Gary Kayye

Gary Kayye

Gary Kayye, founder of rAVe Publications, is one of the most prominent personalities in the audiovisual industry. He has been a contributor to WIRED magazine and a technical advisor and columnist for Sound & Communications magazine as well as an opinionated columnist for rAVe [Publications] since 2003. In addition to his writing and market analysis, Gary has been a product, marketing and business operations consultant to dozens of AV companies in the U.S. and overseas. Clients have included companies such as Sony, Sharp, Epson, Lutron, InFocus, Sanyo, Mitsubishi, NEC and Philips.   Gary, who has been involved with the audiovisual market for over 20 years, was the recipient of the InfoComm 2003 Educator of the Year Award and the 2007 NSCA Instructor of the Year Award. Over the years, he has donated much of his time as an active volunteer in the AV industry’s trade association and served as chairman of InfoComm’s Professional Education & Training Committee (PETC), chairman of the ICIA Design School Committee and chairman of InfoComm’s Installation School Committee. In addition, he has served on the InfoComm board of governors. He also helped grow the InfoComm Projection Shoot-Out as the premiere AV industry trade show special event serving on the committee from 1991 through 1997, and was instrumental in launching the Shoot-Out in the European market at the Photokina Expo in 1994 and 1996 as well as the Asian market at the 1995 and 1997 INFOCOMM Asia shows.   Prior to founding his own company, Gary was vice president of sales and marketing for AMX Corporation (www.amx.com), a manufacturer specializing in professional AV and residential AV control systems. Prior to AMX, Gary spent nine years at Extron Electronics (www.extron.com), rising to the position of vice president of sales and marketing. Gary earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1987 from the University of North Carolina and is currently Adjunct Faculty at UNC in the School of Journalism teaching a class on how future technologies will affect the future of advertising, PR and marketing.   He is also the founder of Swim for Smiles, a non-profit that raises money for the N.C. Children’s Hospital through swimming and other fitness-related events for kids. You can contact him at gary@ravepubs.com..

Extron Begins Shipping NAV D 121 Compact AV-over-IP Decoder

Extron announced it is now shipping the NAV D 121, a compact decoder designed to deliver visually lossless video, audio and control over 1 Gbps IP networks. The NAV D 121 is part of the company’s NAV Pro AV over IP Series and utilizes Extron’s patented PURE3 codec to support video resolutions up to 4K/60 […]

Extron Begins Shipping NAV D 121 Compact AV-over-IP Decoder

Long Beach City College Opens New Esports Facility Featuring Extron Technology

Long Beach City College has opened a new esports facility on its Liberal Arts Campus, featuring Extron AV control technology and NAV Pro AV over IP for switching and distributing gaming content. The new gaming floor includes 47 Alienware gaming stations for players. Coaches monitor and advise players from five mobile stations that connect to […]

Long Beach City College Opens New Esports Facility Featuring Extron Technology

AVIXA Provides InfoComm Latin America Update as October Show Nears

AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) reported that more than 70% of exhibition space has been booked for the inaugural InfoComm América Latina, set for Oct. 22–24, 2025, at the WTC International Convention and Exhibition Center in Mexico City. The show will feature the latest audiovisual technology solutions, product demonstrations, training programs, and networking opportunities. […]

AVIXA Provides InfoComm Latin America Update as October Show Nears

Korbyt CMS Now Available on Amazon Signage Stick in Direct-to-End-User Push

Korbyt has partnered with Amazon to integrate its cloud-based content management system, Korbyt Anywhere, into the Amazon Signage Stick — offering what the company calls a cost-effective, direct-to-consumer digital signage solution. The collaboration enables organizations to deploy digital signage quickly, using Korbyt’s CMS through Amazon’s streaming hardware. The solution is aimed at use cases including […]

Korbyt CMS Now Available on Amazon Signage Stick in Direct-to-End-User Push

Did Xyte Just Solve Every API Compatibility Issue You’ve Ever Had? This Is Awesome!

Xyte has announced the launch of Universal Device APIs, a new set of tools designed to simplify integration and management of connected devices across platforms. The Universal Device APIs allow managed service providers (MSPs), third-party vendors, and in-house AV/UC teams to integrate, monitor, and manage Xyte-enabled devices through a single, secure API connection. The offering […]

Did Xyte Just Solve Every API Compatibility Issue You’ve Ever Had? This Is Awesome!

Dirac, MediaTek Partner to Boost Automotive Audio Performance

Dirac and MediaTek announced a strategic collaboration to integrate Dirac’s digital audio software into MediaTek’s automotive-grade systems-on-chips (SoCs). The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to co-develop a proof of concept that incorporates Dirac’s audio optimization technologies into MediaTek’s automotive platforms. The goal is to enable automakers to deliver improved in-car sound quality with easier […]

Dirac, MediaTek Partner to Boost Automotive Audio Performance

Rants & rAVes — Episode 1417: Get a Sneak Peek at Nanolumens’ Big Plans for InfoComm 2025!

Nanolumens is expanding its lineup at InfoComm 2025 with the new Aurora Processing platform and a one-of-a-kind SeeThru MicroLED system. I sat down with Kurt DeYoung, Nanolumens’ chief revenue officer, to give you a sneak peek at what’s coming — and what you’ll see when you visit them in booth 3081. Watch it now! 

Rants & rAVes — Episode 1417: Get a Sneak Peek at Nanolumens’ Big Plans for InfoComm 2025!

SDVoE Promotes 10G Networks for High-Performance AV-over-IP Distribution

As AV-over-IP adoption accelerates across healthcare, live events, esports, control rooms and education, the SDVoE Alliance is advocating for 10G network infrastructures to deliver higher-quality video distribution. Unlike 1G compression methods, which permanently remove data to reduce file sizes and can degrade image quality, SDVoE’s 10G ecosystem enables the transmission of nearly uncompressed video for […]

SDVoE Promotes 10G Networks for High-Performance AV-over-IP Distribution

Eiki PRO V2000 Laser Projector Brings 20K Lumens to Large Venues

Eiki International Inc. has introduced the PRO V2000, a 20,000-lumen WUXGA laser projector designed for large venues including theaters, auditoriums and high-capacity houses of worship. The new projector features a 3LCD imaging system with 1.0-inch panels and a blue phosphor laser light source, delivering a 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Eiki said the PRO V2000 can operate […]

Eiki PRO V2000 Laser Projector Brings 20K Lumens to Large Venues

Visix Delivers Support for BrightSign

ATLANTA, GA – April 17, 2025 – Visix, Inc., a leader in digital signage solutions, has announced the release of AxisTV Signage Suite version 1.92, now featuring support for BrightSign Series 5 players. This update allows users to design presentations and publish content to BrightSign’s industry-leading digital signage players directly from the Visix CMS, streamlining […]

Visix Delivers Support for BrightSign

Airzone Expands Aidoo Product Line with Three New Models

Sacramento, CA – April 16, 2025 – Airzone Control, a leader in smart HVAC integration solutions, is expanding its flagship line of HVAC control bridges with three new Aidoo Pro models: Aidoo Zigbee – a cutting-edge controller that brings native HVAC integration to Zigbee 3.0 smart home platforms. Aidoo Pro Smart Thermostat Interface (STI) – […]

Airzone Expands Aidoo Product Line with Three New Models

Massive LED Display Installed at 5 Times Square in Midtown Manhattan

A large-scale digital display system has been installed at 5 Times Square, adding a new visual landmark to one of the most heavily trafficked corners in New York City. The multi-screen façade, totaling more than 10,000 square feet of LED canvas, was developed by SNA Displays and spans several sides of the 37-story building. The […]

Massive LED Display Installed at 5 Times Square in Midtown Manhattan

FORTÉ Expands Global Footprint With Acquisitions in Ireland and Germany

FORTÉ, formerly known as AVI Systems, has acquired Dublin-based System Video and GMS, located near Frankfurt, Germany, as part of its continued global expansion. Both companies will adopt the FORTÉ brand. The acquisitions strengthen FORTÉ’s presence in Europe and support its efforts to deliver scalable workplace technology solutions for multinational organizations. “With these acquisitions, FORTÉ […]

FORTÉ Expands Global Footprint With Acquisitions in Ireland and Germany

Here’s Why Canon Medical Systems Chose Sony for Its European HQ Displays

Canon Medical Systems Europe (CMSE) has partnered with Pro Systems and Sony Professional Displays & Solutions Europe to equip its new European headquarters and Canon Medical Academy in Amstelveen, Netherlands, with professional displays and a workplace management system. During the relocation, CMSE also introduced its new Canon Medical Academy Europe. Because of the relocation and […]

Here’s Why Canon Medical Systems Chose Sony for Its European HQ Displays

Industry Leaders to Explore the Future of ProAV at InfoComm 2025 Panel

InfoComm 2025 will host a high-level panel discussion, “2030 Vision: The Future of AV,” featuring influential voices shaping the next era of audiovisual technology. The event takes place Thursday, June 12 at 11 a.m. in the Valencia Ballroom (W415AB) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The panel will feature Brad Hintze, executive […]

Industry Leaders to Explore the Future of ProAV at InfoComm 2025 Panel

Extron Debuts Room Status Indicator for Occupancy, Activity Status and Safety

Extron has introduced the SSI 100 System Status Indicator, a multi-colored backlit device designed to display room occupancy, activity status, safety protocols and other information. The SSI 100 integrates with Extron control systems, calendar platforms and room occupancy sensors without the need for licensing. It features a two-sided acrylic lens with multi-color backlighting and is […]

Extron Debuts Room Status Indicator for Occupancy, Activity Status and Safety

New UpLift Manual Shade Line from Draper At Home Are Safer for Children

For some windows, motorized shades don’t make sense; it could be that the windows are too narrow for motors or are located where they are seldom if ever used. Well, Draper At Home has introduced UpLift, a line of manual window shades that operate without cords or chains. The cordless design eliminates the risk of […]

New UpLift Manual Shade Line from Draper At Home Are Safer for Children

Visix Adds BrightSign Player Support to AxisTV Signage Suite

Visix has released version 1.92 of its AxisTV Signage Suite, adding support for BrightSign Series 5 digital signage players. The update allows users to design presentations and publish content to BrightSign players directly from the Visix content management system, streamlining digital signage workflows. The software now supports BrightSign’s Series 4 and 5 HD, XD and […]

Visix Adds BrightSign Player Support to AxisTV Signage Suite

Ayrton Launches Stradale Profile, an Ultra-Compact Luminaire in New 1 Series

Ayrton has introduced the Stradale Profile, a compact, lightweight luminaire designed to deliver high performance in both indoor and outdoor environments. The new fixture is the first in Ayrton’s 1 Series and part of the company’s Ultimate range. ACT Entertainment is the exclusive distributor of Ayrton products in North America. Built around the concept of […]

Ayrton Launches Stradale Profile, an Ultra-Compact Luminaire in New 1 Series

Sony Expands Spatial Reality Display Capabilities With New SDK and OpenXR Support

Sony Electronics Inc. has released version 2.5.0 of its software development kit (SDK) for the company’s glasses-free 3D Spatial Reality Displays — the 15.6-inch ELF-SR1 and the 27-inch ELF-SR2. The update, part of Sony’s XYN (/zin/) brand, enhances compatibility with key design, game engine, and visualization platforms while improving performance and usability. The new SDK […]

Sony Expands Spatial Reality Display Capabilities With New SDK and OpenXR Support

RAI Amsterdam Upgrades Forum Audio System With Powersoft Unica

If Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) ever returns to its former home in Amsterdam, visitors can expect a better audio experience at the RAI Forum—thanks to a full amplifier upgrade built around Powersoft’s Unica platform. The RAI Amsterdam Forum, a premier venue for international conferences and events, recently overhauled its aging audio infrastructure to ensure reliable, high-quality […]

RAI Amsterdam Upgrades Forum Audio System With Powersoft Unica

DVS LED and Insane Impact Partner to Expand DOOH Advertising Reach

DVS LED Systems and Insane Impact have announced a strategic partnership to deliver Digital Out of Home (DOOH) solutions across the U.S. The collaboration brings together DVS LED’s display technology with Insane Impact’s mobile and fixed LED video wall capabilities, offering a turn-key solution for advertising, events and permanent installations. “We are thrilled to partner […]

DVS LED and Insane Impact Partner to Expand DOOH Advertising Reach

Qbic Introduces 10- and 15-Inch AI-Based Room Controllers in Luminen Pro Series

Qbic Technology has launched the Luminen Pro Series, a line of 10- and 15-inch displays designed for smart room control in workplace environments. The new series includes AI-powered features aimed at improving navigation, user experience and meeting room efficiency. Among the AI-driven capabilities are wayfinding with real-time navigation updates and intelligent control panels that adapt […]

Qbic Introduces 10- and 15-Inch AI-Based Room Controllers in Luminen Pro Series

Sennheiser and Zoapi Partner to Simplify UC Room Integration

Sennheiser and Zoapi Innovations have partnered to enhance compatibility between Zoapi’s meeting solutions and Sennheiser’s TeamConnect (TC) Bar products in unified communications (UC) environments. Sennheiser’s TC Bars, designed for small to mid-sized meeting spaces, are available in two models: the TeamConnect Bar S, which includes four microphones and two speakers, and the TeamConnect Bar M, […]

Sennheiser and Zoapi Partner to Simplify UC Room Integration

Midwich Ignite Invests in NetSpeek, Developer of AI Platform for AV and UC Network Management

Midwich Ignite announced an investment in NetSpeek, the company behind Lena — the first generative AI platform designed to manage multi-vendor unified communications (UC) and pro AV networks. The Lena platform automates the installation, operation and troubleshooting of AV and UC systems, representing a breakthrough for integrators and IT teams in reducing downtime and simplifying […]

Midwich Ignite Invests in NetSpeek, Developer of AI Platform for AV and UC Network Management

Rants & rAVes — Episode 1416: The Most Configurable Lectern for Higher Ed — Meet the EVOLVE Line from Computer Comforts

If you’re in higher ed and haven’t heard of Computer Comforts, let me fix that. The company has been building custom lecterns, classroom desks and media furniture for nearly four decades — and now they’ve launched something game-changing: the EVOLVE line. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of lecterns — modular, scalable and […]

Rants & rAVes — Episode 1416: The Most Configurable Lectern for Higher Ed — Meet the EVOLVE Line from Computer Comforts

CEDIA Returns to the US Capitol; Here’s What They Did

CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, returned to Washington, D.C. for its second annual Smart Home Day on Capitol Hill. Joined by their board of directors, manufacturer CEOs, and industry leaders from around the world, CEDIA advocated for key policies impacting the smart home industry while emphasizing the important work of technology integrators. Throughout […]

CEDIA Returns to the US Capitol; Here’s What They Did

InfoComm 2025 Is All About How Pro AV is Innovating Teaching Spaces

InfoComm 2025 will showcase how Pro AV technology is transforming learning spaces, creating more engaging, interactive and effective learning environments. Across the trade show floor, attendees will have the opportunity to explore AV solutions for K-12 classrooms to higher education and corporate training spaces, both physical and virtual. A comprehensive education program will feature the […]

InfoComm 2025 Is All About How Pro AV is Innovating Teaching Spaces

Black Box Appoints Jai Venkat CRO

Black Box has announced the appointment of Jai Venkat as the company’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for the Americas. In this role, Venkat will lead revenue strategy and execution, with a focus on driving growth, enhancing account management and accelerating performance across all industry verticals and horizontal service practices. He will report directly to CEO […]

Black Box Appoints Jai Venkat CRO

tvONE Just Dropped a Mobile App That Enables Its CALICO PRO to be Totally Controlled by an iPhone or Android Phone!

tvONE announced the CALICO Studio Mobile App, a new mobile solution for controlling CALICO PRO video processors directly from a smartphone. The app is designed to streamline workflows by enabling quick source switching, preset firing and audio control — all from the palm of your hand. Features of CALICO Studio Mobile: Instant Window Source Switching: […]

tvONE Just Dropped a Mobile App That Enables Its CALICO PRO to be Totally Controlled by an iPhone or Android Phone!

Here’s Everything Panasonic is Doing at NAB 2025—including a Video Interview!

Panasonic Video and Audio Systems North America (PAVNA) announced plans to showcase its connected solutions for broadcast, live events, and corporate applications at NAB 2025. With demand growing for flexible, IP-based workflows, Panasonic aims to support production teams with tools designed for efficiency, reliability, and exceptional viewer experiences. Here’s a pre-show videocast we recorded with […]

Here’s Everything Panasonic is Doing at NAB 2025—including a Video Interview!

Blackmagic Design Releases DeckLink IP 100G; a PCIe Gen 4 Card That Uses ST 2110 to Capture 8 Channels of HD and 4K

Blackmagic Design announced DeckLink IP 100G, a new PCIe Gen 4 card that can capture and play back up to eight channels of HD and Ultra HD video simultaneously into 2110 IP systems. It includes 2 x 100G Ethernet QSFP ports for redundancy or connection to two separate 100G Ethernet switches, as well as built-in […]

Blackmagic Design Releases DeckLink IP 100G; a PCIe Gen 4 Card That Uses ST 2110 to Capture 8 Channels of HD and 4K