Episodes
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In a game-changing move, Aurora Multimedia has unveiled a staggering $6.6 million donation in IP control system products to HETMA, revolutionizing the landscape of education technology. But what does this colossal donation mean for the students and the future of learning? Let's delve into the exclusive insights shared by Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora Multimedia, and Joe Way, a key figure in HETMA, to uncover the transformative power of this initiative.
Aurora Multimedia's unprecedented donation addresses a pressing issue in education: bridging the technology gap. This monumental gift encompasses a diverse range of IP control systems and products, offering a lifeline to schools previously hindered by financial constraints.
The pivotal question emerges: How does this extraordinary donation empower students and reshape education? To grasp the depth of this transformation, we turn to Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora Multimedia, who shares his perspective on the motivation and profound impact of this philanthropic endeavor.
Paul Harris (CEO, Aurora Multimedia): "We saw this as an opportunity to distribute our control inventory in a manner that would help schools that do not have the funding to normally do control automation, to be able to have it and to use it in conjunction with their students if they choose to do so, to learn real-world applications."
Aurora's web-based control technology empowers students by imparting valuable programming skills and interface design experience. Through industry-standard web protocols like HTML and JavaScript, students gain hands-on experience, aligning their education with practical applications. This empowers them to use everyday tools for programming, offering limitless creative possibilities.
What sets Aurora's approach apart is its emphasis on non-proprietary control systems. Students are not limited to a single brand or technology. Instead, they gain freedom and creativity to explore and innovate with web-based control systems.
But the collaboration doesn't end with the donation. Joe Way, a prominent member of HETMA, highlights the scholarship program's significance in ensuring a lasting impact. This program aims to select schools that genuinely need the technology and can demonstrate its positive impact on the learning experience.
Joe Way (Board of Directors, HETMA): "The fact that we can take around 1200 rooms and outfit so many schools at scale and really be able to bless them and say, here, I know you couldn't do this yourself, let's get you the technology, let's get you the training, let's get you the mentorship."
Furthermore, this initiative is just the beginning. Aurora and HETMA envision case studies, contests, and ongoing contributions, fostering a continuous journey of growth and innovation in education technology.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, Aurora Multimedia's donation stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing progress, empowerment, and limitless possibilities. This remarkable collaboration is not just about giving; it's about catalyzing change in higher education—a change driven by empowerment, education, and innovation.
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In this episode of "Cutting Through," host Bobby Brill engages in a dynamic conversation with Charles Duncan, National Consultant Resource Manager at Aurora Multimedia. Together, they delve into the transformative trends of 2023 and unveil Aurora Multimedia's strategies for harnessing innovation in 2024.
Key Points of Discussion:
The Evolution of AV Control Systems: Charles highlights the industry's pressing need for one-gig and ten-gig solutions, emphasizing the improvements in Aurora Multimedia's product lines.The Power of Open Platforms: Explore how Aurora Multimedia's adoption of open-source programming, including JavaScript, is empowering users, integrators, and consultants to customize their AV solutions.Expanding Product Line: Discover Aurora Multimedia's plans to expand its AV over IP solutions, turning touch panels into multifunctional components and integrating Dante technology.Guest Bio:
Charles Duncan, with a career spanning since 1997, serves as Aurora Multimedia's National Consultant Resource Manager. His extensive experience and relationships within the AV industry uniquely position him to bridge the gap between consultants and innovative solutions.
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In a recent episode of "Cutting Through," host Ben Thomas dove deep into the evolving world of AV over IP with industry leaders Paul Harris, President & CEO of Aurora Multimedia, and Stephane Tremblay, CEO of the SDVoE Alliance. As Infocomm looms and the industry buzzes with anticipation, they explored what’s new and what’s next.
The State of AV over IP
Paul Harris shared his insights into the paradox of AV over IP technology: as it evolves, it also stays rooted. He highlighted that while the industry craves a unified standard, the current focus remains on one gig and ten gig solutions. According to Harris, this provides a "comfortable place" for now, with no significant demand for going beyond these capacities.
The Demand for Higher Quality
Tremblay pointed out the necessity of ten gig solutions in high-stakes environments like medical or eSports where latency and image compression can't be tolerated. He emphasized the transition from traditional matrix switch sports to AV over IP—a shift that, once made, is irreversible, heralding a new era of quality and flexibility.
The Challenges of Interoperability
Discussing the importance of interoperability, Harris mentioned that aligning with customer needs is crucial, but it often means navigating a maze of different brands and technologies. He emphasized the need for education, especially regarding network switches, and commended Netgear for their initiative to assist customers in this area.
Educating the Integrators
Tremblay underscored the SDVoE Alliance’s commitment to education, particularly with their Certified Design House program, which ensures that at least 25% of an integrator’s technical team is SDVoE trained. This emphasis on education is paramount for integrators to properly specify and install SDVoE technology.
The Future of AV over IP
Looking to the future, Harris candidly discussed the concept of "future proofing," calling it a "joke." Instead, he focused on the foundation that technologies like SDVoE provide, allowing for growth and progression. He teased upcoming surprises from Aurora Multimedia at Infocomm, suggesting an emphasis on ten gig solutions and innovative products like the ultra, a ten gig device with an integrated Intel PC and multi-view capabilities.
Embracing Change and Education
Tremblay highlighted a shift in focus for SDVoE at trade shows, moving from technology demonstrations to application-based showcases. This approach aims to connect more effectively with a broader audience, from system integrators to end-users. With a new Interoperability Committee, SDVoE is furthering its commitment to ensuring seamless product compatibility within its ecosystem.
Concluding Thoughts
As the episode concluded, both Harris and Tremblay shared their excitement for the upcoming Infocomm, where education, innovation, and networking will take center stage. Harris teased that Aurora Multimedia would unveil new surprises, building on their robust ten gig offerings. In contrast, Tremblay looked forward to showcasing SDVoE’s application-level innovations.
"Cutting Through" reaffirmed that in the rapidly evolving domain of AV over IP, education, interoperability, and strategic innovation are keys to moving the industry forward. Stay tuned for the next episode, where these conversations continue to cut through the complexity of AV technology.
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The SKR-22T-XFR is the latest speaker innovation from Aurora. This lightweight speaker delivers clear sound with fidelity not normally found on typical ceiling speakers. Its ability to reproduce 180-degree sound field allows the use of only one speaker in a room for mono operation. Installation is quick, less costly, and less messy as there is no cutting of ceiling tiles or back boxes to mount. Just drop the tile into a 2x2 ceiling grid, connect the speaker wire and you are done. For 4x2 ceiling grids, all that is required is to cut the tile in half and add a standard ceiling divider.
With full range of audio, not only do presenters sound clear and crisp, but the presentation material is produced without missing the lows or the highs compared to the typical 5” to 6” round ceiling speakers. Add a 25-watt PoE+ Dante amplifier using the Aurora DTX-AMP25-M to further complete the room audio solution. The DTX-AMP25-M can also take Line in for analog systems as well.
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Prepare for a tantalizing preview at ISE 2024, where Aurora Multimedia is set to unveil a true marvel in room automation: the RXT-4D-NDV. Breaking away from the ordinary, this innovation stands as a testament to Aurora's unique vision. The new RXT-4D is poised to revolutionize not just control automation, but the entire auditory and communication experience within any space. Expect an environment of complete integration and advanced technological synergy, previously only imagined. Aurora Multimedia extends an exclusive invitation to visit their booth at ISE 2024 for a firsthand experience of this transformative technology. Anticipation is building for what promises to be a spectacular showcase at Aurora's booth - a peek into the future of room automation. Join us at ISE 2024 and be part of this groundbreaking moment!
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Introducing the Aurora TeamStream TS-100, the ultimate AV solution that's set to revolutionize your audiovisual experience. This game-changing device simplifies connectivity with multiple options, including Wi-Fi, LAN, Mirror Cast, Air Play, and the Wireless Media App. Seamlessly integrate it into your company LAN for easy access. What sets it apart are its standout features: a built-in Whiteboard and Annotation tool for interactive collaboration, real-time precision, high-resolution output, dual view functionality, and more. The TS-100 effortlessly accommodates up to 14 users, ensuring a hassle-free setup with a user-friendly interface. Elevate your AV setup with the Aurora TeamStream TS-100 today and experience the difference.
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In this episode of "Cutting Through," host Bobby Brill engages in a dynamic conversation with Charles Duncan, National Consultant Resource Manager at Aurora Multimedia. Together, they delve into the transformative trends of 2023 and unveil Aurora Multimedia's strategies for harnessing innovation in 2024.
Key Points of Discussion:
The Evolution of AV Control Systems: Charles highlights the industry's pressing need for one-gig and ten-gig solutions, emphasizing the improvements in Aurora Multimedia's product lines.The Power of Open Platforms: Explore how Aurora Multimedia's adoption of open-source programming, including JavaScript, is empowering users, integrators, and consultants to customize their AV solutions.Expanding Product Line: Discover Aurora Multimedia's plans to expand its AV over IP solutions, turning touch panels into multifunctional components and integrating Dante technology.Guest Bio:
Charles Duncan, with a career spanning since 1997, serves as Aurora Multimedia's National Consultant Resource Manager. His extensive experience and relationships within the AV industry uniquely position him to bridge the gap between consultants and innovative solutions.
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In a game-changing move, Aurora Multimedia has unveiled a staggering $6.6 million donation in IP control system products to HETMA, revolutionizing the landscape of education technology. But what does this colossal donation mean for the students and the future of learning? Let's delve into the exclusive insights shared by Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora Multimedia, and Joe Way, a key figure in HETMA, to uncover the transformative power of this initiative.
Aurora Multimedia's unprecedented donation addresses a pressing issue in education: bridging the technology gap. This monumental gift encompasses a diverse range of IP control systems and products, offering a lifeline to schools previously hindered by financial constraints.
The pivotal question emerges: How does this extraordinary donation empower students and reshape education? To grasp the depth of this transformation, we turn to Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora Multimedia, who shares his perspective on the motivation and profound impact of this philanthropic endeavor.
Paul Harris (CEO, Aurora Multimedia): "We saw this as an opportunity to distribute our control inventory in a manner that would help schools that do not have the funding to normally do control automation, to be able to have it and to use it in conjunction with their students if they choose to do so, to learn real-world applications."
Aurora's web-based control technology empowers students by imparting valuable programming skills and interface design experience. Through industry-standard web protocols like HTML and JavaScript, students gain hands-on experience, aligning their education with practical applications. This empowers them to use everyday tools for programming, offering limitless creative possibilities.
What sets Aurora's approach apart is its emphasis on non-proprietary control systems. Students are not limited to a single brand or technology. Instead, they gain freedom and creativity to explore and innovate with web-based control systems.
But the collaboration doesn't end with the donation. Joe Way, a prominent member of HETMA, highlights the scholarship program's significance in ensuring a lasting impact. This program aims to select schools that genuinely need the technology and can demonstrate its positive impact on the learning experience.
Joe Way (Board of Directors, HETMA): "The fact that we can take around 1200 rooms and outfit so many schools at scale and really be able to bless them and say, here, I know you couldn't do this yourself, let's get you the technology, let's get you the training, let's get you the mentorship."
Furthermore, this initiative is just the beginning. Aurora and HETMA envision case studies, contests, and ongoing contributions, fostering a continuous journey of growth and innovation in education technology.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, Aurora Multimedia's donation stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing progress, empowerment, and limitless possibilities. This remarkable collaboration is not just about giving; it's about catalyzing change in higher education—a change driven by empowerment, education, and innovation.
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In the dynamic landscape of technology and innovation, reaching a silver anniversary is a remarkable achievement. Aurora Multimedia, a leading player in the industry, has recently celebrated its 25th year in business. But what has been the secret to their enduring success? Paul Harris, the CEO of Aurora Multimedia, joins us on this episode of Cutting Through to share insights into their remarkable journey.
Over the years, Aurora Multimedia has not only embraced innovation but has also prioritized the needs and aspirations of their customers. Recognizing that it's not always about Aurora, they have fostered a two-way partnership with integrators, consultants, and end-users. This collaborative approach ensures that the company and its clients move forward together.
One crucial aspect of this success story is the unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and education. Understanding that true growth requires more than just great products, Aurora Multimedia recently made significant investments in education. They brought in industry veterans Chuck Espinoza and Marcus Yarborough, who now lead the company's educational initiatives. Through comprehensive training videos and certifications, Aurora Multimedia equips their customers with the knowledge and support necessary to excel.
In the pursuit of excellence, Aurora Multimedia continuously strives for improvement. While acknowledging their imperfections, they maintain an honorable intent and an unwavering dedication to self-improvement. Each year, they push themselves to be better, knowing that their commitment to progress drives their reputation and success.
Join us as we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Aurora Multimedia with CEO Paul Harris. Discover the driving forces behind their 25 years of success, their customer-centric approach, and their relentless pursuit of growth through education and support.
Listen to Paul's full interview here!
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This week on Lessons From an Audio Guy, host Chuck Espinoza walks through how audio engineers need to start thinking like system admins to consider network challenges.
The audio industry has undergone tremendous change in recent years, and this shift has presented challenges to audio engineers. One of the biggest challenges faced by audio guys today is how to make their work efficient on the network, especially since there is less analog work being done.
With fewer analog setups needed, audio guys need to start thinking like system admins and get creative with their work.
The rise of digital technology has changed the face of the industry, adding more complexity to the technical aspects of audio engineering. Networking infrastructure is now a crucial aspect that needs to be considered as part of any event or production setup. Audio engineers must now coordinate with IT admins at various houses or venues they intend to work in, well ahead of time, making sure their equipment will be compatible with existing network infrastructure.
It's important for audio engineers to start thinking beyond live sound and explore new possibilities in broadcast engineering. Audio engineers have unique skills that make them excellent candidates for broadcast engineering jobs that involve multiple streams of information and making quick changes. The ability to pay attention to multiple streams of information at once makes them invaluable assets in this field.
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As the audio industry continues to evolve, it is essential that companies remain adaptive and creative, particularly in light of the current supply chain issues that many producers face. Aurora Multimedia’s response to this challenge with their new VPX series and Dante software-based solution is highly encouraging. Dante is a widely-used audio networking technology that allows users to transmit high-quality, low-latency audio signals over standard IP networks. Yet, due to the supply chain issues surrounding particular chipsets, some manufacturers have been unable to include Dante in their products. This is where Aurora’s software-based solution is especially advantageous - it enables VPX products to be Dante-compatible without the use of specialized hardware. Aurora Multimedia is currently the only producer of AV over IP devices with Dante-enabled software, a testament to their adaptability and enthusiasm for new trends and technologies.
The benefits to users are evident - with Dante as a software solution on the VPX series, users can effortlessly incorporate two to eight channels of audio networking capabilities without extra components. For instance, by pairing Aurora's DTX matrix switcher with other Dante-enabled devices and adding a VPX encoder/decoder with Dante-enabled software, users can smoothly route audio signals without needing to spend time and effort on setup. Aurora has made sure to provide customers with plenty of support, from video tutorials on how to install Dante on VPX devices (coming soon!) to customer service assistance. In conclusion, Aurora Multimedia's software-based solution for Dante integration is an impressive development and a sign of their commitment to staying ahead of the competition. In a time where supply chain issues are commonplace, this kind of ingenuity and flexibility is essential for companies to survive and thrive.
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Aurora Multimedia, an audio technology company, will be attending Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) trade show in Barcelona.
ISE is Europe’s largest AV systems integration show, featuring a myriad of exhibitors from across the globe. The aim of this event is to bring together AV professionals from all over the world to learn more about each other’s products and services. Guests have access to keynotes, product launches and live events that are impossible in any other setting. This year’s ISE event will be the most unique yet — an opportunity that attendees do not want to miss!
Aurora is looking forward to discussing their product lines with customers at this exciting event in Barcelona. ISE will provide buyers a great opportunity for them to become more acquainted with new technologies that can help push their businesses forward.
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Aurora Multimedia is bringing essential knowledge about AV network engineering to audio professionals. Aurora engineers have been exploring the implications of using a network switch to transport audio/visual content and what this means for broadcast quality and latency. They have been uncovering details about IGMP snooping, flooding, jumbo packets, and frame rates that can make all the difference in broadcast performance. Their goal is to make sure that audio professionals are well-informed about the latest industry standards when it comes to AV over networks so that they can pick out quality equipment for the job.
The team at Aurora emphasizes that proper setup is key when configuring a network switch for optimal AV streaming performance. Everything from addressing VLANs to disabling unnecessary flooding must be taken into account. Additionally, they are emphasizing how important time-sensitivity is in an audio/visual context; if video streams or audio streams don’t reach their destination on time then the entire experience will suffer as a result.
The expert engineers at Aurora are sharing their lessons with others through their website coming soon so that everyone can benefit from their knowledge of AV over networks and compare products apples-to-apples accurately without getting lost in marketing campaigns.
If you would like to make suggestions for future episodes or topics you would like to see covered you can reach out to us at:
Chuck Espinoza
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On this Cutting Through soundbite, Paul Harris discusses the world of AV over IP standards. Discover what defines the ultimate standard as Paul discusses its key attributes, spanning from 10-100 all the way to over 100 gig. The standard must not only address single streams but also accommodate multi-streams for low and high bandwidth scenarios. Additionally, it should cater to the needs of USB, 232, IR, and video wall modes, including special effects like windowing and seamless switching. Essentially, the ultimate AV over IP standard should amalgamate various existing standards into a versatile solution that can be widely adopted across different markets.
Key Points:
AV over IP: Discover the revolutionary standard that transforms audiovisual transmission, enabling seamless switching, high-speed performance, and unmatched versatility.Comprehensive Compatibility: Explore how the ultimate AV over IP standard addresses diverse needs, accommodating multi-streams, USB, 232, IR, video wall mode, and more, while ensuring compatibility with various market requirements.Future-Proof Solutions: Gain insights into the scalability and adaptability of AV over IP, from Cat5e to Cat7, fiber, and beyond, empowering users to select the best equipment for their applications and achieve optimal performance.Paul's Thoughts:
Paul emphasizes the importance of adaptability, advocating for seamless scaling from Cat5e to Cat7 or fiber connections. When selecting the right AV over IP solution, consider factors such as price, feature set, and existing infrastructure.
You have numerous choices available, ranging from the H264 and H265 standards designed for the 10100 market. These standards offer high compression but higher latency, making them suitable for remote applications or recording purposes. In conference rooms, the focus shifts to 1GB solutions that deliver high quality with minimal latency, ensuring a smooth experience without noticeable delays. These solutions encompass ancillary features like quick switching, USB support, and video wall modes, catering to the majority of users' needs.
For industries demanding utmost image perfection and low latency, such as broadcast, eSports, and medical fields, the preferred choice is the 10GB solutions. SDVOE currently leads the pack as it aims to become the standard for such applications. It offers interoperability, windowing capabilities, and high image quality with an impressive 100 microsecond latency.
Paul's consistent advice is to focus on the infrastructure and select a solution aligned with the intended application. In specific sectors like conferencing, digital signage, education, and government, most solutions support 1GB, while the 10GB solutions shine in the medical and broadcast domains or for those seeking future-proof options. Rest assured, Aurora is ready to support and embrace the ultimate AV over IP standard once it emerges. Stay tuned for exciting advancements in the field as the industry pioneers strive to deliver what everyone eagerly anticipates.
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