What product do you know of that can wirelessly share from Windows, iOS, Andriod, and MacOS, dynamically adjust the interface based on the number of presenters, play videos from YouTube, allow presenters to control who is on screen, and even livestream the output of your presentation straight to remote audiences on YouTube – all while maintaining a hands-free experience?
The Atlona WAVE-101 (AT-WAVE-101) is probably the smallest wireless presentation tool that we’ve put on our bench – made for the commercial professional audiovisual market, by people who know the Pro AV space.
Device Types
We’ve seen a lot of screen sharing and collaborative devices over the years. From full servers to set top boxes – then, to dongles, and now this little cube. Typically, the smaller they get the fewer features they have, but this is not the case with the WAVE 101. Let’s discuss why.
Wireless presentation tools fall into a few categories. The ones that require a dongle to be connected to your computer in order to connect to the screen in the room. The ones that require software for you to connect to the screen in the room. Lastly, the ones that have the wireless protocols for the specific OS variations built in – no additional software needed.
Operating Systems
This is where the WAVE-101 sits in the market. It provides wireless screen casting with iOS®, AndroidTM, Mac®, ChromebookTM, and Windows® devices through native AirPlay®, Google CastTM, or MiracastTM protocols. This covers pretty much all the major OS’s and device types. No additional dongles or software needed.
Ease of Use
Users connect via the instructions onscreen and start sharing content. The system dynamically adjusts the screen when additional users want to share content, and the meeting gets moving with no added wait time.
Device Ports
The Wave-101 has a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) port for connecting into the local network, an HDMI port for connecting to the display, and few USB ports for accessories. Lastly, it has a Kensington lock (a.k.a. K-Slot or Kensington Security Slot) for what I would call a removal deterrence feature.
This is simple hardware that even includes a Vesa Mount in the box to secure the cube to the back of your monitor.
Top 3 Features
Here are the 3 features that we think will make you want to use the WAVE-101:
#1. Instructor Mode
When used in a classroom, or even a rowdy conference room with engineers who are always trying to flash photos of their latest Dungeons & Dragons conquests, this feature can really come in handy to reign in control of the screen. A queue is displayed to the instructor showing who is connected and wants to share content. The list of available content will appear on the page, and the instructor can show up to 4 contributors at the same time – or deny them from sharing altogether. Instructor Mode allows a user to manage content, adjust audio volume, upload and play media content, stream YouTubeTM, and switch between layouts.
Because this is a media device, URLs and media content can also be loaded into the queue. So instead of the content being driven by a device, a contributor can load up a URL to YouTube and let the internet do the sharing. Thankfully, since it’s in the queue, the final decision on what’s shown is still in the hands of the instructor.
#2. Room Occupancy Sensor
Atlona added one more trick up their sleeve – room occupancy sensor integration. When coupled with Atlona’s Network-Enabled Occupancy Sensor (AT-OCS-900N), the WAVE-101 will automatically turn the room on when a person enters the space, and turn off, after a set time of having no one in the room. The sensor, along with the Instructor Mode feature, allow for the room to be used with no additional control system required. Even better, this allows for hands-free operation of the room – to enable safer and cleaner conference rooms.
#3. OMEGA Switchers & Extenders
Coupled with Atlona’s new Omega series switching and extension products the WAVE-101 can create a very simple huddle room, or add collaboration to a full size conference room with multiple displays, microphones, and PTZ cameras – making any room the video conferencing hub of your organization.
Atlona’s Wireless Audio Visual Environment (WAVE) and the AT-WAVE-101, is a new, innovative wireless presentation platform designed for quick and easy content sharing from up to four PCs or mobile devices. The versatility of the WAVE-101 expands well beyond BYOD content sharing, with a host of additional features to enhance education, corporate, and many other applications.
In the age of the growing hybrid workspace, the ProAV industry is responsible for more than just product fulfillment. At Almo, digital content services have become increasingly popular and necessary for user success, facilitated by company-offered installations and trainings on media player technology.
Historically, Almo’s digital content services have existed separately from product fulfillment, acting as additional product assistance available upon request. After recent updates to Almo’s service program, the professional audio-visual division developed particular SKUs associated with specific product services to increase awareness regarding service offerings for dealers.
Our digital signage services never had a close alignment with the products that we sell, and they operated in their own separate silos,” explained Cory Allen, Almo Director of ProAV Installation Services. “We’re bringing everything together from a hardware perspective, with a solid association between the hardware and the servicesthat we offer
By partnering with Almo, dealers can offer end users assistance with basic and advanced media player set-ups, training on back-end programs, and ongoing support. By providing users with trainings on how to use the system themselves, Almo services help create product experts within various organizations and give control to the end user. In fact, Allen noticed an increased popularity in trainings rather than traditional installation services following the widespread transition to a hybrid workspace. By encouraging end users to participate in trainings, Almo assists users in becoming more knowledgeable about their technology.
Many people work remotely, and most training techniques greatly serve the remote [and hybrid] function,” said Allen. “Now, there are training opportunities created for people to be more self-serving, and added flexibility is something customers have attached to more.
Despite great success regarding Almo’s updated service process, the team is just getting started in improving dealers’ access to services for their end users.
The amount of effort we’ve put in at its inception has generated a ton of interest, and interest from customers is heightened to a degree we’ve never seen before” explained Allen, in reference to dealer and end user enthusiasm. “The full [services] program should be complete within the next couple weeks, so we can mass market and have collateral tools available to our customers.
The Almo ProAV division looks forward to the increasing interest in the updated service offering system, as the new process creates a simpler and more effective process for dealers.
With the recent increase in remote conferencing and education, one’s understanding of online communication platforms is more important than ever. Many businesses and schools made the quick transition into a hybrid format, causing employees and instructors to become familiar with platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams on their own time. In many cases, hybrid settings with remote video conferencing have become a primary method of communication for many organizations.
While these remote communication applications are crucial for successful online collaboration, many users are not utilizing these platforms to their full potential. Almo’s new partnership with OfficePro, a leading provider of corporate training, allows resellers to offer their clients in-depth education on hosting meetings and using these applications effectively and efficiently. Available for a variety of platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more, this new service offering from Almo provides attendees with critical information regarding their conference-based system.
As a great benefit to both consumers and dealers, this training service ensures that users receive proper guidance on the utilization of their technology following the installation. For Almo’s dealers and integrators, the service provides a comprehensives solution for clients, therefore increasing overall satisfaction with remote communication platforms. And for groups utilizing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, companies will receive a greater return on investment, as employees will use these applications more efficiently and with fewer technological complications. In fact, Brian Rhatigan, Director of Business Development at Almo, finds that the training provided by Almo and OfficePro is the key to effectively utilizing new technology.
This service is ideal for any organization that is investing in and implementing technology for collaboration and software-based video conferencing,” he said. “Far too often, companies invest in technology and don’t invest in the proper training for their employees, which can cause a poor user experience and expectations that aren’t met.
Companies and schools should look to be more proactive about their training requirements and ensure that employees and instructors receive in-depth knowledge on the tools required for collaboration, conferencing, and remote learning. With several training options for each application, including hands-on virtual training and online demo-lectures, customers have the flexibility to choose a format that works best for their organization. Application trainings available for purchase include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, MS Surface Hub, Crestron Mercury, and Cisco Webex.
Thanks to Almo’s partnership with OfficePro, resellers can assist clients in using online platforms effectively. Not only does this service result in a greater return on investment for resellers by increasing user satisfaction, but it also improves the training procedures of organizations by prioritizing employees’ understanding of technology.
By overcoming the challenges of distance and time, Holopresence Technology from ARHT Media provides audiences with presenters in their most realistic form. ARHT Media utilizes a holographic display that allows performers and presenters to interact with audiences in real time, while eliminating the limitations of physical presence.
As an advanced and sophisticated method of presentation, the Holopresence technology works to beam presenters into one or multiple locations at the same time, from any place in the world. While audience members get to enjoy the holographic presence of the speaker in real time, presenters can interact with audiences around the world without having to travel in person.
While mitigating the complications of travel and scheduling conflicts, ARHT Media provides a more human approach to remote presentations. Although we’ve become accustomed to the existence of remote learning and hybrid events, ARHT Media’s Holopresence technology allows presenters to engage with their audiences directly with their words and movement.
“With over 50% of communication being non-verbal body language, we have been searching for a technology solution that large enterprises can use to communicate with more engagement than the talking-head video conference – especially now since so many employees are working from home,” explained MVCC President, Glenn Burgess, in his interview with ARHT Media. View the full interview with Burgess here.
As a perfect blend of in-person and remote presentations, the holographic technology provides the personality of a live event with the safety and mindfulness of a remote setting. Not only is the device cognizant of health restrictions as it provides an alternative to inviting an in-person speaker, but it also limits unnecessary travel, especially for short periods of time, as the presenter can speak directly from their home instead of commuting to a venue.
Since the Holopresence Technology minimizes the stress and environmental implications of frequent travel, the advanced device provides venues and universities with access to premium talent. For speakers who live across the world or educators with busy schedules, ARHT Media provides a solution to the limitations of physical presence by allowing high-profile guests from all over the world to visit a stage in seconds.
“ARHT Media’s Virtual Global Stage and HoloPresence technology are re-humanizing the executive’s virtual performance by allowing multiple presenters from different locations to beam-in and interact with each other in real-time,” Burgess explains. Essentially, this elevated technology form ARHT Media facilitates more accessible meetings for visitors who would otherwise need to travel a long distance, or participants whose in-person presence is inhibited by health risks.
Additionally, this holographic technology is useful for instances where keynote speakers are required to be in two venues at the same time. Instead of making a difficult decision to attend one event over another, lecturers can deliver the same address to several different audiences at once, in real time. With ARHT Media, speakers can interact with an audience in New York and London simultaneously, with no travel. Not to mention, the holographic presence makes public speaking more comfortable for the presenter, as they will not be intimidated by the size of a traditional in-person audience.
The Holoprescence Technology from ARHT Media transcends time and space by allowing presenters to exist in several venues at once, addressing and interacting with multiple audiences at the same time. While in-person conferences are limited to the travel and scheduling capabilities of guest speakers, this advanced technology overcomes the limits of traditional conferences and events. ARHT Media’s technology serves as inspiration for event planners and opens conferences up to high-profile speakers across the world, while inspiring audiences by engaging them with renowned educators. With ARHT Media, users can create an audience connection more powerful than ever.
Q. What will school look like this fall – and beyond?
A. We are living through precedent times. While it is typically difficult to predict the future, I think it is safe to claim that there will be more volatility, uncertainty, chaos, and anxiety on the part of administration, faculty, students, and families. The primary concern for higher education needs to be the safety of students and faculty alike, which is why so many institutions are pivoting to online and hybrid learning in order to maintain the continuity of meaningful and authentic learning. However, many higher education faculty have little or no experience as online learners, and so the prospect of becoming an online teacher is a lot like becoming a lifeguard without knowing how to swim. Some learning systems are committed to following the guidance provided by research about online learning that works. These institutions are making more intentional choices about the fall term and, as a result, they will be more successful than institutions that are less committed to intentional online learning.
Q. How can we do a better job of AV setup for hybrid learning?
A. Again, we have to follow the guidance provided by the highest quality research available about online learning that works. Panasonic has partnered with Dr. Sonny Magana, an online learning pioneer and Oxford Research Scholar to embed his methodology, what he calls the T3 Framework for Innovation, into the Panasonic higher education solution. The peer-reviewed strategies in the T3 Framework has shown to have an effect equivalent to quadrupling learning performance. The T3 Framework was recently inducted into Oxford University’s Research Encyclopedia for Education, which is what prompted us to partner with Dr. Magana. Our intention is to package AV tools with The T3 Framework’s concrete strategies, protocols, and resources so that our AV equipment is not just used, but used in the most reliable way possible to improve learning outcomes. It’s not just about the AV, but it’s about reliably improving remote and hybrid learning based on the research evidence on what works. That will make all the difference in the world.
Q. The student experience – can they get what they need being remote?
A. There are different levels of need. The human social/emotional aspect of learning is not only foundational, but it is difficult, but not impossible to reproduce in remote learning environments. So, having said that, students can get their learning and social/emotional needs met by practicing what Dr. Magana calls “Contributive Learning.” Contributive Learning theory suggests that meaningful learning is a function of both active participation in the learning experience and collective interaction. Many faculty see learning as a solo experience, like long-distance running, in which learners consume information from a lecture, commit that information to memory, and then demonstrate their recall ability on some examination. Contributive Learning Theory indicates that learning is more like a team sport–we learn better together than we do in isolation. That means shifting remote learning conversations from monologues to dialogues. That is a shift that is ideally suited to remote learning–with the right tools, training, and resources to help faculty and leadership make this shift.
Q. How do we avoid overburdening tech support, short of turning teachers into broadcast engineers?
A. There is going to be an amount of “front-loading” by tech support folks in higher education, let us make no doubt about this. But that should be seen as a starting point, not an ongoing situation. The evidence indicates that building faculty capacity with research-driven online learning methods and strategies will reduce the burden on tech support personnel. This logic follows the old “teach a person to fish” allegory: when tech support don’t build capacity–in other words they give away fish–they are building dependency. Many higher education learning organizations are falling into this trap. However, tech support personnel who work with trusted, knowledgeable partners, like Panasonic, to build instructional capacity with online learning that works, it’s like teaching teachers how to fish. That model is much more sustainable, and, in the short- and long-term, will serve to reduce the Pandemic Slide Effect, so that higher education learning curves upwards rather than continuing to spiral downwards.
Q. What is your best advice for resellers and schools/universities as we approach the 2020-2021 school year?
A. There is no question about it: learn about the recent breakthrough findings by Dr. Sonny Magana on online learning that works. He has based his T3 Framework for Innovation on four decade’s worth of investigation on finding the sweet spot between learning and technology. We invite interested faculty and leadership to enroll in what we call Project Moonshot–our effort to build instructional capacity with the T3 strategies and protocols in order to minimize the Pandemic disruption on learning continuity, and begin to shift the learning curve upward. Disruptive situations must be met with disruptive innovations to first minimize losses and then begin the road to recovery. We are currently seeking about 10-15 more faculty members who want to become Project Moonshot Pioneers who learn how to implement the T3 strategies and protocols, and then, with the help of Dr. Magana, evaluate the impact on student learning and engagement.
Author: Rob Goldberg, Panasonic Group Manager of Visual Systems
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The Atlona WAVE-101 (AT-WAVE-101) is probably the smallest wireless presentation tool that we’ve put on our bench – made for the commercial professional audiovisual market, by people who know the Pro AV space.
