The Best of Show awards at InfoComm 2022 recognize innovation and excellence in new, recently introduced and pending products and services for professional AV products and solutions. Winners were evaluated on site from among submitted products.
Matrox ConvertIPThis incredibly versatile standards-based, IPMX-ready encoder/decoder is engineered to provide maximum flexibility to support compressed and uncompressed 4K IP signal transport across a variety of Pro AV/IT network types. Convert IP encoders and decoders support both Pro AV and JPEG-XS compression codecs for 4K AV over 1 GbE and 2.5 GbE networks, respectively; ConvertIP also offers uncompressed codec support to provide lossless 4K video signal transport over 10 GbE or 25 GbE networks. The encoders and decoders are interoperable with HDMI, SDI, or HDBaseT hardware. Built on IPMX, the proposed set of open standards and specifications for AV over IP in Pro AV/IT, ConvertIP allows you to continue using existing equipment while integrating emerging products. It supports both copper and fiber as well as multiple codecs. From the judges: “This product is extremely feature rich and has the potential to solve so many problems in the field. Being able to have a product like this in your quiver can help tie together disparate signal types into one easy-to-manage solution.
Teradek WaveThis live streaming monitor handles encoding, smart event creation, network bonding, multistreaming, and recording – all on a daylight-viewable touchscreen display that eliminates the need for a secondary screen. Wave is compact and versatile; users can set the device on tabletops with its leg stands or mount Wave to cameras. Its hot-swappable battery plates and USB-C connector provide continuous power. Users can set up an unlimited number of events in advance with Wave’s easy-to-use project workflow, FlowOS, which also supports mobile device monitoring. Teradek’s Sharelink provides cloud support. Judges highly rated this product for its wealth of features and the way it pairs with external software and the ease of setup and use.
Telestream Wirecast Gear 3This latest generation of the company’s live video streaming and production hardware supports up to 4K60 for HDMI and SDI and was designed to be cooler, quieter and 66 percent more efficient than previous models. It’s envisioned for video streaming specialists who want a portable pre-configured turnkey solution at an affordable price; for example the company positions the Gear 3 4K SDI configuration as the only fully integrated 4K60 SDI streaming box available for under $10,000. It includes NDI input/ output, PTZ camera control, pro audio effects, ISO recording, and Telestream Switch Player software for quality control and inspection. The software package includes customizable graphics, templates, stock video and audio media, and moderated social media comment overlays. Judges found the features to be industry leading and liked the way it supported users of all technical levels.
Netgear M4250 Desktop Switches
This new AV Line of M4250 switches encompasses 11 models that are designed from the ground up for Pro AV with input from integrators, consultants, and end users. At InfoComm judges saw the two new compact desktop versions: GSM4210P and GSM4210PX which can mount behind a display or under a conference room table. The GSM4210PD model is fanless; the GSM4210PX model carries adjustable fans. Both models are PoE+ with 30 watts of power per port and either 110- or 220-watts of PoE budget across the switch, depending on the model. NETGEAR’s configuration user interface is based on Profiles developed with various AVoIP manufacturers; the full web and command line GUI is also available when needed to verify settings or make tweaks. The 13 models in the M4250 series of AV Line switches include a range of port counts and PoE+ and PoE++ options. The largest switch delivers 40 ports with up to 90 watts per port of PoE++ and a 2,880 Watt PoE budget. From the judges: “An AV specific network switch is something that has been a long time coming. Having the preconfigured profiles that fit many of the standard needs of the AV Integrator makes the commissioning of the job that much easier.”
DVIGear DVI-7365 4K HDMI Fiber Optic Extender
This multiport optical extender supports uncompressed HDMI 4K /60p HDMI signals with or without HDCP v2.2 encryption, as well as DVI v1.0 signal extension. Embedded audio, bi-directional IR, RS 232 and two 10/100 BaseT Ethernet ports, distribute signal over only a single strand of fiber optic cable. The extenders are designed to work with cable distances of up to 1.86 mi. (3,000 meters) for singlemode fiber. OM3 multi-mode fiber can realize transmission up to 1,000 feet (300 meters). Advanced EDID Management provides added versatility with four operating modes: Passthrough, Learn 1, Learn 2, and Factory Default. Each extender set consists of an optical transmitter unit and an optical receiver unit. The transmitter converts the AV signals into light pulses for transmission over a single strand of Multi-Mode or Single-Mode fiber optic cable. The receiver converts the light pulses back to AV signals for the display, as well as other downstream devices—designed to provide superior picture quality over greater distances than copper cables or CAT-X extenders. From the judges: “Fiber is the way of the future, as the ever-expanding resolution and color bit depth are quickly outpacing the limits of copper cabling. This product has added important feature support for HDCP 2.2”.
Luminex GigaCoreThis 10GB switch comes out of the box with preconfigured Quality of Service (QoS), IGMP multicast, and PTPv2 settings for the most demanding time-critical audio protocols like Dante, AES67, Q-SYS, and more. It supports up to 1000W of total PoE budget and PoE++ on every copper port so it can claim the ability to drive any IP PTZ camera or loudspeaker. GigaCore switches are validated in real-world applications with major brands in the AV industry for different protocols, including NDI, Dante, AES67, ST-2110, IPMX, MANet, and many more. In the Offline mode, ARANEOTM lets users plan the complete network topology and GigaCore settings in advance. Judges saw this a forward-looking platform for those who need a 10G platform now and for the future. “As resolutions continue to grow (hello 16K) switch manufacturers are going to really have to stretch. The preconfigured features that speak directly to the AV needs are an impressive plus.”
MAXHUB UC M40 Conferencing Camera
This camera was designed with meeting equity in mind, ensuring that everyone can be seen and heard clearly with a 360-degree all-in-one USB 4K30 panoramic tracking camera. The palm-sized camera features a sleek metal design and intuitive controls including one-tap mode switching to an LED voice location indicator. The camera utilizes real-time “hyper-stitching” to blend video streams from four 5MP cameras. The result is a seamless 360-degree field of view panoramic video stream without fisheye distortion. The technology works in concert with the embedded AI voice tracking, Intelligent people detection, and Realtime auto-tracking software with seven set up modes including a simple no software plug-and-play. In Professional Mode users can adjust a wide variety of settings, from camera angles to custom display layouts and auto-framing plus real-time tracking. From the judges: “This is a very cool, quick and easy camera solution for a small conference room.”
MAXHUB UC S05 Video BarThis is an all-in-one USB video bar for video collaboration in hybrid meeting room scenarios. The compact design features 12MP 4K camera, six intelligent beamforming microphones, and studio-quality sound with an 8W speakerphone. The camera has a 120-degree field of view, embedded intelligence autoframing up to 5x digital zoom; it sits comfortably for small to medium-sized conference room applications and BYOD. With a signature trapezoid shape, it blends seamlessly with any display. Other features include built-in noise reduction, echo cancellation, and anti-reverberation. The six microphones can pick up sound from up to 8 meters away. MAXHUB cloud-based management software provides a secure interface to run device settings and system updates. From the judges: “Another sleek product in response to the ever-growing need for higher quality video and audio in the small conference room environment.”
WyreStorm NHD-110-RX-S Decorder with Sealoc
This unique outdoor weatherproof decoder/ scaler is a collaboration with Sealoc, incorporating the company’s proprietary Weatherloc technology, already in use for hundreds of various electronic items across the OEM, commercial, military, and consumer spectrum. This product fills a gap for AVoIP signal transmission in harsh environments. The NHD110-RX-S fits in Wyrestorm’s 110 series of NetworkHD components. The 110 series components support either H.264 or H.265 video encoding/decoding of up to 1080p60Hz content. The NHD-110-RX can natively process up to a 16×16 video wall; the 110 series components are also compatible with the NHD250-RX multiview receiver allowing up to 9 unique streams to be sent to a single display. The NHD-110-RX-S uses security protocols such as SSH, HTTPS and AES. Additional features include: support for up to 1080p@60Hz video content, low bandwidth or high-quality transmission methods; analog audio de-embed; image scaling for mixed resolution displays; scalable I/O, multicast technology; and zero-configuration switch setup using unicast technology. NHD-110-RX-S has flexible IP address settings: AutoIP/Static/DHCP, customizable CEC, IR or RS-232 control of connected devices, custom “No Source” idle image upload for branded down time breakaway, independent routing of all video, audio, IR, USB and RS-232 streams, and finally, infrared signal generation via API – supporting Hex Global Cache format. Industry veteran judges thought the military grade environmental protection was incredibly useful.
XTEN-AVClaimed as the world’s first AI-powered, audio-visual design platform, it automates the creation of drawings and diagrams, The cloud-based software includes a diagramming tool, a proposal tool, CRM, and unique drawings automation. With features like X-DRAW, AI-powered Search Sense, a library of half-amillion products from 2000+ brands, customizable ‘My Library’ and integrations with all leading CRMs including Salesforce, Hubspot, etc., and a Proposal Tool, XTEN-AV is envisioned as a fully equipped platform. XTENAV also provides automation of designs and documents via a proprietary questionnaire method of design technology. Answering some AVIXA standard-based questions lets the XTEN-AV algorithms do the calculations of the specifications. XTEN-AV creates 7 types of documents automatically: Cable Schedules, Line Schematics, Signal Flow Diagram, Ceiling Speaker layout, Rack Layout, Bill of Materials, and Scope of Work document. The Proposal tool integrates with all the major CRM apps like Salesforce, Hubspot, Zoho, QuickBooks, Solution360, and more. Judges singled out the ability integrate with external software platforms. “That can really add to the use cases a company would need to build to justify the implementation.”
Aurora Multimedia VPX-TC1 PROThis streaming solution utilizes Aurora’s new Mimix CODEC technology for resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4 over 1G networks. It has only one frame (16.6ms) of latency and seamless switching. Power consumption is as little as 8 watts, with no fan and a small form factor Audio, video, data, and control can be sent securely to one or many units using off-the-shelf 1G RJ 45 Ethernet switch. When the VPX TC1 is set up to be a transmitter, the 2 HDMI inputs become a source switch and the HDMI output becomes a potential loop out. Audio can be de-embedded at any location, and/or be sent to or received from a Dante-enabled device. The USB is also flexible, working as a KVM and/or a high-speed data transfer for memory sticks & cameras. Each VPX-TC1 USB feature can also be set as a host or a device. To keep the system friendly, an OSD and integrated web server are available for easy navigation and setup of features. From the judges: “The ability to get this level of resolution/color depth support over a 1G network is awesome. The added features of being a switcher and video wall component are also great features.”
Axis Communications AXIS C1510 Network Pendant Speaker
These all-in-one indoor speaker systems are easy to integrate with video management software (VMS), VoIP telephony, analytics, existing analog systems, and more. Like all Axis network audio devices, the two models connect to standard networks and use only one network cable for both PoE and connectivity. Including a preconfigured DSP and built-in microphones for remote health testing and 2-way audio talk-back, both speakers also feature a built-in and clearly visible, programmable LED to provide visual status information, a Mic input, I/O and SD card slot. AXIS Audio Manager Edge software supports up to 20 zones and 200 speakers, scheduling management, and more. Designed for open ceiling installations, they’re able to be placed at varying heights thanks to the optional suspension kit. From the judges: “These type of networked speakers are such a time saver on the installation side. The software is easy to use and makes configuration and layout super simple.”
SiliconCore Technology High-Resolution 1.2MM Modular Floor
This modular floor dvLED display is claimed as the first of its kind and the only 1.2mm floor available for fixed install, requiring no separate overlay. Viewers can walk directly onto the display modules that can be easily serviced. The SiliconCore 1.2mm resolution achieves the ideal viewing distance for those standing on the floor, opening up more immersive and realistic experiences. The company made improvements in its latest encapsulation process, called LISA, to create a walkable, clear matte surface directly onto PCBs–no glass, film or secondary surface to apply, mount and service. The display takes full advantage of the brightness of dvLED with full field 1200 nit brightness and is ideal for even high ambient light situations. The smooth, non-reflective, durable, flat, water-resistant surface can handle weight-bearing loads up to 1000kg or 200lbs per square foot. That’s roughly 10 people standing in a 4 sq foot area. It’s 3D capable—both passive and active and can be modularly built to any size. From the judges: “How cool! Taking proven video (wall) technology and making a walkable floor solution. The possibilities for application of this product are endless.”
NEARITY A20 Conference SpeakerMic
This USB SpeakerMic features AI-driven noise suppression to intelligently reduce indoor background noises and maximize voice clarity. The A20’s omnidirectional, eight-element microphone array can pick up voices at distances up to five meters (over 16 feet). For larger spaces, up to five NEARITY A20 units can be daisy-chained using just standard Ethernet cables. The A20’s 360-degree beamforming microphone array automatically adjusts the levels of louder and softer voices while suppressing interference, background noise, and reverberation; automatic noise suppression and gain control are supported. Utilizing an AI model that was trained by thousands of hours of conference audio recordings, the A20 also utilizes professional acoustic structure and a full-range, high-fidelity speaker to enable full-duplex communication. No driver is required, and it’s compatible with popular Windows, Mac and Linux video- and audio-conferencing software. The A20’s USB Type-C, DC power input, and RJ-45 daisy chain ports are hidden within the bottom of the device. Judges liked this for work from home and singled out the noise cancelling and AEC.
ViewSonic VB-CAM-201 Video Conferencing Camera
This 4K Ultra HD Video Conferencing Camera is designed for medium- to large-sized conference and board rooms. It has a motorized, 120-degree ultra-wide lens, auto-focus framing, voice tracking technology and 5x digital zoom. The camera can be switched between wide-angle, full room views and individual speaker tracking. It comes with a built-in 8W speaker and a beamforming four-microphone array that can accurately capture voices from up to 20 feet away. The integrated 3A audio (AEC/ANS/AGC) processing technology provides noise reduction, echo cancellation, and automatic gain control. Connection port options include HDMI 2.0, USB-C/A and an RJ45 port, and Bluetooth is built in. It offers versatile mounting options, whether on a wall, display or stand-alone on a tabletop. From the judges: “Probably the most bang-for-your-buck for an all-in-one camera/mic/speaker bar solution.”
Crestron 1 Beyond Hawk
This is a simple, cost-effective dual-camera speaker tracking solution for small to medium size rooms where a close-up view of the meeting participants is desired. Two HD PTZ cameras with 12X optical zoom work together intelligently to avoid camera movement when switching; built-in audio-locating microphones and wide-angle reference do the tracking; users can choose any microphone system and route the far-end audio to the device for echo cancellation. After initial configuration the Hawk does not need to be connected to the network or a computer running specialized software. “Tracking cameras have been around for many years and the technology just keeps getting better and better,” judges observed. “One of the primary complaints in todays “Zoom” world is not being able to focus on the speaker in a conference setting, this seems to be a good fix for that issue.
Epiphan ConnectThis is a unique Microsoft Teams platform for convenient, intuitive video production for webinars and podcasts, company town halls, executive broadcasts, hybrid events, and more. Epiphan Connect can extract up to nine Microsoft Teams participant feeds and one screen-share source and transport them into a user’s production in HD (up to 1080p) and with isolated audio. Compatible with many of the most well-known video production solutions, Epiphan Connect was designed to bridge the gap between the convenience of video conferencing and the quality of professional broadcast, including branded layouts, live switching, dynamic titles and graphics, and other elements. Epiphan Connect lets users leverage these capabilities with Microsoft Teams and elevating Teams feeds to broadcast quality over super-smooth Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) connections. The tool is brand agnostic and will work with any SRT receiver. Judges found this a very ingenious product. “Working in tandem with MS Teams it’s brilliant.”
VuWallPAKVuWall has employed its years of video wall engineering expertise for an innovative approach to video walls in AV-over-IP environments. This compact appliance is a networked, multidecode node that can operate as a standalone device or be stitched with other nodes to build an IP-based video wall that is infinitely scalable. It simplifies video wall deployments by reducing the number of connections and eliminating a single point of failure, reducing project risk, and offering improved reliability. The only spare component needed to keep in stock is the PAK. PAK features four HDp60 outputs or one 4Kp60 output and multiformat decoding up to 32 HD streams per device, including H.264, MPEG2, MPEG4, NDI, PNG, JPEG, and VNC/remote desktops or virtualized browsers. PAK is managed by the company’s TRx 3.1 software platform. PAK is small enough to be mounted behind monitors. From the judges: “Very nice to see a ‘simple’ video wall appliance, without all the complexities of cabling, video wall processors etc. Suitable for both large and small scale videowalls.
Barco TruePixTruePix is Barco’s latest premium enterprise LED technology, designed from the ground up. TruePix’s high-resolution 16:9 tiles with pixel pitches ranging from 0.9 to 1.9 mm are powered by Barco’s own proprietary Infinipix Gen2 image processing system and is the first Barco product released with the technology. Infinipix Gen2 eliminates visual distortions, lowers latency, maintains panel sync, and guarantees full image integrity at any brightness level. Its proprietary smart calibration technology gives users control of color balancing. Features such as EcoPower mode can be chosen with Barco’s cloud Management Suite. For installation, TruePix auto-balancing technology keeps the LED wall 100 percent level and flat. TruePix is the first LED product on the market built with 5Gb bandwidth that allows more modules to connect to a single link, significantly reducing the number of cable runs and points of failure. Barco’s SteadyView automatically improves viewing ergonomics and reduces eye fatigue, making TruePix one of the very first purpose-built LED walls for critical and high-intensity applications. From the judges: “Barco’s next generation displays will undoubtedly raise the bar on LED technology. Auto balancing LED’s are very helpful for ensuring color matching across the wall. Guaranteed support for 10 years makes this product a sound investment.”
JVC KY-PZ510N PTZ CamerasThis camera is part of the established CONNECTED CAM line, designed specifically for professional remote IP production. The newest addition to the line, it supports 4K60p acquisition and HEVC streaming capability, a super-wide 80-degree horizontal angle of view, SMART auto tracking, NDI 5 support, and SRT streaming protocol. The series is comprised of the KY-PZ510 (black/white) and KY-PZ510N (black/white) with NDI/ HX. Both have super-wide view and 21.8 to 261.8mm focal length. The 4K60p HEVC SRT streaming with multi-slice encoding technology is resilient to bandwidth fluctuations, data loss, and intermittent connectivity, as well as to network congestion, high jitter, packet loss, and unauthorized access protection over public networks. The cameras’ SMART auto tracking function allows operators to set the camera to focus on and follow one person or to select one of multiple people within its super-wide field of view. The KYPZ510N can simultaneously output NDI, SRT, and RTMPS. The incorporated Vertical Interval Time Code with Network Time Protocol provides multi-camera synchronization for seamless production. The cameras also support H.264/H.265 encoding for increased compatibility with a variety of hardware and software applications. Judges thought the built-in auto tracking feature made this camera an interesting choice in many applications and lots of connectivity was a plus.
IHSE KVM-TEC Gateway2goRemote workers present a unique challenge to protect confidential company data. The kvmtec line of IP products overcomes the problems associated with security, accessibility, immediacy, and image quality of traditional packetized remote IP-connection to distant computers using client-server models. The new kvm-tec Gateway2 go Windows App is an innovative software solution that allows users to connect to the kvm-tec switching network at any time and display a live image of a specific local unit. The Gateway2go app replaces a physical remote KVM extender with a secure network access port. Gateway2go can also be installed in addition to existing remote units and supports Full HD video transmission. Mouse and keyboard data is authenticated in real time and transmitted live to the local source to ensure real-time security while providing smooth low-latency streaming quality. It essentially duplicates traditional KVM extenders over an IP network as if the keyboard and mouse were physically located alongside that computer. Gateway2go is connected to the Internet via a VPN tunnel and can therefore be connected from the remote workstation to any PC in the matrix switching system. The signals passed between the operator and computer retain full integrity. Crucially, total system security is maintained: the only data transferred over the network is visual images and USB commands. From the judges: “This product presents an interesting twist to KVM switching technologies. Secure KVM switching via remote IP for mission critical facilities, very nice.”
