System Contract News - April 2025

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

POWER & VISION

JCA Media Provides AV Transformation for First Christian Church of Somerset AVNETWORK.COM

APRIL 2025

18 Executive Q&A

MultiDyne is now in the Pro AV business, says Frank Jachetta.

19 Executive Q&A

James Pietsch celebrates Scalable’s 20th anniversary.

34 Viewpoint

18

19

34

Jack Cornish explains how sensors and data are shaping modern workspaces.

YOUR INSIDER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

POWER & VISION

JCA Media Provides AV Transformation for First Christian Church of Somerset AVNETWORK.COM

APRIL 2025

18 Executive Q&A

MultiDyne is now in the Pro AV business, says Frank Jachetta.

19 Executive Q&A

James Pietsch celebrates Scalable’s 20th anniversary.

34 Viewpoint

18

19

34

Jack Cornish explains how sensors and data are shaping modern workspaces.

CONTENTS 20

Power and Vision What started as a

simple repair became an AV transformation at First Christian Church of Somerset.

By Jennifer Guhl

People 18 Executive Q&A Multidyne president Frank Jachetta explains the company’s pivot to Pro AV.

By Mark J. Pescatore

19 Executive Q&A

27 Audio vs. Architecture L-Acoustics helps Westside Family Church overcome challenges in its new space.

Technology 28 TGL: Technology at the Tee A new professional golf league is mixing simulation

James Pietsch celebrates the 20th anniversary of

technology with Pro AV and broadcast gear.

Scalable Display Technologies.

By Mark J. Pescatore

By Mark J. Pescatore

Business 23 Whitesburg Ready for All Service Styles A new Meyer Sound system is enhancing the worship experience at Whitesburg Baptist Church.

24 Unheavenly Acoustics

31 Tech Perspectives Are you keeping up with the changing Pro AV landscape?

By David J. Danto

Viewpoint 34 How Smart Is Your Office?

Data from sensors is helping to shape the modern

From converted retail spaces to the recently reopened

workplace.

Notre Dame de Paris, houses of worships are an audio

By Jack Cornish

challenge.

By Carolyn Heinze

26 Worship Without Walls d&b audiotechnik helps New Life Church deliver immersive audio in a tent.

28

24

Departments 4 SYSTEMS CHECK 6 NEWS 16 NEWSMAKERS 32 NEW PRODUCTS

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avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

3

SYSTEMS CHECK

MARK J. PESCATORE Content Director

A Farewell to Skype A

s Microsoft begins to celebrate its 50th anniversary, one of its brands won’t be around for its congratulatory slice of cake. On Feb. 28, Microsoft published an article from Jeff Teper, its president of collaborative apps and platforms,

EMAIL

mark.pescatore@futurenet.com

declaring that Skype is officially on its digital deathbed.

“In order to streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs,” he wrote, “we will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus FACEBOOK

facebook.com/ systemscontractor

on Microsoft Teams (free), our modern communications and collaboration hub.”

When Skype was launched in 2003, the VoIP calling service exploded out of the gate. It had 11 million registered users by 2004 and more than quadrupled to 54 million users the next year. That was enough to entice eBay to purchase Skype for roughly $2.6 billion.

Within the next three years, there were hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

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

In 2009, though, the economy dipped, and eBay eventually sold Skype to an investor group for about $2.75 billion. Two years later, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion.

In its heyday, Skype was so popular it became a verb—at one point or another, we all said, “I’ll Skype you.” What killed this promising technology? Not surprisingly, it was other promising technologies.

X x.com/scnmag

Smartphones were certainly a factor—the iPhone had FaceTime, while another app staple, Facebook (now Meta), purchased WhatsApp. But Microsoft itself didn’t do Skype any favors, introducing Teams in 2016. And, when the pandemic disrupted, well, everything, Zoom became, well, Zoom.

I suppose the writing was on the wall when Microsoft introduced

What killed this promising technology? Not surprisingly, it was other promising technologies.

Windows 11 in 2021; if you wanted Skype, it required a separate download. Meanwhile, based on numbers reported in October 2023, Teams grew to 320 million monthly active users in less than a decade. That kind of success does not go unnoticed, and it certainly doesn’t need internal competition.

Teper went on to pitch Teams as a much better and feature-rich option, adding that in the past two years the “number of minutes spent in meetings by consumer users of Teams” has quadrupled.

Then, he outlined how Skype users could move to Microsoft Teams for free or export their Skype contacts and other data.

Here’s the part that surprised me: According to Microsoft, Skype still had 36 million daily users as recently as 2023. That was down from 40 million in 2020, so it was clearly on a downward trajectory, but it’s still a big number and explains the company’s efforts to

resettle those video callers.

avnetwork.com APRIL 2025 VOL. 32 NO. 4 CONTENT

Content Director Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. mark.pescatore@futurenet.com Senior Content Manager Wayne Cavadi Contributors Jack Cornish, David J. Danto, Jennifer Guhl, Carolyn Heinze Art Editors Rob Crossland, Sam Richwood Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S

Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465 Sales John Casey, john.casey@futurenet.com, 845-678-3839 Janis Crowley, janis.crowley@futurenet.com, 845-414-6791 Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com, 212-378-0468 Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com, 845-678-3752 Andi Tureson, andi.tureson@futurenet.com, 646-544-0007 SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE

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

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Only 22 years after arguably bringing video calls to the masses (no, the AT&T VideoPhone doesn’t count), Skype is about to become a relic. In short order, it will be classified as legacy technology, dusted off during the occasional Pro AV networking event.

I can see it now. Drink tickets have been traded for beer or wine, maybe the leftover toothpicks from a couple of hors d’oeuvers sit on paper napkins on the high tabletop around which a handful of industry veterans have gathered. The conversation has moved from current technology compatibility headaches to a wistful recollection of technologies of the past.

As the talk progresses past 3/4-inch tape or some other analog treasure, perhaps the youngest of the group, the gray hair not quite so obvious, will chime in. “What about Skype?” they’ll suggest. There will be an audible “oh yeah” from the table. Then, someone will sing the “boo bee boo” ringtone, and everyone will laugh and laugh.

Not to repeat myself, but Skype was acquired just 14 years ago for $8.5 billion and still has millions of users. In a few weeks, it will be relegated to the Pro AV equivalent of a Trivial Pursuit question. Maybe the lesson here is to not entangle yourself with any one product or service too tightly. Technological progress is merciless—you never know what seemingly ubiquitous solution will be next to join Skype on memory lane.

4

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

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NEWS

Company officials celebrate Powersoft's acquisition of K-Array.

Powersoft Acquires Majority of K-Array Shares

high-growth markets such as Asia and Latin America,

of audio systems play a key role. To that end, Powersoft

further consolidating the Group's global positioning.

recently signed an agreement with Ferrari, marking the

According to Powersoft, the acquisition also represents the logical development of a long-

audio company’s entry into the supercar industry.

“This transaction arises from a successful

established "supplier-customer" partnership between

partnership between two companies that have been

two companies that share common values: technological

collaborating for many years now, with a strong

innovation, excellence, creativity, design, customer

territorial proximity and sharing a creative and

n February, Powersoft Group announced a binding

focus, and product quality. The goal is to leverage their

innovative spirit,” said Luca Lastrucci, CEO of

investment agreement to acquire 51% of the share

complementary strengths, boosting competitiveness

Powersoft. “The synergy between Powersoft and

capital of K-Array from H.P. Sound Equipment. The

and fostering growth, while preserving their distinct

K-Array is set to generate significant results in

agreement also allows for Powersoft to purchase the

identities and operational autonomy within a shared

technological innovation, allowing us to strengthen our

remaining 49% of K-Array's share capital.

growth plan. Currently, Powersoft is set to continue its

presence in the segments where we already operate

mission as a global technology provider, while K-Array

while also expanding into new areas.”

I

By combining its know-how in amplification systems, signal processing, and transducers with

will maintain its unique positioning in the high-end

K-Array's expertise in compact, high-performance

audio speaker industry.

“We have been collaborating with Powersoft since the beginning, and beyond being neighbors and sharing

loudspeaker engineering and design, Powersoft will be

The acquisition is fully aligned with Powersoft’s

an identity deeply rooted locally yet globally oriented,

able to accelerate its expansion in these markets and

strategic development plan, which aims to strengthen

we are united by a strong passion for technology and

strengthen its position. The combination will also open

its presence in the pro audio sector through both

sound,” added Alessandro Tatini, chairman and CEO of

up new joint business opportunities and allow for the

organic growth and acquisitions. Part of the company’s

K-Array. “Their innovations have always been an

expansion of business offerings into new market

growth strategy is to shift from a product company to a

essential part of our work, making it obvious to realize

segments within the Powersoft portfolio. Plus, the

solution provider, with a primary focus on the

that joining forces could add significant value to the

combined presence of the two companies through their

transportation and automotive sectors, where

growth that, in recent years, has been in double digits,

distribution networks will drive greater penetration in

technological innovation, efficiency, and the reliability

bringing us immense satisfaction.”

Samsung, Cielo to Bring AI to Digital Signage

S

XTEN-AV Adds New Partners XTEN-AV has announced a partnership with

amsung has partnered with Cielo, a leader

analytics and AI-driven advertising, businesses

Panasonic Visual Systems that integrates Panasonic's

in AI-powered franchise solutions, to

gain powerful insights into consumer engagement.

premium range of projectors, professional displays,

transform retail advertising and fran-

At the heart of this partnership is Cielo

and other AV technologies into XTEN-AV platform,

chise operations. This collaboration combines

SmartSigns Pro, which includes an AI camera, VXT

delivering a seamless design and proposal experience

Samsung’s VXT display technology and Cielo’s

Pro license, AI task, marketing credit, and

to AV integrators and professionals worldwide.

AI-driven platform, introducing tools for digital

CieloEssentials remote support. This plug-and-

Meanwhile, Yamaha's new ProVisionaire Plan

marketing and operational efficiency.

play solution simplifies deployment,

software is also being added the platform.

As part of this strategic alliance, Cielo is

management, and support for digital signage

By providing direct access to Panasonic's

introducing SmartSigns, a Digital Signage as a

ecosystems, requiring no upfront expenses. The

professional products, the platform simplifies the

Service (DaaS) solution that leverages Samsung’s

CieloVision platform, featuring KYAI, will use

selection and integration process, ensuring accuracy

VXT technology. By integrating CieloVision’s KYAI

computer vision and AI to analyze consumer

and efficiency. This strategic partnership delivers a

(Know Your Audience Intelligence) for real-time

sentiment, dwell time, and behavior patterns,

streamlined workflow and enhances the overall AV

enabling hyper-targeted advertising campaigns

design experience.

with measurable ROI. “We’re thrilled to bring our SmartSigns vision

A new strategic alliance between Samsung and Cielo adds AI solutions to retail advertising and franchise operations.

6

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

Yamaha's browser-based ProVisionaire Plan allows users to enter basic information, such as the

to life with Samsung,” said Imre Szenttornyay,

dimensions of a room, then automatically chooses and

CEO of Cielo. “By combining Samsung’s leading-

arranges equipment to deliver an optimal audio

edge VXT platform with Cielo’s proprietary AI and

solution. The results are presented visually, including a

analytics, we’re delivering a fully integrated

3D view which allows investors to clearly imagine the

solution that helps businesses meet modern

system. XTEN-AV plans to integrate the room design

consumer demands. Our mission is to make

information created by ProVisionaire Plan to automate

AI-driven insights accessible to every franchise

and offer diverse proposals.

operator, fueling growth and innovation across retail sectors.”

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Contact us today to see how DisplayNet can move your next AV system into the future.

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With no headsets required, HMN's holograms can create communal experiences.

NEWS

Simon Malls Welcome Holographic Ad Network

H

ologram Media Network (HMN) has

today’s crowded media landscape.

launched the world’s first always-on

“Today’s consumers live in a

holographic advertising network, built

world where engaging with 3D

in collaboration with Proto Hologram. Featuring

experiences is becoming second

next-generation Proto Luma devices, the network

nature,” said James Andrew Felts, CEO

has already been deployed across 30 premier Simon

of HMN. "HMN elevates this trend by bringing

experiences, save them to personalized accounts, and

malls across the nation and merges the digital and

experiential media to real world spaces at scale,

reengage with interactive features. For example,

physical worlds in dynamic, interactive ways.

bridging the digital and physical spaces in ways that

viewers of the Sonic The Hedgehog 3 showcase could

The network offers limited advertising

match changing customer expectations. Our vision is

scan a QR code to unlock an AR scene with characters

inventory, featuring 3D creative advertising

not just to present holograms but to create a

for photos and further engagement.

programmed alongside exclusive IP content

dynamic ecosystem where customers can interact

The Proto Luma, Proto’s latest innovation,

collaborations. Each month's holographic

with digital content in the real world."

powers the HMN network. Designed for retail, the

show is curated with captivating

HMN represents a leap forward in the

Luma is more compact and cost-effective than

storytelling from major studios,

digital out-of-home (DOOH) space.

Proto’s flagship Epic, while still delivering vivid 3D

creators, artists, and influencers, as

Unlike conventional 3D illusions or

holograms. Its integration with Proto’s proprietary

well as live interactive hologram

anamorphic screens, HMN offers

AI Persona tools and RetailSage fleet management

events with celebrities. For

holographic experiences that are

system ensures seamless operation at scale.

example, the charter content

3D—and with no headsets or special

showcase featured an exclusive

equipment needed, the technology

featuring celebrities, influencers and brand

experience for Sonic the Hedgehog 3,

can create communal experiences.

ambassadors. In December, for example, comedian

immersing customers in a lifelike 3D

HMN plans to expand the network to

Howie Mandel interacted with shoppers in real-time

HMN and Proto will execute monthly live events

encounter with the beloved character

150 Proto units by the end of 2025.

via hologram, turning a routine outing into an

and his team.

“Together with HMN, we’re not just

extraordinary experience.

Early data highlights the effectiveness of HMN’s installations, with viewers engaging with holograms for an average of 24 seconds—more than

Proto investor Paris Hilton is seen on one of the new holographic displays that have been deployed in Simon malls.

500% higher than video dwell times on leading social media platforms like TikTok. This

delivering ads," said David Nussbaum, founder

"Hologram Media Network represents the next

of Proto, "we’re creating personal, unforgettable

frontier of engagement for Simon," said Dennis

moments at scale. This is a new era for

Tietjen, SVP of business development at Simon.

interactive media, where the lines between the

"We’re excited to collaborate on bringing this

digital and physical worlds disappear."

revolutionary technology to our properties,

Augmented reality (AR) is core to HMN's offering,

transforming the way brands connect with

extended watch time underscores the ability of

seamlessly integrated into holographic promotions

shoppers and delivering an unparalleled experience

HMN’s holograms to command attention in

and content shows. Viewers can unlock exclusive AR

for our guests."

L-Acoustics, Treble Technologies Announce Partnership

I

n February, L-Acoustics announced its participation in Treble Technologies’ Series A funding round, alongside a strategic partnership between the two

with greater confidence and precision.

“We are proud to partner with one of the world’s

achieves detailed calculations up to 100 times faster than conventional solutions, enabling partners to

leading audio technology companies," said Finnur

analyze and optimize sound behavior more

companies. The collaboration unites two industry

Pind, co-founder and CEO at Treble Technologies.

comprehensively and efficiently.

leaders in a shared mission to transform how audio

"The rising trend of virtual prototyping using

professionals design and optimize sound experiences.

simulations and synthetic data is transforming our

perfectly complements our commitment to delivering

industry, and by joining forces with L-Acoustics, we

exceptional sound experiences,” noted Guillaume Le

expertise with Treble’s acoustic modeling technology,

can accelerate this transformation to create better

Nost, executive director of R&D, research, and

the brands are creating a more powerful and efficient

sounding spaces worldwide."

Innovation at L-Acoustics. “By integrating our

By combining L-Acoustics’ sound system

workflow for their partners, from venue acoustics to

Particularly in the low-frequency domain, Treble’s

“Treble’s approach to room acoustics simulation

expertise, we’ll enhance our clients’ ability to

system design. The partnership represents a

wave-based simulation technology addresses

optimize system performance while accounting for

significant advancement in giving sound designers the

complex acoustic phenomena including diffraction,

room acoustics—ultimately creating more impactful

tools needed to create exceptional audio experiences

phase effects, and wave interference. Its hybrid solver

audio experiences for audiences worldwide.”

8

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

NEWS AMS PICTURES

LD Systems Expands Texas Presence Houston-based LD Systems, which was acquired by Clair Global in January, has expanded its presence in Texas by acquiring the sound, lighting, video, rigging, and backline equipment inventory of Onstage Systems, a longtime production services company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“Onstage Systems has been a proud part of the DFW live event community for decades,” said Hyacinth Belcher, co-owner of Onstage Systems.

“My father started this company in the 1970s, and my brother Chris and I have had the honor of running

Apantac TAHOMA multiviewers have been a staple at Texas-based AMS Pictures for 15 years.

it for many years. As we close this chapter, we are grateful that LD Systems is stepping in to fill the void

Apantac Multiviewers Power AMS Pictures

Onstage is leaving behind.”

By Wayne Cavadi

across Texas with our new Dallas branch,”

I

“I remember our research back in 2010 to select

To support its growing presence in the region, LD Systems has opened a new facility in Dallas, led

by Tyler Johnston, a seasoned live event industry leader and former Onstage Systems employee.

“I’m excited to join LD in expanding their network

a multiviewer system for our facility,” Harrell

Johnston said. “Connecting this regional group to

continued. “We knew that once we selected one, we

Clair Global’s international network really opens

n 1982, Andy Streitfeld took a $30,000 loan from

would be committed for many years to come. I

our potential.”

his grandmother and founded AMS Productions

didn’t realize that it would still be going strong 15

LD Systems is also working closely with Clair

in the spare bedroom of his Bedford, TX, home.

years later in 2025, but here we are. We selected

Global’s existing Dallas office, reinforcing

More than four decades and a name change later,

Apantac because it had the best picture quality

collaboration and resource-sharing. Plus, LD

AMS Pictures continues to offer video production

when scaling the source video. It also had an open

Systems has integrated the rigging equipment

and studio rentals in the Dallas area, while also

API to integrate with custom software.”

inventory from Phoenix Rigging, a longtime

producing original documentaries and unscripted

Today, the heart of AMS Pictures TOC and

TV programs. Since 2010, Apantac has been a force

three control rooms on the live production side

LA. This rigging inventory is now based in LD

behind all that the company does.

use nine frames of the Apantac TAHOMA

Systems’ Houston location, allowing for expanded

multiviewers in various configurations, together

rigging services throughout the region. Phoenix

attracted clients like Texas Instruments, Ross Perot,

providing about 100 multiviewer inputs feeding

Rigging will continue to provide rigging personnel,

and ABC Radio over the years, and its original

25 multiviewer monitors.

maintaining its commitment to the industry.

The full-service production company has

programming has been featured on Reelz, Showtime,

“Going through our service and spare parts sales

production support provider based in Baton Rouge,

With these developments, Clair Global now has

History, Velocity, Bio, HGTV, Food Network, and The

records, I found that over the past 15 years, [AMS

five locations across Texas, further solidifying its

Cooking Channel. In 2010, AMS Pictures reached a

Pictures] has incurred only $830 in maintenance

investment in the local market. Clients can expect

turning point as it began its switch to HD. Having the

costs," said Thomas Tang, founder and president of

the same service they have relied on from Onstage

right gear is imperative—and the first big change

Apantac. "This case exemplifies how our

Systems in the past, now provided by the expertise,

was converting to KVM systems, a trend that

technologies have enabled significantly extended

resources, and reach of LD Systems and Clair Global.

continues to grow in production houses in 2025.

equipment life, demonstrating the value of

Bret Harrell, COO of AMS Pictures, called KVM “essential to the operation” of his team’s HD

investing in reliable, future-proof solutions.”

Harrell pointed to the Apantac customer support

productions. “All of the PCs and Macs in our TOC and

as a primary reason this collaboration continues a

control rooms are on one large KVM system,”

decade-and-a-half later. He recounted a time that

explained Harrell. “We have about 15 terminals and

Tang himself worked with him and his engineers to

16 computers on our KVM. This allows us to be very

revise software.

efficient and use any PC from any position in any [of the three] control room.”

Next came the multiviewers, which established a

“I will say that this level of support makes it an easy decision to continue to purchase and use their products,” Harrell added. “I have found that most

relationship with Apantac that continues today. “We

vendors want to close out customer support cases as

saw the advent of multiviewers become popular in the

quickly as possible with the least amount of work.

2000s, with many facilities upgrading to multiviewers

Not the case with Apantac. They seem to understand

during renovations,” Harrell recalled. “When we fully

that if they listen to their customers, they can

upgraded AMS to HD in 2010, using multiviewers was

actually improve their products and make them

really the only economical and practical option.

better for everyone.”

10

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

Shure Celebrates 100 Years of Pro Audio Innovation

S

hure is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of pioneering innovation,

•

quality, and an unyielding commitment

to audio excellence. Its products are now sold in more than 120 countries and have been used by such luminaries as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Elvis Presley, Nelson Mandela, The Beatles, and others.

SM58 Microphone (1966): The Shure SM58

•

IntelliMix Room (2020): The audio processing software revolutionized the AV industry by optimizing audio conferencing with advanced DSP algorithms.

•

ShureCloud (2024): The cloud-based centralized management platform is designed to

became an industry standard for live vocal

streamline control and monitoring of Shure

performance microphones, known for its

products.

durability and reliable sound quality.

•

S.N. Shure started the company in downtown

Over the past 100 years, Shure has introduced First Integrated Wireless System (1990s): The

products that have become staples in the audio

introduction of the Shure UHF (Ultra-High

industry. The Shure SM58 microphone, known for

Frequency) wireless systems brought more

its durability and reliability, has remained the top

Chicago in 1925 selling radio parts kits. In 1932,

reliable and higher quality wireless audio

choice for vocal performances worldwide. The SM7B

Shure became one of only a few U.S. microphone

transmission.

vocal microphone has equally earned a

manufacturers with the introduction of its Model 33N. Since then, the company has grown into a global technology leader, offering a diverse portfolio of

•

distinguished reputation, renowned in broadcast, Axient Digital Wireless System (2016): This system introduced innovative features such as

recording, and podcasting industries.

Long before wireless technology became popular

game-changing wired and wireless microphones,

interference detection and avoidance,

in the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless

conferencing and meeting solutions, and personal

quadversity, and advanced connectivity options,

microphone in 1953, the Vagabond 88. The company

and professional listening products. Over its

setting a new benchmark for wireless

introduced digital wireless in 2011, and today, Shure

100-year history, more than 50,000 different

microphone performance.

digital wireless microphones are used across the

electronics products have been developed by Shure.

Here is a short timeline of highlights:

•

•

•

First Phonograph Cartridge (1937): Shure’s

•

world, from sporting events and global concert tours MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone (2016):

to top business conferences. Shure’s commitment to

Conference rooms were enhanced with

enhancing audio has led to significant advances in

development of the first phonograph cartridge

this precise audio capture option that inspired a

wireless technology, demonstrated by the evolution

established the company as a leader in high-

whole new line of ceiling array microphones.

of its reliable wireless microphone systems such as

fidelity audio.

Axient Digital.

Unidyne Microphone (1939): The Unidyne

engineering centers dedicated to product development

Model 55 was the first single-element

and software excellence: Niles, IL; Copenhagen,

unidirectional mic, providing better sound

Denmark; Suzhou, China; Edinburgh, Scotland; and

isolation and reducing feedback, making it a

Hyderabad, India. Shure’s deep experience in acoustics

popular choice for broadcast and live

design and software innovation comes together in

performance.

products like its AONIC line of Bluetooth headphones,

Today, the company supports five global

professional content creation gear like the MV88+ video First Handheld Wireless Microphone System

kit, and MV7+ podcast mic. Plus, its growing enterprise

(1953): Shure introduced the Vagabond 88,

communication portfolio, the Microflex Ecosystem,

enhancing the way performers and presenters operated on stage.

From Elvis to the Super Bowl, Shure microphones have been part of the audio landscape for a century.

brings high-end audio quality to boardrooms, government, and educational institutions.

LG Acquires Majority Stake in Bear Robotics In an effort to advance its robotics capabilities, LG

John Ha, will remain in place to ensure stable business

Electronics has secured a majority stake in Bear

continuity and will continue to focus on creating

Robotics, a Silicon Valley-based startup specializing in

synergies in LG’s commercial robot business.

AI-driven autonomous service robots. This acquisition

LG aims to expand its presence in the commercial

aligns with LG’s strategy to strengthen its presence in

robot market through Bear Robotics while

the robotics sector, a key growth area for the company.

concurrently leveraging its AI and manufacturing

LG previously secured a 21% stake in the company

expertise to reinforce its home and industrial robot

last year. In January, LG’s board of directors exercised

businesses. Founded in 2017, Bear Robotics has

a call option to acquire an additional 30% stake in

gained recognition for its AI-powered indoor delivery

Bear Robotics. Upon completion of the call option

robots, and is noted for its expertise in distributed

exercise, LG will hold a controlling 51% stake in Bear

multi-robot control, remote fleet management

Robotics, effectively incorporating it as a subsidiary.

system, and AI-powered robot platform.

As part of this strategic move, LG’s commercial

LG is strengthening its presence in the robotics sector.

“This additional investment underscores our

strategy officer, LG Electronics. “We will persist in

robot business, primarily centered around LG CLOi

dedication to positioning robots as a pivotal growth

driving innovation across all sectors of robotics,

Robots, will be integrated with Bear Robotics. The key

engine for the company, reflecting our belief in their

encompassing commercial, industrial, and home

management team of Bear Robotics, including CEO

inevitable role in the future,” said Sam-soo Lee, chief

applications.”

12

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

The majority of survey respondents said workplace flexibility is critical.

GETTY IMAGES

Diversified Survey: Companies Underinvesting in Workforce Technologies

A

pparently, most workers prefer their own

workspaces to boost creativity, security, productivity,

tech, thank you very much. However, that's

and retention. Notably, 73% of CEOs seek ways to

Those results have important implications for

not a good thing, as it opens up companies

repurpose office space, while 83% of leaders are

productivity as well as employee satisfaction and

interested in adding public-use areas.

retention. An estimated 27% of U.S. employees quit in

to cybersecurity and compliance issues.

New research from global technology solutions

their tech causes delays.

“People naturally seek in-person connection, but

2023, according to the Society for Human Resource

provider Diversified reveals that companies are

requiring work from an isolated cube or room offers

Management (SHRM), and lack of work-life balance

underinvesting in workforce technologies such as

no more collaboration than working from home," Eric

was among the top three reasons why.

videoconferencing tools, collaboration platforms, and

Hutto, CEO, Diversified. "Mandating office returns

advanced production and broadcast solutions—and

erodes trust and loyalty. Organizations should instead

technologies amplify voices and enable flexible work,

that puts productivity and employee well-being at risk.

create engaging spaces and a gradual and flexible

expanding opportunities for a broader talent pool.

increase of purposeful in-office time.”

Notably, the Department of Labor reports that the

The Diversified Technology Maturity Survey of more than 1,600 U.S. employees found 89% of

Modern AV solutions and collaboration

Since the arrival of generative AI, most workplace

number of disabled adults participating in the labor

workers use their own devices or apps for work due to

technology conversations have focused on

better ease of use compared to company-provided

productivity. But workplace technology is also

options. Nearly as many (88%) say their company’s

deeply connected to the human experience.

said they feel stronger connections with their

tech limits creativity and problem solving, which is

“The culture of work is changing, and

children when working from home, better

also a massive liability for businesses.

Eric Hutto

market has doubled over the last five years due to hybrid work. Nearly all survey respondents (92%)

workplace technology is a big driver of this

supporting their emotional and educational

With globally dispersed teams relying on

change,” said Jason Kornweiss, SVP of

needs.

collaboration tools, technologies, and broadcast

advisory services, Diversified. “Now,

events, 77% of survey respondents said they work for

workplace structures must be fit-for-purpose,

companies offering hybrid work options. The vast

and workplace technology needs to power

employee-employer contract,” Hutto noted.

majority (92%) split their work weeks between the

experience, satisfaction, and productivity,

“Now people have different expectations,

office and remote locations—something most prefer.

regardless of where people work.”

“The necessity for remote and hybrid work over the last five years rewrote the

technology continues to evolve, and it’s

A strong majority said workplace flexibility is

According to 60% of respondents,

critical, with 86% considering it when job hunting,

technology integration issues adversely

and new tech-enabled experiences that

and 49% willing to sacrifice pay for hybrid work.

affect their work-life balance, while 76%

bring people together—whomever and

Even more leaders (69%) would do the same.

feel that they must be online at all times and

The survey also uncovered a desire to reinvent

24% of those working late said it’s because

time to embrace fit-for-purpose structures

wherever they are—and keep them coming Jason Kornweiss

AVI-SPL Launches ‘Confidence and Curiosity’ Brand Campaign

A

celebrates these breakthroughs and the role we play in turning curiosity into actionable, measurable results."

Rooted in AVI-SPL’s mission to elevate experiences and create new value, "Confidence and

VI-SPL has launched a new brand cam-

Curiosity" emphasizes the symbiotic relationship

paign, "Confidence and Curiosity," to

between these two principles. Confidence in a reliable

embody the company's commitment to

technology foundation inspires organizations to

helping organizations ignite confidence in their

explore bold ideas, while curiosity about emerging

UCC technology strategies while inspiring curios-

possibilities drives innovation and growth. Together,

ity to explore new possibilities. The company is

they form a cycle of continuous improvement that

rolling out the campaign with fresh messaging

positions businesses for long-term success.

and a refreshed visual identity across multiple

"Our 'Confidence and Curiosity' campaign

channels in 2025, including its website. Its new

reflects the heart of what we do," added Dale

brand design features a vibrant color palette with

Bottcher, chief revenue officer of AVI-SPL. "Every

dynamic graphics that symbolize movement,

question answered, every challenge overcome, and

adaptability, and progress.

every step forward deepens customer confidence—

"When confidence and curiosity meet, true AVI-SPL's new brand campaign features vibrant colors and dynamic graphics.

back.”

not only in their technology selection but in their

transformation happens," said John Zettel, CEO of

ability to make bold decisions and achieve

AVI-SPL. "When our customers trust their

extraordinary results. It’s a tribute to our

technology to perform seamlessly, they gain the

customers’ bold vision and the trust they place in us

freedom to ask, 'What’s next?' This campaign

to bring it to life."

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

13

NEWS

Extron Helps Transform School Library Space

T

he recently renovated Sister Mary Kieran

video wall to an LED direct view display for the new

Memorial Library at Santa Catalina School,

library, the modularity of the Extron Quantum Ultra

layout for their application.

The Quantum Ultra processor’s five-slot frame

a Catholic boarding and day school for

processor allowed the design to be easily updated,”

is configured with HDMI input and DTP twisted pair

girls grades 9-12 in Monterey, CA, was designed

said Chris Burford, CTS, AV designer/estimator at

output cards. It accepts AV signals directly from

to be more than simply a repository for books.

EKC Enterprises. “With a simple reconfiguration,

HDMI sources, and an Extron USB switcher converts

Instead, it's a dynamic, tech-enabled learning

the processor delivers the required windowed

computer USB signals to HDMI. EDID and output

hub, blending modern AV technology with flexible

content with signal integrity and at top speed.”

resolution are set to match the FusionMAX video

spaces for study, collaboration, and videocon-

Extron’s Vector 4K scaling technology ensures

wall and its native 1080p resolution.

ferencing. At the heart of this transformation

content is displayed at the highest quality and

For AV system control, an Extron 7-inch

is an Extron Quantum Ultra processor, which

seamlessly scales visuals across the video wall.

TouchLink Pro touchpanel, mounted on the wall

powers a new LED video wall, redefining the way

The Quantum Ultra processor’s reliable performance

next to the display, is paired with an IP Link Pro

students and faculty connect and collaborate.

and flexible windowing capabilities allow the library

control processor in the room's equipment rack.

to support everything from high-end

The touch interface is customized and equally

was slated for a 3x3 video wall that accepted content

videoconferencing to student club meetings, creating

suitable for novice and experienced users.

from a variety of rack-mounted and connected

a multi-functional,

HDMI and USB source devices. Control needed to be

adaptable space for a range

intuitive. Videoconferencing was part of the original

of activities.

The AV system in the videoconferencing room

design goals, allowing participants to see one

Along with flexible

another and share content simultaneously.

windowing capabilities, the

Integration firm EKC Enterprises was selected to

Quantum Ultra delivers a

design and install a video wall system that would

seamless image scaled across

meet the school's requirements. From concept to

the entire canvas, such as

commissioning, the project was completed in seven

during a student club

months. It's built around a Primeview

meeting. Extron’s Vector 4K

FusionMAX FHD PRO 138-inch LED display driven

scaling technology controls

by an Extron Quantum Ultra 305 video wall

image upscaling and

processor. AV and control signals are sent over

downscaling. EKC's

shielded CATx cable using DTP transmitters and

integration team

receivers. The AV system components and various

programmed multiple

sources are rack-mounted within the adjoining

presets into the system,

conference room's equipment closet.

making it easy for users to

“When the school decided to switch from a 3x3

select the optimal window

The video wall within the Sister Mary Kieran Memorial Library at Santa Catalina School enables students to experience collaboration on a professional scale.

AtlasIED Updates Audio Clarity at Philadelphia Courthouse The Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice is a 30-year-old, 17-story courthouse located in Philadelphia that serves as the main criminal courthouse for the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. With the original AV systems

The Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice completed a major audio upgrade, complete with ceiling speakers (inset) in its 65 courtrooms.

infrastructure hurdles, Houser’s phased rollout enabled the team to make necessary adjustments, providing considerable flexibility for long-running court cases.

Another feature of the upgrade included HDMI

becoming problematic, it recently completed a major

table grommets, which enabled attorneys to display

audio upgrade to address outdated and

evidence from their laptops. To accomplish this,

problematic AV systems in its 65 courtrooms

Houser’s team installed fiber optic HDMI cables

with help from Houser Audio and AtlasIED.

through the floor, effectively protecting the cables

“Crystal-clear audio is critical in

and eliminating tripping hazards.

courtrooms,” said Andre Houser, president of

During the installation process, Houser’s team

Houser Audio. “Poor or muffled audio can bias

received praise from court personnel who noted the

an audience. Everyone needs to hear what’s being

larger ceremonial courtrooms. Given the

improved audio clarity and functionality. The rollout

said so that there’s no misinterpretation and

proliferation of microphones in each courtroom, the

plan was also advantageous for Houser’s team,

everything is recorded properly. If they don't

audio systems were configured as a matrixed

because it allowed them to make necessary

clearly hear all of the information, the results

mix-minus solution to minimize feedback.

adjustments and apply them to future rooms.

could be catastrophic.”

Houser Audio’s team installed 12 AtlasIED FC104T

Given the mission-critical nature of the

“We’ve been AtlasIED dealers for over 10 years,”

courthouse, the original schedule was for seven

said Houser. “Going with AtlasIED speakers for this

ceiling speakers in each of the 51 standard

weeks of installation, completing two courtrooms a

job just made so much sense. The performance was

courtrooms throughout the building, while 15

day—a challenging timeline, but one which Houser

great, and they also had all 600 loudspeakers in stock,

loudspeakers were installed in each of the three

Audio successfully met. Despite some initial

which is unheard of. I love working with them.”

14

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

NEWS

Pro AV Growth Lifts as Uncertainty Poses Challenge

By Peter Hansen

F

these measures, and the lack of

imposing the previously postponed Canada and Mexico

clarity about the business

tariffs (which were, ultimately, mostly postponed

landscape in the coming

again). These days saw the S&P fall by 3%, highlighting

months, are major challenges

the market’s overall dissatisfaction with the ongoing

and barriers to growth.

trade turmoil.

Providers don’t know what

The AV Employment Index (AVI-E) stayed

prices to promise, and end

unchanged at 55.3 in February. Last month, the AVI-E of

users don’t know how to

55.3 was a bright spot in clear contrast to the low AVI-S.

budget for upcoming project

There is still some of that sentiment since typically the

costs. Unfortunately, the

AVI-E is closer to 50 than the AVI-S (employment

uncertainty seems unlikely to

changes more slowly than sales), but overall, the two

abate, as the cycle of

indexes are now roughly aligned. They are both telling a

announcing and then

story of slow but still meaningful growth.

postponing tariffs on Mexico

and Canada is set to continue into April.

The primary impact of tariffs is on prices: The

In the wider economy, the U.S. labor market saw the addition of 151,000 jobs, a decent level that did not stop the unemployment rate from ticking up a tenth of

ebruary saw a welcome rebound in the Pro AV

channel pays a significant tax as the equipment

a percent to 4.1%. Employment is a well-known

Sales Index (AVI-S), with a 2.9-point increase

crosses the relevant border, then must recoup at least

lagging indicator, so any fallout from tariffs and

from 51.1 to 54.0. While this is clearly a posi-

some of that cost from the end user. Unfortunately,

uncertainty would not be expected to factor in fully for

tive development, the negative aspect is that 54.0 is

there are also secondary growth effects from tariffs. In

a few months at least.

slow growth by Pro AV’s high standards.

the United States, the growth impact of the tariffs can

For example, the index only had one month lower

The Pro AV Business Index report is derived from a

be seen in equity markets, where the S&P 500 is now

monthly survey of the AVIXA Insights Community, a

than 54.0 in the 42 months of pre-pandemic data.

down from Election Day—a very unusual result for a

research community of industry members that tracks

Still, a solid acceleration is more than welcome. This is

Republican president.

business trends in commercial AV. For more

made more positive given the headwinds coming in the form of tariffs and the related uncertainty.

Commenters told us in no uncertain terms that

This impact can be seen more acutely in the first two

information about joining the AVIXA Insights

days of the first week of March, when it became clear

Community, visit www.avixa.org/AVIP.

that the Trump administration would indeed be

Peter Hansen is an economist at AVIXA.

PEOPLE NEWSMAKERS STARIN announced a new partnership with ABSEN.

West Coast-based live event

serve as the new CEO for Group

This strategic collaboration

production and systems

One, in addition to carrying on

expands Starin’s product

integration services provider 3G

his current role as managing

portfolio and delivers

PRODUCTIONS has bolstered its

director for DiGiCo. As CEO of

advanced LED solutions to the North American

sales staff with two recent hires:

Group One, Freshwater oversees

market. Together, Starin and Absen are poised to

SEBASATIAN YEPES as director

Rep Report

meet the increasing demand for LED technology,

Sebastian Yepes

of accounts and JUAN SEGOVIA

all sales, marketing, and Austin Freshwater

support teams for each of the

providing customers with innovative solutions,

as account manager. Yepes is

distributor’s pro audio and

support, and a commitment to excellence.

responsible for growing 3G’s

lighting brands across the

business on the East Coast and in

United States. In tandem with

B-TECH AV MOUNTS announced a new

the touring market, especially

Freshwater’s appointment,

distribution agreement with Florida-based DATA

within the Latin music industry,

SOLID STATE LOGIC, a key

TECH, which will distribute B-Tech products

where 3G already has a solid

brand in the Group One portfolio, has appointed RICK

throughout Central and South America. Operating

Juan Segovia

from Miami, Data Tech was established in 1996

expand. Segovia is leveraging his relationships and

NAQVI to the position of SVP, sales, where he is

and specialized in the distribution of original

deepening 3G’s footprint on the East Coast, assisting

responsible for the sales of all SSL hardware

supplies from leading printing brands for the

Yepes to support their shared client base. Segovia is

products in the United States and Mexico, including

Latin American and Caribbean markets. Over the

also tasked with handling 3G’s growing used

recording, broadcast, live, and audio creation

past 29 years, Data Tech has also built a large

equipment sales business.

products (ACP). Naqvi most recently served as VP of

presence and is looking to

network of clients throughout Central and South

Rick Naqvi

sales for PreSonus Audio Electronics.

America, and has become a master dealer for

A.C. PROMEDIA, distributor of

Latin America for tech solutions brands such as

products and solutions for the

SHOTOKU BROADCAST

Samsung, Ecoflow, and Nitrotel.

commercial and Pro AV

SYSTEMS has named CLIVE

installation markets, appointed

MUMBY as robotics product

UTELOGY announced its partnership with

KURT METZLER as business

manager and VISHAL

ASCENTAE, a technology distributor in the U.K.

development manager. In his new

KAGDADA to Mumby’s former

Ascentae specializes in delivering innovative

Kurt Metzler

workplace solutions that enhance collaboration

expanding the company’s presence by cultivating

and productivity. Integrating Utelogy’s

strong relationships with key accounts, providing

manager, Mumby’s 30-plus

advanced technology management software into

comprehensive training to clients and sales

year career in both commercial

its portfolio, Ascentae will continue to work with

representatives, and uncovering new growth

and operational television

workplace brands to build ecosystems that

opportunities. Additionally, he works closely with the

environments positions him to

enable organizations to improve operational

supply chain department to streamline order

drive Shotoku’s ongoing

efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

processing and support marketing initiatives by

TECNEC DISTRIBUTING and VIGILLINK

role, Metzler focuses on

role of sales manager. Following Clive Mumby

seven years as Shotoku’s sales

product development. Kagdada,

representing the company at tradeshows, promotional

Vishal Kagdada

events, and product demonstrations.

sales manager in 2021, plays a role in supporting and

announced a new partnership designed to

who joined Shotoku as technical

growing Shotoku’s global customer base, drawn

expand TecNec’s offerings with VigilLink’s

BOSE PROFESSIONAL has

from some of the highest profile national and

AV-over-IP solutions. This collaboration aims

appointed RICK RENNER as

international broadcasters and governments.

to deliver AV products to system integrators,

regional sales manager for the

dealers, and rental houses across the Pro AV,

Central U.S. region and TIM

RAYMOND YEUNG is taking

broadcast, and pro audio industries. TecNec will

VALLEY as regional sales

over the role of standards vice

distribute VigilLink’s full line of products.

manager for the Western U.S.

president for SMPTE. Yeung is

region. Renner joins Bose

the head of content standards at

Professional with more than 20

Amazon MGM Studios

Rick Renner

years of experience in the

Bryan Bradley

Technology, where he is focused

BRYAN BRADLEY has joined

professional audio industry. He

Raymond Yeung

L-ACOUSTICS as CEO Americas.

has held leadership roles at

supply chain. With extensive experience in digital

He now oversees all the

Sennheiser and Shure, where he

visual effects and film mastering, he joined the HDR

manufacturer’s North, Central,

most recently served as U.S.

imaging development effort at Dolby Laboratories in

senior director of professional

2012. Yeung is a SMPTE Life Fellow and a member of

and South American operations,

Tim Valley

and shares his time between the

audio. Valley also brings more than 20 years of

global hub in Westlake Village,

experience in sales and management in the

on advancements in the media

the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

CA, and a new Americas operations and creative hub in

professional audio industry. He has held key positions

SOUNDTUBE has added SARAH

Nashville, TN. Bradley recently spent six years serving

at Shure and BrightSign, where he most recently

CHAUVIN as a sales engineer.

as the president of Group One Limited, the New

served as director of commercial sales.

With nearly two decades of

York-based U.S. distributor for DiGiCo, Calrec, Solid

experience in the music and audio

State Logic, Sound Devices, and several other pro

Long Island, NY-based GROUP ONE LIMITED

audio and lighting manufacturers. Prior to that he held

announced several key changes to its management

multiple executive management positions at Harman.

team. AUSTIN FRESHWATER has been appointed to

16

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

industry, Chauvin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her Sarah Chauvin

new role, and has earned

NEWSMAKERS PEOPLE

AVI Systems Announces Five Senior Leadership Promotions AVI Systems has promoted five leaders from

units in the United States, fostering continuity

and Managed Services teams to ensure alignment

within the company as part of the company’s

and collaboration, driving regional growth, and

across all service lines and adoption of standards

strategic evolution to support rapid growth and

aligning to AVI’s value proposition.

and best practices. This represents an expansion

further position itself as a trusted, strategic

of Safranski’s current role as VP of managed

advisor to its customers. To manage continued

SHANNON O’REILLY and ROLAND SCHLEGEL

growth, AVI Systems evolved its operational

will both serve as new SVPs reporting to Bagnell.

leadership structure, ensuring the company has

In their new roles, the long-time AVI regional

KEITH YANDELL has been promoted to SVP of

the right leaders in place to drive innovation,

leaders expand their oversight and support in

innovation. In this role, Yandell continues to

implement best practices across the company’s

existing regions, mentoring regional and area

oversee the Practice Team, emerging

locations, and scale to meet growing customer

VPs, driving strategic growth plans, and ensuring

technologies and offerings, and AVI’s own

demand.

best practices.

Innovation Vault, which is showcased at each AVI

services.

LIVE event held nationally. In addition, he is JOHN BAGNELL has been promoted to EVP. In

MICHAEL SAFRANSKI has been named SVP of

establishing a new vision for AVI’s customer

this role, he oversees all AVI regional business

operations. He leads AVI’s Integration, Delivery,

experience centers.

numerous industry certifications. Her experience in

Alexander joins Zixi with decades of experience

Americas. There, he crafted a

developing technical sales materials and teams,

leading strategy, product, and marketing to lead

transformative strategy that

particularly during her tenure at Biamp, has honed her

messaging, packaging, thought leadership, and

established the company in the

skills in design engineering and technical training. Her

education to simplify and accelerate the journey of

global electronics and software

responsibilities at SoundTube include creating

customers to take advantage of IP-based live video

display industry, resulting in

product training/webinars, customer/technical

sizable increases in revenue

training, and assisting as an additional technical

DATAPATH has reinforced its

Todd Bouman

resource to reps and customers.

senior management team with

Bouman is tasked with driving exponential growth

the appointment of MARK

for hologram-sector creator Proto, drawing from

WHARFEDALE PRO welcomed

SLINGER as VP product

his vast experiences working at global tech

MARKO JANANOVIĆ to its

management. Slinger brings 26

companies in the consumer and commercial

years of experience in product

hardware and services industry to drive

management and a strong

exponential growth for Proto.

International Application and

Marko Jovanović

Solutions team. Based in China,

Mark Slinger

Jovanović supports local

background in technology

customers while contributing to

and SaaS leadership. He

the team’s global strength.

has held senior roles at

Jovanović has extensive experience as a live sound

organizations such as

engineer, specializing in FOH and stage monitor

Alderley and Iothic. At

mixing for events and festivals in Eastern Europe

Datapath, he collaborates

before continuing his career in China since 2015. He

with internal teams,

also brings R&D experience, having developed

external partners, and

professional audio and consumer devices like live PA

customers to drive

systems and studio monitors.

innovative solutions that support the company’s

Josh Wiggins

ZIXI has appointed JOSH

business objectives.

WIGGINS as chief commercial

Slinger's role includes

officer and KRIS ALEXANDER as

working closely with

VP of product and industry

Datapath’s customers to

marketing. Wiggins brings more

develop technologies that

than 25 years of experience

bring data-driven benefits

across the media and

to working practices..

entertainment ecosystem, and

Kris Alexander

now leads Zixi’s go-to-market

PROTO welcomed TODD

strategy, business development,

BOUMAN as CEO. The

sales operations, and

electronics industry

partnerships, ensuring that

veteran was most

customers and partners can

recently president, CEO,

maximize efficiency and

and chair of Sharp/NEC

revenue opportunities with Zixi’s technology.

Display Solutions,

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

17

and doubling of profits.

PEOPLE EXECUTIVE Q&A

Success in the ‘Space Between’ MultiDyne Pivots to Pro AV with Fiber Transport Solutions

Frank Jachetta Position: President Company: MultiDyne Overtime: In my spare time, I play golf and guitar, but I also have been known to dabble in building guitar effects and have recently been playing around with a

By Mark J. Pescatore

that want to see their internally produced content to

microprocessor development platform.

look as high-quality and engaging as the broadcast content they watch at home. They want more than SCN: How long have you been with this company, and

what a conference room camera can offer, and that’s

intercampus and interfacility links, we can send 18

what are your responsibilities?

where MultiDyne comes in.

12G-SDIs over one single-mode fiber.

Frank Jachetta: I have been a part of MultiDyne since

But it’s not just the super high-end, as that is

the day my father, Vincent Jachetta, founded the

not always necessary in AV. Our VB Series is an

SCN: Are you seeing significant interest in 8K for live

company in 1976. I was in junior high at the time, and

ideal example of a product that is versatile to serve

production?

I would help my father assemble products in the

the needs of the AV community. These are

FJ: Yes, interest in 8K image capture has been

basement of our family home. I joined MultiDyne in a

configurable fiber transport solutions to serve any

growing and is going to increase in prominence as

formal role after college. It was still a family business

combination of video, audio, data, and Ethernet

storage and other production tools such as

at the time—as in my father, brother, myself, and one

signals. They are suitable for permanent installed

switchers, graphics systems, and encoders start to

other employee who remains with the company today.

AV systems and as temporary throwdowns to

support 8K. As in the past, camera and display

reduce reliance on copper connections.

manufacturers are leading the way and everything

As with any CEO, my responsibilities focus on the overall management, performance, and strategic

in the middle needs to evolve.

direction of the company. Having spent nearly 50

SCN: Even if you don’t necessarily need a longer cable

years with the company, I have been actively involved

run, how can Pro AV installations benefit from your

12G to achieve 8K60, MultiDyne has you covered.

in every part of the company at some point.

VB PTZ fiber extenders?

The next generation SilverBack fiber camera

Naturally, that means that some functions are closer

FJ: The VB Series, or Versatile Brix products, are just

adapter is set to support eight 12G-SDIs over the

to my heart than others. Product design and

that, extremely versatile. The product can be

SMPTE hybrid fiber connection. The SilverBack is

engineering is at the top of that list.

customized to a fine detail and supports power over

widely deployed in the enterprise space today for

SMPTE hybrid fiber along with POE++ for the latest

HD and 4K productions, and its universal design

SCN: So, MultiDyne is in the Pro AV business now … ?

generation PTZ cameras. The system supports

means the end user can pick the perfect camera

FJ: There was a tendency for some of the biggest

multiple 12G/3G signals as well as HDMI, so end

system for the job.

broadcast brands to look down at the AV industry.

users can support peripheral requirements such as

Today, some of these same brands are relying on AV

talent monitors, prompters, or utility transport of

SCN: What new Pro AV initiatives are we likely to see

to drive sales. AV has become a very mature and

other signals on set that need to get to and from the

from MultiDyne?

active market with strong opportunities.

control room.

FJ: We introduced our first IP Gateway products for

The good news is if your camera uses Quad-Link

MultiDyne has been in the broadcast business

Also, the VB series is used in a huge range of

since its inception. We evolved over time to become a

applications outside of PTZs. This includes the ability

last year. We also showed these at InfoComm and

leading brand and innovator for fiber optic transport.

to send 10 12G-SDIs from the machine room and output

there are use cases for the AV market, especially for

Our fiber products have always fit comfortably in the

10 HDMI 2.0s at the receive side or the other way

moving compressed JPEG-X signals onto these

“space between”—specifically, the production trucks

around if needed. A popular application for the VB is

networks. ST 2110 has very strict parameters when it

and in-house technicians that use our throwdown

the ability to send nine 1 GbE and or 10 GbE copper LAN

comes to what technologies and processes adhere to

products and remote powering devices for sports and

connections over one fiber, with all networks being

the standard, which is often too restrictive and

venue production. We have long-term customers that

optically isolated from each other. This makes network

expensive for the AV industry. Soon, we will

use these same products as interconnects on large

management a snap and can also meet network

introduce our first IPMX gateways, and our customers

corporate and university campuses. The reality is that

division security requirements on the same fiber.

can expect to see more IP-based products that use fiber

our technologies have always served AV applications.

moving SDI signals onto ST 2110 IP networks at NAB

optic interconnects to assist in managing a hybrid SCN: How important is 12G-SDI transport to the Pro

12G-SDI and IPMX/ST 2110 IP facility.

SCN: Would it be fair to say your new focus supports

AV industry?

the idea that Pro AV and broadcast technologies are

FJ: 12G-SDI has become increasingly important, as it

SCN: How can systems contractors better position

converging?

has become more affordable and easier to deploy. The

themselves to profit from products and/or services

FJ: Most definitely. As more video and audio systems

fact that it can support 4K60 with 16 channels of

you have to offer?

transition to IP networks, AV is increasingly conjoined

audio and various types of metadata make it a

FJ: Our most successful systems integrator partners

with broadcast workflows. They are no longer truly

comprehensive standard that is easy to manage. It

are just that, partners. They invest the time to

disparate markets. Looking beyond campus

can be somewhat distance limited over copper due to

understand our offerings—and once they

interconnects, we see an increasing number of

its high 12 Gbps bit rate and that is where fiber comes

understand the power of our solutions, they can

enterprise corporate customers coming to MultiDyne

in. We can easily transmit 12G over 10 km (roughly

easily address complicated and demanding

that are producing content at the same caliber of our

6.2 miles) of fiber and we have systems that can

requirements. This approach is then reutilized for

broadcast customers. We are working with executives

achieve 40 km of distance for metro applications. For

the next project and so on.

18

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

EXECUTIVE Q&A PEOPLE

Better Image Blending Scalable Display Technologies Celebrates 20th Anniversary with New Software Tools

James Pietsch Position: Director of Global Accounts Company: Scalable Display Technologies

By Mark J. Pescatore

SCN: Is edge blending a sort of set-it-and-forget-it technology or do clients need to manage their displays?

JP: Blended displays are dynamic systems that

Our core products are optimized for specific screen

SCN: How long have you been with this company, and

require ongoing maintenance. By their nature,

types, while Atlas is versatile and not restricted by

what are your responsibilities?

multi-channel setups must address issues like

geometry, making it ideal for a wide range of projection

James Pietsch: I got involved with Scalable right

projectors drifting out of alignment over time. It’s

mapping projects.

out of college. A friend of mine was interning there

inevitable that projectors will slowly come out of

at the time, and things moved quickly. I graduated

alignment, which creates a maintenance problem

SCN: How are ScalableDesktop and Scalable Display

on a Tuesday, met with the CEO that Thursday, and

and can incur additional costs after the project is

Manager different?

started the following week. I’ve been with Scalable

already commissioned.

JP: ScalableDesktop is designed for single-PC

for over 14 years, and my responsibilities revolve

That’s where tools like Scalable come in. We

solutions. It allows you to warp your Windows

around everything customer-facing. My focus is on

make realignment fast and simple—about 30

desktop, enabling you to run any Windows application

maintaining strong relationships and overseeing

seconds per projector with just the click of a mouse.

seamlessly across multiple projectors, whether it’s

the entire customer journey.

There are no ladders and no disassembling of the

Windows Media Player, PowerPoint, CAD

display. This allows clients to maintain their displays

applications, or even virtual walkthroughs of a

SCN: What technology put Scalable on the map?

daily with minimal cost and complexity, ensuring

building. As long as it’s Windows, it works.

JP: Our initial patents for camera-based calibration,

optimal performance over the long term. That’s the

developed at MIT in the early 90s, really put Scalable

true advantage of auto-alignment technology.

on the map. When Scalable was first founded, this

Scalable Display Manager is more complex and supports advanced system architectures. It’s typically used in host-client environments with

technology didn’t exist, and multi-projector,

SCN: What are the biggest vertical markets for

multiple rendering PCs or integrated with third-

multi-display setups for large-format displays were

Scalable?

party media servers like 7thSense and Pixera.

extremely complicated—almost a black art at the

JP: Our biggest vertical market is modeling,

Scalable Display Manager offers greater flexibility,

time. These kinds of systems were limited to niche

simulation, and training. This spans a wide range of

more ways to apply mesh files, and the capability to

industries, like VR caves or flight simulators, and

industries, including automotive, Formula One,

address a wider variety of system types compared to

were incredibly complex to implement. That core

maritime simulation, defense and military, fast jets,

ScalableDesktop.

patent and capability gained significant attention in

and more. It’s the core market we serve. The second-

our early days and set the foundation for our success.

largest market is museums and attractions, where we

SCN: How has Scalable been celebrating its 20th

Since then, we’ve expanded our products and projects

help create immersive experiences. The third key

anniversary?

in ways that have kept us on the map, moving beyond

vertical would be AR/VR, focusing on the next

JP: We’ve had an absolutely incredible year, so it feels

the original technology while continuing to innovate.

generation of caves and virtual production sets. While

like the market has been celebrating our 20th

these are a different category of displays, they still

anniversary even more than we have—which is a great

SCN: Many of today’s projectors have built-in edge

benefit significantly from auto-alignment and

way to celebrate! Internally, we’ve had a few company

blending tools, so what’s the selling point for

pixel-perfect precision.

events and parties, including a big end-of-year

Scalable’s solutions?

holiday celebration in December. We also released

JP: Manual warp and blend tools have been around

SCN: How important has edge blending become in

version 11 across the products as we continue to focus

for a long time. Still, the real value of Scalable lies in

today’s immersive simulation environments?

on reinvesting into the business and improving our

simplifying the setup process, extending system

JP: Edge blending has become absolutely essential in

client experience.

longevity, and improving accuracy by leveraging

today’s immersive simulation environments. As

camera-based calibration. Most importantly, Scalable

immersive experiences grow in demand, tiling multiple

SCN: What new initiatives are we likely to see from

ensures that the display continues to look its best

projectors is key to achieving that level of immersion. A

your company?

long after installation. When you rely on the

single 16:9 projector is inherently limited in creating a

JP: This year, Scalable is focused on enhancing our

projector’s built-in tools for manual alignment, it

truly immersive experience. With Scalable, there’s no

core products while introducing new software tools to

requires taking the display down, spending

limit to the number of projectors you can use or the

streamline the workflows of our partners. One exciting

significant time and having a trained professional

shapes you can create.

initiative is the addition of a design capability that

who understands those tools. Scalable eliminates

allows partners to validate system designs before

those challenges by automating the process with a

SCN: How does Scalable Atlas help with projection

installation. The design capability will integrate

camera, making it faster, easier, and more reliable.

mapping projects?

directly with our calibration software, enabling

JP: Scalable Atlas is our first 3D projection mapping

customers to arrive on-site with a pre-populated,

software, designed to handle any shape or object,

ready-to-use calibration setup tailored to their

whether it’s a statue, the façade of a building, or other

system. We’re also introducing new control software

complex geometries. What makes Atlas unique is its

called Commander, which will give customers the

ability to automatically calculate projector positions in

ability to manage hardware and software—from

3D space with incredible accuracy. It then creates warps

projectors and PCs to calibration tools—through a

for each projector based on those calculated locations.

single, user-friendly interface.

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

19

BUSINESS WORSHIP AV

Power and Vision JCA Media Provides AV Transformation for First Christian Church of Somerset

By Jennifer Guhl

W

hen the First Christian Church of

for the First Christian Church. “We usually dim the

things we couldn’t do was load a lot of stage I/O into

lights for prayers, and it got to the point where it

those floor boxes due to the limited size of the

looked dimmed all the time.”

conduit,” Peake explained.

Starting with lighting, JCA Media aimed to

Due to the small conduit sizes, JCA Media had to

Somerset in Somerset, KY, first con-

integrate an energy-efficient solution that would be

pursue custom solutions to accommodate the

nected with JCA Media, recognized for

easy for the in-house team of volunteers to operate.

necessary stage I/O. DSP tuning inside the LEA

its AV integration throughout Kentucky and houses

For lighting, 71 LED house lights were installed from

amplifiers were used to optimize audio performance,

of worship in particular, they did not foresee a

The Light Source, along with 16 Chauvet Ovation

while an Allen & Heath GX4816 stage box cleaned up

significant AV upgrade in their future. They were

E-260WW LED fixtures that offered bright output and

the FOH I/O and allowed for improved stage

primarily looking to repair their choir microphones

smooth dimming. The ChamSys Quick Q10 compact

connectivity, with two DX ports giving the capability

and floor pockets.

lighting console was selected for its icon-based

for two DX168 boxes to be placed on stage.

However, the project quickly evolved into a

interface, simplifying operation for volunteers. Doug

To address the outdated projector system, JCA

comprehensive AV transformation. JCA Media quickly

Fleener Design optical splitters and preset stations,

replaced the two front projectors with Epson

recognized the need for more thorough

plus a LynTec RPC remote control breaker panel, all

13,000-lumen laser projectors, which deliver bright,

improvements that would enhance the experience for

contributed to the seamless control of the system.

crisp imagery for any location in the room.

both service attendees and technology operators, all

According to Peake, the church was “not really

Additionally, two rear projectors were substituted

technically driven in terms of lighting. It just needs to

with an 86-inch LG commercial display to cover the

be super volunteer-friendly.” That mindset remained

visuals on the rear stage.

of whom are volunteers within the church.

“What started with choir mics and floor boxes turned into a request to replace projectors, house and

during the integration, prompting the JCA team to

An RTI control system provides centralized

theatrical lights, and completely redo the AV network,”

concentrate on reliable, user-friendly solutions that

management, while enhanced power sequencing was

said Alex Peake, project manager for JCA Media.

wouldn’t overwhelm their volunteers.

implemented using Furman power conditioners. This safeguards equipment from power surges and ensures

Lights Out

Let’s Hear It

Before the upgrades, the church relied on outdated

While the PA system was not replaced, the

worship, where technology may often operate for

technology, including a dimming system that was

amplification and control systems needed

extended periods, this prolongs the lifespan of the

more than 25 years old. Its audio and projection setup

improvement. To provide a more professional audio

equipment. “We always sequence things where the

was also quite antiquated, particularly the projector

experience during services, the amplifiers were

console comes on, the stage rack comes on, then amps

system, which provided barely adequate visibility

upgraded to LEA Professional amplifiers, which

come on, and vice versa on the way off,” added Peake.

during services. Although the PA system was

feature cloud-based monitoring. Four Earthworks

operational, its infrastructure required significant

Choir microphones, plus Shure PSM 900 in-ear

relay switching to provide efficient power usage and

improvements.

monitors and QLXD wireless units were also added.

prevent premature wear and tear. “We love LynTec

proper startup and shutdown procedures. In houses of

A LynTec RPC system also offered DMX-controlled

“We needed the upgrade because we had more

Custom ACE Backstage floor boxes were designed

lights not working than were working,” admitted

to fit the church’s unique concrete slab configuration.

because it has multiple control protocols, and one of them is DMX,” said Peake. “With a preset station on the

Keith Kissinger, property chair, elder, and treasurer

“Their floor boxes had small conduits, so one of the

wall, I can hit ‘off,’ it sends the command via DMX to

First Christian Church has made a significant upgrade in AV, with new projectors, lights, audio gear, and power management solutions.

Custom ACE Backstage floor boxes were designed to fit the church’s unique concrete slab configuration.

20

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

BUSINESS WORSHIP AV lower the fixtures, and powers them down completely—saving energy and extending their lifespan. We’ve seen numerous installations where LED fixtures run constantly—and within four or five years, they stop responding to DMX or fail entirely. Often, it’s not the LED itself that fails but the control side.”

The new audio infrastructure also supports the church’s streaming needs by rerouting audio from the console for a broadcast mix into their existing streaming system.

From left: Alex Peake and Keith Kissinger

New Epson projectors were installed to replace First Christian Church’s outdated projection system.

Making a Difference JCA Media completed the installation over three

“Everything was shoved under their knees,” Peake

crew are so looking forward to being able to

weeks, ensuring minimal disruption to church

added. “So, we cleaned and fixed that up as well.”

overwhelm the congregation with the magic it is

services, and the new systems were operational in

When all the church leadership first entered the

time for Feb. 16 services. The installation process

sanctuary after the integration was complete, they

capable of.”

was relatively seamless, but one minor issue needed

couldn’t help but comment on the change. “Wow,

on a small project. Once the client realizes the

addressing. With the sanctuary ceilings reaching 36

what a difference,” said Kissinger. “It was beyond

various upgrades and enhancements needed, they

feet, an atrium lift had to be used to install and

what words could describe.”

want them to stay and tackle them all at once, which

JCA Media often starts collaborating with clients

adjust all the new lighting fixtures safely. “We were

Now, JCA Media is training the church’s

is precisely what happened at First Christian

trying to eliminate moving pews, so we utilized an

volunteer tech staff to fully operate the new AV

Church. What began as a simple microphone

atrium lift and worked our way around the pews,”

network. “The sound system is so over the top

replacement evolved into a complete

said Peake.

compared to what we were working with, and as I

transformation, with improvements that will enable

stated before, we have only begun to use what we

the church to offer an enhanced worship experience

have to work with,” said Kissinger. “The sound booth

for years.

They also cleaned and organized the booth’s existing streaming and video technology.

Upgraded Space, Upgraded Video Blackmagic Design Backbone Powers Lake Mary Church Live Production

F

lorida’s Lake Mary Church and its new audi-

Proton Global Media Group, the new space includes a

accessory kit and V-mount battery to power the

torium have adopted a Blackmagic Design

67x8.5-foot curved screen in the lobby, five different

setup. “This is one of our favorite cameras and we

live production workflow, featuring an ATEM

screens for I-MAG and digital signage during

send it all over the auditorium, on stage, in the lobby.

services, and LED flooring on the sanctuary stage.

Wherever it goes, we get the same consistent crisp,

“The ATEM Constellation 8K is basically the

reliable image,” Perinchief said. “We also have a

Constellation 8K live production switcher paired with an ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel as the backbone of its master control. Blackmagic URSA Broad-

middleman for everything,” said Ricky Perinchief, VP

Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 installed for a

cast G2 cameras and Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

and general manager, Proton Global. “We made it the

static angle above the stage.”

digital film cameras are also positioned throughout

master control so that the crew can see every camera

the sanctuary, helping Lake Mary Church to pro-

feed, every television or display, and all the digital

campus is routed through the ATEMs and monitored

duce television-worthy sermons for approximately

signage around the entire building. Having 40

in master control. The video wiring is 12G-SDI and

2,200 church members eachweek.

12G-SDI inputs was key for us since we have cameras

fiber to handle the church’s desired resolution of

placed all over thesanctuary.”

2160p/60, with Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converters,

Located in Orlando, Lake Mary Church recently upgraded from a rented space with a 300-seat capacity to a 1,200-seat auditorium. Outfitted by

Lake Mary Church also utilizes five URSA

Optical Fiber 12G converting video standards on the

on custom steel camera poles, with two others on PTZ

rackside.

for complete remote capabilities.

“Customizing the URSA Broadcast G2 camera for

“Lake Mary’s Pastor Shaddy understands the value of a quality broadcast, and he didn’t want to risk leaving anything out of the equation when it

a PTZ environment allowed us to take advantage of

came to putting on the highest quality experience for

its camera control and full tally capabilities along

his congregation,” said Perin chief. “As a result, the

with lens control,” explained Perinchief. “The

church has an impressive, curved screen and LED

camera on the custom rail uses a pulley system for

flooring, similar to what you would see on a major

cable management, which connects the camera feeds

television show such as The Voice, and the Blackmagic

to the switcher. An embedded 120V plug to power the

Design products are at the heart of it.”

rig removes the limitations of having to rely on batteries or a separate wireless transmittersystem.”

The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is on awireless rig using a gimbal stabilizer with a double handle

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

ATEM Talkback Converter 4Ks, and Mini Converters

Broadcast G2s, two of which are in the front of house heads and the last on a custom rail. This setup allows

22

Video throughout the entire 22,675-square-foot

Perinchief said Proton Global relies heavily on Blackmagic Design for its church buildouts. “It’s proven technology that is perfect for volunteers of every experience level,” he noted.

WORSHIP AUDIO BUSINESS

Whitesburg Ready for All Service Styles

W

hen Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL, was looking to upgrade its out-of-date sound system, it turned

to Seth Daniel, founder and CEO of the Daniel Group, located in nearby Florence, AL. In turn, Daniel sought out Meyer Sound to assist in the design and engineering of a loudspeaker system to help enhance the worship experience for the congregation.

Typically, the church holds two services each Sunday; one is more traditional, with a 135-member choir and a 30-piece orchestra, while the other is more contemporary with a six or seven-piece band and six praise singers. “With the old configuration there was a lot of low-frequency build up over the stage area that was causing some issues, especially for the choir,” Daniel noted.

The church was in the second phase of a multistage update to various buildings within its campus.

“While the new sound system was not actually part of the plan, it was something that we were able to do to enhance the plan, for us to clearly spread the Word within our facility,” explained Justin Crisp, media director for Whitesburg Baptist Church. “The old system was 15 years old. It was time to take that system and retire it and go into something new.”

From overhead, the 2,000-seat worship center looks like an octagon elongated on two opposite sides, with the platform on one elongated side and the control area under the balcony directly across the room from the stage. Seating extends around the remaining sides of the room, with the balcony situated above the main seating area.

The new system includes LEOPARD compact linear line array loudspeakers, configured 10 per side as a left-right main system. Fill systems consist of ULTRA-X22XP compact narrow coverage loudspeakers for the balcony, UPQ-D2 full-sized narrow coverage loudspeakers for side coverage, and one UPQ-D1 full-sized loudspeaker serving as a center, down fill.

ULTRA-X20XP loudspeakers are deployed as front-fill

NATHAN VENEGAS, THE DANIEL GROUP

loudspeakers across the lip of the stage. Handling the

A new Meyer Sound system is improving the audio for traditional and contemporary services.

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

23

critical low-frequency content are six 2100-LFC

Meyer Sound’s MAPP 3D system design and

low-frequency control elements, hung three next to

prediction tool was used to model the configuration

each LEOPARD array in a cardioid configuration. Two

and behavior of the system. “Once we hung the Meyer

MJF-208 high-power stage monitors rest on the

Sound system our musicians said that it’s almost like a

platform, and two Galileo GALAXY 816 network

new room,” Crisp said.

platforms drive the system.

BUSINESS WORSHIP AUDIO Prestonwood Baptist Church used its DiGiCo Quantum7 digital mixing console at FOH during its recent production of The Gift of Christmas.

Unheavenly Acoustics Industry Experts Share Secrets for Better House of Worship Audio

By Carolyn Heinze

F

integrators to get to know the church they’re serving.

priority over acoustic considerations. “We just put

CTI's Robert Scott, branch director, and Scott Lopez,

speakers in Notre Dame [de Paris] and obviously, in an

technical service director, believe that integrators can

iconic and historical venue like that, there is no

or AV professionals who love a challenge, the

assume that houses of worship want to achieve clarity.

compromise for the aesthetics when it comes to the

house of worship market delivers.

Beyond that, it’s necessary for them to gain an

acoustics,” Maichele said.

Architecturally, churches can range from

in-depth understanding of that church’s worship

Modern worship centers rely on donations and

elaborate cathedrals to converted retail spaces.

style. How many musicians are on stage? How much

fundraising campaigns for their audio system

Stylistically, they may strive to deliver professional

does the pastor move around when he’s delivering the

deployments, and the expense of hiring a quality

concert-level musical performances or prefer more

message? Is there a choir?

acoustician—and implementing the treatments they

traditional, reserved worship. All of this means that

It’s also necessary for integrators to be familiar

specify—can seem cost prohibitive. Instead, these

when it comes to designing and integrating a solid audio

with different denominations—if they’re not, they

facilities choose to invest in gear. “Acoustics is not a

system, there is no cookie cutter approach.

need to ask questions and educate themselves if

tangible thing that they can use," he offered, "so it’s

they’re going to make relevant recommendations.

hard for church leadership to understand where they

While there is plenty of architectural variety, all houses of worship have one thing in common: Their congregants need to hear the message.

Prior to joining Meyer Sound, business

The Universal Challenge

should put their money.”

Zach Brady, business development manager at d&b

Whether it’s a cathedral, small historic church, or

audiotechnik, noted that even smaller churches can be

development specialist Daniel Rivera spent 10 years as a

modern structure, acoustics are a primary issue. Josh

“acoustically hostile” environments, with ornate

church technical director. In the house of worship

Maichele, applications project director, house of

features or glass, brick, and polished concrete surfaces.

environment, he said speech intelligibility is the

worship, at L-Acoustics calls it the “universal

While it’s tempting to “tame” these spaces, it can

highest priority.

challenge.” While companies have endeavored to keep

become difficult to create engagement if you make the

energy off surfaces where it’s not wanted, there are a

space too "dry" or quiet. When people can’t hear their

diamond,” Rivera explained. “If you’re hearing your

few reasons why the acoustics in many houses of

fellow congregants singing along with them, they

pastor—and hearing every word—you’re more than

worship are less than ideal—and there is only so much

become self-conscious and tone down their participation.

80% there. Coverage is so important so that everyone

the technology can do to mitigate the problems found

“This means we must strike a balance of a lively enough

hears the same thing at the same level. It’s the unicorn

in a poor acoustic environment.

room to create engagement, but a controlled enough

“The music is not the main event; the message is the

we chase.”

Part of that chase requires AV designers and

24

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

For example, in cathedrals featuring vaulted ceilings and marble surfaces, the architecture takes

room to give us great direct sound without being drowned out by the reverberant field,” he explained.

WORSHIP AUDIO BUSINESS

For some structures, such as the recently reopened Notre Dame de Paris, architecture takes priority over acoustics.

From left: Josh Maichele, Lance Eddleman, Robert Scott, Scott Lopez, Zach Brady, and Daniel Rivera

Choosing the Right Loudspeakers

model is inaccurate, ultimately the end result is going

Highly reverberant worship spaces where aesthetics

to be erratic or not ideal.”

are prioritized often don’t require high SPL output.

It’s also necessary for integrators to confirm that

Achieving speech intelligibility is the fundamental goal

the drawings they’re working with are up to date, which

in these environments; secondarily, they must support

merits an on-site visit. If an integrator hasn’t been to

a choir and a piano.

the church prior to modeling the worship space, they

In these scenarios, Maichele said column arrays

may be surprised to discover elements that weren’t

work well because they don’t compromise the décor.

included in the original drawing set during installation.

“And they provide a bit more precise and direct sound

It’s not uncommon for churches to install LED displays

to the listener,” he added.

or ceiling clouds, for example, long after the initial

Line source speakers are popular for their ability to

construction phase and without updating their

direct the sound where it needs to be. While historically

documentation. When this happens, the integrator is

designated for large deployments, Maichele said

forced to recalibrate their loudspeaker design, which

side—being able to limit the amount of things you have

nowadays there are line arrays that exist for almost any

may result in the need for more speakers, fewer units,

to touch and bring it down to one simplified ecosystem.”

venue size. “All of them, in principle, are doing a similar

or even a completely different system.

thing, which is focusing the energy where we want it and

“There is something to be said for integrators to be

Another challenge houses of worship face is standardizing systems throughout their facilities (and,

keeping it away from where we don’t,” he explained.

on site with their customer,” Maichele said. “There’s

for multi-site churches, across all their locations).

This applies to large worship centers, as well as shopping

the obvious relational aspect of them showing up and

“Whether it be the main sanctuary, or their aux rooms,

centers that have been converted into churches. He

showing investment in what’s happening, but then

or their Sunday school classrooms, having one central

added that point source speakers complement line

there’s the ability to validate everything that we think

ecosystem that they’re working in [is important],”

arrays, providing outfill, under-balcony, and front fill

we know.”

Eddleman said.

audio where wider coverage is required.

While facilities across all markets strive to achieve

Affordable Immersive?

standardization, it’s especially relevant in churches,

mapping software that lets AV designers and integrators

At front-of-house (FOH), church audio engineers are

which rely heavily on volunteer engineers with varying

model their speaker configurations prior to installation.

seeking simplicity. “Nowadays, all the boards sound

skill levels. “It makes it easy for their volunteers to

The benefits of these tools are obvious, but Maichele

great and they have all these fun tools inside of them,"

learn one workflow and then work all the way through

warned that they’re only as good as the data they ingest.

said Lance Eddleman, application engineer for DiGiCo

their environment,” he added.

Many loudspeaker manufacturers offer sound

“Our ability to verify and validate what we’re doing

at Group One, a New York-based AV technology

And then there's the added potential wrinkle of

is crucially important,” he explained. “The accuracy of

distributor that represents the U.K.-based audio

immersive audio. When people think of immersive audio,

the room being brought in means a lot. If the room

console manufacturer. "But it’s really the integration

they tend to envision loudspeakers around and above the audience. Maichele believes that this perception is rooted

Integrators need to understand the worship style of churches prior to making AV recommendations.

in the sound systems that homeowners install, where the audio surrounds the listener.

However, for the majority of house of worship environments, Maichele argued that immersive audio should focus on connecting the worshippers with the message that’s coming from the stage. Traditionally, church attendees have been accustomed to the disconnect between watching the pastor on stage and hearing his voice coming from somewhere else. A good immersive loudspeaker design can remove this barrier.

“It doesn’t require speakers all around us and above us,” he explained. “What it requires is the connection between the stage—and between the pastor and the worship pastors, and what’s happening in the room— and the congregation. To me, that’s immersion.”

Most importantly, accomplishing this doesn’t have to be more expensive than a more conventional loudspeaker setup. “And the return [on investment] for the congregation is huge,” Maichele added.

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

25

BUSINESS WORSHIP AUDIO

Worship Without Walls d&b audiotechnik Soundscape Enables Immersive Experience in Structured Tent complete system installed included five xS-Series 24S-D loudspeakers for the mains, two 10S-D point source as extensions, six 21S subwoofers, eight 8S loudspeakers as surrounds, and six 44S loudspeakers for front fills.

The system is powered by a combination of 30D and 5D amplifiers. A DS10 Audio network bridge handles signal routing, and processing is provided via the DS100 Signal Engine running Soundscape with En-Scene and En-Space software. Half of the 8S speakers and two 24S-D were sourced from New Life Church's earlier d&b audiotechnik installation.

"When constructing New Life Church's new location, their dream was to create an immersive worship experience, even though it was in a tent," recalled Hamilton. "We were immediately off to a great start with their previously purchased xS-Series system. We integrated it with the DS100 and some additional d&b loudspeakers, and now New Life A d&b audiotechnik Soundscape audio system enables the New Life Church congregation to enjoy a dynamic, engaging worship experience.

Church has a full-scale, Soundscape PA."

W

airstrip, the required planning and approval process

Because of the church's proximity to the military

hen New Life Church opened the doors

In the process of deploying Soundscape, E2i

on its new location, its congregation

Design realized that lackluster tent acoustics affects

open, Hamilton said the congregation has "so much

was immersed with a d&b audiotech-

the sound experience of those on stage and negatively

pride and passion for their new home because of its

nik Soundscape audio system with En-Scene and

impacts the experience of the congregants. "I am

uniqueness and how amazing it sounds."

En-Space modules. Housed in a structured tent, the

particularly proud that we leveraged Soundscape to

system installed by E2i Design resulted in a dra-

provide an even more immersive environment

Soundscape for other church installations. "Yes,

matic transformation of the structure's acoustics,

through a voice-lift system," noted Hamilton. "With

absolutely, but there's another huge benefit to

improving the depth and localization of the worship

mics hung over the congregation and piping them

Soundscape for churches, beyond the apparent

band in the mix as well as increasing engagement

through En-Space, everyone in the audience

immersive aspect," he added. "Soundscape with

from the congregation through the innovative voice

experiences a greater sense of presence, especially

En-Scene empowers a volunteer who knows

lift technique.

while singing along … they feel like they’re in the

absolutely nothing about audio, let alone immersive

same acoustic space as the band, making them feel

audio, to easily create a phenomenal mix with space

more connected."

and depth. Plus, because elements don't compete

Adjacent to a military airstrip, the church's location required the construction of a non-acoustically optimal tent structure with its inherent lack of

E2i Design was able to provide a cost-effective

was extensive. However, with the church finally

Hamilton would recommend d&b audiotechnik

against each other, your overall volume is down across

reflective surfaces. E2i Design found d&b audiotechnik

solution to New Life Church by repurposing the

the board. We've had so much success with clients by

Soundscape with En-Space an ideal audio solution.

existing d&b audiotechnik xS-Series system that was

showing them this one thing alone, I find it one of

"Tent fabrics don't offer the same reflectivity as

previously deployed at the church’s old location. The

Soundscape's most compelling features.”

permanent construction," explained Evan Hamilton, chief technical officer at E2i Design. "Soundscape with En-Space enabled us to create natural-sounding reverb times with resonances better than many traditional church environments."

The decision to include the Soundscape En-Scene module proved to be instrumental to the venue’s transformation. "New Life Church has a large worship band with six singers," Hamilton said. "En-Scene allows us to place those musicians in the mix, corresponding to where they are on stage, and provide a great sense of localization to everyone across the congregation. En-Scene is incredible—you gain depth and spaciousness in your mix where you never previously had it."

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SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

Soundscape with the En-Space software module is helping create natural-sounding reverb in New Life Church’s tent worship space.

WORSHIP AUDIO BUSINESS

maintaining clean sight lines.”

In fact, DeJong said aesthetics have been the initial catalyst for all of Vantage Pro Audio's L-ISA installations. “The A Series allows us to deliver powerful sound while maintaining a minimal vertical footprint—typically within just 5 feet of the ceiling.

This is a game-changer for churches, as they can achieve exceptional audio quality without compromising their visual aesthetics," he noted.

The impact of L-ISA technology extends beyond better sound—it can transform how worship teams engage with their ministry.

For Obed Castillo, Westside Family Church’s longtime AVL engineer, the

The L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound technology is helping Westside Family Church deliver immersive audio despite some challenging architecture.

difference was profound enough to bring him back to the mixing console.

Audio vs.

Architecture L-Acoustics Overcomes Low Ceilings and More to Deliver Improved Audio Performance for Westside Family Church

S

“With our previous system, I had stepped away from hands-on mixing because the lack of clarity made it difficult to distinguish frequencies,” Castillo said. “But L-ISA completely changed that. The clarity is exceptional— even subtle EQ adjustments are immediately noticeable. Plus, the system's localization capabilities give me new creative options. The results have been so inspiring that I’ve gone from mixing just three services a year to being at the console any time a volunteer is not available."

Expanding Creative Possibilities

ince its founding in 1976, Westside Family

form factor of the A10i, combined with its power and

The intuitive nature of L-ISA technology has proven

Church in Lenexa, KS, has embraced change

precision coverage, gives every seat in the venue

particularly valuable for Westside’s volunteer audio

to best serve its community. The church’s

excellent sound.

team. “The system is remarkably user-friendly,

growth story began in earnest during the late 90s,

especially with the comprehensive training provided

when expanding attendance prompted several

Visual Considerations

relocations as well as the development of a multi-

“The new system nicely fits the room’s geometry,”

One unexpected success story: According to

site ministry model that includes satellite campuses

Breda explained. “It’s a moderate fan shape with

Castillo, when one of the church’s video operators

and an online presence. Throughout this journey,

stadium seating in the back, which lends itself well to

attended the training sessions and created a practice

Westside has consistently invested in technology to

an L-ISA design. There’s a little bit of extension

mix at home, the results were impressive. “Their mix

enhance its worship experience.

seating out to the wings of the main floor, and we had

had a unique visual perspective, making creative use

Its latest advancement—the adoption of

to bring the main speakers a little lower in order to

of the spatial capabilities. Despite coming from a video

L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound technology

shoot up underneath the catwalk, but ultimately,

background, they produced excellent sound," he

paired with A10i loudspeakers—exemplifies this

everything fit perfectly.”

explained. "This really demonstrates how intuitive

commitment.

“The design presented several unique challenges,”

That would have been enough for almost any church, but Westside Family Church also wanted to

by L-Acoustics staff,” Castillo said.

L-ISA is, making immersive audio mixing accessible to our entire production team.”

recalled Marc Breda, project lead at Vantage Pro AV,

enhance the audio experience—and that meant

the church’s integration and technology partner.

immersive. “It’s been fun to watch their tech staff

capabilities that are changing the way it presents its

“First, the main worship space has an unusually low

really lean into the L-ISA immersive technology,

messaging. “It has us thinking in a different way about

ceiling for a room of its size. We also had to work

which they first used on September 29,” said Duke

sound and presentation,” said Derek Davis, worship

around a centrally located catwalk that further limited

DeJong, team lead, Vantage Pro Audio. “It’s taking

and creative arts director. “For instance, we can pan

our usable trim height. Additionally, the church uses a

their worship experience to another level.”

any instrument or person to any part of the stage, and

large 34x14-foot projection screen for their services,

According to DeJong, there are both creative and

On the creative side, L-ISA offers the church new

everyone listening will perceive the sound to be at that

so maintaining clear sight lines for important visual

practical reasons why churches are embracing

place onstage, no matter where they’re actually

content throughout the seating area was crucial.”

immersive sound. “While many are excited about the

sitting. We can pan hard left or right, and everyone will

enhanced mixing capabilities and more immersive

hear it clearly.”

Using L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D audio modeling software, the ideal solution quickly proved to be an

worship experience, there’s also a practical driver

Davis said the church is taking a methodical

L-ISA design utilizing A10i as the primary

behind this trend,” he said. "Traditional line arrays

approach, exploring L-ISA's capabilities on weekdays

loudspeaker. A mixture of both Wide and Focus models

can protrude 10 feet or more from the ceiling, creating

and fine-tuning them for Sunday services. “The

comprise the main Scene array, buttressed by KS21

visual obstacles. Our L-ISA installations have

system offers so many creative possibilities that we’re

subwoofers, with everything powered by a pair of

consistently emerged as the ideal solution when

discovering new ways to enhance our worship

LA7.16i amplified controllers. Breda said the compact

churches need powerful, even coverage while

experience every week,” he added.

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

27

TECHNOLOGY SPORTS AV Samsung LEDs are positioned on both sides of the gameplay projection screen.

TGL: Technology at the Tee PHOTOS BY MARK J. PESCATORE

Professional Golf Mixes with Simulation and Showmanship at New SoFi Center

By Mark J. Pescatore

H

oused on the campus of Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, SoFi Center is the home of TGL, a team golf

competition that features PGA Tour players and recently finished its inaugural three-month season.

The 1,500-seat venue, built specifically for the league, combines professional golf with high-end simulation technology, a rotating putting area with seven different hole placements, Pro AV and broadcast gear aplenty, and—in direct contrast to PGA Tour events— air conditioning.

The league is backed by TMRW Sports, a company founded by pro golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy along with former NBC Sports executive Mike McCarley.

Each match takes about two hours. That makes it an

Tracking cameras located in strategic positions in the SoFi Center help calculate the swing metrics of the shots for accurate ball placement on the simulated course.

28

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

attractive programming block for ESPN, which has a multi-year deal to air all matches. The network has its own dedicated broadcast booth on the suite level of the venue, with the field of play serving as the backdrop.

Built around a retired Game Creek Video truck, TGL’s data center helps turn the golf simulator into reality for players.

team branding, and more. Smaller VMR Series 2.6mm

commentators, and music. The speakers were

displays above the audience provide additional

installed by Tampa, FL-based ESI Production Services.

coverage of gameplay.

According to Matt Coombs, director of ESI AV

Meanwhile, a collection of L-Acoustics

Check the Rules A quick primer: TGL presented by SoFi has six teams representing six cities. Each team has a roster of four golfers, though only three play during a match. There are 15 holes, with the first nine played as triples (alternate shot) and the last six played as singles.

TGL’s field of play is almost as large as a football field. On one side of the stadium, the ScreenZone, there are tee boxes (with real grass) where golfers hit a real ball into a 64x53-foot projection screen. (TGL currently has a catalog of 30 custom holes, and 15 are chosen for each match.) Using several dedicated tracking cameras and other data-collecting technologies, the simulator determines where the ball lands on the virtual course.

From there, golfers move to another box (fairway, rough, or sand) and continue to hit into the screen until the ball lands in the virtual area for short-game play, about 50 yards and in. Then, golfers move to the other side of the stadium, the GreenZone, where they putt, pitch, or wedge their ball in the real world. Win the hole and get a point; the team with the most points at the end wins the match.

A Different Atmosphere Unlike traditional golf tournaments, you won’t find “Quiet Please” signs at TGL. Crowds are encouraged to cheer their favorite players, a DJ plays music throughout the match, and lighting and sound effects create an atmosphere that’s a far cry from Augusta.

For Andrew Macaulay, chief technology officer for TMRW Sports, that atmosphere helps define the TGL experience. He said the biggest challenge was creating a super-sized environment for the ScreenZone, which he called a “window to the outside world.” After all, this isn’t just a match, it’s a production.

To that end, Samsung displays play a big role in the live TGL presentation. Visitors are welcomed to the SoFi Center’s main entrance by a nearly 600-square-foot XRB Series outdoor LED video wall, which features 5,000 nit brightness and 3.99mm pixel pitch. ISC Series indoor LED ribbon boards, measuring almost 900 linear feet and offering 3.9mm pixel pitch with 2,000 nit brightness, surround the field of play, providing match information and sponsorship opportunities. Bookending the gameplay projection screen are two massive VMR Series 3.9mm indoor displays, which display scoring, statistics,

Andrew Macaulay

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

29

SPORTS AV TECHNOLOGY

Solutions, a division of ESI Production Services, there

loudspeakers fill the SoFi Center with sounds of the

are 34 A15i Focus concert loudspeakers and 14 KS21

game, including shot clock warning noises,

compact subwoofers overhead, plus 44 5XT ultra-

TECHNOLOGY SPORTS AV Samsung displays provide coverage of the match for fans in the facility.

Moving cameras such as the “rover cam” add excitement for broadcast viewers.

compact loudspeakers for under mezzanine fills, all powered by LA7.16i amplifiers. A DiGiCo Quantum 225 digital mixing console handles in-house audio operations, with Luminex GigiaCore AV Ethernet switches for audio transport and communications.

Camera Angles and Data Analysis While TMRW produces the matches with an in-house production team, it contracts Game Creek Video to supply five full-sized trucks to produce the live coverage and ESPN provides the talent. Jeff Neubarth, vice president of content, said there are 72 cameras in the SoFi Center, most of which are robotic. However, there are several Sony 4K broadcast cameras equipped with Canon UHD-Digisuper lenses and some ENGstyle units, plus a Spidercam cable camera system for overhead coverage, a “rover cam” that provides moving camera images for viewers, and even a small drone for flying shots. As Neubarth explained, each moving camera has a two-person team that includes a driver and camera operator.

The screen image itself is produced by nine Panasonic projectors, and the simulation system has eight virtual cameras that can be incorporated into the broadcast and shown on the screen. Data that measures ball speed, angle, spin, and other shot metrics is collected in real time via special tracking cameras.

To handle all that tracking data, TMRW needed its own on-site data center. As Macaulay explained, the company purchased an old Game Creek expando truck that was at its end of life, drove it into the Live coverage of every TGL match is produced for ESPN.

30

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

facility, parked it several yards inside the SoFi Center behind the ScreenZone, and converted it into a data center.

TECH PERSPECTIVES TECHNOLOGY

Adapt or Fade Away Are You Keeping Up with the Changing Landscape?

By David J. Danto

T

construction and technology projects. If those outside

credentials will remain largely an internal affair—

the AV world understood how certification establishes

respected within the industry but overlooked by those

expertise, it could elevate the industry’s standing and

who ultimately control budgets and project scopes.

he world of AV integration isn’t what it

ensure AV specialists are involved earlier in key

used to be. A casual conversation I had with

decision-making processes.

industry folks over the past few days only

Trusted Advisor Role One of the biggest changes in AV today is that

reinforced what’s been clear for some time: The

Outward Advocacy

landscape is shifting, and not everyone is keeping up.

Other industries have taken a different approach,

needed. Plenty of room systems now “just work”

The number of AV integrators is shrinking, either

ensuring their credentials and expertise are well-

right out of the box, and rather than resisting this

merging into larger companies or disappearing

known beyond their immediate membership. The

reality with FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt)

altogether. And while the reasons vary, a big one is

Consumer Technology Association (CTA), for

messaging, integrators should have embraced it. The

simple: resistance to change. The industry has long

instance, actively lobbies Congress on behalf of its

opportunity was there to become true, trusted

been comfortable with the status quo, but comfort

members, influencing regulations and promoting the

advisors, the ones who tell customers when a

zones don’t last forever.

value of its industry to a much wider audience.

simpler, more cost-effective solution makes sense.

Similarly, the National Fire Protection Association

The best firms now do exactly that.

Years ago, many of us warned that a pivot was

integrators need to recognize when they’re not

necessary. But much like Aesop’s The Ant and the

(NFPA) ensures that fire safety standards are

Grasshopper, too many were focused on making easy

understood and mandated across industries, making

that when a customer called asking for two flat-panel

money while ignoring the need to evolve. Now winter

their certifications a requirement in many projects.

displays, we shouldn’t just take the order. We should

has come, and those who didn’t prepare are struggling.

Rose-Colored Glasses If you’ve been following industry reports from AVIXA, you might think everything is fine. Their projections predict nearly $100 billion in growth over the next five years, with messaging that makes it sound like there’s nothing but blue skies ahead. And for some integrators, that’s absolutely true.

Here’s the problem: That kind of messaging doesn’t help integrators who need to make hard decisions. AVIXA has spent years telling everyone how great business is, how much revenue is coming, and how AV is the future. While the numbers back their forecasts, the part of the message I believe they

Back when I worked for an integrator, I argued

dig deeper, ask why they need them. Is it for digital

Growth isn’t evenly distributed; it’s going to companies that understand IT, software, and automation.

signage, videoconferencing, some other networked

By advocating beyond their own ranks, these

AI-driven systems are now capable of performing

application?

Too often, the industry just sold whatever was asked for, no questions asked. That kind of transactional thinking doesn’t work in a world where AV, IT, and digital experiences are blending into one.

Consider the top integrators today—it’s a far shorter list, and the most successful ones are deeply engaged in IT, video, system management, and more. They’re not just box-pushers, they’re solution providers.

Back to the Future And if you think things are stabilizing, think again.

needed to hit harder was highlighting the risks of

organizations have elevated their industries, making

room checks and fixing issues without human

complacency and encouraging companies to evolve.

certification not just an internal benchmark but an

intervention. That’s not some distant future—it’s

external necessity. Wouldn’t it have been nice if

happening now. If you’re an integrator and you’re

industry through rose-colored glasses, they’ve

someone had been lobbying for us as wireless

not familiar with the startup doing that, well, that’s

missed a critical point: The industry is changing, and

microphone frequencies started to disappear?

a problem.

While so many industry experts have viewed our

not everyone will survive that change. Growth isn’t

The AV industry could benefit from a similar

I’ll give you a hint—check out NetSpeek. It won a

evenly distributed; it’s going to companies that

outward-facing advocacy group, one that doesn’t just

ton of awards at ISE earlier this year. Full disclosure:

understand IT, software, and automation, not just

focus on certifying those already in AV but also

I was an early advisor to the startup. Having said

the old-school integrators still focused on project-

educates and influences the broader ecosystem in

that, give it a look and make your own decisions.

based hardware sales.

which AV operates. A dedicated effort to integrate AV

Whether you love them or hate them, this is your

expertise into construction, technology, and facility

warning that AI management is coming. What is your

prides itself on its technical expertise, but its approach

planning standards could transform the way the

firm doing to prepare for that change?

to professional certification remains largely insular.

industry is perceived. Rather than being an

Rather than promoting its standards and credentials

afterthought in major projects, AV could be

to old ways, it’s about adapting. Learning IT,

to external stakeholders—such as architects, general

recognized as a core discipline with clear, widely

networking, programming, and automation is no

contractors, and building owners—the industry

accepted professional standards.

longer optional. The best integrators aren’t just

Part of the problem is also that the AV industry

focuses on certifying its own members.

This inward-looking approach limits the

For this to happen, a major shift in approach is

The future of AV integration isn’t about clinging

surviving change, they’re using it to their advantage.

needed, one that actively champions AV’s role outside

The question is, will you?

perceived value of AV credentials outside the

its own walls and ensuring that architects, project

David J. Danto is the principal analyst with

industry, making it harder for AV professionals to

managers, and business leaders understand what AV

TalkingPointz and director of emerging technology

gain the recognition they deserve in larger

professionals bring to the table. Until then, AV

for the IMCCA.

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

31

TECHNOLOGY NEW PRODUCTS

Magewell Director One

corresponding amount of output power. With its

Building on the success of its

integrated DSP, the NetPA 204 POE includes essential

Director Mini, Magewell

audio signal processing that offers the ability to meet

has added a second

the requirements of complex, decentralized systems.

model in its all-in-one

Dante Domain Manager and AES67 support ensures

production system

wide compatibility with enterprise configurations

portfolio. Director One

Panasonic Connect PT-VMZ7ST

offers a larger, brighter

The new PT-VMZ7ST Series short-throw LCD laser

is housed in a plenum-rated enclosure that is fanless

7-inch AMOLED

projectors includes the PT-VMZ7ST and PT-VMZ6ST

for silent operation.

touchscreen, direct HDMI output, and an integrated 4G cellular modem. It also supports wired Ethernet and

and other network audio devices. The NetPA 204 POE

models. Designed to support sports simulation, higher education, corporate, and museum environments, the series is a response to increasing

Wi-Fi connectivity—and can combine connections

audience expectations for dynamic, realistic visual

with network bonding technology from partner

experiences. Both projectors deliver sharp, bright

Speedify. Director One It is a comprehensive

visuals in a compact form factor to fit the needs of a

production and streaming solution that combines

given space and adapt to challenging lighting

multi-input switching, graphics, streaming,

conditions. Designed to minimize screen shadowing

AVPro Edge AC-EXO-X-PLUS-KIT

recording, and monitoring in one compact

while projecting a 100-inch image from just 5.6 feet,

The new AC-EXO-X-PLUS-KIT simplifies

device. It features extensive AV and IP I/O,

the series offers easy installation. A grid adjustment

connectivity by providing full 8K Ultra HD 48 Gbps

sophisticated production tools, and several control

tool and angle monitor visualize tilt for venues with

uncompressed HDMI 2.1 near-zero latency signal

choices including the integrated touchscreen,

high ceilings. Other features include up to 7,000

extension up to almost 1,000 feet (300 meters) over a

the Director Utility mobile app, a browser-based

lumens and WUXGA resolution, as well as a high-

single run of OM4 multimode fiber. Engineered to

web interface, and optional third-party controllers.

efficiency laser light source and ECO Filter that

support AV integrators, it also introduces advanced

All of Director Mini’s production toolset is available

operate maintenance-free for up to 20,000 hours.

connectivity features unique to fiber transport, such

in Director One, including rich graphics,

as USB 2.0 KVM, audio extraction via HDMI ARC/

functionality, HTML graphics overlays, chromakey,

Just Add Power MC-USB

PTZ camera control, and more.

Compatible with Just

the AC-EXO-X-PLUS-KIT create limitless application

Add Power’s renowned

opportunities across countless market segments,

MaxColor Series, the

such as education, government, esports, and more.

new MC-USB USB-

USB 2.0 KVM and 1 Gbps Ethernet connectivity

2.0-over-IP device

simplify BYOD setups, allowing presenters to connect

provides local and

peripherals and establish network connections while

telestration, instant replay, built-in scoreboard

remote access to all computers on the system with

eARC, and the versatile functionality of a 1 Gbps Ethernet extension. The design and functionality of

eliminating potential technical distractions.

built-in KVM, touchscreen, and webcam interface. It USB-C 2.0 and two USB-A 2.0 on the front, all

Telycam Explore

connected over an RJ-45 1 GbE LAN port. The unit is

A broadcast-class

designed to bring efficiency and security to

PTZ camera for live

applications where MaxColor’s 4K60 quality is

production, the

The new StageLink family of smart edge devices for

required. The company’s MaxColor 4K60 technology

Explore 4K60

seamless network streaming boxes are set to deliver

facilitates the distribution of 4K video content from

camera features a

flexibility and performance for IP-based audio and

any source to any screen. All MaxColor products can

intercom workflows. Designed for broadcast, live

distribute 4K60/4:4:4/36-bit-color video over a 1 Gb

sensor and delivers enhanced auto-focus performance,

production, and studio environments, the compact,

managed network using CatX (Cat 5e minimum) cable.

innovative integration features, and flexible

features one USB-C 2.0 port on the back, as well as two

Riedel StageLink

rugged nework I/O boxes streamline decentralized

1-inch, 9 MP Sony

connectivity. The large sensor size enhances light

signal distribution over generic IP networks,

Extron NetPA 204 POE

eliminating the complexities of traditional cabling

The NetPA 204 POE is a Dante-enabled, PoE-

reduced noise levels. With an expanded dynamic range

and configuration. The StageLink product line

powered, four-channel audio power amplifier that

as well as a variable ND filter, the Explore camera

enables media professionals to seamlessly capture

delivers up to 20 watts per channel. It is designed to

ensures clear images with enhanced contrast and

and distribute signals across their networks,

be mounted above ceiling tiles, out of sight and near

clarity. Explore’s advanced Phase Detection Autofocus

ensuring a smooth, reliable, and cost-effective

the speakers. Receiving audio and power over a single

(PDAF) provides fast and precise auto-focus, making it

transition to IP-based workflows. By leveraging

cable, the NetPA 204 POE automatically recognizes

ideal for broadcast and live production scenarios.

standard network cables instead of specialized

connected PoE, PoE+, or PoE++ to deliver the

Designed to seamlessly integrate into diverse

sensitivity, resulting in low-light performance with

infrastructure, StageLink devices create a

workflows, Explore’s versatile IP and AV outputs

decentralized, scalable system that integrates

include NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX3, 12G-SDI with

microphones, intercom, GPIO devices, and other

genlock, HDMI, and SFP+ connectivity. AI-powered

audio-enabled equipment. The StageLink lineup

auto-tracking and 20x optical zoom are complemented

consists of six purpose-built devices, each tailored to

by FreeD protocol support for integration with AR and

specific workflow needs.

VR production solutions.

32

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

NEW PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

Planar DirectLight Slim Series Planar DirectLight Slim Series features an ultra-thin,

Bullet Train Professional Series USB

narrow width form factor. The new fine pixel pitch

Engineered for high-speed

MicroLED video wall display accommodates curved

data transfer and reliable

and space-constrained applications that benefit from

power delivery across USB 1.0,

its unique form factor. With an installation depth of

2.0, and 3.x standards, the new

Built on more than 20 years of engineering

less than 2 inches and front serviceability, the new

lineup includes cable lengths

experience, this innovative outdoor display kiosk is

Planar DirectLight Slim Series is ideal for tightly

up to almost 50 feet (1-15

designed to deliver enhanced performance under the

curved video walls as well as flat video walls in tight

meters). The optimized performance, durability, and

most demanding conditions while keeping total

spaces. Models are available in 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8mm

backward-compatibility make Bullet Train

ownership costs to a minimum. Engineered to meet

pixel pitches, with a maximum brightness of 1,600

Professional Series USB cables ideal for collaboration

the rigorous requirements of transit hubs and

nits and a unique 4:9

suites, boardrooms, classrooms, and mission-critical

outdoor spaces, it seamlessly integrates into public

aspect ratio to support

applications. To achieve high performance and

spaces, offering versatile configurations such as

deployment versatility

durability standards, Bullet Train Professional Series

double-sided digital displays, hybrid models (one

and vibrant viewing

USB cables feature 99.99% oxygen-free copper

side static, one side digital), LED displays, and static

experiences. The

conductors, ensuring high-conductivity, low-

poster designs (using E Ink’s Kaleido3 technology)

DirectLight Slim Series

attenuation, and superb corrosion resistance, resulting

with integrated digital elements. The Podium

also introduces pixel-

in long-lasting, precise data transfer. Bullet Train

Platform offers either a 2,500 nits or 4,000 nits LCD

level monitoring,

employs precision-machined connectors to ensure

option for high-bright outdoor conditions, ensuring

offering more detailed

secure engagement and withstand a high number of

clear, sunlight-readable visuals in any environment.

insight into display

insertion and removal cycles, extending cable life and

Plus, its energy-efficient and low-maintenance

health and performance

preserving long-term performance. Bullet Train

design incorporates advanced features like dynamic

by allowing users to

Professional Series USB cables have been exhaustively

local dimming, enabling it to use up to 35% less

identify when service or

tested, including interoperability verification on more

power than traditional high-brightness displays.

repair is needed.

than 80 devices.

An expansion of the Planar DirectLight family, the

Praevar Podium Platform

CONNECTORS & ADAPTORS

FIBER CABLES

FLYPACKS & ROAD CASES

MODULAR FLOOR BOXES

100 95

INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

FURNITURE

75

25 5

To Advertise in the SCN CLASSIFIEDS, Contact Zahra Majma at

0

zahra.majma@futurenet.com

Screw Term Adapter for SCN revised Tuesday, March 11, 2025 11:14:06 AM

avnetwork.com // April 2025 // SCN

33

VIEWPOINT

How Smart Is Your Office?

How Data Is Shaping the Modern Workspace

By Jack Cornish

occupancy to air quality, temperature, and even noise levels. By feeding this real-time data into

T

management systems, companies can optimize here’s no need to bang on about it; the

resource use, improve employee comfort, and create

workspace has changed. The office of today

more sustainable workspaces. For example:

isn’t just a place to work—it’s a hub for

collaboration, creativity, and culture. It needs to

• Occupancy sensors help identify which spaces are used most frequently, allowing for better room

inspire, foster innovation, and cultivate talent. So,

booking systems and energy-efficient lighting and

how are businesses designing these spaces? Is there a

HVAC adjustments.

“one-size-fits-all” approach, or can we make better decisions based on data?

Maybe it’s time to turn your office into a smart office.

At the heart of this transformation is the integration of sensors. These technologies are helping businesses optimize their office environments in once unimaginable ways. Despite the immense potential, many organizations remain hesitant to fully embrace the data-driven future of workspaces.

• Temperature and air quality sensors ensure

optimal working conditions, reducing sick days and boosting productivity. In fact, we were shocked at

Smart workspace platforms can aggregate data from a variety of sensors into a unified dashboard to help businesses to make data-driven decisions.

the results when we installed a CO2 sensor.

• Noise sensors highlight areas where employees can

when data could be fragmented across different

• Light sensors adjust room brightness to prevent

insights. Ultimately, you still need a smart

focus or collaborate without distractions.

platforms, making it hard to extract meaningful

eye strain, creating more comfortable working

workplace champion, someone who wants to

environments.

understand the data and (most importantly) provide

Sensor data impacts workspace design both on a

action to findings.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how sensor and AV

macro and micro level. On a larger scale, occupancy

technology can revolutionize workspace design, user

data can inform decisions about office layouts. On a

focus on individual data sets, such as lighting or

experience, and operations. While many clients are

smaller scale, sensor data helps fine-tune individual

occupancy. For this data to be truly valuable, it needs

excited to explore these possibilities, others are still

elements of a workspace. We’ve worked with clients to

to be integrated into a broader, unified system.

unsure. The real challenge isn’t the “cool factor” of

use data to optimize everything from the number of

Without a centralized dashboard to bring all this

the tech, but how to turn that data into actionable,

workstations to meeting room behavior. This

information together, businesses may struggle to

impactful insights for the space.

approach doesn’t just enhance efficiency, it creates

make data-driven decisions that optimize their

environments where employees can thrive.

workspaces.

Sensors are everywhere—and they’re likely already in

The Human Factor

evolve, the potential for smarter, data-driven

your workspace. Think occupancy sensors for lighting

While data is essential for optimizing workspaces, its

workspaces continues to grow. Picture a workspace

or thermostats for HVAC. But here’s the catch: These

true value lies in how it enhances the human

where AI can predict optimal meeting times based on

sensors are often pretty basic, handling just one task

experience. Smart sensors enable workplaces to adjust

past usage patterns, or where environmental settings

(i.e., controlling lights or adjusting temperature). For

automatically to individual preferences.

automatically adjust based on employee preferences.

The ‘Smart’ Advantage

sensors to be truly valuable, they need to collect and

Another challenge is that many manufacturers

As technologies like AI and machine learning

Imagine walking into a conference room where the

At Tateside, we’re working on bringing these

share data across multiple systems, providing insights

lighting adjusts to the ideal level, the temperature

integrations to life, using data from multiple sources

that inform long-term decisions.

matches your preference, and the sound masking

to create truly intelligent workspaces. What excites me

system in the adjacent office actively adjusts because

the most is for other data sources, such as wearable

can tell you how many people are in a room right

it’s a quiet day in the office and the meeting is

tech, to be thrown into the mix (monitoring an

now, but that’s only useful in the moment. What’s

confidential. These personalized adjustments not only

employee’s heart rate, for example) and using that

more valuable is tracking occupancy over time—

boost comfort and productivity but also improve

data along with more traditional sensors in the fabric

across months. This data helps businesses

employee satisfaction and well-being. When

of the building. This way, we will start to understand

understand patterns and make smarter decisions

employees feel like their workspace adapts to their

the connection between the physical and human side

about space utilization.

needs, it fosters a stronger connection to their work

of the workspace.

Take occupancy sensors, for example. Yes, they

Fortunately, smart workspace platforms are

and greater engagement.

Humans are complex, though. My wife and I still

emerging that allow us to aggregate data from a

Despite the clear benefits, many businesses are

variety of sensors into a unified dashboard. These

still hesitant to fully embrace sensor technology. A key

always too hot, and the other is always too cold (that’s

platforms enable businesses to make data-driven

concern is cost—many view these systems as a

me). So, while focusing on personal preferences is key,

decisions about everything from space planning to

“nice-to-have” rather than a core investment that

executing it in a way that satisfies everyone will be a

energy management.

drives efficiency and productivity. Others are

challenge, to say the least.

uncertain about the return on investment, especially

Jack Cornish is the technical director at Tateside.

Sensors today can track everything from

34

SCN // April 2025 // avnetwork.com

argue over the thermostat at home—one of us is