Recently, my wife’s car battery died. Thankfully, it had the decency to die on a weekend in the driveway. That saved a lot of aggravation, but it turned out this project had plenty of other pain points.
My father taught auto mechanics. Don’t get excited; you don’t want me to check your engine. You see, I was the youngest child, so by the time I was old enough to start learning about cars, my father was pretty much done with the teaching portion of the home auto repair program.
As such, my job was to hold the light. I’m very good at holding the light—we’re talking spotlight operator good. My automobile skill set drops precipitously after that. But while I didn’t get the full engine repair curriculum, my father did teach me a thing or two, including how to change the battery.
Honestly, changing a car battery is easy. That is, it should be easy.
The first wrinkle: My wife’s car is a hybrid, so the battery is in the trunk. Not a problem, I’m adaptable. But here’s a fun fact: My wife’s SUV does not have a manual emergency release pull inside the trunk area. I learned that the hard way. There’s also no key entry from the rear of the vehicle, so you need power to open the hatch.
So, before I could change the battery, I had to reach into my limited bag of automotive tricks and jump the existing battery. With power flowing through the car, I was able to press a button and lift the hatch. Then, I went to work on the battery.
And I mean work. It’s stored under the spare tire, so that had to be removed, along with a foam spacer ring. Once those were out of the way, I had to contend with the wheel securing bracket. This covers the battery, so it doesn’t get damaged by the spare tire. I grabbed my dog bone wrench and went to work loosening four nuts to remove it.
Finally, I was at the battery proper. I loosened the actual battery bracket (the one that holds the battery in place), removed the cables from the terminals, removed the battery, positioned the new battery, connected the cables, and tightened the bracket. These are the "normal" steps in a battery replacement, and they were the quickest and easiest of this entire process. But instead of closing the hood and moving on with my day, I spent the next several minutes replacing the wheel securing bracket, spacer ring, and spare tire.
So, an uncomplicated job that should take maybe 10 minutes took significantly longer. It’s not that the maintenance itself was difficult, but gaining access to the equipment necessary to complete the task was convoluted.
How many times have you been asked to upgrade an existing install only to shake your head at the decisions made by the previous integrator? What were they thinking? Why did they put that there? How am I supposed to access what I need?
I understand that a simple solution isn’t always on the table. Some installations are incredibly complex, others are made more difficult by layout limitations, and I don’t even want to think about the logistical gymnastics associated with historic properties. Plus, technology changes—and that can make things easier or more complicated, depending on the design.
Functionality is always the top priority, but maintenance needs to be a consideration as well. Routine maintenance should be just that: routine. Whether it’s accessing an equipment rack or even something as simple as restarting a component, make sure your end users won’t be jumping through hoops for tasks that need to be completed on a regular basis.
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RGB Spectrum Helps Enhance F-16 Flight Simulation Training
Trident Military Systems, which provides flight simulation systems for military organizations, has teamed up with RGB Spectrum to enhance the effectiveness of its F-16 training programs. With a focus on delivering realistic, synchronized training experiences, Trident has successfully integrated RGB Spectrum’s SuperView, DGy, and QuadView solutions, transforming how pilots and instructors engage with their training data.
Trident supports the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve by building and maintaining F-16 simulators across multiple sites nationwide. Trident aimed to provide instructors with real-time cockpit data, synchronized video sources, and effective debriefing capabilities for improving pilot training.
“We needed a solution that could integrate cockpit
data with real-time network information and ensure that our training systems performed flawlessly under the high-stakes conditions of military training,” said Jerry Giacinto, CTO, Trident Military Systems. “RGB Spectrum’s products have provided the reliability and flexibility we need to offer exceptional training experiences.”
The SuperView multiviewers display a real-time “glass cockpit” on a large monitor, giving instructors a comprehensive view of cockpit data, including multifunction displays (MFD), flight data, and simulated out-of-cockpit visuals. The QuadView multiviewers enable instructors to present critical training data in customizable layouts for enhanced clarity and context. Meanwhile, the DGy video codecs record video and audio during training sessions using JPEG 2000 compression,
AVI Systems Acquires AVCON to Boost Southeast Presence
Last month, AVI Systems acquired Cary, NC-based AVCON, a systems integration firm that designs, installs, and maintains AVL technologies for companies, houses of worship, and other organizations. The acquisition will include transitioning all AVCON employees to AVI Systems.
“AVCON’s founder, Frank Yarborough, has built an incredible company with a stellar reputation for audiovisual design and support,” said Jeff Stoebner, CEO of AVI Systems. “The alignment between AVI and AVCON is quite remarkable in that both organizations strive to be a trusted advisor to each customer we serve. I look forward to having Frank and his team become employee-owners at AVI Systems and help us continue our growth trajectory.”
AVCON was established in 1997. Yarborough focused on building a team of experts who share in a commitment to understand each customer’s goals, vision, and environment—and to guarantee a successful outcome with each engagement.
“What’s made AVCON great is our individual relationships with our customers, from the sales team to the expert installers who represent us on site,” said Yarborough. “That’s why I’m so excited about joining AVI Systems. Our two entities strive to always do what’s best for the customer, and that’s a market-leading differentiator.”
providing visually lossless video for accurate post-mission analysis and debriefing.
The integration of RGB Spectrum’s technology has improved operational efficiency. Instructors gain real-time access to all cockpit data, improving the depth and quality of feedback during training. Plus, DGy’s video and audio recording features have streamlined post-mission analysis, allowing for a more detailed and effective debriefing process.
“The SuperView, DGy, and QuadView have made a difference in how we deliver and review F-16 training missions. The clarity, real-time synchronization, and ability to record and playback training sessions have improved our ability to debrief and educate pilots,” said Giacinto. “These tools have become indispensable in our daily operations.”
Clair Global Acquires LD Systems
LD Systems celebrated its 50th anniversary last month—and took a significant step toward securing its next 50 years, as it was acquired by the Clair Global Group.
Based in Houston, with additional offices in San Antonio and Austin, LD Systems provides AVL production services and installed solutions serving the U.S. market and beyond. The new partnership honors the legacy of LD Systems while providing the resources and shared vision to ensure its continued growth and success.
“We were impressed with LD’s caring culture, long-term client relationships, and their commitment to quality, and that standard of unwavering service and excellence will continue with us,” said Troy Clair, CEO, Clair Global. “The shared vision is exciting as we continue to think globally but build locally.”
Frank Yarborough
Since 2022, AVI has established itself in several new Eastern U.S. markets including Massachusetts, New York, Washington, DC, and most recently Tennessee and Florida. AVI will maintain the AVCON office location to serve customers in North and South Carolina as well as Southern Virginia. The company also serves as the Regional Business Unit in the United States for GPA, which enables AVI to serve large, multinational organizations that have operations around the world.
From its founding in 1975—when two college students rented professional sound equipment out of a garage—to its current team of experts working on RodeoHouston, Lollapalooza, and other notable projects, LD Systems has established itself as a well-respected technology provider in the live events industry. The company also offers design and full systems integration throughout the United States.
“With this union, Clair will provide a good home for the full offering of our services,” said Rob McKinley, co-founder and general manager, LD Systems. “We’re thrilled to be expanding the depth of our resources, securing the future of LD Systems, and ensuring our ability to service clients for the long haul through this exciting collaboration.”
RGB Spectrum solutions are helping Trident Military Systems improve delivery and review of F-16 training missions.
Xpect Solutions Acquires GovDefender
SSystems integrator Xpect Solutions, which has been delivering I T and physical security solutions to federal agencies for more than 2 0 years, recently announced its acquisition of GovDefender, which is kno wn for systems modernization as well as enterprise IT web, mobile, and application development. It is Xpect Solutions’ first acquisition since it was acquired by NewSpring Holdings in October.
Founded by solutions architect Josh Baze, GovDefender develops secure digital media intake solutions that enable the rapid processing of publicsubmitted digital content, allowing federal agencies to solve crimes faster. The strategic acquisition enhances Xpect Solutions’ ability to provide technology solutions for federal law enforcement and national security customers.
“Josh Baze and his team's visionary methodology transcends industries and challenges, offering a universal framework that transforms any system into a seamless, future-ready operation,” said Yusuf Abdul-Salaam, CEO of Xpect Solutions. “Together, we’ll equip federal law enforcement and national security agencies with the confidence to test innovation with minimal risk and embrace the changes necessary to navigate an ever-evolving threat landscape, ensuring they remain one step ahead.”
“Having worked with Xpect Solutions' executive leadership team for over 15 years, I’ve seen their dedication to mission success, transparency, and customer focus firsthand,” said Baze. “Partnering with a company that shares our values and commitment to the mission is a tremendous opportunity for our team.”
EAW Opens New HQ in
EMassachusetts
astern Acoustic Works has opened its new headquarters in Franklin, MA. Located just 45 minutes from Boston and 30 minutes from Providence, RI, the new 56,000-square-foot standalone building consolidates all EAW operations, advancing the company’s efficiency.
The facility includes 32,000 square feet dedicated to production and warehousing, as well as 6,000 square feet of engineering lab space. There are also additional areas for offices and technical service and support, plus a 3,000-squarefoot indoor training and demo space and an expansive outdoor demo space.
EAW’s indoor training and demo space supports classroom-style customer education and will host a video production studio to accommodate virtual training. Two expansive outdoor demo spaces, including a 175-foot throw area and a 300-foot throw area, are supported by 40-foot scaffold towers and rigging that can showcase loudspeaker systems in real-world conditions. Plus, the modernized warehouse and production areas are equipped with advanced systems and infrastructure, enabling faster lead times for customizable products, including color options.
RoomReady Standardizes on Sennheiser
Meeting room technology provider
RoomReady has chosen the Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) as the standard ceiling microphone solution within its predesigned AV solutions. Named Room Menus, the predesigned solutions include everything customers need for a certified videoconferencing system.
Following extensive testing, the TCC 2 was chosen for its ease of use and ability to deliver superior audio for various types of meeting spaces. The TCC 2 uses patented Dynamic Beamforming technology to capture speech intelligibility from every corner of the room with exceptional clarity, automatically tracking the position of speakers in the room in real time. RoomReady is a longtime Sennheiser integrator, installing more than 1,000 TCC 2s since 2021.
In 2024, RoomReady opened its new Illinois headquarters in Bloomington, merging its main office in Norman with its warehouse and assembly facility. The resulting 40,000-square-foot space houses shipping, receiving, assembly, and the Tech Lab, where the company field tests potential solutions in a staged meeting room environment.
When it came time to design the meeting rooms within its new HQ, RoomReady wanted to showcase its streamlined approach to AV integration using the TCC 2. The rooms illustrate the company’s mantra—simple
is better, speed matters, and flexibility is key—while providing consistent, highquality audio and a user-friendly experience. Its unique methodology, known as The RoomReady Way, ensures that nearly all solutions are preassembled, tested, and certified before deployment, dramatically reducing installation times and minimizing downtime for their clients.
RoomReady needed a solution that could integrate seamlessly with various meeting platforms like Teams or Zoom, as well as support both Dante and analog connections to meet specific client needs, especially for Cisco VoIP systems. It also wanted a solution that could reduce the equipment footprint while maintaining highquality audio.
without compromising on design or performance, which helps to speed up quotes and installation.
The TCC 2’s flexible installation options made it an ideal fit for RoomReady’s varied room designs. The microphone can be recessed into the ceiling, ceiling-mounted, or suspended, allowing RoomReady to meet diverse architectural requirements. This adaptability enables RoomReady to integrate the TCC 2 as its standard solution seamlessly across different room configurations
“You can have 50 black boxes to make up an AV system or you can cut that down to five and minimize points of failure,” said Paul Stuckey, director of sales engineering, RoomReady. “The TCC 2 means we don’t always need a DSP, reducing maintenance for end users. Simple is better—it’s plug-and-play, compatible with other manufacturers, and it works like the first time every time.”
Right: The new EAW HQ features indoor and outdoor demo spaces for real-world product testing.
DN-300 Series
The Ultimate AVoIP Platform
The Future of AV Distribution is Here
The DisplayNet DN-300 Series delivers an unprecedented level of AVoIP performance, versatility and reliability— at a price point that defines the industry benchmark for value. Based on the latest SDVoE technology, the DN-300 Series provides 4K/60 (4:4:4) video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency and zero image artifacts.
These units offer unique features that provide system designers with exceptional versatility:
Switchable Transmitter / Receiver operation
Bi-directional Transceiver mode (DN-300T)
Dual (copper / fiber) 10G network interfaces
Long Range: 100 meters (copper), 30 km (optical)
Auxiliary H.264/5 video output streams
Powerful network security features
PoE+ support
Silent, fanless operation
Ultra-compact, rackmountable case
Versatile KVM Routing
DN-300H: USB HID device instant switching
DN-300T: full-bandwidth USB 2.0 routing
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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Metinteractive Supports New Atrium Health Amphitheater
Metinteractive drew from its extensive experience in the stadium and arena market for the new Atrium Health Amphitheater, a 12,000-person venue in Macon, GA, managed by Oak View Group (OVG). The massive, bat-winged structure, located in the repurposed parking lot of the Macon Mall, is one of the two largest of its kind in the state.
The amphitheater opened last spring, with Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top co-headlining the debut concert. Beyond touring musicians, the amphitheater is also expected to attract community events, such as the commencement ceremony for Central Georgia Technical College held last May.
“Macon has grown by leaps and bounds in the eight years we have been managing the historic Macon Centreplex auditorium and Macon Coliseum arena,” said David Aiello, general manager, OVG. While those venues have been the “backbone” of Macon’s thriving music scene, it was time to offer a new entertainment option, revitalize the old mall area, and spur additional development.
Initially retained as a program manager for all production and technology, Metinteractive was later charged with supplying and installing the amphitheater’s LED displays, blade signs, and security cameras, as well as managing the installation of Wi-Fi access points and related systems. “The Atrium Health Amphitheater showcases our scope in
project management and engineering, our ability to take a holistic approach across multiple technology roles to make the project come together,” said Keith Book, support designer, Metinteractive.
Six permanent SNA LEDs are located off-stage. Two are curved video walls facing the north entry for marketing and branding messages. Another LED display at the north entry is wall-mounted, and a fourth is a free-standing LED pylon facing the west entry. Two 3x127-foot and 3x200-foot LEDs are positioned above the concession stands for marketing, branding, and event support. Additional Samsung menu boards and digital signage were also installed.
Metinteractive also provided two Ledman portable LED video displays for the stage wings, which can be oriented in portrait or landscape modes as needed by visiting artists. Two ElationLogic double-sided 4K blade signs serve as more outdoor displays. LED content delivery is driven by Ross XPression Tessira graphics systems and ElationLogic Storyteller.
“Metinteractive is a company that cares, is honest and works really well with clients and end users,” said Dan Rubino, VP of operations at OVG360 in Philadelphia. “They responded quickly to any questions, trained the person who runs a lot of our advertising on the LED displays and brought IT up to speed on the new systems.”
Metinteractive installed extensive displays in the new Atrium Health Amphitheater.
LG Displays Take Lead Role at Meryl Streep Center
LG Electronics, named by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation as the official technology partner of the new Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists in Los Angeles, is the exclusive cinema LED display provider for the center’s Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Screening Room, which is built around the LG Miraclass DVLED cinema screen.
The Streep Center is a 15,000-square-foot facility that will serve as an educational hub and creative home for all 160,000 SAG-AFTRA artists. It features voiceover recording sound booths, on-camera recording studios, tech labs, an editing bay, and instructional classrooms, all equipped with advanced commercial displays provided by LG Electronics USA. Courtney B. Vance, president and chairman of the
board of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, said the screening room is “star attraction” of the center.
Cyd Wilson, executive director of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, said the space will host more than 200 film and television screenings each year. The design of the 100-seat screening room, which has a low ceiling, made LG’s Miraclass DVLED cinema screen the optimal choice as it eliminated the need to mount a projector, build a projection space or sacrifice screen size. The technology also allows content management and delivery to be centralized and simplified for operators through LG’s intuitive software platform.
The 200-inch 4K LG Miraclass display installed in the Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Screening Room combines 24-bit color processing with LG’s latest self-emissive LED pixels to reproduce 68.7 billion colors and near-perfect blacks, enabling outstanding contrast and accuracy for every film and visual style. Because each pixel is identical and lit individually, the screens exhibit brightness uniformity all the way to the last corner pixel, solving a key drawbacks of single-source projection solutions.
Reseller and integrator Moving iMage Technologies (MiT) streamlined the LG Miraclass installation using its patented TruSquare cinemacentric dvLED frame. MiT also integrated a multichannel audio system in the screening room to
complement the LG display and deliver the ultimate cinematic experience.
“LG is proud to support the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s education mission as the exclusive display provider for the incredible new Meryl Streep Center,” said David Bacher, LG Electronics USA’s head of business solutions marketing. “In addition to the dozen LG displays throughout the center, the screening room’s LG Miraclass screen provides a cutting-edge cinema presentation space that eliminates the need for a projection booth and creates new seating and cinema design options.”
LG’s Miraclass DVLED cinema screen eliminated the need for a projector in the Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Screening Room.
HOPE International Boosts Global Connectivity with Q-SYS
HOPE International is a global nonprofit that alleviates poverty by providing financial services as well as microfinancing business loans to people in developing countries. This helps communities lift themselves out of poverty through entrepreneurship. With offices and contacts spread worldwide, HOPE International’s team frequently holds meetings that include both in-person and remote staff.
The organization needed a multipurpose space with a robust solution to handle complex video and audio routing for large group calls as well as simple Microsoft Teams meetings. Moreover, the space had to double as a video production suite for content capture. Meeting these diverse needs required a reliable and scalable AV platform. Ultimately, Q-SYS was the ideal technology to meet its AV demands.
“Past attempts at utilizing old soundboards, USB
connections, and webcams were time-consuming and inefficient,” recalled Jeremy Denlinger, digital design manager, HOPE International. “We needed a more streamlined, intuitive solution that could be swiftly adapted for varying use cases without technical expertise.”
HOPE turned to Pennsylvania-based AV integrator STRAY Production Services to bring its vision to life. “Q-SYS became a critical tool since it is so flexible and customizable. When HOPE came to us with their requirements, we knew there was no other way to get the project done than to use what Q-SYS could provide,” said Eric Lizotte, VP of systems integration at STRAY.
Completed last summer, the room was primarily configured as a Microsoft Teams Room, with support for other conferencing platforms. STRAY standardized the room on a Q-SYS Core 110f processor for managing all audio, video, and control, and integrated two Q-SYS network PTZ cameras for enhanced videoconferencing. The NV-21-HU network video endpoint was set up for both encoding and decoding.
Q-SYS also controls the room’s lighting with custom written commands to control the Interactive Technologies CueServer3 platform. The team leveraged Q-SYS’s advanced scripting and external control capabilities to efficiently manage not only lighting but microphones and camera presets as well.
Plus, STRAY included an automated daily reset feature, ensuring a consistent and reliable setup each morning. The daily reset minimizes setup time and prevents potential configuration discrepancies. The intuitive user interface on a Q-SYS touchscreen makes system operations straightforward, allowing users to switch between
different operational modes effortlessly.
Ben Beachy, experience director of HOPE International, expressed satisfaction with the system’s performance. “Overall, it’s been outstanding within our group,” he explained. “The new system has improved our responsiveness and efficiency in both small and large-scale meetings. Now, anyone can enter the room, tap the screen, and begin their session without technical difficulties.”
“From my perspective, it has been a great transition from our old setup to this sophisticated new system,” Denlinger added. “The small meeting mode is user-friendly, allowing even non-technical staff to start and manage meetings efficiently. The training for our team of volunteers was quick and effective, resulting in consistently positive feedback about the system’s ease of use. We can trust that the Q-SYS system will optimize audio and video, ensuring everything is in sync without added stress. The automation features also provide peace of mind, as the room’s setup will be consistent every morning.”
The advanced AV solutions have enabled HOPE to conduct meetings, produce content, and connect with teams globally, all within a versatile and user-friendly space. This successful implementation not only optimized its current operations but also set a solid foundation for future technological advancements. In fact, Beachy is looking to expand audio to the lobby and enhance lighting controls for additional customization.
“The success of this project has opened doors for future upgrades and integrations,” Denlinger said. “The Q-SYS system has provided us with a reliable and scalable solution that meets our broad range of needs. We’re excited to continue exploring new possibilities and enhancing our capabilities with Q-SYS.”
SDVoE Alliance Launches New Initiative
The SDVoE Alliance, a nonprofit consortium of technology providers collaborating to standardize the adoption of Ethernet to transport AV signals in Pro AV environments, has launched the Power of 10+, a new branding initiative. As 10 Gb Ethernet infrastructure becomes more accessible, affordable, and widely deployed, SDVoE technology is unlocking the full potential of this standard—and the alliance’s new initiative highlights more than 10 benefits of SDVoE technology for inte-
grators and end users.
By leveraging the SDVoE platform, organizations can achieve uncompromised performance and zero-millisecond latency, all while maintaining flawless image quality over 10 Gbps networks. With SDVoE, integrators and end users no longer need to patch together solutions from disparate components. Instead, they can rely on an off-the-shelf, end-to-end platform that simplifies deployment and reduces costs.
With The Power of 10+, the SDVoE Alliance aims to eliminate traditional bottlenecks associated with outdated signal transport methods with a comprehensive, off-the-shelf solution that integrates seamlessly, scales efficiently, and reduces overall costs.
“Upgrading to 10 Gbps infrastructure is no longer a forward-looking investment—it’s an essential step for unlocking performance and efficiency in audiovisual systems,” said Stephane Tremblay, president of the SDVoE Alliance. “The Power of 10 celebrates the benefits that SDVoE technology brings to the table, ensuring integrators and end users can deliver exceptional experiences across a variety of applications without compromise.”
HOPE International’s multipurpose space is a Microsoft Teams Room, though it can support other platforms.
The multipurpose space at HOPE International supports videoconferencing and video production.
Maple Heights Upgrades Live Streaming with JVC
The town of Maple Heights, OH, was looking to upgrade the existing streaming infrastructure in both the local high school’s athletic center and the Board of Education facility. Equipment from JVC Professional Video provided an affordable way to complete both projects.
For the Maple Heights Board of Education, the first goal was to provide a live streaming platform that was available to both board and community members who were unable to attend a meeting for online viewing. The board also needed the ability to record and archive meetings.
The upgraded system includes two JVC KY-PZ200N PTZ cameras, plus a RM-LP350G desktop control surface, RM-LP5G PTZ camera controller, and KM-IPS84 vMix switcher. Nearby NPI Audio Visual Solutions handled the projects for the town. Sam Avellone, director of sales, has completed multiple installations for schools, house of worships, and sports facilities using JVC products.
“What’s happened is you now have customers that see the difference between a good stream and a bad stream,” he offered. “There are three things that make a good stream: superior-quality video, highquality audio, and animated graphics. This is reinforced with the ability of having different camera angles and the ability of flying a lower-third in and out to keep their attention.”
In the board room of the Administration Building, the ability to use multiple presets for the PTZ cameras was a big plus. Individual presets for each of the board member’s chairs, as well as the podium where speakers present to the
Crestron Earns SAVe Certification
Ccouncil, provides instant access to a variety of shots instantly for the camera operator, providing viewers with a dynamic viewing experience.
Board members can also share their presentations or documents by bringing them into the KM-IPS84 vMix Switcher easily from a laptop. “The features of the vMix switcher with the built-in graphics, the ability to build layers, and use lower-thirds and graphics over the top—it’s a no-brainer from a cost standpoint,” Avellone explained.
Next on the upgrade agenda was the athletic center at Maple Heights High School, the local public high school. Its AV system installation is also powered by JVC gear. The integration included providing the program out of JVC’s KM-IPS84 switcher to the facility’s new videoboards as well as the athletic center’s video control console for streaming to the web. The 2 RU device can manage a minimum of eight NDI inputs at 1080p/60 and offers several output options.
JVC’s NDI|HX-enabled KY-PZ200N PTZ cameras, combined with the additional JVC workflow tools, were chosen with the idea of using them to capture a variety of sports as seasons change. But the center also uses the PTZ cameras to capture events such as assemblies and presentations.
“The optics are superior with JVC cameras, I will never compromise the quality of the image because of the name on the camera,” said Avellone. “We have worked with other brands and found with some the image quality is inferior, pixelated, and when you’re doing broadcast, especially when streaming, you’ve got to have a good quality image.”
restron has become SAVe Certified, underscoring its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The milestone was reached following Crestron’s participation in the SAVe Certification Program last July at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, NY. SAVe is a U.S.based organization focused on mobilizing the AV industry to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event brought together more than 30 Crestron employees from multiple departments, alongside five SAVe representatives and a guest speaker from Columbia’s Climate School. The day’s agenda included educational sessions on climate change, e-waste management, plastic pollution, and recycling. These were followed by a workshop where Crestron employees collaborated to develop strategies for aligning the company’s operations with the SDGs.
“We are thrilled that Crestron is the first manufacturer in the AV industry to become SAVe Certified,” said Christina De Bono, founder and president of SAVe. “It’s a demonstration of its commitment to align with the Sustainable Development Goals and become a sustainability leader in our industry.”
Inspired by the event, Crestron has taken decisive action to integrate sustainability into its core strategy. The company has launched a series of monthly workshops, ensuring that all three pillars of sustainable development—environmental, social, and economic— are deeply embedded in its practices.
Maple Heights School district streams Board of Education meeting using JVC PTZ cameras.
Crestron is the first manufacturer in the AV industry to become SAVe Certified.
JVC’s vMix studio switcher provides live streaming and animated graphics to enhance the video scoreboard.
More than 30 Crestron employees participated in the SAVe Certification Program.
CES 2025: Keynote Conversation Explores Audio Evolution
SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz joined Ashley Flowers, CEO of audiochuck and host of the “Crime Junkie” podcast, for the C Space keynote at CES 2025 to discuss the evolution of technology and creativity in the audio medium. Witz, who has been with SiriusXM for nearly two decades, has seen significant transformation in how we listen. However, what has not changed over the years is why we listen.
Whether it is your favorite podcast or a vinyl on your record player, “we are moved and enlightened by audio,” Witz said. “It keeps us connected—it brings people together and changes hearts and minds.”
Both Witz and Flowers have always gravitated toward the power of audio. Audio, said Witz, is incredibly impactful and powerful. The intimacy of audio can go where so many other mediums can’t, and it creates a connection that you can’t get with video or other media. “The car is pretty much the perfect venue for audio to create that companionship,” Witz said.
Flowers, the top female podcaster in the nation and a New York Times bestseller, is the host of her true crime podcast—a genre that has seen quite the boom over the past few years. But Flowers was among the
first and admitted that maintaining her uniqueness is one of the challenges she faces as a podcaster.
The other is discoverability. How does a new content creator get discovered in a sea of audio options? Algorithms help, but there are experts at SiriusXM that love what they do as well as the genres and categories on which they work, which helps build connections with the hosts. “It’s a big part of what we are at SiruiusXM,” Witz said. “That it’s humans creating all this.”
Flowers said the biggest change is not so much the tech side, but the business side—the ability to dissect download data and listenership and how to deliver ads that don’t turn off listeners. Podcasting is still a relatively new space that is still evolving, and more accuracy is better for creators and audiences alike.
That pace of innovation has been so rapid in two primary areas: how we listen and how people create audio. The evolution of technology is easy to see. We’ve gone from vinyl to cassettes to CDs to streaming—and we have all the audio we need in our pockets or our cars. For creators, it has become much easier to create, market, and distribute, and that opens opportunities.
“I don’t want to be an influencer,” Flowers said. “I
want to have influence.”
And she does. Podcast hosts become friends; their audiences watch them grow as a host and a person. “I think it is one of the first two-way mediums,” said Flowers. “We aren’t just broadcasting this out but getting feedback from those listeners that know us.”
As with every emerging trend, AI is playing a role in the future of how we listen. Flowers values the human experience and does not use AI in the creative process. However, she does use AI to aggregate comments, DMs, and emails from fans, which enables her and her staff to reply more efficiently to her listening community, as well as learn more about her fanbase’s interests and listening habits. In other words, she isn’t using AI to influence—she uses AI to help the audience influence her. Both Witz and Flowers agreed that AI should enhance the experience, not create it.
SiriusXM is doubling down on human creation because its vital to connection. “It’s really inspiring to see the technology supporting all these creators,” Witz said. “We are letting them find new audiences and really pursue their dreams, which wasn’t possible before the advent of streaming.”
L-Acoutics to Open New HQ in Nashville
L-Acoustics is making a major move, opening office space at Nashville Yards, a mixeduse development nearing completion in downtown Nashville, TN. Expected to launch in the summer of 2025, it will become the company’s major operations and creative hub for the Americas, joining its global hubs in Paris, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore.
“The opening of our Americas headquarters in Nashville, the Music City, marks a significant milestone for L-Acoustics globally and reinforces our commitment to serving our partners throughout North America from a central location,” said Laurent Vaissié, co-CEO of L-Acoustics. “Being part of this dynamic creative hub perfectly aligns with our ambition to connect people through the best-shared
sound experience, building a vibrant community with the most creative artists and entertainment professionals alongside industry leaders like AEG Presents and CAA.”
L-Acoustics will be located in the development’s creative office building on the fourth level, along with AEG Presents. Adjacent to The Pinnacle, the development’s indoor live music and event venue, the building also features three levels of curated retail, dining, and entertainment. Scheduled to open next month, the Pinnacle will feature an L-Acoustics K2 professional sound system installed by Clair Global. L-Acoustics will continue to maintain a strong presence on the West Coast with global business, product management, communication, and application leadership functions based in Westlake Village, CA.
Jennifer Witz (left) and Ashley Flowers talked about audio technology innovations at CES 2025.
A rendering of the creative commons at Nashville Yards, where L-Acoustics will open its American HQ later this year.
Pro AV Growth Accelerates, Remains Slow
By Peter Hansen
The change is good, the level is not.
In December, the AV Sales Index (AVI-S) increased by a point to 53.1. It’s always positive to see the AVI-S increase, even if it’s only a modest shift. The less positive news is the level: While 53.1 means the industry continues to grow, which is inherently good, our industry is used to higher levels, and 53.1 remains well below historic norms.
The mixed interpretation of the December AVI-S aligns with the rest of the index data in its combination
of modestly positive and negative results. Survey respondents report a good year overall despite lower monthly numbers (especially of late). On the other hand, the employment side of the index saw its worst level since January 2021.
Zooming in on the details underlying the December monthly results, respondents listed familiar concerns. Some saw a quiet period due to the holidays, while others in different sectors benefited from year-end spending pushes. Hiring struggles, general economic concerns, and technology details also factored in.
At the end of the year, there are two ways we assess the year’s performance in the index: averaging the year’s performance and asking the same monthly question but in annual format (how 2024 compared to 2023). The latter is our preferred metric as it nets out monthly up-and-down fluctuations, creating a more reliable whole-year indicator.
In 2023, both indicators told a similar story: solid year, worse than 2022, but still good. In 2024, the two stories differ. The yearly average for 2024 was 56.7, which is down from 58.8 in 2023—a negative signal. However, our preferred metric, the annual change question, shows a diffusion index of 67.7 for 2024,
which is essentially flat compared to the 67.1 for 2023. It’s reassuring to see respondents net out their year so positively after seeing recent months in the AVI-S so low. Yes, the monthly trend is disappointing, but the overall annual change question gives us a positive counter to the negativity of the monthly numbers.
December was a clear disappointment for the AV Employment Index (AVI-E). After dropping 2.9 points from 55.8 to 52.9 in November, the AVI-E declined a further 1.3 points to 51.6 in December. This is the lowest result since January 2021.
The caveats covered in the AVI-S discussion (and previous months of index coverage) apply here. First, with the number above 50, growth continues, and that is always good. Second, the market is in a healthy place, which means that flat payrolls are essentially fine—a stark contrast to January 2021, when the industry desperately needed strong growth to rebound from the pandemic. So, it’s not all bad news even though it is a dispiritingly low result.
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 business trends in commercial AV. For more information about joining the AVIXA Insights Community, visit www.avixa.org/AVIP.
Peter Hansen is an economist at AVIXA.
PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS
West Coast-based live event production and systems integration services provider 3G PRODUCTIONS has appointed JENNIFER MOORE to the newly created post of national director of business development. In her new role, she oversees the company’s nationwide touring business and leads its sales team growth as 3G expands into new markets. Moore officially joined 3G Productions in mid-November. She comes to 3G Productions with more than two decades of experience, having worked at Martin Professional, 4Wall Entertainment, DCR Nashville, and most recently as an executive account manager for Upstaging.
AVI-SPL appointed ERIC BARIE as SVP of marketing. In his new role, Barie focuses on aligning AVI-SPL’s sales and marketing efforts with the company’s short and long-term growth plans. He leads the charge in creating a cohesive and unified marketing strategy to support AVI-SPL’s diverse market footprint, enabling enhanced delivery of its solutions and services on a global scale. Barie also spearheads the development and implementation of the company’s B2B marketing strategy.
BOSE PROFESSIONAL appointed JOHN BORN as the new product management director for ecosystems and emerging technology on the product development team. In this role, Born heads the development of audio technologies. With a 20-year background in product innovation and development, Born brings a wealth of experience creating customer-centric solutions to his new position. Born joins the company with a long career in audio product innovation, most recently directing product and innovation teams at Shure.
D&B GROUP appointed JAMES GALLAGHER-POWELL as chief strategy officer, a role that supports the company’s ambitious growth and innovation strategies. Gallagher-Powell’s expertise in strategic planning, finance, and operational excellence will be instrumental as d&b group continues to expand its position as an experience technology company. Gallagher-Powell joins d&b group following a number of strategic and financial leadership roles with organizations including PwC, RFRSH, and CSM Sports & Entertainment.
BRIAN STUDWELL has been appointed as the new regional sales manager for U.S. Northeast at LIGHTWARE, while also retaining his responsibilities as national consultant liaison. With a strong background in the industry and extensive experience within the company, Studwell is responsible for managing customer relationships, understanding client needs, and providing tailored solutions to help businesses achieve their objectives using Lightware’s technology. He plays a key part in coordinating sales efforts, ensuring customer satisfaction, and driving growth across various markets.
LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES has promoted SHAWNEE BOND to regional sales manager. Bond will manage Listen Technologies’ team of manufacturer representative firms in the Western United States. She will also work directly with dealers, integrators, consultants, and end users throughout the region. Bond joined Listen Technologies in 2017 and has worked in customer service and sales roles at the company. Most recently, she was an account sales representative for the Western United States, where she fostered strong relationships and a keen understanding of the market and related industries.
LIVE MEDIA GROUP has appointed former NEP Group leader RYAN JONES as SVP of internal operations. Jones spent 19 years at NEP Group, most recently as director of systems integration. In his new role, Jones oversees internal processes, manages truck maintenance and new builds, and leads major system integration projects. He’ll also develop project budgets and schedules, ensuring deadlines and costs are met while guiding his team to achieve critical milestones efficiently. In addition, he serves on Live Media Group’s senior strategy team.
LYNX TECHNIK appointed VINCENT NOYER as director of product marketing. With more than 20 years of combined experience as a technical product manager and software developer, Noyer leads product strategy, aligns product development with customer needs, and delivers go-to-market plans for the company’s portfolio of signal processing solutions. He joins LYNX Technik from Ross Video, where he most recently served as director of sports analysis.
PLANAR welcomed JOSH STRECKER as regional account manager for Southeast United States. Strecker is responsible for Planar sales efforts in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle. He joins Planar after nearly 10 years at T1V, where he held roles in project management and sales. During his tenure at T1V, he worked extensively with Planar, developing a deep knowledge of display technology that he will leverage in his new role with Planar’s reseller partners and customers.
POWERSOFT has appointed JOEL MAJGIER as its new consultants and key accounts manager in the United States. With nearly 30 years of Pro AV experience, Majgier’s expertise will be a major asset as Powersoft continues its growth in the United States. In his new role, Majgier hopes to help expand Powersoft’s U.S. footprint, with the aim of becoming a market leader in power amplification for the pro audio sector within the next three to five years.
RF VENUE named AHREN HARTMAN as CTO. Hartman is tasked with spearheading RF Venue’s technology strategy, overseeing engineering, and driving the creation of wireless audio products. He brings more than three decades of pro audio experience, with a strong focus on professional wireless audio systems. Prior to joining RF Venue, Hartman held leadership positions at Shure, where he played a key role in the development of wireless microphone and in-ear monitoring technologies. He also worked on microphone spectrum policy with the Federal Communications Commission, in addition to leading Shure’s global quality division.
JAN EVELEENS assumed the role of CEO of the Product Division at RIEDEL COMMUNICATIONS, succeeding Rik Hoerée, who has decided to step back from his position after more than a decade of service with the company. Since joining Riedel in 2018 as director of business development, Eveleens has been a driving force behind key initiatives, including the restructuring of production and purchasing operations, and has helped steer the company through global supply chain challenges.
SHARP IMAGING AND INFORMATION COMPANY OF AMERICA has hired MARK QUIROZ as SVP and GM of its display division. Quiroz brings nearly three decades of experience in displays and the broader B2B technology industry, with prior roles including chief commercial officer and SVP GM at Masimo Consumer
John Born
Ryan Jones
James Gallagher-Powell
Brian Studwell
Shawnee Bond
Jennifer Moore
Eric Barie
Vincent Noyer
Jan Eveleens
Josh Strecker
Joel Majgier
Ahren Hartman
Business, as well as VP and GM at Samsung Electronics America and HP. At Sharp, Quiroz plans to drive sustainable growth in the company’s display business, focusing on enhancing relationships with the partner community.
SONANCE appointed trusted industry expert GLENN KALINOWSKI as director of sales for professional audio and MORTEN JORGENSEN as VP of professional audio. Kalinowski oversees key territories in North America, including Canada, and develops global strategic partnerships, all aimed at driving the company’s growth in the professional audio market. Kalinowski joins Sonance with more than 30 years of Pro AV experience. During Jorgensen’s 30-year career at Bose Professional, Jorgensen developed deep expertise in research, product development, marketing, and engineering. Most recently, he led global sales for the professional division.
VIZRT has appointed VANESSA WALMSLEY as its chief commercial officer to bring together its commercial teams in one unified organization— enhancing the company's customer-centric approach. After two decades in media and technology, she has built an extensive background in leading commercial organizations. Walmsley has been with Vizrt for six years, most recently serving as the global head of customer success.
ZTRANSFORM welcomed ANDRE FERRER as senior design engineer. With an extensive project portfolio spanning more than 25 years, Ferrer brings his systems expertise to every phase of a project, from initial consultation to final acceptance to ensure the commercial, operational, and creative aspects of a client’s vision are realized. Prior to joining ZTransform, Ferrer recently held senior positions at NEP Integrated Solutions, Diversified Systems Group, and Venue Services Group.
Rep Report
K-ARRAY USA has partnered with ALRIDGE MARKETING, a rep firm serving the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas (TOLA). Aldridge Marketing collaborates closely with customers during the critical design and specification phases to deliver tailored audio solutions for each project’s unique needs. This partnership will utilize K-array’s innovative product line to deliver comprehensive and impactful audio solutions that meet the most demanding professional standards.
PLIANT TECHNOLOGIES appointed RTSALES as its new manufacturer’s representative. RTSales covers Puerto Rico, along with seven states in the United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. For more than 40 years, RTSales has represented manufacturers in the professional and commercial audio, video, entertainment lighting, and music production industries, offering retail, production, and integrated installation partners a direct link to the inside sales and support systems for these manufacturers.
Mark Quiroz
Glenn Kalinowski
Morten Jorgensen
Vanessa Walmsley
Andre Ferrer
PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A
Better Business through Software
D-Tools Solutions Streamline Pro AV Project Processes
By Mark J. Pescatore
SCN: How long have you been with this company, and what are your responsibilities?
Tim Bigoness: I have been with D-Tools since 2005, minus a short stint in another industry for nine months about 15 years ago. Currently, I wear multiple hats at D-Tools, serving as VP of sales and chief marketing officer, where I focus on driving sales across all our software products while shaping the vision and direction of our marketing efforts.
SCN: Why should an integrator be using project management software?
TB: Process and efficiency are vital for any integration company. Project management software enables integrators to streamline what are often manual tasks, provide a deeper level of organization, and ultimately boost productivity and improve customer communication. Field management software empowers mobile, office, and field technicians to efficiently deliver on projects from the initial signed contract. When combined with a full-featured estimation and design solution, the combination can help companies deliver seamless installations and ongoing service. The end results are more profit, higher customer satisfaction, and greater employee engagement.
SCN: What inspired the introduction of D-Tools Cloud, your web-based project management solution?
TB: We introduced D-Tools Cloud in 2018 as an affordable, multi-OS, web-accessible alternative to our flagship on-premises solution System Integrator (SI), which provides sophisticated design and engineering tools such as Visio and AutoCAD to help companies successfully manage larger, more complex projects. D-Tools Cloud is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that does not require a large upfront investment. While its original focus was primarily on the pre-sales design and quoting process, it has evolved to also provide an end-to-end solution that includes project and field service management, procurement, inventory management, and embedded payments. It is a scalable, web-based solution that enables a connected workflow and collaborative work environment for internal and external stakeholders.
SCN: You’ve got on-prem (SI) and SaaS (D-Tools Cloud) solutions—how do you help clients determine which one is right for their company?
TB: It really depends on the types of projects they are targeting. As mentioned, SI is ideal for larger more complex projects that typically span from weeks to months, as well as for integration companies that require more sophisticated engineering documentation, detailed reporting, and a customized workflow. D-Tools Cloud is more prescriptive, and best suited for companies that are focused on sales, design, and project management.
Tim Bigoness
Position: VP of Sales/CMO Company: D-Tools
Overtime: I’m passionate about music and a lifelong musician. Since I was a kid in the 1970s, I’ve played in rock, jazz, and blues bands throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
SCN: We tend to think of D-Tools as a Pro AV tool, but what other markets use your solutions?
TB: D-Tools is not only used by Pro AV and residential smart home integrators, but also by other trades in the commercial security, HVAC, and IT/MSP industries. Moreover, we have customers in the higher ed and government sectors that use the software to design their facilities prior to creating bid specifications. In all, more than 8,000 entities use the software in more than 90 countries around the world.
SCN: Last summer, you announced a strategic partnership with Simpro. How does this benefit your Pro AV customers?
TB: There are many trade contractors in the HVAC, electrical, and integration spaces that use Simpro as their business management software solution, while using D-Tools SI to create their upfront system design and proposals, due to the vastness of the D-Tools Integrated Product Library. This collaboration allows those integrators to seamlessly migrate their project proposals and designs from D-Tools to Simpro for job management, job costing, and invoicing.
SCN: How is AI impacting D-Tools products?
SCN: How long has D-Tools System Integrator (SI) software been in the market, and what’s the secret to your success?
TB: D-Tools System Integrator has been in the market for 26 years. It is a robust software solution that streamlines critical end-to-end business processes for larger projects, from estimation to system design, documentation, installation, and field service management. We just released SI v22, which reflects our ongoing commitment to helping integrators run better businesses. We recognize that software is dynamic, not static. Our dedicated software development team funnels all the feedback we receive directly from the industry into constant improvement and new features. The software continues to evolve in lockstep with the changing systems integration market.
SCN: In late 2023, D-Tools began offering the D-Tools Cloud Solo plan for free. What was the rationale behind that decision, and how is it working out for the company?
TB: D-Tools’ mission is to empower integration companies to run more efficient and successful businesses. We realized that getting our software into the hands of the thousands of integrators who still rely on Microsoft Word documents and Excel spreadsheets to create their proposals could have a positive industrywide impact by elevating their level of professionalism, expediting their ability to create proposal, and enhancing their sales close rates. The response has surpassed our wildest expectations. In just nine months, we have gone from 1,200 integration companies on D-Tools Cloud to more than 3,300 companies, with hundreds still signing up every month.
TB: At D-Tools, our mission has always been to develop solutions that meet the unique needs of electronic system contractors. As we look to the future, AI and machine learning are integral to this mission. AI will become a foundational element of our software—with the emphasis on having capabilities that work with our users, rather than for them. To support a full and integral deployment of AI, D-Tools is investing in the requisite infrastructure, talent, and innovative tools that will drive our next-generation capabilities.
SCN: What’s next for D-Tools?
TB: In 2025, D-Tools will continue to pursue its mission to help integrators run better businesses with several new innovations. The company’s 2025 product roadmap includes new modules for inventory management and job costing, along with deeper design integrations for D-Tools Cloud. These developments build on the momentum from 2024, which saw the release of System Integrator (SI) v22 and the launch of the groundbreaking D-Tools Payments solution.
A Decade of Growth
AVPro’s Murray Celebrates Innovations and Acquisitions
By Mark J. Pescatore
SCN: What inspired you to create AVPro in 2014?
Jeff Murray: I had been recruited out of the army by Sencore as an applications engineer and had an amazing 14-year journey there that helped me identify opportunities in high-performance video testing and calibration devices. By 2011, I was looking to start a family business with my son, Matt, and in 2012 we got a big opportunity to provide Best Buy with a significant quantity of 4K video generators for their teams across the country to use for video calibration and HDMI testing. That gave our brand, Murideo, quite a jump start. We developed key relationships and partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers all around the globe and expanded our presence by founding AVPro Global in 2014, with our first base of operations in Sioux Falls, SD.
SCN: How are you celebrating the company’s 10th anniversary?
JM: We are certainly proud of the innovations that AVPro Global companies have brought to market, our amazing team, and the astonishing growth we have experienced over our first decade in business. We are also grateful for the many truly important relationships we have cultivated across the vast vertical markets in the AV space. We have shared our anniversary on social media and at various industry events. Ironically, in 2023 we acquired an almost 50-year-old iconic audio brand called AudioControl, so we are celebrating our 10-year anniversary with new team members who have been devoted to the cause for quite a long time—and bring with them such valued knowledge and perspective.
SCN: What brands fall under the AVPro banner?
JM: Our brands are AVPro Edge, offering audio and video signal distribution products; AudioControl Pro, makers of audio amplification and immersive audio playback components; Bullet Train HDMI and USB cables; Murideo calibration, test, and performance verification devices; and ThenAudio legacy HDMI interface products.
SCN: What’s the secret to making a great matrix switcher?
JM: There are several factors that contribute to a world-class matrix switcher, such as ultra-high-quality manufacturing backed by support services that empower integrators to understand the products fully and deploy them properly. We were one of the first manufacturers to offer an 8K-compatible matrix switcher, and though there aren’t vast applications for it yet, the integration community knows where to find 8K solutions and we like being that brand for them. Our
flagship matrix switcher is an 18 Gbps 16x16 scalable solution compatible with HDBaseT, HDMI, and fiber, making it as versatile as it is high-performance for our customers. Understanding the needs of our integrator/ partners is key: Today, many of them are moving toward an AVoIP infrastructure for scalable and flexible installations.
SCN: AVPro wasn’t a cable manufacturer, so what prompted you to start Bullet Train?
JM: Initially, we identified an opportunity to build handmade active optical cables (AOCs), so we hired one of the top engineers in that field. Integrators like the fact that with fiber, the cable runs are infinitely future proof, so as bandwidth demands increase, they can accommodate their clients without pulling new infrastructure. With HDMI cables, there is just pure, unadulterated demand across all our vertical markets for a high-performance, stable solution—and we effectively fill those needs with the Bullet Train brand.
SCN: Is USB-C taking over the Pro AV world, or is HDMI going to be around for a while?
JM: We anticipate HDMI maintaining a presence for a while because there are so many legacy devices built around HDMI connectivity and, on the residential side, continued reliance on the eARC ecosystem for extracting and distributing audio. That said, USB-C is taking over for many applications, and we are committed to engineering compatibility with optional features offered as part of USB-C, such as charging and the transport of video and USB simultaneously.
SCN: How important has Dante become to your audio business?
JM: Dante is a high-quality, reliable audio distribution ecosystem that is growing in importance across all vertical AV markets. Dante is ideal for projects that feature lots of sources and many endpoints and is a perfect match with AVPro Edge’s MXnet AV-over-IP product portfolio, which addresses the growing need for AV-over-IP in commercial and residential AV market segments. Our engineers are fine-tuning the control/interface aspect of Dante within our products, delivering the most intuitive, easy-to-use solutions for integrators.
Jeff Murray
Position: Founder and CEO
Company: AVPro Global Holdings
Overtime: I very much enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling at my home in Sioux Falls, SD. I recently received my scuba certification, so I am excited to explore the world underwater.
SCN: Back in 2023, you acquired AudioControl. Why did you extend your audio footprint?
JM: There is high demand for audio distribution, and it seemed the perfect synergy with the AVPro Edge video distribution products we were already designing, building, and selling successfully in the marketplace. AudioControl has an unmatched legacy of nearly 50 years in audio and garnered tremendous goodwill with its customer base.
SCN: Over at AVPro Edge, which are more popular, your 1G solutions or 10G solutions?
JM: End of the day, our two 1G solutions are big sellers. They have been engineered to match a high level of performance to a price point, enabling integrators to deliver what their clients need for each application. And many projects today still effectively use a 1080p video source, rendering our 1G platforms ideal, providing superb performance and reliability. Our 10G solution delivers higher bandwidth at a higher cost because the switching, encoders, and decoders required for 10G simply cost more. We are successful with both 1G and 10G platforms, but if the objective is to keep the customer’s attention at a sports bar so they order more cold beer, the performance of our 1G solutions are fantastic and outperform expectations every time.
SCN: What’s next for AVPro?
JM: We have established a culture of innovation at AVPro and the roadmap for 2025 features new products and solutions that solve challenges for our integrator customers. We have introductions coming for our MXnet ecosystem, including affordable 1G solutions that effectively manage distribution and control, plus new USB3 connectivity products based on the success we have had with our USB3 extender. Additionally, the MXnet Systems Group will continue their focus on the development of AV-over-IP solutions so we can best serve our customers across so many commercial AV markets such as business and corporate, education, government, hospitality and retail, houses of worship, medical, and others. It has been a fast-paced and highly rewarding first 10 years here at AVPro, and so much credit for our growth and success needs to be shared across an amazing team in Sioux Falls, Saint Petersburg, and overseas.
Show Me the Money
CTI Transforms FNBO HQ with AV System Refresh
By James Careless
Founded in 1857 by brothers Herman and Augustus Kountze, First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has grown substantially over the years. Today, FNBO has more than $30 billion in assets and is one of the largest privately held banks in the United States.
In 2020, FNBO decided to fully refresh the AV systems in its Omaha, NE-based, 45-story headquarters, which is the tallest building between Chicago and Denver. The refresh included more than 250 conference rooms on 40 floors and the construction of the project’s crown jewel, the Experience Center on the 19th floor.
Longtime FNBO AV supplier CTI was chosen to do the multi-year refresh, which wrapped up at the end of 2024. “The reason we chose CTI to be part of our team is we needed a partner that could be part of us, dream with us, be visionary with us, but yet then provide a practical, functional solution that would work for us,” said FNBO SVP Brenda Dooley. “We kind of knew what we wanted, but we didn’t know how to pull it together. So, it was important that we had a partner with us long term as we look to how technology changes in the future and provide those solutions for us.”
To put it mildly, the refresh was very much a transformation. “FNBO’s idea of a video collaboration-style conference room had been a wall-mounted TV with an HDMI cord coiled up beside it,” said Josh Keller, design consultant, CTI. “Then
COVID happened and they had to reinvent everything. Everybody was now at home—and the company had not been set up for videoconferencing and didn’t have the infrastructure in place to do it. That’s where this project came from.”
The Crown Jewel
Without a doubt, FNBO’s Experience Center is the peak of CTI’s AV refresh. It is a large, comfortable space with extensive seating, bolstered by ceiling-mounted Barco video projectors and Shure microphones, Samsung LED monitors, Absen video walls, and LG BH Series Ultra Stretch digital signage. “They wanted to create an environment that would appeal to the caliber of clients they’re trying to attract,” Keller said. “Because their focus is on credit card processing, their goal is to ensure these high-level customers feel welcomed and valued the moment they walk through the door.”
To describe the Experience Center’s video assets as eye-catching is an understatement. “As soon as you step off the elevator, you’re greeted by an Absen 1.5-pixel wraparound LED video wall designed to immediately draw you in,” said Keller. “We incorporated several portrait-mounted Samsung Q Series 98-inch displays and strategically placed ultra-stretch screens throughout the space. Add in the immersive background audio, a high-end lounge area for client meetings, and multiple conference rooms, and the Experience Center delivers a truly engaging environment.”
Barco projector mapping helps the Experience Center combine storytelling, discovery, and hospitality on its walls. “We incorporated several truly unique elements,” Keller said. “There’s a custom wood relief map wall that’s brought to life with projection mapping, allowing visitors to see each branch location highlighted on the surface. Another highlight is a section where their original 19th-century charter is embossed onto the wall. Motion-activated by walking up to the wall simulates the charter being written in real time as someone approaches. It’s a uniquely immersive way to connect their roots with modern storytelling.”
Universally User Friendly
Given that FNBO’s staff are not tech gurus, CTI designed the bank’s conference rooms (of varying sizes) to be consistent in design while being very easy to use. Basically, if you know how to run one FNBO conference room AV system, you know how to run them all.
“Everything had to be standardized,” said Keller. “When you’re doing something like this, if you go through and sit down and try to design every single room by itself, it’s just not possible. For instance, we standardized on Samsung for pretty much all the in-room displays; whether it’s their smallest display at 55 inches or all the way up to 98 inches.”
Functionally speaking, FNBO’s rooms are controlled using touchpads loaded with Zoom videoconferencing software. CTI selected Neat bars and control pads equipped with cameras, speakers, and microphones for use in the smaller rooms, while Shure MXA910 ceiling array mics, Logitech Rally cameras, and AltasIED speakers were used in the larger spaces.
“Any video routing was done through Crestron DM NVX equipment throughout the building,” Keller said. “Anything that we had to tie in through a video matrix was done that way. Most of the system controls throughout the building go through Crestron as well.” It is the Zoom touchpads that provide a standardized user experience in all FNBO’s conference rooms. “When you walk into any of their rooms, they have a Zoom touchpanel so that the user experience is exactly the same no matter
Josh Keller
CTI updated more than 250 conference rooms, but touchpanels provide a standardized user experience.
FNBO’s Experience Center features a high-end lounge area for client meetings.
the size of the room,” said Keller. “When we get to the real advanced rooms, we do add a secondary page for additional controls. But you still have that main Zoom user interface so that it doesn’t matter who is walking into the room: Anybody could have a basic meeting there.
“Since we were getting to retrain the users at this point, the way that we wanted to retrain them was that you don’t even need an HDMI cable at this point,” he added. “We recommended that they join wirelessly through Zoom, and then share any content that they had through that connection. This approach met their needs.”
Security Considerations
Completing the FNBO project did not come without its challenges. Besides the sheer scope of the project with its hundreds of rooms, CTI had to ensure that the system was sufficiently secure to protect bank financial information and other confidential data.
“We had to make sure that everything was vetted by their team,” said Keller. “So, in the very beginning, all the equipment had to be penetrationtested to verify its security. We did have to provide those tests back to them and make sure that the security team itself was signing off on everything
that was going to be on their network before we installed it.”
All content that runs on FNBO’s AV LAN is kept isolated from the traffic on the company’s main network. “We built a separate AV network that was a closed loop and not connected to the internet at all,” Keller explained. “Only the UC engines and anything
that needed to have active security updates on a daily basis has been connected to the outside world.”
Today, FNBO’s advanced AV system is wowing visitors and staff alike. “Overall, I thought the refresh project went really well,” said Keller. “This was one of my largest projects in my career to date. But thanks to CTI’s skilled engineering team, it worked.”
Unique elements include a custom map wall that uses projection mapping to show each FNBO branch location.
Striving for Sustainability Success
Pro AV Manufacturers and Integrators Remain Focused on Conservation
By Jennifer Guhl
As the United States slowly attempts to shift away from its throwaway culture mentality, the Pro AV industry is evolving in a similar direction. While many manufacturers promote products designed to last just beyond warranty, others in the industry are recognizing the advantages of longterm sustainable solutions.
“We really can all do better by re-evaluating our investment in quality and shifting to long-term sustainable thinking, because despite the regulatory directives coming in, first and foremost, sustainability is a mindset and a values-driven priority,” said James Chen, managing director for connectivity brand Kordz.
With the industry increasingly prioritizing sustainability, we at SCN are continuing to showcase initiatives and efforts throughout the industry, while investigating what further actions can be taken. Let’s examine this more closely, shall we?
Less Power and Materials
One area in which sustainability has become a significant factor is product development. Extron has created ECO Standby technology, which places an audio amplifier in standby mode after eight seconds of inactivity. When a signal is detected, the amplifier powers up under 5ms using its InstaWake+ technology, optimizing its lowest power state and conserving more energy. “We’re proud of the work we have done, particularly with our energyefficient power supply and amplifier designs,” said Joe da Silva, VP of marketing for Extron.
Kordz has developed something it calls the “kordzification” process, which includes thoroughly evaluating every aspect of its products at every stage of development. “We aim to provide Pro AV integrators with the products they need that meet current performance specifications and allow headroom for long-term usability, but without flashy, unnecessary extras that only add to the carbon footprint and price,” said Chen.
Kordz emphasizes high-quality materials and meticulous manufacturing processes to ensure its products are durable, reducing waste and making them more sustainable. One example is its PRO and PRS SlimCat networking systems and patch cords, which are half the physical size of Cat 6 and Cat 6A cables but don’t sacrifice performance. “Just
imagine the global impact if the millions of meters of Cat cables used annually by integrators consumed half the material and lasted longer,” Chen added.
Through these initiatives, manufacturers are assisting integrators in becoming more sustainable in their installations. “A lot of times, it’s enabling features and designing things around concepts that maximize energy efficiency and clarify the advantages of collaborative technologies in the workplace,” said Bill Thrasher, COO with integrator AV Tech Media Solutions.
For its part, AV Tech Media Solutions strives to encourage clients not to upgrade annually and modularizing systems so components can be upgraded more efficiently. However, clients frequently consider economic factors, meaning that integrators must enhance the perceived value of making a more sustainable choice.
“A commoditized solution doesn’t always align with sustainability initiatives,” explained Thrasher. “It depends on the client and the situation, but more often than not, we’re still wrestling through those value propositions.”
Recognition and Certification
For those companies in the industry that are making an effort, some are starting to be recognized—and potential clients can find awards and accreditations on their websites. For example, AVer Information has been
acknowledged for its sustainability efforts. In 2023, the company received the “Below 1.5°C” Certification from CommonWealth Magazine, a Taiwanese magazine that recognized AVer for its dedication to the threshold set by the Paris Agreement, an international treaty adopted in 2015 designed to limit global warming.
“In 2023, the company maintained full compliance with environmental regulations, with no breaches of contract or violations by waste treatment providers,” said Arthur Pait, president of AVer USA. “Additionally, AVer incurred no major fines or non-monetary penalties related to environmental regulations.”
Now more than ever, numerous AV companies share their sustainability goals and promote them prominently on their websites. Despite this, many may still require guidance on how to pursue these goals effectively. That’s where SAVe comes in. SAVe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the AV industry in taking action to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development established a decade ago by the United Nations.
Since its official launch in 2022, SAVe has achieved a great deal, working to transform the AV industry from a sustainability laggard to a leader. Previous initiatives, such as SAVe certification, SAVe A Second Life, and the SAVe Committee on Sustainable AV Design and Installation, have helped develop actionable sustainability plans and resources to make AV more sustainable.
This led to its latest initiative, A Guide to Sustainable AV Design and Installation. The guide “compiles a wide range of best practices that AV integrators can follow to reduce the environmental impact of the work we do,” said Christina De Bono, president and co-founder, SAVe. Some practices mentioned in the design guide include lifecycle thinking, community impact, material selection, and energy efficiency. The guide equips the AV industry with tools and resources to uphold the principles of a circular economy, encourage ecofriendly practices, and create products that reduce environmental impact.
“Moreover, this is a living, breathing document that will be regularly updated to reflect the latest techniques and approaches in sustainable design and installation,” said Joe Perez, VP and co-founder, SAVe. SAVe is also the official sustainability partner for ISE 2025, marking its third consecutive year of collaboration with the event. The organization will send a full delegation to the conference in early February, including SAVe ambassadors representing them across five continents. SAVe participation includes a booth, panel discussion, cocktail reception, and—for the first time— hosting a SAVe certification program.
“It is difficult to overstate the importance of our partnership with ISE, which gave SAVe international visibility and credibility right out of the gate,” said De Bono. “This is important because sustainability is a
Left: SAVe’s new guide offers best practices to help integrators reduce environmental impact.
global issue. We are based in North America, but our focus is planet wide.”
E-Waste Concerns
Although we are making progress, there are still many areas where Pro AV can focus more, such as supply chain transparency, recycling program standardization, and using renewable energy in manufacturing. “As an industry, we need to push for greater collaboration and innovation to address these challenges and drive impactful change,” said Pait.
The United States has made minimal progress toward achieving the 17 SDGs. Consequently, the nation has struggled to provide effective leadership on sustainability, making the slow progress in various industries, including Pro AV.
De Bono admitted that the industry isn’t excelling
in sustainable practices. “You have to remember that we are starting on the road to sustainability very, very late in the game,” she explained. “We can do better on absolutely every front, especially regarding the creation and management of electronic waste, which is an area where we are definitely falling behind.”
E-waste is increasingly becoming a significant concern, projected to reach 82 million tons by 2030, representing a 33% increase from 2022. The Pro AV industry cannot overlook its significant contribution to e-waste and needs to find ways to divert discarded equipment and materials away from the waste stream.
“Our industry’s business model is predicated on the continual refreshment and replacement of technology, said De Bono. “Well, when you install new equipment and de-install existing gear, what
becomes of it?”
Thrasher noted that one way our industry can improve is by becoming more proactive, and he has observed that strides are being made to achieve that. He said integrators are responsible for educating clients about the long-term benefits of investing in sustainable solutions that may not show immediate returns. “We’re leaning on our clients to drive those decisions,” he added. “We can get a little more proactive in a consultative situation, advising people on some options they may not be aware of.”
With manufacturers integrating sustainability into their products, efforts to enhance education throughout the industry, and integrators transmitting that knowledge to clients, the groundwork is laid for a more sustainable Pro AV industry. We simply need to keep building.
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From Left: Arthur Pait, Bill Thrasher, Christina DeBono, James Chen, Joe Perez, and Joe da Silva
A New Chapter for ‘Page Six’
New York Post Expands Entertainment Brand to Video with KMH Integration
For decades, “Page Six” of the New York Post has been a must read for entertainment news fans. Now, the tabloid tradition is a must “read/watch/share” destination, following a multiphase studio and control room upgrade and expansion project led by Brooklyn, NY-based KMH Integration.
In addition to being the third largest U.S. daily newspaper, the Post also ranks among the top 10 news and information providers across the internet, with millions following its social media channels. The newspaper has steadily increased its digital presence, expanding its media operations from print journalism to online and social media content. Its operations are continuing to evolve, from the print newspaper to the website to an increased focus on video.
“The vernacular now for all types of social platforms and communication is video, and so we had a key market imperative to translate what we do journalistically into video,” explained Warren Cohen, VP/head of video and audio, New York Post. “That was the basis for developing the new studios. We wanted to keep everything that Page Six is known for but also offer new formats, live production, basically everything we can do to reach the consumer with immediacy.”
Through its parent company, News
Corp, the Post engaged KMH Integration in Fall 2022, at the earliest phase of project planning and design, to consult on the most effective way to upgrade its studio operations and build new digital production facilities.
The main goal was to give the iconic print page a “digital face” with enough flexibility to grow with the Post’s constantly changing production requirements.
Unified Production Platform
The Page Six project combined emerging IP and cloud services for archiving, media management, and accessibility. Editors can work anywhere in the world,
with the same on-prem workflow and access as their on-site colleagues.
“We developed an entirely new look with new capabilities to match their future vision,” said Kevin Henneman, president of KMH Integration. “We collaborated with their management and technical teams to gather all the requirements needed to build out these spaces and achieve a higher quality output from these rooms.”
The Post previously had an existing studio that was only used for static recording and had no live video capabilities. KMH gutted the studio and rebuilt it into the new Studio 1, a virtual production space with both a green and a white cyclorama, as well as a position for recording standups. The result is a multi-purpose recording space with a supporting control room.
The new Studio 2, which is the home for Page Six, has the key elements of a traditional production-type space with hard sets, monitors, and camera positions. Studio 2 gives the Post the ability to record podcasts, as well as acquire and distribute video content to social media and streaming platforms.
KMH designed a unified production platform that connects the video production capabilities of the Post with other News Corp media properties, allowing for greater flexibility and content sharing to expand the reach of News Corp’s creative output. Turnkey, cloud-capable production workflows to give the Post creative teams the choice of working on prem, remotely, or a hybrid combination.
The design and planning process also included building in connectivity and production feature sets that supported integrating the Post’s media workflow with other business units at the News Corp Building in Manhattan, so different media groups can easily access and share content. KMH provided network design and consulting to be able to specify the correct switch fabric, install it, and work with it and security teams within the NewsCorp environment to get the networks up and running.
“This project is a perfect example of embracing cloud services for archiving, media management, and accessibility, and integrating them with an on-premise production system,” Henneman said. “New York Post editors can work anywhere in the world with the correct credentials and security clearance to access content in the same way as on-premise editors.”
Reinventing Workflows
The Post reinvented its entire production workflow, working with the KMH team to
Anchored by a Panasonic KAIROS live production platform, the new Page Six control room can distribute video content to social media and streaming
The new Page Six studio space is used to produce celebrity interviews and more.
evaluate and identify the right systems necessary for getting content acquired, ingested, edited, and delivered to a growing number of platforms. “We want to be equipped for speed, flexibility, and presence on as many output channels as possible,” Cohen said. “Our audiences rely on us for trusted and timely information. We needed to make sure we had a flexible production environment based on a seamless system that worked instantaneously and was easy to use. We have enough work to do uncovering our scoops. We didn’t want the production process to be burdensome, too.”
Keeping the Post’s workflow burden-free is largely due to the KAIROS live production platform from Panasonic Connect, which Cohen described as the “infrastructure helping to bring our journalism to life.” The KAIROS system provides added flexibility to do secure, reliable video streaming—taking advantage of advancements in software-defined networks and software-controllable systems, plus IP protocols like ST 2110 and NDI. “With our small but growing team, it’s important that we spend as much time as we can on the creative aspects and not on the technical aspects,” Cohen added.
KMH chose the KAIROS production platform for several reasons, including its support of multiple formats such as NDI, Dante, ST 2110, and SDI. It also supports resource sharing, allowing multiple control points to use inputs, outputs, and on-board graphics, and allows video files to be integrated into simultaneous independent productions.
“In the case of the New York Post, we were able to support their continued production growth by building a separate studio—two studios now in total —with each sharing the single KAIROS through a licensing model,” Henneman said. “We were able to build out a second control position easily to support virtual production on a green and white cyclorama and take advantage of the KAIROS internal virtual set library. Custom sets can also be built and loaded into the switcher as needed. These concepts are not necessarily new to the industry, but the way that Panasonic integrated them into the KAIROS makes it easy to implement from an integration standpoint and allows the most creative flexibility to support the Post's production needs.”
The KAIROS system is complemented by three Panasonic AW-UE160 PTZ robotic cameras, which are ST 2110-ready to support future production requirements, but also flexible enough to function within the Post's new hybrid SDI/baseband plant. Other equipment includes Samsung studio displays, Allen & Heath Avantis audio mixer, Shure Axient Digital wireless mics, RTS Odin intercom, Cinedeck video servers, Ross Ultrix 12G router, Evertz master sync generator, and NETGEAR AV line network switches. KMH led the overall Page Six project, developing technology budgets and managing specialized technology providers.
Completed in January 2024, the Page Six studio
has been in use ever since. Cohen said the space is being used for headline and news coverage, celebrity interviews, reporter interviews about their scoops, and premium franchises such as “Virtual Reali-Tea.”
“Our success is measured in seconds,” Cohen said. “We want to be the first out there with news
and we want to make sure that we’re developing new products for different types of platforms. We have so many plans to get our news and formats and journalists out to the world, and now we have the right platform and a base of operations to do it.”
By David J. Danto
AThe Power of Intimacy
Rediscovering the Value of Small-Scale Industry Events
s you read this, I’m probably just back from the ISE conference in Barcelona. For those who aren’t familiar, ISE is a massive event that brings together the best and brightest in the AV and collaboration industries. It is a visual feast of sprawling halls, endless rows of exhibitors, and impressive displays of technology—an event designed to showcase the scale and breadth of innovation in our field.
Yet, as spectacular as these large-scale events are, I can’t help but reflect on how different things were in the early days of my career. There was a time when the industry wasn’t all about scale and grandeur, but focused instead on intimate, personalized communications. It was an era when connections were built one meaningful conversation at a time. And those moments often happened at smaller, regional conferences.
Rise, Fall, and Rebirth
I still vividly remember the first time I met one of my future employers. It was at an InfoComm event in a city that, admittedly, my memory has blurred over the years. While the exact location escapes me, what remains crystal clear is the impact of that encounter. I was giving a presentation on unified communications, speaking to a modest audience of about 30 people.
After the session, someone from the audience stood up and said, “I’ve heard about unified communications from dozens of people over the last few years, but this is the first time I really understand what it is. Thank you.” That simple yet profound moment stuck with me.
It wasn’t about dazzling crowds or landing a viral soundbite; it was about genuine engagement, clarity, and shared understanding. Experiences like these were far more common in the intimate settings of regional shows than they are in cavernous halls packed with thousands of attendees.
For a time, these smaller, regional conferences faded away, overshadowed by the rise of massive, international events like InfoComm and ISE. While large-scale gatherings offer a unique opportunity to
see nearly the entire industry in one place, they often lack the intimacy and accessibility that foster real connections and meaningful learning. Fortunately, the tide seems to be shifting, and regional events are making a comeback.
One shining example of this resurgence is the work being done by the nonprofit Interactive Multimedia & Collaborative Communications Alliance (IMCCA). Last year, the IMCCA hosted a series of events in New York City as part of the post-pandemic return of its UC Week. These sessions were spread across multiple venues around the city, each accommodating 50-100 people. The setup encouraged the kind of close-knit conversations and interactive educational sessions that were hallmarks of the regional events I once cherished. If you’re interested in experiencing this for yourself, mark your calendar for this year’s UC Week in late February. (Details are available at imcca.org.)
Another great example of regional conferences making a comeback comes from cavlo. Spearheaded by industry veteran Mike Brown-Cestero, cavlo events are purposefully designed to serve cities that are often overlooked by larger industry players. The next event is expected this fall.
Mike’s vision is simple but powerful: Create a space where the
focus isn’t on the size of your booth but on the quality of your conversations. As he likes to put it, “You can have whatever size booth you want, as long as it’s one of the three sizes we offer.” This level playing field eliminates the flashy marketing castles that dominate larger shows, putting the emphasis back on the solutions being presented and the substance of the discussions.
Why Small Events Matter
When I asked Mike about his inspiration for bringing back these intimate gatherings, he explained, “When I published a magazine about clubs, my partner and I planned a trade show at a Native American casino resort, complete with a golf tournament and awards gala. The Great Recession ended that, but years of attending Vegas shows convinced me that our industry doesn’t need another big spectacle. Instead, we need smaller, high-quality spaces where vital manufacturers and contractors can connect as equals. At cavlo, smaller firms aren’t relegated to the back—they’re front and center.”
His words encapsulate the importance of fostering genuine human connections in an industry that can sometimes get lost in its own spectacle. The return of smaller, regional conferences is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a critical evolution for our industry. These events offer several distinct advantages.
Deeper Engagement: In a smaller setting, attendees have the time and space to ask questions, share insights, and truly connect. The conversations are richer and the learning is more impactful.
Equal Opportunity: By standardizing booth sizes and limiting the scale of the event, smaller events ensure that exhibitors compete on the merits of their solutions, not the depth of their marketing budgets.
Accessibility: Regional events make it easier for professionals who might not have the resources or time to attend global conferences to participate and benefit from industry gatherings. It also gives smaller firms the ability to send more people.
Substance: Without the distractions of over-thetop displays, parties, and crowds, smaller events create an environment where the technology and its applications take center stage.
A Balanced Approach
Don’t get me wrong, I have immense respect for large-scale conferences like ISE, NAB, InfoComm, and even CES, which I never miss. They are unparalleled in their ability to showcase the full breadth of our industry and provide a platform for global networking. But as dazzling as these mega-events can be, they shouldn’t overshadow the importance of smaller, regional gatherings.
These local events serve as the industry’s grassroots, nurturing the kind of intimate, meaningful interactions that large conferences often struggle to replicate. They are the spaces where industry newcomers can find their footing, professionals can engage in honest dialogue, and innovative ideas can be explored without the pressure of spectacle.
As I return from ISE, I’m reminded of the need for balance in our industry’s approach to events. Yes, we should celebrate the grandeur of large conferences, but we must also champion the quiet power of regional gatherings. The latter offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in ways that large events simply cannot replicate.
conferences. It’s in these smaller settings that the real magic of our industry often happens.
Whether you’re walking the expansive halls of InfoComm or sitting in a room with 30 peers, remember this: Our industry thrives on connection. And sometimes, the most meaningful connections
happen in the smallest of spaces during the briefest of moments.
David J. Danto is the principal analyst with TalkingPointz and director of emerging technology for the IMCCA.
So, while you’re planning your calendar for the year, consider leaving room for both. Attend the large-scale industry events to see the big picture, but don’t overlook the value of local, intimate
Rethinking the Home Office
Crafting Ideal Workspaces Has Become Critical for Remote Workers
By Ian Bryant
Before 2020, the home office was often just a secondary workspace used for late-night work, weekend catchups, or the occasional remote day. However, with around 25% of people now working fully remotely and many more in hybrid roles, the home office has become the primary workspace for a significant portion of the workforce.
With the home office becoming more important to the homeowner, it has also become more important to the integrator. Here are some tips on how to build a client-pleasing home working environment.
Essential Components
Many individuals likely use a computer provided by their employer, usually a laptop. Self-employed individuals or those working for small businesses might own their computers or have a choice in their selection. In these instances, businesses with the right expertise can build or recommend suitable options.
It may sound obvious, but creating a system that works for the user is crucial. Client discovery conversations are key to ensure project success. For example, stock traders, coders, or those working with extensive spreadsheets and data management may require a customized monitor setup. In contrast, for high-level executives involved in frequent videoconferences, presentations, and media interviews, prioritizing audio and video quality is essential.
In any home office setup, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with low latency is fundamental. Low latency ensures real-time responsiveness during videoconferences, smooths out streaming of live data, and enhances overall interactivity, which is essential
for real-time collaboration. No one wants to be the person who keeps freezing during crucial meetings.
To that end, a hard-wired Ethernet connection, or at least a nearby wireless access point, is vital. For added security, consider setting up redundant internet with two different service providers and a network router that supports both connections. Araknis Networks offers a high-quality dual-WAN router with built-in OvrC, enabling monitoring and notifications for potential outages. Add in OvrC-embedded power management products and you can set up automated events to reboot devices like ISP modems during disconnections.
Optimizing Visuals and Audio
The choice of monitors can greatly impact a workstation. Options include a large multipurpose monitor like the Samsung Odyssey Ark, two mediumsized monitors around 32 inches, or three to four smaller monitors around 27 inches. The Samsung Ark, a very large 55-inch curved display, can showcase up to four simultaneous images in landscape mode and three images in its towering portrait mode. Though this monitor is primarily geared for gaming, it can be utilized for many other scenarios. However, it does require up to four inputs from the user’s computer, necessitating a compatible system.
For those needing flexibility in their monitor setup, two to four medium monitors on adjustable mounts are recommended, allowing for customization and easy adjustments. It’s crucial to consider the workstation’s configuration and how the client will use the monitors prior to picking out the mount. Most computers and laptops can support two external displays, and advancements in USB outboard adapters simplify further expansion.
Audio quality is another critical aspect of the ultimate office setup. Quality speakers, like Meridian’s DSP3200 compact bookshelf speakers, can enhance focus and boost energy levels. These active speakers with built-in DSP can stream from a digital audio converter, allowing easy control from a desktop or mobile app. For the budget-conscious, Sonos speakers and/or amplifiers can provide a similar experience.
A high-quality microphone setup can significantly improve communication in meetings, podcasts, or media interviews. Choices include a wired professional microphone or Bluetooth headset/in-ear headphones. For optimal sound quality, USB-connected podcast mics such as the Audio-Technica AT2040USB, Sennheiser Profile, or Shure MV7+ deliver solid performance. If opting for Bluetooth, the sound quality probably won’t match a professional mic, but it will exceed the laptop’s built-in mic. For those
frequently involved in podcasts or media interviews, incorporating acoustic treatments can greatly enhance sound quality by minimizing echoes.
Look Your Best
For videoconferencing, a high-quality camera can set a professional tone, distinguishing between a standard and an exceptional online presence. Even if a laptop has a decent built-in camera, a separate camera positioned at eye level will enhance the professionalism of your appearance. High resolution is critical, as it improves the clarity and detail of the video, making the feed crisp and vivid, which is particularly important for maintaining a professional image during high-stakes meetings or presentations.
Webcams like the Opal C1 are designed to meet these high standards, offering high resolution and excellent white balance that ensures clear, sharp images with accurate colors. The Opal C1 features a low f-stop, which allows the camera to focus sharply on the subject while softly blurring the background, creating a pleasing aesthetic that mimics professional photography. Other professional 4K webcam options include the Logitech MX Brio 705, Jabra PanaCast 20, and Insta360 Link 2 (see page 38 for our review).
Adequate lighting is often overlooked but easily rectified in a home office setup. For new builds or remodels, working with a lighting designer or electrical contractor to integrate ample lighting options is ideal. Testing different settings between natural and artificial light, cameras, and conferencing apps is essential to find and maintain the right look.
For existing setups, ring lights and LED panels can provide sufficient lighting. Features like dimming capabilities and adjustable color temperatures can help achieve a professional appearance. For example, Brightline offers its ZELo desktop studio light, while Lume Cube offers a range of lighting products for home and office workspaces.
Wellness and Automation Options
Incorporating elements that contribute to health and wellness is also vital in designing an ultimate home office. Ergonomic furniture such as adjustable desks and chairs that promote good posture can prevent long-term health issues. Ergonomic peripherals can also make long days at a workstation more enjoyable, and adding quick-key keyboards or devices can make a power user even faster. Additionally, integrating plants or greenery can enhance air quality and provide a calming effect, making the office space more inviting and conducive to productivity.
Automation is transforming home offices into highly efficient and personalized workspaces. Smart technology can automate routine tasks and optimize the work environment, leading to enhanced
Professional webcams can set a professional tone and enhance your appearance.
HOME OFFICE TECHNOLOGY
productivity and reduced stress.
For example, automated lighting systems can adjust the brightness and color temperature based on the time of day to minimize eye strain and improve focus. Voice-activated assistants can manage calendars, set reminders, and initiate calls, reducing manual interruptions. Plus, when integrating more subsystems, tasks like adjusting
room temperature or opening/closing window shades can be automated based on personalized schedules or environmental cues. This seamless integration of technology not only streamlines work processes, but also creates a workspace that adapts to individual needs, making everyday tasks more manageable and efficient.
As AR and VR technologies become more
comfortable, compact, and affordable, we may see a shift toward eliminating traditional peripheral devices, with some people opting for headsets or glasses. Future video calls could use avatars instead of live video, with advancements enabling these avatars to closely resemble the actual users. Despite these changes, audio quality will remain crucial for those not opting in for headphones.
The transformation of home offices is accelerating, driven by technological advancements that promise to make remote work even more integrated and immersive. As these technologies evolve, the role of integrators becomes increasingly crucial, not just in implementing existing systems, but in shaping the development of new solutions that enhance productivity, collaboration, and well-being in the home office.
For many, the benefits of remote work have made the traditional office a relic of the past—the mission for integrators is to provide innovative, tailored solutions that make the home office not just a workspace, but a hub of efficiency and creativity. This ongoing evolution promises to redefine the boundaries of work, life, and technology, making it an exciting time for both users and technology providers alike.
Today’s home offices should focus on technology, connectivity, and comfort.
Working from Anywhere
Speakerphones Enhance the Hybrid Experience
By Wayne Cavadi
Whether in person or remote, there is no denying that audio is the key component to positive hybrid experiences. In a world where employees and students alike need clear and intelligible audio, speakerphones offer a simple and quick setup to bring a conference anywhere and at any time.
Like many technologies in the post-pandemic world, speakerphones have evolved with enhancements over the past few years. SCN talked to manufacturers to find out what to look for when turning to speakerphones.
Plug-and-Play All Day
Portability. Bluetooth. USB-C. These are the terms thrown around with modern conferencing technology and what many people are looking for in their hybrid solutions. It should come as no surprise that it is no different for speakerphones.
In the “work from anywhere” world—as Josh Blalock, chief video evangelist at Jabra, calls it— portability and plug-and-play connectivity are table stakes for speakerphones. As Blalock explained, whether using a USB-C, USB-A, or Bluetooth connection, users want a frictionless meeting process from start to finish from an office huddle room or at their kitchen table. But, of course, it’s always about the audio.
“High-quality audio is paramount,” Blalock said. “Voice drop-offs, muffled audio, and background noise are not only frustrating, but also disruptive and can impact meeting productivity. Premium audio capabilities like full duplex audio help back-andforth conversation in meetings sound and feel like they’re in person.”
For Alan Nicholls, enterprise sales manager, MAXHUB, speakerphone features and capabilities are dictated by where the device is being set up. “For a dedicated conference room, portability and wireless are usually not necessary,” Nicholls said. “For a traveling worker, the needs completely change. Portability, battery life, I/O, and Bluetooth will all be necessary. Something everyone needs is audio fidelity, voice pickup range, and noise canceling.”
In today’s hybrid world, one in which multiple devices are daisy-chained and connected to an array of solutions, how much of a requirement is a charging dock for speakerphone setup? “Charging docks are popular in the conference speaker space, not so much in the portable speaker space,” Nicholls said. “The USB-C port is used for both direct connectivity and charging. So, instead of a proprietary dock, you can use any USB-C cable to connect it to any device.”
Conference Room Ready
With all-in-one solutions like videobars and highly advanced in-ceiling speaker and microphone systems, are speakerphones still an optimal choice for larger conference rooms? Joel Mulpeter, director, product marketing for Crestron, explained that Crestron Flex Pods were designed for this purpose. “For a larger space, a flexible, expandable system such as the Flex Pods solution is the ticket,” he said. “It’s especially useful for mixed use rooms—conference rooms that need to double as training spaces, for example.”
“Traditionally, speakerphones were a fixture of large conference rooms, but today we see them more and more in huddle rooms, collaboration spaces, and home offices,” Blalock added. “As a portable, plugand-play device, speakerphones have become a key addition to many hybrid workers’ work-from-home spaces. They’re also a perfect companion for business travelers that need high-quality audio while working from a hotel or other location outside of their normal day-to-day.”
More AI and Beyond
AI is everywhere, and speakerphones are no exception. Blalock admits generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Zoom AI Companion are at the core of every conversation when it comes to future enhancements in the conference room and beyond. “How well these AI tools receive and interpret input determines their success in driving productivity. The ability of speakerphones to accurately capture conversation in meetings is critical as even minor AI misunderstandings can impact AI-produced meeting transcripts and action items—and ultimately disrupt workflows and reduce productivity,” he noted. “Maximizing high-quality audio in speakerphones will help to better harness the potential of AI companions in the year ahead.”
Expanding on that high-quality audio, Mulpeter added that in a world of AV-over-IP and audioover-IP, future enhancements should always be aimed at creating spaces that are easily adaptable to the client’s wishes. “AV-over-IP and audio-over-IP is really the backbone of future integrations,” he explained. “It’s expandable, it’s got the potential for broad interoperability, and we welcome a variety of third-party devices into our installations. Microphones are a great example. Our systems can handle a variety of applications, from speakerphone conversations to videoconferencing, all with very simple and intuitive controls.”
Now that you know what features to look for, here are several speakerphones to consider for enhancing your conference room or hybrid meeting experience.
Atlona Captivate AT-CAP-SP100
The Atlona Captivate AT-CAP-SP100 speakerphone, which is USB and Bluetooth-ready, provides 360-degree coverage to capture voices within a radius of up to 16 feet. Its six-element microphone array focuses on audio pickup while suppressing background noises, allowing individual meeting participants to be heard clearly. Advanced acoustic echo cancellation and noise reduction further enhance voice intelligibility by eliminating unwanted sounds.
AVer FONE700
AVer’s FONE700 offers advanced audio technology with noise suppression, double-talk detection, and de-reverberation, ensuring clear, echo-free communication. Its full duplex system optimizes meeting experiences, while a single USB connection simplifies setup and reduces clutter. Equipped with three directional and 18 omnidirectional microphones, and supporting up to four speakerphones, it can capture voices within a 131-foot range. The FONE700 adapts to various room sizes and is certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, RingCentral, and Barco.
Biamp Speakerphone
The Biamp speakerphone is a combination of its TesiraFORTÉ X 400 DSP, Parlé TTM-X tabletop microphone, and Tesira HD-1 dialer hardware. The combination provides both telephony control and PoE with a dial pad from the Tesira HD-1 Dialer. The TesiraFORTÉ X 400 offers easy setup via Biamp Launch software, featuring AI-based automated startup and room tuning. The Parlé TTM-X mic is a low-profile 4.7-inch tabletop microphone with Beamtracking technology to focus on persons speaking anywhere in the room across four 90-degree audio zones for full 360-degree room coverage.
Boom Collaboration Boom GEMINI
The Boom GEMINI offers 48kHz wideband audio with a fourmicrophone, 26-foot, 360-degree omnidirectional range. The included expansion unit connects easily to extend the audio and microphone capacity for medium to large meeting spaces. The Boom GEMINI twin
speakerphones are designed with enhanced features such as dynamic noise reduction, automatic echo cancellation, and USB plug-and-play capabilities.
ClearOne CHAT 150 BT
The ClearOne CHAT 150 BT was designed with simple USB and Bluetooth connections to personal computers, mobile devices, and desk phones. Its steerable microphone array with first-mic priority intelligently activates the microphone closest to the talker, reducing ambient noise interference. With features such as advanced noise cancellation, full duplex distributed echo cancellation, and automatic level control, the CHAT 150 BT offers intelligible, natural audio and is compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
Crestron Flex Pods
Crestron Flex Pods are a tabletop wireless audio solution that provide flexibility in how users deploy Crestron microphone and speaker solutions across an organization. Crestron Flex Pods include built-in microphones, speaker, and audio controls that wirelessly connect to a UC room solution such as a Microsoft Teams Room. No matter where people are in the space, Flex Pods can be moved to ensure optimal range and reach so everyone can hear, and be heard, clearly.
Jabra Speak2 75
The Jabra Speak2 75 is a personal pocketable device for the coffee-table-conferencing, dining-room-dialing, and hotel-hot-desking meeting rooms of today’s hybrid world. The next generation of Jabra’s Speak Series, the Speak2 75 includes a 65mm speaker, super-wideband audio, full duplex audio for the most natural conversations, and four beamforming microphones. It features an intuitive microphone quality indicator, as well as both USB-C and USB-A connectors on the same cable.
Logitech Logi Dock
Logitech’s Logi Dock is an all-in-one docking station with one-touch meeting controls and a built-in speakerphone to simplify the personal workspace and improve the video meeting experience while decluttering the desktop space by providing a single connection point for desktop devices. Logi Dock is built with enterprise-grade audio and includes features that enable users to leverage the noise-canceling speakerphone. For private conversations, users can automatically switch audio to another headset or earbuds—and switch to music from Logi Dock’s speaker once the meeting concludes.
MAXHUB BM35
Designed for use in small to mid-size meeting spaces, the compact MAXHUB BM35 Bluetooth teleconference speakerphone features an eight-microphone array and 360-degree omnidirectional audio algorithms to capture voices up to 19 feet away—enabling meeting participants to be clearly heard, while reverberation suppression minimizes distractions. With automatic gain control, intelligent algorithms adjust the volume of participant voices dynamically, keeping fluctuating volumes to a minimum. Bluetooth provides the ability to Connect two BM35s via Bluetooth for larger groups.
MSolutons
MS-SP10
The MS-SP10 is a USB smart conference speakerphone with an embedded architecture design for use in meeting spaces of all sizes. It adopts the combination mode of main microphone plus extension microphone, capturing audio nearly 33 feet away with 360-degree omnidirectional pickup. The MS-SP10 integrates a diverse set of AI audio algorithms to accommodate noise reduction, echo cancellation, reverberation suppression, and automatic gain. The MS-SP10’s high and low-frequency speaker design plays music rich in bass and treble, and delivers clear and natural voices.
Sennheiser
TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker Optimized for small Microsoft Teams rooms, the TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker’s intuitive design is intended to give teams a way to collaborate in hybrid meetings as if everyone is in one place. Intelligent solutions such as integrated voice recognition software and automatic meeting notes make an equitable meeting experience possible for remote and hard-of-hearing participants. The speaker offers an omnidirectional speaker and covers a 7.5-foot radius with seven integrated beamforming microphones.
Telycam SONO
Telycam’s SONO AI-enhanced wireless speakerphone is designed to improve the way participants experience audio during videoconferences in personal workspaces, as well as small and medium-sized rooms. SONO incorporates a 1.75-inch speaker and eight omnidirectional microphones, with its direction-of-arrival recognition algorithm adjusting pickup toward the current speaker. A pickup distance of 16 feet ensures that everyone in the room can be heard. Additionally, SONO’s AI-driven noise reduction algorithm continuously learns and adapts dynamically to filter out noise such as keyboards, chairs, air conditioning, and other environmental sounds while ensuring that voices remain natural and clear.
Yamaha YVC-330
The Yamaha YVC-330 speakerphone, with SoundCap technology, provides clear audio in open workspaces and remote meetings by creating a 3-foot “audio bubble” around the speaker. This feature blocks background noise, ensuring only voices within range are transmitted. With additional capabilities like far field noise reduction and human voice activity detection, the YVC-330 filters out irrelevant sounds for enhanced call clarity. Compact, USB-powered, and ready for instant use, it easily transforms any space into a professional meeting environment, making it ideal for flexible or remote work setups.
Shokz Presents New Twist on Traditional Office Headset
Bone Conduction-Based OpenMeet UC Offers Flexibility and Solid Performance
By Mark J. Pescatore
The OpenMeet UC introduces a new overhead form factor to Shokz's product line of earbuds and wraparound headphones. Like its predecessors, the OpenMeet UC delivers sound via bone conduction technology, which means you don't actually put anything inside or around your ears. Instead, the headset comfortably sits in front of your ears, transmitting sound using vibration through the bones in your skull.
Let's Get Comfortable
What makes the OpenMeet UC different is that it more closely resembles a traditional headset, with a headband that rests on top of your head. According to Shokz, it features TitaniumFlex technology, a five-point design with flexible titanium plates. As a result, the headpiece is incredibly bendy and adjustable, so it should accommodate any head short of a Klingon noggin that attempts to use it. That said, unlike other Shokz models, this headset is definitely not for use during exercise.
So, what's in the box? Besides the headset and some product/warranty info, Shokz provides two extra sets of pressure relief cushions, plus a storage case, USB wireless adapter for your computer, and USB-C cable. Yes, the larger headset means more real estate, so Shokz has replaced its proprietary charging port with the far more universal USB-C option.
The pressure relief cushions cover the parts of the headset that sit in your hairline close to your temples. You have three choices of thickness; the cushions are attached via Velcro, so you can easily test them to find the fit that's right for you. Honestly, I didn't feel much difference, so I settled on medium.
Let's take a moment and discuss the case. It almost feels like a fuzzy piece of hard-sided luggage, and a zipper pull tab makes it easy to open. There is a separate and secure home for the USB-C wireless adapter, plus a Velcro strap that holds your USB-C charging cable in place. The headset itself sits criss-cross in place, with an indented area that provides a little extra protection for the power button. Smart design.
Reasons to Upgrade
No matter your affinity for luggage, you're not buying the OpenMeet UC for its case, so why should workers make the jump from the OpenComm product line to the OpenMeet form factor? There are a few compelling arguments. First, it provides the more professional "look" of a headset without being too bulky. Like other Shokz offerings, it's very lightweight, so it's not a burden to wear this headset for hours at a time. That's important, because lack of comfort is (forgive me) a pain point among headset users.
Another useful feature is the LED indicator light above the mic boom arm, which essentially serves as a mini "do not disturb" sign. The light does not turn on when you're streaming video or listening to music, but it turns red when you're on a call or videoconference. It also provides other information, such as an incoming call (flashing green) or low battery (flashing red).
If you constantly find yourself removing your headset to interact with those around you, this could be a godsend.
Third, and arguably most important, is the sound. The OpenMeet UC provides a dramatic improvement over the wraparound models I've tested. The fuller aural experience is likely the result of significantly improved bass (and I'm guessing that's why the new headset's earpieces are larger and heavier).
That's not to say the other products sound bad, but the biggest knock on bone conduction headsets has been weak bass performance. You're not going to replace your favorite over-the-ear headphones with the OpenMeet UC for critical listening in post, but it will deliver very satisfying audio in the office.
The other criticism with bone conduction is the vibrating sensation; some people are more sensitive
The free Shokz app allows you to fine tune your headset.
to it than others. But it's been tamped down considerably with the OpenMeet UC at moderate volume, though you can still feel the sensation if you decide to play your music loudly.
Other Considerations
The OpenMeet UC's USB wireless adapter is designed to deliver improved stability over a simple Bluetooth connection. Being the unreasonable reviewer that I am, I decided to test this to the extreme. I queued up "She's So Young" from The Pursuit of Happiness on YouTube and took a walk around the inside of my house. Then, I walked to the mailbox and kept going.
I didn't experience an audio dropout until I was across the street and one house over. For comparison, I tried the same experiment with my OpenComm UC headset from 2023 and barely made it to the property line before the dropouts started. Both headsets are rated for 98 feet, but clearly Shokz has made some improvements. The Bluetooth connection to my iPhone delivered similar results.
The OpenMeet UC will also help you sound great. I tried it on both cell phone calls and videoconferences, and the general consensus was that I sounded crystal clear. Though it cannot be rotated for use on the left side of your face, the boom mic offers more than 130
degrees of positioning. The headset mic is equipped with Qualcomm's cVc noise reduction algorithm, but it's not perfect. When I crinkled paper near or somewhat near the mic, it was loud and clear on phone calls. Wind was also a problem when I walked
outside while on a call.
Some conferencing platforms like Google Meet have their own noise-cancellation technology, which can be a big help. Of course, there's also a built-in mute/unmute button on the mic arm, so it's easy enough to silence your side of the conversation if you're in a disruptive environment.
You don't absolutely need it, but the free Shokz app (available for Android and iOS) adds additional functionality. Arguably the most significant feature is the EQ. You can choose between standard and vocal—I preferred the enhanced mids of the vocal setting—but you can also upgrade firmware, adjust notifications, and personalize other settings.
Priced at around $250 ($220 without the USB wireless adapter), is the OpenMeet UC right for you? It really depends on your workspace. If you're in a loud office, the headset won't block out unwanted noise. However, if you constantly find yourself removing your headset to interact with those around you or feel more connected to your surroundings, this could be a godsend. Plus, the OpenMeet UC delivers the performance you need for all-day use, with battery life to spare (up to 14 hours of talk time), intuitive controls, lightweight comfort, and the best bone conduction audio I've experienced to date.
The OpenMeet UC improves on bass performance while minimizing vibration, two of the biggest criticisms of previous bone conduction headsets.
Following the Action
Gesture Control, AI Tracking Help Power Insta360 Link 2 4K Webcams
By Mark J. Pescatore
Meeting equity—it’s a term that’s been dominating conversations in Pro AV circles since the pandemic. A professional webcam is part of that equation, and Insta360 has introduced two 4K models with AI technology that can help personal presentations.
With an integrated two-axis gimbal, the Insta360 Link 2 is the higher-end model. The mini-PTZ webcam features a 1/2-inch image sensor with 4x digital zoom, HDR support, and resolution options including 4K30, 1080p, 720p, and even 360p for the bandwidthchallenged. It also offers AI tracking of individuals and groups, whiteboard recognition, a noise-canceling microphone, and more.
Insta360 also offers the Link 2C, which shares the same technical specs but doesn’t include a gimbal. It has a more “traditional” webcam appearance, is a little smaller, and is probably more than sufficient for the remote worker who just needs a camera for their next Teams meeting. Of course, it should surprise no one that the old production guy chose to review the Link 2.
To get the most out of your webcam, you’ll want to download the free Insta360 Link controller software. The user interface provides access to precise PTZ settings, image adjustments and effects, backgrounds, audio settings, firmware updates, and more. From the software, you can also access the Desk View, which automatically tilts your camera down to provide a view of documents or other materials on your work surface. I actually used the Link 2 without the controller software on one computer—yes, it will work, but your functionality is very limited.
Connectivity is one USB-C cable on the rear of the gimbal, and the Link 2 includes a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter in case you’re out of USB-C ports on the other end. Insta360 recommends you connect the webcam to a computer or USB port that has an independent power supply, so I plugged the Link 2 into my Logi Dock’s USB-C upstream port.
Where Are You Going?
I placed the Link 2 on top of my ViewSonic curved 21:9 widescreen monitor—and it fit. Not every webcam can accommodate the thicker housing of a curved monitor, but the Link 2’s clip is wide enough to handle it. The camera has a magnetic base, so it literally just attaches to the clip and stays in place. That’s a nice touch. There’s also a 1/4-inch screw hole, so the clip can be used with a tripod.
On the gimbal and below the camera itself is a Touch Key. It has a few functions, but its main purpose is to
toggle between AI tracking and manual control. But where’s the fun in that? Why press a button when you can just tell your Link 2 what to do with a hand signal? Yes, Insta360 has included gesture control in its Link 2 models. There are three gestures that work. First, put your hand up as if you want people to talk to the hand (if that’s still a thing) or stop in the name of love. This activates or deactivates AI tracking. When you use your forefinger and thumb to create an “L,” it activates the zoom; raise your hand to zoom in, lower it to zoom out. And the peace sign lets you enter or exit Whiteboard Mode.
AI tracking is very accurate. You can choose between three different speeds, and a Smart Composition tool lets you tell the Link 2 if you want the camera to default to a wide shot, medium shot, or medium close-up. Insta360 and I have different ideas about headroom (the Link 2 overcompensates a little too much for my taste), and the wide shot was the least aesthetically pleasing of the three defaults, but it was not easy to “fool” the AI.
However, be careful with those hand gestures, because you can turn the tracking off by mistake. If you’re staying put, you might just want to disable it. Also, the Link 2 features a 280-degree rotation, so it’ll track you much further than a static webcam. Thankfully, you can create “pause tracking” areas, so the camera doesn’t follow you into parts of your office you don’t want others to see.
Whiteboard Options
A circular indicator light next to the camera lens is your guide to all things control with the Link 2. It stays green when the camera is on and blinks a couple of times when you have successfully made an adjustment via gestures, Touch Key, or the controller software. For example, if you raise your hand and turn off AI tracking—two blinks.
The Link 2 offers two whiteboard options, which are most easily accessed via the Insta360 Link controller software. In Whiteboard Mode, the camera
camera; each one is a little smaller than 2 inches square and looks like a white L on a black square (to represent corners).
I don’t have a whiteboard in my office, so I taped some white posterboard on my wall to simulate a whiteboard. Devious reviewer that I am, I taped pennies in the corners instead, but the Link 2 wasn’t fooled. Once I put the proper recognition markers in place, the camera immediately zoomed in on the whiteboard area. No markers? No problem. There’s also a Smart Whiteboard setting. You can let the camera scan for the whiteboard on its own, or you can manually designate the whiteboard area.
Setting the Right Tone
Let’s talk a little bit about image quality: It’s excellent. Pictures were crisp and the focus was fast, even shifting between my face and an object I held up in front of me. Whether I used my Brightline ZELo desktop studio lights, my office’s warm overhead lighting, or opened the window shutters to add daylight into the mix, the Link 2 delivered very good skin tones.
l tend to dig into the settings and fiddle with color temperature and other details, but I couldn’t improve on the automatic settings. That said, leave the blur and background functions to your videoconferencing platforms, as the Link 2 edges were a little too noticeable within its own software.
The built-in microphone was fine. It sounded tinny compared to my Sennheiser Profile USB mic, but that’s probably not a fair comparison. As far as built-in webcam mics go, it was certainly clear and delivered plenty of volume.
So, how good is the Link 2? Well, taking a page from the old Folgers commercials, I secretly replaced my usual high-end 4K webcam with the Link 2 for taping a client Q&A. And nobody said a thing. I’d say that’s a win. The gimbal-free Link 2C currently sells for about $150, while the Link 2 is priced at around $200. If you just need a webcam for meetings—and you’re not going to be walking around your office—the Link 2C will do quite nicely. But if you’re a wanderer—either by choice or as a required part of your presentations—you’ll want to consider the Link 2. Either way, Insta360 has delivered a webcam line that produces lifelike, high-quality images with plenty of bells and whistles to get your remote workers ever closer to meeting equity.
I'm not waving, I'm actually telling the Insta360 Link 2 to activate its AI tracking. You can also see part of the user interface of the controller software.
TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS
Sharp XP-A210U-B
Sharp’s brightest LCD-based projector to date, the XP-A201U-B creates a large color space and maximum color reproduction. It offers simplified and flexible installation for a variety of environments, including rental and staging, classrooms, corporate meeting
rooms, and more. The XP-A201U-B delivers 20,000 lumens and its advanced red and blue laser system covers 92% of the DCI color range, making colors look more realistic and vibrant. Beyond its color depth, the XP-A201U-B is virtually maintenance-free with its IP5X-certified sealed LCD cooling system that prevents dust from reaching the optical path, eliminating artifacts in the image or brightness decay. This filter-free design requires less fan-based cooling, which results in lower audible noise and less interference with discussions in conference rooms and
combines powerful functionality with a sleek, portable design. It features a rack-mountable machined aluminium chassis with dual SDM sockets that support all of Hive’s Beeblade computing modules, including Minima, Osmia, and Pluto. The Nucleus bridges the gap between Hive’s compact Beeblade modules and the larger Beehive system, offering a scalable and adaptable solution for AV professionals. It’s engineered to withstand the rigors of touring while maintaining the portability and reliability required for both live events and fixed installations.
Bose Professional AMU108-120/AMU208-120
Two new multi-use loudspeaker models, the AMU108-120 and AMU208-120, as well as two new mounting accessory options, expand the flexibility of the AMU Series, providing new wider coverage options while maintaining the high-output sound, vocal clarity, and rich musical depth that make it ideal for auditoriums, concourses, high-energy restaurants, and more. The AMU108-120 features a constant-directivity horn with a redesigned waveguide, delivering a wide and even 120×60-degree coverage. It is equipped with an LF8 8-inch woofer. The larger AMU208-120 boasts the same highfrequency coverage combined with dual LF8 8-inch woofers. All AMU Series loudspeakers come with a UV-resistant finish and an IP55 outdoor rating.
The AXI 22 AT D Plus is a single-gang decorator-style Dante audio interface designed to integrate two mic/ line sources onto a Dante-enabled audio system. It features two XLR audio inputs and switchable 48-volt phantom power for connecting and powering condenser microphones, as well as remote control via the network for each input. The AXI 22 AT D Plus also features two line outputs for routing any two Dante channels from the network to the analog input of a destination device, or connecting into an optional secondary wall plate with two XLR outputs. It interfaces with any Dante-equipped audio processor, such as an Extron DMP 128 Plus AT, over a standard LAN and can be powered through PoE, which allows for a single network cable connection for bidirectional audio, control, and power from a central equipment rack.
Middle Atlantic Products Arc Table
Matrox Video Vion
Middle Atlantic Products has expanded its Forum Collaboration Suite with the all-new Arc Table, which is meticulously designed for seamless integration into modern hybrid workspaces. Previously only available in a three-person capacity, the larger Arc Table now accommodates up to seven people. It features the same Wilsonart HPL surfaces and acoustic felt, along with a seamless curved modesty panel and integrated power management. It also introduces a radical table design, reducing the number of table legs for unobstructed seating and maximizing their use as concealed cable management for a cordless, clutter-free aesthetic. The ADA-compliant clearance beneath the table ensures accessibility, while the table also supports directfacing arrangements for all participants, promoting meeting equity by ensuring that every seat has a clear, unobstructed view of remote attendees.
Matrox has officially entered the IP video gateway market with Vion, a high-density IP video gateway, as well as an update for the Matrox ConvertIP DSH SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX transmitter/receiver. Together, the innovations help address the complexity of IP video workflows in Pro AV and broadcast environments. Vion is a compact, IT-inspired gateway that supports real-time encoding, decoding, transcoding, and conversion across multiple compressed and baseband formats—including H.264/HEVC, JPEG-XS, ST 2110, IPMX, and NDI—addressing the challenges of interoperability between diverse applications across workflows. Meanwhile, the ConvertIP DSH update introduces an IP-to-IP bridging feature, enabling conversion between uncompressed and compressed formats. Vion offers local content preview with HDMI and audio outputs and delivers multiple concurrent and bi-directional streams. It is available in two versions, EX and NX, with the EX model offering additional SDI and HDMI inputs.
By Rob Voorhees
BLet’s Get Personal
Challenges of Neurodiversity in the Workplace Hit Home
y now, many in the AV industry have heard my “story.” No, not my childhood as a middle child in a suburban area of Central New Jersey. I’m talking about my story regarding how I became thrust into the spotlight of neurodiversity in the workplace. When I attended the Exertis Almo E4 Experience in Boston in 2022, I heard one of the panelists speak about autism and neurodiversity—and made it my plan from that day forward to not let the subject quiet down.
You see, I am an emotionally proud father of a 16-year-old daughter “on the spectrum” (autism spectrum disorder). Samantha was diagnosed at a very young age, and in the 10-plus years that have passed since that day of diagnosis, it has been my mission to learn and support her and her needs in every way possible.
It’s important to note that I’m not perfect by any means. I still find myself yelling and clapping during an Eagles game, even though she has told me time and again that loud noises bother her ears (sensory issues). But I’m learning and trying to be better every day.
Starting the Conversation
After that day in Boston, I started my mission of blending personal and professional by sharing small stories on LinkedIn about my daughter and why I thought neurodiversity in the workplace was so important. Someday soon, Samantha would be seeking her first job, and I wanted to know she had a fair chance because her grades, personality, and work
I was certain I was going to stop speaking on this subject because I figured that people “got it.” What I did not imagine was the response over the past two years.
ethic speak for themselves!
In 2022, I was asked to contribute to a piece with MarketScale on how neurodiversity was playing a larger role in AV. I see firsthand how headphones, mobile devices, displays, lighting, and now AI can make life not only enjoyable but easier for those with ASD, so it was natural for me to speak on the subject. After that, opportunities continued to present themselves, such as becoming a full-time panelist for our E4 Experience show circuit, as well as contributing multiple blogs and press interviews on the subject.
Throughout all of this, I’m sure Samantha was starting to feel like quite a celebrity, culminating in her being a very special guest on my Mind Your Business podcast, where we talked candidly about her job interview experiences and how autism acceptance was now the mission.
With all this said, the “bulk” of my story happened between June and November 2024. That is when I was chosen to create and present a session at Infocomm, which I titled “Autism and AV.” As a presenter, my biggest fears are always wondering what if nobody shows up or nobody cares. Those thoughts quickly disintegrated when I learned my session was sold out. That day, I presented to a packed room with more questions and audience participation than I had time to
answer. In fact, three gentlemen followed me out of the room to continue the dialogue.
Continuing the Discussion
That day in Las Vegas grew into sharing an abbreviated version on an internal “all hands” sales call, then presenting the same presentation at the final two stops of our E4 Experience tour, and then presenting a fourth time at the Total Tech Summit. The one consistent in all of these was the among of feedback I received from attendees. People sharing that they too were “fathers on the spectrum” or how they were teachers for the disabled. In one particular instance, a contracted photographer for the event stopped me in the hallway just to say, “Thank you, that really hit home.”
I was certain I was going to stop speaking on this subject because I figured that people “got it.” They understand the importance of neurodiversity and the special abilities that those on the spectrum possess. What I did not imagine was the response over the past two years.
Being able to create a comfortable platform for others to speak up with their own autism diagnosis or share stories about friends/family/coworkers is important to the Pro AV industry for two primary reasons. First, as I say in my presentation, Samantha has been on honor roll for as long as I can remember. She is in the National Honor Society in high school. She was selected as employee of the week at her summer job, and is the president of the Future Teachers Club, among other accolades. For those of us who influence hiring decisions for our companies, isn’t that the type of employee we would want to seek out, regardless if they lack strong social skills or perhaps have trouble with bright lighting?
Second, once we hire said employees, how do we keep them? Much like I do at home when we give Samantha quiet time and an iPad, why aren’t we doing the same for our employees who might need it? That quiet, comfortable atmosphere can make a big difference between feeling out of sorts or programming a complex control system for a government customer that helps close a $1.5 million project.
I hope this story resonates with a lot of you and you can find your own ways to blend your personal and professional experiences. I am committed to continuing my own education on neurodiversity and hope to build off the immense support I have received thus far.
Rob Voorhees is the director of business development for Exertis Almo Pro AV.
