Welcome to the August Issue of
SCN344.AD_.indd 1
7/19/22 1:04 PM
The Ultimate Platform for AVoIP Distribution
The Future of AV Distribution is Here The DisplayNet® DN-300 delivers an unprecedented level of AVoIP performance, versatility and reliability; at a price point that defines a new industry benchmark for value. Based on the latest SDVoE technology, the DN-300 provides 4K/60 (4:4:4) video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency and zero image artifacts. This single unit offers several unique features that provide system designers with exceptional versatility:
Switchable Transmitter / Receiver operation
PoE+ support
Dual (copper / fiber) network interfaces
Silent, fanless operation
Auxiliary H.264/5 video output streams
Versatile KVM Routing
Powerful network security features
Full-bandwidth USB 2.0 support
DisplayNet also provides software-defined MultiViewer and Advanced Video Wall engines that power a wide range of applications without the expense and complexity of ancillary products. A highly intuitive web-based UI and API greatly simplifies setup and installation, as well as integration into third-party control systems. Contact us today to see how DisplayNet can move your next AV system into the future.
ZERO COMPROMISE – INFINITE POSSIBILITIES Powered by sales@dvigear.com | (888) 463-9927 | www.displaynet.com © 2022 DVIGear, Inc.
CONTENTS 28
Broadcast Quality The National Association of Broadcasters has turned its
offices into a showcase for technology. By Jennifer Guhl
24 People 18 Executive Q&A Panasonic Connect’s John Kaloukian emphasizes the importance of a solutions-focused approach. By Mark J. Pescatore
19 Executive Q&A NEARITY CEO and founder Andy Xin is working to improve the hybrid meeting experience.
27 ‘We’re Only Just Getting Started’ New Kinly CEO Tom Martin sets his sights on U.S. market growth. By Mark J. Pescatore
32 Blueprint for Success How did an RFP in 1401 change western architecture forever? By John Storyk
By Mark J. Pescatore
Technology
22 Beyond The Tech
34 Entertainment on the High Seas
Way too many of us are out of balance in our personal
Learn how one cruise line has upgraded to IPTV to
and professional lives.
improve in-cabin entertainment and more.
By Douglas Kleeger
By Jim Beaugez
Business
36 Make It Big
24 If It Ain’t Broke… The new Dollar Loan Center’s AV operations been modelled after the T-Mobile Arena.
Large-venue projectors are supporting the surging return to live events. By Wayne Cavadi
By James Careless
Viewpoint
26 The ABCs of APIs
42 The Pace of Progress
How can you properly design interfaces that provide
Today’s Pro AV innovations are catching up with
value?
science fiction.
By Toine C. Leerentveld
By Rachael Harris
34 Departments 20 NEWSMAKERS 40 PRODUCTS
Vol. 29 No. 8 August 2022 Systems Contractor News (ISSN 1078-4993) is published monthly by Future US, Inc., 130 West 42nd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036-8002. Periodical postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: SYSTEMS CONTRACTOR NEWS, P.O. Box 1051, Lowell, MA 01853. Subscribe online at www.MySCNews.com. Please allow 6-8 weeks for address changes to take effect. ©Copyright 2022 by Future US, Inc. PRINTED IN U.S.A.
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
3
®
SYSTEMS CHECK avnetwork.com
MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director
AUGUST 2022 VOL. 29 NO. 8
Winning and the Waiver Wire
CONTENT
VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Contributors Jim Beaguez, James Careless, Jennifer Guhl, Rachael Harris, Toine C. Leerentveld
I
Group Art Director Nicole Cobban
’ll admit I’m way too invested in fantasy football, particularly when you consider my league is named the Frugal Fantasy Federation. We’re not exactly competing for
Art Editor Rob Crossland
midlife crisis sports car money; it’s more like bragging rights and enough cash for
Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow
an oil change and maybe a tire rotation. Maybe.
mark.pescatore@futurenet.com
The appeal of fantasy football is trying to collect and manage a group of players
A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S
from around the NFL who can consistently deliver points based on game performance.
Vice President, AV/Consumer Electronics & Pro Audio Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465
Your league may award points, for example, for the number of yards (rushing, receivFACEBOOK
facebook.com/ systemscontractor
ing, passing), catches, touchdowns, etc. that a player collects during the game. What adds to the fun is that you’re invested in more than just your favorite team
Sales John Casey, john.casey@futurenet.com, 845-678-3839 Janis Crowley, janis.crowley@futurenet.com, 845-414-6791 Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com, 212-378-0468 Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com, 845-678-3752 Andi Tureson andi.tureson@futurenet.com
every season. Now, the performance of a running back from a team you’ve never cared about can help you get the “W” for the week or drop you out of the playoff hunt. If you happen to start someone playing against your favorite team, the mental
LINKEDIN linkedin.com/company/ systems-contractor-news
gymnastics can get complicated in a hurry. Your inner dialog sounds something like: “OK, I want my team to win, but I want them to let my fantasy QB throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns, but not to that wide receiver who is on the other guy’s team.” Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of fantasy football success. I won’t give away all my strategies, of course, but when you’re unsure of who to draft, pick the guy who
TWITTER twitter.com/scnmag
SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE
went to Alabama. Yes, as an alum I am biased, but the numbers usually back me up.
To subscribe, change your address, or check on your current account status, go to avnetwork.com and click on About Us, email futureplc@computerfulfillment. com, call 888-266-5828, or write P.O. Box 1051, Lowell, MA 01853.
Roll Tide. Last season, I just missed the playoffs in one league and was decimated in the playoffs in another. Injuries to my top wide receiver and tight end sealed my fate. My bench—the players you keep in reserve in case of bye week or an injury—simply
LICENSING/REPRINTS/PERMISSIONS
couldn’t replicate the game performance of my starters. By the time the injuries
SCN is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing team to discuss partnership opportunities. Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw licensing@futurenet.com
happened late in the season, the waiver wire—the pool of players not claimed by any teams in the league—had been picked clean of any reasonable replacements. Does your company have a waiver wire strategy? For months, AVIXA has been reporting on the growth of employment in the Pro AV industry, but it’s a tough
M A N AG E M E N T
hiring market. What happens when someone on your team goes on injured reserve (IR) because of COVID-19 or another medical or family emergency? Who’s waiting on your bench when members of your team are on a bye week (aka vacation)? And in pany from poaching your top performers? Perhaps now is a good time to evaluate your lineup. Make sure you have the players you need to remain competitive—and you have the corporate culture in place to keep your players on your team. Unlike fantasy football, when it comes to your company, there’s a lot more at stake than just bragging rights.
For months, AVIXA has been reporting on the growth of employment in the Pro AV industry, but it’s a tough hiring market. 4
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
GETTY IMAGES
this market, what’s stopping another com-
Senior Vice President, B2B Rick Stamberger Vice President, Sales & Publishing, B2B Aaron Kern Vice President, B2B Tech Group Carmel King Vice President, Sales, B2B Tech Group Adam Goldstein Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design Rodney Dive FUTURE US, INC.
130 West 42nd Street, 7th Floor New York, NY 10036 All contents ©2022 Future US, Inc. or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/ permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions. Please Recycle. We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.
NEWS
Renkus-Heinz Helps Salvation Army Reimagine Classic Hollywood Theater
W
supported by a matching set of eight ICLX-118S subwoofers. Renkus-Heinz also deployed a set of eight P2-10 floor monitors for on-stage use.
hen the Hawaii theater opened its cur-
creator Sammy Oriti visited the Salvation Army’s
tains in the heart of Hollywood in 1940,
Hollywood center and had an inspiration.
it offered an experience like no other.
“The bones of the building have excellent potential
“It’s a great looking stage and theater so the producers didn’t want to hang big, bulky arrays that would spoil the ambiance and intimacy of the space,”
For more than 20 years, the theater personified the
for concerts, musicals, and other live performances,”
explained Garrison Parkin, western regional sales
Golden Age of Hollywood, but while many might say
said Oriti. “Working with the team at Salvation Army
manager for Renkus-Heinz. “But at the same time,
the theater’s best years are behind it, the Salvation
Hollywood, we finalized a vision for the space and
the space is wide with a curved ceiling, and they
Army Hollywood—with the help of fellow Southern-
knew that Renkus-Heinz would bring the sound
needed good coverage and fidelity for every seat, and
California company Renkus-Heinz—is bringing a
solution it needed. I called Renkus-Heinz, told them of
for that, the ICLX is the perfect fit.”
new vision for the theater to life.
the plan, and there was no hesitation to come aboard.”
The Hollywood Corps of the Salvation Army
The sound system needed to accommodate
“I’ve been a big Renkus-Heinz fan since the 1980s; their systems are always super reliable and
Hollywood purchased the Hawaii theater in 1963 and
everything from spoken word ministering to full
sound amazing,” said Oriti. “I’m proud of this
converted it into a multipurpose community center.
musical productions with multiple singers, full bands,
project, and I’m so happy to be working with Renkus-
Today, faced with an alarming growth of homeless-
and a wide range of instrumentation. After acousti-
Heinz—the company’s people and products are great
ness in Hollywood, the organization was looking for
cally evaluating the space and considering the
to work with, and together we’re building something
new ways to generate more resources and provide
supporting equipment in use, Renkus-Heinz recom-
very special here.”
hope within the neighborhood. Local performer,
mended a set of eight ICLive X loudspeaker modules
music composer, and Emmy-nominated TV show
for creating two beam-steering tower arrays,
n July, the LG CLOi GuideBot, the company’s first
Ken Buchanan, executive vice president revenue
multi-purpose customer service robot, roamed
management and customer experience. “The LG
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Termi-
CLOi GuideBot is an opportunity to provide another
Structured cabling: How do you “sell” the importance of this service?
nal D (gates D1-D4). The robot was tasked with guid-
level of service to our customers through an
Having that initial conversation and educating
ing travelers to points of interest throughout the gate
innovative technology.”
the client on why it’s important to upgrade
LG Service Robot Helps Travelers at Dallas Airport
I
area, using speech recognition and touch interactions
The LG CLOi GuideBot stands just under 5 feet tall
their structured cabling system is key. A
to facilitate mobile ordering, display flight details,
and greets everyone with a friendly 9.2-inch LG LCD
fully engineered and properly installed
provide concession options, and more.
“face” display. Using a high-quality microphone, 3D
structured cabling system is one of the most
camera, and 18 sensors, the robot can navigate busy
cost-effective and important investments a
autonomous LG CLOi GuideBot for the unique
spaces and react to approaching users with visual
company can make in future-proofing their
demonstration at DFW. According to Jeffrey Weiland,
and auditory effects. Dual 27-inch LG touch screens,
network. The modern-day structured cabling
B2B robotics team leader at LG
located on the front and back of
system serves as the foundation and provides
Business Solutions USA, the
the robot’s main body, provide
businesses with the flexibility needed in
airport has always been on the
bright, legible canvases for
supporting multiple systems, devices, and
cutting edge of customer
both interactive and static
higher bandwidth requirements today and in
satisfaction, and is continuing to
digital content, like menus,
the future. The enhancement in productivity,
find new ways to inform,
maps and videos.
LG jumped at the opportunity to leverage its
engage, and entertain travelers.
The CLOi GuideBot also
faster rollout of strategic applications, and healthier
“The LG CLOi GuideBot is up to
collects data on interaction
network is an easy “sell”
the challenge, providing
time, advertisement playback
to help business be more
wayfinding, powerful advertis-
time, number of uses, and more
profitable and
ing opportunities and valuable
and all of it can be viewed in
successful.
data on interaction times and
real-time or saved for review.
David Gross,
usage,” he said.
DFW will be analyzing data
Account Executive,
collected during the demonstra-
Cal Coast Telecom
“DFW Airport wants to help make the customer’s time in
tion and conducting its own
the airport less stressful,” said
customer satisfaction surveys.
6
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
NEWS
LEA Professional Amps Up Tumwater High School Performing Arts Center
T
amps with a series of relays. If one relay is opened, the GPI triggers and powers up the amps. They have four relays in use—two for each amplifier. One relay is controlled off the DSP for the main house, and then another relay is controlled from a touchpanel in each classroom. If someone needs to turn on the system, a single touch powers up the amplifiers, lowers a projection screen, and turns on the projector. The Network Connect Series IoT-enabled ampli-
umwater High School in Tumwater, WA, has
always great to discover a high-quality, new product
fiers is a commercial-grade audio amplifier family
an ambitious and growing Performing Arts
line that fits well into your offerings. Because of delivery
suited for small to medium-scale installations.
Center that needed a powerful and dynamic
issues, this was a spec swap, but the high school ended
Featuring three ways to connect, users can engage the
audio system to match. When the school sought
up with a much better amplifier and a more robust
built-in Wi-Fi access point, connect to the venue’s
to upgrade the audio amplification system for its
system. Which is why we as a company are basically
Wi-Fi, or use the FAST Ethernet to connect to any LAN
main theater and other support spaces, they chose
moving away from the other company to all LEA amp
via Cat5 or Cat6 cable. The Connect Series also
the LEA Professional Network Connect Series.
solutions for this type of application and many more.”
features cloud connectivity allowing users to harness
The department hosts everything from plays and
To cover the spaces adequately, Pearson and the
the power of the cloud for remote control, monitor-
musicals to ensemble performances, solo instrument
CCI team used a mix of four different Network
ing, configuration, and more from any personal
recitals, and vocal/choir and spoken word perfor-
Connect Series amplifiers from LEA Professional. The
device, as well as HiZ and LoZ channel-selectable
mances. The main theater has seating for about 200.
system solution included 10 individual channels of
analog inputs, and external I/O control for remote on/
There are also large classrooms on each side of the
monitoring ability (a single Connect 352 and two
off and fault monitoring.
theater that can each hold an additional 100 people.
Connect 354 amps), allowing the high school to cover
Because of the pandemic and the summer
When needed, the airwalls between the theater and
the stage monitoring, but also room to place speakers
break, the system has not yet been used for a full
the classrooms can be opened to accommodate an
off stage to support special effects or to power
performance, but the high school is very anxious to
audience of about 400, making the Performing Arts
additional floor monitors for larger groups. They also
get the system in use soon. The team ran several
Center the largest venue in the school district.
have a four-channel unit (four zones of 70V with a
sound tests with various configurations, and
Connect 84 amp) handling the back of house paging
everyone is very happy with the quality and
tion company, CCI Solutions, served as the project lead
and stage manager announcements. Each side
headroom of the amplifiers.
for the Tumwater installation. He said the main space
classroom has its own Connect 702 amplifier.
Mark Pearson, from national AVL systems integra-
and each side classroom space have their own sound
“The installation was really smooth; we didn’t
“These amps have an impressive list of features we
have any hurdles,” said Pearson. “That’s another plus
systems, but they also needed to work together for
really like,” added Pearson. “They’re networkable and
for LEA—everything is very self-explanatory, and you
larger performances. The main space also required an
controlled via IP addresses, so we can easily access them
don’t have to be an engineer to walk through the
update of its stage monitor amplification. The high
with an app, and then the ability to have internal DSP in
process to program things and get things up and
school predominantly uses passive line array elements
the amp for detailed speaker tunings. I also like that
running. It’s all very straightforward and logical. The
and monitor enclosures from Martin Audio.
they’re GPI controllable and the side rooms can be
amps themselves have a good user interface, and the
turned on or off depending on the user’s need.”
app is beneficial. I look forward to many more
“Our rep firm recommended LEA amps, and it has turned out to be a great experience,” said Pearson. “It’s
8
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
To simplify the use process, Pearson set up the
installations with LEA.”
NEWS captured by physical microphones,” expalined Nancy Knowlton, president and CEO of Nureva. “As we started to think about how people would collaborate in a conference room setting, we conceived of them being much more actively involved physically within a space, with people standing at displays and moving around, and audio coming from all corners of the room. This is what inspired our Microphone Mist audio capture approach.” Essentially, the Microphone Mist technology is built on the AI-driven assessment and control of inputs from the soundbar’s 12 physical microphones to create 8,192 virtual microphones. Each virtual microphone, or “pickup point,” is created when two or more of the physical microphones in the HDL300 work together to focus sound pickup on a distinct zone. With Microphone Mist, each virtual mic is optimized for a natural listening experience. “With Nureva’s type of AI-controlled virtual microphones, you can direct a lobe to cover a
UNC School of Journalism Equips Classrooms with Nureva Audio Solutions
particular area, typically defined in a classroom as a place where someone is sitting,” Knowlton said. “This is a capability not found in beamforming technology.” The Hussman School is no newcomer to HDL300 sound bars. “We had piloted one of these several years ago and then were happy with the performance in one room,” said Kirk. “So, we built out a second classroom that had also included one of the Nureva HDL300s. Then, when the pandemic
By James Careless
technician for the Hussman School of Journalism and
happened in 2020 and everybody went remote, we
Media. “I love that the AI that’s built into this
knew that the return would include some form of
soundbar is constantly adjusting the acoustics and
hybrid classroom that had to address the poor audio
ne lasting impact of COVID-19 has been
echo cancellation to provide consistent whole room
pickup problems being experienced by remote
the acceptance of hybrid learning in col-
coverage, with no actions being required by a human
students. That’s why we increased our number of
lege classrooms, with professors teaching
operator. It’s all automatic and hidden within the
HDL300-equipped rooms to 18—and plan to add up
a mix of on-premises and web-connected remote
soundbar, and the result is clear, intelligible audio
to six more.”
students at the same time. Ensuring an equal level of
from anywhere in the space that can be understood by
participation for both groups is a challenge, particu-
remote students at all times.”
O
larly when it comes to discussions in the physical
In creating the HDL300, Nureva decided to take a
Despite incorporating sophisticated audio pickup and processing technology, the HDL300 is simple to install. “Anyone can set this up: You don’t have to be
classroom, because poor microphone placement can
“clean sheet” approach to the problem of consistent
any kind of a tech genius,” Kirk said. “You don’t
make it difficult for remote students to hear.
audio pickup. “The definition of this problem had
even have to be very good mechanically: Put two
always been expressed in terms of people seated
screws into a wall at the front of the room and you
around the table and how their audio could be best
can hang the thing up. And then you’ve got one cable
The University of North Carolina (UNC) Hussmann School of Journalism and Media in Chapel Hill, NC, has found a unique solution to audio
that runs back to your hub/breakout
pickup problems in its building. Eighteen
box, which connects to your network
of its classrooms have been equipped with
using a standard USB connection.”
Nureva HDL300 audioconferencing
All told, Nureva’s HDL300
systems, with one of the microphone-
soundbars are precisely what the
equipped soundbars placed at the head of
Hussman School was looking for to
each classroom. Using a mix of 12 onboard
resolve its audioconferencing
physical omnidirectional microphones
consistency issues. “Despite what
plus AI-driven level adjustments and
people may think, it’s the audio that
control, the HDL300’s “Microphone Mist”
matters during multi-site sessions,
technology can provide consistent audio
not the video,” said Kirk. “That’s
pickup through a 25-foot square room.
why consistent audioconferencing
(Two HDL300s can be combined to cover
technology is so vital to what we’re
larger spaces.)
doing in our hybrid classroom, and
“It’s like everybody in the room is
why the Nureva HDL300 soundbar
wearing a microphone,” said Gary Kirk,
is so central to our successful
broadcast engineer and classroom AV
operation.”
10
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
NEWS
Utelogy Helps London Business School Adopt Hybrid Learning
T
he London Business School (LBS), considered one of the world’s leading business schools, is host to about 12,000 students and execu-
tives each year. Up to 120 lectures a day take place at the school, which is spread across 140 teaching and meeting spaces in several buildings in the heart of London, including the new Sammy Ofer Centre. The result is an impressive AV estate—more than 2,500 devices are in regular use at the school and maintained by a crew of just five AV support staff. As a fee-paying school that has taught some of the brightest business minds of recent decades, there is constant pressure to ensure that everything is online and working all the time. “The first lectures start at 8:15 a.m.,” said Wayne Buttigieg, head of infrastructure, London Business School. “And on busier days you may have five lectures starting on one site, eight starting on another—and someone has to get around to all of those lecture theatres just to make sure that everything is okay before 8:15 a.m.” Two significant events during 2020 moved the goalposts at LBS. First, the COVID-19 pandemic saw
The Utelogy platform is helping the London Business School manage its AV systems.
the school shift to new methods of hybrid learning. Second, LBS installed the Utelogy platform to gain
the faculty. That was really useful; instead of waiting
dramatically improved visibility into its AV estate,
for a professional programmer, an AMX or Crestron
how it is being utilized, and how it can evolve in the
programmer and pay for that work to be done, we
so there are some significant areas of its functionality
future. The flexible Utelogy platform can run on any
could just rapidly prototype them ourselves with
that is yet to be explored. Part of that involves data
network and server, virtual or otherwise, and can
Utelogy. As the process was interactive, the speed to
and seeing precisely what is being used when over the
integrate with teaching spaces, smart classrooms,
concept was invaluable.”
school’s diverse estate.
and hybrid learning environments. “In May we decided, as a school, that teaching
Saving time for LBS engineers and reducing the
efficiency is all the more pertinent.” The Utelogy system at LBS is still relatively new,
“Utilization data will be very useful, especially for
time to lecture start have also been key benefits of the
the group rooms,” offered Buttigieg. “I often pass by
would be in a hybrid format, but hadn’t decided in
Utelogy system, which unites a wide range of equip-
a room which has some amazing equipment in it to
what form,” recalled Buttigieg. “In setting up hybrid
ment under a series of quick reference dashboards.
find someone just sitting in there tapping away at a
teaching we created several configurations—and
“We have something like 30 large teaching spaces,
laptop that isn’t connected to anything. Digging into
because we were able to come up with user interfaces
between lecture theatres and classrooms, as well as
the data will help us understand better what rooms
very quickly on our own, using U-Console and
many student rooms, and they are all equipped with
need what equipment in them and enable us to target
U-Control, we were able to demonstrate the rooms to
AV hardware,” explained Mario Vergara, teaching
our resources in a much more efficient manner.”
specialist, IT, London Utelogy's flexible platform can run on any network and server, virtual or otherwise, and integrates with teaching spaces, smart classrooms, and hybrid learning environments.
12
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
Utelogy’s integration with Zoom provides added
Business School. “Using
functionality for lecturers, but the platform is also
Utelogy software, we have
changing the way the AV team can personalize other
been able to setup automatic
AV equipment. For example, the IT team designed a
room checks that are
button for a lecturer using WolfVision Cynap to share
scheduled to run at 6 a.m.
content via Zoom side-by-side in the school’s new
daily, just before the
virtual classroom.
morning shift begins for the
“It’s just a macro that governs the functionality of
IT Customer Services
the button and ensures nothing unexpected happens,
team. They’re able to
and she loves it,” said Buttigieg. “That is exactly the
identify issues and go
sort of project we would not have been able to do in
straight to the room that
the past, as we can’t justify paying a programmer to
has that issue instead of
build something that may only ever be used by one
checking every room from
person. Utelogy effectively gives us experimentation
scratch. In the current
for free. We want to harness Utelogy further, with
COVID-19 environment,
more custom interfaces for experimentation, more
we have reduced coverage
automation for checks and healing, and ultimately
of engineers, so this
use the data to make real ROI decisions.”
NEWS
Extron Drives New AV Solutions at The Citadel
A
presentation venue. It has a videowall for public information messaging and a large projection screen and laser projector for presentations. An Extron IN1808 IPCP MA 70 scaling presentation switcher is the backbone of the AV system for the room. It performs AV signal switching, audio signal processing, and AV system control. It supplies the ceiling-mounted projector with 4K video selected from a variety of sources.
fter two years of construction, Bastin
The switcher’s line audio outputs
Hall, which houses the Tommy and Victo-
drive two digitally steerable line array
ria Baker School of Business, opened for
loudspeakers mounted on either side of
The Commons provides Bastin Hall with a large space for presentations.
the Spring 2021 semester at The Citadel, one of six
the screen. An Extron DMP 64 digital matrix
amplifier. The classrooms feature ceiling-mounted
senior military colleges in the United States. The
processor selects and mixes audio from up to six
speakers as well as two laser projectors that receive
44,000-square-foot facility is the first new academic
wireless mics for delivery to the switcher. The
4K video and control from the switcher via DTP
building constructed on the school’s Charleston, SC,
switcher’s integrated IPCP Pro control processor
CATx cable. The mobile instructor podium is
campus in 30 years.
allows users to control all AV functions, lower and
equipped with a PC and two touchscreen monitors,
Burlington, NC-based CamCor performed the
raise the projection screen, and deploy the projector
plus an HDMI connection and a small switcher for
detailed AV design and installation. Extron supplied
lift, all from a touchpanel mounted on the rear wall.
selecting sources.
AV switching, distribution, and control equipment
Four standard classrooms of different physical
Bastin Hall also has expanded AV capabilities in
throughout the building, as well as digital matrix
sizes and configurations are equipped with AV
four hybrid learning classrooms and the dean’s
processors and speakers for audio in select venues.
capabilities anchored by DTP Crosspoint 82 4K scal-
boardroom, as well as AV system support for
ing presentation matrix switchers with integrated
informal outdoor gatherings on a rooftop terrace
IPCP Pro control processor and 100-watt mono
and other AV-enabled spaces.
The Commons is a large, high-ceiling space that is part entry lobby, part student meeting area, and part
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
SCN344.AD_.indd 9 SCN344.fn.indd 13
13
7/19/22 8:20 AM 18/07/2022 16:40
NEWS
San Diego Condo Building Takes Control to New Heights
D
aniel Craig (not the actor but certainly a San Diego star) started a highly unique MDU project when working for another
company, but continued on it when he started his own company, Absolute AV Design, in 2017. The builder asked him to finish the project out and help to transition it to the next phases. The plan to put automation in every single condominium residence was proposed and accepted; units were wired for complete surround sound and music, as well as for touchscreens that would provide simple control of all the lighting and shading. A standard was proposed to the builder and was fully accepted. The opportunity for residents to select other technologies as more of an upgrade approach was also part of the picture. At Pacific Gate Condominiums, there are a total of 215 condominium residence units, and the entire top floor is owned by the condo developer. Each bedroom in the development is fully equipped with speakers for music and premium sound. All the condo’s equipment is neatly tucked away in a centrally located closet or underneath the TV in the living room spaces.
was trained and knew how to use the products in
the home-
both the individual units and common areas. They
owner can have
7-inch ELAN touchpanel on the wall. Common areas
wanted to enable the collective group to be self-
Absolute AV or any
were also completed using ELAN touchpanels in
sufficient and assure them they didn’t have to use
ELAN dealer upgrade and
different spaces, including a full theater room, gym
Absolute AV for help.
service the product if needed.
Every condominium has been outfitted with a
and workout area, and community lounge. Easily
Craig made himself available for no cost to visit
Craig shared what he is most proud of in this
adjusted music can be played and enjoyed outside on
every single homeowner’s walkthrough to show them
flagship project: Originally, the builder intended to
the pool deck and throughout the lobby. All these
how to use the touchscreen and ensure their complete
provide a list of three dealers owners could call for
common spaces are controlled and accessed using an
comfort with using the system. He personally has met
technology upgrades and service as part of the original
ELAN control system.
with two-thirds of all the residents. Absolute AV has
plan. However, thanks to Absolute AV’s service levels
also performed enhanced systems and upgrade work
and commitment throughout the project, in the end,
was going to interact with the chosen HVAC system
The original plan for how the ELAN control system
in more than half of the units after people purchased
they decided to only recommend Absolute AV Design.
was not possible. The dealer had to go to Coolmaster
their condominium.
and share the wiring that was going to be imple-
Because of its ability to integrate with Daikin
“We continue to serve these condo homeowners today, and this project was such an amazing launch-
mented, products selected, and more for discussion
HVAC system, Mecho-shades, and Lutron in such a
ing point for our company,” said Craig. “We have
on how best to approach a successful solution.
personalized way, ELAN control systems were
built wonderful relationships and feel we are a part of
Absolute AV had to engineer a new way for the ELAN
selected. The ELAN control system allows for
the building and the families that call Pacific Gate
system to interact with the HVAC system. Because of
customized templates on each residence touchpanel,
home. We know over half of the people in this
this, the collective team had to adjust to using one
and gives the developers the ability to provide
beautiful building. This was a massive undertaking
Coolmaster per floor, rather than one in every unit as
residents with a clean interface. Homeowners can
and launching moment for us, and today it is nice to
was originally planned.
create custom lighting scenes without having to hire
have one of the most luxurious buildings in town be
Absolute AV to come back and do it for them. Plus,
such a key foundation and part of our business.”
Craig and his team also had to ensure the builder
14
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
NEWS
BenQ Projectors Showcase Art in Historic Building
I
n Texas, POST Houston is a contemporary
Attractions include a rooftop Skylawn, theater
example of repurposing and redesigning an old
promenade, market hall, collaboration venue, and
building as a mixed-used space that can be uti-
media art space, which is where visitors will find two
lized for more than one purpose and enjoyed more
large art galleries. Overseen by contemporary art
fully. POST Houston has reclaimed the building of
curator Christine Starkman, formerly of the Museum
what was once the city’s U.S. Postal Service head-
of Fine Arts, Houston, the art and film exhibitions are
technology. “Artists are creating with video, film,
quarters and central U.S. mail system hub, which
as mutable as the building.
audio, computer-based technologies, so they’re aware
closed in 2015. The historic building was bought and
For the grand opening of POST, Starkman brought
intentionally transformed by Lovett Commercial
in artists Drew Bacon and Charles Lim. Bacon’s
into a multipurpose space.
installation, Bounties from the Late Abundant Age: Drew
of what they need—really powerful projectors—to accurately depict their work,” said Starkman. For POST Houston, BenQ supplied 10 8,000-lumen
Bacon Moving Image Projects, focused on miniature
LU9715 laser projectors. Bacon used six BenQ projectors
OMA New York, the adaptive space both preserves its
grocery products labels. Charles Lim’s Sea State 6:
to produce a massive two-channel video installation
history and welcomes ongoing change to suit the
Capsize and phase 1 is a two-channel film that explores
that filled the wall. Lim used four projectors, also used
needs of the city. It opened in November 2021,
the sea and its role in the determination of national
in a two-channel setup. But the real proof in the quality
showcasing simultaneous programming for art,
boundaries, physical, and geographical, as well as
of the laser projector technology was the comparison
entertainment, food, culture, work, and more.
psychological and imaginary.
between them and Bacon’s smaller installations, where
At the design hands of architect Jason Long and
That ambition is reflected in the seriousness in
There is a process to working with artists and
he had setup small gallery projectors.
which the building’s design and technology were
ensuring that they have what they need to bring their
pursued. Throughout the massive space are three
vision to the space. Projectors are at the top of the list,
“Comparatively, the laser projectors were brighter,
“There was a stark difference,” Starkman offered.
monumental staircases that divide the building and
but not any projector will do, with more artists
more impactful. The images are strong, but the
beckon visitors in, up, and through the complex.
requesting high-end, cinematic laser projection
equipment replicated that.”
NEWS
NYC’s Javits Center Addition Features Extensive AV Integration
I
t goes without saying that space is at a premium in Manhattan. Greatly expanding an existing commercial facility to enhance its utility,
improve its efficiency and elevate its profile in a competitive market is no mean feat. But the 1.2-million-square-foot addition to New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has achieved just that. The new space added another 200,000 square feet
working on large projects.” Decision-making for the project took place over
be distributed over the Internet anywhere it’s needed. New pre-function areas, consisting of hallways
an 18-month period, during which Metinteractive
and room entries, also have extensive audio coverage
of meeting rooms and pre-function areas, including a
often upgraded the equipment roster with more
and video signage. The front atrium entry boasts a
54,000-square-foot special event space, and a truck
robust gear that made the best use of space and
35-foot-wide Mitsubishi 4mm pixel pitch Diamond
marshaling facility designed to make event opera-
demonstrated the most flexibility and functionality.
Vision LED video wall driven by Metinteractive’s
tions more efficient. The Javits Center is run by the
David Bullard, Metinterctive project manager, said a
ElationLogic Storyteller Transmedia-native software.
New York Convention Center Operating Corporation,
facility the size and scope of the Javits Center required
The video wall can display event-specific informa-
and its expansion is part of New York City’s long-term
Metinteractive to consider systems that would “work
tional signage as well as advertising for the Javits
Midtown West redevelopment plan.
over large distances and repeat across rooms while
Center or its clients. Each meeting room doorway has
maintaining an even quality of performance every-
a Planar 50 or 86-inch display fed by Exterity players
for architecture, communication, and technology,
where.” He called the new special event space “a
and operated by a quick, intuitive interface.
partnered with Lendlease Turner JV as a member of the
next-generation meeting infrastructure equipped to
design build construction team and as AV integrator
meet clients’ demands. It not only expands meeting
An outdoor terrace, planted with small garden beds
for the Javits Center expansion. “The Javits Center
room facilities, but also provides clients with a dimen-
and offering views of the Hudson River, is equipped
now has a vastly more versatile and complex AV
sion of functionality they never had before.”
with a Sonance outdoor-rated speaker and QSC amp
Metinteractive, which provides strategic solutions
system, rigging system, lighting system, IPTV system,
The Javits Center’s special event space on Level 5
The expansion extends to rooftop spaces as well.
for pre-function events. A glass-enclosed pavilion
and motorized room partitions—all the components
is a mammoth, sub-dividable area that can be
offers the same extensive AV capabilities as the large
seen as the gold standard for today’s convention
configured as four giant meeting rooms, while
indoor meeting spaces.
centers,” said Jeff Mele, Metinteractive CEO.
meeting space on Level 4 includes a number of
“The sheer size of the project was monumental,” added Sal Russo, vice president/project management and construction for Lendlease Turner JV. “The
A new capability now available to clients is
smaller rooms. The flexible architecture accommo-
Sennheiser’s MobileConnect, an assistive and
dates any AV equipment brought in by the client.
personal listening solution that utilizes Javits Center
A QSC Q-Sys Core 110f control system with custom
Wi-Fi to stream live audio content to any iOS or
design team at consultants JB&B and Metinteractive
interfaces enables any audio feed in the building to be
Android phone. “It was particularly exciting to see the
played a critical role in developing an appropriate
directed to any room. A QSC AD-C1200 ceiling speaker
potential of this technology, which can be used
infrastructure for the expanded Javits Center, so it’s
package ensures even speaker coverage, while an IPTV
throughout the facility,” said Bullard.
fortunate that Metinteractive is accustomed to
system from Exterity allows up to 60 cable channels to
For easy communication among 12 AV equipment rooms, Metinteractive installed a Clear-Com Eclipse matrix intercom system with V32LD user stations. Metinteractive was also responsible for an almost behind-the-scenes area that’s vital to the smooth and efficient rotation of events at the Javits Center. “The expansion included the addition of a fourlevel truck marshaling facility with AV coverage,” Mele said. “With 27 additional loading docks inside, the facility can house 200 trucks at any one time, meaning trucks will no longer be lining up on the West Side Highway and tying up traffic. The Javits Center can turn over shows at a much faster pace now.”
16
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
NEWS
ENCO Automated Captioning Boosts Productivity for U.S. Veterans Affairs
A
s part of the U.S. Department of Veterans
All VAKN content is closed captioned both for
Affairs, the VHA Employee Education System
regulatory compliance and to ensure full accessibility by
(EES) delivers an extensive range of training
staff and Veterans with disabilities or impairments.
content, wellness programming, and departmental
Until recently, EES had exclusively used live captioning
communications to VA staff and veterans nation-
service providers with human transcribers. Looking to
wide. Since successfully piloting an ENCO captioning
boost productivity, the VA began researching an
solution, EES has deployed the company’s enCap-
automated, AI-powered captioning solution to enhance
tion automated captioning system to achieve the
existing captioning services.
department’s goal of increasing productivity, reducing
Hugh Graham, telecommunications specialist,
time to market for its products and services, and
EES, said the previous workflow was labor intensive.
delivering accurate captioning services.
“Human captioners do a great job, but our unique
The VA Knowledge Network (VAKN) satellite
medical terminology can be difficult for them,” he
uplink center, located in St. Louis, MO, distributes
explained “enCaption allows us to upload word
two programming channels to 250 VA Medical
models for spelling things like medical terms and the
Centers and Community Based Outpatient Clinics
names of our leadership, which it can then use for all
nationwide. The VA-1 channel is dedicated to
future captioning. Even without the word models,
delivering training and communication to more than
enCaption has proven to be amazingly accurate for
400,000 VA staff and contractors. Its second 24/7
most of our content right out of the box.”
channel, Veteran News Network (VNN), is also
nels. “The two additional units … enable a whole
EES is now in the process of adding two more
new workflow, where it’s all done in real time rather
distributed to both internal and external audiences on
enCaption units to dedicate to real-time live
than captioning the content and archiving it for
platforms including YouTube and Roku.
captioning of its two 24/7 satellite program chan-
playback later,” said Graham.
Multi-Domain AV Solutions ™ for Mission-Critical Data We’ve Got You Covered
THE WALL
THE DESKTOP
THE PHONE
www.rgb.com/multidomain SCN344.AD_.indd 8 SCN344.fn.indd 17
7/18/22 4:42 PM 18/07/2022 16:40
PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A
Customers at the Core
Panasonic Connect's Kaloukian Emphasizes Importance of Solutions-Focused Approach
John Kaloukian Position: Director of Solutions and Services Company: Panasonic Connect Ovetime: In my spare time, I love spending time with my wife, three kids, extended family, and friends. I also enjoy watching and playing many different sports, though my favorite is soccer.
SCN: How long have you been with this company,
SCN: What do you mean by “certified” solutions?
and what are your responsibilities?
JK: Panasonic Connect has been delivering
John Kaloukian: I’ve been the director of solutions
dependable, durable products and solutions to
requires user-friendly and easy-to-integrate technol-
and services for the Panasonic Connect Professional
businesses and end users for over a century now.
ogy, all while delivering high-quality streaming and
Imaging and Visual Systems group since August
There’s so much value that our extended ecosystem of
visual services. Panasonic Connect delivers Pro AV
2020. In this position, I am responsible for
partners provides, so when we talk about “certified”
solutions from PTZ cameras and projection technology
developing core solutions—such as our All-In-One
solutions, this is the output of combining core
to digital displays and audio equipment to help house of
Lecture Capture and Auto Tracking Solution and
Panasonic technology with third-party products and
worship create engaging experiences for congregations
Complete Digital Signage Solution—and
services to develop a solution that fulfills market
regardless of location.
professional services for Panasonic Connect
needs. Our technologies are backed by innovation,
customers, as well as driving profitable growth by
experience, and rigorous testing—three factors that
popularity following the pandemic and have allowed
building and executing detailed strategies to grow
allow us to ensure that our solutions are fulfilling the
individuals to escape into a world of new experiences
existing and new business opportunities.
requirements of our customers.
and to create fond memories. The need for scalable,
We actively seek out pain points and design our
Live, immersive experiences have increased in
high-brightness projection technology that blends into
SCN: How has your background prepared you for
products and solutions to fit the specific needs of
any environment is key to enable digital creators and
your role?
those markets, which are consistently changing.
artists to open up these experiences for all to enjoy.
JK: With more than 25 years of B2B sales and
Our “certified” solutions make Panasonic Connect
marketing experience, I’ve worked with a variety of
who we are in today’s market—a trusted partner,
plug-and-play tools that are easy to operate and
companies, organizations, and individuals and that
stakeholder, and solutions provider delivering a
reliable is greater than ever. Panasonic has a close
experience has led me to where I am today. Prior to
best-in-class portfolio of solutions.
pulse on the changing needs of this workforce, as our
joining Panasonic Connect, I spent more than 16
In today’s fast-paced workforce, the need for
employees must navigate it each day. Our AV and
years at Sony Electronics as a vice president of sales
SCN: Does this mean Panasonic is competing with
wireless presentation solutions help share informa-
in broadcast and Pro AV products and solutions.
systems integrators?
tion quickly and seamlessly to keep collaboration and
Outside of my day job, as a principal consultant at
JK: We actually work very closely with systems
productivity high.
Yessayi Group, I have delivered cost-effective
integrators and other partners to make sure our
business solutions to clients based on their sales,
customers get the best possible end result needed.
SCN: Remote production continues to gain
marketing, management, or financial goals. I also
Throughout all of Panasonic Connect—whether
momentum. How can KAIROS assist with remote
serve as an advisory board member at EPA Audio
dealing with professional audio video solutions,
production efforts?
Visual, where I’ve helped oversee the organization
rugged devices, or industrial tools—we bring together
JK: As noted above, many of our customers are
for more than five years.
the entire ecosystem to support customer needs. That
prioritizing remote production to fit the demands of
means not only relying on our own stellar teams but
their end users. KAIROS is a production platform that
SCN: What makes Panasonic’s solutions-focused
bringing in additional experts to help get out
allows our customers to have flexibility across the
approach unique?
customers where they need to be. Customer service
entire production workflow to create and deliver rich
JK: Panasonic Connect’s solutions-focused
isn’t about the ego of one company, but rather taking
content to multiple screens. The layer-based
approach addresses the changing technology
a collaborative approach to deliver the best end result
interface allows customers to create content within
needs of businesses and end users to deliver not
to our customers and our customers’ customers.
seconds, dragging photos, videos, and words onto the
only the appropriate hardware and software, but
screen in their preferred order. With KAIROS, users
also services like consulting, systems integration,
SCN: What are some of the biggest challenges
have simultaneous baseband and streaming alongside
and more. We place the customer at the core of
facing your customers?
to send outputs from one system while managing
everything we do. No matter what industry our
JK: No matter what customer we’re working with and
various streams and screens.
customers serve, we strive to create engaging,
no matter what industry they serve, everyone is being
immersive, and inspiring experiences for all
challenged to reach their audiences in new, exciting,
SCN: Where do you see the Pro AV industry
individual customer activations through strong
and engaging ways. Like many markets, higher
heading?
collaboration between our entire AV ecosystem
education has gone through a tremendous shift since
JK: We’re moving toward an industry that is focused
of customers, partners, innovators, and
the pandemic started. Our ecosystem of AV solutions
on creating engaging opportunities for consumers
integrators. We’re dedicated to building strong
has allowed universities to upgrade their in-person
from the integration of technologies that create a
customer relationships to foster an environment
and virtual environments to better suit student and
seamless user experience. With all of the innovating
where we can provide the right technologies
faculty demands.
happening right now in the tech industry itself, we’re
to address our customers’ specific needs at any given time.
18
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
Similarly, house of worship has seen an increase in streamed services following the pandemic, which
going to start seeing some really great experiences across all industries moving forward.
EXECUTIVE Q&A PEOPLE
Moving Toward Meeting Equity NEARITY CEO Xin Works to Improve Hybrid Experience
Andy Xin, Ph.D. Position: CEO/ Founder Company: NEARITY Ovetime: I enjoy watching NBA basketball and I love running. I lived in
By Mark J. Pescatore
can sufficiently cover the room from both an audio
Seattle for a couple of years and used to run the Lake
and video perspective. By combining the camera,
Sammamish half marathon every year.
speaker, and microphone into a single unit, they offer SCN: When did you start NEARITY, and what are
a very space-efficient and visually unobtrusive
your responsibilities?
solution. They also minimize wiring requirements,
example, traditional echo cancellation could not
Andy Xin: I founded NEARITY back in 2018. In
which saves both installation effort and the number
totally cancel out all echo, so nonlinear echo
addition to leading the company’s overall direction,
of ports that you need to use on the connected laptop.
suppression was often used to cancel the rest of the
I also continue to be heavily involved in overseeing
Our all-in-one units such as the NEARITY C30R can
echo—but it could also detrimentally affect important
R&D and engineering.
also be daisy-chained with our A20 SpeakerMics, so if
speech. This can be solved quite effectively with deep
the all-in-one camera is enough to capture the whole
learning, and we are one of the first companies that
SCN: How has your background prepared you for
room but you need additional audio coverage, you can
has combined deep learning with traditional signal
your role?
pair an all-in-one with additional audio endpoints.
processing in practical, real-world products.
company that supplied enterprise-grade computing
SCN: You announced earlier this year that MVD is
SCN: How important are features like speaker
solutions. I gained a lot of insight into companies’
distributing your products in North America. How
tracking and auto-framing in today’s corporate
evolving IT device needs from a business perspective.
important do you see this region for your future,
environment?
It was clear that AV capabilities were already intrinsic
and how is your progress so far?
AX: These features are very important in helping
in enterprise work, and that trend has further
AX: The North American market represents a
achieve “meeting equity” for all participants. As
accelerated as remote working proliferated during the
tremendous growth opportunity for us, and with our
mentioned earlier, our goal is to make the hybrid or
pandemic. One of the things I noticed was that as
solutions well-established in Asia already, the U.S. is
virtual meeting experience replicate the in-person
laptops got smaller and thinner, built-in audio and
our most important strategic initiative. While we’re
meeting experience as closely as possible. In a face-to-
video capabilities were not improving significantly.
off to a good start in North America, the reduction in
face meeting, an attendee will turn their head and focus
This was part of the inspiration for NEARITY to
in-person trade shows in recent years has made it
their attention on the person who is speaking; speaker
develop professional AV accessories to supplement
difficult for integrators and customers to truly
tracking and auto-framing are the closest equivalent to
laptops’ built-in functionality.
experience the advantages of our products. We were
being able to simulate that experience for remote
excited to exhibit at InfoComm in June so attendees
participants when using just a single camera.
AX: Prior to founding NEARITY, I had been running a
SCN: Where do you see the Pro AV industry
could experience the NEARITY difference first-hand,
heading?
and look forward to carrying that momentum into the
SCN: Besides “buy NEARITY,” of course, what
AX: One of the ultimate goals of the AV industry is to
rest of 2022 and beyond.
advice would you give an integrator looking to
make online meeting experiences as close to their
outfit conference rooms and huddle rooms across
face-to-face counterparts as possible. There have
SCN: What is the greatest challenge you face?
a corporate building?
been many innovations in this field in the past five
AX: As a global company, we want to attract and hire
AX: As discussed earlier, each type of room may need a
years, but there are so many different scenarios to
the best R&D talent to make world-class products. We
different type of device to ensure optimal experiences.
cover that achieving this is still complex. People could
have invested heavily in audio technology innovation,
The ability to offer scalable, optimized solutions for
be chiming in from their home office, a Starbucks, an
and continue to look for talent and expertise to
each space from a single vendor like NEARITY makes
open-space office desk, or a meeting room. Each
expand our team. We also are expanding our sales
life easier for both systems integrators and their
scenario needs a different AV device to make the
team to best serve the unique needs of each country.
customers. Integrators can meet the requirements of
experience optimal. You can’t simply make one
In addition to working with distributors such as MVD,
any room without needing to support multiple
device that covers all use cases—but as a
who have extensive local-market experience, we want
different vendors’ products, and their end users get a
manufacturer, if you offer multiple devices, you want
to make sure we are hiring the right people in each
consistent operational experience regardless of which
the user experience to be consistent across all of
region to best support our systems integrators,
room they are using for their meeting.
them. NEARITY has been working on this problem for
resellers, and customers. SCN: What new initiatives are we likely to see
the last four years, and offers optimized products for a SCN: There is a lot of competition for conference
from your company?
room AV products. What are some of the unique
AX: While our initial products all focused on video and
SCN: In addition to the separate devices, you sell
technologies that NEARITY offers?
audio endpoints such as speakers, mics, and cameras,
all-in-one speaker/mic/camera units. When is an
AX: One of our unique strengths is our audio algorithm
we plan to expand our portfolio with additional
all-in-one unit the best choice?
innovation. Deep learning can be used to solve some
offerings such as collaboration whiteboards that can
AX: All-in-one units are ideal for smaller spaces like
very tricky problems with audio, and there have been
make the AV experience even more interactive and
huddle rooms and small meeting rooms, where they
significant advances in the past couple of years. For
immersive.
wide range of environments.
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
19
PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS
Mike Novak
MIKE NOVAK has joined
In his new role, he will build a stronger industry media
CALIBRE, an Optoma Technolo-
presence for the entire Live Media Group Holdings
gies company, as sales director
family, and work with the corporate executive team
for North America. Based in
on branding and marketing initiatives. Dugger
Buffalo, NY, Novak comes from
founded TNDV in 2004 and grew the company from a
Daktronics, where he managed
single-truck operation to a 10-truck fleet.
various verticals and developed
new markets and revenue streams. Novak hit the
MATTHEW PARSONS has joined
ground running with the Calibre New Product Preview
MAXHUB in the newly created
Showcase event in June.
position of marketing manager. Based in Irvine, CA, he will focus
Dan Housel
GROUP ONE LIMITED, the U.S.
on the company’s website,
distributor for a number of top
newsletters, email, and social
professional audio and lighting
Matthew Parsons
brands, has welcomed industry
contribute to various initiatives with the head office
media endeavors. Plus, he will
veteran DAN HOUSEL to the post
in China and will help generate ideas and programs
of pro audio sales to support four
designed to increase company awareness at trade-
of the company’s manufacturers:
shows and related events. Previously, he served in a
DiGiCo, KLANG, MC2, and XTA. Housel is now responsi-
variety of capacities for Ameris Bank, as well as the IT
ble for developing and overseeing many of Group One’s
and PR manager at Ideal Services NW.
business relationships. Working closely with independent rep firms, he is also tasked with facilitating product
RGB SPECTRUM has added
sales, system design, and technical training support for
COURTNEY MAMUSCIA as
consultants, integrators, touring companies, venues,
director of marketing. Mamuscia
audio engineers, and other customers.
has more than 20 years of
Top Row (l to r): Nikolaj Vejen, Richard Watts, Konrad Majchrowski; Middle Row (l to r): Helga Somava, Torben Ekenberg; Bottom Row (l to r): JC Bittence, Carlito Cobo, Tetiana Kulyk.
DPA Adds Numerous Team Members
experience in the high-technolNew CEO TOM MARTIN takes the
Tom Martin
ogy, B2B industry. Prior to
reins at KINLY following a
Courtney Mamuscia
successful spell as managing
served as chief marketing strategist for Compass
director for Northern Europe. His
Integrated Solutions, a boutique marketing and
experience with the company
communications agency primarily focused on
stretches back 15 years, beginning
supporting businesses in the physical security
with Viju in the Nordics with roles
industry. Previously, she led marketing for the fraud
in support, services, and operations. With a passion for
and security dvision of Verint.
DPA MICROPHONES recently welcomed an
audio, his achievements and successes have seen him
array of new team members to key departments
climb through the ranks. Based in the company’s
DOVER MUNDT has joined
around the globe. The recent hires include
Norway office, Martin will continue to drive Kinly’s
RIEDEL COMMUNICATIONS as
HELGA SOMAVA, who joined DPA as one of the
expansion with the latest technology offerings
regional sales representative for
brand’s directors of product management.
combined with a focus on service and support.
North America. In her new role,
Another recent addition TORBEN EKENBERG,
Mundt will cover both the New
the company’s new head of research and
KRAMER has added JESSE
development, will lead the research efforts
GADON as vice president of North
Dover Mundt
needed for the creation of new technology and
America sales. With a proven
years of experience working in the broadcast and
equipment. To further strengthen the R&D team,
track record in leading sales
video industry in an encompassing range of technical,
NIKOLAJ VEJEN has joined DPA as senior
operations, Gadon will accelerate
project management, and sales roles. She comes to
and scale Kramer’s ascent in
Riedel from Canon, but previously worked on remote
market penetration and brand
projects for NASCAR Media Services, NEP Broadcast-
project manager. The DPA sales force has also
York Metro and U.S. mid-Atlantic regions. She has more than 20
added many new faces around the globe, with
Jesse Gadon
RICHARD WATTS joining as the new regional
recognition throughout the region. In more than 10
manager for Southern U.K. and KONRAD
years at Kramer, Gadon served as director of global sales
MAJCHROWSKI joining as the area sales
operations before most recently holding the position of
SCREEN INNOVATIONS has
manager in Poland. J.C. BITTENCE is the new
chief of staff and head of business operations.
appointed KIM PARKER as COO.
ing, and New Century Productions.
area sales manager in the U.S. Midwest, while
Formerly Snap One’s vice
CARLITO COBOS will focus on the U.S. South and
LIVE MEDIA GROUP HOLDINGS
president of sales, specialty
Latin American sales. Back at headquarters, DPA
has appointed media and
channels, Parker has more than
has added a new digital marketing specialist,
entertainment industry veteran
TETIANA KULYK. Additional hires from earlier
NIC DUGGER as chief marketing
Kim Parker
this year include ASGER BECK PETERSEN as
officer. Reporting to LMGH
business plans for a wide range of companies within
president Brad Sexton, Dugger
the custom integration industry. He will spearhead
will oversee marketing and
programs focused on building a larger presence for SI
automation engineer, MICHAEL SLUTH HEN-
20
joining RGB Spectrum, Courtney
25 years of experience building and implementing successful
RIKSEN as mechanical engineer, and ULRIHS
Nic Dugger
VESMINS as supply chain planner.
communications for the company’s five divisions,
within AV, systems integration, window covering,
including Live Mobile Group, Lyon Video, and TNDV.
and other residential and commercial channels.
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
NEWSMAKERS PEOPLE STREAMGUYS has welcomed
RTI has hired RANDY LOGAN as
has also welcomed back TYLER
MEGAN KILLION as vice
channel management director. In
NELSON as national training
president of sales and market-
the newly created role, Logan will
manager. He will ensure all new
ing. The newly created execu-
focus on developing and manag-
dealers receive the knowledge
tive-level position signals an
ing RTI’s distribution partners to
needed to specify, sell, and install
evolution in sales philosophy. Megan Killion
benefit all integrators working
Reporting to president Kiriki
Randy Logan
Delany, Killion will develop strategic initiatives that build a stronger sales culture across the organization, with an emphasis on driving new business and increasing close rates. She brings 15 years of B2B technology sales and marketing experience to StreamGuys, and has worked closely with the company through her previous position with CacheFly and her own MKC Agency. In an effort to strengthen its leadership teams in North America, PPDS has appointed three highly experienced and successful AV professionals. In a newly created role, MITCH Mitch Rosenberg
ROSENBERG, director of LED and LCD videowalls, will be responsible for driving awareness and new business opportunities across PPDS’ full range of Philips LED and LCD solutions. Working alongside Rosenberg,
Adam Coleman
ADAM COLEMAN, solutions manager, LED and LCD videowalls, will focus on building support for the Philips X and L-Lines, and will oversee the development of strategic training and learning programs. JEFF HANDIS, who began his AV
Jeff Handis
career in 1988, has been named channel manager– distribution and DMR, overseeing growth at the key distribution and DMR partners, and working with their teams to drive the business. ORIGIN ACOUSTICS has promoted MIRANDA GRANTHAM to national sales director and appointed GEENA SANCHEZ as its new customer experience manager, strengthMiranda Grantham
ening the company’s commitment to customer care and satisfaction. With more than a decade in the C.I. Channel market, Grantham’s diverse CI background includes five years as Origin’s East Coast regional
Geena Sanchez
sales manager. Previously, she
was the national sales manager for Metra Electronics. Sanchez brings more than 12 years of customer service experience and six years of managing successful teams. She is responsible for both customer service and technical support teams.
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
21
with RTI control solutions. RTI
RTI products, while creating Tyler Nelson
programs for existing dealers.
PEOPLE BEYOND THE TECH
Out of Balance Technology Made Us More Efficient, But at What Cost?
us via carpel tunnel syndrome, poor vision, and a lack of mobility (from sitting for so many hours), among other ailments. No big deal, though. Younger folks are lining up to replace us, and they say they can do the same job the old guy was doing in less time—and they will do it for less. What would happen if we all worked less
By Douglas Kleeger
and slowed down the pace? I’m not talking about a short-term change of pace and the
I
dilemmas it would create. I mean a long-term
am an engineer—and not just by trade. It’s in my
adjustment to our lifestyles. Wouldn’t it be
blood. I constantly look to fix things, create things,
better for us individually, as well as our
improve things, and take great pride in that and
helping others. But for some time, I have been observ-
families, our society, even good ol’ planet IBM
earth?
ing a cultural issue and its related consequences that
May I suggest that you make use of
we, the human race, seem unable to fix.
this extra time technology has given
I am talking about the issue of balance and how
you. Don’t squander it away on doing
it affects our business and personal lives. We are
more work to make more money to buy
out of balance in most cases, both professionally
more things you don’t have room for or
and personally. Not all of us, but too many of us,
won’t use more than once or twice.
in my opinion. In fact, I daresay that we are
I challenge you to think of
living in a society of extremes; many of us have morphed into extremists.
Future Shock I remember reading an article at around the dawn of the personal computer (PC) age. At the time, some
something you enjoyed doing Released in 1981, the IBM 5150 Business PC was priced just under $1,600 and included 64 KB RAM, Intel 8008 CPU, monochrome display, and one or two 160 KB, 5.25inch disk drives. At the time, one writer boldly predicted the mass adoption of PCs like this one would result in a four-day work week.
when you were younger (and did not work so much) and just do it. See if you can’t spend some quality time by yourself or with friends with no phone, laptop, etc. I have my own prediction. Years (likely many)
businesses had one computer, and a few folks even
from now, more mature human beings than us
had a computer at home. The article (which I have
will look back at these times, pity us, and be
been unable to relocate) was exciting to read. The author was making some bold predictions. Not only would families have their own PCs at home, but individual employees would have their own PCs at their desks at the office. Can you imagine that? He went further, predicting (correctly) that a PC would allow you to do 40 hours of work in 30 hours. Then, his powers of precognition went sideways, as he predicted that the efficiency of PCs would lead to a four-day work week. Please, stop for a second and think about that. If you can do 40 hours of work in 30
We are out of balance, driven by our own greed. For what, more and better everything?
hours, you could work less hours, accomplish all your tasks, and have perpetual three-day weekends.
thankful for whatever the catalyst was for the balanced life they lead between their careers, families, and themselves. Doug Kleeger, CTS-D, DMC-E/S, XTP-E, KCD, is the founder of AudioVisual Consulting Services. Contact him with questions or comments at doug@avcs.us.
LinkedIn is Not Facebook
How did that work out for us?
Pressure to Produce
I’ve enjoyed LinkedIn, but not so much anymore.
The naïve message here was that computers at
I believe one of the major catalysts to the future we
When I want a break from my day, I often peruse
your office would benefit you personally. We would
are living in now was software. The first major
posts to see what is going on in our business
have more personal time and reap the benefits of this
adopted software was Lotus 123, a spreadsheet
world. However, I would like to remind those
technology. I feel betrayed—because the exact
program. Of course, you know what businesses do
that use LinkedIn that while personal posts are
opposite has happened.
with accounting software: They account for every
often interesting, heartwarming, or even gut
dollar. With this software, the bottom line, among
wrenching, they do not belong on a business-
times more powerful than the computer that landed
other things, could be analyzed and scrutinized to
orientated place for those looking for work,
us on the moon in 1969. If you think about the time
levels never before seen.
training, mentoring, etc. Telling us that you are
Computers like your cell phone are thousands of
you spend in the morning, at work, after work, on the
Make no mistake, we let this happen. Why do we
going on vacation (I just saw such a post
weekends, and during vacations and holidays, how
have to produce so much? What is the big rush to do
including a great family picture) or your child
many hours do you use your phone for work every
more, so much more, in less and less time? Will it ever
graduated college is best posted on Facebook
week? And we’re not even counting the hours you
end? Is it a race to the super efficiency line, or perhaps
or another personal social media site. I say this
spend on your laptop!
a race to the end of our existence as social and/or
with a smile, not meaning to offend, but there is
recreational creatures?
a time and place for everything. What would
Compared to the 1980s, technology arguably allows us to work much more effectively, producing far more than 40 hours of work product in 30 hours. What the hell happened?
22
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
We are out of balance, driven by our own greed. For what, more and better everything? As we age, this unrelenting pace catches up with
happen to the platform if we all started posting personal tidbits instead of professional info?
BUSINESS NEW VENUE
If It Ain’t Broke… Dollar Loan Center Models AV after T-Mobile Arena
with Fujinon lenses wired via SMPTE hybrid optical cables, as well as an additional SK-HD1800 connected using a Waves Central bi-directional RF interface. Six Marshall POV cameras are equipped with Thor bidirectional fiber transceivers, and two Sony BRC-X1000 4K PTZ cameras connected by fiber. The TOC’s camera
By James Careless
system and recreating it here, it is very easy to move
control suite has six Hitachi RU-1500JY remote camera
people back and forth as needed. There is no learning
controls, one Marshall remote CCU station, and one
curve to move from one TOC to the other.”
Sony RM-IP500 PTZ camera remote controller.
T-Mobile Arena—home of the NHL’s Vegas Golden
Monitors Everywhere
level through multiple junction boxes, installed at key
Knights in Las Vegas, NV—and then got an AV gig
Super-sized video scoreboards dominate modern
areas around the facility, via single-mode fiber optic
at the new 5,567-seat Dollar Loan Center in Hen-
arenas, and the Dollar Loan Center is no exception.
and analog cables. “We’ve got fiber runs that go
derson, NV, you could be forgiven for doing a double
Suspended over the center of the stadium is a Daktron-
everywhere you would expect fiber to run, with the
take after entering its Technical Operations Center
ics video scoreboard LED display with four faces, each
exception of the restrooms,” Carl said with a laugh.
(TOC). The reason?
one approximately 11.5 feet high by 20 feet wide with
“Seriously, we’ve got connectivity through our
I
f you are an AV engineer who first worked at
The cameras connect back to the TOC on the event
“Our AV system was designed to be a miniature
3.9mm pixel spacing for high-resolution imagery.
junction boxes located throughout the facility.
version of T-Mobile Arena’s,” said Steve Carl, director
Each screen can be used to show one large image or
Basically, we can setup cameras anywhere we want to,
of audio visual and production, Dollar Loan Center.
multiple zones of live video, instant replays, player
and send their video to anywhere in the building.”
“We’re kind of the little sibling of that facility, in the
statistics, graphics, animations, and advertising.
sense that we have the same AV DNA as they do.” The reason for the resemblance has everything to
The Dollar Loan Center also has a Daktronics
Top Shelf Equipment
360-degree indoor LED ribbon display (23,616x72
Modelled after the T-Mobile Arena’s TOC, the Dollar
do with Golden Knights owner Bill Foley. He also owns
total resolution) running around the stadium’s upper
Loan Center’s TOC definitely punches above its
the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey
perimeter, as well as an 11x19-foot Daktronics
weight. The star of the operation is a Ross Carbonite
League (AHL), who call the Dollar Loan Center home.
outdoor marquee display at 960x540 resolution. Plus,
video switcher with TouchDrive control surface, with
Foley also co-owns the Dollar Loan Center, which
there is a NovaStar exterior pylon LED sign in the
a Ross Xpression CG Suite included to support
opened its doors in March. “Mr. Foley is very happy
property, offering messaging at 256x384 resolution.
real-time motion graphics and clips playout. The TOC
with the T-Mobile Arena and how AV production is
“We have 147 HDTVs that are running on an IPTV
also features a CharacterWorks CG system for
facilitated there,” Carl explained. “So he just basically
system throughout the facility,” Gaddy said. “Their
ancillary score bug/graphics applications, which is
used its AV operation as a template to be copied here.”
content is sure to catch your eye wherever you are,
integrated with the Daktronics All Sport scoring
because we have complete control over all that
system and the four video scoreboards. “We’ve got
Center has an NHL-quality AV system, but it also
digital signage and can tailor it to whatever event is
more options on this system than most of our
ensures a source of highly qualified personnel for this
coming through.”
operators ever need,” said Carl.
Not only does this decision mean the Dollar Loan
stadium. “This is because we use AV technicians from
To supply its screens with video, the Dollar Loan
To manage its video, the TOC has an Evertz
the T-Mobile Arena,” said Davin Gaddy, the Dollar
Center has a full complement of broadcast-quality HD
DreamCatcher DC-Playout four-output system,
Loan Center’s AV engineer. “By copying their AV
cameras. There are five Hitachi SK-HD1800 cameras
Evertz Dreamcatcher DC-ONE six-input replay
The Technical Operations Center for the Dollar Loan Center was modelled after the T-Mobile Arena.
24
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
NEW VENUE BUSINESS
both adjustable color temperature and RGBW fixtures installed, and a Musco lighting control system. Facility lighting employs LED systems that have Eaton DMX external control capabilities, as well as software timing and control systems, while lighting for specific events varies depending on their needs. Finally, to aid TV production, the stadium has two television truck remote locations with full interconnectivity and power, plus multiple show power
Home to the Henderson Silver Knights, the Dollar Loan Center features a Daktronics four-sided video scoreboard, as well as a LED ribbon display.
system tie-in locations around the facility. Given the top quality and flexibility of its AV, lighting, and infrastructure, it’s not surprising that
system, four FOR-A FA-505 multi-channel signal
primary audio transport method, with a main P.A.
Carl described the Dollar Loan Center as being a
processors, and a NewTek TriCaster Mini for video
analog backup available. This is topped off by a Riedel
“very cool” place to work. He and Gaddy love the fact
streaming applications. Signal transport and pro-
intercom system with multiple base stations and 20
that it can support everything from basketball, AHL
cessing is handled by an Evertz EQX hybrid router,
wireless Bolero belt packs with facility wide antenna
hockey, and IFL indoor football, as well as a full
configured to 164x164 SDI channels with fully
distribution and connectivity, plus Clear-Com analog
range of other sports, entertainment, corporate, and
routable audio capabilities. Other Evertz gear includes
partyline system capabilities.
trade show events.
a MAGNUM system control server, SCORPION SDI-to-Dante bridge, and 5700MSC-IP master clock.
The Dollar Loan Center’s lighting system keeps
“Davin and I both come from Cirque du Soleil,
pace with its stellar AV setup. “Our lighting was
where you basically do the same show twice a day, five
created by designer Sean Guarino of Sexy Lights, who
days a week,” Carl explained. “Now Cirque is wonder-
S31 FOH mixing console, Fulcrum Acoustic main PA with
has done Olympic figure ice skating lighting,” Carl
ful in itself, and that’s not an experience to shake a
Powersoft amplifiers, JBL facility-wide P.A. with QSC
said. “He’s also done lots of sporting events, includ-
stick at, but having the absolute variety of events that
amplifiers, QSC Q-SYS processing with Extron zone
ing the lighting design at the T-Mobile Arena.”
come up in this facility is just thrilling for us as users
controllers, and a TASCAM analog/Dante converter.
General lighting in The Dollar Loan Center is
On the audio side of the house, this TOC has a DiGiCo
A Dante infrastructure serves as the stadium’s
provided by Musco DMX addressable LED fixtures, with
of AV technology, especially because we have the right equipment to serve them all.”
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
SCN344.AD_.indd 10 SCN344.bus.indd 25
25
7/19/22 8:23 AM 18/07/2022 19:17
BUSINESS API DEVELOPMENT
The ABCs of APIs How Can You Properly Design Interfaces That Provide Value? By Toine C. Leerentveld
A
s noted in an overview from Red Hat, the technical definition of an API, which stands for “Application Programming Interface,”
always want to be sure an API is structured
NVX—which, of course, has its own API—the
in such a way that if someone knows how to use one API call (that is, a request for data), then the other calls will follow the same pattern. n
Create an API that isn’t
overly complicated. If the finished design is something in which every function requires 12 calls, the design
Crestron DM-NVX-363 AV-over-IP Encoder/ Decoder
must be simplified so that fewer calls are required. Build an API so that it can’t be misused. Don’t
benefit is that if the IT department wanted to query
n
it using something other than a Crestron control
expose things on any interface to people who
system, they could. All the functions that an API
may not have the proper rights.
performs are running seamlessly in the back-
n
ground, and when the right API is integrated
new features (and often optimizations) will be
Stay up to date with the versioning because
properly, you’ll always get the results you’re
added to newer APIs.
expecting in a given situation.
n
Here’s a real-world illustration: One of the
Ensure that any kind of error conditions are
processed correctly. At Crestron, we define all of
things that dealers or integrators can do is build a
this in API documentation, so if you’re asking
is a “set of definitions and protocols for building
tool on top of XiO Cloud to combine the data from
for values of a device that doesn’t exist, we’ll
and integrating application software.” API is a term
XiO Cloud and, for example, Microsoft Exchange.
give you a specific, consistent error message. If
that’s been popping up more and more in this age
This could then provide the customer with a view
an error condition isn’t processed correctly, that
of digital transformation. Understanding what APIs
into the functionality of both, tying all of these
leads to a situation where the API is being
truly are—and what they can do—can help com-
disparate systems together. If a room’s been
bombarded with requests, and nothing is
panies large and small unlock the potential of this
scheduled via Exchange, then XiO Cloud can
resolved.
powerful tool.
confirm that said room was actually occupied at the
For example, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
time it was booked and not going unused—and
is used often to communicate between APIs—and
API, I compare application programming interfaces to
When I’m asked for my personal definition of an
that’s the kind of data that can make any business
JSON allows you to send just a partial object. (For
something we’re all familiar with: user interfaces.
vastly more efficient.
the uninitiated, JSON defines a small set of format-
Simply put, a user interface involves a human
As a manufacturer, building an API takes time.
ting rules that is easy for programs to interpret.)
interfacing with a program by clicking a mouse or
There’s quite a bit of thought on the front end, and
If you haven’t written your code in such a way that
striking a keyboard, while an API involves a program
a lot of testing before the API is released. The first
you can handle partial objects, you’ll begin to see
interfacing with another program.
thing you need to be aware of is every possible use
error messages. Do those messages precisely
case for that API. You’ve got to make sure that
identify the issue? Is the device broken or is it
ubiquitous is the familiar weather snippet. A search
you’re not “painted into a corner,” so the product is
actually nonexistent?
engine such as Google will provide a small box on your
flexible enough to accommodate additions to the
screen with a forecast—but that doesn’t mean Google
API without breaking its existing behavior.
A very common example of an API that’s fairly
is compiling weather data. They’re reaching out to a
When we’ve finished and tested the API—and attempted to break it in every way we can think of—there’s one last step. When it’s finally ready for
third party, and as one program queries another, the
Creation Considerations
human using the search engine and glancing at the
To achieve the desired end result—a product that’s
real-world testing is by using our own API in the
temperature is receiving customized data based on his
very intuitive—we undertake a complex develop-
background. We’re actually a consumer of our own
or her location.
ment process. How complex? When it comes to
API—and I can’t think of a better way to ensure that
Who’s the End User?
implementation, one of the ways we perform
proper API design, there are several considerations
it’s functioning properly.
that we must keep top-of mind:
Toine C. Leerentveld is the director
An important distinction to keep in mind: The end
n
user of an API is a program. Naturally, a human will
read, and easy to work with—the API should be
Make sure the API is well documented, easy to
of product management, cloud and control, for Crestron
be the beneficiary of those communications, but it’s
as close to self-explanatory as possible. You
Electronics.
critical to note that if two programs are speaking with one another and one program changes, the other will need to be updated to understand the new behavior. New versions of APIs tend to “layer” atop old ones as they’re introduced, since the updates often build on previous functionality. In our world here at Crestron, the human benefitting from the work performed by an API could have their IT department query Crestron’s XiO Cloud to provide info so they can make dashboards and reports. In the case of Crestron’s DM
26
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
As a manufacturer, building an API takes time. There’s quite a bit of thought on the front end, and a lot of testing before the API is released.
NEW CEO BUSINESS
‘We’re Only Just Getting Started’ New Kinly CEO Martin Sets His Sights on U.S Market Growth By Mark J. Pescatore
culture that has continued to bring us success and how we are perceived in the market.
I
n June, Kinly announced Tom Martin, a 15-year
: What is Kinly go-to-market strategy?
company veteran, as its new CEO. While the com-
TM: We are currently active in 5 regions: U.S., U.K. and
pany’s headquarters are in Amsterdam and he’s
Ireland, Benelux, Norway, and Asia. We have global
based in the Norway office, Martin is looking to grow
delivery capabilities for large enterprise services. It is
the company’s worldwide business, particularly in
possible this footprint will be further expanded in
the United States.
Europe, and we are currently growing organically in all
Starting as a service coordinator, Martin has successfully climbed the ranks during his time at Kinly.
regions. We focus on three core customers segments: local corporates, public sector, and global enterprise.
Most recently, he served as managing director and
Here at Kinly, we pride ourselves in offering a
executive vice president for Norway and Northern
brand-agnostic approach when supporting custom-
Europe. “Under his management, we have seen Kinly
ers with their AV and UCC solutions. Instead of
become the number one player across Europe,” said Jos
starting with technology, we cooperate to examine
Zandhuis, chairman of the Kinly board of directors, “so
our client’s needs, wants, and spaces before we design
we have the fullest confidence in his ability to lead Kinly
a proposition. Regardless of project size, we support
through its next phase of growth and development.”
every part of the process from start to finish to ensure
In an exclusive interview, Martin provided SCN with some answers about Kinly’s corporate culture
a lasting harmony between the solutions we provide and the people who use them.
and sustainability efforts, as well as how the pandemic changed the Pro AV industry.
ing to a hybrid model, something that has, as you might expect, been heavily driven since the pandemic.
: What are your plans for growing Kinly’s presence in North America?
: Congratulations on your new position. With
The pandemic has opened people’s eyes on how important collaboration technology is, and probably accelerated the UCC market by around 10 years. : How has the integration business changed in
TM: Kinly U.S. is actually something of an unsung
the wake of the pandemic?
your track record, we know why Kinly wanted you as
hero, going largely under the radar, but this arm of
TM: The pandemic has opened people’s eyes on how
CEO, but why did you want the position?
the business has been crucial for us from a client
important collaboration technology is, and probably
Tom Martin: Firstly, thank you your kind words. It’s
management perspective—and has been successful
accelerated the UCC market by around 10 years. The
been an incredible journey for not just me but for
in the years since we have been present. We have two
ability to become completely remote without
everyone at the company, and it’s a position I’m truly
main office locations on the East Coast in New Jersey
impacting day-to-day operations is no longer a
enjoying and embracing. It’s a true acorn to oak tree
and New York, with a team of around 100 people.
subject for next week, month or next year—it’s vital
story. I’ve seen this company and its incredible teams
That’s a figure that will continue to increase in the
now. The technologies are becoming less expensive as
grow significantly over the past 15 years, going from a
coming months as we further grow our business in
well as more accessible and user friendly, which has
single small business in Norway to a globally
the region. It’s a big growth opportunity for Kinly.
and will continue to drive adoption.
recognized leader in the AV and video collaboration industry. Today, we have more than 1,200 employees,
: How important is sustainability to Kinly?
2,500 customers, 20 offices in 12 different countries,
TM: That’s a short question with a very long answer.
projects?
and annual turnover of $261 million. That’s some
Sustainability is incredibly important to Kinly and
TM: Like for everyone, supply chain issues have been
growth. The incredible thing is, I still feel like we’re
plays a big role in almost everything we do as a
a challenge. In the AV industry we have been spoiled
only just getting started—and I’m so excited about the
business, including the partners we choose to work
given that we have never really had to deal with long
future and what we as a business can go on to achieve.
with and how projects are managed and delivered. All
lead time items. There was always a ready supply. This
For me, as CEO, the hard work really starts now.
our partners are audited, and we work with suppliers
has changed dramatically, putting more emphasis on
that demonstrate a similar commitment to the
the importance of solid project and resource
: As CEO, what sort of corporate culture are you
: How are supply chain issues impacting Kinly’s
environment and develop appropriate environmental
planning, with our internal logistics and procurement
bringing to Kinly?
management systems. It’s absolutely not a box
working even more closely together with our vendors
TM: The foundations of this business are built on
ticking exercise for us.
and partners globally. The long lead times will remain
having a strong team—in my opinion, the strongest
As a business, by 2025 Kinly aspires to use 100%
for the foreseeable future, but the predictability on
in the industry. When we bring people to Kinly, it’s
renewable energy across its offices. We’re already well
product availability is improving all the time. It just
not just their abilities we look for; they also have to fit
on our journey to achieving this: Around 70% of Kinly’s
means we need to plan further ahead with our
the business culture, and that centers around
electricity supply is from renewable energy. Kinly has
customers to continue to ensure timely delivery going
providing exceptional levels of service. It’s that
also reduced its office footprint by 35% by consolidat-
forward.
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
27
BUSINESS NAB HQ The main lobby on the 10th floor features six transparent LG OLED screens.
Broadcast Quality NAB Offices Retool for TV’s Next Generation
NAB’s main lobby on the 10th floor. “Once you step off the elevators, the first thing you see is six transparent LG OLED screens,” said Michael Tow, NAB senior vice president, information technology. “They were cutting edge when we bought them two or three years ago and they still are now. LG
By Jennifer Guhl
L
convenient location is only one block from the Navy
was actually showcasing this same transparent OLED
Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, and provides easy
technology at NAB Show in April.”
access to Capitol Hill, Nationals Park (home of the ooking to make a statement within a trending area of commerce and entertainment, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Washington Nationals), and two interstates. “They already had in mind that they wanted LG as
The 2x3-panel video wall, comprising six 55-inch transparent OLED panels, can operate as one immersive canvas or be divided into six separate screens
their design partner so that made life a little bit
running content simultaneously. Due to the trans-
decided to move their headquarters from Dupont
easier,” said John Paganelli, principal at Miller, Beam
parent nature of the screens, visitors don’t miss out
Circle to a high-traffic corner on Washington D.C.’s
and Paganelli. “With that, they wanted to use the
on the expansive city view of Washington, DC,
South Capitol Street in the trending Navy Yard. As
headquarters to showcase new technology and be
including breathtaking views of the Washington
the premier organization for the nation’s radio and
cutting edge. Teaming with LG, we looked to them to
Monument and other iconic landmarks. The video
television broadcasters, its new home needed to be
see what new technologies they had and what would
wall is also accompanied by vertically mounted,
more than just your average headquarters.
be exciting and different, and that’s how we came up
86-inch LG Ultra-Stretch displays that are ideal for
with some of the concepts that we did.”
sharing meeting information, company updates, and
Partnering with LG Business Solutions, technology solutions provider Diversfied, and audiovisual
other internal communications.
consultant Miller, Beam and Paganelli, every part of
Visual Statement in the Lobby
the space was designed as an opportunity to showcase
When entering the first-floor lobby, visitors are
greeted by the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame video
the latest in broadcasting technology, cementing NAB
greeted by a 20-foot-high, 22-foot-wide 2mm pixel
wall comprising five ultra-narrow-bezel 55-inch 4K
as a true leader and innovator in the space. Located
pitch LG LED curved video wall, which not only serves
UHD LED displays in a 5x1 configuration, taking
within a 118,000-square-foot, 10-story building,
as a statement piece for showcasing broadcast history
visitors on a colorful journey through broadcast
owned by its own 1M Properties, NAB’s new head-
and content but is visible to passersby on the street.
history. The interactive display allows visitors to learn
quarters occupies five-and-a-half floors. The
But this is just a preview of what awaits visitors in
about past Hall of Fame winners and listen to audio
28
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
As visitors continue through the lobby, they are
NAB HQ BUSINESS
tion value is really high
The first-floor lobby features a large LED curved video wall that is visible from the street.
soundbites or videos from their induction ceremonies. Throughout the headquarters space, NAB wanted a
Within two project rooms and the Conventions
because it’s NAB. When
Open Team Room, 65-inch LG Interactive Digital
you walk into a normal
Boards give employees the opportunity to save and
office of their size, the
share meeting information, present content, edit on
production value is not
screen, and utilize collaboration options without a PC.
nearly as nice as theirs.”
Everything from the fitness center to the café is
Workspace Technologies
outfitted with LCD or LED displays, making it feel like innovation is truly just around every corner. Bringing this much technology online, especially
Another touchpoint is the 5,000-square-foot
new technology that had never been seen beyond
multipurpose room, also located on the 10th floor,
trade shows, provided a challenge for all involved,
continual nod to the industry’s past, present, and
which features a bezel-free 1.88mm pixel pitch,
from figuring out what technology was going to be
future to be a main design theme, including “speaker
6-foot high, 32-foot wide UHD LG LED video wall.
provided to dealing with delays due to how “of-the-
box” treatments for several meeting room windows,
Almost every room within the headquarters is
moment” the technology really is. This also presented
“countdown” graphics marking floor numbers by the
outfitted with digital displays, including 10 executive
challenges when it came to mounting, with custom
elevator doors, broadcast icons on the bathroom
offices and 12 team rooms that each house a 43-inch
mounts needing to be designed and configured.
doors, and rooms featuring light-up “on-air” signs.
LCD display. (The CEO Team Room includes the
These tributes to the old age of radio combine the past
65-inch 4K UHD model.)
with the present, as they are juxtaposed with the modern architecture and technology within the space. With a display network of this size and quality,
The pandemic stressed many organizations, including NAB, which suffered from a less-than-ideal
Displays can also be found as visitors exit the
move into its new headquarters in March 2020. Staff
elevators on each floor, providing NAB the opportu-
did not begin working within the space until Summer
nity for continued messaging and brand awareness
2021, on a voluntary basis, and only recently began
NAB also had to ensure the content was produced
throughout the building. Additional conference
utilizing it on a more permanent basis as employees
at the same level—and relied on design agency
rooms throughout the headquarters have also been
returned to the office three or more days a week in
Bluecadet for high-quality, engaging content. “The
outfitted with 4K UHD displays, including the Gordon
early 2022.
content is really nice,” said Michael Burnstein, vice
H. Smith Conference Room and the Edward O. Fritts
president with Diversified. “It’s sharp, the produc-
Conference Room on the fifth floor.
Employees returned to the office to a nice surprise: 34-inch curved ultra-wide LG monitors at every desk.
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
29
BUSINESS NAB HQ
These monitors have a wide footprint, making daily work easier and more efficient, and eliminates the
From Left: Mike Khatcheressian, John Paganelli, Michael Tow, Michael Burnstein, April Carty-Sipp
need for employees to have multiple monitors.
Media Production Facility Most people would assume the NAB has always had a state-of-the-art production facility, but Mike Khatcheressian, Emmy-winning producer and NAB vice president of media production, said that wasn’t always the case. “When I came for my job interview at NAB years ago, one of the things I was most excited about was to see the NAB studio,” he recalled. “They walked me into this room and there was a greenscreen, a 10-year-old camera, and a few lights. I remember being shocked and saying at the time that this is going to be something you’re going to want to upgrade. I love what we have now and it really is a showpiece for NAB, kind of like what we all envisioned a studio at NAB could be.” The new NAB Media Production Facility is highlighted by a curved, 15-foot Planar interactive video wall that can serve as an immersive backdrop for live and pre-recorded content. The studio is also outfitted with an 8K-capable edit suite and provides the ability for design capabilities to be done from remote access. The NAB Media Production Facility features PTZ cameras and a curved, 15-foot Planar interactive video wall.
30
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
Below: Almost every room within the NAB headquarters is outfitted with digital displays.
NAB HQ BUSINESS
ogy and how modern it was—it really makes you proud to work at a place like NAB and makes you happy to come to work,” said Khatchersessian. “You don’t mind the long commute in because you’re going to be in a comfortable space and one that is just fun to be in.” The space is well equipped to accommodate Zoom interviews or interactions, providing additional options when their CEO or other stakeholders are unable to be on-site for outside events or interviews. Four PTZ cameras are housed in the studio, but the space can accommodate up to eight cameras, with future capabilities expanding to pull in camera feeds from across the headquarters. Plus, a prompter is currently being installed that has the ability to detect who is speaking and provide seamless tracking amongst multiple speakers. Originally, the space was not conceptualized as a studio—but through careful design, the compact area was designed to appear larger on camera. The studio provides NAB with the ability to produce a wide array of programming, including live webcasts, updates, educational content, sales seminars for NAB members, and future content for tradeshows. There is also the opportunity to use the space to bring in additional revenue from outside rentals, helping NAB make up for losses accrued during the pandemic. Much of the studio was built through the support of NAB partners like Planar, Vitec Production Solutions, PESA, Barbizon Lighting Company, The Launch Group, Video Visions, Angry Badger Productions, Magis Media, and The Light Source, all of which donated services and equipment to help bring the innovative space to life. “It’s great for our partners to showcase their new technologies,” said Khatcheressian. In choosing the partners, April Carty-Sipp, NAB executive vice president, industry affairs, said, “We had many conversations and leveraged connections our team has with companies we’ve worked with previously in the broadcast business or through our work at NAB.” She said the first official partner was Angry Badger Productions, which helped bring in additional partners along the way. While visitors can look forward to touring the studio space, the partners will benefit from the exposure their involvement provides, along with the opportunity to bring potential clients to see their technology in action. With this in mind, many of the partners are committed to continually upgrading technology to ensure the space showcases the latest and greatest. This also goes for LG, which is using the NAB headquarters as an opportunity to showcase its offerings and is committed to refreshing the technology for years to come. With remote and hybrid work becoming commonplace, NAB hopes the headquarters is seen as a benefit to employees wanting to return to the office. “I remember the first time I walked in to 1M and saw all the technology. Just seeing all this beautiful technol-
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
31
BUSINESS BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS
Carpe Diem What One Moment Changed Your Path?
created them, ending at the two he didn’t get to see complete—Pazzi Chapel and the Church of Saint Spirito—both completed after his death. On my most recent visit just a few weeks ago, I added what I now know to be his last work, the mechanism for a large clock on a church about 15
By John Storyk
T
struction of the dome for the then incomplete
miles north of Florence. This mechanical assembly of
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
gears and levers, about the size of a small refrigerator,
The western architectural world was never the
was lost for almost 300 years and then found in the
his column continues to fascinate me—just
same. Brunelleschi went on to create what for me are
church’s basement. I smiled when I learned that he
the idea of dealing with success is enough of
defining works of architecture for the next 30 years—
had never been paid for his work—his grandson
a challenge. I’m reminded of one of favorite
buildings and spaces that changed our world. I always
negotiated a payment many years after Brunelleschi’s
pairs of words, in a foreign language, not to mention
wonder what would have happened had he won the
death. It appears even the great Brunelleschi had
a language we don’t speak anymore.
Baptistery doors contest. It was a life-changing
client collection issues from time to time.
Like most of us in high school in the 1960s, I had to
moment for him. He had “seized the moment.”
study a foreign language. Several were offered, includ-
Serendipity had struck, although I often wonder if
My Own Serendipity
ing Latin. Figuring that the Roman Empire had long
Brunelleschi was aware of that happening at the time.
Back to carpe diem—seizing the moment. Like that
disappeared, I studied Spanish, which turned out to be
We will never know.
image at the end of Spielberg’s Forrest Gump, is it
useful in my life, as my second home has long been on
Until the past two years (thanks, COVID), I had
possible that a small floating feather can change the
Mexico’s Caribbean Coast. But two Latin words stayed
religiously lived in Florence at least for a few days every
events on the other side of the world in larger-than-
with me: carpe diem. It literally means “pluck the day.”
year, visiting those buildings and works of art. Usually, I
life ways? I believe so. Those two Latin words have
For me, it has always meant “seize the moment,” but
visited them almost in the same order that Brunelleschi
been the root of serendipity striking so many times.
I believe everyone has at least one moment in their life that inspires them, changes their path, and keeps a creative flame alive. It is this flame that fuels success. During my life, that flame has flickered sometimes, burned bright most of the time, and every now and then has to be re-lit.
A Loss Changes Destiny More on my story in a bit, but the time in history that I often dream about is architecture in the Italian Renaissance. It begins more than 600 years ago, almost exactly in 1402, with of all things an RFP (Request for Proposal). Basically, the Baptistery (next to the great Florence Cathedral) was constructed between 1059 and 1128. It has stood there for all this time—but in 1401, the leaders in Florence decided to have a contest for to see who would create new bronze panels for the eastern pair of doors. It was the city’s most prestigious public commission ever. Seven artists competed by submitting a sample bronze plaque. As history tells us, the winner was judged by more than 30 of Florence’s most prestigious citizens. The two finalists were Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti, who did not like each other. I have seen the two test submissions many times (and to this day, they both look amazing), but as it turned out, Ghiberti was the smoother talker and won the award. These two masters hated each other for the rest of their lives, and their paths would cross again. Brunelleschi became very depressed and moved to Rome with his younger partner, Donatello. They both studied ancient Roman sculpture and architecture, returned to Florence years later, and the rest, as they say, is history. Brunelleschi went on to submit what is possibly the most famous response to an RFP in architectural history, solving the design and con-
32
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
The Florence Baptistry doors as designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
GETTY IMAGES
more on what these words really mean later.
BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS BUSINESS
My story might not have changed the world, but it changed my life. No, I did not lose a contest for
create a recording studio (another carpe diem
same dime I used to make the phone call at the ice
moment, as I wanted to strangle Eddie).
cream store.
two church door panels, but one summer evening in
Somehow, despite the fact that I reminded
1968, I found myself waiting for ice cream at a small
everyone I had never been in a studio, they trusted
since. Keeping them focused and in tune is the hard
downtown Manhattan shop.
me and Eddie to create what became Electric Lady
part; turning static to music should be part of
Studios. My life changed on a dime, arguably the
everyone’s “blueprint for success.”
Like others in a time with no cell phones, I passed the time reading the want ads in a local newspaper. Life was exciting that summer—Village apartment, my blues band was on its way up, my daytime filled up as a budding architect, New York City was exciting, etc. One ad in particular caught my fancy. It read (more or less): “WANTED: Carpenters to work for free on Experimental Night Club” One dime in a pay phone and an hour later, I found myself meeting an interesting artist who had an idea for an experiential sensorium, kind of a cross between a nightclub and theater, in downtown Manhattan (the name Soho was just unfolding.) I love carpentry and I thought it would be fun, so I agreed to work on the club at night—but only if they allowed me to redesign the club, which I did. Four months later, the club was on the cover of Life magazine. Anyone who was interested in the arts in New York City went to Cerebrum at least once before its life ended the following summer. One such visitor was Jimi Hendrix, who along with his manager had decided to purchase the lease on The Generation Club. It was the very blues club I used to go to a few years earlier during college, because I was in a blues band and it was located in the basement below a theater designed by an obscure European architect, Frederick Kiesler, whose work I greatly admired. Talk about serendipity! Back to the story—Jimi asked his manger to seek out the designer of Cerebrum. You can imagine a carpe diem moment for me when I got a call from his office inviting me to design this club, which I did, only to have Jimi’s producer/engineer, Eddie Kramer, convince the team to scrap the club and
John Storyk (left) with producer/engineer Eddie Kramer in the original brick entrance to Electric Lady Studios back in 1996.
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
33
Our serendipity antennas have been raised ever
TECHNOLOGY TRAVEL AV
IDAnova—a whopping 183,900-metric-ton vessel that carries up to 5,200 travelers, making it one of the world’s largest passenger ships. With thousands of passenger and crew cabins on each vessel, and 11,000 cabins served in total, ensuring the infrastructure could handle the amount of requests the servers on each ship were receiving was a high priority. Through the VITEC ArtioView IPTV portal, viewers now have hundreds of HD international channels, as well as movies and on-demand TV content. “The TV and video channels are delivered over multicast, so it comes in satellite TV and goes to a headend, which is also a VITEC product, in a server room,” explained David Peat, VITEC’s head of deployments. “Satellite TV gets distributed over IP multicast, so there’s probably about 100 TV channels. The scalability of that is pretty much infinite when you use multicasting. The network will deliver that traffic to the end points.” The client isn’t locked into providing a fixed slate of channels and streaming apps, though, and the
Entertainment on the High Seas How One Cruise Line Upgraded to IPTV to Serve Returning Passengers
on-demand options are not based on any particular cabin or group of cabins. The ability to create multiple profiles gives AIDA an opportunity to reward VIP customers, for example, with additional channels and services. And crew members, whose lives onboard the ships can be hectic, have the ability to catch up on the previous two days of TV as their schedules allow.
More Than On-Demand The ArtioView system also powers digital signage throughout the ships in areas like reception and
By Jim Beaugez
L
crisis mode to developing and enhancing the cus-
lounges, which can carry news channels, weather
tomer experience. That includes responding to
updates, event information, and live sports events.
ike every other sector of the travel and tour-
passengers’ newly acquired entertainment habits—
“In public areas, our system is there to provide live TV
ism industry, cruise ships suffered might-
namely, an increased preference for streaming TV, a
in bars and signage-type stuff, so maybe news items
ily during the early waves of the COVID-19
sector that ballooned to more than 1 billion subscrip-
or what time the restaurants are opening,” Peat
tions worldwide during the pandemic.
added. “That’s displayed on some of our screens on
pandemic. As a consequence of serving as ground zero for some of the first major outbreaks, affected
the ship, as well.”
cruise ships were turned into quarantine centers and
New Customer Expectations
triages for passengers overnight. And as countries
Customer and end user expectations on cruise ships
and converts it to an IPTV stream, it becomes a
around the world tightened travel restrictions,
have risen in kind, said Eleuterio Fernandes, director
channel on the IP system, same as a live TV channel.
cruise ships were at the top of the list.
of accommodation at VITEC (formerly Exterity), an
Through an application on the VITEC server, the client
IPTV, streaming video, and digital signage provider
has the ability to distribute individual channels to
that serves the cruise line industry.
individual endpoints, whether that means passenger
While ridership had increased nearly 70% in the previous decade—from about 18 million passengers in 2009 to just under 30 million in 2019—those
“We are coming now into increasing demand for
Once the headend/encoder picks up the stream
cabins or a restaurant. For global announcements and
numbers nosedived to depths not seen since the
on-demand services like Netflix or HBO,” Fernandes
emergency situations, ship staff have the ability to
1990s, as ports around the world closed. After
said. Passengers who got used to over-the-top TV
automatically mute all TVs. “I use what we call
disembarking their passengers, many of the 300-plus
during the pandemic “are now coming onboard
signage as a channel,” Peat added. “Essentially, it’s
active cruise ships anchored in clusters off coastlines
saying that they want to have the same [amenities].
an MPEG transport over IP multicast.”
around Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean with
Those are trends that we have to adjust to for cruise
skeleton crews kept onboard for maintenance.
liners and passengers.”
But tourism has reemerged, returning millions
IPTV was a central piece of a solution VITEC
Interactive features on the in-cabin display screens allow passengers to view their billing statement and see how much money they have
of passengers to cruise liners. The industry is
provided to AIDA, a cruise line based in the Baltic
spent, and also book off-ship excursions in the next
now posting strong numbers and is forecasted to
seaport of Rostock, Germany, that carries 750,000
port of call.
recover to pre-pandemic passenger levels in just a
passengers annually across its fleet of 13 ships. AIDA
few seasons.
enlisted the company during the pandemic-forced
cruise ship whose weight and storage capabilities are
downtime of 2020 to upgrade the in-cabin entertain-
paramount? Not a lot—Peat said the VITEC equip-
ment on six of its ships, including the flagship
ment commands just 8 RU.
That’s good news for AV integrators, as cruise lines and onboard tech teams return their focus from
34
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
So, how much space does all this command on a
TRAVEL AV TECHNOLOGY
“There is a server room that’s got all the physical headend current, so that’s in what is called the broadcast center,” said Peat. “The virtual infrastruc-
AIDA has upgraded in-cabin entertainment on six of its ships to meet the increased demand from passengers.
ture is in the IT server, so it’s in a different place. And to manage the system you connect into that server, and you can do that from anywhere … and then control the system from there.” When working with cruise ships, Eleuterio advises integrators to be certain they have anticipated and met every need before the ship leaves port. Opportunities to make modifications are few and far between once a ship sets sail. “Cruises are different clients than anyone else,” Eleuterio said. “A very important point is to give reliable solutions and reliable support, because the cruise lines are not available 24/7. There are times when they have no passengers and times when they have, depending on the size of the cruise, from a thousand to three or four thousand passengers at the same time demanding services. “So, it’s a mix of state-of-the-art technology and entertainment, but at the same time the reliable solution and support that makes the solution and the ‘wow’ factor a workable solution. Because if it doesn’t work, the ‘wow’ factor will not be important.”
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
35
TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS
which relies on dynamic visuals that try to provide immersive environments for consumers—there are more factors to look for when selecting the right projector for the job. “Important considerations for large-venue projectors include flexibility of use—for instance, large lens shift ranges and a full set of lens options,” Phipps explained. “These allow flexibility in placement. Additionally, low maintenance designs like filter-less or self-cleaning filter systems are beneficial. Typically, large-venue projectors may not be easily accessible.” “The compatible, interchangeable lens family should cover the full range, from ultra-short-throw to long-throw with minimal gaps,” Shakra added. “Ensuring compatibility and consistency across
Make It Big Large-Venue Projectors Support Surging Return to Live Events
projector platforms and different chassis will help with efficiency and cost savings over the long term for end users.” Let’s not forget about edge blending. Large, high-quality images are easier to create with dvLED displays and video walls, but the process is a little trickier with projectors.
By Wayne Cavadi
L
ive events, one of the verticals hit hard
lumens, while LCD offers an excellent visual perfor-
With advances and added control in projector
mance at an economical price point for applications
technology, has edge blending become as easy as
with lesser brightness needs.”
one-touch technology?
Making the case for DLP projectors, Soto offered
“A touch of a single button may be a bit of an
during the pandemic, are starting to see
several advantages. “Since DLP technology is based
oversimplification,” Shakra said. “However, with
people come back. A lot of people. And now,
on reflective mirrors rather than an organic material
advanced tools available today, we have been able to
integrators are looking to new, innovative ways to
(liquid crystal display), its image quality does not
reduce the complexity and time required to create a
enhance that experience.
degrade over time,” he explained. “DLP also mini-
large, blended image with multiple projectors.”
“Integrators and technology professionals are
mizes the ‘screen door’ effect when producing
“One key here is that the projector needs the ability
turning toward large-venue projectors to create
images, whereas LCD has space between the liquid
to project deep blacks and have an accurate gamma
engaging displays,” said Ramzi Shakra, product
crystal pixels, so users can more readily see that
response,” Phipps added. “With this, the blend zone
manager, Epson America. “While this includes concerts
spacing. Additionally, DLP technology allows a
will be very smooth and minimize the ‘bright stripe’ so
and live events, we’re also seeing a lot of interest in
compact architecture for virtually maintenance-free
often seen when projectors are blended.”
theater production, corporate events and spaces, across
designs, requiring no filters and, for laser projectors,
school campuses, and tradeshows and conventions.”
no lamp replacements.”
The larger the venue, the more oomph is required
Conversely, Shakra feels LCD, specifically the
Simply put, projectors, especially for larger venues, have changed. There are more use cases and higher lumens needed than ever before. Chances are
from the projector. At the same time, projectors need
3LCD technology that Epson uses, may provide more
that large-venue projectors are being used more
to be nearly invisible—a quiet, unobtrusive piece of
advantages. “The 3LCD three-chip architecture
frequently and longer during performances or events.
equipment that keeps the focus on the content.
dedicates an entire chip to process each primary color
“The weight and dimension for large- venue
continuously, resulting in vibrant, realistic content
Which makes the lamp projector a dying breed. “Laser projectors are preferred for numerous
projectors have been considerably reduced over the
with true-to-life color and equal brightness,” he
reasons, including the ability to lower your overall
last decade,” explained Brian Soto, director of product
noted. “While available on premium higher lumen
total cost of ownership,” Phipps explained. “With
management, Optoma Technology. “In the past, a
projectors with three-chip technology, the majority
laser projection, there’s no costly, inconvenient, or
10,000-lumen projector easily weighed 50-60 pounds
of DLP projectors use single-chip technology that
dangerous lamps to replace, as laser systems usually
without a lens. Today, however, high-lumen projec-
delivers color sequentially.”
run much cooler. They also provide a light source that
tors on the market weigh far less, even with a lens, and offer a much smaller footprint.”
The Great LCD/DLP Debate
So, the debate has not only shifted to consider LCD
allows the projector imager to last longer. And, with
or DLP, but which chip technology is best. According
instant on/off features, users no longer wait for lamps
to Soto, one-chip technology leverages one color
to warm up or cool off. Time is money.”
wheel for color performance, so it is more affordable
“There is no denying that laser technology in
Most venues are looking for very high brightness levels
and compact, but others feel that three-chip technol-
projectors is on the rise,” Shakra agreed. “When
that manage a diverse range of content. Over the years,
ogy is more advantageous in today’s market.
choosing lamp or laser, there isn’t a specific feature set
one of the larger considerations in projectors, espe-
“One-chip projectors are, to an extent, a design
to look for per se—it really depends on the application
cially when looking to maintain the same quality with
compromise,” Phipps said. “They can be made smaller
of the projector. Pending the exact application and
higher lumens, was whether to go LCD or DLP.
and less expensive, but at the sacrifice of picture
setting for the projectors, a few things worth looking
quality. 3LCD offers picture quality at a one-chip cost.”
for are brightness level, size, weight, and fan noise.”
Sony Electronics. “Three-chip DLPs are well suited
Other Features
types, the following list provides several models
for high-brightness applications above 20,000
In today’s world of entertainment and services—one
to consider.
“Both LCD and DLP offer their advantages,” explained Sander Phipps, senior solutions engineer,
36
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
With so many different venue and performance
LARGE-VENUE PROJECTORS TECHNOLOGY
Barco G100-W22
compatible with legacy M, J, and Crimson Series projector lenses. With 25,000 lumens, a 46 dBA sound
Barco’s single-chip DLP laser projector offers WUXGA
level, and Rec.2020 color performance, the M 4K25
(1920x1200) resolution and 22,000 lumens of bright-
RGB features double the brightness, double the color
ness for up to 20,000 hours. Inputs include HDMI 2.0,
volume, and quadruple the resolution over Christie’s
DisplayPort, DVI-D, HDBaseT, 3G-SDI, and VGA. The
legacy M Series projector. The 92-pound projector
pounds. It also features a hermetically sealed optical
3D version (G100-W22 3D) supports active and passive
offers extensive inputs, including 12G-SDI, HDMI,
engine for high dust resistance and a filter-less cabinet
3D. The 119-pound projector works with Barco’s
DisplayPort, HDBaseT, 3D sync, and fiber (for use with
for low-maintenance operation. Other interfaces
Projector Toolset software for easy setup via computer.
the optional Christie Link Transmitter).
include HDMI, HDBaseT, DVI-D, VGA, USB, RS-232C,
The software also supports blending and warping
and RJ45. The EB-PU2220B pairs with nine optional
capabilities. An extensive GC-lens range allows the
powered lenses, and the optional PixAlign camera
flexibility to shoot from long or short distances and to
streamlines multi-projector setups.
play with 360-degree orientation possibilities.
Digital Projection Satellite Digital Projection has created a modular laser projection system. The Satellite HIGHlite Head
BenQ LU9800
supports native WUXGA resolution and up to 20,000
Optoma ZU2200
lumens. The 42-pound head is compact and light-
As part of Optoma’s DuraCore laser lineup, Ultra
weight with sealed optics, so it is nearly maintenance
Bright Series WUXGA projectors feature 4K HDR
free. The 3 RU modular light source (MLS) and 4 RU
compatibility, pure engine video processing, color
The 10,000-ANSI-lumen LU9800 BlueCore laser
satellite control module (SCM) are rack mountable
matching, and passive 3D compatibility. The 22,000-
projector offers native WUXGA resolution and delivers
and connected to the head by a satellite link cable,
lumen ZU2200 delivers up to 30,000 hours of laser
95% Rec. 709 color coverage and accuracy. With its
which is available in various lengths. Combine up to
lifetime, with an IP5X rating for dependable perfor-
flexible design and multiple lens options, dynamic
two modular light sources—or share one source to
mance even under extreme conditions. Eight inter-
installation options include 360-degree rotation and
multiple heads. The 3-DLP system supports up to 120
changeable lenses are available for the 119-pound
projection onto ceiling, walls, floors, or angled signage.
frames per second via DisplayPort or HDMI input,
DLP projector. Visual Suite software and an integrated
In addition, motorized zoom, focus, horizontal/vertical
with other connectivity options included. Four lens
camera create seamless setups with automatic image
lens shift, and customizable memory features ensure
options are available.
adjustments, warping, and calibration for consist-
the image is perfectly aligned to the room’s requirements. The 59-pound projector offers a variety of I/O
Epson EB-PU2220B
interfaces, and its fully enclosed laser engine is
Housed in a sleek, black
IP5X-certified for maintenance-free operation. The
cabinet, the 20,000-hour
LU9800 is also preinstalled with BenQ’s MDA central-
EB-PU2220B laser projector
ized control software for remote monitoring, configur-
is optimized for live events
ing, and control of individual or multiple projectors.
with 3G-SDI I/O to accom-
Christie M 4K25 RGB
ently bright and uniform images while reducing
modate daisy-chaining and long cable runs, plus a
The Christie M 4K25 RGB pure laser projector with
mechanical shutter to
dust sealed 3DLP laser optical system re-imagines the
protect the projector during
rugged and reliable M Series with RGB pure laser
laser light shows. The 3LCD,
technology, UHD 4K resolution with precision pixel
20,000-lumen projector
shift (native 1920x1080), electronic color convergence
delivers WUXGA resolution
(ECC), and an intelligent lens system (ILS1) that’s
and weighs about 54
avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
37
TECHNOLOGY LARGE-VENUE PROJECTORS
installation hours. Connectivity includes HDBaseT, DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, DVI-D, RS-232, and 3G-SDI, with RJ-45 and USB-A control options.
Sony VPL-FHZ85
Panasonic PT-RQ25K
Sharp NEC PX2201UL
Sony’s compact, 29-pound WUXGA 3LCD laser projector, the VPL-FHZ85, supports 4K60 input and
Launched in April, the PX2201UL 1-DLP projector
combines brightness with efficiency, installation
A 3-DLP 4K laser projector, the PT-RQ25K weighs about
offers WUXGA resolution and 21,500 lumens, with a
flexibility, and advanced operational capabilities.
77 pounds and delivers 20,000 lumens. The projector is
20,000-hour, virtually maintenance free laser light
Designed for mid-sized corporate, education, worship,
significantly smaller and lighter than the previous
module. A variety of motorized lens options provide
and esports environments, it delivers 7,300 lumens
PT-RQ22K model. Its Quad Pixel Drive, a two-axis
throw distances from 3.3-137 feet. Tilt-free
(8,000 lumens at center) and delivers rich imagery in
pixel-quadrupling technology, creates smooth 4K
installation make the PX2201UL ideal for almost
demanding lighting conditions. It incorporates Sony’s
images. An Intel SDM-ready slot integrates preferred
any install environment, and the +50%/-10%
Reality Creation real-time signal processing, mapping,
terminals with optional proprietary or third-party
vertical lens shift and +/-30% horizontal lens shift
and analysis technology, which results in crisp and
interface boards, but the PT-RQ25K also features HDMI
capabilities make alignment easy. Inputs include
clear pictures and text for effective presentation and
and DisplayPort inputs, plus multi-projector sync
HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI-D, HDBaseT, and
display. The Reality Text feature improves text-based
(including 3D), RS-232, and RJ45 interfaces. Its
3G-SDI. Other features for the 112-pound projector
presentation materials by providing clearer letters and
hermetically sealed optical block is cooled by a high-
include edge blending, 3D support, and geometric
lines with enhanced legibility. Input connectivity
efficiency, liquid-cooling system that enables mainte-
correction for projection on spheres, corner angles,
includes DVI, HDMI, HDBaseT, BNC, and RGB. A variety
nance-free projection for 20,000 hours.
and other non-standard surfaces.
of lenses are available.
38
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS
Vanco International PA-CVB1 An all-in-one video collaboration product, the PulseAudio Collaboration Video Bar (PA-CVB1) has a modern soundbar form factor, built-in six-ray beamforming microphone, and 4K ePTZ camera. Built for enterprise deployments, the PA-CVB1 transforms any small meeting space into a video
RGB Spectrum QuadView IPXe
Da-Lite SightLine
The QuadView IPXe high-performance 4K
Available as an option with Da-Lite’s Tensioned
framing that automatically adjusts to frame
multiviewer displays multiple video sources
Advantage and Advantage electric screens, SightLine
participants, auto-tracking to automatically follow
simultaneously on a single screen in customizable
gives the impression of a floating screen. The single
moving speakers, and a 120-degree viewing angle.
layouts. Four video windows chosen from 12 HDMI
roller design suspension system features three or four
The camera can respond to either motion or sound to
and IP sources can be displayed simultaneously. The
thin cables that can accommodate drop distances up
focus on the correct speaker. Its beamforming
QuadView IPXe model delivers superior image quality
to 70 inches between the ceiling and the top of the
microphone can locate and focus on speakers in real
at up to 4K 60Hz resolution with display windows of
screen. It eliminates the need for the traditional black
time. In areas with a high noise floor, the PA-CVB1’s
any size, anywhere on the screen. IP streams can be
border above the projection screen—and with the
microphone technology isolates and focuses on the
decoded and viewed, providing display of signals from
click of a button, the screen retracts into the ceiling
active meeting participants, rejecting distractions
both local and remote locations. The system supports
and out of the way when not in use. The flexible
and background noise. The PA-CVB1 also features
mix-and-match input source types and resolutions,
system also makes specifying, ordering, and installing
plug-and-play USB 3.0 connectivity and a built-in
scaling any video input up to 4K resolution, and both
a screen quick and easy. Traditionally, integrators
software package, which offers functionality for
analog and digital I/O audio, including audio
need to calculate the drop distance ahead of time when
Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and other popular
embedded in HDMI and IP sources. It is a novel
ordering a screen, but SightLine eliminates this step.
conferencing platforms.
combination of a multichannel encoder, decoder, and
Integrators simply order the screen and dial in the
multiviewer, all in one small, desktop package.
appropriate viewing height on site.
collaboration room. Its camera features smart
Kanto MPC77 Specifically designed for use with the Logitech Rally Bar and Rally Bar Mini videoconferencing devices, the MPC77 rolling A/V cart accommodates displays from 37-77 inches and VESA sizes up to 600x400. It comes with accessories to attach a Rally device either above or below the TV, and offers mounting holes for a Logitech Tap controller and table mount. It features an accessory panel with mounting holes and slots, to accommodate
Waves Audio CA3000-MX
mini-PCs and other
The CA3000-MX is an install-ready audio mixer and
components. It allows
processing engine that delivers stellar sound quality
The RXT-4 is a four-inch JavaScript-based
for display height
for a wide range of single-room and multi-zone AV
touchpanel control system that is ideal for
adjustment. The 4-inch
installations. It offers powerful mixing and built-in
conference rooms, educational facilities,
lockable wheels and
processing capabilities that can upgrade the sound of
hospitality, digital signage, and more. The RXT-4
easy-to-reach handles
any installed audio system, and offers the option to
has a 480x480 aspect ratio with 160-degree viewing
provide easy portability.
add plugins from Waves’ massive catalog. The
and room status lighting in just about any color
Convenient cable
CA3000-MX system is compatible with standard
combination. It is designed to mount in a two-gang
management keeps
ASIO audio or Dante network configurations. Housed
or European style electrical box. The 2D/3D graphics
cables concealed and out
in a compact, half-width 2 RU rack-mount chassis,
engine with 1080p H.264 streaming decoder
of the way, and the unit
the CA3000-MX couples a powerful digital audio
provides a powerful solution for complex graphics
includes space for a
processing engine with an install-ready version of
and video, ensuring an enhanced user experience.
power strip. The MPC77
the Waves eMotion LV1 mixer, which supports up to
Other features include a one-watt speaker, stereo
is ideal for use in
32 stereo inputs, 24 stereo aux mix outputs plus
digital microphone, proximity sensor, and ambient
classrooms, lecture
L/R/C/M outs, and a 12x8 stereo matrix. It is ideal for
light sensor. The RXT-8 (pictured) features an
halls, business, and
any corporate, commercial, government,
8-inch, 1280x800 touchpanel with a 170-degree
other situations where a
educational or house of worship installation that
viewing angle. Both units feature a dual core
portable all-in-one
demands a high level of audio quality and advanced
processor running Linux with a ReAX core engine.
solution is required.
processing flexibility.
Aurora Multimedia RXT-4 / RXT-8
40
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com
NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY
DVIGear DN-300 Based on the latest SDVoE standard, the DN-300 represents a significant breakthrough in performance and value for IP-based AV signal distribution applications. It delivers flawless HDMI video
MetraAV PR-R13PI
distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame
The Big Dog Power Smart Power Distribution Unit
latency, and zero-image artifacts. The compact unit
(PR-R13PI) features 12 individually controllable
supports near-seamless switching and distribution of
outlets with power metering, self-healing, and
FSR PWB-CMU8
automatic reboot capabilities. Devices can be
The PWB-CMU8 is a dedicated flat panel TV project box
with 8-bit color, or 4K/60p (4:2:2) with 10-bit or
turned on and off without an internet connection,
engineered for installation in 8-inch block walls. Ideal
12-bit color. Like other DisplayNet products, the
allowing for scheduled reboots and an easy network
for gymnasiums, auditoriums, stadiums, and numerous
DN-300 provides independent multi-layer routing of
equipment power reset that can solve most
other masonry applications, the all-metal CMU8 is
HDMI audio and video signals, as well as bidirectional
common technical issues. The PR-R13PI includes a
designed to replace the front portion of one block and,
analog audio, USB 2.0, IR, RS-232, and 1GbE Ethernet.
surge mileage meter that shows when surges have
with the optional paintable cover, provides an attractive
The unit provides silent, fanless operation, powerful
occurred and the percentage of remaining
surface with no visible jagged block edges. Inside the
network security features, and versatile KVM routing
protection. When a surge happens, two removable
box are two opposing two-gang device boxes, providing
with full bandwidth USB 2.0. Its intuitive, web-based
surge protection modules can be replaced without
space for power and low-voltage devices. These
GUI and a powerful API make setup and maintenance
sacrificing the entire PDU, making this solution
compartments are convertible to a single gang with the
fast and easy.
unique and cost effective. Temperature control can
provided block-off plates that are also removable for
also be automated with four magnetic temperature
installing active brick receivers and accommodating
sensors that can be used to program turning on a
standard electrical plates. The gang compartments are
fan or turning off devices when the temperature
oversized to allow for extra service loops and cable
gets too high. The 13th service outlet powers a
storage. The PWB-CMU8 has an available 1, 1.25, and
temporary device without having to reach behind
1.5-inch knockouts centered on the opening of the most
the PDU.
common two-hole CMU blocks.
CAREER MARKETPLACE
INSTALLATION PRODUCTS
HDMI signals with resolutions of up to 4K/60p (4:4:4)
MODULAR FLOOR BOXES
FLYPACKS & ROAD CASES
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
You won’t need this...
FIBER CABLES
… when you use quiet cooling products from Active Thermal Management
Cool off at www.activethermal.com
To Advertise in the SYSTEMS CONTRACTOR NEWS CLASSIFIEDS, Contact Zahra Majma at zahra.majma@futurenet.com avnetwork.com // August 2022 // SCN
41
VIEWPOINT
The Pace of Progress Today’s Pro AV Innovations Are Catching Up with Science Fiction By Rachael Harris
I
One of the prominent features of the production
Early Inspiration
design for this show were transparent screens.
All this thinking of the past and looking toward the
They had them on everything—cell phones,
future takes my mind back to the dawn of my own
t all started on the airplane. With six hours
computer monitors, even a large-format transpar-
career in this field.
between me and Las Vegas, I knew I had to fig-
ent TV screen—which made for a beautiful and
Cut to Memory Montage.
ure out a way to put the quiet time to good use.
luxurious installation over a living room fireplace.
When I was a teenage girl, just becoming inter-
So, I decided to watch the entirety of a premium
It disappeared into the décor when switched off and
ested in audio engineering as a career, my dad gave
network series that I don’t subscribe to at home,
hooked me right in, as in: I want that, where is it?
me my first pair of pro headphones. He was a creative,
of course. The show was set 15 years in the future, just as
Cut to InfoComm 2022.
future-forward thinker in his own right, and deliv-
I was casually strolling the show floor, collecting
ered the gift along with an unexpected aspiration for
scientists were releasing a technology using
cards and smiles, when I stumbled upon the transpar-
his daughter. He thought the path would lead me to
principals of quantum physics to connect users to
ent OLED of the future world, right there, before my
participate in the development of a well-known and
their one true love. Heartwarming, right? Sort of?
eyes. Neither a prototype nor a CGI trick, this sci-fi
loved situation simulator from a fantasy space
Somewhat. Nevertheless, the visual world they
screen was a dream no more, ready for real-world
exploration show on TV. I was not thinking that big at
built around the premise was believable, engaging,
applications today. Right there on the show floor.
the time and brushed the comment off, as teenage
and technologically just far enough out of reach to inspire an AV tech in all the right ways.
The Future Is Now
I was really inspired because it illustrated to me just how close we are to having many of the
girls tend to do. Even though I avoided my father’s high expec-
technologies that have only existed in human
tations at the time, that was one of my first inspira-
imagination for centuries. Items like this have long
tions as a budding AV tech. Now, I may not be
Fifteen years is not so far into the future. We can all
been the domain of creatives like writers and scene
mixing on a starship, but I am still finding inspira-
relate to how video and communication technolo-
designers, but we have come to a point where Pro
tion all around me, whether via in-flight entertain-
gies have changed and developed since 2007. In
AV really has the tools to turn even farfetched ideas
ment, on the trade show floor, or motivated by the
that time, we have gone from having mobile phones
into reality.
need for an urgent solution at the office.
that just make calls to having whole computers in
And not just with transparent screens. We are
I hope we are all experiencing the positive
our pockets. We now expect to see a person’s face
showcasing tools like LED virtual stages, which
results of today’s stimulating technical environ-
when we are talking to them from halfway around
break barriers for the dreamers themselves, boosting
ment, and using this opportunity to continue to
the world. And we have tidied up our desks and
the potential for use cases traditionally handled by
imagine new creative solutions that improve the
living rooms with flat panel displays devoid of
greenscreens on the soundstage and in the office.
way we work and that look good enough for the
cathode ray tubes. Looking toward the next 15 years of innovation through the eyes
As the AV industry continues to respond to the
silver screen. For me, after seeing what I have seen
recent remote work situation and the subse-
on TV reflected back to me from one of the centers
of today’s Hollywood art directors
quent, often reluctant, return to offices
of our AV universe, I know that if the future is
just might hold some inspirations
around the world, the explosion of
coming from anywhere, it’s coming from us.
for what we can expect on the technical horizon.
creativity in audio and video products will continue—encouraging new standards of ease of use, security, and connectiv-
Rachael Harris is a senior infrastructure engineer (II) at American Express. The views expressed here are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of her employer.
ity to make modernity look a lot like the future dreams of the past.
I was really inspired because it illustrated to me just how close we are to having many of the technologies that have only existed in human imagination for centuries. 8
SCN // August 2022 // avnetwork.com