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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.

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

Top Teams Room Devices for Maximizing Corporate Collaboration

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Cameras, Collaboration, Interactive Touch Displays, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

With the rise of hybrid work environments and frequent guest collaborations, most businesses require straightforward and efficient conferencing solutions. Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR) offer a seamless solution for enhancing meeting experiences, ensuring that teams can collaborate efficiently, regardless of their location. Knowing the technologies available, is essential to providing clients with the best equipment to set up these rooms. Let’s explore the top Teams Room devices available from Exertis Almo while covering the basics of setting up and optimizing Microsoft Teams Rooms.

MaxHub Ultra Wide 105 in. for hybrid work meetingsWhat equipment is needed for a Teams meeting?

To ensure a successful Teams meeting or to set up a Teams Room, having the right equipment is crucial. This includes reliable computing hardware, high-quality audio and video devices, and control systems that make managing meetings effortless. Here are the key components you’ll need:

  1. Reliable Computing Hardware: A desktop, laptop, or dedicated Teams device.
  2. High-Quality Audio and Video Equipment: Microphones, speakers, and video cameras.
  3. Stable Internet Connection: Ensures smooth communication without interruptions.
  4. Display Screens: For sharing presentations and viewing participants.
  5. Control Devices: Touch panels or consoles to manage meetings.

Jabra PanaCast 50 grayExertis Almo offers a range of devices that meet these needs, such as the Jabra PanaCast 50 Intelligent Video Bar which transforms video conferencing. With features such as dynamic composition, intelligent speaker, and virtual director, it ensures optimal collaboration by adjusting views and focusing on active speakers. Its advanced AI, including intelligent zoom and dual-stream whiteboard, makes Teams meetings immersive and easy to use.

What are the major components of Microsoft Teams Rooms?

Creating a fully functional Microsoft Teams Room involves integrating several major components that work together to provide a seamless meeting experience. These components ensure that meetings are easy to manage, and that audio and video quality are top-notch. Here are the essential elements:

  1. Control Console: A touch panel for easy meeting management.
  2. Camera: A high-definition camera for clear video.
  3. Microphone and Speakers: For clear audio input and output.
  4. Computer Module: A mini-PC or similar device to run the Teams Room application.
  5. Digital Display: One or more screens for video conferencing and content sharing.

Huddly IQ ePTZ cameraFor example, the Huddly IQ ePTZ Cameras are excellent for boosting meeting engagement with their AI-directed multi-camera system.

The MAXHUB Commercial Display Ultra-Wide Series is perfect for MTR, featuring a 105″ collaboration display with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 5K resolution.

MaxHub XT Series Kit for MTRThe MAXHUB XT Series Kit for Microsoft Teams Rooms includes a computer, touch console, and integrated video bar, providing ultimate scalability for any meeting room setup.

What are the benefits of Microsoft Teams Rooms?

Microsoft Teams Rooms offer several benefits:

  1. Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates better communication and teamwork.
  2. Ease of Use: One-touch join, and intuitive interfaces make it easy to start and manage meetings.
  3. High-Quality Audio and Video: Ensures clear communication.
  4. Scalability: Suitable for rooms of all sizes, from small huddle spaces to large conference rooms.
  5. Integration with Microsoft 365: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools and services.

By using top Teams Room devices, you can ensure that your conference room projects are equipped with the latest technology to maximize collaboration and productivity.

In Conclusion

Providing your clients with the right equipment for Microsoft Teams Rooms can significantly enhance their meeting experiences. By offering high-quality, reliable solutions from Exertis Almo, you position yourself as a trusted resource, ensuring your clients’ video conferencing needs are perfectly met.

The team at Exertis Almo is committed to providing our AV reseller and integrator partners with the latest and most innovative collaboration solutions for Teams Rooms and more. Contact us for a consultation, a quote, help with Microsoft licenses, and more.

Lisa Lingo, Category Manager – Collaboration

Still curious about collaboration solutions? Check out Lisa Lingo’s blog, “Stop, Collaborate and Listen“.

Stop, Collaborate, and Listen

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Cameras, Collaboration, Interactive Touch Displays, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

Collaboration is often defined in many different ways.  Not near as much fun to say as it used to be in the 80’s… “Stop, Collaborate and Listen.”  BUT nevertheless, important.  Important in the sense that we do literally need to stop, collaborate and listen to/with our colleagues, leadership, customers, vendors and many others.  This requires the proper PRO AV gear to efficiently and effectively work with anyone and everyone on projects.

Exertis Almo Category Managers

This year I had the pleasure of returning to a familiar role.  Tweaked to fit the current time.  Exertis Almo has identified areas in which we need “Category Managers”.  We have a CM for Audio and one for dvLED.  I have taken on the role of Category Manager for Collaboration.

Am I in sales?  Sort of.  Marketing?  A little bit.  Business Development? Yes, that too.  My entire position focuses on helping our internal sales team and most importantly, our customers/dealers in the world of collaboration.  First, and possibly foremost, I am brand independent.  I work with each individual to meet the wants and needs of the end user to identify the best products available for their particular collaboration application.  (That’s kind of fun to say.)

I am not an engineer or designer.  However, I am more than capable of recommending the proper gear for a Microsoft Teams or Zoom room (to name a couple of biggies).   I also have a solid team of colleagues surrounding me, should I need input from an audio expert for instance.

Collaboration Solutions Consultation

music meetingLet’s say Robbie Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, wants to revive his singing career and plans to have Teams meetings with record producers across the globe.  Maybe he needs a PTZ camera that offers tracking via Artificial Intelligence so that the far end will see his expressions as he paces the meeting room.  Perhaps he needs the camera to focus on him and not his entourage in the background.  Maybe he needs a simple, clean audio solution with a fantastic mic array and excellent speakers mounted on the wall.  I would be happy to help Robbie’s AV integrator select the right materials for the job.  AND if Robbie wants to join our meeting, that’s excellent too.

Ok, so I do not have many opportunities with this particular need.  But I could do it!

  • Need the perfect PTZ camera for MTR?
  • Starting from scratch and want to build out a simple huddleroom for BYOD conferencing?
  • Looking for a collaboration solution with a smaller budget than you’re accustomed to?

These are just a very few of the areas where I can assist for the win.  Whether your need is for one huddle room, ten boardrooms, house of worship, education, commercial office space, etc., I come equipped with excellent recommendations to fit the application.

Microsoft Teams and More

MTR SolutionsWhile we offer MTR licensing, we are aware many have a solution in place.  Keep in mind, we can tailor a complete MTR solution, including Teams Room licenses to fit the budget and needs.  Regardless of where you acquire your solution, do you have the right hardware to make for the best meetings?  A camera and audio are a great starting point, but we can help you further.  Do you need to share content with the participants in the room even when not using a conference solution?  Do you need to capture these meetings for later playback?  Has a touch control panel been considered?  Or perhaps an interactive display?

While new build-outs are fun, we can work with existing gear, as well.  OR perhaps you want to upgrade the current system.  I’ll let you know about trade-ins and promos.

I hope to connect with each and every one of you on your next opportunity.  Let me help you create seamless virtual meetings. I want to collaborate with you on collaboration.  (It makes sense, I promise.)

Want to know more about Collaboration Solutions? Check out “AI – The Sincerest Form of Flattery? ”
Reach out to Lisa on Exertis Almo.com or LinkedIn. 

Lisa Lingo, BDM

About the Author

Lisa Lingo

Category Manager – Collaboration

Supported Product Category: Collaboration

Amping Up Government Operations: Rocking Out with Cutting-Edge AV Gear

by | Sep 12, 2024 | Business Development, DVLED, Government, Interactive Touch Displays, Pro Audio, Uncategorized

Hey there, fellow PROAV rockstars! We’re all about pushing the boundaries of tech wizardry, and guess what? Our skills aren’t just for concert halls and boardrooms. Nope, we’re taking our show on the road straight to the heart of government operations. So crank up the volume as we dive into how our cutting-edge AV gear is making waves in the public sector!

rocking-avCrystal-Clear Communication

When it comes to effective messaging, static just won’t cut it. High-definition video conferencing, interactive displays, dvLED walls, and digital signage ensure that government officials and the public stay tuned in and turned on to what’s happening, whether it’s a virtual summit or the latest policy updates.

Jamming Out Informed Decision-Making

With top-of-the-line AV gear, policymakers can visualize data in real-time, spot trends, and make evidence-based decisions. Think command centers lit up like a stage, where officials riff on emerging challenges and opportunities, all thanks to tech prowess.

Hands-On Training: Interactive Displays that Rock

CreateBoard Interactive displaysWho said training has to be boring? With the latest interactive displays, training sessions become an immersive experience that gets everyone pumped. Picture this: government employees in front of massive touchscreens, collaborating on real-time scenarios, and solving problems together like a band jamming out a new hit.

Enter LG CreateBoard—the ultimate interactive display that transforms learning into a dynamic, hands-on experience. These displays let users annotate, share, and engage with content effortlessly, whether it’s brainstorming in a war room or walking through emergency response protocols. With multi-touch capabilities and seamless integration with other devices, LG CreateBoard makes sure everyone is in sync, hitting all the right notes.

Keeping an Eye on Security and Surveillance

Safety first, always! High-resolution surveillance cameras and integrated security systems safeguard public spaces and infrastructure. For a high-flying twist, we have several drone manufacturers that provide exceptional aerial surveillance, with the ability to monitor large events, inspect infrastructure, and provide real-time footage during emergencies. Equipped with advanced sensors and AI capabilities, these drones offer unparalleled situational awareness, helping government agencies respond to incidents faster and more effectively.

Professional Audio: Rock-Solid Sound for Government Ops

When it comes to government communication, hitting the right notes is everything. Professional audio systems are the unsung heroes that keep the beat, ensuring every word lands like a power chord in a packed arena. We’re talking advanced mics, booming speakers, and sound tech that rocks every room, from city council meetings to courtroom showdowns.

Assisted Listening Devices: Amping Up Inclusivity

assistive listening with Listen EVERYWHERENow, let’s crank it up a notch for our audience with hearing impairments. Assisted listening devices (ALDs) are like the VIP passes that make sure everyone gets front-row sound, no matter where they’re seated. One of the rockstars in this space is Listen Technologies with their Listen EVERYWHERE system. This cutting-edge solution streams audio directly to users’ smartphones, letting them tap into the sound with their own headphones or hearing aids. Whether it’s hearing loops that sync up with hearing aids or infrared systems that cut through the noise, these bad boys plug right into the AV setup, delivering crystal-clear audio straight to those who need it most.

By plugging ALDs like Listen EVERYWHERE into the mix, government spaces become more than just inclusive—they become places where every voice counts and no one misses a beat. It’s all about making sure the rhythm of communication keeps everyone in the groove, turning public spaces into inclusive arenas where everyone’s part of the show.

Remote Monitoring: A Game-Changer for Government Applications

In an age where agility and responsiveness are key, remote monitoring of commercial displays is revolutionizing government operations. Imagine command centers with real-time updates, remote troubleshooting, and instant content changes, all managed from a centralized location. This not only ensures seamless communication and coordination but also enhances efficiency by reducing the need for on-site interventions. LG Connected Care DMS exemplifies this by providing comprehensive remote management and monitoring capabilities, ensuring that displays are always performing optimally. Whether it’s for monitoring public announcements, emergency alerts, or routine updates, remote monitoring ensures that government agencies are always in control and a step ahead. rock on

So there you have it! Cutting-edge AV gear isn’t just for show—it’s the secret sauce behind government operations that rock. As PROAV professionals, staying ahead of the curve ensures we keep the tunes pumping and build stronger, more dynamic communities for a brighter future. Rock on!

Looking for more on government AV? Try “Leveraging AV Technology for State and Local Government: Real-World Applications“

Tiff Jones-Morton headshot-frame
About the Author

Tiff Jones-Morton | DSCE

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: LG Business Solutions (NE, SE, MW)

Contact Exertis Almo for product info, inventory availability, or to start a quote.

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