THE TECHNOLOGY MANAGER’S GUIDE
CONTENT IS KING
AV industry experts highlight emerging trends and best practices for audience engagement, including the strategic use of displays, content management systems, AI, XR, AR, and VR to create immersive experiences. Innovative solutions and streamlined workflows enable creative teams to produce
teams.
Reality Displays and the Race for Sustainability | Projectors Perform
Pro AV products for creating content and driving engagement: microphones for videography, video processors, spatial reality display, content creation and virtual production tools,
and MicroLEDs, workflow solutions, video capture, content builders, content management systems, and so much more!
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CONTENT
Brand and Content Director, Cindy Davis, cindy.davis@futurenet.com
Contributing Writer, Macy O’Hearn
Graphic Designers, Sam Richwood, Rober Crossland
Production Managers Heather Tatrow, Nicole Schilling
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Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com 212-378-0465
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Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com, 212-378-0473
Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com, 845-678-3752
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MANAGEMENT
SVP, MD, B2B Amanda Darman-Allen
VP, Global Head of Content, B2B Carmel King MD, Content, AV, Anthony Savona
VP, Head of US Sales, B2B, Tom Sikes
Managing VP of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein VP, Global Head of Strategy & Ops, B2B Allison Markert, VP, Product & Marketing, B2B Andrew Buchholz
Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance
Head of Design, B2B Nicole Cobban
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EDITOR’S NOTE WE’RE ALL CREATORS
by Cindy Davis
THE LANDSCAPE OF VIDEO CONTENT
creation has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. What began as a simple pastime of capturing and sharing everyday moments, epitomized by the ubiquitous cat videos that flooded YouTube in its early years, has evolved into a sophisticated industry encompassing a vast array of professional content. Today, video is leveraged for everything from employee training and product announcements to marketing campaigns, educational courses, and beyond.
This shift towards more purposeful and polished content was catalyzed in recent years by a confluence of factors, most notably the advent of affordable yet high-quality video equipment and streamlined production workflows. These advancements have democratized video creation, enabling a new breed of content creators to emerge and thrive. No longer the exclusive domain of large studios and well-funded production companies, video content creation is now accessible.
For businesses, video has become an indispensable tool for engaging customers, building brand awareness, and driving sales. It offers educators a powerful means of delivering instruction and enhancing student learning and engagement.
We asked 32 industry thought leaders to share trends and insights into content creation today. Below are excerpts from a few interviews.
“Industries ranging from live entertainment and sports to higher education and corporate will continue to seek out easy-to-use, flexible audiovisual solutions that foster interactive experiences,” said Jack Salamanchuk, product manager at Panasonic Connect North America. “Cameras and other audiovisual solutions designed with ultra-low latency in mind are key to meeting the growing demand for high-quality, engaging video content.”
Vanessa Jensen, market development manager at Shure, added, “Whether producing social media content and podcasts or conducting interviews, premium sound quality enhances engagement, credibility, and audience retention. Poor audio and distracting background noise can distract viewers and make even the best visuals look unpolished. In the past, capturing high-quality audio required bulky equipment and a wired setup.”
New forms of enrichment like XR, AR, and VR come into play. Chris Feldman, product manager of Spatial Reality Display at Sony Electronics, said, “These trending technologies help create impact, which is a key component of establishing a connection with audiences. With only a moment to grab a person’s attention, your content needs to be unique, realistic, and appealing in order to be effective and to retain interest and recall.”
Kelly Harlin, director of Solutions Marketing and Commercialization at Sharp, said, “Another tool to consider is AI, which has gained exponential popularity within the AV industry over the past five years. AI plays a significant role in gathering data about the physical environment and the individuals in that environment, using computer vision to detect objects, triggers to enable focused content delivery, and generative AI to customize text and images.
“Combining a robust CMS with a deep understanding of your target audience—and then leveraging the latest immersive technologies— creates a dynamic, responsive ecosystem,” added Hal Truax, vice president at PCD Audio Video. “This approach not only improves audience engagement but also streamlines operations and empowers brands to deliver high-quality, interactive content across all digital platforms.”
Fun fact: YouTube co-founder, Steve Chen uploaded the first “cat video” on May 22, 2005, titled “Pajamas and Nick Drake.”
AV/IT TEAM
Way Ahead of the Curve
A jaw-dropping LED video wall upgrade allows 35North Studios to continue pushing the boundaries of entertainment and production.
By AV Technology Staff
Photography courtesy of Planar
Founded in 2020, 35North Studios is a state-of-the-art production studio. Their full-service approach helps filmmakers and businesses plan, shoot, edit, score, and finalize projects—all from one well-equipped and sophisticated location. Situated in Clear Lake, Iowa, the studio offers creators a peaceful space to focus on the craft and enjoy the process—a true creative refuge.
At its 12-acre campus, 35North Studios operates out of a 225,000-square-foot facility that includes soundstages and editing suites, in addition to a recording studio, equipment rental house, and production office space. With an eye on the trends shaping entertainment and production, the team at 35North Studios began paying close attention during the pandemic lockdowns, when virtual production projects started to accelerate. They conducted extensive research and evaluations into virtual production methodologies and the technologies that enable them. Soon after, they committed to building their own LED volume.
Justin Fairfax, who was director of 35North Studios at the time of the project said, “It’s just ingrained in us to always be looking forward and to stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry tools. We also saw the opportunity to be an early adopter in the Midwest.”
Among 35North’s requirements for the new production stage video walls were picture quality, pixel count, color depth, refresh rate, ease of use, flexibility, and quick serviceability.
Justin Fairfax was the director of 35North Studios at the time of the upgrade.
MATCHING THE SOLUTION TO THE NEED
During the investigative phase, Fairfax and his team reviewed several display technology options based on criteria that included picture quality, pixel count, color depth, and refresh rate.
“Virtual production is a color nightmare because it’s not as simple as just pointing a camera at the real world,” he said. “You have to control the color of three to five different things simultaneously, and trying to get all that right to make a natural-looking image is really hard. We also wanted to shoot 96 frames per second using two cameras, and that meant we had to have a really high refresh rate.”
Other factors that were especially important to the ongoing work of a virtual production stage included ease of use, flexibility, and how quickly the products could be serviced. Explaining these considerations, Fairfax said, “I’ve done a lot of work over the last 15 years in live events and using LED video walls, and I remember the days where if a module failed, you had to disassemble the whole video wall and put it up again. On a virtual production set with 60 people in the room, that’s not okay. You need to be up and running again in five minutes. So, when I looked at different products, I wanted to know how quickly I could fix it and how fast I could hang it or move it.”
DISTINCTIVE, DURABLE, DYNAMIC
The thorough assessment eventually led Fairfax’s team to equip the 3,500-square-foot, Unreal-powered virtual production stage with a cutting-edge array of Planar CarbonLight CLIVX Series LED video walls featuring Brompton technology. These include a curved, 36-footwide-by-13-foot-high (22x8) main LED video wall backdrop with a 1.9mm pixel pitch (CLI VX 1.9); a movable 16-foot-by-10-foot (10x6) LED ceiling with a 2.6mm pixel pitch (CLI VX 2.6); and two movable LED side walls, each 10 feet wide by 10 feet high (6x6) with a 2.6mm pixel pitch (CLI VX 2.6).
The Planar CarbonLight CLI-VX Series incorporates design characteristics that are particularly advantageous to the unique requirements of virtual production. In addition to exceptional in-camera visual properties, the carbon fiber construction of the displays—creating modules that are uniquely lightweight, thin, and strong—provides the deployment versatility
The carbon fiber construction of the Planar displays supports endlessly versatile virtual production volume design, including hanging, freestanding, and curved LED video wall installations.
to support virtual production volume design, including hanging, freestanding, and curved LED video wall installations. Additionally, individual LED cabinets can be removed and installed anywhere within a video wall without disrupting the overall layout, while front-side or top-side service makes module extraction simple if maintenance is needed.
“The cabinets are incredibly easy to work with, which gives us efficiency on set,” Fairfax said. “If I need to, the front serviceability allows me to replace any part in minutes. I’m also very impressed with their durability and how well they maintain their rigidity. It’s rare that I have to replace a panel. And the color and picture quality are exceptional—it’s a tool that allows us to make great films and television.”
Virtual production projects are also aided by a motion capture tracking system from Planar’s sister company OptiTrack and ARRI cinema cameras. Additionally, 35North Studios custom built all of its rendering nodes and computer hardware systems.
COST-EFFICIENT VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
As 35North Studios becomes more adept in using its virtual production volume, the economic case for film and TV projects at the studio has become stronger. Beyond the immediate advantages
of avoiding the expenses—and hassles—that 35North Studios would otherwise accrue from traveling in the field, cost savings are starting to be realized by streamlining certain aspects of the filmmaking process. This is where the versatility of the Planar CarbonLight CLI-VX Series displays provides an edge.
“The side LED walls have proven to be incredibly flexible in terms of how quickly we can adjust them for a scene,” Fairfax said. “The LED ceiling doesn’t move as fast, but it is still easy to bring down and reposition. However, the real game changer isn’t just the speed at which we can change the background; it’s what we can accomplish by moving those displays tight against a scene.”
Fairfax was referring to the ability of the LED video walls to generate authentic-looking effects in the shot, thus removing that work from post-production. “When we are shooting a car scene, we can make reflections appear and move across a windshield or the car mirrors,” he said. “We can also replicate natural lighting.”
Creating these kinds of elements in the shot saves a lot of time and money in post-production, and makes scenes so much more believable, according to Fairfax: “It’s about improving methods, accomplishing more in less time, and tightening these incredibly lengthy filmmaking processes.”
Planar LED video walls allow the virtual production team to make reflections appear and move across the windshield or car mirrors.
THOUGHT LEADERS
ENGAGE AUDIENCES
By Cindy Davis, and Macy O’Hearn
The effectiveness of digital signage and digital out-of-home (DOOH) displays, media servers, content management systems, immersive audio, and virtual solutions hinges on engaging content. Today, manufacturers offer innovative solutions and streamlined workflows, enabling creative teams to produce dynamic content that rivals the work of elite production teams.
Insights from 32 AV industry experts highlight emerging trends and best practices for audience engagement, including the strategic use of displays, content management systems, AI, XR, AR, and VR to create immersive experiences.
VANESSA JENSEN Market Development Manager Shure
The way audiences engage with content has evolved dramatically over the past five years. High-quality content isn’t just about sharp visuals, but about creating interactive, personalized, and multi-sensory environments to engage and capture audiences. High-quality audio is a critical yet often overlooked element of the evolution of content creation.
Whether producing social media content and podcasts or conducting interviews, premium sound quality enhances engagement, credibility, and audience retention. Poor audio and distracting background noise can distract viewers and make even the best visuals look unpolished. In the past, capturing high-quality audio required bulky equipment and a wired setup. Today, with Shure’s MoveMic 88+ Wireless Stereo Microphone, professional wireless audio is more accessible than ever, even for those new to content creation. The compact, direct-tophone stereo microphone offers a seamless solution for creators who need studio-quality sound while on the go. MoveMic 88+ pairs directly with smartphones via the Shure MOTIV app(s), or to computers and cameras using the MoveMic Receiver, eliminating the need to carry additional audio gear.
With four selectable polar patterns, MoveMic 88+ is adaptable for various recording scenarios and users can also make real-time adjustments to EQ, noise reduction, compression, and more. Featuring a 100-foot wireless range and up to eight hours of battery life, MoveMic 88+ is built for flexibility, making it the perfect solution for creators, mobile journalists, and filmmakers working in dynamic environments.
Creating content will continue to evolve as advanced tools and the flexibility of wireless connectivity enables creators to produce highly engaging, high-quality content more efficiently than ever.
AMBER WARD
Marketing Director
Carousel
Digital Signage
The ever-expanding digital signage universe continues to move in new directions, fueled in part through evolution of the creative canvas. The impact of cuttingedge technologies is increasingly visible in public-facing digital signage experiences that clearly intend to draw attention and compel interactions. The broader adoption of advanced production elements, and their growing adaptability to display technologies, will continue to help digital signage operators unlock new creative avenues to strengthen audience engagement.
Where AR/VR/XR graphics and virtualized production techniques will help retail and other businesses make a statement in busy public spaces, digital signage serves a more informational-leaning purpose in spaces that serve internal audiences. Just the same, the businesses, schools and municipalities that emphasize the informative over the inspirational are leveraging a broader set of creative tool sets that offer an immediate impact to content creation and dissemination.
Familiarity is one reason behind that impact. Specifically, the emergence of common tool sets such Canva, Google Slides, and Geckoboard into the digital ecosystem provides creative teams with simpler ways to bring more content into their digital signage messaging. In many cases, these users have been using platforms to create and manage content for other purposes.
Carousel Digital Signage opened integrations to these toolsets last year, giving customers the option to use what they know and love to introduce new or improved efficiencies and experiences to their digital signage. Opening direct integration to Google Slides and Canva can be used to supplement existing content creation processes, such as simplifying quick editing jobs on slides or fueling faster content updates. We expect to see more examples of creative efficiencies, dashboard presentations, security alerting, and calendar system integration coming together with dynamic, real-time displays moving forward.
CHRIS FELDMAN
Product Manager, Spatial Reality Display, Sony Electronics
Digital displays have matured a great deal over the last 10 to 15 years, making the technology more accessible in terms of size, resolution, cost, and quality. While these innovations can elevate a brand’s stature by providing a better user experience that fosters more engagement than static content, the relative ease of deployment and prevalence of digital displays has created a lot of noise. Generating high-quality material is easier than ever, but it is no longer enough.
Audiences are served an abundance of content everywhere they look, which means it can quickly become overwhelming and lose effectiveness. To combat this, it becomes increasingly important to differentiate your offering by creating visually memorable experiences through interactivity and immersivity. This is where new forms of enrichment like XR, AR, and VR come into play. These trending technologies help create impact, which is a key component of establishing a connection with audiences. With only a moment to grab a person’s attention, your content needs to be unique, realistic, and appealing in order to be effective and to retain interest and recall. Standout products like Sony’s Spatial Reality Display, which offers glasses-free 3D content viewing, are so lifelike and immersive, making them a draw at trade shows and events. People gather around and bring their friends over to share in a visual experience that breaks the mold.
TRAVIS KEMP
Vice President of Product Management Korbyt
In today’s world, people are bombarded with messages—at their desks, on their phones and in the workplace. Cutting through the noise requires businesses to be strategic, keeping content fresh, targeted, and relevant.
A cloud-based content management system (CMS) is essential for delivering engaging, real-time content to any connected display. Some CMS platforms can even integrate live data, making screens more dynamic. In a waiting room, for example, screens can display weather updates, news, and stock tickers to keep visitors engaged. In a manufacturing facility, the same technology can showcase production metrics and safety updates. The key is delivering bite-sized, relevant content to the right audience in the right context.
In public spaces like retail stores, malls, and transit hubs, grabbing attention is even harder. This is where AI and machine learning come in. Advancements in these technologies allow businesses to analyze dwell time—measuring which content holds people’s attention the longest—and optimize playlists accordingly. AI goes a step further by not only refining content selection but also generating new, more engaging content to maximize engagement.
With the right tools, businesses can move beyond static messaging and create dynamic, data-driven experiences that captivate audiences. The future of digital content isn’t just about pushing information, but about adapting, learning, and evolving to meet people where they are.
JIM DOYLE Vice President, Creative Services
Ross Video Engaging audiences today requires more than just high-quality visuals; it’s about creating immersive, adaptable experiences that feel natural. Over the past five years, advances in displays, content systems, XR, AR, and VR have dramatically changed how we approach storytelling.
The biggest shift? Accessibility. Technologies that once required dedicated teams and complex workflows are now intuitive, integrated, and scalable. Modern tracking systems have eliminated many reliability concerns of early virtual production, while AI-driven control systems enable operators to manage real-time graphics with minimal effort.
Virtual environments are no longer a novelty, but a necessity. Whether for broadcast, corporate AV, or live events, XR and AR extend creative possibilities beyond the limitations of physical space. Companies can swap sets instantly, tailor content to different audiences, and build dynamic, data-driven visuals without the cost and time investment of traditional production.
Another key trend is personalization. The ability to deliver customized content—through interactive displays, real-time data visualization, or AI-enhanced production—is redefining engagement. The most effective experiences aren’t just visually impressive; they adapt to audience needs in real time.
So, is generating high-quality content more straightforward today? Absolutely. Tools today are more powerful, workflows are more streamlined, and barriers to entry are lower. But the real opportunity isn’t just in the technology, but in how we use it. The best virtual production isn’t about flashy effects; it’s about enhancing storytelling, keeping talent comfortable, and creating experiences that captivate and inspire.
DIMITRIS KATSIS Director, Display Engineering
Jupiter
Systems
Jupiter Systems’ Zavus XP MicroLED display offers unique engagement opportunities via advanced displays, content systems, XR, AR, and VR. Today, best practices focus on immersive storytelling and interactivity.
Leveraging Zavus XP’s high contrast (1,000,000:1) and 16-bit color depth, businesses can create vivid, large-scale visuals for applications like data visualization or simulations, ideal for enterprise settings.
Compared to five years ago, engagement has shifted from static displays to dynamic, user-driven experiences. XR, AR, and VR—now more accessible via web-hosted interfaces like Zavus XP’s Helios platform—enable realtime interaction across multiple locations, enhancing collaboration and training. The flipchip COB technology boosts energy efficiency by 30 percent, supporting sustainable, touchsensitive deployments.
Generating high-quality content is easier today due to AI-driven tools and streamlined workflows. Zavus XP’s web UI simplifies color and seam correction, reducing production time. Unlike 2020, when XR required complex setups, today’s plug-and-play systems and broader device compatibility (e.g., smartphones and headsets) democratize immersive content creation. Trends show audiences crave personalized, interactive experiences— think AR overlays for product demos or VR simulations for training—made scalable by Zavus XP’s modular inputs. The difference? Today’s tech prioritizes seamless integration and user control, transforming passive viewers into active participants.
RUSSELL LEAK Senior Customer Success Manager Vizrt
Nowadays, everyone is a presenter. We’ve all become used to conducting meetings remotely, learning how to best communicate using a simple mic and camera on our laptops. But because online meetings have become so universal, corporate communications has recently become more ambitious in utilizing technology to make presentations and internal comms more dynamic.
Research conducted by Vizrt on effective internal comms found that the quality of a company’s communication affects how engaged employees are, with 70 percent of those surveyed agreeing that it has an impact on their engagement. Moreover, nearly half of the employees surveyed believe that company video communications need to provide an element of entertainment, affirming a desire for interactive graphics (39 percent), virtual
“Generating high-quality, dynamic, and interactive content is now more accessible than ever.”
— Russell Leak, Senior Customer Success Manager Vizrt
reality (34 percent), and 3D animations (32 percent).
These preferences clearly reflect how viewers have come to expect high-quality graphics in any visual content consumed, and this comes from the convergence of broadcast and AV. Whether they’re tuning in to a town hall hosted by their company or a live sports game of their favorite team, audiences nowadays expect a top-grade viewing experience.
The good news is that generating highquality, dynamic, and interactive content is now more accessible than ever. With AR graphics, for instance, any type of presentation comes
to life. With stats and data being displayed in any format that suits the presenter best—for instance, a bar or chart—having the presenter interact with that visual element boosts the visual quality of the presentation.
Not only that, but it also improves the understanding of the information being relayed to the audience. When covering the presenter with a full-screen PowerPoint slide, there is the chance that the viewer disengages. Think of big elections or financial data shows; using AR and big screen technology, they convey a datadriven story while maintaining connection and engagement with the audience.
JOEL MULPETER Director of Product Marketing
Crestron Electronics
To answer the last question first, of whether generating high-quality content is easier today: much easier. From our perspective, the biggest leap forward has been the broad adoption and refinement of AV-over-IP technology. Besides a reduction in the sheer amount of cabling that’s needed when you compare it to previous AV content delivery systems, there is a world of other benefits. When we introduced our latest encoder/decoder—the DM-NVX-384—our executive vice president of Global Marketing Brad Hintze made these observations:
The first benefit of AV-over-IP solutions is scalability. Customers need technology in more spaces and with more sophisticated deployments. They need technology that easily scales to support them. This is true in both growing enterprises and residential, hotel, or marine projects that evolve and expand. Mix in near-zero latency, and it’s easy to see why this technology remains a go-to solution for dealers creating AV systems for everything from enterprise businesses to elegant homes.
It’s easy to build feature sets into these devices, too. For example, we were able to add USB-C connectivity to the device, as modern laptops, smartphones, and tablets all support USB-C. USB-C connectivity can provide a video input and also get USB connectivity peripherals—such as a webcam, speakerphone, or conferencing device—back to a user’s laptop.
Multi-input switching in a single box is also a plus. When customers have a bunch of sources at a lectern, podium, and so on, it gives you the ability to switch those sources. (The need for this feature is very common in educational settings, for example.) We also have the ability to support 5K video, which is becoming fairly common with 21:9 and 32:9—super-wide and ultra-wide—displays. Those aspect ratios are becoming more popular in VR headset applications and immersive monitors.
“The biggest leap forward has been the broad adoption and refinement of AV-over-IP technology.”
— Joel Mulpeter Director of Product Marketing Crestron Electronics
“Expectations for quality audio are higher than ever before across so many facets of life, from education to conferencing.”
— David Missall
Insights
Manager for Consultants and Technical Application
Engineer Manager Sennheiser
DAVID MISSALL Insights Manager for Consultants and Technical Application Engineer Manager
Sennheiser
With the rapid development of userfriendly content creation tools and platforms, it’s easier than ever to produce high-quality content to capture audience imagination, especially as these technologies have become more accessible and affordable. Working for an audio manufacturer and seeing advancements up close, it’s been incredible to witness how the importance of audio has come to the forefront. This is not only a trend in the world of podcasting as an audio-first medium, but, as content in general has exploded over the last five years, we see expectations for quality audio are higher than ever before across so many facets of life, from education to conferencing.
Audio can no longer be an afterthought, as end users simply will not tolerate poor audio quality—especially with the advancements that have come with AR, XR, and VR in corporate and educational settings. While the visual advancements are obvious with conferencing capabilities like automated person tiling and virtual backgrounds, organizations today must also make sure that their audio technology is as advanced and reliable. With an abundance of the population on daily video calls for work or taking remote classes, it doesn’t matter how crystal clear a video stream is if the audio is not up to par; the ability to connect with the audience is lost. Subpar audio is exhausting, with participants finding themselves frustrated and disengaged by any barrier to effective communication. At Sennheiser, we strive to elevate this experience with pristine audio capture via our patented intelligent beam-forming technology in our unified communication solutions.
KELLY HARLIN Director of Solutions Marketing and Commercialization
Sharp
Audience engagement can be challenging, especially in a physical environment. There are several factors to consider, including age, gender, and lifestyle. Creating engaging content requires an understanding of these factors to help inform you on which technologies to deploy. For example, XR, AR, and VR are gaining popularity for customer engagement and are compelling tools, providing a unique opportunity to engage with customers in a sensational and memorable way. However, they require a deployment strategy that considers location and environment, strong use case, application, and support. These technologies can also be expensive, so understanding their effectiveness to justify the return on investment is crucial. Another tool to consider is AI, which has gained exponential popularity within the AV industry over the past five years. AI plays a significant role in gathering data about the physical environment and the individuals in that environment, using computer vision to detect objects, triggers to enable focused content delivery, and generative AI to customize text and images. AI gathers data and analytics that provide insight into who viewed the content, as well as the length of time they spent viewing. In some cases, the data can even be tied to POS and conversion. There are several solutions in the AV market that offer AI/computer vision, data, and analytics. One solution that has been trending recently is content management systems offering AI solutions to deliver strong, customized audience engagement and the ability to measure effectiveness. AV manufacturers are also key players in the AI space and offer a number of flexible AI and content management solutions to drive compelling and engaging audience experiences.
HAL TRUAX Vice President PCD Audio Video
We emphasize a holistic, data-driven approach to engaging audiences. Several best practices play a role in effective system integration, and the first of these is a robust content management system. A powerful, cloud-based CMS enables real-time updates across a network of displays—whether you’re using traditional digital signage or immersive experiences like XR, AR, and VR. This integration ensures that content is current, context aware, and easily customized.
The next best practice is deep audience understanding. With advanced analytics built into modern CMS platforms, brands can gather demographic and behavioral insights. This allows you to gear content specifically to the target audience’s needs so you can deliver messages that resonate, whether on a busy digital billboard or in an immersive VR training module.
A third best practice involves seamless integration of immersive technologies. Integrating XR, AR, and VR into the overall content strategy can transform passive, static viewing into interactive, engaging experiences. For example, an AR overlay on a digital sign might offer additional product information or interactive promotions, driving higher engagement.
Fourth, ensure unified brand messaging across channels. A well-integrated system ensures that all content—whether displayed on a high-brightness outdoor screen, an indoor digital poster, or within a VR experience—delivers a consistent, unified brand message.
Finally, there is a trend toward greater agility and flexibility. Compared to five years ago, both hardware and software have advanced dramatically. Modern systems are more agile, allowing advertisers to pivot their strategies quickly based on real-time data. This evolution makes generating high-quality, personalized content not only easier but also more effective.
Combining a robust CMS with a deep understanding of your target audience—and then leveraging the latest immersive technologies— creates a dynamic, responsive ecosystem. This approach not only improves audience engagement but also streamlines operations and empowers brands to deliver high-quality, interactive content across all digital platforms.
JACK SALAMANCHUK Product Manager
Panasonic Connect North America
Consumers want immediate access to the content they are passionate about; from concerts and sporting events to their favorite streamers, they seek out personal experiences. With the global live streaming market estimated to grow by 16.6 percent between 2025 and 2029, production teams are increasingly seeking solutions designed with high-quality streaming in mind.
Live streaming presents broadcasters with a unique opportunity for increased interaction through video, enabling immediate engagement and allowing viewers to interact, comment, and participate in real time. This shift from passive viewing to active, real-time connection has revolutionized content delivery and audience participation.
Panasonic Connect recently announced its AG-CX20 4K Compact Camcorder, which is designed to increase mobility and high-quality video production. The camcorder offers ultralow-latency streaming solutions, a key feature for enabling seamless interaction through livestreaming.
Ultra-low-latency streaming helps deliver crisp, clear viewing experiences with minimal lag. The AG-CX20 supports SRT-2, which improves livestream quality, reduces latency, and enables more flexible broadcasting. Additionally, it delivers broadcast footage with minimal delay, even in challenging network conditions, while preserving secure transmission to users.
Looking ahead, industries ranging from live entertainment and sports, to higher education and corporate, will continue to seek out easyto-use, flexible audiovisual solutions that foster interactive experiences. Cameras and other audiovisual solutions designed with ultra-low latency in mind are key to meeting the growing demand for high-quality, engaging video content.
BOB CANIGLIA Director of Sales Operations, Americas Blackmagic Design
We’re all consumers of media, and the rapid advancements in production technologies in recent years have led to some sizable shifts in how we consume that media. Things like digital film, streaming, virtual production, the use of cinematic shooting for sports and virtual concerts, and many more all come together to make it possible for consumers to see blockbuster action and in-your-face, inthe-moment entertainment right in our living rooms and on our mobile devices.
Taking that a step further are the latest advancements in immersive video, which is a rapidly growing medium taking the industry by storm. Immersive video content surrounds the viewer, making them feel as if they are inside the scene. This typically incorporates technologies like 360-degree video, VR, and stereoscopic 3D video; and devices like AR/ MR glasses, immersive video players, and VR headsets, where users can explore the environment by looking around in different directions.
The industry is evolving to meet changing demands, creating more of these interactive and engaging media experiences, making them more accessible, and expanding content for audiences. Thanks to innovative devices and improved workflows, the barriers to entry for creating this type of content have come down in just the last couple of years, so almost any broadcaster or filmmaker can now craft these dynamic stories that further engage and connect with viewers.
With these advancements in capture, production, and post-production technology, filmmakers can bring incredible moments to life like never before, from high-energy action scenes to breathtaking landscapes, intimate performances, and more. The result is a whole new level of realism and immersion for viewers, and this technology is making waves across industries like live entertainment, sports, filmmaking, gaming, and even specialized fields like medical training and military simulations. The possibilities for content creation with immersive video are practically limitless.
TOM BINGHAM Business Solutions Director LG Electronics USA
A profound transformation is unfolding in the digital signage market, across all sectors, and it’s being driven in large part by dvLED technology. The dvLED market is moving away from standardized digital display packages to something that’s part of an experience, adding value. Decision makers across all vertical markets are no longer just looking at digital signage as just a TV, a display, or a desktop monitor; they’re considering more of a holistic approach to devices, enabling a digital connection to the customer and enhancing their experiences.
Today, people attending venues like arenas, concert halls, and sportsbooks expect a digital experience to be an integral part of the atmosphere, and content must resonate with customers, creating moments that connect with them. Shifting toward experiential engagement has brought about advancements in display sizes, form factors, and integrated software. These improvements enable more dynamic messaging and advertising, and even allow for monetization of screen assets.
Connectivity is at the heart of these advancements, enabling audiences to stay connected to live events in ways that make in-person experiences more compelling than watching from home. Compared to five years ago, content creation and display integration are far more advanced. dvLED technology, especially, has grown to become a seamless part of the experience, whether in sports, retail, or entertainment. Customers today are no longer looking at displays as isolated devices, but as part of a cohesive solution that enhances their entire experience.
The demand for smarter, more connected systems is greater than ever, leading to a more intuitive approach to deploying displays. Integrated platforms now enable the creation of sophisticated, high-quality content that resonates with audiences and improves customer satisfaction across various industries. The landscape has shifted—with technology playing a pivotal role in crafting memorable and immersive experiences for all.
RAMZI SHAKRA Senior Product Manager, Large Venue Projectors
Epson America
Engaging with consumers today—who are already overstimulated—requires thinking beyond just displaying content. It’s about capturing their attention, and, more importantly, keeping it.
Display technology has played a key role in the progression of immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. In just the last five years, the display industry has made immense improvements to help end users deliver content in unique ways that captivate audiences beyond their hand-held devices.
Projection, in particular, is the only scalable display solution that lets users instantly adjust image sizes, light up almost any surface— walls, building, 3D objects, and even water— and seamlessly blend into the installation environments. Evolving rapidly over the last five years and propelled by the switch from lamp to laser as a light source, projectors have gotten smaller, lighter, and more powerful. Projectors remain one of the most cost-effective solutions for creating a large, immersive image. They can also accommodate diverse display needs and are particularly popular in immersive environments and for digital art experiences. With features such as 4K resolution and advances in ultra-short-throw lensing, today’s audiences can get very close to content and the installer has a simplified mounting option close to the display surface. Advanced software and management tools, including optional installation-assist cameras, are also making projector control and installation easier, faster, and more efficient.
Having witnessed the advancement of projection over the last five years, I’m confident that innovation—and the end users putting it to the test—will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, making projection an even more powerful tool for transforming spaces and captivating audiences.
EFFI GOLDSTEIN President HDBaseT Alliance
As ProAV technology continues to evolve, so too do audience expectations. Larger displays, higher-quality projection, and immersive technologies like AI, AR, and VR have set a new standard for not just how content is delivered, but how it’s experienced. Today’s audiences, and especially the younger generations, don’t want to consume content—they expect to engage with it on a personal level.
One of the most effective ways to meet this challenge is by leveraging multiple cameras that are connected to a central, real-time compute unit that detects the user’s location and gestures and customizes the content and facilitates real-time interaction. The result is more customized experiences such as those that we are already seeing, for example, with in-store digital signage that adjusts to individual shopper preferences, or theme park attractions that adapt to guest reactions. In short, passive experiences are quickly being replaced by dynamic, responsive ones built around the user, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
As future technology-immersed generations continue to drive demand for deeper engagement, AV professionals must make the effort to stay ahead of both understanding the new tools being introduced as well as implementing them seamlessly. Manufacturers and software developers will of course continue to innovate, but it’s up to AV integrators, installers, and designers to bring everything together in an integrated and engaging experience.
“AV professionals must make the effort to stay ahead of both understanding the new tools being introduced as well as implementing them seamlessly.”
— Effi Goldstein President HDBaseT Alliance
MATTHEW SULKOWSKI National Sales Director LED Experts Group
The pairing of dvLED displays with content management systems (CMS) is transforming audience engagement through several key features. We have identified a number of trends and best practices, with the first being enhanced visual impact. dvLED displays offer unmatched brightness, contrast, and resolution. The seamless, bezel-free designs allow for captivating visuals that draw viewers in, making messages more visually striking and memorable—as well as easy to read—even from a distance.
The second trend is dynamic content integration. dvLED technology now supports dynamic, real-time content that adapts to audience behavior and environmental conditions. This ensures that the display not only grabs attention but also provides relevant, timely information beyond passive viewing— whether through touch, motion sensors, or integration with mobile devices.
“Cloud-based systems allow for real-time content updates, remote management, and better integration with data sources and interactive technologies.”
— Matthew Sulkowski National Sales Director LED Experts Group
Third, centralized control of CMS solutions allow for efficient scheduling, updating, and deployment of content across multiple dvLED installations. This centralized control means that operators can quickly adjust messaging in response to events or audience feedback.
A fourth trend is toward increased personalization and flexibility. Advanced CMS platforms now integrate with analytics tools and AI, enabling tailored content that resonates with specific audiences. This level of personalization enhances engagement by delivering messages that are both contextually relevant and timely.
The evolution of CMS technology has been significant. Previously, content updates were often manual and time consuming. Now, cloudbased systems allow for real-time content updates, remote management, and better integration with data sources and interactive technologies. Creating and managing engaging content has become both faster and more accessible to a broader range of users, making it easier than ever to generate high-quality, dynamic content that resonates with audiences.
ALAN ELKHAZEN Senior Account Manager, North America Navori Labs
The technology ecosystem behind today’s digital signage networks continues to evolve, delivering greater value to organizations. The rise of AI-based analytics and audience measurement software has made digital signage content in many consumer-facing environments feel fresher and more alive. This is often because the content displayed on screens is a direct response to the surrounding environment. We refer to this as contextually relevant digital signage content. These dynamic displays are triggered by audience activity captured through camera-based optical sensors. This is just one example of why content remains such a critical component in the success of an organization’s digital signage strategy. Content has, naturally, always been critical to success, though it was a much more straightforward process five years ago. For many users, digital signage five years ago was as simple as displaying compelling, relevant, and high-quality visual content on a screen. While those fundamental principles still hold, today’s content delivers real value when it aligns with the ROI of your digital signage investment. This requires a holistic content strategy that engages audiences, often through direct interactions between consumers and technology.
With software and hardware enabling context-based automation and personalized content delivery, network operators now have powerful design tools to create visually engaging content that drives audience engagement. The evolution of template design tools within the CMS has made it easier to move beyond static, full-screen images, offering greater flexibility through the integration of diverse data sources. In the corporate vertical, for example, more customers are incorporating Power BI and Tableau dashboards to create informative content experiences with actionable insights. These advancements empower digital signage users to develop content that is not only dynamic and engaging but also directly contributes to the network’s ROI.
“Network operators now have powerful design tools to create visually engaging content that drives audience engagement.”
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Alan Elkhazen Senior Account Manager, North America Navori Labs
HENRY JOHNSON President Digital Integrator
Digital signage content is evolving from static, one way displays into interactive, data driven experiences. There are several key emerging trends and best practices to focus on, the first of which is dynamic and personalized messaging. Content today isn’t just pre-scheduled, static messages. Modern platforms enable realtime updates based on environmental data and audience demographics. This personalization makes messages more relevant and engaging.
The second trend toward cloud-based management and integration means that updates are instant and can be managed across distributed networks of displays. This allows marketers to adjust campaigns instantly, ensuring the content stays fresh and contextually relevant.
And finally, interactive features—such as touch capabilities, QR codes, or mobile integrations—invite audiences to engage actively with content, which not only drives better engagement metrics but also provides valuable feedback and analytics for campaign refinement.
“Cloud-based management and integration means that updates are instant and can be managed across distributed networks of displays.”
— Henry Johnson President Digital Integrator
I’ve seen the landscape evolve from five years ago, when many systems were limited in interactivity and real-time capability. Today, digital signage can be fully integrated into digital ecosystems; modern design tools, cloud-based management, data analytics, AI-powered editing, and content management systems’ streamlined workflows enable more user-friendly creation of high-quality, engaging digital signage content. This interconnected ecosystem allows for highly adaptive campaigns that respond instantly to changing conditions—a dramatic shift from the more rigid, manually updated systems of the past.
In addition, my field of esports is increasingly leveraging VR, AR, and XR—with its significantly more accessible and realistic hardware and software—to create immersive learning platforms where players can train in realistic, simulated environments. These experiences allow for safe experimentation, strategy rehearsal, and real-time performance feedback. Beyond player training, such technologies help educate fans. They provide behind-the-scenes simulations, interactive replays, and virtual experiences that deepen understanding of game tactics and player strategies—all of which were previously cost prohibitive or technologically immature.
NICK MA Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer
Magewell
We’ve been saying for many years that corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies would need to adopt broadcast-caliber production capabilities to keep their viewers engaged in the increasingly saturated media landscape. That reality is now here, as audience attention spans are shorter than ever before, and organizations are putting greater emphasis on production values to engage and hold the interest of employees, customers, students, and constituents.
Fortunately, compared to five years ago, it’s also easier for enterprises and organizations to create compelling content—and more cost effective, too. The convergence of broadcast and professional AV technologies has helped make the feature richness and visual excellence of today’s top content creation solutions accessible to both broadcast producers and AV professionals alike. Meanwhile, all-in-one production solutions are minimizing the amount of equipment required to create visually rich productions, reducing not only cost but also personnel requirements for each production.
For example, our popular Director Mini and new Director One all-in-one production solutions each combine multi-camera switching, graphics, instant replay, streaming, recording, and monitoring in one compact, intuitive device. This eliminates the need for separate products for switching, encoding, character generation, and so on—each of which might also have required its own trained operator. With our all-in-one solutions, different tasks can still be divided up between multiple production assistants if desired, or a single operator can control all aspects from one intuitive interface.
Similarly, these solutions’ ability to directly accept a wide range of input formats—from AV signals like HDMI to IP sources such as NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX, and SRT—eliminates the need for separate conversion devices, saving cost and workflow complexity. Our vision has long been to make it easy for AV professionals to create high-quality content that rivals premium media enterprises, and that vision is becoming a reality.
PATRICK KITTREDGE Senior Product Marketing Manager
Middle Atlantic Products and Da-Lite
In today’s landscape, presenting your audience with compelling, valuable content is more crucial than ever. For example, to highlight our solutions in a unique and engaging way, Legrand | AV has invested in experiential channels by showcasing our products in a VR platform. Modus VR, a VR and visual experience provider for commercial and residential projects, generates high-resolution content where the layout can be manipulated in a realistic environment. Our customers want to see our products beyond an image on the website to make a confident buying decision. Larger products, like conference tables, for example, are cost-prohibitive to ship back and forth around the world. Modus VR offers the ability to show our products in a high-resolution environment that satisfies the customers’ need to “see” the product— often in a way they may not otherwise get to experience.
PATRICK HIKAGI Director of Sales
Modus VR
Modus has partnered with many manufacturers who are tired of showing slide decks to potential customers. Many of them have gravitated toward Modus for webinars and educational projects because we deliver an interactive experience. AV integrators can take customers through a room in VR and say, “Okay, here’s how we have it laid out. What questions do you have?” We can change things in real-time and let them see the ripple effect on other objects.
With Legrand, furniture placement is the first thing we’re looking at in these spaces. Once the end user gets ahold of the drawing package, the integrator and facilities manager can lay it out in VR and explore. We can make and visualize changes while keeping costs low. What would take hours or days of rendering—not to mention back and forth conversations and emails—we seek to consolidate into one meeting with all the major stakeholders. That’s actually what makes Modus different, whether it’s content or our rendering platform. Our tool is meant to be used in a live environment, engaging with an end user or a client.
MEGAN ZELLER Business Development Director
Peerless-AV
When it comes to engaging audiences with AV technology, integrators can take advantage of the latest technology advancements, such as new content management tools and digital solutions.
Today’s content systems are far more flexible and user friendly than in previous years. Cloud-based content management systems allow for easy distribution and synchronization across multiple displays, regardless of location. This flexibility is critical in delivering dynamic content that resonates with intended audiences at the right time, while maintaining a cohesive visual design.
Additionally, over the past five years, advancements in digital signage technology have led to higher-resolution displays that are brighter, designed to withstand harsher environments, and provide better color accuracy. This allows for an even greater impact when engaging audiences in outdoor installations on campuses, shopping centers, restaurants, or tourist attractions. The ability to create eye-catching content for wayfinding, educational information, or promotional messaging not only creates a smoother experience for guests, but allows businesses to increase sales and customer engagement. This opens the door to countless creative possibilities for designing content that effortlessly adheres to a space.
Today, display technology can respond to data inputs in real time. For example, a digital signage display can dynamically change its content based on audience reactions, time of day, or environmental factors. This level of data-driven interactivity wasn’t as prevalent five years ago. All of these advancements prove to be valuable because of the evolution in how audiences consume content. Today, audiences expect interactivity, personalized content, and immersive experiences that blend digital and physical worlds—all possible with today’s content systems, flexible display options, and built-in technology.
WILL BEAR Vice President of Sales and Marketing Crimson AV
Engaging audiences goes beyond merely having high-definition displays—it’s about creating immersive, interactive experiences that resonate on multiple sensory levels. Here’s our take on trends in displays, content systems, extended reality (XR), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).
The first trend is toward the integration of immersive technologies. With XR, AR, and VR, platforms allow for experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds. AR enhances the real world with digital overlays, while VR offers entirely new environments for interaction. XR then combines these elements for more dynamic engagements. These technologies enhance audience engagement by creating interactive content that’s experienced, not just watched.
The second trend is the evolution of displays and content systems. Advanced displays translate to screens delivering higher resolution, better color accuracy, and improved connectivity—all of which contribute to a more engaging experience for audiences. Compared to five years ago, clouddriven content management systems have become more agile, with real-time updates, personalization, and data integration.
The third trend is easier production of highquality content. Advances in editing, animation, and AI-driven design tools have significantly lowered the barrier to producing high-quality content. With these tools and cloud-based workflows, creating and deploying dynamic content is significantly faster and more efficient.
Therefore, best practices for audience engagement involve a holistic experience design, data-driven personalization, and flexibility with adaptability.
What’s ultimately different today from five years ago? For one, the hardware for displays and immersive tech has improved dramatically, with better resolutions and faster processing power. In addition, the shift toward cloud-based, integrated systems has made it easier to update and personalize content instantly. These factors combined with immersive technologies such as XR, AR, and VR not only redefine audience engagement, but they make generating high-quality content more accessible and cost effective than ever before.
RALPH IDEMS Chief Executive Officer Praevar
We deal in indoor and outdoor OOH/DOOH displays, and whether using high brightness LCD/LED or low power E Ink solutions, best practices center on three key areas: robustness and sustainability, seamless content integration, and dynamic interactivity.
First, outdoor displays need to withstand harsh weather and vandalism while maintaining high brightness (up to 4,000 nits) for direct sunlight readability. Meanwhile, indoor solutions— including innovative E Ink ePoster products—offer full-color, print like quality with dramatically lower power consumption. This shift toward sustainability and energy efficiency has been a major driver of design improvements over the past five years.
Second, today’s systems allow for real-time updates via cloud-based content management, meaning campaigns can be adjusted dynamically to suit audience behavior, environmental conditions, or real-time events. Compared to five years ago, integration between displays and CMS platforms is far more streamlined, enabling precise targeting and more flexible content delivery.
And lastly, advancements in digital interactivity mean that modern DOOH displays are not just about delivering static messages—they’re platforms for engaging, interactive content. Whether it’s through touch, QR codes, or responsive creative elements, brands can now invite audiences to interact directly with content.
Years ago, outdoor digital signage often struggled with power consumption and environmental durability; today’s devices are built to endure extreme conditions while maintaining performance. Content management has also evolved from manual updates to sophisticated, automated, cloud-based systems, allowing advertisers to roll out dynamic campaigns that can change in real time.
In addition, generating engaging, professionalgrade content is easier today due to advanced design software—especially E Ink ePoster products—and AI-driven production tools that have made such creations faster, more accessible, and more cost effective. Even smaller teams can now produce and manage compelling OOH and DOOH advertising campaigns with relative ease.
JEFF MUTO Product Marketing Director ViewSonic
Creative content is a primary way of engaging audiences and capturing their attention. It’s a fundamental way to communicate, share information, and connect with audiences. Advancements in technology, both in software and hardware, have allowed creators in the ProAV market to develop larger-than-life content. The shift from analog to digital has made media creation and distribution easier to produce, store, and deliver to various displays—from interactive to dvLED.
In the world of content creation, color accuracy and the delivery of large media files are a necessity. The colors seen on a desktop monitor must be true to life to ensure that the work generated is represented accurately across various mediums and platforms. Hardware with connections such as Thunderbolt 4 is needed as it has a higher bandwidth to be able to move the creative files from desktop to large-format display.
For the ProAV market, where the final output is communicated on larger-than-life displays and screens, color accuracy means that the colors on the work monitor should match the final product. This consistency is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the work, whether developing XR/AR/VR content or content that is loaded up with other types of visual effects.
Many industries have specific color standards, such as sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3. These standards endeavor to ensure that the large-format and commercial displays, digital signage products, and big-screen monitors and projectors can maintain high color accuracy to cover these color spaces but also be able to transfer the files from one location to another.
As digital signage and display hardware moves to higher resolutions and bigger screen sizes, the color accuracy and speed in which the content is delivered is essential for creators who strive for excellence in their work.
“As digital signage and display hardware moves to higher resolutions and bigger screen sizes, color accuracy and speed in which the content is delivered is essential.”
— Jeff Muto Product Marketing Director ViewSonic
“Projection enhances everything from Hollywood productions and live events to museum exhibits and architectural designs.”
— James Pietsch Director of Global Accounts Scalable Display Technologies
JAMES PIETSCH Director of Global Accounts Scalable Display Technologies
The way audiences engage with displays, content systems, and extended reality (XR) technologies has evolved dramatically, especially compared to five years ago. The expectation for high-quality, immersive experiences has risen significantly, driven by advancements across the board, including LED displays, projection technologies, and content delivery systems.
One of the most exciting shifts has been in projection technology. No longer limited to static presentations, projection enhances everything from Hollywood productions and live events to museum exhibits and architectural designs. Projection tools, such as the automatic calibration software offered by Scalable Display Technologies, have made it easier than ever to align and blend multiple projectors, creating vast, seamless visuals that fully immerse audiences.
Unlike a single 16:9 projector, which has inherent limitations, today’s blended projection setups offer limitless creativity. Whether it’s a 360-degree environment, a dome, or an expansive interactive display, auto-alignment software ensures that complex, multi-channel displays remain in perfect calibration— even compensating for mechanical drift or environmental shifts. The ability to make real-time adjustments in just seconds—with no need for cumbersome manual recalibration— means that these immersive systems are more accessible and cost effective than ever before.
The demand for immersion extends into XR, AR, and VR applications. High-resolution, large-scale blended displays are now integral to simulation environments, entertainment venues, and virtual training programs. The ability to engage audiences through dynamic visuals, interactive storytelling, and real-time content integration is more seamless than ever.
The introduction of AI-powered tools, realtime rendering engines, and advanced content management systems have streamlined the content creation pipeline, making it more efficient to generate, manipulate, and deploy engaging visuals across multiple platforms.
TOMER MANN Chief Product Officer 22Miles
When it comes to visual communications, content is everything. Despite its central role in system success, however, content was long regarded as outside the purview of the integrator or technology manager. No more: Over the past five years, the rise of unified, highly integrated content management has changed that reality, putting AV professionals at the center of successful content creation and maintenance.
Now, API integration with critical enterprise platforms allows a content management system (CMS) to automatically refresh content. Enterprise employees can see real-time business analytics; hospitality and venue staff can get instant back-of-house schedule and work order updates; and university students can browse upcoming events alongside the latest images and videos from official campus social feeds.
While automation keeps content current, AI-assisted templates help make it engaging and on brand. For example, the 22Miles CMS offers customers access to a massive library of content templates, automatically customized with appropriate branding, logos, colors, and fonts. Users can customize interactive experiences like room booking in a matter of minutes, send the new content through the appropriate approval workflows, and push it out to the appropriate signs, apps, and devices—all through a web browser.
The way users consume content has also changed. It’s not enough to deliver real-time updates and useful tools to signs and room boards; you need to get that content to desktops, UCC devices, and mobile devices as well. A truly unified CMS simplifies this process, allowing you to push the same content to multiple applications with optimized layouts.
As content has become more automated and dependent on integration, it has been pulled into the AV orbit. Now, the CMS platform and workflows we spec and design are central to a fresh, engaging experience throughout the lifetime of the solution.
“While automation keeps content current, AI-assisted templates help make it engaging and on brand.”
— Tomer Mann Chief Product Officer 22Miles
“A dynamic shift is taking place with how displays engage audiences— leveraging interactivity, highresolution visuals, and agile content management to create richer, more immersive experiences.”
— Ciaran Hamilton Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Audio Visual Professionals
CIARAN HAMILTON Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Audio Visual Professionals
We’re seeing how display solutions are transforming audience engagement across tech industry segments. The first key trend involves interactive and immersive experiences. Modern displays now support touch, gesture controls, and even augmented reality integrations, turning viewers into active participants rather than passive onlookers.
The second trend is enhanced visual quality. With ultra-high-definition resolutions, HDR, and improved color management, today’s displays captivate audiences with stunning visuals that boost message retention.
Third, cloud-based content management systems enable real-time updates and personalized content delivery. This integration means that messages can be adjusted on the fly, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful. And finally, the seamless integration of displays with IoT and other digital ecosystems has created a more cohesive and dynamic communication strategy, allowing for synchronized, multi-channel messaging.
Displays now boast far higher resolutions and interactivity; before, many screens were limited in capabilities and required more manual operation. A second area of change is agile content delivery. Content systems have evolved from manual, time-consuming processes to agile, cloud-based platforms, allowing for immediate content updates and a more responsive approach to audience engagement. A final major area of change concerns the accessibility of high-quality content creation. Advances in design and editing tools, coupled with AI-assisted workflows, have significantly lowered the barrier to producing professional-grade content. As a result, generating high-quality content in the tech industry is easier today. Today’s advanced software and streamlined processes enable even smaller teams to create and deploy visually compelling, interactive content.
Overall, a dynamic shift is taking place with how displays engage audiences—leveraging interactivity, high-resolution visuals, and agile content management to create richer, more immersive experiences than ever before.
AARON XIA Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Telycam
A long-standing challenge for content producers in professional AV environments has been truly engaging their viewers—not only grabbing their attention initially, but also sustaining it throughout the duration of the content. As production solutions have evolved over the years, so too have audience expectations. Viewers are now used to seeing immersive AR and VR productions while being entertained and informed in everything from sports broadcasts to news coverage of elections. Organizations are raising their production goals to keep up.
The good news is that the technology to create more immersive viewing experiences is now available in cost-effective solutions that put AR and VR production within many organizations’ reach.
Creating seamless VR and AR experiences requires that all products in the workflow are tightly synchronized and seamlessly integrated— from the cameras to the virtual set and graphics platforms. Telycam has been at the forefront of this curve, supporting the FreeD protocol— transmitting precise camera positioning and focus data for seamless integration with VR/AR and graphics systems—in our broadcast and ProAV level PTZ cameras since 2023 to allow seamless blending of real-world and virtual elements.
We’re seeing huge interest in VR/AR production for use cases from esports to corporate training. Many organizations are discovering its potential for overcoming creative limitations and producing diverse, high-quality content more cost effectively.
Our own experience is a great example. We used to have a dedicated studio space for live webinars and video production, but the static set limited our creative ability to create diverse content for different themes. With the addition of AR/VR integration into our cameras, we transformed our space into a green screen virtual production studio. Now we can create engaging video content with different backgrounds for every show—all within the same physical space. It’s a game changer for creativity and budget efficiency.
DEBBIE DEWITT Marketing Communications Manager Visix
Crafting content to engage today’s audiences demands a strategic shift from designing for passive viewing to interactive experiences. Best practices center on creating content that prompts action and leverages interactive elements—whether using touchscreens, smartphones, QR codes, or sensors—to create personalized journeys.
No matter what the content, you have to focus on answering three core questions: What are you trying to say? Who are you trying to say it to? What do you want them to do? Then you craft a compelling narrative around these. You also have to choose formats strategically: data visualizations for complex information, videos for emotional impact, and dynamic images for visual storytelling.
However, the landscape has changed dramatically in the past five years. Previously, strategy and design were the purview of trained communications professionals and graphic designers. Today, digital literacy has surged, empowering a wider audience to contribute to content creation.
Generating high-quality content is also significantly easier today for people of all skill levels. AI-powered tools streamline text, image, and video creation, democratizing the process to allow more people to participate. However, human oversight remains crucial, and accuracy and brand alignment always have to be verified. Audiences are also demanding more transparency and authenticity.
Creators have to consider the reach of their content across the entire digital ecosystem. When designing for digital signage, they need to think about how content can be repurposed for websites, social media, video platforms, and internal presentations. A broader knowledge base is required to understand different technical requirements and audience behaviors.
Another positive development is the availability of analytics for success measurement. By including trackable calls to action, and analyzing interaction and viewing stats, we have better benchmarks to guide content strategy. Hopefully, this actionable data, coupled with more accessible creative tools, results in richer, more engaging audience experiences.
DENNIS HOLZER
PowerHouse Alliance
High-quality content is more accessible than ever, and today’s advanced displays make it easy to deliver stunning visuals without the need for complex content management systems. Five years ago, creating and distributing engaging content required specialized hardware and expertise. Now, built-in media players, cloud-based platforms, and plug-and-play solutions have transformed the landscape, allowing businesses of all sizes to manage and update content effortlessly.
As distributors, we see firsthand how this shift benefits integrators and resellers, enabling them to offer impactful visual experiences without costly, complex infrastructures. Our role goes beyond product supply: We’re strategic partners, helping integrators navigate evolving technology to ensure high-quality content is delivered simply and effectively. Content is still king, but having the right display technology ensures it makes the biggest impact.
CASE IN-POINT
SPATIAL REALITY DISPLAYS AND THE RACE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Global sports brand ASICS was founded in 1949 with the objective of nurturing youth and the development of society through sports. Today, the founding philosophy of Anima Sana in Corpore Sano (A Sound Mind, in A Sound Body) expresses the company’s goal for people around the world to live healthful, happy lives—both physically and mentally.
Underlining its belief in the importance of a healthy global environment, ASICS’ VISION2030 advocates for the development of innovative products and services using environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. This VISION now extends to the company’s brand communications with the use of Sony Spatial Reality Displays as a tool to promote the appeal of new products while reducing sample waste.
The challenge of creating digital footwear samples that accurately represent the actual product was described by Shintaro Nagata, a member of the footwear Digital Technology Team at ASICS. “Within my department, which is responsible for shoe development and design, we established a digital technology team in 2020,” he said. “We began the task of creating digital samples that realistically represent shoes in digital space. Our primary goal was sustainability. By using 3D technology to create three-dimensional images of shoes, we aimed to reduce the production of physical samples. One day, while exploring opportunities to use these 3D models in sales and marketing, we received a proposal from Sony Music Solutions to use Spatial Reality Displays (SRD). Intrigued by their demo, we decided to explore initiatives incorporating 3D models together.”
Sony’s ELF-SR2 Spatial Reality Displays (SRD) open up exciting possibilities for creating and displaying 3D content. The 27-inch display offers extremely high-resolution, bright, natural-looking 3D spatial images. Exclusive eye-tracking technology senses the position of the viewer’s eyes, presenting immersive images from a wide range of viewing angles with no need to wear special glasses.
The display’s 4K resolution and subtle contrast adjustments allow details such as shoe shape and material textures to be realistically reproduced in 3D, including surface glossiness. The ASICS team was particularly impressed by the ability of the ELF-SR2 to display shoes at life size with remarkable realism. “We decided to adopt the SRD, seeing it as a new way to make effective use of 3D models,” Nagata stated. “Using SRD in showrooms or at PR events gives clients and end users an enhanced understanding of the shoes’ internal structures. This allowed us to repurpose 3D data created for development into other contexts effectively.”
The ELF-SR2 has been used to promote the latest models from the company’s METASPEED running shoe series at ASICS Harajuku Flagship and ASICS Run Tokyo Marunouchi stores. “While physical samples convey the appeal of the new products to store visitors, giving an understanding of the shoes’ internal structures is more challenging,” Nagata explained. “We showcased 3D models of shoes tailored for different running techniques, enabling comparison between their essential functions.”
While Spatial Reality Displays are typically angled at 45 degrees, ASICS opted to position the ELF-SR2 displays vertically. This makes
more efficient use of retail store space, while maintaining excellent image depth and usability.
Viewing of the 3D models is further enhanced with an SRD-compatible app that allows gesture controls using Leap Motion hand sensors. “Sony Music Solutions supported us throughout the planning process,” Nagata said. “This included fixture production and UI/UX development. We’re grateful for their advice and assistance.”
Using SRD to show beautifully realistic 3D models reduces the need to produce samples of all color variations of a shoe for display in exhibitions and showrooms. “In the future, we believe that we will be able to exhibit all models in a space-saving manner,” Nagata noted. “Reducing the number of samples produced can further contribute to our goal of promoting sustainability.”
As Nagata explained, ASICS is now also considering use of the display system in its product development process. “When reviewing initial designs with stakeholders, by showing them more realistic and detailed 3D models, we can expect to improve the quality of feedback,” he said. “We also expect to shorten the process. For example, we currently produce physical samples two or three times during development, but by using SRD we may be able to skip a stage of sample production. As well as contributing to sustainability, this would also greatly reduce the time required for production.”
Photography courtesy of Sony
PROJECTORS PERFORM DIVERSE PRODUCTION ROLES
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a premier, state-of-the-art facility with six performance venues, supporting over 1,200 events a year. Fostering creativity, education, and performance, The Clarice houses the School of Music; School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies; The Clarice’s own artistic platform for visiting artists, Clarice Presents; and the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library. As a hub for artistic innovation, projection plays a vital role in illuminating the center’s events, productions, educational courses, and communal spaces. Each show and event is different, demanding a variety of projection solutions and coming with its own unique installation challenges and requirements. Epson’s extensive lineup of interchangeable lens laser projectors has been crucial for meeting varied projection needs across multiple venues.
“Our team handles all the tech in house, and I’m a big fan of Epson’s versatile lineup and wide range of lens options,” Zach Rupp, projections coordinator for The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center said. “Every project has its own unique scope of work, and being able to use the same projectors, with lenses that can be used between models, has been crucial. The projectors’ level of adaptability and ability to completely change production with a simple lens swap has been invaluable as we manage so many different types of venues and events.”
From using nine Epson projectors to light up the stage for an opera production with projected subtitles, to students working with projection in the immersive media design education program, to deploying 16 projectors to transform an entire lobby for the recent NextNOW Fest 2024—Epson’s versatile lineup has allowed the center to meet diverse display needs.
In its eleventh year, the annual NextNOW Fest 2024—an inspiring arts experience that celebrates imagination, creativity, and community—took place in early September at The Clarice. A signature event in the University of Maryland’s Arts for All initiative, Rupp and his team used 14 Epson large-venue laser projectors to cover nearly 2,000 square feet of space in the center’s Grand Pavilion, a central hub for its six performance venues. Lighting up nearly every surface in the multi-level lobby, scenes of free-flowing color and form, as well as marketing content and a live camera feed, took over the space. Eye-popping color and exquisite detail wowed guests upon arrival.
“The entryway blew attendees away right from the start,” Rupp said. “It truly set the stage for what to expect at the rest of the festival.”
Rupp and his team created and delivered the content using a combination of the projectors’ built-in curved surface mapping tools, along with blending and stacking techniques and the third-party multi-display management software WATCHOUT 6. The projectors were networked together, allowing for remote access and a convenient, set-and-forget solution. Some of the projectors were stacked on top of one another in Epson’s projector stacking frame to increase brightness and provide redundancy. This also provided flexible stacking and peace of mind during installation and handling.
As an established brand and leader in the projector industry, Epson also works with equipment rental and staging companies such as
4Wall to offer end users greater flexibility, whether they need a temporary rental or a lens swap based on specific projector requirements.
“4Wall has been a fantastic partner for Epson rentals, allowing us to own what we need and supplement our collection with rentals,” Jeff Reckeweg, technology shop manager at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center said. “Owning and renting within the Epson projector and interchangeable lens ecosystem has been both convenient and cost-effective.”
Epson projectors provide unmatched creative possibilities and audience experiences with state-of-the-art technology, delivering exceptional color output and durability. A single lens family supports a wide range of projectors—from 6,000 to 20,000 lumens, and from ultra-short throw to long throw. Advanced projection technology, combined with motorized lenses, enables a wide range of lens shift capabilities for added installation flexibility.
“At Epson, we prioritize outstanding image quality and reliability while offering tools that make projector installations easier,” Ramzi Shakra, senior product manager at Epson America said. “The feedback we receive from end users is extremely important to us, as it plays a crucial role in shaping our product development and improvements. It’s great to see The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center taking full advantage of Epson’s flexible lineup and versatile lens options.”
Photography, Jeffrey Reckeweg
DIGITAL SIGNAGE MODERNIZES A HISTORIC ZOO
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868 and has always focused on preserving wildlife while enhancing the visitor experience. To modernize its guest communications and provide more dynamic wayfinding solutions, the zoo partnered with Peerless-AV to implement an innovative digital signage solution that optimizes the visitor experience while integrating seamlessly into the zoo’s environment.
The project, launched in Summer 2023 and completed by August 2024, included the installation of outdoor kiosks and indoor display mounts designed to deliver high-quality, flexible content across the zoo’s high-traffic areas.
As with many historic sites, Lincoln Park Zoo faced the challenge of modernizing its infrastructure without sacrificing the integrity of the location or overwhelming the natural environment. The zoo had relied on traditional, static signage for wayfinding, events, and educational content, but as the guest experience continued to evolve, the need for a more adaptable, engaging, and informative digital solution became clear.
Additionally, given Chicago’s extreme weather conditions—ranging from frigid winters to humid summers—the zoo required a signage solution that was not only adaptable but also durable enough to withstand these environmental challenges.
The zoo received a grant to enhance the guest experience, including funding the installation of digital signage technology that would optimize the communication of venue and programming information across the zoo via digital signage. Peerless-AV was selected as the manufacturer and integrator based on its ability to deliver high-performance, weather-resistant outdoor digital signage solutions and its strong existing relationship with the zoo. The outdoor kiosks and displays used in this installation are designed with exceptional durability and brightness, which allows for optimal visibility in all lighting conditions. Working closely with Lincoln Park Zoo and the team at CDW, Peerless-AV provided a comprehensive range of solutions to address the zoo’s needs.
The indoor Searle Visitor Center installation included four 75-inch Samsung landscape displays with Peerless-AV SmartMount Universal Flat Wall Mounts and a 55-inch Samsung display with a Peerless-AV SmartMount Universal Flat Wall Mount. The outdoor East Gate area installation included three Peerless-AV Smart City Kiosks with 55-inch Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays fixed to concrete pedestals— each equipped with a Wi-Fi antenna and a BrightSign media player— and two Peerless-AV 75-inch Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays and Outdoor Flat Wall Mounts with corrosion-resistant coating and stainless-steel hardware.
Installation teams designed a plan to implement these digital solutions at key locations throughout the zoo, including entrances, high-traffic pathways, and near the zoo gates to maximize visibility and engagement. However, this gave rise to another challenge: not disrupting the natural lighting patterns of enclosures to avoid impacting animal well-being, while also optimizing communication for guests. Peerless-AV worked hand in hand with the zoo’s project managers, providing technical assistance, engineering expertise, and
on-site support in overcoming site-specific challenges like display placement.
“Our new audiovisual installations have transformed the visitor experience,” Hyson Gibbon, project manager said. “The displays are well positioned at strategic locations; they are vibrant, crystal clear, and eye catching; and they augment our natural exhibits by bringing our educational programs to life.”
The zoo’s IT team was also involved, ensuring the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure was robust enough to support the content management system (CMS). Peerless-AV worked with the zoo to ensure the system was easy to update remotely, facilitating quick adjustments to content, event promotions, and other important messaging.
“It’s great to see zoos embracing digital signage as a more efficient and effective alternative to traditional printed posters,” Rob Meiner, technical sales engineer at Peerless-AV commented. “Walking around the zoo grounds, I’ve seen how people are now engaging with the kiosks and displays, helping them to navigate around the enclosures; locate amenities; and learn about upcoming attractions, restaurant offers, conservation efforts, and more. Using our digital signage solutions allows the zoo to adapt quickly to changing information and communication needs, and it’s rewarding to see how these solutions can make a significant impact.”
The digital signage installed by Peerless-AV has not only transformed the zoo visitor experience, but the centralized CMS has streamlined communication, reducing the time and resources spent managing static signage. The Lincoln Park Zoo is now able to deliver timely, engaging, and relevant content—all while maintaining the integrity of its iconic and historic Chicago location.
PARTNER FIRM PILOTS
AT-THE-EDGE AI
TECHNOLOGY
LaMACCHIA Group and Vivalociti is a full-service strategic consultative, design-build, and data solutions partner firm that works exclusively with financial institutions. The firm helps clients assess everything from where to establish branches, to what type of technology they should deploy in each location. Then, LaMACCHIA helps clients integrate that technology and display the right content on their screens. LaMACCHIA has helped transform over 130 bank and credit union corporate centers and branches to elevate the customer experience. In 2022, LaMACCHIA began deploying NaViSense from Sharp in various client locations, which helped clients analyze data and insights they couldn’t rely on before. The new technology and information allowed each branch to provide a better customer experience.
Overall, after deploying NaViSense, LaMACCHIA Group and Vivalociti found that banks and credit unions didn’t always have the necessary data to give appropriate customer service within each branch location.
“Historically, they really just don’t know what’s going on inside the branches outside of total numbers on how many accounts were opened, how many transactions were conducted, and how many employees are in the space,” Tim Klatt, the director of Retail Strategies said. “NaViSense has really given us a sense of knowing who is there and how each branch can serve that customer base better. NaViSense provides knowledge about who’s in the space and allows the branch to tailor the environment and provide feedback that is much more appropriate. Then, ideally, they can provide better customer service.”
Tom Kennedy, president of the LaMACCHIA Group said, “The biggest result is knowledge. It tells [the branch] something, right? It tells them something they don’t know and, complemented with our data-driven location strategies, makes something powerful and beneficial for their customers and members.”
NaViSense gathers and processes anonymous customer attributes using off-the-shelf or existing camera sources and edge computing devices such as RPi4. This cost-effective technology also collects the dwell time of people in front of a display, as well as a variety of other attributes such as their estimated age and gender, the brand of clothing they are wearing, traffic trends, and more. The information collected by NaViSense has added value in that it is being used by LaMACCHIA Group and Vivalociti to improve the customer experience and enhance decision-making at the banks and credit union branches, as well as in numerous other settings.
“To find a stable, accessible platform to drive this two-way data in an actual branch situation in a meaningful way has not been present before,” Kennedy said.
Klatt concluded, “I think NaViSense solves a pain point for our customers that is tied around lack of knowledge. As a company that likes to try new things, this is exactly in our wheelhouse, and is something we see a need for. And if we can help shape that need to be more effective for our industry and also for other industries, I think that’s something we can get really excited about.”
Photography courtesy of Sharp
A CONCERT LED SCREEN FOR THE RECORD BOOKS
Adele’s electrifying ten-show residency at the purpose-built outdoor arena at Messe München in Munich, Germany this past August set a new standard in live entertainment, earning a Guinness World Records title for the Largest Continuous Outdoor LED Screen (temporary). This record-breaking feat was made possible by Solotech, the official video supplier, who harnessed Brompton Technology LED processing to deliver an unforgettable visual experience to nearly three quarters of a million Adele fans.
Brompton Technology’s Adam Callaway noted that the team collaborated closely with Solotech for over a year on the project, which included rigorous testing and validating workflows based on Adele’s Las Vegas residency and additional testing in the UK. “Brompton joined Solotech on site for three days to ensure smooth deployment of the workflows needed from our 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors,” he said.
Featuring 6,200 tiles of ROE CB5 MKII—all calibrated using Brompton’s Hydra advanced measurement system to enable Dynamic Calibration technology—the setup took full advantage of features like PureTone and Extended Bit Depth, ensuring beautiful, uniform video content even at extremes of brightness and color gamut. With a total of 26 Tessera SX40 and over 100 Tessera XD 10G data distribution units providing a seamless and flexible LED processing solution, the screen is the largest of its kind ever deployed for a temporary live event.
“Brompton’s SX40 is a tried and trusted partner for our projects, giving us the reassurance of failsafe redundancy and exceptional reliability, whilst the XD units have played a vita l role in simplifying the cabling on this mammoth screen,” Ian Woodall, Solotech’s director of Global Touring and Special Projects said. “We’ve also made good use of the wide array of Tessera features available, including Frame Store, Cable Redundancy, PureTone, API, sACN for Brightness Control, and Brompton’s industry-lead -
ing scaler—all running on the latest v3.5 Tessera software.”
Attracting over 730,000 attendees to the custom-built outdoor arena, each night of the ten-date concert residency included 22 hit songs, accompanied by mesmerizing, high-quality visuals displayed on an impressive 220m-long-by-20m-high LED backdrop.
“It is an immense honor to present the iconic Adele with this Guinness World Records title,” Joanne Brent, official adjudicator, Guinness World Records commented. “While Adele is no stranger to holding multiple records for her music, this achievement stands apart, celebrating her remarkable vision for the ‘Adele in Munich’ residency. I was intrigued to see how such an expansive and seamless screen would be utilized during the concert. The bespoke visual effects, tailored to each song, truly elevated the performance, adding an undeniable wow factor. It was a perfect complement to the unparalleled artistry of Adele. She is officially amazing.”
Woodall added, “This Munich residency is unlike anything that has ever been done before. There was no template, no comparison—only possibilities. What makes this show groundbreaking isn’t just the scale of the record-breaking LED screen, but the innovative thinking that made it possible. This production redefines how live entertainment can be experienced. Working alongside Adele’s visionary team and all the other top-tier suppliers, we were able to push beyond the limits of what anyone thought was possible. It’s this spirit of collaboration and innovation that made the Guinness World Record for the Largest Outdoor LED Screen achievable.”
“Congratulations to Adele and the team behind her for accomplishing the extraordinary and earning a place in the Guinness World Records during her Munich residency!” Callaway concluded. “The record stands as a testament to the innovation and collaboration behind this historic production. Brompton Technology is proud to have contributed to such an unforgettable moment in live entertainment.”
A HOME RUN FOR IN-STADIUM FAN ENGAGEMENT
Since its opening in 1989, the Suwon Baseball Stadium, located a little more than two hours south of Seoul, South Korea, has expanded many times. With each expansion, the venue’s AV technology has evolved too.
In 2015, the stadium was renamed Suwon KT Wiz Park after its namesake professional baseball team moved in and continued enlarging the stadium’s footprint. While the team has used the stadium for 10 years, as the number of baseball fans in South Korea has exploded, the video technology used to engage and entertain the team’s fans has become outdated, limiting both coverage creativity and advertising revenue potential.
Baseball AV facilities possess extreme complexity relative to their scale; there are separate teams for the data servers, data management, and graphics management, as well as teams specifically dedicated to managing entertainment elements. A system capable of accommodating all the graphics content that various teams want to display on the scoreboard was necessary because of the desire to showcase such content.
That’s when Vizrt was added to the starting lineup. The team behind the fan engagement experience now leverages Vizrt’s end-toend sports venue solution, which includes the live production switcher TriCaster, Viz Multiplay, Viz Trio, and NDI. This keeps fan excitement high, advertisers satisfied, and provides the scalability required for the next generation of stadium expansion.
There are a total of five LED screens across KT Wiz Park driven by Viz Multiplay: the score-displaying top board, the main board, the bottom board for advertising, the square board for advertising, and the ribbon board.
“Because the timing of these LED screens’ installments was different for each, aligning the specifications and systems of the screens was not easy,” Sungjong Kim, marketing director at KT Sports said. “The system we had been using previously had its
limitations, and it could no longer accommodate further expansion. Vizrt played a significant role in integrating these different systems into one cohesive operation system.”
At KT Wiz, the products and solutions used are IP based, enabling graphics production and testing to be implemented as much as possible within the computerized environment. This design enables them to be deployed with minimal on-site testing time—therefore ensuring quick integration. Crucial to this fast integration is NDI—and KT Wiz believes NDI can keep up with the shifting demands and viewing habits of a growing sports fanbase.
“NDI is essential for achieving such scalability,” Kim added. “I believe NDI will enable us to adapt to the advancement of fan entertainment. We chose the TriCaster connected with NDI because it can offer significant scalability, and it provides an easy-to-use operating environment, allowing for extensive expansion.”
When fans gather in the baseball stadium, the only way for them to communicate with the team is through the LED screens. The LED screens must convey all information, including match results, game progress, scores, player data, as well as the stadium’s safety instructions; these game data and various in-game graphics are controlled by Viz Trio. In addition, the displays are used to promote any activities scheduled for the month ahead, which reaches the appropriate audience and keeps baseball fans connected and engaged.
The KT Wiz team can also now operate various forms of advertising, providing advertisers with a positive ROI and diversifying the advertising offering. There are cases where events and systems are integrated between the KT Wiz application and the LED screens, creating synergy between marketing and events. Coherent communication to baseball fans further nurtures the baseball fan community in South Korea.
So, what’s in store for KT Wiz? Kim said, “We’re planning to focus on creating creative content with Vizrt, and exploring new possibilities next year.”
Photography courtesy of Vizrt
PRODUCTS THAT MATTER
PRO AV PRODUCTS THAT ENGAGE
Atlona’s PRO5 Series is anchored by an 8x10 4K HDR matrix switcher that pairs the essential functionality of HDMI-to-HDBaseT switchers with high-performance, pointto-point AV transmission. The AT-PRO5MX810 matrix switcher provides eight HDMI inputs, two HDMI outputs, and eight AV extension outputs with SDVoE technology to extend 4K HDR video using 10GbE connectivity over direct copper or fiber links. All eight extension outputs include an RJ45 port that allows extension up to 330 feet over CAT6A UTP cable along with PoE for powering the receiver, offering the familiarity of HDBaseT technology. Video processing is available in the PRO5-101SC-RX scaling receivers, including 4K video upscaling/downscaling with frame rate conversion.
atlona.com
The new MoveMic 88+ by Shure, with unmatched audio versatility for videography and field recording, is designed to capture content on the go. The MoveMic 88+ Wireless Stereo Microphone is the first-ofits-kind wireless direct-to-phone stereo microphone with scalable polar patterns. The wireless mic features four selectable polar patterns—stereo, cardioid, bi-directional, and raw mid-side—so users can customize the direction of audio capture to perform in various scenarios, including two-way interviews, recording in the field, or acoustic performances. With eight hours of battery life and a 100-foot range, MoveMic 88+ ensures creators can focus on storytelling without worrying about audio quality.
shure.com
3 Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive
The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive by Blackmagic Design is the first commercial camera system designed to capture Apple Immersive Video. Apple Immersive Video is a new storytelling format that leverages 8K, 3D video with a 180-degree field of view; and Spatial Audio to transport viewers to the center of the action. Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive features a fixed, custom lens system pre-installed on the body which is designed specifically for Apple Immersive Video. The sensor delivers 8,160-by-7,200 resolution per eye with pixel-level synchronization and 16 stops of dynamic range for shooting 90fps stereoscopic 3D immersive cinema content to a single file.
blackmagicdesign.com
4 Voyager
Ross Video’s Voyager redefines virtual production by delivering stunning, photorealistic environments powered by Unreal Engine 5.3. Whether for broadcast, corporate AV, or live events, Voyager enables augmented reality, virtual studios, and XR workflows with seamless integration through Lucid Studio—no expertise required. Featuring real-time data integration via Datalinq, advanced tracking compatibility, and intuitive control, Voyager simplifies high-end virtual studio production. From interactive, data-driven graphics to dynamic set extensions, Voyager empowers creators to engage audiences with immersive storytelling and virtual or augmented reality elements. The future of virtual production is here; if you can imagine it, Voyager can create it.
rossvideo.com
5 ELF-SR2 Spatial Reality Display
Sony’s ELF-SR2 Spatial Reality Display provides professionals with realistic and intuitive 3D content creation, manipulation, and viewing—without the use of glasses or VR headsets. With an upgraded high-speed vision sensor, wide-angle viewing, powerful imaging features, and installation flexibility, the 27-inch ELF-SR2 also enables more robust functionality through its versatile support of applications and software development. It is optimized for industrial design, surgical planning, architecture, engineering, construction, signage, retail, software/application development, game developers, and entertainment applications.
pro.sony
sennheiser.com 6 TeamConnect Bars
Part of the renowned TeamConnect Family, Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Bars are the most feature-rich, all-in-one conferencing devices in their class. Available in two models for different room sizes—TC Bar S and TC Bar M—they scan cale to the largest meeting rooms. The TC Bar S has four microphones and two speakers, while the Bar M has six microphones and four speakers. Both bars deliver trusted Sennheiser audio quality. With plug-and-play setup via USB and advanced beamforming technology, they ensure freedom of movement. A 4K Ultra HD camera with AI features enhances video quality. They also offer flexible setups, an onboard Dante port, multiple mounting options, remote management, brand-agnostic integration, and advanced security.
Planar’s DirectLight Slim Series, featuring an ultra-thin, narrow-width form factor, accommodates curved and space-constrained applications. Models feature MicroLED technology and are available in 0.9mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, and 1.8mm pixel pitches with a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits and a unique 4:9 aspect ratio to support deployment versatility and vibrant viewing experiences. Customers also benefit from an installation depth of less than two inches, delivering minimal colorshift compared to other LED displays. With pixel-level monitoring, users get more detailed insight into display health and performance with the ability to identify when service or repair is needed. planar.com
Brompton Technology’s TESSERA SX40 has gained a reputation as the gold standard in LED video processing. This multi-award-winning 4K LED processor is used on the world’s biggest shows, on pioneering virtual production projects, and in many other high-demand applications. Its advanced feature set offers solutions for on-camera workflows, low-brightness conditions, HDR, real-time color correction, and much more.
9 LSAB007 MAGNIT MicroLED Display
LG’s LSAB007 MAGNIT MicroLED Display offers a 0.78mm pixel pitch with LG’s Full Black Coating Technology and an impressive 90,000:1 contrast ratio to deliver stunning images with vivid colors, breathtaking contrast, and ultra-fine detail. This display’s tiny pixel pitch makes it an ideal solution for a variety of commercial use cases, including retail, hospitality, and corporate environments showing video or digital art content. The LSAB007’s Alpha 7 Intelligent Processor, support for HDR10 and HDR10 Pro, and wide color viewing angles enhance user experiences in any seating arrangement.
10 DSX LE5 and LE6 Network Interface Controller Cards
Featuring Unreal Engine plugin support, Matrox Video’s DSX LE5 and LE6 Network Interface Controller Cards provide broadcast-quality ST 2110 I/O for Unreal Engine and enable its in-camera VFX and Inner Frustum Split for virtual production. With 25GbE and 100GbE connectivity, DSX LE5 and LE6 support multi-channel 4K and 8K with high frame rates, low latency, and strict PTP compliance. Simple configuration for ST 2110 and PTP enables customers to integrate and scale virtual production capabilities to easily add more cameras and LED volume. Support is available for Windows and Linux so OEMs and system integrators can build systems with different CPUs and GPUs according to their business needs.
video.matrox.com
11 RSF100 Robust Series Flat Mount
Crimson AV’s RSF100 Robust Series Flat Mount boasts a hefty, 400-pound load rating, making it the ideal solution for large-format and interactive displays up to 100 inches and larger. Designed with the installer in mind, the RSF100 shifts the mounting center down to fully utilize the integrated pivot and kick stand features for easy wiring during installation and service. Additional features of the most heavy-duty wall mount on the market include support for Microsoft Surface Hub, post-installation leveling, a security lock mechanism that prevents the display from being removed, universal design, and VESA compatibility. crimsonav.com
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Zavus XP9 MicroLED COB
2025 will mark the year of exponential adoption of dvLED for creating or upgrading command and control spaces. The answer to this rising demand is Jupiter’s Zavus XP9 MicroLED COB, which simply wins on every side: unreal colors and contrast, some of the lowest power consumption on the market, proprietary processing developed with Megapixel VR, and ST2110 compatibility to match the future of streaming standards. Coupled with our extended range of video wall controllers, ZavusXP sets a new reference for SOCS and NOCS, enabling future-proof solutions from the rack to the LED wall without sacrificing the highest-quality standards.
jupiter.com
Indoor LED Advertising Kiosk Posters by the LED Experts Group are available in 1.25mm, 1.56mm, 1.87mm, and 2.5mm options, with both SMD and COB configurations. Three mounting options are also available: lift mount, wall mount, and mobile stand. Users can use a variety of terminal devices such as PCs, mobile phones, and tablets to uniformly control multiple advertising kiosks through a wireless network for program delivery, screen control, and other operations.
ledexpertsgroup.com
praevar.com 13 14 Indoor LED Advertising Kiosk Posters
Praevar’s High-Brightness Window Displays are the ideal solution for grabbing attention in both indoor and semi-outdoor spaces. With up to 4,000 nits of brightness, it ensures exceptional visibility, even in direct sunlight, making your content pop with vibrant clarity. The display’s smart cooling system and aluminum frame ensure energy efficiency and durability, while its OD10MM backlight technology guarantees uniform lighting. Whether for single or double-sided displays, this versatile, lightweight unit can be easily installed on walls, ceilings, or used freestanding, offering flexibility for any environment. It’s designed to elevate your advertising game by providing clear, high-impact visuals in any setting.
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RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL Lens
Engineered for creators venturing into Spatial and 3D content creation, Canon’s RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL Lens captures 3D photos and videos with the use of the Canon EOS R7 camera body. The detailed 3D imagery creates a visual experience with depth and realism best viewed in devices such as Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3. Featuring a user-friendly design including autofocus and software that creates files which easily integrate into existing workflows, the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens helps to lower the barrier of entry for creating Spatial and 3D content.
usa.canon.com
16 ColorPro VP2788-5K Desktop Monitor
ViewSonic’s ColorPro VP2788-5K Desktop Monitor is designed for precise visual performance and sharpness. Engineered to be integrated seamlessly into a Mac or PC ecosystem, the sleek, 27-inch VP27885K offers exceptional functionality and performance for optimized productivity for professional content creators, businesses, and other commercial ventures. Featuring stunning 5K (5,120 x 2,880) resolution, an exceptionally high number of pixels per inch, and a 99 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, the VP2788-5K provides a vibrant and powerful complement to Apple’s scaling functionality. It comes with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, HDMI, DisplayPort, and an integrated USB-C and USB-A hub.
viewsonic.com
17 Carousel Cloud Creative Tool Integrations
New Carousel Cloud Creative Tool Integrations by Carousel Digital Signage expand the content creation universe through native integrations with Canva, Google Slides, and Geckoboard. This allows customers to leverage three of today’s leading design, presentation, and dashboard tools for their digital signage messaging. All three platforms are popular among educational institutions and businesses seeking quick, easy ways to create engaging content. All three integrations feature a cut-and-paste public URL. Carousel Cloud will automatically post changes made in either Canva, Google Slides, or Geckoboard without the need for users to take any additional steps. The result is an intuitive content creation process for Carousel Cloud customers.
carouselsignage.com
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DM NVX 384 Encoder/ Decoder
Crestron’s DM NVX 384 Encoder/Decoder brings seamless communications across unified communications, digital signage, and presentation spaces. The compact encoder/decoder solution functions as a transmitter or receiver, capable of handling a network AV installation of any size. It includes features such as secure, webbased control and management, a scaling HDMI output, video wall processing, and surround sound audio. DM NVX 384 unifies people, places, and technology, and any room can become a productive hybrid hotspot where everyone and everything works together naturally.
crestron.com
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EB-PQ2010B Laser Projector
Epson’s EB-PQ2010B Laser Projector is a strong example of evolution in projection. As the world’s smallest and lightest 10,000-lumen 4K projector, it is designed to engage audiences with captivating visuals in extraordinary detail. Also available in white (EB-PQ2010W), it incorporates Epson’s 4K Crystal Motion technology and 3-chip 3LCD, and a double micro-lens array for detailed realistic visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Offering a virtually maintenance-free laser light source, HDR support, adaptive gamma correction, and premium features including NFC functionality, it pairs with 10 optional powered lenses and the optional, attachable PixAlign camera to simplify installation and streamline multi-projector setups.
epson.com
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AI-Assisted Digital Signage Content Builder
Korbyt’s AI-Assisted Digital Signage Content Builder is powered by the manufacturer’s proprietary large language model (LLM). What sets Korbyt’s AI apart is its seamless integration into the Korbyt Anywhere platform, combining AI-driven content creation and distribution to enhance enterprise communications while ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints. With this native AI integration, organizations gain scalable, strategic tools to create impactful, on-brand content, adapt to changing needs, and uncover key insights—all while reducing operational costs and positioning themselves for success in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
go.korbyt.com
The Forum Arc Table from Middle Atlantic Products, meticulously designed for seamless integration into modern hybrid workspaces, combines aesthetics, serviceability, and accessibility. Ideal for corporate training centers, medium collaboration spaces, and conference rooms, the Arc Table provides work surface space for up to seven participants, a 30-inch seated-height table base, and integrated bag holders. Built-in cable management can be found in each leg and under the work surface, while the curved modesty panel covers internal cable management for a clean aesthetic. ADA-compliant clearance beneath the table ensures accessibility, reinforcing Middle Atlantic’s dedication to inclusivity in design. The table also supports direct-facing arrangements for all participants, promoting meeting equity for remote participants.
legrandav.com
Listen Technologies’ ListenWIFI is an audio-over-Wi-Fi-based assistive listening solution that lets users access venue audio via their smartphones or dedicated receivers. ListenWIFI features servers, software, LWR-1050 receivers (the first dedicated audio-over-Wi-Fi receiver that lets venues offer guests a choice on how they wish to receive streamed audio), and LA-490 Beacons that provide location-based audio for a fully automated and seamless user experience. Beacon technology also ensures audio does not extend beyond a designated space. ListenWIFI is ideal for multi-channel, multi-room, and multi-screen environments. Applications for ListenWIFI include assistive listening, video description, audio from screens, and interpretation.
listentech.com
23 Director One
Magewell’s Director One all-in-one production system builds on the powerful feature set and flexibility of Magewell’s popular Director Mini solution with a larger, brighter touchscreen; integrated cellular modem; and direct HDMI output. Director One is a comprehensive production and streaming solution that combines multi-input switching, graphics, streaming, recording, and monitoring in one compact device. Director One offers exceptional AV and IP input flexibility (including HDMI, USB, NDI, SRT, and more); sophisticated production tools; extensive output capabilities; and a wide range of control choices including the integrated 7-inch AMOLED touchscreen, Director Utility mobile app, web interface, and optional third-party controllers.
magewell.com
21 Forum Arc Table
Insane Performance Rendering
Navori Labs’ Insane Performance Rendering (IPR) software platform to accelerate performance rendering for digital signage. IPR makes it possible to drive 8K video walls or four clusters of 4K digital signage displays from a single media player, resulting in dramatic cost savings for systems integrators and end users. IPR’s “insane” performance rendering capabilities are based on Navori’s 64-bit player software and optimized PC hardware. IPR can power a full 8K video wall at 60fps, or as many as 16 full HD displays, from a single device. One IPR license for Navori Labs’ content management system software covers either scenario.
navori.com
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Peerless-AV’s Smart City Kiosks are available in single (KOP55XHB) or dual-sided (KOP55XHB2) configurations, incorporating 55-inch Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays. The built-in Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays offer full HD1080p resolution for a bright and crisp picture, even when placed in direct sunlight. The fully sealed, IP66-rated design prevents the ingress of foreign materials such as water, dust, moisture, and insects from entering the display, and has an operating temperature of -31 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Creating an interactive kiosk is made easy by adding the IR Touch Overlay, which can detect up to 10 touch points—all in a convenient plug-and-play design.
peerless-av.com
Vanco International’s Evolution EVO-IP 2.0 redefines AV-over-IP distribution with unmatched flexibility, scalability, and ease of deployment. Featuring 4K 4:4:4 video at 60Hz; independently routable KVM, audio, and control signals; and VLAN-free setup, this solution streamlines installation for integrators in a wide range of applications. EVO-IP 2.0 supports Cat6/6A, multimode, and single-mode fiber transmission, making it ideal for SMBs to enterprise environments. Built-in cloud-based management enables remote monitoring and troubleshooting, reducing downtime. With Dante Ready chipsets, eARC/ARC support, and video wall/digital signage capabilities, EVO-IP 2.0 is the ultimate networked AV distribution solution for commercial applications.
vanco1.com
28 Explore SE
Telycam’s Explore SE advanced PTZ camera for broadcast AV combines exceptional 4K60 visual quality with powerful features that make it ideal for immersive video productions. Explore SE features a 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensor, 30x optical zoom, and AI-powered auto-tracking, with flexible connectivity including NDI, NDI HX, 12G-SDI, HDMI2.0, and SFP+. Genlock enables perfect synchronization of video frames across cameras and devices. Support for the FreeD protocol transmits precise pan, tilt, zoom, and focus data directly from the camera to virtual set systems for VR and AR production, providing broad compatibility with solutions such as Brainstorm, Vizrt, Aximmetry, Unreal Engine, and VSet3D.
telycam.com
29 EPS Epaper Signs
Visix’s EPS Epaper Signs are a cost-effective solution for showing schedules and reservations for shared rooms and desk hoteling. These lightweight, wireless, and battery-powered signs utilize E Ink technology, allowing for real-time updates from your own calendar app with an average battery life of five years. Choose from screen templates for offices and desks or customize the layout to meet your needs. The signs, available in four sizes, are easily mounted on various surfaces without the need for cabling, making them versatile for use in meeting rooms, classrooms, and hybrid work environments. Custom faceplates and architectural surrounds are also available.
visix.com
22Miles’ Mobile Wayfinding solutions amplify digital signage and wayfinding experiences by putting 3D navigation in the palm of your hands. Customers can push the industry-leading 22Miles interactive 3D map directly to users’ mobile devices in a native or browser-based app. With multi-lingual support, turn-by-turn navigation, customizable and accessible routing, and options for indoor positioning and blue dot navigation, people can feel at ease navigating even the most complex venues and campuses.
22miles.com
