AV News November 2023 by AV News

NOVEMBER 2023

In this Issue Vivitek: Displaying greatness! DTEN: Advancements in technology for higher education institutions Shure: Want better meeting equity? Improve your audio equity!

AV and extended reality (XR) 1

EDITOR’S LETTER

AV News: first redesign in 25 years!

elcome the November 2023 issue of AV News – the last in the traditional A3 format change characteristic of the magazine since its very first issue. So why change now? AV News will change to an A4 format, much more conducive to reading on screen and mobile phone – much the preferred option for the enormously expanded global readership.

From its origins as the AV industry’s print magazine of record AV News has evolved into a leading global information resource with a hugely increased base of users. The change to the new A4 format supports online readers, the integration with the AV News website and enables our editorial team to respond to news announcements and events in a timely manner and to carry more and greater diversity of content than ever before. The change in the format of the magazine and the integration of the web site has enabled us to serve the global AV community with not only text and image respaces, and also video and audio clips. The global reach of AV News is unparoled for marketing and sales professional looking for greater impact and return on investment from their propositional campaigns. The huge market available with AV News supports global, international and even local campaigns priced to ensure they get the return they need. The changes to the format and the developments in the web site support likely future developments in the technologies of the new and emerging technologies underpinning our industry. Speaking of a which, the recently announced AV News 2024 Awards programme is widely acknowledged to be among the most prestigious and respected in the world. Over the life of AV News, we have seen the emergence of collaborative technology and its impact on the world of work; the continuing development of alternative re-

alties; and the potential of Artificial Intelligence. The potential of all of these exciting new technologies must be seen in the context of sustainability, all of which points to a vibrant long-term future for AV News and its associated activities. Let me finish by extending thanks and good wishes for an exciting future to our young and talented team, who are well placed to build on the spectacular success of AV News to date and onwards into the future. I have seen magazines, in general, evolve from predominantly print and post paradigm to a range of digital media. Of curse it has been a challenge to advance the publishing medium to keep pace with changes in our industry, and I think you will agree that the changes we are currently making will keep AV News ahead. Bryan Denyer, Managing Editor.

ADVERTORIAL

identify one of the underlying causes of suboptimal hybrid work. In many cases, a lack of meeting equity is driven by a lack of audio equity. Audio influences hybrid meeting success (and failure!)

Want better meeting equity? Improve your audio equity! All meeting participants – whether in the room or connecting remotely - require excellent audio to be fully engaged as equal partners in collaborative sessions.

he idea of “meeting equity” comes up more and more frequently as organizations attempt to drive success from hybrid meetings. But for all the hype and attention, many still struggle to

There’s no escaping the fact that modern business meetings are driven by the spoken word. This means that the success or failure of hybrid meetings rests squarely on the effectiveness of verbal communication between in-room and remote participants, which is delivered by the audio system. But most hybrid meetings aren’t as good as they could be. Statistics from Sharp show that knowledge workers spend an average of 17 hours each month in meetings. But according to Attentiv, participants say 33% of meeting time is unproductive. Surveys continue to identify issues in terms of collaboration, productivity, and decision making. Hybrid meeting pain points include problems like these: - Remote meeting participants can’t participate, interact, or lead as well as people in the office - Participants at different locations speak over each other or have difficulty finding a natural discussion flow - Remote participants are easily distracted and tune out of discussions, either because it’s difficult to hear or they don’t feel like they are being heard.

ADVERTORIAL

Audio is the foundation of any meeting, but not just any audio. It must be seamless audio that is natural, high quality, reliable and easy to use. More natural experiences require high intelligibility in meeting rooms for all participants. Remote participants cannot be at a disadvantage because of the technology that is deployed— they need to hear and be heard within the conversation. All meeting participants – whether in the room or connecting remotely -- require excellent audio to be fully engaged as active parties in collaborative sessions. The circle of frustration To make matters worse, bad decisions in choosing technology have a way of stacking up over time. A common pitfall is procuring audio technology using price as the starting point (“what can we get for X dollars?”) and short-changing the importance of audio quality and ease of use (“it just has to be good enough”). This puts the organization on a circular pathway of dissatisfaction, wasted time, poor decision making, and unnecessary fatigue that inhibits the hybrid work model. In the end, neither users nor managers are happy, and often the only solution is to start over. Communication technology that is optimized for meeting rooms and appropriate for employees significantly mitigates issues with hybrid meetings. Productivity issues are addressed, employee experience and culture are improved, and the office becomes a rewarding, stimulating productivity hub rather than a mandated destination. The new era of work will be powered by anywhere connectivity and anytime collaboration that enables agile teams and processes. Yet, according to Frost & Sullivan, 95% of today’s meeting rooms are still equipped with only minimal technology to support information sharing, such as a basic telephone and a flat panel display. The collaborative organization of today requires meeting rooms equipped with advanced A/V devices that complement the modern, robust cloud conferencing services organizations have invested in and that professionals expect to use.

partners) work, interact, are motivated, and make decisions, audio must be considered as a critical component of interactions across hybrid and global organizations and ecosystem networks. Organizations that take audio quality seriously need to consider usability, experience, and business outcomes first. Investment in audio will result in more collaborative and flexible ways of working, as well as greater engagement from remote and hybrid employees, customers, and partners. This can improve agility and resilience and deliver faster decision making — enhancing the organization’s competitive advantage. Audio equity drives meeting equity Today’s professionals have a broad range of communications tools to support them no matter where they work. However, it is a fact that no meeting can take place without audio, and audio technology does a great deal of heavy lifting in terms of communications effectiveness. Advanced ceiling array microphones, digital signal processing, and loudspeakers like the Shure Microflex Ecosystem instill confidence in meeting hosts and guest presenters, which drives more interactive and productive sessions. They ensure natural speech dynamics and filter out background noise to enhance focus; decrease errors due to miscommunication; reduce the need to repeat information; lessen participant fatigue and frustration; and integrate remote participants fully into discussions. Technology that delivers audio equity can be an effective way to address meeting equity. Best of all, improved audio begins paying dividends from the very first meeting.

Audio: the change agent Remote participants cannot be left at a disadvantage because of the technology that is deployed—they need to hear and be heard within the conversation to the same degree as their in-office counterparts. The traditional, monolithic deployment and use of conferencing technology is outmoded. The world has shifted to flexible cloud-based deployment and consumption models with richer functionality that addresses a variety of use cases. To change the way people (employees, customers,

FEATURE

AV potential

AV and extended reality (XR)

xtended reality (XR) is the widely used term for any technology that enhances, or alters, reality by adding digital elements to a physical or real-world environment. The XR designation currently embraces augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR). XR, therefore. does not refer to any specific technology; it includes any existing or new technologies that may be created in the future t. AV News finds that the precise blend of these closely related technologies depends on the application and the effectiveness of the outcome.

Extended reality is a technology emerging from a blend all immersivetechnologies, including augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, and others yet to appear. XR technology helps in enhancing the experience by either merging selected virtual elements with the real world,, or by generating a fully immersive digital experience. With such a broad remit it would be easy to dismiss XR as a solution in search of a problem – but no! The market for XR technology is said to have strong growth potential in the coming years. By the end of this year, it is anticipated growth to reach over 68 million units. So where will this market be concentrated? Research suggests that key application areas will include: the retail sector to enhance shopping experiences; enhanced wayfinding and navigation systems; as an element of healthcare systems; enhanced tourism; value added displays in museums and galleries; and workplace solutions for the office market. In short, XR is the new frontier of converging technologies shaping the metaverse of tomorrow. This is defined defined as an immersive, interconnected 3D world in which Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies will redefine how we live, work and socialise.

XR is fuelling predictions for some once-unthinkable possibilities within the fast-emerging metaverse. By 2030, it is predicted that we could be spending more time in the metaverse than in the real world, and emerging demands on AV solutions will follow suit. On a personal level, people will be applying for jobs, earning a living, meeting friends, shopping, even getting married using the virtual capabilities of the metaverse. “In the coming decade, higher education and job training may increasingly be provided in virtual 3D settings, along with boardroom and workplace meetings. Businesses and governments will rely on the power and reach of the metaverse [and its XR capabilities] to share information, provide services and collaborate as never before.” It is predicted that also by 2030, brain computer interfaces (BCIs) will enable human thought to be tracked, recorded and shared. XR capabilities may enable us to experience moments and memories from someone else’s life. Synthetic data generated from simulated worlds will guide robots to problem solve and replace humans performing hazardous tasks. In this respect, the inflection point is already in view. Investment and technological advances are soaring as more businesses wake up to the emerging opportunities. AI, VR, AR, blockchain and other ‘frontier technologies’ are already being designed to connect and complement each other, forging an ecosystem of technologies harnessed for multiple virtual environments. “Within 5 years, hundreds of millions of virtual reality tools and platforms are expected to be embraced by consumers and businesses globally and these technologies could be more pervasive than phones by the end of this decade,” predicts KPMG. AV interactions To the world at large, initial contact with XR domain is likely to come through interactions with digital entertainment. For example, Billie Eilish is an early adopter of extended-reality-technologies. The goal of these immersiveenvironments is to allow artists to feel as if they are immersed in a new world, way beyond what has been possible before. XR creates a new environment through an immersive experience that enables the onstage talent to react to the content. In addition to Billie Eilish, XR has also been used by been used by including Katy Perry, Blink-182, and at special events including MTV Video Music Awards, “America’s Got Talent” and “Game of Thrones. So which suppliers are involved driving progress in this area? Disguise, Lux Machina and Fuse Technical Group are among those creating high-profile Extended Reality experiences for many of the world’s most popular video and music productions. “We work with two different clientele that create various concepts for capturing content, including virtual product and virtual set

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extension,” said Anthony McIntyre, technical solutions specialist for Disguise. “Virtual production is geared towards cinema and television. We are utilizing large LED displays to capture camera graphics at a large scale. Virtual set extension, serves broadcasts, commercials, corporate and music industries. Disguise’s purpose is to act as a platform that incorporates multiple pieces of third-party technology, including Lightware.” Lightware’s MX Modular Matrix Series has been adopted by Disguise, Lux Machina and Fuse Technical Group as a reliable solution with built-in segment-specific device features for live event production. Designed for mission-critical operations, the MX Modular Matrix Series features hot-swappable N+1 redundant power supplies. If one of the supplies fails unexpectedly, the remaining PSU units continue to operate while the AV system remains seamlessly in operation. “Hypothetically, if a Disguise server fails, we can send commands directly to a Lightware switch to modify outputs and ensure there’s not a loss in content,” said McIntrye. “It enables us to have a constant stream of content to the destination. Lightware is a phenomenal tool for that. It keeps its fidelity, high-robustness and integrity along those paths.” Extended-reality-technologies offer-new forms of entertainment: “We are utilising Lightware as the heart of our video systems,” Kristoper Murray, chief technology officer for Lux Machina, said. “Lightware enables us to reliably send signals from point A to B. We integrate Lightware heavily within our control systems to create a transparent solution for the user. We can’t have fail-

Lightware MX Matrix

ures in these situations, especially in live broadcasts. We continue to utilize Lightware because we haven’t had any major failure during the course of on-air production.” Mike Ruddy with Fuse Technical Group has been using Lightware for over 15 years. Fuse Technical Group has relied on Lightware in many recent projects, including the aforementioned work with Billie Eilish and Katy Perry. “The quality of Lightware’s technology has kept up with the changes in technology and resolutions,” said Ruddy. “Their resolution management is incredibly important to us. Resolutions are skyrocketing right now and there are so many custom resolutions. We can go onto a project site with confidence knowing that the resolution we are going to be fed from the content side can be processed through the routing system.” Hardware innovations The attention the XR sector is receiving has been rightfully earned. VR alone was the last hit product in the tech market, selling more than 9 million units in 2021 and 2022. VR offers users unique experiences that are not offered by other consumer electronics products. However, sales of VR consumer devices this year have declined by 70%. Higher prices contributed to the decline in unit-sales volume. The biggest challenge confronting the market for mixed reality devices, however, is the lack of new, innovative products, which applies equally to environments where consumer elements, like headsets, form part of a proAV solution. With new hardware designs and updated specifications from major players, there are more premium, mid-tier,

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Brompton Tecnology Blue Box XR Studio

and entry-level products available to suit a wider array of preferences and budgets. New findings from the Circana Connected Intelligence report confirm that men aged 25 to 34 are twice as likely to own a VR headset than the average consume. This group is also the most likely to report purchase intent for VR products (54%) and with its Wening and spending power is important among tech consumers. The addition of new extended reality products and applications could potentially entice a different, and more affluent, user than the young early adopters who are typically attracted in the past. Though VR headsets and smart glasses do not appeal to every consumer, current fascination with the Metaverse and other immersive digital environments drive participation from a variety of users. XR content

Demand for XR content is driving a new raft of dedicated production facilities. Digital displays provide the infrastructure of consumption but production requires a battery of specialised high-end solutions . Big Blue Technology specialises in virtual production technologies, innovative metaverse technology and cutting-edge extended reality solutions. In early September, Big Blue Technology welcomed over 400 guests to the grand re-opening of its second virtual production studio in China, BLUE BOX XR Studio. Based in Beijing,

the upgraded studio offers a wide range of applications, from advertising to TV productions to broadcast to xR virtual product launches. It features a state-of-the-art LED setup, including ROE Visual LED screens and industry-standard Brompton Technology LED processing. The BLUE BOX xR Studio spans 1,400m2 and is equipped with dressing rooms, a lounge, and other essential facilities, including convenient on-site accommodation for production crews. The studio boasts a range of high-end equipment, such as Brompton 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors, ROE Visual LED screens, disguise media servers, ARRI cinematic lighting equipment, Vicon motion capture systems, and Mo-Sys camera tracking systems. Having opened its doors for the first time in 2022, BLUE BOX XR Studio quickly attracted significant attention from the market thanks to its highly advanced hardware systems and an experienced technical team. Over the past year, the studio has worked with world-renowned brands like Audi, BMW, Lenovo, Ping An of China, Samsung, Tencent, and Volkswagen, among others. The team has also successfully completed 15 TV commercials and broadcast-related creative shoots, as well as hosted hundreds of events such as the Lenovo Innovation and Technology Conference, all of which showcase the studio’s creative capabilities. Alongside the highest-level hardware and software technologies, the Big Blue Technology team boasts

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extensive end-to-end shooting experience, which includes virtual content creation, and directorial expertise, all of which enable them to provide the high-end creative production services demanded by the studios’ customers. “Depending on the production requirements, we can seamlessly configure the LED panels to create a screen covering approximately 400m2 for virtual production,” Brompton LED processing plays a vital role in the studios’ set-up, enabling fast and efficient operation of the LED screens. “Our team relies on a full suite of Tessera features, with our favourites including PureTone, which eliminates unsightly colour casts in the greyscale for balanced, neutral output,” says Hu. “We’re also big fans of Dynamic Calibration, the enabling technology for Brompton HDR, that allows us to achieve beautiful, uniform video content even at extremes of brightness and colour gamut.” With the extensive upgrade, including the installation of all-new hardware equipment in just over two weeks, BLUE BOX xR Studio will re-open this autumn. Hu underscores their meticulous attention to detail to deliver the highest standards for their customers. This unwavering dedication has already garnered recognition, with several TV advertisements, commercial events, and a potential film shoot already confirmed at the studio. Hardware innovations

Leyard Europe easy to install LED video wall

Last month, Leyard Europe showed the advanced Venue Pro VX series display at IBC. On the Zero Density booth, Leyard Europe presented the easy to install LED video wall delivers exceptional on-camera visual properties and deployment versatility for a wide variety of installations, including virtual production and extended reality. The displays are an excellent complement to green screens and can be easily implemented into XR stages for extended reality. The wide colour range, narrow pixel pitches, plus high frame rates provide excellent visual performance in person and in the picture. In-person viewers can comfortably watch the video wall from as close as 3 metres without seeing individual pixels, while media viewers feel as if they are enveloped on location by the scene. The spotlight for IBC was on using multiple cameras. Leyard teamed up with Brompton Technology, using its processors to highlight the VP VX series’ excellent on-camera performance, even at the high refresh rates needed for multi-camera Frame Remapping typically used in XR/VR applications and will demonstrate what a turnkey solution can look like. Cris Tanghe, VP Product Europe at Leyard Europe explained: “Joining forces with prominent players in the market such a Zero Density and Brompton demonstrates what a turnkey solution can look like,” says Tanghe. “Using our Leyard VP VX series, we will be showing excellent on-camera

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performance even at high refresh rates needed for multi-camera frame remapping, typically used in those XR/ VR applications.” XR in action Building on the back of an award-winning 2021 accelerator project which explored the use of location-based 5G XR containing augmented, virtual and mixed reality elements, the new Real-Time XR Sport Edge project focused on exploring ways to broadcast digital twin XR Sports with the addition of immersive high-end graphics, as well as spatial and social audio. Specifically, the Real-Time XR Sport Edge aims to build on the latest innovations in interactive digital athletes, fan engagement, motion capture, AI and high-speed edge content delivery. It will explore methods for delivering this content to audiences viewing through VR headsets, computers and mobile devices, as well as simultaneously broadcast to an outdoor location-based experience venue at The Outernet in London. Sparkup’s Mosaik audience wall solution, which engages online and onsite audiences simultaneously, will be a key component of this overall initiative. By pulling video feeds from participants to display as a virtual crowd with no attendance capacity limitations, Mosaik allows everybody to be present and involved in the event, just as they would be if they were physically present. The ability to see others and be a true part of the event – with a front-row seat to the action – allows audiences a far more immersive experience, drawing on the shared excitement, energy and emotion of visible shared experience, comprising both virtual and in-person attendees. Mosaik gives event hosts full creative control over the way that the virtual audience is displayed, allowing adjustments to size and layout, whilst also incorporating features that allow one-click blocking and AI-based automation for the elimination of black screens or empty seats, making sure that the crowd displayed is always vibrant and energised. Speaking about the value of the technology in the context of live sports delivery, Vincent Bruneau, Founder and CEO, Sparkup, said: “Participants love seeing themselves on the streaming broadcast and reacting to the live event. A virtual audience combined with real-time interactivity brings a special feeling of togetherness and energy that has a real impact on audience engagement throughout the event”. Conclusion

Experts from Statista predict that improvements to XR hardware, such as the introduction of smaller and more comfortable consumer devices. This, coupled with developments in software applications and connectivity, will support the growing adoption of XR across a range

of sectors. Healthcare, manufacturing, and the automotive industry are expected to be among the most disrupted by XR technologies. As the technology improves further, the use cases of XR will widen and strengthen, with the economic benefits of XR expected to be felt worldwide Perceived to be the next iteration of the internet, the metaverse is where the physical and digital worlds come together. The evolution of social technologies allows digital representations of people, avatars, to interact with each other in a variety of settings. Whether it be at work, in an office, going to concerts or sports events, or even trying on clothes, XR and the metaverse will have a role to play. However, the development of the XR and the metaverse will require collaboration across companies, creators, and policymakers, with AV vendors well placed to take XR to larger audiences.

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values that underpin Genee offerings, particularly of our commitment to innovative, sustainable, and responsible technology.

Ranjit’s Impact: Transforming Education with Sustainable Tech

ducation stands at the very heart of our society – it is the crucible within which minds are shaped and futures are forged. This enduring truth has been the guiding principle throughout my career, particularly during my formative years as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teacher. During my time in the classroom, I witnessed the powerful fusion of innovation and inspiration, catalysed by the emergence of Interactive Whiteboards. These tools signalled the start of an era of technology-enhanced, immersive learning. This experience ignited my passion for digital transformation, and a vision of a future where education and technology would harmoniously align for the betterment of learners and educators alike. Yet, for me, the crux of the matter is not merely about the introduction of innovative solutions; it’s about responsible innovation that venerates our planet. In an era marked by ecological concerns and burgeoning global awareness, the imperative of sustainability resonates louder than ever. As I embarked on my journey as CEO of Genee, I brought with me a profound commitment to the welfare of future generations, alongside a deep-rooted passion for the fusion of technology and education. I built a team around this vision – a team that understands that the true purpose of technology is to empower leaders, inspire individuals and revolutionise operations, in an eco-friendly way. As such, Genee has assumed a unique identity. Our dedication to this vision has consistently set us apart, establishing us as the go-to brand for a multitude of cutting-edge products, including interactive displays, touch tables, visitor management systems, and so on. In this narrative, I aim to elucidate some of the core

MDM Genee Control Our Mobile Device Management (MDM) system revolutionises how we interact with technology by creating an eco-friendly, centralised command centre for all interactive displays. By moving device management to the cloud, we’ve significantly reduced the need for physical infrastructure and manual interventions, minimising the environmental footprint. Meanwhile, with a unified dashboard, administrators gain real-time insights into device status and usage patterns, making it easier to optimise resource utilisation. MDM also automates updates, patches, and upgrades, reducing the carbon footprint associated with manual maintenance. Enhanced security protocols and scalability ensure a sustainable, connected future, all in one versatile package. OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) Unit: Our OPS unit is a compact computing module that can be plugged into our screens to provide enhanced capabilities, making the screen more versatile and functional. It is a sustainability-driven innovation that transforms how we access essential business applications. By simply plugging it in to your interactive screen, you get immediate access to critical tools like Windows, Office 365, and Skype for Business, reducing the need for multiple energy-hungry devices. Furthermore, the OPS Unit enables you to upgrade your existing touchscreens to your individual requirements, while helping to futureproof technology investments, extending their lifespan and significantly reducing electronic waste. Battery Chargeable Overnight for Many of Our LFD Interactive Screens: We’ve introduced a game-changing feature where convenience for users goes hand in hand with eco-consciousness: the ability to go wireless and charge screen batteries overnight. By doing so, we reduce the strain on our power grid, lowering electricity costs and minimising the carbon footprint associated with high energy consumption during peak times. Employing Our Own Engineers: Having our own team of engineers isn’t just a practical advantage; it’s a strategic decision rooted in our sustainability goals. It empowers us to address the issue of outdated, unsustainable equipment effectively. Our engineers can de-install old devices that no longer meet environmental standards, ensuring they are removed responsibly and safely. Moreover, this approach enables us to recycle and refurbish components, reducing electronic waste and ex-

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tending the lifespan of technology. In doing so, we actively participate in the circular economy. LED in Our Screens: LED displays are known for their significantly lower electricity consumption compared to traditional display technologies. This eco-conscious decision not only reduces operational costs for our clients but also lessens the overall environmental impact of our screens. Visualisers – A Paperless Solution: Genee visualisers offer a green alternative to traditional methods. Eliminating the need for photocopying is not only a cost-saving measure but also a significant environmental win. They allow you to display documents, books, and other materials directly onto screens, reducing paper usage and minimising the carbon footprint associated with printing. Interoperability: By offering an entire ecosystem that promotes compatibility and efficiency, where visualisers can be integrated with OPS units etc, we reinforce our dedication to sustainability throughout the entire user experience. This not only enhances productivity but also reduces

the need for multiple energy-consuming devices, contributing to a more sustainable working environment. We have fostered a culture of responsibility and thought leadership within our community, underpinned by a commitment to lead by example within the AV industry. As we persist in developing pioneering solutions and setting new industry standards, we extend an invitation to join us in our mission; An invitation to embrace our benchmark for responsible technology management in an industry that often overlooks the environmental impact. Together, we can drive positive change in the AV space, where innovation, sustainability, and responsibility coalesce to usher in a brighter, greener future for all.

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FEATURE

Lightspeed says that the term “experiential retail” gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? “We’ve defined five things that differentiate experiential retail from traditional retail: Experiential retail: · Creates an immersive and shareable experience · Prioritizes customer engagement—not sales · Helps nurture communities · Inspires new approaches · Stimulates the customers’ senses · Take an omnichannel approach

Experiential retailer today!

espite some well-publicised failures, the retail sector is still the third largest employer by industry sector, behind that of business services and the health service. But, the structure of the sector has changed substantially, with the relative decline of the high street, the rise of out-of-town shopping and the impact of e-commerce. Those retailers still committed to brick-and-mortar outlets, as either the whole or part of their channel strategy, have turned to AV to boost footfall and turn their outlet into a destination. Newspapers and broadcast news carry regular reports of the decline in retail sales coupled with inflation in consumer pricing. For retailers burdened with a high proportion of fixed costs, footfall is one of the retailer’s important metrics. Having attracted the customer to the outlet, of equal importance is the ability to convert the visit to a sale, and finally to develop the first ale into repeat business. For the shopper, an enhanced shopping experience can create a regular and repeat buyer. Lightspeed concludes: “Technology has changed the way we shop forever. When we can buy whatever, we want, wherever we are, with the click of a button. The idea of the retail store’s purpose has also changed. While it once existed strictly as a place to transact changes, retail stores have started leveraging experiences to customers rather than products.” As retail looks to reposition how brick-and-mortar stores fit into the customer journey, experience has become a key marker. Shops are looking to give customers things that can’t be easily replicated online, and creating tactile, engaging experiences has become top of the list. Advantages of experiential retail

· Redefines customer expectations · Leverages in-store events and services · The store experience addresses consumer needs” The changing retail landscape With the declining importance of the high street as a driver of retail sales, ‘out of town’ is the centre of retail action. Sales growth has historically been and continues to be, higher than the equivalent in town centres. The proportion of retail spending on bulky goods continues to grow year-on-year. Over the last couple of years, retail parks have also proved most resilient to the commonplace closures affecting the high street. Price Waterhouse has calculated that retail parks have seen net closures of -4%, high streets of -5% and shopping centres of -7%. Out-of-town retail parks have seen footfall recover faster, thanks to good parking, easy access and the ability to reach them by car rather than public transport. So, the car is king, but these days retailers and out-of-town developers have to wrap up retail opportunities in a package that makes the whole experience worthwhile. Variety across the selection of outlets available in the major retail parks is an important starting point but might be enough alone to guarantee the success of a specific retailer in any given location Consequently, while retail parks have proved most resilient to closures, with 593 closures in 2021, and well behind high streets (4,287) and shopping centres (1,690) retailers are far from impervious to pain in these locations. According to the Centre for Retail Research (CRR, a total of 17,000 retail sites shut up shop last year - the highest number for five years. The total closures were nearly 50% higher than in 202. But, out-of-town retail parks, says PwC, have seen footfall recover faster,

FEATURE

thanks to good parking, easy access and the ability to reach them by car rather than public transport. Challenges facing retail Inflation has driven prices to rise sharply, and shoppers reined in their spending. Costs for retailers also rose, with steep increases in energy and wage bills in particular. In contrast, online is doing better and better and you can see why; one-click shopping makes buying stuff so painless. But internet shopping still only accounts for around 20% of the total. This can't be the whole reason for the High Street's decline. One of the problems is that high streets are starting to look the same and while shoppers say they value independent retailers the economics do not favour smallscale retail. In addition, customers have deserted independents in favour of the more convenient visit to the out-of-town shopping centres. The number of people visiting the High Street has dropped by 20.5% over the past decade, according to figures from retail analysts Springboard. Redefining retail Making shopping both a memorable and engaging experience has been the subject of all sorts of initiatives from local and national governments, but the individual retailer is pretty much isolated when it comes to activity designed to drive footfall and revenue in specific outlets. “Switching focus to their online channels in the last year has shown traditional retailers they no longer need

to have well-stocked, big-box stores. So, while the bigname retailers that have survived the pandemic are not going to disappear, they will, as John Lewis has already announced, start to occupy less space. Rather than filling that space with piles of stock to be checked out by overworked sales staff, they will focus on what Pilkington terms “hero products” that will be presented to customers by well-trained brand ambassadors tooled up with all the latest technology. And if you like what you see? You’ll go home and order it on the retailer’s website, of course.” Immersive AV for retail Immersive AV can be an effective way to drive footfall into a retail store. Interactive technologies can not only fulfil branding objectives but also provide a channel for marketing and specific promotions and undertake a user education role by encouraging consumers to participate in store and brand-focused activities. The entry-level here is interactive digital signage which is often integrated with online services to provide complete omnichannel coverage. A recent survey by WBR revealed that 94% of retailers with 300 stores or more “use, or have used, digital signage to augment, change, or improve customers’ instore experiences”. While this is interesting, and often to be commended, it falls someway short of the state of the art in immersive AV for retail. Achieving genuine novelty in immersive techniques today often involves virtual and segmented reality; AI / big data-driven video walls, sensors and monitors to trigger AV events automatically; and context-sensitive audio and lighting.

FEATURE

New and emerging applications include information points in shopping malls (some with virtual reality attendants); interactive, touchscreen displays in store; targeted audio driven by sensors; and product information resources again triggered by consumer presence or actions. Interactivity is key to creating a personalised shopping experience. Incorporating selfie cameras to put the customer in a different social or destination or show them an alternative appearance based on fashion or makeup products. The unique quality of these personalised experiences encourages repeat visits to brick-and-mortar sites and integrates well with an omnichannel strategy. Return On Investment In comparison with other fixed cost elements of a retail operation, even a sophisticated AV solution is relatively affordable but does it make sense when set against retail sales revenues? There are a number of complicating factors here: · Along with other digital solutions, immersive retail offers the retailer the ability to compete with a timely and impactful response to competition · Promotions and campaigns can be quickly uploaded to digital screens in-store. This allows retailers to be far more reactive than using physical POS, which takes time to manufacture and deliver.

avoided because changes to brand design or promotional messaging are quickly rolled out digitally. · Productivity is increased by displaying detailed product or store information or even allowing orders to be placed. The result is that staff are freed up to manage other tasks. In summary. physical stores are seeking new ways to compete with those online. Customers want in-person and online shopping experiences to be consistent with one another and personalised wherever possible. Customers are looking for their shopping trips to be more experiential, offering them something unique when compared to online. Doing so can change the way a brand is perceived and provide a more useful and memorable shopping experience. The result is a higher customer retention rate and enhanced prospects for repeat business. In the realm of integrated systems technology, one event has stood as a beacon for the industry, drawing exhibitors and attendees from all corners of the globe. For two decades, the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show has played a pivotal role in shaping the pro AV and systems integration landscape. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of ISE, we sat down with Mike Blackman, the man at the helm of this incredible event since its inception, for a behind-the-scenes interview. Mike takes us on a remarkable trip down memory lane, revealing the fascinating story behind the formation of ISE and his own journey over the decades.

· Costly reprints of printed marketing materials are

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Displaying greatness!

he needs of businesses and the education sector - as well as the transformation of work methods, including hybrid, communication modes and information sharing - have undergone significant changes in recent years. The display market is no exception. It has transformed too, both in terms of the solutions available and the innovative interactive technologies deployed. But what are the key considerations when assessing the digital displays that are available, asks Holger Graeff, General Manager, Vivitek EMEA? Greener is better In this era of heightened awareness about sustainability and ESG goals, it’s right that the starting point for your decision-making process should be the device’s energy efficiency. It’s important then to check the device’s environmental credentials, and establish whether it offers the following: - The Energy Star label, which is an international standard that certifies the energy efficiency of a product, typically using 20 to 30% less energy. - CE markings; these indicate compliance with safety requirements and signifies the manufacturer’s responsibility. It is a key indicator of a product’s compliance with European Union legislation. - FCC markings; this certifies compliance with electromagnetic interference regulations.

- It’s also worth considering how the device is packaged. By way of example, in 2021, Vivitek products’ packaging containing recycled pulp or fibres accounted for 70.6% of the total packaging. Furthermore, the packaging has been redesigned to allow a container to transport up to 104 displays instead of the previous 60 a few years ago.

Today, all user manuals are also digitised. To further reduce its carbon footprint, Vivitek prioritises road and maritime transportation for product delivery. Manufacturers should also actively participate in the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) established by the European Union. It recycles the components of displays or refurbishes them to then offer them to non-profit organisations. In terms of operating functions, displays should be equipped with cutting-edge components to combat energy over-consumption. These include light sensors that automatically adjust the display brightness according to the ambient lighting conditions in the room. Meanwhile, eco modes - similar to projectors - can extend its lifespan, while an automatic standby mode should activate after a defined period of inactivity. Health and user comfort User comfort is highly important, too. Preventive measures must be implemented in order to limit the potential risks associated with prolonged use of a digital display. The risks of eye fatigue due to blue light emissions and display size are well-recognised and are very real for some individuals. The independent organisation, TÜV Rheinland, tested Vivitek displays and concluded that they emit only a small amount of blue light and no noticeable flickering. It is important to check that the display is anti-glare; this reduces discomfort and eye fatigue, especially for users who spend long hours in front of a display. Additionally, the backlighting technology in displays manages the hot spot and off-axis shadow phenomenon that can affect readability, making for more comfortable use. In Vivitek’s case, its displays also incorporate Optical Bonding technology, which ensures optimal colour contrast, a smooth writing experience, and an extra-wide viewing angle (178°/178°). They do not require darkening of the room, as excessive ambient light can impact the image quality displayed by other types of display solutions. To help protect your investment, all Vivitek displays are protected by a 4mm tempered glass layer, which not only safeguards against scratches but can also be safely cleaned with non-invasive products to ensure a healthy working environment. Product durability A high quality and durable display should be designed to be robust and durable over time and capable of operating for up to 50,000 hours, 16 hours a day, and seven days a week. You should also check benefits like an extended five-year warranty and minimal maintenance. In Vivitek’s case, within the compatibility limits of operating systems, software updates are provided free of charge, saving costs and giving users peace of mind.

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Thanks to a stringent quality process in component selection and display manufacturing, Vivitek boasts an average failure rate of less than 2%. Security and technology The choice of a digital display raises legitimate security concerns, whether it is for their integration into a corporate or university campus infrastructure or for data protection. Therefore, it’s important to confirm that displays are equipped with the latest technological innovations in unauthorised access management, integration into an existing network and data encryption. Security typically begins with device access control. With respect to Vivitek’s devices, the ‘lock’ function ensures that only authorised individuals can connect with a password, preventing unauthorised changes to settings or the installation of malicious applications. In addition to being ISO 27001 certified, Vivitek displays incorporate advanced security features, including AES-256 data encryption and wireless security protocols such as WEP, WAP, WAP2, to ensure complete meeting confidentiality. Network security is also essential, which

is why the dual network function separates employee and guest access. Connectivity and collaboration Vivitek’s all-in-one digital display allows for the consolidation of uses by offering multiple functionalities such as wireless collaboration, dynamic display, whiteboard, and video conferencing. To facilitate that, Vivitek developed NovoConnect, its own wireless collaboration technology, and integrates it into its displays. All software updates are free and enable the product to evolve along with market standards. Conclusion In summary, the smart choice when it comes to digital displays is founded on making decisions based on their reliability, technological innovations, and the benefits they provide such as free software updates, low maintenance costs, extended warranty, and preloaded application catalogue, while opting for an environmentally responsible solution that benefits both current and future generations.

Image supplied by Vivitek: In this era of heightened awareness about sustainability and ESG goals, it’s right that the starting point for your decision-making process should be the device’s energy efficiency. Preventive measures must be implemented in order to limit the potential risks associated with prolonged use of a digital display. A high quality and durable display should be designed to be robust and durable over time and capable of operating for up to 50,000 hours, 16 hours a day, and seven days a week. Vivitek’s all-in-one digital display allows for the consolidation of uses by offering multiple functionalities such as wireless collaboration, dynamic display, whiteboard, and video conferencing.The choice of a digital display raises legitimate security concerns, whether it is for their integration into a corporate or university campus infrastructure or for data protection.

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Advancements in technology for higher education institutions

ince the pandemic, many higher education institutions have adopted a hybrid-learning approach to be able to meet the needs of dispersed and remote students. They are reliant on video conferencing and collaboration software and hardware to enable students to join classes and lectures from wherever they are. What we’ve seen though is that being able to just ‘join’ a class isn’t enough. Higher Education establishments that are leading the field in hybrid learning are looking at how they create a fully inclusive and equitable hybrid learning experience for both in room participants and those who are joining remotely. Best-in-class audio and video solutions are being used for the crystal clear sound and picture quality, responsive touchscreens are being used for hybrid whiteboard, screen sharing with the ability to annotate are being used to make lessons more productive, the addition of multiple peripherals are being used for larger teaching spaces and advanced software features (for example Smart Gallery from Zoom) are being used to allow remote participants to get a better view of their peers in the classroom. All of which combined are creating a more effective learning environment. rep0rts Andrew Bissett, Country Manager - UK&I, Nordics & Africa at DTEN.

Andrew Bissett, Country Manager - UK&I, Nordics & Africa at DTEN.

What challenges exist for educational institutions as they leverage technology for hybrid teaching and how can they overcome these? · Ironically, one positive to come out of the pandemic was the increased adoption of video conferencing, however there are still many challenges in rolling this out across an institution on a larger scale or on a more permanent basis. · Firstly, with many institutes there seems to be a challenge around user adoption and product utilisation. Complex room systems with lots of elements to set up or switch boards/ controllers to get familiar with can have a high learning curve or cause user frustration. Making the technology user-friendly is key to ensuring it’s utilised effectively. · Secondly, IT resources can be limited within a lot of education institutes which means there can be a challenge with video enabling multiple spaces. Choosing solutions with simple deployment, easy remote management and minimal maintenance means that it's more likely that the institute can scale and provide a consistent experience in each hybrid learning space. · Lastly, one of the challenges that we’re seeing more and more in higher education is the need for the learning spaces to be multi-fuctional and flexible. Rooms and spaces are used in different ways for each class with different set-ups, and the stu-

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Pro cameras (due Q2 2023) which recently won ‘Best New Meeting Equity Conference Room System’ at ISE 2023. These additional 4K side cameras ensure that all in-person participants are captured brilliantly without pixilation or distortion, allowing the remote students or lecturers to experience a more natural learning experience. This is just one example of our product innovation. Our new Microsoft Certified device, the D7X Android, offers How is DTEN helping to meet the changing needs the fastest response time on the market to allow users to achieve a seamless writing experience. of Higher Education Establishments? dents and teachers need the technology to be dynamic enough to adapt. Static projectors and projection screens are what you might have expected to see in education environments in the past, but now many establishments are opting for mobile technology solutions. The Royal College of Art is a great example of this with over 120+ DTEN Devices on mobile carts.

· DTEN is responding to the growing demand for hybrid learning by continuing to develop accessible, high-quality, immersive video conferencing and collaboration solutions to work natively with Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms, as well as offering Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) functionality. · Our product engineering team is constantly working on ways to make hybrid lessons more inclusive, which is why our devices are designed to be as simple as customers like or as extendable as they need. Our Product team has developed the Vue and Vue

· What’s more, our whole portfolio of plug-andplay all-in-one solutions are designed to be easy to purchase, easy to install, easy to use, easy to scale & easy to manage.

EVENTS

In his own words: Mike Blackman on 20 years of ISE

n the realm of integrated systems technology, one event has stood as a beacon for the industry, drawing exhibitors and attendees from all corners of the globe. For two decades, the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show has played a pivotal role in shaping the pro AV and systems integration landscape. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of ISE, we sat down with Mike Blackman, the man at the helm of this incredible event since its inception, for a behind-thescenes interview. Mike takes us on a remarkable trip down memory lane, revealing the fascinating story behind the formation of ISE and his own journey over the decades. The birth of ISE

We began by asking Mike about the prime movers at InfoComm, CEDIA, and NSCA, the original owners of the show, and how the idea for an exhibition of integrated systems technology came about. Mike recounts: “The real first mover was Randy Lemke of InfoComm (later AVIXA) – he had the idea.” While there had been previous InfoComm shows in Germany, in collaboration with the Photokina show and with exhibitors such as Kodak, Randy recognised that the AV industry was changing, and a new exhibition was needed to cater for these changes. Randy reached out to Billilynne Keller from CEDIA and Chuck Wilson from NSCA, and together they hatched the plan to create ISE. Mike’s recruitment began with an approach by one of his old bosses (Cherif Moujabber), who was a head-hunter. Mike had a diverse background, starting with aspirations of becoming an accountant, then working at the

Financial Times, and eventually venturing into event and marketing consulting. His expertise and passion for technology made him a perfect fit for the role. Reflecting on the opportunity, Mike says: “I had the feeling that it was something that was going to grow; a marketplace was going to develop. I saw more and more things that were becoming more intrinsic in our lifestyles and thought, ‘This is going to be more and more important as time goes on.” The early days and formation of ISE Mike Blackman officially joined Integrated Systems Events in 2003, and the journey to launch the show began. In the early days, he had just two team members, Godwin Demicoli and a trainee. Together, they laid the groundwork for the inaugural event in January 2004. The team started small but with a big vision, and they gradually expanded as the show grew. After using a logistics agency for a few years, the organisation recruited Martine Niermans and Daniëlle Inostroza as the in-house Operations team began to take shape. ISE was initially based in shared offices, but as it grew, they established their own presence. Mike recalls: “The organisation grew and grew, and we became stronger by having our own people rather than outsourcing too much.” In the Marketing department, the team continued to expand with the addition of Dan Goldstein and Stefanie Span (formerly Hanel), who brought their expertise to enhance ISE’s presence in the industry. Mike’s role as the public face of ISE was a deliberate decision due to the competitive nature of the three owner associations – InfoComm, CEDIA, and NSCA. Choosing the venue and date One critical aspect of ISE’s success is its choice of venue and date. Mike reveals that the initial venue, Geneva, was chosen for its neutral location. The original venue selection “came about in 2002, before I was recruited,” he remarks. Randy Lemke and Cherif Moujabber had toured various European cities to identify suitable locations. However, exhibitors had to deal with Swiss import and export requirements; the clear message after the show was to move away from Geneva, based on logistical considerations. After a European road trip that Mike undertook with Jason McGraw of InfoComm, Amsterdam became the new home for ISE, centrally located and accessible. Lessons from the first ISE The inaugural ISE in Geneva wasn’t without its challenges, but it provided valuable insights. Mike recalls the

EVENTS

anxiety around whether attendees would turn up and the pressure to prepare for the unexpected. Despite the initial struggles, they had strong exhibitor participation with 120 exhibitors and many other companies showing interest in the event. Reflecting on the Geneva show, Mike shares: “The first thing that happened was when we opened up registration. Everything looked really good, and we had hundreds of people registering from far-flung places like Africa and we thought, ‘Wow, this show’s going to be really international!” As it was, about 3,500 people registered for the first show. No-one came from Africa; we learned very quickly that shows like ours could be used to try to get visas for into Europe, and it changed the whole way in which we handled that for registration in the future. Evolution and growth ISE continued to evolve over the years. As the show expanded and matured, new areas and opportunities emerged. Mike reflects on the early days and how the team learned from each experience, saying: “Do you know, I’ve seen everything as evolution. Launching in Geneva was not a mistake. It wasn’t the right place to launch, but it helped because it kept the show neutral.” Despite the challenges, every experience contributed to ISE’s growth and success.

The impact of ISE on the industry Mike notes that brands have adapted their programmes to achieve maximum impact at ISE. He explains: “ISE provides the opportunity for companies to do market research with customers and potential customers to find out what they want and learn. Over the years, we’ve seen a change in the R&D process in that more and more companies are focusing their product launches for January / February. For display companies it makes a lot of sense because they’re taking some equipment to CES in the US and then shipping it straight to ISE afterwards. So, within a two-week window they get the opportunity to launch products in two continents. We see the same for our pro audio companies as well. It helps them to present their products in the marketplace.” Technology Zones and clustering As the show grew, the concept of Technology Zones emerged to help attendees navigate the vast array of offerings. Mike describes how these were introduced in 2008: “Everything was still mixed when we came back to Amsterdam in 2007 [after one year in Brussels in 2006]. But we were starting to say, “OK, how do we focus? How do we create growth in the other halls, and make it work to everyone’s advantage?” These zones, such as the Content Production & Distri-

EVENTS

bution Zone introduced in 2023, serve to group related technologies and make it easier for attendees to explore specific areas of interest. Exhibitors also benefit from being clustered together, fostering collaboration, and attracting visitors with complementary needs. The pandemic and the resilience of in-person events Discussing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike acknowledges that ISE, like many other organisers, explored virtual events as a response to the global lockdowns. However, they found that the virtual format did not fully meet exhibitor and attendee expectations. Virtual events lacked the immersive experience of physical shows, where attendees could spend days exploring innovations and building relationships. Mike explains: “Our experience was that while virtual events can be satisfying for attendees, attendees are not coming out with new products, new contacts, and new sales that are generated from a physical event. We had 20% of the visitors and exhibitors say that they had done some business with people they didn’t know prior to the event.” The future of ISE As ISE celebrates its 20th anniversary, the show is set to be its biggest and most impactful yet (30 January-2 February 2024), Mike emphasises the importance of in-person events and the value they provide to the in-

dustry. He sees ISE evolving in a way that incorporates a blend of physical and digital elements to cater to the needs of the modern world. He envisions ISE continuing to be a platform for innovation and growth, stating: “I see ISE as being even more important in the future. I think the show is still going to be here in 20 years’ time, but it will have evolved into something more. I see ISE influencing the industry to a greater extent and helping the industry to move forwards, which is what I’ve always wanted.” A remarkable journey Mike Blackman’s journey with ISE from its inception to its 20th anniversary is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and adaptability. Under his leadership, ISE has grown to become the most significant event in the AV and systems integration industry, influencing trends, fostering innovation, and providing a platform for countless companies to showcase their products and services. As ISE looks ahead to the next 20 years and beyond, one thing remains clear: the show will continue to be a driving force in the industry, shaping its future and bringing together professionals from around the world to celebrate the world of integrated systems technology.

ISE Q&A

Distribution Summit returns for its second edition on Wednesday 31 January. This conference will explore some of the strategies and technologies behind the creation, management, and distribution of video content for promotional and informational purposes. ISE Q&A AV News managing editor Bryan Denyer worked with Mike Blackman even before he started his career with ISE. Bryan took this opportunity to pose some questions to mike on his 20th anniversary: Bryan: How is ISE promoting sustainability in the AV sector, considering the growing importance of environmental considerations in the industry? Mike: This is a hot topic and it’s important that we, as an industry, address environmental considerations. New for 2024, CEDIA presents an exclusive conference session dedicated to addressing the global issues of climate change, nature loss, and social resilience within our industry. The Sustainability Workshop, presented in association with CEDIA, takes place on Friday 2 February. This new workshop aims to help delegates to understand that while we are part of the problem, we can also be a part of the solution. Led by sustainable innovation expert Simon Brown, delegates will leave this practical workshop with a clear framework to assess the impact and opportunity for their business, as well as the tools to build a plan of action. Bryan: Could you give us an overview of the most significant developments and trends in the AV industry since the last ISE event? Mike: The AV industry is so dynamic that new developments emerge rapidly, even since our last show. Just looks at immersive technologies as an example - the AV industry has been experiencing a surge in immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR) and augmented reality (AR). These technologies have applications in gaming, entertainment, education, and even remote work and teleconferencing. We’re seeing significant developments in AI and machine learning being integrated into AV equipment, enabling features like automated content recommendations, voice control, and image upscaling. It’s fascinating to see what technology is capable of and how we can be a part of it in our industry. Another focus is content production and distribution, with advancements in live streaming, video editing, and content delivery networks. This is an area that’s being driven by consumers, and we focus on this in our conference programme as the Content Production &

Our full list of conferences at ISE 2024 is as follows: •Smart Building Conference (Tuesday 30 January) •Control Rooms Summit (Tuesday 30 January) •Smart Home Technology Conference (Tuesday 30 January – Friday 2 February) •Content Production & Distribution Summit (Wednesday 31 January) •Digital Signage Summit (Wednesday 31 January) •Smart Workplace Summit (Wednesday 31 January – Thursday 1 February) •Education Technology Summit (Thursday 1 February) •Live Events Summit (Thursday 1 February) •Sustainability Workshop (Friday 2 February) Bryan: Is there a limit to how broadly ISE will expand its focus before it detracts from the core mission of the event? Mike: AV encompasses so many areas of our lives, from work and home life to leisure time, so it’s important for us to reflect this and showcase the incredible technologies in our lives and how they can be used across so many areas. We cover many verticals at ISE, including retail, hospitality, education and live events because AV plays such a pivotal role in all of these. You can explore the different sectors across our show floor. Set out across seven Technology Zones for ease of navigation, these zones provide visitors with the full spectrum of pro AV and systems integration: •Lighting & Staging (Hall 1) •Residential & Smart Building (Hall 2) •Unified Communications & Education Technology (Hall 2) •Multi-Technology (Halls 3, 4 & 5) •Content Production & Distribution (Hall 4) •Digital Signage & DooH (Hall 6) •Audio (Hall 7) •Plus ISE Sound Experience with Audio Demo Rooms in Hall 8.0

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timately, it was the demand from partners that led to its return in September. We’re keeping the limited time offer available until 31st December 2023 so our partners can lead with a compelling discount to their end users.” AVN: Refresh our memories. What was the deal?

Talking heads: catch up with Promethean

n the final instalment of this year’s ‘Talking Heads’ series, AV News sat down with Simon Port, Head of UKI and ANZ Markets at Promethean, to learn more about the latest company updates and significant changes Promethean made to its interactive display portfolio to support schools and their tight budget constraints. We spoke to Simon back in May, when he just stepped up into his new role and Promethean announced the ‘Experience the ActivPanel 9’ campaign. After a busy summer of installations and exciting developments, we’re catching up on the latest. AVN: Now that we’re well into autumn, tell us what you’ve been up to over the last few months. SP: “To say it’s been a busy six months would be an understatement! But it’s all been positive. Summer was a busy period. Our priority was to support partners to successfully deliver on their installs before the schools returned and help them gear up for a strong start to the new school year. Quarter 2 Futuresource figures released in September 2023 confirmed Promethean remained the global leading brand for interactive displays in education (excluding China) which is testament to the continuous hard work and commitment from our partners.” AVN: You mentioned gearing up for the new school year. How do you ensure your partners were able to get a head start following the summer break? SP: “The last time we spoke, we just launched the ‘Experience the ActivPanel 9’ campaign. Our partners found it valuable for generating leads and securing deals. Ul-

SP: “All customers can get one ActivPanel 9 at a subsidised price. This is up to 60 percent off SRP for 75 inches, and up to 50 percent off for 65-inch panels. It’s available on ActivPanel 9 Premium models, too. Also, all schools who bought panels during the previous campaign before summer qualify, so it’s a great opportunity for any school to leverage the limited-time pricing. If any partners want to offer the subsidy to their customers, they just need to opt-in by contacting their Promethean contact.” AVN: Promethean is pushing the ActivPanel LX now, which is a more affordable option. What makes this a great choice for schools on a budget? SP: “Everyone deserves interactive technology. ActivPanel LX was designed to deliver exceptional quality, ease of use, and flexibility all for a lower price. It gives customers a product backed by Promethean’s trusted technology at a price point that breaks down financial barriers. For partners, it gives even greater flexibility to meet customers’ needs and budgets by expanding the choice of solutions available. Schools continue to face tight budgetary constraints. With the ActivPanel priced as low as £879*, customers who thought they couldn’t afford a Promethean panel will be pleasantly surprised at the quality and affordability.

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Partners are using ActivPanel LX to reopen conversations with customers who previously ruled out the ActivPanel 9. Given the objections were typically because of budget, it’s turning heads and making sales. AVN: What about the panel’s performance? What can customers expect from the ActivPanel LX? SP: “We sum it up in three words: Simplicity. Flexibility. Value. The ActivPanel LX is a simplified, peripheral touchscreen panel designed with flexibility at its core. It’s an agnostic display that works seamlessly with all major operating systems, so users can easily connect it to their laptop. This essentially turns their computer into a large-format interactive display. It can also be paired with a computing module that fits into the preferred ecosystem, whether that be Google, Windows, or Android.” “As with any Promethean panel, we focused on the user experience. That’s why the ActivPanel LX has LCD bonded glass, to give excellent writing and viewing experiences. There’s also advanced touch technology that provides pen and touch differentiation, palm erase, and 20 points of touch. It’s also easy to install and set up. This means minimal training for users and limited support needed from IT staff.”

AVN: Sounds like the ActivPanel LX doesn’t compromise on performance then? SP: “It really doesn’t. It’s an affordable panel that gives customers the ability to customise according to their requirements. If they just want a simple interactive screen, they can have it. For those who want a more sophisticated set-up, it’s easy to add on a computing device.” “Keeping flexibility and choice front of mind, there’s a choice of screen sizes. We currently offer the ActivPanel LX in 64 inches 4K, 75 inches 4K and 86 inches 4K.” AVN: What would you say to any partners who don’t currently have a Promethean solution in their portfolio? SP: “There really has never been a better time to become a Promethean partner. When it comes to interactive displays, we have a solution to meet every need and every budget. We’ve also been in the market for over 25 years. Not only does this give partners access to unrivalled expertise, but we also have a well-established partner accreditation programme that recognises and rewards success. Our partnerships are built on trust and transparency, and we really are invested in helping partners grow. “

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©2023 Promethean Limited. All rights reserved. Promethean Ltd. is owner of a number of trademarks in several jurisdictions across the world including, but not limited to, Promethean and ActivPanel. Applicable Terms and Conditions for warranty and support available at PrometheanWorld.com/Warranty. Product specifications are subject to change without notice. PrometheanWorld.com

DIARY & EVENTS

for every event and installation: • Lighting & Staging (Hall 1) • Residential & Smart Building (Hall 2) • Unified Communications & Education Technology (Hall 2) • Multi-Technology (Halls 3, 4 & 5) • Content Production & Distribution (Hall 4) • Digital Signage & DooH (Hall 6) • Audio (Hall 7) • Plus, ISE Sound Experience with Audio Demo Rooms in Hall 8.0 ISE will soon be announcing more news and information regarding ISE 2024, including the full Conference Programme, AVIXA and CEDIA collaborations and 20th Anniversary celebration events. To register for ISE 2024 visit www.iseurope.org.

Attend ISE 2024 free! Countdown to ISE: registration open! Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) has announced that visitor registration is open for ISE 2024. International industry professionals, AV technology users, and innovators can now register for the 20th anniversary edition of the show. Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, says: “We are excited to open registration for this special anniversary edition. ISE 2024 is your destination for innovation. It is already set to be the biggest yet, with an expanded show floor over 17% larger than in 2023, new halls, over 80 new exhibitors currently confirmed and exciting new additions to the show programme.” Opening Fira Barcelona's North Access marks a significant milestone, reflecting the show's growth and enhancing accessibility for all. With three entrances and print-at-home badges, visitors can quickly access their preferred brands, Technology Zones, conferences, and show features, elevating their overall ISE experience. Since its first iteration in 2004, ISE has grown into a global showcase for the world’s leading technology and solutions suppliers, complemented by a comprehensive programme of thought leadership and education. Each year, ISE draws a continually growing, diverse community who converge to explore the latest trends, exchange insights, and shape the future of pro AV and systems integration. New for 2024, ISE has expanded into Halls 1 and 4 of the Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Hall 1 becomes the new home of Lighting & Staging, while Hall 4 provides a new location for Content Production & Distribution and allows the Multi-Technology Zone to be extended. The show floor is easy to navigate, set out across seven Technology Zones to provide visitors with the full spectrum of pro AV and systems integration required

Readers of AV News can secure FREE registration for ISE 2024 using this code: avnewsmagazine

Industry leaders help to realize digital transformation Object Management Group (OMG) has announced the program committee for the new digital transformation event Transform! @InfoComm 2024. The program committee comprises a diverse set of industry leaders with deep digital transformation knowledge and experience and varied backgrounds and representation from industry, government, and academia. The event will feature a technical program, exhibits, and networking opportunities focused on digital transformation from June 12-14, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Many senior technology and engineering professionals are leading digital transformation efforts across many industries,” said Ron Zahavi, Conference Program Director, CEO, and Founder of Auron Technologies, LLC. “Our Transform! @InfoComm 2024 program committee is developing an event that guides professionals through the journey of digital transformation from concept to

DIARY & EVENTS

operations with real-life case studies, cross-collaborative models, and demonstration solution show cases, tailored to all maturity levels.” The Transform! @InfoComm 2024 program committee members include: Prith Banerjee, Chief Technology Officer, Ansys Salla Eckhardt, Sr. Vice President Commercial, OAC Services Angel Hanson, Chief Event Officer, Angel Events Bill Hoffman, Chairman and CEO, OMG Kathleen D. Kennedy, Sr. Director MIT Horizon, Executive Director, MIT Center for Collective Intelligence Edy Liongosari, Chief Research Scientist, Accenture Jim Morrish, Founding Partner, Transforma Insights Oriette Nayel, Principal Project Executive and Consultant Christine Perey, Spime Wrangler, PEREY Research & Consulting Tim Scannell, Vice President, Strategic Content, IDC Said Tabet, Distinguished Engineer, Dell Technologies Rob Tiffany, Chief Product Officer, Red Bison Pieter Van Schalkwyk, CEO, XMPro Shyam Varan Nath, Specialist Leader, AI and Analytics, Deloitte Bassam Zarkout, Executive Vice President, IGnPower Ron Zahavi, Conference Program Director, CEO and Founder Auron Technologies, LLC At Transform! @InfoComm 2024, exhibitors will deliver hands-on experiences through an Innovation Hub and solutions showcases, where they will highlight new technology trends, breakthroughs, products, and services. Attendees will discover new opportunities for

economic growth and efficiency, exploring innovation across diverse industries, from business and government to academia, and multiple topics, including cybersecurity, generative AI, augmented reality, digital twins, responsible computing, IoT and edge, business architecture modelling, and more. “Many senior technology and engineering professionals are leading digital transformation efforts across many industries,” said Ron Zahavi, Conference Program Director, CEO, and Founder of Auron Technologies, LLC.

New Product IP Control Box

Now in stock for next day delivery see website for UK distributors

* Optional extra for Sapphire screens and any screens with four core wiring * 3 year warranty. * Easy to install. * Easy connection via RJ45 to computer network. * Simple commands to operate