Almo Pro AV
Almo Pro AV

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

by | Jun 26, 2025 | Business Development, Projectors, Uncategorized

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

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

by | Jun 24, 2025 | Business Development, Digital Signage, Uncategorized

display 80'sDisplays and Fashion Have Evolved

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

display fabricWhat Is Electrophoretic Flexible Clothing?

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

Electrophoretic Clothing Digital Marketing Applications

Advertising That Walks

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

Here’s how this technology could shift digital advertising:

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

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

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

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

Electrophoretic Clothing Healthcare Applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts: Style Meets Silicon

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

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

Oshiana Lindsley

About the Author

Oshiana Lindsley​​​​​​ | DSCE

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Sony

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

Where Talent Meets Teamwork: The Real Magic Behind Pro AV

by | Jun 19, 2025 | Business Development, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Pro Services, Professional Development, Uncategorized

You can spec the sharpest display, install the cleanest rack, tune the tightest DSP—but without connection? It’s just a bunch of impressive parts sitting quietly.

AV isn’t about isolated greatness. It’s about what happens when individual talent meets collective purpose—when the right people and the right gear sync up to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

This industry runs on collaboration—and that’s my favorite part.

Every Piece and Every Person Matters

On the surface, a polished AV system looks seamless. But behind that experience is a network of sharp minds, skilled hands, and real-time teamwork.

  • Displays shine because someone spec’d the right brightness.
  • Tom KehrAudio hits because someone knew how to tune it.
  • Control works because someone thought through the end-user experience.

Individual talent makes it shine—but collaboration is what makes it unforgettable.

A few weeks before Easter, one of our audio pros, Tom Kehr, CTS-D, CTS-I, helped me figure out what questions to ask the AV tech at my church to spec headsets. That gave me exactly what I needed to take to our always-friendly and responsive partner, Sean at Shure, who helped me choose the best headset option available in time for the Easter program. Just a few small pieces of gear—but a perfect example of how great results come from people working together and sharing what they know.

This Industry Runs on Connection

Compatibility. Sync. Collaboration.
These aren’t just tech specs—they’re the values that keep ProAV moving.

Jennifer FisherWe play well with others. We share what we know. And we show up—online, onsite, at trainings, and at events. Trade shows and demos give us a chance to exchange more than information—we share a little of ourselves. That’s where real bonds form, and those connections make everything we do together stronger.

Whether it’s our in-house technical lead Eric Olson, CTS, hopping on a call to break down complex specs… or my west coast LG BDM counterpart, Jennifer Fisher, turning a long-lead DVLED project into a ready-to-ship solution by combining two of LG’s 136” all-in-one DVLED bundles with a connector kit—saving time and serious money… or Daryl from LG following up on an RMA on his day off to make sure it’s approved in time for a grand opening.

Darryl SeeseIt’s these behind-the-scenes wins that turn potential into real results.

Almo: Collective Support in Action

At Almo, nothing moves alone—including our reseller and dealer partners.

Our culture is rooted in integrity, innovation, teamwork, and treating people like family. That’s how we show up for each other—and it’s why we’re able to support the AV industry in such a meaningful way.

Every win is backed by a crew that makes it happen:

  • Sales reps who stay sharp to offer real solutions
  • BDMs who bring product expertise and project support
  • LinkLab specialists who step in with programming, drafting, and install services when you need them
  • Warehouse teams who pack with care and move fast
  • Buyers who keep gear in stock
  • Behind-the-scenes pros in registrations, claims, inside sales, IT, and marketing—working together to deliver the best experience for everyone involved

We don’t just move product—we help move the whole project forward.

The Best Part of AV? The People.

This industry doesn’t just run on tech. It runs on people who care.

People who dig into design, stay up on specs, and solve problems under pressure.
People who build not just systems—but experiences—for the people who use them, and with the people who help bring them to life.

And we have a good time doing it. I’m proud to be part of that.

LG team

Together Is How It Works

AV isn’t a solo gig—it’s a team effort from start to finish.

When strong products and sharp professionals sync up, the result is something no single piece could achieve alone.

So here’s to the techs, the trainers, the reps, the warehouse teams, and our vendor and reseller partners. To the folks who ask smart questions, find better answers, and always make time to help.

When we plug in, sync up, and support each other — we build systems that work, and an industry that works even better.

Want to know more? Check out Tiff’s other blog “What’s a Business Development Manager (BDM), and What Value Do They Bring To Exertis Almo Resellers?“
Tiff Jones-Morton headshot-frame

About the Author

Tiff Jones-Morton | DSCE

BDM – Brand Specialist

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

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

Case Study: High School Stadium Audio Upgrade

by | Jun 17, 2025 | Business Development, Education, Pro Audio, Sound Engineering, Uncategorized

One of the great parts about my job is that I get the chance to work on a wide range of exciting projects, each with their own unique challenges. The particulars of each project help keep me on my toes and ensure that we never apply a “one size fits all” approach. I wanted to share with you a recent high school stadium audio upgrade project that I worked on which is a great example of overcoming challenges – and bringing in external resources to help bring things home.

A customer came to us with an opportunity to upgrade a high school football stadium’s sound system, which was working but in need of a refresh. The existing sound system consisted of a series of Community outdoor loudspeakers mounted above the home side press box:

stadium press box

Although these speakers were functional, attendees were complaining that announcements and music could not be heard over the crowd noise, particularly at larger events with a full capacity crowd, and particularly on the visitors’ stands, which are over 400’ away on the other side of the stadium.

stadium aerial view

My first thought was to add speakers to the light poles on the visitors’ side to improve coverage and intelligibility. However, according to the customer, the school was unwilling to add trenching to the other side for this project, and there were no known pathways connecting the two sides.

With this disappointing piece of news in hand, I knew I needed a second opinion, so I decided to reach out to one of the most capable and helpful people in the industry – Harman’s Dave Tewksbury. Dave is an amazing and knowledgeable resource on all things JBL and BSS, and I knew he could help to find a creative solution.

AW566 loud speakersAfter explaining the limitations of the project, Dave surprised me when he stated that JBL’s AW series of speakers (the AW566 in particular) have the ability to project over that distance when paired with the proper amount of amplification.

But what is the proper amount of amplification? In order to determine that, we need to have a target sound pressure level at a given distance. Although ideally we would want something above 90 dB SPL to truly overcome all crowd noise, the amount of amplification required to hit that from 430’ away would be both impractical and would overload the speaker.

Together we settled on a target of 85 dB SPL, which according to both Crown’s amplifier power calculator and JBL engineers, would require approximately 1083 watts of power for the AW566:

amplifier requirementsFinally, something we could work with! We settled on the Crown DCi 2×1250 to power (2) JBL AW566 loudspeakers mounted above the press box to provide sound to the visitors’ side. The home side situation was much easier to solve for – it simply required selecting speakers with the appropriate coverage patterns. Those turned out to be (3) JBL AWC82 speakers, powered by a Crown DCi 4×600. We also recommended relocating the home side speakers so that they would no longer be in the acoustic shadow of the press box roof, as the previous Community speakers were.

Through all of this legwork we were able to provide the customer with a reasonably-priced solution to drastically improve the acoustics and intelligibility of their sound system. We were able to navigate challenges which prevented implementing the “ideal” solution, and were able to provide them with an easy-to-implement significant upgrade to their current system.

My thanks as always to the invaluable Dave Tewksbury, as well as all of the great folks at Harman, for their continued support, knowledge, and help!

If you are interested in more information on amplifier power and speaker ratings, Crown has an excellent guide on their website, and if you need help with a complex or challenging audio project, simply send an email to [email protected] and our team of experts will be there to help!

Check out John’s other recent blog: “Digital Signal Processors – a Beginner’s Guide“.
John Rossman - headshot-frame

About the Author

John Rossman | CTS

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Harman Professional – AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft

Digital Signal Processors – a Beginner’s Guide

by | Jun 4, 2025 | Business Development, Networked AV, Pro Audio, Signal Distribution, Sound Engineering, Uncategorized

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 Professional – AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft

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

by | Jun 2, 2025 | Business Development, Digital Signage, Retail, Uncategorized

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.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out Todd’s earlier blog “Monetizing Digital Signage.” and watch his “Getting Started with BrightSign | Digital Signage Management 1st Steps” tutorial on YouTube.

Todd Heberlein
About the Author

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

Senior BDM – Technical Lead

Supported Manufacturers: Absen and Brightsign

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