Category: Video

Harvard Athletics Transforms Collegiate Sports Storytelling with AJA Gear

Between the maturation of IP and remote production workflows, collegiate sports production is advancing rapidly. For an Ivy League institution like Harvard, keeping pace requires an agile production pipeline and dependable gear. Its athletics department delivers over 325 live NCAA Division 1 sports productions and 500 edited videos a year. To ensure reliable video capture, streaming, recording, and signal conversion, Harvard Sr. Associate Director of Athletics for Content and Strategic Communications Imry Halevi banks on AJA gear.

He not only leverages it to broadcast and stream games to fans, but also to create media that spotlights the personalities behind them, like the sailing team skipper working on vaccine lab research. According to Halevi, there are so many interesting stories that make Harvard and its athletes special, and it’s his department’s job to make them discoverable to recruits, students, professors, coaches, and parents.

“Creating compelling stories for audiences to watch across platforms while also preserving Harvard Athletics’ rich history is our mission, which means we’re never standing still. We are constantly gathering input from our core audience and innovating,” he noted. “When it comes to our workflow, people depend on us to do our job well, and we depend on equipment to get the job done, so the flexibility and reliability our AJA gear provide are paramount.”

Modernizing production infrastructure

Harvard Athletics’ production pipeline has evolved significantly since Halevi joined the university 14 years ago. Back then, the crew traveled to each venue to produce the games, and scoreboard content was more limited. Today, Halevi and crew produce most of the broadcasts, streams, and scoreboard media remotely for distribution to more channels using two centralized on-campus control rooms that power a distributed NDI workflow.

“We now remotely produce everything from two master control rooms and are streaming to more platforms than ever. We’re creating long-form content for YouTube and ESPN+, and short-form videos for Instagram, Facebook and TikTok,” explained Halevi. “Our team is experimenting a lot with 9:16 and reshaping our scoreboard media based on fan input.”

With its remote infrastructure in place, the crew can easily produce four shows simultaneously. Halevi can manage a basketball game for ESPN and an in-arena video board show, while also facilitating soccer and field hockey productions. If his crew needs to produce more than four events, he can tap portable fly packs. For off-campus events, like rowing in New Jersey, skiing in Vermont, and sailing on the Charles River, Halevi sends the main feeds to the campus control rooms for production, with camera operators often the only ones to travel.

Under the hood

The NDI pipeline Halevi built enables the team to deliver high-quality 720p 59.94 streams and leverage their existing network without having to add more capacity. But even with NDI devices at the edge, SDI and fiber remain part of the workflow. To get NDI signals to SDI monitors and convert fiber to SDI, the crew uses AJA BRIDGE NDI 3G and FiDO Mini-Converters.

“If I’m producing a game and I have an SDI source I need to distribute via NDI, I just send it to the BRIDGE NDI 3G. The fact that I can preview everything in the UI with 16 windows has been helpful for our workflow,” he explained. “We also have a ton of AJA FiDO fiber converters in a rack, which are convenient for converting fiber to SDI on copper for use on our switchers.”

AJA U-TAP also supports remote production needs, enabling commentators to work from home on Zoom, which is useful for sports like rowing, where races start early in the morning. Halevi’s team just sets them up with Zoom on a computer and a U-TAP, so they can see and hear the production and know what they’re calling. The device also supports social streaming needs, allowing them to get their produced live game stream to TikTok Studio software on Windows.

Twenty-six AJA HELO Plus devices power H.264 streaming and recording. Running all the time, they deliver one game feed to Harvard Athletics’ international streaming site and another to its real-time clipping and tagging solution for the creation of social media highlight clips.

“Our HELOs run constantly without issue, and the audio meters in the interface and on the physical device are huge. Plus, we can easily monitor, start, and pause recording and streaming remotely from the UI, which is helpful for remote production,” he explained. “We also love the layout feature, which lets us view a recording of different in-venue video displays at the same time, so we can see an SDI stream on the center hung and an HDMI stream of the ribbon board, then use the feature to make them look nice and work well with each other. The HELO Plus essentially becomes a small but powerful switcher; it’s been a lifesaver.”

The next chapter

Innovation remains a continued focus for Halevi, as he strives to make the department’s storytelling even more engaging for audiences while using his resources more wisely. “We’re continuously looking at how we can uplevel our content to shine the light on what makes Harvard so special, and leveraging reliable tools from manufacturers like AJA frees up more of our time to do that by reducing troubleshooting and headaches,” he concluded.

July 24, 2026
Projection at a Crossroads: The 2026 Turning Point

I’ve spent the last two decades appreciating quality pixels – steadily improving brightness, contrast, and color help maintain my eager anticipation of “what’s next?” The recent trend toward larger screen sizes, particularly driven by increasingly affordable LCD TVs, has some asking if projection’s days are numbered. My short answer is that projection isn’t going anywhere, but rather, the entire large-display market is evolving faster than it has in years.

Epson LE-C14K135 DVLED display – Image credit: Epson

The clearest signal came when Epson, a brand synonymous with three-chip 3LCD projection, recently unveiled its first direct-view LED (DVLED) lineup: the LE-C1 Series in 135-inch and 162-inch all-in-one configurations, with the former available in 1080p and 4K resolutions. When a company known for projection adds an emissive display line, the industry takes notice. But that’s not a retreat from projection. If anything, the opposite. Projection is in the middle of one of its most significant innovation cycles in decades.

Epson LE-C1135 DVLED display – Image credit: Epson

Epson’s DVLED Move Matters

Direct-view LED places millions of individual red, green, and blue LED chips directly on a surface, increasingly using durable chip-on-board (COB) encapsulation. DVLED avoids many compromises of projection: no ambient light washing out the image, no shadows, and no throw-distance math. DVLED has proven itself in demanding professional settings, including outdoor installations and XR broadcast stages. However, consumer and residential applications remain tougher to crack economically due to manufacturing yields that keep it in premium luxury territory.

Trade shows such as InfoComm 2025 and CES 2026 highlighted an expanded range of DVLED products and manufacturers competing for attention. Five-figure options with similar specs are challenging the six-figure DVLED options from a few years ago. Epson’s entry with the all-in-one LE-C1 Series, which integrates consumer-friendly video inputs and image processing, brings Epson’s scale, manufacturing efficiencies, and broader distribution. This is good news for integrators first and for residential buyers eventually.

AWALL 135″ DVLED display – Image credit: AWALL

However, DVLED display specialists like AWALL already have competitively priced near-4K video products on the market with twice the luminance of Epson’s offering. Beyond pricing, product reliability and customer support will likely be strong drivers in attracting new owners.

Projection Is (Finally) Solving Old Problems

Projection manufacturers always look for ways to increase brightness and efficiency. They have also realized the need to address frustrations that have limited projection outside dedicated theaters.

JVC DLA-NZ900 D-ILA projector – Image credit: JVC

Amid the current high-end consumer landscape, JVC’s flagship 3-chip D-ILA laser models remain an exercise in pure visual bliss. I recently sat in a room built around JVC’s NZ900, projecting onto a 175-inch Stewart StudioTek 130 G4 screen, with a madVR Envy Extreme handling reference-level video processing. In a properly light-controlled room, that combination delivers native contrast and frame-by-frame dynamic HDR tone mapping that’s exceptionally difficult to match.

D-ILA imaging device – Image credit: JVCKENWOOD

That pinnacle still requires a windowless room and a serious budget. The room above, with its full JBL Synthesis surround system, dual SVS subwoofers, and Marantz separates running through a custom-optimized Dirac ART filter, easily reached six figures. Fortunately, that’s no longer the only path to exceptional projection. A new generation of consumer flagship projectors leverages advances in RGB laser illumination, DLP silicon, and image processing to deliver dramatic improvements in brightness, color, HDR performance, and gaming responsiveness, all at prices within reach of more enthusiasts.

Hisense XR10 4K projector – Image credit: Hisense

Contrast, Color, and Gaming Catch Up

For years, projector dynamic contrast relied on coarse global iris and light-source adjustments, which could produce visible brightness pumping in challenging scenes. The newest generation of consumer laser projectors, both ultra-short-throw (UST) and front-projector designs, offers more refined light control. Hisense’s XR10, a standard-throw home theater projector, pairs a six-blade dynamic iris with seven levels of laser modulation. AWOL’s Aetherion Max, a UST model, combines a seven-level iris with its Enhanced Black Level (EBL) laser-dimming system. XGIMI’s Titan Noir Max, another front-projection design, features a dual-iris system with five manual aperture settings and a continuously variable automatic mode. None of these systems performs true spatial or zone-based dimming like a premium Mini-LED LCD television. Instead, they coordinate a dynamic iris aperture with content-adaptive laser output. The result is more convincing black levels, fewer visible brightness artifacts, and dynamic contrast performance reaching 6,000:1 in some models and up to 10,000:1 on the Titan Noir Max.

Aetherion Max 4K laser projector – Image credit: AWOL Vision

Laser illumination has matured, too. Discrete RGB triple-laser systems generate independent red, green, and blue primaries rather than filtering a single blue source, covering the demanding BT.2020 color space rather than the narrower DCI-P3. The Hisense PT1 and the brighter PX3-Pro are prime examples of refined RGB laser technology.

NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII UST projector – Image credit: NexiGo

The NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII pairs a motorized iris with a laser-LED hybrid light source to deliver deep blacks that are especially apparent in a light-controlled environment. That pairing may preview where the light-engine conversation is headed. Appotronics, whose optical platforms power a large share of the industry’s laser projectors, has begun marketing laser-LED combinations as complementary rather than competing: lasers contribute brightness and a wide color gamut, while LEDs contribute a wider emission angle with virtually no speckle or color fringing. Blending the two lets manufacturers retain a laser engine’s punch while removing its most distracting artifacts.

Horizon 20 Max RGB laser projector – Image credit: XGIMI

Gaming has caught up, too. Traditional consumer projectors relied on double-buffer architectures that added 16 to 30 milliseconds of input lag. The new Texas Instruments DLPC84-series controller, which drives the XGIMI Horizon 20 Max (the first projector to use TI’s new controller) and the AWOL Aetherion Max, replaces that with a rolling, line-by-line buffer that rasterizes pixels almost as fast as the source delivers them. The controller’s specs are exactly what’s needed for gaming on the latest consoles and PCs: native 1ms input lag, variable refresh rate (VRR), and AMD FreeSync support, with up to 240Hz refresh rates. Examining the Hisense PX4 Pro’s published specs, which include 1ms response time and FreeSync VRR, it likely features a controller from the same family, though Hisense hasn’t named the chip outright. For gamers used to instant response from a flat panel, projecting a 120-inch image no longer means a performance penalty.

TI DLPC8445 controller – Image credit: Texas Instruments

Better Engineering, Smarter Processing

While the DLPC84-series controller delivers processing and latency improvements, TI’s new Single Spring Tip Torsional (SST) micromirror architecture physically reinforces the mirrors. This updated pixel design enables smaller, consumer-grade DMDs (digital micromirror devices) to withstand the intense thermal and optical loads of pure RGB laser engines. By tolerating this extra energy, the chipsets allow compact living room projectors to safely break through the 5,000- to 8,000-lumen barrier without requiring massive industrial-sized chassis or loud cooling fans.

Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) – Image credit: Robert Heron

Processing has gotten smarter, too. NexiGo’s Scene Adapt Engine 2.0, debuting on the upcoming Aurora Pro MKIII, is a machine-learning model trained on tens of thousands of hours of movie footage to predict how a scene’s brightness will evolve frame by frame, rather than reacting after the fact. That predictive step enables its Subtitle Optimization feature to prevent bright captions from triggering brightness pumping, which has historically disrupted dynamic dimming in dark scenes. Its companion Virtual Masking feature shifts letterboxed content to the top or bottom of the frame to pair with drop-down or floor-rising ambient light-rejecting (ALR) screens, boosting perceived contrast without a mechanical masking system.

Aurora Pro MKIII 4K laser projector – Image credit: NexiGo

Large-Format LCD and OLED: The Middle Ground

Flat panels haven’t been sitting still either. As I covered in my 2026 Display Tech Preview, CES 2026 brought a wave of large-format LCD and OLED TVs in the 97- to 130-inch range, with significantly better color volume, luminance, and HDR than the category has ever offered.

TCL X11L 4K LCD Television – Image credit: TCL

These panels don’t match DVLED’s bezel-free scale and can’t compete with projection on cost for screens larger than roughly 100 inches. But for buyers who want a large, bright, plug-and-play display without the architectural planning of a DVLED wall or the light-control requirements of a projector, these screens are becoming a compelling, lower-complexity option.

More Choices, Better Displays

Epson’s DVLED move isn’t a sign that projection has reached the end of its runway. Instead, it’s proof that the large-display market has become more diverse than ever. DVLED will continue to gain ground in applications that require robust, high-performance pixels or in locations with zero tolerance for throw distance. Projection keeps closing the gap in contrast, color, gaming latency, brightness, noise, and everyday usability. And large-format LCD/OLED for 100-inch and smaller displays offers a tempting balance of increasingly impressive performance for the price.

I see no signs of one display technology completely replacing the other. Our options for large-format displays are increasingly complementary, each excelling in different conditions. We no longer have to ask which one wins. The question is which one fits the room.

July 24, 2026
Sony Brings Simplicity to Enterprise Display Management with a Layered Approach

As AV systems become more connected and increasingly intertwined with enterprise IT, managing displays has evolved into far more than an installation task. Today’s organizations expect their display infrastructure to be easy to deploy, remotely manageable, and capable of integrating seamlessly with broader workplace technology ecosystems. That shift is driving manufacturers to develop solutions that simplify every stage of a display’s lifecycle, not just its initial setup.

At InfoComm 2026, Sony showcased how its Professional BRAVIA platform is addressing those needs through a multi-level management strategy that scales from quick deployments to enterprise-wide device oversight. Rather than introducing a single management solution, Sony demonstrated a connected ecosystem designed to reduce installation time, improve operational visibility, and support long-term system reliability.

Reducing Complexity from Day One

One of the biggest challenges in enterprise AV deployments is consistency. Whether installing ten displays or hundreds across multiple locations, manually configuring each device increases deployment time and leaves room for configuration errors.

Sony’s answer is its Device Provisioning Tool, a free solution built around its Zero-Touch Provisioning capability. Instead of configuring displays individually, installers create deployment profiles that automatically apply preferred settings during installation.

“Essentially what we’re doing is creating different profiles for each display to ensure that every single time you’re going to your install, it’s set up correctly,” said Kianna Pompa of Sony Electronics.

The workflow is intentionally straightforward. Once a Professional BRAVIA display connects to the network, it generates a QR code that technicians scan using a smartphone. Because the provisioning process is HTML-based, no additional mobile application is required. Within approximately ten minutes, the display is configured according to the predefined profile, helping installers eliminate repetitive setup tasks while ensuring every deployment follows the same standards.

For AV integrators managing large-scale rollouts, the ability to automate configuration not only saves time but also reduces costly return visits caused by missed settings or inconsistent installations.

Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Management

Deployment is only one phase of a display’s lifecycle. Once systems are operational, organizations need tools that allow IT teams and AV managers to monitor devices remotely, identify issues early, and perform maintenance without traveling onsite.

Sony’s Device Management Platform is designed to address that operational need.

The centralized platform provides administrators with visibility into connected Professional BRAVIA displays through a single dashboard. From there, organizations can monitor device status, receive alerts, perform remote diagnostics, install software packages, and manage firmware updates as they become available. Sony said firmware update support is planned for a future release, expanding the platform’s remote management capabilities even further.

The platform also supports preloading digital signage software and content management integrations before displays are deployed, helping organizations accelerate installation while maintaining consistent configurations across multiple locations.

For enterprises operating conference rooms, classrooms, retail environments, or digital signage networks, that level of centralized oversight can significantly reduce downtime while improving support response times.

A Management Strategy That Extends Beyond Displays

Enterprise AV environments rarely rely on a single manufacturer’s products. Displays, conferencing systems, microphones, cameras, and control platforms all need to work together, making interoperability increasingly important.

Recognizing that reality, Sony continues expanding its ecosystem through partnerships with leading AV technology providers.

One of the integrations highlighted at InfoComm was Crestron XiO, enabling Sony Professional BRAVIA displays to be monitored and managed alongside other enterprise technologies through a unified dashboard.

Rather than switching between multiple management platforms, administrators can oversee display health, collect telemetry, remotely reboot devices, and manage supported updates within the same interface used for other connected AV equipment.

“You could be an end user, where you’re controlling your whole organization, or you can be an integrator and provide this as a service,” Pompa explained.

That flexibility reflects a growing trend across the AV industry, where managed services continue to become a larger part of system integration. For integrators, centralized management platforms create opportunities to provide ongoing remote support long after installation is complete. For end users, they simplify operations while reducing dependence on onsite service calls.

Beyond Sony’s displays, unified management platforms can also provide visibility into devices from manufacturers such as Shure, Cisco, and Logitech, giving organizations a broader view of their AV infrastructure from a single interface.

Supporting the Entire Display Lifecycle

Sony’s approach reflects a broader evolution taking place across enterprise AV. Success is no longer measured solely by display quality or hardware performance. Increasingly, customers are evaluating how easily technology can be deployed, maintained, updated, and integrated into existing IT workflows.

By offering multiple levels of management, from free zero-touch provisioning to centralized monitoring and ecosystem integrations, Sony is positioning Professional BRAVIA displays as connected enterprise devices rather than standalone screens.

As organizations continue investing in hybrid workplaces, digital signage, and collaboration spaces, efficient lifecycle management is becoming a competitive advantage. The ability to deploy displays faster, monitor them proactively, and manage them remotely helps reduce operational costs while improving reliability across the entire AV environment.

InfoComm 2026 made one thing clear: the future of professional displays isn’t just about what’s on the screen, it’s about how intelligently those displays can be managed throughout their lifecycle.

July 22, 2026
Anthony James Partners Supports Technology Modernization at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center

Anthony James Partners (AJP), a technology consulting firm specializing in sports and entertainment venue systems, is providing design, procurement, and construction administration services to support a comprehensive technology modernization at Ohio State University’s Jerome Schottenstein Center. The project includes upgrades to the arena’s video display systems and a recently completed audio system renovation designed to enhance fan engagement and support the venue’s diverse event schedule.

“We’ve seen how electric the atmosphere at the Schottenstein Center can be,” Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Director of Athletics, said. “The last two men’s basketball games last year, the Michigan series for men’s hockey and the NCAA Tournament games for women basketball were prime examples a great environment for the fans and the athletes and we want to continue to build on those experiences. The enhancements to the video boards will deliver sharper visuals, allow for more dynamic content, and provide greater connectivity to the action. We want the fans to feel immersed in every moment, from the time they walk in the door until end of the game.”

LED DISPLAY SYSTEM UPGRADES

The project includes a new center-hung display system featuring four high-resolution 3.7mm LED display faces configured in a continuous convex design, integrated underbelly displays, four corner displays, a continuous 360-degree ribbon display, and 43 upper and lower vomitory displays located throughout the arena. Together, the upgrades provide more than 7,200 square feet of LED display technology and nearly 64 million pixels throughout the venue.

Anthony James Partners (AJP), working alongside Osborn Engineering, was selected by Ohio State in 2025 to lead the planning, design, procurement, and implementation oversight for the project. Daktronics was later selected as the LED display manufacturer and installation vendor.

The new center-hung replaces a display installed in 2006 that featured four 16-foot by 9-foot video displays. The new design increases the primary display area from approximately 576 square feet to more than 1,900 square feet (a 234% increase) while delivering more than 2.5 times the pixel density through 3.7mm LED technology.

Integrated into the center-hung are two high-resolution underbelly displays that provide enhanced viewing opportunities for guests seated directly beneath the structure. Four corner displays measuring nearly 38 feet wide by 12 feet tall further expand visibility throughout the seating bowl.

A continuous ribbon display extends approximately 951 linear feet around the arena, complemented by 43 upper and lower vomitory displays that enhance communications, event presentation, and sponsorship opportunities throughout the venue.

“We’ve had the opportunity to work with Ohio State on technology initiatives for many years, and we’re grateful for the trust they continue to place in our team,” said Dave Watroba, Managing Director at Anthony James Partners. “The most successful projects begin long before equipment is purchased. Understanding the client’s objectives and developing the right strategy at the outset is often what determines a project’s success. The Schottenstein Center modernization is a great example of that process in action.”

Installation of the LED Displays is scheduled to be completed by September 2026 ahead of the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons.

July 21, 2026
Samsung Technology Powers the Health Security Operations Center Monitoring for Infectious Disease Risks During 2026 World Soccer Games

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., today announced its participation in a coalition to protect public health during the 2026 World Soccer Games. As part of this effort, Samsung has provided the pioneering Health Security Operations Center (HSOC) with display and mobile technology solutions, and AT&T has delivered the secure connectivity, wireless mobility, and networking infrastructure that helps power the HSOC ecosystem. Together, these solutions enable the movement of critical data and support near real-time collaboration among participating organizations.

Samsung has equipped the HSOC with technologies from across its ecosystem, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, wearables, smart signage, interactive displays, audio solutions and monitors, while AT&T provides the secure wireless and networking foundation that helps keep those devices and systems connected. This technology helps researchers and teams visualize data, stay organized, collaborate in real time, and support rapid responses.

“Public health teams need technology that provides them with visibility into what’s happening, and allows them to share information quickly and coordinate with confidence,” said Todd Maxwell, Director of Regulated Business Development, B2B at Samsung Electronics America. “Samsung’s contribution to the Health Security Operations Center reflects how connected devices, displays and the Knox security platform can support faster situational awareness and help experts act on complex information in high-stakes environments.”

“In environments where timely information can drive critical decisions, organizations depend on secure, resilient connectivity to keep people, devices and data connected,” said Nazanin Hoglund, Assistant Vice President of Mobility Devices and Converged Products, AT&T Business. “AT&T is proud to support the Health Security Operations Center with wireless connectivity and secure networking services that help researchers, healthcare organizations and public health experts collaborate, share information and respond more effectively in virtually real time.”

Equipping Health Security Teams with Connected Tools for Real-Time Collaboration

The HSOC brings together data from wastewater monitoring, hospitalizations, real-time health reports, environmental monitoring, open-source intelligence and international health alerts. Based on Samsung’s proven track record of providing mobile technology that bridges situational awareness gaps in the public safety sector, combined with AT&T connectivity, is helping to support the operational environment that teams rely on to assess information and coordinate action.

The HSOC features a connected technology ecosystem that empowers HSOC analysts to monitor, analyze, report and coordinate throughout the 2026 World Soccer Games. Large-format displays and monitors allow teams to view dashboards, situational updates and emerging public health trends across the operations center, while Samsung smartphones, tablets, PCs, and wearables enable staff to stay connected and productive as they develop reports and support public health partners. HARMAN, a Samsung subsidiary, also provided audio solutions, including JBL speakers and headphones, to support audio needs and clear voice communication for collaboration across teams.

Building on years of experience supporting control rooms and command centers, Samsung display technology empowers organizations to seamlessly collect data, collaborate and view information using crisp, high-detail visuals. From QMC Smart Signage and Interactive Displays to commercial monitors, Samsung displays provide response teams with the 24/7 enhanced performance needed to streamline operations and maintain situational awareness. It is why organizations across industries – from government to healthcare – rely on Samsung end-to-end solutions to support mission-critical operations around the clock.

“The Health Security Operations Center depends on timely information, multidisciplinary coordination and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights,” said HSOC director Rebecca Katz, PhD, MPH, a professor at Georgetown University. “Technology, like that provided by Samsung, helps create the connected environment our teams need to execute our work.”

“Having built and scaled telehealth operations, I have seen firsthand how technology can drive agility, innovation, and collaboration,” said Ethan Booker, MD, FACEP, vice president of care innovation at the MedStar Institute for Innovation and chief medical officer for telehealth at MedStar Health. “The Health Security Operations Center shows how a technology-forward initiative can help those gathering do so safely and securely.”

Supporting Secure, Data-Driven Health Operations

Samsung Knox, Samsung’s government-grade mobile security platform, supports a secure technology environment for participating teams working across connected devices. As the HSOC analyzes multiple sources of health-related information and distributes daily situation reports to over 350 public health-related organizations and 1,000 individuals, Knox helps organizations manage devices, protect sensitive workflows, and maintain confidence in the technology supporting mission-critical public health operations.

Bridging Science, Public Policy and Innovation

The HSOC brings together more than 40 organizations spanning academia, public health, technology, and communications. This includes Samsung’s partner, Verily Health, which is testing wastewater samples for pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, norovirus, and measles, and aggregating wastewater data from additional sources using its trusted research environment, Verily Workbench.

“The future of public health readiness depends on the ability to bring people, data and technology together in practical ways,” said Stephen Gillett, CEO of Verily Health. “By supporting Georgetown, MedStar Health, and the broader HSOC coalition, Samsung is helping provide the connected tools teams need to turn information and insight into coordinated action.”

This expands on Samsung’s existing collaboration with Verily Health. Earlier this year, the two companies announced that they would bring together Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 with Verily Health’s precision health platform, Pre, to provide an integrated solution. This joint offering aims to accelerate research for life sciences and government customers by combining advanced health analytics with consumer-grade wearable data.

July 17, 2026
CSX Transportation Illuminates Jacksonville Skyline with Nanolumens Performance Series Displays

CSX Transportation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the nation’s largest freight railroads, operating over 20,000 miles of track across 23 states, the District of Columbia, and two Canadian provinces. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the national transportation provider is based in a 251-foot high-rise in the city’s Northbank district, overlooking the St. Johns River. Built in 1960, the CSX Transportation Building has become a central fixture of the Jacksonville skyline.

CSX recently unveiled a custom LED sign atop its headquarters, featuring the company’s modern logo alongside a locomotive image. Phase Integration, a national commercial technology solutions provider, was selected to design, manage and integrate the project. Since 2016, Phase Integration has delivered a holistic approach to office technology for businesses across Jacksonville.

Building on prior success with Nanolumens, Phase Integration turned to the LED manufacturer for this highly visible installation. The two companies had previously collaborated on complex projects, including Brightline Station in Miami, and Phase Integration trusted Nanolumens to provide the engineering expertise, design flexibility and reliability required for a one-of-a-kind rooftop display.

“One of the main reasons we chose Nanolumens was due to the complexity of the project,” said Casey Morris, senior director of operations for Phase Integration. “The engineering support and resources we knew we’d receive from them were a huge factor for us. The project at CSX Transportation Building was truly one of a kind, and Nanolumens is the go-to for anything custom when it comes to LED solutions.”

Phase Integration previously partnered with Nanolumens on the Brightline Station in Miami, where custom LED displays were engineered for a three-story column set at a 15-degree pitch. The installation at the CSX Transportation Building, however, was even more complex. “Unlike Brightline Station, which was mostly straight lines, this installation includes four distinct rooftop signs that define the Jacksonville skyline,” explained Morris. “There’s not another building in town that has anything like it.”

From concept to completion, Nanolumens collaborated closely with Phase Integration to bring CSX’s vision to life. “When a customer says, ‘We want our logo on top of our building next to a train – can it be done?’ our answer is always ‘Yes,’” said Morris. “Nanolumens collaborated closely with us on renderings, logo files and digital simulations, which enabled our clients to see their vision in advance. If we compare the renderings to the final installation today, they’re almost identical.”

Reliability was another critical factor. Morris explained, “Nanolumens is an industry leader when it comes to warranties. Their six-year warranty for indoor displays and three-year warranty for outdoor displays gives us confidence the technology will perform, not just at installation but throughout its lifecycle.”

The new signs also offer flexibility for special events and community engagement. Most days, the displays highlight CSX’s core branding, but they can be adapted for occasions like Jaguars games, when teal colors and a jaguar graphic take over, or 4th of July, when the American flag is prominently featured. “The new signs are more than branding. They provide CSX with a flexible canvas for community engagement,” said Morris.

Morris added, “The client is absolutely thrilled with the finished product – over the moon, in fact.”

Nanolumens’ Performance Series played a pivotal role in bringing CSX and Phase Integration’s ambitious vision to life, delivering a final product that is visually striking and resilient. Designed for demanding outdoor environments, the Performance Series offers seamless integration into existing architecture with versatile format options and the choice between cabinet or frame-and-skin designs.

Each cabinet is fully IP67-rated, ensuring reliable protection against dust, water and harsh weather conditions. Built with premium components, the displays are engineered for durability and come backed by an industry-leading three-year extendable warranty. With the Performance Series, CSX Transportation gained a high-performance solution capable of withstanding the elements while showcasing its brand in a dynamic, modern way.

July 16, 2026
Hockey Hall of Fame selects Christie projection technology to help tell the story of Canada’s game

Christie® is pleased to share that its projectors are helping tell the story of Canada’s national game at Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame. Specified by Audio Video Design and installed by Christie partner Applied Electronics, the projectors light up the screens in the Tim Horton’s Theatre and the TSN Theatre. They augment a previous installation of GS Series projectors in the National Bank World of Hockey Zone.

Established in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame honors and memorializes individuals who have brought special distinction to the game and collects and exhibits historic materials related to ice hockey.

With the existing projectors in the TSN Theatre and Tim Horton’s Theatre nearing end-of-life, Rodney Joffe, owner, Audio Visual Design, worked closely with Christie to demonstrate how its projectors could be a fit for the Hall. “The demonstration at the Hockey Hall of Fame was impressive,” says Joffe. “On top of the presentation, Christie’s history of quality, service, and sales follow-up made these projectors a great fit for the Hall.”

An M 4K15 RGB pure laser projector was selected for the 125-seat TSN Theatre, which screens the family-friendly hockey adventure “Little Big Shot.” Part of the award-winning M 4K RGB Series, the compact, highly energy-efficient M 4K15 RGB offers 15,750 lumens, premium color reproduction and 4K UHD resolution for vibrant, true-to-life visuals.

In the Tim Horton’s Theatre, a 4K860-iS Inspire Series 8,500-lumen 4K UHD laser projector lights up the screen in this 120-seat space, which displays archival footage, including Stanley Cup championship highlight reels. Three blended GS Series laser projectors enhance the World of Hockey Zone, the largest dedicated exhibit area within the Hall, with over 20,000 lumens of brightness.

Joffe worked closely with Christie to optimize projector placement and settings to ensure seamless integration with the entire AV system. “The support from the Christie team was instrumental in the successful completion of this project,” says Joffe.

“We value the opportunity to collaborate with Christie and Audio Visual Design on a project of this significance,” says Mike Dalton, Vice President of the Audio Visual Systems Division at Applied Electronics. “Together, we’ve delivered a reliable, high-quality projection solution that not only supports the Hall’s mission to engage, educate, and inspire visitors through powerful visual storytelling, but also enhances how visitors engage with the history and excitement of the game.”

“We’re thrilled that our projectors were selected for this project,” says Joe Mercier, senior sales manager, Christie. “We trust that the new projectors will enhance the guest experience at the Hall and help tell the story of ice hockey in Canada and around the world.”

July 16, 2026
Philips Unite LED brings new energy and seamless collaboration capabilities to government offices with a 135” All In One display solution

PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, is excited to announce that its advanced Philips Unite LED 6000 Series All In One solution has been selected to deliver ‘transformational’ meeting room capabilities and experiences at the upgraded Leer Municipal government offices in Germany.

Leer Municipal – based in the Rathaus – serves as the central administrative hub for the town of Leer, a short drive from the Dutch border in the historic region of East Frisia. It serves as the seat of local government where the mayor and administration oversee key decisions, manage local services, and handle civic matters for the community.

As part of its ongoing focus on improving operational performance and workplace efficiency, the Leer Municipal team set out to modernise its central meeting room with a new visual solution that leverages the latest innovations in display technology and collaboration functionalities. Working with local integrator, LS IT & Media, the requirements were clear: to take presentations, council work, and hybrid meetings to the next level.

Future ready

Concluding extensive fact finding and site visits, the 135” Philips Unite LED 6000 Series All In One display from PPDS was immediately identified as the standout choice to achieve the team’s high expectations and ambitions.

Built for reliability, the Philips Unite LED 6000 Series AIO – which is designed for fast and hassle free installation – was selected, in part, due to its outstanding image quality, reliability, and focus on energy efficiency and business sustainability.

With full HD resolution, 900 cd/m² brightness, and a fine 1.5mm pixel pitch, the display delivers outstanding image quality even in bright environments, with even the smallest details – such as numbers on a spreadsheet – presented with crystal clear quality.

Seamless flexibility, usability, and sustainability

The rich colour depth, wide viewing angles, and durable design offered by the Philips Unite 6000 Series All In One make it particularly well suited for municipal meeting spaces with demanding visual requirements.

The integrated media player, broad connectivity options – including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and audio – and the included wall mounting system ensure flexible use and smooth integration into existing setups.

Supporting the Leer Municipal team’s focus on sustainability, the 135” Philips Unite LED 6000 Series AIO has been created with business sustainability in mind, consuming less energy versus comparable models, including just 0.5 watts in ‘ultra low’ standby mode. This feature not only helps in lowering operational costs but also supports sustainability goals by reducing environmental impact and total cost of ownership.

PPDS Partner, LS IT & Media, oversaw the entire process, from planning and component selection through to installation and commissioning, ensuring seamless alignment with the full meeting room solution.

Advanced audio and video conferencing

Providing an unmissable and highly versatile centrepiece, the overall solution also incorporates a professional AVer PTZ camera for hybrid collaboration, two Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling Medium ceiling microphones for comprehensive room audio coverage, a high performance conferencing PC, and Dante audio technology for lossless signal transmission. Together, these elements create a meeting environment that combines exceptional visual performance with advanced audio and video conferencing capabilities.

The installation has added significant value for the city of Leer, including enhanced visibility for all participants, seamless hybrid meeting support, clear voice capture without the need for table microphones, and expanded functionality such as recording and AI powered transcription via tools like tucan.ai.

The modular and scalable AV infrastructure also ensures the system is well prepared for future needs.

Eckhard Groen, a member of the management team at LS IT & Media, commented: “With the Philips 135” Unite LED wall as the visual centrepiece, a modern, high performance meeting room was created that sets new standards for the Leer Municipal committee work.

“The high quality image quality of the Philips Unite LED All In One, combined with professional audio and video technology, enables efficient, transparent, and contemporary council work.”

July 15, 2026
Christie earns best-in-class supplier recognition from Lockheed Martin

Christie has been recognized as a 2025 Best-in-Class supplier by Lockheed Martin for its strong performance, innovation, and support of mission-critical programs. The recognition highlights Christie’s role in providing MicroTiles® LED technology for the AMAZE visual display system, an immersive 360-degree training environment designed for F-35 pilot simulation. Built in Canada, the solution delivers high-quality visuals while reducing system complexity compared to traditional projector-based setups.

The award reflects Christie’s continued commitment to developing advanced visual technologies for demanding simulation and training applications. By working closely with Lockheed Martin, Christie is helping create more efficient, reliable, and immersive training environments that support the evolving needs of defense and aerospace customers around the world.

Christie® has been named a 2025 Best-in-Class supplier by Lockheed Martin, recognizing the company’s strong performance, innovation, and role in supporting complex, mission-critical programs.

Christie supplies MicroTiles® LED technology for Lockheed Martin’s AMAZE (Amorphic Appearance Zero-Projector Environment) visual display system. Designed, manufactured and assembled in our world-class centre of excellence facility in Kitchener, Canada, the MicroTiles LED displays form a key component of the AMAZE solution, which powers a full immersive,360-degree training environment for F-35 pilots. By leveraging Christie’s advanced LED technology, the AMAZE system delivers superior visual performance while reducing system complexity and minimizing overall footprint compared to conventional projector-based training environments.

“We’re proud to be recognized by Lockheed Martin as a best-in-class supplier,” says Michael Phipps, president and chief executive officer, Christie. “This recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of our engineering and operations teams in delivering a high-performance visual display solution that advances simulation and training capabilities. We deeply value our collaboration with Lockheed Martin and remain committed to driving future innovation and success together.”

In a letter announcing the recognition, Abby Lilly, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lockheed Martin, highlighted Christie’s contributions, noting the company’s “exceptional operational performance and mission-critical contributions,” as well as its commitment to reliability, innovation, and precision.

“Your organization’s reliability, innovation, and precision are essential to our mission,” said Lilly.

This recognition underscores Christie’s role as a trusted partner in delivering advanced visual technologies that support complex training environments and evolving customer needs worldwide.

July 14, 2026
Digital Signage Federation Launches Inaugural Pixel Awards to Honor Excellence and Innovation in Digital Signage
The Digital Signage Federation (DSF) has launched the inaugural Pixel Awards, a new annual awards program recognizing outstanding projects, individuals, and innovations across the digital signage industry. With the theme “Where Innovation, Creativity, and Impact Take the Stage,” the awards celebrate excellence in design, technology, integration, audience engagement, and large-scale deployments. Winners will be announced on September 17, 2026, during the DSF Mix and Mingle event at Filoli Gardens in California.

The Pixel Awards are designed to highlight the business impact of digital signage while recognizing the teams and leaders driving the industry forward. An independent panel of industry experts will evaluate project submissions based on creativity, technical execution, innovation, and measurable results. The program offers AV integrators, technology providers, and end users an opportunity to showcase successful deployments and gain industry recognition.

The Digital Signage Federation (DSF), the independent, non-profit trade association serving the digital signage, interactive technology, and digital out-of-home industries, today announced the launch of the Pixel Awards, a new annual program celebrating the projects, people, and innovations shaping the future of the industry. The inaugural awards carry the theme “Where Innovation, Creativity, and Impact Take the Stage,” and will be presented September 17, 2026, during the DSF Mix and Mingle at Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California.

Created to spotlight excellence across the entire digital signage ecosystem, the Pixel Awards go beyond technology alone to recognize the strategy, creativity, and collaboration that make deployments successful. The program aims to elevate the strategic value of digital signage by highlighting real business outcomes, showcasing innovation that pushes the industry forward, and celebrating the people behind the work from emerging leaders to seasoned contributors.

“Digital signage has become a driving force in how organizations transform customer experiences, achieve business outcomes, and connect physical and digital environments,” said Frank Pisano, Chairman of the Digital Signage Federation. “The Pixel Awards create a shared moment of recognition for our community; a stage where the industry’s best work, and the people behind it, get the acknowledgment they deserve.”

Award Categories

The inaugural Pixel Awards feature five project-oriented categories and one individual honor:
- Showstopper — Best Overall Digital Experience: Exceptional impact through the seamless combination of strategy, technology, design, and audience engagement.
- Pixel Perfect — Best Visual Design & Creative Execution: Outstanding visual design and creative storytelling that elevates the digital signage experience.
- Behind the Screens — Best Technical Innovation / Integration: Technical innovation or integration that pushes the boundaries of what digital signage can achieve.
- Engagement Engine — Best Audience Engagement / Measurable Impact: An initiative that drives meaningful audience engagement and delivers measurable results.
- Rollout Rockstar — Large-Scale Deployment / Execution Excellence: Excellence in the planning, coordination, and execution of a large-scale digital signage deployment.
- Industry Illuminator — Individual Excellence / Industry Impact: An individual whose leadership, innovation, and influence are lighting the way forward. Nominees for this community-driven honor are voted on directly by the full DSF membership.
Judging and Recognition

Project submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of respected industry leaders, including Paul Fleuranges, Wayne Rasor, Dominic Desieno, Len Dudis, and Kim Sarubbi. Entrants are asked to tell the story of their work through a project description, the key challenge and innovation involved, and quantified results, supported by high-quality images and a short video. Elaborate production is not required — an authentic explanation from the team is encouraged.

How to Enter

Submissions are made through the DSF Judgify platform. The submission portal opened June 1, 2026, and entries close July 31, 2026. Finalists will be announced in August, with winners revealed at the September 17 ceremony. The cost per submission is $275 for DSF members and $400 for non-members. End users may apply for DSF membership at no cost, and all others may apply for pro-rated memberships for the remainder of 2026.

The awards ceremony is open to the public, though seating will be limited. Finalists will receive reserved tickets, and the Mix and Mingle networking event will be open to all attendees. Complete submission guidelines, judging criteria, and entry details are available at digitalsignagefederation.org/page/pixelawards.
July 9, 2026