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.

Why Resellers Should Take Advantage of Project Registrations

by | Dec 23, 2025 | Business Development, Cameras, eSports, Pro Displays, Uncategorized

Let me ask you if you’ve ever experienced this scenario: you’ve been working on a project, specifying every detail and researching and locating the products to meet the project requirements. You’ve quoted the client, and you’re waiting on funding or their next signature. The buyer receives the information, and you learn that they placed the order with another supplier due to lower cost.

Unfortunately, I’ve had that experience with over 25 years in this industry. I want to provide you with a recommendation designed to help minimize these scenarios for the future.

One of the most powerful, and often underutilized, tools available is project registration.

What is project registration?

Project registration is a process that allows a reseller to inform manufacturer (leveraging your Almo team) about a specific opportunity or project. This process provides numerous benefits to both the reseller and the manufacturer, including transparency, pricing protection, forecast of needed products and more.

Let’s dive into the benefits of registering your projects.

Why does project registration matter?

First and foremost, project registration is a simple and effective way to protect your profit. When a project is registered, you’re able to secure your pricing and provide yourself the opportunity to make more margin.

James Calandrillo, Vice President of Almo Pro AV Sales, detailed the importance of project registration, especially with prices on the rise.

“In today’s unprecedented times with price changes due to tariffs, it’s more important than ever to register as many projects as you can, as often as you can,” he explained. “And as pricing changes, active registrations are covered to the end of that, whereas there’s no pricing guarantee if you don’t register the project.”

When you register a project, you’re not just receiving reliable pricing, you’re creating awareness about the intricacies of your project with the manufacturer utilizing your Almo team. Consider it a win for both the reseller, distributor and the manufacturer. The reseller enjoys pricing recognition provided from the manufacturer while both the distributor and manufacturer gain knowledge their products for future forecast.

Taukia O’Donnell, Director of Bid Operations at Almo Pro AV, provided additional details on the importance of project registration in a recent conversation.

“Project registration is a critical tool that empowers resellers to maximize profitability and strengthen partnerships with manufacturers,” she explained. “This not only safeguards margins but also fosters transparency, enabling manufacturers to better understand project needs and market demands.”

Along with pricing recognition, project registration separates the reseller from a simple box sale. Instead, they’re viewed as an actual design-build integrator.

“Project registration elevates resellers from mere transactional vendors to strategic design-build integrators,” Taukia said. “This distinction enhances credibility and deepens manufacturer relationships, creating a competitive edge.”

“If you’re registering projects, it shows the manufacturer that you’re really doing the work,” James added.

Why should resellers leverage Almo for support?

Oftentimes, sales representatives choose not to register their projects simply because they don’t have the time to do it. When dealing with a variety of brands, they don’t have the bandwidth to reach out to vendors themselves and explain their plans.

“Partnering with Almo Pro AV simplifies the process, offering expertise and access to multiple vendors who support registration at low quantities,” explained Taukia. “This support is invaluable for sales teams managing diverse brands under tight schedules.”

Along with expertise, Almo Pro AV is here to ensure an efficient registration process.

“I encourage all resellers to prioritize project registration to protect profits, streamline operations, and position themselves as trusted partners in the supply chain,” said Taukia. “Leveraging Almo’s resources can make this process seamless and highly rewarding.”

I realize we are all very busy, our time and resources are limited. This is definitely one area to take the extra few minutes to register your projects when you’ve spent time to specify the project for your client.  It’s like offering yourself a little added protection from the “last minute low-ballers”. I’m not saying you will do away with the competition, however this process will definitely assist in minimizing the risk for you.

The project registration process is usually quite easy – simply provide the details to your Almo Sales Rep and they will work directly with the manufacturer utilizing Almo’s Bid Registrations. Your Almo sales representative will be happy to assist you in collecting the information to register your projects.

If you have any questions or would like to request to have a project registered on your behalf, please reach out to Almo Sales or myself for assistance.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Panasonic Connect

October: Where Sports and AV Play as a Team

by | Oct 9, 2025 | Business Development, DVLED, Outdoor AV, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Professional Development, Projectors, Racks & Mounts, Signal Distribution

October isn’t just pumpkin season, Halloween candy and pumpkin patches, it’s the heart of sports season. My husband grew up in Brooklyn but somehow became a Cowboys fan (still investigating). I grew up with the Giants in my backyard, and after 14 years in South Florida, I’ve learned to cheer for the Dolphins too, mostly so my neighbors don’t egg my driveway or I don’t get dirty looks at Publix. Add my half-Brazilian, half-Portuguese roots and suddenly the World Cup feels like a family reunion. The rivalries are real, but here’s one thing we all agree on: sports without the right AV is just overpriced beer or trick-or-treat without candy. With the right AV, it’s unforgettable, and that’s where Almo Pro AV comes in.

Stadiums in October aren’t just about football; they’re about atmosphere. Absen PL2.5 Pro, Samsung IAC, LG’s LAPA136-GF.AUSQ, Planar TVF, and MAXHUB LM138A07 LED walls make even the nosebleeds feel like front row. Epson EB-PU2220B projectors put replays on the big board brighter than the Florida sun. Christie Griffyn 4K32-RGB lights up end zones like Broadway, and Panasonic PT-MZ880 keeps multipurpose areas covered. Peerless-AV and Chief mounts hold it all steady, while Sennheiser EW-DX mics, JBL VTX arrays, and Crown I-Tech amps make every whistle and roar shake the concrete. And if you don’t have control? Forget it. AMX and Atlona keep the show running smooth so no one fumbles the AV on 4th down.

PTZOptics belongs here too. Their 30X-NDI cameras with Hive are being used for live sports broadcasts, streaming games, press conferences, and even fan cams that rack up more views than the actual highlight reel. It’s broadcast quality without the truck, which means even smaller venues can deliver big-league streaming.

 

Gyms are catching on as well. I visited one in Bogotá that looked more like a TV studio than a gym. Netgear M4250 switches kept the feeds flowing, SoundTube pendants powered by LEA Connect 354 amps handled the sound, and Kramer processors kept the whole system easy to manage. Members were half-working out, half-starring in their own highlight reel. One guy told me he felt more scouted than he ever did in high school ball, and honestly, he wasn’t wrong.

 

Sports bars in Miami? That’s where Sundays are basically religion. A neighborhood bar turned game day into an experience with Sharp PN-M752 displays, Sony FW-98BZ53L BRAVIA Pros, and an LG LAPA136-GF.AUSQ LED wall. BrightSign XT1145 players kept replays and promos rolling, AtlasIED Atmosphere processors with Bose DS 100SE speakers made the sound clean, and Panasonic PT-MZ880 projectors expanded the view. AMX control made it simple for the bartenders to swap games between orders. Add ListenWiFi so fans could stream commentary to their phones, and suddenly no one was fighting over the volume. The owner said Sunday sales doubled. And yes, the Sennheiser wireless mic came out for Sweet Caroline after the Dolphins actually pulled off a win.

 

In Colombia, soccer stadiums are upgrading too. Imagine stepping into a venue with Absen LED walls lighting up the pitch, Barco G62 projectors handling pre-match visuals, and PTZOptics 30X-NDI cameras with Hive pushing live feeds straight to mobile apps and fan zones. Fans tune into ListenWiFi for play-by-play without missing a call, and the energy feels like Maracanã on a final. That’s the kind of AV that keeps fans in the moment instead of looking for the nearest exit.

Now let’s talk immersive experiences. Our Special Markets team has been transforming fan zones and gyms with headsets that bring the action straight into your ears. At one stadium install, fans tuned into play-by-play commentary in real time, no more missing the call because the guy behind you is arguing about fantasy football. This isn’t just AV, it’s personal, and it’s what makes a sports experience feel one-of-a-kind.

Sports bring passion. Nobody wants bad audio, laggy control, or a dead screen to ruin their game, whether they’re in a stadium, a gym, or a bar. With Almo Pro AV’s lineup, Absen, Samsung, LG, Planar, MAXHUB, Sharp, Sony, Epson, Panasonic, Barco, Christie, Peerless-AV, Chief, Sennheiser, JBL, Crown, AtlasIED, Bose, Netgear, LEA, SoundTube, PTZOptics, MicroTouch, Listen Technologies, AMX, Atlona, Kramer, and our Special Markets team, we’ve got every angle covered. The only thing we can’t do is fix your team’s record. If I could make the Giants, Cowboys, Dolphins, Brazil, and Portugal all win, I’d be running Vegas instead of writing blogs and selling AV. And since Almo Pro AV’s headquarters is in Philly, I’m obligated to say it… Go Eagles! (Don’t tell my Giants-loving heart I said that.)

Want to read more from Gisela? Check out “The Impact of AV Over IP on Global Installations: Why is everyone converting?“
Gisela Ramirez, Sales Director - LATAM

About the Author

Gisela Ramirez

Sales Director – LATAM

Exertis Almo

September in LATAM AV: Closing Strong, Setting Up Bigger Wins

by | Sep 18, 2025 | Business Development, DVLED, Outdoor AV, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Professional Development, Projectors, Racks & Mounts, Signal Distribution

September is the last stretch of Q2 for us, and if I’ve learned anything in this industry, it’s that this month decides who walks into Q3 relaxed and who walks in scrambling. If you wait until November, you’ll be the one calling your customer to explain why their install is stuck on a boat. I have made those calls before and they are not fun.

One story that always sticks with me is from Colombia. A partner decided to hold off until November, thinking Buen Fin and year-end would be their big moment. By then, they were buried in freight delays, chasing approvals, and stressing about credit. Their competitor, who moved in September, was already delivering and winning market share. That was a turning point for me. In LATAM, the ones who move first, win first.

And I see it happening across the region right now. In Costa Rica, companies are already building hybrid rooms with LG displays, Barco ClickShare, and Netgear switching so they are ready before year-end. Guatemala is finalizing education projects with NEC projectors and Aver cameras. Chilean boardrooms are running Epson projection with Yamaha audio, while in Peru, lobby spaces are coming alive with LG DVLED walls and Legrand infrastructure. Honduras has events buzzing again with SoundTube and Peerless-AV solutions, and in Jamaica, resorts are securing Samsung outdoor displays, Yamaha audio, and Legrand cabling so their guests never miss a beat.

Puerto Rico is another great example. A university there recently upgraded lecture halls with Samsung professional displays and Listen Technologies systems. Because they moved early, everything was installed and ready before students returned. No delays, no excuses, just results. Their integrator looked like a rock star.

That is why I tell every partner the same thing: September is not a filler month. It is the launchpad. Budgets are getting finalized, projects are being scoped, and the smart integrators are locking in orders before the supply chain circus kicks off. I have watched it play out again and again. The ones who act in September spend December delivering. The ones who don’t spend December apologizing.

The lesson is simple. Don’t be the integrator explaining delays. Be the one delivering. With Almo Pro AV behind you, you have the brands, the credit, and the logistics strategy to make it happen.

Want to read more from Gisela? Check out “The Impact of AV Over IP on Global Installations: Why is everyone converting?“
Gisela Ramirez, Sales Director - LATAM

About the Author

Gisela Ramirez

Sales Director – LATAM

Exertis Almo

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.

AV Ecosystems: Because ‘Just Plug It In’ Never Works Out That Way

by | Aug 12, 2025 | Business Development, Digital Signage, Networked AV, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Projectors, Signal Distribution

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me “We just need a screen and maybe a speaker,” I could retire early and start an LED ministry on the beach. Let’s be honest. AV is not a bunch of parts you slap on a quote to check a box. It’s an ecosystem. Everything has to work together or nothing works at all. When you get it right, the tech fades into the background and the experience takes the lead.

Here’s a real one from a client in Raleigh. High-end financial firm, fancy chairs, gorgeous space, zero tech harmony. Meetings were starting late, execs were sharing content through personal hotspots, and the poor IT guy was one coffee away from quitting.

We stepped in and flipped the script.

We gave them a Sony Pro BRAVIA 98 inch display that actually made spreadsheets look exciting. Dropped in an AVer CAM570 with smart AI framing so no one had to babysit the camera. Ran Legrand Wiremold cable management to keep the conference table looking sharp. Deployed a Netgear M4250 AV Line switch to handle bandwidth like a pro. Then added a Nureva HDL410 audio system that made the whole room sound like everyone had a mic, even the quiet ones in the back. Everything was integrated clean with Chief and Middle Atlantic gear.

Now their meetings start on time, nobody’s crawling under the table with a USB-C adapter, and the CEO stopped cursing during video calls. Progress.

Let’s hop down to Myrtle Beach. A boutique hotel wanted to upgrade their banquet space. They do weddings on Saturdays and corporate meetings Monday through Friday. One mic system wasn’t cutting it and the projector looked like it came from a garage sale.

We gave them an LG 136 inch All-in-One LED that stole the show. Installed a Shure MXA910 ceiling mic that catches every “I do” and every quarterly forecast. Added an Absenicon display in the lobby running BrightSign XT5 for customized welcome messages and event branding. Listen Technologies handled their ADA audio compliance. And they’re running everything off Atlona’s Velocity platform. It’s simple enough for the front desk to use, but powerful enough for back-to-back events.

Now they’re booking more events, charging more per room, and the tech just works. Imagine that.

Down in Guatemala City, a university needed hybrid learning across multiple classrooms. What they had was a mess. Different brands in every room, spotty audio, and teachers wasting half their class time setting up.

We standardized the setup. Epson PowerLite projectors. Sharp interactive displays. PTZOptics cameras with AI-powered tracking so teachers can walk and teach without losing the shot. BrightSign controls their content campus-wide. Netgear handles the network backbone. One ecosystem, one support path, one happy IT team.

And let’s talk about AI. If your system isn’t leveraging AI today, you’re already behind. From auto-framing cameras to predictive audio leveling, AI is the new teammate in the room. It doesn’t just make things smarter. It makes things smoother. Faster. Simpler. That’s the real win.

The truth is, when AV is done right, people don’t talk about the tech. They talk about how great the space feels. That’s the goal. And we get there by building real ecosystems, not tech Frankensteins.

So whether you’re designing a boardroom in Raleigh, a venue in Myrtle Beach, or a classroom in Bogotá, stop cobbling. Start connecting.

You bring the vision. We’ll bring the brands and the brains to make it all work.

Want to read more from Gisela? Check out “The Impact of AV Over IP on Global Installations: Why is everyone converting?“
Gisela Ramirez, Sales Director - LATAM

About the Author

Gisela Ramirez

Sales Director – LATAM

Exertis Almo

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