Pro AV Today

With the popularity of shows like Yellowstone and The Mandalorian, the Western is experiencing a renaissance. And riding that wave of popularity is the rodeo. Interest in rodeo isn’t specific to certain geographies in the United States. With the help of digital media and broadcasting, audiences for rodeos are growing and can become even more popular than ever before. Paul Woody, VP of Business Development at PRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association), spoke with Ben Thomas about the exciting potential he saw for rodeo today.

Rodeo came about through everyday ranching activities, and the people who live their life love to watch it performed at the highest level. And call it curiosity, interest, or a calling for a different life, but Woody said people leaving the cities for more rural areas also want to experience rodeo. “They’re learning, and they’re searching, and they’re finding out why we do these things, and so there’s more people watching,” Woody said.

The PRCA’s body consists of more than 700 rodeo committees across the country. And while these operate independently from each other, they utilize PRCA resources to put on the best rodeo show in their communities every year.

Woody said the top ten flagship rodeos across the country are essential opportunities to utilize broadcast media because they generate a lot of fan interest, strengthening rodeo interest across the country. And the uniqueness of attending a rodeo in person makes a lasting impression.

“There are some rodeos that are incredibly traditional that you will not find pyrotechnics and loud music,” Woody said. “It is about the purse aspect of rodeo competition. And then other rodeos have figured out you can have 20 days of A-list performances, and people will come to watch this artist, and by the way, there’s this two-hour rodeo before the concert ever starts. No matter the flavor, the rodeo is there to entertain.

Remote video production is changing the broadcast landscape. While the model accelerated due to the pandemic, the technology making it possible continues to drive innovation. Discussing this topic, Pro AV Today host Ben Thomas spoke with Mickey Miller, CEO of Vislink. Vislink specializes in collecting, delivering, and managing high-quality live video and data across news, sports, and entertainment.

The demands for enterprise audio appear much different from years ago. The pandemic and changes in how people work and connect are behind much of this change. To get the pulse on what’s happening now and what the future holds, Pro AV Today host Ben Thomas spoke with Nancy Knowlton, CEO of Nureva, providers of audio conferencing solutions.

“For a long time, audio was deemed good enough. With everybody being remote for an extended period of time, there are higher expectations. Audio was considered an important part of the conference call, but it’s really the most important part,” Knowlton said.

In trying to find the ideal audio solution, Knowlton noted that the company tried many solutions but wasn’t satisfied. So, they developed their own—Microphone Mist technology, which fills a space with thousands of virtual microphones.

“We put ourselves in the shoes of those charged with installing and configuring systems. Technology should carry the load, not the people,” Knowlton added.

Nureva’s solution doesn’t require a technician for set-up or adjustments. The system puts out a tone to the room and allows it to characterize and adapt. It “tunes” the room.

Knowlton also shared some advice for those planning to fit a room with audio. “The system needs to evolve as you do. People are more mobile now, and they’ll likely always be people remote.”

For technology to keep up, Nureva’s solutions achieve more functionality with software updates while the hardware stays relevant.

In looking to what’s next in enterprise audio, Knowlton said, “One area is data and insights from the room and delivering that to a dashboard. We’re taking it a step further with insights into the room acoustics so our customers can continue to improve experiences.”

The demands for enterprise audio appear much different from years ago. The pandemic and changes in how people work and connect are behind much of this change. To get the pulse on what’s happening now and what the future holds, Pro AV Today host Ben Thomas spoke with Nancy Knowlton, CEO of Nureva, providers of audio conferencing solutions.

“For a long time, audio was deemed good enough. With everybody being remote for an extended period of time, there are higher expectations. Audio was considered an important part of the conference call, but it’s really the most important part,” Knowlton said.

In trying to find the ideal audio solution, Knowlton noted that the company tried many solutions but wasn’t satisfied. So, they developed their own—Microphone Mist technology, which fills a space with thousands of virtual microphones.

“We put ourselves in the shoes of those charged with installing and configuring systems. Technology should carry the load, not the people,” Knowlton added.

Nureva’s solution doesn’t require a technician for set-up or adjustments. The system puts out a tone to the room and allows it to characterize and adapt. It “tunes” the room.

Knowlton also shared some advice for those planning to fit a room with audio. “The system needs to evolve as you do. People are more mobile now, and they’ll likely always be people remote.”

For technology to keep up, Nureva’s solutions achieve more functionality with software updates while the hardware stays relevant.

In looking to what’s next in enterprise audio, Knowlton said, “One area is data and insights from the room and delivering that to a dashboard. We’re taking it a step further with insights into the room acoustics so our customers can continue to improve experiences.”

The E4 Expo in Dallas has occurred for the past 12 years, but this year it will be earmarked as the industry’s first true hybrid event. Melody Craigmyle, Vice President of Marketing & Communication at Almo Corporation, spoke with MarketScale Host Ben Thomas about what the Expo will entail.

The Expo will include extensive interaction compared to typical online event sessions. Events catered toward individuals’ specific interests will include a digital signage tour, a DVLED tour, a new products tour, and more. “It’s insightful people doing meaningful interviews digging into the technology and helping them understand how it fits into applications,” Craigmyle elaborated.

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of this year’s Expo involves a stimulating product experience. Craigmyle revealed that there will be live holograms onstage. One presenter from California and one from Washington, D.C. will appear to present the holograms.

Holograms have widespread application potential for the future because they allow someone who cannot physically attend an event to present onstage from their office desk. The applications are endless, from corporate settings to houses of worship to the education sector.

Craigmyle explained, “Imagine being able to bring in the best and brightest instructors, or physicians, or researchers into your university without them having to travel but to be there with the students either in person or online and then having access to such amazing professionals. Those are just some things people that I think people can start dreaming about in the pro AV industry.”

Other partners presenting products include Absen, Harman, Huddly, Jabra, Barco, and Son, which will feature a Whisper Suite.

Craigmyle believes the 2021 E4 Expo will help attendees grasp what a hybrid workplace is about while bringing whole solutions together at the event. Join Marketscale as they cover the event onsite this coming Tuesday, November 30.

While hologram technology isn’t new, the modern application is night and day from where it started decades ago. To discuss its evolution and applications, Pro AV Today host Ben Thomas chatted with Larry O’Reilly, CEO of ARHT Media, experts in the hologram space. 

“The modern era of holograms was really Tupac at Coachella. The interactions created a sensation, and that inspired my company,” O’Reilly shared. 

Beyond entertainment, there are many business use cases for hologram technology. O’Reilly explained, “Our focus is on holographic telepresence where people appear life-like with no latency, and it’s changing the medium of digital communications.”

By beaming these 3D holograms, O’Reilly explained, “It’s creating a presence that the person is actually there, and a greater emotional connection as opposed to 2D.”

As for who can use holographic technology, O’Reilly noted that it applies to many environments. “The healthcare industry uses it to educate medical providers with a product specialist. It works for anybody that sells and markets at conferences, entertainment, and houses of worship.”

So, how does it work? “The presenter is on a green screen with a mic and speaker. There’s a 4K camera with audience feedback. Getting the proper angle is necessary to match up eye lines. Then the rich video is encrypted, compressed, and securely sent to a projector and displayed on a proprietary screen in .3 seconds or less,” O’Reilly described

By creating this illusion that the person is there, audiences can respond the same way, if not better, with 3D holograms. “The conversation looks so natural, and you can see the body language. There’s a 120-degree viewing angle, so everyone has a good experience,” O’Reilly added.

The E4 Expo in Dallas has occurred for the past 12 years, but this year it will be earmarked as the industry’s first true hybrid event. Melody Craigmyle, Vice President of Marketing & Communication at Almo Corporation, spoke with MarketScale Host Ben Thomas about what the Expo will entail.

The Expo will include extensive interaction compared to typical online event sessions. Events catered toward individuals’ specific interests will include a digital signage tour, a DVLED tour, a new products tour, and more. “It’s insightful people doing meaningful interviews digging into the technology and helping them understand how it fits into applications,” Craigmyle elaborated.

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of this year’s Expo involves a stimulating product experience. Craigmyle revealed that there will be live holograms onstage. One presenter from California and one from Washington, D.C. will appear to present the holograms.

Holograms have widespread application potential for the future because they allow someone who cannot physically attend an event to present onstage from their office desk. The applications are endless, from corporate settings to houses of worship to the education sector.

Craigmyle explained, “Imagine being able to bring in the best and brightest instructors, or physicians, or researchers into your university without them having to travel but to be there with the students either in person or online and then having access to such amazing professionals. Those are just some things people that I think people can start dreaming about in the pro AV industry.”

Other partners presenting products include Absen, Harman, Huddly, Jabra, Barco, and Son, which will feature a Whisper Suite.

Craigmyle believes the 2021 E4 Expo will help attendees grasp what a hybrid workplace is about while bringing whole solutions together at the event. Join Marketscale as they cover the event onsite this coming Tuesday, November 30.