Smart Signage, Real Strategy: What AV Pros Should Be Pitching

Let’s talk about digital signage, but not in the tired way. I’m not here to pitch “content on a screen” and call it a day. This is about real strategy, real control, and solutions that actually scale. The industry’s evolving, and as CTS-certified AV pros, we need to lead with options that aren’t just flashy. They need to be functional, intuitive, and built to handle the chaos behind the curtain.

Now, if you haven’t looked into Autora, it’s time. It’s our own platform and yes, I’m biased, but also right. It’s been flying under the radar, and that’s exactly why it’s such a smart play. Autora DSM is clean, cloud-native, and built for teams who want control without needing an IT translator every time they schedule a slide. The platform recently powered a full digital signage rollout across Texas A&M University. We’re talking hundreds of displays across campuses with centralized scheduling, emergency override capability, and branded content templates that even non-designers can update without breaking something. It’s signage that respects both the tech and the people using it. The feedback has been strong. IT teams love it. End users adopt it. Everyone wins.

Now for the usual suspects.

BrightSign is still the MVP when you want a rock-solid player that just gets it done. A retail chain in Puerto Rico used BrightSign players triggered by motion sensors for in-store promos. Ads played when customers reached for a product. No extra clicks, no wasted airtime, just smart, reactive content that helped move inventory.

Carousel deserves a nod too, especially when design flexibility matters. One municipality used it to manage content across multiple public buildings and gave each department the ability to manage its own screens. It kept things decentralized without going rogue, and the admin team didn’t need to babysit anyone through the process.

When you need to impress, tvONE steps in. We used CORIOmaster for a luxury hotel video wall that needed multiple inputs, layout changes, and scheduled zones without losing quality or giving the tech team a heart attack. No fuss, no delays, just a stunning lobby experience that made a serious first impression.

And of course, behind every great signage setup is clean distribution.

That’s where Atlona and WyreStorm come in. A client in Brazil needed signage throughout their HQ along with meeting room scheduling and VC integration. We tied everything together with WyreStorm handling signage feeds and Atlona managing signal control across the rooms. It worked, looked good, and stayed future-proof.

Here’s the takeaway.

Digital signage isn’t a “nice to have” anymore. It’s a key part of AV ecosystems. If you’re not leading with flexible, scalable options, someone else will. Autora DSM gives us a major advantage in that conversation and it’s the one I’m bringing to the front of the line.

Let me know if you want to dive deeper or see how these platforms play in real-world installs. I’ve got examples, and I’ve got time.

Gisela Ramirez, Sales Director - LATAM

About the Author

Gisela Ramirez

Sales Director – LATAM

Exertis Almo

The Next Big Shift in Wearables: Electrophoretic Clothing Could Change Everything

display 80'sDisplays and Fashion Have Evolved

From dynamic displays to real-time health data, your clothes are about to become the smartest thing in your closet. Here’s what you need to know about the tech that’s turning fashion into function.

display fabricWhat Is Electrophoretic Flexible Clothing?

This emerging tech integrates electrophoretic displays (think Kindle screens) into flexible fabrics. These displays change color and pattern by manipulating micro-pigments in response to electrical charges—all while being thin, energy-efficient, and now, bendable enough to wear. It’s the start of dynamic, programmable fashion with real-world impact.

Electrophoretic Clothing Digital Marketing Applications

Advertising That Walks

Electrophoretic flexible clothing opens an entirely new ad channel—one that moves through crowds, adapts in real-time, and interacts on a human level.

Here’s how this technology could shift digital advertising:

signage on clothingReal-Time Updates
Just like online banners, the content on clothing can be scheduled or triggered—weather-based, event-based, or trend-reactive. This creates ultra-dynamic messaging with zero physical reprint costs.

Influencer Marketing, Leveled Up
Brand ambassadors can display live campaigns as they walk through events, festivals, or high-footfall zones. One piece of smart clothing could carry multiple brands in a single day.

Interactive Content
When paired with smartphones or AR, viewers could scan or tap to interact with the display—think discounts, QR codes, or even polls displayed right on someone’s back.

In addition to the benefits of wearing digital marketing it can revolutionize healthcare.

Electrophoretic Clothing Healthcare Applications

health monitoringPatient Monitoring
Hospitals could use display-embedded gowns that show vitals or medication reminders.

Home Health & Elder Care
Smart clothing could display biometric data for remote caregivers—heart rate, hydration, or movement warnings.

Mental Health
Color-shifting garments might visually reflect mood or stress levels using biometric input, helping wearers self-monitor or communicate nonverbally.

Electrophoretic clothing future potential has unlimited possibilities and can become a substantial new tech. But like all breakthrough tech, electrophoretic clothing has some caveats that need “ironed out”.

Power Needs
Displays are low-power, but still need energy. Will we be charging jackets like phones? Possibly—though future iterations may solve this with body heat or kinetic energy harvesting.

Privacy & Hacking
Connected clothes open the door to new vulnerabilities—tracking, spoofing, or unauthorized display changes. Security will need to be built into the fabric, literally.

E-Waste Concerns
Even as they reduce textile use, e-textiles bring electronic waste challenges. Recycling flexible circuitry and displays is still an open issue.

Final Thoughts: Style Meets Silicon

Electrophoretic flexible clothing is more than fashion—it’s infrastructure for the body. It can inform, advertise, express, protect, and connect—all while being wearable, sustainable, and stunning.

Whether you’re syncing it to your smartphone, monitoring a patient’s vitals, or streaming a campaign message across your chest, this technology offers a powerful promise: that what we wear can finally keep up with how we live.

Oshiana Lindsley

About the Author

Oshiana Lindsley​​​​​​ | DSCE

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Sony

Want to know more about innovative LED technologies?
Check out this blog, “How Transparent LED Film is Revolutionizing Display Technology“.

Beyond the Static Screen: Unleashing the Power of Interactive Digital Signage

Remember the days of static images on unchanging displays? They served their purpose, but in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, they tend to fade into the background. This is where interactive digital signage – a dynamic and engaging way to connect with your audience – can mean the difference between “background noise” and true engagement. Interactivity transforms passive viewers into active participants.

But what exactly makes interactive digital signage so beneficial and how does BrightSign make it easy? Let’s explore:

interactive displayAmplified Engagement and Memorability:

Imagine walking past a screen that responds to your presence, allowing you to tap, swipe, and explore.  This is how we engage day to day with our phones, and it’s become the standard when it used to seem like science fiction (think Minority Report). By actively involving users, you capture their attention in a way static displays simply can’t. This heightened engagement leads to better information retention and a more memorable experience with your brand or message. Think about browsing a digital product catalog on a touchscreen versus glancing at a printed flyer – which are you more likely to remember?

Richer Data Collection and Insights:

Interactive displays offer a goldmine of data. You can track what content users are most interested in, which buttons they tap, and even gather valuable demographic information (anonymously, of course!). This data provides invaluable insights into audience behavior, allowing you to refine your content, optimize your messaging, and make more informed business decisions. Imagine understanding which products in your digital showroom are getting the most attention – that’s powerful information!

personalized experiencePersonalized and Relevant Experiences:

Static signage delivers the same message to everyone. Interactive signage, however, can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. Through touchscreens, QR code scanning, buttons, connected apps, or even motion sensors, you can offer personalized content, targeted promotions, and customized information. This level of relevance makes the experience more valuable and increases the likelihood of conversion or desired action. Think about a digital wayfinding system that adapts based on your selected language or a retail display that suggests products based on your previous interactions.

interactive kiosksStreamlined Information Delivery and Self-Service:

Interactive kiosks can empower users to find the information they need quickly and efficiently, reducing reliance on staff. From wayfinding in a complex building to accessing product details in a store or checking in for an appointment, interactive signage provides convenient self-service options. Most people are used to shopping online, so extending that experience to a retail location where they can lay hands on the product is the next evolution. This not only improves the user experience but also frees up your team to focus on more complex tasks.

Enhanced Marketing and Sales Opportunities:

Interactive digital signage opens up exciting new avenues for marketing and sales. Imagine a digital storefront that allows customers to browse products, view detailed specifications, watch videos, and even make purchases directly from the screen. Interactive displays can also be used to run engaging contests, collect leads, and deliver targeted advertising based on user interactions.

How BrightSign helps move interactivity forward:

BrightSign’s free software, BrightAuthor:Connected offers a drag and drop approach to “programming” interactive content, opening the door to those that may not have the technical capabilities to create content using HTML and Javascript.  These tools offer the ability to create interactive content for use with touchscreens, control systems, fire alarms, buttons, motion sensors, keyboard, card readers, GPS sensors, etc. without the need for programming knowledge.  In the video below, I create an interactive presentation with touch, UDP and button control, including a playback counter, all in around 2 minutes.

The Future is Interactive:

Interactive digital signage is more than just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how we communicate and engage with audiences in physical spaces. By moving beyond static displays and embracing the power of interaction, businesses and organizations can create more engaging, informative, and ultimately more effective experiences.

To learn more about interactive signage and how BrightSign can help, contact me at [email protected], or visit our website AlmoProAV.com for additional information.

Todd Heberlein
About the Author

Todd Heberlein | CTS, DMC-D-4K, DSCE

Senior BDM – Technical Lead

Supported Manufacturers: Absen and Brightsign

The Impact of AV Over IP on Global Installations: Why is everyone converting?

In today’s AV landscape, AV over IP (AVoIP) isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the new standard for global installations. Whether you’re connecting a boardroom in Bogotá, a resort in Punta Cana, or a university campus in São Paulo, AVoIP is transforming how large-scale deployments are designed, managed, and scaled.

Why AVoIP? Because Matrix Switchers Are Outdated

Let’s be real—traditional matrix switchers had their moment. But in today’s fast-paced, multi-location world, they just can’t keep up. AVoIP offers infinite scalability, simplified deployment, and cost-efficiency—all while running over standard Ethernet networks.

  • atlona omnistreamExample: During a recent deployment for a Fortune 500 client in Mexico City, we connected 20 meeting rooms with seamless 4K video distribution using Atlona’s OmniStream AVoIP solution. No bulky switchers. No infrastructure headaches. Just smooth, scalable content delivery over their existing 1Gb network.

Global Deployments: One Setup, Infinite Possibilities

One of the biggest wins with AVoIP is its consistency across regions. Whether you’re installing in Miami, Madrid, or Medellín, you can replicate the same system architecture. 

zeevee zypher That means faster rollouts, fewer compatibility issues, and streamlined support.

  • Caribbean Example: We recently helped a hospitality group overhaul their digital signage network across multiple resorts. Using ZeeVee ZyPer4K encoders and decoders, they centralized content distribution from a single hub. Now, they push real-time promos, event schedules, and resort updates to multiple locations—without the need for separate headends or complex cabling at each site.

Higher Education: Smarter Campuses with AVoIP

lecture hallUniversities are quickly adopting AVoIP for lecture streaming, content distribution, and hybrid learning. The flexibility and remote management capabilities make it a game-changer for higher ed.

  • Higher Ed Example: We recently worked with a university in LATAM that wanted to create a seamless hybrid classroom experience. Using Kramer’s KDS-EN6 and KDS-DEC6 AVoIP system, they linked lecture halls, remote classrooms, and overflow areas into one unified network. Students attending virtually had zero-latency audio and video, and the IT team could manage the entire system remotely—no more frantic campus sprints to fix a frozen screen.

Scalability: Because Expanding Shouldn’t Break the Bank, just be installed in them!

The beauty of AVoIP is its modular scalability. Need to add ten more displays next month? No problem. Just drop in more encoders and decoders. No forklift upgrade required.

  • muxlab controllerLATAM Example: A corporate campus in São Paulo rolled out MuxLab’s ProDigital Network Controller for 4K content distribution across 50+ displays. When they expanded, they simply added more endpoints—no need for new infrastructure.

Speed and Simplicity: Your IT Team Will Thank You

One of the biggest reasons Fortune 500s are all in on AVoIP? It plays nice with existing IT infrastructure. No proprietary cabling, no octopus like cable heads. No weird compatibility issues. Just standard Ethernet.

  • wyrestorm Financial Sector Example: When upgrading the Panama offices of a financial institution, we deployed WyreStorm’s NHD-400-TX/RX system. Their IT team took over AV support without breaking a sweat, thanks to the system’s seamless integration with their existing network.

Security: Because Boardroom Meetings Shouldn’t Be Hackable

lumens ndi encodersAVoIP also offers enhanced security. Solutions from Lumens, AMX, and Kramer use encrypted video streams, protecting sensitive content from prying eyes.

  • Corporate Security Example: A multinational bank in LATAM needed to securely stream financial data between branches. By using Lumens’ NDI encoders, they ensured low-latency, encrypted content distribution without compromising data integrity.

AVoIP: Because You Deserve to Leave the Server Room Before Retirement.

Let’s be honest—AVoIP is also about quality of life. With remote management tools, you can troubleshoot systems from anywhere. No more spending your weekend in a freezing server room.

  • kramer-control-pi-1Hospitality Example: One of our Caribbean resort clients now manages their entire digital signage network remotely using Kramer’s Control Platform. Need to update content across multiple resorts? One click—done. No techs on-site. No downtime, just sunshine and pina coladas!

Why corporations are All In on AVoIP?

For global companies, AVoIP is the only logical choice. Here’s why:

  • Consistency: Same setup from in every location… no matter where in the world.
  • Scalability: Add endpoints without adding infrastructure headaches.
  • Remote Management: Because nobody wants to spend their day troubleshooting in a server room. Yuck!
  • Cost Efficiency: Less hardware, fewer cables, happier CFO. Happy CFO, happy sales team!
  • Flexibility: Works across corporate, hospitality, and higher ed sectors. Endless possibilities.

The bottom line?

AVoIP isn’t the future—it’s the now. So, the next time someone pitches you a clunky, outdated AV solution, just smile and say, “That’s cute. But we’ve moved on.”  Talk to your Almo Pro AV rep when designing your next project and let’s lock down a better solution that will make your life easier and your customer happy!

Gisela Ramirez, Sales Director - LATAM

About the Author

Gisela Ramirez

Sales Director – LATAM

Exertis Almo

SDM Chip: The Key to Streamlined Digital Signage and Connectivity

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

QDEL: Just Another Acronym or the Next Quantum-Dot Leap?

Display technology advancements seem to pop up every other day, but every now and then, a true game-changer emerges. Enter QDEL—Quantum Dot Electroluminescent displays. More than just another acronym in the tech world, QDEL has the potential to redefine the way we experience screens by overcoming the limitations of OLED, LCD, and even the latest QD-OLED technology.

Sony Bravia 9 NanoLEDWhat is a QDEL Display?

QDEL (Quantum Dot Electroluminescent) is a cutting-edge display technology that eliminates the need for a backlight. Unlike traditional LCDs, OLEDs, and QD-OLEDs, which require external light sources or organic materials to emit light, QDEL uses quantum dots as the primary light emitters. This results in a self-emissive display that delivers exceptional brightness, richer colors, and greater energy efficiency.

The good news? Quantum dots are already being successfully used in LCD-LED and OLED screens, proving their viability in consumer technology. Now, with QDEL, stakeholders predict even greater efficiencies—including lower power consumption and higher brightness compared to OLED.

Why QDEL Could Be the Ultimate Display Tech

QDEL offers significant advantages over existing display technologies:

Wider Color Gamut – Expect richer, more vibrant colors than today’s QD-OLED displays.
Higher Brightness – More intense illumination without excessive power consumption.
Burn-in Resistance – Unlike OLED, QDEL won’t degrade over time, making it more durable.
More Affordable Production – Potentially lowering costs compared to OLED and microLED.

By addressing the weaknesses of OLED, QD-LED, and direct-view LED (DVLED) displays, QDEL represents the future of screens—offering a superior visual experience with greater longevity and accessibility.

Sony Bravia 9 NanoLED QLED technology The Future of Display Technology with QDEL

With QDEL technology on the rise, the future of displays looks brighter—literally and figuratively. This innovation could reshape the industry by delivering next-level performance, efficiency, and affordability.

Imagine a world where displays are:

Ultra-bright yet energy-efficient – Perfect for outdoor viewing and HDR content.
⏿ Vivid and true-to-life – The widest color gamut ever seen in consumer displays.
⛨  Free from burn-in worries – Long-lasting screens for TVs, smartphones, and beyond.
$ More affordable – Bringing premium visual experiences to a wider audience.

As QDEL technology continues to evolve, we can expect thinner, more flexible, and more durable screens, paving the way for groundbreaking applications in gaming, home entertainment, digital signage, and even augmented reality.

The rapid progress in quantum dot applications proves that QDEL isn’t just a concept—it’s the next leap forward. We’re on the brink of an exciting transformation, where screens will be brighter, richer, and more reliable than ever before.

The future isn’t just high-definition—it’s QDEL-defined.

Oshiana Lindsley

About the Author

Oshiana Lindsley​​​​​​ | DSCE

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Sony

Want to know more about innovative LED technologies?
Check out this blog, “How Transparent LED Film is Revolutionizing Display Technology“.

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