InfoComm 2024, Part 1: Live-Sound Show Returns in Full Force The event has evolved into the single-biggest installed-AV expo in the U.S. By Dan Daley, Audio Editor Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 3:25 pm
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InfoComm is back in full swing. After four years of a COVID-driven erratic schedule, the audio expo has returned with a four-day slate of training (June 8-11) and three days of exhibits (June 12-14) at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Backed by the Audio Visual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA), Infocomm is putatively the leading installed-AV trade show in the U.S. (AVIXA partners with CEDIA - Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association - for the similarly themed Integrated Systems Europe annual expo.) However, the rise of digital technology means that many of the same vendors who show at events like the NAB Show and IBC are also present in force at InfoComm.
More specifically, InfoComm has become the de facto leading live-sound expo in the world. Sound-system manufacturers may make some deals at their booths on the show floor, but the meat-and-potatoes of their wares are on vividly loud display in the LVCC's massive demo rooms. System subwoofers have the nearly 30 ft. needed to unroll just half a 20-Hz wavelength - the kind of low-frequency punch now required in a venue like Madison Square Garden, whether the featured act there is Justin Timberlake or the New York Knicks.
Here, in the first of a two-part preview, are some of the new audio products that will be on the InfoComm show floor, including massive PA components that sports venues rely on to create sonic fan engagement.
Audinate (Booth 8012), developer of the Dante AV-over-IP solution, will demo the addition of Dante Media Encryption to the evolving security features and benefits of the Dante platform. Dante Media Encryption protects the content of media flows using strong AES-256 encryption, safeguarding media from interception or unauthorized access. Designed with security at its core, Dante offers device-, network-, and media-level protections for pro-AV manufacturers to integrate into their products and system solutions. The accelerating convergence of AV equipment and IT network technologies has increased the need for integrators and manufacturers to provide network protection with security-conscious designs and adherence to emerging IoT (Internet-of-Things) network regulations.
Clear-Com (Booth C5515) will announce an updated version of Arcadia intercom platform, equipped with new features and expanded device support. Features include I.V. Direct Interfacing, allowing effortless interfacing with LQ, Eclipse E-IPA, and other Arcadia systems over LAN, WAN, or the internet to ensure robust and versatile connectivity options for diverse operational needs. Additionally, the increased capacity for FreeSpeak II digital-wireless-system beltpacks and IP transceivers means that Arcadia now supports a significantly higher number of these devices, accommodating larger teams and more-complex communication requirements. Furthermore, Arcadia doubles the number of supported HelixNet User Stations, suiting it to larger and more demanding communication setups. Finally, the Gen-IC Virtual Intercom cloud-based communication technology is ready to ship.
Studer Vista-BRAVO
Evertz (Booth C5527) will be exhibiting the Studer Vista-BRAVO, which integrates Studer's Vista digital mixing consoles with BRAVO Studio to create a complete production suite. The introduction of Vista BRAVO access to a full mixing console adds enhanced audio capabilities to the production platform. Vista BRAVO controls can be accessed with the 12-fader mixing console or through Evertz VUE and BRAVO-WAVEBOARD motorized fader unit for remote control. Also, Studer will be supporting the Waves FX plugins on Vista.
Lawo HOME mc DSP
Lawo (Booth C5027) showcases scalable production-infrastructure solutions for stadium and campus applications as well as corporate broadcast. The ultra-low-latency Lawo HOME mc DSP app is the latest addition to the HOME apps family. This server-based, agile audio engine combines the flexibility of the HOME Apps platform, in respect to connectivity and scalability, with Lawo's audio-processing quality. HOME mc DSP can be used with mc mixing consoles or can function as a virtual mixing system. Part of the HOME Apps platform, the HOME mc DSP app leverages Lawo's Flex licensing and subscription model, allowing users to reallocate subscription credits to any available HOME App, whether audio or video, for tight budget control. It is also easy to move from one location to another, such as a production hub and a production truck or a remote location. With Lawo's VSC app for macOS, users can connect a computer to any RAVENNA/AES67-compatible studio hardware or software. The Lawo Power Core Gateway is a software-defined, networked DSP mixing engine and modular I/O node for live sound and broadcast applications. It provides 128 channels of standard I/O, with functions controlled remotely from an mc console or Lawo's mxGUI software for Mac and PC. The new Gateway software update offers support for the 96 kHz/2 FS sample rate.
Riedel Bolero beltpack
Riedel Communications (Booth C5109) will feature the Bolero wireless intercom system, showcasing both the DECT 1.9-GHz and the 2.4-GHz versions compatible for combined networks. The company's PunQtum digital partyline now seamlessly integrates with Bolero. The Artist-1024 will be on display alongside the SmartPanel 2300 and 1200, with hybrid-lever keys offering versatile interfaces. Riedel's live-video-production arsenal will be featured, including the Simplylive Production Suite, RiMotion replay system, and the newly updated RiCapture ingest recording with new SSE interface alongside the venue gateway a
