
InfoComm 2019: Big Sound for Sports Is Big Business Sports venues are frequent case studies at the live-sound expo By Dan Daley, Audio Editor
Tuesday, June 18, 2019 - 10:13 am
Print This Story
Story Highlights
By the time InfoComm 2019 ended last Friday, a record 44,129 registered attendees had passed through the portals of the massive Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Besides the nearly 1,000 exhibits on the show floor, they had visited two dozen demo rooms, most housing some of the largest live-sound systems on the market and reflecting the show's recently established status as the premier North American expo for live sound. And sports venues were used to illustrate each system's strengths as often as, if not more than, the more traditional music-touring case studies.
Bose Professional, d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics, Electro-Voice, Danley Sound Labs, Meyer Sound, QSC, Renkus-Heinz, Community Sound and Yamaha/Nexo were some of the brands doing scheduled demos of their systems, often in adjacent rooms that necessitated alternating show times to avoid wall-shaking cacophony.
The sheer number of brands showing systems underscored the value of the live-event market in the U.S. Last year, live events generated $136.9 million of direct spending worldwide, with North America representing 44% of that, according to the Oxford Economics and Events Industry Council; music touring added another $10.4 billion. With many of those ticket dollars spent on shows playing in sports stadiums and arenas, it was not surprising that both sports and music-touring applications headlined the use cases illustrating the capability of these manufacturers, who came from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, and Canada, as well as the U.S.
Live sound in the sports-venue sector is really robust, observed Dan Palmer, business development manager, sports facilities, U.S. and Canada, L-Acoustics, from the show floor. And we're pushing the limits on the performance level of what these systems can do in a sports arena or stadium. Concert-level sound systems in sports venues are a reality now. The sports experience has become elevated, and the sound has now met those expectations.
Palmer also moderated a panel at InfoComm 2019. Players and Perspectives in Sports Venue Sound System Integration, co-hosted by L-Acoustics Application Manager, Sports Facilities, Gino Pellicano, brought together AV systems integrators Jamie Gillespie (Pro Sound & Video) and Justo Gutierrez (Diversified); systems designer Craig Janssen (Idibri); and Scott Kalarchik, director, engineered systems, QSC, for a wide-ranging discussion on the challenges of sound-system integration in sports arenas and stadiums. Areas covered included the overall complexity of sound-system integration in major sports venues as part of a larger AV picture; stakeholder roles involved; and key considerations in implementing sound solutions in stadiums and arenas.
The discussion touched on esports as well. It's here to stay. Any sense that it's a fad is gone, said Palmer, noting the large esports arena, fitted with an L-Acoustics system, at nearby Full Sail Academy, which was also an offsite visit on the InfoComm conference agenda. Esports is now on college curriculums, and it's going to need full-scale venues in which to play matches, with major-league-level audio and video.
Lots To See and Hear
Although this wasn't a broadcast show, manufacturers in that sector were well-represented, including Evertz, Panasonic, Sony, Audio-Technica (and sister wireless company Alteros), Shure, Sennheiser, Telos Alliance, Pliant Technologies, and Clear-Com. Although complex live events routinely use broadcast-type systems - including cameras, switching and intercoms - AV over IP, in the form of streaming media, is quickly creating a more unified media proposition, one that scales from major-league events to just north of the sandlot. Companies like Marshall and Vaddio showed new USB 1080p cameras, and MXL, Beyerdynamic, and others exhibited new USB microphones (a category further propelled by the recent popularity and proliferation of podcasts).
InfoComm 2019 had plenty more to see and hear:
Sanken CMS-50 compact-shotgun mic
Sanken Microphones (distributed by Brainstorm) introduced the CMS-50 compact-shotgun stereo condenser microphone. Ideal for boom-pole or camera-mounted operation, the mic is especially suited to ambient sports recording and shoots where tight patterns and premium sound are sought. M-S (mid-side) configuration makes it convenient to adjust the stereo width at the mixer or in postproduction. The mic includes two outputs: cardioid and figure-8. (Available this month. MSRP: $1,795.)
The Telos Alliance introduced Telos Infinity Link, the latest addition to the Telos Infinity IP intercom platform. The Opus-codec-based product is available as a series of software licenses that can be added to any host Infinity panel or beltpack hardware, unlocking two, four, or eight embedded codecs that convert WAN-side VoIP to LAN-side Livewire+ AES67. A dedicated 1RU Gateway device is also available, supplied with dual AC power and dual Gigabit Ethernet connections, supporting either eight or 16 embedded codecs.
Bose ArenaMatch loudspeakers
Bose Professional showed the new ArenaMatch DeltaQ loudspeakers and ArenaMatch Utility loudspeakers. DeltaQ technology allows directivity, or Q, to vary in each module to more precisely match coverage to audience area. This flexibility allows asymmetrical coverage patterns, improved sightlines due to reduced module counts, reduced array weight, and lower overall system costs compared with many conventional arrays. Each Bose ArenaMatch array module houses a 14-in. neodymium woofer and six Bose EMB2S titanium-diaphragm neodymium compression drivers.
Pliant Technologies introduced MicroCo
North America Stories
03/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
03/09/2026
The EZDRM approach to Revenue Security on streaming video can be visualized as a multi-dimensional set of solutions. A growing dimension of that approach is the...
03/09/2026
From field capture to management, control and production, Kiloview will demonstrate one connected Hybrid AV-over-IP workflow including a complete 4RU producti...
03/09/2026
Mediagenix, a global leader in smart content solutions to profitably connect the right content to the right audience, today announced Mediagenix Curation, a new...
03/09/2026
LucidLink, the Emmy-winning cloud-native file streaming platform for instant, secure access to large files, today announced the next step in its vision to make ...
03/09/2026
AJA Introduces FS8, Next-Gen 12G-SDI/SMPTE ST 2110 Media Processor
Brie Clayton September 2, 2026
0 Comments
AJA Video Systems unveiled FS8, a video a...
03/09/2026
Shooting Deadheading with Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF
Brie Clayton September 2, 2026
0 Comments
Bringing a small story to the big screen with dark com...
03/09/2026
OOONA Launches OOONA Go: Professional Localization Management for Small Companie...
03/09/2026
DURHAM, N.C. - East of Texas Durham has officially opened its doors at American ...
02/09/2026
Professional and collegiate clubs, leading vendors discuss current trends in stadium production
On. Aug. 12, the 2026 SVG Venues & Teams Summit explored the ev...
02/09/2026
SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater, and Hollywood Park have completed an infrastructure upgrade expanding game presentation and broadcast production capabilities acr...
02/09/2026
Comcast Technology Solutions (CTS) has announced a suite of AI-powered workflow applications for broadcasters, content owners, and operators, built on its Video...
02/09/2026
The North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) and the Association of Professional Wireless Production Technologies (APWPT) have announced a partnership to ...
02/09/2026
Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Minneso...
02/09/2026
New LED provides enhanced quality control, quicker show prep, detailed productio...
02/09/2026
Six-country survey finds 26% of sports fans frequently unable to determine where...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
KOKKEDAL, DENMARK, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 DPA Microphones announces its new 6388 CORE Headset Microphone, a high-performance directional headset designed for dema...
02/09/2026
Pliant Technologies will highlight its CrewCom CXD 32CF 32x32 Dante /AES67 Digital Audio Network Interface, a powerful connectivity solution designed to expand ...
02/09/2026
iWedia, a leading provider of software solutions for connected TV devices, today announced two enhancements to Teatro Pulse, its end-to-end TV service operation...
02/09/2026
Signiant, trusted by the media industry for accelerated content movement for more than 20 years, will showcase the latest evolution of the Signiant Platform at ...
02/09/2026
With a contractual agreement to supply a leading UK sports broadcaster with outside broadcast services for 104 football matches per season over the next four ye...
02/09/2026
IBC2026 will put sport firmly at the centre of the global media and entertainment technology conversation with the strongest sports showing in the event's h...
02/09/2026
PTZOptics will bring a hands-on showcase of intelligent video production to IBC2026 (11-14 September, RAI Amsterdam), with demonstrations spanning new camera te...
02/09/2026
OOONA, a global provider of professional management and production tools for the media localization industry, today announced the launch of OOONA Go, a ready-to...
02/09/2026
EON Media will make its European debut at IBC2026 (September 11-14, RAI Amsterdam) in the show's Future Tech Zone (Hall 14.FT5). The company is launching it...
02/09/2026
Frequency, the engine behind many of the worlds leading streaming television channels, will demonstrate at IBC2026 how integrating intelligence throughout chann...
02/09/2026
On-device AI platform gives broadcasters and content creators purpose-built tools for real-time vertical video production and AI-enhanced sports coverage...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Next-Generation Freeform Control Surfaces Lay the Foundation for AI-Enabled Media Operations
At IBC2026 (Sept. 11 14, RAI Amsterdam, Stand #1.B73), Imagine Com...
02/09/2026
Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin, the world's largest theater stage, has modernized its backstage production infrastructure with a comprehensive Riedel solut...
02/09/2026
Women in Media announces that it will host the two-day Reel/Forward in-person conference devoted to navigating today's production scene. Guests can enjoy pa...
02/09/2026
The expanded partnership brings Teradek's Live Production solutions to New Media AV's European dealer and integrator network, opening new opportunities ...
02/09/2026
QuickLink, a leading provider of award-winning video production and remote guest contribution solutions, announces a major expansion to its award winning Studio...
02/09/2026
BCNEXXT, the developers of the advanced playout platform Vipe, today announced that premium entertainment brand Foxtel has selected Vipe to underpin playout for...
02/09/2026
SubtitleNEXT helps HOT Telecom's subtitling team keep a cool head with reliable QC capabilities
Profuz Digital, global developer of digital media and local...
02/09/2026
Case Study: Mission Digital Strengthens Battery Safety with Safe-ion
As productions become increasingly dependent on battery-powered equipment, the safe storag...
02/09/2026
LA JOLLA, CA-Influenza viruses constantly shapeshift to evade recognition by the immune system. This shapeshifting occurs in critical proteins like hemagglutini...
02/09/2026
LA JOLLA, CA-Clinicians often use a medical test called a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to diagnose heart problems, which uses electrodes placed on the chest ...
02/09/2026
LA JOLLA, CA-Proteins may look like rigid molecular structures, but inside our c...