Why Is Quality Important When Selecting Audio?

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

Is TAA-Compliance Required for Audio?

With government season upon us until September, I thought it would be interesting to do a little exploration into TAA compliance specifically as it relates to the Audio portion of our business.  As the BDM for EA for the Panasonic line, I’m often asked for TAA compliance with projectors and displays.   Of late, I’ve had the occasional request for TAA compliance in Audio products.

Let’s explore the details and nuances of TAA compliance in the context of audio equipment.

TAA Compliant logoFirst, what is TAA compliance?

As defined by the Government Services Administration, Trade Agreement Act (TAA) Compliance refers to certain requirements and guidelines that products must meet when operating within United States government applications. The GSA notes that products may fit into two categories to be considered TAA Compliant:

  1. Articles that are wholly the growth, product, or manufacturer of the U.S. or a designated country.
  2. Articles 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 state and local government officeIf you are looking to learn more, you can find the full details here.

In a conversation with Tom Kehr, Exertis Almo Systems Designer and Trainer, he provides insight into the uses, trends, and requirements of TAA-compliance audio products.

He explains that TAA-compliance is normally for government uses, applying to government agencies and government contractors. In fact, Tom notes that TAA-compliance is not only becoming more of a requirement in audio products, but also with the components.

“The thought process behind TAA-compliance is to mitigate issues getting products,” he said. “If current trade practices are disrupted in a certain area, it depends on whether or not they can continue their business.”

Josh Taylor, Exertis Almo Director of Pro AV Sales, and Trae Fackler, Exertis Almo Senior Account Manager, detail the popularity of TAA-compliant solutions, stating that between the end of fall and the beginning of summer, about half of the quotes are going to revolve around TAA-compliance. Additionally, they explain that TAA-compliance is typically the focus for government applications, above price and availability.

“It all depends on the end user and the end location,” Trae explained. “The dealer usually informs up upfront and states that TAA-compliance is a requirement.”

gov technology regulationsMoreover, a key component of TAA-compliance is the idea of substantial transformation, and navigating TAA-compliance comes with challenges. Manufacturers ensure compliance through third-party validation of their products, but complexities arise due to the varying interpretations of “substantial transformation” and the origin of components. This process depends on the product and tends to be quite subjective, as independent companies can validate whether there is enough of a difference between an incoming part and a final product.

While the above definitions explain that TAA-compliant products must be manufactured or substantially transformed in the U.S. or a designated country, it’s also important to understand the distinction between TAA-compliant products and TAA-certified products.

When speaking with Petro Shimonishi, Director of Product Management at Panasonic Connect North America, she provided insight into the confusion and complications that arise with TAA-compliance, explaining that the higher level of security, the more detailed the requirements. In fact, Petro explained the difference between government agencies in relation to TAA-compliant products.

“State and local governments are not required to have TAA-compliance, unless they’re funded by federal grants or funding,” she explained. “Since the terms of the funding might need to comply with federal procurement, resellers should consider state and local government applications for this reason.”

Panasonic Connect TAA-compliant productsShe also notes that there is a great deal of business in education applications, as most of their contracts are funded by the federal government, and there are often changes in the about of funding received. It is advisable to provide products that meet federal acquisition regulations (FAR), ensuring adherence to security, labor, and environmental standards.

For those aiming to expand into government contracts, familiarity with TAA compliance is essential. And as the landscape continues to evolve, staying updated and proactive in TAA compliance will be pivotal for success in the government sector.

As far as TAA compliance for Audio products, I think it’s still something that’s evolving with time.  There are only a few manufactures that offer TAA compliance for Audio products today.  However, it’s most important to make sure you are sourcing your products from reputable legitimate and reputable organizations such as us, Exertis Almo.   Especially to minimize any legal risk from the government from fraudulent product origination.   The second key takeaway is to educate yourself and review all terms and conditions when working with state and local governments on their bid requirements.  If they are utilizing federal grant monies, you could be tied to supply TAA compliance products.

If you aren’t sure about any products, please ask for the country of origin to be supplied to you.

I hope you’ve walked away with just a little bit more knowledge about TAA-compliance.

Bottom line, please reach out to your Exertis Almo Rep or myself for assistance with any of our solutions!   We are here to provide you will full solutions to meet all your needs inclusive of TAA-compliance products.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: ScreenBeam and Panasonic

Leveraging Distributor and Manufacturer Services in the AV Industry

As the Exertis Almo Business Development Manager for the Panasonic Connect product line, I have familiarity with the Panasonic service offerings and the Exertis Almo Professional Service offerings. It’s interesting that there’s so much demand for service offerings today – I remember 10 to 15 years ago when distributors started coming up with service offerings for the reseller community.

There was so much controversy about both the distributors and manufacturers going direct and their intent was to replace the value add of the reseller.  Over time, that was quickly considered false.  In fact, many of you quickly jumped on the opportunity to use both distributor and manufacturer service offerings to expand your business.  Today, it’s much more accepted practice to leverage both the manufacturer and distributor for assistance.

Do manufacturers and distributors compete with one another for service offerings?  I decided to reach out to do some personal exploration on just this topic, and the short answer is no.

Customer ServiceLet’s explore the differences between distributor and manufacturer services and how they can complement each other to unlock value.

First and foremost, we must understand the different approaches between distributors and manufacturers when it comes to their service offerings. At the core, manufacturers focus on providing services that are tailored to their specific products. Whether providing support for installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and beyond, their aim is to ensure that their customers have a seamless experience with their technology.

On the other hand, Exertis Almo takes a broader approach to professional services. Rather than being associated with a specific product line, we deliver a holistic approach, meaning we can address the AV system as a whole, irrespective of the brand or manufacturer, while focusing on the best outcome for the customer.

In turn, our services provide the convenience of having a single point of contact for a wide range of products and services. In my conversation with Cory Allen, VP of Services at Exertis Almo, we discussed the comprehensive approach to distributor service offerings.

“From implementation to commissioning and closeout, one entity can confidently take over the whole system to provide assistance,” he explained. “We are one, single partner that they can rely on to confidently service each part of that entire solution.”

From large integrators to small integrators (and everyone in between), we strive to help our customers grow with our resources and provide them with support knowledge about each piece of technology within their entire setup.

“We serve as a single source for a myriad of products and services, and no matter where you’re located and no matter your product, we can help you,” said Allen.

ServicesLike distributor services, manufacturer services focus on creating a long-lasting relationship with customers by delivering support for all products within their brand. In my conversation with Michael Walton, Executive BDM for Services & Engineering for Professional Imaging and Visual Solutions at Panasonic, he provided key details regarding Panasonic’s approach to their service offerings.

The manufacturer’s mission is to create a relationship with the end user through engineering services to support and complement their knowledge base.

“This is all particular to the Panasonic ecosystem,” Walton said. “All of those pieces need to work in concert with each other, so Panasonic can support those products as a full ecosystem.”

In the case where there is an outside product within a Panasonic ecosystem, the distributor can step in and quarterback the situation.

As a unique offering specific to their product lineup, Panasonic provides a branding service for customers to receive personalized technology that aligns with their particular brand identity. This service utilizes color matching to allow customers to change the color of Panasonic technology to fit the room design. This service is an ideal option for corporate spaces and educational institutions looking to incorporate specific colors and vinyl decals into their classroom technology, or for spaces that require technology that blends in with its surroundings. This service is notably popular for projectors, and usually takes around 5-10 business days to complete. And the best part – all warranties remain.

So, how can you leverage both manufacturer and distributor services?

While manufacturer and distributor services may differ in their scope and focus, both strive to develop a lasting relationship with their respective customers. And as the industry continues to evolve, manufacturers and distributors alike are constantly seeking new ways to add value. From innovative service offerings to proactive maintenance solutions, the focus remains on delivering exceptional experiences and fostering long-term partnerships.

My takeaway from this quick review – they do not compete with one another.  In fact, they both have developed viable service offerings for you, the reseller, to leverage both to grow your business without increasing your overhead or cost structure – all while providing high quality service.

Looking to learn more? Connect with me to get the details on Exertis Almo Professional Services and extensive Panasonic Connect lineup.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: ScreenBeam and Panasonic

Unlocking Success in the Pro AV Industry: Understanding the Role of the Sales Manager

As we came upon finishing our fiscal year along with many of our manufacturer partners, I was tasked with working closely with our sales team to run down potential incoming purchases with us.  This brought me into the thought process of how complex a Sales Rep/Account Mgr./Territory Mgr. in our industry – and others – has become with advancements in technology, social media, and our everchanging world.

In the past, it was a rolodex, catalogs, and flyers – with your feet on the street and the phones to uncover new clients and build relationships. Today, it’s grab your laptop, use sales force or some other system, connect over email, network on LinkedIn, and don’t forget, be available using Zoom, Teams, and your cell phone 24 hours a day to respond to questions and assist with product recommendations.

Serving CustomersOf course, they have to keep up with product changes and technological advancements to offer good recommendations to you or me.  Yes, they can research the details, although your best sales professionals are ahead of the curve.  They want to be the ones to introduce the technology to you to be a true consultant in offering you the solutions. That’s their value, and they know it!

That means they have to integrate ongoing training into their day-to-day.  Plus, they have to keep up with their management about the status of the project and opportunity.  Let’s not forget about the internal company relationships, which are another real key component for a sales professional to fulfill their commitments.  They must have strong relationships to get things done, because if they’ve made a commitment, they have to deliver on the commitment.

Above all, time management seems to be a common skill among all sales managers. As detailed in Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change,” the ability to manage time emerges as the cornerstone of success.

He explains, “Habit is the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do).

This book has always resonated with me in both my professional and personal life. It’s been a constant reminder in my life with so many constant changes and focuses, whether it be on a personal or professional level.  Regardless, they are intertwined with each other, and you must be able to balance both, or most importantly, manage the imbalance when life commands of you.   Time is the single most important element in our lives and, at times, the most difficult to manage effectively. Stephen Covey’s recommendations for managing our habits for personal change help with time and priorities.   It’s a good read.

This crucial combination of knowledge, skill, and desire requires precise time management, as a sales manager must find the time to educate themselves on new technology and services, visit clients, and build a pipeline for new business, management, internal processes, and relationships – and don’t forget the paperwork in there, as well. Staying up to date on the latest trends and products isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity in an industry that thrives on progress and innovation.

If you are in a position that supports the sales team, I encourage you to give them some love and assistance to make their jobs just a little easier!

I’m here to save them some time and give all my sales professionals a little extra time with their Panasonic needs.

Leverage Me As A Resource For Your Panasonic Needs

At Exertis Almo, we deliver top-notch service with expert product recommendations. Let’s get in touch to find the perfect Panasonic solutions for your upcoming project. Reach out today and let’s embark on this journey together!

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: ScreenBeam and Panasonic

Miracast: Everything You Need to Know

Do you know Miracast?

MiraCastAs the liaison between a device and a display, Miracast utilizes wireless technology to detect, connect, and mirror the screen of one device on the other. The up-and-coming technology serves as a peer-to-peer network to wirelessly transmit screencasts comprised of WiFi Direct connections, comparable to Bluetooth’s function. In fact, Miracast allows content reproduction from TVs, smartphones, and more – all onto users’ PC screens.

If you have a wireless connection on your device, you’re capable of utilizing Miracast’s innovative technology. Designed to be a cross-platform standard for user’s, Miracast supports up to 1080p resolution and 5.1 surround sound, ensuring that user’s enjoy a convenient and impressive experience in corporate settings and classrooms, to name a few.

Let’s break it down a little further.

When using Miracast, one device transmits the content through WiFi Direct, and the other device serves as your display by efficiently receiving and rendering the content. Essentially, the technology works to create a WiFi network between your devices, allowing for content transmission speeds to ten times faster than Bluetooth.

screenbeam meeting spacesAlong with the real-time content transmission, Miracast provides content protection through its support of High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection – or HDCP. The mechanism oversees the transfer of content between the device that originates the content (the source) and the display device, providing an added layer of security to a user’s digital rights.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Miracast, you’ve likely noticed similarities between other technologies, like Chromecast and Apple Airplay. Despite serving the same function, these technologies are not exactly alike.

In comparison with Chromecast, Miracast acts as a standard protocol within the WiFi feature on a device – essentially, a technology that a user has by default. On the other hand, Chromecast acts as a receiver, requiring a TV. Apple uses their own standard instead of Miracast, called Airplay, allowing user’s to stream content from their devices – iPhones, iPads, and Macs – to their Apple TV. In a meeting room setting, Miracast would be a more versatile option, as the technology is designed for cross-platform use. Plus, Miracast is capable of functioning without an active internet connection.

In fact, Miracast technology is available on a variety of wireless devices from ScreenBeam. By prioritizing collaborative environments in meetings, classrooms, and more, ScreenBeam’s impressive array of technology provides efficient wireless content sharing – no cables or wires necessary. Miracast is native to modern Windows devices – detailed on the WiFi Alliance’s WiFi Certified Devices list.

As an up-and-coming technology, the applications for Miracast’s innovative technology are quite versatile. Miracast is an excellent solution for entertainment, meeting rooms, and lecture halls for presentations and videos. Additionally, Miracast is a convenient option for home entertainment, as users can easily stream movies, mobile games, and more, straight to their TV in real-time.

Above all, Miracast’s efficiency and simplicity paves the way for a cable-free, wireless environment. By allowing for seamless content sharing across devices, the technology inspires an inclusive and collaborative environment.

If you’d like to learn more about Miracast and it’s role in ScreenBeam solutions, I encourage you to reach out to me.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: ScreenBeam and Panasonic

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