Digital Signal Processors – a Beginner’s Guide

I was recently asked to advise on a project where the customer was installing new AV equipment in a public meeting space. The audio system was to include ceiling array microphones, gooseneck podium microphones, as well as a number of wireless lavalier and handheld microphones. The question I was being asked was “can you recommend an appropriate mixer for this application?”.

At first glance, an audio mixer seems to be the appropriate tool for the job – after all, a mixer takes a number of audio input sources, allows you to control the volume and equalization of each source, and mixes them into a combined output signal to be sent to an amplifier and eventually loudspeakers.

But what if you need to send multiple output signals to multiple destinations? What if some signals need to be sent to some outputs but not others? What if you need to instantly change the signal routing based on the room configuration? What if you need to apply auto echo cancellation (AEC) to any of the signals to prevent echo and feedback? And most importantly – what if you do not have a dedicated technician willing and able to sit behind the mixer to configure it and make adjustments?

For all of these reasons (and plenty more), the appropriate tool for this application is a digital signal processor (DSP), not a mixer. So, let us take a look at DSPs, their features and benefits, and where they are appropriate (and not) to use!

Anatomy of a DSP

One way of looking at a DSP is as a “mixer in a box” which can be remotely controlled. Similar to a mixer, a DSP will have a number of input channels and output channels – typically 12 (in) x 8 (out) – but many other configurations exist. Unlike a mixer, which is made to lay on a table or desk and features lots of volume sliders and knobs, a DSP is a small box which is made to be installed in an equipment rack and typically features no knobs or obvious controls.

blu101Below is the front and rear of a BSS BLU-101, one of the most popular and powerful DSPs that we sell:

As you can see, it does not look much like a mixer at all, but the functionality is similar. It has twelve inputs (the green ports on the right side), eight outputs (the orange ports in the middle), an ethernet port for connecting it to a network, an RS232 port for allowing the unit to be controlled remotely, BluLink for connecting to other Harman devices, and a set of GPIO control ports which can be used for monitoring other devices or accepting signals from external devices.

ac5swhtusAs mentioned above, there are not any controls or buttons on the front panel. Instead, DSPs are generally controlled by external control systems, such as AMX, Kramer, or Atlona. Users interact with a custom touch panel to send control signals such as channel mute, volume control, input/output routing and mixing, gating, and more! In simpler systems, BSS DSPs can also be controlled by a simple button/volume knob control panel, such as the BSS Contrio series.

Due to the versatility and abilities of DSPs, they do require configuration and setup before being deployed. When selling a DSP, always check to make sure that your customer has someone on their team who is familiar with configuring and setting up DSPs. In most cases, the manufacturer will have online training programs which can help them get up to speed. For example, Harman’s Professional Training Portal offers full courses on BSS programming for free! If the customer needs additional help or is simply pressed for time, Almo’s own LinkLab Professional Services team has certified DSP programmers ready to help!

When to Recommend a DSP

Now that you know a bit about what makes a DSP tick, when should you be recommending a DSP solution over a regular mixer?

  • Medium to Large Conference Rooms: any time a customer mentions conferencing, particularly for larger rooms with multiple microphones, a DSP should be recommended. DSPs have the flexibility and power to manage the complex routing needed to interface with conferencing devices. Make sure that your DSP has a USB port for conferencing, as well as auto echo cancellation (AEC)!
  • Training Rooms/Lecture Halls: for applications where there will not be a dedicated AV Tech available to manage the system, a DSP with preset scene recall and automatic level control is essential.
  • Building-wide Systems: any complex system where multiple rooms are being controlled from a central head-end system requires a DSP (and usually a large one) to manage the routing of audio from room to room.

cms14Of course, a DSP is not a fit for every situation. For example, most live performances (musical or otherwise) are better suited to being controlled by a real live person in front of a mixer who can respond in real time to the action on stage. Additionally, smaller, less complex systems (such as in a bar, restaurant, or retail store) which do not require advanced routing or signal control might be better suited to use a rack-mounted mixer (such as the JBL CSM series) or a zone controller (such as the dbx ZonePro).

Conclusion

Hopefully, this serves as a good introduction into the capabilities and use cases for audio digital signal processors. Do not be intimidated by the complexities of DSPs – at their heart they are simply tools for making audio sound great and getting it where it needs to go.

The good news is that you do not have to be an expert to sell DSPs. The audio team at Almo is here to help you navigate the details. Simply be on the lookout for the opportunity, ask some questions, and email [email protected] to help figure out the details. We are here to help!

Audio enthusiast? Check out “Visiting the JBL Experience Center“.
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

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

AV Runs on Relationships

“I’d rather buy from you than ______.”

How many times have you seen that?  I hope you’ve seen it a lot.  The question is, why are they buying from you and not someone else?

It is because you have established a relationship over time that was built upon trust, open communication and reliability.  They trust you to provide what they need and that what you propose is in their best interests.

media partnersI have often joked that AV doesn’t run on electricity – it runs on food and coffee (or energy drinks for the installers).  Truthfully, it runs on relationships.  Some new but most old.  Something came up and they took care of you.  What was supposed to happen, happened or they helped ease a difficult situation.  It was something that went beyond the swag – it was that personal touch.  A quick call or email after hours.  Listening.  Solving the problem and making it right.

Many years ago, I spec’d fourteen new model DSP boxes from a manufacturer that I already had a relationship with.  I knew they typically ran late on new products like this and this was no exception.  All fourteen boxes ended up being installed and wired in the racks on-site.  A day later, I received a call at my desk from the programmer.  “These boxes don’t do push-to-talk.”  I had made an assumption on what I thought would be a normal feature for this application.  I called my contact that I had known for a long time and he said, “Oh, those do push-to-mute.  We never considered push-to-talk.”  We had updated firmware two days later that included push-to-talk.  You don’t forget that.

When your contact went to another firm, did your business follow them there?  Probably, if they were still within the industry.  The company that they work for is many times immaterial as compared to the person and you know there had to be a reason they moved on from that last company.

getting supportAV is a relationship business whether it be with manufacturers, distributors, rep firms or clients.  The equipment itself is often secondary.

If somebody treated you like just another customer or took a job out from under you that you had been working on for months or a particular product let you down, you remember it.  Forever.  We have some very long memories in AV.

You can easily recount the bad but you also remember the good.

For example, I had to leave my car at the shop overnight when a fellow designer and I took a road trip to perform a site visit to a job in progress.  We returned back to the shop late the next night in the rain to discover that my car had been broken into.  The passenger side glass was broken and radio stolen but worse, they also took my kids’ Christmas presents that I had stashed in the trunk.  The company that I worked for didn’t have to cover the presents that were stolen but they did.  That was 20 years ago and I have never forgotten the kindness that the owner of that business showed me.

Further, how did you get your last job?  Someone knew you and your reputation.  We have all been through that.

Tom Kehr instructorInfoComm is right around the corner and there will be plenty of talk about products.  Sure, take time to talk about the products but more importantly, spend some face-to-face time with the people behind those products.  The gear is fun but it’s the relationships that matter.

I will be there this year and doing a one-hour Basic Acoustics for Meeting Rooms at 4:00pm Tuesday and a two-hour Basics of Power and Grounding at 10:00am Wednesday.  My time there will be short but I will be endeavoring to catch up with as many of you as I am able. [See class details here.]

If you enjoyed this blog, check out Tom’s “The Value of Expertise” 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

Empower Your Corporate Clients with Smart Huddle Spaces: Essential AV Products for Seamless Collaboration

If you’re looking to design and install top-notch huddle spaces, we have everything you need to create the perfect solution for any space and budget, ensuring your corporate clients stay satisfied and return for more. In this blog, we’ll cover the basic principles to foster effective communication and recommend essential AV products for seamless collaboration.

Creating the Perfect Huddle Spaceperfect huddle space elevation

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, having a dedicated spot for quick meetings and brainstorming sessions is essential. But to make these spaces truly effective, they need the right tech solutions to enhance user productivity.

Building the perfect huddle space involves more than just selecting the right products. It’s about creating an environment that fosters collaboration and inclusion for a hybrid workforce.

Here are some tips to help you design an effective huddle space for your clients:

  1. Strategic Placement: Position your display and video conferencing equipment to ensure that everyone in the room has a clear view and can participate fully.
  2. Comfortable Seating: Provide comfortable seating arrangements that encourage engagement and interaction.
  3. Adequate Lighting: Ensure that the space is well-lit to reduce eye strain and create a welcoming atmosphere.
  4. Good Accoustics: Consider soundproofing or use sound-absorbing materials to enhance audio quality and reduce distractions during meetings.
  5. User-Friendly Technology: Choose AV solutions that are easy to use and integrate seamlessly with existing systems.

Essential AV Tech for Collaboration

Huddle spaces come in various configurations and sizes. For an example, check out this flyer featuring a signal flow diagram and elevation drawings prepared by the LinkLab services team for a recent E4 Experience event, where we set up a demo huddle space for attendees to experience firsthand. Now, let’s dive into some of the AV products we offer to elevate any corporate huddle space.

Philips displaysDisplay Solutions

A high-resolution display is the centerpiece of any huddle space. The Philips 55″ Q-Line 4K Ultra HD Display offers stunning visuals and vibrant colors, making it ideal for presentations, video calls, and collaborative work. With its sleek design and advanced features, this display enhances the overall experience and ensures that every detail is visible to all participants. As integrators, you’ll appreciate the ease of installation and the impressive performance this display offers.

Middle Atlantic free standing display mountFree-Standing Mounts

A sturdy and versatile stand or mount is essential for any huddle space setup. The Middle Atlantic Forum Free-Standing Display Stands are designed to support displays ranging from 42″ to 55″. These mounts provide a secure and adjustable platform for your screens, ensuring optimal viewing angles for all participants. Whether you need a floor-to-wall mount or a freestanding option, these products offer flexibility and reliability, making installation a breeze for integrators.

Video Conferencing Solutions

Barco ClickShare Bar ProEffective video conferencing is essential for remote collaboration. The Barco ClickShare Bar Pro is a powerful tool that combines a camera, microphone, and speaker into one compact device. This all-in-one solution simplifies the setup process and delivers high-quality audio and video for clear communication. With features like AI-powered noise cancellation and automatic framing, the ClickShare Video Bar Pro ensures that every meeting runs smoothly, making it a valuable addition to any huddle space.

Power Management

power distribution - rack mountedReliable power management is critical to maintaining uninterrupted operations in your huddle space. The NEXSYS Rackmount PDU from Legrand AV is a horizontal rackmount power solution that offers multi-stage surge protection. This ensures that all your AV equipment is safeguarded against power surges, providing peace of mind and consistent performance. With easy installation and robust protection, it’s a must-have for any huddle space setup.

High-Quality Cables

high speed hdmi cablesQuality cables are the backbone of any AV setup, ensuring clear and stable signal transmission. The CG41364 HDMI cable from Legrand AV’s C2G Plus Series is designed to deliver high-definition video and audio with minimal interference. This cable supports 4K resolution, making it perfect for presentations and video conferencing. Its durable construction and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for connecting your devices, ensuring your clients get the best possible experience.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you’ll create huddle spaces that not only meet your clients’ needs but also foster effective collaboration and productivity. A well-equipped huddle space can significantly enhance your corporate clients’ experience, transforming any corner into a hub of innovation and success that meets the demands of modern corporate environments. Satisfied clients lead to a thriving business for you!

Have more questions or want to consult with us about a specific use case? Connect with Exertis Almo’s Collaboration Solutions Category Manager or contact your Sales Representative, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your clients’ needs.

Want to know more? Check out one of our other collaboration solution blogs.

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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