As I am sure you have seen in our videos, a lot of the products at ISE are flashy, high-tech and mostly for entertainment purposes or personal enjoyment. 

Now, don’t get me wrong I enjoy a big LCD screen and a bathtub with a wine chiller in it as much as the next person, but I do think the powers of technology need to be balanced between fun and serious. Luckily, I am happy to report that I have viewed a few companies trying to bring that very balance to the AV industry. 

Nautilus really stuck out in my mind for their work on education products, especially their computerized desk.  This desk might seem simple in concept, but it could make big waves for disabled students and really education in general. Its sleek, thin base makes it easy for students to make the desk move for their needs without the limitations of a standard desk.  Even better, it gives teachers a more innovative way to engage students in learning.

PNF also presented a great product called SmartPen. This pen is used for writing on an iPad bringing back the use of actual handwriting. Think about it, most school kids now spend the majority of their time typing on a computer and never using a pen. This product is bringing back the old use of pen and paper, just on a computer. I like that balance.

Now technology doesn’t only help education, it can also help the medical field.   Setred displayed a 3D holographic machine that can display medical applications to help doctors better serve their patients. It can also be connected to a dummy skull allowing brain surgeons to practice their procedures before actual cutting someone open. This kind of practice is something I am sure we would all appreciate if we ever had to have brain surgery.

So basically at the end of the day I loved seeing the extra creative, high resolution, flashy products, but I also really enjoyed knowing some people are using technology to really make a difference.  This industry is certainly powerful.