InfoComm 2023 has wrapped after a successful—albeit hot & humid—week in Orlando. The show brought together the pro AV industry for a fast-paced week of showcasing new technology innovations, a wide-ranging education program, and numerous networking opportunities.
The show welcomed 29,325 attendees from 115 countries, in fact, International attendance made up 20%. In addition, 37% were first-time attendees. On the trade show floor, 700 exhibitors showcased pro AV products and solutions across 358,700 net square feet. (I lost track of my mileage on the show floor!) “It’s been an incredible week at InfoComm 2023 – seeing the power of such creative minds come together to show off pro AV solutions that enhance our world,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, CEO of AVIXA. “To witness an industry evolving in real-time is so inspirational. I know attendees will head home with countless new ideas and business connections—supercharged for months to come.” Remember, InfoComm 2024 will take place not in Orlando but in Las Vegas June 8-14, with the show floor open June 12-14, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Here’s a look at what some of the exhibitors had to spotlight at InfoComm 2023 that will fuel creative inspiration.
Absen
Absen showcased a lineup of its top products across various product lines, including: highlighting the Clear Cobalt Series that features a black coating and full flip chip technology. In addition, Absen continues to highlight its work with its LED solutions for virtual production. By creating a VP studio in their booth, they demonstrated how directors and creators can directly see the filming environment, immerse actors in the scene, and save time and energy. Absen is also still very much committed to live production. Providing cutting-edge solutions for live events, Absen offers a comprehensive range of rental and staging LED products. These products have been designed to meet the demanding requirements of live productions, ensuring stunning visuals and unforgettable experiences.
ADJ
Making its official debut at the show was the ADJ Encore LP12Z IP. This weatherproof IP65 rated zooming LED PAR fixture is equipped with 12 20W 4-in-1 RGBL color mixing LEDs, including 64 built-in color macros and tunable white control (2,700K to 6,500K). The inclusion of a lime chip, alongside the primary red, green, and blue, allows for an increased color palette as well as a higher CRI (84.4), ensuring natural skin tones and enhanced depth. The fixture also features motorized zoom, providing the ability to remotely control the lighting coverage, for a variable field angle of between 9° and 50°. Also, on ADJ’s InfoComm booth was the new Focus Spot 7Z. The latest addition to its Focus Series of LED-driven moving heads, it’s a feature-packed luminaire. At its heart is an efficient 420W white light LED engine, which has its light focused through precision-engineered optics to generate an even output of 20,000 lumens.
Analog Way
Analog Way was highlighting its line to InfoComm attendees, showing how the LivePremier, Alta 4K, Midra 4K, and Picturall product ranges cover nearly every video processing need, from small and medium-sized projects to the largest fixed installations and live events. Highlights included some new features coming to the LivePremier platform. The 8-plug HDMI input card addressing the need for a larger number of full HD sources and their possible backups. The hybrid IP-SDI input card, with four 12G-SDI inputs and one NDI-enabled 2.5GbE port. The LINK feature, for both controlling multi-chassis output canvases and sharing multiple sources between these chassis, in order to meet the ever-increasing video processing needs of large-scale events and massive fixed installations. Analog Way designed their booth with SNA Displays’ BRILLIANT™ Interior LED display technology featuring a 4K 1.2 mm 16×9 display.
Astera
Wireless LED lighting specialist Astera launched two new Fresnel products—the PlutoFresnel for medium to small spaces and applications and the LeoFresnel, a cable-free LED alternative to the classic 1K Fresnel ideal for scenarios requiring more power and punch. These are the first battery powered Fresnel lighting fixtures developed by Astera, which are supplied as a complete package with barn doors, a full yoke with TVMP adapter for stand mounting, removable handle, and several other useful accessories. The PlutoFresnel offers a 15° to 60° beam angle, both wired and wireless DMX control, with a built in battery with up to 3 hours run time. The larger LeoFresnel is comparable in light output to a standard 1K tungsten lamp, has a 15° to 60° beam as well as wireless and wired DMX control, with a 2-hour onboard battery, and a 250W power consumption. It weighs 14kg and has a removable handle compatible with Airline Track systems, plus a full range of practical accessories including quick-release YokeBases for mounting and adjusting, and a TVMP adapter T-Bolt thread handle on the yoke for attaching an Astera Runtime Extender or Airline Track.
AV Stumpfl
AV Stumpfl highlighted its PIXERA 2.0 Media Server System, demonstrating the new features of the upcoming PIXERA software version 2.0 for the first time at InfoComm. One of the highlights of the new version is its multi-user workflow capability, which will allow media server operators to be much more flexible and efficient when working on complex installations or show environments. Multiple PIXERA director licenses can now be synched, with users being able to choose between different levels of granularity when working within a multi-user scenario. Complete projects can be shared in real-time, or alternatively single project parts like warpings or timelines. Should they wish to, users can also choose to share every single editing action among the connected systems. New N+1 backup options and dry client programming capabilities are additional feature highlights of the new PIXERA 2.0 software.
www.avstumpfl.com / www.pixera.one
Barco
Barco had a range of projection solutions in its booth at InfoComm. In fact, the new G50 won a product award at the show, as well as its UDX and UDM series of projectors for the rental & staging market. [See the Product In Focus on the Barco UDM-4K30 on page 24 of this issue.] As a part of its booth, Barco created a very clever display with a range of its projectors in a very tight booth ‘closet’ rear projecting on its RigiFlex screen. It’s a rigid, yet very flexible power wall screen. Barco RigiFlex combines excellent visual performance with amazingly easy transportation, installation and maintenance. This high-tension surface is an excellent alternative for fixed power walls. Rear-projection is a mainstream projection mode in the virtual reality market. However, rigid screens are typically rather compact, smaller than the total required surface. The screen is therefore spliced, and the welding lines impede the visual sense of immersion. Moreover, installing such a screen can be challenging and time-consuming. Depending on the size of the screen, you may need special equipment to transport and install it. That’s the challenge Barco addresses with RigiFlex. It features a flexible surface which can be completely rolled up (so it can be easily brought inside any building) and is available in any size – up to 10 x 4 meters/33’ x 13’. Meanwhile, it has similar quality specifications as the top glass screens, delivering an authentic immersive interaction.
Brompton Technology
LED video processing company Brompton Technology exhibited its latest solutions at InfoComm 2023 including its next-generation Tessera G1 receiver card and its new TrueLight® technology. Brompton’s Tessera G1 receiver card delivers 20X more computing power than the current industry leading Tessera R2+. It is designed to drive next-generation LED panels that can meet the extreme requirements of virtual production and other fast-growing segments demanding maximum performance, such as simulators and eGames. With the G1 already being integrated into new panels by industry-leading LED manufacturers, these next generation panels will deliver finer pixel pitches, ultra-high frame rates, and a broader spectral output of light, thanks to the addition of extra LED emitters per pixel.
TrueLight, driven by the Tessera G1 receiver card, enables control of panels with extra emitters – for example, RGBW. This technology brings major benefits in situations where LED panels are contributing to the lighting of a scene, such as in a virtual production volume, where recreating reality is a top priority and the narrow spectral output of conventional RGB panels can cause color shifts and unnatural skin tones.
CHAUVET Professional
At the CHAUVET Professional booth, they were highlighting the Maverick Force 3 Profile, which delivers 40,906 lumens of output. Features include a CMY + CTO color mixing system and a 10:1 zoom. Color calibration and gobo selection comes matched to other Force fixtures, along with a 4-blade shutter frame system and effects with static, rotating, and animation effects. Control options include DMX, RDM, sACN, Art-Net, or W-DMX. Also, on hand was the LynTec LCRP-12 panel. (CHAUVET acquired power product manufacturer LynTec earlier this year.) The LCRP-12 panel builds on the reliable lighting, sequencing, and power control features of the company’s legacy LCRP-10 relay panel—one of LynTec’s most popular products—with a critical redesign that delivers additional cost savings and features, including compatibility with any DMX control system. The new panel features individual step delay between each relay, emergency off by circuit, emergency on for lighting by circuit, as well as under- and over-voltage sensing for brownout and voltage spike protection. It is easy to set up via the LED display and rotary encoder. DMX compatible, it can also be added to existing building automation systems.
www.chauvetprofessional.com / www.LynTec.com
Digital Projection
Digital Projection was demonstrating the HIGHlite 4K UHD Reference Satellite Modular Light Source projection system. By separating the projector head from the pure laser light engine, the HIGHlite S-MLS offers installation flexibility and a projector chassis that’s smaller and lighter than other 3-chip DLP projectors. The HIGHlite S-MLS weighs just 42 lbs., compared to the 120 lbs. of most other projectors, and is 83% smaller than its original integrated design, making it easier to fit into tight spaces. Its modular design enables the illumination engine to be located apart from the projector head, which minimizes noise from interfering with the viewing experience, enables greater customization, and simplifies upgrades and maintenance.
www.digitalprojection.com/en-us/
Epson
Epson showcased the newest additions to its 3-chip, 3LCD laser projector portfolio and demonstrated a wide range of ways that projectors can transform environments. At InfoComm 2023, Epson debuted its new PowerLite® L series with 4K Enhancement, its first extreme short-throw with 4K Enhancement, new 4K Crystal Motion technology, and new cloud-based projection management software. The Epson PowerLite L Series with 4K Enhancement is conveniently lightweight and compact. The new series combines native WUXGA and 4K Enhancement technology that doubles HD video resolution on-screen with 5,200 or 7,000 lumens of brightness to deliver bright, clear images virtually anywhere. Delivering images up to 500” with aspect ratio support from standard 16:10 to ultra-wide 21:9, the sleek and compact projectors adapt across a range of infrastructures and applications. They are also compatible with Epson’s optional PixAlign™ camera for simplified multi-projector installations.
FOR-A/Alfalite
FOR-A Corporation demonstrated a complete live production ecosystem, including new innovations. FOR-A’s solution includes Alfalite Litepix screens, the FA-9600 multi-purpose signal processor with HDR and wide color gamut support, the EZtrack® camera tracking system, ClassX graphics and XR technology, and the company’s new, NDI®-compatible HVS-190 video switcher. FOR-A has partnered with Spanish LED screen manufacturer Alfalite, to bring its quality and indestructible LED panels to the U.S market. (Pictured: Juan Vega Díaz (Alfalite LED) and Satoshi Kanemura (FOR-A)). Made entirely in Spain from conception to finish, the Alfalite Litepix 1.9mm pixel displays are integrated with the company’s ORIM (Optical Injection Resin Module) technology, which offers viewers a 175° viewing angle with perfect precision and no color degradation. ORIM technology also contributes to the durability of the panels. They can withstand water and physical constraints that would scratch (or worse) inferior screens. With its Stack System (no tools required) design and front or rear panel access, the screens are a snap to install and maintain. They can be built into any size of LED wall or volume, creating virtual production and augmented reality spaces.
www.for-a.com / https://alfalite.com
INFiLED
INFiLED had a range of display technologies on hand, for the company’s main areas of concentration – Live Events/Rental Staging, Fixed Installations, as well as xR/Virtual Production. For rental & staging applications they had a cart full of its Titan-X LED products. Titan-X combines high transparency (70%) with a super load capacity into one. The average outdoor stage screen construction needs a stage truss for every two meters of screen to protect against wind over 20m/s for two-tiers. However, TITAN-X only needs a stage truss every 9.6 meters of eight tiers, thanks to an elaborate built-in foldable subframe inside the TITAN frame. Its unique rear triangular foldable wind bracing system can resist wind speeds of 20m/sec for outdoor events, while the screen can reach heights of up to 24 meters. The extra-large 1,200×1,200mm panels feature a unique design with an innovative lifting operation from the dolly that quickens installation time. They also demonstrated its XII Series, which has great ability to curve and stack. On the fixed installation side, they featured a new version of its WT series with COB technology. This fine pixel pitch product ranges from .78mm – 1.25mm with ultra-high contrast ratios and very good black levels. For the Virtual Production market, INFiLED showcased a unique virtual studio solution using flat and organically curving panels to create a seamless curve across the entire screen.
LAMPRO
InfoComm was LAMPRO’s brand debut in North America. LAMPRO, a subsidiary of the Unilumin Group, demonstrated the positioning of its energy-saving products and its development of green technology and environmental protection. New products on display included its Mini LED technology—LMini Series. It adopts COB packaging technology as well as the Full Flip Chip, achieving ultra-sharp images and accurate details but also high efficiency and energy saving. LMini0.9 was showcased. Its high definition makes the content lifelike, showing the ultimate in visual effects. They also showed a variety of fine-pixel-pitch products, such as LAMPRO’s HNA series with 16:9 HD ratio standard; BNX series with hyperfine structure and multiple cabinet sizes, etc. Boasting slim and lightweight designs, they are aimed at conference rooms and installations.
Luminex
Luminex, which is distributed by A.C. Lighting, launched five new models of GigiCore switches at InfoComm 2023. Three of the switches are touring-grade professional AV switches—the GigaCore 20t and GigaCore 18t, both 10 Gb switches, and a 1 Gb version as well – the GigaCore 16t. GigaCore 20t, 18t, and 16t are built for touring professionals who require reliable and robust networking equipment with port speeds of up to 10 Gigabits and PoE++ options. These switches are made to meet the demands of touring, featuring a ruggedized construction and connectivity built to withstand the rigors of transport, load-in, and load-out.
NovaStar/Pixelhue
LED processor company NovaStar and partner video control company, Pixelhue held a massive event at Vū Technologies’ Orlando studio to showcase not only its video technology and processing, but also to give a glimpse into to the company, so people could learn more about what NovaStar and Pixelhue bring to the industry. On the show floor, NovaStar had a massive booth. As a part of the booth, they created a Virtual Production studio with partners Blizzard, Icon Virtual, VFX, and Mo-Sys Engineering who all collaborated with NovaStar to really showcase virtual production solutions to InfoComm attendees. The demonstration combined NovaStar LED processing with Mo-Sys’ StarTracker camera tracking and dedicated LED content server solution VP Pro XR. Partner company, Pixelhue also had a chunk of booth real estate to highlight its range of products including the Q8 4K Multi-Screen Management Presentation Switcher and its U5 Event Controller with a massive LCD touchscreen.
www.novastar.tech / www.pixelhue.com
Obsidian Control Systems
As a part of the Elation booth at InfoComm, Obsidian Control Systems showed off the latest ONYX software, a new IP65 data distribution range, and all new NETRON installation solutions. Supporting the growth of exterior lighting productions like stadium tours, special events, and outdoor movie sets, NETRON introduced an IP65 product range for entertainment data distribution. Utilizing a custom-designed sealed chassis, IP ports and touch controls, the NETRON IP65 range provides data distribution for exterior or interior locations that require dust and moisture protection. Rain, dust, pyrotechnics, special effects like confetti or snow, are all no match for NETRON’s innovative product design. IP65 solutions are provided as a 6-port RDM Splitter (RDM6 IP), 6-port EtherDMX Node (EN6 IP) and an 8-port managed POE switch (NS8 IP). It’s a very impressive and well-built product. If you need IP65 rated data products, I urge you to get a demonstration of this range when it becomes available.
www.obsidiancontrol.com / www.elationlighting.com
Panasonic
At the Panasonic booth, they were talking a lot about immersive events like those in museums and for special events. The very inventive booth had a large cyc and ceiling for projecting immersive content. Panasonic worked with a range of content creators for this installation including Bart Kresa, Iregular, Cadabra, and Extended Reality Group. 4K integrated, simplified production systems paired with interactive projection and display technology will be key to powering immersive productions. Working alongside its next-generation KAIROS IT/IP Live Production Platform and ST 2110 compatible PTZ and Studio cameras, Panasonic Connect introduced a range of new solutions. Some highlights include the PT-REQ12KU Series 1-Chip DLP™ 4K Laser Projectors range from 8,000lm to 12,000lm of brightness. The series offers 4K resolution, and 240 Hz projection capability to seamlessly display detailed visuals on fast-moving objects, resulting in enriching, interactive applications, and stage performances. Also, they showed the PT-RZ14KU 3-Chip DLP™ projector, which is approximately 40% smaller and weighs 20% less than the previous PT-RZ12KU, simplifying everything from transport and storage to installation and set-up.3 It also supports 14,000lm brightness on AC 100–240 V power.
https://na.panasonic.com/us/audio-video-solutions
ROE Visual
ROE Visual was highlighting the GhostFrame virtual production technology. Aimed at the broadcast market, GhostFrame works with ROE’s Ruby LED panels, Megapixel VR’s HELIOS processing, and Vizrt’s Viz Engine 5 to provide multi-layer virtual graphics and video wall control. ROE had setup an XR stage with their products including a Black Pearl 2 V2 (BP2V2) wall paired with a Black Marble 2 (BM2) floor. Complete with camera tracking, the setup will provide a sample of virtual production technology used on film sets and broadcast studios. ROE introduced its latest product, Coral, a COB Flip Chip LED Panel. This product, in its current form, is aimed at the installation market—more for control rooms, conference rooms, and retail displays. It will be interesting to keep an eye on COB flip chip LED technology to see where and how it’s implemented next. Coral is an LED panel that features beautiful white colors and pixel pitches ranging from 0.9mm to 1.8mm. Coral has a high-contrast dark mask, which enhances the contrast ratio, providing deeper blacks and more accurate color reproduction.
Unilumin
Unilumin had a number of LED products and solutions on display. Unilumin, together with its partner, Brainstorm, used the Unilumin UpadIV 2.6 LED panels as the backdrop for this display. This area recreated a virtual production scenario, and visually demonstrated the simple shooting process and vivid effects that could be created. This solution can be widely used in news, sports, entertainment, film and television content shooting and production. Using an LED backdrop allows the quick change of background at any time. Characters can be integrated into any virtual scene, giving you a true “What you shoot is what you get”. Unilumin ‘s latest indoor fine pitch products on display were Mini & Micro series. This series adopts COB flip chip packaging technology. Products showcased at the site were UMiniIII 0.9 Pro as well as Micro 0.7 and 0.4. Elsewhere, Unilumin, in collaboration with Vū / MRMC, created the Unreal Ride experience area in a separate booth. Using a Jeep for two people, along with real props, LED screens, and tracking camera systems were combined to present a fusion of the real world and the virtual one. The overall solution easily showed the efficiency of VP shooting.
YES TECH
YES TECH highlighted its MG7S and Mnano II Series LED displays at InfoComm 2023. The MG7S is built with versatility in mind, capable of being used as both indoor and outdoor displays, as well as for dance floors. With the ability to load up to 3.3 tons, these displays can cater to a wide range of events, no matter how large or small. The structured design also ensures faster and easier maintenance, so you can keep your LED panels in top condition without any hassle. YES TECH’s Mnano II LED display uses COB flip chip technology, providing high uniformity color. The YES TECH Mnano II displays have UHD 8K resolution.
Zero Density
Zero Density ran real-time, full-fledged Green Screen & XR demonstrations off-site at Vū Technologies’ studios in Orlando. They were showcasing the immersive experiences that can be created using Unreal Engine, combining Vū’s virtual production expertise with Zero Density’s real-time graphics technology on both a 20’ x 20’ green screen cyc and a 23’ x 10’ LED stage. The company was showing off its Reality Engine, one of the first software servers to incorporate Unreal Engine. It’s a real-time broadcast compositing system enabling real-time visual effects pipelines featuring video I/O, keying, compositing, and rendering in one single machine. You were able to easily see how real-time 3D compositing, set extension, XR and AR graphics can help create more immersive content. Zero Density also highlighted several newly released solutions including its updated TRAXIS Talent Tracker, which uses AI to track multiple people on set without any wearables required.
InfoComm 2023 was sponsored by Strategic Partners: Blackmagic Design and Crestron, along with Supporting Partner: Shure Incorporated.
