Systems Contractor News - May 2022

Welcome to the May Issue of

SCN341.AD_.indd 1

4/19/22 11:43 AM

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS

®

THE NINE Young Pro AV Leaders Deliver Super Results

AVNETWORK.COM

MAY 2022

GETTY IMAGES

CONTENTS

24

The Nine They may not have superpowers, but these nine individuals are accomplishing

great things in the industry.

32

People

Technology

16 Executive Q&A

34 All Systems Go

Richard Bugg, chair of Avnu Alliance’s Pro AV

Kramer technologies bring new life to the Morgan

Working Group, discusses the Milan network profile.

County Emergency Operations Center.

By Mark J. Pescatore

By Wayne Cavadi

18 Executive Q&A Kramer CEO Gilad Yron is positioning the company to

36 Listen Up: The Latest in Speakerphones

support multiple platforms.

Today’s speakerphones need flexibility for the hybrid

By Mark J. Pescatore

age.

22 Beyond the Tech Is leadership taught or learned, and how will remote work affect tomorrow’s leaders?

By Douglas Kleeger

Business 31 Blueprint for Success

By Wayne Cavadi

Viewpoint 42 It’s Time to Reintroduce Accountability to Pro AV To work well, accountability has to be more than a singular action.

By Charmaine Toruella

You should always look forward, but you should also occasionally gaze back.

By John Storyk

34

32 Return of the Huddle Room

Departments

15 ASSOCIATION NEWS 20 NEWSMAKERS 40 PRODUCTS

Hybrid workforces are here to stay, which means small group collaboration spaces are back in style.

By James Careless

Vol. 29 No. 5 May 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.

Subscribe online at www.MySCNews.com. Please allow 6-8 weeks for address changes to take effect. ©Copyright 2022 by Future US, Inc. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

avnetwork.com // May 2022 // SCN

3

®

SYSTEMS CHECK avnetwork.com

MAY 2022 VOL. 29 NO. 5 CONTENT

VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Contributors James Careless, Jennifer Guhl, Douglas Kleeger, John Storyk, Charmaine Toruella

MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director

Group Art Director Nicole Cobban Art Editor Rob Crossland Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow

EMAIL

mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/ systemscontractor

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

TWITTER twitter.com/scnmag

A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S

Facebook Jail Offers Lesson in Customer Service

O

n April 1, I woke up to learn my Facebook account had been disabled. I thought it was an April Fool’s joke at first. By the time the issue was resolved, I wasn’t laughing.

It had been weeks since the last time I posted to my account, a short message thanking

people for wishing me a happy birthday. As you might suspect, my post was neither political nor sexually explicit in nature. There was a Carvel ice cream cake in the photo, but that tends to only trigger cravings, not microaggressions.

So, what did I do? Did I click on the wrong ad? Did I not bring enough Carvel cake to share with the group?

According to the support page I found, accounts are disabled when they “might not follow the Facebook Terms.” A few bullet points provided some examples (such as using a fake name), but my specific violation was not made clear. I was also instructed that Facebook “may not issue a warning before disabling your account.” No kidding.

I was given the chance to fill out a form and request a review. Basically, I typed in my name and sent them a picture of my driver’s license. A message came back immediately with the headline: “We Cannot Review the Decision to Disable Your Account.” It was then explained to me that my account was disabled because “it did not follow our Community Standards. This decision can’t be reversed.”

Then, right before lunchtime, my account was active again. No email, no explanation.

Apparently, I was not the only person affected by this, as Meta’s Andy Stone acknowledged via Twitter that a “technical issue” caused a “small number of people to have trouble accessing Facebook.” All I know for sure is that I wasted a lot of time that morning trying to be paroled from “Facebook Jail.”

And there is today’s lesson, folks: Customer service matters. Of course, the people who use Facebook aren’t really the customers, are we? Once it became an advertising platform, we became the product that’s sold to advertisers.

Still, while I was scrambling to regain access to more than a decade of memories and personal connections stretching back to elementary school, I did not at any time feel valued. At one point, I left the platform to find a Facebook phone number—and was then told by a very pleasant voice on a recorded message that there was no phone support available for the likes of me. Yes, my account and data are accessible once again, but it sure seems like Facebook has made a concerted effort to make it incredibly difficult for users to resolve issues, let alone talk to a real human being.

When dealing with AV equipment, customers are going to have problems, and many of them can’t troubleshoot past the “shut it off, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on” move.

Don’t make it difficult for your customers to find you when they have technical issues that are impacting their productivity. Endless hold times and unanswered emails will not make them feel valued. In fact, it might just leave them searching for a new platform.

4

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

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

To subscribe, change your address, or check on your current account status, go to avnetwork.com and click on About Us, email futureplc@computerfulfillment. com, call 888-266-5828, or write P.O. Box 1051, Lowell, MA 01853.

LICENSING/REPRINTS/PERMISSIONS

SCN is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing team to discuss partnership opportunities.

Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw licensing@futurenet.com M A N AG E M E N T

Senior Vice President, B2B Rick Stamberger Vice President, Sales & Publishing, B2B Aaron Kern Vice President, B2B Tech Group Carmel King Vice President, Sales, B2B Tech Group Adam Goldstein Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design Rodney Dive FUTURE US, INC.

130 West 42nd Street, 7th Floor New York, NY 10036

All contents ©2022 Future US, Inc. or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales.

Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/ permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.

Please Recycle. We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. The manufacturing paper mill and printer hold full FSC and PEFC certification and accreditation.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Central Point Technology Outfits Barstool Sportsbook with Daktronics LED Displays

A

s sportsbooks expand in popularity, Daktronics has partnered with AV integrator Control Point Technology to outfit nine

Barstool Sportsbook-branded locations with LED video and digital ticker displays. The all-new sportsbooks are using the technology to deliver sports betting experiences with live sports action coupled with real-time sports information including odds, point spreads, and over/unders.

A landmark U.S. Supreme Court 2018 ruling freed up all states to conduct sports gambling. Nearly four years later, almost 80% of U.S. states have either legalized sports wagering or introduced legislation to do so. As a result, many racing, casino, and sporting event facilities are incorporating sports and race-

ics displays, including Circa Las Vegas and Westgate

support the customers’ design intent and to assist in

books into their spaces—and are including LED video

Las Vegas. Circa currently has the world’s largest

quickly finalizing their installations so they can begin

walls and tickers to keep fans and bettors informed.

indoor sportsbook display.

enjoying their video systems sooner.”

“The sportsbook video display trend has exploded,

“Selecting Daktronics for these projects was an

and Daktronics has been well equipped to deliver

easy decision based on the proven quality and

high-quality solutions to fit the needs of this indoor

reliability of their products,” said John Wise, Control

application,” said Jim Vasgaard, Daktronics national

Point principal. “Daktronics has multiple products,

sales manager for spectacular projects. “Sportsbooks

pixel pitches, and technology to encompass the entire

are developing room and display designs to provide

sportsbook for video walls, sports tickers, and more.”

immersive experiences for their customers. Our

“We’ve successfully delivered these products and

company has invested heavily in developing a

solutions through our partnership with Control Point

superior indoor product to allow for close viewing

to support multiple sportsbook locations,” added

distances while delivering high-resolution imagery.”

Vasgaard. “Our project management team provides

Control Point has helped deliver multiple sportsbook installations that have included Daktron-

Control Point with engineering support, including customized products and technical drawings, to

INTEGRATOR INSIGHT Do you see automatic software updates as a good thing or bad thing for your clients—and how can this negatively impact installed systems?

As a content developer and specialty integrator

NSCA Announces DEI Action Council

N

in the digital signage space, we know from experience that automatic updates are almost always problematic—and that’s putting it mildly. When we deploy CMS software on a media player, it is designed to work as-is with the player’s current firmware. It’s immeasurably better for us to know ahead of time when an

SCA has rebranded Ignite 2.0, its commit-

maximize the impact of the resources we’re creating

update is coming, so we can run the update on

tee focused on improving diversity, equity,

for integrators.”

our own terms and be prepared to go in and

and inclusion (DEI) in the integration

While maintaining the recruiting elements of

quickly fix any issues that may arise. If all

industry. It’s now called the NSCA DEI Action Coun-

NSCA’s Ignite program, the NSCA DEI Action Council

software updates were performed automatically,

cil, and it aims to make a substantive impact.

is focused on societal injustices and inequities. Plus, it

we would spend hours constantly troubleshoot-

“The name ‘NSCA DEI Action Council’ speaks

provides members with the foresight and knowledge

ing and fixing networks with tens, hundreds, or

directly to our objectives,” explained NSCA executive

needed to instill inclusivity and diversity (and realize

even thousands of endpoints. Auto-

director Tom LeBlanc, who is also NSCA’s DEI Action

the business benefits of doing so). NSCA’s Essentials

matic software updates run the

Council liaison. “The 10 council members decided to

Online Library includes a DEI section with articles and

risk of creating an unwieldy

rebrand to help us build awareness of DEI and

tools to help integrators make an impact.

mess for the team in charge of device support, and have the potential to cause significant disruption and downtime to the network.

Darryl Kuder, President, Red Dot Digital Media

6

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

LG Displays Bring ‘Wow Factor’ to AVI-SPL’s New Dallas Office

Draper. “It was an unusual project, requiring semi-permanent installation with the ability to move the entire display at a moment’s notice. The lightweight OLED panels allowed us to use a manual design, without motorization, which simplified the build. The end result is the appearance of a permanently installed curved video wall that’s easily movable.”

The process was enlightening for the AVI-SPL team. “It was super interesting and exciting to actually bend the OLED displays on site, under the guidance of on-site LG

hen visitors enter the lobby of the

professionals,” Schriefer added.

new AVI-SPL office in Dallas, the first

“There’s a curve table that the

thing they see is the one-of-a-kind

display attaches to, then a ratchet

Wave Wall. This eye-popping video wall uses mul-

you turn, and it bends the display to

tiple curved OLED displays from LG Business Solu-

the precise curve you need. Assis-

tions USA to form a wavy HD video surface.

tance from Draper and LG was

After being hit with the “wow factor” that AVI-SPL and LG can deliver for corporate lobbies and public spaces, visitors next encounter a 65-inch

PHOTOS ©2022 CHEYNE SMITH

W

director of business development at

The AVI-SPL lobby of the Dallas office features the Wave Wall with curved LG OLED displays.

critical to the success of this part of the project.”

The 65-inch interactive display demonstrates how

business, the ground floor meeting room also needed to highlight how display technologies can enhance

LG interactive digital signage board that provides

lobbies, entranceways, and other high-traffic areas

modern meetings with improved clarity, brightness,

wayfinding information. As they continue walking

can provide critical wayfinding, scheduling, and

and simplicity. LG’s 136-inch all-in-one dvLED

forward, they end up in the ground floor meeting

building information in a responsive and attractive

display is a packaged product that ships with virtually

room that features LG’s 136-inch All-In-One dvLED

way that meets guests’ digital expectations. AVI-SPL

every component needed for installation, and can be

display. Various LG 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch

is currently using Appspace for content delivery and

assembled in approximately an hour. This represents

4K LED displays are also installed throughout

worked with Korbyt to develop content.

a considerable labor reduction compared with the

other areas.

“AVI-SPL’s lobby has the feel of a high-end retail

According to AVI-SPL engineering manager Erich

amount of time required to install non-packaged

experience or a Silicon Valley HQ reception area, and it

products. It also greatly simplifies maintenance for

Schriefer, the new Dallas office is a key location for

virtually guarantees a stellar first impression for

integrators or on-site staff by using detachable LED

showcasing advanced display technologies. “We

visiting clients and partners,” said Dan Smith, vice

modules that can be easily replaced without disman-

contract for a good deal of high-end signage and

president of business development, LG Business

tling the display.

content, and there’s no better proof of our skill and

Solutions USA. “Whether they are hosting consult-

ability to think outside the box than filling our own

ants, architects, builders or end users, the lobby and

created a buzz among our various visitors, and we’ve

corporate lobby with show-stopping technology,” he

meeting room show that AVI-SPL is not only capable of

received some unexpected RFPs specifically because

said. “We recognized that these spaces could be

great feats, but is also on top of all the latest tools and

visitors were impressed with our facilities,” Schriefer

product and expertise showcases for every partner,

has strong relationships with leading manufacturers.”

added. “Each product was carefully chosen for a

client, or guest that visits the building, and worked with a variety of our suppliers to outfit different areas

As one of the first things guests see and a key location where executives gather and conduct

with various technologies.”

“These first impression areas have already

distinct purpose and it shows. The OLED Wave Wall is perfect for the lobby because its high-definition picture quality allows visitors to walk right

The Wave Wall comprises nine 55-inch

up to it, while the conference room dvLED

curved OLED panels in a 3x3 configuration,

provides brightness and clarity for partici-

with each panel mounted vertically to form a

pants whether they are close to the display

12-foot-tall, portrait-oriented 4K display.

or across the room.”

This was the first time an AVI-SPL team

AVI-SPL, LG, and Draper all agree the

used LG’s curved OLED video wall technol-

new office acts as an excellent demo site—

ogy. Because it is a custom display, the team

and the design and installation process

also partnered with Draper to design a

served as a good training exercise to build

mounting solution that allows the entire

competency with new products as well as

wall to smoothly swivel out six feet from its

develop best practices for optimal results.

resting position for maintenance and

“Our partnerships with leading manu-

demonstration purposes.

facturers and designers like AVI-SPL

“We were thrilled to partner with

continue to pay dividends and result in

AVI-SPL and LG on this project, and our

industry-leading projects that excite the

expertise in designing mounts was exactly what they needed,” said Kevin Barlow,

8

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

imagination and help reinvigorate spaces The ground floor meeting room features an LG 136-inch dvLED display.

with digital clarity,” Smith said.

Software-Defined AV Distribution

The Future of AV Distribution DisplayNet® delivers the performance of traditional matrix switchers, with the future readiness of AV over IP. By leveraging cutting edge SDVoE technology, DisplayNet offers 4K/60 (4:4:4) video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency and zero image artifacts.

DisplayNet provides unique features such as Software-Defined MultiViewer and Advanced Video Wall that enable a wide range of applications without the expense of ancillary products. Silent operation, powerful Network Security features, versatile KVM Routing and support for Dante® digital audio provide system designers with exceptional versatility. A highly intuitive web-based UI and API greatly simplifies setup and installation, as well as integration into third-party control systems.

Contact us today to learn how DisplayNet can make your next AV system future ready.

ZERO COMPROMISE – INFINITE POSSIBILITIES Powered by sales@dvigear.com | (888) 463-9927 | www.displaynet.com Dante® is a registered trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd.

© 2021 DVIGear, Inc.

NEWS

Sony Helps Gateway Church Bring ‘Cinematic Look’ to Worship Services

T

wo Sony cameras, the HDC-F5500 4K Super 35mm system camera and the HDC-3500 4K camera, are bringing enhanced produc-

tion tools to worship services at Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. S35mm-based cameras such as the HDC-F5500 offer a shallow depth of field that amplifies creative expression and provides engag-

the box, without requiring the additional cabling and

ing new looks that can enrich worship experiences

third-party parts associated with other cinematic

of all sizes.

cameras. Selecting the HDC-F5500 and HDC-3500

installed an XVS-9000 4 M/E 4K switcher, PWS-4500

“We wanted to achieve a cinematic look for the

colorimetry and operational controls.

In addition to the new cameras, Gateway Church

was an easy choice, not only because Gateway has

8-channel 4K server, BRAVIA professional 4K HDR

worship portion of our services—and when we were

relied on Sony’s technology, guidance, and collabora-

displays, and PVM professional production monitors

introduced to the HDC-F5500 camera, we knew it was

tion for decades, but because the new cameras match

through integration firm Beck Associates. They also

exactly what we needed,” said Noah Gravell, executive

each other, the rest of the church’s equipment, and

purchased the new XVS-G1 switcher for their Dallas

director of live production, Gateway Church.

pair well with their Sony ecosystem.”

campus.

“The new model takes the best of Sony’s imaging

The HDC-F5500 is using a mix of FUJINON Cabrio

“Sony has valued Gateway Church’s partnership

expertise and packages it into a camera designed with

cinema zoom lenses to enhance the depth of field,

for many years, so we’re pleased to help them evolve

churches’ needs in mind,” added Adrian Lopez, CEO

while the HDC-3500 is being used with a mix of

into the next generation of creative cinematic

of Thunderhead Enterprises, who was the project

FUJINON box and portable zoom lenses, which

capture, while building their collection of comple-

manager. “It’s a complete system that works out of

provide Gateway with complementary matching of

mentary Sony technology,” said Theresa Alesso, president, Imaging Products & Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “The HDC-F5500 was purpose built to alleviate the complications associated with achieving shallow depth of field in live productions, with input from the faith community. Having Gateway as our first faith-based customer is a testament to the power and applicability of the camera in this environment.”

Features of the HDC-F5500 and HDC-3500 cameras include global shutter technology to eliminate rolling shutter distortion and flash band. In addition, both cameras support a wide color gamut and offer various frame rates for a true “cinematic look” while providing a 60p output, making them ideal for live production. High sensitivity and low noise, along with HDR (High Dynamic Range), also prove helpful in capturing bright or dark environments, which is especially beneficial for the lighting often used during worship services. Plus, operation is intuitive, allowing users and volunteers at all levels to easily produce content for their live productions, which serve both in-person and virtual audiences.

10

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

New AV System Helps Dallas Museum Host Private Events

T

he Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum includes a state-of-the-art Cinemark Theater, which provides a premium

acoustical treatment.

To support the widest variety of uses, theater resources include a Cisco managed networking package,

viewing environment for heart-stirring survivor

Blackmagic Design video production system, and three

testimonials that are shown every hour. While the

Panasonic PTZ cameras. The separate lighting system

250-seat theater includes a high-end projection sys-

features 16 ETC LED ellipsoidal light fixtures. To tie all

tem, wall-to-wall screen, and immersive surround

the components together, Clear ProAV integrated an

sound system, museum administrators wanted

Extron DTP system with wired and wireless connectiv-

DTP CrossPoint matrix switcher or connect through one

to enhance the capabilities of the space and cre-

ity, powerful audio processing, and AV streaming.

of the DTP wall plate transmitters on the stage. Another

ate a multipurpose venue, which could host private events for outside organizations.

A new, high-performance AV system works

The installation is operated using an Extron

switcher.

Presenters can either use the computer tied into the

option is to connect wirelessly via the ShareLink Pro

Pro Series control system, which also enables control

gateway. An Extron DMP 128 Plus provides all audio

of the house lighting and theatrical lighting systems

mixing and processing.

within the space, distributes content to the lobby and

via DMX. Control is straightforward. Museum

atrium displays, and can be integrated with broadcast

volunteers and private-event clients can easily

control for novice as well as experienced users alike.

trucks for public events. Design constraints presented

control all AV system operations and signal routing

The Cinemark Theater is proving to be a popular

McKinney, Texas-based integration firm Clear ProAV

using one of the four Extron 10-inch TouchLinkPro

venue for private events and fundraising by the Dallas

with unique challenges. For example, the AV compo-

touchpanels that are installed in the theater and

Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. “The use of

nents could not block movie sight lines, projection

control room. They can also control the theatrical

DTP and Pro Series control products allowed us to

cones, in-ceiling THX surround sound speakers, or

lighting system using any of the touchpanels.

create an easy-to-use but extremely powerful AV

the unique house lighting. Plus, the installation also needed to work within the confines of the theater’s

The theater’s independent AV system is built on an Extron DTP CrossPoint 108 4K 10x8 presentation matrix

The result is a powerful AV system with intuitive

system,” said Anthony Stowell, director of integrations at Clear ProAV.

avnetwork.com // May 2022 // SCN

11

NEWS have access to some displays, so they can post advertising about upcoming events or even want ads for those seeking roommates. Carousel Cloud software provides options to use built-in templates for digital signage or upload pre-made content.

UConn’s Carousel Cloud system also integrates with the university’s mass notification system, so the screens will immediately switch to displaying alerts in the event of an emergency, .

Content created by students is managed through a portal on UConn’s website, which features a submission form that asks users to provide information about file sizes and aspect ratios, as well as in which buildings they wish the content to appear and for how long. These completed forms generate tickets in the help desk system, and Woodaman’s team reviews these requests to ensure that they follow the university’s style guide. Individual departments that publish and manage their own content use Carousel Cloud’s scheduling feature to distribute messaging.

Woodaman noted that the shift to Carousel Cloud has resulted in a more intuitive, responsive user

UConn Streamlines Campus Communications with Cloud-Based Carousel Digital Signage System

C

arousel Digital Signage is continuing to streamline digital signage content delivery and management at the University of

and that’s why we chose Carousel.”

The initial Carousel 7 deployment involved 300

experience. He points out that updates are issued regularly, enabling users to take advantage of new features. The cloud solution also facilitates administration and management on the fly.

“If I’m not in the office at my computer, it’s easy for me to pull out my phone and navigate the mobile version to check on players, update content, and add users,” he said. “It makes for a faster experience.”

It also makes for more consistent branding.

During its transition to Carousel Cloud, Woodaman worked with Carousel’s creative services team to develop three standard channel options with templates that incorporate the visual elements associated with the UConn brand. Even though different

media players, and UConn has kept expanding

departments need to distribute their own messaging,

Connecticut (UConn). Recently, UConn upgraded its

through its transition to Carousel Cloud, which began

there was a need for some visual consistency.

existing on-premise Carousel 7 system to Carousel

in 2021. Today, there are approximately 700 displays

Cloud, further simplifying the creation, schedul-

receiving content from Carousel Cloud across the

came to how people wanted their channels to look,”

ing, and management of messaging throughout its

main campus, as well as six regional locations.

he said. “We wanted to make sure that it was more

campus and regional locations.

Woodaman estimates there will be 800 displays by

cohesive, and that you still knew that you were at

the end of the summer.

UConn when looking at the displays. The channel

Brien Woodaman, AV technician and digital signage service manager at UConn, explained that the

The university uses a combination of Bright-

“Previously, it was kind of a free-for-all when it

templates are super helpful in keeping everything

university began standardizing its digital signage

Sign and Apple TV players, as well as the webOS

consistent, and people who don’t have graphic design

systems in 2016. At the time, each department used

functionality that is built into its LG smart displays.

skills can easily create content and publish it.”

its own homegrown solution, leading to inconsisten-

UConn has deployed Jamf Now, a cloud-based MDM

Looking forward, Woodaman said UConn is

cies in service offerings, scalability, hosting, and

solution, to manage all Apple TV devices on campus.

considering the deployment of outdoor signage for

performance. “There was a lot of confusion, so there was a push to standardize,” he said.

Thanks to Carousel’s partnership with Jamf,

wayfinding, as well as at bus stops to display sched-

Woodaman extended the management capabilities to

ules. In addition to everyday, informative signage,

To address this, UConn deployed Carousel 7,

the digital signage system. “I created a sub-group that

there are opportunities to take it further using video

Carousel Digital Signage’s on-premise platform, to

manages the Apple TVs that are running signage,” he

walls and marquee wrap displays.

deliver content in a more streamlined fashion. This

explained. “When a new device is purchased, I just add

UConn’s AV services group is now part of the

provided the standardization the university was

that to the Jamf sub-group and push out the configu-

university’s IT department, which facilitates rollouts

seeking, and the platform also addressed the need

ration, and it loads right into Carousel Cloud.”

such as these, Woodaman explained. “Because we all

for a user-friendly UI. “The people interfacing with the digital signage

The content displayed across UConn varies

work under the same umbrella, it’s easier to gain

depending on where the signage is situated: Screens

access to IT resources and to collaborate with the server

systems weren’t graphic designers or technicians;

outside of classrooms display scheduling informa-

group and the security team,” he said. “With Carousel

they were office admins, faculty, or staff from

tion, while department-specific displays run

Cloud, once it’s set up and the initial paths are created,

different departments,” Woodaman said. “We

announcements related to scholarships, internships,

there’s virtually no ongoing maintenance thanks to its

needed something that was simple and easy to use,

and different work opportunities. Student groups also

IT-friendly operation. Everything is seamless.”

12

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

2022 SCN STELLAR SERVICE AWARDS NEWS

SCN Announces the 2022 Stellar Service Awards The votes are in: Here are the innovators you voted as exceptional service providers.

W

e often recognize manufacturers for their technological innovations—the products that drive our industry—but

we’d be remiss if we didn’t also recognize the people behind those innovations and the experiences they create with their services.

We turned to you, our readers, to determine the winners of this year’s Stellar Service Awards. Voting on the nominees took place in March and April, and the votes have been tallied. We are proud to announce the winning results and congratulate these exceptional service providers.

Best Design Service/Tools Platinum: Legrand AV Design Team Gold: Snap One Commercial Systems Design Team Silver: Planar Custom Solutions Best In-House Training Platinum: Shure Audio Institute’s Wireless Best Practices and Techniques Gold: The E4 Experience Best Online Training Platinum: Allen & Heath Mini Masterclasses Gold: Crestron Technical Institute Silver: The E4 Evolution Best Project Management Tools Platinum: D-Tools System Integrator Software Gold: XTEN-AV Best Sales Operation Platinum: Shure Sales Gold: The SoundPro Experience Team Silver: BTX Sales Team Best Supporting Content Platinum: L-Acoustics L-ISA Studio Quick Start Tutorials avnetwork.com // May 2022 // SCN

13

Gold: PTZOptics Live and On-Demand Resources Silver: Epiphan Content Marketing Best Tech Support Platinum: Extron Gold: Peerless-AV Customer Care Team

Silver: Symetrix Technical Support Team Best Website Dealer UX Platinum: Crestron.com Gold: Extron Silver: Shure Partner Shop

NEWS

DiGiCo Mixing Consoles Added to Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

C

hicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art

control room, mixes streams of the events and

Plus, the consoles had to be compact to minimize

has purchased two new pieces of equip-

presentations originating in the venue, and can also

seat loss at FOH and portable enough to be easily

ment, but museumgoers are much more

be used for monitor-mixing work when needed.

moved and reconnected for other projects. The S21

likely to hear them before they see them. Last

“The museum has moved to a visitor model with

checked all of those boxes, he said.

summer, the MCA acquired and installed a pair of

people inside the museum and theater, but much of

DiGiCo S21 audio mixing consoles.

what takes place here is also available via

a result of a colleague watching a documentary

streaming,” said Matthew Test, MCA audio visual

about the hit musical, Hamilton, which mentioned

Second City Sound & Communications, as well as

manager. “Most of the in-person events are

the DiGiCo console used for its sound. “That led us

integration by SCS working with the MCA production

simultaneously streamed, and the S21 in the

down that path, and we learned that the S21 was

team, the S21s now reside in the museum’s Edlis

audiovisual room gives us the flexibility to create a

everything a museum like the MCA needed,” Test

Neeson Theater. The desks are each paired with a

unique mix for the virtual audience in addition to

said. “It was affordable, yet still very powerful and

DMI-Dante card for networking, plus three DiGiCo

the one from the S21 at front of house.”

flexible, and had the added advantage of being able

With consulting and purchase provided by

A168 stage boxes (also connected via Dante). One

In researching the equipment for the theater’s

console, which serves as the front-of-house desk, is

audio update, Test said the staff was looking for

also fitted with a DMI-AMM (Automatic Mic Mixing)

consoles that could be easily networked together,

card. The second console, situated in the theater’s

but also offered versatility and impactful sound.

The MCA production team discovered the S21 as

to be integrated into the museum’s existing LAN infrastructure.”

As the theater’s primary FOH engineer, audio visual technician Sam Clapp has his own reasons for appreciating the S21. “What I like best about the DiGiCo in general is how clean and easily understandable its user interfaces are,” he explained, “as well as the fact that they just look good—very sleek and attractive with cool touchscreens. Perfect for a museum of contemporary art.”

Clapp regularly uses the FOH S21’s aux sends for the live streams when not using the S21 in the video control room, setting them up to mirror the main FOH mix. He said the approach is more efficient for some types of shows. He uses virtually all the S21’s features, including onboard EQ and compression.

“And for someone who learned audio from working on a DAW, it’s so easy to transition to,” Clapp said.

Conversely, Test likes to use the Dante network to pull pre-fader inputs from the stage boxes to both boards simultaneously. “They can still talk to each other, which is a nice feature for gain-tracking,” he noted.

“We also use a group system to collect channels with similar EQ and compression needs, like handheld mics and lavs, and they get routed to the matrix and then sent to the LCR and sub speaker stacks,” Clapp added. “So there are a lot of flexible routing options, and also the ability to create presets and save them as starting points for different projects. That’s worked well for many kinds of events, from small panels to large-scale shows.”

Audra Jacot’s domain at the MCA’s Edlis Neeson Theater is mostly video, but even there she’s found the S21 to be helpful. Occasionally, one of the consoles’ mix engineers will step away for a moment, and she can easily and confidently handle the audio duties.

“I can immediately see that if it’s purple it’s an aux feed, and if it’s blue it’s an input,” she said. “And if I’m nearby and someone needs a monitor level moved up or down, I can see what channel they need to adjust.

It’s laid out so intuitively, and it just looks great.”

14

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

Pro AV Shrugs Off Supply Difficulties

W

ith as many supply challenges as the Pro AV industry is facing—91% of respondents to AVIXA’s latest Pro AV Business

pandemic, especially with many countries

50. That context is why 64.9 is actually near-record

sunsetting restrictions and moving

employment expansion. Such expansion is even more

towards an endemic COVID-19 approach,”

positive when comments make it clear that one reason

said Peter Hansen, economist for AVIXA.

it’s not higher is because hiring isn’t that easy right now.

“Commenters in our survey are clear,

U.S. employment numbers help show why. In

though, that growth faces its own restrictions,

March, the U.S. economy added 431,000 jobs, extend-

primarily supply difficulties. Hiring is a secondary

ing a streak of 11 months over 400,000 new jobs per

brake on growth, since labor market tightness has now

month. Labor force participation climbed in March,

reached pro AV.”

and unemployment fell. In sum, people are rejoining

Risks remain—future variants, China’s COVID-

the labor force, and companies are soaking them up as

zero policy, seasonal factors—but things are now by

fast as possible. Supply is growing, but demand is

far the most optimistic since the pandemic began.

growing more quickly. That makes for a tough hiring

From the Pro AV perspective, we spotlight the

market. That said, while it is a challenge, it is also a

experience economy. So much of Pro AV is in-person-

sign of the positive strength of the current recovery.

centric: live events, hospitality, entertainment, etc.

The Pro AV Business Index report is derived from a

These sources of revenue, employment, and joy have

monthly survey of the AVIXA Insights Community, a

been greatly affected and reduced for two years. Their

research community of industry members that tracks

recovery has never been closer than it is today.

business trends in commercial AV. The report

The labor market—both inside and outside of Pro

comprises two diffusion indexes: the AV Sales Index

AV—is extremely strong. Within our industry, the AV

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

Index report facing at least some supply delays—

Employment Index (AVI-E) marked another month of

each case, an index above 50 indicates an increase in

growth in AV sales reached a record in March. The AV

strong growth. The March reading was 64.9, just as we

sales or employment activity.

Sales Index (AVI-S) measured 72.7, up 7.4 points from

saw in February. That this AVI-E number is substan-

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

February, up 3.1 points from the pandemic recovery

tially below the AVI-S number of 72.7 should not take

monthly Pro-AV Business Index reports and learn more

record of 69.6 (in June 2021), and up 1.1 points from

away from how strongly positive an indicator it is.

about the methodology. For more information about

the all-time record of 71.6 (in March 2017).

“Driving the record is the recovery from the

Employment changes more slowly than sales, resulting in numbers closer to the no-net change level of

joining the AVIXA Insights Community, visit www. avixa.org/AVIP.

avnetwork.com // May 2022 // SCN

15

PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

Avnu Alliance Stresses Interoperability Bugg Chairs Pro AV Working Group, Champions New Streamlined Milan Certification Process

Richard Bugg Position: Chair, Pro AV Working Group Organization: Avnu Alliance Overtime: My off-hours time is spent browsing used bookstores for books involving science, sound, and music.

that can empower them to deliver the most innovative experiences to users while still being simple to use. In the Pro AV market, these systems also require long-term stability so that end users can amortize the

By Mark J. Pescatore

network standards—it’s a deliberate execution of the

investment over a period of many years. It is also

solution that live sound leaders have chosen.

equally important that the system is easy to set up

As an independent association, the Avnu Alliance : How long have you been with this group, and

was created to provide a neutral authority to guaran-

and use.

To create this kind of solution and achieve the

what are your responsibilities?

tee interoperability. The Milan certification is the first

high-quality audio that can satisfy audiences now and

Richard Bugg: Since the 1970s I’ve been working in

independent certification program in the Pro AV

into the future, open standards can support the

live sound on both sides of the microphone.

market. Standardized tests performed at independent

convergence of multiple disciplines, such as audio,

Currently, I’m a digital products solutions architect at

test labs guarantee interoperability with other

video, mechanical, control, and lighting on a single

Meyer Sound Laboratories. For the past two decades,

Milan-certified devices and create the no-compro-

network. While the Pro AV market has various

I’ve been managing digital audio show control,

mise, open-standards-based network for real-time

standards and protocols, it is possible to have a

automation, and multichannel sound manipulation,

media delivery that is Milan.

system where, with minor design adjustments,

“Spacemap,” in live theater. I became involved in Avnu early in the formation phase and have worked

various protocols can coexist on the same network. : Can you explain the unique Milan Advanced

Ultimately, this convergence will result in broadly

closely with the Pro AV segment within Avnu on

Certification Program?

useful solutions and devices, enabling economies of

market specifications, testing, and technical aspects.

RB: A first of its kind for the AV industry, the Milan

scale and reducing the cost for essential infrastruc-

In more recent years, I’ve taken on the role of Pro AV

Advanced Certification Program, introduced in

ture. Cross-industry convergence of this nature

segment chair within Avnu, and was actively involved

October 2021, streamlines certification testing. End

occurs in the wake of open standards adoption,

in the launch of the Milan Protocol.

devices implementing the Milan network protocol can

backed by conformance verification mechanisms.

now be tested at several independent test houses : What is Milan and why is it important for the

Currently, this effort is being championed by

around the world, enabling much faster, more

Avnu Alliance, where manufacturers who are in

pro audio market?

convenient, and less expensive testing and

direct competition with one another have come

RB: Milan is a standards-based deterministic network

certification. The Advanced Certification program

together to drive the change they want to see the in

profile for professional media, based on the IEEE Audio

introduces a significantly enhanced Certification

the Pro AV market. This is Milan. Working together

Video Bridging (AVB)/Time Sensitive Networking

Management System, new pre-certification

over the last several years, manufacturers (including

(TSN) foundation. It was created by leading Pro AV

validation test tools, and global access to test houses.

Meyer Sound) have created a vision for a complete

This is a new approach to open standard certifica-

media network that is easy-to-use, future-proof,

manufacturers, including Meyer Sound, under the umbrella of Avnu Alliance. Our goal was to enable a

tion for the Pro AV industry. The new Milan Advanced

open for creativity, scalable, and capable of deliver-

streamlined specification and certification process.

Certification Program makes testing and certification

ing a convergence between audio, video, and control

Milan-certified devices have guaranteed

significantly easier and faster for members, which

with IT on one network.

interoperability, assuring devices work together at new

brings more manufacturers and certified devices to

levels of convenience, reliability, and functionality.

the table, with the guarantee that those devices will

When it comes to networked audio platforms, the

: What new initiatives are we likely to see

work together to deliver the best experience for the

from Avnu?

professional industry has two major requirements. At

end user. The new streamlined program is Milan’s

RB: In October 2021, Avnu Alliance announced

the most basic level, it requires guaranteed delivery of

solution to enabling a long-term, stable, no-compro-

expanded testing at new Registered Test Facilities

high-quality audio (not subject to dropouts), and it

mise network of future-ready devices that is easier

(RTFs) around the world. These well-recognized,

requires low and deterministic latency (fixed and does

and less expensive to implement—and evolves with

globally dispersed test labs will lower shipping times,

not drift). The industry also needs to solve for these

the market’s requirements.

offer competitive pricing models, and streamline the

features with a long-term, stable, and viable platform. When making decisions on networking

process for members seeking to certify products and : Where do you see the pro AV industry

make communications between testing sites and

infrastructure, end users need to be confident that

heading?

they’ve chosen an enduring standard and a network

RB: The future of AV will champion a whole that is

that will work as their media and data needs scale—

greater than the sum of its parts, with the focus

developing the requirements needed to ensure the

today, tomorrow, and even years from now.

shifting to building an integrated system instead of

interoperability of TSN standards-based devices can

wrangling isolated, individual products.

visit www.avnu.org to learn more about membership

There is no one perfect network standard for every application. Milan is not competing with other

16

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

Audio and systems engineers require technologies

vendors seamless.

Those interested in having a vote and voice in

in Avnu Alliance and get involved.

PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

All About Collaboration

Gilad Yron Position: CEO Company: Kramer Electronics Ltd.

Yron Positions Kramer to Support Multiple Platforms

By Mark J. Pescatore

: How long have you been with this company,

we’re all suffering through right now. We’re

GY: We are lucky to have extremely strong financial

accustomed to a less-than-ideal overall experience, but

backing that allows us to ensure our supply chain. In

we believe such compromises shouldn’t be accepted.

recent months, anticipating supply chain issues, we

The demand for intuitive, simple, and inclusive

dramatically increased our inventory levels and we

and what are your responsibilities?

collaboration solutions is increasing, and we’ve

strengthened elements in our supply chain that would

Gilad Yron: I joined Kramer in April 2021 as CEO.

defined this area as a goal for Kramer. We want to

otherwise be vulnerable to the current global shortages.

change the way people and organizations engage with

We are very proud of our state-of-the-art

each other. There are many platforms out there but no

operation and supply chain readiness during the

your role?

unification, so we’re creating a layer that supports

COVID-19 period. Early on, Kramer equipped itself

GY: I came to Kramer after several years in C-level

work across multiple platforms..

with all required parts and products to continue

: How has your background prepared you for

roles, and before that I amassed a great deal of experience in all aspects of business management,

supporting our customers. Unlike many other players : Beyond collaboration, how is Kramer

in the industry, Kramer met all its supply require-

marketing, and sales. My deep experience in global

working to improve the user experience (UX)

ments, and we’re continuing to proactively plan for

technology companies, where my responsibilities in

across its product lines?

resilience in stock and supply for the next couple of

different positions spanned Asia, Europe, and North

GY: We’re approaching the UX challenge in two

years.

America, is directly relevant to where Kramer is today

spheres. First, we’re aligning Kramer native

and the direction we are going.

products—all our solutions for the physi-digi world—

: You recently said Kramer’s acquisition of UC

: What are the short and long-term goals for

around the same, intuitive UX. Second, we’re

your company?

addressing the whole ecosystem, treating

GY: We are focusing simultaneously on enhancing our

Workspace was part of an effort to reinvent the

interoperability not as a catchphrase but as a business

customer-facing infrastructure and strengthening

collaboration process. Can you expand on that?

philosophy. Fundamentally, we understand that

and deepening our technological capabilities. In the

GY: Meetings and collaboration are our daily routines—

users do have choices and whatever they choose, we

last couple of months, we’ve been working to revamp

and we laugh when it takes seven minutes to initiate a

want to support it, and be able to be part of it.

our go-to-market strategy and scale up the

meeting—but it’s actually a kind of purgatory that

organization, including adding personnel in customer : Where do you see the

services, sales, and marketing. We’re building a

pro AV industry heading?

regional infrastructure and bringing in a new team of

GY: We are in the middle of a

executives to lead our customer-facing organization.

perfect storm that is

On the technological and product side, we

transforming our industry.

accelerated investment in research and development,

The pandemic accelerated

increasing our R&D budget substantially. And we

trends that otherwise would

recently completed two acquisitions—UC Workspace

have taken decades to play

and WOW Vision. With the advantage of our global

out. The entrance of the

R&D being in Israel, we are continuing to leverage the

software giants and the

very dynamic and flourishing environment of the

leading consumer

Start-Up Nation.

electronics companies, especially in peripherals and

: What new initiatives are we likely to see

the ongoing convergence of

from Kramer?

the IT and AV industries,

GY: Our initiatives are and will always be around driving

represents fantastic

additional customer value and solving substantial pain

opportunities to elevate

points through technology. You can expect to see a

audiovisual experiences.

significant expansion of our portfolio across multiple

This is the breakpoint when

product lines, and significant advances that bring a

we go from picking up the

greater degree of simplicity for everyone in the value

phone to collaborating in

chain—integrators, AV and IT departments, and, of

the metaverse.

course, end users. We will continue to expand our ecosystem and partnerships to give users more choice,

: How is Kramer

more simplicity, and more freedom to work the way

adapting to minimize

they like to work, and collaborate with anyone,

supply chain issues?

anywhere, at any time.

18

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS

Michele Ferreira

MICHELE FERREIRA has joined

With the

this new role,

ADVANCED SYSTEMS GROUP

demand for

Hinckley

(ASG) as vice president of sys-

digital

leads the

tems integration and support. In

signage on

account

the newly created position,

the rise,

manage-

Ferreira is responsible for overall

DAKTRONICS

management of the company’s

Nichole Gerlach

Quinn Rice

has added

ment Brian Hinckley

Sean McChesney

organization,

design, integration, and technical services. Her last

NICHOLE GERLACH to the key accounts sales team

strategizing new ways and developing updated

position was as vice president of sales at Electro-

and QUINN RICE to the AV sales team. In her new

systems and processes to improve the customer

sonic. She’s held similar titles at NES Associates,

role, Gerlach is introducing QSRs and convenience

experience. In his new role, McChesney, an eight-

VBrick Systems, and Audio Video Systems.

stores to a new asset for their marketing mixes: LED

year Electrosonic sales veteran, manages Electro-

and LCD displays. Gerlach brings 20 years of sales

sonic’s business development team to drive

ANGEL CONTRERAS has joined

expertise to the table. Rice, who has decades of

company revenue by identifying profitable opportu-

B-TECH AV MOUNTS as its new

experience in the AV industry, will serve customers in

nities and developing long-term business growth

design engineer. In his role,

the South Central and Southeast regions of the

strategies.

Contreras is enhancing the

United States. He will focus on dvLED and narrow

company’s ability to offer

pixel pitch LED solutions.

HALL TECHNOLOGIES has added AUSTIN BENKE as

mounting solutions to the North At ELECTROSONIC, BRYAN HINCKLEY has been

western regional sales man-

providing a deeper knowledge of technical support

promoted to vice president of strategic accounts and

ager. He is leading the charge

for customers looking to create ornate or complex

SEAN MCCHESNEY has been promoted to director

in seven western states includ-

mounting systems. In his most recent role, Contre-

of business development, experiential technology

ras spent more than 25 years designing AV mount-

solutions. Since joining the company in 1999,

Austin Benke

ing solutions for many commercial display

Hinckley has held various operations, engineering,

and Hawaii. Previously, Benke worked for Hal

applications utilizing projectors, LCD displays, and

and sales roles. Most recently, he served as global

Truax, Hall’s vice president of sales and marketing,

dvLED video walls.

vice president of immersive environments. Within

at CrimsonAV.

Angel Contreras

American market, and is

ing California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Arizona,

NEWSMAKERS PEOPLE

Roni Klein

Marc Rémond

KRAMER

commercial director of global sports. Leadsom has a

day running of all editorial

ELECTRON-

vast background in sports production with IMG

output. He also spent several

ICS has

Media, Fox Sports, and Sail GP, where he has been

years in Asia, where he focused

appointed

responsible for large sports productions in many

on rebranding channels and

two new

parts of the world. In the UK, he started the Premier

executives to

League’s 24/7 TV channel and oversaw the day-to-

lead regional

operations. RONI KLEIN, who was formerly Kramer vice president of strategic accounts, has been promoted to Kramer EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) president. Klein is a veteran leader of regional and global teams, spearheading complex strategies in sales, marketing, service, and operations. MARC RÉMOND has been appointed Kramer APAC (Asia-Pacific) president. A seasoned international business executive and entrepreneur, Rémond has 23 years of experience in selling and marketing IT and communications solutions and services to enterprise, government, and education institutions. As part of Kramer’s move toward a regional approach, Kramer will also establish a new EMEA regional headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and will locate the APAC regional headquarters in its existing Singapore offices.

MEYER SOUND has welcomed DAN WILSON as CFO. As a member of the company’s top-level executive team, he will focus on managing the company’s financial activities, Dan Wilson

developing strategies to support

continued growth, and working with key customers on implementing major transactions. Wilson brings a wealth of experience as a financial analyst and strategist from his more than 25-year career in banking, insurance, and consulting. He was a managing director and financial advisor for Deloitte, a major international professional services company, where he served as an independent consultant to Meyer Sound.

With more than 17 years of B2B marketing and experience, AVIXA Women’s Council group leader ALISON MAXSON has joined PPDS as its new senior marketing manager for North Alison Maxson

America. Based in Orlando,

Maxson will be responsible for strategizing, coordinating, and executing all PPDS marketing communications, channel, and trade events in North America. Her key objectives include increasing brand and product visibility for its entire range of Philips professional TVs, interactive displays, dvLED, and digital signage solutions across all core markets.

As part of its investment in sports output, VIZRT has added SAM LEADSOM to its leadership team as

avnetwork.com // May 2022 // SCN

21

producing a wide range of Sam Leadsom

content.

PEOPLE BEYOND THE TECH

Is Leadership Taught or Learned?

How Remote Work Can Affect Tomorrow’s Leaders

By Douglas Kleeger

others? While I see many red flags here, let’s stay on

F

the topic of leadership. I have yet to see anything

see happening through videoconferencing.

I mention these aspects because I feel the most

or some time now, there has been a plethora

written to address the issue of working 100% remote

effective leaders are those who have worked their way

of quotes, articles, and seminars on lead-

and the ramifications this may hold for future leaders.

up to a leadership position by learning the intricacies

ership posted on LinkedIn. Many of those

of the job and the actual work, as well as learning

quotes are direct opposites. One reads: “If you don’t

Office Advantages

take care of your customers, someone else will.”

Leadership is an important aspect of our society, as

course, there is more to being a leader than the job,

Lower in the thread is another: “Take care of your

we are social creatures, often working in groups.

but face-to-face, in-the-trenches experience is an

employees and they will take care of your custom-

Someone has to decide left or right, stay or go, etc. I

important part of the process.

ers.” To me it sounds like the age-old question of

don’t want to get bogged down on good vs. bad

which came first, the chicken or the egg?

leadership. Instead, I want to focus on where good,

have always worked remotely? Sure, there will be

effective leaders come from.

training, classes, and perhaps a leadership certifica-

While I enjoy reading these quotes, and I ponder

about their company, co-workers, clients, etc. Of

So, what does the future hold for workers who

them for a moment, I don’t read the actual articles

tion (maybe even developed by an AI computer

and/or complete posts. Right off the bat, they are a

program). I, for one, don’t want to see that.

little bit right and a little bit wrong. There is just no one-sided aspect to leadership and how you treat your employees/co-workers. In fact, most if not all the decisions we make, whether leadership or personal, and how we behave could likely use a little more balanced thought and consideration for others.

Road Show Revelation With the pandemic lightening up, many manufacturers are back on the road. There was a two-day event put on by Legrand | AV at a local brewery in Marietta, GA. I know some folks from Legrand and thought it would be a great opportunity to get some fresh air

For those who lead, employees need to be more than just numbers with an ROI ratio next to their name.

Is leadership taught from a textbook, or is

For those who lead, employees need to be more than just numbers with an ROI ratio next to their name. We need to start looking ahead to consider how we can mentor younger talent to be more than just effective leaders for shareholders, but to have love, humility, kindness, and common sense as well.

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@ avcs.us.

Answering ‘That’ Interview Question

(working remote has its ups and downs) and rekindle

leadership and its associated skills learned behavior

some acquaintances, as well as meet some new folks.

from interacting with others? Perhaps it’s balanced

It was a nice day, but not a big turnout from us

with some of both? I have found that working in an

Keeping in line with previous sidebars on

locals. It was a well-organized event, lots to see (some

office surrounded with others, you can learn humility,

employment, I saw a post on LinkedIn from Tom

SWAG for my kids), good food—everyone had a great

kindness, and decision-making skills from the daily

Proietti that got me thinking:

attitude and a good time. Thanks to Legrand.

interaction with your co-workers and leaders.

I met a young lady there, Rebekah Cannon. She is

Think about all the teams in our industry. A

“Them: Can we contact your previous employer to make sure you’re a good fit?

You: Sure! As long as I can ask your previous

a national solutions specialist, digital signage, for

systems integrator can have project management,

Legrand. We got to talking, touched on careers,

accounting, installation, commissioning, service,

school, and even cats (we both came from families

programmers, engineers, executive management,

that took in stray cats).

administration, and shipping and receiving teams,

have been asked that question, but had not

just to name a few.

thought of this reply, nor would I use it for fear of

As I recall, Rebekah graduated with a bachelor’s degree, started working for Legrand right out of

Face-to-face interaction is how it’s been—and I

employees why they quit.”

Interesting thought, right? I can tell you I

being thought of as…well, let’s say smug.

Employers are in control, as there are more

college, and has been with the company for two years.

believe there is a lot to learn from the nuances of

So far, so good.

people’s body language and expressions. Even the

candidates than employers. Maybe

general vibe they give off during interactions can be

someday, a better method will evolve

helpful. With remote workers, those benefits go away.

between those seeking employ-

Having recently written about working remote, I asked about her work situation. That’s when the bombshell hit. Rebekah said she started her job

While you may be able to pick up some facial

ment and those offering

working remotely during the pandemic. She has never

expressions, cameras are not always on. As far as body

employment that

been to or worked in an office, and likely will not.

language goes, when was the last time you were in a

provides a more “bal-

This is her first job.

meeting and saw more than a headshot? And vibes

anced” approach for the

Just ponder that for a moment. The younger

that can indicate someone’s mood are lost, too. The

hiring process.

generation workforce may never work in an office with

22

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

benefits of in-person interaction are not something I

BUSINESS THE XXX NINE

THE NINE Introducing The Nine. This group is comprised of young, budding superstars making their presence felt in the Pro AV landscape. They may not have superpowers, but these individuals are accomplishing great things in the industry.

Contributors: James Careless, Wayne Cavadi, Jennifer Guhl, Mark J. Pescatore

Omer Brookstein

changing the way the AV industry looks at service

Title: CEO and Co-Founder

manufacturers. Richard Sasson, global director of

Company: Xyte Location: Tel Aviv, Israel Overtime: Brookstein started programming AV

training with Crestron, worked collaboratively with

control systems at the age of 14 (and hasn’t stopped since). In his free time, he can be found

Brookstein during his time at Crestron, and said he

swimming, watching sports, or trying to keep up with his three sons.

was known to create excellent customer experi-

models, creating new business opportunities for

ences while pushing technology to its limits.

Why You Need to Know Him: Omer Brookstein represents a generation within the Pro AV industry

of business development for Crestron Israel.

“Working for a great company like Crestron,

After starting Xyte, he continued to work with Crestron as an official service provider. “With his

that has a strong understanding of workplace

alongside top-industry professionals, shaped my

new company, he has launched a fantastic platform

technologies and traditional AV, while also having a

professional and business expertise more than

to manage and monitor Crestron and third-party

focus on modern, cloud-based software

anything else in my career,” said Brookstein. “I

systems,” said Sasson. “He is highly innovative and

applications that will drive innovation within our

think that Crestron has been a great ‘school’ for

has a great vision for the future of automation

industry for decades to come.

many industry professionals that keep pushing the

technology.”

It may feel like many in the AV industry were destined to work within it, but Brookstein is

boundaries of what is still called AV.” After leading enterprise sales for 10 years at

Brookstein encourages others to live outside their comfort zone and feels those within the

someone that can literally say he was born into it. In

Crestron Israel, Brookstein made the decision,

industry should focus on “cycling uphill,” which

his native Israel, he spent his childhood working as

joining forces with his co-founder Boris Dinkevich,

allows them to use the challenges they overcome to

part of his family’s system integration firm, and

to launch the E2E hardware-as-a-service platform,

spearhead future progress for themselves and the

was encouraged to further his education with AV

Xyte. “Being able to develop a solution that in a

AV industry as a whole. “I think that the AV

programming classes at the age of 14.

short amount of time is already driving innovation

industry has a very unique vibe of one big family,

within the AV industry, and other industries, is

with great people in it—working for manufacturers,

cated to the United States and began working with

simply put, the most exciting and rewarding thing

integrators, and end customers,” said Brookstein.

Crestron Electronics as a programmer for their trade

I’ve done,” said Brookstein.

“I’m always happy to meet new people in the

After his mandatory military service, he relo-

shows as well as customer systems. Eventually, he returned to Israel to take on the role of CTO and head

24

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

Allowing manufacturers to turn their hardware into services and scale their products, Xyte is

industry, and these conversations almost always inspire me.”

THE NINE XXX BUSINESS

Brittany DiCesare

natural fit,” said DiCesare. “They were looking for

Title: Account Manager

new relationships and strengthen existing relation-

Company: Control Concepts, Inc. Location: Amissville, VA Overtime: DiCesare is a trained

ships with industry manufacturers and control

musician and vocalist. Her family insists she was singing before fully talking and she attributes

platforms. I was looking for a long-term profes-

her love of music for leading her into the AV industry.

sional home to continue relationship-building and

someone who knew the industry and could build

exercise my business and leadership skills.”

Why You Need to Know Her: Brittany DiCesare has

society member programs, DiCesare oversaw all

a keen understanding of business, workflows, and

council and member programs, growing involvement

Control Concepts family, and now nurtures relation-

relationships—and never shies away from a

within the programs while increasing global volun-

ships with manufacturers while collaborating with

challenge, especially when it comes to learning

teer engagement by 10%. She also helped organize the

Control Concept’s development team to address the

something new or developing additional skills.

first Women’s Council and Diversity Council presen-

many challenges these manufacturers face.

“I’m able to easily switch between big picture and

tations for AVIXA on the Main Stage at ISE.

granular levels, when necessary, which allows me

“People I consider sponsors—someone who

In January 2022, DiCesare officially joined the

“A polished young professional like DiCesare doesn’t come along very often,” said Greenblatt. “She

to be involved in both vision and operational

champions another to others behind closed

has a true passion for the AV industry, an inherent

conversations,” she explained. “Above all those

doors—often saw more in me than I saw in myself,”

business sense, understands the value of relation-

things, I strive to be an equal member of a team

said DiCesare. “Keeping an open mind was vital in

ships, and is self-motivated to learn and grow.”

that encourages, challenges, and helps inspire

my transitioning into this industry full time.”

people to greatness.”

Even though she didn’t officially get involved with

After taking a short break from the industry in

Some may be surprised to learn that a natural facilitator like DiCesare identifies as an introvert,

2021, DiCesare quickly realized the AV industry was

something she once perceived as a weakness but

the AV industry until 2018, DiCesare’s initial interest

where she belonged and wanted to return to what

has come to embrace. “It’s okay to be an introvert,”

was sparked during high school when she assisted her

she now calls her home. As fate would have it, Steve

DiCesare said. “I know this sounds silly, but I’ve

local youth group with audio mixing. From there, she

Greenblatt, president of Control Concepts, Inc.,

always been ashamed of it. I felt like it was the thing

dabbled in AV work during college and the beginning

reached out about an account manager position that

that was holding me back. But there are amazing

of her career until an opportunity with AVIXA led to

opened up within the company that he felt would be

strengths to being an introvert. I’ve learned to

her jumping headfirst into the industry.

a perfect fit for DiCesare’s skill set.

embrace those, sharpen those, and improve in the

As the manager of member and professional

“The more we talked, the more it seemed like a

weaker areas.”

BUSINESS THE XXX NINE

Shameka Dunbar

different. “I have the opportunity to take part in many roles embedded into one,” she said. “In one day, I

Title: Director of Audio-Visual Services Location: Houston, TX

could be doing product management, project manage-

Overtime: Dunbar has been a DJ for the past 10 years and is an advocate for Caribbean Soca

ment, solutions architect, or promotion through

music. She is also naturally drawn to nature and is happiest when surrounded by water, lakes,

writing newsletters about current AV trends.”

and beaches.

Being in a position to help create and guide the development of these roles has not only been rewarding

Why You Need to Know Her: Shameka Dunbar has

have heightened her brand and overall skillset.

for her, but she believes doors are being opened for those

an eye for targeting potential problems and her

Recently, she worked as the director of AV services for

currently working their way up in the industry. “Once I

experience in AV sales, engineering, design, and

LyncVerse Technologies, leading the management of

see goals are being achieved and more opportunities are

marketing allows her to develop innovative solutions,

their AV department and helping to set goals, develop

created for the next person to shine, then I know I am

no matter the situation.

overall strategy, and identify potential risks for their

doing something right in this industry,” she said.

enterprise business. She is currently transitioning to

When looking at the future of the industry,

basically fell into the AV industry when her local

a new position, and made it clear the Pro AV industry

Dunbar feels the opportunities are limitless and if

church needed live production assistance and intrigue

can expect exciting things from her in the near future,

there is something you want, don’t hesitate. “Always

led her to raise her hand to help. Through this work,

including a desire to further her career in manufac-

go after what you want,” she noted. “If you find

she decided to transition out of working in the oil and

turing with a focus on products and audio.

yourself wanting to pursue other areas in AV, by all

If you asked her, Dunbar would tell you she

gas industry and make the leap to become an AV technician with local system integrator, DataVox.

The experience she has had in the Pro AV industry has allowed her to build a career in which each day is

means go for it! Taking that one step can make a world of a difference.”

“I didn’t know AV was actually a thing, much less a name, until I discovered the industry back in 2016

“Once I see goals are being achieved and more opportunities are created for the next person to shine, then I know I am doing something right in this industry."

when I decided to make that transition,” said Dunbar.

DataVox quickly noticed her talent and promoted her to an AV system design specialist—and as she said, it went quickly up from there.

Over the past five years, Dunbar has worked in systems engineering for a number of technology and media companies, helping her make connections that

Joshua Foster

their input and support. Foster acts as project manager

Company: Indiana University Location: Bloomington, IN

further his education and accreditations, while

Overtime: When not at work, Foster spends time with his wife and two kids, getting outside

playing a constructive role in advancing the state of

to enjoy all that nature has to offer.

the AV industry. “I hold 29 AV certifications including

on these projects, often many at the same time.

Title: Manager, Learning Space Design

Somewhere in all of this work, Foster finds time to

Crestron Certified Masters Programmer, AVIXA CTS, Why You Need to Know Him: In an industry where

programming, audio DSP configuration, and network

and Q-SYS Audio and Control certificates,” he said. “I

technology advances rapidly, Joshua Foster makes it a

audio setup and troubleshooting,” he added.

am also a participant in the HETMA [Higher Education

priority to seek out the latest technology for Indiana University’s students, teachers, and staff.

“I am the type of person who reads every forum,

In 2012, Foster left Disney to spend two years as an audio systems engineer with Brigham Young University, followed by two years as an applications

Technology Managers Alliance] group and AVIXA InfoComm presenters.”

Despite these responsibilities and commitments,

spec sheet, and manual to find that one certain

engineer with Crestron Electronics. He then joined

Foster has not lost his passion for AV, and looks

product or feature to make the system better for the

Indiana University Bloomington and worked his way

forward to whatever new advances may be in the

end user and support team,” he said. “I strive to make

up the AV ladder.

pipeline. “I love the freedom networking has brought

every design and program better than the last, and my

In April 2020, Foster was promoted to manager of

top priority is focusing on the end user experience and

learning space design. “My top priority in my current

control and audio on the network, which drives

the system as a whole.”

role is to lead my team in setting the AV standards for

forward my designs and programming.”

After graduating from Florida’s Full Sail University

Indiana University,” he said. “We are focusing on

to AV,” he offered. “My passion especially lies in

Foster is also eager to find and foster new talent in

in 2007 with an associate’s degree in recording arts,

standardizing the AV infrastructure, design, and end

the AV world, and to help them succeed through the

Foster began his professional AV career at the nearby

user experience for all AV systems in our classrooms,

benefit of his knowledge and experience. “As a

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. He worked as an

conference rooms, and specialty spaces. I love looking

current manager, I’m always looking for a young

entertainment technician managing theatrical lighting,

at where technology is going in the future, and

professional who is willing to learn and has a strong

pyrotechnics, and show audio mixing for dinner shows,

leading the charge to take our programming and

work ethic,” he said. “When I entered the field, I

musical theater, and live events.

design to the next level.”

focused on working hard, seeking to learn, and

During that time, he ran a range of Yamaha sound

He also leads in developing and building Indiana

advocating for myself. When my interests went

boards, and set up and managed line arrays, speakers,

University’s formal and informal learning space

beyond the opportunities available in my role, I

and wireless microphone systems. He also learned

designs, a process that encompasses determining

dedicated personal time to learning new skills. I

how to operate scissor, vertical, fork, and high reach

which spaces to renovate or build new, as well as

would advise those that are new to the AV industry to

lifts. “I especially enjoyed learning how to do AMX

coordinating with key stakeholders on campuses to get

do similarly, as it has served me well.”

26

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

BUSINESS THE NINE

Jennifer Goodyer

the group and penned several articles for AVIXA.

Role: Sales Manager

Book Club, which meets monthly and often dis-

Company: RTSales Location: Boca Raton, FL Overtime: When she’s not selling products

cusses books written by members of the Pro AV

from some of the top AV manufacturers in the industry, you can find Goodyer spending time

community. Her efforts earned her the CTS Holder

with her husband, an ER nurse, and their young daughter.

of the Year Award from AVIXA in 2021.

Goodyer also leads the AVIXA Women’s Council

In another effort to encourage women to join the Why You Need to Know Her: Through her

art in a way,” she explained. “Pro AV is in every-

ranks of Pro AV industry, albeit at a young age,

involvement with the AVIXA Women’s Council,

one’s life, whether they are aware of it or not.”

Goodyer is working with Rosie Riveters, a nonprofit

Jennifer Goodyer is working to make the Pro AV industry more welcoming for women.

While she enjoys her career, Goodyer admitted it

organization that provides STEM (science, technol-

can be “lonely and alienating” being a woman in

ogy, engineering, and math) projects for middle

the Pro AV industry. For example, at a recent pro

school girls. A handful of the STEM projects have a

Goodyer is part of a true legacy. Her father, Ron

audio event, she was the only woman in a crowd of

connection to AV. Goodyer said the projects expose

Tunks, established RTSales more than 40 years

more than 60 people.

girls to a “productive struggle” that comes from

While many stumble into the Pro AV industry,

ago. The company is now run by Bert Tunks, who

Goodyer noted women make up less than 20%

applying critical thinking and experimentation to

is Goodyer’s older brother. Originally, the company

of the Pro AV industry, and only about 10% are

was a music industry manufacturers rep firm,

under the age of 40. “You’re not going to join an

but expanded over the years to include Pro AV

industry if you don’t see yourself represented,” she

struggle,” Goodyer said. “It’s a good way to

manufacturers. “There’s definitely a lot more

added. “So, we’re really trying to show women

engage girls.”

opportunity in Pro AV,” noted Goodyer, who

there’s a career path here. It’s our duty to do

was the first person at RTSales to earn a CTS

something about it.”

certification in 2015.

Beyond her family connections, Goodyer is

To that end, Goodyer remains active in the

solving problems.

“That’s kind of what Pro AV is—a productive

Looking to the future, Goodyer expects to see the scales tip toward a more diverse Pro AV workforce. “I see a lot more equality,” she said. “People

AVIXA Women’s Council, and even established the

are putting so much work into it, and people are

drawn to the Pro AV industry because of the

South Florida Local Group in 2019 that has about 30

being so receptive. Men are even joining the

different components that work together to bring

members across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm

Women’s Council, because they understand and

an experience to someone. “It’s almost like making

Beach counties. She has also organized events for

appreciate diversity in our industry.”

Peter Hansen

Some of Hansen’s more recent research has focused on supply chains. He has found the prob-

Title: Economist

lems are about more than a chip shortage. In fact, a

Company: AVIXA Location: Fairfax, VA Overtime: When he’s not in the office, you’ll likely find

spike in demand has pushed global chip production

Hansen enjoying the outdoors and nature. He is a master naturalist who helps with local

20% higher—but more chips are needed than ever

nature center events for kids.

(and not just for Pro AV products). There is still uncertainty in the market, which is impacting

Why You Need to Know Him: Peter Hansen is a man

actionable information, and move on to the next

projections, as well as border issues. Plus, while the

of action. Since 2018, he’s been an economist with

question. “AVIXA is a really great place for that,”

pandemic fears appear to be fading, companies are

AVIXA, the association that produces InfoComm. But

he said. “I can help an integrator get their plans

still adopting risk aversion strategies, such as

he’s not content with crunching numbers—he wants

right. That can lead to a little more growth, maybe

underproducing products, to avoid taking huge

to conduct research that makes a difference for Pro AV

more hires. These are all good things I want to

losses. “All these little pieces are adding up and

professionals.

have happen.”

creating big supply problems,” he explained.

After graduating from William & Mary in Wil-

Hansen’s research is already making a differ-

For Hansen, the appeal of the Pro AV industry is

liamsburg, VA, Hansen began his career at the Federal

ence. In his very first quarterly report for AVIXA, he

its long-term impact on so many different vertical

Reserve Board, which he described as “finishing

explored the relationship between Pro AV installa-

markets, such as museums, entertainment venues,

school for the curious mind.” He found it to be a very

tions and new construction. While conventional

churches, hotels, and more. Hansen is excited to

thoughtful place, with people working with data using

wisdom had considered new construction as a

see how Pro AV will help continue to transform the

all kinds of metrics and techniques.

primary indicator for the Pro AV market, his

corporate boardroom and drive the hybrid office

research found that only about 20% of installations

future. “Videoconferencing is great when all

technique and skills,” he said. “That was a place where

were a function of new construction. Instead, he

individuals are in separate offices,” he said. “But

I strengthened and broadened my economic skillset.”

found the Pro AV industry was tied much closer to

when it’s five people around a conference table and

GDP, a useful piece of information that can help

five in their remote offices, creating a great experi-

he preferred to move quicker with research; after all,

companies make plans in what is still a volatile

ence for everyone is a challenge.”

the one published paper he co-authored during his

international business market.

“You get this tremendous breadth and depth of

The problem, however, was that Hansen realized

time at the Federal Reserve was a three-year project

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hansen was able

Currently, Hansen is creating an innovative salary survey, an updated tool that will help

that was published a year after he left. “That is not

to apply his skillset to produce some of his most

employers and employees to understand market

me,” he explained. “I like to do research and get it out

impactful research. With his knowledge of past

rates. He also continues to drive research that will

there so people can act on it.”

recessions, he was able to pinpoint economic

help Pro AV businesses avoid unnecessary risk and

Rather than tying up every possible loose end of

indicators that proved quite useful for the industry.

spend more wisely. And he keeps looking for action:

a research question, Hansen’s approach is to collect

“The moment in time when you want an economist

“There are always lots more important questions

data that speaks to the core of the question, provide

on hand is during an economic crisis,” he said.

out there.”

28

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

THE NINE BUSINESS

Brian Pickowitz

work we were doing and didn’t see the immediate

Location: South Bend, IN Overtime: Pickowitz likes to work on and restore cars, though he

combining all those years of experience to under-

joked he’s not good enough to “make much money on it.” He is currently working on a 1964

stand what customers want in new products. “You

Impala Super Sport.

have to be able to identify opportunities and seize

Role: Vice President of Marketing Company: LEA Professional

benefit, it all made sense.”

Perhaps Pickowitz’s greatest strength is

them as they come,” he offered. “Growing a Why You Need to Know Him: Brian Pickowitz joined LEA Professional when the company opened

sales and marketing with LEA Professional.

Spreading the word of a new company and new

company over three years—we have made some really good decisions as a team.”

its doors in 2019. His work in both marketing and

products is no easy task, and it kept Pickowitz busy.

product development has seen the company

“It’s amazing,” Pickowitz said. “Some days I get

capabilities. “Cloud connectivity is becoming more

experience explosive growth, even with the

into work, I’ll look down at my watch, and all of a

and more prevalent. The pro audio industry is going

challenges presented during a global pandemic.

sudden, it’s 4:30. It’s insane, but in a good way.”

to see this adoption coming, where it’s not going to

As his passion for car restoration suggests, Brian

One of the biggest challenges he had for the first

Much of his time is building out LEA’s cloud

be a unique niche feature but required.”

Pickowitz was piqued at an early age on finding out

several months was integrating the ERP, CRM, and

what makes things work. “Prior to college, I was

eCommerce sites. Pickowitz put on his marketing

Web Services as its provider because of its scalabil-

always interested in tearing stuff apart and seeing

and IT hats and got to work, helping launch a

ity, making it easy to add new features. Pickowitz is

what was in it,” Pickowitz said. “I was always

sharp-looking site that brought products and

hard at work on one of those new features, one that

messing with a home or car stereo—and anything

solutions to its customers from the comfort of their

uses analytics to help integrators take a more

that was audio related, I had my hands on.”

own couches. In 2019, that was a bonus; by 2020, it

proactive approach with their customers and

was pivotal to keep a new company growing.

helping them avoid the reactive phone calls.

That desire led first to an electrical engineering degree from Southern Illinois and his first job with

Thanks to those efforts, LEA Professional grew

From day one, LEA Professional picked Amazon

Pickowitz also plays a role in many of the new and

Crown Audio in engineering, designing a few

every single month throughout the pandemic. “The

exciting products his company is launching, like the

products along the way. He spent more than 16 years

explosive growth once everything started opening

Connect Series 1504 amplifier. “We’re a new com-

with Crown Audio and then HARMAN Professional in

up was not only eye-opening, but satisfactory,”

pany. We need to continue to innovate and push out

many roles, from business development to product

Pickowitz said of the growth when the U.S. and

new differentiated products,” he said. “That’s very

management, before taking on the role of director of

European economies reopened. “All this ground-

high on my list from a daily activities standpoint.”

BUSINESS THE XXX NINE

Gregoire Rouyer

In the post-lockdown world of COVID-19, Rouyer spends time exploring cloud-based strategies and

Title: Global Broadcast Partner Lead

solutions. “Before COVID, large media entities in the

Company: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

U.S. were already migrating some of their systems to

Location: Los Angeles, CA Overtime: Rouyer is a huge rugby fan who pays close attention to

the cloud and AWS, especially playout systems,”

the French national team. In fact, he used to play for the Los Angeles Rugby Club.

Rouyer said. “It’s not a gamble anymore, it’s a very viable solution.”

Why You Need to Know Him: Gregoire Rouyer has

Latin America. He returned to Paris in 2013, where he

used his analytical engineering skills to help others

took on one of the, well, chillier projects he’s ever

production for sports and other major events. “The

along his career journey. “I love finding technical

had. “One [project] was to build TV and radio stations

change we saw during COVID was the increased need

solutions to business problems brought to me by

in Kazakhstan,” Rouyer recalled. “I learned a lot

for remote live production. Instead of it being a huge

customers,” Rouyer explained. “It’s something that

during this project. I’d leave to go to Kazakhstan for

camera crew and a truck at a stadium for a game,

motivates me every day.”

weeks at a time with my team in the freezing winter,

production companies started exploring hybrid or

working with teams from different cultures to build

fully remote models,” he explained. “You moved the

an ambitious and innovative solution.”

production to the cloud. And that’s something more

Interested in engineering at an early age, Rouyer attended one of the top universities in France, Centrale Supélec in Paris, and graduated with a

Throughout his career, Rouyer has been able to

The pandemic also expanded the use of remote

and more people are exploring.”

master’s in engineering. He immediately went to

pair his love for sports with the job at hand. While at

work as a software developer with a small company

Dalet, he helped launch L’Equipe, which was the first

strategies are evolving at a rapid pace. Major networks,

called CA2S, based in El Salvador.

24/7 sports news channel in France, providing NRCS

production companies, and even software companies

and studio integration for this station.

are exploring solutions to make production happen on

Prior to joining Amazon Web Services (AWS) in October 2021, Rouyer made several stops, each in a

From there, his career took him on newer

Rouyer is busy at work as cloud solutions and

AWS. Channel origination is a large part of what

different position. It started at Dalet Digital Media

journeys, each step broadening his horizons. Living in

Rouyer focuses on, but so is working with partners to

Systems as a project manager, which was where he

Los Angeles, he earned his MBA at UCLA and joined

build new cloud native applications.

really started to understand the needs and solutions

Chyron American as vice president of sales.

broadcasting required. It was also at Dalet that he

Now, Rouyer owns the partner strategy for the

Rouyer’s passion for helping others is not simply within the walls of his office. He serves as a board

began working closely with system integrators across

broadcast space at AWS. “I’m making sure that our

member of the Los Angeles Sports Council, a

the United States.

media customers worldwide can find the solutions

nonprofit organization advocating for sports at all

they need to migrate some of their production to

levels. It shows who Rouyer is: an ambitious mind

AWS,” Rouyer explained.

willing to take on any role that helps others excel.

He also experienced all parts of the world. He was based in New York at first, but he spent a lot of time in

Shane Springer

some of the pivotal features allowing conference

Title: Technical Sales Architect Company: Zoom

continue the journey back into the new workplace, we

Location: Ann Arbor, MI Overtime: With three daughters, three dogs, and a small farm in

need technology that meets us where we are and lifts

Michigan, it’s not very hard for Springer to keep busy. Assuming there is ever an end to the

us up. I’m proud of Zoom Rooms for being just that.”

chores on the farm, he’s also a musician and plays as often as possible.

spaces to feel natural, new, and usable. As we all

Although Springer has taken part in some major AV technological advances during his career,

Why You Need to Know Him: Shane Springer is a

art,” he said. “Every new headquarters, amphi-

improving user experience remains his primary

tireless tinkerer, who is constantly discovering

theater, or medical simulation center is a new

focus. “I like working on projects that create better

many new ways to operate, innovate, and create in

opportunity to combine the existing tools in new

moments for the system’s users,” he said. “For

his field. “I’m a chronic improver. I’m always

and exciting ways that enable these installed

example, I worked on the first AVIXA APEX certifi-

looking for ways that something can get 1% better,”

systems to look better, work better, and feel better

cation that enabled more consistent deliveries and

Springer said. “If you do that every day, there’s no

to those who interact with them day-to-day.”

user outcomes. I also serve on the Board of Direc-

limit to the progress you can make.”

Springer began his career in live production 20

Now that he works for Zoom, Springer spends

tors for AQAV, which enables me to regularly help

his working days solving real-life problems. In

improve the status quo and education in the

years ago. As he rose up in the live production

collaboration with many of Zoom’s most imagina-

industry. And a former end user, I am always

industry, life set in. When Springer’s first child was

tive and demanding customers, he designs,

stepping back to look at how the user will actually

born, he decided to “give up the road” and stay

develops, and deploys solutions that enhance

live the choices I make.”

home. So he went into systems installation,

how the world does business with Zoom. These

working for ZDI/RoomReady, Diversified, and One

solutions help make the videoconferencing

successful inventor with multiple awarded patents

Workplace as a programmer and a design engineer.

experience more natural and comfortable for users,

in the UC space, and he continues to innovate and

Over the years, Springer has designed, installed,

In addition to his daily duties, Springer is also a

at a time when Zoom conferences have become a

invent while working at Zoom. “My first patent was

and supported dozens of multi-million-dollar

regular daily occurrence for employees, managers,

an unbelievable feeling—just the feeling of having

projects across industries such as financial services,

and clients worldwide.

contributed to such an amazing industry,” he said.

healthcare, and enterprise. He has gained invalu-

“It’s hard to overstate how fortunate I feel to be

“I think all of us have at least one unique idea to

able experience and insights that have influenced

able to truly make a difference at scale. I’ve been a

offer, and I’d adamantly encourage anyone who

his approach to AV in the process.

part of continuing development on Zoom Rooms’

hasn’t spoken up yet to start telling people about

Native Room Controls, Smart Gallery, NDI integra-

their big idea. Someone out there wants that

tion, and many more,” said Springer. “These are

problem solved just as much as you do.”

“I have always loved to create something new that truly pushes the boundaries of the state of the

30

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS BUSINESS

Always Look Forward,but Occasionally Gaze Back

By John Storyk

A

perspective. More often than not, it generates a new

nd here I thought 2020-21 was drama filled.

Another passion of mine is baseball. I love the sport.

and improved design. I have used this simple exercise

I love the poetry, the creativeness, the symmetry of

thousands of times.

it—but most of all, I love that every day, win or lose, a

(Fig 2) Here’s another example. Call me old

team and its players have only hours to recalibrate and

Good news: COVID-19 is fading away. Bad

school, but I usually sketch in pencil, and designs

get set for the next day. Constantly looking forward,

news: Ukraine. Seems we’ve had enough

always start in black and white—quickly converting

constantly believing that they can bat .500 on that next

to color provides a totally different lens.

day. Yet, every player in one way or another studies the

drama for five years! Fortunately, we all continue to share our love for music, art, and technology.

My case is simple: Try to see as much as possible through a creative lens. This approach has always given me more possibilities, which in turn has always

(Fig 3) 3D drawings appear more informative and

past actions of plays, videos, statistics, memories,

for most are easier to interpret, but sometimes a 2D

inspirational photos, occasional self-aggrandizement,

view will provide more detail—again, a different lens.

and self-improvement. We’re not just reliving those

So, what about looking back from time to time? If

occasional glory moments; we’re also studying the

inspired better, more original decisions and much

there was ever a moment in time, the past two years

occasional faux pas to get a better handle on what to

cooler results.

are examples of how we need to keep an eye on the

avoid and what not to do again.

Let’s go right to the drawing board. Speaking of my drawing board (which, of course, now is a laptop or an iPad), there are many times during the studio

future as well as learning from the past. That occasional look backward is critical.

So, where do we go from here? A common saying I’ve heard many times is: “Success has many parents,

When I am not designing, I often go scuba diving

while failure is an orphan.”

design process when I would simply say to myself or a

(full disclosure: Winters are spent on the Mexican

WSDG colleague, “Turn the drawing upside-down.”

Caribbean Coast). I am constantly looking forward,

itself if you are continuously exploring new ideas, new

When asked why, I would explain that the top of the

always trying to discover something new, but an

solutions, new designs, etc., while (from time to time)

drawing is simply arbitrary and really has nothing to

occasional look backward (and up) can often deliver

leaning on the shoulders of your heroes. Both of these

do with how we perceive or use the space.

unanticipated excitement. Looking forward and

approaches are viable, and there’s much to be learned

backward simultaneously is part of the joy of being in

from the mistakes of others.

(Fig 1) This simple exercise allows the creative lens to change and permits us to look forward with a new

a weightless environment. It is truly creative.

That blueprint for success will always present

There’s great wisdom in that old saw, history repeats itself. If only Vladimir Putin had studied Napoleon’s tragic blunder of invading Russia. He

[FIG. 1] Need a different perspective?

Turn your design upsidedown.

rode in with 500,000 troops and crawled out with 120,000. In the end (besides “the love you take is equal to the love you make,” of course), your path is just that—your path.

A dear friend of mine recently reminded me of a very cool story. When Abraham Lincoln was about to issue the Emancipation Proclamation in early 1863, he gathered his cabinet of 11 senior advisers around him to discuss the matter. For several days, they debated the issue vigorously, with everyone having ample opportunity to air their views. At the end of the discussion, a vote was taken. Each cabinet member, in turn, voted no. The last to vote, Lincoln raised his hand and said, “Yes—the yes’s have it.”

Back to Mr. Putin again, that seems to be actually what he has done. Of course, Mr. Lincoln had right on [FIG. 2] Want a different look? Render your design in color.

[FIG. 3] Want more detail? Try a 2D view instead.

his side. In our world— the world of music, art, and technology—our hearts and minds will be aligned most of the time, particularly if we make use of our creative lens.

Since graduating from Princeton in 1968 and forming WSDG Walters-Storyk Design Group in 1986, co-founding partner John Storyk and WSDG have designed nearly 4,000 recording studios, performance venues, educational, and broadcast facilities around the world. Contact him at john. storyk@wsdg.com.

31

BUSINESS COLLABORATION

to the office, the company’s social cohesiveness can weaken, and morale can drop—especially if at-home workers feel isolated and alone.

Huddle rooms can address this problem by “bringing together workers, products, and information dissemination in a manner that reduces the sense of isolation that excessive remote work can create,” said Katz. Videoconferencing is key to this process because it provides a degree of face-to-face interaction for team members on site and at home.

Using a huddle room as a hub for such meetings helps create a sense of community and shared experience for participants, no matter where they may be physically. “For team members who are in the office, having them each connect to the videoconference from their own workspace is inefficient,” Wu said. “Doing so can also be disruptive to those around them in shared/ open workspaces. That’s why a huddle room is an ideal space for those team members to collectively conference with their home-based colleagues.”

ViewSonic offers several solutions for huddle rooms, including the ViewBoard IFP70 display.

Must-Have Room Tech

Return of the Huddle Room

Because huddle rooms are smaller than conference

Small Collaborative Spaces Foster Connections with Remote Workers

rooms and serve far fewer people, they don’t need the full set of AV equipment that larger spaces demand. Still, there are some must-have pieces of AV tech that should be in every huddle room for them to function properly.

“A high-quality speaker, microphone, and wide-angle conferencing camera are critical for maximizing the effectiveness of video conferencing in huddle rooms,” said Wu. “Small spaces like huddle rooms generally don’t require separate speakers and

By James Careless

microphones, because combined speaker-mics provide sufficient coverage of the entire room and are

N

much more space efficient.” ow that COVID-19 appears to be receding, employees are returning to work and reintroducing themselves to AV-enabled

collaboration spaces like the huddle room. But

For greater space savings, all-in-one devices Brightline’s cMe2 huddle room light can be shared between rooms or mounted.

combine the camera, speaker, and microphone into a single unit, which can suffice in smaller huddle rooms.

Whether installing individual components or a combo

things have changed since the pandemic arrived,

videoconferencing equipment, interactive or static

unit, it is crucial to purchase quality video cameras for

and huddle rooms need to change with them.

screens to project, share, and save content,” said

huddle rooms, and even more vital to buy the right

Brian Phann, senior business line manager of

speakers and room-capturing microphones for the job.

“Generally smaller spaces such as huddle rooms facilitate co-worker collaboration both in-person

commercial displays at ViewSonic. ViewSonic not only

and through video,” explained Kathy Katz, manag-

offers displays and video projectors, it has cameras,

of the audio even more important than the video,”

ing partner at Brightline, which offers the cMe2

speakerphones, and speakers for huddle rooms as

Wu said. “You need to be able to clearly hear the

huddle room light. “With a simple to deploy-and-

well as other venues.

person speaking, and to be heard clearly.”

use approach, the rooms enable communication

“The nature of most meetings makes the quality

Because huddle rooms are collaborative spaces,

Flip the Script

they must be equipped with tools that make local and

Before the advent of COVID-19, huddle rooms were

remote collaboration possible. “For brainstorming

designed to be used for collaboration between a small

primarily used for in-person, face-to-face meetings

sessions, companies should consider dry erase boards

team of people,” said Nearity spokesperson Roy Wu.

with the occasional remote participant. But that was

as well as video displays,” said Phann. “There are

Nearity offers audio endpoints, conferencing cameras,

then. “The pandemic has ‘flipped’ the usage of

several options for displays depending on a com-

and all-in-one conferencing devices for huddle rooms

huddle rooms for meetings, since there are often

and larger spaces.

fewer participants on-site and more remote

through a ‘huddle.’”

“A huddle room is essentially a small meeting room

In a very real sense, a huddle room is a strippeddown version of a larger capacity AV-enabled

attendees,” Phann offered.

Today, many companies are allowing some of their

conference room, and can be used for impromptu

employees to continue working at home. This hybrid

collaborations or scheduled events. “This is why

work approach, a mix between home and office-based

huddle rooms are typically equipped with audio and

employees, has a downside. When fewer people come

32

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

Nearity offers the C30R all-inone speakermic camera for huddle rooms.

COLLABORATION BUSINESS

pany’s needs—be they static or

the cost should fall under IT

interactive—but screen sharing

purchases as if the employees

capabilities are key. As for size, since

were on site.”

these spaces are generally smaller

“The microphone, speaker, and

rooms, displays can range from 42-50

camera built into home-based

inches, mounted or on a cart for easy

employees’ laptops may not be

movability. Projectors are also an

sufficient for achieving ‘meeting

affordable option for display solutions.

equity,’” agreed Wu. “The goal

“A larger display will help ‘democratize’ remote participants, so they have

should be for all participants to have From left: Kathy Katz, Brian Phann, Roy Wu

equal presence as those in the room,”

equal meeting experiences wherever they are located. This is where

Phann added. “If there is sufficient space, companies

microphones for videoconferencing, whether these

providing an at-home employee with a higher-quality

can also include a podium with a touchscreen display.

were quality standalone units or laptop built-ins. The

camera and speakerphone/headset can put them on

However, this can blur the line between the casual

resulting lack of standardization and support,

equal footing with their office-based counterparts.”

huddle room and the fully equipped conference room.”

combined with inadequate lighting and improvised

Allowing employees to work at home doesn’t

The choice of a huddle room’s furniture and its

office furniture, put many at-home participants at a

absolve companies from providing them with decent

positioning also make a difference. “The illusion of a

disadvantage. Poor video and sketchy audio turned

working environments. And it isn’t just home-based

‘huddle’ is best achieved with a U or V-shaped desk,”

them into second-class AV citizens, compared to

AV equipment that should be brought up to profes-

said Katz. “If daylight enters the huddle space, ideally

co-workers in professional office spaces.

sional standards.

blinds must be used to block/control the light.

Now that ad hoc arrangements justified by the

“The ergonomics of furniture and adequate

Background color should be considered, with blue/gray

pandemic are coming to an end, companies pursu-

lighting to minimize fatigue should receive attention

preferred, and it can be virtual.”

ing the hybrid work approach may consider putting

as well,” said Katz. “This is where the new term

at-home workers on an equal AV footing. “Having a

‘Zoom fatigue’ comes from. It is really about fatigue

monitor with a built-in camera and speakers should

resulting from poor audio and lighting, technical

During COVID-19, many companies relied on

be a mainstay for all remote and hybrid workers,”

glitches, physical discomfort, and even emotional

at-home workers to provide their own cameras and

said Phann. “For companies allowing remote work,

discomfort with your on-camera image.”

AV Equality in the Home

avnetwork.com // May 2022 // SCN

33

TECHNOLOGY COMMAND AND CONTROL

The Morgan County EOC has advanced from projectors and televisions (right) to an advanced video wall configuration.

instead of trying to purchase another $20,000, 16-channel component.”

The installation raised the floor, running the power and cable management below and out of the way. After tearing down some walls, they began the technology portion of the upgrade. Installed were 15 KDS-EN6 encoders and 37 decoders to help the streaming of high-quality video and audio. There were also eight 4K HDMI distribution amps, two 16-port master room controllers, one power amplifier, and two VIA Connect Plus units for wired or wireless presentations.

All Systems Go Kramer Brings New Life to Morgan County EOC

Outside of Kramer technology, the EOC installed a pair of Netgear AV switches to help display recently acquired Dell Optiplex desktop computers. “We had received a [Homeland Security] grant right before some of the major construction to upgrade all the computers in the EOC,” said Davis. “Once the computers were purchased, we had to store them

By Wayne Cavadi

W

projectors in the ceiling and four televisions. The

because of the [renovations]. They sat for several

system that we had—you had those channels in and

months before they were ever put into use.”

out of the old non-digital system for managing those hen a natural disaster strikes, those in charge need to act quickly, which

displays—was controlled by one controller system.”

Facility Facelift

There were some situations, for example, when

Due to the affordability of the Kramer solutions,

there simply wasn’t enough space on the walls for the

Morgan County EMA was also able to focus on an

systems in place. Until recently, the Morgan County

information at hand. Without a digital system,

aesthetic upgrade for both the command center and

Emergency Management Agency, located in Decatur,

updating and changing that pertinent data became a

its auditorium. Though the EOC had a more recent

AL, was operating in an outdated command center.

cumbersome task. Plus, there were maintenance

renovation, the auditorium was donned in its original

However, with the affordability and scalability of

concerns. Davis and her team were looking at the end

1970s paneling and still had the same stage in place.

Kramer AV-over-IP solutions, it was able to get the

of life of much of the equipment, and some projector

technological and aesthetic upgrades it required.

bulbs needed to be replaced.

makes it vital to have the right AV

Morgan County EOC is responsible for the safety

“What started out as a technology need, turned into an entire facelift,” Davis explained. “It really just started out as ‘this technology is not meeting our

of more than 100,000 residents in an area that has

An Affordable Solution

been a hotspot for tornadoes in recent years. Plus, it

The outdated technology presented many challenges,

modularly and wouldn’t have to spend quite as much

monitors the TVA Browns Ferry Nuclear Power

so the EOC team spent quite some time researching the

money to start, we were able to reevaluate our

Plant, which lies on the nearby Tennessee River.

right tools that also fit into their budget constraints.

resources and do an entire facelift on both our EOC

Like many EOCs, it operates from a basement—in

Trent Simon, now with the Limestone Country EMA in

and our auditorium.”

this case, the lower level of the county courthouse

Alabama, was with Morgan County during the decision

built in the 1970s.

process. When he came across Kramer’s products and

and was completed in late 2021. Thanks to the ease of

solutions, the choice was made easier.

installation of Kramer products, EOC personnel were

As Brandy Davis, advanced level emergency

needs.’ But once we realized we could do it more

The project was in full swing in the summer of 2020

manager and director of the Morgan County EMA,

“[Trent] ran across the Kramer system, and its

able to do much of the work themselves. That not only

noted, although there was a renovation within the

ability to be expandable with very little financial input

saved money, but it helped keep the project in motion

previous 12 years, they were still technologically

in the future made it the right choice,” said Davis.

with the uncertainties of COVID-19 still making it a

lagging. “We didn’t have screens,” she explained.

“You can add onto it for under $1,000 and expand it

challenge for outside installers to be present.

“We had sections of [white] walls. We had four

one encoder and decoder at a time if you choose,

34

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

“We handled as much of it internally as we could,”

COMMAND AND CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

Davis said. “Our maintenance team is extremely

the renovated auditorium, it has also received new

capable and we all kind of pitched in. Our IT was

visitors. Whether it’s Alabama agencies using it for a

helpful in getting the initial setup of the Kramer

winter weather exercise or FEMA or the regional

system. Then Kramer threw assistance our way, built

healthcare coalition, more groups are finding the space

on what our IT had started, and refined it. They were

accommodating and functional at the same time.

able to give us a little bit of training as well.”

“The district attorney actually used the audito-

“We had a couple issues that popped up, but they

rium once the renovation was finished, and [grand

[Kramer] answered the phone every time we called

juries] started meeting again,” Davis said. “They used

and worked with us,” Simon said prior to leaving.

our auditorium to convene the grand jury because

“They didn’t just wipe their hands clean of us after we

their room is not big enough to socially distance. They

bought the system. They’ve been great to work with.”

have the ability to have those displays in the front of the room and on the sides and in the back. They like it

Multi-Purpose Possibilities

well enough that I don’t think they’ll go back to using

Perhaps most importantly, the system is easy to use.

It can be operated by anyone with a smartphone or

the old grand jury room.”

What shouldn’t be overlooked is how versatile the

iPad through the Kramer app. Members of the EOC

Kramer system has made the once technologically

don’t necessarily need to be technologically advanced

challenged EOC. “Our EOC and offices are configured

or in need of high-level training to use the system.

very oddly,” Davis explained. “We have offices along

Not only has the upgrade been put to successful

the front of our EOC and then we have a few offices

use by the EMA, but now other groups can easily use it

completely separated. This system allows us to put

as well. The new technology is reconfigurable for

information from one corner to the other and

anyone that needs to use the EOC for computer

duplicate that— so everyone can get a picture of what

trainings throughout the county. The EOC now serves

is going on the EOC from anywhere, whether it is a

a dual purpose, easily accommodating other teams as

bunker or the kitchen. The ability to keep visibility on

a training center.

the situation is huge, and this Kramer system allows

Since the same Kramer technology was applied to

The auditorium, which still had its original 1970s paneling (top), received an aesthetic facelift as well as technology upgrades.

us that.”

Instant connectivity across your network.

NEW to the ADDERLink® INFINITY 2000 Series High-Performance and Real-Time Connectivity, Pixel Perfect 2K Video, Dual Screen Support, Native DisplayPort Connectivity and More

adder.com/infinity

Untitled-1 1

Discover the ADDERLink INFINITY today!

4/18/22 5:20 AM

TECHNOLOGY SPEAKERPHONES

Listen Up: The Latest in Speakerphones

By Wayne Cavadi

A

familiar tool in new ways,” said Lauren Simmen,

logistical hassles,” said Tonya Brilon, senior product

director of product marketing for Crestron. “Having a

marketing manager at Logitech. “This can be done by

phone that allows for a conversation that’s separated

prioritizing audio, ease of use, and connectivity.”

s workplaces slowly begin to fill up once

from the laptop you’re using to take notes or adjust

Some of those considerations include mute control,

again, conferencing in the new normal has

that critical PowerPoint can be a really efficient

one-touch meeting controls, enterprise-grade audio

a different look. Whether it’s a conference

means of communication.”

with noise cancelling microphones, connection

room, workspace, or home office, speakerphones

When researching which speakerphone is best, it

points, and ease of use and management.

need to be flexible for the hybrid age and accommo-

is important to be mindful of the use cases. The space

date both the remote and in-person employee.

and location are obviously a priority, but there is a

another key component to look for: certification. From

wide array of other factors.

Microsoft Teams to Zoom, having a certified device

The meeting space itself has also changed. “I think our mindset has changed so much to automatically select larger distances from people and that’s a part of

“IT professionals should consider devices that allow users to join conference calls without all the

In today’s world of videoconferencing, there is

helps avoid a lot of hassle in the long run. “People are looking for the certification for a lot of reasons,”

COVID that will stay with us,” said Holger

Stoltze said. “Going with and through the

Stoltze, senior director of technical sales

certification ensures to the end users that

and marketing for Yamaha Unified

the product will be working.”

Communication. “And that means the

“Having that ‘seal of approval’ from

open meeting space is growing. The whole

leading cloud providers gives IT teams

audio and noise problem becomes a

that extra confidence that they are

completely new one in that environment.”

providing the right tools to keep their

Having the right speakerphone with

workers productive,” Bilon added.

high-quality audio for those present and

Of course, different speakerphones

connected to the call is imperative—but

offer different features, technologies,

that doesn’t mean manufacturers had to

and certifications. Here are some current

reinvent the wheel. “It’s not so much new technology as it is leveraging a

36

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

speakerphone offerings from several From left, Holger Stoltze, Lauren Simmen, Tonya Brilon

manufacturers.

SPEAKERPHONES TECHNOLOGY

2. Biamp Parlé TTM-X

3

The TTM-X Tabletop low-profile, 16-element digital array microphone joined the Parlé family in 2019 for use in the Tesira systems. The AVB-enabled microphone is just 4.3 inches in diameter, making it portable and able to affix atop any desk or tabletop without causing clutter. Biamp’s Beamtracking technology brings crystal-clear audio to the meeting room by intelligently tracking and mixing voices, and four 90-degree zones provide full 360-degree

1 1. Atlona AT-CAP-SP100

coverage, so the entire meeting space can be heard.

To provide further clarity and more efficient processing, each microphone uses one channel of acoustic echo cancellation.

3. ClearOne CHAT 170 and CHATAttach 170

Atlona’s new speakerphone is part of its Captivate

The CHAT 170 and CHATAttach 170 are ideal for

family, designed as a high-performance videocon-

meeting areas ranging in size from a huddle space to

ferencing solution. With Bluetooth, USB, and analog

conference room. Powered by ClearOne’s HDConfer-

connectivity, it is easy to connect to any device. All

ence and Distributed Echo Cancellation technology,

voices are heard clearly with 360-degree coverage

the CHAT 170 produces clear, natural-sounding audio

and six-element microphones that capture voices as

thanks to advanced audio processing and noise

far as 16 feet away. Innovative acoustic echo

cancellation features. Three built-in microphones

cancellation and noise reduction help to provide a

paired with 360-degree audio pickup ensures anyone

crystal-clear experience in the meeting room or

within 10 feet can be heard—but its intelligent

home office. Add eight hours of battery life for a busy day on the go.

2

first-mic priority activates the microphone closest to the participant speaking, which helps to eliminate

avnetwork.com // May 2022 // SCN

37

TECHNOLOGY SPEAKERPHONES 4

5

amplification of surrounding noises. Perfect for

Microsoft Teams, Teams Rooms, and Skype for

in-person or remote conferencing, the group USB

Business certified as well as certified for United

speakerphone is fully compatible with Skype for

Communications platforms like Cisco. Plus, it

Business as well as WebEx, GoToMeeting, Google

includes a carrying case for transport.

Hangouts, and more.

4. Crestron Flex Mini Tabletop

6

Logi Dock is an all-in-one docking station that was

With many of the considerations available—such as

designed for home offices and personal workspaces,

one-touch connectivity, enterprise-grade security,

but has also become a popular choice for focus rooms

and brilliant audio clarity—the Flex Mini Tabletop is

and “phone booth” rooms. The device has six

perfect for the home, office, or many hybrid environ-

beamforming microphones and a built-in speaker-

ments like rotating desks and huddle rooms. Its quad

phone that clearly captures voices and works to

mic system offers a 10-foot range in all directions.

eliminate background noise. Logi Dock is small and

Available as audio only or with an integrated camera

connects to and powers multiple devices to avoid

(150-degree viewing angle) for videoconferencing,

desktop clutter. It is also multifunctional—despite

the Flex Mini Tabletop includes a 7-inch touchscreen

being compact, it delivers powerful sound allowing

that allows users to start, join, or manage a meeting

for an immersive and stereophonic experience to

with one touch.

enjoy music.

5. EPOS EXPAND 40

8. MAXHUB UC BM21

EPOS’ newest offering, the mobile EXPAND 40,

This compact, circular Bluetooth speakerphone is

enables seamless collaboration on the go or in the

ideal for a wide array of uses, whether working from

conference room. With 18 hours of battery life

7

7. Logitech Logi Dock

home or conducting online trainings. The 360-degree

and multiple connection options, the portable

omnidirectional voice pickup allows for high-quality

speakerphone is ideal for personal use in

calls thanks to high-performance, built-in speakers.

remote environments as well as small to

Its six microphone arrays and intelligent noise

medium-sized meeting rooms, with capabili-

reduction and echo cancellation ensure that the

ties for up to eight people. The wireless

presenter or meeting participant speaking is clearly

Bluetooth speakerphone—which also offers

heard from as far as 16 feet away. Setup is quick and

USB-C cable connectivity—is easy to set up

easy for this plug-and-play speakerphone, and the

and plug-and-play ready for participants to

UC BM21 can connect to as many as three devices via

join calls from anywhere without sacrificing

Bluetooth, USB or audio cable. It has a durable

exceptional audio quality on either end of the call. The EXPAND 40 has three beamforming

battery, with up to eight hours of playback on a single charge.

microphones designed to isolate and deter reverb or ambient noise, providing top-notch audio.

8

6. Jabra Speak 750 Jabra speakerphones come in many shapes and sizes, such as the Speak 810, which can support meetings with up to 15 people.

However, the Jabra Speak 750 is small, portable, and connects easily to laptops and smartphones. Its Bluetooth capabilities extend up to 98 feet and can accommodate up to six people with connectivity options for two devices, allowing for clear audio with its 360-degree, omnidirectional microphone design. The Jabra Speak 750 is

38

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

9

SPEAKERPHONES TECHNOLOGY

9. Poly Sync 20

ence rooms with its innovative SoundCap technol-

Reduction and Human Voice Activity Detection, the

The Poly Sync 20 is designed for a life on the go. With

ogy. What makes SoundCap unique is that while

YVC-330 can identify human voices and home in on

20 hours of portable use on a full charge, the Poly Sync

many speakerphones focus on the capture of audio,

them, eliminating the outside noise of an open

20 is a USB/Bluetooth smart speakerphone that can

Yamaha’s technology limits the noises outside the

workspace. With Bluetooth and USB connectivity,

serve as your music source just as easily as your

conversation, making this speakerphone ideal for

the compact YVC-330 is an ideal option inside or

connection to a meeting. Its three-microphone

the open workspace. With its Far Field Noise

outside the conference room.

steerable array helps to reduce echo and outside noise, and its full duplex audio design enables multiple people to talk simultaneously and still be heard. Ideal for huddle and meeting rooms as large as 13x13 feet, its multiple microphones have a pickup range of 7 feet.

Calls are clearer with the Sync 20’s bass reflex system with dual passive radiators for a natural sound with deep bass.

10. Shure Stem Table Part of the Stem Ecosystem, the Table is ideal for videoconferencing and is compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and others. PoE simplifies connectivity and eliminates clutter. The Stem Table’s downward-facing speaker separates it from the microphone, ensuring participants are heard clearly without distractions. Paired with nine beamforming microphones, Stem Table’s innovative technology offers full duplex capabilities to limit attenuation from a maximized negotiation between microphone and speaker. Stem Table is optimal for tabletops and flat surfaces—and has been chosen for classrooms as well as conference rooms, with its microphones able to pick up voices in appropriate socially distanced spaces.

11. Yamaha YVC-330 The YVC-330 helps adjust to life outside of confer-

10

11

avnetwork.com // May 2022 // SCN

39

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

Ashly Audio SP-8.1P

Listen Technologies LWR-1020 The new LWR-1020 receiver makes the Listen

MAXHUB DLED Commercial Displays

A new addition to its compact subwoofer line, the

Everywhere assistive listening system compliant

MAXHUB has introduced six news DLED displays,

8-inch SP-8.1P passive subwoofer handles up to 150W

with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is

ranging in size from 43-98 inches, which bring a new

at 8 Ohms, with a sensitivity of 95db (1W@1m) and a

available as an add-on to existing Listen

level of visual vibrance to displays commonly used for

frequency response of 43Hz-180Hz (-10dB). The

Everywhere servers in the market—and is also

presentations, online conferencing, and digital

subwoofer’s DSP voice presets provide frequency

available in the LWS-10 bundled ADA-compliant

signage. Featuring 4K resolution, a wealth of

response tailoring, delay, and crossover settings with

assistive listening system, which includes a

connections, and the Android operation system, the

Ashly’s IS & AW speakers with AquaControl and

two-channel server, rack mount kit, two LWR-1020

Commercial Displays for Digital Signage deliver

Protea-equipped processors. The new SP-8.1P

receivers, two protective cases for the receivers,

stunning image quality and operational flexibility that

subwoofers are designed with a dynamic eight-inch

two neck loops, two ear speakers, and a signage kit.

ensures ease of operation for the most demanding

woofer with ferrite magnet, front loaded into a

Listen Everywhere streams audio over Wi-Fi on a

applications. Rated for 16/7 operation, the displays

bass-reflex and a 0.6-inch reinforced plywood

venue’s existing wireless network to personal smart

share a rich feature set, including an 8ms response

enclosure. The subwoofer line is available with a

devices so they function as receivers for assistive

time, 60Hz refresh rate, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 1200:1

textured paint finish in both black or white, and two

listening systems. To access Listen Everywhere for

contrast ratio. All six models offer two HDMI inputs

recessed handles and rubber feet offer easy setup,

assistive listening, guests download the free Listen

and one 4K HDMI output, plus two USB 2.0 connectors,

stacking, and transport. For more flexibility, the

Everywhere app on their personal smartphones. If

one USB 3.0 port, one DisplayPort, one VGA input, and

subwoofer can be hung with the SP-8.1P’s 10mm

guests do not have their own smartphone, they can

S/PDIF, LAN In, and RS-232 connectivity. Audio output

threaded bolt holes along the top, sides, and rear to

borrow a dedicated Listen Everywhere receiver for

is dual channel at 12W for each side.

accommodate optional hanging eye-bolts.

use at the venue.

Audix M45 The M45 Shortgun miniaturized shotgun condenser ceiling mic can cover up to 150 square feet of area. It is ideal for corporate or educational classroom-style setups, conference rooms, and larger lecture venues.

The M45 features a low-profile, swivel-and-pivot base for convenient positioning. It is optimized for vocal intelligibility and offers high sensitivity of 98 mV / Pa at 1 kHz, a

Vivotek FT9361-R Facial Recognition Tablet

Visix AxisTV Signage Suite v.1.55

The FT9361-R is a facial recognition tablet for access

The latest update for the AxisTV Signage Suite

in a 1 1/2-inch hole with no additional tools required.

control and employee management with true

software gives administrators extensive visibility,

With the M45, mic-level signal and LED control is over

contactless and hands-free access control. Each

tracking, and reporting options for digital signage

an RJ45 connection. An adapter is also included to

tablet can store up to 50,000 facial profiles, so

messages, playlists, and users. The new release also

convert from RJ45 to an 8-conductor pluggable terminal

operators do not need to worry about the

provides an updated web browser widget to enhance

block. For those using Dante networks, the optional

insufficient capacity to cover all the people in and

compatibility with modern webpages. With the new

AUDIX DN4 enhanced onramp supports up to four

out. Through the facial database, administrators can

analytics feature, clients using both cloud and

devices and includes LED logic control.

categorize profiles into different groups, such as

on-premise content management systems can

blacklist, VIP, staff, etc., and grant varied

enable tracking and reporting for five areas:

Pure Resonance Audio S5

credentials to each group. The FT9361-R’s deep

message playback, message approval, playlist

The S5 70-volt multifunctional, weather-resistant

learning AI technology can precisely detect a real

activity, content submission, and user activity.

commercial outdoor speaker is perfect for foreground

person from that of a photo. Facial images are

Activation is a simple checkbox, and users can set

and background music, paging, and general-purpose

captured and verified in real time with biometric

the number of days to retain data, run reports by

audio in restaurants, hotels, retail stores, fitness

authentication. Furthermore, deep learning

date range, choose and rearrange columns within

gyms, conference rooms, or schools. Designed to

analytics can accurately verify a person’s identity

reports, and more. All reports can be exported to an

withstand the demands of outdoor conditions, the

even through makeup, beards, hats, glasses, or

Excel spreadsheet for further analysis or quick

water-resistant IP65 rating on the S5 ensures

surgical masks, providing 99% accurate

sharing with the C-suite.

protection against direct contact with water and dust,

authentication for a safe and secure environment.

40

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

maximum SPL of >124dB, an integrated preamp, and immunity from RF interference. It is also easy to install

while the ABS housing is impact resistant. Low

NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

to expand and accurately align the light emitting from an optical fiber. With 50/125 multimode fiber, the light beam has an active area that is approximately 3,600 times larger than a typical 50 µm multimode fiber core. That results in a dramatically increased percentage of available transmission power—with no variation in signal strength over time. FIBERFOX incorporates both 2 and 4-channel heavy-duty connectors that are IP68 moisture absorption, UV resistance, and low

waterproof certified up to a depth of 19 feet, 8 inches

Vestel VHuddle Pro

distortion results in consistency, stability, strength,

(both mated and unmated) without a protective cap.

VHuddle Pro is a value-added bundled solution made up

and smooth well-damped sound quality, regardless of

The wear-free connectors can withstand 10,000

of the VHuddle Pro software, Vestel IFM 4K HDR

the conditions. While handling 40 watts of

mating cycles without maintenance, and no special

interactive display with plug-in Windows 10 OPS PC

continuous performance, the S5 yields a full-range

cleaning or measurement tools are required.

module, and a 4K webcam. Streamlining every step in

frequency response of 90-16kHz and an average

the meeting setup process, it features pre-selected,

sensitivity of 92db SPL. The S5 is available in black or

business-critical apps in one convenient applications

white finish, and installation is easy with the included

bar, and enables them to be launched with one touch or

180-degree bracket for surface mounting under

click. VHuddle Pro minimizes the need for user training,

awnings, overhangs, and more.

providing a familiar digital workspace experience that includes access to Office 365 and Teams. While all

Neutrik Americas FIBERFOX

settings are designed to be pre-configured by IT

Designed to meet the requirements of MIL-

departments to keep computer networks secure and the

DTL-83526 military specifications, Neutrik’s

user experience uniform, there is plenty of flexibility

FIBERFOX fiber optic connection system is an ideal

built in to suit different styles of collaboration. Systems

solution for use in harsh environments. Its

can include a 55, 65, 75, or 86-inch screen to suit various

expanded beam fiber optic connectors utilize a lens

corporate applications.

STAY ONE STEP AHEAD

INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

MODULAR FLOOR BOXES

FLYPACKS & ROAD CASES

with Future’s FREE Electronic Newsletters ONE-STOP SHOPPING: Simply visit avnetwork.com and choose as many ­newsletters you need.

INFORMATION GOES STRAIGHT TO YOU: Why waste your

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

You won’t need this...

­valuable time searching for the news and ­information that affects your industry when it can arrive right in your e-mail.

FIBER CABLES

ALL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY TOPICS COVERED: Audio, video, systems contracting, multimedia, and more— you’ll find it all here.

Sign-up today by visiting

www.avnetwork.com

… when you use quiet cooling products from Active Thermal Management

Cool off at www.activethermal.com

To Advertise in the SYSTEMS CONTRACTOR NEWS CLASSIFIEDS, Contact Zahra Majma at zahra.majma@futurenet.com

VIEWPOINT

It’s Time to Reintroduce Accountability to Pro AV

By Charmaine Torruella

W

ith the onset of a New World—a result

institution and/or individuals to deliver. In other

technical training and product knowledge. They had

words, it means the responsibility to perform ahead

to acquire the aptitude to integrate AV classrooms and

of the current world status is upon us.

conferencing spaces.

Though the term is used often in business

So, what came next? Preparation. Not all organi-

of a pandemic, global supply chain

language, accountability is not exercised nearly

zations prepare. New technology comes and new

disruptions, and an emergence of a new

enough. Although easy and cool to say, it’s not an easy

trends arise, and the response is more of “fumbling to

war—AV has to come through strongly to continue its

posture to maintain. This is an issue with all indus-

success” instead of preparing for it.

development in integration. There is a simple ingredi-

tries, not just Pro AV.

ent, when added, that can help Pro AV to reach its peak in the technology sector: accountability.

Accountability in most business circles is one of

Initial Evaluation

The security integrator began the work with their operations department in further training resources, and enlisted their HR department in obtaining new

So, what does accountability in AV mean? How does

resources with different skillsets to supplement

the top seven business traits in leadership. Before we

one start the accountability tour? Well, it begins with

their team’s body of knowledge. Preparation in the

add to this spice to the pot, let’s understand it.

a solid evaluation of where you stand in your business

face of the “new economic normal” needs to be

Accountability can be defined as is an obligation or

and the Pro AV industry. Ask questions like:

revamped and reinstituted—not just in processes

willingness to accept responsibility and be transpar-

n

Are we in tune with the market’s direction?

and procedures, but most importantly in overall

ent, allowing others to observe and perform.

n

Do we recognize the technologies that are now

mindset. Mindset preparation of individual contrib-

coming into play?

utors, managers, teams, partners, and clients is

Are our operational strategies and processes clear,

critical to resetting expectations and guiding all

well-defined, and achievable?

toward any new direction.

To apply it to Pro AV, accountability is the accounting for the relevance and progression by an

To work well, accountability in Pro AV has to be more than a singular action: It has to be consistently practiced through a series of habits in order to progress.

n

n

How do we mitigate abor and supply shortages?

n

How do we boost employee happiness and appreci-

include engaging with clients and communicating

ate their value?

your roadmap, so you can get buy-in and feedback

After examination, there has to be a willingness to

strategies are made, engagement is necessary

become comfortable with a certain level of achieve-

internally and externally to demonstrate your

ment and never venture to surpass goals, just meet

commitment to change.

them. In today’s environment, this plateau can present struggles and unfixable issues.

To move the needle is to embrace discomfort—

Follow through is not a practice that gets commonly indoctrinated into professional practice, but now more than ever it is necessary. Unlike follow up,

taking action in anticipation of changes. In 2021, I

which is just the beginning, follow through is the

went to an event and met a security integrator looking

measure of continuing a task to its absolute com-

to determine how to grow more in the commercial

pleteness. If you follow up on an item, it is not done

market. The manager and I discussed the industries

until you incorporate the follow through. Engage-

that their company worked with the most, and it

ment and follow through go hand in hand; engage-

turned out education was one of them. Soon the idea

ment is the commitment and follow through is the

light bulb beamed brightly, and they looked into

confirmed signoff. For true accountability, you cannot

doing more AV work with higher ed in their region by

have one without the other.

providing different types of integration.

To work well, accountability in Pro AV has to be more than a singular action: It has to be consistently practiced

discomfort of an uncomfortable notion and became

through a series of habits in order to progress. Whether

proactive. Their familiarity with the education

your company’s initiative is to expand solution

clients’ processes and procedures presented a value

portfolios with emerging technologies, implement

proposition that they could hone and cultivate. They

hybrid work environments, achieve DEI goals, and/or

supplemented new AV integration solutions with

create new career paths for employees, accountability

their security integration solutions, which eliminated

has to be applied on an individual, departmental, and

the client’s pain of onboarding an additional vendor.

company-wide level. When accountability is not

Instead, they could work with the vendor they already

practiced, it leads to the perception that there is no

knew and trusted.

desire to do good business, just business.

Be Prepared and Follow Through

SCN // May 2022 // avnetwork.com

on the new direction. Whatever decisions and

do the research and take the steps. Organizations can

Although business was good, they sought out the

42

With preparation in place, the next steps

Charmaine Torruella has been in the Pro AV industry for more than a decade, and previously

The previously mentioned vendor determined the

served as the chairperson for AVIXA’s Diversity

type of spaces they could implement with additional

Council.