The 13th annual reader-voted Innovative Product Awards acknowledges both electronic and mechanical innovations and celebrates the designers and engineers behind each of these products. Winners were chose by SVC readers from among submitted products. Congratulations to all.
Jabra – PanaCast 50
The Jabra PanaCast 50 Room System is a complete solution that enables small and medium rooms to play host to more inclusive, more immersive virtual meetings. The combined solution with Lenovo simplifies video conferencing for increased productivity. Using AI-enabled video and audio streams, PanaCast 50 Room System delivers a more natural and inclusive collaboration experience. Proprietary intelligent algorithms incorporated into the PanaCast 50 Video Bar (VBS) ensure the tone and nuances of the meeting are captured. Partnerships with display companies including ViewSonic and Airtame continue to broaden the ecosystem for the PanaCast 50 VBS.
Extron – SMP 401
This all-in-one 4K/60 recording and streaming processor captures, switches, scales and distributes AV sources and presentations. Processing with H.264/H.265 encoding provides up to five recordings and six streams concurrently. The SMP 401 captures a variety of sources from three HDMI inputs, two RTP/RTSP virtual inputs, and an optional 12G-SDI input. Additionally, the SMP 401 audio DSP provides independent audio mixing per channel and supports line or microphone level audio, with available +48V phantom power. The user-friendly front panel LCD screen enables video preview for confidence monitoring, and simple menu navigation for easy configuration.
Extron – NAV E 121
This compact encoder streams ultra-low latency, high quality HDMI video and audio over 1 Gbps copper Ethernet and standard IP networks. It is just half the size of competing encoders yet offers the same performance as other NAV products. Featuring the Extron-patented PURE3 codec, it delivers real-time streaming at resolutions up to 4K/60 4:4:4 over 1 Gbps. The NAV E 121 features an HDMI 2.0 loop-thru for local display or confidence monitoring and an RS232 control port. Support for AES67 audio over IP facilitates integration with Extron’s range of audio DSPs or other IP-enabled audio components. NAV systems can be deployed as an IP-based video and audio matrix, combining the flexibility of an IP-based system with the integration-friendly features found in Extron conventional matrix switchers for up to thousands of endpoints.
Extron – XPA U 4004 FX
This ENERGY STAR qualified, four-channel, high-performance audio power amplifier can deliver 400 watts simultaneously into 8 ohm, 4 ohm, 70 volt, and 100 volt loads in multi-zone systems. Rotary switches on the rear panel make it easy to independently select an output mode per channel to power each zone. This amplifier includes ECO Standby with InstaWake+ that transparently and automatically maximizes the time in its lowest power state, for maximum energy saving. The total power of two adjacent 400-watt channels is shared, delivering up to 800 watts per single channel, according to system requirements. The fan-cooled enclosure does not require adjacent empty rack spaces and includes front and rear rack mount hardware for stability.
Blaze Audio – PowerZone Connect 1008
This new 1000W 1RU PowerZone Connect 8-channel power amplifier is part of a new amplifier family, all powered by Pascal UMAC Class-D technology. The PowerZone Connect 1008 can power both conventional low-impedance loudspeakers at 4Ω to 16Ω as well as constant voltage transformer-coupled loudspeakers. Automatic power-sharing technology enables proportional distribution in both Lo-Z and Hi-Z modes. The amplifier offers eight balanced Euroblock inputs and eight unbalanced RCA Phono inputs; include S/PDIF digital audio I/O with routing that can be configured via the DSP PowerZone Control web app; a configurable GPIO (General Purpose I/O); and eight configurable loudspeaker outputs that utilize Euroblock connectors.
Extron – CA 163
This column array speaker is designed to combine speech intelligibility, a contemporary aesthetic, and integration-friendly mounting options. Two mounting systems are available to accommodate different room layouts and sizes. Ideal for acoustically challenging environments, it features a focused vertical dispersion that efficiently directs sound to listeners instead of reflective ceilings or floors. Available in paintable black or white. The wall mounting system is designed for one person to mount the CA 163 to the wall securely and a wall-mounting template is included for positioning. Once the mounts are installed, an innovative slot on the rear of the speaker easily allows it to slide up and down to the desired height.
HyLite LED – Lotus Lamp – 100 Watt
The Lotus Lamp replaces 1000W Incandescent and halogen lamp as the world’s only TRIAC dimmable LED lamp. The proprietary and patented diecast heatsink design provides excellent thermal management and heat dissipation in an IP-65 rated design. It has a rated life of up to 60,000 hours. The E39 mogul base 180° adjustable bracket can be used in multiple positions, and lengths to suit tight spaces, and various angles for directional lighting. The Lotus Lamp also easily fits into existing PAR cans. It is available in 25°, 40°, & 120° beam angles. It comes in two color temperature options, 3,000K & 5,000K. All Lotus Lamps are DLC listed and are eligible for utility rebates.
BenQ – LK935 4K Laser Conference Room Projector
This 4K UHD laser conference room projector brings affordable cinematic quality to school auditoriums and classrooms. The 5,500-lumen LK935 has a pixel density of 1,149 PPI2 on a 130” screen, HDR support, and 92% Rec.709 color coverage. The projector’s adaptability extends to auditorium use, accommodating screens up to 200” wide with a 1.6x zoom. The big 1.6x zoom allows schools to replace outdated projectors without repositioning existing ceiling mounts. It has an IP5X-certified sealed laser engine.
Biamp – Apprimo Touch 8i
The Apprimo touch panel combines a touch panel with an integrated controller from Biamp’s concurrently announced line of Impera control systems. The Apprimo Touch 8i joins Biamp’s newly introduced line of Apprimo touch interfaces, which offer nearly unlimited options in UI design. The Apprimo Touch 8i can control up to twenty IP-based devices. It is configured with Biamp’s drag-and-drop Project Designer, which supports all Impera control products. Project Designer includes a range of professionally designed user interface templates and an extensive device driver library. It offers single cable installation to easily mount flat on a wall, angled on a wall, or on a table.
Legrand | AV – C2G Retractable Universal Mount 4K HDMI Dongle Adapter Ring
This dongle adapter features BioCote antimicrobial product protection and includes adapters to connect almost any device to an in-room display while supporting video resolutions up to 4K. The adapter rings feature color-coded HDMI-to-DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB-C, VGA, and Lightning adapters. The adapter ring can be attached directly to an HDMI cable; alternatively, a retractable mount version is available that extends to 1.5m. Custom adapter configurations are also available.
Sony Electronics – Spatial Reality Display
This new member of the Spatial Reality Display portfolio is a 27-inch, 4K option providing highly realistic, three-dimensional content without the use of special glasses or VR headsets. Highlights of the new offering include an upgraded high-speed vision sensor, image quality enhancing technologies and installation flexibility. Additionally, the ELF-SR2 enables more robust functionality through its support of applications and development. Ten-bit processing supports a wide color gamut that covers Adobe RGB at approximately 100% for accurate color reproduction. The super resolution engine provides upscaling from 2K to 4K. Additionally, the new model offers color moiré correction to better address fine details, patterns, and lines. It is optimized for industrial design, surgical planning, architecture, engineering, construction, signage, retail, software/application development, game developers and entertainment applications. Enhanced facial tracking and wide viewing angle provide a comfortable viewing experience from numerous vantage points.
JVC Professional Video – KY-PZ540 PTZ Camera with 40x Zoom
As the company’s first PTZ cameras to incorporate a 40x zoom, the new KY-PZ540 and KY-PZ540N with integrated NDI HX3 are designed with JVC’s 4K imager. With JVC KY-PZ510 technology at the core, the new cameras incorporate the same features, such as AI-enabled advanced SMART auto-tracking operation, and NDI supported IP-based remote operation capabilities. JVC recently expanded its auto-tracking to include five new advanced features, and presets for exposure, color and image. There is also a USB video device class (UVC) available for direct connection to Zoom, Google Meet and other online video conferencing programs. Integrated NDI HX3, SRT featuring HEVC and H.264 dual encoding, and simultaneously output NDI, SRT, and RTMPS are supported.
Canon – RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens
This bright f/2.8 lens is an advancement compared to the f/4 speed typically associated with this zoom range. This is the first 24-105mm lens to have a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, giving it the speed you’d associate with professional 24-70mm lenses, along with the extra reach at the telephoto end. Elements of the lens include two Nano USM motors; 11-blade diaphragm; optical image stabilizer; three aspherical elements; four UD elements; and SSC, ASC and fluorine coating.
XTEN-AV – X-VRSE
This VR solution introduces VR into design and sales processes. It allows users to design and visualize their spaces using virtual reality as an immersive experience. The technology of X-VRSE allows users to add, alter, and customize the products and aesthetics of the room while seeing it all in the X-VRSE environment. Users can simulate meeting rooms, classrooms, immersive rooms, etc. Device coverages, sightlines, and sound pressure levels can be visualized, enabling users to change or reposition their devices, choosing the right product for the right environment. Additionally, X-VRSE lets users “Bring their own Rooms,” importing 3D renders made in tools like Revit and Google SketchUp and visualizing them in the X-VRSE VR environment. X-VRSE automatically creates multiple drawings in 2D such as Line Schematics, Signal Flow Diagrams, etc. Tools include X-DRAW for automated drawing; x.doc for document automation with customizable audio-visual proposal templates and a library of over 1.5 million products; and X-VRSE for virtual reality simulations.
Clear Digital – Sho Software
This cloud-based remote content management system works with Clear Digital products or third-party digital displays allowing users to design and manage digital display content. Pre-loaded customizable templates are available for those who do not want to design from scratch. Sho makes it simple to monitor the device performance of Clear Digital products. From Sho’s intuitive dashboards users can view battery life on the Evo mobile digital signage, refresh your images on the Vue video wall, and monitor sanitizer levels on the Gel sanitizer station with LED display.
MAXHUB – V6 ViewPro Interactive Flat Panel V6530
The V6 ViewPro Interactive Flatpanel is one of three new MAXHUB professional audiovisual products for collaboration. Picture quality is served with its 48MP + 8MP dual-camera and 3x optical zoom. The Sony half-inch Sensor with a 92-degree HFOV lens and auto-framing and speaker-tracking ensures every participant is visible and audible. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and anti-backlight technology maintain the ideal lighting contrast. The V6 features a soundoutput slot instead of a mesh speaker, alongside five sound units, 40W speakers, eight array microphones at a 180-degree wide-angle, and 12-meter voice pickup range. With AGC all remote participants can also hear the same volume level. Smart AI noise reduction, based on beamforming technology and deeplearning models, filters out more than 300 noises, such as typing, writing on the display and air conditioning. MAXHUB Share allows up to four devices to simultaneously screenshare wirelessly with up to 4K resolution. Users can turn pages and annotate directly on the touchscreen or manage the panel from their own device while seated.
Shure – Microflex Wireless neXt 2 (MXW neXt 2)
The Shure Microflex Wireless neXt 2 is the newest addition to its Microfex Ecosystem. It’s a versatile, two-channel wireless system designed to offer a costeffective, intuitive, and all-in-one audio solution for diverse spaces and hybrid environments. Microflex Wireless neXt 2 features a unique combination of advanced DSP capabilities and comprehensive audio I/O connections, including USB, Dante networked audio, and analog audio. It pairs mics at touch-of- button. Microflex Wireless neXt 2 provides high-quality audio for spaces of all sizes that require only two microphones and connects seamlessly to video conferencing systems for situations with remote presenters. It also delivers a new microphone design with upgraded security and an increased dynamic range and longer battery life of up to 28 hours for all-day use. It’s offered in a choice of three new interchangeable wireless microphone form factors— bodypack, handheld, or boundary.
Shure – Microflex Advance MXA901 Ceiling Array Microphone
This new conferencing ceiling array mic has a low-profile round form factor (13.5 in diameter), available in white, black, and aluminum finishes. Following on from the launch of MXA902 in 2023, MXA901 expands the Microflex Ecosystem portfolio with a solution that requires minimal setup. The MXA901 is designed with Single Zone Automatic Coverage Technology, which covers a 20’ x 20’ space with minimal configuration needed. MXA901’s onboard IntelliMix DSP includes automatic gain control, AEC, noise reduction, and automatic mixing. It features six available accessory mounts to ensure compatibility with any type of ceiling. The MXA901 is scalable from small to large meeting spaces with one or multiple arrays. The MXA901 is certified for use with popular collaboration platforms, including Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms, with industry standard security. The MXA901 can be configured, deployed, and managed with Shure’s all-new Designer 6.0
LED Studio – SOLARIS
In this environmentally designed LED, Chip-on-Board (COB), Flip-Chip, and Common Cathode technologies combine for energy efficiency in a fine pitch display, claiming a 40% reduction in energy consumption compared to standard SMD technology. COB displays include an epoxy resin as part of the pixel encapsulation process. This has the same benefits as GOB (Glue on Board) improving durability and the reliability of pixels; the panel is front-serviceable. The SOLARIS has 94% DCI-P3 and HDR capabilities, 16-bit color and grayscale, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and 3840Hz refresh. Available in 1080p, 4K UHD, 8K, and custom resolutions.
LG Business Solutions USA – ProBeam BU53RG 5000 Lumen Laser Projector (Model BU53RG)
This under $3800 5000K short throw 4K UHD laser projector is a replacement to the popular LG ProBeam BU53PST projector. The new ProBeam BU53RG includes webOS 6.0 Signage, a web-based digital signage platform that can tie into a larger webOS digital signage network. The projectors has a 0.94 to 1.14 throw ratio, 3840×2160 4K UHD resolution, 5000K brightness, lens shift control of 20% horizontal and 50% vertical, 1.2x zoom capability, support for multiple popular aspect ratios (16:9, 16:10, 16:6 and 21:9), and a text-friendly 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio. It has an integrated pair of 5W stereo speakers, Bluetooth audio out with sync control, native MiraCast screen sharing capability, and HDMI ARC channel for connection to an AV receiver. It includes two HDMI inputs, two USB inputs, one RJ45 port, RS-232C and a 3.5mm audio out port to ensure compatibility with existing peripherals and control systems.
MAXHUB – XCore Kit
The MAXHUB XCore Kit for Microsoft Teams includes a Windows-based computer and console, that is competitively priced to enable a full Microsoft Teams Rooms experience at the cost typically budgeted for a BYOD room. This kit carries a 12th Gen Intel Core Processor, delivering exceptional performance, and a high-resolution 10.1-inch Teams Rooms console with a motion sensor. Compatible with Microsoft Teams Rooms, the kit helps facilitate the easy upgrade of existing BYOD rooms to switch to a full Microsoft Teams Rooms, creating smart spaces, with Teams-native audio and video experiences at cost-effective pricing.
Blackmagic Design – Blackmagic 2110 IP Converter 3x3G
This new rack mount device converts 3G-SDI devices to 2110 IP broadcast systems. The new Blackmagic 2110 IP Converter 3x3G features 10G Ethernet which means it can support up to three separate 3G-SDI video channels at the same time. Each channel has independent inputs and outputs, for connecting up to six different SDI devices. An elegant front panel has a color LCD for monitoring, menus, and diagnostics. The Universal Rack Shelf lets customers install up to three Blackmagic 2110 IP Converter 3x3G units side by side for a total of nine separate input and output channels in a single rack unit. They can also be remote managed over Ethernet. With conversion to and from 3G-SDI in the same unit, it can handle a wide range of equipment including live production switchers, disk recorders, playback servers, streaming processors, and more. It’s like a mini router. Active fan-based cooling allows the units to be rack mounted side by side, and both AC and PoE+ Ethernet power are supported.
Epson America – PowerLite 810E 3LCD Extreme Short Throw Lamp-Free Laser Display with 4K Enhancement/V11HA99020
This is Epson’s first 3LCD extreme short-throw lamp-free laser display with 4K Enhancement Technology. The projector offers 5,000 lumens of color and white brightness. A newly designed optical and cooling engine creates an 80- to 160-inch, 4Ke, 5,000-lumen image from a very short distance. Available now in a white chassis, with a black chassis coming soon, this projector is designed to break boundaries for a single display device under 30 pounds. It has a .16 throw ratio, capable of producing an 80-inch image from as close as one inch from the wall. It can also produce immersive, larger-than-life images up to 160 inches – four and a half times larger than a 75-inch flat panel – while sitting 14 inches away from the wall. It has a standard 16:9 aspect ratio and support for ultra-wide 21:9 and 16:6 displays. A built-in split screen feature and Epson iProjection app are included. Connectivity options include HDBaseT, HDMI, USB, and RS-232, as well as a built-in dynamic dual speaker sound system and wired/wireless networking with Miracast support. It can also be permanently installed with an optional wall mount, while retaining valuable wall or whiteboard space when not in use.
Legrand | AV – Chief Tempo Flat Panel Wall Mount System
This configurable wall mounting system is designed to improve efficiency especially for mass rollouts. It was designed with feedback from installers for faster flat panel deployments–from ordering and shipping via one part number to thoughtfully designed packaging to support sequenced installs. The mount system includes an optional Middle Atlantic PD-715SCNS slim-profile, 7-outlet, 15A power strip. Two 15”x10” Lever Lock storage plates are included, which can be pre-wired with up to six small devices plus cabling and shipped to the job site. Panels can be added and easily moved along the mounting rail to store more devices, including all necessary components of a videoconferencing system. Like other Chief mounts, it features up to 1-inch post-install leveling adjustments and 10 degrees of display tilt in 2.5-degree increments for viewing flexibility. The total installation depth facilitates ADA compliance with 49” to 86” displays with less than 2” in depth and a 970 mm x 450 mm mounting pattern. The mount pulls away from the wall for approximately 13 inches of service depth. It can be installed on any wall, including steel studs, wood studs, concrete, and block wall substrates.
Planar – DirectLight Pro Series Fine Pixel Pitch LED Video Wall
This new ground-up designed fine pixel pitch LED platform delivers high brightness and a wide color gamut in a range of popular pixel pitches down to sub-1 millimeter. This includes models in 0.9-, 1.2-, 1.5- and 1.8-millimeter pixel pitches and 1,000-nit brightness in constant operation, providing vibrant colors and image detail even in higher ambient light environments. Planar DirectLight Pro Series also supports rich media playback, including High Dynamic Range (HDR). In addition to enabling faster deployment, the 27-inch and 36-inch cabinets allow for precision and simpler, more easily supported video walls. With support for a range of video controllers, Planar DirectLight Pro Series can be further tailored to different application needs.
Black Box – Emerald DESKVUE with AV WALL (EMD5004-R)
This upgrade to the Emerald DESKVUE receiver, combines the control and management of a video wall and a KVM-over-IP system on a single platform. It enables users to place, size, and interact with up to 16 selected sources (physical and virtual) simultaneously across multiple desktop monitors and a 2×2 video wall from their workspaces, often without switching. Operators visualize large amounts of information from different sources for complete situational awareness and to collaborate with other operators. Adding the EmeraldAV Wall Software to the DESKVUE receivers facilitates collaboration: operators can share content on a 2×2 video wall, and hand sources to other Emerald users. Operators/administrators control and manage KVM and AV video walls through APIs. By cascading DESKVUE receivers, up to four 4K desktop monitors (one can also be 5K) support each user console and a 2×2 video wall directly. Support for RDP, PCoIP, PCoIP ultra, H.264/265 video sources, Cloud Appliances, and Virtual Network Computing (VNC), means the solution requires no additional hardware.
Crestron Electronics – 1 Beyond Cameras
With 1 Beyond cameras’ optical zoom, you can bring participants closer without losing resolution — even people as far as 60-feet away. The cameras work with Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms software for medium and large rooms and is compatible with Crestron Flex systems or any other existing rooms with video conferencing. Multiple cameras can be combined with the Automate VX multi-camera speaker tracking solution, using voice-activated switching. The cameras can be installed upright, wall-inverted, wall-stacked, or ceiling-inverted with a patent-pending universal mount.
L-Acoustics – L Series
The new, environmentally minded L Series comprises the L2 and L2D, designed to work together or independently for medium to large-sized mobile and fixed install applications. One L2 or L2D element provides the same contour as four K2 elements in a format that is 46% smaller and 40% lighter. These fullrange progressive line source speakers are designed for consistency over the audience and improved rejection everywhere else, the line claims an industryleading SPL per line length, weight, and visual size. Each element contains eight three-inch high-frequency drivers with eight ten-inch low-frequency drivers, complemented by four side-loaded 12-inch drivers with front and back exits to deliver efficient, high precision broadband coverage with a choice of cardioid or supercardioid patterns. Based on the Progressive Ultra-dense Line Source (PULS) technology, the L Series combines sonic performance, power-to-size, and weight ratios with ease of deployment and less truck space.
Aurora Multimedia – Core Studio AI
Aurora’s ReAX Core Studio AI is a professional grade software for creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and control logic code. AI will now allow a programmer to enter in the required parameters and in seconds JavaScript code will appear for use. This will make programming quicker and easier. It will also educate new programmers how to code for different circumstances of varying complexities. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows for easy and flexible design, while enabling rapid duplication and reuse of code blocks. Control programs are published to any ReAX-capable control system as a web page. Once loaded on the controller, the control page can be accessed from virtually any device with a web browser. A few examples include Aurora’s RXT touch panels, tablets such as an iPad, smart phones, a PC browser, and many other devices. Furthermore, most devices (including those running iOS, Android, and Chrome browser, and others) can launch the Core Studio control pages as a full-screen web app, allowing for control without the need for a native app.
Meyer Sound – NADIA Integrated Digital Audio Platform
This integrated, network-based digital audio processing and distribution platform will power future installations of Constellation by Meyer Sound. When incorporated into new Constellation installations, in addition to the processing power and inputs reserved for active acoustics, NADIA also provides separate inputs, processing, and matrixing to enable Spacemap Go spatial sound. The NADIA platform supports up to 96 inputs for Constellation acoustic processing as well as 128 independent program audio inputs and comprises three hardware modules. All NADIA-based systems require at least one NADIA-CP core processor that supports 128 outputs. Additional NADIA-CP modules can be added to increase the number of outputs in the extended system by 128 for each module. All communication to and from the NADIA-CP module is via a Milan-compatible AVB network. All processing is at 96 kHz/64-bit floating point resolution. Multi-channel analog IO is also available.
Atlona – AT-VKP-8E Velocity Keypad
This IP-based system controller is a keypad alternative to touchpanels for AV control in smaller spaces and less complex applications. The VPK-8E features eight buttons that can be configured to control display on/off, source selection, audio volume levels, and other system functions. For enhanced customization, it includes a 2.7-inch high-contrast electronic paper (e-paper) display. The PoE LAN connection provides power to the controller and the ability to control devices over Ethernet. An RS-232 port is included for serial control for legacy devices. The VKP-8E is set up using the new Atlona Cloud online configuration and management platform, with an offline over the LAN option.
