Diary and column COLUMN


AVoIP: a significant opportunity Audio Visual over Internet Proto- col (AVoIP) has grown over the last few years coinciding with the convergence of AV and IT. It is now beyond the early adoption stage and is becoming common- place in many enterprises and installations as manufacturers and integrators realise the ben- efits and value it can bring to their customers. Greg Bennett, Exertis Pro AV, head of AV solu- tions looks at the significant op- portunities that the technology creates for integrators.


With IP networks playing a funda- mental role in an organisation’s in- frastructure, carrying AV systems over IP is a natural extension to voice, se- curity and audio systems. The ability to leverage an existing LAN provides much better centralised control for IT managers with the ability to manage all of their resources from a single point.


Indeed, AVoIP is a significant oppor- tunity for integrators working on proj- ects where low latency, cost effective, highly scalable solutions for content management and control are key. An AV over IP network is set up almost like a traditional AV system but instead of transmitters and receivers it uses en- coders and decoders, and a Gigabit Ethernet switch. However, in an AV system, there is a restriction on the number of physical ports that devices can be connected to but with an AVoIP system, it’s sim- ply a matter of connecting to another switch, thereby not limiting the num- ber of devices. Traditionally, the distribution of video from multiple sources to multiple end- points such as displays has required a matrix switcher – typically large, costly and complex. AVoIP replaces the need for this limiting hardware. Certainly, for new installations, the cost savings of deploying AVoIP com- pared to a point-to-point approach can be significant with the ability to manage, transmit and receive audio/ video signals and control a pletho- ra of devices over a local network. It can also provide full HD capabilities with virtually no latency, an important consideration as Ethernet cabling en- ables faster transmission of data with less delay which improves both video and audio signal quality


Simplified cabling is also a feature and benefit of AVoIP. With a more traditional point-to-point system, there are many devices that require separate cabling for each signal type whereas in an AVoIP solution, all sources and endpoints are derived from the data network. As a result, there is no need for a dedicated matrix switch in every room. Less conduit and expensive, AV cabling and connectors are required with more standard use of RJ-45 connectors. In addition, an AVoIP system also of- fers greater flexibility should changes to an AV set-up be required. With a traditional AV set-up, dedicated ca- bling would need to be run to connect different rooms and there are limita- tions to cable distances. Clearly, AVoIP offers a big step forward in signal distribution, removing the issue of distance limitations and is an enabler for systems to go beyond the physical limitations of matrix switches.


Equally, AVoIP provides both flexibility and scalability. By using the data net- work, any audio and video can be rout- ed wherever a data outlet exists, and any endpoint can be easily changed without disruption to the cabling. New features can be added to the system by updating software without impacting hardware, such as the re- quirement for a larger matrix switch, thereby saving on costs.


WORLD EVENTS Cancellations and postponements


NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith announced that NAB show is off for April, and the organisers are reviewing options for later this year “In the interest of addressing the health and safety concerns of our stakeholders and in consultation with partners throughout the media and entertainment industry, we have decided not to move forward with NAB Show in April. We are currently considering a number of potential alternatives to create the best possible experience for our community.” CE WEEK: Messe Berlin; IFA and CTLab have decided to can- cel this year’s CE WEEK which was scheduled to take place from 10 to 11 June 2020 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The New York State Office of General Services, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, the New York State Department of Health and the US Army Corps of Engineers, requested the use of available space at the Javits Center in order to help combat the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.


For IT managers, adding encoders, decoders or IP switches to an exist- ing network is relatively simple and with the advancements in recent AV hardware, sending AV streams over IP switches is now easier than ever. In addition, there is the added ad- vantage of greater control, monitoring and management over a LAN. Indeed, it’s possible to segregate which ports are dedicated to business traffic and which ones are for AV transmission which can be very useful in certain vertical markets such as education. Providing analytics on equipment us- age and maintenance as well as be- ing able to identify issues, minimise downtime and ensure futureproofing are all important factors enabling or- ganisations to be more agile. AVoIP is undoubtedly a fast-growing market and currently, we are seeing this technology being applied for those


applications where there is


either a high volume of inputs and outputs where control and scalabili- ty is key. i.e. large enterprises, large digital signage projects in travel, re- tail, banking, stadiums, government and corporate sectors. Or in those applications for low latency. However, for smaller systems with basic room set-ups and installations, there is little need for AVoIP – simple matrix switches and good old-fashioned HDMI cables will probably remain the preferred choice. Exertis Pro AV has a Networked AV category within its solutions business unit. This category has been created to establish a value-add proposition to our reseller community around AV Over IP Solutions, HDBaseT Signal Management, Switching, Control, Dig- ital Signage and IPTV. Within this category we have a partner portfolio which at present consists of Kramer, SY Electronics, Aten, Seada, Signagelive, Intevi, Aopen, Netgear and DLink, providing certified AVoIP solutions from head end display to certified AV Over IP solutions and switches, content to control. This category sits as part of our overall solutions business which aligns with LFD, Projection, Collaboration, and Enterprise Voice and Video, enabling us to technically support at the design stages of a project and deliver a full end to end solution for our partners.


Industry 4.0 Summit & Expo 2020, organised by GB Media & Events Ltd. has announced that the event, scheduled to take place at Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manches- ter, from 31 March – 1 April will be postponed following the escalation of COVID-19 Coronavirus in Europe. The effects, actual and projected, of Coronavirus are becoming evident across all aspects of our lives here in the UK and across the world, with many of our participants facing travel restrictions. We have been following UK government guidelines and other international health authorities and organisations, and so it is with great reluctance that we have taken the decision not to go ahead with this Spring event.


UC EXPO 2020, scheduled to be hosted at ExCeL on Wednes- day 13th and Thursday 14th of May, has been postponed. “The impact of the coronavirus crisis situation, not least upon travel, public gatherings and day-to-day life, means that we are in the process of securing new venue space between 29 September and 1 October,” Imago Tech Media


Digital Signage Expo (DSE) 2020, the trade show and edu- cational conference dedicated to digital display networks and interactive and emerging technologies, has announced that its 2020 event has been rescheduled due to the coronavirus outbreak. It will now be held on September 15-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall Three, with access to the show floor September 16-17.


DSE 2020 will reprise the more than 100 educational oppor- tunities, which were originally scheduled, including nine pre- and post-show events, 21 industry-specific peer networking luncheon roundtables, 32 general conference sessions, 49 free on-floor workshops, and a program of study to ensure certification renewal in cooperation with the Digital Signage Experts Group, (DSEG)


RetailEXPO 2020: “After monitoring the evolving situation around COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, we have made the decision to cancel RetailEXPO 2020, scheduled to take place from April 29+30 in Olympia, London. Having considered all options and given the rapidly changing environment, resched- uling for later this year is no longer feasible and so this is the best course of action for the retail industry and the commu- nities we serve. It also reflects our desire to give everyone in- volved as much notice as possible. We look forward to seeing you all in April 2021. More information will be available soon on the RetailEXPO website.”


B2B Marketing Expo and all co-located events have been re- scheduled for 10th & 11th November 2020. “B2B Marketing Expo and All Co-Located Events (25-26th March 2020, Ex- Cel, London), have been closely monitoring updates on the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The global impact of this situation, not least upon international travel and resulting restrictions imposed by many organisations, means that af- ter discussions with all parties we have taken the decision to postpone. The health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors and staff will always be our number one priority and to that end the event will now take place on the 10th & 11th November 2020 at ExCel, London. We are of course, in ongoing com- munication with our exhibitors, speakers, attendees, partners and suppliers. Those we have managed to speak to thus far have been exceptionally understanding,” Roar B2B.


Job Opportunities Channel Account Manager (Field/Home-based)


We are looking for a new colleague to join the account manage- ment team within our Anders + Kern business. As a leading dis- tributor and integrator of audio visual and presentation products, this position is responsible for the management of accounts within portfolio and the development of new business within the AV / IT reseller channel.


The role provides the opportunity to work with one of the UK’s best in class solutions and engage with high profile clients as part of our room management/CAFM software team.


Key Responsibilities Support the AV / IT reseller channel


•Uncover new business opportunities in a pro-active and inno- vative manner •To achieve the monthly and yearly set individual and divisional targets •To ensure all the accounts within portfolio /responsibility area are kept up to date with new products and services being offered •To build personal and company relationships with all the ac- counts within portfolio •To ensure that all pricing, proposals and tender documentation is returned in a professional and timely manner as requested by customers within portfolio •To feedback client information to the business •To monitor that the service levels being provided by A+K are in accordance with customer expectations and to escalate ac- cordingly •To maintain relationships with external suppliers on pre-sales commercial issues


•Represent the company at trade exhibitions, events and when delivering product demonstrations.


Candidate requirements Need to know and have:


•A proven sales and business development track record •A sound knowledge of Microsoft Exchange & Microsoft Server environments


•A good understanding of network infrastructures and protocols •Strong written and verbal communication skills •A full UK driving licence


Need to be:


•Personally credible with the ability to engage with customers at all levels and with varying levels of technical knowledge •Able to specify, demonstrate and deliver our solution to the highest standard


•Aligned to our values: innovative, responsible, honest, connect- ed and caring


•Ideally based in the London/Home Counties area Other information •Field/home-based role


•Full product training will be provided Benefits & perks


•Competitive salary and commission scheme •Pension scheme/ cycle to work scheme/ discounted gym mem- bership


•Online learning and development subscription and dedicated L&D time each month


Apply for this job via avnews.co.uk website


P16 AV News April 2020


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