Systems Contractor News - March 2022

Welcome to the March Issue of

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AV Jackpot

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AVNETWORK.COM

Digital Signage Wins Big at Route 66 Casino

MARCH 2022

18 Executive Q&A

Paul Hales discusses Theory Audio Design’s move into commercial audio.

38 Cloud Power

Dave Van Hoy talks cloud vs. on-prem workflows.

42 Viewpoint

18

38

42

Jennifer Goodyer reports on Pro AV women’s councils.

CONTENTS

26

AV Jackpot Digital signage wins big in a new area in the

People 18 Executive Q&A Theory Audio Design’s Paul Hales talks about the company’s move into the commercial audio space.

By Mark J. Pescatore

19 Executive Q&A Greg Myers from Radiant Technology sees two directions for Pro AV contractors.

30 Two-Story LED Wall Drives Public Engagement at Reagan Institute The center attraction in the new office is a large video wall visible from the street.

32 Look Through the Creative Lens opportunities?

By Jennifer Goodyer

By John Storyk

22 Beyond the Tech

33 LAX Stays Alert

Problem at the office? Diffuse the situation.

Ongoing renovations at the Los Angeles International

By Douglas Kleeger

Airport include mass notification systems.

34 Watch Where You’re Walking Floor projection systems hit big-box retail with dynamic messaging.

with engaging displays.

By Jim Beaugez

28 Maximize Digital Signage with Content Planning, Management Integrators need to extend their responsibility for signage systems beyond the hardware.

By Tomer Mann

Departments 17 ASSOCIATION NEWS 20 PEOPLE NEWS 40 PRODUCTS

By James Careless

Transportation hubs are capturing traveler attention

By James Careless

Pro AV and tech women’s councils are thriving, but there’s still work to be done.

Technology

24 Digital Signage on the Go

42 Supporting Women, Diversity Councils Protect the Future of Pro AV Industry

Do you see complex projects as problems or

By Mark J. Pescatore

Business

Viewpoint

36 Tulane Unifies AV and Broadcast for Sports Production The athletic department raises production values for broadcast and the in-venue fan experience.

38 Cloud Power Cloud or on-prem? Integrators need to evaluate which technologies are best for workflows.

By Dave Van Hoy

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Vol. 29 No. 3 March 2022 Systems Contractor News (ISSN 1078-4993) is published monthly by Future US, Inc., 130 West 42nd Street, 7th 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.

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MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director

T

The Future Is Bright he forecast for the digital signage market is bright, with nary a cloud in the proverbial sky. According to AVIXA’s Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA), it’s one of the largest solution areas in the Pro AV industry, with an estimated

value of $35 billion this year and growing to $44.7 billion in 2026.

EMAIL

mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

So, why is digital signage trending up? Researchers point to its increased use in commercial applications, such as retail, entertainment, and hospitality. Sean Wargo, senior director of market intelligence for AVIXA, told me the digital signage market—like so many

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other segments of the Pro AV industry—was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Certainly consumers are becoming more mobile and have an increased willingness to spend,” Wargo said. “As they recover, digital signage is also able to recover.”

Remember, hospitality essentially came to a grinding halt in 2020. For almost two years, hotels were focused on pandemic-based safety protocols, not enticing you to try the

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

fish at the restaurant downstairs. In fact, on-prem restaurants were closed or had very restricted offerings, and congregating in common areas was discouraged. With few customers, as well as limited opportunities to present them with information, digital signage was far from a priority.

Now, the hospitality is redirecting its efforts again, this time toward filling rooms and

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improving the guest experience. That means digital signage is off the “good enough” list.

Expect to see more installations, from the lobby to the valet stand, as properties increase their digital signage investments.

You can see a similar resurgence in retail. Consumers are returning to in-person shopping, and brick and mortar are businesses are using digital out-of-home (OOH) advertising and other digital signage solutions to differentiate their offerings from the online shopping experience. And you can’t miss the push by quick serve restaurant (QSR) chains to adopt digital menu boards, both inside the store and at the drive thru. Self-serve ordering kiosks will be unavoidable in the very near future.

Looking ahead, expect plenty of new digital signage on the horizon. Companies just need to keep the clouds away with engaging content.

MARCH 2022 VOL. 29 NO. 3 CONTENT

VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Contributors Jim Beaugez, James Careless, Jennifer Goodyer, Carolyn Heinze, John Storyk, Dave Van Hoy Group Art Director Nicole Cobban Art Editor Rob Crossland Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow 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 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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NEWS

PPDS Named Official Trackside Display Supplier for Red Bull Racing F1 Team

P

PDS has been named an official Team Sup-

LED wall eliminates pressures and challenges sur-

plier for Red Bull Racing (RBR), the team

rounding lengthy installation and deinstallation times

behind the reigning Formula One World

for the RBR team, with the entire solution built into two

Drivers’ Championship winner. The new collaboration will see PPDS provide a portfolio of Philips profes-

bespoke, highly durable flight cases.

Designed by PPDS and manufactured by Dutch firm,

sional displays and monitors throughout the 23-race

AMPCO Flashlight B.V, the unique mounting mecha-

season, supporting all visual trackside VIP hospitality

nism allows two folded, half screens to seamlessly join

needs and requirements inside the stylish Red Bull

together, giving the appearance of a single surface,

Racing Paddock Club.

while the cases allow safe and secure transportation.

Housed above the team garages and pit lane,

“When it comes to F1, every second counts, both on

typically overlooking the start/finish straight, the

and off the track,” said Martijn van der Woude, director

Red Bull Racing Paddock Club will include four

international business development at PPDS. “A giant

quality and visual race day experience available

Philips MediaSuite and two Philips B-line profes-

LED wall that needs to be installed 23 times a season in a

anywhere in the F1 Paddock Club.”

sional TVs providing live 4K UHD coverage of the

busy, time and space-restricted environment may have

race, access to exclusive behind the scenes content,

seemed like a non-starter for some. However, at PPDS,

needs from their display portfolio—identifying and, for

coverage links to the RBR pit lane, and audio feeds

this is just the type of challenge our teams enjoy rising

the LED wall, building from scratch, solutions that not

from the drivers and crew.

to—a challenge that, working together with our

only match their visions and ambitions, but surpass

partners, we were able to overcome, ensuring RBR

them,” added Ron Cottaar, marketing director at PPDS.

guests are engaged with the most immersive, high

“We can’t wait for the new season to get started.”

The RBR Paddock Club will also feature a Philips L-Line 9000 UHD dvLED display. The 48-cabinet, 8x6

Free Registration Now Open for AVN2

W

Experience,” which will explore design success stories…and failures.

Other sessions throughout the day will address cloud technology, distance learning, digital signage content management, audio installations, and more. AVN2 will bring the Pro AV community together through advanced virtual networking and an exhibit hall packed with the technologies you need to do your job today and tomorrow.

AVN2 is for professionals working across the Pro AV ecosystems, including integrators, consultants,

“We have worked to fully understand RBR’s deepest

INTEGRATOR INSIGHT

Tell us about one of your recent digital signage or video wall projects.

hat’s next for Pro AV? Find the

technology and IT managers and vice presidents,

answers at AVN2, a free, one-day

audio visual integrators, installers, architects,

virtual experience from AV Network

technology design practitioners, CIOs, CTOs, and all

In the last two years, PIVIUM has completed

staff involved in Pro AV technology decisions.

some fantastic video wall systems for both the

and AVNation on Tuesday, April 5.

The program begins with AVNation’s Tim

Albright, who will host a fireside chat on the “State of the Supply Chains.” Later in the day, AV Technology’s Cindy Davis will lead the “Supply Chain Roundtable,” as industry experts consider the current issues and discuss solutions.

Albright will also lead “Better Business Practices for Pro AV,” a look at how companies trying to recover from the last two years can succeed over the next two years. Plus, Mark J. Pescatore from Systems Contractor News will host “Improving the User

Phoenix Suns and at the Alamodome in Texas.

Why Attend AVN2?

• • •

The walls in the Footprint Center offer a multitude of information and live-action for

Learn about Pro AV/IT technologies from

guests to enjoy. One of the walls is situated in

leading experts.

the VIP rooms, which can be configured in

Connect with the most important Pro AV

various ways to enhance the experience in the

brands and network with more than 1,000

lounge. Another wall is situated in the food

industry professionals.

court, which can entice the appetites of the

Earn AVIXA RUs for CTS, CTS-D, and CTS-I

customers as well as bring live action or breaking

holders.

information. It’s all about customer experience.

A stagnant display is nothing more than that.

You need to immerse the audience into their feeling as being part of the experience.

John Campanella, Director of AV Sales and Engineering, PIVIUM

8

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

Red Dot Digital Media Completes Rebuild for the Transit Authority of River City

R

ed Dot Digital Media, a specialty integrator

agnostic endpoints translated to visual and

in the digital signage space, completed a

spoken information to passengers waiting at the

recent Metro corridor rebuild project for

transit stations.

the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), a major

“Red Dot has been the stellar partner in the

public transportation provider in Louisville, KY.

corridor informatics portion of the project. They’re

The project encompassed several transit compo-

wonderful to work with, proactive, and on time,”

nents, including eight branded buses and a total

said David Herde, TARC ITS engineer. “They

of 36 stations with informatics, fiber connectiv-

provided a beautiful and functional solution that

ity between the corridor components, and traffic

not only meets our vision and requirements, but

signal priority components along the corridor.

soars above and beyond our expectations.”

The centerpiece of the project is a network of

Red Dot designed a system with endpoints

digital kiosks located at each of TARC’s 36 transit

utilizing GPS dongles interfacing with BrightSign

stations. With buses continually feeding their GPS

media players to supply local LAT/LON coordinates

coordinates to the network, the kiosks display bus

used by the “next bus server” application as

locations in real time, with accurate stop times

required to identify the StopID of the nearest bus

based on bus location, route, and speed. Red Dot’s

stop. The unique implementation means locations

involvement encompassed the station informatics,

and stops aren’t hard-coded into the device;

which included the design and development of a

instead, the bus stop times are determined by local

“next bus server” application feeding location-

GPS coordinates and the nearest stops. Arrival data is pulled from TARC’s Google GTFS schedule feed to supply arrival information to the endpoints in real time. An override mechanism was also developed to supersede the GPS dongle coordinates and assign a particular StopID to be utilized by the player.

At each of the endpoints, a BrightSign-enabled display serves information to passengers at each transit stop. By simply pressing a button, the BrightSign player triggers audio prompts from a text-to-speech device informing passengers on when the next bus is expected to arrive. Additionally, the kiosks display next bus information for the

rotating feed of informative content, including a

next 10 arriving buses, with the top four displaying

complete route map, detailed map of the local stop

estimated arrival times.

area with the locations of incoming buses, and

The kiosks also display important information about TARC Service Alerts and other information about potential disruptions. Content is displayed

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

incoming weather systems.

Special care was taken to implement ADA best

via a pair of informational tickers that pull Service

practices to ensure the kiosks are accessible to all,

Alert data from TARC’s Google real-time feed. One

with text-to-speech functionality to verbally broad-

ticker displays stop-specific service alerts, and the

cast service alerts on demand to visually impaired

other displays general TARC news alerts.

passengers. Plus, the text-to-speech service alerts are

A large portion of each kiosk is dedicated to a

10

weather forecasts to help alert passengers to

available in both English and Spanish.

NEWS

Marshall Cameras Capture Space Telescope Launch

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observers all over the world.”

The miniature cameras proved to be the right fit to provide images during the historic launch. Marshall miniature cameras are built around next-generation sensors and processors to capture detailed shots with accurate color, maintaining a discreet POV without sacrificing versatility and convenience.

aunched into space on December 25, 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope was sent into orbit by the European Space Agency in

collaboration with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. A replacement for the Hubble Space Telescope that was launched in 1990, the James Webb Space Telescope is the most powerful space telescope ever built, designed to greatly enhance our ability to observe galaxies, planets, stars and even nebulae to help unravel the secrets of the universe.

Built by NASA, the James Webb Space Telescope was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket, a contribution by the European Space Agency, which oversaw the rocket and launch site. Réaltra Space Systems, based in Dublin, Ireland, designed and developed the video camera telemetry system for the European Space Agency and selected two Marshall Electronics miniature HD cameras to be installed in the launch bay that beamed back the iconic images to a worldwide audience, eager to observe the telescope as it was released into orbit. The cameras were supplied and supported by Marcam Europe, Marshall Electronics’ European distributor.

“Marshall has a history of camera and lens integration onboard rockets, satellites, and space vehicles, so when it came time to select the right equipment to capture the launch, Réaltra selected the perfect partner,” said Tod Musgrave, director of cameras, Marshall Electronics. “We are honored to be selected for such an historic event, and proud that our cameras are onboard to share the launch with

avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

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NEWS

Void Acoustics Delivers Sweet Audio Upgrade For a company better known for supplying exceptional club sound systems around the world, there was a recent “sugar coated” opportunity for Void Acoustics. Kingdom of Sweets is a retail sweet shop operation in key cities around the United Kingdom, in addition to a number of flagship stores in major European cities.

“We’ve been aware of Void Acoustics for many years, and when we got the brief from our client, it was evident that this was a quirky and demanding project which had Void written all over it,” recalled

Monomoy High School Students Produce News, Remote Shoots

M

Alan Smith, business development manager for AT&C. “We had been asked to specify a sound system to ‘up the ante’ on the customers’ audio experience, while providing a bespoke design complementing the colorful presentation synonymous with all Kingdom of Sweets stores.

“Our client specifically asked for a clean sounding, bass-heavy system—with the audio reflecting the visually flamboyant experience for

onomoy High School is a key educational

professional looking. The students have only been doing

customers coming in to shop for their sugary

establishment in Harwich, MA, nestled on

this for a few months and have had a few hiccups, but

goodies. It was clear that Void were the audio

the southern coast of Cape Cod overlook-

they’re leaning from what doesn’t work and are doing a

manufacturer to work with.”

ing Nantucket Sound. Home of the Monomoy Sharks, it is also home of a digital media/TV production

pretty nice job.”

Cass values the flexibility of the Broadcast Pix

Kingdom of Sweets outlets have opened around the United Kingdom, with bespoke manufactured

program that enables students to produce their own

system. “Because we’re in an educational setting,

and custom-coloured Void Acoustics speakers to

daily morning show. Students get the full benefit of a

ideally, I want to have as many students involved as

reflect the vibrant orange and purple pantones of

recently refurbished production studio outfitted with

possible,” he explained, “but at other times when I am

the retail brand. “Alongside the unique design of

a new Broadcast Pix BPswitch GX system and BPfusion

short of people, a single operator can run them. They

Void speakers, the fact the fibreglass speakers

Graphics software, which replaced their Broadcast Pix

just have great flexibility to scale from a single person

could be custom sprayed in the corporate colors

Mica system.

operation to a multi-person collaboration.”

was a major selling point,” Smith added.

Instructor Stephen Cass has been using Broadcast

The school recently added an additional Broadcast

Void’s head of sales, Mike Newman, was

Pix equipment since 2009, but Monomoy only began

Pix FX8, purchased through the Ockers Company in

excited to be involved. “This type of project

using it for remote production for its 2020 graduation

Brockton, MA, to cover the many sporting events that

couldn’t be more polar opposite when considering

ceremonies. “Just as I was getting things ready, my

they produce. “The students run everything—`they are

the projects Void Acoustics are well known for,” he

portable switcher died on me,” Cass explained, “so I

the commentators, camera people, create graphics,

explained. “The Void brand is more associated with

reached out to Broadcast Pix and they were able to lend

they do the switching, and mix the audio,” Cass added.

clubs and dance venues than sweet shops, and so it

us a system. That meant I could cover graduation, and then we were able to buy the system soon afterward.”

Three Sony HXC-FD80 HD studio cameras complete

Cass and the school have big plans. “Eventually, I’d like to run fiber to all the different areas in the school, like the football field, gymnasium, to the theatre, all

was great to have a completely different project to introduce our systems into.”

A series of the Air 8s, supported by Venu 212 V2

the setup, putting the new studio at the forefront of TV

tied back into our control rooms,”

bass enclosures and the Bias Q2 amp, were

production education in the region. ‘Few schools in the

he said. “That would give our students remote produc-

installed into the Bath store. In the smaller store in

region provide the same level of equipment students

tion experience in a familiar setting, which is great

Berkshire, the Indigo 6s were installed alongside

would see at a television station,” Cass added. “So, it

preparation for the real world beyond the school walls.”

the Cirrus 6.1 ceiling loudspeakers and the smaller

gives them a huge career advantage.”

With Cass taking a “very hands-off” approach, the students produce a five-minute show with announce-

bass Venue 112 V2 unit accompanied by the Bias Q1 amp. In Leeds, the shop’s audio system features Venu 10s and Venu 212 V2s.

ments, news, weather, and sports. They also produce

Meanwhile, the largest store, located in

school committee meetings using the Broadcast Pix

London, opened with the two-floor shop being

switcher and PTZ cameras.

served by a number of the Airten V3s and Air 8s

“The morning show is recorded live-to-tape and

alongside Venu 212 V2s to supply the desired bass

uses clips, virtual backgrounds, graphics, over the

impact. The system also includes amplification

shoulder boxes,” Cass noted. “Coupled with broadcast-

from the Bias Q2 amp and a newly released WM

style transitions to the weather, the result is very

Touch Control Panel, allowing easy operation.

12

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NEWS

Samsung Swings Big with Display Upgrades for NY Mets

T

he New York Mets have announced Samsung

merchandise is ready for pick up. Other upgrades will

Electronics America as Citi Field’s official

include a ballpark-wide IPTV system with nearly 100

display and technology solutions partner,

channels of sports and entertainment content, double

signing a multi-year deal to deliver a complete

the number of slow-motion replay systems, and

transformation of the famous ballpark’s screens

additional cameras for increased game coverage.

to create an interactive fan experience. A leader in

“We are excited and proud to partner with such a

As the complete design and build partner for the Citi Field project, Samsung will deploy the full breadth of its display portfolio and technology

digital signage innovation, Samsung will bring the

world-wide leader and iconic brand as Samsung,”

solutions throughout the ballpark to create the first

Mets vision of creating a one-of-a-kind ballpark

said Jeff Deline, executive vice president and chief

connected venue in Major League Baseball.

to life with its unique portfolio of displays, content

revenue officer, New York Mets. “Like Samsung, the

management platform, and services.

Mets have a very loyal and passionate fan base, and

static signage environment to an all-digital experi-

the implementation of this state-of-the-art technol-

ence,” said Mark Quiroz, vice president product

include new ribbon boards and more than 1,300 LCD

ogy is going to provide an enhanced experience and

marketing, Display Division, Samsung Electronics

screens throughout the ballpark to lead fans to the

environment for millions of fans that come to Citi

America. “By seamlessly weaving display technology

shortest lines and ensure they don’t miss a single

Field for many years.”

and sensors into the existing environment, Samsung

Initial enhancements in 2022 are expected to

pitch. A larger and enhanced centerfield scoreboard will be installed for the 2023 season at Citi Field.

The upgrade is expected to take place over two

“Baseball is one of America’s great historical pastimes and thanks to cutting-edge display and data-driven innovation, we are ushering in a new,

Over a two-year period, we’ll transform a once

will create a gateway for connectivity at Citi Field for both the operators and the fans.”

According to Mark Brubaker, CTO, New York Mets,

years. When complete, Citi Field will feature more

exciting era that transforms the ballpark experience and

“The quality of these upgrades and integration into

than 4,000 square feet of dvLED screens in public

brings fans into the game like never before,” said Harry

the daily experience for our fans make Citi Field an

spaces, enhancing the fan experience at every touch

Patz Jr., senior vice president and general manager,

industry leader when it comes to the most innovative

point and even alerting them when their team

Display Division, Samsung Electronics America.

technological displays.”

avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

13

NEWS recalled Kevin Broussard, sales engineer, LD Systems. “Line arrays had become common as touring systems, but this was among the first to be done as an installed system.”

Jonathan Gentry, technical director, The Woodlands Methodist Church, said the church was understandably apprehensive about making the leap from a conventional sound system to immersive. “Initially, I thought that in no way was I to bring this before the building committee, with this many arrays across the top of the stage,” he recalled. “And I figured it would be way too expensive.”

However, the system’s cost was surprisingly in line with what a conventional modern line array setup would have cost. After Gentry saw architectural renderings of what the system would look like in place, he realized that L-ISA would bring not only immersive sound but also a host of other significant benefits to the church.

“The way that the A Series speakers are configured up high, it allowed us to move the side video screens in

Woodlands Methodist Church Gets Immersive Treatment with L-Acoustics

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toward the center more, which created a more balanced look,” he explained. “It very much worked with our larger design goals to keep them more focused on the stage.”

While implementing the cabling infrastructure for the L-ISA setup was the most labor-intensive part of the project, accomplished under time pressures to have the system ready for the church’s annual Christmas production, Broussard said that the commissioning of

ith a 14,000-plus-member congrega-

were in a unique position to influence their choice in a

the system, done in concert with L-Acoustics’ technical

tion, The Woodlands Methodist Church

way that would keep them at the cutting edge while

assistance, went remarkably smoothly.

is one of the largest in Texas. Back in

ensuring that the music and the message remain the

2001, when it moved into its new 2,200-seat main worship campus in The Woodlands, a suburb just

center of every service.”

“Soundvision is such a reliable and accurate prediction software that we were able to verify that the

Integrated by LD Systems, the new loudspeaker

performance of the model matched reality almost as

north of Houston, the sound system was designed by

setup comprises a Scene system with five hangs of five

soon as it was installed,” he said. “That’s one of the

consultancy Idibri, a Salas O’Brien company—then

A15 loudspeakers each, flanked on either side of the

reasons we’re so tightly linked to L-Acoustics—we can

known as Acoustic Dimensions—and installed by

proscenium stage by two hangs of three A10 each, with a

rely on the fact that whatever we design and install will

integrator LD Systems.

center array of eight KS21 subwoofers hidden behind a

meet or exceed the client’s expectations.”

Twenty years on, just ahead of The Woodlands

color-matched grill cloth. The system also includes 13

Methodist Church’s annual Christmas stage produc-

X4i enclosures mounted into the stage lip as front fills

technology takes worship engagement to another

tion last December, Idibri and LD Systems came

and 11 X8 as under-balcony fills. All are powered by 11

level “Compared to a typical left-right line array,

together once again to keep the church at the

LA4X and seven LA2X amplified controllers and

L-ISA makes worship so much more intimate, even in

forefront of audio technology—with the design and

managed by dual L-ISA processors that interface with

a very large room,” he explained. “There was a

installation of L-ISA immersive technology using

the church’s DiGiCo SD10 mixing console.

concern early on that immersive sound might be a

L-Acoustics A Series loudspeakers.

“The music of The Woodlands Methodist Church ranges from contemporary to blended to traditional choir and orchestra. The original system we designed there was a hybrid mono-plus-stereo system that let the spoken word use mono while the music was performed in stereo,” explained Ryan Knox, senior consultant at Idibri, who worked on both the original project and the recent renovation. “The bid request they had ready to go last year was for a stereo system, and we were concerned that it could de-emphasize the center for speech. So we recommended L-Acoustics L-ISA technology, which would take the church into an entirely new and immersive place for audio.”

“We have a 20-year relationship with The Woodlands Methodist Church,” added Robert Rose, senior vice president, acoustics and technology, Idibri. “So, we

14

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

“It was very cool to be back in the same place we

Steven Rector, production manager, said L-ISA

passing thing—was it going to last? However, once

worked on 20 years earlier, where we were installing

you experience it, you realize how much it enhances

what was then a very cutting-edge sound system,”

the worship experience.”

NEWS

Holosonics Enhances ‘Horn Man’ Exhibit

A

ence,” said Phyllis Jurkowski, collections specialist.

songs that highlight different points in Neville’s

“Charles Neville has been remembered as an incred-

journey as a musician.

ibly warm and giving individual, and we hope that the

“This exhibition that celebrates Charles Neville’s

t the Wood Museum of Springfield History exhibit Horn Man: The Life and Musical Legacy of Charles Neville, several Holoson-

ics AS-168i Audio Spotlight directional sound speakers provide sanitary, touchless directional audio playlists that highlight the musician’s proficiency in a range of musical genres. Visitors to the exhibition at the museum in Springfield, MA, experience Audio Spotlight’s directional sound beaming technology in an exhibition that promotes social distancing as it pays tribute to the late saxophonists’ life.

To protect the health of patrons as well as staff members, museum and gallery directors are rethinking exhibit designs and audio delivery systems due the changed social landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsanitary devices such as headphones, handsets, and listening wands have become antiquated, as exhibit venues everywhere have implemented social distancing measures and touchless technologies.

Engaging visitors in an immersive, personal experience while keeping the surrounding area quiet, the flexible and self-powered Audio Spotlight directional sound speaker is a powerful tool that ensures any exhibit in a museum or gallery has its own isolated audio. By requiring no physical contact from the listener, it has become an even more valuable tool owing to its inherently touchless design that delivers personalized audio experiences.

Known onstage as “Charlie the Horn Man,” Neville was born in 1938 in New Orleans. Influenced early in life by the local music scene, he and his siblings formed the Neville Brothers.

At the Wood Museum exhibit, Holosonics’ patented directional speaker technology was used to isolate sound for patrons, who are directed by floor decals indicating where to stand to hear music activated by motion sensor triggers embedded in the Audio Spotlight units. Each individual playlist in the

avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

exhibit’s five AS-168i speakers includes a selection of

15

directional speakers reinforce the intimate nature of

life and music would not have been complete without

this exhibition, while at the same time providing up

sound and we are happy to include the unique Audio

to five visitors in the gallery the opportunity to

Spotlight technology to enhance the visitor experi-

experience directly the music which so defined him.”

NEWS

The Hilton Garden Inn's meeting space can be divided into three separate areas to house multiple events.

New Austin Hotel Includes Flexible AV in Meeting Space

A

receiver for each display. Mood:Texas installed a Cisco

installed to support stereo audio sources; it can

switch to support the number of transmitter and

de-embed any audio from any source or any receiver

receiver devices in the system. The platform uses the

and route the audio where needed. “It just makes it so

facility’s existing network infrastructure—Cat5/6/7

much easier as an integrator to ensure that we have the

or fiber optic cabling—to send video and audio signals

correct audio, the correct format, and we’re able to get a

from source to screen reliably and with ultra-low

nice clean audio off of those HDMI inputs,” said Ramay.

latency. Integrators can design a system to be

Another benefit is that the system integrates

centralized, decentralized, or a mixture of both. Plus,

seamlessly with the company’s preferred control

Just Add Power supports scalability for future source

system, RTI. Just Add Power provides free drivers for

and/or screen expansion in the future, which was a

many popular control systems, including RTI, and an

key factor on the hotel project.

easily accessible API. RTI’s XP-6s control processor—

“We knew it would be vital to implement an easy-to-use system that was expandable depending on what they wanted to

the integrator’s go-to control processing RTI KA8 Touchpanel Controller

solution—is the brain for activating the capabilities available on each of the

add later on,” said Eric Ramay,

room’s KA8 touchpanel control-

CTS, CTS-I, CTS-D, system

lers. Ramay also expanded the

design developer for

system with contact closure

ustin, Texas, has become a mecca for tech

Mood:Texas. “That’s one

support to control the

giants like Apple and startups alike. To

reason we went with the Just

projector screens from the

achieve new levels of success for this mini–

Add Power system. Instead

controllers, as well as fulfill a

Silicon Valley, meetings have become the bread and

having to resell them an

last-minute request for

butter of operation. A newly built Hilton Garden Inn

entire new HDBaseT matrix,

shade control. A simple

in the area needed a transformative meeting space

we just add three more

decked out with the very best in intuitive AV control

transmitters to their switch to

for hosting presentations, trainings, and corporate

support the three cable boxes.”

events. Integrator Mood:Texas turned to its standard

Just Add Power offers ultra-low

in AV-over-IP distribution and AV control, Just Add

16ms of latency from source to screen

Power and RTI, respectively.

and supports 4K Ultra HD resolutions, HDMI

The hotel’s first request for the divisible ballroom

module from P5 bridged the shades and RTI together.

With Just Add Power and RTI systems, room combining is simple and intuitive. When the room is combined, depending on the state of the room, the

2.0 devices with HDCP 2.2, and CEC on/off com-

controller only gives them the option to access the

was to include a Maxell 4K projector in each of the

mands. The platform enables seamless switching

appropriate Just Add Power inputs and outputs.

three spaces, along with an HDMI input that would

between any resolution HDMI source as well as

allow guests to connect their laptops and send the

uncompressed lossless multichannel audio formats,

do not want room one changing anything in room

video signal to the screen. One of the rooms also

including Dolby Atmos support. Other features

three that’s being used for another meeting,”

includes a display.

include video wall configuration and image push,

explained Ramay. “That could be a huge issue if

pull, and pop. An integrated scaler on the receiver

somebody is in the middle of an important meeting

the ability to watch TV on the projectors as well. Along

automatically adjusts the picture to fit the screen, no

but are interrupted by music playing over the

with the three HDMI inputs, sources included three

matter the make or model of the display.

speakers. As the rooms separate, the controller

As the install progressed, the hotel wanted to add

cable boxes, three Barco ClickShare wireless presen-

For the install, Mood:Texas relied on Just Add

“For example, if all the rooms are separated, we

completely reconfigures the control screens to only

tation systems, and two audio players, requiring both

Power’s VBS-HDIP-708POE PoE transmitters with

allow of them to have access to the rooms’ inputs and

easy-to-install, AV-over-IP system and user-

stereo out and VBS-HDIP-508POE PoE receivers. The

outputs from the controller in that room. If they’re all

friendly control system.

wall plates installed in each of the three spaces are the

combined, they literally can do everything from any

VBS-HDIP-707WP2, which is a single PoE-powered

of the control screens. They don’t have to run to each

HDMI wall input. An ST1 sound transceiver was

of the controllers.”

Just Add Power’s platform includes affordable transmitters that connect to each source and a

16

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

ASSOCIATIONS NEWS

Pro AV Growth Steady While Omicron Peaked

W

another measure of uncertainty about plans for live

payroll expansion occurred amidst a strong U.S. labor

events. Also significant are supply chain issues. For

market, as the January jobs report showed the

some, they’re an annoyance, where business happens

addition of 467,000 jobs, along with upward revisions

on longer timelines but still in a welcome volume. For

for the November and December reports totaling

a few, they’re a significant hindrance impacting the

709,000 jobs. This one jobs report boosted numbers

bottom line. AVIXA analysts don’t anticipate the

by almost 1.2 million!

supply issues resolving quickly but believe things will

The labor market is recovering exceptionally well,

generally improve throughout 2022. But if demand

which will continue to support workers looking for

spikes for certain solution areas—live events, for

work and squeeze companies seeking to hire. That

example—it will create supply shortages for that

said, the report also offered good news on worker

specific segment.

availability, as unemployment ticked up from 3.9

Employment growth is in the offing, too—73

percent to 4.0 percent. That increase reflects more

percent of providers expect to add new workers,

people rejoining the workforce, a welcome sign of

against just 17 percent who do not (10 percent

economic normality.

responded “Don’t know”), and 44 percent of end users are planning to add AV workers as well.

“Hiring could be a pain point for AV this year. With

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

ith the Omicron wave on its downslope,

so many companies seeking to hire at once, placed

business trends in commercial AV. The report

AVIXA analysts can now report that

against a backdrop of worker scarcity—especially in

comprises two diffusion indexes: the AV Sales Index

the Omicron variant managed only to

the U.S.—it won’t be easy to find great candidates,”

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

said Peter Hansen, economist, AVIXA.

each case, an index above 50 indicates an increase in

moderate the pace of AV sales growth. In the January Pro AV Business Index, the AV Sales Index (AVI-S)

Steadiness in sales extended to employment in

sales or employment activity.

registered 56.9, almost identical to the rate observed

January, as the AV employment index (AVI-E)

while Omicron was rising in December. For com-

measured 57.3. This was just over a point lower than

monthly Pro-AV Business Index reports and learn

parison, the January 2021 AVI-S was at 52.0.

the December AVI-E, but well above what we saw at

more about the methodology. For more information

the start of 2021. The main takeaway for AV employ-

about joining the AVIXA Insights Community, visit

ment is that payrolls are steadily expanding. The AV

www.avixa.org/AVIP.

Survey respondents confirmed the effect of variant, citing postponements of return to office and

Visit www.avixa.org/AVindex to access the free

avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

17

PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

Theory Audio Design Aims High

Paul Hales

Home Cinema Experts Enter Pro AV Market with Premium Products

dabble in woodworking, photography, and any kind of

Position: President and Product Designer Company: Theory Audio Design Overtime: I love anything related to sound and audio: music, movies, and playing the drums (poorly). I design, including interiors. I also love to cook and

By Mark J. Pescatore

products outside the six-figure dedicated home

unwind with a glass of wine (or two).

cinema—in both the residential and commercial market segments. Theory products combine PRO’s : What is your position, and what are your responsibilities?

thrilling sound with sophisticated contemporary

Low-quality audio equipment simply won’t suffice in

design at a much lower price point.

the long run.

Paul Hales: President and product designer, which means I handle everything from definition,

: Why the move into commercial audio?

: Where do you see the Pro AV industry heading?

development, and engineering of the products, to

PH: Commercial spaces are becoming increasingly

PH: As immersive content continues to gain

running day-to-day operations and setting corporate

more refined and high-end, certainly in North

momentum, I anticipate it will be the way of mixing

strategy. I established Theory Audio Design in 2017.

America but also worldwide. The audio products that

music in the future, including in live sound. Rather

address those spaces have not kept up—current

than blasting sound from the stage at a concert venue,

offerings have lackluster performance and are of

a higher channel count of strategically placed

your role?

overall low quality. Theory will fill the premium niche

loudspeakers will immerse the audience in sound that

PH: I have been designing and building loudspeakers

and address it head-on.

will awaken their senses in a way they have never

: How has your background prepared you for

for 40 years, since age 16. In 1989, I launched my first

Exceptional products resonate with me in general,

experienced before.

speaker company straight out of college—Hales

whether it be cars, watches, wine, tools of any kind, or

Design Group—where many of my hi-fi loudspeakers

audio electronics. With Theory, I’m addressing the

earned top awards and praise from the audiophile

premium segment within residential and commercial

your company?

community. In the early 2000s, I established the

applications, surround sound and distributed audio,

PH: We seek to be the “Porsche” of audio products: a

Research and Development department for

indoors and out, with specific emphasis on premium

premium brand with a small stable of the most

loudspeakers at QSC, where I served as director of

commercial spaces: hotels, restaurants, bars, spas,

capable products available. We are making a very bold

R&D. I have also been a loudspeaker and acoustics

houses of worship, corporate offices, etc.

promise: to deliver the very best performance

design consultant for Samsung, BMW, and Dolby Laboratories.

In 2004, I founded Professional Home Cinema to

: What are the short and long-term goals for

available in every product category we enter. It’s a big : What are the major differences between

claim for sure, but I think we’ve already proven that

commercial and consumer audio?

with some of Theory’s first products—soundbars,

develop professional-style loudspeakers for residen-

PH: Consumer audio is dominated by floor or stand

on-wall loudspeakers, and subwoofers. Feedback

tial dedicated cinema rooms. Eighteen years later, the

mount-style loudspeakers, typically with delicate

from consumers, dealers, consultants, and journalists

company is still going strong using the brand name

cones and domes for components. The speakers are

has been unanimous—we’ve established a new

Pro Audio Technology (PRO).

designed for hi-fi and two-channel listening, offering

performance bar for those products.

Theory, quite simply, is my effort to bring this

sound that is accurate and refined but, in my opinion,

In 2022 and beyond, Theory intends to disrupt the

somewhat unique approach of marrying professional

often dynamically compressed and aurally “small”

architectural and outdoor speaker categories, starting

and consumer audio engineering techniques to

compared to real life.

with our recently announced range of in-wall and

Commercial audio is primarily dominated by

in-ceiling speakers and subwoofers. With optional

small plastic speakers or for foreground music, large

accessories including waterproof grilles and pendant

horn-based PA boxes. Commercial loudspeaker

housings for open-ceiling environments, Theory’s

components are strong and durable, meaning they

in-ceiling speakers can be installed in any environ-

can play loud and offer massive dynamics, but the

ment from outdoor patios to yachts.

sound can lack clarity and refinement. Theory

Later this year, Theory will launch a line of what

products marry the refined sound of hi-fi equipment

we’re calling Amplified Loudspeaker Mixers (ALMs),

with the thrilling dynamics of professional gear.

which will condense the several discreet components required to deploy sophisticated commercial distrib-

: What major trends have you been tracking in commercial audio?

uted systems into one extremely capable, 10-channel 2RU chassis, with up to 8,000 watts of real power.

PH: The pandemic created substantial demand for hybrid workspaces and the ability to communicate

18

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

: What is the greatest challenge you face?

from anywhere. More than ever before there is a need

PH: I am acutely aware of the fact that the last thing

for high quality video and audioconferencing

the world needs is yet another speaker brand. I would

equipment. In the new workspace, in-person

not have founded Theory if I didn’t believe there was

interactions are often being replaced with video

an unfulfilled need in the market that we could

meetings, making good communication imperative.

uniquely meet.

EXECUTIVE Q&A PEOPLE

Choose Your AV Path Radiant Technology's Greg Myers Sees Two Directions for Contractors

acquire more technology without adding staff, which makes our managed services more desirable.

Outsourcing managed services to our experts is more effective and less expensive for our customers

Greg Myers

than building their own staff to support something

Position: Founder

that is not part of their core business. It is also our

and President

obligation to provide services and capabilities they

Company: Radiant

can’t already duplicate inside their organization,

Technology Group

which creates greater value than they could do on

Overtime: I am an

their own. Managed services applied to the correct

avid outdoors-man. I

organization creates a win-win and makes us an

enjoy mountain climbing and have reached the

integral part of their team.

summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

: Where do you see the Pro AV industry heading?

GM: I see the Pro AV industry heading down two

By Mark J. Pescatore

: What new initiatives are we likely to see from

paths. I believe everyone is going to have to make a

Radiant Technology?

choice which path fits best. On one side, there is

GM: We have two big initiatives we think can drive

increasing demand for standardized AV systems and a

significant impact for our customers. The first we

strong push for commoditization of those systems.

call Blueprint design services, whereby we help

Technology Group?

Margins will decrease and the opportunity for value

customers envision their ideal future and create a

Greg Myers: I saw an opportunity. Working in the IT

add will be smaller. Revenues will increase, but

plan to get them there. We have been honing this

industry up to that point, it was obvious people

organizations must be extremely lean to be profitable.

service for the last four years and have seen some

thought you could solve problems with hardware and

There will likely be a handful of large organizations

fantastic successes along the way.

software alone (many still do). I observed that

that dominate this space.

: What prompted you to start Radiant

technology was only as good as the configuration and

I believe there is a second path, which is the natural

Our second initiative is solving the issue of system downtime and the perception of unreliabil-

end user adoption, but that was often overlooked. I

evolution of what the Pro AV industry has always

ity by end users. The key to solving this issue is the

realized there was an opportunity to merge

been—creative, user-focused, and practicing the art of

ability to remotely monitor applications and devices

consulting, integration, support, and adoption

possible. This path is highly consultative and experi-

and identify downtime issues before they are

services with the hardware and software to drive more

ence driven, with a focus on impact delivered instead

experienced by an end user. With such a wide array

impact, and that is what I set out to do.

of units sold. You can be profitable on either path, but

of applications and devices—that don’t always

attempting to do both will drain attention and profits.

speak the same “language”—this is a significant

Smart contractors will pick one direction and focus.

challenge.

: How does Radiant work with businesses to create unique digital experiences?

GM: Our biggest challenge is when customers try to

: How is your future direction going to

: What are the short and long-term goals for

simplify the complex nature of creating impactful

transform the way businesses engage with end

your company?

digital experiences. Throughout our 20 years we have

users?

GM: The short-term goal is to stabilize operations

fine-tuned our proven process to help customers get

GM: There is a worldwide discussion about how the use

within current business conditions. We have seen a

from their current state to an optimal future state.

of data is going to change the world, and I believe that it

lot of curveballs in the last 24 months, and those

Too often, they want to only look at hardware or

has and will continue to do so. We have only scratched

have changed the way we do business. Any change

software to solve their problems, but the real answer

the surface of how data analytics can change the way we

requires time and diligence to build operational

lies with the end user.

work and live. Today, most data are distributed in a way

efficiency.

We use the Discovery part of our process to gain a

that is beneficial for a single user, however, most

To achieve our optimal future state, we have

thorough understanding of the organizational

decisions are made as a part of a group. Our challenge is

done some tremendous R&D work with program-

objectives, always seeking to be an advocate for the

to enhance the way people collaborate as a group and

ming and software development over the last few

end user. Putting ourselves in their shoes helps us

simultaneously improve the visualization of data in a

years. This effort unearthed some great new

understand what will be impactful as they strive to

way that helps them make better decisions.

solutions for our customers—Radiant Pulse, Engage

achieve their business objectives. By changing our

We call it “Access to Information at the Point of

Room Manager, and our latest, Radiant Director. We

viewpoint, we can design technology that is embraced

Use.” If we can transform the way groups of people

need to continue making investments in existing

by users as a tool to be more successful. Unique digital

engage with data we can drive better, faster, and more

and new solutions, focused on the goal of driving

experiences facilitate that success.

impactful decision making.

better user experiences.

: How important are managed services to your bottom line, and why are they popular with your customer base?

GM: Managed services are critical, and each year become a larger portion of our overall revenue. We aggressively invest in developing our Core Advantage portfolio of services because you can’t drive impact without reliability and user adoption. Every year, our customers

Our challenge is to enhance the way people collaborate as a group and simultaneously improve the visualization of data in a way that helps them make better decisions. avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

19

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS

A.C. PROMEDIA, a product

to Control Concepts, DiCesare served as manager of

distributor for the commercial

member programs at AVIXA, responsible for

and pro-AV installation

member engagement and growth of volunteer

markets, has welcomed

involvement that included industry-wide councils

ROBERT ZADEH to the role of

and mentorship programs.

Tom Brady hung ‘em up at 44. Harro Heinz has decided to call it a career at 92.

product manager. Zadeh will Robert Zadeh

Harro Heinz Retires

work to further support the

Experience design, technology,

Having successfully navigated the challenges

growth of A.C. ProMedia’s products and brands in

and build firm DIMENSIONAL

of the past two years and now riding strong sales

North America. He has been in several engineering

INNOVATIONS has announced

and business development momentum, Renkus-

roles in his career, including working as a field sales

CHAD HUTSON as its executive

Heinz is organizing for the next wave of growth

engineer for IDEAL Industries (Canada), Corp., and

director. With more than 20

with the appointment of Monika Smetona to the

was instrumental in managing projects and growing

years of experience in the

role of president. Previously serving as CFO of the

digital, branded environment

privately held loudspeaker manufacturer and a

sales of their Audacy advanced wireless control

Chad Hutson

brand.

and design industries, Hutson brings a wealth of

member of the founding Heinz family, Smetona

expertise to DI. He will help spearhead experience

will rely on Ralph Heinz, CTO, to lead the company

JORGE DIGHERO has joined

innovation and technology-driven storytelling for

into the future. Together, they are optimally

ADVANCED SYSTEMS GROUP as

the company. As former co-founder and CEO of

positioned to further realize the potential of

director of cloud production

specialized creative agency Leviathan, Hutson

Renkus-Heinz.

engineering. In his new role,

worked with some of the world’s more recognizable

Dighero will help lead ASG’s

brands. Prior to Leviathan, Hutson co-founded and

way up from handling finances and HR to now

cloud strategy, collaborate with

led digital agency eatdrink, managed creative

maintaining the smooth running of the factory,”

customers, and train ASG staff

technology projects for experiential firm MC2, and

Harro Heinz said. “She has become central to our

on the company’s cloud-based offerings. A large

handled operations for AV company Soundelux

organization, our culture, and our continued

part of his new role will involve the design and

Showorks.

success, and I am confident that together with

Jorge Dighero

“At Renkus-Heinz, Monika has worked her

Ralph, she will keep us on the same positive

successful customer implementation of ASG’s

trajectory for the next phase of our development.”

Virtual Production Control Room (VPCR), a cloud-

ELECTROSONIC has promoted

based live production platform. At his most recent

EWAN SMITH as the global

position, as senior solutions architect at Grass

president and managing

president,” added Ralph Heinz. “She has the fiscal

Valley, Dighero was part of the core team that

director. Smith had initially

conservatism and discipline along with strengths

developed GV AMPP (Agile Media Processing

joined Electrosonic as U.S.

in operations and human resources. To comple-

Platform) for cloud-native live production.

president in August 2020. He

ment Monika’s duties, I will continue as CTO to

was promoted to global chief

provide future-looking vision and to ensure

Ewan Smith

Michael Maas

“Monika Smetona is the ideal candidate for

continued innovation.”

BROADSIGN has announced

revenue officer in July 2021, where he led the

AMI Entertainment CEO

growth and development of Electrosonic’s global

MICHAEL MAAS has joined its

sales and marketing efforts to a very strong

of one of the industry’s most accomplished

board of directors, and will play

year-end position. The successes of Ewan’s tenure

executives,” said Smetona. “I welcome the

an influential role in conversa-

at Electrosonic, as well as his solid background in

challenge and I look forward to collaborating with

tions that shape the future of

the AV industry, were key drivers of the

our strong team to forge a new period of sus-

the business. The appointment

appointment.

tained innovation and growth at Renkus-Heinz!”

“As I step into this role, I walk in the footsteps

“Looking back at more than 40 years with

comes as Broadsign prepares for a year of significant growth in line with overall OOH (out of home)

PLANAR has expanded its U.S.

Renkus-Heinz, there are many current and

industry projections. Maas brings a wealth of

Government team with the

former employees whose help was critical to get

knowledge to Broadsign, with experience spanning

addition of LIZA STROMBERGH

us to where we are,” Harro Heinz noted. “From the

advanced computing, mergers and acquisitions,

and JAVIER PICARD. Stromb-

bottom of my heart, I am very thankful for their

marketing and communications, and OOH advertis-

ergh will manage sales efforts

contribution, and I am blessed that both my son

ing. He previously held senior leadership roles at

on the state and local level. She

and my daughter are interested in the business

brings more than 12 years of

and are well equipped to accelerate the growth,

experience in state and local

while keeping it a private enterprise dedicated to

Microsoft and IBM, and was CEO for U.S. and

Liza Strombergh

U.K.-based gaming companies.

Brittany DiCesare

government-focused business

creating a better sound solution. I am fortunate

CONTROL CONCEPTS has added

and development management

that I will continue my involvement with Renkus-

BRITTANY DICESARE to its

roles, most recently serving as a

Heinz through my board of director position.”

team as an account manager.

senior account executive in the

Her role will benefit not only

public sector for AllPaid. Her

Control Concepts and clients,

Javier Picard

but also the industry at large,

previous roles at E-Seek Incorporated and nCourt,

with a focus on helping manu-

LLC, where she worked as a sales manager and with

background also includes

facturers elevate the compatibility of their products

various government entities. Picard joins the team

by leveraging their API and simplifying integration

as an applications engineer, previously working as a

and programming through the availability of

field systems engineer with Planar for more than

control system modules, drivers, and plugins. Prior

four years.

20

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

Harro Heinz, Monika Smetona, Ralph Heinz

PEOPLE BEYOND THE TECH

Snuff Out That Short Fuse with Solutions When There's a Problem, Diffuse the Situation

By Douglas Kleeger

T

issue is resolved, there will likely be an opportunity to

cation, whereas a simple phone call could have and

find out where the fault was, if any. Then call (or

did clear up everything.

suggest your superior call) a meeting about process

In the event you do choose email to reply, do not

o say that the past two years have been filled

and procedure, and discuss with the team how to

send something right after you receive a message that

with sadness, grief, and what at times likely

prevent the issue from happening again. You might

at first glance may be considered inflammatory and

felt like an insurmountable situation is an

even volunteer to spearhead the initiative.

pointed at your direction. No matter the timeline,

understatement. Each of us in our own way has been

Theodore Roosevelt is credited with saying,

resist the temptation to send out an immediate reply.

touched by this pandemic. While many of us are

“Complaining about a problem without posing a

I speak from experience. After you write your reply, go

thankful as we return to work, others will be, shall

solution is called whining.” Think about that the next

back to what you were doing. Then, come back to your

we say, ready to lash out at a moment’s notice on

time you complain without a solution. That’s a

email, re-read it, take out all the unnecessary

an issue that before all of this would have elicited a

challenge, by the way.

verbiage, be direct, and again speak of solutions.

shrug and likely dismissed.

Another thing I do is change my perspective.

For me, it’s all about expectations. Hope for the

Instead of being on the inside looking out when I write

best and expect the worst is one of my coping

an email, I juxtapose myself to being on the outside

mechanisms. It’s like rehearsing for a big presenta-

looking in, changing my perspective to consider how I

tion, being prepared, and nailing it. Realize that every aspect of your day may not go according to plan and be prepared with your “coping toolbox” (also known as humility and kindness).

Be Positive, Not Confrontational When disaster strikes, diffuse the situation. Don’t pour fuel on the fire by escalating the issue into an argument—or worse. This applies to all your daily interactions with everyone from co-workers and clients to the drive-thru attendant who mistakenly

Ignore all the pomp and posturing like it’s the end of the world and provide a solution.

put cream in your coffee.

It may be inconvenient, but it’s easy enough to

have a rule to never, ever reply more than once when things turn negative. If you send a positive, informational reply and the response is inflammatory again, let it end there. Just pick up the phone or take a walk and talk it out. It’s way too easy to get caught in the email trap—and the last thing you want is get into a back-and-forth email battle (remember, it takes two).

Doug Kleeger, CTS-D, DMC-E/S, XTP-E, KCD, is the founder of AudioVisual Consulting Services.

Contact him with questions or comments at doug@

go into the store and nicely request they correct your

Email Escalation

order instead of being confrontational. On the way

While all this is well and good, I have to say that it’s

out, I will bet you can’t stop yourself from smiling.

harder than it seems to change your habits. Let me

What a great way to start the day. I know this may

share a couple of things I do to prevent myself from

not seem relevant to your workday, but it is. It can

escalating an issue.

set the tone for the rest of your day, which you want

would react to the message I am about to send. I also

One of the worst offenders, in my opinion, is the

avcs.us.

Where Things Are I’d like to share a trick I’ve been

ease at which we can send emails and texts instantly.

using for many years: WTA. It’s not

In the past, the time that it took to reach someone

an age thing—we all are flooded with

drinking your black coffee with a big smile on your

would play to our advantage. When emotions come

information, and we all forget where we

face. Looks like some equipment came in the wrong

into play, it’s easy to overreact to an issue or some-

put something important, like the key to

color. Fingers are being pointed every which way,

one’s comment without taking some time to process.

my shredder (it stays hidden from my little kids

to be positive.

Now you’re at work, checking your emails and

and their little fingers). But a week or month later

including yours. What do you do? Yes, black projec-

Recently, a client was complaining to me and

tors will need to be shipped back and replaced with

wanted to change vendors because they did not reply

white ones.

to their email for five days. I made a brief call to the

On my phone, I have a document called

when you need it, crickets in your head.

vendor and said I would send an email, which I did.

“Where Things Are.” For example, “shredder key

Ignore all the pomp and posturing like it’s the end of

Two days later, I received another call from my client

in carousel on right side of hutch in office.” Don’t

the world and provide a solution. Diffuse the situa-

saying they still had not responded.

tell my kids, it’s the real spot! This works for tools

No matter what is said, do not escalate the issue.

tion. Ask open-ended questions: “What would you

Sure enough, I sent my email to their old email

you put away that are not often used, even data

have me do?” or “I’m glad you placed the order on

address (pesky auto-enter), so they never got it.

files or pics that are important. Of course, the

time, but can you re-order it in a different color?”

When I contacted them, the client emails had gone to

only downside is that you have to remember to

the spam folder. A relationship was almost destroyed

look in your WTA notes!

You do not have to make yourself a finger pointer as well and make someone feel bad. Sure, after the

22

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

over nothing more than relying on digital communi-

BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

Digital Signage on the Go Transportation Hubs Capture Traveler Attention with Engaging Displays

By James Careless

these displays via network connectivity to ensure that

controlling the units.”

the displays are on and working properly.”

O

“The behind-the-scenes infrastructure for a digital signage network is the content management

nce considered a novelty, digital signage

Advanced Imagery

in airports, bus stations, and rail termi-

Transportation hubs also want the visually appealing

content management server manages your content,

nals have become an essential source of

digital signage to engage passersby and keep them

provides workflows, approval processes, manages

guidance, information, and entertainment for the

watching longer. “LED displays are all the rage,”

players, and so forth. It’s the brains of the network.”

travelers who use them. These systems have also

explained Michael Callahan, product marketing

become valuable promotional platforms and adver-

manager for RGB Spectrum. “So are new hybrid video

Everything for Everyone

tising revenue streams for the transportation hubs

processors with higher bandwidth Gen 3 backplanes

As the annual public obsession with Super Bowl

server and Ethernet network,” Farkas added. “The

that host them, as well as a profitable sales opportu-

that provide ultra-high performance video and data

commercials proves, people will gladly sit through all

nity for systems contractors and AV manufacturers

processing at 4K 60p, plus full support for AV-over-IP

kinds of content as long as it is interesting, innova-

who respond to the latest market trends.

content, and dynamic multi-window, multi-image

tive, and enjoyable to watch. This is why the most

display capabilities.”

successful transportation hub digital signage offers

What are transportation hubs seeking that can help drive sales in this area? “Clients want commer-

The very best visuals are key to attracting the

cial-grade, bright digital signage displays that can be

eyeballs of transportation hub users, noted John

production and playout that rival those of network/

used for COVID messaging, wayfinding, emergency

Garmendi, senior manager of sales support engineer-

streaming TV.

announcements, and people counting,” said Ben

ing and consultant relations for Sony. “This fact is

Hardy, product manager for Sharp NEC Display

driving an increased adoption of direct view LED video

ence from digital signage as they get from their

Solutions. “Clients are also looking for accessibility to

walls in these locations as a way of creating spectacu-

favorite mobile app,” said Eric Farkas, product

lar branding opportunities,” he said. “Advanced

manager, Black Box. “But that’s not all: The current

video display adoption is really elevating what was a

trend is for a more personalized viewing experience

utilitarian environment into an attraction.”

that is also quite detailed. Travel information,

Behind the visuals, however, is a system that

content that people want to see, with standards of

“Travelers expect the same or better user experi-

weather conditions, capacity information, safety

drives the content. “In a typical transportation hub

policies, maps and wayfinding, contact information,

digital signage system, there is a PC running one or

club or member-only facilities information, nearby

multiple display ‘banks’ that provides content to each

venue information, nearby hotel/shuttle information,

of these screens,” said Hardy. “This PC is controlled

ride app pickup points and other ground transporta-

via a network connection to a central hub and

tion options, Wi-Fi information, and food/shopping

separate network connections, usually via a switch,

information are standard wants from travelers of all

that go directly into each display for monitoring/

experience types.”

In meeting mulitple user demands, Garmendi said the transportation hub digital signage is “morphing into a hybrid content environment, where travel information is really being blended with retail and entertainment. There’s also an increase in the utilization of IoT [Internet of Things] technology to meet travelers’ demands for more personalized experiences.”

A word of caution: No matter how compelling the content mix, transportation hub digital signage systems need to “go easy” on the ads to keep people watching, Callahan said. What advertising there is needs to “be relevant and resonate with the customers within that location in order to succeed,” Garmendi added.

This same care should be applied when inserting COVID-19 content into the mix. “COVID messaging for social distancing and mask protocols, wayfinding, and announcements should be intertwined with the critical information that needs to be passed along to customers with regards to flight/bus/train statuses and other changes that could disrupt their travel,” Hardy said. “If possible, content distribution can be re-imagined so

24

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS

that one existing display in each ‘bank’ can be

they don’t sell displays and mounts. These are often

allocated for PPE or COVID messaging or advertising,

expensive items that are left off of the Bill of Materi-

while the rest of the displays are used for other

als and outside the budget.”

informational signage. This approach allows for all pertinent information to be shared simultaneously.”

Writing Successful Bids

Given the complexity of modern digital signage systems, Farkas is not a fan of in-house installations.

“I tell clients to use a recommended integrator,” he explained. “Hanging displays might sound simple,

From time to time, transportation hubs solicit bids for

but it can be more complicated than you realize. You

upgrades to their existing digital signage systems or

not only want your displays to look good and stay

for new systems altogether. Before preparing bids for

attached, but you want them to function properly and

these prospects, systems contractors need to ask a

be placed where consumers can use and view them.”

wide range of questions—because the answers will

To ensure client satisfaction after the installation

maximize the chances of their bids being accepted

is done, Farkas quizzes them about their “content

and delivering the desired results.

plan” beforehand, namely the visuals that the

“I typically start with the application,” said

transportation hub intends to run on their digital

Farkas. “I ask the prospect, ‘What do you want your

signage system. “Who is designing it? Where is it

customers to see, interact with, or do with the digital

coming from? Are you selling space on your signage to

signage system?’ Accomplishing this goal for them

others?” he said. “Without a content plan, you could

should be the top priority in any bid.”

end up with displays that have stale content that

Farkas then considers the proposed digital signage system’s power and infrastructure needs.

people won’t watch.”

Finally, Farkas asks the client how they intend to

“This seems like a small detail until you realize you

properly manage the completed system over time.

need hundreds of plugs and network drops installed

“Monitoring and maintenance should be a considera-

before your digital signage can go live,” he said.

tion if you have remote sites with limited to no staff,”

“Next, and this may sound ridiculous, some digital

he noted. “Who is going to report a screen outage if

signage vendors will help you design your system, but

you have no monitoring?”

25

BUSINESS CASINOS

AV Jackpot

Digital Signage Wins Big at Route 66 Casino

Above: A 32-foot wide, nine-foot high video wall is used to run promotional games, display casino advertising, and showcase sporting events.

Right: A 360-degree Planar halo LED display draws attention to the “Rags to Riches” progressive slots.

By Carolyn Heinze

Prairie, MN, led the integration of the new systems.

O

The ‘Cool’ Factor wned and operated by the Laguna Devel-

Lance Hutchinson, vice president at Alpha Video &

opment Corporation (LDC), the Route 66

Audio, oversees the company’s efforts in the casino

Casino near Albuquerque, N.M., features

market. Prior to these upgrades, his firm installed a

table games, a sports book, a poker room, a 500-seat

digital signage and video distribution system at

bingo hall, and more than 1,700 slot and video poker

Route 66 Casino in 2018. Part of this latest effort

machines. The property also comprises a 154-room

included converting a night club into a sports bar and

hotel, a convention center, and a 2,800-seat theater,

sports book.

as well as a sports bar, lounge, and restaurants. As

An old circular bar on the gaming floor was

its name suggests, this is a themed facility decorated

removed, providing space for a new themed gaming

with Route 66 memorabilia.

area. This new zone—dubbed “Route to Riches”—

LDC celebrated the opening of the Route 66 Casino

houses a cluster of progressive slots, whereby a

in 2003, and has since conducted a number of

central jackpot increases every time someone plays

expansions and renovations. Recently, the organiza-

until someone finally wins. Alpha Video & Audio

bar, they wanted something that could be seen

tion deployed new AV technology in its gaming area

integrated a 360-degree Planar CarbonLight CLI Flex

throughout the whole casino—or most of it—and that

with the goal of boosting guest engagement and

Series halo LED display above the slots to draw

had some cool factor to it,” Hutchinson explained.

promoting specific games. Alpha Video & Audio Inc.,

attention to the area.

“That’s where we came up with the concept for the

an AV design and integration firm based in Eden

26

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

“As they redesigned the casino and tore out the

360-degree display.”

CASINOS BUSINESS

Following this installation, Route 66 commissioned another project, once again to highlight its “Route to Riches” gaming section. Just outside of the

a more engaging experience to its clientele in hopes of

part of the sports betting initiative,” Hutchinson

outdoing its competitor.

explained. “They can include the capital for some of

Sports books, in locations where they are legal,

these other projects [in the budget for] the sports

progressive slots area, Hutchinson and his team hung

also drive further AV adoption. “Sports betting has

book. [Sports betting] is not legal everywhere yet, but

a Planar TVF Series LED video wall measuring 32 feet

opened up some capital opportunities for upgrades to

it is starting to catch on.”

wide and nine feet high. The 16x8 display, which

properties, because they can make [AV installations]

Carolyn Heinze is a freelance writer/editor.

features a pixel pitch of 2.5mm, is primarily used to run promotional games. However, the LED wall also serves as digital signage, displaying Route 66’s advertising reel, and to showcase sporting events.

After the video wall installation, Alpha Video & Audio replaced the casino’s aging audio technology with a QSC audio system, including 600 loudspeakers (in combination with speakers by Sonance). “All of these projects have grown on top of each other,” Hutchinson noted.

When it comes to LED display technology, Hutchinson noted the advancements that have been made with respect to pixel pitch, which facilitates screen placement in facilities like casinos, where oftentimes viewers are not that far from the display. “The smaller pixel pitches are the biggest thing,” he said. “You can be a lot closer to the display and not see the dots, versus a much higher pitch where the optimal viewing distance is much further back. With a lot of these sports books you can be within 10 feet of the wall, so you want something that’s got a pretty narrow pitch so you’re not seeing the dots on the screen.”

Piece of the Action Alpha Video & Audio serves more than 1,200 gaming clients across the United States. Even though many projects are executed while these facilities are in operation, Hutchinson said gaining access to them to conduct installs isn’t usually an issue. Some projects require his team to work overnight, but that’s more the exception than the rule. “Working hours are pretty flexible, [although] they do like us to avoid working after three o’clock in the afternoon,” he added.

The biggest challenge in working with gaming clients is more administrative. Because casinos are a highly regulated industry, Hutchinson’s firm must be licensed to serve clients in each state it performs its services—and paperwork needs to be updated on an annual basis. Employees working on site must also undergo comprehensive background checks.

The rate at which casinos in general adopt AV technology depends on the operator. While some focus on acquiring the latest systems whenever they can, others take a more minimalist approach, according to Hutchinson. Many times, it’s pre-established refresh cycles that determine when a casino will make an upgrade; if a facility is operating on a 10-year cycle, it won’t consider new tech until that much time has passed. Still, a main driver for new AV tech adoption is competition: If a new casino is opening in the same area, an existing operator may wish to re-examine its AV systems in order to provide

avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

27

BUSINESS CONTENT MANAGEMENT

Most CMS offer templates with varying degrees of customizability, so digital signage messaging can maintain consistent branding.

Maximize Digital Signage with Content Planning, Management

By Tomer Mann

I

ntegrators are in the business of creating solutions for their clients. As problem-solvers, digital signage deployments hold enormous potential.

If the deployment will be used for space management and operations, supporting room reservation, hoteling, and hot-desking, you’ll want to talk to facilities management. Signage deployments are increasingly used to support health, safety, and access control policies by scanning badges or vaccination records at entry points, as well as advising employees and visitors of current policies. In this case, HR and security will need to be involved in needs discovery.

Use What You’ve Got In most cases, a digital signage deployment is a new, improved mechanism for an existing purpose. Once you’ve got the stakeholders corralled, find out what they’re doing now to achieve the goals the signage deployment will support. For example, a venue rolling

arrive at a more accurate understanding of the

out digital signage to promote events was doubtless

hardware requirements, but it will also allow you to

promoting those events before they got the signs. Event

offer a real visual communications solution instead of

calendars, social media campaigns, email campaigns,

a solidly built problem.

television ads, and more can all be either repurposed or

Gather Your Stakeholders

directly reused as digital signage content.

Reinvent as few wheels as possible: If you can

They can answer so many needs: a video wall that

It’s not enough to understand the hardware, technical

leverage your client’s current skills and behaviors to

forms the stunning centerpiece of a welcome area,

requirements, or even purpose of a digital signage

drive automated or very easy content updates, main-

an interactive map that guides visitors effort-

system. You also need to know who, within the client

taining the signs will never feel like a burden. In many

lessly throughout a space, room and schedule signs

organization, cares about that purpose. If the signage

cases, the information the signage deployment needs

that smooth operations, or informational signage

does its job well, whose life will get better? If the

to convey is already being maintained somewhere, such

that keeps everyone connected and informed. Be

system is implemented poorly or the content isn’t up

as calendars, floorplans, social media channels, or RSS

aware, though, that those happy outcomes require

to date, whose job gets harder? You want these people

feeds. The integrator’s mandate is to ease the burden

thoughtful planning and an appropriate content

in the discovery meetings—they know the real

on the system owners by leveraging what they’re

management solution.

system requirements best, and they have the most

already doing.

Integrators need to extend their responsibility for signage systems beyond the hardware. The screens, media players, and network infrastructure don’t

incentive to make sure the content pipeline is filled and maintained.

When building a wayfinding system, for example,

Automated content, generated from systems your client is already maintaining, is quite simply the best way to ensure that a sign’s content is fresh, relevant,

matter if the content is too difficult to update and

talk to reception and guest relations personnel. They

and up to date. Whenever possible, information should

maintain. Ultimately, it’s in the integrator’s best

know what struggles visitors typically experience in

be supplied to directly to the sign via feeds, data source

interest to help their clients create a rock-solid

navigating the space, as well as what events, excep-

interfaces, APIs with pull integrations, and other live/

content creation and management strategy during

tions, and complexities make a physical map inad-

automated data syncs mechanisms. This makes for a

the project discovery phase. Not only will it help you

equate to the task of orienting people.

dynamic deployment that is also easy to maintain.

28

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

CONTENT MANAGEMENT BUSINESS

creation support services, to assist in the initial selec-

tions to identify successful approaches on an applica-

should be looking to recommend and partner with a

tion, design, customization, and setup of the customer’s

tion-by-application basis.

content management system (CMS) with integration

templates, building out their brand book to encompass

and customization capabilities that align with client’s

digital signage best practices. The right CMS bridges the

Leave Room to Grow

current business processes. A CMS that is integrated

gap between the client’s goals for the system and their

It’s a business best practice: Build what your client

with the client’s systems, leveraging their existing

capacity to execute on their own.

needs now but leave growth pathways for what they’ll

As part of the overall signage solution, integrators

resources, can do nearly all the day-to-day heavy lifting of updating signage deployments.

Once established, the signage templates give other

need five years from now. Look for a CMS provider

content creators, be they internal resources or service

supporting a wide range of applications even when the

providers, guardrails to ensure that every sign and piece

initial scope is narrow. Why? Once a solution works—

of content shares a common brand identity. As new

really works—for a client, they’ll start asking what else

At some point during the project discovery phase, you

signs are added, the branding experience remains

it can do for them. A successful wayfinding project today

need to have a realistic conversation about who will be

consistent, even if the content comes from different

could lead to a lobby video wall two years from now.

responsible for the long-term maintaining of content.

stakeholders or departments. These templates also pare

What technical and graphic design skills do they have?

down the expertise need to create new content from

should be: Visual communication systems should

How much time do they have, and how much of a priority

“graphics design and software literacy” to “the ability

allow clients to share messages and information more

is this for them? How frequently will the “content

to edit text fields and drag-and-drop image files.”

efficiently. The right CMS will help you deliver on this

Bridge the Gap

owners” be willing to make updates?

If the client has limited in-house marketing and

Often, an organization’s marketing and communi-

Digital signage content can be easy. In fact, it

promise by going beyond hardware or software to

graphic design resources, graphic design support and

encompass in-house services and long-term content

cations professionals will have very specific ideas about

pre-configured layouts for initial deployment should be

development support. With all these elements in

what signage content should looks like, but no internal

part of your CMS requirements. The CMS provider

place, content management will remain simple even

bandwidth to create and maintain the content. Those

should also be responsible for optimizing the user

as the client’s system grows and diversifies. That’s

with domain expertise in the content frequently know

experience. Neither you nor your client should need to

how integrators can offer a true digital signage

nothing about graphic design or content creation tools.

be a UX expert to successfully deploy interactive

solution while effectively preventing any content

signage. Ideally, any CMS provider you recommend has

development problems down the line.

library of wireframe templates, with varying degrees of

The right CMS again plays a role here. Most offer a

rigorously tested information layouts, interactions,

Tomer Mann is the executive vice president of sales

customizability and variety. Some also offer content

touchless and mobile interfaces, and desktop integra-

and marketing for 22Miles.

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2/15/22 4:44 AM

BUSINESS PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Two-Story LED Wall Drives Public Engagement at Reagan Institute T he mission of the Ronald Reagan Institute

The center attraction of the new Reagan Institute

principles, ideas, and values have relevance today.

And one of the ways we can achieve that is through the technology and engagement with the video wall.”

DI, which also acted as the content developer for the project, worked with footage from the 1980s to produce imagery and videos that would align with the video wall’s resolution and look great on the screen.

“The video wall is designed to be inviting to people who are walking down the street—they can stroll into the building and engage with the legacy of Ronald Reagan through an experience that is user friendly and very immersive,” explained Brad Phipps, DI director of field operations. “Our content team still actively works with the Reagan Institute to create content in-house, which is then sent through a network connection directly to a content player at the institute and onto the video wall.”

in Washington, DC, is to preserve the legacy

is a 14-foot-wide, 19-foot-high Planar TVF Series LED

of President Ronald Reagan and proactively

video wall with a 1.8mm pixel pitch that is integrated

multipurpose room equipped with a live production

promote his ideals, vision, and leadership example

in the ground floor lobby. Visible from the street, the

suite, videoconferencing system, and two Planar

through youth education and academic alliances,

video wall offers visitors the opportunity to learn

TVF Series LED video walls, each more than five feet

scholarly work, and substantive, issue-driven

more about Reagan through enhanced interaction.

high and nearly 10-feet wide. The room, which

forums. Recognizing the importance of technology

Using a handheld interactive touchpanel linked to the

includes a stage and podium, is a flexible space to

for achieving that mission, foundation leaders had

video wall, people can explore a range of content

host a range of activities, including live broadcasts,

LED video walls installed as part of the build out of

about the 40th president including imagery, feature

streaming programs, and both in-person and

its new office near the White House.

videos, and footage of his time in office.

virtual events.

Technology consultant Cerami developed a

“Our foundation had ambitious goals for the

On the second floor, the Reagan Institute built a

Phipps said the Planar TVF Series LED video wall

full-facility AV design, and partnered with AV

Reagan Institute,” said Roger Zakheim, institute

provides versatility both in terms of its uses and for

integrator Design & Integration (DI) to bring a

director. “We wanted best-in-class technology,

its potential to fit within different spaces. “From an

turnkey technology solution to the space. Display

best-in-class design to maximize the experience for

architectural standpoint, the aesthetic quality of the

systems and other equipment were installed

anybody who sets foot in the Reagan Institute. Our

video wall makes for a seamless look,” he said. “The

throughout the renovated facility, highlighted by

mission is to promote Ronald Reagan’s legacy—not to

elements that accompany it and how it integrates

Planar LED video walls.

just learn about the past, but to understand how those

make for a great finished product.”

30

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

BUSINESS BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

Look Through the Creative Lens Are Complex Projects Problems or Opportunities?

Revolutionary Resolutions For many years, our WSDG design team had been using established protocols for low frequency analysis (LFA) that worked, but recent measurements and observations brought us the conclusion that we could do better. Ongoing conversations with my colleague, Dr. Peter D’ Antonio, founder of RPG, were the catalyst for a deep dive into software development.

Working along with another friend, PK Pandey,

By John Storyk

A

fter 52 years of studio design work (and still working by the way), I was pleasantly surprised when SCN invited me to try my hand

Remember, your commitment to your client

a renowned recording studio owner and pro audio

includes an assurance to your partners and team

industry “gear guru,” led to our formation of REDI

members. Your support team is a crucial element to

Acoustics, an independent R&D firm. Three years

your firm’s success and longevity.

(along with considerable investment) later, we had

Some projects are more problematic than others,

assembled an international team of acoustic

but no matter how dark or complex these problems

experts and software designers for a collaboration

as a columnist. Admittedly I’m still feeling my way

appear, they must be converted to opportunities. I’ve

that led us to create NIRO, an innovative, predic-

around this editorial terrain, so this maiden venture

always admired the Wright Brothers—not because

tive/iterative acoustic analysis tool for small rooms.

will be more of a statement of intent than a full-

they were the first to fly (actually, they weren’t first),

Problem solved.

blown column. Hopefully my positive life experience

but for the creative “Eureka!” moment when they

with accepting challenges in the past will hold true

rejected two years of work based on best-known

Three As, and the process was fun and creative.

and result in interesting reading for you and a sense

wing-lift tables and created their own crude wind

Today, little more than a year since its introduction,

of accomplishment for me.

tunnel to solve that critical piece of information.

NIRO has been successfully employed in optimizing

I believe many of you (the lucky ones) get my

I’ve spent my life trying to meld three of my

At last, a tool to combine and support the

room acoustics for nearly 100 large and small

meaning when I say I have never really worked a day in

favorite paths—music, architecture, and technology.

recording and mixing studios throughout Latin

my life (full disclosure—on my most recent birthday I

Studio design has proved itself to be my perfect nexus

America, France, Switzerland, Germany, and the

turned 75). I can safely say this because each day has

for those creative passions.

United States.

presented at least one unanticipated creative

Except for Italian cooking, opera, and spending

Creativity is the ultimate lens of life—and

challenge. A moment to be artistic; a problem to be

time with my family, nothing gives me more pleasure

problems and challenges are the most powerful fuels

solved; a sketch to be drawn, thrown away, and

than sketching, tossing those sketches, and resketch-

for driving creativity.

redrawn; an idea from out of left field to be shared

ing. Recently, a gratifying “Eureka!” moment arrived

Since graduating from Princeton in 1968 and

with a colleague. That’s not work, it’s fun! It’s also my

with the not inconsiderable help of some special

forming WSDG Walters-Storyk Design Group in

definition of the “Creative Lens.”

industry friends. Exasperated by the enduring

1986, co-founding partner John Storyk and WSDG

complexities of creating high-level acoustically

have designed nearly 4,000 recording studios,

politics, money, and even the ultimate end result (i.e.,

accurate listening /mixing environments for small,

performance venues, educational, and broadcast

client satisfaction) at times, but also enables me to

poorly structured rooms, our team set out to develop a

facilities around the world. Contact him at john.

simply dream and create. I am certain that many of

predictive analysis software tool to tackle the problem.

storyk@wsdg.com.

That challenging perspective allows me to forget

you have had this experience from time to time, and I submit that the more often that you have these moments the richer and happier you are going to be.

The Client Quotient Please don’t misinterpret my intent here. I’ve spent my entire professional life providing design and engineering services for clients. This process has taken me on an amazing journey.

While meeting and working with incredible music, corporate, and private industry icons, I have had the good fortune to become friends with a number of these successful artists and innovators. And many have returned for both updated and brand-new facility designs.

focusing your skills on serving your clients’ needs.

That includes the obligation to provide and meet timelines, budgets, and all the obvious and subtle details required to create magic in the real world of architecture, audio, and acoustics—the “Three As” as I refer to them (more on that in future columns).

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GETTY IMAGES/ FEODORA CHIOSEA

Completed projects remain ongoing sources of pride, but as a service provider you are always

MASS NOTIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

from its legacy CobraNet-compliant AV-over-IP communications infrastructure to the more current Dante standard. Regardless of which technology is employed in each are of the airport, the communications flow remains seamless and extends to the rental car facility. To get the job done, LAX currently utilizes 14 GLOBALCOM controllers, 107 Titan amplifiers, 428 microphone stations, and 9,845 speakers. These numbers are expected to climb as terminals and other facilities continue to be built or renovated.

Be it via CobraNet or Dante, the AltasIED GLOBALCOM network shuttles pages from microphone stations and pre-recorded messages from the LAX communications command center to all gates or select zones. Should an emergency arise, routine announcements cease automatically and GLOBALCOM gives priority to critical life-safety

LAX Stays Alert Ongoing Renovation Includes AtlasIED Messaging Platform

C

notifications, such as evacuation instructions.

Prioritization of messaging is vitally important to a transportation facility such as LAX. There’s absolutely no room for error when the safety of passengers, staff, and visitors is on the line. Messages must be delivered quickly and accurately, even when an airport is going through a massive renovation.

oined “the voice heard around the world,”

number of enhancements to its core GLOBALCOM

GLOBALCOM ensured this during the LAX expansion

the AtlasIED GLOBALCOM communications

communications systems.

through its integrated fault-detection technology and

system deployed by commercial technol-

“AtlasIED provides a high-quality product and

supervision capabilities.

ogy integration firm Direct AV at the Los Angeles

system that is configurable to meet any eventual need

International Airport (LAX) propels both routine and

of a transportation hub like LAX,” said Larry Frontino,

the existing communications infrastructure,”

critical messages, live and pre-recorded, through-

owner of Direct AV. “The cross integration and

Frontino explained, “but with AtlasIED GLOBALCOM,

out the facility and parking areas. As the preferred

scalability of AtlasIED’s platform, paired with an

from the network to speaker lines, we are always fully

partner of LAX, Direct AV keeps a close pulse of the

uncompromising level of self-monitoring and

aware of any disruptions, making it easy to address

technologies driving communications throughout

reporting capability, make it a powerful player in an

these events as they occur.”

LAX properties, choosing AtlasIED as its preferred

ever-changing environment.”

provider of modern mass communications solutions.

The design and installation team at Direct AV has

Direct AV has configured and installed several

“Large-scale projects like this can often interrupt

To help streamline the implementation of GLOBALCOMM technology at LAX, AtlasIED engineers

new GLOBALCOM communications systems—includ-

attend weekly Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)

relied largely on AtlasIED for many tech updates at

ing headend controllers, amplifiers, speakers, and

meetings and provide ongoing maintenance and

LAX throughout the years—with each expansion or

microphone stations— within newly built additions

support. By collaborating closely with LAWA on its

renovation adding and refining features or function-

and renovations of existing areas. The new systems

product roadmap and development schedule, AtlasIED

ality to the GLOBALCOM platform to keep on it on

interoperate with LAX’s existing GLOBALCOM

has customized many solutions for LAX. Together,

pace with the airport’s continual evolution. As Los

infrastructure, enabling notifications to be shared

LAWA and AtlasIED have pioneered new transporta-

Angeles starts gearing up to host the 2028 Summer

among all terminals.

tion-focused communications concepts that are

Olympics, LAX is spearheading an unprecedented

Additionally, Direct AV is leading LAX’s transition

setting a new standard for other airports.

avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

33

TECHNOLOGY PROJECTION MAPPING

Watch Where You’re Walking

Floor Projection Hits Big-Box Retail with Dynamic Messaging

there’s a desire to reassess how they’re being engaged and how that in-store experience can be enriched.”

A clear advantage of floor projection over other in-store marketing methods is that it disrupts the retail shopping experience and redirects shoppers’ attention.

“If you’re pushing your cart, you can’t really help but stop and pay attention,” Walls said. “I think it’s also a case study in how we can effectively disrupt that journey. You’re trying to get them used to seeing information and receiving ads in a new way.”

By Jim Beaugez

D

“Part of the strategy behind floor graphics is

Today, consumers are conditioned to look for

trying to utilize sales space that typically or histori-

display monitors to find useful information in public

cally isn’t utilized to engage shoppers in a new way

settings, such as a schedule of arrivals and departures

elivering the unexpected can be a winning

from an advertising standpoint,” said Drew Walls, a

at an airport or an electronic menu board at a deli.

marketing strategy when executed well.

strategic account manager at Wovenmedia special-

Those constraints are not an issue with floor projection.

But the art of surprising consumers extends

izing in big-box retail. Major retailers are now taking

“Typically, what you’re going to see, as far as an

beyond traditional creative methods like standard

advantage of floor real estate for advertising just as

electronic display, is a large-format, flat-screen

digital signage and video. Sometimes the winning

consumers return to their aisles in big numbers.

monitor that’s in your typical 16:9 aspect ratio—the

twist can be a clever way of reaching them.

Across the retail landscape, the largest block of

In-Store Experience Impact

all-familiar rectangle that you see,” said John Moezzi, national accounts manager at Sharp/NEC. “With this

untapped marketing real estate is right under their

“When we went through the pandemic, the first thing

technology, we can do all sorts of things. We don’t have

feet. Wovenmedia, a San Francisco-based digital

to really suffer from a retail standpoint was the in-store

to project a rectangle down on the floor.”

signage firm, working in conjunction with projection

experience,” Walls explained. “It completely changed

specialist Sharp/NEC, is now rolling out dynamic

how people shopped. As we look forward to getting

images or dynamic video projected onto the floor

marketing and messaging in retail environments

people back in a retail setting, and continuing their

appear in their own shapes and sizes by essentially

using laser floor projection systems.

customer journeys within a retail environment, I think

removing the negative space from the visual assets. In a

34

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Through projection mapping techniques, static

PROJECTION MAPPING TECHNOLOGY

retail environment, the result could be a special sales

projectors, simply because you’re going to run into

message from a brand for that particular location or a

considerations like lighting in different retail

general brand commercial.

settings,” Walls said. “Every store is going to have

“With creative uses of the content, you can do all

different lighting conditions. There’s just going to be

sorts of things that look completely out of the ordi-

tweaking that you’re gonna have to do, such as

nary,” Moezzi said. “Let’s say you use a black back-

brightness [and] coming up with the best mix for

ground—when you shoot black down onto the floor, it

maximum visibility within a setting that might have

doesn’t show anything. So, if you imagine having a

ambient light already.”

video with bubbles going across the screen, all you

Floor projection assets can be uploaded,

would see on the floor is bubbles. You can get very creative with the content in doing this projection

scheduled, and implemented on site in the retail From left, Drew Wells and John Moezzi

mapping, which is totally different than what you could do using a large-format display, your typical flat panel.”

Laser Power

store or at a corporate headquarters—in this case using the WovenManager CMS with Projector

Moezzi said. With the projectors mounted to ceiling

Control Application in conjunction with NEC

rafters high above the sales floor, a motorized lift is

NP-P605UL laser projectors.

needed to access them for maintenance (or replace-

“Where are we going to place these, as it relates

Moezzi credits the advent of widespread laser

ment in the case of laser projectors). Interrupting the

to high-traffic items that are the most profitable

projection with enabling floor projection in retail.

shopping journey to perform regular maintenance on

[and whose] ads speak the most relevantly to?”

Although the concept of floor projection had been

overhead projectors isn’t high on retailers’ wish lists.

Walls asked. “I think, looking forward, location is

proven with bulb projectors, he said scaling to

“We had to think through every possible scenario

really going to be a driving factor in adding more

multiple locations—300 stores to date in the case of

we could to try to mitigate any risk,” Moezzi offered.

projectors or especially how these will serve more

one big-box retailer—required the ease of mainte-

“You want to do everything you can to remotely

of a wayfinding and a human purpose. And that

nance afforded by laser projectors.

remediate any issues that there might be, as well as

just completely depends on the strategy from a

proactively do the things that are required so that you

retail standpoint.”

“The laser light source never has to be changed, unlike a lamp that you have to change after so many hours,” Moezzi explained. “Also very important is

don’t have issues pop up in the first place.”

Wayfinding could be a natural application of floor projection once marketers establish them as a source

the optical block is sealed. With lamp-based

Read the Room

technology, you would have a filter that has to be

Environmental challenges can determine where to

mostly using the technology to boost sell-through of

cleaned after so many hours to prevent dust from

place floor projection by narrowing the field of

products in their stores.

causing problems with the display of the images.

potential locations. Installed overhead lighting, as

Given the fact that there’s no lamp to replace or

well as ambient sources such as skylights, can be

application for a long time, but the technology was

filter to clean, these laser projectors are essentially

gating issues for the designers and installers behind

just not there,” Moezzi said. “This is an example of

maintenance free.”

floor projection installations.

the technology meeting a need that retailers already

That level of hands-off operation is crucial for executing a successful floor projection installation,

of information. For now, however, retailers are

“From a technical aspect, the physical location is pretty important when you’re trying to execute these

avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

35

“Retailers have had an interest in this sort of

had, so they’re very receptive to the idea of trying an application like this.”

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION

ence with ESPN+ streaming systems—a key component of Tulane University’s broadcast services—solidified the decision.

The building itself was constructed in 1933, and the space identified for the new control room showed clear signs of age. Lachin Architects was brought in to help TSG reimagine the space.

“We had to find a way to work within the existing framework,” said AV engineer Jason Martin, lead TSG systems architect for the project. “Many steel beams and bulkheads added decades ago were in the way and simply immovable. As we planned a design around these obstacles, the Tulane Athletics Department brought in a general contractor and electrician to gut and rebuild the space. They completely redid all of the finishes, and installed a new electrical infrastructure and transformer.”

The new electrical infrastructure provided TSG with a dedicated feed for the control room, as well as a smaller adjacent studio space they had envisioned for

Tulane Unifies AV and Broadcast for Sports Production T

press conferences and similar needs. “The dedicated feed is important to the integrity of the signals and production,” said Martin. “Without that, the custom production team is sharing their electrical with the rest of the building. That can create havoc on the technology, such as interference from stadium lighting.”

New Fiber Infrastructure With outside electrical interferences gone, TSG and in-house technicians considered the interconnects to and from the three venues. They also worked closely with the campus IT department to establish a new fiber run. More than 100 strands of fiber were run

he autumn signals change like no other

Control Room Choices

season, a change that students and faculty in

Of course, being based in a busy urban area, along

can immediately light up if other strands fail.

higher education work through every year.

with the usual challenges of finding green space on a

Individual fiber strands are used for each camera feed,

Along with the resumption of campuses comes the

university campus, left Tulane University with limited

as opposed to muxing camera signals.

return of fall sports, an activity that bonds students

options for the new facility. “Space is always a

and the surrounding communities. This is certainly

premium on campus here,” said Andrew Alvarez,

and that brings many different camera feeds onto a

the case with Tulane University, an NCAA Division

director of video and broadcasting, Tulane University.

single fiber or sometimes a pair of fibers,” said

1 American Athletic Conference (“The American”)

“As we worked to identify the right location, we

Martin. “All it takes is somebody tripping over the

organization with 17 varsity teams.

realized that refurbishing an existing space was our

wrong cable to bring the entire show to a screeching

only viable option.”

halt. It costs a few more dollars to use individual

Based in New Orleans, Tulane hosts its home football games at Yulman Stadium, a 30,000-seat,

Alvarez and his colleagues envisioned a

between all locations, some being “dark fiber” that

“Camera signal muxing is increasingly common,

strands for each camera, but it provides that extra

open roof venue that opened in 2014. Yulman

1,500-square-foot space that could accommodate

layer of security for staying on the air if any fibers are

Stadium is one of three premier sports venues

overlapping productions, and set their sights on an

damaged during the production.”

located on campus, including the adjacent Turchin

area inside Fogelman Arena that would provide

Stadium (baseball) and the Avron B. Fogelman

substantially more room than the existing facilities.

Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse, home of Green Wave

Finding a much larger space also meant that it was

TSG opted for single-mode fiber to optimize video signal distance, and added Cat 6a network cable and connectors to interconnects between all locations.

men’s and women’s basketball (and later volleyball)

time for significant technology upgrades to improve

Custom-built patch bays with Attero Tech Dante I/O

since the 1930s.

in-venue and outbound production value. In addition

boxes are used with the single-mode fiber at the

to enhancing control room technology and certain

venues. TSG also installed patch bays for SMPTE

new 12-year, $1 billion deal with ESPN, the Tulane

venue systems, it also meant establishing a com-

camera cables with both LEMO and Neutrik opticalCON

University Athletic Department began considering

pletely new fiber and IP infrastructure between the

DRAGONFLY connectors, both of which are positioned

upgrades that would raise the production value for

control room and three venues.

around the venues for live video acquisition.

Around the time when The American signed a

live broadcasts and the in-venue fan experience.

While Alvarez would lead the charge from the inside,

There is also an IP network backbone between the

This required a near complete reimagination of

it was clear that a job of this scope required outside

switches. “We are using Extreme Networks’ new 5520

their AV and broadcast infrastructure, including a

assistance. The fact that Baton Rouge-based Technical

switches,” said Martin. “These are data center-grade

new centralized control center to manage

Services Group (TSG) has near equal experience with

switches used for communication between the

productions.

broadcast and AV integration projects, and has experi-

venues. We have a 10 Gig fiber path for Dante audio

36

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A small studio is used for press conferences and video shoots for athletes.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Evertz VUE-Touch rack-mountable control panels add further value inside the control room; the touch-

used to,” said Martin.

TSG went with the “married system” approach for

screen panels are tailored with VUE widgets that

replay to avoid what he calls “push-pull” between the

interface with the router, multiviewer, and Ross Video

different users. All replay content exists in a single

infrastructure gear. The Ross Video gear plays an

database and is available to all three operators in real

between the control room and Yulman and Turchin

enormous role in the production workflow, with a

time. Replay content plays out on Daktonics video

stadiums, and we use that same pipe to move control

Carbonite Black Plus production switcher, an Xpression

boards in each the venues.

data between the venues and master control.”

real-time motion graphics platform, and Tria Express

Video moves over a separate fiber path, with Evertz 3405 fiber-optic SFP BNC frames powering

Duet servers all playing important roles.

All systems are ESPN and ESPN+ compliant for

“This new system tremendously improves our fan experience on campus,” said Jana Woodson, deputy athletic director for external operations, Tulane

transport. The high-capacity bulk optical conversion

both broadcast and streaming productions. TSG

University. “Our fans can enjoy more amenities

platforms can accommodate 16 Evertz 3405 Series

designed two production workflows out of the Ross

through in-venue elements that include videoboard

SFPs and up to 32 optical-to-electrical (or vice versa)

infrastructure, TD1 and TD2, which can be used

capabilities, but also new fan interaction content

conversions. According to Martin, this is one of the

separately or unified into “one giant workflow,”

capabilities that come with the new studio.”

first facilities to use Evertz’s Scorpion MIO Dante

according to Martin. “We installed a single Carbonite

The small studio is the one that TSG carved out

modules for 64-channel Dante-to-TDM conversion.

Black Plus frame, and that is a 3 M/E switcher for two

next to the control room. In addition to press confer-

different productions,” he explained. “Rather than

ences, the studio often hosts video shoots for athletes

applications and Dante for AV,” he explained. “The

“MADI has traditionally been used for broadcast

getting a 2 M/E control panel and 1 M/E, which is the

that are then shared with the replay operators. The

way we have configured this system just creates this

traditional way, we decided to try a different

studio includes a Dracast DRK1000 B3K lighting kit

huge universe of end points that the customer can

approach. We procured two, 2 M/E panels, and

and a bluescreen that production staff can use to

leverage. That is very unique—and we will see a lot

everything comes out of the EQX router. We then

create varied, colorful backgrounds. TSG also added

more of this in the future.”

mapped one of the mini M/Es inside the Carbonite

audio jacks for wired and wireless microphones,

platform to the second M/E on the TD2 panel.

SMPTE camera connections, and two permanently

Resolving Signal Flow

“Since everything lands on the router and can

mounted Panasonic AW-UE70 PTZ cameras.

The Evertz gear, which also provides the routing and

recalled through the controller, we can make the TD2

control solutions, is mostly centralized in master

side utilize two full M/Es. We can move things around

Audio Investment

control. The facility’s central EQX10 3G-SDI routing

as much as we want with this configuration. We can

Audio capture and networking were the biggest

platform incorporates a wide variety of Evertz EQX

do a linear and a board show, two linear shows or two

investment inside the venue, along with patching

modules to manage video processing, synchroniza-

board shows, and the technicians can move the

systems to move audio and handheld camera signals-

tion, and audio embedding and de-embedding and

stations around as they please.”

back to the studio. “We built XLR inputs and outputs

channel shuffling. The solution also integrates

on the patchbay systems that tie to the Attero Tech

redundant Evertz MAGNUM servers, bringing

The Fan Experience

everything inside the router under a single point of

The control room features three instant replay

plates, and provide input and output points in the

control, including Dante audio control.

operator stations, with 12 inputs and six outputs

technology core that serve any of the three venues.”

“Many venues still just use Dante on the edge

shared amongst the three. A collection of freelance

units,” said Martin. “They can patch to any of our field

Shure shotgun microphones are used along with a

devices, but this system utilizes Dante as the true

operators use Evertz Dreamcatcher instant replay

Jony Shot parabolic microphone reflector inside the

audio backbone,” said Martin. “We are routing Dante

servers, which are also used at the nearby Superdome

venue to capture crowd noise. In addition, Shure

natively within MAGNUM control software, and this is

and Smoothie King Arena. “We wanted to use the

wired lavalier microphones and boundary micro-

also very new and unique.”

same systems that the local replay talent pool are

phones with inline preamps are used most often for basketball games.

“These are mainly used in the arena to pick up the sound from the court itself, ” said Martin. “Neutrik opticalCON DRAGONFLY I/O boxes are used at both baskets to make the patching and unpatching as seamless as possible.”

Martin said Tulane University is the first to add DRAGONFLY boxes to athletic venues in America, adding that Neutrik’s expanded beam technology is what makes the product so special. This is especially important on the video side for camera content acquisition in the venues.

“There is a mating connector that focuses the camera signal back down into a fine fiber strand,” he explained. “In a traditional fiber system, a small speck of dust can prevent the camera from operating.

With these Neutrik connectors, the user can literally just exhale a little air from his or her mouth or from a can of compressed air. From there, the user can

Individual fiber strands are used for each camera feed.

simply plug in and go. It is a very special innovation in in both the AV and broadcast world.”

avnetwork.com // March 2022 // SCN

37

TECHNOLOGY CLOUD POWER

Cloud or On-Prem?

Evaluate Which Technologies Are Best for Workflows

Because this technology is so new, you’ll find yourself doing a great number of POC projects. It’s important to understand how to characterize the project, what parts of the needs are real time, and which are offline (recording or archival). All of this points to how much risk is inherent in the project.

And, of course, the risk has to tie back to the gain or why bother?

My recommendation is that as you enter the world of cloud-based, audiovisual systems

By Dave Van Hoy

P

from the cloud to your client’s premises.

The formulation for looking at total cost of

ublic cloud is now a reality for the AV

ownership with the cloud is immensely more

industry. Whether you’re comfortable

complex. Because you’re moving from predictable

with it or not, it’s here. Our job as the

fixed costs of hardware and software, even if the

system integrator remains the same as it has

software is as a subscription, to a world of subscrip-

always been: Evaluate technologies and workflows

tion, consumption, and egress.

with clients to identify their immediate and future

This is not to be taken lightly. We learned this

as follows: • Select some of your staff and get them training at the appropriate levels within the hyperscalers you’re going to work with, as they differ highly.

• Make your business deal with the hyperscalers and decide if you’re going to resell their services or merely integrate them.

• Do your technology evaluations with existing

needs to find the right solutions. That could be in

the first time one of our clients did a proof of

vendors for what they’re doing in cloud, and

the cloud or on premises.

concept (POC) believing they wanted to be all in

look at your competitors to ensure that you

cloud. They just did not want another server in their

understand a balanced offering of products.

Cloud-based systems are the shiny, new object that everyone is talking about. Every year there’s

rack. Their budget was $10,000 for a 90-day POC

another new, shiny object. However, some are more

with the hyperscaler. After 90 days, they got a bill

have adequate time to design and test iteratively.

fraught with risk than others. When we look at the

for $30,000.

Always include all of the signal paths, including

uses of public cloud, we really want to start with

As with all new technologies, make sure you

ingress and egress to the cloud. This may point out

what your customer is looking to gain. Flexibility,

Trial and Error

cost, agility? What are they willing to give up for

That is not to say that cloud is always right or always

those gains? As with every new technology, there

wrong. It’s always about finding the best answer.

new stuff.

are tradeoffs.

Sometimes that’s about the technology, sometimes

Dave Van Hoy is the president of Advanced Systems

it’s about the economics, and sometimes it’s both.

Group, LLC. Contact him at dvh@asgllc.com.

If your client has an existing, on-prem infrastructure, cloud may or may not be the best choice. If your

So how do you go about this? By taking the same

client has no infrastructure and is starting from

steps that you always take with your client:

scratch, a cloud workflow may be worth evaluating to

discovery, evaluating needs, researching

determine if it’s the best choice.

potential solutions, and pricing them out for

CAPEX vs. OPEX

One note: As you go through this process, you’ll find the amount of work in the software-

capital to operational expenses, as well as the ability

defined and hyperscaler world is more than you

to iterate more quickly without expensive equipment

are used to. It likely will require skills you may

replacements. The first thing you want to ascertain

not have directly in your organization today.

Early on, there will be a great deal trial and

move costs from CAPEX to OPEX in their organization.

error since this is not mature standards-based

If there is, you can begin to look at the possible

technology. It’s a very iterative process,

benefits. If the motivation is purely cost savings in

something you may not know how to do today.

the long term, then public cloud on an annualized

Projects will likely require sub consultants if you

basis may not save you a great deal of money.

don’t have the in-house experience.

On the new risks side of the equation, you will

However, once you go down this path,

have service level agreements (SLAs) of public cloud

you’ll find the system design criteria are

vendors that are outside of your control, connectivity

very much the same as every other

that may be outside of your control, and greater

system you’ve done in your

security concerns. The security concerns are generally

career. You’re looking to

not within the hyperscaler itself, as you would expect,

solve for functionality and

but instead are more related to the network used to

quality. Some of the

get the content to the cloud and back. That will be

leading vendors today may

your concern as the system integrator.

have parts of solutions or

Also, when looking at the costs, one has to

And lastly, enjoy the ride. It’s always fun to learn

your client.

Moving to the cloud is all about converting costs from

for your client is if there is a financial motivation to

challenges that you may not have expected.

may claim to have the

remember that some of the greatest costs in cloud

entire solution. But we all

today are egress charges—traffic that exits a network

know how that really works. At

in transit to an external location. Egress charges

the end of the day, you are hired by the

represent the cost of bringing a signal or data back

client to be the one, truly responsible party.

E_

K MA

C S/T

E AG

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GE

M YI TT

O OT PH

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

Barix Paging Gateway M400

Platinum Tools Weatherproof RJ45 Coupler Housing

The Paging Gateway M400 enables paging from

The new weatherproof RJ45 coupler housing is ideal

smartphones into almost any existing analog public

for use on cable extensions when installing security

address systems. Integrating easily with most

cameras. The rugged, IP64-rated housing protects

existing analog paging or P.A. systems, the Paging

almost any RJ45 coupler from dust and splashes. A full

Gateway M400 lets users send paging announcements

rubber liner and dual locking lugs keep the housing

pitch shifter, to all four mic inputs, which can be

from Android or iOS mobile phones or from any

securely closed, while dual center mounting points

useful for dramatic effect or character voices. New

computer on the local network. Paging is performed

allow the housing to be secured with screws or cable

input gain control for the USB, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm

through a web browser, eliminating the need for

ties. The housing is Cat 5e/6/6A compatible with the

aux input enables the input audio level for outside

installation of a dedicated app. Users can drop a

appropriate coupler (not included).

callers to be controlled through the Mixcast 4. To

browser shortcut button onto their phone’s home

prevent audio feedback, particularly for videocon-

screen and then page with a simple click. Line-level,

ferencing, the new update also provides for auto-

analog audio output from the Paging Gateway M400

matic mute on monitor out when the Mixcast 4’s

hardware can be routed to existing paging and P.A.

microphone inputs are active. Plus, audio level

amplifiers, while password-protected access ensures

displays are now indicated in dB, not just green/red

only authorized users can page. For more advanced

color-only indicators.

use cases, the new gateway also integrates seamlessly into Barix’s fully IP-based IC Paging solution for zone-based paging from web browsers and mobile devices.

Extron Quantum Ultra II The Quantum Ultra II 610 and Quantum Ultra II 305 are the next generation of Extron video wall processors that provide advanced connectivity and throughput capabilities. Both feature a modular architecture consisting of a card frame, input cards, and output with mixed resolutions and screen orientations. The

Modulo Pi Modulo Play and Modulo Kinetic

18 Gbps HDMI connections on the 4K I/O cards

Modulo has introduced a hardware revision for its

facilitate single-path 4K/60 signals and are HDCP 2.3

Modulo Player and Modulo Kinetic series of media

compliant. The 8K-ready HyperLane video bus

servers to boost performance and capabilities.

supports more than 20 4K/60 sources. Embedded

Hardware improvements include increased RAM,

HDMI audio from any source can be routed indepen-

doubled bandwidth with PCIE 4.0, ultra-fast NVMe

cards—and both can support multiple videowalls

TechLogix Networx MOFO HD21 Series

dently to one or more active canvasses. The Quantum

disks, and additional slots for optional live input

The new TechLogix MOFO HD21 Series cables

Ultra II 610 is a 6 RU, 10-slot card frame, while the

boards. The hardware revision also comes with new

feature a true fiber optic core for interference-free,

Quantum Ultra II 305 is a 3 RU, five-slot card frame for

server motherboards, as well as new generation

uncompressed 8K HDMI signal transmission up to

small to medium-sized video walls. Portrait and

processor and GPU. New hardware specifications

30 meters without the need for in-line boosters or

landscape output support, output overlap, bezel

depend on the media server model.

power supplies. Plus, the fiber core can be spliced

compensation, and custom output resolutions ensure

and re-terminated with standard fiber optic tools

compatibility with nearly any display.

and connectors. A MOFO cable used for HDMI today

HuddleCamHD SimplTrack Lite The new plug-and-play, auto-tracking USB camera

can be re-purposed for network, control, or other

TASCAM Mixcast 4 V1.20

AV formats tomorrow. The fiber core inside

Introduced last summer, the Mixcast 4 Podcast

compatibility with a range of system configura-

TechLogix MOFO cables also improves durability

Station is an ideal tool for live streaming, event

tions. The HuddleCamHD SimplTrack Lite auto-

and handling. HD21 Series cables support a

production, voiceovers, and, of course, podcasts. The

matically creates smooth tracking shots without a

70-pound pull-rating and 1.8 inch minimum

new Version 1.20 firmare update delivers a signifi-

camera operator or software setup, but can be

bend-rating, and the plenum-rated jacket accom-

cant boost in its feature set, providing for global

controlled via IP or RS-232 tools via manual mode.

modates in-wall installation or in conduit larger

voice effects for multiple mic inputs. With this new

With its 20x optical zoom, the 1080p camera can be

than one inch in diameter.

feature, users can apply a global voice effect, such as

positioned up to 50 feet away from the subject. A

40

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

has PoE and multiple mounting configurations for

NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

59.5-degree field of view and 270 degrees of

lumen projectors—EB-PU2220B and EB-PU2120W—

encing requires no software downloads or complex

rotation allow those being recorded to move about

which offer significant advantages for the live events

applications. Users can quickly and easily trans-

the tracking area. The camera can also be config-

and large venue markets, including more efficient

form conference rooms into highly functional,

ured with specific preset tracking zones via a

setup, lower power consumption, and potential

interactive videoconferencing hubs, with no long

simple, one-time setup process. The HuddleCamHD

savings in labor, storage, and shipping. Powered by a

cable runs or complicated equipment configura-

SimplTrack Lite is compatible with most videocon-

20,000-hour, virtually maintenance-free laser light

tions. Up to four people can present simultaneously

ferencing, lecture capture, and learning manage-

source, the new Pro Series projectors feature full HD

with the ShareView Wireless Pro’s fluid, automatic

ment systems, and includes NDI|HD, USB, IP, SDI,

WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution with 4K Enhance-

quad-multiview capabilities. It features USB

and HDMI outputs, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for

ment Technology to produce incredibly crisp,

pass-through so connected laptops can utilize USB

an external mic.

ultra-bright images. The projectors pair seamlessly

cameras, microphones, or speaker bars connected

with Epson’s extensive lens family and come

to the base unit. The new system supports 4K

equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC)

resolutions as well as connection via AirPlay for

functionality.

Apple devices and the free WirelessMedia2 app for

Epson Pro Series Six new new Pro Series interchangeable lens projectors range from 13,000 to 20,000 lumens of

Android devices. The ShareView Wireless Pro comes

equal color and white brightness. The new genera-

TEKVOX ShareView Wireless Pro System

tion of compact, ultra-lightweight 3LCD projectors

The plug-and-play ShareView Wireless Pro System

ters, which sit on the tabletop and connect the

include the world’s lightest and smallest 20,000-

(79060-WPSPro) for wireless BYOD videoconfer-

system to a laptop.

STAY ONE STEP AHEAD

INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

with two small HMDI or USB-C hardware transmit-

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VIEWPOINT

Supporting Women, Diversity Councils Protect the Future of Pro AV Industry

By Jennifer Goodyer

T

Industry Associations AVIXA Women’s Council The mission of the AVIXA Women's Council is to provide a global community of AVIXA members and other professionals committed to supporting and empowering women who work in the technology and AV industry.

SoundGirls Established to inspire and empower the next generation of women in audio, SoundGirls

that among the 25 firms with the highest percentage of

creates a supportive community for women in

women execs and board members, researchers found

audio and music production, providing the tools,

that median returns on assets and equity were at least

knowledge, and support to further their careers.

he AVIXA Women’s Council saw a total

74 percent higher than among the overall group of

growth of 13 percent in 2021, now counting

companies surveyed. With an increase in women

Women in AV

just over 1,000 members worldwide. Pro AV

entering executive positions in companies, we could

Women in AV establishes a multifaceted

and tech women’s councils have been established

begin to see a positive waterfall effect that would

approach to educating, supporting, encourag-

and are thriving throughout our industry from orga-

influence the next generation of AV professionals.

ing and inspiring women in the audiovisual

nizations like SoundGirls, WAVE, and the AWC. We

Representation is crucial to growing the future of

industry through collaboration, research,

have experienced incredible success with the emer-

women in our workforce, and as the studies show,

mentoring, and networking opportunities. The

gence of these institutions with their apparent and

women are crucial to growing our industry. Recently,

Women in AV Group promotes the growth and

visible powerful positive impact on our industry, but

a positive outcome of the Women’s Council, which

performance of women by empowering women

there may still be a lack of awareness or understand-

would directly pursue enhancing the future percent-

to feel recognized, respected, productive, and

ing of the missions and initiatives of these councils.

age of women seeking AV as a professional career, was

important to the AV industry.

Although we should be proud of the advance-

the record number of women who were nominated

ments made in creating more equal opportunities in

and awarded AVIXA AV professional awards. Because

Women’s Audio Mission

the AV industry, the numbers could still be better,

of the publicity of these awards, younger generations

WAM is a San Francisco/Oakland-based

with less than 20 percent of the AV Industry occupied

of women joining the AV industry are witnessing true

nonprofit organization that uses music and

by women.

representation—and seeing themselves not only in

media and an incredible “carrot” of a training

AV, but noticing the attainable success they can

environment—the only professional recording

achieve in our industry.

studio in the world built and run by women/GNC

First, let us set the facts straight on the fight for gender equality. The battle for gender equality is not reserved for those overtly and directly negatively

Through all the effort we have put in this last

individuals—to attract over 2,000 underserved

impacted by its perils; it’s truly an all-are-welcome

decade to influence women to pursue careers in AV,

women/girls/GNC individuals every year to STEM

cause. Although gender inequality may not overtly

we find ourselves taking a large step backward with

and creative technology studies that inspire

have a negative impact on your career, it’s an issue

the challenges from the pandemic. According to a

them to amplify their voices and become the

that affects all genders, not just those that are

MetLife 2020 survey, nearly half of all women say the

innovators of tomorrow.

underrepresented and without equal opportunities.

pandemic has had a negative effect on their career,

It’s in the hands of today’s current AV profession-

and one in five women have completely been pushed

als to ensure the AV industry not only maintains but

out of the workforce. Now, more than ever, it’s

continues to prosper. In order to protect the future of

important for us to embrace equality and spearhead

clear to everyone what we are attempting to accom-

AV, we have to begin to create an environment

women in our industry, if we want to see a positive

plish through our initiatives and events. Yes, AV

conducive to success for AV professionals entering

change and evolve as an industry.

women’s groups mostly fight against gender inequal-

our industry.

With already staggering low numbers of women

Several recent corporate level studies tell us that the

It also seems common that it may not be exactly

ity, an issue we believe should not just be seen as a

representing the workforce in the AV and tech

“woman problem” or an “us versus them” mentality.

most successful and thriving companies embrace and

industries, we need to work harder than ever to fight

Of course we advocate for equal pay for equal work,

practice diversity and equality. Forbes also uncovered

for equality within our industry.

but we also campaign against sexual harassment and push for safer work environments for women.

Representation is crucial to growing the future of women in our workforce, and as the studies show, women are crucial to growing our industry.

42

SCN // March 2022 // avnetwork.com

All of these issues are extremely important, but equality and diversity are undeniably not just the responsibility for the individuals that experience their consequences, they are an industry problem and require an industry-wide solution. If you haven’t already considered supporting a Pro AV women’s or diversity council, now is the time.

Jennifer Goodyer, CTS, is an account manager and marketing director for RT Sales. Contact her at jgoodyer@rtsales.com.