D-Tools i3 Partner News in October 2026

D-Tools i3 Partners realize the importance of bringing you their product information and have chosen to support the D-Tools user community by joining the program and making their product data directly available through D-Tools software. Read on for the latest supplier company news and product updates.

Altronix’s latest power, networking and infrastructure solutions enhance security systems and streamline deployments. With technologies that maximize uptime, extend connectivity and simplify installation, the portfolio supports a wide range of security, access control and building automation applications.

New products include the eFlow™ Pro Series Universal Power Supply Charger, featuring auto-ranging AC input, selectable 12VDC or 24VDC output, SLA or lithium battery charging and LINQ™ remote power management. The new ReServ24B Automatic Transfer Switch supports two 24VDC power supplies, automatically transfers to a secondary source when needed and provides rapid charging for SLA or LiFePO4 backup batteries. Trove™ Access and Power Integration Solutions combine Altronix power distribution with access controllers from more than 50 manufacturers, with pre-wired and pre-configured kits that simplify installation and maintenance. NetWay™ Spectrum Hardened PoE Solutions deliver up to 90W per port with fiber connectivity, 277VAC input options and rapid battery charging compatibility. The new LINQ4RM network I/O relay module enables remote monitoring and control of essential system devices and accessories.

Pace™ Long-Range Ethernet Solutions extend connectivity up to 500 meters over structured cable or 1,000 meters over single-pair Ethernet without repeaters, supporting security and building automation networks using new or existing cabling. Circ™ Automatic Transfer Switch provides high-voltage power redundancy by automatically switching between two independent AC sources. LINQ™ Network Power Management integrated with Milestone XProtect delivers centralized visibility into connectivity, voltage thresholds, service alerts and battery conditions. Altronix is also announcing a new A/E partner portal for generating CSI specifications, managing projects and accessing helpful tools. For more information, contact info@Altronix.com.

ALL-NEW ASHLY CABLES....YOUR CONNECTION TO A FASTER INSTALL. 
 
Built for installers, integrators, and end users who want a complete, hassle-free connection between 
Ashly gear and everyday audio equipment, they reduce setup time while ensuring clean, reliable 
performance in the field. 
 
Ashly cables simplify system setup by connecting euroblock (Phoenix-style) interfaces on Ashly 
amplifiers and processors to the XLR, NL4, RCA, and 1/8″ TRS connectors used throughout the pro 
and consumer audio world. 
 
Each cable is factory-terminated, clearly labeled, and fully tested. 
 
I/O MADE EASY - Bring speed and convenience to your next deployment 

AtlasIED Partners with M.I. Engineering to Expand APAC Presence

AtlasIED, a recognized leader in the commercial audio and security industries, today announced its partnership with M.I. Engineering, a Bangkok, Thailand-based Manufacturer’s Representative. The partnership aims to expand AtlasIED’s reach across APAC, while broadening M.I. Engineering’s reach by offering access to industry-leading mass notification systems, IP endpoint solutions, and commercial audio technology.

M.I. Engineering has operated as an established commercial audio and AV solutions company since 1990, building decades of trust in the pro audio, installed AV, and live performance markets. The team maintains strong, longstanding relationships with local systems integrators, AV consultants, architects, and venue operators, which will help expand AtlasIED’s reach in the region. 

“We greatly look forward to partnering with AtlasIED, whose team brings its proven expertise in life safety, public address, and architectural audio solutions to our customers," said Niti Teerakitti, General Manager, M.I. Engineering. “Adding AtlasIED’s portfolio strengthens our ability to deliver complete solutions while opening new opportunities across enterprise, healthcare, education, and transportation markets. Together, we can provide customers with the performance, reliability, and certified mass communication capabilities these complex environments require.”

The partnership combines AtlasIED’s comprehensive AV solutions with M.I. Engineering’s technical expertise, system design consulting, and commissioning support. Together, the companies will provide customers with solutions spanning live performance audio, architectural acoustics, and enterprise mass notification, backed by local product availability and dedicated customer support.

“Partnering with local companies that hold impressive track records in customer satisfaction is exactly what we’re looking for during this period of growth in the APAC region,” said Glenn Lin, Director of Sales for APAC at AtlasIED. “We see great positivity and possibilities through this partnership within a variety of unique installations.”

Why put a microphone in front of every person when intelligence can hear the room?

Aurora Multimedia’s SmartSpeak™ delivers the clarity and precision expected from a traditional gooseneck microphone, without putting one in front of every participant.

Built into a sleek desktop touch panel, SmartSpeak combines a Dante®/AES67 beamforming microphone, speaker, intelligent control, and AV connectivity into one powerful platform. Advanced audio processing, including auto gain, noise cancellation, feedback suppression, and anti-tap technology, helps keep conversations clear and natural.

Then there’s WordGate™. Aurora’s AI-powered technology distinguishes actual speech from sounds such as coughing, clapping, and other room noise, enabling more accurate camera tracking based on who is actually speaking.

And SmartSpeak doesn’t stop at audio. Depending on the model, it can integrate ReAX™ control, USB-C, AV-over-IP, video processing, and customizable touch interfaces. Multiple SmartSpeak units can also work together to create scalable microphone and speaker arrays for larger spaces and sophisticated mix-minus applications.

For integrators, that means fewer individual devices, cleaner installations, and one highly flexible platform for conference rooms, classrooms, courtrooms, council chambers, and other collaborative spaces.

Meet the Hyperion APR-16

The Hyperion APR-16 is the flagship processor from Hyperion Professional, a new brand that combines AudioControl's audio expertise with AVPro's video and networking know-how. Built for professionals, by professionals, the APR-16 gives integrators a powerful, flexible foundation for high-end home theaters.

With 16 channels and flexible routing, the APR-16 can handle almost any room or speaker layout you design. Dirac room calibration is built in, so every system can be tuned to sound its best in the space it's installed in. Premium components and industry certifications mean your clients get clean, accurate sound and a picture that looks exactly as it should.

Setup and day-to-day use are easy too. You can configure the APR-16 from a web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet, and it works with popular control systems. If you want a processor that delivers a true cinema experience without complicating your install, the APR-16 is worth a look. Learn more at hyperionprofessional.com.

Bring your gooseneck microphone onto the Dante® network with the Astatic MB110D. Ideal for 
boardrooms, council chambers and classrooms, this desktop base connects compatible condenser 
gooseneck microphones—including the Astatic GN18VP—to networked audio systems through a 
single Ethernet connection carrying audio and PoE power. Configurable push-to-talk, push-to-mute or 
toggle operation and a dual-color status indicator make everyday use straightforward, while adjustable 
gain and a selectable low-cut filter help installers tailor performance to the room. With rugged metal 
construction and a locking XLR input, the MB110D delivers a practical conferencing solution that’s in 
stock and ready for your next project. Gooseneck microphone sold separately. 

Professional HDMI Testing Solutions from Covid, Inc.

Reliable Tools for 4K & 8K AV Installations

Simplify installations, improve signal reliability, and troubleshoot with confidence using professional HDMI testing solutions from Covid, Inc. Our AEE-200 HDMI EDID Emulator with HDCP Support (4K) helps manage EDID communication and HDCP compatibility, minimizing handshake issues between connected devices. For quick and efficient testing, our HD-200 Mini HDMI Signal Generator (4K) provides a compact, portable solution for generating test patterns, verifying display performance, and troubleshooting HDMI connections.

For advanced AV applications, our HD-G-300 HDMI 2.1 Signal Generator (8K) delivers high-resolution test signals to help technicians verify display capabilities and evaluate HDMI system performance. Complementing the generator, our HD-A-300 HDMI 2.1 Signal Analyzer (8K) provides diagnostic capabilities to analyze incoming HDMI signals, identify compatibility issues, and support accurate troubleshooting across professional AV installations.

Whether you're installing a new AV system, diagnosing connectivity problems, or validating high-resolution signal performance, Covid, Inc. provides the essential tools to get the job done right. From dependable 4K testing solutions to advanced 8K signal generation and analysis, our equipment helps AV professionals work efficiently, reduce downtime, and deliver reliable results. Explore our HDMI testing solutions at www.covid.com and equip your next installation with confidence!

DW Expands MEGApix Ai CloudCam with Flexible Storage Options

Digital Watchdog has expanded the MEGApix Ai CloudCam lineup with 14 new models offering 256GB and 512GB onboard recording options, alongside existing 1TB models. Available across 12MP fisheye, 4K dome and bullet, and 5MP turret and vehicle-recognition camera designs, the expanded selection gives security dealers more choices to match storage capacity and coverage to each application.

Each MEGApix Ai CloudCam combines local storage, preloaded DW Spectrum IPVMS Media Server software and one recording license in a single camera. There is no separate NVR or DVR to install, helping dealers reduce equipment, simplify installation and deliver a clean, scalable solution. Video is recorded at the camera and can be accessed through the DW Spectrum Desktop Client, DW Cloud Web Client and DW Spectrum Mobile App. Built-in AI supports object, person and vehicle detection, classification and tracking, while select models add automatic license plate recognition and vehicle make, model and color recognition.

For dealers, the result is a practical path to intelligent, cloud-managed surveillance without unnecessary infrastructure. The MEGApix Ai CloudCam lineup pairs local recording with centralized management and optional cloud-storage expansion, making it well suited for sites ranging from busy entrances to multi-location deployments. Learn more at https://digital-watchdog.com/pages/cloudcam/. For enhanced margins, project pricing, demo support, training and additional dealer resources, visit the Digital Watchdog Channel Partner Program at https://cpp.digital-watchdog.com/.

The best smart-home technology does its job without competing with the architecture. Faradite’s Motion Sensor 360 Mud-In brings discreet presence detection to a new level, sitting completely flush with the ceiling for a near-invisible finish.
Designed for direct installation into drywall with a Level 5 mud finish, the system combines a machined aluminum mounting plate, a sensor insert and a primed, paintable front disc. 

The process is straightforward: secure the plate and apply mud. Then install the sensor insert and the paintable, magnetic front disc. Once complete, only the small sensing aperture remains visible – just 14mm in diameter. Ideal for refined residential and commercial interiors where conventional ceiling sensors can feel intrusive.

Behind that minimal appearance is a versatile PIR sensor for automating lighting, heating, AV and more. Its 5–35V DC operation and volt-free dry-contact output allow integration with control platforms including KNX, Lutron, Crestron, Control4 and Loxone. 

A silent solid-state relay eliminates the familiar click of a traditional sensor, while included infrared-blocking masks let integrators tailor the detection area to suit the room without changing the finished appearance. Plus, no status LEDs whatsoever.

Faradite creates thoughtfully designed automation products for projects where performance and aesthetics matter equally. Alongside the Motion Sensor 360 family, including pinhole and IP67 options in black or white, the range also includes our TAP-5 ORE keypads machined from solid brass.

US customers can order in dollars at us.faradite.com; orders ship from a US warehouse, with a flat $17 shipping rate to all states and most orders sent by two-to-three day UPS service. Explore the range and find the right finishing touch for your next project. faradite.com

Designed to Make a Statement

The COM (Customer’s Own Material) selected for this project featured a classic stripe pattern, originally intended to run vertically. The client, however, envisioned something far more distinctive—having the stripes applied on the diagonal to create a bold, dynamic look.

Working with patterned fabrics in an unconventional orientation requires precision, craftsmanship, and careful attention to the way the pattern flows across each piece. At FORTRESS, we welcome that kind of challenge.

The West End model proved to be the perfect canvas for the concept. Its clean, tailored lines allowed the diagonal pattern to take center stage, transforming a traditional stripe into a striking design element. The result is a truly custom look that feels intentional, sophisticated, and unmistakably unique—a dramatic expression of the client’s vision, brought to life by FORTRESS craftsmanship.

Captivate, a Hall Research brand, is expanding its collaboration portfolio this October with three new products designed to make professional video conferencing smarter, simpler, and more accessible. Built for today’s conference rooms, classrooms, and hybrid workspaces, Captivate delivers integrator-level performance with straightforward deployment and intuitive operation. The latest additions include the Calipso Mini Video Bar (CP-CALI-B1401), Calipso Extension Microphone (CP-CALI-M1401-EX), and Pivot USB 4K AI Camera (CP-PVOT-C1622), offering flexible solutions for a wide range of meeting and presentation environments.

The Calipso Mini Video Bar combines 4K video at 30Hz, a wide 120° field of view, and intelligent AI-powered auto-framing, speaker tracking, and presenter tracking in

 a compact, all-in-one design. Paired with the Calipso Extension Microphone, featuring four omnidirectional microphones, the system provides expanded audio pickup for larger meeting spaces. Together, these products create a streamlined conferencing experience that helps participants stay clearly seen and heard, whether they’re collaborating in person or remotely.

Rounding out the lineup, the Pivot USB 4K AI Camera brings advanced intelligent tracking to professional collaboration environments. Its dual-camera design combines a panoramic lens with a PTZ camera, enabling automatic framing, speaker tracking, and presenter tracking as conversations and presentations move throughout the room. With flexible connectivity and 4K video capabilities, Pivot delivers a dynamic conferencing experience without complicated operation. Together, these new Captivate solutions reinforce Hall Research’s commitment to delivering powerful, easy-to-integrate AV technology that makes modern collaboration more natural, connected, and effective.

Learn more at hallresearch.com/captivate.

Hosa at the Rack and the Last Mile

You've pulled the last bit of the structural run, but the job isn't done. Everything from where that run lands to where the signal plugs in still has to be connected: the rack, the wall plate, the DSP input. Instead of piecing those connections together from a dozen vendors' adapters, patch cables, and hand-terminated pigtails, Hosa provides the last-mile and at-the-rack connectivity to keep your job moving.

And we build the whole layer: more than 1,200 part numbers across audio, video, data, and power, including the adapters and connectors that tie them together. Two that earn their place at the rack. On the signal side, PHX Pro adapters land XLR sources and destinations on standard 5.08mm Phoenix (Euroblock) terminals with genuine REAN XLR connectors by Neutrik, pre-terminated on both ends so a DSP input or output is one plug, not a terminal job. On the network side, slim Cat6 patch comes color-coded in 10-packs, thin enough to dress a packed rack clean and colored so you can trace a run at a glance instead of toning out the whole bundle months later.

For you, that's one source for the connection layer instead of a dozen, and parts that drop straight into a D-Tools proposal. From the rack to the last mile, that's Hosa's part of the job.

Find Hosa in the D-Tools Integrated Product Library.

Why Natural-Language Video Search is Changing Security
Security cameras capture more video than ever. But finding a specific moment can still mean selecting a camera, guessing when something happened, and scrubbing through recorded footage. Bunker by IC Realtime changes that with AI-powered natural-language video search.

Search Security Video the Way You Speak 
Instead of navigating cameras and timelines, homeowners can describe what they remember.“Show me the black sedan in the driveway last week.” Bunker searches across indexed information to surface relevant moments in seconds, without requiring the user to know exactly which camera captured the event or when it occurred.

MEET BUNKER

How Does AI Video Search Work?
Behind Bunker’s search experience is ICR Vision. As video is captured, ICR Vision identifies and describes what cameras see, creating searchable information about people, vehicles, packages, animals and other activity. It can also read visible text and markings, enabling searches for details such as a delivery company or a logo on a vehicle.

From Recorded Video to Searchable Intelligence
The result is a different way to interact with security video. Instead of starting with “Which camera?” or “What time?”, homeowners can start with “What am I looking for?” For security dealers and integrators, that difference is easy to demonstrate: ask Bunker a question and let it find the footage.

Bunker turns recorded video into information your clients can actually search. This format also gives us three natural image breaks without making the article feel padded.

MEET BUNKER

IP2USB Just Got More Powerful
One Platform for IP Cameras, USB Cameras and Dante® Audio
IP2USB continues to evolve, bringing even more flexibility to modern meeting spaces. Connect NDI® HX, HX2, HX3 cameras, RTSP streams, Dante® audio, and supported USB cameras to Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, and BYOM environments through a single USB connection. With integrated camera switching, PTZ control, and AV-over-IP capabilities, IP2USB simplifies deployment while expanding what your room can do.

NEW: USB Camera Ingest
IP2USB now supports one USB camera, videobar, PTZ camera, or webcam alongside NDI® HX and RTSP sources. This makes it easy to combine professional IP cameras with wide-angle USB cameras in the same space, creating more complete and flexible room experiences.

NEW: Camera Switching & Room Control
Users can instantly switch between presenter, room, and whiteboard views using a keypad, touch panel, or third-party control system. Native support for Crestron®, Extron®, PTZ controls, and camera presets delivers a simple, intuitive experience without accessing the AV rack or browser interface.

NEW: Hybrid Camera Workflows
Build smarter meeting spaces by combining up to 9 IP cameras with one USB camera or videobar. Professional IP cameras deliver intelligent tracking, zoom, and presenter framing, while USB cameras provide wide-angle coverage and enhanced participant visibility. Tested with leading camera and videobar families from Canon, Sony, AVer, Huddly, Jabra, Logitech, Neat, and more, IP2USB is the ultimate videoconferencing hub for AV-over-IP environments.

AV over IP. Made Easy.

Connect, switch, and control IP cameras, USB cameras, and Dante® audio from one powerful platform. Discover the latest IP2USB capabilities today.
Discover more here: https://inogeni.com/product/ip2usb/

KEF Takes High-Fidelity Sound Outdoors with New Outdoor Collection

KEF is bringing its signature sound beyond the home with the all-new KEF Outdoor Collection, arriving April 2027. The lineup gives integrators new options for delivering premium audio across gardens, patios, terraces, and larger outdoor entertainment spaces.

For the first time, KEF’s renowned Uni-Q driver technology is engineered for dedicated outdoor applications, delivering clear, balanced sound across open listening areas. Purpose-built for the elements, the collection combines weather-resistant construction with a refined, minimalist aesthetic designed to complement outdoor environments.

The lineup includes Landscape Satellites for discreet landscape installations, Bollard Speakers for full-range outdoor sound, Bollard Subwoofers for deeper bass, and Three-Way Bollard Speakers for high-performance outdoor audio. The collection also introduces new KASA Amplifiers, offering integrators flexible amplification and system configuration options for custom installations.

From intimate backyard listening areas to expansive residential properties and hospitality spaces, the KEF Outdoor Collection brings high-fidelity performance and thoughtful design to projects beyond the walls of the home.

The KEF Outdoor Collection will be available beginning April 2027.

LEA Professional Delivers Smarter Corporate Audio

Enterprise clients expect boardrooms, training spaces, and divisible meeting rooms to feature flawless, reliable audio—yet integrators are frequently bogged down by complex multi-zone routing and rigid IT security demands.

LEA Professional eliminates these hurdles by delivering smart, IoT-enabled amplifiers designed for modern corporate audio environments. With our Dante Connect Series offering distributed networking and our library of open third-party APIs and speaker tunings, our amplifiers integrate effortlessly into existing IT infrastructures, both large and small, letting integrators standardize while increasing scalability and reducing design time.

Powered by SharkWare and LEA Cloud, technology managers gain remote diagnostic access, user access controls, and intuitive visual panels to oversee your entire system from a single dashboard, reducing truck rolls for maintenance and troubleshooting. Best of all, these robust software tools come with zero subscription or licensing fees, creating recurring revenue opportunities for integrators.

Beyond simplifying deployment and management, LEA helps make corporate spaces easier to use. With sleek PoE-powered wall controllers like Connect Series Glass, employees can quickly adjust volume, select sources, and adapt audio settings to support presentations, training sessions, town halls, and other collaborative environments, without requiring AV expertise. drastically slash installation and commissioning time.

Whether you're outfitting a single executive boardroom or a multi-story headquarters, LEA Professional gives you the flexible, high-performance tools needed to streamline deployment and elevate corporate AV.

Visit our Corporate Market page to explore how LEA products provide smart solutions for integrators and end users.

Your Access Control. Your Video. One Interface.

Access control tells you who entered. Video shows you what happened. With March Networks Command Enterprise, security teams can bring both together in one interface to verify events, respond faster, and take action with confidence.

C•CURE integration is available now, giving customers a full two-way connection between access control and video while keeping the systems they already trust. From remotely unlocking a door after visually verifying a visitor to triggering site-wide door lock and unlock commands during an active event, teams can manage key access-control actions directly from Command Enterprise.

Lenel support is coming soon, expanding March Networks’ growing access control ecosystem. See how March Networks brings access control and video together. Book a demo today.

Monitor Audio Creator Series: Premium Sound, Seamlessly Integrated

Monitor Audio’s Creator Series brings premium audio performance to architectural spaces, combining immersive sound with discreet design. With in-wall and in-ceiling models across three performance tiers, the range offers flexible solutions for whole-home music, dedicated listening spaces and home theatre systems. Drawing on technologies developed for Monitor Audio’s premium loudspeakers, Creator Series delivers clarity, detail and musicality without taking up valuable floor space. From everyday listening to demanding cinema installations, there is a model to suit the room, the application and the listener’s expectations.

Thoughtful engineering extends beyond sound quality. Monitor Audio’s innovative, patent-pending Quik-Link speaker cable connector simplifies installation by allowing installers to terminate the speaker cable before fitting the speaker. The removable terminal then magnetically snaps and locks into place, making the final connection quick and straightforward. Together with the secure Tri-Grip II mounting system, this design helps streamline installation while providing a reliable fit. Discreet grilles complete the look, allowing the speakers to blend naturally into their surroundings.

Backed by a lifetime warranty, Creator Series offers lasting confidence alongside its acoustic performance and installer-friendly design. Whether creating an inviting soundtrack throughout the home or bringing films and music to life in a dedicated entertainment space, the range combines Monitor Audio’s loudspeaker expertise with the versatility of custom installation—delivering sound that deserves attention from speakers designed to blend in.

Introducing Two New TAA Compliant Wall Mounts from Mount-It! PRO

Mount-It! PRO is expanding its lineup of commercial AV mounting solutions with the introduction of two new TAA Compliant Wall Mounts, designed to meet the demands of government, federal, and commercial installations. Built for durability, reliability, and performance, these mounting solutions provide AV integrators with dependable options for projects requiring Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance. Whether your installation calls for a sleek, low-profile design or flexible full-motion adjustment, these new mounts deliver the strength and functionality needed for professional AV environments.

The TAA Ultra-Slim Tilting Wall Mount (MI-20215) offers a streamlined mounting solution for displays ranging from 32" to 86". Featuring an ultra-slim 48mm profile, this mount provides a clean, professional appearance while supporting tilt adjustments from 0° to -15° for optimal viewing angles. Its integrated anti-theft lock passthrough adds an additional layer of security, making it an excellent choice for government facilities, conference rooms, and other commercial environments where security and space efficiency are essential.

For installations requiring greater flexibility, the TAA Heavy-Duty Articulating Wall Mount (MI-20216) delivers heavy-duty performance with full-motion adjustability. Engineered to support displays from 50" to 86" and weighing up to 187 lbs, this mount features 120° swivel, ±15° tilt, and an extension range of 4.1" to 21.65". Its durable aluminum alloy construction and robust tilting mechanism provide reliable support while minimizing display sag. Together, these two new TAA compliant solutions reinforce Mount-It! PRO's commitment to providing professional-grade mounting hardware that meets the evolving needs of AV integrators and government projects.

Break Free from Basic BYOD: Neat Open Is Now Available

Neat Open is now generally available, taking BYOD far beyond the video call. The platform brings meetings, business apps, local wireless collaboration and AI together in one simple Neat experience, all managed centrally through Neat Pulse. Connect your laptop via USB-C, run meetings on the video platform of your choice, and pair your browser with the room at go.neat.no to control camera framing, mute and volume. Anyone in the room can pair from their own laptop, so nobody has to pass cables or remotes around the table.

When the call ends, the room keeps working. Neat Open Apps (formerly Neat App Hub) brings business and collaboration tools straight to Neat devices, including content creation, room booking, signage and browser-based SaaS platforms. Several people can share content wirelessly in an in-room session without starting a call. AI Notes, launching in beta, records discussions, decisions and next steps across BYOD calls, in-room conversations and app sessions. It turns them into structured summaries, and an Ask panel lets you query the meeting directly.

For IT, Neat Pulse gives central control to configure, manage and monitor every Neat Open space. Neat Open also works alongside dedicated Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Zoom rooms, so organizations get both standardization and flexibility. Andrew Christenberry, Global AV Lead at Mars Global Services, calls it "one of the more compelling workplace innovations I've evaluated recently." Neat Open needs no extra subscription: premium BYOD, certified apps, AI Notes and wireless sharing are all included with Neat Pulse Starter.

Furman Merit Z: The Power Behind Every Successful Performance

Imagine spending hours preparing for an important event. The equipment is tested, the audio is dialed in, the displays are ready, and everything is set to perform flawlessly. Then the power doesn't cooperate.

A voltage spike, surge, or unstable power condition can put an entire system at risk in an instant. It's not the most visible part of an installation, but reliable power protection is often what separates seamless performance from costly downtime. That's where the Furman Merit Z Series comes in. Designed for the AV systems professionals rely on every day, the Merit Z Series combines advanced surge suppression with Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS) technology. If incoming voltage reaches unsafe levels, EVS automatically disconnects power to help protect connected equipment before damage can occur.

Beyond protection, the Merit Z Series simplifies system monitoring and daily operation. Front-panel diagnostic indicators provide a quick visual check of power status, helping users identify potential issues before they impact performance. The M-8Dz adds dynamic voltage monitoring for real-time insight into incoming power conditions, while the M-8Lz and M-8Dz feature multi-color LED pull-out rack lights for easy access in dimly lit racks and equipment rooms. Additional conveniences, including USB-A and USB-C fast-charging ports, keep essential devices powered throughout the day, while advanced RFI/EMI filtration reduces electrical noise that can affect AV performance.

The result is more than power management. It's greater system reliability, reduced risk of unexpected equipment failures, and added confidence that critical systems will be ready when they're needed most. Because protecting equipment isn't just about safeguarding the gear in the rack, it's about protecting the presentation, the performance, and the experience that audiences expect.

Keep every performance powered and protected. Contact proav@niceforyou.com to learn more.

Learn More: https://furmanpower.com/collections/merit-z-series

On-Stage RKD Series Knock Down Racks deliver a flexible, professional solution for organizing and 
protecting rack-mount equipment. Their knockdown design makes them convenient to ship and store 
while providing a solid foundation for building out audio, studio, installation, or production systems. 
The RKD Series Knock Down Racks come in 6U, 9U, and 12U formats, so dealers and integrators can 
match the rack to the needs of each setup. 

Complete the installation with On-Stage’s broad selection of rack accessories. From rack drawers and 
shelves to panels, mounting hardware, and other essentials, On-Stage offers the components needed to 
customize, organize, and finish out a rack system. It’s an easy way to source the rack and the 
accessories that go with it from one trusted brand. The On-Stage Rack category continues to expand 
its offerings, while delivering rock-solid products. 

Panasonic's flagship AW-UE160 PTZ camera just got easier to spec into more projects. With a new, lower price point, the UE160's full feature set, a 1" MOS sensor, 20x optical zoom, built-in Auto Focus, moiré reduction (OLPF), optional SMPTE ST 2110 support, and 4K/60p output over SDI, HDMI, fiber, and IP is now within reach for Corporate AV, Higher Ed, and House of Worship installs, without asking you to step down to a lower specification.

More news for your next system design: the AW-UB10 and AW-UB50 box-style 4K multi-purpose cameras are shipping now under new part numbers, AW-UB10P3 and AW-UB50P3. Built to integrate seamlessly with Panasonic's PTZ lineup via a common IP control protocol, these box cameras give you a secondary or supporting camera option for multi-camera rigs, gimbals, or tight-space installs where a more flexible setup is needed.

Why this matters for your builds: This combination gives you more room to work with on both ends of a system design. You can now specify the UE160's broadcast-grade imaging into budget-conscious verticals that previously priced it out, while the AW-UB10P3 and AW-UB50P3 streamline operations across the rest of the rig, operating from the same control protocol as your PTZ cameras, so a single operator can manage multiple camera types from one system. That shared control layer cuts down on setup time, reduces the number of discrete systems to manage on-site, and makes it easier to scale a production up or down without adding operational complexity. Together, they let you design a consistent, efficient multi-camera workflow without compromising image quality or budget.

Lighting That Truly Complements the Connected Experience

Proluxe Lighting brings flexible LED lighting solutions to Custom Integrators designing more connected, more intentional residential and commercial environments. From accent and task lighting to architectural details that elevate an entire space, Proluxe helps integrators make lighting a natural extension of the systems they already specify. The result is a more complete client experience—one that supports atmosphere, functionality, and the visual impact of every project.

Proluxe Lighting gives Custom Integrators a practical path into lighting, with solutions designed to balance design flexibility, technical performance, and approachable innovation. For integrators looking to build confidence and capability, Proluxe certification training provides an opportunity to learn how to specify, sell, and apply lighting within real projects. The training is built to help teams better understand the lighting category, identify opportunities during the sales process, and create more complete solutions for their clients.

For more information about upcoming training opportunities visit proluxelighting.com/certification.

Platinum Tools Fiber Optic Launch Cables for OTDR Testing
 
Platinum Tools new Fiber Optic Launch Cables for OTDR testing are the ideal solution for troubleshooting and certifying fiber optic links. They eliminate 'dead zones' in OTDR testing by providing a buffer length of fiber before the event under test, ensuring accurate measurement of insertion loss and reflectance, and are designed for technicians and installers working on fiber optic cable tests in numerous applications.
 
Compatible with Platinum Tools' mini OTDR and Copper Tester, Platinum Tools' fiber optic launch cables come in three different sizes (150m, 500m, 1km) and two different configurations to ensure technicians and installers are covered when testing fiber topic cable. Each launch cable comes with a variety of adapters (UPC, APC, SC and LC) to ensure they can run a test on nearly any single-mode fiber optic cable. Designed with micro armored fiber and rugged exterior cases, these launch cables are fit for any job site.
 
For additional information on Platinum Tools and its complete product line, please visit www.platinumtools.com, call (800) 321-5847, or email info@platinumtools.com.

What’s Your Next Space? 
Scalable Amplification from a Single Room to an Entire Building

Every integration project is a different puzzle. A huddle room, a hotel ballroom and a 40-classroom school all need reliable sound, but they differ in power, channel count, connectivity and in who manages the system after handover. Powersoft built its installed-sound portfolio around these four variables. Integrators can match the amplifier to the job instead of over- or under-specifying.

At the simplest end, PRIMA is a compact 4-channel amplifier with no onboard DSP. This makes it a perfect fit for meeting rooms and classrooms where a codec or AV processor already handles the DSP. When the constraint is wiring rather than power, NOTA 142 runs a fully processed 2-channel zone over a single PoE/PoE+ cable with AES67 networking, which solves retrofit issues. Watch how to integrate NOTA 142 into a Dante® network.

For multi-zone projects such as restaurants, spas, corporate environments or educational facilities, MEZZO adds built-in DSP and optional Dante/AES67 in 2- and 4-channel models that mount in a rack, on a wall or in a ceiling.

For building and campus scale projects, UNICA has 4- and 8-channel models with Dante-redundant networking and PoE++ resilience. It integrates with major control systems such as Q-SYS, Crestron and Symetrix. All four lines are commissioned through the same Armonía Plus software, while MyUniverso gives facilities teams cloud monitoring across the entire project. Integrators can grow with their clients, from the first room to the whole property, using one design language and one manufacturer.

Questions? Reach out to Powersoft U.S.
Powersoft Advanced Technology Corp · Roxbury, NJ

PRO and Theory Voted “Best Sound/Audio Demo Room”
by CEDIA Expo 2026 Attendees

Sister brands Pro Audio Technology (PRO) and Theory Audio Design (Theory) are proud to announce they have won the prestigious People’s Choice Award for Best Sound/Audio Demo Room at the inaugural CEDIA Expo 2026 Best Booth Awards. Voted on directly by system integrators, custom installers, and show attendees, this joint victory cements the company’s position as the industry leader in high-performance residential and commercial audio.

The new CEDIA Expo Best Booth Awards recognize the top brands driving the residential integration market. While a panel of industry editors judged the technical booth displays, it was the thousands of show attendees who crowned the PRO and Theory presentation as the absolute best sound and audio demonstration in Denver.

“Receiving the Best Sound/Audio Demo 2026 award from CEDIA Expo attendees is an incredible honor,” said Erin Phillips, VP for PRO and Theory. “You cannot sell premium audio without demonstrating the difference. Our team works tirelessly to ensure every PRO and Theory demo presentation is as educational as it is entertaining. We thank everyone who voted for us and look forward to delivering many more masterclass demonstrations in 2027.”

Turn every TV installation into an opportunity for better sound with Russound’s AVA2.1 and AVA3.1 Mini-AVRs.

The AVA2.1 brings powerful stereo performance to bookshelf, in-wall, or in-ceiling speakers—an easy upgrade for bedrooms, offices, and secondary TV spaces. The AVA3.1 adds a dedicated center-channel output and DSP processing to improve dialogue clarity, creating a compelling step-up for customers who want more from movies, sports, and everyday viewing. Both deliver 50 watts per channel at 4 ohms, with Bluetooth music playback and HDMI ARC with CEC for convenient control through a compatible TV remote. Their compact, low-profile design supports discreet installations, while the subwoofer output creates an additional sales opportunity.

For customers who want impressive TV sound in a polished on-wall solution, the Cinema Bar 3.0 delivers three passive channels in one streamlined enclosure. Dedicated 4-inch woofers, 1-inch tweeters, and passive radiators provide detailed sound and enhanced bass, while reinforced MDF construction and isolated channel chambers support strong acoustic performance. Flexible mounting options simplify placement beneath a wall-mounted TV.

Together, the AVA3.1 and Cinema Bar 3.0 make a natural 3.0 package: discreet amplification paired with left, center, and right speakers in a single soundbar. Add a powered subwoofer to complete a 3.1 system, delivering clearer dialogue, more dynamic entertainment, and greater project value in living rooms, bedrooms, and media spaces.

Severtson's Broadway Series Thin Bezel Fixed Frame Projection Screen Solutions

Severtson now offers a white, perforated, and acoustically-transparent screen option for its Broadway Thin Bezel Series fixed frame projection screen solutions.

Now available with an acoustically transparent option in seven screen sizes ranging from 100- to 165-inches, Broadway is a complete collection of fixed frame projection screens that offer a sturdy extruded aluminum frame with a 3/8-inch visible border for a fully maximized viewing area. They are excellent solutions for any home theater, office, conference room, sports bar, or other venue needing a modern, high-performance projection screen. The Broadway Thin Bezel Series' durable, aluminum frame offers the thinnest visible bezel that Severtson Screens can provide, offering a clean, sharp appearance that maximizes the viewable area. Each screen is manufactured to the same high standards as Severtson's large cinema screens installed in theaters worldwide.

Customers can choose from Severtson's perfectly tensioned screen materials that will take the viewing experience to the highest levels of performance available in the market today. Broadway's appearance does not distract from the projected content, but instead quietly enhances the viewing experience with its perfectly tensioned viewing surface and precision-aligned black velvet frame. Broadway Thin Bezel Series material choices include Broadway White and Broadway Grey.

For more information, please visit www.severtsonscreens.com, call 480-610-5155, or email sales@severtsonscreens.com.

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• MX54 → MX56: Receive MX56 speakers at the MX54 dealer price.
• MX56 → MX62: Receive MX62 speakers at the MX56 dealer price.
• MX62 → MX66: Receive MX66 speakers at the MX62 dealer price.
• MX66 → MX86: Receive MX86 speakers at the MX66 dealer price.

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SurgeX CONNECT was recognized with a Residential Systems Best of Show award.

Your clients judge an integrated system by how reliably it works and how often they need service. Proper power design can help eliminate many of those problems before they ever become service calls.

Choose your form factor of Advanced Series Mode and Protect the system. Back up what matters. Prove it with data from SurgeX CONNECT.

Whether the application calls for standalone units or a rack-based solution, Advanced Series Mode is the foundation. From there, properly designed circuits, UPS and battery backup help keep critical systems running.

SurgeX CONNECT's Best in Show Power Analytics gives you fact-based power data to help identify recurring power conditions, show what is happening, and support the conversation about what should be corrected.

That means fewer guesses, better service conversations, and a stronger long-term relationship with your client.

Vertical Cable LED Cables — Now In Stock

Power your next lighting project with Vertical Cable’s new CL3R-rated LED Cables, now in stock and ready to ship.

Available in 14/6 and 16/6 constructions, our LED cables are designed for reliable low-voltage LED lighting installations, including indoor riser applications and direct-burial indoor/outdoor projects.

• 213-146ST/5BK & 213-166ST/5BK — CL3R Rated: Ideal for indoor LED lighting applications, including in-wall, ceiling, and riser installations.

• 213-146ST/DB/5BK — CL3R Rated + Direct Burial: Designed for indoor and outdoor LED lighting applications, including direct-burial landscape and architectural installations.

All options feature a black jacket and come on convenient 500 ft spools, giving installers flexibility for a wide range of residential and commercial lighting projects.

Planning an upcoming LED lighting installation? Ask your preferred distributor about Vertical Cable’s LED Cable collection. 

Unfold a 136" Video Wall Wherever Your Audience Is

Event teams and AV managers often need a big screen in more than one room, and a fixed video wall can’t follow them. The ViewSonic® LDS136-152 is a foldable 136" All-in-One Direct View LED (dvLED) display on wheels. It ships pre-assembled in a flight case, so you unfold it, plug it in and start presenting.

• ROLLS BETWEEN ROOMS: 360-degree wheels and a foldable design that fits most elevators let one display serve several rooms.

• CLEAR SIGHTLINES, ANY ROOM: The motorized stand raises the top of the screen to 9.34 ft, and the included remote adjusts height from anywhere in the room.

• BUILT FOR BUSY SPACES: Glue-on-Board (GOB) technology protects the LEDs, with IP54 and IK06 ratings on the front of the display.

• BRIGHT IN BUSY VENUES: Full HD resolution and 600 nits of brightness, paired with a 3,840Hz refresh rate, keep visuals sharp in bright, high-traffic environments.

• WORKS WITH YOUR AV SETUP: A Q-SYS Library Verified plugin lets IT manage power, volume and inputs from one place. The display also works with Crestron, Extron and AMX.

• ROOM TO GROW: An integrated OPS slot allows future upgrades, and a rear cubby with VESA mounting holes holds a mini PC or media player.

A three-year limited warranty with on-site service backs the display, and AVTechnology named it InfoComm 2026 Best of Show. Learn more by visiting viewsonic.com.

Businesses That Are Built for the Climb

In this edition of VITAL Business Tips, Matt Bernath explores how business owners can match their ambition with their company's capabilities, pacing their growth to build sustainable foundations instead of burning out.

Uncontrolled rapid expansion is an unheralded operational trap for custom integration businesses. When presented with multiple large projects, the natural impulse is to accept every opportunity and manage the consequences later. However, scaling without established onboarding, documented systems, or adequate working capital quickly leads to compressed margins, employee burnout, and severe operational strain. Unprepared growth creates an unsustainable structure that makes running the business significantly harder than it was before the expansion.

Adopting a long-term perspective allows owners to evaluate what their company can safely absorb rather than reacting out of fear of missing out. Choosing selective growth allows businesses to train personnel effectively and develop recurring revenue streams that bolster financial stability. Remaining disciplined keeps valuable margin to adjust, experiment, and absorb unexpected mistakes without endangering the entire organization.

Enduring companies are constructed on solid operational foundations rather than rapid scaling alone. Documented onboarding procedures, key team members who can manage projects independently, and recurring service contracts provide the stability needed to decline unsuitable opportunities. Navigating manageable operational friction builds the strength required to handle larger future demands, transforming reactive operators into sustainable business owners.

Read the full article here.

Unlock Facial Recognition on Compatible VIVOTEK AI Cameras

VIVOTEK Facial Recognition lets organizations enable real-time recognition on compatible VIVOTEK AI cameras or VORTEX Premium Series cameras through a simple license upgrade, with no hardware modifications required.

Designed for practical security applications, the solution helps users identify people of interest, strengthen awareness in access-sensitive areas, and speed up investigations with recognition alerts and searchable face profiles.

Whether for office entrances, restricted areas, retail stores, warehouses, or residential buildings, VIVOTEK Facial Recognition gives customers a smarter way to add AI-powered recognition.

Organizations should evaluate facial recognition deployments against applicable privacy, consent, signage, retention, and governance requirements in their market. To learn more, visit VIVOTEK.com.

Design It. Visualize It. Make It Yours.

WAC Group/AiSPIRE unveils the latest innovative digital tools that put the power of lighting design directly in your hands. With the Colorscaping  Configurator, explore dynamic full-spectrum color, tunable white and customizable outdoor lighting solutions. The Ventrix Configurator makes it easy to create tailored architectural modular linear lighting solutions that are complete and project-ready for distinctive spaces. With the Inspire Visualizer, bring lighting concepts to life and see how beautifully integrated solutions transform interiors. The Downlight Estimator offers quick estimates of fixture quantities and layouts to achieve balanced illumination while simplifying the planning process. From concept to specification, these intuitive digital tools simplify customization, spark creativity, and help integrators, designers, and consumers create solutions uniquely suited to every project. Imagine it. Configure it. Inspire it.

Wisdom Audio designer and manufacturer of loudspeakers and amplifiers tailored for the most discerning audiophiles have recently announced a new product series category - Consisting of new passive models in Vertical (mono), Horizontal (mono), L&R (stereo), and LCR configurations.  All configurations can be custom length/height up to 100" (2540mm), as well as custom color.  This product line is made entirely at our offices and factory in Carson City, NV.  The P3m models use a Spherical PMD for the high frequencies playing down to an amazing 900 Hz, and 4.5" Woofers to do the low-frequency heavy lifting. 

The P3m's distinctive crescent-shaped woofer apertures act as acoustic lenses, smoothing the front baffle to reduce tweeter diffraction, while making the two woofers behave as though they are positioned closer together - improving dispersion and reducing interference through the crossover region and lowering the woofer frequency response. Behind each aperture sits Wisdom Audio's patent-pending Dual-Helmholtz Resonator, which uses two slightly different tuning points to control unwanted resonances more effectively despite normal manufacturing variations. Together, these technologies help flatten the woofer response, reduce distortion, improve speaker-to-speaker consistency, and deliver more uniform tonal balance across the listening area.

Optional TV VESA-Mount sold separately

Product Models Available: P3m-C, P3m-V, P3m-LR, and P3m-LCR