The Comm-Tec S14 Solution day took place on Wednesday 26 September at the company’s headquarters in Uhingen, Germany. Backed by three of the most influential organisations within the AV industry – InfoComm, ISE and CEDIA, the day has grown each year since the German distributor created the event to replace its annual roadshow over four years ago. And from the atmosphere around the show floor it was obvious to see why the show is nearly half a decade into its lifetime. Rainer Sprinzl, managing director sales and marketing, Comm-Tec, commenced proceedings with a speech to welcome the 300 dealers, resellers and consultants. During the day, they would have the opportunity to discover the faces and products from 36 manufactures situated around the 500sqm site.
Barco’s chief sales officer and senior vice president, Jacques Bertrand then took to the stand for his keynote speech. Bertrand discussed the emerging capabilities of the internet – which can now handle HD video and high resolution data streams – and how the AV market is poised to utilise such advances in IP technology. He also spoke of the unification of AV solutions, and how the AV industry is striving to create more common platforms for applications so all conceivable AV equipment will one day be easily networked together over IP.
On the show floor, Vidyo was utilising the capabilities of IP as part of its partnership with Barco to provide what the company says is the first 4K immersive video conferencing and collaboration system. The solution, which uses a 4K Barco 140º canvass videowall, enables flexible layers on a single screen and displays upto 16 high quality streams totaling 8 mega pixels – including ultra-high resolution data sharing up to 3 megapixels. Medialon was presenting its range of media serving products for media, background and dome mapping applications. It was the company’s first time at the event following the signing of a distribution contract within the three months prior to the show.
Elsewhere, Custom furniture solutions provider Future Automation was exhibiting its range of mounting solutions for displays, including a mirror which, when remotely operated, slid open to present an interior space that could be filled by a display.
CEDIA’s first ever appearance at the show was geared toward informing the German market more about the CI organisation. Michelle Ford, membership development officer, CEDIA, commented: “As pioneers in the custom install industry, we want to make a change through legislation and business documentation so all AV solutions are safe and thoroughly assessed. This will help prevent cowboys operating and problems occurring within the industry.” Throughout the day, numerous seminars, workshops and presentations were on offer. Several key presentations were video recorded, so content – including HDBaseT’s presentation on its single cable technology, given by company product manager Stephen Vinke – will soon be available on the Comm-Tec’s website. Andreas Klein (right of picture), marketing, Comm-Tec, told Installation: “People have the chance to meet the Comm-Tec family here. We feel it’s much more personal than larger exhibitions because it’s more compact, allowing a greater opportunity to meet and speak with the people that matter. “It’s also important to have this kind of opportunity to share knowledge between our manufacturers and between the distribution team here.”
The show was fully catered for, and when everyone gathered in the main marquee at lunch there was definitely a sense of community about the show. The show is scheduled to enter it fifth year in 2013, with more space expected to be required so the growing number of exhibitors and exhition stands can be accommodated.
