Features
You Look Mah-Velous!
Saturday Night Live: The Exhibition offers visitors a tactile history of the much-loved late-night show by combining cutting-edge AV technology with iconic sets and props from the show’s 40-year history. We take a deep dive into the technology behind this exciting new venue by Premier Exhibitions, Design Electronics and Cortina Productions.
By Dan Daley
The World War 2 Experience
The National WWII Museum uses 4D feature-length films and AV-rich exhibits to tell the story of the United States’ involvement in the Second World War. We spoke to JBA Consulting Engineers and SoundWorks System Integrators about how the venue uses AV tech to bring history back to life for the museum’s visitors.
By Jim Stokes
Anonymous Video Analytics
In retail, it is the integrator’s job to deliver a comprehensive ecosystem that engages customers and drives sales. Anonymous Video Analytics (AVA) is invaluable when determining the effectiveness of retail-oriented AV. We examine the findings of a recent study on the accuracy of three AVA suppliers: Quividi, IMRSV and Emotient.
By Ed King
Digital Signage Expo 2016 New Product Spotlight
We spotlight some of the most intriguing new product debuts from this year’s Digital Signage Expo.
Compiled by Anthony Vargas
Departments
House of Worship: Business: Multi-Campus Ministry
As their congregations outgrow their original locations, many houses of worship turn to a multi-site approach. However, having multiple campuses often requires a substantial investment in AV technology. We offer some suggestions on how to serve the AV needs of multi-site ministries.
By David Lee Jr., PhD
What Would You Do?: It Cost How Much?!
When it comes to margins, what’s really fair? And is being fair really a part of business? If you’re interested in having return customers, it should be. We explain why keeping your margins reasonable can improve your bottom line and offer some pointers for integrators who are wondering what to charge.
By Douglas Kleeger, CTS-D, DMC-E, XTP-E, KCD
The Commish: Utility PCs
Today’s AV systems incorporate more software and require more information to interface with them, which necessitates more access to login information and perpetual software and firmware updates. We explain how including Utility PCs in your system designs can go a long way in alleviating these issues.
By James Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, CQT
InfoComm POV: The Wide World Of AV
Commercial AV is a global industry, and although the AV industry is pretty much the same wherever you go, there are still some cultural differences to reckon with. The Chief Global Officer of InfoComm International shares his experience working with AV companies from around the world and highlights some important international differences.
By Terry Friesenborg, CTS
NSCA POV: The Global Reach
In the halcyon days of the commercial AV market, many integrators focused solely on “local” business. However, in today’s business climate, it pays off to have more of a “global” reach. NSCA’s Executive Director offers some suggestions on how you can expand the reach of your business even if your company doesn’t have 100 offices located all around the world.
By Chuck Wilson
Consultant’s POV: On Videowalls, Part 2
In the second part of a continuing series, our columnist tells you everything you need to know about implementing videowall systems, from choosing the right mount, to building around and incorporating HVAC systems, to establishing a sufficient power supply.
By John Mayberry
Industry POV: IT…IP…Network
Despite the fundamental shift of the commercial AV industry to networked systems, many integrators still recoil from AV over IT like a vampire from sunlight. In this column, we explain why the IT/AV revolution is nothing to fear, and how networked solutions like Dante can vastly streamline your approach to designing complex AV systems.
By Rob Ziv, CTS
Columns
Sound Advice: Sex & Audio
When designing audio systems, many integrators neglect to account for the different aural preferences of men and women. In this column, we discuss studies that have sought to determine the ideal sound levels of both sexes and how to balance these preferences in order to design a sound system that will be pleasing to both male and female ears.
By Peter MAPP, PhD, FASA, FAES
Sign Age: Embracing The New
It seems like every few years a new, game-changing technology arrives on the scene. While it’s important to be able to separate those technologies that are ready for prime time from those that are simply cool and exciting, not experimenting with emerging tech before it is widely adopted can leave you struggling to catch up after everyone else catches on. We make the case for staying ahead of the curve.
By Shonan Noronha, EdD
AVent Horizon: Cord Cutting Revisited
“Going wireless” has long been a goal of the AV industry, and recent developments in wireless technology have made this more of a possibility than ever. Our columnist traces the history of wireless AV tech and examines the latest interfaces that are disrupting how integrators approach connectivity in their systems.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
19th Annual Worship Center AV Survey Report
We present the findings from our 19th annual survey of the AV needs of houses of worship and report on the year-over-year trends driving the adoption of AV technology in the worship segment.
By David A. Silverman