Golfing In All Climates: A Closer Look at Golf Simulation Technology

My interest was recently sparked at a family event back in January. My daughter-in-law threw my son a surprise “for-tee” (get it — 40!) birthday celebration at local venue here in Florida. The space was perfect for our group of about 20 guests, and the theme couldn’t have been more fitting for his big 4-0!

This is the ultimate “Cheesy Proud Mom embarrasses her kid” opportunity – and I’m taking full advantage! Happy 40th, Rick Greene! Mom loves you! Haha. Thank you all for letting me have that moment.

Now, back to the story. We arrived early to set up the decorations, which gave me the chance to see the existing patrons enjoying the venue’s golf simulators. I was amazed – many people brought their own clubs! Some were there for a casual night out, while others were clearly focused on improving specific aspects of their game. The vibe was laid-back and fun, complete with drinks from a bar area.

That special evening piqued my curiosity, so I decided to dig deeper and learn how this emerging market is leveraging our Pro AV tools. From event spaces to private homes, golf simulators are rapidly gaining popularity. Let’s explore the benefits of golf simulators and how this technology is transforming the way we learn and play the game.

The Rising Popularity of Golf Simulators

The market size of golf simulators was approximately 1.7 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach nearly 1.9 billion in 2025, as detailed in this report.

Additionally, the National Golf Foundation reported that 6.2 million Americans used golf simulators from 2022-2023, with pre-pandemic levels just under 4 million.

golf simulation PanasonicHow Do Golf Simulators Work?

A golf simulator is comprised of a screen or net, along with analytic software and usually short throw projector. The golfer can project the visuals on a screen designed to withstand the impact of a golf ball or view the data on a separate display.

The Benefits

Year-Round Golfing: Since most golf simulators are installed inside, this technology allows users to golf throughout the year – no matter the weather conditions. The outdoor golf seasons traditional occurs from the spring through the fall, so users can practice their hobby throughout the year with the help of these indoor simulators.

At-Home Practice: Along with year-round golfing, golf simulators provide golfers with the opportunity to practice their skills at home, rather than commuting to a golf course or driving range. Plus, golf simulators are an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment in the comfort of their own home.

Additional Info: Golf simulators are an excellent choice for golfers looking to improve their swing. There are a variety of golf simulator programs to choose from, each with an assortment of statistics and various courses designed to help users enhance their skills. Including information about speed, club path, face angle, and more, using golf simulator software is an efficient way for users to analyze data and make adjustments.

Applications

Residential Spaces: For those looking to dedicate their time to practice, golf simulators are a common choice for a user to install within their home. It’s definitely a new expansion on the man cave or fun family experience.

Restaurants and Event Spaces: Although many golfers use the technology as a method of improving their swing, golf simulators are growing in popularity in bars, restaurants, and event spaces. Why? It’s like Axe Throwing or Escape Rooms it’s a new experience that everyone wants to get out to do.

Cruise Ships: Golf simulators are an up-and-coming source of entertainment for cruise guests, as the technology provides a relaxed, fun-filled environment for practicing golf while on vacation. It’s used to be shooting golf balls off the back of the boat which, ummm not’s so good for the environment they can now offer a new fun activity to appeal to the first timer golfer or the seasoned enthusiast.

Transforming How Golfers Learn

In fact, simulation technology is used in a variety of training applications, allowing for a safer environment with greater accessibility and repeatability.

This subject is detailed in a recent article from Panasonic Connect, which explains the benefits of simulation technology for pilots in training. As the demand for pilots has grown since the pandemic, the airlines used flight simulation technology as a method of training the new generation.
Along with creating a safer environment for those in flight training, simulation technology eliminates the worry of poor weather and facilitates a more consistent, reliable schedule for practice. This same appeal applies to golf simulators as well, ensuring that golfers can practice their skills at any time.

Learn more about the benefits of simulation technology and its impact on our learning process: 3 Ways Simulation Technology Revolutionizes the Way People Learn Panasonic North America – United States.

PT-VMZ6STU7An Ideal Staple of a Golf Simulator Setup

Designed to reduce shadows and enhance flexibility, the PTVMZ6ST LCD Projector series from Panasonic is an innovative staple of a golf simulator setup. With stress-free installation, clear projection, and eco-friendly construction, the series prioritizes bright and efficient performance. Explore the series here.

Golf simulation locations are popping up all over the country. Take a look around your area – you might be surprised at how many have opened up nearby.

These venues need projectors, screens, audio systems, and displays – and that’s where you come in. From immersive visuals inside the simulation bays to engaging AV setups throughout the space, there’s a growing demand for the tools you provide.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business or just want to practice your swing or plan a fun date night, check out a local golf simulator near you.

For more information on golf simulation technology, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Panasonic Connect

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

Is That True 4K?

While native 4K resolution is commonplace in flat panel displays, there are still many resolution options when choosing a projector, including WXGA (1366×768), WUXGA (1920×1200), 1080p (1920×1080), and various options to achieve 4K (3840×2160). As an alternative to the high cost of using native 4K chipsets, many projector manufacturers offer a form of “pixel shifting” to achieve 4K resolution on the screen. To add to the confusion, manufacturers have their own terms to describe this feature, including 4K Enhancement, 4K-Ready, E-Shift, XPR, etc., depending on the brand you are working with.

Simply put, pixel shifting uses a WUXGA or 1080p chip and, with advanced processing, shifts each pixel either diagonally or horizontally and vertically at rapid speeds, creating multiple sub-frames that are combined to produce a higher resolution image on screen. The process happens so fast that our eyes are not able to detect the individual frames, resulting in an image that rivals native 4K at a significantly reduced cost. Additionally, it is important to note that there is more than one method of pixel shifting. For this article, I will refer to the terms used by Epson to describe them.

pixel shift illustration

4K Enhancement was introduced first and has now been on the market for several years. Projectors that feature 4K Enhancement can receive 4K (3840×2160) signals and project ultra high definition (UHD) images by shifting each pixel diagonally by 0.5 pixels, effectively doubling the on-screen resolution to approximately 4.15 million pixels. This allows support for a wider range of available input resolutions in a given system and displays image quality higher than HD when showing 4K content.

EB-PQ2008B Epson 4K projectorMore recently, a new type of pixel shifting has been introduced, which Epson is calling 4K Crystal Motion. In this case, the pixel shifting happens both horizontally and vertically, effectively quadrupling the resolution of the 1080p chips to show 4K (3840×2160) with 8.3 million pixels on the screen. Here, a very critical eye would be required to discern the difference between this image and one coming from native 4K chipsets, while projectors using this technology are also significantly less expensive than those offering native 4K.

Lastly, there is native 4K, where the projector uses advanced imaging chips with no pixels being shared, providing the utmost accurate presentation of the source signal and resulting in the highest possible quality, but at an additional expense compared to pixel shifting. So which one should you consider? This will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to image size, viewing distance, source content, the resolution of the source material, and budget.

With larger image sizes, the potential for a user to see the individual pixels on screen increases; however, this is reduced when viewing distance increases. Additionally, the type of content being displayed matters. Naturally, a PowerPoint presentation would not require the same level of detail as spreadsheets or engineering drawings, and it’s possible the client may not even have 4K resolution content in the first place.

Like any other project, the key to success is understanding the needs and vision of the client and then providing the best solution given their budget. Look closely at specifications to be sure you are getting the right projector for the intended purpose. The bottom line is projectors that use pixel shifting will allow you to display 4K content with an image quality rivaling native 4K projectors at a significantly reduced cost and will meet the needs of many commercial video projects.

Have more questions? Contact Exertis Almo for a consultation.
Check out one of Brian’s other blogs, “5 Keys to Selecting a New Projector“.

Brian Rhatigan headshot
About the Author

Brian Rhatigan | CTS, DSCE

Director of Business Development

Supported Manufacturers: Epson, Huddly, Kramer, Jabra

Innovate Corporate Collaboration with AI-Powered Solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective collaboration is essential for success. With the rise of remote work and dispersed teams, the demand for seamless and intelligent collaboration solutions has never been higher. This is where AI-powered solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms come into play, revolutionizing the way teams communicate and collaborate. As a professional audio-visual technology distributor, we understand the importance of providing innovative solutions to our Pro AV resellers and integrators. Let’s explore how AI-powered technology can elevate corporate collaboration, focusing on solutions that seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Teams Rooms.

Understanding the Need for Advanced Corporate Collaboration Solutions

MAXHUB 21.9 Aspect Ratio DisplayIn today’s digital age, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance collaboration and productivity. Traditional meeting rooms are being replaced by intelligent, interconnected spaces that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration. With the increasing demand for remote work and flexible collaboration solutions, businesses need tools that can adapt to their evolving needs. AI-powered solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms offer the perfect solution, providing advanced features and functionality that enhance the collaboration experience.

Introducing AI-Powered Solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms

AI-powered solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms leverage the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to deliver an unparalleled collaboration experience. These solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, providing users with intelligent communication and collaboration tools. From AI-powered cameras and microphones to intelligent displays and content sharing solutions, there are a variety of AI-powered technologies available to enhance the Microsoft Teams Rooms experience.

21:9 Aspect Ratio Displays: Revolutionizing Collaboration with AI Integration

Epson 21.9 Aspect Ratio short throw projectorOne of the key components of an AI-powered Microsoft Teams Rooms solution is the MAXHUB 21:9 Aspect Ratio Display. These innovative displays combine cutting-edge technology with intelligent AI features to revolutionize the collaboration experience. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, MAXHUB displays provide users with more screen real estate, allowing for better multitasking and productivity. Also, these displays feature built-in AI capabilities, such as facial recognition and gesture control, that further enhance the collaboration experience.

For projects with limited space, the Epson PowerLite 810E Extreme Short-Throw Projector can deliver up to a 160″ diagonal image from just 12″ away from the wall. It’s built-in flexible digital canvas makes for easy integration at 16:9 native aspect ratio and provides additional support for ultra-wide 16:6 and 21:9 for an equitable conferencing experience in meeting rooms.

Other Essential AI-Powered Technologies for Microsoft Teams Rooms Integration

In addition to 21:9 displays, there are a variety of other AI-powered technologies available to enhance the Microsoft Teams Rooms experience. Lenovo 11S30008US THINKSMART CORE FULL ROOM KIT SystemAI-powered cameras and microphones, such as those offered by Jabra and Audio-Technica, provide crystal-clear audio and video quality, ensuring that every meeting is productive and professional. AI-powered content sharing solutions, such as those offered by Barco ClickShare, make it easy to share content and collaborate in real-time.

To simplify the meeting room product specification process, there are also a variety of meeting room kits available with a system of products from manufacturers such as Lenovo, Jabra, and Yealink.

Check out our recommended MTR-compatible solutions used in the MTR Experience Center at E4.

Explosive Interest in AI Integrated Solutions

The 2024 E4 Experience shows are set to ignite interest in AI integrated solutions, with a particular focus on cutting-edge advancements. Along with showcasing a diverse range of hardware certified for seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, a standout innovation to be featured is Microsoft Copilot, a revolutionary tool harnessing the power of AI. With its ability to streamline tasks and enhance productivity, Copilot makes a significant impact in a variety of applications including corporate spaces. From facilitating the creation of dynamic presentations to optimizing workflows, AI-driven solutions are poised to revolutionize how businesses operate, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of workplace technology.

Summing Up AI-Powered Collaboration With MTR

Innovative AI-powered solutions are transforming the way businesses collaborate, and Microsoft Teams Rooms integration is at the forefront of this revolution. By leveraging AI-powered technologies such as 21:9 aspect ratio displays, auto-tracking video cameras, wireless microphones, and networked control, businesses can create intelligent, interconnected meeting spaces that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.

Lisa Lingo, Category Manager – Collaboration

At Exertis Almo, we are committed to providing our Pro AV resellers and integrators with the latest and most innovative collaboration solutions. If you’re interested in learning more about how AI-powered solutions can enhance your Microsoft Teams Rooms experience, contact us today.

5 Reasons to Invest in Training

Whether you are the owner of a small AV integration firm or a manager at a large national integrator, chances are, you are faced with the same struggle of finding the time to attend training for yourself or send your employees for training. Oftentimes, this can be costly and time consuming. However, the benefits of a highly trained workforce will almost always outweigh the short term costs.

Here are 5 reasons you should consider training for yourself or for your staff:

1. Staying on Top of the Latest Technology Trends

I think we can all agree that, like many industries, the world of commercial AV technology is constantly changing and evolving, not only with the technology itself, but with the needs of our customers. A few examples include the major advancements in Direct View LED (DVLED) for large video-wall displays, and the skills required for successful installations. If you are not aware of the latest trends or not equipped to handle them, you may find yourself losing business to competitors.

2. Enhance Customer Service

Think about a time when you were interested in making a purchase (any type of purchase — it doesn’t have to be technology), and you felt your salesperson was not educated about the product. How did that make you feel about that company? Your customers will always get better service from a well-trained employee, whether it is your salesperson, project manager, or installation technician.

3. Keep Your Certifications Current

While there are many certifications in our industry, the most common and well recognized is AVIXA’s CTS. The CTS, CTS-I, and CTS-D are important designations and require a significant amount of time and effort to achieve. Any CTS holder understands the importance of continuing education and obtaining CTS RUs in order to maintain their certification. RUs can be obtained in a variety of different methods, including live classroom training and various trade events, like the Exertis Almo E4, and webinars.

Customer Service

4. Less Supervision

As an owner or manager, you are faced with the difficult challenge of running your business and managing employees, often while being involved in work that could be handled by properly trained employees, freeing you up for other tasks. Well-trained employees will be able to work more independently without the need for constant guidance and will help your staff be more confident and satisfied in their job.

5. Reduce Employee Turnover

Hiring new employees can be time consuming, expensive, and involve risk if the right hire is not made. Providing training opportunities for your employees shows them your interest in advancing their professional skills and will enhance company loyalty and increase employee contributions to your business. Often, employees thrive on knowing they are a key contributor to their company as much as they enjoy monetary compensation.

Exertis Almo’s E4 Experience has stops in DC Metro on March 5th, and in Chicago on April 16th. In addition to an exhibit hall with the newest technology from over 40 top manufacturers, attendees will have the ability to earn AVIXA CTS RUs throughout the day via classroom training. If you are in one of these regions, I encourage you to invest your time with us for this free one-day event.

Brian Rhatigan headshot
About the Author

Brian Rhatigan | CTS, DSCE

Director of Business Development

Supported Manufacturers: Epson (NE, SE, MW), Huddly, Kramer, Jabra

Elevating the Guest Experience: Samsung Hospitality TVs

Samsung Hospitality TV blog feature image

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving hospitality industry, providing an exceptional guest experience is paramount. Every element of a guest’s stay contributes to their overall satisfaction, and one crucial aspect is the in-room entertainment. Samsung, a global leader in consumer electronics, recognizes the importance of this and offers a range of cutting-edge hospitality televisions designed to elevate the guest experience to new heights.

Samsung’s hospitality televisions combine advanced technology, stunning visual displays, and smart features to deliver an immersive and personalized in-room entertainment experience. Let’s delve into some key features that make Samsung Hospitality Televisions stand out:

  1. Superior Visual Quality: Samsung’s hospitality televisions feature state-of-the-art display technologies, including 4K UHD resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range). These features ensure vivid colors, sharp details, and enhanced contrast, providing guests with a cinematic viewing experience in the comfort of their rooms. Whether guests are enjoying their favorite shows, movies, or gaming, the exceptional visual quality enhances their overall enjoyment.
  2. Smart TV Capabilities: Samsung Hospitality Televisions are equipped with smart TV functionality, allowing guests to access a wide range of content and services. Built-in Wi-Fi and easy-to-navigate interfaces enable guests to stream their favorite online platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, directly on the television. Additionally, guests can explore personalized recommendations, browse the internet, or access hotel services, creating a seamless and interactive in-room experience.
  3. Customizable User Interface: Hotels have the flexibility to customize the user interface of Samsung Hospitality Televisions, enabling them to showcase their branding and tailor the in-room experience to their specific requirements. Customizable welcome messages, hotel information, and branded backgrounds create a cohesive and immersive environment, reinforcing the hotel’s identity and enhancing the guest’s connection with the property.
  4. Interactive Guest Services: Samsung’s hospitality televisions integrate with hotel guest service platforms, enabling guests to access a range of hotel services directly from their room. Whether it’s ordering room service, requesting housekeeping, or exploring local attractions, guests can easily navigate and interact with hotel services through the television. This streamlined approach not only enhances convenience but also improves operational efficiency for hotel staff.
  5. Energy Efficiency and Durability: Samsung is committed to sustainability, and their hospitality televisions are designed with energy efficiency in mind. With features like automatic power-off and energy-saving modes, these televisions help hotels reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on guest satisfaction. Additionally, Samsung’s televisions undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability, reliability, and a longer lifespan, providing hotels with a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
  6. Seamless Integration: Samsung Hospitality Televisions seamlessly integrate with existing hotel systems, making installation and management hassle-free. The televisions can be easily integrated with property management systems, content management systems, and other in-room control systems, allowing hotels to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience.

Samsung’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted provider of hospitality televisions worldwide. Their extensive product lineup caters to a range of hotel sizes and requirements, ensuring that each property can find a tailored solution to meet their unique needs.

Samsung Hospitality Televisions offer a compelling combination of cutting-edge technology, superior visual quality, smart features, and seamless integration, all designed to enhance the guest experience. By providing a personalized and immersive in-room entertainment experience, hotels can delight their guests, differentiate themselves from the competition, and build long-lasting customer loyalty. With Samsung Hospitality Televisions, hotels can truly take their guest experience to the next level.

Angelo-Dimillo-frame

Angelo DiMillo

Account Manager

Exertis Almo – Hospitality

Pin It on Pinterest