After years of disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, we were thrilled to experience the full return of InfoComm, the leading industry conference showcasing the greatest and latest in AV technology. Our team was ecstatic to be back walking the show floor, getting a first look at what is on the horizon from some of the leading manufacturers. The AV industry is alive and well, and still pushing forward with innovation despite the challenges impacting the industry like chip supply shortages, product delays, etc. Here are some of the key takeaways and insights from the CommLink team members in attendance.
Mike Ridderhof, Project Manager
Virtualization
To get around current production and stock shortages, many manufacturers are moving to or putting more of a focus on software-based solutions. There was also a bigger push surrounding cloud management, making a centralized location to manage equipment and have the ability to troubleshoot issues remotely.
Accessibility
Tools such as real-time translation and subtitles are being incorporated more to remove language and ADA barriers amongst people, providing the tools for employers, events, and others relying on audio visual technology to be more inclusive.
Display Mounts and Rack Hardware
The latest display mounts and rack hardware are being designed to make installs quicker, cleaner, and higher density (clients lose less space). They also are being built in a way that allows us to service everything quicker than before, if needed.
New Video Bars
Bose displayed their latest video bar product options, which is a smaller version of the current VB1, which we have had great success with, but this new product will be a better fit for huddle rooms or clients with a limited budget but still want to incorporate a great, high-quality product.
Availability
Available stock is a huge issue impacting the industry, and one we can expect will continue into the foreseeable future. Many exhibitors were capitalizing on that by wearing “we have stock” pins and was a huge draw and selling points for those exhibiting.
William Meaney, Network Engineer/Developer
AV vs IT
I learned a lot about the increasingly faded line between IT and AV integration from the AV perspective. I noticed a positive trend of getting people within the AV industry to be more IT/security conscious, helping them to better interface with onsite IT staff. But having worked in corporate IT, I feel this information is not 100% accurate and has led to an environment where IT workers are viewing AV as “knowing just enough to be dangerous”. At CommLink, I feel we really set ourselves apart from the collective because of our strong IT/development knowledge and experience, on top of our AV expertise.
Audio
I was impressed with QSC’s new outdoor ballard-style speakers, which would be ideal for our retail and outdoor clients. I also had the opportunity to participate in audio demonstrations of Harmon, JBL, Biamp, and Martin products. Staying up to date on the latest product lines from these manufacturers will help for future installs within contemporary houses of worship where live sound reinforcement is more of a full, modern band scenario as opposed to strictly spoken work or less impactful reinforcement.
Education
I felt the conference needed to offer more diverse educational offerings and many of the sessions I participated in seemed to include information everybody already knows. The class offerings definitely felt like they were tailored for a much wider range of professionals that would make the effort to attend InfoComm.
Evan Landry, Chief Technology Officer
Innovation
If I had to think of an overarching theme for this year’s conference, I would have to say it’s innovation. Manufacturers haven’t stopped adapting new technologies, even though most can’t build or ship new gear due to the well-known chip and material shortages impacting the industry. Nevertheless, it was interesting to see what will be available in the coming years and begin to brainstorm about ways to keep integrating simple and reliable AV systems for our clients. Since most manufacturers don’t have significant stock levels, we have to keep finding ways to continue to adapt for the next couple of years, including finding product options that will work in place of others that are out of stock. Everyone in the industry is currently leaning in on creativity and innovation to be able get through this current supply issue.
Shure MXA920
This product is a game changer in my opinion. These ceiling array microphones include a software-based DSP and will give us the ability to filter out background noise better than any other product. Its precise control of audio capture will make this ceiling mic an ideal solution for AV conferencing, camera tracking, and sound reinforcement in a variety of settings.
Mental Note for Next Year
I regrettably traveled home on the last day of the exhibit show floor. I definitely won’t be doing that next year. There is so much to see and experience and due to meetings with a couple dozen manufacturers, I didn’t get to wander on my own and check out what’s new. On the flip side, it was great to meet with many different manufacturers and provide feedback based on experiences we had with their products throughout the year. Some couldn’t address some of our issues and a key takeaway for me was that even if equipment is supposed to work with another piece of equipment, the solution needs to be thoroughly tested out in our lab before going onsite. Hopefully this nugget of wisdom will save us, and our customers, some trouble and provide a better overall integrated experience.