Audio Video Archives - Commercial Integrator https://www.commercialintegrator.com The business book for technology professionals. Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:23:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-favicon-84x84.png Audio Video Archives - Commercial Integrator https://www.commercialintegrator.com 32 32 Diversified Launches Flex Sourcing for Media Production, Live Event Management https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/diversified-flex-sourcing-media-production-live-event-management/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/diversified-flex-sourcing-media-production-live-event-management/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:23:08 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129695 Flex Sourcing is the latest service offering by Diversified that allows companies to source and assemble production talent.

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Diversified, the global technology solutions giant, has launched a new service offering — Flex Sourcing, providing organizations a flexible, efficient solution for sourcing production talent. The service supports a broad range of enterprise needs, from corporate events and live broadcasts to full-scale productions, by curating a skilled set of specialized resources including videographers, audio engineers, directors, producers, camera operators and more.

“Flex Sourcing empowers companies with the ability to quickly mobilize high-quality production teams with the exact expertise they need precisely when they need it,” says Mat Newfield, president and chief commercial officer at Diversified. “Our clients now have easy access to a diverse pool of industry talent, combined with the peace of mind that comes from working with a trusted partner. This service is all about flexibility, quality, and efficiency, ensuring our clients’ events are not just successful, but truly memorable.”

Related: Going Inside Diversified: A Roadmap for Integration Success

Flex Sourcing Benefits 

Companies adopting Flex Sourcing will benefit from:

  • Highly Optimized Event Production & Management: Gain the capacity to fulfill media production and live event needs quickly and easily.
  • Flexible Workforce Advantage: Offers clients the freedom to tailor their production staff to their exact needs, optimizing resource allocation and cost-effectiveness.
  • Customized Approach: Includes a comprehensive discovery process to customize the solution to meet clients’ dynamic event requirements and outcomes.

Diversified says it leverages its expertise in AV and media, and partnerships with third-party vendors that excel in critical aspects of media production and live event management. This new solution makes it easy, fast and low risk for organizations to assemble teams to produce bigger events in a cost-effective manner while ensuring the job is done right.

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Game Night Just Got Better at Scores, Boston’s Iconic Sports Bar https://www.commercialintegrator.com/markets/bars_restaurants/rexx-home-system-snap-one-technology-renovation-scores-sports-bar-boston/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/markets/bars_restaurants/rexx-home-system-snap-one-technology-renovation-scores-sports-bar-boston/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:43:39 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129685 Rexx Home Systems and Snap One help elevate Scores sports bar with security, lighting, AV and control system enhancements.

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The owners of Scores sports bar in downtown Boston had some big shoes to fill when they purchased what was formerly The Fours Restaurant & Sports Bar.

Since 1976, the establishment has been the place for diehard Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fans to gather on game days.

The 6,300-square-foot, bi-level stomping grounds still caters to these core customers, as well as the next generation of patrons, thanks to the addition of several smart systems from Rexx Home Systems and Snap One during a massive cosmetic and technological renovation.

Sports always will be a huge part of our identity and as diehard fans, we would never want to change that,” says Scores general manager Tyler Smith. “We want to be top-of-mind to everyone from our fellow Boston sports fanatics to groups looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday night.”

Perhaps the most noticeable and appreciated update are the 32 digital displays occupying nearly every square inch of wall space. Carefully integrated into the building’s original exposed brick walls and millwork, and without detracting too much from priceless collections of sports memorabilia, the commercial-grade displays are arguably the biggest draw of the new business.

“There isn’t a bad seat in the house,” says Jason Record, owner of Rexx Home Systems, the tech integration firm hired for the transformation. “No matter where you sit, you can see multiple games.”

Screen sizes from 55 to 98 inches and the tilt mechanisms of the Strong mounts from Snap One enhance that view. Rexx Home Systems made sure patrons would never struggle to hear the gameday commentary, either, with 50 commercial-grade speakers and subwoofers installed inconspicuously within the ceiling.

Watch: Snap One on Digital Signage Growth, Display Products for Integrators

More About the Scores Technology Overhaul

Rexx Home Systems charged Snap One’s Control4 automation platform, along with its Binary MoIP (Media over IP) system, Triad electronics and Control4 entertainment and automation controllers, among other technologies, with AV distribution, management and control.

This system distributes multiple streams of high-resolution audio and video from a wide array of sources to whichever TVs and speakers the on-duty Scores manager chooses. The system can be controlled via a Control4 smartphone app or a 10-inch Control4 wall-mounted touchscreen.

Rexx Home Systems layered in Control4’s MultiDisplay Manager software to streamline the navigation process. Instead of scrolling through options, users refer to and select from a virtual layout of Scores’ AV sources, TVs and speakers.

“It’s so much more efficient than walking throughout the bar with an armload of remote controls,” says Smith. “We can get everything up and running just the way we like it in seconds.”

This lets Scores fine-tune the AV distribution to the needs of its diverse customer base.

“If someone is renting a section of Scores for a private party, for example, music and a slideshow on the 98-inch screen can play there while the rest of the facility stays engrossed in the sports action,” says Record.

Automated lighting scenes enhance the ambiance. Again, the Control4 user interface makes adjusting countless fixtures across the enormous space quick and easy. Integrating Scores lighting into the Control4 platform proved relatively straightforward, as well, accomplished by swapping the building’s existing wall switches for smart dimmers and switches from Control4 and some programming work.

The-Fours

Photo courtesy of Snap One.

From the same app or touchscreen that directs the flow of AV signals, as well as custom Control4 keypads, Scores managers can dim and brighten lights perfectly for any occasion, time of day, or customer preference. The same app or touchscreen provides single button control for lighting scenes, or whole scene execution for AV and lights.

Rexx Home Systems delivered WiFi via the installation of multiple Araknis access points and connecting them to a Pakedge networking system from Snap One. The networking system also enabled the creation of several independent VLANs, one of which was assigned exclusively to the new batch of 25 Clare Controls surveillance cameras and ClareVision network video recorder (NVR).

“Assigning cameras their own slice of the network helps maintain image clarity and doesn’t impact the clarity or reliability of the AV systems, control and lighting systems,” says Record.

Scores HVAC air conditioning and heating system is also integrated within the system. With six thermostats, the entire HVAC system can be controlled via Control4 remote or app, meaning year-round convenient comfort.

As the legacy of The Fours Restaurant & Sports Bar lives on, the employees and patrons of Scores are experiencing a whole new level of comradery and entertainment enabled by carefully curated, designed, and installed tech solutions from Rexx Home Systems and the Snap One vast family of products.

“Regulars and newcomers alike love what we’ve done with the space,” says Smith. “It’s been an overnight success and a real boon to business.”


Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Security Sales & Integration on March 28, 2024. It has since been updated for Commercial Integrator’s audience.

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Can Industry Credentials Be Career Jet Fuel? https://www.commercialintegrator.com/blogs/can-industry-credentials-be-career-jet-fuel/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/blogs/can-industry-credentials-be-career-jet-fuel/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:30:23 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=128994 This month, we spotlight Sam Young, whose “always be learning” mantra is best exemplified by a hard-earned CTS-D credential.

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“Always be learning” (ABL) is a growth mindset. It’s one that I’ve tried to embrace over the years, as I’ve set out to build within both the personal and professional aspects of my life. I know many other amazing humans who likewise have taken on this mindset. ABL is a philosophy that helps you stay open to whatever might come next in life. For me, that included helping me to pivot within my career. 

As a sound girl, I thought running a console was the only way to go. Then, I started broadening my horizons — for example, operating a camera, programming lights, directing for live productions and installing digital signage. The more I learned, the more I grew. That growth opened up big opportunities and brought me to new communities. Overall, I found ways to pivot and build up my career in AV. For me, the building process has been a zigzag approach, but it’s all part of the journey. 

Spotlighting Sam Young 

This month, I continue my effort to shine a spotlight on successful professionals who pursue excellence within our industry — professionals like Sam Young. Young came onto the AV scene back in 2015, having originally started in IT and then bounced around in telecommunications and structured cabling. “Funny enough, I wasn’t actively hunting for anything in AV,” Young explains. “But, in 2015, I found myself in a nationwide AV integrator gig.” 

Sam Young HeadshotAs Young recounts it, “I got hooked on the work and the cool tech. So, I shifted gears to focus on commercial audio/video integration. I had some fun tinkering with audio/video production and fixing electronics as a hobby, so sliding into this dynamic field felt like a natural move for me.” I was actually excited to hear that there was a bit of a role reversal in Sam’s journey, going from IT into AV. Of course, all of us have heard many stories about we in AV having to learn IT. 

For Young, the transition from IT to AV integration seems to have been a seamless one, reflecting this column’s mantra of “perfecting your craft.” Now specializing in designing commercial spaces, Young’s distinct approach has led to some major wins. “I like to think of myself as the Sherlock Holmes of system design,” Young declares. The reason? An abiding belief that the secret weapon for crafting systems is genuinely listening to the customer. “It’s a bit of detective work,” Young states. “[It’s] diving deep into their needs, investigating pain points and aligning everything with their communication goals.” 

Asking Lots of Questions 

Doing this at a high level is no small challenge, but Young finds that, by asking lots of questions, it’s very possible. “There’s immense satisfaction in uncovering what people need — even when they don’t realize it,” Young continues. “I achieve this by putting myself in their shoes and constantly questioning.” Questions like “What’s the message?”; “How are we aiming to achieve better productivity?”; and “What image does the client want to convey to their audience?” all prove valuable. 

Young steers clear of jargon and tech talk. Opting for simplicity helps assess and illustrate complex system components in a way that both the client and the end user can grasp. According to Young, “Visual aids are my go-to. I love painting a picture of their solution come to life in my design plans. But it’s not just a one-way street. I thrive on two-way communication and collaboration. It’s the key to pushing the design process forward, and I enjoy every moment of it.” 

Young has the ABL bug, as well, having obtained the CTS-D in 2022. This reflects what has been a nonstop learning experience. “When I kicked off my journey in the industry, it felt like a tech wonderland,” Young reflects. “Countless technologies, training opportunities and a whirlwind of new concepts were swirling around.” But, for Young, the game-changer was having fantastic mentors, all of whom recommended staying on top of integrator publications and joining trade associations like AVIXA. “Within my first year, leadership guided me toward earning my CTS with AVIXA,” Young states. “I was hooked on the abundance of training materials and standardization provided by the association.” 

Next Up: CTS-D Certification 

After earning the CTS credential, Young set out to execute a plan: The CTS-D certification would be next. “System design seemed like the logical progression for me,” Young reflects. “I discovered a genuine passion for not just providing solutions but [also] dreaming them up.” Indeed, Young became captivated with a new mission: “Injecting my own brand of creativity and problem-solving on the front end to bring smiles and tackle any challenges people face.” Young underlines that the work is not just about finding a solution — it’s about crafting one. And, for that, Young wanted to attain that CTS-D.  

Securing the credential proved to be a groundbreaker, swinging open the door to the vast world behind AV and communication technologies. “This certification not only propelled my career forward but also tossed a myriad of new opportunities my way,” Young recalls. “[It allowed] me to learn and shine in this dynamic industry.” Young also touts the training materials that accompanied the CTS-D, describing them as eye-openers that served as an introduction to a wealth of fantastic publications. Even now, Young is constantly on the look out for paths to attain broader knowledge, seeking to grasp the extensive theory and execution involved in creating a stellar AV system. “Learning never stops,” Young declares. “And I’m all about embracing the ever-expanding realm of audiovisual wonders.” 

For many of us in this industry, having people nudge us in the right direction has been critical to finding our way. If we now choose to pay it forward, we can keep driving others to successful careers in this community. “Being a proud, openly gay person of color, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone stepping into this space to dive deep into the fascinating world of these technologies,” Young declares. “It’s not just about career growth — it’s a journey of personal enrichment and the joy of providing fantastic solutions to clients and, yes, even friends and family.” 

Advice for Obtaining the CTS-D 

I solicited Young for advice for anyone — male, female or non-binary — who might be looking to obtain their CTS-D. “For those eyeing the CTS-D, my top advice is to indulge in some extracurricular research,” Young explains. “There are phenomenal learning materials out there, authored by knowledgeable individuals who can beef up your mental toolkit and provide the resources you need to grasp all the concepts for the CTS-D.” Young points, in particular, to a few volumes that proved extremely helpful: The Sound Reinforcement Handbook by Gary Davis; Audio Systems Design and Installation by Philip Giddings; and Networked AV Systems by Brad Grimes. 

“Always check out the cited sources in the AVIXA study guides,” Young advises. “It’s a goldmine for deeper understanding.” There is still, however, one additional key piece of wisdom to share. “Keep learning and keep playing,” Young exhorts. “Sometimes, the best way to understand a concept is to dive in and get hands on. Experiment with new projects at home, no matter how crazy. And don’t forget to plug into the AV trade community — whether through AVIXA forums, Reddit, GitHub or others. There’s a fantastic pool of professionals out there, [and they are] eager to help and share insights.” 

Twenty-twenty-four will be a year of wins. If you’re setting out to obtain a CTS, CTS-D or another industry credential, let’s get to work! Please know that the community is here to support you! 

Did you or someone you know recently earn their CTS-D? If so, please contact me on X or LinkedIn. I’d love to share your story. 


Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published on March 26, 2024 and has been updated as of March 28, 2024.

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Five Key Security Challenges in Construction https://www.commercialintegrator.com/blogs/five-security-challenges-construction/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/blogs/five-security-challenges-construction/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:20:01 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=128990 SecurAlarm's Brent Van Haren shares some top takeaways to minimize pain and lower risk when securing new constructions.

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In the modern construction landscape, it has become increasingly complex to implement effective security measures for new builds. Vulnerabilities, inefficiencies and unexpected costs are encountered quite often. Here, we will delve into five unique obstacles when it comes to securing new constructions, and we’ll share ways to minimize the pain and risk experienced by partners and clients. 

#1 Security is an Afterthought 

What’s Happening: Whether the end user or the general contractor hires the security integrator, they aren’t included in early planning. Often, security must fit its way into what’s already in motion with design, door hardware, walls, cabling pathways, head-end spaces, etc. 

The Pain: Conflicting scopes and poor rough-in details for partnered trades result in having to expend excessive energy to close the gaps. Usually, once security integrators are involved, it’s too late to change things, and there are fewer options, which may not address threats, risks and vulnerabilities.  

Our Recommendation: Engage the entire project team in pre-construction planning. A trusted partner who thinks beyond technology and uses a comprehensive approach will understand the need and align the solution. 

#2 Technology is Overdesigned 

What’s Happening: Often, the focus is the build, according to design and code, because it is challenging to anticipate details that drive efficiency, safety and comfort. Many believe that appropriately designed technology equates to a safe and secure environment. This leads to overdesign of systems and reliance on product without procedure. 

The Pain: On its own, technology does little. The overemphasis on systems and products drives costs that might not align with actual threats, risks and vulnerabilities. In schools, there is an overreliance on cameras and video. However, procedures for access prevention and emergency alerting create a safer environment. In healthcare, siloed systems with shared functionality are not leveraged across departments, leading to inefficiency and waste. 

Our Recommendation: Technology is necessary, but it needs the people, procedures and training to back it up. Understand an environment’s threats, risks and vulnerabilities first; only then can you identify the best combination of technology and procedure. 

#3 Security Solutions are Proprietary 

What’s Happening: With new construction, the installation company often chooses security hardware or software that can only be sourced and serviced through them. This means it’s likely not compatible with other technology solutions. 

The Pain: Proprietary hardware and software limits ongoing support, which creates challenges and delays. When future needs cannot be met in every instance, clients experience expensive and complicated “rip-and-replace” cycles. 

Our Recommendation: Futureproof your investment and choose hardware that is open to multiple types of software with successful maintenance track records. Make sure the installation company isn’t the only one capable of sourcing and servicing the system. 

#4 Door Hardware Considerations are Limited  

 What’s Happening: With door hardware, the focus is often on meeting scope and life safety. Client operations, cost, serviceability and operations can be overlooked, which can create roadblocks later. 

The Pain: During inspections, door hardware components often fail because they don’t meet code. Sometimes, openings don’t function, which can lead to frequent change orders, unexpected delays and higher costs. 

Our Recommendation: Find a partner who thinks beyond just meeting scope and who, instead, advocates for everyone’s best interest. Meet early and often with the security integrator, door-hardware contractor and building-code representative. 

 #5 Design Fails to Align with Environment and Use 

 What’s Happening: Clients are rarely involved in design, and low-cost solutions are frequently chosen. Therefore, there isn’t much consideration given to space usage, safety needs, and the unique building structure and environment. 

The Pain: Partners might encounter unexpected obstacles, such as cloud ceilings, white wire for a black ceiling or waterproof locations needed for exit signs. The space might not align with how traffic flows or where activities happen. The security solution might be too complex or not robust enough, leading to changes and unexpected costs. 

Our Recommendation: Work with a partner who will engage clients in the design phase to understand their needs comprehensively. Lean on them to push for efficiency with solutions, as well as integrations that solve not just one problem but, in fact, as many problems as possible (e.g., doors that don’t merely lock but, instead, lock, sound a local alarm and push out an email notification). 

As we grapple with evolving security demands in our world, it is evident that overcoming these challenges requires a holistic approach and a harmonized effort. Through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to enhancing new construction, we can pave the way for safer, more resilient environments in the future. 


 Brent Van Haren serves as president and visionary at SecurAlarm, a 30-year-old family business. Van Haren is on the PSA Leadership Committee. 

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The Case for Women Mentoring Women https://www.commercialintegrator.com/blogs/the-case-for-women-mentoring-women/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/blogs/the-case-for-women-mentoring-women/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:00:40 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=128992 As young women seek to thrive in their AV careers, mentorship has emerged as a powerful tool to bring about more success and greater fulfillment.

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Mentoring programs play a vital role in empowering young women. These programs provide them with guidance, support and a strong foundation for personal and professional development. They’re essential because they offer young women access to experienced individuals who can share their knowledge and insights, thus serving as role models and sources of inspiration. 

Mentors can help young women navigate the challenges and obstacles they might encounter in various aspects of life — everything from education and career choices to personal growth and self-esteem. Because they foster one-on-one relationships, mentoring programs create a safe space for open dialogue…a space in which young women can ask questions, seek advice and receive constructive feedback. 

Additionally, mentors can help expand young women’s networks, opening doors and presenting opportunities they might not otherwise have discovered. In short, mentoring programs empower young women to reach their full potential, build their confidence and help break down barriers that have traditionally limited women’s opportunities for success. 

Related: Alesia Hendley Honored with Inaugural John Greene Mentorship Award

A Transformative Relationship 

To be a mentor is to enter into a transformative relationship that nurtures personal and professional development. When it comes to mentorship, there is a growing realization of the unique advantages of women mentoring other women. Let’s consider some of those advantages. 

Accelerating Career Advancement: A female mentor can provide invaluable guidance on career-advancement strategies that are tailored to the unique challenges women often face. Whether they involve negotiating salary, navigating promotions or making strategic career moves, a mentor’s insights can significantly accelerate a mentee’s movement up the professional ladder. 

Enhancing Skills and Knowledge: Mentorship is a knowledge-sharing journey. A woman mentor, drawing on her wealth of experience, can offer targeted advice on skill development and knowledge acquisition. This personalized guidance can help the mentee acquire the skills necessary for success in their specific industry. This contributes to both professional competence and self-confidence. 

Expanding Professional Networks: Networking is a cornerstone of career growth. A female mentor — someone who has an established network of her own — can open doors, make introductions and facilitate collaborations. By leveraging the mentor’s connections, mentees can enlarge their professional circles and gain exposure to a broader range of career possibilities. 

Navigating Organizational Dynamics: Every workplace has a unique dynamic. But a seasoned mentor can provide insights on how to navigate the intricacies of organizational politics and culture. Understanding the unwritten rules and social dynamics within a company is crucial for career growth and, ultimately, success. A mentor can offer guidance on how to navigate these nuances effectively. 

Working to Instill Confidence 

Building Confidence in Decision-Making: Career decisions can be daunting. However, a mentor’s guidance can instill confidence in the mentee as a decision-maker. Whether they are choosing between job offers, deciding on a career pivot or handling a challenging workplace situation, mentees who consult with a trusted mentor can make these decisions in a more informed way, without feeling so overwhelmed. 

Encouraging a Growth Mindset: A woman mentor can inspire a growth mindset — that is, a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with dedication and hard work. This mindset shift can be transformative for a mentee. Indeed, it can encourage them to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks and view failures as opportunities to learn and improve. 

Fostering a Positive Work-Life Integration: Balancing career aspirations with a private life is a common challenge for women. A female mentor, who has likely navigated similar challenges, can offer guidance on how to achieve a harmonious work-life integration. This includes strategies for managing priorities, setting boundaries and maintaining a sense of well-being amid growing professional responsibilities. 

How to Get Involved 

WAVIT plans to roll out a mentorship program very soon. Stay tuned for details on how you can become involved as a mentor or mentee! 

The benefits of having a mentor in one’s career extend far beyond the immediate professional realm. Having a mentor becomes a catalyst for holistic growth. It helps enhance skills, expand networks and foster the confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the professional landscape. 

As women continue to thrive in their AV careers, mentorship has emerged as a powerful tool to propel them to more success and greater fulfillment. 


Samantha Buchanan is marketing and administrative manager for WyreStorm Technologies. 

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Q1 2024: Movers & Shakers in AV https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/operations/january-2024-movers-shakers/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/operations/january-2024-movers-shakers/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:05:58 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=127863 Who’s making moves and shaking up the AV industry this quarter? Here’s a closer look at movers & shakers from Q1.

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The commercial AV industry is constantly growing and evolving, not just by the products and project installations that flood the market but also by companies’ new hires. That’s why we want to highlight these advancements. Each quarter, we bring you a curated roster of fresh appointments and newly filled roles. This list of movers and shakers serves to celebrate those receiving these exciting opportunities, as well as to bring attention to the ever-growing and expanding world of AV professionals.

January 2024

For the month of January, movers and shakers in commercial AV include the following:

February 2024

For the month of February, the changemakers in the industry include the following:

March 2024

For the month of March, movers and shakers in commercial AV include the following:

Click on “View Slideshow” for additional information on Q1 of 2024 movers & shakers in commercial AV.

To check out previous Commercial Integrator coverage of appointments and promotions in commercial AV, check out our website archives.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on Jan. 1, 2024 and has been updated as of March 28, 2024.

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AVI-SPL India Launches Hyderabad Office https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/avi-spl-india-launches-hyderabad-office/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/avi-spl-india-launches-hyderabad-office/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:04:37 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129656 AVI-SPL India's vision for Hyderabad is greenfield opportunities fueled by fresh demand for digital workplace & experience technology.

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AVI-SPL, the provider of digital-enablement solutions globally, announced the opening of a new office in Hyderabad, one of the fastest growing cities in India. According to a statement, this is the company’s fifth location in the country. Since its incorporation in 2022, AVI-SPL India Private Limited has expanded at a tremendous pace, the company says. It has since added more than 150 team members, serving an increasing roster of local and global Fortune 500 customers and earning the 2023 InAVate APAC Integrator of the Year APAC Award.

According to AVI-SPL India, Hyderabad is a technology and operations hub for dozens of the Global Fortune 500 companies. This includes those who already work with AVI-SPL through its Global Strategic Accounts Program. AVI-SPL India says its vision for Hyderabad is greenfield opportunities fueled by fresh demand for digital workplace and experience technology. The digital transformation taking place in the market warrants the company establishing a solid home base and deep pool of talent there.

“We’re bringing a team of highly qualified project engineers, installation technicians, project managers, and service delivery managers to Hyderabad,” says Mala Prasad, regional director of AVI-SPL India. “The potential here is tremendous and we’re ready to help our customers think beyond to discover new communications and collaboration technology solutions that help them work smarter and live better.”

Per a statement, AVI-SPL India has rich experience in satisfying the scale and complexity of the design-build and managed services needs of Hyderabad customers. With teams in the National Capital Region, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai already driving customer success and with the extensive global resources of AVI-SPL, the company says it is well positioned to be a truly reliable partner to local companies transforming how people and technology connect for elevated customer and employee experiences that create value in the new digital workplace.

“AVI-SPL India has generated remarkable success for the customers they support across their region. They’re quickly becoming an AVI-SPL center of excellence for customer delivery,” says Tim Riek, executive vice president of technology solutions. “The opening of Hyderabad is evidence of AVI-SPL India’s ongoing advancement and the strong foundation on which it’s built.”

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Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group Has Strong Q1 With New Partners https://www.commercialintegrator.com/av/ellipsys-commercial-technology-group-has-strong-q1-with-new-partners/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/av/ellipsys-commercial-technology-group-has-strong-q1-with-new-partners/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:07:38 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129640 Since the start of 2024, Ellipsys has added four new product partners and three service partners to its vendor mix.

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With a bevy of new vendor and service partners and a strong founding class of member companies, Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group says it is off to a fast start in 2024. While the group spent the bulk of its first year laying a strong foundation, Chris Whitley, executive director, and the rest of the Ellipsys team are working to ensure Ellipsys maintains its momentum heading into year two, the company states.

Since the start of the new year, Ellipsys reveals it has added four new product partners and three service partners to its vendor mix. Those additions include ViewSonic, LEA Professional, DTEN and Liberty AV on the product side. Additionally, it has added AV Design Labs, D-Tools and Team WorldWide on the service side.

“We are excited to add these founding partners to the Ellipsys community,” Whitley says. “Each partner provides a niche product or service — from conference room and collaboration technology to amplifiers and AV technology, cable, signal DSP, AV over IP, estimating, shipping and logistics support, and drafting and engineering services — all of which are critical to the success of any commercial integrator’s business. We look to build on these partnerships, working closely with each brand to provide the best offering possible for our members.”

Per the company, the growing roster of product and service partners has netted Ellipsys a strong founding class of commercial integrators.

“Having a robust and compelling roster of partners is really just table stakes in this industry,” Whitley adds. “What truly sets us apart is our dedication to delivering an elevated experience to our members. We do this by offering world-class education, connecting integrators with those trusted experts in the industry and helping them identify and improve the areas of their businesses that matter most. Our partnerships are a key element to this process.”

Ellipsys says it will continue spreading that message and reaching a broader audience in the commercial integration industry as the group heads to Nashville for the cavlo tradeshow, April 2 to 3, 2024. As a sponsor of the event, Ellipsys will have a presence on the cavlo expo floor. According to the statement, it will also host meetings with interested vendor and member prospects.

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InfoComm 2024: Enterprise IT Program Back by Popular Demand https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/infocomm-2024-enterprise-it-program-back-by-popular-demand/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/infocomm-2024-enterprise-it-program-back-by-popular-demand/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:05:54 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129651 Enterprise IT Program returns to InfoComm '24 with a new two-day AVoIP workshops, education and networking sessions.

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After the successful enterprise IT programming at last year’s InfoComm, enterprise IT will make its return at InfoComm 2024, June 8-14 (exhibits 12-14) at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s program will feature a new two-day AVoIP Foundations workshop, plus education sessions on topics such as IoT solutions, IT and AV system design and integration, network design, and more, as well as a meetup and a show floor tour focused on enterprise IT.

“A baseline professional AV skillset today requires some basic IT competencies, and the same can now be said about IT technicians needing, at minimum, to know how to manage AV on a network plus some aspects of how AV works in a physical space,” says Annette Sandler, senior director, live content, U.S./Canada, AVIXA, producer of InfoComm. “InfoComm 2024 will offer an essential training ground whether you are an IT tech seeking knowledge of AV systems or an AV tech working on IT systems,” Sandler says.

Enterprise IT Program Highlights at InfoComm 2024

In the session “Combining IT and AV” on Wed., June 12, Keri Manasa of Legrand AV will present an overview of the market impact created by the explosion of AV-over-IT, cloud and IoT solutions. The session will also explore elements of shared networks, VLANs, network management and other developments set to impact future IT and AV system design and integration.

Also on Wednesday, Laurent Masia of NETGEAR AV will lead the session “How to Design an AV over IP Network” to discuss the challenges, best practices and solutions for designing a successful multi-switch AV-over-IP system.

On Thurs., June 13, the session “Documentation and Coordination Strategies for Network Design” will provide a high-level approach to understanding coordination points between IT, AV and the design team. Jenn Steinhardt of Shen, Milsom & Wilke will lead this session.

Also on Thursday, Frank Padikkala of Audinate will demystify the fundamentals of unicast and multicast transmissions and explore the world of content distribution workflows and industry best practices in “Unicast and Multicast: Maximizing Efficiency in Content Distribution.”

Show Floor Tour

InfoComm will host a show floor tour led by Jose Mozota of Freman Solutions on Wed., June 12, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., focused on key developments in networking and cloud technologies.

Enterprise Technology/ IT Managers Meetup

In addition, AVIXA Xchange Live (booth W2847) will host enterprise technology managers for an IT meetup on Wed., June 12 at 10:00 a.m.

The Technology Innovation Stage (booth C8676) will present a trend forecasting session on enterprise IT on Thurs., June 13 at 11:30 a.m., with a focus on how technology managers are incorporating AI into their IT workflows.

View the complete enterprise IT program.

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One Firefly, Crestron Launch Marketing Initiative for CSPs https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/one-firefly-crestron-marketing-initiative-csps/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/one-firefly-crestron-marketing-initiative-csps/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:36:42 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129643 Crestron and One Firefly will collaborate to foster growth among CSPs through effective marketing strategies.

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One Firefly, the Coral Springs, Fla.-based, digital marketing firm specializing in the integration markets for residential and commercial technology professionals, has unveiled a joint marketing program with Crestron Electronics to support the sales and marketing efforts of Crestron Service Providers (CSPs).

Crestron is a global control and automation systems company and the marketing program is specifically crafted for CSPs. One Firefly points out the initiative, featuring a three-month marketing campaign, was introduced at the Crestron Masters 2024 event in Orlando, Fla., on March 19-21, where One Firefly participated to roll out the program to attending CSPs.

“We’re continuously seeking innovative ways to support our CSP network. Recognizing the transformative power of marketing, we’ve teamed up with One Firefly to empower our CSPs to tap into new business opportunities and thrive in 2024,” comments Mark Pellegrino, director of channel marketing, Crestron Electronics. “One Firefly’s industry-specific acumen makes them an ideal partner, and we’re excited about the potential impact of this program.”

One Firefly CSP Alliance Enables Improved Customer Relations

One Firefly boasts that with a commitment to elevating the support for their service providers the Crestron’s partnership aims to help CSPs deepen their connections with customers, welcome new clients, and share the solutions they offer, all while enhancing the CSPs’ brand presence.

The campaign is tailored with each company’s branding and includes marketing strategies such as dynamic landing pages, email marketing and live chat support. According to One Firefly, enrolling in the program is fast and easy, and it requires no more than 15 minutes of a CSP’s time.


Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site CEPro on March 27, 2024. It has since been updated for Commercial Integrator’s audience.

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