The 14th annual reader-voted Innovative Product Awards acknowledges both electronic and mechanical innovations and celebrates the designers and engineers behind each of these products. Congratulations to all.
The Voltera D M series is a new line of Biamp’s Voltera family of networked amplified loudspeaker controllers (ALCs). With an integrated TesiraFORTÉ digital signal processor (DSP), the Voltera D M combines amplification and processing in a 1RU chassis—a cost-effective solution for small-to-medium-sized venues. It’s available in five models – 600W 4 channel, 1200 2 channel, 1200 W 4 channel, 2400W 2 channel, and 2400W 4 channel. The DSP capabilities ensure ample headroom for hosting full Tesira-based systems previously unavailable in this segment. Designed to be a simple option with fewer devices to connect and less cable to run, it provides control, source selection, and networking capabilities via the Tesira software. Volter D M is also compatible with VenueTune software for additional control within a staged workflow and to provide metrics such as performance monitoring and usage logging.
This is an all-in-one Ethernet control system in an elegant compact 4” color touchscreen. As with all Extron MediaLink Plus controllers, it combines a familiar user interface with a powerful control processor. Intuitive button layout templates available within Global Configurator are designed to support common AV functions like display power, source selection, and volume control. The provided pre-defined templates aid with setup and configuration by eliminating the need to create custom GUIs or workflows from scratch.
The Sennheiser TC Bars are the first all-in-one audio and video (4K UHD) conferencing bars with Dante integration and the first camera offering from Sennheiser. TC Bars can scale from small to large meeting rooms or campus-wide installations via Dante I/O and control integration and can be combined with table or ceiling mics. The TC Bar S features four microphones and two speakers with 15W PoE. TC Bar M features six microphones and four speakers. The built-in DSP, PoE, and available single cable mode reduce clutter and simplify installation via USB cable. The integrated beamforming technology is the same technology found in Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling (TCC) solutions. For integration, there are multiple mounting options, Sennheiser Control Cockpit integration, remote management, integration with third-party control and conferencing platforms, and encryption and password protection.
This security camera from Snap One (now part of ADI) is capable of motorized PTZ when using the Luma View app and Luma View VMS. The camera features Active Deterrence capabilities, including flashing alert LED lights that activate when subjects are detected. It supports audio presets that can alert subjects to stay off the grass, issue trespassing notices, and even play custom-recorded audio. Manual operation is supported, and users are also able to communicate with visitors with the camera’s built-in microphone and speaker. The camera also features infrared technology (IR) for night viewing up to 50 meters. Native OvrC support allows users to set up and configure without accessing the local web UI. The camera integrates with Control4, along with many other popular control systems.
The 2061 miniature omnidirectional microphone provides detailed voice pickup for broadcast studios, ENG applications, theatres, event venues, and houses of worship. The lavalier supports live or recording applications. Borrowing design elements and principles from other DPA lavaliers, the 2061 features a completely new, simplified 5 mm fixed capsule construction that targets the 50 Hz – 16 kHz frequency range, with 128 dB peak SPL. It has a flat frequency curve with a soft 3 dB boost at 8 kHz – 16 kHz. It has a rugged enclosure and features a 1.5 meter-long (4.5 ft), Kevlar reinforced cable, advanced sweat-repelling capabilities, IP57 certification for exposure to water, dust, and makeup, and is compatible with DPA’s unique 360-degree lavalier microphone clip.
This matrix switcher supports sixteen HDMI inputs and sixteen outputs; it creates video walls, operates as a multiviewer, and extends HDMI signals up to 230 ft (70 m) using a category cable. It supports up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 resolutions. All HDMI ports are HDCP 2.2 compliant, and it offers features like analog audio extraction and independent audio channel switching without delays. The device provides multiple control options including front panel, IR remote control, RS-232, and IP control; an IR receiver allows remote operation. Additionally, the free BG-SWITCH-CONTROL app is available for Windows, iOS, Mac, and Android. A web interface and control software accessible via RS-232 connection allow for precise adjustments in EDID management, mapping, and network settings.
This all-in-one AV solution brings together DTP3 extension, reversible I/Os, Dante audio networking, and a bridgeable audio amplifier with selectable output modes. The series includes fixed configurations with different combinations of switches and reversible DTP3 ports. The series provides DTP3 extension of uncompressed video, audio, and control up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CAT 6A cable. Each model incorporates advanced features such as 4K/60 @ 4:4:4, HDCP 2.3, and HDR video. They are also backward compatible with first-generation DTP-enabled products. The series supports upscaling and downscaling, a range of switching effects is available, and the ability to insert custom graphics. Extensive audio processing, a 32×32 Dante interface, and dedicated USB-C audio connection are among the audio features. Models support Extron IP Link, TouchLink Pro control panels, and ShareLink Pro wireless presentation.
This cloud-enabled centralized management platform enables unified control and management of all Shure products, including iMicroflex Ecosystem devices and IntelliMix Room DSP software licenses. The platform is simple and familiar, offering intuitive workflows familiar to IT managers and AV integrators who work in cloud platforms. It features real-time remote management access so users can manage, monitor, remotely update, and control devices and licenses from anywhere. ShureCloud is designed for both desktop and mobile users. Dashboard view gives the user a comprehensive overview of all connected devices and quick access to detailed device organization. A user management application lets managers invite, manage, and control internal access to specific parts of the platform. Device monitoring features enable users to view device status and performance in real-time. Users can also push updates and receive alerts. ShureCloud supports GDPR, TLS 1.2 MQTT, and HTTPS. Data encryption ensures secure communication.
This new ceiling-recessed, wall-, and ceiling-mounted electric screen system offers two core options: the Da-Lite Myriad Conceal ceiling-recessed screen, with ceiling trim in place to conceal the rough opening, and the Da-Lite Myriad Reveal wall- and ceiling-mounted screen. The included Da-Lite SightLine cable-drop feature gives the impression of a floating screen. A suspension system is packed into the electric screen’s single-roller design, featuring three or four cables that are virtually undetectable when lowered, and eliminate the unsightly black border above the projection screen. The adjustable cables allow the screen to be adjusted to any drop distance with up to 16’ in length, accommodating different viewing heights and architectural features without requiring structural modifications. Screen surfaces include the HD Progressive screen surfaces that are 16K ready with Parallax Ambient Light Rejection.
This 4K/60 PTZ camera with 30X optical zoom lens supports 3G-SDI, HDMI, USB, and IP outputs for broadcasting, streaming, and recording. Intelligent AI features include Presenter Mode for dynamic speaker tracking, Zone Mode for customizable tracking zones, and Hybrid Mode Tracking for auto-tracking. Aver products are certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, RingCentral, and Barco. The TR335 includes an advanced replacement program, offering a 72-hour product replacement during the first year of ownership.
The EB-PQ2010B large venue 4K laser projector claims position as the world’s smallest and lightest 10,000-lumen 4K projector. Utilizing 3-chip technology and Epson’s 4K Crystal Motion technology, it has a 20,000-hour laser light source, and comes equipped with frame interpolation for fast-moving objects, HDR support, and scene adaptive gamma. For installation, it has built-in NFC functionality and can pair with 10 optional powered lenses including an ultra-short throw .35 lens. The .35 lens has zero offset for low ceiling applications and a steep angle of light to enable close-up viewing of the display. It pairs with the Epson PixAlign camera (sold separately) for PC-free stacking and blending functionality.
LG OLED 4K UHD Smart Hotel Television Series
The new OLED AM960H Series hotel television pairs with LG’s Pro:Centric Direct Hotel Content Management solution and is available in 77-inch, 65-inch, and 55-inch models. They feature self-lighting pixels that independently illuminate or switch off, creating quality images from all viewing angles in a form factor free from the constraints of a traditional backlight. The management solution provides editing tools and IP network-based remote management. This solution also integrates IoT-based in-room control and advanced voice command functionality through LG’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology, paving the way for a new era of AI-enabled hotel rooms.
Blackmagic Design 2110 IP Converters
The new range of Blackmagic 2110 IP Converters includes mini and rack-mount models designed to integrate SDI equipment into 2110 IP broadcast systems for broadcast, live production, and AV. The converters join Blackmagic Design’s range of SMPTE-2110 IP video products, including video monitors, audio monitors, and cameras. Blackmagic 2110 IP Converters support 10-bit Ultra HD using low-cost 10G Ethernet. The rack-mount models can be installed in equipment racks next to the equipment users are converting, offering a low-cost way to transform all their video equipment to SMPTE-2110. Blackmagic 2110 IP Converters can be added to live production switchers, disk recorders, streaming processors, cameras, TVs, and more. They are available in models with RJ-45 connectors for simple Cat6 copper cables or SFP sockets for optical fiber modules and cables. The converters can connect point to point, or scale via Ethernet switch that can serve as a router. All Blackmagic 2110 IP Converters support the NMOS interface specifications, so all 2110 IP video devices can operate together as a large virtual router.
Elite Screens ProAV Presenter Pro CLR 2
This portable projection solution is ideal for bright indoor environments. Designed for ultra-short and short-throw projectors, it features ceiling light-rejecting capabilities. The screen material features a scratch-resistant coating and is ISF certified. With its compact folding-frame construction, it is travel-friendly and sets up in minutes. Height adjustable legs provide enhanced stability. It includes a padded carrying bag and a drape skirt to conceal the screen’s base.
LED Studio ECLIPSEECLIPSE is the LED display power management solution designed to eliminate energy use when displays are idle. Typically, LED displays consume up to 15% of their maximum power even when off. ECLIPSE reduces that consumption to zero. It incorporates intelligent power-saving modes to optimize energy use across various display scenarios based on real-time usage. When the display is not actively receiving a video signal, ECLIPSE’s Low Power Mode activates, drastically reducing energy consumption. For complete inactivity, ECLIPSE’s Zero Power Mode shuts down the entire display and receiver card, achieving true zero power consumption. It is compatible with legacy systems through the ECLIPSE+ retrofit solution that supports scheduled or remote-control options, such as RS232 and IP commands. ECLIPSE technology is available in LED Studio’s latest display model VIVID and will release on more models later in 2025.
ViewSonic Corp. TD1656-2KThis 16-inch 2K portable touchscreen monitor acts as a second screen at the office, on a client jobsite, or on the road. Weighing less than two pounds and measuring less than 0.5-inches thick, it comes with an intuitive smart cover that protects the screen when in transit and can transform into an adjustable stand for flexible positioning. The capacitive vTouch panel allows for intuitive screen control. A built-in G-Sensor knows the monitor’s orientation and will automatically rotate and maximize the image on the screen. The 16:10 aspect ratio, native WQXGA (2560×1600) resolution, and a 60Hz refresh rate ensure that the TD1656-2K works with the latest laptops or portable devices with USB-C ports. Two-way power USB-C connectors provide a one-cable solution for multimedia transfer and 65W power charging, either receiving power from a laptop or power bank or being able to pass through power to the connected device when the portable is connected to a power source.
Jupiter Systems Catalyst Element
At 1RU, this is the smallest rack-mountable video wall processor in its class; utilizing display looking it can drive up to 32 Full HD displays. Despite its compact size, the Catalyst Element delivers a robust solution for essential and critical control rooms, capable of displaying any amount or type of data needed to enhance operations. Supported by Xeon processors and Windows 10 LTSC, it supports up to 16 IP streams, up to four 4K inputs and up to eight outputs for LCD, LED, cube, and projector displays, including PANA 21:9 and 5K displays. With Web/VNC/app support and HDCP it’s flexible for most applications. It can operate standalone or with Canvas Enterprise compatibility.
Marshall Electronics CV612This compact auto-tracking camera takes advantage of AI facial learning to accurately track, follow, and frame presenters with pan rotation of 170 degrees, tilt rotation of -90-+90 degrees, and variable pan and tilt and preset speeds. With AI tracking, the camera can recognize the shape of a person as something distinct from other objects in the room and provides accurate real-time and regional tracking, up to 8m. Equipped with 12X optical and a 15X digital zoom, it offers a 4.1mm-49.2mm (6.6-70.3 degrees) field of view. A professional-grade 2-Megapixel 1/2.8-inch, high-quality HD CMOS sensor, which provides format resolutions from 1920×1080, 1280×720 down to 640×480. A flexible IP interface with simultaneous 3GSDI, HDMI, and USB 3.0 Type C outputs supports simultaneous IP (HEVC) and HDMI output, or USB3.0 with a simultaneous HDMI output. The camera’s control interface includes RS232, Visca/Pelco protocols, and LAN control; a handheld IR remote control is also included.
Visual Productions PoeSwitchThis unmanaged DIN-rail mounted network switch features four Power-over-Ethernet Class 3 ports. It’s designed for connecting and powering Visual Productions’ controllers in small- to medium-sized lighting control systems. No configuration is required for setup. The switch features four 10/100 Mbps RJ45 PoE ports and one 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 uplink port, as well as support for IPv4/IPv6 QoS (Quality of Service). It is CE, RoHS, UKCA and FCC compliant and also works with IEEE 802.3af-compliant power distribution. At just 4.09 x 4.16 x 2.36 inches, the PoE budget of the switch is 60 Watts – 15.4 Watts per port, and the power consumption is 60 Watts max, 1.02 Watts when in standby mode. An optional HDR-100-48 power supply is also available.
Snap One WattBox 820The WattBox 820 Series from Snap One (now part of ADI) delivers safe, conditioned power to 20-amp devices with the remote monitoring features of OvrC. The three PDUs comprising the high-amperage 820 Series retain the same features as WattBox’s original 15-amp 800 Series, including OvrC remote monitoring and resolution; self-healing auto reboot; and control, scheduling, and metering of individual outlets. The WB-820-IPVM-12 and WB-820CH1U-IPVM-8 feature built-in surge protection and power conditioning, which minimizes service calls and safeguards the connected components from damaging voltage irregularities. All three power distribution units in the 820 Series are designed with strategically placed outlets and in various orientations to maximize outlet use and installation flexibility. They can be paired with an optional WattBox Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for backup power during electrical outages and are compatible with leading control platforms including Control4, Crestron, Elan, RTI, and URC.
Meyer Sound – ULTRA-X80This versatile point source loudspeaker draws on the acoustic lineage of the ULTRA family and technology innovations behind the PANTHER large-format linear line array. ULTRA-X80 and ULTRA-X82 offer analog and MILAN connectivity as standard; together, the ULTRA family, PANTHER, 2100‑LFC, and the USW subwoofer family make up the most comprehensive range of MILAN-equipped loudspeakers on the market, all compatible with Meyer’s Nebra integrated software platform. ULTRA-X80 is an evolution of the ULTRA family’s innovative concentric-driver design, which couples two 12-inch neodymium-magnet cone drivers to a rotatable 95 x 40-degree waveguide coupled to a 4-inch high-frequency compression driver. The ULTRA-X80 incorporates ultralight Class D amplifier technology for a total linear peak output of 141 dB SPL in a cabinet weighing 130 lb (59 kg). The result is a point source loudspeaker that provides the power, clarity, and performance of multiple line array loudspeakers in a single box.
JVC DLA-NZ500JVC’s Home Theater Projector division claims this as the world’s smallest native 4K D-ILA home theater projector, the DLA-NZ500. This projector is a physical reduction of 35% in overall volume compared to the previous model. A newly designed optical block increases brightness and color saturation. The projector offers a fully motorized 80mm (11 groups, 15 lenses) 4K Lens with 1.6x zoom, 70% vertical, and 28% horizontal shift ranges. The second-generation Frame Adapt HDR analyzes HDR10 content in real-time per scene or frame for tone mapping that offers higher-definition HDR content. JVC’s new Deep Black Tone Control enhances the Frame Adapt HDR to further subdue tones in dark areas achieving realistic black tones. The projector also benefits from JVC’s Clear Motion Drive motion and New Vivid picture mode for SDR content.
Clear-Com Gen-ICThis virtual intercom is a breakthrough in secure cloud-based communication technology, integrating with existing hardware ecosystems or functioning as a standalone software solution. Its scalability allows users to add virtual clients as needed, with the flexibility to integrate with Clear-Com’s hardware infrastructure over LAN, WAN, and the Internet. Addressing latency challenges inherent in virtual intercom systems, Gen-IC’s unique application can be deployed on selectable regional targets. Field trials have demonstrated reliability and audio quality, even in demanding scenarios. Gen-IC Virtual Intercom utilizes Clear-Com’s virtual clients such as the Agent-IC mobile app and Station-IC virtual desktop client. All components support AES-128 encryption.
This Software as a Service (SaaS) display fleet management application allows users to remotely manage the overall health and performance of their Planar displays and hardware from a centralized location. Aggregating multiple data sources into a secure dashboard view, the platform monitors system health and incidents, as well as evaluates and troubleshoots alerts even when displays are deployed in different facilities or geographies. Supported Planar LED and LCD systems communicate with the cloud-native platform through standard web protocols. The solution is also designed for scalability and security and requires no additional hardware or software. In the event Planar support is needed, customers can easily open tickets with Planar Technical Support via Planar WallDirector Cloud’s one-click support request. Users can organize their monitoring and routine diagnostics performance to best meet their individual need. This includes the ability to filter by location, priority, device type, or even an entire fleet of displays deployed across multiple locations.
L-Acoustics Xi SeriesAs an extension of the X Series, the Xi Series introduces two IP55 models, the X6i and X8i. The Xi Series is built on L-Acoustics’ coaxial technology, which enables constant tonal balance over distance and smooth off-axis coverage. This eliminates the need for a minimum listening distance and ensures high feedback rejection. Designed for short-throw applications, the X6i and X8i incorporate L-Vents technology for enhanced low-frequency response and clarity. The compact, bass reflex cabinets house a 1.5” neodymium compression driver coaxially loaded by either a 6” (X6i) or 8” (X8i) low-frequency transducer. Both models feature a 90° axisymmetric directivity. Two distinct presets include the native preset for vocal reinforcement or use alongside a subwoofer; for standalone applications or close proximity listening, alternative presets enable full-range sound reproduction, reaching down to 54 Hz (X6i) and 43 Hz (X8i). The Xi Series includes a range of accessories that streamline installation, ensuring ease of use for integrators.
AtlasIED ALX-D AimlineThis digitally steerable ALX-D column loudspeaker series comprises seven models with beam steering and Dante audio as standard. The Aimline column arrays precisely control directivity in the vertical axis for enhanced intelligibility. The Aimline ALX-D Series integrates with the GLOBALCOM platform, including GCK announcement control and voice evacuation software used in domestic and international airports and train stations. Modern facilities often use highly reflective surfaces such as glass, marble, and stone, which create significant acoustical challenges. The digitally steerable ALX-D column loudspeakers were designed to address these acoustical challenges for best possible direct-to-reverberant ratio. Each transducer has its own DSP and amplifier channel, allowing beams to be tailored in very granular increments and providing acute steering capability. To further optimize venue coverage and performance, the acoustic center can be adjusted over the entirety of the column length, and independent split beams can be deployed if necessary.
