Emerging AV Trends Shaping the Future of Government Facilities

Government facilities are undergoing a technology modernization – and AV technology is at the heart of it. From city halls and courthouses to command centers and public safety offices, agencies are investing in smarter, more secure, and more scalable AV systems to meet the demands of hybrid workforces, citizen engagement, and operational resilience.

At Almo Pro AV, we work in partnership with resellers and integrators to help them stay ahead of the curve. Let’s look at the top technologies shaping the future of public sector AV – and how you can leverage them to grow your business.

  1. AV Over IP: The Backbone of Scalable Government Infrastructure

Kramer kds7mngrAV over IP is rapidly replacing traditional AV distribution in government buildings. It offers flexibility, centralized control, and cost-effective scalability – especially for multi-site deployments and command centers.

Integrator Insight: Agencies are prioritizing TAA-compliant, secure AV-over-IP solutions that integrate with existing IT infrastructure. Almo’s product portfolio includes vetted, standards-based systems ready for federal and SLED environments.

Featured Product: Explore Kramer’s reliable AV over IP solutions, such as the KDS-7-MNGR, for seamless video distribution.

  1. Hybrid-Ready Meeting Spaces

PTZOptics Move 4kVirtual and hybrid meetings are now standard in government operations. Agencies need AV setups that support remote testimony, live streaming, and real-time collaboration with high security and accessibility.

Integrator Insight: Focus on UC platforms with ADA-compliant features, real-time captioning, and EO 14028 alignment. Almo offers training and sales enablement to help you map product features to policy requirements.

Featured Product: PTZOptics Move 4K offers built-in auto-tracking capabilities and comes native with NDI® HX3 for unparalleled performance and versatility.

  1. Digital Signage for Public Messaging and Wayfinding

SpinetiX media playerDigital signage is becoming essential for real-time alerts, multilingual communication, and interactive wayfinding in public buildings. Agencies are replacing static signage with dynamic, remotely managed displays.

Integrator Insight: Offer signage solutions with emergency alert integration and remote content management. Almo’s partners benefit from access to exclusive signage platforms and deployment support.

Featured Product: SpinetiX iBX440 is the digital signage player that makes
video walls accessible to everyone.

  1. Assistive Listening and Accessibility TechListen Technologies

Accessibility is a legal and ethical priority. Agencies are upgrading council chambers and courtrooms with assistive listening systems, captioning, and inclusive interfaces.

Integrator Insight: Almo’s team helps you spec and source ADA-compliant solutions, including induction loops, IR systems, and real-time translation tools.

Featured Product: Auri™, powered by Listen Technologies, is the first Auracast™ broadcast audio-based solution for assistive listening.

  1. Sustainable and Energy-Efficient AVViewSonic ViewBoard

Sustainability is now a procurement priority. Agencies are seeking energy-efficient AV systems, recyclable components, and eco-conscious installation practices.

Integrator Insight: Almo offers EPEAT-certified displays and consults on green AV design to help you meet agency sustainability goals.

Featured Product: The EPEAT Gold-rated 65” ViewBoard series from ViewSonic is made with over 90% post-consumer recycled materials.

Why Almo Pro AV Is the Perfect Public Sector Partner

court roomChoosing the right technology is only part of winning in the public sector. The other part is having a partner who understands the entire procurement and deployment ecosystem – and that’s where Almo Pro AV excels.

✓ Deep Public Sector Expertise

Our dedicated public sector team has decades of experience navigating government buying cycles – from GSA contracts to SLED procurements. We speak the language of contracting officers, compliance reviewers, and IT security leads.

✓ Bid and Compliance Support

We help our partners position themselves competitively in bids by providing:

    • TAA and NDAA compliance documentation
    • RFP-ready technical narratives
    • Grant eligibility guidelines
    • Sales Enablement & Training

command and control centerWe train your sales staff to position secure AV solutions to government buyers, aligning product features with mandates like EO 14028, CISA OT guidance, and directives. Government buyers value reliability and expertise – we show up with both.

✓ Exclusive Product Access

As Christie Digital’s exclusive distribution partner for the Secure Series III, we give you a competitive edge – delivering a high-demand, compliance-ready display that your competitors can’t source through standard channels.

✓ Integration Support

We don’t just ship boxes. We understand each agency’s mission. Our technical specialists consult on system design, ensuring that your deployments align with security policies, accessibility standards, and command-center workflows.

Partner with Almo Pro AV and Lead the Future of Government AV

Public sector AV is evolving fast. Agencies need partners who understand the mission, the mandates, and the technology. With Almo Pro AV, you get more than a distributor – you get a strategic ally.

Let’s build smarter, safer, and more connected government spaces – together.

Contact an Almo Pro AV representative to get started.

TAA-Compliant Products Available from Exertis Almo

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 ProfessionalAKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft

Competitive Esports: What’s It All About?

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

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

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

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

The Future of Security: Opportunities for Resellers Combining AI-Driven AV Systems and Network Protection

The Security Industry is Booming

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into security systems. AI not only enhances the capabilities of security solutions but also opens up new opportunities for resellers like you to offer cutting-edge products to your clients. Additionally, the integration of network security with AI-powered AV technology is becoming increasingly crucial in providing comprehensive protection.

To illustrate the potential for growth, check out these numbers. The security industry in North America is experiencing significant growth, with the market size projected to reach $167.12 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2021 to 2028. In comparison, the AV systems integration market in North is also expanding rapidly, expected to reach $8.5 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 12.5% from 2021 to 2028.

The projected growth highlights the immense opportunities for resellers and integrators to capitalize on the increasing demand for advanced security solutions. Let’s explore four key AV product categories where AI integration is making a significant impact:

1. Advanced PTZ Cameras for Surveillance

ceiling mounted Lumens VC-TR40N PTZ camera with facial recognition AIAI-powered surveillance cameras, such as PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras, are revolutionizing the security landscape. These cameras use AI algorithms for advanced features like facial recognition, motion detection, and automated tracking. For instance, the Lumens VC-TR40N PTZ Camera offers AI-powered human face recognitionLumens VC-TR40N PTZ camera is available in white or black and gesture control, making it easier to track subjects during presentations or conferences. By offering these advanced cameras, you can provide your clients with enhanced security and monitoring capabilities, ensuring they stay ahead in the market.

2. Video Walls for 24/7 Monitoring

Monitors and video walls are essential components of any security system, providing real-time visual feedback and monitoring. AI integration in these displays can enhance their functionality by enabling features like intelligent video analytics and automated alerts. For example, AI-driven video walls can analyze video feeds in real-time, identifying potential security threats and alerting operators immediately. Philips X-Line 6000 Series video wall displaysThis not only improves the efficiency of security operations but also reduces the workload on human operators. You can leverage these advanced displays to offer more comprehensive security solutions to your clients.

The Philips X-Line Videowall display is designed for 24/7 operation and can be customized to fit all your content needs. View content from multiple sources in real-time with enhanced picture quality.

3. Secure Networked AV

Netgear managed switchesNetworked AV solutions play a crucial role in managing multiple video feeds in a security system. The NETGEAR AV Line of M4250 managed network switches, including the GSM4212PX and GSM4248UX-100NAS, were built or the growing AV over IP market.

With AI integration, networked systems can now offer smarter routing and management of video signals. AI-powered networked AV solutions can automatically prioritize video feeds based on the level of detected activity, ensuring that critical events are always in focus. This intelligent management of video feeds enhances the overall effectiveness of security systems. By incorporating AI-enabled networked AV solutions into your offerings, you can provide more efficient and responsive security solutions.

4. Connectors and AV Furniture

C2G performance series cablesConnectors might seem like a small part of the puzzle, but they are vital for ensuring seamless integration and communication between different components of a security system. By integrating high speed cables, like the C2G Performance Series, in this solution, you can create a robust and efficient security workflow. These cables ensure high-quality video and audio transmission, making them ideal for high-resolution surveillance and monitoring applications. This setup not only enhances security monitoring but also provides flexibility and scalability for future expansions.

Middle Atlantic command control consolesAdditionally, incorporating AV furniture like the Middle Atlantic Visionline 24/7 Desk Consoles can significantly improve the functionality and ergonomics of your security operations. These consoles are designed for continuous use in mission-critical control rooms, offering robust cable management, integration for active equipment, and class-leading industrial design.

Conclusion

AI integration in security systems is not just a trend; it’s a game-changer for the Pro AV industry. By offering AI-powered surveillance cameras, intelligent monitors and video walls, smart networked AV solutions, and advanced connectors, you can provide your clients with state-of-the-art security solutions. These innovations not only enhance security but also open up new business opportunities. Stay ahead of the competition by embracing AI in your product offerings and delivering unparalleled value to your clients.

For more information, a quote, or consultation on AI-integrated security products, visit Exertis Almo.

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