Systems Contractor News - November 2023

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS

®

INSTALLATION SHOWCASE Integrators Reach for the Stars with Exceptional Pro AV Projects AVNETWORK.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

19 Executive Q&A Mark Bohs says Datapath is all about the pixels.

22 On Your Business Steve Greenblatt explains how core values drive business.

42 Viewpoint

19

22

42

Jennifer Goodyer profiles the “Rosie Riveters” outreach program.

BETTER DECISIONS, FASTERTM

Integrated Solutions for Command and Control Any data, any network, any display Video Wall Processors Desktop Multiviewers Visual Data Recorders KVM Enterprise Level AV-over-IP Learn more at rgb.com

9000

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS

®

INSTALLATION SHOWCASE Integrators Reach for the Stars with Exceptional Pro AV Projects AVNETWORK.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

19 Executive Q&A Mark Bohs says Datapath is all about the pixels.

22 On Your Business Steve Greenblatt explains how core values drive business.

42 Viewpoint

19

22

42

Jennifer Goodyer profiles the “Rosie Riveters” outreach program.

BETTER DECISIONS, FASTERTM

Integrated Solutions for Command and Control Any data, any network, any display Video Wall Processors Desktop Multiviewers Visual Data Recorders KVM Enterprise Level AV-over-IP Learn more at rgb.com

CONTENTS 24

SCN Installation Showcase

Integrators take center stage with some of the most innovative and useful installations of the year.

People

Technology

18 Executive Q&A

32 The ABCs of AVoIP, Part 1

Apantac president Thomas Tang

The first part of our primer begins

sees opportunity in interoperability.

with how AVoIP technology works.

By Mark J. Pescatore

By Pete Putman

19 Executive Q&A

34 Cloud Power

It’s all about the pixels, according

How to calculate costs when evaluating Pro AV

to Datapath’s Mark Bohs.

environments.

By Mark J. Pescatore

By Dave Van Hoy

22 On Your Business

36 SCN Product Showcase

Values-driven small businesses often

What were the most popular products on our website

prioritize core beliefs over profit.

this year?

By Steve Greenblatt

Business 28 Opportunity or Threat?

38 Keep On Running Manufacturers explain why power management is not an option.

30 Viewpoint 42 Leading by Example

By Carolyn Heinze

Is cloud-based production a good

Advisist Group’s Bradford Benn

or bad trend for systems integrators?

continues to support “Rosie Riveters.”

By Jennifer Guhl

By Jennifer Goodyer

30 Keeping the Faith

Departments 6 SYSTEMS CHECK 8 NEWS 20 NEWSMAKERS 40 NEW PRODUCTS

A recent AV renovation at Concordia Lutheran Church faced several architectural challenges.

By Wayne Cavadi

38

Vol. 30 No. 11 November 2023 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 2023 by Future US, Inc. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

4

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

®

SYSTEMS CHECK avnetwork.com

Penny Wise, Ammo Round Foolish

MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director

E

arlier this year, a friend of mine invited me to the shooting range to test out his latest purchase. The experience reminded me that you get what you pay for. Or penny wise, pound foolish. Or fill in your favorite financial

My friend had purchased an inexpensive handgun. No, that’s not right. It was cheap. Real cheap. Despite uninspiring online reviews, despite another friend’s

mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

uninspiring first-hand experience with the same model, he was dazzled by the low price tag and that was that.

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brands or many specifics about the weapon. (I also don’t need anyone to confirm my limited knowledge on this particular subject.) I will say it shoots probably the least expensive round of ammo you can buy, and it was purchased strictly for recreation, not competition or self-defense.

Now, going to the gun range is not what you would call a frequent activity for me.

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It is fun, though. I get to wear earmuffs (not exactly everyday fashion in South Florida) and fire at targets that look like bad guys and zombies. I figure with a lot of time, the right equipment, and a great deal of disposable income, I could get pretty good at shooting. It’s sort of like the winning formula for golf but with gunpowder.

At the range, after my friend shot several rounds, it was my turn. As I was

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loading the magazine (in this case, that’s the part that holds and feeds the ammo), I couldn’t help but notice it was plastic. I understand that some modern pistol magazines aren’t made of steel or aluminum, but this one was actually pliable. Call me a diva, but I have a difficult time trusting more than a dozen rounds of ammo to a container that feels less sturdy than what I use to store my homemade biscotti.

It should not surprise anyone that I was not impressed with his new handgun. I did not much care for the look of it or its trigger pull or even its accuracy. My friend didn’t hate it, but he wasn’t exactly singing its praises, either. By probably any metric a gun expert would consider, it didn’t measure up to the one I rented at the range that day.

This is from one of those old-time photo shoots. I generally don’t wear this to the gun range. Generally.

Senior Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Contributors Jennifer Goodyer, Steve Greenblatt, Jennifer Guhl, Carolyn Heinze, Pete Putman, Dave Van Hoy

Art Editor Rob Crossland Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow

Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465 Sales John Casey, john.casey@futurenet.com, 845-678-3839 Janis Crowley, janis.crowley@futurenet.com, 845-414-6791 Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com, 212-378-0468 Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com, 845-678-3752 Andi Tureson andi.tureson@futurenet.com SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE

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

Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw licensing@futurenet.com

That said, based on a quick internet price check, my friend’s weapon of choice

M A N AG E M E N T

costs about 45% less than the rental. That’s quite a difference. Now, my friend could

SVP Wealth, B2B and Events Sarah Rees MD, B2B Tech & Entertainment Brands Carmel King Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design Rodney Dive

easily afford the more expensive choice (we’re talking less than $200), but he just didn’t want to spend the money.

There’s the rub, isn’t it? It’s a cheap piece of equipment, but it works. There’s no way it’ll last as long as the other model, but it works now. It’ll likely need to be repaired more often, but it’s not broken yet.

FUTURE US, INC.

It’s not exactly what you want, but it’s better

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

than nothing.

How often do you find yourself explaining to clients why a higher investment up front is worth it? Granted, sometimes making the argument for the WhizBang 2000 over the WhizBang 1995 can be a tough sell, especially when the main difference is a feature that may not be a game-changer. But a WhizBang 2000 over a WizeBong knock-off that won’t put you over budget? That should be a much easier discussion, even when the price difference is substantial.

When budgets are tight, corners need to be cut. I get that. But saving money for the sake of saving money at the expense of the user experience is a recipe for unsatisfied customers.

It’s important to remind your clients there’s a big difference between a bargain and a good value.

6

Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

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

This is a Pro AV magazine, not a handgun magazine, so I won’t go into name FACEBOOK

CONTENT

VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona

Group Art Director Nicole Cobban

proverb here.

EMAIL

NOVEMBER 2023 VOL. 30 NO. 9

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

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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.

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NEWS Two Christie DWU15-HS Series light up Cathedral of San Marcos.

Aurora Multimedia Donates $6.6 Million to HETMA

A

Christie Projectors Promote Tourism in Mexico

urora Multimedia is donating $6.6 million

RXT-15VS ReAX-enabled touchpanels, which will

to HETMA in IP control system products

enable automated control of classrooms and poten-

to support growth in higher education loca-

tially develop curriculum for students learning to

tions that are not fiscally able to upgrade or develop

program using web standard protocols with Aurora

their AV technology. HETMA will distribute the

ReAX control system tools.

products into schools that cannot afford to make this technology available to the faculty and students.

A portion of the donation is RXT-10VS and

“Aurora believes education is key. It is important to provide the product and tools for teachers to present properly using the latest technologies,” said Paul

Two Christie DWU15-HS Series projectors are

Harris, CEO of Aurora Multimedia. “Equally important

illuminating the façade of the Cathedral of San

is to supply students with technologies they can learn

Marcos, one of the most emblematic buildings in

from and demonstrate their creative talents. The ReAX

Chiapas, Mexico. Designed to promote tourism,

products will allow students to learn about HTML and

the projection mapping presentation highlights

JavaScript and practical application use.”

the culture, music, and traditions of Chiapas

HETMA has created a scholarship committee to

twice a night. The show, managed by Puntos

administer and manage the program. “The higher ed

Audiovisuales, has become one of the main

vertical cannot be successful without initiatives like

attractions for visitors to the historic center of

this being provided by Aurora Multimedia,” said Joe

the city. Two metal tower-like structures in front

Way, HETMA cofounder and chair. “HETMA is

of the cathedral at a throw distance of 121 feet

thankful to provide opportunities to schools who lack

-

create the 55x36-foot canvas.

the resources to implement high-quality technology Joe Way (left) and Paul Harris

A

n investigation led by L-Acoustics late last year resulted in the seizure of 136 counterfeit products from Tampa-based rental

company Se7ven Sounds Music. Along with the sei-

ZACK WITTMAN

L-Acoustics Wins Historic Counterfeiting Judgment

in their classrooms.”

ADI Opens Super Center

I

n September, ADI Global Distribution announced the grand opening of its new Super Center distribution center in the Dallas area.

The facility was designed to optimize supply chain

zure, L-Acoustics filed a complaint against Se7ven

operations, enhance customer service, and provide

Sounds for trademark infringement, counterfeit-

capacity for continued growth. It spans more than

ing, and unfair competition. In September, the U.S.

400,000 square feet of distribution space and

District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa

can house more than 2 million units of inventory.

Division ordered Se7ven Sounds to pay damages of

"With advanced technologies, streamlined

$5 million to L-Acoustics, which also won the right

logistics, and a strategic layout, the Super Center

to destroy the counterfeit products confiscated dur-

marks the cornerstone of our supply chain manage-

ing the investigation.

The final judgment holds that the “defendants infringed the L-Acoustics Trademarks by intention-

ment and represents the future for ADI," said Allie Marcus Ross and Chris “Sully” Sullivan of L-Acoustics inspect counterfeit L-Acoustics product in the Se7ven Sounds Music warehouse before confiscation.

ally and willfully engaging in the unauthorized manufacturing, importation, offering for sale and/or

feiting, and this judgment makes it clear that not only

rental, and sale and/or rental of goods in interstate

manufacturing counterfeit equipment but also renting

commerce imitating the design of L-Acoustics

and selling fakes is illegal and punishable by law. It

products and bearing counterfeit L-Acoustics

sends a strong message to service providers who profit

Trademarks.” A judgment of this magnitude is a first

by deceiving end users and promoters by providing

in the professional audio industry.

inferior and unsafe counterfeit equipment.”

“Our customers and clients must have confidence

For years, L-Acoustics has led the industry in the

in the L-Acoustics name and the integrity of our

charge against counterfeiting. The Se7ven Sounds

products and of our worldwide network of certified

judgment comes on the heels of a cease and seizure of

partners,” said Laurent Ostojski, senior legal counsel

counterfeit L-Acoustics loudspeakers in China last

at LAcoustics. “We have zero tolerance for counter-

December.

8

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

Copeland, SVP and COO at ADI. ADI hosted a grand opening event with customers, suppliers, and team members.

NEWS

T

SCN Announces Pro AV Best in Market 2023 Award Winners he Pro AV Best in Market (BiM) 2023 award

experience with Microsoft Teams, eliminates

the 16 channels of DSP, and amplification provided by

winners for Systems Contractor News

third-party control systems with no-code program-

the LA7.16 produces unprecedented control and sonic

have been announced, with six companies

ming, and leverages pre-built DSP designs for

consistency. L2 is shaped in a progressive mechanical

recognized in the inaugural program. The BiMs

turnkey deployment. Cost of ownership is lowered

arrangement, producing 10 degrees of vertical

provide companies with the opportunity to highlight

with its agile, modular I/O that scales to meet

control, and features four user-adjustable modules of

products that were new or newly upgraded within

functional demand. Other benefits include friction-

Panflex to increase horizontal coverage flexibility.

the last 12 months. Entries were judged based on a

less communication anywhere with an ultra-small

range of criteria by independent, third-party judges

footprint, support for BYOD in collaboration spaces

and editorial teams. Additional BiMs were presented

with Gio USB and Gio Bluetooth connectivity, and

by other Future AV brands, AV Technology and Sound

Xilica HearClear acoustic echo cancellation for

Sony’s SRG-A40 and

& Video Contractor, which had initially created the

eliminating noise and echo on conference calls.

SRG-A12 4K PTZ cameras

Sony SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 4K PTZ Cameras

awards program during the pandemic for companies

with built-in AI analytics

that were unable to attend live events.

offer improved usability

And the SCN winners are…

AtlasIED IsoFlare Series

and productivity—all without operating a

Extron DTP3 T 301 / DTP3 R 301

computer. The new PTZ Auto Framing technology

The new AtlasIED

In modern Pro AV applications that involve videocon-

features automatic operation for quick and consistent

IsoFlare Series of

ferencing and collaborative tasks, USB connections

object tracking and rediscovery. A combination of

premium ceiling

have become as vital as video signals like HDMI. The

advanced and consistent recognition technologies are

loudspeakers represent

Extron DTP3 T 301 and DTP3 R 301 enable long distance

employed, including facial recognition that can even

AtlasIED’s highest-

extension of HDMI, USB 2.0, and bidirectional

detect masked faces.

performance audio loudspeakers to date. Offering the

RS-232 signals up to 330 feet (100 m) without

latest techniques in transducer design, the new

compression over a single Cat 6A cable—simplifying

high-quality, naturally vivid images with less noise.

AtlasIED IsoFlare Series is equipped with concentri-

installations and reducing equipment cost. These

The SRG-A40 offers Clear Image Zoom technology,

cally aligned bass, midrange, and tweeter sections to

HDCP 2.3-compliant products support video resolu-

which digitally doubles the optical zoom from 20x to

provide customers with a true point source loud-

tions up to 4K/60 at 4:4:4 color sampling.

30x in 4K or 40x in Full HD, while the SRG-A12

speaker, ensuring wide and controlled dispersion for

The transmitter provides one HDMI input, one USB

Both cameras feature an Exmor R CMOS sensor for

provides up to 12x zoom. With tele convert mode, the

optimum coverage. The IsoFlare Series is the first

host port, and a mirrored HDMI output. The receiver

SRG-A40 can extend up to 80x zoom, while the

outcome of AtlasIED’s strategic investment in Fyne

features an HDMI output and a four-port USB hub.

SRG-A12 can extend up to 24x. A new tally light allows

Audio (termed, Atlas+Fyne) and uses a specialized core

They provide exclusive professional-grade features

for easy identification of the active camera and

based on next-generation point source technology.

such as USB HID device class filtering, EDID Minder

tracking movements.

Ideal for luxury hotels, casinos, corporate facilities,

for EDID management, and audio embedding/

and more. The new IsoFlare series’ loudspeakers offer

de-embedding. The power supply included with the

SurgeX Vertical Series+

outstanding stereo imaging with constant directivity

receiver can be used to provide DC power to the

The SurgeX Vertical

for more accurate and immersive sound quality. The

transmitter over the one Cat 6A cable, making

Series+ is a smart vertical

series consists of seven models that include coaxial

deployment even easier.

power distribution unit

high-frequency compression drivers for consistent audio quality, high-performance crossover network

L-Acoustics L Series

(PDU) that delivers power distribution, quality

for a captivating experience, and high-caliber trans-

The L Series, including the L2

assurance, and intelligent power management for

formers to prevent distortion.

and L2D, is designed to work

space-constrained yet highly intelligent AV installa-

together or independently to

tions. Available in 8, 16, and 24 receptacle configura-

produce sound consistency

tions, it can be installed easily with or alongside

Available only through

over the audience and

rack-mounted equipment to fit various project sizes,

Exertis Almo, the Xilica

improved rejection every-

rack configurations, and power demands. The

Solaro QR1 is the only

where else, L2 is a full-range

technological innovation of Vertical Series+ goes

micro-format, config-

progressive line source

beyond the standard expectations for a PDU, with

urable digital signal

element designed for

cloud-connected power management capabilities and

processor that enables significant cost savings by

medium to large-sized mobile and installation

matching product features to application require-

applications. Based on the patented Progressive

ments while also allowing for flexible mounting

Ultra-dense Line Source (PULS) technology, one L2 or

software that enables remote monitoring and manage-

scenarios. The Solaro QR1 is unique in that it is an 8x8

L2D provides the same contour as four full-range line

ment of power health for compatible SurgeX devices.

DSP in a quarter rack unit. It features card-based

sources in a format that is 46% smaller and 40%

The Vertical Series+ features robust analytical software

architecture that allows it to be tailored to the specific

lighter, thus reducing truck and storage space.

and monitoring capabilities, and will integrate with

Exertis Almo Xilica Solaro QR1

requirements of the project.

The Xilica Solaro QR1 creates a superior user

10

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

The combination of high component density in a single enclosure ensures proximity between them and

advanced analytics.

It integrates with SurgeX CONNECT, a cloud-based

popular third-party control solutions to help integrators streamline management.

DN-300

The Ultimate AVoIP Platform

The Future of AV Distribution is Here The award-winning DisplayNet® DN-300 delivers an unprecedented level of AVoIP performance, versatility and reliability; at a price point that defines a new industry benchmark for value. Based on the latest SDVoE technology, the DN-300 provides 4K/60 (4:4:4) video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency and zero image artifacts.

This single unit offers several unique features that provide system designers with exceptional versatility: 

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PoE+ support

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Dual (copper / fiber) network interfaces

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Silent, fanless operation

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Auxiliary H.264/5 video output streams

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Versatile KVM Routing

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Full-bandwidth USB 2.0 support

DisplayNet also provides software-defined MultiViewer and Advanced Video Wall engines that power a wide range of applications without the expense and complexity of ancillary products. 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 see how DisplayNet can move your next AV system into the future.

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NEWS

Snap One’s Clare Control cameras are used for surveillance in the golf simulation room and other areas of the country club.

Greenbrier Golf and Country Club employees can manage entertainment in 16 independent audio zones and 20 TV locations.

Snap One Helps Redefine Recreation at Country Club

T

new building,” Cecil said. “The building had been prewired with a Cisco networking system, so implementing the cameras was a fairly simple process.”

Like all of the other components installed by 46Solutions, the 24 Clare Controls cameras and video

he members of the Greenbrier Golf and

microphone for announcements. Control4 keypads

recorder from Snap One are managed and controlled by

Country Club in Lexington, KY, have a

and touchpanels mounted in key areas, as well as a

Control4 for simplicity and convenience. “Trespassing

new form of recreation to enjoy, thanks

Control4 app on personal tablets and smartphones,

and burglary isn’t a huge issue for Greenbrier, so they

enable changes like these on the fly.

mainly use the surveillance system to check up on

to the recent addition of a smart, connected 17,000-square-foot clubhouse. Integrated seam-

Employees can manage entertainment in 16

certain areas, like making sure kids are behaving in the

lessly within the new facility are a variety of tech-

independent audio zones and 20 TV locations. “Sim-

golf simulation room,” Cecil noted. “They can access

nologies from Snap One, all designed, engineered,

plicity was paramount to the Greenbrier managers, so

video in real time from a computer monitor in the

and customized by 46Solutions to treat Greenbrier

we programmed these interfaces to be as intuitive as

office and always look at footage later that’s triggered

members to a new level of luxury that’s as comfort-

possible, for example, presenting favorite commands

by motion and recorded automatically.”

able and convivial as it is technologically advanced.

on the main screen of touchpanels,” Cecil added.

With the positive reaction to the initial

Members love the space for its amazing AV and

Greenbrier wisely elected to update other areas

enhancement, 46Solutions upgraded the Control4

comfortable atmosphere, while employees relish the

while the grounds were under construction. Outdated

operating system in the original clubhouse to the

convenient, versatile controls. “It’s a new, modern

outdoor speakers around the nearby club swimming

newest OS 3. “It’s simple to do, thanks to the

twist on the traditional clubhouse atmosphere where

pool were swapped for newer models and tied to the

engineering and remote access features of the

technologies work behind the scenes to elevate every

clubhouse audio system. Like all interior audio zones,

system,” Cecil said. “Being able to modify settings

experience throughout the facility,” said Nathan Cecil,

the swimming pool speakers make up their own

is a key benefit to the Control4 platform and clients

projector manager of 46Solutions.

separate zones, which means they can play music

like Greenbrier. It’s very difficult to nail down

that’s completely different from other speakers in

specific brightness levels of lights, for example,

other zones.

until you’ve lived with them for a few weeks. By

Strategically placed throughout the multipurpose facility are dozens of speakers and displays delivering a curated playlist of music and video to members as they

Another add-on to 46Solutions’ original quote was

integrating an OvrC cloud management system into

grab a bite at the café, break a sweat at the gym, or

surveillance. “Construction is prime time to integrate

the new clubhouse, we can adjust levels immedi-

practice a few swings at the golf simulator. The

technology, so after more consideration, Greenbrier

ately and troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly

abundance of AV demanded a robust system to manage

management decided to have us also install several

from our office or while on the road.”

and distribute content from one main rack of compo-

surveillance cameras to the interior and exterior of the

nents and provide employees an easy means of control.

Together, Snap One’s Binary Media-over-IP system and Triad AMS 16x16 switcher tied to a Control4 entertainment and automation processor do the trick.

The highly customizable nature of the Control4 Core 5 processor allowed the 46Solutions team to establish daily routines for the AV systems to follow.

For example, the AV and lighting activates only in the gym at 5 a.m. By 8 a.m., other TVs, speakers, plus Control4 light switches and thermostats join in—and at 11 p.m., everything turns off. This hand-off approach simplifies the management of the clubhouse and ensures a high-level of customer satisfaction.

Of course, there are occasions when the staff must override these scripted scenes, such as during golf scrambles when the audio system needs to tie in a

12

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

Through the Control4 processor, the country club has daily routines that the AV system follows in the gym and other areas.

NEWS

Electro-Voice Elevates Audio for Zoo’s New Treetop Trail

T

he Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley recently

“In addition to its ability to handle the weather, we

converted its elevated monorail track into the

chose the EVID-S5.2X speaker for the Treetop Trail PA

Treetop Trail, providing zoo visitors with a

because of its full range and wide, uniform dispersion,”

The Minnesota Zoo’s new Treetop Trail has a distributed audio system with 56 Electro-Voice loudspeakers.

fresh perspective on the zoo’s natural environment.

added Luke Mapes, Minnesota Zoo audio-visual

True North Consulting Group, headquartered in Waco,

technician. “Its small package and clean design offered

cameras and wireless access points, allowing easy

TX, with a local office in Stillwater, MN, was hired to

minimal visual impact—another key component. We

access for monitoring and maintenance, as well as

design a new security and distributed audio system

use the speaker system to make daily announcements

providing cohesion with other systems in the park.

for the trail, the latter incorporating 56 Electro-Voice

and as an emergency PA, if needed. We wanted a more

EVID-S5.2X loudspeakers.

musical-sounding speaker than the traditional PA

director of guest experience, “The public address

“Throughout the year, temperatures range from

system style speaker, for better intelligibility in speech

system helps operationalize the zoo’s closing proce-

-25 to 115 degrees with snow, ice, rain, and sun—it was

reproduction. The EVID-S5.2X meets all our needs.”

dures. It is also critical in assisting with weather-

of extreme importance that we utilize loudspeakers

The EVID-S5.2X is a compact, 5.25-inch surface-

According to Jessica Madole, Minnesota Zoo

related closures and evacuations. In addition to zoo

that are designed to withstand the harsh weather

mount speaker designed for background and fore-

staff assisting guests in a weather-related evacuation

environment in Minneapolis,” explained Jiggs Lee,

ground music, voice evacuation, paging, and sound

situation, having the ability to announce information

technology consultant at True North Consulting Group.

reinforcement. It is engineered to resist the harshest

and instructions clearly across the entirety of the trail

“The trail will be open year-round. The EVID-S5.2X

weather conditions without compromising perfor-

makes these efforts much more efficient.”

offers exceptional audio quality and is known for its

mance for indoor applications. The full-range speaker

The True North Consulting Group team worked

reliability and being built to last.”

is IP65 rated, and its weatherproofing is complemented

closely with Bluum Technology, which installed the

by cabinet and grille resistance against sun, salt,

new system. “The zoo staff and visitors seem

moisture, and chlorine.

extremely pleased with the new exhibit and installed

The 1.25-mile-long walking path brings guests up to 32 feet above the ground. The EVID loudspeakers, bracket-mounted on poles distributed throughout and

The loudspeakers are supplied with a U-Bracket

system,” Lee said. “Working with Electro-Voice,

under the trail, are used for public address and any

that allows for 80 degrees of rotation for installation

located just a few miles away, really helped to make it

other sound reinforcement needs the zoo might have.

flexibility. Each pole is also equipped with security

a community project.”

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (REQUESTER PUBLICATIONS ONLY) 1. Publication Title: Systems Contractor News 2. Publication No.: 15093

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

9591

9047

8365

7594

8365

7594

1164

1407

e. Total non-requested distribution

1164

1407

f. Total distribution

9529

9001

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation

3. Filing Date: 29/9/2023

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)

4. Issue Frequency: Monthly

b. Legitimate paid and/or requested distribution (by mail and outside the mail)

5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: Requester 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Future US Inc., 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036; Contact Person: Cindy Cardinal, 847-438-4577 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General

(1) Outside-county paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 (2) In-county paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 (3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS (4) Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS c. Total paid and/or requested circulation d. Non-requested distribution (by mail and outside the mail) (1) Outside-county non-requested copies stated on PS Form 3541

Business Office of Publisher: Future US Inc., 130 West 42nd

(2) In-county non-requested copies stated on PS Form 3541

Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036

(3) Non-requested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail

9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher: Carmel King, 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036; Editor: Mark Pescatore, 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036; 10. Owner: Future US Inc. (Future PLC), 130 West 42nd Street, 7th FL, New York, NY 10036 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders: None

(4) Non-requested copies distributed outside the mail

g. Copies not distributed

62

46

h. Total

9591

9047

i. Percent paid and/or requested

87.8%

84.4%

16. Electronic Copy Circulation a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies)

12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months

17 Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2023 issue of this publication.

13. Publication Title: Systems Contractor News

18. Signature of VP, AV Technology Group: Carmel King, September 29, 2023. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: September-23 14

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

Blaze Audio Solves Challenges of Contemporary Worship Services

L

ocated in Winterville, NC, Reimage Church recognizes that clear, natural sounding audio

to deploy the Blaze Audio CCA Series.”

The installation includes three hangs, each with

is a crucial element in keeping its congregation

three CCA10i-BA-B loudspeakers. According to

engaged. As a result, the church recently upgraded its

Williams, “The center cluster faces straight out

sound reinforcement system to better accommodate

toward the rear center of the room, while the left and

the challenges of contemporary worship services. This

right arrays face into the mid area of the left and right

resulted in the deployment of Blaze Audio’s Constant

sides. All three clusters are positioned directly over

Curvature Array (CCA) loudspeakers.

the front edge of the stage area.”

Hi Tech Electronics of Greenville, NC, was con-

The 1,200-seat sanctuary at Reimage Church has upgraded its sound system with Blaze Audio CCA loudspeakers.

The system also includes two Symetrix Prism DSPs

tracted to design and deploy the new sound system at

and six Blaze Audio PowerZone Connect 3004 full-

Reimage Church. “The sanctuary at Reimage Church is a

matrix DSP-enabled Class-D power amplifiers. There

large, semicircular space with seating accommodations

are two amps per hang point, which are mounted with

for 1,200 people,” explained David Williams, president,

a custom bracket on the back of the loudspeaker

Hi Tech Electronics. “The edge of the stage faces directly

enclosures. Eight WorxAudio UW18BP subwoofers,

into the arch of the room, which measures approxi-

which Hi Tech installed with the original system back

August 2022 and was one of the very first deploy-

mately 75 feet from the stage edge to the rear wall. This

in the 1990s, were retained for the new system.

ments of the Blaze Audio CCA Series. “Speech

design can easily create considerable challenges for

“Everyone at the church has been extremely

intelligibility is excellent and music reproduction is as

having consistent sounding audio throughout the entire

complimentary of the new sound system,” Williams

clear and present as I’ve ever heard,” said Williams.

space—particularly on the extreme left and right sides.

added. “These loudspeakers speak for themselves.

“Everything sounds so completely natural. Equally

This is precisely why loudspeakers with wide horizontal

Sonically, the sound is like a breath of fresh air, and

noteworthy is the fact that with the Blaze Audio CCA

dispersion in addition to well-focused vertical throw

everyone who hears this new system agrees.”

Series, it took roughly half the loudspeakers of the

were so important, and this was a key factor that led us

The installation at Reimage Church took place in

Catholic Media Ministry Goes Live with JVC PTZs

W

previous installation to deliver superior results.”

of Chandler, AZ, while the other three were incorporated into Catholic Media Ministry’s flypacks for productions between churches and other events.

Since then, the production company has added six additional JVC PTZ cameras, which were spread

ith the Roman Catholic Diocese of

throughout various church campuses and in their

Phoenix recently looking to begin

mobile production system. The company also

broadcasting masses on TV, it became

purchased three RM-LP100U remote production

clear that the churches and production team would

controllers to manage its cameras, which proved

need an equipment upgrade. The production company

helpful when Santoyo needed to rely on assistance

Catholic Media Ministry selected JVC Professional

from his volunteers.

Video’s KY-PZ100 PTZ cameras to provide the video

“We set up a control table where a single

quality and versatility necessary for live television.

volunteer can run cameras and also be switching at

While livestreaming masses is commonplace

the same time,” he said. “So, we can have one

today, the Diocese found it difficult for members to navigate through the web and software apps to find the videos, which resulted in the decision to broadcast

single person running three or four cameras, which Catholic Media Ministry is using JVC PTZ cameras for livestreaming masses and more.

the services. “When I first joined Catholic Media

is awesome.”

For Santoyo, some of the best features of the JVC camera are its presets and long-range 30x optical

Ministry, I was given the crucial task in helping to set

desperate situation; it was 15 minutes before the show

zoom. “We use different presets for each application

up our daily masses to broadcast on TV,” recalled

was set to start and no volunteers had arrived,” he

and venue, which makes things super convenient for

Arturo Santoyo, video producer at Catholic Media

said. “That night, I called my pastor, Father Dan

us. The zoom function is also great for that same

Ministry. “Since we didn’t initially have a big budget

McBride, the founder of Catholic Media Ministry, and

reason—it's really nice to have,” he said.

for the livestream productions, we were originally

explained that if we purchased PTZ cameras, I would

Most recently, Catholic Media Ministry added

using very cheap cameras. I knew we needed better

be able to run an entire show without any volunteers,

four JVC GY-HC500 handheld production cameras to

cameras to produce the broadcast-quality video

and he was sold.”

its inventory. “We have a basketball game we call

necessary for television, and that’s when we came across JVC Professional Video.”

Prior to upgrading to JVC PTZs, Catholic Media

After testing the KY-PZ100 in a dimly lit church,

‘Game for the Vocations,’ where priests play against

the team knew the cameras were the perfect fit not

seminarians, for which we deployed the GY-HC500s

only for broadcasting mass, but for other applica-

alongside the PTZs,” said Santoyo. “We especially

Ministry was using handheld production cameras,

tions as well. Catholic Media Ministry initially

love the optical and dynamic zoom of these handheld

which were typically operated by volunteers. “I

purchased nine KY-PZ100s. Six of the cameras went

cameras. The ability to shoot in 4K and record to SSD

remember one event in particular where I was in a

to two churches in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish

is an added bonus.”

16

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

NEWS economic weakness. That said, the

diffusion indexes. Still, they underscore the chal-

macroeconomy has avoided most

lenges in the current macro environment.

recession fears, and news over the

Disappointing Deceleration for Pro AV

By Peter Hansen

T

Early in the year, the AV Employment Index

summer has been relatively positive. As a

(AVI-E) was often higher than the AVI-S. This

result, such a mediocre result for Pro AV is

abnormality reflected lingering staffing needs after

a disappointment.

the major runup in AV activity last year—especially

Survey respondents shared a variety of chal-

amidst an exceptionally challenging hiring market.

lenges. Many are still held up by supply limitations.

Recent months seem to indicate that AV firms are

Hiring issues are common, too. Weak demand, likely

now mostly caught up.

stemming from the macroeconomy, was also repeatedly cited in some form or another.

Globally, the lead diffusion index is the PMI, or

In September, the AVI-E measured 54.2, 1.8 below the AVI-S. This was the slowest hiring expansion observed since April 2021. Interestingly, the AV

Purchase Managers Index. Like our AV diffusion index,

numbers contrasted with the U.S. economy, where a

these indexes are a real-time measure of growth,

surprising and impressive 336,000 new jobs were added.

where values over 50 show expansion and under show

The September expansion also contrasted with previous

contraction. The global flavors of this index highlight

months of U.S. jobs data, which averaged a much more

economic weakness and regional unevenness. For

normal 200,000. The September U.S. figure is most

September in the Eurozone, the composite PMI (which

likely a blip rather than a trend, with AV and the wider

he September numbers from our global AV

covers manufacturing and services) measured 47.2,

economy both settling into slower expansion rates in

Insights Community have come in disappoint-

indicating very modest contraction. In the United

line with the overall mediocre macroeconomy.

ingly low. On the revenue side, the AV Sales

States, the equivalent figure was essentially flat at

Index (AVI-S) registered 56.0, consistent with modest growth. It’s not the lowest level this year—June saw a

50.2; in China, it was slightly higher at 50.9.

In short, a lot of mediocrity, with Europe bringing

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

rate of 55.9—but it is near the bottom for the year and

up the rear. Importantly, each of these PMIs has

business trends in commercial AV. For more informa-

low compared to most non-recession periods.

averaged in the low 50s for the last decade, which

tion about joining the AVIXA Insights Community,

It’s not overly surprising to see the index at this

means the current low scores aren’t as much of a

visit www.avixa.org/AVIP.

level; as covered previously, 2023 is marked by global

disappointment as they would be for our industry’s

Peter Hansen is an economist at AVIXA.

PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

Embracing Alliances

Thomas Tang, OLY Position: President Company: Apantac

Apantac President Tang Sees Opportunity in Interoperability SCN: You’ve also partnered with openGear. What

By Mark J. Pescatore

career. In 2009, Apantac exhibited at its first NAB,

are some of your most popular cards?

and the rest is history. We now have over 200

TT: Traditionally, openGear has served as a broadcast

products in our catalog.

platform, so we have typically brought broadcast-

SCN: Why is there an “OLY” after your name?

focused cards to market. We’ve been an openGear

Thomas Tang: I am a two-time Olympian and

SCN: What are the short and long-term goals for

partner since 2013, and historically our most popular

participated in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics in

your company?

cards are scan converters and frame synchronizers.

Alpine Skiing. I’ve always thought that this kind of

TT: One of our core goals as a company is to help our

However, in the past few years, we have started making

dedication and hard work has helped me with the

customers with their product and application

more Pro AV-focused products, including KVM-over-

growing pains of starting my own business and

challenges. We’ve always taken the approach of

IP, HDBaseT, SDVoE, and NDI. These cards for the

pushing through the most challenging times.

listening to customer feedback and helping solve

popular openGear platform are gaining a lot of traction.

their issues by modifying our current products or SCN: Why did you decide to start Apantac?

building new ones. We also aim to bring our many

SCN: How important are KVM solutions to

TT: I started as a flight simulation engineer in the late

years of experience in the broadcast industry to the

Apantac’s business?

1980s and early 1990s and worked on various projects

Pro AV marketplace and deliver the reliability of

TT: In 2010, we started building KVM extenders, which

including F16, F14, Apache, and other simulators. In

broadcast product requirements to the Pro AV

were solving very specific problems for our customers.

the 1990s, when computer graphics were becoming a

industry. In addition, we aim to solve challenges in

Servers and computers were always located in the

key part of the broadcast industry, the CEO of our

both AV-over-IP and traditional baseband video.

equipment room, yet the user stations were far away,

company saw an opportunity to enter the broadcast

which meant reliable extenders were very important

industry. A group of us was assigned to work on

SCN: How is Apantac celebrating its 15th

for the application. For the last four years, we’ve been

computer graphics applications for television.

anniversary?

designing, building, and delivering KVM-over-IP

To make a long story short, our group was later

TT: We have been very fortunate that we have always

products, which have expanded our KVM extender line

sold to Vizrt, and I became one of the first 30 employ-

had a very stable and consistent engineering, sales,

and broadened our KVM solutions to include KVM

ees during the early days of the company. Today, Vizrt

and marketing team. And not to forget our technical

matrices. We now even have our KVM technology built

is a major player in broadcast graphics.

support and back-office teams. We celebrated our

into our multiviewers. Based on global customer

10th anniversary by shutting down the office for a

feedback, we are proud to say our KVM products solve

Broadcast as its North America and Asia Pacific

week and inviting all our employees and their

several key challenges, and are considered highly

marketing manager for the routers and master

partners to a resort in Mexico. I look forward to doing

reliable and quality solutions.

control business unit. After several divestitures and

something similar for our 15th anniversary. I feel

acquisitions between Philips Broadcast, Thomson

that it’s so important that our team can all get

SCN: KVM or KVM-over-IP: What’s the more

Broadcast, and the Grass Valley Group, I was assigned

together, relax, and recharge.

popular choice these days?

After a few years at Vizrt, I was recruited by Philips

TT: This really depends on the application. KVM-

to manage the marketing group for the Grass Valley video server division. During my time working in

SCN: Between HDBaseT, SDVoE, and NDI, Apantac

over-IP is more flexible and popular, but there are

these large organizations, I found myself dedicated to

certainly does not shy away from alliances. Why are

still times when a point-to-point, low-latency KVM

offering many product ideas, yet they weren’t always

these relationships important for your company?

extender is required. To offer a complete solution to

a good fit for corporate product roadmaps.

TT: In the Pro AV industry, there are so many

our customers, we have built a portfolio of products

different methods to solve problems, and it’s

that now include KVM-over-IP, KVM point-to-point

idea: If I was going to be working this hard, perhaps I

important that we adapt to all the current

extenders, KVM switches, and multiviewers with

should be working for myself—thus the beginning of

standards. Each of the alliances you mentioned

integrated KVM functionalities.

Apantac. In Spring 2008, I moved my ideas into my

above has its unique advantages and we are open to

basement and began the process of engineering,

all of them. This also includes the latest AV-over-IP

SCN: What’s next for the Pro AV industry?

thankfully having that experience earlier on in my

standard, IPMX.

TT: There is a lot of buzz around AV-over-IP, and

At this point my wife offered up an interesting

the Pro AV industry is looking for a standard. The alliances mentioned earlier already have large customer bases. IPMX is a fast-emerging set of standards and specifications for AV-over-IP. As AV-over-IP is evolving, I see a big challenge around interoperability. There is a need for products to serve as a bridge and allow interoperability between Apantac works with a number of alliances, such as SDVoE, to resolve client issues.

18

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

all the systems that support all the different standards and specifications.

EXECUTIVE Q&A PEOPLE

All About the Pixels Datapath’s Bohs Talks Video Processing and the New Aetria Control Room Solution

By Mark J. Pescatore

Mark Bohs

Datapath hardware with software designed and built

Position: Director of

by our own teams, working with our own cards and

Sales, Americas

our own processors. If there was one downside, it is

Company: Datapath

that Aetria tends to be used in projects that, mostly,

Overtime: My spare

we are not allowed to talk about!

time is very important to me, and I like to spend as much of it as possible with

SCN: How are command and control needs different

my family. It’s even more important that I am outside

SCN: How long have you been with this company,

from other Pro AV installations?

doing some sort of activity in nature. That could be

and what are your responsibilities?

MB: Reliability, reliability, and reliability. When

fishing, golfing, or just laying outside.

Mark Bohs: I joined the Datapath team in the spring

dealing with mission-critical installations, it is of

of 2016. My role is to lead the company’s sales teams

prime importance that nothing is left to chance. From

who operate throughout North and South America. In

the very beginning—from the basic network

the past 7.5 years, Datapath’s success has seen our

infrastructure of the building—it is essential that

team grow to representatives covering every state as

every component is proven and trusted. Obviously,

well as Canada and LATAM.

there is no manufacturer who produces all elements of a control room installation, so it is essential that the

SCN: Let’s talk a little history. Datapath celebrated

room design, furniture, displays, end user terminals,

its 40th anniversary in 2022. How has the

network, video processing and management, and so on

company’s focus changed over the years?

all work in 100% reliable harmony. Having failsafe

MB: I guess the key focus remains—since 1982,

switchover capability is also an essential requirement,

Datapath’s business has always been about pixels. From

more so than any other installation.

VSN V3 Video Wall Controller

chassis has been redesigned, optimizing airflow to

the company’s earliest graphics cards for CAD systems

Above and beyond that, always work with teams

improve heat management and reduce noise, plus a

in the 1980s, it has focused on how to bring information

that offer total support. Every element of a control

new platinum-rated redundant power supply. The

onto screens to benefit its users, operators, and

room is important, and working with support teams

new chassis also includes hot-swappable fans,

audience. Video processing has, of course, changed

who can immediately respond and solve issues, from

enabling uninterrupted 24/7 use and maintenance in

enormously in four decades. Today, we are proud to be

our clients’ experience, is a much-valued commodity.

the most critical installations.

processing hardware and software in the world, with

SCN: Datapath is known for its video wall

SCN: Of course, Datapath does more than command

products seen everywhere from top-level government

controllers, so I’m sure you’ve seen your share of

and control—what are some of the more creative

installations to sportsbooks, airports, universities, and

displays. What features should customers be

ways your products are being used for retail digital

energy sector projects.

looking for in a video wall, especially if it’s going to

signage or other applications?

be used to display multiple sources?

MB: It’s hard to know where to start, as we’ve seen

SCN: What are the short and long-term goals for

MB: I recall getting excited when bezels became

Datapath being used in so many stunning projects

your company?

ultra-thin, but the LED displays of today bring a whole

just this year alone. The recent LED Halo at the

MB: As the director of sales, my initial answer to both

new level of what is possible when displaying a number

Houston Astros is certainly worth a mention. This

questions would be: to sell more! But joking aside and

of sources. High-resolution, zero-border LED displays

project saw us working with the fantastic team at

more specifically, we have invested considerable

with ever-reducing pixel pitch, coupled with intuitive

Watchfire to help create a superb spectacle at the

effort in developing our Aetria system for control

hardware and software, mean that operators can easily

Astros’ Stadium Store. Having a large, double-sided,

rooms, and we are seeing a very positive response

“build” their own video wall content to their exact

LED Halo displaying seamless content was a project

from the market, with installations now underway

requirements—and swap sources and layouts at the

that all stakeholders can take pride in.

across the American continent. Datapath’s R&D team

touch of a button. Add the ability to create and store

But Datapath is now involved in most markets,

will ensure Aetria continues to develop to market

templates for specific users/tasks and you get a whole

from the increasing demand for sportsbook signage

requirements to ensure it is future proof to whatever

other level of convenience and flexibility.

to corporate and leisure. Anywhere where you see

one of the most experienced manufacturers of video

demands come further down the line.

multi-content displays, it’s possible there’ll be at SCN: What is so special about the new VSN V3 video

least a Datapath Fx4 driving the pixel management.

SCN: Aetria is a different kind of product for

wall controller you demonstrated at InfoComm?

Datapath. What makes it unique within your

MB: We’re very proud of it. Our VSN processors have

SCN: What’s next for the Pro AV industry?

product line?

always been the flagship of our portfolio, but this

MB: Mostly, more of the same. We are still seeing

MB: Yes, it has been the prime focus for our R&D team

third generation raises the bar. Quite simply, it’s the

demand from the pandemic backlog and (other

for some considerable time, and it’s wonderful to be

most powerful video processor we’ve ever made. As

manufacturer) supply issues, but there is certainly

able to bring it to market and see the response from

well as having the power of 12th generation (Alder

now a sway toward networked installations, with LED

our customers. Aetria has “anything, anywhere”

Lake) Intel Core i9 processors, memory options are

now the display of choice in a majority of projects. AI

functionality that nobody else can match, along with

now available up to 64G. USB 3.0 is also now included

and automated control will come into play more and

Datapath’s proven expertise—and it is this which is

to support high transfer speeds and connectivity to

more, but I am not so bold as to predict where and how

seeing customers select Aetria for installations all

the latest devices. We’ve also focused on other ways

that will take us. For Datapath, it’s all positive, and we

over the world. With Aetria, customers are getting

to make the VSN V3 more efficient in situ—the

look forward to the next 40 years.

avnetwork.com // November 2023 // SCN

19

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS LIVELLA BRAND GROUP

Jeff Davis

Lance Bowers

AVIDEX has appointed two new

NEUTRIK AMERICAS has

now represents DRAPER

members to its executive team.

added FERNANDO MANFRINI

projection screens,

Previously president and COO,

as technology business manager

JEFF DAVIS, has been appointed

for Latin America. Based in

the new CEO of the company.

Miami, he serves as the main

the central United States. The Draper Pro AV

Davis brings more than 25 years

point of contact for Neutrik

portfolio of products and solutions includes a

Americas’ South American

wide range of projection screens and fabrics,

Rep Report

projector lifts, and AV mounts and structures in

of leadership experience in the

Fernando Manfrini

security and audiovisual indus-

customers, providing training to the company’s

including the TecVision line of projection

tries and currently serves on the

various business partners throughout the

surfaces, as well as projector lifts, fly cage

board of directors of PSNI Global

region. He is also tasked with supporting and

stacking frames, and AV mounts and structures.

Alliance. Following Davis’s

growing Neutrik Americas’ business in South

Livella will represent Draper to consultants, end

promotion, LANCE BOWERS

America through channel partner support and

users, and resale partners throughout Kansas,

was appointed as COO. Bowers

diversification efforts. Most recently, he served

Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and southern Illinois.

will lead and scale the company’s

as regional director, Latin America, for Grass Valley,

growth and business operations. Bowers was previ-

and has previously held positions with Imagine

MADVR LABS has appointed MOMENTUM

ously general manager of Northern California and the

Communications and Harris Corporation.

MARKETING as its official sales representatives

Pacific Northwest for the past two years and brings

for the TOLA region (Texas, Oklahoma,

more than 20 years of sales, operations, and business

SONY ELECTRONICS has

Louisiana, and Arkansas). Products from the

leadership to the Avidex executive team.

hired MARK HANNA as its

luxury brands represented by Momentum—

new national manager

including Trinnov Audio, Wisdom Audio, and

HOLOPLOT is expanding its U.S.

supporting Sony Faith.

Seymour Screen Excellence—are commonly

presence with the appointment

Hanna will be overseeing the

found on projects that utilize the madVR Envy

of JAMES BOBEL as sales

company’s outreach to faith

video processor.

manager for North America.

Mark Hanna

With decades of sales and

extensive experience in consulting, technical

ORIGIN ACOUSTICS has launched a new brand,

technical experience and a

directing, production, writing, and videography

Origin Pro, and has appointed STARIN as its

proven track record in the

in the faith community, previously serving as

exclusive commercial distributor. The Origin

commercial AV integration market, Bobel will be

the technical direct and video control director

Pro line will include in-ceiling, surface mount,

responsible for fostering relationships with U.S.

at Hope Community Church in Raleigh, NC.

and pendants models, as well as a subwoofer, all

James Bobel

communities. Hanna brings

customers across all business sectors and identifying

of which include the certifications required by Pro AV veteran THOMAS

new markets for HOLOPLOT’s products.

the commercial installation market.

OLIVER has been hired

Brian Reilly

LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES has

by VANCO as director of

named BRIAN REILLY regional

commercial AV. He will

ZTRANSFORM has strengthened

sales manager for the Western

be charged with forging

its sales team with the appoint-

region. Reilly will manage

partnerships and meeting

ment of BRYCE LIVENGOOD.

the needs of distributors

With more than a decade of sales

Listen’s team of manufacturer

Thomas Oliver

representative firms in the

and dealers in the Vanco ecosystem. Oliver began

Western United States, as well as

his journey in the AV industry in 1986, when

experience across diverse industry sectors, Livengood

work directly with Listen’s dealers, integrators, and

he worked at Circuit City and Best Buy before

Thomas Oliver

end users in the education, government, corporate,

founding his own integration firm. Following

creative, commercial, and operational ideals into

house-of-worship, and entertainment spaces to grow

the growth and successful sale of this business,

effective, tailor-made technology strategies and

Listen’s business and footprint in the region. He

Oliver transitioned to manufacturing with roles

solutions. In his new role as senior account manager,

brings a long history of AV sales, design, and integra-

at Crestron and Legrand. Most recently as

Livengood is responsible for building new and

tion experience to his new role, most recently as vice

director of sales at Legrand, Oliver managed

nurturing existing client and partner relationships

president of business development at AV solutions

a nationwide team of territory managers and

and strengthening ZTransform’s network and brand

provider ClearTech.

independent reps.

across industries.

Daktronics Adds Three to Sales Team

tech world both with Daktronics and a software-asa-service company before this role.

Additionally, CHASE

DAKTRONICS has recently bulked

The company also welcomed

up its sales team with several key

ALEX BARRETT. Barrett will serve

SCHWEIZER was named the

additions. MICHAEL TREACY will

as the AV channel partner

South Central regional sales

join the AV sales team as Mid-

account executive. In this role,

manager for transportation–ITS

Atlantic and Northeast regional

Barrett will focus on Daktronics

and Parking. Schweizer, who

sales manager. In this role, he will Michael Treacy

specializes in translating

be connecting with and serving

solutions and their integration Alex Barrett

into government, military,

started his career at Daktronics Chase Schweizer

as a sales intern, will lead the

AV integrators, consultants, and customers from

education, sport, retail, and transportation applica-

sales team in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana,

Maine to Virginia to deliver dvLED solutions.

tions. He brings nearly a decade of experience to the

and Mississippi.

20

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

PEOPLE ON YOUR BUSINESS

Purpose Before Profit How Core Values Can Drive Business

win for the organization, but may not be in the best interest of clients and/or team members, ultimately

By Steve Greenblatt

they make it up in other areas. Whether it is the niche offerings, personalized service, responsiveness,

D

jeopardizing relationships.

consistent outcomes, and/or comfort in having a

Practicality Still Matters

espite common belief, businesses don’t

direct relationship with a specific person or team, the

While being values-driven provides a feel-good

always exist simply to capitalize on oppor-

right clients find value in working with companies

story that differentiates a business and brings

tunities, make a lot of money, and serve

that offer the agility and customized solutions to

together clients, partners, vendors, and team

meet their precise needs.

members who resonate with common beliefs and

their owner(s). Especially in the small business space, many organizations are established with a

Values-driven small businesses have the added

specific intent to address a client’s need or pain

advantage of prioritizing their core beliefs and values

financial stability that is required for any business to

point, improve a solution, provide a niche offering,

to achieve success beyond the restrictions that may

operate in a healthy and successful manner. Being

and/or cater to a distinct target audience in a unique

be put on purely profit-driven companies. While

profitable is still a fundamental criterion for any

or innovative way.

overall financial security is a fiduciary responsibility

for-profit business.

These small businesses are driven by a purpose,

of leadership, the need to be profitable on a case-by-

principles, it doesn’t negate the basic need for

Profitability can be a sought-after goal of a

and their owners and leadership are motivated to

case basis shouldn’t stand in the way of achieving

business without being a primary driving force behind

succeed not primarily by money, a need to win, or

successful outcomes and maintaining esteemed

the business. When profit comes at the expense of

receive a specific return on their investment.

client relationships for companies that have built

others or is motivated by a need to win at all costs, it

Instead, they have the desire to accomplish goals,

their business on protecting their reputation,

typifies the common perception of selfishness and

reach collective success, and create an impact in a

ensuring client satisfaction, and upholding a com-

greed. However, when profit is a byproduct of a

personalized manner that stems from their core

mitment to excellence.

business that is values-driven with positive inten-

beliefs and values.

While money is like oxygen (we all need it to

The distinction between companies that are

tions and altruistic ideals to serve clients, support

driven primarily by profit versus those that are

partners, and care for their team members, the

survive and thrive) and financial security is a respon-

profitable as a result of pursuing their values-driven

feelings around profitability are more positive,

sibility for those who support themselves and their

goals can often be identified in their business

rewarding, and justified.

family, money is often not the primary factor driving

practices, relationships with clients and vendors,

entrepreneurs and small businesses. Entrepreneurs

leadership and management strate-

in particular are motivated by their passion for their

gies, and team culture. When

In a field that is people-centric like the Pro AV industry, the importance of relationships, supportive communities, and a commitment to successful

product or offering, and are inspired to succeed by

company beliefs and core values

outcomes is key. It makes sense that those who are

their dedication to make a difference and have a

are team and client-centric and

born out of the Pro AV industry go on to form or lead

positive effect on others (internally and externally),

held in high enough regard to

values-based organizations that exhibit a passion for

often leaving a lasting legacy.

guide decisions, behaviors, and

their craft, commitment to honor their relationships,

relationships, they will ulti-

and dedication to carry the flag for the betterment of

Distinct Value Propositions

mately result in favorable outcomes

the industry. It is also no coincidence that organiza-

In a society that is littered with busi-

that are also financially rewarding,

tions that demonstrate a values-based approach to

nesses that are highly driven by

despite the sacrifice of profitability

business find that they are well-received and gain the

that may exist in any given instance.

favor of their clients, team members, and those who

financial rewards by capitalizing on clients’ feelings, emotions, ignorance, or

On the contrary, business practices and

price-driven mindset, there are values-

are considering a future relationship.

management strategies

In the end, values-based businesses that are

driven businesses that exist for

that are primarily

genuine and authentic take on the personality of their

different reasons, especially in the

financially driven can

owners and leadership. Thus, working with a values-

Pro AV industry. Values-driven

provide a short-term

based business means investing in the individuals

businesses seek innovative ways to

who are behind the business and share a mutual

satisfy clients, raise the bar for the

commitment to success by bringing admirable qualities to their relationships while prioritizing

results for all those who are impacted.

their core values ahead of their self-interests.

This distinct value proposition and

Support for values-based businesses not only

unique competitive advantage facilitates

benefits those who are actively engaged in the

their success and attracts clients who

relationships, it also helps to make the

identify with and appreciate those qualities,

industry better, stronger, and more respected

so much so that they are willing to support

as a whole.

these companies and ensure their success by

Steve Greenblatt, CTS, is the founder of

paying a premium for their products and services.

Control Concepts, Inc., which provides

Small businesses often fight the uphill battle of not having the biggest team, most well-known brand, deepest pockets, or most competitive pricing, but

22

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

GETTY IMAGES

industry at large, and achieve greater

specialized software and services for the Pro AV industry. Contact him at steveg@ controlconcepts.net.

BUSINESS INSTALLATION SHOWCASE

SCN Installation Showcase 2023 T

AV headend. This 1.87mm pixel pitch dvLED display is controlled by six 4K processors, with content driven by two Green Hippo media playback servers.

3

Marriott International Headquarters Bethesda, MD

The 21-story building includes 785,000 square feet of diverse spaces equipped with technology that

his is always one of our favorite stories of the

custom LED circular ceiling immersive display was

supports Marriott's vast network of more than

year, because it gives the SCN editorial staff

installed by CCS Presentation Systems in coordination

8,100 hotels across 139 countries. Ford AV installed

the opportunity to let 10 integration firms

with Nanolumens to welcome visitors with immer-

technology in more than 200 meeting spaces,

take center stage with their innovative installations.

sive, eye-grabbing content. The 6,400x6,480 resolu-

equipped a central meeting control room, and added

Once again, we had an amazing collection of projects

tion display was mounted to the ceiling on a Unistrut

a massive 22x80-foot Planar dvLED wall in the

to consider.

cross grid, with 80 Cat 6 shielded cables run from the

lobby.

See for yourself—check out this small sample of some of the best Pro AV installations that were completed in 2023.

1

Tampa International Airport (TIA) Tampa, FL

TIA’s goal was to create a memorable customer experience for travelers from the moment they step into the airport to their final destinations. AVI-SPL has transformed its vision into reality with all-new technology implemented throughout the airport grounds, including Samsung LED display video walls installed in the main terminal and baggage claim area, large shuttle displays placed on the air side of the terminal, and two large LED outdoor video walls placed in the cell phone lot. The new displays provide passengers, visitors, and employees with real-time information and convenience.

2

Talking Stick Resort and Casino Scottsdale, AZ

A monstrous 40x40-foot Nanolumens Q-03824-1

24

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

INSTALLATION SHOWCASE BUSINESS

4

5

paired with QSC Q-SYS power amps and

Metinteractive installed a new audio system at the

wireless mic system and a Yamaha CL series digital

McCann Systems recently worked with DraftKings

“The Big House” at the University of Michigan. The

mixing console with SoundGrid and Waves plug-ins

and the Chicago Cubs to open an eye-catching

main audio system arrays are comprised of EAW

brings the whole program together.

sportsbook in historic Wrigley Field. The two-floor

Anya speakers with a vertical form factor that

sportsbook provides an immersive viewing

allows the system to be installed in a smaller cavity

experience along with betting kiosks and VIP

area within a scoreboard assembly. The system also

nooks. Innovative AV solutions from 1 SOUND,

included EAW Otto subwoofers, which also

6

Samsung, Crestron, and Chief drive the experience,

improved the overall sense of power and warmth. In

screen in the Giant Screen Theater is one of the

which features an enormous dual-curved

addition to the main speaker array systems,

largest film society screens in the United States.

Nanolumens LED video wall. Measuring 135x15

Metinteractive provided scoreboard downfill and

The 250-seat theater allows for a variety of content,

feet, the signature video wall captures every

under mezz speakers. These small powerhouse

from educational and museum-centric program-

viewer’s attention from any spot in the room.

speaker systems from the EAW MKD series are

ming to first-run blockbusters and Hollywood

DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field Chicago, IL

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI

DSP. Shure’s Axient Digital provides a versatile

Peoria Riverfront Museum Peoria, IL

At more than 54 feet tall and 72 feet wide, the

classics. As it is a multi-disciplinary museum, the space is also used for presentations, gaming nights, and more. Pearl Technology handled the upgrade.

The new projection system, which can show 2D and 3D content, features twin Barco 3-DLP laser projectors. Other equipment includes JBL speakers, Crown amplifiers, Shure wireless microphones, Alchemy video server, and Crestron automation.

avnetwork.com // November 2023 // SCN

25

BUSINESS INSTALLATION SHOWCASE

area that features a 20-foot-high video wall.

TRITECH Communications installed a variety of systems featuring Samsung displays, Shure wireless microphones, Middle Atlantic racks, and Logitech cameras. Room schedulers were installed outside many of the conference rooms, and private offices were equipped with an IPTV system feed as well as cameras that can be used for video calls. The versatile broadcast studio system features extensive tie lines that allow feeds from a variety of locations to be inserted into the programming.

10

Pentagon Press Briefing Room Arlington, VA

In collaboration with the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and the Department of

7

Defense, Washington Professional Systems delivered an

Solutionz designed and built a standardized AV system

focused on optimizing space efficiency, unifying the

for the Pacific Dental Services University training

capabilities for each mission partner, enhancing

rooms at its Irvine headquarters. Pacific Dental will

lighting for operators and audiences, and future-

use these rooms for large, business-critical training

proofing the system with 4K/UHD infrastructure. The

sessions, which can be run as an entire unified system

system features a Sony XVS-6000 production switcher

or across four divisible rooms. The project has

and Sony cameras, Solid State Logic T-S300-32 audio

standardized Pacific Dental’s training rooms and is

console, PESA Cheetah 288XR router, Evertz 5700

being rolled out nationwide over the next two years.

master sync generator, Apantac Tahoma multiviewer,

The setup includes Poly videoconferencing systems,

and Crestron NVX processors for the virtual studio’s 4K

Christie projectors and Draper screens, Shure ceiling

content distribution.

Pacific Dental Services Irvine PDSU Irvine, CA

array microphones, a Biamp networked media platform, Extron system control and management, and a centralized equipment room. Solutionz also provided its OptixAV remote monitoring service.

8

Sphere Las Vegas, NV

Sphere Entertainment has created a next-generation entertainment medium for artists, creators, and technologists that takes storytelling to a new level and transports audiences to places both real and imagined. From the Big Sky high-resolution camera system and content creation tool behind Sphere Studios to Sphere Immersive Sound powered by HOLOPLOT, the Vegas Sphere is using a slew of Pro AV solutions to enhance the future of live entertainment.

9

National Basketball Association New York, NY

As part of a larger redesign of the NBA’s New York City office space, the multi-phase project encompassed more than 150 rooms and offices spread over multiple floors, including the “Center Court” event

26

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

all-new broadcast control, lighting, and audio system at the Pentagon’s Press Briefing Room. The project

BUSINESS CLOUD-BASED PRODUCTION

Opportunity or Threat?

From New Business Models to Workflows, Debate Surrounds Cloud-Based Production

By Jennifer Guhl

W

hile some view cloud-based production as a threat to the traditional systems integration business, many view it as a

clear-cut opportunity. Switching, audio mixing, signal distribution, and graphics can all be carried out by production crews through cloud-based platforms.

With that in mind, the emphasis for cloud-based

From Left: Julian Fernandez, Kevin Henneman, Nick Mariette, Jeff Sengpiehl, and Dave Van Hoy

production is placed on control surfaces, the quality of the connectivity, and the applications running on the

conjunction with a tactile Sony ICP-X control

growing service fees you were not anticipating. “The

cloud server. Latency also plays a significant role

panel—or even used with third-party controllers like

biggest challenge many companies face is not having

when deciding if cloud-based production will suit

Elegato’s Stream Deck.

a solid cloud migration plan to make sure they receive

your needs.

“Certain operational elements of a production can

Despite manufacturer support, cloud-based remote production is not necessarily the instant

all the benefits while avoiding many of the roadblocks,” added Henneman.

tolerate control latency more than others, especially

remedy it may seem to be, and it may not be adequate

if you are producing live-to-air shows,” said Kevin

for every production or workflow challenge. The

audio signals from various locations to the cloud is

Henneman, president of KMH Integration. “In many

transition requires appropriate skill and strategy, as

NDI, as its minimal latency provides onsite and

cases, shows for the internet are not ‘live’ but are

well as extensive pre-planning from the production

remote teams the opportunity to communicate

recorded, edited, and then posted, so there’s a bit

and technical standpoint.

virtually in real time. This allows production teams to

greater tolerance for control delay—not audio and

One of the leading choices to transmit video and

“Combining guests from across the country or

decentralize their studio, with directors, video mixer

world becomes easy when the production itself is

operators, graphics, commentators, and audio mixers

hosted in the cloud, allowing for very low latency

being able to contribute to the same production no

some, with production environments needing to tie in

access to ISO feeds from Microsoft Teams or Zoom

matter their location. By offering bidirectional

production across various locations, such as a technical

meetings with tools like Epiphan Connect,” said

controls and metadata exchange, NDI allows team

director onsite in a traditional control room while the

Julian Fernandez, director of product marketing for

members to participate actively in all aspects of the

audio or graphics operators work out of a different city.

Epiphan. “However, cloud production tools don’t

production process, adjusting and supplying

Integrators must demonstrate that the benefits of

come without their own set of challenges. While they

instant feedback.

launching programming quickly and cost-effectively

alleviate the worries about local bandwidth and

through cloud-based platforms will outweigh the

hardware capacity, they still require sufficient capture

sources in a seamless and instant way,” said Nick

perceived downsides concerning communication,

and encoding systems on the edge to deliver video

Mariette, director of product management of NDI with

though most teams find ways to adapt.

into the cloud production tool.”

Vizrt Group. “This year, we’re answering the require-

video delay necessarily.”

The ability to communicate can also be a concern for

“These positions need to be able to communicate

It’s important to know exactly what you’re getting

“NDI is the most effective way to connect all these

ments of many productions by enhancing image

like they would if they were all located in the same

into when embracing cloud-based remote produc-

quality, color depth, and catering to even more

control room,” said Hennerman. “There’s the

tion, or you could end up with expensive bills and

broadcast and content creation use cases. NDI is

additional concern that some executive producers have voiced that the spontaneity and creativity of producing a live show together in the same

developing to become the fabric of remote workflows Below: With products like the new M2L-X, companies like Sony are delivering solutions for cloud-based production.

at an infrastructural level and will continue to evolve.”

Ease of use and efficiency have driven

control room can never be accomplished to

the growth of NDI adoption, with NDI

the same level of satisfaction when people are

seamlessly connecting and synching

separated.”

sources to the workflow. It allows produc-

Seamless Solutions

tions to scale up without being impacted by physical limitations and maintain high

Companies like Sony are producing solutions

production values from remote locations,

designed specifically to support cloud

seamlessly integrating with industry

production. The recently announced M2L-X,

software and hardware solutions.

for example, is a software-based switcher for

“Any NDI-enabled product is plug-

remote-based live production. You can switch

and-play, making any workflow easy

audio and video, insert graphics, and more on

and seamless to operate, even without

prem using COTS equipment or in a Virtual

networking knowledge,” said Mariette.

Private Cloud (VPC). For more flexibility, it

“This instant discovery and registration

can be used as a standalone software-based

are vital and remove the limits to video

switcher via its on-screen GUI or be used in

connectivity.”

28

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

CLOUD-BASED PRODUCTION BUSINESS

Pivot to Recurring Revenue

Cloud-based production has forced people to

the appropriate guidance.

“Cloud production is not going away; it’s only going

think differently about workflows. Integrators can no

to increase, so we need to embrace it, educate

longer build a system and hand it over. Cloud is one of

integrators is educating customers and determining

ourselves, and then help our customers learn how

many workflow options, with traditional on-prem or

if their infrastructure is flexible enough to adapt

to use the cloud effectively for their long-term

hybrid options available depending on the client’s

and scale as they grow and their needs change,”

benefit,” said Henneman.

needs. This is where the integrator needs to deliver

Henneman noted.

When turning to cloud-based production, system integrators will likely have to adapt their business model from a large payment for a single engagement to payments being spread out over an extended period. This requires substantial changes to the client relationship, including continuous billing and follow-up. With software-defined models, integrators are no longer selling a piece of equipment— instead, it’s a subscription or license that plays out over an extended period coupled with providing the underlying supporting platform.

“It’s a significant model shift for most system integrators in AV, production, and even in IT, and requires a lot of business planning, because otherwise it could damage many integrators,” explained Dave Van Hoy, president of Advanced Systems Group.

“Cloud’s a big pivot for system integrators, mostly because the business models change very dramatically. As an industry, we’re better at handling technology changes than business changes.”

Those looking to make the business model pivot need to establish that first relationship with the cloud provider, rather than the client engaging with them and bypassing the integrator altogether, leaving them with the option to deliver only other services.

Registering this opportunity with the cloud provider upfront guarantees you a horse in the race.

“It’s this recurring revenue model that people need to get their heads wrapped around and realize that a cloud-based workflow could be beneficial,” said Jeff Sengpiehl, CTO and chief technologist with Key Code Media. “I’m getting 12 cents on my commission for these three months, and then suddenly, everything spikes because they started using it like crazy. That’s the piece they are realizing. It’s not your father’s on-prem workflow.”

Costs and Customer Care Many integrators believe production environments will be entirely run through the cloud apart from a few transducers and monitors onsite—and the critical question is how quickly we can get there.

Sengpiehl believes that will all depend on the cloud’s overall costs.

“One of the things that we’ve run into is a lot of clients will say, I’d like to call up cloud provider X because I want to negotiate with them about our costs,” he explained. “But the cloud provider doesn’t care. It doesn’t do anything for a cloud provider to say we support this workflow. It is completely opposed to the way we’ve always thought. We’re doing cool stuff, so you should want to do business with us and give us a lower price point. That doesn’t play with the cloud folks.”

avnetwork.com // November 2023 // SCN

29

“More important than ever, our role as

BUSINESS HOUSE OF WORSHIP AV

Keeping the Faith DRAPER

Discreet Pro AV Solutions Respect Architectural Challenges of Concordia Lutheran Church

By Wayne Cavadi

church. When I approached Ryan Gilbert of RYGID AV about our project at Concordia Church, I was immedi-

There are several ways to improve projector performance in challenging church environments.

House-of-Worship Projection Checklist

C

ately impressed with their knowledge and experience.” oncordia Lutheran Church in Conover,

The main reason the church had reservations about

NC was born from the ashes of Concordia

adding video was an eye-catching, massive stained-

College. The college, which closed after a

glass window with a large cross in the center that simply

fire in 1935, was resurrected as the house of wor-

couldn’t be blocked from view. Also, the church leaders

ship in 1958. For decades, the church was able to get

and Elders wanted to ensure none of the preexisting

There is no set playbook for house-of-worship

by with a basic PA system—but when the pandemic

architecture or features were compromised, whether it

installations because there is no one-size-fits-all

hit, Concordia Lutheran Church knew it was time for

was from reflections or bulky technological eyesores.

solution. Every church, especially older and

change. Ryan Gilbert, owner of RYGID AV, and his

historic structures, provides its own unique set of

team helped bring the church into the 21st century

the signature window and cross. “The architecture is

challenges. Jim Hoodlebrink, AV consultant

and readied the house of worship for years beyond

amazing.”

relations and Pro AV products for Draper,

with new AV solutions.

recommends keeping the following in mind when setting up projectors and screens in a church.

1

Leadership at Concordia Lutheran Church wanted

“You can’t hide that, it’s beautiful,” said Gilbert of

Gilbert’s solution was projector screens from Screen Innovations. “It was a no brainer,” he said. “We have

to adapt to the post-pandemic years and be able to

great support from the Screen Innovation team, and I’ve

SCREEN PLACEMENT. “Some things cannot

livestream and connect with remote congregants. Just

just been itching to put in a Zero-G screen, and I see no

be hidden by a screen,” Hoodlebrink said. “It is

one problem: There was an existing PA system with

better option in this room for what was asked of us.”

important to study what is important for the

an analog soundboard that was roughly 30 years

church service to remain seen. Also, study where

old—and that’s it.

you are considering locating the screen. Can the

Gilbert and his team got to work on installing cameras, projectors, screens, and a new audio system.

“There was actually no video in that sanctuary at

The project began in late May 2023 and was completed

audience see the image? As a general rule, someone

all,” explained Gilbert, who was charged with design

three weeks later, followed by two days of training for

viewing the screen should be no further than 45

and engineering for the project. “They didn’t want an

the church staff.

degrees off axis of the center of the screen.”

LED wall floating in the middle of the room; they

2

Unsurprisingly, the preexisting technology (or lack

SCREEN MATERIAL. “Ultra-short-throw

didn’t want TVs hanging from the side. So, projection

thereof) wasn’t the only challenge. The 52-foot ceiling

lenses could look bad if you don’t choose the

was really the key thing here.”

and 120-foot-long sanctuary offered their own acoustic

correct screen material. UST lenses spread light

and visual challenges.

very wide,” Hoodlebrink explained. “Draper

Stained Glass and a Copper Roof

suggests traditional matt white material on a

“We had looked for a solution to place video screens in

pia,” explained Gilbert. “It has a beautiful copper

tensioned screen or a low-gain grey material that

our sanctuary for many years,” explained Doug Brady,

roof, wood finishes, and tile floor. But the shape of

has at least a 60-degree, half-gain angle.”

lay leader at Concordia Lutheran Church. “The congre-

the room alone was a major challenge both in what do

IMAGE SIZE CONSIDERATIONS. According

gation has always been concerned with the aesthetics of

we do for PA and to keep it discreet. And same thing

to Hoodlebrink, you can usually look at a

the sanctuary, and was reluctant to place screens in the

with projection: Where do we put video elements in

3

“The building looks like a Thanksgiving cornuco-

general rule and figure out how large your image could be. “But don’t stop there, make sure you address your content,” he warned. “Many churches show lyrics for singing along. If you

The projection screen in the front of Concordia Lutheran Church has a motorized pulley system, so it disappears when not in use.

don’t make it very easy to read the words from the back row, you could have a problem. Choose a font size that will work for that back row and their potential difficulty with viewing small letters.”

4

LIGHT CONTROL. Natural lighting is great—except with projection. “Keep the

light off of the screen. Use window shades on windows near the screen, dim lights near the screen,” he advised. “Ideally, keeping it as dark as possible at the screen means your image will easily be seen with better contrast. Draper has ALR [Ambient Light Rejection] screens that can assist with better contrast in less-than-ideal still be detrimental to projection.”

30

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

RYGID AV

light conditions, but more light at the screen can

HOUSE OF WORSHIP AV BUSINESS

back of the room.”

here that can be discreet? It was a major challenge to

Epson. On the audio side was a mixture of Shure and

deal with just the shape and acoustics of the room.

Audix microphones and an Allen and Heath SQ-5

Then you’re talking 65-year-old beams that are

soundboard with an Adamson IS7 and IS118 line-array

innovative, using the sanctuary’s existing docile

holding this roof structure up. That’s what we were

system. The sound booth was very small, so we

curtain. “The docile curtain does not move; it stays

hanging everything from.”

crammed a lot into a very small space. Again, discre-

there 24/7,” said Gilbert. “It’s anchored in the

tion was key to go stereo—the PA would have been

concrete. The projector is supported by a 15-foot

very in your face from a visual perspective. And

truss structure that is anchored to the back wall,

In the age of massive displays and LED technology,

everybody agrees that a single mono hang would be

and the projector is sitting on that. And if you’re in

why did Concordia Lutheran Church want a projection

Big But Discreet

The solution to hiding the projector was quite

just fine. You can hardly tell that it’s even up there.”

the balcony, you can see the top two inches of the

system and not the latest pixel-perfect LED display?

Of course, the pièce de résistance was the Screen

projector peeking out above that docile curtain, so

Budgetary concerns are always a factor, of course—but

Innovations Zero-G projection screen on a motorized

in this case, it went a little deeper. It was very impor-

pulley system. “We’ve been pretty loyal to Screen

Concordia Lutheran Church now has the system

tant to have something that produced high-quality

Innovations for several years now,” Gilbert said.

in placed to move forward in livestreaming video for

visuals but could easily go away when not in use.

“Their fabric is amazing, and I’ve always had this

everything from services to educational classes.

RYGID AV brought video projection to life at both

dream of doing a Zero-G screen hanging on aircraft

Perhaps most importantly, it was easy to learn and

the front at the rear of the church by pairing a Screen

cables. I think there are only three companies that

use, changing the way the church has done things

Innovations Zero-G screen with a Digital Projection

even make a screen like that.”

in the past.

it’s hiding behind that purple curtain.”

“What we at Concordia Church like is how [the

projector and a Screen Innovations Solo 3 screen with

The trick was getting the projector and screen

an Epson projector. A three-camera PTZ system was

matched up in the massive room without exposing

screen] is hidden away in a case when it is not in

also installed, as well as an updated line array sound

the technology too much. And that meant consider-

use,” Brady added. “The simplicity of how it is

system. There’s also an Elgato Stream Deck for

ing ambient lighting and clarity of the visuals from

lowered into place was the perfect solution. The use

control and a new PC running ProPresenter 7.

the right distance. “Option A was to hang the

of a rear projector was also a great idea. The congre-

[projector] right in the middle of the room, but

gation has been pleased with the results. Ryan and

Gilbert. “It’s all Blackmagic 4K video switchers and

everybody hated that idea,” Gilbert recalled. “It was a

his team did an excellent job with the installation

streamer and recorder. The projector is a Digital

120-foot-long room, and I could not find a lens to

and training that followed. We look forward to

Projection E-Vision 9100, and the rear projector is an

throw that distance. So, I couldn’t put it at the very

working with them in the future.”

“We used BirdDog’s 4K P400 cameras,” explained

TECHNOLOGY AVOIP

GETTY IMAGES

Part

1

The ABCs of AVoIP How Do You Transport Video as Data Packets?

into documents, spreadsheets, photos, and emails.

That’s a big no-no for video and audio streams, which must travel in sequenced packets and arrive in the same order in which they started (and in sync). This non-linearity created all kinds of problems with the crude attempts at streaming

By Pete Putman, CTS

I

use that method of signal distribution, as opposed to

we saw back in the late 1990s. It’s also why

more traditional methods like HDMI or HDBaseT.

manufacturers of AV gear stayed clear of IT

To help clear things up, SCN proudly presents this

transport, preferring to use hard-wired connec-

t may be hard to believe, but it’s been almost a

primer on AVoIP. In Part 1, we’ll cover how AVoIP

quarter-century since the AV industry (along

works, how it differs from traditional signal distribu-

with broadcast and TV/film production) began

tion methods, and what codecs do. We’ve even

are shared bandwidth structures. The network

thinking about routing audio, video, and control

included a healthy dose of acronyms to help you keep

bandwidth is fixed—for example, 10 gigabits per

signals over the internet. At the NAB 1999 show,

track of the terminology. Read on!

second (Gbps)—and can’t be increased. If only a few

there was even an entire section of the Las Vegas Convention Center devoted to “streaming media.”

Not Really Real Time

tions to move audio and video around.

The second thing to understand is that IT networks

users are present, that’s not a problem. But if more and more users are logged on and sending/streaming large

While those baby steps—remember the “dancing

The first thing to understand about IT networks is that,

postage stamps”—failed to materialize into anything

at their heart, they are not real-time transport systems.

immediately practical and useful, they did show where

Data sent over IT networks is broken into smaller

system. If a few people are taking showers, there’s

these industries were headed. Today, AV signal distribu-

packets that can travel through multiple servers before

plenty of hot water for everyone. But if all 200 guests

tion over fast IT networks is a matter of fact. Numerous

they arrive at their destination and are re-assembled

jump into the shower at the same time, the hot water

files, they can and will slow down the network.

Think of a hotel with 200 rooms and one hot water

improvements in video codecs, broadband speeds, and the widespread acceptance of video streaming to the home also helped spur this ongoing transition.

The phrase “AV-over-IP” has become ubiquitous, but it’s not entirely accurate. “AV-over-IT” would be a better choice, as “IP” stands for a protocol, whereas “IT” is a type of network. In fact, many people remain a bit confused about how audio and video transport over a network actually works, and why you’d want to

32

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

Internet traffic travels in packets (think of envelopes) that have headers known as protocols, which specify the type of packets and how they are to be handled.

AVOIP TECHNOLOGY

will run out pretty quickly!

ries. The first type is very efficient traveling over

Your QoS decision determines what’s more

networks, but introduces latency, which is a delay

important: efficient transport over networks to

packets from point A to point B and ensure both arrive

between when a video frame is played back and when

conserve bandwidth or near real-time delivery of

intact and in sync? We do this by employing two things

it’s eventually seen at the receiving end. The second

high-quality video and audio, regardless of bandwidth.

in our toolbox: a set of protocols attached to each

type of codec isn’t nearly as efficient in using available

In Part 2, we’ll discuss both types of codecs, plus codec

packet, and a (mostly) lossless method of compressing

bandwidth but exhibits very low latency.

enhancements, Wi-Fi streaming, and more.

How then can we expect to send video and audio

and decompressing the signals to minimize their bandwidth, speeding their travel through the network.

Internet Protocols Internet traffic travels in packets (think of envelopes) that have headers known as protocols, which specify the type of packets and how they are to be handled.

The two most widely used protocols are Transport Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP).

Everything that travels over the Internet carries these two headers (TCP/IP).

Internet packets have uniform sizes of 1,500 bytes, based on IEEE standards. And they have a destination, or IP address, written in octets (for example, 192.168.1.1). All these elements ensure that packets can travel through a network or networks and arrive (not always in order) at the intended destination. If a packet is dropped, the receiving server can request it be sent again and again until all the packets are received and the original file is reassembled.

For the majority of files sent across IT networks, this system works quite well, assuming real-time reception isn’t required. But to handle video and audio, we need to add a few more protocols (instructions on the envelopes) that specify the precise order of packets and what to do with them.

A common protocol for media is User Datagram Protocol (UDP). We can also add another protocol for more detailed instructions on those envelopes, such as Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) or Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). Yet another protocol, Integrated Group Management Protocol (IGMP), is used for servers that generate individual video streams for each viewer logged into that server. Without these protocols, our video and audio files would arrive as a useless jumble of jigsaw pieces—with no instructions on how to reassemble them.

Codec Choices Where do all these packet headers come from? They’re generated in a codec, a software/hardware system that analyzes the video and audio and breaks it into compressed, smaller packets. This process is extremely fast and requires a ton of computing power and speed.

(Fortunately, both are inexpensive and abundant.)

We simply connect a video source—say, an HDMI connection—and play the file. The codec ingests video and audio, performs a ton of mathematical calculations, and out comes a stream of packets. Sounds easy, right?

Admittedly, that description is a bit simplistic. There are several codecs available to us, but selecting the right codec depends on your application and a quality of service (QoS) choice you need to make at the start.

Codecs for video can be separated into two catego-

avnetwork.com // November 2023 // SCN

33

TECHNOLOGY CLOUD POWER

Predicting the Future How to Calculate Costs and Performance When Evaluating Pro AV Environments

By Dave Van Hoy

paying for by the month. That results in no longer being tied to capital depreciation for capability

S

calculations adds another exponent.

One clear example of the role latency plays is IFB. In

changes. This is one of the more enticing features of

many broadcast applications, the talent wants to hear

electing the best environment—cloud,

software-defined infrastructure in public cloud-based

the program feed and their own voice—all in context in

on-prem, or a combination of the two—is a

infrastructure.

their ear. The amount of time it takes for the program

major fork in the road of any Pro AV facility.

Looking at the software cost considerations in

feed to travel to them, if it’s within reason, is irrelevant.

However, finding the best financial and operational

cloud, I may change models or change manufacturers

The amount of time for the director’s voice to travel to

fit is more often than not a complicated mix of art

without penalty. Hardware costs like compute and

them, and again if within reason, is irrelevant.

and science. Let’s outline the most important, top-

storage are amortized over a long period of time, as

level cost and performance considerations for facil-

they are in a multi-tenant shared environment.

to travel back to them is very relevant. If the delay is too

ity owners and consultants to keep in mind when

However, if I am on-prem with a software-defined

long, it’s disorienting to the talent.

searching for the wisest upgrade path.

infrastructure and I need greater capability than the

This is a great example of parameters that lead to

current hardware provides, I will still sustain addi-

hybrid systems. We must keep certain signal paths on

public cloud in an existing plant is a complex topic in

tional hardware cost. This all adds up to a very complex

the same location of where the material is originating

the context of comparing to an on-premise physical

calculation. And again, as with many things in our

to minimize latency for the purposes

infrastructure. This is especially difficult when you

industry, sometimes it’s as much art as it is science.

of talent monitoring.

Predicting the costs associated with a move to the

consider how hard it is to determine the true cost of

When we do this kind of cost comparison, you also

But the amount of time it takes for their own voice

The most common challenge that creates hybrid

operation in a completely physical infrastructure.

must include a benefits analysis, because sometimes

deployments usually lies in the audio part of the

Today, when we do onsite installation, several topics

cost alone doesn’t give you the full picture. Benefits

stream. Latency in audio is extremely difficult for

normally do not require analysis, including local

can often outweigh costs. For example, you may have a

humans to work with. When I speak, I hear myself in

power consumption, heat dissipation and its effect on

client that needs to start in the most cost-effective

the context of the environment around me at a certain

HVAC costs, the amount of square footage occupied

configuration possible, but believes they will have

period of time. The context is determined by the

by equipment, and whether that space could be

growth needs over a short period of time. This would

reflectivity of the walls where I sit and hear my own

repurposed for another use.

steer the decision toward software-defined and, if

voice returned to my ears.

The easiest place to start to compare costs is

possible, cloud-supported, because the cost of change

When that latency does not match what your eyes

always a greenfield situation where you can watch

is dramatically lower than an on-premise installation

perceive in your physical environment, this becomes

costs emerge from a blank slate. But as we all know,

with physical hardware. Some of that can be quantified

very disorienting. So, when developing a system where

greenfield installations are rare. Usually, we are

by making comparison cost tables.

the talent is hearing themselves monitored back, we

retrofitting an existing facility for either greater

The same cost comparisons come into play for both

must keep the latency to a minimum or the talent will

capability or a technology uplift because the current

on-prem and in-cloud: staff size, design time, project

hear themselves as an echo in their own ears. And that

equipment is outdated.

management, and installation/deployment. And then,

is a very difficult way to perform. When factors like

of course, even cloud technologies include a compo-

latency are critical to the working environment,

nent of being physically grounded. There’s the cost of

performance becomes a determining factor that

When is the best time to analyze the financial ramifi-

operating the link between people in both directions.

overrides cost projections.

cations of in-cloud versus on-prem? As a systems

Where you’re operating from and how you’re going to

Determining where a client’s needs will be over

integrator, it’s important to remember to compare the

amortize those physical costs must also be factored in.

time is where a systems integrator’s clients rely most

In-Cloud Versus On-Prem

costs of different methods and locations of operating

on their experience. It’s the knowledge gained from

in cloud for your client. It may be a different cost

Hybrid Considerations

structure in Google Cloud versus AWS versus Azure, or

Lastly, there is the appropriateness of technology. Even

at any given moment in time. It remains a little bit of

even in the client’s own private cloud.

though you might want 100% of your infrastructure to

art, a little bit of science. In my next column, I’ll share

be in the cloud, it may not be possible. You need to look

examples of cost tables and analysis methods, includ-

becomes complex. Additionally, you must consider

at latency, which is governed by how fast electrons and

ing how to compare against differing equipment

what is your client’s existing technical infrastructure?

photons move across the various forms of transport.

amortization rates.

Their refresh cycle? How often do they expect to refit

When that’s a huge point of concern, it will often lead

Dave Van Hoy is the president of Advanced Systems

their facilities with new equipment and technology?

to hybrid systems where again, the complexity of cost

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

All these things must be considered, and the matrix

experience that points them to the optimal place to be

That becomes part of the hard cost calculation as well as a soft cost calculation, since the cloud is so flexible when upgrading technology.

For example, if your client is purchasing a video switcher and their needs change, they can no longer make do with a 2 M/E switcher. On premise that means replacing a large, expensive piece of equipment. But in cloud, that is much more likely a software option or changing the software package of an item you’re

34

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

When factors like latency are critical to the working environment, performance becomes a determining factor that overrides cost projections.

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT SHOWCASE 2023

SCN Product Showcase 2023 W hat new products sparked the interest

account. With HoneyBadger, there are no limits for

of Pro AV professionals in 2023? We

local signal connectivity and extension, thanks to its

reviewed the product announcements

high I/O density and two independent 1Gb local-area

shared on avnetwork.com since January. The fol-

network (LAN) extensions, the latter of which enables

lowing products were selected from online articles

IP connectivity over single-mode fiber strands. Users

that collected substantial clicks from our readers.

can also extend four partyline intercom channels (wet

In other words, we’re not picking favorites—we’re

or dry), eight bi-directional, line-level analog audio

picking your favorites!

outputs, and eight mic-pre inputs with phantom power over two cost-efficient single-mode fibers to manage all long-distance bulk fiber transport needs

Logitech Rally Bar Huddle / Logi Dock Flex

from one box.

Rally Bar Huddle is a conference camera designed for

Biamp EasyConnect MPX 100

rooms with up to six people. Built-in AI (offering speaker view and grid view display options) and 4K

The EasyConnect MPX 100 effortlessly adds BYOM

image quality welcome remote participants to the

calls to UC rooms. it’s an easy-to-use media switcher

conversation. Advanced sound pickup via six beam-

designed for conference rooms equipped with a

forming mics and AI-based noise suppression creates

dedicated UC room system, such as a Microsoft Teams

a natural meeting experience for remote employ-

Room or Zoom Room, but from which a user occasion-

ees. Logitech’s new desk booking service runs on Logi

ally needs to use an alternate UC platform. It provides

Dock Flex, a fully featured docking station built for

NewTek Flex

simple connectivity via USB or HDMI with no drivers

shared desks in flexible work environments. With an

With Flex, operators can now take direct control of

required. Installed between the UC room host and the

8-inch display, three USB ports in the front and three

PTZ devices, audio connections, audio and video

conference room peripherals, the MPX 100 connects

more in the back, Logi Dock Flex supports dual

mixing, and talkback—all connected with NDI. No

two hosts to the room peripherals and automatically

display, network connection, and up to 100 watts of

other NewTek control panel offers audio and video

switches between them. When a user needs to use an

power, allowing for both standard-issue device

mixing, PTZ control, and talkback in one unit. With

alternate UC platform, they can simply connect a

connections as well as BYOD. Logi Dock Flex’s

these controls built directly into the panel, it signifi-

laptop or other personal device to the second MPX 100

multiservice capability allows IT teams to choose

cantly reduces the margin for error. The innovative

input, and it will automatically switch away from the

Microsoft Teams, Zoom Workspace Reservation, or

features built into Flex offers operators greater

primary UC host system and connect the user device to

Logitech’s own desk booking service.

precision and control, and Flex scales with any

the in-room AV peripherals.

production. With the addition of audio I/O, Flex instantly expands the on-board I/O of any TriCaster with the option to add external sources directly to the

Canon Flex Zoom Lenses

NDI ecosystem. The panel can also connect to any switcher on a network by using NDI.

The two additions to Canon’s 8K Flex

Panasonic AW-UR100 / AV-HSW10

Zoom Cinema Lens Series

The AW-UR100 PTZ camera features a newly

are the CN-E14-35mm T1.7 and

designed 4K imager that allows production teams to

the CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 Super 35mm

capture crisp, clear content even in the harshest

format lenses. Available in interchangeable EF and PL

conditions. With a salt-resistant coating, the

mounts, the new lenses help produce video with

camera has an IP65 rating along with a wiper,

beautiful and natural background blur that is desired by

heater, defroster, enhanced stabilization, and the

many end users. Designed for the pursuit of cinematic

MultiDyne HoneyBadger

beauty, the new lenses achieve superb 8K optical

Ideal for stadiums, campus and venue-wide signal

versatile installation options. A

performance while maintaining the style and ease-of-

extension, metropolitan intra-facility connections,

24x optical zoom and 74.1-degree

use of Canon’s Cinema lens series. Ideal for shooting a

and classic point-to-point links between trucks,

field of view will be particularly

wide range of video content, the lenses maintain a

control rooms, and studios, MultiDyne’s new

bright T1.7 aperture1 across their zoom ranges, enabling

HoneyBadger offers an expansive feature set for

operators to create powerful, shallow depth-of-field

production-based fiber transport. With support for

shots. The company also announced four new relay kits:

eight camera feeds and SDI return channels—both

the RL-S1 and RL-S2 (for Super 35mm) and the RL-F1

expandable through HoneyBadger’s modularity—

and RL-F2 (for full-frame), which adapt each Flex Zoom

MultiDyne’s latest innovation takes several decades

lens to suit whatever sensor format is required.

of bulk fiber transport product design experience into

36

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

ability to mount it upright or upside down for

PRODUCT SHOWCASE 2023 TECHNOLOGY

helpful in sports settings. The new camera offers

picture consistency, and precision imaging, the

ecosystem. The monitor’s new standard toolset

fiber connectivity and supports workflow flexibility

BVM-HX3110 offers brighter specular highlights and

incorporates waveform monitor/vectorscope, false

with several IP protocols. The AV-HSW10 bridges

introduces a new optional fast pixel response mode for

color, focus assist, closed captioning, 3D LUT

the gap between a baseband and IP workflow for

reduced motion blur. It also provides a wider viewing

processing, and quad and side-by-side viewing modes.

great flexibility and performance with 10-bit

angle, as well as standard IP interface for SMPTE

Optional licenses enable tools such as HDR/SDR

processing. The compact, notebook-sized switcher

ST2110 signals, to complement Sony’s Networked Live

conversion and support for SNMP and JPEG-XS.

features SDI/HDMI/NDI/SRT/UVC/RTMP I/O. Despite its compact size, the switcher supports broadcast image quality and high performance.

With direct streaming output and audio support, it can power a one-person operation from production to distribution.

Sennheiser TeamConnect Bar Solutions Part of the Sennheiser TeamConnect Family, the TeamConnect (TC) Bar Solutions are true problem solvers with benefits like easy setup, brand agnostic integration, easy management and control, high video quality, security, and sustainability. The smaller TC Bar S features four microphones and two speakers, while the mid-sized TC Bar M has six microphones and four speakers. Both easily integrate with any meeting platform and can be further enhanced with other compatible products. The TC Bar easily integrates into a room design with multiple mounting options like wall mount, VESA mount, tabletop, or freestanding.

The option of using Dante for adding extension mics and/or a second external USB camera make the device even more scalable. Stereo speakers with improved directivity and optimized passive radiators ensure natural speech and outstanding intelligibility, while integrated beamforming technology enables seamless transition between presenters.

Sony BVM-HX3110 The BVM-HX3110 is a 30.5-inch 4K HDR professional monitor for critical evaluation, color grading, live production, and post-production.

It features a dual layer, anti-reflection LCD panel with Sony proprietary signal processing, supporting a higher peak luminance of up to 4000cd/m² while maintaining no-compromise deep blacks. Along with characteristics such as accurate color reproduction,

avnetwork.com // November 2023 // SCN

37

TECHNOLOGY POWER MANAGEMENT

Keep on Running Manufacturers Explain Why Power Management Solutions Are a Requirement, Not an Option

By Carolyn Heinze

A

ny good AV integrator takes pride in building robust, reliable systems. With the right training and experience, it’s likely

that they’re able to solve any problem that comes their way. But while AV pros may have the chops to design, integrate, and troubleshoot complex systems, one element remains beyond their control: the quality of the power at their client sites.

TRENDnet’s new TPI-06 networked PDU can control, manage, and monitor devices remotely.

Considering the monetary value of the systems AV integrators install—and the fact that electronics function best when power is consistent—this is no small issue. Recently, SCN sat down with several power management manufacturers to discuss their latest solutions that not only address this challenge, but also make it easier for AV integrators to continue to provide the reliability their clients are seeking.

Remote Control The need for remote monitoring and control of power

become a necessity for both AV integrators as well as

The Cloud Debate

management systems have driven these systems to

their clients.

TRENDnet, a networking and surveillance solutions

the network, either in the form of intelligent systems

Mackay observes that oftentimes when a system

developer, recently introduced the TPI-06, its first

that operate locally or those that can be accessed in

fails, a simple reboot is the fix. Rolling a truck to

networked power distribution unit (PDU). When

the cloud.

reboot a client’s system is time-consuming and

utilized with TRENDnet Hive, the six-outlet rack-

Jeff Mackay, CTS-D, is senior sales engineer at

expensive for AV integrators, and the client remains

mounted PDU can control, manage, and monitor

SurgeX, an AV power protection and surge elimination

offline while they wait for the technician to arrive.

devices remotely.

solutions developer known for its Squid line of power

“If it’s IP-enabled and we can reach it through the

Evan Davis, senior manager of solutions

management systems. The company recently

cloud-based service, we can do that in a matter of

engineering at TRENDnet, noted that solutions like

released Surge Connect, a cloud-based power

minutes,” Mackay said. “It’s a quicker uptime for the

these enable AV integrators with a wide client base

management and monitoring software solution.

client, which is the primary thing, and we’re not

to streamline monitoring and management remotely.

Mackay noted that this level of convenience has

wasting [a lot of] manhours to do that.”

The cloud brings all of these clients into one interface—and once again, there is no need to roll a truck.

“You can have PDUs located throughout multiple customers powering multiple types of equipment, and have custom alerts, different management capabilities, and different scheduling for all of these customers,” he added.

Cloud-based power management offers considerable convenience, acknowledged Peter Cook, vice president at Juice Goose, a power management solutions manufacturer. It provides remote access to power management solutions as well as other devices.

That said, Cook argues that one can suffer from cloud overload: An AV control system may be accessible via one cloud, while a power management system may require administrators to log into another. “Our philosophy, in terms of IP-based or web-based power control, is that we want to integrate with other people’s platforms, so we want to integrate

Left: Power management systems help facilities avoid electronic equipment issues with inconsistent power.

38

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

POWER MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

integrator-friendly and consumer-friendly installations, because no longer do you have to replace the entire system.”

Selling Power Management Ethereal’s Big Dog Power modular surge protectors allow integrators to swap out protection modules, rather than replace the entire PDU.

Because the power that any

Electricity Basics While AV integrators get excited about the

facility receives is incon-

complex systems they design, there is an

sistent—and because

argument for having a firm grasp on some

electronics don’t always

electricity basics.

tolerate this inconsist-

Ethereal’s Adam Rogers noted that while

with Crestron or Q-SYS,” he explained. “Or, if it’s a

ency—power management is a necessary component

AV integrators live in the world of DC electricity,

government facility or a large university, they’ve got

of a Pro AV system, rather than a nice-to-have. “End

it’s helpful to understand how AC electricity

their own established platform or cloud and we

users spend a lot of money to get these systems up and

works. “We have to make sure that both our

integrate with that—as opposed to creating our own

running,” said Shane Roma, product manager at

line connection—our hot—and our neutral

platform, which then has to mesh with something

Legrand|AV. “However, the power that these devices

connection are good, including our ground,

else, and you’ve got different sets of buttons to do

are receiving is completely out of the integrator’s

and it all comes back to termination,” he said.

different things.”

control and, more often than not, outside of the end

Installation Considerations The NEXSYS power management platform by Middle

Good terminations are essential in both AC

user’s control. For all the time and money that’s been

and DC electricity. “If you have an RJ45 for your

spent on this system, [power management] is a way to

network connection and you don’t do a good

ensure that it’s going to stay up and running.”

termination with it, your network is going to

Atlantic Products, a Legrand|AV brand, unites PDUs

There is usually more excitement associated with

have problems because of it,” Rogers said. “It’s

and UPSs with a common design. The platform is also

the fancy LED video walls or innovative audio systems,

the same when it comes to power: If you don’t

compatible with Legrand’s RackLink remote moni-

so power management often gets value-engineered

have a good neutral connection at your

toring and control technology, and the UPSs feature

out of the design. Roma encourages AV integrators to

demarcation point of the building, your power

individual outlet control.

discuss power management solutions with customers

is going to have a problem. And unfortunately,

early on to ensure that their AV systems are robust.

if you have a problem with AC power, you can

designed to facilitate installation, according to Nyron

“The UPS shouldn’t be an afterthought to a reliable AV

seriously damage other components or other

Kahrim, product manager at Legrand|AV. The units

system,” he added. “It’s a good way to make sure they

pieces of equipment in the system.”

come pre-assembled and ready to rack mounted out

don’t see a lot of the power anomalies that happen.”

From a hardware perspective, NEXSYS UPSs were

of the box. He also pointed out the UPS’ detachable

For Rogers, AV integrators must also tap into the

power plug provides integrators with more flexibility,

benefits of selling

especially when they may need to plug it in above the

remote-enabled power

rack.

management systems, so

“The UPS has to sit at the bottom of the rack

they can perform simple

because it’s the heaviest piece of equipment, [and]

tasks immediately, such

you’re not supposed to add extension cords to a UPS

as device reboots. “It’s not

to power it up,” Kahrim explained. This solution

even so much about

enables integrators to switch out to a longer power

making it easy on you, the

cord—as long as it meets spec—to reach the plug.

integrator, to not have to

“Also, if you need a shorter cord for cable manage-

roll a truck,” he explained.

ment, you can use that as well.”

“It’s now become almost

Ethereal (formerly Metra AV), a power distribu-

mandatory because of the

tion products manufacturer, offers its Big Dog Power

amount of processing

line of smart power management products. This

that’s being packed into

includes a modular surge protection design that

the devices that are

enables integrators to swap out surge protection

powered by our PDUs.

modules when they are exhausted, rather than having

When the system is

to replace their entire PDU.

crashing and you have to

This is important, argued Adam Rogers, product

roll a truck every time—

manager at Ethereal, because traditional Metal Oxide

and the client is talking to

Varistor (MOV) systems weaken with time. “There are

someone else who has

the everyday surges—the air conditioner turns on,

never had to do that

the vacuum cleaner turns on, and even the surges

because their integrator

from outside of the [building] eat away at that surge

took care of it remotely—

protection,” he said. A modular system takes this into

eventually you’re going to

account and facilitates upgrades. “It really makes for

lose those clients.”

avnetwork.com // November 2023 // SCN

39

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

RGB Spectrum Zio Recording & Media Server Designed to cater to the evolving needs of missioncritical applications, the new Zio Recording & Media Server handles all types of visual data, including natural and computer-generated video. It is available in various models designed to support

CableEZ 2 Gang Model

Extron ZRTP Pro Series

multiple streams for recording and playback

Designed to streamline cable management for both

The ZRTP Pro Series are Zoom Rooms touchpanels

simultaneously, with storage options sized to meet

commercial and educational spaces, the CableEZ 2

can operate as either a Zoom Rooms controller or a

specific customer requirements. The system

Gang Model can be installed over the top of a one or

Zoom Scheduling panel. As a Zoom Rooms control-

incorporates a First In, First Out (FIFO) architec-

two-gang input plate or wall transmitter or used as a

ler, the touchpanels let users manage the Zoom

ture. As storage space approaches its limit, the

standalone element, making it a flexible choice for

Rooms meeting experience. Users can expand

server automatically deletes the oldest recordings,

various applications. It consists of two essential parts:

touchpanel capabilities to include full-featured AV

making room for new content without manual

the back ring and cover plate, which is available in

system and room control by adding the new Extron

intervention. This ensures continuous recording

both black and white (custom options available upon

Control for Zoom Rooms App and an Extron IPCP

capabilities 24/7. Users can designate content to be

request). It can mount directly to the wall or electrical

Pro xi control processor. The app works with any

preserved without auto-deletion to prevent critical

box, ensuring a secure and streamlined installation.

Zoom Rooms controller, including the ZRTP Pro

segments from being lost. Other features include

Using 90-degree connectors or adapters, it allows for

Series touchpanels, to add powerful and fully

single video clip playback, synchronized group

smooth cable routing. The cable is routed around the

customizable AV system and room control. Run the

playback, advanced playback controls, and export

corner pins inside the mounting ring and out the

ZRTP Pro touchpanel in Zoom Rooms scheduling

for external playback.

bottom slot. These turns create resistance in the box,

display mode and it becomes a dynamic room

securing and protecting both the cable and the wall

scheduling device, ready to offer easy scheduling

connection, preventing damage and maintaining a

options and at-a-glance room occupancy status.

clean appearance.

The new touchpanels and app work together to

Neutrik FIBERFOX EBC25

create a fully integrated conference and control solution.

The new FIBERFOX EBC25 cable connectors and chassis connectors provide compelling new options in the FIBERFOX rugged fiber optic product line. The new EBC25 connectors feature green coloring that provides visual compatibility with similar systems.

EBC25 chassis connectors feature a jam nut design for installation in environments where the D-size flange is unnecessary, which provides a compelling drop-in

Magewell Director Mini

alternative to existing MIL-DTL-83526 products.

EBC25 cable connectors feature a durable EPDM boot

Known for its video interface, streaming, and IP

and higher temperature resistance compared to

workflow products, Magewell has launched its first

standard EBC15 black-and-orange connectors. EBC25

self-contained, full-featured production solution,

connectors are available in both 2-channel multi-

Director Mini. Combining multi-input switching,

mode and 4-channel multimode configurations.

Heckler Heckler AV Lectern

graphics, streaming, recording, and monitoring in

Additionally, all FIBERFOX cable assemblies can now

Motorized height adjustable from 30-50 inches, the

one compact device, Director Mini enables a single

be manufactured using Neutrik’s premium XTREME

ADA-compliant Heckler AV Lectern reimagines the

operator to easily create visually compelling

cabling, which features a cut-proof and rodent-

traditional lectern with universal accessibility,

productions for live event coverage, remote

resistant double jacket with glass yarn reinforcement,

technology future-proofing, and aesthetics

production feeds, and more. Users can switch

as well as an interior layer of aramid yarn, for

designed into its DNA. The Easy-Lift desktop offers

between two HDMI inputs and two USB AV inputs,

durability and flexibility.

quick and secure access to three stacks of 2 RU rack

as well as three simultaneous live IP sources

spaces (an optional six-space expansion rack is also

(including SRT streams, RTMP streams, or up to two

available). The cast acrylic modesty panels are

NDI HX sources) and file-based media assets. Its

frosted to obscure cables, desktop items, and

USB-C port can be configured to display the

instructors, and can be customized with full-color

program output, user interface, or a loop-through

emblems and logos. The future-proof console area

of either HDMI input on a connected USB-C display.

has three inserts for embedding mic chargers,

Director Mini’s intuitive user interface is accessed

courtesy outlets, control panels, and more. Plus,

through its integrated 5.44-inch AMOLED touch-

there are four mounting holes for monitor arms,

screen. Other features include chromakey, telestra-

document cameras, boom arms for podcasting, or

tion, and PTZ camera control.

lighting.

40

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

Bose Professional PowerShareX

Atlona AT-HDR-SW

Crestron Desk Q / Desk Touch

The three new models of Atlona’s AT-HDR-SW Series

Crestron has expanded into the corporate hotdesking

ers—the PSX1204D (1,200 watts), PSX2404D (2,400

of HDMI switchers and matrix switchers offer support

category with the new Crestron Desk Q and Desk

watts), and PSX4804D (4,800 watts)—provide precise

for 4K/UHD@60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling, as

Touch. Two form factors and multiple mounting

power and functionality across four channels for a

well as HDMI data rates up to 18 Gbps and support for

options (tabletop, wall mount, desk edge, etc.) make it

variety of applications. Each PowerShareX amplifier

HDR formats. All models offer a compact design for

simple to deploy Crestron Desk Scheduling products

includes Powersoft technology. System designers can

under-table mounting inside meeting and learning

across any space and purposefully integrate them into

dynamically allocate power evenly or asymmetrically

spaces. Each model has five HDMI inputs, with

the natural flow and aesthetic of the office. For

across outputs. High peak power capability delivers

various outputs to help system integrators and end

in-office employees, highly visible LED status

maximum output from all Bose Professional loudspeak-

users choose the ideal configuration for their applica-

indicators display which desks are available. The

ers, while Dante connectivity supports up to four digital

tion requirements. The AT-HDR-SW-51 (one HDMI

compact form factor of the Desk Q with QR-code-

input channels and four analog inputs for line-level

output) is ideal for conference rooms and meeting

based reservations is ideal for community worksta-

source connections. PowerShareX amps easily integrate

spaces, while the AT-HDR-SW-52 (two HDMI

tions and hotdesks, while the touch interface of the

with Bose Professional DSPs, loudspeakers, and the

outputs) can feed separate content into dual, side-by-

Desk Touch is ideal for semi-private offices and

ControlSpace ecosystem for simplified design, configu-

side presentation displays. Outputs can be mirrored

cubicles. As with existing Crestron scheduling

ration, installation, and operation. Loudspeaker presets

or matrixed via selectable switching modes. The

solutions, the Crestron Desk Touch and Desk Q can be

are factory tested to optimize performance, allowing for

AT-HDR-SW-52ED (matrixed HDMI and HDBaseT

managed and deployed through the Crestron XiO Cloud

quicker configuration, while ControlSpace Designer

outputs) transmits video, embedded audio, and

Management Platform, and both solutions natively

software provides visibility of the entire Bose Profes-

Ethernet over distances up to 330 feet.

support Appspace, Calven, and Tango software.

sional system from one user interface.

FIBER CABLES

FLYPACKS & ROAD CASES

The PowerShareX series of adaptable power amplifi-

FURNITURE

MODULAR FLOOR BOXES

INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

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

For the latest industry news and information, visit us online at

avnetwork.com avnetwork.com // November 2023 // SCN

41

VIEWPOINT

Leading by Example Advisist Group Founder Benn Supports ‘Rosie Riveters Explores Pro AV’ Program

By Jennifer Goodyer

B

programs he funds and supports. He practices what

Waking Up the Industry

he preaches and will only appear on speaking

Although Bradford has always supported various

panels that include diverse speakers. He believes

diversity groups, he was surprised and a little

radford Benn, industry veteran and founder of

it’s crucial to have diversity represented on any

disappointed when he saw the response to the plan

Advisist Group, is supporting “Rosie Riveters

panel to not create an echo chamber of the same

Rosie Riveters Explores Pro AV was implementing.

Explores Pro AV” 2023 for a second consecu-

perspective from people with the same back-

What he believed to be a very small ask for our goal

grounds and identities.

was not even nearly being met. He took this

tive year as a title sponsor. As a co-founder of the STEM and Pro AV outreach program, I recognize and

It wasn’t just that he believes in supporting

disappointment and decided someone needed to

believe it’s an extremely worthy cause and deserves

diversity, but he also had faith in the Rosie Riveters

be the one to step up and lead by example—so,

the funding, but I genuinely wanted to sit down

program because of its success with sponsors such

as we know, he generously funded the entire

with Bradford to learn his perspective and why he

as Boeing and NASA. He also believed in the poten-

financial goal.

felt so passionately about this program to award the

tial of the physical STEM kits that would introduce

foundation with his donation for this second year.

girls to the language of computing that he would not

charity, it woke up the industry. Not only did it cause

His answers didn’t necessarily surprise me, but the

only be funding but building.

the snowball effect for financial donations, but it

inspiration from his support helped remind me why we started this in the first place.

In 2022, with a $5,000 goal, Erica Carroll and I

He felt secure about his donation—not only

We truly believe that because of this grand act of

caught the attention of industry leaders. Plus,

because of those actionable items, but in Rosie

industry publications became involved in fundrais-

Riveters’ strong belief in reengagement. This pillar

ing because of Bradford’s reputation on supporting

began fundraising for Rosie Riveters in

of the nonprofit aligned with one of

efforts to take actionable steps toward

Bradford’s own personal mottos for

introducing more girls to the Pro AV and

effective charity: “Sponsorship is not

women in STEM not only advances diversity and

IT Industries, with the objective to

a ‘give the money and you are done’

innovation, it also counters gender disparity and

eventually close the gender gap for the

type of scenario. If you want to see

builds gender-balanced future innovators. Because

next generation. We believed this goal to

effective change, you need to remain

Rosie Riveters promises reengagement, we can

be ambitious but reasonable, as it was the

involved and active within the charity

follow these girls to support them throughout their

amount required to fund elementary

or organization.”

education and even help with career planning.

school girls with STEM kits that would acquaint them with binary coding and introduce exciting AV and IT careers.

Bradford Benn

However, regardless of our PR efforts

worthy charities and advocacy for diversity.

According to the Advisist Group, support for

According to a study by Root

In fact, shortly after the first few STEM kit

Cause, a nonprofit consulting team,

packing parties, the founder of Rosie Riveters was

75% of respondents look for concrete

able to connect us with a recent graduate who was

information about a charity’s

looking to start a career in the Pro AV field. We were

and consistent campaigning, the needle was barely

achievements before deciding about where to give.

able to connect her with the AVIXA Women’s Council

moving. In fact, more than half the donations were

Because Rosie Riveters Explores Pro AV was able to

Southern California group, and they were able to

self-funded at that point. Just when we were

provide a timeline and plan of fundraising for the

guide her in our industry.

beginning to lose a little hope, we received a phone

months leading up to InfoComm, as well as having a

Bradford believes that it’s not how much you

call from Bradford generously offering to fund the

presence at the AVIXA Women’s Council Breakfast

give, it’s that you give in the first place. Plus, there is

entire fundraiser, including a promise to stay active

to promote the outreach program, Bradford saw he

action in giving, and if you can’t give financially, he

throughout the volunteer program of Rosie Riveters

would be able to have a tangible visualization of

argues there are still ways to get involved to be the

Explores Pro AV.

where his money would be going. In fact, Bradford

change you want to see in our industry and the world.

When asked why he made the decision to give so

was even able to participate in a Southern California

To donate or learn more, visit www.avgives.com.

generously, the same year he was founding his own

packing party, where they packed hundreds of STEM

Jennifer Goodyer is the sales director at RT Sales

company, Bradford said that he believes in leading by

kits that would be going out to a local school.

and a founding board member of WAVIT.

example, hoping to spark the flame for the rest of the industry for a cause he truly stands behind. His ideology was that if large corporations would see his emphasis on the importance in funding this program, they would hopefully give at similar levels.

To put it lightly, he was correct. Advisist’s initial sponsorship created a snowball effect that resulted in us raising more than $30,000 over our initial goal for Rosie Riveters.

Importance of Reengagement Bradford is not just known as a trusted industry veteran, but a passionate and generous philanthropist who researches and actively promotes the

42

SCN // November 2023 // avnetwork.com

9000