Newsworthy Figures in the AV Industry: NDI Training Launch, 50th Anniversary Celebration, New CEO Appointment... and Indeed, an Acquisition
The audiovisual (AV) industry is experiencing a period of significant change, with major players making strategic moves to expand product portfolios, combine control and audio technologies, and broaden their global reach.
Telycam has joined the trend by introducing a new plug-in for Elgato's Stream Deck family of controllers, expanding the control options for its portfolio of advanced PTZ cameras. This move is a testament to the industry's growing focus on integrating control and AV solutions.
One of the most notable acquisitions in recent months is Harman International's takeover of Sound United’s consumer audio division for $350 million. This acquisition adds renowned audio brands such as Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, and HEOS to Harman's lifestyle audio division, which already includes JBL and Harman Kardon.
Another significant acquisition is AVPro's completion of the acquisition of RTI. This merger combines AVPro’s product development and manufacturing capabilities with RTI’s control technologies, promising accelerated innovation, broader product portfolios, and improved support for dealers and integrators.
Hall Technologies has finalized the acquisition of Atlona's substantially all assets, a move that broadens their technology portfolio and global coverage. To steer the global growth, Thorsten Goecke was promoted to General Manager, Atlona International, overseeing EMEA, APAC and other markets outside North America.
URC and Hisense have partnered to enhance consumer options by integrating Hisense’s latest smart TVs into the URC Total Control system, expanding smart home and AV connectivity capabilities.
Legrand has also made a move by completing the acquisition of Milestone AV Technologies LLC, a leading AV infrastructure and power solutions company, to strengthen its position in AV technology.
These moves reflect a trend towards consolidation among major players, investments in complementary technologies, and strategic partnerships designed to offer broader, more integrated AV solutions worldwide. Additionally, key leadership appointments like Goecke at Atlona International indicate a strategic focus on global growth and innovation.
On the educational front, NDI has launched its NDI Professional Course, an on-demand training for AV professionals to build advanced AV over IP skills and expertise. The course is available through the NDI Connected Community and offers workflow walkthroughs and applied use cases.
LG Electronics USA and Design Mindset are hosting a Futures Workshop for Educators on July 21-22 in Denver, CO. The workshop will immerse educators in a hands-on experience blending cutting-edge tools with visionary thinking.
In other news, PlexusAV has signed a distribution agreement with PAG to represent its products in Canada, while SoundTube Entertainment named AVIT Vision as its new exclusive distributor in Spain. The Adam Hall Group is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Finally, Scala officially opened its new showroom in Central London, U.K. for technology demonstrations, partner meetings, and educational initiatives. The workshop will feature AI + Design Thinking in Action, Hands-On LG CreateBoard Sessions, Immersive AI Integration, Keynotes and Social Salons, and Vision Pitch Fest. Participants will obtain the NDI Professional Certificate signed by NDI's technical director, and AVIXA certification with 3.5 Renewal Units for CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I, and ANP.
As the AV industry continues to evolve, these developments highlight a focus on innovation, integration, and global expansion, setting the stage for exciting advancements in the coming months.
- The newly released digital signage product from Telycam is compatible with Elgato's Stream Deck line, broadening the control options for their PTZ cameras.
- In a notable move, Harman International acquired Sound United’s consumer audio division, adding brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Denon to their existing lifestyle audio division.
- The acquisition of RTI by AVPro brings together AVPro’s product development with RTI’s control technologies, promising faster innovation and broader product offerings.
- The purchase of Atlona's assets by Hall Technologies expands their technology portfolio and global coverage, with Thorsten Goecke overseeing its international growth.
- URC and Hisense have collaborated to offer integrated smart TV solutions, improving smart home and AV connectivity options for consumers.
- Legrand, a leading AV technology company, has acquired Milestone AV Technologies LLC to bolster its position in the industry.
- Significant consolidation among major AV players, investments in complementary technologies, and strategic partnerships aim to provide more integrated AV solutions worldwide.
- NDI has launched an on-demand training course for AV professionals, Building Advanced AV over IP Skills, accessible through the NDI Connected Community.
- LG Electronics and Design Mindset are hosting an educational workshop on July 21-22 in Denver, CO, where educators will learn to blend cutting-edge tools with visionary thinking.
