Jacob Blount

Jacob Blount

Jacob was a Project Manager at THE rAVe Agency and an Assistant Editor for rAVe [PUBS]. He worked on internal and client-based projects for the Agency and oversees rAVe [PUBS]'s live event trade show and event coverage, rAVe [NOW].

5 Technologies to Future-Proof Church AV

Out of all of the applications and go-to-market opportunities for ProAV solutions, House of Worship AV (or Church AV) is the most critical to have a future-proof solution. Think about it: No other application of a full, end-to-end, broadcast-quality-ready AV integration is used weekly (or more) by an institution or entity that doesn’t staff a […]

5 Technologies to Future-Proof Church AV

This Is What Powered Pilgrimage 2021

Last you heard from me, we discussed critical decisions to make with in-person, large-scale house of worship events. Our topics rang true then, rang true for Pilgrimage 2021 and they still ring true now.  Our In-Person Experience  Pilgrimage 2021 saw new beginnings in many areas. We welcomed in-person attendees to the event at a new […]

This Is What Powered Pilgrimage 2021

1.5 Decisions to Make Now About Your Next HOW Event

If you are supporting a HOW event in the next, let’s say, three to six months, it’s time to plan for it to be both in-person and virtual. In fact, that’s the decision we recently made for Pilgrimage 2021, the regional HOW event of the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church. With the increased […]

1.5 Decisions to Make Now About Your Next HOW Event

Three HOW Technology Upgrades to Prioritize

Budgets are a bummer, and coming out of a global pandemic means they are tight. When your HOW customers could use an upgrade on six or seven key pieces to their system but only have the budget for three, which do you recommend and why? Here are the first three — in order of most […]

Three HOW Technology Upgrades to Prioritize

Three New Minimum Viable Offerings for Houses Of Worship

When designing a project for a house of worship, how often do you go back to the drawing board to ask the question, “Hmm, what should I include in this system?” Hardly ever, I assume, considering the requirements of houses of worship are mostly the same: assistive listening, environmental lighting, fixed installs and more. These […]

Three New Minimum Viable Offerings for Houses Of Worship

A Fully Virtual Regional HOW Event

As you may recall from previous columns, I serve on the overall planning committee for a regional faith-based event in North Carolina. Pilgrimage, a large-scale event for United Methodist youth and their adult leaders, traditionally takes place in person during the second weekend in November each year. As you can imagine, that was not the […]

A Fully Virtual Regional HOW Event

Partner With Your HOW Customers 

AV integrators and HOW leaders are among the many of us that have been presented with extreme challenges since the onset of the pandemic. For the next four to five minutes of your time, I plan to share my thoughts with you on how the HOW market needs help, how HOW integrators should prioritize customer […]

Partner With Your HOW Customers 

Tour of Installs in New York City Tells Story of Samsung LED

Samsung featured unique installs of their micro and direct view LED solutions installed at its customers’ locations in New York City this month at a press and industry analyst event. In between quick bouts of chilly weather, we visited four locations across the Midtown and downtown Manhattan areas including stops at Fisher Brothers, Ogilvy, MoMA […]

Tour of Installs in New York City Tells Story of Samsung LED

Atlantic Technology’s Gatecrasher1 Wireless Multi-Room Speaker Now Works With Alexa

Combining the Hands-Free Convenience of Alexa Voice Control with the Outstanding Sound Quality of Gatecrasher1 Norwood, MA – December 10, 2019 – Atlantic Technology has added the capability of hands-free voice control by Alexa to their acclaimed Gatecrasher1 wireless multi-room 2.1 stereo table-top audio systems as part of the ‘Works With Alexa’ capability which wirelessly […]

Atlantic Technology’s Gatecrasher1 Wireless Multi-Room Speaker Now Works With Alexa

Just Add Power Makes a Hole in One at Renovated Montecito Club in Santa Barbara

Central Coast Audio Visual Relies on Ultra HD Over IP Platform to Provide Cost-Effective, Reliable Video Distribution ARGO, Fla. — Dec. 10, 2019 — Just Add Power (J+P), a leader in Ultra HD over IP video distribution, announced that its system has been installed at the Montecito Club in Santa Barbara, California, which recently reopened […]

Just Add Power Makes a Hole in One at Renovated Montecito Club in Santa Barbara

SMP 300 Series Integrates Seamlessly with the Panopto Enterprise Video Platform

Anaheim, California (December 10, 2019) – Extron is pleased to announce the immediate availability of enhanced features to seamlessly connect Extron SMP 300 Series Streaming Media Recorder to Panopto enterprise video management systems. The LinkLicense for Enhanced Panopto Features enables users to live stream to Panopto and fully manage SMP recording schedules for lectures and […]

SMP 300 Series Integrates Seamlessly with the Panopto Enterprise Video Platform

Masque Sound Brings the Magic of Bikini Bottom to Real Life for the National Tour of The SpongeBob Musical

NEW YORK, DECEMBER 10, 2019 – When SpongeBob SquarePants, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends (and one squirrel) decided to come up to the surface for the national tour of The SpongeBob Musical, fans rejoiced. The challenging task of bringing the magical sounds of Bikini Bottom to audiences across the […]

Masque Sound Brings the Magic of Bikini Bottom to Real Life for the National Tour of The SpongeBob Musical

Countryman E6 and H6 Microphones Ensure Clarity of Message During the Art & Science of Sound Recording’s Master Class Training Sessions

Clear, natural sound with minimal ambient pickup characteristics prove indispensable Santa Cruz, CA – December 2019… The Art & Science of Sound Recording Master Class Training Sessions offer audio professionals and aspiring professionals alike the opportunity to gain hands-on sound recording tips and tricks from two of the industry’s best known icons. Created by audio […]

Countryman E6 and H6 Microphones Ensure Clarity of Message During the Art & Science of Sound Recording’s Master Class Training Sessions

University of Southern California Uses Enplug Digital Signage Software to Inform and Engage Faculty and Students Across the Campus

Enplug, a leading cloud-based digital signage software provider, today announced deployment of its digital signage platform in three separate organizations within the University of Southern California. USC is in the process of implementing technology throughout its campus to modernize outdated, legacy communications processes. Enplug’s ease-of-use, flexibility and robust automated & custom content options have made […]

University of Southern California Uses Enplug Digital Signage Software to Inform and Engage Faculty and Students Across the Campus

Yamaha YVC-330 Portable USB and Bluetooth Speakerphone Now Shipping

The New Speakerphone with SoundCap Technology Cuts Ambient Noise from Meetings in Open, Busy Environments SUDBURY, Mass. — Dec. 10, 2019 — Yamaha Unified Communications is now shipping the YVC-330 portable USB and Bluetooth® speakerphone. The latest addition to Yamaha’s portable speakerphone family, the YVC-330 virtual meeting solution features Yamaha’s new SoundCap technology. SoundCap is […]

Yamaha YVC-330 Portable USB and Bluetooth Speakerphone Now Shipping

EZCast Pro Launches Next-Generation Multi-Screen Wireless Presentation Solution with EZCast Pro Box II

EZCast Pro continues to lead the way in creating the best multi-screen wireless display solutions for enterprise and education solutions. The newest addition to the EZCast Pro family is EZCast Pro Box II, which combines with ProCast app to create an efficient way to broadcast wireless meetings and lectures. Instead of using cumbersome, and sometimes […]

EZCast Pro Launches Next-Generation Multi-Screen Wireless Presentation Solution with EZCast Pro Box II

AVer Information Inc. USA Develops Technology Collaboration with Telestream

  AVer Professional Auto Tracking and PTZ Live Streaming Cameras Now Integrate with Wirecast Video Platform Solution Fremont, CA — December 10, 2019 — AVer Information Inc. USA, the award-winning provider of video collaboration solutions and education technology solutions, today announced the company has entered a technology partnership with global digital media solutions provider Telestream. […]

AVer Information Inc. USA Develops Technology Collaboration with Telestream

VITEC Kicks Off the Ultimate Game-Day Experience at Allianz Field

EZ TV IPTV and Digital Signage Solution Delivers Best In-the-Field Game Coverage and Advertising Opportunity Ahead of 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs ATLANTA — Dec. 10, 2019 — VITEC, a worldwide leader in advanced video encoding and streaming solutions, today announced that Minnesota United selected its award-winning EZ TV IPTV and Digital Signage Solution to control […]

VITEC Kicks Off the Ultimate Game-Day Experience at Allianz Field

RUSHWORKS Introduces RUSHPROMPTER: “Powerfully Simple” Teleprompting Software

Flower Mound, Texas – December 10, 2019 – RUSHWORKS, provider of cool technology for production, playback and streaming since 2001, today announced the release of RUSHPROMPTER™, a Windows-based teleprompting software solution available as a stand-alone download from its website, or integrated with VNEWS, the company’s TV NEWS PRODUCTION hardware/software system. Rush Beesley, RUSHWORKS founder and […]

RUSHWORKS Introduces RUSHPROMPTER: “Powerfully Simple” Teleprompting Software

Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo Empowered with Conferencing Capabilities from ClearOne

The ClearOne Beamforming Mic Array Ceiling Tile and CONVERGE®Pro 2 48V help to deliver justice for all. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, December 10, 2019 – Established in 1912 and serving more than 20,000 individuals annually, the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo is the largest and oldest provider of legal services to the indigent in Western […]

Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo Empowered with Conferencing Capabilities from ClearOne

Uniguest Group Appoints James Keen as its VP of Marketing

Keen will lead global marketing team including the Uniguest, Touchtown, ONELAN and Tripleplay brands Nashville, TN, 10th December 2019: Uniguest Group is pleased to announce that James Keen, formerly head of marketing at Tripleplay, has been appointed the group vice president of marketing tasked with leading the growth and development of its brands across the […]

Uniguest Group Appoints James Keen as its VP of Marketing

Audio Incorporated Purchases Martin Audio Monitors For NY Events

New York, NY – December, 2019. Audio Incorporated of Roselle Park, NJ purchased a complement of Martin Audio XE500 and XE300 wedge monitors along with SX118 subs for a variety of New York City events starting with this summer’s Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival. Describing his company, owner/founder Mike Sinclair who goes back a […]

Audio Incorporated Purchases Martin Audio Monitors For NY Events

SFL On Tour for Senbla Film Season

Audiovisual production supplier SFL provided a custom-built 10m wide projection screen and stage monitoring for Senbla’s latest film season – starting in September with Star Wars and finishing in December with Love Actually – which sees iconic films screened in HD in prestigious venues around the UK, with live orchestras performing the films’ scores. “We […]

SFL On Tour for Senbla Film Season

Xilica Appoints Sennheiser As Distributor For India

Xilica, a global leader in digital signal processing technology for AV and installed sound, has today announced the appointment of Sennheiser India, the local subsidiary of Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG, as its distributor for the Republic of India effective December 11, 2019. Based in Gurugram, Haryana, Sennheiser India is one of the country’s […]

Xilica Appoints Sennheiser As Distributor For India

Atlona Introduces New Omega Series HDBaseT Receiver

AT-OME-RX11 combines 4K/UHD support with integrated audio de-embedding and PoE SAN JOSE, California, December 10, 2019 – Atlona, a Panduit company, today unveiled the AT-OME-RX11 4K/UHD HDBaseT receiver with audio de-embedding capabilities. Available immediately, the new model is the latest addition to Atlona’s extensive Omega™ Series of switching, extension, and video processing solutions for modern […]

Atlona Introduces New Omega Series HDBaseT Receiver

Rentman Rental Management Software expands to Spanish-speaking markets

Europe’s leading cloud rental management solution is now fully available in Spanish Utrecht, NL – European market leader Rentman releases its advanced rental management software to the Spanish-speaking market. The move aims to make the lives of both current and prospective customers from Spain, South and Central America easier, by allowing them to manage their […]

Rentman Rental Management Software expands to Spanish-speaking markets

DiGiCo SD10 Is Not Giving In On Tom Walker Tour

Tom Walker’s FOH and monitor engineers explain why DiGiCo is a game-changer on the 2019 BRIT Award-winning singer’s European tour… FOH engineer, Mike Platt, has worked with Tom Walker since 2017, when he was part of a three-piece support act for The Script. The Scottish artist’s rise to fame has been quick: since then he […]

DiGiCo SD10 Is Not Giving In On Tom Walker Tour

LDA Audio Tech Attends Cairo ICT Fair With Partner Secucom

Cairo ICT is one of the majors trade shows about technology for the influence area of North Africa and Middle East Málaga, Spain – December 10, 2019. – LDA Audio Tech’s advanced public address and voice evacuation solutions were present at the major telecommunications and information technology fair for the Middle East and Africa, Cairo […]

LDA Audio Tech Attends Cairo ICT Fair With Partner Secucom

Visionary Solutions Partners with Inavate in Vietnam

Santa Barbara, CA – December 2019 — Visionary Solutions is pleased to announce the appointment of Inavate as its distributor partner in Vietnam. The highest certified professional AV company in Vietnam, Inavate is based in Ho Chi Minh City and provides tailored AV and telepresence solutions to the corporate, public, and residential markets. “We’re delighted […]

Visionary Solutions Partners with Inavate in Vietnam

Biamp Streamlines European Distribution System

ANTWERP, Belgium — Dec. 10, 2019 — Biamp, a leading supplier of professional audio and video solutions based in Beaverton, Oregon, USA, today announced a new streamlined European distribution model to strengthen the company’s sales, support, and product distribution in the region. With a continued focus on rapid investment and expansion across Europe, Biamp has […]

Biamp Streamlines European Distribution System

Crestron Introduces Wireless Horizon EX Dimmers and Keypads

Line of wall-box controllers features matching dimmers and keypads; enables residential system integrators to deliver consistent, elegant look throughout the home for hybrid systems  Rockleigh, NJ – December 9, 2019 – Crestron, a global leader in advanced smart home technology, announced today it is now shipping its wireless Horizon™ EX keypads and dimmers. Featuring matching […]

Crestron Introduces Wireless Horizon EX Dimmers and Keypads

CEDIA Promotes Samantha Ventura and Ian Bryant

CEDIA has announced two promotions. The global organization has named Samantha Ventura vice president of education and training and Ian Bryant vice president of technology application and workforce initiatives. The positions deal with two of CEDIA’s key areas of strategic focus: education and workforce development. “The decisions to elevate the roles and responsibilities of Samantha […]

CEDIA Promotes Samantha Ventura and Ian Bryant