InfoComm 2018 Recap

June 13, 2018

InfoComm 2018 is the largest professional audio-visual trade show in the United States, with thousands of products for audio, unified communications and collaboration, display, video, control, digital signage, home automation, security, VR, and live events.

Attending this show on Dale's behalf was Joel Guilbert, Mike Descoteau, and Eric Eldredge.

Some of the new interesting finds in the audio world we came across:

• Yamaha introduced the DZR series of loudspeakers, in both active and passive models. These will ship later in the year.
• Countryman showed a new headset microphone called the H7, a durable and high-quality model aimed for the live and theatrical markets.
• Rockustics showed off the Cherry Bomb, an outdoor loudspeaker that utilizes the earth surrounding it to increase bass response.
• Aviom showed the BOOM-1 processor, which takes low-frequency info from your IEM personal monitor system and sends it to your stool or throne as if it were stage vibration.
• Audinate rolled out the new Dante SDVoE IP-based audio and video transport protocol, taking the groundwork of Dante and moving into the next phase. This technology should start taking shape as the year progresses.

 

Joel Guilbert shares some of his feelings from the show's conclusion: This year's InfoComm was a relatively upbeat affair.  With attendance near 43,000, the North and Central halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center were bustling.

 

Trends: While Dante remained a ubiquitous presence; AVB(?!) seems to be making a resurgence. Cisco recently announced AVB support on a lower cost range of switches, and Presonus, Meyer, Synthax, L-acoustics, d+b, are lined up to support, some via the AVNU Alliance Milan endeavor (more about that here).

Speaking of Dante; it was everywhere - almost everything you could think of that could have Dante integrated was proudly flying that flag. Dante Domain Manager compatibility badges were omnipresent. A good sign for anyone who has customers on the fence regarding integrating a more robust Dante control system!

The ongoing RF spectrum disappearance was a specter in the air, but unlike past events where it was an upcoming event, now it's to the point where it’s simply a fact to contend with. Companies as large and small, and occupying different diverse markets, from Marantz to Williams Sound to Lectrosonics were showing off alternate spectrum devices.

The Dale crew saw a good number of interesting new products and will be working with the manufacturers and rep companies to get items in for us to listen to and analyze.

Dale Pro Audio remains committed to being a leading provider of solutions for the Live Sound, Install, and Contractor markets.

For a full gallery of photos from the show, visit HERE.

For additional coverage from the show, please visit our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

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