Systems Contract News - September 2025 - 0381

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

T

H

E

THE

SPECTACLE Immerse Yourself at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum AVNETWORK.COM

SEPTEMBER 2025

18 Executive Q&A Pufferfish’s Stephen Patterson talks immersive technologies.

26 Cloud Power Dave Van Hoy details cloudbased infrastructures.

34 Viewpoint

18

26

34

Joseph Cornwall helps define the new role of Bluetooth.

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

T

H

E

THE

SPECTACLE Immerse Yourself at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum AVNETWORK.COM

SEPTEMBER 2025

18 Executive Q&A Pufferfish’s Stephen Patterson talks immersive technologies.

26 Cloud Power Dave Van Hoy details cloudbased infrastructures.

34 Viewpoint

18

26

34

Joseph Cornwall helps define the new role of Bluetooth.

CONTENTS T

H

E

22

AV in Overdrive The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is

immersing visitors with a new video exhibit.

By Carolyn Heinze

People

Technology

17 On Your Business

26 Cloud Power

You can manage organizational relationships better by

Orchestration is the future of cloud-based production.

understanding personality types.

By Dave Van Hoy

By Steve Greenblatt and Brittany DiCesare

18 Executive Q&A

28 TriCaster Turns 20 Join Vizrt as it celebrates the evolution of an early

Stephen Patterson from Pufferfish Displays explains

disrupter of the status quo.

the appeal of spherical displays.

By Michael Grotticelli

By Mark J. Pescatore

Business 20 Welcome Back to the Ballpark

28

30 Pro AV a la Carte Carts and mounts deliver support and flexibility for

Viewpoint

today’s displays.

34 An Invisible Revolution

By Wayne Cavadi

It’s time to define the new role of Bluetooth in the Pro

Stadiums, arenas, and other venues are leveraging Pro

AV space.

AV technologies to attract live audiences.

By Joseph Cornwall

By Michael Grotticelli

24 Premium Sound for Every Seat There’s a new approach to stadium audio refurbishment.

By Ian White

Departments 4 SYSTEMS CHECK 6 NEWS 16 NEWSMAKERS 32 PRODUCTS

Vol. 32 No. 9 September 2025 Systems Contractor News (ISSN 1078-4993) is published monthly by Future US, Inc., 130 West 42nd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036-8002. Periodical postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: SYSTEMS CONTRACTOR NEWS, P.O. Box 1051, Lowell, MA 01853.

Subscribe online at www.MySCNews.com. Please allow 6-8 weeks for address changes to take effect. ©Copyright 2025 by Future US, Inc. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

avnetwork.com // September 2025 // SCN

3

SYSTEMS CHECK

MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director

It’s the Mint with the Hole F

or those of you who have not seen me work a trade show, my schedule is generally wall to wall. When I’m not at an appointment, I’m visiting other exhibitors on my way to my next appointment. Sometimes, I get a little rebellious and

EMAIL

mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

experience a demo or attend an educational session.

What I rarely do is sit down and have a real lunch. Instead, lunch is usually some sort of protein bar paired with a warm diet soda I’ve been nursing all morning. If I do get to the FACEBOOK

facebook.com/ systemscontractor

press room for a meal, it’s generally shoveled into my piehole with very little elegance. If you want to keep your own lunch down, it’s not something you want to watch.

But a few years back, I got to add a bit of gastronomic fun to my routine. I started swapping snacks with Sam, who works for Wildwood Plus, a PR agency. I think she offered me some candy during a booth tour. I thanked her for “lunch” and that’s all it took; now,

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

it’s our tradition.

For example, at ISE this year, I brought her an American delicacy, Sno-Caps. Sam brought me Polo mints, which were apparently inspired by Life Savers and have been around for more than 70 years. As an American, I was unaware of these, but they are well known in the U.K. They must be—when I would take them out in front of other

X x.com/scnmag

attendees (yes, I share), someone invariably said, “It’s the mint with the hole!” Talk about an effective tagline.

That tagline got me thinking a lot about branding and some big branding changes in our industry recently. On the distribution side, there’s Almo Pro AV. Almo Professional A/V was acquired by Exertis in December 2021, which prompted a name change to Exertis Almo in Spring 2022. Three years later, at InfoComm 2025, the company made a splash with its new name, Almo Pro AV. Dan Smith, EVP of Almo Pro AV, said the new branding was a refresh, not a restructure.

No new owners, no new leadership, no real change to company strategy. “The rebrand reinforces our identity as a true AV specialist and dedicated industry partner,” he explained.

Integrators are making changes, too. Diversified refreshed its brand about two years ago. The new logo replaced the RGB color scheme of its stylized “D” with a blue gradient to represent the company’s “fluid transition towards a digital future.” They also added a new tagline, “Create the Unforgettable,” to encourage its clients to push technological boundaries.

Earlier this year, AVI-SPL debuted its new “Confidence and Curiosity” brand campaign in time for ISE 2025 in Barcelona. The move included new logo colors and a new website.

“When confidence and curiosity meet, true transformation happens,” said John Zettel, CEO of AVI-SPL. “When our customers trust their technology to perform seamlessly, they gain the freedom to ask, ‘What’s next?’ This campaign celebrates these breakthroughs and the role we play in turning curiosity into actionable, measurable results.”

avnetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 2025 VOL. 32 NO. 9 CONTENT

Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Senior Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Contributors Joseph Cornwall, Brittany DiCesare, Steve Greenblatt, Michael Grotticelli, Jennifer Guhl, Carolyn Heinze, Dave Van Hoy, Ian White Art Editors Rob Crossland, Sam Richwood Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S

Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465 Sales John Casey, john.casey@futurenet.com, 845-678-3839 Janis Crowley, janis.crowley@futurenet.com, 845-414-6791 Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com, 212-378-0468 Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com, 845-678-3752 Andi Tureson, andi.tureson@futurenet.com, 646-544-0007 SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE

To subscribe, change your address, or check on your current account status, go to avnetwork.com and click on About Us, email futureplc@computerfulfillment. com, call 888-266-5828, or write P.O. Box 1051, Lowell, MA 01853.

LICENSING/REPRINTS/PERMISSIONS

SCN is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing team to discuss partnership opportunities.

Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw licensing@futurenet.com M A N AG E M E N T

SVP, MD, B2B Amanda Dawrman-Allen VP, Global Head of Content, B2B Carmel King MD, Content, AV Anthony Savona Global Head of Sales, Future B2B Tom Sikes Managing VP of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein VP, Global Head of Strategy & Ops, B2B Allison Markert VP, Product & Marketing, B2B Andrew Buchholz Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design, B2B Nicole Cobban FUTURE US, INC.

130 West 42nd Street, 7th Floor New York, NY 10036

And the folks at AVI Systems went even further. As we reported in June, they changed their name to FORTÉ in an effort to reflect their expanding business focus.

So, how’s your brand? Does your branding reflect all that you do? If your customers had to invent a tagline for you, what would they say?

Integrators and distributors are more than resources for videobars and line arrays.

Sure, you sell products, but you really sell solutions. You sell expertise.

You sell services. You sell peace of mind.

A collection of loyal customers is one thing, and word of mouth can certainly help recruit new customers. But an effective branding strategy opens the door to new business and reinforces your message with existing clients. Maybe it’s time to update that logo or revisit that website design. Don’t be afraid to make your brand minty fresh.

Diversified refreshed its logo to represent a “fluid transition towards a digital future.”

Bonus: It looks great on a hat.

4

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

All contents ©2025 Future US, Inc. or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales.

Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/ permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.

Please Recycle. We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.

DN-300 Series

The Ultimate AVoIP Platform The Future of AV Distribution is Here The DisplayNet DN-300 Series delivers an unprecedented level of AVoIP performance, versatility and reliability— at a price point that defines the industry benchmark for value. Based on the latest SDVoE technology, the DN-300 Series provides 4K/60 (4:4:4) video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency and zero image artifacts.

These units offer unique features that provide system designers with exceptional versatility:     

Switchable Transmitter / Receiver operation Bi-directional Transceiver mode (DN-300T) Dual (copper / fiber) 10G network interfaces Long Range: 100 meters (copper), 30 km (optical) Auxiliary H.264/5 video output streams



Powerful network security features

 PoE+ support  Silent, fanless operation  Ultra-compact, rackmountable case  Versatile KVM Routing

 DN-300H: USB HID device instant switching  DN-300T: full-bandwidth USB 2.0 routing

DisplayNet also provides software-defined MultiViewer and Advanced Video Wall engines that power a wide range of applications without the expense and complexity of ancillary products. A highly intuitive web-based UI and API greatly simplifies setup and installation, as well as integration into third-party control systems.

Contact us today to see how DisplayNet can move your next AV system into the future.

ZERO COMPROMISE – INFINITE POSSIBILITIES Powered by sales@dvigear.com (888) 463-9927 www.displaynet.com © 2025 DVIGear, Inc.

NEWS

The new Ecofficient initiative from Extron reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Extron Launches Ecofficient Initiative

E

xtron has launched Ecofficient, an initiative that reinforces the company’s

Laia Technologies Opens New Demo Lab

L

aia Technologies North America has opened its new Demo Lab in Fairfield, NJ. The company will be demonstrating, by appointment, its full breadth of cameras that work seamlessly with audio solutions from top manufacturing

partners. The new lab allows customers to demo Laia hardware and software solutions via in-person demos or remotely via Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, WebEx, and other platforms.

“We’re pulling out all the stops, with a full assortment of our latest model PTZ

leadership in sustainable, energy-efficient AV technology. Developed in

and collaboration cameras,” said Gary Plavin, president, Laia Technologies North

response to the likely shutdown of the Energy Star program for commer-

America. “And equally important: Your favorite audio providers such as Shure,

cial AV devices, the Ecofficient logo provides system designers, integrators, and

Nureva, Sennheiser, and others have gear in our lab—all networked on NETGEAR—

end users with a clear, recognizable mark of Extron’s ongoing commitment to

so you can see how our products work seamlessly and elegantly in an environment

reducing power consumption, lowering operating costs, and supporting global

that’s like your next job’s environment.”

sustainability goals.

Laia leverages advanced software integrations and more flexible integrated AI

Designed to be deployed across multiple product lines, the Ecofficient mark

to allow the seamless operation of Laia cameras with other AV system components

identifies Extron solutions engineered to minimize energy usage while maximizing

for superior speaker tracking and more. Plavin said the company’s unique software

reliability and performance. As organizations increasingly prioritize sustainability

helps eliminate programming costs around camera

and environmental responsibility, the new Extron Ecofficient designation sets a

setup and deployment. “It’s about working with

new industry benchmark for delivering smarter, greener AV technology. The

our AV ecosystem partners. Not just audio partners

company is confident it will provide an indicator that speaks directly to the values

but also display and networking partners,” he

of today’s AV professionals.

added. “Our Demo Lab lets you see that with your

“The Ecofficient designation represents the best of what Extron delivers:

own eyes, in an environment that’s like yours.”

engineering precision, forward-thinking innovation, and measurable efficiency,” said Casey Hall, chief marketing officer at Extron. “We created this initiative to help our customers confidently specify AV systems that meet today’s energy expectations without compromising performance.”

Resideo to Separate ADI Global Business

Resideo Technologies has announced its intention to separate its ADI Global Distribution business through a tax-free spinoff to Resideo shareholders. Following the completion of the separation, Resideo’s Products and Solutions business (“P&S”) will continue to operate as Resideo, while ADI will become an independent public company.

Jay Geldmacher, Resideo’s president and CEO, called the separation a “natural step.” He had previously announced his retirement but will now officially retire once the separation is complete.

Following the separation, Tom Surran, president of P&S, and Rob Aarnes, president of ADI, will continue leading Resideo and ADI, respectively.

Xilica Becomes First PAVSC Partner

T

he Professional Audio Visual Society of Canada (PAVSC) has its first partner: Xilica. Launched in July, PAVSC is a new national organization dedicated to supporting the Canadian AV channel and advancing the suc-

cess of Canadian integrators, consultants, and manufacturers.

As the first official partner, Xilica brings more than two decades of experience to

Additional corporate governance details for Resideo and ADI will be disclosed

PAVSC. The move reinforces the company’s interest in building a stronger Canadian

in the coming months, and all appointments are subject to board approval.

AV industry, providing a collaborative platform for professionals to grow, share

The separation is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject

knowledge, and shape the future of AV. Through its partnership with PAVSC, Xilica

to satisfaction of customary conditions.

aims to share best practices, nurture emerging talent, and support local integrators

As a global wholesale distributor of low-voltage products, including security and audiovisual solutions, ADI has a portfolio of more than 500,000

with tools to succeed in today’s hybrid working and learning environments.

“As a Canadian company with deep roots in this industry, it’s an honor for Xilica

professionally installed products. It serves both the commercial and

to be the first partner of PAVSC,” said James Knight, CEO, Xilica. “We believe in

residential markets across key specialty categories.

strengthening the fabric of our AV community, creating opportunities for learning,

Resideo will continue to be a building products manufacturer focused on solutions that maximize comfort, help ensure safety, and deliver cost savings and value to homeowners and businesses. With an expansive network of

collaboration, and growth. Together with PAVSC, we are very excited to help elevate the profile of Canadian innovation on the global stage.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Xilica as our first partner,” added Greg Rushton,

100,000 pro installers and more than 15 million installations per year, Resideo

board member, PAVSC. “Their commitment to innovation makes them a perfect

believes that it will be well positioned to grow its extensive portfolio.

match for PAVSC’s mission. With partners like Xilica, we’re building a platform that reflects the diversity, creativity, and expertise of the Canadian AV industry.”

6

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

What We Learned at AV/IT Summit 2025 Jennifer Guhl

with “nonsense” designs that they then must fix.

The panel also emphasized the problem of AV

Virtual Misconceptions Virtual production is a rapidly expanding field that

being seen as separate from IT, often found in

offers numerous opportunities and practical uses

etting aside the sports venues of previ-

facilities but not included in the IT strategy. Bill

across various sectors, including corporate and higher

ous years, the 2025 AV/IT Summit brought

Chamberlin from Verrex claimed that AV should be

education. However, it is often misunderstood.

together industry leaders at Convene at One

treated as an operational expense, like IT hardware,

Sony’s John Garmendi shared the “three Cs” of

Liberty Plaza in Lower Manhattan for discussions

with planned upgrade cycles of three to seven years,

virtual production misconceptions: cost, complexity,

centered on collaboration, innovation, and issues

helping systems from falling behind in security and

and cinema. Many believe virtual production is only for

affecting the industry. Produced by Future B2B, it

features.

Hollywood blockbusters, but there are many ways to get

S

was the most successful summit to date, with more than 20 sponsors and record attendance.

Led by AV Technology’s Cindy Davis and SCN’s

Cybersecurity Realities During his keynote, Jared Timmins of Diversified

started small, such as greenscreens, AI-enabled tracking, or LED walls that can be scaled to fit your space and budget.

Mark J. Pescatore, the conference program featured

described the rapid integration of AV, IT, media, and

Matt Morgan of Ross Video emphasized that the key

forward-looking sessions, networking opportunities,

cloud workflows as a technological renaissance that

is asking the right outcome-oriented questions, such as

and actionable insights aimed at shaping AV/IT

demands a new approach to security, design, and

what’s the purpose and how do we serve that purpose

convergence. Here are some highlights from the

operations. Once isolated, modern AV systems are now

with the appropriate solution. Mark Metzger from

day’s program.

intelligent, flexible, connected environments, but they

AVIXA agreed, explaining that you can start small and

are becoming more vulnerable to sophisticated

scale as your needs grow, while still increasing

cyberattacks, including a 4,000% increase in

engagement and production value.

Bring the Pain The summit kicked off with the new “Pain Points Panel,” an interactive discussion about challenges

AI-driven phishing attacks over the past year.

Timmins stressed to attendees that they must go

Look to the Future

currently facing the industry, including reducing

beyond “fit-for-purpose” AV systems and adopt

“The Future of AV Technology” session covered a

system complexity and enhancing collaboration

“secure-by-design” principles, making security an

variety of topics. Sharath Abraham from Jabra began by

between AV and IT teams. Matt McCleskey of Xyte

integral part of the design and deployment process

explaining how hybrid work has become the new norm,

emphasized the importance of designing AV systems

rather than an afterthought. “If you wait, security

citing economist Nick Bloom’s research concerning

that are cloud-compatible and AI-ready, enabling

becomes a liability instead of a strategy,” he said.

return-to-office policies, with many companies often

them to adapt and stay relevant as technology

While software orchestration, microservices, and

requiring at least one day in the office each week.

evolves. He noted that standardizing a consistent set

cloud-based infrastructure offer scalability and agility,

Advanced Systems Group’s Michele Ferreira added that

of components will make systems easier to service

they also add complexity and potential vulnerabilities.

hybrid work has expanded beyond conference rooms

and training simpler.

Technology is crucial, but the connection between AV

into broadcast environments, maintaining workflows

and IT teams is equally vital, as many security breaches

that were adapted during the pandemic.

Pescatore emphasized the ongoing frustration of not involving integrators early enough in the design

stem from social engineering rather than technical

process, which could prevent costly changes and

flaws. Teams need not only better tools but also

expect them to function as a seamless extension of

Looking closely at modern conference rooms, users

better aligned technology choices with business

enhanced training, shared standards, and earlier

other workday tools, including integration with apps

goals. This resonated with the audience, with one

involvement from integrators, manufacturers, and

and a consistent user interface. Rob Pickering from

participant noting that integrators are often faced

enterprise IT.

TRITECH Communications emphasized that the most successful organizations make training a routine part of their culture through ongoing messaging and drop-in sessions, rather than one-time training events.

The panel agreed that when it comes to AI, it’s important to understand it rather than fear it, focusing on using it to streamline operational tasks like filtering emails, automating research, and mastering prompting to maximize its benefits.

Lessons from Higher Education Moderated by HETMA chair Erin Maher-Moran from Johns Hopkins University, a session devoted to higher education wasn’t focused on failures, but rather provided an opportunity to examine what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what we can all do better moving forward.

For example, Marcus Longmuir from The New School voiced frustration about a multi-room project that started smoothly but became overwhelmed by too Diversified's SVP of innovation, Jared Timmins, offered a detailed look at cybersecurity for modern AV/IT networks during his keynote address.

8

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

many contractors, subcontractors, and project managers, which led to scattered communication and poor decision-making. “We ended up having seven

NEWS final walkthroughs … and we still had, over the years,

highlighted the complexity of network strategy and

Giving Voice to the AI Buzz

issues with all of the rooms,” he shared.

emphasized that you can’t use a one-size-fits-all

The summit wrapped up with a discussion of

approach when comparing dedicated AV networks to

everyone’s favorite buzzword, AI, and how it’s

cautionary story. Despite thorough preparation and

their integration into enterprise infrastructure. By

transforming collaboration, workflows, and revenue

testing, a crucial step was overlooked: network

using proper segmentation, VLANs, and firewalls, you

models. Joel Carroll of Mersive highlighted how

compatibility. This oversight caused AV switchers in 30

can build networks that support both while reducing

powerful AI can be in easing friction in meetings—and

classrooms to lock up, requiring replacement and

costs and maintaining performance and security.

if you don’t even notice it’s there, that’s when we will

NETGEAR’s Alex Pendleton emphasized the

know AI is truly effective. Meanwhile, Misty Chalk of

Even if everything goes perfectly, both panelists

importance of reliable enterprise-grade hardware,

BrightSign emphasized the impact on digital signage,

noted that well-installed systems can still be wasted if

demonstrated by NETGEAR’s success in penetration

highlighting that AI enhances real-time analytics and

end users aren’t engaged or trained, which is why they

testing with Fortune 500 companies. He also noted

personalization by processing gaze detection,

emphasized ongoing support and faculty outreach. “If

that low-end switches often lack the features

demographics, and emotions directly on the media

no one knows about it, or no one’s going to support it,

necessary for AV security.

player, allowing for instant content adjustments.

Tim Van Woeart from Rutgers University shared a

costing tens of thousands of dollars.

it’ll then sit there in the system and just collect dust,”

AI can also influence speech-to-text and

Van Woeart added.

translation services by enabling instant live translations in multiple languages. Bill Bennett

AV/IT Convergence

from ENCO Systems mentioned that it can even

As discussed during the “AV/IT // IT/AV” session, the

reproduce speech in synthetic voices modeled after

rapid adoption of AI has compelled many to find ways

the original speaker.

to bridge the gap between AV and IT, with early

But AI isn’t perfect, with SCN columnist David

collaboration being crucial for successful AI-enhanced

Danto of TalkingPointz sharing that it is often

experiences. Vanessa Jensen from Shure also pointed

“confidently wrong.” As a result, it must always be

out that cloud monitoring and enterprise VLAN

viewed as a tool that requires human oversight and

integration are becoming standard practices, with

editing of the final product. That’s why, when asked if

remote visibility, monitoring, and troubleshooting

AI is currently more hype or hope, most of the panel

becoming game changers for many organizations.

With an IT background, Tom Nyhus of AVI-SPL

SCN's David Danto joined the discussion on AI in AV at the AV/IT Summit.

leaned toward hype, but recognized real potential if the Pro AV industry can figure out the best ways to utilize it.

avnetwork.com // September 2025 // SCN

9

NEWS

Panasonic Connect Moves Forward after Projector Business Sale Collapses

Clearwing Joins Clair Global

By Mark J. Pescatore

announced on April 1, but the ORIX deal fell through

Clearwing, which offers production services and

in July.

systems integration from its Milwaukee and

Now, the plan is to grow the Panasonic Projector

Phoenix-based offices, has joined Clair Global. The

plan for Panasonic to sell off its projector

& Display Corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary

alignment enables both companies to expand their

business to ORIX Corporation, a move that

of Panasonic Connect. The change will not directly

capabilities while maintaining the personal,

could have been worth close to $800 mil-

affect new product development plans. Plus, the

relationship-focused approach that has earned

lion, has collapsed. While there has been no official

company is moving forward with its MEVIX sub-

client loyalty over the past five decades.

statement from Panasonic, a spokesperson told SCN

brand, which was unveiled by Panasonic Projector &

Founded in 1976, Clearwing has earned its

the capital alliance with ORIX was terminated due to

Display Americas (PPNDA) in June at InfoComm 2025

reputation by delivering audio, lighting, video, and

A

a discrepancy between the two companies' expectations regarding future business.

As reported last summer, Panasonic

and covers various visual solutions, including projectors, dvLED, and flat panel displays.

“I want to assure stakeholders that this

rigging solutions for live events and permanent installations. Within its systems integration business, Clearwing has delivered solutions for a

Connect had agreed to a strategic

will not impact our operations. Our strategy

vast portfolio of museums, performing arts centers,

capital partnership with ORIX that

remains unchanged under Panasonic

educational facilities, houses of worship, arena and

would form a new company to operate

Connect,” said Taka Uchida, CEO of PPNDA.

stadium venues, and themed entertainment

Panasonic Connect’s projector business

“We remain fully committed to establishing

applications.

and related operations. Originally, the

our new MEVIX brand as the leader in

company was supposed to launch in April

professional projectors and displays, and will

2025 and continue to use the Panasonic name, with ORIX holding 80% of the shares

continue with our strategy, maintaining the stability and innovation our customers depend on.”

and Panasonic Connect

Clearwing will maintain its brand, leadership, and team. Joining Clair Global provides Clearwing with access to greater resources, infrastructure, and support, enabling the company to serve clients more effectively and take on larger, more complex projects.

holding 20%. Panasonic

“Our rapport with Clair ownership and

Projector & Display

management has been undeniably positive and we

Corporation was

are thrilled to offer our customers exponentially expanded production solutions," said Gregg Brunclik, founder and CEO of Clearwing. "Our staff

Taka Uchida, CEO of PPNDA

will enjoy radically increased upward mobility potential for their personal and professional growth

Kinly to Merge with Yorktel

aspirations. This is a win from every perspective.”

Y

and brings in another team of top-tier professionals

For Clair Global, Clearwing’s addition strengthens its presence in key regional markets

orktel, along with portfolio company One

AV lifecycle services—with greater consistency,

who uphold strong values and a focus on delivering

Equity Partners, has agreed to merge with

capacity, and speed. This transaction is subject to

outstanding results. “Clearwing’s people are smart,

Kinly to create a workplace experience and

regulatory approval and other customary closing

driven, and dedicated. They know their craft and

collaboration provider with expanded reach. The

conditions. Until approval is granted, Yorktel and

their markets,” said Troy Clair, CEO of Clair Global.

strategic merger is expected to significantly acceler-

Kinly will continue to operate independently.

“We’re excited to support their growth and learn

ate global growth and expand systems integration

“This acquisition is an intentional step forward to

capabilities with a larger talent base and portfolio of

grow with purpose and is an example of what is still to

managed services and technology offerings.

come as we pursue our strategy and deliver advanced

Together, the merged company will serve more

solutions to our global clients,” said Ken Scaturro,

than 2,500 clients across 27 global locations with

CEO of Yorktel. “We are committed to leading the next

more than 1,600 employees. The expanded scale

wave of agentic transformation—simplifying

elevates the ability to deliver truly global managed

operations, reducing complexity, and empowering

services—from on-site support and proactive

organizations to work smarter all while improving the

monitoring to remote management, cloud voice, and

customer experience.”

10

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

from what they’ve built.”

NEWS

The WYO is using Auri for assistive listening in its Main Stage.

‘Sophie’s Stage’ Adds Auri

W

YO Performing Arts & Education Center

unlimited number of Auracast-compatible

in Sheridan, WY, has installed Auri,

devices and dedicated receivers within range.

powered by Ampetronic and Listen

Theater guests with Auracast-compatible

Technologies, for assistive listening in its Main

hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, or

Stage, known as “Sophie’s Stage.”

smartphones will be able to access the audio broadcast

Originally opened in 1923, the building now known

via their own device. The theater will have a limited

as the WYO houses two theaters and several multi-

number of Auri receivers for guests to borrow if they

functional spaces. Accessibility is central to the WYO’s

do not have an Auracast-compatible personal device.

mission to inspire, educate, and entertain. The WYO

Beyond assistive listening, the WYO can use Auri to

accessibility committee is continually looking for ways

provide audio description for visually impaired guests,

to make performances more accessible and ensure

and the system can also be used to support delivery of

that everyone who attends the theater has a positive,

language interpretation.

engaging experience.

“The WYO is committed to making the

Auri will complement the WYO’s existing hearing

performing arts and education accessible. We have

loop system, increasing accessibility to clear audio

fabulous performances planned and are excited to

within the space. Auri uses Auracast broadcast audio, a

begin the next season with the Auri system

assistive listening within the theater. As Auracast-

new capability from Bluetooth technology, to

installed,” said Erin Butler, executive director, the

compatible devices become more prevalent, the WYO

broadcast high-quality, low-latency venue audio to an

WYO. “Auri offers guests another way to access

will be future-ready with Auri.”

Navori Labs Acquires Signagelive

N

avori Labs has acquired Signagelive, a combination that creates what has been touted by Navori Labs as the world’s largest independent, channelonly CMS platform provider (by installed base).

By the end of 2025, the joint organization will boast more than 45 dedicated

developers focused exclusively on delivering scalable, flexible, and data-centric

The new Chicago Experience Center showcases INFiLED fixed installation and rental/staging applications.

signage technology. Offering an API-first, headless CMS architecture with advanced data integration, AI-powered analytics, and media monetization capabilities, the new Navori Labs Group is built for mid-sized to enterprise customers—particularly those operating in retail media and other dynamic, content-driven environments.

Former Signagelive CEO Jason Cremins and CCO Frank Larsen will complement the executive leadership team of the Navori Labs Group around Group CEO Jeffrey Weitzman, contributing their experience to drive the company’s strategic growth. In addition, Signagelive’s long-standing CTO, Marc Benson, will remain a key pillar of the Group’s technology leadership.

“What we’ve built is far more than the sum of its parts,” said Weitzman. “We’ve combined deep-rooted expertise, bold vision, and operational excellence into a leadership team that’s truly unmatched in CMS innovation and industry insight.”

Navori Labs now operates with a global footprint, serving customers with dedicated teams across the world. The company remains proudly Swiss, retaining its headquarters in Lausanne, while enhancing local support and regional sales presence across continents.

I

NFiLED has opened its newest showroom in Chicago, further expanding the company’s U.S. presence. Joining its existing LA Experience Center, the new Chicago Experience Center features LED displays for both fixed installation and

rental/staging applications. The facility also features INFiLED’s repair service center, and it will serve as a hub for hands-on, certified INFiLED technical training.

With the Chicago Experience Center, INFiLED’s goal is to give customers the opportunity to experience a real-time demonstration of corporate and live event

Both Navori Labs and Signagelive share a deep commitment to partner success and customer satisfaction. Their combined cultures are rooted in delivering digital signage software, channel-focused

possibilities. Strategically located in the Midwest, the Chicago showroom offers easy access from anywhere in the country and will provide local AV industry experts for project consulting and technical guidance support.

service, and long-term value for

Samuel Lee, INFiLED’s VP of operations and branch manager for Chicago, said

employees and clients alike. “This

the new facility is a “major milestone in our commitment to bringing cutting-edge

combination is a catalyst for

LED display technology and customer support closer to our valued partners. At our

transformation. It empowers our

new showroom, customers will have the opportunity to see, touch, and interact with

employees, energizes our partners, and

the latest and most advanced LED display solutions.”

delivers exponential value to our

12

INFiLED Opens Chicago Showroom

Products on show include INFiLED’s fixed mounted WV, WP, and WT series and a

customers and prospects around the

variety of hanging rental solutions powered by Green Hippo, along with its all-in-

world,” said Cremins.

one corporate solution, OrionLED series, showcased in its meeting spaces.

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

T

H

E

NEWS

Food City Center will feature new LED displays for the 2025-26 season.

Three Grass Valley switchers were installed across three different control rooms at Intuit Dome.

Vols Hoops Ready for Tip Off Grass Valley, BeckTV Deliver Switcher Solutions at Intuit Dome

A

new 11-display center-hung system graces Food City Center in Knoxville, TN, as Dak-

to the third-largest on-campus basketball arena

D

Inglewood, CA, installed an IP production infrastruc-

exactly that,” said Brock Raum, senior engineer at

for the 2025-26 season, the new system will be

ture to support Clippers basketball, concerts, and

BeckTV. “The ease of use of the Kayenne panels

in place and ready to inform and entertain fans at

other live events. The arena opened for the 2024-25

ensures that operators can move between control

every event.

season as a premier destination for basketball and

rooms seamlessly, which is essential for a venue of

live entertainment.

this scale.”

tronics has partnered with the University

of Tennessee to design, manufacture, and install a total of 24 LED displays. When basketball returns

“An essential part of our partnership with Food City is the chance to reinvest in the fan experience,

esigned to be the most technologically

“We needed a solution that could deliver

advanced arena in the United States, Intuit

uncompromised IP 2110 switching across all of Intuit

Dome, the new home of the LA Clippers in

Dome’s productions, and Grass Valley provided

To support the arena’s technological ambitions,

Additionally, the collaboration with BeckTV, one of

and the upgrades to the videoboards are nothing

integrator BeckTV recommended Grass Valley’s

Grass Valley’s partners, delivered a seamless

short of impressive,” said Danny White, vice

solutions, which offered the ability to provide the

integration process. “This deployment, in collaboration

chancellor and director of athletics, University of

required flexibility, reliability, and scalability of the

with our trusted partners BeckTV, further solidifies

Tennessee. “We are proud to have the most dedicated

facility’s production operations. The installation

Grass Valley’s leadership in large venue builds and elite

fan base in all of sports, and we are unwavering in

included three fully native ST 2110 switcher systems, all

sports productions,” said Alex Keighley, SVP of sales for

our commitment to continually elevate their

paired with Kayenne control panels. The systems serve

North America at Grass Valley. “As more venues

experience.”

as the heart of production across three different control

transition to fully IP-based workflows, Grass Valley

rooms, ensuring seamless operations for dozens of

continues to set the standard for innovation and

operators working on a variety of high-profile events.

performance in live event production.”

Four main video displays each measure nearly 15 feet high by 24.5 feet wide. Four corner wedge displays fit between the main displays for a seamless experience. The main displays are each capable of variable content zoning, allowing each to show one large image or multiple zones of live video, instant replays, statistics, game information, graphics, animations and sponsorship messages.

Below the main displays, a ring display provides supplemental graphics and information to the main displays. On the underside of the center-hung, two displays are angled toward the sidelines to appeal to fans sitting closer to the court. All center-hung displays feature 5.9mm pixel pitch.

Circling the seating bowl, a 360-degree ribbon

New Partnership for Daktronics, Grass Valley

G

rass Valley and Daktronics have announced a strategic technology partnership that unites Grass Valley’s live production solu-

tions with Daktronics’ large-scale LED displays.

The collaboration underscores a shared

display is mounted to the seating fascia, measuring

commitment to innovation, offering venue solutions

approximately 2.5 feet high and nearly 880 feet long.

that adapt to the evolving needs of modern sports and

Plus, each corner of the arena features an 11x18-foot

entertainment, setting a new industry standard for

display board to bring additional views of replays,

immersive fan experiences and scalable

stats and messaging.

infrastructure. Several joint projects are already

Outside the arena, two wide 9.5x25.5-foot

underway, initiatives that are leveraging the combined

powerful alignment of complementary technologies,”

marquee displays with 10mm pixel pitch welcome

strengths of both companies to deliver seamless,

said Brad Wiemann, interim CEO and president of

fans and guests. The displays can be used to promote

end-to-end solutions that elevate the fan experience

Daktronics. “Together, we’re helping venues deliver

upcoming events, show live games, and provide

and streamline production workflows.

fully immersive, end-to-end experiences that

other messaging opportunities for the university.

14

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

“This partnership with Grass Valley represents a

transform how fans engage with live events.”

NEWS

Market Appears Stable but Cautious in July

By Sean Wargo

A

The share of those who saw sales increase dropped

increase (down 2.8%) or decrease (down 2.9%). While

from June (down 7.9%), counterbalanced by an

there is always demand for highly skilled Pro AV

increase in those that saw sales stay the same (up

professionals, especially in the new technologies, the

s the tariff fog once again thickens going into

11.5%), with a decrease experienced by less firms (down

overall market appears stagnant largely due to the

the third quarter, the AV Index continues to

3.5%). These results are reflective of the difficulty in

macroeconomic environment.

reflect a relatively stable but cautious market.

taking risks for new projects when the pricing

The Pro AV Business Index report is derived from a

July’s AV Sales Index result, while slightly lower than

environment is uncertain, making investments hard to

monthly survey of the AVIXA Insights Community, a

June’s, is spot on the average for 2025 so far.

plan for the long term. Behind the scenes, firms are

research community of industry members that tracks

Industry drivers remain, including AI, cloud

doing everything they can to mitigate the effects of

business trends in commercial AV. The report

computing, managed services, display advancements,

tariffs or take advantage of the short-term leverage

comprises two diffusion indexes: the AV Sales Index

and audio enhancements, according to AVIXA’s recent

they provide.

(AVI-S) and the AV Employment Index (AVI-E). In each

demand studies. Yet these technologies are evolving

The AV Employment Index showed even less

case, an index above 50 indicates an increase in sales or

dependent on use case refinement and adoption

variability than the AV Sales Index, with a tenth-of-a-

employment activity. For more information about

considerations, factors supporting steady investment

point difference month to month. However, the index

joining the AVIXA Insights Community, visit www.

in an uncertain economic environment, but not driving

shift was similar, with more firms seeing the

avixa.org/AVIP.

high-percentage market growth.

employment level stay the same (up 5.6%) than either

Sean Wargo is the VP of market insight for AVIXA.

DVIGear_DP-2Xxxx-AOC_HPT-Ad_SCN_2025-02_07Jan2025.indd 1

14/08/2025 12:29:17PM 1/7/2025 4:46:54

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS LEA PROFESIONAL announced its partnership with AUDIO VISUAL ASSOCIATES (AVA), a manufacturer’s representative based in Missouri. This partnership promises to bring LEA’s technology catalog to Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and

LYNX Technik Appoints New Executive Leadership Team

extensive experience in production processes, manufacturing optimization, and technical leadership. Since joining LYNX Technik, he has led production and administration, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth. Prior to joining the company, Motzko held roles in the industrial and medical semiconductor sectors.

Southern Illinois customers. AVA has built a

LYNX TECHNIK appointed new executive

Noyer, previously director of product

reputation for dedicated service and technical

leadership, with MARKUS MOTZKO as CEO and

marketing, assumes the CTO role with more than

expertise across a wide range of professional and

VINCENT NOYER as CTO to guide the company

two decades of experience in the broadcast and live

commercial AV projects. It creatively connects

forward. Founder and longtime CEO Winfried

sports industries. Before LYNX Technik, he held

customer-focused manufacturers with value-

Deckelmann will transition out of daily operations

senior positions at Ross Video, where he helped

added dealers to ensure end users receive

and continue to support the

drive the success of the PIERO

superior products and quality service.

company as a member of the

sports graphics solution.

supervisory board, where he MIDWICH and AUDINATE announced a new U.S.

will serve as chairman.

distribution partnership aimed at accelerating

Motzko brings

From Left: Vincent Noyer, Winfried Deckelmann, and Markus Motzko

access to scalable, networked AV solutions. The partnership enables greater channel effectiveness and improved management of

reps, Schneider for the South-

CHRIS KONTOPANOS has joined

subscription renewals, term licenses, and

Central U.S. and Washington for

DPA MICROPHONES as the

support and maintenance agreements. As part

the Southeast U.S. Schneider was a

company’s new regional sales

of this strategy, Audinate is refining its channel

media server engineer, lighting

manager for the Mid-Atlantic

approach to enhance focus and deliver an

tech, and crew chief with

territory, which includes

elevated level of service to its partners and

Upstaging for the last 11 years. He

Washington D.C., Delaware,

customers. Midwich will offer Audinate’s

Asha Washington

technologies, supported by Midwich Plus, the

served as the Hippo and network tech with the WWE for

Carolina, Eastern Pennsylvania, South Carolina,

company’s technical services team.

eight years. For the last five years, Washington has

Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. In his role,

worked on various tours and

Chris Kontopanos

Kentucky, Maryland, North

served as an inside sales rep and, most recently, outside

Kontopanos oversees sales of DPA Microphones,

PLEXUSAV has signed a distribution agreement

sales rep for Barbizon Lighting Company. Earlier, she

Austrian Audio, and Wisycom solutions. Kontopanos

with PAG to represent its products in Canada.

was the technical director for the Beaufort County

comes to DPA from Digital Video Group (DVG), where he

Under this new agreement, PAG Canada will lead

School District.

was senior broadcast account manager.

all facets of PlexusAV engagement in Canada, including strategic business development and

ATLASIED appointed DIRK GREEF

The NEUTRIK GROUP has

sales execution across all provinces and territories,

as regional sales manager for

appointed LUKAS VON ARX as its

technical onboarding and training tailored to

Germany, supporting the

new CEO. He officially takes on the

integrators and specifiers, pre and post-sales

company’s ongoing international

leadership of the globally active

support for seamless product adoption, and

growth and presence across

company headquartered in

marketing and promotional efforts, including live

Europe. Greef joins AtlasIED

demonstrations and regional events.

Europe GmbH and will be based in

Dirk Greef

wealth of international experience

Germany. Greef has more than a decade of experience

and leadership expertise in the cable and connectivity

TRANSFORMATIONAL ENTERNTAINMENT

in the industry, having held essential sales roles in

industry. Most recently, he joined BizLink in 2022 as

GROUP (TEG) has named Austin, TX-based

both integration and distribution. In his new role,

president and managing director of BizLink elocab in

PROVIDEO & SOUND its new representatives for

Greef will focus on expanding AtlasIED’s footprint

Canada, and took over global responsibility in 2023 for

the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas

throughout Germany.

the Tailor-Made Business Unit, overseeing nine sites

(TOLA) territory. ProVideo & Sound represents a

and approximately 1,000 employees.

portfolio of top-tier AV brands, connecting

D&B AUDIOTECHNIK named

manufacturers with dealers, integrators,

JOCELYNE BUCKNER as VP of

SOTARO NISHIDA was

consultants, and end users through trusted

marketing. In her new role,

appointed executive officer and

relationships, technical expertise, and regional

Bückner leads the company’s

SVP of audio at YAMAHA

market knowledge.

global marketing strategy, driving

CORPORATION OF AMERICA

brand growth and market

(YCA). Nishida has been with

Jocelyne Bückner

Jonathan Schneider

16

Liechtenstein. von Arx brings a Lukas von Arx

expansion as well as developing

Yamaha for more than 20 years.

ACT ENTERTAINMENT has

and executing a comprehensive marketing

Sotaro Nishida

appointed two members of the

roadmap. Bückner brings extensive experience in all

Nishida oversees both the Consumer Audio and

lighting sales team to newly

facets of marketing, including brand management, PR,

Professional Audio departments, focusing on

designated sales territories.

digital, performance, and product marketing. Having

enhancing customer satisfaction while expanding the

JONATHAN SCHNEIDER and

worked at d&b audiotechnik from 2016-2023, she has a

breadth and depth of Yamaha audio solutions. Before

ASHA WASHINGTON have been

deep understanding of the company’s culture, values,

joining YCA, Nishida was the CEO of Yamaha Unified

named as regional outside sales

and spirit.

Communications (YUC).

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

In this newly created role,

ON YOUR BUSINESS PEOPLE

Acknowledging Attributes Manage Relationships Better by Understanding Personality Types

rather than in writing. They are engaging and want others to interact with them. They value attention

By Steve Greenblatt and Brittany DiCesare

A

work independently. They struggle with ambiguity,

and desire recognition for who they are and what

rushed decision-making, and guesswork. Project

they do. They are motivational and work well in

managers and business leaders (High D) tend to be

teams. If you inspire them with an idea, they will

V companies, like those in any industry,

goal-oriented, driven, and determined to succeed.

rally others to join in. They are not detail-oriented by

consist of core roles that require

They are confident, quick to act, and want

nature, so it is best to pair them with someone who is

team members to have specific skills

commitments. They tend to avoid getting bogged

inclined to handle paperwork and will be responsible

down in details and can be close-minded.

for follow up.

and knowledge while taking on particular responsibilities related to their positions. While

Salespeople and trainers (High I) tend to be

While they are also people-centric, technicians,

qualities such as aptitude, attitude, and motivation

people-centric, outgoing, energetic, and persuasive—

customer service, technical support, HR, and

contribute to an individual’s success, history has

and enjoy being the center of attention. They dislike

administrators are more low key and slower paced

shown that those who excel in specific roles tend to

being slowed down by rules, processes, and

than salespeople and trainers. Their most endearing

share a common set of personal attributes.

paperwork. Technicians, customer service, technical

qualities are their care and compassion for others, as

support, HR, and administrators (High S) tend to be

well as their eagerness to serve. They are loyal,

business or elsewhere, but understanding the

patient, cooperative, dependable, people-oriented,

sensitive, and consistent. Making them feel valued

personality types needed for various roles within an

and loyal. They resist change and avoid conflict.

and appreciated (not taken advantage of) will go a

organization can help leaders and managers hire the

While each person is unique, those in typical

There are no guaranteed formulas for success in

long way— conversely, a lack of sensitivity or

right individuals and effectively manage them,

industry roles are identifiable by a shared set of values

unexpected change will cause stress and anxiety that

leading to successful careers and maximizing their

and tendencies. As a manager and leader, it is essential

will limit their ability to perform and trust.

contributions.

to understand how to educate yourself and your team

Working with project managers and business

to interact and work effectively with those in similar

leaders requires decisiveness, directness, and clarity.

DISC-Based Assessments

and different roles. Working with people with similar

They only want the details that matter and don’t want

Many systems exist for assessing and describing

roles tends to be easy and natural, because they

to waste time. They are confident, impatient, and

personality types, each with its own spin, flair, and

possess a lot of the same characteristics and familiar

results-oriented by nature. While they get the job

focus. What is common among them is they can be

behaviors; however, those in different roles can be

done, their “ready, fire, aim” approach can lead to

used to identify the typical characteristics associated

challenging because they have some opposing traits

negative consequences. Supporting these results-

with individuals who are best suited to comfortably

and styles that require adaptation, adjustment, and

driven individuals by being trusted to deliver for

and successfully serve in typical business roles.

effort to work with them effectively.

them will go a long way in gaining their favor.

One specific method that is easy to remember is

Adjustments in communication and approach

Additionally, matching them with someone who

are two key areas that can enhance effectiveness in

understands their tendencies and can handle the

D (Dominance)

managing team members, improving interaction

details and delicate aspects of social interactions and

I (Influence)

between different roles within a team, working with

relationships will be favorable.

S (Steadiness)

those in leadership, and establishing effective

C (Conscientiousness)

relationships both within and outside an

an organization is essential for fostering

While everyone is a blend of all four

organization, whether with clients, vendors, or in

collaboration and enhancing overall team

networking situations.

performance. By leveraging the strengths of those

the DISC.

characteristics, one primary type stands out from the others. Each person can be referred to by their primary

Understanding diverse personality types within

who serve in the various roles in an organization,

type, such as “High D.” In general, D and I personality

Vary Your Approach

types are fast-paced, while S and C personality types

For example, when managing or interacting with

are slow-paced. I and S are more people-oriented,

engineers, programmers, finance, and accounting

Recognizing and adapting to the unique attributes

while D and C are more task-oriented.

professionals, be factual and detailed in what you

and communication styles of team members not only

By recognizing personality types and their related

leaders can create a balanced and effective working environment.

need from them. Provide them with clear information

facilitates smoother interactions but also empowers

traits that correlate with typical industry roles, leaders

and examples of the results or outcomes that you

individuals to thrive in their roles. Prioritizing

and managers can build functional teams,

need. An email may be better than a conversation or

awareness and effective communication sets the

communicate effectively with team members, and

phone call. Avoid putting them on the spot,

stage for a more harmonious and productive

better understand how to set them up for success. To

pressuring them for quick response, or forcing them

workplace where everyone can excel.

do so, you must recognize the distinct differences that

to work in groups. They need time to think, process,

Steve Greenblatt, CTS, founder, and Brittany

exist among the roles.

and offer a response or deliverable they are confident

DiCesare, CTS, director of sales and operations,

is accurate and representative of their best work.

provide specialized software and services for the Pro

Engineers, programmers, finance, and accounting professionals (High C) tend to be detail-oriented, logical, precise, analytical, risk-averse, and like to

On the other hand, it’s best to manage or interact with salespeople and trainers in person or on a call

AV industry at Control Concepts. Contact Steve at steveg@controlconcepts.net.

avnetwork.com // September 2025 // SCN

17

PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

Around the World Pufferfish’s Patterson Explains the Appeal of Spherical Displays

setup, the content lives in one master timeline. Our studio doesn't just “make it fit the ball.” We design

Stephen Patterson Position: CEO Company: Pufferfish Displays

By Mark J. Pescatore

drag-and-drop authoring tool that lets teams import

Overtime: Outside the boardroom, I’m rarely

images, video, and data, then wire up touch gestures

indoors. I spend time kayaking Scotland’s lochs,

in minutes—no developer required. Our in-house

cycling trails, or walking the family dog, often with

SCN: How long have you been with this company, and

agency, PufferStudio, goes deeper, functioning as a

his wife and kids in tow.

what are your responsibilities?

full graphics, motion graphics, and data visualization

Stephen Patterson: From May 2025, I’ve had the

house that can help bring customer stories to life for

privilege of leading Pufferfish Displays, a tight-knit

any display canvas, often positioning the sphere as the

for the curvature, ensuring every project hits the

team of innovators. Like any CEO, I set the vision,

interactive hub that drives those companion screens.

floor running and keeps performing long after the

secure resources, nurture culture, and keep our

Not only can we develop the content, but our software

launch day.

investors, partners, and board aligned. But in a

developers help bring that content to interactive life.

SCN: Sustainability remains an important

company our size, those high-level duties blur into daily activity: I still jump into road maps, review

SCN: You also offer a half-sphere option, the

consideration for many projects—are spherical

supply chain issues, and help pack when deadlines

PufferHemi, so I have to ask: Which model is more

displays energy efficient?

bite. I also run our sales and marketing, meeting

popular?

SP: Our laser-phosphor light engines, adaptive

customers and partners, shaping go-to-market

SP: While the full PufferSphere is still the headline

brightness control, and high-reflectance coatings

strategy, and amplifying the Pufferfish story.

act, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the

mean a 900mm PufferSphere can typically draw less

systems we ship in an average year, interest in the

power than a 3x3 LCD wall while delivering twice the

SCN: How important are immersive and interactive

PufferHemi is accelerating. The half-sphere inherits

impact. We are currently looking to incorporate

technologies to today’s museum experience?

our multitouch engine, but because its projection

proximity sensors to reduce idle consumption further.

SP: In museums, visitor expectation has flipped from

area is halved, it delivers double the pixel density

Beyond the electronics, we ship in FSC-certified,

passive observation to active participation. Immersive

and double the peak luminance of our other models.

carbon-offset crates, use sustainable hardwood

and interactive technologies now underpin

We developed an interactive travel dashboard/

pedestals and are auditing every tier-one supplier

engagement, learning, and repeat visits. Studies show

rebooking engine for a global cruise brand using the

against ISO 14001. Rental units are refurbished and

that when digital experiences are easy, useful, and

Hemi in the passenger lounges.

re-homed to extend life. We’re mapping product

entertaining, visitor satisfaction and intention to

footprints under ISO 50001 and are working toward

return rise sharply. Our own data echoes that: Since we

SCN: Are your spherical solutions used more for

full B Corp Certification, so customers can specify

added touch-responsive capability to PufferSphere,

temporary or permanent displays?

immersive storytelling without enlarging their carbon

over 90% of clients specify interactivity, even those

SP: It’s almost an even split between temporary

footprint or budget, whichever metric matters most to

who initially asked for a passive display. Immersive

activations and permanent projects. Museum

you right now.

tech has moved from “nice to have” to essential

galleries, university visualization labs, and corporate

infrastructure for storytellers.

lobbies can run on an 8-10-year life cycle and generate

SCN: Finally, is Pufferfish expanding its (forgive me)

recurring content-update work. The other half is

sphere of influence and developing any new display

SCN: What is it about spherical displays that make

fueled by rentals for trade shows, product launches,

shapes?

them so appealing?

and touring exhibitions/events. This balance keeps

SP: Absolutely. While the sphere remains our

SP: Spherical displays resonate because they line up

cash flow steady while ensuring the technology stays

signature, the underlying PufferOS engine is shape-

with how we already understand our world: People

highly visible to new audiences.

agnostic, most recently a bell for a client. If you can

instinctively walk around to build a 360-degree

sketch it, we can simulate it in our sandbox, validate

mental model—and when touch enabled can literally

SCN: Considering the unique display landscape,

content workflows, and design custom enclosures to

take the world in their hands. In NOAA classroom trials

how do you create and manage content in the

bring your ideas to life. That means integrators get one

with Science On a Sphere, students’ Earth science

spherical world?

tool chain and one support team no matter the

knowledge gains comfortably outpaced flat-screen

SP: We treat the sphere as both a canvas and a

lessons, with improvements approaching 40%. Field

computer. Because we build the hardware,

work at the University of Glasgow showed the sphere

firmware, and media server stack in

transformed an everyday walkway into a mini theater,

house, our creative team can drive

manufacture, our creative teams

drawing crowds who stayed to watch and interact.

every pixel exactly where it needs

have real-world experience of

Museums report the same magnetism: Visitors linger

to be, whether that’s a satellite

developing both software and

longer than at comparable flat displays because the

data layer wrapping a globe

format feels novel, social, and aesthetic.

or a kinetic brand reveal

geometry, letting them dream beyond the globe without taking on additional risk. We don’t just work on hardware that we

content for any existing or proposed canvas.

spinning across an SCN: Beyond its spherical shape, of course, what

LED floor and a

makes the PufferSphere unique?

PufferSphere in

SP: Beyond its spherical form, the PufferSphere stands

perfect sync. Whether

out because of the ecosystem wrapped around it. Every

it's a globe, LED

unit ships with PufferOS and PufferBuild, a no-code,

cylinder, or a hybrid

18

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

A PufferHemi is being used by a cruise brand as an interactive travel dashboard/rebooking engine in passenger lounges.

T

H

E

BUSINESS VENUE AV

Pro AV solutions help maintain audience engagement at stadiums.

Welcome Back to the Ballpark Venues Leverage Pro AV to Attract Live Audiences

By Michael Grotticelli

product beyond their four walls and solving the basic

Set the Mood

physics issue of there are just so many premium seats.”

“When it comes to large venues, there has been

At Panasonic Professional Video and Audio

significant development in visual technology in recent

ive venues for both sports and entertainment

Systems, senior project manager Jim Jensen said that

years,” said Brian Duffy, strategic account manager,

are facing unprecedented challenges. Pro AV

one current trend that helps create a more immersive

live entertainment, at Panasonic Projector & Display

systems can keep people engaged, but how

experience is leveraging multiple camera angles for

Americas. “Years ago, the Jumbotron was a key

you implement these solutions goes a long way to

unique points of view. This is often accomplished by

milestone in event tech, as it helped create a cohesive

providing an immersive experience for those in

using PTZ cameras that can be strategically placed

audience experience regardless of where people were

attendance.

without interruption to the audience. The use of fixed

sitting in the stadium. You could be at the floor level or

PTZs and box cameras has become increasingly

the bleacher seats and all view the Jumbotron for a

the end of the evening must be unique and [something]

important to the live sports experience because they

close-up look at the performance or game, and be able

you can’t get anywhere else,” said Aaron Beck, director

can be installed cost effectively.

to see the performers’ and athletes’ expressions.

L

“The entire experience from arriving at the venue to

of live performance venues for Diversified. The

“Having multiple PTZs doesn’t put a strain on the

“In recent years, stadiums have expanded on this

integrator created a highly immersive art exhibit for the

production staff but can be controlled from a single

concept with more projection-based designs,” he

Museum of Art and Light in Kansas. “From the arrival

operator during the live production,” Jensen said.

continued. “Projectors blend well into set design,

and preshow experience in high-end lobbies to the

“Another trend we’re starting to see is the use of

which is important for concerts that are looking to

performance, it must be unique to set the venue apart.

cameras with technology to mitigate moiré on LED wall

create a specific, cohesive visual experience. Instead of

High-end technology inside the venue, in the lobbies,

displays in the live event space.”

needing a large black box hanging in the middle of the

VIP seating, and food and beverage options all play a part in the audience’s expectations.”

Pro AV technologies such as cameras, LED screens,

Jensen was recently involved in a remote project that incorporated Panasonic’s PTZs and its Media Product Suite Platform, which leverages auto tracking.

show, projection can make a screen out of almost anything in the set or stadium design.”

Duffy added that the flexibility to transform

multichannel audio systems, augmented reality (AR)

The project consisted of operating Panasonic’s

existing infrastructure through projection technology

graphics, and lighting play a vital part in creating

equipment from Creative Technology’s control center

allows for unique visual experiences. For example,

these unique experiences that audiences now expect.

in Henderson, NV, to produce a live event in San Jose,

singers can now immerse audiences in the world of

“Immersive is a big push these days, but to achieve

CA, without compromising quality, responsiveness, or

their music, as projection mapping lets them show

fully integrated productions, there needs to be a blend

client experience.

visuals and photos that coordinate with the lyrics.

between the creative and technology. You can have the

The compact footprint of Panasonic’s PTZ cameras

This gives audiences a better understanding of the

best systems in the world, but without the design team

made them ideal for event spaces requiring discretion

emotion behind the music and helps them connect

to create the content, the technology is just gear,”

and minimal disruption. The Media Production Suite

more to the experience.

Beck explained. “Immersive audio that surrounds the

served as the control center, enabling a single operator

listener is a hot topic, along with new visual

to manage multiple PTZ units remotely. This

engagement executive at VITEC, reiterated that Pro AV

technology using higher quality LED and lighting

eliminated the need for camera operators in each

solutions like video walls play an essential role in the

that’s a must these days.”

room, reducing operating costs and enabling the

stadium experience as well. They help create an

remote operator to simultaneously manage each PTZ

immersive atmosphere and maintain the audience’s

camera on the network, significantly optimizing

engagement with animations or messaging from

overall device management.

sponsors as well as player highlights and stats.

Immersive Expectations Metinteractive, which provides Pro AV solutions for architecture, communication, and technology, has

According to Jensen, new technology needs to be

Myriam Calaber, EMEA venue sector industry

But today’s consumers also expect video streaming and Wi-Fi as basic services

worked with a wide range of sports and entertainment

evaluated based on whether or not it

clients, including the University of Connecticut at

brings production value and if there

available in a venue. “Sports fans go

Storrs and Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.

are efficiencies when considering a

to the match to watch their favorite

Jeffrey Mele, CCO at Metinteractive, said there are a

technology. “Fixed PTZs are a

team play, and yet they are always

finite number of venues that are trying to push the limit

perfect example. Although there

connecting to their mobile

with technology—sometimes at the expense of the art

may be an added cost of purchasing

devices,” Calaber explained.

and with little consideration of sustainability in their

additional PTZs for a live event, the

“Digital signage displays also play

business plan.

clear benefit is the enhanced

“They are spending high and sometimes irrational amounts on technology,” he explained. “Most others are starting to accept a more ‘MP3’ version of quality: still good, but not what it used to be. Sports venues, however, are concentrating on how to expand their

20

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

production value due to multiple, unique points of view,” he explained.

PTZ cameras from Panasonic and others can help sports venues create a more immersive experience with less of a strain on the production staff.

an ever-growing role. Not only can these screens transform the look and feel of a venue, depending on the event’s profile, but they also communicate the right

T

H

E

VENUE AV BUSINESS

message in the right place, driving the audience to

said. “To me, the path forward has to start with a

those that recognize adaptability as their greatest

the points of interest throughout the venue. These

thorough and collaborative reflection on the available

competitive asset. AI and IP video systems won’t just

seemingly simple touchpoints contribute to the

market solutions, and the guidance from experts

support operations—Calaber said they will be core to

critical mission that must be achieved by the venue …

allows venue operators to make informed

how venues grow, engage audiences, and build new

a continuous, multi-sensory experience that keeps

technological choices.

revenue streams.

attendees engaged.”

The Price of Engagement New technology can be expensive, even when

“Based on my experience in the video sector,

“Venues must adapt to their audience’s

determining the right location for each of the screens

expectations, not the other way around,” she

is also a strategic choice to maximize their impact

explained. “In an era where technologies are evolving

without overinvesting.”

every day, leadership teams of stadiums and arenas

implemented correctly as part of a larger in-venue

Calaber added that venue operators can also

workflow. This is where strategic planning becomes

integrate mobile applications to provide services

decade. The definition of what entertainment means

critical.

like action replays, AR, or statistics. These

and what it takes to achieve that level of immersion

“Venue operators face a significant challenge to

need a vision not just for today, but for the next

applications can be enriched and updated without

has evolved. That is what operators need to embrace.

keep pace with evolving technologies and improve the

additional investment beyond excellent Wi-Fi

AI and IP video systems can be a powerful tool that

visitor experience, all while maintaining budgets and

coverage within the venue.

operators can leverage to do just that in a

generating additional revenue long term,” Calaber

The venues that will thrive over the next decade are

conscientious and sustainable manner.”

However, Calaber said the discussion about how live venues are evolving needs to center around not just talking about better tech, but fundamentally reimagining what a venue can be. “We are witnessing an evolution in real time,” she noted. “Operators and audiences together are redefining what a venue can be.

Technology is part of what led us here. I believe that the future of successful venues will be the ones that leverage these tools and experiences to bring us

From left, Aaron Beck, Jim Jensen, Myriam Calaber, Jeffrey Mele, and Brian Duffy

together.”

T

H

E

BUSINESS MUSEUM AV A curved video exhibit that runs 61 feet across the ceiling creates an immersive race day experience for visitors.

AV in Overdrive

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Immerses Visitors in Pole Position

By Carolyn Heinze

S

and Draper on the display’s design. Philip DiPaula,

take into account the curvature of the display,

director of immersive systems at the company,

something it couldn’t do at its own offices.

explained the importance of conducting accurate

Grant Wylie, director of AVMS product

ince 1956, the Indianapolis Motor Speed-

discovery prior to mounting the exhibit. “The

management at Draper, relayed that when suspended

way Museum, located inside the track of the

challenge was the coordination of fitting the mounting

LED displays that serve as ceilings are connected with

Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself in the

frame into the building, attaching it to the building

LED wall elements, it’s usually at a 90-degree angle.

enclave suburb of Speedway, IN, has been celebrat-

structure, [and] distributing the weight loads in the

“In this instance, we needed to be able to not only

ing the landmark racing venue and auto racing in

way that we required,” DiPaula recalled.

support that,” he noted, “but then create a curved

general. Across 80,000 square feet, the museum

Because the AV team was working in an existing

structure.”

features more than 150 cars on display and more than

building, one that had undergone some modifications,

55,000 artifacts. Each year, around 140,000 people

it couldn’t rely on the documentation dating back to

create a faceted curve out of flat panels, where each

pay a visit.

the original construction of the facility. “There were

row of cabinets along the line of the curve is slightly

Instead of using curved LED panels, Draper had to

Recently, the museum underwent a renovation

LiDAR [Light Detection and Ranging] scans done so we

angled. For this exhibit, the tolerance target between

that included the deployment of a curved video exhibit

knew where the beams were that we could attach to in

each row was 0.18mm, one-tenth of the pixel pitch,

made up of Absen NX Series LED modules with a

reality, not what the blueprint said,” he added.

when the display heats up and expands. “Our goal is

1.8mm pixel pitch and a mounting system designed

Clair Global also needed to remain in regular

and built by Draper. With the goal of drawing guests

contact with the media team that was producing the

operating—and the display is heated up—that the

into the excitement of race day, the L-shaped

display’s content—in this case, Boston Productions.

spacing between those flat LED cabinets are positioned

structure features an end wall that’s almost 16 feet tall

“They wanted to be able to pre-vis this wall, so we had

at an angle that matches exactly what the pixel pitch is

and 19 feet wide connected to ceiling display that’s 61

to try to get the wall installed early in the process,”

on the rest of the display,” Wylie explained.

feet long and 19 feet wide that display images of

DiPaula said. He added that the media team needed to

that once everything is turned on and it’s running and

When developing the faceted curve, Draper’s team

airplanes flying overhead, cannons going off, fireworks, and, of course, the track.

“We really wanted to provide guests the experience of what it’s like to be on the grid—that immersive experience of what that morning feels like,” Mandi Bender, VP of operations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in Indianapolis, said in a video produced by Absen. “When the cannon goes off and the fireworks are happening, that’s all happening above you and it’s just really fantastic.”

Pieces In Place Absen NX Series LED panels come in multiple sizes.

For this display, the company supplied a combination of panels measuring 960x540mm and 240x540mm.

“It’s a longer panel and a narrow panel for the end wall and the ceiling,” explained Ken Kalish, sales director for key accounts at Absen.

Clair Global Integration collaborated with Absen

22

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

Because Draper created a faceted curve out of flat panels, the museum was able to save money by not investing in curved LED display technology.

T

H

E

MUSEUM AV BUSINESS

buying LED cabinets that are flat, which is a more standardized product,” Wylie said.

DiPaula noted that during the design phase, he and his team at Clair Global also needed to consider how technicians would service the panels on the ceiling portion of the display. Traditionally, LED panels are serviceable from the front; a tech may simply pop them out to access the components within, while power connections are made through the back of the cabinets.

From left: Ken Kalish, Philip DiPaula, and Grant Wylie

However, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opted to treat each row of LED panels as a separate

per LED cabinet—and that’s pretty much at the

Museum, power is fed to the cabinets from above. The

display. “That way, each row expands in and out on its

module level of the ceiling section,” added Wylie.

structure is open on the sides, making it easier to

own depending on what content is [being shown] and

service power connectors that are close to the edge

its brightness value, instead of linking them all

Accounting for Maintenance

together and then having the whole thing expand,”

Not only does this approach make the viewing

the points where the power initially hit the wall closer

Wylie said.

experience seamless, but it also preserves the life of

to the edges so that you had access to the primary

the LED panels. If Draper didn’t take their expansion

feed,” DiPaula explained.

Calculating for heat expansion involves several

because a tech can make the reach. “We tried to make

variables, including data provided by the

and contraction into consideration, the ceiling would

DiPaula added that the display is slightly elevated

manufacturer, the past experience and knowledge of

expand, crushing the corner section where the curve

from the floor to enable the museum’s cleaning crew

those designing the mounting structure, and what

and the flat end wall meet. Wylie noted that this

to vacuum underneath it. That attention to the

type of content the display will be running. For

approach also alleviates the need to shut down the

grittiest of gritty details mandated a solid working

example, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

display entirely to let it cool down prior to servicing,

dynamic between all the disciplines involved in

Museum the exhibit shows a lot of bright images, like a

something that could take a couple of days.

executing this project, DiPaula acknowledged. “It was

clear blue sky. This means more heat, which, in turn,

Plus, LED displays featuring faceted curves make

a real team effort,” he said. “It was, ‘Let’s work

results in more expansion. “We were anticipating

for a more economical solution because clients don’t

together to solve things.’ And that was what made it a

somewhere between 0.7mm to almost 1mm expansion

need to invest in curved technology. “The end user is

good experience.”

DVIGear_Extenders_HPT-Ad_SCN_2025-07_09May2025.indd 1

5/9/2025 2:36:40 PM

T

H

E

BUSINESS STADIUM AUDIO

Premium Sound for Every Seat There's a New Approach to Stadium Audio Refurbishment

frequently operate independently of main bowl events, requiring flexible zoning capabilities and separate source feeds. The audio solution must maintain the premium atmosphere these areas command while ensuring seamless integration with the broader stadium system during major events.

Touring Act Advantage Perhaps the most compelling argument for investing in concert-grade stadium audio systems lies in their

By Ian White

T

financially viable. Market research indicates that

ability to support major touring acts without requiring

successful stadium operators are increasingly

extensive temporary installations. When a stadium’s

diversifying revenue streams, with non-sporting

permanent audio system meets professional touring

he modern stadium is undergoing a profound

events now representing a significant portion of

standards, artists can integrate directly with the house

transformation. The economics of venue

annual facility income. This shift is driving

system, dramatically reducing setup time, costs, and

operation have pushed stadiums beyond their

unprecedented growth in the sector, with the global

logistical complexity.

traditional role as sports arenas that come alive on

sports facilities market expected to surge from $132.4

game day and fall silent the rest of the year. Today’s

billion last year to more than $1 trillion by 2034.

economic realities demand that stadiums func-

Not surprisingly, this economic reality is pushing

State Farm Stadium in Phoenix exemplifies this approach perfectly. The venue’s installed K2 system has become a cornerstone for both sporting spectacles

tion as year-round, multi-use facilities that provide

stadium operators to demand PA systems that deliver

and world-class entertainment, hosting multiple

sustainable returns on investment—typically funded

concert-grade audio with the flexibility to handle

Super Bowls, college football national championships,

through a combination of private investment and tax

vastly different event types. The implications for audio

and NCAA Final Four games alongside an impressive

revenue deferrals.

design are significant; a system designed exclusively

roster of touring acts. Over recent years, artists

for football announcements will not meet the

including Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé,

approach stadium audio design, moving beyond basic

performance standards required for pop concerts,

and U2 have all utilized the house system as their

PA functionality to deliver concert-grade systems

while a concert-focused system may fall short of the

primary or supporting audio infrastructure.

capable of supporting everything from major sporting

speech intelligibility essential for sporting events.

This shift is fundamentally changing how we

events to intimate corporate gatherings and even

As venues compete with increasingly sophisticated

This integration offers substantial benefits for both venues and artists. While touring acts still travel

weddings. The challenge lies in creating audio systems

home viewing experiences, providing premium fan

with their full complement of audio trucks, venues

that can seamlessly transition between these diverse

experiences has become essential for drawing

with concert-grade house systems eliminate the need

applications while ensuring every seat receives

spectators away from their couches. This is driving the

to unpack and deploy this equipment, dramatically

premium sound quality. This requires a sophisticated

rapid expansion of fan zones, premium clubs, and

reducing load-in time, labor costs, and setup

understanding of acoustic principles, advanced

hospitality areas that extend well beyond the

complexity. For stadiums, this capability transforms

modeling techniques, and innovative solutions to

traditional stadium bowl. These spaces require their

them into preferred destinations for major tours.

overcome the unique challenges that outdoor

own sophisticated audio solutions, tailored to create

stadiums present.

intimate experiences that justify premium pricing.

Multi-Use Imperative

challenges. Corporate boxes and club areas often

installations can serve as delay fills, side fills, or even

The driving force behind modern stadium

feature glass fronts, hard surfaces, and complex

primary systems for touring acts, stadiums unlock

refurbishment is clear: Facilities must generate

geometries that can create acoustic dead zones or

new revenue potential while offering artists the

revenue from more than just sporting events to remain

excessive reverberation. Moreover, these spaces

reliability and performance they demand from their

Premium seating areas present unique acoustic

The key lies in installing systems that meet or exceed touring industry standards for coverage, power, and sonic quality. When permanent

audio systems.

Technical Challenges Stadiums present a fundamental acoustic challenge: Hard surfaces like concrete, steel, and plastic seating create excessive reverberation that renders speech unintelligible. The solution isn’t more power, it’s precision. Modern line array systems create tightly controlled coverage patterns that direct sound exactly where needed while minimizing harmful reflections— and advanced modeling software allowing engineers to optimize performance before the first speaker is hung.

Environmental conditions are audio’s invisible enemy. Wind deflects sound from intended zones, while temperature and humidity shifts alter propagation speeds, destroying timing across vast seating areas. Successful systems fight back with Modern stadiums need audio systems that can seamlessly transition between sports events to concerts.

24

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

strategic placement, sophisticated signal processing, and real-time compensation tools that let operators

T

H

E

STADIUM AUDIO BUSINESS

adjust coverage patterns on the fly as weather evolves.

neighborliness aren’t mutually exclusive.

community impact studies. Early engagement with

Stadium crowds also generate acoustic chaos,

Sustainability has moved from optional

reaching 120 decibels that rival rock concerts during

consideration to essential requirement in modern

critical moments and overwhelming even the most

stadium design. The green technology market is driving

robust PA systems. Success demands sophisticated

stadiums to implement automated facilities

implementation approaches that allow continued

frequency management and enormous dynamic range,

management, renewable energy, and waste reduction

operation during construction. Audio systems can often

with systems engineered to slice through deafening

systems. This extends to audio design, where

be installed and tested during off-seasons, minimizing

crowd energy while maintaining pristine speech

manufacturers are incorporating recycled materials and

disruption to scheduled events while ensuring

intelligibility and musical clarity throughout the venue.

developing systems for reuse rather than replacement.

thorough commissioning and optimization.

Community relations have become increasingly

Industry leaders like L-Acoustics are pioneering

local authorities and neighborhood groups can prevent costly delays and modifications later in the project.

Many stadium refurbishments benefit from phased

As stadiums continue to transform into year-round

important for stadium operations, with recent legal

circular economy models through partnerships to

entertainment destinations, the challenge for audio

battles highlighting growing concerns about stadium

enable the recovery of neodymium magnets from

professionals lies in balancing these competing

noise disturbing residential neighborhoods. Forest

various sources while already manufacturing products

demands while addressing environmental concerns and

Hills Stadium in New York exemplifies the solution:

with more than 40% recycled material content. LEED

community relations. Success requires marrying

Precision-engineered line arrays reduced off-site

certification has become critical for new construction

technical expertise with a deep understanding of venue

sound levels by 10 to 15 decibels compared to the

and renovations, with sustainable acoustic solutions

operations, event programming, and stakeholder needs.

previous system, enabling the venue to secure permits

contributing significantly to point accumulation,

after initial denials.

making environmental responsibility a competitive

thrive will be those that recognize audio not as an

advantage for forward-thinking venues.

afterthought, but as a fundamental component of the

Modern approaches emphasize using controlled coverage patterns to focus sound toward intended

As we look toward the future, the stadiums that

overall guest experience. The future of stadium audio

listening areas. Advanced acoustic modeling now

Best Practices for Implementation

incorporates neighborhood impact assessments,

Successful stadium audio refurbishment begins with

precise, flexible and reliable, sustainable and

allowing designers to predict and minimize sound

thorough site analysis and stakeholder consultation.

spectacular—truly bridging the audio gap for every

spillage before installation and ensuring community-

This includes acoustic measurements of existing

seat in the house.

friendly solutions from the outset. The result proves

conditions, evaluation of structural mounting points,

Ian White is the global business development lead for

that exceptional audio performance and good

assessment of power and data infrastructure, and

sports facilities at L-Acoustics.

SCN381.bus.indd 25

lies in systems that are simultaneously powerful and

13/08/2025 11:15:18

TECHNOLOGY CLOUD POWER

Automating Infrastructures Orchestration Is the Future of Cloud-Based Production

especially in public cloud, where you don’t want your machines idling and racking up charges.

Automating system processes. Once your system is running, automation can handle tasks like media ingest, scheduled recording, or switching workflows, depending on production type. These are operational automations.

Orchestration. This is the smart layer. Orchestration makes decisions about which automations to run, when to run them, and how to respond when something

By Dave Van Hoy

W

systems for podcasts, vodcasts, and small productions

unexpected happens (like a resource issue in one cloud

for a client. Each of those has a similar but different

region). It’s the conductor, not just the player.

workflow. On some days, the studio needs to function

All this falls under the topic of automating your

hen you’re at the starting gate looking

like a traditional multi-cam setup; on other days, it’s

cloud operations and can apply in a public cloud, hybrid,

to automate your cloud infrastructure,

configured for automated production where a single,

or even software-defined on-premise workflow.

there’s a dizzying array of options,

non-technical user can trigger the entire process.

Virtual Machines vs. Containers

opinions, and information to sort through. Let's look

That’s only possible because we’re using

at the new terms involved and what I see as critical

automation and orchestration to make the system

In the ecosystem of software-based broadcast, media,

best practices for moving forward with cloud auto-

adapt to the requirements of the given workflow at that

audio, and video tools, we're used to seeing

mation—specifically for Pro AV, production, and

moment. This is a real-world example of what I see as

applications that are designed to run on physical

broadcast workflows—based on what we’ve deployed

the future of cloud workflow automation.

machines in our space, whether it's running on a

and learned at ASG. As we move further into software-defined

Defining the Cloud

server in an equipment room, laptop, or desktop, each of those applications is designed to run in its specific

production environments, the ability to dynamically

Before jumping into solutions, it’s essential to define

native operating system. To run those in the cloud, we

spin up, reconfigure, and shut down systems will be a

what we mean when we talk about automating cloud

often drop them into virtual machines (VMs).

requirement, not a luxury. These automation and

infrastructure. Are we talking about public cloud?

These VMs can be a virtual Windows desktop,

orchestration questions are an extremely important

Private? Hybrid? Are we referring to automation of

virtualized Linux server, or virtualized macOS. You’re

part of the conversation.

instantiation (the spinning-up of systems),

running the same operating system that you'd be

automation of operations, or orchestration?

running on a machine, on your desktop. It’s just

Our clients don’t want to spin up systems with a single setup and leave those machines sitting there,

living inside of a container called a VM. When we run

turned on 24 hours a day in a single configuration. This

It’s useful to think of cloud automation in three layers:

applications in VMs, they're not optimized to take

is also true for the economics, especially in public cloud

Instantiating your infrastructure. This is about building

advantage of all of the ways virtualized systems can

where you’re paying for use by the minute.

scripts that spin up your environment from scratch every

maximize the value of large hardware systems.

We’re creating software-defined production

time you need it. It’s the key to keeping cloud costs down,

Running a VM, especially a Windows-based one, in public cloud is expensive. Windows OS isn’t officially supported in the cloud by Microsoft, so you must license it as Windows Server, which can cost an order of magnitude more. A license that might cost $100 on a local workstation suddenly costs thousands in cloud. Add to that the fact that many broadcast tools are tuned to specific hardware (like SDI cards or GPU timing) and virtualizing them gets even trickier.

Despite those challenges, this is how we made cloud-based production work during the pandemic. We spun up Windows VMs running legacy apps to enable remote collaboration, and we got everyone working again. But it’s not an optimal way to operate applications in a shared resource such as public cloud or even private cloud.

The internet runs its applications in a very different way, where you build an application, and that application is a complete set of code that executes within a virtualized hardware environment. That

Products like the Ross OverDrive production control system can be part of your workflow automation.

26

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

set of code is called a container.

CLOUD POWER TECHNOLOGY

In a fully containerized workflow,

We’re seeing vendors begin to containerize core tools, and new developments are increasingly cloud-native from the start.

allows them to request the resources they

application code and its dependencies,

super time consuming and can be incredibly complex.

thing—automation is hugely valuable—

not an entire OS.

For example, if you've got Windows instances and you

but we must be careful with our terminology. If we

haven't done this, you must manually install Windows

tell a client they’re getting orchestration, but we only

instead of a Windows VM running a switcher, a Linux

on that VM every time you spin up a new VM. With

deliver a script that spins up a VM, expectations will

VM running a processing engine, another Windows VM

Terraform, the whole process can be one click.

not align.

running real-time graphics, and another Windows VM

Once you’ve mastered automating the

every application—whether it’s a graphics engine, replay tool, or video switcher—is its own container. They all share hardware resources more effectively and can be scaled up or down as needed. Unlike VMs, containers are designed to be lightweight, portable, and highly efficient. They just hold the

In a properly containerized workflow, for example,

need for a show. It could be five editing workstations, three with specific plug-ins, and a Nexus storage instance with 100TB—all deployed simply with the push of a button.

A lot of what’s being marketed as orchestration today is really just automation. That’s not necessarily a bad

True orchestration includes intelligent resource

running instant replay, I would have each of those

instantiation of your technical infrastructure in either

selection (region, availability), conditional execution

applications in its own container. The most commonly

public or private cloud, you likely will want to run

of tasks, workflow-aware decision making, and

used containers are Docker (a platform for building and

process automation. This involves the tools you’re

automated error handling and recovery. In other

running containers) and Kubernetes (the container

already familiar with, such as a Ross OverDrive

words, orchestration doesn’t just run tasks—it knows

orchestration system that can manage multiple

production control system or a Skyline DataMiner

which tasks to run, when, and why.

containers across many machines). Almost

platform, which is probably one of the most widely

As AV professionals, system integrators, and

everything you interact with on the web is in a

deployed methods for automating the execution of a

technology partners, our job hasn’t changed—we still

Kubernetes container.

show. It can be deployed on prem or in cloud. This is

need to deliver the right solution for our client’s needs,

considered workflow automation.

at the right price point, and with the right expectations.

Containers are designed to get the highest degree of efficiency out of the hardware they're sharing. One

In addition to workflow automation, there are

What’s changing are the tools and the vocabulary. We

of the most important developments here is Red Hat

several other types. Automated ingest scheduling

now have Terraform instead of patch bays, container

OpenShift, which has become a powerful platform for

triggers cloud-based recorders at pre-defined times or

orchestration instead of SDI routers, and scripted

private cloud and on-premise deployments. The goal

based on metadata triggers. There's also automated

ingest schedules instead of button pushes.

would be that if I build a Kubernetes container for a

mixing, especially in virtual or remote-controlled

video switcher, I should be able to run it on Red Hat

studios, and post-production triggers, which are like

work. Efficiently. Reliably. And most importantly, with

OpenShift, Google Cloud, AWS, or Azure with

kicking off a transcode or transferring media to

the flexibility to evolve. Cloud automation, and

absolutely no changes to the code.

editors. These operational automations bring the

ultimately orchestration, is how we get there.

same efficiency we’ve always had on-prem to

Dave Van Hoy is the president of Advanced Systems

cloud-native systems.

Group, LLC. Contact him at dvh@asgllc.com.

That kind of portability is revolutionary. For developers, it means writing one application instead of separate Windows, Mac, and Linux versions. That’s a internet operates. Not only does it enable greater

Orchestration: The Next Level

efficiency, but also the widest range of methods to

Where automation is about

deploy your applications.

repeating a task,

huge efficiency win—and it’s already how the entire

Moving media-specific applications to

orchestration goes further

containerized architectures is not a trivial task. It

and provides multi-step

means rewriting low-level operations—like how a

direction. For example:

graphic gets displayed—rather than relying on

Automation: “At 1 a.m.,

OS-specific calls. That’s why progress is somewhat

record the feed.”

slow, but it’s happening. We’re seeing vendors begin to

Orchestration: “At 1 a.m.,

containerize core tools, and new developments are

record the feed—but first,

increasingly cloud-native from the start.

check if cloud resources are available, choose the

Starting with Automation

optimal region, spin up

At ASG, we’ve been automating cloud deployments for

ingest and storage, wait for

more than five years. The most fundamental and

readiness, then begin

widely used tools for automation are Terraform, along

recording. Once done,

with scripting tools like Ansible. These allow us to

transcode the file, move it to

create infrastructure-as-code, where a script can spin

shared storage, and notify

up a complete environment: virtual machines,

the editor.”

container clusters, storage pools, network

We recently helped a client deploy a media

configurations—everything.

Today, we can automate the instantiation of

orchestration platform

everything from a VM to a virtual production system.

called Embrace that does

Instantiating these applications from the ground up is

exactly this. The system

avnetwork.com // September 2025 // SCN

27

But the goal remains the same: Build systems that

TECHNOLOGY LIVE PRODUCTION The TriCaster Vizion is the company's most advanced system, with multiple hardware

“NewTek was a major force in ushering in the historic digital television transition,” said Brian McKernan, former editor of Videography magazine, which covered the fledgling company extensively.

“Innovative products such as the popular TriCaster were a natural extension of that.”

One of those innovative products was the famous Video Toaster.

“NewTek’s founders were personal computer enthusiasts as teenagers who built their company based on that perspective,” McKernan explained.

“They instinctively recognized the value of what the 'off-the-shelf' and very affordable Commodore Amiga personal computer offered to the television production industry because of its special display system.

Combining the Amiga’s unique 'Blitter' and 'Copper' chips, NewTek developed the broadcast-quality Video Toaster, which provided video producers at all levels with a video switcher, DVE, character generator, paint, and the Lightwave 3-D animation system. It was an immediate hit with everyone from Wayne’s World to

TriCaster Turns 20 Vizrt Celebrates the Evolution of an Early Disrupter of the Status Quo

Disney Studios.”

Continuous Upgrade Path TriCaster systems utilize a customized version of Windows as their operating system, specifically a Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) or Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) variant. This means they are

By Michael Grotticelli

T

expensive than the sum of its features, and just as

not standard Windows operating systems and focus

capable of handling high-quality content as any other

primarily on security and stability. It's a specialized

solution. In fact, it's used to produce some of the most

version designed for TriCaster’s specific hardware and

hroughout the history of professional video

high-profile online content, such as part of FOX Sports’

live video production.

production, transformative technologies have

coverage of this year’s NFL Super Bowl telecast.

democratized their use and disrupted the

status quo of expensive, proprietary solutions. Twenty

Over the ensuing years, the TriCaster was

Indeed, the nascent TriCaster has come a long way.

incrementally improved with new features and better

“It's amazing how the TriCaster has gone from

signal support for professional workflows. At NAB

years ago, the TriCaster was such a product, and it

people looking down their nose at it as not suitable for

2006, NewTek announced TriCaster PRO, which

remains that way today under the ownership of Vizrt.

professional production to doing part of the Super

introduced professional video, audio connections, and

Bowl this year,” said Chris McLendon, senior product

virtual sets (using proprietary NewTek LiveSet

the TriCaster—so named for its ability to input and

manager for Vizrt’s TriCaster, 3Play, and Viz Connect

technology) to the TriCaster line. Next came TriCaster

output live and pre-recorded video, record it, and

products. “Even top-end broadcasters are having to

STUDIO, the first TriCaster to support six cameras, and

stream it over the internet—was initially a kludgey-

stretch their budgets and get the most bang out of their

then TriCaster BROADCAST, the first model to deliver

looking silver box loaded with software that was

buck. One of the ways to do that is to multitask products

SDI video and audio support.

working so hard it began to overheat after the first day

and have a single system do a lot of different things.

In early 2009, NewTek introduced 3PLAY, a

of demonstrations and had to be restarted every hour

That’s the concept that TriCaster was founded on.”

portable multi-channel HD/SD slow-motion replay

Introduced by NewTek at the NAB 2005 convention,

or so for the remainder of the show.

However, its value was significant and clear to

An Amiga Disruptor

everyone who saw it, as the year ushered in a rapid

TriCaster was originally developed by NewTek, a

increase in the evolution of technologies that needed

company founded in 1985 in Topeka, KS, by Tim

content to make them useful, such as broadband, social

Jenison and Paul Montgomery. The company

media, and the internet on mobile phones.

eventually moved San Antonio, TX, in 1997, and was

To meet this growing revolution in desktop video,

sold to Vizrt in 2019. NewTek’s history started with

the initial TriCaster model integrated live video

video capture hardware and editing software for the

switching, broadcast graphics, virtual sets, and other

Commodore Amiga platform.

production features into a portable and compact

“I joined Vizrt in 2022, and from what I’ve been

device. It was essentially a "TV studio in a computer,"

told, there was a lot of rebel outlaw mentality in the

as some marketing materials at the time claimed.

beginning of NewTek,” said McLendon. “They had a

From its humble beginnings as production switcher

small group of really smart people, and they got

for SD video that used a keyboard and mouse instead of

together and went to trade shows, and they looked at

a traditional switcher panel, today's version of the same

how people were doing things and literally said, ‘Let's

integrated production system is more advanced, less

shake it up and do something completely different.’”

28

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

The Video Toaster was a precursor to NewTek’s TriCaster integrated production system.

LIVE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

system. TriCaster TCXD300, the first HD TriCaster,

idea of doing full productions in one integrated system.

came in 2009, and in 2010, NewTek introduced

"I think the fact that you now see so many

was so simple. It is one system that has multiple capabilities, enabling customers to avoid having to

TriCaster TCXD850, a 22-channel HD model in a

multitasking products is a testament to the

buy and learn five different systems. What was once

rackmount form factor.

founders seeing an opportunity to make video

a disruptor is now the most cost-effective and

production easy and affordable," he offered.

efficient way to produce and distribute professional

"That's the legacy, because the TriCaster concept

audio and video content.”

At the IBC 2025 show in Amsterdam, NewTek introduced its IP networking protocol, Network Device Interface (NDI). The predecessor to NDI was called AirSend, which was primarily used as an IP video tool for TriCaster users. The system included the world’s first natively integrated NDI video switcher.

Among the many influential features added to the TriCaster is Live Call Connect, which allows users to integrate remote callers from videoconferencing applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, and Slack into productions. This feature, introduced as part of the TriCaster 2 Elite systems, proved to be highly beneficial when remote working became the norm during the pandemic. “Vizrt/NewTek was one of the first people to say, 'If you've got a Skype caller, you should be able to pull that directly into a broadcast,'” said McLendon.

That system was one of its best-selling TriCaster products ever. It has since been replaced with the new TriCaster Vizion system, which offers advanced graphics, AI-powered tools, and configurable SDI/IP I/O. The AI tools are built on the Nvidia framework, particularly those leveraging GPUs. “They were ahead of the curve in terms of remote collaboration, and it’s another example of the company being innovative,” McLendon said. “Vizrt has an entire roadmap for adding AI-powered tools in the future. This includes some gaze correction that can automatically trim shots where the talent has moved out of frame.”

Software Legacy Looking at its underlying architecture, the TriCaster was, in effect, an appliance built on a Windows platform for the first 15 years or so. However, over the past few years, the company has focused on more software-only features. To that end, Vizrt now offers TriCaster Mini S, a software-only solution that customers can use with their own hardware. Another option is TriCaster Vectar, a cloud-based 4K production system.

“That's one of the reasons why we can do some of the things that we can do that others can't—because it was always built on software," McLendon explained.

"The hardware was just a vehicle to get to where customers want to go. The challenge was that the hardware was not good. Well, now we've gotten to a point in time where the hardware, even consumer hardware, is amazing in the things it can do. So, as hardware processing gets better and faster, it will only improve TriCaster’s performance."

Today, the Vizrt TriCaster product line includes models for practically any application, from on-premise production to cloud and software-based solutions. So, where does the TriCaster stand in the pantheon of paradigm-shifting technologies for video production? McLendon argues it revolutionized the

avnetwork.com // September 2025 // SCN

29

avnetwork.com // September 2025 // SCN

29

TECHNOLOGY CARTS AND MOUNTS

Peerless-AV SR860 Flat Panel Cart

Chief Velocity Outdoor Triple Pedestal System Crimson AV M90XL Heavy-Duty Mobile Cart

Pro AV a la Carte

Carts and Mounts Deliver Support and Flexibility for Today’s Displays

Crimson AV has designed the M90XL heavy-duty mobile cart as a solution to meet these requirements.

Crafted for displays ranging from 50-98 inches, the M90XL is an all-in-one mobile cart, built for durability, performance, and aesthetics. It offers shelf options that make it ideal for demanding commercial

By Wayne Cavadi

E

technology is ease of use, and that holds true with

environments. Two side shelves, a top shelf, a front/

recent innovations in racks and mounts as well.

back heavy-duty steel shelf, plus a full back panel cover

According to Joe Wentworth, senior product manager,

system deliver a clean, professional appearance. Other

veryone loves a new dvLED display or the

Peerless-AV, these AV accessories are becoming

features include four height settings, tilting vertical

latest classroom technology that enhances

sleeker, slimmer, and more modular to ensure an

brackets, cable management, and easy transport.

the learning experience. But what about the

aesthetically pleasing finish and a safer, more

“Carts with easily maneuverable builds and storage

support systems for these shiny toys and the latest

efficient installation. “Features such as integrated

options allow for effective transportation from room to

innovations? After all, a dvLED display isn’t much

cable management and power outlets, configurable

room, while keeping all AV components stored

without something holding it in place.

X/Y/Z alignment, tool-less hanging, and easily

together,” explained Wentworth. “Height adjustability

adjustable builds are gaining popularity, opening the

and support for a wide range of display sizes also

are imperative in large-scale rollouts or assembling

possibilities for more complicated configurations and

ensure the cart is ready to use for any purpose.” Other

systems in the boardroom. We caught up with some

future adaptability,” he added.

features to look for include built-in organization tools

Carts and mounts may not be glamorous, but they

industry experts to discuss the latest innovations and features, as well as tips for your next installation.

Racking Up Innovation

Another innovation gaining momentum is the use of Unistrut-based mounting systems. “This is especially true for video walls and menu boards,” explained

like power outlets and cable management, as well as a slim build and wide-set wheels.

“At Chief, we prioritize the quality and safety of

William Bear, VP of sales and marketing, Crimson AV.

our products, ensuring they meet UL tip standards and

Most manufacturers agree that innovation stems from

“Integrators and general contractors already know and

are built to last,” Peterson added. “We’ve all seen the

understanding the needs of both the integrator and end

use Unistrut, so being able to drop in mounting

school district buy closeout-priced carts from

user. “We recognize the challenges of fitting more

hardware that’s designed to work with those

Amazon, only to have to replace them the next year

system devices behind large displays and the need for

components is a big win. It shortens install time,

because the casters have buckled and they aren’t

those devices to be easily accessible if a problem arises,”

reduces the learning curve, and creates a more scalable,

holding up to heavy use. Considering storage is

said Beth Peterson, director, product management,

repeatable solution—something that’s especially

essential, such as whether it offers a shelf or storage

Chief, a Legrand | AV brand. “Innovation can be as

valuable in multi-location rollouts.”

bin for items that need to stay with the system when it

simple as integrated cable management or eliminating time-consuming steps, such as site surveys.”

Take the Chief Velocity outdoor triple pedestal

Let the Good Times Roll

moves from one classroom to another.”

For example, the Peerless-AV SmartMount flat

Not all displays are permanent installations and often

panel carts combine durable support with adaptable

system, for example. This modular outdoor digital

need to be ready to roll from room to room. When

setup. These carts are designed with all the

signage pedestal mount, which supports Samsung and

evaluating AV carts—whether for corporate, education,

requirements of a mobile display setup in mind,

LG 55-inch outdoor displays, was designed for drive-

healthcare, or rental applications—Bear said safety,

making them suitable for diverse professional and

thru menu boards and wayfinding signage. Its modular

mobility, and flexibility are key considerations. This

educational environments, which earned them HETMA

design allows for single, double, or triple displays and

includes looking into UL weight rating and tip testing to

approval. The tubular design ensures a minimalistic

easily accommodates future expansion. It was crafted

ensure the cart can safely support the specified load,

and portable setup by concealing all cables internally.

for easy installation and its open back allows easy access

plus height adjustability, integrated cable

Plus, the rear ABS molded cover maintains a clutter-

for maintenance.

management, a wide wheelbase for added stability, and

free appearance and offers convenient storage for

smooth rolling, locking casters to simplify mobility.

cables, media players, or mini PCs.

One of the common trends in any Pro AV

30

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

CARTS AND MOUNTS TECHNOLOGY

Wall Mounts: Best Practices

adjustability, and alignment tools. Additionally, he

mount you know well,” Peterson said. “When

Getting a wall mount placed correctly and securely the

added, tools like built-in cable management and

designing our mounts, we focus on quick installation.

first time is imperative to avoid delays and additional

universal display size and weight support also allow

The key is selecting mounts with post-installation

costs, especially in large-scale rollouts. Unfortunately,

for easier management for safe, long-term use.

leveling and micro adjustments. These features enable

that is not always the case, as there are mistakes

“I often hear from customers that the secret to a

aplenty in mount installation. According to

stress-free mount installation is to stick with the

Wentworth, common mistakes he has seen are overloading the mount, insufficient anchoring, limited rear access for serviceability, and poor cable organization. All these pose safety hazards and damages to displays and aesthetics.

Peterson said a common mistake has been not planning for the inevitable servicing a room system will require. “Our Chief pullout extension accessory can attach to several of our standard wall mounts,” she added. “It allows one technician to troubleshoot instead of needing two to remove a large display from a wall to access behind it.”

Bear recommends a five-step process to streamline installation. Each step carefully prepares to avoid the mistakes made, including requesting bulk shipping for large projects, standardizing mounting and height templates, checking for stud spacing, pre-assembling whenever possible, and using leveling features and micro-adjustments.

It’s important not to overlook the preinstallation process. As Wentworth noted, gathering accurate measurements and weight calculations can avoid those alignment errors and ensure the mount can safely support the display.

Placement is a key decision. “It’s important to consider easy access for serviceability or future replacements,” Wentworth said. “Features like open‑back wall plates and internal wire channels allow for easy cable routing and future maintenance without having to remove the entire system.”

To ensure everything is properly installed, mounts are designed with features critical in avoiding these installation pitfalls. “Ensuring compatibility is a top priority in the buying process,” Peterson said. “We provide the Mountfinder tool, which features hundreds of thousands of models researched over the past 25 years, along with their specifications matched to our range of mounts. Eliminating guesswork in compatibility allows us to continually support our AV integration partners.”

Wentworth added that built-in adaptability tools, as well as simple installation tools, aid in making future adjustments more efficient. These include quick-connect and release clamps, micro-tilt

From left, William Bear, Beth Peterson, and Joe Wentworth

avnetwork.com // September 2025 // SCN

31

a ‘close enough’ alignment initially, followed by quick fine-tuning at the end.”

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS SCT TS1 The new TS1 under-table mounting solution from Sound Control Technologies simplifies AV equipment installation, cable management, and service beneath the meeting room table surface. The two-piece system allows integrators to prewire the main shelf and then slide it into the bracket for a quick, clean install.

Three mounting positions—two angled and one

Wisycom BFL2

parallel to the table—make it easier to access devices

The BFL2 RF-over-fiber system comprises the BFLR2 receiver and BFLT2 transmitter, which deliver laser

during setup or service without removing the entire system. Key features of the TS1 include an adjustable

technology with dual RF channels for seamless

Custom Channels Custom Channels Pro

deployment of diversity microphone antennas and

Business music service provider Custom Channels

points for organized cable routing, a dedicated area for

extended IEM/IFB coverage. Built for portability and

has introduced Custom Channels Pro, a licensed

power supplies, and ventilation cutouts to promote

performance, each BFL2 module integrates an optical

music solution designed specifically for digital

airflow and cooling.

gigabit SFP interface, high-speed Ethernet switch,

signage integrators and CMS providers to bundle

and advanced access point supporting Bluetooth and

music with signage. Custom Channels Pro enables

LoRa wireless control. The system enables superior

partners to easily add background music to signage

Visionary 5 Series

signal integrity across diverse production

deployments—without hardware or licensing

Visionary has

environments. Its RF-over-fiber platform unlocks

headaches—turning music into a strategic selling

expanded its 5 Series

new possibilities for wireless audio applications where

point and reliable recurring revenue stream. The

with three new wall

traditional rack-mounted MFL systems are

service is compatible with platforms including Navori

plate models. The

impractical. By addressing one of the most critical

Labs, BrightSign, TrueSyncMedia, and Pickcel

DuetE5-WP-C wall

challenges in wireless transmission—maintaining

designed for use in retail stores, restaurants, hotels,

plate encoder

dynamic range consistency despite fluctuating signal

resorts, and medical offices. Custom Channels Pro

strength—the BFL2 delivers RF performance that

offers several key benefits, including plug-and-play

HDMI inputs into a sleek, two-gang wall plate. It

surpasses conventional coaxial systems. Mode

music integration (no code, no hardware), fully

enables AVoIP encoding of both 4K60 4:4:4 video and

switching is available via the intuitive onboard control

licensed and brand-compliant music, tiered

USB sources from USB-C or HDMI-equipped devices,

panel or remote management through Bluetooth-

wholesale pricing for multi-location deployments,

making it ideal for BYOD environments. Building on the

enabled iOS and Android devices.

and add-on, in-store messaging capabitilies.

functionality of the DuetE5-WP-C, the DuetE5-WP-

clamp to secure gear in place, multiple cable tie anchor

combines USB-C and

C-BT model introduces integrated Bluetooth audio

Cleerline SSF-TKITE-200

support, enabling users to wirelessly connect mobile

Cleerline’s new SSF-TKITE-200 Basic Fiber Testing

devices and stream audio directly into the AVoIP

Kit is a qualification testing solution designed to

network. Rounding out the lineup is the DuetD-5-WP, a

support technology integrators in the field as they

wall plate decoder designed for clean, in-wall

install a single-mode or multimode fiber optic

installations. All three models support AES67 and Dante

network infrastructure. It enables on-site installers to

audio networking, VLAN tagging, and standard PoE

ascertain cable and termination integrity, quickly

power, and features a 45-degree Ethernet connector for

determining signal dB loss over distance using an

easier installation.

optical light source (OLS) optical power meter (OPM)

d&b audiotechnik 25D/D25

testing platform. With a convenient LCD display,

Based on the company’s most advanced amplifier

Cleerline’s new OLS/OPM test kit is an easy-to-

DSP platform, both the 25D and D25 models

operate qualification solution that includes everything

integrate Milan networking for precise

installers require—from SC and LC reference cables to

synchronization, streamlined configuration, and

TASCAM MP-800U

2.5mm and 1.25mm one-click cleaners and more—in a

enhanced interoperability. The amplifiers also offer

The MP-800U SD/USB player with Bluetooth receiver,

durable carrying case designed to withstand field use.

full compatibility with d&b’s software suite,

USB DAC, and FM tuner provides a wide range of

It offers up to 100 hours of runtime using nine AAA

including ArrayCalc, ArrayProcessing, NoizCalc, and

options for music playback in restaurants, hotels, and

batteries, with auto shutoff for extended battery life.

R1 remote control. Both models provide the optimal

similar PA and sound reinforcement environments. As

output voltage for mid-size sound reinforcement

both system integrators and the public move away from

requirements. The D25 is optimized for mobile

the use of CD media, the new MP-800U commercial

applications, while the 25D is tailored for

multimedia player is adept at handling a variety of

installation. Both 2 RU models feature a 4.3-inch

audio sources as a single device. This includes the

color touchscreen for intuitive device configuration

ability to play audio from PCs, smartphones, streaming

and real-time status monitoring. They support up to

audio, SD memory cards, USB flash drives, and more. It

16 input channels, including eight Milan input

can playback WAV, MP3, and AAC files—enabling the

channels, four analog inputs, and four AES3 channels

unit to accommodate most popular audio file formats.

with corresponding link outputs. Enhanced energy-

The SD card slot and USB-A port are located on the

saving features, high power efficiency, and an

unit’s front panel for easy access. For maximum

automatic wake-up function further support

versatility, the MP-800U provides both stereo balanced

sustainable operation.

XLR outputs and unbalanced RCA outputs.

32

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com

PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

Telycam Explore XE The Explore XE 4K PTZ camera is specifically designed to bring broadcast-class quality and capabilities to the Pro AV market. Featuring a 1-inch Sony sensor, phase detection auto-focus (PDAF), and 20x optical

LG LAPA Series

zoom, the new Explore XE offers superior light

LG Electronics USA is expanding its dvLED lineup

Theory Professional SR Series

with new 136-inch and 163-inch All-in-One displays

The SR Series is a new line of passive and powered

field along with exceptional contrast and clarity. The

(LAPA series). Designed for fast, one-day

loudspeakers specifically designed for sound

Explore XE camera features an array of outputs,

installation, LG’s latest LAPA series models feature a

reinforcement applications. The four new multi-

including 4K60 via HDMI or NDI HX3, 4K30 over

true all-in-one design, combining built-in

purpose loudspeakers and four manifold subwoofers

USB-C, or 1080p/60 video scaled from the 4K image

loudspeakers, embedded webOS controllers, and a

are built-to-order in the U.S. and unite lively

via 3G-SDI. External audio sources can be brought

simplified power and signal setup. Each module

dynamics, high maximum output level, and refined

into the camera from a mini-XLR input with phantom

attaches easily to the supplied landscape wall mount

acoustic performance. Surprisingly compact, the

power or a 3.5mm analog

using the provided tools—and once secured, a single

powerful, high-fidelity SR models won’t impede on

input. FreeD protocol

power cord powers the entire display, simplifying

aesthetics—they can be installed discretely in tighter

support transmits precise

connections and ensuring a clean, tidy installation.

locations. The eight models are available in black and

pan, tilt, zoom, and focus

The LAPA series delivers Full HD resolution, 500-nit

white, as well as passive or active versions depending

data for seamless

brightness, and fine pixel pitches of 1.56mm (136-

on the installation need. Available upgrades include

integration with AR and VR

inch) and 1.88mm (163-inch). An optional dedicated

custom paint matching and weatherizing (passive

production solutions.

stand is available, allowing users to easily position

versions only). Features include ergonomic handles,

Additional key features

their display depending upon installation

multiple fly points, industry-standard mount points,

include native AI-powered

requirements. Plus, front-access servicing makes

and pole cups. Optional accessories include the Theory

auto-tracking, local

repairs a breeze. The LED module can be swiftly

SplitYoke multipurpose mounting brackets and an

recording to a microSD

detached with the included magnetic tool and

intelligent Caster Kit and Dolly Board that bring

card, dual tally lights,

replaced without any cabling hassle.

portability to larger SR Series models.

and POE+ support.

CONNECTORS & ADAPTORS

FIBER CABLES

sensitivity, dynamic range, and shallow depth-of-

FLYPACKS & ROAD CASES

MODULAR FLOOR BOXES

100 95

INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

FURNITURE

75

25 5

To Advertise in the SCN CLASSIFIEDS, Contact Zahra Majma at

0

zahra.majma@futurenet.com

Screw Term Adapter for SCN revised Tuesday, March 11, 2025 11:14:06 AM

avnetwork.com // September 2025 // SCN

33

VIEWPOINT

An Invisible Revolution It’s Time to Define the New Role of Bluetooth in Pro AV

By Joseph Cornwall

A

little over a millennia ago, in 979 AD, Harald Gormsson ordered numerous public works, helping him consolidate economic and mili-

Advertising with Responses (PAwR), and Direction

scenarios. PAwR enables encrypted bi-directional

Finding. They associate “Bluetooth” with older

communication between a central hub and thousands

consumer experiences, not the robust, scalable, and

of ESL devices while remaining synchronized and

precise capabilities now emerging.

consuming very little power. This significantly

AV training and curriculum rarely offer any

enhances the efficiency and security of managing

Bluetooth instruction, contributing to the knowledge

vast networks of IoT devices in retail and other

tary control of Scandinavia. From the reconstruc-

gap. It’s time for us to take a much closer look at BT

similar environments.

tion of the Jelling runic stones to building the oldest

in AV.

known bridge in southern Scandinavia, this ancient

Bluetooth uses 79 channels (40 channels for BLE)

Auracast is a groundbreaking new feature of BLE Audio that introduces a one-to-many audio broadcast

ruler overcame significant challenges, coalescing

in a pseudo-random hopping sequence, making it

capability. An Auracast transmitter broadcasts one or

what was then a deeply fragmented society. King

exceptionally difficult for unintended parties to

more audio streams, along with advertising information

Gormsson, known as Bluetooth, “won the whole of

intercept or jam the signal. Plus, advanced Bluetooth

(metadata) that describes the available streams. An

Denmark and Norway” by uniting the warring Scan-

devices can classify channels as “used” or “unused”

Auracast receiver such as hearing aids, earbuds, or

dinavian tribes.

based on interference, dynamically adjusting the

headphones picks up the digital stream and converts it

hopping pattern to avoid noise and improve overall

into audio, while an optional Auracast Assistant device

disparate elements would be celebrated by a new

performance. Add in encrypted payloads and we see

(often a smartphone or smartwatch) helps users

wireless technology being developed to unite different

that Bluetooth is a very secure system.

discover, select, and manage the broadcasts. And yes,

In the late 1990s, the king’s achievement in uniting

communication protocols (such as those for PCs and

BLE allows for a host of new, interesting, and

cellular phones) into a single, universal standard. The

AV-centric applications. It’s specifically designed for

Unlike older assisted listening systems, Auracast

name “Bluetooth” was suggested as a temporary

ultra-low power consumption while maintaining a

delivers flexible, high-quality, and universal one-to-

codename by Jim Kardach of Intel, who was reading a

surprising communication range (more than 300 feet

many audio broadcasts to an unlimited number of

historical novel about Vikings at the time. The idea

in free space). It’s designed to stay in a “sleep” mode

compatible Bluetooth audio receivers simultaneously.

resonated and the name stuck. It even inspired the

most of the time and only “wake up” to transmit small

Compared to the coverage limitations, interference

Bluetooth logo, a bind rune combining the Elder

bursts of data when needed. This allows devices to

susceptibility, and reliance on specific hardware

operate for months or even years on small coin-cell

inherent in older ring-type systems like hearing loops,

batteries. While they share the “Bluetooth” name and

Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio offer improved audio

for Bluetooth, the technological core enabling its

operate in the same 2.4 GHz ISM radio frequency band,

quality, lower latency, and better power efficiency.

robust wireless communication owes a significant

BLE and Classic Bluetooth are different protocols, with

debt to an unexpected innovator: Hollywood film star

modern devices typically being dual mode.

Futhark runes for Harald’s initials, H

and B

.

While Gormsson provided the symbolic namesake

the audio stream can be encrypted for security.

ABI Research estimates that more than 60 million venues worldwide could potentially benefit from

Hedy Lamarr. Roughly 80 years ago, during World War

Some of the new

II, Lamarr co-invented a communication system that

BLE capabilities are

Royal National

introduced a groundbreaking concept critical to

astonishing. Imagine

Institute for Deaf

modern wireless technologies.

if your Bluetooth

People (RNID)

device didn’t just

anticipates mass

system for Allied torpedoes that utilized spread

know that another

adoption to accelerate

spectrum and frequency hopping technology. The core

device was nearby, but

concept was to rapidly switch radio frequencies during

also exactly where it was. That’s essentially what

platforms fully support it at the operating system

transmission, making it extremely difficult for

Bluetooth’s Angle of Departure (AoD) and Angle of

level, support that is rolling out now and is only

enemies to jam the signal or predict the next

Arrival (AoA) features are all about. These new

expected to grow.

frequency. Bluetooth employs Adaptive Frequency

capabilities allow devices to figure out the relative

Bringing together its historical ingenuity with its

Hopping (AFH), a spread spectrum technique of

location and travel direction of other Bluetooth LE

modern marvels, Bluetooth, once a silent workhorse,

frequency hopping based on Lamarr’s creation.

radios. Think of it as giving Bluetooth devices a sense

is poised to redefine the commercial AV landscape. Its

of spatial awareness, allowing it to become a powerful

evolution from simple device pairing to sophisticated

tool for asset tracking or indoor wayfinding.

capabilities like Auracast’s unlimited broadcast audio,

Lamarr’s innovative idea was a radio guidance

Ubiquitous and Advanced A quarter century after its introduction, we find 4.7

Auracast, and the

as major smartphone

precise Direction Finding for spatial awareness, and

billion Bluetooth integrated circuit chips being

Real World Applications

shipped annually. A market report from May indicates

PAwR is a game-changer for applications requiring

transforms it into an indispensable and secure tool.

that shipments of Bluetooth devices could exceed 5.3

high-volume, ultra-low power communication with

The time has come for AV professionals to look beyond

billion units in 2025 and approach 8 billion by 2029.

numerous devices. A prime example of its use is

outdated perceptions and embrace Bluetooth’s

Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) for retail applications.

powerful, ubiquitous, and quietly revolutionary role in

Bluetooth is the most ubiquitous and pervasive wireless connection technology in the world. So why

Imagine a large supermarket where thousands of

PAwR’s efficient large-scale communication,

shaping the future of integrated systems.

isn’t Bluetooth the hottest topic in commercial AV?

digital price tags need to be updated frequently and

Technology evangelist Joseph D. Cornwall has been

It may be because many AV professionals are not

reliably, yet consume minimal power to ensure long

part of the AVIXA faculty since 2010 and was named a

fully aware of the significant advancements in

battery life. Before PAwR, there was no standard for

member of the SCN Hall of Fame in 2024. Contact him

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Auracast, Periodic

secure, connectionless communication for such

at AV_Educator@outlook.com.

34

SCN // September 2025 // avnetwork.com