Think of a current successful athlete in the United States. Chances are you will think of a football player like Patrick Maholms, or a basketball player like Lebron James. However, beyond the mainstream of sports the population is moving to Esports or Electronic Sports. Esports are organized sporting competitions for multi-player video games and has become one of the fastest growing “sports” in the world. Event companies, and colleges, as well as the gambling industry have all taken interest into the popularity of gaming. The niche audience of “gaming” is gaining more support and growing to become part of the PRO AV ecosystem. Depending on the venue, 20” to 98” displays, touchscreens, 4K models and LFD Monitors are all-inclusive opportunities for sale into a large sporting venue. Top manufacturers such as LG Electronics offer numerous solutions, which complement the esports arena.
The average small format display used in the gaming industry is a 1080p 240Hz 24″ monitors. You do not want 1440p for competitive games, and if you are a professional 240Hz makes sense over 144Hz. In addition, this does not include the need for massive LED displays, to state-of-the-art cameras, switchers, not to mention installation services to ensure proper timing between video and audio sync and much more. You are also looking at opportunities to implement the latest streaming and IP Technology which is a must have in order to ensure tournament coverage is worthy of the viewing of the followers. Have your attention yet? The opportunities within the PRO AV industry are endless….
Let’s take a moment to focus on Small Format Displays in general….Many retailers are struggling to gain customer in person loyalty and creative positive experiences at the store fronts. Small format touch displays encourage a way for customers to engage with products and services on a personal level. In-store Retailers, Fast Casual and Quick Service Restaurants all face similar challenges, and are constantly looking for ways to develop and maintain a relationship with their customers. Small format displays and tablets have proven to be strong tools in driving higher customer interaction, brand satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately leading to sales that are more profitable. Large venues, stadiums and event spaces are also improving their efficiency by employing these devices to allow patrons to upgrade their upgrade seats as they arrive at the gate, or offer meal suggestions and combos at the concession stand.
These are just a few of the ways corporations can employ small digital displays and tablets to more effectively manage, store, and share information. Reach out to Corinne Furmanek O’Rawe, Business Development Manager for LG Electronics at ALMO. Let us be your go-to to help you with product solutions.
Corinne Furmanek – O’Rawe, DSCE Business Development Manager
ViewSonic’s ViewBoard IFP70 Series — the newest in its line of interactive flat panels — is here, and it’s better than ever.
The industry’s first interactive flat panels (IFPs) were a big deal, helping classrooms and businesses transform thinking and productivity. Every year, interactive displays got bigger, brighter and more affordable. But eventually, the industry sought to do more — it hoped to make IFPs more versatile and more effective. Now, interactive displays are promising to be all-in-one solutions for the modern collaboration space. A particularly notable evolution in this space is ViewSonic’s latest ViewBoard series, a beautiful solution designed for seamless integration into your conference room infrastructure. The ViewSonic IFP70 Series is here, and it’s better than ever.
What Does “All in One” Actually Mean?
When we say the ViewSonic IFP70 Series is an all-in-one solution, here’s what we mean: The 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160 resolution) series is both an interactive display/whiteboard and a built-in videoconferencing solution in one — all hardware and software included.
“The ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP70 series is our most innovative enterprise-grade interactive flat panel display line to date,” said Andy Chien, product marketing manager at ViewSonic. “We took all the necessary steps to solve the modern conference room challenge with the most advanced technologies, while simplifying typical collaboration complexities. The sleek form-factor and bezel-less frame also allows it to be designed into innovative and contemporary environments.”
The reason it’s built as an all-in-one solution is because, more than ever, the technology in the AV industry is being driven by the end consumer’s need — the AV end user today is asking for more simple systems with multiple capabilities in one product. They don’t want to have to buy two systems when they could just buy one. In addition to being a true collaboration board, ViewSonic’s IFP70 Series is even more versatile than its previous IFPs — the display allows users to securely connect to their meetings directly on the display. So, no more complex puzzles trying to find the best display to go with the best conferencing software to go with the best speaker and microphone. The IFP70 Series has it all.
HARDWARE Built-in Camera/Speakers/Microphone, an IoT Sensor and the ViewSonic Active Pen
Equipped with the latest collaboration tech for modern workspaces, the IFP70 Series sparks creativity and drives productivity. There are a few primary hardware collaboration technologies built in, which include:
1. A Skype-for-Business-certified conference camera with crisp 4K UHD resolution. Also integrated are three speakers — two 10-watt stereo speakers and a 15-watt subwoofer — and a microphone array that’s also Skype for Business-certified.
2. The ViewSonic Active Pen tool, which includes multi-level pressure sensitivity, giving users an accurate yet natural-feeling interactive writing experience.
3. An IoT Sensor Hub compatible with the Microsoft Azure Digital Twins cloud platform. The IoT sensor measures humidity, room temperature, ambient light and human proximity to the screen. The data is then sent to the secured Microsoft Azure cloud-computing service, which analyzes it and provides information on how to optimize meeting and energy efficiency.
SOFTWARE ViewSonic’s myViewBoard, Integrated Zoom for Conferencing and More
ViewSonic’s myViewBoard collaboration software, integrated into each model of the IFP70 Series, is an easy-to-use and secure ecosystem. Users have a choice between myViewBoard software versions, designed to meet any and all collaboration needs, whether for enterprise-level security or for more straightforward screen-sharing or annotation. The beauty of the software is that it’s seen as a one-stop shop (no compatibility issues with external apps). Additional integrated software into the IFP70 Series includes the Zoom app for conferencing, the WPS Office suite, an optional SureMDM by 42 Gears Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) tool, and the ViewBoard Cast (vCast) content-sharing software app with support for iOS, Mac, Android, Windows and Chrome devices. vCast enables content streaming from devices onto a ViewSonic display over wireless or wired networks.
The Icing On Top of the ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP70 Series Cake
The other bells and whistles of ViewSonic’s IFP70 Series include:
The Latest Connectivity Options, Including USB Type-C. Walk into the room and plug in your device, and you can immediately share onto the display. Other connectivity ports include HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 4K, USB 3.0 and more. (Translation: meetings can actually start on time for once.)
One-wire USB-C Connectivity. While added USB-C connectivity is great, a single cable transmitting that signal to the display iseven better. That means — in addition to faster data, audio and video transfer — the USB Type-C connection provides quick 60-watt charging and touch pass-through over a single cable. (Translation: one cable. No confusion.)
Edge-to-edge, Optical-bonding PCAP Touch Screen. IFP70 displays are designed with high-performance PCAP (projected capacitive) technology with 20 touch points. (Translation: exceptional interactivity and viewing.)
Almo Professional A/V is the nation’s largest professional audiovisual distributor with forward-thinking product integration and support. Almo is committed to offering only the best in the AV industry. The sleek and slim ViewBoard IFP70 Series (less than an inch thick) is more than an upgrade to the dense marketplace of interactive displays. It’s a completely reimagined solution to the modern collaboration room and to the world of unified communications — adding key elements of flexibility, versatility and duality for the AV end-user customer. Learn more at ViewSonic.com/ViewBoard, or get in touch with your Almo sales rep for more information.
As we enter the new decade the landscape for labor continues to evolve for AV integrators.
The challenges remain the same; how many technicians do I need to both maintain and grow my business? How can I compete if I am smaller in size but actually have the “smarts and parts” to otherwise compete?
The answer to both is outsource!
In the (20)20’s, we are clearly in the throes of the gig economy, and the field of AV labor is no exception. Many technicians have chosen to freelance as opposed to work full-time on the staff of an integrator, which presents great opportunities for all involved.
The techs can be self-employed, and the business owners don’t have to deal with hiring, vetting, managing, and carry technicians on payroll.
A primary focus for the industry now is commonly referred to as AVaaS, or AV as a service. Leveraging outsourced labor is a great way to support these solutions, along with SLAs. If you are not building an annual recurring revenue stream for your business – please begin to now!
Again, regardless of the size of your company, could you not benefit from having access to a nationwide footprint of technicians to allow you to service your clients, and support these contracts? In most instances you can outsource technicians to respond within 48 hours, and in some instances 24 hours, or even same day.
If you are a smaller integrator, you can now see how you can grow and create annual recurring revenue without managing your employees. If you are a larger integrator, you now have the ability to extend your support to an even wider client base, without losing a great lead who is onsite at a project – to a service call.What if you send a team out to install a project, but 6 months later that client requires a service call? What is the cost to send a tech on a plane, or extended drive – losing that tech as a resource for primary projects? Could you not benefit from a local tech – that effectively becomes “your tech” to provide consistent support to your client?
What if an existing local client is opening, or renovating an office 1,000 miles away? What you require is a site survey. Compare the cost of sending a tech of your own versus having access to a local tech who can not only provide that survey on an hourly basis (no travel/per diem), and then serve as a resource if needed on the install/upgrade? The benefit seems clear.
As summer approaches (being based in the Northeast – we think summer is coming in February), school projects become both an opportunity and a challenge. You are presented with a local school district looking to install a few hundred projectors or smartboards across several schools in a tight time frame. Your existing labor force cannot complete it. Do you pass, or do you call a partner who can provide you day rate AV techs to augment your team.
These are just a few examples of how important outsourcing labor is to both maintaining and growing your business.
There are many obvious concerns you have. Will the techs maintain the level of excellence you expect? How will they represent themselves? What are their skills? Do they have the required licensing, background/drug checks? Have they done this work before? Where do they come from?
All of the above are a part of the vetting process that must be in place when you seek a partner to help you with your outsourced labor needs. All must be addressed in advance to guarantee that the expectations of both you, and your client are met.
ALMO Labor services offer integrators skilled technicians to support they businesses in all aspects inlacing full project completions, nationwide rollouts, temporary labor, site surveys, and service calls. With a nationwide footprint, this enables dealers to take on more projects, reduce travel costs, support their service contracts, and more.
Jay Saret – ALMO Services Development Manager – East
The bottom line is – outsourced labor is a resource to consider to help grow and maintain your business. If you’ve not yet tried it – do so. Start small, and make sure you are vetting the partner that you choose to insure your success.
Here’s to a great 2020 (and beyond)!
To learn more about ALMO’s outsourced labor options, you can catch this on-demand webinar for more information.
The playoffs this year are just incredible. Last week, watching KC come back and beat the snot out of Houston was nothing short of epic. Imagine being at that game! As a long suffering Dolphins fan it’s been a hot minute since I was able to attend a playoff game (and I was pulling hard for Tannehill yesterday, but KC means business). As a very happy and fortunate South Floridian, I settle for what I consider the next best thing, watching other teams play post-season games at my local outdoor bars and restaurants.
Earlier this season, I went to the new hot spot sports bar in town to watch my beloved Florida Gators take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. It was mid-October, while most of the country is enjoying colorful foliage and crisp afternoons, Fort Lauderdale is still pretty hot. Still, I will always choose an outdoor or at least open-air venue when I’m out with friends for a serious afternoon of football watching. Much to my dismay, the newest, hottest spot for outdoor football watching lacked the one thing that is pretty critical to the football watching experience… DISPLAYS!
Check out all of that prime real estate that’s going completely unused! Install a few 55” or 65” Peerless-AV UltraViewTM UHD Outdoor TVs on those white walls and I’d be at this bar every weekend for the games. The restaurant manager wouldn’t need to worry about covering them or the typical Florida afternoon thunderstorms damaging them, they’re built specifically to handle the elements! Not that anyone wants to watch TV outside when it’s negative 22° or as hot as 122° but these TVs can handle those extreme temps! And they’re all-weather rated for direct sunlight, rain and snow. What a missed opportunity for this restaurant, I never went back. If there are any Fort Lauderdale integrators looking for an easy job to sell go check out Quarterdeck Fort Lauderdale and tell them they need some Peerless-AV UltraViewTM Outdoor TVs! Let me know when the job’s done and I’ll give them another chance.
My usual spot for Saturday and Sunday sports-watching is Bokampers. Located right on Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterway this place has 167 TVs! Yes, you read that right. One. Hundred. And. Sixty. Seven. If you can’t find your game here then your team must be in terrible shape. Even on the day I captured this shot one of their TVs was on the fritz and still it was an ideal football watching day.
Sometime in mid-November, Bokampers opened a new location, Bo’s Pub Las Olas. It’s a spot right on what I like to call the Rodeo Drive of Fort Lauderdale, where all of the hot restaurants and boutique shops are. I forget what this place was before they turned it into a sports pub, but adding the dvLED wall made me a total fan. With lots of TVs mounted throughout the downstairs and this awesome video wall, you won’t miss a single play when you come here to watch a game.
If you have ever met me, you know I’d be remiss if I didn’t throw in one last establishment… Heather’s Hut! It’s by far my favorite spot ever to watch a game. The food’s amazing, the drinks are always cold, and even if it’s just me and my pups, the company cannot be beat, even if my team is!
Drop a comment and let me know your favorite spots to catch the game and why. I could use some recommendations for my upcoming travel schedule.
It is that time of year again. When every gym across the country is busier than usual and banks see an uptick in people who want to “finally” start saving money. It also happens to be nearly 3 years to the day that I was first interviewed and then hired for the role of Business Development Manager at Almo Professional A/V! So, while I have a great deal of respect for anyone who takes steps to better themselves, I also have become adversely against making New Year’s Resolutions. Let me explain why.
Simply put the idea of delaying something until January 1 baffles me, but especially when that something involves making better choices to positively affect ourselves. Our happiness and overall growth should have no “launch date” and whether it be personal or professional goals we have, the sooner we take action the sooner we see results. Just this past year I experienced one of my biggest victories as I finally obtained my CTS Certification. This achievement was significant to me for many reasons.
First, I started 2019 by taking and NOT passing the CTS on January 6. Talk about a lousy way to start a new year! Next, in February I began reporting to a new boss who promptly asked me what my goals were for the year. Almost immediately, I blurted out “I want to have my CTS by end of 2019.” This was substantial to me because I have now vocalized my goal to my boss who I know will rightfully hold me to it and not accept anything less.
For the remainder of 2019 I made it a focus to constantly be preparing in some form or facet for the exam as well as continue to discuss it with others. The more you say it, the more you “will” it into existence. Having been the BDM for our Harman since 2018, I found that my audio and control systems knowledge had increased and I began feeling more comfortable than I did in January when I first took the exam. Not to mention one of the most helpful tools, Harman University, is an extensive online library of courses, both web based and live, where the content is very easy to comprehend even if you are 1 day old to the industry. Since I have never been the greatest “book learner,” the courses through Harman were really the cherry on top of my preparations.
While I had hoped to take the CTS Exam in October, life struck a different cord and my father was suddenly hospitalized at the end of September. While I am overjoyed to say he is doing much better now, it was quite the rollercoaster for 30+days, least of which involved me delaying the CTS because family will always come first. While I continued to receive the support of my management and colleagues, I worked even more behind the scenes to do whatever I could to prepare for the exam, which was now on December 5. The day finally rolled around and as I previously mentioned, I passed! The mental “high” from passing this exam led me to complete more Harman University courses and complete the DSCE certification for digital signage because I simply wanted to continue my growth. That is the lesson to be learned- Never delay your own development, start TODAY! If you want to get healthy and feel better, join the gym today and do not procrastinate. Start putting a few extra dollars away TODAY rather than next month. Lastly, if you truly want to be happy in your career start taking steps TODAY whether it be signing up for Harman University, registering for your CTS, or applying for that promotion you did not think you were qualified for. Here is to 2020 and NOT setting a New Years Resolution because you have been taking steps to improve all along.
This past week, Zoom hosted their annual user conference in San Jose, California. The reported number of registrations for the event was double that of last year and was listed at 2600. From employees dressed as Astronauts to Snoop Dogg, this event was in a world of its own. Read on to hear one man’s journey to Zoomtopia.
New Tech Unveiled
Zoom’s CTO revealed some new features already available and some currently in beta. We will soon be able to convert speech to text while conducting a video conference call and have that text be searchable. This is not new technology and has limited use in my opinion. Another feature that will soon be available is language translation. In real time you can speak to a colleague from another part of the world and both speak in your native languages. They provided a demonstration of this with English, French and Spanish speaking guests all communicating together. I was impressed with this feature until the demonstration when they showed two additional individuals on the active call who were human translators. I don’t think I want a total stranger on my calls, live-translating my business dealings. Another feature relates to virtual backgrounds. This functionality exists today, though soon you’ll be able to add a motion-enriched virtual background. The demonstration of this was an individual with a beach scene behind him. At first the waves and palm trees were still images, and then once activated the waves began to crash onto the beach and palm trees sway in the breeze. Personally, I think all virtual backgrounds look like an elementary school aged child’s first attempt at Photoshop. This feature in action is even more distracting! The Zoom Phone was also a heavily discussed topic as it attempts to disrupt the traditional VOIP phone market. A new feature demonstrated included an employee who received a call on her Zoom phone, placed the call on hold, transferred it to her cell phone, then found an available Zoom room and once she entered the room transferred the call to that system and continued on with their discussion. This sequence of events may seem simple as I’ve described it, however nothing is simpler than stating, “I’ll call you back from the conference room.”
Workshops and Conferences
After the keynote and several hours of working the joint Avocor/Almo booth, I jumped into a session labeled, “Deep Dive into the Future of Zoom Rooms.” The description did mention a guest speaker from Poly, Tim Root and Zoom employee Jeff Smith, but no one else. A representative from Neat was added last minute, which turned this into a 45 minute sales pitch on Poly vs. Neat.
The troubling part of this was that Poly had been promoting their partnership with Zoom for months leading up to the Zoom user conference and Neat hadn’t even been announced until the opening keynote a mere 4 hours earlier. The heavy investments made by Poly, Logitech, Crestron and others appeared to be dismissed for this new brand which Zoom has invested into.
I attended a session titled “Going advanced with Zoom Rooms for ProAV,” where I was joined by several supporting audio visual integrators. If you’ve been in the AV industry for any length of time, you would have been able to teach this course.
Discussions included panel and camera placement, the need for confidence monitors and table top mics vs. ceiling mics. This did not accurately represent ProAV.
I anticipate those who began to read this have since stopped and moved onto another article or dove back into their inbox. That’s ok. They’ll not be at next year’s Zoom conference, but if you’re still reading, I hope you will consider attending! For as harsh as I’ve been about this conference, it included some amazing interactions. While demonstrating Avocor’s 65” & 75” displays with Zoom kits including Logitech, Huddly, MXL mics, Lenovo and JBL, I was engaging with high level execs from Fortune 500, oil & gas, universities and various startups in tech and biomedical. In addition, many of AVIXA’s top integrators were in attendance to better understand how to engage with this fast growing company.
In Closing
Zoom may not have released a fancy new widget or enhancement and that’s ok. Those are not the reasons why this platform has been so rapidly accepted. It’s been adopted because it just works as expected! For new users, there is very little instruction needed to get up and running. Of course, if you are looking to deploy a Zoom Conference Room, you will need the assistance of a Professional Audio Visual Integrator. Many of the end users I spoke with complained about the all-in-one solutions on the market as having a bad camera, mic or insufficient audio enhancement for their space. Although Zoom is sending mixed messages to end users about the need for our industries expertise, end users seem clear on what they need. They want Zoom and they want the best display, mic and speakers for their specific space. Sure, some customers will look to deploy Zoom Rooms themselves, but there will always be DIY end users. Almo has prepared kits with Zoom certified hardware for various room needs and sizes. These kits come complete with all the essentials and allow our integrators to purchase all brands from a single source.
While still relatively small, Zoom managed to draw an impressive crowd to this user conference. The size allowed for sufficient engagement and there was genuine interest in expanding this platform across the globe. Zoom is expanding into various global markets like Central and South America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To be successful, they will need Professional Integrators to deploy professional enterprise solutions that can all be found at Almo!
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