Systems Contract News - November 2025

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INSTALLATION 2025 SHOWCASE Innovative Pro AV Solutions Deliver Awesome Results AVNETWORK.COM

NOVEMBER 2025

16 Executive Q&A Parker Group's Valerie Parker is changing the multiviewer game.

22 Blueprint for Success Mathew Newfield thinks it's time for new cybersecurity strategies.

42 Viewpoint

16

22

42

Patrick Cuddy says you can make an impact on sustainability.

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

INSTALLATION 2025 SHOWCASE Innovative Pro AV Solutions Deliver Awesome Results AVNETWORK.COM

NOVEMBER 2025

16 Executive Q&A Parker Group's Valerie Parker is changing the multiviewer game.

22 Blueprint for Success Mathew Newfield thinks it's time for new cybersecurity strategies.

42 Viewpoint

16

22

42

Patrick Cuddy says you can make an impact on sustainability.

CONTENTS 24

Installation Showcase As usual, integrators did not

make it easy for the SCN editorial team to choose only 10 projects to highlight.

People 16 Executive Q&A

The Integration Guide to Education

Parker Group founder and CEO Valerie Parker is

28 An Investment in Better Storytelling

changing the multiview game for control rooms.

Detroit Country Day School students have access to

By Mark J. Pescatore

high-end virtual and podcast studio spaces.

Business 18 The Heat Is Off New technologies and installation strategies are

By Jennifer Guhl

Technology

helping to cool down today’s LED deployments.

38 Tech Perspectives

By Robert Detwiler

Zoom’s commitment to AI is

20 SCN Announces Pro AV Best in Market 2025 Winners

28

turning heads.

By David J. Danto

A dozen products earned high marks from our judges.

Viewpoint

22 Blueprint for Success

42 You Can Make an Impact

It's time to develop new cybersecurity strategies for

If you’re focused on the future,

Pro AV environments.

sustainability is key.

By Mathew Newfield

By Patrick Cuddy

Departments 4 SYSTEMS CHECK 6 NEWS 14 NEWSMAKERS 40 PRODUCTS

Vol. 32 No. 11 November 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.

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SYSTEMS CHECK avnetwork.com

MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director

EMAIL

mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

Now Boarding: UI Lessons from the Fuselage

I

’ve written about air travel in the past, specifically about the painful exercise of trying to get off the plane in an efficient manner once it’s landed. For today’s rant, I’d like to focus on the embarkation process.

There used to be a method to the madness. Start in the back, load us in a few rows at a

time, and fill the plane logically and efficiently. Add a few stragglers at the end who still FACEBOOK

facebook.com/ systemscontractor

don’t believe they will ever hit traffic going to the airport and we’re done. Close the pod bay doors, HAL, and let’s get started on that generous portion of peanuts.

But no. Efficiency leaves little room for special treatment—and in this day and age, we must all be special. I wouldn’t say that includes me, as I’m a perennial Zone 6 kind of guy, but those Zone 8 folk look mighty envious.

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

I fly frequently—not as much as some, but more than most. As a result, I have a pretty consistent routine for boarding. Right before I actually step into the aircraft, I remove my backpack, remove my tablet from my backpack, and carry them the rest of the way to my seat (the Jabra headset is already in place). That way, I don’t strike several of my fellow passengers when I try to remove my backpack in the aisle. It also means I’m

X x.com/scnmag

ready to stow my gear, be it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of me, as soon as I’m in position.

Stow the bag, scoot out of the aisle, sit down. The process only takes a few seconds, then I’m out of the way and free to watch today’s episode of “Inefficiency on Parade.”

I wish the following two observations were not true.

On my flight back from CEDIA, a woman stopped in the aisle, her destination the middle seat in the row in front of mine. She was ill-prepared. She handed three different items, including her beverage, to the stranger already in the aisle seat, while she detached herself from her carry-on and stowed it. Once she was seated, reclaimed her items, and just about settled, she realized she was in the wrong seat. Hilarity did not ensue.

A short time later, an older couple walked past me. Maybe they wanted to scout the emergency exit or restroom locations. All I know is that in very short order, they were back, swimming upstream against the current of fellow travellers. I’m convinced that neither of them was actually looking for their seats until they realized they had reached the aft galley.

What can we learn from these embarkation observations? First, for some people, disorganization is business as usual. Some people just make things more complicated than they need to be. Also, some people want to feel special, while others just want to move things along. And finally, some people just don’t pay attention.

Which brings us to the user interface (UI). You know, that touchpanel, matrix switcher, or wall controller that make the AV magic happen in your conference rooms,

NOVEMBER 2025 VOL. 32 NO. 11 CONTENT

Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Senior Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Contributors Patrick Cuddy, David J. Danto, Robert Detwiler, Jennifer Guhl, Mathew Newfield, Sean Wargo 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

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classrooms, and other presentation areas. All the observations from my aviation adventure can be applied to UI design.

Make sure your UI is straightforward. Keep the startup process simple, with as few steps as possible. Secondary menus are a disaster waiting to happen. Simplicity should placate the disorganized and overly complicated, while keeping the users who just want to get in and get to work happy, too.

If you’re willing or able to take that extra programming step, perhaps you can create personalized settings for regular users. Also, even if you’ve provided training, don’t be afraid to post startup and shutdown instructions. You can even use an e-paper display to avoid disrupting any modern or professional aesthetic.

I don’t like the term “idiot proof” when talking UIs. The people using your technology are not idiots; they just don’t live in the technology space. Technology is their tool, not their passion. It’s your job to do everything you can to make them not look like idiots when they bring that AV-loaded room to life. Once you’ve done that, I’d be most grateful if you could tackle the flight embarkation process … or just upgrade me to first class.

4

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

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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.

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NEWS

Avidex Acquires CCS New England

I

n early October, Avidex announced its acquisition of CCS New England, one of the region’s premier systems integrators serving the greater New England region. The acquisition is part of Avidex’s strategic growth plan, aimed

at expanding its reach in key U.S. markets to better serve enterprise, healthcare, education, and government clients. While CCS Presentation Systems has opera-

tions across the United States, this acquisition is specific to CCS New England, the operating entity serving Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

Founded in 1998 by Chris and Cheryl Gamst, CCS New England has earned a

Rebecca McCartney

ClearVC Acquires UK Integrator VideoCentric

U

.K.-based AV and UC specialist ClearVC has acquired VideoCentric, a videoconferencing integrator, in a strategic move to accelerate ClearVC’s national growth and deepen its ability to deliver collaboration solutions

across the region.

Founded in 2001, VideoCentric has built a strong reputation in the Thames Valley

reputation as a trusted AV partner, offering design, integration, programming, and

and across the South of England. Its specialties include AV integration, equipment

support services. The CCS New England team will continue to operate and expand

hire, installation, analytics, and long-term support, with a client base that includes

throughout the region as part of the Avidex brand, ensuring continuity for clients

businesses, education providers, healthcare institutions, and public sector bodies.

while leveraging Avidex’s national infrastructure.

Combining the purchasing power

The acquisition brings VideoCentric’s directly employed engineers into the ClearVC fold, ensuring all service delivery remains in-house. In the near term, the

of both companies will ensure access

two businesses will continue operating under their respective brands, with a phased

to competitive pricing and priority

integration strategy focused on preserving service continuity for customers. No job

support from leading AV and IT

losses are expected.

manufacturers. Plus, clients will gain

With a reduced need for long-distance deployments, the group is positioned to

access to Avidex 360° Service, a suite of managed services that includes on-site

respond faster and more efficiently across all regions. Also included in the deal is

support, a 24x7x365 help desk, and Avidex Assure, a remote monitoring and

VideoCentric’s newly opened showroom in Edinburgh, which will act as a Scottish

management platform designed to minimize user disruption and provide actionable

hub for demonstrations, innovation, and training.

analytics to optimize AV system performance.

“This acquisition is about more than just expansion, it’s about strengthening our

“The acquisition of CCS New England represents a pivotal moment in our

technical capacity, deepening in-house expertise, and delivering consistent,

mission to transform how organizations collaborate, connect, and communicate

high-quality service across the U.K.,” explained Rebecca McCartney, managing

while also supporting our strategy to expand Avidex’s impact in key regions across

director of ClearVC. “By uniting two organizations known for innovation and

the United States,” said Jeff Davis, CEO, Avidex. “Cheryl, Chris, and the entire CCS

engineering excellence in the AV and unified communications space, we’re building a

New England team have built a respected business with a trusted reputation for

more agile and resilient operation.”

technical excellence, client service, and integrity. Together, we will raise the bar for AV solutions and services in New England, providing our clients with greater access to advanced capabilities and technology, stronger partner relationships, and a level of proactive support that delivers measurable business outcomes.”

Diversified Opens Frankfurt Office In September, Diversified announced the opening of a new office in Frankfurt,

Sennheiser Relocating Americas Regional Hub to Nashville

C

atch you later, Connecticut, and howdy, Tennessee.

The Sennheiser Group has announced plans to relocate its Americas Regional Hub to Nashville by mid-2026. The move from Old Lyme, CT,

Germany. The hub expands the company’s operational footprint in EMEA, serving as a center for client engagement, technology demonstrations, engineering, and project delivery.

The expansion reflects Diversified’s broader growth strategy, building scalable in-region operations, strengthening local delivery, and supporting the evolving needs of multinational enterprise clients. The office space is about 5,400 square feet and there’s a 14,000-square-foot warehouse. With plans to grow headcount over the next two years, the new facility provides ample space for prestaging, warehousing, and collaboration for Diversified and its technology partners, including Sennheiser and Crestron, to engage with clients and showcase solutions.

“Opening in Frankfurt allows us to extend Diversified’s global capabilities into

represents a strategic step for the company in the U.S. market, carefully designed to

one of Europe’s most important markets,” said Will Hegan, managing director–

strengthen its presence in the professional audio landscape and deepen connections

EMEA, Diversified. “We’re investing in the region to align with where our clients are

with industry partners.

growing and to ensure they benefit from world-class expertise paired with the support of a local team.”

“Choosing Nashville is both a strategic and cultural decision,” said Daniel Sennheiser, Co-CEO, Sennheiser. “The city’s strong business climate and deep roots in sound and music align perfectly with our mission to build the future of audio.” ​As Sennheiser establishes its new hub, the company will expand its local presence, creating opportunities for professionals to support its evolving operations.

The relocation will embed the company’s brands, Sennheiser and Neumann, in a city celebrated worldwide for its musical heritage and creative energy.

6

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

Diversified's new Frankfurt facility includes office space and a warehouse.

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NEWS

ISE Will ‘Push Beyond’ with New Initiatives for 2026

I

Sol Rashidi

nnovation will take center stage At ISE 2026, with

inspire, to create, and to challenge what’s possible,”

Listening Suites in CC2, the newly refurbished heart of

new offerings that will shape the next chap-

said Mike Blackman, manager director at Integrated

Fira Barcelona. Each suite is carefully curated,

ter of the annual event, which runs Feb. 3-6 in

Systems Events (and a member of the SCN Hall of

blending acoustics with inventive design, ensuring

Barcelona.

Fame). “With our ‘Push Beyond’ ethos for 2026, we are

every note resonates with clarity and nuance, perfect

According to organizers, this year’s theme,

inviting everyone to join us in Barcelona to shape the

for audio brands looking to go beyond pro audio.

“Push Beyond,” is not a slogan, but a movement. It

next chapter of AV and systems integration, together.”

sets a new tempo for the global AV and systems integration industry.

The show itself is already reaching maximum capacity at the Fira de Barcelona, expanding by 5% from

Among its many innovations, ISE 2026 will debut

Making its debut in 2026, Spark is a cross-vertical gathering that unites trailblazers, visionaries, and

the Cybersecurity Summit. In an era where digital

pioneers from the full spectrum of the creative

threats extend far beyond traditional IT concerns, the

industries. Spark kindles a new chapter, where the

AV sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture.

brightest minds ignite ideas to transform the creative

2025. More than 1,400 exhibitors are

Cybersecurity has evolved into a

already confirmed, including 184

business-critical factor. The summit

first-time exhibitors. Since relocating

will tackle the hard edge of digital

AI officer for enterprises, will deliver a keynote during

to Barcelona in 2021, ISE has shattered

risk, including regulation,

the show. Rashidi holds 10 patents, is the author of

records, with the Fira playing a key

integration, and resilience, where

Your AI Survival Guide, and is a three-time TEDx

role in fueling that success.

healthcare, transport, and

speaker with more than 1 million views. She brings

government intersect with AV’s

expertise at the intersection of AI, technology, and

boldest ambitions.

corporate strategy—bridging innovation with real

“ISE has always been more than just about technology on display; it’s where industries come together to

ISE 2026 will also introduce

FORTÉ Expands Internationally with Informationsteknik Acquisition

F

ORTÉ has acquired Informationsteknik Scandinavia, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Moving forward, the existing AV integration business in Sweden and Denmark will become FORTÉ, serving customers throughout the

industries.

And lest we forget to mention AI, Sol Rashidi, chief

business impact.

HARMAN Completes Sound United Acquisition

H

ARMAN International has completed its acquisition of Sound United, the former consumer audio business of Masimo Corporation. Sound United’s portfolio of audio brands includes Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz,

Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics.

The move marks a significant expansion in HARMAN’s core audio business and

two countries. The organization’s events businesses will continue under two brand

footprint across key product categories including home audio, electronics

names, Informationsteknik in Sweden and Get Visual in Denmark.

(amplifiers, hi-fi components, AVRs),

With operations in both Sweden and

headphones, and car audio. Combining Sound

Denmark, the acquisition further expands

United’s portfolio with its audio business

FORTÉ’s European presence and advances

enables HARMAN to deliver one of the most

its strategy to support global organizations with modern AV and UC solutions. With

comprehensive audio portfolios in the industry.

decades of experience and a strong local presence, Informationsteknik has built a

Sound United will operate as a standalone

reputation for delivering seamless, high-impact solutions across corporate,

Strategic Business Unit (SBU) within

education, and event environments. Its team of professionals has made the

HARMAN’s Lifestyle Division.

organization a trusted partner for many prominent organizations in Scandinavia.

“HARMAN’s vision is to create experiences

“Informationsteknik has served customers in Sweden and Denmark since 1989.

that enrich people’s lives through exceptional

With seven locations and more than 120 employees, the team is committed to customer

audio experiences,” said Dave Rogers,

service and technology solutions designed to transform the modern workplace,” said

president, Lifestyle Division, HARMAN. “Sound

Jeff Stoebner, chairman and CEO at FORTÉ. “Through a combination of high standards

United’s impressive roster of brands is rooted in

and deep technical expertise, this business is an ideal fit with the FORTÉ mission to

a deep passion for sound, innovation, and

deliver future-ready solutions for communication and collaboration globally.”

commitment to quality that aligns with

The Sweden and Denmark locations will continue to serve as Regional Business

HARMAN’s own values. It bolsters HARMAN’s

Units of GPA, a global delivery engine. With its strong economy and highly skilled

strategy to build on its unparalleled success

workforce, Sweden is an ideal hub for U.S.-based companies expanding into the Nordic

story and scale to unprecedented heights as an

and Baltic regions.

audio leader.”

8

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

HARMAN’s acquisition of Sound United includes a number of established audio brands.

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Artist’s rendering of the exterior front courtyard of the renovated National Geographic Society headquarters and Museum of Exploration, opening in 2026.

NEWS

VISUALIZATIONS BY REDVERTEX, BASED ON DESIGNS BY HICKOK COLE ARCHITECTS

Panasonic Creates Digital Canvas of Exploration at New Museum

By Wayne Cavadi

T

museum? King described the National Geographic

the integrity of the photographers’ work and ensuring

Learning Launchpad, powered by the Cengage Group,

longevity of operation. “When it comes to

as an extraordinary interactive space that will inspire

representing the photos, Solid Shine DLP technology

he National Geographic Society has long

young people to connect with the concept of geographic

is known for its ability to represent color standards

made its home in Washington, DC, welcoming

thinking and to use geography in their own lives.

easily and accurately,” he said. “This allows images

explorers from around the globe to share their

“The space includes a media-driven

captured by National Geographic Explorers

experiences. Now, the society is expanding its Base

introductory corridor, hands-on activity

to be displayed as they were intended.”

Camp into a new era of discovery, with the Museum

room, and immersive projection room to

Panasonic’s Solid Shine projection

of Exploration (MOE) set to open in 2026.

present geography as a way of thinking,

technology is also known for its longevity.

understanding, and interacting with the

As Duffy explained, 4K Solid Shine Laser

experience technology at National Geographic

world,” he added. “Visitors will learn to look

DLP projectors are known to last twice or

Society, MOE will serve as a public platform to

at the world around them through places,

even three times as long as the life of

illuminate and protect the wonder of the world.

patterns, layers, scale and time.”

comparative LCD technology. “In many

According to Chris King, senior director,

Supporting the exhibitions, experiences, and shows

Also on the floor plan is the reimagined,

cases,” he noted, “a museum can capitalize

across the MOE is Panasonic Projector & Display

400-seat Grosvenor Auditorium with

on this equipment under an 8-10-year

Americas. The company’s 4K projectors, displays,

innovative Pro AV technology and

deployment cycle as opposed to a 3-4-year

PTZ cameras, and KAIROS video switching technology

storytelling tools that will envelop visitors

cycle seen with a 3LCD equivalent.”

bring the venue to life while preserving the past and

through National Geographic films and

preparing for future explorations.

stories. During the day, the courtyard will

of this magnitude, there are challenges.

allow visitors to step inside the Yellow

“Each exhibit became its own project, and

began the project. “We’ve designed the MOE to be a

Border and discover the diversity of animals

the team needed to manage all these

digital canvas that elevates the work of National

and plants that make up Earth’s

simultaneously with one common goal and

Geographic Explorers, and this partnership is

ecosystems. In the evening, the space will

deadline,” Duffy recalled. “To make this

helping bring this state-of-the-art destination to

offer a nighttime experience with visuals

life,” he explained.

and audioscapes.

King said Panasonic was the choice since Nat Geo

According to Brian Duffy, strategic account

Of course, with any project, especially

Chris King (top) and Brian Duffy

“This will be D.C.’s only spectacular

happen, National Geographic prioritized working with partners who have experience with these types of large projects. Our

manager, live entertainment, Panasonic Projector &

outdoor nighttime destination, and it will bring the

experience in live events, themed entertainment, and

Display Americas, Panasonic’s newest line of 4K Solid

wonder of our world to life through the arresting

location-based entertainment projects on a global

Shine Laser DLP projectors were selected, including

visuals that National Geographic is known for, coupled

scale set us up well to tackle the unique challenges of

the PT-RQ7 Series, PT-REQ15 Series, and PT-RQ35K

with projection mapping, interactive media, and

this project.”

Series, along with the Panasonic TH-EQ3 Series 4K

immersive sound,” King said.

professional display.

So, what will explorers experience at the new

Duffy and his team looked at two important factors when deciding which solutions were best: maintaining

New explorers will quickly agree that this is no ordinary venue. As promoted by the National Geographic Society, the Base Camp will be a place where visitors will come to experience “stunning imagery and

VISUALIZATIONS BY REDVERTEX, BASED ON DESIGNS BY HICKOK COLE ARCHITECTS

photography, bold storytelling, and learn about the rich discoveries and expeditions of the past, with a watchful eye to the future and protecting our planet.”

And Panasonic had just the right technology to make that happen. King said the company’s “highquality standards and products, experience across the industry, ability to support the design and engineering phases of the project, and excitement to work with National Geographic on fully custom installations made Panasonic the clear choice for supporting our project.”

“We are honored to serve as a trusted technology partner and advisor for The Museum of Exploration,” concluded Duffy. “It’s such a unique and exciting project, making the design, planning, and collaboration process rewarding. We look forward to Artist’s rendering of Grosvenor Auditorium in the Museum of Exploration, opening in 2026.

10

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

the opening of the museum and future projects with National Geographic.”

NEWS

RGB Spectrum Helps Clovis PD Power Real-Time Intelligence

L

ocated in the heart of California’s Central Val-

(RTIC), a centralized hub designed to unify data from

ley, the Clovis Police Department serves the

hundreds of surveillance cameras, license plate

rapidly growing community of Clovis, a vibrant

readers, dispatch systems, drone feeds, and body-

city situated just northeast of Fresno in Fresno

worn cameras. The department’s goals: enhance

County. Once a historic railroad town, Clovis has

officer safety, accelerate response times, and support

transformed into a modern, thriving municipality,

smarter decision making across the entire public

consistently ranked among California’s best places

safety ecosystem. As the systems integrator, Wildfire

to live.

Technology delivered end-to-end project success.

Despite its growth, Clovis maintains a lean public

At the heart of Clovis PD’s RTIC is RGB Spectrum’s

safety model, with approximately 130 sworn officers

Zio AV over IP platform and XtendPoint KVM over IP

and a total department staff of about 230 employees.

system, providing the centralized control, flexible

As the city continues to expand—adding new

visualization, and easy expandability the department

residential developments, commercial centers, and

needed. The Zio 4000 video wall processor seamlessly

Each operator station features two 43-inch curved

educational infrastructure—the need for advanced,

drives a 14x5.6-foot Barco TruePix 0.9mm LED video

4K displays, creating a panoramic, ergonomic

real-time public safety technology has never been

wall, displaying live video from across the city,

environment that consolidates workflows and boosts

greater.

interactive maps, drone feeds, dispatch data, and

productivity.

Previously, the department managed streams of

analytic tools. With 16 HDMI inputs and 12 outputs, Zio

The Clovis Police Department’s new Real Time Information Center is managing video streams of information from hundreds of sources across the city.

“What sold me on RGB was how effortless it was

mission-critical information from hundreds of

acts as the visual brain of the RTIC, integrating diverse

for everyone to manipulate the screen and display

surveillance cameras, LPRs, drones, dispatch systems,

content streams into a single pane of glass for

what they needed—everyone had access, and it just

and body-worn cameras. But these assets were siloed

maximum awareness.

worked,” said Clovis Police Chief Curt Fleming.

and difficult to manage from a single point of control.

Clovis PD operators use XtendPoint to control

Recognizing this, Clovis PD launched a bold

and interact with up to eight independent systems

“We’re not just solving for today’s challenges, we’re setting the foundation for tomorrow’s public

initiative to build a Real Time Information Center

simultaneously using a single keyboard and mouse.

safety technology.”

Ross Video Invests in Experiential, Audio Solutions with New Acquisitions

T

wo recent acquisitions by Ross Video are

video production with experiential AV. Plus, the

experienced team in audio-focused solutions. With

bolstering the company’s commitment to

ioversal team brings decades of expertise in media

LAMA, Ross customers will gain access to fully

providing end-to-end solutions for live pro-

servers and interactive control systems to Ross Video.

integrated audio mixing tools that complement their

duction with experiential and audio technologies.

In October, Ross Video announced its acquisition of

“From the very beginning, our mission with Vertex has been to simplify complex audiovisual

ioversal, creators of Vertex, an immersive experiences

productions and give creators the freedom to focus

platform. The Vertex AV production suite is designed for

on storytelling rather than technical hurdles,”

existing video workflows, removing silos and streamlining production.

LAMA’s software is designed to streamline live audio workflows, whether operated by seasoned audio

interactive exhibits, live entertainment,

explained Martin Kuhn, co-founder of

engineers or streaming content creators. Built for

large-scale productions, and dynamic

ioversal. “Together, we’ll be able to

speed, flexibility, and integration, it supports use cases

projection mapping.

bring Vertex to an even wider audience

ranging from live broadcasts and esports to corporate

The acquisition marked Ross

and unlock incredible new

Video’s expansion into experiential

possibilities for experiential

technologies. Vertex provides the tools to unify video,

media. We are deeply proud of what our team

audio, lighting, and control into one solution to create,

has built and are excited to be part of the Ross

manage, and automate captivating experiences.

Video family.”

“Vertex gives our customers a powerful new way to

events and streaming. Its features address connectivity, mixing, and mix automation with a modern, software-defined approach.

“We’re always listening to our customers, and they kept telling us how

The ioversal acquisition came on the

impressed they were with LAMA’s intuitive

tell their stories,” said David Ross, CEO of Ross Video.

heels of the September acquisition of LAMA,

approach to audio mixing,” said Nigel

“It also extends our live production solutions into the

a developer of audio production software

Spratling, VP of production switchers at

experiential world, opening creative possibilities that

known for its innovative live mixing

inspire audiences everywhere.”

solutions. This move strengthens

The acquisition underscores the company’s

Ross Video. “When we took a closer look, it was clear LAMA had built something

Ross Video’s audio solution

truly special: technology

commitment to broadening its portfolio across

set and core audio

that’s modern, efficient, and

broadcast, sports, entertainment, and live events,

technology, while

aligned with the needs of

offering customers a unified toolkit that combines live

bringing in a highly

today’s operators.”

12

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com David Ross

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS

Rep Report

AVPRO GLOBAL has

the Q-SYS platform. He

where he managed more than $20

appointed EXCELLENCE

previously held engineering,

million in worldwide sales across

MARKETING, based in Eden

sales, and product management

multiple channels, supported a

Prairie, MN, as its

roles at Biamp and SITA

global distributor network, and

commercial sales reps

(formerly Com-Net Software). In

oversaw the successful launch of

covering the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Western

his new role, Adams leads

Wisconsin. Excellence Marketing will focus on

TJ Adams

Audinate’s platform strategy to

bringing solutions from AVPro Edge, Bullet Train,

deliver an interoperable audio, video, control, and

and RTI to exceptional integrators across the

management platform.

a European 3PL warehouse that Scott Thompson

expanded the company’s

international footprint.

region. Founded in 1988, Excellence Marketing

DMF LIGHTING has appointed

has established longstanding relationships with

AVIXA appointed JOSÉ ARAGÓN

CHARLIE DERK as senior director

top integration partners across their region.

as CFO. In this role, he leads the

of product strategy. In this new

association’s financial growth

role, Derk leads DMF’s product

NEPTUNE OUTDOOR AV SOLUTIONS has

strategy. Aragón most recently

roadmap and innovation

appointed CONVERGENCE as a new independent

held the position of VP of finance,

sales rep firm for the Midwest region,

networks, and studios at A+E

Charlie Derk

Global Media, a multinational

designed to elevate performance and aesthetics. With

strategy, driving the continued development of lighting solutions

encompassing Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and

José Aragón

Kansas. This strategic partnership highlights

media company. During his tenure, he led several

more than 25 years of experience in the luxury

Neptune’s commitment to regional expansion

transformative initiatives. Prior to his role at A+E

residential and architectural lighting industries, Derk

and underscores its dedication to providing

Global Media, Aragón was the VP of finance for Sony

brings a blend of engineering expertise, market

expert sales support for its outdoor AV product

Pictures Entertainment, TV Production. He has also

insight, and customer-driven innovation. He has held

portfolio. Convergence brings decades of

held executive finance positions at Univision and

leadership positions at Legrand, Crestron, Doherty

experience as a key resource for AV products,

NBCUniversal.

Design Group, and Lutron Electronics.

lighting, controls, acoustical ceiling systems, and window systems to architectural and construction

CHRISTIE has appointed JIM

communities, while upholding their mission of

HALLAS as VP, product

being an advocate for manufacturer interests.

management. Hallas leads the

lines, while aligning customers’

Renkus-Heinz Amplifies Innovation

needs with the company’s

Renkus-Heinz continues to strengthen its

company’s display product strategy and display product ADAMSON appointed SYLVAIN THÉVENARD as software

Jim Hallas

manager. Thévenard brings

innovation and capabilities to support its long-term

engineering department with the addition of

extensive experience in the audio

strategic vision to maintain its position as a trusted

three new team members. HAI LE joins the

industry, having roots in both

partner worldwide. Most recently, Hallas served as

team as embedded software engineer,

recording studio and live sound

business and engineering manager for the DLP

ROBERT NEWMAN takes on the role of

engineering, and is dedicated to

Cinema, Pro AV, and Industrial Group at TI, where his

loudspeaker engineering technician, and

enhancing the enjoyment and coherence of music. His

team pioneered the HEP pixel technology and holds

PENG YIN joins as senior software engineer.

expertise in spatial audio, which he began exploring in

five patents for various technology innovations.

All three will be working closely with

Sylvain Thévenard

2010, allowed him to create elevated sound imaging

engineering manager Chad DeFranco and the

experiences. As a spatial audio architect at Adamson,

COBALT IRON welcomed

wider engineering team to support Renkus-

he played a key role in developing the FletcherMachine

JOSHUA PRESNELL as VP of

Heinz’s goals.

with the European software team.

engineering, Pressnell leads

Le brings a wealth of knowledge, with

Cobalt Iron’s Software and

more than 20 years of experience working on

Industry veteran TOM

Systems teams, applying proven

embedded software development. In his new

BALDASSARE has joined

engineering leadership to

role, Le is looking forward to applying his

accelerate innovation and

skills to the world of loudspeaker audio.

ADVANCED SYSTEMS GROUP as a

Joshua Pressnell

senior account executive. In his

product delivery. His focus is on evolving engineering

Transferring from a technical head role at an

new role, he develops and

practices to align with the company’s vision for 2025

audio engineering company is Newman. He

maintains relationships with

and beyond, ensuring continued delivery of

boasts 15 years of experience in professional

Fortune 100 tech and financial

innovative, reliable solutions for enterprise

audio, with a strong focus on transducer

firms on both coasts. Baldassare is one of the creators

customers. His leadership roles at the U.S. Department

design, manufacturing, and testing.

of the Silicon Valley Video Summit, a consistently

of Defense, RTI, Ascendum Solutions, and various

sold-out event every January, co-sponsored by ASG. In

startups further showcase his expertise in cloud

engineering and sound as he joins the

addition to servicing existing clientele, Baldassare also

computing, cross-functional team management, and

Renkus-Heinz team. Yin brings a host of

leads ASG’s initiative to cultivate new technology and

delivering scalable, customer-focused solutions.

valuable skills. He has held various software

Tom Baldassare

finance firms as clientele in New York City.

Yin will be sharing his great passion for

engineering roles since 2016, leading teams DBTECHNOLOGIES USA has appointed SCOTT

to success with his broad knowledge of

AUDINATE appointed TJ ADAMS to the newly created

THOMPSON as Western U.S. regional sales manager,

programming languages and experience in

position of chief platform officer. Adams joins

bringing more than two decades of experience in the

testing software.

Audinate from QSC, where he was SVP, Q-SYS product

pro audio and music industry to the role. Thompson

strategy, and was instrumental in the development of

most recently served as VP of sales at The Music Link,

14

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

NEWSMAKERS PEOPLE FOR-A AMERICA named ERNIE

operational workflows to manage increasing

Chernoff brings a wealth of

LEON as SVP, head of sales and

volumes and unify systems across the organization.

knowledge and strategic insight

strategic growth. In his new

to the organization. In this role,

role, Leon oversees sales

STREAMGUYS has promoted

Chernoff supports TecNec’s

strategy, business development,

TIM LABEKLLE to EVP of global

internal sales team with a

and market expansion. With

sales and JESSE ORR to EVP of

previous senior leadership roles

engineering, effective

Mark Chernoff

at Sony and Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud

immediately. They will work

they are and helping to shape TecNec’s future while

solutions, Leon brings a unique blend of broadcast

closely together to fuel the

strengthening its market position. Prior to joining

Ernie Leon

expertise, cloud workflow innovation, and

boots-on-the-ground approach, meeting clients where

company’s next generation of

TecNec, Chernoff spent more than two decades at

customer-focused strategy to help FOR-A America

business growth. In his new

BTX Technologies, where he held a variety of key

accelerate growth and better serve core customers in

role, LaBelle oversees all sales

positions.

the broadcast, corporate, and house of worship

and business development. His

markets.

innate understanding of the

TELOS ALLIANCE welcomed

company’s technology brings

JEFF WILLIAMS to the position

valuable insights for customers

of director of Western U.S. sales.

and enterprises. Orr’s core

Williams brings four decades of

Tim LaBelle

NANOLUMENS has appointed

Patrick Britton

PATRICK BRITTON as COO.

Tim LaBelle

Britton brings more than 25

responsibilities include bringing more efficiency to

years of AV industry experience,

both StreamGuys and customer organizations. That

with a versatile background

includes maintaining the networking and

Jeff Williams

spanning project management,

infrastructure, global data centers, and working to

customers across the Western United States. Williams

product launches, operations

assure 100% uptime for customer streams and the

began his career in broadcasting at age 16, working

company’s suite of services.

with Shotgun Tom Kelly, and followed with roles at

and executive leadership. His career includes roles as CEO of South Central AV, regional general manager

radio and broadcast experience, plus a family legacy in broadcast and pro audio, to support

San Diego’s KFMB, Boston’s WRKO, and leadership

at AVI-SPL, and, most recently, senior consultant at

TECNEC DISTRIBUTING has added MARK

positions with Gannett, Jacor, Clear Channel, and

Navigate Management Consulting. In his new role,

CHERNOFF to its team as a regional sales manager.

Knight Broadcasting. Since 2015, he has been general

Britton is focused on strengthening Nanolumens’

With more than 25 years of industry experience,

manager and owner of Yellowtec USA.

PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

A New Dimension to Operational Awareness Parker Group is changing the multiview game for control rooms.

Valerie Parker Position: Founder/CEO Company: Parker Group Overtime: Achieving work/life balance is essential, and I cherish every stolen moment with my husband, two amazing sons, and incredible friends. Travel, reading, and volunteering in my community are lifelong passions.

being a trend and has become the key to most modern business operations. Organizations that embrace AVoIP are upgrading and future-proofing their

By Mark J. Pescatore

infrastructure to keep up with the evolving tech space.

SCN: Can you provide customization for AVenue?

It removes the physical limitations of traditional AV

VP: Yes, AVenue was designed for customization.

systems, making it possible to route, control, and

SCN: What prompted you to establish Parker Group

AVenue is able to meet the unique needs of diverse users

monitor AV content from virtually anywhere. This

back in 1998?

and environments. It is built as a multi-stream,

shift reduces infrastructure and costs and supports

Valerie Parker: I met my husband, a future Navy

IP-based network recorder and playback appliance.

faster decision-making, better collaboration, and

pilot, while studying at Georgetown. Being a military

AVenue is engineered for flexibility without

more responsive environments.

brat, I knew I had to choose a career path that would

compromising performance.

SCN: How is AVenue handling security for all the

allow both mobility and advancement. I spent a long weekend (and about 1,000 Post-It notes) and hatched

SCN: What organizations can most benefit from

content going through it?

a business plan to pursue government contracting

AVenue?

VP: AVenue is an application that can layer onto both

with a focus on aerospace and defense. I’ve worked on

VP: AVenue is ideal for organizations operating in

unclassified and classified networks. Network

major projects ranging from airplanes and engines to

mission-critical and high-pressure environments. This

transmissions are secured with strong encryption and

operations and maintenance to flight training and

includes control rooms, defense and government

authentication protocols, ensuring every piece of

even missile defense. I immersed myself in this

agencies, training and simulation centers, security

content that moves through AVenue is fully protected

world, learning everything I could about contracts,

providers, the public sector, and healthcare institutions.

from end to end. These features help prevent

finance, technical project management, and business

Whether for live monitoring, post-event analysis, or

unauthorized access, tampering, or interception

development in the aerospace industry. Eventually, I

continuous training, AVenue supports the precision and

across the network. Security is not an add-on but is

gained sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to

adaptability these high-pressure settings demand.

built into the core of how AVenue operates, ensuring

launch my own woman-owned government

that high-stakes content remains protected in even

contracting firm, Parker Group. Since then, I haven’t

SCN: Are there any recent deployments you can

looked back.

discuss?

VP: Given the nature of our work, a lot of our

SCN: What companies are partnering with you?

SCN: When you showed me AVenue at InfoComm,

deployments are under strict confidentiality. A recent

VP: Working with trusted industry leaders allows us to

I said it was like a DVR for multiviewers. Can you

project we can talk about was with a major Department

deliver strong, holistic solutions and create new ideas.

provide a more thorough description for our readers?

of Defense Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation

One of our current partners is VuWall, whose

VP: AVenue is an AV over IP solution designed for

(RDT&E) and Training range. We helped them transition

technology has been central to several major projects.

organizations to synchronously capture, share,

from decades-old baseband video infrastructure to a

This year, Parker Group received VuWall’s Top

record, store, and replay content with unparalleled

fully modernized AVoIP environment using a VuWall

Performer Award at InfoComm for the largest

ease. These servers don’t just passively store

TRx/PAK system. This deployment represented a

deployment for the Department of Defense and the

incoming streams; they actively share them in real

significant digital transformation for the facility. Their

Department of Homeland Security. It was a significant

time, allowing users to access vital information from

legacy baseband video system was not only aging, but it

milestone that reflects our technical expertise and

anywhere in the world.

lacked the flexibility, scalability, and centralized control

operational discipline. Our collaboration with VuWall

that today’s mission-critical environments demand.

continues to raise the bar for reliable and forward-

AVenue changes that by enabling synchronous

The system provides optimal functionality, high

thinking integration in mission-critical environments.

recording of dozens of IP streams, complete with

availability, and maximum performance in supporting

DVR-style controls. Operators can now pause and

national priority developmental and operational test

SCN: What new initiatives are we likely to see from

rewind live video wall feeds without interrupting

and training programs.

your company?

Control rooms typically display only live feeds.

the most demanding environments.

VP: Parker Group is on the cusp of a new release that

operations, bookmark incidents for later review, and analyze data displayed during a specific event (not

SCN: How important is AVoIP to the future of the Pro

incorporates enhanced Real-Time Streaming Protocol

just what a single camera captured).

AV industry?

(RTSP) features that enable AVenue to run in a virtual

VP: AVoIP is extremely important because it allows

environment. Customers will have access to new

adds a new dimension to operational awareness.

audio and video to be distributed over standard

hardware technologies and features such as larger

AVenue empowers teams to react swiftly, make

networks, making systems more scalable, flexible, and

storage options, faster boot times, and improved

informed decisions, and maintain control over

easier to manage. Quite honestly, it truly is the future

security measures, as well as improved multimedia

critical situations with confidence.

of the Pro AV industry. AVoIP has moved well beyond

network streaming control.

The ability to play back the entire situational view

16

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

The Planar DirectLight Pro Series’ energyconscious model delivers 500 nits of brightness with just 68 watts of power consumption.

BUSINESS VIDEO WALLS

The Heat Is Off

New technologies and installation strategies are helping to cool down today’s LED deployments.

By Robert Detwiler

M

of small-sized (generally under 100 microns) red,

manufacturers have moved away from this design due

blue, and green diodes closer together within the

to the unwanted noise that often results.

display, which helps facilitate the highest resolution. uch like turning on a light bulb emits

Remote power supplies serve as an excellent device

In addition to being significantly smaller than

for managing video wall heat, allowing users to

warmth, electronics generate heat. This

standard LEDs, MicroLEDs are also energy efficient,

remove heat—as well as noise, weight, electrical

includes display technology. Of course,

delivering better brightness while producing less heat.

outlets, and service points—away from the unit and

customers and employees don’t want to cook in

With the latest advancements in MicroLED, today’s

into a well-ventilated or temperature-controlled rack

front of a video wall as they’re monitoring emer-

customers are benefitting from lower power models

room. Other active and passive cooling systems can be

gency situations in a control room, collaborating

offering 500 nits of brightness with as little as 68

used to absorb and dissipate heat from the module

on a conference call, shopping for clothes or even

watts of power consumption. This is a great option for

such as heat sinks and liquid cooling systems.

watching the game over a meal.

low-ambient light conditions, in addition to

Today’s dvLED displays are becoming increasingly efficient. Newer technologies like MicroLED and

customers who are energy-conscious.

Some advanced off-board power supplies offer three times the power density per rack unit compared to

As a technology that’s quickly taking the industry

previous generations—and in some cases, we see as few

chip-on-board (COB) offer customers benefits that

by storm, COB technology takes the same blue, green,

as three watts of power required for an entire video wall

range from reduced energy consumption and cost

and red diodes and mounts them directly on the

when in standby mode. This is ideal for mission-critical

savings to more true-to-life, uniform visuals with

display module with a film layer on top. This not only

and other applications requiring continuous operation.

increased contrast and deeper blacks. Even high-

provides a durable, matte finish and improved viewing

brightness models continue to deliver sustained

experience with outstanding blacks, but also helps

offering that features power redundancies, hot-swap

brightness with minimal power consumption. So, what

maximize light output while minimizing energy loss.

off-board power, and low power standby modes for the

Energy loss takes place when energy moves from

best performance with limited downtime. For example,

steps can be taken to help minimize display heat to maximize performance and support a longer lifespan?

Differentiating Displays

When exploring video wall solutions, consider an

one location to another and is converted into another

a product presenting an n+1 redundancy means

form. Often, this process can turn some of the energy

customers benefit from a system with the minimum

into heat. In the case of an LED display, minimal

number of components required to operate at full

As an LED display operates, an electrical current flows

energy loss allows more energy to be converted into

capacity, in addition to an extra component that acts as

through its many components, naturally generating

light as opposed to wasted as heat. As a result,

a backup. So, in the event of a failed component or

heat. This includes LED modules, power supplies,

customers experience consistent visuals with lower

other needed maintenance, the system will continue to

control hardware, cables, connectors, structure, and

operating costs, plus energy efficiency with reduced

operate. Similarly, a hot-swap power module allows

screws. With that, a device running at a lower power

power consumption. Good heat management will

users to remove and replace a faulty LED module

would produce less heat.

ultimately help a product live longer.

without shutting down the entire video wall system.

Thanks to falling price points and advances in

By comparison, dvLED displays are constructed

technology and manufacturing, today’s LED display

with modular tiles that contain densely packed LEDs,

option that enable video walls to enter low power

options are more accessible and diverse than ever

eliminating the need for a backlight while continuing to

modes when not in use. This can be scheduled or

before. This makes it possible to find a solution for

offer customers improved heat dissipation. This means

controlled by command, and also helps facilitate

nearly every need.

we’re seeing stable operation even during extended use.

better control over components of a video wall. Also,

For customers who need to clearly display more detailed content for up-close viewing distances,

Take It Down a Notch

MicroLED presents some of the finest pixel pitches

Consider an organization or health institution that is

available. This is achieved by placing a greater number

installing an LED video wall as a lobby statement piece

can be paired together to enhance thermal management of a solution.

Environment and Content

Will the display feature touch capability? If a video wall

A building with a well-designed HVAC system can also

gives off significant heat to the touch or as individuals

help manage the heat of an LED video wall installation,

are facing it, the temperature will

offering efficient airflow that offers peace of mind as

distract users and ultimately

well as a more conducive environment that allows the

detract from the message or user

LED product to shine. While today’s LED offerings

experience being delivered.

support deployment diversity like never before, depending on the interior spaces in which they will

space where the video wall is

operate. For this reason, more display and video wall

deployed have or need a dedicated

products provide channels behind the unit designed to

the display itself, fans can Planar’s DirectLight Slim Series includes a low power model— and with Planar Remote Power Supply, users can take heat away from the video wall and into a rack room.

wall-mounted installations remain a popular choice

exploring is air flow. Does the

air conditioning unit? For

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

keep in mind that active and passive cooling systems

or donor appreciation wall. How close will users be?

Another key factor worth

18

It’s important to note that AC switches are another

allow heat to escape.

The color of an installation’s setting also plays a

be used to circulate air

factor in the temperature of the space and, thus,

within the display and

retaining or dissipating heat. For example, a dark, black

prevent overheating, but more

interior wall will absorb heat and in turn feel cooler

VIDEO WALLS BUSINESS

compared to a bright white wall that can reflect light and heat from a nearby video wall or perhaps a window.

The same can be said for the content being

Felipe Ángeles International Airport enhances visibility of data and information at its mission-critical facility with curved Planar LED video wall technology.

displayed to audiences. Darker imagery will drive less power and heat as opposed to light and bright visuals.

This is because black content on an LED video wall means that all the LED diodes are off versus white content, which requires all LED diodes to be on.

So, grays and other colors fall in between with portions of the LED diodes on or off. To make yellow, for example, red and green LED diodes are mixed together.

This means the blue diodes are not being used, so one-third of the display’s LED diodes would be off.

Whether a video wall is periodically powered up to support an event or maintains continuous operation to greet visitors in a headquarters lobby, it will inevitably produce heat. However, there are strategies and tools available to help manage the amount and protect performance. With new LED innovations on the horizon, we can expect to see more energy-efficient LED products emerge that reduce power consumption even more and continue to simplify thermal management to provide the best experience for users and viewers alike.

Robert Detwiler is the senior director of product management at Planar.

avnetwork.com // November 2025 // SCN

19

BUSINESS BEST IN MARKET

SCN Announces Pro AV Best in Market 2025 Winners

N

HDMI signal extension up to about 230 feet over CAT6/7 cable.

Key video processing functions include seamless matrix switching (any input to any output without visible delays), multiview mode that displays up to nine sources, and 3x3 video wall mode. It also supports

ow in its third year, the Pro AV Best in Market (BiM) 2025 awards for Systems Contrac-

cinematic colors for MacBook users.

cascading for larger walls, bezel compensation,

The SL04 is built for 24/7 operation and usability,

mirroring, 180-degree rotation, and preset scene

combining 500 nits of brightness with an anti-glare,

recall. On the audio side, it offers balanced analog

low blue light screen for comfortable viewing in offices,

audio extraction and independent audio routing/

The BiMs provide companies the opportunity to

libraries, and campus halls. Collaboration is easy with

embedding. Controls options include BZBGEAR

highlight new products (or products that were newly

InstaShare 2, enabling wireless screen sharing from

control software (iOS, Mac, Android, Windows), front

upgraded) within the last 12 months. Entries were

any major device. Users can also rely on X-Sign to easily

panel buttons, IR remote, RS-232, and TCP/IP/Web

judged based on a range of criteria by independent,

manage and update content in real time.

GUI, with firmware update support via USB.

tor News have been announced. This time

around, there were 12 winning products.

third-party judges and editorial teams. Additional BiMs were presented by other Future B2B brands, AV Technology and Sound & Video Contractor.

Congratulations to this year’s SCN BiM winners.

Biamp Biamp Workplace Software Biamp has

AVer Information TR615

expanded the

AVer’s TR615 4K AI auto tracking

Biamp

PTZ camera combines intelligent

Workplace

automation, cinematic visuals,

cloud-based management and monitoring platform to

and flexible connectivity.

address more stages of the customer journey—from the

Engineered for professional

initial design stages through deployment, tuning, and

broadcasting, live streaming,

optimization—while expanding device compatibility.

Comprehensive Connectivity Company Transformer Cables

and event production, it’s

This includes Location View, providing an instant

Comprehensive’s Transformer Cables are an

equipped with a large 1-inch Sony Exmor RS CMOS

overview of system status on a given floorplan, enabling

innovative, all-in-one connectivity solution designed

sensor that delivers cinematic image quality with rich

Workplace administrators to quickly identify issues by

to simplify AV and IT setups. Featuring built-in

color, enhanced low-light performance, and lifelike

seeing exactly where they are located, utilizing maps of

adapters for HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A, these hybrid

depth. Supporting 4K60, along with 19x optical and 12x

floors, buildings, and campuses.

cables allow users to connect a wide range of devices

digital zoom, the TR615 delivers close-ups and detail even in large venues.

Workplace Designer brings Biamp Conference

and displays using a single cable. The adapters are

Room Designer directly to Biamp Workplace. The

integrated directly into the cable head, eliminating the

significant advancement is enabled by the cloud,

need for separate dongles or converters—ideal for

offers Presenter Tracking, Zone Tracking, and Hybrid

empowering Workplace users to save and reuse their

on-the-go professionals, educators, and integrators.

Tracking modes. From fast-paced performances to

designs anywhere, anytime. Designs can be linked to

With support for high-speed 4K video and data

academic lectures, it provides smooth, professional-

specific workplaces to serve as templates. Workplace

transfer, Transformer Cables combine the

grade footage without manual control. Designed for

Command enables AV technicians to access block

functionality of three essential cable types in one

seamless integration, the TR615 supports multiple

functions of any Workplace-connected Biamp Tesira

compact, durable design. This streamlined approach

output formats including dual 12G-SDI, HDMI, USB, and

device remotely from within the Workplace app,

reduces clutter, improves efficiency, and ensures

3G-SDI, with genlock for multi-camera synchronization

eliminating the need for on-site visits for simple

maximum compatibility in any AV environment.

and XLR audio input. It also features NDI|HX3, Free-D,

issues. Meanwhile, Workplace Tools helps perform

and Dante AV-H, ensuring compatibility with IP

on-site tasks via the cloud, enabling fast, contactless

streaming and virtual production workflows.

setup and troubleshooting.

With advanced AI-powered tracking, the TR615

Extron NAV SD 121 Part of the

BenQ SL04 Signage Series

BZBGEAR BG-4KVP99PRO

The BenQ SL04

The BG-4K-

Signage Series

VP99PRO is a

specifically for enterprise networks. It’s a compact AV

sets a new

premium,

over IP scaling decoder that decodes and scales

all-in-one

real-time, high-quality video and audio signals over 1

standard for corporate displays. It is the first digital

popular NAV Series, the NAV SD 121 is designed

signage solution to earn Pantone Validated, Pantone

9x9 HDMI matrix switcher, video wall processor, and

Gbps IP networks at low bitrates. Utilizing Extron’s

SkinTone Validated, and Google EDLA certifications.

multiviewer kit for high-end professional AV

PURE3 codec, it delivers video at resolutions up to

Designed for visual clarity, the SL04 delivers 99% RGB

environments. It includes nine HDMI inputs, nine

4K60 with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and ultra-low

color accuracy and tailored viewing modes to different

HDMI outputs, nine HDMI loop-outs, and nine display

latency. The NAV SD 121 is compatible with NAV

disciplines. High-detail mode delivers for complex

signal converter (DSC) receivers to extend signal over

endpoints, increasing scalability for large

architecture and engineering blueprints, while Sketch

CAT5e/6/7 cable. It supports resolutions up to 4K60Hz

deployments. It also supports AES67 audio over IP,

mode mimics the look of paper for artists and fashion

with 4:4:4 chroma sampling, deep color (12-bit), and

facilitating flexible integration with DMP Plus DSPs or

designers, and M-book mode ensures accurate

HDCP 2.2/1.4 compliance. The switcher also supports

other IP-enabled audio components.

20

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

BEST IN MARKET BUSINESS

technology, which ensures critical 4K image quality,

Optimized colorimetry addresses LED lighting and

ViewSonic LDS138-151

image upscaling and downscaling, and enhanced color

large display wall challenges, while an HD low-pass

The ViewSonic

accuracy and picture detail. It also features an HDMI

filter reduces moiré. Designed to streamline

LDS138-151 is a

output with RS-232, digital I/O, and IR ports to extend

workflows, it supports SMPTE ST 2110, NDI High

138-inch, all-in-

control system reach beyond the physical location of

Bandwidth, SRT, and dual 12G-SDI outputs for flexible,

one mobile dvLED

the processor, eliminating the need for additional

future-ready productions. By combining broadcast-

display solution. It

control processors at the endpoints.

grade imaging with software-driven Auto-Focus, the

comes fully

The NAV SD 121 includes Vector 4K scaling

lifelike images in both bright and low-light conditions.

assembled and

AK-UCX100 empowers production teams to capture high-quality content with greater efficiency, accuracy,

features a foldable design that can be packed into its

and creative freedom.

custom flight case, making it easy to set up and share between classrooms, event spaces, meeting rooms, and other areas. The display offers the benefits of an immersive large screen with the mobility of smaller displays.

Users simply unfold, plug the display into a standard 20 amp outlet, and the LDS138-151 will

L-Acoustics Soundvision Connect

immediately provide large-format images and

Soundvision Connect is an innovative, cloud-based

immersive sounds. There is no calibration required

platform that extends the power of the Soundvision 3D

and no additional installation costs—just unbox and

sound modeling software, making intricate audio

Planar DirectLight Essential Series

designs accessible to all project stakeholders.

The Planar DirectLight Essential Series LED video

the LDS138-151 is protected with an advanced

Historically, sharing complex technical designs with

walls are designed for indoor environments with

Glue-on-Board (GOB) surface treatment

non-specialist stakeholders—such as architects,

abundant ambient light. The line of fine pixel pitch

technology, which provides an IP54 rating to protect

consultants, and venue owners—has been a

LED video walls is well-suited for budget-conscious

the display against moisture and dust, as well as an

significant challenge, often leading to

customers who require high-quality imagery.

IK06 rating for impact protection. The LDS138-151

misunderstandings and project delays. Soundvision

Designed with chip-on-board (COB) technology, the

display also features front-serviceable LED modules

Connect changes this by transforming detailed

durable LED displays deliver high pixel density and

for easy maintenance.

designs into interactive, explorable 3D experiences.

lower energy consumption, making them ideal for

This intuitive environment bridges the gap

high-traffic settings as well as interactive touch

between technical precision and stakeholder understanding, enabling fast and informed decision-

turn it on. Engineered for durability and stability,

applications.

An LED sorting process pairs only uniform LEDs

making. Users can easily share a design via email,

together to ensure superior performance as well as a

allowing clients and collaborators to visualize the

significant reduction in energy requirements. The

acoustical plan, review SPL mapping, and approve

solution also features a proprietary driver integrated

system designs without specialized software or

circuit (IC) designed for COB technology. The 27-inch

training. By fostering a collaborative space where

cabinets for the Planar DirectLight Essential Series

everyone can understand the project, Soundvision

are available in 0.7, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5mm pixel pitches

Connect streamlines workflows, enhances

and offer a 30,000:1 contrast ratio and high refresh

communication, and ensures the final sound system

rate of 3,840 Hz. The video walls are compatible with

Vizrt TriCaster Vizion

perfectly aligns with the project’s needs.

Planar WallDirector Video Controller and ColorLight

TriCaster Vizion offers the latest in IP connectivity,

LED controllers. Remote monitoring is supported

configurable SDI I/O, and powerful switching and

with the Planar WallDirector cloud web-based

audio mixing. It also features graphics capabilities

monitoring application.

and AI-powered automation of time-consuming

Panasonic AKUCX100

SCT (Sound Control Technologies) USB-AMV

Designed for sports, live events, and rental and

tasks, enabling production teams to focus on bringing their vision to life. For production and budget flexibility, TriCaster Vizion brings licensing options and the choice of two different hardware platforms. As part of Vizrt’s commitment to the

staging environments, the AK-UCX100 gives operators

The USB-AMV

success of our users, support is built into both the

flexibility to capture compelling content in dynamic

bridges the gap

perpetual and subscription licensing options.

environments. Unlike traditional studio cameras that

between legacy AV

rely solely on operator control, its new software-driven

and modern USB-C

media production ecosystem, devised from

Auto Focus enables fast, stable target acquisition

devices. The

conversations with the TriCaster community. It

TriCaster Vizion is the hub of a complete digital

regardless of lens type or operator skill. Operators can

compact adapter combines HDMI video and USB into a

offers flexibility for producers to choose what they

adjust focus area, size, and speed to ensure flexible

single USB-C connection with DisplayPort Alt Mode

want now, as well as the direction in which they

framing, while experienced operators can seamlessly

and audio support—delivering video, audio, and data

want to grow. The result is a live production system

transition to manual fine-tuning for precision control.

to videobars, codecs, and BYOD spaces. Locking USB-C

that empowers users to push creative boundaries,

ports ensure secure connections, while the included

streamline workflows, and deliver the content they

L-Brackets offer easy mounting.

envision.

The AK-UCX100 also supports HDR, high sensitivity, and low noise performance, ensuring vivid,

avnetwork.com // November 2025 // SCN

21

BUSINESS BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

No Clean Separation for AV and IT It’s time to develop new cybersecurity strategies for Pro AV environments.

By Mathew Newfield

F

can bring your project to a screeching halt and you

connected environment, AV has the potential to take

may have to rebuild the AV system to meet those

down infrastructure like core switches and firewalls.

requirements.

Not a One-Time Exercise

or years, AV and IT existed in separate worlds.

Ask your CIO and CISO for their requirements at the

AV systems were judged solely on features and

beginning of your AV project planning. CISOs may have

Even if you get your CIO and CISO involved in your AV

user experience; cybersecurity wasn’t part of

certification requirements and need the project to

project from the start, share their requirements with

the AV conversation (and, to a large extent, it still

follow standards such as NIST and/or OWASP. Ask them

your AV integrator and suppliers, and work together to

isn’t). CIOs largely ignored AV equipment tucked in

to share a full list of their cybersecurity requirements.

implement a solution that is built with the proper

corporate production studios, and CISOs saw little

Most CIOs will ask questions about access, the

cybersecurity and IT controls, there’s still important

reason for concern, as long as AV systems were

patch management process, what controls will be

work to do. Given configuration changes, new patches,

air-gapped.

used, and what systems IT needs to connect for

and other evolving situations, you will want to revisit,

monitoring uptime and downtime as well as alerts. But

test, and potentially make changes to your

AV software suppliers have embraced IT protocols and

every CISO and CIO has different requirements and

cybersecurity and IT controls on a periodic basis.

introduced IP-based solutions. Today’s AV solutions

concerns, so ask them exactly what they need.

But that clean separation is now a thing of the past.

access the internet, often have remote management

Involving your CIO and CISO at the onset of your AV

You may even want to consider contracting with your AV integrator or other partner to do an

capabilities, and are delivered and consumed using

products will prevent you from having to incur costly

independent security verification of your AV

software-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, and

and frustrating do-overs, eliminate much of the

environment every time you implement a patch.

infrastructure-as-a-service models. As a result, many

consternation associated with these efforts, and

Nothing is bulletproof, but your organization will be

organizations are calling on their CISOs and CIOs to

enable you to get your AV program implemented more

more resilient if you do regular testing. Seek an

take ownership of their AV environments.

successfully and far faster.

integrator that looks beyond just the features and

Despite major advancements, AV systems still lag

functionality aspects of AV solutions and brings

years behind their IT counterparts when it comes to

Include Control Requirements

patch management, certifications, and testing

Typical AV requests for proposals (RFPs) include details

control. Implementing modern cybersecurity

about what functionality a company wants, how many

controls such as VPNs or microsegmentation into an

rooms they are looking to outfit, and when they need

capabilities—from Security Technical Implementation

AV or media solution can be especially difficult

the job to be done. But you don’t often see cybersecurity

Guides (STIGs) to third-party verification—can address

because AV environments were not designed with

and IT control requirements in these invitations to

your CIO and CISO’s requirements. What’s more, they

these protections in mind.

potential partners—and that’s an oversight.

can raise critical questions your organization needs to

Additionally, some AV systems lack the same

Include those requirements if you issue an AV

cybersecurity and IT controls to the forefront of all of its designs and conversations.

Partners with cybersecurity expertise and

think about but may not have even considered.

tolerances as IT systems in terms of factors such as

RFP, because if your partner doesn’t understand

latency, which can occur when implementing

cybersecurity and tech stack controls, you will run

operational technology converged and internet of

cybersecurity controls. For example, if it takes a few

into problems, because your integrator won’t be able

things (IoT) devices came onto organizations’

seconds for an employee on a corporate laptop to

to answer questions from your CIO and CISO. Also,

networks. Events like the Target breach, where

bring up a web browser or access an application, that

initiate conversations with your product

adversaries came in through an HVAC contractor, and

latency isn’t going to impact your business. But if an

manufacturers. Ask questions, such as what does

the casino attack, in which bad actors gained entry via

AV broadcast out of your facility has too much latency,

your patch management program look like? What can

a fish tank thermometer, demonstrated that

it can create jitter, which can result in choppy audio,

you tell me about your third-party testing program?

vulnerabilities are everywhere and cyberattacks can

dropped frames, synchronization issues between

What is your current product revision? Have you done

originate from the most unexpected places.

audio and video, freezing video, and other problems

user acceptance testing that you can share to enable

In the wake of this, businesses realized they

that impact the quality of the content and the overall

us to verify that your solution will be interoperable

needed to prevent adversaries from getting access to

experiences of the viewers and listeners.

with our existing environments?

and through these systems, implement secure patch

Unsure where to begin with AV cybersecurity?

Start here.

Early Involvement

In fact, it’s similar to what happened when IT and

Getting answers to these questions, and aligning

management, and take other steps to control and

cybersecurity and IT control requirements, can go a

secure these environments. With IT, IoT, and AV

long way toward preventing issues that could impact

coming together, AV is now just part of the mix.

your overall environment. You don’t want to run into a

Don’t wait to address AV cybersecurity. Make it

Implementing an AV environment without

situation in which an untested patch is automatically

foundational to all your AV projects.

understanding and addressing the requirements of

deployed, floods the network with too much data, and

Mathew Newfield is the president and chief

your organization’s CIO and CISO is like building a

takes down other parts of your infrastructure.

commercial officer for Diversified, and also serves as

house without including electrical wiring. Your new AV system may look great, but if it lacks crucial pieces, it

22

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

In the past, when AV environments were isolated, such issues were not a concern. But in today’s

a board member and vice chair of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body.

BUSINESS INSTALLATION SHOWCASE

3

CoBank HQ Denver INTEGRATOR: CTI CoBank transformed an internal floor into a

high-impact planning and collaboration hub, so 250–300 people can align every 10 weeks without leaving campus. CTI partnered to deliver the AV and experiential technology that replaced the hotel setup and elevated the program increment (PI) ceremony into a “larger than life” flagship experience.

tions to highlight this year. Each project is unique, but

2

Cincinnati Public Radio (WVXU/WGUC/WMUB) is the

4

together the following installations provide an excel-

public radio station servicing southwest Ohio, southeast

and transform it into a fully immersive, collaborative

lent sampling of the innovative work that integrators

Indiana, and northern Kentucky. The two story

environment. The expansive space spans an entire floor

continue to deliver.

headquarters is a ground-up, mass timber building that

and includes an Executive Briefing Center with

includes multiple production facilities and offices, as

traditional conference rooms, as well as an Innovation

O

nly 10—dems the rules. And with dozens of entries, integrators didn’t make it easy on the SCN editorial team to choose 10 installa-

1

Caterpillar Global Headquarters

Cincinnati Public Radio Cincinnati INTEGRATORS: WSDG/Procraft Media

Client Experience Center Plano, TX INTEGRATOR: Ford AV Ford AV was contracted to execute a major

AV upgrade to NTT DATA’s Client Experience Center

well as an outdoor plaza that is open to the public and

Center with a virtual studio designed for hands-on,

Irving, TX INTEGRATOR: Pearl Technology

available for live performances. The design team was

interactive problem-solving sessions with clients. The

Caterpillar reached out to Pearl Technology to

tasked with completely reimagining CPR’s production

project’s goal was to create a seamless AV experience

ensure quality AV solutions were implemented

facilities and capabilities. The space and community-

across both sides of the facility, with a particular focus

throughout the facility. The solutions needed to be

forward focus of the new HQ inspired a very public,

on improving the hybrid meeting experience for remote

robust and repeatable, with a standardized and

forward-facing work environment that would

participants. The refresh addressed post-COVID

simplified user experience for the executive team.

emphasize multiple production spaces with a high

collaboration needs and showcased NTT DATA’s

Keeping with the Caterpillar AV standard and still

degree of visibility and accessibility. Emersion Design

technological capabilities. Ford AV provided an

meeting the high demands for speciality use required

served as executive architects of the project, while

advanced, integrated AV solution that allows meetings

by the executives brought a fun and unique challenge to

WSDG was the lead acoustical and AV system designer

to begin in a boardroom and transition through

the project, which included conference rooms, training

for the production spaces, as well as co-designer on the

multiple collaborative zones without disrupting remote

rooms, offices, executive meeting spaces, and a

acoustic design for the rest of the facility. Procraft Media

attendees, creating a seamless meeting experience

broadcast production studio.

was the on-site AV integration team.

across physically separate environments.

24

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

INSTALLATION SHOWCASE BUSINESS

5

Encounters, National WWI Museum and Memorial

then their shadows are projected above each alcove,

environment designed to enhance medical training

further enhancing the immersive experience.

and hybrid instruction. A networked AV over IP

Kansas City, MO INTEGRATOR: Electrosonic

Encounters is interactive, with sensors that trigger the

backbone distributes content seamlessly across 18

The Encounters exhibit consists of four alcoves,

characters to speak when visitors approach. The

perimeter-mounted 4K displays, ensuring uniform

depicting 16 unique individuals impacted by the Great

characters’ stories loop, allowing visitors to hear

visibility from every seat. Instructors can present from

War. Each alcove is in a beehive shape to create an

different perspectives as they move through the alcoves.

local PCs, wireless devices, HDMI wall inputs, or a

Tuscon, AZ INTEGRATOR: Level 3 Audiovisual

array microphones provide clear speech

through video displays. As the characters move into

6

frame, LED strips are used to create a shadow effect and

This installation delivers a purpose-built AV

supported by wireless microphone systems for

intimate, personal experience for the visitor. The exhibit features 16 characters, based on real people using historical records, to depict soldiers, civilians, factory workers, and more, who share their unique experience

ceiling-mounted visualizer, while dual 4K PTZ

Health Sciences Innovation Building, University of Arizona

auto-tracking cameras capture both audience and presenter perspectives. Integrated DSP and ceiling reinforcement and conferencing intelligibility,

avnetwork.com // November 2025 // SCN

25

BUSINESS INSTALLATION SHOWCASE

instructional flexibility. Control is centralized through

connected through an AV infrastructure with Crestron

ground up, ensuring technology and environment work

a touchscreen interface. Display layouts and GUI

wireless interfaces enabling control.

in harmony. The installation was completed in phases,

layout allow multiple seating arrangements, enabling

8

MSC’s new Cruise Terminal in Miami, transforming

were installed and programmed to blend seamlessly

small-group collaboration or full-class instruction.

75% of the terminal’s glass façade—more than 11,000

with the live exhibits. Debuting in 2025, “Jewels of the

Together, the systems create a versatile, future-ready

square feet of Gauzy exterior-grade smart glass—into a

Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” became SeaWorld San

environment that strengthens engagement and

living ocean canvas. Designed by artist Danielle Roney

Diego’s first large-scale immersive animal exhibit to

learning outcomes.

and delivered by Quince Imaging, the system features

feature AV technology at such a large scale.

aesthetics intentionally apply color psychology principles to support positive mental health for learners. Remote monitoring and diagnostics ensure long-term reliability. The room’s furniture and open

7

allowing AV systems to be integrated while aquarists

MSC Cruise Terminal at PortMiami

prepared the tanks and fine-tuned conditions for the

Miami INTEGRATOR: Quince Imaging

jellyfish. Curved LED walls and ceilings, synchronized

Maris is a landmark digital art installation at

lighting, multi-zone audio, and custom show control

an advanced AV backbone, including 18 Christie RGB

10

Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists Los Angeles

M4K25+ laser projectors, 25 DisplayNet DN300 units, a

INTEGRATOR: Advanced Systems Group

96X switch, seven real-time render engines, and a

For Advanced Systems Group (ASG), what started as a

Display Devices liquid-cooled rack for stability and

Sidecar Social’s newest 25,000-square-foot location

plan to update a screening room for the SAG-AFTRA

performance. The infrastructure powers 166 million

raises the bar for hospitality AV. Designed and

Foundation grew into a fully realized center built for

pixels of dynamic seascape visuals, seamlessly mapped

integrated by Save Electronics, the installation spans

modern production, connection, and learning. The

across the façade, to create an evolving, immersive

two floors, multiple karaoke and meeting rooms, and a

Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists, a

experience for more than 36,000 passengers daily. By

7,500-square-foot patio, featuring more than 75

15,000-square-foot facility includes screening rooms,

uniting high-end engineering with visionary artistry,

displays and four large video walls.

voiceover labs, on-camera studio, classrooms, and

Maris demonstrates how projection mapping and

To ensure seamless distribution of 21 content

creative spaces. ASG outfitted the Tom Hanks and Rita

transparent display technology can redefine

sources—from Apple TV to DirecTV— Save Electronics

Wilson Screening Room for 4K production, including

architectural surfaces.

deployed 21 Just Add Power 3G Ultra transmitters and

cameras, live switching, and multi-track audio for live

Q-SYS vCore virtualized processor, NETGEAR M4300-

9

Sidecar Social Frisco, TX INTEGRATOR: Save Electronics

75 receivers over a NETGEAR Pro AV network. The

SeaWorld San Diego

built-in scaling capabilities of the 3G Ultra family

San Diego INTEGRATOR: AVI-SPL

allow flawless EDID management and instant

AVI-SPL partnered with SeaWorld to elevate a

switching between 4K and 1080p displays, eliminating

and Storm Audio ISP. ASG engineered a Meyer Sound

new jellyfish habitat into a fully immersive experience

latency and compatibility issues. Fully integrated with

7.1 surround system to maintain audio fidelity while

that innovates with AV technology, guest engagement,

Crestron Control, staff can manage content across the

minimizing sound bleed. The entire center is

and animal care. The exhibit was reimagined from the

entire venue with a simple iPad interface.

streaming and archival use. The centerpiece is a 225-inch LG Miraclass 4K Cinema Display (the first of its kind) paired with a Dolby IMS3-L cinema server

26

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

EDUCATION SPONSORED BY ATLONA • JB&A • LG • PLANAR • SENNHEISER • SHARP • SHURE • WYRESTORM

Older students take on more advanced operations and editing roles.

An Investment in Better Storytelling Detroit Country Day School is providing students with access to high-end virtual and podcast studio spaces.

resolution, it uses a setup managed by Brompton Technology, including a rack-mounted Brompton 4K Tessera SX40 processor and two Tessera XD 10G data distribution units.

“When we started researching the leaders in LED technology, Brompton rose to the top,” explained Medvinsky. “All the major concerts and video production studios are run through Brompton, so they were our first choice.”

Other key components include a Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation and HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro,

By Jennifer Guhl

W

hen Detroit Country Day School in Bev-

be one or two others in the U.S., but for elementary and

RED V-Raptor X camera, and a Mo-Sys tracking

high schools, the cost is usually a barrier. In this case,

system. Workflows for the XR studio focus on the

donor support made it possible.”

Disguise VX 2+ media server, which, when used with a

erly Hills, MI, unveiled two new video

Emulating Content

production spaces—its XR studio and a

Located in the Upper School, the XR studio spaces

Disguise RX III render node, supports real-time content playback and facilitates the ingestion and deployment of content across the LED wall.

vodcast/podcast suite—the goal was to give its Pre-

anchor the arts wing, alongside photography,

K-12 students access to professional-level produc-

ceramics, and mixed media. A live camera feed streams

are the industry standard in virtual production,”

tion tools, often reserved for film studios, to improve

to a 100-inch 4K display in the arts commons, allowing

Jennings added. “It was very relieving when Mike said,

storytelling opportunities.

the entire arts wing to watch live productions in real

‘I understand this is the expensive option, but it is the

time. The vodcast/podcast studio, positioned

best option.’”

“The most powerful two words are ‘what if,’”

“We recommended Disguise media servers, which

exclaimed Danialle Karmanos, a trustee and donor, as

diagonally across from the media center, is visible

Initial conversations with 4Wall about the XR

well as a proud parent of three current DCDS students,

through a glass wall that invites passing students to

studio started in August 2024, with design and product

whose early career in journalism sparked a love of

take a look.

procurement continuing throughout the fall. By

production. These words acted as the catalyst for

“We wanted students to emulate the professional

creating these two innovative spaces, which are

content they’re already consuming, short-form video

installation, which led to the official opening of the

among the first of their kind in a U.S. K-12 setting,

and longer-form podcasts in a studio that feels real,”

studio spaces in February 2025.

made possible by a generous gift from Danialle and her

said Mike Medvinsky, DCDS creative technologist, who

husband, Peter.

is the visionary hired by the school to oversee the use of

No Dumbing Down

studio spaces for the students.

Once installation was complete, 4Wall provided

“This is definitely the first project of its kind we’ve been involved in,” said Will Jennings, director of

The XR studio is anchored by an INFiLED DBmk2

January, 4Wall was on-site for a three-day

training to staff members and students to help them

special projects for 4Wall Entertainment, the system

1.9mm pixel pitch curved LED video wall measuring

quickly get up to speed on their new facility, but

designer and integrator for the XR studio. “There may

26x8 feet. To support the system running in 4K

Jennings emphasized that nothing installed was

28

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

INTEGRATION GUIDE EDUCATION

watered down for the younger audience who would

needed to “barely outrun the bulls”

be using it.

into the coliseum.

“Kids are using the exact same tools that film

Usage varies by grade. For the

professionals use on set,” he said. “We didn’t dumb

younger grades, the XR team works

down the system; we wanted to provide that through

more directly with students, providing

line from classroom to industry.”

edited clips, while older students take

For the vodcast/podcast studio, known as “the

From left, Danialle Karmanos, Mike Medvinsky, and Will Jennings

on roles in operations and editing. “Think of the XR

“These creative spaces beget innovation,”

Pod” at DCDS, Medvinsky led the technology

studio as a creative classroom,” said Medvinsky. “It’s

Medvinsky added. “When students see what’s

integration, creating a four-camera, well-lit,

place-based learning when the place comes to you.”

possible, ideas and courage compound.”

conversations, shows, and audio-only podcasts. He

Filmmakers In Training

inspired teachers to think outside the box and use

has focused on one-to-one collaborations with

Beyond classroom use, the XR studio enhances

production as a key tool for creativity and higher

teachers to generate ideas for how the studio can be

DCDS’s Film Program, offering students endless

learning. “There’s no exclusion in these rooms,” she

utilized in the classroom. Faculty members schedule

options to create critically acclaimed feature films.

observed. “Kids from every corner of campus are

time on a shared calendar with Medvinsky to co-plan,

“When we say our students make full-length feature

collaborating. Faculty trust is building, and once

storyboard, and conduct research. Plus, he participates

films, they are actually full-length amazing feature

teachers see a simple one-day win, their guard drops.

in classes to help with editing, working with students

films,” Karmanos added. “The Film Program

They realize this isn’t more work, it’s better learning.”

to make sure their workflows are practical.

premieres one each year at a local movie theater,

switchable room designed for on-camera

And this isn’t just a “film-only” investment; students are applying it in various learning contexts,

selling out multiple nights.”

DCDS has also established partnerships with

Karmanos is most proud of how the spaces have

In the future, DCDS and Medvinsky plan to continue strengthening relationships with teachers to co-design future uses and expand opportunities

including math. One middle school lesson used the

nearby university XR programs, including the

for regional partnerships. For Medvinsky, he wants

XR studio to simulate the Running of the Bulls,

University of Michigan, to foster a regional

the process to stay simple, the studio doors to always

allowing students to measure distance with ceiling-

knowledge exchange. Meanwhile, the College of

be open, and the focus to remain on how storytelling

grid markers and timed bull footage. Then, they

Creative Studies enlisted DCDS students to design a

can enhance student learning. “When kids feel safe,

moved to the field house to time their own sprints

couture runway in XR, with students taking on

seen, and technically capable,” he noted, “they don’t

and calculate slope to determine the head start

technical roles that gave them real-world experience.

just ‘use’ technology, they lead with it.”

30

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

INTEGRATION GUIDE EDUCATION

At Issue

What Pro AV technologies are essential for today’s smart classrooms?

Kristin Spiewak

solutions also allow for quick and simple setup, in addition to flexibility for permanent or mobile installations. As a result, education facilities can support everyday classroom presentations and

ease of use. Interactive displays enhance

welcome visitors at a recruiting or alumni event just

Senior Manager, Sharp

engagement, but they require dependable AV and

hours later with the same display. With built-in

Today’s smart classrooms are powered by

USB connections between the instructor’s device

features like audio and processing, today’s all-in-

a suite of Pro AV technologies, enhancing

and the screen. HDBaseT solutions, like Atlona

one solutions are designed to deliver maximum

engagement, accessibility, and support both

Omega Series, extend high-resolution video and

efficiency, ensuring universities stay focused on

in-person or hybrid learning. Solutions like

USB up to 330 feet over a single cable, solving

driving impact for students and faculty.

interactive displays and whiteboards allow real-time

distance limitations while keeping installations

annotation, multimedia integration, and

clean. Supporting multiple connections such as

collaboration. Digital signage and video walls assist

HDMI and USB-C ensures compatibility with

with communicating announcements, alerts, and

different devices, while features like auto-switching

sharing content in hallways, libraries, and

and display control make operation seamless. These

auditoriums. Additionally, laser projectors are still

technologies create interactive, efficient learning

Adaptability and engagement are key in modern

used today which provide crisp imagery and are

environments that reduce downtime and keep

learning environments. Educators need systems

practically maintenance free. Finally, dvLED displays

students focused.

that connect effortlessly with any device while

offer seamless, high-resolution visuals for lecture halls and student centers. This is seeing more use, as energy efficient models have now entered the market.

Emma Eagle

Director of Key Markets Americas, WyreStorm Technologies

maintaining reliability and straightforwardness.

Technologies like AV over IP, wireless presentation

Senior Product Manager, Planar

switchers, and unified USB-C connectivity are

Easy-to-use, all-in-one LED displays

transforming classrooms by supporting both

continue to be an ideal replacement for

in-person and hybrid learning. Solutions such as

Manager of Marketing and Graphic Design, Atlona

projection in classrooms, offering simultaneous

WyreStorm’s NetworkHD and our MX Series

viewing of multiple content sources and

switchers simplify how educators share, collaborate,

Today’s smart classrooms rely on Pro AV

interactivity to facilitate experiences that engage

and manage content, ensuring that technology

audiences and enhance collaboration. These

empowers learning instead of complicating it.

technologies that ensure reliability, flexibility, and

32

Cindy McCullough

Paul Lee

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

INTEGRATION GUIDE EDUCATION

Victoria Sanville

software, fragmented device tools, and rising IT

microphones, wireless microphones, and DSP

Education Director, LG Electronics USA

security expectations often slow progress—yet the

technology work to capture every voice in a room

demand for simpler, more scalable management is

with clarity. For equitable learning, technology must

Today’s smart classrooms rely on

only growing. Now is the time for end users to

be reliable, intuitive, and scalable. Integrating

integrated Pro AV technologies that support

prepare for this new era of AV/IT convergence. The

professional-quality audio solutions transforms the

engagement, collaboration, and flexible learning.

priority is ease of deployment and configuration.

classroom environment into inclusive and immersive

Interactive digital boards like the LG CreateBoard

Solutions that enable devices to be onboarded

spaces where all voices carry equal weight.

Pro are central, offering multi-touch capabilities,

quickly, with minimal dependencies, free teams to

UHD displays, built-in AI, and immersive audio for

focus on higher-value tasks. Next, interoperability

dynamic lessons. LG ConnectedCare enables

and centralization are key. Too many organizations

VP of Technology, JB&A

centralized IT management and support, while

still rely on a patchwork of vendor-specific tools. By

The term “smart” often brings to mind

flexible IFP options allow schools to use LG’s OPS

consolidating device management into a single,

wireless sharing, annotations, and

or retain existing learning management solutions.

standardized platform, teams gain a clearer view of

remote collaboration, but as classrooms become

Complementary AV tools like digital signage and

their systems and reduce friction across locations

more advanced, the basics are sometimes forgotten.

LED walls enhance communication and visibility,

and departments.

Essential Pro AV technology should offer

empowering educators to deliver interactive, hybrid, and in-person learning experiences that adapt to evolving educational needs.

Jakub Kolacz

Manager Product and Commercialization, Business Communication, Sennheiser

Vanessa Jensen

Nick Smith

freedom. Freedom for instructors to move around while teaching, enabled by wireless lavalier and

Market Development Manager, Shure

auto-tracking cameras. Freedom to display multiple

In today’s smart classrooms, high-

PowerPoint. A presentation switcher such as Barco’s

content sources instead of a single source like

quality audio has evolved from a nice-to-have to a

PDS-4K allows various materials to be seamlessly

necessity for equitable learning and collaboration. To

shared, so both in-room and remote audiences can

create engaging experiences for all participants,

see what is most relevant. Ultimately, smart

As AV systems become increasingly networked, end

whether in-person or remote, AV and IT teams need

classrooms thrive when flexibility is prioritized over

users are grappling with how to evolve their

the right mix of equipment and solutions that go

resolution, where educators can create engaging and

environments without creating disruption. Legacy

beyond basic microphones. Ceiling array

adaptable learning spaces for all students.

34

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

INTEGRATION GUIDE EDUCATION

Planar UltraRes L Series

Shure Microflex Wireless neXt 4/8

Planar UltraRes L Series Full HD

Microflex Wireless neXt 4/8

resolution all-in-one MicroLED

offers a reimagined wireless

and LED displays combine

collaboration experience with

Planar’s LCD features with fine

contemporary industrial design and pristine audio

pixel pitch LED technology. The

quality. It provides AV professionals and IT

easy-to-use display features

managers with a solution that delivers exceptional

on-board processing, audio,

audio performance in minutes: It connects right

10-point IR touch technology, and multiple inputs to support simultaneous viewing

out of the box and is easy to deploy to a variety of room types, sizes, and

of up to four content sources. Displays are available in 109, 122, and 136-inch

applications, reducing lengthy installation processes. A combined transceiver and

sizes—and offer a wall mount for permanent installation as well as a rolling floor

onboard IntelliMix DSP is paired with integration tools like ShureCloud for remote

stand for mobility.

management.

Sharp XP-X171Q Sharp’s X171Q-W projector offers 4K UHD resolution with brightness levels ideal for spaces that need to overcome ambient light. Its innovative red assist laser

Atlona AT-OME-EX-KIT-LT

produces a vivid red color while the blue laser drives

The Atlona AT-OME-EX-KIT-LT is an HDBaseT extender kit in the Omega series

high brightness. The

that transmits HDMI video (up to 4K60 4:2:0), USB 2.0, audio, and control (RS-232

X171Q-W offers reliable operation and allows for easy installation due to six

and IR) over a single CAT cable. It supports distances up to 230 feet at 1080p60, and

motorized lenses, 360-degree roll free capabilities and motorized lens controls.

up to 130 feet at 4K/UHD via CAT6A/7. The receiver powers the transmitter, it’s

With its filter free design, edge blending, and DLP technology, it’s ideal for

HDCP 2.2 compliant, includes USB host and peripheral ports, and has built-in link

demanding integration applications.

integrity testing.

LG CreateBoard Pro

Sennheiser DeviceHub

The LG CreateBoard Pro Interactive Digital

Sennheiser

Board empowers K-12 and higher education

DeviceHub is the

classrooms with advanced, collaborative

company’s

learning tools. Google-certified and

upcoming cloud-

optimized for in-person, remote, and hybrid

based software

teaching, it features a built-in AI assistant,

platform that

immersive quad speakers, and up to 50

makes it easy for

touchpoints for highly responsive interaction.

organizations to

OPS slots support ChromeOS or Windows

configure and

modules, while LG CreateBoard Prep and ELGi

monitor their devices from anywhere—ensuring reliability, saving time, and

AI enhance lesson planning, engagement, and

reducing complexity. The platform works seamlessly alongside existing

productivity. Available in 65, 75, and 86-inch

on-premises tools, giving IT and AV teams flexibility while maintaining uptime

sizes, it transforms teaching into an interactive, dynamic experience.

with real-time insights. DeviceHub will be available early 2026.

WyreStorm MX-0403-H3-MST

JB&A Barco PDS-4K

The MX-0403-H3-MST Conference Presentation Switcher is specifically designed

The Barco PDS-4K presentation switcher is designed for modern classroom

to enhance collaboration. It perfectly fits classrooms and meeting spaces by

environments, enabling seamless switching between multiple content sources

combining video, audio, USB, control, and Ethernet in one device. Featuring dual

with 4K clarity. Its intuitive operation allows instructors to engage students with

USB-C and HDMI inputs for all of today’s laptops and handheld devices, 4K

dynamic visuals and flexible presentations, both in-room and remote. When

transmission, and a new HDBaseT 3.0 output extending up to 328 feet for remote

paired with a compact yet powerful projector like the Barco G50, educators

sharing, it delivers seamless connectivity and flexible multi-display workflows,

unlock an ideal solution that creates an interactive, future-ready learning

ideal for modern education and corporate environments.

experience for today’s classrooms.

36

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

TECHNOLOGY TECH PERSPECTIVES

Does Zoom Have a New Trophy Wife?

The videoconferencing giant’s commitment to AI is turning heads.

economical, it reinforces the whole stack.

By David J. Danto

Perspectives sessions were tight, confident, and

spouse—happy video collaboration—and all her many

future-focused. (The guest list did seem to lean more

friends are puzzled. Not only do they feel dumped for the

That’s the best case, and it’s credible. But the first

I

toward LEGO minifigures predisposed to singing

new relationship, but the annual celebration of that

wish it weren’t true, but there are some shallow

“Everything Is Awesome” than anyone who would say,

marriage has turned into an online TV show.

people in the world. They profess love, marry, then

“Wait a second …”)

Mixed Virtual Signals

years later trade in a spouse for a trophy. Maybe the

The serious point is that when access narrows, so

issues felt exhausting. Maybe the grass looked greener.

does healthy friction. Minimize diverse voices and the

Zoomtopia, once an undeniable must-attend for

Whatever the rationale, they move on and don’t want

hard questions don’t get asked, the awkward tradeoffs

customers, partners, and media, was now a 100% virtual

to hear criticism about it. That analogy keeps popping

don’t get pressure-tested, and organizations can be

event this year. Everything went virtual during the

into my head as Zoom writes its next act.

blindsided. It’s happened plenty before.

pandemic for obvious reasons, but Zoom seems to be

Zoom is clearly pursuing a new relationship, an

On substance, the Zoom pivot has muscle. Zoom is

one of the only entities that hasn’t whole-heartedly

AI-first work platform that promises to move us from

stitching meetings, phone, contact center, events, docs,

re-embraced the value of in-person time now that it’s

conversation to completion. The pitch is assistants that

whiteboards, and employee engagement into one

safe again.

don’t just summarize meetings but fetch data, trigger

fabric—and then laying a memory and intelligence layer

Virtual is efficient. It is accessible. But it’s not a

workflows, and hand back finished steps.

across it. Think assistants that can retrieve across Zoom

substitute for community. You can simulcast a message;

and third-party apps, open tickets, nudge owners, and

you can’t stream serendipity.

On paper, that aligns with a world currently headover-heels for anything labeled “AI.” The question isn’t

return artifacts instead of bullet points.

The old Zoomtopia formula—a dense mix of

whether the ambition is big enough. It’s whether Zoom

There are vertical offerings for clinicians and

roadmap reveals, hallway debates, product petting zoos,

is bringing its past relationships along for the ride—or

frontline workers. The channel motion is evolving from

and no small amount of showbiz—created momentum

quietly leaving them for the new trophy wife.

resale to services, encouraging partners to deliver

that carried into budgets and deployments. People came

post-sales value. Add to that the announcement that a

home with stories, not just notes.

Romancing the Strategy Let’s start with the ceremony around the strategy. From what I heard, as I wasn’t invited, this year’s Zoom

seasoned CMO, Kimberly Storin, is finally back in the chair to reset positioning and “bring the swagger back.”

Taken together, that’s not tinkering. It’s a full-body

A purely virtual show, no matter how polished, reinforces the feeling that the first relationship was never really that important to Zoom. Did “work happy”

transformation aimed at

mean they wanted us to work happy, or just that they

measurable productivity.

were happy the hype was working long enough to

If Zoom can consistently close loops—

embrace the next hype storm?

Virtual is fantastic for distributing announcements

here’s the decision, here’s the

widely and quickly. But “planning” a “virtual

doc, here’s the ticket, here’s

celebration” reads as the opposite of celebration.

the customer update—

Honestly, I made no plans to attend. If something

enterprises will pay real

noteworthy happened, I knew I could watch the replay.

money for that. If the AI

There’s no serendipity in a canned online event,

layer proves both

especially when it feels like a second straight year of

trustworthy and

all-AI, all the time.

Expanding into a broad work platform is the right ambition, but it risks narrative drift if the community senses that the core experience is now only a supporting actor in an AI blockbuster.

38

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

TECH PERSPECTIVES TECHNOLOGY

That shift also lands awkwardly next to the channel

belonging, and sycophants over diverse thought, those

amongst the dozens of other useless notices he gets

transformation Zoom discussed. Partners thrive on

not aligned with what’s labeled “new” will reasonably

and doesn’t use from Zoom, mostly about AI notes on

in-person time, the kind Zoomtopia used to enable. If

infer they’re being relabeled “old and unimportant.”

his calls. Mature collaboration indeed.

you’re asking partners to carry a bigger revenue share

One of my industry contacts was recently

David J. Danto is the principal analyst with

and a richer services envelope, removing the best venue

mentioned in a Zoom chat room I’m in. When I asked

TalkingPointz and director of emerging technology

for shared learning and relationship-building sends a

him if he saw it, he said no, he didn’t see the notice

for the IMCCA.

mixed signal. It says “we need you more than ever” and “see you on the stream” in the same breath.

There’s a message-discipline risk, too. Zoom’s magic wasn’t only codec efficiency. During its insurgent phase, teams could sneak Zoom into a pilot and look like heroes in an afternoon. That permission structure— fresh, pragmatic, fun—made it feel like a movement, not merely a product.

Expanding into a broad work platform is the right ambition, but it risks narrative drift if the community senses that the core experience is now only a supporting actor in an AI blockbuster. The antidote isn’t another keynote slide. It’s empathetic, hands-on encounters where the future is experienced, questioned, and improved in real time.

Pick Your Priority To be crystal clear, this isn’t a plea to freeze progress.

AI isn’t a side quest for collaboration vendors, it’s the main quest. The critique is about how Zoom is prosecuting it.

Right now, the most visible ceremonies feel optimized for message control, not movement building. Movements are messy. They require inviting people who poke holes, file bugs in the lobby, and say the naming doesn’t make sense and the workflow takes too many extra clicks. Movements produce fanatically loyal customers who go back to their organizations and make budgets happen.

There’s a version of this story where Zoom pulls off something rare: maintaining the best meeting experience and continuing to improve in-room experiences while also becoming a credible AI workflow platform. I want that version. It’s good for users, good for partners, and good for a market that needs competition to stay honest.

But the path runs straight through the community that got Zoom here. Don’t snub them. Invite them back into the room, literally and figuratively. Give them demos you can’t pause, questions you can’t prescreen, and surprises that make people text their teams mid-keynote.

Ignoring the first spouse carries risk. Canceling the in-person celebration amplifies it. Claiming “collaboration is mature” when anyone who actually uses it knows it isn’t—that’s the biggest risk of all. It nudges customers toward competitors, and the data is starting to show it. “If it’s unimportant to them, why should it be important to me?” is a very logical decision being played out in enterprises today.

Zoom deserves genuine well-wishes on this transformation. The ambition is real, and done right, it could be important. But if the company keeps prioritizing AI over collaboration, broadcast over

avnetwork.com // November 2025 // SCN

39

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS

elektraLite Aero Mini

100-watt, 9000K white COB LED on a liquid-cooled

strobe, focus, color wheel with seven colors plus

Building on the success of

system for optimum temperature control and near-

open white, and a five-facet prism with rotation

the recent Aero moving light

silent operation. The Aero Mini is ideal for any

in either direction. A rotating gobo wheel with

fixture, the compact and

environment requiring a mover at a competitive

indexing capability can accommodate six gobos.

lightweight pro-grade Aero

price point, such as churches, schools, theaters,

Housed in a steel H-frame chassis with ABS plastic

Mini fixture utilizes a single

and corporate events. Features include a dimmer,

outer surround, the IP20-rated Aero Mini features a standard U-clamp with quarter-turn cam locks for secure mounting. The fixture’s software has preprogrammed shows for instant operational success and supports a variety of control options.

Ikan Aura PT419W-NDI The Aura PT419W-NDI prompter combines full NDI streaming with PoE++ power delivery, an innovation that streamlines production workflows and redefines prompter capabilities. A single Ethernet cable delivers power, data, NDI streaming, and tally control, so say goodbye to complex setups.

Designed for professional environments where scripted delivery must feel natural and seamless, the prompter’s NDI encoding/decoding seamlessly integrates with modern IP-based workflows, while maintaining compatibility with traditional connections (3G-SDI, HDMI, composite, and VGA). The system features a 19-inch widescreen monitor and is also available with a talent monitor, travel kit, or both.

QuickLink StudioPro Proton/Fusion The StudioPro Proton and StudioPro Fusion control panels are intuitive, all-in-one control surfaces. Proton is built for mobile and small-scale productions, such as education, houses of worship, and webcasting. With a 54-button layout (27 of which are fully configurable), Proton offers tactile, precise control over live switching, transitions, and audio mixing. Fusion is QuickLink’s flagship control solution, with 113 buttons (80 of which are fully customizable), built-in 5.5-inch touchscreen display, dynamic tri-color backlit LCD labels, 4D joystick for fine-tuned PTZ camera control, and an ergonomic T-Bar with 9-level LED feedback. Built with a high-grade anodized aluminum alloy, Fusion is engineered for long-term durability and top-tier performance in demanding broadcast environments.

Powered by Bitfocus Companion, both control panels enable native StudioPro control and integrate with more than 600 third-party production devices across the production ecosystem.

40

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com

PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (REQUESTER PUBLICATIONS ONLY) 1.

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation

Publication Title: Systems Contractor News

2. Publication No.: 15093 3. Filing Date: 26/9/2025

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)

4. Issue Frequency: Monthly

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

9441

9381

7440

9417

7440

7417

1560

1583

b. Legitimate paid and/or requested distribution (by mail and outside the mail)

5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12

(1) Outside-county paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541

6. Annual Subscription Price: Requester

(2) In-county paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Future US Inc., 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036 Contact Person: Shana Murik, 212 378-0448

(3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS (4) Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS c. Total paid and/or requested circulation d. Non-requested distribution (by mail and outside the mail)

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Future US Inc., 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036

(1) Outside-county non-requested copies stated on PS Form 3541 (2) In-county non-requested copies stated on PS Form 3541 (3) Non-requested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail

9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher: Adam Goldstein, 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036; Editor: Mark Pescatore, 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036; Managing Editor: Wayne Cavadi, 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036

(4) Non-requested copies distributed outside the mail e. Total non-requested distribution

1560

1583

f. Total distribution

9000

9000

g. Copies not distributed

441

381

h. Total

9441

9381

i. Percent paid and/or requested

82.7%

82.4%

16. Electronic Copy Circulation

10. Owner: Future US Inc. (Future PLC), 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036

a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders: None

c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies)

12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months

17 Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2025 issue of this publication.

18. Signature of VP, AV Technology Group: Adam Goldstein, September 26, 2025. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

13. Publication Title: Systems Contractor News 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: September-25

CONNECTORS & ADAPTORS

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

FIBER CABLES

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 // November 2025 // SCN

41

VIEWPOINT SUSTAINABILITY

You Can Make an Impact If you're focused on the future, sustainability is key.

By Patrick Cuddy

journey that has led to so many new experiences.

W

At InfoComm 2019, I hosted an e are amid global change. We can either

accredited course on AV/IT design

collectively adapt or choose to ignore

with LEED. What? A guy who came into

it, but environmental change is hap-

an industry two years prior with no

pening. But can one person make an impact?

The answer is a resounding yes. Think about the

experience except wedding DJ work and the high school drama club was now teaching about

success of household names like Tesla, Virgin,

blending technology and sustainability? Yes, it

responsibility (CSR) goals, e-waste, and recycling

Google, Meta, and Apple? Or our own industry giants

happened, and it is only due to many people who

plans. The phrases cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-

like Crestron, Shure, Diversified, or AVI-SPL? Each of

encouraged and trained me along the way.

cradle show up in meetings that aren’t talking about

these companies started with an individual’s idea and grew into what we know today. The people leading during those early days were filled with the ambition to do something different and push forward.

I point this out because sometimes we join an industry at the point where big companies are household names without knowing the legacy of effort required to make them so. Sometimes, we see success and don’t know what made it happen, so we may just accept it or expect it.

Yet, it is often the result of years of little wins that coalesce into something greater than the sum of its parts. Think of the Sphere in Las Vegas or any amazing immersive experience you have seen. There is no one thing that makes the impact—it’s all the “one things” together.

Little Impacts

financial planning for children.

“The way forward is to simply start.

Challenge the system and your teams to find ways to use less energy or improve product transparency documentation.”

Back in 2017, I joined the AV industry from the

These steps forward in our industry are positive.

Every step forward affects people: their experience, their quality of life, and their health. Every step forward also affects our planet: using fewer natural resources as well as creating less e-waste and toxic landfill environments. And every step forward affects profit: longstanding customer gains, potential for efficiency in supply chain, less materials needed for packaging, and much more.

How to Get Started I see multiple individuals creating impacts every day.

They are sometimes in a vacuum, sometimes in a group, but they are taking small steps to help change happen and lead us to a collective substantial impact.

The way forward is to simply start. If you are an integrator, ask one question about the sustainability of your manufacturer partner—packaging, pre-builds,

outside with a fresh set of eyes, a broad and diverse

Purposeful Actions

kitting options, raw materials used—whatever fits your

skillset, and a background in electrical and industrial

Now, less than a decade later, sustainability has

need. If you are a manufacturer, ask your suppliers

environments. I heard these leading company names

become a main talking point. Bioplastics, life cycle,

about raw materials composition. Challenge the system

and accepted their greatness. Years later, I have

intentional re-use, and recycling are now being

and your teams to find ways to use less energy or

learned that a series of little impacts are what helped

discussed in product design. Single use plastic is

improve product transparency documentation.

make them (and continue to make them) great.

nearing its end-of-life, and we are talking more about

My journey to immerse myself in this industry

If you are an end user, expect and hold your partners

how less energy equals less heat and what that means

accountable to be better. Communicate openly about

involved a lot of learning. I was fortunate to have

about the cooling needs of wherever our AV product

your challenges and needs so integrators and

someone who believed in my core skills enough to

sits now.

manufacturers can partner with you to address them.

take a chance on ambition and grit, to help them build

At InfoComm 2025, there was an entire learning

These impacts are not always achieved in a short

something new. But I realized that to be successful it

track on sustainability. AVIXA has created the

time frame, but as an industry friend told me, “We’re

was going to take more. So, I asked a ton of questions,

Sustainability Council, sAVe has been established for

doing this for future generations. It may cost us a little

attended countless training courses, met a world of

years, and major companies are now purposefully

more today, but we are saving in the long run and that

amazing people, and worked to obtain my CTS just so

telling their sustainability story. They are taking

is the right focus. We’ve been sustainable since before

people would take my phone call.

purposeful action to reduce packaging waste, build

sustainability was sexy.”

Then it started clicking, so I continued to learn,

e-waste recycling practices, change raw materials, and

Patrick Cuddy, CTS, LEED GA, is the director of

and that led me to earning my LEED Green Associate

more to have a positive impact on future generations.

strategic accounts for StarTech.com and a member of

from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). That

Customers are also getting involved. HETMA

the AVIXA Sustainability Council and Sustainability

was the starting point to cultivating a new

members, consultants, end users, and integrators are

Council Best Practices Committee. Contact him at

conversation in our industry, a meaningful step in my

now asking manufacturers about corporate social

patrick.cuddy@startech.com.

42

SCN // November 2025 // avnetwork.com