Systems Contract News June 2026

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SHOW ME THE WAY Pennsylvania Convention Center Embraces Digital Signage

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JUNE 2026

18 On Your Business Steve Greenblatt wants you to plan ahead for InfoComm.

30 Blueprint for Success Nigel Spratling discusses cloud-based production.

49 Viewpoint

18

30

49

Jakub Kolacz considers the future of networked audio.

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

SHOW ME THE WAY Pennsylvania Convention Center Embraces Digital Signage

AVNETWORK.COM

JUNE 2026

18 On Your Business Steve Greenblatt wants you to plan ahead for InfoComm.

30 Blueprint for Success Nigel Spratling discusses cloud-based production.

49 Viewpoint

18

30

49

Jakub Kolacz considers the future of networked audio.

CONTENTS

40

Increase Engagement, Reduce Waste

The Pennsylvania Convention Center has a sophisticated new digital signage network.

33

By Jennifer Guhl

People 18 On Your Business Planning to attend InfoComm or another trade show?

Make the most it.

By Steve Greenblatt

20 Executive Q&A EM Acoustics is building its U.S. presence with a

By Mark J. Pescatore

The Integration Guide to AVoIP

Business

33 Cornhuskers Coverage Conversion

disruptive approach to speaker design.

24 Convergence: What’s Next?

Pro AV experts identify emerging technologies that will drive the next phase of development.

By Mark J. Pescatore

HuskerVision streamlines sports production across

42

campus with its move to ST 2110.

46 By the Numbers

By Michael Grotticelli

As the industry preps for InfoComm, how does AI fit

Technology

into the overall Pro AV picture?

By Sean Wargo

Viewpoint

28 InfoComm 2026: Exhibitors Talk Top Trends

42 More in Store

Exhibitors share their plans for this month’s big event

creating income possibilities for integrators.

49 When Visibility Becomes Reliability

in Las Vegas.

By Carolyn Heinze

Cloud-based device management will define the

By Wayne Cavadi

Retail AV helps brands drive foot traffic while

30 Blueprint for Success

44 Stanford University Embraces Adaptive Teaching Environments

Live production wants to move into the cloud, but

The new Computer and Data Science building is

that’s not necessarily an easy transition.

packed with elaborate Pro AV extras.

By Nigel Spratling

By Jennifer Guhl

future of networked audio.

By Jakub Kolacz

Departments 6 SYSTEMS CHECK 8 NEWS

22 NEWSMAKERS 47 PRODUCTS

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SYSTEMS CHECK

Studies Show Workers Conflicted on Hybrid

MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director

S

urveyMonkey recently conducted a study on remote and hybrid work, collecting responses from more than 3,500 U.S. workers. Based on the statistics the company shared, I think we can agree that when it comes to hybrid work, the

workforce agrees to disagree.

Between 2017-2018, before COVID-19 introduced us all to face masks and elbow bumps, less than one-quarter of almost 35 million full-time workers had never exercised their

EMAIL

mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

option to work from home. In fact, almost half of us had never worked from home at all, according to Statista. As we all remember, things changed quickly.

Now, a little more than six years after the initial shutdowns, the pendulum has swung

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/ systemscontractor

back the other way, with almost 40% of workers reporting that their “ideal work arrangement” has shifted. In 2025, based on a survey of 849 companies, Resume Templates reported that about 80% of companies were increasing their return-to-office enforcement measures, while about 27% of companies were returning to a five-day, in-office work week.

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

Why do companies want employees back in the office? The primary reasons, based on the Resume Templates data, were improved collaboration, productivity, and communication. But here’s where it gets a little messy: According to SurveyMonkey’s research, while 23% of workers want more remote work opportunities, 14% want more in-person opportunities. Turns out there’s no one-size-fits-all for this whole hybrid thing.

X x.com/scnmag

What draws folks back to the office? Collaboration and improved focus (32%) were highest on the list, with visibility (31%) and higher productivity (29%) not far behind. However, there’s also a healthy dose of personal worry to go with those company-first sentiments.

More than 45% of respondents were concerned about missing the opportunity to

Employees want remote work.

And in-person opportunities. And boundaries. And they are generally worried about all of it.

build relationships with co-workers. One-quarter of respondents were worried about missing out on unplanned learning with members of the senior team, and one-quarter thought hybrid would lead to declining trust between employees and management.

Remote work has its share of selling points, too. More than half (52%) of respondents noted the lack of a commute, while 44% reported higher productivity levels outside of the office. The majority of remote (72%) and hybrid (68%) workers say remote work provides a better work-life balance.

That said, hybrid isn’t always an ideal situation, as about one-third were worried about home and work boundaries.

To summarize, remote workers want to avoid commuting and can be more productive at home, but they’ve also got career FOMO and can be more productive in the office. Wait,

what? Welcome to the joy of statistical analysis, where you can use the same numbers to

avnetwork.com

JUNE 2026 VOL. 33 NO. 6 CONTENT

Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Senior Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Contributors Steve Greenblatt, Michael Grotticelli, Jennifer Guhl, Carolyn Heinze, Jakub Kolacz, Nigel Spratling, Sean Wargo Art Editors Rob Crossland, Sam Richwood Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S

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plead either side of the case.

Gallup recently estimated 26% of U.S. workers in remote-capable jobs are exclusively remote, while 52% are hybrid. Again, there’s no official number, and “remote-capable” is open to interpretation, but Neat research from last year indicated more than 32.6 million Americans work remotely. That’s about 19% of the civilian labor force, based on March numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Now that we’ve cited stats and research from various sources, what does it all mean? We can talk corporate culture or managerial motivations as much as you’d like—but whether they’re happy or worried, you’ve got more than 32 million Americans who work outside of the office at least part of the time, and more than 6 million of those never work there.

The return-to-office trend may continue, and I’ll concede that some workers may head back to the office full time. However, hybrid and remote work opportunities are not going to suddenly disappear, and neither is the workforce’s reliance on videoconferencing for conducting internal and external business. Statistically speaking, there are more than 32 million reasons for Pro AV to keep effective and reliable meeting room and collaborative technologies as the top priority at InfoComm this year.

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AJA Video Systems Acquires Comprimato

A

CANAAN KAGAY

NEWS

JA Video Systems finalized its acquisition of Comprimato, a live video encoding and processing software provider for virtualized and cloud productions and broadcasts, at the 2026 NAB Show in April. The

company’s first acquisition since its founding in 1993, the move unified the AJA and Comprimato development teams behind AJA’s BRIDGE LIVE family of IP streaming products.

Comprimato CEO and co-founder, Jiří Matela, and the entire Comprimato leadership, development, and operations team have joined AJA. Comprimato will continue to operate as a separate brand under AJA and retain its European offices. Sales structures, including sales, channels, customer support, and currently shipping

A pro audio solutions panel was part of Resonate’s extensive presentation program.

Inaugural Resonate Expo Rocks Nashville

conversion, the Twenty-One SMPTE ST 2110 encoding appliance, and the JPEG 2000

G

Codec SDK.

professionals, innovators, and creators for a day of education, demonstrations, and

products, will not be impacted.

As part of the agreement, AJA acquired Comprimato’s Live Transcoder for video encoding and transcoding, Live Standards Conversion for flexible frame rate

“Comprimato has proven to be a trusted, strategic AJA partner for years now, supporting us through the continued evolution of our BRIDGE LIVE line of IP video

uitar Center Business Solutions hosted Resonate, its inaugural integrated technology expo, at Nashville’s Music City Center on April 9. The free, oneday event brought together all the account managers across the Business

Solutions brands, more than 30 manufacturer partners, and hundreds of industry live experiences focused on the future of AV and integrated systems.

“Resonate was an excellent opportunity to bring together all the Business

solutions. This agreement sets our R&D, support, sales, and manufacturing on track to

Solutions account managers, our key manufacturer partners and decision-makers

become tightly intertwined, which will allow us to accelerate development of the

across music, education and enterprise,” said Curtis Heath, president of Guitar Center

BRIDGE LIVE and Comprimato

Business Solutions. “As systems are converging faster than organizations can adapt,

lines,” shared Nick Rashby,

the industry needs clear leadership around how everything connects, and Guitar

president of AJA. “The synergies

Center Business Solutions is proud to meet that challenge. The Resonate expo marked

between our companies and

a firm tentpole in that journey, with plenty more to come.”

technology are undeniable, and

Resonate explored the tools shaping today’s creative and technical workflows,

together, we’ll be able to address

with a robust program of presentations offering insight into emerging technologies

rapidly evolving customer needs

and industry trends. The event reflects Guitar Center’s continued evolution into a

faster than ever and break new

full-scale professional ecosystem serving schools, studios, venues, and commercial

ground in broadcast production.”

environments nationwide.

“What intrigued us about Resonate was its different approach, bringing together GC Pro, Custom House ,and AVDG to engage a broader, more diverse customer base,”

ARRI Acquired by Thomas Riedel

T

said Jeff McDonald, senior sales manager, Shure North America.

MAXHUB Opens New North American HQ

homas Riedel, founder and owner of Riedel Communications and the

In April, MAXHUB officially opened its new North American headquarters and

Riedel Group, acquired ARRI, the Munich-based premium manufacturer of

Experience Center in Irvine, CA. The new facility signals a long-term investment in

camera and lighting technology for motion picture and live entertainment,

the company’s commitment to the North American market, and demonstrates its

in April. ARRI marks the largest acquisition of his career to date.

investment in local support and inventory, which is intended to elevate brand

Under Riedel’s new ownership, ARRI’s existing management team will continue to lead the company and further advance its ongoing transformation. The company will retain independent operations and remain headquartered in Munich.

awareness and visibility while strengthening business partner confidence and trust.

The new corporate Experience Center represents MAXHUB’s dedication to empowering the AI connected workplace with innovative technology that enables

“My entrepreneurial path has been closely tied to ARRI for years,” said Riedel. “I

people to communicate more effectively. During the grand opening, attendees had

have great respect for this exceptional brand, its outstanding

the opportunity to experience MAXHUB products and solutions. Plus, guests

products, and its strong team. At the same time, I see tremendous

learned about the Microsoft/MAXHUB partnership, which has grown into a total

potential and am confident that, together, we can position ARRI

solution for everything from huddle spaces to large rooms for both MTR Windows

for long-term stability and future success.”

and MTR Android environments.

Through the acquisition of ARRI, Riedel establishes a close

“Our new Irvine office provides world-class facilities for running the day-to-

strategic alignment between ARRI and the Riedel Group, expanding its

day operations of our business while also providing a state-of-the-art facility for

expertise across the entire production chain, from camera optics to

demonstration and training—furthering our ability to be viewed as a trusted

distribution. ARRI’s ecosystem of camera, lighting, and

enterprise collaboration provider,” said Darren Lin, CEO of MAXHUB US. “Simply

systems technology complements the Riedel Group’s

put, this investment underscores MAXHUB’s ability to dramatically advance

existing portfolio and opens up new technological and strategic market opportunities for both companies.

8

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Thomas Riedel

corporate communications and collaboration.”

NEWS

Shure's fireside chat at NAB 2026 discussed the company's use of AI to isolate sounds during live productions.

NAB 2026: Show Floor Feedback

By Mark J. Pescatore

B

ack home in the refreshed Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, with additional exhibits spread across the North Hall and

West Hall, the 2026 NAB Show closed its show floor on April 23. According to show officials, there were more than 58,000 registered attendees, an increase from last year. Almost half were first-time attendees, and more than 20% of registered attendees were international, with 146 countries represented. Plus, there were 132 first-time exhibitors. Beyond the numbers, here were a couple of trends I observed.

There’s a new buzzword.

AI is still making the most noise in the industry, but another buzzword has quietly become part of a lot of conversations: security. Whether you call it network security, IP security, or cybersecurity, minimizing the risk of intrusion or cyberattacks via Pro AV hardware and software is now a point of emphasis.

Frank Zovko

John Henkel

Matt Weiss

And just to bring this to a full buzzword circle, AI is a

AI is getting some serious training.

very steerable pickup zones that can identify and

great tool for bad actors.

“We’ve gotta use AI.”

prioritize key sounds in real time. But the secret sauce

“Every device on-prem is a potential liability,”

I wonder how many companies have declared

agreed Frank Zovko, VP of engineering at AI-Media.

mandates like this—and then promptly left their

is training. The company is currently training the software for basketball, baseball, and hockey.

The company used NAB 2026 to introduce its new

teams to their own devices to figure out how to do just

Shumard said the trick is getting clean audio data for

LEXI Voice Encoder and LEXI Text Encoder for use in

that. Thankfully, I’m happy to report that there are Pro

training the AI.

the creation of written and spoken captions,

AV manufacturers that are avoiding vague “and it’s

transcripts, and translations. Zovko said the

got AI” declarations and really focusing their AI efforts

show. Vizrt’s chief marketing officer, Chris Black, said

company did its due diligence for security, with

into meaningful products and workflows.

the company wants its AI applications to be

On the video side, Vizrt introduced AI Keyer at the

updated systems, an overhauled web interface, SOC 2

For example, I learned about Shure’s Action

transformative and capable of simplifying human

compliance, and more. AI-Media has also committed

Isolator software during a session in the Broadcast

workflows through agentic AI. AI Keyer is certainly

to quarterly updates for added security protections.

Engineering and IT Conference. Shure’s Chad Wiggins,

designed to simplify VR and XR workflows, because it

Security was top of mind for BeckTV at NAB,

associate VP of innovation, and Brent Shumard, senior

enables a production to change backgrounds and

where the company launched BeckFlow, its web-

staff acoustic engineer, had a fireside chat with John

insert graphics without a greenscreen or special

based, broadcast-centric schematic documentation

Clark, NAB’s chief innovation officer and SVP of

lighting. Indoor, outdoor, on a set, on location—it

platform that doesn’t rely on traditional CAD

emerging technology, about why audio has lagged

doesn’t matter.

workflows. Matt Weiss, VP business development

behind with AI.

for BeckTV, has noticed there is more security

Beyond an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality,

Again, AI training is the key. Vizrt is training its AI to recognize human shapes as well as humans holding

awareness in the industry; in fact, he mentioned

Shumard said audio is often messy and chaotic.

objects, maintaining the key while allowing your

that BeckFlow is SOC 2 compliant and has

However, AI adoption for processing is starting. Action

talent to walk and chew gum at the same time. Vizrt is

authentication features.

Isolator uses AI to remove unwanted sounds. So, if

also working on training the AI to recognize hats and hairstyles, too.

NETGEAR is so serious about security that it

you’re shooting a basketball game, you can have the

acquired Exium, a cybersecurity company, last year.

sounds of the basketball hitting the rim, dribbling the

There was less concern about security when

ball down the court, even the squeaking of the

leaps in our industry, this first generation is the worst

connectivity was defined by an HDMI cable, but

sneakers all on one fader, minimizing the sounds of

it’s ever going to look. And it’s already more than good

today’s IP-based workflows has “raised the bar for

the crowd or the band or the PA announcer.

enough for prime time. All I’m saying is that if you’ve

the need for security,” according to NETGEAR AV’s

How does Action Isolator do it? The first part is the

Is it perfect? No. But like previous technological

been keeping extra stock of green paint for the cyc, you

John Henkel. He advised keeping AV separated from

right hardware. Shure’s DCA901 broadcast

might as well use it now, because you probably won’t

other IT assets on its own network.

microphone array offers eight channels of audio with

need it in the near future.

10

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NEWS

Sustainability: How Far Has Pro AV Come?

By Wayne Cavadi

S

ustainability is not a new innovation in Pro AV. The industry has long strived to reduce its carbon footprint for a greener tomorrow,

whether that be replacing packaging to more biodegradable products or advancing the longevity and recyclability of hardware solutions. There have been major advances in just a few years, but there is much work to be done.

Recently, SAVe has been front and center in the Pro AV sustainability revolution. Since its founding in 2022, the nonprofit has seen progress within the AV industry toward meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. “But let’s be honest,” said Tim Alevizos, SAVe board member and co-chair of marketing and PR, “the scope of the challenge we’re

Extron's Ecofficient initiative spotlights energy efficiency across the company's AV product portfolio.

facing is gigantic. If the 2030 SDGs are to be achieved, it’s going to take a concerted global effort that goes well beyond what we can achieve in the AV sector.”

Whether it is events like the SAVe 2026 Global Conference (coming this October) or manufacturers

recycling program that minimizes landfill waste.”

One way to reduce Pro AV’s environmental footprint

validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This achievement—which, per Kinly, made it

making impactful changes, SAVe applauds incremental

is about how the technology is delivered. Switching to

the first global systems integrator to have the honor—

progress and efforts to reduce e-waste and longevity of

eco-friendly packaging is big step, reducing shipping

validates the work the company has done towards

products. However, as Alevizos explained, SAVe is a

costs and providing much greener transport.

achieving “net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across

catalyst for change on a larger scale.

“To fulfill our mission, we need more volunteers—

Lightware Visual Engineering, which has already

the value chain by 2050; reducing absolute scope 1 and

reduced its carbon footprint by designing and

2 GHG emissions 54.6% by 2033 from a 2023 base year,

and, specifically, more leaders—to step up for the sake

manufacturing its solutions in a centralized

as well as scope 3 GHG emissions by 61.1% per EUR

of future generations and, indeed, the planet itself,”

headquarters, switched to all-paper packaging in the

value added within the same timeframe,” according to

he noted. “Our advice is for people in our industry, and

next step of its ESG strategy. The biodegradable,

a recent release.

far outside it, to take action as individuals and as

recyclable paper-only packaging will be used for

It isn’t simply big displays and packaging that

organizations, but not to step there: We need to act

Taurus UCX, Taurus TPX, Taurus TPN, OPTX, and

are focused on enhancing the carbon footprint. Last

collectively in a broader sense, and that requires

OPTN products. Packaging is still secure, yet it offers

summer, L-Acoustics invested in French-based

leaders who can inspire, educate, unite, and organize

plenty of benefits for a greener tomorrow.

MagREEsource. Per the company’s report on the

people and resources to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

Here is how some companies are paving the way for reaching these goals.

‘Ecofficient’ and Paper Packaging

Sustainable and Socially Responsible

partnership, it introduces a “breakthrough circular economy model for the professional audio

Sustainability has long been a part of the PPDS

industry” that focuses on magnet recycling and

philosophy. The display manufacturer was eco-

manufacturing technology.

conscious before it was trendy in Pro AV. PPDS focuses

There are many hands in the pot helping to stir a

on low-energy solutions with long-lasting shelf life.

greener future in Pro AV. And that is exactly what

Extron has made sustainability a major focal point. Its

For example, PPDS e-paper solutions, like the Philips

SAVe’s goal continues to be. “It won’t be easy,”

Ecofficient initiative, developed in response to the

Tableaux, save energy and maximize technology uses,

Alevizos admitted. “Systemic change is required. But

sunsetting of the ENERGY STAR program for

further reducing a carbon footprint.

there is strength in numbers, and we have the

commercial AV devices, spotlights energy-efficient excellence across its entire AV product portfolio. It

As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

signals Extron’s ongoing commitment to reducing

Last August, TPV Technology, the parent company

power consumption, lowering operating costs, and

behind PPDS as well as TP Vision, MMD Monitors and

supporting global sustainability goals.

Displays, and AOC, earned the EcoVadis Platinum

“At Extron, we’ve always believed that

Medal. Founded in 2007, EcoVadis provides business

sustainability and performance go hand in hand,” said

ratings, having screened more than three million

Joe da Silva, VP of marketing, Extron. “Opportunities

companies across 185 countries, awarding bronze,

for sustainability and conservation are evaluated at

silver, gold, or platinum honors. The platinum

every step of a product’s life, from power supply

recognition places TPV Technology in the top 1%

designs leveraging GaN [gallium nitrade] technology

globally as one of the most sustainable and socially

for cooler and more efficient operation, to shipping

responsible manufacturers in Pro AV.

materials optimized for recyclability, to our product

12

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Not long ago, Kinly’s net-zero targets were

numbers on our side to create the groundswell necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We won’t be satisfied until the potential of our movement for change is fully realized.”

NEWS

Shure Partners with EDGE Sound Research

S

hure has become a minority investor in EDGE Sound Research, a start-up company that is developing new experiential audio technologies that redefine how many audiences consume sound.

EDGE Sound Research was founded in 2019 by two University of California,

Riverside students, Ethan Castro and Valtteri Salomaki. Castro was inspired by his life

AVIXA Revises InfoComm EDGE Plans

W

ith the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remaining unpredictable, AVIXA has revised its plans for AV industry engagement in the region. InfoComm EDGE, originally scheduled for October 2026 at the

Festival Arena in Dubai, will now take place at the same location in October 2027.

AVIXA will also host a highly curated, invitation-only EDGE Preview in Dubai, Q4

experiences as a hard-of-hearing music producer and engineer, while Salomaki has

2026, with confirmed dates to come. Positioned as a focused working forum, EDGE

been focused on information systems and marketing strategy. Together, they have

Preview will bring together senior decision-makers and end users across key

grown into an innovative organization working to revolutionize entertainment.

sectors—government and enterprise, leisure and entertainment, education, and

The two companies have already been collaborating on new innovations. Shure’s

retail—alongside AV industry stakeholders and international consultants.

DCA901 array microphone tailored for broadcast, brings an improved immersive

“The positive response to our announcement of InfoComm EDGE earlier this

experience to every home with the help of EDGE Sound Research’s Virtual Sound

year reinforced a clear market need for a different kind of event—one focused on

Engine. The software analyzes the detailed audio from games captured by the DCA901

how integrated AV delivers real-world outcomes,” said David Labuskes, CEO of

and automatically identifies and isolates the sound objects that define emotion, pace,

AVIXA. “After close consultation with our partners in the region, we’ve taken a

and connection.

deliberate decision to move the full event to 2027 to ensure it lands with maximum

“Through this partnership, Shure aims to leverage EDGE Sound Research’s groundbreaking developments to further its mission of delivering exceptional audio

impact—particularly at a time when government bodies are aligning investment decisions with long-term strategic priorities.”

quality and innovation,” said Chris Schyvinck, president and CEO of Shure. “By combining Shure’s 100-plus years of expertise and market presence with EDGE Sound Research’s breakthrough technologies, this collaboration aligns perfectly with Shure’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and creating extraordinary listening experiences.”

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5/12/2026 7:29:46 PM 14/05/2026 09:46:23

NEWS

Haverford Systems Transitions to EmployeeOwned Company

S

maller or family-owned enterprises often

wealth building tool for everyday workers to

leadership and culture, because leadership can

choose to sell out to larger competitors

grow their retirement benefits by simply

remain in place and employees maintain ownership

or private equity firms when leadership

continuing to work.

of the company. Plus, because that ownership is

decides to make their exit. However, Haverford

“Haverford Systems has thrived as a family-

represented by shares in the company distributed to

Systems, a longtime provider of AV integration

owned business for nearly 40 years, and it was very

employees over time, the ESOP creates a retirement

services based in Downington, PA, has chosen a

important to our founders, Hugh and Eileen

benefit in addition to other savings plans.

different approach.

Richards, that the company continued to thrive after

Haverford Systems joins approximately 6,300

Rather than going public or merging with

stepping away from ownership,” said Joseph

other ESOP companies around the United States that

another company, Haverford instead turned the

Mulcahy, president of Haverford Systems. “We

include 10.7 million active employee-owners. Its

entire family-owned enterprise over to its

believe the transition to an ESOP accomplishes that,

clients and partners can look forward to increased

employees by forming a 100% employee stock

and will not only reward our team, but also help

employee engagement and motivation, increased

ownership plan (ESOP). The transfer of ownership

foster growth, encourage innovation, and create yet

focus on long-term value for all stakeholders, and

became official on Jan. 23.

another incentive for future employees to consider

continuity of company culture that will continue to

joining our organization.”

prioritize client experience and quality of work.

ESOPs are a long-term retirement benefit utilizing a trust that holds company stock for

Becoming an ESOP presents a variety of benefits

“Rewarding the commitment of our employees was

eligible employees to transition ownership of the

for the Haverford team. For example, it allows for a

our top priority in planning the evolution of our

company to its employees. They are a no-cost

succession plan that creates continuity in company

business,” Mulcahy said.

15

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

Increasing Costs Slow Demand in April

By Erin Budnik

few other vertical markets provide optimism for the coming months.

T

“Constantly changing tariff add-ons make it

The Pro AV Business Index report is derived from a monthly survey of the AVIXA Insights Community, a research community of industry members that tracks

he AV Sales Index (AVI-S) for April dropped

difficult to provide clients with accurate cost

business trends in commercial AV. The report

7.3 points to 52.2, with 21% of survey respon-

assessment for projects. In addition, frustration with

comprises two diffusion indexes: the AV Sales Index

dents reporting they saw a decrease in sales

paying tariffs to vendors knowing they’ll be the ones

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

for the month. This most likely means buyers are still

to collect any refunds instead of giving them back

each case, an index above 50 indicates an increase in

active but are moderating spend, leading to softer

makes one question the legality of vendors even being

sales or employment activity.

revenue outcomes despite continued deployment

allowed to charge them to us in the first place,” shared

activity. Companies are stating they have a good

an end user in North America.

pipeline through 2026.

Visit www.avixa.org/AVindex to access the free monthly Pro-AV Business Index reports and learn

The March AV Employment Index (AVI-E)

more about the methodology. For more information

remained steady at 54.2 in April. The U.S. job growth

about joining the AVIXA Insights Community, visit

economic instability are the dominant concerns,

rebounded but at a slower pace than last year’s norms.

www.avixa.org/AVIP.

making it difficult to forecast, price projects, and close

Some are finding it hard to hire skilled employees

Erin Budnik is the manager of market insight for

sales. However, seasonal patterns in education and a

while others are freezing hiring.

AVIXA.

Tariff uncertainty, geopolitical conflict, and

avnetwork.com // June 2026 // SCN

16

PEOPLE ON YOUR BUSINESS

Make the Most of Your Trade Show Getting ready for InfoComm? Make sure you plan ahead.

overbooking or scheduling unnecessary events, especially when they could threaten priorities.

Prioritization isn’t only about business goals. It also pertains to personal effectiveness. Many attendees focus solely on time management, but effective trade show participation also requires managing energy and mental bandwidth. Large crowds, loud environments, and information overload can quickly diminish your ability to engage meaningfully.

By Steve Greenblatt

T

rade shows are among the most powerful

routine rather than random. Planning ahead ensures

Through the #HealthyAV movement, first brought

you’re prioritizing meetings with the people and

to light in 2024, Brittany DiCesare and I shared a

companies that matter most.

personal experience that organically led to a

It’s also critical to be strategic in meeting

commitment to being our best at trade shows and

opportunities the AV industry has to connect,

planning and to map routes across the show floor to

conferences, and it gained traction in our industry. It

learn, network, and advance business rela-

make the most of your time, minimize backtracking,

applies to anyone and entails recognizing that

tionships. Whether it’s InfoComm, ISE, NAB, CEDIA,

and conserve energy. When scheduling times, it’s

professional performance at industry events can be

or a local conference, these gatherings condense

critical to build buffers between meetings and

directly tied to physical and mental well-being.

months’ worth of conversations, connections, rela-

account for “commute” time between booths.

tionship building, and business development into

Conversations may run long, appointments can be

including eating and drinking in moderation, getting

just a few days, making it critical to make the most

delayed, crowds will slow movement, impromptu

enough sleep, staying hydrated, exercising, and

of these opportunities.

conversations happen, and, most importantly,

recharging when needed, can be a winning formula for

opportunities arise. Leaving breathing room

being at your best when it counts the most.

While exhibitors and event hosts invest months

Making good choices to treat yourself well,

in planning, promoting, and preparing for a

provides scheduling flexibility, keeps stress levels

successful trade show or conference, attendees

manageable, and creates opportunities for short,

Have Fun on Your Terms

must also adopt a strategy for success to make the

valuable breaks.

Trade shows are among the few times our industry

most of their time and energy—or the event will

Being booked from morning to night may sound

gathers in person, and maintaining connections and

pass by in a flash, leaving them with overwhelming

productive, but it’s not sustainable. Understand

relationships matters. Take advantage of opportunities

exhaustion and regret.

and stick to limits. It’s OK to have downtime,

to have fun and socialize. The trick is balancing that

Attending a trade show effectively is not about

especially when it boosts overall effectiveness. A

value with your broader goals and priorities.

how much you do; it’s about how well what you do

few minutes to decompress between meetings or

aligns with your goals. Preparation, intentionality,

time to rest between the day’s meetings and

invitations: receptions, dinners, meetups, parties,

execution, discipline, and follow through can be the

evening activities can dramatically improve focus,

and private gatherings. These events can be valuable

difference between being busy and producing results

engagement, and stamina.

opportunities to strengthen relationships in a relaxed

or simply feeling busy.

Start With Purpose

Beyond meetings, plan logistics thoughtfully.

Make reservations early and stay at a hotel that

Evenings at trade shows often bring a flood of

setting, but they can also consume a lot of time and drain energy.

balances convenience and value while aligning with

Instead of trying to be everywhere, evaluate each

Before you even register for the event, outline your

predefined objectives. For example, if networking is

invitation with priorities in mind. Which events align

objectives for attending, identify your “must have”

important, stay at a high-traffic hotel. If social

with objectives? Which relationships would benefit

meetings, connections, or conversations. Define

activities are a priority, seek out the hot spots. If

most from face-to-face time? Where is the greatest

what success looks like or what would constitute a

recharging outside the show is key, stay at a quieter

likelihood of meaningful conversations?

good return on investment. Next, document those

hotel with ample dining options. Hotels near the

clear goals and objectives so you can measure

convention center also reduce steps and commuting

engagement rather than rushing from event to event

outcomes and identify tangible results afterward.

time, offering convenience for breaks when needed.

just to show up, make an appearance, and gain little

Trade shows reward those who prepare.

Without defined objectives, it becomes too easy

Prioritize What Matters Most

Selective participation leads to greater

value at high cost in fatigue. The #HealthyAV mindset reinforces this approach. When we treat wellness as

to get caught up in the excitement of the event and

Trade shows offer more opportunities than anyone

part of our professional strategy, we show up better for

the frenzy of the crowds, have conversations that

can realistically handle. Beyond meetings with

our teams, partners, clients, and ourselves.

are more social than business-focused, attend

exhibitors and clients, there are networking

random sessions, and return home having done a lot

opportunities, educational sessions, invitation-only

measured by how many steps you log, how many

yet getting little done. With purpose, every

events, social gatherings, and random conversations,

booths you visit, or how many people you meet. It’s

conversation and meeting becomes part of a strategy

all competing for limited time.

measured by the actions taken, knowledge gained,

rather than a coincidence.

Whenever possible, schedule appointments with

The key to intentional prioritization is to

Ultimately, the value of a trade show is not

opportunities created, and outcomes achieved. By

remember the goals and objectives first established

approaching events with intention, preparation, and

exhibitors, partners, colleagues, and clients in the

during the planning process. This means aligning time

self-awareness, success becomes a more predictable

weeks leading up to the event. Take advantage of

allocation with business objectives by scheduling the

outcome rather than a matter of chance.

opportunities to meet on the show floor, outside the

“must have” activities first. Then, plan the next tier of

Steve Greenblatt, CTS, is the founder of Control

show, or at a social event. Invite them to meet for a

meetings and activities in order of importance. After

Concepts, Inc., which provides specialized software

meal or coordinate a time to meet at a hotel lounge.

that, fill in the gaps with nice-to-have appointments

and services for the Pro AV industry. Contact him at

Stay on schedule so outcomes and results become

to round out the schedule. Be sure to avoid

steveg@controlconcepts.net.

18

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

Doing Something Different EM Acoustics continues to build its U.S. presence with a disruptive approach to speaker design.

By Mark J. Pescatore

Mike Wheeler Position: Operations Director Company: EM Acoustics Overtime: In my spare time, I am a keen (though out-of-practice) drummer, and I enjoy photography. I can also often be found trying to persuade my two pugs to go for a walk.

way to go—you get around the impedance mismatch between air and the cone surface. While the need for

SCN: I know you’re trying to build your U.S. presence, so

efficiency that originally governed the use of horns

I have to ask: How challenging is it to find sales reps?

SCN: What made you decide to establish EM

(due to amplifier powers being low) is less relevant

MW: The U.S. is an exciting and challenging market,

Acoustics?

these days, their speed, impact, and clarity cannot

not least because the country is so vast! But it’s a

Mike Wheeler: Loudspeaker design fascinated me as

be beaten by a conventional reflex-loaded

fantastic territory to be working in, if you get it

a young man, and as a student, I spent my vacations

subwoofer. Our MSE-118 “Quake” subwoofer, a

right—and we really want to do it the right way. That

working for a well-known British loudspeaker

product from the early 2000s, is still one of the best

takes time. We’ve had early successes on the East

manufacturer, which did nothing to dampen my

subwoofers ever made.

Coast, and we’re now actively looking for a solid

enthusiasm. Long-standing friends since school days,

distribution partner, one that shares our approach and

Ed Kinsella (technical director) and I came to realize

SCN: What makes the Reference Series unique?

ethics. It is a challenge to find the right fit, yes, but we

how well we worked together, and starting a

MW: The Reference Series is, without question, the

now have an extensive and fully matured offering, and

commercial enterprise together felt like a strong

most adaptable and flexible point source loudspeaker

we are undertaking that challenge with confidence.

choice. Forming EM Acoustics was a logical

series on the market. It's a complete family of

progression, something we could undertake to create

products, from 4 inches up to 12 inches, with a

SCN: As a manufacturer in a crowded loudspeaker

something new and innovative and simultaneously

consistent character and gorgeous, elegant voicing,

market, what is the greatest challenge you face?

get a great deal of enjoyment out of the journey.

that also has the flexibility created by single-channel

MW: Simply put, getting people to move away from the

passive operation and interchangeable waveguides.

uniformity of the big-name brands. We appreciate sound

SCN: How important is R&D to EM Acoustics?

The series is still unmatched even now, five years

is a very subjective field, which ultimately is what makes

MW: R&D is critical to any company developing

after the R10 originally launched. They are also very

it so satisfying to work in, so a manufacturer will always

advanced technology, and we are no exception. What

competitively priced, and the return on investment

be up against people’s personal preferences. We often

we are really interested in is doing something different.

for rental companies is extremely attractive,

find, however, that once potential clients take the time to

Just because something is done a particular way

particularly considering the exceptional performance

listen to our product without prejudice—and even

traditionally, and many other manufacturers follow

of the product. The series has proved instantly

better, try it out in a real-world scenario—they are

that path, doesn’t mean it’s the best way to approach a

popular and continues to attract designers and

quickly captivated. Once people find us, they tend to stick

design. As a relative newcomer (and something of a

integrators previously unfamiliar with our range.

with us. There is also a lot of marketing hype around this

disrupter), we have to offer something more than the

industry to overcome, with some pretty wild and often

“big” names. So, we utilize our strength and depth in

SCN: What are some of your key markets?

patently inaccurate numbers thrown around, so it can be

our “pure science” theoretical background (Ed studied

MW: Theater is very strong for us, not least because we

challenging to cut through that background noise.

natural sciences at Cambridge) to approach any

have worked with companies like Autograph for many

problem from a new direction wherever we can.

years. We are also very active in corporate and themed

SCN: How can systems contractors better position

attractions, and we are installed in a huge range of

themselves to profit from products and/or services

SCN: Why does EM Acoustics use natural materials

entertainment venues. We are, in fact, becoming the de

you have to offer?

instead of plastics for speaker construction?

facto installation brand for theaters in the U.K. Stadiums

MW: One of the key selling points of EM Acoustics is our

MW: The answer to this is simple: Natural materials

and the marine sector are building well; indeed, we are

approachability; we have a very open and transparent

sound much better. Plastic has the advantage of good

developing a number of bespoke products for the cruise

approach to business, and this is a real advantage to

inherent weather resistance and lighter weight, but

ship market.

those dealing with us commercially worldwide. We are

plastic enclosures have a particular sonic signature,

also a supple and fluid operation when it comes to R&D

and it’s not great. There is also a strong environmental

SCN: How important are immersive audio projects for

and engineering, allowing us to offer contractors

argument—in a time when we are doing all we can to

EM Acoustics?

bespoke solutions to often highly complex problems.

reduce carbon footprint and oil consumption, keeping

MW: EM has been involved in a significant number of

The lack of bureaucracy within the organization means

with a sustainable material that can be safely turned

immersive projects across diverse environments,

that lead times on custom orders are routinely much

into energy at end-of-life feels like a much more

and it remains a hot field worldwide. Our approach to

shorter. We are a privately owned company and have

responsible choice to me.

immersive has been to remain agnostic as far as the

actively avoided the sometimes eye-watering price

processing side is concerned. This has allowed

rises seen in other brands.

SCN: EM Acoustics offers a variety of speakers, but

designers and integrators using our amplifiers and

what’s the secret to building a great subwoofer?

loudspeakers to use the technology appropriate to

MW: It’s all about moving air and keeping

the project freely, without the constraints inherent

enclosures rigid. In our opinion, horns are the best

in manufacturer-specific processors.

20

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

MIKEY SHAFFER was also

working closely with dealers, systems integrators,

GROUP has appointed MC

promoted to VP of North American

broadcasters, and production teams to help customers

MARKETING to represent

sales, where she is responsible for

get the most from KOKUSAI DENKI’s broadcast camera

its audio and video

accelerating revenue growth,

and imaging solutions. A key part of her duties includes

mounting and rigging

expanding market presence, and

supporting partners and end users directly, which is an

optimizing channel performance

approach that’s central to the company’s strategy.

designs in Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii. MC Marketing is an AVL

Mikey Shaffer

across North America, while

manufacturer’s rep firm with more than three

leading the North American sales

NEAT has appointed JAVED

decades of experience in the AVL marketplace and

teams and channel partners.

KHAN as CEO. Khan, a seasoned

highly recognized by the touring, installed live

KASEY KAUMENS was appointed

technology executive with a

sound, and AV integration markets.

to national account manager and

proven track record in AI-driven

named ROBERT C. LUCKEY

transformation, takes the helm as

consultant liaison. Kaumans and

the company gears up for global

LECTROSONICS has appointed MIZZEN MARKETING as its new manufacturers’

Luckey work closely with national

Javed Khan

representative firm for the TOLA (Texas,

partners across the Pro AV

following his tenure at Aptiv, where he served as EVP of

Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas) region.

channel and within the consultant

intelligent systems, building edge solutions across

Mizzen Marketing represents the full

community, respectively, to meet

automotive, transportation, robotics, aerospace, and

Lectrosonics product line, bringing its technical

their customers’ need for

defense. Prior to Aptiv, Khan was the SVP and general

expertise and customer support to the Pro AV,

assistive listening and

manager of Cisco Collaboration.

house of worship, and production sound markets

communication solutions that

Kasey Kaumans

in the territory. Founded in 2005, Mizzen

Robert C. Luckey

Marketing has established a strong reputation for

commercial venues and public settings.

promote audio accessibility in

expansion. He joins Neat

RIEDEL COMMUNICATIONS appointed JAN SCHAFFNER as

providing superior support to manufacturers and

VP, managed technology

integration partners.

DAKTRONICS hired DANSON

Americas. Schaffner joined Riedel

KINCAID as the new sales

in 2018 and has played a key role

PLEXUSAV announced a new partnership with

representative for sign

independent manufacturer representative firm

companies throughout North

Jan Schaffner

BASSETT SALES CORPORATION, strengthening

Texas. Kincaid serves as a primary

the Americas. Having most recently served as program

PlexusAV’s growth strategy across Southwest

point of contact for sign partners

manager responsible for the division’s regional

in the region, providing

expansion, he has contributed to multiple innovation

in developing the company’s managed technology activities in

territories of the United States, including

Danson Kincaid

Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona,

information on Daktronics LED display solutions,

initiatives across global sports leagues and live event

and Hawaii. Bassett Sales Corporation has a

product resources, and support for upcoming projects.

environments. In his new role, Schaffner leads the

long-standing reputation within the physical

His role includes assisting sign companies with project

continued growth of the Managed Technology

safety and security markets, representing Pro AV

coordination and customer support.

Division in the Americas.

brands. Its recent expansion into Pro AV brings strong synergies as AV and IT infrastructures

EASTERN ACOUSTIC WORKS

SOUNDTUBE ENTERTAINMENT

continue to converge.

(EAW) has promoted ORLANDO

has appointed JIMMY MARTIN as

ROSARIO to inside sales

design sales engineer. Based in

POWERHOUSE ALLIANCE has added four new

manager, international, and

Austin, TX, Martin supports

vendor partners: AV PLUS, CLEERLINE, LOEWE,

CHRISTINA LUCCINI to inside

integrators, consultants, and

and OPTOMA. The additions expand

sales support for the United States

distribution partners with system

PowerHouse's offerings across fiber optic cabling

and Canada. After serving as

Jimmy Martin

and connectivity, premium home entertainment,

inside sales manager for the U.S.

and technical sales support across SoundTube’s

projection and display, and residential security.

market and supporting the

expanding portfolio. His career includes technical

AV Plus provides coverage across Southern

LATAM market, Rosario now

support at Screen Innovations, custom microphone and

California and Southern Nevada, Cleerline delivers

oversees international inside

analog console manufacturing with Wunder Audio, and

fiber optic connectivity solutions, LOEWE brings

sales operations. He brings more

inside sales and design roles at Biamp and HARMAN.

design-forward OLED TVs and integrated audio

than 15 years of experience in

Orlando Rosario

RALPH ANNUZIATA has joined

systems, and Optoma adds depth across both

Christina Luccini

residential and commercial display segments.

roles. Luccini’s promotion follows her marketing and

USSI GLOBAL as SVP of

sales internships. In her new position, she provides

operations. In his new role,

sales support and customer service across North

Annunziata is focused on driving

American markets.

enterprise-wide process

AMPETRONIC | LISTEN

sales, operations, and technical

TECHNOLOGIES have named

Mark Coombes

improvements, operational

MARK COOMBES VP of

KOKUSAI DENKI ELECTRIC

Ralph Annuziata

international sales. Coombes is

AMERICA has appointed

to support the company’s continued growth while

leading the brands’ international

MONDAE HOTT as regional sales

overseeing operations for on-site repairs, depot

sales and business development

manager for the Northeast. Hott

repair, and logistics. Annunziata has more than 30

efforts across Europe, Asia-

leads sales and business

years of experience in the IT and services industries,

development across the Northeast

with previous leadership positions at Stratasys, RCA

down through North Carolina,

Communications Systems, and Eastman Kodak.

Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, helping shape and execute the brands’ global expansion strategy.

22

design, pre-sales engineering,

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

Mondae Hott

efficiency, and scalable execution

BUSINESS CONVERGENCE

Convergence: What’s Next?

Pro AV experts identify AI and other emerging technologies that will drive the next phase of development.

By Mark J. Pescatore

C

KVM over IP are “enabling operators to access and

“This makes it far easier to produce more content

manage video and data workflows more flexibly

without rebuilding systems each time or buying

across facilities and remote locations. At the same

infrastructure to cover occasional peak events.”

onsider the expectations of your clients

time, centralized management platforms are

officially raised.

becoming critical, allowing teams to control video

will (not surprisingly) continue to play a huge role in

walls, sources, and KVM systems through a single

convergence. “Moving video workflows from the

intuitive interface.”

world of baseband into IP is opening new doors,

The continuing convergence of

broadcast and Pro AV technologies means corporate, education, and other verticals want broadcast-

Security is also a major driver, Kozel added,

With software as a driving force, IP networking

especially as more timing-aware technology surfaces,

quality productions—as do their audiences—

particularly in government and enterprise

and high-bandwidth, managed IP equipment becomes

coupled with systems that are more user-friendly

environments where secure remote access,

easier and more cost-efficient to set up and

and a lot less expensive than traditional broadcast

encryption, and compliance with standards like

maintain,” said Abe Abt, senior product consultant for

studios. So, what technologies are driving the next

Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)

AJA Video Systems. “Tools have come down

phase of convergence?

and Common Criteria are essential. “Ultimately,

substantially in price, and we’ll continue to see more

convergence is about operational flexibility,

of this in the years to come.”

From the integrator’s perspective, Ben DandolaGrubb, VP of technical integration for Verrex, said the

bringing AV, IT, and broadcast workflows together

next phase of convergence will be driven by

on a shared, scalable infrastructure,” she said.

technologies that blend high-end AV hardware with

“As everything moves to an IP infrastructure, the next ‘phase’ is software-defined workflows all running on COTS servers either on-prem, in data centers, or in

software-centric, IP-based workflows. “We’re seeing

Emphasis on Infrastructure

clients pair advanced cameras and professional audio

Sebastian Mucha, MultiDyne’s executive

added Rick Seegull, SVP of technology and business

with IP standards like Dante, NDI, and SRT, while

VP of sales and strategy, said IPMX is accelerating

development for Riedel Communications. “These

simple tools like OBS and Stream Deck controllers

convergence by “bringing broadcast-grade IP

innovations will promote true interoperability between

make sophisticated graphics accessible to everyone,”

transport into Pro AV without the complexity

vendors’ software within the broadcast, Pro AV, and IT

he explained. “As these ecosystems mature, the shift

traditionally associated with ST 2110. This lowers the

systems, having all software access the media directly

toward full AVoIP—eventually including ST 2110 and

barrier to entry for high-performance IP systems.”

in memory and enabling seamless communication

Distributed workflows—where processing

across multi-vendor environments. By supporting

IMPX—will accelerate even faster.”

the public cloud, eliminating bespoke hardware,”

For Will Waters, principal product manager for

happens closer to the source, rather than centralized

open standards and flexible architectures, they allow

Audinate, the most significant driver is a shift toward

control rooms—is another trend. “This aligns with

customers to select best-of-breed components while

software-defined media platforms, which can be

both Pro AV scalability and broadcast remote

building scalable, future-ready workflows.”

seen increasingly in universities, enterprises, and

production models. Plus, cloud is increasingly used

media organizations. “Organizations are moving

for orchestration, monitoring, and workflow

away from fixed, device-centric systems toward

management,” Mucha explained.

AI will play a role, Lyth

Jonathan Lyth, product director for

acknowledged, but he said its

are implemented in software,” he said. “This

enterprise media at Grass Valley, agrees

early impact will be largely

abstraction allows workflows to be deployed across

that software-defined production and

focused on reducing day-to-

on-premises infrastructure, virtualized

hybrid cloud will be key drivers.

environments, and cloud services using consistent

“Instead of tying specific functions to

management and security models.”

fixed hardware, teams can use the same

To that end, KVM will also have a part to play in

production capabilities across different

the next chapter of convergence. Anna Kozel, VP of

events and locations, scaling them up

marketing for VuWall | G&D, said technologies like

or down as needed,” Lyth offered.

Verticals like corporate and education want broadcast-quality productions but with user-friendly systems at lower costs.

24

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

day workloads, rather than changing how Pro AV content is created. “Tasks like system monitoring, tagging content, preparing clips,

GETTY IMAGES/BROADCASTERTR

environments where routing, processing, and control

A Place for AI

SCALABLE NETWORKING SIMPLIFIED.

Whether deploying a redundant or primary-only network topology, the MS8.2 Milan network switch is perfectly suited to simplify mobile, installed systems and spatial audio applications.

June 17 - 19, 2026

Booth #N6445 I Demo Room #N203 Exhibitor Invitation Code: ADA167

BUSINESS CONVERGENCE

From top left, Ben Dandola-Grubb, Will Waters, Anna Kozel, Sebastian Mucha, Rick Seegull, Abe Abt, Jonathan Lyth, and Michael Bergeron

While Waters said AI and automation will support monitoring, diagnostics, provisioning, and content management, their value depends on a strong foundation of software and management. “For decision-makers, convergence means applying IT and platform thinking to media operations. Prioritizing vendors that offer flexible deployment models, open APIs, and systems proven at scale helps create ecosystems that balance usability, control, and long-term sustainability,” he said.

Michael Bergeron, Panasonic’s senior category manager–advanced video production technology, believes the challenge with technologies such as cloud or AI is determining where each has its maximum benefit. “We tried cloud everywhere in the early 2020s,” he recalled, “and it stuck in places where scalability was required or where rarely used and checking quality control can increasingly be

for distribution on social media platforms. “AI is

assets needed to be delivered—cases in which

automated, helping teams to deliver more frequent

another emerging technology that both industries

on-prem support of the same functionality might be

productions more reliably, making live production

are just beginning to explore, and it’s already

cost prohibitive. We may see a similar shakedown

easier to repeat and manage at scale,” he said.

showing a lot of promise for enhancing media asset

with AI. GenAI content is still too easily recognized

management and the setup and configuration of live

as such, but AI with a human operator is a force

productions,” he added.

multiplier.”

According to Abt, some live sports networks are already using AI to quickly produce highlight reels

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SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

InfoComm Booth C7951

© 2026 DVIGear, Inc.

SCN390.bus.indd 26

14/05/2026 09:33:14

BUSINESS INFOCOMM PREVIEW

InfoComm 2026: Exhibitors Talk Top Trends

By Wayne Cavadi

I

that reduce complexity without sacrificing quality. As

visual performance, durability, and efficiency.

more organizations are producing video content

These span improved viewing angles, enhanced

in-house, there’s a strong focus on solutions that are

brightness, and color performance, protective

nfoComm 2026 is primed to take over the Las

intuitive and robust, without requiring highly

treatments like encapsulation, and designs for

Vegas Convention Center June 13-19 (exhibit

specialized teams to operate them. We’re highlighting

effective heat dissipation. We see steady demand for

hall open June 17-19). SCN reached out to a select

how organizations can build end-to-end workflows

ultra-wide format displays, especially in the case of

group of exhibitors to discuss the trends and buzz-

that are easy to implement, cost effective, and still

supporting collaboration and enhanced

words they expect to address during the show.

deliver broadcast-quality results. It’s less about any

productivity. Of course, with a growing emphasis on

single product and more about how everything

blending displays into architecture, we also find

connects to support today’s level of content creation

more manufacturers releasing creative platforms

and distribution.

that support custom and visually distinctive

Sean Shallenberger,

Director of Sales, U.S., Adamson

Joel Mulpeter,

that we will probably have a lot of

Senior Director, Product Marketing, Crestron

questions about is immersive

We anticipate a focus on how

One of the topics at InfoComm

audio. We’re seeing interest from consultants,

systems connect and deliver real

integrators, and end users alike, all looking to better

insight. AI generates a lot of

understand how this technology can be applied in

attention, but translating its

installations. This includes curved displays, wrapped columns, halos, 90-degree right angle, and cube designs that are being used to create truly one-of-a-kind deployments.

Sean Bowman

Associate VP of North America Sales, Shure

real-world environments. Capabilities like precise

capabilities into a better understanding of the

AI will be a major theme,

localization, enhanced creative storytelling, and

workspace and the workforce will be invaluable.

especially how it’s being used to

greater consistency across the listening area are

Customers are looking for practical, scalable solutions

deliver real value to customers,

reasons to look at an immersive solution. As a result,

that improve reliability and lead to meaningful

immersive audio is quickly shifting from a niche

outcomes, not just new features. This year at

save time, and improve collaboration. We’ll also see

concept to a practical tool that many in the industry

InfoComm, we’re telling a cohesive story that brings

strong momentum around software, cloud

are actively exploring. At the show, we will be

together our recent product introductions across

platforms, and deeper integration between AV and IT

demonstrating our own solution, the Fletcher

content, collaboration, and control. Individually, these

systems. Our flexible solutions, available on

Machine. We will show meaningful improvements in

innovations solve real workplace challenges. Together,

Windows and Android, with devices certified for

control, clarity, and overall audience experience.

they help build environments where collaboration feels

Microsoft Teams and Zoom, can be remotely

intuitive, productivity increases, and teams truly thrive.

managed via our cloud service, ShureCloud,

John Halksworth, Senior Product Manager, Adder

Karam Kaul

applied to simplify workflows,

providing IT teams and AV professionals global scalability and ease of management for any

We are expecting to see a big

VP of Audio, HARMAN Professional Solutions

focus on interoperability,

At InfoComm 2026, we expect to

security, and the convergence of

hear a lot of buzz around

AV and IT. As systems become

performance-first technology,

Vertical Marketing Manager, ViewSonic

platform-agnostic AV, and

We expect the buzz to be less

more network driven, there’s an increasing demand

AI-powered environment.

Mina Shin,

for solutions that are not only high performance but

simplified device configuration in AV ecosystems—

focused on chasing “bigger and

that are also scalable, easy to manage, and secure.

trends that align closely with HARMAN Professional’s

brighter” displays and more

AI-assisted workflows and smarter, more intuitive

latest innovations. Rather than treating audio, video,

focused on how to simplify

system monitoring are also likely to be key themes,

and control as separate layers, we’re showing how a

solutions for use in real-world environments. We

with the overall conversation shifting from individual

single, standards-based architecture can deliver

will be showcasing our MIP technology, which will

products to complete and integrated ecosystems—and

consistent, predictable performance across the

certainly provide a “wow” factor, but it’s not the

this is exactly where we’re focused.

network, even in enterprise-scale environments.

whole story. We want customers and partners to

Bob Caniglia,

Director of Sales Operations, Americas, Blackmagic Design

28

Robert Detwiler, Senior Director of Product Management, Planar

understand real-world use cases, and how ViewSonic products and technologies can help them grow and expand. We also expect conversations to move toward removing the friction between technology and the people who use it every day. For displays,

We’re seeing growing interest in

As far as display technology is

that means All-in-One innovations, easier-to-

IP-based workflows, remote

concerned, we expect to see

deploy setups, and enabling human experiences

production capabilities, and tools

significant advancements in

through AV technology.

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

BUSINESS BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

When Hardware Becomes Software Live production wants to move into the cloud, but that’s not necessarily an easy transition.

By Nigel Spratling

I

Cloud With Constraints

putting everything in the cloud remains, for live

Across the industry, business models are under

production at least, something closer to a utopian dream

pressure. More content is being delivered over the

than a practical reality, except at relatively small scales.

n live production, switching happens in the

internet and OTT platforms. Long-established

moment. In sports, for example, no one knows

broadcasters are rethinking how they operate. Sports

Bursting into the Cloud

what’s coming next—and if the operator misses the

organizations stream directly to audiences, corporate

In live production, systems have always been built for

shot, it’s gone. Even in news, where rundowns provide

teams run significant production infrastructure, and

the biggest day—the worst-case size and production

structure, switching still has to react dynamically to

independent producers put content online every day.

need. That means a lot of capacity sits idle most of the

what’s happening on air.

The production landscape has grown, and with it, the

time. Every studio in the world is overbuilt on purpose,

infrastructure decisions.

sized for the maximum need, even though that

The pressure hasn’t gone away. But the systems behind it have evolved.

In my previous column, I said that FPGA changed

Five years or so ago, the industry buzzed about moving everything to the cloud. With income and

maximum might only happen a few times a year.

Bursting offers a different approach. Rather than

the trajectory of production tools by letting engineers

turnover reducing, many organizations needed to find

investing in permanent infrastructure to handle rare

evolve a switcher instead of rebuilding it. Functions

ways to cut both operating costs and CapEx budgets—

peaks, the cloud can supplement an existing system

that once required fixed hardware can now be designed

and the cloud seemed like the answer. Providers like AWS

when demand briefly exceeds the base setup.

in software and loaded onto programmable silicon. If

and Azure offer massive amounts of compute power, so

Elections are a good example. A broadcaster may

something needs fixing, it can be reprogrammed. If

the whole industry began working on virtualizing what

suddenly need additional camera feeds for a few hours

requirements change, it can often be reworked,

we’ve typically done in hardware and FPGAs.

or a few days, more than the on-prem system can

provided the FPGA has been sized correctly.

A production switcher can be built to meet today’s requirements. When a customer asks whether the

Some parts of media production made that shift easily. Media playout, for example, has always suited the cloud, Netflix being the obvious example.

support. In those cases, extra capability can be added temporarily by bursting into the cloud.

Used this way, the cloud doesn’t replace on-prem

system could also do something it wasn’t originally

But live production is different. The challenge isn’t

systems; it complements them. For many use cases,

designed to do, the question becomes whether that

insurmountable, but it’s technically complex. Getting

putting everything in the cloud can end up costing

capability can be added within the existing architecture.

multiple feeds into the cloud, producing there, and

more than running systems on-prem. As a

getting the output back

supplement, however, there can be enough affordable

requires compromises,

horsepower to make it worthwhile.

including a lot more

That’s why the conversation has shifted. It’s no

compression. Still, if it can

longer about on-prem or cloud, but how to combine

save money, people want to

the two in a way that fits organizations, workflows,

make it work.

and business models. The hybrid approach will be the

More recently, early enthusiasm about the cloud has given way to a shift in

real game changer. And as it matures, so will the tools and services that support it.

For most, the future looks hybrid.

thinking. Without major

Nigel Spratling is the VP of production switchers and

advances in technology,

servers at Ross Video.

Most studios are overbuilt for the occasional big production, but bursting allows the cloud to supplement a system for a short amount of time.

30

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

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THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

AVOIP

SPONSORED BY ATLONA • DVIGEAR • JUST ADD POWER • MATROX VIDEO HuskerVision now has three control rooms to produce coverage of sporting events across campus.

Cornhuskers Coverage Conversion HuskerVision streamlines sports production across campus with its move to ST 2110.

By Michael Grotticelli

without its challenges as well.”

Under Hill’s guidance, the school’s HuskerVision

Mixed Format Architecture Once system design plans were finalized, BeckTV was

team unveiled a completely renovated second floor

brought in to make it all work. Brock Raum, senior

s Garrett Hill, director of technology at

of an existing building in September 2025. It now

engineer for BeckTV who was a HuskerVision team

HuskerVision, explained, since moving

works out of a 25,200-square-foot production hub

member when he attended the school, led the

to an IP-based signal distribution

featuring three SMPTE 2110, 4K HDR-capable

integration team that handled the equipment and

infrastructure that connects seven main sports

control rooms, complete with new 4K switcher and

systems buildout.

facilities/buildings, the biggest benefit has been

camera technology from Grass Valley and a HOME IP

the “flexibility to work smarter.”

orchestration software environment from Lawo.

the budget didn’t really allow for it,” Raum said. “But

Lawo A__UHD Core audio DSP engines and mc²56

we still wanted to give them a UHD HDR workflow, so

upgrade from existing SDI-based workflows last

consoles were part of the audio upgrade.

we incorporated some legacy baseband and other

summer, the production arm of the University of

(Meanwhile, the old football offices of North

favored components. It’s a true mixed format

Nebraska at Lincoln Athletics Department can now

Stadium now house more than 100 students

architecture.

create more Cornhuskers content, cover more live

associated with the school’s programs for

events, and send virtually any signal to any destination

HuskerVision, Creative and Emerging Media, the

content interacting across the entire plant, which

on the 861-acre campus with an elastic, software-

Huskers Radio Network, and Athletic Photography.)

necessitated a handful of 12G endpoints and 3G

Thanks to the scalability of packet-based signal

endpoints. “Planning with Garret and his team in

A

Upon completion of a multi-million-dollar

defined architecture.

The Road to Efficiency

“They wanted a complete UHD HDR workflow, but

There’s a large amount of 12G and 3G 1080p

delivery (IP), all the school’s venues, as well as the

advance where those endpoints were, and what they

various video scoreboards, can now be fed the highest

needed, really helped us focus in on a system design

HuskerVision’s journey to the SMPTE ST 2110 format

quality signals from the same centralized place over a

that fit within their budget, but still gave them the

began in 2023 with a transition to audio over IP.

fiber optic network. The control rooms can be set up to

features that they really wanted for their plant today

Lessons learned during that time helped devise a plan

work in tandem for larger events or used separately as

and for the long term,” Raum added.

for video a year later.

required for smaller functions.

“Doing audio first seemed like the right move,”

“It was important to deploy a scalable production

HuskerVision had a large amount of legacy equipment that it still wanted to use, things that didn’t

recalled Hill. “We learned a lot of the networking

system that could support all of the events that people

necessarily need to be 12G UHD, such as encoders,

requirements more intensely by doing that. We

want us to do and make it far easier to troubleshoot

decoders, and native 1080p Ross Video graphics

learned the importance of boundary clocking, device

remotely, allowing us to reliably send signals from one

machines. As a result, being able to intermix formats

discovery, stream management, and PTP on switches.

end of campus to another,” Hill said. “And it’s mainly

seamlessly was a big priority for them.

And now that we’ve done both audio and video, I can

run by students, which speaks to the ease of use of the

tell you that audio is easier to deploy, although not

various systems in place.”

“We tried to streamline the configurations and the workflows as much as possible,” Raum said.

avnetwork.com // June 2026 // SCN

33

INTEGRATION GUIDE AVOIP

“So, we sat down with Garrett, Kirk Hartman [assistant athletic director] and Scott Guthrie [former chief engineer], and we talked about what needed to be done.”

The solution was anchored by a Grass Valley K-Frame SXP IP switcher with a Kayenne 4 ME panel, because it can accept either 3G or 12G. “When you’re running 12 UHD on that switcher, you can accept either format,” Raum explained. “Then on the edges, we just had to figure out, OK, can this device natively do 12G? Can it natively do 1080p? And once we put that puzzle together, we built out workflows that they don’t really have to think about in their day-to-day operations.”

Lawo’s .edge platform is used both as a high-

Garrett Hill

density gateway and full IP processing node. Multiple .edge frames provide 3GSDI and 12GSDI ingest, while native ST 2110 connectivity and 100 Gbps interfaces

the devices on it to communicate correctly. “I’ve been

they’re not using them all at the same time. Rather

feed the production fabric.

dealing with networking for quite a few years now, but

than enabling that functionality in every location and

it’s just a little bit different with ST 2110 because it’s

sitting on it, maybe using it only 5% of the time,

only multicast,” he offered. “How do you set up a

HuskerVision uses the credits to its advantage.

Single-Threaded Core The control rooms were completed by August of 2025,

network that is different than your regular corporate,

when students and some professional crew began

core-access/edge or core-aggregate-access/edge

Audio Education

training on the new equipment. At the core of the IP

model if you’ve only got devices and VLANs at the

The HuskerVision hub facility is also complemented

architecture is a Cisco 9364 IP switch with 64 ports

edge? Whereas here we’re doing routing between

with three Lawo mc²56 audio consoles, a dedicated

(400 Gb capacity). That can scale to more than

switch ports. We’re not switching, we’re routing

console for studio A, plus consoles in studio B studio C

2,133x2,133 ports, even at 12G.

through an entire fabric. So that was new to me.”

(for streaming). The layout was adopted specifically to

“Even if they dropped all the 1080p and they said

Another key to the success of the HuskerVision IP

support the school’s teaching efforts. Also included are

we’re only going 12G, that’s still a router that your

model is the use of software-defined HOME

Lawo A__stage 64 and A__mic 8 interfaces, as well as

facility isn’t going to outgrow anytime soon,” Raum

applications from Lawo. HOME is a cloud-native,

HOME Management for routing and orchestration.

said. “So, it gives them a large amount of

browser-based management platform designed to

expandability in a small footprint. And that’s one of

connect, manage, and secure IP-based media

specific purposes so that the kids ultimately get

the big selling points of ST 2110.”

infrastructures. HuskerVision is using several of the

experience with dedicated hardware and dedicated

Interestingly, the IP core production and

“They’ve decided to dedicate these consoles to

apps, including those for the control rooms’

workflows,” said Broce. He added that while Lawo’s

distribution infrastructure is devised as a single path,

multiviewers, signal conversion, color correction, and

audio solution includes virtual mix interfaces

with all signals riding on it, as opposed to a more

downstream keying.

(MXGUI), they also added tactile, physical MC2

complex (and expensive) dual-path design. This was a

The benefit of the HOME apps is that they can be

console surfaces in the control rooms.

budgetary decision made to deploy a single-sided

turned on or off at will, saving cost and resources.

network, but HuskerVision can grow into a 2022-7

Also, as a customer of Lawo, HuskerVision has access

push of a VSM button, you can completely change the

“A great thing about our audio solution, at the

redundant network design if/when additional

to what Lawo calls “flex credits” as part of the agreed

console use case and workflow,” he explained. “You

resiliency is desired.

upon software license subscription. “These credits can

can remotely access the console from anywhere. Say a

“We call it ‘single threaded,’ and it was a cost

be applied to any of the HOME apps,” said Kevin Broce,

new student is struggling with something on the desk;

efficiency thing, as we were trying to balance the

key accounts manager at Lawo. “[HuskerVision] has a

Garrett can log in remotely from his office or the

budget that we had,” Hill said. “We know the

pretty hefty number of credits available on their

stadium and troubleshoot the issue with access to

production trucks do it this way and it seems to work

system, which allows them to turn on every function

every parameter and function via MXGUI.”

fine for them. And so far, the fact that it’s single

in our portfolio. That includes access to any solution

HuskerVision’s new IP infrastructure serves two

threaded has not been a problem.”

we offer now and anything we release in the future.”

key purposes: It helps the department deliver higher-

Redundancy to protect against system failures is

The flex credits can be scaled out to hardware

quality content for fans, educators, and students,

managed using “lots of spare parts” and swapping out

functions like frame syncs on gateways. In the

while offering students hands-on experience with

COTS servers when necessary. Because they can have

HuskerVision infrastructure, there are Lawo edge

top-tier equipment, IT networking, and scalable

any signal go anywhere, it’s never been easier to work

video gateways in the venues, control rooms, and

IP-based workflows. The result is a campuswide

around a hardware failure. It can be managed

truck docks. Basically, they have lots of I/O everywhere

media fabric capable of handling simultaneous shows

automatically or manual via Lawo’s Virtual Studio

and can use those flex credits that turn on any HOME

from centralized control rooms.

Manager (VSM) platform, used to control all

app for use anywhere on the network. The system’s

“We’re definitely growing into the system and

production devices, their parameters, and

ability to present SDI inputs as network “proxies”

learning some things every day, but by and large it’s

functionalities from a single user interface.

gives HuskerVision high scalability with minimal

been working great,” said Hill. “We now have the

bandwidth overhead.

capability to do whatever the school’s athletic

Communication Is Key

This software license model also allows

department throws at us and are confident the system

As for the challenges of upgrading an entire network of

HuskerVision to turn on additional gateway

will perform as designed. The use of IP infrastructures

venues to bi-directional IP operations, Hill said the

functionality, so it doesn’t have to buy perpetual

for college sports production is increasing every day,

hardest part might be getting the networking and all

licenses for every one of these gateways, because

and we now can clearly see why.”

34

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

INTEGRATION GUIDE AVOIP The sportsbook entrance at Bally’s Baton Rouge has a high-tech archway.

Bally’s Baton Rouge Renovates with AVoIP Alpha deployed the SAVI iQ platform to unify AV elements under one system.

B

ally’s Baton Rouge has been transformed into

casino. “So much of this project came down to how do

and iPads—no dedicated apps or extensive training

a modern, vibrant entertainment destina-

we take an old historic building and turn it into

required. “The SAVI interface fundamentally changes

tion, converting the historic Belle of Baton

something completely new without losing the vision for

how staff interact with the system,” said Fred

the space,” Higginbotham added.

Martinez, AV specialist at Alpha. “Instead of

Rouge into a fully reimagined hotel and casino. The new casino represents a shift from Bally’s previous

The glass-enclosed atrium now houses a modern

navigating channel lists or trying to remember inputs

riverboat operation to a permanent land-based venue.

25,000-square-foot casino floor featuring nearly 800

and display locations, they can search for a game,

Opened last December as part of a $144 million rede-

slot machines and more than 20 live table games.

select it, and send it directly to the screen. That

velopment, the centerpiece is a 50,000-square-foot

Within this environment, SAVI provides control for a

simplicity is what makes it effective.”

glass-enclosed atrium, once part of a rail and mar-

46-foot video wall capable of showing multiple games

ketplace complex, now alive with gaming, a dedicated

simultaneously, alongside a real-time sports ticker.

180 speakers, delivers consistent coverage across the

sportsbook, dining, and immersive social experiences.

The sportsbook entrance is marked by a distinctive

gaming floor, sportsbook, bars, and dining areas. As

To power the transformation, Bally’s turned to SAVI

architectural feature: an archway incorporating two

part of the wider SAVI integration, staff can control

nested LED tickers.

source selection and volume by zone, while automated

iQ’s AV over IP platform purpose-built for gaming and resort environments. Implemented by technology

Like many casino developments, the project began

A fully zoned audio system, comprising more than

adjustments maintain a consistent atmosphere

integrator Alpha, the solution unifies video

with a basis-of-design specification built around

distribution, audio control, and digital signage into a

multiple standalone systems. To meet the demands of a

single, intuitive platform, eliminating friction and

modern, lively environment, Alpha reworked the

energy across the venue,” said Higginbotham. “We

enabling seamless experiences across the property.

design around SAVI, consolidating those systems into a

implemented automated audio adjustments based on

“In today’s casino and hospitality sectors, guest

unified platform that reduces inefficiency, improves

time of day, so levels adapt without requiring manual

expectations are increasingly shaped by high-impact

scalability, and streamlines long-term operation.

intervention, ensuring the space always feels active and

visual experiences, real-time content, and seamless

Underpinning the entire experience is SAVI’s AVoIP

throughout the day.

“The goal was to maintain a consistent level of

engaging regardless of occupancy.”

operation across multiple zones—demands that have

infrastructure, anchored by SAVI Server Pro. Across the

traditionally required multiple standalone systems,

casino environment, more than 70 LG commercial

separate digital signage CMS. Using SAVI Show, Bally’s

adding cost and complexity,” explained Kevin

displays run on webOS, enabling direct integration

can create, schedule, and distribute content within the

Higginbotham, senior account executive specializing in

with SAVI Canvas and eliminating the need for costly

same platform used for control and video distribution,

casino AV integration at Alpha. “At Bally’s Baton Rouge,

external media players or set-top boxes. Video is

while the direct integration with LG webOS displays

those functions are now consolidated within a single,

distributed across the casino by SAVI STREAM.One 4K

further reduces hardware requirements by removing

networked SAVI solution, simplifying day-to-day

encoders handling broadcast television, sportsbook

external playback devices.

operation while enabling a more dynamic and

feeds, and in-house content, alongside integration

responsive environment.”

with third-party technologies from Vantiva, Q-SYS,

removing the need for a third-party signage platform,”

and NovaStar.

said Higginbotham. “That’s not just an upfront saving;

For Alpha, the challenge was not simply to deploy

Another advantage was the elimination of a

“One of the biggest drivers for the client was

AV systems at scale, but to unify them within a complex,

Just as critical as scale was simplicity. With SAVI

historically constrained building while delivering the

Glass, operators have customized, branded control of

lives in one environment, which makes it easier to

flexibility and usability expected of a contemporary

the entire system from 5-inch SAVI TOUCHPAD.Ones

deploy, manage, and support over time.”

36

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

it also removes an entire layer of complexity. Everything

INTEGRATION GUIDE AVOIP

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Matrox Video Convert IP Series Matrox ConvertIP is a series of ST 2110/IPMX

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baseband converters and encoders/decoders.

AMP—Advanced Matrix Programmer—is in-house

ConvertIP converts SMPTE 2110 and IPMX IP

configurator software built for Just Add Power

signals to and from HDMI, HDBaseT, or SDI,

AV over IP distribution systems. It accelerates

and can be configured to support

deployment by configuring supported network

uncompressed and compressed AV over IP

switches and preparing each Omega, Ultra, or

signals. Built for diverse applications, each

MaxColor device with the correct operational

can be configured as a transmitter or receiver

profile for dependable performance. AMP unifies

that can display, monitor, and transmit 4K

configuration, expansion, maintenance, firmware

signals over 1 G to 25 G networks with zero

management, diagnostics, and system takeovers,

latency. The IP converters support copper and

transforming complex AV over IP installations into

fiber networks, as well as multiple codecs,

streamlined, scalable systems that are easier to

such as ProAV Colibri and JPEG-XS, for

deploy and manage with confidence.

visually lossless compressed and lossless uncompressed video transmission.

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AVOIP INTEGRATION GUIDE

At Issue

What are some of the challenges associated with adopting an AVoIP workflow?

Steven Barlow

Catherine Koutsaris

bandwidth management, PoE budgets, and switch

Product Marketing Manager, Matrox Video

capacity all add layers of complexity. However, when

Adopting an AVoIP workflow brings

significant advantages. By treating video as data,

key challenges centered on IT

organizations gain flexibility and scalability, allowing

properly designed and implemented, AVoIP offers

integration and network design. Success depends on

a single source to be distributed across an entire

close collaboration with IT teams, as AV traffic must

campus, reducing hardware duplication, simplifying

coexist with existing data on the network. Proper

infrastructure, and ultimately improving overall ROI.

bandwidth planning is critical to ensure reliable, high-quality media distribution. Organizations must

Ninoshka Lopez

President, DVIGear

also design networks with future growth in mind,

Three key issues stand out. First is

avoiding costly rework as requirements scale. AVoIP

Senior Technician, Just Add Power

AV/IT convergence: AVoIP demands

demands in-house networking expertise for both

The real AVoIP challenge has never

fluency in signal flow and enterprise

enterprise IT and media networks. Choosing AV

been the technology itself. It lives in the

networking, and few teams have both. Second is the

components that optimize quality while minimizing

gap between a seasoned AV engineer’s instincts and an

compromise trap. Many AVoIP protocols squeeze

bandwidth usage is also essential to ensure efficient,

increasingly IP-driven world. Network configuration,

video onto 1 GbE by sacrificing resolution, frame

scalable, and high-performance deployments.

device compatibility, and team readiness are where

rate, or latency, leaving integrators to live within limits and resulting in image artefacts. Third is

Wylie Dunham

most deployments stumble. Forward-thinking companies are closing that gap not by forcing their teams through years of networking education, but by

manage IP addresses, multicast groups, and channel

Senior Network Engineer, Atlona

assignments instead of letting modern protocols

Adopting an AVoIP workflow

management work together. When switch

handle them. Modern standards like SDVoE on 10

introduces a different set of challenges

configuration, AV device management, and professional

legacy design thinking, where teams still manually

rethinking how tools, training, and infrastructure

GbE solve most of these: Channel numbers, multicast

compared to traditional AV systems. Instead of simple

development live within a single intelligent workflow,

groups, and IP assignments are abstracted via the

point-to-point connections, everything relies on the

the complexity dissolves. AVoIP stops feeling like a

API, and 10 GbE removes compression tradeoffs.

network, making a network-first approach essential.

disruption and starts feeling exactly like what it always

What’s left is organizational.

Factors like multicast traffic, IGMP configuration,

promised to be: progress.

avnetwork.com // June 2026 // SCN

39

TECHNOLOGY DIGITAL SIGNAGE

Increase Engagement, Reduce Waste The Pennsylvania Convention Center has a sophisticated new digital signage network.

ANTHONY JAMES PARTNERS

architecture, creating a cathedral-like experience as guests travel to the upper floors. Curved screens were placed at key intersections, wrapping around the walls. UberDisplays manufactured and delivered all LED video walls for the project.

Prior to the modernization, PCC relied heavily on static signage and temporary printed banners, with each event producing something new that was then discarded. This project allowed them to change that.

“The primary goal was basically two things: communication and to be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective with signage,” said David Watroba, managing director with AJP. To determine placement, PCC traffic patterns, historical banner locations, and natural guest interaction points were evaluated to identify where

The PCC’s digital signage network can provide wayfinding, messaging, and even sponsorship opportunities.

displays would have the greatest impact without detracting from the venue’s architectural features, which pay homage to its deep Philadelphia roots. This strategic placement in high-traffic areas would catch

By Jennifer Guhl

A

Anthony James Partners (AJP). Together, they saw it as

guests at natural points in the venue where they would

an opportunity to create a venue-wide

look for directions, reducing their need to seek help

communications platform featuring more than 150

from staff.

fter weathering some tough years during the

displays, including approximately 4,700 square feet of

“Our goal with this project was to provide a

pandemic, the events industry is booming

LED video wall displays and LCD displays in public and

modern and innovative signage solution without

again. According to Market Intelo, the global

meeting spaces.

overpowering the elements that make the

convention center market is projected to reach $89.3

The network allows the venue and event

billion in 2034, riding a 7% compound annual growth

organizers to enhance event branding, improve

rate (CAGR).

attendee navigation, offer new sponsorship

Pennsylvania Convention Center a one-of-a-kind event venue,” McNichol added.

opportunities, and modernize the overall guest

Central Control

convention centers are investing in infrastructure and

experience. AJP provided turnkey concept

The new network also dramatically improves real-

logistics upgrades to enhance the customer

development, system design, and construction

time communication by providing a central control

experience. This includes the Pennsylvania

management, while Eastern Sign Company and HB

system that allows staff to instantly update messaging

Convention Center (PCC) in Philadelphia, which

Frazer supported the physical implementation.

across the building’s display network. “We can push

This growth presents an opportunity, and many

recently unveiled one of the largest and most

One of the most striking elements of the network is

instant updates regarding room changes, keynote

sophisticated digital display networks in a U.S.

the 79-foot digital ribbon in the Broad Street Atrium,

alerts, or emergency notifications across the entire

convention center.

along with three towering 28-foot vertical LED

facility simultaneously,” McNichol said. “By

displays, which were treated as permanent digital

providing this information on demand, we allow

The project was something John McNichol,

ANTHONY JAMES PARTNERS

president and CEO of the PCC, said had been on the agenda for a few years. The goal was to enhance the east side of the building, which opened in 1993, to match the more modern amenities of the west side expansion, which opened in 2011.

“The customer experience is always top of mind in everything we do,” he explained. “Having such a wide array of digital signage at the venue now allows our customers to incorporate striking, creative, and budget-friendly signage options for their events, while also providing a more seamless, intuitive, and engaging experience for event attendees, organizers, and exhibitors.”

Across the Venue Completed in January, the new network was developed in partnership with technology consulting firm

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The PCC’s new digital signage network features more than 150 displays.

DIGITAL SIGNAGE TECHNOLOGY

visitors to focus on their event rather than the logistics

boards, they would be able to handle the additional

important Phase 1 investment. “Establishing this

of finding and navigating it. It turns the building into a

loads in a proposed Phase 2 or Phase 3,” said Lomax.

foundation during Phase 1 was key, not only to

responsive environment that guides the visitor through their experience.”

Messaging can be distributed across the network, and event organizers can decide what content goes where. “They can put wayfinding on it. They can put information on it. They can put the weather on it. It’s whatever they want to do with it,” added Watroba.

It also provides organizers with additional monetization opportunities by selling space across the digital network and increasing the value to event sponsors. “A high-visibility digital wall can now showcase multiple sponsors in a high-definition loop,” McNichol noted. “This increases the share of voice for brands and creates significantly more inventory for show organizers to monetize, all while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic throughout the halls.”

The system also helps PCC better support concurrent events within the venue, which in the past required significant lead time, manual labor, and substantial physical waste when printed materials were replaced as events transitioned back and forth.

“Now, we can execute a total ‘brand flip’ for the entire facility almost instantaneously via the digital signage,” said McNichol. “We can transition the messaging, color schemes, and logos for a massive convention to a private gala with no downtime and zero physical footprint.”

New Expectations AJP had to ensure that construction did not affect events occurring during the installation process. “We did a lot of coordination with them just to make sure that our three to four-week look ahead wasn’t just dedicated towards the material and the physical installation, but what it looks like to not make a mess or make noise around where certain events were,” said Jeremy Lomax, senior project manager with AJP. The network debuted while the venue hosted the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders event, offering convention and meeting planners from across the country the chance to see the network and its capabilities firsthand.

“The additions have been extremely well received by our customers who have stated that the signs have elevated their event experience,” McNichol said.

The digital display network is part of PCC’s broader, multi-year improvement program, which focuses on technology upgrades, operational efficiency, and the overall experience for event organizers and attendees. Future phases are already underway, including the recently completed display installations in the Grand Hall, which was designed as a synchronized media zone with approximately 760 square feet of wall-mounted displays.

An entirely new power and data infrastructure, included in Phase 1, was designed to support the additional loads in future phases. “We made sure that when we sized the transformers and the new panel

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41

Many installations don’t account for data and

support the current power and data needs, but also to

power needs for future technology integrations, but

support our future requirements as we continue to

knowing that future phases were already underway

develop our digital signage offerings,” added

made it clear to all involved that this was an

McNichol.

TECHNOLOGY RETAIL AV

More in Store Retail AV helps brands drive foot traffic while creating income possibilities for integrators.

By Carolyn Heinze

Display manufacturers are seeing a shift toward connected display infrastructures.

Corey added that retailers are seeking cloud connectivity solutions that incorporate AI, as well as

F

API integration, which gives them the ability to

a good reason to visit brick-and-mortar locations instead of shopping online.

A large video wall may serve as an architectural

or a while, retailers have recognized the value

manage content across potentially hundreds or even

element, drawing customers into a location or to a

that Pro AV technology can bring to the in-

thousands of locations—and make adjustments based

specific area of the store. Or an interactive screen may

store shopping experience. Savvy brands are

on real-time data and analytics.

serve up gamification to engage shoppers in a sporting

using these systems to attract consumers to their

goods outlet, granting them discounts or prizes when

brick-and-mortar locations, keep them there for as

Video (and Audio) Use Cases

long as possible, and hopefully spend money while on

Many retailers leverage Pro AV technology not only to

their storefront window designs and program their

site. On the back end, companies are taking advan-

facilitate the shopping experience, but to make money

content management systems to customize what they

tage of data and analytics capabilities to monitor the

while doing so through retail media. For AV designers

display based on the local weather. (For example, when

experiences they’re delivering. One of their biggest

and integrators, it may not be the sexiest AV

it starts to rain, ads for umbrellas will be prioritized.)

priorities: deploying and managing these systems

application, but it can prove practical and lucrative for

and the content they’re distributing on a global basis.

the client. A grocery chain, for example, may choose to

they want to achieve,” Phelps said. “A surprising

deploy video screens that run promotions for the

amount of time it’s because they think they should

individual display technologies toward building a

products that fill their shelves, and the brands involved

[deploy retail AV], but on the nice occasions it’s

connected display infrastructure,” said Dana Corey,

pay for this advertising. Wayfinding is another popular

because they’ve actually got a story to tell.”

SVP and global general manager at Avocor. “Retailers

use case, especially in large retail outlets.

“We’re seeing a shift away from focusing on

they win. Some chains integrate video screens into

“It all depends on each individual retailer and what

Good storytelling is the primary ingredient in

It’s when retailers utilize audio and video to

successful retail AV deployments, and as Phelps

[e-paper] depending on the use case, but the real

augment the in-store experience that things get

hinted, not all brands recognize this. He said that

change is that these are now treated as endpoints

interesting, argued Ben Phelps, retail industry director

many times, retailers express that they need to install

within a larger network.”

at Absen. With this approach, the goal is to give people

video screens into their locations because that’s what

still deploy a mix of LCD, LED, and increasingly, EPD

the competition has done. He argued that this is not just a bad strategy, it’s not a strategy at all.

“If you’re talking to an IT department, it’s not the ideal scenario because it’s just another thing that they have to do,” Phelps illustrated.

More than that, IT professionals aren’t designers.

Phelps said that ideally, discussions focused on retail AV should include the customer’s marketing personnel, architect, and the interior designers charged with outfitting store locations. With these From left, Ben Phelps, Graeme Harrison, Dana Corey, and Stephen Glancey

individuals leading the conversation, the likelihood of a successful deployment is greater.

With audio being a major contributor to the in-store experience, it’s necessary for stores to stay on brand. Retailers invest significant resources into the thoughtful curation and distribution of playlists, and most don’t want their employees interfering with music selection. There is also no need for humans to tinker with volume or music style when the system— equipped with ambient noise compensation tools— does this automatically.

Graeme Harrison, VP and general manager at Bluesound Professional, said this is why it’s best to give staff limited, if any, control over the sound. He also noted that employee turnover in retail can be high, and that training new hires on a complex audio interface is impractical.

“You’ve got to make it easy for them,” Harrison said. “That’s why no control or really limited control is

Good storytelling is the primary ingredient in successful retail AV deployments.

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the right way of doing it. The control interface is super-important.”

RETAIL AV TECHNOLOGY

Scaling Up

Phelps noted that content adaptation and distribution—

or quite often they will subcontract that to the

Corey noted that retailers have transitioned from a

formatting video so that it can be displayed and

integrator,” Phelps said. “That’s where your recurring

project-based approach, where the focus is on the

delivered properly—is one ongoing service that AV

income comes from, because you can charge for the

design or deployment at one single location, to an

firms can offer.

license for the content management platform and you

at-scale process that takes the entire chain into

“A retailer with 50 stores can train themselves to

consideration. The goal is to implement systems that

handle a platform that distributes the content correctly,

can charge for content management as well. Content opens up more business to the integrator.”

can be rolled out, managed, and updated across expanded networks with little or no hassle.

“That brings new considerations such as integration with existing IT systems, remote device management, security, and long-term operational costs,” Corey said.

“In many cases, simplicity and standardization become more important than highly customized installations, as they allow retailers to scale efficiently.”

Thinking at scale is also necessary for AV firms that want to help their retail clients with budget allotment.

Stephen Glancey, digital practice leader at Diversified, said that one challenge retailers face is determining how much they will invest in the AV systems that reside at their flagship location versus the funds they will attribute to deployments at locations across the country or even the globe. This is an important decision to make—when one considers that most customers will never have the opportunity to visit a flagship location.

“That’s where we begin to talk about creating repeatable elements that allow for lower budgets for stores with smaller footprints and less foot traffic, but still enable them to participate in the global digital strategy,” Glancey explained. “It really comes down to blending that bespoke, unique experience that you can’t have anywhere else, and how to scale that to mediumsized and smaller stores.”

While AV designers and integrators may not be content development specialists, there is an opportunity for AV pros to generate recurring revenue from retail AV deployments if they adopt a content-focused mindset.

Taking Measurement While retailers may strive to differentiate the bricks-and-mortar experience from shopping online, they still want to measure what’s happening in their stores the same way they do with their websites. Avocor’s Dana Corey argued that consumers continue to spend more money offline, which means that these locations generate valuable data.

“This is driving demand for systems that can deliver measurable outcomes, whether that’s improving engagement, optimizing operations, or increasing conversion,” Corey said. “There is also growing interest in connecting display networks with data, whether through sensors or analytics, to better understand what’s happening in-store. Ultimately, these systems are becoming part of a broader digital infrastructure rather than standalone solutions.”

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TECHNOLOGY CLASSROOM AV AVDG outfitted dozens of conference rooms in addition to classrooms in CoDa.

The new Computer and Data Science building is packed with technology and elaborate Pro AV extras.

By Jennifer Guhl

standards for education and collaboration,” she said.

medium conference rooms, including some with

“We’ve done many projects on the Stanford campus,

overflow that opens via bifold doors. In addition, AVDG

W

but the CoDa project was one of the largest and most

identified three larger classrooms as standouts,

hen California’s Stanford University

unique in scope. A project of this size and diversity of

including one with the second-largest Meyer Sound

unveiled its new Computer and Data Sci-

AV spaces was going to require dedicated attention to

Constellation acoustic system in the world.

ence building, known on campus as CoDa,

detail, and we were up to the task.”

the goal was to reshape how students, professors, and

When they were invited to lead the AV systems

Sound’s variable-acoustics deployment, which

researchers across departments collaborate to create.

design in 2019, AVDG had to navigate a long timeline

reshapes the room’s acoustics in real time using

This 167,000-square-foot hub, located at the cross-

that has become common in higher education

microphones and a distributed loudspeaker network.

roads of the schools of Engineering and Humanities

installations; the project broke ground in 2022 and the

This is combined with an integration with QSC

and Sciences, is not just another academic building; it

building officially opened in February 2025. The project

Seervision Automatic Camera Position Recall (ACPR).

was designed to transform how people think and work.

also required an extensive preconstruction phase,

The room was also equipped with nearly 100

Behind the scenes, this project centered on a

This ambitious classroom is highlighted by Meyer

during which the integrator had to navigate evolving

microphones and 128 loudspeakers, requiring

complex infrastructure with two four-story

needs and technology requirements. Early in the

approximately 50,000 feet of cable in the ceiling alone.

buildings connected by bridges at every level, dozens

process, AVDG shifted its focus to the infrastructure

of standardized collaboration rooms, three high-

required to support the technology to follow, including

Constellation system. It was something that hadn’t been

functioning classrooms, and an elaborate digital art

structural supports, screen locations, and ceiling

tested before,” said Chris Bubp of AVDG, who served as

installation that was introduced late in the project.

coordination to ensure a smooth execution during the

project manager on the CoDa project and is also the

install phase.

production manager for AVDG on the West Coast.

High Expectations, Long Timeline

which included identifying room types, quantities, and

collaborator with Stanford University, was tasked with

the typical technology in each, and approximate cost, we

leading the AV design and integration across

had to be nimble and adapt to the changes and track cost

classrooms, conference and seminar rooms,

variances accordingly,” Benson recalled. “As the project

collaboration spaces, and more than 60 small, flexible

progressed, we became more engaged with the project

rooms that could be quickly used by students,

team, including the architects, user representatives, and

professors, or researchers for a variety of purposes.

those affected by AV, such as the network team and

Katie Benson, senior key account manager at AVDG,

other trades providing infrastructure for AV.”

Ambitious Audio

“This is a well-regarded institution of higher

Across the two-building complex, AVDG outfitted 36

learning that provides technology that meets the

team rooms, 26 huddle rooms, and six large and eight

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A unique digital art installation offered some design and installation challenges.

BRUCE DAMONTE

Stanford also comes with high expectations.

“Nobody’s ever done ACPR and Seervision with a

“During the programming phase in the first year,

Audio Visual Design Group (AVDG), a longtime

noted that working with an esteemed institution like

BRUCE DAMONTE

Stanford University Embraces Adaptive Teaching Environments

CLASSROOM AV TECHNOLOGY

Given the ambitious scope of the AV installation,

was a short-throw reverse image projector that had to

some challenges could be expected, but AVDG reported

point in the opposite direction with a snorkel lens on

More than a year later, students and professors

very few issues. “Given the complexity of the largest

it,” Bubp explained. “We had to get that as accurate as

are successfully using the spaces within CoDa. AVDG

classroom in the building, there was a lot there that

possible because there are no zoom adjustments or

credits the smooth process to extensive planning,

could go wrong, but it ended up working out really

anything on those. So, it was a lot of measuring, a lot of

which enabled the team to address any issues that

well,” added Bubp.

testing, a lot of late nights trying to get the art people

arose.

exactly what it was that they were looking for.”

Displays All Around In the same classroom, AVDG had to install and configure five projectors, facing different directions, mounted 20-25 feet above the floor within a massive oval ceiling. This required careful planning and coordination with other trades to ensure that the projectors were at the correct distance from the custom-sized projection screens. Serviceability of the classroom systems, which was considered throughout the installation, required AVDG to build custom slide-out frames and pulleys to facilitate component access and servicing.

Among the other spaces in CoDa, technology included projectors from Panasonic and Epson, displays from Samsung, conferencing platforms from Cisco, and control systems from Crestron and Cisco, all aligning with Stanford’s standards within each space.

Although many of these spaces were standardized, some still required special attention, such as a fourthfloor event space that required AVDG to install a 21-foot-long, 750-pound projection screen. Without a freight elevator, it took a full morning to move it into the space.

Despite intermittent severe weather in California that the team had to work around, the general contractor, Whiting-Turner, and its foreman, Owen Barcelona, kept the install on track. “I called him the Iceman because it didn’t matter what challenge a trade threw at him, he seemed unfazed and ready to find a solution,” said Bubp.

Digital Art Challenges Early in the construction phase, the university announced a multi-story digital art installation for the stairwell between the two buildings. “We’d been working on this building for a number of years, and we were introduced to this nuanced, specialty art installation that was a new, exciting challenge to the project,” Benson said.

To bring the art display to life, AVDG used four NEC projectors with inverted lenses, cameras to capture live imagery, and a Crestron control system that adjusted for changing daylight in the space. Given that the stairwell is the building’s architectural centerpiece, the AV aesthetics were critical, and the projection system with cameras had to be incorporated so it would almost disappear within the space. A major challenge of the project required technicians to work suspended from four floors while installing cameras, cabling, and support hardware.

When integrating the projector, there was little margin for error in achieving exact geometry, so the art was projected as the arts team intended. “One of them

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TECHNOLOGY BY THE NUMBERS

May We Live in Interesting Times As the industry preps for InfoComm, how does AI fit into the overall Pro AV picture?

a given year and should be taken with a grain of salt.

In fact, the March peak was even higher in each of the last four years. Though one month doesn’t make the year, the tone that signal sets is a bit of a cautionary tale. Respondents did indicate rising costs as a chief concern, which echo in other data indicating that the impact of tariffs may be finally showing up in the data.

Turning to the Jetbuilt project management platform for AV dealers and installers offers another signal of a strong start to 2026. The total value of

By Sean Wargo

T

2025. As an early indicator of downstream investment

projects created on Jetbuilt increased 38% over the

in technology, this could portend softness ahead.

same period last year. While some of this is due to

Fortunately, since corporate profits are up, even if

just the increasing usage of the platform, that is well

ake a moment to consider all the disruptions

consumer spending weakens over the near term, there

above the baseline growth of 15% in project value for

we are facing in the broader context of the

is room for investment, assuming executives do not

2025. Thus, it is a clear sign of more projects in the pipeline at a higher value.

global economy—changing trade policies

also become cautious in light of rising costs. One

through tariffs, supply chain challenges linked to

indicator suggesting the contrary is the Purchase

conflict in the Middle East, rising energy costs due to

Manager’s Index, a gauge of corporate buying intent.

project values are increasing, the percentage of

the same, climate change, aging workforces, and of

As with any similar diffusion index, scores above 50

project costs from hardware is on the rise. While it

course AI.

indicate growth; the Q1 result shows 52.5, a slight

hovered around 40% over the past few years, it shot

increase from last year.

up more than 50% in late 2025. This puts pressure on

The last is perhaps the one that the Pro AV industry is contemplating the most. A quick review

With consumer spending growth down and

Here’s the bigger issue—while the average

integrators from a margin perspective, as more of

of the news coming out of NAB provides a firehose of

corporate plans improving, economists suggest we are

the revenue is consumed by hardware rather than

announcements of the next wave of use cases for AI. In

entering a late-stage economy wherein growth comes

markups or service. Once again, we have a potential

fact, there is a good amount to talk about there, as the

from corporate investments to improve operations

signal of tariff impacts.

exact applications within AV solution sets crystalize.

and gain efficiencies, instead of one driven by

We’ll get to that, but first let’s back up a moment.

consumers. This is perhaps a good sign for Pro AV,

by integrators can be found in data from PMA

What exactly is the context?

though with many projects being driven more by

Research, a market research company focused on the

experiences, this is only partially positive.

display market. While a bit bouncy, the average

Optimism or Pessimism?

Coming out of a muted 2025, which saw lower growth rates for GDP and Pro AV specifically, has everyone wondering how 2026 might fare. Starting with GDP, IMF estimates show some challenges, particularly once the Iranian conflict is factored in. Growth rates for the Middle East were cut fairly substantially, creating a ripple effect around the rest of the world.

Estimates now show GDP in 2026 growing 3.1%, down from 3.4% last year. This means a weaker context for Pro AV, as arguably there is less capital to be invested overall, even if technology may win a disproportionate share, as it often does.

Two examples of the hardware cost increases felt

prices in the Pro AV channel for both flat-panel

“Project work may be less profitable for the channel as rising hardware costs eat up the budget.”

displays and projectors have shown 10-20% spikes over the past several months. In the case of FPD and dvLED, this occurred in December with slight improvement since.

Projector prices have risen more steadily both for integrators and at the distributor level with increases more in the 25% range. Given that display prices had been dropping over the past several years due to a surge in inventories, this further supports the theory that inventory has diminished to the point where tariff impacts can be felt.

So where does this leave us as we come together

Evaluating the Outlooks

at InfoComm to get a renewed pulse on the

hard to find. A quick search reveals continued growth

With context in mind, let’s turn to the actual outlooks.

evolutions in AI? Here’s what we know: The volume

in corporate profits, historically low jobless claims,

According to AVIXA, 2025 was a low watermark for

and value of projects in the AV pipeline are showing

low unemployment rates, and robust consumer

growth and 2026 will rebound a bit. Caretta Research

good growth over last year. But project work may be

spending. Each of those provides a good fundamental

shows similar, though with a bit more

less profitable for the channel as rising hardware

for Pro AV investment generally speaking.

conservativeness. Both put overall Pro AV spending

costs eat up the budget. This will further require

growth closer to 4%. Based on past differences

integrators to be creative in how they gain

economy, in which consumers’ discretionary

between GDP and Pro AV, these figures may appear a

efficiencies to maintain margin.

spending shifts to “micro-luxuries.” Witness travel,

bit low, but not out of keeping with a general climate

entertainment, and dining related outlays here. The

of concern. A tepid year of growth, with perhaps an

process improvements. AI-powered design

challenging news is that data shows a slower rate of

upside more toward 5% is reasonable.

recommendation tools coming from project

The counterpoints to a pessimistic outlook aren’t

Economists continue to talk about an experience

growth in normalized consumer spending since the peak of the pandemic recovery.

The U.S. World Bank estimates for global

Multi-source data from Q1 helps shed light on the trajectory so far. AVIXA’s AV Business Index, a

Fortunately, AI may be poised to help provide

management platforms are emerging to help integrators create and deploy reference designs in a

diffusion index based on surveys submitted by AV

more efficient way.

household consumption numbers are growing at a

professionals, shows a slight uptick in March to near

Sean Wargo is a principal of Apogee Insight, a data,

slower rate over the past several years and into 2026

60. Those paying close attention will immediately

analytics, and insight company serving Pro AV and

once the data is normalized to 2015, rising only 2.7% in

notice that March is typically the highwater mark for

its adjacencies.

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SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

SoundTube Rockustics CBG5 The Rockustics Cherry Bomb Galaxy (CBG5) is a highperformance outdoor bollard speaker engineered to deliver full-range landscape audio from a single, compact enclosure. Challenging the

Emergent Fusion

convention of hidden

Developed for both the modern corporate media

landscape audio, the Cherry

environment and the broadcast newsroom, Fusion

Bomb Galaxy is intentionally

empowers producers to visualize “interactive

designed as a visible design

anything” without the need for traditional

Audio-Technica ATV-SG1 / ATV-SG1LE

element, combining

programming. It’s a no-code application builder

Built for professional videographers and content

architectural presence with

designed to transform complex live data into

creators, the ATV-SG1 and ATV-SG1LE on-camera

high-performance sound. It

immersive interactive storytelling experiences. As

shotgun microphones deliver natural, high-fidelity

features a patented three-

media organizations face increasing pressure to deliver

audio from a feature-rich, easy-to-use device. The

way system architecture that

sophisticated data visualizations, Fusion provides an

compact mics are designed for use with DSLR,

integrates a 5.25-inch

intuitive interface to quickly overlay images, video, and

mirrorless SLR, and other cameras. The flagship

double-chamber bandpass subwoofer, 4.5-inch

HTML5 graphics onto dynamic maps and dashboards.

ATV-SG1 offers dual-channel flexibility with matrix

midrange driver, and 0.75-inch titanium dome

While the platform offers specialized pre-built

switch that lets users choose duplicate left/right

tweeter into a single outdoor-bollard. The design

templates, its flexible architecture makes it an

channels, primary track paired with a -6dB safety

keeps all frequencies originating from the same

essential tool for telling any story, such as real-time

track, or primary microphone track alongside a

physical location, eliminating the phase alignment

corporate financial results. Users can also upload their

wireless lavalier feed, all sent directly into the camera’s

challenges and variations in bass energy that often

own data sets and enable them in seconds. Publish an

stereo input. The ATV-SG1LE is a more streamlined

occur when subwoofers are installed separately. The

unlimited number of apps and launch them in studio

mic without the safety track/lavalier channel. Both

result is uniform bass from a coherent, full-range

monitors, stream into production control, or embed

feature a highly directional 100mm acoustic tube for

outdoor speaker with faster and simpler installs.

them into websites and apps.

focused pickup and a 14mm large-diameter

Constructed from rotomolded LLDPE with a

diaphragm for high sensitivity and low noise. A

weatherized aluminum grille, the unit is designed for

built-in USB rechargeable battery provides up to 24

long-term durability in outdoor installations.

hours of continuous operation, while an integrated shock mount dissipates unwanted handling noise.

UNICOL Orbit AV Trolley The Orbit AV Trolley mobile display solution is engineered to make installation simple, efficient, and precise for AV integrators. It’s designed for Pro AV environments including collaboration spaces and flexible meeting areas. The Orbit AV Trolley features tidy cable management and a stylish wooden shelf with integrated pen tray. Finished in Sinterflex black

Shure IntelliMix Bar Pro

or white, it includes a simple rear cover with space to

Shure’s new IntelliMix Bar Pro videobar delivers

AVPro Edge MXnet USP Series

hold small devices, making it ideal for

exceptional audio and video coverage from a single

The MXnet USP (Universal Streaming Platform)

videoconference-ready screens such as the Neat

device, making it ideal for medium to large meeting

Series is a lineup of AV over IP transceivers designed

Board Pro. The solution incorporates practical

spaces. Four 4K cameras offer a combined 135-degree

with AVPro Flow technology, delivering the

features including cable

wide-angle field of view to ensure full-room visibility

scalability, flexibility, and interoperability that

clips down the legs,

and highlight active participants. Shure IntelliMix View

integrators require to deploy large commercial AV

in-bracket four-way

AI framing technology accurately frames participants

distribution systems, achieving the exact resolution

power socket, and under

and enables precise capture of nonverbal cues, creating

required for each zone. With advanced features like

shelf cable tie for

more engaging and productive meetings for all

video wall processing, native multiview capability,

improved convenience

participants. The IntelliMix Bar Pro integrates Shure

integrated signage player, and seamless third-party

during installation and

Microflex Advance array microphones with high-

interoperability, USP provides the foundation for

neat, cable-free

output, premium stereo loudspeakers to deliver

hybrid AV environments. The series includes three

movement between

superior audio for meeting experiences. Onboard

models. The USP-PR (Pro) offers 4K60 H.265/H.264

rooms. Engineered with

IntelliMix processing enhances audio clarity by

with HDMI, USB-C input with 60-watt power

mobility and flexibility

reducing background noise and isolating voices,

delivery, 16-window multiview, integrated signage

in mind, the Orbit AV

supporting precise transcriptions for AI tools like

player, and two-channel Dante/AES67 audio. The

Trolley supports screens

Copilot in Microsoft Teams. built on MDEP, the

USP-PL (Plus) also supports 4K60 with a seven-

up to 65 inches (larger

Android-based IntelliMix Bar Pro, includes an onboard

window multiview capability and more, while the

screen and LED versions

compute that simplifies setup, reduces potential points

compact USP-ES (Essential) offers 1080p60 support

and customization also

of failure, and lowers overall maintenance.

with a four-window multiview and more.

available).

avnetwork.com // June 2026 // SCN

47

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

Sound Devices Astral Mini Plus The latest Astral compact wireless

AtlasIED AIX

transmitter bodypack,

The new AIX platform is designed to help integrators

the new Mini Plus offers

move beyond reactive security toward smarter

a familiar ergonomic

Samsung Spatial Signage

prevention and situational awareness—while fitting

form factor and rugged

Spatial Signage is a new glasses-free 3D commercial

cleanly into real-world security deployments.

performance for

display that uses Samsung’s 3D Plate technology.

Designed with a modular architecture, PoE++ for

challenging location sound, live music, and live

Powered by a custom optical layer that bends light and

power-hungry applications, and integrated AI

theater productions. It has been engineered for

generates depth perception directly within the image

expansion pathways, AIX combines audio, visual

extended battery life with the XL-B14500

panel, the result is multidimensional depth delivered

notification, multi-sensing, and intelligent edge

rechargeable cell, ensuring consistent, dependable

in a 2-inch panel for seamless placement in high-

capability into a single adaptable platform. By

performance for up to eight hours, plus it can be

traffic environments, such as stores or museums.

consolidating multiple system functions onto a single

topped off easily via USB-C for additional power

Powered by Samsung’s advanced Quantum Processor,

network drop, it simplifies infrastructure while

flexibility. Astral Mini Plus features Sound Devices’

the display maintains sharp detail and accurate

expanding capability. Key features include ONVIF

SpectraBand extended 169-1525 MHz tuning range,

contrast, while an anti-glare panel helps preserve

compatibility, modular and expandable hardware, a

which provides RF control to find clean, usable, and

brightness and definition under varying indoor

structured priority model for deterministic behavior

legal frequency bandwidth anywhere in the world.

lighting conditions. With Samsung Visual eXperience

and consistent overrides during simultaneous events,

The transmitter can be operated anywhere,

Transformation (VXT) built-in capabilities,

and Site Manager software for centralized, scalable

regardless of local spectrum regulations, making it

organizations can create and deploy immersive

management. The initial AIX ecosystem launch

ideal for international productions. Astral Mini Plus

content at scale. AI Studio, Samsung’s new AI-powered

includes loudspeakers, visual displays, LED flashers,

is also rated IP67 for water resistance. The

content app, transforms static images into video

expansion modules, and accessories. All initial devices

transmitter also includes an ePaper display and new

optimized for Spatial Signage without external tools or

include expansion slots for advanced gunshot

usability features for reduced setup times and faster

manual setup. The 85-inch model (SM85HX) is

detection, camera, and flasher modules.

on-the-fly adjustments.

available now, with additional sizes coming soon.

CONNECTORS & ADAPTORS

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

48

SCN // June 2026 // avnetwork.com

FIBER CABLES

FLYPACKS & ROAD CASES

MODULAR FLOOR BOXES & CUTOMIZED PANELS

VIEWPOINT

When Visibility Becomes Reliability Cloud-based device management will define the future of networked audio.

By Jakub Kolacz

A

integrators, IT staff, and AV teams alike. While these

management becomes intent-based rather than

systems represent meaningful progress, their deeper

task-based. Instead of manually interrogating

significance comes from how they evolve after launch.

individual endpoints, teams will define outcomes—

cross modern workplaces, lecture halls, and

Cloud-based platforms do not remain static; they

maintaining audio consistency across rooms, validating

collaboration environments, AV and IT sys-

become living ecosystems shaped by the organizations

system readiness before meetings, or isolating

tems are becoming more closely intertwined.

that use them.

anomalies before users notice them—and intelligent

What was a once a simple plug-and-play relationship

Real-time diagnostics, usage patterns, and

agents will handle the underlying complexity. Enabled

has transformed into a vast web of interconnected

operational insights create a feedback loop that informs

by standardized APIs and secure context-sharing

devices, all competing for resources on the network.

future development. Instead of guessing what features

protocols, these agents will be able to understand device

This new landscape has led both AV and IT

customers may need, developers gain continuous

states, correlate events across vendors and systems, and

professionals to greater collaboration, but it’s not

visibility into emerging behaviors and challenges,

execute corrective workflows autonomously while

without its challenges. One of the most significant

enabling smarter, more targeted enhancements. Over

remaining governed by enterprise security and

issues is the absence of clear, continuous visibility into

several years, such platforms often become far more

authorization policies.

how networked technology behaves, especially across

capable than anyone could have forecast at the outset.

multi-site deployments.

As networked audio systems scale across hybrid

Let’s Add AI

This shift will further blur the traditional boundaries between AV, IT, and building systems. As intelligent management layers gain the ability to reason across

workforces and multi-building estates, traditional

As cloud-based visibility becomes the norm, the next

audio, networking, control, and collaboration

methods of on-site monitoring and room-by-room

phase of evolution will be defined by intelligence layered

platforms, networked audio will no longer operate as an

oversight are unable to keep pace with operational

on top of that visibility. Centralized platforms already

isolated discipline.

demands. When teams lack a centralized view of

aggregate telemetry, configuration data, and

Instead, it will become part of a broader, software-

device health, configuration status, and

performance indicators across distributed

defined environment in which performance, reliability,

performance conditions, they are effectively

environments. As these data sets mature, they create the

and user experience are continuously optimized by

working blind, leaving them to react to issues only

foundation for intelligent systems that can interpret

systems designed to learn and adapt over time. In this

after they disrupt communication.

conditions, recognize patterns, and recommend—or

context, long-term value will be driven less by static

initiate—action. Rather than simply presenting status

feature sets and more by openness, interoperability, and

information, future management layers will

the ability to participate in intelligent ecosystems that

To address this shift in expectations, the industry has

increasingly function as active participants in system

evolve alongside the organizations they support.

accelerated toward cloud-based device management.

operations, reducing the burden on AV and IT teams and

Visibility has become the foundation of reliability,

shortening the distance between insight and resolution.

learning becomes more entrenched, this shift will

enabling teams to anticipate problems instead of

Advances in AI agents and large language model–

influence the entire lifecycle of networked audio

driven orchestration point toward a future where device

deployments. Visibility will become as essential as

Emerging Solutions

responding to them. This visibility helps AV/IT teams to understand their audio infrastructure as a unified living system rather than a series of isolated endpoints. In environments where uptime is essential, the ability to

As hybrid work continues to expand and distributed

sound quality, and the ability to oversee devices Cloud-based device management enables teams to anticipate problems instead of responding to them.

remotely will be viewed not as an advanced feature but as a baseline expectation. Organizations will invest in

observe device behavior, detect inconsistencies,

systems that can adapt over time, accommodate new

maintain firmware alignment, and track overall

spaces and workflows, and provide the kind of real-time

performance from any location has become a defining

intelligence that allows teams to stay ahead of issues

requirement for successful operations.

rather than chasing them.

A new generation of centralized management

The future of networked audio will be defined by

platforms is emerging to solve this challenge. These

platforms that give organizations the ability to

platforms, currently in development across the

understand their environments holistically. When

industry, are designed to unify device oversight into a

systems can be observed in real time, refined

single, intuitive interface accessible from any location.

continuously, and secured centrally, collaboration

They enable secure, role-based management across

becomes more dependable for everyone who relies on it.

teams and campuses, allowing organizations to

In an era where communication is mission-critical, the

organize rooms and devices in ways that reflect how

most transformative advancement is not any single

their environments function.

device—it’s the ability to finally see the entire landscape

By operating entirely through a web browser, they

and act with confidence.

streamline deployment and remove installation

Jakub Kolacz serves as lead product manager software

barriers, offering fast, flexible management for

at Sennheiser.

avnetwork.com // June 2026 // SCN

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