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Photogrammetry Crash Course with DJI

by | Dec 17, 2024 | Drones, Uncategorized

What is Photogrammetry?

According to NOAA, Photogrammetry is a method of approximating a three-dimensional (3D) structure using two dimensional images. Photographs are stitched together using photogrammetry software to make the 3D model and other products like photomosaic maps.

How Does That Apply to Drones?

Drones are able to rapidly capture high resolution images spanning great distances across dynamic landscapes. They can collect images of roads, hills, mountains, infrastructure, buildings – essentially any 3-dimensional objects, and turn them into high resolution 3D maps.

Where Does DJI Fit In?

DJI has several product offerings tailored to Photogrammetry applications. The Mavic 3 Enterprise (with the RTK accessory), Mavic 3 Multi-Spectral, Matrice 3D, and M350 with the P1 Payload. Pair these aircraft with the DJI RTK-2 Base Station, and you can conduct accurate centimeter level topographic surveys.

Paired with DJI Terra, you can fly the mission, import the data, hit run, and generate a precise, highly detailed 3D model of whatever you like! Buildings, infrastructure, police accident scene recreation, there are all kinds of ways to utilize 3-dimensional data in real world scenarios.

What are some examples?

Photogrammetric 3D models are used in a variety of applications. Some examples include mining, construction, agriculture, mapping, geology, police investigation, and forestry management. With plenty more to be investigated and discovered. Any place there is a need for 3-dimensional analysis, there’s a high chance that drones and photogrammetry software will be the most efficient and cheapest option!

An example of a processed Model:

Want to Know More?

In the mining industry, drones are pivotal in improving safety, efficiency, and site evaluation. By conducting aerial surveys and utilizing advanced mapping technology, drones offer a detailed view of mining operations, terrain challenges, and resource distribution. This information is crucial for site planning, optimizing the extraction process, and monitoring environmental impact.

Explore the many drone applications and use cases at Drones.ExertisAlmo.com.

If you enjoyed this blog post, check out another of Connor’s blogs on Drones in Public Safety.

Robert Voorhees
About the Author

Connor Smith

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturer: DJI

Work, Life, and Presence with a Special Needs Child

by | Dec 12, 2024 | Professional Development, Uncategorized

Kevin Carroll - KC Katalyst“Work, Life, Presence” a saying that will always be close to my heart and a reminder to myself every day. I was sitting at the Exertis Almo National Sales Meeting, and we had this amazing speaker, Kevin Carroll. He talked about his life, struggles growing up, and how far he had come into his career. “Work, Life, Balance” had a new meaning and it is now “Work, Life, PRESENCE.”  It is not about balancing life, it is about being present, especially when you have a child with special needs.

I am a mother of a child with a rare genetic disorder, called Syngap1. He is one of 1,400 patients in the whole world! In his 6 years of life, we have had so much thrown at us: Intellectual disability, epilepsy, autism, language delays, sleep problems, motor delays, hypotonia, sensory processing deficits, emotional and behavioral challenges. Oofta, that’s a lot and mouth full! How would we ever be able to help our child ever overcome so many obstacles, maintain a “normal” lifestyle and how would we continue our careers as both working parents?

Working and maintaining a career with a special needs child brings many incredible challenges. But we are not alone, many families struggle with the same obstacles we do every day. I took myself down a deep hole when we first received his “official” diagnosis at 3 years of age. I didn’t know how I was going to manage this “new” lifestyle, but then I decided to come up with strategies to manage our time, energy and emotions. Below are some helpful strategies to help you with the navigating the challenging, but also REWARDING role as a parent with special needs:

technology to schedule appointments1. Creating a Flexible Schedule

  • Flexibility: If work allows, try and find a way to work around your child’s needs. You may have to take breaks throughout the day for medical appointments or therapy. Flexibility in your work schedule can help you accomplish this.
  • Hours: Know your limits and avoid overscheduling. Always communicate with your employer/supervisor/customers about your availability. Don’t be afraid to adjust when needed.
  • Prioritizing: Make a list of your work and home responsibilities and prioritize what is most important. This will help you focus on what truly matters and help you manage your time more effectively.

2. Communication at work

  • Transparency: always maintain open communication with your employer about your family situation so they can understand your needs and limitations. Let them know you are committed to your work, but there may be a time when family responsibilities will take priority.
  • Arrangements: whether you work from home, adjust hours, or take time off for medical appointments, exploring flexible work options will help you become more present with your caregiving duties and help you manage your work.

3. Support

  • Building a Network: Having a network of caregivers does not always just mean family, it’s about your friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. Don’t ever hesitate to ask for help when it comes to your child’s needs.
  • Connection: Share your experiences with others. You will find it extremely comforting being open – for many are going through similar situations or know someone that is. Consider joining support groups so that you can exchange advice with others and provide emotional support. You are never alone.
  • Professional Help: Don’t ever hesitate to reach out for help when you’re managing your child’s care. Ask for assistance from their therapists, caregivers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, etc. It can be worth investing in support services to help you manage all your responsibilities.

4. Technology

  • Tools: Digital tools such as calendars, task management apps, etc. will help you stay organized. This may include scheduling doctors’ appointments, therapy, and important work meetings. Keep them all in one place so you can stay on track. Also, having a good web cam will go a long way and avoids many headaches when jumping on calls.
  • Virtual: When possible, utilize telehealth services for doctor’s visits, therapy, or consultations. This will help reduce stress and amount of time traveling to help you stay on track.

5. Wins/Strengths!!

  • Celebrate: Focus on small successes whether it’s at work or at home. Celebrating a new skill they have developed or a peaceful moment you shared. The littlest things can sometimes be the most rewarding!
  • Accomplishments: Acknowledge the efforts that it takes to be present in both worlds. It sometimes may feel like you’re constantly juggling, just know you are doing an incredible job by meeting your family’s needs and working.
  • Abilities: Focus on your child’s strengths and achievements. This will be a powerful reminder of how resilient your child is and how much you accomplish together.
  • Engagement: Bond in ways with your child that cater to their abilities and can be rewarding for both of you.

6. Advocate

  • Know Your Rights: When you’re navigating special education or healthcare, make sure you stay informed about your rights as a parent. Understanding these rights will help reduce stress by making accommodations at school and navigating healthcare services.
  • Workplace Accommodations: If your child requires you to need flexibility in your work schedule (example: medical appointments during workday), investigate your companies’ policies on workplace accommodations.

It takes resilience, adaptability, and a strong support system to be able to manage work while caring for a child with special needs. Remember you don’t always have to do it alone or perfectly. Ask for help and rely on your support system when you need it. You are their parent for a reason, and you will do everything in your power to provide them with the best life they can have.

Remember, it is “Work, Life, PRESENCE.”

If you enjoyed Amy’s blog, check out Rob Voorhees’ blog “Coach’s Corner: Overcome the Fear of Asking for Help“.

Amy Krezowski

About the Author

Amy Krezowski

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Peerless-AV and Planar

How LG’s Transparent LED Film is Revolutionizing Display Technology

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Digital Signage, Outdoor AV, Pro Displays, Uncategorized, Video Walls

The future of display technology is here, and it’s transparent! LG’s Transparent LED technology has opened up new possibilities in how we interact with screens in both public and private spaces. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation in visual technology, LG’s Transparent LED is leading the charge, offering a solution that’s both visually stunning and incredibly versatile for large glass spaces.

In this blog, we’ll explore the technology behind LG’s Transparent LED, its potential applications, and how it’s poised to change the way we think about large glass spaces and how they can be used for messaging in a unique way.

What is Transparent LED?

LG color transparent LED filmAt its core, LG’s Transparent LED is a cutting-edge display technology that uses micro thin nano wires laminated between transparent silicon-based film, allowing light to pass through. This enables the display to offer high-quality visuals without completely obstructing the view behind it. The current LTAK140-GU1 product has a 13.7mm pixel pitch with 60% transparency and features 1,000 nits of brightness. It is sold in sheets of a self-adhesive film that are “squeegeed” onto glass. The sheets are 25.8” x 19.4” and can accommodate convex/concave surfaces. The material can be cut vertically between rows of “pixels” to accommodate almost any size space. Rails are installed vertically or horizontally, and ribbon cables attach to the rails. Each rail connects to the controller that transmits data and content. The unit controller distributes the signal to the rails, manages content, and the layout of the wall. Applicable parts are are the LCLG141U and LCLG002.

Unlike traditional LED displays that require a solid background or opaque surface, Transparent LED maintains a high level of transparency, making it suitable for those large spaces with plenty of glass. Recently, a convention center inquired about the product as they have four floors with escalators where glass railings are in full view. The space also had four-story high windows above the entrances where signage could be applied. Using the LED product, they would not lose glass transparency when LED was not in use, and content could be easily customized for directional and way-finding information specific to events as people entered the building. For this customer to proceed and budget for a potential installation, they needed to balance the income that could be generated from offering customers the option to display on the LED space. Content would be most noticeable entering the convention center. Would the additional revenue stream justify the initial investment? The other advantage would be the Convention Center adopting leading-edge technology and stepping “outside-the-box” from traditional static or smaller size signage displays.

Besides convention centers, we receive a lot of inquiries about Transparent LED, especially after LG outfits their booths with this product at shows such as CES and InfoComm. There is a lot of interest for transparent displays for C-store windows, restaurants, and airports. Keep in mind that the LTAK runs about $650 per square foot, not including content mapping or installation.

Content

Designing, configuring, and installing LTAK LED takes some planning and work with the LG system design engineers. Another key aspect of this product is content. Traditional 2K/4K 16:9 content is not ideal for this product. Up close, the LTAK looks very pixelated, and adding content that is stretched does not help. For optimal output, content will need to be purposed in the resolution of the designed LED wall, keeping in mind the optimal viewing distance of 70 feet.

For reference, the images and video rendering in this blog post were provided by LG as examples of content usage.

LG transparent LED demo

Some considerations for your customer might be:

  • What is the value proposition of replacing smaller traditional signage over the course of five years? Would being able to update messaging remotely and without on-site labor be a cost savings?
  • Is your customer wanting to explore new and different ways of messaging than what is traditional? Are they looking for the “wow” factor that changes an ordinary space to an immersive experience? Are they looking to step outside the box of tradition and market in a new way?
  • Would a transparent solution allow for content that excites and draws people to a place or product that would enhance a revenue stream?
  • How can the costs of a transparent LED solution be offset with potential new product offerings or venues?

For regulatory concerns on light and heat passing through the glass, bear in mind that LG’s LTAK accommodates up to 32°F ~ 113°F. It is recommended to check with local and state agencies for Green Performance Standards and outward-facing ordinances for signage. We are always happy to help with information and quotes for Transparent LED.

LG transparent LED applications

Applications of LG Transparent LED

Retail and Advertising

In the retail industry, the transparent nature of the display can be used to create striking visual displays without sacrificing the view of the products behind the screen. Imagine a store window where a vibrant ad plays on a transparent screen, but customers can still see the merchandise clearly. This creates a dynamic and engaging shopping experience while allowing the store to display information, promotions, or brand storytelling in a more interactive and immersive way.

Corporate Environments and Lobbies

Corporate spaces, conference rooms, and lobbies can also benefit from LG’s Transparent LED. These installations can be used to display important information, brand messaging, or media content, all while preserving the open feel of the space. The transparency feature is especially useful in large, open spaces where you want to maintain visibility and aesthetics without sacrificing the functionality of a display.

Transportation Hubs

Airports, train stations, and subway systems are some of the most bustling environments where clear, real-time information is critical. LG’s Transparent LED could be used in these spaces for dynamic signage and wayfinding. The transparency allows passengers to see through the display, ensuring that the area remains visually open, while the screen serves its purpose of providing essential information.

Smart Buildings and Windows

One of the most exciting potential applications is the use of transparent displays as smart windows in homes and offices. Imagine looking out of your window and being able to view dynamic content—news, weather, or interactive media—without any interruption to the natural light or view. This concept could transform the way we design buildings and homes, creating intelligent, multi-functional spaces that adapt to our needs.

Museum and Art Installations

In cultural and art institutions, Transparent LED can bring art to life in new ways. By integrating the transparent display technology into exhibits, museums can offer layered experiences where the display enhances the artwork without detracting from the overall aesthetic. It allows curators to tell more compelling stories with mixed media, projections, and digital elements.

Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is also exploring the use of transparent displays in cars. LG’s Transparent LED can be used to create interactive dashboards, heads-up displays, or even entire windshields.

Conclusion

LG’s Transparent LED represents a leap forward in display technology, offering unparalleled versatility and wow factor. As businesses and industries continue to look for innovative ways to communicate and engage with audiences, transparent LED technology will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of visual communication.

Whether you’re in retail, transportation, or design, this technology has the power to elevate your space while maintaining an open, engaging, and interactive environment. Welcome to the transparent revolution!

If you would like to learn more about LG’s Transparent LED or our extensive line of DVLED products, including indoor, outdoor, marine grade, simple-to-install All-in-One, or the incredible Magnit 4K series in .7mm and .9mm, please give us a call as we are always happy to assist.

Interested in outdoor AV? Try Jennifer’s other blog, “Maximizing Visibility, Outdoor Signage at It’s Brightest“

Jennifer Fisher

About the Author

Jennifer Fisher

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: LG Business Solutions (SW, W, NW)

Top Teams Room Devices for Maximizing Corporate Collaboration

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Cameras, Collaboration, Interactive Touch Displays, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

With the rise of hybrid work environments and frequent guest collaborations, most businesses require straightforward and efficient conferencing solutions. Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR) offer a seamless solution for enhancing meeting experiences, ensuring that teams can collaborate efficiently, regardless of their location. Knowing the technologies available, is essential to providing clients with the best equipment to set up these rooms. Let’s explore the top Teams Room devices available from Exertis Almo while covering the basics of setting up and optimizing Microsoft Teams Rooms.

MaxHub Ultra Wide 105 in. for hybrid work meetingsWhat equipment is needed for a Teams meeting?

To ensure a successful Teams meeting or to set up a Teams Room, having the right equipment is crucial. This includes reliable computing hardware, high-quality audio and video devices, and control systems that make managing meetings effortless. Here are the key components you’ll need:

  1. Reliable Computing Hardware: A desktop, laptop, or dedicated Teams device.
  2. High-Quality Audio and Video Equipment: Microphones, speakers, and video cameras.
  3. Stable Internet Connection: Ensures smooth communication without interruptions.
  4. Display Screens: For sharing presentations and viewing participants.
  5. Control Devices: Touch panels or consoles to manage meetings.

Jabra PanaCast 50 grayExertis Almo offers a range of devices that meet these needs, such as the Jabra PanaCast 50 Intelligent Video Bar which transforms video conferencing. With features such as dynamic composition, intelligent speaker, and virtual director, it ensures optimal collaboration by adjusting views and focusing on active speakers. Its advanced AI, including intelligent zoom and dual-stream whiteboard, makes Teams meetings immersive and easy to use.

What are the major components of Microsoft Teams Rooms?

Creating a fully functional Microsoft Teams Room involves integrating several major components that work together to provide a seamless meeting experience. These components ensure that meetings are easy to manage, and that audio and video quality are top-notch. Here are the essential elements:

  1. Control Console: A touch panel for easy meeting management.
  2. Camera: A high-definition camera for clear video.
  3. Microphone and Speakers: For clear audio input and output.
  4. Computer Module: A mini-PC or similar device to run the Teams Room application.
  5. Digital Display: One or more screens for video conferencing and content sharing.

Huddly IQ ePTZ cameraFor example, the Huddly IQ ePTZ Cameras are excellent for boosting meeting engagement with their AI-directed multi-camera system.

The MAXHUB Commercial Display Ultra-Wide Series is perfect for MTR, featuring a 105″ collaboration display with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 5K resolution.

MaxHub XT Series Kit for MTRThe MAXHUB XT Series Kit for Microsoft Teams Rooms includes a computer, touch console, and integrated video bar, providing ultimate scalability for any meeting room setup.

What are the benefits of Microsoft Teams Rooms?

Microsoft Teams Rooms offer several benefits:

  1. Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates better communication and teamwork.
  2. Ease of Use: One-touch join, and intuitive interfaces make it easy to start and manage meetings.
  3. High-Quality Audio and Video: Ensures clear communication.
  4. Scalability: Suitable for rooms of all sizes, from small huddle spaces to large conference rooms.
  5. Integration with Microsoft 365: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools and services.

By using top Teams Room devices, you can ensure that your conference room projects are equipped with the latest technology to maximize collaboration and productivity.

In Conclusion

Providing your clients with the right equipment for Microsoft Teams Rooms can significantly enhance their meeting experiences. By offering high-quality, reliable solutions from Exertis Almo, you position yourself as a trusted resource, ensuring your clients’ video conferencing needs are perfectly met.

The team at Exertis Almo is committed to providing our AV reseller and integrator partners with the latest and most innovative collaboration solutions for Teams Rooms and more. Contact us for a consultation, a quote, help with Microsoft licenses, and more.

Lisa Lingo, Category Manager – Collaboration

Still curious about collaboration solutions? Check out Lisa Lingo’s blog, “Stop, Collaborate and Listen“.

Is That True 4K?

by | Nov 21, 2024 | Projectors, Uncategorized

While native 4K resolution is commonplace in flat panel displays, there are still many resolution options when choosing a projector, including WXGA (1366×768), WUXGA (1920×1200), 1080p (1920×1080), and various options to achieve 4K (3840×2160). As an alternative to the high cost of using native 4K chipsets, many projector manufacturers offer a form of “pixel shifting” to achieve 4K resolution on the screen. To add to the confusion, manufacturers have their own terms to describe this feature, including 4K Enhancement, 4K-Ready, E-Shift, XPR, etc., depending on the brand you are working with.

Simply put, pixel shifting uses a WUXGA or 1080p chip and, with advanced processing, shifts each pixel either diagonally or horizontally and vertically at rapid speeds, creating multiple sub-frames that are combined to produce a higher resolution image on screen. The process happens so fast that our eyes are not able to detect the individual frames, resulting in an image that rivals native 4K at a significantly reduced cost. Additionally, it is important to note that there is more than one method of pixel shifting. For this article, I will refer to the terms used by Epson to describe them.

pixel shift illustration

4K Enhancement was introduced first and has now been on the market for several years. Projectors that feature 4K Enhancement can receive 4K (3840×2160) signals and project ultra high definition (UHD) images by shifting each pixel diagonally by 0.5 pixels, effectively doubling the on-screen resolution to approximately 4.15 million pixels. This allows support for a wider range of available input resolutions in a given system and displays image quality higher than HD when showing 4K content.

EB-PQ2008B Epson 4K projectorMore recently, a new type of pixel shifting has been introduced, which Epson is calling 4K Crystal Motion. In this case, the pixel shifting happens both horizontally and vertically, effectively quadrupling the resolution of the 1080p chips to show 4K (3840×2160) with 8.3 million pixels on the screen. Here, a very critical eye would be required to discern the difference between this image and one coming from native 4K chipsets, while projectors using this technology are also significantly less expensive than those offering native 4K.

Lastly, there is native 4K, where the projector uses advanced imaging chips with no pixels being shared, providing the utmost accurate presentation of the source signal and resulting in the highest possible quality, but at an additional expense compared to pixel shifting. So which one should you consider? This will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to image size, viewing distance, source content, the resolution of the source material, and budget.

With larger image sizes, the potential for a user to see the individual pixels on screen increases; however, this is reduced when viewing distance increases. Additionally, the type of content being displayed matters. Naturally, a PowerPoint presentation would not require the same level of detail as spreadsheets or engineering drawings, and it’s possible the client may not even have 4K resolution content in the first place.

Like any other project, the key to success is understanding the needs and vision of the client and then providing the best solution given their budget. Look closely at specifications to be sure you are getting the right projector for the intended purpose. The bottom line is projectors that use pixel shifting will allow you to display 4K content with an image quality rivaling native 4K projectors at a significantly reduced cost and will meet the needs of many commercial video projects.

Have more questions? Contact Exertis Almo for a consultation.
Check out one of Brian’s other blogs, “5 Keys to Selecting a New Projector“.

Brian Rhatigan headshot
About the Author

Brian Rhatigan | CTS, DSCE

Director of Business Development

Supported Manufacturers: Epson, Huddly, Kramer, Jabra

Decoding LG’s Commercial Display Lineup: Made Easy

by | Nov 19, 2024 | Business Development, Pro Displays, Uncategorized

When it comes to selecting the right commercial display, LG has a vast range of models that can feel overwhelming at first glance. With constant innovation and upgrades, navigating this lineup can seem complex. But don’t worry—once you crack the code behind LG’s model naming conventions, choosing the perfect display becomes a breeze. Let’s break it down so you can decode LG’s commercial displays like a seasoned pro!

Below, you’ll find practical tips to help you navigate LG’s commercial display lineup. Whether you’re specifying displays for a project, finding a model that fits your budget, or overcoming inventory challenges by identifying suitable alternatives, these tips will make the process simpler. While the details may change from time to time, these rules of thumb have proven to be consistently helpful, and I hope they are for you too!

Note: These tips apply to LG’s standard commercial display lineup. Other product categories, like Commercial Lite (TV), touchscreen displays, and DvLED screens, have their own naming conventions. We’ll cover those another time!

Step One: Size It Up

The first two digits in any LG commercial display model indicate the display size (in inches). For example:

  • 86UH5E: The “86” tells you it’s an 86-inch display.
  • 49ULJ5: The “49” signals a 49-inch display.

Pretty simple, right? Once you spot those first two numbers, you know the screen size.

Step Two: Understand the Series

The next two letters in the model number tell you about the display’s performance level:

  • UH: These are high-end models, offering premium features like higher brightness levels (500–700 nits) and versatile orientation options (landscape and portrait modes).
  • UM: Mid-tier models. These may have slightly lower brightness or fewer orientation options but still deliver solid performance.
  • UL: These are entry-level models—Less bells and whistles but still dependable and more affordable.

Step Three: Brightness Levels

The first number after the series code indicates brightness—a crucial factor based on the display’s environment:

  • 5: 500 nits, ideal for standard indoor settings.
  • 7: 700 nits, great for areas with more ambient light, like storefronts.
  • 3: 300 nits, suitable for controlled lighting environments.

Step Four: Model Variations

Next, you’ll often see one or two additional letters. These represent minor differences between models, like the version of webOS the display uses or slight dimensional variations. While these may seem small, they can be key depending on your specific application.

example specs of display modelsFor example, you can quickly tell that the 75UL has fewer features than the 75UH just by the “UL” in the model number. Meanwhile, comparing the 75UH5J-M to the 75UH5E-B, you’ll notice the differences are minor. However, changes like the webOS version could make or break your project, so always double-check the specs before finalizing your choice!

Decoder Key:

  • First two digits: Display size in inches.
  • Next two letters: Performance tier (UH = high-end, UM = mid-tier, UL = Less features/ entry-level).
  • First number after the letters: Brightness level (e.g., 5 = 500 nits).
  • Last few letters: Minor model variations (e.g., webOS version or specific features).

Now that you’ve got the basics down, decoding LG’s commercial display models is a piece of cake! Whether you’re setting up a high-end digital signage solution or finding a reliable mid-range option, you can confidently choose the right display for your needs.

Looking to crack the code on more complex solutions? Our Business Development Team—featuring brand specialists, technical experts, and category pros—is here to guide you through advanced inquiries. Whether you need support with displays or assistance specifying mounts, audio, control systems, or any essential components to bring your projects together, Exertis Almo has your back!

Want to know more? Check out Tiff’s other blog “Amping Up Government Operations: Rocking out with cutting-edge AV gear“
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.

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