Steph Beckett

Steph Beckett

Steph Beckett is the managing editor at rAVe [PUBS]. Contact her at steph@ravepubs.com.

Rants & rAVes — Episode 1410: Michelle Montazeri on DSF’s Busy Start to 2025

In this Steph takeover episode, I spoke with Michelle Montazeri, board member of the Digital Signage Federation (DSF), about what the org has been up to in Q1 — and spoiler alert: It’s a lot. From community outreach and industry events to a peek at what’s coming the rest of the year, Michelle breaks down […]

Rants & rAVes — Episode 1410: Michelle Montazeri on DSF’s Busy Start to 2025

Jeff Shaw Named Chief Product Officer at Nice

Nice has named Jeff Shaw as its new chief product officer. Shaw brings more than 20 years of experience in product management and marketing. He previously served as head of product management for luxury solutions within the Nice Home Management Systems business unit and, before that, as vice president of control products for Nice North […]

Jeff Shaw Named Chief Product Officer at Nice

New Study Confirms What AV Pros Already Know: Audio Quality Matters

In an NPR article posted Monday (and in an “All Things Considered” segment), Nell Greenfieldboyce urges users of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, etc., to pay attention to how their computers are altering their voices. She points to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that found high-quality audio makes […]

New Study Confirms What AV Pros Already Know: Audio Quality Matters

Here’s How the Duke Law School Does AV Routing Flawlessly

Duke University School of Law in Durham, North Carolina, recently refreshed the audiovisual systems in three lecture halls and a moot courtroom, upgrading to the latest Extron technology, including the NAV Pro AV over IP platform. The update resulted in immediate improvements to system reliability and flexibility. NAV Pro now routes content to multiple rooms […]

Here’s How the Duke Law School Does AV Routing Flawlessly

Test & Measurement Company, Leader, Develops NDI Signal Integrity Testing Tool

Leader Instruments Corporation has introduced a new tool for NDI signal troubleshooting and monitoring. Designed for broadcasters, production companies, systems integrators verifying network topographies, and manufacturers, the software provides a quick and simple way to check NDI streams. NDI Checker is a browser-based software application that runs on a standard Windows PC. Once connected to […]

Test & Measurement Company, Leader, Develops NDI Signal Integrity Testing Tool

Here’s How Epson and Green Hippo Created the Illusion of a Sphere in Its Booth at ISE

Green Hippo’s Hippotizer Media Servers were the choice yet again this year for a magical projection installation on the Epson stand at ISE 2025. The project rigged a 2.2-metre mirrored globe, onto which AI-generated bright, floral and kaleidoscopic content was projected via three 4K, 20,000 lumen Epson EB-PQ2220B Projectors. At the heart of the EcoSphere […]

Here’s How Epson and Green Hippo Created the Illusion of a Sphere in Its Booth at ISE

Need an Ambient Lighting System that Can Also Strobe and Be used as Experiential Lighting? That’s the GLP JDC Burst 1 LED

GLP launched the JDC Burst 1, a strobe/wash hybrid LED light that builds on the form factor of the JDC2 IP. The JDC Burst 1 features a controllable white strobe line that is 10% brighter than the JDC1 and offers more strobe effects. In addition to the white strobe, the unit includes two RGBW LED […]

Need an Ambient Lighting System that Can Also Strobe and Be used as Experiential Lighting? That’s the GLP JDC Burst 1 LED

Here’s How DraftKings Created an Immersive SportsBook Experience at Wrigley Field

DraftKings sought to create a flagship location for its daily fantasy sports and sports betting enthusiasts, set against the historic backdrop of one of America’s oldest ballparks — Wrigley Field. The goal was to craft a space that blended the historic charm of Wrigley with cutting-edge technology, delivering an immersive sports-watching and betting experience. The […]

Here’s How DraftKings Created an Immersive SportsBook Experience at Wrigley Field

Here’s How Mission Control and Sound Devices Manage Over 150 Wireless Mics at a Coldplay Concert

25 years after their debut at Glastonbury Festival, Coldplay returned to headline the 2024 edition of the UK’s premier live music event. With an audience of more than 200,000 people and a guest-star-studded lineup—including British rapper Little Simz, Nigerian Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti, and Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox—the performance was an […]

Here’s How Mission Control and Sound Devices Manage Over 150 Wireless Mics at a Coldplay Concert

Marshall Ships Three New PTZ Cameras and Seamless Switcher

Marshall Electronics has announced that its CV612, CV620, and CV630 PTZ cameras, along with the VMV-402-3GSH switcher, are now shipping. The Marshall CV612 features AI-driven facial tracking, allowing it to automatically follow and frame presenters with accurate, smooth self-adjusting movements. Its advanced AI tracking ensures the camera remains locked on the primary subject, even when […]

Marshall Ships Three New PTZ Cameras and Seamless Switcher

Instead of Marking Commercials, TV Shows and Movies in Hollywood, Why Not a Virtual Production Set in Ohio?

Content creation studio TRG Multimedia has expanded its facility with a new LED stage powered by Disguise’s Studio Pro, a turnkey virtual production solution. The stage features a 50-foot-wide, 16-foot-tall LED volume equipped with ROE Obsidian panels, a mobile 10’x10’ auxiliary cart, and a portable hardware rack for flexibility and ease of use. This addition […]

Instead of Marking Commercials, TV Shows and Movies in Hollywood, Why Not a Virtual Production Set in Ohio?

rAVe [TV] — Episode 207: Live from Enterprise Connect 2025!

In today’s episode, Gary kicks things off solo, diving into some of the latest news before setting the stage for Enterprise Connect 2025. Then, Tim Albright and I join live, reporting live from the show floor, bringing firsthand insights into the biggest trends shaping enterprise AV. You then get to come along for a quick […]

rAVe [TV] — Episode 207: Live from Enterprise Connect 2025!

Moments Lab Details New MXT-2 AI Indexing Technology for Production and Live Events

Moments Lab has unveiled MXT-2, the latest version of its multimodal AI indexing technology, designed to help producers quickly locate key moments in large video libraries for content creation, repurposing, and monetization. With a training dataset exceeding 1.5 billion images—more than three times larger than its predecessor—MXT-2 delivers even more detailed and accurate humanlike descriptions […]

Moments Lab Details New MXT-2 AI Indexing Technology for Production and Live Events

D-Tools Says HomeAV and ProAV Market Growth is 6.5% in 2024

D-Tools has released its 2024 Year-in-Review Market Health Report, offering an in-depth analysis of industry performance, key trends, and strategic insights based on real project data from more than 3,000 active integration companies. Despite economic challenges, the custom integration industry grew by 6.5% in 2024, demonstrating resilience amid inflationary pressures and election-year uncertainty. Compiled from […]

D-Tools Says HomeAV and ProAV Market Growth is 6.5% in 2024

Hunter Douglas Details CI Learnings from Its Custom Integrator Program (CIP)

Hunter Douglas has released new data from its Custom Integrator Program (CIP), providing insights into buying trends in the custom integration (CI) channel. The findings show that roller shades account for only 41% of integrators’ unit sales and 39% of their total revenue, indicating that integrators focusing solely on these solutions are missing out on […]

Hunter Douglas Details CI Learnings from Its Custom Integrator Program (CIP)

BenQ and Carl’s Place Just Introduced a Pre-Configured Golf Simulation Package

BenQ and Carl’s Place have announced a collaboration featuring the BenQ AK700ST projector and Carl’s Place Curved Golf Enclosure Kit. Bundled as part of the Carl’s EYE XO2 Curved Golf Package, this partnership delivers a premium golf simulation setup designed to provide unmatched realism, elegance, and immersion for indoor golf enthusiasts. The Carl’s EYE XO2 […]

BenQ and Carl’s Place Just Introduced a Pre-Configured Golf Simulation Package

Meyer Sound Debuts ASTRYA Screen Channel Loudspeaker for Theaters/Large Venues

Meyer Sound has introduced ASTRYA, a new flagship self-powered cinema screen channel loudspeaker series designed to deliver reference-quality sound with built-in DSP technology for precise audio reproduction. Leveraging research from Meyer Sound’s Bluehorn technology, ASTRYA offers predictable and extremely linear phase response, ensuring ultra-precise time alignment. Its high driver density and concentric mid-high driver design […]

Meyer Sound Debuts ASTRYA Screen Channel Loudspeaker for Theaters/Large Venues

Comprehensive Connectivity Launches Transformer Cables With Swappable USB and HDMI Connections

Comprehensive Connectivity has introduced Transformer Cables, a new line of multi-connector cables designed for flexibility in business, education, and commercial environments. Each cable features a USB connection on one end and an interchangeable connector on the other, allowing users to switch between USB-C, USB-A and HDMI as needed. The Pro AV/IT Integrator Series Transformer Cables […]

Comprehensive Connectivity Launches Transformer Cables With Swappable USB and HDMI Connections

Extron Expands Quantum Ultra II With DTP3 Input and Output Cards for Video Walls

Extron has introduced new DTP3 input and output cards for its Quantum Ultra II videowall processor, adding long-distance signal extension capabilities aimed at command centers, control rooms and large-scale video walls. The Quantum IN4DTP3 is a four-input card that allows direct connection of remote source devices without requiring separate DTP3 receivers. It supports both twisted […]

Extron Expands Quantum Ultra II With DTP3 Input and Output Cards for Video Walls

Extron Launches MGP 641 xi 5K Multi-Window Processor for High-Resolution AV Applications

Extron has introduced the MGP 641 xi 5K, a multi-window processor designed for high-resolution signal processing in ProAV, live events and esports applications. The processor scales and presents up to four 5K sources on a single screen, supporting resolutions up to 5120×2880 with 4:4:4 color sampling. Equipped with Extron’s Vector 4K scaling engine, the MGP […]

Extron Launches MGP 641 xi 5K Multi-Window Processor for High-Resolution AV Applications

FOR-A Details New IMPULSE Software-Based Production Platform; Launches 60 x 30 3G Matrix and 16-Input Switch

FOR-A America has launched FOR-A IMPULSE, a software-based production platform that consolidates the functions of FOR-A and third-party products into a single host processor. Short for Integrated Media Platform with UnLimited StructureE, FOR-A IMPULSE offers signal processing, multiview, switching, graphics, audio mixing, and media playback as software function nodes. Operators can connect these nodes within […]

FOR-A Details New IMPULSE Software-Based Production Platform; Launches 60 x 30 3G Matrix and 16-Input Switch

Shure Aids in Dismantling Large-Scale Counterfeit Audio Operation in China

Shure, in collaboration with two international audio equipment manufacturers, assisted in dismantling a large-scale counterfeiting operation in China that produced and exported fake microphones, headphones and amplifiers to Southeast Asia. Crackdown on Counterfeit Operations In May 2023, Shure received information about a network of nine entities in China exporting counterfeit audio products through more than […]

Shure Aids in Dismantling Large-Scale Counterfeit Audio Operation in China

Rants & rAVes — Episode 1408: Steph Takeover: Enterprise Connect 2025 Preview With Eric Krapf

It’s a Steph Takeover on this episode of Rants & rAVes! I sat down with Eric Krapf, general manager and program chair of Enterprise Connect, to get the inside scoop on what’s coming up at this year’s show. We talked about the biggest trends shaping enterprise communications, the must-see sessions and what makes Enterprise Connect […]

Rants & rAVes — Episode 1408: Steph Takeover: Enterprise Connect 2025 Preview With Eric Krapf

New I-PRO Cloud-Based Vision Management Platform Is Aimed at School Security

i-PRO Americas (formerly Panasonic Security) has introduced VideoInsight 8.0, the latest version of its video management system (VMS), designed to provide cost-effective, AI-driven security solutions for schools. The new platform simplifies campus safety with seamless integration, advanced analytics, and cloud-based capabilities, addressing the growing security needs of school administrators, IT directors, and security teams. Addressing […]

New I-PRO Cloud-Based Vision Management Platform Is Aimed at School Security

PPDS Names Fabrice Penhoat Business Director for France and Africa

PPDS (Philips Professional Displays) has appointed Fabrice Penhoat as business director for Philips Signage and dvLED in France, the French overseas territories (Dom Tom), and Africa. In this newly created role, Penhoat will oversee the development and execution of PPDS’ digital signage and LED sales strategies in these key regions. A veteran of the AV […]

PPDS Names Fabrice Penhoat Business Director for France and Africa

Salamander Designs Introduces Manhattan Media Cabinet for HomeAV and ProAV Markets

Salamander Designs has introduced the Manhattan Media Cabinet, the latest addition to its Chameleon Collection. Designed for HomeAV and ProAV integrators, the cabinet combines premium finishes with practical AV storage solutions, including equipment storage, wire management, ventilation, and customization options. The Manhattan Media Cabinet is available in two finishes: Walnut Maro Ebony It also offers […]

Salamander Designs Introduces Manhattan Media Cabinet for HomeAV and ProAV Markets

Nice North America Appoints Donnie McVicker as Chief Sales Officer

Nice North America has appointed Donnie McVicker as its new chief sales officer (CSO), the company announced. With more than 15 years of experience in sales leadership, McVicker brings a strategic approach to business growth, team leadership, and customer engagement that aligns with Nice’s commitment to expanding its market presence. McVicker previously held key sales […]

Nice North America Appoints Donnie McVicker as Chief Sales Officer

d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics Launch Milan Manager Website for AVB Networking

d&b audiotechnik and L-Acoustics have launched MilanManager.com, a dedicated website for Milan-AVB networking, following the successful introduction of Milan Manager at InfoComm 2024. The platform serves as a manufacturer-neutral resource where audio professionals can download the Milan Manager software free of charge and access tools for implementing Milan-AVB networks across various applications. The website launch […]

d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics Launch Milan Manager Website for AVB Networking

Green Hippo and Epson Power Immersive Visuals for ‘Angels in America’ in Finland

“Angels in America,” Tony Kushner’s epic drama, continues its sold-out run at Finland’s National Theatre, featuring a projection-heavy design powered by a Green Hippo Hippotizer Boreal+ MK2 Media Server and Epson projectors. Staged in the Small Stage venue, the 292-seat theater presents a visually immersive experience, with the 15-meter-wide back wall transformed into a dynamic […]

Green Hippo and Epson Power Immersive Visuals for ‘Angels in America’ in Finland

AVer Named a 2025 Best Place to Work by Business Intelligence Group

AVer Information Inc. USA has been recognized as a 2025 Best Place to Work by the Business Intelligence Group, highlighting the company’s commitment to employee engagement, professional growth, and workplace excellence. “We are honored to be recognized as a 2025 Best Place to Work,” said Arthur Pait, president of AVer Information Inc. USA. “At AVer, […]

AVer Named a 2025 Best Place to Work by Business Intelligence Group

IP Showcase Returns to 2025 NAB Show With Focus on Broadcast and ProAV Convergence

The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA), and the Video Services Forum (VSF) have announced the return of the IP Showcase at the 2025 NAB Show, highlighting the growing convergence of broadcast and Pro AV technologies. This year’s event will spotlight IPMX, an open-interoperability framework for AV-over-IP, demonstrating its potential […]

IP Showcase Returns to 2025 NAB Show With Focus on Broadcast and ProAV Convergence

Christie Names Sean James Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Service

Christie has appointed Sean James as executive vice president of Global Sales and Service, expanding his leadership role to oversee both the company’s sales function and service organization. “Sean’s proven leadership, combined with his ability to foster strong, lasting relationships, makes him highly qualified to lead our sales and service teams,” said Michael Phipps, president […]

Christie Names Sean James Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Service