Amping Up Government Operations: Rocking Out with Cutting-Edge AV Gear

Hey there, fellow PROAV rockstars! We’re all about pushing the boundaries of tech wizardry, and guess what? Our skills aren’t just for concert halls and boardrooms. Nope, we’re taking our show on the road straight to the heart of government operations. So crank up the volume as we dive into how our cutting-edge AV gear is making waves in the public sector!

rocking-avCrystal-Clear Communication

When it comes to effective messaging, static just won’t cut it. High-definition video conferencing, interactive displays, dvLED walls, and digital signage ensure that government officials and the public stay tuned in and turned on to what’s happening, whether it’s a virtual summit or the latest policy updates.

Jamming Out Informed Decision-Making

With top-of-the-line AV gear, policymakers can visualize data in real-time, spot trends, and make evidence-based decisions. Think command centers lit up like a stage, where officials riff on emerging challenges and opportunities, all thanks to tech prowess.

Hands-On Training: Interactive Displays that Rock

CreateBoard Interactive displaysWho said training has to be boring? With the latest interactive displays, training sessions become an immersive experience that gets everyone pumped. Picture this: government employees in front of massive touchscreens, collaborating on real-time scenarios, and solving problems together like a band jamming out a new hit.

Enter LG CreateBoard—the ultimate interactive display that transforms learning into a dynamic, hands-on experience. These displays let users annotate, share, and engage with content effortlessly, whether it’s brainstorming in a war room or walking through emergency response protocols. With multi-touch capabilities and seamless integration with other devices, LG CreateBoard makes sure everyone is in sync, hitting all the right notes.

Keeping an Eye on Security and Surveillance

Safety first, always! High-resolution surveillance cameras and integrated security systems safeguard public spaces and infrastructure. For a high-flying twist, we have several drone manufacturers that provide exceptional aerial surveillance, with the ability to monitor large events, inspect infrastructure, and provide real-time footage during emergencies. Equipped with advanced sensors and AI capabilities, these drones offer unparalleled situational awareness, helping government agencies respond to incidents faster and more effectively.

Professional Audio: Rock-Solid Sound for Government Ops

When it comes to government communication, hitting the right notes is everything. Professional audio systems are the unsung heroes that keep the beat, ensuring every word lands like a power chord in a packed arena. We’re talking advanced mics, booming speakers, and sound tech that rocks every room, from city council meetings to courtroom showdowns.

Assisted Listening Devices: Amping Up Inclusivity

assistive listening with Listen EVERYWHERENow, let’s crank it up a notch for our audience with hearing impairments. Assisted listening devices (ALDs) are like the VIP passes that make sure everyone gets front-row sound, no matter where they’re seated. One of the rockstars in this space is Listen Technologies with their Listen EVERYWHERE system. This cutting-edge solution streams audio directly to users’ smartphones, letting them tap into the sound with their own headphones or hearing aids. Whether it’s hearing loops that sync up with hearing aids or infrared systems that cut through the noise, these bad boys plug right into the AV setup, delivering crystal-clear audio straight to those who need it most.

By plugging ALDs like Listen EVERYWHERE into the mix, government spaces become more than just inclusive—they become places where every voice counts and no one misses a beat. It’s all about making sure the rhythm of communication keeps everyone in the groove, turning public spaces into inclusive arenas where everyone’s part of the show.

Remote Monitoring: A Game-Changer for Government Applications

In an age where agility and responsiveness are key, remote monitoring of commercial displays is revolutionizing government operations. Imagine command centers with real-time updates, remote troubleshooting, and instant content changes, all managed from a centralized location. This not only ensures seamless communication and coordination but also enhances efficiency by reducing the need for on-site interventions. LG Connected Care DMS exemplifies this by providing comprehensive remote management and monitoring capabilities, ensuring that displays are always performing optimally. Whether it’s for monitoring public announcements, emergency alerts, or routine updates, remote monitoring ensures that government agencies are always in control and a step ahead. rock on

So there you have it! Cutting-edge AV gear isn’t just for show—it’s the secret sauce behind government operations that rock. As PROAV professionals, staying ahead of the curve ensures we keep the tunes pumping and build stronger, more dynamic communities for a brighter future. Rock on!

Tiff Jones-Morton headshot-frame
About the Author

Tiff Jones-Morton | DSCE

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: LG Business Solutions (NE, SE, MW)

Contact Exertis Almo for product info, inventory availability, or to start a quote.

5 Reasons to Use dvLED Technology for Your Next Video Wall

If you happened to go to InfoComm this year, you were witness to the dvLED revolution. You couldn’t throw a stone without hitting a dvLED display – although I’m not sure why you’d be throwing stones at a technology exhibition. Direct view LED is fast becoming the technology of choice for video walls in our industry, as it offers a range of advantages over traditional LCD displays.

Here’s a detailed exploration of some the benefits that dvLED provides:

Seamless

Absen NX Series dvLED modulesOne of the most obvious benefits of dvLED video walls is their ability to create seamless images. Unlike LCD panels, which often have noticeable bezels that can disrupt the visual flow, dvLED panels can be tiled together without any seams, providing a more immersive viewing experience. This is not only important for retail applications but can be especially beneficial in the conference room where large video conferencing displays can bring a sense of togetherness for those not in the same room. For those of you that have been part of a video conference where the crosshairs of an LCD video appear on the participant’s face can appreciate the benefit of a seamless image.

Superior Brightness and Color Accuracy

DvLED video walls are known for their exceptional brightness and color accuracy. This makes them ideal for environments with high ambient light, where LCD screens might appear washed out. The vibrant colors and high contrast ratios of dvLEDs ensure that images are vivid and engaging. At InfoComm, most of the dvLED displays had their brightness turned down so as to not blind those visiting their booth. As for me, I spent my day visiting many of the booths and getting a “neon tan”.

Flexibility in Design

Absen NX Series dvLED video wall curvedThe modular nature of dvLED panels allows for more creative and custom-designed video walls. They can be built to any height or width and can even be configured into unique shapes, including curved or mosaic patterns. This flexibility is something that LCD video walls, with their set aspect ratios cannot match. While LCD display manufacturers fight for market share by introducing 21:9, 32:9 or even 58:9, dvLED allows the designer to choose the aspect ratio that fits not only the content, but the size of the room.

Longevity

DvLEDs offer a longer lifespan compared to LCD panels, often reaching 100,000 hours of use. Also, since they are made for 24/7 use, they are suitable for continuous operation in demanding environments without the risk of burn-in or image retention issues that can affect LCD displays. And because of their modular design, if you do have a failure, it can be a simple process to replace the failed item with one of the included spares.

Energy Efficiency

Contrary to popular belief, LED technology is generally more energy-efficient than LCD, which relies on backlighting. This efficiency translates into lower power consumption and reduced operational costs over the lifespan of the video wall. Also, because of the emissive technology, the brightness can typically be set at a much lower setting than a comparable LCD display.

BONUS – Better Refresh Rates:

DvLED video walls provide for higher refresh rates that that of most, if not all LCD displays. This means that the content remains clear and consistent even with fast moving action or flashing lights, whereas LCD panels might show pixelation or artifacts.

Conclusion

As you can see, dvLED video walls offer compelling advantages over traditional LCD video walls, ranging from seamless imagery to energy efficiency and longevity. These benefits make dvLED an increasingly popular choice for businesses and organizations looking to create impactful and long-lasting displays. For those considering an investment in video wall technology, dvLED presents a forward-thinking solution that can meet a wide range of display needs. For further information on dvLED technology, please contact me, or your Exertis Almo account manager to set up a call to discuss.

Todd Heberlein
About the Author

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

Senior BDM – Technical Lead

Supported Manufacturers: Absen and Brightsign

Breaking Down DVLED part 5 – First Things First

Part 5: First Things First

Topic: The importance of proper site prep.

I remember working in the garage as a kid with my dad, and it seemed like 80% of the time we were cleaning up and 20% of the time we were actually working on a project. He would always say, “a clean workspace is a safe workspace!”

I didn’t really appreciate that wisdom then, but I do now.

Whether you are hanging and banging a 50-inch LCD display in a conference room or installing and commissioning a 220-inch LED video wall in an auditorium, the same wisdom applies in terms of making sure the site is ready, all the tools for the job are on hand, and the project punch list is ready to execute.

For dvLED displays, the site prep requirements are pretty rigid, and for good reason. I’m going to discuss a few universal requirements that you will run into on almost every dvLED project.

To begin, often times a tech will be scheduled to come onsite to assist with or even perform the installation. They are typically slated to be onsite for a limited window of time. It is the integrators responsibility to ensure that everything is ready for them to jump in and start working when they arrive to the site. Delays could be cause for extending the time required for the tech to be onsite. This usually leads to change orders. And we all know how much our customers dislike those!

Another important site requirement spec that you will undoubtedly run into are power and data requirements. Big walls require more power, and as such, this requires more outlets. AV integrators aren’t electricians, so it’s critical to have the proper spec requirements in advance to provide to the end user. Fortunately, many vendors, such as Absen and others, provide this information via written specs and technical drawings.

voltage-diagram

One of the most important considerations when installing a dvLED video wall is the actual wall surface that it is mounting to. Since dvLED walls are made up of multiple cabinets and modules and are, by nature, designed to be seamless, it is very important to ensure that there are no seams! This is why you will often see requirements for cabinet or marine grade plywood backing. At minimum, BC Sanded One-Side will be required to ensure that the X-axis is completely flat and true. Considering the cost of the video wall, the extra investment in some plywood is a small price to pay to ensure the wall is perfect.

Finally, you need a plan to dispose of all the waste that is left behind. A typical video wall might ship in four or five large wooden crates, with dozens of large cartons and packages enclosed. This can result in a literal mountain of trash. Have a plan to remove this from this site as you go. A cluttered work area is a hazardous work. So as a wise man once said, “a clean workspace is a safe workspace.” Thanks dad…

This concludes my five-part series on Breaking Down DVLED. I hope you have found these articles useful, and I encourage you all to reach out to me directly if you have dvLED projects on the horizon that I can assist you with.
Check out my other installments if you haven’t already:

Part 1: Got Spares?
Topic: The importance of having spares when purchasing / commissioning a DVLED video wall.

Part 2: Cabinets and Modules and Panels, Oh My!!!
Topic: The anatomy of a DVLED video wall.

Part 3: Perfect Pitch
Topic: The importance of selecting the right pixel pitch the first time

Part 4: The First Step in Installing a DVLED Video Wall is Admitting You Need Help
Topic: Commissioning Assistance and Why it’s Important.

Tom Keefe BDM

About the Author

Tom Keefe | CTS, DMC-D-4K, DSCE

Business Development Manager – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Absen

The Multi-Use Video Wall

There was a time in the not so recent past, when the technology, design, and installation of video walls was financially out of reach of the average business. Not only was it a large financial investment, but there was typically a major time investment by the user to learn how to properly operate the system.

Some of you may have had an experience in the past (or possibly even recently) where you walked into a conference room containing a 2 x 2 video wall, a control panel on the table, and cables seemingly growing from somewhere within. The space that was meant to be a showpiece, ended up being a source of much frustration, as non-technical users struggled to share their presentations, or even turn on the displays. Meetings would start late as the presenter attempted to find the correct cable and press the correct series of buttons. Forget about using it to watch the big game during some after-work bonding.

As technology has improved, and costs have come down, video walls are no longer reserved for the uber rich corporations, pro sports team, or mega churches. Instead, they’ve become almost ubiquitous, appearing at your local fitness center, airport, house of worship, or even in the entrance of a tanning salon.

More than ever, video walls need to be easy to understand, and easy to manage. Because many of the smaller companies investing in a video wall have limited space, these video walls must also be multi-purpose. Instead of being set aside specifically for quarterly board member presentations, they are now used for an impromptu employee meeting, a hybrid sales meeting, employee entertainment, or showing off your latest project to a prospective client.

Since the popularity has continued to grow, more integrators are being asked to design and install large video wall systems. Previously, the integrator would need to be very familiar with ISF guidelines for calibration, and walls would need to be re-calibrated every few months. Now, such advancements like auto calibration, or pre-calibrated dvLED bundles, the barrier to entry is much smaller.

Let’s take a look at some current technology we can utilize to create an easy to use, easy to manage, video wall with multiple functions.

Display technology

Video walls are no longer limited to a number of ultra-thin bezel displays arranged in a matrix, with an expensive, multiple input processor behind it. Because of the decrease in pixel size, as well as cost, a fine pixel pitch dvLED display in either 16:9, 21:9, or 32:9 aspect ratio would offer an affordable, long lasting, and easy to manage solution. Popular display manufacturers like LG have “all in one” packages that include the mount, cabinets, controller, dvLED modules and even sound. The installation has been simplified, and the modules come pre calibrated so they look great out of the box.

dvLED video wall

There are a number of benefits of using a dvLED display including no bezels, 100,000 half-life, and a controller with multiple inputs. The best thing, many models can be controlled with the same remote control that you use on the 55” display in your breakroom.

The next step is to determine the Main Use of this display, and what additional technology is necessary.

Main Usage: Presentation

A presentation is the type of application typically found in a boardroom. A manufacturer whose name has become synonymous with wireless presentations is Barco. Since the introduction of the Barco Clickshare, wireless presentations have become the norm, and many manufactures have followed suit, chasing the Clickshare success.

The Barco product allows users to walk into any Clickshare enabled space, and quickly and wirelessly present content from any device, including a cell phone or tablet. For more details, I suggest contacting your Exertis Almo rep, or one of our Barco BDMs.

But what about when the room isn’t being used for presentations? With the Clickshare device, you have additional flexibility, including digital signage. With a few quick steps, you can use the Clickshare to display digital signage presentation when not in wireless presentation mode. Keep people informed, inspired, and impressed (borrowed that from Barco).

digital signage

Now, adding some entertainment to the mix is a simple as sharing content from your personal device via the wireless system, or using a Barco model with HDMI inputs to add in your cable or satellite (you could also use a secondary input on the video wall).

Main Usage: Digital Signage

There are quite a few video walls installed whose only purpose will continue to be digital signage. These tend to be located in public spaces such as airports, stadiums, or Times Square. For less public applications, there may be times when the owners of these large displays would like to utilize them for other purposes, like a sales meetings, or entertainment. Digital signage software companies, like Enplug, understood the need and took action. Using a BrightSign player, which is built for digital signage, and the Enplug CMS, the owner not only gets a reliable, easy to manage digital media player, but they add in the flexibility to show live TV (using an HDMI input on the XT1145), share content from a mobile device (streaming through the Enplug software), or even control the various other AV products in the room via RS232.

Main usage: UC (Zoom Room / Teams Room)

Teams or Zoom rooms continue to gain popularity as the workforce continues to be divided between on-site and at home employees. These rooms allow for collaboration between people in various locations. Previously these rooms were used exclusively for these applications, which obviously limits their usefulness. Zoom and Microsoft recognized the value of adding additional flexibility and have added digital signage functionality to their platform.

Unfortunately, for live TV, or other entertainment features, the user would need to utilize the additional inputs, or smart features of their display.

There are many other uses for video walls, and odd aspect ratios, or mosaic type walls still require expertise. However, I hope that I’ve provided some insight on how current technology has made creating a flexible, easy to manage, and easy to operate video wall a project that any AV integrator can tackle. If you wish to learn more about video walls, digital signage, or other technology that Exertis Almo partners with, please visit the Exertis Almo website, and navigate to the page on our many BDMs. Let us work with you on finding the right technology for your next project.

Todd Heberlein
About the Author

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

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Digital Signage Services, Technical (National), BrightSign

Episode 4, Hot Takes with Maz & Wheelz

This Video Series was recorded by Exertis Almo's Business Development Managers: 
Dan Mazurkiewicz, DSCE, and Liz Wheeler, DSCE.

“Hot Takes” with Maz & Wheelz – a video series of conversations about LED technology.

Episode 4 of “Hot Takes” with Maz & Wheelz! This episode with Exertis Almo’s Business Development Managers, Daniel Mazurkiewicz and Liz Wheeler, with ‘hot takes’ from guest Jonathan Brawn, Principal at Brawn Consulting, on Samsung’s WMB Series – Flip Pro All-in-One Digital Flipchart Collaborative Display.

Watch to listen in on their conversation!

Did you find this video helpful? Connect with us and #TeamExertisAlmo over on LinkedIn.

Find more episodes on the Exertis Almo YouTube Channel.

Liz Wheeler

Liz Wheeler | DSCE

Business Development Manager

 

Supported Manufacturers: Samsung Pro (NE, SE, MW)

Dan Mazurkiewicz

Dan Mazurkiewicz | DSCE

Business Development Manager

 

Supported Manufacturers: Samsung Pro (SW, West, NW)

Breaking Down DVLED part 4 – The 1st Step in Installing a DVLED Video Wall is admitting you need help

Part 4: The First Step in Installing a DVLED Video Wall is Admitting You Need Help

Topic: Commissioning Assistance and Why it’s Important.

asking for helpI’m one of those people who always says “no” to any extras when I make a big purchase. I sometimes feel bad for the finance guy at the car dealership, because I know from the onset that he isn’t going to sell me on a single extra service or add-on. It’s a painful ten minutes of me smiling and saying, “That sounds great! No thank you.” If there was a poster child for the adage, “Men never ask for directions,” I’d be it. To be honest, I just feel like I’m capable and I can figure things out for myself. Admittedly, this approach has rendered mixed results at best…

misaligned digital signage contentThis brings me to the topic of this edition of Breaking Down DVLED, The First Step in Installing a DVLED Video Wall is Admitting you Need Help!

If you have been selling DVLED for any length of time, you will be sure to have noticed that vendors are often rigid with their installation requirements. Some require the integrator to complete a certification course, usually onsite and over the course of a couple of days, in order to sell their product. Some even require that their service technicians commission the entire project. At minimum, most vendors require that one of their service technicians or a certified individual be onsite to assist and oversee the installation. This is generally an additional paid service, but there are some instances where the service is included. Finally, a few vendors will waive the requirement to have a branded or certified technician onsite, but will require that an add-on insurance-type fee be paid to cover any damage during installation by the integrator.

To many integrators, all the above can seem unpalatable. My goal here is to educate you on why this type of hands-on service is not only necessary, but more importantly, a critical component to ensuring the project is completed in the most cost-efficient manner. It really just boils down to the concept of, “Time is Money.”

time-is-money

First, let’s clarify what onsite service includes. In most cases, there are two types of service offered for DVLED installation, “guided” and “full service.” Full service is self-explanatory, a full crew handles all aspects of the installation and commissioning of the wall. Service like this can be obtained by working with Exertis Almo Services or, in limited cases, the vendor. Guided, onsite installation support, like what is offered by brands such as Absen and others, consists of a single technician coming onsite to lead the integration. This individual will typically be hands-on in all aspects of the labor side, and perform any necessary programing, setup, and training for the integrators team and the end user. This service guarantees that the job will be completed on-time, and that any potential snags are dealt with expediently. Having a branded technician assist with the installation also provides liability protection to the integrator in the event of any mishaps or product damage that occurs during the project under the umbrella of warranty coverage.

So how does this relate to “Time is Money?” In almost all cases, when having a designated vendor technician onsite, you do not have to expend any of your own human capital on line-items, such as labor or programming. Additionally, an onsite vendor tech will cut hours if not days from the installation time, and the end-user will have a great experience in terms of product training and support from the vendor. This reflects positively on the integrator, thereby promoting repeat business. Finally, a vendor technician will ensure that everything is tested before leaving the job to avoid any unnecessary returns to the jobsite to address anything that was potentially missed during the installation process.

All these benefits, taken together, equate to a world-class level of service, a better customer experience, and fewer headaches—that always cost money—down the road. It is important to remember that a DVLED wall has exponentially more components than a traditional LCD wall and it is far easier to damage LED modules than a prebuilt LCD display. DVLED is also a relatively new technology and most integrators have not yet established the learning curve benefits that come with repeated commissioning. By having a trained and qualified vendor onsite, the integrators team essentially receives free, hands-on training that can be applied to future projects.

installation team

In summary, whether you are a consummate skeptic like me and always say “no” to offers for additional assistance or are simply someone who is confident in their abilities based on experience, the benefits of accepting qualified help for DVLED installations is not only necessary, but essential to maximizing your bottom line.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned for my next installment of Breaking Down DVLED:

Part 5: First Things First
Topic: The importance of proper site prep and conducting a proper site survey

Check out my other installments if you haven’t already:

Part 1: Got Spares?
Topic: The importance of having spares when purchasing / commissioning a DVLED video wall.

Part 2: Cabinets and Modules and Panels, Oh My!!!
Topic: The anatomy of a DVLED video wall.

Part 3: Perfect Pitch
Topic: The importance of selecting the right pixel pitch the first time

Tom Keefe BDM

About the Author

Tom Keefe

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Absen

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