Almo Pro AV
Almo Pro AV

Hospitality Tech Is Changing Fast: What Integrators Need to Know About TVs and Signage in 2026

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Business Development, Consumer TVs, Digital Signage, Hospitality, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Uncategorized

guest experienceIf you’ve worked even one hotel project in the last couple of years, you’ve noticed that guest expectations are changing fast. Today’s travelers don’t just use the screens around a property… they depend on them. And as their expectations rise, your hospitality clients look to you to make sure every display – from the lobby video wall to the guest‑room TV – feels modern, seamless, and easy to use.

Let’s walk through the biggest display trends shaping hotels in 2026 and what they mean for your next installation.

  1. Guest‑Room TVs Need to Work Exactly Like Home (If Not Better)

You’ve probably had a hotel client ask why guests can’t cast Netflix or stream their own content yet. The truth is, people don’t want “hotel entertainment”- they want their entertainment. And if the in‑room TV doesn’t support it, they go straight back to their phones.

Modern hospitality TVs fix that. These displays are the nerve center of the guest room. Guests want to walk in, tap their phone once, and instantly watch their favorite shows, just like they would at home. Streaming, casting, personalized content… the whole package.

And trust me, when you give guests that seamless experience, they notice.

  1. Casting Options Aren’t a Perk… They’re a Requirement

If you’re selecting in‑room displays for your hotel projects, you already know a standard TV won’t cut it. Hotels expect Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, and secure login options right out of the gate. If it doesn’t pair easily with a guest’s device, it’ll feel outdated the moment it’s installed.

More hotels are also tying their TVs into PMS systems or mobile apps so the screen can:

    • Welcome guests by name
    • Share check‑out times or property highlights
    • Promote upgrades or amenities
    • Even sync with room controls

This is exactly the kind of behind‑the‑scenes magic that enriches a property, and sets your installation apart.

  1. Digital Signage Has Become the Backbone of the Hotel Experience

hotel restaurant guestsWalk into any hotel lobby today, and you’ll see what I mean; digital signage is everywhere, and it’s doing real work. It’s helping guests:

    • Find their meeting rooms
    • Navigate large properties
    • Check event schedules
    • Browse menus or promotions
    • Get real‑time weather or travel updates

This isn’t “nice to have” anymore. It’s operational infrastructure.

Here’s the deal: hotels want screens that update automatically, change by time of day, support multiple languages, and stay on brand across every location they own. When you build signage networks that can handle that, you’re giving them an asset, not just a display.

And while we’ve been talking screens, it’s worth remembering that great visuals only go so far without clear, consistent audio to match. In louder public spaces like restaurants, bars, and busy lobbies, hotels rely on sound systems that deliver even coverage and maintain speech clarity without overwhelming the room. Strong audio isn’t just background…it’s part of creating the welcoming, high quality atmosphere guests expect the moment they walk in.

  1. Self‑Service and Mobile‑First Experiences Are Changing Lobby Design

room signageYou’ve definitely seen this shift firsthand: guests want contactless everything.
QR‑codes. Digital keys. Mobile check‑in. Kiosks that keep guests moving instead of waiting.

Digital displays are at the center of these flow improvements. Whether it’s a QR‑enabled menu at the bar or a lobby kiosk guiding guests to their rooms, the screens you install are helping hotels reduce bottlenecks and lighten the load on front-desk staff.

If you’re designing lobby signage, now’s the time to think about:

    • QR‑led journeys
    • Interactive kiosks
    • Digital maps and directories
    • Short-form, high‑impact messaging

Guests appreciate it, and hotels depend on it.

  1. Cloud‑Based Content Management Isn’t Optional Anymore

Samsung TVIf you’ve ever had a client ask you to update dozens of screens across multiple properties… you know how rough local content management can be.

That’s why cloud-based CMS platforms are becoming the default. Hotels want to:

    • Push content updates instantly
    • Keep branding consistent
    • Manage multiple locations at once
    • Handle multilingual needs
    • Automate updates without calling IT

When you recommend cloud-ready systems, you’re not just making your installs smoother; you’re future‑proofing your client’s entire display network.

  1. Plan for 24/7 Reliability and Scalability (Because Hotels Demand It)

Hospitality is a 24/7 business. Guests check in at midnight. Conferences start at dawn. Restaurants stay lit until closing. Your displays need to keep up.

Hotels are treating digital signage and hospitality TVs as mission‑critical now, and they’re expecting integrators to design systems that stay online, stay accurate, and stay consistent year-round. Choosing purpose-built displays and platforms is more important than ever.

And of course, that’s where the right products, and the right guidance, make all the difference.

Let’s Elevate Your Next Hospitality Project

Whether you’re refreshing guest rooms, designing a lobby experience, or planning a full-property rollout, Almo is here to help you choose the right displays, integrations, and platforms. If you’ve got a hotel project coming up, or you just want to double‑check your specs, we’d love to talk through it with you.

Reach out to your Almo Pro AV team anytime. We’re here for you.

Want to explore more Hospitality content? You might enjoy “Extended Stay Properties: Solutions that feel like home.”

The Importance of Good Audio

by | Mar 20, 2026 | Business Development, Pro Audio, Pro Services, Sound Engineering, Uncategorized

I’ve been working remote since ’06 – way before remote was cool – and I was in audio for 14 years before I started doing anything related to video.  I still remember my first day working for an integrator back in ’00 and attending computer interface training from one of the ‘trons.  I didn’t even know this ‘tron stuff existed before then.  I say all that to say this: I’ve been around a while.

As I mentioned, I’m remote and I’ve been on video calls using Skype, GoTo, Zoom, Teams and others for almost two decades.  Granted, the audio I’ve heard from most one-on-one video calls has been almost acceptable with the other person’s laptop mic.  Never great, but okay-ish.  It’s the audio from the typical meeting room that has been the real problem.  To describe it from the perspective of a far side participant, I will quote the late Scott Sharer, “It would have to suck to be better”.

“In the beginning”, meeting rooms used gooseneck mics, but the gooseneck farm was deemed ugly.  So we moved to boundary and button mics, but they were subject to liquid spills, inadvertently covered up by folders or papers, or the laptop fan blew directly across the mic.  Then we tried all sorts of ceiling mics from the big Plexiglas things to hanging shotgun and golf ball mics – all with varying levels of unsuccess.  With each aesthetic “improvement” the mics kept getting further and further away from the participants – the audio source.  If we kept moving displays further and further from the viewers like this, you would think we were nuts.

All too often, you’ll see a meeting room with a conference phone in the middle of a 20 ft. table. Or worse, they’re using a 360-degree ”bird” camera in the middle of that same table and they think they’ve achieved meeting equity.  Or, the meeting room is an acoustic nightmare and the microphones are just too far away from the participants.  While the people in the meeting room get a chance to converse, share ideas and come away with valuable information, the remote participants are left to fend for themselves as they haven’t been able to hear much of anything because of the poor and indistinguishable audio.  If they can’t hear you, you can’t expect them to feel included and make meaningful contributions.

I also wonder how much poor audio may have affected career advancements for remotes when full participation with the larger group has been hindered in this way.

Admittedly, conferencing audio has improved over the years with the ceiling mic arrays and large wall mounted audio conferencing systems, but nothing replaces sticking a mic directly in front of someone’s face.

In March of 2025, NPR ran a piece on All Things Considered about how people perceive you in relation to your audio and I think it’s worth quoting here:

“People who participate in online meetings using platforms like Zoom may want to pay closer attention to how their computer microphone alters the sound of their voice.

That’s because high-quality audio can make the speaker seem more attractive and convincing to others, according to results published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Lower-quality audio, in contrast, can make people seem less appealing.”

Wow.  No mention of video, lighting, framing or camera quality.

It’s all about the audio – whether it’s a one-on-one call or picking up a room full of people.

I consider audio to be the “blue-collar worker” of our AV world.  Without audio, you’re not communicating.  After all these years, I still believe that the audio is more difficult to get right than video because you while you can see light, you can’t see sound.  Worse, most people seem to have the expectation that some new microphone located far from the participants or some new DSP can fix all things audio and acoustic.  Yes, you can be heard but what about the quality and how you’re being perceived?  Fast forward into the 23rd century and even Scotty couldn’t change the laws of physics.

Consider for a moment if the emphasis on meeting room design was flipped, and audio and acoustics became the primary considerations rather than the latest display technology or interior design fad.

Imagine better communication.
Imagine sounding more attractive and convincing to others.

Being an “audio person”, I have always felt that my audio was important.  I typically use a standard broadcast microphone model first introduced back in 1968.  1968. That’s not a misprint.  That’s back when only 25% of households had a color television.

This mic is so good that it even has its own Wikipedia article.  It uses a connector that’s been in use since at least 1955.  The pinout for that connector was finally set by an AES standard a mere 33 years ago.

On the other end of the signal chain is the loudspeaker, typically a moving coil design patented back in 1925.

While the signal path in between the mic and loudspeaker could be analog or digital, the transducers on either end really haven’t changed that much.

You could argue that the quality of audio has certainly improved since 1925, especially on the loudspeaker side but the design of this broadcast standard microphone that I use almost every day is almost 60 years old and it’s still revered today.

Displays and cameras are great, but if you really want to improve your image, improve your audio.

NTSC, VGA, 4:3 have all come and gone.  Basic audio is still just as essential as it has always been.

If you’re unsure of the best audio approach for your communication needs, let us know here at Almo ProAV.  We have audio specialists ready to help.

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

JBL Portable Powered Loudspeakers

by | Mar 13, 2026 | Business Development, Pro Audio, Sound Engineering, Uncategorized

EON700 SeriesJBL changed the live sound market when they introduced the original EON powered loudspeaker in 1995. The EON was a radical concept – a compact, portable loudspeaker with a built-in amplifier and simplified mixer that allowed musicians, DJs, and public speakers to roll up to a gig and be ready to play or present within a matter of minutes without the need for any outboard mixers or amplifiers.

Since its introduction, the compact, portable powered loudspeaker market has continued to grow and be a first choice for performers and rental houses thanks to its convenience and ease of use. While the JBL EON is still alive and well (currently sold as the EON 700 series), JBL Professional has continued to innovate and evolve their offerings in this category. Whether you are a street busker or a house DJ, a motivational speaker or a fitness instructor, JBL has a portable powered loudspeaker to fit your needs. Let’s take a deeper dive!

“Traditional” Powered Loudspeakers

As mentioned above, the original JBL EON set the standard for portable powered loudspeaker systems. These products are typically deployed in a stereo or dual-mono arrangement of two speaker cabinets on stands flanking the performer, but can also be deployed in a single, mono configuration, on top of powered subwoofer cabinets, or even used as stage monitors. They can be used “out of the box” by connecting one or two microphones directly to one of the speakers, or by connecting a mixer to one of the inputs if more channels are needed.

IRX SeriesThe JBL IRX108BT and IRX112BT are affordable options for small engagements and solo performers. They offer big-system sound in a compact footprint and are lightweight and durable. Both models have two mic/line-level inputs, EQ presets, Bluetooth streaming, and automatic feedback suppression (AFS).

The EON700 series is a big step up in terms of capability, sound quality, and power. Packed with on-board features like Bluetooth (for audio streaming and control), DSP, and a backlit LCD, JBL offers the EON700 in a 10”, 12”, 15”, and 18” subwoofer option.

The JBL PRX900 series offers professional sound quality at an affordable price in a wide range of sizes, from 8” to 15”, plus an 18” subwoofer option. They are loaded with a comprehensive DSP suite and have massive amounts of power on tap – 2000W peak! They shine as main PA cabinets and as stage monitors thanks to their wide frequency response and built-in tuning presets.

Finally, the newest line from JBL Professional – the SRX900 series – offers best-in-class power, performance, and quality from a portable powered loudspeaker. JBL’s patented Progressive Transition waveguide makes sure sound goes where you need it (and not where you don’t). The entire SRX900 series is voiced to match each other in both frequency and phase response, so the new SRX912M, SRX915M, and SRX922 can be used seamlessly side-by-side with an SRX900 line array system.

The Newcomers: All-in-One Column Systems

All-in-One column PA systems have become extremely popular in the last decade, and it is no surprise why. They offer full-range sound in a compact, portable package which doesn’t require any mounting hardware. Portable column systems typically consist of a powered subwoofer at the base (with a built-in mixer system), and a thin column speaker above which provides an extremely wide coverage pattern, typically capable of covering a room with just one main loudspeaker. Performers can wheel in one piece of equipment and be up and running in a matter of minutes.

If you’re in the market for an All-in-One Column PA, JBL has you covered, no matter the size and input needs you might require!

EON OneThe JBL IRX One was created to be so simple to operate that anyone, regardless of background, can feel comfortable operating the system. It has plenty of power on tap (1300W!), and features a three-input mixer with XLR and ¼” inputs, audio ducking, and Bluetooth audio streaming. It is easy to set up and tear down, and a perfect fit for public speaking, outdoor performances, and fitness instructors.

The EON One MK2 improves on the IRX One by adding more power, more inputs, fully-featured DSP processing, and Bluetooth streaming and control. Not only that, the EON One MK2 can be powered by AC or a built-in battery, providing up to 6 hours of performance time. Just like the IRX One, the EON One can be packed up easily and carried with one hand, making it perfect for solo performers.

The top of the line column PA system from JBL is the PRX One, featuring up to 2000W of power, a 7-channel digital mixer, a fully-featured onboard DSP, and Bluetooth functionality, all in a compact, portable footprint. Thanks to its XLR through output, coverage can be expanded with satellite speakers, allowing the PRX One to be the main component of a PA system for large rooms. The powerful subwoofer extends frequency response to 35 Hz, and the array of 12 2.5” drivers deliver even coverage throughout the room.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to go with a more traditional solution or prefer the convenience of an all-in-one column, JBL has you covered for on-the-go PA systems. If you need help specifying the right system for your needs, reach out to the Almo Audio Team at [email protected].

Audio enthusiast? Check out “Visiting the JBL Experience Center“.
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

All‑Weather Displays in 2026: What Pro AV Integrators Need to Know

by | Mar 3, 2026 | Business Development, Outdoor AV, Pro Displays, Uncategorized

Outdoor AV used to be all about brightness. But as expectations rise and outdoor environments become more varied, the real differentiators are the technologies that help displays survive, and perform, in conditions indoor screens were never built for. Whether you’re designing a drive‑thru, a campus walkway, a rooftop bar, or an outdoor plaza, understanding how these features solve common outdoor challenges is key to choosing the right hardware.

Peerless-AV Neptune nt554_9Here’s how those real‑world challenges break down, and the features that matter most.

1. Sunlight, Glare & Changing Ambient Light

Why It’s a Problem

Outdoor environments introduce extreme contrast swings. Direct sun can wash out images entirely, shadows come and go, and reflections from glass, pavement, or water surfaces can make screens unreadable.

What to Look For

  • High‑Brightness Panels (2,500–3,500+ nits)
    This level of brightness helps content stay visible even during midday sun.
  • Anti‑Reflection or Anti‑Glare Glass
    Advanced glass coatings, or optically bonded glass, help reduce reflectivity, improving contrast and preserving detail.
  • Polarization Compatibility
    Circular polarization prevents “blacking out” when viewers are wearing polarized sunglasses – common in retail, transportation, and hospitality environments.
  • Adaptive Brightness Controls
    Displays that automatically adjust to ambient light reduce eye strain, lower power consumption, and maintain consistent readability.

Peerless-AV Extreme xhb5541_52. Weather, Moisture & Environmental Exposure

Why It’s a Problem

Outdoor displays aren’t just dealing with rain. Wind‑blown dust, salty air, humidity, snow, insects, and condensation can all damage internal components or cause premature failure.

What to Look For

  • IP56–IP66 Weather Ratings
    Higher ingress protection levels help shield against water jets, dust intrusion, and debris.
  • Sealed, Ventless Designs
    Completely sealed enclosures prevent moisture and airborne particles from working their way inside.
  • Impact‑Resistant Glass (IK10 Suggested)
    Tempered or laminated cover glass protects against vandalism, hail, and accidental impact.
  • Protected Cable Entry Points
    Ensures moisture and debris can’t get inside through the weakest link in the system.

3. Extreme Temperatures & Thermal Management

Why It’s a Problem

Outdoor displays must manage heat from direct sunlight and internal components, as well as cold snaps that can crack panels or interrupt operation. Without proper engineering, thermal stress can lead to black spots, shutdowns, or long‑term damage.

What to Look ForSamsung OH Series

  • Wide Operating Temperature Range (e.g., –22°F to 122°F)
    Crucial for four‑season climates.
  • Internal Thermal Management Systems
    Hidden fans, sealed heat‑exchange systems, or integrated cooling pathways help maintain stable internal temperatures.
  • High TNI Panels for Full‑Sun Performance
    These panels are designed to resist isotropic blackout when exposed to intense heat and sunlight.

4. Structural Durability in Public or Semi‑Public Spaces

Why It’s a Problem

Outdoor displays must handle more than weather. Public spaces introduce risk from accidental impact, vibration, airborne debris, and general wear.

What to Look For

  • IK10 Impact Resistance
    This is the gold standard for outdoor glass durability.
  • Corrosion‑Resistant Materials
    Aluminum housings and UV‑rated coatings help prevent rust and discoloration.
  • 24/7 Duty‑Cycle Ratings
    Necessary for signage and environments where uptime matters.

Planar Luminate Ultra W Series5. Large‑Format Viewing Without Losing Detail

Why It’s a Problem

Outdoor plazas, stadium entrances, and retail facades often require displays that are large enough to be seen from a distance, but crisp enough to read up close.

What to Look For

  • High Brightness + Fine Pixel Pitch
    MicroLED and fine‑pitch outdoor LED solutions offer the combination of outdoor durability and close‑view clarity.
  • True 16:9 Configurations
    Makes it easier to scale to Full HD or 4K formats without odd aspect ratios.
  • Front‑Serviceable Cabinets
    Allows maintenance without needing rear access – key for wall‑mounted outdoor video walls.

6. Reducing Maintenance & Ensuring Long‑Term Reliability

Why It’s a Problem

Outdoor service calls are time‑consuming, expensive, and often require special access. Displays that fail prematurely create downstream headaches for integrators and end‑users alike.

What to Look For

  • Fully Sealed Electronics
    Reduces the risk of internal contamination and extends overall lifespan.
  • 24/7 Operational Design
    Displays built for continuous use prevent performance drift and overheating.
  • Remote Monitoring Capabilities
    Environmental sensors (temp, humidity, airflow, power draw) help integrators diagnose issues before they become failures.

Bringing It All Together

Outdoor AV isn’t just “indoor AV but brighter.” It’s a completely different design environment with challenges that need purpose‑built solutions – whether you’re dealing with intense sunlight, weather exposure, large viewing distances, or the demands of 24/7 uptime.

By understanding the specific features that directly address these challenges, you’ll be better equipped to guide clients, prevent premature failures, and create outdoor experiences that look as good on day 1,000 as they did on day 1.

åNeed Help Specifying the Right Outdoor Display?

Our Almo Pro AV team is here to support project planning, product selection, and technical guidance. Connect with us to get expert recommendations tailored to your next outdoor installation.

Want to explore more Outdoor AV? You might enjoy “Top Outdoor AV Solutions for 2025: A Reseller’s Guide.”

Elevating Extended Stay Properties: Solutions That Feel Like Home

by | Feb 18, 2026 | Business Development, Hospitality, Uncategorized

Extended-stay hotels are becoming increasingly popular, offering guests a home-away-from-home with all the conveniences they need for longer visits. As guest expectations continue to evolve, extended-stay properties have an opportunity to differentiate themselves by providing thoughtful Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) and innovative Pro AV solutions designed specifically for extended comfort. Let’s explore how you can elevate your extended-stay projects with smart design, technology, and amenities that make guests feel truly at home.

What are extended-stay properties?
Extended-stay hotels are designed for guests staying beyond the typical one or two-night reservation. These properties often feel more residential than traditional hotel rooms, providing additional space, storage, and appliances that support daily routines. From cooking to working to relaxing, guests should feel like they have everything they need for a seamless, comfortable stay.

Creating an Inviting Kitchen Space
cozy kitchen sceneOne of the biggest advantages of extended-stay hotels is the in-room kitchen. Unlike traditional rooms that offer limited appliances, extended-stay kitchens require:

  • Full-size or mid-size refrigerators
  • Ovens and stovetops
  • Microwaves
  • Essential cookware and utensils

These amenities allow guests to prepare meals, stick to their routines, and enjoy a more personalized stay. Make the kitchen feel warm and welcoming with stylish yet durable fixtures, modern finishes, and lighting that makes the space functional and inviting.

Upgrading the Space with Innovative Technology
Technology plays a major role in shaping the guest experience, especially during long stays.

Smart Entertainment
smart tvs hotelProvide guests with SMART TVs that include access to streaming services and personalized content.
Brands like Samsung and LG offer commercial-grade in-room displays that allow guests to:

  • Log in to their favorite streaming platforms
  • Receive custom welcome messages
  • View hotel information, weather, and amenities
  • Enjoy high-quality UHD displays

This creates a seamless, familiar entertainment experience they can enjoy every day of their stay.

Nonstop Tech Solutions
nonstop tech solutionFor guests who are working remotely or using multiple devices, Nonstop’s lineup of in-room technology is a must-have. Their sleek, durable charging hubs offer:

  • Wireless charging
  • Multiple USB ports
  • AC outlets
  • Integrated cable management
  • Security C-clamps for tamper resistance

These solutions ensure that no matter the length of the stay, guests always remain powered, connected, and productive. Explore the Nonstop lineup >

Designing Spaces That Feel Like Home
home-like hotel roomBeyond appliances and technology, extended-stay guests appreciate thoughtful design details that make the space feel warm and livable. Consider adding:

  • Stylish, residential-inspired decor
  • Additional closet space and drawers for unpacking
  • A designated workspace with ergonomic furniture
  • Cozy seating for relaxation
  • High-speed WiFi for streaming, working, and messaging across multiple devices

These touches help guests settle in, stay organized, and feel truly comfortable during extended visits.

How Extended-Stay Properties Differ from Traditional Hotels
The biggest differentiators are space, autonomy, and comfort. Traditional hotel rooms are built for short-term convenience. Extended-stay rooms are designed for everyday living. Guests want the flexibility to cook meals, work remotely, relax comfortably, and maintain a sense of normalcy — and the right FF&E and Pro AV solutions help make that possible.

Innovation that Keeps Guests Coming Back
Extended-stay properties that invest in high-quality equipment, connected technology, and thoughtful design elements will stand out in a competitive market. From fully functional kitchens to SMART entertainment and Nonstop technology, these enhancements give guests an elevated in-room experience that feels like home — only better.

Whether you’re updating an existing property or designing a new one, Almo Hospitality is here to support your vision with FF&E and Pro AV solutions tailored for extended-stay success.

AV System Components for Corporate Spaces: Why Standardization Starts With the Right Building Blocks

by | Feb 3, 2026 | Business Development, Networked AV, Racks & Mounts, Signal Distribution, Uncategorized

If you work in corporate AV, you’ve likely heard the same request from every client: “Make the rooms consistent, reliable, and easy to support.” In 2026, that ask is louder than ever. Industry outlooks point to a clear theme across enterprises; standardize what you deploy so every room behaves the same way, from Chicago to London. That work doesn’t start with the biggest screens or the flashiest DSPs. It starts with the essential system components: quality cables, reliable mounts, right sized switches, projection screens, adapters, and the other pieces that connect it all.

Why periphoral gear matters more this year

After years of rapid hybrid rollouts, many organizations are stepping back to level set their environments. They’re replacing “good enough for now” gear with standardized kits that deliver predictable performance. This trend shows up across multiple industry sources that highlight standardization, interoperability, and supportability as 2026 priorities.

Two forces are driving the shift:

  1. Support teams need fewer variables. When your mounts, cables, extenders, and screens are consistent, field issues drop and troubleshooting gets faster. Enterprise leaders are explicitly prioritizing room to room consistency to reduce day to day friction for users and IT alike.
  2. AV and IT are converging. As AV is becoming more integrated into IT network switches, basics like proper cabling, switching, and secure device selection directly affect performance and cybersecurity posture. Accessories chosen with IT in mind help ensure clean signal paths and fewer help desk tickets.

Trends shaping how you choose periphoral gear

standard meeting roomStandardization is the new innovation. Integrators are being asked to build repeatable room types that scale across floors and regions. That depends on predictable, vetted building blocks – not one off parts.

Interoperability and ease of use. Customers want rooms that “just work” no matter the meeting platform. That requires attention to the small things: certified cables that carry the bandwidth you promise, mounts aligned to your standard displays, and switches sized for current and near term needs. Interoperability remains a defining theme in 2026 as users expect simple, cross platform collaboration.

Data, monitoring, and lifecycle planning. More enterprises are using room analytics and remote management to guide refresh cycles. That only pays off if the physical foundation is stable. Clean wiring, consistent accessories, and known good parts reduce false alarms and make remote diagnostics meaningful.

Growth in networked AV. AV over IP continues to expand as businesses upgrade to higher bandwidth and connected systems. That puts extra pressure on proper switches, cabling, and labeling – all squarely in the “components” category. Industry roundups note the mainstreaming of networked AV and the need for stronger reliability and security as systems scale.

For example: A company rolled out AV‑over‑IP using switches that worked fine at first, but as more rooms came online and resolutions increased, video latency and packet loss started appearing during peak hours. The issue wasn’t the endpoints. It was the need to upgrade the switches and standardize bandwidth planning across room types.

What “good” looks like in a corporate space

Here’s a practical checklist we see winning in boardrooms, huddle spaces, meeting rooms, lobbies, and workstations:

  • Cabling that matches the spec, not just the price. Correctly rated HDMI/USB C, category, and fiber runs sized for high resolution content and room distances. Poor cabling is a top cause of signal issues and intermittent failures, which is why standardizing on vetted SKUs pays off fast.
  • Mounts that fit your standard displays and use cases. Keep a short list that covers fixed, tilt, articulating, and ceiling needs. Consistency here speeds installation and simplifies service calls.
  • Switches and extenders chosen with IT. Size switches for both current traffic and near-term growth, and ensure devices are aligned with your AVoIP roadmap and security expectations. The 2026 focus on connected, secure systems makes these choices foundational.
  • Projection screens where they still make sense. Not every space needs LED or a tiled LCD wall. In training rooms and multi purpose spaces, a well matched projector and screen remain cost effective as long as the essentials around them are planned correctly.
  • Labeling, documentation, and spare kits. Treat labels, cable management, and spares as part of the essential bill of materials. Standardized documentation makes remote support and managed services far more effective.

Why source all AV system components through Almo

av system integrator teamYour teams want to streamline purchasing and reduce on site surprises. Consolidating the components with Almo helps you do both:

  • One BOM, fewer delays. We help you assemble complete kits for each room type, so procurement and staging are straightforward and predictable. That aligns with the enterprise push to standardize spaces in 2026.
  • Pre vetted compatibility. Our specialists live in the details: cable lengths, mounting patterns, bandwidth constraints, power needs. We validate the parts list against your design and room templates.
  • Breadth across trusted brands. You get the flexibility to match brand standards and budgets without reinventing your essentials list for every project. Industry outlooks consistently point to scalability and security as must haves this year; our line card and guidance support both.
  • Support that mirrors your standardization goals. From design assistance to post install troubleshooting, we help you keep rooms consistent and easy to manage as your portfolio grows. The more your kits repeat, the more value you get from remote monitoring and analytics.

The takeaway

In corporate AV, reliability starts with the pieces that rarely make headlines. Get the AV system components right and you’ll spend less time firefighting, more time delivering a consistent user experience that scales across locations. The 2026 trendlines are clear; standardize, simplify, and build for the long term with components you trust.

Ready to simplify your BOM and standardize your corporate spaces?
Connect with the Almo Pro AV team for a quick consultation. We’ll review your room types, recommend the right periphorals, and help you source everything in one place so your next rollout is smoother from day one.

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