President Pere Aragonès of Catalonia visited ISE 2023 yesterday, taking in the sights and the sounds of the show floor. President Aragonès spent more than two hours visiting stands including LG, Panasonic and TV3, before heading to IOT Solutions World Congress in Hall 4.
Black Nova, Luhk-ee, Zykronix and Epson were the big winners at the Stand Design Awards yesterday. Held on the CEDIA Smart Home Technology Stage in Hall 2 and organised by EXHIBITOR magazine, the awards are designed to acknowledge ISE exhibitors and their stand-design efforts. The awards are made
up of four size-based categories: Small: 30sqm or fewer; Medium: 31-69sqm; Large: 70-249sqm; and XL: 250sqm or more.
Black Nova (2K600), an Italian company that develops and produces smart design keypads and touch panels, took the
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The AV industry is highly innovative compared to other industries, but has a tendency to “confuse innovation with novelty”. That, in turn, means significant resources can often be squandered on short-term competitive gains.
This was one of three key findings of a survey conducted by InnoQuotient among ISE 2023 visitors and exhibitors in the lead-up to the show.
The aim of the survey was to find out more about the innovative culture of AV organisations by measuring the maturity of development of their innovation journey. According to Fran Chuan, CEO and co-creator of InnoQuotient, who presented the results during his keynote on Thursday, rival AV companies compete to “have the bigger screen”, for example. “But is that innovation? Is that what the market needs?” he asked.
“Innovation is a concept that we use easily. But we are not thinking and behaving in the same way. We are not understanding what innovation is in the same way.” Organisations need to ask: ‘what is innovation for us’, he said.
“Continuous improvement is innovation if it is focused on one topic. A lot of small steps make a big change,” he added.
A second key insight is that the AV sector has “incredible talent”, but does not utilise this talent in an optimal way. Chuan suggested that there is too much
focus on generating news and less on getting things done. “When [companies] detect opportunities, they don’t jump into the field to solve the issue,” he said.
The third finding is that the industry does not “systematise innovation. There is no clear definition of what innovation is,” said Chuan. While the industry is incredibly good at generating ideas, there is a bottleneck when converting these ideas into opportunities.
Chuan, of course, has some suggestions as to how the AV sector can improve its approach to innovation.
“My recommendation is to create a lingua franca,” he said, in order to establish some common understandings at organisations and across the industry. He noted that it is important to define strengths and weaknesses “to develop a real culture of innovation” and drive greater efficiency.
“When you are more efficient, what you create is trends, and when you generate trends, talent is attracted by this area. Then, suddenly, you have more and more talent generating more and more trends in an efficient way,” Chuan said.
Other recommendations are to build cross-departmental teams as opposed
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award for best Small Stand. Luhk-ee (2K200), which offers a family of products aimed at integrators who work in close relation with architects and designers, took the Medium accolade, while Zykronix International Group (2K400), which designs and manufactures home, commercial and hospitality automation solutions, won the Large award. Epson Europe (3J100) was awarded
the prize in the XL category.
“Celebrating exceptional stand design has been part of EXHIBITOR magazine’s DNA for more than three decades,” said Travis Stanton, editor in chief of EXHIBITOR magazine.
“We’re proud to have once again organised the ISE Stand Design Awards competition, and we’re already looking forward to what ISE exhibitors have in store for us next year.”
to working in silos or in a vertical way.
“If you are in marketing, and I am in programming, it’s no problem, because we have a common language,” Chuan said.
He pointed to one “nice discovery” about the AV industry: “Age doesn’t play a role” when it comes to innovation, certainly once people have moved beyond their 20s.
Furthermore, Chuan found that regions with fewer resources tend to be more innovative than richer parts of the world, with this “scarcity” stimulating innovation.
Chuan said more than 1,000 ISE attendees took part in the survey.
“The participation was good enough to have 95% confidence and 2.95 margin of error. The conclusions we have are very accurate,” he said.
Mirador torre Glòries was a playground for ISE Tech Tour guests yesterday. The visit was hosted by Mediapro Exhibitions. It was one of six Tech Tours organised this week by ISE to key Barcelona installations.
Creating a smart workplace in a postpandemic world remains a challenging task, with many organisations still in the process of working out the best balance between going into the office and working from home.
During the ISE Smart Workplace Summit on Thursday, Deborah Hawkins, director at Keypoint Intelligence, provided what she described as five “must-have” qualities of the future workplace in order to ensure offices remain attractive in this new era of hybrid working.
The first is ‘purpose’, or ensuring that an office is a place where people want to be and be seen. The second is ‘culture’, or creating a structure that replaces more outmoded ideas such as a dress code for the office. “It is important that we lay down the foundation for hybrid working, so people can feel secure and happy,” Hawkins said.
The third is ‘automation’ and digital processes, which Hawkins believes “really forms that backbone foundation of everything so that we can work efficiently”. Next is ‘inclusion’, ensuring that “everybody is on the same level”
whether they are at home or in the office.
Last but not least is the notion of ‘flexibility’, “and this is very much driven by the autonomy that we all experienced from working at home during the lockdown period”, Hawkins said.
“Flexibility is also about outsourcing,” she added. “If you don’t have the skills in-house, find a partner that does have the skills [and can] coexist with you.”
Hawkins and other presenters at the summit made it clear that creating a
Since the touring and live event world kicked back into life after the pandemic, there have been various new venues opening all over the world, but none are quite as unique, flexible and inclusive as Manchester’s Factory International.
As part of the Live Events Summit yesterday, TPi editor Stew Hume talked to Paul Moore, director of production and building operations at Factory International, a multi-artform venue that is described as a new concept in performance spaces and one that taps into the creative history of the city.
Moore told the audience: “We’re centred on the audience
experience; we talk to the audience, we have a young people’s forum as well as disability working groups where people with limited access can help tell us what we need to be doing.”
The summit also pulled back the curtain on one of the biggest stadium tours in recent years. The last Rammstein tour kicked off in 2019, but after just 30 shows the world shut down due to the Covid pandemic. The tour roared back in 2022 with the same spectacular stage show, including a set measuring 36m high and 60m wide, and a production crew of 144 people.
Roland Greil, lighting and video designer from 360 Collective and Woodroffe Bassett Design, said the design
truly smart workplace that embraces office and the home is still a work in progress, but will be essential in order to attract and retain talent in future. As Hawkins explained, hybrid “doesn’t work for everybody. And there’s a lot of uncertainty out there in the marketplace.”
Shannon MacKay, GM of worldwide smart collaboration business at Lenovo, said one size will not fit all. “It’s what you have in the limitations you have to work with and how you maximise that space.” She does think that fewer desks will be needed in future. “It’ll be more of a hot-desking mentality. I think that footprints and real estate will change over time and probably shrink, and it’s already starting. But, at the end of the day, [office-based work] will be around these collaborative spaces.”
Ken Dooley, chief product officer at Haltian, said he admired global workplace experts who fully admit that they don’t know what is coming next.
“I’m really proud that people have been saying, ‘we have 2,000 staff in offices around the world and even we don’t know what’s happening’. There’s real courage coming from embracing the uncertainty,” he said.
of big staged events like this is always a balancing act: “The design of sets on this scale is an artform; it has to work technically and it has to be
within budget, so there are always limitations to work with, but you also have to be able to build and tear down the entire set in a timely fashion.”
The underlying mission for AV creators and technicians involved in hospitality is for the user to have a great experience.
“We have a very powerful way we can impact that with advanced room technology in smart hotels,” explained Michelle Guss, VP hospitality, Crestron, in a deep dive into sector trends at CEDIA’s Smart Home Technology Conference.
The smart hotel, attendees learned, ranges from iPads in the room, to personalised heating and lighting systems, to the whole journey of the guest pre- and post-stay.
“Automation is absolutely key and starts when a guest checks in,” Guss said. The check-in should trigger the
‘welcome scene’ in the room. “The lights come on to the perfect level, the temperature can be set, audio can play. Presence detection and sensors can tell the hotel when the room is occupied. This means housekeeping know the best time to reset the room, and it saves on energy.”
Richard Sasson, pro community global director, Crestron, advised that technology integration should not be confined to the guest room but should feature throughout the hotel, including retail, conference and bar areas, even the parking lot.
The AV industry is responsible for a growing mountain of waste, and needs to take action now, according to Sustainability in AV (SAVe). It is “the first industry-wide non-profit organisation that’s bringing stakeholders together to take concerted action in achieving the UN’s 2030 sustainable development goals”, said Christina De Bono, its founder and president.
SAVe has been adopted as ISE’s first official sustainability partner, because ISE “saw these goals are very important for the industry to achieve”, she added. ISE 2023 marks the launch of SAVe internationally, and the response at the show has been excellent, with many companies wanting to get involved as sponsors or volunteers.
Debbie Williamson, partnerships and alliances co-chair, SAVe, said: “AV is a large contributor to the e-waste problem, with 59 million metric tonnes of e-waste generated in North America and Europe in 2019 alone,” the vast majority of which ends up in waste dumps. Even more horrifying, it is estimated that the number has risen a further 20% since then.
SAVe has launched initiatives to help educate companies about the UN’s 17 goals and how to align their businesses with these. “We are past the time we should take action, but right now we have to,” stated Williamson.
Christina De Bono will be one of the speakers at Time to Get Smart about Electronic Waste, a free Tech Talk at 12:15 today in room CC4.1. DAVID FOX www.saveav.org
“Integrated systems mean having everything connected,” he said. “Only in that way will all devices work together intelligently in the property.”
Audio speaker specialists have been bringing the noise at ISE’s dedicated Audio Demos Rooms in Hall 8.
Steve Jones, part of the EMEA management team for d&b audiotechnik, whose demo has a live performer augmented with immersive sound, said they have had queues for every demo. “Technical numbers don’t convey the value of how technology enhances an experience and this demo room allows us to do that,” he said.
AED Audio brand manager Matthijs Klaase is also positive: “If you demo a cabinet without making any noise it’s like demoing a light bulb without any light; the cabinets look good but that’s not why people buy them. We have been packed out since the doors opened on Tuesday. The reason is simple; they allow us to make noise.”
David Ferreira is a specialist with Pioneer Professional Audio, which is demoing its new range of XPRSion speakers. “It’s been very positive; it’s given us the opportunity to get feedback on the products, and customer feedback is so important for us,” he said. Meanwhile, Robin Dibble, product support engineer for Martin Audio, added that the demo rooms have exceeded expectations: “It gives us a much bigger reach. We would normally aim to demo to around 1,000 people at a trade event, and we exceeded that by the end of the second day.”
Other exhibitors in Hall 8 include Holoplot, Void Acoustics and Coda Audio. KEVIN EMMOTT
“We are in an era of exponential growth. The next five years will not be like the last five years,” Rich Green, founder, Rich Green Design, told the AI, Metaverse and the Revenge of Analogue session on the CEDIA Smart Home Technology Stage yesterday. “2023 is the inflection point of the next age. Artificial intelligence is the end game and will change what it means to be a human,” he added.
Artificial general intelligence is on the way, a lot sooner than previously predicted. “It’s coming next year, it’s in the labs now”, and will be in the public’s hands within three years.
That could be a problem for us, as we’re not (yet) robots, said Christiaan Beukes, MD, Sphere Custom, South Africa. “Ultimately, we are analogue.”
Green is “most terrified about what is happening to our children. They can’t distinguish between digital reality and real reality.”
“We’re still wired analogue; we’ve not, yet, evolved to be digital,” said session chair Walter Zerbe, senior director of technology and standards, CEDIA. “What we view
digitally is still absorbed in an analogue way,” although MRI scans show that reading a printed book and reading on a screen are handled differently by the brain. One hope, for Zerbe, is a recently launched app that gamifies realworld games. “It makes a child go out and play with a ball.”
AV solutions manufacturer
Aurora is previewing a number of new products at ISE 2023, including the RTX-4D touchpanel.
A 4in touchpanel intended for desktop applications, the product incorporates two beamforming microphones and takes account of the desire by some customers for a clearer-looking setup without table mics.
“A lot of people don’t really want to see microphones on the table, but are OK with touchpanels being there,” said Chuck Espinoza, the recently appointed global education director at Aurora. “We have addressed that with a desktop touchpanel that has integrated control and two beamforming microphones that can be used [for requirements] including semi-circular hemispherical pick-up and individual pick-up. The product also includes a Dante audio out.”
Aurora is also showcasing several other items that are new to ISE, including the IPX-UC1 Ultra Series IP streaming solution and 4K transceiver.
DAVID DAVIES www.auroramm.com
APAC and Central Europe are on course to lead the global AV recovery, with Eastern Europe giving the most cause for concern, according to data outlined by AVIXA during a Tech Talk yesterday.
In a session entitled A Forward Look at Pro AV, AVIXA economist Peter Hansen assessed the trends currently driving the industry and the areas in which innovation is engendering fresh opportunities.
While pro-AV did rally quickly after the worst of the pandemic had passed in 2021, Hansen confirmed that “the long-term future looks less sunny and is a challenge for the industry”.
However, with hybrid working and the shift away from touchbased interactivity among other trends, there are opportunities to be seized. “Innovation can solve new problems in new ways, and lift us back to double-digit growth,” observed Hansen.
Looking ahead to the 2024-2027 period, AVIXA forecasts that APAC will – by some distance – have the strongest long-term growth prospects at 4% CAGR. For the same period in the Americas, the prediction is 1.8% CAGR, with EMEA faring slightly better at 2.2%. Within that region, Eastern Europe is currently subject to “high uncertainty”.
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AVIXA Xchange Live hosted a session on Thursday that explored how the AV industry can both attract and retain talent after a challenging time in the last two years.
The session, The Big Mindmap –Workforce Development: How to attract and retain talent, saw Peter Hansen, economist at AVIXA, join forces with Matthew de Gannes, head of permanent recruitment at JacobsMassey, to share statistics that indicated a good base pay is still fundamental
Co-exhibiting with Sonus faber, McIntosh has introduced the IP65certified Sonus faber Aster outdoor loudspeaker with tilting feature for the first time to the European market.
Livio Cucuzza, chief design officer, McIntosh Group, said: “This is our first outdoor speaker. The main features are its simplicity for installation and the sound quality. The loudspeaker is IP65certified so it’s able to be located in any environment, facing all weather conditions. It is also a very easy system to tilt, without the need to remove any screws or fix
for younger workers, although growth opportunities were close behind.
A strong relationship with the boss came next, followed by flexible hours and the ability to work from home.
De Gannes and Hansen noted that retention is an increasingly glaring issue in the pro-AV sector, and highlighted the importance of addressing this problem to reduce recruiting needs.
According to de Gannes, market data shows there are more than 670,000 AV professionals globally, and over 190,000 are currently searching for opportunities.
Cynap Videobar, an all-in-one web conferencing system from WolfVision that supports hybrid meetings, is on show at ISE, along with new upgrades to the Cynap presentation and screen sharing systems.
The free firmware upgrade adds bring your own meeting (BYOM) web conferencing to Cynap. “It’s really straightforward, it’s an easy workflow; users don’t need a lot of clicks to start a meeting,” explained Patrick Maier, WolfVision head of marketing.
any other system in order to hold it.”
McIntosh Group is also showcasing the Sonus faber Arena collection of custominstallation loudspeakers. LAURA VALLIS www.mcintoshlabs.com
“Only the host needs to install an app to set it up, the rest can wirelessly connect to the box.”
The firmware applies to four of the five Cynap systems, all of which have a new remote management tool.
There is also a new Dual Screen Content Management feature for Cynap Pro, which has three HDMI outputs allowing two screens to be used for a presentation, and the third for preview.
The Cynap Videobar combines WolfVision’s wireless presentation and BYOM web conferencing technology with a high-quality camera, builtin speakers from Fohhn, and a microphone array, to offer a single, multifunctional AV system. It will be available later this year. DAVID FOX www.wolfvision.com
EW-DX, the latest member of our Evolution Wireless Digital family, is designed so that you don’t have to choose between a system that is easy to use and one that is powerful and flexible enough for even the most demanding business and professional applications. With its straightforward installation and integration, the system easily scales across your existing Dante® network, from the smallest meeting room or classroom to the largest educational and corporate campus installations.
Visit us in Hall 3, Booth 3C600, to see the full Evolution Wireless Digital Family.
The Tech Talks programme continues today in room CC4.1. At 12:15, Christina De Bono, president of SAVe (Sustainability in AV), and Joe Perez, chief technology officer at ClearTech, will take part in a session entitled ‘Time To Get Smart
10:30-13:30 | Room: CC1.1
Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) Certification Review
Presenter: Steven Rissi, senior director of technical education, CEDIA
This fast-paced review is a broadbased refresher for individuals preparing for the CEDIA Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT) Certification exam.
10:30-13:30 | Room: CC1.4
Integrated Systems Technician (IST) Certification Review
Presenter: Ken Erdmann, director of technical education programs, CEDIA
A broad-based refresher for technicians preparing for the CEDIA Integrated Systems Technician (IST) Certification exam.
At ISE 2023, AVIXA Xchange Live sessions will take place on stand 3Q400. Expect interactive sessions with thought leaders from the industry and events to mingle with old and new friends.
11:30-12:00
Fireside Chat
12:00-12:30
Panel Discussion: Tackling The Hard Path to Evolving Towards A “Services” Centric Business Model
about Electronic Waste: There’s no ‘away’ when you throw it away’.
This education session provides an overview of the electronic waste generated by the AV industry, where it goes, the impact on the environment, the toxicity of the materials used in the manufacturing of electronics, and how reckless disposal contaminates the water, soil and the entire food chain.
It will also address solutions and systemic changes for the AV industry in the areas of reuse, repurposing and recycling, and advise on the proper disposal of AV equipment and
other related materials, including cabling, wiring and power supplies.
Also today, Pedro Omedas, professor, consultant in extended reality (XR) at Barcelona’s CITM UPC, will explore the interactive, immersive and gaming technologies being used to improve health and wellbeing. He will review the most relevant technologies and share a case study using the Rehabilitation Gaming System (RGS) application, used for the treatment of patients affected by brain damage.
Finally, at 13:20, Pep Salazar, CEO of the OFFF Barcelona digital festival, will preview the Digital Impact exhibition that is taking place there from the end of April. All Tech Talks are free to attend.
Tech Talks take place from 12:15-14:00 today in room CC4.1.
Llum BCN, a three-night festival that combines art and technology to create stunning light installations, begins tonight in the Poblenou neighbourhood of Barcelona, 10km north east of the Fira.
Sponsored by ISE, the festival will feature the work of architects, designers and artists from around the world, using light, movement, projection, virtual reality and AI to transform the urban space.
When darkness falls, large modern buildings, old industrial buildings and chimneys, and even vacant plots of land will become backdrops to large-scale projections and audiovisual displays. The free-toattend festival is expected to attract 200,000 spectators.
Expect an extensive education programme and the most innovative AV technology at the Orange County Convention Center
Mark your calendar if you haven’t already; InfoComm 2023 is set for 10-16 June (exhibits 1416) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. What can you expect this year at the largest show in North America focused on pro AV? From big brands to emerging solution providers, InfoComm 2023 will explore the largest, fastest growing, and most critical pro-AV solutions that drive this $263 billion global industry.
The education programme begins on Saturday 10 June, with AVIXA’s three-day courses, including CTS Prep. The learning continues throughout the week with sessions focused on conferencing and collaboration; content, production and streaming; digital signage; learning technologies; events and entertainment; IT; and audio. InfoComm attendees can also find valuable insights at the Technology Innovation Stage on the show floor from 14-16 June. These free sessions will highlight new solutions, industry trends and more.
Returning to InfoComm 2023 is AVIXA Xchange Live, an in-person activation of AVIXA Xchange, the unique virtual community for the AV industry designed to connect thought leaders, industry-leading
solution providers and innovative manufacturers with AV solution seekers. From Fireside Chats to Big Brainstorms as well as Mixers and Meetups, AVIXA Xchange Live promises a line-up of engaging opportunities from Wednesday to Friday.
Congreso AVIXA, presented in Spanish, will make its in-person debut at InfoComm 2023. AVIXA has hosted five virtual editions of this conference in the past two years, and the team is thrilled to gather the Spanish-speaking AV community together for learning and connecting with each other in person.
On the trade show floor attendees will discover tech that accelerates productivity and creates unforgettable in-person experiences. Key pavilions will include digital signage, conferencing and collaboration, audio, and events and entertainment. New this year is the Trailblazers Zone, which will feature InfoComm first-time exhibitors.
The show will also host the D=SIGN conference, produced in partnership with the Digital Signage Federation. This conference will explore the solutions, innovations and big ideas around digital signage.
To learn more about InfoComm 2023, visit www.infocommshow.org. Registration for the show opens in mid-February.
The CEDIA Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors have jointly worked on a new strategic plan that prioritises global development and engagement in emerging markets. CEDIA is investing in key countries and regions with significant opportunities and supporting members within these local markets.
The team behind this new approach have highlighted the nuances between Global Engagement and Global Development:
› Global Engagement refers to the interaction with new and existing members in various markets to raise our profile, encourage engagement with our programmes, and build membership.
› Global Development is the investment into countries where there is an opportunity for significant growth and to have a more established and consistent presence.
Ultimately, both are targeted to support professionalism in the market and allow for the industry to be positioned as a viable career pathway.
A new global development programme has been implemented on the following: Regional Pricing (defined by the World
Bank): From 1 January 2023, all countries recognised as an emerging market by the World Bank have had their company membership dues reduced to 50% of the published rate. CEDIA’s online education and resources also reflect this discount.
In addition, certification exams are now being offered at a lower cost. This is based on how a country is categorised by the World Bank and takes into consideration the gross national income (GNI) of a country. Integrators in more than 100 countries will now pay a reduced amount for membership (apart from individual) and most products.
Some other key highlights include:
› Tiering System: A tiering system based on member numbers has been introduced to offer increased benefits and local customisation, with members working alongside CEDIA to grow the market regionally.
› Ambassador Programme: By working with trade suppliers and international sales representatives, CEDIA is using the Ambassador programme to open the lines of communication among the industry and build professionalism.
› Align with Trade Suppliers: This
approach sees CEDIA invest in the markets that are important to our global manufacturers and allows us to support our trade suppliers with events they’re hosting within these countries or provide platforms for growth in markets where they don’t.
› Licence Agreements: By identifying partnership opportunities, we are able to push our education programme out to a wider audience and raise CEDIA’s profile.
› Partnerships: For long-term development in a country, CEDIA is looking for partners to support its three pillars: Advocacy, Connection and Education. The reduced cost of membership, research and certification aims to continue CEDIA’s global mission to connect, empower and champion home technology professionals and businesses that enrich our lives.
To learn more about reduced costs and take advantage of the excellent member benefits, visit the CEDIA Stand (2H600) at ISE. CEDIA staff will be on hand with a friendly smile, excited to get to know you and your business.
The all-new Impact Lounge is home to three organisations making a difference to the AV industry. We find out more about what they have to offer and their plans for the show
Located in Congress Square, the Impact Lounge provides a space for visitors to connect with organisations working to instigate change throughout the AV industry and to find out about their work and achievements.
In the lounge, visitors will be able to speak with representatives from ISE Sustainability Partner SAVe, Women in Live Music (WILM), and media and entertainment industry community The Circle Society.
Introduced for the first time at InfoComm 2022, Sustainability in AV (SAVe) aims to encourage the industry to work together to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by all 193 member nations of the UN in 2015, the 17 SDGs define a series of critical actions – covering everything from the ending of poverty to clean energy and responsible consumption and production – to be taken by all countries in worldwide partnership.
Women in Live Music (WILM) is a European non-profit organisation for women working backstage in the live event industry within production and logistics. Its members are out in force at ISE 2023, as Malle Kaas, freelance sound engineer and CEO of WILM, explains: “To us it is essential to take part in trade shows like ISE where you can meet the industry and the industry can meet you. It is also the most efficient place to gain knowledge about what is going on in the industry; which direction is it going.
“And it is the perfect place to network with new and old business-related connections, not to mention that it is convenient for the WILM members to meet each other in real life!”
On the need for organisations such as WILM, Kaas says: “The live event industry can be a tough place to be for everyone. You need to be 200% on top of the game most of the time. There is a lot of pressure, especially for a freelancer where you are never better than your last gig.
Christina De Bono, president and founder of SAVe, highlights the problem of e-waste in particular: “The amount of e-waste that we produce in pro AV is helping to create an environmental catastrophe. Anyone in the integration world will be aware that this is happening due to products having shorter lifecycles and clients constantly looking to upgrade.” The result is the acute need for a more joined-up approach to recycling and the dramatic curbing of e-waste sent to landfill.
Around the globe, adds De Bono, there has been evidence of “growing inequality since the pandemic, and every day now we are seeing some form of extreme weather occurring. I really felt like this needed to be addressed in pro AV, but that no one was really taking it on. That is the overriding objective of SAVe.”
De Bono is speaking at today’s Tech Talks programme, starting at 12:15 in room CC4.1.
“But being a minority and, for instance, looking different from the majority, can really put you to the test as you stick out compared to the rest. This often results in lack of self-esteem, which leads to people leaving the industry. Mental and physical health issues are mostly also a ‘no-go’. We need to change that, so colleagues struggling don’t have to hide away.”
Also promoting inclusivity is The Circle Society. Launched in 2022, it aims to educate, connect and encourage collaboration among its members, welcoming everyone from new entrants to the industry to those at board level.
“ISE 2023 is a first for The Circle Society,” says managing director Lisa Collins “We know that the skill sets and team dynamics within our industry are changing, and not only are we on-hand to discuss some of these issues, but we also have our crew onsite to capture some of those trailblazers building a successful company and individuals climbing the career ladder using our peer-to-peer learning and exchange programmes. This global landmark digital and in-person community, platform and network is for anyone working in media technology and services, AV, TV/film production, post production and distribution, pro audio and VFX.”
‘Mental and physical health issues are mostly also a “no-go”. We need to change that, so colleagues struggling don’t have to hide away’
—Malle Kaas, WILMChristina De Bono, SAVe Malle Kaas, WILM Lisa Collins, The Circle Society
Debuting at ISE as a “luxurious KNX-compatible smart control”, Qbic’s Luminen is designed to connect smart appliances and devices and deliver a convenient and personalised experience across home or office.
Jeremy Juan, director of marketing at Qbic, said: “From the onset, we set out to design an elegant device that not only allows you to control the appliances in your space but also to transform and personalise your experience. People’s habits and behaviour have changed in the post-pandemic era and Qbic has adapted its devices accordingly to suit user needs.”
The Luminen smart control is “elegantly designed and meticulously crafted with premium materials to complement your contemporary décor”. A small form-factor KNX-compatible smart control, it includes a plethora of connectivity and sensor features to enable control of the technology within a space. To address the new norm in a post-pandemic
To support large video projectors up to 30kg, check out the SI-H L 50 HC projector lift from Screenint. The lift is developed for installation inside a narrow false ceiling in order to hide the projector, lift and cables, to give the best aesthetic and practical solution. The unit is supplied with a silent motor that allows a descent from a minimum of 14cm to a maximum of 54cm.
The key feature of this lift is the limited height needed in the false ceiling to hide it together with large home cinema projectors. Moreover, it is supplied with extendable side brackets in order to allow an easy fixing of the panel of a false ceiling by adjustable threaded bars. The panel can be mounted under the projector, even if the projector is larger than the lift itself. Another interesting element is a spiral cable gathering system which collects the cable as the lift retracts. Also on show, the SI-H XL 300 and SI-H XL 500 projector lifts have been upgraded with a heavy-duty and silent motor which assures a fast and stable up and down movement of projectors up to 95kg in weight. The lifts are provided with RF remote control and offer the possibility to set three limit stops: an upper stop limit, an intermediate one (projection mode), and a bottom one (service mode). —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.screenint.com
www.qbictechnology.com
With the aim of simplifying the user experience, Barix has introduced a new UI to its Paging Gateway M400 at ISE.
The M400 bridges smartphones with both legacy analogue and modern IP paging systems. Integrating with most existing analogue paging or public address systems, the M400 enables users to send paging announcements from Android or iOS mobile phones, or from any LAN-connected computer.
Paging is performed through a web browser so there is no requirement for a dedicated app. Users can drop a browser shortcut button onto a phone home screen and page with one click. Line-level, analogue audio output from the M400 hardware can then be routed to existing paging and PA amplifiers.
The M400 also extends Barix’s IC Paging platform. Deployed in schools, businesses and public facilities worldwide, IC Paging is an IP-based paging and two-way intercom platform that delivers audio over an existing IT infrastructure.
—KEVIN EMMOTT www.barix.com
Lumi’s TTF15-68FW
heavy-duty studio TV cart is designed to meet the needs of today’s working environment by balancing aesthetics, robustness and, most importantly, flexibility, making it useful for open workspaces or for fitting into different areas to enable group discussion or videoconferencing anywhere, anytime.
The TTF15-68FW can handle being either a static TV position for presentations in large conference rooms or classrooms, or be used as a flexible, compact, easily transportable cart. It eliminates the bulky columned structure of traditional TV carts, with sleek aesthetics and a compact design that can blend into most contemporary workspaces, allowing transportation to small and medium-sized areas. Its sturdy construction, on 75mm caster wheels, can support up to 120kg and has passed 4x weight capacity tests to ensure the safety of large displays, up to 86in. The hook-hanging design makes it possible for users to mount TVs without needing a technician.
—DAVID FOXwww.lumi.cn
To make integrators’ jobs as simple and lucrative as possible, Screen Innovations (SI) has refined and streamlined its procedures, policies and resources across all departments. It has also tightened up quality control and strengthened its sales, service and support teams to overcome global supply chain issues and shorten product lead times significantly.
Ryan Gustafson, CEO of Screen Innovations, said: “Thanks to these improvements, integrators and specifiers can rely on SI to stock and ship the products they need when they need them. We recognise the hardships integrators have faced and continue to wade through during questionable economic times and have revamped the way we do business to support them. No matter what phase a job is in, integrators have quick, easy access to the right solutions at the right time to complete near- and long-term projects efficiently and profitably.”
On show is a comprehensive portfolio of screen solutions from high-performance ambient light rejecting screen Black
Wireless presentation specialist Astrogate is showcasing a number of new products and features under the Astros brand to support conferences, education and more.
For example, the Astros Pod AP2-12 forms part of the ‘bring your own meeting’ approach to collaboration among employees both in the office and elsewhere. The meeting host plugs the pod into a laptop to start the videoconference, while Astros automatically connects the room display, camera and audio to the host’s laptop.
Meanwhile, the latest Astros browserbased moderation tools allow teachers to check students’ connection status, control the displayed content and preview students’ screens. Teachers can control the session while walking around the learning space.
Finally, Astros Manager is a browser-based management platform that enables users to manage, configure and monitor all of their Astros equipment. The latest feature is scheduling, allowing users to push messages or set an energy saver by creating scheduled tasks. —ANNE
MORRIS www.astrogate.comA range of projection solutions are on show from SI
Diamond, to the ‘levitating’ motorised screen Zero-G and the rollable FlexGlass flexible screen. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.screeninnovations.com
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The Delo connection manager from Evoko is a screen sharing hub with integrated charging, cable management and control of the meeting room equipment. It promises to make meeting room connectivity frictionless, so that users can share their screen, charge their laptops and access the in-room equipment without having to install any software or learn how to use all of the different in-room systems.
Richard Glückman, Evoko CEO, said: “It is a product that solves real pain points experienced by most employees several times a day. In today’s world, filled with hybrid meetings, it is more relevant than ever.”
Delo is connected to equipment in the room such as screens, cameras and speakers, so that users simply need to connect their computer to one of Delo’s USB-C cables and they will be ready to start a meeting. Up to four devices can be connected at the same time for charging, and users can
Expanding on its existing RFover-fibre range, Wisycom’s compact BFL1 is an interface which the company says is a new way for users to support RF coverage and distribution requirements. The BFL1 features selectable filters, expanded dynamic range and a long-range Bluetooth 5 programming link.
In addition, Wisycom has deployed a custom-designed laser for the BFL1 that provides over 90dB of dynamic range, improving the signal quality and providing a low noisefloor for wireless mic and IEM/IFB systems. For a link without distance limits, the BFL1 replaces the need for coaxial cables and allows antennas to be placed miles away.
The interface also has 16 filter banks that can protect against unwanted signals and maximise performance of the connected wireless systems. These filters include a 40MHz tuneable filter, allowing users to optimise the BFL1 while adhering to local RF regulations for productions.
—KEVIN EMMOTTwww.wisycom.com
change who is sharing their screen with a press of a button. “All you need to do is bring your laptop, connect a single cable and you’re ready to go,” said Glückman. —DAVID FOX www.meetevoko.com
AJA has extended its line of H.264 streaming and recording devices with the Helo Plus. It supersedes the existing Helo, adding an expanded feature set inspired by user feedback. This includes dual streaming outputs and multi-input processing, SRT support, advanced encoding/decoding, improved scheduling options and device operation, and more.
It also includes a new Layouts feature, combining an SDI input and HDMI input into a single output stream with graphic overlays, seamlessly moving between layouts while streaming. Ten layouts are stored per preset, with 20 presets available. A framestore can store up to 20 images internally, and a built-in scheduler makes it easy to schedule independent recording/streaming events.
Nick Rashby, president, AJA, said: “Helo Plus has advanced streaming video processing to help content creators capture consumer attention and differentiate their media, while maintaining the ease of operation of the original Helo. Helo Plus’ web-based UI and scheduler make it easier to programme and control live streams and recording with a high production value, without complex, cost-prohibitive external control systems.” —DAVID
FOXwww.aja.com
It’s no secret that pro audio, and more specifically live sound, has been through a challenging time over the past few years. The global pandemic was one of the most significant challenges the industry has ever faced, with live shows being the first to go and the last to come back.
However, while some obstacles remain, the industry is now at a pivotal stage and is soon to reach full recovery in terms of market value. As we move towards this key milestone, eyes are fixed on 2023 as a year of prosperity and new opportunity across multiple live sound segments.
Installed live sound has consistently been an area of opportunity for professional audio and will be a key focus for brands moving into 2023. Despite the economic impacts of the pandemic on venues,
investment in audio equipment has shown significant recovery over the past year. This has been driven forward by positivity in key verticals such as houses of worship, stadiums, and theatres and performing arts centres. The positivity that’s expected this year will reignite conversations surrounding the future of DSP, system management, audio over IP and immersive sound. These technologies will be key in implementing efficient and effective systems and driving high-quality and unique experiences for attendees.
Rental applications are also being closely watched by the industry. Despite having experienced an almost 80% decline during 2020, the demand witnessed over the past year has been extremely encouraging.
Towards the latter part of 2022, promoters and rental houses saw phenomenal demand, with some key stakeholders reporting over 30% growth in business compared with 2019 levels. Although challenges for audio manufacturers still remain, both in terms of supply and economic headwinds, 2023 will see the full recovery of rental applications in terms of market value for professional audio.
As of 20 January 2023
Audio Demo Rooms
AVIXA Stand
Barcelona City Council Stand
CEDIA Smart Home Technology Stage
CEDIA Stand
Conference Area (CC5)
Discovery Zone
Impact Lounge
Sensory Tunnel
Influencer Lounge
International Media Showcase
ISE Press Room
Networking Area
Organiser’s Office
Smart Home Technology Conference
Tech Talks Area (CC4)
TV3 Studio
Outdoor Audio Demos
Visual Art Exhibition by WindowSight
Content Studio by GRUP MEDIAPRO
Esports & Gaming Showcase by ABSEN
VPXR Theater by Alfalite & Brainstorm
Screen your creativity by INFiLED
Virtual Reality Integration by SONO & Brainstorm
The Show Window by NewtonLab Space
DIGITAL SIGNAGE & DOOH
CONTENT PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AUDIO DEMO ROOMS (8.0)
IOT SOLUTIONS
WORLD CONGRESS
As of 20 January 2023
As of 20 January 2023
As of 20 January 2023
As of 20 January 2023
AtRenkus-Heinz,audioisourpassion.Oursound systemsdeliverpristineaudiototheworld’smost prestigiousprojects.Frominternationalairports andlandmarkmuseumstoglassatriumsand marblecathedrals,Renkus-HeinzhasTheSound Solutionforanyspace.
Asthe recognizedworldleaderindigitally steerablearrays,weneverwanttosettlefor thestatusquo.That’swhywe’veadaptedour renownedbeamsteeringtechnologytoprovide performanceneverbeforeseeninsleekpassive columnswithEN54compliance.
ComeseeUBXinactionat: ISEBooth#7F680
renkus-heinz.com
As of 20 January 2023
Meyer Sound’s Nebra is a new software platform that brings together multiple tools for fast, trouble-free configuration and connection of complex audio systems. The initial release is focused on fast and intuitive connectivity for endpoints in Milan AVB networks, including Meyer Sound’s new Panther large-format linear line array loudspeaker, three Ultra-X series point source loudspeakers, and the USW-112P compact subwoofer.
Nebra also provides comprehensive system monitoring directly via the AVB network or, for other Meyer Sound products, through the existing RMS network via the RMServer. Nebra can also provide connectivity for Meyer Sound’s Galileo Galaxy Network Platform and for third-party network devices using the Milan protocol.
Andy Davies, senior product manager, Meyer Sound, said: “Many current audio-over-IP solutions are heavily textbased. Here, by displaying connections and monitoring in a clear visual layout, the system overview is much easier to understand. Connections are shown as graphical wires offering a clear picture of the system, while device icons change colour to quickly identify any potential points of failure.”
Nebra is available as a free download, with versions for both Windows and Mac operating systems. —DAVID FOX www.meyersound.com
The new LC100N CaptureVision Station from Lumens Digital Optics is claimed to be “the first cost-effective dual-channel NDI mixer, recorder and streaming device which integrates with popular learning platforms such as Panopto”, making it ideal for lecture capture. The NDI IP protocol transmits high-quality, low-latency video over standard Ethernet networks, including multipurpose
WeQuote, Cinema Luxe and designflow have partnered to create a suite of tools for integrators to help them save time, win more jobs and make more money. Team experts from each partner are on hand at ISE to take enquiries.
WeQuote allows integrators to present various options online for the client to tailor a proposal to suit their preferences. Now supporting multiple currencies, WeQuote begins its expansion outside the UK with ISE chosen as its European launchpad.
The designflow suite of tools include design fee quote preparation, with the full catalogue of fees now fully integrated into WeQuote.
Keith Jones, co-founder and MD, designflow, said: “We can easily build our design fees into your WeQuote proposals, making designflow the design and documentation extension of WeQuote. Alternatively, we can take on all your proposal creation requirements with our unlimited proposal service. Just send us your project discovery documents and notes and we will do the rest.”
Cinema Luxe provides bespoke design and interior fit-out solutions to integrators. It’s a turnkey solution that takes care of all the design elements for a cinema or media room, including fabrics, custom seating, bespoke joinery and construction services.
“We have been working with Cinema Luxe on a number of projects this year,” Jones added. “It made total sense for designflow to partner with Cinema Luxe to deliver better cinema rooms and higher value projects for integrators working with either partner.” —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.designflow.com
IT LANs, and gives educators and institutional video producers the flexibility to add cameras, video players and other sources using standard network cable.
Kieron Seth, marketing director, Lumens Europe, said: “Institutions need to document, share and archive the content they produce, whether it’s for judicial undertakings, training, or democratic proceedings. The LC100N simplifies the process of producing, recording and live streaming. The addition of NDI means that the entire production network can be created on an existing LAN, and without any legacy video equipment.”
The CaptureVision range already sells strongly in the education, legal and meetings market. It enables users to produce and switch multi-source productions with minimal training. Besides NDI sources, the LC100N supports SDI, HDMI, IP, USB and XLR audio inputs. Control options include remote web UI, automated and scheduled operation, mousedriven local control and Crestron integration. —DAVID FOX www.mylumens.com
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Aiming to simplify connectivity of legacy to Dante AoIP networks, Sonifex has two converter boxes on show in Hall 7. Its AVN-DIO10 is a plug-and-play audio/video interface which provides a way of connecting legacy 3G/HD/SD-SDI equipment to a Dante network and can be used for simultaneous embedding and de-embedding. The DIO10 de-embeds 16 audio channels from a standard SDI feed and places them on channels 1-16 of the Dante network, while re-embedding the 16 input channels mapped to the device onto the SDI output. Similarly, the AVN-DIO20 is a MADI and AES3 bridging device allowing MADI to connect bidirectionally with Dante with eight stereo channels of AES3. The DIO20 accepts MADI signals via SFP or a coaxial BNC input; the BNC output is disabled while
The new entry-level Dockstar sets the stage for the iRoom range by Salzburg-based Eltako.
Dockstar is a universal on-wall docking station for all current Apple iPad models and sizes, made with high-quality glass and aluminium. Available in 14 colour combinations, Dockstar comes with a pre-installed USB-C charging connector, adjustable to all iPad sizes. A lightning connector can be ordered separately to accommodate compatible iPads.
Also from Eltako in the iRoom range is the touchDock motorised docking station. TouchDock features high-quality scratch resistant tempered glass for all 10.2in iPads (or larger screen sizes) and offers in-wall flush mount flexible installation capability (via vertical or horizontal mounting).
The PoE-powered docking station offers convenient motorised removal when the iPad is needed for mobile use and integrates iRoom’s iPad anti-theft protection and handsfree unlocking of the iPad screen. With a built-in control processor, touchDock provides AV control independent of the iPad and smart battery management to prolong and increase the iPad battery life. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.iroom.io
the SFP is in use. For total redundancy an automatic failover switches to the BNC input if the SFP signal is lost. —KEVIN EMMOTT www.sonifex.co.uk
The new Mascot RS-99N multifunctional wireless microphone system is mainly designed for podcast, broadcast, lecture, speech, small venue and home karaoke applications. It offers bright output quality and highfidelity sound reproduction, claims the company.
The diversity single-channel receiver with digital output includes both USB-C and Micro USB, balanced XLR and unbalanced quarter-inch jack outputs, a 3.5mm monitor headphone socket, and a 6.3mm socket for wired microphone use. It has a range of up to 60m, with eight channel presets for quick set-up.
It is available in kits with wireless/wired handheld microphones, headset and lavalier microphones with bodypack, and guitar or other instrument configurations. Also new is the UM-93 professional high-end wired microphone, which is said to have bright and clear characteristics. A unidirectional μ93A dynamic capsule boasts high-fidelity reproduction that avoids handling noise. It weighs 250g and comes with a 3-pin XLR with 5m of high-quality audio cable with a 6.3mm plug.
DAVID FOX www.mascot-mic.comIS STATE-OF-THE-ART WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
Connected workspace management, monitoring and analytics software provider Utelogy is showcasing several product innovations in Hall 2.
New features include Microsoft Teams integration enhancements with added control and automation, Utelogy 3.0 and integration with ServiceNow.
The company is also highlighting its ‘Utelligence’ programme for industry standards. The programme is designed to integrate the Utelogy platform with other elements of the workplace such as booking systems for deeper analytics, IoT and BYOD to support the hybrid workforce.
Kevin Morrison, CEO of Utelogy, said: “There’s no single approach to creating, integrating and managing the types of connected AV environments global users will need for growth and success. It requires continued industry collaboration and an openness to listen to what employees need to do their jobs more efficiently.”
Morrison noted that Utelogy is continually growing its global partner network “to meet the evolving demands of our enterprise customers”.
—ANNE MORRIS www.utelogy.com
RTI
A large and continuously growing library of drivers available for projects is a major focus for RTI at ISE. This is embodied in Driver Friday – where new and updated drivers are released each week – and in the network of independent driver developers providing solutions for residential and commercial integrations.
RTI says its mission is to make it extra easy for dealers to programme, connect to and control any component. Dealers will get to see all the latest driver developments and seamless integration with third-party systems across all categories.
As part of its dealer focus, RTI is highlighting the updated training opportunities available at the renewed RTIXCEL online learning portal. The training curriculum has been redesigned with field-based and online training for Integration Designer 11, from new single-room and new dealer authorisation courses to an advanced certified programmer curriculum. RTI is also bringing back its three-day certification training at its headquarters in Minnesota this year. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.rticontrol.com
Twelve years after the first Andiamo high-end A-D/D-A converter was launched, the third-generation model on show at ISE has support for Ravenna, Dante and Soundgrid, as well as support for both ST 2110-30/31 and NMOS IS-04 and IS-05.
It manages up to 288 inputs and 288 outputs, with an internal routing matrix and failover redundancy using DirectOut’s Enhanced Automatic Redundancy Switching (EARS) system to prevent interruption of the output signal by switching automatically to a back-up in the event of a failure.
The 1U unit features eight summing busses, input and output gain and trim, hardware monitoring for PSU status and temperature, and redundant power supplies.
Remote control over the network is available via DirectOut’s globcon controller, a virtual remote controller accessible from a standard internet browser. —KEVIN EMMOTT www.directout.eu
The C series volume controllers are on show in Hall 7, if you can spot them. AMC’s new range of wall-mounted controllers are designed to blend in to any kind of interior. Available in black or white, the control top panels measure 86mmx86mm and use what AMC calls its ‘smart cover mounting’. The cover snaps in place onto the mounting plate with a 45° twist, which means there are no visible screws on show.
The C series is designed for use as part of background music and voice evacuation systems where local sound level control is required. Three models are available: 5W, 30W and 60W power speaker line control.
Each unit has a built-in 24V internal emergency relay with internal switch,
Atlona | Stand: 5J500
Atlona’s OmniStream 2.0 firmware is a free upgrade for the OmniStream AV-over-IP platform. It adds support for 4K/60 video with 4:4:4 colour sampling alongside better bitrate efficiency and integrated multiview processing. OmniStream 2.0 is suited to venues such as lecture halls, auditoriums with overflow rooms, or network operations centres.
OmniStream 2.0 features the new VCx codec, which delivers less than one frame of latency from encode to decode, enabling 4K/60 4:4:4 streams with artefact-free presentation of both computer-generated content and fast-motion video. The company claims that increases in coding efficiency compared to the VC-2 codec enable additional HD streams over 1Gbps Ethernet networks, multiple 4K streams over 10Gbps switch-to-switch uplinks, and simultaneous 4K and HD over Gigabit Ethernet.
OmniStream 2.0 also enables the simultaneous display of multiple sources from OmniStream Pro encoders onto one screen, bypassing the need for a dedicated, external multiview processor. —DAVID FOX www.atlona.com
so volume controls can be used in passive or active mode. The controls feature a 10-step attenuation. —KEVIN EMMOTT www.amcpro.eu
Black Box | Stand: 5D600
Black Box’s new AlertWerks AW3000 is a next-generation IoT system that is purpose-built for equipment monitoring.
It is equipped with industrystandard LoRaWAN (the low power, wide area networking protocol) for wireless communications, allowing integration with wireless sensors, virtual sensors, dashboards and analytics, along with KVM and AV devices. This allows it to actively monitor conditions, record onsite events, and automate key actions remotely to increase efficiency, prevent system failures and downtime, maintain safety and security, and optimise the physical environment.
The AW3000 enables users to link to physical sensors, configure virtual sensors, watch values on a browser-based dashboard, set notifications and alarms, and configure automatic actions, so should be useful for intelligent control rooms, manufacturing, distributed networks and smart buildings. Thanks to its links to environmental and security sensors, it facilitates active remote monitoring of conditions to enforce security, maximise efficiency and streamline operations. —DAVID FOX www.blackbox.com
First-time ISE exhibitor Enco is debuting the enCaption5 platform to international commercial AV audiences in the Discovery Zone. The software combines machine learning (ML) with advanced speech-to-text conversion and grammatical structure analysis to deliver accurate captioning with extremely low latency. Already an award-winner in the broadcast market, enCaption5 is said to make it fast, easy and cost-effective to create transcripts and add open or closed captions to live and pre-recorded AV content, increasing accessibility for meetings, events and live broadcasts. For example, the enCaption platform was used to serve up captioned video to iPads used by hearing impaired residents at the Sun City Lincoln Hills community in California. Redeveloped as a cloud-native, microservicesbased solution, enCaption5 takes advantage of public cloud infrastructure, eliminating the need for on-premises capital equipment when captioning or transcribing file-based content. enCaption5 can also be deployed on-premises or in hybrid on-prem/cloud workflows for customers who need traditional AV signal connectivity or prefer an on-premises solution.
When remote controls are multiplying and getting lost in the living room it’s time to change. With intelligent remote Miro, users can control all devices in their smart home.
The slim and ergonomic design is finished in brushed black and is “precision-machined” from a single piece of aluminium. It offers control of TV, music, lights, shades, climate and more, using the joystick, well-organised buttons and the 2in touch display.
There’s no need to aim to hit the mark either. Miro communicates with the Basalte Home using a low-power wireless network Basalte Beam, and uses it to communicate with all devices in the home. One or more Beam.nodes can be accessed to extend the Basalte Beam network if necessary. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.basalte.be
Communicate with all devices in the home with this intelligent remote
The platform’s enhanced enTranslate automated translation plug-in lets users easily make content understandable to non-native-speaking viewers, while a new caption editor allows users to view/refine the results of offline or previous real-time content.
—MICHAEL BURNSwww.enco.com
The EdgeAI range was a CEDIA finalist for Best New Software 2022 and visitors can learn more about it at the Lilin UK stand, while at the same time taking in previews of upcoming cloud storage solution Merlin. The latter is due for a release later this year and is compatible with both network video recorders and cameras.
The company is also using ISE to highlight recent integration opportunities in the secure smart home alongside partners GJD and HDAnywhere.
Jasmine Godfrey, marketing & key accounts manager at Lilin UK, said: “2023 marks 10 years since Lilin developed its first home automation driver, and we remain at the forefront of security thanks to our longstanding close relationships with the leading home automation platforms.”
Also at ISE is the firm’s “economic” E series. This, along with its entire portfolio of NDAA-compliant security solutions, are manufactured at Lilin’s Taiwan HQ. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.meritlilin.com
Technical furniture provider TeamMate is showcasing a range of products that are designed to make it easier for teams to collaborate no matter how big or small the working or educational environment.
For example, HuddleZone is a wall-mounted huddle table with provision for integrated AV and IT equipment. The table has been designed for three or five users at either chair or stool height.
The Pop-up PC Desk is a modular desk system that enables an all-in-one PC screen to rise and fall at the touch of a button. Each desk encloses several PCs with a storage well for keyboard and mouse when not being used.
Also on show, the Screen Riser is a flexible product for office or active learning environments that require a screen. When the screen is no longer needed, the user can retract it by pressing a button.
—ANNE MORRIS www.teammateworld.comThe VBS-HDIP-737POE 3G Warp Engine transmitter/ receiver allows installers to easily deploy artistic videowalls with eye-catching designs.
With the Warp Engine, installers can rotate any HDMI source image in a Just Add Power Matrix (cable boxes, media players, game systems, cameras and more) in 0.1º increments in real time with very low latency.
The rotated image can then be sent to an unlimited number of receivers in the network, allowing for the creation of massive artistic videowalls using a single Warp Engine. It is fully HDCP 2.2-compliant and can be added to any
The IP64-rated, weatherresistant UBX range of passive column arrays are on show at ISE. Available in three sizes – the UBX4, UBX8 and UBX16 – each model uses neodymium 3in fullrange drivers to maintain a small footprint, making them suitable for a wide range of installations across transportation, houses of worship, education and corporate facilities. All three speakers also feature audio transformers for 70V/100V constant voltage operation in large, distributed audio systems.
With the same steering algorithms as Renkus-Heinz’s Iconyx columns, the UBX Series’ passive UniBeam technology addresses each transducer with all-pass filter networks, gain shading and additional frequency filtering to generate an asymmetrical vertical dispersion with constant directivity. RenkusHeinz claims this delivers consistent front-to-back coverage with minimal side lobe artifacts.
The UBX Series is also compliant with EN54, an EU standard designed to ensure reliable and intelligible sound even during emergencies. —KEVIN
EMMOTT www.renkus-heinz.comJust Add Power 3G or 2G/3G system running Just OS.
The Warp Engine is suitable for commercial and luxury residential settings, claims the company. —DAVID FOX www.justaddpower.com
Insight
By David Davies
A fusion of exciting new technologies and emerging application areas has ensured that professional projector R&D has remained highly dynamic. On the tech side, the newest generation of LED projectors has brought a technology that is more energy-efficient and has a significantly longer lifespan than traditional lamp-based products within reach of a huge potential customer base, while the latest ultra-short-throw projectors are proving to be key to digital signage growth. On the application side, the rise of immersive public attractions featuring projection mapping is creating fresh opportunities for vendors and service providers.
ISE 2023 visitors will see signs of a sector in fine form, with many leading exhibitors in this space – including Christie, Epson and Sharp/NEC – to be found in the Hall 3 Multi-Technology Zone. A number of other companies making or distributing related solutions can also be found in Halls 2 and 5.
GoMax Electronics | Stand: 5F885
The MS-5005Q from GoMax Electronics is an 8K HDMI 2.1 toolbox offering full bandwidth and HDCP 2.3 support, to help simplify HDMI 2.1 installations.
Audac | Stand: 7D450
In analysis: The MS-5005Q aims to make HDMI installation easier
The portable unit includes both an HDMI 2.1 pattern generator and analyser. Other features include: a builtin chargeable battery (for one-hour operation); video patterns; touchpanel control; cloud-based firmware upgrade access; HDCP analyser; and loop test.
The MS-5005Q also supports eight-channel linear pulse code modulated audio with a selectable sample rate. Users can bypass the HDMI input to the connected display or builtin 7in touchpanel to verify HDMI sources instantly. —DAVID FOX www.gomax-electronics.com.tw
Designed for commercial AV installers and featured here on the Audac stand, Caymon’s PSQ108 is an intelligent power sequencer. The sequential power on/off function reduces the inrush current of all connected devices when power is turned on by using configurable delay times, while the order in which the devices turn on can be easily set. With eight IEC C13 outputs, it can be connected via TCP/ IP or RS-232, and due to its integration with Audac Touch and other control platforms, it can be controlled, configured and monitored from a smartphone, tablet or PC, as well as operated using the control buttons on the front of the unit. Several PSQ108 power sequencers can be daisy chained to simplify start up and shut down of complex AV installations. Other features include short circuit and overcurrent protection, clear voltage and current displays, and a front USB charging port for a maximum of 1,000mA. —KEVIN EMMOTT www.audac.eu
The new Oasis family of IP66 rated outdoor enclosures from Tempest are cooled using the latest in inverter heat pump technology, enabling projectors to operate in ambient temperatures from -15 to +50°C.
Oasis cools (or warms) and maintains a constant temperature where it’s needed; at the projector air inlet. The design is especially suitable for RGB laser projectors.
Tim Burnham, president, Tempest, said: “With Oasis, you get the maximum life out of your laser light engine, and you can say goodbye to RGB colour shift with changing ambient temperatures. By harnessing inverter heat pump technology, Oasis can maintain constant temperatures unlike no previous enclosure. This enables expensive laser projector investments to be protected and to operate at optimum temperature.”
Models are available for most projector/lens combinations, from 5,000 to 50,000 lumens, with landscape, portrait, ultra-short throw and custom options. It features tough aluminium welded construction, with large access doors on both sides. For multi-projector set-ups, Oasis Multizone systems optimise efficiency by using a single compressor for up to five enclosures, while allowing an individual temperature control for each. —DAVID FOX www.tempest.biz
TriCaster Mini X is an all-in-one production tool that turns any space into a full, multi-source production studio. It is also the first in the TriCaster family to offer Live Link, which allows users to easily pull any element from a web page into a production without using third-party applications.
To complement Live Link, which is available as an update on existing TriCaster systems, it also has HTML rendering directly in the switcher, with access to HTML5 motion graphics, webpages, web-based video playback and more without needing a separate computer.
Graphics, images, videos and all individual elements from intra and internets, such as an organisation’s internal training platforms or corporate website, can be brought in as sources for the production.
It’s now possible to extend the life of an LED screen with an encapsulation technique dubbed by Chinese manufacturer Uniview as ‘unmatched’. Uniview LED’s branded COT treatment is thermal shock resistant, scratch resistant and weather resistant. It is also highly uniform and economical, the vendor claims.
Debbie Chen, marketer for the company, said: “Uniview COT LED displays are of high quality, durability and reliability, and can produce clear, vibrant and uniform images to create a striking visual experience for viewers.” —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.univiewled.com
Compared to the TriCaster Mini, the Mini X offers increased power and capabilities, including access to eight external sources with four integrated HDMI inputs and support for resolutions up to 4Kp30. It also has PTZ support for up to eight simultaneous PTZ cameras with integrated controls and presets. It can output two separate, independent streams, with a simultaneous stream archive. There is also Integrated LiveSet technology with 30+ live virtual sets and box effects included. —DAVID FOX www.newtek.com
Uniguest is showing new features for its digital engagement and experience platforms, including refreshed UIs, and integration with Microsoft PowerBI and Azure Face API. There’s also new hardware, such as an 8K digital signage and IPTV media player, and a super-fast 4K low-latency encoder.
The company has numerous brands at ISE, including Tripleplay, Onelan, Otrum, MediaStar (Stand 5D350) and Planet eStream. Steve Rickless, channels CEO of Uniguest, said: “We’ve gone through another few months of tremendous change bringing new acquisitions onboard and maintaining our organic growth trajectory. We’ve also been able to continue with our investment programme and are delighted to be able to share some exciting new releases across our product suite with our existing and new customers.”
One recent installation has been at Resorts World Las Vegas, the first integrated resort built on the Strip in over a decade. It needed state-of-the-art AV to delight audiences and wanted an enterprise-level scalable digital signage and IPTV platform for content delivery and management, for which it turned to Tripleplay.
Harvey media control software has two free upgrade features debuting at ISE.
Version 3.0 provides support for telephone conferences which use PA systems, introducing built-in acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) to minimise foldback.
Suitable for small and medium-sized conference rooms, the feature requires no additional hardware; Dspecialists says it can also be integrated into installations with multiple microphones. The AEC uses a combination of adaptive filtering and voice activity detection which prioritises audio signals and automatically lowers the channels where no speech is taking place.
The company has also introduced a feature designed to help venues become better neighbours. The company claims that Harvey is the first audio DSP to control the audio volume depending on wind strength and direction. An anemometer measures wind parameters on site and automatically adjusts the volume. —KEVIN EMMOTT www.dspecialists.com
Every building in the resort is now a digital canvas, with dynamic content shown across the site, including three exterior LED screens dominating its facades with content synced across three buildings, plus a 15.25m globe in the promenade. A further 5,200 displays and LED screens have been installed throughout the area. —DAVID FOX www.tripleplay.tv
Spanish audio manufacturer
UDE has two Class D products on its stand at ISE this week.
Designed for reverberant and complex acoustic installations, such as places of worship, shopping centres and other large spaces, the ACD-3008/ACD-3012 are active line arrays with DSP algorithms which allow modification of sound diffusion for different environments.
This ability provides greater functionality in comparison with older passive columns and provides better vertical dispersion control. Its Class D amplifiers are capable of 240W/360W RMS.
The manufacturer is also showcasing a brand-new standalone amplifier. Developed for medium and highpower applications, the EPD Serie-1 is a multichannel Class D power amplifier which boasts bandwidth from 40Hz to 20kHz and has a selection of high pass filters, a THD lower than 0.1%, an SNR higher than 80dBA and a crosstalk higher than 70dBA.
—KEVIN EMMOTTwww.udeaudio.com
The combined encoder and decoder technology in Partilink’s new 4K60 AV and KVM over IP extender targets matrix systems, videowall arrays and KVM remote control integrations. The scalability of the E23-H01R01 also makes it useful for one-toone AV signal extension, and one-to-multi as an AV splitter. Its modular design allows for embedding alternative features based on the application site’s requests, including extension over IP with CatX or fibre optic cable, power over external power adapter, or PoE.
The device is composed of a transmitter and receiver with 4K60 HDMI, USB 2.0/1.1, RS232 and IR extension over IP.
Partilink says it provides a “crystal clear” 4K60 visual experience which is useful for monitoring and digital signage applications. It’s designed to be flexible to install in various venues, such as homes, enterprises and public transportation as well as commercial digital signage and industrial automation control. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.partilink.com
Wall-Smart | Stand:
Debuting at ISE 2023 are several additions to Wall-Smart’s product line, including custom flush wall mounts for the latest generation of iPads and multiple brands of wireless access points.
The company is also introducing a “revolutionary new patent pending” flush mount designed and engineered for installation into walls constructed of masonry materials.
This Frameless Flush mount features a depth calibration mechanism to ensure a flush appearance. Once the device has been securely mounted and the wall seams covered with a matching material, it looks like a natural part of the home or building with no compromise in performance.
Galia Ben-Dor, co-CEO and founder, Wall-Smart, said: “Technology has become a necessity for most homes and businesses, but this doesn’t mean the aesthetic environment must suffer from ‘wall and ceiling acne’. This is the philosophy on which Wall-Smart bases the design of every product developed. We think every living space should be as beautiful as it is functional, and our new solutions give technology integrators, builders, architects, designers and their clientele even more ways to achieve this objective with ease and simplicity.” —ADRIAN
PENNINGTONwww.wall-smart.com
Showcased by Leon at ISE 2023 is the Tonecase FIT universal mounting system that mounts directly to a display and is built to integrate off-the-shelf teleconferencing equipment and soundbars. TcFIT-U grilles include custom cut-outs to accommodate the lenses of today’s most common videoconferencing cameras, according to the company.
Leon is also demonstrating Ente SoundTiles, which conceal two channels of high-performance audio behind a custom screen-printed piece of artwork. Also exhibited is the line of Terra LuminSound speakers which deliver high-fidelity sound from a sleek package in an IP67-rated waterproof enclosure. The speakers are available in a variety of sizes, styles and colours, with the option of integrated commercial-grade LED lighting that can be adjusted upwards or downwards to illuminate pathways, landscaping and architectural details.
Finally, the Edge Media Frame is presented as a contemporary custom-built, solid hardwood frame and sophisticated mounting system that elegantly encases any TV and soundbar. The FrameBar itself is handcrafted to match the width and finish of Samsung’s The Frame while providing “uncompromising sound” in an ultra-thin soundbar. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.leonspeakers.com
ISE has always been ahead of the curve with unified communications (UC) and collaboration, particularly where this applies to education.
UC became more important than ever when the world was rocked by Covid-19, as companies and educators rushed to find ways to communicate and collaborate across their organisations. Following the pandemic lockdowns, a hybrid workplace/work-from-home business strategy has been adopted across much of the world, as employers noticed the commensurate benefits to sustainability and personal wellbeing of this approach. Educators and students have since been empowered by greater collaboration and flexibility via remote learning and the
recording of lessons. As well as advances in audio and video fidelity and latency, AI, machine learning and IoT devices are being deployed in both the UC and edtech sectors. At ISE 2023, solutions for UC and edtech have been united in a single Technology Zone, located in Hall 2. However, relevant companies can be found throughout the Fira. For conferencing, you could visit Zoom (2P650), Microsoft (2P450) and Google (2P125); for interactive screens, digital
signage and classroom technology, perhaps visit Clevertouch (2N400), Wolfvision (3N600), or AUO Display Plus (2V575); while companies like Jabra (2P600), Atlona (5J500) and Poly (2Q250), are offering advanced collaboration tools. There are many other exhibitors in this exciting area at ISE, and with Fortune Business Insights projecting that the UC market is to be worth $131.58 billion by 2029, there are plenty of reasons to visit them all.
Open standards interoperability is highlighted on the Macnica stand with two demonstrations that put the diversity of the IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110 set of standards front and
centre. It is showing its IPMX-ready ME10 SoC and software implementation for 1Gb networks, and a latency-free, cross-domain demo utilising 10Gb and 100Gb networks.
The ME10 SoC is a 4K AV over 1Gb component that supports complete, interoperable solutions for high-volume product developers. Macnica is showing a pure IPMX software implementation of multicast UHD 4K60 video from a laptop to two destinations using the JPEG-XS codec from intoPIX. The ME10’s web interface showcases the full power of its API available to developers making a wide range of products.
Macnica is also demonstrating combined, latency-free ST 2110, SDI, HDMI and IPMX flows from live production to presentation applications. The demo integrates an Intel N6000 100GbE SmartNIC with Macnica’s new M2S SDK, a media streaming software development kit for flexible IP transport applications. —DAVID FOX www.macnicatech.com
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The Smart IP range of networked installation loudspeaker systems has a new member with the arrival of an active in-ceiling model. The 4435A joins the existing 4410, 4420 and 4430 on-wall Smart IP models to provide what maker Genelec calls “an exceptional sounding yet unobtrusive in-ceiling loudspeaker solution” that brings all the convenience, ease of installation and scalability of single-cable networked technology.
The Smart IP loudspeaker range provides flexible power, audio and management features via a standard Cat cable. All models can be combined on a network, and are compatible with both Dante and AES67, deriving power via PoE or PoE+ Power-over-Ethernet formats.
The 4435A also allows access to Genelec’s Smart IP Manager; a downloadable software tool running on Windows 10 that enables installers to configure an “almost unlimited” number of rooms, zones, loudspeakers and audio channels.
Kati Pajukallio, AV business manager, Genelec, said: “The addition of the 4435A in-ceiling model makes Smart IP an even more flexible solution, suiting an even wider and more diverse range of installations. The growing number of Smart IP loudspeaker solutions being deployed in prestigious projects all over the world has clearly shown that networked loudspeakers are the future of installed audio, and we feel sure that the AV world will warmly welcome Smart IP loudspeaker technology in this new form-factor.”
—ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.genelec.com
TeamBoard | Stand: 2V100
Panel developer TeamBoard is showcasing the new AirServer Connect 2 universal screen mirroring receiver and demonstrating how it is integrated with TeamBoard’s interactive displays.
Pratik Kumar, CEO and founder of App Dynamic, the Icelandic company behind screen mirroring software AirServer, is also on the TeamBoard stand to talk about AirServer Connect 2 and its use in business and education.
Also at ISE, TeamBoard is introducing its Ultimate ultrawide interactive panel that provides a 105in screen for better engagement between team members as companies adopt hybrid working models.
The screen comes with 5K (5120x2880 pixels) native resolution, a 21:9 widescreen aspect ratio, 20 points of touch with slim IR touch technology, and 4mm toughened glass. The screen can be split between different areas such as a document or video and a whiteboarding screen, and supports Microsoft Teams’ Front Row feature.
—ANNE MORRIS www.teamboard.comA wide range of Steinway & Sons loudspeakers for luxury living rooms, reference home cinemas, and outdoors are being showcased in Hall 2. The latest products from Steinway Lyngdorf include the Model A, designed and tuned for space-saving placement near a room wall. Model A provides a powerful and expansive sound performance, according to the company. Also present is the new Marine Speaker for yachts, luxury pool areas, gardens, or rooftops. On stand, visitors can also encounter Steinway & Sons’ freestanding loudspeakers shown complemented by a selection from over 20 inwall and in-ceiling speakers. Also on show are the brand’s electronics, ranging from digital stereo amplifiers and HDMI 2.1 immersive audio processors to gold-plated remote controls. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.steinwaylyngdorf.com
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By David Davies
Digital signage and other DooH (digital out of home) technologies have always been a huge part of the ISE experience, and the 2023 show is once again reflecting a market that’s in vigorous health. Already one of the largest solution areas in pro AV, digital signage is predicted to reach a value of $44.7 billion in 2026 – up from $35 billion in 2022 – according to recent data from AVIXA. Hardware such as displays and media players are often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about digital signage. However, choosing the right digital signage software will also have a major impact on the success of a rollout. Software can help to make management of a digital signage network much simpler,
pushing content to the right screens at the right time to encourage more interactions and engagement, serving ads, enabling programmatic selling and more. With display quality and data-driven operational platforms continuing to evolve, ISE visitors should ready themselves for
an abundance of creativity from DooH vendors. While the Digital Signage and DooH Zone in Hall 6 should be their first stop-off, many prominent names – Absen, Barco, Christie, Philips and Sharp/NEC, to name just five – can also be found in the Hall 3 Multi-Technology Zone.
platform, which enables the installation, management and maintenance of the company’s ZyPer4K and ZyPerUHD encoders and decoders, are the result of collaborations with URC, QSC and Aveo Systems.
ZeeVee is promoting the latest third-party control options for its 10Gbps ZyPer4K (SDVoE) and 1Gbps ZyPerUHD (AVoIP) encoders. The new plug-ins for ZeeVee’s ZyPer management
URC’s Total Control is a residential and commercial automation platform with advanced automation features and custom macro integration capabilities. QSC’s Q-SYSTM is a cloudmanageable audio, video and control platform built around a modern, standards-based IT architecture. Finally, Aveo Systems’ Mira Connect is a smart control appliance that works with hundreds of collaboration products from dozens of manufacturers, providing control over their AV and communications resources.
Joe Chordas, VP North American sales and corporate marketing, ZeeVee, said:
“These mutually beneficial partnerships between URC, QSC and Aveo Systems give integrators more options to offer their customers for the delivery of the most engaging content via videowalls and multiviews with market-leading ease-of-use. More quality system control options that put powerful tools in the hands of users is good for everyone and expands the universe of high-end AV applications.” —DAVID
FOX www.zeevee.com
The newest addition to EAW’s ADAPTive loudspeaker range is making a noise at ISE. Although smaller than its predecessors, the AC6 two-way fullrange ADAPTive column loudspeaker utilises the same Signature ADAPTive Tool Kit. With EAW Resolution 2 software it can adjust for coverage and directivity with its Adaptive Performance technology. EAW says integrating all factors and loudspeaker aspects means the AC6 can produce three-dimensional coverage even in acoustically challenged spaces. It is also equipped with EAW’s Focusing and DynO digital signal processing. With six low-frequency transducers and 30 high-frequency transducers, the AC6 can produce studio-quality audio from 20kHz to 65Hz, at any volume. Any number of columns can be flown as mains or integrated with larger Anna or Anya line arrays. Like other ADAPTive models, the AC6 is integrated with Dante redundant networking as well as analogue redundancy capabilities, making connecting and communication to each module streamlined. —KEVIN EMMOTT www.eaw.com
Unified communications and collaboration technology specialist Yealink is showcasing inclusive meeting experiences from the huddle room to extra-large workspaces, as well as personal collaboration devices including headsets, cameras and displays. Yealink MeetingBar A10 and A20 provide an all-in-one design for rooms and are aimed at being simple to set up. The Yealink SmartVision 60, a 360° intelligent all-in-one camera, aims to deliver immersive video experiences for everyone in the meeting and is designed for Microsoft Teams Rooms. For large to extra-large meeting spaces, Yealink MVC960 Microsoft Teams Rooms keeps everyone in view and tracks meeting participants wherever they are presenting. Compatible with pro-AV system providers such as Extron,
The TB4 Ultraflex USB-C connecting cable for Thunderbolt 4 transmission from S-Impuls Handels can support all the most important transmission protocols for computing and multimedia.
The TB4 cable supports: PCI Express (32Gbps); USB4 (40Gbps); DisplayPort 1.4 up to 2x4K or 1x8K (HBR2, MST); and Thunderbolt Networking at up to 10Gbps. It also offers partial support for Thunderbolt 3. It supports power delivery (20V/5A), so that users can connect a notebook to a docking station with just one cable and not only get access to all important interfaces, but devices with high energy requirements can also be charged simultaneously with up to 100W (depending on the hardware used).
TB4 supports Thunderbolt’s wake up function, so that a Thunderbolt 4 docking station can start a notebook or wake up an end device from sleep mode. It also allows daisychaining of up to six Thunderbolt 4 devices. —DAVID FOX www.s-impuls.de
Shure and Biamp, this product enables meeting control and audio integration for an enhanced collaboration experience, claims the company. —ANNE MORRIS www.yealink.com
Workplace experience software provider Appspace is showcasing a product based on its collaboration with Microsoft. Appspace for Microsoft aims to create more productive, collaborative and engaging workplaces. It works from inside Microsoft apps such as Teams, SharePoint and Viva. Microsoft Places, a new workplace platform to optimise physical spaces for hybrid work, is also being added soon. Furthermore, the Appspace roadmap includes new integrations with Microsoft solutions, such as Microsoft Graph and Power Automate.
—ANNE MORRIS www.appspace.comIn partnership with Adept Audio, engineered and designed by Origin Acoustics, Ethereal (formerly MetraAV) is showcasing a full line of distributor-focused architectural and outdoor speakers. These are described as having exceptional sound, easier installation and affordable prices.
MuxLab has introduced 4K/60 4:4:4 KVM, USB 2.0 and HDMI over IP PoE transmitters and receivers (models 500800-TX, 500800-RX). These latest additions to its large AVoIP line-up offer the power of USB 2.0 switching for webcams and KVM capabilities. They should slot seamlessly into current set-ups, says the company.
The units can be managed using third-party drivers and plug-ins (such as Q-SYS and Crestron) and are compatible and tested with leading switches (Netgear, Cisco, etc). For control, users can access a GUI in the 500812 MuxLab ProDigital network controller. An API is also available.
The transmitter terminates to a computer server/ workstation via an HDMI and a USB port. The receiver terminates to an HDMI display and up to four USB devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, drawing pad, storage device, or camera, via a four-port USB hub. The 500800-RX also offers volume control on its 3.5mm jack.
A single receiver can be switched via hotkey sequences to any transmitter on the network, allowing a single operator to manage numerous servers/workstations in a distributed KVM application. —DAVID FOX www.muxlab.com
According to Ethereal, Adept products are crafted for high-quality sonic performance, high-value and durability for home theatre, whole-house audio, outdoor sound system, or commercial spaces.
The products include down-firing ceiling speakers, in-wall LCR speakers and indoor-outdoor speakers, which “deliver a demonstrably better listening experience for clients of residential and commercial installation companies”.
Ethereal also is giving away various promotional items during ISE 2023 from its brands. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.metrahometheater.com
The latest KVM technology for VuWall’s TRx videowall management system promises seamless operation between KVM operators and the videowall for control room deployments. This new development extends the functionality of the TRx centralised videowall management platform, enabling operators to collaborate directly on shared videowalls by bringing KVM sources, in addition to all other sources, on to a videowall powered by VuWall’s PAK videowall processing package and extending their keyboard/mouse on the videowall.
This not only lets each operator work on their personal desk, but also allows them to share content and collaborate more easily. VuWall maintains that this will foster dynamic collaboration between operators, “a vital and much desired capability in fastpaced control room environments where response times are critical”. —DAVID FOX www.vuwall.com
Jetbuilt
Software developer Jetbuilt aims to bridge the silos that exist in the AV, IT and other low-voltage industries, fostering better communication and collaboration, all within one easy-to-use, purpose-built platform.
Paul Dexter, CEO, Jetbuilt, said: “Fostering collaboration is something we’re passionate about. The concept of ‘bridging the silos’ is born out of the experience our clients, across all professions, have reported when using the platform. Jetbuilt offers a space for stakeholders to work together more efficiently at a lower cost, leading to more accurate and consistent results for all parties involved.”
Jetbuilt’s web-based project software is widely used for quick and efficient proposal generation and project management, but the company believes it can offer a common platform that reduces the inevitable friction and time taken to communicate between system integrators, AV consultants, end users and manufacturers.
For example: an end user can use Jetbuilt to outline needs on a room-by-room basis and share this directly with a manufacturer or consultant. The built-in discussion section
The Modular keypad from Rako can accommodate 12 push buttons in a variety of lighting, shading and audio control configurations, and won the company the Best Hardware award at the CEDIA EMEA Awards 2022.
Joining it on the Hall 2 stand is the new EOS Portrait keypad (pictured), which has been designed specifically for the unique requirements of the EMEA and APAC markets, according to company director Paul Wafer.
“The attractive, screwless design of the EOS Portrait keypads creates a clean and uncluttered aesthetic,” he added. Both keypad ranges are available in seven premium finishes to suit contemporary or more traditional interiors. They can also be matched with Heritage Brass electrical accessories as well as cabinet and door hardware; integrators can see how the keypads and accessories complement each other seamlessly.
Also on the stand is Rako’s feature-rich Hub interface which now offers increased functionality and simplified third-party integration with Crestron Home, Elan, BlueOS, QMotion and Silent Gliss. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.rakocontrols.com
allows requests for information to be shared among bidders, consultants and clients, making bids easy to compare and keeping everyone in the loop. Manufacturers can harness the platform to supply project discounts and discover how and where their products are being installed. —DAVID FOX www.jetbuilt.com
While the quality expectations of audio at home and in the workplace have been rising steadily for several years, there is no doubt that the pandemic precipitated another seismic shift. All of a sudden, consistent audio quality became a businesscritical concern for all kinds of corporations as huge swathes of meetings and conferences were required to move online. Now we are hopefully travelling out of the Covid era, companies are looking at longer-term provision that will mean employees can work with equal effectiveness wherever they are located. For anyone interested in the intersection between the home and the workplace, there’s plenty to see on the ISE show floor. In Hall 2’s Residential and Smart Building Zone,
Sharp/NEC | Stand: 3E600
Digital agency
Seenspire has joined forces with Sharp/ NEC for a new digital signage software collaboration.
Sharp/NEC is the first to offer Seenspire’s content app, which is accessible with NEC MediaPlayers running on MPi4 Kits or MPi4 Box in its largeformat displays.
According to the company, access to sufficient digital signage content requires resources and remains a challenge for small, medium and enterprise organisations across all verticals. It claims that, without spending a lot of time, these businesses can now address content with a single app.
Nils Karsten, business segment lead, retail at Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe, said: “Seenspire’s content app provides access to a wide range of dynamic content, designed to inform and engage your audience. The innovation considers viewing experience, user experience and unlimited access through a single app with our displays. This way, we can offer our customers a signage solution with always up-to-date content, which can fulfil any form of application requirement in any vertical deployment scenario.” — ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.sharpnecdisplays.eu
visitors can see many of the leading names in residential audio, including Monitor Audio and Trinnov Audio. Attendees should also make time to explore the Multi-Technology Zone (Halls 3 and 5), where a number of broadly-based audio companies, such as Biamp and Shure, can be found.
Jung | Stand: 2K125
The new LS Touch room controller from Jung enables the operation of all powered devices within a room while reducing the number of control points required. With up to 32 KNX functions per device, Jung combines numerous control options on one display including, for example, light control, shading, temperature and time.
The aim is to consolidate and functionally expand traditional smart home operation on a single device.
As on a smartphone, users can move through the menus and call up the desired functions. Swipe movements are possible in all directions, and menu configuration is entirely individual. The user interface uses clear and unambiguous symbols, and the layout is similar to the KNX F 40 push-button module.
LS Touch is permanently installed with a single frame from the Jung LS 990 or LS Zero switch ranges. This means that it is available in up to seven plastic variants. In addition, Jung offers the room controller in the 63 architectural shades of Les Couleurs by Le Corbusier. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.jung-group.com
Debuting in Hall 3 is the APPC-10SLBe 10.1in Android panel PC, powered by Android 11 with Google Mobile Services. The touch display comes with a range of pre-installed Google apps such as Play Store, Chrome, YouTube and a host of others. It also comes with an RK3399 CPU and 4GB of RAM, permitting operation of multiple apps at the same time.
The addition of Google Play Store makes it possible to deploy content or updates remotely to all devices in the field, from one central hub. This works even for sideloaded apps. Google Play Protect ensures automatic security updates and adds a new layer of security to the APPC-10SLBe.
The full RGB surround LED bar has been introduced on other models by ProDVX and is included here. This “clientfavourite” feature means users can easily signal room availability, payment status and similar. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.prodvx.com
The stand of digital audio developer DiGiCo has three Quantum consoles on show as well as hosting two of its brands: in addition to the DiGiCo consoles, the 4REA4 installation system and Klang’s in-ear mixing systems are also being demonstrated.
DiGiCo’s Quantum 338 boasts a new look and three 17in multitouch screens, while Quantum 7 features 600 channels of processing in 96kHz operation. The company is also showing its Quantum 225 console.
4REA4 is a low-latency FPGA-based audio engine designed to run as a standalone install system, an enhancement to an existing system or to add install functionality to a multiconsole set-up. It features allocative processing, customisable I/O and a range of programmable hardware controllers.
Klang’s immersive in-ear mixing systems include the Klang:controller, Klang:quelle and Klang:conductor. The last of these is an immersive in-ear mixing processor delivering 16 mixes and processing 128 input signals at up to 96kHz, with internal latency of less than 0.25ms. —kevin emmott www.digico.biz
For home owners and integrators wanting to maximise the value and aesthetic quality of the Sonos brand of speaker, a range of premium bespoke accessories can create the perfect set-up, according to UK-based distributor Flexson. The company is showcasing its range, which includes wall mounts, floor stands, cables and protective covers for users wanting to take their speakers anywhere they go.
Michelle Stephens, product manager at Flexson, said: “Our expert product designers are committed to devising innovative and practical solutions to create sleek installations and help customers make the most of their wireless sound system. From floor stands to TV mounts and more, Flexson offers a comprehensive selection of mounting solutions for every installation need.” Flexon’s global distribution network allows it to supply products in every country that Sonos is sold.
—ADRIAN PENNINGTONwww.flexson.com
Residential systems integrators can now create, sell and manage service plans with an enhancement to cloud-based software from D-Tools. The inclusion of a complete service management suite for D-Tools Cloud, demoed here at ISE, enables service plans to be designed in advance or configured on-the-fly and presented as an option on a project proposal or sold as a separate contract. It even enables collection of payment on-site from a mobile device.
Another new addition to the software is the support of chat, which means members of an integration team can now communicate and collaborate in real time.
According to the company, the D-Tools Cloud platform facilitates multimedia proposals and browser-based visual quoting for closer collaboration with clients. This can help prompt e-sign approval
Krix | Stand:
Visitors to Hall 2 can catch demonstrations of a highchannel count home cinema featuring the Krix MX-40 loudspeaker. The focus is on dynamic movie playback, and the Australian vendor promises an innovative and unique approach to low frequency reproduction.
The distinctive modular design of the Series MX provides a solid wall that is continuous with the speaker baffles, replicating the same concept seen in a commercial cinema. This stops sound from radiating around the speaker and into the space behind the screen, which causes reflections that then combine with the direct sound from the speaker. According to the company, the result of implementing this baffle is a “smooth, clear and fullbodied sound that feels just like sitting in a cinema”.
Krix is exhibiting at ISE alongside Trinnov Audio, Sony and Officina Acustica, as well as at its own stand, where team members are on hand for a chat and to help visitors experience an immersive home cinema demonstration. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.krix.com.au
and deposits. D-Tools Cloud’s post-sales capabilities, including scheduling, project planning, task management and time tracking, help integrators finish jobs on time and within budget, claims the company. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.d-tools.com
Japanese display brand iiyama has introduced two 105in ultra-wide professional displays: the ProLite TE10518UWI-B1AG, with PureTouch-IR; and the ProLite LH10551WUSB1AG (non-touch).
Both feature 5K resolution, 21:9 panoramic view and are equipped with Android 13 OS with touch and nontouch options.
The 21:9 wide screen is said to be ideal for installation in a meeting room to achieve the Microsoft Teams
Front Row “optimum experience”, in missioncritical control room facilities, or as vibrant digital signage for high-end retail spaces.
The large-format displays come with a sleek thin bezel design, while the panel has 25% haze that, in combination with the anti-glare coating, drastically reduces ambient reflection in high-brightness environments, increases sharpness and enhances image clarity, claims the company. —DAVID FOX www.iiyama.com
SiliconCore’s latest ultra-fine pixel pitch High Resolution
Modular LED Floor is claimed to be the “only durable 1.2mm floor available for fixed installations”, and ideal for immersive and virtual production environments.
The display uses SiliconCore’s Lisa 2.0 technology, a proprietary LED encapsulation process, to increase durability so viewers can walk directly on the screen without an additional protective layer or coating. It differs from other coating processes that can cause uniformity issues, and leaves a flat, durable, uniform surface on the PCB while preserving brightness levels of 1,200 nits. The smooth, non-reflective surface is also water-resistant and can handle weight-bearing loads up to 1,000kg per square metre.
The Modular LED Floor also uses SiliconCore’s patented CommonCathode technology for sustainability, including low power consumption, cool operating temperatures and long lifespan.
Also on show is SiliconCore’s Lotus 0.83mm 4K MicroLED display, which offers brightness levels of 4,000 nits while maintaining low power and remaining cool to the touch. All the displays use SiliconCore’s Zach 2.0 colour accuracy technology, which enables low light brightness down to 0.04 nits, as well as high frame rates of 120fps and refresh rates of 3,840Hz with no motion blur and sustained high brightness. This is said to be beneficial for active 3D content and simulation applications.
www.silicon-core.com
NST Audio | Stand: 7H290
Configuration and remote control are a key focus for NST Audio at ISE with a variety of set-up and control configurations now accessible across a number of formats and devices.
For fixed installs, NST Audio’s VR1 PoE remote LCD wall panel can perform day-today adjustments such as volume controls, source selections and system reconfigurations.
Multiple VR1s may also be used across a system, and they can even be customised with a user’s venue logo on screen.
Available across PC, Mac and iPad, NST’s D-Net is an Ethernet-based control platform that offers the ability not only to control every device on a network, but also to store presets and configure systems offline. In this way D-Net can be used for set-up configuration and then locked down to be handed off to an end user. –KEVIN EMMOTT www.nstaudio.com
—DAVID FOXMSolutions | Stand: 2G300
Signal extension innovator MSolutions is showing the new MS-3R Series, the industry’s first series of HDBaseT extenders to support uncompressed extension of HDMI signals at 4K@60 4:4:4.
MSolutions’ HDBaseT extenders can now support uncompressed 4K
The product incorporates uncompressed HDBaseT 3.0 technology to extend 4K HDR video (18Gbps) to up to 100m over a single category cable, supporting all 4K resolutions including HDR (HDR10+ and Dolby Vision at 60Hz). The series includes the MS-3R, which supports HDMI connection, and the MS-3RU, which adds USB-C connectivity.
Both extenders provide bidirectional RS232 between sources and destinations, along with bidirectional Power over Cable (PoC) to fuel a device at either end. Both extenders also support HDMI pass-through of all known HDMI audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The device joins other MSolutions extenders on the stand, including the MS-6U1C USB-C (USB 3.1 compatible) extender set introduced last year. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.m4sol.com
The My2N cloud platform on show at ISE allows users to log in from anywhere. All they need is an internet connection and a web browser to deal with customers’ requests. Examples of tasks that can be handled remotely include changing the name on an intercom display, adding a new user and device diagnostics.
According to the company, the My2N Management Platform is designed with the needs of facility managers in mind. Since they’re responsible for many systems and services, often across multiple buildings, it’s essential for them that the management of the access control system is straightforward and efficient. The software features installation management, managing users and devices, firmware updates and ‘cloud calling’ between 2N products, among other functions.
—ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.2n.com
A partnership with NewBlue, a developer of video effects, transition and titling software for video production, gives all PTZOptics customers access to a free six-month subscription to NewBlue’s Titler Live 5 Present graphics and video overlay package. Titler Live 5 can create broadcast-quality video overlays and graphics from main titles or data visualisations to lower thirds, crawls, slideshows, or scoreboards, through a simple, user-friendly interface. With Titler Live 5 Present, users can choose from more than 150 customisable 3D animated graphics or import their own graphics from Adobe Photoshop. A built-in spreadsheet interface allows users to customise unlimited sets of text, images and colours without needing to duplicate and edit individual graphics. Users can also connect data sources such as spreadsheets, slides, RSS feeds and clocks to automate content updates.
With ISE its first European outing, the new Smart City kiosk offers an integrated 55in Xtreme high bright outdoor display with full HD resolution. The KOP555XHB also comes with an IP55-rated media cabinet, providing a spacious, enclosed storage area for AV components and an integrated fan for active cooling. A new base cover conceals all power and data cabling running upwards from the bottom centre, while secure rear doors allow quick access to the display and storage area for maintenance purposes. Also new is the option to incorporate a 10-point IR touch overlay to transform the kiosk into an interactive digital advertising, wayfinding, or infotainment solution. With a plugand-play design, adding touch to the Xtreme display is a convenient extra, while an overlay with heater version is also available for climates where ice and snow could accumulate on the screen. The display’s fully sealed design prevents the ingress of foreign materials, such as water, dust, moisture and insects, and it has an operating temperature of -35°C to +60°C. Wind-tested up to 135mph, its optional 4in, 100W speakers are waterproof. The stainless steel and aluminium body, combined with an outdoor-rated paint finish, provides for corrosion resistance.
—ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.peerless-av.com
Titler Live 5 Present offers PTZ control for PTZOptics cameras over NDI, so users can add multiple PTZ cameras, set and call presets, adjust speed settings, and control focus, pan, tilt and zoom, all within the same interface. —DAVID FOX www.ptzoptics.com
The new 4000 series of Philips H-Line 4K digital signage displays is claimed to bring “uncompromised 24/7 picture performance to high bright indoor and semi-indoor environments”, including shop windows, malls and atria, with 3000cd/sqm brightness allowing the display to stand up to any lighting condition. This includes direct sunlight and behind glass.
The displays are available in 55in and 75in model variants and are powered by an Android SoC. This brings users the benefits of a powerful PC, together with extensive out-of-the box control, management and creative features and functionalities, including reduced energy consumption and power saving.
PPDS believes that the Philips H-Line 4000 series is suitable for a variety of vertical sectors, including retail, public spaces and transportation, where clarity of content in very light conditions is essential to the user experience.
—DAVID FOX www.ppds.comAdvertisments
The CT28 is a horn-loaded, 3-way loudspeaker that delivers a controlled 100° x 50° directional coverage, with a bass response to 70 Hz. The CT28 is compact and powerful, standing at 13-inches wide and 20-inches tall delivering a max SPL of 145 dB. The Contour sounds intimate at lower volumes and has a remarkable lack of distortion at higher volumes.
Traditional version of HYPERVSN Holographic Human is a life-size human holographic display that can be used to demonstrate products, provide information, and showcase the latest trends. This 5-meters-tall edition is a step up in every sense. Made with shows in mind, this immense holographic human can help brands and artists to make
Designed, engineered, and manufactured to simplify and beautify the installation of a wide range of wall-mounted technologies, its new patent-pending Frameless Flush Mount provides a seamless fit between Concrete and brick walls with home automation control devices.
Editorial Director James McKeown Editor Jo Ruddock Managing Editor Michael Burns
Reporters Kevin Emmott, Steve Fairclough, David Fox, Anne Morris, Adrian Pennington, Laura Vallis Guest Columnists Oliver Cleveley-Jones, David Davies, Kateryna Dubrova, Alistair Johnston, James Kirby, Chris Pennell, Samuel Recine, Ted Romanowitz, Anthony Savona, Yanna Zhu Photographers Sander Ruijg, +31 61472 4493, Dorian Broekhuyse, Michael Burns On-site Sub Editor Jenny Priestley Group Art Director Nicole Cobban Senior Design Director Lisa Mcintosh Production Managers Matthew Eglinton, Chris Blake Advertising Sales Matt Bailey, Janis Crowley, Zahra Majma Sam Marsh, Debbie Rosenthal, Rhiana Sinclair. MANAGEMENT VP AV Technology Group Carmel King UK CRO Zack Sullivan Commercial Director Clare Dove VP Market Expert, AV/CE/PA Adam Goldstein Head of Production UK & US
On show in Hall 7 is the RDA10 loudspeaker from Relecart. This full-range 6.25in coaxial ceiling speaker supports both Dante and AES67 for ease of integration into a variety of audio systems.
Fully network-enabled, compatibility with Relacart’s RDM loudspeaker management software provides access to remote management capabilities. Equipped with a Class D amplifier delivering a maximum output of 30W, the speaker supports PoE/PoE+, which negates the need for an external amplifier or external power supply.
The company says that the RDA10’s frameless structure, detachable magnetic lacquered grille and standard bending clips mean it subtly blends into suspended ceiling environments and can be quickly installed.
This makes it suitable for installations such as hotels, conference rooms and shopping centres. —KEVIN EMMOTT www.relacart.com
Datapath is showing the latest improvements to its VSN video processors, which now support 12th generation Intel Core i9 processors to offer “best-in-class power” alongside a new chassis design that “dramatically increases” performance. The casing has also been re-engineered to offer maximum air throughput; reducing system temperature to increase optimal long-term performance and reliability.
The latest derivatives of Datapath’s VSN processors, for videowall controller systems, are set for worldwide availability in the coming months.
Datapath is also introducing VisionSC-S2, a new SDVoE capture card with dual 4K/60 capture capability that meets the SDVoE Alliance’s parameters for minimum latency and high-quality resolution in real-time applications. —DAVID FOX
www.datapath.co.uk
The art of bringing sensor-driven interactivity into digital signage is on display by Dutch company Nexmosphere throughout ISE 2023.
The company’s collection of sensors and controls enables the creation of ‘unique interactive journeys’ wherever digital signage is applied, as opposed to basic looping or scheduled content.
Nexmosphere’s sensor platform is designed specifically for digital signage integration. Products include pickup, presence and proximity sensors, motion, gender and age sensors, colour, light and environmental sensors, gesture, and hand tracking, as well as touch and non-touch buttons. Control solutions include RGBW LED and audio switching control.
In 2022 the company introduced its hand gesture tracking sensor – aimed at shop window installations – to help to offer ‘fun and effective interactivity options’ to system integrators. —STEVE FAIRCLOUGH www.nexmosphere.com
A 0.9mm narrow pixel pitch product using IMD, the emerging LED technology, is a highlight of Daktronics’ ISE show presence. IMD, or integrated matrix device, consists of multiple RGB pixels mounted on a common substrate and allows for greater durability compared to the traditional SMD solution. The technology provides increased contrast and an extended LED life and performance, a consequence of being engineered to operate at lower temperatures. ISE visitors can see how this technology works at close quarters at the Daktronics stand, where the company is also showing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays, all using LED technology. Daktronics says it has installed more than 36,000 individual video-capable displays in more than 80 countries around the world. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.daktronics.com
The Alfalite VP XR solution – a complete virtual production environment using the company’s LED screens along with full integration into the production ecosystem of manufacturer Mo-Sys – is on show in Hall 6.
The solution includes a Startracker camera tracking system, broadcast mixed reality technology and remote camera heads from Mo-Sys that, with Alfalite’s screens, create a complete ecosystem of virtual XR production for cinema, broadcast and advertising.
The Spanish company is also presenting new versions of its series of Alfalite Modularpix Pro LED panels with new pixel pitches.
There’s also the new generation of Alfalite ORIM (Optical Resin Injection Module) technology, which has been used in iconic projects such as the Gaudí Cube at Casa Batlló, RTVE News in Torrespaña, and the pentagon in the Ifema HELIXA Experience Center.
The LED panels with ORIM technology are said to have superior antistatic electricity protection (ESD >10kV), improved thermal dissipation parameters, and ‘excellent resistance’ to impacts, liquids, chemicals and fire (with UL94 compliance). They are also easier to clean, suffer less deterioration and are said to have the shortest repair time on the market. —STEVE FAIRCLOUGH www.alfalite.com
Avatus E, a new modular control surface with 24 or 36 faders, is designed to complement the extensive range of IP-based, freely combinable control surfaces within Stagetec’s Avatus portfolio. By reducing the flagship surface’s footprint by 30%, the depth of the console is only 63cm. The company says Avatus E is ideal for applications where it is important to make the best use of limited space. It offers the same comprehensive features and workflow as the full-sized surfaces, but provides an alternative layout of components.
Combined with a Nexus routing system as the central unit of the Avatus mixing system, Avatus E provides
full access to all Nexus I/Os connected either via fibre links or IP links in a fully IP-based infrastructure. Projects created on a full Avatus interface are fully compatible with Avatus E, and vice versa. Indeed, any combination of Avatus surfaces of any size and type is fully compatible; including Avatus C, which is now available with up to 36 faders. —DAVID FOX www.stagetec.com
VC-backed start-up Rithum (formerly Violet) is showcasing its Rithum Switch. The touchscreen device replaces an existing light switch or lighting keypad and offers control of third-party smart systems such as Sonos, BluOS, Rako, Fibaro and HDAnywhere.
The product includes an ambient light and proximity sensor, as well as a temperature sensor which means it can act as a smart thermostat. The solution is scalable for the installer: by using mix and match plug-ins, they can provide a solution that suits the project and budget.
While initially designed for residential applications, the company has also seen wide interest from hospitality, hotels and beyond.
Ryan Ovens, CEO, Rithum, said: “We think there is a great power in having a product that can be repurposed for different sectors and segments using software enhancements. Rather than have 101 hardware SKUs or multiple brands, we are focused on getting as much as possible out of a few well-designed hardware products and providing our customers with the means to monetise software enhancements alongside their own services.” —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.rithumhome.com
Visitors to the Roe stand can see the new Black Quartz LED, available in a pixel pitch of 6.2mm. Designed for outdoor events, these panels have an incorporated folding wind-bracing truss. They boast a high contrast ratio and wide colour gamut using black LEDs. High-performance processing cards support true natural colour, low latency, module calibration, edge correction, HDR10 and high greyscale on low brightness.
Premiering at ISE is the Black Marble BM2, a version of Roe’s LED floor in a 2.8mm pixel pitch. Its matte finish provides a non-reflective LED panel, which the company claims is ideal for broadcast or XR stages. The Black Marble LED floor can also be used for systems integration, and live and hybrid events.
The LED displays on the company’s stand are powered by the Helios LED processing platform from Megapixel XR, while the content for the whole stand runs on a VX4+ media server from disguise. —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.roevisual.com
El Pollo Loco, a fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain in the US, recently deployed Navori QL digital signage software to power digital menu board content. Utilised in 150 locations to date, the Mexican-American food firm can efficiently update pricing and content at short notice while offering a more compelling visual experience as customers place orders.
Navori says its QL Content Manager, on show at ISE, has efficiently centralised content management across all locations on the network.
Clark Matthews, VP information technology, El Pollo Loco, said: “We looked at some open-source systems that reproduced visual content well, but had problems with dynamic content and software reliability. We then looked at commercial solutions, and the bottom line was that Navori addressed all these challenges while also understanding our business model.”
QL software powers the content on three landscape displays (55in, 60in and 65in) inside each restaurant. One hundred of these locations have an additional portrait preview
board that runs in-store promotions and ads. These boards show a mix of dynamic HTML5 content, static images and partial static images with videos inside the content.
The chain deployed Navori QL StiX media player dongles for content playout. As well as offering high-quality video provision, this removes the need for local management and streamlines the technical architecture inside stores as there is no longer any need for standalone hardware players. —MICHAEL
BURNS www.navori.comDeneva | Stand: 6K725
Described as a ‘hero’ product for rental and staging and XR stages, the PL2.5 Pro V2 panel is being displayed on the Absen stand. Offered in multiple pixel pitches ranging from 1.9mm to 4.8mm, it also supports HDR display with grayscale up to 16bit. With Absen’s NX series users can create curves, right angles, cubes, or other shapes for use in commercial display scenarios. This makes for a striking corner display on Absen’s ISE stand.
The AW1.9 is a new addition to Absen’s DooH portfolio, being exhibited for the first time at ISE. Absen is partnering with DOOH Click, a complete management platform, to support both the AW1.9 and AW2.5 versions of this range of outdoor LED solutions.
Brian Macauto, VP industry development director, Absen, said: “Offering ultra-bright performance in rugged design to suit all conditions, the Absen AW Series provides exquisite picture quality with the reliable, high-quality performance expected with all Absen products.” —ADRIAN PENNINGTON www.absen-europe.com
The latest version of Deneva’s Digital Signage software is being demoed every half hour at stand 6K725. Aimed at the ‘future of content management’ it features a renewed platform based on “a cutting-edge user experience” and a more efficient management of devices. The software manufacturer has introduced “advanced features aimed at simultaneously and centrally managing multiple complex digital signage circuit devices with a high number of display points, as well as new thirdparty integrations and greater scalability”.
Among the advanced functionalities, a Data Sources editor lets the user connect and automate data from external sources, allowing them to interact with the information displayed in real time.
Deneva has also reinforced its data dashboard and metrics to help advertisers perform more in-depth analysis of content displayed based on hours viewed and other audience demographics, among other parameters. —STEVE FAIRCLOUGH www.denevads.es
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