Exretis Almo logo
Exretis Almo logo

TAA-Compliant Products Available from Exertis Almo

by | Feb 18, 2025 | Business Development, Cameras, Government, Interactive Touch Displays, Networked AV, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Signal Distribution, Uncategorized

If you work with customers in the Federal Government space, you’re probably familiar with the term “TAA-Compliant”. For those curious, “TAA” refers to the Trade Agreements Act, and its statute requires that products purchased through government contracts are:

  • Articles [products] that are wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of the U.S. or a designated country, or
  • Articles [products] that are “substantially transformed” in the U.S. or a designated country into a new and different article of commerce with a name, character, or use distinct from that of the article or articles from which it was transformed.

TAA Compliant logoThe Trade Agreements Act (TAA) was enacted to encourage fair and open international trade, but in practice it has implemented the requirement that the US government may only acquire US- or “designated end country”-made end products.

While this statute can seem quite limiting on first glance, in practice there are plenty of products available to meet your customers’ needs while remaining TAA-compliant. The list of “designated countries” outside of the US is substantial, and includes countries you may not have considered compliant, including Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, and Singapore.

To assist with identifying TAA-compliant products, Exertis Almo has recently added a new field to Almo Access which readily shows whether a product is compliant:

TAA products specifications

So what are some examples of TAA-compliant products available through Exertis Almo? The list might surprise you, and give you ideas of opportunities you may not have considered before: CSA series

AMPLIFIERS

Lumens OIP-N seriesAV OVER IP ENCODERS/DECODERS

C2G 501 seriesCABLES

Sony CAMERAS

Nureva huddlecamCONFERENCING

AMX VariaCONTROL

DISPLAYS

LOUDSPEAKERS

MICROPHONES

Chief display mountsMOUNTS

NETWORK SWITCHES

PROJECTORS

BrightSign TAA media player for digital signageDIGITAL SIGNAGE

VIDEO EXTENSION AND PROCESSING

This is just a sampling of the many products Exertis Almo has available for your projects which require TAA compliance. If you have questions regarding whether or not a certain product is TAA-compliant or have any technical questions, reach out to your Business Development Manager or to any of our Account Managers for assistance!

Want more audio tips? Check out “Enhance Your AV Projects with Pro Audio Solutions“.
John Rossman - headshot-frame

About the Author

John Rossman | CTS

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Harman Professional – AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft

Want a New Year’s Resolution? Put the “Professional” in Pro AV

by | Feb 11, 2025 | Business Development, Cameras, Collaboration, Pro Audio, Professional Development, Uncategorized

Are you eating healthy, exercising and doing all that you can to take care of yourself and your family? Are you doing all you can to further your advancement and make yourself more valuable to the company that you work for? Did you get a professional headshot for your web page and LinkedIn profile?

You do all these things because you’re supposed to be a responsible adult but so many of you still look and sound terrible in every video call. I can’t tell how many times I’ve witnessed an executive level person of an AV related company or organization sound and look terrible during an industry interview or podcast. It’s so bad that it’s unusual when they do it well.

I would argue that you are tarnishing your value as a supplier, client and coworker if you don’t get the basics of sound and video correct on a personal level.

unprofessional audiovisual presentationHere is a list of things that I don’t want to see or hear including my nicknames for each:

  • Only one half of your face because the rest is out of frame. (Abstract Art)
  • Only one side of your face because you’re not looking at the camera. (The Profile)
  • A dark face because you’re poorly lit. (Witness Protection Mode)
  • Way too much space above the top of your head. (Kilroy Was Here)
  • Your chin. (The Uppercut)
  • An empty conference table with you at the far end. (The Bowling Alley)
  • Your laptop microphone. (Speakerphone Mode)
  • Your videobar 25 feet away from you. (1/24 Scale)

Face it. Literally. Your laptop camera and microphone look and sound terrible. Your lighting is non-existent. Why are you using the built-in $2.00 microphone and $10.00 webcam to try and sell someone on the need to invest $100K in their conference room?

Promote the value in a quality audiovisual investment starting at your desk – convey your professionalism one-on-one.

I know this can be a vanity issue for some of us. We don’t think we look good on camera, so we turn the camera on only because it’s expected. Speaking as a lifetime member of the Introvert Club, I get it. But as a fellow coworker and introvert said to me, “Preparedness is the best medicine for nerves, so it all began with a simple thought, ‘If I upgrade my webcam, maybe I’ll feel more confident on camera.’” For him it started with a camera that’s popular with content creators. That lead to research on lighting and then what elements were in view of the camera frame. After that came the audio. He now has the best looking and sounding rig in the entire company. Plus, he and his wife started doing podcasts! He’s not even in the Pro AV division, he’s in IT. I might have the edge on him on the audio side, but he absolutely smokes me on the video side.

Lesson: If your IT person looks and sounds better than you, you seriously need to up your game.

Remind yourself that we are in Professional AV and more importantly, that we are in a relationship business. You wouldn’t visit your client in person knowing that you had bad breath so why are you practicing virtual bad breath with every video call?

Camera, lights, microphone and look up the “Rule of Thirds” for subject framing. It’s a “system” not unlike all the various components we put together for a client’s “system”. While it may be on a smaller scale it should be no less professional than the experience we’re promoting.

While we would love to work with you on your next $100K project, we’re no less interested in helping you look more professional on a personal level. This is the AV industry – we’re all in this together.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out Tom’s “Choose Quality AV” blog for more insights.

Tom Kehr
About the Author

Tom Kehr

CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C, ATD Master Trainer

In-House System Designer and Trainer

Supported Applications: System Design

Maximizing Success in Pro AV: The Power of Delivering Complete Solutions

by | Jan 21, 2025 | Cameras, Collaboration, Pro Audio, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

In today’s fast-paced world, where seamless collaboration and impactful presentations are vital, customers in corporate, government, education, healthcare, and other industries are increasingly seeking turnkey solutions for their audio-visual (AV) needs. As a reseller, installer, or integrator, this presents a tremendous opportunity to maximize your business by offering full and complete AV solutions that address every aspect of the end-user’s requirements. So, I challenge you with every opportunity to consider “What else can we offer?”.

From displays, microphones and cameras to switchers, mounts, and cables—every component plays a critical role in delivering a reliable, high-quality AV experience. At the heart of it all, solutions like Barco ClickShare ensure that meeting spaces, collaboration rooms, and presentation environments operate flawlessly, making it easier for users to connect, collaborate, and present without frustration.

Let’s dive into why offering full AV solutions is crucial, how it benefits your clients, and how integrating ClickShare can elevate any meeting space.

  1. End-to-End Reliability

A fully integrated AV solution ensures all components work seamlessly together. Piecemeal solutions often result in compatibility issues, signal degradation, or inefficient setups. By offering a complete AV package, you give your customers peace of mind that their investment will deliver reliable, high-performing results.

  1. Enhanced User Experience

End-users in collaboration or presentation spaces want technology to “just work.” Well thought out solutions eliminate complexities, enabling simple and intuitive operation.

  1. Increased Business Opportunities

By recommending complete AV systems, you not only increase the value of each project but also position yourself as a trusted advisor capable of delivering the best overall solution. This opens doors for cross-selling additional products that your customers may not have considered initially but are essential for achieving their goals.

  1. Cost and Time Savings

When you provide a turnkey solution, you save the customer valuable time and effort in piecing the system together themselves. Instead of sourcing products from multiple vendors, they get a cohesive package designed for their space and needs.

 What Does a Complete AV Solution Look Like?

  1. Professional Displays, Projectors and Cameras

High-quality professional-grade displays, video walls, or projectors form the visual backbone of the space. Customers require clear, bright visuals, especially in larger rooms or high-traffic areas. Cameras are a must have for virtual meetings and vary in quality and features. *Some considerations – Brightness/ambient light, Room size & audience/participant layout, image/screen size and mounting placements/heights, run time, etc.

Barco Clickshare solutions

  1. Audio

Audio quality is just as critical as visuals! Room microphones and professional-grade speakers ensure every voice is heard clearly, whether in a hybrid meeting or live presentation. *Some considerations – architectural acoustics, room size & audience/participant layout, mounting placements, etc.

  1. Essentials

Proper mounting systems, paired with high-quality cables, contribute to clean installations and uninterrupted performance. Faulty connections can disrupt meetings and presentations. *Some considerations – mounting surface, positioning and height, product weight, aesthetics, distance from content source, cable management, etc.

  1. Switchers and Control Systems

AV switchers, signal extenders, and control systems help manage multiple inputs, displays, and sources seamlessly, ensuring flexibility and functionality. *Some considerations – power requirements, acoustics, video resolution, number of inputs/outputs, control interface, etc.

  1. Services

Here’s another thing to consider! Outsourcing work can be a game changer, or a life saver in many situations. Whether shorthanded or in need of additional expertise, we at Exertis Almo can assist. See our full extend of Services offerings.

  1. Wireless Presentation and Collaboration Tools

Integrating Barco ClickShare ties everything together, offering a seamless wireless collaboration experience. ClickShare enables users to present content or run full Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) scenarios without requiring cables or adapters. Whether connecting a laptop, tablet, or phone, users can instantly share their screens with the click of a button.

Barco ClickShare is the centerpiece that empowers collaboration and brings together all the AV components in a space. Here’s how ClickShare enhances any full solution:

      1. Wireless Simplicity
      2. BYOM Capabilities
      3. Scalability for Every Space
      4. Enhanced User Experience

In today’s interconnected world, every meeting room, collaboration space, or presentation environment demands a complete and integrated AV solution. These can be very simple or quite complex. By asking all the right questions and offering all of the best solutions accordingly—you provide customers with a reliable, user-friendly experience that meets their goals and budgets. For resellers and integrators, this approach not only drives sales but also solidifies your role as a trusted partner in delivering cutting-edge AV solutions.

So, as you approach your next opportunity, think beyond individual products and focus on delivering complete solutions that empower collaboration, communication, and success.

Partner with Exertis Almo and Barco ClickShare to create exceptional AV experiences.

Want to know more? Check out “Did You Say BYOM?“

Nathan Dwelly BDM
About the Author

Nathan Dwelly

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Barco ClickShare

JBL Ceiling Speakers Demystified

by | Jan 14, 2025 | Pro Audio, Sound Engineering, Uncategorized

Ceiling speakers are an integral part of most commercial AV projects, and whether your project is a corporate boardroom, a classroom, a multi-purpose room, or even a large warehouse, selecting the correct speaker type to fit your application and budget is of critical importance. Fortunately, in today’s market there are plenty of excellent choices, and one of the most recognizable and respected brands, JBL, offers a wide range of ceiling-mounted loudspeakers to fit your needs.

But with nearly 30 different ceiling-mounted speaker models to choose from, selecting the right JBL ceiling speaker for your application can be a daunting task. That’s where this guide comes in – by asking your customer (and yourself) a few simple questions, you will be able to narrow down your options and make the right choice for your project.

Cracking the Code

Let’s start by demystifying some of the meaning behind JBL product codes. Once you understand the nomenclature behind JBL model numbers, you’ll be able to find the product you’re looking for more quickly. Here’s an example:

Understand JBL product codes with this Control 47C/T example

JBL control 47ct ceiling speakersHere we have the Control 47C/T. The first number (in this case 4) denotes which series the product comes from (here the 40 Series, high-performance, full-range speakers). The second number (in this case 7) identifies the approximate size of the low-frequency speaker in the enclosure. This number is typically rounded up to the nearest whole number (in this case, 6.5” rounds up to 7).

The letters after the model numbers signify various characteristics of that particular model. The full list can be found at the bottom of this document, but here are a few of the more common model suffixes:

  • C = Ceiling Speaker
  • CT = Ceiling Speaker with non-bypassable 70V transformer (can only be used in 70V mode)
  • C/T = Ceiling Speaker with bypassable 70V transformer (can be used in low-impedance or 70V mode)
  • LP = Low-profile
  • HC = High Ceiling
  • P = Pendant
  • S = Subwoofer

Asking the Right Questions

Now that we have a basic understanding of JBL nomenclature, let’s dive into making a product selection. In order to select the right JBL ceiling speaker for your project, you should ask three basic questions:

  • What will the speaker system be used for? (What is the application?)
  • What is the budget for the speaker system?
  • Are there any special requirements or limitations I should account for?

Application

“What will the speaker system be used for?” – it seems like a simple question (and it is), but the answer will provide you with the best information to narrow down your product selection. Will the system be used for high-energy foreground music or simple background music? Will the system be used for voice reinforcement in a large classroom or training center, or will the primary application be paging and mass notification?

JBL control 226ct ceiling speakersFor applications where high-quality, full-range music playback is the main goal, the Control 40, Control 200, and Control 300 series should be your first choices. The speakers in these lines are designed and tuned to provide a full-range frequency response at higher volume levels, and to operate much like a standard loudspeaker cabinet, but in a compact ceiling device.

JBL control 24ct micro ceiling speaker pairIf your project requires high-quality voice reproduction, or a combination of voice reproduction and low-to-medium level background music, your first choices should be the extremely popular Control 10 and Control 20 series. The speakers in these series are some of the most popular ceiling speakers on the market for a good reason – they provide excellent voice intelligibility and good music reproduction in a cost-effective and installer-friendly package, and are an excellent choice for a wide variety of commercial applications.

For projects which require only simple paging or voice notification, JBL has you covered with the CSS Commercial and 8100 series. These easy-to-install, no-frills speakers provide excellent voice reproduction and reliability at an entry-level price point.

Budget

Different projects have different budgetary restrictions, and fortunately JBL provides a wide range of speaker options to ensure that you can find the right product for your project’s budget.

For example, lets say that you are outfitting a multi-purpose room with standard acoustical ceiling drop tiles. Your first choice for this application might be the Control 26CT. This is a great choice, but if you need a similar speaker at a lower price point, you could consider the Control 16C/T. The Control 16C/T lacks the Control 26’s SonicGuard overload protection circuit, and the woofer is made from a different material, but the sonic character of both of these speakers are very similar.

JBL 8128 ceiling speakersSimilarly, for a paging application where aesthetics are a consideration, the 8124 is an excellent choice. However, if a modern look is not required, the CSS8004 provides very similar performance at a much lower price point.

JBL css8004 ceiling speakersPlease note that despite the overlap between JBL models between various series, you should not assume that there is always an “apples-to-apples” comparison. For example, some series will have necessary accessories or features included like back cans or tile bridges, while others may not. Always research to make sure you are making the right choice, and contact us if you have questions!

Special Requirements

JBL control 47hc ceiling speakersDoes your project have any special circumstances where a typical ceiling speaker won’t work? Don’t worry – JBL has you covered!

For rooms with especially high ceilings where precise pattern control is needed, the Control 47HC provides a 75-degree beamwidth pattern for increased clarity and intelligibility.

JBL control 47lp ceiling speakersHave a ceiling with limited above-ceiling clearance? Try the Control 47LP low-profile ceiling speaker. It features the same sonic profile and coverage as the Control 47C/T but is only 5.6” deep.

JBL lct 81ct ceiling speakersLooking for a low-profile speaker which is easy to install and fits seamlessly into a standard drop-tile ceiling? Try the LCT 81C/T – it is a full-range speaker designed to drop into a 2’ x 2’ suspended ceiling grid without cutting or trimming.

 Summing It Up

Hopefully this guide was able to provide you with a better understanding of the many, many ceiling speaker options JBL provides. But this is just a start – to view the full lineup of JBL ceiling speaker options, refer to JBL’s Control Contractor Brochure. And – as always – if you have any questions or need product recommendations, reach out to Exertis Almo’s Audio Support Team!

JBL Suffix and Prefix Guide

C Ceiling speaker
CT Ceiling Speaker w/ non-bypassable 70V transformer
C/T Ceiling speaker w/ bypassable 70V transformer
LP Low-Profile
HC High-ceiling
P Pendant
P/T Pendant speaker w/ bypassable 70V transformer
S Subwoofer
C-VA Voice Announcement (special certification for use in voice announcement settings)
LS UL Life Safety
AV AV shielded
W In-Wall Speaker
WT In-wall speaker w/ non-bypassable 70V transformer
MTC Mounting bracket or accessory
WMG WeatherMax Grille
MK Marine-Kit
UB U-Bracket
CM Ceiling-mount adapter arm
NC New-construction Installation Bracket
MR Plaster “mud ring” installation bracket
BB Back box (or backcan)
SG Square Grille
RG Round Grille
TB Tile Bridge
TR Trim Ring

 

Want more audio tips? Check out “Enhance Your AV Projects with Pro Audio Solutions“.
John Rossman - headshot-frame

About the Author

John Rossman | CTS

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Harman Professional – AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft

Top Teams Room Devices for Maximizing Corporate Collaboration

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Cameras, Collaboration, Interactive Touch Displays, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

With the rise of hybrid work environments and frequent guest collaborations, most businesses require straightforward and efficient conferencing solutions. Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR) offer a seamless solution for enhancing meeting experiences, ensuring that teams can collaborate efficiently, regardless of their location. Knowing the technologies available, is essential to providing clients with the best equipment to set up these rooms. Let’s explore the top Teams Room devices available from Exertis Almo while covering the basics of setting up and optimizing Microsoft Teams Rooms.

MaxHub Ultra Wide 105 in. for hybrid work meetingsWhat equipment is needed for a Teams meeting?

To ensure a successful Teams meeting or to set up a Teams Room, having the right equipment is crucial. This includes reliable computing hardware, high-quality audio and video devices, and control systems that make managing meetings effortless. Here are the key components you’ll need:

  1. Reliable Computing Hardware: A desktop, laptop, or dedicated Teams device.
  2. High-Quality Audio and Video Equipment: Microphones, speakers, and video cameras.
  3. Stable Internet Connection: Ensures smooth communication without interruptions.
  4. Display Screens: For sharing presentations and viewing participants.
  5. Control Devices: Touch panels or consoles to manage meetings.

Jabra PanaCast 50 grayExertis Almo offers a range of devices that meet these needs, such as the Jabra PanaCast 50 Intelligent Video Bar which transforms video conferencing. With features such as dynamic composition, intelligent speaker, and virtual director, it ensures optimal collaboration by adjusting views and focusing on active speakers. Its advanced AI, including intelligent zoom and dual-stream whiteboard, makes Teams meetings immersive and easy to use.

What are the major components of Microsoft Teams Rooms?

Creating a fully functional Microsoft Teams Room involves integrating several major components that work together to provide a seamless meeting experience. These components ensure that meetings are easy to manage, and that audio and video quality are top-notch. Here are the essential elements:

  1. Control Console: A touch panel for easy meeting management.
  2. Camera: A high-definition camera for clear video.
  3. Microphone and Speakers: For clear audio input and output.
  4. Computer Module: A mini-PC or similar device to run the Teams Room application.
  5. Digital Display: One or more screens for video conferencing and content sharing.

Huddly IQ ePTZ cameraFor example, the Huddly IQ ePTZ Cameras are excellent for boosting meeting engagement with their AI-directed multi-camera system.

The MAXHUB Commercial Display Ultra-Wide Series is perfect for MTR, featuring a 105″ collaboration display with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 5K resolution.

MaxHub XT Series Kit for MTRThe MAXHUB XT Series Kit for Microsoft Teams Rooms includes a computer, touch console, and integrated video bar, providing ultimate scalability for any meeting room setup.

What are the benefits of Microsoft Teams Rooms?

Microsoft Teams Rooms offer several benefits:

  1. Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates better communication and teamwork.
  2. Ease of Use: One-touch join, and intuitive interfaces make it easy to start and manage meetings.
  3. High-Quality Audio and Video: Ensures clear communication.
  4. Scalability: Suitable for rooms of all sizes, from small huddle spaces to large conference rooms.
  5. Integration with Microsoft 365: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools and services.

By using top Teams Room devices, you can ensure that your conference room projects are equipped with the latest technology to maximize collaboration and productivity.

In Conclusion

Providing your clients with the right equipment for Microsoft Teams Rooms can significantly enhance their meeting experiences. By offering high-quality, reliable solutions from Exertis Almo, you position yourself as a trusted resource, ensuring your clients’ video conferencing needs are perfectly met.

The team at Exertis Almo is committed to providing our AV reseller and integrator partners with the latest and most innovative collaboration solutions for Teams Rooms and more. Contact us for a consultation, a quote, help with Microsoft licenses, and more.

Lisa Lingo, Category Manager – Collaboration

Still curious about collaboration solutions? Check out Lisa Lingo’s blog, “Stop, Collaborate and Listen“.

Why Is Quality Important When Selecting Audio?

by | Nov 12, 2024 | Pro Audio, Sound Engineering, Uncategorized

I was pondering this topic recently when I met a friend for lunch at one of my favorite eatery places. They recently moved to a new location and ever since moving, it’s been difficult to really enjoy eating at the place. My friend and I were discussing how incredibly loud the place gets, to the point that it’s difficult to really have a conversation with each other.  As a result, I often just pick up the food and bring it home.  This situation really made me wonder what was missing in the audio design when they moved to this new location. I decided to do some research by talking to our Exertis Almo Audio Experts to gain some insight and, hopefully, help you avoid this common mistake.

When choosing the audio technology for a project, every installation is a reflection of your brand and reputation. Customers expect their audio systems to perform without trouble, and it’s essential to select quality solutions that deliver exceptional functionality and reliability. Fortunately, there are many high-quality audio options with cost-conscious price tags, so you won’t have to compromise on excellence.

Additionally, quality is often reflected in the ease of installation. Specifically in meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and classrooms, audio technology should be simple to use and strive to avoid any frustration for the end-user. This simplicity can help ensure that the technology is used effectively, avoiding the common pitfall of equipment going unused due to user confusion.

Here are a few key considerations when selecting quality audio technology.

Assess your environment.

Before installing audio equipment, it’s important to evaluate the space itself, as there are many factors that affect audio quality. It’s essential to consider the acoustics of an environment, as a particular space might require a few changes to adjust the echo and create a more comfortable listening experience once the audio equipment is installed.

In fact, it’s common to run into acoustical issues in multi-use spaces, as they’re designed with several functions in mind. For example, a school might utilize a single space for their gym and auditorium, which can cause acoustical design to be overlooked.  In essence, you’ll want to assess an environment before investing in any audio technology, as acoustical treatment is an essential step in providing a high-quality audio experience.

Consider service and warranty.

Along with functionality and reliability, quality often correlates with the level and service and warranty provided by manufacturers. Although you aim to avoid any issues with a particular product, you should ensure that support is readily available if problems arise with a manufacturer’s technology. This aspect of product selection is frequently overlooked, but having a product warranty and readily available support can help save time and protect your reputation with your customers.

See the products in action.

When you get to experience the way in which products function across various environments, you can understand the practical applications of those solutions. There are a variety of educational resources available to strengthen your understanding of a product, and you can later apply that knowledge in the field to truly understand how the technology functions in a particular space.

Don’t overlook the audio.

If you’re looking to achieve high-quality audio in a space, it’s essential to ensure that the audio is not overlooked in the planning and design process. Oftentimes, the visual aspects receive far more attention, like displays and protection technology. In order to design a well-rounded, comfortable space for users, the audio and visual components must both be at the top of the list.

The bottom line is that quality audio is paramount for successful, comfortable communication.

For me, the main takeaway was simply that it’s crucial to assess the environment, because, in my scenario, the restaurant would have identified ways to absorb the noise. Would that have fixed it completely?  It would make it more comfortable for their patrons to chat, and they’d potentially spend more time and money.  It might’ve cost a few more dollars, which would have paid off in the long run.

You always have available resources to assist with all of your audio and video needs at Exertis Almo.  Please feel free to contact me or your Exertis Almo team.

Check out Angie’s previous blog, “Is TAA Compliance Required for Audio?“.
Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Panasonic Connect

Pin It on Pinterest