Systems Contractor News - The Integration Guide to Video Conferencing and Collaboration - Jan 2025

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THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

CONFERENCING AND COLLABORATION

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Bold, bright pictures with wide customization possibilities Sony’s BRAVIA Professional Display BZ35L series is a truly professional display that’s designed for flawless round-the-clock operation in retail, corporate and educational environments. Add impact to digital signage and employee communications with bright, colorful high-contrast 4K HDR images. Pro-friendly features simplify integration, ease operation and provides seamless content sharing in today’s connected AV environments. Flexible customization options and 32 GB of storage make BRAVIA Professional Display BZ35L series the ideal LED display for any of your business needs.

Available in screen sizes 55”, 65”, 75” and 85”, BRAVIA Professional Display BZ35L series grab your audience’s attention with high 550 nit screen brightness for punchy, high-impact visuals that are always seen clearly.

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A SUPPLEMENT TO

MAGAZINE

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

CONFERENCING AND COLLABORATION

SPONSORED BY

ATLONA • HOLOSONICS • SENNHEISER • SHARP • SHURE • SNAP ONE • SONY

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

SUPPLEMENT

CONFERENCING AND COLLABORATION

Many professional fields are using immersive spaces to streamline collaboration on projects.

Meeting Spaces of the Future Immersive Spaces Bring Unique Advantages to Collaborative Process

By Carolyn Heinze

A

to conduct things like virtual site visits, completely

facility that has been retrofitted for this purpose.

eliminating the need to travel and the associated cost,

Head said that prefabricated spaces—commonly in

time, and carbon footprint that comes with that.”

the form of a freestanding cube or cylinder that is

t InfoComm last year in Las Vegas, the Pan-

Immersive collaboration space deployment

asonic Connect booth featured an immersive

involving Igloo Vision’s technology consists of three

popular among her company’s customers, but that

meeting room demo that demonstrated the

primary components. First, there is the Igloo Core

clients can achieve immersive collaboration in spaces

benefits of an enhanced collaboration experience.

Engine (ICE), a software platform that Head likened to

of all sizes and shapes.

We’re talking a conference table surrounded by wall-

an operating system. Next is the hardware, which must

to-wall, floor-to-ceiling projected content showing

be chosen with care based on the specific use case

estate firm where an old broom closet was converted

everything from scenic backgrounds to flowcharts

requirements for pixel density, audio, and even the

into an immersive collaboration space. “On the

and apps. It was the result of a partnership with

application of sensors and head-tracking capabilities.

opposite end of the spectrum, we’ve installed bespoke

Igloo Vision has partnered with several OEMs that

designs that are much, much larger,” Head noted. “It’s

U.K.-based immersive spaces developer Igloo Vision,

mounted into an existing room—are the most

In fact, she recalled a project for a well-known real

which also partnered with Christie and Fuji to show-

produce systems suitable for these environments; it

all down to the client’s preference, what they want to

case immersive spaces in their booths at the show.

also offers the Igloo Media Player (IMP), a single

achieve, and what they have available, [and] we work

So, are these the meeting spaces of the future?

solution for Igloo Vision spaces. “Previously, to run a

with whatever that might be.”

No—according to Igloo Vision, these innovative areas

space like this you would need a combination of bulky

are already the meeting spaces of today.

technologies, but with an IMP it’s all run from one

experience is when the space features glass walls or

sleek box,” she said. (The IMP is available in Pro and

windows. Head argued the problem is easily resolved:

Lite versions, based on customer needs.)

“We’ve had clients in the past that required dual-

Streamlining Cooperation Immersive collaboration spaces allow meeting

One challenge in delivering a true immersive

Content formatting is the third core component of

purpose rooms, so it was both an immersive space and

participants to view and manipulate data in new ways,

an immersive collaboration space rollout, an important

a conventional meeting room,” she said. “To achieve

explained Kerry Head, CEO at Igloo Vision. She said the

consideration if meeting participants are to view

this, we install blinds over the windows that are

AECO (architecture, engineering, construction, and

materials as they should. “This can often be trickier

color-graded in the specific tone we know is most

operations) disciplines are using the technology to

than you might think, as many solutions suffer from

effective for projection, and these can be extended or

streamline the collaborative process, most notably by

distortion if they’re not programmed properly—and

retracted based on the needs of the room at the time.”

leveraging the ability to view digital twins of

that programming to make sure it’s correct can be a

construction sites and engineering projects—and

very complex job,” Head explained. Igloo Vision’s True

experiences are those that are as distraction-free as

make design modifications on the fly, in real time,

Perspective feature is designed to facilitate this process

possible, according to Joe Whitesides, CTS-D, director

while meeting.

by enabling users to perform content formatting with

of experience technology (XTG) at AVI-SPL. “You need

the click of a button, she added.

to pick places where there’s less stimuli—fewer

These collaborative spaces can offer immersive experiences to both onsite meeting contributors and

That said, the best immersive collaboration

windows or no windows,” he said.

remote participants. “This is another really powerful

Location, Location, Location

tool, as you can see scale far beyond what a 2D render

Igloo Vision executes projects directly for end clients,

environment should be controlled, including acoustics.

can provide, whilst also not compromising in-person

but also works with AV designers and integrators.

“You don’t want to be able to hear anything outside [of

meetings, which is a big advantage over using VR

Immersive collaboration spaces from Igloo Vision can

the space] that would distract you from the message

headsets,” she added. “We’ve seen this used by clients

be custom, prefabricated, or installed into an existing

[that’s being delivered in the space],” Whitesides said.

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For a space to be immersive, all aspects of the

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO CONFERENCING AND COLLABORATION Panasonic hosted an immersive collaboration meeting room demo using Igloo Vision technology at InfoComm.

When immersive collaboration spaces

building showrooms that clients may visit

incorporate videoconferencing

to gain insight into the options that exist.

capabilities, Whitesides warned they run

“Having a place where you can take

the risk of compromised camera

customers—either physically or

performance. “You’re not going to get

virtually—to experience the room is

great exposure in a dark environment,” he

really important because people don’t

explained, “so [during a videoconference]

realize what can be done,” said Petro

you’re not going to look your best.”

Shimonishi, director of new business development at Panasonic Connect.

Let Me Show You Something

For these deployments to be

Display technology is a primary element of

successful, Shimonishi underlined the

an immersive collaboration environment,

need for good communication between all

and whether to specify dvLED or

project stakeholders. “Communicate with

projection depends, once again, on the use

your industrial designer or interior

case. According to Whitesides, the problem

designer,” she advised, noting that a

with dvLED is the heat, which can render a space

transform entire walls or conference tables into giant

siloed approach to project execution will produce

uncomfortable for long collaboration sessions. At the

interactive tablets. In these spaces, Whitesides

unnecessary obstacles. “Having good communication

same time, ambient light issues could complicate the

suggested the interactive walls need to be flat. When

amongst the different disciplines that are doing the

delivery of an optimum experience that’s projector

the space features curved displays, a table with

construction is extremely important.”

driven. “But there’s a cool factor to that, where you’re

interactive capabilities may be a better solution.

Shimonishi also encouraged AV designers and

in a kind of theatrical mode,” Whitesides conceded.

One of the challenges associated with selling

integrators to lean on their manufacturer partners

“People change their behaviors in these theatrical

immersive collaboration spaces is that it’s difficult to

for guidance and support when it comes to

modes.”

describe to clients the possibilities the technology has

equipment selection, placement, and configuration.

The need for interactivity is another factor to

to offer. What’s more effective is when customers can

“You don’t need to do this on your own,” she said.

consider when designing these environments. When

experience these environments themselves. This is why

“We’re here to help as people start easing into fully

integrated with displays, sensor technology can

tech developers and manufacturers are focusing on

immersive spaces.”

SCN373.IG.indd 22

17/12/2024 10:41:42

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO CONFERENCING AND COLLABORATION

At Issue How close is the Pro AV industry to providing true meeting equity for hybrid workforces?

Garth Lobban Director of Marketing, Atlona

Scott Norman Commercial Market Senior Director, Snap One

workforce. Corporate

Steve Brauner Senior Product Manager, Professional Displays, Sharp Electronics

IT/AV teams need to

Sharp Electronics is

company are providing

work with integrators to

actively advancing

Meeting equity remains an essential goal for any business with a hybrid

ensure meeting spaces are equipped with cameras

meeting equity for

In many ways, the industry and our enhanced meeting equity for all hybrid workforces. Constantly

that can see all the participants in the room as well as

hybrid workforces by creating seamless and

improving technology and expanded connectivity

audio gear that can capture the voices of those

inclusive collaboration experiences by combining

has made this a reality. We’ve made a ton of

participants. Those signals need to be properly

hardware, software, and cloud services. Notable

progress since COVID-19, and we now live in a

routed to the meeting platform for the participants

products include SHARP AQUOSBOARD interactive

world where we can instantly jump on a video call

on the other end of the conversation. The same is

display systems and SYNAPPX GO meeting room

with attendees worldwide, in offices, from home,

true with respect to the AV gear used by the remote

software, which integrate touch displays and

and virtually anywhere. These are productive

workers. PTZ/ePTZ cameras for meeting rooms and

Microsoft Teams functionalities to enhance

meetings where everyone has an equal seat at the

linkable speakerphones are part of the AV solution.

productivity in hybrid meeting environments. These

virtual table and isn’t bound by travel or budgets. In

These peripherals must be connected to AV switchers

tools address challenges like inconsistent access to

some ways, remote attendees are even more

with advanced USB capability that can switch these

meeting resources and unequal participation

empowered to express their views through the chat

signals to the PC or laptop used to facilitate the

opportunities for remote attendees.

or emoji features that can be less comfortable in

meeting.

environment requires a

David Missall Insights Manager Consultants and Technical Application Engineer Manager, Sennheiser

thoughtful combination

Troy Jensen Associate Director of Global Accounts, Shure Building a productive collaboration

person, and they can choose which meeting space works best for them.

Sean Carolan Technical Sales, Holosonics I believe that the industry is getting closer to creating equity for hybrid workforces. However,

While there certainly have been recent advancements

further improvement

of the right communication technologies and

in the AV industry to move closer to true meeting

still needs to be made

well-designed physical spaces. The responsibility of

equity, there is still some work to be done. The most

creating these spaces falls on Pro AV teams who need

foundational element to creating an exceptional,

sonically. The visual aspects such as framing, lighting,

access to hardware, software, and accessories that

equitable, and inclusive work or learning environment

color, and re-framing still need development. But not

work together to enable collaboration between

is audio. Simply put, when speech is intelligible,

just those elements are important—audio is essential

remote and in-person employees. The technology

people can collaborate. For everyone in a room to

too, if not more so, and still requires improvement

must be user friendly, providing the installer with a

participate in discussions with ease, meeting rooms

with limiting invasive noise such as stationary sounds

method for quick configuration while ensuring

require not only a voice lift system, but also a

(such as HVAC) and extraneous user-introduced

meetings run without issues. While achieving true

bi-directional solution that enables both assistive

sounds. Solving the equity hybrid problem is an

meeting equity remains a work in progress, meeting

listening and the ability to talk back. These systems

all-encompassing mission; it depends on an

spaces equipped with easily deployable technology

enhance audio clarity and enable seamless

organization’s willingness and an integrated approach

enable hybrid workforces to collaborate effectively

communication for in-room and remote participants

to solving both the Pro AV technology and human

and integrate into a shared work experience.

by evenly distributing sound and integrating with

aspects alike.

video systems. At Sennheiser, we’re focused on creating these equitable work environments in hybrid setups. Ensuring that everyone can hear clearly is not only about inclusion; it’s about fostering community and connection.

6

SCN // January 2025 // avnetwork.com

both visually and

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO CONFERENCING AND COLLABORATION

Sennheiser TeamConnect Bars Shure MXA902 + ANIUSB-MATRIX Sharp PN-LC652 Elevate your collaboration with the

Part of the TeamConnect Family, the TC Bars are feature-rich, all-in-one conferencing devices. Available in two

Shure’s new MXA902 + ANIUSB-

models for different room sizes—TC Bar

MATRIX Audio Conferencing Kit is a

S and TeamConnect Bar M—they scale

pre-routed, ready-to-go package that

to the largest meeting rooms. The TC Bar

includes the MXA902 ceiling array

S has four microphones and two

microphone with built-in loudspeaker

speakers, while the Bar M has six

display, featuring 4K Ultra-HD

Snap One WattBox 150 Series

resolution and an intuitive “Pen-on-

Remotely monitor and manage

paired with the ANIUSB-MATRIX audio

microphones and four speakers. Both

Paper” experience. With a single USB-C

customer devices with the WattBox 150

network interface for seamless

deliver trusted Sennheiser audio quality.

connector, setup is a breeze—just plug

Series IP Power Controller. This device

connectivity to popular conferencing

With plug-and-play setup via USB and

in and start working. Its built-in

can be added to the network via wired

platforms. The kit is certified for

advanced beamforming technology,

multimedia player and integrated

LAN or Wi-Fi, and can remotely reboot

Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms,

they ensure freedom of movement. A 4K

controller enhance productivity, while

equipment on demand and

and works with Google Meet. The Audio

Ultra HD camera with AI features

three HDMI inputs ensure connectivity

automatically ping devices for

Conferencing Kit is a complete,

enhances video quality. They also offer

with multiple devices. Built-in

proactive auto-reboots. This compact

single-vendor, networked solution

flexible setups, onboard Dante port,

speakers, easy scheduling, and flexible

controller is ideal for many projects and

designed for small and medium-sized

multiple mounting options, remote

control options make this display ideal

can be discreetly installed behind

rooms that offers superior conferencing

management, brand-agnostic

for any professional environment.

displays and other tight locations.

audio experiences.

integration, and advanced security.

SHARP PN-LC652 AQUOS BOARD

8

SCN // January 2025 // avnetwork.com

9000

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO CONFERENCING AND COLLABORATION

Sony BRAVIA Professional BZ35L Series Sony’s BRAVIA Professional BZ35L Series is a truly professional display that’s designed for flawless round-the-clock operation in retail, corporate, and educational environments. Add impact to digital signage and employee communications with bright, colorful, high-contrast 4K HDR images. Pro-friendly features simplify integration, ease operation, and provide

Holosonics Audio Spotlight AS-24iX

seamless content sharing in today’s connected AV environments. Flexible customization options and 32 GB of storage

Holosonics’ Audio Spotlight AS-24iX

make BRAVIA BZ35L the ideal LED display for

directional speakers create sound in a narrow

various business needs.

beam precise enough for a single listener, eliminating unnecessary sound bleed or the need for headphones/headsets—even in open, shared spaces. Featuring a built-in amplifier/ processor and flexible IO, the product is compatible with any line-level audio feed, and also includes an output for daisy-chaining multiple speakers to extend the focused sound

Atlona AT-CAP-FC110

field for larger groups. The flagship AS-24iX

The AT-CAP-FC110 ePTZ camera is part of Atlona’s Captivate Series, developed for videoconferencing and hybrid

model conveniently replaces a standard

meetings within small to medium-sized meeting, learning, and gathering spaces. The camera delivers high-quality

2x2-foot ceiling tile without any additional

imaging at resolutions up to 4K@30Hz, with a generous 110-degree-wide horizontal field of view for coverage of

hardware, making it an excellent choice for

compact spaces such as huddle rooms. Along with electronic pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities, it offers auto-framing

conference rooms and collaboration spaces.

functionality based on detection of up to six participants.

avnetwork.com // January 2025 // SCN

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