Paul’s Top 5 Picks For Integrate 2017

We chat to Connected Home+Business' editor, Paul Skelton about what he's most looking forward to at Integrate 2017 and discover some of his not-to-be-missed items from the show floor.

It’s strange to think that Integrate Expo is now only a week away, but you can always tell it’s just around the corner because the level of excitement (and stress) in the industry starts to bubble to the surface. One of the perks of my job is getting told about the new toys exhibitors will be debuting at the show and hearing from the industry associations about all the training they will be offering.

So, what am I looking forward to this year?

1. CEDIA Training: The Essential Download on AV-Over-IP

AV over IP is undoubtedly the biggest topic in the systems integration market today and it’s not going to disappear anytime soon. This course, run by tech guru (and CEDIA’s director of technical curriculum) David Meyer is a ‘must attend’ for any integrator who doesn’t understand AVoIP and its role in the buildings of today. See full CEDIA Training program here.

2. InfoComm FlashTrack: 20 Minute Navs – Security Against Hacking

WannaCry, Mirai, LizardStresser… DDoS attacks on the rise and they have placed security of networks firmly in the spotlight. The least you could do is spend 20 minutes looking at the common entry points hackers exploit in AV systems and how you can shut them down. See full FlashTrack Program here.

3. Integrate Speaker Series: NECA Panel Session

You know how integrators are always complaining about sparkies? Well, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) want to hear from you directly. What are your biggest gripes about working with electricians and what can be done to solve them? Don’t waste this opportunity to make a positive impact on the market. See full Speaker Series Program here.

4. New Product: digi-MOD by Zycast HD-1605

Over on the Radio Parts stand (A46), digi-MOD by Zycast (formerly resi-linx) will be releasing the new HD-1605 single input HDMI MPEG-4 H.264 HD digital modulator with delayed audio output. The new HD-1605 modulator includes the same features as the HD-1603 (i.e. HDMI loop through, IR, superior MER, etc) but now includes the added feature of delayed audio output. This allows for compensation for the encoding time of a digi-MOD encoder/modulator and the decoding time of a display. This feature is useful in applications where audio is distributed with an amplified audio system. By feeding the amplifier via the delayed audio output, the user can adjust the audio time to match the video, then feed it into the audio system so that video and audio arrive in-sync at the customers eyes and ears. See 2017 Integrate product directory.

5. People buying me alcohol…

… this is not an assumption; rather, it’s a friendly suggestion! Integrate provides a fantastic opportunity to touch base with members of this industry and the stories are always better over a few drinks. Be sure to track me down for a yarn! See full list of what’s on at Integrate.

If you haven’t already done so, register for free entry for this year’s Integrate here. And look out for Paul onsite this 29-31 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.