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How to Buy a Car (or an Audiovisual System)

March 9, 2022 By Tom Kehr Leave a Comment

So, I need to upgrade my ride and decided that I need a 4WD, Crew Cab Dually, 1-Ton pickup with Leather interior and a towing package.  Budget is $10K.

ROTFLOL.

Where did you get that dollar figure from?  40 years ago?  Someone is stuck in a time warp.  Audiovisual projects are often approached the same way – starting with an often unrealistic dollar figure.

I know someone familiar with a new House of Worship project with suggested donation amounts for some of the furniture and fixtures.  Big donation amounts.  This person asked me to guess what they budgeted for AV.  Because of how they phrased the question, I guessed a ridiculously low number.  “$20K”, I said.  Nope.  It was $15K.  Including installation.  I guess that’ll be a TV, a couple of hardwired mics and two powered loudspeakers.  At least they’ll be decent powered loudspeakers, I guess.

I had another recent request for a digital mixer with 24 mic inputs for “around $1000”.

All three of these scenarios have unrealistic expectations but only the first one is made up.

Here’s another real scenario with a different twist: “Will need a relatively quick turn-around – they are looking to move in within the next few weeks.”  Oh, and the drywall is going up in the next couple of weeks.  But it’s okay as I’m told the GC is putting in some access holes.  </sarcasm>

For this job, there’s no design, no Functional Scope, no Bill of Materials.  Nothing.  They’re not even sure what they’re trying to do yet.  The expectations here are also unrealistic as you won’t even be able to get all the equipment “within in the next few weeks” even if you ordered today.  And will any of those supposed access holes even be useful?  We have all been through this before.

I’m sure the furniture was picked out and ordered a long time ago – including any custom furniture.  Someone planned and ordered the phone system.  The Telecommunications Room was on the architectural floor plans from the beginning.  The fire alarm system certainly wasn’t a last-minute consideration.  “We move in in four weeks.  We probably need to get a quote on the fire alarm system we need.”  That sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it.?

Why is it then, that audiovisual is still clamoring to get recognition and a seat at the Big Kids’ Table?

Two things, in my opinion:

  1. I think we can only blame ourselves for the lack of perceived value that we bring to a project.  We’ve given away designs, worked nights, weekends, 2-3 days without sleep, fixed stuff that wasn’t our responsibility and given away time and equipment just to meet a deadline or make a client happy.  What other normal business does that to themselves?
  2. I’ve been around this industry for getting close to four decades and I think we’re great at promoting ourselves to ourselves but hardly anyone outside of our little AV Club knows we even exist.  For most of us, we have trouble defining “audiovisual” when someone asks us what we do.  We love our little Club, and we love the people we know in the Club but we need a serious outreach effort to technology decision makers and the other design teams that are part of every building project.  This one is a much deeper issue than I can write about here.  Unfortunately, I don’t see any real industry initiatives on the horizon.

What are some of the results of our industry’s apparent anonymity?  Lack of supporting infrastructure, washed out images, undersized images, projectors hanging in every incorrect orientation possible using caveman like engineering, unintelligible speech, and endless photos of horrendous AV integration examples on “AV Install Nightmares” and “Dodgy Technicians” on Facebook.  I have pictures of a downspout suspended horizontally in a room and used as a cable pathway.

And one of my favorites: Seeing the acoustical treatment deleted due to “value engineering”.

We know what good AV looks and sounds like but perhaps the regular users don’t because they haven’t been exposed to enough of it.  It seems mediocre to worse has been the standard.

It also doesn’t help when after the first client meeting, we come back with a Scope of Work and a quote and we’ve skipped the idea of working the client through their process and developing a Functional Scope.  In other words, a description of how the system works and what it does from the users’ point-of-view.

You’ve done it.  I’ve done it.  We sit in a room for the introductory meeting, and we have half the system designed in our heads before the client has finished talking.  We’ve been thinking about gear when we should be discovering the client’s workflow and discussing usability.

Back in 2001, Steve Thorburn wrote, “Our industry began as a ‘solutions’ industry.”  We seem to call everything a “solution” nowadays but we’re thinking “equipment” in our minds.

“Equipment” is easy.  You can get “equipment” at BigBox.  We need to get back to being problem solvers for our clients and then perhaps, we can avoid starting with dollars being defined first.

Let’s get back to being solutions oriented rather than equipment oriented. If we bring real solutions and not just boxes, I think we just night get a little more recognition.  And the start of any solution begins with understanding the client’s needs (not the gear you think they need).

If you’re not sure about how to conduct a true Needs Analysis so you can start your Solutions journey, join us at the Almo E4 in Anaheim on March 22 for our session specifically addressing Needs Analysis.  If you are not sure about how to turn your Needs Analysis into a real Solution, Almo Pro AV’s Engineering Services can help you there as well.

Tom Kehr, CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C
Systems Designer and Trainer Professional Audio-Visual | Almo Corporation

tkehr@almo.com
888.420.2566 x6089

Almo Corporation Launches Valuable Updates to Digital Signage Service Systems

December 1, 2021 By Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

In the age of the growing hybrid workspace, the ProAV industry is responsible for more than just product fulfillment. At Almo, digital content services have become increasingly popular and necessary for user success, facilitated by company-offered installations and trainings on media player technology.


Historically, Almo’s digital content services have existed separately from product fulfillment, acting as additional product assistance available upon request. After recent updates to Almo’s service program, the professional audio-visual division developed particular SKUs associated with specific product services to increase awareness regarding service offerings for dealers.

Our digital signage services never had a close alignment with the products that we sell, and they operated in their own separate silos,” explained Cory Allen, Almo Director of ProAV Installation Services. “We’re bringing everything together from a hardware perspective, with a solid association between the hardware and the services that we offer


By partnering with Almo, dealers can offer end users assistance with basic and advanced media player set-ups, training on back-end programs, and ongoing support. By providing users with trainings on how to use the system themselves, Almo services help create product experts within various organizations and give control to the end user.
In fact, Allen noticed an increased popularity in trainings rather than traditional installation services following the widespread transition to a hybrid workspace. By encouraging end users to participate in trainings, Almo assists users in becoming more knowledgeable about their technology.

Many people work remotely, and most training techniques greatly serve the remote [and hybrid] function,” said Allen. “Now, there are training opportunities created for people to be more self-serving, and added flexibility is something customers have attached to more.


Despite great success regarding Almo’s updated service process, the team is just getting started in improving dealers’ access to services for their end users.

The amount of effort we’ve put in at its inception has generated a ton of interest, and interest from customers is heightened to a degree we’ve never seen before” explained Allen, in reference to dealer and end user enthusiasm. “The full [services] program should be complete within the next couple weeks, so we can mass market and have collateral tools available to our customers.


The Almo ProAV division looks forward to the increasing interest in the updated service offering system, as the new process creates a simpler and more effective process for dealers.

Transition to Remote Collaboration with OfficePro Training

September 7, 2021 By Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

With the recent increase in remote conferencing and education, one’s understanding of online communication platforms is more important than ever. Many businesses and schools made the quick transition into a hybrid format, causing employees and instructors to become familiar with platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams on their own time. In many cases, hybrid settings with remote video conferencing have become a primary method of communication for many organizations.

While these remote communication applications are crucial for successful online collaboration, many users are not utilizing these platforms to their full potential. Almo’s new partnership with OfficePro, a leading provider of corporate training, allows resellers to offer their clients in-depth education on hosting meetings and using these applications effectively and efficiently. Available for a variety of platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more, this new service offering from Almo provides attendees with critical information regarding their conference-based system.

As a great benefit to both consumers and dealers, this training service ensures that users receive proper guidance on the utilization of their technology following the installation. For Almo’s dealers and integrators, the service provides a comprehensives solution for clients, therefore increasing overall satisfaction with remote communication platforms. And for groups utilizing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, companies will receive a greater return on investment, as employees will use these applications more efficiently and with fewer technological complications. In fact, Brian Rhatigan, Director of Business Development at Almo, finds that the training provided by Almo and OfficePro is the key to effectively utilizing new technology.

This service is ideal for any organization that is investing in and implementing technology for collaboration and software-based video conferencing,” he said. “Far too often, companies invest in technology and don’t invest in the proper training for their employees, which can cause a poor user experience and expectations that aren’t met.


Companies and schools should look to be more proactive about their training requirements and ensure that employees and instructors receive in-depth knowledge on the tools required for collaboration, conferencing, and remote learning. With several training options for each application, including hands-on virtual training and online demo-lectures, customers have the flexibility to choose a format that works best for their organization. Application trainings available for purchase include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, MS Surface Hub, Crestron Mercury, and Cisco Webex.

Thanks to Almo’s partnership with OfficePro, resellers can assist clients in using online platforms effectively. Not only does this service result in a greater return on investment for resellers by increasing user satisfaction, but it also improves the training procedures of organizations by prioritizing employees’ understanding of technology.

Creating a Powerful Audience Connection with ARHT Media

August 16, 2021 By Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

By overcoming the challenges of distance and time, Holopresence Technology from ARHT Media provides audiences with presenters in their most realistic form. ARHT Media utilizes a holographic display that allows performers and presenters to interact with audiences in real time, while eliminating the limitations of physical presence.

As an advanced and sophisticated method of presentation, the Holopresence technology works to beam presenters into one or multiple locations at the same time, from any place in the world. While audience members get to enjoy the holographic presence of the speaker in real time, presenters can interact with audiences around the world without having to travel in person.

While mitigating the complications of travel and scheduling conflicts, ARHT Media provides a more human approach to remote presentations. Although we’ve become accustomed to the existence of remote learning and hybrid events, ARHT Media’s Holopresence technology allows presenters to engage with their audiences directly with their words and movement.

“With over 50% of communication being non-verbal body language, we have been searching for a technology solution that large enterprises can use to communicate with more engagement than the talking-head video conference – especially now since so many employees are working from home,” explained MVCC President, Glenn Burgess, in his interview with ARHT Media. View the full interview with Burgess here.

As a perfect blend of in-person and remote presentations, the holographic technology provides the personality of a live event with the safety and mindfulness of a remote setting. Not only is the device cognizant of health restrictions as it provides an alternative to inviting an in-person speaker, but it also limits unnecessary travel, especially for short periods of time, as the presenter can speak directly from their home instead of commuting to a venue.

Since the Holopresence Technology minimizes the stress and environmental implications of frequent travel, the advanced device provides venues and universities with access to premium talent. For speakers who live across the world or educators with busy schedules, ARHT Media provides a solution to the limitations of physical presence by allowing high-profile guests from all over the world to visit a stage in seconds.

“ARHT Media’s Virtual Global Stage and HoloPresence technology are re-humanizing the executive’s virtual performance by allowing multiple presenters from different locations to beam-in and interact with each other in real-time,” Burgess explains. Essentially, this elevated technology form ARHT Media facilitates more accessible meetings for visitors who would otherwise need to travel a long distance, or participants whose in-person presence is inhibited by health risks.

Additionally, this holographic technology is useful for instances where keynote speakers are required to be in two venues at the same time. Instead of making a difficult decision to attend one event over another, lecturers can deliver the same address to several different audiences at once, in real time. With ARHT Media, speakers can interact with an audience in New York and London simultaneously, with no travel. Not to mention, the holographic presence makes public speaking more comfortable for the presenter, as they will not be intimidated by the size of a traditional in-person audience.

The Holoprescence Technology from ARHT Media transcends time and space by allowing presenters to exist in several venues at once, addressing and interacting with multiple audiences at the same time. While in-person conferences are limited to the travel and scheduling capabilities of guest speakers, this advanced technology overcomes the limits of traditional conferences and events. ARHT Media’s technology serves as inspiration for event planners and opens conferences up to high-profile speakers across the world, while inspiring audiences by engaging them with renowned educators. With ARHT Media, users can create an audience connection more powerful than ever.

New Year, New Opportunities for Growth in 2021!

March 8, 2021 By Melody Craigmyle 1 Comment

An interview with Sam Taylor, Senior Vice President and COO, Almo Professional A/V

With 2020 in the rearview mirror, we are settling in and setting our sites on new goals in 2021. And yes, while 2021 is already starting with its share of challenges, there is a bright glimmer of expectation for the future, especially in Pro AV!

With recent AVIXA reports showing 7-8 percent growth this year, the Pro AV market continues to march ahead. In fact, according to AXIXA’s 2020 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis, North American Pro AV revenue is expected to grow to $78.5 billion in 2021, up from $74.3 billion in 2020.

There are other glimmers available to small businesses in our industry. The latest COVID-19 Relief Package signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020 provides a second round of assistance to companies in need. See the see the full article from NSCA for complete details.

Sam Taylor
Senior Vice President & COO, Almo Professional A/V

Many lessons were learned in 2020. Like most companies, the Almo Pro A/V crew was also challenged with cancelled events, the work-from-home learning curve, and moving quickly to offer new ways to keep reseller and integrator partners learning, working and relevant.

We sat down with Sam Taylor, Vice President and COO for Almo Pro A/V to get his perspective on the highs and lows of 2020 and what to expect from Almo in 2021. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: What was the single greatest challenge for Almo in 2020?

Sam: The most difficult part was the inability to begin or complete installations due to facility closures. We’ve experienced a “W-shaped” business cycle with projects at a hard stop in the spring, only to come roaring back in the summer, then closing down again in the late fall with re-opening starting to happen again now.  

Q: How has Almo responded to this challenge?

Sam: Two primary ways, by keeping our partners educated on new trends and opportunities in the industry and providing them with relevant products/services/support they need to keep their business moving forward – either with existing opportunities or with new ones. While many markets like hospitality and onsite events were paused, others like distance learning for education and working from home for corporate businesses had urgent new AV needs.

Q: How is Almo keeping partners educated?

Sam: For the first time in 11 years, and after announcing and preparing for our regional E4 Experience education and networking program to travel to Washington, D.C. and CA last spring, we cancelled our live events and introduced a new virtual platform called E4 Evolution (E4v). E4v was met with such success that it has become a permanent part of the E4 program. With fully curated live and interactive AVIXA-certified sessions led by all-star educators on relevant topics to help attendees thrive, E4v has become the next evolution in live education experiences.

We are soon announcing the next E4v, which will take place in March! Stay tuned for details!

Q: What other measures has Almo taken to support integrators since COVID changed our world?

Sam: We are constantly evaluating and changing direction based on the industry and the needs of our partners. We now offer PPE, disinfectant fogging kits, hand sanitizing kiosks and other point-of-entry products. We supply work-from-home bundles and lecture-capture devices for educators and business professionals. We’ve even entered an exclusive relationship with ARHT Media to offer holographic telepresence technology, which is the next best thing to being live!

At the same time, we’ve expanded our managed services offering, particularly for labor and installation to include drafting and engineering options. So many spaces have to be reworked to accommodate COVID restrictions, like restaurant build-outs and restructured office and educational facilities and most of these changes must be made quickly. Almo provides these services so integrators can use them without having to worry about hiring the experts or managing the overhead. We are ready for you now.

Q: How have you handled shipping and manufacturing delays due to COVID?

Sam: The most common delays we have seen are with cameras and USB audio products due to high demand, particularly for education. We offer multiple manufacturing lines so that if one is delayed, there is usually another to access. We help our partners lock down on product allocations early and build flexible options into their P.O.’s to provide the best possible outcome. Offering managed services to help get those products installed quickly and effectively has also helped our partners complete their projects.

Q: Looking on the bright side, what are some of the positives that emerged as a result of all the challenges in 2020? 

Sam: It’s been interesting to see how some of the changes we’ve been forced to make have actually been beneficial. We have the technology to make working from home a professional, productive experience. Our E4v has enabled partners to participate in more educational sessions worth AVIXA CTS renewal units from the comfort and safety of their remote workspace. New projects and new ways of conducting business have created exciting new opportunities for our industry that we have been able to immediately embrace.

What are you looking forward to the most in 2021? 

Sam: I cannot wait until I am seeing our customers and our vendor partners in person, and getting back to the business of being together as an industry face to face for business and pleasure. While some things may permanently change, many will stay in a “hybrid” mode for some. As COVID vaccines and treatments become more widely available, public spaces will continue to open, making way for existing projects to continue and new projects to begin. The future is bright!

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR SAM? IF SO, TYPE THEM IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!

Getting Real: Lessons Learned Through the Lens of ProAV

January 15, 2021 By Tom Kehr Leave a Comment

So we roll out of 2019 into 2020 and there’s nothing earth shaking going on that we’re really aware of.  We’re all just cookin’ along like normal.  The house I’ve had up for sale for a year finally comes under contact on January 14 and there’s a closing date of March 23.  I’m very much looking forward to getting out from underneath paying two mortgages.  The class and travel schedule is laid out and PTO is planned for the year.

Fast forward to the end of 2020.  Thankfully, even after the lockdowns started, the house did close on schedule.  But, for the first time in all my life, stretching all the way back to my paper route at 14 years-old, I was let go from a job in August.  I had been there for almost 15 years.  While life has it normal share of struggles and obstacles (and I’ve certainly had my share), this was a new one.

I was looking out my front window the morning following the unfortunate event and watched as a logging truck drove by.  “He has somewhere to go.  He has a purpose.”  I had neither.  Not knowing what else to do, I set up a large folding table and started sorting through all of the business cards that I had collected over the years from the people I’ve met in this industry.  It was time to start working contacts.

And, yes, updating the resume.  It’s a task I deeply despise.  It’s like having to justify your existence.

But I found that people were willing to help review my resume.  I made phone calls.  People emailed and called to see how I was doing.  I posted on LinkedIn and people responded with encouragement and suggestions.  I filed for unemployment.  I mapped out a rough plan as to what I thought I could sell and when.  “How can you extend your runway?” – a lesson learned from Tom Stimson’s Business Survival Series earlier in the year was a constant thought in my head.  Worst case, what were my options if I could no longer pay my current mortgage?

Thankfully, I landed a new position with Almo in late September.  I was one of the fortunate.  Some that I know are not yet employed again.  One just landed a job earlier this week.

So what did I do now that I was gainfully employed again?  I had a friend of 30+ years that was still unemployed.  This was someone I knew that had a strong sense of responsibility and hadn’t been fiscally foolish.  I was able to help them some financially.  But how would I have known about their circumstances?  They were honest about how they were doing – that’s how I knew.

There’s a line in a song that goes, “Truth be told, the truth is rarely told.”  “I’m fine” is probably the biggest lie we tell even when things are dire.  I’m not suggesting you 255 (broadcast) your life’s story but if you’re in need, be willing to let some people know.  If you know someone that’s in need, see what you can do to help.  If it’s not financial, real practical help can be just as valuable to someone in need.

For 2021, if you’re in a position to help someone, do so.  I think that’s our lesson from 2020.

So where are you in all of this?  Are you the one in need or one that can help?  Don’t make 2021 a repeat of 2020 and just “get through it”.  Thoughts?  How can you personally make 2021 less of a dumpster fire than 2020?  Drop a note below.

Back to Work in 2021

December 7, 2020 By Corinne Furmanek O’Rawe Leave a Comment

Going back to work is a perfect time for organizations to embrace technologies and solutions like digital signage to improve communication and employee engagement. They may have no idea how, but do know that they need to improve how their employees interact with the business in an ever changing environment.  Others may know exactly what they want to do, but they need some guidance as to how to bring their vision to fruition. In both scenarios, it is important that we take everything into consideration.

“Digital signage has come into its own, as lock down has begun to ease in some areas, but the next challenge is how to extend the use of these solutions as the masses return to work”, says Shaun Oxenham, CEO at MediaStar Systems.  Digital signage can be found in numerous public spaces.  And the businesses that house these spaces are prone to “head back to work” at some point in time.   Public spaces, highway signage, offices, museums, stadiums, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, educational institutions are all familiar with the benefits of signage.  Using digital signage is a great way to attract customers and gain the attention of the masses.  People are more likely to pay attention if you are displaying promotions, sharing business information or instructions.  Digital signage is not only meant to digitally promote sales, or share social media.   Digital Signage is meant to create an experience and should be entertaining.

2020 has been a year of challenges, yet we have and need the ability to adapt.   Employers have had to make endless changes.   As we move into 2021, employers from all verticals are beginning to contemplate a back to work plan. Not only will that transition plan need to keep their employees and customers safe, they need to entice customers to return to face to face engagement.   In addition, businesses need to be able to effectively communicate between remote employees and employees who are able safely engage on site.

LG Technologies offers numerous solutions for endless digital signage needs.   Take a look at the UH5F Series by LG.  The LG UHD Signage offers sizes ranging from 55” to 98” in size.  It has cutting edge technology and its brightness captures an audience.  This solution has versatility and can be used as a meeting room solution or in a retail environment.  It boasts Ultra HD resolution and wide angle viewing with IPS technology.

Many new products have been developed during the course of the recent pandemic.  But what cannot be forgotten is communication with employees and customers.   I would not call it a silver lining but an opportunity instead, in that the pandemic has elevated the digital workplace from a “nice to have” to a “must have” status.   Reach out to your sales rep at ALMO PRO AV so they can work with you and ensure that you have the right technologies to help you deliver the right products to fulfil the needs of your customers.

Corinne Furmanek – O’Rawe, DSCE 
Business Development Manager

cforawe@almo.com
888.420.2566 x6220

Helping Others Through Audio

September 25, 2020 By Rob Voorhees 1 Comment

In any given career, you will find opportunities that present themselves and your job is to take that opportunity and run with it.  In past blog posts I have written about my opportunities like being offered the role of Business Development Manager for Harman, being asked to visit the Harman Experience Center in Northridge, CA, and utilizing Almo’s Tuition Program to further my education and development.  In a year full of challenges and obstacles, the latest opportunity came in the form of sadness turned to generosity and happiness.  Allow me to explain.

My wife’s grandmother had been experiencing failing health for quite some time and sadly, she passed away in the beginning of 2020.  Her services were held at Groveville United Methodist Church in NJ where she had been a longtime and very active member.  After a few days had gone by, my mother-in-law approached me to mention that her mom had always wanted to update the sound system at the church because during the sermons and choir concerts she had a hard time hearing everything.  Apparently, it was always a thorn in her side!  Certainly, I was glad to help and began looking for someone who could not only install the needed hardware, but also handle the situation with the care, understanding, and delicacy it warranted.  Through a recommendation from our Regional Sales Director, I was brought to Jak Daragjati and DARA AV from Staten Island, NY.  Jak was more than willing to help us and offered to make the drive from NY to conduct a site visit.  I saw this as the perfect opportunity to not only help my mother-in-law and the church, but also attend the site visit myself to gain a better understanding of what it entails and to learn more about the House of Worship vertical.  What we found that day was an antiquated system that certainly lacked the technology, not to mention organization that this house of worship deserved.  There were some items we found that were not even plugged in and functional, not to mention switches and cords that younger members had easy access to. What I learned from attending this site visit was not only was Jak very thorough with his questions and with surveying even the tiny basement of the church, but he was knowledgeable to boot.  Jak knew about different forms of religion from all over the world and could tell us what type of system would work best for the types of sermons they held on Sundays. He was thoughtful enough to ask about the members who might have trouble hearing and what they would want.  It all blew me away to be quite honest.

Thanks to many generous donations from family, friends, and the congregation, the church was able to move forward with the entire set up that Jak had recommended.  No thanks to the Covid-related delays we experienced this year, the church reopened recently and Jak wasted no time in scheduling the install.  Now, when members show up on Sundays they will be greeted by two Samsung UN75RU7100F displays hanging on Chief RLT2 mounts with a pair of JBL CBT70J arrays, so not only can the members see what is being presented but also they will certainly hear it from all corners of the church.  Additionally, there is a Crown DCI2x1250 amplifier powering this and a BSS Blu-100 for the control functionality.  All of this is sitting in a Middle Atlantic rack with a Middle Atlantic PDS-615R Power Sequencer for organization and safety.  As I was writing this, my mother-in-law received a call from the minister simply telling her how thrilled he was the amazing outcome. He could not wait for Sunday!

In the end, this opportunity was unlike any others I had been presented with.  We were able to honor the wishes of my wife’s grandmother while at the same time I was able to experience what our integrators are capable of when presented with a project.  Jak and the team from DARA AV went above and beyond in our time of need and left all of us thoroughly impressed.  I would ask all of you look for opportunities similar to this in which we have a chance to help someone solve a long-term issue while at the same time continue to further our own education and development by learning something new every day.  A special “THANK YOU” goes out to everyone at Groveville United Methodist Church and DARA AV for being the best choice when it comes to any house of worship project!

Rob Voorhees, CTS, CTP, DSCE, CTNS 

Business Development Manager

rvoorhees@almo.com
888-420-2566 x6549

Making the Grade with E-Learning: Q & A with Panasonic

September 21, 2020 By Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Q.  What will school look like this fall – and beyond? 

A. We are living through precedent times. While it is typically difficult to predict the future, I think it is safe to claim that there will be more volatility, uncertainty, chaos, and anxiety on the part of administration, faculty, students, and families. The primary concern for higher education needs to be the safety of students and faculty alike, which is why so many institutions are pivoting to online and hybrid learning in order to maintain the continuity of meaningful and authentic learning. However, many higher education faculty have little or no experience as online learners, and so the prospect of becoming an online teacher is a lot like becoming a lifeguard without knowing how to swim. Some learning systems are committed to following the guidance provided by research about online learning that works. These institutions are making more intentional choices about the fall term and, as a result, they will be more successful than institutions that are less committed to intentional online learning. 

Q. How can we do a better job of AV setup for hybrid learning?

A. Again, we have to follow the guidance provided by the highest quality research available about online learning that works. Panasonic has partnered with Dr. Sonny Magana, an online learning pioneer and Oxford Research Scholar to embed his methodology, what he calls the T3 Framework for Innovation, into the Panasonic higher education solution. The peer-reviewed strategies in the T3 Framework has shown to have an effect equivalent to quadrupling learning performance. The T3 Framework was recently inducted into Oxford University’s Research Encyclopedia for Education, which is what prompted us to partner with Dr. Magana. Our intention is to package AV tools with The T3 Framework’s concrete strategies, protocols, and resources so that our AV equipment is not just used, but used in the most reliable way possible to improve learning outcomes. It’s not just about the AV, but it’s about reliably improving remote and hybrid learning based on the research evidence on what works. That will make all the difference in the world. 

Q. The student experience – can they get what they need being remote? 

A. There are different levels of need. The human social/emotional aspect of learning is not only foundational, but it is difficult, but not impossible to reproduce in remote learning environments. So, having said that, students can get their learning and social/emotional needs met by practicing what Dr. Magana calls “Contributive Learning.” Contributive Learning theory suggests that meaningful learning is a function of both active participation in the learning experience and collective interaction. Many faculty see learning as a solo experience, like long-distance running, in which learners consume information from a lecture, commit that information to memory, and then demonstrate their recall ability on some examination. Contributive Learning Theory indicates that learning is more like a team sport–we learn better together than we do in isolation. That means shifting remote learning conversations from monologues to dialogues. That is a shift that is ideally suited to remote learning–with the right tools, training, and resources to help faculty and leadership make this shift. 

Q. How do we avoid overburdening tech support, short of turning teachers into broadcast engineers?

A. There is going to be an amount of “front-loading” by tech support folks in higher education, let us make no doubt about this. But that should be seen as a starting point, not an ongoing situation. The evidence indicates that building faculty capacity with research-driven online learning methods and strategies will reduce the burden on tech support personnel. This logic follows the old “teach a person to fish” allegory: when tech support don’t build capacity–in other words they give away fish–they are building dependency. Many higher education learning organizations are falling into this trap. However, tech support personnel who work with trusted, knowledgeable partners, like Panasonic, to build instructional capacity with online learning that works, it’s like teaching teachers how to fish. That model is much more sustainable, and, in the short- and long-term, will serve to reduce the Pandemic Slide Effect, so that higher education learning curves upwards rather than continuing to spiral downwards. 

Q. What is your best advice for resellers and schools/universities as we approach the 2020-2021 school year?

A. There is no question about it: learn about the recent breakthrough findings by Dr. Sonny Magana on online learning that works. He has based his T3 Framework for Innovation on four decade’s worth of investigation on finding the sweet spot between learning and technology. We invite interested faculty and leadership to enroll in what we call Project Moonshot–our effort to build instructional capacity with the T3 strategies and protocols in order to minimize the Pandemic disruption on learning continuity, and begin to shift the learning curve upward. Disruptive situations must be met with disruptive innovations to first minimize losses and then begin the road to recovery. We are currently seeking about 10-15 more faculty members who want to become Project Moonshot Pioneers who learn how to implement the T3 strategies and protocols, and then, with the help of Dr. Magana, evaluate the impact on student learning and engagement.

Author: Rob Goldberg, Panasonic Group Manager of Visual Systems 

For more information on Panasonic programs, resources, and A/V products for higher education, please contact Angie Greene at agreene@almo.com. 

Angie Greene
Business Development Manager, CTS, DSCE

agreene@almo.com
888.420.2566 x6209

Partners in Collaboration. Even More So Now.

August 26, 2020 By Heather Wagaman Leave a Comment

Enhanced video conferencing and state of the art furniture from Sharp and Salamander are bringing conference rooms to the next level.

Partners in Collaboration. Even More So Now.

It may be hard to believe during the current state of uncertainty in this country, but the Modern Workspace is a significant piece of the Pro AV industry. When offices eventually reopen, the modern workspace may look slightly different than we’re used to, but there is no denying that room analytics and smart space management will be a tantalizing feature for businesses regardless.

Companies that are upgrading their huddle rooms and conference rooms to enhance video conferencing capabilities should consider the Windows collaboration display from Sharp. The first display to be certified by Microsoft delivers Windows® 10 and Office 365® at room scale on a huge 4K screen, enabling multiple users to collaborate together. It is Skype for Business certified and Microsoft Teams enabled and can be daisy-chained via dual source side-by side capability and extend mode for an even larger collaborative canvas.

Making spaces smarter with the embedded sensor hub is what makes the Windows collaboration display even more special. Using Azure IoT, the sensor hub can detect room occupancy to determine the location of people to turn on displays nearest each individual and even amplify their voice with a three-dimensional microphone. In turn, this allows the opportunity for better management of room-booking systems. Additionally, temperature and lighting are detected by sensors to help provide a better understanding of energy utilization. Whether there’s small breakout with 2-3 people or a large meeting with 12 or more, the sensor hub can help provide data allowing you to optimize your meeting spaces for a more comfortable and productive environment for all involved.

Simply enhancing the video capabilities is but one piece of upgrading collaboration. When it’s time for a technology refresh, it’s time for Salamander Designs. Now is the perfect time to leverage this high quality, fully customizable solution to transform and refresh your workspace. Even simple, preconfigured cabinets and carts will immediately improve productivity and collaboration with premium furniture engineered to make today’s offices mobile, global and better than ever before. Whether your needs require display stands or cabinets, Salamander stands will keep everything safe and supported while still looking great. Mobile stands are also available for easy portability between workspaces.

With Sharp and Salamander products combined, you’ll have top of the line smart display technology supported by the best furniture to bring any conference room to the next level.

Sharp has strategically partnered with Salamander Designs and Almo to offer five Windows Collaboration Display Bundles giving you incredible savings opportunities never seen before. Integrators that become Windows collaboration display certified will save $1700 per display as well as up to an additional $300 on the mobile stand or cabinet when purchased as a bundle.

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Digital Signage Information

The Digital Signage Federation defines Digital Signage as a network of digital displays that is centrally managed and addressable for targeted information, entertainment, merchandising and advertising. Now Digital Signage means different things to different people. It could be a digital display at a supermarket checkout line showing information about products and promotions; it could be a television in your local deli or pizzeria showing live programming and advertising for businesses in the area; it could be a welcome sign with the day’s events in a hotel lobby; along with a nearly unlimited number of other purposes. Here at Exertis Almo, we are experts in all areas of Digital Signage. We would be happy to help you with any of your Digital Signage needs. Want to know more about Digital Signage? On this page we have a collection of our blogs all around the topic of digital signage.

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