Exretis Almo logo
Exretis Almo logo

Exploring Innovation: Our New Partnership with ANZU Robotics

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Drones, Uncategorized

I am thrilled to announce our exciting new partnership with ANZU Robotics, a leading American drone manufacturer headquartered in Austin, Texas. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in bringing cutting-edge aerial technology to our customers in a wide array of commercial applications.

ANZU Robotics has garnered attention for its commitment to innovation and security in drone technology. Founded with a focus on creating high-performance drone solutions, ANZU Robotics addresses critical concerns related to cybersecurity and data protection. Their drones are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing workflows by making ease-of-use a priority.

Let’s take a look at a few of their featured products.

Anzu Robotics RaptorAt the heart of ANZU Robotics’ offerings are the Raptor and Raptor T drones. Built on DJI’s trusted technology platform, these drones are enhanced with custom features tailored for professional applications. These solutions include high-resolution cameras capable of up to 56x hybrid zoom and thermal imaging capabilities for the Raptor T model. What sets these drones apart is their freedom from geofencing restrictions, providing unparalleled operational flexibility for users.

Explore the Raptor and the Raptor T drones.

Anzu Robotics Raptor TIn collaboration with Aloft Technologies, ANZU Robotics ensures their drone software meets the U.S. data protection regulations, including encrypted data transmission, rigorous penetration testing, and secure storage on U.S.-based servers, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.

On a more personal note, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing CEO Randall Warnas for over eight years, tracing back to his tenure at FLIR and our company’s earlier days as Stampede Presentation Products. This longstanding relationship underscores our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in the AV industry.

Explore the Future of Drone Technology with Us

As we embark on this new partnership, I look forward to exploring the possibilities that ANZU Robotics’ advanced drone solutions can bring to search and rescue operations, inspection projects, and more. Whether you are looking to enhance surveillance capabilities, streamline inspection processes, or innovate in your field, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

For more information on ANZU Robotics’ lineup, please feel free to reach out. Together, let’s embrace the future of aerial technology.

Contact us today to learn more about ANZU Robotics’ drone solutions and discover how we can elevate your operations.

Want to explore more drone innovation? Check out Matt’s blog “Emerging Drone Tech 2024: DJI’s Dock 2“.

Eric Jameson drones BDM

About the Author

Matt Callari

Director of Sales – Emerging Tech

—-

Check out more of our blog pots on Drone Solutions.

Enhance Your AV Projects with Professional Audio Solutions

by | Aug 1, 2024 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

As a leading distributor of audiovisual equipment, Exertis Almo understands the critical role that high-quality audio plays in creating effective and immersive environments. Whether you’re equipping corporate meeting rooms, classrooms, chain restaurants, or massive public arenas, the right audio setup can make all the difference. Our goal is to provide comprehensive professional audio solutions that enhance your projects for seamless integration. Let’s explore some of the technology.

The Importance of Professional Audio in Public Spaces

Clear and precise audio is essential to ensuring that every message is delivered effectively, whether it’s a business presentation, a lecture, or a live performance. Poor audio quality can lead to misunderstandings, disengagement, and a lack of impact. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in high-quality audio equipment tailored to your specific project needs.

Tailored Solutions for Different Spaces

Concert Venues and Sports Arenas

production audio for concert venuesIn large-scale venues like concert halls, sports arenas, and theaters, delivering powerful and production-quality audio is critical to creating an immersive experience for the audience. These environments require robust audio systems capable of handling high SPL (sound pressure levels) and wide frequency ranges, ensuring that every note and word is delivered with clarity and impact.

Utilization of advanced line array systems and subwoofers designed to deliver consistent and powerful sound across large spaces is essential. These high-powered speaker systems provide excellent coverage, ensuring that every seat in the venue experiences the same high-quality audio.

Bars and Restaurants

restaurant bar audio zonesCreating the right audio environment in bars and restaurants is crucial for setting the mood and enhancing the customer experience. Whether it’s background music, live entertainment, or clear announcements, the audio system must deliver consistently high-quality sound without overwhelming the space.

Ambient music ensures a pleasant and even distribution of sound, enhancing the atmosphere without overpowering conversations. Use a combination of strategically placed speakers and amplifiers to deliver smooth, even sound throughout the venue.

Bars and restaurants often have different areas with distinct audio needs, such as dining rooms, bar areas, and outdoor spaces. Zone control systems allow for precise audio management in each area, ensuring that the sound levels and types of audio content are appropriate.

Classrooms

campus classrooms and lecture hall audioIn educational environments, audio plays a crucial role in facilitating effective learning and engagement. Our solutions for classrooms are designed to enhance both teacher-student interactions and the overall learning experience.

Classrooms often require versatile audio setups that can accommodate various teaching styles and activities. We provide portable speaker systems and wireless microphone setups that can be easily adjusted to suit lectures, group discussions, or multimedia presentations.

To ensure every student hears clearly, regardless of where they are seated, integrate sound enhancement systems. These include ceiling or wall-mounted speakers with optimized placement and digital signal processing (DSP) to enhance voice clarity and reduce ambient noise.

Meeting Rooms

corporate conference room audioMeeting rooms are vital hubs for collaboration and communication within any organization. The quality of audio in these spaces can significantly impact the effectiveness of meetings and presentations. Our tailored audio solutions for meeting rooms focus on delivering crystal-clear sound and seamless integration with other AV technologies.

Discreet audio solutions can be provided with a range of ceiling-mounted and in-wall speakers that blend seamlessly into the room’s design, ensuring a clean and professional appearance. These speakers deliver high-quality sound without visual distraction, allowing participants to focus on the content.

Sennheiser microphonesOur selection of boundary microphones, gooseneck microphones, and wireless lapel microphones ensure that every speaker is heard clearly, regardless of their position in the room. These advanced microphone systems are designed to pick up voices accurately while minimizing background noise.

Partner with Us for Exceptional Audio

At Exertis Almo, we don’t just provide products; we offer solutions. Our team of experts is here to help you select the right equipment for your specific needs and ensure that your audio setup is optimized for the space. With our extensive range of products and commitment to quality, we are your trusted partner in delivering exceptional audio experiences.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create the ideal audio environment for your next project.

Robert Voorhees

Exertis Almo’s Pro Audio Category Manager

Rob Voorhees | CTS, CTP, DSCE, CTNS, Dante

Director of Business Development

Supported Product Category: Pro Audio & Business Comm Services

Revisiting ADA Mounting Requirements

by | Jul 30, 2024 | Drafting & Engineering, Pro Audio, Uncategorized

Recently, I saw where a manufacturer provided the following installation requirements for web and PTZ cameras: “Mount cameras at a height between 15 inches and 48 inches from the floor to comply with ADA standards for operable parts” and that cameras and their mounts should not protrude more than 4 inches from the wall.

Wut?

So I can’t locate a camera in between two wall-mounted displays because that will be higher than 48 inches AFF? Plus, a typical PTZ camera sticks out more than 4 inches once it’s on a mount and has cables hanging out the back. Do I need to go back and place all of my cameras in recessed wall boxes?

This is where I love to go to the source materials rather than second-hand interpretations. I read things like the ADA Standard, the NEC as well as other codes, standards and industry reference sources.

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design are found here: https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards/2010-stds/ so you can read it for yourself or follow along.

MOUNTING HEIGHTS

It’s always good to look at the definitions in a Standard. Let’s look at the definition of an Operable Part and an Element in the ADA Standard.

Operable Part. A component of an element used to insert or withdraw objects, or to activate, deactivate, or adjust the element.

Element. An architectural or mechanical component of a building, facility, space, or site.

This includes things like light switches, electrical receptacles, environmental and appliance controls, security, intercom systems, etc. Prudence would dictate this also includes the control panels and signal connections for an audiovisual system as well as any loadable media like SD cards and thumb drives.

Does even an able-bodied person need access to a PTZ Camera? What “Operable Parts” are normally accessed on a camera? None. It is accessed and controlled either through a remote or a control system, so I don’t see a camera qualifying as an Operable Part or an Element.

However, we do see the height restriction requirements for Operable Parts in 309 of the ADA Standard.

309 Operable Parts
309.3 Height. Operable parts shall be placed within one or more of the reach ranges specified in 308.

And 309 of the Standard refers us to 308 of the Standard for the reach ranges.

ADA 308.2.1 and 308.3.1 reveal the mounting height requirements for unobstructed forward or side reach from a wheelchair.

ADA-308.2.1 & ADA-308.3.1 diagrams

So while cameras should be mounted at eye height (48 inches AFF) to maintain eye contact with the far side, I can mount a camera higher on the wall in between two displays if that’s the best compromise given ceiling height and display location on the wall.

PROTRUSION LIMITS

204 of the ADA Standard tells us about Protruding Objects.

204 Protruding Objects
204.1 General. Protruding objects on circulation paths shall comply with 307

So we need to know what a circulation path is and we also find that in the definitions.

Circulation Path. An exterior or interior way of passage provided for pedestrian travel, including but not limited to, walks, hallways, courtyards, elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stairways, and landings.

So the protrusion limits apply to circulation paths. Does this definition of a Circulation Path include a classroom or meeting room? The definition is about passageways and I don’t see “rooms” called out as a being a circulation path.

Protrusion Limits for circulation paths are found in 307 of the Standard.

ada-307.2307.2 Protrusion Limits.

Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches (100 mm) maximum horizontally into the circulation path

So I’m okay with a display or camera protruding out more than 4 inches in the front of a classroom, meeting room or conference room.

I don’t think however, that I would want a projector or camera hanging lower than 80 inches AFF in the middle of a room or even a display on a swing arm hanging lower than 80 inches AFF from a side wall. I also might not wish to exceed the 4 in. protrusion limit along the side and rear walls even though it’s not required.

It’s interesting to see that a leading mount manufacturer says of one of their display mounts, “Low-profile 1″ (25 mm) depth facilitates ADA compliance for typical AV design requirements.” “Facilitates” does not equal compliance.

Even the facilitating mount can run afoul of ADA if the mount/display combo protrudes more than 4 inches from the wall in a Circulation Path.

Can you get around the 4-in. protrusion limitation? Sure. Build in a permanent credenza below the wall-mounted device. Problem solved.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS

Something that is often overlooked in seeking ADA compliance is the availability of an Assistive Listening System.

219.2 Required Systems. In each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the use of the space, an assistive listening system shall be provided.

EXCEPTION: Other than in courtrooms, assistive listening systems shall not be required where audio amplification is not provided.

The definition of an Assembly Area is quite broad, and you see that when you read the Standard.

SUMMARY

Really, ADA compliance is not so much about the equipment as it is about the equipment’s implementation. The only exception that comes to mind is a lectern/presentation station that has a motor for height adjustment. Components of a Hearing Assistance System are not “ADA Compliant” in and of themselves. (Except that an ALS receiver must have a 1/8 in. mono jack to be a compliant receiver. See 706.2.) However, they can be part of an ADA-compliant system.

I hope this has helped separate fact from fiction. If you need more information about products that will help keep you and your clients ADA-compliant on a project, reach out to us here at Exertis Almo. We would be happy to help.

Want to learn more? Check out “The Modern Meeting Room” blog for more insights on audiovisual design.

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

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

Pin It on Pinterest