News, Weekend Wire

Weekend Wire 5/2/20: AV Experience Award Finalists, Planar’s COVID-19 Support, Shure Celebrates 95 Years, Facebook Upgrades Free Video Meetings

Each Saturday, the Weekend Wire will compile online content hand-picked by our editors that AV professionals might find interesting, useful or educational. Our Multimeter Readings section will compile the top news stories of the week. Our Uplink Port section will feature AV-relevant stories published around the web and blog posts from AV-industry sources. And our Integrator Essentials section will provide links to online resources, webinars, training sessions and whitepapers from commercial AV thought leaders and manufacturers.

Multimeter Readings
(A measure of current news.)

AES Seeks Financial Support From Industry
The AES has launched a fundraising campaign to ensure the society’s continued operation through the crisis. The goal of the initiative is to raise $500,000 by June 1.

Listen Technologies Acquires ExXothermic
Listen Technologies Corporation has acquired ExXothermic, Inc., a provider of Wi-Fi audio technology.

AVIXA’s COVID-19 Impact Survey: Rattled Pro AV Market Starts To See Glimmers Of Improvement
After a week when AVIXA Market Intelligence’s COVID-19 Impact Survey indicated a plateau in business sentiment, the organization is now seeing hints that companies are eyeing a positive turn.

AVIXA Announces AV Experience Awards Finalists
AVIXA has announced the AV Experience Awards finalists. This awards program is designed to recognize the integration of content, space and AV technology to enrich experiences.

Williams AV Partners With Ampetronic Ltd. For UK Assistive-Listening Market
Williams AV announced a partnership with Ampetronic Ltd. to become the exclusive distributor of its assistive-listening and conferencing products in the UK marketplace.

Planar Supports AV And Local Community During COVID-19 Crisis
To support the fight against COVID-19, Planar is offering essential services to members of the AV community who support critical businesses, including donations of the company’s desktop monitors, free maintenance, warranty extensions and online delivery of CTS-certified Planar Academy technology training courses.

Shure Celebrates 95 Years In Professional Audio
From its humble beginnings in 1925 as a one-man company selling radio parts kits, Shure has come to offer a diverse portfolio of wired and wireless microphones, personal and professional listening products, and conferencing and meeting solutions.

Uplink Port
(Your connection to AV-relevant topics discussed online.)


While Some Couples Are Postponing Weddings, Others Turn To Zoom
The twin sister of a Morning Edition producer got married last weekend. What’s it like to witness your sister’s happy day over Zoom?
By Steve Inskeep
Source: NPR


Experts Develop New Algorithm To Improve Video Streaming
The algorithm, Fugu, only pushes out as much data as the viewer’s internet connection can receive without downgrading the quality of the video.
By Giuliano J.
Source: Tech Times


Controversial Tech Company Pitches Facial Recognition To Track COVID-19
Clearview AI is a facial recognition software company that helps law enforcement track down suspected criminals. Now the tech company is in talks with federal and state authorities to help trace the spread of the coronavirus.
By Jacob Ward
Source: NBC News


Facebook Rolling Out Free Video Calling For Up To 50 People
Facebook on Friday announced a slew of new video calling features. The new features include Messenger Rooms, which will allow Facebook and Messenger users to create group video calls of up to 50 people.
By Salvador Rodriguez
Source: CNBC

Integrator Essentials
(Industry resources vetted by our editorial staff.)

“How Dante AV-Over-IP Delivers Better Quality, Centrally Managed Conferencing” by Audinate
Conferencing is more important than ever. Yet too many people still attempt to use a laptop’s speakers and microphone to share a conversation with others. Read this whitepaper to learn more about how Dante and Dante Domain Manager can deliver high-quality conferencing solutions.

AVIXA’s Full Online Education Catalog Open To All Through June 12
As COVID-19 impacts our daily lives, much of our AV community is looking at extended home office time. As part of our commitment to the industry in these unprecedented times, AVIXA is opening its full online training catalog to all AV professionals, regardless of membership level.

Technology Considerations For Corporate Environments: Planning For The Future by Shen, Milsom & Wilke
Join Tom Shen, President & CEO, and other SM&W experts for a panel discussion on the future of the places we work in and how technology will play a vital role in our new normal. May 5, 1:00pm EDT.

Technology Considerations For Healthcare Facilities: Planning For The Future by Shen, Milsom & Wilke
Join Tom Shen, President & CEO, and SM&W healthcare experts for a panel discussion on the future of the places we practice & heal in and how technology will play a vital role in healthcare facilities in a post-COVID19 world. May 7, 1:00pm EDT.

The 3 Strategies AV Companies Need To Future-Proof Their Business by Steven Picanza and Sound & Communications
In a difficult business climate, it’s crucial for AV professionals to futureproof their business. Brand strategist and marketer Steven Picanza presents key strategies for AV companies to survive and thrive in choppy, unpredictable waters. May 8, 1:00pm EDT.

Technology Considerations For Higher Education Institutions: Planning For The Future by Shen, Milsom & Wilke
Join Tom Shen, President & CEO, and SM&W experts for a panel discussion on the future of the places we learn in and what technology you should consider as you look to the future of higher education institutions. May 12, 1:00pm EDT.

Technology Considerations For Government Facilities: Planning For The Future by Shen, Milsom & Wilke
Join Tom Shen, President & CEO, and SM&W experts for a panel discussion on how technology will play a vital role in our new normal for government facilities in a post-COVID19 world. May 14, 1:00pm EDT.

Dante Webinar Series by Audinate
Audinate is offering more than 25 free online learning opportunities this month. Webinar Topics: Dante Design and Case Studies, Dante Domain Manager and Dante Certification Program. Various dates and times.

Educational Webinars by AVPro Edge
Check out AVPro’s schedule of educational webinars featuring some of the industry’s best and brightest, and view past webinars on demand. Various dates and times.

Martin Lighting Learning Sessions: Scaling And Adapting For Different Sized Venues
Touring lighting director, designer, programmer and technician, Jenny Bass discusses how to stay true to a lighting design while working in a variety of venue sizes. Watch on demand.

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