IBM and Deepgram announced a collaboration to integrate Deepgram’s speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies into IBM’s watsonx Orchestrate generative AI platform. The integration is designed to provide enterprise-grade transcription, real-time captioning and voice interaction capabilities within watsonx Orchestrate. As part of the agreement, Deepgram becomes IBM’s first voice partner, enabling organizations to build voice-enabled agents and […]

Legrand announced it has transitioned the packaging for its standard wall plate portfolio to NatureFlex compostable material, a move the company said will eliminate approximately 117 tons of single-use, fossil-fuel-based plastic annually. The change applies to all standard wall plate products, excluding the adorne collection, and marks progress toward Legrand’s goal of eliminating 100% of […]

AWOL Vision has introduced two new accessories for its Aetherion Pro and Aetherion Max triple-laser ultra-short-throw projectors: a 150-inch Fresnel Daylight ambient light rejecting screen and the Vanish TV Cabinet. Both products are available through the company’s Kickstarter campaign, which runs through April 1. The new accessories follow the launch of the Aetherion projector series, […]

Gary Kayye and I reflect on ISE 2026 with insights from special guest Brad Hintze, discussing the themes that stood out most — particularly the industry’s shift toward collaboration-driven workplace design and experience-focused AV. The conversation explores what resonated, what may still be missing and how those ideas translate into real-world deployments. The episode also […]

Extron has introduced the SW2 HD 8K, a two-input HDMI switcher with analog audio de-embedding designed for professional AV installations requiring high-resolution video and flexible audio integration. The compact switcher supports video resolutions up to 8K, including 21:9 and 5K ultra-wide aspect ratios. In addition to its HDMI output, the SW2 HD 8K features an […]

The Digital Signage Federation (DSF) kicked off its 2026 calendar with a sold-out Mix & Mingle event in Austin, Texas, bringing together industry professionals for education, networking and strategic planning. The event coincided with the first board meeting of the newly seated DSF Board of Directors. During the meeting, board members discussed membership growth, refining […]

ISE 2026 showcased rapid advances in display technology, but which innovations are truly ready for widespread deployment? Planar’s Robert Detwiler joins me on this episode of Rants & rAVes to demystify MicroLED-in-Package (MIP), explain the differences between COB performance levels and discuss why LCD remains a critical platform for large-scale digital signage even as dvLED […]

Biamp has completed the deployment of a networked audio system at One & Only Kéa Island, a luxury resort on the Greek island of Kéa. The system was designed to deliver high-performance sound across multiple indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining the resort’s architectural aesthetic. The resort required a flexible audio solution capable of supporting […]

Blackwire Designs announced a new strategic distribution agreement with eero, an Amazon company specializing in mesh networking systems. The partnership makes eero’s professional-grade networking products available to Blackwire’s dealer network serving the custom installation and ProAV markets. Under the agreement, dealers will have access to eero’s lineup of Wi-Fi systems, including Wi-Fi 7 and Power […]

Centrios introduced its Exit Trim, extending its cloud-based access control platform to commercial doors requiring exit devices. The product is available for order in the U.S. starting Feb. 20, 2026.

I connected with Chris Teguh after ISE 2026 to discuss Epson’s key themes from the show. From immersive installations and high-brightness projection to built-in AirPlay support for simpler connectivity, we explore how Epson is addressing the needs of integrators working in corporate and education environments. 

This survey is now closed — keep an eye out for next month’s survey! Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the AV ecosystem — from automated camera tracking to analytics, content generation and system optimization. But as AI tools become more embedded in workflows and products, ethical questions follow close behind. Transparency, data privacy, […]

HID’s 2026 State of Security and Identity Report identifies seven trends reshaping identity management, access control and trust across physical and digital environments. The findings highlight accelerating identity convergence alongside rising privacy concerns.

PTZOptics has introduced its Visual Reasoning initiative, a framework that combines robotic PTZ camera systems, artificial intelligence and open integrations to make video workflows more actionable across broadcast, ProAV, education, healthcare and industrial environments. The company also announced a partnership with Moondream, a developer of open-source vision language models, to help power the initiative. By […]

Samsung Electronics America has introduced the WAFX-P, a premium interactive display designed for education and enterprise environments. The new model integrates built-in collaboration tools and Samsung AI Assistant features to support classroom engagement and workplace productivity. The WAFX-P includes a built-in 4K camera, integrated microphones and dual 20-watt speakers to support hybrid instruction and meetings. […]

Extron has launched the DTP3 T 211, a long-distance USB-C transmitter designed to extend video and control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over shielded CAT 6A cable. The new addition to the DTP3 platform is available immediately. The DTP3 T 211 transmits USB-C video and bidirectional RS-232 signals and supports resolutions up to […]

David Guetta has incorporated the Rhodes MK8 MIDI piano into his Ibiza studio, using the instrument as both a creative inspiration tool and a central controller within his software-based production setup. Best known for his work in electronic dance music, the Grammy Award-winning producer said the Rhodes sound connects directly to his musical roots. “The […]

Meyer Sound is aligning with evolving industry efforts around hearing health, emphasizing standards development, education and shared accountability in live sound environments. In recognition of World Hearing Day on March 3, the company outlined its involvement in global initiatives aimed at promoting safer listening practices across venues and live events. Hearing health has long been […]

Registration is now open for InfoComm 2026, which will take place June 13–19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, with exhibits scheduled for June 17–19. Produced by the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA), the event will feature a redesigned show floor, expanded learning opportunities and new activation hubs. InfoComm 2026 is […]

BenQ has announced the launch of the InstaShow VS25, a wireless conferencing system designed to simplify hybrid meetings by eliminating the need for software installations, network logins or cloud connections. Targeted at corporate meeting rooms and executive spaces, the InstaShow VS25 provides hardware-based wireless conferencing with ultra-low-latency performance. The system supports wireless Bring Your Own […]

Legrand has announced the release of its adorne 65W USB Type-C Outlet with Power Delivery, an in-wall charging device designed to combine high-speed performance with decorative wiring aesthetics. The outlet features dual USB Type-C ports with Power Delivery, delivering up to 65 watts per port for charging laptops, tablets and smartphones. According to Legrand, compatible […]

In this episode of Rants & rAVes, I sit down with Quintin Esterhuizen, product lead for Google Meet hardware, to reflect on Google’s presence at ISE 2026. We talk about the strong customer engagement at the show, why interoperability with platforms like Microsoft Teams continues to be a priority and how Gemini AI is being […]

In this end-user-focused episode, Steph Beckett and Tim Albright break down the latest headlines that matter to in-house AV and IT teams. From collaboration platform shifts and hybrid-work solutions to deployment updates, pricing models and system management tools, the discussion centers on what will actually affect enterprise environments. Key topics include developments from companies such […]

After ISE 2026, I caught up with Richard Van Nairn, sales director at Innosonix, to talk about the company’s presence in Hall 7 and its expanding Micro Maxx series. We discuss the role of PoE and traditional AC-powered amplification, where adoption stands today and how Innosonix is positioning itself in a competitive audio market. Richard […]

AWOL Vision has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its Aetherion ultra short throw projector series, first unveiled at CES 2026. The campaign opened Feb. 10 and runs through April 1, with shipments for early backers expected to begin in April. The Aetherion series includes two models: the Aetherion Pro and the Aetherion Max. Early backers […]

RF Venue has launched the 4 ZONE-Network, a new version of its 4 ZONE active antenna combiner that adds browser-based remote control for managing multi-zone wireless microphone systems. The single-rack-space unit integrates a built-in web interface, allowing users to configure and monitor the system from any PC, tablet or phone connected to the same LAN. […]

THIS IS A PROMOTED POST I’ve written about Insta360 before. The company, founded in 2015 and originally known for action cameras, has been steadily carving out space in the ProAV world — particularly in meeting rooms. At ISE 2026, Insta360 showed up with a full conferencing lineup, presenting what felt like its first truly unified […]

Ampetronic | Listen Technologies has promoted Mikey Shaffer to vice president of North American sales, where she will lead regional teams and expand assistive listening solution adoption.

Three Christie Jazz Series 4K1600-JS projectors power a 15-meter-wide L-shaped display at the Building Centre in London, transforming its main gallery into an immersive 4K event space.

The Finding Church in Bellevue, Washington selected the Waves eMotion LV1 Classic console and eMo IEM immersive in-ear mixing software to support weekly services and events with consistent, scalable sound.

Kramer used ISE 2026 to showcase a unified AV ecosystem spanning AV-over-IP management, Dante-based audio, collaboration solutions and engineered meeting spaces. The company emphasized simplified deployment and centralized control across enterprise environments.

Chief has launched the Tempo Floor Support Mount, an updated floor-supported mounting system designed for larger displays and integrated AV storage. The system supports single ultrawide or dual displays up to 98 inches.