Systems Contract News July 2026

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

Industry Experts Debate Current Concerns and Future Applications

AVNETWORK.COM

JULY 2026

20 Captioning on Campus Bill Bennett explains how AI is changing education landscapes.

28 AI at the Edge Adam Teeple shows how AI helps situational awareness.

34 Viewpoint

20

28

34

James Knight encourages Pro AV to embrace AI certification.

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

Industry Experts Debate Current Concerns and Future Applications

AVNETWORK.COM

JULY 2026

20 Captioning on Campus Bill Bennett explains how AI is changing education landscapes.

28 AI at the Edge Adam Teeple shows how AI helps situational awareness.

34 Viewpoint

20

28

34

James Knight encourages Pro AV to embrace AI certification.

CONTENTS

14

An AI Future Industry technologists discuss how AI is impacting Pro AV today and where we’re headed.

By Mark J. Pescatore

20

22

Technology 28 AI at the Edge Mission-critical video is being transformed for situational awareness.

By Adam Teeple

30 No Drawing Required A long forgotten animation project gets a shot at completion with AI.

By Chuck Gloman

The Integration Guide to House of Worship Business 20 Accessibility on Campus

22 Volunteer-Friendly AV House of worship integrators emphasize the importance of balancing needs with budgets

AI-based technologies are changing the captioning

and long-term scalability.

and translation landscape in education.

By Jennifer Guhl

By Bill Bennett

Viewpoint 34 Embracing an AI Standard Here’s why ISO 42001 certification is a must-have for the Pro AV industry.

By James Knight

Departments 4 SYSTEMS CHECK 6 NEWS

12 NEWSMAKERS 32 PRODUCTS

Vol. 33 No. 7 July 2026 Systems Contractor News (ISSN 1078-4993) is published monthly by Future B2B. 130 W. 42nd St, 7th Floor, NY NY 10036. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO Box 254 Lowell MA 01853.

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avnetwork.com // July 2026 // SCN

3

SYSTEMS CHECK

Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-AI

MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director

B

eyond singing along to Neil Sedaka in the car, my friend has never been musically inclined. And yet, now he’s a published songwriter.

He sent me a link and there it was, a Christmas song. It wasn’t him singing, but

it was a fully composed song. He wrote the lyrics and a prompt, and an online AI service built his musical vision.

I gotta try this, I thought. Finally, a chance to repair my relationship with AI. Between bad headshots and warped action figures, my AI experiments over the past couple of years, while fun, would probably not land in the win column.

EMAIL

mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

I've always wanted to record music, but I was impeded by my musical limitations.

Writing lyrics isn't the problem, and I could carry a tune in a bucket in my younger days. But my drumming is elementary at best, my keyboard work is weak on a good day, and I'm

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/ systemscontractor

guessing at least two guitar manufacturers would gladly pay me to admit publicly that I don't use their gear. So, to make my rock star dreams a reality, I'd need a band, some sort of recording studio, and a substantial budget to pay for all of that.

Scratch that plan. Enter AI. First, I needed a song. I’ve had a song title floating around my subconscious for a while,

LINKEDIN linkedin.com/company/ systems-contractor-news

so I sat down and wrote “Rockin’ Chair” in about 20 minutes. If you study the lyrics, you can pick up the subtext of getting older and the loss of youth. But mostly it’s an invitation to get busy on the front porch. (Hey, this is rock ‘n’ roll, not a sewing circle.)

Then, on a lazy Saturday, I went to the Suno website on my personal laptop. It took a few minutes to register, a few minutes more to write a prompt, and maybe two minutes to type

X x.com/scnmag

in the lyrics. So, let’s say I invested about 30 minutes in the process.

Suno spit out several versions of my song in less than a minute. And they were good.

Oh, the cadence was off, and none of them sounded exactly like how I “heard” the song in my head. However, every version had a good beat, background vocals, solid instrument work, and all the spit and polish you’d expect from a hit single.

I literally closed my browser and walked away. Didn’t even look at it for more than a week. Honestly, I needed to process what had just happened. In seconds, AI had made my song a reality. I hadn’t even plugged in my amp.

At this stage of my life, I have no illusions of becoming a musical sensation. If everything goes right, maybe I’ll make tens of cents in royalties from “Rockin’ Chair” over the next decade, which will not even cover the cost to use the service for a month. Oh, you can get a taste for free, but if you want to tweak your song and avoid copyright issues, you’ll need to spend some money.

But that’s not the point, is it? The point is a guy who can only play a few chords on a guitar could publish a toe-tapping tune in less time than it took to write the lyrics.

That said, this is AI, which means it has to learn how to do all this, no doubt using data (read: songs) produced by copyrighted artists. Remember, AI is not about soul, it’s about statistical patterns. Essentially, my song is a kernel of creativity wrapped in a cocoon of predictive chunks and synthesized production.

So, is Suno a shortcut? You bet. Does that make it less of a song? I’m not sure. After all,

avnetwork.com

JULY 2026 VOL. 33 NO. 7 CONTENT

Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Senior Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Contributors Bill Bennett, Chuck Gloman, Jennifer Guhl, James Knight, Adam Teeple Art Editors Rob Crossland, Sam Richwood Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S

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we’ve been listening to songs built around music samples for decades. One could argue that AI is the next step in that sort of musical evolution. And I have it on good authority that Nashville music pros are using Suno to quickly produce demos (and save a lot of money in the process).

I’m not ready to equate machine learning to inspiration. But I’ll say this: I think “Rockin’ Chair” is a good song—and without AI, it would have never existed beyond my notepad. Rock on.

All contents ©2026 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.

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SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

PSNI Global Alliance Celebrates 40 Years

By Wayne Cavadi

within the Alliance and delivers something no single integrator could replicate alone.”

“Y

For Jeff Davis, CEO of Avidex and president of ou don’t last 40 years in this industry by

PSNI, being part of the PSNI network has brought

accident.”

tremendous value to Avidex, including trusted global

It’s an insightful observation from Jeremy

partnerships and shared best practices to expand the

Elsesser, president and CEO of Level 3 Audiovisual and chairman of PSNI Global Alliance, which is celebrating

reach and confidence of delivering consistent From left, Chris Miller, Jeremy Elsesser, and Jeff Davis

experiences for clients around the world. “The

its fourth decade in Pro AV this year. “PSNI has stayed

strength of the PSNI community has elevated not

relevant because it’s selective, it’s disciplined, and the

only our capabilities,” he added, “but also the

members take ownership of the outcome,” he added.

standard of excellence across the industry.”

Elsesser’s words ring true in a Pro AV industry that

Supersummit ’26, PSNI’s annual May event that

continues to change and evolve. What began with four

brings together thought leaders from across the Pro AV

visionaries more than 40 years ago has evolved into the

and UCC industry to share their insights and

“world’s largest alliance and network of technology

consistency and trust are what continue to make the

collaborate, paid honor to the first 40 years. “Our toast

integrators” present on six continents and trusted by

Alliance work.”

to 40 years was dedicated to those in the room who will

clients around the globe.

According to Chris Miller, executive director, PSNI

The ROI is different for every member, ranging from the largest Certified Solution Providers (CSPs) in

become mentors to the next generation of passionate leaders,” Miller said.

was conceived as a regional U.S.-based service support

the world to the smallest CSPs in the network, Miller

model long before the industry fully understood what

explained. Yet they all share a common bond of

feels the future of Pro AV will be shaped and defined by

global service and collaboration could become. Those

integrity, professionalism, and accountability to one

AI-driven workflows, increasingly complex global

four industry thought leaders—including two past ICIA

another, as well as their customers worldwide. It’s a

infrastructure, and clients who expect seamless

(now AVIXA) presidents—founded Professional Systems

benefit and value-add differentiator that a company

support regardless of geography.

Network with a simple yet visionary purpose: to share

cannot build on its own.

ideas, exchange business best practices, build trusted

These CSPs collaborate to better serve collective

What does the next 40 years hold for PSNI? Miller

“The Alliance is already building the frameworks, certifications, and partnerships to meet that world, not

relationships, and develop shared resources to better

customers through more than 300 licensed and

react to it,” Miller said. “As communication and

support customers across diverse regions of the country.

qualified locations, across six continents,

collaboration continue to evolve in form and

Together, Miller added, they explored how to

represented by more than 19,000 employees

complexity, our CSPs will be at the forefront, offering

develop and measure strategic KPIs, better understand

worldwide. Those employees benefit from specialized

not just technology, but the trusted guidance that turns

business metrics, create innovative service models, and

certifications exclusive to Alliance personnel,

technology into outcomes.”

evaluate technologies and inventory strategies that

including quality assurance and standardized system

would mitigate risk while keeping each company at the

commissioning, system deployment and service

been more important. “The continued evolution of

forefront of the industry.

certifications, and strategic account management

workplace technology, AI, security, collaboration, and

training and certifications.

customer experience will require strong global

“For Level 3 Audiovisual, PSNI is about being able to show up anywhere in the world with confidence,”

“Ultimately, the single most important benefit is

Davis agreed, adding that the role of PSNI has never

alignment, innovation, and trusted partnerships which

Elsesser said. “We know the people on the ground, we

the power of people and teams working together,”

are all areas where PSNI is uniquely positioned to lead,”

trust how they operate, and we know the experience

Miller said, “an ecosystem of relationships that

he added. “We are proud to be part of this journey and

will match what our client expects. Forty years in, that

elevates the brand and capabilities of every company

excited about what the next 40 years will bring.”

Panasonic Acquires HIVE

P

anasonic Projector & Display Corporation has

major step in that direction,” said Yousuke Adachi,

acquired U.K.-based media technology com-

CEO of Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation.

pany Hive Media Control (HIVE), strength-

“HIVE brings proven expertise in media playback and

ening its capabilities in media playback and control

control, and when combined with our projector and

for immersive and fixed-installation environments.

display portfolio, we believe it can create meaningful

The acquisition marks a further step in Panasonic’s

customer value through simpler deployment, greater

evolution from a hardware-led manufacturer into

flexibility, and a better end user experience.”

a broader visual solutions ecosystem provider,

HIVE will continue to operate as a standalone,

expanding its proposition beyond projection and

vendor-neutral business. Panasonic will support

display into software, workflow, and integrated

HIVE’s continued growth while preserving the

media-delivery solutions.

independence, agility, and openness that have shaped

“Under MEVIX, our visual solutions brand, we

its position in the market. This includes continuity for

have been clearly articulating our commitment to

HIVE’s existing customers and partners, including

contribute to customers across the total workflow, not

those using HIVE alongside other projector and LED

just at the hardware endpoint. This acquisition is a

display brands.

6

SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

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NEWS

Mason Technologies Breaks Ground on New Headquarters

M

ason Technologies broke ground in May

Its new HQ will be a 69,000-square-foot building

K-WAV Rebrands as Total LED After decades of helping Pro AV integrators, architects, designers, and developers deliver visual experiences, K-WAV announced its official

for its future corporate headquarters

with a 2,800 square-foot atrium and a dedicated

rebrand to Total LED in May. The new name

in the Long Island Innovation Park at

exhibition and event space intended for networking,

reflects the company’s expanded vision to provide

collaboration, and technology demonstrations.

more than just displays—Total LED delivers a full

Hauppauge, NY. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together business leaders, industry organi-

The company’s mission has always been to work

zations, and government officials from across Long

with individuals and organizations who help change

deployments, from design consultation and

Island to celebrate the company’s continued success

the world, primarily in healthcare spaces, higher

installation support to managed services,

and investment in the region.

education, and government projects. Founded in 2002

calibration, repair, and long-term support.

by CEO Jennifer Mason with just two employees, Mason

in dvLED comes down to precision, reliability,

W-2 employees, with plans for continued growth as

teamwork, and performance under pressure,”

construction moves forward on the new facility.

said CEO Doug Wack. “Our evolution into Total faster innovation, stronger support, and solutions

improvement, smart solution, and a people-first

designed to help our partners win.”

next-generation technology that is both simple to use and visually astonishing,” said Mason. “We want this to be a place where companies and organizations

SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

LED reflects where we’re headed as a company:

which is our commitment to continuous culture. Mason’s new headquarters will showcase

8

“Much like a championship race team, success

Technologies now has locations in four states and 275

“Everything we do is guided by the Mason Way,

Mason Technologies held a groundbreaking ceremony in May for its new headquarters on Long Island.

service ecosystem designed to simplify dvLED

across our region can connect, innovate, and grow together. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”

NEWS

Chief Tempo in-wall mount systems were installed in Crestron’s updated training rooms.

Crestron Modernizes Training Rooms with Chief

A

t its headquarters in Rockleigh, NJ,

at once. At that size and weight, traditional

standard,” said Alex Villiard, principal infrastructure

Crestron operates its Crestron Techni-

articulating mounts weren’t built for the job. Any flex

engineer, training, Crestron. “We needed mounting

cal Institute (CTI), a hands-on training

or movement degrades the touch experience, and for

that could handle 98-inch touchpanels without any

facility where integrators, engineers, and technol-

a room designed to demonstrate precision AV, that

movement, support a custom layout that put the

ogy professionals learn to install, configure, and

wasn’t something the team could work around.

infrastructure on display, and let us get in and out for

deploy Crestron systems at a professional level.

Two additional requirements shaped the install.

service without turning it into a project. The Chief

As a refresh cycle approached to address outdated

First, Crestron wanted its DM NVX AV over IP

Tempo flat panel in-wall mount system gave us the

displays and aging mounts, the new environment

solutions visible to students rather than hidden

flexibility to build something that doesn’t exist as a

needed to demonstrate what a modern AV deploy-

behind the displays, staged in dedicated accessory

standard configuration.”

ment can deliver. What Crestron’s infrastructure

boxes beside each screen so trainees could see the

team built, with the Chief Tempo flat panel in-wall

infrastructure they’d be specifying in the field. That

has had a real instructional effect. The exposed

mount system at its center, not only delivered on

meant accommodating an unconventional three-box

Crestron solutions generate conversations in the

that goal, but added a training room where the

configuration per position. Second, the team needed

room, where students ask about the hardware they're

technology itself became part of the lesson.

easy serviceability.

looking at and get hands-on context for systems

Making the DM NVX AV over IP platform visible

The training rooms had last been updated roughly

Chief’s Tempo was selected for all 10 display

10 years prior, with a pair of 86-inch displays and two

positions across three classrooms. It keeps large

65-inch screens on traditional articulating wall

displays tight to the wall, eliminates flex during

customers come to learn how to build with our

mounts. The plan for the next chapter of the

touch interaction, and provides built-in service

systems,” added Villiard. “The touch experience is

interactive, hands-on CTI courses called for five

access without needing to remove the display.

exactly what it should be, the infrastructure is visible

98-inch LG CreateBoard touchscreens capable of supporting simultaneous input from multiple users

10

SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

“When you’re training the people who install AV systems for a living, the room itself sets the

they'll be specifying in the field.

“The Crestron Technical Institute is where our

and purposeful, and we can service everything without taking the room offline.”

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS ATLASIED appointed BARTOSZ

applications, cybersecurity, data

company’s CAD Group business

PETLAK as applications engineer

and analytics, digital innovation,

development manager for the

for the EMEA region and ROGER

infrastructure, and business

Western United States. He brings

LIM to the role of applications

systems. His role includes

nearly 30 years of experience in

engineer for the APAC region.

strengthening the digital and data

the Pro AV industry, with a strong

Pętlak joins the AtlasIED team Bartosz Pętlak

with 17 years of AV and digital

foundation needed to support AI Viral Tripathi

enablement.

focus on consultant engagement Douglas Schoenherr and specification development.

signage experience, supporting

Roger Lim

regional growth through technical

CHYRON appointed ERIC WOLFF

PLEXUSAV appointed SETH

expertise, tailored solution design,

as director of venues sales, North

WARNER as U.S. sales manager,

and close collaboration with

America. Wolff comes to Chyron

based just outside Cleveland.

customers and partners to deliver

with a wealth of relevant

After serving six years in the U.S.

successful deployments. Lim is

experience having served

Air Force and five years in law

supporting customers and

previously as director, broadcast operations and media production,

enforcement, Warner brings a

partners by providing solution design, implementation,

Eric Wolff

and technical expertise to ensure successful

for T-Mobile Arena, with prior stints in lead production

mindset to his role. He has spent the last decade

deployments across the region.

roles with the Arizona Cardinals, Van Wagner (NCAA

working within the AV industry implementing EHR

Seth Warner

disciplined, solutions-focused

Championships), and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wolff’s

and EMR systems across hospitals, giving him a

AUDIO-TECHNICA made key

role focuses on growth in the collegiate and minor

strong understanding of complex, mission-critical

leadership appointments

league space.

environments and customer needs.

designed to further strengthen its

Mark Humrichouser

Jim Schanz

sales organization and drive

KORBYT has appointed ANDREW

PPDS has appointed NICOLE

continued growth across the

ROBSON as CEO. Robson brings a

RUTHERFORD as new event

Americas. MARK

distinguished track record in the

marketing specialist. An

HUMRICHOUSER has been

financial services technology

accomplished business owner,

promoted to VP, sales, U.S.

sector, joining Korbyt from Verity,

leader, and marketing

headquarters and System

a provider of research Andrew Robson

In this expanded role, he oversees

analytics serving more than 350 financial services firms

day-to-day marketing efforts, including coordinating

brick and mortar sales,

globally. As CEO, Robson is focused on accelerating

logistics for trade shows and regional events, managing

e-commerce, SSG Americas sales,

Korbyt’s product innovation, strengthening customer

marketing assets, supporting digital and social content,

broadcast sales, SSG marketing,

engagement, expanding global market opportunities,

and driving brand awareness and engagement.

and regional SSG initiatives. JIM SCHANZ joined the

management software, data, and

professional for more than 10

Solutions Group (SSG) Americas.

Nicole Rutherford

years, Rutherford supports PPDS

and further scaling the Korbyt Anywhere platform.

RENKUS-HEINZ added TONY

company as executive director, system solutions sales, reporting to Humrichouser. He leads initiatives to

MULTIDYNE VIDEO AND FIBER

JACQUES as applications

strengthen pro audio channels, deepen customer

OPTIC SYSTEMS appointed ALEX

engineer. He serves as a key

relationships, and identify growth opportunities.

COLLINS as sales director, APAC.

technical resource for integrators,

Collins brings more than 20 years

consultants, and end users,

CHRISTIE’s parent company,

of experience across the

Ushio, has promoted MICHAEL

broadcast and Pro AV industries,

Tony Jacques

providing hands-on guidance and

including more than a decade of

Renkus-Heinz solutions across a wide range of

supporting the deployment of

PHIPPS to president and CEO of

Alex Collins

Christie Digital Systems and its

leadership and channel management expertise

applications. His career spans live sound, touring,

subsidiaries. Phipps succeeds

throughout Southeast Asia and broader APAC

installation, broadcast, and event production.

Takabumi Asahi, who held the

markets. He leads regional sales development,

position for two years and

channel partnerships, customer engagement, and

RIEDEL COMMUNICATIONS

continues as CEO of Ushio Group. Phipps joined

business expansion initiatives across APAC. Prior to

expanded its leadership structure,

Christie in 2008, becoming CFO in 2019 and president

joining MultiDyne, Collins held senior regional sales

appointing MARC ENGROFF CFO

and COO in 2024.

and channel management positions with Vizrt, Ross

while FRANK EISCHET transitions

Video, and Nevion.

into the role of COO of the Riedel

Michael Phipps

DIVERSIFIED has appointed

Tyler Affolter

Group. Engroff assumes

TYLER AFFOLTER as chief

PLANAR has expanded its U.S.

revenue officer (CRO) and VIRAL

sales force with the addition of

functions including finance,

TRIPATHI as chief information

ANTONIO DIAS and DOUGLAS

controlling, M&A, global

officer (CIO). Affolter leads

SCHOENHERR. Dias leads

purchasing, and IT. Eischet is now

Diversified’s global commercial

Planar’s sales initiatives across

dedicating greater focus to

organization, helping accelerate

the Western United States as

overarching priorities across the

regional sales director, bringing

Riedel Group, including strategic

Marc Engroff

responsibility for key corporate

growth across the company’s established media,

Antonio Dias

collaboration, and digital signage businesses while

nearly 20 years of Pro AV industry experience. He

Frank Eischet

extending those core strengths into broadcast and

previously held senior leadership roles at Crestron

and the continued development of global structures. He

experiential. Tripathi leads the company’s enterprise

Electronics supporting consultants, resellers, industry

continues to serve as managing director of Riedel

technology strategy, overseeing global IT across

partners, and end users. Schoenherr joins as the

Communications alongside Thomas Riedel.

12

SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

alignment, operational scalability,

BUSINESS

An AI Future Industry technologists discuss how AI is impacting Pro AV today and where we’re headed.

By Mark J. Pescatore

The best AI does not remove the human being from the experience; it makes the human more capable

A

within it.” rtificial intelligence has taken over Pro AV.

According to Phillips, AI is most powerful when it

At least, it feels that way. New products

helps designers, technicians, support teams, and end

tout “AI this” or “AI that.” Some folks

users work faster, smarter, and with greater

brag how AI is simplifying their inbox or streamlin-

confidence. “At AVI-SPL, for example, Symphony

ing their reports, while others fear for their jobs.

helps organizations monitor and manage assets

Every professional conversation somehow seems to

across the network, identify issues earlier, and

wind its way back to AI.

support users more proactively,” Phillips said. “That

Once we get past summaries that reduce hourlong meetings into bullet points and Instagram videos that trample on intellectual properties for

is a practical example of intelligence improving both operational performance and the user experience.”

In his role at Midwich, Chris Neto, head of

comedic effect, what does it all mean? From machine

emerging markets, revealed that AI is changing the

learning to large language models (LLMs), how is AI

conversation both internally at and with external

truly impacting the Pro AV industry today, and what

vendor partners. “‘Emerging markets’ used to mean

can we expect in the coming years?

geography. Now it also means capability,” he said.

“AI is only as effective as the data it ingests.”

Christine Schyvinck, Shure

To find the answers, SCN reached out to industry

“AI is accelerating that shift. Markets and verticals

presentation connectivity, hooray! If it gets in the

futurists and technologists to collect their thoughts

that may have lagged in the traditional sense now

way, VC partners get ornery.”

on the current state of AI in Pro AV—and explore

have the opportunity to leapfrog through software-

potential roadmaps into our industry’s next

driven, AI-enabled solutions.”

chapters.

Accentuate the Positive

And that’s where Neto’s role is evolving. “It’s no

Perceptions and Realities So, is AI being perceived in Pro AV as a godsend or a

longer just about identifying where growth might

job killer? If you ask Neto, it’s following a very

happen,” he said, “it’s about helping our teams

familiar pattern.

Julian Phillips, SVP and managing director of XTG,

within Midwich understand what’s possible and then

the AVI-SPL Experience Technology Group, has

extending that insight to our vendors and

the cloud, came with the same fear cycle,” he said.

spoken extensively about AI and last year released

manufacturer partners so we can move together,

“AI is just the latest iteration. The difference now is

LevAIthan: A Brief History of Humanity and AI, a book

faster and more strategically. AI doesn’t replace

the speed and accessibility. The people who see it as

co-authored with Athena, his AI assistant. In his

strategy, but it absolutely sharpens it.”

a job killer are usually thinking about tasks. The

book, he argued that we should stop calling it

Of course, the willingness to integrate AI with AV

“Every major shift, from DSP to networked AV to

people who see it as a tool are thinking about

“artificial intelligence” and start calling it

systems depends entirely on the client, said Rich

“augmented intelligence.” His point is that AI’s

Green, president and CEO of Rich Green Design.

greatest value is in strengthening people, not

“We’re still very early in the AI journey,” he said, “so

on automated workflows, and AI represents a new

replacing them.

what my clients demand is superb audio, superb

era for efficiency,” added David Labuskes, CEO of

video, and flawless connectivity. Our job as

AVIXA. “Adopting AI requires thoughtful

substitution. If we call it augmented intelligence,

integrators is to help them understand how AI fits

consideration of how it fits into current systems and

we think amplification,” he explained. “The

into their broader digital transformation strategy. If

processes. In some cases, it may accelerate tasks or

wording matters because language shapes strategy.

AI can improve speech intelligibility or automate

simplify programming, but the fundamentals

“If we call it artificial intelligence, we think

outcomes.”

“The Pro AV industry has always relied heavily

“AI doesn’t replace strategy, but it absolutely sharpens it.”

Chris Neto, Midwich

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BUSINESS

remain the same: Professionals are still defining the

work,” Green observed. “AI can help parse complex

goals, guiding the system, and validating the

RFPs, draft system narratives, cross-reference

outcomes.”

equipment specifications, and even generate

AVIXA maintained a pragmatic view of AI in its

first-pass signal flow documentation. Work that

education program at InfoComm 2026. “AVIXA is

used to take days can now take an hour. That’s not a

focused on what’s actually happening with AI

small thing because it frees up real time for the

today,” Labuskes said. “We’ve moved past the

higher-value, higher-judgment work that actually

phases of ‘AI will do everything’ and ‘AI isn’t doing

requires a human expert.”

most of those things.’ Instead, we’re now in a phase

That expertise is an indispensable part of

where practical applications are emerging and

equation. “We dare not underestimate the human in

adoption is steadily growing. Rather than focusing

the loop,” Green warned. “Nurturing talented and

on fears of widespread job loss, the emphasis is on

competent professional humans is the most

how people are actually using AI in their day-to-day

important path to sustained success and prosperity.

roles to work more efficiently and effectively.”

“Scale is how dealers can win with AI.”

The liability and the craft are still ours to own.”

Joe Andrulis, Biamp

a management initiative with no clear definition.

Phillips warned that AI literacy is vital in today’s Pro AV workplace, because AI is entering the workplace—whether people are ready for it or not.

“In modern Pro AV, understanding AI is becoming as important as understanding signal flow,” he said.

“AI literacy matters because it helps people separate real capability from hype. It helps them ask better questions, apply the tools responsibly, and have more credible conversations with customers who are already looking at how AI fits into their workplace strategies. This is not about keeping up, it’s about staying ahead.”

Joe Andrulis, EVP of corporate development for Biamp, expects AI will empower productivity gains, because it eliminates training barriers and helps workers come up to speed more rapidly. “With AI,

AV has always been built on relationships, trust, and experience, which Neto said AI can’t replace.

Instead, AI removes friction. “It handles the repeatable, the predictable, and the scalable, which frees us up to focus on what actually matters: creativity, customer experience, and quality service,” he said. “So no, it’s not killing jobs, but it is going to expose complacency.”

Based on discussions with clients and other integrators, Dave Van Hoy, president of Advanced Systems Group, said defining what AI is for Pro AV really depends on who you ask. “AI is a buzzword. AI is an initiative. AI is an actual functional tool. We’re at the evolution of these tools, where all these things are true,” he offered. “It’s in many applications. It’s

products get easier to implement because the

It’s being used today in everything from camera

products themselves incorporate artificial

tracking to closed captioning, graphics generation,

intelligence to make setup more dependable and to

and many other things.”

handle situations dynamically,” he explained.

while also ensuring a more standardized outcome

“However, I don’t know the net effect, positive or

across geographies,” he said. “In the past,

adoption. According to Labuskes, studies of AI use in

negative. I think the effect of AI will be varied by

customers were often willing to pay for high-value

the Pro AV workplace show significant growth in

sector and by application area. Some jobs are going

installation services, but that was very difficult for

implementation, along with increased recognition

to be greatly enhanced, and AI will be a big boost to

dealers to scale as the pool of qualified experts is

of its benefits, particularly since the rise of GenAI.

AV, while others might be negatively impacted.”

very limited. With AI, they are giving up some of that

“While AI continues to evolve, it is clearly becoming

high-value work, but in return they get scale. Scale

more deeply embedded within organizations,” he

is how dealers can win with AI.”

said, “and as adoption matures, its business impact

For example, Andrulis acknowledged that one of the big challenges in the dealer community has been finding qualified people. “The more that AV systems

AVIXA research shows a shift toward practical

will be increasingly measurable.”

can incorporate intelligence natively, the more

Aim Higher

easily integrators can install systems with less

“On the design and pre-construction side, AI tools

treating AI as a productivity hack, rather than as a

specialized workers, which can make it easier to hire

are meaningfully accelerating how integrators

“partner in exploration” that can help teams model

But Phillips believes too many organizations are

“Pro AV is at the very beginning of the practical applications of AI.” Dave Van Hoy, ASG

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BUSINESS

“As adoption matures, its business impact will be increasingly measurable.”

David Labuskes, AVIXA

possibilities, test ideas faster, identify patterns, and

anymore, they’re baseline expectations.”

agreed Christine Schyvinck, president and CEO of

solve problems. “If we’re implementing AI just to

However, when it comes to AI and UCC, Neto

make us faster,” he argued, “we’re aiming too low.”

thinks the industry needs a reality check. “AI is only

its job and for end users to experience greater

as good as the environment it’s operating in,” he

productivity.”

Present Practicalities

explained. “We can’t talk about AI-driven

Shure, “so pristine audio is paramount for AI to do

In other words, speech intelligibility should now

In the real world, AI features have gone from

transcription and translation, arguably two of the

be considered foundational for meeting spaces. Poor

nice-to-have to expected faster than most people

most in-demand features from end users, without

acoustics lead to poor data, which leads to poor

realize. “Walk into any modern meeting space, and

talking about acoustics. If the room sounds bad, the

outcomes.

AI is already there—whether people call it that or

AI performs badly. It’s that simple.”

“So, while AI is raising the bar for what these

not,” Neto offered. “Auto-framing, speaker

Shure is already integrating AI into its products

systems can do, it’s also raising the bar for how we

tracking, noise cancellation, transcription,

to provide intelligent noise suppression and voice

design spaces,” Neto advised. “Integrators and

translation. These aren’t futuristic features

focus. “AI is only as effective as the data it ingests,”

designers need to think beyond the camera and the

avnetwork.com // July 2026 // SCN

17

BUSINESS

“If we’re implementing AI just to make us faster, we’re aiming too low.”

Julian Phillips, XTG

codec and start with the room itself. Because at the

pain points,” she explained. “It enhances meeting

is yet to come. “Today, AI can take care of many

end of the day, if the AI can’t clearly understand

intelligence, workflow automation, personalization,

mundane tasks,” he said. “As we go forward, it will

what’s being said, everything else falls apart.”

and analytics.”

be able to do more sophisticated things, including

Improving Products

AI is certainly improving Biamp products—for

technical direct productions and allow voice control

example, cameras include auto zoom and focus as

of AV systems for unattended use. The applications

Schyvinck believes AI can be a game changer when it

well as tilting capabilities, while AI noise reduction is

will continue to evolve, particularly in the routine

comes to product development—with the right

helping to improve voice intelligibility in ways that

applications where humans provide the least

governance, policies, and planning. At her company,

users may not even realize. “Thinking broadly, AI is

creative value.”

AI is not only assisting with the process, it’s making

enabling products to become easier to use while also

product development more effective and efficient.

becoming more flexible,” Andrulis said. “AI

hardware to adaptive learning systems. “End users

“AI has definitely helped accelerate many tasks,

Schyvinck has already seen the shift from static

software, such as Biamp Launch, is now embedded

want meetings that automatically generate, track,

which can help us bring products to market faster,”

into system programming, including auto setup and

and facilitate action items and tasks,” she explained.

Schyvinck noted. “It is especially well suited for

auto tuning.

“They want rooms that self-diagnose issues and

rapid prototyping. AI assists with learning and

“This is useful beyond just installation, as it can

trigger support workflows or even self-heal.”

acquiring user feedback earlier in the development

adapt to changes in the environment. As a result, the

Green agreed that platforms that can flag

process, which is something we value a great deal at

end user is getting a much more polished experience

anomalies in system behavior before a client even

Shure because of our focus on customer input.”

in a wider set of use cases,” Andrulis added. “It’s all

notices a problem are a “genuine operational win”

happening more efficiently and at lower cost, with

for integrators and end users. “AI-enhanced

products for years, and it serves a critical role in

overall better performance and without any overt

knowledge management systems for system

today’s UCC products. “ AI helps with hybrid work

action from individuals.”

integrators and support technicians will be a game

Schyvinck said Shure has been leveraging AI in its

Predictions and Next Steps

changer,” he predicted.

Voice control in professional environments needs attention, Green said, mostly because

AI has already made some

consumer voice AI tech can’t be used due to

pretty impressive

cybersecurity and privacy concerns. However, he

technological strides. As

expects agentic AI, which makes its own decisions

Labuskes said, “While our

and takes action, to have a significant impact on

eyes are on how AI is

system interoperability. “It’s a wild frontier fraught

being used in practical AV

with hazards but improving exponentially,” he

applications, we’re also

added. “That’s the space to watch right now.”

tracking its potential to make huge shifts across

A Word of Warning

the industry.”

For Neto, the future of AI in Pro AV is about better

Coming soon, look for

overall experiences, not features. The industry is

continued growth in Edge

heading toward environments that are context-

AI, which is the practice of

aware spaces that “understand who’s in the room,

running AI locally on AV

what they’re trying to do, and adjust in real time

devices instead of sending

without manual intervention.”

it to the cloud. And beyond

However, that kind of AI integration should

that is Physical AI, which

probably come with a warning sticker. “Just because

combines sensors and

we can automate everything doesn’t mean we

control systems with AI to

should,” Neto said. “There’s a balance between

create meeting rooms that

intelligent and intrusive. The winners won’t be the

essentially run

ones who cram in the most AI; they’ll be the ones

themselves.

who use it with purpose thoughtfully, transparently,

Van Hoy said the best

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BUSINESS

“AI tools are meaningfully accelerating how integrators work.”

Rich Green, Rich Green Design

better, not more complicated.”

interoperability and standardization layer still

about audio and video sensors,” he said, “and as

needs improvement. “Integrated systems can be

they become more widely used and data is processed

integrator’s point of contact, and they are

sourced from a dozen different manufacturers, and

more intelligently, there are valid concerns about

“extremely cautious” about introducing AI.

the AI features often live in proprietary ecosystems

surveillance or the misuse of personal information.

“Cybersecurity is top of mind in these firms. AI

that don’t talk to each other elegantly,” he noted.

Users may not even be aware it’s happening.

poses new threats, often cleverly disguised,” he

“The industry needs either stronger open standards

“The good news is that as we get more

explained. “It’s best to defer to predictable

or deeper partnerships at the platform level before

information, we can do even more wonderful things

reliability and hold off on AI tricks in these

AI can reach its full potential in a fully integrated

with that information, but that is assuming good

environments. Sophisticated clients can see right

system.”

intentions,” he continued. “Bad actors can use that

For Green, the IT manager is often the

through them.”

While AI-driven diagnostics and remote monitoring are maturing, Green said the

Andrulis had his own warning—about

information in ways that do not benefit end users.

unintended consequences. “As the systems become

There is a potential dark side to this paradigm and as

smarter, we need to recognize that our industry is

an industry we need to be cognizant of that.”

BUSINESS CLASSROOM AV

Accessibility on Campus AI-based technologies are changing the captioning and translation landscape in education.

By Bill Bennett

L

that have been increasing at federal, state, and local

custom word libraries, word filtering and substitution,

levels regarding accessibility. For example, “WCAG 2.1

automated indication of speaker change, automated

Level AA” codifies the Department of Justice’s final

punctuation insertion, a documented API for

earning environments have endured a seismic

rule on ADA Title II with respect to online content for

automation, file-based access to transcripts and

shift over the past five years, as classroom and

public entities, including K-12 districts and public

sidecar files (used for adding captions to videos), and a

instructional models were transformed first

universities. So, in many situations, captioning is

live data feed to get captions and translation out to

required, not just helpful.

other platforms and systems. That’s quite a list, but

through necessity and subsequently through new behaviors and preferences born through change. AV

they all matter when it comes to performance.

technology has played a substantial role along the

Diversity Abounds

way, from bringing physical and remote learners

The community that makes up an education student

filter to know the right spelling (for example,

together through UC platforms to enhancing

body has evolved over the decades. Today, you’ll find

“they’re,” “their,” or “there”), with latencies of three

collaboration through streamlined connectivity

students of all ages and from diverse backgrounds as

to four seconds for native captions. An additional

and control technologies.

international as any United Nations event. With that

second or two is acceptable for translations. The field

comes all manner of hearing abilities and languages—

of translation is evolving rapidly and getting better at

role in this changing classroom technology landscape,

but that doesn’t mean any of those languages are

managing word-order differences between languages.

with beamforming microphones and camera tracking

what’s being spoken in the room.

AI-based technologies have increasingly played a

The better AI captioning systems add a grammar

Voice fingerprinting is also coming along fast. At

technology among the first to make a difference in our

Add to that the art of multitasking by many of

evolving education environments. Today, they have

today’s students, where they slice their time in the

someone’s voice in isolation so that the AI could ID the

become powerful tools to help expand access to

classroom (if they’re in a room with others at all)

voice. It had time to process the file and provide their

spoken word content across languages and models in

across multiple activities and devices while lectures

name along with their captioned words. Now, it’s

real time with on-demand subsequent access just as

and classmate conversations unfold. Like me, some

possible to do this in real time with live captions as

easy (and expected) for the learners to access.

prefer to read transcripts rather than watch a video or

people speak, thanks to high-speed GPU processing.

We’ve all become accustomed to live tools on our

listen to an audio recording; they may be a faster

first, in file-based material, a system could identify

One of the easiest ways to make spoken word

phones that can caption the words of the person in

reader or their setting may just be more conducive to

content easier for folks in the classroom to absorb and

front of us, including real-time translations, and even

reading a transcript rather than experiencing a lecture

retain is with a caption video display. Tech by

re-speaking those words in a language we best

in real time.

companies such as ENCO makes this simple, with a

understand. These capabilities (and much more) are

These are the dynamics that have propelled AI

local NUC-type PC running totally on-prem, using no

possible today to help learning become more

captioning or translation from advantageous to

internet, taking a local in-room mic feed, and

accessible, efficient, and comprehensible.

must-have. When evaluating these valuable solutions,

displaying text captions on a video monitor of any size

buyers should consider aspects such as flexible

in real time.

Besides all the “magic” AI can bring to maximize learning and understanding, there are also regulations A caption video display is one of the easiest ways to make spoken word content easier for students in the classroom to absorb and retain.

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pricing, ease of setup, accuracy, latency, allowance for

Further, those captions can be sent to mobile sites or

CLASSROOM AV BUSINESS

apps or other devices and recorded as text transcripts.

and comments that inevitably take place. Some

tools are there to help make this highly affordable,

After all, it’s just data. Then, those transcripts can be

caption systems can even label the speakers, for

flexible, and deployable across a variety of situations,

married with video or audio recordings of the sessions

example, as “lecturer” and “student.”

buildings, technical environments, and other

later, making them highly searchable for students who

When learning is paramount, the best educational

want to go back and review targeted material again. All

environments make available the course material and

Bill Bennett is the product design and solutions

this can happen while allowing the instructors to upload

dialogues in as many ways as the learner can absorb. AI

manager for ENCO.

requirements.

custom word libraries, so the AI systems have a leg up on knowing about complex or uniquely spelled words and technical jargon.

This same technology is available today to support students who may not speak the native tongue. In some cases, you might need an Internet connection for live translations, but more companies are providing entire on-prem live translation capabilities as well.

Users can even display both the in-room language captions and various other live transitions on the same screens or on other screens or devices in the room.

(And don’t forget those multi-lingual transcripts.)

Keep in mind that many students also learn remotely. Today’s technology can deliver these same live captions to where they learn, while still originating from the room where the little NUC computer resides.

However, those captions and translations require relay through a public web server following standard datasec/cybersecurity policies. They can also be passed onto streaming encoders to feed streaming CDNs, a method traditionally closer to the proven CEA608/708 closed captions that broadcasters use.

The Third Rail Captions and transcripts are very much the “third rail” of content. When coupled with audio and video (live or recorded), they can be the gateway to identifying essential nuggets of information within hours of long recordings. Searchable transcripts can quickly return results—and with the right content management system, users can instantly link to the point in a recording where something specific was mentioned.

While smaller institutions might need an in-room, off-network portable caption cart for occasional captioning and translation needs, what if there are dozens of rooms that require captions? Not a problem—remember, it’s all just data.

A central cluster of campus servers can feed classrooms around a connected campus, employing useful signal routing capabilities such as audio over IP to get in-room audio to the central servers. The same infrastructure can bring the caption text data back to the room to show on a video monitor via a tiny Raspberry Pi or similar small computer, with its web browser looking back to the proper server.

You can also bank transcripts from all the sessions, allowing students to access them later (based on user authentication controls, since not everyone has access to every class). An overall “conductor” application can oversee when sessions are routed to a caption engine where the captions and transcripts can be accessed.

The ability to caption speakers isn’t limited to the lecturer up front, of course, as ceiling-mount or other additional microphones can capture student questions

avnetwork.com // July 2026 // SCN

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THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

HOUSE OF WORSHIP SPONSORED BY ABSEN • ATLASIED • DAS AUDIO • LYNTEC • RIEDEL

Volunteer-Friendly AV House of worship integrators emphasize the importance of balancing needs with budgets and long-term scalability.

By Jennifer Guhl

and overall image quality,” Anderson said.

The new workflow is now built around four

H

Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus G2s and an URSA

lean toward PTZ cameras due to staffing, but those systems often don’t scale well,” he said.

Anderson emphasized the importance of selecting

ybrid worship has continued to surge in

Mini Pro 4.6K G2, all feeding into the production booth

technology that provides consistency and scalability,

popularity long after the pandemic made it

via SDI wall plates throughout the sanctuary. “The

supports volunteer-centered workflows, and enables

a necessity for many houses of worship. For

fantastic quality of the touchscreen monitors on the

the long-term delivery of live and prerecorded

Tennessee’s RockPoint Church Chattanooga, which

Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus G2s—paired with

content. For example, RockPoint’s production

has seen about 20% of its weekly congregation join

dials to quickly change contrast, brightness, and focus

environment also supports prerecording testimonials,

virtually, online engagement has been critical to its

peaking strength—makes everything so simple for

internal communications, and media initiatives. “The

ministry outreach.

operators,” Anderson said.

same gear that runs your services should be earning its

“Online isn’t an afterthought or an overflow; it’s a

Two of the wing-positioned cameras include

keep the rest of the week, too,” he added.

meaningful portion of our congregation,” said Brad

Blackmagic Focus Demand, which helps reduce

Anderson of HyperLite Media, who serves on the

operator fatigue during services. Volunteer usability is

Budget vs. Needs

church’s production team and consults on technology

a major part of the church’s production philosophy,

RockPoint highlighted the need to select technology

upgrades. “For first-time guests, the livestream is

and all technology choices are made with that in mind.

that can scale and to put volunteer usability at the

often the first impression they have of RockPoint before they ever walk through the doors.”

With that in mind, RockPoint recently partnered with Blackmagic Design to deliver a seamless experience for both in-person and online audiences.

“Volunteer friendliness is the whole game in a

forefront. Other integrators that specialize in working

church environment,” Anderson explained. “Our

with houses of worship couldn’t agree more—and also

system must be easily operable by volunteers who may

highlighted the careful balance many navigate

only serve once a month on a Sunday morning.”

between adopting the latest and greatest AV

The ATEM Constellation switcher is paired with an

technology, meeting their actual needs, and staying

Its upgraded production environment includes

ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel, along with a HyperDeck

Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus G2s, an ATEM 2

Studio Pro deck, UltraStudio 4K capture and playback

M/E Constellation HD live production switcher, and an

device, DeckLink Duo 2 video capture/playback card,

not the other way around,” said Jared Rich, account

URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 digital film camera that

and a dedicated livestreaming computer. “For

executive, faith and performance, for Diversified, He

supports both I-MAG and livestream production.

reliability, the unified ecosystem is doing a lot of the

stressed the importance of identifying what matters

work—fewer adapters, fewer protocol bridges, fewer

most for the ministry, whether that is online

points where something can fail,” Anderson added.

engagement, atmosphere, or speech intelligibility,

Dealing with Issues

within their set budget.

“The mission should always drive the technology,

Before transitioning to Blackmagic Design, the church

For other houses of worship considering similar

and then focusing on investments that remove

operated a mixed-camera setup that had noticeable

upgrades, Anderson believes this project offers some

distractions and strengthen the ability to get the

issues during services. “When we cut between cameras,

good takeaways. “Many churches don’t have clear

message across.

you could see the mismatch in color, dynamic range,

guidance on where to start with video production and

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Then the focus turns to the budget, and balancing

INTEGRATION GUIDE HOUSE OF WORSHIP

the vision with budget realities can be one of

intimidate them.”

the biggest challenges. Rob Bender, CEO of

The Wave team includes many individuals

Wave, works with houses of worship facing

with firsthand ministry experience, which

budget constraints to identify opportunities

shapes their approach to systems integration

to reuse existing equipment or build systems

and to the understanding that most teams are

that can scale over time, rather than being

made up of non-professionals. “They may

integrated all at once.

not have a clue about mixing and being a

“Dream, figure out what the end goal is,” Bender said. “Put the infrastructure in to

sound engineer,” Bender said. “So, let’s not From left, Brad Anderson, Jared Rich, and Rob Bender

support that. Don’t buy the camera or the LED

build a really good system, but then also let’s

wall right now, but put enough power in so that the

where the church made a point of investing in scalable

LED wall can be hung.”

infrastructure. “We’d rather buy once and grow into it

One of the biggest budgeting mistakes Rich sees is “underestimating infrastructure and lifecycle costs while over-focusing on visible gear.” Many spend

sell them the most complicated system. Let’s build in the controls and the pieces that are there.”

To simplify operations, Wave incorporates custom

than have to revisit core infrastructure every few

Q-SYS control systems built with a one-button

years,” Anderson noted.

approach. “It turns on the lights, turns on the projector, just does the simple things. It’s very

most of their budget on cameras, LED walls, or

Keep It Simple

consoles, while overlooking the essentials that ensure

The other key is volunteer usability, since many

a reliable experience, such as acoustics, power,

houses of worship rely on a mostly volunteer staff. As a

volunteers feel comfortable operating the technology.

networking, rigging, and long-term support.

result, AV designs need to prioritize reliability,

It’s important for integrators to spend time on site

predictability, and ease of use.

after integration to provide the necessary training for

Rich emphasized the importance of long-term scalability and of designing a system with a future-

Beyond the selected technology, Diversified

user-friendly,” Bender said.

Training also plays a major role in making sure

church teams and volunteers.

ready mindset, thereby limiting the need for houses of

emphasizes training to ensure volunteers feel confident

worship to undertake expensive rebuilds years down

and comfortable using it to its fullest. “A well-designed

the keys, and you’ve never even set foot in the race

the road. “As we say internally, cheap gear is often the

system isn’t just technically impressive, it’s

car,” Bender offered. “So, let’s not give them a

most expensive choice long term,” said Rich.

understandable under pressure,” said Rich.

Ferrari—let’s give them a really nice car, and then

“Technology should empower volunteers, not

let’s teach them how to actually drive the car.”

This was evident in the upgrades at RockPoint,

24

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“We don’t want to sell you the Ferrari and give you

INTEGRATION GUIDE HOUSE OF WORSHIP

At Issue

How does the use of volunteer crews impact house of worship AV design and product selection?

Fernando Correa

Gina Sansivero

example, intelligent power control offers automated

VP Marketing and Corporate Communications, AtlasIED

sequencing, removing the guesswork from powering

House of worship AV systems must deliver

right order. High volunteer rotations or turnover also

complex and expensive AVL systems on or off in the

high-quality performance for both in-person and

argues for consistent training programs and systems

virtual attendees while remaining reliable and

that reduce manual steps, minimizing the risk of

consistent. As a result, many integrators prefer

equipment damage and protecting the investment

manufacturers that offer easily configurable, low-

churches make in their facilities.

maintenance technology solutions that can be fully

Joshua Harrison

Consultant Liaison, Absen

commissioned and left in place without ongoing

Volunteer-driven environments

adjustment. AtlasIED’s Aimline Series beam-steerable

continue to shape how house of worship

loudspeakers allow integrators to configure systems

Regional Sales Manager, Riedel Communications

AV systems are designed, specified, and supported. For

quickly without extensive troubleshooting. This process

Volunteer crews have a major impact on

consultants and integrators, technology selection is

can halve setup time, reducing time spent on site while

house of worship AV design and product selection,

no longer based solely on performance, but on how

ensuring church staff and volunteer crews never have to

making ease of use, reliability, and workflow simplicity

confidently volunteer teams can operate the system

worry about modifying settings after installation.

essential. For Riedel Communications, this means

week after week. Simplified workflows, intuitive control, preset recall, reliability, and long-term

Chris Bishop

delivering solutions that reduce operational complexity while maintaining professional-grade performance. In

support are now critical factors in product evaluation.

National Sales Director, LynTec

many worship settings, volunteer turnover and limited

For dvLED solutions, this means displays must deliver

Because most churches rely on rotating,

technical training make reliability and intuitive

not only exceptional visual performance, but also

mixed-skill volunteers rather than paid

workflows especially important. Integrated solutions

operational simplicity, fast serviceability, and

technical staff, systems must be intuitive for anyone

that combine communications, control, and media

dependable system stability. Absen recognizes the

to operate. For AV designers, this drives product

infrastructure help reduce setup time and operational

importance of designing solutions that help reduce

selection toward solutions that focus on

errors, allowing volunteers to focus less on technology

complexity for volunteer operators while supporting

automation—power sequencing, simplified startup

and more on supporting the worship experience. For

integrators with training, technical resources, and

workflows, room control—to provide reliable

houses of worship, the priority is deploying systems

responsive support.

protection against accidental operator error. For

that are approachable, dependable, and scalable.

26

SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

HOUSE OF WORSHIP INTEGRATION GUIDE AtlasIED Aimline Series

full 20A load to one device or split it between two. The

Achieving clear audio in houses of worship

plug-and-play operation, and supports onboard RDM

can be challenging due to factors like

for independent per-output DMX addressing in more

reverberation and unique architecture.

complex configurations. It’s also UL Listed with CE

Beam steering loudspeakers offer an

and cMET certifications for domestic and

effective solution by directing sound

international deployments.

where it’s needed while maintaining

and algorithms to provide flexible,

Riedel Bolero Standalone

the aesthetics of the space. AtlasIED’s Aimline Series utilizes advanced DSP

Absen PL V2

unit ships in DMX sensing mode for immediate

steerable audio coverage. Easily

Riedel Bolero

Absen’s recommended LED solutions for worship

configurable and suitable for

Standalone

spaces combine visual performance, flexible

sanctuaries of any size, the Aimline ALX-D ensures

delivers reliable,

installation, and intuitive operation to elevate the

intelligible speech and rich music reproduction,

high-quality wireless

congregation experience. The PL V2 Series delivers

enhancing the worship experience.

communications tailored for house of worship

ultra-black technology, HDR imaging, curved

environments. Designed for simple deployment

maintenance for dynamic, immersive environments.

LynTec DMX Dual Relay

The NX Series features a sleek 16:9 design, advanced

The LynTec DMX Dual

secure, interference-resistant communications

color management, low blue light protection, and

Relay (DDR) is a

across sanctuaries, campuses, and live event spaces.

simplified control, ensuring vibrant visuals, enhanced

compact, IP65-rated

Its intuitive beltpacks, exceptional audio quality, and

engagement, and reliable performance for modern

power control module

flexible coverage support seamless coordination

houses of worship. The two core solutions are used

that brings intelligent,

between production, stage, and ministry teams. Easy

depending on the space, distance, and design

distributed relay control to professional AV, lighting,

to scale and operate, Bolero Standalone helps houses

objectives. The solutions come in multiple cabinet

and production systems. A single 20A input feeds two

of worship stay connected while keeping technology

sizes and pixel pitches.

20A PowerKon outputs, allowing integrators to pass a

simple and unobtrusive.

installation capabilities, and easy front/rear

without requiring a full matrix system, Bolero Standalone gives worship teams and volunteer crews

avnetwork.com // July 2026 // SCN

27

TECHNOLOGY MISSION-CRITICAL VIDEO

AI at the Edge Mission-critical video is being transformed for situational awareness.

Video Overload Operators working in mission-critical environments are often tasked with monitoring multiple video feeds simultaneously. In some operations centers, teams may oversee dozens of live streams at once. During field operations, where fewer video feeds are typically available, the reduced number of video feeds create

By Adam Teeple

S

on immediate, locally processed video to make rapid

increased pressure on quick, yet accurate, decision

decisions under dynamic and high‑risk conditions.

making.

Public safety agencies rely on similar capabilities.

This is where AI is starting to play a bigger role. AI

ituational awareness across defense, public

Police departments integrate video from helicopters,

can analyze visual data in real time as well as identify

safety, and emergency response operations

drones, fixed surveillance systems, and body‑worn

objects or activities, so teams can make faster decisions

is built on one critical resource: timely access

cameras to support investigations and real‑time

or use the information later to spot patterns and support

to accurate visual information. Whether it is an

incident management in the field. Fire departments

investigations. AI-powered video analysis introduces

unmanned aircraft surveying a contested environ-

increasingly deploy aerial drones during wildfire

several capabilities that significantly improve how

ment, a helicopter supporting search-and-rescue

response to assess fire behavior, track fire lines, and

mission-critical video is used.

operations, or a drone monitoring the spread of a

identify potential risks to firefighters on the ground.

wildfire, video has become one of the most valuable

Search-and-rescue teams also use aerial video to

widely used video-based AI capabilities is object

sources of operational intelligence.

expand coverage across vast terrain, monitoring these

detection using computer vision algorithms. AI

feeds for visual clues that might otherwise go

models can automatically identify and classify objects

unnoticed from the ground.

within a video stream, such as vehicles, individuals,

But raw video alone is not enough. The value of video lies in how quickly it can be delivered, processed, interpreted, and acted upon. Behind every

What these scenarios share is a reliance on

Object Detection and Recognition: One of the most

vessels, or aircraft. Instead of reviewing entire

mission-critical video feed is a complex ecosystem of

real-time video transport and edge-based processing.

recordings, analysts can quickly locate moments

technologies responsible for encoding, transporting,

Video must move quickly and securely from the field to

where specific events occurred.

transcoding, and displaying video across networks

command and tactical operations centers (TOCs),

AI‑enabled video analysis enhances mission-

that may be bandwidth-constrained, unreliable, or

often across multiple networks and systems. The

critical operations across defense, public safety, and

contested. This increases the need for edge-based

workflows behind these operations must

search-and-rescue by rapidly identifying key elements

technologies, which operate directly in the field,

accommodate different video formats, varying

within live or recorded imagery. For example, in military

closest to where events are unfolding, where timely

bandwidth availability, and multiple viewing

reconnaissance, automated detection can flag even

situational awareness is most critical and

destinations simultaneously.

hard-to-see vehicle movement within a surveillance

connectivity to centralized processing or analysis cannot always be guaranteed.

Video encoders compress and prepare feeds for

zone, eliminating the need to manually scan hours of

transmission. Transcoders adapt those streams to

footage. During wildfire response, the same capabilities

As missions become more complex and the

different network conditions or viewing platforms.

help identify hotspots, vehicles, or structures, giving

number of video sources continues to grow, the

Players and visualization systems allow operators to

incident commanders faster insight into emerging risks.

industry is increasingly turning to AI to help

view, analyze, and share information in real time.

For search-and-rescue teams, AI can highlight

transform video from a passive stream of imagery

These components work together to ensure that

potential human figures in aerial imagery, dramatically

into actionable insight. When applied correctly, AI

decision makers receive the video they need when they

reducing search time in sea rescues, difficult terrain, or

enhances existing video workflows; enabling more

need it. However, as the number of video sources

other low‑visibility environments.

accurate interpretation, reducing cognitive load on

grows, so does the complexity of processing and

operators, and helping teams focus on the

interpreting them—and in environments where

workflows through a process called structured

information that matters most.

connectivity may be intermittent or constrained, edge

observation management (SOM), which generates

processing can make the difference between receiving

additional metadata such as image chips of detected

actionable information in seconds versus minutes.

objects, timestamps, geographic coordinates, or

A Growing Role

Metadata Enrichment: AI also enhances video

Video has become central to modern

movement vectors. When combined with

defense and civilian operations, which

traditional video metadata, it creates a richer

increasingly rely on edge‑based personnel

data environment that allows operators to

to process and act on real‑time video

search, filter, and analyze video more

insights even when connectivity to central

effectively.

systems is limited.

In military and defense operations,

Pattern Recognition and Behavioral Analysis (GEOINT AI): Geospatial intelligence

full-motion video from unmanned aerial

artificial intelligence (GEOINT AI) is the

vehicles (UAVs), manned aircraft, and

National Geospatial Agency’s term for

ground-based systems provides

utilizing SOM to enable analysis of patterns

commanders with real-time insight into

and behaviors within geospatial data,

evolving situations. These feeds allow teams

including video. For example, a vehicle

to monitor troop movements, identify potential threats, and coordinate responses across multiple operational units. At the edge, forward‑deployed teams, UAV operators, and tactical analysts rely

28

SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

Real‑time video is processed by the Shield AI Tracker object detection solution, converted into detections and stored using Haivision’s rugged Kraken X1 video processing platform, and subsequently visualized through the Haivision Play ISR video player.

MISSION-CRITICAL VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

repeatedly circling a location or an object moving

visual information.

against expected traffic patterns may indicate a

The goal is not to replace human expertise, but to

with AI-driven analysis, mission-critical organizations are moving closer to a future where

situation that requires closer investigation. These

ensure that operators receive the right information at

situational awareness is not limited by the volume of

capabilities are particularly valuable in large-scale

the right moment. In high-stakes environments

available data but enhanced by it.

monitoring operations where the environment is

where decisions must be made quickly, that difference

Adam Teeple is VP of product management at

constantly changing.

can be critical. By combining real-time video transport

Haivision.

Balancing AI with Security Another important shift in mission-critical video workflows is the movement of AI processing closer to the edge. In many deployments, this intelligence runs directly on field-deployed encoding systems mounted on vehicles, aircraft, or portable command units.

Rugged edge devices, such as the Haivision Kraken X1 Rugged video processing appliance, illustrate how modern video encoders are increasingly designed not only to encode and transport video reliably, but also to support processing capabilities that help reduce bandwidth requirements and accelerate situational insight. This approach reduces network load while enabling faster insights for operators.

By performing object detection before transmission, systems can prioritize sending only the most relevant information. In many cases, full-motion video no longer needs to traverse constrained networks. Instead, detections, including cropped images of detected objects and metadata, are transmitted to inform which streams should be prioritized for further review.

Despite the clear benefits of AI in video workflows, security remains a primary concern in many missioncritical environments. Defense organizations and public safety agencies often operate under strict requirements governing how information is processed, transmitted, and stored.

The good news is that modern AI implementations do not require data to leave secure environments. AI models can be deployed locally within trusted infrastructure, whether in mobile edge devices, tactical systems, or secured data centers, ensuring sensitive video content remains within controlled networks.

Additionally, AI processing can occur without the need to permanently store video. Systems can analyze incoming footage in real time to generate operational metadata, then discard the raw frames once processing is complete. This approach allows organizations to extract AI-driven insights while reducing data duplication and maintaining strict control over sensitive information.

Encryption, authentication, and secure video transport protocols remain essential components of these workflows. AI should enhance operational capabilities without introducing new vulnerabilities.

Operational Intelligence The role of video in mission-critical operations will only continue to grow. AI will play a key role in helping organizations manage this scale. Rather than simply delivering video from point A to point B, modern video workflows are evolving into intelligent systems capable of analyzing, prioritizing, and contextualizing

avnetwork.com // July 2026 // SCN

29

TECHNOLOGY AI PRODUCTION Grok created this image of Katie the Catepillar for my children’s film.

Grok struggled with creating Saly the Saw.

Mark the Hammer has more of a clay animation look, again created by telling Grok what I wanted.

IMAGES CREATED BY GROK

No Drawing Required A long forgotten animation project gets a shot at completion with AI.

By Chuck Gloman

I

was able to use Abobe Premiere Pro to make a stereo

expression on the character’s face. Several times I had

version.

to hit the “Redo” button because it would add bizarre

I had some familiarity with Grok (an AI assistant

things that I didn’t really need.

n 2012, I wrote a four-minute children’s film,

from xAI), having used it for The Great Rexall Rescue,

Once I found what I wanted, I would select “Up

My Garden Pals. The story concerned a female

and decided to use it to bring My Garden Pals to life. I

Res” to make the footage 1,504x832 at 24p. I’m not

caterpillar (Katie), a child’s hammer (Mark), and

typed in the description of the first character, Katie the

sure how it arrived at those specific numbers, but I

a child’s saw (Saly) that were left out in the garden

Caterpillar. The information in the script said, “Katie

could use “Scale” under Effect Controls in Premiere to

to fend for themselves. I was able to get three of my

was chewing on some grass in the small backyard.

make it larger. At that point, I would download the file.

students to record the character voiceovers, and I

She’s clearly a female caterpillar because she has a

I now had a completed file with video and audio.

videotaped their performance in the hopes that a

large bow on her one hair. Her eyes are too small for

computer science major would be able to lip sync the

her face, and her mouth is overly large. Tiny, useless

in the next line of dialog that Katie the Caterpillar

animated characters and bring the story to life.

arms hang down at her side.”

would say. All of Katie’s lines in the script were done in

Unfortunately, while every student I approached

Using the previous video just created, I would type

With this information, I let Grok do its work and

one sitting. I found it easier to do all of Katie’s shots

liked the idea, none had the time to commit to

generate a still frame. After about 60 seconds, I had

first, followed by the shots of the other characters.

animating the 2D (or preferably 3D) comedy. Not being

more than 50 different examples of what Grok thought

As I was just typing in the audio and what I wanted

able to find anyone to work on the project, I removed

my caterpillar should look like. I selected the one that I

the character to do, I also wanted to add reaction shots.

the assets from my hard drive, stored them on one of

thought was best.

When Katie was talking, I may need a reaction shot

my backup drives, and stuck it in the closet. There it sat for 14 years.

Back in the Game

Watch What You Type

from Mark the Hammer or Saly the Saw. Again, I would simply type in what I envisioned the other character

The next step was to type in Katie’s audio and have the

doing with eye gestures, mouth movements, and

animated character speak the words. This I got directly

expressions, and Grok would complete it.

Fast forward to December 2025. I just completed an

from the script. I would begin with typing, “Create a

I did all of Mark the Hammer’s shots next.

animation project where the boxes and bottles in a

video having the caterpillar saying…” I made sure I

Although he was a slightly mean character, I had

medicine cabinet come to life and try to save a tin of

selected the aspect ratio (16:9) and “Fun” or

envisioned a Wallace and Gromit clay animation look.

Rexall milk of magnesia tablets that had been left on

“Normal” for the style of video. After another 60

Putting all this in Grok, it appeared as you see it in the

the sink. I had intended to use stop motion animation,

seconds, I had the caterpillar speaking the exact script.

photo, complete with tooth marks on the hammer. The

Each video scenario/shot generated was limited

last character, Saly the Saw, was all done at once, too.

but I found it easier to complete the project using AI. With that project successfully completed, I thought

to eight seconds in the free version. Free is no longer

This all sounds relatively painless. However, it

AI would be a great way to bring that old children’s film

an option, as Grok now charges $30 per month, but

wasn’t quite that easy. Although the version of Grok that

over the finish line. Of course, the first challenge was to

videos can now be up to 12 seconds in 720p (or 30

I used was free and had no watermark, there were some

find where I put the footage. Eventually, I located the

seconds in 480p).

things I had to work around. For example, I needed

hard drive in a box and copied the video and audio of

The AI-generated video and audio would add a

several e-mail addresses to login to the software. After

my former students speaking the lines. Although the

little background music, the dialogue (spoken in a

several hours of work, I got locked out of the software

audio was recorded in mono (left channel only), and I

female voice), and end with a music stinger or some

because I overused my free allotment of time. In my

30

SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

AI PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

defense, it never told me what my free allotment was.

Watching the final project dozens and dozens of

I had tried other AI software, and you needed

times, little issues were corrected, inconsistencies in the

converted to 3D characters. Looking forward to seeing

carrots or coins that would rapidly disappear as soon

characters were fixed, and music and sound effects were

how Grok brings that project to life.

as you started working. Then, the software would

added at the appropriate places. Now that I have this

Chuck Gloman is an associate professor of the TV/

request you get a license. Also, if I tried to do too much

film under my belt, I found another short project that I

Film Department at DeSales University. Contact him

in one sitting, Grok would tell me that the hours of 2-8

started in 2016 about three young women who are tired

at chuck.gloman@desales.edu.

of being 2D characters and go see a wizard to be

p.m. were best suited for my needs, as 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. were “peak” hours. I rarely got much work done before 2 p.m. with my teaching schedule, but after 2 p.m. the software was less sluggish. (Again, this has changed with the pay model.)

Audio Obstacles In animation, you produce the audio first and then worry about the video. This project was done a little differently in that I would type the audio I wanted with the video, remove Grok’s audio, and then insert my own prerecorded audio.

I imported the shots with Grok-generated video and audio intact into Adobe Premiere Pro. Once moved to the timeline, I would take the audio from 2012 and lay it underneath the audio generated by Grok. By soloing my student’s audio, I would match the lip sync with the 2026 visuals.

Usually, it was close because the audio was short.

Sometimes, I would either speed up or slow down the visuals to make the lip sync match. The pacing of the AI-generated audio was rarely what I envisioned as a director. But if I put the word “beat” or “pause” in, the AI character would speak the word “beat” or “pause.”

Hey, what do you want for free?

One time, when I was adding the dialogue for Saly the Saw, there was a large black cable attached to the back of the saw that moved up and down with her. I didn’t want that, so I typed, “Please remove the black cable from the video.” When Grok completed the video, the dialogue was what I had typed in, plus Saly spoke, “Please remove the black cable from the video.”

Even typos would appear as real words. Other times, dialogue would appear as white text on the saw.

I clicked the “Redo” button several times before the black cable disappeared and the audio mentioning the black cable was gone, too. Apparently, talking saw characters are difficult for Grok.

Sync or Sunk?

Getting my original audio to exactly match the AI’s audio was my next issue. The only remedy for that was the Razor Blade cutting tool in Premiere. I would get four or five words exactly how I wanted with lip sync, cut the scene, slow it to 83%, and keep it at that speed until the sync would drift. For an eight-second bit of lip sync, there may have been five different cuts and five different speeds.

It took me several weeks to complete the project during the golden hours during which I was allowed to access Grok. Despite the hassles, this whole AI technology is really mind blowing. Considering how Grok could do this for free and I have no artistic skill, this was amazing!

avnetwork.com // July 2026 // SCN

31

avnetwork.com // July 2026 // SCN

31

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

Shotoku USA PTZ Prompter Panner In traditional PTZ/ prompter setups, pan movement is limited to prevent the prompter hood from entering the frame,

Extron DTP3 CrossPoint 42 The DTP3 CrossPoint 42 is a compact 4x2 4K/60

restricting creative flexibility. The latest addition to

matrix switcher with USB-C and HDMI inputs, HDMI

Shotoku’s Aura suite of advanced PTZ-centric

outputs, and a DTP3 output for extending video,

solutions, the PTZ Prompter Panner (P2) overcomes

audio, and control signals up to 330 feet over a

Users can define their environment, explore

this compromise. Its novel design mounts the

shielded Cat 6a cable. Integration-friendly features,

recommended solutions, compare product

prompter on a precision-controlled rotating

such as 60-watt USB-C charging and audio

specifications, and refine parameters with real-time

platform, allowing the prompter and PTZ camera to

de-embedding, simplify designs and streamline

updates to specifications and visualizations. The

pan together as a unified system. The result is full,

installation by reducing equipment needs. Extron’s

platform enables more accurate planning across a

unrestricted pan movement without frame intrusion,

Vector 4K scaling delivers pristine image quality,

wide range of applications, environments, and

opening new possibilities for presenter-led

seamless transition effects, and logo keying. Built to

performance requirements. Users can evaluate

productions. Engineered to support larger PTZ and

serve the needs of environments where reliability,

solutions with greater precision, helping accelerate

prompter payloads than earlier solutions, P2 delivers

ease of use, and superior quality presentations are

planning and decision-making from concept through

smooth on-air movement. When combined with the

crucial, the DTP3 CrossPoint 42 ideal for meeting

specification. The LED Video Wall Calculator is built

TR-XPTZ, prompter rotation and PTZ axes are

rooms, collaboration spaces, training rooms, and

on a scalable platform designed to evolve alongside

combined in one camera channel control, enabling

other Pro AV presentation venues.

Planar’s LED portfolio, ensuring continued

operators to adjust, store, and recall shots with ease

innovation and support for future product offerings.

manually or via automation, eliminating the need for

Lectrosonics L1

manual intervention.

The new L1 sub-miniature lavalier microphone offers performance, consistency, and environmental resilience. Manufactured by semiconductor leader

Aurora Multimedia VPX-TC1-UCP

Infineon, the L1’s Sonaura capsule features studiograde MEMS micro-electro-mechanical systems

The VPX-TC1-UCP isn’t just a 4K transceiver—it’s a

(MEMS) silicon technology, which replaces

sophisticated PoE++ power distribution center.

traditional FET-based designs with an encapsulated

Designed for the USB-C era, it allows you to charge

diaphragm. It offers an ultra-low noise floor with an

high-performance laptops, power peripheral

EIN of 11dB(A), 83dB signal-to-noise ratio, flat

devices, and stream 4K60 4:4:4 video over a single

frequency response for natural and uncolored sound,

1 G network, eliminating the need for bulky power

and a switchable sensitivity mode when paired with

bricks on the conference table. With a response time

the Lectrosonics DSSM transmitter. Designed for the

of just 1.78ms, interaction is instantaneous, ideal

harshest production environments, the L1 is

for real-time collaboration and lag-free

fundamentally impervious to moisture due to the

The new 65-inch LG UltraFine OLED Pro display

presentations. One USB-C cable handles it all—4K

combination of the Sonaura capsule’s inherent

(Model 65EP5Q) is a purpose-built professional

video, high-speed data, and enterprise-grade

properties, a specialized hydrophobic internal

monitor designed to meet the demands of high-end

power delivery. USB ports are fully routable and can

coating, and hydrostatic pressure-sealing via 0.4mm

AV, virtual production, and broadcast environments.

be set as a host or device to accommodate any

laser-drilled cap ports that allow the microphone to

The 65EP5Q supports 4K resolution, four 12G-SDI I/O

workflow. Transition between internal sources or

remain functional even while completely submerged.

ports, and hardware-level calibration. At the core of

network streams with zero black frames for a

The L1 also features a flexible Kevlar-reinforced

the 65EP5Q is LG’s latest G5 OLED panel technology,

smooth presentation experience. Plus, seamlessly

cable and unique ID ring system at the connector for

which delivers higher peak and full-screen brightness

integrate audio with professional sound systems;

easy on-set identification.

than its predecessor. For AV professionals, this

de-embed audio locally or route it across the

translates into improved HDR performance and

network to Dante-enabled hardware.

LG UltraFine OLED Pro 65EP5Q

greater visibility in real-world environments where ambient light, studio lighting, and LED volume spill

Planar LED Video Wall Calculator

can impact viewing conditions. The 65EP5Q integrates

The new LED Video Wall Calculator, available on

connectivity and calibration tools, including support

Planar’s website, is designed to simplify LED video

for 1D and 3D LUTs (including user-loaded LUTs) for

wall planning, selection, and configuration. It

professional signal chains and color-critical

delivers a modern, intuitive experience with

workflows. Other features include HDMI connectivity

expanded capabilities across Planar’s full portfolio of

and SDI over IP support via SFP+ for deployment

LED video wall solutions. The calculator introduces a

options for broadcast facilities, virtual production

guided workflow that takes users through product

stages, and video villages.

selection, comparison, and detailed configuration.

32

SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

AVer Information VB150

Saramonic WiTalk9X/WiTalk Base

Sennheiser HD 480 PRO

The Saramonic WiTalk9X wireless intercom system,

Designed to eliminate the two most-cited pain

paired with the WiTalk Base, is a full- duplex wireless

points of closed-back headphones, the HD 480 PRO

intercom solution for live event, production, and

delivers a tight, accurate bass reproduction and

broadcast environments. It’s designed to deploy

comfort for audio professionals in live audio

quickly, scale easily, and remain stable in demanding

environments or in the studio. Whether used by FOH

Built specifically for huddle rooms and small

conditions. WiTalk9X supports up to nine users in a

or recording engineers, the HD 480 PRO is an ideal

meeting spaces, the VB150 USB videobar combines

hub-free setup. With the WiTalk Base, it expands to 16

choice for monitoring, producing, recording, and

4K video performance, intelligent AI features, and

users per Base unit and scales to 64 users by linking up

mixing. Its accuracy, uncolored frequency response,

simple plug-and-play connectivity to deliver

to four Bases, which allows teams to grow

and honest low-end ensure that the audio translates

seamless hybrid meeting experiences. Its 4K

communication capacity without changing systems or

reliably to any listening situation.

camera has a 120-degree wide-angle lens. AI Voice

workflows. A modular headset design allows users to

To adapt to different setups, the

Tracking automatically follows the active speaker,

switch between single-ear, dual-ear, and helmet-ready

detachable cable can be worn

while Smart Composition frames meeting

configurations in seconds, making it easy to adapt

on the left or right side of the

participants for a balanced, engaging view.

across roles. The system operates on the 1.9 GHz DECT

HD 480 PRO. Like its

Equipped with five beamforming microphones and

band, avoiding Wi-Fi and

open-back counterpart, the

AI noise reduction, the VB150 captures speech

Bluetooth congestion. Dual-

HD 490 PRO, the HD 480

accurately while minimizing background

antenna diversity helps maintain a

PRO features special

distractions. An optional expansion microphone, or

stable connection, and audio clarity

axes geometry so the

speakerphone can be added to extend audio pickup

is handled by ClearTalk 2.0, which

headphones adapt to

coverage. Plus, the VB150’s integrated single-cable

includes AI-powered processing.

the head and maintain

BYOD solution allows users to connect a laptop via

equal contact pressure,

USB. Users can quickly launch meetings on leading

comfort zone for glasses,

platforms with no additional software or

and a coiled part of the

configuration required. This streamlined approach

connection cable to block

helps IT departments simplify deployment and

cable-borne noise.

reduce ongoing support needs.

COMPONENT PARTS

CONNECTORS & ADAPTORS

FIBER CABLES

FLYPACKS & ROAD CASES

MODULAR FLOOR BOXES & CUTOMIZED PANELS

To Advertise in the SCN CLASSIFIEDS, Contact Zahra Majma zahra.majma@futurenet.com

avnetwork.com // July 2026 // SCN

33

VIEWPOINT

Embracing an AI Standard Here’s why ISO 42001 certification is a must-have for the Pro AV industry.

By James Knight

A

Considering all this, we felt it was important for

to public-facing AI tools but are instead processing intelligence locally.

It’s this data processing that the ISO 42001 standard addresses. We know that our use of AI reduces cloud dependency and preserves privacy. And with this standard, we’re able to demonstrate to our users a responsibility with our AI adoption, and that they can trust our AI tools in the same way as any other products in our lineup. Trust is going to be key for the entire industry as AI adoption continues.

Guidance and Opportunity

Pleneo to follow the standards set out by ISO 42001,

Businesses across all industries are appointing AI

and were pleased to be the first device manufacturer

evangelists within their ranks. The AV industry is no

I capabilities in the AV industry are obvi-

in AV and unified communications to achieve the

different. Regardless of whether they’re new hires or

ously accelerating rapidly—and with them

certification laid out by the standard. But why is it

people taking on the mantle within existing roles,

comes a series of challenges. These include

important that not just us but the wider industry

many are working with AI for the first time. ISO 42001

considerations around ethics and transparency about

adheres to standardization like this? And how does it

provides those people, and organizations more

how AI is used, as well as training to ensure that

actually keep companies, particularly tech

widely, with practical guidance on how to deploy AI in

teams across multiple parts of every business are

companies, accountable?

many different ways, and how to mitigate AI-specific

using AI in a responsible way.

While the industry continues to navigate those

Responsibility and Compliance

risks effectively when they arise.

Handling these sorts of issues more easily opens

challenges, it’s important to have some kind of formal

One of the biggest considerations for AI adoption is

the door to innovation. Less time spent handling

accountability framework to keep everyone on the

making sure that you’re using tools in line with

risks means more time taking advantage of the

same page. Unfortunately, those frameworks have

regulations and in the most responsible way. There are

opportunities that AI presents across things like

lagged behind the speed of development of AI tools.

a lot of ethical concerns over the data that’s used to

product and service development. That’s what is

That’s why we were really pleased to see the

train neural networks and models. If data is from an

possible with the right framework in place thanks to

introduction of a new standard from the International

unverifiable source, there might be issues around

the standards outlined by ISO 42001.

Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 42001 is

ownership or biases being embedded into a final

the world’s first AI management system standard, and

product or service. This unverifiable data is what stops

workspaces in particular, AI is influencing how

it provides valuable guidance for the fast moving

people from trusting many AI products, as does the

meetings are prioritized, interpreted, and

world of AI deployment.

environmental impact of large AI applications.

experienced. Oversight of the technology needs to

What is ISO 42001?

The governance around how you use and manage

extend beyond data protection to the integrity and

data in your systems also ties into the correct use of AI.

predictability of automated decision making itself.

According to the ISO, the standard is designed to

The ethical and responsible considerations aside, any

“set out a structured way to manage risks and

organization using AI must be compliant with

will set mature platforms apart from experimental

opportunities associated with AI, balancing

regulations and legal requirements. As the technology

implementations. This is what ensures that

innovation with governance.” It specifies the

continues to be rolled out, there’s only going to be

intelligent meeting environments are viewed not as

requirements for an organization to establish,

more regulations on the way.

emerging technology, but as reliable, accountable

For the Pro AV sector, and for modern

Formal governance standards like those from ISO

implement, maintain, and continually improve an

The ISO 42001 framework, and its adoption of the

Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS)

PDCA—or Plan-Do-Check-Act—methodology ensure

James Knight is the CEO of Pleneo

within organizations.

that companies are continually reviewing their use of

and Xilica.

ISO 42001 supports businesses as they consider

AI data across their business to make sure they’re in

what they need when rolling out AI. It covers

line and compliant. For Pleneo in particular, the

whatever AI tools are being used, as well as how best

certification validates the approach we’ve taken to

to manage AI projects, including the assessment and

embedding AI technologies within our

mitigation of risks.

platforms. We’re not leaning on

The ISO outlines its target users for 42001 as

enterprise systems.

larger datasets available

organizations “providing or utilizing AI-based products or services” and its objective as making sure those organizations have the guidance they need to

Trust is going to be key for the entire industry as AI adoption continues.

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SCN // July 2026 // avnetwork.com

S AGE

technology continues to evolve.

Y IM GETT

use AI responsibly and effectively, even while the