AVNation TV

Category: Display

  • BenQ Education Partners With Lingokids

    BenQ Education Partners With Lingokids

    BenQ Education offers interactive display solutions for teachers, enhancing engagement and student performance. BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology, EZWrite software, and InstaShare wireless screen presentation system provide intuitive learning experiences. Lingokids is an educational tech company transforming children’s learning experiences with its unique PlaylearningTM approach, offering engaging, interactive experiences for preschool through second grade, blending traditional and modern skills.

    BenQ announced that Lingokids, an educational tech and media company, is now available on BenQ Boards. This partnership aims to enhance the learning experience by integrating Lingokids’ Playlearning™ approach, which offers interactive and child-led learning experiences, into BenQ’s educational tools.

    The collaboration aims to provide teachers with more flexible and engaging resources for individualized learning, streamline classroom technology, and enhance student participation and learning outcomes through innovative, interactive tools available on BenQ Boards.

    BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced Lingokids is now available on BenQ Boards. Lingokids is an educational tech and media company that is helping transform the way children can gain traditional educational and modern life skills. Its unique PlaylearningTM approach puts children in the center of the Lingokids universe, which provides thousands of engaging, interactive learning experiences in a variety of mediums and surrounds them with choice and exploratory child-led learning paths. This partnership is part of BenQ’s continuous commitment to providing direct access to a growing portfolio of apps and learning software that educators use daily from their BenQ Boards for a more streamlined, future-ready classroom.

    “Teachers need streamlined tools and resources to make the greatest impact for individualized learning, which is at the core of our BenQ Boards,” said Carly Burton-Sallay, senior marketing manager at BenQ Education. “Lingokids provides countless options for creating a fun and exciting learning experience that can now be offered on their BenQ Boards, unlocking a new level of engagement for the whole classroom. With this partnership, educators have more flexibility than ever before when accessing Lingokids, so they can teach their way.”

    The BenQ Boards are purpose-built for teachers so that they can provide exciting learning opportunities from the moment they sign on. Encouraging active participation in class while protecting student and teacher health, the germ-resistant BenQ Boards boast BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology, which features one-tap NFC log-in to load lesson materials and interactive teaching apps, cloud storage, settings, and tools instantly and securely. The smart boards also feature a germ-resistant screen, pen, and remote; split windows for multitasking; array microphones; 16W speakers with 16W Dolby Digital Plus surround sound; InstaShare wireless screen sharing; new Eyesafe® technology for reducing blue light emissions; and more.

    “We are incredibly excited to bring Lingokids to the BenQ Boards platform natively,” said Vicenç Ferrer, senior strategic partnerships manager at Lingokids. “At the heart of Lingokids is providing teachers with an engaging product suite that features superior-quality educational activities and content so early learners can thrive. By partnering with BenQ Education, we’re able to bring greater ease for accessing and sharing our content with students.”

    Teachers can use their BenQ Board as a whiteboard, display, computer, and wireless screen-sharing system, thanks to BenQ’s license-free EZWrite 6 software. It’s packed with classroom tools for all subjects, including timers, rulers, protractors, compasses, and more. EZWrite 6 also lets educators save whiteboard sessions in the cloud, allowing them to continue giving lessons at a later date or allowing students to access lessons on any device and refer to them later. They can also open documents and image files directly on the whiteboard to facilitate discussions. To complement the experience, the split-screen windows function enables multiple applications to be opened side by side — with no need to tap between content — making it even easier to conduct lessons and further comprehension.

     

  • West Ottawa Public Schools Selects BenQ Boards for Classroom Transformation

    West Ottawa Public Schools Selects BenQ Boards for Classroom Transformation

    BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced that West Ottawa Public Schools in Holland, Michigan, has selected and installed BenQ Boards in its K-12 classrooms across 12 schools with proceeds from the 2023 voter-approved bond proposal. The BenQ Boards were chosen following a pilot program and an early adopter phase that confirmed that the Google EDLA-certified smart boards aligned with the district’s vision for facilitating flexible learning environments that allow teachers to teach their way, supporting the district’s increased focus on project-based learning and working toward classroom transformation as outlined in the SAMR Model of technology integration.

    “The BenQ Boards have been a game-changer in our learning spaces,” said Elaine Stiefel, director of instructional technology in West Ottawa Public Schools. “Our teachers can be more of the ‘guide on the side’ now instead of ‘sage on the stage.’ They’re becoming facilitators and really pushing toward those real-world skills, like problem-solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, and innovation. The BenQ Boards have the potential to truly transform our classrooms.”

    Designed to provide educators the ease and freedom to teach their way, the advanced enterprise-grade BenQ Board RP04 Series not only features Google EDLA certification but also compatibility with school enterprise resource planning (ERP) ecosystems, personalized multiuser login, management solutions, and innovative classroom collaboration and engagement tools to support lessons. The BenQ RP04 Series prioritizes safety and comfort with its TÜV-certified antimicrobial screen and Eyesafe® Certified 2.0 technology, reducing germs and eye strain. Engineered for flexibility, it offers Identity Management syncing and free Device Management Solution (DMS) software for seamless user management. NFC card and QR code authentication streamline access for educators across classrooms and devices. Usability is central to the RP04 Series, featuring EZWrite 6 for interactive whiteboarding and InstaShare 2 for collaborative screen-sharing. Cloud whiteboarding fosters inclusivity by allowing remote participation. Intuitive controls, like the Floating Tool and sidebar navigation, ensure easy access to features, while front-facing ports, including USB-C and powerful speakers with an eight-microphone array, enhance the teaching and learning experience with clear communication and immersive presentations.

    West Ottawa Public School District spans 69 square miles, with over 44,000 constituents and 12 schools. Following the pilot program and initial rollout, teachers experienced a significant reduction in time spent on administrative tasks and transition during and between lessons, increasing instructional time and improving teaching effectiveness and student engagement. Furthermore, the adoption of the smart boards facilitated the establishment of a robust project-based learning environment, enabling classes to connect and present with audiences outside the school through virtual meetings. Notable projects, such as student-led fundraisers and campaigns for community causes, have demonstrated the tangible impact of BenQ Boards on fostering student initiative and community engagement.

    “West Ottawa Public Schools represents many districts in the nation — needing to prepare students for how they currently learn and what they need to learn to go on to college and real-world careers in the 21st century,” said Carly Burton-Sallay, senior marketing manager at BenQ Education. “But that doesn’t happen overnight. With the BenQ Board’s unique and robust set of features, educators can get started right away, teaching their way and working toward complete classroom transformation with easy-to-use classroom tools for modern learning experiences defined in the SAMR Model.”

  • Chief Expands Fusion Series With Stylish Storage Cabinet Accessory

    Chief Expands Fusion Series With Stylish Storage Cabinet Accessory

    Chief, with over 40 years of experience, offers a comprehensive range of mounts, storage, and accessories for AV components, renowned for its innovative features and excellent customer service.

    Chief, a brand of Legrand | AV, has introduced the Fusion Storage Cabinet, an expansion of its Fusion® series. This storage accessory is designed for modern AV applications requiring stylish, front-serviceable storage solutions. It integrates seamlessly with Chief’s Fusion wall mounts and features a felt front cover, flexible internal configuration, and integrated security and cooling. The cabinet ships fully assembled with sustainable packaging and will be available globally in September, showcased at InfoComm 2024.

    The Fusion Storage Cabinet was developed in response to customer feedback for a flexible, aesthetically pleasing AV storage solution that eliminates the need for additional wall-mounting. It addresses the demand for accessible and integrated storage in modern AV installations while supporting Legrand’s sustainability goals through its innovative packaging.

    Chief, a brand of Legrand | AV, announced the expansion of its Fusion® series with the Fusion Storage Cabinet. This new storage accessory was designed in response to modern AV applications that need a stylish and front-serviceable AV storage solution when installing small devices and rack-mounted equipment behind the display is not an option.

    “We listened to our customers and designed the Fusion Storage Cabinet based on their feedback,” said Robert de Jong, Product Marketing Director for Legrand AV in EMEA. “Now they have an additional AV storage option that allows them to respond to projects where flexibility, aesthetics, and end-user accessibility is essential. The Fusion Storage Cabinet seamlessly integrates with Chief’s award-winning Fusion wall mounts. It allows for height positioning under the display while fully eliminating the need for additional wall-mounting.”

    The Chief Fusion Storage Cabinet (SKU: FCASTC) features a felt front cover that blends in effortlessly with a wide variety of room decor. The storage area inside the cabinet is flexible and can be configured with the included 19-inch rackmount brackets and Lever Lock™ panel that allows toolless integration of small AV devices. For even greater AV integration, the Fusion Storage Cabinet comes standard with a universal camera shelf to support the latest video bar technology. The cabinet design also includes integrated security as well as passive thermal management features to ensure proper cooling of the AV equipment.

    The Chief Fusion Storage Cabinet and front cover ship fully assembled and are ready for installation onto Fusion mounts in minutes. Another highlight is the innovative plastic-free packaging the storage cabinet ships in, which reflects Legrand’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the company’s carbon footprint as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. The packaging not only provides sturdy protection for global shipping but also is designed to be reused, allowing the preinstalled cabinets to be repacked for shipping to the end-user installation site.

    The Chief Fusion Storage Cabinet will be available to order globally in September and will be on display at InfoComm 2024 in the Legrand | AV Booth C8600.

  • InfoComm 2024: PPDS brings smarter and more enriching teaching and learning experiences to classroom displays with new Philips Genius software

    InfoComm 2024: PPDS brings smarter and more enriching teaching and learning experiences to classroom displays with new Philips Genius software

    PPDS, a subsidiary of TP Vision Europe and MMD-Monitors & Displays Nederland, markets and sells Philips-branded professional displays, including professional TVs, signage, and direct view LED solutions, under a trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V.

    Philips Professional Display Solutions (PPDS) launched Philips Genius, an educational software platform, at InfoComm 2024. This GDPR-compliant software offers a comprehensive suite of tools for creating, delivering, and managing lesson plans. It supports collaborative and interactive learning, can be used on any interactive display, and is accessible via various devices.

    Philips Genius was developed to enhance classroom experiences and improve educators’ work-life balance. It simplifies lesson planning, facilitates interactive teaching, and integrates various educational resources and third-party applications. This solution aims to support educators by providing an all-in-one platform that is easy to use and compatible with multiple devices and display brands.

    PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, has kicked off InfoComm 2024 with a bang, announcing the worldwide launch of its new, technology agnostic Philips Genius educational software, bringing unrestricted collaborative teaching and learning experiences to any classroom and on any interactive display.

    Launched on Philips Booth W2544 in Las Vegas, Philips Genius sparks the latest evolution in PPDS’ evolving strategy to power evolution in the classroom, with the company reinforcing its commitment to delivering ‘total solutions’, including both hardware and software, for smarter, elevated learning.

    A year in development, Philips Genius – the first in-house educational software from PPDS – is a brand new, GDPR compliant platform, bringing together all-inclusive tools and capabilities for educators to effortlessly create and deliver highly professional and engaging ‘intelligence-led’ lesson plans for smarter and more inspired classroom experiences.

    Accelerated learning

    Designed with educators for education and brought together by PPDS’ team of future focused in-house developers, the intuitive application brings previously unseen levels of support, not only in delivering elevated classroom experiences for students, also in supporting their own wellbeing, and ensuring a healthier work-life balance.

    Frank Trossen, Global Business Development Director Education and Corporate at PPDS, commented: “Philips Genius makes the process of creating highly professional, engaging and feature-rich lesson planning – for all

    subjects – child’s play. Tutors are unsung heroes, sacrificing many hours of their personal lives, including weekends, to plan, days and weeks ahead, to ensure their lessons are tailored to the needs of each class. A significant focus in developing Philips Genius is around helping to improve the work-life balance for tutors, without compromising on quality or performance.”

    He added: “Philips Genius brings all the tools an educator could need for lesson planning, delivery, and classroom display activities, packaged together in one easy-to-access location.”

    Fast, efficient, effective, and focused

    Secure and easy to navigate, Philips Genius enables educators to effortlessly create their lesson plans, either directly on an interactive display, or remotely – 24/7 – via a web browser, or a dedicated app, compatible with any Android, Windows, and iOS device, for their convenience.

    All content is saved to a personal Philips Genius account/library and can be retrieved and displayed on interactive displays with Philips Genius installed within seconds of the educator entering the room. This ensures a speedy and seamless set-up, and consistent experiences in all locations.

    Logging in is fast and secure, with educators simply scanning the on-screen QR code using the camera on their own connected device, or by directly inputting their unique username and password.

    Energising lessons

    To bring lessons to life, educators have access to a wealth of applications and third party premium content, as well as the ability to effortlessly import/embed YouTube videos, PDFs, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and more. Educators can easily link to other sources and software – including Google Classroom – delivering on both breadth and depth across the curriculum.

    Encouraging and facilitating collaboration in the classroom, used together with the Philips Collaboration 4152 and 3152 interactive displays, Philips Genius also brings all the familiarity and functionality of a traditional whiteboard, allowing students to effortlessly – either directly on screen or via their own device – share their ideas and workings. Among the many tools included are digital pencil/pen, highlighter, eraser, images/shapes and lines, ruler, set square (triangle ruler), and protractor.

    Additional features, further aiding classroom activities, include a flashlight, calculator, voting application, video conferencing, and much more.

    Designed to make life easier for educators and students alike, Philips Genius provides instant screen sharing directly on a student’s own personal device in the classroom and at home, if studying remotely. Stay tuned for more product launch news on this coming soon.

    All content displayed on the screen can be saved and shared directly – via URL or email – with students at the end of each lesson, allowing them to create clear and precise subject notes for easy reference and revision via their OneNote or other filing system.

    Learning without limits

    Available in Q3 – including in EMEA, North America, LATAM, APAC and India – Philips Genius will come pre-installed on all new Philips Collaboration Displays for Education, with users of existing models – including the Philips E-line and Philips T-line Series – available to install for PPDS Wave ProStore users.

    And that’s not all. Furthering PPDS’ education for all commitment and global Open2 philosophy, Philips Genius is available on a range of other manufacturers’ interactive displays, allowing schools to enjoy consistent experiences in all classrooms.

    All inclusive for educators

    Siddarth Gopal, Global Director Software Solutions at PPDS, commented: “We understand many schools, colleges, and universities have a mix of displays, rather than a consistent fleet from one manufacturer. Naturally, we would prefer them to use our Philips Collaboration Displays for Education, but our business is about being open and unrestrictive. For that reason, Philips Genius is available to provide the same functionality on other displays, as well as our own.”

    Frank Trossen added: “When it comes to education, there is simply no room for error. As a leading provider of professional displays and dedicated software, we have a moral duty to support students and educators by developing best-in-class solutions that will help to maximise their potential. With Philips Genius, we have listened to the market to understand its frustrations and shortcomings and brought a more intuitive approach to lesson planning and delivery.”

    Siddarth concluded: “We are delighted to launch Philips Genius at InfoComm 2024 and look forward to showcasing the incredible benefits and opportunities it provides with our partners and customers both here at InfoComm in Las Vegas, and around the world.”

     

  • Christie Celebrates 95 Years of Innovation at InfoComm 2024

    Christie Celebrates 95 Years of Innovation at InfoComm 2024

    AVNation’s Tim Albright recently sat down with Joel St-Denis from Christie at InfoComm 2024 to discuss the company’s remarkable 95-year journey and its latest innovations in the AV industry.

    Joel highlighted Christie’s evolution from manufacturing older televisions and World War II equipment to becoming a leader in digital projection and LED solutions. He emphasized the company’s ability to adapt to industry changes and meet customer needs with cutting-edge products.

    In the interview, Joel explained the advantages of LED technology over projection, particularly in environments with high ambient light or outdoor settings. He also discussed the versatility of projection mapping for large-scale applications like building facades and sports arenas, where high-brightness projectors are essential.

    Christie showcased a range of projectors from 5,000 to 50,000 lumens at the event, catering to diverse needs from small, controlled environments to grand, illuminated displays.

    For more insights and to explore Christie’s innovative solutions, visit Christie Digital. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from InfoComm 2024!

  • Ross Video Expands Horizons at InfoComm 2024

    Ross Video Expands Horizons at InfoComm 2024

    At InfoComm 2024, Tim Albright from AVNation sat down with Matt Morgan from Ross Video to discuss the company’s evolution from a broadcast video leader to a versatile player in the AV space. With a robust broadcast background, Ross Video has committed to serving multiple verticals, including corporate environments, conference rooms, event centers, and studios.

    Morgan highlighted Ross Video’s innovative solutions like Quorum, designed to elevate meeting control by providing more automation and flexibility, and Ultrix for seamless display connections across various spaces. These advancements cater to the growing needs of IT and AV managers seeking more powerful and adaptable solutions beyond traditional AV setups.

    The conversation also touched on the convergence of broadcast and corporate video, emphasizing Ross Video’s role in supporting this shift. The company aims to empower users with intuitive tools, whether for simple meetings or full-scale production events.

    To explore Ross Video’s solutions, visit RossVideo. Stay connected with AVNation for the latest updates from InfoComm 2024!

  • AVNation.tv at InfoComm 2024: A Spotlight on Sony’s Innovations

    AVNation.tv at InfoComm 2024: A Spotlight on Sony’s Innovations

    InfoComm 2024 brought a wave of exciting advancements, and AVNation.tv is there to capture the highlights. Tim Albright had an engaging conversation with Mark Bonifacio from Sony, revealing some of the standout innovations at Sony’s booth.

    Deep Black Non-Glare Display

    Sony unveiled its latest 98″ BZ53L non-glare deep black display, designed to eliminate reflectivity and enhance contrast. Ideal for bright environments like conference rooms and retail spaces, this display ensures clear visibility without distracting reflections. This technology, previously seen in the 85″ BZ40L line, now extends to the flagship 98″, offering a superior viewing experience.

    AI-Enhanced Camera Systems

    Sony’s cameras have evolved significantly, incorporating advanced artificial intelligence. The SRG series, including the SRG 840 and the newly introduced BRC AM7, feature multi-faceted auto-tracking capabilities. These cameras can track presenters using skeletal, facial, and other markers, ensuring smooth and continuous tracking even if the view is partially obstructed. The BRC AM7 boasts a larger imager for higher quality and improved pan-tilt-zoom operations, along with enhanced software supporting up to eight presenters and facial recognition for prioritized tracking.

    Partnerships and Integrated Solutions

    Sony emphasized its strategic partnerships with companies like Corbit, Appspace, and 22Miles, enhancing the versatility and functionality of their displays. These collaborations enable seamless integration of content management systems (CMS) directly onto Sony’s displays via system-on-chip technology, offering a comprehensive one-box solution without the need for external players. Additionally, Sony’s cloud-based digital management platform facilitates efficient setup and monitoring, reducing installation time and simplifying maintenance.

    For more details about Sony’s cutting-edge solutions showcased at InfoComm 2024, visit Sony Professional. Stay tuned with us for continued coverage and insights from the InfoComm 2024.

  • BrightSign Offers Customers and Partners More Flexibility with New Solutions at InfoComm 2024

    BrightSign Offers Customers and Partners More Flexibility with New Solutions at InfoComm 2024

    BrightSign LLC, the provider of digital signage media players, offers reliable, affordable, and user-friendly solutions for the commercial market, including entry-level and XC models, renowned for their advanced technology.

    BrightSign will showcase its latest digital media players and solutions at InfoComm 2024, featuring the new BrightSign XC5 media player, which offers a choice between BrightSignOS™ and Microsoft Windows. This new model provides enhanced flexibility for users needing a Windows environment, supporting advanced performance for video walls and 8K video. Additionally, BrightSign will present updates on its trade-in program, Bright Alliance partnerships, and Built-In innovations.

    InfoComm 2024 saw BrightSign showcase new solutions and programs, including the XC5 media player with dual OS options, showcasing flexibility, performance, and innovation in digital signage. Offering PC-class graphics and 8K video capabilities, BrightSign remains a leader in the industry.

    BrightSign, the provider of the most advanced, capable, and trusted digital media players and operating system, will showcase new solutions and programs at InfoComm 2024, headlined by the BrightSign XC5 media player, now with the choice of either BrightSignOS™ or Microsoft Windows. The BrightSign XC5 offering provides options for customers who require a Windows environment backed by purpose-built digital signage hardware.

    With this update, BrightSign sets new standards in flexibility on Intel-based XC5 models, XC2055 and XC4055, the company’s most advanced media players to date. Both can be purchased with an operating system (OS) choice of BrightSignOS, Windows 11 IoT or Windows 10 IoT. The BrightSign XC5 remains a pioneer in delivering outstanding performance, transforming video walls and multiple screens into captivating experiences while delivering revolutionary PC-class motion graphics and breathtaking 8K video. All models are backed by BrightSign’s hardware standardization for consistency and speed to market.

    “By expanding our partner ecosystem and strengthening relationships across the enterprise, we’re making it easier for organizations to leverage the endless possibilities enabled by purpose-built digital media players,” said Steve Durkee, chief executive officer at BrightSign. “Our mission at BrightSign is to advance the digital signage industry and empower customers to attract, engage, and captivate audiences by bringing visual content and experiences to life. Backed by the reliability, flexibility, and security of BrightSign’s solutions, customers can confidently deploy dynamic experiences with more choice than ever.”

    BrightSign will also share updates to several of its core programs designed to give customers more control and support on their digital signage journey:

    • BrightSign Trade-In Program: Launched in Q2, the Trade-In Programhelps customers upgrade their Series 1, 2, and 3 players to Series 5 models. Customers enjoy the superior speed and advanced features of the Series 5 players, along with a smooth hassle-free transition, while contributing to BrightSign’s ongoing commitment to a greener future.
    • BrightSign Bright Alliance: BrightSign has announced CMS partners across Bright Alliance categories: Elite, Premier, and Advanced. As part of the Alliance, CMS partners have access to a comprehensive support system designed to enhance technical, sales, and marketing efforts. The Bright Alliance program fosters mutual growth and generates business opportunities.
    • BrightSign Built-In Innovations: BrightSign continues to grow its Built-In offerings alongside partners including Bluefin, Mimo Monitors, TCL MOKA, and XPO Screens. New sizes and form factors will be on display at InfoComm for the first time.

    Stop by the BrightSign booth (#W2101) at InfoComm to explore our newest solutions, experience our interactive demos, and learn more about our trade-in program.

     

  • BenQ Board RP04 Named “Next-Gen Solution of the Year” in EdTech Breakthrough Awards

    BenQ Board RP04 Named “Next-Gen Solution of the Year” in EdTech Breakthrough Awards

    BenQ Education offers interactive display solutions for teachers, enhancing engagement and student performance. The award-winning BenQ Board features germ-resistant screens, interfaces, and pens, and achieves Eyesafe® Certification. BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology, EZWrite software, and InstaShare wireless screen presentation system are available in North America.

    BenQ announced that its BenQ Board Pro RP04 was named “Next-Gen School Solution of the Year” in the sixth annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards. This interactive display is the first to fully integrate Google Mobile Services (GMS), offering schools seamless access to Google Play, Google Classroom, and other Android applications. It features tools such as EZWrite for annotation, InstaShare for screen sharing, and Eyesafe 2.0 certification for eye protection.

    The recognition highlights the BenQ Board Pro RP04’s innovative integration with GMS, which simplifies educational technology use and management. It provides flexible teaching options and robust IT management capabilities, addressing the needs of educators and IT administrators. The award signifies the board’s impact on advancing educational technology by offering cost-effective, versatile, and user-friendly solutions for modern classrooms.

    BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display solutions, today announced its BenQ Board Pro RP04 was named “Next-Gen School Solution of the Year” in the sixth annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by EdTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market. The awards program aims to perform the industry’s most comprehensive analysis and review of the global educational technology industry.

    The 2024 EdTech Breakthrough Awards recognized the breakthrough innovation of the BenQ Board Pro RP04, the first interactive display to be fully integrated with Google Mobile Services (GMS), offering schools easier access to Google Play and Google Classroom and a native experience when using Google Search and other Android applications.

    “With the BenQ Board PR04, educators no longer need to contend with generic smart boards that confine them to complex software or costly subscriptions. The industry is crowded with smart boards featuring subscriptions that price schools out of future learning innovations,” said Steve Johansson, managing director at EdTech Breakthrough. “The RP04 BenQ Board represents a groundbreaking leap and is our choice for ‘Next-Gen School Solution of the Year!’ By seamlessly integrating GMS, the BenQ Board offers unprecedented teaching and IT management flexibility. Educators can personalize learning, while IT managers tailor the board to school needs.”

    The smart board’s user interface features a home screen that allows users to type or speak to browse lesson content from the Google Search bar. Educators can use BenQ widgets, set app shortcuts, and customize their digital teaching space. It offers core Google applications such as Google Drive, Maps, Meet, and YouTube, with other Google Workspace apps available directly from Google Play. The display also offers features such as text-to-speech and multilingual translation.

    As with the previous generations of the BenQ Board, the RP04 features BenQ’s EZWrite whiteboarding software, InstaShare wireless screen-sharing solution, and Eyesafe 2.0 certification, which protects users’ eyesight from harmful blue light, flicker, and more. EZWrite facilitates real-time annotation and diverse lesson material display, enhanced by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for editable text conversion. InstaShare empowers collaborative learning by accommodating multiple screens on the shared BenQ Board. What’s more, the BenQ Board empowers teachers to teach their way. They can prepare lessons on the cloud, access lessons with a tap of their personal NFC card, and deliver lessons with AI tools, ultimately helping educators get started and engage students faster.

    The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work, and success in a range of educational technology categories, including Student Engagement, School Administration, Adaptive Learning, STEM Education, Remote Learning, Career Preparation, and many more. This year’s program attracted thousands of nominations from over 17 different countries throughout the world.

    “The future of education demands tools that work the way educators need them to work and meet the ever-evolving future-readiness standards for students,” said Carly Burton-Sallay, senior marketing manager at BenQ Education. “The BenQ Board RP04 was engineered based on feedback from teachers and from our partnership with many school districts across the nation. We’re honored that it is acknowledged by the EdTech Breakthrough organization as an industry disrupter.”

    Additionally, BenQ’s centralized user and device management allows schools with Google accounts to easily transition to using BenQ Boards. IT administrators managing existing Google account lists can use the BenQ Identity and Access Management (IAM) system to synchronize their Google Workspace Directory and carry over all user accounts into the BenQ ecosystem. IAM also supports directory syncing with other SAML-based identity providers. Admins can use the BenQ Device Management Solution (DMS) to remotely configure settings, push updates, monitor device analytics, and manage apps. The smart board protects school data through secure login options, access controls, system updates, and app scanning via Google Play Protect.

     

  • Sony Electronics to Showcase a Full Complement of Innovative Professional AV Solutions at InfoComm 2024

    Sony Electronics to Showcase a Full Complement of Innovative Professional AV Solutions at InfoComm 2024

    Sony Electronics, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, is a global leader in electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics, and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, it produces innovative products like Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and high-resolution audio, as well as 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs.

    Sony Electronics will showcase its professional display solutions at InfoComm 2024, including the Professional BRAVIA Display Ecosystem, conference tools, auditorium solutions, spatial reality displays, and Crystal LED direct view LED displays.

    The company aims to create connected experiences through its advanced visual solutions, highlighting their applications in various verticals. By featuring innovations like the BRAVIA Display Ecosystem, advanced projectors, PTZ cameras, and Spatial Reality Displays, Sony will demonstrate how these technologies enhance engagement, foster collaboration, and maintain sustainability. The exhibition will also emphasize partnerships, environmental stewardship, and provide a platform for partners to engage and collaborate effectively.

    Sony Electronics will exhibit its range of professional display solutions in booth W2201 at InfoComm 2024, June 12-14, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. The company will be “Creating Connected Experiences” for attendees, partners, customers, and users through its visual solutions, imaging products, and projection offerings, highlighting how these technologies can be used in different verticals and applications. Visitors to the booth will experience how Sony’s innovations are forging meaningful connections through amplifying engagement, fostering collaboration, and keeping sustainability top of mind.

    “At InfoComm 2024, Sony is doubling down on our commitment to the pro AV community – from advanced technologies to our alignment with partners, and our robust solutions portfolio optimized for a range of professional needs,” said Richard Ventura, Vice President, Professional Display Solutions, Sony Electronics. “As we seek to entertain, engage, and inspire customers, audiences and show attendees alike, we’re creating fun and experiential ways to connect with the brand and our team on a deeper level, highlight our environmental stewardship throughout the product lifecycle, and to provide an informative platform for our growing ecosystem of partners to do the same.”

    Sony’s InfoComm 2024 booth incorporates innovations in display technology, including:

    Professional BRAVIA™ Display Ecosystem

    From new products to evolving areas of focus, Sony is incorporating transformational developments into its InfoComm presence. Visitors will see Sony’s expansive lineup of 4K HDR BRAVIA professional displays, including the flagship 98-inch BZ53L model, the unique BZ40L series,  and the introductory EZ20L series.

    The BZ53L and Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA) Approved BZ40L series feature the company’s extraordinary imaging capabilities and Deep Black Non-Glare technology, which offers low reflection while maintaining deep blacks, high contrast, and precise image quality. These unique additions to Sony’s portfolio address common concerns related to digital signage deployed in challenging, high ambient light, or direct lighting environments.

    The EZ20L offers essential professional features including simplified pro settings for easy setup and maintenance. They accommodate simple, affordable signage in 16/7 applications with RS-232 and standard IP control, and come with built-in BRAVIA Signage Free 2.0 software, which enables standalone digital signage, without a set-top box.

    Technologies and capabilities for applications and vertical markets will also be on display, including wayfinding, supported by 22 Miles, Peerless AV, and TSI Touch; auditorium solutions; conferencing and collaboration; and eSports, which will highlight Sony’s INZONE gaming gear, displays, PTZ and remote cameras, and audio, in conjunction with InfoComm Esports Live 2.0. 7thSense will provide media playback solutions within the BRAVIA Display ecosystem area of the booth.

    Alliance Partners and Device Management

    At the show, Sony’s Pro BRAVIAs will also be complemented by the company’s Device Management Platform (DMP), which supports large networks of Sony BRAVIA Professional Displays through device and network alerts and remote insights. DMP allows users to roll out network-wide updates or adjust device settings with organization profiles, bulk actions, and application version control – with immediacy, from virtually anywhere. DMP also can be used with Sony’s Zero Touch Provisioning which optimizes setup by allowing users to create profiles for the displays and apply them based on use case.

    Sony’s signage partners will also be featured: 22 Miles, Appspace, BrightSign, Korbyt, Navori Labs, NowSignage, Signagelive, Skykit, Spectrio, Uniguest, and Userful.

    Conferencing and Collaboration

    In conjunction with its partners, Sony will showcase connected solutions that heighten conferencing and collaboration including the mid-range VPL-FHZ85 and VPL-FHZ80 interchangeable lens projectors and the ultra-compact VPL-PHZ61 and VPL-PHZ51 fixed lens projectors, which are HETMA Approved.

    Partners include Velocity Solutions by AVI Systems, HealtheMed, and Nureva. Legrand | AV and Peerless AV will provide framing support.

    Auditorium Solutions

    Auditorium solutions from Sony will be on display at the show including the SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 4K pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, featuring a powerful up to 20x optical zoom with a 1/2.5″ Exmor R CMOS sensor and the capability for up to 40x Clear Image Zoom. The powerful, HETMA Approved SRG-A series cameras use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver natural-looking camera movements, without a dedicated operator, and offer Full Body, Waist, and Close-Up Auto Framing modes. A new V2.0 firmware update for the series is expected in September 2024. It adds more flexible and effective video presentation such as multi-person framing, face registration, and improved operability including an enhanced user interface and an assignable function button on the remote control.

    Leon Speakers’ Horizon Interactive VC soundbar will enable sound and video hardware to co-exist harmoniously with Sony’s BRAVIA Professional Displays.

    Also on display will be the recently announced BRC-AM7, an integrated-lens PTZ camera with built-in AI analytics, ideal for large auditoriums and premium conference rooms. Highlights include a high-quality 1.0-type CMOS sensor for 4K 60p image performance, AI-enabled PTZ Auto Framing options, and seamless integration with Sony’s system cameras and switchers, as well as color matching with Sony’s ecosystem. The new PTZ camera is expected to be available in early 2025.

    Control partners for commercial AV, Aurora Multimedia, Crestron, NETGEAR, and Q-SYS, will be featured in the AV control and networking hardware area.

    Spatial Reality Displays

    Standouts of Sony’s presence at InfoComm are the eye-catching Spatial Reality Displays, ELF-SR2, which provide highly realistic, three-dimensional content without special glasses or VR headsets.[1] Boasting new configurations and features, attendees can also experience multiple stacked Spatial Reality Displays. In this setup, the displays will run one continuous 3D video as a tiled array, allowing for an additional screen to simultaneously showcase related 2D content – up to four screens. Using the Unity or Unreal Engine software development kit (SDK), creators can develop exacting content incorporating 3D content.

    Peerless AV will support the Spatial Reality Display, providing a custom mount for the array setup.

    Crystal LED Direct View LED (dvLED) Displays

    Another display highlight will be Sony’s immersive Crystal LED displays. Attendees can view the bright 4K Crystal LED BH-series, the contrast-filled CH-series featuring touchscreen technology from TSI Touch, and an HD version of the new VERONA series, built for dynamic, realistic viewing experiences as any scale. The modular Crystal LED family of dvLEDs provide spectacularly bright, richly colored images while offering easier installation, and simplified maintenance. Alleo technology will integrate with the Crystal LED displays, all supported using Peerless AV’s new SEAMLESS Kitted Universal dvLED Mounting System.