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YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS
INVESTING IN THE
IN-VENUE EXPERIENCE
Pro AV Deployments Getting Sports Fans Back in the Stands AVNETWORK.COM
OCTOBER 2021
21 Tech Tales
Panasonic’s Jason Shelton shares how digital signage can enhance customer interactions.
32 Video Walls
Ledetta Asfa-Wossen explores the latest trends and technologies in the LED video wall market.
42 Viewpoint
21
42
Jay B. Myers discusses doing what’s right, not what’s easy.
CONTENTS 28
The Wide World of Interactivity With the pandemic changing the way
spectators engage with in-person events, and venues wanting a continued return to in-person attendance, integrators have been working closely with stadiums and arenas across the country on technology integration that increases interactivity, making spectators a more active part of the overall experience. By Jennifer Guhl
Features
Technology
24 Countdown to InfoComm InfoComm show.
32 Opportunities Expand for LED Video Walls
By Katie Makal
Key trends in the video
Top manufacturers share their thoughts on the 2021
30 CTSI Upgrades National Governors Association HQ From the lobby to the cafe to conference rooms,
installation flexibility, resolution, and accessibility. By Ledetta Asfa-Wossen
the new digital signage network from LG Business
36 Trends in Enterprise Streaming
Solutions enhances the NGA’s flexibility and
While the trend toward enterprise video streaming to
provides simple bring-your-own-device (BYOD)
reach remote audiences may have already begun prior
meeting spaces that deliver a variety of benefits
to the COVID-19 pandemic, continued social
for workers.
distancing measures have sent this transition into
By Katie Makal
overdrive.
People 20 Executive Q&A
By Macy O’Hearn
Viewpoint
Black Box’s Bridget Hayes discusses embracing the
42 Do What Is Right, Not What Is Easy
power of Ethernet.
Many AV integration firms fail to recognize that
By Katie Makal
achieving success is often the direct result of
21 Tech Tales Digital signage, once a basic tool used by businesses to
30
wall space include increasing display sizes,
30 36
company ethics, of doing the right thing instead of the easy thing. By Jay B. Myers
share static updates, has evolved to offer more complex content and real-time updates in any type of environment or in any form, from a video wall to a 4K touchscreen. By Jason Shelton
Departments 18 ASSOCIATION NEWS 22 PEOPLE NEWS 38 PRODUCTS
Vol. 28 No. 10 October 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.
4
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
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EDITORIAL avnetwork.com
KATIE MAKAL
Content Manager
katie.makal@futurenet.com
Community O
h, hello, friends. Many of you may not know me, though I’ve been here for a while. I’ve been content manager of Systems Contractor News since December of
2019 but have mostly worked behind the scenes, keeping the content flowing
@scnmagazine
Content Manager Katie Makal Contributors Ledetta Asfa-Wossen, Margot Douaihy, Ph.D., Jennifer Guhl, Macy O’Hearn, Jay B. Myers, Jenny Priestley, Jason Shelton Group Art Director Nicole Cobban Art Editor Rob Crossland
editor’s note, as we’re very close to signing the contract with our new editor following
Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow
Megan Dutta’s departure last month. While we’re here, let’s talk about community, and about InfoComm, the focus of a In a recent conversation with AVNation founder Tim Albright, AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes reiterated that InfoComm will go on as an in-person tradeshow this year in
A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S
Vice President, AV/Consumer Electronics & Pro Audio Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465
Orlando in October, unless state or federal law is enacted to forbid it, which seems unlikely. He and the AVIXA organization are committed to bringing the industry together
TWEET US What does the #ProAV community mean to you?
CONTENT
VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona
smoothly in print, online, and in our newsletters. I expect this will be my first and last
great deal of effort and planning here at Future and in the pro AV industry at large.
TWITTER twitter.com/scnmag
OCTOBER 2021 VOL. 28 NO. 10
again with proper health guidelines in place to keep attendees safe. All who participate in the show in any capacity must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within five days of the show or proof of full vaccination. AVIXA announced that it has chosen using CLEAR’s Health Pass app as the method attendees will use to show their vaccination status or test results. Further, everyone participating in the show will be required to wear a mask, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. With these health safeguards in place, the show will go on. “There is no greater physical manifestation of the marketplace than a tradeshow. Nor is there a greater physical manifestation of community than that tradeshow,” he said. “Tradeshows are about commerce, tradeshows are about networking and learning, and they’re also about community. I think about what all of us around the world have gone through since January or February of last year and can’t imagine spending a day with more than 10 people being anything but a glorious success. And I’m very confident there will be more than 10 people [at InfoComm this year]. I think that is success.” Labuskes defines success as choosing to come together again despite the obstacles and finding ways to get back to business.
Sales John Casey, john.casey@futurenet.com, 845-678-3839 Janis Crowley, janis.crowley@futurenet.com, 845-414-6791 Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com, 212-378-0468 Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com, 845-678-3752 Andi Tureson andi.tureson@futurenet.com SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE
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SCN is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing team to discuss partnership opportunities. Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw licensing@futurenet.com
I’ll be at InfoComm in Orlando in October and I hope to see you there.
ENTER TODAY
M A N AG E M E N T
Senior Vice President, B2B Rick Stamberger Vice President, Sales & Publishing, B2B Aaron Kern Vice President, B2B Tech Group Carmel King Vice President, Sales, B2B Tech Group Adam Goldstein Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design Rodney Dive FUTURE US, INC.
11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor New York, NY 10036 All contents ©2021 Future US, Inc. or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/ permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.
CALL FOR ENTRIES: JOIN THE SCN TOP 50
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Get recognized as a top AV integration firm by submitting your entry for the 2021 SCN Top 50. Entries will be judged on a three-year average of revenue in lieu of predicted one-year revenues.
BIT.LY/2021SCNTOP50 4 SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com To be eligible for Top 50 consideration, the firm's revenue for commercial AV system design and installation must account 4 SCN // June 2021 // avnetwork.com for more than 50 percent of its total revenue. Entries must be submitted by 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2021.
Future plc is a public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR) www.futureplc.com
Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne Non-executive chairman Richard Huntingford Chief financial officer Rachel Addison Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
BrightSign Powers AT&T Digital Kiosk at Sam’s Club Los Gatos, CA—Kollins Communications recently partnered with digital signage media player company BrightSign and Visual Communications to create a compelling in-store digital customer experience at Sam’s Club stores throughout the United States. The fully digital project, commissioned by AT&T Services, encompassed a comprehensive digital retail kiosk to merchandise AT&T wireless, TV and broadband services without conventional printed signage or price tags. Functionally, AT&T Services wanted to be able to remotely monitor the kiosks for operability and functionality, and needed the kiosks to be easily serviceable in the field with plug-and-play components.
Top 5 Stories on avnetwork.com 5. AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes: “We Will Be Having InfoComm” 4. The Latest High-Brightness Large-Venue Projectors 3. Selecting the Right Microphone for Your Conference Room 2. Music Festivals Are Back. Are You Prepared to Deal with the New Normal? 1. Planning Your In-Person InfoComm 2021 Experience
POPULAR POSTS Healthy Signs BY COLIN FARQUHAR The last 18
The Need for Diversity in Education
months have been among the most
BY SAMANTHA VENTURA CEDIA sup-
challenging just about every healthcare institution in the world has ever faced. The upshot of a rapidly evolving long-term medical crisis has been that communication—with patients, families, staff, contractors and other visitors—has been critical to the successful ongoing operation of healthcare facilities of all types. Having the right technologies in place to manage and provide effective and safe communications has been essential.
8
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
ports the education of our members and everyone in our industry by offering learning opportunities in a variety of ways: in-person training, virtual events, online in the CEDIA Academy, podcasts, white papers, blogs, and articles, to name just a few. Our commitment to our learners is threefold: The education provided should always be relevant, engaging, and meet the needs of every learner in attendance.
Streaming Concerns for Houses of Worship BY MATTHEW KOSHY Lockdowns might be easing, but for houses of worship, livestreamed services and quality video content aren’t going anywhere. For many worshippers, being able to access religious services and content virtually was not only essential during lockdowns, but it gave them the flexibility to worship when they wanted, from wherever they wanted. To make sure that they continue to meet expectations, HoWs will need to keep up with the latest video trends.
NEWS
Almo Pro A/V to Host Hybrid E4 Experience on Nov. 30
S
taying ahead of the needs of its partner community and challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, distributor
Almo Professional A/V announced the creation of a hybrid E4 event that will feature a combination of in-person and virtual content. Taking place in Dallas (and online) on Nov. 30, this event marks the first time that Almo has combined the regional, in-person educational and product showcase format of an E4 Experience with its virtual E4 Evolution (E4v) in a single event. At the same time, based on feedback from a variety of participants, E4 Experience Boston, originally scheduled to take place on Oct. 7, 2021, has been rescheduled to Oct. 20, 2022. “One thing we’ve learned throughout the course of this pandemic is that we’ve got to be ready to maneuver plans quickly to adapt to changing local, regional, and national requirements,” said Melody Craigmyle, vice president of marketing and communications for Almo Corp. Regarding the Boston event, she added, “Local requirements vary based on region, and after careful consideration and in-depth discussions with our E4 exhibitors and educators, combined with consultation from our event venue team, we determined it would be best to reschedule E4 Boston for 2022. Many factors were considered before making the final decision, and while we looked forward to spending time with our partners in the Eastern region, we hope to see many of them at InfoComm in October.”
The 2021 SCN Top 50 is now open for submissions. AV integration firms: enter today for a chance to be listed among Systems Contractor News’ Top 50 systems integrators in the commercial AV industry for 2021. The top 50 entries will be published in the December 2021 issue of SCN. To be eligible for Top 50 consideration, a company’s revenue for commercial AV system design and installation must account for over 50 percent of its total revenue. Entries are due by 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The entry form is available at bit.ly/2021SCNTop50.
10
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
NEWS A newly deployed Matrox and AGELEC video wall solution is a central feature of the French National Railway Company’s (SNCF) new operational center at Lyon-Part-Dieu station. The operational center there includes two control rooms that are purpose-built for 24/7 site management and customer support. According to Manuel Amenedo, project director at SNCF’s Auvergne Rhône Alpes Regional Station Management Team, the operational center (COEG) plays a vital role in the SNCF’s daily operations. “The head of the COEG translates railway language to the passengers in the station,” he said.
AtlasIED Joins PSNI as Preferred Partner
A
tlasIED is now a global preferred vendor partner (PVP) for the PSNI Global Alliance. As a global PVP, AtlasIED joins PSNI’s wide-rang-
ing portfolio of pro AV technology across the world. “We are proud to welcome AtlasIED to our lineup of Global Preferred Vendor Partners,” said Tom Roberts, PSNI’s director of vendor programs. “With over eight decades of experience, they are a brand that reaches a broad variety of markets. With a strong product range of over 2,00 products and an excellent support network, they are a fantastic addition to the Alliance, and we look forward to great things together.” “PSNI is widely regarded as a premier global alliance within the audiovisual industry,” said Michael Peveler, vice president of sales at AtlasIED. “As a preferred vendor partner, we’re looking forward to adding value and resources to support the success of an already strong group of global integrators.” Offering mass notification, life safety, VoIP, background music, paging, and sound-masking systems, AtlasIED delivers more than 2,000 audio solutions with a variety of resources to help integrators sell, design and install audio communication technologies. Family-owned, the company operates from nine locations across the world, as well as through an established network of representatives and distributors.
12
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
NEWS
Futuresource Sees AV Opportunities in Education Market
D
espite the majority of school districts in the
However, priorities are
United States having at least one form of
wide-ranging, and schools
display device installed, there are still many
need to look not only at
opportunities for technology vendors, according to a
their devices, but the
new EdTech report from Futuresource Consulting. The
infrastructure and connec-
report, based on interviews with 488 school districts
tivity surrounding it.
across all 50 states, reveals that much of the installed
“This interactive panel
display technology is non-interactive, which is out of
uptake is being driven by
step with the current learning environment.
the new collaborative
Interactive flat panels have a far lower coverage, at
experiences that have been
Samsung 85-inch Interactive Display
two in every three school districts, and this is where
afforded to students and teachers alike,” said Chris
for EdTech, with last year’s growth predictions
the growth can be expected. There’s also an opportu-
Pennell, principal analyst, Futuresource Consulting.
coming to fruition this year. Classroom coverage is
nity for interactive whiteboard vendors, based on
“It’s an acceleration of what was already beginning to
now at 77 percent, with purchase priorities focusing
decision-maker plans and the device types they have
happen pre-pandemic. Pupils are becoming increas-
on ease of setup, price and sound quality. Ahead of
expressed an interest in.
ingly familiar with technology. It’s integral to their
many other EdTech solutions, loudspeakers are
everyday lives. And now it’s fundamental to their
ultimately one of the best tools to combat the
academic progression.”
negative effects of overcrowding in classrooms,
Equipment mobility also plays a role in AV display decisions, with equipment sharing both within a single classroom and between classroom settings.
The loudspeaker segment is another high point
according to Pennell.
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
13
NEWS The headquarters of Plaza Coral Gables features a nearly 26-foot-long, 26-foot-high Planar DirectLight X LED Video Wall System installed by integrator Pro Sound & Video. Not only is it a dramatic visual feature and building amenity, the outsized display also serves as a community wall that displays curated digital artwork from local artists.
Telestream Acquires Sherpa Digital Media Telestream continues on its acquisition path with the purchase of Sherpa Digital Media,
2021 Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarships Awarded
T
he Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance
use toward consumer advocacy, pushing the innovation
(PAMA), in partnership with Shure, announced
envelope and preserving the integrity of iconic systems.
the recipients of the Mark Brunner Professional
which will expand the company’s market
Audio Scholarship, which celebrates the life and
presence in hosting and distributing live
accomplishments of the longtime Shure
event productions.
executive and PAMA board member. Emma
“Sherpa Digital Media has built a solid
Dennis Freeman has completed one year of a fouryear program in Audio Production at Middle Tennessee State University. Freeman was an honors student at a high school for creative and performing
Brooks from Berklee College of Music and
arts, where he played the tuba and trombone.
platform that many rely on to stream their
Dennis Freeman from Middle Tennessee
Upon graduation, Freeman wants to create a
live, interactive events, and we intend to
State University are the first recipients of the
youth program in Memphis for kids who want
continue its development to expand into
annual scholarship ($2,000), which will be
to learn audio skills.
new areas such as using our Wirecast
offered annually to students worldwide who are
product to produce events distributed on
pursuing an education in professional audio.
the platform,” said Telestream CEO Dan Castles.
On behalf of PAMA, Chris Regan, chair of the board of directors, said, “I know Mark would be
Emma Brooks has completed two years of a
extremely happy with the two recipients of this
four-year program in Music Production and
year’s scholarship in his name. One of Mark’s
The live and on-demand event platform
Engineering at Berklee. She is currently a
passions was to educate and mentor, always
enables customers to create live events and
Music Studio Enablement intern at Dolby
sharing his knowledge and wisdom with so
webinars, and includes breakout rooms,
Laboratories and a former sales associate at
video hosting, marketing automation
Guitar Center in Boston. Passionate about
integration, secure streaming, a customized
analog and digital audio and the roles of physics,
look and feel, and the ability to scale up to
architectural acoustics, and room design,
hundreds of thousands of viewers.
Brooks wants to put her growing knowledge to
many people throughout his career. Presenting Emma and Dennis with this scholarship is our way of honoring Mark’s legacy while Dennis Freeman and Emma Brooks
supporting and hopefully jumpstarting their careers.”
DCC Technology Forms Exertis N.A. Business Unit DCC Technology, an international technology value-added distributor, announced the formation of a new business unit, Exertis North America, to manage the operations of its recent acquisitions of Jam Industries and Stampede. Longtime Jam Industries president and CEO Marty Szpiro is stepping up to serve as president and CEO of Exertis North America. Stuart Frenkel, Jam Industries’ current CFO, will become president of the renamed Exertis/Jam. Stampede, which rebranded as Exertis in 2020, will operate under the Exertis Pro AV banner led by John Dunne, its president and managing director. “DCC Technology’s has established leadership positions in selected value-added distribution specialisms in North America,” said Tim Griffin, managing director of DCC technology. “The rebranding of Jam Industries to Exertis/Jam is a natural next step as we continue our focus on our people, our vendors, and our customers. We Marty Szpiro
14
have a great team in place and the journey has just begun.”
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
NEWS
PSNI Takes ‘Built for You’ Ethos to the Next Level By Margot Douaihy, Ph.D.
mission is embodied by PSNI’s 200-plus Certified Service Providers (CSPs, aka partners) who deliver
A
AV services to their clients using the highest s the world’s foremost professional
quality standards.
association of integrators, manufacturers,
The ongoing marriage of AV with IT, plus the
Vislink Acquires Mobile Viewpoint
continuing trend to remote collaboration acceler-
Vislink has bought Mobile Viewpoint, a mobile
200-location-strong PSNI Global Alliance has been
ated by COVID-19 lockdowns, has motivated the
live streaming solution company, in a cash deal
the go-to source for AV customers since its found-
PSNI to update its CSP ecosystem.
worth $18.3 million. According to Vislink, the deal
distributors, and service partners, the
ing in 1986. But technologies—and client needs—
“We’re seeing increasing customer demand for
enables it to fulfill its strategic aim of providing
have changed dramatically since then. Add to that a
solutions that support more unified communica-
an industry-leading portfolio of live video
once-in-a-century pandemic and its ripple effects
tions and collaboration (UCC) than what was
acquisition, contribution and distribution
for travel and supply chains. Those are some of the
traditionally offered by a typical AV integrator,”
solutions. The company added that the deal will
drivers behind PSNI’s new website, equipped with
Miller said. To address this demand, the PSNI
see it drive forward its planned Connected Edge
an intuitive end-user resource, and their client-
Global Alliance is assessing its current CSP ecosys-
solutions, which will leverage IP networks to
centric motto, “Built for You.”
tem to see which skills and resources its members
provide customers with low latency, high-capac-
currently possess, and to seek out new strategic or
ity ultrafast live video transport that can use AI to
“Our tagline reflects our mission and our culture,” said Christopher Miller, PSNI Global
vendor partners to fill in any gaps.
Alliance’s executive director. “From
“The AV industry is evolving, and it’s
automate workflows. Mickey Miller, CEO of Vislink, said, “Mobile
forming the Alliance and realizing that
not fully linear anymore,” said Miller.
Viewpoint provides us with innovative technolo-
customers need services outside of their
“The PSNI Global Alliance recognizes that
gies and solutions that, combined with Vislink’s
borders, to supporting integrators as they
external trades in the electrical and other
capabilities, will enable our customers to acquire
ensure the best end results, we are indeed
industries offer unique skills that can help
and deliver video over any preferred public or
‘Built for You.’ We also recognize that end
us deliver the total solutions that custom-
user needs are changing.”
ers want today. So, we are forming alliances
The new messaging is “the cusp of
outside of the AV industry to provide those
what the PSNI Global Alliance
solutions.”
growth opportunity for us as 5G and other new networks, along with machine learning, are about to revolutionize how video is produced and transported.
is all about,” Miller said. And the customer-focused
PSNI executive director Chris Miller
Videotel Digital Gathers Advisory Board
Videotel Digital has established an advisory board that will provide feedback and recommendations to improve existing and future products offered by the digital signage technology manufacturer. The advisory board debuts with three market-focused councils—aquariums, museums, and houses of worship—whose members are users of Videotel Digital technologies in their work. Videotel Digital advisory board members will meet quarterly to provide feedback and recommendations for improvements on existing and proposed products.
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
private network. This presents a tremendous
15
NEWS
Daktronics Transparent LED Elements Enliven Beijing Mall
T
he façade of Yuanyang Mall, a shopping mall
allowing those inside the mall to see outside to the
totaling 228 square meters. On a separate part of the
being built at Beijing Sino-Ocean Ledi Port in
street as well as letting natural light pass into the
building, a west-facing screen will measure 9 meters
China, will feature three transparent LED
building. At the same time, the LEDs form a visual
high by 11 meters wide and will wrap around the corner
displays designed, manufactured and installed by
image that can be viewed from those passing by and
of the building into a south-facing screen that will
Daktronics.
connect with audiences and potential mall customers.
measure 9 meters high by 19 meters wide at the top,
The mall is expected to open next year.
with a 24-meter curve from the bottom left of the
The three transparent LED displays will allow the Yuanyahg Mall to share messages with shoppers,
The displays will feature 25mm pixel spacing and
display to the top right corner of the display. The curve
highlight stores in the mall, and promote upcoming
combine for 488 total square meters. The south-facing
follows the building’s architecture to create a visually
events and sales. The technology itself is transparent,
screen will measure 19 meters high by 12 meters wide
aesthetic appearance unique to the shopping center.
Carousel Digital Signage Transforms Maine School Instead of relying on the school’s outdated and
public address audio to keep staff and students
fostering a stronger sense of community and
intrusive P.A. system to deliver announcements, a
informed. This became increasingly challenging
school spirit.
Carousel Cloud network is being used to deliver
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the number of
timely digital signage content to the 63 displays in
announcements quickly became overwhelming.
office, principal’s office, and guidance office to
Mount Desert Island High School in Bar Harbor,
The shift to digital signage provides everyone
create and contribute high-quality content
ME. The displays are located in all classrooms and
inside the school with immediate access to
instead of running it through me to manage,” said
several common areas.
information that often changes quickly, while also
Mark Arnold, the school’s educational technology
Carousel Digital Signage partner Jamf recommended the use of Carousel Cloud as a
“Carousel Cloud allows staff inside the main
director. “The ability to reach out students directly with
lightweight, IT-friendly platform to deliver digital
important messages during school hours and then
signage content to Apple TV devices, as the school
share that same content on social media means
happened to have televisions and Apple TV
that we are now consistently reaching a much
devices within their classrooms for educational
broader population,” Arnold added. “Students are
purposes. Jamf specializes in converting Apple TV
also sharing what they see on the screens with
devices to digital signage players, and Carousel
their parents. The reception to what we are doing
Digital Signage offers a native iOS app for playing
with digital signage has been very positive.”
out digital signage content. The installation marks a first for Mount Desert High School, which relied exclusively on email and
16
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
The shift to digital signage provides everyone in the school timely access to important information.
ASSOCIATIONS NEWS
comments is that the pinch
economic uncertainty, and rebounding demand were
from these two negatives is
all more significant causes. The freight prices are a
likely temporary, with COVID-
direct product of these causes, as they largely reflect
19 case counts appearing to
pandemic-caused port and border closures, with this
have just passed their peak (as
summer’s demand rebound an exacerbating factor.
of mid-September) and recent AVIXA research suggesting
As Expected, A Rebound
A
Before August, the July AV Employment Index (AVI-E) was a disappointment, coming in substantially
supply issues will show improvement in most areas by
lower than June and showing only modest payroll
the start of 2022.
growth. In the write-up about the results, AVIXA
“One advantage of the supply issues AV compa-
analysts predicted a rebound for August. Happily, we
nies are facing is that they are, in a sense, treatable,”
can now report that a rebound is exactly what hap-
said Peter Hansen, economic analyst, AVIXA. “In
pened, as the AVI-E accelerated from 55.7 in July to 61.3
other words, companies have a lot of tactics they can
in August. In the wider economy, the news was less
VIXA’s latest Pro AV Business Index shows
deploy to respond to the challenges. We go into way
positive. The U.S. employment market added only
strong growth continued in August, with the
more detail in our recent report, but one strategy that
235,000 jobs in August, well under the 720,000 that
AV Sales Index (AVI-S) registering at 68.2.
our data shows has proven unexpectedly successful is
economists had been predicting. The leisure and
passing along price increases to consumers.”
hospitality sector was one of the harder hit sectors in
This month’s high pace of growth meant that the three-month average this summer was 67.9, the
A large piece of the current supply trouble is the
August, while education and professional and business
highest three-month average for any period in the
rising cost of shipping. The Frieghtos Baltic Index
services added significant numbers of jobs. Integrators
history of Pro AV Business Index. The 68.2 August mark
Global Container Freight Index reached its highest
and AV suppliers can expect to see some of this pattern
was also an acceleration from July, when the index
weekly close in history on Sept. 10, a level more than
reflected on their project pipeline in the short term.
registered a still rapid 66.0.
5x higher than the same point in 2020 and almost 10x
Visit www.avixa.org/AVindex to access the free
higher than the same point in 2019. In the AVIXA
monthly Pro AV Business Index reports and learn more
ments from survey respondents, which primarily
report Hansen mentions, AVIXA found that while
about the methodology. For more information about
referenced either the coronavirus delta variant or
microchips have been commonly cited as the primary
joining the AVIXA Insights Community, visit www.
supply difficulties. The silver lining to the negative
cause of AV supply difficulties, the pandemic,
avixa.org/AVIP.
Despite growth, there were many negative com-
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
17
NEWS ASSOCIATIONS
InfoComm to Require Vaccination or Negative COVID Test
I
n a joint letter to the pro AV community in late
place a comprehensive plan that prioritizes health and
InfoComm show community to return in person, including
August, AVIXA CEO David Labuskes and AVIXA
safety for all who attend.
a high percentage of those who are or intend to be
senior vice president Rochelle Richardson
We recently shared that regardless of vaccination
vaccinated, as well as steady attendee registration. We
announced that all who participate in InfoComm 2021
status, masks would be required for all, as well as six-foot
acknowledge some important parts of our community will
in any capacity must provide proof of a negative
social distancing is recommended across the Orange
not be able to participate with us this year, and we, like
COVID-19 test result or proof of full vaccination.
County Convention Center and InfoComm events. Over the
many of you, are disappointed because we miss being with
Further, masks will be required to be worn by all
past several weeks we have also worked to finalize the
them and want to reconnect in person. But please know
individuals regardless of COVID-19 vaccination
additional protocols that will maximize the health and
that for those attendees or exhibitors that have decided
status.
safety of all in attendance through guidance from both
2021 isn’t their year, we respect and appreciate all of you.
AVIXA is set to take place in person in Orlando, FL, Oct. 23-29. Following is the text of AVIXA’s health and safety update.
local and national health authorities including Orlando
which will live stream Oct. 27–29 from the InfoComm 2021
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
in-person event, which will feature the InfoComm Morning
InfoComm has updated its health and safety protocols to require that all who attend the show must provide one of
Dear InfoComm Show Community, We could not be more excited to welcome you back to InfoComm this October in Orlando to get back to business
We are also excited to announce our virtual program
Health, the Florida Department of Health, and the Centers
the following: (i) proof of a negative COVID-19 test result OR (ii) proof of full vaccination. We will continue to monitor guidelines and will follow
Show, sessions from the Technology Innovation Stage and a daily Wrap-Up Show. All to be announced soon. InfoComm is our opportunity for the industry to reengage and we are ready to provide the largest, most exciting event in North America focused on the pro AV
and celebrate the resiliency of our industry. While
applicable federal, state, and local laws, adapting our
industry to see the latest technology, learn new skills, and
enthusiasm is building with so many of you contributing to
protocols accordingly. We will share updates and details on
grow your network, while safeguarding those in attend-
our All In for InfoComm campaign and exhibitors already
implementation and other safety measures under
ance with practical health and safety protocols.
preparing for their time on the show floor, we are also
consideration. Visit https://www.infocommshow.org/
regularly monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 delta
health-safety for updates.
variant and want to assure you that we are putting into
Multiple indicators show a strong eagerness among the
We genuinely appreciate the support and participation of the InfoComm community and look forward to seeing you in Orlando.
InfoComm: Pro AV Design and Integration Education Program AVIXA has put together a rich education program
encing, streaming, hosting, and remote work tools
inclusive design. The session will look at how Microsoft
focused on pro AV design and integration that will
became critical overnight. Bo Toof, senior video
and the University of Cambridge’s Inclusive Design
be part of InfoComm 2021. The program, scheduled
producer and streaming specialist at Partners
Toolkits have been used in real-world situations, as well
to take place on Thursday, Oct. 28, will explore key
HealthCare, will share success stories, including a
as a case study of inclusive design principles on AV
factors influencing design and integration, from the
high-visibility livestreamed Harvard Medical Grands
systems design projects for performing arts and
pandemic to inclusivity.
Rounds presentation and interview with Dr. Anthony
education projects.
“AV experiences start with insightful designs, and InfoComm 2021 is offering a variety of perspectives to
Fauci, director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAD).
How Strategy Defines Workplace Content Design and Implementation: This session is presented
enhance your design and integration toolbox,” said Annette Sandler, director of live content U.S. /Canada,
Getting Real About Inclusive Design: In this session,
by Emily Conrad, co-founder and president of
AVIXA. “A theme that’s woven throughout this
Bren Walker, partner and principal of integrated
Tessellate Studio, and Rachel Casanova, senior
program is the importance of designing for all. These
systems at Kirkegaard, will discuss the key principles of
managing director of Cushman & Wakef ield.
sessions will challenge the way you approach design
inclusive design, the relationship between diversity
Conrad and Casanova are collaborators def ining a
to create a better AV experience for everyone.”
and inclusive design, how inclusive design relates to
holistic workplace experience with a goal to create
universal design and accessibility, and the ROI of
off ice spaces people want to go to every day. In this
Redesigning the Virtual Healthcare Workspace
session, they will offer an overview of the
During a Pandemic: This session will explore how
process that shapes their experiential
Mass General Brigham healthcare system’s
projects and detailed techniques and
collaborative media department and its teleconfer-
technologies they employ.
18
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A
Embracing the Power of Ethernet Black Box’s Bridget Hayes Says the Pro AV Community Has Finally Reached the Inflection Point of AV over IP Distribution
Bridget Hayes Position: Global TPS Marketing Director Company: Black Box Overtime: I am a traveler by heart and love the freedom of travel. As a family, we have invested in a motor home, and every other weekend you will find us cruising to find the next beauty spot to wild camp. I
By Katie Makal
: What is your position and what does it entail?
tactics to achieve our overall goals. This experience
use this time to reflect and breathe, to take time out,
and my understanding of Black Box’s overall
and to disconnect from technology and the hustle
business and markets has led me to drive a fast-
and bustle of day-to-day life. It’s a reset for me.
paced and high-performance marketing team that
What are your responsibilities?
develops and delivers on our core integrated
Bridget Hayes: Global TPS marketing director. I lead
campaigns.
BH: In the world of video, we are finally reaching
the TPS marketing team and strategy for the Black Box products business. : How long have you been in this position? BH: Since April 1, 2021. : How has your background prepared you for
: Where do you see the pro AV heading?
: What are your short- and long-term goals?
the inflection point of AV over IP. This is due to the
BH: Black Box is a very customer-centric company,
fact that AV is simply everywhere. The pro AV
and we aim to provide the best products and services
community has finally stopped resisting IP-based
to our customers in our different verticals, which
video and audio distribution. The adoption rate has
include, of course, the pro KVM and pro AV markets.
increased dramatically. We are going to see far more
We continue to raise awareness of our pro KVM
interactive and interconnected solutions in the
your role?
and pro AV offerings through creative and effective
future. Simple solutions are still going to exist,
BH: I started with Black Box in September 2017 as
branding and by supporting the sales organization
obviously, but importantly, for mass scalability, IP
the company’s UK channel manager. It’s been my
while delivering a personalized digital experience
projects will depend on reliability and usability.
experience that Black Box recognizes the talent of
throughout the customer lifecycle.
its employees; I progressed to the position of Nordic and UK sales director, and then recently I was
: Are there new initiatives we are likely to see : What is the greatest challenge you face?
from Black Box?
promoted to TPS global marketing director. I have a
BH: Business is full of challenges. As a rule, it’s
BH: There are some amazing things happening now
solid background in sales and indirect channel
always important to be agile and flexible to best serve
and on the horizon from Black Box. Black Box is
development, which involved driving the right
customers.
known for products that make AV easy: easy to deploy, easy to expand, and easy to operate. Our three most prominent product lines—MCX Network AV, Radian Flex Video Walls, and iCompel Digital Signage—all accomplish that goal. What we are doing now will benefit both existing and future customers. As we look further out, we are integrating more to automate AV and make the AV experience far more efficient for end users and for our contractor partners. : How can systems contractors better position themselves to profit from products and/or services you have to offer? BH: Two big things here. First, start every project with an AV strategy. This means for both shortand long-term projects. Whether for a 4x4 matrix or an interconnected signage platform that connects to the access control system, you need to have a strategy. And second, embrace the power of Ethernet regardless of the size of your project. Don’t shy away from IP-based systems for small deployments. Using AV over IP means expansibility and scalability in the future. Embracing AV over IP as a standard allows the contractor to leverage that standard for future projects with the end user, regardless of whether those systems will be
Black Box’s MediaCento IPX provides HDMI-over-IP distribution, switching, and video wall control.
20
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
interconnected.
TECH TALES PEOPLE GETTY IMAGES/ALEXANDER SPATARI
How to Create Interactive Experiences Using Digital Signage By Jason Shelton
information that’s easy to read and helps them
exhibits and galleries at a museum, they benefit from
decide what they’d like to eat. By integrating displays
easily visible digital signage mounted on walls or
with crisp visuals that can be read even in direct
ceilings that provides additional information about
n today’s digital world, information has never
sunlight, the restaurant can clearly present informa-
the artwork. Video tutorials or interviews about the
been more accessible online, whether on web
tion about its dishes, including ingredients and
creation of the art piece, for instance, or visual assets
sites or in social media feeds. Customers expect
I
nutritional facts, and assist the customer’s decision-
that show the historical context of the exhibit will
the same quantity of information to be available
making process. It’s also important to invest in
enhance the experience and help to transport the
to them when they’re in physical public places,
software that helps to manage and update menu
guest into the stories behind each exhibit.
whether they’re attending an event or shopping
items in real time, accommodating
for a new pair of jeans. Not only do customers
seasonal specials or daily deals, which
digital signage to invite the customer
want the same quantity of information, they want
creates an opportunity to upsell and
into the design process and customize a
the same quality—that is, they expect that the
increase order sizes.
product, whether it’s a new paint color
information presented to them during in-person
For the retail store: Retail can use
For the hotel or hospitality venue:
for a living room or a custom shirt. Data
experiences will be just as interactive and engag-
During check-in, guests expect the lobby
collected about how the customer
ing as when they’re online.
and public areas in the hotel to provide
interacted with the content helps
guidance about where to go for a smooth
businesses understand their interests
nesses to share static updates, has evolved to offer
start to their stay, whether for work or
and needs, and ultimately improve store
more complex content and real-time updates in any
vacation. Digital signage can be lever-
offerings to enhance future customer
type of environment or in any form, from a video
aged throughout the venue to assist with
wall to a 4K touchscreen. Businesses can benefit
check-in (showing which counter is
from the integration of digital signage solutions to
available, for example), while signage in
help them elevate the customer experience and build
hallways and meeting spaces can be used as
loyalty, while at the same time increasing opera-
wayfinding devices to help guests locate their room
benefit from using this technology. By investing in
tional efficiencies and generating additional revenue
or meet up with colleagues. Digital signage can alert
these solutions, businesses can create a more
from advertising and upselling opportunities.
guests in real time in the event of an emergency,
informative and interactive experience that keeps
Digital signage, once a basic tool used by busi-
Here’s how digital signage can advance different types of customer interactions and business scenarios. For the quick-service restaurant: When entering a drive-thru, customers immediately look for
interactions. Jason Shelton
There are many different applications of digital signage for public spaces in various markets, though all businesses can
leading them to safety, or during construction,
customers coming back for more.
informing them that they need to find a different
Jason Shelton is senior solutions development
rendezvous location.
manager at Panasonic System Solutions Company
For the museum: As guests wander through
of North America.
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
21
PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS
ALESIA HENDLEY has joined
said, “This partnership will help our business
AUDINATE as business develop-
grow and allow our services to expand, while
ment representative. In her new
we remain committed to our very high standard
role, she will play a key part in
in communication technology and exceptional
Audinate’s System Solutions
customer service.”
KEY DIGITAL has
Rep News
appointed NFS COMMUNICATIONS as its manufacturer’s rep for the U.S. Northeast,
including the states of New York, New Jersey,
team and focus on developing Adding to its
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island,
accounts for our Dante Domain Manager software.
presence in
New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Prior to joining Audinate, Hendley spent three years
central
at Access Networks as a sales engineer.
Florida,
VIDEO MOUNT PRODUCTS, a provider of
CLAIR
mounting solutions for the security, commer-
GLOBAL
cial, CI, residential, and pro audio/video
INTEGRA-
markets, has retained JESCO MARKETING as
Alesia Hendley
new business and winning new
JOE DUNBAR is returning to his former employer, STARIN, A
Robert Batten (left)and Thursby Pierce
MIDWICH GROUP COMPANY, as
TION (CGI) has welcomed THURSBY PIERCE as
a key account manager – Mid-
senior account executive and ROBERT BATTEN as
west. Dunbar will be responsible
project manager. Batten and Pierce will aid in the
MEDIASTAR SYSTEMS has appointed inde-
for building and growing
implementation of company goals while adhering to
pendent rep organization VISITEC, which will
relationships with integrators
important deadlines and budget requirements. Both
work in partnership with MediaStar Systems’
and supporting the channel overall in the Midwest
will assist in helping CGI grow its business in themed
U.S. field sales and marketing team to expand
region.
attraction, immersive experience, museum, and
the company’s footprint in the United States.
Joe Dunbar
its new Florida representative.
entertainment attractions. Preparing for the full return of
Lee Moro
live events, SOLOTECH
Coinciding with the launch of a
announced a number of additions
dedicated education division in
position of business manager. In this newly created
to its live productions leadership
North America, PPDS
role, Sumner will spearhead the growth of the
team. Among the changes, LEE
announced the appointment
L-Acoustics Creations brand throughout the United
MORO has been promoted to vice
of PATRICK VANTREESE as its
States and Canada. Sumner’s responsibilities include
president, operations. He will
first education sales manager.
exploring new business opportunities, developing
VanTreese will lead the
sales targets and strategies, gathering and sharing
oversee all aspects of logistics, from the warehouse to
Patrick VanTreese
staffing, working closely with the global operations
company’s strategy to create more engaging,
market intelligence, building and supporting the
team. Other personnel changes at Solotech include
collaborative, and inclusive learning environments
brand’s Certified Integrator network, and collabo-
the promotion of JOHN FLYNN to director, global
in schools, colleges, and universities in North
rating with the manufacturer’s application and
touring projects, and STEVE WASHINGTON’s
America, with PPDS’ dedicated range of Philips
communications teams.
promotion to director strategic R&D. JASON MCCA-
interactive displays for education. VanTreese was
RRICK has been promoted to director of operations –
previously regional sales manager at Asus and a
SHURE has hired PRAKASH
Nashville, while MIKE SMEATON has been hired as
senior account executive at Tech Data.
MOORUT as senior director of
director of operations – Las Vegas, and FRANK SNIPES
spectrum and regulatory affairs.
was hired as director of operations – Orlando. Finally,
UTAH
Moorut will be responsible for
SCOTT PRIMM has been hired as director of video
SCIENTIFIC
leading Shure’s efforts to
engineering.
announced
advocate for audio professionals
CHARLES MONTOYA has joined MAXHUB as director of sales for
that presi-
Prakash Moorut
dent and CEO
regulations. He will serve as Shure’s point person
as it pertains to industry
DAVE
with regulators, lawmakers, and industry associa-
BURLAND
tions and will partner with engineering and product
UC products. In the newly created
Dave Burland (left) and Brett Benson
position, Montoya will be
will be retiring after almost three decades with the
management to create a regulatory roadmap that
responsible for driving sales of
company. Burland plans to step down as president on
adheres to current and future policies. Before
MAXHUB UC products, obtaining
Oct. 1 and as CEO on Jan. 1, 2022. BRETT BENSON, the
coming to Shure, Moorut spent more than 10 years
videoconferencing certifications
company’s vice president of sales, will assume the
with Nokia, most recently serving as head of
from key industry organizations, managing the
roles of Utah Scientific president and CEO as Burland
spectrum standardization.
company’s ecommerce business for UC products, and
departs. Benson, who joined the Utah Scientific sales
helping to develop new MAXHUB UC products. He will
team in April 2017, is a 25-year veteran of the
Video lighting systems manu-
be based in Irvine, CA.
broadcast industry.
facturer BRIGHTLINE has hired
Charles Montoya
JOEY CLAYTON as sales Oklahoma City’s CORY’S AUDIO
L-ACOUSTICS CREATIONS,
operation manager. She will be
VISUAL has added senior vice
dedicated to bringing profes-
responsible for organizing order
president BRITT GOTCHER as
sional sound systems and
logistics and post-order
a company principal, making
immersive sound spaces to
Joey Clayton
Gotcher the first partner not
residential, marine, and
the company. ERIN NATH, who previously served as
architectural environments, has
sales operation manager for Brightline, has been
appointed MIKE SUMNER to the
promoted to AV account manager.
related to the Cory family Britt Gotcher
22
of owners. CEO Brad Poarch
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
Mike Sumner
customer communication for
JOHN STALEY
BUSINESS INFOCOMM 2021
The busy exhibit hall floor at InfoComm 2019.
Countdown to InfoComm Top Manufacturers Share Their Thoughts on the 2021 InfoComm Show By Katie Makal
A
opportunities. We will take every care to safeguard
industry and a commitment to creating integrated
those in attendance with practical health and safety
experiences in their future career plans. We are
protocols,” Lloyd said.
passionate about mentoring and supporting those
ddressing the topic forefront on everyone’s
SCN spoke to several manufacturers ahead of the
mind this fall, the COVID-19 pandemic and
show to learn what technologies and trends they are
the delta variant of the coronavirus in par-
looking forward to seeing at InfoComm.
who will lead the AV industry in the decades to come. Lauren Simmen, Senior Product Marketing
ticular, as well as InfoComm’s Florida location, will be keeping an unknown number of exhibitors and
Melody Craigmyle
Manager, Crestron
attendees away from InfoComm this year. Whether
Vice President of
There are a lot of things to
that number is some or many, AVIXA intends that
Marketing and
look forward to this year,
the show will go on and has put together a list of
Communications,
as many manufacturers
safety measures to protect the health of show par-
Almo Corp.
have been able to deliver
ticipants. In late August, AVIXA announced that all
While the technologies
groundbreaking products
who participate in InfoComm 2021 in any capac-
and trends are always
over the last 18 months. And for many, InfoComm will
ity must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test
exciting to see at Info-
be the first time we see them in person. One element
result or proof of full vaccination. In early September, Joé Lloyd, AVIXA’s senior director of communications, reiterated the organization’s intention that the show will take place and the
Comm, what we are looking forward to most is
I am most looking forward to is seeing what solutions
connecting with our industry partners in person, in a
are being brought to market to increase efficiency in
safe environment.
the new hybrid-first digital workplace. We spent the
Additionally, 2021 marks Almo’s 75th anniversary.
last year and a half learning how to support remote
hope that all who attend will have a positive experi-
As part of this yearlong celebration, we are giving back
work, and now, as employees are going back into
ence. “InfoComm remains an opportunity for the
to 75 different organizations representing causes that
offices, the mix of in-person and remote participants
industry to reengage and reconnect. We are ready to
are important to us professionally and personally.
will create new challenges and opportunities. I am
provide the most exciting event in North America
This includes a major donation to AVIXA’s Michael
eager and excited to see the innovative solutions that
serving the pro AV industry, where you can see the
Vergauwen Foundation, which awards scholarships to
will help guide customers in a seamless transition to
latest technologies, learn new skills, and forge new
college students who display enthusiasm for the AV
the hybrid-first digital workplace.
24
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
INFOCOMM 2021 BUSINESS
Gina Sansivero, Vice
partners and customers, is the opportunity Info-
Bridget Hayes, Global
President of Marketing
Comm affords us to see the products our strategic
TPS Marketing Director,
and Corporate
partners have launched over the last year in action.
Black Box
Communications,
That lets us provide our enterprise customers total
It has been a while since
AtlasIED
solutions that enable hybrid meetings to be immer-
most people in the
I believe InfoComm 2021
sive and equal regardless of teammates’ locations.
industry have been able to meet face-to-face, so
will be a show dedicated Tiffany Dozier, Vice
to community and
whether you’re attending
togetherness. I believe the in-person return of our
President of Sales, North
small, “family-tight” industry will overshadow a lot
America, B-Tech AV
Advances made with AV over IP will, of course, be of
of the incredible technology that will no doubt be on
Mounts
major interest. AV is simply everywhere, and the
display. But speaking of technology, the technology
I am looking forward to
adoption rate of AVoIP is steadily increasing. Also we
that is most flexible, intuitive, and in stock will likely
seeing the advance-
think attendees will be looking at their favorite
be the most well-received!
ments in display
vendors to showcase solutions that make AV easy to
technology at Info-
deploy, expand, and operate.
or exhibiting, an in-person trade show is a big deal.
Dana Corey, Senior Vice
Comm. Screens continue to get better, and OLED,
President and General
QLED, and Mini LED are all being incorporated into
Theis Mørk, Vice
Manager, Avocor
screen sizes of 85 inches or more. This creates
President Global
As enterprises are
amazing options for digital signage, classroom
Product Management,
determining how—and
enhancements, and workplace designs. As displays
EPOS
when—to return to the
continue to combine great internal technology and
InfoComm is one of the
office, the importance of
larger sizes, there will be an increased demand from
most comprehensive
creating dynamic meeting
users. Large displays can be mounted to stands,
events for audiovisual
spaces that can deliver an equitable experience to
carts, walls, and even ceilings. The right mounting
solutions, so it’s always a
both remote and on-site participants is paramount.
solution and display can create unlimited potential
great experience to be able to learn about new
One thing we are excited about, beyond seeing our
for installation.
products and innovations. While we’re excited for the
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
25
BUSINESS INFOCOMM 2021
event in its entirety, we are particularly interested to
effectively view content and participants—whether
immense change in the
learn more about the rich education program this year.
they are attending in person or remotely.
role of dvLED in regard to the customer experience.
Sessions will explore key aspects of the education sector that have become vitally important in the last
Ofelia Ruiz, Kramer
Businesses including
18 months, including access, inclusion, and hybrid
Regional Sales
offices, hotels, and
working models. These are all passion areas EPOS is
Manager–Latin America,
museums are opting to
exploring through our expanding product offerings.
Kramer
replace their existing LCD
First and foremost, I’m
displays with dvLED in
Ramzi Shakra, Product
looking forward to
order to create that “wow” factor. The increased use of
Manager, Large Venue
meeting face-to-face
dvLED provides a growth opportunity for vendors to
Projectors, Epson
with our customers and
create more compelling and artistic experiences for
America
colleagues. It has been too long. Personally, I’m very
customers, and I’m excited to see how manufacturers
Over the past 18 months,
interested to see products and solutions at InfoComm
will adapt to the trend.
the avenues in which we
geared toward the new hybrid working and learning
interact in business and
environments, as well as automated solutions to
Robert Detwiler,
education settings have
collaborate, share, and communicate in the strategic
Director of LED
drastically changed. As offices reopen and students
areas of networked software-based solutions,
Products, Planar
return to classrooms, technology is playing a pivotal
collaboration, unified communication, and cloud
Micro LED technology is
role in creating safe, engaging, and productive
technologies.
taking the industry by storm, delivering the
environments. Looking ahead to upcoming tech trends, innovations in display technology and collabo-
Megan Zeller, Director of Business
ration tools will make the hybrid model in corporate
Development, Peerless-AV
and education spaces seamless. Specifically, advance-
One trend I am most looking forward to seeing at
the highest brightness for truly unprecedented
ments in laser projectors paired with intuitive software
InfoComm this year is the increased use of direct view
close-viewing experiences. The very small size of each
and interactive tools will help create extra-large,
LED (dvLED) displays. As dvLED has become more
diode in a Micro LED display leaves more room for a
immersive visuals to ensure everyone can clearly and
affordable in the last two years, there has been an
black canvas, allowing customers to achieve greater
MISSION CRITICAL – VIDEO EXTENSION Active OpticAl cAbles
• Ultra-High Reliability DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI cables • Detachable Connectors facilitate installation • Field-Proven MTBF >150,000 hours • Lengths from 10-330 ft. (3-100m) • UL CMP-OF plenum rated • Up to 8K resolution
(888) 463-9927 • sales@dvigear.com
www.DVIGear.com/HyperLight © 2021 DVIGear, Inc.
26
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
WINNER
finest pixel pitches, the most uniform color, and
VIRTUAL EVENTS BUSINESS
detail with dark images and better overall contrast.
Patty Wanzer’s Top Picks for InfoComm 2021
Still an emerging technology, Micro LED will likely become mainstream as the technology advances and prices decrease. We’re excited to see Micro LED evolve and look forward to connecting with our industry peers to learn more about their interest as well as the new capabilities and applications we can help support. Andrew Kornstein, Business Development Manager, Sennheiser The AV and IT world has had a whirlwind 18 months. The market has seen a raft of new demands and requirements for AV solutions across the workplace, classroom, and even at home—and the industry has delivered. As almost every organization and individual has had to adapt their hardware and software to participate in the new ways of working and learning, there has been a lot of creativity and innovation that will be on display for the first time at InfoComm 2021. I’m looking forward to seeing and experiencing all of these new AV technologies in
Education: Steve Greenblatt and Kelly Perkins will be presenting a very important topic this year. In light of changing work dynamics as a result of COVID-19, they will be discussing new approaches to hiring and retention. It’s up to the collective efforts of the people in our industry to keep the industry growing and ensure it receives the respect it deserves. I cannot image that “Recruiting, Retaining and Mentoring Employees” is not a must-attend three-part course for all who hope to strengthen current leadership and foster future leaders in AV. Brad Malone is offering a project management course for 3 RUs, too! InfoComm’s list of education offerings is extensive. There is something for everyone! Exhibit Hall: I always look forward to the products that exhibitors announce during the show. Many plan for this all year and use InfoComm as the
platform to make their most significant product announcements. After last year’s show cancellation, there’s some pent-up demand for coming together in person and seeing what’s new. Do not miss what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the excitement after months of being locked down. Networking/Events: Another favorite is all the networking we can do after the (unwanted) hiatus. I was at a show in May and never stopped meeting and greeting! After having moved from its regular June timeframe this year, InfoComm will bring the bulk of the pro AV industry under one roof in Orlando in October. The Diversity Council Networking event is free to all attendees, and our mission is to ensure that everyone feels welcome. You can also get involved and help spread the inclusion we offer as an industry and learn how we look to improve/grow every day!
Patty Wanzer, CTS, is president of Synergize
person and all in one place.
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1-877-307-6689 27 avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
9/17/21 11:18 AM
BUSINESS STADIUMS & ARENAS
The Wide World of Interactivity Using AV to Increase Engagement at Stadiums and Arenas By Jennifer Guhl
help shape the competitive landscape. Rodrigo Ordonez, principal at AV consulting firm K2, said,
W
“Fans have always used their noise level to influence a ith the pandemic changing the way
game. A few years ago, stadiums started using
spectators engage with in-person
technology in the way of microphones, processing,
events, and venues wanting a contin-
and graphics on the big screens to show a live indicator
ued return to in-person attendance, integrators
of the current noise level generated by the audience.
have been working closely with stadiums and arenas
This is just a simple thing, but it distinguishes the
across the country on technology integration that
stadium experience from the remote experience.”
increases interactivity, making spectators a more active part of the overall experience.
With more people currently watching live events
An ANC partner since 1997, the Cleveland Cavaliers have turned to ANC several times for design consultation and audiovisual technology integrations. Recently, as the Cavaliers embarked on the renovation of what is now the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, ANC was called on to develop a fully immersive 2.6mm curved LED “Power Portal” tunnel. Also featured in the upgraded venue are also two hourglass-shaped LED displays that blend seamlessly into the architectural aesthetic of The Canyon entrance, as well as the double-sided outdoor LED Totem display that greets fans before they enter the stadium. All displays regularly feature content designed by the creative services team at ANC Studio
opment at sports and live events company Diversi-
on television screens than in person, venues have to
fied, said, “These days, loudspeaker systems from the
make the case that the in-person experience is worth
touring side of the industry are more frequently in
fans are coming back in droves. But to keep them
getting off your couch or leaving your favorite sports
consideration than more traditional installed sound
back, we’ve learned we have to create really remark-
bar for. “The AV experience can contribute greatly to
products.” These products offer venues increased
able experiences that engage fans,” said George
that,” Ordonez said.
flexibility and more inclusive capabilities.
“After a year’s absence from sporting venues,
Linardos, chief executive officer for event AV service
With this in mind, many venues are choosing to
provider ANC. “Whether it’s interactive elements,
invest in stadium-wide integrated control and
A Feast for the Eyes
elements that drive ROI, or elements that help our
immersive sound. Depending on the event, these
Digital signage technology is also advancing rapidly in
clients provide 365-day use both inside and outside
systems can provide concert-quality sound with
the marketplace and changing the possibilities for
the venue, we’re getting requests for all of it. It’s not
low-frequency impact or ensure the back-of-house
interaction. Chris Mascatello, executive vice presi-
just about static scoreboards anymore.”
patrons experience the event no differently than
dent at ANC, said, “We’re seeing ultra-fine-pitch
those in the front row.
LED, thin LED, and highly flexible LED, so we’re able
Moving away from one-way events, venues want to harness the energy and emotions of the crowd to
Chris Sullivan, vice president of business devel-
to design and deliver custom creative solutions like the Power Portal at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in
Experience design company ANC and GLAAM partnered to bring GLAAM Media Glass (G-Glass), a fully transparent, LED-embedded, construction-grade material, to the U.S. market. With G-Glass, owners, developers, and architects can turn buildings into interactive video canvases. GLAAM and ANC expect the architectural media façade technology to enable countless new creative and commercial possibilities. In this photo, GLAAM Media Glass is featured at the COEX Convention Center Pop-Up G-Cube in Seoul, South Korea.
Cleveland, OH. We’re also really excited to help bring the first and only fully transparent media glass to the United States, GLAAM Media Glass, which will really revolutionize sports façades for a much more interactive, engaging experience.” Mascatello says clear glass façades built with GLAAM Media Glass can be controlled by a user’s smartphone, enabling interactivity on art pieces as expansive as the one installed on the exterior of a New York high rise. Mobile interactivity provides each spectator with the opportunity for a unique event experience while also limiting physical touch points throughout the venue, and Mascatello believes it will be deployed more frequently in the coming years.
Networked Experiences Unified IPTV systems offer a means of interacting with fans at every stage of the event experience. Implemented over a converged network, information about parking, seating, concessions, weather, safety, and traffic can easily be shared using in-venue digital signage including wayfinding and menu displays. The system also provides a unique opportunity to share sports news and updates, including in-game and out-of-game scoring, statistics, standings, and replay. This level of interaction encourages attendees
28
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
STADIUMS & ARENAS BUSINESS
to view the venue as not only a place to experience live
experience for viewers at home who are streaming the
sports, but as the go-to location for fan engagement.
events. But again, budgets are limited,” said Ordonez.
Venues are converting to SMPTE ST 2110, a suite of
Diversified’s Sullivan noted that infrastructure
said Mascatello. Ordonez finds it particularly exciting that advancements at the larger venues are slowly
standards that specifies transmission of audio and
upgrades (both data and broadcast) need to be
trickling down to smaller ones as the technology
video over IP for real-time production, playout, and
prioritized by venues in order to support these new
becomes more affordable, encouraging all venues to
other professional media applications. SMPTE ST 2110
systems. Delaying the upgrade of underlying systems
look at technology as an integral part of the experi-
allows venues to manage their digital assets, includ-
will only cause a hold-up when they want to install a
ence rather than just a luxury. “The larger venues
ing audio, video, and data, over an IP network, helping
new AV technology.
used by the large professional leagues will of course
to control quality and offer increased flexibility.
On the other hand, ANC is finding that its clients
Sullivan commented, “Most new builds are
always drive the technology developments, but
have an appetite for bigger and better, hoping to set
smaller venues are finding creative ways to use AV to
embracing the new standard. While some retrofits are
themselves apart by deploying unique and engaging
provide a more intimate fan experience. We see this
moving to IP, others are staying baseband. There is no
center-hung scoreboards. “Unique configurations,
in some of the high school stadiums and arenas where
right or wrong decision and many factors go into it,
ultra-high definition, and content management
the client’s requests are not only driven by intelligi-
including budget and long-term plans for the
integration are really helping us to create highly
bility, but by maximizing the fan experience,” said
facility.” Diversified built and integrated one of the
custom experiences depending on client desires,”
Ordonez.
first video control rooms with an all-IP video infrastructure at the Chase Center, the new home of the Golden State Warriors, and the arena’s audio and video has benefited greatly from the SMPTE ST 2110 standards suite for live production bandwidth.
Revolutionizing the Sportsbook In a May 2018 decision, the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting. With the launch of the first in-venue sportsbook in 2020 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., and with many states recently changing legislation or with bills pending, venues are looking for ways to include sports betting as part of the overall venue experience. Linardos said, “We’re working with a lot of clients on premium sports bar spaces, ensuring they can easily transition to sportsbook-type experiences when the time comes. From an AV perspective, that involves the latest technology for crisp, detailed viewing of stats,
In 2019, as part of major stadium renovations, the Los Angeles Dodgers expanded their partnership with ANC to add additional audio, video, and IPTV technologies to further invest in the overall fan experience at the venue. A focal point of the renovation is the centerfield fan plaza, built to feature interactive experiences, a premier sports bar, and other entertainment. ANC designed and installed a high-resolution bar display that is 82 feet wide by 6.5 feet high with a 1.5mm pixel pitch; the display is capable of featuring up to seven different live TV feeds at once. ANC also integrated sports betting technology from Swish Analytics to supply real-time betting information.
integration of content management aligned with the sports betting programs, and also creating a luxury feel akin to a Vegas-type experience.” Venues are looking to integrators to help reimagine the fan experience in these and other premium spaces to help them compete with the comforts of the at-home TV experience. “We’re getting really creative in our content integration services to create interactive and memorable experiences for the spaces we’re designing,” said Mascatello.
Creativity on a Budget With venues dealing with tight technology budgets, K2’s Ordonez says cost is still the greatest limiting factor for technology integration within venues. Many are unable to find a satisfactory balance between what they want and what they can afford to install to increase engagement. Those who blow the budget on the large physical components of their AV networks, including loudspeakers and video displays, find they are left with very little to put toward creative.
DISPLAY EXPRESS
“The main need we see is for creative options to
www.contemporaryresearch.com/getcontrol
add points of engagement within the budgets of our clients. For example, for school stadium/arena environments, there is a big need to provide a better
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
29
BUSINESS COLLABORATION SPACES
LG display and office technology featured in the recent renovation of the National Governors Association headquarters in Washington, D.C. Specified and installed by CTSI, the LG tools provide the modern communications and collaboration tools needed for employees working in the variable COVID-19 environment.
CTSI Upgrades National Governors Association HQ for Flexible Collaboration A fter a complete renovation of its head-
systems at the organization’s headquarters provide
quarters in Washington, D.C., the National
the communications and collaboration tools needed
plug-and-play setup for conference calls or presenta-
Governors Association (NGA) now offers
to succeed in the variable work environment of the
tions on LG 4K Ultra HD displays ranging from 55 to 98
post-COVID world.
inches diagonal, with most offering bring-your-own-
staff and visitors comfortable, modern work-
spaces that include a dozen new LG digital signage
“After 12 years without upgrades, the existing
The redesigned conference rooms enable simple
device simplicity that includes HDMI connections and
displays and nearly 100 LG UltraWide computer
conference room technologies had fallen so far
monitors that enable new messaging and remote
behind that they were only used rarely, if at all,” said
collaboration capabilities.
CTSI AV design expert Andy Bukowski. “Now the
content as well as PC feeds or cable TV, an 86-inch
From the lobby to the cafe to conference rooms,
Airmedia wireless casting. With the ability to display custom interactive
NGA headquarters is a beacon of modernity that
LG touchscreen display in the lobby welcomes
the new digital signage network from LG Business
allows visiting governors and their staffs to continue
governors with style and sophistication, while
Solutions enhances the NGA’s flexibility and provides
the hard work of governing their states while visiting
offering a preview of the upgrades that await them
simple bring-your-own-device (BYOD) meeting
the nation’s capital. As the organization returns
inside. When they need to get work done, visitors
spaces that deliver a variety of benefits for workers.
to the office following the pandemic, the new
can use the Visiting Governors’ Office, which
desktop and digital signage displays will be crucial
features a 49-inch LG 4K display with simple laptop
ble for upgrading the NGA’s networking, data, and
to meet the expectations of NGA staff and external
and tablet connections.
audiovisual systems, the new digital displays and
colleagues alike.”
According to CTSI, the integration firm responsi-
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SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
With 90 employees, the NGA also has plenty of
COLLABORATION SPACES BUSINESS
As the NGA returns to work, flexible and simple bringyour-own-device meeting spaces as well as plug-and-play setups deliver a variety of benefits for workers.
in the cafe to welcome guests, provide updates and show news broadcasts. Another 55-inch LG 4K model mounted on a rolling cart enables any space to host presentations or videoconferences. “During the presidential inauguration in January there were a number of governors using our offices and conference rooms, and when they needed to launch a Zoom meeting, we were ready,” Puckett said. “Before the renovation, our capabilities were New LG technology in the upgraded National Governors Association headquarters includes an 86-inch LG touchscreen display in the lobby, LG 34-inch UltraWide desktop monitors, 49-inch 4K displays in the cafe, and a 55-inch LG 4K model mounted on a rolling cart that enables any space to host presentations or videoconferences.
limited, and now we have governors remarking how easy our technology is to use and how great everything looks. It’s a completely different experience,
its own daily work to complete, which is now aided
ensure long-term capabilities, so LG display technol-
by two conference rooms with 75-inch LG 4K
ogy coupled with CTSI’s subscription hardware and
displays and two more with LG 55-inch 4K displays.
software service represented the ideal solution,” said
governors, but also for their cabinet members, state
In the largest, most popular space, the Capitol View
Shantia Puckett, the NGA’s associate director of
policy experts and businesses, as well as members of
Conference Room overlooking the U.S. Capitol, the
information technology. “Our clientele includes some
Congress and staff. The NGA offers an array of
city’s grandeur is complemented by a huge 98-inch
of the most powerful people in the country, so it’s
services to help states collaboratively tell their
LG 4K display. All of the displays feature LG’s
paramount that the technologies and spaces we offer
stories. Thanks to decades of broad expertise, NGA
advanced IPS panels, which are also used in the
them work flawlessly and deliver fast, simple means
teams are able to work side-by-side with state leaders
office’s new LG 34-inch UltraWide desktop
to get their work done.”
to identify challenges, help governors stay ahead of
monitors.
In addition to the lobby, conference room and
“The NGA has scores of employees, and most of them expressed a desire for dual-monitor workstations to accommodate complex workflows and multitasking,” Bukowski explained. “By using LG’s UltraWide 32:9 aspect ratio monitors instead of dual-monitor setups, we were able to deliver the larger digital canvas they needed while simplifying system design and connections, resulting in a cleaner appearance and smoother operation.” Perhaps the most unique aspect of the NGA’s new technology infrastructure is that the audiovisual systems can be easily upgraded, thanks to CTSI’s Subscription Service that allows the NGA to request replacement technologies as new displays or features are introduced in the coming years. By replacing a large upfront cost with a monthly subscription fee, the NGA gains enormous flexibility and helps assure that its offices won’t become obsolete as technology progresses. “Like any organization, the NGA wants to maximize the value of its investment and
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
31
desktop displays, CTSI installed 49-inch 4K displays
thanks to LG and CTSI.” The NGA is the premier resource not only for
the curve and offer solutions before challenges become problems.
TECHNOLOGY LED VIDEO WALLS
The Wall by Samsung is engineered for longevity and flexibility for a more streamlined installation.
Opportunities Expand for LED Video Walls
new The Wall (IWA Series). It offers 8K resolution with 120 Hz refresh rate and simple 8K playback. Its massive screen can be configured to over 1,000 inches. As a company, our main focus has been understanding how video walls optimize a space and offering options that enhance the area they are in,” said Quiroz. As far as direct view LED (dvLED) goes, there are
Key trends in the video wall space include increasing display sizes, installation flexibility, resolution, and accessibility
some major changes taking place, said Megan Zeller, director of business development, Peerless-AV. One of these has been a technology transition from SMD (surface-mount device) to CoB (chip on board) or
By Ledetta Asfa-Wossen
Micro LED.
presentation settings. “Large-format ‘all-in-one’ solutions in the
T
“This development will eventually result in even
110-inch to 165-inch size range are also becoming
lower-cost dvLED displays, which increases accessi-
he most significant trend has been that LED
normal in these spaces,” Cain said. “Bigger displays are
bility even further and presents opportunities for
products are being accepted as a mainstream
featuring in smaller rooms. Other trends like AR/VR are
dvLED solutions anywhere. This means that products
technology for a wide range of vertical mar-
rapidly expanding within the virtual studio solutions.
with finer pixel pitch are available for various
kets,” said Fred Cain, industry development director
Video production sets are also becoming virtual, and
businesses, despite their size or budget.”
at Absen.
LED video walls are playing a big part in that.”
“Pixel pitch and pricing are on a downward trajectory and are beginning to move to well below the
Bigger and Better
1.0 mm pixel pitch. New technologies like Micro LED
Another growing area of interest is curved
are driving that movement and are going to bring us
and flexible LED solutions, according to
higher resolution in a smaller form factor. Other new
Samsung’s Mark Quiroz, vice president of
technologies, like flip chip technology, will bring high
marketing, Display Division, at Samsung
brightness and high contrast with a wide viewing
Electronics America.
angle in a form that protects the pixels from the type
“We are seeing a growing interest in
of damage that they can sustain today. These new
curved LED walls, flexible install posi-
technologies are more efficient in terms of power
tions, seamless content management
consumption and heat dissipation, adding an element
tools, increased picture quality through
of sustainable design to the solutions,” he explained.
shrinking pixel pitches, and larger sizing
Cain added that LED is being specified more
overall. The term ‘bigger and better’
frequently in commercial spaces—not just in large
comes to mind with updates in the LED
lobby displays, but in functional meeting and
video wall space, and this is true of our
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SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
Peerless-AV SEAMLESS Kitted Series dvLED mounting systems
LED VIDEO WALLS TECHNOLOGY
Absen LED walls including the Acclaim Plus series are featured throughout Peppermill Resorts and Casino in Reno, NV, displaying Peppermill’s “Windows of the World” video photography of some of the most beautiful spots on earth.
Versatility Pays
A Daktronics high-resolution LED display at Joint Medical Operations Center in San Diego, CA, conveys critical information clearly.
Displays with the flexibility to accommodate a variety of install environments is another trend, added Zeller. “Another thing I’ve noticed within the dvLED video wall space is a change from the usual, standard installation. We’ve seen an increase in large-scale
and is likely to fuel the growth of the market. The 16:9
conditions, thus making them excellent candidates
installations in areas where there is high foot traffic
format became the standard, and OEM television
for deployment in any space.
or extreme weather conditions. Integrators within the
manufacturers were continuously developing in
AV and dvLED video wall space have had to pivot for
quality and design. The availability of HD content has
further provide a growth opportunity to vendors as
the consumer to provide more secure installations
increased rapidly in the past five to eight years, and
these displays provide a more compelling experience
and mount solutions, in addition to the most durable
now, unique forms of displays are beginning to make
and add an artistic touch to the video walls.”
video wall systems possible.”
an appearance for lifestyle integration.”
She is also keen to highlight substantial develop-
According to Zeller, direct view LED displays offer
“The rise in the development of 4K content will
Opening Up Access
ments in high-quality digital content. “The use of HD
perfect picture quality, are flexible for a modular
Another noteworthy trend has been accessibility.
content in video walls increases their attractiveness
configuration, and are unaffected by ambient lighting
Better affordability over the last year or two has been
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
33
TECHNOLOGY LED VIDEO WALLS
From left, Megan Zeller, Mark Quiroz, Fred Cain, Adam Gilliland
tighter and the market is driving toward more options sub 1 mm. Manufacturers are exploring new pixel
Newer vertical markets like XR, AR, and VR will
technologies to reach these tighter
likely require a greater understanding of design
resolutions. Solving the durability
considerations, too. “The other item that integrators
problem with narrow-pixel-pitch
need to be able to communicate to their clients is the
technology and improving speed of
ROI and life cycle component of their LED invest-
install and reliability is another area
ment,” said Cain.
in development.”
It’s clear that the LED video wall space is a
Another significant trend is the
developing market. “LED will become the dominant
increasing demand for “all-in-one”
display technology over the next few years. As pricing
LED solutions in applications like
comes down and resolution goes up, it is replacing
meeting rooms, auditoriums, and
other display technologies like projection and
lecture halls, with standard size LED
flat-panel displays. New products with more efficient
kits that include the ability to
and sustainable designs will make adoption more
connect to Wi-Fi easily and quickly
likely in markets like residential and consumer
share presentations, added Gilliland. He
Absen’s 0.9mm Mini LED display is designed for the high-end control room market and other mission-critical environments that require ultra-high definition images within space-constrained locations.
LED solution design.”
applications. Retail is also poised for a huge invest-
added that LED installations in live entertainment,
ment in LED in the United States, as brands attract
cinema, and corporate applications are helping to
people back to the store.”
entice people back to public spaces after months of
Looking ahead, new technology will certainly
COVID-19 isolation.
drive new products into the space, said Cain.
What’s Next?
equipment connected to it, but manufacturers are
a huge part of that, said Zeller, as manufacturers learn
What does the future hold for LED video displays in a
beginning to incorporate those ‘other’ pieces of
to optimize their operations and technology becomes
pandemic-shaped world?
hardware into their all-in-one solutions. We have
more widely available. “Despite dvLED’s reputation of being pricey,
“Today we think of it as a display that has ‘other’
“It is hard to predict what a post-COVID land-
solutions with integrated audio, control, switching,
scape will look like for the LED market,” said Cain. “If
and scaling in them already. Next, we may see IoT
integrators have gotten more creative with how they
you look at some of the trends I mentioned earlier, it
devices, touch and gesturing, new forms of interac-
market and sell their products, so smaller-budget
is clear that end users are going to have performance
tivity, and artificial intelligence being incorporated
customers who may have felt dvLED was beyond their
expectations of LED moving forward. Meeting spaces
into these LED solutions.”
reach are now met with an array of options well
will evolve into something new.
within their means. More businesses and business
The hybrid workspace is
owners are being welcomed into the dvLED video wall
something that everyone is
market, where they’d previously been underserved by
trying to define. All-in-one
large-format displays. We have taken major strides in
solutions are easy for designers
presenting dvLED solutions to the masses, and I
to specify, and they can be
predict that we will see more diverse displays within
rapidly deployed by integrators.
museums, schools, public transportation facilities,
Technical staff will need to be
restaurants, banks, and even the home.”
able to understand the technol-
The topic of accessibility is a point that Daktronics
ogy and the design considera-
product manager Adam Gilliland is also keen to
tions to make the most of these
mention. “LED has become more cost-accessible and
solutions. Things like proper
has a performance advantage over older generations
wiring and cabling techniques
of digital technology.”
for wall controllers, frame rate,
Other major trends, said Gilliland, include pixel
viewing angles, scan mode,
quality and mounting expectations. “Expectations for
scaling and resolution matching
pixel pitches and resolution are getting tighter and
are all important to a successful
34
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
A Daktronics LED display at First Premier Bank in Sioux Falls, SD.
TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE STREAMING
Trends in Enterprise Streaming COVID-19 Continues to Shape How Organizations Keep People Connected By Macy O’Hearn
prise IP networks.” He continued, “These requirements
W
will not only continue, but they will
COVID-19 and its more transmissible delta variant
delivered in real time, ubiquitously
has forced integrators to continue their reliance on
across the enterprise.”
hile many offices, schools, and live event
accelerate and expand. The primary
spaces have begun to welcome people
trend in enterprise streaming is
back in person, the ongoing threat of
‘more’—more video, of higher quality,
enterprise streaming solutions. Recently, SCN talked
With the increased number and
with experts from three manufacturers helping to
variety of organizations now using
satisfy the growing demand for high-quality, low-
streaming has come an influx of new
latency video about the latest in streaming solutions,
tools to accommodate their unique needs.
as well as the lasting impact that COVID-19 has had
“Alongside an increasing range of
on the technological and demographic landscape of
streaming options including NDI
enterprise streaming.
[Network Device Interface, a free protocol
Unprecedented Growth
for video over IP developed by NewTek], multipoint streaming, SDVoE, video over
While the trend toward enterprise video streaming to
Ethernet, and beyond, we are also seeing technology
reach remote audiences may have already begun prior
developers deliver tools designed specifically to help
to the pandemic, continued social distancing meas-
organizations strike the right balance between video
ures have sent this transition into overdrive.
quality, reach, and network connectivity,” AJA director
“Requirements for enterprise streaming had
of product marketing Bryce Button explained.
AJA’s BRIDGE LIVE is a turnkey solution built for critical live video applications, with high-performance SDI and stream-based encoding/decoding/transcoding, flexible multichannel 12G-SDI I/O, comprehensive metadata, and closed caption support—all within a compact 1RU form factor with redundant power supplies.
billion in 2020.” She continued, “Organizations now
shifted to high-quality video with low latency over
Claire Southey, director of customer engineering
standard IP networks,” said Joe da Silva, director of
at Amazon Web Services (AWS), noted how this rapid
recognize the power of streaming, interactive video, and multimedia to unite communities, impart
product marketing at Extron. “Pro AV over IP met
growth in adoption is reflected in the broader
information, entertain, socialize, teach, and create.”
these expectations and more—also providing the
streaming market. “The global video streaming
extended range, scalability, and flexibility of enter-
market grew from $7 billion in 2017 to more than $50
The Best in Enterprise Streaming “New technologies in Pro AV over IP such as the
The Extron NAV Series Pro AV over IP enables fast and easy content switching over a standard IP network. The NAV Series streams professionalgrade video with ultra-low latency, guaranteeing exceptional user experience and response time in mission-critical applications. Pictured is an Extron installation at Gazprom Neft Science and Technology Center in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation.
Extron NAV Series enable lossless 4K60 video with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and ultra-low latency,” said da Silva. “The NAV System accomplishes this with purpose-built technology such as the PURE3 codec to deliver lossless video with ultra-low latency at efficient bit rates. This high-quality 4K video can easily and efficiently be distributed across the enterprise over standard IP networks with almost limitless scale and range. Using standard multicast IP networking, a single video stream can be shared with many viewers across the enterprise network in the most efficient manner possible.” Button emphasized the ongoing need for products that move audio and video signals seamlessly and securely across the internet. “Signals often originate from 12G- and 3G-SDI equipment and must then move through various IP protocols, like NDI, before reaching audiences on a phone, tablet, smart TV or other device type, using a broad range of compression codecs that balance image quality with bandwidth availability.” He continued, “As such, we’ve seen increasing demand among clients for conversion tools that can help them bridge between the different types of signals, codecs, and IP protocols, and with a greater need for signal density than in past years.” Over the past year, educational institutions such
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SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
ENTERPRISE STREAMING TECHNOLOGY
Amazon Interactive Video Service (Amazon IVS) users can easily customize and enhance the audience experience through the Amazon IVS player SDK and timed metadata APIs, allowing them to build a more valuable relationship with viewers. It provides an enhanced quality of service and experience by receiving and delivering streams over managed global infrastructure that is optimized for live video ingest, processing, and delivery.
as FHNW Academy of Art and Design at the FHNW
universities, was able to integrate IVS into its
ences. “The global pandemic has brought multimedia
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern
teaching and learning workflows within less than a
to previously unconnected communities, creating
Switzerland have relied on AJA’s robust suite of
day to bring live multimedia teaching approaches to
thriving new online collectives and societies that are
solutions—from the standalone HELO appliance for
educational settings,” Southey said.
here to stay,” she said. “Streaming has also crossed the
recorded backup and HD streaming to BRIDGE LIVE
generational divide into aged care communities and the
for multichannel live video streaming—to ensure
A Lasting Impact
secure, crystal-clear remote instruction.
The degree to which organizations rely on video
remote members of society. These new demographics
Southey spotlighted Amazon Interactive Video
elderly, and extended outreach to more isolated and
streaming is not likely to change soon, Button said.
of streamers and viewers have given content distribu-
Service (Amazon IVS) as a solution to client requests
“As in-person education, religious worship, and live
tors a deeper understanding and respect for the diverse
for “ease of integration” into websites and apps, as
events have started to resume and the workforce has
needs and expectations of their audiences, driving
well as a more engaging relationship with viewers.
begun returning to office buildings, albeit with safety
requests for multilanguage captions, audience chat,
“The managed live streaming solution is quick and
precautions in place, the advantages of video stream-
ecommerce, and mobile or on-demand viewing.”
easy to set up, and ideal for creating interactive video
ing in enterprise environments have become readily
experiences,” she explained. “Customers send live
apparent,” he observed. “Throughout the pandemic,
The Future Is Accessible
streams to Amazon IVS using streaming software, and
enterprises have seen how streaming can improve
Going forward, da Silva said, streaming is poised to
the service does everything needed to make low-
internal communications and training, broaden
reach all aspects of the enterprise. “Video and audio
latency live video available to any viewer around the
audience reach, enhance audience engagement, and
will need to be accessible and distributed not only via
world, letting customers focus on building interactive
minimize travel expenses. To this end, streaming is
the high-bandwidth, low-latency corporate networks
experiences alongside the live video.”
proving a trend with staying power.”
but also to lower-bandwidth remote and home
IVS turned out to be the ideal streaming solution
This sentiment was echoed by Southey, who said,
networks, concurrently or time-shifted.” He contin-
for global education technology company Blackboard
“We expect the extraordinary uptick in video traffic
ued, “Video streaming systems must adapt the video
Inc. “The ease of integration was a key reason why
will slow as people begin to reunite face-to-face, but
to the access, bandwidth, and latency capabilities of
Blackboard chose to partner with IVS. Blackboard,
it won’t return to pre-2020 baseline levels.”
remote or mobile networks.”
whose instruction software is used by more than 17,000 schools and 75 percent of U.S. colleges and
Southey highlighted the fact that COVID-19 has allowed video streaming to reach entirely new audi-
The current proliferation of video streaming and processing tools is also expected to continue, allowing organizations of all sizes to select the appropriate solution for their needs. “We expect to see an explosion of video metadata workflows and technology in the next year that better help professionals manage how these files are stored, organized, and monitored—both online with video-on-demand (VOD) and offline,” Button said. While the trajectory of the coronavirus delta variant is still uncertain, it is clear that whatever COVID-19 has in store for the coming months, video streaming product manufacturers are ready and willing to supply integrators with necessary tools to keep enterprise clients and their audiences
From left, Claire Southey, Bryce Button , Joe da Silva
connected.
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
37
TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS
Google Meet Series One Board 65 by Avocor
mounted displays to be tilted in
THE WHAT: Avocor has entered
down but left and right up to 15° to
into a global partnership with
provide a wider viewing area. The
Google Workspace and launched
mount extends 6.8 inches from
two all-in-one videoconferenc-
the wall for maximum tilt and
ing and digital whiteboarding
easier access to cabling. The
devices—Google Meet Series One
mount is compatible with TVs that
Desk 27 and Board 65—to create
four directions—not only up and
range from 42 to 90 inches. THE WHAT ELSE: The mount’s scissor mechanism provides smooth in, out, and
meeting equity on the desktop and in shared meeting spaces.
swivel motions, while its Virtual Axis Fingertip tilt feature allows for easy display
THE WHAT ELSE: While Desk 27 is a personal collaboration device, Board 65 is
adjustment. Simple to install, the unit’s decorative wall plate cover flips open and
designed to bring teams together for more efficient, equitable, and intuitive
closed for a sleek, modern look, and displays click into place, providing feedback
collaboration. The 65-inch Series One Board 65 can be wall-mounted in small to
that the display is mounted securely. THE BOTTOM LINE: The VLT7 features an open wall plate design that fits
midsized collaboration spaces and is ADA-compliant. It can also be placed on an optional purpose-built stand for mobility as a shared resource or for setting up
SANUS TV Media In-Wall Boxes and On-Q Dual-Purpose In-Wall Enclosures for
spontaneous meetings anywhere.
convenient and discrete cable management and storing of streaming devices,
With an interactive touch display, Board 65 seamlessly connects both in-person
network switches, and power modules. For fine-tuning, the mount’s ProSet Plus
and remote meeting attendees, enabling everyone in the room or on a call to see,
feature allows for 1-inch post-install height and level adjustment. To prevent
hear, and contribute to meetings equally. Meeting participants can also connect
theft, displays can be secured to the VLT7 with a padlock.
their laptops via USB-C for power, device control, and instant content sharing. cancellation technology that detects and eliminates distracting sounds and
Vivotek FD9182-H Recessed Dome Network Camera
enhances human voices. In addition to TrueVoice, Board 65 has an onboard digital
THE WHAT: The FD9182-H is a recessed dome network
PTZ camera that provides a wide field of view to auto-frame participants using
camera with Trend Micro IoT Security whose small size
Google Workspace’s continuous framing technology. It also features native
(3.2 inches in diameter) allows it to blend in for discreet
integration with the Google Jamboard app for immersive interactivity and white-
surveillance of public spaces such as retail, banking,
boarding from the display and from remote participants.
restaurants and offices.
The device features TrueVoice, Google Workspace’s multichannel noise
THE BOTTOM LINE: Desk 27 and Board 65 are now available for preorder from
THE WHAT ELSE: The camera’s 5-megapixel sensor
Avocor. General availability is expected in late Q4 2021 for Desk 27 and Q1 2022 for
captures 2560 x 1920 resolution imagery at 20 fps and
Board 65.
stores content as H.265. The NDAA-compliant FD9182-H uses Smart Stream III to optimize bandwidth efficiency.
SANUS Advanced Tilt 4D TV Wall Mount THE WHAT: Now available, SANUS’ VLT7 Advanced Tilt 4D TV wall mount allows
THE BOTTOM LINE: Featuring Vivotek SNV and WDR Pro technology, the FD9182-H is capable of capturing high-quality imagery in both high-contrast and low-light environments.
Extron GlobalViewer Campus Communication Suite
Custom Wall Plates
THE WHAT: The GlobalViewer Campus Communication Suite from Extron combines bells,
Design and quote custom wall plates and panels from anywhere you have Internet access using Covid’s Panel Spec software.
public address announcements, intercom, and network monitoring and control of classroom AV in one software package. THE WHAT ELSE: With the recent software update, users will experience a more intuitive interface with an improved visual icon library, plus a broader range of configured preset buttons to provide quicker access to frequently performed tasks. New District Operations features allow administrators to broadcast live announcements or use new configurable preset buttons to play recorded announcements to any or all campuses within a district. A dedicated lockdown button, plus presets, enables campus staff to play selected content at specified locations for fast targeted messaging. New self-diagnostic capabilities easily resolve configuration issues. The GlobalViewer Campus Communication Suite allows administrators to create and manage recurring bell schedules locally or at the district level. Bell
800.638.6104 www.covid.com
schedules can easily be modified or disabled for special events. Using the intuitive graphical user interface of the GlobalViewer web page or an Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanel, office personnel can make live public address announcements or play
38
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY
back pre-recorded messages with a simple push of a button. Zone capability allows
MicroLED displays are available in 4K 108-inch, 136-inch, and 163-inch, and 8K
the announcements to be routed to all locations on campus, or to a specific room.
217-inch sizes. They include the display, wall mount, video controller with remote
The integrated intercom system supports two-way voice communication over the
processing, remote control, display trim and cables.
network and provides flexible setup options that enable users to quickly connect with the office, help desk, or other classrooms.
Models in the Planar Luxe line are large-scale, fine-pitch LED displays. They’re available in Full HD, Double Full HD and 4K resolutions with black SMD (surface-
THE BOTTOM LINE: GlobalViewer Campus Communication Suite enhancements are available now for customers in the United States and Canada.
Barco XT-E and XT-HB LED Displays
mounted device) pixel technology. THE BOTTOM LINE: Planar Lifestyle Displays seamlessly integrate with architectural elements and complement interior decor. With variable brightness and color settings, the displays can support viewing experiences in brightly lit spaces with large windows as well as dark, theater-like environments.
THE WHAT: Barco recently announced the expansion of its
Atlona AT-WAVE-101
LED XT series of high-resolution
THE WHAT: Atlona has unveiled the
displays, adding entry-level
T-WAVE-101 wireless presentation
XT-E and high-brightness
and collaboration platform. Designed
XT-HB models. Barco’s LED XT
for easy content sharing from iOS,
series contains narrow-pixel-
Android, Mac, Chromebook, and
pitch LED tiles designed to provide premium visuals, high reliability and great
Windows devices, the WAVE-101 lets
operating flexibility.
up to four presenters display their
THE WHAT ELSE: The XT-E series expands Barco’s indoor high-resolution LED
content on screen simultaneously in
tiles portfolio with options for those who want a Barco-quality product but don’t
dynamically adapting layouts. THE WHAT ELSE: The WAVE-
need high brightness or advanced features. The 27-inch tiles with a pixel pitch of 1.2mm, 1.5mm or 2.5mm deliver superior seamless results, and the series includes
101 directly supports all popular, device-native, wireless casting protocols including
all necessary features to maximize the reliability of the LED wall.
AirPlay, Google Cast and Miracast. This enables exceptional convenience for ad hoc
With brightness levels up to 1,500 nits, the XT-HB series brings high-brightness LED to full-daylight applications and environments exposed to ambient light like lobbies and experience centers. The line includes 27-inch tiles with a pixel pitch of 1.9mm or 2.5mm.
presentations, while content encryption and randomly generated PIN codes ensure secure wireless sharing. Designed for use in classrooms, meeting spaces, and other collaboration environments, the WAVE-101 is equally adept on its own or as part of an integrated
Relying on its heritage in LED technology, Barco has mechanically optimized
AV solution. The compact device can be installed discreetly near a display for easy
the core hardware needed to create a seamless viewing experience. Infinipix,
content sharing or used in conjunction with a switcher to enhance a new or existing
Barco’s proprietary, field-proven LED image processing solution, promises
AV system with wireless, multi-participant BYOD connectivity.
unmatched, consistent performance in all environments. THE BOTTOM LINE: The XT-E and XT-HB varieties are set to meet the varying needs of core applications, including control rooms, television studios, meeting rooms and 3D visualization systems.
Planar Lifestyle Displays THE WHAT: Planar has released Planar Lifestyle Displays, a combination of large-scale LED displays and installation services that enrich luxury environments. Supporting large indoor spaces, the Planar Lifestyle Displays premieres with two lines, Planar Luxe MicroLED and Planar Luxe. THE WHAT ELSE: The premium Planar Luxe MicroLED line includes professional-grade, ultrafine pitch MicroLED displays. Available in 4K and 8K resolutions, they feature high-contrast, highbrightness MicroLED technology. Planar Luxe
avnetwork.com // October 2021 // SCN
39
While ideal for a wide range of presentation and collaboration purposes, the WAVE-101 offers value-added features designed specifically to enhance learning experiences in educational environments. Instructor Mode, accessible through the
TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS
WAVE-101’s web interface, enables easy management and moderation of multiple active and queued student presenters. Sessions can be streamed live over YouTube for remote learning, while integrated playback of locally stored images, media files (up to 4K at 60 fps), and YouTube source content enables easy incorporation of supplemental lesson materials. THE BOTTOM LINE: The WAVE-101 is available now.
Maxhub LM220A18 LED Wall Display THE WHAT: Maxhub’s LM220A18 integrated LED wall display, the largest member of the company’s Raptor Series, offers simplified control and setting features, enabling meeting participants and presenters to interact more naturally. THE WHAT ELSE: With its 3840 x 2160 screen resolution, the 220-inch diagonal LM220A18 delivers 4K visuals with exceptional color accuracy and depth. Featuring integrated video processing, the screen supports both PBP and PIP functionality to display content from two sources simultaneously. (PBP splits the screen in half and displays one source on the left, the other on the right, while PIP
relay provisions. The result is plug-and-play installation with simplified
shows the primary source large and the second in an inset window). The
maintenance.
LM220A18 provides three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output for signal management flexibility.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The LM220A18 was designed to facilitate quick collaboration. Communication tasks are enhanced by its low latency, stable mirroring
Another key attribute of the Maxhub LM220A18 is its 3-in-1 design. The
support, LAN screen sharing for up to four windows, integrated Android 9.0 OS,
control unit integrates a sending card, the Android OS card, and the video
and built-in sharing features. Android 9.0 provides enhanced BYOD (Bring Your
processor; the receiving unit incorporates the power supply, the receiving card,
Own Device) sharing of content, resulting in meeting flexibility. Further, the
and the hub board; and the power unit includes the power supply, amplifier, and
LM220A18 offers upgraded Wi-Fi capability to 2.4G and 5G dual network duplex.
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To Advertise in the SYSTEMS CONTRACTOR NEWS CLASSIFIEDS, Contact Zahra Majma at zahra.majma@futurenet.com
VIEWPOINT
$260,000 from us. We could have done what most small businesses do in these cases and keep it quiet to avoid the bad publicity, legal expense, etc. But as the company leader, I chose to take the more difficult route. I went public with our story to help other small business owners avoid a potentially company-ending situation. The company decided to prosecute, and we even published the names of the embezzlers in the newspaper as a warning for other small business owners not to hire them. By choosing to do the right thing, not the easy thing, we enhanced the company’s reputation in the community for honesty, integrity, and ethics. The idea of doing the right thing and not the easy thing also applies to our customers. I remember an installation on the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina when I was asked by our customer to have my team complete a four-month project in less G
than two months. Worse yet, since no electricity
ES Y IMAG ET T
was available, my team would have to work off of generators to complete the install. And if that
Do What Is Right, Not What Is Easy
weren’t enough, the closest restaurants and hotels were more than two hours away! Yet despite the obstacles, my team completed the installation in record time and enhanced the company’s reputation for exceptional customer service that would pay dividends for years to come.
Key Takeaways • A business has to be about more than just
By Jay B. Myers
a while. When I reached out to our human resources firm
M
for a recommendation about how to handle the
any AV integration firms fail to recognize
situation, they told me that we should pay her for
that achieving success is often the direct
vacation and personal time and then cut her off. I was
result of company ethics, of doing the
told, “If you do anything more than that, it will leave
making money; a business has to have a conscience. • Business ethics forms a crucial part of every successful company’s culture, no matter what industry you’re in. • Success and profits are important, but at the end
right thing instead of the easy thing. The culture
the door open for your other employees to take
of the day, a company’s reputation is its most
of every successful company includes a significant
advantage of you and the company.”
valuable asset.
ethical component. Any organization that volun-
While I knew that this is a standard business
tarily follows business ethics has a better chance
response, it just didn’t seem right. After careful
of survival and success in today’s competitive
consideration, I decided to pay her for as long as it
business world.
took to get on her feet again and back in the office. It
Compared to companies whose only goal is to earn profits, companies that stress their ethical convictions can prosper beyond expectations. At
ended up being nine months. It was an expensive decision, but I believe it was the right thing to do. Another example of doing the right thing and not
the end of the day, I believe that a business has to be
the easy thing comes from the time when we had to
about more than just making money; a business has
deal with an employee embezzlement issue. The
to have a conscience.
company’s accounting manager had stolen over
Doing the right thing is fundamental to creating and sustaining an effective organizational value system. And I believe it begins at the top, where leaders must lead. If a company’s leader is not consistently doing the right thing, employees will see it, as will community members and customers. Years ago I was faced with a dilemma regarding my company’s accounts payable manager, who had been diagnosed with cancer; the prognosis was not great. She would have to get chemotherapy and radiation treatments and would be out of the office for
42
SCN // October 2021 // avnetwork.com
“Doing the right thing is fundamental to creating and sustaining an effective organizational value system.”
9000