages of development, input from individual FE and HE experts has been incorporated, and the first deployment in Scotland is very much as a development project that the City of Glasgow College will be instrumental in. Right from the inception, the vision for the VLL has been for this to be a solution for the sector, by the sector.

An essential element of the VLL is utilising standard components instead of a bespoke development; this enables the VLL to evolve and incorporate additional hardware and software components as its life cycle and usage scenarios develop.

Complete solution The VLL is a complete solution that enables the lecturer to demonstrate and interact with students who are in-room or learning remotely, whilst at the same time being able to clearly see the remote students. The lecturer is further aided by a GDPR-compliant computer vision system to monitor in-room student engagement and social distancing. The solution is comprised of the following elements: • Twin ViewSonic 65” Interactive Flat Panel Displays (IFPDs).

The displays can operate individually or as one large screen and have a unique feature that allows the touch systems to be linked together to form a single large interactive canvas. The IFPDs are fixed side-by-side on a height adjustable floor mount to avoid the need to modify the building infrastructure. Both IFPDs are powered by a single slot-in Intel OPS PC, hosting the required operating system and software packages. ViewSonic also provide twin 24” displays for the lecturer podium which replicate the content shown on the main IFPDs. • Kramer VIA Campus2 Wireless Presentation and Collaboration.

With any laptop or mobile device, users can view, edit and comment on documents in real time and record sessions. Meeting participants can display or stream full, uninterrupted video (up to 4K@60Hz) from their device. VIA Campus² can show up to six user screens on a single main display and 12 on two displays.

Users can also view the main display on their own device.

•AVer. AVer’s Pro AV PTZ camera will provide remote-based stu-

AVer PTZ camera SoundBar Kramer VIA Campus2

Slot In OPS PC

Twin 65” ViewSonic IFPDs

Dalen height adjustable stand

Podium with Twin 24” ViewSonic displays AVer Visualiser

Cloud-based dashboard for data analysis SensingFeeling Student Engagement / social distancing Kramer Control & Management

dents with coverage of their tutor throughout the classroom, and their A3 visualiser can capture a wide variety of learning objects with the potential to reinforce theory in a compelling way.

•SensingFeeling. SensingFeeling delivers advanced human behaviour sensing products powered by Computer Vision. Their sensors perform real-time visual detection of human physical behaviours to detect situations relating to how individuals or groups of people behave in real-world spaces and conditions, entirely passively, and in a manner that respects the user’s privacy.

Data The main aim of the VLL is to use technology to improve learning outcomes. One instrument for achieving this is data – what data can we capture and analyse to improve learning outcomes. The real-time data from the SensingFeeling and Kramer platforms can be used to extract valuable insights that can enable educators to dynamically modify their teaching style and detect engagement improvements across lectures. Additionally, the analytics can help review and uncover critical learning moments following collaborative group exercises.

Value Building on the collaboration between these manufacturers to create a solution that offers educators much more than the sum of its components, AV integrators can benefit from providing universities and colleges with a cost-effective solution that is both affordable and tailored to solving the new requirements for hybrid learning spaces. Plus, as the VLL is also a place to trial new technologies all parties can see if and how these new technologies can work and whether they can drive new business outcomes.

The 2021 journey The first development of the VLL is positioned as a laboratory that can research and evolve excellence in student learning. Maybe not everything will work on campus quite as imagined, and we encourage other experts to explore where their technologies might fit and add value to student learning. There is no doubt that capture and broadcast of learning and teaching will increase, as will the use of automated computer vision that can monitor student attendance and behaviour in more depth. The right developments, in partnership with the sector for the sector, have the potential to be a force for good practice, and a substantial benefit to students on and off the campus.

Next steps Installation of the first VLL starts at City of Glasgow College in March and we will capture the whole journey during 2021 with AV News. For more information contact Mark Frost (mark.frost@intel. com) or Duncan Peberdy (duncan@learnfromanywhere.co.uk)

AV News 2019 March 2021 P9 P12 AV News November

Technology News Continued from page 8

Parks Associates identifies key trends in consumer electronics content, and even in-home fitness training. Many product lines are looking to leverage the dramatic spike in OTT usage — subscriptions and viewing hours have increased and subscription rates for OTT services have risen from 71% of all US broadband households to 78% in Q3 2020.

“As audiences remain in lockdown and COVID-19 continues to impact original content production schedules, library content continues to dominate in the streaming wars,” said Steve Nason, Research Director, Parks Associates. “Entertainment companies are looking for strategies to retain these new subscribers and emulate the live entertainment experience at home.”

Parks Associates’ research finds one-third of smart de-

vice owners in US broadband households have increased usage of their devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, including 46% of smart door lock owners.

With consumers spending more time at home, they are finding more value in smart home and security use cases, driving new product announcements in these categories.

“Arlo and Alarm.com launched new touchless video doorbells,” said Patrice Samuels, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates.

“Several companies have announced connected air quality measuring and purifying devices that may help reduce transmission of COVID-19. Lockly and BenjiLock also announced new biometric smart locks, continuing the trend from 2020.”

In the connected health space, demand for virtual care solu-

tions, telehealth, and remote patient monitoring has boomed in the wake of COVID-19.

“Seeing the success of TytoCare, companies have moved to launch new all-in-one remote patient monitoring devices into the market,” said Kristen Hanich, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates.

“Technology-based patient monitoring overall has been well positioned, with leaders in this space offering new features and capabilities. While RPM has been the main focus, in-patient monitoring promises to amp up ICU capabilities.”

Download “2021 Consumer Tech Trends to Watch” at http://www.parksassociates. com/whitepapers/ces-summary-2021. .

Major TV manufacturers are looking beyond upgrades in display technology and performance to differentiate from competitors and add value to the experience through services such as cross-platform gaming, exclusive streaming content, and even in-home fitness training.

TIG integrates GUDE Power Distribution Vision is now a partner in the Logitech with Network Monitoring Collaboration Program Technological Innovations Group (TIG), the leading EMEA sales agency offering a portfolio of integrated AV and IT solutions for enterprise smart spaces, is pleased to release that its GUDE Power Distribution Units now integrated with the Domotz Remote Network Monitoring Service.

This new development has seen GUDE and Domotz launch an integrated driver for their products. What this means for end-users is that GUDE's switched and metered Power Distribution Units can now enable users to switch on/off or reboot all connected devices from within the Domotz interface.

The main benefits for IT managers, integrators and service providers include minimising downtimes of IT installations and avoiding costly service operations. With this integration

of hardware from GUDE and software from Domotz operational efficiency is increased and more proactive monitoring becomes feasible.

Other capabilities of the GUDE Power Distribution Units being controlled through Domotz include: • Preconfigured settings for IT

The mix between projectors and large flat panel displays shifted further toward flat panel displays in the second half of the year. This happened, in part, because two key segments for projection, entertainment venues and education, were partially closed or shifted to online delivery. installations and larger) and professional • Switching and power-cycling projectors (above 500 lumens) of connected media technology being sold by leading U.S. Disor IT devices tributors who serve commercial •Automatic detection and mon- markets. itoring of network devices The unit volume improvements • Configured triggers on moni- seen late in the second quartored parameters such as tem- ter of 2020 continued into perature, speed, consumption, the second half of the year as etc sales improved markedly when • Email and push notifications compared to 2Q 2020. Fourth or ticket creation in PSA sys- quarter sales were nearly flat tems compared with third quarter, • Remote access to network movement that was counter to devices through secure access the usual trend of a much softfrom anywhere in the world er fourth quarter versus third GUDE Sales Manager, Philipp quarter.

Gude, says: “Proactive mon- The mix between projectors and itoring from Domotz provides large flat panel displays shifted awareness of problems on the further toward flat panel disnetwork, before the custom- plays in the second half of the er even knows there is an is- year. This happened, in part, sue. Domotz's integration with because two key segments for GUDE's Power Distribution projection, entertainment venUnits allows resetting and re- ues and education, were parbooting of troubled systems, tially closed or shifted to online remotely, eliminating the need delivery. Many display projects for unnecessary site mainte- were delayed, and budget renance visits. This saves both sources were either saved or time and money!” shifted to more pressing needs.

The Domotz network monitor- In addition, inexpensive proing solution enables secure, fessional TVs doubled market remote device monitoring and share in the 65-inch and 75management across all user inch product segments. Pricsystems. The user interface ing pressure forced even lower includes desktop applications, prices for professional TVs in mobile device apps and web- the 60” and 70” categories. based dashboards.

While monthly trends in 2020 PMA Research - improving mirrored the stops-and-starts of sales through the channel the economy through the panPMA Research (PMA), the demic shutdowns and re-openworldwide market information ings, they also quantitatively experts on large displays, has confirmed the general induspublished their latest All-Dis- try consensus that there was plays sell-through tracking re- a continued strengthening of port on professional large-for- the professional AV business as mat flat panel displays (32” 2020 ended.

P12 AV News March P10 November 2021 2019

The Rally Speaker Bracket is now in stock – this new Vision speaker bracket enables mounting of Logitech Rally speakers above or below a display for wall mount, free-standing and mobile use.

Vision is now working with Logitech to produce selected accessories that make collaboration solutions easier to install and so much better to use. Now, more than ever, organisations need flexibility and want the display and speakers mounted on a portable trolley for use in any location within the workplace where collabora-

tion is taking place.

The Rally Speaker Bracket is now in stock – this new Vision speaker bracket enables mounting of Logitech Rally speakers above or below a display for wall mount, free-standing and mobile use.

The VFM-WVC/RSB is an addon to the VFM-WVC video conference shelf for heavy duty

wall-mounts and floor-stands, enabling installers to mount a pair Rally speaker above or below the display. It gives installers flexibility in that they can use the bracket with any type of heavy-duty Vision mount. The shelf that comes with the VFMWVC can be left off, completely hiding what is left behind the display.

Technology news

Densitron adds new touchscreens CompareAI App allows comparative testing of AI-based image compression to Intelligent Display System Densitron has announced a quartet of new touchscreens for its Intelligent Display System (IDS) range. Developed to provide versatile control of both IDS and third-party broadcast systems, the display & control surfaces are ideal for tasks such as production and off-set timing, clocks and tally information and live visual feedback. Simultaneously, the company is also launching a powerful new end-point SBC, R7, for use with the IDS solution.

All four of the new touchscreens run IDS software in order to display comprehensive information and alerts about users’ broadcast systems. They feature interactive multi-touch displays and can be deployed to provide ergonomic network control of both IDS and other vendor equipment. Connection to the IDS network is achieved via Ethernet for a quick and stress-free installation process.

• The 6.6” IDS TS6.6 is the most compact of the four products with a 1440 x 240-pixel array providing a resolution of 222 PPI. It is housed in a steel 1RU rack-mountable enclosure (halfwidth), making it suitable for installation in desks or apparatus rooms.

• The 10.1” IDS TS10.1 incorporates an IPS TFT with 1200 x 1920 resolution display & control unit. Housed in a steel enclosure, this touchscreen can be wall- or desktop-mounted, giving the user considerable flexibility

in terms of positioning.

• The 2x 6.6” IDS TS13.2 is also high contrast, high brightness and high resolution IPS TFT with 2x 1440 x 240 displays providing a resolution of 222 PPI. The displays are housed in a steel 1RU rack-mountable enclosure, and once again the solution can be installed in desks or apparatus rooms.

• Completing the new quartet of touchscreens is the 16.3” IDS TS16.3. Housed in a steel 2RU rack-mountable enclosure, this multitouch interactive control and monitoring surface is high contrast, high brightness and high resolution IPS TFT with 1920 x 285 resolution.

Reuben Such, Global Business Director at Densitron IDS, comments: “These new products represent the next major evolution of the IDS touchscreen interface. Harnessing the powerful processing capabilities of the Densitron 2.0 range of products, these display and control surfaces offer superb resolution and outstanding performance. We also believe that they will resonate with a very broad range of existing – and potential – IDS customers.”

Indeed, whilst broadcast still constitutes the largest share of the IDS market, proAV is also expressing a grow-

ing interest for applications in the corporate sector, houses of worship and hospitals. “The versatility of the IDS solution is such that we are finding there are an increasing number of environments in which we can apply our broadcast methodology to non-broadcast applications,” says Such.

The remaining new IDS product is the R7 SBC. Incorporating a high-performance AMD Embedded System-on-Chip (SOC) design with powerful dual core @ 1.2 GHz processing and 4GB inbuilt memory, the R7 represents the next generation in IDS media endpoints. With multiple I/O options and 32GB storage, the R7 is specified to deliver dynamic content and critical information to displays that are part of an IDS network. Silent and ideally suited to 24/7 reliability, the R7 is able to cope with the most demanding of broadcast and media applications.

All five of the new products are now shipping.

InterDigital has announced it has translated its deep learning-based image compression research into the first AI-based image compression app—CompareAI. Running offline and on resource-constrained consumer hardware, CompareAI allows researchers and developers to experiment with and compare a wide range of compute-intensive image compression techniques in “real world” scenarios.

CompareAI features 15 deep learning-based compression models and includes a deep learning-based image encoder, a decoder, and an entropy coder to generate bitstreams comparable to traditional image compression algorithms, which had previously required dedicated Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

The variety of compressions means developers can access a diverse range of deep architectures, quality metrics, and quality levels, and for the first time allows them to compare compressions on a commercially available device. Developers can either select pictures using their own device, or choose from curated images, and CompareAI’s slider-based mechanism lets them compare the quality of the images compressed using traditional techniques like JPEG and HEIC, with those that use new AIbased techniques. The app also offers a step-by-step interface, which helps developers better understand the compression process.

“The CompareAI app is a first on many fronts,” said Jean Bolot, Head of the AI Lab at InterDigital. “It propels image compression techniques forward by enabling deep-learning algorithms on resource-limited devices and can compare the quality obtained with traditional techniques. CompareAI improves the quality of image compression today, but also provides the groundwork for next generation techniques which will enable more high-quality images to be stored using much less space.”

Motion compensated standards conversion on demand InSync Technology and Dalet have announced a new service offering FrameFormer motion compensated frame rate conversion on demand via the industry leading Dalet AmberFin Cloud Transcoder Service SaaS solution.

Dalet AmberFin Cloud Transcoder Service is a SaaS based, high quality media processing service with robust media packaging and distribution capabilities for post-production and broadcast workflows. The solution includes every feature from the on-premises version of Dalet AmberFin, with tools beyond simple media conversions, ensuring media professionals have access to image scaling, standards conversions, cut/splice, caption conversion, audio normalization, localization versioning, IMF creation and submission,

and HDR conversions.

Unique among elastic cloud transcoders, Dalet AmberFin Cloud Transcoder Service can be accessed via a public cloud managed service environment or deployed as a scalable container-based service inside a customer's existing private cloud infrastructure.

Frame rate conversion is an essential requirement for any content owner wanting to monetise material domestically and internationally. A high quality, motion compensated standards converter is the only solution for handling the multiple formats and frame rates needed for content distribution. With integration of FrameFormer from InSync Technology, top quality, motion compensated standards conversion is now available within the Dalet AmberFin SaaS solution.

"FrameFormer is becoming a popular choice for on-demand standards conversion.

Customers have told us that FrameFormer delivers superior results for all types of content, from sub-QCIF up to 8K and beyond," said Managing Director of InSync Technology Paola Hobson. “Dalet finds that InSync's FrameFormer technology provides best in class, motion compensated standards conversion for SD/HD/UHD content at a price/performance ratio that is unmatched in the industry," said Eric Carson, Director of Dalet AmberFin Product Strategy.

NVISA introduces display symbology for emergency alerts The NextGen Video Information Systems Alliance (NVISA) has introduced its first recommended practice document: Visually Integrated Display Symbology (VIDS). The VIDS recommended practice represents an industry breakthrough — a powerful and impactful new way of displaying emergency alerts based on easily discernible graphical elements.

The VIDS recommended practice is intended to enhance the impact, usability, and accessibility of emergency information by incorporating graphical elements.

NVISA's objective is to contribute to a more inclusive reach of emergency information that works for all audiences, regardless of visual media, language, ability, or culture.

NVISA is a worldwide coalition of developers and manufacturers working to help accelerate the industry's evolution toward next-generation broadcast and OTT television systems. Alliance members are pooling their cross-industry expertise to collaborate, implement standards, and create best practices to help broadcasters accelerate their transformation toward advanced ATSC 3.0 systems.

VIDS is the first-ever recommendation for integrating universally

understood graphical elements, including symbols and dynamic elements, into emergency alerting information for broadcast. Until now, visual displays of public warnings have been typically text-only, and usually limited to a single language. VIDS creates a commonly defined rela-

any graphical elements.

The VIDS recommended practice lays out a compelling new approach, providing a standard look and feel for advanced multimedia alerts that is fully compatible with national emergency alert requirements.

The VIDS recommended practice explicitly accommodates

ed States and Canada, while providing the flexibility to be applied anywhere else in the world.

VIDS can be adopted across all manner of display technologies including broadcast media, cable and IPTV systems, and digital signage. The VIDS visual presentation is based on

NVISA's objective is to contribute to a more inclusive reach of emergency information that works for all audiences, regardless of visual media, language, ability, or culture. tionship between the type of alert, the message text, and

the requirements of emergency alert systems in the Unit-

a set of display directives for integrating alert information in

which specific icons or symbols graphically represent an emergency event. Each symbol is presented with the alert text in a highly accessible manner.

For broadcasters and cable operators, systems using the VIDS recommended practice will deliver an integrated look and feel for advanced emergency alerts, with enhanced accessibility and appeal for viewing audiences. For manufacturers and developers, the recommended practice offers a standardized method to integrate, package, and display alert text and graphics.

“Associating graphics with the audio and visual components of an alert is highly meaningful to audiences,” said Bill Robertson, chair of the NVISA VIDS Working Group 2 and vice president of business development at Digital Alert Systems. "The symbology communicates the context of the alert without requiring viewers to read the text or even understand the language. Leveraging well-known symbols and unifying them in a presentation makes it far easier for users to engage and understand the message, ultimately bringing greater impact to broadcasters' mission of public

awareness and safety."

Integrating a range of technical and regulatory requirements, the NVISA VIDS document makes recommendations for visual presentation of emergency information on display systems, including the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Advanced Emergency Information (AEA) applications in ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV, OTT applications, digital signage, mobile applications, and other visual media.

The set of graphical display elements in VIDS is derived from public policy and social science research conducted by FEMA IPAWS, the DHS Geospatial Management Office, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, and the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS (NAPSG) Foundation.

"A significant strength of VIDS is that it provides a common, recognizable, and informative alerting and warning methodology that transcends the display device," said Jim Altemose, president, DigIt Signage Technologies. "Whether the alert is targeted for EAS television

Continued on page 13

AV News March 2021 P11

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Techology news NVISA introduces display symbology for emergency alerts broadcast, AEA applications, NextGen TV platforms, digital signage, or personal devices, the common symbology conveys the nature of the emergency as well as the severity in a

visual way that viewers easily understand, even those with barriers such as language or colour recognition."

"NVISA created the VIDS recommended practice to

benefit the entire industry, including consumers," said Edward Czarnecki, NVISA chairman and executive director. "VIDS showcases what can be done to enhance the accessibility and visi-

bility of emergency information in current broadcast and cable technologies, and advances what could be included in next-generation technologies like ATSC 3.0 and advanced

cable applications."

The NVISA Recommended Practice for Visually Integrated Display Symbology (VIDS), NVISA-WG-1-001.01, is freely available from NVISA for down-

load and review at www.nvisa. org/documents. Follow the Alliance at www.nvisa.org and on Twitter @NVISA_Innovate.

PPDS launches latest Philips MediaSuite PPDS has announced the latest models of its Philips MediaSuite hospitality TVs – the HFL5114 and HFL6114 – are now available in warehouses across EMEA. Further building on PPDS’ commitment to providing market-leading products and solutions to the hospitality sector, the latest MediaSuite models span six size options – ranging from 32” to 75” – each designed to ensure the highest and most personalised end user experience available in the market.

Available in 43”, 50”, 55”, 65” and 75”, the HFL6114U series provides stunning 4K UHD (3840x2160) picture quality and comes with a brand new, super-slim, silver metal bezel design, together with a stylish matching stand.

The HFL5114U, optimised for wall-mounted installations, is available in 43” and 50” options and matches the 6114U’s 4K UHD capabilities, while the 5114 – available in 32” and 43” – provides a high quality FHD option. Both are designed with a stylish black bezel.

As with previous models, these latest release MediaSuites with Android TVTM OS have

Chromecast built-in, allowing guests to stream and view content – be it photos, movies, music or even presentations – instantly and in up to 4K from their compatible laptop or mobile device (IOS, Android or Windows) with just the touch of a button and with no new apps or additional hardware required. Users also have access to thousands of popular apps on Google Play, including popular services such as local news, weather and traffic information, as well as content streaming from providers such as YouTube, Deezer and Spotify, plus Disney+ and Netflix.

Elaborating on the features of the new Philips MediaSuite range, Jeroen Verhaeghe, Global Product Manager at PPDS, said: “As a market leader, we continue to drive the market forward. With the HFL5114 and 6114, we’re driving the market up another gear. Bringing even more features and benefits to hoteliers and guests and once again cementing our position as the brand of choice for innovation in Professional TVs.” The new 5114 and 6114 MediaSuite TVs come pre-in-

TeamViewer enables web-based remote access TeamViewer has announced the launch of the TeamViewer Web Client for all subscribers of a Remote Access, Premium, Corporate or Tensor license.

The HTML 5-based web client allows secure remote access to other devices via Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Edge browsers. The connection can be started from the contact list of the TeamViewer Management Console, which can also be accessed online. The web client allows access to Windows, MacOS and Linux devices that use a full version of TeamViewer, TeamViewer Host or TeamViewer QuickSupport.

TeamViewer subscribers have long had access to the web version of the TeamViewer Management Console, where they can monitor and manage their devices. With web based remote access, customers can now connect to the Management Console from a computer on which no TeamViewer client is installed. This enables them to establish a browser-based TeamViewer remote control connection quickly and easily.

Like all TeamViewer connections, this is end-to-end encrypted and includes proven functionalities such as con-

trolling the input devices, updating, locking or restarting the computer as well as activating the security screen, which blackens the screen of the accessed computer. Support via web client is particularly relevant if the usual device with the existing TeamViewer installation is not available, but there is a need for quick access. Likewise, support is available from devices on which no TeamViewer software can be installed.

"With the web client, we are implementing another building block for unlimited connectivity. It is important to us to enable maximum flexibility and independence from devices or operating systems - regardless of location and in any situation," explains Christoph Schneider, Director Product Management at TeamViewer.

stalled with exciting new features and functionality for an enhanced and more personalised user experience. These include Google Assistant’s voice control functionality*, latest security updates, and a more personalised and intelligent content selection.

Plus, the ability to embed Net-

flix – the world’s most popular streaming platform with more than 203 million paid memberships – allowing users to enjoy seamless access to all their favourite movies and shows.

With the latest version of Android

TV OS, introduced in October 2020, all existing HFL6014 and HFL5014 models can be updated to include these benefits as a part of the PPDS ‘extended lifetime’ guarantee.

Allowing older models to be upgraded to bring cutting-edge experience to life for longer

and building on the company’s strategy to spearhead a more sustainable way of working for the AV industry.

“At PPDS, we always place customer experience at the heart of what we do. Entertainment

As with previous models, these latest release MediaSuites with Android TVTM OS have Chromecast built-in, allowing guests to stream and view content – be it photos, movies, music or even presentations – instantly and in up to 4K from their compatible laptop or mobile device is a big part of the experience their fleet of TVs to ensure exwhen staying in a hotel. With pectations are met, rather than our TVs running on Android being forced to invest heavily in TV OS, our extended lifetime new models is invaluable – for guarantee ensures guests can them and for the planet.” always enjoy a home from home experience, choosing to watch or listen to their own content on or through the big screen, rather than their smaller personal device. Likewise, for hoteliers, having the ability to upgrade

EPOS introduces the ADAPT 100 Series EPOS, the premium enterprise and gaming audio brand has announced the launch of the ADAPT Series. A headset engineered for the hybrid professional, the ADAPT 100 Series boasts outstanding audio quality aimed at boosting concentration and ensuring seamless communica-

go or in the office.

The ADAPT 100 Series uses EPOS Voice technology with a noise-cancelling microphone to optimize the user’s voice and enhance their calls, and integrated EPOS ActiveGard technology protects users from acoustic shock. The series is

for user flexibility and all-day comfort, featuring large on-ear leatherette or foam earpads and an ergonomic, lightweight design. A discreet boom arm that neatly folds away into the headset when not in use allows for seamless transition between calls and other tasks.

tion on demand.

The emerging hybrid workforce is facing new challenges that demand new solutions from audio devices. The ADAPT 100 Series is built specifically to address these needs, with smart audio technology to ensure uncompromised performance both on the

also equipped with cross-functional capabilities to simultaneously enable a superior listening experience, free from disruption – allowing it to meet increasingly overlapping personal and business needs.

In addition to a stylish look, the ADAPT 100 Series is built

To meet the increased need for collaboration and to improve user workflow, variants of the ADAPT 100 Series have been optimized for UC. The ADAPT 130T USB II, ADAPT 130T USB-C II, ADAPT 135T USB II, ADAPT 135T USB-C II, ADAPT 160T USB II, ADAPT 160T

USB-C II, ADAPT 165T USB II, ADAPT 165T USB-C II are certified for Microsoft Teams, which can be launched by simply clicking a button on call control. Plug and play device connectivity is also enabled through 3.5 mm jack, USB-A or USB-C connectors, allowing workers to easily switch between devices. These enhancements contribute to an even more intuitive and streamlined experience for users, enabling them to elevate their performance however and wherever they work.

Jesper Kock Vice President, Research and Development comments: “If we’ve learned anything over the past year it’s that we’re adaptable, flexible and resilient when it comes to doing business. Beyond that we’ve found great value in having high quality audio solutions available to us, and we’ve seen that many global organizations have recognized audio as a key enabler of business continuity. That’s why we’ve designed the ADAPT 100. It’s a device series that’s developed with today’s hybrid workforce in mind.

Lightweight and crafted for all day comfort it enables users to collaborate seamlessly no matter their location.”

P13 AV News Mawrch 2021

Diary and column Technology news

ViewSonic introduces ToF technology for instant auto focus ViewSonic Corp. is introducing its latest M2e Instant Smart 1080p Portable LED Projector. This new addition to the company’s M series of smart portable LED projectors uses Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology to achieve instant auto focus in an ultralight and portable design.

ToF technology enables the M2e to instantly auto focus in only one second, which is 3–5 times faster compared to current methods. It delivers impeccable optical precision, effortless setup, and its portability makes for flexible entertainment and work at home.

“ViewSonic is an industry-leading manufacturer in visual technology, constantly dedicated to innovating and upgrading LED projectors, making them smarter, easier to use, and thus enhancing the user experience,” said Dean Tsai, Head of the Projector BU at ViewSonic. “By applying ToF technology, we have reached a new milestone with the launch of the M2e, which fulfils carefree usage at home. As people now tend to stay at home more often, the new M2e allows them to enjoy an unprecedented audio-visual feast and the precious moments with family instantly and effortlessly.”

ToF sensors are a type of scanner-less LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology that

measures distance based on the time it takes for photons to travel between the sensor’s emitter and the target area, enabling accurate distance ranging regardless of the object’s surface characteristics. They also have high-accuracy linearity and up to 3m detection range with a full field of view.

Traditionally, when a projector is moved, it needs to be refocused by either a press on the remote control to trigger autofocus, or manual adjustments on the focus ring. With built-in G sensor design, the M2e can detect change of setup position and automatically trigger instant autofocus, which utilises ToF technology. Not only is the focusing more precise, but it can be completed in only one second, which is 3–5 times faster than the normal auto focus that uses a camera for continuous image capturing and matching, not to mention those by manual focus ring adjustment.

The M2e is designed specifically for comprehensive home entertainment and working from home. It is extremely portable, effortless to set up, and easy to connect. Weighing only 1 kg, it is light and small enough to carry in a handbag or backpack, and it can be placed virtually anywhere at home. Setting up the M2e is effortless with features such as instant powering

on/off, instant autofocus, and auto keystone, and a stepless stand for customised projection angles. Connecting your devic-

125% Rec.709 supported by ViewSonic’s industry-leading 2nd generation LED technology on an 80” large screen from

es with the M2e is easy.

Users can cast or screen mirror content from their smartphones to the big screen via Wi-Fi, input/output audio via Bluetooth for flexible usage, or do direct single-cable streaming via USB Type-C. The M2e has various extraordinary features that bring consumers an unprecedented and immersive audio-visual experience. Take in crystal clear visuals in Full HD resolution and cinematic colours covering

only 2.1m away.

Thanks to the low running temperature of the LED light source and ViewSonic’s exclusive thermal design, users can be fully immersed in their viewing experience, free from irritating fan noise. Combined with exceptional sound quality through integrated dual speakers customised by Harman Kardon, the M2e promises endless possibilities for entertainment.

New Panasonic UST zoom lenses available The location-based entertainment industry can now bring audiences even closer to the action with visually immersive experiences using Panasonic’s two new Zero-Offset Ultra Short Throw (UST) Zoom lenses for its LCD Laser Projectors. These lenses can be used to exploit every inch of display area with floor-to-ceiling, shadow-free images possible in even the most restricted installation spaces at museums, exhibitions and live events. The Panasonic ET-EMU100 UST Zoom Lens for the PT-MZ16K Projector Series will be available in August 2021 and the ET-ELU20 UST Zoom Lens for the new PTMZ880 Series will be available in September 2021.

“Whatever the challenges of the space, these lenses and the latest Panasonic projectors can make viewers feel part of the visual content with wide-screen, edge blended projection that can fill a display area,” said Hartmut Kulessa, European Marketing Manager at Panasonic Business. “The combination of innovative design and installation flexibility offers a whole new range of visual creative options.”

The lens throw-ratio of 0.330– 0.354:1 (WUXGA) produces a 200-inch image at a distance of about 1.42m. The distracting gap between the top of the image and the ceiling is elim-

inated to create greater visual impact. The projector can be mounted directly on the ceiling without the threat of lens-overhang obstructing the screen. In rear-projection, the projector can be located at the centre of the screen to distribute brightness evenly from centre to corners and edges.

Once in place, the projector is also easy to set-up with flexible adjustment. Images can be adjusted at the technician’s convenience using the lens’ 1.07x zoom and wide lens-shift range of Vertical: +50 %, -20 %, Horizontal: +20 %, -20 % (ETEMU100) and Vertical: +50 %, -50 %, Horizontal: +24 %, -24 % (ET-ELU20).

Precision glass lens elements offer scratch protection and greater resistance to heat. The ET-EMU100 also has a temperature sensor to support the projector’s Active Focus Optimizer (AFO), which analyses temperature information and automatically adjusts focus to consistently keep images pinsharp.

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Energy sustainability for meeting room AV There iso doubt in our mind that the end of the focus on the pandemic will coincide with a renewed emphasis on the environment and sustainability. Last month, TIG got the ball rolling with the publication of a White Paper written by its sales agency client GUDE Systems on energy sustainability for meeting room AV, Last month, Technological Innovations Group (TIG) announced that its vendor partner, GUDE Systems, had published a White Paper on how to reduce energy consumption in business AV settings. TIG describes itself as the leading sales agency for collaborative smart spaces and enterprise communication services, and is committed to offering highend products aimed at reducing operating costs.

This is one of the main reasons that TIG formed a partnership with GUDE, which is renowned for its German-engineered and manufactured Power Distribution Units and Remote Power Monitoring Systems. The new White Paper, created in collaboration with macom GmbH, seeks to address the question of sustainability including savings in power consumption and a reduction in CO2 emissions.

gent switching routines.

Lower costs, smaller footprint Steven Dullaert, TIG’s Director of Sales, comments: “This new research highlights GUDE’s dedication to providing users with lower costs and a better carbon footprint. It shows how we’re not just making promises in terms of savings and sustainability but are delivering on them.”

Key findings of the GUDE. entitled ‘Sustainable operation of media technology systems in meeting rooms’, share the objectives of reducing electricity costs and CO2 emissions with intelligent power distribution strips.

The White Paper was initiated by a macom GmbH prediction of a trend towards sustainability Energy efficiency plays an important role in the operation of media technology installations.

In addition to purely economic

devices, power consumption in standby mode at night and on weekends adds up to a considerable cost factor for the installation. In addition, the shutdown routine ensures that the lifetime of the devices is increased by avoiding continuous 24/7 operation.

To solve this problem, switchable IP power strips from GUDE Systems were incorporated.

They can be used to automatically shut down AV applications outside of business hours at night and on weekends. Thanks to the programmable shutdowns, the customer can fully exploit the savings potential: in asrptidingly short payback period.

Meeting room equipment The meeting rooms considered for the research project could be divided into three size categories: Small, medium and

meeting rooms of various sizes with audio/video and IT hardware. The room sizes ranged from small huddle rooms to large conference rooms. The task was to implement a suitable control technology that would enable the installed media technology to be switched off when not in use.

The night shutdown performed by the power distribution unit removes power-hungry consumers such as power supplies, control and extender systems from the network. To make this possible, the power distribution unit (PDU) was connected upstream of the AV devices as a central network component.

Size of meeting room Small; Medium; Large Number of AV devices 8; 13; 20 Number of AV devices to be switched off 3 5 8 IP power strip EPC 1202-1 EPC 8031-3 EPC 8031-3 Number of sockets 4; 8; 8 For the small meeting room, 8 AV devices are planned, for the medium 13 devices and for the large conference room 20 devices. Due to the larger number of consumers, distribution strips with 8 socket locations were used for the medium and large meeting room, while a distribution strip with 4 sockets was sufficient for the small huddle room.

Ideal setup of an AV installation

Its findings include analyses of levels of carbon emissions by reducing power consumption in stand-by modes at night and on weekends, using switchable IP power strips that can automatically shut down AV applications outside of business hours.

Additionally, the paper discusses how the trend towards sustainability also comes with cost savings. The White Paper presents these savings according to room sizes and duration of use, so that anyone specifying AV equipment for meeting rooms can point to these figures when calculating how they can reduce energy costs and increase their sustainability by using intelli-

considerations, electricity savings also lead to a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions. And with advancing climate change, this aspect in particular will become increasingly important in the coming years.

Siegfried Hermann, Managing Director of macom GmbH, predicts a clear trend towards greater sustainability in the operation of audio-visual systems.

“Companies will increasingly be faced with the question of how to realise concrete savings in power consumption in the future. This is a challenge that can only be met with intelligent technology coupled with the appropriate expertise.”

With a large number of both currently installed and planned

P16 AV News March 2020

large meeting rooms or conference rooms. The installed equipment per room included displays, loudspeakers, wireless presentation systems, microphone and camera systems as well as corresponding control elements.

1. Initial situation Together with macom GmbH, the following question was investigated as part of a project in 2020: "How can sustainable operation be taken into account in addition to technical and functional issues when equipping modern meeting rooms and how high are the associated cost savings?

Here, the goal was to equip

Using the Expert Power Control 8031 as an example, the PDUs are installed in 19-inch racks alongside other IT and AV equipment in a few simple steps and connected to the end devices as well as the IT network.

The racks themselves are concealed behind wall panels and media furniture in the meeting rooms.

The programming of the power distribution strips for the intended night shutdown is carried out via the web server integrated in the devices, which provides a corresponding configuration interface. This is password-protected and can be accessed from any PC in the network.

Amortization after less than 2 years Evaluating the device-specific standby consumption, the following total savings are obtained for the various room sizes over a period of 1, 5 and 10 years, the total savings are as follows: • Small meeting room Duration Savings in ... kWh EUR 1 year 744.80 148.96 € 5 years 3,724.00 744.80 € 10 years 7,448.00 1,638.56 € • Medium meeting room Duration Savings in ... kWh EUR 1 year 1,134.35 226.87 € 5 years 5,671.75 1,134.35 € 10 years 11,134.35 2,495.57 € • Conference room Duration Savings in ... kWh EUR 1 year 1,202.95 240.59 € 5 years 6,014.75 1,202.95 € 10 years 12,029.50 2,646.49 € Electricity prices based on de.statista.com The trend towards more sustainability

• Small meeting room 1.9 years • Medium meeting room 2.1 years • Conference room 2 years With a purchase price of 282 EUR for Expert Power Control 1202 and 499 EUR for Expert Power Control 8031-3, the return on investment for the installed PDU was therefore as follows in each case: Accordingly, after about 2 years, the acquisition costs for the night shut-off have already been amortized, regardless of the room size.

From a sustainability perspective, further savings are achieved in the project: Based on the assumption that the kW-hour of electricity leads to emissions of 0.5 kg CO2 on average, the avoidance of electricity consumption through night-time shutdowns results in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

CO2 saved as a function of room size and duration: Duration Room size: Small Me-

Feature Business opportunities

dium Large Total savings • 1 year 350 kg 533 kg 565 kg 1.5 t • 5 years 1,750 kg 2,666 kg 2,827 kg 7.2 t • 10 years 3,501 kg 5,332 kg 5,654 kg 14.5 t Conversion based on:: Energiemix in Deutschland 2019, Quelle: UBA, Climate Change13/2020, S. 9. This means that by avoiding unused energy consumption in the three meeting rooms alone, CO2 emissions of around 15t can be saved after a period of 10 years.

Conclusion The power distribution units used allow simple and rapid commissioning. The intended reduction in electricity costs can be realized through intelligent switching routines.

When equipping small, medium and large meeting rooms, the investment in IT control technology pays for itself after just two years. In addition, the avoidance of unused energy consumption makes a relevant contribution to reducing the CO2 footprint.

There are further advantages for the operator of the media technology systems: Location independent remote access to the installation is possible at any time and without cost-intensive service technician callouts. What's more, the integrated automatic reboot function ensures that the power strips restart faltering AV and IT applications without the operator's intervention.

And in addition, the connection of temperature and humidity sensors to the IP power strips allow extended monitoring of the meeting rooms. Critical conditions on site can thus be avoided at an early stage in the future. The fact that the devices are switched off when they are not needed also reduces the risk of fire. Hence, this solution also improves fire protection.

Recycling and disposal In the same week that the WHITE PAPER as published the UK Government published new recommendations on the recycling and disposal of electrical equipment has reached its end-of-life. As in the past, organisations have certain legal responsibilities if they sell electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to provide free take-back services of old equipment.

The requirements around takeback services are set out in The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (‘The WEEE Regulations’) and customers must be provided

with a way to dispose of their old household electrical and electronic equipment when they purchase a new version of the same item. This applies regardless of how products are bought such as directly in a shop or by Internet, mail order or telephone.

There is an alternative to providing an in-store take-back service available to organisations; to join the Distributor Take-back Scheme (DTS).

Being part of this scheme allows members an exemption from offering a free take-back service as members pay a fee that goes towards supporting recycling centres run by local authorities. The amount paid depends on the size of the business, whether the equipment is only sold online and how much EEE is sold.

The DTS operates in phases and is reviewed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra):

With a purchase price of 282 EUR for the GUDE Expert Power Control 1202 and 499 EUR for Expert Power Control 8031-3, the return on investment for the installed PDU was therefore as follows in each case: Accordingly, after about 2 years, the acquisition costs for the night shut-off have already been amortized, regardless of the room size. years. These targets are set out in the WEEE Regulations and come from the EU WEEE Directive. Data published by the Environment Agency shows that in the 2019 calendar year, 494,976 tonnes of household WEEE was collected, which was 55,156 tonnes below the

more people to recycle their items.

Another key part of helping to improve recycling rates of EEE is more information for consumers. In early 2020 a ‘Recycle Your Electricals’ campaign was launched to encourage and support more people to reuse

Phase 5 runs from 1st January 2020 until 31st December 2021 and will only be open to large retailers until the end of 2020. (Large retailers are those with an excess of £100,000 of turnover in sales of EEE.)

Phase 5 now in operation Phase 4 of the DTS came to an end on 31st December 2019 Phase 5 runs from 1st January 2020 until 31st December 2021 and will only be open to large retailers until the end of 2020. (Large retailers are those with an excess of £100,000 of turnover in sales of EEE.) This means large retailers can only join the DTS for the first year of the fifth phase and they are then required to provide in-store take-back facilities from January 2021. (This requirement does not apply to online-only retailers.

The UK has WEEE collection targets that have not been achieved for the last three

overall UK collection target of 550,132 tonnes.

In order to try to meet future collection targets, changes were needed and the key to improving collection rates is to make it more convenient for consumers to recycle their waste electricals: • 42% of people would use WEEE recycling banks at supermarkets and shops if they were available.

• 61% would use in-store drop off points in electrical retail stores, according to a recent survey.

By requiring large retailers to offer take-back services rather than having the option to pay the fee for the DTS it is hoped these facilities will support

and recycle their old electricals. This campaign has been financed by producers of EEE. However, there are concerns that as the DTS is still open for online-only retailers these organisations are not currently having to take full responsibility to facilitate the recycling of old electrical equipment. As online retail continues to grow, this is certainly an area that Defra need to consider.

So, if your customers are purchasing electrical equipment don’t forget to make use of the recycling facilities for your old item and help increase the recycling rates for WEEE.

Recent changes to legislation The EEE sales data from UK producers shows we are generally buying more electricals, most which will have been imported from outside the UK. The proposed changes to the UK WEEE Regulations table options that could cause a huge impact on producers and with that, changes in financing and end of life management that could trickle down to consumers and businesses users.

The main challenges include: • Product classification – how to adopt a change in classification of products from 10 to 6 categories with minimal upheaval to producer costs or waste stream separation for producers? Despite this, there could be significant differences between the UK and European compliance systems if EU continue on anticipated trajectory (move to 6 dimensions-based categories), and the UK preferred option is adopted (retain 14 categories).

• Inclusion of previously exempt products – unless an electrical product is specifically exempted, then it is assumed to be in scope. The inclusion of previously exempt products coming into scope is likely to bring new businesses into the WEEE system for the first time.

Will this spread the burden or add more demand to the system?

• Impact on budgets – a year ago in a stakeholder meeting, we thought an adoption of 6 categories was most likely for the UK. However, time, likelyto retain the 14 categories with a protocol behind, which will bring the most stability with lowest impact on producer market.

• Recycling costs – waste holders may suddenly find themselves with increased WEEE recycling costs; waste classification is complex and those in the many industries pre-

viously outside the scope of WEEE Regulations could find themselves with more administration and separating more waste. Otherwise they risk paying for the mixed loads to be sorted elsewhere!

AV News March 2020 P17

Diary and column Feature

Can buildings protect us against Covid-19: the unanticipated benefit.

While there was no thought of the smart building concept as a tool to protect staff and visitors against the effects of the global pandemic, continuing interest in the concept throughout the last year has revealed this unanticipated but welcome benefit. ISE organised an event in its digital RISE series to explore the market and innovations in the technology.

Integrated Systems Events’ Smart Buildings: The Way Forward was set against a background of smart solutions in helping buildings to reopen in a safe, Covid-compliant manner. The discussion will delve into the new expectations of buildings that the pandemic has brought – relating to hygiene, social distancing and a sharp increase in remote working – and the solutions that are being deployed to meet them.

The event will also present some exciting startups in the smart building space.

A highlight of every RISE Spotlight is the ‘ISE Reporter Roundtable’ – a lively, in-depth discussion among industry experts. For this edition, the panel included: • Angelica Krystle Donati, Head of Business Development, Donati S.p.A. and CEO of Donati Immobiliare Group • Matthew Marson, UK Sector Director – Manufacturing + Technology at Arcadis •Erik Ubels – Owner of MetisReal; former CIO of Deloitte Netherlands, where he was strongly involved in the creation of The Edge Amsterdam •Julian Phillips – SVP Global Workplace Solutions, AVI-SPL; former AVIXA Board member Under the moderation of Callum Booth, Writer and Editor at TNW, they discussed how the need to provide healthier, more productive and more engaging environments has changed the importance of certain types of functionality; as well as the challenges involved in selecting, implementing and running integrated building smart solutions. In the ‘AVIXA Insights,’ session Sean Wargo, AVIXA’s Senior Director, Market Intelligence, presented an overview of smart building technology revenues as highlighted in the association’s IOTA reports. In ‘Smart Buildings and Pro AV’, Bob Snyder and AVIXA’s Sean Wargo will take a deeper dive into the association’s IOTA statistics to uncover some important trends within the smart building industry.

Key findings As we prepare to start mixing again in offices, schools and colleges, and other settings,

the smart building industry has seen a flurry of new activity designed to address the challenges of the Covid era. As we all look towards some normality returning later this year, this month’s discussions will focus on the role of smart solutions in helping buildings to reopen.

The discussion delved into the new expectations of buildings that the pandemic has brought – relating to hygiene, social distancing and a sharp increase in remote working – and the solutions that are being deployed to meet them.

Central to the debate was the issue of what is a smart building? Definitions varied even before the Covid-19 outbreak, drom the widely accepted: “Smart buildings. are sometimes referred to as 'automated buildings', 'intelligent buildings' or buildings that incorporate smart technology. However, it is a fairly ambiguous term that at its most basic level has been used to describe buildings that include technologies such as: Automated systems and Intelligent building management systems.”

Post Covid-19, tp the technology-focused definition we must surely add: “Buildings designed and built with the capability to keep occupants safe and free from the risks of infection.”

what’s right for their building” they also need expert advice to review a range of options and to integrate the final choice.

Speakers at the RISE event were openly critical of suppliers who leave clients with the knowledge that “there is an API / SDK available” and leave it at that.

access points and wayfinding to avoid congestion and breaching social distancing rules

An example of a specialist are of knowledge was given in the RISE event. Smart buildings served by elevators often want to integrate an elevator call function into yje building network. Specialists in the field are starting to emerge, but there is an immediate requirement currently unsatisfied. Speakers at the RISE event called for these new specialists to consider of elevators as ab integral part of the building, not as a separate sub-system.

On the other hand, there is also massive demand for digital signage in the built space.

Not a problem you would think as digital signage is a core proAV strength, but the current requirement is for solutions which constitute a front line defence against Covid, tracking

in the city of Hengelo, is Acar Accountants & Adviseurs – a young accounting firm, specialising in areas of accountancy, tax advice, business advice, financial services and business valuation. Situated over three floors, the company’s offices are a hive of daily activity, housing an assembled team of 15 specialist staff and a relentless flow of visitors – including new and existing clients, enquiries and deliveries. With the safety and wellbeing of everyone that passes through its doors of paramount importance – more so than ever before due to the ongoing concerns and threats surrounding Covid-19 – Acar sought a cost-effective solution that would not only meet new essential social distancing safety requirements,

Case study Earlier this year we reported on a solution from Philips that can help with this requirement in an office environment. Located

but also instil confidence and trust in those frequenting it, as part of reopening.

Managing capacity levels was key to ensuring social distancing was possible at all times but investing in a full-time security guard or redeploying existing staff to self-manage foot flow, manually counting or clicking

est ground-breaking products and solutions available around the world, in order to best support its customers and meet their ever changing needs.

To meet Acar’s needs, PeopleCount, a new solution from PPDS using Philips displays combined with an intelligent camera from Bosch, was the

Educated buyers This need to agree a definition that satisfies a wide range of building types, from corporate, to education, hospitality and residential, is challenging at least, but pales into insignificance when compared to designing an integrated technology solution to meet these needs. Part of the problem here is the lack of a recognised channel for smart building solutions.

While there are a number of AV systems integrators with aspirations in the is direction, there is competition from architects. IT consultants. construction and facilities management providers. All too often responsibility is pushed back onto the client, with the demand from the component supply-side for “educated buyers” to develop their own smart building wish list. While not unsympathetic to the argument that “they no

P18 AV News March 2020

To meet Acar’s needs, PeopleCount, a new solution from PPDS using Philips displays combined with an intelligent camera from Bosch, was the standout choice a button as people enter and leave the building were not viable options, with both bringing a potential and long-lasting drain on resources and likely to impact quality of service. Acar turned to Fidato, a national AV integration and project design specialist from Arnhem, which has provided innovative and varied range of display, audio and software solutions to a variety of markets and verticals, including corporate, government, hospitality (hotels), education and healthcare. Founded in 1992, Fidato has an extensive knowledge and reach of the AV market, priding itself on keeping itself abreast of all the lat-

standout choice for Fidato, not only meeting safety requirements but also opening up new opportunities, relevant both now and in the future. A long-term partner of its national neighbours, Fidato had been testing trialling PeopleCount – created as part of a direct response to help businesses overcome the challenges faced

by COVID-19 – since the solution was first conceived back in April.

Already rolled out across Europe inside a growing number of leading retailers, restaurants and bars, PPDS PeopleCount uses intelligent cameras and

Feature

displays to keep count of the number of people entering and leaving a premises or space – sending visual and/ or audio alerts around capacity, informing people when it’s safe and unsafe to enter, due to social distancing being compromised.

For this important project, Fidato installed a 32-inch Philips PDS 32BDL4051D display, positioned and installed in portrait mode and connected to a Bosch IP Counting Camera to greet people as they enter Acar’s reception area insides the building’s main entrance.

The Bosch IP Camera 3000i was strategically mounted on the ceiling near the entrance, automatically counting the number of people entering and exiting the offices. The data is then used to provide automatic live visual information displayed on screen – with an immediately identifiable stop and go traffic light system.

Isa Acar - CEO at Acar Accountants & Adviseurs, shared his delight with the performance and impact of

PeopleCount: “When we first approached Fidato, we had no idea anything like PeopleCount existed but am delighted to say it’s so far surpassed all our expectations. Investment in technology, particularly in these tough economic times, may not seem a desirable approach for everyone. However, with the price of PeopleCount comparable to just one month’s salary of a security guard, plus opening up a variety of new offerings, this has very much been money well spent. Trust is a key part of our business.”

Benefits of smart technology •Safety and security – Using PPDS PeopleCount, Acar can automatically manage and monitor capacity in is fast paced corporate office to enable safe social distancing among staff and visitors.

•Built with the future in mind – The benefits provided by PeopleCount will far outlast COVID-19, opening up new opportunities to communicate and engage with visitors, whilst also creating a highly professional image among visitors the second they walk in.

•Cost effective – PeopleCount can be installed in just a few days and unlike a manually managed capacity solution – PeopleCount is more accurate, does not take breaks or holiday and starts at less than an average month’s salary of a security guard.

Expertise The knowledge share by the integrator in this example is an example of the usefulness of the expert integrator’s role.

The question that remains is does it go far enough? Speak-

er Julian Phillips, SVP Global Workplace Solutions, AVI-SPL; former AVIXA Board member, believes that the role of the integrator is to provide “a bridge between technology and real estate, while “facing up to the main challenges of integrating diverse technologies”. (An avowed enthusiast for the technology, Philips says he has 37 Alexas in his home).

Erik Ubels, SVP Global Workplace Solutions, AVI-SPL and a former AVIXA Board member, has some advice for those considering investments in smart building solutions. He says, number one, “Make sure that cloud solutions actually work”.

Given this proviso, he absolutely sees a place for efficient management tools, includinh those that can tell building owners and administrators how many people are on site, where they are what rooms and facilities they are using or want to use. Ubels says that there are lots of tools emerging for a world where the IoT is increasingly important.

Chris Nouveau, Digital Advisor, at Microsoft is the man who should know, saying that “Op-

erational technology and information technology are merging - companies Schneider and Thyssen Krupp for example are becoming ISPs.” “2020 changed the world for all of us. The world’s managers are expecting to change the way they work. Buildings will have to be adapted to the new world of work. Sensors will keep us safe. Basic things like how many square metre will social distancing say I have to have?”

“There needs to be a dialogue between the building management and its occupants, There are 120 million users of Microsoft 365 every day. Microsoft will help or organise the relationship between the home and work offices with mixed reality playing a role in both spaces.”

After the pandemic It was left to Angelica Krystle Donati, Head of Business Development, Donati S.p.A. and CEO of Donati Immobiliare Group. to tackle the thorny question of the future of the office, she referred back to the earlier question of what do

people want smart buildings to do after the pandemic? In fact, will there be a future for the office? She concluded that the city is not dead but the emphasis must now br placed on future-proofing and the user experience, elevating the experience when users come into the office.

But how much of the responsibility for this will fall on the proAV community?

Sean Wargo, Senior Director, Market Intelligence, AVIXA emphasises the scale of the opportunity: “It’s everywhere – corporate, residential, hospitality” uberlining that all of the applications use proAV ingredient technologies – displays. storage, sensors…”

He believes that 75% of the smart buildings market is retrofit. It is currently a hot bed of product innovation – in contrast, integration in the smart building world is yet to be decided. So, while the future in smart buildings is promising, there ia much to be decided.

AV News March 2021 P19

UC technology and applications have advanced more in the last year than in the previous ten.

New developments in the workplace, conferencing, education and society in general have proliferated.

New users of UC solutions are looking for guidance and reassurance.

The AV News Awards will satisfy this need, recognising excellence and innovation. identifying the best solutions available in key vertical and horizontal markets.

Nominations for the UC News Awards open on the 1st April 2021

Winners of the UC News Awards will be presented with their trophies at UC Expo on the 6th October 2021

UC News Awards 2021: Award categories Product and solution Awards UC News software innovation of the year UC News hardware innovation of the year UC News security innovation of the year Project awards UC News workplace project of the year UC News education project of the year

UC News entertainment project of the year UC News business event of the year Personal awards UC News thought leader of the year UC News market innovation of the year UC News technology innovator of the year

Entering the UC News Awards

Sponsorship opportunities

Follow the navigation on - www.ucnews.co.uk - to the UC News Awards digital entry form. Nominations open on the 1st April 2021 ans close pm the 1st September 2021.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the UC News Awards programme as a whole and specific Award categories. For full details please call Saskia on 07811 113870 or email Saskia. josephine@bluandgreen.co.uk .

Column Business opportunities

Introducing the LED Studio The LED Studio is now in its 10th year and still growing exponentially.

For some time best known to integrators and clients for the bespoke design of cutting-edge LED displays, The LED Studio is emerging as one of the leaders in this fast-developing industry.

CEO Rob Bint, whose vision has always been to make LED simple and reliable, has remained at the forefront of the AV industry, regardless of the many later arrivals in the field who have self-declared as experts.

The LED Studio has Europe’s largest LED screen design and production area, equipped with massive technical and display facilities and are undertaking some of the largest DOOH projects ever.

Already Made in Britain, they are planning to bring full LED production to the UK in the future. A recent visit by the UK Ambassador to Production partner VOD-Visual, was to mark the approval of the UK government for this exciting development, and to facilitate the way forward.

Based in Swindon, their showroom -the largest in

Other than a small sign on the door of the showroom, the facility is mainly unbranded, which is strongly appreciated by integrators, designers, architects etc, as they can bring their clients into a building that can be instantly branded with products, the client’s logo, and imaging, at the touch of a button. This, combined with the hot-desking area and spacious boardroom, makes it a versatile, convenient space for visitors.

Outdoor Billboards, Sports Perimeter, Virtual Film Production, Retail, Shelf Displays, Boardroom, All-in-one Displays, Transparent Screens, Flexible LED: no area of products is left out, with dozens of screens and hundreds of LED types, this truly is a facility to behold.

Due to several ground-breaking new products, it is felt that now is the time to launch the brand and enter new markets.

Europe- offers hundreds of different types of LED screens, VR production facilities, event space, and more. They have grown accustomed to the jaw-dropping impact their offering has on first time-clients walking into their unique 35,000 square foot facility.

The LED Studio are unique in the fact they design and have their own production partnership (VOD-Visual) in China from where they monitor and fine-tune their manufacturing: in non-COVID times, the Chinese team is integrated fully with the Swindon team. This ability to closely monitor quality control has enabled the core business of OEM to maintain the first-class standard of quality demanded by major brands.

The LED Studio innovates constantly and many of their unique products are regularly adopted or copied by others in the field. In this industry, it’s often said that the main real change in LED in recent years has been the ever-decreasing pixel pitch. However, to list the new products, ideas and developments that have emerged from Swindon in the last few years would reveal a host of innovations and advances.

In contrast to the norm (where, for example, if a client wanted to see and buy a fine-pitch screen), in order to view the exact item, they would probably be required to visit China or one of the big exhibitions like ISE (an increasingly difficult undertaking in these times), the LED Studio can simply invite clients to turn up to a vast showroom and compare content on many different screens and resolutions. On purchase, often the screens are in UK stock for immediate delivery. They keep a huge stock of cabinets, and often, with the ability to manufacture the lightweight LED panels in just 10 days, the usual months-long production and shipping waiting times are eliminated.

The LED Studio is therefore actively looking for new partners in several world regions for their Eco Fusion Billboard and Edge videowall screen (more of which below).

In a few weeks, clients who wish to visit The LED Studio’s new London showroom in Paddington will be able to view examples of transparent LED glass screens, billboards, interactive displays and the world’s first true LED videowall, in this exciting venue.

One of the core values of The LED Studio is its green credentials and commitment to a responsible carbon impact: the reason behind their continual development of innovations to reduce power consumption. A clear illustration of the LED Studio’s success in this regard can be seen in the contrast between the substantial heat emitted on the front of their competitors’ screens, to their own screens, which run cold. Further, their screens need less manpower to install and are lighter than most others, leaving a smaller carbon footprint for the installation.

The LED Studio strive to make the whole procurement process simpler and less painful. For example, during the initial contact process, where they will openly explain the difference in products and talk prices and options from the start. Many of their competitors refuse to give a cost until integrators reveal a degree of their own or their clients’ financial information, but The LED studio has opted for a more user-friendly approach, with objective advice and free-flowing price information: understanding the ‘ballpark cost’ from their customer’s point of view.

Although their screens are seen by millions of people every week, in locations such as roadside advertising, football and sports stadiums, airports and travel hubs, their website is not crowded with images of these. The LED Studio is happy to OEM and white label their products, which has meant that, despite their ubiquity, they have, until recently, been a “best kept secret”. Now, however, they are steadily becoming recognised as the biggest force in the industry. Many who previously thought of them as competitors are realising that, by using their LED screens, they can save money and give clients a superior product.

The team in Swindon is growing fast and they have just taken on more new recruits as they rapidly expand. Sales Director Neil Longuet-Higgins says “Encouraging new talent in this industry is so important, I look back to early days in the 90’s and remember with affection taking on young, green recruits who are now senior stalwarts of the industry. We must all do our bit and encourage growth as we emerge from these difficult times” Of the many services that they offer, from bespoke screen design and modification, installation, maintenance and monitoring, is repair of all LED panels from any manufacturer, the majority of which are done in-house. Increasingly, as the UK estate of screens

is starting to age, clients, whether they be a media owner with hundreds of sites, or an individual retailer with a screen in their shop, are finding their needs met by the LED Studio, which also has facilities to decommission and safely dispose of out-of-date products.

2021 has seen several firsts, including the new 55” Edge cabinet, and this summer they will introduce their dedicated production panel for VR and Filming. Using anti-moiré technology (without the colour gamut drift of other types of screen), this will be available with Brompton, Nova or Colorlight control, and, after successful camera tests and discussions, P1.5 has been chosen for better resolution and greater depth of field for use with the major studios.

In all, the LED Studio is the company to watch in 2021, so those looking to distribute or use their screens, simply test content, ask advice, or who would like to be a partner, please get in touch.

P21 AV News March 2021

Opinion

Incorporating Smart LED projectors into the New Normal lifestyle The Covid-19 pandemic has forever changed our world and affected all aspects of our lives, including work, learning, and entertainment.

Consumers have had to adapt to meet this “new normal”, and many brands and companies have faced the threat of diminished consumer demands and changes in consumer behaviour. Dean Tsai, Head of the Projector & LED Display Business Unit of ViewSonicm explains.

However, while some products and services have seen slowing in demand, others are now more in need than ever before. Among the trends we observed is an upswing in demand and interest in home entertainment products. With people spending more time entertaining, working and schooling at home, consumers are purchasing products that facilitate this new lifestyle. Products with versatile applicability in the home and that serve a wide range of family members are proving to be the most popular. One device that successfully meets those demands, and the challenges of the new normal, is the smart LED projector.

Using a Smart LED Projector for Entertainment, Work, and Learning Home entertainment is now perhaps more popular, and more important than ever before. Not only do consumers get an immersive audio-visual experience with smart LED projectors, they offer a big screen for a theatre-like experience at home, helping to maintain mental wellbeing and a sense of normalcy during a lockdown situation when cinemas are closed. Smart LED projectors can also be portable, but still pack the power of a much larger device. So it’s easy to take an LED projector to a different room.

There are also all the features one would expect from a smart TV, including wireless casting from smart devices via 5GHz Wi-Fi for easy streaming of multimedia content, as well as audio broadcasting via Bluetooth.

For working at home, a smart LED projector can serve as a convenient second or third display on any surface, enabling users to achieve greater productivity on a larger screen without taking up too much space. They also allow for mobile device mirroring, and audio output to Bluetooth headphones to avoid disturbing family members or to keep confidential audio under wraps.

Smart LED projectors are also conducive to distance learning as they offer a big screen for virtual lectures and other online class activities for a more personal experience.

A larger screen means easier viewing and reading of text, which translates into greater eye comfort. In addition, smart LED projectors cause less eye strain for children and adults alike, as they emanate nearly blue light-free reflective light as opposed to emitted light on TVs and are mercury-free.

In this case choose a projector that can create a real cinematic experience with true-to-life colours (LED’s have a wide colour gamut), low fan noise and a tasteful ID design. In terms of set up and installation consider the space, does it require a wall mount? Consider the sound field design to optimise the users experience. Something else to consider is how flexible can the installation be to work with the existing interior design? If the customer’s home already has smart streaming and automation system, make sure that the smart projector is easy to connect to established home systems.

2) Using the living room (non-dedicated space): Installing a projector for home entertainment in a living room comes with space restrictions.

Choose a short or even ultra-short throw projector to save space, while still achieving the desired “big screen” experience. Additionally, the ability tors offer wireless connectivity for casting and screen mirroring, which allows users to quickly and easily share content from their mobile device to a much larger screen that can be projected onto any surface in any space at home with its portable nature. As people spend more time at home, ViewSonic has them placing an even greater value on high-quality projector-enhanced experiences.

The end result is that whether a smart LED projector is used for entertainment, education, or work, they can offer effortless setup, vivid colors and image quality, superior audio, and smart functionality that both streamline workflows and deliver an unparalleled home entertainment experience.

How to Select and Setup the projector right for you Choosing the right projector for a project can be difficult as these types of devices often suffer from a variety of issues, including tedious setup, poor audio performance, high noise level and heat, regular maintenance, and an unattractive design that might not appeal to clients.

ViewSonic has shared how to set up a smart LED projector perfectly at home. Before picking a projector, confirm any special demands with a customer, then check the conditions in terms of setup. These can include how much screen size is desired, the lighting conditions of the room, would the projector be fixed or movable from space to space, compatibility with existing home automation or audio systems, etc.

First up, home cinema installation. In this case there are two options to consider: 1) Having a dedicated cinema room:

P18 AV News March 2020

to create the cinematic experience without the need for extra external equipment, such as speakers, is essential. Consider a projector that can combine great visuals and sound out of one box. To set up a short throw, specifically an ultra-short throw you may need a special projection screen to provide the best experience. Ensure the projector has smart functionality and is easy to set up with content streaming applications and established home systems.

Let’s say you need to install a smart projector for distance learning. In this case, a smart LED projector can be viewed by socially distanced students in class as well as by students watching remotely, as the projector’s feed can be connected to the teacher’s PC and used as a source during their live stream or even for pre-recorded lessons.

Similarly, a smart LED projector could also accomplish the same for collaborative meeting spaces. In both cases, smart LED projec-

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Diary and column Advertorial

An effective audio ecosystem for a collaborative world The business world has changed. Education has changed. In fact, any scenario where a person or group of people are required to meet and collaborate has changed, for the most part due to the initial impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on society and our response to it – to build back better. What is also clear is that organisations of all types are now required to enable remote participation – either partially or fully – as part of their business continuity plans.

Businesses have had to contemplate new ways of working, initially offering employees the option of working from home, and later implementing remote working full time, redefining roles or eliminating the traditional office structure altogether.

The education sector was forced to rethink and reorganise how it could continue to provide lessons effectively in a safe environment for both faculty and students alike. Remote learning and online modules are now an essential part of the learning journey even for students who are present on campus. And there is no doubt that high-quality audio makes a positive impact on remote learning and collaboration.

However, this sea change in communication was happening before the pandemic. The need for greater carbon neutrality was already being discussed by Governments and business leaders around the world. Statistics for higher education institutions between 2016-17 for the two top study destinations – the US and the UK – showed falling numbers of international student enrolling. The question for academics: if students can’t or won’t travel, how can we continue to engage them? The seeds for efficient and effective global communication were being sown.

How can we help academics continue to deliver a high-quality learning experience to remote students? Is there a way we can simplify the vendor landscape to avoid having to deal with multiple suppliers of software and hardware? Is there a way to centrally control all the different AV solution components? Can AV products on networked audio connections be protected effectively against security breaches?

Creative Conversation = Innovation As a market-leading provider of premium audio hardware and software for audio conferencing systems, Shure continued to listen to its customers, taking onboard their immediate needs and requirements and future long-term vision for systems that could meet and exceed the demands of various markets. And the continuation of the convergence between AV and IT departments has sped up the adoption of AV technologies geared around simple deployment, intuitive operation and seamless compatibility, especially those that are certified for use with leading collaboration platforms such as Zoom, BlueJeans, Teams, GoToMeeting and others.

Innovative and scalable solutions of networked microphones,

P24 AV News March 2021

AV News November 2020 P24

Advertorial

optimised for easy installation in drop-ceiling configurations. Designed by Shure, it integrates seamlessly with the AV conferencing audio ecosystem of networked hardware and software for a complete audio solution.

•IntelliMix DSP: Including the P300 Audio Conferencing Processor and IMX-Room Audio Processing Software, the IntelliMix range of digital signal processor is designed to enhance every aspect of conference audio and helps to eliminate unwanted noise and echo, while providing consistent volume levels of all meeting participants to the far end of a video conference call.

•Applications: Software for System Configuration and Remote Management, including our Audio Asset Management Software, SystemOn, which monitors Shure devices across networks, logs system events and alerts users over text or email for time sensitive or critical issues, and Designer, System Configuration Software that makes onsite installation and project management simple.

• Accessories: The configurable PoE-powered Network Mute Button accessory is designed for easy muting of Shure networked audio products, including Microflex Advance Array Microphones as well as the P300 and IntelliMix Room DSPs and ANIUSB-MATRIX. It provides simple, programming-free “mute sync” functionality for one or many networked devices in a room and is also compatible with third-party control systems via command strings.

The Shure Audio Ecosystem establishes the single vendor relationship that IT leaders are looking for to meet as many AV needs as possible, effortlessly and effectively.

DSPs, along with loudspeakers for small rooms, large boardrooms and everything in between were required. A single vendor audio ecosystem was an obvious choice and solution.

The Shure Audio Ecosystem was born out of this need, offering product bundles for specific room requirements, providing a turnkey audio solution and clear and concise audio consistent from room to room. This range of product offers a complete conferencing audio ecosystem that fits perfectly with the needs of system integrators and AV professionals, flexible across audio system architectures in all room types.

The expanded range of Microflex® Advance™ (MXA) products along with complementary software for design, management and control, expands the options open to systems integrators equipping meeting and collaboration environments. These are all natively designed to work with each other, and with IntelliMix® audio signal processing in either device-based or software formats.

With the introduction of the Microflex Advance MXN5-C Networked Loudspeaker, the MXA710 Linear Array Microphone and the Networked Mute Button, along with the MXA310 Linear Array Microphone, MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone with IntelliMix, Designer System Configuration Software, SystemOn Audio Asset Management Software, IntelliMix® P300 Audio Conferencing Processor and IntelliMix® Room Audio Processing Software, Shure supports the complete audio signal chain, from input to output.

• Microphones: From Ceiling, Table and Linear Array microphones, all designed for high-quality audio capture in premium AV conferencing environments. Whether it’s under or next to a wall-mounted display, suspended from the ceiling or flush mounted in a table, there is a microphone solution to suit every need. The low-profile form factor of the MXA range subtly blends into any meeting room aesthetic without sacrificing audio quality and makes it an ideal alternative for spaces where flexible mounting options are required.

•Loudspeaker: The MXN5-C provides high-quality speech reproduction for AV conferencing applications. PoE-enabled with an onboard amplifier housed in a low-profile design, this loudspeaker includes one Dante input and two Dante outputs,

AV News March 2021 P25

Peoplewatch

peoplewatch ProSource has announced the appointment of Frank Marengo as its Southeast District Manager. Marengo has a long history in the loudspeaker business with Klipsch and Dynaudio in multiple roles, including direct account management and sales management.

“One of the unique strengths of the ProSource organization is our field team of District Managers," said Tim Bashford, Senior Director of Sales at ProSource. "We are delighted to welcome Frank, with his high energy and professional track record of success, to our team.”

Marengo's success in the consumer technology industry is based upon building long-term business relationships, executing business plans, and adapting quickly to shifts in the market. He will be based in New Orleans, working with ProSource members in West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida.

"I am very excited about working with the best integrators in the Southeast to help them become more profitable," commented Marengo. "In my previous roles working for manufacturers, I recommended many dealers to become more involved with ProSource because the organization truly cares about the well-being of its members. I feel fortunate and blessed to be part of an organization that can help dealers grow and prosper with all aspects of their business."

AV Stumpfl has recently appointed two executive directors, as part of restructuring measures aimed at maximising the acclaimed company's management efficiency. At the core of the new executive directors' tasks will be the operative coordination of the screen and media server departments.

In her new role as executive director, Stefanie Niederwimmer will be responsible for projection screens, with her colleague Christine Doppelmair taking over her former position as head of sales – screens. Niederwimmer has been with AV Stumpfl since 2004 and has held a number of different positions of strategic importance during that time.

Harry Gladow, formerly a global business development manager, will become the new executive director for the company's media server department. Gladow joined AV Stumpfl in 2017 and was tasked with growing the global distribution network. His extensive previous experience with media servers led him to be heavily involved in the development of the next-gen media server software PIXERA. AV Stumpfl CEO Fabian Stumpfl explained the reasons for introducing the two new positions: “Our company experienced substantial growth during the last few years, which led to quite a few changes, like the establishment of our own offices in the USA in 2018. This kind of development also has to be reflected in the management structure, in order to enable further and sustainable growth.”

Tobias Stumpfl, CEO, commented on the timing of the announcement: “We used the current, very challenging times to think deeply about what we could do to ensure that we'll be able to make full use of our company's potential, once the pandemic is over. By creating these new key positions, we are laying the foundations for future growth and are very happy that Stefanie and Harry will be able to impact their respective departments more directly through their new roles as executive directors.”

In her new role as executive director, Stefanie Niederwimmer will be responsible for projection screens, with her colleague Christine Doppelmair taking over her former position as head of sales – screens.

Harry Gladow, formerly a global business development manager, will become the new executive director for the company's media server department.

ProSource has announced the appointment of Frank Marengo as its Southeast District Manager.

Lightware Visual Engineering UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Craig McQueen as Head of Business Development.

Based in Surrey, McQueen will be responsible for furthering the growth of the brand and partner with the Sales team to expand Lightware’s footprint across the UK and Ireland. An experienced industry professional with over 26 years’ of sales and business development expertise across manufacturing and integrator businesses within the Corporate sector, he previously held senior commercial positions at Crestron and NEC Display Solutions Europe.

“I am so pleased to announce the appointment of Craig. He joins us at an exciting time as we continue to grow the Corporate business,” comments Craig Storey, Sales Director, UK and Ireland, Lightware Visual Engineering. Storey adds, “Craig will play an integral role in further strengthening our presence in the UK market.

His wealth of industry and product knowledge will serve him well in his position and I look forward to his success in the role.”

McQueen commented, “I’m very excited to be joining the Lightware family. As a brand that is very well known for its quality and reliability, I look forward to sharing a number of exciting developments with our customers and partners.”

Lightware Visual Engineering UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Craig McQueen as Head of Business Development.

P26 AV News March 2021

PSNI Global Alliance, the global network of premier technology integrators and service providers, has announced its 20212022 Global Board of Directors to reflect the global strength of its Certified Solution Provider (CSP) network.

With PSNI’s ever-expanding global Certified Solution Provider (CSP) network now tipping the scales at 50 countries, the Alliance has elected Toby Wise, Managing Director at Snelling Business Systems as a Global Director-at-Large and appointed Patrik Camp, COO at Informationsteknik and Jeremy Elsesser, President at Level 3 Audiovisual as Members-At-Large. Kevin Groves, CEO of Alpha Video, remains president for the Alliance serving for his second year.

“We are thrilled to announce this outstanding board,” said PSNI Executive Director, Chris Miller. “Representing the true worldwide reach of PSNI, these individuals bring a unique combination of expertise, experience and commitment and we are excited to further build together, share knowledge and explore opportunities as we emerge from the COVID pandemic.”

The new PSNI Board in full: • Executive Director: Chris Miller • Chairman: Jeff Irvin, Principal at Spinitar • President: Kevin Groves, CEO at Alpha Video • Vice President: John Laughlin, CEO and President at Conference Technologies • Secretary/Treasurer: Robby Turner, Executive Vice President at Data Projections • Global Director-at-Large: Susana Alvarez, CEO at Newtech Solutions Multimedia SA • Global Director-at-Large: Dharmesh Ghandi, Owner at EZTouch Corporation • Global Director-at-Large: Toby Wise, Managing Director at Snelling Business Systems • Global Member-at-Large: Patrik Camp, COO at Informationsteknik • North American Member-at-Large: Jeremy Elsesser, President at Level 3 Audiovisual PSNI Global Alliance CSPs share a common goal to provide exceptional experiences to end-users through single-source partnerships that provide local solutions and global reach. Alliance companies recommend names for open positions on the PSNI Board of Global Directors. A Nomination Committee then reviews and interviews the candidates for each open board position based on member interest, previous member participation, company size and diversity, and geographical presence.

To date, PSNI Global Alliance represents nearly 200 licensed service and integration offices around the globe, spanning across 6 continents making it the largest global network of AV/ UCC integrators covering the largest geographical area in the world.

To learn more about PSNI Global Alliance or membership to the network please visit www.psni.org.

Column

PAI-powered voice analytics are now ready to power the digital-first contact centre AI has been identified by Deloitte analysts as the technology that is critical to ‘elevate the human experience’ and power successful next-generation customer service. Gerry de Graaf, Managing Director of award-winning AI voice analytics provider Xdroid, discusses how this advanced tech can help contact centres deliver a consistently high level of customer experience (CX) and ease internal contact centre pain points in a post-COVID world.

Business continuity dominated the contact centre agenda throughout 2020 as contact centre agents shifted to remote working en masse to keep customer-facing services operational. This has accelerated many digital transformation plans for businesses, bringing advanced technology deployments to the top of priority lists. Enter 2021 and despite the COVID disruption, customer expectations have returned to their usual high levels. Organisations need to turn to technologies such as AI and advanced analytics to maintain strong CX in 2021 and beyond and keep customers happy.

Rising customer expectations mean the spotlight is on contact centres The digital era has placed more information and engagement channels at the fingertips of consumers than ever before,

rethink of how contact centres are managed. Many organisations now consider contact centres as a unique opportunity to establish and build direct relationships with consumers, demonstrating the value of their brand through a first-class service.

Contact centres are becoming the focus on greater investment and an ideal place to explore digitisation of previously ‘traditional’ processes and solutions, with a view to cementing customer loyalty and satisfaction.

The CX balancing act – compliance, regulations and brand reputation Today’s contact centre challenges are not just how to deliver the consistently high level of service customers expect as standard, but ensuring that they meet the requirements of regulations before they seriously impact CX, quality man-

not a viable long-term solution to these challenges. Seasonal demand, training and costs – all intensified by business disruptions caused by the pandemic – mean contact centres must embrace new technology for a rapid, cost-effective solution. Advanced technologies such as AI, deployed in the cloud, are leading the charge.

AI is now within reach for contact centres AI has previously been viewed as highly technical, challenging or too costly to deploy. But a new generation of cloud-based deployments of AI solutions specifically tailored to customer service requirements and supporting multiple languages are now available – providing a rapidly available, fit-for-purpose contact centre AI solution.

Language engines can now leverage deep neural networks and machine learning algo-

with many organisations offering self-service options as standard. Customers expect interactions with contact centre agents to be the ‘next step up’, providing a greater level of service and more detailed information in the shortest possible time.

PwC analysis of customer service expectations shows consumers are more likely to be loyal to companies that consistently provide a great experience – and are more willing to recommend these companies and pay a premium for the privilege of high-quality service.

This has placed a burden on contact centres to serve customers both faster and more accurately.

The knock-on effect is a total

agement and brand reputation.

And of course, the complexity of tackling these challenges scales in line with the size of business and contact centre – think any organisation that handles a very high volume of calls – insurers, banks and utilities.

Regulatory requirements such as GDPR, specific national legislation and an increasing focus in European Courts on data and privacy-related issues are intensifying the focus on contact centre compliance. Compliance becomes even more critical in sensitive industries such as financial services, which must comply with dedicated regulations such as MiFID II. Simply hiring large numbers of new contact centre agents is

rithms that can accurately process speech to text and recognize specific keywords. When trained exclusively on real contact centre inputs, these tailored solutions become far more efficient at processing than generic AI solutions. The same technology can transcribe customer-agent interactions and analyse more subtle acoustic information – ‘understanding’ silent periods during conversation, speech rate and specific emotions. This allows agents to receive real-time analysis and suggestions to help steer the conversation towards a satisfying outcome.

In the UK, customers such as insurance brokers are already using this technology to support customer-facing opera-

tions, analysing and transcribing all customer communications to detect emotions and help agents respond accordingly. The stage is set for a dramatic growth in the use of AI for customer service applications.

Technology holds the key to understanding customer and agent sentiment Looking beyond the satisfied customer, this blend of AI and voice analytics can deliver benefits to both agents and management, boosting contact centre productivity and individual agent performance alike through automated quality management.

For example, if AI analysis identifies anger in a customer’s speech pattern and any references to leaving their contract, these calls can be routed to a dedicated customer retention team with specialist skillsets.

Agents can also benefit from AI’s real-time assistance within the software, with remote supervision and coaching built in to help supervisors deal with specifically challenging interactions or identify upsell opportunities.

Business leaders gain detailed insights into their contact centre operations and agent conversations, highlighting room for improvement at the contact centre and individual agent levels. This means that management can set specific KPIs and gauge success based on processing agent conversations to measure factors such as language use and emotional resonance. AI voice analytics solu-

tions can also be used for more targeted applications, scanning recorded conversations for specific phrases relating to regulatory compliance, such as ensuring personal details covered

by GDPR are kept private.

AI-powered voice analytics is here to stay – and facial analytics will follow The shift towards remote operations is set to continue in 2021 and beyond, and this has cemented the role of contact centre agents as a critical touchpoint for customers. Accelerated digital transformation efforts are providing the perfect framework to deploy contact centre-specific AI technology, providing contact centre operators with new ways of managing employees and gauging productivity – and agents themselves with the tools needed to better serve customers and ensure

consistently positive outcomes from customer engagements.

What does the future hold?

We are already seeing AI-powered facial analytics developments, and greater applications of this advanced technology across relevant customer channels to benefit customers and agents alike is already in progress by contact centre solution providers, but organisations should first look to future-proof contact centre performance and management with AI and voice analytics.

AV News March 2021 P27

Diary and Events

Webinar: Re-equipping buildings Conferencing & Collaboration to meet Covid challenges Power Hour: Livestreaming 2021 Smart Buildings: The Way Forward is the latest in ISE's new series of free RISE Spotlight online events. Taking place on Tuesday 9 March, this two-hour event will see global subject experts, technology entrepreneurs and startups discussing how smart building technology will enable us to use commercial buildings again, safely and confidently.

Among the many disruptions that the pandemic has brought to our lives, among the most fundamental has been the closure of the buildings where we work, learn, play and pray.

However, with a reported 38% increase in new companies in this sector over two years, the smart building business is playing a huge role in helping us to meet the Covid challenges.

Fundamental changes in the relationships between occupants and buildings have been identified, which need to be supported by innovative new technologies. These include solutions for hygiene, social distancing, and hybrid work models – including extensive working from home. Smart Buildings: The Way Forward brings together a highly experienced and broadly based group of industry experts to share their views on the new expectations that we have for our buildings, and the innovations that will enable us to meet them.

Get the edge over your competitors by discovering where the opportunities lie in the smart building sector.

Speakers will include: Angelica Krystle Donati Head of Business Development, Donati S.p.A. and CEO, Donati Immobiliare Group Matthew Marson UK Sector Director – Manufacturing & Technology, Arcadis Chris Nouveau Digital Advisor, Microsoft Pip Evans Director, NV Integration Bob Snyder SBC Content Chairman, Editor-in-Chief, Channel Media Europe Lee Butz CEO and Founder, Technologies

District

Nikolas Samios Co-Founder and Managing Partner, PROPTECH1 Marc Gille-Seperhi Founder and CEO, Thing Technologies Ed Wenck Content Director, CEDIA

Sean Wargo Sr. Director, Market Intelligence, AVIXA As with all RISE Spotlights, there are plentiful opportunities to interact – you can ask questions, network with other attendees and participate on-screen at one of the virtual hangouts.

Register avixa.org

here:

https://www.

Getting your remote work setup right: A personal approach What good is it to provide technology to employees if they won’t or can’t use it? Join us to learn about the brand-new research Poly has undertaken.

For nearly a decade, Poly have studied workplace personas and how to match work styles and employee behaviours to devices and technologies so that organizations can increase productivity. Poly have conducted proprietary research and surveyed more than 5,000 enterprise workers across eight different countries.

Their research identified seven distinct user personas found in most organizations and their work styles, technology needs and adoption. Explore how to take a personalized approach, tailor training and the high cost of a one size fits all technology approach.

• Increasing productivity: Ensuring your technology works for your employees • Survey results from 5000 enterprise workers in 8 countries: What trends are there?

• 7 Distinct User personas based upon research • How to effectively take a personalised approach and match workstyles and employee behaviours to technology Remote working. A phrase and

P28 AV News March 2021

a way of life we've all had to adapt to over the last year! But would you say you've nailed your remote work setup?

In a recent study, Poly surveyed more than 5,000 enterprise workers globally in a bid to identify workplace personas and explore ways in which employees could optimise their productivity when working from home.

Join Jennifer Adams, Head of Global Collaboration Markets at Poly in their talk at 15:30 (BST) on 25 March to learn the results of this research and how it can be applied to your own organisation.

What are the key takeaways?

•Increasing productivity: Ensuring your technology works for your employees.

•Survey results from 5000 enterprise workers in 8 countries: What trends are there?

•How to effectively take a personalised approach and match workstyles and employee behaviours to technology.

Live online Mar 25 3:30 pm United Kingdom - London or after on demand 60 mins.

Register here: https:// w w w. b r i g h t t a l k . c o m / w e b cast/18624/471264?utm_ source=email#/register

March 8, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST To produce a successful virtual meeting, technology managers must bring together the right combination of platform savvy and compelling content. This Power Hour session will outline the key players who will contribute to the virtual production, best practices for content creation, and challenges of remote participation and strategies for overcoming them.

Oceania AVIXA Women’s Council Networking 8 March, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

AEDT The Oceania AVIXA Women’s Council will hold a virtual meetup on Mon., March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day. This informal, fun event invites attendees to come together to network, share experiences, and perhaps even lay the foundation for future local meetup groups in various cities across the region.

RISE Spotlight, Smart Buildings: The Way Forward March 9, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

EST

March’s RISE Spotlight will explore what types of smart building functionality property developers, building owners, and tenants are looking for, and what types of solutions are delivering it. This session will also examine the main chal-

lenges around putting these together in an integrated solution and what the most exciting startups are offering in the smart building space.

AVIXA Study Group for Essentials of AV Technology March 9 (Start date), 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. SGT (Singapore) Students enrolled in the Essentials of AV Technology online course are strongly encouraged to join the study group to deepen their knowledge. Starting on Tues., March 9, the study group will meet virtually every Tuesday across nine weeks to discuss content from the course with their peers and led by an AVIXA instructor. Each week will be dedicated to a specific content topic from the Essentials of AV Technology course.

InfoComm Southeast Asia GoVIRTUAL – Focus on Singapore, Phillipines, & Thailand March 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(GMT+7) The InfoComm Southeast Asia 2021 program comprises multiple GoVIRTUAL events hosted over the months leading up to the 3-day dual-platform Hybrid Xperience on October 20-22, 2021. The first GoVIRTUAL event in this series takes place on March 10 and will focus on Singapore, Philippines and Thailand.

Content Distribution & Media Power Hour: Re-Architecting & Managing Workflows March 10, 1 to 2 p.m. EST

This Power Hour will cover streamlining the workflow process across many different teams, how to manage unexpected changes, mitigating conflict before capture, and collecting the right assets from clients, presenters, and remote participants.

Webinar: Analysis of wants and needs and the success of an AV project for the educational market (in Portuguese)