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5 Reasons to Use dvLED Technology for Your Next Video Wall

by | Jul 23, 2024 | DVLED, Uncategorized, Video Walls

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

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

Seamless

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

Superior Brightness and Color Accuracy

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

Flexibility in Design

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

Longevity

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

Energy Efficiency

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

BONUS – Better Refresh Rates:

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

Conclusion

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

If you enjoyed this blog, check out Todd’s earlier blog “Monetizing Digital Signage.”

Todd Heberlein
About the Author

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

Senior BDM – Technical Lead

Supported Manufacturers: Absen and Brightsign

The AV MBA | Put Your Keys on the Dash!!!

by | Jul 18, 2024 | Business Development, Professional Development, Uncategorized

Data Analytics

I seriously considered pursuing culinary as a profession in my early twenties. Instead, I ended up going to school for business and working in AV. You see the connection, right? Anyways, one of the terms that you’ll hear used with frequency in a professional kitchen is “mise en place.” This is roughly translated to, “everything in place.” In practice, it means that all the ingredients and tools needed for that day’s service are prepared and organized in advance. The last thing the cooks need to be doing in the middle of firing orders is running around looking for ingredients and prepping them.

I’m an avid user of a certain fitness app that tracks my daily steps, exercise, meals, calories, weight, etc. It allows me to set goals, track my progress and evaluate my results. Even more, it uses my data to adjust my targets to optimize my health and fitness. It’s intelligent!!! This is all done through my phone on an app and I can access it anywhere, anytime, in an easily digestible format. It has helped me immensely in improving my fitness level and it keeps me motivated and focused on my goals because using it has become a habit.

analytics dashboards

Data Dashboards

Business Intelligence (BI) tools are like the Swiss Army knives of the data world; they come with all sorts of gadgets and gizmos to slice, dice, and serve up data in digestible chunks. Imagine you’re a chef, but instead of a kitchen, you have a dashboard full of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). These tools are your sous-chefs, helping you keep an eye on the business roast, making sure it’s cooking at the right temperature, and not burning to a crisp.

Now, tracking KPIs is like having a fitness tracker for your business. It tells you how many ‘steps’ your company has taken, how ‘fit’ your sales team is, and whether your marketing ‘diet’ is working. And just like a fitness tracker, you want a BI tool that doesn’t quit on you mid-jog. That’s where the top contenders come in, flexing their features like bodybuilders at a data gym.
There are many options to consider, like Datapad, Geckoboard, Grow and—of course—Salesforce. Each has their own particular area of focus and strength. Some are more visual, while others are more focused on raw data analysis. It all depends on your unique needs.

I personally use Microsoft Power BI to track most of my KPI’s. As a category manager for DVLED, I can see things like sales or volume by customer, product, vendor or date range, and mix and match any or all of them to get real-time feedback on how the business is doing across the category. It is constantly running in the background, and I can access it in a matter of seconds at any time for quick, actionable insights. Ten years ago, I would’ve had to run multiple reports and import them into a spreadsheet to access this type of business data. It was time consuming and extremely limited in scope and function. Today, I have all this information easily viewable on a super-cool looking dashboard interface. It has been a complete game changer and time saver.

So, whether you’re a data analyst or a business owner who still thinks Excel is cutting-edge, there’s a BI tool out there that can help you track your KPIs and benchmark your progress. It’s like having a crystal ball, but instead of vague predictions, you get clear, actionable insights. And who knows, with the right BI tool, you might just find the secret ingredient to your business success recipe. Bon Appétit, data chefs!

Want more business development advice? Check out Tom’s earlier blog, “The AV MBA: S.W.O.T. It Out“.

Tom Keefe BDM
About the Author

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

Category Manager – dvLED

Supported Manufacturers: Direct View LED

Enhancing Audio Quality for Effective Collaboration

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Cameras, Collaboration, Pro Audio, Uncategorized

Conference Room Acoustics

In the dynamic world of professional audio-video solutions, the importance of clear and immersive audio experiences in conference rooms cannot be overstated. Effective collaboration hinges not only on high-definition visuals but also on crystal-clear sound quality. As resellers and integrators, understanding and implementing cutting-edge solutions for optimizing conference room acoustics can significantly elevate the overall meeting experience for our clients.

Acoustics play a crucial role in how well audio is transmitted and received within a conference room environment. Factors such as room size, shape, and materials used in construction can affect sound quality. Poor acoustics, characterized by echoes, reverberations, and background noise, can hinder communication and reduce meeting productivity.

Recent advancements in acoustic treatment and technology have revolutionized how we address these challenges. Acoustic panels and diffusers are designed to absorb and diffuse sound energy which helps to enhance speech intelligibility and clarity. Integrating these solutions into conference room design can create an environment where every word is heard with precision, fostering ideal communication among meeting participants.

Video Cameras Track Speakers

Positional tracking is a sophisticated technique essential for determining the precise position and orientation of objects, including cameras and users, within three-dimensional space. It operates through a series of steps:

First, sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and depth cameras gather data on movement, detailing acceleration, rotation, and depth. Next, this sensor data is fused to estimate the object’s exact position and orientation using algorithms that interpret changes over time. The system then identifies feature points in the environment, such as visual markers or distinctive elements, which are matched with a reference map to refine tracking accuracy. Continuously updated estimates of position and orientation are recalibrated via a feedback loop, correcting any deviations to maintain accuracy.

speaker framing In video conferencing systems, positional tracking technology is pivotal for enhancing auto-tracking and speaker framing capabilities. Auto-tracking enables cameras to autonomously follow speakers as they move within a room, utilizing visual cues like face detection and body movement to adjust camera orientation. This feature ensures that speakers remain within view. Speaker framing, on the other hand, focuses on centrally positioning the active speaker in the camera’s frame, particularly beneficial in multi-participant settings. By analyzing audio cues, such as voice activity detection and microphone array data, conferencing systems triangulate the speaker’s location using techniques like time delay of arrival (TDOA) and adaptive beamforming. This dual approach, combining audio source localization with visual tracking, ensures comprehensive coverage and accurate framing during video conferences.

The integration of video conferencing platforms with advanced audio solutions is vital to delivering a desirable collaboration experience. Compatibility with leading platforms allows for easy integration and enhances user accessibility. Features such as automatic speaker tracking, echo cancellation, and spatial audio technology further improve the immersive experience, making remote participants feel as if they are in the same room.

Effective Collaboration Solutions

As we strive to create optimal meeting environments, solutions like Barco’s ClickShare play a crucial role in simplifying content sharing and enhancing collaboration. ClickShare seamlessly integrates with existing AV setups, allowing users to wirelessly share content from any device with just the click of a button. Its intuitive interface and robust security features make it a preferred choice for facilitating productive meetings across different platforms.

Barco has introduced ClickShare Bar Pro, an all-in-one solution that sets new standards in meeting room technology. This innovative device combines seamless content sharing with advanced audio and video capabilities. Featuring group framing, speaker framing, and tracking functionalities, ensuring participants are always in focus and perfectly framed during meetings. Moreover, it is equipped with six beamforming MEMS microphones, offering superior echo and background noise cancellation. This ensures crystal-clear audio quality, enabling natural and effortless communication even in challenging acoustic environments.

By integrating these cutting-edge features into a single device, Barco enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of collaboration in modern meeting spaces. The ClickShare Bar Pro delivers an unparalleled meeting experience boosting engagement and productivity.

Future of Conference Room Design

In conclusion, the future of conference room design lies in embracing innovative solutions that prioritize audio quality alongside visual clarity. By staying abreast of evolving trends in acoustic treatment and adaptive audio technology, resellers and integrators can offer tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients. Whether optimizing small huddle rooms or expansive boardrooms, investing in advanced audio solutions ensures that every meeting is productive, collaborative, and engaging.

At Exertis Almo, we are committed to supporting you in delivering superior AV solutions that exceed client expectations. Contact us today to explore how our comprehensive range of products and expertise can help you transform conference room environments into centers of seamless collaboration and communication.

Want more like this blog? Check out “Elevating Collaboration Spaces: Improving Design and Funcitionality“.

Nathan Dwelly BDM
About the Author

Nathan Dwelly

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Barco ClickShare

Nothing Beats a Wire

by | Jul 11, 2024 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

“The new pastor would like to have hardwired microphones instead of wireless for the following locations…”

What a refreshing request: hardwired microphones.  Yes, I’m aware that wireless cleans up the stage and wireless certainly looks better on camera, especially since so many churches are now streaming their services each week.

But do I really need a wireless for a lectern or pulpit?  Or for a vocalist on a piano or even the vocal for a guitar player who’s not moving around? 

Wired MicrophonesI’ve even seen an increase in requests for wireless for city council chambers.  Read that again.  For a city council.  They sit behind a council table.  Your typical local council is probably well known for being intractable and immovable so I can’t fathom the need for a wireless in that application.  Hardwired mics only.

Remember when our UHF wireless microphones had to vacate the 600 MHz spectrum not all that long ago?  You couldn’t simply tune to a new frequency, you had to replace the entire system.  Plus, there’s the cost and maintenance of batteries.  If you’re using rechargeable batteries, you need to make sure the transmitters are placed back in the charging station after use.  And when those batteries no longer hold a charge, there’s proper disposal issues and you need to purchase new batteries.  The more things the end user has to remember, the more they may be overlooked.

If you’re using UHF wireless, you need a frequency band that works in your specific area, and you need to coordinate frequencies with the other UHF wireless units that you have (microphones, IEMs, intercom).  If you have multiple receivers, you’re looking at antenna distribution, remote antennas, coax runs, etc.  If you’re using DECT at 1.9 GHz or using 2.4 GHz, there’s the possibility of interference from other unlicensed devices. 

What maintenance is required with a hardwired microphone?  I’ll wait….

The late Ray Rayburn is famous for saying, “A wireless microphone is just a very expensive replacement for a 25 ft. mic cable.”

If you’re using quality mic cable and name-brand XLR connectors and wrap your cables properly, a good mic cable will last decades on stage.  A few years ago, I was assisting a friend on a gig outside of Nashville and did a double take when I saw the same mic cables that I had soldered together and labeled almost three decades ago.  How did I know these were my original cables?  By the brand of cable and connectors used, and by the wire markers from my Ideal wire marker booklet that I saw under the clear heat shrink.  The cables still had my RipTie cable wraps!  He was now the third owner of these cables.  Wow.

As far as mic cables, you might as well make your own.  Even if you buy a quality premade, you still need to pull the connector off one end so you can label them.  Use a numbering scheme that combines cable identification with length so you don’t have to chase cables on stage.  Secure those cable IDs under clear heat shrink and finish the job with a permanent cable tie on the male end of each XLR cable.  (You do know how to solder, don’t you?)

Consider also what you’re either getting or giving up, in the choice of hardwired or wireless.  For the price of a lower-cost wireless system, you can buy a magnificent-sounding hardwired microphone.

Something that I think has been lost with the increase in less expensive wireless microphones: sound quality.  While those with real budgets can afford a higher-end wireless sporting a high-quality mic capsule on top, everyone else has been settling for what I would consider lower-end capsules just for the supposed convenience of going wireless.

I think it’s time we rediscover the joy of listening to a really good wired microphone.

Excellent microphones and labeled quality cables will be some of your most reliable friends ever and it will never need batteries.

THE EXCEPTION

BaptistryThere is only one absolute rule when not to use a hardwired microphone: the baptistry.  Never, ever place a hardwired microphone within reach of a baptistry.  In the mid-2000s, Reverend Kyle Lake of University Baptist Church in Waco, TX was electrocuted as his hand made contact with a hardwired microphone connected to the church’s audio system.  It wasn’t the fault of the correctly installed audio system or phantom power, it was a short circuit that had developed in the baptismal water heater.  The investigation revealed that the older water heater wasn’t up to current electrical codes and it lacked a ground wire.  When Reverend Lake touched the microphone, he became an inadvertent electrical path as the electricity sought a way to return to its source.  If you need a wireless, the baptistry is the perfect application.

If you need help selecting the right magnificent hardwired (or wireless) mic for your application, let us know here at Exertis Almo.  We would love to help you rediscover the wonderful sound of a wire.

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

Samsung’s Consumer LED Technologies and Where to Use Them

by | Jul 9, 2024 | Consumer TVs, Uncategorized

Evolution of Consumer TVs and LED Technologies

1st mass produced TVThere’s an old saying, “You learn something new every day.” Well, did you know that the first version of the television was mechanical? I had no idea! It was invented in the 1920s and sold commercially in the UK, France, US, and the Soviet Union. The first electronic televisions using CRTs, or cathode ray tubes, were originally manufactured for commercial sale in the 1930s. They did not gain wide appeal in the US until RCA introduced their RCA 630-TS which was the first mass-produced TV set released in 1946. To this day, people still use the phrase, “watching the tube” when referring to TV viewing because of the tubes used in these models.

We’ve certainly come a long way in the past century from mechanical and CRT sets to plasma panels which came and went, giving way to the LED displays of our current times. Before we dive into the current LED technologies, let’s first examine what the role of LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are in TVs. LEDs combine to make pixels which are the tiny dots or squares on the screen. LED TVs utilize a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel on top of the LEDs that illuminate the LCD from behind or the edge. The number of pixels determines the picture’s resolution. Having more and smaller LEDs leads to a more accurate picture.

Now, let’s talk about the current state of Consumer LED Technologies used by Samsung TVs and the best places to deploy them.

LED

Standard LED TVs typically utilize edge backlighting and control dimming over larger areas of the screen. This allows less control over each pixel and lower contrast and black level accuracy compared to newer LED tech. Samsung’s Crystal UHD Series offers 4K resolution in all their models which are great for the average viewer.

Where to use:

  • Most spaces are perfectly suited for standard LED TVs.
  • Places where picture quality is not the highest priority.
    • Think of break rooms, cafeterias, waiting rooms, and other places where having a TV on as an information source, or as a conversation starter is the main concern.
    • Homes that watch TV casually and do not have any videophiles living there.

QLED

QLED, or Quantum dot LED, is a variation of LED that uses smaller pixels for a more accurate picture. Samsung describes them as, “manufactured nanocrystals that consist of ultra-fine semiconductor materials.” Quantum dots produce different colors depending on the particle size. These dots create efficient and accurate light great for bright and dark rooms alike. QLED TVs come in edge lit models or the more premium TVs will use direct LED lighting. The latter provides more accurate black levels by using full-array local dimming.

Where to use:

  • Almost anywhere.
  • Brightly lit rooms with more ambient light.
  • Places where picture quality matters.
  • Entry level home theaters, gaming rooms, and man caves.

Neo QLED

Neo QLED differs from QLED in how the panel is lit. As mentioned above, QLED uses edge or direct lighting to illuminate the display. Neo QLED TVs are comprised of tens of thousands of “Mini-LEDs.” More LEDs means more control over the picture quality, color, and brightness. One limitation of Neo QLED TVs is “blooming” or the bleeding of light into dark areas on the screen.

Where to use:

  • Rooms with lots of ambient light.
    • NeoQLED TVs are known for producing high brightness images that can overcome natural and artificial light sources.
  • Places where picture quality is a high priority.
  • Step up to high end home theaters, gaming rooms, and man caves.

OLED

OLED, or Organic LED, is entirely different from other forms of LED in that it is emissive, much like plasma TVs were. Each pixel emits its own light, rather than transmitting light from another source. This control of the light at the pixel level helps to produce perfect black levels by simply not illuminating the pixels that are to appear black. Other types of LEDs use dimming zones, but even the most advanced dimming zone technology simply dims areas and not individual pixels. One drawback to OLED is that it cannot produce the same brightness levels of its QLED and Neo QLED counterparts.

Where to use:

  • Rooms with lower ambient light.
  • Rooms that do not have static images for long periods of time.
    • Playing the same video game, watching the same news/sports channel, or using the same computer program can cause image retention, or burn-in.
  • Places where picture quality is a top priority.
  • High end home theaters, gaming rooms, and man caves.

MicroLED

MicroLED TVs use LEDs so small they are measured in micrometers, hence the name MicroLED. No backlighting is used as pixels are controlled at the individual level. This provides immense contrast ratios by offering deep blacks and pure, bright whites. A broad color gamut and ultra-wide viewing angles are additional benefits of this technology. Unlike OLED, they are not limited in brightness by organic material design or prone to burn-in. Currently, MicroLED is a cutting-edge technology and is priced as such. It is also limited to very large sizes with offerings of 101” and 114”. The pixels in MicroLED are not yet small enough to make a 55” panel that would require 8.3 million pixels for a 4K resolution.

Where to use:

  • Places where picture quality is the highest priority.
  • Ultra-premium home theaters.
  • Anywhere you can fit one if you can afford one.

Hopefully this will help to simplify all of the current LED technologies Samsung is offering in their consumer TV lineup and will help you make informed decisions about where to deploy each of them.

Did you find this post helpful? Learn more about outdoor displays in Gerry’s blog, “Ingress Protection: the other IP of AV“.

Gerry Aubrey

About the Author

Gerry Aubrey | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Samsung CE

SMART Hotel-Room Solutions: In-Room Experiences with an At-Home Feel

by | Jun 25, 2024 | Hospitality, Uncategorized

SMART Hotel-Room Solutions<br /> In-Room Experiences with an At-Home Feel

SMART devices are an essential part of staying connected, especially in today’s fast-paced reality. More and more, guests are looking for seamless technology solutions in their hotel rooms — technology that meets or exceeds their expectations. From charging stations to streaming services, hotels have the opportunity to provide an in-room experience that feels like home, only better. Let’s explore the latest SMART hotel-room solutions, perfect for enhancing the overall guest experience.

Rest, Relax, Recharge:

Provide guests with continuous charging for every device, all at once. Whether it’s a single phone or five separate devices, your guests should have every opportunity to power-up during their stay. Leading brands, like NonStop, offer a wide range of innovative charging solutions, designed specifically for hotel rooms:

NonStopStation P

As an all-in-one solution, this universal charging station is the perfect hub for ALL of your guests’ devices. This station features:

  • QI-Wireless Charging Pad
  • Dual USB-C and USB-A Charging Ports
  • Dual AC Sockets
  • Braided Cable
  • Security C-Clamp

Learn more about NonStop charging solutions »

Personalized and Powerful Viewing:

The evolution of SMART-TVs has redefined the meaning of in-room service and entertainment. With these recent innovations, you can send personalized messaging to individual guest room TVs, push real-time information like weather, hotel events, and guest amenities, and streamline in-room activities, such as check-out, in-room dining, and program selection. In addition, providing your guests with access to a wide range of entertainment options and streaming services has never been easier. Brands like Samsung and LG are leading the way in SMART in-room TVs, and their solutions are sure to impress.

Samsung In-Room SMART TVs

Samsung’s Pro TV series is designed specifically for hotels. Key features include:

  • Crystal UHD Display: Guests can enjoy stunning visuals with Samsung’s high-resolution displays.
  • Smart Hub: Access popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime directly from the TV.
  • Customizable Welcome Screen: Leave a lasting impression with personalized welcome messages and hotel-specific branding.

Explore Samsung’s Guest-Room TVs »

LG In-Room SMART TVs:

LG’s hotel-room TVs provide exceptional entertainment options for guests. Features include:

  • Pro:Centric Smart: LG’s platform allows hotels to customize content, provide local information, and offer interactive services, while allowing guests streaming options.
  • Ultra HD Display: Guests can enjoy vivid, eye-catching colors and sharp images.
  • Energy-Efficient: LG TVs are designed to be eco-friendly and cost effective.

Learn more about LG’s Guest-Room TVs »

Innovation that Leaves a Lasting Impression  

SMART hotel room solutions are essential for providing guests with an exceptional in-room experience. Whether it’s wireless charging or state-of-the-art TVs, hotels that invest in these technologies will create memorable stays for their guests, and keep them coming back for more.

Did you find this blog helpful?
You may also enjoy “The Future of Hospitality: Innovations to Watch in 2024”.

Connect with Hospitality at Exertis Almo on LinkedIn, or visit Hospitality.ExertisAlmo.com.

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