AV Technology's Tech Manager's Guide to the Evolved Display - August 2024 by publications

IMAGE MATTERS

We asked 29 industry experts to weigh in on anything and everything end users need to know about today’s displays, applications, content, cost of ownership, flexibility—and even what to expect from future

Fine-pixel-pitch LED Video Walls, All-in-One Displays, KVMs, Content Management Systems, a 98-Inch 4K Display, SDVoE Transmitter/Receiver, Multiviewers, Interactive Displays, Projectors, Digital Signage Players, and much more!

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Contributing Writer, Macy O’Hearn

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EDITOR’S NOTE EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE…

by Macy O’Hearn

MOSTLY OUT OF FEAR OF A24’S LEGAL TEAM...

This sentiment rings true when I reflect upon the diversity of commercial displays showcased in this month’s AV Technology Manager’s Guide

In one store, mirrored glass on a product stand featuring high-end beauty products transforms to personalize the customer experience. Elsewhere, three custom outdoor displays, each nearly 60 feet long, are built to be easily dismantled and reassembled somewhere else in a single day. And, in Dallas, Texas, an AV manufacturer’s headquarters uses dvLED displays and robotics to create an interactive virtual design interface, allowing visitors to simulate the various components of an installation.

With the staggering potential of the technology at our disposal, we are now creating displays as feature-rich and flexible as our imaginations. Consequently, displays have become ubiquitous in our daily lives.

So, if you asked the average, not-immersedin-the-AV-industry person off the street, I’m sure they could—at least anecdotally—agree that display technology has come a long way over the past several years. But, as you’re about to learn in the coming pages, even expert industry thought leaders are somewhat in awe of the recent, rapid progress that has been made.

Among them is Robert Detwiler, senior director of Product Management and Training at Planar. He said, “With a greater variety of LED display products available than ever, customers are not only taking their installations to new heights, but they’re also able to find a solution for nearly every need.”

Keith Yanke, vice president of Product Marketing and Solutions at Sharp, added, “Whether through vibrant clarity, collaborative potential, or the energy-efficient benefits of ePaper, modern displays are designed to meet

the evolving demands of businesses, offering improved ways to communicate messages sustainably and impactfully.”

Offering some advice, Cullen Gross, sales engineer at Carousel Digital Signage, added, “We recommend that tech managers partner with systems integrators or consultants to confirm how different screen sizes, orientations, pixel pitches, heights, and viewing distances contribute to the visual element of their communication initiatives.

There’s more to the visual experience than what’s on the surface of the display. Displays wouldn’t operate without a litany of infrastructure, content management systems, signal distribution, security protocols, and much more.

“The effectiveness of a SOC hinges on the synergy of its security tools. In many centers, the challenge lies in connecting these systems into a cohesive unit,” said Aaron Leiker, vice president of Operation Centers at Haivision. “In the face of everchanging security threats, SOCs must be built on a foundation of flexibility and adaptability.”

New technologies impacting the digital signage space include AI, XR, 3D, and IoT integration, which can create smarter, more tailored experiences for viewers. “Curated discounts and augmented reality product visualization can increase dwell time while providing valuable insights that allow users to refine their business strategies,” added Kianna Pompa, product manager, BRAVIA Professional Displays at Sony Electronics. “Trigger-based content, which is adjusted based on environmental factors, can also enhance engagement and provide more value all around.”

That palpable excitement gives us good reason to be hopeful. Whatever the future holds, we can rest assured that the display technologies coming next will likely be creative, immersive, problemsolving, and uniquely suited to any environment.

AV/IT TEAM

On Display, and Under Control

dvLED and robot technology bring a state-of-the-art commercial AV experience center to life.

By AV Technology Staff

At the new Dallas, Texas headquarters of SAVI Controls, a leading innovator of audio, video, and lighting control and automation systems, the company has created what may be the world’s most advanced commercial AV experience center for dealers and end customers.

The highlight of the center is a 24-foot-wide by 10-foot-high LG MAGNIT dvLED display that serves as an interactive virtual design interface, offering guests a convincing life-sized virtual space with live editing of on-screen rooms and accurate virtual comparisons of display sizes, with various other LG digital displays providing supplemental content. For SAVI co-founder and chief visionary officer Derek Wilson and his team, LG was the clear choice when it came to outfitting their headquarters with the latest in display technology.

“Our guests and potential customers are treated to a one-of-a-kind product showroom that demonstrates our mastery of digital AV technologies and shows how we can deliver extraordinary experiences and optimized integrations for their projects,” Wilson said. “From the fullscreen ‘X-ray view’ that displays what the dvLED rear-mounting hardware looks like, to the side-by-side virtual comparison of various display sizes, we are doing things here that simply can’t be done without a large, finepitch LG dvLED display.”

“SKIP THE IMAGINING”

The SAVI Experience Center is the first thing guests encounter when they enter the headquarters building, and it is used as the grand finale of official tours. The eye-catching 0.9mm LG webOS dvLED display covers an entire wall, while several vertically oriented LG LCD displays highlight the various virtual locations the dvLED demos can display, including stadiums, offices, hospitality businesses, and real SAVI projects from all over the world. Wilson said, “The SAVI Experience Room is unlike anything we’ve done before, and to our knowledge is the first life-size virtual design environment in North America, as well as the first truly commercial-focused experience center of this magnitude.”

Wilson added, “We wanted to help our customers skip the imagining step and go straight to real life-size visualization, and the

The wall-sized LG MAGNIT dvLED display allows SAVI customers to simulate virtual environments and make live changes on the screen, including swapping AV components and playing live content.

of SAVI

fine-pitch LG dvLED gave us that opportunity.” Wilson added. “We live with this technology every day, and the new immersive tour gives dealers and business owners hands-on experience with real-time control, and it all happens in a virtual environment so we can customize it or add more environments over time without having to physically construct new rooms. So far, we have multiple demos, including real-world photos from local sports bars and golf entertainment venues that we turned into controllable virtual spaces.”

CURIOSITY AND AWE

For many guests, it is also their first time seeing the power and capabilities of LG’s CLOi GuideBot robotic assistant, which is used to reserve and activate meeting spaces, offer receptionist services, lead tours, and even provide automated demos of connected lights and AV equipment.

Tour guests also get to use the intuitive, web-based SAVI interface for themselves on a tablet or phone, so they can see how easy it is to navigate, adjust, and control any space, including specific applications like the powerful SAVI Canvas that enables instant content dissemination across entire display networks.

“SAVI has shown that you don’t have to build a physical space to demonstrate physical experiences,” Michael Kosla, senior vice president, LG Business Solutions USA said.

“With this high-resolution wall-sized LG dvLED display, they can simulate any kind of virtual room or environment they want and make live changes on the screen, including swapping AV components and playing live content on various virtual screens. The 0.9mm pixel pitch looks so real that it feels like you can walk into the virtual room, and many tour guests end up touching the display out of curiosity and awe. And that’s not even mentioning the full-building control demo that shows SAVI’s mastery of implementation and system design.”

Delivering “wow factor” played a role in the concept for this space, but its functional utility cemented it as a vital part of the new SAVI headquarters. In addition to the on-screen virtual environments with real-time interactions and editing, the huge display also makes an excellent canvas to show how SAVI’s solutions can control entire buildings. In one part of the demo, live views of other rooms in the facility are displayed on screen, including office spaces

where workers are sitting. With the touch of a button, the tour guide can show how easy it is to adjust lighting color or control the LG digital displays in any room remotely.

A WINNING AV PARTNERSHIP

As a video distribution solution largely built on webOS software to eliminate the box behind every display, SAVI Canvas is natively compatible with LG commercial displays and technologies, which is why the company often recommends customers use LG solutions. That’s part of the reason LG technologies are deployed everywhere from the Experience Center to desktop monitors to boardrooms, helping show SAVI’s commitment to optimized integrated AV solutions.

“Through our relationship with LG we are also making the space available for LG and dealers to give their customers demos, making it a win-win that helps expedite decision making and project approvals,” Wilson concluded. “With customizations like our CLOi GuideBot programming, we are showing and offering specialized features customers can utilize that wouldn’t be realistic if they simply purchased the individual hardware pieces without our solutions and software. In the end, lots of people leave here more excited than when they arrived, and that’s one of the best outcomes we could hope for.”

The software and hardware solution for

Thanks to a longstanding partnership with LG, SAVI has been able to outfit their entire headquarters—including the Experience Center, desktop monitors, and boardrooms—with LG technology.

the virtual dvLED wall in the SAVI Experience Center is a one-of-a-kind creation designed for this space, which SAVI and LG may replicate in additional locations to provide even greater access to SAVI and LG sales reps and custom integrators.

We wanted to help our customers skip the imagining step and go straight to real life-size visualization.

— Derek Wilson, co-founder and chief visionary officer at SAVI

THOUGHT LEADERS

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR IMAGE

By Macy O’Hearn

“The commercial displays of today are nothing like the displays from five years ago.”

As one of this month’s contributors observed (and others echoed), in the rapidly evolving display space new features emphasizing collaboration and connectivity have altogether transformed how rooms are used. Additionally, improved longevity and resistance to the elements mean displays are found in more diverse environments than ever before. It’s a lot to keep up with.

But, not to worry. We’ve asked 29 industry experts to weigh in on anything and everything end users need to know about today’s displays, applications, content, cost of ownership, flexibility—and even what to expect from future tech.

Photo courtesy of Sony

ROBERT DETWILER Senior Director of Product Management and Training Planar

While LED was once limited to select markets and applications, the technology is becoming increasingly popular and accessible as price points come down and advancements enable simplified setup, use, and maintenance. This means we’re seeing more customers who were previously restricted to projection or tiled LCD technologies implement LED for the very first time. Further, with a greater variety of LED display products available than ever before, customers are not only taking their installations to new heights, but they’re also able to find a solution for nearly every need.

Premium solutions with the finest pixel pitches are setting a new standard in close-up viewing and delivering more brightness while consuming less power. Pre-packaged, portable displays allow even less familiar customers to deploy video walls in a matter of hours and utilize the product in multiple locations within the same day. Bendable modules are being used to create more concave and convex curved video walls that stop crowds in their tracks. This includes unique shapes such as halos, arches, and columns, which can also be paired with touch capability to create engaging, interactive experiences. High-bright, fine-pitch outdoor solutions are delivering even higher detail imagery in direct sunlight, as well as high-ambient-light indoor spaces, while providing peace of mind with features designed to withstand harsh weather.

As LED grows and new innovations emerge, we’re excited to see the technology land in the hands of more customers and power more impactful visual experiences that are easier to deploy.

AARON LEIKER Vice President of Operation Centers Haivision

In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, the need for robust and responsive security operations centers (SOCs) has never been more critical. These centers are critical in safeguarding vital assets, from physical infrastructure to sensitive data. Yet, establishing a high-functioning SOC has many challenges, from sourcing skilled talent to ensuring the seamless integration of security tools and maintaining adaptability in the face of new threats. At Haivision, we recognize that the solution lies in creating environments where technology amplifies human expertise, making teams more efficient and reducing the risk of burnout.

The effectiveness of a SOC hinges on the synergy of its security tools. In many centers, the challenge lies in connecting these systems into a cohesive unit. Haivision Command 360 allows you not just to view content on the video wall display, but to also control and manage what you see, deciding which feeds are displayed, how they are displayed, and who can see them.

In the face of ever-changing security threats, SOCs must be built on a foundation of flexibility and adaptability. Featuring simple controls, streamlined workflows, and a straightforward user interface that makes video management easy, Command 360 facilitates the seamless integration of new tools and technologies, enabling SOCs to pivot quickly in response to emerging threats. By offering a platform that emphasizes ease of use, integration, and adaptability, we lay the groundwork for futureproof operations. Our agnostic approach to content display and control ensures that regardless of the technological landscape, your SOC remains at the cutting edge.

For enterprises and public safety organizations relying on operation centers today, the stakes could not be higher. As we navigate this complex terrain, Haivision stands as a beacon of innovation and expertise, ready to empower SOCs to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow head on. Our vision is clear: to create environments where technology and talent converge to improve situational awareness and increase critical response time.

MIKE BERNHARDT Director of Product Management Christie

Display technology is evolving to meet the diverse needs of end users and to drive better outcomes. We’re seeing changes including smaller pixel pitches, which is important as LED is used where people are now closer to the display. This requires a tighter pixel pitch so the viewer’s eyes can fully resolve the image.

Brightness is changing, too, to meet the demands of different applications. High-brightness displays, up to 2,000 nits, ensure crisp images even in areas with increased ambient lighting; and low-brightness displays, for darker environments, don’t impact image quality, dynamic range, or greyscale.

Displays have moved beyond the rectangle to embrace creative shapes, curves, and corners for solutions that are specifically tailored to the project and industry-specific requirements, from large-scale outdoor displays to high-resolution indoor video walls. Lastly, sustainability has emerged as a key driver in our customers’ choices. To meet the growing demand for sustainable products, we prioritize ecofriendly materials and energy-efficient technologies in the production of our LED products.

With the evolution in display technology, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

KIANNA POMPA

Product Manager,

BRAVIA Professional Displays, Sony Electronics

Today’s digital signage projects demonstrate the mantra that content is king. Installations are no longer about simply broadcasting information, but about creating immersive, dynamic, and engaging experiences for a variety of audiences across numerous vertical markets, including retail, corporate, entertainment, healthcare, and education. This new evolution in digital signage can be achieved through many means, including showcasing captivating imagery and video content, providing interactive wayfinding and transit information, managing and scheduling office spaces, and serving up timely and relevant product promotions. Forward-thinking digital signage usage should be incorporated into an omnichannel strategy to enhance connected experiences for users, as well as enable interactions through consumers’ mobile devices such as QR code usage or NFC to bridge the physical and digital.

End users have a number of versatile options to choose from, so they need to understand the footprint of the space they’re working with, the objective of their project, and to consider future needs. System-on-a-chip (SoC) displays, like Sony’s professional BRAVIAs, have the potential to reduce the total cost of ownership as a result of on-board technology that eliminates the need for an external box, and provides fewer points of failure. Beyond the display itself, there are numerous solutions providers who can enhance digital signage capabilities and create more interactive and inclusive experiences through features including touchscreens, cloud capabilities, sensory integration, gesture control, as well as leveraging AI for real-time analytics. Companies like Sony are also prioritizing sustainability and creating strong warranty policies which are increasingly important factors that many customers consider during the purchasing process.

New technologies that are impacting the digital signage space include AI, XR, 3D, and IoT integration, which can create smarter, more tailored experiences for viewers. Curated discounts and augmented reality product visualization can increase dwell time while providing valuable insights that allow users to refine their business strategies and tactics. Trigger-based content, which is adjusted based on environmental factors, can also enhance engagement and provide more value all around.

“AI, XR, 3D, and IoT integration, can create smarter, more tailored experiences for viewers.”

— Kianna Pompa

Product Manager, BRAVIA Professional Displays, Sony Electronics

CHARLES MONTOYA Senior Director, Enterprise Displays Jupiter Systems

The digital signage display sector is at the forefront of a significant shift in the AV industry, driving manufacturers to develop products that not only lower energy consumption but also deliver performance equal to or better than legacy systems.

When we think about digital signage, it’s clear that these displays are the most recognizable and visible to the general public. Whether it’s public advertisements, shopping mall window displays, or building-sized video walls, these installations capture the most attention. However, they are also the first to face public scrutiny regarding energy usage.

So, how can AV manufacturers strike a balance? How can they produce high-quality hardware that grabs attention while ensuring that energy consumption meets today’s stringent standards? The solution lies in creating a win-win scenario for both the end users and the environment.

Manufacturers have two key approaches to tackle this challenge. First, they can offer end-users more pixel space and larger screens with the same energy consumption as older, less efficient displays. For example, what once required two LCD displays can now be achieved with a single, more advanced unit.

Second, in cases where space constraints limit the size of the display, manufacturers must innovate. This is where advanced technologies like MicroLED COB (Chip on Board) come into play. These technologies provide better performance, higher luminosity with lower energy consumption, and cooler installations—also reducing HVAC demands in indoor settings.

Jupiter Systems is at the cutting edge of this evolution, offering a wide range of display products that help end users invest in energy-efficient solutions without sacrificing performance.

MARCUS LECLERC

Key Account Manager, Absen

When planning their next purchases, AV/ IT decision-makers should be mindful of several key trends in the industry— particularly in the realms of interactive, touch-enabled, and immersive technologies. First, the integration of AI-driven analytics and real-time data collection is becoming crucial, enabling more personalized and responsive user experiences. This is especially relevant in interactive and touch-enabled systems where user engagement can be tracked and optimized. Second, the growing importance of seamless integration with existing IT infrastructures means that compatibility and interoperability should be top considerations, ensuring smooth operation across different platforms and devices. Third, the rise of hybrid work and learning environments has increased the demand for flexible and adaptable solutions, such as immersive displays and virtual collaboration tools. These systems not only enhance engagement but also provide scalable options for both in-person and remote interactions. Lastly, sustainability and energy efficiency are increasingly critical, with more companies prioritizing ecofriendly options that reduce overall environmental impact. As these trends continue to evolve, staying updated and prioritizing future-proof technologies will be essential for maintaining a competitive edge and meeting diverse user needs.

FRANK PISANO Chief Executive Officer Bluefin

I want end users to grasp the full potential and versatility of today’s displays. Digital signage is no longer just about broadcasting static messages; it’s about creating memorable, engaging, and interactive experiences. Our screens are designed to adapt seamlessly into various applications, whether in education, corporate settings, retail, or public spaces.

One key aspect we emphasize is the flexibility of our displays. With a variety of operating platforms, our screens can be customized to fit specific needs, from displaying real-time information and advertisements to interactive wayfinding solutions. This adaptability ensures that no matter the environment, our screens enhance communication and engagement.

Although we do not create content, we know it’s crucial. Effective digital signage relies on high-quality, relevant content that captivates and informs audiences. Our displays support a wide range of content formats, including video, graphics, and live feeds, ensuring that users can deliver impactful messages. With the rise of 4K, the clarity and vibrancy of content have reached new heights, making every detail pop and leaving a lasting impression with guests.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) is another critical factor end users should consider. Our screens are designed with energy efficiency in mind, reducing operating costs. Along the same lines with sustainability, the durability and longevity of our products minimize the need for frequent replacements, offering longterm savings. We also provide robust warranty and support services to ensure seamless operation and peace of mind.

PATRICK MAY

Product Manager, Digital Signage

Panasonic Connect

Today’s digital signage market is experiencing immense growth.

According to data from SkyQuest, the digital signage market will grow from $17.77 billion in 2023 to $41.55 billion by 2031. With this increased growth, end users will see more digital displays integrated across retail, corporate, and higher education environments.

Digital signage is a great tool for businesses looking to better engage internal and external audiences. While it’s easy to put content out into the world, it’s hard to capture and maintain the attention of an audience. Thanks to superior image quality coupled with vibrant colors and video animations, digital signage helps messaging stand out in different environments. Research shows that digital signs can capture 400 percent more views than static displays.

Whether it’s a corporate office, mall, airport, or classroom, the positioning of signage can differ across environments to serve and influence end users. Having the flexibility to mount digital signage on a wall, hang it from a ceiling, or stand upright allows companies to select where it will have the most impact on an audience. For example, in the classroom, digital displays hanging from the ceiling allow content to be easily delivered across big lecture halls, whereas in an airport, large standing digital displays that are eye level with individuals allow them to easily locate flight details.

Alongside the physical positioning of signage, the content itself plays a large role in capturing end users. For digital signage to make an impact on end users, it must be topical, entertaining, and informative. That’s where user-generated content (UGC)—like testimonials, product reviews, and recommendations—comes into play. As businesses focus on developing likeminded content that resonates with their audiences, we’ll see greater adoption of digital signage solutions that control content effortlessly to manage new and existing messaging including UGC.

ERIC FARKAS Senior Product Engineer Black Box

Before investing in new displays, end users should consider four key factors: construction, size, computing power, and versatility. While cost is certainly an important factor, these considerations can help users to reduce TCO while improving reliability and uptime.

Construction is a vital consideration because it can help the end user avoid the need for multiple display replacements and the downtime they cause. Commercial and consumer display technologies are suited to different applications. What end users should know before making their choice is that consumer displays support longer duty cycles, offer better cooling methods, are easier to clean, are more ruggedized, and support external control (USB, RS232, Ethernet, et cetera).

Size matters as well. Large-format screens have become prevalent in the marketplace, and these displays are often equivalent in size to traditional 2-by-2 video walls. As a result, they can be leveraged as video walls with technologies such as digital signage and multiviewers. End users working with these larger screens can simplify installation by eliminating the need to carefully align and calibrate multiple displays to work as one.

Modern displays incorporate computing power, or embedded computing. These smart display technologies can be leveraged in applications such as digital signage and AV distribution at little or no extra cost. Often, the cost delta on these displays is smaller than purchasing an add-on digital signage player, set-top box, or AV receiver unit. Understanding the possible ways to leverage this technology, end users can positively impact project budgets while reducing points of failure.

Displays now can be embedded everywhere, not just mounted on stands, brackets, or hangers. This versatility requires a different way of thinking when it comes to leveraging space. Walls, windows, outside surfaces, vending, point of sale, and other high-visibility surfaces can be leveraged for messaging, advertising, or entertainment.

“Walls, windows, outside surfaces, vending, point of sale, and other high-visibility surfaces can be leveraged for messaging, advertising, or entertainment.”

— Eric Farkas, Senior Product Engineer Black Box

GRANT WYLIE Director of AVMS Product Management Draper

In this fast-paced world, our AV customers seem to want everything yesterday. But some things can’t be rushed to a successful outcome. One of those things is designing and manufacturing a custom LED video wall mounting solution.

A thorough, correctly executed custom design and manufacturing project can take anywhere from 10 to 14 weeks to complete. It requires a multi-step process with precise implementation and quality checks at each step to create the right quality solution for each application. This process includes, first, an order/PO receipt. Next, comes the kickoff meeting, where the project manager brings together the stakeholders to determine project goals, resources and support required, and project timeline. Third in the process is the design solution, where engineers develop a custom design.

“A thorough, correctly executed custom design and manufacturing project can take anywhere from 10 to 14 weeks to complete.”

— Grant Wylie, Director of AVMS Product Management Draper

Fourth, the drawing is presented to the client for design approval; followed by a professional engineer reviewing the design to ensure it is both safe in application conditions and in compliance with local codes. Next, any required changes are made and the design is released for production; parts are custom manufactured to meet specifications within tight tolerances; and the custom structure is assembled at the manufacturing facility to verify form, fit, and function.

Each piece is then carefully packed for safety and ease of removal and use on the jobsite, at which point assembly of the custom structure, attachment of the displays, and precise adjustment can occur. Often, the project must be commissioned before it is considered complete.

Providing a safe, high-quality custom mounting solution is more than collecting parts and pieces and shipping them to a jobsite for modification and assembly; it requires careful planning and patience. The end result is worth the attention to detail.

CULLEN GROSS Sales Engineer Carousel Digital Signage

Display technology continues to diversify in ways that help our customers more effectively tell their story through digital signage. One of our goals at Carousel Digital Signage is to help our customers enhance their organizational communication by reaching people where they work, gather, and learn. Increasingly, our conversations lead to how corporate, education, and other businesses can reach more endpoints, both within and beyond the walls of their facilities. That means understanding how to interface your digital signage with commercial and personal devices. When it comes down to it, any screen can ultimately become a display on your digital signage network.

As a CMS supplier, one of our main objectives is to ensure that content users create, manage, and deliver through our system presents cleanly on any display. While an increasing number of organizations adopt an assortment of display

“An equally important aspect is how the transition from legacy to cloud-based signage applications benefits the total cost of ownership of the digital signage network.”

— Cullen Gross, Sales Engineer, Carousel Digital Signage

technologies, the options can be a lot for the end user to absorb. We recommend that tech managers partner with systems integrators or consultants to confirm how different screen sizes, orientations, pixel pitches, heights, and viewing distances contribute to the visual element of their communication initiatives. These professional insights are valuable to both the CMS supplier and the end customer when the time comes, in order to develop content strategies that translate to a lively and engaging digital signage experience.

A second and equally important aspect is how

the transition from legacy to cloud-based signage applications benefits the total cost of ownership of the digital signage network. While displays and digital signage software are typically sourced through different suppliers, migrating from hardware servers to cloud networking substantially reduces the costs and complexity of IT systems management. For customers that have hesitated to scale the number of end points in their networks, migration to the cloud will make the costs of scaling far more attractive for customers working with modest budgets.

JEFF MUTO

Product Marketing Director, ViewSonic

Today’s displays are not only about size, but versatility, flexibility, ease of integration and management, and the immersive visual experience they can offer. A growing trend in the AV/ IT market is the advancement and availability of 21:9 ultra-wide displays. We believe that this increase in demand is driven by the need for more versatile and immersive display solutions. Ultrawide displays are being integrated into various digital signage applications and collaboration environments.

Today’s AV/IT integrators need to be able to offer better options for clients looking for immersive, impactful, bigscreen messaging. Manufacturers like ViewSonic have multiple ultra-wide, single display solutions in varying sizes.

From ultra-wide single display solutions to customized dvLED panels, today’s displays offer several features that the end users can utilize to fit their needs, including an enhanced visual experience, versatility and flexibility, ease of integration and connectivity options, advanced content management systems, remote management and control, and lower TCO.

AV/IT integrators and installers can meet the ever-evolving needs of their clients by offering the latest display solutions. Benefits such as enhanced connectivity, streamlined device management, stunning visuals, and cost reductions enable AV/IT integrators to better position themselves as the ideal solutions provider.

JAMES PIETSCH Director of Global Accounts

Scalable Display Technologies

In the evolving display technology landscape, there’s immense potential and versatility of projection technology, especially when paired with projection mapping and edge blending software. These advancements have moved projection far beyond simple presentations, revolutionizing industries from Hollywood production studios and broadcasting environments to historical museums and architectural design. The ability to project dynamic, high-quality visuals onto any surface opens up a world of creative and practical applications.

One of the most notable features of projection technology is its flexibility. Whether creating a lifelike set for a film, an engaging museum exhibit or a stunning visual display on a building, projection mapping allows for incredible customization. This adaptability enables users to tailor content to specific environments and audiences, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, projection technology often presents a more affordable alternative to LED displays. The initial investment in projection equipment and software can be significantly lower, and ongoing maintenance costs are typically reduced, making projection a costeffective solution for many applications without compromising quality or impact.

Calibration software for projection mapping and edge blending, like that from Scalable Display Technologies, has made creating immersive and visually stunning displays easier than ever. Edge blending software ensures seamless transitions between multiple projectors, resulting in a cohesive and captivating image. This capability is particularly valuable in creating large-scale, immersive environments that transport audiences to another world.

One of the most exciting aspects of modern projection technology is its ability to create immersive experiences. By leveraging projection mapping and edge blending, ordinary spaces can be transformed into extraordinary experiences, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression, making projection technology a powerful tool for bringing any vision to life.

JEFFREY WEITZMAN Managing Director Navori Labs

In the rapidly advancing world of digital displays, the most important aspect for end users to understand is their incredible flexibility and the broad spectrum of applications that they support. Today’s displays, from traditional monitors to expansive video walls, have evolved to meet diverse needs across various industries, including retail, corporate communications, healthcare, and transportation.

Digital signage can engage customers, promote products, and drive sales in retail through dynamic content and real-time updates. In corporate settings, it keeps teams informed and motivated by integrating with popular business tools to display schedules, announcements, and performance dashboards. In healthcare, it enhances patient and staff communication with live message boards and real-time schedules.

Modern displays are designed to handle various content types, ensuring that businesses can deliver their messages effectively. Whether it’s high-definition video, interactive content, or real-time data feeds, today’s displays provide the flexibility to create compelling visual experiences. This versatility is crucial for applications like digital menu boards in restaurants, where dynamic pricing and upsell opportunities can be managed seamlessly.

One key benefit of today’s display technology is the reduced total cost of ownership. With advancements like system-on-chip (SoC) technology, which integrates the media player into the display, businesses can reduce hardware costs, simplify installations, and lower energy consumption. This makes deployment more affordable and minimizes maintenance costs over the display’s lifecycle.

The integration of AI and computer vision technologies is revolutionizing display use. AI-driven content management systems can automate and personalize content delivery based on audience demographics and behavior, ensuring that the right message is shown to the right audience at the right time. This level of automation and intelligence enhances the effectiveness of digital signage networks and provides valuable insights into customer engagement.

ROSS NOONAN

Technical Sales and Marketing Manager

LED Studio

MicroLED technology is often a misunderstood and misrepresented term in the display industry. While it shares similarities with other LED technologies, the true essence of MicroLED lies in the size of its diodes. This fundamental aspect has been overshadowed by confusion around terms like pixel pitch and resolution.

At its core, MicroLED is defined by the size of the individual red, green, and blue (RGB) diodes that make up a pixel. These diodes are incredibly small—measured in micrometers (µm). The classification is simple: If the RGB diodes are larger than 200µm, it’s standard LED; between 101 and 200µm is MiniLED; and anything 100 µm or smaller is MicroLED.

So why all the confusion? The confusion mainly stems from resolution and pixel pitch. Many manufacturers claim that any product with a sub-1mm pixel pitch or one that uses COB technology with options for sub-1mm pixel pitch must be MicroLED. However, standard LED technologies like SMD and MiniLED can also achieve pixel pitches below 1mm, but this doesn’t make them MicroLED.

And why is this important? True MicroLED technology offers significant advantages, particularly in achieving tighter pixel pitches below 0.9mm. This allows for more pixels within a given area, resulting in superior resolution and visual clarity. For example, our 54-inch EDGE Pro display using COB MicroLED can fit a 1080p resolution in a single cabinet, something standard LEDs struggle to achieve due to their larger diode size.

As the technology progresses, we may see MicroLEDs being used in larger pixel pitch displays, offering better contrast and energy efficiency. Understanding MicroLED based on diode size, not pixel pitch, is key to appreciating its potential. The future of MicroLED promises even more advancements, pushing the boundaries of display technology as we know it today.

KEITH YANKE Vice President, Product Marketing and Solutions Sharp

The evolution of digital displays has led to significant advancements in performance, versatility, and interactivity. Large-format displays and direct-view LEDs now offer immersive experiences that captivate audiences, creating more engaging and memorable experiences, significantly boosting the effectiveness of digital signage. Advancements in laser projection extend applications beyond traditional settings like classrooms/meeting rooms, creating engaging interactive and entertainment experiences.

Today’s professional displays are versatile, catering to needs such as digital signage, presentations, collaboration, infotainment, and more. Projector innovations enable new immersive experiences, while dvLED technology is achieving smaller pixel pitches for close-up viewing with reduced power consumption. Additionally, ePaper displays provide a zeropower solution for digital content.

Modern display solutions offer high-resolution video capabilities to enhance user engagement and collaboration. Collaborative use cases have specific requirements that differ by type and budget. Displays like the AQUOS BOARD, with its intuitive multi-touch technologies, provide options to ensure an optimal experience tailored to the application, environment, and user interaction.

Today’s advanced displays support greater content delivery methods, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB and wireless connections. Many integrate SoC technology and OPS/SDM slots, offering customers greater flexibility when bringing their concepts to life.

There’s growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, highlighted by advancements in dvLED technology and energysaving features. ePaper displays are leading the way in energy-efficient signage, consuming zero watts of power during playback and minimal power when content changes. As this technology becomes more affordable, it will perform even better in ambient lighting, offer larger screen sizes, and enable tiling, all while providing significant cost savings due to its low energy consumption.

EFFI GOLDSTEIN President, HDBaseT Alliance

The professional AV industry is witnessing a significant shift towards video conferencing displays in wider aspect ratios like 21:9 and 32:9 to go along with the traditional 16:9 format. Initially, hybrid conference room setups featured a single widescreen monitor that, over time, expanded into two, allowing for both meeting participants and shared content to be seen simultaneously. The result was greater meeting equity and more dynamic hybrid meetings for participants. However, as the UC&C space and technology adoption continues to develop, the trend in widescreen layouts accommodating both video and content, as well as additional meeting information in a single frame, is really gaining momentum as they offer an even more seamless experience while reducing the need for multiple screens. While many soft codec software solutions already support these advanced layouts, installers and integrators cannot assume that their video distribution infrastructure automatically supports all these different screen setups as well. Therefore, it’s critical to verify compatibility and flexibility of the room’s signal distribution equipment with these different aspect ratios and configurations to avoid potential issues during implementation.

JOEL MULPETER Director of Product Marketing, Crestron

Digital signage poses a unique opportunity to use pixel real estate to create a human connection and share content about what is occurring around a workplace or facility. This is a key medium for communicating announcements around the company, such as birthdays, employee milestones, and other events such as a special yoga class or bring-your-child-to-work day.

This type of news has always been great for boosting morale, and in a hybrid working environment, this technology helps structure in-office days around special events. While digital signage outside of the meeting rooms is more commonplace, the displays inside a meeting room can be a bit complex as they serve dual purposes.

Most displays in meeting rooms or other spaces are often left blank until someone begins a presentation or starts a call. When signage is leveraged within the room, those usually blank screens turn into an informational hub that can show company branding or what meeting is scheduled next, providing informative content to employees as they walk in or walk by. Then, that content can seamlessly switch to meet the needs of the meeting once content needs to be shown or a call is joined.

KASEY KAUMANS Regional Sales Manager Listen Technologies

End users can use their smartphones to enhance the experience of visual displays with powerful, clear audio delivered directly to their ears. Audio-over-Wi-Fi technology lets people use their smartphones as assistive listening receivers. In venues where audio-over-Wi-Fi assistive listening is available, visitors and guests download a free app on their smartphone, select an audio channel, and stream audio from venue screens to their smartphone. They can listen to the audio via headphones or earbuds. If they have Bluetooth-enabled devices such as speakers, hearing aids, or cochlear implants, they can stream audio from their smartphone to those devices. Background noise is filtered out so clear audio is delivered to their ears, and they can adjust volume to their preference.

Imagine a family relaxing poolside at a hotel. There is a large video display set up across the patio featuring a movie they would like to hear. If the venue has an audio-over-Wi-Fi assistive listening system, the family could use a smartphone to stream audio from the screen to their portable Bluetooth speaker. Similarly, an end user in a sports bar where audioover-Wi-Fi technology is available can use her smartphone to stream audio from the screen displaying a soccer match while her partner at the same table streams audio from another screen featuring tennis. In corporate spaces, employees and visitors can stream audio from a video wall on the other side of the lobby, and in education settings, students can stream audio from screens in lecture halls, labs, and student centers via their smartphones.

As venues look to enhance their spaces with video walls and aim to offer guests stunning visual displays, they should consider audioover-Wi-Fi technology to deliver exceptional listening experiences as well.

JIM DOYLE Vice President Rocket Surgery | Ross Creative Services

In today’s commoditized LED space, the technology behind most modern display panels has become highly standardized. Consequently, as with most aspects of the broadcast realm, content reigns supreme. The addition of extended reality (XR) to hard and virtual studio set environments has created a dynamic space where content creators and designers can significantly enhance their shows, both in terms of information delivery and format.

We are increasingly witnessing opportunities to open shows in graphic format that seamlessly transition to the studio as immersive portals. These graphic innovations are generating new revenue opportunities for our customers, realized through advertising out of existing inventory. In every instance, these new B2B revenue streams more than offset the cost of the technology and services required to implement them.

Technologically speaking, the only limits are those imposed by the systems that drive the displays. In real-time rendering environments like XPression or Voyager, content can be delivered almost on demand and is flexible enough for live use. Creatively, the limits are bound only by the creator’s imagination.

Ultimately, integrating advanced display technology with innovative content creation tools offers unprecedented flexibility and new avenues for revenue generation. End users must understand that investing in high-quality, dynamic content can significantly enhance viewer engagement and unlock new business potential.

KURT DEYOUNG Chief Revenue Officer Nanolumens

There are several key aspects to fully leveraging the benefits of LED displays for digital signage. Today’s LED displays offer unparalleled flexibility, enabling vibrant, high-resolution content that can be customized to fit various applications, from advertising in bustling urban centers to informational displays in corporate environments.

The applications of LED displays are vast. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, providing dynamic visuals that can captivate audiences in retail spaces, transportation hubs, sports arenas, and more. Their brightness and clarity ensure visibility even in challenging lighting conditions, making them a reliable choice for any setting.

Content is king in digital signage, and modern LED displays excel in delivering engaging, eyecatching content. With advanced control systems, users can easily update and schedule content, ensuring timely and relevant messaging. This capability supports targeted advertising, realtime information dissemination, and interactive experiences, enhancing audience engagement.

Flexibility is another significant advantage. LED displays can be customized in size and shape, allowing for creative installations that align with the architectural and aesthetic needs of any space. Whether it’s a large video wall or a unique, curved installation, LED technology can adapt to various design requirements.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) is also an important consideration. Although the initial investment in LED displays may be higher compared to other technologies, their longevity, low maintenance needs, and energy efficiency contribute to a lower TCO over time. The innovations in LED technology continue to improve durability and reduce power consumption, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Nanolumens continues to develop highquality, cost-effective LED displays to serve the needs of various digital signage applications, including both indoor and outdoor. Our products are known for their superior performance, innovative design, and reliability. By investing in Nanolumens displays, businesses can ensure they are utilizing cutting-edge technology that delivers exceptional visual impact while being mindful of budget constraints.

THERESA BENSON Vice President of Marketing and Product Management

Mersive Technologies

The evolved display is having its moment. According to a report by Emergen Research, the global digital signage market is projected to reach USD $35.64 billion by 2032! The creativity unleashed by AV/IT teams, consultants, and system integrators through advancing display and signage technology is truly impressive.

Outside of the more glamorous “experience environments” possible with the evolved display—such as Adele’s 720-by-65-foot, Guinness-record-breaking outdoor video wall and the headline-grabbing Sphere in Las Vegas— the current trend in digital signage is toward integration with AI and IoT for personalized content, interactive displays, and increased adoption of cloud-based content management. By harnessing Mersive Solstice’s dynamic digital signage capabilities, corporate, healthcare, government, and education users can significantly reduce signage expenses and streamline their tech stack by eliminating the need for external digital signage players, all while getting double duty from their collaboration platform. With Solstice Pods, every screen becomes an opportunity to inform and engage when not being used for hosting a screensharing or collaboration session. Solstice can deliver dynamic digital signage to connected displays, displaying interactive elements, advertising, events, real-time room booking information, and more.

As digital signage technology continues to evolve, we’re seeing exciting trends emerge that could redefine how spaces are made responsive. Facilities are already leveraging inroom sensors and cameras to deploy signage the moment someone enters a room, creating dynamic, engaging environments. The integration of IoT technology could further expand these possibilities, potentially enabling gesture control where users interact with content through hand and body movements without touching the screen. This trend could revolutionize 2D and 3D wayfinding applications, allowing users to navigate maps and menus with simple gestures, making the experience more intuitive.

WILL BEAR Vice President of Sales and Marketing Crimson AV

Displays of all types have created for themselves a new place in our lives over the last few years. Expanding on traditional televisions, computer monitors, and laptops—we now have smartphones, tablets, and even wrist watches that all fall under the umbrella of a display. The display takes on the added role of becoming immersive and engaging and creating an experience for the viewer. At the first level is the quality of the image you see. You have come to expect high resolution, vibrant colors, and high contrast. You want the image to “pop.” Beyond image quality, though, is the size of the displayed image; this is where immersion comes into play, and the creation of an experience. Bigger truly is better, display wise.

We have a lot of tools at our disposal— not the least of which are projectors and their ability to do pixel mapping. Talk about an experience! Perhaps the hottest topic nowadays is dvLED. Our rule of thumb when deciding between LCD and LED is if you need fewer than 100 inches—go LCD. Applications over 100 inches—dvLED will be your best bet. Add interactive touch to the equation and an experience is literally within your grasp. Now, speaking of LED, specifically—in many ways it defines the experience. There is outdoor, of course, but fine-pitch indoor applications get the most coverage. Big, bold, bright, and seamless cannot be overlooked. Add transparent LEDs to the mix and it looks almost magical. Whether it is a video wall in an airport, a display outside of a building, or a huge artistic endeavor like the Sphere in Las Vegas—it checks all the display boxes.

TAFT STRICKLIN Chief Sales Officer Just Add Power

In the world of displays, you truly get what you pay for. While it might be tempting to opt for budget-friendly, lowperformance options, these often result in a higher total cost of ownership (TCO) in the long run. While there might be a cost savings upfront, inexpensive displays frequently incur additional costs through maintenance, shorter lifespan, and lower image quality, ultimately leading to a more significant financial burden long term.

Today’s market offers high-quality displays that have become increasingly affordable. These advanced displays come in various sizes and can be configured in multiple formats, including portrait, landscape, video wall, and even angled setups when using proper video distribution solutions. This flexibility is not just a technical feature but a creative advantage, providing visually stunning and memorable images that leave a lasting impression.

With the demand for integrated and sophisticated display setups, high-quality displays prove also to be superior in handling networked multi-screen configurations. With the proper distribution systems, these advanced displays can seamlessly connect and synchronize, creating cohesive and dynamic visual experiences. This capability is essential for applications that require synchronized content across multiple screens, such as digital signage, control rooms, and large-scale events.

One of the most exciting advancements in display technology today is dvLED technology, which is revolutionizing how we experience visual content—akin to the thrill of seeing jumbotrons at sporting events. These large screens not only offer vibrant and clear visuals but also enhance accessibility, making it easier to check scores and read information at a glance.

Investing in high-quality displays is a wise decision that pays off in performance, flexibility, and overall user experience. Cutting corners might save a few dollars initially, but the long-term benefits of superior displays are undeniable and well worth the investment.

“Cutting corners might save a few dollars initially, but the long-term benefits of superior displays are undeniable and well worth the investment.”

— Taft Stricklin Chief Sales Officer Just Add Power

“Multi-touch, custom content can be a differentiator for digital storytelling and immersion.”

— Tomer Mann Chief Revenue Officer 22Miles

TOMER MANN Chief Revenue Officer

22Miles

Today’s digital signage is a potent tool for interactive digital storytelling, powered by flexible solutions that can be customized to cater to various needs. Organizations now prioritize creating immersive and adaptive digital experiences rather than simply displaying static content. Investing in a comprehensive CMS, along with solid hardware, networking, and integrations, can transform how organizations communicate and engage with their audiences, creating memorable and impactful experiences.

Modern digital displays are expected to be interactive. With the right CMS, organizations can integrate signage systems with company data feeds, interactive widgets, and peripheral technologies such as sensors. This integration not only streamlines the creation of personalized, engaging user experiences but also simplifies content management, enabling automated updates and centralized control. This ensures that content remains relevant and dynamic over time.

Multi-touch, custom content can be a differentiator for digital storytelling and immersion. When deployed on video walls and other largescale displays, interactive branded content can transform campuses, executive briefing centers, and more into immersive environments. For today’s systems integrators, this is especially valuable for experience centers: The interactive displays foster a sense of ownership and involvement as customers witness their bespoke solutions materialize on an engaging digital canvas.

We’re also seeing increasing opportunities for AI to enhance display deployments. With custom AI integrations, displays become more interactive and reactive than ever. Today’s customized AI chat plugins can handle complex inquiries in multiple languages, providing a more intuitive and personalized user experience. Generative AI further revolutionizes content delivery by enabling automated, real-time responses to user interactions, creating a timely, indispensable information resource.

Digital experiences are a must have for modern engagement, and the boundaries are stretching. As display technology evolves, integrators and their customers can explore these fresh avenues to connect with audiences in ever deeper and more meaningful ways.

AMANDA FLYNN Chief Revenue Officer USSI Global

In commercial AV, we typically view the display as the delivery vehicle for informational content, and this is especially true inside meeting and learning environments. It’s also true that displays have grown more versatile in ways that lend to more dynamic content presentation for audiences. On the one hand, a higher density of pixels allows us to produce sharper images at higher resolutions and to fit more content on screen. Faster refresh rates have enhanced the consumer experience—particularly on video walls and larger dvLED displays in public spaces where businesses and advertisers are working to draw in larger, more engaged audiences.

The display has also evolved in ways that give back to the organization. While that sounds odd on the surface, the display is an essential part of the ecosystem for gathering intel on the performance of your digital content and DOOH campaigns. That is especially true in public settings such as retail environments, where cameras capture an audience’s response to their message. The better the content, the more targeted the campaign, and the more dynamic the presentation—the more effectively the display will hold consumers’ attention for a greater timespan.

By working with display technology that allows users to present content in a legible, comprehensible, and compelling format—and surrounding that display with peripherals that capture, process, and return demographics, dwell times, and behavioral data—businesses can more effectively make decisions regarding advertisements, menu items, and other elements that benefit the business and audience alike.

CHUCK LEWIS Vice President Palmer Digital Group

The commercial displays of today are nothing like the displays from five years ago. Their advances across performance and longevity have made them more attractive for use across advertising, wayfinding, and QSR applications. They are simply more robust by design, and the image presentation is much higher in quality. The displays are brighter, with better color saturation.

We have also seen intriguing new features over the past year, including connectivity to 4G and 5G mobile networks, that open new possibilities for content delivery that complement the CAT5, HDMI, USB and DisplayPort inputs we see on most displays today. System-on-a-Chip (SOC) displays remain attractive for businesses that really want to streamline their technology footprint and maintenance. Their all-in-one designs reduce failure points and save the end user hundreds of dollars by eliminating exterior media players. The improvements are even greater for outdoor applications. We were once forced to design outdoor kiosks and digital menu boards with internal fans and/or AC units to keep displays cool and prevent overheating. Outdoor commercial displays made today are rated for minus-30 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit at 85 percent humidity. This drops the cost of kiosks and ODMB’s because we don’t need to purchase cooling devices and there is less material needed to manufacture these products. Display manufacturers do all the heavy lifting to address environmental concerns.

BOB WUDECK Senior Director of Business Development

BenQ America Corp.

Display technology has evolved dramatically— even in the last two years. Modern displays can now serve as the room’s ecosystem, transforming how the space is used and what can be accomplished, without needing a computer or personal device.

In both education and corporate settings, organizations should consider the display an integral part of room design. One option is a smart board with rich whiteboarding features that enhance and transform learning and productivity. These smart boards often include EDLA certification for native Google integration and license-free whiteboarding software with built-in collaborative and AI tools, screen sharing, and integration with various apps and cloud storage. This allows users to innovate with technology, without incurring yearly subscription costs. It is crucial to design these rooms to accommodate any user. In education, active and project-based learning are essential for preparing students for the real world. Smart boards align with these teaching methods, providing flexibility for teachers to start using them immediately in familiar ways while gradually adopting more complex features. West Ottawa Public Schools, for example, saw improvements in instructional effectiveness and classroom efficiency with their smart boards, while meeting teachers where they were at.

For environments that require projectors, it is important to understand the hidden costs associated with traditional projectors, such as high energy consumption, frequent lamp and filter replacements, and sub-par video quality. Modern projectors should be maintenance free and optimized for energy use, without sacrificing image quality. New technology is available that intelligently adjusts color light levels according to the content, cutting power usage and resulting in significant savings compared to traditional eco modes that reduce overall image quality.

With the right display, organizations can create more dynamic, efficient, and costeffective environments that enhance learning, collaboration, and productivity.

CASE IN-POINT

PRO DISPLAYS SHINE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE

The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville has been driving innovation and pushing boundaries since 1853. As the diverse and academically rich school evolves, technology plays a key role in enhancing visualization, promoting critical information, and facilitating collaboration, while helping to set a standard of excellence.

Among those technologies are Sony’s professional BRAVIA displays. Favored for their combination of superior image quality, easy 24/7 operation, extensive control, and integration options, and system-on-a-chip (SoC) platform, these displays are used by leading corporations, retailers, and schools like UF. Over the last year, UF implemented upwards of 200 BZ30 and BZ40 series of professional BRAVIA displays, ranging in size from 32 to 100 inches, in its public spaces.

Lon Vance, senior engineer and project manager of Audio Visual Systems for the University of Florida’s Audio Visual Systems and Academic Technology helped lead these installations to augment UF’s display capabilities. With a background in high-end home integration, he is no stranger to the Sony brand. The combination of beneficial features, control options, and strong warranty policies helped steer Vance in Sony’s direction.

In particular, he appreciates the displays’ processing power and true-to-life colors. Vance noted, “One of the main drivers to use a Sony display is the image processing, which is superior to any other display in the market right now and makes everything look better. With Sony, the reds look like a red, and the details are prominent, which is important to our areas that support the arts and architecture. Our pro BRAVIA displays provide a better image and better picture than other displays we’ve used, plus they’re easier to control.”

He added, “Additionally, the system on a chip, which we use for digital signage, is excellent and saves you the price of a PC. We use NoviSign digital signage software, which can be put right on the display. It’s easy; because the display is Android based, you just download the app and you’re good to go.” Of the warranties, Vance stated, “We have threeand five-year warranties on our displays and advanced replacement, which is great.”

Sony’s professional BRAVIA displays also

work to address the need for displays in high-ambient and direct-light environments. For Vance, they are an ideal solution for UF’s digital signage needs and use in brightly lit hallways. Architecture featuring natural light is often favored by buildings looking for LEED certifications, which is where these displays shine. Vance has the pro BRAVIAs in spaces that filter in direct sunlight and there are no issues with glare.

Also critical to any large university is security, and Sony’s BRAVIA displays help UF handle this concern with ease due to their RS-232 capabilities. Vance explained, “We’re on a layer 3 corporate network and have a network security team that doesn’t want anything on the network that doesn’t have to be. We have a whole VLAN dedicated just to digital signage, so when we plug a display in for digital signage, it’s more secure and can’t be accessed by students. Our control systems are on another subnet so RS-232 control is big.”

Vance is tasked with designing, installing, commissioning, and programming all of the school’s technology in house, so saving time and money is always top of mind. One major benefit of Sony’s displays is the ability to easily duplicate settings across their stable of displays. Vance said, “When we’re doing the housing project, we set up one display with all our preferred settings, which we put on a USB drive that we plug into each display, and ‘boom’ it’s all set. You don’t have to sit there and go through a menu 50 times. You simply go into Pro Mode, tell it to import the settings, and you’re done. You could easily spend 15 or 20 minutes going through a display and optimizing the settings, so to save 15 or 20 minutes on 116 displays—that’s a lot of time.”

Vance also favors the total cost of ownership associated with Sony’s displays, which he finds more favorably priced when compared to alternative solutions. Competitive prices paired with higher-quality images and processing yield a perfect combination for UF.

Next up, UF is working on a residential gaming lounge. Sony’s professional displays, which incorporate high hertz for a powerful refresh rate, and the detail and immersion of 4K, will bring students a next-level experience and a much-needed place to unwind.

FOCAL POINT

Over the last 30 years, CCS Presentation Systems has become one of the largest AV integration groups in the U.S., growing from two employees to over 350 with offices in 17 states. Recently, CCS designed and built a new, innovative technology-focused national headquarters that showcases the organization’s advanced AV design capabilities/services. They needed a wow factor for their lobby

As a leader in the commercial audio-visual industry, CCS prides itself on operating as a trusted resource for stellar AV products and cutting-edge audio video integration.

CCS experienced rapid growth, and in 2022 designed and built a new national headquarters in Mesa, AZ. They wanted something stunning for their main lobby that would reflect their AV expertise and passion for technology. CCS enlisted its proud manufacturing partner, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America to design the lobby’s main feature, an breathtaking 90-degree wraparound dvLED wall. With a detailed vision in mind, Sharp got to work, collaborating

with CCS and design agency, OpenEye Global, to bring the lobby to life using two LED walls and stunning imagery.

Tasked with creating a compelling, wraparound display wall that would serve as the focal point of the CCS lobby, OpenEye and Sharp brainstormed how to best captivate visitors and provide the best possible visual experience as soon as individuals walked through the doors. It was imperative that the technology operated perfectly and had aesthetics to match. The team knew a traditional corporate lobby design wouldn’t work. It was critical that the outcome represent CCS’ audio and visual capabilities while also boasting longevity and reliability.

The team used two direct-view LED walls featuring the NEC LED-FE-015i2 1.5mm pixel pitch modules to make an extraordinary 90-degree, wrap-around corner unit, which answered CCS’ requirement for a captivating lobby scene. “We were really aiming for a ‘wow’ factor,” said CCS’ chief marketing officer, Julie Solomon. “The standard corporate lobby just wasn’t for us. In our

line of business, visuals are key. It was incredible to work with Sharp and OpenEye Global to make this happen.”

Capitalizing on immersive technology OpenEye Global’s senior creative producer, Douglas Dowson, shared that NEC’s dvLED displays, “renders content beautifully.” Dowson was pleased with how OpenEye Global’s content appeared seamlessly and clearly across the technology.

“From epic nature scenes to a forced perspective brand highlight, this 90-degree design completely invigorated the space,” said Dowson.

“As soon as people walk into the building, it’s the first thing they see, and the first thing they compliment,” noted Solomon. “It’s just so incredibly striking.”

The CCS and OpenEye Global teams also noted that they experienced smooth planning, configuration and collaboration during the process with Sharp team members and products. Through the celebration of an artisticindustrial vibe and gleaming technology, the three teams found success and created the

courtesy

Photography

of Kyle Zirkus

Photo

ultimate, dynamic lobby scene.

With its stunning front entrance, CCS employees, customers, and visitors are captivated the moment they step foot in the building. From beautiful nature scenes to AV product highlight reels, the massive, wrap-around LED screen is seen by all, providing a positive view for office goers, from the first one in, to the last one out.

The new CCS headquarters’ environment offers the perfect setting for hosting events and seminars with highly collaborative and modern features, including a two-story lobby opening out to a multi-functional indoor/outdoor café event space and training center. Large glass movable walls and an oversized garage door led to an outdoor amenity patio that can quickly transform the area into an event space large enough for more than 250 guests. The installation of the Sharp dvLED video wall accentuates the company’s passion for technology that delivers impressive results.

CURVED VIDEO WALL PROJECT TAKES FLIGHT

To improve customers’ travel experiences, airports are increasingly relying upon curved video walls to convey immersive entertainment and information. “It creates an immersive experience when walking into the space,” Alex Wade, project manager at Ford AV said. “Enveloped by the imagery, it captures the visitor’s attention immediately, highlighting the content and messaging simply because it surrounds you.”

And it’s not just happening at the country’s busiest commercial airline hubs; cargo facilities like Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport are getting in on the trend. Perot Field is home to a variety of aviation clients, including the U.S. military, FedEx, Amazon, and several private charters. And though cargo is its main purpose, it still sees a lot of visitors each year.

“Pilots will go out of their way to stop here because Fort Worth is such a popular destination,” Wade said. “The goal of this project was to create an upper-level, amenity-based pit stop, and also a destination. There are theater rooms, fully stocked refrigerators, and conference rooms. It’s a place to come and relax. Also, if you want to come for your flight early, it’s a place to hang out.”

The project includes four video walls. The main wall is in a 7-by-6 configuration with 1.58mmpixel-pitch Absen Acclaim Plus LED cabinets. There’s also an Absen N Plus series curved LED display showing basic flight information (wind, temperature, et cetera), and two more niche displays set in custom millwork.

Any time you’re dealing with an LED video wall, precision and accuracy are imperative. All trades involved in the project—data, electrical, millwork, drywall, wooden backing—need to be within 1/16th of an inch, and often less. Adding to the complexity of the Perot Field project, two of the walls were curved, and at different radiuses. That meant the mounting structures needed to allow for finite adjustments to meet the unique millwork at each location.

“The Draper mounts came with tons of adjustability—left-right, up-down, and Z—and that was really what we needed,” Wade said. “The number of times you get a perfectly uniform radius on a wall—well I’ve never had a project where that happened. The Draper product we used was extremely easy to install and gave us the adjustment we needed. This project definitely benefited from Draper’s innovation.”

Initially, Draper was not part of the

specification. However, the Pro AV rep firm Mizzen Marketing recommended they be brought onto the project. “We turned to Draper not only because of their manufacturing capability, but additionally their level of communication and collaboration with Absen,” Lisa Peveler, president of Mizzen Marketing said. “Careful planning and engineering would be required to bring the design to fruition, and we knew Draper was up for the task.”

“This project is a perfect example of our strength as a manufacturing partner,” Grant Wylie, director of Product Management for Draper AV Mounts and Structures said. “We have a breadth of custom design and manufacturing capabilities not available at many of our competitors, and that allows us to be very cost effective while maintaining an extremely high level of quality. We also have a depth of resources that allows us to deliver a solution on time and when it’s needed.”

Wade agreed, saying Draper is his first call for any and all custom curved display mounts. “I’ve been on job sites where you just can’t get this last display to line up,” Wade said. “You’ve done all you can. You go and shim behind it. You add washers. You’re there until 6 or 7 o’clock at night and you don’t know when you’re going home. By using custom products like these Draper mounts, it was really as simple as adjusting the screws. From an install mindset, I want my guys working with Draper every time.”

courtesy of Draper

Photos

VEGAS CASINO GOES ALL IN ON CONTENT CONTROL

Las Vegas’ Circa Resort & Casino is the ultimate entertainment experience, providing a flexible atmosphere where guests can enjoy luxurious, awe-inspiring amenities to work, play, or relax like never before. Circa opened its doors in 2020, with the goal of becoming the premier destination for sports viewing and betting. The property boasts the world’s largest sportsbook and the eye-catching destination Stadium Swim—both of which feature predominant screens that made visual impact and technical reliability primary considerations throughout Circa’s design process. With digital content and engaging streams being a focal point throughout the property, selecting a dependable AV distribution system poised for future growth was imperative. Integrators Technology West Group and Volta Systems Group, along with the AV team at Circa, selected the DM NVX AV-over-IP platform because of its ability to synchronize content to be sent to multiple screens across the property, as well as support 4K broadcasts as that becomes more available.

“When developing this property, we were hyper obsessed with every detail of the guest experience, tying together memorable experiences with the legacy of Las Vegas. With Crestron, being able to create unforgettable entertainment for each one of our visitors was made easy,” Paul Ballard, chief information officer at Circa Resort & Casino said.

Chris Martinkovich, Circa’s AV manager,

echoed this sentiment: “While we evaluated a number of solutions, the reliability of Crestron DM NVX was a key factor in our selection, and that decision has paid off.”

A striking venue, Stadium Swim is an iconic addition to the Las Vegas Strip, featuring six pools, a 40-foot HD screen, and three distinct levels for viewing. The multi-level destination is open 365 days a year, and the state-of-the-art filtration system allows the pool to stay open later than any other property in the city. The show-stopping attraction is ideal for watching a big game or streamed event, as Stadium Swim delivers the ultimate viewing experience with its extensive DM NVX technology deployment. A combination of encoders and decoders feed live content to the screens, ensuring guests can watch the action in real time without worrying about latency. Stadium Swim was designed to give unobstructed views of the screens at all times. Attention to detail went beyond the technology that supports the space, and even included measuring the chairs’ height and cabanas’ positioning.

The Circa property offers another unique entertainment venue onsite: the world’s largest sportsbook. The atmosphere sets the tone for viewing competitive sports, and is the perfect environment for placing a wager as the action plays out in real time. The sportsbook features a 78-million-pixel screen spanning 145 feet and is positioned three stories high. It is also powered by the DM NVX platform to provide television

streaming entertainment throughout the venue. The space has a 1,000-person capacity with stadium seating, further elevating the viewing experience on a large scale.

Beyond the prominent entertainment options onsite, Circa provides several other offerings, including bars, restaurants, shops, and the Circa Ballroom. All these public areas feature Crestron Control to adjust lighting scenes, audio levels, and video feeds. The Circa Ballroom and expansive meeting rooms offer AV control that allows content to be shared seamlessly, and tailors the space to fit the needs of the host. The team can use a tablet to control any TV screen or change the audio levels in any public space. The Crestron system allows the team to display video content anywhere on the property and control it centrally.

“With Crestron, our AV team can implement some of the larger changes to adapt the system to our needs, but our property staff are also empowered to make small tweaks throughout the day to enhance the experience for our guests in their dedicated areas,” Martinkovich said.

Circa pays homage to the city’s legacy and was designed with the guests in mind, creating engaging technology experiences that seamlessly complement the visual aesthetic. On a property where screen downtime would gravely impact the visitors, the AV team at Circa is confident in their operations, having the trusted support of Crestron Control and the DM NVX AV-over-IP platform.

Photos courtesy of Crestron

HIGH-BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL SCREENS

Everyone in the beauty brand market is highly competitive, and the hair tools division is heating up. Legacy brand, GHD, has a fresh strategy on how to remain a top-tier player in the category. Currently, the global hair styling tool market is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 4.9 percent to reach US $38.4 billion by 2030. With challengers posing some of GHD’s toughest competition yet, the company is taking a proactive approach.

“We have to make sure that we are still uniquely positioned during this cost-of-living crisis, by remaining a significant company in the beauty tech space.” GHD chief executive officer Jeroen Temmerman said in an interview with Cosmetics Business.

Their game plan to strengthen brand position includes expanding into untapped markets and launching new products. The company is also committed to driving innovation and leveraging unexpected technology in stores.

In addition to research and development, the GHD team examined their in-store presence. They asked retail installation specialist, Lime Retail, if they could help build an interactive stand to put in stores: “We are thinking about using sensor technology and putting a layer of mirrored glass in front of a standard screen.”

Ross Halford, senior account manager of Luxury Brands at Lime Retail, agreed to make that goal into a reality: “We can use Nexmosphere presence and lift and learn sensors, all of which work well with BrightSign players. But do you know what happens if you put a layer of mirrored glass in front of a normal screen? You reduce brightness by over 50 percent and make content almost impossible to see. Let’s get a high-bright version in the size you want to get the best possible output.” Halford and his team knew Bluefin could get them what they needed.

The Lime team mocked up a comparison demo to show a normal screen with pane of mirrored glass in front next to the Bluefin custom-built, High-Bright 21.5-inch screen with mirrored glass built in. The difference was obvious!

Bluefin International believes in going beyond standard limitations. By designing to unique environments, they enable customers to achieve their goals. Each Bluefin screen

comes with the OS built in. For the GHD project, Halford chose BrightSign Built-In as the operating system. BrightSign Built-In works seamlessly with Nexmosphere sensors, all of which are housed in the Bluefin screen itself for a clean, simple design.

When you approach the unit, sensors trigger the screen. The lights, which are also controlled, dim to 20 percent and content referencing the products being showcased plays. Once it finishes, the lights brighten back to 100 percent so shoppers can see themselves clearly in the mirrored glass. A call to action comes up, cueing them to select a product. When they select a product and pick it up, the unique content for that item is triggered, lights dim, and content plays. The Bluefin High-Bright custom screens make all the difference in whether the shopper can see and engage with the content or not.

This unit design keeps shoppers engaged for longer and acts as a virtual sales specialist for the brand, so they ended up being exactly what GHD needed to complete their beautiful interactive kiosks. “Bluefin really came through and designed for purpose,” Halford said. “GHD has embraced what we’ve recommended and they are really happy with the final product.”

The installation has been so successful for the GHD brand and product sales, “We continue to order more screens as the client rolls out more units,” Halford said. “In fact, they are building out an experience zone on Oxford Street, and have expanded to a two-sided screen format for new units rolling out in other stores in the UK.”

Lime and Bluefin continue to work with GHD as they expand their footprint in beauty stores across Europe.

Photos courtesy of Bluefin

SERVING UP AN IMMERSIVE VISUAL FEAST

Culinary Misfits, a trendy new bar and restaurant in Crown Point, Indiana, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with a remarkable AV setup that contributed to its unique ambiance. The project, managed by GKD Technologies and Andy Spolar of AWA Reps, utilized cutting-edge technology, including Crimson AV’s VW4600G3 Video Wall Mount, to create an immersive and dynamic dining experience.

Culinary Misfits wanted to establish itself as a go-to spot, not only for delectable food and drinks, but also for a visually engaging experience. The establishment comprises a

main dining area and an exclusive upstairs lounge available for private events. The challenge was to integrate an AV system that met the aesthetic and functional requirements of both spaces.

Dave Mackiney, an integrator with GKD Technologies and a seasoned professional with previous successful ventures with Culinary Misfits, collaborated with Andy Spolar from AWA Reps to design and implement the AV systems. The seamless integration of Crimson AV mounts, LG displays, and advanced control systems resulted in a visually stunning and operationally efficient environment.

In the main dining area, a 3-by-3 video wall using LG commercial panels with the VW4600G3 Video Wall Mount features pushin, pop-out technology for easy service. The design allows for a flexible display of three full-size images, or overlaying them across four displays in a 2-by-2 configuration. The upstairs lounge features a 2-by-6 video wall of LG commercial panels, deployed with an unconventional utilization showing three fullsize images across four displays. Additionally, in areas accommodating children, individual LG TV displays were mounted using Crimson ceiling mounts.

Ultimately, Crimson AV’s VW4600G3 Video

Wall Mounts were selected for their numerous superior features, including the aforementioned push-in, pop-out technology for easy access to middle displays; six points of adjustment for precise alignment; up to 3 inches of depth adjustment to accommodate uneven walls; an 11-inch pull-out extension for easy wiring; lateral shift, vertical adjustment, and leveling for optimal positioning; and an integrated dualkeyed lock system for security.

When it came to control in both the main dining area and the upstairs lounge, the team opted for RTI systems, ensuring seamless management of the entire AV setup and providing an intuitive interface for staff and guests. For video distribution, they selected AVPro Edge’s MXNet video over IP, enhancing the flexibility and scalability of the video distribution system.

Culinary Misfits’ one-year anniversary celebration showcased the successful synergy of innovative AV solutions and meticulous planning. The Crimson AV VW4600G3 Mounts, coupled with LG commercial panels and advanced control systems, contributed to the restaurant’s atmosphere, making it a memorable destination for patrons seeking not only gastronomic delights but also a visually captivating experience.

SUSTAINABILITY AND DESIGN ACROSS THE POND

An ongoing partnership between Daktronics and Open Media continues to deliver at prime locations in England—most recently with a new LED installation at BOXPARK Liverpool, the company’s first BOXPARK location outside of London, bringing the hip happenings of London’s Brick Lane to Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.

The new digital screen measures 6.08m high by 16.32m wide and features a 10mm pixel spacing to bring excellent image clarity and contrast to messages shared on the display. The display is located in a busy downtown area of Liverpool and brings the flexibility of digital signage to a location that

had previously used a static banner.

EcoSmart technology integrates five core eco-conscious features into Daktronics’ product designs: hardware upgrades, blue light reduction, high-contrast louvers, intelligent content detection, and sleep mode. These features combine to deliver a more focused light source and light that is easier on the eyes of viewers. Additionally, users enjoy better image contrast, the ability to automatically adjust brightness based on sunlight, and a sleep mode for minimal power consumption.

The nature of this sustainability-oriented display adds to Open Media’s existing array of planet-focused initiatives, including the company’s “Power Down Initiative” where they power down their out-of-home (OOH) networks between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. to conserve energy, among other revolutionary solutions such as their carbon calculator solution in partnership with UniLED, which enables brands to track and offset emissions from advertising campaigns.

In addition to their work in England, Daktronics and Lets Ad Advertising have joined forces in Dubai. The Oval, an innovative, eye-catching digital Out-of-Home (OOH) display, now has new life thanks to three custom oval-shaped displays that were brought online in 2024 at major thoroughfares near the Museum of the Future, the entrance to Dubai Mall, and the business bay near Dubai Mall.

Each of the three displays measures approximately 9.28-by-18.25m and features 10mm pixel spacing to bring bright, crisp imagery to light. The digital aspect allows multiple messages to be scheduled to the display to accommodate the needs of the high-end advertisers shown.

The display shape and structure are designed to make the display look as though it is hanging or floating in the air, especially at night. With its marble foundation and steel design, it can be built and pieced together in a single day. It is also done without any welding, so it can be dismantled and reassembled at a different location if desired in the future.

A CRYSTAL-CLEAR GATEWAY TO COLLABORATION

LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) is the manager and developer of the new awardwinning, state-of-the-art Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, Queens, New York City. LGP is composed of Vantage Airport Group and Meridiam for development and equity investment, with Vantage Airport Group leading the terminal management. The company aims to foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration among its employees, and its suite of meeting and training rooms are invaluable tools in this process.

However, in 2022, the company realized its existing meeting room technology was a roadblock to achieving these goals. The existing AV system presented significant challenges, particularly when it came to facilitating remote participation in meetings and training sessions. This unreliability not only hindered staff productivity, but also impeded overall employee engagement in meetings and training sessions. This combination of factors negatively impacted both LGP’s ability to conduct productive training sessions or meetings, and, ultimately, overall business efficiency.

In search of a solution to completely overhaul its meeting and training room experience, LGP partnered with IT provider CDW. After a

thorough evaluation process, the company opted to deploy Avocor G Series interactive displays across its suite of rooms. These premium displays boast several key features that directly addressed LGP’s challenges.

The 4K UHD display delivers a crisp and clear picture, and the interactive touchscreen features 20-point InGlass touch technology to allow multiple users to interact with the screen simultaneously. The sleek, bezel-less design, while being stylish, also minimizes the frame around the display, creating a more immersive viewing experience. Furthermore, the integrated high-quality speakers provide clear audio for video conferencing, presentations, and meetings. With its size, high resolution, and interactive features, the G Series is ideal for collaborative meetings and brainstorming.

In fact, all Avocor displays at LGP feature a user-friendly, interactive interface that simplifies collaboration and streamlines the meeting setup process—an important new benefit for LGP. There is now no need for any complex configurations, allowing employees to focus on the content and interaction at hand. For example, joining remote sessions is now a seamless experience: Users can effortlessly initiate remote sessions with a single click or

touch on a calendar invite. This new feature has ensured smooth participation for both in-person and remote attendees and has really kickstarted a more inclusive and collaborative environment.

Avocor has built a reputation as a leader in innovation for display technology. Its team of engineers is consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible by developing cutting-edge display solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s businesses and institutions. For example, with features such as intuitive touchscreens, first-class image quality, and seamless collaboration possibilities, Avocor prioritizes user experience. The company also understands the need for in-built versatility, so its displays integrate seamlessly with the software and hardware ecosystems used in different workspaces. Also, it stays at the forefront of display technology by incorporating technology advances that ensure unmatched reliability, strong return on investment, and a long product life cycle.

The Avocor displays have received enthusiastic feedback from LGP employees, and time previously wasted on wrestling with technology is now productively spent on other work. The improved meeting room experience has led to a surge in requests to utilize these spaces. This demonstrates a clear shift in employee sentiment towards collaboration and highlights the positive impact the Avocor displays have had on employee engagement.

“Everyone at LGP is really pleased that we have moved to Avocor displays,” Mo Jean-Louis, head of IT at LGP said. “The interactive screen, whiteboarding functions, and other features are a real step up from our previous system. It was a great move to go with a premium display like the L Series and we’ve not looked back since making the switch.”

LGP’s success story with the Avocor displays extends beyond their initial deployment. Recognizing the significant positive impact on collaboration, LGP has since installed another Avocor display in its Queens headquarters. This further underscores LGP’s commitment to a collaborative and dynamic work environment, where information sharing and innovation can thrive.

Photos courtesy of Avocor

COMING INTO FOCUS PRODUCTS

Planar Luminate Ultra W Series 1

The Planar Luminate Ultra W Series finepixel-pitch LED video wall display pairs the latest advancements in LED technology with a 16:9 wide aspect ratio, allowing users to create standard resolution in fine-pitch outdoor LED and redefine close-up outdoor viewing of media-rich content. The new solution features models in 1.3mm, 1.6mm, and 2.0mm pixel pitches, which can be configured to perfectly match Full HD and Ultra HD resolutions, and up to 3,000-nit brightness to support viewing from as close as eight feet. Models also incorporate MicroLED technology to produce enhanced black levels and high brightness even in direct sunlight. planar.com

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4 kvm-tec Scalable Pro Line OmniStream 2.0

Atlona’s OmniStream 2.0 AV-over-IP firmware adds support for 4K60 video with 4:4:4 color sampling alongside better bitrate efficiency and integrated multiview processing. OmniStream 2.0 features the new VCx codec that delivers less than one frame of latency from encode to decode, enabling 4K60 4:4:4 streams with artifactfree presentation of computer-generated content and fast-motion video. Increases in coding efficiency enable additional HD streams over 1Gb Ethernet networks, multiple 4K streams over 10Gb switch-toswitch uplinks, and simultaneous 4K and HD over Gigabit Ethernet. OmniStream 2.0 also enables simultaneous display of multiple sources from OmniStream Pro encoders onto one screen.

LG’s MAGNIT All-in-One Display (LAAA) delivers eye-popping visuals in a simple, all-in-one installation package. It leverages LG’s chip-on-board technology, whereby the LED chips are embedded directly onto the printed circuit board with seven layers, making this incredible image-reproducing system also remarkably robust. Complete with LG’s Office Meeting Mode, screen sharing, and AI-enhanced processing, the LG MAGNIT contains numerous high-end features that deliver a premium display experience for any type of content in any corporate environment.

lg.com

IHSE’s kvm-tec Scalable Pro Line supports up to 5K60 video over a 10G network switch. It uniquely features the ability to control and manage up to 16 computer sources on a single display via a single keyboard and mouse. By simply moving the mouse inside the gridded cell and clicking, the operator has full control of the source.

ihse.com

VSNMini 300 Video Wall Controller Carousel Daily

Designed for college, sportsbook, and corporate environments, among others, Datapath’s VSNMini 300 Video Wall Controller can be used as either a personal video wall controller/workstation or as a standalone video wall controller. It boasts a slick form factor, with a modern aesthetic and the industrial-grade components that customers require. Ideal for small- to medium-sized applications, the VSNMini 300 supports the latest standards, including 12th Generation Intel Processors (i9, i7, i5) and NVMe (M.2) SSD storage for maximum performance. Graphics and capture capabilities are provided via three PCIe slots that can be configured as required with Datapath’s Image graphics, Vision capture, and ActiveSQX IP decode/encode cards.

datapath.com

Carousel Digital Signage’s Carousel Daily is a new feature for Carousel Cloud that extends the reach of traditional digital signage content well beyond the facility walls, enabling seamless communications to thousands of devices. Leveraging Carousel Cloud’s existing content management, scheduling, and multiplatform tools, users can effortlessly push important organizational news and information directly to intended audiences. Bulletins are distributed as links or QR codes to iOS, Mac, AppleTV, and/or Android mobile devices, with external URLs that seamlessly guide viewers to essential destinations such as training completion, video viewing, company messages, and annual enrollment. Carousel Daily ensures the right messages publish on the right mobile devices, desktops, and displays.

carouselsignage.com

ATND1061 Beamforming Ceiling Array Microphone

Audio-Technica’s ATND1061 Beamforming Ceiling Array Microphone has received major upgrades with its latest firmware update, including Video System Control Architecture (VISCA)-over-IP and Voice Lift technology. VISCA offers synchronized control of multiple video peripherals, improving interoperability and meeting equality. Using VISCA over IP, you can position the camera to match with the audio captured by the ATND1061. This creates a more natural experience in hybrid calls. The ATND1061 now includes Voice Lift, a technology that improves the communication environment in a space where voices don’t carry (i.e. larger rooms). Voice Lift makes a presenter’s words more intelligible.

audio-technica.com

Command 360

Haivision’s Command 360 enables enterprise, defense, government, and public safety organizations to make real-time, critical decisions fast by centralizing multiple communication sources into a secure, intuitive video wall display that can span any size network and multiple locations. Command 360 can be set up and fully operational quickly, minimizing disruption to mission-critical environments. Upon setup, the next-generation solution—with its secure, browser-based user interface—delivers the advanced functionality needed to coordinate and manage an entire operation or command center. Key features include easy-to-use, intuitive control; enhanced security; multisite and remote scalability; fast, easy deployment; and real-time visibility.

haivision.com

FW-98BZ53L 98-Inch 4K HDR BRAVIA Professional Display

Sony’s FW-98BZ53L 98-Inch 4K HDR BRAVIA Professional Display features the company’s innovative Deep Black NonGlare Coating which combines anti-glare and low-reflection technologies, while maintaining deep blacks, high contrast, and precise image quality. The BZ53L boasts an extraordinary 780-nit screen brightness with full-array local dimming and peak brightness of 1,500 nits. It also incorporates cinematic color, a wide viewing angle, a processor with cognitive intelligence, and 32GB memory. Ideal for corporate, education, and retail applications, the BZ53L display addresses common concerns related to digital signage in challenging, high-ambient-, or directlighting environments.

pro.sony

DN-300H DisplayNet SDVoE Transmitter/ Receiver USB HID

DVIGear’s DN-300H DisplayNet SDVoE Transmitter/Receiver USB HID is the newest addition to the DisplayNet AVoIP family. Based on the latest SDVoE ASIC technology, the DN-300H supports USB HID device extension and routing with instant switching. It offers innovative software-defined KVM functionality, multi-screen KVM support, and advanced features including hotkey routing and system control. The DN-300H delivers unprecedented functionality and versatility in an ultra-compact, low-profile form. This unit provides switchable transmitter and receiver functionality with 10G copper and fiber network interfaces. A host of cuttingedge features and a low price point ensure high value for system integrators and their customers.

dvigear.com

Ross Video’s XPression Tessera is a multifaceted solution for managing and filling video displays in any studio or venue. The XPression Tessera Distributed Workflow system utilizes a simple region-mapping tool to allow users to slice up a graphic on a large canvas and distribute it across multiple channels or engines for pixelaccurate rendering. A single Take ID can be used to trigger the animation to play out in perfect synchronization across one channel or dozens of them. From simple studios to the largest live event stages, Ross Video can help you engage with viewers.

rossvideo.com

Jupiter Systems’ Zavus XP (XP stands for Xtreme Pixels) represents the pinnacle for Jupiter display engineering, as it can handle all typical deployments, but excel in digital signage. Zavus is available in pixel pitches of 0.7mm, 0.9mm, and 1.2mm, and is truly built for the modern office. The key technology used for Zavus XP is flip-chip COB, providing an encapsulated pixel area with a smooth black resin coating that provides a cooler surface and delivers 30 percent improved energy efficiency over standard dvLED, superior grayscale, as well as unrivaled image depth and contrast. It is powered in collaboration with Megapixel VR processing for superior performances. jupiter.com

RGB Spectrum’s SuperView IPX is a stateof-the-art multiviewer that consolidates up to eight video images on a single screen, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making workflows. Supporting both HDMI and IP inputs, it allows users to seamlessly display local and remote video sources with complete flexibility. The SuperView IPX features 4K 60Hz input and output resolutions, customizable display layouts, and presets, along with H.264 and H.265 decoding. With an embedded architecture for enhanced security and control via a browser-based GUI, Telnet, and RS-232, it is the ideal solution for missioncritical 24/7 operations. Made in the U.S.A., it ensures reliability and ruggedness.

Zavus XP

Philips Unite LED All-In-One 4K and 8K Range Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays

The new Philips Unite LED All-In-One 4K and 8K Range from PPDS offers a complete out-of-the-box, high-quality, lower-energy fixed or portable solution, with installation times cut to as little as 60 minutes. The range comprises four new models—the 4000, 4200, 5000, and 7000 Series—for businesses looking to transition away from smaller LCD screens and existing video walls to larger, more versatile, bezel-free LED displays. Whether used in meeting rooms, education spaces, reception areas, or luxury retail, the Philips Unite LED AIO Series is available in a variety of sizes (110- to 165-inch resolutions FHD, 4K, and 8K) and pixel pitches (P0.47 to P1.5) to support the wide-ranging professional display needs of permanent and semi-permanent installations. ppds.com

Optoma’s Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays offer advanced tools and added functionality, supporting educators and professionals with enhanced learning and remote, real-time collaboration. Enterprise Device Licensing Agreement certification gives users access to the full Google Workspace experience, and the Optoma Solution Suite offers several annotation tools; a file manager; display share; and a digital whiteboard with an improved floating toolbar, customization tools, and an infinity canvas. The nextgeneration 5-Series is compatible with the Optoma Management Suite. This intuitive display management solution streamlines operations, offering IT administrators and technicians a real-time remote platform to monitor, manage, and diagnose multiple displays simultaneously.

Digital Projection’s M-Vision 27000 WU sets new standards in large-scale imaging solutions for 2024. This single-chip powerhouse delivers an elevated viewing experience at a fraction of the size and cost of premium three-chip laser projectors. With an impressive 27,000 ISO lumens output and ColorBoost + Red Laser technology, it achieves unparalleled brightness and color accuracy, even in the full spectrum of red hues. Enhanced by NEXUS chip electronics, it supports seamless integration with Projector Controller II software, enabling effortless image warping and blending. Revolutionize your viewing experience with the M-Vision 27000 WU—where innovation meets affordability.

ClickShare Bar Pro MultiSync PN-ME Series

Barco’s ClickShare Bar Pro is a premium, carbon-neutral, all-in-one video bar that enables engaging, effortless wireless conferencing in medium-sized meeting rooms with any videoconferencing platform. Thanks to its advanced AV capabilities (dual screen and 4K content sharing) and interactive features (touchback, annotation, and blackboarding), it enables crystal-clear audio, sharp views, and enhanced interactivity for meetings where all participants feel heard and seen. This solution offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing IT managers to easily equip their meeting rooms. Paired with a five-year warranty, the bar overall reduces the total cost of ownership by consolidating all collaboration, audio, and video functionalities into one powerful device.

barco.com

The Sharp MultiSync PN-ME Series features a powerful and flexible Androidbased system-on-chip design, providing clear and bright signage with an advanced feature-set. The ME Series includes an anti-glare panel to minimize reflectivity and enhance visibility. The ME Series offers advanced connectivity options and integrates high-end media player functionality with CMS platform support. With on-board media playback through internal storage or USB, and seamless content management integration, the MultiSync ME Series is an ideal solution for digital signage applications.

19 XT5 Digital Signage Players

BrightSign’s XT5 Digital Signage Players elevate and future proof digital signage activations to create captivating experiences for years to come. The XT245 delivers robust 3D motion graphics in 4K and vibrant HDR video, from Full HD to breathtaking 8K, all while being powered over Ethernet for highly efficient deployments. Meanwhile, the XT1145 enables live video playback via an HDMI input and expands engagement options with USB and serial connections. Brands can seamlessly blend broadcasts into signage, including live news and sports, to offer an engaging atmosphere. And finally, the XT2145 can control two screens simultaneously with dual HDMI outputs. This capability has become more critical as brands look for ways to engage consumers with more dynamic visual content.

brightsign.biz

Korbyt’s Experiential Signage empowers businesses, universities, and corporate organizations to create truly immersive, interactive digital experiences with a near-endless array of third-party sensors and devices, including touch-interactive tablets, pressure sensors, mechanical and capacitive-sensing buttons, temperature sensors, lift and learn sensors, or even optical sensors. Experiential Signage is the newest addition to Korbyt’s cloud-based CMS that lets administrators engage employees, students, customers, and guests via various channels, including digital signage, desktop, email, and mobile devices. With more than 1 million endpoints, 300 cloud migrations, and more than 100 native integrations to date, Korbyt Anywhere is the most advanced platform to captivate audiences on any screen, anywhere.

korbyt.com

LED Studio’s 54-inch EDGE Pro, part of the EDGE Series LED display range, is the latest step in LED Studio’s mission to eradicate “throwaway culture.” The EDGE Series LED displays have been meticulously designed to reduce raw material usage versus standard 16:9 LED cabinets. The world’s largest single die-cast cabinets are designed as a direct replacement for popular LCD video wall panels, offering increased sustainability with up to 30 percent energy savings. LED Studio’s proprietary V1 Architecture cabinet infrastructure allows for pixel technologies to evolve at the end of the product life cycle. During upgrades, only the modules of the display require replacement, reducing waste, aiding project forecasts, and maximizing ROI.

theledstudio.co.uk

Palmer Digital Group’s OWDMB Series offers businesses with limited real estate a viable and compelling digital menu board solution for outdoor environments. The OWDMB Series offers single, double, and triple display configurations—each able to house three display sizes (46, 49, and 55 inches). The systems are easily mounted on a flat wall surface capable of supporting up to 600 pounds, and do not require a concrete foundation. Power and data cords are run through the wall in advance of installation, with OWDMB display heights recommended between 48 and 52 inches relative to the center of viewer sightlines

ListenWIFI

ViewSonic’s CDE92UW 92-Inch Ultra-Wide Display, featuring native 5K resolution, is optimized for Microsoft Teams Rooms and ideal for meetings and presentations. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, the CDE92UW offers 33 percent more screen real estate than a 16:9 display, while uniform bezels and versatile orientation mounting streamline installation. This display features 500 nits of brightness with a 25 percent high-haze, anti-glare screen and a 60W 2.1 sound system and subwoofer. Versatile connectivity options include HDMI, DisplayPort, RJ45, and USB-C with 100W power delivery. Integrated vCast software and the myViewBoard Display app empower users to connect and share content.

viewsonic.com

Navori Labs’ StiX 3800 Media Player supports flawless 4K content playback at 60fps, ensuring your media is displayed with stunning clarity and detail. Ideal for various settings, from retail to corporate environments, the compact device is also equipped with AI-powered footfall tracking, providing valuable insights into audience metrics and engagement. Features like autoactivation allow for effortless installation, while PoE capabilities minimize connectivity requirements. The StiX 3800 also promotes sustainable practices by activating the display only when the audience is detected. This makes the StiX 3800 not only a powerful digital signage solution, but also an environmentally conscious choice.

navori.com

Listen Technologies’ ListenWIFI is an audio-over-Wi-Fi assistive listening solution that lets users access venue audio via their smartphones or dedicated receivers. ListenWIFI features servers, software, LWR1050 receivers (the first dedicated audioover-Wi-Fi receiver that lets venues offer guests a choice on how they wish to receive streamed audio), and LA-490 Beacons that provide location-based audio for a fully automated and seamless user experience. Beacon technology also ensures audio does not extend beyond a designated space, making it ideal for environments where confidentiality is critical. Applications for ListenWIFI include assistive listening, video description, settings with multiple screens, and interpretation.

listentech.com

Series III

Christie’s Core Series III LED Video Walls deliver reliability, performance, and energy efficiency. They are a perfect option where price is a critical factor, including lobbies, meeting rooms, and digital signage applications. Available in five different pixel pitches, from 0.9 to 2.5mm, Core Series III is designed for 24/7 operation and delivers a typical 100,000 hours of performance with 800 nits brightness. The heart of Core Series III is its innovative, lightweight design, which makes installation and operation easy. It delivers the impressive visual performance expected from advanced LED technology while boasting up to 30 percent increased energy efficiency over the competition.

christiedigital.com

Panasonic Connect’s TH-SQ2H Series 4K Professional LCD Displays offer high-quality, vivid, and vibrant ultra-highresolution 4K displays with 700 cd/m² to deliver exceptional visibility even in bright conditions. Designed to mitigate glare from light sources and ambient light, the displays reduce reflections, making them well suited for classrooms and conference room settings. Displays can easily be rotated to support vertical-oriented content and can tilt front to back for easier viewing angles. With 24-hour uptime, they offer peace of mind in environments that run displays for long hours. The Series is equipped with various interfaces including USB Type C and features a built-in speaker.

connect.na.panasonic.com

MC-QX MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Transmitter

Just Add Power’s MC-QX MaxColor 4K60 Tiling and Warping Transmitter combines Just Add Power’s award-winning MaxColor 4K60 features with its innovative tiling and warping technology. It allows 4K60 source devices to be displayed on a single screen instantly, along with Warp Engine’s source rotation capabilities. Users can watch four 4K60 video sources simultaneously in multiple formats, including singlescreen, video wall, or tiled video. Further, installers can rotate any source in a Just Add Power system in 0.1-degree increments in real time with incredibly low latency. The rotated image can then be sent to an unlimited number of receivers in the network, allowing for the creation of massive artistic video walls.

29 Solstice Dynamic Digital Signage

A blank screen is wasted space. Mersive’s Solstice Dynamic Digital Signage feature makes it simple and easy to bring new life and functionality to all your screens and spaces. Maximize your display’s potential with engaging visuals between meetings, by serving up content from dynamic web pages or content from Google Slides, PowerPoint, AppSpace, Carousel, Tripleplay, and more. With vibrant digital signage on touchscreens, you can create a rich experience by allowing end users to perform a range of actions. Book rooms, submit IT tickets, play videos, display important information, and more, by simply tapping on the display—all within a customizable environment that matches your organization’s branding for a more connected experience.

mersive.com

30 PAEXEARC Digital Audio Extender

Vanco’s PAEXEARC Digital Audio Extender with eARC transmits HDMI eARC/ARC digital audio signals up to 328 feet and S/PDIF signals up to 656 feet over a single Cat5e/6 cable. It supports bi-directional PoC, allowing power supply from either end, and features simultaneous SPDIF and HDMI outputs for a customized audio solution. With CEC pass-through in eARC/ARC mode, it enables integrated control of multiple devices. Designed for reliable performance and compatibility with various audio systems, the PAEXEARC is ideal for enhancing audio distribution in meeting spaces and classrooms, ensuring high-quality sound and ease of control in large or complex setups.

vanco1.com

31 Content Manager

22Miles’ Content Manager is an allinclusive platform that enables efficient management of visual communications for projects of any size. It features over 1,000 customizable templates, AI-powered design suggestions, and fast editing tools, making it an ideal low-code, drag-and-drop solution for content management for systems integrators. With the industry’s most extensive library of enterprise software integrations and one-click widgets for interactive features like room reservation, 22Miles Content Manager is a future-proof solution that evolves with your business. The platform is compatible with most new and existing hardware, making it perfect for new deployments and retrofits.

22miles.com

A unique, adaptable solution for retail, hospitality, themed entertainment, and commercial projects, Epidaur Digital’s FX Series Flexible LED Solution is a durable LED display system ideal for permanent installations. Lending itself to eye-catching displays, a flexible design allows for the quick and easy creation of video walls of any size, shape, or configuration. Designers can truly think out of the 16:9 box, indoors or out, with impact-resilient and weather- and water-resistant features. Also offering an easy-install magnetic mounting system and 6,000 nits of dimmable light, the FX Series Flexible LED Solution is lightweight, high bright, and U.S. assembled.

epidaurdigital.com

Epson’s PowerLite 810E 3LCD Extreme Short Throw Lamp-Free Laser Display with 4K enhancement offers significant innovations to meet display needs for corporation, education, immersive experiences, and more. Incorporating a new cooling system and revitalized platform with 3-chip, 3LCD technology and 5,000 lumens it delivers sharp, bright images up to 160 inches from the wall. Offering a virtually maintenance-free laser light source; various aspect ratios from standard 16:9 to superwide 21:9; along with quality built-in sound, digital zoom, and new Epson Setting Assist app, it makes setup simple and integration easier for fleet management, image alignment, and casting.

epson.com

Matrox’s Mura DVW, a high-performance IP-based 4K distributed video wall appliance, enables the combination of multiple units in various arrangements to easily create a fully synchronized video surface of any size. Mura DVW integrates advanced computing, networking, video decoding, and graphical processing capabilities to deliver seamless visual experiences with maximum security. Mura DVW video walls are flexible and scalable, enabling you to build fully distributed video walls with performance that improves as more appliances are added. Each Mura DVW appliance supports high-density and flexible decoding—up to one 8K60, four 4K60, eight 4K30, and sixteen 1080p60 streams—all in H.265 (HEVC) or H.264 (AVC).

matrox.com

Mura DVW

XBoard V7 Interactive Flat Panel Series

MAXHUB’s XBoard V7 Interactive Flat Panel Series displays, ideal for online conferencing and other forms of collaboration, are available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 86-, and 92inch (Ultra-wide) sizes. Powered by the MAXHUB MeetingOS, these displays have a built-in ultra-high-definition 50-megapixel AI-powered Trident Lens System (65-inch and above display size), plus the ability to support active speaker tracking and auto framing. The XBoard V7 IFP Series offers 4K touch displays with a modular PC running Windows IoT—providing a wealth of interactive capability using a wide range of source content. Audio provisions include 16 built-in microphone arrays.

maxhub.com

Green Hippo’s Hippotizer Media Server Range provides real-time video playback, manipulation, and 3D mapping for video production in live event, AV, and broadcast applications. With reliable, purpose-built hardware, Hippotizer boasts industry-leading performance with multiple live capture, input, and output options. Hippotizer’s multi-user, network-based architecture and ZooKeeper interface seamlessly mix DMX, Timecode, Timeline, MIDI, OSC control, and API to build and add elements to any production. With Hippotizer’s complete set of intuitive pre-visualization and mapping tools, instant content updates or pixelperfect video mapping are made easy.

green-hippo.com

Experience vivid clarity with Bluefin’s 21.5-inch Flex-OS High-Bright LCD Screen, featuring a 1,920-by-1,080 resolution and a max brightness of 500 nits. Enjoy a superior viewing experience with a 178-degree viewing angle and 1,000CR contrast ratio. The capacitive touch interface offers smooth, responsive control. Equipped with HDMI and mini-USB for touch screen override, it supports optional embedded players such as BrightSign HS5, Intel Ocean, and Android R Series. Connectivity options include HDMI, USB, Micro-SD, and optional Wi-Fi. The sleek design (20.6-by-12.5-by-2.0 inches, 12.5 pounds) is VESA 75-by-75mm mountable, with power options including PoE.

thebluefin.com

Quality and adjustment capability are two of the most frequent asks from installers of dvLED video walls. Draper’s Foundation Mount System for LED delivers ample quantities of both. The Foundation was designed with installers in mind and is precisely manufactured to super tight tolerances. It’s preconfigured at the factory and ready to be installed right out of the box with no onsite cutting or modifications. Foundation provides two layers of precise Z-axis adjustment for perfect alignment of the panels, while also keeping the LEDs safe from damage during installation. The components are even configured to make it easy to get into the installation site, no matter how large the array will be.

draperinc.com

Crestron’s AirMedia enables secure wireless collaboration in the modern digital workspace. Easy to deploy and manage, the solution can be used in conference rooms, huddle rooms, lounges, lobbies, or almost any space to establish a productive meeting environment. When integrated with the Appspace digital signage application or other web-based signage providers, AirMedia can display digital signage content when no presentation is being made or when the room is not occupied. This turns every screen into a content hub to display corporate branding, company news, or list the events slated for that day. crestron.com

The Realmotion Engine by Realmotion is a versatile spatial computing software. Realmotion Engine can handle both dynamic, interactive elements in real time and linear video content. Integrated with commercial-grade sensors and content creation platforms, it offers unparalleled flexibility, performance, and reliability for projects of all scales. Realmotion Engine can be leveraged in various scenarios, including interactive digital experiences, projection mapping, digital art installations, broadcast, live event venues, and more. A key strength is its ability to integrate sensor data, media outputs, media playback, lighting management, and content management through one scalable software.

realmotion.com

Crimson AV’s KFP255UN 55-Inch Sleek

Indoor Kiosk is the perfect solution for indoor digital signage. Constructed from durable 14GA mild steel, it supports almost any 55-inch commercial display and comes in standard colors of black, white, silver, and red, with custom colors available for an upcharge. Available in both touch and nontouch versions, it includes a six-outlet surge suppressor and an interior media player tray for easy integration of media players, routers, and other components. Designed for simplicity, the kiosk can be operational within minutes.

crimsonav.com

In the age of hybrid working, learning, and connecting, it’s become a key challenge to capture and keep audience attention. The Viz Virtual Studio Go by Vizrt was designed to help drive engagement in any instance where video is shared, boosting communication, understanding, and connection. Software and hardware are pre-configured with fully designed and customizable AR graphics and an included virtual set scene. Engineered with award-winning virtual studio capabilities, powered by Viz Engine, and built on the connected workflows of NDI, storytellers are empowered with best-in-class technology to create engaging presentation experiences out of the box.

vizrt.com

The BenQ Board RP04 Series by BenQ is the first interactive display fully integrated with Google Mobile Services (GMS). With seamless access to Google Play, Classroom, and more, educators enjoy enhanced teaching experiences. A redesigned interface enables easy browsing of lesson content via Google Search. Core Google applications such as Drive, Maps, Meet, and YouTube are complemented by innovative features like text-to-speech and multi-lingual translation, catering to diverse student needs. BenQ’s EZWrite whiteboarding software and InstaShare wireless screen sharing facilitate collaborative learning, while BenQ’s IAM and DMS simplify IT management, providing seamless integration with existing Google accounts and safeguarding school data.