One of the biggest challenges of the 2020-2021 school year has been providing a high quality of education to students while being mindful of COVID-19. Educators are so eager to engage with students on an in-person level, but there are still restrictions in place and parent concerns that are preventing 100% in-person learning in many states.
AV technology has played a crucial role in allowing K-12 schools to deliver high-quality, engaging education to both in-person and remote learners. Let’s take a closer look at how schools are doing this.
For students who are attending school in person, it’s important to find ways to take lessons to the next level in a way that is mindful of social distancing and contact guidelines. Interactive displays with content sharing, multi-touch, and whiteboard capabilities can increase engagement and focus. In some cases they can also be connected to software and cloud-based programs so at home learners can participate in the collaboration as well.
Many K-12 teachers are simultaneously giving lessons to students in the classroom and at home. High quality video conferencing equipment (with a camera and microphone) can give remote learners high quality video and sound that mimics being in the classroom. It also gives students the opportunity to participate in the classroom and maintain face-to-face contact with other students and teachers.
3. Leveraging AV carts for mobile connectivity
It’s important for teachers to be able to move around the building to accommodate their in-person students, while remaining connected to their remote learners. If pan-tilt-zoom cameras with advanced autotracking features are not realistically within budget, an AV cart is a great option. These carts hold a large display, a camera, a wireless mic, etc. — everything that a teacher would need to connect with at-home students, in a much more portable format than built-in technology.
4. Keeping all students involved in “hands-on” activities
Hands-on learning has always been such an important part of K-12 learning. However, hybrid/remote learning and COVID-19 guidelines have made this difficult. With AV technology, teachers can conduct science experiments or give a technical demo in a robotics class that is more impactful than finding a video on the topic from YouTube. Students will have the ability to ask questions in real-time and have an experience similar to that of witnessing the activity in person.
Government assistance like the CARES Act have allocated funding to K-12 schools to help them secure the tools they need to create a successful learning environment. For many schools, that involves completely rethinking their AV technology setup and heavily investing funds in that area.
IVCi prides itself on being a trust technology partner that schools can turn to when they need help with their AV technology. From strategy to deployment to ongoing support, we can help K-12 set up and maintain systems for long-term success. Contact us today to see what we can do for your school.
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Higher education institutions are investing more than ever into audio video integration. This is a move that just makes sense given the way colleges and universities operate now.
Students are using portable devices for just about everything these days, including in the classroom. In our ever-connected world, audio video conferencing equipment is one of the best investments higher education institutions can make.
Here are some of the ways AV tech is improving college campuses around the world:
1. Interactive learning and collaboration
Learning is no longer one-sided. Now, it’s a collaborative experience. Educators can integrate interactive quizzes, real-time group work, and remote participants into their lessons.
AV conferencing doesn’t just allow students and educators to speak face to face regardless of physical location, it allows for a more immersive experience. It also allows students and educators to incorporate the cloud-based tools so they can work anytime, with anyone, from anywhere.
2. Attracting potential students
Colleges can use AV tech to attract potential students in a couple of ways. First, video walls and digital displays project a large amount of information in an easily-digestible way. They can be interactive, so prospective students who are on a campus tour can navigate content and learn more about what interests them most.
Second, AV tech makes campus tours more accessible to more students. If a student from another state or country is interested in your college, an in-person tour might not be possible but a virtual reality tour powered by video conferencing would be.
3. Simulating real-world experiences
Many college programs are designed to prepare students for a career in the real world. However, some experiences are nearly impossible to recreate in a classroom setting without the assistance of AV technology.
For example, chemistry students can conduct virtual experiments when dealing with potentially dangerous chemicals, or medical students can simulate the experience of performing a high-risk procedure — all from their devices.
Many colleges were forced to introduce virtual clinical experiences due to COVID-19, and it’s likely that they will stick around.
4. Enhance entertainment experience for events
At colleges where sports and entertainment are a big part of campus life, AV can take the experience to the next level. In addition to stunning visuals and crystal clear sound, AV technology makes the game more engaging. There can be interactive displays, projected graphics, and multiple streaming screens to give fans an in-depth look at different aspects of the game.
5. Expanding extracurricular activities with eSports
Esports is skyrocketing in popularity among colleges across the country. Having a state-of-the art AV technology setup creates an opportunity for colleges to develop an esports team and even host tournaments.
Having an esports team will attract students that have good critical thinking skills, work well on teams, and come from a wide range of backgrounds. If you want to learn more about esports programs at the collegiate level, read our recent blog post.
If your institution is looking to take its AV setup to the next level, reach out to our expert team. We’d love to talk about how we can help you create an even better environment for your students and faculty.
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While almost every aspect of “the workplace” has shifted significantly in recent years, you can argue that the meeting room has changed the most.
Gone are days where people sat around boardroom tables in uncomfortable chairs, equipped with just a telephone, whiteboard, and maybe a projector.
Now, audio video conferencing is the standard way for people to collaborate in the workplace and with those who are at a different physical location.
So what exactly is an AV room? What does an AV conferencing room consist of? And more importantly, how can an audio video conferencing company help you design and configure the room for the best possible outcome.
So let’s dive into the different components that make up a state of the art meeting space.
“An audio visual integrated room is a meld of art and science. The art is in the design of the room itself; the lighting, furniture, and the selection of the right technologies that will eventually come together. The science comes in with the building of those technology connections and making each device work together as if it were one.”
With that being said, let’s take a look at the components of a successful AV room.
Video – Video in an AV room is about the display of content, how you see meeting participants, and how everyone sees presentations and documents. This includes cameras, displays, a matrix switcher, digital video processors, computer connections, and digital displays.
Audio – It’s important that audio is crisp and clear, and set up in a way that does not echo or interfere with any other part of the meeting. This includes speakers and microphones, as well as audio control systems.
Lighting – You can have the highest quality cameras in the world, but have your picture ruined by poor lighting. This will be unique to each individual room based on lighting fixtures, windows/doors, and the availability of shades. You definitely don’t want to overlook this important aspect.
Management Systems – Organizations often minimize the management AV rooms require to make sure that technology is working properly and that scheduling, launching, and troubleshooting are seamless.
Cloud Connection – While many organizations will have a physical AV room in their offices, it’s important that meetings can happen from anywhere. Cloud connection is now essentially mandatory in an AV setup because it allows remote employees to participate in meetings or access meetings from different devices. This allows organizations to scale their current AV room setup to limitless endpoints.
The Right AV Integrator – An overlooked component of an AV room is the technology partner that helps design, implement, and support it. The right integrator will act as a trusted advisor every step of the way, providing expert guidance for organizations looking to have the latest technology or the most seamless integration experience.
What’s even better is that if you have the right AV solution provider, the rest will fall into place because they will guide you to the right video, audio, lighting, management, cloud connection — and more.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2021-03-10 12:00:502021-05-03 14:09:50What Does an AV Room Consist of?
Gamers looking to take their video game skills to the next level are in luck. Esports is booming, offering more opportunities for gamers to showcase their skills, win prizes, and gain sponsorships that can help launch a successful Esports career.
That’s right, career. Video games are no longer just a hobby — they’re a viable way for avid gamers to earn a living, thanks to major tournaments.
League of Legends players had the opportunity to become one step closer to their professional career by participating in the Unified Esports Association’s (UEA) first Tier 1 event of the Spring: the “Unified Grand Prix.” The UEA has partnered with the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) to host this week-long event from February 22nd-March 3rd of 2021.
The top ten teams from the Tier 2 Tournaments in the 2021 LCS Proving Grounds Circuits qualified for the tournament, as well as the 7th and 8th seeded teams from the Spring 2021 Academy season. They competed for a $20,000 prize pool, with the team No Org ultimately winning the tournament.
“The purpose of this event is to provide a platform for players to compete at the highest level, before taking the next step as a professional League of Legends player,” the UEA described. “UEA empowers esport organizations and players through our platform to help them take that next step into the professional scene.”
These tournaments also bring together a global community that shares a common interest. Fans and supporters could watch all the action on Twitch from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, esports allows people to participate in team sports and work together given the nature of video games.
Esports events like the Unified Grand Prix are made possible by audio video conferencing systems and advanced technology. IVCi is proud to assist organizations like UEA in getting the systems and setups they need to host worldwide tournaments.
So if you are ready to begin your esports journey — whether it’s starting a program at your college/university, or giving your team the competitive edge to perform on a professional level, IVCi Engage can help get you there. As your full service technology partner, we can assist with developing state of the art labs, setting up training facilities and venues, and securing the grants needed to start a program.
You can get started by contacting an IVCi esports expert, or walking through the ENGAGE Esports Configurator — either way, we’re here to help you discover the power of a technologically advanced esports environment.
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Electronic gaming isn’t just a hobby anymore. For some, it’s a way to engage in a challenging activity, collaborate with others, and even earn a living.
With that being said, it’s no surprise that esports is gaining popularity at the collegiate level. A lot of colleges and universities — large and small alike — have created esports programs and are seeing significant benefits.
While offering an esports program requires an investment in AV conferencing equipment, it’s becoming more and more apparent that the investment is worth it.
How can schools benefit from esports at the Collegiate Level?
There are many benefits that schools and universities see when they create an esports program. They include:
Having an activity available to students that can withstand a number of circumstances such as remote learning and can change and adapt quickly.
While esports requires teamwork, it does not require physical contact so it can be done while maintaining social distancing and presents less injury risk than other team sports.
Fostering student engagement and bringing together students with similar interests who may not have otherwise met.
Attracting new students through a program that is still relatively unique — students who tend to excel at problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, since those are the skills necessary to succeed at team video games.
Growing STEM programs since there’s a parallel between people who enjoy video games and those who are interested in academic programs related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Offering students an opportunity to express themselves and their passions, which improves retention rate.
What’s needed to implement a collegiate esports program?
For an esports program to thrive, colleges and universities need to set them up for success. They need to create an environment where esports teams can practice, host tournaments, and practice their skills with the proper equipment.
To achieve this, colleges and universities should enlist the assistance of an audio video conferencing company. AV setup is a critical component of esports.
Here are some of the AV components needed for an esports environment:
Computers
Gaming keyboards
Large display screens
Interactive displays
Audio equipment
Live streaming platforms
Real-time streaming capabilities
It might seem overwhelming, but AV solution providers like IVCi are here to help. Our IVCi Engage program brings the ability to customize your esports program while providing expert guidance every step of the way.
Since esports is likely new to your institution, you may not be sure where to start, and that’s okay! Our team will guide you to help select all of your customizable essentials from furniture selection, to hardware, to mousepads — nothing is too big or small for your dedicated esports configurator.
ENGAGE is offered as a subscription-based service to ensure predictable costs and budget flexibility. In building out your unique subscription, we will carefully consider all your needs and help to create the environment your school needs for a successful esports team.
You can learn more about IVCi’s experience with esports here — once you’re ready to get started, drop us a message and an esports expert will get back to you!
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The time has come for a new kind of user-inspired subscription service. IVCi’s EVOLVE AV as a Service subscription provides just that. As a room life-cycle solution, it includes design, procurement, deployment and support. AVaaS is the perfect formula of freedom and flexibility, affordability and convenience, and protection and peace of mind.
IVCi’s EVOLVE has bundled everything you need to manage your AV technology into one easy to digest package. It’s a no-worry, break-fix, all-in-one subscription service that was inspired by end users and created with them in mind.
Evolve is the Better Way to Buy and Bundle Technology
Evolve is the better way to buy and bundle technology because with EVOLVE AV as a Service, you’ll get…
The ability to consistently modernize. Our team will keep you up to date about what new technologies to invest in to keep your business modern and your productivity booming. You can upgrade at any time.
The chance to become an expert. EVOLVE offers a revolutionary in-room QR code that connects to our world-class MVE team for assistance and learning. You can access real-time support and references that help you get the most out of your technology without having to pause your workday or delay your video conferences.
Evaluate your needs on an ongoing basis. Easy end-of-term options allow you to evaluate your technology needs to determine whether renewing or returning your technology is the best move for your business at that current time.
Be protected against the unknown and unpredictable. You can reset term options at any time with EVOLVE AVaaS. Business is booming? Reset your terms to scale up. Facing a business challenge or aftermath of a circumstance outside your control? Reset your terms to scale down or re-allocate resources.
Lower TCO. The “as a service” model brings predictable costs with less needed upfront. Preserve your cashflow to use elsewhere, while saving on the cost of procurement and service.
Examples of Technology Bundles Available with EVOLVE AVaaS
The goal of EVOLVE audio video as a service is to truly create a technology program that is tailored to your company’s individual needs. However, if you’re not sure what your exact needs are or where to start, we can offer bundles that have worked for similar organizations and industries.
Here are two examples of technology bundle solutions we offer:
Webex Desk Pro
Multitouch video conference display that combines codec, camera, and speaker into a single device
Any platform can leverage camera, microphone, and speaker
Wireless presentation via Cisco Teams App
Whiteboard and annotation capabilities
27 inch screen size
Webex Room Kit Mini
Video conference room system that combines codec, camera, microphone, and speaker into a single device
Touch 10 controller
Automatic framing camera technology
Wired connections for BYOD
Any platform can leverage camera, microphone, and speaker
Wireless presentation via Cisco Teams App
Single 65 inch, 4k, wall-mounted display
If you’re ready to leap into the future of AV as a Service, you’ll need the right audio video conferencing equipment provider to guide you through the process. Contact us today to find out how we can bring you the power of collaborative environments that make meetings happen.
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By now, we’re sure you’ve seen Quick Response (QR) codes in many places throughout your daily life. Simply put, they take a piece of digital media or communication and allow you to instantly access it on your phone via a unique code.
In the past QR codes were most popular on signs, t-shirts, flyers, and other items where a brand wants to take your experience from something physical to somewhere digital to learn more. Now in the post-COVID world, it’s used to provide touchless shopping and dining experiences.
For example, instead of having to touch physical menus that are handled by other customers and staff, diners can scan the QR code on the table to access the menu safely on their phones.
What are QR codes good for?
In addition to on-demand digital content and touchless retail experiences, QR codes make great additions to a company’s AV setup.
QR codes allow users to summon on-demand support. By having individual QR codes per room or piece of equipment, you can quickly scan into the specific support you need without having to be routed through a general help desk.
From there, you’ll be connected to a technology expert that can help solve the issue quickly and get you back to the task at hand in the same amount of time it would take to just reach a support staff member with traditional methods.
Benefits of using QR codes for your AV technology
Beyond keeping your conference space on par with the latest technology, a QR code support can offer the following benefits:
Increased uptime. If the meeting starter experiences any issues, they can quickly scan the code and get help to resolve the issue rather than having to take the time to get support over the phone or email. This leaves you with more time to conduct your meeting and less time troubleshooting, with available resources that can help you prevent the issue from arising in the future.
Higher levels of confidence. With educational resources only a scan away, you can build your AV technology knowledge base and get answers to all of your questions. Over time, you’ll become more confident in your ability to use and troubleshoot your system. And if issues do arise, you’ll know you have support at your fingertips.
Better productivity. Nothing derails productivity like technical issues. Everyone’s time is valuable and a lot of people are on tight schedules, so even a delay of five or ten minutes can seriously derail an agenda. Having custom support that’s on-demand from any smart device will keep things moving according to plan, even if technical difficulties arise.
Implementing QR code support for your audio video tech setup is not only beneficial, it’s simple to do.
Get QR support through Evolve AVaaS
The revolutionary in-room QR code support solution is available through the Evolve AV as a Service (AVaaS) subscription. One subscription allows you to access the best AV has to offer, including the latest equipment and on-demand support via QR code.
It’s time for an AV evolution — and the QR support feature of IVCi’s Evolve subscription will help you get there.
If you’re ready to take the next steps into the future of AV solutions, speak to one of the experts at IVCi today.
Audio video conferencing equipment has completely revolutionized the way organizations conduct business. And with the COVID-19 pandemic restructuring many companies to become distributed workforces, video conferencing has become an essential function for communication and productivity.
But there’s more that goes into AV solutions than just cameras and audio equipment. It’s a multi-faceted plan that requires expert guidance. Luckily the team at IVCi has significant experience in all the steps of a good AV solution.
Strategy
Planning your AV solution is a critical step in setting your business up for success. The right strategy includes a need analysis to identify goals and objectives, then identifying requirements for system capabilities and functional goals.
It’s important to trust your strategy with a partner who has your best interest at heart. One that takes your budgetary, security, compliance, staffing, and personnel constraints seriously and recommends the best possible technology within your circumstances.
Deployment
Choosing and purchasing equipment is just the start of the journey with your AV solution. You’ll need a clean, simple, and fast installation with an emphasis on efficiency. IVCi’s project management for deployment includes the following:
Pre-install: Ensuring technology is secured from manufacturers so it’s ready when you need it.
Quality Assurance: Testing all hardware and software to make sure it’s working properly.
Programming: Programmers will ensure all back-end hardware and front-end software is programmed and ready.
Winning Team: Expert and certified technicians, engineers, and supervisors are at your side and ready to help.
Backed by the right team of project managers and personnel, your AV solutions provider can deploy your system with transparency and efficiency from procurement through execution.
Design
Not all AV conferencing equipment is well-suited for all spaces. Providing the best design possible for any type of space is a challenge, but one IVCi takes in stride. The experts can take the chosen products and platforms and place them within the given space in a way that maximizes collaboration and production.
It’s important for businesses to envision the AV design before the technology is implemented. IVCi provides visuals and renderings to give you an accurate idea of what your space will be capable of. By combining functionality and aesthetic, IVCi can help organizations achieve great results.
Support
No matter how great the AV technology is and how efficient the installation is, there are bound to be times when support is needed. Most people dread having to contact their help desk or feel like they have no options outside of traditional working hours.
IVCi’s support offers a support model that works with your organization, including a strategy health check, day-2 support, fast track troubleshooting, live video assist, and more. With 24/7 support and a 100% rating, the support team at IVCi can be there when you need them.
Going Above and Beyond Typical AV Solutions
The future of AV is here — are you ready for it? The experts at IVCi are, and are here to help you get there as well. If you’re interested in one partner for all your AV solutions, contact the experts at IVCi today.
K-12 and AV
NewsOne of the biggest challenges of the 2020-2021 school year has been providing a high quality of education to students while being mindful of COVID-19. Educators are so eager to engage with students on an in-person level, but there are still restrictions in place and parent concerns that are preventing 100% in-person learning in many states.
AV technology has played a crucial role in allowing K-12 schools to deliver high-quality, engaging education to both in-person and remote learners. Let’s take a closer look at how schools are doing this.
1. Interactive displays enhance in-person learning
For students who are attending school in person, it’s important to find ways to take lessons to the next level in a way that is mindful of social distancing and contact guidelines. Interactive displays with content sharing, multi-touch, and whiteboard capabilities can increase engagement and focus. In some cases they can also be connected to software and cloud-based programs so at home learners can participate in the collaboration as well.
2. Video conferencing for hybrid classrooms
Many K-12 teachers are simultaneously giving lessons to students in the classroom and at home. High quality video conferencing equipment (with a camera and microphone) can give remote learners high quality video and sound that mimics being in the classroom. It also gives students the opportunity to participate in the classroom and maintain face-to-face contact with other students and teachers.
3. Leveraging AV carts for mobile connectivity
It’s important for teachers to be able to move around the building to accommodate their in-person students, while remaining connected to their remote learners. If pan-tilt-zoom cameras with advanced autotracking features are not realistically within budget, an AV cart is a great option. These carts hold a large display, a camera, a wireless mic, etc. — everything that a teacher would need to connect with at-home students, in a much more portable format than built-in technology.
4. Keeping all students involved in “hands-on” activities
Hands-on learning has always been such an important part of K-12 learning. However, hybrid/remote learning and COVID-19 guidelines have made this difficult. With AV technology, teachers can conduct science experiments or give a technical demo in a robotics class that is more impactful than finding a video on the topic from YouTube. Students will have the ability to ask questions in real-time and have an experience similar to that of witnessing the activity in person.
Government assistance like the CARES Act have allocated funding to K-12 schools to help them secure the tools they need to create a successful learning environment. For many schools, that involves completely rethinking their AV technology setup and heavily investing funds in that area.
IVCi prides itself on being a trust technology partner that schools can turn to when they need help with their AV technology. From strategy to deployment to ongoing support, we can help K-12 set up and maintain systems for long-term success. Contact us today to see what we can do for your school.
Higher Ed and AV
NewsHigher education institutions are investing more than ever into audio video integration. This is a move that just makes sense given the way colleges and universities operate now.
Students are using portable devices for just about everything these days, including in the classroom. In our ever-connected world, audio video conferencing equipment is one of the best investments higher education institutions can make.
Here are some of the ways AV tech is improving college campuses around the world:
1. Interactive learning and collaboration
Learning is no longer one-sided. Now, it’s a collaborative experience. Educators can integrate interactive quizzes, real-time group work, and remote participants into their lessons.
AV conferencing doesn’t just allow students and educators to speak face to face regardless of physical location, it allows for a more immersive experience. It also allows students and educators to incorporate the cloud-based tools so they can work anytime, with anyone, from anywhere.
2. Attracting potential students
Colleges can use AV tech to attract potential students in a couple of ways. First, video walls and digital displays project a large amount of information in an easily-digestible way. They can be interactive, so prospective students who are on a campus tour can navigate content and learn more about what interests them most.
Second, AV tech makes campus tours more accessible to more students. If a student from another state or country is interested in your college, an in-person tour might not be possible but a virtual reality tour powered by video conferencing would be.
3. Simulating real-world experiences
Many college programs are designed to prepare students for a career in the real world. However, some experiences are nearly impossible to recreate in a classroom setting without the assistance of AV technology.
For example, chemistry students can conduct virtual experiments when dealing with potentially dangerous chemicals, or medical students can simulate the experience of performing a high-risk procedure — all from their devices.
Many colleges were forced to introduce virtual clinical experiences due to COVID-19, and it’s likely that they will stick around.
4. Enhance entertainment experience for events
At colleges where sports and entertainment are a big part of campus life, AV can take the experience to the next level. In addition to stunning visuals and crystal clear sound, AV technology makes the game more engaging. There can be interactive displays, projected graphics, and multiple streaming screens to give fans an in-depth look at different aspects of the game.
5. Expanding extracurricular activities with eSports
Esports is skyrocketing in popularity among colleges across the country. Having a state-of-the art AV technology setup creates an opportunity for colleges to develop an esports team and even host tournaments.
Having an esports team will attract students that have good critical thinking skills, work well on teams, and come from a wide range of backgrounds. If you want to learn more about esports programs at the collegiate level, read our recent blog post.
If your institution is looking to take its AV setup to the next level, reach out to our expert team. We’d love to talk about how we can help you create an even better environment for your students and faculty.
What Does an AV Room Consist of?
NewsWhile almost every aspect of “the workplace” has shifted significantly in recent years, you can argue that the meeting room has changed the most.
Gone are days where people sat around boardroom tables in uncomfortable chairs, equipped with just a telephone, whiteboard, and maybe a projector.
Now, audio video conferencing is the standard way for people to collaborate in the workplace and with those who are at a different physical location.
So what exactly is an AV room? What does an AV conferencing room consist of? And more importantly, how can an audio video conferencing company help you design and configure the room for the best possible outcome.
So let’s dive into the different components that make up a state of the art meeting space.
“An audio visual integrated room is a meld of art and science. The art is in the design of the room itself; the lighting, furniture, and the selection of the right technologies that will eventually come together. The science comes in with the building of those technology connections and making each device work together as if it were one.”
-Tim Hennen, CTO at IVCi
With that being said, let’s take a look at the components of a successful AV room.
Video – Video in an AV room is about the display of content, how you see meeting participants, and how everyone sees presentations and documents. This includes cameras, displays, a matrix switcher, digital video processors, computer connections, and digital displays.
Audio – It’s important that audio is crisp and clear, and set up in a way that does not echo or interfere with any other part of the meeting. This includes speakers and microphones, as well as audio control systems.
Lighting – You can have the highest quality cameras in the world, but have your picture ruined by poor lighting. This will be unique to each individual room based on lighting fixtures, windows/doors, and the availability of shades. You definitely don’t want to overlook this important aspect.
Management Systems – Organizations often minimize the management AV rooms require to make sure that technology is working properly and that scheduling, launching, and troubleshooting are seamless.
Cloud Connection – While many organizations will have a physical AV room in their offices, it’s important that meetings can happen from anywhere. Cloud connection is now essentially mandatory in an AV setup because it allows remote employees to participate in meetings or access meetings from different devices. This allows organizations to scale their current AV room setup to limitless endpoints.
The Right AV Integrator – An overlooked component of an AV room is the technology partner that helps design, implement, and support it. The right integrator will act as a trusted advisor every step of the way, providing expert guidance for organizations looking to have the latest technology or the most seamless integration experience.
What’s even better is that if you have the right AV solution provider, the rest will fall into place because they will guide you to the right video, audio, lighting, management, cloud connection — and more.
IVCi x UEA Grand Prix Tournament
NewsGamers looking to take their video game skills to the next level are in luck. Esports is booming, offering more opportunities for gamers to showcase their skills, win prizes, and gain sponsorships that can help launch a successful Esports career.
That’s right, career. Video games are no longer just a hobby — they’re a viable way for avid gamers to earn a living, thanks to major tournaments.
League of Legends players had the opportunity to become one step closer to their professional career by participating in the Unified Esports Association’s (UEA) first Tier 1 event of the Spring: the “Unified Grand Prix.” The UEA has partnered with the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) to host this week-long event from February 22nd-March 3rd of 2021.
The top ten teams from the Tier 2 Tournaments in the 2021 LCS Proving Grounds Circuits qualified for the tournament, as well as the 7th and 8th seeded teams from the Spring 2021 Academy season. They competed for a $20,000 prize pool, with the team No Org ultimately winning the tournament.
“The purpose of this event is to provide a platform for players to compete at the highest level, before taking the next step as a professional League of Legends player,” the UEA described. “UEA empowers esport organizations and players through our platform to help them take that next step into the professional scene.”
These tournaments also bring together a global community that shares a common interest. Fans and supporters could watch all the action on Twitch from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, esports allows people to participate in team sports and work together given the nature of video games.
Esports events like the Unified Grand Prix are made possible by audio video conferencing systems and advanced technology. IVCi is proud to assist organizations like UEA in getting the systems and setups they need to host worldwide tournaments.
So if you are ready to begin your esports journey — whether it’s starting a program at your college/university, or giving your team the competitive edge to perform on a professional level, IVCi Engage can help get you there. As your full service technology partner, we can assist with developing state of the art labs, setting up training facilities and venues, and securing the grants needed to start a program.
You can get started by contacting an IVCi esports expert, or walking through the ENGAGE Esports Configurator — either way, we’re here to help you discover the power of a technologically advanced esports environment.
Collegiate Esports and University Programs
NewsElectronic gaming isn’t just a hobby anymore. For some, it’s a way to engage in a challenging activity, collaborate with others, and even earn a living.
With that being said, it’s no surprise that esports is gaining popularity at the collegiate level. A lot of colleges and universities — large and small alike — have created esports programs and are seeing significant benefits.
While offering an esports program requires an investment in AV conferencing equipment, it’s becoming more and more apparent that the investment is worth it.
How can schools benefit from esports at the Collegiate Level?
There are many benefits that schools and universities see when they create an esports program. They include:
What’s needed to implement a collegiate esports program?
For an esports program to thrive, colleges and universities need to set them up for success. They need to create an environment where esports teams can practice, host tournaments, and practice their skills with the proper equipment.
To achieve this, colleges and universities should enlist the assistance of an audio video conferencing company. AV setup is a critical component of esports.
Here are some of the AV components needed for an esports environment:
It might seem overwhelming, but AV solution providers like IVCi are here to help. Our IVCi Engage program brings the ability to customize your esports program while providing expert guidance every step of the way.
Since esports is likely new to your institution, you may not be sure where to start, and that’s okay! Our team will guide you to help select all of your customizable essentials from furniture selection, to hardware, to mousepads — nothing is too big or small for your dedicated esports configurator.
ENGAGE is offered as a subscription-based service to ensure predictable costs and budget flexibility. In building out your unique subscription, we will carefully consider all your needs and help to create the environment your school needs for a successful esports team.
You can learn more about IVCi’s experience with esports here — once you’re ready to get started, drop us a message and an esports expert will get back to you!
AV as a Service with IVCi’s Evolve Subscription
NewsThe time has come for a new kind of user-inspired subscription service. IVCi’s EVOLVE AV as a Service subscription provides just that. As a room life-cycle solution, it includes design, procurement, deployment and support. AVaaS is the perfect formula of freedom and flexibility, affordability and convenience, and protection and peace of mind.
IVCi’s EVOLVE has bundled everything you need to manage your AV technology into one easy to digest package. It’s a no-worry, break-fix, all-in-one subscription service that was inspired by end users and created with them in mind.
Evolve is the Better Way to Buy and Bundle Technology
Evolve is the better way to buy and bundle technology because with EVOLVE AV as a Service, you’ll get…
The ability to consistently modernize. Our team will keep you up to date about what new technologies to invest in to keep your business modern and your productivity booming. You can upgrade at any time.
The chance to become an expert. EVOLVE offers a revolutionary in-room QR code that connects to our world-class MVE team for assistance and learning. You can access real-time support and references that help you get the most out of your technology without having to pause your workday or delay your video conferences.
Evaluate your needs on an ongoing basis. Easy end-of-term options allow you to evaluate your technology needs to determine whether renewing or returning your technology is the best move for your business at that current time.
Be protected against the unknown and unpredictable. You can reset term options at any time with EVOLVE AVaaS. Business is booming? Reset your terms to scale up. Facing a business challenge or aftermath of a circumstance outside your control? Reset your terms to scale down or re-allocate resources.
Lower TCO. The “as a service” model brings predictable costs with less needed upfront. Preserve your cashflow to use elsewhere, while saving on the cost of procurement and service.
Examples of Technology Bundles Available with EVOLVE AVaaS
The goal of EVOLVE audio video as a service is to truly create a technology program that is tailored to your company’s individual needs. However, if you’re not sure what your exact needs are or where to start, we can offer bundles that have worked for similar organizations and industries.
Here are two examples of technology bundle solutions we offer:
Webex Desk Pro
Webex Room Kit Mini
If you’re ready to leap into the future of AV as a Service, you’ll need the right audio video conferencing equipment provider to guide you through the process. Contact us today to find out how we can bring you the power of collaborative environments that make meetings happen.
QR Codes
NewsUpdate of: https://ivci.com/news/qr-code-evolve-service/
What is a QR code?
By now, we’re sure you’ve seen Quick Response (QR) codes in many places throughout your daily life. Simply put, they take a piece of digital media or communication and allow you to instantly access it on your phone via a unique code.
In the past QR codes were most popular on signs, t-shirts, flyers, and other items where a brand wants to take your experience from something physical to somewhere digital to learn more. Now in the post-COVID world, it’s used to provide touchless shopping and dining experiences.
For example, instead of having to touch physical menus that are handled by other customers and staff, diners can scan the QR code on the table to access the menu safely on their phones.
What are QR codes good for?
In addition to on-demand digital content and touchless retail experiences, QR codes make great additions to a company’s AV setup.
QR codes allow users to summon on-demand support. By having individual QR codes per room or piece of equipment, you can quickly scan into the specific support you need without having to be routed through a general help desk.
From there, you’ll be connected to a technology expert that can help solve the issue quickly and get you back to the task at hand in the same amount of time it would take to just reach a support staff member with traditional methods.
Benefits of using QR codes for your AV technology
Beyond keeping your conference space on par with the latest technology, a QR code support can offer the following benefits:
Implementing QR code support for your audio video tech setup is not only beneficial, it’s simple to do.
Get QR support through Evolve AVaaS
The revolutionary in-room QR code support solution is available through the Evolve AV as a Service (AVaaS) subscription. One subscription allows you to access the best AV has to offer, including the latest equipment and on-demand support via QR code.
It’s time for an AV evolution — and the QR support feature of IVCi’s Evolve subscription will help you get there.
If you’re ready to take the next steps into the future of AV solutions, speak to one of the experts at IVCi today.
AV Solutions
NewsUpdate of: https://ivci.com/news/what-to-look-for-when-choosing-an-audio-visual-conferencing-company/
Audio video conferencing equipment has completely revolutionized the way organizations conduct business. And with the COVID-19 pandemic restructuring many companies to become distributed workforces, video conferencing has become an essential function for communication and productivity.
But there’s more that goes into AV solutions than just cameras and audio equipment. It’s a multi-faceted plan that requires expert guidance. Luckily the team at IVCi has significant experience in all the steps of a good AV solution.
Strategy
Planning your AV solution is a critical step in setting your business up for success. The right strategy includes a need analysis to identify goals and objectives, then identifying requirements for system capabilities and functional goals.
It’s important to trust your strategy with a partner who has your best interest at heart. One that takes your budgetary, security, compliance, staffing, and personnel constraints seriously and recommends the best possible technology within your circumstances.
Deployment
Choosing and purchasing equipment is just the start of the journey with your AV solution. You’ll need a clean, simple, and fast installation with an emphasis on efficiency. IVCi’s project management for deployment includes the following:
Backed by the right team of project managers and personnel, your AV solutions provider can deploy your system with transparency and efficiency from procurement through execution.
Design
Not all AV conferencing equipment is well-suited for all spaces. Providing the best design possible for any type of space is a challenge, but one IVCi takes in stride. The experts can take the chosen products and platforms and place them within the given space in a way that maximizes collaboration and production.
It’s important for businesses to envision the AV design before the technology is implemented. IVCi provides visuals and renderings to give you an accurate idea of what your space will be capable of. By combining functionality and aesthetic, IVCi can help organizations achieve great results.
Support
No matter how great the AV technology is and how efficient the installation is, there are bound to be times when support is needed. Most people dread having to contact their help desk or feel like they have no options outside of traditional working hours.
IVCi’s support offers a support model that works with your organization, including a strategy health check, day-2 support, fast track troubleshooting, live video assist, and more. With 24/7 support and a 100% rating, the support team at IVCi can be there when you need them.
Going Above and Beyond Typical AV Solutions
The future of AV is here — are you ready for it? The experts at IVCi are, and are here to help you get there as well. If you’re interested in one partner for all your AV solutions, contact the experts at IVCi today.