Latest headlines: Scott Tiner on what AV can learn from the WWE, Mark Coxon on IT versus experience, plus news from Vivitek, Sony and more
September 8, 2020 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 17
A pandemic success story — there’s a headline I never thought I would see and/or edit during my time on this Earth. But in these times, we kind of just throw everything that “has been” out the window and embrace whatever weird, whacky thing happens. At least, that’s what I think we should do so we don’t go crazy. Anyway, the other whack part of the first column we feature in this newsletter is the stuff that this industry can learn from … the WWE. The lesson is not on how to be theatrical; it’s about rolling with the punches (metaphorically speaking) and delivering a solution to your audience/customers when things go awry.
But that isn’t the only dope reading material we have for you this week! We also have a column from Mark Coxon about trying to balance between IT and X — especially as things are starting to reopen here in the States. How can integrators and manufacturers decide what matters? According to Mark, it’s about both! So give it a read.
Finally, we have plenty of product updates! Check out everything from a new plug-in from Waves Audio to a multi-projector module from Modulo Pi to a new projector from Vivitek.
World Wrestling Entertainment is a sport that relies on fan engagement and interaction more than any other. A big reason for that is the fact that it is staged. Yes, there is a substantial degree of physicality that goes into it, along with choreography and excellent timing. Yet, in the end, we know it is not real, and that is why the fans are so important. The WWE athletes need fan interaction and cheering to make the show. They need to be “distracted” by the fans at times to make the story work. WWE tried for a few months to put on shows without fans, and the rating plummeted. There were complaints about how boring it was. What fans did not know is that all the while, behind the scenes was a growing audiovisual masterpiece, the ThunderDome.
Suppose you’re active in social media at all. In that case, you may have noticed that quite a few strong opinions are resurfacing about AV’s “Experience” movement that has been happening since InfoComm became AVIXA. I still believe that the experience movement is significant, perhaps even more so today as we reenvision public spaces, restaurants and corporate offices to offer unique outcomes that can’t be recreated remotely. I also know that the world has surged forward with mass adoption of digital tools to connect people and resources over the past six months, so the importance of AV’s IT-based segments are also more critical than ever.