Day two at InfoComm in Orlando, and I am seeing three themes emerge: the extension of laser projectors, wireless BYOD devices everywhere, and the next wave of the huddle space (with new names).
Laser Projectors
With no bulb to change and 20,000 hours of life, the only reason we have not seen more adopting of laser projectors flooding the market has been the price. That is about the change. Sony has launched its new LaserLite models both WUXGA and WXGA starting at just more than $2,300. This type of momentum might be why Sony is currently the leading brand in the U.S. and on worldwide for laser projectors in the 3,000 to 10,000-lumen range for the past three years.
We are also seeing new models, including 4K lasers from companies such as Epson (who has launched the world first interactive 3LCD laser), Casio, Eiki, Vivitek and more. My guess is that it will not be long before we see the home adopting more lasers and fewer bulb-based projectors.
Wireless BOYD
It feels like every booth we have visited has a new wireless device, and those that had them have upgraded. So far, I have seen units from Atlona, wePresent, and Vivitek. Crestron is adding the software for AirMedia to a few of its presentation units, which could force people to stay in the Crestron infrastructure instead of using a device from another manufacturer.
Then, of course, there is Mersive, which announced Solstice Multi-Room. Solstice has always supported unlimited users sharing unlimited meeting content from their laptops and mobile devices to in-room displays. Now those meetings are not limited to a single room.
Huddle Space
Creston’s Mercury provides an all-in-one videoconference hub now rounded out with its new partnership with Zoom. It also released Free Form, an enterprise room solution for two to eight people (that is how Crestron divided its booth this year: by number of participants that would be in the space). Middle Atlantic has ventured from racks to tables giving you a one-stop solution for your space. Shure demonstrated its steerable coverage in-ceiling microphone system.
Which makes me wonder…
As the baby boomers age in place, could the home office or den turn into a tech space, a huddle room in the home? From this area, aging parents can check in with family, friends, and possibly even doctors. The boomers are one of the largest generations and are comfortable with technology already. More than ever before, these technologies blend into their environments, why wouldn’t the home be next?
Okay—I am past deadline and almost late for my next appointment. See you next week!
