Issuu

FEBRUARY 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

In this Issue ISE 2026 post-Show Roundup

AVIXA announces AVNews Awards Dubai show2027

Nominations Open Now!

Digital signage at 50: where to now?

ISE 2026 breaks records

D-Tools and Portal.io merge platforms PPDS redefines dvLED accessibility and versatility

HEADLINE NEWS

PMA Research announces new European 1LCD report PMA Research (PMA), the worldwide industry experts on the display market, is pleased to announce the availability of a new in-depth report on the European Single-Panel LCD Projector Market. This report is a strategic market study of the European and UK single-panel LCD projector category, commonly referred to as 1LCD. It examines a large, fast-moving consumer projection segment that is often overlooked or misread because it sits outside the traditional professional AV channel. The report covers market size and growth, sellin versus sell-through dynamics, competitive structure, Chinese ODM and component supply chains, buyer behaviour, distribution channels, technology evolution, adjacent-category pressure from budget televisions and entry-level DLP, and the role 1LCD may play as an onboarding path into higher-value projection products. The report gives projector companies a clearer view of a segment that is large enough to affect customer expectations, online pricing, product positioning, and future upgrade demand, but fragmented enough that it is difficult to understand through conventional market reporting alone. It helps answer a practical question: should this market be entered, avoided, monitored, partnered with, or treated as a feeder market for higher-value projector categories. “The projector market is changing in ways that aren’t always visible through traditional industry channels,” said Lee Dodson, COO of PMA Research. “1LCD is a good example. It has become a meaningful consumer category with the potential to influence pricing, product expectations and where future projector customers come from. Whether established brands ultimately compete in this segment or not, they need to understand it. That is the gap this report is designed to inform.” With its depth across market sizing, channels, brands, supply chain, consumers, product evolution, and competitive dynamics, the report can inform decisions such as forecast revisions, product roadmap priorities, price-tier strategy, Amazon and marketplace channel planning, European compliance and warranty investment, brand-positioning messages, retail-partner strategy, ODM and component sourcing, and whether low-cost 1LCD should be viewed as a threat, an opportunity, or an early-stage customer funnel.

D-Tools and Portal.io merge integration business platforms D-Tools, Inc. and Portal.io have announced that they have merged, uniting the two most widely used software platforms serving residential and commercial integration, audio/video, and security professionals. Together the companies give integrators a portfolio of purpose-built products that scale with their business, from their first proposal through enterprise deployment. They come together with a single purpose: to build the next generation of software integrators use to run their businesses. G Paul Hess continues as Chief Executive Officer. Kirk Chisholm, founder and CEO of Portal.io, joins as Chief Product Officer, with responsibility for product vision and strategy across the portfolio. Josh Willits, Portal. io’s Chief Operating Officer, will serve as Head of Portal.io, continuing to lead the Portal business unit. The merger brings together the largest network of integrators in the industry, running from single-operator shops to enterprise teams with hundreds of users. That scale gives the combined company a broader and more representative view of how integrators work, where they struggle and what they need from software, creating a stronger foundation for what it builds next. For nearly three decades, D-Tools has

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been an anchor platform for the integration industry. It earned its position as the market leader by building the breadth and scale integration businesses need to bring structure, accuracy, and control to their operations, across sales, system design, engineering, project management, and procurement. That capability, and the trust D-Tools has built across the industry, is the foundation the combined organization will build on. Portal.io has spent 15 years understanding how dealers sell and turning that insight into software they love to use. That focus has produced the industry’s most intuitive proposal and catalogue experience, award-winning customer support, and one of its most loyal customer bases. The two companies have been partners for more than a decade, since Portal.io’s managed product catalogue was first integrated into D-Tools SI. In a market this focused, they have long stood as the two leaders without building their businesses at each other’s expense; neither has grown by targeting the other’s customers. Bringing the organizations together reflects a recognition that integrators are better served by one team investing in the tools they depend on every day than by two teams solving the same problems twice. The combined company brings together three purpose-built products; each designed around different ways

integrators run their businesses. Rather than force every customer into a single system, D-Tools and Portal.io will continue to support each platform while working with integrators to match the right software to their needs. Portal.io: speed, simplicity, and a client-facing proposal experience that wins the job. It continues as Portal.io, developed and supported by the team that built it. D-Tools Cloud: depth across the whole operation, including sales, system design, proposals, project management, scheduling, service, and integration with the other tools integrators use every day. D-Tools System Integrator (SI): the enterprise-grade deployment for the industry’s largest and most complex operations, with nearly three decades of proven performance. For customers of every platform, nothing changes overnight. Every customer continues on their current product, at their current terms, with the same support team they know. There is no forced migration, and no plans to end-of-life any product currently offered. Both teams share a deliberate, customer-led approach to how the products evolve from here, guided by what integrators tell them they want rather than by how quickly anything can be brought together. D-Tools operates one of the industry’s most comprehensive product data catalogues, with complete specifications and pricing from thousands of manufacturer and distributor suppliers. Portal.io brings its own extensive managed catalogue and established relationships with industry manufacturers. Accurate, consistent, and current product information is critical to an integrator’s day-to-day business. Bringing the two catalogues together improves that accuracy, delivers more up-to-date product and pricing information, and strengthens specification workflows across the combined portfolio. The combined organisation will be product-led and integrator-first, earning every dealer’s business through the quality of the experience rather than the length of a feature list. Both companies also share a conviction that AI will reshape how integrators sell, design, manage, and execute their work. Portal.io was the first in the industry to introduce an AI proposal builder, and D-Tools has been investing in AI capability across its platforms. Together the teams intend to apply AI throughout the integrator workflow as a foundation that makes complex business processes faster, easier, and more intelligent, while using AI internally to build and ship for customers at a pace neither company could reach alone. Anyone can prototype software quickly today, but a software partner takes it further, building fast, scalable, secure solutions backed by real support teams, a platform that stays open to dealers who want to build and integrate their own tools, and a community of integrators who rely on it. Both companies believe the winners in this market will be those who pair decades of software architecture with real design and taste, understand the integrator most deeply, and hold the highest standard for the experience. “Bringing D-Tools and Portal.io together gives our industry something it has never had before: the most established platforms in custom integration, the integrator communities that have grown up around them, and the most complete product data, now backed by one team. I came up in this industry as an integrator and I have spent most of my career in product, and for me, this is a return to a product-led organization. Kirk has spent more than a decade obsessing over what integrators need from software, and Portal.io reflects that in every detail. His product leadership complements the deep expe-

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rience this D-Tools team has built over decades, and together we get to build the next chapter for this industry as one team”, Said G Paul Hess, Chief Executive Officer, D-Tools. “Portal.io was built on one idea: understand dealers better than anyone, and build software they love to use. D-Tools has built the most capable platform in this industry and earned a place in more integration businesses than anyone. We have known and worked with D-Tools for more than a decade, and what has always been clear is how aligned we are on what integrators actually need. Putting our two teams together is a real chance to shape where this industry goes and to build what dealers have always wanted. In a world of AI, an integrator should be able to run their entire business on software that is powerful, beautiful, and intuitive all at once. If you had to hand-pick two companies to deliver on that, it would be D-Tools and Portal.io. That is the company I want to build, and it is why I am excited to take on product for the combined organization,” said Kirk Chisholm, Founder, Portal.io; Chief Product Officer, D-Tools. The combined company will continue to serve the CEDIA channel, residential and light commercial custom integrators, with the same commitment both companies have always brought, while continuing to expand into commercial, pro AV, security, and international integrator communities where both see growing demand. Existing relationships with distributors, buying groups, and industry associations continue and will be strengthened under the combined company.

42 Digital Signage adds native share of voice ad management Wisar Digital, the company behind the white-label digital signage CMS 42 Digital Signage, has released Campaigns, a new module built for networks and retailers selling advertising space on their screens by SOV rather than fixed time slots. Selling by SOV is standard practice across digital out of home and the growing Retail Media Network space, but it creates a recurring operational headache. A brand might buy 25% of a 60 second loop, which works out to 15 seconds, and then hands over a 20 second video. Someone then has to manually trim it, duplicate it, or rebuild the playlist to keep every advertiser’s delivery honest. Do that across dozens of screens and hundreds of bookings and it becomes a full-time job.

PAVT Team (left to right): David Bunn, Joe Barder, Graeme Stevenson (Man Gibbs.

Campaigns removes that manual step. Operators define a Loop for a screen or group of screens, set the length and the increments SOV can be sold in, then book Campaigns against it by percentage rather than by time. If a piece of content doesn’t divide evenly into its slot, the system automatically extends the effective loop length so the asset plays in full, duplicating everything else on that screen proportionally so every advertiser still receives exactly the SOV they paid for. Unsold space is filled automatically with the operator’s own House content, so a screen is never left under delivering because of unbooked inventory. A built-in Campaign Report then tracks actual plays delivered against what was booked, screen by screen. Campaigns covers the booking, delivery and reporting of a SOV commitment once it’s been agreed. It does not handle billing or invoicing, which remains with the operator’s own finance tools, in keeping with 42 Digital Signage’s position as a CMS rather than a billing platform. “We built Campaigns because we were watching customers manage SOV deals in spreadsheets alongside our software, which defeats the point of having a CMS in the first place,” said Kevin Goldsmith, Partner and CEO of Wisar Digital. “The bit that took the most thought wasn’t the booking screen, it was what happens when a video simply doesn’t fit the percentage someone bought. Extending the loop automatically so nothing gets cut off, and nobody’s delivery gets shorted to make room for it, is the part I’m most pleased with.” Campaigns is available now to all 42 Digital Signage customers and white label partners as standard, included within the existing annual software subscription at no additional cost.

HEADLINE NEWS

professionals throughout the region.” Through the partnership, PAVT will provide sales, technical support and product expertise across Australia and New Zealand, helping customers deploy scalable AV-over-IP solutions that deliver the interoperability, flexibility and performance enabled by the IPMX standard.

naging Director), David Di Muzio, John Turner, Richard Bakunowicz and Ben

PlexusAV appoints PAVT as Australian AtlasIED partners with PT Hikari Indo and New Zealand disti AtlasIED has announced its partnership with PT Hikari Indo PlexusAV, the professional AV division of Sencore and provider of a suite of human-focused AV-over-IP solutions, today announced the appointment of PAVT as its authorised distribution partner for Australia and New Zealand. The partnership marks another important step in PlexusAV’s growth across the Asia-Pacific region, giving system integrators and AV professionals in Australia and New Zealand local access to its high-performance, open-architecture AV-over-IP solutions built on the IPMX standard, alongside dedicated sales and technical support. Steven Cogels, Global Director of Business Development at PlexusAV, commented, “We’re delighted to welcome PAVT as our distribution partner for Australia and New Zealand,” said Steven Cogels, Global Director of Business Development at PlexusAV. “Their long-standing reputation in the professional AV market, deep technical expertise and strong relationships with integrators make them an ideal partner as we continue to grow our presence across the region. Together, we’ll help customers embrace the benefits of open-standard AV-over-IP technology.” “PlexusAV is an outstanding addition to the PAVT portfolio,” said Graeme Stevenson, PAVT Managing Director. “We’re excited to represent PlexusAV across Australia and New Zealand and bring its innovative IPMX-based solutions to our customers. We firmly believe open standards represent the future of professional AV, and this partnership enables us to deliver a flexible, future-ready platform that meets the evolving needs of system integrators and production

Sarana, a Jakarta, Indonesia-based distributor. The partnership aims to expand AtlasIED’s APAC reach. Hikari Indo Sarana has over 25 years of industry experience and has consistently held its highly respected position since its inception in 2001. The company is known as a top-quality project supplier and system integrator. Hikari Indo Sarana specializes in the hospitality, office, data centre, and industrial sectors. “This partnership opens up significant opportunities to offer a much more comprehensive and integrated commercial audio solution to our clients,” said Idjung Mulyadi, Managing Director, Hikari Indo Sarana. “AtlasIED’s product range aligns well with current market needs, enabling Hikari Indo Sarana to confidently support larger and more sophisticated projects while further strengthening its position in the market.” AtlasIED’s comprehensive AV solution lineup is set to enhance Hikari Indo Sarana’s offerings, which provide a onestop solution for AV, lighting, and electrical systems. This integrated capability allows customers to work with a single trusted partner, ensuring better coordination, efficiency, and seamless project execution. INSERT OIC“This partnership comes at a great time of growth for AtlasIED in the APAC region,” said Glenn Lin, Director of Sales for APAC at AtlasIED. “Partnering with Hikari Indo Sarana is a strong step towards building on this growth and solidifying our presence in the region.”

HEADLINE NEWS

Bootshaus upgrades to L-Acoustics fully immersive sound Since opening its doors in 2004, Bootshaus has built one of the most recognisable identities in electronic music. The Cologne club, consistently ranked among the top venues globally by DJ Mag and recognised as the world’s fourth-best nightclub by the International Nightlife Association in 2025, has long staked its reputation on exciting spectacles and top-notch sound. The flamethrowers and CO₂ cannons are part of the Bootshaus mythology, but the club’s sustained position at the top of global rankings reflects a more deliberate commitment to attracting the best artists in the world — because the sound is worth the trip. Now, as the club marks its 22nd anniversary, Bootshaus is making its most significant audio investment yet: an upgrade of the Mainfloor to L-Acoustics DJ and a new 8.1.7 A Series loudspeaker configuration in 360°. The system debuts on June 5 with Holy Priest and June 12 with Don Diablo. Niclas Aigner, COO at Bootshaus, experienced L-Acoustics DJ firsthand at Amsterdam Dance Event 2025, where the system made its commercial debut alongside pilot partner The Other Side. For Aigner, who books the artists that define the club’s programme, what he heard in Amsterdam had direct implications for Cologne. “When I heard L-Acoustics DJ at ADE, it was immediately clear that this was more than just another sound system,” says Aigner. “The precision, impact and immersion were on another level, and I knew we needed that experience at Bootshaus. For us, it’s the next step in making the Mainfloor one of Europe’s leading club environments. Combined with our crowd and reputation, it gives top artists another strong reason to play Bootshaus, and a system that lets them experience their music at its absolute best.” More than 200,000 visitors and 500 DJs pass through Bootshaus each year. The artists who play the Mainfloor arrive with expectations shaped by experience at the world’s best venues. The ability to perform in spatial audio — to place a bassline stage left, a vocal overhead, or a melody circling the room — is a new creative offer that few clubs anywhere can make. Tom Thomas, Managing Director at Bootshaus, has spoken

Since opening its doors in 2004, Bootshaus has built one of the most recogn

consistently about the club’s commitment to prioritising sound. When the venue made its first move to L-Acoustics in 2024, he was clear: “Upgrading to L-Acoustics helps us keep our coveted position as one of the best clubs in the world. Bootshaus has always been recognised for prizing sound over visuals.” The addition of L-Acoustics DJ takes that investment into new territory. “Competition for both artists and audiences is stronger than ever, so for us it’s not enough to simply have a great line-up. We have to keep improving the experience itself. Investing in spatial audio allows us to create a level of sound, immersion and precision that people can genuinely feel the moment they enter the room,” comments Thomas. “For Bootshaus, this anniversary is not about looking back — it’s about showing where we want to go next. We’ve always tried to stay curious, push boundaries, and invest in the things that make a night unforgettable. This upgrade is another step in that direction: combining the energy and raw character Bootshaus is known for with technology that puts us at the forefront of the international club scene.” L-Acoustics DJ runs on the L-ISA Processor II and is pow-

HEADLINE NEWS

vide the height layer overhead. Two A15 Focus serve as DJ monitors, and the entire system is driven by three LA7.16i amplified controllers. The result is a system that can deliver the SPL and low-end that Bootshaus audiences expect, while simultaneously placing a bassline stage left and a vocal overhead — an experience that stereo cannot produce.

nisable identities in electronic music.

ered by Source Separate, a proprietary low-latency technology that uses machine learning to isolate the discrete stems of a stereo track — beats, basslines, melodies, vocals — in real time, as the DJ performs. Those separated elements can then be positioned and moved around the physical space, transforming the dancefloor from a place where music plays in front of the crowd into a space where music plays around them. The system integrates into existing DJ workflows without disruption. There is no requirement to rethink the set, the routing, or the technical rider. The spatial dimension is added on top of what the DJ already does, which means the only barrier to adoption is the decision to use it, not a new skill set. To support L-Acoustics DJ’s full spatial potential, Bootshaus has overhauled its Main floor loudspeaker system with an 8.1.7 A Series configuration in 360°. Flanking the DJ booth, two hangs of two A15 Wide over one A15 Focus anchor the system at the front. Six further hangs — each of one A15 Wide over one A15 Focus — extend coverage around the sides and rear of the dance floor, completing the horizontal immersive field. Seven X12 coaxial enclosures pro-

BUSINESS NEWS

Audium brings LEA Professional to Portugal In an effort to expand its international scope, LEA Professional today announces its partnership with Audium, an AV distributor based in the capital of Portugal. This partnership will bring LEA Professional’s extensive technology catalogue, featuring industry-leading intelligent IT solutions, best-in-class DSP, and smart power management, to customers throughout Portugal. With over 40 years of experience in the professional audio industry, the Audium team is perfectly positioned to expand LEA’s presence in Europe. Through this partnership, Audium will represent LEA Professional’s award-winning Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity. These series enable integrators to utilize cloud-based remote control, monitoring, notifications, and more from any internet-enabled device, allowing them to stay connected anywhere in the world. “The Portuguese AV market prioritizes durability and consistency, and LEA exemplifies those principles exceptionally,” said Filipe Santos, Managing Director of Audium. “Through our partnership with LEA, we are better positioned to support our customers with fully customized, excellent, high-quality technology.” LEA Professional’s smart amplifiers are the most feature-rich amplifiers available in the industry — featuring onboard 96kHz DSP, LEA Cloud connectivity, WebUI, third-party API control, real-time load monitoring, Lo-Z/70V/100V selectable by channel, event, and fault monitoring, high-efficiency power design, over 3,000 speaker tuning presets, and LEA’s advanced amplifier control software, SharkWare. “As part of our commitment to growing in Europe, we’re extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Audium, a high-quality distributor with strong regional reach,” said Jeff Gorton, Sales Director, Europe and Africa, LEA Professional. “We are expanding the availability of our AV solutions alongside Audium while reflecting the exceptional standards of execution and efficiency that define our brand.”

BUSINESS NEWS

AtlasIED installed in 80% of J.D. Power’s top 30 airports of 2025 Every day, millions of travellers move through North America’s airports, navigating crowded terminals, gate changes, weather delays, and connections. While passengers may remember the restaurants they visited or the efficiency of security, another system quietly shapes nearly every step of the journey: the communications infrastructure that keeps people informed, moving, and safe. As North America’s busiest airports continue to raise the bar for the passenger experience, clear, reliable communication has become an essential part of that equation. In the latest J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, 24 of the highest-rated airports rely on AtlasIED’s public address and life safety communication technologies, underscoring the company’s role in supporting seamless passenger communications across some of the continent’s top airports. The study measured passenger satisfaction across mega, large, and medium airports using feedback from more than 30,000 travellers in the United States and Canada. Of the 30 airports recognized in the report, AtlasIED communication systems are installed in all 10 top mega airports, 6 of the top 10 large airports, and 8 of the top 10 medium airports. The J.D. Power study assesses passenger satisfaction across seven key areas: ease of travel within the airport, trust, terminal facilities, airport staff, departure experience, food and retail offerings, and arrival experience. Clear and reliable public communications are crucial at every stage of the passenger journey, as they help travellers navigate terminals, receive timely updates, and adapt to changing travel conditions. “The air travel experience depends on clear, reliable communication,” said John Goodrich, Director of Global Installed Systems, AtlasIED. “Airports require communication platforms that deliver exceptional speech intelligibility, support multilingual messaging, and can scale to meet the needs of facilities serving millions of travellers each year. We’re proud that so many of the airports recognized for delivering outstanding passenger experiences rely on AtlasIED technologies.” Airport operators are increasingly focusing on communication platforms that integrate emergency notifications, flight announcements, multilingual messaging, and high speech intelligibility within a single scalable system. AtlasIED’s transportation portfolio enables airports to provide consistent communication across terminals while meeting the operational needs of facilities of all sizes. As airports invest in modernization initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and the passenger experience, intelligent communication systems are essential components of next-generation airport infrastructure.

BUSINESS NEWS

CODA Audio USA continues its rapid expansion New CODA Audio USA Managing Director Mark Meding has announced the appointment of five new rep firms to significantly increase the company’s reach in the United States professional audio market. The new firms add serious weight to CODA Audio USA’s existing network of representation, bringing on board yet more experience and expertise to propel the brand forwards. MultiPoint Integrated Technologies will represent CODA in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, Western Pennsylvania, and Virginia Beach, whilst Frequency Sales will take care of Illinois and Wisconsin. UC Technology Partners will take the reins in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Upstate New York, with Caliber Sales looking after Florida. Completing the new lineup is Bassett Sales Corporation who will operate in Hawaii, Northern California, and Northern Nevada. Mark comments: “The vast combined experience and talent of these firms added to our existing partners, gives us a huge boost as we seek to embed CODA Audio’s presence deeper into the US market. I’ve enjoyed great relationships over many years with some of the key personnel in these highly successful businesses, and I’m confident in their proven ability to bring CODA to the forefront with real impact.” Tom Bensen founder of MultiPoint looks ahead: “We’re looking forward hitting the streets carrying the CODA flag and developing a mutually beneficial relationship that will contribute to CODA’s success in the coming months and years.” Founder Gene Williams sees the addition of CODA Audio as a important addition to the Frequency Sales portfolio: “CODA’s engineering excellence, and commitment to advancing professional audio makes them an outstanding addition to our portfolio. We look forward to expanding their presence and supporting our partners with world-class solutions.” Principal & Co-Founder at UC Technology Partners, Aaron Chisena is upbeat: “CODA’s reputation for innovation, performance, and sound quality makes them a perfect fit with our commitment to representing best-in-class manufacturers across New England and Upstate New York, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead”. CODA’s technologies align perfectly with the Caliber Sales ethos according to Founder, Juan Jane: “Partnering with CODA Audio is an exciting milestone for us at Caliber Sales. It is clear we share the same passion for innovation, design, and creating exceptional experiences. This partnership represents our commitment to delivering the very best in next-generation technology”. Mark Dodge, Intelligent Systems Marketing, Bassett Sales Corporation, sees CODA technology as inspiring: “CODA Audio’s relentless pursuit of acoustic excellence, combined with elegant engineering and a commitment to solving real-world design challenges, sets them apart in our industry. We’re honoured to represent a company that shares our passion for innovation and performance, and look forward to expanding CODA Audio’s presence throughout the West.”

Syntegra brings LEA Professional to Bulgaria Underscoring its deep commitment to expanding its global reach, LEA Professional today announces its partnership with Syntegra, a Sofia, Bulgaria-based commercial AV distributor. This partnership will connect the Bulgarian AV industry with LEA Professional’s extensive technology catalogue, which includes industry-leading intelligent IT solutions, top-tier DSP, and advanced power management systems. With nearly 40 years of combined experience in the AV industry, the Syntegra team is perfectly positioned to assist LEA’s footprint expansion in Europe. Through this partnership, Syntegra will represent LEA Professional’s award-winning Network Connect series of professional amplifiers, as well as the companion Dante Connect series, which features Dante and AES67 connectivity. These series enable integrators to utilize cloud-based remote control, monitoring, notifications, and more from any internet-enabled device, allowing them to stay connected from anywhere in the world. “LEA Professional has established itself as a premier option for all types of installations,” said Nikolay Kachamakov, CEO of Syntegra. “We strive to provide only the highest quality technology for our customers. LEA Professional fulfils those criteria.” LEA Professional’s smart amplifiers are the most feature-rich amplifiers available in the industry — featuring onboard 96kHz DSP, LEA Cloud connectivity, WebUI, third-party API control, real-time load monitoring, Lo-Z/70V/100V selectable by channel, event, and fault monitoring, high-efficiency power design, over 3,000 speaker tuning presets, and LEA’s

BUSINESS NEWS

After 25 years of DHD Audio in the Netherlands, this feels like a logical next step. By integrating Media Utilities into DigiNet, we safeguard continuity for customers and can further strengthen installation, service, and support alongside deliveries. This applies to DHD Audio in the Netherlands, but certainly also to Yellowtec in the Netherlands and Belgium. The integration also aligns well with the development of modern radio and podcast studios, where audio, video, and advanced podcast solutions are increasingly converging. DigiNet also clearly sees this development reflected in the market. Radio has long ceased to be exclusively audio. Studios are increasingly evolving into content environments where live radio, visual radio, podcasting, streaming, social clips, and online distribution converge. Consequently, the need is growing for partners who understand audio, video, IT, and workflow in conjunction. “From my own background in radio, I know how important reliable audio engineering, workflow, and continuity are in a studio environment,” says Niels Mos, Division Manager at DigiNet. “In this context, DHD Audio is much more than a mixing console or audio core; it often forms an essential part of the total radio workflow. At the same time, radio is becoming increasingly visual and digital. Today, studios must not only sound good but also fit within video, online distribution, and modern content workflows. It is precisely at this intersection that DigiNet has built up extensive experience over the past few years.” Mos continues: “By combining Media Utilities’ broadcast audio expertise with DigiNet’s experience in broadcast, video, IT, and workflow, we can better support customers with the next generation of radio and podcast environments. In the coming period, customers and business partners will be personally informed about the further details”. advanced amplifier control software, SharkWare. “As we continue to expand our presence in Europe, establishing the right partnerships in each country is essential. This partnership exemplifies that standard,” said Jeff Gorton, Sales Director - Europe and Africa, LEA Professional. “We believe this collaboration will significantly enhance our presence in Bulgaria, and we look forward to reaching more people and building stronger connections.”

Media Utilities transitions to Media Utilities - a DigiNet brand Media Utilities is integrating its activities into DigiNet and will maintain a recognisable presence in the market under the name: Media Utilities, a DigiNet brand. With this step, DigiNet strengthens its position in the Dutch broadcast and radio market. Media Utilities has been closely associated with DHD Audio in the Netherlands for 25 years and has built a strong reputation during that period as a specialist in broadcast audio, radio studios, and professional audio solutions. Activities surrounding Yellowtec for the Netherlands and Belgium will also be continued within the new structure. For customers, changes are primarily for the better behind the scenes. Media Utilities’ trusted expertise and personal approach will be retained, while DigiNet adds extra support in the areas of project management, logistics, installation, service, and support. Daniël Geertsema will remain involved with customers, suppliers, and ongoing projects. “Media Utilities has always been built on specialist knowledge, personal contact, and long-term relationships with customers and suppliers,” says Daniël Geertsema of Media Utilities”.

LANG AG introduces a new LED solution in the 3.9mm pixel pitch segment LANG AG is expanding its range with AVORA, the new LED flagship in the 3.91mm pixel pitch segment. The cabinet achieves a brightness of up to 5,500 nits, is HDR capable, and its IP65 protection rating makes it suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. AVORA is built on SMD technology, and the cabinet also features Black Face and Black Body for compelling contrast. Processing is handled by a Novastar A10s Pro receiving card, which improves both contrast and colour depth, enables precise HDR rendering, and reduces cabling requirements. This also allows AVORA to integrate seamlessly into existing Novastar ecosystems. The integrated wind bracing ensures robustness and structural stability even in adverse weather conditions, enabling easier handling as well as faster set-up and take-down times. The AVORA product family includes the standard 500 x 1,000mm format alongside the more compact 500 x 500mm variant, as well as 45-degree corner modules in both sizes for corner constructions. This range of formats allows AVORA to adapt to a wide variety of project requirements, covering diverse deployment scenarios with a single system base. “With AVORA, we have a system in our inventory that convinces our customers not only technically but also gives them the freedom to realise every project on the same reliable foundation,” says Sahra Jung, Senior Manager Rental at LANG AG. “It is precisely this flexibility that makes AVORA a product you can rely on in the long term.”

APPLICATION

Waitrose passes 200-store milestone in digital shelf transformation Waitrose has now rolled out SOLUM electronic shelf labels to more than 200 stores nationwide. The milestone marks further progress in one of the UK’s largest store digitalisation programmes, with deployment continuing across the retailer’s estate. Since announcing the partnership in December 2025, Waitrose has continued deploying SOLUM’s Newton Pro electronic shelf labels across its estate to modernise how pricing and product information are managed instore. By replacing traditional paper shelf-edge labels with centrally managed digital displays, the solution enables product and pricing information to be updated quickly, accurately and consistently across stores. As retailers continue to invest in technology that improves operational agility and enhances the in-store experience, electronic shelf labels are becoming an increasingly important part of modern store infrastructure. For Waitrose, the rollout supports more efficient day-to-day store operations, allowing Partners to spend less time manually changing shelf labels and more time supporting customers on the shop floor. The rollout has been carefully planned around individual store requirements, with installations taking place while stores remain fully operational. SOLUM and Waitrose continue to work together to ensure each phase of deployment integrates seamlessly into day-to-day retail operations. Mark Duckworth, Country Manager UK & Ireland at SOLUM, said: “Reaching the 200-store mark is an important milestone, but more importantly, it reflects how retailers are rethinking the role of technology within the store. Digital shelf technology is fast becoming part of the connected retail infrastructure that enables stores to respond more quickly, operate more efficiently and deliver a better experience for Partners and customers alike. We’re proud to be supporting Waitrose as it continues that journey.” Waitrose selected Newton Pro for its premium design, reliability and suitability for food retail environments. The solution enables centrally managed updates to pricing and product information across fresh, ambient and specialist categories, while maintaining the high-quality in-store presentation expected by Waitrose customers. As the rollout continues across additional stores, the programme represents another step in Waitrose’s ongoing investment in digitally enabled retail operations and reinforces SOLUM’s growing presence in the UK grocery sector.

Holiday Inn Telford expands Vieunite Pro deployment In March 2025, Southwater Event Group (SEG) who manage Holiday Inn Telford, began a wider refresh of the hotel’s guest communications. The main focus of the project was to digitalise the printed posters used throughout the hotel’s high-traffic guest areas. These posters had long been used to promote hotel services, special offers and seasonal campaigns, including Christmas and New Year party bookings. Reprinting was frequent and the posters were sometimes vandalised which undermined presentation standards at a key trading period and that is why the hotel sought a digital alternative that would look at home in a hospitality environment. One of the first high traffic areas they wanted to focus on putting displays in was the main reception area. SEG wanted a large, elegant solution that complemented the existing interiors rather than the look of a domestic television. They did not want the display to look out of place. This screen needed to grab attention and make a real statement about the hotel. At the entrance to the hotel’s restaurant, outside one of their main function rooms and the men’s and ladies’ washrooms were also other prime locations that SEG were looking to install screens in. These screens however did not need to be as large as the one in the reception area. Content for the displays would need to be refreshed often and quickly for time sensitive promotions and managed remotely on desktop and

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phone by team members without having to be on site at the hotel. The software needed to be simple enough for non-technical staff to update. The company were first looking to install a couple of displays as proof of concept before later installing more screens based on how the first screens were received. The last request from SEG was that the installation had to be straightforward for the in-house maintenance team to complete without disruption to the guest washrooms: “The software needed to be simple enough for non-technical staff to update” With multiple Textura Pro Canvas sizes available all coming with elegant wooden frame styles, SEG would be able to choose canvases that matched the premium interior of their spaces. For the reception area they took the 55 Inch 4K Textura Pro with a walnut frame and for the other areas of the hotel the 27 Inch Textura Pro. The 27-inch canvas being smaller than the 55” canvas actually comes with a wider choice of frame colours with pine, black, walnut and white however to keep things consistent, they selected all walnut frames. With a texture accurate display, the panels of both sizes use advanced anti-glare technology to replicate lifelike textures. The surface of the panel is unlike any domestic or commercial display in that it helps disguise the displays digital nature so that if you weren’t aware that the screen was digital the viewer could be fooled into thinking they were

looking at artwork. With a Vieunite Pro Advanced Subscription, SEG would be able to easily manage and control the content on the displays via the Vieunite Pro Portal that works on both desktop and mobile devices via the internet. This meant that they could manage the display even when they were not at the hotel itself. Even better was that by using Vieunite Pro they gained access to the vast Vieunite Curated Collection of artwork. This world class collection allows them to insert art between their advertising content, keeping the display curated and guest friendly while their key messages stay front of mind. Installation would be no problem for the Holiday Inn in-house team as the canvases come with their own wall mount that allows for the display to be hung in either portrait or landscape orientation. The Holiday Inn and SEG both responded very positively to the Textura Pro. The premium quality of the canvas and the concept of the art collection put this over other digital signage solutions that had been considered. In July 2025, three 27-inch Textura Pro Displays were installed, two in the male washroom and one in the ladies washroom. The screens were very well received not just by the hotel due to the ease of installation and the quality of the canvas but by visiting guests also. Building on the success of the initial installation, SEG has since expanded the deployment across the hotel. The latest phase, completed in April 2026, includes a 55inch 4K Textura Pro in the main reception, two additional 27inch Textura Pro canvases outside the function rooms and another 27-inch at the entrance to the newly opened Olive Tree restaurant. Today, the hotel uses Vieunite Pro to manage promotional content, guest messaging and curated artwork throughout multiple guest-facing areas. The flexibility of the platform enables staff to keep content fresh and relevant, while maintaining the premium aesthetic that was central to the original project. The continued investment reflects the success of the initial proof of concept. The hotel reports strong satisfaction with both the presentation and ease of day-to-day operation and has also noticed an uplift in event bookings, which it attributes to the increased visibility of promotions across the property. Southwater Event Group is now exploring opportunities to introduce Vieunite Pro digital canvases at additional properties within its portfolio. David Coe, Operations Director of Southwater Events Group said, “I would definitely recommend Textura to other new businesses”. Looking forward, Holiday Inn is exploring additional place-

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In March 2025, Southwater Event Group (SEG) who manage Holiday Inn Telford, began a wider refresh of the hotel’s guest communications. The main focus of the project was to digitalise the printed posters used throughout the hotel’s high-traffic guest areas.

ments for more Vieunite Pro Canvases within the hotel and at other properties managed by SEG. “Hospitality businesses are looking for technology that works harder without feeling like technology,” said Sonny Mander, Head of Business Development at Vieunite Pro. “Holiday Inn Telford is a fantastic example of how digital communications can enhance the guest experience while complementing interior design. We’re delighted that what started as a pilot has grown into a wider rollout, and we’re excited to support Southwater Event Group as they explore future deployments.”

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Tongbo installs CODA system for prestigious sports complex The latest development phase of the Guiyang Olympic Sports Centre in Guizhou province, China, opened recently in the shape of a new 80,000 sqm indoor arena. With a seating capacity of 12,000 spectators, the venue was constructed to fill a gap in the region’s high-end sporting and cultural facilities and is equipped to host international-level sporting events and entertainment performances. The grand opening of the venue saw it hosting the second AIBA World Cup Boxing event of the year, which took place across six days and featured more than 200 bouts. Where sporting venues often hire in rented audio equipment to meet the needs of individual events, the Guiyang venue benefits from a carefully designed professional sound system installed during its construction. Responsibility for the design and installation of a premium audio system was given to experienced specialists Zhejiang Tongbo Vision Technology Co., Ltd. who installed CODA Audio to meet the brief. Tongbo needed to provide a system which could fully meet the diverse audio requirements of the venue. The grand opening and World Cup Boxing event perfectly illustrated the challenges with a need to meet the demand of live commentaries, background music reinforcement, and large-scale live performances. A spokesperson for Tongbo commented: “The venue required the uniform delivery of audio to every seat with outstanding vocal clarity. The CODA system achieves this consistent sound pressure, even in a noisy and dynamic competition environment, ensuring ultra-clear vocal broadcast without noise interference. The arena now possesses a system which is fully adaptable to the needs of sports competitions, large-scale galas, and international performances. It features deep and pure low-frequency sound as well as delicate mid-to-high frequency sound, delivering high-fidelity audio for all types on on-site performances and ceremonies.” Relying on its rich practical experience in delivering large-scale venue audio systems, Tongbo designed and installed a system based around CODA Audio point source and arrayable point source loudspeakers, specifically 48 x CODA Audio APS (2 x 10” 3-way arrayable point source) and 24 x HOPS12i-Pro (dual 12” 3-way high-output point source), supplemented by 4 x G515 (single 15” 2-way). The system is powered by CODA Audio LINUS DSP amplification. For the opening ceremony of the AIBA World Cup, the ven-

ue’s directorship had originally planned to bring in extra temporary sound reinforcement from other brands, but on hearing the installed CODA system on the eve of the event, recognised its superior performance and cancelled the additional equipment without hesitation. The Tongbo team gave full technical support for the duration of the ceremony, and the carefully optimised system performed flawlessly throughout. The spokesperson continued: “Thanks to our meticulous installation and the premium quality of the CODA products, the new system offers the venue many practical benefits and significant cost savings. The permanently integrated CODA Audio system eliminates the repeated costs and cumbersome procedures of repeated equipment transportation, setting-up, and commissioning for each separate large-scale event. It enables efficient and rapid delivery of regular international events, improving the overall efficiency of event preparation.” David Webster, Global Head of Sales and Marketing for CODA Audio, added: “Tongbo continue to expertly deploy CODA Audio systems for a wide variety of prestigious installations across China to maximum effect. We’re very proud to see our products installed at venues which feature such high-profile national and international events.”

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LEA Amplifiers at the Venice Biennale Galleries and museums around the world host an enormous range of art installations and exhibitions, but what appears on screen or occupies the space is often only part of the experience. Audio plays a significant role in these environments, whether by setting the atmosphere, providing complementary background music, or serving as the installation’s soundscape. Integrator ArtAV specialises in exactly these kinds of spaces, where the supporting AV technology must be technically sophisticated, reliable over extended periods, and nearly invisible. Installations are temporary, often complex, and audio systems are typically operated by curators, exhibition staff, or the artists themselves. Dedicated technical teams are expensive and increasingly rare; systems must therefore deliver high-quality output while remaining simple to operate. To meet these demands, ArtAV has gradually standardised on Connect Series amplifiers from LEA Professional and loudspeakers from Fohhn. The relationship between ArtAV and LEA was facilitated by Audiologic, whose expertise and industry relationships helped connect the two companies. Together, these technologies have enabled ArtAV to balance

operational simplicity with a robust technical foundation across several international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale. Behind the scenes, though, these systems are far from simple. Many installations involve lots of audio channels spread across several rooms or outdoor areas, with equipment concealed in walls, plant spaces, or temporary racks. ArtAV’s team sets up, measures, and fine-tunes the audio at each installation using LEA Professional’s extensive DSP parameters and its highly regarded Sharkware configuration suite. “Usability can be every bit as important as amplification power and sonic performance,” said Simon Weightman, Project Manager at ArtAV. “In addition to the built-in DSP capabilities and speaker tunings, LEA amplifiers offer an absolutely fantastic web GUI [WebUI] that simplifies day-to-day operations for front-of-house staff. That is a huge benefit and a significant part of the reason we standardized on LEA for amplification.” ArtAV worked alongside John Akomfrah on his largest and most ambitious exhibition to date, ‘Listening All Night To The Rain’, at the 60th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale. It included 104 audio channels distributed across a basement gallery, flanking side rooms, and a main hall, all of which were required to play in precise sync. Each space carried its own distinct soundscape: 18 loudspeakers setting a foreboding tone in the basement, voices threading through a suspended sculptural cloud of tape players and vinyl records, and a sphere of sound shaped by 20 loudspeakers in the main gallery’s immersive eight-projection wrap-around. With spaces in close proximity and wildly different sonic characters, the audio mix needed to both stand alone in each room and cohere as a single, unified experience. LEA’s amplifiers proved central to achieving that balance. ArtAV’s team installed several Connect Series 168 amplifiers to power the exhibit. The CS168 is an 8-channel amplifier providing 160 watts per channel. All amplifiers in the Connect Series are professional-grade, IoT-enabled smart amplifiers suitable for installations of any size. They support both Hi-Z (70V or 100V) and Lo-Z, selectable by channel, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers to handle different speaker impedances, while streamlining installations and reducing equipment costs. The Connect Series also includes 96kHz DSP as a standard feature, providing a range of benefits that greatly enhance audio performance and system versatility. “With over 100 channels of audio in the in-

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stallation, LEA’s metering and control enabled fast fault-finding and responsive level tweaks during the exhibition, but it wasn’t just a case of ‘set and forget’,” recalled Weightman. “We could monitor and manage the system remotely from the UK during operation, as well as during the installation. Also, the LEA amps fit eight channels of 160W in 1U. Being able to have that smaller form factor is a massive bonus for us.” Artgoers and critics responded very positively to the exhibit, praising its immersive blend of moving image, sound, and archival material, with major reviews calling it a “magnificent” and emotionally overwhelming experience. “As installations become more immersive and increasingly reliant on complex audio, having intelligent amplification is now just as important as having great loudspeakers,” said Weightman. “With LEA, we know we have a platform that is reliable, flexible, and easy to support remotely, which allows us to focus on helping artists realize their vision.”

Leyard Europe delivers broadcast ready LED upgrade The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has recently seen the installation of a DirectLight Pro LED screen from Leyard Europe as part of a comprehensive upgrade for its flagship Kelvin Lecture Theatre at London’s historic Savoy Place. Designed and installed by Snelling Business Systems, the theatre is used for in person, hybrid and broadcast-quality events, with the DirectLight Pro screen replacing the existing dual-projection system. “The IET brief focused on replacing projection with a future-proof, broadcast-capable LED solution while retaining and integrating much of the existing AV infrastructure,” says Tristan Boler, Global Account Manager at Snelling Business Systems. “The system needed to meet key objectives, including suitability for events and filming, support 4K in and out video workflows, and compatibility with Teams, Zoom and broadcast production via IET.tv. There was also a requirement for improved reliability, brightness and viewing angles, and it had to be capable of supporting the venue for the next five to seven years.”

The final design was developed in conjunction with the IET team to ensure operational simplicity and technical capability, with DirectLight Pro’s production at Leyard’s facility in Slovakia helping to achieve the tight timeline from order confirmation in September 2025 to delivery for IET’s winter installation window. The carefully engineered solution combines the DirectLight Pro LED wall with Colorlight processing, an updated Analog Way and Lightware video infrastructure, and Q SYS control. DirectLight Pro’s wide viewing angles improve sightlines for audience members seated at the sides of the theatre, whilst broadcast compatibility, including Genlock support via the Colorlight processor, allows for seamless integration with IET.tv’s filming and live production workflows. “A 7.26m x 4.08m DirectLight Pro 1.8 M05 LED wall was chosen as the best solution for the project following a detailed technical and commercial product comparison,” Boler continues. “The overall aim was to match the original project format while delivering a dramatic visual upgrade. DirectLight Pro also integrates seamlessly with the

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Analogway, Lightware and Q-SYS systems, protecting the IET’s previous investment.” Boler notes that key differentiators of Leyard’s DirectLight Pro include Chip-on-Board (CoB) LED technology, offering improved robustness and image uniformity, native 4K (3840 × 2160) resolution at a 1.8mm pixel pitch in a 16:9 format, and 10-bit colour processing to meet IET.tv broadcast requirements. Sustainability was also an important part of the selection process. At an average whole-wall power draw of 2.88kW, the Leyard solution recorded the lowest figure among the shortlisted products, approximately 30.9% below the nearest alternative and 40.4% below the average of the competing options. The ability to power the wall down fully outside booked use, Leyard’s EverCare Lifetime Warranty, and access to long-term UK and European support provided further confidence in the choice. Snelling worked closely with the Leyard Europe team throughout the project. “Leyard Europe provided technical design and application engineering support during specifi-

cation, and helped with installation, commissioning and onsite training,” Boler says. “The team also worked with us on the display’s scanning characteristics and calibration so that it could perform cleanly on camera when used with the genlock-enabled Colorlight processor. This collaborative effort ensured the LED wall met both AV and broadcast performance expectations and was delivered in time for IET’s installation window.” The project also retained viable elements of the existing AV infrastructure, reducing unnecessary replacement while adding operational resilience. Since the upgrade, bookings for the Kelvin Lecture Theatre have increased by 56% (it should be noted that the screen was marketed from autumn 2025 ahead of the December installation, and a number of bookings were secured in the leadup to the install), while the permanent LED wall has reduced the need for clients to bring in temporary displays, avoiding additional build and derig time. Its support for hybrid, broadcast, and live productions reinforces Savoy Place as a premier technical events venue. “The installation of the new LED wall at the IET Kelvin Lecture Theatre has been transformative,” says Sean Spencer, Head of IET Venues. “Feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly in comparison with the previous screen, with noticeable improvements in brightness, scale and overall presence. It also significantly reduces setup time and removes the need for clients to bring in external LED builds, saving both time and cost. We are extremely grateful to Leyard Europe”.

Barcelona’s Phenomena upgrades to Christie CP4435-RGB projector Christie has announced that Phenomena Experience, the iconic Barcelona cinema recognised with the 2025 Carlo Lizzani Europa Award for Best European Theatre during the Venice Film Festival, has installed a Christie CP4435-RGB 4K RGB pure laser cinema projector as part of the renovation of its iconic venue. Founded and led by filmmaker Nacho Cerdà, Phenomena Experience has become one of Europe’s most distinctive destinations for cinema lovers. Located in Barcelona’s former Cine Nàpols, the single-screen theatre is known for its carefully curated programming, combining first-run titles, classics, retrospectives, special screenings, and 35mm and 70mm film presentations. The

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upgrades to the auditorium, projection booth, sound system, acoustics, seating, lobby, and bar preserve the theatrical character and passion for cinema that have defined Phenomena since its inception. At the heart of the upgrade is the Christie CP4435-RGB, a 4K RGB pure laser cinema projector featuring RealLaser illumination and CineLife+ electronics. The projector delivers up to 35,000 lumens, high contrast, and more than 95 percent of the Rec. 2020 colour gamut, along with long-term operational stability and a low-maintenance design. It also supports Christie VDR, a software-enabled technology that further enhances the on-screen experience and increases the projector’s operational efficiency and lifetime. For Phenomena, the move to RGB pure laser projection was a carefully considered choice shaped by its close relationship with filmmakers, cinematographers, distributors, and other AV professionals. “We’ve used other brands, but we were interested in exploring Christie because of its reputation in premium cinemas and its connection with Dolby,” says Nacho Cerdà, founder and director of Phenomena Experience. “Our integrator Kelonik recommended a specific laser model, and the technology was very appealing to me.” Cerdà explains that the transition from traditional Xenon lamp projection to RGB pure laser was widely discussed within Phenomena’s community. “A large part of our audience works in the audiovisual industry, and for them, this change was comparable to the transition from 35mm to digital,” he says. “There was some initial reluctance among industry colleagues, but after seeing the results, their response has been positive.” Because Phenomena’s auditorium also hosts test screenings, laboratory corrections, sound tests, and other professional sessions, colour accuracy, reliability, and optical consistency were central to the choice of projector. The Christie CP4435-RGB has delivered an immediate onscreen improvement while giving the Phenomena team greater flexibility for its varied daily programming. “I was surprised by the outstanding contrast and exceptional focus we could achieve with its lenses,” says Cerdà. “We’ve also seen a significant reduction in speckle compared with previous models, and the speed of format changes is extremely useful for us, given how varied our programming is throughout the day.” Phenomena’s screen measures 15 metres wide (49 feet) by approximately 6.2 metres high (20 feet), with a projection distance of around 20 metres (65 feet). The cinema required a solution capable of delivering the necessary brightness and optical performance at that scale.

The new RGB pure laser projection system now complements Phenomena’s continued commitment to 35mm and 70mm film. For Cerdà, the aim is not to choose between past and future, but to use each format to serve the most compelling cinematic experience. “That is part of what makes cinema exhibition so powerful,” he says. “It is about respecting the filmmaker’s vision while considering every part of the audience experience, from the venue’s decor and lighting to the way the film is presented.” Together with the projection upgrade, the renovation has strengthened Phenomena’s role as a cultural venue for festivals, presentations, premieres, and special events. “Despite all the predictions of the cinema industry’s decline, I want to speak up and say it’s still very much alive,” he concludes. “But that future depends on bringing back the grandeur and glamour that characterized the cinemas of our childhood.”

The Glasgow School of Art turns to Genelec As a recognised centre of excellence for the study of Sound for the Moving Image, The Glasgow School of Art’s (GSA) School of Information and Technology (SIT) has an enviable track record in producing highly employable graduates with a deep knowledge of film/TV sound production & post-production, immersive audio, electronic game audio and experimental sound practice. Now, having relocated to a brandnew campus location in central Glasgow, the GSA’s Genelec-powered sound studios are perfectly equipped to continue preparing future generations of audio professionals. Previously based at the GSA’s Pacific Quay Campus in

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Glasgow’s Digital Media Quarter, the relocation has now brought SIT much closer to the main campus but involved recreating Pacific Quay’s three main studios – a Dolby Atmos Room, a Surround Sound Room and the spatial audio Soundlab – in a brand-new space. To help execute the project, the GSA enlisted the invaluable expertise of local reseller and integrator Mediaspec. The principal aim of the new SIT facility was to create a flexible, future-facing teaching and production environment capable of supporting industry-standard Dolby Atmos workflows, traditional 5.1 surround mixing, 3rd-order Ambisonics mixing, with support for voiceover and Foley recording too. Designed to provide students with access to industry-standard monitoring environments across multiple spatial audio formats, the decision was made for all studios to be integrated via a Dante network – which represented a major technical step forward from the previous campus location. To deliver on the vision for the new campus, new spaces – including a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos studio and a 16-speaker Ambisonics Soundlab – were commissioned and integrated by Mediaspec, with network infrastructure provided by the GSA’s internal IT team. 11 Genelec 8030 two-way nearfield monitors were transferred across from the Pacific Quay campus to equip the Atmos room, complemented by a 7060 subwoofer, while 16 of the super-compact 8010 two-way nearfields were purchased for the Ambisonics room, supported by a 7050 subwoofer. The campus’s compact 5.1 surround sound studio utilises the GSA’s existing 1029 twoway nearfield monitors, and a separate voiceover booth and Foley studio are also accessible via the Dante network. Of course, as with all major projects, there were some tech-

nical challenges to overcome, as Ronan Breslin, the GSA’s Programme Leader, MDes Sound for Moving Image, reveals: “Since Ambisonic sound does not have a low frequency enhancement channel as part of its defined characteristics, we found that initial playback testing with the 8010 monitor array in the Soundlab revealed very good immersion and localisation characteristics, but the low end required reinforcement. Therefore, Mediaspec suggested that we deploy a 7050 subwoofer in the room – which we fed with summed 100 Hz LPF audio – and this did indeed remedy the issue, following some experimentation with positioning.” Implementation of the Dante network presented another challenge, but optimal results were achieved by collaborating closely with the GSA’s IT team. “By fine-tuning the network, establishing correct clocking and routing configurations, and carrying out comprehensive system-wide testing and validation, we were able to achieve a stable and reliable infrastructure,” explains Breslin. With the commissioning complete, staff and students have had plenty of time to get to grips with the new rooms – and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “All the studios sound incredibly clear,” comments Simon Weins, Sound Technician & Lecturer at the GSA. “The 8030s in the Atmos studio allow for a very detailed image of a mix, which is crucial for our students when making final decisions in their projects. Together with the rest of our system, this allows our students to work at the highest professional level. The stereo imaging is precise, and the low frequency detail is exceptional.” Meanwhile in the Soundlab studio, the Ambisonics system has been a genuine revelation. “The 8010s may look small but paired with the 7050 they produce a genuinely powerful, full-range sound. Despite the compact footprint, the imaging across the full sphere is remarkably stable and coherent,” enthuses Weins. Reflecting on the success of the move, Weins is quick to recognise the ability of Genelec monitors to provide a truthful sonic reference in any space: “Genelec’s clarity and consistency have translated seamlessly from our studios at Pacific Quay to our new home at West Regent Street, minimising the impact that the move had on the workflow of our students and allowing them to continue their work in a professional environment. Overall, the relocation has been a real success for us, with the new facilities being used more than ever.” For more information, please visit www.genelec.com

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Shure supports 300 concerts and festival activities at Montreux Shure today recapped its support of the 2026 Montreux Jazz Festival, where it deployed more than 2,000 components across 10 stages during the festival’s landmark 60th edition. For nearly 30 years, Shure has worked alongside Montreux Jazz Festival production teams to help manage complex wireless environments, evolving artists’ requirements, and the technical demands of a multi-stage live music event. The deployment included 156 channels of Axient Digital Wireless Systems, 40 channels of Axient Digital PSM Advanced In-Ear Monitoring System, and 756 wired microphones, as well as SM58, KSM11 Cardioid Condenser Vocal capsules and Nexadyne Dynamic Vocal Microphones, among others. At the festival’s Stravinski stage, Shure ShowLink enabled engineers to remotely monitor all Axient Digital devices and simplify system management across performances. Five Shure ADTQ units were deployed on-site, each configured with eight channels for a total of 40 channels. Engineers operated the ADTQs in both SC Narrowband and Wideband Spatial Diversity modes, allowing them to switch between configurations based on each artist’s and production’s requirements. “Montreux is one of the most demanding and inspiring live music environments in the world,” said Marco Weissert, Associate Vice President, Sales Europe, at Shure. Engineers are managing multiple stages, changing artist requirements, and tight production schedules every day. We are there to help them stay focused on the performance and not the technology. “Different Artists, Unique Voices, All Trusting Shure Across more than 300 concerts and activities, the festival brought together legendary artists, emerging talent, and international audiences for a live music experience defined by intimacy, scale, and world-class production”. Among the standout performances, John Legend used the Shure Nexadyne 8/S dynamic vocal microphone to deliver his signature vocal with clarity. “If truth was a microphone, it would be the Shure Nexadyne 8/S,” said Jon Ostrin, engineer for John Legend. “The Nexadyne 8/S gives me the vocal tone I’ve been looking for. As engineers, our job is to replicate and enhance the signal. Nexadyne elevates it.” Across the two-week festival, artists relied on a range of Shure wireless and microphone solutions. The Roots used Axient Digital transmitters with SM58 and Nexadyne microphones. Deep Purple performed with four channels of Axient Digital PSM, four ADTQ bodypacks, AD transmitters, and KSM11 capsules. Vulfpeck used AD2 transmitters paired with SM58 capsules. This year’s edition marked a shared milestone, as both the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Shure SM58 celebrated their 60th anniversaries. For six decades, Shure’s iconic mic has remained a fixture on stages around the world, trusted by generations of artists and engineers for its durability, consistency, and unmistakable role in live vocal performance. Beyond equipment, Shure’s technical team supported production crews throughout the festival with microphone selection, wireless frequency coordination, system performance, and day-to-day technical demands across multiple venues. Shure also hosted the Engineers’ Lounge, where audio professionals could connect directly with the Shure technical team.

TVC creates 26m² LED for Genting Casino Resorts World Hospitality and entertainment AV integrator TVC Technology Solutions has completed a major large-format LED installation for Genting Casino at Resorts World Birmingham, creating an impressive new digital focal point above the venue’s

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main bar. The brief called for a solution capable of displaying live television, sport, entertainment, promotional material and branded content clearly and reliably on a huge scale. It also needed to provide flexible distribution of multiple video sources, picture-in-picture functionality and intuitive control for Genting employees, together with a bespoke mounting structure engineered specifically around the size and complex configuration of the space.

At the heart of the installation is a Hisense XIHFE Series COB LED display, measuring 7.8 metres wide by 3.38 metres high and providing a total screen area of more than 26m², equivalent to a huge 335in TV screen. With a fine 1.56mm pixel pitch and a resolution of 4,992 x 2,160, the display delivers more than 10.7 million individual pixels across the large-format canvas. This allows live broadcasts, sporting events, promotional graphics and branded content to be presented with exceptional clarity across the full width of the venue. The complete display comprises 130 die-cast aluminium cabinets, arranged in a 13-by-10 configuration to create a precise and consistent finish. The modular construction also provides practical servicing benefits, allowing individual areas of the display to be accessed if required. Supporting the huge LED canvas is a bespoke B-Tech mounting system, engineered to securely support the 26m² display across its full 7.8-metre width. Bespoke surround panels were also incorporated around the perimeter to provide a clean, integrated finish that complements the surrounding interior. COB LED technology provides a durable and uniform display surface ideally suited to the demands of a busy public-facing entertainment venue, while the 3.84kHz refresh rate ensures smooth reproduction of fast-moving content. Driving the high-resolution LED canvas is a NovaStar VX2000 Pro controller, providing the processing power to manage the display while supporting advanced layouts, scaling and picture-in-picture functionality. To give Genting Casino greater flexibility over the content shown on the LED wall, TVC also incorporated four WyreStorm NHD-400-TX NetworkHD encoders into the system. The encoders convert HDMI sources into low-latency IP video streams, allowing content to be routed through the venue’s network infrastructure and delivered to the LED processor. This gives Genting employees the flexibility to switch between different sources according to the requirements of the venue, from live sport and television broadcasts to entertainment, advertising and branded promotional material. Andy Greaves, Divisional Sales Director at TVC Technology Solutions, comments: “At more than 26 square metres, this display has enormous visual presence, so the challenge was to deliver the wow factor Genting wanted while making the technology behind it straightforward and flexible for the team to use every day. The combination of fine-pitch COB LED, powerful video processing and AV-over-IP distribution means they can make full use of that huge canvas, whether it’s showing a major sporting event, entertainment or promotional content. It’s a great example of how large-format LED can become an integral part of the customer experience rather than simply being a very big screen.” The completed installation provides Genting Casino Resorts World Birmingham with a striking new digital focal point above the main bar, while giving employees a flexible platform for displaying live broadcasts, sport, entertainment and promotional content. By bringing together Hisense COB LED technology, NovaStar processing, WyreStorm AV-over-IP distribution and a bespoke B-Tech mounting solution, TVC has delivered an integrated large-format display designed to combine visual impact with the flexibility and reliability required within a busy entertainment environment. The project adds another high-profile hospitality and entertainment installation to TVC’s growing portfolio, demonstrating its ability to deliver complex LED and AV solutions tailored to the demands of large-scale commercial venues.

TECHNOLOGY

Ikegami demonstrates UNICAM product range at IBC 2026 Ikegami has chosen the 11-14 September 2026 International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam as the European market launch venue for additions to its UNICAM product range. Visitors to IBC stand 12.A31 will be able to get handson experience of Ikegami’s latest generation cameras, viewfinders, camera-controllers and monitors. “A highlight of our IBC 2026 demonstration will be a new constant-aperture variable neutral density filter function which expands the creative potential of the UHK-X700 and UHK-X750 UNICAM XE portable and full studio cameras,” comments Gisbert Hochguertel, Ikegami Europe Product Specialist. “When used as an alternative to the iris, the VND filter allows the lens F-stop to remain fixed to control video exposure. This enables a director to set the depth of field for a specific shot and then control the exposure in real time by changing the continuously variable neutral density filter attenuation. We will also be demonstrating two new viewfinders for use with UNICAM XE and UNICAM HD cameras. Introduced at the April 2026 NAB Show in Las Vegas, the VFE-P07D is a twoin-one viewfinder comprising a monocular OLED plus an adjustable-angle 3.5-inch TFT LCD monitor. The 3.5-inch monitor screen can face forwards, be tilted through more than 120 degrees or turned laterally to face forwards. Waveform, vectorscope and audio metering tools can access easily. The VFE-P07D attaches easily to shoulder-mounting and studio-format cameras in the UNICAM XE series. “Shown in prototype at IBC 2025 and making its IBC 2026 debut is the production version of the VFE-P711AD high resolution 7-inch OLED viewfinder. Developed from the LCDbased VFL-P700AD, the new OLED model is designed to offer ensure clear visibility even in environments with intense ambient light. The fast response time of the OLED panel is particularly useful when focusing and framing content at high frame rate for slow-motion replay. The viewfinder also has front-facing tally indicators plus a rear-facing tally. Like the VFE-P07D, the VFE-P711AD includes waveform, vectorscope and audio metering tools. Centrepiece of our IBC 2026 exhibit will be the Ikegami UNICAM XE series 3-CMOS studio and portable cameras. Designed for the HDR, HFR, IP and UHD era, the UHK-X700 and UHK-X600 incorporate three ⅔-inch 4K sensors with global shutter architecture. The UHK-X750 and UHK-X650 are hard-body full studio

models sharing the same features. The UHK-X700RF is a wireless portable variant of the UHK-X700. Multichannel antenna diversity is a standard feature of this model, providing robust signal delivery in a wide range of transmission environments. We will also promote our UNICAM HD HDK-X500 multiformat portable camera system which can be purchased as a 1920p model, upgradeable to full 4K-UHD”. “Designed for remote image capture, the UHL-X40 shares the 4K-UHD 2/3-inch 3-CMOS global shutter imaging architecture of the UNICAM XE series augmented for motorised pan/tilt/zoom applications in studios as well as outdoor applications such as sports close-ups, theatre-stage video capture, weather monitoring and point-of-view imaging. Twopiece construction allows remote control via up to 10 km of duplex fibre cable between head and CCU. The UHL-43 is a 3-CMOS 2160p-native 4K-UHD camera in a compact 145 x 155 x 169 mm WHD 2.6 kg housing. It supports applications such as studio robotics or remote-control PTZ image capture and point-of-view image capture. The camera can also be used on support devices such as a shoulder brace, longreach arm or overhead mount. The UHL-43HD variant has the same 3-CMOS 2160p native sensors but comes with

TECHNOLOGY

Cobalt Digital new and enhanced solutions to broadcast workflows Cobalt Digital, the leading designer and manufacturer of award-winning signal processing products, and a founding partner in the openGear® initiative, continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering practical, reliable solutions by bringing a significantly enriched product portfolio to IBC2026 (Stand 8.F90). The Company will conduct technology demonstrations and showcase enhancements that simplify signal processing, monitoring and IP integration as broadcast and professional AV facilities continue to adopt hybrid SDI/IP workflows while transitioning to software-defined production environments. Visitors to the Cobalt stand will see the company’s latest connectivity options and expanded IPMX functionality as well as new features incorporated across the company’s award-winning platform aimed at making complex infrastructures easier to deploy, manage and operate. For the first time at IBC2026, Cobalt will show its family of 9935-AUD4-DANTE openGear advanced audio processors cards with optional fibre Inputs/Outputs to support Dante

Audio Interface. By enabling direct fibre connectivity, Dante installation is simplified, longer-distance deployments are supported, and the need for external media conversion in fibre-based network infrastructures is eliminated. The 9935-AUD4-DANTE is a quad-channel with up to 12G DANTE/AES/MADI/embed and de-embed functions with frame sync capabilities. The card features two gigabit Ethernet ports, a 64x64 configuration, and a full audio router mixer. Cobalt continues to expand its IPMX capabilities with support for JPEG XS Temporal Differential Coding (JXS TDC), enabling its portfolio of IPMX-certified products to seamlessly discover, establish and transport visually lossless, ultra-low latency JPEG XS media streams. The enhancement further strengthens IPMX environments, providing true plugand-play deployment and enabling low-latency JPEG XS workflows while maintaining compatibility across mixed-vendor systems. JPEG-XS support is available for all Cobalt ST 2110/IPMX capable products, including SAPPHIRE and INDIGO lines, as well as the UltraBlue MV and the blueCORE processors. Also featured at IBC2026 will be Cobalt’s blueCORE processing platform that has been awarded numerous industry awards for its innovative architecture and operational flexibility since its introduction at 2026 NAB Show. blueCORE delivers powerful, multi-function audio and video processing in a self-contained form factor enabling customers to adapt to changing production requirements while protecting longterm infrastructure investments. blueCORE’s compact footprint, ease of operation and low power requirements (less than 80W for the ST 2110 version) make it ideally suited for live production in trucks, OB-vans and other space constrained environments. Its self-contained form factor makes deployment fast and simple - with or without a computer. Capabilities include up/down/cross conversion, color correction, several flavors of HDR processing, audio routing and mixing, per-channel frame sync, frame rate conversion, audio embedding and de embedding, SCTE 104 insertion as well as logo insertion – and many more base features, delivering extensive functionality in a single, compact unit. Support for both SDI inputs and outputs (copper and fiber), four channels of 3G processing - or one channel up to 12G, along with access to ST 2110/IPMX inputs and outputs make blueCORE a ‘must have’ for infrastructures transitioning to IP.

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Visitors to the stand will also see the COBALT UltraBlue MV-SW flexible software-based multiviewer that now features IPMX support for transitioning to either ST 2110 or IPMX. UltraBlue MV-SW is available as both a turnkey solution with four HDMI heads, and as a software package that runs on customer-supplied dedicated hardware. The multiviewer can receive compressed and baseband audio/video content over IP across a variety of protocols and formats with very flexible audio routing, bringing a multitude of options to suit every application. UltraBlue also supports SDI inputs and outputs with suitable capture cards. Designed for today’s increasingly complex production environments, the COBALT ARIA family provides a path forward for facilities migrating to IP-based operations. The series includes the only fully IPMX-compliant audio monitor on the market and features best-in-class sound monitoring and 16 SDI or 64 MADI channels in a compact rack-mount form-factor. Sound is produced by an efficient Class-D amplifier with DSP and specially selected speaker components. The easy-to-use and customizable touch display front panel is designed for simple and intuitive operation with eight individual volume controls for mixing, as well as a PIP view of the incoming video. Control can also be achieved through a web interface. Cobalt will also demonstrate its growing COBALT PACIFIC compression line including the COBALT PACIFIC ULL-DEC upgradeable software defined broadcast decoder now available with an ST 2110/IPMX output option. The enhancement allows decoded content to be transported simultaneously over SDI and over ST 2110/IPMX. For ST 2110 operation, a built-in frame sync will emit a PTP-locked signal. Additionally, Cobalt has added support for hybrid Satellite-Internet operations to the COBALT PACIFIC compression line, compliant with VSR TR-06-4 Part 7. A DVB-S/S2 factory-installed demodulator option enables decoding and pass-through of satellite signals on ASI and over IP. While in this mode, Ku and Ka satellite bands are used for bulk distribution, and the Internet is used to recover any lost packets. “Cobalt has always focused on solving operational challenges for broadcasters with practical solutions,” said Suzana Brady, SVP of worldwide sales and marketing. “Whether customers are transitioning to IP, expanding hybrid facilities or optimizing existing infrastructure, our goal is to provide dependable technologies that simplify deployment, improve interoperability and deliver the performance broadcasters

rely on every day. We will have products from every family of our extensive portfolio at the stand and invite visitors to see for themselves how Cobalt is simplifying the journey from SDI to ST 2110 / IPMX with practical, reliable, affordable, and future-ready solutions”. Cobalt’s comprehensive IBC2026 Show lineup, will also include new 9925-FSx Frame Sync and 9981-LUTx Color Processor openGear cards, COBALT SAPPHIRE ST 2110 Mini Converters, and COBALT INDIGO IP Gateways. IBC2026 attendees are invited to visit Cobalt Digital at Stand 8.F90 to experience the company’s latest innovations and learn how its expanding portfolio continues to simplify the deployment and operation of broadcast infrastructures.

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AV Stumpfl launches screen configurator with interactive 3D visualisation and AR preview Available now online in metric and imperial versions, the new tool guides integrators and designers through AV Stumpfl’s most popular screen ranges with a real-time 3D model, configurable dimensions, and an AR preview for every configuration. Wallern a.d. Trattnach (Austria), 30 August 2026 – AV Stumpfl has launched a new online screen configurator, giving integrators and designers a self-serve tool to specify projection screens from six of the company’s screen families. Available in both metric and imperial versions, the configurator covers MONOBLOX, MONOCLIP, MONOLYTE, VARIO, VARIOCLIP and FULLWHITE. AV Stumpfl’s projection screens are highly configurable products, with many combinations of factors and features to consider for any given project. The configurator resolves this complexity by guiding users through each parameter group in a logical sequence, from initial screen selection to transport and accessory options, building an accurate and complete specification in a single environment. At every step, the selected configuration is reflected in a real-time 3D model that can be inspected from any angle. Scale reference figures are included for immediate context.

Users can toggle dimension labels on and off, adjust the vertical position of the screen, and download the 3D model or a screenshot directly from the interface. A completed configuration generates a full parts list ready for submission as a quote request. Users who need guidance at any point can access a Best Match option or contact AV Stumpfl’s team from within the tool. A standout feature is the integrated augmented reality preview. From a desktop browser, users can generate a QR code to transfer their current configuration to a smartphone, where the configured screen can be placed into any real environment using the device’s camera. The AR view allows designers and end clients to assess the actual scale and footprint of a proposed screen before any product is ordered. This is a capability that previously required either a physical mock-up or a separate visualisation workflow. “Specifying projection screens involves more moving parts than you might think,” says Rainer Brandstätter, head of marketing, AV Stumpfl. “The configurator gives integrators and designers the confidence to work through those decisions independently, with the right information at each step and a complete, accurate specification at the end of it. The AR feature is particularly significant. This lets you put the product into the room before you buy it. That can change the conversation with the end client entirely.” Configurations can be saved and shared with colleagues, clients or project partners at any stage of the process, supporting collaborative design and client approval workflows. The combination of shareable configurations, downloadable 3D assets, screenshot exports and the AR preview in a single tool is designed to compress the timeline from project brief to confirmed order. The screen configurator follows the AV Stumpfl PIXERA hardware configurator introduced at ISE 2026 in February, and it reflects the company’s ongoing investment in selfserve tools designed to reduce the time customers spend on specification and administrative tasks. Both metric and imperial versions of the software are available now

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Hisense Becomes First TV Manufacturer to Launch Dolby Vision 2 on Premium Smart Televisions Global consumer electronics brand, Hisense, continues to shape the future of home entertainment as it becomes the first TV manufacturer to announce the launch of Dolby Vision 2 for its 2026 RGB MiniLED range. Already redefining the next generation of display technology as pioneers of RGB MiniLED technology, Hisense is once again raising the bar by bringing Dolby’s most advanced HDR innovation to its full 2026 RGB MiniLED range along with the Hisense U7S PRO running VIDAA OS. Representing the first major Dolby Vision upgrade in over a decade, Dolby Vision 2 technology comfortably surpasses traditional HDR formats with a range of groundbreaking features that make existing Dolby Vision content visibly better. New and improved features include Content Intelligence, which provides an optimised viewing experience by analysing both onscreen content and the viewing environment in real time. This produces a more accurate, immersive viewing experience, ensuring every scene is executed to perfection. This means improved motion clarity when gaming or watching sports and deeper blacks when enjoying the latest blockbuster at home. Precision Black is another feature designed to enhance contrast and clarity, drastically improving visibility in darker scenes, while Light Sense automatically adjusts brightness and colour to suit fluctuating room conditions, whether watching in direct sunlight or darkened spaces. Powered by Dolby’s new powerful Image Engine, Dolby Vision 2 delivers enhanced brightness and contrast frame-by-frame to maximise the performance of Hisense’s RGB MiniLED technology. What’s more, an intensity slider allows enthusiasts to adjust picture depth and richness to compensate for any loss of contrast caused by irregular viewing angles or reflections, while offering a tailored experience that caters to different viewing environments. Consumers using Dolby Vision 2 on Hisense Models will benefit from Dolby Vision 2 ‘Max’ which builds on these benefits further, giving users access to Authentic Motion and Pro settings, which offer users greater control over their Dol-

Global consumer electronics brand, Hisense, continues to shape the futur nounce the launch of Dolby Vision 2 for its 2026 RGB MiniLED range.

by Vision 2 experience. Authentic Motion delivers the first creative-driven motion blur tool resulting in true cinematic motion, minimising risks of judder and blur to ensure action sequences look and feel authentically cinematic, while the pro settings allow for even greater control over display performance. Further still, ‘Max’ users will also enjoy Light Sense 2 which continuously optimises the image in line with ambient lighting conditions. Combined with Hisense’s revolutionary RGB MiniLED technology, Dolby Vision 2 further unlocks vibrant colours, lifelike picture quality, and greater image control. This combination serves to bring each scene closer to reality than ever before. “Innovation is a core pillar of our work at Hisense and we continue to set high standards to elevate the customer’s home entertainment experience. The introduction of RGB MiniLED technology was a revolutionary step forward for the TV industry and as pioneers of this technology, we’re pleased to be the first manufacturer to unveil Dolby Vision 2 to homes across the UK. It’s another step closer to making cine-

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re of home entertainment as it becomes the first TV manufacturer to an-

ma-quality entertainment accessible in every home and we’re excited to see this technology in action in living rooms across the UK.” From enjoying the latest blockbuster films, to binge watching your favourite series, or even cheering on your team on matchday, Dolby Vision 2 works intelligently behind the scenes to deliver unrivalled picture quality and bring the action to life from the comfort of your own home.

PPDS redefines dvLED accessibility and versatility with new Philips Unite LED 3000 Series PPDS has announced the new Philips Unite LED 3000 Series, bringing a new generation of ultra flexible, energy conscious dvLED panels designed to deliver premium visual performance while making LED technology more accessible for a wider range of businesses and budgets. Extending

PPDS’ commitment to its lineup of ‘elemental’, more investment friendly professional displays, such as the recently launched Philips Signage 2000 Series, the new Philips Unite LED 3000 Series enters the market as PPDS’ most accessible 16:9 dvLED range to date, empowering businesses to enjoy the performance and efficiencies available through LED technology. Built with flexibility and versatility at its core, the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series is designed to deliver impactful visual experiences across almost any indoor environment, with retail, corporate, transportation, education, hospitality, events, and public venues among target markets. Bringing the advanced features and capabilities already within PPDS’ premium COB LED portfolio to a more accessible price point, the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series is available in four pixel pitch options – 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8pp – helping customers select the ideal solution for their specific viewing distances and application needs. Designed to perform across a wide range of environments and lighting conditions – from dynamic video content to detailed presentations in boardrooms – the 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5pp models deliver 600 nits brightness and 3840 Hz refresh rates. The 1.8pp model increases this further with 1000 nits brightness and 7680 Hz refresh rates, for flicker free, seamless visuals. Jeroen Brants, Global Product Director LED Displays at PPDS, commented: “At PPDS, we believe premium visual experiences should be accessible to all. Historically, customers looking to deploy LED solutions at a lower price point have often faced compromises, whether in performance, reliability or ongoing support. With the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series, customers can benefit from outstanding visual quality, dependable performance, and the reassurance of working with a trusted global brand.” Joining PPDS’ growing COB LED family, which includes the Philips Unite LED 5000, as well as the Philips Unite LED 6000 panels and Philips Unite LED 6000 All In One Series, the new 3000 Series is also armed with advanced common cathode technology, to deliver outstanding colour accuracy, enhanced stability, and reliability, as well as energy efficiency. With a 96% colour gamut, vibrant colours, deep blacks, and uniform brightness, the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series ensures content is reproduced with exceptional realism and precision. From brand showcases and advertising to automotive, fashion, and retail environments, it enables organisations to present products and messaging exactly as in-

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tended. The Philips Unite LED 3000 Series also continues PPDS’ unwavering focus and commitment to delivering industry leading sustainable solutions to market, with the common cathode technology allowing displays to operate on lower energy consumption. Coupled with adaptive brightness, automatically adjusting to light conditions – such as a retail windows, transportation hubs, or office and school auditoriums – customers can expect a lower cost of ownership and extended lifetimes compared to common anode models. For additional peace of mind, particularly in demanding environments and where air quality is poor, the Philips Unite LED 3000 Series has been built to last, with IP54 ingress protection rating for dust and water resistance to the front, and IP31 to the back of each panel. Maintenance is made simple through a smooth, easy to clean surface and convenient front and rear access. Using the supplied T-hex tool, modules within each cabinet can be unlocked and removed quickly, allowing straightforward access to the power supply, hub board and wiring for efficient servicing. The Philips Unite LED 3000 Series is available for pre order now globally, with shipments commencing in August. Jeroen Brants concluded: “At PPDS, we don’t believe in limitations. The Philips Unite LED 3000 Series has been designed from the ground up to deliver exceptional performance, flexibility, and value. With its 16:9 format and versatile installation options, it is ideally suited for a wide range of indoor environments – from displaying dynamic video content and detailed visuals such as spreadsheets in professional settings, to delivering fast and vibrant content feeds in applications such as public venues. Today’s announcement represents an important step forward in making professional LED technology available to an even wider audience.”

PPDS has announced the new Philips Unite LED 3000 Series, bringing a ne deliver premium visual performance while making LED technology more ac

Absen releases first sports LED display solutions white paper Absen has released its Sports LED Display Solutions White Paper, exploring the evolving role of LED technology in modern sports venues and the standards shaping the next generation of display systems. As international sporting events continue to raise technical requirements and fans expect increasingly immersive experiences, LED displays have evolved beyond traditional scoreboards and information screens. They are now a core part of wider venue infrastructure, supporting fan engagement, broadcast performance and commercial opportunities. Drawing on experience from more than 65,000 projects worldwide, including some of the most prestigious events in global sport, the white paper identifies three key forces reshaping sports venue displays: international event certification, the growing importance of the fan experience, and the increasing commercial value of digital display infrastructure. It also outlines five core dimensions for the development of next-generation sports LED systems: image quality, reliability, compliance, openness and lifecycle value. Together, these principles address the demands of broadcast-grade performance, operational resilience, international standards, wider venue integration and long-term energy efficiency.

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KV2 Audio to demonstrate the power of point source

ew generation of ultra flexible, energy conscious dvLED panels designed to ccessible for a wider range of businesses and budgets.

The white paper further explores how display requirements vary across different environments, including football stadiums, basketball arenas, ice hockey venues, aquatic centres and esports arenas, highlighting the importance of combining application-specific display technology with long-term service and support. “Sports venues are no longer simply looking for a large LED screen. They need display systems that deliver exceptional performance, integrate with the wider venue ecosystem and provide long-term value,” said Shaun xiao, Vice President at Absen. “This white paper brings together our experience across major international sporting events to provide a practical framework for the future of sports LED display systems.” The Sports LED Display Solutions White Paper is available to download now: read it here.

KV2 Audio is set to return to PLASA Show 2026, bringing its distinctive point-source sound and highly anticipated live demonstrations back to London. One of the UK’s most prominent events for AV industry professionals and enthusiasts, PLASA Show provides a valuable opportunity to connect with sound engineers, distribution partners, integrators and venue professionals from across the UK’s live entertainment and event sectors. From long-term customers to new faces experiencing KV2 for the first time, the show has become an important fixture in the company’s calendar. Always a standout feature of the show, KV2 will once again host its dedicated demonstration room on the Gallery Level. These walk-in sessions give visitors the opportunity to hear its point-source systems up close in a focused listening environment throughout the three-day event. The hugely popular demos will once again highlight the clarity, dynamics and consistency behind the brand’s approach to loudspeaker design. Featuring in the demo will be the ES1.0 – the core of KV2’s ES system. This 3-way, high-output active-driven module is designed for live performance and music playback, with its compact, lightweight format making it particularly well-suited to touring applications. The ESD Series will also make an appearance, featuring the ultra-compact ESD Cube, a discreet solution for smaller or visually sensitive applications such as theatres, nightclubs, museums and tourist attractions. Joining it will be the compact ESD8 2-way loudspeaker, designed to deliver exceptional speech and music definition in both portable and fixed installations. For venues where spoken word intelligibility and high-quality audio reproduction are essential, the EX28 2.5-way full-range active loudspeaker combines high output with a compact profile, delivering impressive results from a discreet enclosure. At the larger end of the demonstration, the ESR215MkII will be paired with VHD2.18J subwoofers, showcasing KV2’s approach to large-scale sound with controlled, impactful low-frequency reproduction. Away from the demo room, the KV2 Audio team will be exhibiting on Stand B9, where visitors are invited to explore the company’s latest innovations and real-world applications of

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its loudspeaker portfolio. Designed for live performance and permanent installations, KV2 loudspeakers embody the brand’s True Point Source philosophy, ensuring precise coverage, natural sound reproduction, and a consistent listening experience no matter the space. Over the years, PLASA Show has helped KV2 forge new relationships with customers and industry partners, with conversations on the show floor going on to develop into projects and long-term collaborations. This year, the team is looking forward to continuing those conversations while introducing even more visitors to the KV2 listening experience. “We always enjoy returning to the PLASA Show and inviting attendees to experience KV2 products in our demo room,” says Jonathan Reece, Managing Director of KV2’s UK operations. “There’s no substitute for hearing the systems firsthand. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people’s reactions and to demonstrate what our systems can deliver across such a wide range of applications.” From large-scale touring productions to high-end fixed installs, the systems on display represent KV2’s continued investment in clarity, dynamics, and long-term reliability – a true testament to the company’s ongoing mission of delivering ‘The Future of Sound. Made Perfectly Clear’. PLASA Show will take place at London’s Olympia from September 6th–8th. Find the KV2 Audio team at Stand B9 and on the Gallery Level.

KV2 Audio to demonstrate the power of point source KV2 Audio is set to return to PLASA Show 2026, bringing its distinctive point-source sound and highly anticipated live demonstrations back to London. One of the UK’s most prominent events for AV industry professionals and enthusiasts, PLASA Show provides a valuable opportunity to connect with sound engineers, distribution partners, integrators and venue professionals from across the UK’s live entertainment and event sectors. From long-term customers to new faces experiencing KV2 for the first time, the show has become an important fixture in the company’s calendar. Always a standout feature of the show, KV2 will once again host its dedicated demonstration room on the Gallery Level. These walk-in sessions give visitors the opportunity to hear its point-source systems up close in a focused listening environment throughout the three-day event. The hugely popular demos will once again highlight the clarity, dynamics and consistency behind the brand’s approach to loudspeaker design. Featuring in the demo will be the ES1.0 – the core of KV2’s ES system. This 3-way, high-output active-driven module is designed for live performance and music playback, with its compact, lightweight format making it particularly well-suited to touring applications. The ESD Series will also make an appearance, featuring the ultra-compact ESD Cube, a discreet solution for smaller or visually sensitive applications such as theatres, nightclubs, museums and tourist attractions. Joining it will be the compact ESD8 2-way loudspeaker, designed to deliver exceptional speech and music definition in both portable and fixed installations. For venues where spoken word intelligibility and high-quality audio reproduction

TECHNOLOGY

are essential, the EX28 2.5-way full-range active loudspeaker combines high output with a compact profile, delivering impressive results from a discreet enclosure. At the larger end of the demonstration, the ESR215MkII will be paired with VHD2.18J subwoofers, showcasing KV2’s approach to large-scale sound with controlled, impactful low-frequency reproduction. Away from the demo room, the KV2 Audio team will be exhibiting on Stand B9, where visitors are invited to explore the company’s latest innovations and real-world applications of its loudspeaker portfolio. Designed for live performance and permanent installations, KV2 loudspeakers embody the brand’s True Point Source philosophy, ensuring precise coverage, natural sound reproduction, and a consistent listening experience no matter the space. Over the years, PLASA Show has helped KV2 forge new relationships with customers and industry partners, with conversations on the show floor going on to develop into projects and long-term collaborations. This year, the team is looking forward to continuing those conversations while introducing even more visitors to the KV2 listening experience. “We always enjoy returning to the PLASA Show and inviting attendees to experience KV2 products in our demo room,” says Jonathan Reece, Managing Director of KV2’s UK operations. “There’s no substitute for hearing the systems firsthand. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people’s reactions and to demonstrate what our systems can deliver across such a wide range of applications.” From large-scale touring productions to high-end fixed installs, the systems on display represent KV2’s continued investment in clarity, dynamics, and long-term reliability – a true testament to the company’s ongoing mission of delivering ‘The Future of Sound. Made Perfectly Clear’. PLASA Show will take place at London’s Olympia from September 6th–8th. Find the KV2 Audio team at Stand B9 and on the Gallery Level.

KAI brings AI-assisted storytelling into real production workflows KAI, the AI-powered storytelling platform developed by Spanish television production company Gestmusic and media AI specialist Amplify, will take a major step forward at IBC2026 in Amsterdam, 11–14 September, where it will exhibit with EIT Culture & Creativity in Hall 14, Future Tech, stand 14.FT109. For the first time, production teams will be able to request dedicated KAI trial environments for their own productions, allowing them to experience the platform using real content, real editorial challenges and real production workflows. Teams from Gestmusic and Amplify will be present at IBC, bringing together production expertise and technology around one shared objective: exploring how AI can become genuinely useful within professional storytelling workflows. KAI connects content understanding, story creation and editing into a single narrative workflow, helping production teams reduce the time spent searching through footage, logging material and manually rebuilding stories from notes and timecodes. IBC 2026 marks an important new stage for KAI: moving from demonstrations to real production environ-

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ments. Production companies will be able to request a KAI environment adapted to their own projects and evaluate the technology against the challenges that matter to them. Whether working with entertainment, factual, reality, documentary or other content-intensive formats, teams will be able to explore how KAI can help them understand large volumes of footage, discover relevant moments, develop different narrative approaches and move those decisions closer to the edit. Instead of asking production teams to adapt their workflows to AI, KAI is designed to adapt AI to the realities of each production. This means moving beyond generic demonstrations. Teams can work with their own audiovisual material and assess where AI can create practical value throughout their storytelling process. Production workflows are often fragmented: logging happens outside the edit, story decisions live in documents or chats, and editors spend hours rebuilding structure manually from notes and timecodes. That disconnect creates rework, delays and misalignment between editorial, story and post. KAI addresses this by connecting three stages into a single narrative workflow—from understanding footage to delivering a cut: Footage understanding at scale: Automatically indexes large volumes of content into searchable, reusable story elements, reducing manual review and making key moments easier to find and share. Earlier alignment across teams: Gives story, editorial and post a shared space to explore angles and agree on narrative direction sooner—reducing iteration loops late in post. Faster delivery with less rework: Converts approved story structures into edit-ready builds for the NLE, shortening the path from decisions to deliverables and improving consistency across versions. At IBC, KAI will also showcase a fully functional extension panel integrated directly into Adobe Premiere Pro, bringing AI-assisted storytelling into the editor’s daily workspace. Rather than jumping between tools, users can stay in Premiere Pro and use KAI to move from raw footage to an edit-ready structure faster. Through the panel, editors and producers can: Search and navigate footage in context using AI-generated structure (moments, topics, beats) without leaving the NLE. Generate story options on demand with natural-language prompts (summaries, story angles, character-led cuts) and refine them instantly. Turn ideas into an edit by sending selects and story struc-

tures directly into the timeline—starting closer to a first cut and spending more time on craft. KAI has been jointly developed by Gestmusic and Amplify within a European innovation project supported by EIT Culture & Creativity, with research collaboration from Fraunhofer IPK. The solution also incorporates an advanced artificial intelligence analysis core developed by Ugiat Technologies, S.L., strengthening KAI’s technical foundation. “Being fully aware of the growing creative and operational challenges faced by productions working with large volumes of content, this project has been supported by EIT Culture & Creativity to help make KAI a reality,” said Miquel Garcia, Head of Postproduction at Gestmusic. “By combining Gestmusic’s deep knowledge of storytelling with advanced AI capabilities, we are launching a tool that empowers creative teams while fully respecting the human nature of the creative process.” Aaron Lopez, CEO at Amplify, added: “We are extremely proud of our partners involved in this project and of the innovative scope of KAI. It represents a major step forward in making AI genuinely useful for content creators. KAI doesn’t replace creativity, it amplifies it, turning raw footage into an intelligent, conversational asset that works at the pace of modern production.” From IBC onwards, production companies interested in KAI will be able to request a dedicated trial environment for their production, allowing creative, editorial and post-production teams to explore the platform with their own content and workflows. KAI is designed around the realities of production cycles, with licenses and subscriptions

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that can adapt to each project’s duration, intensity and workflow rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all software model. At IBC2026, KAI will exhibit as part of EIT Culture & Creativity’s presence in the Future Tech Innovation Village, alongside 20 other European start-ups and EIT Culture & Creativity strategic partners.

Sony and VITEC collaborate to deliver integrated IPTV and digital signage Sony Electronics and VITEC has announced a strategic global collaboration aimed at transforming experiences in corporate environments, entertainment venues, hospitality, healthcare, and public facilities through the seamless integration of Sony’s BRAVIA professional displays with VITEC’s IPTV and digital signage platform. This collaboration delivers an end-to-end IPTV and signage ecosystem that enhances visual experience and eliminates the need for external media players, offering a simpler-to-deploy, native Android-based app for Sony’s displays. At its heart, the integration of Sony’s BRAVIA professional displays with VITEC’s Avedia IPTV and digital signage platform brings a powerful player-less IPTV solution directly to the display’s system-on-a-chip (SoC). The Android-based BRAVIA professional display’s deployment tools offer smooth deployment of VITEC’s Avedia player software directly onto Sony displays without the need for additional

hardware. This all-in-one approach reduces installation complexity, streamlines management, and lowers the total cost of ownership for end users. The combined technology, orchestrated by VITEC’s CMS can support thousands of displays – covering a wide range of screen sizes – while maintaining centralized control. From live IPTV channels to interactive signage and targeted advertising, users can adapt content in real time to maximize engagement and revenue opportunities. “By combining Sony’s world-class display technology with VITEC’s powerful IPTV and signage platform, we are delivering a game-changing solution across many verticals,” said Rik Willemse, Head of Professional Display Solutions Europe, Sony Europe. “This collaboration allows operators and end users to create dynamic, engaging environments while simplifying installation and reducing operational complexity,” said Rich Ventura, Vice President, Professional Display Solutions America, Sony Electronics Inc. This integration is designed with flexibility and reliability in mind, providing robust performance even in large-scale deployments with demanding requirements. Centralized content control, redundancy features, and support for the latest security standards ensure that any setup can rely on the system for mission-critical operation with end-to-end content protection. “This strategic global collaboration between VITEC and Sony marks the beginning of an evolving collaboration focused on delivering innovative, secure, and scalable IPTV and digital signage solutions worldwide. By integrating our technologies and expertise, we are committed to providing customers with seamless, future-ready platforms and workflows that address the diverse needs of modern organizations,” said Eli Garten, Senior Vice President, Global IPTV and Partner Solutions, VITEC. Both Sony and VITEC are committed to sustainability and operational efficiency. Sony’s BRAVIA professional displays, known for their best-in-class energy efficiency, also feature energy-saving technologies such as light sensors and automatic power-down modes, while the Android-based architecture reduces the need for additional peripheral devices. VITEC’s GreenPEG initiative focuses on energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact, with a five-point strategy to reduce the carbon footprint across its entire value chain. In addition to IPTV and digital signage solutions, VITEC’s end-to-end offering includes head-end encoding and streaming, IP gateways and video wall systems to manage, distribute and display content across using any network. This powerful collaboration combines VITEC’s global expertise in IPTV and digital signage solutions with the industry-leading Sony professional displays to offer an end-toend video streaming solution across many verticals. The solution aims to meet the demands of modern audiences by incorporating their preferred tools, while ensuring operational simplicity, scalability, and sustainability.

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Digital signage at 50: where to now? Those of us who work with digital signage technology today may not be aware of its long history. What most of us would recognise as the beginning of ‘true’ digital signage probably dates from 1962, when Nick Holonyak Jr. of General Electric developed the first visible-spectrum LED. Plasma display panels were invented in1966 by Donald Bitzer and Gene Slottow at the University of Illinois. First adopted for use with for computer terminals, plasma technology would later highlight the potential of large-format flat-panel displays. In 1968, Hewlett-Packard developed the first LED display, using LEDs as indicator lights on electronic equipment. In short, the technological fundamentals of digital signage were developed up to 50 years ago, so what’s next? Digital signage has been progressively developed by smarter technologies, richer experiences, sustainability demands, and the ongoing integration of software and data insights. As business organisations, educational institutions and leisure facilities are in increased competition for attention in both physical and h spaces, digital signage has become more than static screens - it’s an interactive communication necessity that drives customer engagement, operational efficiency, and measurable business outcomes. Display screens have become increasingly detailed and colour correct. Size, shape and functionality no longer present insurmountable obstacles, and supplementary technologies create a wide range of additional functions and capabilities. Each innovation in display technology has spawned a new generation of applications and solutions. Today, digital signage investment decisions are increasingly factoring in environmental and economic considerations. Drivers of this trend include energy-efficient LED and advanced LCD technologies that reduce operational costs and carbon footprints. Modular and adaptive formats, from ultra-wide aspect ratios to flexible configurations which expand creative possibilities. Current and forthcoming generations of displays remain vivid and readable in all lighting conditions,

even in outdoor or well-lit spaces, so helping sustain engagement throughout the day. These hardware innovations not only drive visual impact but also align with broader sustainability and lifecycle goals.

Emerging trends Of late, the most exciting opportunities in the digital signage space stem from the integration of AI and IoT. AI and IoT developments are fundamental to the way that content is created, scheduled, delivered, and optimised. In particular, digital signage systems increasingly rely on: •Predictive analytics to anticipate audience preferences and adjust messaging in real time •Vision and sensor-based insights to estimate dwell time, gaze direction, and engagement, tuning content accordingly. •Contextual personalisation adapts messaging on the fly based on environment, weather, traffic, and last-mile inventory data. There is a marked shift from static broadcast signage to

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Cloud solutions

smart engagement hubs. These behave more like responsive digital assistants than fixed displays. The latest solutions feature a clear move beyond the traditional ‘screen + playlist’ approach to experiential engagement. Features of these new solutions include: •Touchless interfaces, including gesture and voice interactions, are becoming the preferred choice as hygiene and accessibility expectations rise. •Augmented reality (AR) and projection technologies continue to blur boundaries, integrating the virtual and real words, with hybrid digital-physical environments for wayfinding, virtual try-ons, and product demos. •Social media and real-time content integration brings external engagement into physical spaces, transforming signage into dynamic, community-aware environments. These interactive formats deepen engagement and lengthen dwell time—a crucial metric for both retail conversions and brand recall.

Over the last 20 years, digital signage has largely been bought and sold on the basis of the display and signage player hardware. Greater functionality and integration with a wider rage of software applications, the emphasis is very much on the cloud, because: •Centralised cloud dashboards enable businesses to manage distributed networks of screens with minimal IT overhead. •Cloud-based architectures support rapid deployment, automated updates, and remote troubleshooting, reducing operational load. •Security frameworks have matured, with encrypted content delivery and hardened endpoints addressing rising cyber threats. This shift toward cloud-centric deployment reduces the total cost of ownership and supports rollouts where the client is a global enterprise. A further consideration here is the roll of ‘big data’. The change here is the move from proactively collecting data, to actively leveraging it. Digital signage analytics can now be used to: •Quantify audience engagement at scale. •Optimise content schedules based on performance patterns. •Connect signage metrics to broader business outcomes. AI-augmented analytic al models can forecast effects, suggest optimal content mixes, and refine messaging strategy over time.

Changing attitudes Going forward, digital signage will shift from being a communication tactic to a strategic business asset, supporting the customer experience, driving measurable outcomes, and harmonizing with broader IT and marketing ecosystems. Investing in intelligent platforms, rich analytics, and immersive formats will help organisations stay competitive and relevant in a constantly evolving engagement landscape. Digital signage will continue to be influenced by smarter technologies, richer experiences, sustainability demands, and the ongoing integration of software and data insights. As organisations

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compete for their share of attention in both physical and virtual spaces, digital signage has become more than static screens. It is fast becoming an organisations interactive communication backbone that driving customer engagement, operational efficiency, and measurable business outcomes. Businesses and other and digital signage users will depend on AI for predictive personalisation. AI-augmented analytical models can forecast effects, suggest optimal content mixes, and refine messaging strategy over time. Predictive personalisation is a marketing and customer experience strategy that leverages a combination of data analytics, machine learning, and AI to predict individual customer preferences and behaviours. Unlike traditional personalization, which reacts to user actions, predictive personalisation an-

ticipates what a user is likely to do next based on historical data, contextual signals, and behavioural patterns, enabling businesses to deliver highly relevant content, product recommendations, or offers in real time. Predictive personalisation often follows a staged process: •Data collection: Businesses gather data from multiple sources, including past purchases, browsing history, demographics, social media activity, and real-time interactions. •Data analysis with machine learning: Algorithms identify patterns and correlations, such as which products are often purchased together or which content engages specific user segments. •Real-time personalisation: Insights are applied immediately to tailor experiences, such as dynamically adjusting website content, sending context-aware emails, or recom-

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mending products based on predicted intent. Predictive personalisation is already at work in everyday life. For example, Netflix recommends shows and movies based on viewing history and ratings. Amazon personalses product suggestions, homepage content, and deals using past purchases and browsing behaviour. The benefits of predictive personalisation for businesses are that it produces higher conversion rates by suggesting to users what they are likely to want – even before they know what they want! Predictive personalisation also offers improved engagement with the digital sign, as personalised experiences make customers feel understood and valued. The technology has also been shown to make customers more loyal to a business when interactions feel tailored to them, and it reduces ‘churn’, i.e. customers switching to competitors. While predictive personalisation is pretty much state-of-the art today, the latest developments see the emergence of hyper-personalisation, predictive customer service, and voice-activated personalisation. AI will anticipate problems even before they occur, tailor every aspect of digital experiences, and integrate seamlessly with voice assistants to provide highly individualised interactions. By combining historical data with real-time contextual information, predictive personalisation enables businesses to orchestrate experiences that feel intuitive, timely, and human, transforming customer interactions from transactional to genuinely helpful.

Movers and shakers Whether you opt for predictive personalization or hyper-personalisation, effective deployment depends on determining the correct strategy for implementation. You will need a range of complementary technologies to provide an effective basis for whichever digital signage model you adopt. For example, you will need to be able to group your target users by action patterns rather than static demographics. You will need to adapt the client’s website or app content in real time based on user behaviour. Based on these or other available metrics you will need to generate trigger emails or notifications based on predicted intent, not just timing. At this year’s ‘Digital Signage Summit’, Florian Rothberg made the points that today “Digital signage is data driven” and that high growth market will continue to be retail and enterprise communication. By analysing viewer interactions, demographics, and environmental factors, businesses can tailor their signage content to better meet the needs of their

audience. This approach not only improves engagement but also maximizes the return on investment for digital signage initiatives. As technology advances, the ability to collect and interpret data becomes increasingly sophisticated, allowing for more precise and impactful signage solutions. By collecting data from various sources such as sensors, cameras, and user interactions, businesses can gain insights into how audiences engage with their signage. This data can include metrics like dwell time, foot fall, and demographic information. Advanced analytics tools can process this data to identify trends and patterns, enabling businesses to tailor their content to specific audience segments. For instance, a retail store might use data analytics to determine peak shopping times and adjust their signage content to promote relevant products appropriately. Additionally, real-time analytics allow for dynamic content adjustments based on current audience behaviour, ensuring that the signage remains relevant and engaging. Implementing data-driven strategies in digital signage involves integrating data collection and analysis into the content management process. This begins with setting clear objectives for what the signage aims to achieve, such as increasing brand awareness or driving sales. Once objectives are established, businesses can deploy sensors and analytics software to gather data on audience interactions and environmental conditions. This data is then analysed to identify opportunities for content optimization. By continuously monitoring and analysing data, businesses can refine their signage strategies over time, ensuring that they remain aligned with audience preferences and business goals. The

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scale digital signage networks while maintaining relevance and responsiveness.

Solution options

implementation of data-driven decision making in signage not only enhances content relevance but also improves the overall customer experience. AI enables digital signage to tailor content in real time based on audience demographics, behaviour, and context. For example, McDonald’s uses AI-driven menu systems to recommend items based on time of day, restaurant traffic, and item popularity, increasing upsell performance and average check sizes Similarly, computer vision can analyse viewer age, gender, and dwell time to adjust content, as seen in mall photo kiosks that increased sales by 24%. Generative AI can produce original text, images, video, or audio for digital signage, adapting content dynamically to the environment or audience preferences. This includes creating context-sensitive visuals, summarising news, translating messages, or rewriting content in different tones. Interactive signage can further enhance personalization by integrating touch, gesture, or voice inputs to understand user interests. AI can forecast audience behaviour, foot traffic, and engagement patterns to optimise content scheduling and placement. Retailers can combine inventory data, local events, and weather conditions to automatically adjust promotions, ensuring the most relevant content is displayed at the right time. This predictive capability improves campaign performance and operational efficiency. AI reduces the need for manual updates by automating content selection, scheduling, and display management. Machine learning models rank content based on historical engagement, business rules, and real-time context, ensuring the highest-performing messages are shown. This allows businesses to

So far, so good, but as with any discussion of AI, we have to sound a note of caution. While AI enhances personalisation, it should comply with privacy regulations and ethical standards. Systems should anonymise audience data and provide transparency about future data usage to maintain trust among users. So, who might you turn to for information and solutions? One of the key technologies driving the market for AI in digital signage is Edge AI, developed with integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs), delivering high TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) data. These technologies are enabling smarter, faster, and more energy efficient digital signage solutions across retail, transportation, hospitality, healthcare, and beyond, delivering into smart city environments. Traditionally, digital signage systems have relied heavily on cloud computing for content management and analytics. While effective, cloud-based processing introduces latency, bandwidth dependency, and privacy concerns, this form of AI enables AI processing directly on the device. Instead of sending video streams and user interaction data to remote servers, edge enabled signage can process data locally, and in real time. Supporting faster decision making, improved responsiveness, and reduced network and computing costs. Integrated NPUs play a critical role in enabling Edge AI capabilities. NPUs are designed specifically for AI processing, such as computer vision, facial recognition, audience analytics, gesture detection, and natural language processing. Their performance is commonly measured in TOPS, or how many trillion operations per second the processor can execute. Higher TOPS ratings enable more advanced AI models to run efficiently on embedded devices without relying on external Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) or cloud resources. Digital displays, such as the new Philips Signage portfolio, equipped with integrated NPUs ranging from 1 TOPS to 6 TOPS can perform AI functions directly on the display device. For example, AI powered retail signage can analyse customer demographics, dwell time, and emotional engagement to dynamically adjust the content being shown in real time. That allows stores to provide a more tailored experi-

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ence – whether for the customer who wants to be in store for as little time as possible, or the one who would prefer to browse, interact, and enjoy their retail time. In transportation hubs, intelligent displays can detect crowd density and automatically update wayfinding information. And it brings the ability to change displays in a fleet at the touch of a button, unlocking services that rely on rapid responses. In restaurants and QSRs, interactive kiosks can provide personalised recommendations, guiding customers through choices not only based on predetermined ‘what goes well together’ but also on demographic profile. It’s all more possible with integrated AI processing. Integrated NPUs for Edge AI support better energy efficiency. NPUs are optimised for parallel AI operations while consuming significantly less power than traditional CPUs or GPUs. This makes them ideal for always on digital signage applications that require continuous operation with minimal heat generation and lower operational costs. In fact, use of NPUs reduced energy usage by 35% compared to a cloud based solution. Compact embedded systems with integrated NPUs also simplify installation design and reduce the need for additional hardware – and its consequential draw on power. Privacy and security are extra benefits of Edge AI in digital signage. Sensitive data such as facial recognition or customer interaction analytics can be processed locally, meaning that businesses can minimise the transfer of personal data to cloud servers. This supports compliance with data protection regulations while improving user trust. As AI models continue to become more sophisticated, the demand for high performance NPUs built into displays will increase. AI powered by integrated NPUs, in the digital signage portfolio from Philips Professional Displays is already available in the Philips Signage 5000 Series with 6 TOPS neural processing power. Generative AI Philips is by no means the only digital signage vendor to develop its own brand of AI. NEC Corporation has enhanced its generative AI, ‘NEC cotomi’, which it suggests achieved world-class accuracy while maintaining high speed in Japanese language benchmarks. At the same time, NEC has also developed technologies that double the computational efficiency of GPUs while maintaining the performance of gener-

ative AI. The use of NEC cotomi, a key technology in the value creation model for digital transformation (DX) ‘NEC BluStellar’ (*1), enables NEC to strongly promote the use of generative AI in actual business. Moreover, NEC technologies can help to alleviate issues such as GPU shortages and power problems associated with the growing demand for AI, while contributing to the creation of an environment in which AI can be used more easily and comfortably. Due to the rapid development of generative AI, various companies and public institutions are capitalizing on it to promote business innovation. In line with this, there is a demand for improvements in the functions and performance of generative AI itself, such as support for use cases tailored to more specialised tasks and for incorporation into business systems. Studies have shown that global demand generative AI market is expected to grow by about 20 times from 2023 to 2030. In line with this, the demand for GPUs is also rapidly increasing, and the increase in power consumption in data centres is becoming an issue. In response to these challenges, NEC has developed technology to enhance the performance of NEC cotomi and increase the computational efficiency of GPUs, providing conditions for the use of generative AI that are more environmentally friendly. NEC cotomi has enhanced its performance and achieved

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pilots. AI-personalised content increases dwell time by up to 40% and delivers conversion lifts of 25–35% (when compared to static schedules. Engagement rates improve 40– 60% with dynamic personalisation. This is because digital signage displays become adaptive channels rather than passive displays. So what’s stopping you? There are issues which interrupt deployment of the latest AI solutions: Privacy concerns demand anonymized analytics; human oversight still needed for brand safety and message accuracy; and there are practical issues where the network operator must ensure that all of the devices installed must support AI workflows and cloud platforms.

Conclusion

accuracy in the Japanese LLM (Large Language Model) benchmark ‘Japanese MT-Bench’ that is comparable to global top-level LLMs such as Claude, GPT-4, and Qwen (*2). Furthermore, it has achieved a speed that is about twice as fast as typical commercial LLM, successfully achieving both overwhelming inference speed and high accuracy. With this performance enhancement, NEC is making the automation of advanced specialised tasks using generative AI a reality. So why does this matter? Generative AI is transforming digital signage by automating content creation, enabling real time personalisation, and significantly improving engagement, often boosting dwell time by around 40% and conversion rates by up to 30%. As of this year, 41% of digital signage deployments use AI-generated content, up from 12% two years ago. AI has shifted the industry from hardware-centric to intelligence-centric, with major vendors (including Samsung and LG) launching AI content platforms. Generative AI creates dynamic backgrounds, languages, seasonal variants, and weather-based versions. Generative AI enables screens to react to real-world conditions, detect demographics, dwell time, and emotional response. Contextual triggers include weather, traffic, inventory and time of day. Real-time targeting has been shown to increase recall by up to 83% and sales by 20–30% in retail

There is no doubt that the digital signage community is in the midst of perhaps the most exciting periods of digital signage innovation ever. Generative AI is reshaping digital signage into a real-time, data-driven, highly personalised communication channel. Its impact spans content creation, operational efficiency, audience targeting, and measurable commercial outcomes, marking a fundamental shift from static displays to intelligent, adaptive media networks. Add to this the largely unexploited potential of AR and VR in the digital signage world, and we are likely to see this rate of innovation to continue for many years to come.

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Michel Malbranc strengthens GLP’s sales team Michel Malbranc joined GLP’s German sales team on 1 July 2026. As sales manager of North-East Germany, he is responsible in particular for the eastern federal states, a territory he already knows well, along with many of the companies based there, from his previous work in the field. Malbranc studied sound engineering and music production, and he has spent many years working in the German events industry. His career combines sales experience with a strong technical background. Judging a product by its specifications alone has never been enough for him. What interests him is how technology is actually used in practice, what demands that use case creates, and which solution genuinely makes sense for the individual user. “I’m really looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces again and making new contacts,” says Michel Malbranc. “I don’t want to sit at a desk guessing what a customer might need. I want to be on site to see how they work, what challenges they’re facing and what the technology actually has to deliver for them. With products that need explaining, it’s important to experience them live. So, it’s very straightforward. Give me a call, tell me what you’re interested in, and I’ll come by with the right products.” Alongside GLP’s product portfolio, it was the personal conversations with managing director Udo Künzler that proved decisive for Malbranc. “The strong products appealed to me, of course. But what really mattered was how open and human the conversations with Udo were,” Malbranc explains. “At GLP I had the feeling from the very beginning that it isn’t only the numbers and the product that count here, but the people behind them. At the same time, the portfolio is technically exactly what I can credibly stand behind in front of a customer.” For GLP, the appointment marks a further step in expanding the company’s presence in the region. “Michel combines something that is particularly valuable when selling technology that needs explaining. He understands the products and he speaks the language of the people using them,” says GLP’s Udo Künzler. “He knows the territory, he knows many of the people in it, and he has a real appetite for working directly with them again. In eastern Germany especially, we still see a great deal of development potential for GLP. You don’t unlock that potential from a distance. You

have to be present, listen, and build trust. Michel brings the best possible credentials for that, and we’re looking forward to working with him.” The connection between music and technology follows Malbranc outside his working life as well. He plays bass, drums and guitar, and spends much of his free time engaged with event technology. He finds balance through sports and time on his mountain bike.

Chris Fitzgerald to Head TDC’s Experiential Growth TDC – Technical Direction Company promotes Chris Fitzgerald to the newly created role of Head of Experiential & Installations, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in immersive environments, museums, attractions and cultural destinations. With more than a decade at TDC, Fitzgerald will lead the company’s growing experiential portfolio, helping clients shape visitor experiences from concept through to delivery. Unlike traditional AV suppliers, TDC combines creative,

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greatest value lies in helping shape the creative outcome from the very beginning. Our goal is to create experiences that people want to return to, experiences that remain engaging and relevant long after opening day.”

technical and production expertise to help project stakeholders such as museums, attractions, architects, designers and producers create engaging visitor experiences. Its capabilities span projection, LED, virtual production, interactive technologies and large-scale content integration, enabling clients to create flexible experiences that evolve with changing audience expectations. TDC’s portfolio includes the Powerhouse Parramatta, one of the world’s most significant new museum projects, BBC Earth Experience, Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon, Sistine Chapel: Revelations, Vivid Sydney, and virtual production for the Australian feature film Mercy Road. “Experiential projects are no longer just about technology, they’re about creating memorable places and experiences,” said Michael Hassett, Founder & CEO of TDC. “Chris’s appointment strengthens TDC’s ability to partner with clients early in the creative process, where the biggest opportunities are realised.” Excited to lead this new chapter at TDC Fitzgerald added: “Clients often come to us with a technical challenge, but our

PCD announced the addition of two accomplished industry professionals Flynn Kelly, CTS, has joined as Senior Design Engineer, while Rick Shaffer joins as Design Sales Consultant serving the Greater Sacramento and Northern California region. The appointments reinforce PCD's continued investment in delivering engineered technology solutions backed by local expertise and long-term customer relationships. With more than 30 years of experience in audiovisual systems design, engineering and project delivery, Kelly brings extensive expertise designing enterprise-scale media networks and unified communications environments for corporate, education and commercial clients. Throughout his career, he has successfully delivered hundreds of complex design-build projects across the United States and South America, specialising in AV-over-IP, Dante, Q-SYS and scalable media networking architectures. At PCD, Kelly will focus on designing AV systems that support evolving workplace, higher education and institutional technology requirements. “Education technology has been my passion for many years, looking forward to building learning environments that are

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more connected, flexible and collaborative than ever before”; said Flynn Kelly, CTS, Senior Design Engineer at PCD. “PCD has built an outstanding reputation for thoughtful engineering and customer partnership, and I’m excited to help educational institutions and enterprise clients design systems that not only meet today’s needs but are ready for what’s next”. Expanding PCD’s customer presence in the Greater Sacramento region, Rick Shaffer joins the company as Design Sales Consultant. Shaffer brings a unique combination of enterprise security, workplace technology and facilities operations experience. Prior to joining PCD, Shaffer served as a Workplace Life Safety Specialist at Accenture, where he managed access control initiatives, security operations and complex systems implementations while supporting the organization’s North American ISO 27001 information security certification efforts. Earlier in his career, he led facilities and technology teams supporting large houses of worship, overseeing modern AV systems that do things ‘the right way’” said Rick Shaffer, Design Sales Consultant at PCD. “Their processes are dialled in, and their projects are top notch”.

AtlasIED welcomes Ethan Janzen as Eastern Region Sales Manager, Transportation AtlasIED has announced the appointment of Ethan Janzen as Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Transportation. In his role, Janzen will lead AtlasIED’s transportation sales in the Eastern United States, enhancing the company’s presence in the region. Janzen joins AtlasIED with 16 years of experience driving revenue growth across the commercial audiovisual (AV) industry. Having worked with top companies for nearly two decades, Janzen brings incredibly strong industry connections that will be key to supporting AtlasIED’s transportation footprint. Janzen specializes in channel enablement & scaling, market share & competitive displacement, and possesses strong multi-vertical experience, which will be critical in reinforcing AtlasIED’s presence in airports, rail, bus, and other transit verticals. “Ethan is a well-known and well-respected addition to our team,” said Matt Czyzewski, EVP and President, Transportation at AtlasIED. “With his extensive industry experience and his valuable connections, we expect our transportation partners, consultants, and integrators to be supported with the high level of service they have come to

expect from AtlasIED.” “ am very excited to join the AtlasIED team,” said Janzen. “I am proud to represent such a reputable and innovative company. I look forward to making an immediate impact on the transportation team.” This appointment highlights AtlasIED’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its team and customer support by recruiting exceptional talent. Janzen’s impressive skills and experience are sure to contribute significantly to the company’s growth and success. AtlasIED has long had a significant presence in mass transit and airports, with about 87% of the largest US airports using an AtlsIED public address system.

Midwich strengthens AV leadership apointments Designed to strengthen its support for the AV channel, deepen specialist expertise and create new opportunities for customers, vendors and reseller partners. Anton Vidal has been appointed head of channel sales – AV, leading Midwich’s continued investment in delivering market-leading support, technical expertise and commercial opportunities for the AV channel. Alongside Anton’s appointment, Phil Ashby has been promoted to head of channel sales – business development, while Russell Taylor takes on the newly created role of country manager – Scotland & Northern Ireland, becoming the first territory lead within the UK business. As AV technologies continue to evolve and converge with

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collaboration, communication and workplace solutions, customers increasingly rely on specialist expertise and trusted partnerships to navigate a changing market. These appointments strengthen Midwich’s ability to support partners through that evolution while creating new opportunities for growth across the AV ecosystem. In his new role, Vidal will focus on strengthening Midwich’s AV proposition, helping customers and vendor partners benefit from deeper market insight, enhanced support and access to the latest technologies shaping the future of the AV industry. Ashby’s appointment as head of channel sales – business development reflects Midwich’s ongoing focus on identifying new opportunities, supporting emerging technologies and helping partners unlock additional growth through strategic engagement and commercial expertise. The creation of the country manager – Scotland & Northern Ireland role reflects Midwich’s continued investment in regional support and market development. Building on his successful work with customers and vendors, Russell Taylor will help drive stronger collaboration across the wider Midwich Group, ensuring partners in both territories benefit from greater local engagement while accessing the full breadth of expertise available across the business. Ross Floyd, chief operating officer at Midwich UK&I said: “The AV market continues to evolve rapidly, creating new opportunities for our customers and vendor partners. These appointments strengthen our ability to provide specialist expertise, support emerging technologies and deliver the local presence and market insight that our partners value. Anton, Phil and Russell each bring significant experience and will play an important role in helping us continue to grow and support the AV community.” Commenting on his appointment, Anton Vidal said: “As AV

solutions become increasingly integrated with collaboration, communication and workplace technologies, customers need specialist support more than ever. I’m excited to lead a team focused on helping partners navigate that change, unlock new opportunities and deliver exceptional experiences for their customers.” Phil Ashby added: “The AV market continues to present exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. I’m looking forward to working closely with our customers and vendor partners to help identify new opportunities, develop stronger relationships and create long-term success”. Russell Taylor commented: “Scotland and Northern Ireland are important and growing markets for us. I’m delighted to take on this new role and look forward to working with customers, vendors and colleagues across the business to strengthen relationships, support local growth and help partners access the full range of capabilities available across the Group”. These appointments reflect Midwich’s ongoing

Jigsaw24 Appoints James Morse as Client Director Jigsaw24 has appointed James Morse as Client Director, Media Sales, as it deepens its focus on sports, live events and integrated production. His appointment comes as the company invests further in helping sports and live events organisations build workflows spanning live production, post-production and content delivery. James joins Jigsaw24 from cloud video production platform Grabyo, where he spent nearly eight years, first in sales and, more recently, in customer success. He supported leading sports organisations and broadcasters, gaining deep experience in cloudbased production workflows along the way. In his new role, James will work closely with sports clubs, rights holders, broadcasters and live event organisations to understand their production challenges and identify the technologies and workflows best suited to their needs. He will also work alongside Jigsaw24’s wider media team and technology partners to deliver solutions that span both live and post-production. Across the sports industry, organisations are increasingly moving away from vendor lock-in, opting instead to combine best-in-class technologies across their production workflows. Demand is also growing for automation, cloud-based tools and bespoke content tailored for

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different platforms and formats, including content created specifically for vertical viewing. “James’s experience across both sales and customer success makes him a valuable addition to Jigsaw24,” said Abdul Terry, CRO at Jigsaw24. “He combines a strong understanding of live and cloud production with an ability to listen to customers and recognise the challenges they are trying to solve. We are delighted to welcome him to the team and confident he will help us deepen our relationships and strengthen Jigsaw24’s position as a trusted partner for sports and events organisations.” “My experience in customer success taught me the importance of becoming a trusted adviser and building strong relationships,” said James Morse. “I want customers to see me as an extension of their own team, someone they can call when they have a problem. Even if I am not the right person to solve it, I can point them towards someone who is. It is about understanding what they need and connecting them with the right people and technology.” James added: “It is an exciting time to join Jigsaw24 as the business expands further into live production while continuing to build on its strength in post-production. I am looking forward to helping sports and live events organisations find the right solutions for their workflows and showing the market that Jigsaw24 is making a serious commitment to this space.”

POLAR appoints Ryan McElvaney POLAR has appointed Ryan McElvaney to the position of Business Development Manager. Ryan combines a lifelong interest in AV with a wealth of experience and knowledge from both the distribution and manufacturing sectors, and will focus on developing relationships with customers and partners across the North of England and Scotland. Having specialised and gained wide-ranging insights into the application of AV technology in higher education settings, Ryan will also support end-user sales in this area.POLAR Managing Director, John Midgley comments: “We’re very excited to have Ryan on board. His level of expertise and genuine passion for helping to deliver outstanding solutions makes him the perfect fit for POLAR. He couples great energy, with invaluable experience, and we’re confident in his ability to build sales across the region. I’m very much looking forward

POLAR has appointed Ryan McElvaney to the position of Business Development Manager.

to working with him.” Ryan McElvaney adds: “I’ve always respected POLAR for doing right by their partners in the form of real backing, not just box-shifting. That’s what made this move make sense for me. What makes it even more exciting is the brand portfolio itself; there’s some genuine innovation in the lineup that solves real-world problems. I’m just looking forward to getting stuck in, working with our integrators, and making sure they’ve got everything thing they need to win business and deliver exceptional solutions.”

AV News Awards 2027

AVNews Awards Nominations Open Now! The AV News Awards returns to ISE 2027 once again following the successful new format introduced last year. By stepping away from its traditional breakfast setting, changes introduced in the 2026 Presentation Carmony and Networking Event, were focused on recognition, networking, and industry engagement. Simply nominating a colleague, technology or organisation entitles you: to an invitation to the Awards Ceremony, with hospitality, at ISE on the 2nd February 2027 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. The Presentation Ceremony will include A keynote address from an industry leader The 2026 AV News Awards presentations An informal networking reception About the AV News Awards The AV News Awards recognise outstanding contributions across AV technology, products, services, projects, and

leadership—highlighting the people and organisations driving the sector forward. Whether you’re a finalist, a guest, or an AV professional looking to connect with peers, this event is designed to bring the industry together in a relaxed and engaging setting. Each AV News Awards Nomination costs £150 plus VAT where applicable. Each Nomination allows you to one place at the AV News Perennation Ceremony. Additional places are available for £25 per ticket.

Enter here to submit your nominations: Technology, Project and Organisation Awards Personal Awards

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CEDIA Expo from strength to strength Underscoring its singular commitment to residential integrators and the residential integration market, CEDIA Expo is going from strength to strength with over 300 brands exhibiting in 2026, 65+ new-to-show exhibitors, and over 50 lighting exhibitors. CEDIA Expo serves as the premier gathering for manufacturers, integrators, designers, distributors, and technology professionals who are shaping the future of connected living. With the rapid convergence of AI, automation, energy management, networking, lighting, entertainment, and security technologies, CEDIA Expo remains the industry’s key platform for staying connected. “The residential market is our top priority,” explains Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo. “The expansion of the 2026 show floor highlights the industry’s continued investment in CEDIA Expo and the opportunities it brings. With an increasing number of new exhibitors and emerging brands, along with live system demonstrations and hands-on learning experiences, this year’s event is poised to showcase the companies and technologies leading the industry into the future.” “CEDIA Expo is the force driving the next evolution of smart technology and integration,” said Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA. “As technology evolves and consumer expectations increase, it is essential to unite the industry in one location. The ongoing growth and investment from exhibitors, technology leaders, and attendees highlight the vital role that CEDIA Expo plays in advancing the industry and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive.” This year’s exhibit show floor reflects continued convergence across lighting, control, audio, and security technologies, with hundreds of new products displayed for the first time. A strong lineup of new exhibitors is set to join the 2026 show, adding new solutions for show attendees to discover. The event will feature a diverse array of both new and established exhibitors. Leading the charge in innovation are KNX National Group USA and Rakoit. The lighting and shading category is expanding as well, with solutions from Euchips, Hudson Valley Lighting Group, ilLumenate Lighting, and Sunricher. Infrastructure and networking solutions will be prominently featured, showcasing innovations from Tycon Systems, AL Transfo, and Monolithic Power Systems. Additionally, more exhibitors will present a variety of categories. DSPeaker will

enhance the audio category, Clinton Electronics will represent the security sector, and InnoCaption will broaden the accessibility category. The Launchpad offers attendees the chance to discover emerging brands and products they may not have seen before. Featuring new-to-market companies shaping the future of the smart home and connected spaces, it’s the best possible place to explore the latest technologies and identify new solutions for upcoming projects. CEDIA Expo is one of the few places where attendees can experience technologies in real-world environments before specifying them for projects. Located directly on the show floor, eight dedicated sound rooms will provide firsthand listening experiences, allowing integrators to compare performance and make informed design decisions. Participating companies include Alcons Audio, Indy Audio Labs, L-Acoustics, Lumagen Inc., Seymour Screen Excellence, Sony, and others. Attendees can also explore the High Performance Demo Rooms, featuring LG, Trinnov Audio, Pro Audio Technology, and more. These dedicated environments offer a rare opportunity to experience advanced audio and video solutions firsthand. Throughout the exhibit hall, attendees can visit countless booths with in-booth demos to see firsthand the impact these technologies have, along with Manufacturer Product Trainings (MPTs). With direct manufacturer-delivered content for business owners, technicians, salespeople, and systems designers that illustrate the latest products, technologies, and emerging trends across a series of meeting rooms at the expo, the MPTs offer compelling learning opportuni-

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ties for showgoers and provide valuable feedback and insights for brands. Attendees can add free MPT sessions by accessing the link in their registration confirmation or when registering. At CEDIA Expo Booth C307, the IMCCA AI Lab will provide hands-on experiences with AI technologies, hosted by ‘The AI Chefs’, Kevin Kieller and David Maldow. Attendees will have the chance to compare leading AI agents, create mockup images, and test audio, microphone, and video systems in real time. Also demonstrating automation advancements is Homebot One, Inc., an AI and home robotics company specializing in intelligent memory systems and AI-powered home companionship, which will make a special appearance at CEDIA Expo 2026 with Koko, its flagship AI home companion robot. At the show, Homebot AI will present its longterm vision for embodied AI, intelligent home memory systems, and next-generation human-centred robotics. Attendees will have the chance to visit Koko in person at booth #3742. Josh.ai, Savant, URC, and other leading manufacturers in artificial intelligence will showcase their new groundbreaking AI innovations on the show floor. Beyond the expansive exhibit hall and educational opportunities, CEDIA Expo will feature a variety of special events, awards, and interactive experiences designed to enhance attendee engagement. New for 2026, the Best Booth Awards will recognize exhibitors that deliver exceptional creativity, engagement, and visitor experiences on the show floor. Presented by Coastal Source in collaboration with Lutron, Destination Outdoors will once again transform more than 22,000

square feet into a fully immersive outdoor technology environment. Attendees will experience the latest innovations in outdoor entertainment, networking, lighting, audio, and smart home solutions operating together in a real-world setting. The Smart Stage will host a full schedule of thought leadership sessions throughout the event, covering topics ranging from lighting design and home theatre to motion-sensing technologies, AI, and emerging residential integration trends. “The ongoing growth of CEDIA Expo highlights the strength of the residential integration industry and underscores the importance of having a dedicated event for this community,” McGraw adds. “Manufacturers are continuing to invest in the show, new companies are entering the market, and technology professionals depend on CEDIA Expo as the premier venue to discover what’s next. There simply isn’t another event in North America that brings together the entire residential integration ecosystem at this scale. The momentum we are witnessing on the show floor is a direct reflection of an industry that continues to innovate, evolve, and invest in its future.”

CEDIA Expo sets the standard for excellence in integrated technology The integration industry is defined by innovation, execution, and the ability to transform technology into meaningful experiences. CEDIA Expo recognizes excellence across this evolving landscape through an industry-leading awards portfolio presented at the show each September. The show is the singular destination for North American residential systems integration professionals looking to share their work, build lasting connections, and stay ahead of the swiftly adapting industry. The awards celebrate achievement across the entire industry ecosystem, recognizing not only product innovation but also the expertise and execution required to deliver exceptional integrated experiences. Among the awards offered at CEDIA Expo are the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, which provide an opportunity for professionals across the industry to be recognized among their peers while celebrating the creativity, expertise, and innovation shaping the future of connected living. Honouring outstanding projects, innovative products, and inspiring individuals, the awards showcase the smart home community’s

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commitment to excellence, quality, and advancing the possibilities of smart home technology. The CEDIA Smart Home Awards ceremony is free to attend, and the plated dinner is included for all guests. “The CEDIA Smart Home Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the exceptional talent, dedication, and accomplishments that drive the smart home industry forward,” said Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA. “They spotlight the outstanding professionals and projects that are raising the standard for connected living, highlighting exceptional design, technical achievement, and the ability to deliver seamless, personalized experiences through smart home technology. These awards celebrate the vision and craftsmanship that continue to shape the future of the industry.” New at CEDIA Expo 2026 is the Best Booth Awards. Designing a show-floor booth takes months of careful planning, and these awards celebrate the dedication and passion exhibitors bring to showcase their products and brands. The inaugural Best Booth Awards recognize outstanding designs, immersive product storytelling, and exceptional attendee engagement. Attendees can also participate in the brandnew People’s Choice Award, where they can vote for their favourite exhibitors who bring the show floor to life. The BEST Product Awards recognize the technologies and solutions advancing the future of residential integration. The program highlights manufacturers whose products demonstrate innovation, performance, design excellence, and meaningful value for professional integrators. From automation and networking to audio, video, lighting, security, energy management, and emerging technologies, the BEST Product Awards showcase the solutions helping integrators create smarter, more reliable, and more personalized experiences. By recognizing products that deliver both technical achievement and real-world installation benefits, the awards provide insight into the technologies shaping the next generation of connected homes. The Home of the Year Awards celebrate the craftsmanship and technical expertise behind the industry’s most exceptional residential integration projects. From luxury smart homes and immersive entertainment spaces to advanced lighting, security, wellness, and automation installations, the winning projects demonstrate how thoughtfully integrated technology can enhance the way people live. The awards recognise the collaboration between integrators, manufacturers, architects, designers, and homeowners that brings

these experiences to life. The Integration Awards recognise the exceptional work that integrators do to deliver innovative and impactful solutions across vertical markets and technology categories. From corporate spaces and education facilities to hospitality spaces, entertainment venues, houses of worship, and immersive experiences, winning projects showcase integrators’ evolving role in creating connected, intelligent, and engaging environments. The Integration Awards honour the expertise behind these achievements and the ability to bring technology, architecture, and user experience together. Together, these awards represent some of the most anticipated moments at CEDIA Expo, showcasing the products, projects, and people driving the industry forward. They provide exhibitors and professionals with valuable recognition from respected industry judges and experts while highlighting the innovation and creativity shaping the future of integration. “As the premier gathering place for smart home professionals, integrators, and technology leaders, CEDIA Expo provides a platform where groundbreaking solutions, exceptional projects, and industry talent are recognized,” said Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo. “These awards celebrate the accomplishments driving the future of connected experiences while giving winners valuable visibility among customers, partners, and peers.” CEDIA Expo will return to Denver from Tuesday, September 1, to Friday, September 4, 2026.

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Beyond Four Walls: Outdoor Living at CEDIA Expo 2026 Forget everything you know about ‘backyard tech’ because the era of standalone speakers and basic patio lights is over. Today, the most exciting innovations in the connected home aren’t just happening in the living room; they’re happening outside the walls. To prove it, Destination Outdoors is returning to CEDIA Expo 2026 with its most ambitious activation yet: a 22,000-square-foot immersive journey just outside the Colorado Convention Centre entrance designed to show integrators exactly how the latest technology breakthroughs help connect the indoor smart home experience with the great outdoors. Presented by Coastal Source in collaboration with Lutron, Destination Outdoors brings the connected home to life through intelligent lighting, audio, power, and control. At the heart of the experience, attendees journey through a series of connected residential spaces—from an indoor living room featuring Lutron intelligent lighting and automated shading, to a covered outdoor entertaining area, and finally into a landscape illuminated by VIA intelligent outdoor lighting. Developed by Coastal Source and Lutron, VIA combines Lutron’s intelligent lighting and control technology with Coastal Source’s legendary outdoor engineering to extend the intelligent lighting experience outdoors through fixtures purpose-built for life outside. Together, these technologies demonstrate how thoughtful system design creates a more

With over 300 exhibitors, including dozens of leading lighting brands, at this year’s show, CEDIA Expo remains the beating heart of the industry. Destination Outdoors is the playground where those innovations come to life. The experience extends after hours; when the floor closes on Wednesday, head to the annual Happy Hour (5-7:30 pm) to connect with fellow pros in the industry’s favorite outdoor gathering spot.

PLASA Show launches The PLASA Lab PLASA Show has announced the launch of The PLASA Lab, a new live lighting demonstration making its debut at Olympia, London from 6–8 September 2026. Independently facilitated by lighting professional James Simpson, The PLASA Lab will give lighting professionals, venue and production teams, specifiers and students a rare opportunity to examine how fixtures behave in a controlled, real-world stage environment. Inside a dedicated, blacked-out space in Olympia’s West Hall, comparable fixtures will be grouped by type and taken through a carefully designed series of pre-programmed lighting states. The demonstrations will explore a range of technical characteristics, helping visitors look beyond headline specifications and understand the nuances of each product. Rather than producing an overall score or declaring a winner, The PLASA Lab will demonstrate how different fixtures can excel in different areas and suit different creative or technical applications. James Simpson comments: “The PLASA Lab gives visitors the rare chance to compare how products actually behave side by side - without marketing language, sales pitches or brand bias. You leave the business cards at the door and simply experience the light. Each onehour session will take visitors through a series of pre-programmed lighting states, designed to make meaningful com-

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parisons between fixtures. We’ll add the relevant technical context as we go, then reveal the products at the end.” Participating products and brands will remain hidden throughout each demonstration, keeping visitors’ attention firmly on the light itself. Their identities will only be unveiled at the end of the session, with those in the room encouraged to keep the reveals under wraps until the show has finished, preserving the experience for later audiences. Following the reveal, visitors will be able to access the consoles and put individual fixtures through their own tests, supported by student volunteers. They can then speak directly with the participating manufacturers, ask technical questions and explore the products in greater depth. The PLASA Lab forms part of PLASA Show’s continued investment in creating more opportunities for visitors to experience technology beyond the exhibition stand. PLASA’s Managing Director comments: “Trade shows have always been an important place to discover new products, but visitors increasingly want to do more than simply see technology displayed on a stand. They want to experience it working, understand the differences between products and get hands-on in an environment that reflects how that technology might actually be used. We’re investing in The PLASA Lab because we believe it adds genuine value to the visitor experience. It gives people another reason to come to the show,

spend time exploring the technology and have more informed conversations with manufacturers afterwards. Lighting is a natural place for us to start, but we’re really excited by the potential of the concept. If it resonates with visitors and exhibitors, there is plenty of scope to explore how a similar approach could work across other areas of entertainment technology at future PLASA Shows.” The programme will cover five fixture categories: High Output Spot, Low Output Spot, Beam, Big Wash and Small Wash, with each explored through criteria relevant to that type of fixture. Simpson continues: “I’ve loved the response from manufacturers. They believe in their engineering, but they are also confident and curious enough to see how it performs alongside competitors in a fair, carefully designed environment. That says a lot about the spirit of this industry. Ultimately, The PLASA Lab is for anyone who cares about entertainment lighting. Our industry creates extraordinary technology, and this is a new way to see the best of it properly - in action, on equal terms, and without the usual noise around it.” The PLASA Lab will run across all three days of PLASA Show. PLASA Show 2026 takes place at Olympia, London from 6–8 September 2026.