Almo Pro AV
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Optimizing AV Systems for Hybrid Classrooms: Best Practices for Integrators

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Business Development, Cameras, Collaboration, Education, Interactive Touch Displays, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Projectors, Sound Engineering, Uncategorized

The hybrid classroom, where in-person and remote learners connect seamlessly, is now a staple in education. With 67% of college instructors leading hybrid classes in 2023 (up from 52% before the pandemic), this approach is expected to continue growing across K–12 and higher education. As an AV integrator, you’re already aware that a well-designed AV system is key to engaging every student equally. Here’s how to tackle that challenge with confidence.

  1. Prioritize High-Quality Cameras & Flexible Coverage

Opt for PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras instead of fixed-lens models. They allow remote students to follow the instructor and classroom activity seamlessly. Lumens even suggests avoiding fixed lenses for multipurpose rooms due to their limited coverage.

Best practice suggestions:

    • Choose auto-tracking cameras for hands-free presentation.
    • Allow remote focus and zoom control via a secondary display or control console.
  1. Important: Don’t Allow Poor Audio to End the Class

Clear and intelligible audio is the foundation of effective hybrid learning. Ceiling mounted beamforming microphones, conferencing soundbars, and digital signal processors with (AEC) acoustic echo cancellation are just a few of the possible solutions used to ensure the class sounds as good as it looks.

Best practice suggestions:

    • Consider lapel mics for presenters and ceiling or table mics for students to stay loud and clear. Microphones are just as important as the loudspeakers being used.
    • Route audio through a central DSP with dynamic equalization, feedback suppression, and AEC (acoustic echo cancellation) to help balance out the sound and ensure no unwanted feedback/echo.
    • Room acoustics matter.  Taking into consideration the possible obstacles of reflective surfaces, open ceilings, and unwanted noises in the room will go a long way to stellar performance.
  1. Upgrade Displays and Sharing Infrastructure

Dual displays, one for content, another for live video feed, help both in-room and remote participants stay engaged. Having the right size displays will ensure everyone in the room can clearly view what is being shown. Interactive whiteboards also boost collaboration, allowing annotations and media sharing in real time.

Best practice suggestions:

    • Use interactive touch screens, or interactive projectors.
    • Consider industry standards when it comes to the recommended display size for a given space.
  1. Fortify Network Reliability

A strong network is non-negotiable. Hybrid systems demand reliable bandwidth and proper Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization to avoid audio dropout or video lag.

Best practice suggestions:

    • Validate network health before installation.
    • Create separate AV VLANs to isolate traffic and maintain stability.
    • Ensure Wi-Fi strength supports classroom needs effectively.
  1. Integrate Seamlessly with LMS and Collaboration Platforms

Ease of use for educators is essential. Sick of manual setup? So are teachers. Make sure your AV design integrates smoothly with platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.

Best practice suggestions:

    • Test both live streaming and on-demand delivery.
    • Tie AV controls into existing classroom software wherever possible.

Why This Matters

Hybrid learning isn’t just a trend. It’s backed by data: over two-thirds of educators now embrace it. When AV systems falter due to poor audio, unreliable cameras, lagging video, remote learners disengage. Your expertise in deploying smart, integrated AV systems can ensure every voice is heard and every lesson matters.

Final Take

By implementing PTZ cameras, dependable audio, dual-display systems, robust networking, and smart integrations, you’ll deliver hybrid environments that feel inclusive, intuitive, and professionally engineered. For AV integrators who stay ahead of these practices, the payoff is improved learning outcomes, and stronger client trust.

Ready to upgrade your hybrid classroom AV? Connect with your Almo team for a free consultation on your next project.

Plug-and-Play AV: The Fast Track to Smarter Collaboration Upgrades Before Year-End

by | Dec 2, 2025 | Business Development, Collaboration, Networked AV, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

The clock is ticking on year-end budgets, and for many corporate clients, that means finding smart ways to maximize remaining funds without adding complexity. Enter plug-and-play AV solutions: the ultimate shortcut to collaboration upgrades.

What Does Plug-and-Play AV Really Mean?

In simple terms, plug-and-play AV is all about simplicity, speed, and scalability. These solutions are designed to work right out of the box – no lengthy configuration, no specialized programming. For integrators, that translates into faster deployments and fewer headaches. For clients, it means immediate ROI and minimal disruption to daily operations.

Why It Matters for Corporate Spaces

Hybrid work isn’t going anywhere. Teams need tools that make collaboration seamless whether participants are in the room or remote. Plug-and-play AV solutions deliver exactly that:

  • Ease of use: No IT degree required – employees can walk in and start collaborating.
  • Flexibility: Works across multiple platforms and spaces, from huddle rooms to boardrooms.
  • Scalability: Start small and expand as needs grow.

Popular Solutions to Consider

MaxHub collaborationHere are a few examples of plug-and-play options that integrators are leveraging to help clients upgrade quickly:

  • Wireless Presentation Systems: Tools like Barco ClickShare Hub Core make sharing content effortless – no cables, no confusion.
  • USB Conferencing Kits: Solutions such as the Maxhub XCore Kit for Teams or Huddly L1 Kit deliver high-quality video and audio without complex installs.
  • Smart Cameras and Video Bars: Products like Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS enhance hybrid meetings with intelligent framing and crystal-clear sound.
  • Network Optimization: Don’t forget the backbone – switches like Netgear M4250 ensure AV-over-IP runs smoothly.

Why Act Before Year-End?

There’s a strategic advantage to moving now:

  • Budget Efficiency: Many organizations have funds earmarked for technology upgrades and must use them before they disappear.
  • Immediate Productivity Gains: Faster deployments mean teams start benefiting right away.
  • Future-Proofing: These solutions position clients for success in 2026 and beyond.

Bottom line: Plug-and-play AV isn’t just a trend – it’s a practical way to deliver value quickly. As an integrator, helping clients make these smart upgrades now can strengthen relationships and set the stage for continued growth.

Want help finding the right solutions for your projects?
Reach out to your Almo sales representative or business development manager. We’re here to make the process simple and stress-free. Start the conversation with our team ⟫

Emerging AV Trends Shaping the Future of Government Facilities

by | Sep 2, 2025 | Business Development, Cameras, Collaboration, Digital Signage, Government, Networked AV, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Signal Distribution, Uncategorized

Government facilities are undergoing a technology modernization – and AV technology is at the heart of it. From city halls and courthouses to command centers and public safety offices, agencies are investing in smarter, more secure, and more scalable AV systems to meet the demands of hybrid workforces, citizen engagement, and operational resilience.

At Almo Pro AV, we work in partnership with resellers and integrators to help them stay ahead of the curve. Let’s look at the top technologies shaping the future of public sector AV – and how you can leverage them to grow your business.

  1. AV Over IP: The Backbone of Scalable Government Infrastructure

Kramer kds7mngrAV over IP is rapidly replacing traditional AV distribution in government buildings. It offers flexibility, centralized control, and cost-effective scalability – especially for multi-site deployments and command centers.

Integrator Insight: Agencies are prioritizing TAA-compliant, secure AV-over-IP solutions that integrate with existing IT infrastructure. Almo’s product portfolio includes vetted, standards-based systems ready for federal and SLED environments.

Featured Product: Explore Kramer’s reliable AV over IP solutions, such as the KDS-7-MNGR, for seamless video distribution.

  1. Hybrid-Ready Meeting Spaces

PTZOptics Move 4kVirtual and hybrid meetings are now standard in government operations. Agencies need AV setups that support remote testimony, live streaming, and real-time collaboration with high security and accessibility.

Integrator Insight: Focus on UC platforms with ADA-compliant features, real-time captioning, and EO 14028 alignment. Almo offers training and sales enablement to help you map product features to policy requirements.

Featured Product: PTZOptics Move 4K offers built-in auto-tracking capabilities and comes native with NDI® HX3 for unparalleled performance and versatility.

  1. Digital Signage for Public Messaging and Wayfinding

SpinetiX media playerDigital signage is becoming essential for real-time alerts, multilingual communication, and interactive wayfinding in public buildings. Agencies are replacing static signage with dynamic, remotely managed displays.

Integrator Insight: Offer signage solutions with emergency alert integration and remote content management. Almo’s partners benefit from access to exclusive signage platforms and deployment support.

Featured Product: SpinetiX iBX440 is the digital signage player that makes
video walls accessible to everyone.

  1. Assistive Listening and Accessibility TechListen Technologies

Accessibility is a legal and ethical priority. Agencies are upgrading council chambers and courtrooms with assistive listening systems, captioning, and inclusive interfaces.

Integrator Insight: Almo’s team helps you spec and source ADA-compliant solutions, including induction loops, IR systems, and real-time translation tools.

Featured Product: Auri™, powered by Listen Technologies, is the first Auracast™ broadcast audio-based solution for assistive listening.

  1. Sustainable and Energy-Efficient AVViewSonic ViewBoard

Sustainability is now a procurement priority. Agencies are seeking energy-efficient AV systems, recyclable components, and eco-conscious installation practices.

Integrator Insight: Almo offers EPEAT-certified displays and consults on green AV design to help you meet agency sustainability goals.

Featured Product: The EPEAT Gold-rated 65” ViewBoard series from ViewSonic is made with over 90% post-consumer recycled materials.

Why Almo Pro AV Is the Perfect Public Sector Partner

court roomChoosing the right technology is only part of winning in the public sector. The other part is having a partner who understands the entire procurement and deployment ecosystem – and that’s where Almo Pro AV excels.

✓ Deep Public Sector Expertise

Our dedicated public sector team has decades of experience navigating government buying cycles – from GSA contracts to SLED procurements. We speak the language of contracting officers, compliance reviewers, and IT security leads.

✓ Bid and Compliance Support

We help our partners position themselves competitively in bids by providing:

    • TAA and NDAA compliance documentation
    • RFP-ready technical narratives
    • Grant eligibility guidelines
    • Sales Enablement & Training

command and control centerWe train your sales staff to position secure AV solutions to government buyers, aligning product features with mandates like EO 14028, CISA OT guidance, and directives. Government buyers value reliability and expertise – we show up with both.

✓ Exclusive Product Access

As Christie Digital’s exclusive distribution partner for the Secure Series III, we give you a competitive edge – delivering a high-demand, compliance-ready display that your competitors can’t source through standard channels.

✓ Integration Support

We don’t just ship boxes. We understand each agency’s mission. Our technical specialists consult on system design, ensuring that your deployments align with security policies, accessibility standards, and command-center workflows.

Partner with Almo Pro AV and Lead the Future of Government AV

Public sector AV is evolving fast. Agencies need partners who understand the mission, the mandates, and the technology. With Almo Pro AV, you get more than a distributor – you get a strategic ally.

Let’s build smarter, safer, and more connected government spaces – together.

Contact an Almo Pro AV representative to get started.

Empower Your Corporate Clients with Smart Huddle Spaces: Essential AV Products for Seamless Collaboration

by | May 1, 2025 | Business Development, Collaboration, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Racks & Mounts, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

If you’re looking to design and install top-notch huddle spaces, we have everything you need to create the perfect solution for any space and budget, ensuring your corporate clients stay satisfied and return for more. In this blog, we’ll cover the basic principles to foster effective communication and recommend essential AV products for seamless collaboration.

Creating the Perfect Huddle Spaceperfect huddle space elevation

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, having a dedicated spot for quick meetings and brainstorming sessions is essential. But to make these spaces truly effective, they need the right tech solutions to enhance user productivity.

Building the perfect huddle space involves more than just selecting the right products. It’s about creating an environment that fosters collaboration and inclusion for a hybrid workforce.

Here are some tips to help you design an effective huddle space for your clients:

  1. Strategic Placement: Position your display and video conferencing equipment to ensure that everyone in the room has a clear view and can participate fully.
  2. Comfortable Seating: Provide comfortable seating arrangements that encourage engagement and interaction.
  3. Adequate Lighting: Ensure that the space is well-lit to reduce eye strain and create a welcoming atmosphere.
  4. Good Accoustics: Consider soundproofing or use sound-absorbing materials to enhance audio quality and reduce distractions during meetings.
  5. User-Friendly Technology: Choose AV solutions that are easy to use and integrate seamlessly with existing systems.

Essential AV Tech for Collaboration

Huddle spaces come in various configurations and sizes. For an example, check out this flyer featuring a signal flow diagram and elevation drawings prepared by the LinkLab services team for a recent E4 Experience event, where we set up a demo huddle space for attendees to experience firsthand. Now, let’s dive into some of the AV products we offer to elevate any corporate huddle space.

Philips displaysDisplay Solutions

A high-resolution display is the centerpiece of any huddle space. The Philips 55″ Q-Line 4K Ultra HD Display offers stunning visuals and vibrant colors, making it ideal for presentations, video calls, and collaborative work. With its sleek design and advanced features, this display enhances the overall experience and ensures that every detail is visible to all participants. As integrators, you’ll appreciate the ease of installation and the impressive performance this display offers.

Middle Atlantic free standing display mountFree-Standing Mounts

A sturdy and versatile stand or mount is essential for any huddle space setup. The Middle Atlantic Forum Free-Standing Display Stands are designed to support displays ranging from 42″ to 55″. These mounts provide a secure and adjustable platform for your screens, ensuring optimal viewing angles for all participants. Whether you need a floor-to-wall mount or a freestanding option, these products offer flexibility and reliability, making installation a breeze for integrators.

Video Conferencing Solutions

Barco ClickShare Bar ProEffective video conferencing is essential for remote collaboration. The Barco ClickShare Bar Pro is a powerful tool that combines a camera, microphone, and speaker into one compact device. This all-in-one solution simplifies the setup process and delivers high-quality audio and video for clear communication. With features like AI-powered noise cancellation and automatic framing, the ClickShare Video Bar Pro ensures that every meeting runs smoothly, making it a valuable addition to any huddle space.

Power Management

power distribution - rack mountedReliable power management is critical to maintaining uninterrupted operations in your huddle space. The NEXSYS Rackmount PDU from Legrand AV is a horizontal rackmount power solution that offers multi-stage surge protection. This ensures that all your AV equipment is safeguarded against power surges, providing peace of mind and consistent performance. With easy installation and robust protection, it’s a must-have for any huddle space setup.

High-Quality Cables

high speed hdmi cablesQuality cables are the backbone of any AV setup, ensuring clear and stable signal transmission. The CG41364 HDMI cable from Legrand AV’s C2G Plus Series is designed to deliver high-definition video and audio with minimal interference. This cable supports 4K resolution, making it perfect for presentations and video conferencing. Its durable construction and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for connecting your devices, ensuring your clients get the best possible experience.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you’ll create huddle spaces that not only meet your clients’ needs but also foster effective collaboration and productivity. A well-equipped huddle space can significantly enhance your corporate clients’ experience, transforming any corner into a hub of innovation and success that meets the demands of modern corporate environments. Satisfied clients lead to a thriving business for you!

Have more questions or want to consult with us about a specific use case? Connect with Exertis Almo’s Collaboration Solutions Category Manager or contact your Sales Representative, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your clients’ needs.

Want to know more? Check out one of our other collaboration solution blogs.

TAA-Compliant Products Available from Exertis Almo

by | Feb 18, 2025 | Business Development, Cameras, Government, Interactive Touch Displays, Networked AV, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Signal Distribution, Uncategorized

If you work with customers in the Federal Government space, you’re probably familiar with the term “TAA-Compliant”. For those curious, “TAA” refers to the Trade Agreements Act, and its statute requires that products purchased through government contracts are:

  • Articles [products] that are wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of the U.S. or a designated country, or
  • Articles [products] that are “substantially transformed” in the U.S. or a designated country into a new and different article of commerce with a name, character, or use distinct from that of the article or articles from which it was transformed.

TAA Compliant logoThe Trade Agreements Act (TAA) was enacted to encourage fair and open international trade, but in practice it has implemented the requirement that the US government may only acquire US- or “designated end country”-made end products.

While this statute can seem quite limiting on first glance, in practice there are plenty of products available to meet your customers’ needs while remaining TAA-compliant. The list of “designated countries” outside of the US is substantial, and includes countries you may not have considered compliant, including Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, and Singapore.

To assist with identifying TAA-compliant products, Exertis Almo has recently added a new field to Almo Access which readily shows whether a product is compliant:

TAA products specifications

So what are some examples of TAA-compliant products available through Exertis Almo? The list might surprise you, and give you ideas of opportunities you may not have considered before: CSA series

AMPLIFIERS

Lumens OIP-N seriesAV OVER IP ENCODERS/DECODERS

C2G 501 seriesCABLES

Sony CAMERAS

Nureva huddlecamCONFERENCING

AMX VariaCONTROL

DISPLAYS

LOUDSPEAKERS

MICROPHONES

Chief display mountsMOUNTS

NETWORK SWITCHES

PROJECTORS

BrightSign TAA media player for digital signageDIGITAL SIGNAGE

VIDEO EXTENSION AND PROCESSING

This is just a sampling of the many products Exertis Almo has available for your projects which require TAA compliance. If you have questions regarding whether or not a certain product is TAA-compliant or have any technical questions, reach out to your Business Development Manager or to any of our Account Managers for assistance!

Want more audio tips? Check out “Enhance Your AV Projects with Pro Audio Solutions“.
John Rossman - headshot-frame

About the Author

John Rossman | CTS

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Harman Professional – AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft

Want a New Year’s Resolution? Put the “Professional” in Pro AV

by | Feb 11, 2025 | Business Development, Cameras, Collaboration, Pro Audio, Professional Development, Uncategorized

Are you eating healthy, exercising and doing all that you can to take care of yourself and your family? Are you doing all you can to further your advancement and make yourself more valuable to the company that you work for? Did you get a professional headshot for your web page and LinkedIn profile?

You do all these things because you’re supposed to be a responsible adult but so many of you still look and sound terrible in every video call. I can’t tell how many times I’ve witnessed an executive level person of an AV related company or organization sound and look terrible during an industry interview or podcast. It’s so bad that it’s unusual when they do it well.

I would argue that you are tarnishing your value as a supplier, client and coworker if you don’t get the basics of sound and video correct on a personal level.

unprofessional audiovisual presentationHere is a list of things that I don’t want to see or hear including my nicknames for each:

  • Only one half of your face because the rest is out of frame. (Abstract Art)
  • Only one side of your face because you’re not looking at the camera. (The Profile)
  • A dark face because you’re poorly lit. (Witness Protection Mode)
  • Way too much space above the top of your head. (Kilroy Was Here)
  • Your chin. (The Uppercut)
  • An empty conference table with you at the far end. (The Bowling Alley)
  • Your laptop microphone. (Speakerphone Mode)
  • Your videobar 25 feet away from you. (1/24 Scale)

Face it. Literally. Your laptop camera and microphone look and sound terrible. Your lighting is non-existent. Why are you using the built-in $2.00 microphone and $10.00 webcam to try and sell someone on the need to invest $100K in their conference room?

Promote the value in a quality audiovisual investment starting at your desk – convey your professionalism one-on-one.

I know this can be a vanity issue for some of us. We don’t think we look good on camera, so we turn the camera on only because it’s expected. Speaking as a lifetime member of the Introvert Club, I get it. But as a fellow coworker and introvert said to me, “Preparedness is the best medicine for nerves, so it all began with a simple thought, ‘If I upgrade my webcam, maybe I’ll feel more confident on camera.’” For him it started with a camera that’s popular with content creators. That lead to research on lighting and then what elements were in view of the camera frame. After that came the audio. He now has the best looking and sounding rig in the entire company. Plus, he and his wife started doing podcasts! He’s not even in the Pro AV division, he’s in IT. I might have the edge on him on the audio side, but he absolutely smokes me on the video side.

Lesson: If your IT person looks and sounds better than you, you seriously need to up your game.

Remind yourself that we are in Professional AV and more importantly, that we are in a relationship business. You wouldn’t visit your client in person knowing that you had bad breath so why are you practicing virtual bad breath with every video call?

Camera, lights, microphone and look up the “Rule of Thirds” for subject framing. It’s a “system” not unlike all the various components we put together for a client’s “system”. While it may be on a smaller scale it should be no less professional than the experience we’re promoting.

While we would love to work with you on your next $100K project, we’re no less interested in helping you look more professional on a personal level. This is the AV industry – we’re all in this together.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out Tom’s “Choose Quality AV” blog for more insights.

Tom Kehr
About the Author

Tom Kehr

CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C, ATD Master Trainer

In-House System Designer and Trainer

Supported Applications: System Design

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