Editor’s Note: This article on the Commercial Integrator BEST Awards was originally published on June 13, 2024. Since then, we updated it on June 30, 2024.
The 2024 Commercial Integrator BEST Awards celebrate outstanding new products, solutions and services that elevate commercial integrators’ businesses. From enhancing profitability to fostering sustainability, this year’s winners exemplify innovation and functionality.
Due to popular demand among #avtweeps and industry stakeholders, we’ve added two new categories to the Commercial Integrator BEST Awards this year:
- Programming Company / Service Provider of the Year: This category honors specialized software and service providers excelling in control programming and software development.
- AV Person of the Year: Celebrating individuals who are the heartbeat of the AV community, this award recognizes both legendary figures and rising stars making significant impacts in commercial AV.
Commercial Integrator BEST Award winners were announced during InfoComm 2024.The ceremony took place at the HDBaseT Alliance’s booth on the show floor. As always, the event drew throngs of showgoers, all excited to hear which companies and individuals earned BEST Awards and to get a glimpse of honorees accepting their trophy.
Commercial Integrator BEST Awards Honorees
Assistive Listening Devices
Listen Technologies and Ampetronic
Auri
Auri is a comprehensive Assistive Listening System (ALS) that sends high-quality, multi-channel broadcast audio to Auracast–compatible receivers and devices. Auri meets global compliance standards and is Auracast certified, providing a complete solution for users worldwide.
Audio Conferencing Solutions
Shure Incorporated
Microflex Wireless neXt 2 (MXW neXt 2)
The Microflex Wireless neXt 2 (MXW neXt 2) is a two-channel wireless microphone system designed to offer a cost-effective, intuitive, and all-in-one audio solution for diverse spaces and hybrid environments. It takes minutes to set up out-of-the-box and provides high-quality audio for spaces that need two wireless microphones.
Audio Distribution Systems
Audinate
Dante Director
Dante Director is a cloud-based SaaS application that enables users to organize and manage Dante devices from logical groups, manage user access, secure devices, and remotely manage Dante networks. Designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized Dante networks, Dante Director is easy to get up and running quickly.
Collaboration
Barco
ClickShare Bar Pro
The ClickShare Bar Pro is a premium, carbon-neutral video bar that enables effortless wireless conferencing in medium-sized meeting rooms with any videoconferencing platform. This all-in-one solution guarantees meeting equity with its advanced AV and interactive capabilities while bringing flexibility, simplified installation and a reduced Total Cost of Ownership to IT Managers.
Conference/Classroom Projectors
Sharp
P Series
The Sharp P Series projectors provide viewers with a stunning 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) image that is bright enough for commercial use across several industries and signage applications, including corporate conference rooms, museums, and higher education classrooms.
Digital Signage Hardware
LG Business Solutions USA
21:9 171-inch All-in-One DVLED Display
The LG Studio Series LBAG MAGNIT display offers production studios, broadcasters and corporate marketing departments alike the unprecedented opportunities to create professional-grade content using life-sized virtual production stages for on-camera color and clarity.
Digital Signage Software
Samsung Electronics
SmartThings Pro
Discover SmartThings Pro – the future of intelligent business integration. Seamlessly connect and control IoT devices with ease. Simplified setup, robust security, and reliability empower integrators. Enhance operational efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction. Elevate your projects with SmartThings Pro.
Display Mounts
Leon Speakers
Edge Connect / Edge Kiosk
Leon’s Edge Connect and Edge 360 Kiosk integrate video-conferencing equipment into one streamlined furniture-grade enclosure. Built to match single or dual displays—accommodating soundbars, multiple cameras and other AV components—Edge Connect easily adapts to different office setups, while the freestanding Edge 360 accommodates environments where wall-mounting is not possible.
Installed Loudspeakers & Subwoofers
Genelec
3440A Smart IP PoE Subwoofer
The newest member of Genelec’s growing Smart IP loudspeaker family, the 3440A is the world’s first premium PoE subwoofer, combining studio-quality sound with modern networked convenience. The 3440A provides flexible power, audio and loudspeaker management features via a single CAT cable, and is compatible with both Dante and AES67 streams.
Interactive Whiteboards / Optomo
Optoma Technology
Optoma Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Flat Panel Displays
Optoma’s next generation Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays offer new tools and added functionality to support educators and professionals with enhanced learning and remote, real-time collaboration. With EDLA certification, users can experience the full Google Workspace, and leverage a digital Whiteboard through Optoma Solution Suite for seamless collaboration from anywhere.
Large Venue Projectors
Digital Projection
M-Vision 27000 WU
The M-Vision 27000 WU from Digital Projection sets a new benchmark in the design and performance of single-chip DLP projectors. Combining state-of-the-art electronics in a small housing, it achieves imaging quality normally associated with larger, more expensive three-chip laser projectors. Inch for inch, dollar for dollar, the M-Vision 27000 WU is a projection powerhouse.
Matrix Switchers
BZBGEAR
BG-4K-VP1616PRO 16×16 4K UHD Matrix Switch / Video Wall / Multiview over CAT5/6/7
Unlock limitless AV possibilities with the BG-4K-VP1616PRO 16×16 matrix switcher! Experience pristine 4K, multiviewing and videowall support, and extended signal reach. Perfect for professionals seeking a high-quality, all-in-one solution that simplifies setups and dazzles audiences. This is your Swiss Army Knife of AV distribution!
Outdoor Displays
Peerless-AV
Neptune Full Sun Outdoor Smart TVs by Peerless-AV
Innovation meets clear skies with the Neptune Full Sun Outdoor Smart TV by Peerless-AV, designed to thrive in direct sunlight, increasing the capabilities of entertainment for commercial and residential spaces. Certified to defy the elements, Neptune Outdoor TVs provide an optimal outdoor viewing experience for all.
Pan/Tilt/Zoom Cameras
AVer Information Inc. USA
PTZ231
The PTZ231 is an advanced PTZ camera that provides users with complete control over their streaming, broadcasting and conferencing content. Equipped with full HD 1080p outputs at 60fps across HDMI, USB and IP outputs, a 30X optical zoom, and the SmartShoot feature, the PTZ231 delivers an unmatched streaming experience.
Specialty A/V Cables, Interconnects, & IR Extenders
Comprehensive Connectivity Company
Pro AV/IT Integrator Series Certified Ultra-Flexible 5G USB-C to USB-C Male 4K AV and Data Cable
Comprehensive’s Pro AV/IT Integrator Series Ultra-Flexible Superspeed USB 3.1 5G AV and data Cables are specifically designed for AV signal transmission and the demanding applications of Systems Integration.
TVs/Video Monitors
Sony Electronics
FWD-77A95L Pro BRAVIA Display
Sony’s FWD-77A95L color-grading monitor is factory calibrated to match Sony’s legendary BVM-HX and PVM-X Series professional monitors, which achieves excellent coverage of the BT.2020 gamut. The FWD-77A95L is Sony’s brightest OLED with truly immersive black levels, providing stunning contrast while also supporting exceptional viewing angles for everyone in the room.
Video Components & Processors
Xi’an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd.
MX6000 Pro
The MX6000 Pro has versatile and robust hardware design. It offers stunning image quality and flexible color adjustment. It ensures camera shooting adaptation. In addition, the MX6000 Pro offers an intuitive software interface for a user-friendly experience.
Videoconferencing/Telepresence Solutions
Jabra
PanaCast 50
Jabra PanaCast 50 is an intelligent video bar that gives all meeting participants an equal experience. With a unique 180-degree field of view in Panoramic-4K, premium, high-definition audio, ultra-advanced AI-powered adaptive architecture, and a simple, plug-and-play setup, PanaCast 50 is a future-ready video solution for small and medium-sized meeting rooms.
Video Distribution Systems
Apantac
OG-HDBT3
Now you can experience the unparalleled reliability of the broadcast industry in the ProAV world with Apantac’s groundbreaking modular and hot-swappable HDBaseT transmitters and receivers featuring the OG-HDBT3 cards. Seamlessly integrated into the OGX openGear frame, with an optional hot-swappable redundant power supply.
Elevate your ProAV experience with Apantac – where reliability meets innovation.
Video Projection Screens
Da-Lite, a brand of Legrand
Myriad Electric Screen System
Da-Lite’s Myriad electric screen system streamlines installation with ceiling-recessed and wall-/ceiling-mounted options. Featuring the company’s SightLine cable-drop feature, it comes in 16-foot length and sizes from 14 feet to 16 feet wide in 16:9 HDTV and 16:10 wide formats, and in HD Progressive 16K ready or Parallax Ambient Light Rejection options for superior viewing.
Video Streaming Solutions
Epiphan Video
Pearl Nexus
The Pearl Nexus is the first purpose-built rackmount capture appliance designed for Pro AV and Higher Education. Pearl Nexus seamlessly works with your existing AV infrastructure to deliver a superior, automated video capture experience at scale.
Videowall Solutions
Sony Electronics
Crystal LED VERONA
The result of industry-guided development, Sony’s Crystal LED VERONA simultaneously achieves true black levels and reduces reflections, enabling the next generation of quality for in-camera VFX applications. Ideally suited to demanding virtual production applications, our VERONA modular Crystal LED videowalls deliver breathtaking images with truly impressive brightness and clarity.
Commercial Integrator BEST Awards for Building Enhancements
Cell Signal Booster Solutions
Nextivity
CEL-FI GO G43
Designed to offer retailers, convenience stores, quick-serve restaurants, and other small businesses a fast way to solving in-building cellular coverage challenges, the CEL-FI GO G43 is a multi-operator cellular coverage solution that ensures reliable in-building 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity for up to three Mobile Network Operator (MNO) signals.
Motorized Window Treatments
Somfy Systems, Inc.
Sonesse 40 AC Zigbee
The Sonesse 40 AC Zigbee motor is a connected, bi-directional, quiet 120V/60Hz AC wired motor designed for a variety of interior window coverings. It offers lifting capacities of 4, 6, and 9 Nm, optimized for narrow window spaces. Features include seamless integration with any decor, a thin round head with interchangeable colors (white, black, and grey), and a recessed metal adaptor plate compatible with all hardware systems.
Power Conditioning, Surge Suppression, & Energy Solutions
AMETEK SurgeX
Vertical Series+ smart PDU
The SurgeX Vertical Series+ smart power distribution unit (PDU) pairs the high-quality, reliable power protection and conditioning technology integrators expect from SurgeX, combined with the cloud-based power quality analytics, fleet management, and risk prevention capabilities of SurgeX CONNECT.
Large-Scale Control System
Samsung Electronics
SmartThings Pro
Discover SmartThings Pro – the future of intelligent business integration. Seamlessly connect and control IoT devices with ease. Simplified setup, robust security, and reliability empower integrators. Enhance operational efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction. Elevate your projects with SmartThings Pro.
Commercial Integrator BEST Awards for Dealer/Installer Aids
Cabinets, Furniture, Racks, Mounts & Cases
Middle Atlantic
Forum Lectern
Middle Atlantic Forum Lectern is the latest solution in its award-winning AV furniture line, Forum Collaboration Suite. ADA-compliant and electrically height-adjustable, it suits educational and presentation settings. Customization options include logo panels, worksurface choices, and various colorways, ensuring adaptability to any space.
Case Study
Crestron Electronics, Inc.
New York Giants
As a technology partner of the Giants, Crestron worked with the team to transform the draft room, where strategy, dedication, and cutting-edge technology come together to forge the future of Big Blue. The Giants Draft Room was transformed from manual magnets to Crestron-controlled displays which provides the tools to improve workflows and amplify efficiency.
Installation Tools & Testers
Samsung Electronics
Samsung Display Configurator
With the Samsung Display Configurator, seamlessly simulate installation, customize configurations, and visualize solutions with unparalleled precision. Streamline planning and sales processes effortlessly, whether on PC or mobile.
Project Management & Design/Web Software
D-Tools, Inc.
System Integrator v21
D-Tools System Integrator (SI) V21 is an update to the company’s industry-leading software solution for security integrators, with new features including Dark Mode, streamlined scheduling and documentation, improved bulk data management and much more. The software integrates with D-Tools’ Product Library of more than 1.6 million products with dealer-level pricing.
Training, Consulting, & Publications/Business Services
Exertis Almo
Exertis Almo E4 Experience
The E4 Experience brings together top educators, manufacturing partners, AVIXA CTS Renewal Unit certified training, technology firsts and endless networking opportunities. Attendees can expect to learn the latest business and industry trends necessary to stay productive and gain valuable skills that can immediately be implemented.
Fiberoptic Transport
BZBGEAR
BG-EXH-8KF 8K HDMI 2.1 Fiber Extender
Elevate your AV installations with the BG-EXH-8KF HDMI over Fiber extender! Supporting 8K@60 and 4K@120, advanced HDR, and Dolby Atmos, it extends signals up to 300 meters/984 feet with features for seamless control. Future-proof your setups with the latest in Ultra HD technology today!
Multimedia Cabling
Valens
VS6320 HDBaseT-USB3 Extension IC
Valens Semiconductor’s VS6320 provides extension of high-performance USB 3.2 peripherals at up to 100 meters/328 feet over Category cable. It supports both USB3 (Superspeed 5Gbps) and USB2 (480Mbps), all types of USB transfer protocols, as well as dedicated control signals and power over Category cable.
Network Management Solutions
Snap One
Araknis Networks 220-Series Single-WAN Multi-Gigabit VPN Router
Unleash the power of multi-gig connectivity and remote management with the new Araknis 220-Series router. Meet modern network demands with this versatile and secure solution that is enabled with OvrC Pro, providing free remote management.
Networking (Wireless, Powerline, & Coax) & Storage
Snap One
Access Networks Wi-Fi 6 Unleashed Access Points with OvrC Integration
Access Networks Wi-Fi 6 Unleashed Access Points now include native OvrC integration! Experience unmatched networking connectivity from setup to support in this combination of enterprise-grade access point technology and the OvrC advanced cloud management platform that streamlines configuration, scalability, remote management, and so much more.
New Commercial Integrator BEST Awards Categories
Programming Company / Service Provider of the Year
Programmers don’t typically get the recognition they deserve for their contributions to the success of a project. Control Concepts is fortunate in knowing that the building blocks that are used by programmers across the globe contribute to the widespread success of integration projects and manufacturer product adoption throughout world. With thousands of downloads per year, Control Concepts has a hand in ensuring that others are able to do their jobs more effectively and accomplish their goals with confidence.
AV Person of the Year
Jeff Murray. CEO, AVPro Global Holdings, LLC
Since 2015, AVPro Global Holdings has grown to become one of the most trusted suppliers for the residential and commercial audio/video distribution markets under the guidance and leadership of CEO Jeff Murray. AVPro Global brands deliver best-in-class, highly innovative AV solutions and support services to integration professionals, enhancing their ability to succeed in a competitive market.
To see a complete list of this year’s Commercial Integrator BEST Awards nominees, check out our Nominees’ Gallery!
Hey! This is one of our Most Read Stories of 2024! If you’d like to read the rest of them, check out our year-end roundup.