Every year, Tech & Learning partners with our sister publications AV Technology and Digital Signage to evaluate products submitted by manufacturers exhibiting at InfoComm for Best of Show. Companies who were unable to attend were permitted to submit nominations to a new award, Best of Market.
Congratulations to the following winners!
InfoComm 2021 Best of Show
Fibercommand VisionBeam HydraView
An extender cable with 36 high quality optic fibers that is capable of providing uncompressed zero lag internet, KVM, and HDMI 2.1 4k and 8k for up to six TVs simultaneously. Our judges liked that this set of transceivers “solve multiple connectivity problems with ease.”
A wireless presentation and collaboration device designed to facilitate hybrid meetings and learning with flexibility for wirelessly sharing, engaging, and collaborating in real-time. Judges like the “smaller form factor and with more connectivity and processing power.”
NETGEAR M4250 AV Line Switches
Sleek switches designed for the refined aesthetics of the AV industry with no tedious or complicated setup and configuration. “Netgear has always been an easy to use IT standard which beats its competitors in the AV space,” says our judge.
A transparent writing glass with a built-in camera that allows teachers to write on the board while facing students whether they are watching in-person or online. The judges noted that AV managers will especially appreciate its “innovate manner of its uset.”
Renkus-Heinz Iconyx Compact Series - RD1
These narrow speakers are designed to blend into any environment with directivity controls for challenging acoustics.“Another great product from RH,” say our judges, “continually impressive sound, now in a compact form factor.”
A monitoring solution that can provide real-time diagnostics for today’s hybrid collaboration environment of both conference room technologies and video conferencing applications. “The IT department will love the AV collaborators for having this product,” remarked our judges.
InfoComm 2021 Best of Market
BenQ RE Series Interactive Displays
The Re Series’ interactive display screens are available in a range of sizes from 65 to 98 inches and help facilitate immersive active learning. “BenQ's RE product line demonstrates they understand the needs and expectations of today's education clients,” say our judges. “I absolutely love the electronic whiteboarding user interface experience. Harnessing the cloud BenQ uses QR codes to access user data and the germ resistant touch surface is welcome in any teachers classroom as we continue to seek the end of the global pandemic and everyday germs kids are known to carry.”
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme and ATEM Mini Extreme ISO
These new model live production switchers feature eight inputs, four ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, six independent DVEs, two media players, two downstream keyers, 16 way multiview, two USB connections and multiple HDMI aux outputs. “Blackmagic Design revolutionized low cost flash media recording systems,” noted our judes. “The ability to manage content remotely via a network is a boon for content creators and scheduling managers.”
A one-stop solution for wireless presentations and conferencing that lets you share PowerPoint, video or other content from your laptop, phone or any USB-C device. “Crestron's AirMedia system has matured to one of the most robust collaboration systems on the market,” said our judges.
A unified communications and collaboration platform, Crestron Flex allows you to create a room system, add a device, or turn spaces into collaboration centers. Judges said, “When you need full integration of devices and the ability to manage communications near and far, one of the many Flex products is your solution starting point.”
Crestron 70 Series Touch Screens
Wi-Fi support and proximity sensors that cause the screen to wake when someone is nearby, are just a few of the features of these touch screens. “Crestron's new 70 Series touch screens' best feature might just be its support of a touchless user experience,” says our judges. “As we return to a new normal Crestron has packed the 70 Series panels with hardware to provide a premium user experience in a non-ostentatious form factor.”
Launched in 2021, Zoom apps allows users to incorporate apps directly into Zoom Meetings. This expands the functionality of one of the leading video conferencing providers. “Zoom carried so many education [institutions] and businesses through the pandemic,” says our judges. “Building upon their scalable success the addition of Zoom Apps elevates the user experience by seamlessly integrating leading apps right into the Zoom client.”
