The Infocomm issue of LIVE is here, and with it comes our in-depth show guide! This issue also celebrates the legacy and innovation of planetariums, exploring both past and present dome tech. Elsewhere, we offer a look inside Playstation: The Concert’s immersive tour – as well as an exploration into AV over IP by David Davies. Also featured is an exclusive interview with UK set designer Chloe Lamford, who sits down with LIVE to share her career and tips for budding designers hoping to make their mark.
“It’s a full-scale experience which combines live music, visuals and immersive tech, celebrating all of the games fans know and love. ” GEA Live’s Floris Douwes on Playstation: The Concert, page 50
LIVEMAG.ONLINE
MAY/JUN 2025
BEYOND THE
AV meets astronomy as we profile some of Earth’s most otherworldly planetariums
INTERVIEW: CHLOE LAMFORD Talking sets with a pioneer of the UK theatre scene
AV OVER IP: THE DOs AND DON’Ts IP integration is scaleable & efficient – but at what cost?
INFOCOMM: SHOW GUIDE Top tips ahead of the Florida event
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EDITOR’S WELCOME
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EDITORIAL Editor Verity Butler +44 (0) 1223 492246 veritybutler@bright.uk.com Senior staff writer Katie Kasperson Features writer Oliver Webb Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editors Zanna Buckland & Minhaj Zia Contributor David Davies ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith +44 (0) 1223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com +44 (0) 1223 499462 +44 (0) 7376 665779 emmastevens@bright.uk.com DESIGN Junior designer and ad production Holly May Senior designer Carl Golsby Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Design manager Alan Gray Design director Andy Jennings PUBLISHING Managing directors Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck FOLLOW US Sales manager Emma Stevens
Discover Chloe Lamford’s striking sets on page 40
I t’s incredibly fitting that anniversaries for the dome-shaped attraction. Not only did Chicago’s Adler Planetarium open in May 1930 – marking its 95th birthday – it also happens to be 100 years since the launch of the world’s first projection planetarium, opening in the Deutsches Museum, May 1925. These key birthdays only emphasise the longevity of these scientific structures, as well as their undeniable impact on the visitor LIVE ’s first planetariums issue coincides with a few important attraction industry. Aside from cinemas, planetariums presented a futuristic new way to learn and entertain – offering people at the time (and at present too) a close encounter with the inconceivably vast universe that lies beyond Earth. And now, with commercial space travel set to soar (don’t worry, we won’t talk about Katy Perry), their popularity remains ever on trend – especially for those who don’t have a few million to spare for a seat on a real rocket! For our May/June issue, we’re celebrating planetariums of both past and present, delving into the tools that have powered these landmarks over the years – plus the newer technology that has carried them into the 21st century. Also in this issue, we discover the AV tech powering Playstation: The
Concert , a brand-new tour hitting 200 cities in 2025. Fully immersive, and proliferated with tailor-made visuals from some of Playstation’s best-loved games, the concert allows fans to step back inside their favourite virtual universes – with a live orchestra delivering the games’ iconic soundtracks. David Davies takes a deep dive into the evolution of AV over IP on page 66, shedding light on the pros and cons of the fast-growing tech and how best to implement it into your AV set-up. Also, this issue’s Industry Icons sees us sit down with UK set designer Chloe Lamford – the mind behind some of National Theatre’s most striking shows. She talks us through her process, favourite AV tools and top tips for getting into an extremely competitive industry. Finally, Infocomm 2025 is here! If you’re heading out to the Sunshine State, make sure to pick up a copy of this issue on the show floor, which features our insider’s guide on page 16. The team at LIVE looks forward to connecting once again!
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CONTENTS
LIVE.
06 NEWS AND UPDATES
50 CONCERTS & TOURING Behind the scenes of Playstation: The Concert , which brings iconic soundtracks to the stage
The latest AV scoops – from a new Universal theme park to the launch of Rise AV’s mentor programme
16 INFOCOMM GUIDE
58 ROUND TABLE
With this year’s edition taking place in Florida, be sure to catch LIVE ’s in-depth show guide
Join our expert panel, who are here to discuss the current state of play when it comes to projection
24 PLANETARIUMS
66 AV OVER IP
Unravelling the extraordinary history of planetariums – and the AV technology powering them
IP is becoming increasingly integrated into our AV workflows. We explore its impact
40 INDUSTRY ICONS
74 BUYERS’ GUIDE
This issue’s cover was designed by Carl Golsby at Bright Publishing.
Meet Chloe Lamford, a British set designer who joins LIVE to share her story and work
Looking to kit out your classroom? Well look no further, as this issue’s buyers’ guide has you covered
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CONTENTS
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24
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NEWS
RISE AV LAUNCHES MENTORING PROGRAMME
six-month programme will provide its cohort with face-to-face networking events, skills workshops and industry insights. The initiative also includes one-on-one sessions between mentors and mentees. After receiving an overwhelming global response, the organisation is also piloting an online-only version of the mentoring programme that targets US-based AV professionals.
Advocacy group Rise AV recently announced its inaugural UK cohort for the 2025 Mentoring Programme. With 31 mentor-mentee pairings, the free initiative serves Rise AV’s goal of promoting gender diversity and professional development in AV. Supported by Rise AV’s industry sponsors – which include Midwich, Epson, Diversified, Audiologic, Shure, Peerless, ProAV and others – the
UNIVERSAL THEME PARK AND RESORT COMING TO THE UK
place for a new rail station, additional slip roads from the A421 and other improvements to local transport infrastructure, with a promise to use as much British steel as possible – and potentially even extend the Eurostar line. Universal already operates seven parks across four countries (the US, Japan, Singapore and China), with a kids’ resort coming to Texas before Universal Studios Great Britain’s grand opening. In 2023, the parks welcomed a combined visitor count of 62 million, equating to a revenue of $8.95 billion. The hope is for the Bedford site to become Universal’s European hub by offering immersive rides, akin to Orlando’s Minion Mayhem; Fast & Furious; Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts; as well as Supercharged. “It is not just about numbers,” Starmer reminded the nation. “It’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK.”
Rumoured for over a year, it’s finally official: the UK is getting its own Universal theme park and resort. Confirmed by prime minister Keir Starmer, the Bedford-based project is expected to boost both the local and national economies, creating an estimated 28,000 additional jobs by the time it opens in 2031. Occupying a 476-acre area (in talks to be increased to 700), the Universal complex will combine rides and attractions with entertainment, dining, retail and a 500-room hotel. The first of its kind in all of Europe, the Bedford site expects to see millions of visitors in its opening year alone. While Universal has yet to release details on which themed experiences might be available, potentials include Harry Potter , James Bond , Back to the Future and Jurassic World , among a long list of other fan-favourite franchises. According to Starmer, the park will also provide opportunities in construction, tourism and even artificial intelligence. Plans are in
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CONCEPTUAL ARTIST RENDERING
GOING TOWARDS THE LIGHT Follow-Me’s Track-It technology took centre stage at Clouseau’s Sportpaleis Antwerp performances. Celebrating 40 years of one of Belgium’s most successful bands, the tracking system offered 360° lighting coverage that included the venue’s 50m catwalk. The Track-It system allowed the show’s lighting operators to follow-spot any of the performers, no matter their location – even when flying through the air. Despite having a manual fallback, Follow-Me’s technology never wavered, able to automatically handle these complex movements with ease and pushing what’s possible – technically and creatively – in live performances.
READY FOR LIFT-OFF The Moon Cruise is an immersive
installation in Japan that takes its visitors on a virtual journey into space. Opening last November, the experience relies on Powersoft’s compact transducer, Mover, and its Quattrocanali and Duecanali amplifiers, simulating a rocket launch and letting visitors explore the lunar surface. The free-roaming VR experience is now a permanent installation in a new facility called Space Travelium Tenq. Powersoft’s Mover delivers vibrations, tricking the human body into believing it’s launching into the atmosphere by delivering a synchronised sensory experience. Combined with the VR content, Powersoft creates a convincing spatial journey.
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BULLETIN RIME OR REASON Professional audio specialist Neumann has announced Rime (Reference Immersive Monitoring Environment), an integrated solution that allows music producers and sound mixers to monitor immersive audio. Exclusively for Neumann headphones, the software offers an alternative to a multichannel loudspeaker set-up and suits on-the-go audio engineers. LICENCE TO LEARN Netgear has reimagined its Academy – an educational platform which democratises learning across the AV and technical networking industries. Now available for free, its courses offer levels of accreditation with Avixa certification – as well as an expanded curriculum, on-demand content, monthly updates and expert-led instruction. You can register at academy.netgear.com.
Canon has unveiled its optical unit for 4K field box lenses, designed to maintain sharp focus at wide apertures and a shallow depth-of-field. Compatible with Canon’s UHD-Digisupers 111 and 122, the unit allows sport broadcasters to capture their subjects in a new light and switch seamlessly between traditional and contemporary visual styles. Paired with a field box lens, the optical unit offers longer focal length and greater versatility than most large format lenses. Users can either opt for custom installation or buy it pre-installed. CANON’S NEW OPTICS BRING BROADCAST INTO FOCUS
VIZRT TEAMS UP WITH ZOOM
MEYER SOUND HITS ALL THE HIGH NOTES AT MIAMI JAZZ FEST
Vizrt has partnered with Zoom, integrating its video conferencing technology into the Tricaster line. Simplifying hybrid-style live productions, this embedded functionality makes it easier to incorporate remote contributors, improving efficiency, feed quality and viewer engagement. POLISH CINEMAS SWITCH TO LASER Poland’s largest indie cinema chain, Helios SA, is converting entirely to RGB pure laser projection. The company will rely on Christie’s Cinelife+ laser projectors and Cinelife+ IMB-S4 media servers as part of a multi-year agreement. While the chain has used Christie projectors for 30 years, this update will give guests a better experience while optimising energy expenditure.
venue’s acoustic challenges. With six Panther loudspeakers on each side, Meyer Sound provided clear, controlled bass, while its Ultra-X40 and Ultra-X80 speakers served as down, drum and side fills. The three-day event sold out, and organisers are looking to partner with Meyer again in 2026.
Montreux Jazz Festival’s second US edition hit Miami’s Hangar at Regatta Harbour, with a line-up that included Jon Batiste, Janelle Monáe and Willow. Meyer Sound provided the audio system. The Panther large format linear line array loudspeaker system enjoyed its Miami debut, overcoming the vast
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BULLETIN
INVESTING IN AUDIO Midwich Ignite has invested in Idun Audio, a Danish company leading the charge in spatial audio advancements. Idun’s software provides 3D sound, improved speech intelligibility, reduced listener fatigue and further performance optimisations in headphones – proving useful in professional AV scenarios. A VUE WITH A VIEW Vue, one of the largest cinema operators in the UK and Europe, signed a deal with Barco that will introduce over 1000 Barco Series 4 projectors and media servers to Vue screens. The Barco laser projectors deliver superior brightness and contrast, vivid colour and increased image clarity, giving cinema-goers a truly stellar viewing experience.
WALMART’S XR WALL EXCITES
For-A America recently announced its largest commercial extended- reality wall installation to date, housed at Walmart’s SMPTE ST 2110-compliant WMTV studio. The 13x32ft curved Alfalite LED wall provides the studio team with real-time virtual backdrops, adding a layer of immersion to video productions. OPENING WITH EFFULGENCE The National Medal of Honor Museum – celebrating Americans who have served in the US Armed Forces – recently opened with grandeur in Arlington, Texas. The opening ceremony included a nighttime spectacular, with Elation Lighting’s Proteus Atlas power luminaire taking centre stage and making its debut. The display also incorporated fireworks, drones and live performances, culminating in an awe-inspiring grand finale.
BELOVED BRAZILIAN BASILICA GETS AN INTERCOM UPGRADE
Pico digital matrix intercom, V-Series Iris panels and wireless intercom systems. The two companies have since expanded their solution to include Clear-Com’s Freespeak digital wireless intercom system, Eclipse Delta matrix, MVX-A16 audio interface cards, Progrid fibre- based infrastructure and more. Altogether, the solution improves the Basilica’s internal network with low-latency, scalable signal distribution and a better user experience.
Brazil’s Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida, one of the country’s religious landmarks, has undergone a significant upgrade to its intercom infrastructure with the help of Clear-Com and Savana Comunicações. The Basilica can now enjoy real-time, cross-campus communication using a combination of wired, wireless and IP-based systems. Clear-Com and Savana Comunicações previously partnered on the Aparecida, providing the Basilica with the Eclipse
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BRINGING JANIS JOPLIN BACK TO LIFE Playing at London’s Peacock Theatre, A Night with Janis Joplin is using KV2 Audio’s sound system, delivering an immersive sonic experience worthy of the queen of rock and roll. The show recreates Joplin’s electrifying energy while touching on key points in her personal life, using sound to amplify the story’s emotional centre. Sound designer Poti Martin turned to KV2’s ESR215 loudspeakers, EX1.8 subwoofers and ESD5 compact loudspeakers, creating a complete solution that matched the show’s and venue’s demands. “The directional control and power meant we could cover the entire space without overcomplicating the set-up,” Martin said. “KV2’s system elevated the show’s audio to another level.’
NEWCASTLE UNI REVAMPS STEM BUILDING’S SOUND SYSTEM Higher education institution Newcastle University called upon Renkus-Heinz to transform its Stephenson Building, a state-of-the-art STEM facility. The AV company delivered a bespoke PA solution that met the university’s audio demands while also overcoming the building’s architectural challenges, such as its reverberant, open-learning spaces. Renkus-Heinz provided four loudspeakers – two IC Live Gen5 Series ICL-F-RDs and two ICC24/3-RDs – to ensure 100% coverage and intelligibility across the entire academic environment. “This solution represents a significant enhancement to our capabilities,” stated Colin Fahey, AV manager at Newcastle University, “allowing us to better serve our students and staff.” POWERING NIAGARA PARKS Niagara Falls is a bucket-list destination for many, with the Niagara Parks Power Station museum playing a key part in its appeal. Evolving from an industrial site to an exhibition space, the Power Station blends the Falls’ history with a truly immersive visitor experience. Two new spaces – the Tesla Coil Exhibit and Niagara Parks Tunnel – required audio for live demonstrations and ambient sound. Loudspeakers from 1 Sound did the trick, with two Tower LCC44 speakers and another pair of LF44 extensions filling the Tesla Coil space without bleed. Meanwhile, the tunnel area’s constant exposure to moisture presented another challenge – which 1 Sound met with its IP55-rated LCC44 Towers and WSub45 subwoofers.
FRENCH FLOOR PROJECTION SETS RECORDS Groupe Novelty has officially smashed the world record for the largest video-mapping floor projection, coming in at 17,000 sq m. Deployed at the Parc des Oiseaux in northern France (the largest bird park in Europe), three Groupe Novelty companies – Novelty Aura, Alabama Média and Teamagine – designed an immersive AV experience for the area’s winter visitors. To create such a spectacle, the trio faced several challenges while tailoring the show – strict respect for wildlife chief among them. The final solution included more than 100 spotlights, over 40 mushroom speakers, Panasonic video projectors, interactive light objects and more, covering 14 show areas spread across the park.
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BULLETIN
CLAIR GLOBAL BACKS AAA Created by Michelle Guadalupe Felix Garcia, a blind sound engineer who has worked with the likes of Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the Audio Accessibility Alliance ignites change around disability in entertainment. Backed by Clair Global, it raises awareness, opens conversations and collaborates with the wider pro audio industry. AYRTON RELEASES 1 SERIES Ayrton has launched the Stradale Profile, the first ultra-compact model in its high-performance 1 Series. The LED fixture boasts a minimal footprint and high energy efficiency, delivering an output of 20,000 lumens at 330W. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the Stradale Profile also provides an adjustable beam range, seven- position colour wheel and a 13:1 zoom ratio.
EDM DUO SELECTS SENNHEISER’S IN-EAR AUDIO
Rafn concurred: “The audio is noticeably better, and the mix seems much more ‘open’, and that makes it significantly easier for me to be dynamic and playful in my vocal delivery.” Performing at Vega, one of Copenhagen’s leading venues, Spectera enabled Infernal to give it their all – while also allowing their monitor engineer to get audio information and adjust volume remotely, saving time and minimising disruption during live shows.
Danish EDM duo Infernal have been headlining festivals and lighting up dance floors since 1997. Known for visually engaging performances, the musical act – made up of Lina Rafn and Paw Lagermann – recently employed Sennheiser’s Spectera as an in- ear audio monitoring system and reported great results. “It just sounds great,” said Lagermann. “I am excited by the top-end clarity and the full-stereo perspective – it really feels fluid and endless.”
TFL GETS LED MAKEOVER Transport for London has
announced that the Elizabeth line and Waterloo Underground station will play host to tunnel- wrap LED displays, enhancing the travel experience for commuters and city visitors. The plans address sustainability concerns, combining solar power, carbon-neutral materials and modular designs to minimise environmental impact.
GENELEC GOES (MICRO)GREEN
Japan’s first restaurant to offer a specialism in serving microgreens (renowned for their intense flavour and nutritional benefits), OTM Restaurant & Bar recently opened its doors, offering visitors a stylish environment for health-conscious dining. Genelec was key to its AV design, enhancing the sound with ten 4020C loudspeakers.
BRINGING MS BLUE BACK TO LIFE
capturing LiDAR scans – via Leica Geosystems – of the skeleton to deliver a photorealistic digital replica of Ms Blue. After modelling her skeleton in 3D, Halon was able to add skin, muscle and movement using the centre’s whale expertise. The VFX studio even employed augmented reality, showcasing Ms Blue as she once was and highlighting the typical life of this marine species.
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center has seen more than one million visitors over its 25 years of operation – each one greeted by the sight of Ms Blue, the largest outdoor blue whale skeleton on display in the US. When her bones began deteriorating, the centre sought a solution that would save Ms Blue and also aid the environment. Hollywood VFX studio Halon Entertainment stepped in,
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PUTTING ON A SHOW Bringing Michael Jackson’s discography to the stage, MJ The Musical further celebrates the pop icon’s artistry with glowing visuals. For the show’s German run, Infiled stepped in, delivering a large-scale LED screen that featured 250 AR3.9 Series panels. Critical to the performance’s immersion, the panels delivered 5000-nit brightness for a vivid, detailed display. With eight shows per week, the LED screen had to withstand a rigorous schedule; its high reliability and low maintenance allowed it to hold up even under the production’s most challenging demands. The Infiled panels proved a good choice, giving audiences a thrilling glimpse into the life and music of MJ. LEIPZIG OPERA TRANSFORMS IN-HOUSE TECH Germany’s historic Leipzig Opera has transformed its tech with Riedel Communications’ Mediornet media network, Artist intercom platform and Bolero wireless intercom system. Setting new standards for signal distribution, the new solution eliminates latency and modernises stage management. The upgraded infrastructure works with existing gear, including 19 PTZ cameras, 435 loudspeakers, 112 light signs, 28 information displays and multiple consoles – two main and one mobile. Together, the system enables seamless communication and real-time control across the venue.
CROATIAN CLUB CHOOSES L-ACOUSTICS
Croatia’s Papaya Beach Club – ranked among the best clubs in the world – has chosen L-Acoustics’ weatherproof A Series professional sound system to handle its internationally recognised audio. This decision has allowed Papaya to abort relying on rentals and install an in-house system tailored to its unique needs and acoustic characteristics. Located close to the Adriatic Sea, the club suffers from strong winds and harsh conditions – and needed an audio system that could deliver exceptional sound across the expansive stage and audience area. The solution features L-Acoustics’ A15i Focus and A15i Wide line array speakers, KS21 and KS28 subwoofers, X12 and X8 speakers for fill, as well as LA12X and LA4X amplified controllers.
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DIARY DATES ABTT THEATRE SHOW 4-5 June 2025 The ABTT Theatre Show will once again take place at Alexandra Palace in June. The ABTT is the exhibition where the broadest collection of specialist suppliers supporting live performance technology, production and education connect with others in the world of theatre, performance, events, festivals, music and more.
INFOCOMM 2025 7-13 June 2025
Infocomm unites manufacturers, integrators, dealers and end users from all around the world to showcase the latest technologies, products and services. This year’s show is located at Orange County Convention Center in Florida.
INFOCOMM ASIA 23-25 July 2025
Infocomm Asia, the region’s leading pro AV and solutions event, takes place this July at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The show connects global pro AV manufacturers and tech providers with vertical market buyers and AV and IT integrators seeking cutting-edge solutions, fostering a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific market.
PLASA SHOW 2025 7-9 September 2025
Plasa Show will return to Olympia London from 7 to 9 September 2025 to showcase everything new and possible in audio, AV, lighting, rigging and staging. More than 270 eminent brands can be found on the buzzing show floor exhibiting their latest releases.
Malaysia’s annual Rock in the Jungle festival combines local and international rock music, and features an impressive line-up of performers. Held at the Sarawak Cultural Village, the most recent fest called upon HK Audio’s Cosmo concert sound series, delivering even, crystal-clear coverage and piercing through the country’s humid conditions. HK Audio supplied Cosmo C6s, C10s, CF118s and CSub218s for the main PA hangs and low-end support. For side and front fill, the company deployed several products from its Linear series, as well as Sonar 115 Xi wedges for on-stage sound monitoring and an optimal listening experience. HK AUDIO POWERS MALAYSIAN FEST
IBC 12-15 September 2025
IBC is the world’s most inspiring content and technology event, drawing the global media, entertainment and technology industry for a compelling live experience. Created by the industry, for the industry – a principle established on its founding in 1967 – IBC keeps evolving with each new trend and technology over its 58-year history. Attracting representatives from 24 countries in its first year, IBC now welcomes exhibitors, speakers and visitors from over 170 nations.
INFOCOMM 2025 INFOCOMM
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This pro AV show brings together industry experts from all over the world to explore trends and tech
INFOCOMM 2025
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It’s that time of year again for the largest pro AV event in the US; LIVE will uncover what to expect and what not to miss Words Oliver Webb 2025: GUIDE L ast year’s Infocomm was held in Las Vegas and broke post-Covid show records, with registrants reaching
TRENDS & TOPICS Below is a selection of the main topics of Infocomm 2025. There’s plenty on offer for attendees! No doubt tariffs on the industry will also be a hot topic. Infocomm brings together AV and IT integrators; enterprise buyers from different vertical markets like higher education, government and corporate; event and entertainment professionals, as well as decision-makers in related fields such as content creation, design and architecture. 36,967 and welcoming 30,271 verified attendees from across 125 different countries. The 2024 show also hosted 833 exhibitors showcasing pro AV products and solutions across 407,000 net sq ft in the West and Central Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The largest pro AV event in North America is heading to Florida this year, and takes place 7-13 June for Education, plus 11-13 June for Exhibits, at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
AI
At Infocomm, explore AI-powered solutions to automate tasks, personalise experiences and create smarter spaces. From intelligent camera control to AI- driven audio mixing, you’ll see how AI is enhancing efficiency, improving user experiences and shaping pro AV’s future.
AUDIO
There will be a number of focus discussions on audio throughout the show, including on audio standards in action, key changes impacting the AV industry, why audio matters, immersive audio for performance spaces and more.
BROADCAST AV
Infocomm provides a comprehensive look at the broadcast ecosystem, going beyond streaming to encompass content creation, production,
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The audio side of AV caters for a whole host of industries, including film and TV, theatre, houses of worship and more
distribution and display. Discover how pro AV tech integrates with broadcast workflows to enhance production quality and efficiency. Explore advancements in displays, cameras, audio and control systems for the future of broadcasting.
BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
Infocomm offers valuable resources for pro AV professionals seeking to enhance their business and project management skills. Learn about industry-specific challenges and opportunities, discover strategies to improve profitability and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies impacting business and project management in pro AV.
CONFERENCING & COLLABORATION
Also showcased are the trends and tech shaping the future of remote and hybrid work. Experience the evolution of video conferencing, collaboration platforms and unified communications. Explore innovative solutions, including interactive whiteboards, VR collaboration tools, AI-powered meeting assistants and more. Discover how to equip spaces to foster collaboration and productivity in hybrid work environments.
DESIGN & INTEGRATION EDUCATION
The show’s in-depth sessions and workshops will cover many of the latest techniques and best practices within pro AV design and integration. Explore some real-world case studies, discover cutting- edge technology and enhance your expertise in system design, acoustic modelling and network integration.
DIGITAL SIGNAGE
Infocomm presents the widest range of digital signage solutions in the US. Experience the latest innovations in digital displays, interactive kiosks and content management systems. Learn how digital signage can transform your communication strategy, engage your audience and help deliver impactful messages. Explore the latest trends in interactive digital signage, personalised content, as well as data-driven displays.
Focus discussions on audio include audio standards in action, key changes impacting AV and immersive audio for performance spaces”
DIVERSITY & ACCESSIBILITY EDUCATION
Go beyond basic ADA compliance at Infocomm – explore how technology can create inclusive and accessible experiences for everyone. Study the principles of universal design and learn how to create AV solutions that cater to diverse sensory needs and abilities.
ENTERPRISE IT
Infocomm demonstrates the convergence of AV and IT, providing insights into how these technologies work together to support modern
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The pro AV industry needs to address sustainability challenges, including climate change, resource depletion and e-waste; Infocomm will highlight how this is being achieved”
LEARNING SPACES
enterprise needs. Explore the ways that pro AV solutions are transforming the workplace, enhancing collaboration, communication and productivity. Find out about all the latest advancements in AV-IT infrastructure, including network security, cloud-based solutions and AV over IP.
Pro AV technology is transforming the experience of learning, creating more engaging, interactive and effective learning environments. Infocomm presents solutions for K-12, higher education and corporate learning, in both physical and virtual spaces. Find out how to create active learning spaces that foster creativity, collaboration and critical thinking using AV.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Curious about the latest pro AV technologies creating unforgettable experiences for concerts, Broadway shows, sporting events and movie theatres? Infocomm has it covered. Explore the recent developments in audio, video, lighting and staging technologies, which are elevating performance and entertainment to new highs. Discover how pro AV enhances the audience experience in a variety of venues, from stadiums to theme parks.
SUSTAINABILITY
The pro AV industry needs to address sustainability challenges, including climate change, resource depletion and e-waste; Infocomm will highlight how this is being achieved. See eco-friendly products and solutions that reduce environmental impact, promote energy efficiency and extend product life cycles.
See how digital signage is being taken to the next level at Infocomm 2025
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Pro AV is a huge part of the broadcast sector, and Infocomm will dive into the current offerings
Delve into sustainable practices in AV design, installation and operation. FEATURED EVENTS MARKET INSIGHTS LUNCH: STATE OF
emerging technologies, innovations and what’s next on the horizon, directly from the brands and end users leading us there. Moderated by Avixa CEO Dave Labuskes, with audience questions encouraged. Speakers include: Brad Hintze, executive vice president of marketing for Crestron Electronics; Dave Labuskes, CEO of Avixa; Eric Hutto, CEO of Diversified; Christine Schyvinck, president and CEO of Shure; and Jason Antinori from Telus Communications. BOOTHS TO BOAST ABOUT The Infocomm exhibit hall will be filled with the latest pro AV tech and solutions, from over 800 exhibitors. Make sure to check out the following big brands. ADAMSON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING BOOTH: 6071 Founded by Brock Adamson, the company is celebrating 40 years of excellence in professional audio. From its origins in Vancouver to becoming a leader in loudspeaker design, Adamson has made significant advancements over the decades, holding numerous patents in areas such as chamber design and transducer architecture. As it celebrates this major milestone, Adamson continues to redefine the future of audio tech with an unwavering commitment to engineering excellence and advanced system performance, proudly showcasing its Canadian-made products at Infocomm.
THE AV INDUSTRY 10 JUNE | 12-1.30PM
This insightful session with Avixa’s market intelligence team will provide a comprehensive understanding of the macroeconomic trends, such as tariffs, inflation and interest rates, shaping the pro AV landscape. Designed for manufacturers, executives and vendors, this session will fill in the essential market context for navigating evolving industry dynamics. Stay ahead of the curve and strategically position your business for success.
Infocomm highlights stunning displays and innovative new AV tech for vendors and consumers
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES, EMBRACING TRIUMPHS: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP 12 JUNE | 7.30-9AM
Recognised as a trailblazer for women in tech, Noelle Russell leads this Avixa Women’s Breakfast talk in which she brings to light captivating stories of resilience and success for women leaders. Though designed to empower women in leadership roles, this engaging session’s valuable insights and strategies are equally applicable to anyone seeking to overcome adversity and biases, navigate complex organisational dynamics, harness their authentic voice and reach their full potential. 2030 VISION: THE FUTURE OF AV 12 JUNE | 11AM-12PM W415AB – VALENCIA BALLROOM Open to all! Join this direction-setting discussion between industry visionaries that offers a one-of-a-kind platform for attendees to gain inspiration about
BARCO BOOTH: 2829
Get thrilled and ready to rock. Join Barco at the Barco Innovation Park during Infocomm 2025, at booth 2829. Explore its interactive playground of innovation through hands-on demos, breakthrough technology and live showcases of its products – it’s a ride
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The Infocomm 2025 experience will include talks, displays and getting hands-on with immersive gear
INFILED BOOTH: 2333
you won’t want to miss… enter the booth and embark on a truly exciting journey through Barco’s latest innovations for entertainment venues. Get thrilled by the QDX capabilities with a dynamic projection mapping on the booth. Meet up with its Encore 3 image processing experts who are ready to rock, and witness the booth debut of a new software-based switcher for corporate events. Step by and see how Barco’s portfolio can revolutionise your events and experiences with ease and creativity.
Infiled is a high-tech enterprise that specialises in both developing and manufacturing large LED video equipment. Infiled’s range of product applications covers virtual production, advertisement, transportation, sports, live events, command and control, corporate branding and meetings, creative applications and many more. With installations in over 87 countries and over 191 patents, one of the highest numbers in the industry, Infiled strives to be the number one brand of LED screen manufacturers, lighting up the world with a visual feast!
CHRISTIE BOOTH: 2542
For more than 90 years, Christie has been bringing great technology to life – from its first-ever projectors built in the sixties to its digital cinema projection that’s currently revolutionising the filmmaking industry. From houses of worship (HOWs) to Hollywood, mission-critical command centres to classrooms, partners around the globe trust Christie technology to help them captivate audiences.
L-ACOUSTICS BOOTH: 5261
L-Acoustics is a world-leading creator of high-performance touring and installed sound systems. Known all around the globe for pioneering the modern line array system, L-Acoustics has received numerous accolades for its loudspeaker systems and subwoofer enclosures. All of this is powered and processed with amplified controllers in fulfilment of a total system approach.
distinct markets: concert touring and live experiences, retail music and e-commerce, pro AV installation, broadcast, HOWs, film and television, and industrial wire and OEM.
CLEAR-COM BOOTH: 4154
Clear-Com, an HME company, has been a trusted global provider of professional real-time communications solutions and services ever since 1968, innovating market-proven technologies that link people together through both wired and wireless systems. Clear-Com was also the first to market portable wired intercom systems for live performances.
ROE BOOTH: 2351
LIVEU BOOTH: 4543
Roe Visual is one of the leading LED creative display manufacturers in the industry. Being familiar with the challenges of its full market, Roe offers only the most intuitive solutions for the creatives, designers and technicians that rely on its LED products to guarantee a flawless performance every time.
LiveU is powering video production workflows and cloud services for verticals such as corporate, government, higher education, HOWs, news, sports and other sectors. Building on its global market leadership and innovation, LiveU offers the highest-quality, most cost-effective and reliable end-to-end solutions in live production; giving more for less.
UNILUMIN BOOTH: 1429
ACT ENTERTAINMENT BOOTH: 3943
Founded in 2004, Unilumin is a world-leading manufacturer of LED display products. With 5000+ employees worldwide, the company is committed to serving clients globally. Unilumin’s US operations include a massive 36,000 sq ft operations hub in Orlando, with showrooms, warehouse space and repair facilities. It also boasts a New York City Experience Center and project management base.
SENNHEISER BOOTH: 3401
Act Entertainment, headquartered in Jackson, Missouri, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of industry-leading brands, including audio, video and lighting products, services and education, across various sectors. Act Entertainment is the choice of industry professionals reaching across six
Sennheiser has been a recognised brand for more than 75 years. Building the future of audio and bringing remarkable sound experiences to its customers is at the heart of the company.
INFOCOMM 2025 23 INFOCOMM 2025
Whether you want to test the latest pro AV tech, grow your network or stay up to date on industry trends, there’s plenty on offer at Infocomm”
PANASONIC BOOTH: 1201
For nearly 50 years, Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation engineers have continuously pioneered numerous patented technologies. Supported by the strong trust and loyalty of its customers, Panasonic has achieved cumulative sales of approximately ten million projectors.
MIDWICH BOOTH: 4343
Midwich is a market leader in the distribution of unified communications, video collaboration solutions, media and entertainment and integrated audio. SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT Whether you want to test the latest pro AV tech, grow your network or stay up to date on industry trends, there’s plenty on offer at Infocomm 2025. If it’s your first visit, don’t worry! Infocomm’s experts will be there to help new visitors and make them feel welcome.
Panasonic will be one of the top brands on display, showcasing its projection technology
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LIGHTS, PLANETS, ACTION! From humble star projectors to global science-art stages, planetariums now invite people of all ages to explore space, climate and culture – employing interstellar digital storytelling and cutting-edge AV tools
Words Oliver Webb
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Bringing in entertainment such as films and music allows planetariums to utilise their immersive technology
The current longest-running planetarium in the southern hemisphere, which has been operational since 1955, is located in Montevideo, Uruguay. Their popularity sky-rocketed in the US during the sixties space race, with the Apollo 11 mission’s successful landing on the moon in 1969 reigniting public interest. The following year, the International Planetarium Society was established. After this, in 1973, the first planetarium laser music show premiered at the Griffith Observatory, marking a transformative shift towards alternative uses for these singular buildings. In 1983, Digistar became the first digital planetarium projection system,
or centuries, the idea of using a dome to show the night sky has fascinated mankind. In 1913, Oskar von Miller, founder and first general director of the Deutsches Museum, approached Zeiss concerning the manufacturing of a ‘rotating star sphere’. For the next ten years, engineers, astronomers and physicists all worked on building a device that could project fixed stars and planets into a dome. Miller envisioned a device for the museum that could show visitors movements of the fixed stars, planets, the sun and moon. In 1914, he came up with the groundbreaking idea of making this possible through projection. The world’s first planetarium projector was developed and built by the Zeiss engineers Walther Bauersfeld and
Rudolf Straubel between March 1919 and July 1923, with the world’s first projection planetarium beginning operation in the Deutsches Museum on 7 May 1925. The first Zeiss projector illuminated the dome in Munich with 4500 stars. Planetariums were a phenomenal success among the general public, and over the course of the following years began to crop up across the globe. The Adler Planetarium opened in Chicago in 1930, as the first in the US, while the first in Asia opened in Osaka, Japan in 1937. The Melbourne Planetarium, Australia opened in 1965 and the refurbished Stardome Observatory in Auckland, New Zealand has been in operation since 1997. The London Planetarium, which opened in 1958, was the first in the UK.
which led to projection systems replacing traditional mechanical
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systems. Immersive 360° films have since revolutionised planetarium experiences, offering interactive and engaging content – and today, video projection is used in most planetariums. ZEISS VS ZEISS Tim Florian Horn is the founding president of the Stiftung Planetarium Berlin (SPB), as well as the director of Zeiss-Großplanetarium and Archenhold- Sternwarte (Archenhold Observatory). The Archenhold-Sternwarte was first opened in 1896 as part of the World Fair, and later became the main focus for research on astronomy and history of astronomy. The first Zeiss-Planetarium, opened in 1926, was destroyed during and demolished after World War II, while the new Zeiss planetarium was built in West Berlin in 1965. But when Germany was divided, East Berlin built a second Planetarium because the company also split into two. The Zeiss-Großplanetarium was one of the last major buildings built in the German Democratic Republic, in 1987, the 750th anniversary of Berlin. “Both of the Zeiss companies built star projectors, so they were competing against each other on the global market. Zeiss was ultimately competing against itself,” explains Horn. On 1 July 2016, the Zeiss- Großplanetarium, Archenhold- Sternwarte, Planetarium am Insulaner and the neighbouring Wilhelm-Foerster- Sternwarte were transferred from the Stiftung Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin to the newly established SPB. The four establishments were unified under the umbrella of the SPB. “That’s how the foundation came to be; it only took 25 years of discussions to finally unite the East Berlin and West Berlin planetariums and observatories,” says Horn. “Our projectors are based on LEDs, but the light source is a tiny LED, rather than 800 or 1200 sq m of LEDs. I don’t think LEDs are quite there yet in terms of their longevity, cost and energy efficiency. It’s still more expensive to run a planetarium or venue with LED technology than with traditional projectors. Running a
Berlin’s planetariums have gone through several evolutions, with the Zeiss-Großplanetarium (above) joining the newly established SPB union
planetarium has to be cost effective, and the ticket revenue is quite small, so they need to be sustained by public funding.” A hundred years ago, a planetarium was mostly star shows and constellations. “We’re currently transforming them from traditional star theatres into science theatres, hosting all kinds of events – from yoga under the stars to concerts with immersive visuals,” details Horn. “Planetariums need to move beyond their niche of traditional star shows. We have to reinvent what they can be; slowly transforming to become more relevant. Hopefully, they won’t lose their core focus on space and space travel, but expand that focus on all sciences, connecting them and bringing it all together through the beauty of the universe and our relevance within it.” DIGITAL DOMES The UK’s number one space-based visitor attraction, with over 330,000 visitors a year, is the National Space Centre, situated in Space City, Leicester. NSC Creatives have on-site access to the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, the UK’s largest digital dome (18m) and a 3m Stereoscopic 3D test dome facility. The on-site hybrid CPU/GPU render farm, high-speed storage and networks ensure all projects can meet the heavy technical requirements of immersive media production. Since its formation in 2000, the NSC has become a world leader in 360° digital planetarium fulldome production, with shows licensed to over 1000 venues across 70 countries in 25 languages. It uses emerging XR technologies to connect participants to narratives in innovative and exciting new ways, with XR experiences in some of the biggest international festivals, such as SXSW, Tribeca and Sundance. The Space Centre is the parent company of NSC Creative. “Effectively, they get our fulldome shows, but the majority of our market – and where the revenue comes from – is global,” says Ben Squires, NSC creative producer. “We’ve been testing our shows on different projectors. The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium has a rough
We’re currently transforming them from traditional star theatres into science theatres, hosting all kinds of events... yoga under the stars, concerts with immersive visuals”
Tim Florian Horn, founding president of SPB, pictured with a Zeiss Universarium
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The Zeiss-Großplanetarium presents impressive visuals such as the solar projection shown in this image
to be built in the US and the first in the South. During the period after World War II, there were very few Zeiss projectors available due to the company having lost a number of factories in the war. John Motley Morehead III travelled to Sweden to purchase a Zeiss Model II, which would ultimately serve as the heart of the planetarium. A few years after its opening, the Morehead Planetarium became the home of astronaut training and, between 1959 and 1975, just about every astronaut who participated in the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz programmes trained at Morehead. In 2011, the planetarium switched out its Zeiss Mark VI star projector (that had replaced the Model II in 1969) for a new fulldome digital projection system and released its first original fulldome
and sheer thrill of entertainment-based media. It’s no longer limited to those kinds of stories; we now present shows about all sorts of subjects, including important topics and issues such as climate change. I think that’s one of the things which is changing most from a commercial and business point of view, a lot of planetariums are now moving into – or trying to explore more – commercial ventures like showing entertainment content, especially relating to music.” COMMENCING COUNTDOWN, ENGINES ON The first planetarium to open on a university campus in the United States was the Morehead Planetarium at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Opening its doors for the first time in May 1949, it was the eighth planetarium
resolution of about 5.5K at the moment, and that’s provided by 13 domestic BenQ projectors. That’s 13 projectors with blends covering the whole surface to bring our shows to life. They’re hoping to move to an 8K projection system, which will probably be laser-based, moving away from a more limited colour space into a much richer RGB colour space. The whole experience should be even more amazing once that’s in.” Planetariums have largely been arenas to tell stories and relay information about what’s happening in space, but Squires believes this is changing and no longer solely the case. “Digital fulldome started around 1999; before that it was star balls and anode projectors,” adds Squires. “They’re moving away from a solely STEM-based model into ones that are embracing far more of the techniques
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planetarium show Earth, Moon and Sun . The show is designed mainly for primary school students, and is a favourite with teachers seeking to bring their kids on school trips to Morehead. Fulldome theatre manager Richard McColman has worked at Morehead Planetarium since April 1992 and boasts four decades of experience in the field. “In this role, I oversee all aspects of what happens in the domed theatre of the planetarium,” he begins. “This includes spearheading the process of selecting pre-produced content that audiences experience in the theatre, setting the standards for live presentations, presenting some shows myself, training theatre staff – including undergraduate university student staffers – interfacing with visitors and managing the theatre’s technical operations. I also interface with our production team on shows they create for our dome.” Morehead currently has two Sony VPL-GTZ380 projectors, each one opposing the other in the theatre system. “Each of the two projectors covers roughly one half of the dome, and each is 4x2K resolution, together making a unified 4x4K dome image,” says McColman. “Using software-based masking as well as physical masking, the two images are blended together around the intersections of the two projector images, to effectively create a single, seamless dome image. “We chose these projectors due to their high brightness, high contrast and dense colour saturation specifications. All these issues are important when spreading images from just two projectors across a 20.7m-diameter dome, as we are doing at Morehead. Of course, the projection lenses – in this case, lenses that cover very wide areas of
Canada’s Infinity Dome features eight Christie Griffyn Series RGB pure laser projectors for bright visuals in 8K resolution
the dome – are equally as important as the projectors themselves in displaying high-quality images. Each of the two Sony projectors in our dome is mated to a Navitar Hemistar fisheye lens. “The Sony projectors and their mated lenses, as well as the rest of our system, were installed and configured by SSIA Technologies, which is based in Nashua, New Hampshire in the US. The fulldome planetarium software that drives the system is from a partnership between SSIA Technologies and Sky-Skan International GmbH.” Ben Fox has been digital production manager at Morehead for the last ten years, and has overseen some of the planetarium’s shows and multiple 360° videos and VR interactives. “The majority of our projects deploy the same core software tools that would be used in standard CG film production,” he adds. “Maya, Houdini, Nuke and Resolve are
The majority of our projects use the same core software tools that would be used in standard CG film production”
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