Systems Contractor News - June 2021 by Future PLC

Welcome to the JUNE ISSUE OF

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5/27/21 4:22 PM

9000

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS

ENRICHING HISTORY WITH AV

Museum Technology Brings the Past to Life

AVNETWORK.COM

JUNE 2021

18 Executive Q&A 22Miles’ Tomer Mann talks turning ideas into realities.

19 The Way They See It Rob Goldberg of Panasonic discusses reinvention.

42 Viewpoint

Joe Dunbar explores the human capacity for bandwidth.

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CONTENTS

Enriching History with AV Museums are finding themselves in the

position of having to balance the function of educating and entertaining visitors with very specific health and safety requirements. For help, museum directors are relying on integrators to assist them in creating experiences that are both safe and engaging. By Cindy Davis

Features 24 Balancing Tech and Design

SCN sits down with several AV industry designers and technologists to learn how they approach the relationship between technology and building design. By Carolyn Heinze

30 Crafting an Immersive Soundscape ACMI, Australia’s national museum of screen culture, relies on Audinate’s Dante to create a soundscape that

create more immersive, engaging experiences for audiences? By Megan A. Dutta

uses both localized sound and sound that exists as a

34 The Staggering Potential of XR

background across the entire gallery space.

Extended reality technologies have been in use for

By SCN Staff

decades, but pandemic-related flux is inspiring

People 18 Executive Q&A 22Miles’ Tomer Mann talks turning ideas into realities. By Megan A. Dutta

19 The Way They See It

commercial stakeholders to reassess XR’s potential. By Margot Douaihy, Ph.D.

Viewpoint 42 The Human Capacity for Bandwidth In the integration field, our technologies often require us to work within a defined set of parameters. There’s

Rob Goldberg of Panasonic discusses post-pandemic

a maximum capacity for hardware-based storage

reinvention for the AV industry. By Megan A. Dutta

solutions, for example, and a maximum bandwidth

Technology 32 The Power of Immersive Audio Immersive audio is not a new concept, but it’s becoming more popular with the pro AV community. What do you need to know about modeling sound to

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

for data processing. Is there a similar bandwidth cap and storage limit in the human brain? By Joe Dunbar

Departments 16 ASSOCIATION NEWS 20 PEOPLE NEWS 36 PRODUCTS

EDITORIAL avnetwork.com

MEGAN A. DUTTA Content Director

Re-Experiencing the World

megan.dutta@futurenet.com

Art Editor Rob Crossland

walking distance of the famous stadium, and games are a regular summertime occurrence for me. I’ve spent countless summer days in the bleachers at Wrigley ... but it’s

Focusing on the bright side of the events of the past year, I’m looking forward to using my return to public life as an opportunity to break out of the predictable. Perhaps I had taken all those games rooting for my beloved Cubbies for granted. Of course, I’ve always enjoyed going to watch a game, but with this unexpected break, I’ll be able to watch with a fresh set of eyes. In some ways, it’ll be like experiencing live baseball for the first time.

TWITTER twitter.com/scnmag twitter.com/meganadutta TWEET US What are you doing to break out of the predictable?

Content Manager Katie Makal Contributors Cindy Davis, Margot Douaihy, Ph.D., Joe Dunbar, Carolyn Heinze Group Art Director Nicole Cobban

becomes a unique experience once again.

@scnmagazine

Content Director Megan A. Dutta, megan.dutta@futurenet.com

person for the first time in nearly two years. I spent my childhood listening to

been a while. What an odd feeling when something that had been a part of your routine

INSTAGRAM

CONTENT

VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona

aseball is on my mind. I’m heading to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs play in my mom tell stories about catching foul balls outside the gates. I grew up within

JUNE 2021 VOL. 28 NO. 6

Maybe I’ll gain a new perspective, notice things about the stadium I haven’t before, appreciate the camaraderie of fans more. The possibilities are endless. Baseball is also on my mind because our friend and frequent contributor Jay B. Myers has released a third baseball-themed business book. (Read more about it on p. 10.) Each chapter ends with a “Swing for the Fences” summary with key lessons learned in said chapter. One of my favorite lessons from the book is, “It’s okay to fall in love with what you do, but not how you do it.” At some point we all need to reinvent the wheel. Love your job but not the process of getting work done? Change it. Love the magazine you work for but want to spice it up? Change it … which leads me to my next point. As you may have noticed, this month SCN is also breaking out of the predictable. We’ve got a fresh new look thanks to our stellar team—including Nicole Cobban, Rob Crossland, and Katie Makal. Just like in baseball, teamwork makes the dream work. We’ve updated our design style to be more modern and visually appealing, but we’re keeping all of the editorial content you know and love. As we see what could be the end of pandemic life on the horizon, let’s look at our old routines with new eyes, and let’s create amazing experiences.

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Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne Non-executive chairman Richard Huntingford Chief financial officer Rachel Addison Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

FOUND ON TWITTER…

Pennsylvania State Senate Improves Accessibility harrisburg, pa—Pennsylvania’s Senate Video Facility offers citizens a view of government decision-making by providing

gavel-to-gavel television coverage of Senate sessions plus select committee meetings and public hearings. With the goal of enhancing accessibility for hard-of-hearing individuals, the Senate chose the enCaption system from ENCO to provide automated closed captioning for its TV operations. enCaption also enabled the Senate to provide in-room open captions for hard-of-hearing meeting participants on an as-needed basis.

Top 5 Stories on avnetwork.com 5. S onova Acquires Sennheiser Consumer Business 4. d&b Launches Solutions Business, Acquires SFL Group 3. Jabra Launches New PanaCast Camera Lineup 2. Trox and Tierney Merge 1. The Nine: Leaders of Tomorrow, Today

POPULAR POSTS Life After Quarantine

The Quiet That Costs

BY NATALIE RAGLAND While in the

BY HENRY CLIFFORD Custom

New Sound for a New Normal BY ALEX LEPGES It’s hard to imagine

simplest sense lockdowns merely meant

installation is a people business. Our jobs

life pre-Zoom meeting now, but there

performing normal office functions from our homes,

are mini-marriages where we get to know our

was a time when virtual meetings were rare

the fact that we were locked in with the rest of the

clients intimately for a (hopefully) brief period of

occurrences. In 2021, it’s mandatory for businesses

family in monotonous and interminable daily rituals

time while we deliver a project before we hand

to have a strategy for remote meetings, serving

was mentally and emotionally trying. In exactly the

things off to our 24/7 service department. During

both co-workers and socially-distanced clients. As

same circumstances, though, our pets were generally

these relationships, field personnel sometimes

such, the endpoints of the audio technology

delighted about the extra family time. Now that

wind up changing the scope of a project after the

required—the microphones and headphones—have

offices, schools and public places are opening back

fact.

assumed newfound importance.

up, what can we do to prepare our pets for our eventual return to the world?

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

NEWS santa clara, ca—Santa Clara University (SCU), California’s oldest higher education institution, has seen many changes since its inauguration in 1851. With the early 2020 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school pivoted once again, transitioning from traditional in-classroom instruction to a system of remote learning to accommodate lockdowns and social distancing requirements. SCU already had a lecture capture system on campus based on the Panopto video management system and Matrox Maevex 6020 Remote Recorder appliances; once the pandemic shut down classrooms, the university was able to deploy 60 Maevex 6020 units for a current total of over 100 appliances in just 30 days. Now, every common classroom across all five academic colleges on campus is equipped with a Maevex 6020 device, providing access to streamed classes and lecture capture recordings for the university’s nearly 10,000 students.

Almo Adds Solar Power to WI Facility

on a yearly basis.

Almo Corp. has added 529 solar panels to the roof of its Wisconsin warehouse.

The Wisconsin warehouse is the third roofbased solar panel remodel that Almo has completed since 2019. Almo’s 2020 installation of solar panels on its Philadelphia, PA, headquarters warehouse space alone has enabled the company to send more than 65 percent of the solar electricity it produces back into the grid. “At Almo, we are focused on sustainable

lmo Corp. has added 529 solar panels

business practices that reduce our overall carbon

to the roof of its Wisconsin warehouse,

footprint and minimize our impact on the

which the company estimates will reduce

environment so we can give back to the

the facility’s use of grid-generated electricity by

communities where our facilities are located,” said

80 percent.

Mike Shive, Almo’s vice president of operations.

Almo says the warehouse solar panels are

“Our solar-paneled warehousing facilities, which

expected to produce 254,565 kWh of energy

have continued to operate throughout the

annually—about the average electric use of 21

pandemic, have reduced electricity consumption by

homes per year—while generating enough

45 percent in 2020 alone.”

electricity to offset 151,170 miles worth of gasoline

Almo plans to update its Georgia warehousing

(based on greenhouse gas emissions) and 339,420

facility with roof-mounted solar panels in the

pounds of coal (based on carbon dioxide emissions)

near future.

John Greene Dies at 63

TIME TO UPGRADE

John Greene, SCN Hall of Famer and sales director at New Era Technology U.S., has died after a battle with cancer. Greene, 63, passed away peacefully at home

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at JVC Professional and, later, Total Video Products. He finally landed at Advanced AV in 2006, which was acquired by New Era Technology (ranked No. 12 on the 2020 SCN Top 50 list) in 2018. “John was a beloved member of our New Era family, and he brought great wisdom and support to all who crossed his path,” said Michael Boettcher, president, Video Collaboration – U.S., New Era Technology. “No matter the

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NEWS

Former ISI CEO Offers Insight on Selling a Business

Myers founded Interactive Solutions Inc. (ISI) in 1996 and sold it to AVI-SPL in 2018. As its CEO for 22

ech entrepreneur and frequent SCN contrib-

Journey of Selling My Business and the Lessons Learned

years, Myers innovated

utor Jay B. Myers has a new book, Rounding

Along the Way, that’s available now in digital for-

and energized the

Third and Heading for Home: The Emotional

mats and in print on June 15.

videoconferencing, distance learning,

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fastest-growing private companies in the United States seven times in 11 years. In Rounding Third and Heading for Home, Myers shares his thoughts about how leaders will know if their business is ready to be sold, how to determine when the time is right, and how to separate those

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emotional journey as it was an important business process,” said Myers. “Selling to an outsider is a pragmatic transaction, but the personal feelings I had Secure installation in RETROFIT

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entrepreneurs, following Hitting the Curveballs: How

Adversity and Achieving Small Business Success (2007).

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an unexpected process that I really had to navigate.” This book is the third in his collection that focuses

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selling something I had put my heart and soul into was

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Maxhub Partners with Exertis ProAV

axhub is turning to Exertis ProAV to help drive distribution of its products to AV dealers and systems integrators through-

out the United States and Canada. Exertis ProAV now carries Maxhub’s Direct View Integrated LED Wall Display and UC Series product lines. “We are delighted to be working with Exertis ProAV to increase Maxhub’s presence throughout North America,” said Sam Malik, senior director of sales and marketing for Maxhub’s North American operations. “Adding Exertis ProAV to the Maxhub list of approved distributors increases our reach into the pro AV marketplace and provides depth in resources such as warehouse logistics, credit lines, and product support from knowledgeable salespeople.”

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

NEWS Collabtech Studios Helps Users Work Better Collabtech Group has launched Collabtech Studios, a new division focused on creating

SoundPro Awards 2021 Scholarship

and delivering live, The 2021 recipients of the SoundPro Jeff

recorded, and on-

Humphrey Technical Scholarship are Elizabeth

demand digital content

Casanova, who will be attending Belmont University

to help their customers

for a Media Productions degree, and Amber Hess, who will be attending Stephen F. Austin University’s

“work better together.” Collabtech’s Jon Sidwick stars in a video filmed Collabtech Studios

School of Theatre for a Technical Theatre degree with

will work closely with

a lighting design emphasis.

global partners,

SoundPro CEO Joshua Curlett established the

at the newly launched Collabtech Studios.

constructing digital campaigns for market

scholarship in 2010 and renamed it in 2020 in memory

enablement, educating the channel about new

of the late Jeff Humphrey, a SoundPro legacy leader.

features, and creating end user training and

graduating high school senior who is pursuing a

these dollars are helping send kids to school.”

allas-based Sound Productions (SoundPro) has selected this year’s recipients of the Jeff Humphrey Technical Scholarship.

The annual scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to a

technical audiovisual degree. This year SoundPro

“This scholarship honors one of our leaders with something he was passionate about,” said Curlett. “He advocated for education and he’d be proud that SoundPro says it is committed to contributing to

adoption programs to ensure clients are getting the best from their systems. The content will be created in Collabtech’s established studios around the world, delivered by its collaboration and market specialists in multiple

received so many qualified applicants that the

the innovation and growth of the audiovisual industry

languages as required, and creatively put together

company elected to award two $2,500 scholarships, a

and will continue to look for creative ways to help the

by the Collabtech Studios team of producers.

company first.

industry’s future leaders.

NEWS

What’s Next for Conferencing and Collaboration? By Jeremy Caldera, CTS-D, CTS-I, AV³ Panelist

veryone is tired of hearing about “the new

remaining within budget. It must also provide a

normal” or how things are going to be vastly

measurable ROI.

different after the age of COVID-19. Yes,

AV³ Explores the Future of Pro AV Join SCN, AVNation, and AVIXA for a Virtual Event

things have changed, and yes, we’d all love to get

participants—both in the office and remote—use a

back to the way things used to be. Will that ever

webcam because video allows for a more interactive

happen? The answer is no ... but that’s a good thing.

and engaging experience. And all meeting

In terms of how business and meetings are

special notice of their environment, including

forced to. Once we started using virtual

lighting, window treatments, room temperature, and

communications, there were enough good parts that

being in non-reverberant rooms.

the idea stuck. The hybrid meeting space is here to stay. What does this mean for the future? We will conduct hybrid meetings, combining

fast, and reliable hybrid solutions will be driving

(from anywhere). And not only meetings but every

modern meeting spaces. It is exciting to imagine what

social thing we do in our lives—weddings, concerts,

cloud platforms, new camera technologies, and

art shows, trade shows, you name it—will potentially

advancing audio technologies are on the horizon. I

have a hybrid or virtual component going forward.

hope that someday soon we can all experience it

AVNetwork (SCN’s website with AVT), and

know and innovations from many we do not (yet).

AVNation, AV³ will bring the pro AV com-

Consultants and integrators will see increasing

munity together through future-focused

demand for their services to design and

education and an exhibit hall featuring the

build spaces and experiences rich in

technologies you need to do your job today and

audiovisual technology. The need for a

tomorrow.

consistent user experience and

technological breakthroughs from manufacturers we

standards across larger enterprises will

hot topics such as streaming, hybrid learning,

dominate, and the drive from consumers

conferencing/collaboration, digital signage,

and employees for a reliable experience

and more—the event will provide plenty of

will ensure success for design and

networking opportunities and the chance to

integration firms that understand and

win gift cards and actual pro AV gear in the

flawlessly execute this concept. By establishing clear objectives and goals, users and designers can enhance

AVNation and AVNetwork to present a day of

their overall experience with meeting

exploration of what’s next for the world of pro

technology in the workplace, and AV

AV,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CEO of AVIXA.

companies will be able to capitalize on

“We’ll examine the impact of the pandemic and

more than equipment. Ensuring that

what lasting trends it’s brought us, such as the

systems are well received by all within

dramatic adoption of videoconferencing and

the organization—whether they’re using

streaming media. We’re looking forward to

hardware, software, or a mixture of

gathering AV professionals together to connect

both—is the key to successful

and share experiences and new ideas.”

implementation of any system. In the modern workplace, it is

product previews and analysis from one of our

important to select the correct system,

speakers. Don’t forget to visit www.av3event.

which is the one that fully addresses the

com and register for this future-focused event.

organization’s pain points while

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

together, and in person.

growth of everything.

pro AV?” Brought to you by AVIXA,

Read on for a preview of the event, including

don’t yet. We don’t know the specific technologies that the future will bring, but we do know that simple,

The coming years will bring about a period of

“AVIXA is excited to collaborate with

conferencing and collaboration?” Simply put, we

the way many would argue it should always have been

swer the question, “What’s next for

Passport to Prizes competition.

How do we answer the question, “What’s next for

elements of the way it used to be (in the office) with

What does this mean for the professional AV

In addition to the education—which covers

participants, no matter their location, should take

conducted, the world was not asked to change; it was

industry and those of us who drive it? The exponential

n Thursday, June 17, AV³ will an-

On a basic level, it is important that all

Jeremy Caldera is speaking on the panel “What’s Next for Conferencing and Collaboration?” Join him on June 17 at 11:10 a.m. EDT.

NEWS

AV³ Must-See Products

AtlasIED Atmosphere 2.0

daisy-chained power distribution, according to FSR.

The version 2.0 firmware update One of the hallmarks of SCN’s virtual events is an

for AtlasIED’s Atmosphere

exhibit hall filled with the latest and greatest pro AV

digital audio system enables

technologies—and AV³ will be no exception.

Netgear Business AV Line M4250 Switches

performance and installation enhancements

Designed with input from AV

including stereo and subwoofer support, self-healing

Epson EB-PU2010B WUXGA 3LCD Laser Projector Epson’s EB-PU2010B, a small

professionals, Netgear’s AV Line

accessories, room combine, and bell scheduling. The

M4250 switches support 1 Gb audio and video over IP

new Atmosphere software supports the system’s

with customized hardware and software and

original core technologies.

dedicated service and support. The sleek design fits in

and light 10,000-lumen WUXGA resolution, 4K enhancement technology, and

Black Box Radian Flex Complete Video Wall

3-chip 3LCD technology to deliver crystal-clear,

The Radian Flex Complete Video Wall

projector, offers Full HD

lifelike images. Versatile and flexible, the EB-

nicely with other AV equipment.

SnapAV Episode 800 Commercial Series In-Ceiling Speaker

is a line of all-inclusive hardware and

PU2010B comes with pro-level features and access to

software bundles that make it easy for small and

automated tools, with an optional external camera.

mid-sized organizations to implement full-featured

In-Ceiling Speaker sounds better and installs faster

video wall processing for various applications.

with magnetic grilles, included tile bridge, and a box

Kramer VP-440X

designed to make cutouts easier, according to SnapAV.

5-input scaler-switcher with

FSR Modular Linx System

HDMI and HDBaseT

The Modular Linx System is a

simultaneous display. The 4K60

robust and expandable power

Kramer’s VP-440X is a compact

The Episode 800 Commercial Series

WolfVision Cynap Core Pro WolfVision Cynap Core Pro is a wireless presentation, web

scaler/switcher is highlighted by its compact form

platform that distributes two 20-amp AC power

conferencing, and collaboration system that provides

factor, and loaded with value and versatility, VP-440X

circuits for a relocatable and reusable modular

wireless screen mirroring functionality combined with

offers advanced scaling technology, easy plug-and-

system. UL-listed, this system makes connectivity a

built-in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and WebRTC web

play operation, and more.

breeze for any application that would benefit from

conferencing—plus many other collaboration tools.

MAXHUB Integrated LED Wall Expands what you see. Revolutionizes what you can do.

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J U N E 1 7, 2 0 2 1 | # AV 3

A Summer Showcase of New Products and Tech Trends AV3 is a one–day virtual experience designed to answer the question “What’s next for pro AV?” Brought to you by AVIXA, AVNation, and AVNetwork, AV3 will bring the pro AV community together through advanced virtual networking, future–focused education, and an exhibit hall featuring the technologies AV professionals need to do their jobs today and tomorrow. Features include Auditorium — thought–provoking keynotes and a series of lively discussions with audience Q&A Expo Hall — meet leading AV technology manufacturers and suppliers showcasing the latest product innovations Networking — head to the live chat to catch up with peers and join discussions

Opening Keynote: What’s Next for Pro AV? With Bren Walker, Kirkegaard

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

5/21/21 8:26 AM

Speakers include

Tim Albright

Megan A Dutta

CEO AV Nation Media

Content Director Systems Contractor News

Chuck Espinoza, CTS-D, CTS-I Instructor Lead AVIXA

KEYNOTE Julie Johnston

Acting Associate Vice President for Learning Technologies Indiana University University Information Technology Services

Bren Walker

Partner, Principal of Integrated Systems Design Kirkegaard

Jeremy Caldera, CTS-D, CTS-I

Sheuli Forte

Sandra Paul

Peter Lawrence

Global Platform Lead Workplace Technology Willis Towers Watson

Director of IT/Operations Twp of Union Public Schools

Senior Vice President Pearl Technology

Director, Custom Solutions Group Planar

View the full agenda online GOLD SPONSORS:

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NEWS ASSOCIATIONS

InfoComm 2021 Details Health and Safety Precautions

s the pro AV industry begins to focus on

InfoComm will take to sanitize the show floor,

InfoComm 2021—which will take place in

bathrooms, etc.?

person Oct. 23-29 in Orlando, FL—we sat

RR: Just as PPE and social distancing are top of mind,

down with Rochelle Richardson, senior vice presi-

so are the most up-to-date and stringent cleaning

dent of exhibition and event services at AVIXA, to

protocols and policies. The Orange County

discuss the health and safety precautions the orga-

Convention Center is a Global Biorisk Advisory

nization has put in place for the show.

Council (GBAC) STAR-accredited venue, recognized

Editor’s note: U.S. health agencies and regulatory

as the gold standard of safe venues, and is one of the

bodies are rapidly updating rules and regulations

largest venues in the nation with the GBAC

regarding COVID-19 precautions in public spaces.

certification.

This article presents AVIXA’s health and safety plans

Rochelle Richardson

The OCCC has increased the number of hand

as they stand in late May; policies may evolve in line

sanitization sites available on the campus and the

be on integrated solutions in the AV industry

with national and state guidelines before the show

frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of public

including conferencing and collaboration, content

begins in October. For the most up-to-date health

spaces, bathrooms, and commonly touched

distribution and media, digital signage, and

and safety updates, visit https://infocommshow.org/

surfaces—including hand railings and door handles.

learning—appealing to attendees across different

health-safety.

Additionally, the OCCC has enhanced its on-site

verticals.

communications and increased signage with CDC recommendations on the campus.

We continue to offer a comprehensive education program and the opportunity to learn from experts

As part of the InfoComm 2021 show, AVIXA is

during Emerging Trends Day, more than 60 education

investing in the recommended GBAC cleaning of the

sessions, and Manufacturers’ Training sessions. The

InfoComm exhibit halls and education and meeting

new Technology Innovation Stage will feature

rooms each night and the cleaning of high-traffic

presentations from thought leaders, exhibitor-

areas throughout the day.

sponsored presentations, and Tech Briefs on product

InfoComm vendors including Freeman (general

trends.

services contractor), CompuSystems (registration),

We are also introducing an appointment

: Do you plan on observing current CDC

Production Transport (shuttle transportation), and

scheduling feature for attendees to request more

recommendations such as masks and social

OnPeak (housing) have enhanced health and safety

purposeful and focused meetings with exhibitors to

distancing during InfoComm?

protocols that are compliant with CDC and WHO

help mitigate booth overcrowding, plus smaller

ROCHELLE RICHARDSON: As we bring the

directives.

networking events so our community can still gather

community back together in October, we understand that the health and safety of all in attendance is top of

safely. : Has the layout of the show changed as a result : Will InfoComm have a virtual presence this

mind. As excited as we all are, masks, social

of the pandemic?

distancing, and smart protocols still play a significant

RR: As a result of the pandemic, the most significant

year for those who are unable or unwilling to travel?

role in keeping our attendees, exhibitors, partners,

changes are in the layout of the exhibit hall, which

RR: Although we are excited about the return to

and staff safe.

now includes wider aisles, dedicated entrance and exit

in-person events, we understand there may be some

doors, additional space in the exhibitor on-floor

individuals who are not able to attend this year’s show

continues, health and safety guidelines are

meeting rooms, and increased food and beverage

in person, and we are taking an approach that ensures

continuing to change and, in some areas, relax. We

areas to allow for social distancing.

everyone in the pro AV community is included. We

We have all seen that while the vaccines rollout

will continue to monitor recommendations from local

We’ve made two other changes in light of the need

will offer a virtual experience that will include

health authorities, the World Health Organization

for social distancing among attendees. We’ve decided

livestreamed content from the Technology

(WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and

not to hold the opening reception—which typically

Innovation Stage, access to exhibitor information and

Prevention (CDC) for large group meetings and

takes place the Tuesday evening prior to the opening

resources, access to the content from InfoComm

events.

of the show—and we’re moving the ribbon cutting on

on-demand through Nov. 30, and registration for the

Wednesday to the C-Lobby at the OCCC to take

InfoComm 2021 Post-Show Virtual Experience.

We are working diligently through many details with the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in

advantage of the larger space.

light of the recent announcement by the governor of Florida with regard to reducing COVID-19 restrictions.

As we venture into the months leading up to InfoComm, there are multiple ways for our

: What can attendees expect to find at this

community to engage, such as AV3, a one-day virtual

Because we anticipate continuing updates regarding

year’s event?

event scheduled for June 17 where we will showcase

COVID-19 precautions until the show in October, we

RR: This year’s show will combine a physical

new technology for the pro AV industry, learn from

will provide regular updates in the Health & Safety

experience with a virtual offering to connect

expert speakers, and gather the community together

section of the InfoComm show’s website.

attendees and exhibitors to discover, learn, and

online. And in the coming days we will announce

network using content and experience areas to

details about a one-day virtual preview event for

engage, align, and support the industry. Our focus will

InfoComm in the fall.

: Are there any special cleaning protocols

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

ASSOCIATIONS NEWS

needed for both the United States and pro AV. “Our data shows that the jobs recovery has been uneven, with some companies expanding payrolls since the pandemic but others still way down,” said Peter Hansen, economic analyst, AVIXA. “The growing tide of in-person activity should balance the recovery out as hard-hit industries such as live events and entertainment venues finally see major foot traffic and resume AV investments.”

Finally, Clear Employment Growth

in April, up from 51.8 in March. While it marks the

The AV sales index (AVI-S) measured 59.2, a small

sixth consecutive month of payroll expansion, it is the

decrease from 61.3 in March. AVIXA analysts

first one that was more than a couple points above the

anticipated this since the growth rate observed in

no-net-growth mark of 50. Despite the observed

March was so much faster than the one in February.

growth, many commenters highlighted caution around

Despite the slight deceleration, April still shows strong

hiring. For now, lingering uncertainty is motivating

growth compared to the pre-pandemic era. For

companies with growing sales to ask more of their

example, it’s the same rate of growth observed in

existing teams or turn to temporary staffing solutions

January of 2020. Casting an eye toward the future,

pril brings a month of meaningful increase

rather than taking the plunge on new hires. Once

AVIXA analysts continue to see the solid growth of the

in AV employment in AVIXA’s latest Pro AV

confidence builds, AVIXA analysts expect to see the

spring as setting the stage for faster growth over the

Business Index. The report also shows a strong

AVI-E consistently above 60. U.S. employment

summer and into the fall as people resume more

growth in sales in April, although a slight deaccelera-

numbers sketched a contrast with the AVI-E, as job

normal economic activity.

tion from March. Many of the survey respondents

growth was disappointingly low at just 266,000—down

mention COVID-19, but they, especially in the United

from 770,000 in March. Since the pandemic, the

States, reveal a grain of optimism about increased

overall U.S. jobs recovery has been more robust than

spending as the pandemic’s threat subsides.

that of pro AV. The reversal of this comparison is nice

The AV employment index (AVI-E) came in at 57.2

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

for our industry, but robust employment recovery is

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PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

Turning Ideas into Reality Tomer Mann Says There’s Always Room to Grow

Tomer Mann Position: Executive Vice President and Senior Vice

By Megan A. Dutta

in the successful return to normalcy post-

President, Sales and Operations

pandemic, but with an added level of innovation.

Company: 22Miles

The role of digital displays in communication and

Overtime: Mann enjoys spending time with his wife

wayfinding post-COVID is massive, and we’re

and 2-year-old daughter and ensuring they are

What are your responsibilities?

looking to support as much of that journey as we

laughing as much as possible.

TOMER MANN: As the executive vice president and

can with our solutions.

: What is your position, and what does it entail?

senior vice president of sales at 22Miles, my role is

Looking long term, we want to continue to

rooted in innovation and continuous improvement

provide these solutions and others in the most

across all our technologies and offerings, as well as

cost-effective manner possible, with the highest

driving awareness of the many diverse solutions that

level of quality, customization, and flexibility. We

heading?

22Miles can provide. My team and I are responsible

already partner with technology innovators like

TM: Touchless technology and interactive wayfinding

for turning ideas into well-designed, feature-rich,

Intel, Microsoft, LG, Samsung, BrightSign, and

will certainly see growth moving forward. Voice,

all-in-one digital signage, wayfinding, and digital

others—as well as third-party API partnerships and

gesture, and mobile controls are becoming

communications solutions.

integrations with some of the most commonly used

commonplace as we look to reduce touchpoints and

platforms and software on the market. We want to

promote accessibility. We’ll also see digital signage

continue building new relationships and

and content management software break through the

TM: I joined the 22Miles team in 2014, so I’ve had the

partnerships to advance our mission of making it

mold stagnation to promote interaction, two-way

privilege to see us really grow and expand in our

easy for anyone to add experiential, interactive

communication, and seamless interoperability.

offerings as the market has changed.

technology to their facility.

: How long have you been in this position?

: Where do you see the digital signage market

: Are there new initiatives we are likely to see

“Digital signage and content management are high-growth areas, and a lot of people are just starting to scratch the surface on what they can do with the new technology.”

from 22Miles? TM: We’re working on many new and exciting integrations for 22Miles software with leading companies in AV, digital signage, communications, and more. A lot of our solutions are already supporting enterprises and organizations in creating amazing immersive experience centers, video walls, mobile controlled technology, and multi-device robust wayfinding applications. Coming up, we’re expecting high growth in the

: How has your background prepared you for

: What is the greatest challenge you face?

adoption of these applications as more companies

your role?

TM: Digital signage and content management are

TM: I’ve worked in the digital signage industry for

high-growth areas, and a lot of people are just starting

over a decade now, so I’ve been immersed in 22Miles’

to scratch the surface on what they can do with the new

market for quite some time. I’ve worked with several

technology. It’s no longer just for decoration or simple

themselves to profit from products and/or services

brands to enhance visual communication services

instructions; the role of digital signage and its software

you have to offer?

across a variety of industries, including higher

has developed into an immersive, interactive, and

TM: We’re proud to offer a variety of flexible,

education, hospitality, retail, transportation,

integral pillar that supports the way people receive

customizable solutions that integrate with nearly all

government, corporate, healthcare, and more. Across

information, navigate facilities across all industries,

third-party API solutions, so our software can support

my different experiences I’ve been a liaison between

and stay connected.

virtually any signage technology installers are already

the manufacturers, installers, and end users to ensure

As more AV and facility managers begin imple-

look to enhance visitor and employee experiences. : How can systems contractors better position

working with. Systems contractors also benefit from

that the best solutions are implemented to achieve

menting new technologies, the greatest challenge is

our all-in-one platform, which goes beyond just the

business goals. This relationship remains

communicating the endless opportunities for tailoring

digital signage software component and into

foundational at 22Miles. Now I’m in the business of

the digital signage experience to the unique needs of

customizable visual features, enhanced workflow of

providing easy, seamless, and secure customizable

visitors and employees alike, such as wayfinding that

property settings, and seamless API integrations.

experiences for organizations across an array of

goes with the user via mobile control to easy-to-pro-

They don’t have to worry about sourcing new displays

markets and applications.

gram push notification systems. We’re looking forward

or configuring new systems; they can simply install

to keeping up with the demand and helping reveal new

22Miles and get started, saving them time and

opportunities to transform enterprises, venues,

resources while enabling them to offer solutions that

medical facilities, schools, and other environments.

end users love.

: What are your short- and long-term goals? TM: In the short term, we’re looking to be a catalyst

18 SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

THE WAY THEY SEE IT PEOPLE

Paradigm Shift Panasonic’s Rob Goldberg Discusses Post-Pandemic Reinvention By Megan A. Dutta

full advantage of these moments in time. My team has been challenged to change the

Rob Goldberg

paradigm and look at both the markets and our

Position: Director, Visual Systems

technology in different ways—like identifying new

Company: Panasonic

ways to use AV technology to support remote

Overtime: In his off time, Goldberg enjoys taking road

how you got into the AV business.

meetings or hybrid education. We are evolving and

trips on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, floating on

ROB GOLDBERG: Interestingly enough, my career

moving away from a primarily hardware-based

the water in his new boat, playing sports, and

started off in a completely different area of focus. I

business to focus on becoming a more solutions-

spending time with family.

received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical

oriented business. This will help us to broaden and

engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and

diversify our market portfolio.

: Tell us a little bit about your career journey and

later a master’s of business administration from Duquesne University. I worked 13 years in the power

: What are some trends you’re seeing in the

of the market. Tying innovation and design to those

generation industry for Westinghouse Electric

entertainment space (stadiums, museums, etc.)

aspects is key to providing products and solutions that

Corp., focusing on both the nuclear and fossil global

and how can integrators capitalize on those trends?

maximize the positive impact on the end users,

market segments, until the industry began to

RG: There is pent-up demand for people to get back

particularly in a transitional time.

deregulate.

to outside experiences. Even as in-person

In 1999, I accepted an opportunity to work with Apple, which was my jump into educational

entertainment returns, though, there will continue to be a remote aspect. Stadiums, museums, and live

: Where do you see the AV industry heading? RG: As discussed, the AV industry has already started

technology. I spent six-plus years

to head down the path of creating more

working on creative projects/solutions

immersive experiences, and that will

that were mostly focused on the K-12

continue to be a large focus moving forward.

market segment. From there I moved to Promethean World, where I remained for over a decade. The team built the company from about $20 million of revenue in 2006 to $250 million of revenue in 2010. I was president of Promethean U.S. for my last six years until NetDragon Websoft bought out the company. I saw that as my opportunity to explore other areas of interest, as the company was heading in a new direction.

We will continue to see businesses

“You have to find the right balance between remote, hybrid, and in-person functionality, and that balance will be unique to the particular business segment.”

becoming more creative with how they produce visual and sound experiences. You have to find the right balance between remote, hybrid, and in-person functionality, and that balance will be unique to the particular business segment. There is no doubt that the way we operate post-pandemic will be different from pre-pandemic. : Are you working on any innovations that you can share with us? RG: Panasonic is working on amplifying

: What made you join Panasonic

our solutions by providing not only the

and how have you evolved since

technology, but the support system

joining the company?

entertainment venues have become creative in

around it. An education industry example is Project

RG: I connected with Panasonic in 2018 through a

finding ways to bring immersive experiences to all

Moonshot based on the T3 Framework for

colleague from both Apple and Promethean. I joined

audiences. Integrators can capitalize on these

Innovation [formulated by Sonny Magana, Ph.D.].

because of the strong company culture, established

trends by showing how they can make the

It’s a sweet spot of where technology, learning, and

brand name, and overall industry presence.

experience not only safe, but adaptable. Panasonic

pedagogy meet. Based on principles of how people

is focusing on finding creative ways to bundle

learn, we embed these tools into Panasonic’s

inevitable. It has changed many companies’

products/services—both in-house and with third

solutions, so educational institutions are able to use

processes. My particular organization is no exception.

parties—to provide integrators with the tools

the technology in the most reliable way possible to

needed to create these new environments.

improve learning outcomes.

I believe that the pandemic made evolution

The mantra I have been promoting among my team is “reinvention.” We were accustomed to a certain set of stable footprints prior to the pandemic

For live experiences, we are enhancing KAIROS, : Can you share a tip about how to best balance

our next-generation live production platform, to

throwing us into a tailspin. The opportunity it

technology and design?

enable a variety of production environments to

provided, however, was to land the business in a new

RG: A key factor is understanding that it’s not only

increase productivity and deliver high-quality live

set of footprints. It is rare for industries to experience

about the technology; just as important is how you

content. Panasonic is pulling everything together to

a worldwide event that affects so many different

use the technology. To create the balance, companies

enable these different experiences, while also looking

routines as COVID-19 did. I believe it is critical to take

should first understand the trends, needs, and desires

for new ways to use the technology.

avnetwork.com // June 2021 // SCN 19

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS

SUSAN WILHITE has joined the

pany’s chief technology evangelist, and he will

SPINETIX has

SNAPAV team in a business

continue his contributions to industry education and

promoted

development role, where she will

work with AVIXA standards and certification.

GEORGE PRESTON to

focus on growing SnapAV’s partnerships with commercial

JASON CARR has joined

AV integration firms. Prior to

CENERO as vice president of

joining SnapAV, Wilhite worked

sales for the south central U.S.

George Preston, Dale Wait

in sales for manufacturers including Stewart Film-

region. Carr has more than 20

America, where he will lead the implementation of

screen and VIP Cinema Seating.

years of experience building

SpinetiX’s strategy in the region. Preston will be

sales and operational teams for

supported by DALE WAIT, who joins SpinetiX in the

companies such as Verizon, Poly,

newly created position of western region sales

Susan Wilhite

CRESTRON

Jason Carr

has hired

Whitlock, and AVI-SPL.

vice president of sales, North

manager. Wait is responsible for channel sales and

MICHAEL

business development activities in the western

KIRBY as

USERFUL CORP. has promoted

regional sales

REZA RAZAVI to chief technol-

manager

ogy officer. Prior to his promo-

TIFFANY DOZIER has joined

– enterprise;

region.

tion, Razavi was one of the key

B-TECH AV MOUNTS as vice

he is responsible for covering the mountain states.

architects of Userful’s Visual

president of sales for its North

Prior to joining Crestron, Kirby worked in sales

Networking Platform solution

American office in Brea, CA. In

and the leading force behind

this role, Dozier will develop and

Michael Kirby, Lauren Simmen

director roles at Impartner Software and GENCOMM.

Reza Razavi

LAUREN SIMMEN joins Crestron as a senior product

Userful’s streaming technology. As CTO, Razavi will

marketing manager. In her new role, Simmen will be

lead the development of the next-gen architecture

Tiffany Dozier

responsible for workplace technology, specifically

for Userful’s Visual Networking Platform and the

also educate integrators, architects, and consultants

the Crestron Air Media and Crestron Flex platforms.

long-term technology strategy for the company.

on the benefits of using high-quality mounting

Prior to joining Crestron, Simmen spent over a

external sales teams. She will

solutions for their projects. VICTORIA GRUPP has joined

decade at SurgeX.

Frank Padikkala

lead the efforts of internal and

CONTROL CONCEPTS’ technical

JOHN DUNNE is set to replace

FRANK PADIKKALA, CTS-D, has

team. With expertise in control

Kevin Kelly at EXERTIS NORTH

joined PANASONIC NORTH

system programming, audio DSP

AMERICA. Dunne, who is

AMERICA as solution architect

configuration, and systems

currently Exertis North America

for Kairos, a live production

engineering, Grupp joins a

chief commercial officer, will

diverse group of software

become managing director of the

platform that leverages IT/IP

Victoria Grupp

technology. Prior to joining

developers and control system experts committed to

John Dunne

Panasonic, Padikkala worked as a

applying knowledge of mainstream programming

1. Until the transition, the two will work closely

languages and software development techniques to

together to ensure smooth operations for customers

solve technical challenges and address programming

and employees.

design engineer at Diversified for nearly five years. BOSCH’s Building Technologies

North American business on July

needs not commonly served within the AV industry.

division has appointed RAMESH

Ramesh Jayaraman

JOE OLIVERI

JAYARAMAN senior vice

LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES has pro-

has joined the

president and general manager

moted KIM FRANKLIN to vice

senior

of business unit communica-

president of marketing. In this

leadership

tions. In the position, he will lead

role, Franklin is responsible for

team at CTSI.

Bosch Communications’

leading brand strategy, corporate

professional audio and communications brands including Bosch conference and public address/voice

Kim Franklin

alarm, Dynacord electronics and software, Electro-

relations.

As the

marketing and communications,

Joe Oliveri, Gino Ruta

digital marketing, and public

new president and CEO, his priorities are to expand

company’s

CTSI’s security and life safety solution portfolios, and

Voice loudspeakers and microphones, RTS intercom

broaden the company’s reach in audiovisual, collabo-

systems, and Telex aviation headsets and radio

SOLUTIONZ

ration, healthcare, and education technology

dispatch products.

INC. has

solutions and services. GINO RUTA, former CEO, will

welcomed

transition to chairman, where he will shift his focus

After PEARL TECHNOLOGY’s

MICHAEL

to acquisitions and accelerate the growth that began

acquisition of IAS Technology,

FRANK as its

during his tenure as CEO.

JEREMY CALDERA, CTS-D, CTS-I, has become a senior vice

Michael Frank, Barry Goldin

president of the South-

RIEDEL COMMUNICATIONS has

president at Pearl, where he will

east. Frank will be taking the reins from SCN Hall of

appointed TRIP WOOTEN

be responsible for the strategic

Famer BARRY GOLDIN, who retired at the end of May

regional sales manager for the

planning and oversight of the

after a career spanning 40 years. Frank will oversee

Southeast U.S. Wooten will lead

audiovisual business. Caldera will oversee all system

six sales offices in Georgia, North Carolina, and South

direct and channel sales for

designs and engineering, and help the company and

Carolina; he brings over 30 years of sales and

its clients develop standards. He is also the com-

leadership experience in the AV industry.

Jeremy Caldera

20 SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Trip Wooten

Carolina, and North Carolina.

BUSINESS CREATIVE REALITIES

Balancing Tech and Design The Relationship Between Buildings and Their Systems By Carolyn Heinze

DEI and Design

“We don’t just focus on the technology; we consider all those other elements. If you can you get

D’Arcangelo, associate principal at Arup,

everyone working together, you can achieve some

able. Integrators should consult actual end users to

unsurprisingly, remains prevalent. In the hybrid work

argues that good designs take as many people

understand how they move through spaces and use

scenario, the continued challenge is promoting and

as possible into account. This requires

the tech within them. Talk to any technology de-

maintaining culture among a disparate workforce—

designers to consider people with disabilities

signer and they will eventually express some version

something that was much easier when internal brand

and special needs, as well as factors such as

of these ambitions, but how do we actually go about

messaging could be contained within a company’s

age, gender, profession, marital status, culture,

achieving them? SCN sat down with several of the AV

campus, noted Peter Charland, executive vice

socioeconomics … and how accepting of

industry’s designers and technologists to learn how

president of global sales and service at HB

technology certain user groups may or may

they approach the relationship between technology

Communications. “We’re actively working with

not be.

and building design.

clients on more flexible architecture for their

Public and commercial spaces welcome a diverse range of people, and Gideon

D’Arcangelo cites smartphones as an

t’s unwise to specify technology simply for technology’s sake. Technology should be integrated seamlessly into spaces so it’s almost unnotice-

Anne Guthrie is an associate working out of the

really great outcomes.” While many organizations are returning to on-premises work, the hybrid work model,

corporate events, training, and town halls so that their

example. For most of us, especially tech workers,

San Francisco office at Arup. Guthrie explained that

employees—no matter where they are—can feel like

it’s a given that we’ll have one in our pocket, and

the firm’s process involves having in-depth

part of the company culture and not have a drop in that

therefore we’ll have access to QR codes or

discussions with clients, stakeholders, and end users

connection that remote employees feel,” he said.

meeting room functionality delivered via

to determine the use case for the space in question,

“[We’re adapting] conference rooms and training

personal device. But not everyone has (or wants)

and then exploring how technology will play a role.

centers to make them friendlier to remote participants

a smartphone. “A lot of our process involves

“[The technology] is integrated into the space, and

so they feel more physically part of the experience.”

thinking about a really diverse range of potential

sometimes it’s almost invisible because it’s supposed

users and really trying to get to know them, and

to assist the main functions, not be the function,”

demand for certain technologies that clients once

then not designing in a single way throughout

Guthrie said.

may have viewed as “nice to have,” such as touchless

the space but in multiple ways through the space,” he said.

In some cases this process reveals that technology

Coman noted that the pandemic has accelerated

systems (voice activation, QR codes, or a one-button

isn’t required to achieve the desired outcome, noted

press to start a meeting). Analytical sensors are also

Alexander Mayo, senior consultant at Arup in New

near the top of the list. In open offices, sensors may

Guthrie, associate at Arup, points out that even if

York, NY. “The answer for one client may be a very big

be used for occupancy and density monitoring down

someone owns a smartphone, the device in

technology package, but we may gather information

to the seat level to ensure that only every second desk

question may not be adequately charged at a

that lets us know that the final design may be a bit

is occupied, for example, to respect distancing

crucial moment. It may be outdated or

simpler [for another client]—perhaps it leans on

incompatible with certain systems, its owner

an architectural piece to give an experience.” In

may not know how to use all of its features … or

prioritizing experience, he said, he and his

even if they do, those features may not be

colleagues are better positioned to deliver

cleaning staff about which workstations

accessible in spaces where network connectivity

designs that are compatible with as many

need to be sanitized—even in instances

is unstable. Case in point: ever worry about

different users as possible.

where someone may have occupied a

Still using the smartphone example, Anne

having trouble connecting to the network at an airport? “The idea of relying purely on a smartphone to

Peter Coman, chief technology officer at People Technology Space (PTS), described the relationship between tech and building

guidelines. Integrated with scheduling systems, the sensors inform office workers which desks are available, and alert

work area without booking it through the system. “Rather than using theoretical data—which is to say room

get on your plane is a little bit frightening. What

design as a three-legged stool: there are the

if it dies right before you get to the gate? What if

people and the culture of the organization,

you don’t get service in the secure corridor and

there is the space itself, and then there

you can’t figure out where you’re going? You do

is the technology. “All three need to

density monitoring

need some fixed technology in the space to help

be equal—they all need to work

functionality expands out

you navigate and not miss your flight,” Guthrie

together,” he said. As a

of the office and into

said. “People with sensory issues don’t want to

technology designer, he

common areas such as

be bombarded with advertising while they’re

examines not only what a

restrooms.

trying to figure out where they’re going, [for

project’s outcome will be, but

example]. There are a lot of aspects that are

whether the end result will

health is another area of

useful to think about in finding a solution.”

have a positive or negative

focus for many clients,

—C.H.

effect on that organization’s culture.

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

booking or seat booking—we’re using actual real-time data,” Coman explained. He added that

A building’s overall

Peter Coman

CREATIVE REALITIES BUSINESS

Anne Guthrie

observed Gideon D’Arcangelo, associate principal at

Alexander Mayo

Gideon D’Arcangelo

Both Guthrie and D’Arcangelo stress that this

help monitor and sense everything that’s happening

Arup in New York, NY. He noted a significant interest

trend extends to the measurement of how healthy

within the building, and also promote a story to the

in, once again, sensor technology that tracks indoor

buildings are for the environment around them.

people within the building about how they can better

air quality, ventilation, and particulate matter, as well

D’Arcangelo concedes that striking this balance can

behave, or change their behavior to reach those

as lighting and noise levels. “We expect to see more

be challenging, since what may be good for a

goals,” he said. “It’s not like you build a building,

transparency of that data,” he said. Armed with that

building’s occupants may be less so for a structure’s

you’re done, and you leave. Now it’s [about] what

information, building owners may choose to share it

immediate surroundings. “It’s this incredible

happens after people move in, and how technology

with visitors to give them confidence that the space

balancing act that’s required of modern buildings,

keeps the conversation going.”

they’re frequenting is indeed a healthy one.

and technology plays a huge role in that because it can

Carolyn Heinze is a freelance writer/editor.

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Keena Photo

BUSINESS MUSEUM AV

The Statue of Liberty Museum was an expansive project that required the collaboration of ESI Design and Diversified. The museum’s Becoming Liberty canvas is a sweeping panoramic view showcasing real-time data visualizations based on visitor participation at the Becoming Liberty kiosks. (Inset) At New York’s Statue of Liberty Museum, a visitor participates in Becoming Liberty at one of 20 kiosks by choosing seven images that represent “liberty” to them.

Enriching History with AV Museum Technology Brings the Past to Life By Cindy Davis

“These can be educational, interactive, and

made us appreciate the benefits of virtual experiences

immersive, and always incredibly entertaining,” said

if in-person is impossible. Webster suggests taking

Carol Feeley-Vario, PMP, LEED AP BD&C, project

advantage of what we’ve learned about virtual

he hospitality industry has been hit particu-

director at Diversified. “By pairing this with timed

interactions over the past year by creating virtual

larly hard during the pandemic, from food

tickets to avoid crowding, we can ensure museum

tours and continuing to extend experiences far

and accommodation services to arts and en-

interactives are safe.”

beyond the physical site and the IRL (in real life)

tertainment. While fully closed during the pandem-

As museums begin to reopen, 10 museums in the

ic, many museums offered virtual tours to keep their

United States, nine in Europe, and three in Asia are able

experience.

exhibits available to audiences around the world. As

to present Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience as a

experiential platforms,” Webster said. “An

“Museum experiences are about to transform into

the physical reopening of facilities continues, or-

COVID-safe and family-friendly activity. (In a

experiential platform will allow institutions to reach

ganizations like the American Alliance of Museums

confusing bit of happenstance, there are no fewer than

visitors before they step through their doors and offer

provide recommendations to help museums reopen

three traveling Van Gogh exhibitions in the United

a nonlinear museum experience that is just as

to patrons safely and flexibly.

States this spring, with several of these exhibits

compelling whether you are there in person or dialing

competing in larger markets.) Van Gogh: The Immersive

in from afar. An experiential platform will allow you

having to balance the function of educating and

Experience is the one that’s “a 20,000-square-foot light

to create an exhibit that is diverse in voice, diverse in

entertaining visitors with very specific health and

and sound spectacular featuring two-story projections

the ways that people can access it, diverse in the

safety requirements mandated by federal, state, and

of the artist’s most compelling works.” It’s all-digital

senses it activates (sight, sound, touch, taste).”

local laws, as well as guidance from public health

and hands-free, and health protocols are observed via

services, which puts them in a tough spot. For help,

timed entries with limited numbers of socially

can also be experienced in other places and other

museum directors rely on integrators to help them

distanced museumgoers.

ways. “We will see more holistic storytelling that has

Museums find themselves in the position of

create experiences that are both safe and engaging. Emily Webster, leader of creative at NBBJ’s New

As more interactive exhibits are deployed, their scale and scope will continue to increase. “With that

The result would be an in-museum exhibit that

online platforms operate hand in hand with the in-person experiences.”

York Experience Design Studio, ESI Design, suggests

comes a comfort level to take on more ambitious

museums should not abandon their virtual efforts

projects and programming, like projection-mapping

if exhibits are designed in ways that leave room for

when they reopen. “Through technology, a museum

an entire environment to make it fully immersive,”

visitors to co-create their museum experience. “For

with a regional footprint now has access to a global

said Scott Schoeneberger, managing partner at

the co-creation process, we want to create a place

audience for their programs and mission,” she said.

Bluewater. As an example of the scope, Schoeneberger

where visitors can contribute to the museum and

ESI Design is encouraging its clients to approach

cited a recent Bluewater project in which his team

share their perspective,” Webster said. “An example

design expansions and renovations with a digital-

built out a fully immersive exhibit in a railcar.

of this is at the emotional culmination of the Becoming

first mindset and consider the virtual experience alongside the design of the museum environment. Cameras and IR surfaces have long been used to create immersive and interactive environments.

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

Holistic Visitor Journey

Patrons will benefit from the broader perspective

Liberty exhibit at the Statue of Liberty Museum.” Here, visitors are invited to join the conversation

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of the

about liberty by sharing what liberty means to them.

in-person shared and social experience, but it also

Visitors reflect on what they experienced in the

MUSEUM AV BUSINESS Bluewater

museum through an interactive exhibit at one of 20 kiosks in which they share their portrait or selfie and select a set of images that express their perspectives on the meaning of liberty. Webster explained, “Their choices join those made by other visitors in a sweeping, panoramic mosaic displayed at the entry to the gallery. After learning about liberty throughout the museum, visitors themselves are now part of liberty’s worldwide story and the digital mosaic that defines the global view of liberty.”

Interactive Experience Not surprisingly, since the pandemic began, Bluewater has received inquiries about creating touchless interactive experiences and for information about various automated temperature scanning

Through an exciting interactive experience, Bluewater helps transport museumgoers at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum to the pilot house of the Pere Marquette 22 car ferry in the 1930s.

solutions. Interactivity will remain an essential aspect of the museum experience. “We tend to see a lot of interactivity with our museum and exhibit requests,” Schoeneberger said.

of being able to be cleaned using traditional cleaning

filtered out an exhaust. With some minor tweaking,

products.”

immersive designs can be safe and as impactful as

Immersive exhibit design can really shine now.

ever.”

“This can be as straightforward as interactive content

“Typically, the entry to these is already timed. You

on a display or experiences that are a bit more

follow through in a set series of stages, nothing is

in innovation. “Innovation in exhibit design has been

unique.” In the Detroit ’67 exhibit at the Detroit

touched, and there are no small labels on the wall to

forced on us by COVID-19 in a truly global sense,”

Historical Society, for example, the team

read” that might create a crowd, explained Feeley-

Feeley-Vario continued. “From small traveling

programmed an old rotary phone to ring at a central

Vario. “The rooms and areas of an immersive exhibit

exhibits to large institutions, we will all have to find a

location after patrons visit the space. Answering the

can also be designed for a negative-pressure

way to keep people safe.”

phone triggers a historic audio recording from an

environment [a common infectious disease control in

answering machine to begin playing.

hospitals]. The air in these rooms has less pressure

or a healthy blend of physical installations with

than the air outside the room so that, whenever the

integrated technology to communicate information

that specific piece of content more impact,” he said.

doors are opened, clean air from the hallway rushes

to the museumgoer. “I can see this being less of the

“We expect to see a continuation of interactive

into the negative-pressure area instead of potentially

typical audio tour and more of a dynamic museum app

elements moving from digital canvases to the

contaminated air flowing into the hall. The clean air

that one can use to identify items in the exhibits,”

physical environment as things open back up.”

comes in, and the potentially contaminated air gets

Feeley-Vario concluded.

“This was a simple yet creative approach to give

Challenging times in history have often resulted

Exhibits may become more of a virtual experience

Schoeneberger sees this as a response to a better understanding of available technology, decreasing costs, and increasing comfort by museum staff to take on digital programming tasks.

New! Midra™ 4K Series Presentation Switchers Ideally tailored to medium-sized fixed installations and live environments

With increasing demand for control of an entire space, media servers become a critical part of the mix. “We’re always excited when that type of conversation takes place because it means we’re likely to go beyond just a series of displays or audio playback into a space where exploration and content delivery can happen more naturally and in a much more engaging manner,” Schoeneberger added.

The Timing Is Right Future interactive museum experiences are likely to feature fewer high-touch surfaces. “They can be a huge draw to a museum, especially children’s museums,” said Diversified’s Feeley-Vario. “They are incredibly effective for communication, but they can

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avnetwork.com // June 2021 // SCN

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SCN-Haf-Junior-Horizontal-May2021.indd 1

20/05/2021 11:26:42

BUSINESS SNAPSHOT

Crafting an Immersive Soundscape By SCN Staff

museum dedicated to the art of film, videogames, and digital culture has got to have a killer AV system. Directors at ACMI, Aus-

tralia’s national museum of screen culture located in Melbourne, recently finished an overhaul of the AV system in a critical exhibit to allow visitors to immerse themselves in a journey through Australia’s history of moving images. “ACMI, formerly known as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, celebrates the wonder and power of the world’s most democratic art form and fosters the next generation of makers, players, and watchers,” explained Chris Harris, director of exhibitions and touring at ACMI. “We consider ACMI the museum of ‘screen culture’ and look to navigate our shared universe of film, television, videogames, and art.” By using robust, immersive, and interactive AV, the exhibition, titled The Story of the Moving Image, advances through time—from shadow play to the

In order to thoughtfully place audio throughout ACMI exhibit spaces, museum engineers required hundreds of audio feeds. To accommodate that many signals, they relied on an Audinate Dante network.

films that shaped Australia’s cinematic landscape. The exhibition includes Games Lab Presented by Big Ant Studios, where AAA titles sit alongside a curated

from the start was Dante.” Using Dante instead of traditional networking also

AVIO adapters. “The videogame consoles, for example, aren’t

selection of locally made indie games, and a section

allowed the team to minimize electromagnetic

Dante-native,” Cartmel said, “but it’s no problem.

dedicated to the power of citizen journalism.

interference, which is a significant factor at ACMI

We put AVIO adapters on them and quickly added

because the museum is located near a train line.

audio on the network. It’s perfect.”

“We offer a number of interactive experiences that look at both the moving image and the AV that

“ACMI has created a soundscape that requires

Cartmel said they used a similar approach in areas

supports the moving image,” said Harris. “Our

localized sound as well as sound that exists as a

where individuals can craft their own soundscapes

experience lets visitors animate shadows, craft

background across the entire gallery space,” said

using inputs such as microphones, instruments, and

optical toys, experiment with time, assemble film

Michael Cartmel, integrator at Lumicom and lead

music software. The system takes the input generated

scenes, and create soundscapes. There is a ‘Lens’ that

installer on the ACMI project. “When you consider all

by the user and makes it Dante-native immediately

everyone receives upon entering that allows visitors

the endpoints in this system, it would be horrendous

with the AVIO adapters.

to ‘collect’ everything they see on a visit, from

to try this without Dante. You’d have an impossible

objects and artworks to interactive experiences.”

number of speaker cables and you’d be hard-pressed

these endpoints together in a streamlined system

to pinpoint which cable was for what speaker.”

featuring customized sound in every location. This

While the museum is largely focused on the “image” component of its name, the need for

Cartmel said that the process with Dante was not

Most importantly, the museum is able to bring all

provides an immersive experience tailored precisely

thoughtfully placed audio throughout the space is

only easier, it was also more elegant. Each endpoint in

to the individual’s location in the museum or an

critical—requiring hundreds of audio feeds across the

the system is connected to the network and sent to a

exhibit they might be interacting with.

gallery space. To accommodate that many audio

virtual matrix switch. The system then relies on a

“A moving image, be it movie, television,

signals, the ACMI designers relied on Audinate’s Dante.

Dante-native QSC Q-SYS Core 510i to provide both

videogame or other medium, is a very immersive

DSP and control of the system through its Q-SYS

experience. Adding AV technologies to the museum

software platform.

that support and enhance that experience is crucial,”

“Traditionally, the space has been known to be a bit cacophonous,” said Greg Turner, a consultant working with ACMI. “Because of that, we knew from

Endpoints on the system are typically speakers—

concluded Harris. “Technologies such as Audinate’s

the start it was going to be critical that we had tight

the museum uses Yamaha speakers and Dante-native

Dante allow us to be creative with audio as well. We

control over all of our audio signals. With the

amplifiers across the space—but often an input is

can manage hundreds of specific audio signals. We

redesign, we’ve installed hundreds of displays in the

added by way of a microphone or a localized piece of

can also bring in audio signals from different types of

space, so how do we make sure we’re managing

video. In those cases, where Dante isn’t natively

devices—such as videogame consoles—and ensure

hundreds of audio signals as well? The obvious answer

integrated into an endpoint, the museum uses Dante

they will dovetail with the overall experience.”

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

TECHNOLOGY IMMERSIVE AUDIO Renkus-Heinz’s ICLive X is a medium-format steerable line array series. The ICLive X module can be arrayed up to 12 tall or can be used in combination with ICLive XL/LX array modules, allowing taller, more directional arrays to be constructed. The series also includes the ICLX-118S subwoofer.

The Power of Immersive Audio By Megan A. Dutta

here are as many definitions of immersive

decreased; it has just shifted to activities where people can socially distance. Adding immersive audio into open-air exhibits and experiences helps to keep guests engaged without requiring enclosed spaces.”

be encouraged to leave

Everyday Installs?

their bubbles and come

As immersive audio grows in popularity,

back [to live events] by

will we see it showing up in commonplace

new experiences.”

installations like conference rooms?

“Immersive audio is

We certainly will, Lopez said. “Large

audio as there are names for it—spatial sound

one of the capabilities

and 3D sound being the most common.

Renkus-Heinz sees strong demand for as we emerge

installing immersive systems to address engagement

Graham Hendry, vice president of strategic

corporate meeting spaces are already

from the pandemic,” added Hendry. “The thinking is

and flexible room configuration and have expressed

development at Renkus-Heinz, explained immersive

that people will be highly interested in entertainment

interest in applying the technology into smaller

audio as “a multidimensional approach used to

outside of their homes that offers them a nearly

spaces as it makes sense for them. As time moves on

surround your audience with an expanded sonic field to

palpable AV experience—one they most likely cannot

and cost efficiencies are realized with more efficient

make them feel truly enveloped in the experience you

experience at home or in common environments.

processors, we’ll see further adoption in small

are crafting. The reason there may be different names

That’s key to winning their business and getting them

conference rooms.”

for this capability is likely because there are a few

to return. There are some obvious places for this kind of

different approaches to providing it.”

experience, such as in a theater, but areas for growth

the fact that some people will always be joining

here include exhibits, attractions, and retail.”

remotely means the AV system would hugely benefit

“I define immersive audio by its goal of delivering enhanced engagement for

The largest uptick for spatial

“When going to smaller spaces like a board room,

from sound spatialization,” said Guillaume Le Nost,

listeners—emotionally moving

sound adoption appears to be in

executive director, creative technologies, at

audience members from being mere

the exhibits and attractions

L-Acoustics. “The additional challenge in that case

spectators to feeling like active

industry. Immersive experiences

relies on the capacity of communication tools like

participants—and cognitively

are not new for this market

Zoom, Teams, etc. to deliver spatial audio. I do believe

addressing the basic human

segment—in fact, it’s been

this space will slowly but surely move in this

associative sensory needs to localize

trending there for a while—but

direction, as we are now all very aware of the

on a person’s voice or to adapt to

attractions typically focus on

importance of good audio quality—and a big red

their surroundings,” said Marc

visual immersion. Adding in audio

‘unmute’ button—for remote meetings.”

Lopez, vice president of marketing

can create the ultimate experience

Americas, d&b audiotechnik. “In

for visitors.

simpler terms, the goal is to intensify the connection and realism for the listener, essentially bringing the stage much closer to

“We have been seeing d&b Soundscape transforms spaces to bring completely new listening experiences.

the listener and enveloping them so they feel like part of the whole experience.” Simply put, “Immersive audio is placing audio

museums stepping up their audio game when it comes to immersive experiences,” said Missall. “Whether it is a remote or in-

person exhibit, museums are increasingly deploying mounted speakers and pinpoint control, as well as

elements anywhere you want,” according to David

binaural headphones for guests to create a

Missall, insights manager consultant at Sennheiser.

multidimensional demonstration. This is an exciting

Pandemic Increases Use of Immersive Audio The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things, including where and how immersive audio is used. “Audio that is experienced all around an audience can help encourage social distancing” because

way to get folks to visit museums in person as they reopen their doors. We expect that the use of 3D audio technology for exhibits will increase in the coming months.” Paul Hale, president and product designer at Theory Audio Design, agrees. “We’ve noticed a rise in the use of immersive audio in art exhibits and

audience members don’t have to all congregate in one

museums—the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit, for

part of the room to hear it, said Steve Ellison, Meyer

example,” he said. “However, the pandemic also

Sound’s director of spatial sound. “If screens and the

increased the use of immersive audio in outdoor

audio system are distributed all around them, then

exhibits and entertainment experiences such as winter

they can explore all parts of the room. As venues

walks, Halloween and Christmas drive-through

increase to pre-pandemic capacities, audiences will

festivals, etc. The desire for entertainment has not

If we’re overset, cut this entire “for the masses” section

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

L-Acoustics’ L-ISA Studio empowers sound designers and mixing engineers to craft creative immersive audio experiences. It puts the power and versatility of concertproven L-ISA technology into the hands of sound creators, allowing them to formulate multidimensional audio wherever and whenever they are ready to create.

IMMERSIVE AUDIO TECHNOLOGY

ABOVE: Sennheiser’s AMBEO Soundbar offers the immersivity of a multispeaker audio system in a single, sleek device. Powered by 13 drivers, the soundbar delivers 5.1.4 audio while also producing extremely deep bass (30 Hz) without requiring an extra subwoofer. Once calibrated to the room and its reflective surfaces, the soundbar immerses listeners in a 3D sound experience. RIGHT: Spacemap Go is a spatial sound design and mixing tool that leverages the processing power of Meyer Sound’s Galileo Galaxy Network Platform in an intuitive iPad app. With thousands of Galaxy processors worldwide, Spacemap Go has the widest reach of any spatial sound design and mixing tool, according to Meyer Sound. FAR RIGHT: Theory Audio Design’s iw25 in-wall loudspeaker employs two 5-inch, high-output lowfrequency drivers and a 1-inch advanced polymer compression tweeter. This combination offers clean, clear, highly resolved sound that fills large residential and commercial spaces. These in-wall loudspeakers have a maximum SPL of 117 dB.

For the Masses

produced many videos and other online trainings to

chassis. Theory is making installing immersive audio

There is no question that spatial sound is exciting for

get them going. There is an ever-growing community

systems super simple, all while sounding superior to

audiophiles, but has that excitement spread to the

of Spacemap Go users eager to explore this exciting

anything on the market today.”

installation market and the masses? How are

‘new’ audio dimension. The future is immersive!”

companies making immersive audio more adaptable? “Within our R&D department we are working on

Hale believes Theory Audio has an advantage

The Future of Immersive Audio

because it operates in both the residential and

As immersive audio installations and applications

very exciting mass-market audio experiences

commercial spaces, which makes it easy for them to

continue to proliferate, the easiest way to make the

involving immersive audio,” said L-Acoustics’ Le

get their pro AV integrators excited about the

sale is to demonstrate the power of spatial sound.

Nost. “We firmly believe that immersive audio should

technology.

“Hearing is believing,” said Lopez. “Once a person

not be relegated only to cinemas or home cinema

According to Hale, Theory will launch a line of

experiences immersive, it’s easier to understand the

rooms. The localization and immersion benefits of

architectural loudspeakers in 2021 designed for

spatial audio apply to musical, professional, and

high-end commercial installations ranging from

personal use cases as well.”

immersive audio to distributed audio applications.

simply breathtaking,” concluded Theory Audio’s

d&b’s Lopez believes that the industry needs to

potential for their specific application.” “Immersive music is gaining traction and is quite

“Couple that with our upcoming Amplified

Hale. “It is multidimensional, expansive, flowing

improve on key areas like ease of use/implementation

Loudspeaker Mixer, which will have full mixing

audio that immerses the listener far beyond what

and overall cost before spatial sound will be widely

capability and everything needed for complex

stereo could ever offer. As the listener, you are

adopted. “This needs to be coupled with dedicated

commercial distributed audio and surround sound

transported into the music as it surrounds you and

education and support, along with opportunities to

with 10 channels and up to 8,000 watts in a single 2U

evokes your senses in a totally different way.”

experience what an immersive system can do for the venue or production,” he said. “Getting the different stakeholders involved early in the discussions is essential so they can understand how the system will benefit each of them.” “With the d&b Soundscape platform, there are many advancements under the hood to make it adaptable and easier to implement from design to

TEAMCONNECT CEILING 2 now with TruVoicelift

setup and use,” Lopez added. “System design and control are performed in tools that are already available and utilized for traditional systems: ArrayCalc simulation and R1 control software. The DS100 processor is unique in that it has an awareness of loudspeaker positions and directionalities, so it automatically calculates the correct amount of delay

Highlights voice. Reduces noise.

and level applied to each loudspeaker for any sound object in real time.” Meyer Sound’s Spacemap Go is a hands-on spatial sound design and live mixing software for iPad that transforms one or more Galaxy Network Platform

Experience brilliant audio with even more precise noise exclusion and voice highlighting all the way to the back row with TruVoicelift. Learn more at sennheiser.com/truvoicelift

system controllers into a dynamic immersive audio system controller at no additional cost. “Integrators who have Galaxy on their shelves can now set up a multichannel system, give it a try, and provide this new capability to their clients,” said Ellison. “We’ve

avnetwork.com // June 2021 // SCN

Sennheiser_TCC2_TruVoicelift_SCN_USA.indd 1

18.05.21 13:48

TECHNOLOGY EXTENDED REALITY A reconfigurable FLEX immersive visualization system such as the one at Wichita State University allows multiple users to work together on projects in the same virtual environment. Full-body-tracked users wearing ultra-high resolution head-mounted displays are connected in real time to the FLEX system for collaborative work sessions. The systems can also work independently. Integration by Mechdyne.

Mechdyne Corp.

Promising Technologies VR and AR Still Mystify Some Integrators, But Advocates Say the Potential Is Staggering

By Margot Douaihy, Ph.D.

and utilization throughout the product lifecycle are primary concerns.

ant to dig for cultural artifacts in

VR Fuels Interdisciplinary Learning

Egypt? Teleport to the Rocky Moun-

While business has slowed during the coronavirus

tains for ecology class? How about

instance, a middle-school teacher in California, Charles Coomber, used the VR videogame Half-Life: Alyx to meet with students during lockdown in 2020, turning a VR space into a virtual math classroom.

pandemic, corporations and schools are seizing the

Flexible VR

drawing in three dimensions? Virtual reality (VR)

moment to evaluate their resources and see how—or

There are various limitations to headset use,

and augmented reality (AR) enable these astonish-

even if—VR can assist.

including the isolating effect of wearing a head-

ing feats with spatial computing applications via

A university can optimize a VR investment by

mounted display that hides the outside world, and the

headsets, tracking software, immersive projection,

making the resource accessible by more than one

difficulty in sanitizing headsets between uses.

and mobile apps.

department, said Jeff Brum, director of marketing and

Because these HMDs may limit opportunities for

sales operations at Mechdyne Corp. “VR can be a

collaboration, some stakeholders are exploring

reality (XR), have been in use for decades, with

showcase for the whole school to attract and recruit

larger-scale systems for group instruction in VR, such

gaming leading the charge for consumer adoption.

top talent—both students and professors,” he said.

as CAVEs. Several companies offer CAVE visualization

But pandemic-related flux is inspiring commercial

“Imagine a hub facility [with VR] that has a higher

systems. Barco’s CAVE Display is a multisided

stakeholders to reassess XR’s potential. Industries

utilization rate by multiple departments on campus.”

immersive environment (fixed or transportable) that

Just look at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

can be customized to meet various size requirements.

AR and VR, often referenced together as extended

including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and education are examining the ways immersive

Villanova has been using a VR Cave Automatic

For more flexible spaces, a 3D-supported wall is

technologies can enrich user experiences.

Virtual Environment (CAVE) system for nearly 10

another possible approach. A large format,

years, with great results. Villanova’s CAVE “supports

reconfigurable system can change from a VR CAVE

a multidisciplinary facility within the library, and

into a wall or angled screen.

State of the Virtual State VR costs continue to decrease as processing power

it’s accessible to every department,” said Brum.

increases. Tethered and wireless HMDs (head-

During a recent webinar, Brum and Villanova’s tech

Modus VR: Bridging the Gap

mounted displays) are becoming more compact and

manager shared ways to make a VR visualization

VR flips the script for AV stakeholders in another

easier to use. From the HTC Vive Pro 2 to Oculus Quest

center “like the academic Switzerland” so all

crucial way: by helping dealers bring AV to life. Modus

2, there are solutions for various budgets. VR is no

disciplines can benefit.

VR is a powerful sales tool that lets users customize

longer cost-prohibitive.

This collaborative approach dovetails with a

any space in VR, with no modeling experience

broader embrace of interdisciplinarity and project-

necessary. A client’s space can be re-created to scale

and free AR mobile apps like Adobe Aero are inviting

based learning within the academy. It’s a pedagogical

in minutes.

more people into the content creation space.

trend that VR is uniquely positioned to support.

The AR ecosystem is evolving, too. Apple’s ARKit

It’s a different calculus for adoption in commercial sectors, however. Return on investment

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

Remote learning and collaboration have also benefited from VR, AR, and MR (mixed reality). For

Modus VR is both a solution and a “paradigm shift in AV,” according to Ken Brueck, co-founder of the company. The software as a service (SaaS) application

EXTENDED REALITY TECHNOLOGY

areas of work or

elements—hardware, software, processing power—

research that are

have become more accessible. Especially for HMDs,

germane to clients.

computing power is increasing, resolution is

Mechdyne’s Brum encourages deep

thanks in part to advances with Unity and Unreal

listening. “Ask about

Engine for content creation.

their projects,” he

The Modus VR SaaS application bridges the gap between blueprints and final renders, allowing clients to experience an immersive digital representation of an AV redesign before the first cable is laid.

increasing, and there is more content available,

This alignment is playing out for multinational

said. “Where’s the

corporations. Say you want to keep distributed

data coming from?

teams connected across the globe. Using the

What is their source

multiplayer model, clients can simulate an

material? What are

industrial workroom to design vehicles, for

they trying to create

example, or prototype, with collaboration across

or present? What’s

distances using headsets.

the class size? How

“VR has been around for more than 20 years, but

bridges the gap between blueprints and final renders,

often will the space or system be used by the school

there is still so much potential for us,” concluded

allowing clients to experience an immersive digital

for recruitment? Will it be used expansively, within a

Brum. “With form factors changing and headsets

representation of an AV redesign before the first cable

multidisciplinary space, or for a STEAM program? Do

getting better, there are so many new

is laid. Using Modus VR, dealers can create virtual

you need a hosting room out front? What computing

opportunities. That’s all happening while the next

spaces, walk clients through design options, step by

is required? What would the bring-your-own-device

generation of users and creators are redefining

step, and seamlessly export to CAD. Say farewell to

[BYOD] model look like?”

what VR can be.”

traditional blueprints. There’s another bonus—with

Brum added that, when considering a VR space,

Modus VR, you can fully demo in 3D without goggles.

related non-VR elements, such as a hosting room, are

Margot Douaihy, Ph.D., is a regular contributor to SCN. She teaches at Franklin Pierce University.

just as important to understand.

Q&A Like any other project, an XR application must start

Inflection Point?

with designers and integrators asking the right

COVID is still disrupting work and life across the

questions. As early as possible, inquire about the

globe, but 2021 also represents a year when the VR

Whatever your conferencing challenge, MAXHUB is the solution. MAXHUB’s collaboration ecosystem enables your business to realize the full potential of UCC technology that are optimized for use in conference and education.

To read more about extended reality, visit www.avnetwork.com.

Irvine, California (949)-270-5325 www.maxhub.com/en maxhubsales@cvte.com

1-800-398-5652

1-877-307-6689

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

Biamp Devio SCR Series Conferencing Hubs

and the ability to remove a room’s reverberant characteristics to eliminate annoying “echoes” that can occur in acoustically live spaces.

THE WHAT: Biamp’s Devio SCR Series of conferencing hubs, which includes Devio SCR-20 and SCR-25 models, are cost-effective, easy-to-deploy options designed to provide clear audio for hybrid or remote learning environments. Devio SCR products use Parlé Beamtracking microphones (tabletop, ceiling, or pendant) and professional-grade DSP to optimize audio quality, allowing every student, whether at school or at home, to clearly hear and understand classroom instruction

Jabra PanaCast Range

regardless of the teacher’s location in the room.

THE WHAT: The Jabra PanaCast 50 intelligent video bar (pictured) and PanaCast 20

THE WHAT ELSE: The Devio SCR products ship with a Parlé Beamtracking

personal camera reinvent the meeting room and hybrid work for modern

microphone, which uses an array of microphone elements to create virtual

collaboration through immersive video. PanaCast 20 is a camera engineered for

microphone beams that track voices intelligently anywhere in the room, even as

intelligent AI-enabled videoconferencing, while PanaCast 50 is an all-in-one UC

the speaker moves around the space. The gain applied to each microphone beam is

hub with microphones, speakers, a camera, and on-device AI powering a range of

automatically adjusted, compensating as the speaker moves closer to or farther

intelligent features.

away from the mic. The Parlé microphone range includes the TCM-X flush-mount ceiling, TTM-X tabletop, and TCM-1 pendant microphones. Setting up Devio SCR is designed to be simple: Select and connect the equipment to

THE WHAT ELSE: PanaCast 50 effectively takes on the role of the “director” of a meeting, detecting active speakers and intelligently adjusting the video stream to follow the action. Three 13-megapixel cameras mounted in a multicamera array

suit the space, then press the auto setup button. Devio SCR then verifies device

create an immersive 180° field of view in panoramic 4K that covers the whole room.

connections and performs a tuning cycle.

PanaCast 50 features nine edge processors, including two edge AI processors,

Devio SCR is fully supported by SageVue, Biamp’s AV device monitoring and

specifically engineered for audio and video that enable the video bar to carry out

management platform. It allows technology managers full access to the status of

real-time integration of audio, video, and data. It also features eight beamforming

their Biamp devices and includes functions such as scheduling and firmware and

microphones with precision voice detection backed up with algorithms that

system updates. SageVue features a RESTful API for integration with enterprise

remove disruptive noise. Four Jabra-engineered speakers—two 50 mm woofers

dashboarding systems.

and two 20 mm tweeters—in a zero-vibration stereo setup fill the room with clear

THE BOTTOM LINE: For less than $2,000, this flexible system is designed for streamlined deployment and a high-quality audio experience for teachers and students, whether they’re in the room or in a remote location.

Maxhub UC S10 Conference Bar with Camera

audio, while two-way audio technology delivers more natural conversations. PanaCast 20 offers high-quality, secure video collaboration in a compact, portable, and easy-to-use package. Its AI-driven features include intelligent zoom, intelligent lighting optimization, and picture-in-picture mode. AI-enabled video processing is managed on-device with edge processing, keeping data safe and avoiding latency issues. THE BOTTOM LINE: The Jabra PanaCast range has been engineered to help

THE WHAT: The UC S10

businesses navigate a flexible, hybrid way of working by combining immersive

meeting communication

vision and video, advanced audio technologies, and artificial intelligence to

hub is an all-in-one

enhance meetings and collaboration. Both devices are certified for Microsoft

camera, sound bar, and

Teams, Zoom, and all leading UC platforms. Jabra PanaCast 50 will be available

microphone with an

beginning June 15. PanaCast 20 will be available beginning Aug. 1.

Android OS that simplifies connection to remote sites. The camera offers 5x digital zoom, a 120° viewing angle, and auto-framing with intelligent face detection, while the microphone includes noise reduction, echo cancellation, and 24-foot voice pickup. THE WHAT ELSE: The Maxhub UC S10 Conference Bar with Camera enables meeting participants to exchange ideas while sharing images and data, increasing productivity during online meetings. The UC S10 offers one-click wireless screen sharing for up to four devices simultaneously. The system works with the optionally available dongle and app, and also allows screen sharing to a TV. Further, the UC S10 provides parallel Wi-Fi networking and screen sharing with its dual Wi-Fi module design. Featuring auto-framing with intelligent face detection that tracks whoever is

Telestream PRISM Waveform Monitors THE WHAT: Telestream’s software-defined waveform monitor line adds six models

speaking and smoothly switches between presenters, the focus is always on the

with smaller form factors to address the space constraints in live production and

active presenter. Combined with its 5x zoom capability, a 120° viewing angle, and

with a more affordable entry price point for budget-conscious users. As they are

three camera position presets that enable instant meeting startup, the UC S10’s

software-defined instruments, customers can purchase a base model and add

12-megapixel camera provides precision optics with intelligent functions that

features as required by simply purchasing a software license. New PRISM models

result in high image quality and auto-framing in huddle spaces and large

include the single-screen half-rack MPS-100, 200, and 300, and the dual-screen

conference rooms alike.

full-rack MPD-100, 200, and 300.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The UC S10 is designed for easy setup and operation. Audio

THE WHAT ELSE: With these new products, the PRISM family now offers a

features include adaptive echo cancellation, automatic gain control for consistent

complete range of “software-defined monitoring” instruments covering use cases

voice output level, automatic tracking of each person speaking, noise reduction,

from operational SDI monitoring to engineering-grade IP analysis, with a common

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

user interface throughout. The new PRISM products support both local and remote

Teams software. THE WHAT ELSE: The

production situations up to 8K HDR. Remote production is fully supported, including full feature remote viewing of

Crestron Flex Phones lineup

the PRISM display screen (no VNC required). When paired with Telestream’s

features one-touch Teams

Inspect 2110 probe, customers can get detailed monitoring and analysis of ST2110 IP

accessibility to offer quick

video across their entire network. When an area of concern is flagged by Inspect

meeting experiences so users can

2110, a single button press launches any stream in PRISM for deep ST 2110 video

access any meeting, share notes,

waveform, audio, data, and PTP analysis to find and fix faults fast.

and collaborate directly from the

The new PRISM models are more space conscious—only 5 inches deep—with no

dedicated Crestron Flex device.

compromises in capability (4K/8K HDR/Wide Color Gamut, four inputs, Dolby Audio,

By handling all audio, video, and

10/25G-IP and 12G-SDI).

content sharing, the Crestron Flex Phones frees other devices, like a laptop or PC,

THE BOTTOM LINE: The PRISM platform starts at an affordable price for

to be used as productivity tools during a meeting.

simpler needs, then scales up by adding functionality through software upgrades

The devices feature a touchscreen display (8- and 10-inch HD options) and an

with no price penalty for upgrading to HDR, 4K or even 8K after the initial purchase.

omnidirectional microphone array with 360° audio pickup, and come in video-

The new PRISM models will ship this summer.

enabled versions with 1080p camera or audio-only options. Built-in support for Teams allows users to simply plug the device into a PoE cable, sign in, and get started. Technology managers can scale deployment and management with integrated cloud management and monitoring with Crestron XiO Cloud Service, and embedded occupancy sensors supporting a range of 6.5 feet allow for the capture of meeting space data and usage analytics. THE BOTTOM LINE: Crestron Flex Phones combine high-quality audio and videoconferencing capabilities with one-touch connectivity and enterprise-grade security, as well as additional features to help users maximize productivity. They are designed to be deployed in a home or office, at a rotating “hot desk” stations popular in hybrid workplaces, or in conference rooms.

DVIGear DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort 1.4 Active Optical Cables

Bose AMM Multipurpose Loudspeaker Line

THE WHAT: The latest member of DVIGear’s growing family of HyperLight Active

THE WHAT: Bose Professional’s AMM multipurpose loudspeaker line includes two

Optical Cables (AOC) supports DisplayPort 1.4 signals with data rates up to 32.4

full-range loudspeakers—the AMM108 and AMM112—and a companion

Gbps. Compact and rugged, these cables offer both DisplayPort and Mini

subwoofer, the AMS115.

DisplayPort connectors, and are HDCP 1.4/2.2 compliant. They support resolutions

THE WHAT ELSE: Both the AMM108 and AMM112 feature the proprietary Bose Beamwidth Matching Waveguide, which is designed to provide consistent

of up to 8K/30 Hz (4:4:4) for cable lengths of up to 50 meters and 4K/60 Hz (4:4:4) for cables of up to 100 meters.

frequency response, clarity, and projection across the coverage area. Located just behind the grille, the waveguide seals the acoustic volume of the woofer and features a unique vent pattern that controls low-frequency dispersion, aligning the low- and high-frequency beamwidths at crossover. The result is wide-band, symmetrical sound coverage for both performers and audiences. Providing low-frequency extension down to 35 Hz and 130 dB peak output, the companion AMS115 subwoofer features a 15-inch neodymium transducer,

Need Custom Wall Plates?

lightweight enclosure, and integrated M20 threaded pole mount. This flexible functionality enables system designers and installers to combine an AMM108 loudspeaker with the AMS115 for front-of-house applications or the AMM112 loudspeaker for fill applications; or pair the AMM112 loudspeaker with the ShowMatch SMS118 subwoofer for higher-output extended-bandwidth systems. THE BOTTOM LINE: Featuring a coaxial two-way design, AMM loudspeakers are built to excel in a variety of applications. They can be deployed as mains, monitors, fills, or delays in temporary setups or permanent installations such as houses of worship, music venues, and auditoriums. Consistent voicing with the existing Bose AM array module line and Bose AMU utility loudspeaker line means system designers and installers can mix and match models from all three lines, saving time during system configuration.

Design and quote custom wall plates and panels from anywhere you have Internet access using Covid’s Panel Spec software.

Crestron Flex Phones for Microsoft Teams THE WHAT: Crestron Flex Phones is a portfolio of Microsoft Teams-certified desk phones for organizations seeking a dedicated collaboration experience for their employees. The line includes 8-inch and 10-inch audio-only models with and without handset, and 8-inch and 10-inch video desk phones with and without

800.638.6104 www.covid.com

handset. All models are available with U.S. or international versions of Microsoft

avnetwork.com // June 2021 // SCN

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

HyperLight cables are equipped

Audio-Technica Boundary Mics for Conferencing

with Mini DisplayPort

THE WHAT: Audio-Technica’s four

connectors at both ends of the

new condenser boundary

cable, providing direct

microphones—ES945O/FM3

connection to both Mini DP

omnidirectional, ES947C/FM3

sources and displays without

cardioid, ES945O/FM5

the need for any intermediary

omnidirectional, and ES947C/FM5

adapters or dongles. Each cable

cardioid—feature a capacitive-

also includes a set of detachable

type user switch that enables

docking plugs that enables

muting of the microphone, making

direct connection to full-size

them ideal for conferencing

DisplayPort devices at either

applications. The FM3 models replace the existing ES945/LED and ES947/LED

side of the cable. A locking pin

and feature local muting, while the FM5 models represent an entirely new

prevents inadvertent

product for Audio-Technica with an advanced feature set offering remote

disconnection of the docking

muting and control.

THE WHAT ELSE: The new

THE WHAT ELSE: The omnidirectional ES945O/FM3 and cardioid ES947C/FM3

plugs from the cable. Constructed using a hybrid design of 4x POF (polyfluorinated optical fiber) and

feature a three-pin XLR output connector. Designed for intelligible conferencing,

6x copper wires, HyperLight cables are plenum rated, rugged, lightweight, and

recording, monitoring, and other demanding sound pickup applications, the

flexible, with a minimum bend radius of 2 mm. To minimize cable diameter during

ES945O/FM3 and ES947C/FM3 mount unobtrusively in tabletops or panels, but

installation, the full-size DisplayPort docking plugs may be detached, revealing the

include a highly visible two-state RGB LED ring (seven selectable colors + OFF) to

cable’s cross-sectional area that measures 8 mm x 13 mm. These features, plus an

indicate mute status. The microphones’ polar patterns provide 360° (ES945O/FM3)

optional pulling sleeve, make the cables easy to install even in narrow conduits or

and 120° (ES947C/FM3) coverage, respectively. A-T’s proprietary UniGuard

in plenum airspaces.

RFI-shielding technology provides rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI).

THE BOTTOM LINE: HyperLight cables are designed for use in mission-critical

Both mics are equipped with a self-contained power module, eliminating the need

applications where image quality and long-term reliability are paramount. With an

for an external one, and come with a pair of rubber isolators for mechanical

MTBF of greater than 150,000 hours (> 17 years) and an in-field failure rate of less than

isolation from the mounting surface.

0.1 percent, these cables deliver reliability in any application. The high-speed

The omnidirectional ES945O/FM5 and cardioid ES947C/FM5 have a similar

DisplayPort signals are transmitted over four optical fibers, making them immune to

feature set to the FM3 models but offer remote muting and control, as well as a

interference from environmental noise. The optical transmission path provides a very

five-pin XLR output connector. Additionally, with the FM5 models, not only can

low RFI/EMI profile, which allows the cables to be installed in sensitive applications

the switch be configured for remote muting and/or external contact closure, but

with strict security requirements.

it can also be set up to trigger an external device, such as a camera or the room’s lighting.

1_3p loop.qxp_WIRE BUSHINGS 1 4 pg 7 09 4/8/21 12:46 PM Page 1

THE BOTTOM LINE: The ES945O/FM3 and ES947C/FM3 boundary microphones will be available this summer, while the ES945O/FM5 and

LOW-COST HANGER

THE LOOP

Made in USA

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F O R CO M M U N I C AT I O N S C A B L E

2" TL20

2.5" TL25

ES947C/FM5 condenser boundary microphones are now available now.

Holoplot X1 Product Line THE WHAT: Holoplot’s X1 provides localized and immersive audio in

5" TL50

applications such as large TL50 for a 5" diameter bundle

conference rooms, concerts, event venues, theme parks, Patented

and immersive installations. The line is based around the X1 Modul 96, a full-range

Flexible and non-metallic, The LOOP™ holds a 2" to 5" diameter bundle of CAT 5 or fiber optic cable without sagging, bending or damaging the cable! The 2.5" TL25 holds the same amount of cable as a J-hook at HALF the COST!

Listed for Air Handling Spaces

matrix loudspeaker with 96 drivers, and the X1 Modul 80-S, a full-range loudspeaker with 80 drivers and an integrated subwoofer. Both products tie into the company’s proprietary 3D Beamforming and wavefield synthesis technologies. THE WHAT ELSE: According to Holoplot, its 3D Beamforming technology allows users to adjust the direction and size of the soundfield, create multiple audio zones, and play different content at the same time, all from the same loudspeaker array, while its wavefield synthesis technology can be used to re-create audio objects and move them in real time throughout a space. Holoplot describes X1 as a new category of sound system that combines

800/233-4717 • www.arlingtonlowvoltage.com 800/233-4717 • www.arlingtonlowvoltage.com

features of line arrays and electronic beam steering to br ing full control of

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

sound in both horizontal and vertical axes through a matrix of loudspeaker

wirelessly from their preferred device. A wide-angle 4K camera with Sony sensor

drivers. As an IoT-enabled system, X1 allows remote control, remote

reduces the need to crowd around a single screen. THE BOTTOM LINE: EXPAND Vision 3T is an intelligent device designed for

monitoring, and smart servicing. THE BOTTOM LINE: Owing to the various software applications provided,

focus and small meeting rooms of up to seven participants. It features automatic

Holoplot says the X1 stands out in terms of system planning, operation and

software updates and the ability to manage devices remotely. It is available now.

maintenance.

Plas TV Box SCN.qxp_Layout 1 11/10/20 10:50 AM Page 1

F O R F LU S H -TO -T H E - WA L L M O U N T I N G O F L E D , H I - D E F T V s

PLASTIC TV BOX

R E C E S S E D P O W E R / LO W V O LTA G E C O M B O B O X E S

AtlasIED Atmosphere v2.0 THE WHAT: The 2.0 firmware update for AtlasIED’s Atmosphere digital audio system enables several performance and installation enhancements including stereo and subwoofer support, self-healing accessories,

CED130

room combine, and bell scheduling. THE WHAT ELSE: These updates offer integrators even greater opportunities to customize the delivery and control of audio to satisfy the unique requirements

for NEW WORK or RETROFIT

of restaurants, bars, hotels, school campuses, houses of worship, retail establishments, and other commercial environments. The new Atmosphere software supports the system’s original core technologies, such as touchless control and artificial intelligence, and utilizes the same product suite or digital audio processors, amplifiers, and graphical user interfaces.

LISTED POWER/LOW VOLTAGE BOX

THE BOTTOM LINE: While Atmosphere 2.0 represents a progression of AtlasIED’s digital audio platform, all of the features of the original system remain

TVBU505 with CED130 CABLE ENTRY DEVICE

intact.

CED130 with slotted cover REVERSED for RECESSED LOOK

CED135 with brush cover

Arlington’s PLASTIC TV BOX™ recessed combination power/low voltage boxes offer the secure, easy way to mount TVs flush against a wall. The job looks great. Plugs and connectors stay inside these Listed boxes without extending past the wall. Available in 2-, 3- and 4-gang styles for retrofit or new work. Each offers power and/or low voltage in one or more of the other openings. There’s a box to fit nearly any application!

EPOS EXPAND Vision 3T Webcam THE WHAT: EPOS is now shipping the EXPAND Vision Android. The product is the first offering in the company’s EXPAND Vision series, its first foray into cameras for videoconferencing. THE WHAT ELSE: EXPAND Vision 3T, certified and running Microsoft Teams Rooms, includes an integrated camera and beamforming microphone array, and features intelligent picture framing, enhanced PTZ, voice tracking, and EPOS AI noise cancellation technology.

TVBU505

3T, a video bar certified for Microsoft Teams Rooms on

And a cable entry device with slotted or brush cover to organize your low voltage cable bundle. • RETROFIT Mounting wing screws pull box against wall NEW WORK Box screw-mounts to stud • Non-metallic box with paintable white trim plate, optional covers available

4-GANG TVB613

EXPAND Vision 3T is engineered for easy setup. Without the need for a conferencing PC, users can start meetings with a single touch, and share content

2-GANG TVBU505 Patented. Other patents pending.

avnetwork.com // June 2021 // SCN

CED135

3-GANG TVBU507

Made in USA

www.aifittings.com Scranton, PA 18517 800/233-4717

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

ViewSonic PreAssembled Solution Kit for All-in-One DVLED Display

compatible with both Dante

THE WHAT: ViewSonic is

MXA710’s patented Steerable

introducing a pre-assembled

Coverage technology captures

solution kit in a transportable

audio anywhere in the room,

flight case for its All-in-One

featuring four lobes with the

Direct View LED Display

2-foot array and eight lobes

(108- and 135-inch models).

with 4-foot array. Autofocus

The entire display package—with LED modules, cabinets, system control box, and

technology fine-tunes each lobe position in real time, adjusting for meeting

floor stand all pre-assembled—fits into the flight case.

participant movements. Using Designer System Configuration software for

THE WHAT ELSE: The flight case packaging design allows the display to be transported easily and securely from one venue to another, making it well suited for museums and art galleries that require the high visual quality and flexibility to

and AES67 audio networking protocols. THE WHAT ELSE: The

deployment, room coverage templates enable quick and easy lobe optimization specifically for wall, ceiling, or table installations. With onboard IntelliMix DSP, the MXA710 provides automatic mixing,

showcase artwork. It can also be used in the rental business for short-term

acoustic echo cancellation, noise reduction, and automatic gain control,

commercial exhibitions and events to achieve fast installation and easy mobility.

providing all the processing to help ensure echo-free and noise-free audio. It is

After being taken out of the flight case, the display can be moved and positioned freely with the stand’s 360° silent wheels and stabilized with push-button locking. The built-in motorized floor stand allows height adjustment at a maximum range of 60 cm. Up to four sets of height preferences can be saved for convenient recurring use. THE BOTTOM LINE: With the pre-assembled solution kit, LED displays can be moved easily and set up in less than 10 minutes, according to ViewSonic.

Logitech Scribe Whiteboard Camera

PoE-powered and features LED status bars at each end of the array with configurable colors and brightness. The 2-foot model suited for smaller meeting spaces up to seven to eight people that are being equipped with videoconferencing to provide greater virtual meeting capability. The 4-foot model supports large meeting rooms that seat up to around 18 people. MXA710 units may be combined to provide coverage for even larger spaces. THE BOTTOM LINE: The MXA710 is designed for high-quality audio capture in AV conferencing environments. The sleek, linear form factor of the MXA710

THE WHAT: Logitech Scribe is an

allows for placement virtually anywhere in a meeting space, including on a wall

AI-powered whiteboard camera

or ceiling, around a display, or in a conference room table.

designed to improve collaboration for leading services like Microsoft Teams

Extron TLP Pro 1230WTG

and Zoom, the solution broadcasts

THE WHAT: Extron has

whiteboard content into video meetings.

announced the immediate

remote participants. Compatible with

THE WHAT ELSE: Capturing dry erase surfaces up to 6 feet by 4 feet, Logitech

availability of its ultra-wide

Scribe is a dedicated whiteboard camera that gives virtual meeting participants

touchpanel, the TLP Pro

a clear, real-time view of the whiteboard. Using built-in artificial intelligence,

1230WTG.

Scribe can render the presenter transparent, so remote users can see the

THE WHAT ELSE:

whiteboard with nothing in the way, and it automatically enhances the color of

Featuring a 12-inch, 1920 x

markers so content is easier to read. Scribe is also able to detect non-digital

720 resolution touchscreen,

content like Post-Its, a favorite tool for collaboration sessions.

the ultra-wide format

In-room participants can begin sharing whiteboard content into video

enhances user experiences,

meetings by pressing the wireless button included with Scribe or tapping the

allowing multiple tasks to be seen and managed at the same time. The TLP Pro

meeting room touch controller, like Logitech Tap. The wireless button currently

1230WTG provides ample screen space to simultaneously display full AV system

works with Zoom Rooms, and support for Teams Rooms will come later this

controls, video preview, and annotation controls. It features an HDMI video

year. Scribe also works as a USB content camera with virtually any

preview input that supports high-resolution HDCP-compliant video from an HDMI

videoconferencing application, providing the flexibility to use Scribe in meeting

source. It also supports annotation when used in conjunction with any Extron

rooms, classrooms, and home offices.

Annotator. The sleek, low-profile design minimizes visual obstructions and

THE BOTTOM LINE: In addition to the whiteboard camera, Scribe includes a wireless share button, mounting components, power supply, and category cables for deployment at scale.

Shure MXA710 Mic Certified for Microsoft Teams Rooms THE WHAT: Shure’s recently launched MXA710 linear array microphone is now

improves collaboration engagement in a wide variety of applications. TouchLink Pro touchpanels operate using standard network infrastructure. All TouchLink Pro touchpanels can be customized using Extron GUI Designer software, which offers ready-to-use templates for a wide variety of rooms and presentation environments. These designs may be used as is or customized for the application. THE BOTTOM LINE: The TLP Pro 1230WTG works with any Extron control

certified for Microsoft Teams, joining the company’s portfolio of conferencing

processor or HC 400 Series Meeting Space Collaboration system and is designed for

solutions already certified for the conferencing standard. Available in 2-foot or

use in AV system applications that require complete, interactive control of a broad

4-foot lengths and three colors (white, black, and aluminum), the MXA710 is

range of source devices.

Vol. 28 No. 6 June 2021 Systems Contractor News (ISSN 1078-4993) is published monthly by Future US, Inc., 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036-8002. Periodical postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: SYSTEMS CONTRACTOR NEWS, P.O. Box 1051, Lowell, MA 01853. Subscribe online at www.MySCNews.com. Please allow 6-8 weeks for address changes to take effect. ©Copyright 2021 by Future US, Inc. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

VIEWPOINT

The Human Capacity for Bandwidth By Joe Dunbar

n the integration field, our technologies often require us to work within a defined set of parameters. There’s a maximum capacity for

streamlined, I go out of my way to unsubscribe from

the user to remember to [insert new behavior or

push notifications for most apps and services I use,

action here] in order for things to work properly, but

enabling alerts only for those that need my

is that enough to compel them to actually do it? And

immediate attention.

if they don’t do it and the experience is hindered, is

What do my app notification preferences have

that their fault for not executing properly, or our

to do with integration? Well, continuing with the

fault for not anticipating the very easily presumable

hardware-based storage solutions, for example,

example of bad videoconferencing habits, I’m

behavior of the human condition?

and a maximum bandwidth for data processing.

theorizing that people’s seeming inability to grasp

I’ve often wondered if there’s a similar bandwidth

even basic concepts that would result in a more

don’t have infinite amounts of energy or brain

cap and storage limit in the human brain. What

pleasant virtual experience (something as simple as

power to dedicate to the seemingly mundane

is the maximum amount of information we are

using the mute function, let’s say) is a two-layered

capable of carrying and recalling on a moment’s

issue: we can’t be bothered to remember little

notice? And how quickly can we hunt for and recall

things like that because we are inundated

that information?

with many other more important things to

manufacturing roles I’ve had, I

remember or pay attention to, and those

identified one consistent truth: The

We build, design, and deploy devices and

What is reasonable to request of people who

functions of their job? I’ve had the opportunity to work all over the AV industry. In the

systems that have RAM, or “random access

other things are constantly screaming for

less you rely on the user to push the

memory,” that serve as the machine’s “working

our attention and time. (Like my favorite

experience forward, the better the

memory” and allow it to recall information for the

cash settlement collection service, JG

experience will be. That is to say, the

tasks that are currently being worked on. That

Wentworth, “They want it now!”)

more you can remove the user from the

Unlike a computer, our brain’s

technology equation, or the more

information is then put away when those tasks are complete so that RAM can be freed up for something

“RAM” is tuned to support

else. But our brains don’t quite work that way. Take

tasks that are completed more

a ride on my train of thought for a moment.

frequently and ones that

inclined to do things, the

have been completed more

smoother things will go.

If you’ve spoken with me, whether on a call, in person, or on social media, you’ve no doubt heard

recently, which seems

me discuss how our work with technology

reasonable. I see these tasks

influences and shapes the experiences we have with

as akin to computer

our jobs. As the last 14 pandemic months have

applications that are always

unfolded, I’ve paid extra special attention to

running in the background

people’s ability to adapt and learn the skills

and would likely have an

necessary to execute good videoconferences or

icon in the brain’s system

virtual presentations.

tray. Things like sending a

While many people have certainly upped their

meeting invite are second

you can make the technology adapt to how people are

“The less you rely on the user to push the experience forward, the better the experience will be.”

With less user intervention, the less likely it is that problems will occur, generally speaking—which greatly improves the odds of a good user experience. Now that I’ve had a little time to think and

game in the virtual medium, it seems that plenty

nature and don’t require

still struggle with even the most basic things—and

conscious thought because

I can’t help but wonder why. I don’t have all the

we do them so frequently. I

answers, but I hope this article will provoke some

don’t need to remember to put a subject in or to

single step, nor can we account for every possible

conversations.

include a location, date, time, etc.

scenario. Therefore, as we design technology

As I see it, it’s quite possible that people can’t

Prior to the videoconferencing onslaught

reflect on this, it makes perfect sense, but we can’t anticipate every

solutions to improve the experience for end users,

get a handle on these rather simple things because

brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I fully

we must ask ourselves, In our world of required

they’ve reached their storage and/or bandwidth

accepted rocky video chats because many people

multitasking, with its never-ending stream of

capacities. Or maybe more likely, they are simply

lacked the experience to pull off a seamless call.

notifications, calls for action, and all-around

are “too full” to care.

After 14 months, though, we’ve had ample

distractions, what is the human capacity for storage

opportunities to learn how to do remote meetings

and bandwidth? And as we design solutions, and

notifications: text messages, calendar alerts, email

As I’m writing, I have received several

well; one of the biggest excuses seems to be, “Who

how can we rely less on that capacity?

notifications, phone calls, voicemails, and to-do

cares?” There is too much happening to be

reminders. (This list doesn’t even take into account

monkeying around with my mute button every time

Joe Dunbar is a technology professional invested in

additional popups one might receive on a very

I want to be heard, or to remember to adjust my

mutual partnerships that build long-lasting growth

regular basis from social media, news sites, retail

lighting, raise my laptop to eye level, etc.

and opportunity for everyone involved. He is the

sales companies, weather alerts, and maybe even a Tinder match.) In an effort to keep things

SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com

When we design solutions, we need to consider this. Yes, it is very easy and reasonable (to us) to ask

Midwest sales manager at Sennheiser and a member of the 2020 Class of SCN’s The Nine.