Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

InfoComm 2018: Live Sound's New Status Is Underscored

22/06/2018

InfoComm 2018: Live Sound's New Status Is Underscored Show focuses on the use of A/V tech in creating experiences By Dan Daley, Audio Editor

Thursday, June 21, 2018 - 8:00 am

Print This Story

Story Highlights

InfoComm 2018, which concluded last week for the first time under the aegis of AVIXA, InterComm International's new name (derived from Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association ), demonstrated a shift in emphasis from A/V technology in and of itself to the use of that technology in the service of creating experiences.

Nearly 43,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors participated in InfoComm 2018.

By the end of the show, nearly 43,000 registered attendees - a 10% increase over the last time InfoComm was held in Las Vegas, in 2016 - and nearly 1,000 exhibitors had shown their interest in and their wares matching that new goal. Demonstrating the growing intersection of A/V and IT, exhibitors included tech giants Google, Microsoft, Dolby, Lenovo, Intel, and Dell, alongside A/V stalwarts Dolby Laboratories, Audio-Technica, Panasonic, Shure, and Sennheiser.

Audio in particular indicated the shift to immersive, more deeply engaging platforms. SVG sponsors A-T, Clear-Com, Professional Wireless Systems, Radio Active Designs, Sennheiser, Shure, Solid State Logic, the Telos Alliance TV Solutions Group, and Yamaha Corp. of America were among the 245 companies in the Audio Pavilion area in the venue's Central Hall and the 23 exhibitors in the nearby demo rooms, where global sound-reinforcement vendors including d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics, Renkus-Heinz, EAW, D.A.S. Audio, RCF Audio, and K-Array, underscored the growth of the U.S. live-sound market, of which sports venues are a major component.

Sounds Good

The live-sound demos drew one very consistent comment: PA systems as a category have attained a remarkably high level of sonic quality. That's making system differentiation based solely on sonic quality increasingly difficult, notes Guy Low, content and creative manager, Bosch subsidiary Electro-Voice: We've reached a point in pro audio where large-scale PA systems sound like hi-fi systems.

As a result, the show introduced technology, such as software-based system-management platforms, being developed by audio manufacturers to provide additional evaluation criteria that will influence purchasing decisions. For instance, L-Acoustics' Soundvision, a 3D, real-time acoustical-simulation program allows sound designers to define target SPL and will calculate the optimal speaker angles to achieve it, applying DSP settings for system optimization.

Collaboration Is a Theme

Besides plenty of M&A activity preceding and even during the expo - A/V integrator Diversified, which has put audio into such venues as the Miami Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium, announced the acquisition of UK-based Digitavia - InfoComm 2018 saw several product alliances in search of synergies. For instance, Yamaha and Sennheiser announced that the Sennheiser Digital 6000 microphone systems can now be integrated into Yamaha CL and QL series consoles, via forthcoming Sennheiser and Yamaha firmware updates. These updates mean that Sennheiser's EM 6000 and EM 6000 Dante-compliant wireless receivers can be monitored directly from the consoles, allowing engineers to check such parameters as RF performance, link quality, audio level, and battery status directly from the console and also to adjust certain parameters without the need for additional software or screens. This integration is already available for Soundcraft Vi000 consoles.

The Audio Pavilion at InfoComm 2018 housed 245 exhibitors.

Sennheiser is always keen to collaborate with other manufacturers to allow our systems to interface with their products, making user workflows as smooth and easy as possible, says Tom Vollmers, senior product manager, professional audio, Sennheiser.

Another example of collaboration was found in Avid's announcement that development partners Flux::, d&b audiotechnik, and L-Acoustics have each integrated immersive-sound-processing solutions - respectively, SPAT Revolution, Soundscape, L-ISA - with the Avid VENUE | S6L live-sound system. Each company has developed an AAX DSP plug-in that runs natively on the Avid VENUE | S6L to provide tactile control and software integration of its respective system from the S6L surface and VENUE software, allowing engineers hands-on control over surround parameters from the console.

Underscoring the expo's enhanced status as a live-event-technology show, SSL launched its L100 compact live-sound console, which features a 12 2 fader-configuration frame while retaining the same fast-access layer/bank switching and Super-Q technology to keep all channel, group, aux, VCA, or master controls handy. According to Solid State Logic CEO/Group Commercial Director Piers Plaskitt, it can provide a major-league level of live-sound control to any size sports venue. SSL also announced the launch of new Remote Tile hardware and V4.7 software, which includes an upgrade to SSL's Super Query workflow, enhanced TaCo (remote tablet control) features, a new Transfer Function Analyzer Tool and Auto Pan effect, and support for external-touchscreen control.

Other manufacturers also had a busy show. Shure released the latest version of its Designer software application, providing improved workflow efficiency in configuring Shure products during design and build cycles. The company also announced that it will offer an Integrated Systems Certification Program through the Shure Audio Institute (SAI), featuring training courses on integrated systems for channel partners, A/V professionals, systems integrators, and audio engineers.

Pliant Technologies announced shipment of its new CrewCom wireless intercom system, which can be used simultaneously in both 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz frequenc
LINK: https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/06/21/infocomm-2018-live-sounds-new-s...
See more stories from svg

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

04/08/2026

Dalet Announces Commercial Availability of Dalia, Bringing Media-Aware Agentic AI to Enterprise Productions

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

04/07/2026

Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in Dolby Cinemas Across Japan, Presented in Dolby Atmos and Dolby ...

April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

21/05/2026

Spectrum Launches New California News Networks

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

21/05/2026

Vivid Unease Ashley Barron ACS Lights Netflixs How to Get...

For cinematographer Ashley Barron ACS ( Rivals , Dangerous Liaisons , Disney's Doctor Who ), setting the look of Netflix's How to Get to Heaven from ...

21/05/2026

Hensgens Pairs Airglow and LiteMat on Cannes 2026 Premier...

Jean-Fran ois Hensgens, AFC, SBC, (Tueurs, Six Days in Spring, Le Fil) brings his signature visual approach to Cannes 2026 premiering biopic L'Affaire Marie...

21/05/2026

2026 delegation for Partner with Australia (UK) initiative announced

2026 delegation for Partner with Australia (UK) initiative announced 21 May 2026 Screen Australia and Ausfilm have today announced the delegation for the 2026 ...

21/05/2026

Beeble launches Canvas, a node-based AI compositor for VFX and Virtual Production pipelines

Beeble launches Canvas, a node-based AI compositor for VFX and Virtual Productio...

21/05/2026

Shelly Johnson Elected President of American Society of Cinematographers

Shelly Johnson Elected President of American Society of Cinematographers Brie Clayton May 20, 2026 0 Comments The American Society of Cinematographers...

21/05/2026

ARRI expands Management Board to accelerate next phase of growth and innovation

ARRI expands Management Board to accelerate next phase of growth and innovation Brie Clayton May 20, 2026 0 Comments ARRI expands its Management Board...

20/05/2026

New Nissan Stadium Is First NFL Venue With Permanent Built-In Music Stage

True to the Music City theme, the Tennessee Titans plan to make live music a prominent fixture on game days at the new venue Reflecting the continuing converge...

20/05/2026

NHL Taps Honeywell To Make Arenas, Facilities More Energy-Efficient

The long-term goal is innovation for the next generation of hockey rinks at both the professional and the community level The National Hockey League (NHL) toda...

20/05/2026

A Look Into the Future: What It Takes To Power the Next Generation of Sports Stadiums

End-users and vendors alike work toward cost-effective yet high-quality solution...

20/05/2026

Nasvhvilles New Nissan Stadium To Host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030

The National Football League has announced that Nashville will host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium. The announcement was made at the NFL Spri...

20/05/2026

NFL Awards Minnesota as Host Site of 2028 NFL Draft

The NFL has announced that the 2028 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will take place in Minnesota, uniting fans from around the world to celebrate one of the mo...

20/05/2026

Lawo Highlights Edge One at InfoComm 2026

As professional AV workflows continue to evolve, expectations around audio, video, networking, and control are rising rapidly. At InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, La...

20/05/2026

Haivision to Showcase Video Wall, IPTV, and Ultra-Low Latency Video Innovations at InfoComm 2026

Haivision will showcase its latest innovations at InfoComm 2026, taking place fr...

20/05/2026

Spotify House Returns to CMA Fest With 3 Days of Nonstop Country Music

For the seventh year, Spotify is returning to CMA Fest with Spotify House, the festival's premiere destination for fans. We're taking over downtown Nash...

20/05/2026

Aero 2 from Acustica Audio

Amp-simulation software expanded Acustica Audio's latest release greatly expands on their amp-simulation platform, turning it into a complete amplifica...

20/05/2026

Arturia update the KeyLab Mk3

MainStage integration, Analog Lab improvements & more Arturia have just announced the release of an update that brings an assortment of new features to thei...

20/05/2026

SGL Carbon holds successful Annual General Meeting with strong approval of proposed resolutions

At the Annual General Meeting held on May 20, 2026, the shareholders of SGL Carb...

20/05/2026

From Gulkula to the nation: Yothu Yindi Foundation and NITV deepen national access to Garma Festival

From Gulkula to the nation: Yothu Yindi Foundation and NITV deepen national acce...

20/05/2026

SBS appoints David Fernandez as National Manager, Digital & TV Sales

SBS appoints David Fernandez as National Manager, Digital & TV Sales 20 May, 2026 Media releases SBS has appointed David Fernandez as National Manager, Dig...

20/05/2026

Rohde & Schwarz and INFOZAHYST: A strategic alliance set to redefine modern defense

Rohde & Schwarz and INFOZAHYST: A strategic alliance set to redefine modern defe...

20/05/2026

L3Harris Achieves Major Milestones With Latest Series of Rotating Detonation Engine Tests

A Rotating Detonation Engine being hot fire tested at Purdue University's Zu...

20/05/2026

VAMPIRE Confirms Integrated Capability During Live Exercises

A U.S. Army VAMPIRE system, assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 51st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 7th Infantry Division/Multi-Domain Command - Pacific ...

20/05/2026

NCAA Tournaments Spark March Madness for Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery in Nielsen's The Gauge

Cable Captures Only Monthly Increase Among Viewing Categories in March, Earns it...

20/05/2026

The Gauge: Poland | April 2026

April brought a symbolic decrease in the overall time spent in front of television screens. On average, Poles watched video content for 3 hours and 51 minutes a...

20/05/2026

DirecTV Asks FCC to Block Scripps' INYO Acquisition

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

20/05/2026

RTS Technology Centre Launches the RTS Technology Awards...

The Royal Television Society Technology Centre today announces the launch of the RTS Technology Awards 2026, celebrating excellence, innovation and achievement ...

20/05/2026

Lightware powers immersive video spectacle for The Hunger...

In the heart of London's financial district, the new purpose-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre invites audiences to experience Suzanne Collins' inte...

20/05/2026

New LiveU LU900Q Powers Record Breaking Broadcast of the...

LiveU, the leader in live IP-video solutions, today announced that production powerhouse BCC Live successfully deployed the new LU900Q intelligent production un...

20/05/2026

Nella Mente di Narciso Docuseries Uses Blackmagic Design Workflow

Nella Mente di Narciso Docuseries Uses Blackmagic Design Workflow Brie Clayton May 19, 2026 0 Comments PYXIS 6K full frame camera and DaVinci Resolve ...

20/05/2026

Beeble launches Canvas, a node-based AI compositor for VFX and Virtual Production pipelinesx

Beeble launches Canvas, a node-based AI compositor for VFX and Virtual Productio...

20/05/2026

DSPolitical and FreeWheel Partner on Political CTV Ads

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

20/05/2026

Amazon, Netflix and Google to Capture Half of CTV Ad Market by 2030

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

20/05/2026

Roku Introduces 'Creator Hub

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

20/05/2026

First Nations Factual Co-production Development Fund launched to elevate Indigenous storytelling in global markets

First Nations Factual Co-production Development Fund launched to elevate Indigen...

20/05/2026

TLC Announces All-Star Comedy Line-Up for Mock the Week: Summer Specials' on TLC

TLC Announces All-Star Comedy Line-Up for Mock the Week: Summer Specials' o...

20/05/2026

'One Hundred Years of Solitude' Concludes This August, With Part Two Premiering on the 5th and the Grand Finale on the 26th

Back to All News One Hundred Years of Solitude Concludes This August, With Part...

20/05/2026

Beloved NHK Dramas to Stream on Netflix Worldwide Starting June 22

Back to All News Beloved NHK Dramas to Stream on Netflix Worldwide Starting June 22 Entertainment 20 May 2026 GlobalJapan Link copied to clipboard Netflix...

20/05/2026

Dolby Recognized as 2025 Supplier of the Year and Overdrive Award Winner by General Motors

May 20 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Recognized as 2025 Supplier of the Year and Over...

20/05/2026

Two cooks shortlisted for the final of RT Today's TV Home Cook Competition

Mayo's Dee Freney and Margaret Leahy from Galway have reached the final of RT Today's TV Home Cook competition. Both contestants will cook again live...

20/05/2026

RT IN FULL BLOOM AT BORD BIA BLOOM 2026 WITH LIVE BROADCASTS, MUSIC, CHAT AND MUCH MORE

RT IN FULL BLOOM AT BORD BIA BLOOM 2026 WITH LIVE BROADCASTS, MUSIC, CHAT AND M...

19/05/2026

Young Journalist' finalists visit London for training and networking

The winner of Thomson Foundation's Young Journalist of the Year 2025, Tracy Bonareri Onchoke, and runner up Wangu Kanuri enjoyed a three-day trip to London ...

19/05/2026

Cisco and USGA Announce Multiyear Partnership Extension

Cisco and the USGA have announced a multiyear extension of their partnership, which began in 2018. Cisco serves as the Official Technology Partner of the USGA, ...

19/05/2026

Urban Edge Network and Spiideo Partner to Enhance NAIA Sports Streaming

Urban Edge Network (UEN), a streaming platform for NAIA sports, has announced a partnership with Spiideo to provide streaming and production tools to UEN's ...

19/05/2026

Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Expanded Roland-Garros 2026 Coverage

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will provide live coverage of all 900 Roland-Garros matches across its platforms beginning with qualifiers on May 18. In Europe, 21...

19/05/2026

Tubi Launches FIFA World Cup 2026 FOX Hub

Tubi, Fox Corporation's free streaming service, has announced the launch of the FIFA World Cup 2026 FOX Hub, a dedicated destination for World Cup programmi...