AVNation TV

Tag: COVID

  • AV Needs Their Own Chips

    AV Needs Their Own Chips

    Chips make the AV world go round. We learned that hard lesson during the pandemic. The idea that we were all waiting on companies to get back online to finish jobs put a spotlight on bottlenecks. Once they were back in production, AV was at the back of that line. Simply put, a chip that is sold to Ford for $1000 USD was more attractive than one sold to an AV over IP company for $50. It was economics.

    Doesn’t make it stink any less. Then comes the news that Qualcomm is in the mood to buy Intel. That doesn’t make it a done deal. There will be anti-trust hurdles to overcome. But it should put a slight worry in AV companies who get their chips from Intel.

    Qualcomm Gobbles Up Intel

    The Wall Street Journal said chip giant Qualcomm has reportedly made a takeover approach to rival Intel, according to sources familiar with the matter. This potential deal, which would be one of the largest and most consequential in recent years, comes as Intel grapples with a significant crisis, having seen its market value plummet by about 60% this year alone. The merger would combine Qualcomm’s dominance in mobile phone chips with Intel’s stronghold in PC and server processors, potentially creating a powerhouse in the increasingly vital AI chip market.

    However, the road to a successful merger is filled with challenges. Antitrust scrutiny is all but certain for a deal of this magnitude, though it could potentially be viewed as an opportunity to bolster the U.S.’s competitive edge in the global chip market. Intel, once the world’s most valuable chip company, has been struggling under a years-long turnaround effort led by CEO Pat Gelsinger. The company recently announced plans for massive layoffs, dividend suspensions, and a strategic reorganization of its chip-manufacturing and design operations. As the tech world watches with bated breath, this potential merger could signal a seismic shift in the semiconductor landscape, with far-reaching implications for everything from smartphones to artificial intelligence.

    Make More Chips

    All of this is bad news for those of us in the AV industry. Intel is a major supplier of chips for your favorite products. Everything from UC systems to AV over IP products have Intel chips in them.

    If Qualcomm gets the buyout they will look to cut unprofitable, or minimally profitable, deals. If Intel remains independent, they will still look to cut costs. Either way, it looks like AV manufacturers need to take some ownership of the chips that make all our wonderful things.

    That means developing their own chips. This is not some far-out idea. Both HDBaseT and SDVoE develop their own. Almost thirty years ago Extron ran into this exact issue. So, they developed their own for a popular video process at the time.

    Crafting Solutions

    Yes, it takes both time and resources. But it will keep our products moving and insulate the industry, and your projects, from the whims of a third-party who doesn’t really have a stake in the game. Maybe we could create a consortium of like-minded manufacturers who need chips to make the AV things AV. They could work together, build a factory, and then all be partners in the venture. However they choose to solve it, this chip issue is up again. And we need to figure something out.

  • InfoComm 2022: Covid Brings HD-Based Products to InfoComm

    InfoComm 2022: Covid Brings HD-Based Products to InfoComm

    [bc_video video_id=”6307538559112″ account_id=”6090301008001″ player_id=”gC3LGGyv8″ embed=”in-page” padding_top=”56%” autoplay=”” min_width=”0px” playsinline=”” picture_in_picture=”” max_width=”640px” mute=”” width=”100%” height=”100%” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ sizing=”responsive” ]

    In Las Vegas, AVNation’s Bradford Benn is back in the InfoComm 2022 studio with Norm Carson of Covid, Inc. Covid has been in business for over 40 years. Originally, the owner wanted to name it Vidco, short for Video Company. Since that name was too common, they switched the words around to come up with the current name, Covid.

    Covid employs experts in creating audio-visual plates and panels. Their most popular innovation is their expanded line of HD-based products—they fit great into classrooms, huddle rooms, and more. 

    Most of what they offer are point-to-point products. They also have a full line of cables—anything you could need to get a signal from a source to a display.

    For more information on Covid’s business or products, visit their website here. You can also find them on social media, @covid-inc.

    More coverage of InfoComm 2022 is available now. Learn more about our conversations with the additional companies and integrators on the show floor here.

  • AVIXA updates comprehensive health and safety plan for InfoComm 2021

    AVIXA updates comprehensive health and safety plan for InfoComm 2021

    FAIRFAX, Va. – AVIXA could not be more excited to welcome you back to InfoComm this October in Orlando to get back to business and celebrate the resiliency of our industry. While enthusiasm is building with so many of you contributing to our All In for InfoComm campaign and exhibitors already preparing for their time on the show floor, we are also regularly monitoring the spread of the COVID 19 Delta variant and want to assure you that we are putting into place a comprehensive plan that prioritizes health and safety for all that attend.

    We recently shared that regardless of vaccination status, masks would be required for all, as well as six-foot social distancing is recommended across the Orange County Convention Center and InfoComm events. Over the past several weeks we have also worked to finalize the additional protocols that will maximize the health and safety of all in attendance through guidance from both local and national health authorities including Orlando Health, the Florida Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    InfoComm has updated its health and safety protocols to require that all who attend the show must provide one of the following: (i) proof of a negative COVID 19 test result OR (ii) proof of full vaccination.

    We will continue to monitor guidelines and will follow applicable federal, state, and local laws, adapting our protocols accordingly. We will share updates and details on implementation and other safety measures under consideration. Visit www.infocommshow.org/health-safety for updates.

    Multiple indicators show a strong eagerness among the InfoComm show community to return in person, including a high percentage of those who are or intend to be vaccinated, as well as steady attendee registration. We acknowledge some important parts of our community will not be able to participate with us this year, and we, like many of you, are disappointed because we miss being with them and want to reconnect in person. But please know that for those attendees or exhibitors that have decided 2021 isn’t their year, we respect and appreciate all of you.

    We are also excited to announce our virtual program which will live stream October 27-29 from the InfoComm 2021 in-person event, which will feature the InfoComm Morning Show, sessions from the Technology Innovation Stage and a daily Wrap-Up Show. All to be announced soon.

    InfoComm is our opportunity for the industry to reengage and we are ready to provide the largest, most-exciting event in North America focused on the pro AV industry to see the latest technology, learn new skills, and grow your network, while safeguarding those in attendance with practical health and safety protocols.

    We genuinely appreciate the support and participation of the InfoComm community and look forward to seeing you in Orlando.

  • Snap One Pulls Out of CEDIA Due to Health & Safety Concerns Amidst COVID-19 Delta Variant

    Snap One Pulls Out of CEDIA Due to Health & Safety Concerns Amidst COVID-19 Delta Variant

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Snap One, an industry-leading source of A/V surveillance, control, networking, and remote management products for pros, has made the difficult decision not to attend CEDIA Expo 2021. Today the company issued the following statement:

    Like many in the industry, Snap One has been eager to attend the upcoming CEDIA Expo to connect with our business and industry Partners and show our latest product offerings.

    However, recent news about the COVID Delta variant and an increase in cases has caused us to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of attending a large, in-person event at this time. Because of this, we will no longer be attending the CEDIA Expo this year. Snap One will not have a booth presence, training, party, keynote, or employees present at the show.

    This was a difficult decision, and we understand it will be disappointing for many, including us. Our highest priority is keeping our employees, partners, and families safe, and helping to minimize any factors that may negatively impact businesses.

    We don’t know how things will unfold over the next several weeks, but we believe it is important to make this decision now so individuals can plan accordingly. We plan to connect with our Partners and industry representatives in the coming weeks regarding our latest company news and announcements.

  • PSNI Global Alliance Announces New Global Services Certification

    PSNI Global Alliance Announces New Global Services Certification

    TULSA, Okla. – PSNI Global Alliance, the global network of premier technology integrators and service providers is ramping up its worldwide mission for AV services excellence with the introduction of its Global Services Certification.

    In response to a recent worldwide survey of its Certified Solution Providers (CSPs) and following the success of its Global Deployment Certification, The Alliance is excited to introduce this new certification – responding to the need for streamlined, standardized and common support mechanisms on a global scale.

    This certification establishes a baseline of excellent AV support and key principles for service collaboration between PSNI’s Certified Solution Providers. Service Certification is intended for roles and positions within an organization which have responsibility for managing, offering or delivering post-sales support services.

    Chris Miller, executive director at PSNI, spoke of the benefits that this latest certification will bring: “We want our CSPs, partners and end-users to know that they are receiving the highest standard of service, wherever they are in the world.”

    He adds: “This certification is the natural evolution of our growing network. Services is the future for any business – it keeps customers coming through the door and provides integrators an opportunity to delight their customers and give them an incredible and consistent experience. Our global clients demand a consistently high level of expertise, and The Alliance seeks to standardize its approach across the network to ensure these standards are delivered.”

    Service Certified CSPs will follow common methods of communication, provide timely responses to request for support and represent themselves, source CSPs and PSNI to the very best standards.

    With a comprehensive Service Handbook to detail the basics of excellent AV service and guidelines for service collaboration, The Alliance seeks to build trust and confidence in the network and for end-users around the globe.

    Miller concludes: “As the world’s businesses reload after COVID, we are helping to ensure that our CSPs and partners, and their customers, receive the highest levels of support in the industry. This latest certification brings is one more way we can bring peace of mind that those standards are met.”

    To date, PSNI Global Alliance represents 200 licensed service and integration offices around the globe, tipping the scales in 50 countries spanning across 6 continents making it the largest global network of audiovisual integrators covering the largest geographical area in the world.

    To learn more about PSNI Global Alliance or membership to the network please visit www.psni.org.

  • PPDS brings new COVID compliant cycle store to life with tailored Philips interactive, digital signage and videowalls

    PPDS brings new COVID compliant cycle store to life with tailored Philips interactive, digital signage and videowalls

    ATLANTA – As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the retail industry with innovative problem solving and experience-enhancing solutions, PPDS is excited to announce its suite of Philips professional displays has been selected and installed inside one of Germany’s newest and most technologically-advanced cycle stores, transforming a once empty and lifeless ground floor space into a now thriving, COVID-compliant, interactive haven in just three weeks.

    Founded in 2013, Concept-Cycles Hamburg is the largest concept store in northern Germany, offering full bike servicing, fitting, repairs and buying advice. Its 300 square meter showroom houses an extensive range of professional level road bikes, mountain bikes and power assisted E bikes (ranging from $2,400 to $16,500 in value), as well as accessories from some of the industry’s premium brands.

    Following a recent fire, which has partially reduced capacity for the foreseeable future, Concept-Cycles decided to open a new ‘state of the art’, pop up showroom nearby, dedicated exclusively to showcasing the latest bikes and accessories from bike brand ‘Specialized’ – a Premium Partner. In order to meet current and future customers – including safeguarding – Concept-Cycles wanted the new ‘Specialized Concept Store’ to become a standout environment, offering a unique and more tailored experience for customers, while complying with strict COVID-19 regulations.

    the pop up showroom features 17 Philips professional displays, ranging from 24 to 75-inch, placed and mounted strategically throughout the store

    Working alongside local retail AV integration specialist, P.O.S. Television GmbH, Concept-Cycles spared no expense in fulfilling its ambition, with PPDS the standout choice in bringing the dusty 100 meter-long ground floor of a former hotel, built in 1910, to life.

    Remarkably completed and opened in just over three weeks, the pop up showroom features 17 Philips professional displays, ranging from 24 to 75-inch, placed and mounted strategically throughout the store (including from the ceiling), ensuring maximum exposure and impact.

    This includes high-brightness digital signage displays (Philips H-Line) placed in the shop front to captivate customer attention from outside the store, with the screens built for 24/7 use and capable of displaying content in any light condition.

    Inside the store, a vibrant, 9-screen videowall (Philips X-Line, 49-inch) was installed to bring an immediate ‘wow factor’ to entering customers, with the store displaying inspiring and informative content in up to 4K, which can be managed and controlled entirely remotely. With PPDS’ FailOver, the Philips displays will always remain active, with content able to be backed-up and available in case of a primary source outage.

    For customers wishing to do their own research in store, a digital touchscreen kiosk (Philips T-Line, 24-inch) was also installed to offer more tailored product information based on their own needs.

    PeopleCount

    To comply with Covid-19 regulations and to reduce potential concerns of returning customers, the store was also fitted with PeopleCount — PPDS’ exclusive digital customer entrance management solution, which automatically monitors and manages capacity, by using intelligent camera technology and a traffic light system on a display (Philips D-Line, 43-inch) to alert customers and staff when it is safe to enter.

    • COVID-19 compliant: PPDS’ PeopleCount solution facilitates easy customer entrance management, automatically controlled via the Philips D-Line display, reducing the need for door staff.
    • High-brightness street signage: High-brightness street-facing digital displays command attention in any lighting condition to boost store visibility and attract customers.
    • Touch-screen kiosk: Tailored customer service is offered by intuitive touch-screen displays that provide product information that is relevant to customer needs.
    • Vibrant videowall: Lifestyle content is beautifully displayed on a large scale videowall to create a memorable experience that perfectly displays product advantages.
    • Digital signage: Information about financing, workshops, leasing events and more can be easily displayed across the various Philips signage displays.

    This complete suite of solutions from PPDS has already resulted in outstanding sales results, with the store fulfilling Concept’s ambitions on becoming the world’s first cycling store to combine state of the art equipment with a personal experience tailored for each customer.

    Henrik Schmidt, CEO, Specialized Hamburg, said: “We had extremely little time and had to get everything up and running in just three weeks. We are delighted with P.O.S Television and PPDS—two high-performance partners who are fully involved.”

     Konstantin Flabouriaris, PPDS, added: “We understand the pressures being faced by the retail industry, both pre- and post- COVID and our strategy has and will always be to provide value led, problem solving solutions in order for them to stand out from the crowd and be the very best they can be.”

     He continued: “We’re delighted to have supported Concept Cycles Hamburg in creating this incredible new store – all in the space of just a few weeks, which shows the flexibility of our business and our inherent desire and commitment to supporting our partners immediately, rather than in a few weeks or even months. From an unusual empty space, our solutions have brought Specialized Concept Store to life in ways that once seemed unimaginable, really grabbing the attention of the public whether they’re passing by or across the street, while bringing perhaps the safest and most tailored, customer-centric experience to any retail store found in Hamburg or beyond. It’s never been more important to stand out from the crowd and, at PPDS, we’re helping retailers do just that.”

    Fast facts

    • Client: Specialized Concept Store
    • Location: Hamburg, Germany
    • Project: New concept
    • Products: Philips 75” H-Line display (2 units), Philips 55” Q-Line display (3 units), Philips 24” T-Line display (1 unit), Philips 49” X-Line display (9 units), Philips 43” D-Line display (2 units), Philips PeopleCount solution

    Partners: P.O.S. Television GmbH

    To learn more about PPDS, please visit the website here, or contact your local PPDS sales manager.

  • Extron NAV Series Delivers AVoIP Throughout Allied Health Veterans Hall at the University of North Carolina Wilmington

    Extron NAV Series Delivers AVoIP Throughout Allied Health Veterans Hall at the University of North Carolina Wilmington

    ANAHEIM, Calif. – The new 145,000 square-foot Allied Health Veterans Hall at the University of North Carolina Wilmington – UNCW features a variety of AV systems that are carefully tailored for each unique space. The building houses UNCW’s first instructional spaces designed from the ground up as active learning classrooms, state-of-the-art health labs, problem-based learning rooms, and a variety of spaces for collaboration. Consultant Affiliated Engineers, Inc. designed the comprehensive installation, and KONTEK Systems, Inc. provided integration. Each room includes its own flexible DTP presentation system, with a variety of additional Extron audio and control products. For centralized management and lesson capture, the AV systems are tied into the Distance Education – DE control room over an Extron NAV Pro AV over IP enterprise network system.

    UNCW chose the NAV design to tether the rooms together for many reasons. Testing proved that NAV was stable, robust, and delivered a visually lossless signal. The system was easy for the support staff to administer from the DE control room, and all control system programming could be performed in house. Also, NAV provided the capability to control or limit bandwidth, if necessary.

    “Tying the cameras and mics to each room’s local system and the Distance Education control room has proven to be a major benefit in this age of COVID,” says Robb Mann, CTS-I, Manager, Integrated Educational Technologies, ITS at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “We use the NAV AVoIP system to route lessons anywhere, as well as capture each session, which satisfies all of our social distancing needs and has huge positive implications for the future.”

    Extron NAV E 101 1G encoders and NAV SD 101 1G scaling decoders were deployed for each room and system with 10G uplinks to central aggregate switches. The NAV models are compatible with 10G endpoints, eliminating the need for additional devices. Control room operators are able to monitor all ongoing sessions and correct any issues when or even before they arise. Several remote operation capabilities are facilitated over the NAV system including audio mixing and control of the PTZ cameras. UNCW also appreciated NAV is an economical solution, which helped the project stay below budget.

    For more information on the UNCW installation, click here.

  • Just Add Power Supporting Local Non-Profits by Providing Training and Meeting Space

    Just Add Power Supporting Local Non-Profits by Providing Training and Meeting Space

    SEMINOLE, Fla. — With the grand opening of its new Seminole, Florida, headquarters delayed due to COVID-19, Just Add Power, a leader in video-over-IP distribution, announced that the company has been supporting local nonprofit organizations during the pandemic by allowing them to use the facility’s multipurpose room as a training and meeting space.

    Organizations that have utilized Just Add Power’s multipurpose room include the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas and Directions for Living, which has used the space to provide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training. Created by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), CIT is a 40-hour program designed to educate police officers in recognizing when individuals have mental illness, de-escalating crisis situations, and navigating people toward resources and help.

    “Nonprofits have struggled to provide continued training and conduct meetings during COVID because many social service buildings are closed, aren’t admitting outside personnel, or just don’t have rooms large enough to allow for social distancing,” said Ed Qualls, CEO and founder of Just Add Power. “So, while we wish we were able to open up our new headquarters as planned, we’ve been glad to support the social services community during the pandemic.”

    More information is available at www.justaddpower.com.