AV News August 2021

The direct channel to the industry

August 2021 www.avnews.co.uk Page12

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AV News Award 2022

Getting it right for the rectum to the workplace

Nominations for the 2022 AV News Awards are now open – find out how to make a nomination with the potential to win!

AV News and a panel of experts consider the ways in which technologists have addressed the challenges presented by hybrid working,

Pro AV outlook positive despite IDNS announce £25,000 decline in 2020 technology winner After peaking at $259 billion in 2019, pro AV industry revenue dropped to $214 billion globally in 2020 due to the pandemic, according to the new 2021 AV Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) produced by AVIXA. IOTA forecasts revenue will reach $232 billion in 2021 and grow to $329 billion

worst of the pandemic, thereby allowing economies to rebound and pro AV to benefit. While true in parts of Asia, this was not the case in much of the world and so pro AV fared even worse than our initial forecasts would indicate,” said Sean Wargo, Senior Director of Market Intelligence, AVIXA. “The

spending. The Americas pro AV market dropped by 16.7%, to $77.6 billion in 2020, somewhat bolstered by a strong first quarter in 2020. A strong recovery is expected, with 2021 revenues rising to $83.6 billion. The Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region was

After the success of their recent brand launch, leading audio visual (AV), IT and infrastructure integrator IDNS, are pleased to announce the winners of their £25,000 technology giveaway to education. The competition, which ran throughout May, was free for anyone to enter but the prizes could only be won by education establishments. A live prize draw saw three lucky schools win a share of the prizes. •Esh Winning Primary School •Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School •Giles Brook Primary School Each school has won either a single, or multiple classroom, blended learning solution. The blended learning solutions pro-

Darren Clayman, Managing Director at IDNS.

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PPDS says 'Care about your air!' Digital signage is poised for strong revenue growth, with a forecast of $32 billion in 2021, increasing to $44.7 billion in 2026 [Picture: Pronto TV] in 2026, representing a 7.2% good news is we are now seecompound annual growth rate ing meaningful recovery, and so (CAGR). strong growth dominates our reThe 2021 IOTA explores the vised estimates going forward.” global trends within the pro AV Overall, pro AV revenues were industry, providing an overview the least impacted in the Asia of AVIXA’s current five-year Pacific (APAC) region. Having forecasts of revenues for prod- taken pre-emptive measures for ucts and services along with COVID-19 early and effectively, the predominant trends driving China significantly recovered these forecasts. during the first half of 2020. “Back in the early part of Overall annual growth for AV 2020, there was a lot of op- spending in the APAC region timism that initial lockdowns registered at -16.1%, resulting and other measures would help in revenues of $78.8 billion get most regions through the and contributing 37% of global

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the hardest hit due to more challenged economies going into the pandemic and many factors creating variety in rate of recovery. 2020 spending on pro AV in the region declined by 19.7% to $57 billion. Across all solution areas, conferencing and collaboration generated the highest revenue as workers went remote, students participated in distance learning, and events went virtual. The solution is forecast to generate $43.5 billion in 2021 and reach $49.9 billion in 2026.

PPDS has announced the launch of ‘Air Quality Sensor’ – a brand new, highly advanced and innovative air quality monitoring solution, designed exclusively to help schools and businesses (including corporate, retail and hospitality) create healthier and more productive working and learning environments, using Philips professional TVs, interactive displays and digital signage solutions. Part of PPDS’ new ‘Total Solutions’ strategy and inspired by

its relentless and continued efforts to rapidly bring new and relevant solutions to market when customers need them most (such as PeopleCount), the PPDS Air Quality Sensor extends the role and benefits of its digital displays, bringing extensive health and economic benefits. Connected and powered by a single USB-A cable and compatible with PPDS’ latest Philips Professional TVs, digital signage and interactive

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displays – including MediaSuite (hospitality), T-Line (education), C-Line (corporate), B-Line (food and beverage / corporate), and Q-Line (universal) – the PPDS Air Quality Sensor ‘plug and play’ solution features four advanced sensors, which monitor air quality 24/7. The four sensors measure room temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and particulate matter, all of which can have a major impact on people’s health and wellbeing. •Temperature: Influences virus infection rate and has an impact on performance in the classroom or workplace •Humidity: Virus particles can remain highly infectious in humidity levels below 30% and above 55% Continued on page 3

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Headline News Continued from page 1

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PPDS says 'Care about your air!'

Pro AV outlook positive despite decline in 2020

IDNS announce £25,000 technology winner

Digital signage is poised for strong revenue growth, with a forecast of $32 billion in 2021, increasing to $44.7 billion in 2026. The signage market had strength going into the pandemic, as display prices encouraged proliferation. This remained as pent-up demand, which will propel the solution area. Media servers are the leading product category for digital signage—with $6.9 billion in revenue in 2021. Overall, content management hardware, previously termed by AVIXA as streaming media, storage, and distribution (SMSD), generates significant revenue and growth over the next five years – $62.3 billion in 2021 with a CAGR of 10.4%. Live events and performance/ entertainment solutions were the most impacted in 2020, with a combined annual revenue decline of 49.7%. These solutions are forecasted the slowest recovery to pre-pandemic levels due to continuing restrictions and individual reluctance to join larger events and crowds. However, both solution areas will bounce back substantially, setting new records over the next couple of years. By 2026, live events solutions will generate $33.9 billion in revenue and performance/entertainment $30.6 billion.

vided as part of these prizes, that includes an interactive touchscreen and video conferencing facility, means that these schools have complete flexibility over teaching and learning whether that be remote or in class. Speaking about winning the prizes, and what it meant to their schools, they each had this to say: “We’re very grateful to IDNS – it really was fantastic news! Having increased our pupil numbers year on year we have had to diversify and use space previously unneeded. The technology will be used in our new classrooms, which will enhance learning for all, especially our SEND and pupil premium children.” Fran Nickson, Head Teacher – Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School commented: “Winning this prize means a lot to our school. We’re going to put the new technology in a group room that gets a high volume of usage. Currently the room is being used to do catchup work following Covid-19 with small groups of children; adding this technology will make a huge difference to that experience for the children.” Jenny Brown, IT Technician – Giles Brook Primary School – said: “After starting a rolling programme a couple of years

•Carbon dioxide: CO2 is an excellent indicator of indoor air quality and proper ventilation of a workspace or classroom •Particulate matter: Higher levels of particle pollution can lead to greater risks of infections, not only COVID-19, but also other viral illnesses Live data, whether for one PPDS Air Quality Sensor in a single room or building or installations across multiple sites, is analysed, translated and displayed in real time via an easily digestible dashboard app – available anywhere at any time – with an indefinite

cess.” He added: “With the spread of airborne viruses and other potentially harmful pollutants, monitoring indoor air quality is crucial to the health and safety of classrooms and work environments. PPDS Air Quality Sensor is a simple solution that ensures you can return to the workplace or the classroom safely by monitoring, alerting and reporting on indoor air quality, and the solution fully integrates with your Philips professional display.” Invisible to the eye, the quality of air being breathed in in-

of developing allergies, while prolonged stress can impair the immune system and lead to heart attack, cancer, arthritis, dementia, neuro-degenerative diseases and death. With statistics showing people spend around 90 per cent of their time indoors, and the quality of air inside homes and buildings anywhere between five and one hundred times more polluted than outdoors, air quality management has never been more critical. Available as a standalone purchase or as part of a bundled package, PPDS Air Quality

“PPDS Air Quality Sensor is a simple and incredibly effective solution that pairs perfectly with our advanced digital signage and professional TV solutions to bring safer and cleaner environments to people, whether they’re inside a classroom, corporate office, hotel room, a retail store, or any active indoor environment.” archive of historical data available for extensive reporting and data analytics. Whenever air quality is deemed to have fallen below a safe standard automatic alerts will be sounded, sent and displayed, providing opportunities to take immediate and necessary action. The app will even make tailored recommendations on improving the air quality based on its sensor readings, whether that’s something as simple as opening doors and windows, switching on air purifiers (if available), adjusting room temperatures, or even requesting that staff temporarily relocate to other areas of the building or from home. Small in size, PPDS Air Quality Sensor can be easily and neatly installed/attached to Philips professional displays in any environment, using a specially designed bracket and assembly kit, supplied in the box. Chris Colpaert, General Manager at PPDS, commented: “With the spread of airborne viruses and other potentially harmful pollutants, monitoring indoor air quality is crucial to the health and safety of classrooms and work environments.” “PPDS Air Quality Sensor is a simple and incredibly effective solution that pairs perfectly with our advanced digital signage and professional TV solutions to bring safer and cleaner environments to people, whether they’re inside a classroom, corporate office, hotel room, a retail store, or any active indoor environment. Monitoring and managing air quality has never been more important, and we’ve made this a simple, seamless and affordable pro-

doors has been proven to have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing, affecting their short- and long-term health, reducing energy levels, focus, productivity and ability to process information. Commonly described as ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ (SBS), poorly ventilated buildings can unknowingly be enhancing the risks and spread of common and highly infectious diseases and viruses, such as flu and bronchitis, while increasing the potential for staff absence and economic losses for both companies and staff. Pre-pandemic data published in February 2020 from Vitality revealed that the UK economy lost almost £92 billion in 2019 as a result of ill health-related absence and presenteeism (employees at work but not being productive). In total, British businesses lost an average of 38 working days per employee to physical and mental health related absence and presenteeism in 2019 – up from 23 working days in 2014. For more sensitive groups, the quality of indoor air can contribute to serious and even life-threatening health conditions. It’s estimated that 4.3 million people around the world die every year as a result of indoor air pollution (including those working from home), with particulate matter (a mix of solid and liquid droplets found in the air) the cause of numerous respiratory ailments including asthma, respiratory inflammation, decreased lung function, and cancer. People who spend significant time in poorly ventilated rooms also have a 50 per cent higher risk

Sensor, combined with PPDS’ range of compatible Philips professional displays, makes this process a fast and simple one. Colpaert said: “As a business, you can’t control what your staff, customers and students are exposed to in their personal life. However, with PPDS Air Quality Sensor on our Philips professional displays, you are able to play an important role, not only for the wellbeing of your workforce, but to society as whole, in providing them with a clean and healthy environment, with the vision and ability to react quickly if conditions deteriorate.” “Over the past 12 months or so, the world has changed both in our personal and our work lives. Our focus on health and hygiene is something that has never been more relevant nor more scrutinised. As normality returns, it’s more important than ever that the environment we are in is safe” said Colpaert. Martijn van der Woude, Director International Business Development at PPDS, concluded: “The statistics and impact on people’s health simply cannot be ignored and businesses, schools, retailers and the hospitality sector have a chance to reset and understand the clear link between poor air quality, absence and performance. It’s never been more important to have a healthy, happy and energetic people. The PPDS Air Quality Sensor is just the beginning of this story and we are continuing to develop our air quality solutions around our Philips professional displays”.

ago updating our classroom technology, the prize from IDNS will help us accelerate that programme. Thanks to their generosity we can also now allocate that funding to other areas of the school to enhance teaching and learning” Along with the technology, IDNS are providing each school with full installation and onsite training as Darren Clayman, Managing Director at IDNS, explains: “Now that the brand launch competition has ended, we’re very excited to see how the schools can get the most from the technology, that’s why we’ll be supporting them with our expertise in the weeks and months to come. Although the prizes were about giving back to those who have helped us get where we are today, the real results will be the impact that the technology has on teaching and learning.”

Sharp/NEC unveils new WD551 WCD Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe has launched the NEC MultiSync WD551, a Microsoft Windows collaboration display that provides an integrated smart solution for modern meeting spaces. The WD551 is a room peripheral certified for Microsoft Teams designed to support maximum flexibility in hybrid working practices, enabling Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) scenarios - users simply connect their own device via the display’s secure USB-C cable to immediately share content and start video meetings. By connecting a PC using familiar Microsoft tools such as Microsoft 365 and Teams, the WD551 delivers frictionless meeting experiences, with instant access whether participants are in-room or remote. Two 65W USB-C inputs enable

seamless switching between two users while both connected devices receive a power supply. While certified for Microsoft Teams enabling excellent video and sound quality during meetings, the WD551 also enables any application installed on the user’s notebook to be projected onto the display’s 55” screen, as users simply connect their own devices. Using the latest PCAP touch technology and optically bonded glass for reduced parallax, the WD551 provides a superior natural writing experience, whether customers use their finger or a pen. In addition, users can benefit from Windows Ink support with the two active pens included, and palm rejection which allows users to rest their hands on the screen without making unwanted marks. The WD551 also uses its IoT

sensors to gather telemetric data from its environment, such as room occupancy, temperature, lighting and air quality. When managed via the soon to be released NEC Room Management Service, it will also support smart building strategies. The solution is ideal for small meeting spaces that encourage spontaneous meetings, empowering users to perform at their fullest potential, with the tools and environment optimized for productivity. Daniela Dexheimer, Senior Product Manager Collaboration Technologies at Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe, said: “As businesses approach a hybrid model of remote and on-site working, it’s clear that BYOM is here to stay. We’ve listened carefully to our customers and, in the new NEC WD551 Windows Collaboration Display, developed a solution that grants them maximum mobility and flexibility in even the smallest meeting environments. We wanted to provide a solution that is sleek and elegant to sit comfortably within any environment, even in the home. Its designed to be both advanced in its capabilities, whilst also being highly user-friendly – we’re are very proud of the result.”

By connecting a PC using familiar Microsoft tools such as Microsoft 365 and Teams, the WD551 delivers frictionless meeting experiences, with instant access whether participants are in-room or remote.

P3 AV News August 2021

Business News

Signagelive partners with BrightSign

New company identity from Panasonic

Signagelive has agreed a partnership with BrightSign, a leading brand of digital signage media players, to provide a fully integrated, turn-key trial of digital signage solutions. As a part of this partnership, Signagelive and BrightSign will offer free access to the fully licensed Signagelive digital signage software on BrightSign players. These bundled solutions will be provisioned via the BSN.cloud Control Cloud platform. While hundreds of clients already use BrightSign players with Signagelive Digital Signage Software, this new trial program is designed to streamline the implementation experience for new digital signage projects. The purchase of a BrightSign player is bundled with a trial account of the Signagelive software. Once the player is plugged in and pow-

Panasonic has announced the foundation of a new solutions-focused organisation, Panasonic Connect Europe GmbH, to address the changing technology needs of European businesses. Panasonic Connect Europe will offer diverse B2B technology solutions, alongside an enhanced services capability, to help customers maintain their mission critical operations and organisations to transform their business operations. The new organisation will bring together Panasonic’s high-quality B2B product portfolio - ranging from manufacturing machines and software to ruggedised mobile computing solutions, and its broadcast and media entertainment portfolio – alongside enhanced consulting, systems integration, project management and application software development skills to create a new technology solutions leader. “Panasonic Connect Europe will form a new and agile organisation able to respond quickly to the demands of the various industries across the manufacturing, logistics, retail, entertainment, education and public sector,” said Hiroyuki Nishiuma, current Managing Director of Panasonic System Communications Company Europe (PSCEU), who will become the Managing Director of the new Panasonic Connect Europe. “We look forward to combining our product expertise with our enhanced solutions capability to help businesses transform

ered, it interfaces with BSN. cloud Control Cloud, provisions itself and is automatically configured to be used with the Signagelive Digital Signage Software. “BrightSign values our industry-leading partnerships because delivering a complete and optimized solution to our customers is a win-win for everyone. BrightSign and Signagelive have been leading the way for many years, and this trial program is just another avenue for end-users to experience a fully functional digital signage solution.” Ann Holland Vice President Marketing BrightSign “BrightSign values our industry-leading partnerships because delivering a complete and optimized solution to our customers is a win-win for everyone. BrightSign and Sig-

nagelive have been leading the way for many years, and this trial program is just another avenue for end-users to experience a first class digital signage solution.” Allisa West, Business Development Manager, Signagelive “We are excited to partner with BrightSign to offer this turn-key digital signage trial program. This bundled solution will provide customers who are looking to get into the digital signage space with an easy and seamless way to get up and running on the Signagelive platform. The reliability of BrightSign's purpose-built digital signage players combined with Signagelive's Enterprise-class software delivers a powerful integrated solution for our customers.”

Signagelive and BrightSign will offer free access to the fully licensed Signagelive digital signage software on BrightSign players.

Holosonics partners with AV distributor in Italy Holosonics is has announced it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Italian AV distributor Ligra, further expanding the company’s patented Audio Spotlight technology to an even wider market. This deal is one of many global partnerships Holosonics has forged to spearhead its continued growth and expand the distribution of its suite of directional sound speakers. Based in the Piacenza province, Ligra is a leading AV distributor that offers a board range of products, high-quality service, and an extensive reach in the Emilia-Romagna region and beyond. Ligra supplies many of the world’s leading AV brands across all aspects of PRO-AV and IT. In addition to Audio Spotlight directional sound speakers, Ligra is a major distributor of video projectors, display units, projection screens, collaboration solutions, and more. “Everyone at Holosonics is very

excited about the partnership we have formed with Ligra,” said Dr. F. Joseph Pompei, Founder and CEO of Holosonics. “Our team looks forward to building a long, successful business relationship with our new partners at Ligra to serve the growing number of Italian clients that use Audio Spotlight technology in many different applications and settings.” Audio Spotlight speakers deliver sound to tight, narrow areas, just like spotlights – this effect results in sound levels dropping by over 90%, even just a single step outside the narrow beam of coverage. Audio Spotlight is the perfect tool for many applications, including museums, galleries, showrooms, and other exhibits, to kiosks, digital signage, retail displays, and OOH advertising, just to name a few. Flexible and self-powered, Audio Spotlight directional speakers are a powerful tool, ensuring isolated audio that captivates listeners with an im-

P4 AV News August 2021

mersive, personal experience, while keeping the surrounding area quiet. “The idea of working with a manufacturer who has developed such innovative technology and products in the audio field, different from any other on the market, makes us very proud,” said Gianluigi Cravedi, CEO of Ligra DS. “We are confident that our customers will be amazed, like us, at the countless possibilities offered by the use of Audio Spotlight, a technology made of active loudspeakers, beautiful to look at, with a slim design, equipped with DSP, customizable and easily installed in many contexts.”

their operations for the future.” An integral part of the new company will be business frontline process innovation — called “Gemba Process Innovation” — which draws on Panasonic’s vast business, technology and solutions know-how and is a transformational approach to radically review, redesign and reinvent operations. It uses innovative technologies to deliver new ways of working to in-

tional optimisation and process automation, and enable total optimisation across the supply chain. Panasonic Connect Europe will also be supported by its own European service and support centre. The new business will also draw on the expertise of: Zetes, a wholly owned Panasonic business, which develops and markets supply chain software and solutions providing

Hiroyuki Nishiuma, current Managing Director of Panasonic System Communications Company Europe (PSCEU), will become the Managing Director of the new Panasonic Connect Europe. crease efficiencies and improve customer satisfaction. The Gemba Process Innovation team will advise and deploy edge devices, smart sensing and robotics, improve visualisation of operations by using digitalised data, deliver opera-

agility, visibility and traceability across connected supply chains; and Blue Yonder, which Panasonic recently announced that it will be acquiring, the world leader in digital supply chain and omni-channel commerce fulfilment.

Holdan appointed by Roland as a new distributor Holdan, part of the Midwich Group, will be distributing Roland products in the UK and Ireland. Roland’s Professional AV division provides solutions that support audio and video professionals demanding excellence in a variety of markets including live event production, live streaming, education, corporate meetings, worship, videography and gaming. The announcement follows the successful launch of the V-160HD, Roland’s portable hybrid switcher. The V-160HD delivers the pro essentials needed for both in-person and online streaming components of a live event, with the ability to tailor the content for both audiences simultaneously. The Professional AV range of Roland products will be available to Holdan and Midwich in the UK and Square One in Ireland from July 2021. Allan Leonhardsen, Managing Director, Holdan, commented: “We are extremely proud to represent such a prestigious brand. Roland's portfolio is perfectly positioned to meet users' needs, especially now that adapting to new challenges has

Allan Leonhardsen, Managing Director, Holdan, commented: “We are extremely proud to represent such a prestigious brand. Roland's portfolio is perfectly positioned to meet users' needs, especially now that adapting to new challenges has become an everyday task.

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Holdan appointed by Roland as a new distributor become an everyday task. Roland understands users' needs in real-world conditions, and we know that users of traditional video products, who have adapted their presentations to new platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams will find their product offering very compelling.” Kees Biemans, Senior Sales Manager, Roland Pro AV Benelux and UK, added: “The rep-

utation of Roland Pro AV products has increased enormously over the past year. A strategic partner such as Holdan enables us to increase our reach and further refine the experience we offer to our users. We are delighted to further build the success of Roland Pro AV in the UK and Ireland with a distributor as focused as Holdan, where our customers will enjoy exceptional service.”

DVDO partners with Audio Pro DVDO has announced its full lineup of professional-grade cameras, AV switches, splitters, matrices, extenders, and controllers and are now available in Europe through Audio Pro Heilbronn Elektroakustik GmbH. The partnership augments Audio Pro’s portfolio of global AV brands and expands DVDO’s reach into European DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) regions. “DVDO cameras, AV infrastructure, and data connectivity solutions perfectly complement Audio Pro’s leadership in highend audio and support for live and installed audio systems,” said Audio Pro Managing Director Christoph Keller. “DVDO products enable our extensive network of dealers in DACH and Benelux countries to expand into new vertical markets in education, business, government, and public venues.” Founded in 1998, Audio Pro Heilbronn Elektroakustik GmbH is a premier distributor for professional audio and

Clevertouch collaborates with Intel A global brand of interactive touchscreens, digital signage and collaboration software, manufacturer Clevertouch Technologies has been announced by Intel as a Gold member of its Market Ready Solutions scheme. This scheme is set to benefit partners and customers and they can expect two things: an even greater range of Intel-based products with Clevertouch and Boxlight brands, and innovation to meet the needs of a new technology driven society in the post covid world. Shaun Marklew, CTO of Box-

light and the Clevertouch Technologies brands comments: ‘As we get used to the new hybrid working model, Clevertouch Technologies is driving innovation through our interactive and digital signage hardware, Clevershare for mobile collaboration and then ClevertouchLive software linking all our hardware together to give one seamless solution controlled by a single log in from anywhere. Collaborating with Intel, our product innovation is set to continue at a rapid pace. We continue to dominate Education and Enterprise sectors, work in new mar-

kets of Retail, Healthcare and Government with our edge to cloud solutions, and we will be unveiling new generation products very soon’.” Intel UK Country Manager, Trish Bloomfield comments: “We’re delighted to welcome Clevertouch to Intel Market Ready Solutions. The Intel MRS program gives its members a fast path to scale and presents proven, innovative solutions to market including Clevertouch’s interactive communication and collaboration technology universe, which is designed for rapid implementa-

tion of instant meetings within enterprise and higher education. Shaun Marklew, CTO of Boxlight and the Clevertouch Technologies brands comments: ‘As we get used to the new hybrid working model, Clevertouch Technologies is driving innovation through our interactive and digital signage hardware, Clevershare for mobile collaboration and then ClevertouchLive software linking all our hardware together to give one seamless solution controlled by a single log in from anywhere.

video technology representing leading global brands such as AKG, JBL, and AMX. In addition to audio-visual technology solutions, Audio Pro’s professional consulting and support services include its own training academy, cooperative marketing, and value-added system integration. “DVDO’s partnership with Audio Pro kicks off an aggressive worldwide expansion plan, drafting off our success in the Americas,” said DVDO CEO Doug Fealtman. “We are proud to be partnered with the preeminent pro audio distributor in Germany, to provide high performance, reliability, and value in professional imaging, video, data, and audio installations for European AV customers.” DVDO’s full line of Pan / Tilt / Zoom and auto-tracking professional cameras, as well as HDMI, USB, HDBaseT, and KVM switches, splitters, matrices, extenders, controllers, and accessories are in stock and available from Audio Pro immediately.

DVDO has announced its full lineup of professional-grade cameras.

P6 AV News August 2021

Exertis adds Zanussi Rako supply partnerhome appliances ship with QMotion Exertis has announced the addition of Zanussi home appliances to its core electricals offering to the channel. Working closely with The Electronic Company UK Ltd, the exclusive partner for the Zanussi SDA and Floor care brand in the UK and Ireland, Exertis will distribute a range of Zanussi products such as cordless vacuum cleaners, digital kettles, espresso machines, blenders and irons. Zanussi’s passion is to deliver practical and effective solutions that are easy to use. A perfect marriage between engineering and design ensures that Zanussi’s appliances are ahead of their time. The manufacturer strives to simplify customers’ lives across a wide range of categories and incorporates Italian design and quality into each product.

“Everyone at The Electronic Company UK Ltd is thrilled that Exertis are going to be UK distributor for the licensed range of Zanussi SDA products, including its full range of floorcare models, and we believe that this will be the first of many fantastic collaborations,” says Dipesh Majithia, Director of The Electronic Company UK Ltd. Jonathan Sutherland, Retail Sales Director at Exertis, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Zanussi to bring their range of small domestic appliances and floor-care products to the UK. The product range is excellent, and the brand has a great heritage. This is an exciting addition to our expanding range of core electrical products.”

Rako supply partnership with QMotion Rako has introduced a new partnership offering automated wireless blinds, powered by QMotion UK, who are specialists in premium quality automated window coverings. This partnership builds on the established synergies between these two complementary brands and will provide dealers with a seamless experience when specifying and installing lighting and wireless blind control on a project. QMotion FM Roller and Roman blinds can already be natively integrated via the Rako RKHUB or WK-HUB into Rako wired and wireless lighting control systems, without the need for special drivers or additional interfaces. Now, Rako customers will be able to access QMo-

tion wireless shading solutions via Rako as well as training, sales, technical support and additional window treatment offerings. Industry leading wireless shading systems from QMotion feature a patented, single tube design which offers the most aesthetically refined, slimmest and unobtrusive blind solution on the market, perfect for windows ranging from 400mm to 3800mm in width. This el-

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Opinion

Digital transformation: the long-term revenue opportunity

Rako supply partnership with QMotion

At the start of the pandemic many people would have been mistaken for thinking that work-from-home and stay at home orders were going to be short-lived. After the Prime Minister introduced these initial instructions to the nation, many IT teams rushed like mad to maintain business continuity and productivity for their organisations. Since then, society’s behaviour has changed; and so has the way in which people work, seeing the rise of remote working.

Rako has introduced a new partnership offering automated wireless blinds, powered by QMotion UK, who are specialists in premium quality automated window coverings. egant, single tube design also houses the alkaline batteries which drive the motor to support the low energy QMotion counterbalancing mechanism operating the blind. As a result, battery lifetime typically extends for up to three years with the batteries fully recyclable, when depleted, and easily accessible for replacement through the tube compartment. “We’re all about making life easier and more efficient for our dealers and their end clients,” says Paul Wafer, Director at Rako Controls. “Lighting

control and automated window treatments work seamlessly together to increase comfort, security and well-being for clients in many modern smart homes. Since Rako and QMotion UK shading systems integrate so effortlessly with each other, and because QMotion’s wireless blinds are clearly the best in the sector, it’s a natural step to offer a one-stop sales and support solution for wireless shading that will help our dealers. This will save them even more time and hassle when specifying and installing

on site.” “We’re delighted to support Rako’s dealers with high quality, automated wireless blind technology that’s backed by exemplary service, powered by QMotion UK” adds Ian Claxton, Director at QMotion UK. “This move will deepen our alignment, provide strong benefits for Rako dealers and, ultimately, leave the client delighted with the best looking, most reliable and sustainable wireless blinds on the market.”

Exertis enhances cybersecurity offering Exertis has partnered with UKbased cyber security company CyberSmart to offer organisations, no matter their size or expertise, a strong security posture by combatting the threat of cyber-attacks. CyberSmart’s intuitive platform will support Exertis’ customers by automatically and continuously assessing devices against security and compliance standards, alerting users when these have not been met. As a result of this partnership, not only will Exertis benefit from a bolstered cybersecurity offering to its customers. In addition, this will enable CyberSmart to reach thousands more companies across the country and be one step closer towards making cybersecurity accessible to all businesses. “We pride ourselves on making the complex simple and going above and beyond to delight our customers,” says Matthew Swindail, Vendor Development Manager (Security & Cloud) – UK & Europe at Exertis Enterprise. “Our decision to partner with CyberSmart was a no-brainer as they perfectly embody these values.” “Their platform simplifies cybersecurity by transforming complex regulations into a clear checklist,” Swindail continues. “In a matter of minutes,

customers gain full status and visibility of their employees’ corporate and personal devices. We are excited to add CyberSmart to our portfolio and are looking forward to providing these solutions to our channel partners.” “It is an honour to be working alongside Exertis, a well-respected specialist service provider with tens of thousands of customers. Indeed, to be working with a tier 1 distributor is testament to the fact that there is an ever-growing demand for solutions, such as ours, that champion and empower SMEs to take control of their cybersecurity,” says Tracy Shepherd, Distribution Account Manager at CyberSmart. “We are delighted to see Exertis get involved in this mission.” This partnership follows a landmark 12 months for CyberSmart, which has seen it secure $10 million in ‘Series A’ funding – achieving a record revenue increase of 300% – turning CyberSmart into a real homegrown success story for the UK tech industry, despite a hugely challenging year for businesses globally. CyberSmart also makes it easy to demonstrate commitment to security through supporting customers in getting certified in Cyber Essentials, the UK

government’s cyber security scheme. Cyber Essentials is a crucial benchmark for robust cyber hygiene practices and serves as proof of a company’s digital resilience.

During that time cloud application usage skyrocketed too. Digital transformation initiatives sped up almost overnight. And, while the initial scramble focused on business continuity and technology upgrades; across the board, the cloud evolution has not ceased, and neither will digital transformation. Especially since the UK is encouraging investments in connectivity and digitising Britain. Rob Hancock, Head of Platform, Giacom reflects on the last year and provides the channel with an outlook on where the opportunity to generate revenue lies through the rest of 2021. Changing the shape Initially, during the pandemic, homeworking was considered temporary. But, through 2020 many organisations came to accept the longevity of the situation and changed their working policies. Today, we see more firms opt for continued remote working and / or hybrid working policies, offering a blend of office-based and remote working options to employees. But, where does the opportunity to sell ‘remote working’ truly lie for the channel in this scenario? Research shows that in 2020 there were 6.0 million SMEs in the UK; which was over 99% of all businesses. Clearly, there is vast revenue potential available here. Another driver of organisational change across enterprise and SMB markets is cloud adoption. Research points out that 88 per cent of organisations expect the adoption of cloud services to increase in the next 12 months. This underpins the importance of cloud within wider future technology strategies; which will, no doubt, improve organisational operations too. Business-grade

“It is an honour to be working alongside Exertis, a well-respected specialist service provider with tens of thousands of customers. Indeed, to be working with a tier 1 distributor is testament to the fact that there is an ever-growing demand for solutions, such as ours, that champion and empower SMEs to take control of their cybersecurity,” says Tracy Shepherd, Distribution Account Manager at CyberSmart.

Through the pandemic we’ve seen many people work from their kitchen tables, for instance. Often employees have used their personal broadband and, in some cases, own mobile devices and laptops. While this workforce’s diligence is worth applauding, the use of their own personal technology is often not business grade or secure. At first, these temporary solutions may have been sufficient; but they are not sustainable longterm. This is where the ongoing opportunity lies for the channel. As organisations make committed strides towards remote or hybrid-working, they will require the right blend of technology and equipment to enable employees to be productive. This means, kitting out employees with fast, efficient, robust and

secure internet and voice connectivity that is suitable for their jobs. Moreover, they need to offer staff access to feature-rich communication applications, like Microsoft Teams, for unified communications and collaboration (UC&C), so that productivity can be maintained. At a practical and physical level, organisations need to supply employees with reliable equipment to do their jobs. We’ve talked about business grade laptops and phones. But what about support with setting up ergonomic home working stations for staff, as they provide people with voice, data and cloud applications to enable them to work. Collaboration and brainstorming Before the pandemic, Microsoft Teams wasn’t used effectively by many firms. However, since last March, Microsoft Teams usage for video calls increased by 1000%. And, it is also reasonable to say that many firms have become adept at driving productivity with UC&C technology; and that they derive substantial return on investment from these applications. The need for UC&C is not going to go away anytime soon. Meaning the revenue opportunity will remain available for a long time yet – especially in the SMB market. What will change over time is the need for richer features that enable people to do aspects of their job better, since they no longer meet as often in person. This might, for example, mean employees seek out features from technologies that enable them to brainstorm more effectively, such as digital whiteboarding – or, more accurate meeting transcription services. Therefore, CSPs and MSPs will need to work more closely to match client needs against partner technologies. Data security And, while remote and hybrid-working will likely remain standard for many organisations in the future, it does raise security concerns for IT teams. As various pandemic lockdowns ease over time, many people will likely be eager to change their work scenery and work in different locations. Some might want to take a week away and work remotely. Some might want to work in a local coffee shop. Regardless of their choice, organisations will have to assess if their IT security strategies are robust enough to accommodate these sorts of situations. In these kinds of scenarios, are MSPs then equipped to help organisations with these new data security needs? Do they offer multi-factor (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) security? What

about the on-boarding of new employees at the SMB level when new staff join? Has cyber security awareness training been offered to employees – is training ongoing in order to protect data? Moves to the cloud Aside from offering voice, data, UC&C and security technologies, many organisations are shifting entire business applications into the cloud. This was a large focus for many organisations in 2020 and will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. This presents further opportunity for MSPs as they consult with clients. They may already be speaking with customers about these aforementioned technologies – but, since they have their clients’ ears, there is opportunity to become more deeply embedded within client organisations by supporting wider initiatives to move business applications into the cloud. It then also means MSPs will be able to offer a great deal of value-add off the back of existing contracts and generate incremental revenue. Conclusion During the pandemic the channel demonstrated how adaptable it is to step up and meet customer needs fast. Strong relationships between CSPs and MSPs were at the heart of this success. But, it can’t stop there. Digital transformation is a longterm destination and the use of the cloud to support organisations is here to stay: be it for collaboration; data security; or to enable business applications to shift to the cloud. The opportunity is almost endless. To capitalise further, though, means MSPs need to align with CSPs that can provide the strong foundations they need to support their customers with their cloud journeys. Can their preferred CSP offer collaborative consultancy and work with them to solve any technology challenges? Do they support with training and marketing? Can they bring value to the MSP’s proposition by offering a breadth of technologies that enables them to expand their portfolio of products that they offer to customers? What is their long-term technology roadmap? The right CSP partner will have all these bases covered. What is more, the future is promising in 2021 for the channel – especially when you consider the revenue generation opportunity across that 6-million strong UK SMB market. It just begs the question about whether the channel has the right partnerships in place to succeed.

P7 AV News August 2021

Headline News

Application News

Vivitek set to create a memorable Bose a winner at Royal Ascot impression in large venues As large venues start opening their doors and welcoming back visitors and guests, Vivitek has announced the new D6000Z Series of WUXGA Large Venue Laser Projectors. Comprising the DU6198Z and the DU6298Z, the versatile projectors - with a single chip DLP and laser light source technology – have been designed to deliver a brightness of 8500 and 10,000 ANSI

life, thanks in part due to the projectors’ optimised air flow. With Vivitek’s next-generation colour technology, multiple modes, hardware features and High Dynamic Range (HDR10) support, D6000Z Series users can be assured of rich, vibrant and precise colours that help create brilliant, accurate, high contrast, full spectrum images. A Phosphor Wheel and Colour Wheel further help to create a

lenses with Lens Positioning Memory (LPS) to cater for any installation requirement, along with the ability to display the image in portrait mode. It also has the ability to project from any angle in 360-degree projection operation and projection design for the most creative installations. Finally, a viewing range of 32.1”~ 500” prevents any image distortion. This means

As the Official Technology Supplier (Sound for Ascot Racecourse, Bose Professional technology was part of this year’s exciting Royal Ascot. The audio solution is truly bespoke, consisting of almost 1,000 surface-mount and in-ceiling loudspeakers throughout the racecourse, promenade and other public areas, including 250 private boxes — more than any other venue in Europe. Founded on a bedrock of tradition more than 300 years in the making, racing first took place in 1711 at the behest of Queen

dimension to the races — it simply brings the racing experience alive more.” Consisting of ArenaMatch AM10, AM20 and AM40 loudspeakers as the basis for the system, the audio solution integrates Panaray MA12EX modular columnar array loudspeakers, ArenaMatch Utility AMU108 and AMU208, and a variety of FreeSpace loudspeakers all throughout the entire venue. The solution is powered by a network of PowerMatch PM8500N power amplifiers containing specific Dante

of technology at Ascot. “For us, audio is a key element that goes beyond simple commentary needs. It’s about everything from announcing race details, upcoming event information and the distribution of music that keeps our guests entertained throughout the entire experience. And with Bose, their experience is ideal.”

With Vivitek’s next-generation colour technology, multiple modes, hardware features and High Dynamic Range (HDR10) support, D6000Z Series users can be assured of rich, vibrant and precise colours that help create brilliant, accurate, high contrast, full spectrum images. Lumens respectively, outstanding picture quality and high flexibility for installation in any venue. Benefitting from Vivitek’s exceptional design know-how and ability to integrate complex key components, the D6000Z Series delivers high performance, reliability, environmental efficiency, excellent picture uniformity and a long

superb impression, while the 3,000,000:1 Dynamic contrast Ratio ensures that no details are lost. A user-controlled Colour Manager means that the D6000Z Series can be calibrated to suit the content being displayed, as it covers 95% of the colour gamut of Rec.709, to provide eye-catching colours. It is also available with nine motorised

the D6000Z Series delivers an optimum picture performance for use in any large venue environments. Excluding VAT, the MSRP for the D6000Z Series range is as follows. The DU6198Z is available for £7,190 excluding VAT, while the DU6298Z is available for £9,990 excluding VAT.

Owl Labs has announced a partnership with Bechtle, one of Europe’s leading IT providers and largest IT system house in Germany, to strengthen Owl Labs’ presence within key European markets and verticals. As a result of the partnership, Owl Labs can continue to expand the reach, awareness, and adoption of its award-winning flagship product, the Meeting Owl Pro, across Europe through Bechtle’s 80 locations in the DACH region and its e-commerce subsidiaries in 14 European countries, including: UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Switzerland, Austria and Czech Republic. Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs says: “Business leaders across Europe are increasingly embracing hybrid work post-pandemic, with our recent State of Hybrid Work report re-

vealing that 89% of business leaders across Europe plan on having a hybrid workforce post-pandemic. What’s more, 36% of European businesses are now investing in new communication tools and technology to help facilitate this permanent move to hybrid work. We are delighted to team up with Bechtle to meet this rapidly growing demand and make it easier for businesses and teams based in Europe to use Owl Labs’ collaboration technology to help maintain and facilitate clear and effective communication, no matter their location.” Ascan Collier, Managing Director, Bechtle Logistik & Service says: “Workplaces are undergoing a profound transformation and businesses now require new tools to help accommodate the shift to hybrid working. As organisations adapt to new hybrid working policies, they must leverage new technology

to ensure communication, collaboration and productivity are not compromised. As workplaces pivot to hybrid work and progressive policies, Owl Labs is a key partner to help our customers transform their workplaces to keep up with rapidly changing workplace policies.” As hybrid work and remote teams become the norm, maintaining effective communication and collaboration between dispersed employees is of key importance to business leaders. The Meeting Owl Pro enables companies to achieve a seamless, collaborative and immersive team experience through its proprietary intelligent technology, which automatically focuses on who is speaking in a room using audio and visual cues from its high-definition 360° camera, as well as eight microphones and tri-speakers that have a pickup range of five meters.

Owl Labs partners with Bechtle to widen distribution

P8 AV News June 2021

Opening day of Royal Ascot begins with the Parade Ring procession. Anne in the Berkshire countryside approximately six miles from Windsor Castle. With more than 600,000 visitors each year during the usual 26 days of racing, Ascot Racecourse reimagined what a world-class race day experience should be,

cards. “Ascot has very specific needs. The core of the Ascot experience culminates in 11–12 minutes, yet guests are here for upwards of six hours or more,” shared George Vaughan, head

leveraging the innovative audio technology and expertise found with Bose Professional. “Bose innovation has allowed us to take people on a journey,” stated Craig Staddon, head of sales at Ascot. “Since we began working with Bose, our guests repeatedly tell us the audio has added another

Bose Professional loudspeakers ensure audio is clear throughout the grandstand, while keeping the racecourse out of the audio zone.

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Application News

Christie ups performance at Douglas College

Epson brings Aberdeen’s visitor attraction to life

The Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre at Douglas College has undergone a significant upgrade, which includes a Christie Crimson 3DLP laser projector, and most recently, the installation of a Christie D4K40-RGB

D4K40-RGB pure laser projector. “The primary objective of this second phase was to provide the Muir Theatre with the capability of showing cinema-grade movies and to be used during

smaller presentation screen, a cinematic projection screen or the entire stage. “The projector was installed in a Tempest projector enclosure. Although the Christie D4K40-RGB is very quiet, the

Aberdeen Science Centre in Scotland is a registered charity and industry-funded science museum dedicated to making science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fun, exciting, engaging and inspiring for families, schools and communities. After undergoing a major twoyear, £6 million redevelopment project, Aberdeen Science Centre briefly opened its doors in November 2020 before delaying further till April 2021 due

motion sensors and the other operated from three different user control panels sat within the squared 8m x 8m room. The AV installation therefore required maximising the canvas for content while minimising interference with the control panels and general footfall space. Four Epson EB-L1505UH 3LCD laser projectors, each fitted with the unique ELPLX02 ultra-short-throw ‘periscope’ lens were ceiling-mounted into

and for private venue hire. Graeme McGuire, Managing Director of AV One Solutions Ltd, commented: “The clincher in choosing Epson was the periscope lens. We saw it at ISE a few years ago and recognised it as a game changer that could allow us to create maximum effect with minimal hardware. But Epson’s always been our preference for projection. We love the brand and we love the features and flexibility on their kit as well. AV One Solutions

pure laser projector. Douglas College educates close to 25,000 students a year, with two major campuses in Metro Vancouver. The Muir Theatre, located on the New Westminster Campus, is a fully equipped 350-seat facility used by students from the Theatre and Stagecraft programs who produce a production each semester in the theatre, as well as

performing arts events and classes to provide dynamic backdrop images on the existing cyclorama or on our new screen,” says Brian Pratt, Theatre and Stagecraft Technician Supervisor, Douglas College. DWD Theatre Design and Consulting specified the D4K40RGB pure laser projector after evaluating both the needs of the college and other projectors

projector is installed above the last couple rows of seating and any additional noise would be distracting during live performance, so the goal was zero added noise,” says Pratt. The projector and enclosure are installed onto a lift, which allows the projector to be stored completely out of the way when not in use and brought down for maintenance or lens changes.

to nationwide lockdown restrictions. A key of the redevelopment was the brand new OPITO Theatre of Energy, a one-of-akind immersive and interactive experience designed to educate guests on the role and impor-

the Theatre of Energy, with two of the projectors used to display the three user-controlled images on the interactive Energy Game. The EB-L1505UH projectors each offer a reliable 12,000 lumens of colour

sells quality to its customers and the support that we can get from Epson means we can uphold this and avoid selling false promises.” Bryan Snelling, CEO of Aberdeen Science Centre, said:

The Theatre of Energy includes two user experience walls, each 8m x 3m in size, one of which is interactive and controlled by motion sensors and the other operated from three different user control panels sat within the squared 8m x 8m room.

The Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre at Douglas College has undergone a significant upgrade, which includes a Christie Crimson 3DLP laser projector, and most recently, the installation of a Christie D4K40RGB pure laser projector the Music Department for performances and classes, and by other departments for lectures and conferences. The College also rents the theatre for dance and music performances, as well as conferences. The upgrade to Muir Theatre was completed in two phases and began in 2016 with lighting, video distribution and projection. Working with Scott Miller, Ryley Pynn and George Davidson of DWD Theatre Design and Sapphire Sound, the first phase included the installation of a Christie Crimson 3DLP laser projector for rear projection on the stage, which is used for conferences and events that require a smaller screen. The second phase, which began in 2019, saw the installation of a Christie

available on the market. “It met all the parameters: we wanted a large-format projector that had a combination of features and lenses and would work in a hush box. This was the one that ticked all the boxes,” says George Davidson, DWD Theatre Design. The projector also had to be bright enough to cut through the front lights and light up the performers during a performance, while maintaining high-contrast, vibrant images. “Douglas College wanted a laser projector, so they didn’t have to replace lamps. And looking at the specs, the D4K40-RGB provided the best colour rendering,” adds Davidson. The college uses the projector with two different lenses, which allows them to fill a

While COVID caused some delays, the installation largely went as planned. “We had to ensure that the equipment would fit through the hallways, and we did renderings,” says Steve Klassen, Sapphire Sound. “The flexibility of the college, and the leadership of DWD Consulting, as well as the right manufacturers, ensured a smooth process. Everyone was committed to making this project work.” Says Davidson, “It was really nice to work on a project that was done right. Douglas College wanted this to be a showcase project, and this will last them for years. It meets every spec today, and likely will for a decade.”

tance of energy in society today. AV One Solutions Ltd, based in Aberdeen, were commissioned with outfitting all AV aspects in the redeveloped science centre, including three interactive displays in the Theatre of Energy, namely: The Story of Energy, an Energy Wall, and an interactive Energy Game. The Theatre of Energy includes two user experience walls, each 8m x 3m in size, one of which is interactive and controlled by

brightness and WUXGA resolution with 4k enhancement, while the ELPLX02 lenses offer a zero-offset image whereby the projectors can be easily installed on the ceiling surface at a close distance to the wall while still displaying immersive images from the top to the bottom. An additional two Epson EB-L1495U 9,000 lumens laser projectors were also installed in the main presentation area that is used for providing customer information

“Our mission is to create a lifelong interest in science by creating engaging experiences and the OPITO Theatre of Energy achieves that in abundance. The superb audio-visual displays, surround sound and interactivity makes it one of our top exhibits and certainly the one that our visitors will always remember. There is nothing quite like it in the UK and that is thanks, in part, to the technologies utilised that have brought our ideas to life.”

As the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Southern California in early 2020, Spatial audio pioneer Herbert Waltl relocated his operation to a disused music school, where he has outfitted a former recital room with an 18-speaker Neumann KH Line studio monitor system. The system flexibly switches between Dolby Atmos and Sony

360 Reality Audio immersive music formats without the need to reposition any speakers by combining a 7.1 layout with nine height and three floor-level speakers. Waltl, an award-winning producer, musician and technology evangelist who founded mediaHyperium in 1996, had been planning to build a new

studio before the pandemic. For years he had mostly been working at Skywalker Sound in the Bay Area, for the last five years in partnership with Eric Schilling, a recording engineer and broadcast audio mixer with a long list of Grammy and

Spatial audio pioneer Herbert Waltl relocates mediaHyperium

Continued om page 14

P11 AV News August 2021

AV News Awards is back LIVE and IN PERSON! NEW Location, NEW Categories and (most important) NEW Food! AV News 2022 Awards Ceremony will be hosted at ISE Barcelona De Fira 2022 in association with ISE 2022. The Awards Ceremony is on the opening morning of ISE (1st February 2022). The Awards Breakfast will start at 8.20 am (to those who have booths and places to be by 10.00), when the show opens) and we will be finished by 9.50 am).

If this is your first time submitting a nomination, please take a moment to read: ‘How to submit a successful nomination’ below. Nomination Procedures By far the best way to submit nominations for the AV News Awards is to use the form available from the AV News web site www.avnewsonline.com . This will ensure that you supply all the necessary information and provides an upload facility for additional materials that support your nomination. How to submit a successful nomination: 1. Each form represents a single nomination in a single category. (Please note, if you would like to enter multiple nominees or multiple categories you will need to enter a form for each nominee in each category. It has to be this way because the entries in the different categories and referred to different judging panels. 2.

Please complete all the required fields.

3. When answering questions requiring further details, remember the more information... the better. 4. Supporting material can include case studies, press releases and testimonials. 5.

You can enter yourself for a personal award.

6. If you are entering on behalf of a client, please ask for permission from appropriate authority before entering. Personal award nominations: Nominations in the Personal Award Categories (Technologist of the Year, Sales Professional of the Year, Support Professional of the Year, Marketing Professional of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in AV) are FREE TO ENTER. Technology, Project and Organisation award nominations: Technology, Project and Organisation Categories are subject to an Administration Fee of £120 plus VAT per nomination. Please do not send payment with this form, we will arrange an invoice.

Application News Continued on page 6

Spatial audio pioneer Herbert Waltl relocates mediaHyperium Emmy Awards to his name. But when the new virus forced everyone into lockdown and the music school closed, “We said, the best thing, the safest thing,

the low end is a little more consistent. So it’s a very non-tiring system with a lot of detail.” Previous initiatives to introduce formats beyond stereo

put in a system with bars where we could move the overhead speakers. But it’s more efficient and faster to have separate sets of speakers.” Schilling has set

Blue Orange helps change the face of education A pioneering college claims to be at the forefront of a learning revolution - launching a multi-million-pound blueprint to transform the dynamics of education - with the help of a Lancashire-based IT services and support specialist. Liverpool’s Hugh Baird College is home to more than 5,000 students on over 300 courses where technology is at the heart of a ground-breaking vision to create more compelling, inviting and engaging lessons. The Bootle-based college is determined to futureproof learning for generations to come and ‘re-write the education rule book’. The innovative concept involves the creation of collaboration walls with giant

ment spanning 15 rooms was just the start. The college has around 250 rooms and is prioritising and rolling out the programme on a step-by-step basis. Eventually it plans to move to a purpose-built more cost-effective site. John continued: “We initially set up a Future Learning Programme a few years ago and the idea behind it was to look at our classrooms, identify what was wrong with them and most importantly identify what the classrooms of the future would look like. There was heavy emphasis on accessibility and how the rooms impacted on learning and made it conclusiveucive.” “One of the first areas we moved forward was the collaboration walls – finished in spe-

the initiative. Often desks were older than the students that sat at them. We wanted to make the rooms much more vibrant and conducive to learning. It’s been received really well by everyone. Staff and students can choose the way they want the rooms to be organised. Small furniture is great for social distancing too. It’s adaptable and the introduction of handheld mobile devices such as tablets is much better than static computers where students face monitors away from each other. “Our plans are to eventually leave this current building over the next three to four years and create a purpose built complex. These current concepts will be a huge part of our future.”

Top marks

Herbert Waltl at the reimagined mediaHyperium studios. because of the pandemic, is to work out of here,” says Waltl. Perfection in 7.1 The 7.1 monitor setup comprises seven Neumann KH 420 tri-amplified midfield mains plus a pair of Neumann KH 870 bass-managed subwoofers. Five Neumann KH 310 tri-amped near field monitors on stands – three across the front plus left and right height channels – support the overhead channels of Sony’s object-based 360 Reality Audio. Hanging from the ceiling and positioned slightly closer to the mix position per the recommendations of Dolby Laboratories, four Neumann KH 120 bi-amped near field speakers deliver the overhead zone for Dolby Atmos mixes. Waltl made something of an informed leap of faith in selecting the Neumann system at mediaHyperium, although he has logged plenty of hours with one particular model working on various projects. “I had already heard the KH 310s at Skywalker and other studios, where I have used them. I was very impressed with them,” he says. Neumann KH 420, 870, 310 and 120 monitors “I had never used the larger ones, the KH 420s,” says Schilling. Like Waltl, he says, “I only used the 310s before. In this room I’m probably eight feet away from the speakers. What I like is that the system has a lot of detail, and you don’t have to play it loud to hear that. I work at a pretty moderate gain for most of the day, or I’d get too tired. I’m probably running this system at 20% of what it will do, in terms of volume, so it’s got a lot of headroom. And it’s nice having two subs, because

have largely failed commercially due to the unwillingness or inability of consumers to install a large number of speakers in their homes. Now, though, manufacturers offer simple and cost-effective solutions such as soundbars and smart speakers that support immersive playback. As a result, says Waltl, “We have a second room, a listening room, where we put a Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar. We can hear how the sound translates to a soundbar.” Sony immersive format And while Sony’s immersive format, based on Fraunhofer’s MPEG-H technology, was initially intended to deliver 3D music to headphones, “Sony 360 can now go to the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar and there are receivers that will send it out to a speaker system,” Schilling reports. As Waltl also points out, “The Sony format asks for three speakers on the floor at the front. But there’s no way you can get an accurate and honest presentation if you have furniture or a console in front of you. So we built the room specifically for immersive,” he explains, with minimal furniture to support the mix controllers and Pro Tools display screens. “Mixing immersive music in a stereo control room is challenging, because you have a big console that sits in the way of the sub,” agrees Schilling. “It’s not that it can’t be done, you just really have to work out where you’re going to place things. So this room is more like what I would find in a mastering room, where the footprint of my controller is very small.” Schilling also comments, “We toyed around with whether we

P14 AV News August 2021

up templates to quickly route and switch between Dolby and Sony’s immersive formats in mediaHyperium’s mix room. The room was virtually move-in ready, Waltl says. “The walls and ceiling were acoustically treated, because it was a recital room.” That said, Schilling recommended some additional standalone treatment, including bass traps. Now, says Waltl, “The room sounds wonderful.”

Liverpool’s Hugh Baird College is home to more than 5,000 students on over 300 courses where technology is at the heart of a ground-breaking vision to create more compelling, inviting and engaging lessons. touchscreen displays, handheld mobile devices and more flexible room layouts where the traditional teacher isn’t always stood at the front of the class. It’s being hailed as a game-changer. The multi-party ‘team effort’ includes support from IT specialist Blue Orange, who play a leading role installing the high-quality displays from electronics giant Sharp. “The Future Classroom Concept is based on a teacher being more in the centre of the room instead of at the front with a traditional board – so the students become immersed, can better interact and learn more quickly and intuitively,” said Director of Facilities and Technical Services at Hugh Baird College, John Billington. “In many ways classroom layouts haven’t changed in over a century.”

Purpose-built site An initial £500,000 invest-

cialist paint to transform them into whiteboards which can be wiped down. It was brought in as a trial at first and quickly made a great impact. The entire wall was rebuilt, an inspirational message was included and they enable students to stand up and collaborate on projects together. This proved you just need a pen and the right people to work together to achieve great things – in the right learning environment.” Government funding for general refurbishments was secured and the project accelerated further forward where 15 rooms were initially transformed, including flexible furniture and smaller desks to create more space between. “In my opinion this is a ground-breaking vision of education for the future which is destined to be followed by other learning establishments too,” John emphasised. “This is a building dating from 1973. Making it look appealing and inviting to both staff and students was at the core of

Flourishing IT specialist Blue Orange is delighted to have earned top marks. The company has installed 65 and 75 inch Sharp touchscreens in a series of refurbished classrooms. “The screens are used as interactive touchscreens which are complemented by the writing walls. The screens are all network connected to enable many web-based applications that further bring education to life,” says Blue Orange Director Darren Hanley. “We’ve installed over 100 screens on site over the years but this latest project was even more special. The initial 15 screens are being followed by another 13.” The Hugh Baird project is another significant step forward for Adlington-based Blue Orange. The company special-

Continued om page 15

Application News Blue Orange helps change the face of education ise in remote and on-site IT services as well as hardware supplies to companies, schools and colleges throughout the country. John concluded: “The look and feel of the rooms is crucial. The students adore the collaboration walls and the use of mobile devices particularly. It’s something the students deserve. This has raised the game of education. “We did meet a bit of resistance at the beginning. People don’t like change and some were sceptical. But we wanted to remove the front of the room and make the centre of the room its heartbeat. We had a long discussion about how classrooms hadn’t changed from the 1900’s where a teacher just stood at the front teaching from a board. We now have flexible furniture and hi-tech devices for modern learning. “The next set of rooms will have more than one screen for multidirectional learning. It helps break down barriers and creates a whole new dimension of learning. Collaboration is key. INSERT PICS with captions: Liverpool’s Hugh Baird College is home to more than 5,000 students on over 300 courses where technology is at the heart of a ground-breaking vision to create more compelling, inviting and engaging lessons. “The Future Classroom Concept is based on a teacher being more in the centre of the room instead of at the front with a traditional board – so the students become immersed, can better interact and learn more quickly and intuitively,” said Director of Facilities and Technical Services at Hugh Baird College, John Billington. “In many ways classroom layouts haven’t changed in over a century.”

“The Future Classroom Concept is based on a teacher being more in the centre of the room instead of at the front with a traditional board – so the students become immersed, can better interact and learn more quickly and intuitively,” said Director of Facilities and Technical Services at Hugh Baird College, John Billington. “In many ways classroom layouts haven’t changed in over a century.”

NHS Foundation Trust chooses choses Smartroom Health County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has chosen Smartroom Health - an advanced multiscreen content

can create an exceptional patient experience by providing visual information and content on more than 40 digital signage

Health lives up to the visions and expectations of the Trust, delivering an engaging experience to patients and staff. We

management system by Hibox Systems, to provide clear and reliable digital signage in three of its hospitals – Darlington Memorial Hospital, University Hospital of North Durham and Bishop Auckland Hospital. This progressive system also enables patient TV entertainment services to be managed from the same server, leading to greater operational efficiencies and time savings compared to multi-server systems. County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in England. Its 7,500 staff serve a population of around 650,000. The Smartroom Health solution by Hibox was seen to fit seamlessly into the hospital’s business systems, and furthers the Trust’s mission to provide the safest, most compassionate and joined-up care for the populations it serves. Commenting on the implementation, Nigel Hauxwell, IT manager at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said, “With Smartroom Health, our hospitals

screens and door displays. The installation went smoothly and we can now control display screens from just one server, getting maximum value from our IT budget. Screens in public areas are now used to provide clear real-time communications to patients, visitors and staff, including general information, waiting times, news, general messages and café menus. This is displayed on the large digital signage screens while smaller doorway displays outside meeting rooms are used to show current and upcoming reservations. In addition to patient-facing displays, the Trust also utilises Smartroom Health's built-in tools for room allocation. “We discovered the need for more efficient and reliable signage at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s hospitals only last summer," said Staffan Granholm, CEO, Hibox Systems. “We were delighted to be able to make an agreement and install our Smartroom system in just a few months, and that Smartroom

are proud of our first installation for the NHS, and we are confident this will be followed by many more, as it has in the Nordics where Smartroom Health is becoming the de facto standard for large hospitals.” Project management in the UK was performed by Lorna Garrett, Managing Director of Zest Technologies (formerly of Garland Partners). ”Working with the Trust’s IT and Communications teams to fully understand their signage needs and the outcomes they wanted for user engagement, ongoing system management and budget, I was able to highly recommend the Hibox digital signage solution,” says Lorna. ”At Zest, as experts in IPTV and digital solutions, we ensure the solutions we offer will be reliable and secure,

ViewSonic partners on immersive architectural exhibition This innovative exhibition facilitates cultural exchange and also elevates the exhibit experience by melding the digital and physical with cutting-edge ViewSonic visual solutions. “Our purpose in conducting this exhibition is to introduce the autonomy of Taiwanese architecture and its dynamic social role to the world community,” said Dr. Chen-Yu Chiu, the curator of Taiwan Acts!. “The exhibition focuses on socially engaged architectural projects of humble origins, which sets it apart from other mainstream-oriented architectural exhibitions.” “We always welcome international cooperation,” said Dr. Andres Lepik, the Director of A.M. Architekturmuseum Der TUM. “This exhibition is a good opportunity for East-West cultural exchange and interaction, facilitating dialogue between society and architecture, from

Taiwan to Germany.” “We are glad to support such a meaningful cultural activity that builds on international collaboration. ViewSonic has been devoted to creating amazing visual experiences in innovative ways and the essence of this exhibition aligns with our goal, “said Dean Tsai, Head of LED Display & Projector BU at ViewSonic. “Through ViewSonic’s advanced laser projectors and the latest LED display solution, we bring art and technology together to deliver a new level of immersive visual experience to the exhibition.” The exhibition “Taiwan Acts!” showcases over 100 Taiwanese socially engaged architectural projects in topics ranging from social, economic, humanitarian to cultural, varying in scale and context, showing their shared ambition to advance justice and fairness in a society. This is also the first comprehensive

presentation of this topic in Europe, presenting a large number of photographs, video material, interviews, models, and more in multiple media and physical forms. The advanced visual technology also makes this exhibition unattainable from traditional ones by creating an immersive atmosphere to engage visitors. Stepping in the gallery, a nearly 780” large digital Taiwan urban landscape image, formed by the projections from five ViewSonic laser projectors, perfectly merges with the surrounding physical exhibits as if you are in the city. With the laser projector offering 5,500 lumens of high brightness and true colour, the clear and vivid images are not even affected under natural light. In addition, the projectors can be freely rotated 360° vertically and have a 90° portrait projection mode, enabling creative applications with an easy

angle adjustment and flexibility. Moreover, it offers up to 20,000 hours lifespan with eco-friendly energy efficiency

and provides 24/7 continuous operation, speaks to the needs of sustainability while providing product utility, perfect for

large venues to display content all day long.

This innovative exhibition facilitates cultural exchange and also elevates the exhibit experience by melding the digital and physical with cutting-edge ViewSonic visual solutions.

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Getting it right for the return to the workplace! Following the rapid spread of the pandemic around the world, perhaps the most surprising response has been the almost universal response among vendors of hybrid working as a solution and the deployment of a narrow set of tools for new ways of working. In this ‘workplace special’, AV News and a panel of experts consider the ways in which technologists have addressed the challenges presented by hybrid working, the potential solutions and the questions that remain unanswered.

Simon Hayes is the Meeting Space and Collaboration Specialist at Sharp NEC Display Solutions. Looking back to the origins of the current crisis he is genuinely astonished at the rate of change. “When businesses were thrust into the unknown, the agile workflows of the future that we all talked about so longingly suddenly came into view. 10 years of transformation happened in a matter of months, yet despite the disruption, businesses found they continued to function.” “Technology can take enormous credit in this success, enabling the workforce to operate remotely whilst IT/ AV teams worked miracles managing the complex issues around security and infrastructure. Against the odds, it worked, and now for many, there is no going back, the world has changed.”

While some young, dynamic companies may have already adopted a flexible work pattern, fully aware of what today’s new talent are seeking. More established, traditional companies will find the transition more challenging, yet most are accepting of the inevitability. There is no one size fits all, in working toward redefining their corporate culture, each organisation must set out their expec-

misleading. To attract and retain the best people it is necessary to show them trust and empathy, empowering staff to best manage their own work patterns. Showing trust is an excellent measure a manager’s capabilities. If you employed someone because you believed in their capacity to fulfill the remit you defined, now you need to let them get on with the job. As or-

before workers can catch up with emails and those tasks that need focused time will have to wait. Empowering employees must not be interpreted as abandoning them; when working outside of the traditional office space, organisations remain responsible for the well-being of their workforce and should provide all the support and the tools they need to maintain a

Dealing with isolation

Empowering employees Whilst the 2020 work-fromhome scenario was forced upon us, the post-covid re-emergence is offering exciting opportunities to reimagine the world of work. How companies will shape this new world remains to be seen and will hinge upon how their culture has, and will continue to, evolve. Allowing the workforce to work from home was for many companies an uncomfortable scenario - empowering employees requires a level of trust and empathy. Only by rethinking the meaning of productivity, and understanding that it is inextricably linked to well-being, can businesses truly evolve and embrace new opportunities for success. Investing to provide the tools and means to support the human workforce becomes a simple ROI calculation - the compassionate employer will maximise yield.

tential for a garden office; but organisations need to be aware that junior workers are unlikely to have this luxury. A small studio flat is not conducive, especially when shared with a similarly home-working partner. Flexible workflows will enable workers to coordinate their home-based work time around other family members, making use of local serviced office space or community work hubs as needed, or travelling to client premises or the office as and when it suits.

Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe has launched the NEC MultiSync WD551, a Microsoft Windows collaboration display that provides an integrated smart solution for modern meeting spaces. The WD551 is a room peripheral certified for Microsoft Teams designed to support maximum flexibility in hybrid working practices, enabling Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) scenarios - users simply connect their own device via the display’s secure USB-C cable to immediately share content and start video meetings. tations within an entirely transparent framework enabling both employer and employee to fully understand their responsibilities and what they should expect from one another.

Measuring productivity In an attempt to gain solace from familiar KPIs, some employers are attempting to measure productivity by counting the number of zoom calls undertaken. This is no more than a simple extension of counting the number of hours spent in the office and can be equally

ganisations redefine productivity to fit an evolving corporate culture, this must permeate the entire organisation from senior management to line mangers and beyond. The period of enforced home working allowed more time to attend to focused tasks and respond quickly to emails, phone calls and video meeting invites – your clients and co-workers knew where you were. This has raised expectations to a level which is now unsustainable as people gain the freedom to travel and visit clients. It can, once again. Take several days

working style in rhythm with their personal circumstances. Intrusion on family life There is no doubt however that the lockdown period was a great cause of stress, especially for those who had to juggle work and home schooling or caring for very young children. Whilst home schooling will, hopefully, be consigned to the past, home working will continue to intrude on family life, potentially taking up some of the family space. Everyone’s situation is different, some may be able to dedicate a spare room or have po-

Even for those for whom it whom it is successful, homeworking can be very isolating. Workers could potentially go all day without interacting with anyone. There could be a temptation to spend longer ‘at work’, to the detriment of their physical and mental well-being. The social element is vital, yet it need not be at the office. A half day working in the local coffee shop, or a community work hub, will provide a refreshing change of scene and essential human interaction. Travel time between the office and home is time for mindful reflection, or ‘me-time’; an opportunity to transition between work-mode and home-mode. Without this defining boundary, it becomes hard to switch off from work, or give enough of yourself to the family, or make time for relaxation. Many workers wish to return to the office to reinstate this boundary which is important for a harmonious work/life balance. There is no one size fits all. Every organisation is different, every employee is different, and every scenario is different. Knowing what each scenario requires, and what tools are needed, demands a bespoke approach, and one which involves all parties. Working to identify the perfect-fit solution is a journey and it is vital that the user is closely involved.

Workplace solutions: getting the right mix! (2) Hardware solutions Stijn Ooms is the director of product strategy. AV & digital workplace. At Crestron. And understandably advocates Crestron Flex as the heart of a collaboration solution. With Crestron Flex, users can walk into any meeting space confident they’ll have the best audio/video experience with access to video conferencing, wireless presentation and smart room control from any device. “Crestron Flex is flexible in every way. Not just in solutions for every size of room, but for every platform as it offers native functionality for

Microsoft Teams, Zoom and supports BYOC (bring your own codec) for all other platforms using the audio and video infrastructure of the room.” “Video conferencing, content sharing, scheduling, management, support integrated into one platform with one singular goal. Crestron Flex truly helps collaborating at its best, giving the same user experience and reliability wherever the user is.”

User adoption COVID-19 has forced everyone to embrace change, changing the adoption rate for video

collaboration solutions from a slow ramp to a hockey stick. Up until recently, in the western world approximately 20% of the companies invested in video collaboration platforms. The crisis has changed that. In the last year and a half, the adoption rate has gone through the roof. All of us are gaining experience with, and a growing appreciation for, the tools that allow a new way of working. There is also a lot of focus on safety when returning to the office. From people counting and alerts when there are too many people in the room, over occupancy sensors and

touchless meetings, to remote support and remote control of virtual conferencing systems, are things that already existed, but we see that the adoption rate is picking up tremendously amongst all generations.

Internet of Things “At Crestron, we have extensive experience with remote control and management through XiO Cloud, an Internet of Things (IoT) based platform that enables you to remotely provision, monitor, and manage devices across an enterprise or an entire client base. XiO Cloud services

facilitate daily management and monitoring of every device through a single dashboard with comprehensive reporting and logging, live status viewing and alerts, performance metrics and analytics, scheduled actions and updates, people counting, and more.” “As requirements grow and evolve, new features and functionality can be added easily to one or many devices at any time without ever going on-site. The addition of remote desktop capability empowers technology managers to provide better and faster support via the timesaving IoT-based provisioning ser-

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vice. If a company for instance supplies their colleagues with a Crestron Flex Phone or Crestron UC-MM30R for their home office, they automatically reach out to XiO Cloud, so IT can monitor, update and patch without the need to pay every hybrid or remote worker a home visit”.

Security People who are working from home should always be reminded that they are not on the corporate network. Home network security often doesn’t meet the more stringent policies of companies. There will be other non-corporate devices on the network. “Home workers should make sure that their home router is up to date and their network connection (more typically Wi-Fi at home) is properly secured.” Besides that, our Internet of Things (IoT) based platform XiO Cloud enables the IT team to patch and update connected technology used in the (home) office, so vulnerabilities are closed as soon as possible without the need to go on site.

Integration Research by Microsoft, and others. On the new future of work, shows that audio is king, but video conveys social presence. That can only be done when the network quality is reliable and robust. “Let’s take healthcare as an example. We’ve all seen

the robot surgeries, and the remote consultations. If you remain in the same building, working on the standard 1Gb network infrastructure with a reliable connection, it’s entirely possible to perform a medical operation from a computer stationed in a different room, or consult with a specialist in another part of the hospital.” “But if you want to perform a remote operation from another side of the country or globe, stabile 5G adoption is a must, everywhere around the globe. You need a 100% guarantee that your network is reliable and stable, because latency could literally mean the difference between life and death in these cases. And in reality, that is often not the case. Remote parts of the country have no decent coverage, or buildings are made out of too much concrete and steel to allow for a reliable wireless connection.” “We see an increasing demand for and use of productivity and workplace apps, that help with, for instance, desk booking, room booking, adhering to social distancing guidelines or showing floor plans. Employees use them to book a desk or room when they have a meeting planned. Because of the rise of flex desk, but also because the rise of hybrid work means that meeting rooms with video conferencing technologies are in demand. “Companies often combine those tools with smart room management, based on sen-

sors. Hybrid workforce means that you don’t know in advance where people will be (remote, in the office, traveling?), So you need a very intelligent way to manage the rooms in your office, so you can release rooms when nobody enters as real estate takes a good chunk out of the companies’ budgets.” “We are expecting some exciting technology in the meeting space that Crestron will support to better mimic what we were able to get when we were at home. By providing individual and/or specific video framing for all participants, whether at home or one of six people in a conference room, we can provide everyone the same first-class experience as we got from our home offices and our kitchens”. “Remote people are no longer second-class participants in the meeting. When you get cropped by an intelligent camera that zooms in on your face, you are more present than the six other people that are physically in the meeting room. Your body language is more visible instead of less, and usually the display showing the remote participant(s) is in the centre of the room. Soon, we will be able to streamline the experience and your presence, no matter where you are.”

With Crestron Flex, users can walk into any meeting space confident they’ll have the best audio/video experience with access to video conferencing, wireless presentation and smart room control from any device.

According to a recent survey from McKinsey & Company,

nine out of ten executives envision a hybrid model going forward. The notion that all employees must be in the office is now a thing of the past. If an employee can effectively perform his or her job responsibilities at home and are equipped with the right WFH solutions, companies are allowing them to work in a hybrid or fully remote capacity. Gauging both the comfort level and performance of workers helps companies determine the best workplace strategy and arrangement moving forward. The office and the technology they implement must drive purpose for employees to come into the office and be able to support them wherever they

may be. The solutions need to create a unified and desirable workplace experience, as well as help executives make intelligent workplace decisions down the road. “Covid-19 has accelerated a change that was already ongoing – the one towards activity-based work, where people decide where they work based on the type of work they have to do. But the office did not become irrelevant. Face-to-face contact with colleagues increases our effectiveness and is essential for our mental health. The workplace is also critical to innovation. Being together physically is so much more effective to stimulate thinking. That said, offices have to offer

added value in order to convince employees to come back and it is interesting to see the different approaches companies are taking.” Pandemic technology has become not just parallel to our working lives, but fully integrated. Pre-pandemic, technology lived very parallel to our working lives. We had a separate, dedicated phone that we would use to call colleagues and partners, had a conference room for meetings, and a desk to work from. Now, the modern workplace lets you do all of that wherever you want. It has blended everything and integrated technology everywhere so you can work from anywhere.

oration areas will be the new norm. AV/IT managers will need to replace old, outdated hardware and equip these newly designed spaces with collaboration systems that are cost-effective, user friendly and easy to control. A new system must also offer features that make collaboration simple whether

greatly dependent on which UC platform their workplace has settled on and their employees’ needs. Standardising across all locations and choosing a system that has a robust API and security features will make it easy to maintain, easy to adopt, and will give management platforms greater business insights

erations running smoothly and greatly reduce meeting downtime.” Based on recent workplace surveys conducted by Gensler, there is a high degree of confidence that remote/hybrid work practices are productive, but not for everything. Across the board employees prefer, and have more productivity doing tasks such as reading, writing, and individual projects from the comfort of their own home. However, when it comes to doing large group projects, training, or professional development, these same individuals do not have the same success at home as they do face-toface. “There is still a need for that interaction and in-person feedback that anybody who is fully remote isn’t getting. With a hybrid model employees can get the best of both worlds by remaining productive while working on the individual tasks and getting valuable feedback, mentoring, and coaching when they go into the office to meet with their team and managers.”

ed users of a piece of technology actually buy-in. This is, in turn, dependent on support and training. “Organisations should continue providing regular training on technologies and collaborative platforms for remote workers. Virtual training including webinars and videos ensure that remote workers feel supported and part of a collaborative culture. Live video conferencing and using communication tools like Skype, Zoom and Teams emulates effective, regular communication and the closest feeling to office environments such as 1:1 and huddle room meetings.” “To have these support methods be effective, managers should reach out to all their employees to make sure they are feeling valued and heard if they are remote and unable to physically be with their team members. This is typically easier if everybody in a team is remote because employees don’t feel like they are missing out on work activities, lunches, and coffee break chats.”

Designing the hybrid workflow

(3) Software solutions Nicole Corbin is director of product and user experience at Utelogy Global. She is tasked with providing clients with solutions that are both reliable and easy to use – particularly by user groups that are not universally expert in their use of technology. “Solutions that put user experience in the forefront and make everybody feel like a “first-class participant” are those that are the easiest to use. They have a straightforward or customisable UI, robust features, comprehensive user guides, and exceptional support teams to help answer any questions that may arise.” “Microsoft and Zoom have done a great job of enhancing engagement, particularly with their user interfaces. Both have also expanded their technology ecosystems with Microsoft developing its Office 365 suite and the Zoom H.323 protocol-based Room Connector solution allowing integrated cloud-based meeting control for larger audiences and across multiple devices.” Advancements like these will be key drivers for merging the in-office and hybrid/remote collaboration experiences. People now just want to connect from

any location, and the seamless transition from handheld devices to the meeting room is critical.

Value While some degree of certainty can now be factored into an employer’s planning and

Even though collaborative technology has been around for over 20 years, it hasn’t been needed in the same way since COVID hit. Remote working certainly was not the norm pre-2020 meaning most people collaborated together in a conference room talking face-to-face. execution, the ROI remains a significant factor. “Hybrid workspaces with larger collab-

it’s at the office or from the home.” “Choosing a new system is

through meaningful analytics. Above all, standardisation helps AV/IT managers keep op-

User adoption ROI is heavily dependent on the extent to which the intend-

4

Security Security has become a real bugbear for employers forced to give their workers a much

P17 AV News August 2021

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greater degree of independence of late. “Security challenges such as data leaks, malware, unsecured networks, etc. Are nothing new to an enterprise, however, they may have become more prominent during this shift of remote working. The IT department should already be well versed in the importance of implementing MFA, SSO, VPNs, and MDM, keeping device software up-to-date, and setting stringent password protocols.” “If these were not already enforced, now is the time to do so. With people coming and going from the office or permanently working from home, home networks - or even Wi-Fi from your local coffee shop are not nearly as secure as the office.” “With remote work being the “new norm” it will be important to add some additional protocols to your business’s security policies as well. These are things that were never considered by most companies before having a hybrid and remote working environment. A few recommendations would be to make sure all employees lock their screens before leaving their work area (this should also be done within an office setting), use headphones on calls if they are not alone, keep

a tidy workspace, dress appropriately if on video and ensure they have access to adequate Wi-Fi. These recommendations not only help with security threats but will also mitigate threats on a company’s image and brand reputation.” “A work-life balance is an important aspect of a healthy work environment and happy employees. Companies can establish and implement specific work-life practices within their organisation to increase staff retention, productivity, and morale.” “The integration of UC and AV solutions in the workspace means that staff can perform their tasks productively and collaborate with their team members without the need to be in the office full-time. A good starting point is for organisations to conduct a survey to gather insights into what factors are important to staff to improve their work-life balance and experience. Common practices can include managers focusing on productivity rather than hours, maintaining flexible and remote working and investing in the right UC and AV tools.”

Return to the office Organisations are navigating

their way back to “business as usual” and staff returning to the workplace after lockdown are expecting their companies to help them get back to work safely and maintain best practices. “There will however be things we’ve become accustomed to as a society since the pandemic that will morph into the new “business as usual”; including the desire for hybrid and flexible schedules, proper sanitisation and safety procedures, as well as the implementation of the latest conferencing and collaboration platforms.” “Workspaces moving forward should be designed with the hybrid work model in place. If the company will allow for a more flexible environment, they should poll their employees to gain a better understanding of who would want to return full time or who would want to be partially remote post-pandemic. This will ensure any design that takes place before it is Covid-safe will account for the future as well.”

Designing the new workplace “Even though collaborative technology has been around for over 20 years, it hasn’t been needed in the same way since

COVID hit. Remote working certainly was not the norm pre2020 meaning most people collaborated together in a conference room talking face-toface. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until all of this was taken away from us that we were able to realise the true benefits of collaborative technology.” “If it wasn’t for video conferencing platforms, digital whiteboards, or a variety of other chat tools, companies or employees never would have been able to be productive during the pandemic. The current limiting factors in any workspace are making sure measurements for social distancing are in effect as well as proper sanitation protocols and making sure everybody has access to the proper technology for work productivity and learning equality.” While studies show over 70% of people are excited to have office buildings open back up, they expect to be able to have a hybrid work schedule where they can work from their home office at least two days a week if not more. “IT, MSPs, and support staff must stay vigilant in seeking out technology that enables their workers to have a first-class inclusive experience, regardless if they are on-site five days a week or have a hybrid schedule.”

“Video conferencing has allowed people to communicate from anywhere in the world, regardless of whether you are in a work environment or if it’s to talk with distant family and friends. Video conferencing solutions such as Zoom, Teams, and Meet were the only way a lot of us got through the pandemic, otherwise, we would have been stranded in our homes feeling completely isolated from others. Face-toface communication and collaboration is how we thrive as a society, whether it be physical or virtual.” “With that said, I can only see the future of the video conferencing industry improving year after year with more features, refined user experience, an affordable price point, and quality video and audio streaming. With the ability to integrate the APIs from these UC software solutions and the AV hardware they use in-office with remote management tools and ITSM platforms, there is no limit to where these systems are deployed.” “The ability to remotely manage video conferencing technology allows companies to employ people from all around the globe to help support their AV and UC estate virtually. Out with the old way of spending

tens of thousands of pounds to outfit a conferencing room solution that limits innovations and in with the new technology that supports virtual and in-person collaboration to boost productivity and employee satisfaction.” “It’s important for businesses to have a cohesive collaboration suite and process based on the tools needed for their employees to be successful. There is nothing worse than having a broken process for communication and collaboration. Not all tools will be able to seamlessly integrate with one another and not all companies can afford the top-of-the-line solutions, however, they can work with their employees, so everybody is on the same page.” “If the preferred method to writing documents is through Microsoft Word, everybody who needs one should be equipped with the license and understand how to properly use it. If the preferred method to create spreadsheets at a company is with Google sheets to make it easier to collaborate, everybody should be informed of the process and held to that standard. This ensures having a cohesive collaborative workflow, regardless of whether the employee is remote or on-site.”

Supporting WFH and the return to the office Oscar Lin, Head of Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic and Monica Sun, Director of the Presentation Group. also at ViewSonic, explain how ViewSonic has supported its customers through the phases of the pandemic.

Even though collaborative technology has been around for over 20 years, it hasn’t been needed in the same way since COVID hit. Remote working certainly was not the norm pre-2020 meaning most people collaborated together in a conference room talking face-to-face. The workspace has fundamentally changed, demanding an evolution of office-remote collaboration solutions. Work from home/anywhere has become normal but people now often struggle with workspace setup difficulties and even experience physical discomfort. ViewSonic views hybrid working models and hybrid collaboration as becoming a common workplace practice over the world, so we need to adapt to a variety of software and digital platforms in a way that’s simple, intuitive, and doesn’t leave remote workers at a disadvantage. The next generation of innovations in workplace collaboration should include the ability for workers to easily harness the power of advanced video conferencing platforms, with various sharing tools, and allow them to use a personal device to seamlessly work from anywhere. To enhance collaboration in classrooms and meetings, ViewSonic’s ViewBoard and myViewBoard come with interactive, touch screen, real-time whiteboarding functions that

P18 AV News August 2021

provide more ways to take notes or minutes in online meetings and instantly share them. Instead of people just having video calls, hybrid remote meetings are getting closer to

for conferencing, and is Microsoft Azure IoT-certified to make workspaces smarter. Allowing for advanced collaboration, and better work efficiency and productivity.

a control area, eliminating the need to move back and forth within the UI and instead focus on their material. ViewSonic’s 24” VG2440V and 27” VG2740V webcam

To enhance collaboration in classrooms and meetings, ViewSonic’s ViewBoard and myViewBoard come with interactive, touch screen, real-time whiteboarding functions that provide more ways to take notes or minutes in online meetings and instantly share them. in-person ones in terms of pro- •For education, the ViewBoard monitors deliver superb video ductivity. 52 series is equipped with ad- conferencing, high-quality live •For enterprises, the View- vanced audio capabilities and streaming capability, and crisp Board 70 series is ViewSonic’s a user-centric design in mind. audio through a built-in speakline of collaboration solutions, Users can easily connect their er and microphone. With the which are specially designed to BYOD devices intuitively with monitor’s vertical angle adjustprovide enterprises with easy- its front-facing USB-C ports. ment and complete ergonomic to-use, next-generation confer- It works in tandem with our flexibility, users can seamlessly encing capabilities. It comes myViewBoard visual learning tilt, pivot, swivel, and adjust with an ideal USB-C one-cable platform to create more engag- the monitor’s height, which ensolution, offering a superior ing learning and meeting spac- ables users to interact with othtouch and writing experience, es. Teachers can also access ers online at the desired angle. delivering high-quality video frequently used features within In the past, collaborative pe-

ripherals and accessories all had to be purchased separately, choosing the right solutions can help to increase each employee’s productivity and efficiency which benefits the enterprises too, how to maximize the value of the total cost is key. •For instance, efficient video conferencing tools are a requirement to engage as a team from anywhere in the world. In the meantime, poor ergonomics can also disrupt your workfrom-home experience. •ViewSonic’s 24” VG2440V and 27” VG2740V Full HD monitors both feature a builtin webcam. Superb video conferencing, high-quality live streaming capability, and crisp audio through a built-in speaker and microphone. The concept of workers only working at the office has fundamentally changed all over the world, hybrid workflows may replace, or compliment, the traditional office after the pandemic, though there are differences in countries and industries. Still, attitudes in the business world have changed enough to support the widespread adoption of collaborative technology for a workplace that is increasingly hybrid. To meet the discerning needs of second screens and the trend of remote and hybrid working models, ViewSonic actively expanded its product lines to provide high quality and comprehensive work-from-

Feature

anywhere solutions. Users can now optimize their workflow through our diverse portfolio of related products that boost work efficiency and flexibility. ViewSonic provides various innovative visual solutions based on different needs, we suggest incorporating into displays the below necessary functions, to design an efficient and flexible hybrid workflow for multitasking workers whether in the office or remote: Different workers bring different perspectives to the workplace, whether physical or virtual. Younger workers may be more technologically perspective, but older workers bring experience and perspective that needs to be valued as well. Work cannot be just about willingness to use tech tools to get work done. Companies need to make sure that tools and structures are available that are easy to use and provide the training to get the most out of them. Companies are testing tools and then deploying those tools with training, not just how to use the tools but when and with what purpose. These internal services are billed as change management or adoption services to strongly signal that it is not business as usual and that the entire organization is on a journey. Yes, pandemic practices will be retained. WFH proved that work can be done in places other than the traditional office. Workers will either find this at their current employer or they will change employers to find the environment that is responsive to their needs and desires as well. A couple of factors made the adoption of collaborative technologies work during the pandemic. The technologies had advanced to the stage where they were “good enough” or better. Everybody had good connectivity in their homes for their own personal use. Everybody went home to work with the perspective that they had to make remote work. All of the ingredients (tools, infrastructure and attitudes) lined up to make collaborative technologies work. In the past, collaborative peripherals and accessories all had to be purchased separately, choosing the right solutions can help to increase each employee’s productivity and efficiency which benefits the enterprises too, how to maximize the value of the total cost is key.

The vital role of best-in class tools in a workplace solution Nancy Knowlton, Nureva’s CEO, explains Companies are testing tools and then deploying those tools with training, not just how to use the tools but when and with what purpose. Different workers bring different perspectives to the workplace, whether physical or virtual. Younger workers may be more technologically perspective, but older workers bring experience and perspective that needs to be valued as well. Work cannot be just about willingness to use tech tools to get work done. Companies need to make sure that tools and structures are available that are easy to use and provide the training to get the most out of them. Companies are testing tools and then deploying those tools with training, not just how to use the tools but when and with what purpose. These internal services are billed as change management or adoption services to strongly signal that it is not business as usual, and that the entire organization is on a journey. Integrating the hybrid workplace

Pandemic practices will be retained. WFH proved that work can be done in places other than the traditional office. Workers will either find this at their current employer or they will change employers to find the environment that is responsive to their

needs and desires as well. A couple of factors made the adoption of collaborative technologies work during the pandemic. The technologies had advanced to the stage where they were “good enough” or better. Everybody had good

connectivity in their homes for their own personal use. Everybody went home to work with the perspective that they had to make remote work, function. All of the ingredients (tools, infrastructure and attitudes) lined up to make collaborative

Nancy Knowlton, Nureva’s CEO: “There is a growing demand for integration across applications. People want to use the best tool for the task rather than suffer with less-than-ideal functionality in a monolithic application.” technologies work. It is not going to be an “all or nothing” future for business travel. Business travel will resume, but likely not at pre-pandemic levels. We have all learned that so much can be accomplished over video – not everything, but a lot. There is a growing demand for integration across applications. People want to use the best tool for the task rather than suffer with less-than-ideal functionality in a monolithic application.

Optimised tools for the hybrid workflow Now that workers are returning to their offices will any of the pandemic practices and experiences be retained? Or is it more: “thank God that’s all over, now let’s get back to work”? Jon Knight, CEO of Ascentae, believes that “It is extremely unlikely that most businesses will return to pre-pandemic ways of working. The pandemic has highlighted that the majority of employees dislike either of the extremes – at the start, there was lots of positive news around employees enjoying the newfound freedom and flexibility of working from home.” “However, there is now a lot of noise around the fact that

working from home all day, every day, is not desirable and causes problems with mental health and difficulties developing teamwork & sharing knowledge.” Most businesses want to offer flexibility and encourage opportunities to interact between colleagues and customers. Therefore, a hybrid working strategy of 2:2:1 is most likely – 2 days at home, 2 days in the office or meeting customers, 1 day flexible.

Impact of the pandemic The pandemic has obviously accelerated the move towards remote working. We know that huge numbers of companies and vast percentages of workforces have been working on a fully remote basis throughout the majority of the pandemic. Hybrid working at scale requires significant investment. Many companies and individuals have invested in creating significantly improved envi-

ronments to work from home including new monitors, headsets, desks and chairs – the pandemic forced these changes and investments. Now, most businesses need to invest in meeting room technology and think about the design of their office. Meeting rooms require improved audio and video conferencing technology in all rooms, not just some of them. The office requires investment to create different spaces that can be used for different types of remote meetings ranging from small, acoustic-friendly pods or spaces up to mid-large size meeting rooms with whole room microphone pickup and the right tools for visual collaboration. Culturally, the pandemic has forced businesses and users to adopt tools that have otherwise been used sporadically. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the travel and hospitality sectors – on the other hand. The cost and environmental benefits are legion. Have attitudes in the business world changed enough to support a universal move to collaborative technology?

Applications Over the next 1-5 years visu-

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Jon Knight, CEO of Ascentae: “Forward-thinking organisations are starting to consider how they can build a set of tools that support flexible and hybrid working for different teams.”

al collaboration (rather than audio and video) will become the next big technology race for most organisations. Without visual tools that integrate documents and support commenting/annotation from any device a-synchronously as well as synchronously. Organisations will struggle to maintain flexible working. The precise nature of which tool is needed depends on the use case and industry. Therefore taking a ‘one size fits all approach’ to an entire organisation is unlikely to deliver the depth of tools that are requires. Forward-thinking organisations are starting to consider how they can build a set of tools that support flexible and hybrid working for different teams.

P19 AV News August 2021

Technology News

IP central station integrates entire Clear-Com range

Dynamic design and clear sound in focus with Konftel

Clear-Com has announced Arcadia Central Station, a next-generation, scalable IP platform which integrates all wired and wireless Partyline systems, including the FreeSpeak family of digital wireless solutions and HelixNet Digital Partyline. The system can license up to 96 IP ports in a single RU device, with further licensing add-ons anticipated in the future, making Arcadia the intercom centrepiece for a

The art of sound and striking design are just as important as pristine picture performance for pioneering conferencing manufacturer Konftel. With more professionals returning to offices over the coming months, Konftel is keen to stress the vital role of alluring aesthetics and crystal-clear audio, wherever people are communicating – from huddle rooms and boardrooms to home working. Konftel created the first conference phone in the 1980’s. Whilst styles have changed, the power of form as well as functionality remain more compelling than ever, inspired by consumer driven technology trends, says Konftel UK Sales

flexible licensing-based model that allows future expansion. Arcadia provides general connectivity to a wide range of Clear-Com endpoints through a mixture of 2-wire and 4-wire audio ports, together with third-party Dante and AES67 AoIP devices. Additionally, it supports the full range of FreeSpeak digital wireless products, encompassing the 1.9 GHz, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and the upcoming integration with

ined version of Clear-Com’s browser-based CCM software featuring an intuitive interface that guides users through all steps of the process. A demo version of the CCM software is available, here. “Arcadia Central Station is essentially the universal translator, integrating all our Partyline systems together in a single, compact 1RU package. With the flexibility and power of a licensing-based model, func-

of its carbon neutral devices play another crucial role – matched by dynamic design. “When we design, we are always thinking of the environments our products will occupy and the emotional impact they will have on the user,” says May. “Organisations are investing significantly in high-quality, high-design new office spaces to take account of the new post-pandemic hybrid model of increased remote working and video conferencing. We believe it is hugely important for our products to look good in those crisp, contemporary new environments; to complement the space and help create a certain

can cope with video going fuzzy by just turning off our cameras. Without audio, nothing works. The act of communication has changed beyond recognition; hastened this past 18 months due to the pandemic. Call environments are now hugely varied. “Users are far more discerning and will continue to be so going forward. They are also much more aware as to what the options are and the differentiators that exist. Those with the best audio and video on a call stand out. Their contribution to the call is accentuated as a result of the way they sound. It’s the way we make the best impression nowadays. Of course, the

Clear-Com has announced Arcadia Central Station, a next-generation, scalable IP platform which integrates all wired and wireless Partyline systems, including the FreeSpeak family of digital wireless solutions and HelixNet Digital Partyline. vast range of applications best HelixNet, the industry-leading tionality will increase over time served by Partyline workflows. wired digital Partyline system, and eventually this central staDesigned with input from delivering incredible architec- tion will become the ultimate Clear-Com’s extensive global tural flexibility with elegant group communications hub,” live sound user base, Arcadia simplicity for the end-user in says Bob Boster, President, represents the next evolution a unique advancement for the Clear-Com. in Partyline workflows, combin- industries we serve. “We see Arcadia leveraging our ing digital, analogue and AoIP The need for simple and quick Partyline heritage to deliver a intercom technologies into a adjustments to the system is group communications worksingle integrated system. From reflected in Arcadia’s two large flow platform that will allow the Broadway stage to a grow- front panel touchscreens, with for nearly endless expansion to ing community congregation to four rotary encoders to quick- support the vast majority of live the largest and most complex ly scroll through menus or for sound applications, as well as live events, Arcadia is ideal- use as a 4-way key station. The many workflows in other marly suited for a wide variety of system is configured and mon- kets including broadcast, aeroapplications, in part due to its itored through a new, re-imag- space, and marine/offshore.”

Datapath VSN400 gets motherboard upgrade Datapath, world-leading engineers of visual solutions, has upgraded its VSN400 video wall controller with a high-performance motherboard for improved performance and support for the latest Intel processors. The updated VSN400 now supports Intel’s 10th generation Ice Lake Core i5 processor, with the option to upgrade to intel’s Core i7 or i9 where required. In addition, customers can select an optional 128GB RAM upgrade, available for projects that require high performance application support. Datapath’s VSN400 is designed for video wall and multi-screen displays applications that require a balanced number of HD capture cards and HD video inputs. When matched with Datapath’s broad portfolio of capture cards and graphics cards, the VSN400 can provide up to 64 HD outputs, or 16 outputs in 4K. Combinations of capture cards and graphics card can be matched to users’ requirements – Image4K graphics cards and VisionSC-UHD2 capture cards can be combined to provide a true 4K input / 4K output system, for example.

Ben Dale, product marketing manager for Datapath, said: “The VSN400 has always been a popular and versatile choice for integrators, capable of meeting requirements for small-scale projects requiring high levels of performance. This latest motherboard upgrade ensures that it can now be matched with Intel’s very lat-

est CPU power, with even more memory for ultra-high-performance applications.” Designed to work with Datapath’s latest Aetria solution, as well as the company’s award-winning WallControl 10 management software, Datapath’s VSN400 is available now.

Datapath, world-leading engineers of visual solutions, has upgraded its VSN400 video wall controller with a high-performance motherboard for improved performance and support for the latest Intel processors.

P20 AV News August 2021

Konftel UK Sales Director, Jeff May. “The look and style of a product is hugely important to its user. Great design is part of our DNA.” Director, Jeff May. “The look and style of a product is hugely important to its user. Great design is part of our DNA.” He emphasised: “A demand for style and aesthetic appeal has its roots in the consumer market, but people want that experience in the workplace and at home as well too. “Of course, the functionality and the quality is where any product starts but, for us, the design is not a second thought. The conception, the innovation, the manufacture: the process has a critical design imperative running right through it from beginning to end. “For us, it is always about the combination of cutting-edge technological performance and understated elegance. Both are given equal focus. It’s simple: our products have to be beautiful as well as functional.” Konftel’s multiple Red Dot award-winning range of devices bear testimony to striking visual appeal and usability. The latest innovation – the Konftel 70 speakerphone – was codenamed internally ‘Stingray’ by virtue of its striking sleek lines. The company’s acclaimed OmniSound technology inside all

mood. Our products make a statement. They say this is an organisation which values quality and sophistication. It helps send a message to employees that they are valued. It’s no longer just very senior people who take part in video conferencing. Today, everyone is in and out of conference calls and using conferencing equipment.” As video conferencing continues to redefine the way the world does business, it’s high-quality audio on which people rely – in many ways even more so than exceptional picture quality. May highlighted: “For whilst cameras can be turned on or off, a video call is nothing without good sound, without which the meeting cannot continue. And that means quality really matters. Mobility, audio sharpness, reduction of background noise – these are all factors which greatly influence the overall quality of any call, whether voice or video.” He added: “In the beginning, most people just used whatever kit they were given. Now, people want choice. They want top quality audio and video in every online meeting they attend. We

sound and video quality is paramount, but significant added value is also derived from the equipment being beautiful.” Touch, too, is part of the mix, as May concluded. “Our designers are encouraged to be free and to express themselves. They understand that their contribution to the success of any product is huge. In today’s evolving and demanding world, products have to look as good as they perform.”

Technology News

Fuze unveils Fuze for recruiting Christie Mystique Version 2.5 Fuze has unveiled Fuze for Recruiting, a new tailored solution for recruiting agencies and corporate recruiting teams to drive hiring and growth. Fuze for Recruiting is the first offering in a series of professional services solutions that Fuze will roll out in the coming months. As organisations begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, hiring is often a significant pain point, putting stress on businesses to identify and onboard new employees in a timely, efficient manner or risk losing productivity that often leads to missed opportunity costs. As a result, both recruiting agencies and internal hiring teams are measured on filling positions quickly with qualified candidates, from hourly workers to C-Suite executives. “As a leading cloud technology talent solutions agency, having access to streamlined communications tools to help quickly and effectively engage with candidates and fill positions –– regardless of a consultant’s physical location –– is critical to our success,” said customer Anthony Cummings, Director of Infrastructure & Operations at Tenth Revolution Group. “Fuze for Recruiting enables us to meet placement goals, and provides a more timely and convenient method for communicating across teams, but more importantly, with candidates and clients.” Building on Fuze’s experience with global enterprises and the deep capabilities of the Fuze portfolio, Fuze for Recruiting empowers organisations to

address the evolving needs of recruiting professionals by introducing two new packages –– Fuze for Recruiting Essentials and Fuze for Recruiting Contact Center. Key features and benefits of these packages include: Increased productivity and efficiency: Tightly integrated calling, meeting, and messaging capabilities streamline communication and enhance collaboration between recruiters, account managers, candidates, and clients, regardless of an employee’s physical location – office, home, or on the road. Powerful integrations with many industry applications, including Bullhorn, help recruiters cut down on administrative tasks and focus on what drives revenue –– making more calls, and ultimately, filling job roles quickly. Streamlined employee onboarding: In high turnover businesses, such as recruiting agencies, organisations must be able to quickly and effectively onboard new employees. With Fuze for Recruiting, Fuze administrators can easily manage new and existing users from Fuze Hub, provisioning new users and deactivating former employees directly, or employ auto-provisioning via SCIM integration to IdPs such as Okta or Azure. Empowered coaching and supervision: Fuze View and Fuze Discover detail employee calling, meeting, and messaging metrics, while giving managers access to remotely check in on individual, team, or department

statistics, and schedule reports for updates. Managers can also coach new employees through Listen Whisper Join (LWJ), to listen in on training calls using Fuze Desktop, without the need to add a headset splitter or any additional devices, or managers can access call recordings for review at a later date. Enhanced candidate, client and recruiter experience: Providing an optimised experience to candidates, clients, and recruiters is a key differentiator for agencies in the competitive recruiting market. Fuze for Recruiting enables seamless communication, whether it's using a Fuze Meeting for initial client interviews or calling candidates with important updates, or texting (SMS) with candidates and clients. “We are at a critical crossroads in the recruiting industry as organisations begin to return to pre-pandemic norms and face increasing hiring pressures and demands,” said Rob Scudiere, President & COO, Fuze. “The Fuze for Recruiting solution, the first tailored solution within a series of professional services offerings, meets the needs of both in-house and agency recruiters by providing them with the communication tools, such calling, and meetings, required to succeed in this evolving business environment.” With existing SMS services in North America, Fuze will be releasing international (SMS) capabilities to integrate with the Fuze for Recruiting offering later in 2021.

multi-projector blended canvases

Christie has announced the release of Version 2.5 of Christie Mystique, an automated camera-based alignment software solution designed to simplify and automate the process of warping and blending multiple projectors into a single, seamless canvas. With Version 2.5, Mystique Essentials and Pro Venue Editions offer two new features to improve overall image fidelity and uniformity in blended projector arrays when projecting on a flat or curved surface. For installations where the projection surface is dirty, discoloured or non-uniform, these visual imperfections can get in the way of projecting a great image. Mystique’s new background compensation feature uses a colour camera to detect

large contrast differences on a screen or projection surface and makes automatic adjustments to compensate for surface anomalies to provide a more uniform projected image, so the focus stays on the projected content, not the background quality. Adjusting for colour and brightness uniformity across projectors in an array to ensure the blend areas are not visible can be a challenging and time-consuming manual process, especially if using projectors of different ages. With the new automated colour and brightness uniformity feature, Mystique quickly makes the adjustments with a mouse click, with camera-based accuracy, to display one seamless image. “Christie Mystique saves both

set-up time and costs, while delivering freedom to project almost anywhere,” says Joel St-Denis, senior product manager, Christie. “Mystique takes the guesswork out of multi-projector systems, so that the focus is on delivering an amazing experience for audiences. It is an essential tool for anyone installing a blended projector array. Mystique is available in five editions, each designed to meet the unique needs of different applications: Mystique Lite, Essentials, Pro Venue, Premium and Large Scale Experience Editions. For detailed capabilities and a complete list of supported projectors, visit christiedigital.com/mystique. Christie Mystique Version 2.5 is available for download now.

Blustream Multifunction 4K simplifies meeting spaces Blustream is now shipping the new AMF41W 4K Advanced Wireless Presentation Switch. This all-in-one switch simplifies content sharing in meeting spaces and is ideal for boardrooms, conference rooms, huddle rooms, and classrooms. The AMF41W is the ultimate BYOD solution for wireless presentation, including AirPlay and Miracast from computers and mobile devices. It features an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot that eliminates the complexity of setting up guest wireless networks and boasts a multi-viewing capability with configurable

screen layouts, support for seven concurrent video signals, and more “The conferencing space and classroom has become one of the most robust AV environments, requiring unheard of levels of flexibility and scalability,” said Martyn Shirley, General Manager for Blustream. “For the AMF41W, we created a solution packed with options to intuitively support meeting participants in whatever manner and device they choose to work with. It's the ultimate BYOD workhorse.” The AMF41W is an advanced

4K multi-format presentation switch featuring four HDMI, AirPlay and Miracast inputs to a single HDMI output that supports resolutions up to 4K UHD 60Hz 4:2:0/4K 30Hz 4:4:4. It features localized 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi hotspot, seamless switching, multiview presentation, video scaling, and a web GUI for simple control and configuration. The AMF41W includes auto display control via RS-232, manual, or automated source selection, and control via front panel, RS-232, and TCP/IP.

Building on Fuze’s experience with global enterprises and the deep capabilities of the Fuze portfolio, Fuze for Recruiting empowers organisations to address the evolving needs of recruiting professionals by introducing two new packages –– Fuze for Recruiting Essentials and Fuze for Recruiting Contact Center

Blustream is now shipping the new AMF41W 4K Advanced Wireless Presentation Switch. This allin-one switch simplifies content sharing in meeting spaces and is ideal for boardrooms, conference rooms, huddle rooms, and classrooms.

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P21 AV News August 2021

Technology news

Absen launches transparent LED series The world’s first true LED video wall? Absen has launched the Jade Dragon (JD) Series - its latest LED display series, as announced in March. As a transparent LED display solution, created to be used in windows or to divide spaces, the JD Series boasts a lightweight 6.5kg design, as well as a thin 10mm thickness and up to 86% transparency. Featuring brightness of up to 7,000nits and a high refresh rate of 3,840Hz/20,000Hz, advertisers can be assured that content on the JD Series will be eye-catching and bold, and uncompromised by the transparency of the screen. Retailers, meanwhile, will gain the added benefit of windows that can not only provide ample light and visibility for instore products, but also advertise to and attract customers simultaneously. The standard size of the panels in the series is 1,000mm

by 500 mm, but the three models in the series offer alternative sizing and design customisation to meet more creative demands. The models differ in pixel pitch and transparency and can be frame-less if required. The JD10 and the JD16 are capable of over 80% transparency and can be fully customised in shape, down to the LED strip. In addition, customers can choose to install the transparent PC cover for the JD3.9 model, which further protects the panel and prevents dust build-up. “Over the last year, businesses across the globe have faced unprecedented challenges,” said Ben Phelps, Absen’s retail industry director. “The Jade Dragon Series will enable businesses to create state-of-theart experiences that customers enjoy being in, while also benefiting from a product that can

act as a window or glass wall, and also as an advertisement.” Daily maintenance of the screen is made simple with Absen’s maintenance tools, provided to every customer upon installation. Customers can be assured that the product has passed Absen’s rigorous function and operation tests, with the product being put through over 2,000 inspections and assessments to ensure quality and reliability. “At Absen, our focus is to create technology that supports businesses across the globe as they begin recovering from the pandemic’s impact. The JD Series will enable retailers and others to present attractive video content and advertising that works to enhance the customer experience without compromising the natural light available in the space,” concluded Phelps.

Absen has launched the Jade Dragon (JD) Series - its latest LED display series, as announced in March. As a transparent LED display solution, created to be used in windows or to divide spaces, the JD Series boasts a lightweight 6.5kg design, as well as a thin 10mm thickness and up to 86% transparency.

LED manufacturer VOD Visual has launched The Edge, an LED video wall solution designed to be a direct replacement for LCD. The 55” panels are the largest single diecast cabinets available with each incorporating just eight modules of LED. This is approximately four times that of a conventional cabinet, resulting in four times less components to reduce installation time and the number of seams for a smooth finish. The Edge is currently available in 0.9mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 1.8mm and 2.5mm pixel pitches and a unique futureproofed design allows them to be updated with the latest pixel pitches as they become available. This design allows the display to evolve as pixel pitches continue to reduce, enabling technologies to be swapped out without changes to infrastructure, so a 2.5mm pixel pitch display can become a 1.2mm by simply replacing the panels. Front serviceability means this entire process can be done quickly and simply. The panels fit together seamlessly without any bezel disruption to allow for the creation of video walls in creative shapes and sizes, as well as in standard formations. The sleek, lightweight displays weigh just 15kg and have a depth of 58mm. The slim form factor panels have a dedicated mounting kit that allows them to be directly wall mounted for an easy and seamless integration into any environment, reducing additional costs and saving time during installation. The panels

Avocor announces edge-to-edge interactive displays Avocor has announced the G series, a new product family of sleek, bezel-less, edge-to-edge interactive displays designed to streamline workplace collaboration. Available in stunning 65”, 75”, and 85” edge-to-edge diagonals, the G series collaboration displays feature proprietary Avocor UiQ single-button touch interface and the latest generation of Avocor InGlass Intelligent Touch to give users an intuitive and interactive experience that achieves an equitable meeting experience for participants in the room and for those who are remote. The past 16 months have transformed how people meet, with an acceleration of the all-digital video meeting as the standard for communication. As companies bring back employees and manage hybrid teams, the need for the meeting to be as effective in the room as it is on the for remote attendees is paramount. The only way to ensure this meeting equity, which results in fully engaged and participating teammates, is an all-digital experience. This is exactly what the Avocor G series is designed to do. Compatible with any UC software, including Meet, Zoom, Teams, and WebEx, the G series enables every meeting attendee the ability to see what’s being presented

and see their teammates faces in stunning 4K as well as be able to see all annotations and whiteboarding as well as annotate and whiteboard from their personal PC, phone or tablet. This immersive experience breaks down the barriers common for remote attendees and fosters better communication, collaboration and accelerates getting more done. The modern workplace has evolved beyond static monitors or repurposed televisions and demands a thoughtfully designed sleek powerhouse display. Ideal for the Enterprise looking to standardize on the very latest meeting display technology with a product designed for the very evolved workplace of 2021 and beyond, the Avocor G series delivers results in a thin, inviting package. From meeting or boardrooms to spontaneous meeting spaces and phone booths, only Avocor’s G series enables a frictionless handshake between any meeting hardware, including products from Avocor’s strategic partners Lenovo, Logitech and HP, and to run any video collaboration software. “As more organizations make plans to bring employees back into the physical office, smart companies are looking to deploy meeting display solutions

P22 AV News August 2021

across their enterprise that work with any UC hardware or software and that give everyone the same meeting experience, whether they are sitting in a meeting room or sitting anywhere around the globe,” said Dana Corey, SVP and GM, Avocor. “With the G series, we deliver a truly stunning solution that offers performance and function purposely built for how the world now meets.” •G-Series Superior Display Features With native 4K resolution, 30-bit color, and 500 nits of brightness, the G series delivers unrivalled performance amongst other interactive displays in its class. Sized to fit a range of environments, the 65”, 75”, and 85” screens are backlit by industrial-grade LED’s and glass bonded with zero parallax and anti-glare to offer the most realistic writing experience available, with advanced object recognition that allows users to switch seamlessly from a pen, finger, and palm on an ad-hoc basis. Getting to your meeting is easily driven by the proprietary Avocor UIQ interface, which features a customizable start screen, remote-free menu, and secure over-the-air firmware updates. Maximizing ROI while minimizing power consumption, the

built-in Doppler proximity sensors awaken the display upon detection of movement and trigger power-save mode in its absence. •Spectacular and Sleek The G series displays feature a thin-framed bezel-less, edgeto-edge design that measures as thin as 4.5 inches deep. A hyper-capable Type-C port offers single-cable 4K video, audio, USB touch, Ethernet, and power, while three top-edge USB ports provide easy access for guest connections and a camera. High-quality speakers are onboard to provide crystal-clear 40w audio output and far-field, beam-forming microphones with more than 15-foot range ensures everyone in your meeting is heard. Avocor G series displays in 65” and 75” sizes are available now via a trusted and experienced global network of distribution and reseller partners. The G series 85” display will be available worldwide in February 2022. To learn more about how to get started with Avocor, visit www.avocor.com, and follow news and updates from Avocor on social, via, LinkedIn and YouTube.

LED manufacturer VOD Visual has launched The Edge, an LED video wall solution designed to be a direct replacement for LCD. can be VESA mounted if desired. The Edge range has been designed with superior image quality in mind with a high dynamic range, high brightness and a vivid colour gamut for lifelike colour reproduction. A proprietary ultra-low reflection black surface technology ensures intense black levels for the ultimate contrast across both areas of high and low brightness. The ultra-high bright displays are three times

brighter than LCD for a crisp, clear viewing without fading or distortion in any ambient light. The Edge is one of the most sustainable and energy efficient LED displays available. The advanced design keeps the heat away from the individual LEDs and dissipates through superior heat management. Power consumption using this design is reduced by up to 75% and the product lifetime exceeds 100,000 hours, with uniformity across all modules.

Opinion

Combating Zoom fatigue The last year has been characterized by spending hours sat in front of a screen on a Zoom call, webinar, virtual event, Zoom team “get together” or even Zoom cocktails with friends. Few of us haven’t experienced ‘Zoom fatigue’ over the last year and now they’re part of our working and personal lives, they are here to stay. One of the all-too-often overlooked factors contributing to Zoom fatigue is actually nothing to do with Zoom, Teams or any other conferencing software, or the resolution of our

camera or display. It is us, or rather our posture. The root of the problem is our monitor or laptop screen not being correctly positioned, causing us to sit badly – hunched over a laptop or shoulders rounded, neck poking forward like a tortoise. Poor posture has been shown in a myriad of studies to cause back pain, headaches, poor digestion and even contribute to incontinence. The fact that around 8.9 million workdays were lost just to back pain in the UK 2109 to 2020*, indi-

cates the impact on us and our economy. The daft thing ism it is an easy fix. Simply position the monitor or laptop screen at eye-level using either a desk arm or a laptop stand, all of which are available from Vision through its distributor Maverick AV Solutions. The laptop stand raises the laptop screen – handy where there is no extra monitor. It is also ideal for raising a tablet to a comfortable height for you and a good height for video calls – the added benefit being no-one will be looking up your nose because of the screen angle. The ‘desk arm’ simply clamps to the desk or table taking up minimal space for a clutter-free desk surface. The elbow in the desk arm enables the screen to be angled to suit and easily adjusted – as the light in the room changes through the day for instance. The clamp fitting also makes it very flexible – the clamp can easily be removed, stored or relocated, as required. Of course, bad posture can occur in the workplace as well as in the home office so it’s vital to consider the viewing distance and angle of workers at a desk, in a meeting room or when sourcing a trolley. Vision Desk Arm: https://www. hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/ msd.pdf

Opinion

Shaping the future workplace The Future Workplace – making it seamless and secure After many months of changing lockdown rules where companies have had to implement remote and hybrid working policies accordingly, businesses are looking to the future beyond COVID-19 as workforces return to their offices. But what will the future workplace look like, asks Rob Hancock, Head of Platform at Giacom

According to new research, businesses have found that their employees prefer a mixture of remote and office-based working, with over three-quarters of staff wanting a hybrid approach long term. Proving that they can work just as successfully and productively from home, it is now the employer’s job to adapt their business model to support both remote and office-based working. Rob Hancock, Head of Platform at Giacom explains how the channel can support organisations when making this transition in a seamless and secure way.

the smooth transition to a ‘new normal,’ keeping virtual teams engaged while enabling seamless and secure communication within a dispersed workforce. Digital solutions must be able to support both employees who choose to work from home, as well as those who have returned to the office. The channel’s role in enabling seamless collaboration and communication is vital in order to combat any further disruption and keep businesses functioning. Integrators must re-

businesses already had these tools in place, but just weren’t using them effectively across their workforce. For example, many companies have Microsoft 365 deployed, which includes Microsoft Teams. These organisations have had access to such video conferencing tools, but have not needed to use it effectively until COVID-19. Since March 2020 Microsoft Teams has experienced a mass surge of users, jumping by 70% to 75 million daily active users.

physical office, making it easier to manage one central location. The importance of security When implementing a hybrid approach, security becomes a complex issue, as the risk landscape has changed. In the office, it’s easier to manage and control security within a physical perimeter and managed environment. As soon as you have a scattered workforce, this perimeter disappears, and now organisations have to put in place additional digital protocols to mitigate any cyber risks.

to, but more importantly, making sure that outsiders can’t. However, fundamentally, the biggest weakness in an organisation’s security infrastructure is the human user. Cybercriminals are always upgrading their tactics, often more quickly than businesses can train their staff. In order to keep up to date, businesses must take a more proactive approach and utilise cybersecurity resources, such as security training and threat detection tools.

think how they can best support their customers, while embracing new and innovative ways of working to fulfil their demands and expectations. Vendors who offer a range of products to fit diverse needs and the tools to deliver outstanding customer service won’t only help businesses right now, but will help unlock long term productivity, security and collaboration. The pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption and usage of cloud solutions to support remote working. Many

Additionally, COVID-19 has acted as a catalyst for the interest in virtual desktop solution such as Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), which provides each member of the workforce with the same IT environment, regardless of the device including Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) they’re using and whether they are remote or office-based. The desktop effectively becomes cloud-hosted, providing a more secure electronic perimeter which replicates that of the

Fundamentally, the biggest weakness in an organisation’s security infrastructure is the human user. Cybercriminals are always upgrading their tactics, often more quickly than businesses can train their staff.

Offices will become places that people visit less frequently, perhaps only to collaborate and to host necessary meetings. Successfully implementing a hybrid approach is still a work in progress for many, and collectively, the channel will begin to find better ways of working and implementing this strategy. Of course, existing and new technologies will continue to play a key role in this transition as we undergo the next digital transformation.

An evolving landscape The pace of change businesses in all industries had to undergo over 2020 highlighted the importance of being agile during challenging times. COVID-19 has accelerated the need for digital transformation, as without the right technology in place, organisations will either sink or swim. The role of the channel has been to continuously support its customers through the journey of adapting to remote working and digitally transforming in order to stay ahead. By educating customers on the importance of security, as well as the available technologies and strategies that can support their transition, they will have the right support system in place to maintain business as usual – or even unlock additional productivity – during unprecedented times. Organisations are trying to be agile to survive, but there is always room for improvement. Quickly and easily responding to change needs to become a core competence natively for all businesses to be able to adapt, as it’s clear that this is not a problem that's going to go away overnight. By working with a reliable partner, companies will have the right tools in place in order for them to succeed through the pandemic and into the future.

Leveraging existing technologies Technology plays a key role in

Having a good quality technology partner that understands the importance of security, and thinks about it in a proactive way is key for end customers. Using technologies such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to provide secure access from home into remote business systems enables users to securely access systems that the business wants them to gain entry

Conclusion Without education and support from the channel, businesses will struggle to keep pace with the amount of change and understand what tools they need to survive and thrive. Reliable partners are needed now more than ever to support companies with workforces working from home and also in the office.

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P23 AV News Aug 2021

Opinion

Shaping the future workplace

UK workforce wants ‘hybrid-working’- not the end of the office! The majority (77%) of UK employees say a mix of office-based and remote working is the best way forward post COVID-19, according to new research by the Adecco Group UK and Ireland, part of the world’s leading HR solutions company.

About the research

The global ‘Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work’ study, which surveyed 1,000 UK employees alongside workers in eight other countries to understand their desires and expectations for the world of work post COVID-19, found that 79% think it’s important that their company implements more flexibility in how and where staff can work. However, UK employees worry that their employer’s expectations of what hybrid-working should look like after the pandemic will not match their own. They think their company will expect them to work from their office more than two thirds (66%) of the time, when employees would, actually, rather have an even split – working from their home and office 49% and 48% of the time respectively.

A total of 8,000 office-based workers (1,000 per country) across the UK, USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain and France, were surveyed for ‘Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work’ study. Respondents were aged between 18-60 years, and fieldwork was conducted in May 2020 in local languages.

Workforce expectations Alongside prompting the workforce to question where they want to work going forward, the pandemic has also given rise to a strong sense that the traditional 9-5 needs to be reconsidered. The study found that 68% of UK employees think that set hour contracts are no longer relevant to modern ways of working, and the same number (68%) believe their employer should revisit the length of the working week and the hours their staff are expected to work. Ultimately, 74% think employee contracts should focus more on meet-

Photo by Etienne Boulanger ing the needs of the role and less on the numbers of hours worked. Given this desire for a focus on performance instead of time, it’s unsurprising that employees see placing trust in staff to get the job done as the most important (85%) requirement from management. This is considered more crucial than

management supporting their flexible/remote working needs (79%). Alex Fleming, President and Country Head of the Adecco Group UK&I commented on the findings, “As lockdown restrictions continue to lift across the UK, businesses will gradually have to start shifting their focus from purely surviving, to plan-

ning how they can thrive in the new era of work. In order to get ahead of the curve, new working norms will need to be established, that are informed by the learnings of organisations from the pandemic experience. “This is a unique opportunity for business leaders to hit reset on existing working patterns, and consider what, for in-

stance, the new model of flexible working should look like. Crucially, these considerations should take into account what employee’s expectations are on these issues. Those businesses who welcome the new challenges and opportunities, will be able to create working practices that will benefit both them and their employees for the long

term which will undoubtedly enhance colleague loyalty.”

Digitisation of the deskless workforce: Survey results show that deskless workers rate the relevance of digital technologies and mega­­trends for their everyday working life, such as the Internet of Things, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, lower than their office- or desk-based counterparts. The same applies for assessment of employers: Future technologies seem to be mainly relevant for office jobs in corporate departments. Results of country comparisons show that respondents in Italy, Poland and Spain are most open to new technologies.

P24 AV News August 2021

In the digital age, the question — what relevance do future technologies such as the Internet of Things, augmented reality and artificial intelligence have for one's own job is a fundamental one. A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the w Research Institute and TeamViewer reveals the relevance of digital technologies is not equally perceived across the workforce, largely due to their respective job situations being desk-based or deskless.

Are deskless workers being left out? The survey, which took into account the opinions of around 3160 desk workers, 2000 deskless workers and 3650 managers from ten European countries, revealed that desk workers rated the relevance of future technologies for their own profession significantly higher than the deskless workers. When desk-based and deskless employees were asked how important technol-

ogies and digital mega trends would become into their jobs, employees in office jobs ("desk workers") revealed that technologies and mega trends such as cyber security (79%) and digital communication technologies / collaboration software (71%) would have the most relevance to them. Deskless workers — those working in field service, logistics or production for example — agreed on cyber security (52%) and digital communication technologies /

collaboration software (45%), albeit with different weighting put on the importance. In contrast, when it comes to even more visionary topics such as artificial intelligence or augmented reality, neither desk workers nor deskless workers seem to have a precise idea of how these technologies could shape their workplace of the future.

Opinion

About the survey Conducted independently, on behalf of TeamViewer and the Handelsblatt Research Institute, the market research institute YouGov surveyed a total of 5,278 employees and 3,654 corporate decision-makers online between 12 and 22 April 2021, on the topics of future technologies, cooperation between humans and technology, remote work/home office, and qualification and further education. The survey was fielded in ten European countries: Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. A publication with the complete analysis of the survey is planned within the next few weeks.

Chart 1: Percentage of employees surveyed who consider the respective technology / mega trend to be very/somewhat important A similar picture emerges among the managers, who represent the employers, in Europe. They also expect a higher relevance of future technologies and mega trends such as Cyber Security (73%) and Cloud Computing (58%) for office jobs in the corporate departments (HR, accounting, etc.). For the activities of the deskless workers in logistics and production, however, these technologies are considered less relevant (Cyber Security 63%, Cloud Computing 51%). On the other hand, they already seem to have a better idea than employees of the importance that technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality will have in the future.

Chart 2: Percentage of employers surveyed who consider the respective technology to be very / somewhat important

Chart 2: Percentage of employers surveyed who consider the respective technology to be very / somewhat important Georg Beyschlag, Executive Vice President Strategy & Corporate Development at TeamViewer: "The survey shows that in many companies there is still no precise idea of how the working environments beyond the classic office jobs can be included into the digital transformation. Yet around 80 percent of all employees worldwide are part of this so-called 'deskless workforce'. For most companies, this will become one of the great challenges of the digital age — how to integrate these deskless workspaces into digital processes so that these employees also benefit from the advantages of digitalization. With the right digital solutions businesses of all sizes can advance digitalization along their entire value chain.” Technology enhances the work in the future Only 13 percent of respondents from the employees’ side fear that new technologies will take over their work in the future. However, more than a quarter of employees (26%) expect that tedious routine tasks or dangerous activities could be taken away from them by new technologies in the future. Employers are even more optimistic. Around two thirds of employers (65 %) expect that their employees will be relieved of such tasks in the future.

Chart 3: Percentage of surveyed employees and corporate decision-makers who (tend to) agree with the respective statement

EU comparison of enthusiasm towards new technologies In a country comparison, employees and employers in Italy, Poland and Spain tend to attach the highest importance to the influence of future technologies and digital mega trends on their profession. In contrast, employees and employers in the EU core countries Germany and France, in particular, only rate the importance of digital technologies and mega trends for their profession or their company, below average.

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P25 AV News August 2021

Peoplewatch

Peoplewatch Barco DEC Jan De Witte has resigned. He has decided to step down as CEO, with effect as from 1 September 2021. Charles Beauduin and An Steegen have been appointed as co-CEOs in his place. As CEO, Jan De Witte played a crucial role in the turnaround of Barco since 2016. He has brought focus to the company, strengthened the leadership team, streamlined the portfolio towards a solutions strategy, strengthened the digital capabilities, and further internationalised and activated the company with a more performing and resilient culture. He also steered the company through the difficult Covid-19 period. To replace Jan De Witte, the Board of Directors has appointed Charles Beauduin and An Steegen as co-CEOs. They will start respectively on 1 September and 1 October. With his years of experience as a business leader at Van de Wiele NV and with her years of experience as a technology and innovation leader at IBM, imec and Umicore, and with their backgrounds as members of the Board of Directors of Barco, Charles and An form a perfect tandem to lead Barco in the coming years. With this choice, Barco is more than ever committed to innovation, growth and entrepreneurship. Moreover, the focus remains on the further internationalisation of the company in view of worldwide commercial and technological leadership in the various markets. Furthermore, the Board of Directors has appointed Frank Donck, independent director at Barco since April 2015, as Chairman of the Board of Directors with effect as from 1 September. Chairman, Charles Beauduin, commented: “Together with the Board of Directors, I would like to thank and express my gratitude to Jan for all the changes he has realized at Barco during his 5 years of leadership. With his management experience, he was the driving force for more focus and for a more professionally managed and international organisation. We are also very pleased that Jan has agreed to advise us in the transition until the end of 2021.” CEO, Jan De Witte added: “I am proud of what we have achieved together with the leadership team and the entire organisation over the past 5 years, with the support and trust I have enjoyed from Charles and our board members. During the Covid-19 period, Barco has been able to strengthen its resilience and growth opportunities, and is in a position to fully maximize these in the next chapter under the leadership of Charles and An. “ An Steegen farther added: “Digitalisation is changing our society at a rapid pace. New experiences, more insights and more connectedness are at the centre. This is a great opportunity for Barco, already a world leader in visualization and collaboration technologies, to differentiate and grow more than ever through its breakthrough innovations. I look forward to working with Charles and the entire team to build a promising future for Barco.”

Hall Technologies has added A/V industry veteran, Ken Eagle as their Vice President of Technology. In his new role, Ken will be responsible for enhancing the product portfolio, leading the Engineering team, and for launching new disruptive solutions that will transform the ways in which we communicate and do business. “Our products have been a staple in the AV industry for many years, and today with the addition of Ken, we are poised for incredible growth. Ken brings years of expertise in developing innovative, and holistic solutions that will serve our customers. His customer-centric viewpoint of their frustrations and struggles is also a tremendous asset. We’re excited to collaborate with Ken on industry-changing products,” says Jason Schwartz, CEO of Hall Technologies. “I am honoured to be joining the Hall Technologies team. Hall is a company with a rich history of solid product performance who is positioned for a future of tremendous growth and innovation. I am encouraged by their commitment to the AV industry and am looking forward to sharing my 20 years of AV experience with the team. I’m eager to lend my experience to create world-class products and solutions for Hall Technologies and their customers,” noted Ken Eagle, VP of Technology for Hall Technologies.

Project Audio Visual has appointed Bill Stewart as Head of Technical and Support Services. Audio Visual explains: “Covid has changed the way that we are working so support services also need to be updated to reflect this. Under our new processes, individuals are speaking to a collaboration expert within 30 minutes who can help them resolve challenges or escalate them quickly and efficiently. “We’re seeing a very positive response to this already with our initial figures showing that our remote assistance is having an incredibly high success rate, reducing the amount of visits to site.” Also on the growing support services team, longstanding Project Audio Visual team member Matt Whyatt is stepping up to Technical Support Manager and will manage the technical support team and field engineers. Jamie Wilkinson joins as a Technical Service Analyst. Steve Hudson, COO of Project Audio Visuals comments: “Bill has done an incredible job at putting these forward-thinking processes in place and the whole team will continue to be reactive to the changing needs of the market. This is just the beginning for us with plans to continue upskilling our team, both through industry recognised qualifications and manufacturer specific courses, customer satisfaction surveys so we can chart our performance and global partnerships on the horizon.”

Biographies Since 1993, Charles Beauduin (°1959) is CEO and owner of Michel Van de Wiele NV, an international technology company and market leader in applications for the textile industry. He holds a master’s degree in law from KU Leuven and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Barco NV since January 2015.

Hall Technologies has added A/V industry veteran, Ken Eagle as their Vice President of Technology.

Since April 2017, An Steegen (°1971) is a member of the Board of Directors of Barco NV. She holds a PhD in materials science and electrical engineering from KU Leuven, in collaboration with Belgian imec. In 2000, Mrs. Steegen joined IBM Semiconductor R&D in Fishkill, New York. As head of R&D and a senior executive at IBM’s International Semiconductor Alliance, she was responsible for the development of IBM’s advanced logic semiconductor technology. In 2010, she returned to imec in Belgium, where she became executive vice president Semiconductor Technology & Systems. Since 2018, An Steegen is chief technology officer at Umicore. She is responsible for the company’s innovation strategy and heads the central R&D team.

Project Audio Visual has appointed Bill Stewart as Head of Technical and Support Services. He is revolutionising the company’s service and support structure with new practices that are specifically designed for the evolving requirements of the hybrid workplace, give clients immediate access to experts and focus on remote troubleshooting and fixing. With over nine years of experience in technical support, Bill holds over 150 qualifications and training certificates and has supported major brands and fortune 500 companies globally. His specialist skills focus on networking and unified communications applied to modern AV technologies. Bill is focused on redesigning Project Audio Visual’s service and support practices to account for the changing nature of corporate environments and the rise of hybrid working. This includes establishing a new Virtual Expert Assist remote support, which replaces the traditional first- and second-line structure. With people now working more flexibly, on-site IT teams are not always in the same place as those seeking support. Project Audio Visual answers all enquires within 30 minutes, with clients getting straight through to an expert who can assist, speeding up the resolution time. Bill has also advanced Preventative Maintenance Visits with specific criteria to include Teams and Zoom Room environments, AV networking infrastructure and additional details to support remote engineers. The result is one of the most comprehensive set of checks globally that includes recording where products are located in the room, so the remote support team can provide exact details to users, and qualitative Testing Note reports, so engineers input unique, quality data. Bill Stewart, Head of Technical and Support Services at Project

P26 AV News August 2021

PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips digital signage, LED displays and professional TV solutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of highly experienced AV specialist, Rutger Schaap, as its new Senior Sales Manager for Benelux. Further demonstrating PPDS’ ability to attract the world’s best talent, Rutger joins the award-winning company equipped with elite level knowledge and experience of the digital display market, having held a number of senior management positions at other leading organisations, including Tech Data, Sony and LG over a highly prosperous 10-year career. Reporting to Roeland Scholten, Sales Director Benelux for PPDS, Rutger’s new role as Senior Sales Manager for the region will see him tasked with further developing and strengthening sales of PPDS’ evolving LED solutions, with retail, corporate, public spaces, healthcare, education and broadcast among the core market vertical focus areas. LED has become a specialist area for Rutger in recent years, working closely with customers, consultants, project developers, architects and end-users on a wide variety of installations within the corporate, retail, public spaces, sport, healthcare, and luxury superyachts industries. Speaking of the appointment, Roeland Scholten said: “We’re delighted to have someone of Rutger’s calibre join the team. With more than 10 years’ experience in the professional AV industry, he not only comes to PPDS with a wealth of experience and product knowledge, but also a vast industry network, which will serve him and the company well in achieving our ambitions in this market.” He added: “PPDS’ decision not to rush into the LED space, instead working closely with the market, our partners and R&D teams in order to develop a truly unique and more user friendly offering that overcomes traditional barriers and obstacles experienced with their traditional suppliers, has absolutely proven to be the correct one. We’re now ready to accelerate our plans and to do that, we need the best team.” According to figures, the LED display market is forecast to grow to $12 billion by 2023, almost doubling since 2018*, presenting

Peoplewatch

Peoplewatch significant opportunities. PPDS announced its entry into the LED market during ISE 2019, completing its full display portfolio offering with the launch of its direct view Philips L-Line. The series set a new market standard for indoor LED displays, combining superb image quality, perfect uniformity and innovative design features that guarantee easy installation. The range, now installed in locations around the world, was recently extended with the new Philips 7000 Series, a unique higher brightness offering designed to provide unlimited design possibilities, allowing customers – in particular retail and public venues – to be as creative as their imaginations allow. Commenting on his appointment, Rutger said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have joined the team at PPDS. Working for some of the biggest AV manufacturers around, PPDS has become a brand that’s impossible to ignore, disrupting the market with a wide and varied range of high quality, highly innovative products and solutions, whether it’s professional TVs, digital signage and of course, LED.” He concluded: “The continued growth of the LED market and the appeal and demand for LED solutions in almost every vertical today is clear, whether for a traditional videowall or something more creative and exciting. With products like the Philips L-Line 7000, among others in the pipeline, PPDS has shown a deep understanding of what the market needs and is already leading from the front.”

ing a part of the brand's journey is very exciting! And I am looking forward to supporting our current and future clients to help grow Crestron's continued success in South Africa.” Rupert Denoon, TIG's Regional Sales Director for Crestron in Southern Africa, is thrilled to welcome Deon to the team and explains: “We're looking forward to the new energy and great ideas that Deon will bring. His many years' experience of Crestron programming and installation have allowed him to develop a set of skills that will be a great asset to our expert Sales Team.”

Pixotope, said to be the world’s leading mixed reality solution for live media production, welcomes Sam Leadsom as its VP for Global Business Development in Sports. providing the highest quality photo-realistic graphics that can be modified in real-time and broadcast live on-air. Another of Pixotope’s key features is its standalone, high-performance Tracking Server, connecting Pixotope with all of the major real-time camera and object tracking systems. These features give studios new ways to produce engaging live sporting coverage and events, from CG crowds filling empty stadiums to interactive visuals detailing the routes of extreme athletes. David Dowling, Pixotope’s Chief Revenue Officer, comments, “Augmented reality and real-time game engines are transforming how audiences engage with and consume live content, particularly broadcast sports. These modern content production tools are expected to impact ticket sales and create new revenue streams exponentially. By opening up this new business vertical, we position Pixotope’s software at the forefront of the revolution. I’m thrilled to have Sam on board to guide us through this journey and confident his breadth of experience and skills will drive Pixotope’s use industry-wide”.

PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips digital signage, LED displays and professional TV solutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of highly experienced AV specialist, Rutger Schaap, as its new Senior Sales Manager for Benelux. Pixotope, said to be the world’s leading mixed reality solution for live media production, welcomes Sam Leadsom as its VP for Global Business Development in Sports. The highly strategic appointment outsets the company’s new vertical focused on sports, showcasing its continued efforts to deliver state-of-the-art virtual production solutions for global broadcast sports. A senior executive with 30 years’ experience in delivering editorial and commercial success across the media industry, Sam’s career is deep rooted in sports broadcasting. His previous roles have included positions at IMG, Fox Sports, and Sky Sports. Most recently, Sam acted as Broadcast Director at Sail GP, where he oversaw the media strategy and commercialisation of the sports championship, leading broadcast content, sales and distribution operation. At Pixotope, Sam will be responsible for driving global and integrated new business opportunities in the sports broadcasting marketplace, working closely with sector leads and partners to further improve the delivery of Pixotope’s service excellence across the live sports industry. He says, “This new role opens up a whole new business vertical for Pixotope focused on sports broadcasting and showcases the company’s commitment to delivering outstanding solutions to partners and distributors in the live sports industry. Pixotope’s powerful technology is already the go-to solution for augmented reality in sports broadcasting, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this venture during such an exciting period of growth". Pixotope’s cutting edge tech is currently disrupting sports entertainment, having collaborated with global sporting events and brands with the likes of Super Bowl and the MLB. Its software offers native Unreal Engine rendering with WYSIWYG editing,

Technological Innovations Group (TIG), the exclusive sales agency for Crestron in EMEA, is delighted to welcome Philip Van Neer as its new Business Development Manager in the Middle East and Deon Buys as its new Technical Support Engineer in South Africa. Philip will work closely with the Middle Eastern Regional Sales Team to explore new commercial business opportunities for Crestron across the region. On his appointment, Renaat De Wilde, Regional Sales Director for Crestron Middle East, comments: “We're very pleased that Philip will be joining our growing team of Crestron experts in the Middle East. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the technology market and a tremendous network.” Philip adds: “I'm exited to start working for TIG as I see a lot of new opportunities in different segments with Crestron's range of high-end products. Based in the Middle East for more than fifteen years, I have a good knowledge of the market climate and requirements.” In South Africa, Technical Support Engineer Deon Buys will provide practical advice to Crestron customers, ensuring their exact needs are firmly met. Deon comments: “For me, Crestron has always been the standard-bearer for innovation in control and automation. Finally be-

Technological Innovations Group (TIG) is delighted to welcome Philip Van Neer as its new Business Development Manager in the Middle East and Deon Buys as its new Technical Support Engineer in South Africa. Hall Technologies is pleased to announce the hire of Roy Leggett as its EMEA Sales Director. Leggett will lead international sales for Hall Technologies in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. “We are pleased and excited to announce the appointment of Roy Leggett as Director of Sales for the EMEA Region. He brings a wealth of expertise in the EMEA dealer and distributor landscape. We are aggressively expanding our global reach, and the addition of Roy to the team will help us amplify our efforts abroad. Roy’s knowledge of the industry is amazing, enabling him to provide world-class support in real-time to the Hall customers in the EMEA region.” said Hal Truax, VP of Sales and Marketing of Hall Technologies.” Leggett boasts more than three decades of experience in the tech and AV/IT trades, with significant sales expertise combined with a depth of product knowledge across several industries. “I am delighted to be working with Hall Technologies on this next phase of the journey,” said Leggett. “Our management team has a clear vision with some exciting and bold plans. Couple this with some amazingly talented and dynamic people, together with some fantastic new products, makes for an excellent recipe for success.”

Sales Director. Leggett will lead international sales for Hall Technologies in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.

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P27 AV News August 2021

Diary and Events

DSS Europe - 2021 full and in-person Registration high for PLASA

Plans for this year’s Digital Signage Summit (DSS) Europe (29-30 September, Hilton Munich Airport) have been revealed and an exciting roster of speakers and new industry innovations awaits delegates attending the event Plans for this year’s Digital Signage Summit (DSS) Europe (29-30 September, Hilton Munich Airport) have been revealed and an exciting roster of speakers and new industry innovations awaits delegates attending the event. There is also a range of networking and social events to attend, making this an important event for the digital signage and connected industries. The theme of DSS Europe 2021 is ‘The New Agenda’. The rules of digital signage have changed, and the pandemic has had a marked effect on how displays are deployed within retail, DOOH, transport and other sectors. DSS Europe will cover the significant technological innovations that are having a positive effect, will showcase the development of sustainable solutions (eliminating waste and re-using resources) and will reveal market insights and investor news. In an exciting new development for 2021, the Innovation Stage, sponsored by Red Bull, will host sessions from a range of startups and innovators with inspiring and unconventional solutions for digital signage. Conference Chair Florian Rotberg, Managing Director of invidis consulting, commented: “Digital Signage Summit Europe comes after a challenging time, yet also at a vibrant time for innovation in our industry. It is so important to get back to live and in-person events, and we are delighted to be able to provide such a stimulating agenda, covering important topics such as sustainability and innovation, and with a lineup of exhibiting companies who are all eager to meet up with customers. I’m gratified at the response we’ve had so far and am very much looking forward to DSS Europe.”

Exhibition Running parallel to the conference, an exhibition takes place on both days with leading Digital Signage companies showcasing their technologies and solutions: including displays, touch solutions, signage accessories, software and hard-

ware. Stefanie Corinth, Senior Vice President of Sales EMEA at Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH commented: “Sharp NEC is very pleased to participate at this year’s Digital Signage Summit in September. It’s really great to finally be able to meet up in person for industry networking, to discuss the latest technology updates and to exchange experiences after what has been a very different year. We look forward to re-connecting ‘live’ with the Signage industry again, at DSS-E in Munich and, of course, in an adjusted format given the current pandemic situation.” Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, commented: “Once again, I have to say that the Digital Signage Summit is simply the best business strategy conference for Digital Signage and Digital out of Home professionals. For this year’s event, visitors are in safe hands; Florian and invidis consulting know the industry better than anyone, and delegates can look forward to two days packed with the inspiration that will drive the new developments in this rapidly changing market.” Conference sessions, panel discussions and keynote addresses will cover best practice in understanding and activating the customer, the technological response to this time of hybrid events and working arrangements and look to discover what the role of digital signage is in the creation of smart spaces in retail, offices, factories, or cities.

Speakers will include: • Alberto Caceres, CEO, Trison • Bernd Eberhardt, CEO, Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe • C. Selcen Uyguntüzel, Deputy General Manager, Vestel • Carlos Silva Santin, CEO, Admira Digital Networks • Franck Racapé, Vice President EMEA, Philips Professional Display Solutions • Guido Matzer, Managing Director, sedna • Iman Nahvi, CEO, Advertima • Lutz Hollmann-Raabe, COO & CSO, Bütema • Per Mandorf, CEO, ZetaDis-

For further information and to pre-register for the event, please visit https://digitalsignagesummit.org/europe/

P28 AV News August 2021

play • Theresa Kirchweger, Sustainability Manager, umdasch The Store Makers • From invidis consulting, Florian Rotberg, Managing Director, and Stefan Schieker, Partner, will also give keynotes on the factors driving market growth and on the role of digital in customer journeys and personalisation.

The PLASA Show 2021 is on track to welcome thousands of industry professionals to Olympia London, from 5-7 September, with the first three weeks of registration exceeding that of the 2019 edition which was lauded as “the busiest show in years”. The 53% increase also sees a greater number of top-tier professionals and company owners, assuring that the show will be a valuable hub of business and networking. The visitor demographic at PLASA Show this year is looking strong – 45% are final decision makers, which is a 5% increase from 2019, and a further 20% have the power to specify purchases, which is yet another increase. Although the industry’s economy has been severely impacted, there are still plenty of sizeable budgets, with one in four able to spend between £100,000 and £2,000,000. The expanded show floor in Olympia’s largest space, the Grand Hall, will be full of influential industry leaders. Directors, chairs and company owners are the top registered job roles so far, followed by

The PLASA Show 2021 is on track to welcome thousands of industry professionals to Olympia London, from 5-7 September, with the first three weeks of registration exceeding that of the 2019 edition which was lauded as “the busiest show in years”. designers, technicians, engineers, project mangers and consultants. Furthermore, visitors continue to represent the full spectrum of the sector, with the majority hailing from theatre, concert touring and live events. Product sourcing and networking will be high on the agenda as the events industry re-opens, and PLASA Show is positioned to be a powerful stage for new products, emerging technology and disruptive ideas. Exhibitors have endless opportunities to

present their products in the best light through live demonstrations and practical training. Moreover, the seminar programme provides a unique opportunity to elevate yourself as an industry thought-leader. PLASA Show will run from 5-7 September in the Grand Hall at Olympia London. 70% of the floorspace is reserved, so to ensure you secure your spot, get in touch with the PLASA Show team today. To find out more please visit www.plasashow.com/exhibiting

InfoComm 2021 to host digital signage conference InfoComm 2021 will host D=SIGN, the digital signage conference, as two half-day programs on Oct. 26-27, 2021, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Produced in partnership with the Digital Signage Federation (DSF), the conference will explore the solutions, innovations, and big ideas around digital signage. Digital signage is poised for strong revenue growth, with a forecast of $32 billion in 2021, increasing to $44.7 billion in 2026, according to AVIXA’s new 2021 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA). The signage market had strength going into the pandemic, as display prices encouraged proliferation. This remained as pent-up demand, which will propel the solution area as the economy recovers. “AVIXA and the Digital Signage Federation began collaborating in 2020 to produce rich education content around digital signage which kicked off with the virtual D=SIGN conference last December,” said Brian Gorg, Executive Director of Digital Sig-

nage Federation. “We’re thrilled to host an in-person program this year for people to learn, network, and share ideas during the exciting week of InfoComm 2021”. At D=SIGN, Laura Davis-Taylor from InReality and Jeffrey Weitzman from Navori will present the session, “Selecting the Right Technologies to Get the Metrics That Matter.” They will explore how different types of sensors can provide useful data for creating highly contextual content experiences that help increase the effectiveness of your messaging strategy. In addition, Rich Ventura from Sony, Nim Halfon of Quividi, and Beth Warren of CRI will present the session, “Smart Content: How to Use AI, Machine Learning, Sensors & More to Trigger Content Changes.” They will discuss how retailers are leveraging the power of AI and machine learning to analyse data from point of sale (POS), inventory management, weather, and demographic information to generate playlists of content that can drive sales.

In the session, “Why Every Digital Sign Should be Connected to the Cloud for Remote Management,” Linda Hofflander from Skykit and Alex Epshteyn from Zignage will discuss the importance for remote employees to be able to access and maintain their CMS GUI from anywhere in the world. The conference will also feature a panel discussion titled, “Tips for Deciding Between Video Walls, LED, & Projection,” featuring experts from Legrand, Peerless AV, Snap, and Install. In addition, the panel discussion, “Security & Privacy – What it Means for Your Digital Signage Network,” will explore how liability and risk influences key decisions of how the network is configured and hardware selection. On Tues., Oct. 26, industry writer and consultant Dave Haynes will host the Sixteen:Nine Mixer from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Valencia pre-function area at the Orange County Convention Center. "The digital signage industry thrives on networking, and for

more than a decade, I've organized a big cocktail party around a major trade show that gets people together to meet, chat, share ideas and start down the path of building business ties,” said Haynes. “InfoComm will likely mark the first time many industry folks have seen each other in 20 months or more – unless you count video meetings. I'm excited to make the Sixteen:Nine Mixer part of the InfoComm week experience, specifically tied to D=SIGN.” The InfoComm 2021 trade show, open Oct. 27-29, will feature a Digital Signage Pavilion where attendees can discover the latest digital signage solutions, including content creation software, direct-view LED displays, touchscreens and interactive displays, and much more. Learn more about D=SIGN and InfoComm 2021 and register to attend at www.infocommshow. org. InfoComm 2021 is sponsored by Presenting Show Partner Samsung and Strategic Show Partners Blackmagic Design and Crestron.

What’s new at Bett?

CE China 2021 cancelled

Bett return to ExCeL London from the 19 - 21 January 2022. In association with the British Esports Association, Bett will host a new feature, both on-site and digitally, dedicated to exploring the growth of esports and its potential within education. From speaking slots to stand and hardware partnerships, the show many sponsorship packages on offer. Turbo-charged networking: the hosted Leaders Programme, in partnership with Learnit, matches school, university

Unfortunately it’s not all good news this month. CE China 2021, scheduled for 16-18 September in Guangzhou, will not take place. International travel into China is still severely hampered by travel restrictions due to the Corona-pandemic. With the latest emergence of Covid cases in Asia, both international and Chinese companies are furthermore uncertain about their participation in international trade shows “Of course, this was a tough decision to make, especially since we do get a lot of positive

and government leaders with thoughtfully selected education solution providers for a series of 15-minute 1:1 meetings. Spaces are limited so get in touch today and enquire. Shorter 3-day event + later hours: “We listened to our returning exhibitors and have cut down our usual 4-day event to 3 with an extended show on the Thursday, giving solution providers a much greater return on investment on our busiest and most action-packed days of the show.”

feedback and especially international companies signalled their interest to present themselves at CE China”, said Jens Heithecker, IFA Executive Director and CE China Chairman. In fact, a German pavilion with ten German brands was already set to be part of CE China 2021. The CE China team would like to express its sincere thanks to all partners, especially the Guangzhou Commerce Bureau, CCCME and IDG Asia, as well as to exhibitors and visitors for their continuous support.