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SDM Chip: The Key to Streamlined Digital Signage and Connectivity

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Digital Signage, Pro Displays, Projectors, Uncategorized

I’m always in the pursuit of better understanding our current technologies, so I’ve decided to delve into Smart Display Module specifications. You’ve probably heard a lot about them, and you’re probably already using them.

How much do you really know about them and their capabilities? Improving upon the previous version called OPS (which is still currently available), SDM was developed to meet the needs of higher resolutions and higher data transfer speeds while minimizing space allowing displays to remain thin.

What are some of the other enhancements? In essence, the SDM is designed to future-proof your setup, whether you need capability for sharing content to a display or projector, or flexibility in connectivity options for today and the future.

As the demand for digital signage grows across a variety of applications, so does the need for more efficient and streamlined solutions. SDM, which stands for Smart Display Module, is a groundbreaking innovation that brings impressive power and efficiency to your digital signage setup.

In a recent conversation with Rudolf Vitti, Panasonic Product Manager Displays, we discussed the benefits of SDM and how its transforming digital signage and other AV over IP Solutions. Let’s explore how this innovative technology enables smarter, more streamlined installations.

The Basics: What Is SDM?

Developed by Intel®, SDM is a small, but powerful module specification designed for connecting displays and other peripherals to computing systems. SDM is designed to streamline the integration of displays into various types of systems, such as digital signage, interactive kiosks, and other embedded applications.

By helping with the need for a separate computing device, the modules can run signage software and support different connectivity capabilities.

Streamlined Integration Across Many Applications

Panasonic displays with SDM chipThe versatility of SDM makes it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications across various industries with flexible connectivity options without overhauling your entire system.

Retail & Advertising: For retail environments, SDM enables digital signage that’s simple to manage and maintain. Displaying ads, promotions, and product information on digital screens can enhance customer engagement by delivering targeted content based on location, time of day, or customer preferences.

Transportation: Airports, train stations, and bus terminals can use SDM-powered displays to show real-time flight or schedule information. With its compact and integrated design, it allows for easy installation and management of multiple screens across large spaces.

Higher Education: In colleges and universities, digital signage can be used for announcements, event schedules, and campus news. With SDM, educational institutions can set up digital displays in classrooms, halls, or lobbies without worrying about complicated setups or additional hardware.

Why Is SDM a Game-Changer?

One less point of failure: By creating a more streamlined, efficient setup, SDM reduces the potential for breakdowns or technical issues. Fewer components mean fewer opportunities for malfunction, making the system more reliable.

Futureproofing and adapting to new trends without replacing the entire display: The SDM’s modular design ensures that digital signage installations can evolve without having to replace entire displays. It’s easier to upgrade the module itself rather than overhaul the entire system, allowing businesses to stay up to date with new technologies and trends.

Easier to update and manage content: With SDM, content management becomes more efficient. Updates can be made remotely or directly through the system, reducing the time and effort needed for manual updates. This streamlined process ensures content is always fresh and relevant.

Designed for the Future SDM is flexible, adaptable, and built for the future. It provides versatile, standardized solutions that reduce the need for custom designs and ensure compatibility. The modular nature of the chip allows for easy upgrades in signage. Additionally, it offers backward compatibility, making it possible to connect new displays with older infrastructure. SDM also enables the integration of multiple displays within a network for complex setups and large-scale deployments, all while reducing cables. Panasonic projector with SDM chip

Panasonic Connect supports SDM across the EQ, SQE2, and SQ2H series displays and PT-RQ25, REQ15, and RQ7 series projectors.

The SDM is a game-changer for digital signage, offering a more reliable, adaptable, and scalable solution for various industries. By reducing complexity and hardware requirements, SDM enables businesses to implement cost-effective and future-ready connectivity options for various applications inclusive of digital signage systems.

Interested in learning more about Panasonic SDM modules or other Panasonic products? Please feel free to reach out to me, Angie Greene, Exertis Almo BDM Brand Specialist, Panasonic.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Panasonic Connect

Competitive Esports: What’s It All About?

by | Feb 13, 2025 | Business Development, Cameras, eSports, Pro Displays, Uncategorized

Over the past few months, I went on a journey to gain a better understanding of Esports. With over 30 years in this industry, my exposure and knowledge level about this new and growing business was very limited at best. Other than the discussions with my niece and attending a few webinars hosted by rAVe’s Gary Kayye, I intended to expand my personal knowledge – and hopefully share some of that information with you.

Over the past few years, Esports has transformed from a niche activity into a global phenomenon, with large audiences, sponsorships, and college programs dedicated to competitive gaming. While Esports is rising in popularity across many universities, the term can still be a bit of a mystery for those who aren’t immersed in the gaming world. Simply put, Esports focuses on competitive video gaming, where players and teams participate in organized tournaments, often with large audiences watching online or live at arenas.

In a recent article about the rapid expansion of Esports, rAVe’s Clara Mello details the large market potential for competitive gaming. Thanks to its expansion into college programs, the gaming market was valued at $187 billion with 335 million players and viewers when rAVe’s article was published.

esports-arena-displaysBut it’s not just about the games — there’s a long list of audiovisual technology that helps bring these epic events to life. Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Esports and discuss how AV solutions are driving this industry.

In conversation with Keith Vidger, Engineering Manager for Pro Video and Audio at Panasonic, we discussed the key factors that contribute to a successful Esports setup. First and foremost, it’s important to differentiate Esports streaming from broadcasting.

“There are many rules and procedures used for broadcasting at conventional sporting events,” he explained. “These rules do not apply when you’re not broadcasting over the air, so there’s no need for delay.”

While the government requires that traditional broadcasts insert several seconds of delay, these rules do not need to be followed when streaming. Instead, streams should have one frame or lower latency. And in competitive Esports, latency and lag are major concerns. With each game requiring split-second decisions, even a few milliseconds of delay can cost players the game.

“Certain applications do not care about lag, but [in Esports,] 3-microseconds versus 2-microseconds of lag could be the difference between winning and losing a game,” Vidger said. “[Traditional] broadcasting caused an unnecessary delay that was detrimental to the game players.”

Additionally, the growing popularity of Esports wouldn’t be complete without the rise of platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Many Esports events are streamed live on Twitch, where millions of fans tune in to watch the action unfold in real time. Pre-recorded events are frequently uploaded to YouTube, where they can be revisited by fans after the event is over.

So, how does the right AV gear enhance an Esports event? Here are a few necessary products that are designed to help these competitions run smoothly and efficiently.

PTZ Cameras

Panasonic Connect PTZ cameras Panasonic’s AW-UE150 and AW-UE160 cameras are excellent choices for Esports events, as they provide crystal-clear images and capture fast-moving gameplay. For smaller setups or more budget-friendly options, the AW-UE30 and AW-UE40 are also great choices.PTZ cameras by Panasonic Connect

Explore the Panasonic PTZ Camera lineup.

Displays

While the players often have access to their own personal monitors during an Esports event, large displays are an essential component of an arena. These displays show the competition to large, in-person crowds and give attendees a close-up look at key moments.

Looking towards the future of competitive Esports, Vidger finds that the largest point of change is in the organization of the sport itself, as there are many different leagues that can employ players and drive revenue. He expects that the scope and reach of these leagues continues to expand, with more university campuses requesting these audio-visuals systems to host competitive Esports events.

Overall, Esports is a fast-growing segment for the AV industry. In my opinion, it’s a very interesting topic, especially if you are not really involved in playing any games. If you’re looking to experience an Esports event, I’d recommend going on Twitch to watch an online stream. This is an area that brings opportunities for all of us to provide equipment for these events. Additionally, Esports also presents itself as a rapidly growing business segment, which will only bring even more discovery of products and services.

This was an educational and eye-opening process for me, and I’ll share some useful links and resources so you can peruse them, too!  With any questions, please reach out to me, your Exertis Almo representative, and/or your Panasonic TAM for assistance.

Resources for You

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Panasonic Connect

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

Is TAA-Compliance Required for Audio?

by | Aug 22, 2024 | Government, Pro Audio, Uncategorized

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.

Check out Angie’s previous blog, Unlocking Success in the Pro AV Industry: Understanding the Role of the Sales Manager.
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

by | Jun 6, 2024 | Business Development, Pro Services, Uncategorized

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.

Check out Angie’s previous blog, Unlocking Success in the Pro AV Industry: Understanding the Role of the Sales Manager.
Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: ScreenBeam and Panasonic

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