eSports has skyrocketed in popularity in the past few years, transforming from a millennial/Gen Z niche to a mainstream movement. The community has grown to the point where entire facilities are being created to host large tournaments and give eSports players and fans a truly spectacular experience.
An eSports facility relies on technology more heavily than almost any other facility. On one hand, its entire premise is around the most advanced video game technology in the world. On the other, the goal of eSports is to connect gamers and the community through immersive and interactive experiences. None of that could exist without advanced technology.
Video, audio, and room design are the three most important considerations for creating an eSports facility — and here’s why.
Video technology
It goes without saying that eSports relies heavily on high-quality graphics and visuals. But the demand for video technology goes above and beyond crystal clear picture and life-like renderings.
The video systems in an eSports arena must be able to handle multiple live streams being broadcasted across several screens. The slightest split second lag could disrupt the entire event, so it’s of utmost importance that systems are set up in a way that can handle high input and output levels.
All systems need to be properly wired, in sync, and have settings that support the busy video environment. From giant display screens, to individual computers, to interactive and VR/AR audience events, video is at the core of an eSports facility.
Audio technology
Good audio quality is also essential for creating a life-like gaming experience for both the players and the fans. But further than that, audio technology allows team members to communicate with each other to strategize in real time. Since teamwork is a huge aspect of an eSports event, having reliable audio technology is a must.
It’s important that eSports facilities focus on the right kind of audio technology. Just having speakers blasting as loud as they will end up being a distraction to the players and a nuisance to the audience.
Instead, facility designers should focus on the quality and purpose of the audio. What does that look like in action? Noise-canceling headphones with powerful microphones for the players and powerful speakers that deliver crisp audio with no delays for the fans.
Room design
eSports facilities should be designed purposefully with game quality and fan engagement in mind. Properly executed room design can help the event run more smoothly but also can create a sense of community. By having a combination of larger spaces and more intimate spaces with interactive features in each, attendees can feel like they are part of a large community yet have the opportunity to be personally immersed in the experience.
Having interactive exhibits and features is also important for keeping interest levels high. Depending on what’s being played, tournaments can last up to 12 hours, so it’s helpful to have additional activities like VR/AR exhibits to keep people excited.
And since tournaments can vary in size, length, and format so drastically from one to the next depending, the space needs to be scalable and flexible to accommodate different titles. That means placing screens and speakers throughout the arena in a way that makes sense regardless of the event size and having a central location to control and adjust system settings.
The growth of eSports isn’t going to stop any time soon. With new facilities, arenas, and tournaments being developed consistently, AV technology and design are set to play a major role in the movement.
IVCi has partnered with top quality manufacturers to provide the equipment necessary to maintain eSports facilities and expand eSports programs. Contact us to learn how we can help.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2020-07-22 12:00:402022-11-23 20:46:03Importance of Video, Audio, and Room Design in Creating an eSports Facility
One of the biggest questions we still have regarding the coronavirus outbreak is: when people return to the workplace, what kind of workplace will they be returning to?
What we know for sure is that businesses have to make significant changes to keep employees and visitors safe — and that integrator companies will play a significant role in the future of workplace design.
Here are some expected workplace design trends and the role technology will play in their execution.
Minimizing contact in the workplace
When workplaces reopen, they’ll likely be redesigned to minimize physical contact. Organizations can invest in hands-free technology to limit touching of shared space and equipment.
Offer solutions that integrate well with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. This empowers users to still accomplish all of their tasks and fully utilize their office’s technology, without the risk of a high-touch situation.
Fewer workstations mean smarter workstations
A common facet of business reopening plans is a reduction in the number of workspaces to promote social distancing. With fewer workstations, organizations are likely shifting to a remote/on-premise hybrid work model, so the workstations within the office need to have more robust capabilities.
Each workstation will likely need audio and video integration to communicate with remote team members. However, fewer workstations mean that upgrading each station is less of a cost. This gives organizations the opportunity to take their technology upgrades one step further, creating customizable “smart desks” that elevate the work experience.
Revamping conference and meeting spaces
The return to work post-COVID is a great opportunity for integrator companies to take a consultative approach with their clients and prospects. Conference rooms and meeting spaces are a great place to start. With capacity reduced in most workplaces, organizations are no longer holding meetings of 10 or 15 people in their conference rooms.
This is where you can step in as a trusted industry advisor to recommend utilizing the space as a huddle room to be more efficient. Remote access is no longer a luxury but a necessity, so organizations need to be set up with the proper tools for seamlessly incorporating remote attendees into video conferences.
While it may require an initial investment to set up the proper AV technology and revamp the room to be conducive to video conferencing, the returns far outweigh the costs.
Organizations that move to a huddle room model will be able to seamlessly collaborate and communicate with team members, clients, and business partners without breaking capacity restrictions or putting anyone at risk of exposure. Setting clients up with state-of-the-art AV technology will help them achieve a future-focused workplace that keeps people safe, yet connected.
With organizations now tasked with redesigning their workplaces to fit post-pandemic protocol, they’ll need to lean on technology more than ever. That’s where AV integration companies like IVCi come into play, helping organizations achieve a workplace that safely achieves all strategic business goals.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2020-07-15 12:00:112022-11-23 20:43:18Integrator Companies and the Future of Workplace Design
The esports community continues to grow; in recent years, participation in esports tournaments has grown from hundreds to hundreds of thousands, and the sport is being deliberated by the Olympic consideration.
With the esports community now over 300 million people, setting up an arena for an event is even more important than ever. To give participants and spectators the best possible experience, there needs to be certain elements within the arena:
Interaction. It goes without saying that the players need smooth, intuitive interaction with the gaming system. But in the esports world, it goes further than that. Throughout the arena, you’ll find interactive content displays that allow spectators to play parts of games, immerse themselves in displays for photo-ops and in-game experiences, and so much more.
Life-like displays. esports is captivating to watch as a spectator because you get a look at what’s happening through the players’ eyes. To pull that off successfully, there needs to be large displays with ultra-high resolution to make it feel life-like.
The technology needed for an ideal esports experience
The technology needed to support a successful esports event is highly complex. There are multiple intricate systems running simultaneously — everything needs to be in sync, wired properly, and functioning at full capacity.
While the technological demand created by an esports event seems limitless, here are the main needs:
Video and audio system. esports could not exist without audio and visual equipment like video walls, projectors, video displays, surround sound speakers, and so much more. That way, both the players in the game and the spectators relying on video streams can have a lifelike experience. It also enables multi-player experiences regardless of physical proximity.
Interoperability within systems. It’s not enough to have a great video setup, a great audio setup, and a great augmented reality setup. These systems need to be able to integrate seamlessly with one another. This is necessary for real time game updates for players and fans — if there isn’t a streamlined way to share a large amount of information at once, the system is at risk to crash.
Virtual and augmented reality. What makes the esports experience unique is that you are not just playing a game or watching a game unfold, you are able to immerse yourself as if you were a game character. Today’s virtual and augmented reality technology goes beyond 360-degree videos and special effects to make each participant truly part of the experience.
The future of esports
The future is bright for esports. As the technology associated with esports becomes more accessible, the community can grow exponentially. For example, with VR headsets becoming more available to the general population, instead of watching a game on Twitch on a screen, viewers can watch via VR headset and feel like they’re part of a live audience or even part of the game map.
While there’s no way of knowing what additional technology will arise and take esports to the next level, we do know that the technological advances made so far have allowed esports to thrive.
The biggest question on every business leader’s mind is the same right now regardless of industry: how do we resume operation while keeping employees and visitors safe?
Organizations from around the world have leaned heavily into technology to help them find creative solutions for ensuring health and safety. One of those solutions is UV light technology. While UV light technology has traditionally been used in hospitals and labs to create a sterile environment, it’s now finding itself in a new role: stopping the spread of disease in offices and schools.
How does UV light technology work?
Without getting into too much of a science lesson, UV light has three wavelength categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. Because of its short wavelength, UV-C breaks apart germ DNA, rendering them unable to function or reproduce. Surfaces exposed to UV-C light are effectively rid of microorganisms like viruses and bacteria — making it an effective method of eliminating coronavirus on workplace surfaces.
Shedding light on workplaces and schools
Because of its effectiveness in eliminating the coronavirus and other contagious diseases, businesses and schools are beginning to invest in UV-C sanitizing technology. With many high traffic and shared surfaces, these types of establishments should consider the options they have for UV-C technology:
Portable, handheld wands: These work well for sanitizing conference room tables, student desks, counters, and other medium to large surfaces. Since they are portable, you can easily use a single wand for an entire office.
Device sanitizers: These are ideal for shared devices, keys, or other small objects, device sanitizers. You place the item inside the sanitizer, so the UV-C light does not reach any other areas.
Sanitizing cabinets: For larger shared devices or larger quantities, sanitizing cabinets are a great choice. For example, you can sanitize a dozen laptops at once to have ready for the next workday or class.
Lamps: UV-C lamps are powerful enough to sanitize entire rooms. Most are equipped with motion sensors to turn off when someone walks by, to protect them from exposure to the UV-C rays.
Usage considerations
When implementing UV-C technology in a workplace or school, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
UV-C rays can be harmful to your eyes, so be sure to educate everyone in the building about proper safety measures. If you’re choosing a UV-C lamp, make sure to choose one with a motion-sensor shutoff.
UV light sanitation works best on smooth, flat surfaces. For example, it’s ideal for tables and device screens, but not so much for cloth chairs or device buttons.
For effective sanitation, the surface needs to be free of dust, skin cells, and skin oils. Always wipe down the surface you plan on sanitizing first.
Part of the bigger picture
While UV light technology can be an effective means for killing harmful viruses, it should be used in conjunction with other precautions. Employees, students, or visitors should still be practicing social distancing and utilizing face coverings whenever they’re on site.
But thanks to technology, these organizations can take precautions one step further. Thermal cameras can detect high body temperatures and alert people who may not realize they are ill. Implementing a body temperature detection camera system will allow visitors and employees alike to properly protect themselves.
Technology also allows organizations to limit in-person work or meetings while we learn the impacts of reopening society. Audio video conferencing solutions can help keep organizations connected, productive, and safe.
For more information about implementing a technology solution to help your organization safely transition into in-office/school or work, reach out to us at IVCi today.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, was signed into law in March 2020 by President Donald Trump. This act provided much-needed funding for states and and school districts to build their COVID-19 emergency response plans.
Here is a quick summary of how the CARES act is aiding schools:
$13.5 billion in K-12 grants to states, based on their share of ESEA Title I-A funds.
State education agencies must distribute at least 90% of funds to school districts and public charter schools.
Funds can be used to respond to emergency needs.
Funds can be used for coronavirus-response activities such as coordinating long-term school closures, purchasing technology to support distance learning, and additional activity approved by federal laws.
Funds can be used to purchase AV equipment to provide a more reliable and effective solution for remote learning.
School districts were able to utilize these funds quickly to enact, and maintain, an entirely new way of operating.
Learning in a post-COVID world
There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 situation changed the landscape of education forever. Not only did schools have to turn around learning programs incredibly quickly, they need to now enable long-term solutions that allow distance learning to be a seamless part of education from now on.
It’s apparent that education is changing outside of the classroom as well, with families, educators, and students all taking on drastically new roles. But some of the biggest question marks are around what will go on inside of school buildings — how can we assimilate students and teachers back into a classroom safely? Is that even possible? The list goes on and on…
While we cannot predict the future, we do have some predictions about the future of education and how technology can help make it happen. Here are some of our predictions of what a future classroom will look like in a post-coronavirus world:
1. An increase in blended learning
The 2020 school year wrapped up completely online — and while we are all impressed with the efforts our educators, parents, and students put in to make that happen, there’s still a longing to the physical classroom.
Virtual learning offered flexibility and individualized learning, but lacks the intimacy of in-person learning. Therefore, it’s likely we’ll see a rise in blended learning, where students and teachers participate in a hybrid of in-classroom and virtual learning activities. Virtual tools will become a complement to face-to-face learning.
2. Virtual learning will be a strategic initiative
Before the pandemic hit, very few schools seriously considered virtual learning as part of their strategic initiatives. With distance learning becoming mandatory, that changed quickly. Now, schools will be evaluating their emergency plans to turn their “band-aid” fixes into long-term solutions. Strategic initiative priorities will include upgrading video conferencing equipment and platforms, providing all students and teachers with the tools they need to access those platforms, and standardizing infrastructure throughout buildings and districts.
3. Communication will be virtual
Even after pandemic-related restrictions are lifted, limiting non-essential in-person gatherings are set to remain for the foreseeable future. Things like parent-teacher conferences, faculty meetings, and administrative meetings will likely move to virtual platforms. That way, face-to-face time can be reserved for meaningful discussions and activities within the classroom.
What these predictions have in common is that they rely heavily on AV technology. So heavily, in fact, that the CARES Act has included a specific clause to allow funds to be used to purchase AV equipment. That opens the door for audio video conferencing companies to play a large role in shaping the future of education. At IVCi, we’ve redesigned our procurement and implementation processes to follow all restrictions and guidelines, so we can help schools provide a reliable and effective solution for remote learning while maintaining safety.
With the right audio video conferencing solutions in place, institutions can continue to provide effective education, no matter what is going on in the world.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00fishbathttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngfishbat2020-06-17 12:00:182022-11-23 20:39:54The CARES Act and Remote Learning - What Will the Future Classroom Look Like?
While we can all agree that we’re looking forward to businesses opening back up and people returning to work, we can all also agree that the workplaces we’ll be returning to will be different.
Businesses have overhauled basically everything they do to either support a remote workforce or put their operations on pause for the past two months. It’s very likely that some of their previous business practices won’t even be necessary anymore as they’ve been replaced with recently adapted ones.
But business practices aren’t the only new standard we’ll be facing. With social distancing guidelines likely to be in place for the foreseeable future and the lingering fear of transmitting germs on shared surfaces, companies will have to make significant changes in their locations in order to keep employees and visitors safe.
So what will the “new normal” look like when people get back to the office? Here are some ways businesses are moving forward in the wake of COVID-19:
Operate at a Reduced Capacity
One of the biggest changes we can expect to see in many workplaces is not having every person in the office every day. Rotating in work-from-home days is a simple and effective way to reduce the number of people within a building.
Most companies have already ironed out any issues with their work-from-home systems and have implemented the technology they need for success. For example, AV conferencing systems let remote participants seamlessly integrate with meetings going on in the office.
Take sanitation/cleanliness measures
Most offices will likely ramp up the frequency and quality of cleaning services. Frequently disinfecting surfaces, especially commonly touched and shared surfaces, will make a big difference in the future spread of disease.
Likewise, employees should continue to clean their personal work area with disinfectant frequently, use hand sanitizers, and wash their hands after touching shared surfaces. In some cases, face coverings and masks can be utilized as well.
Encourage social distancing
Social distancing guidelines are likely to be in place for the long-term, including when people return to work in offices. You can promote social distancing by adding dividers and partitions between desks and spreading out workstations.
With the help of an audio video conferencing company, you can take social distancing in the workplace to the next level. You can set up multiple huddle rooms with audio video technology to connect them and allow large groups of people to interact without having more than a few people in a room, taking the place of large conference room gatherings.
Limit in person meetings
For at least the next few months, in person meetings should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, especially with those from outside of your workplace. But with audio video conferencing systems, this won’t disrupt productivity. You can continue to have virtual meetings to limit travel and maintain all of the business and client relationships you need.
But be sure that you have chosen an AV conferencing company that utilizes state of the art equipment to make sure your audio and video quality match that of an in-person meeting. This way, everyone involved can stay safe without sacrificing time or productivity lost due to set up, poor connections, or poor audio quality.
Go the extra mile
Some companies will be going above and beyond these measures and implementing brand new technology to help them deal with lingering traces of the coronavirus and protect them from contagious disease in the future. One way businesses are doing this is by installing thermal cameras that automatically detect body temperature as people enter the building, triggering an alert for anyone who has a temperature above your set threshold.
You may think that this is a great idea, but too difficult to implement in your company — but that’s not the case. The technology might be right under your nose. For example, IVCi is a video conferencing company, but has also partnered with several manufacturers to provide quality thermal camera solutions that can be suited to your business needs.
Even if right now there’s no way to tell exactly what the new “normal” will look like, we do now that eventually businesses will move forward in the wake of COVID-19. And with the help of the right technology, they can do so in a way that’s safe, productive, and futureproof.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00Lindsey Ingramhttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngLindsey Ingram2020-05-26 20:28:232020-05-26 20:40:36Getting Back to the Office: How Businesses are Moving Forward
Lately, there’s been a widespread use of the term “the new normal.” It goes without saying that the way we live and work will never be the same in the wake of COVID-19 — but what will it look like?
Eventually people will return to work in their office. More and more companies will open up, and the essential businesses that maintained operation throughout this crisis will return to full capacity. But things aren’t expected to be just as they were before the outbreak, and for good reason.
With the threat of a second wave looming as the shelter in place mandates are lifted, businesses need to take serious measures to ensure worker safety while maintaining business continuity.
The Key to Success in a Post COVID-19 World
One of the keys to success in a post COVID-19 work environment is to make sure that anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is identified quickly, treated accordingly, and kept apart from other workers.
One of the most effective ways to identify symptomatic individuals is by doing temperature checks upon entering the building. With high fevers being a signature symptom of COVID-19, checking people’s temperatures as they enter your workplace is a great screening method. But manual temperature checks are slow, time-consuming, and only offer temporary solutions. Thanks to new technology, there’s a better way.
Thermal Camera Technology
While thermal cameras cannot detect the presence of a virus or infection, they can measure for elevated body temperature. Thermal cameras can measure people’s temperatures accurately and almost instantly from a safe distance that minimizes contact. These cameras have been utilized to create tools that organizations can utilize such as:
Thermal camera systems. With the ability to scan multiple people at once, thermal camera system software can accurately detect temperatures of larger groups of people, rather than scan temperatures one by one. Best suited for buildings with high foot traffic, this type of system will help ensure a safe work environment with instant temperature detection and a responsive alert system.
Temperature screening kiosks. Hands free kiosks can scan temperatures without the need for labor-intensive manual solutions or risky contact. Some even have advanced features like facial recognition, email notifications, reports, and monitoring capabilities. These features will quickly alert the proper personnel if someone’s temperature is above the threshold limit and will help organizations better keep records.
Handheld thermal cameras. While handheld thermal and infrared cameras do require manual operation, they are portable and accurate. Handheld thermal cameras allow for quick and low-contact temperature scans and often can be configured with additional features for monitoring and alerting.
Organizations can set a temperature threshold so that an alert is triggered when an individual enters the building with a temperature above it. This allows for quick, accurate detection in office buildings, emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, airports, schools, and more. With instant alerts, everyone can take proper action.
The key to worker safety and business continuity in the wake of COVID-19 is having the right technology in place to screen for at-risk individuals. However, don’t make your organization choose between safety and a time-consuming, possibly inaccurate, temporary solution. Instead, invest in the proper solution, like a thermal camera system — and make your organization a key driver in flattening the virus curve.
Contact us to speak with an IVCi representative about your thermal camera needs.
https://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.png00Lindsey Ingramhttps://ivci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/fulllogosmaller-8.pngLindsey Ingram2020-05-17 20:08:312020-06-08 17:39:09Why Thermal Camera Technology is Essential for a Post COVID-19 Work Environment
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has made life hard. From schools transitioning to remote learning, businesses remaining closed, to supply chain issues, it’s difficult to think of an area of our lives that hasn’t been impacted.
But by far one of the most difficult challenges our society is facing right now is that patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities cannot have visitors. The emotional toll this has on the patients and their loved ones is immeasurable, especially when dealing with serious illnesses.
That’s why video conferencing companyIVCi is proud to introduce Care Connect, a virtual visitation system that bridges the gap between patients and loved ones.
About the Care Connect Solution
Care Connect uses state of the art AV conferencingtechnology to virtually connect patients in facilities and their loved ones outside of the facility. Having the support and comfort of friends and family can make a world of difference in a patient’s recovery and is crucial for peace of mind for a patient’s loved ones. Care Connect breaks through the barriers created by COVID-19 visitation restrictions by providing unparalleled technology reliability and humanized service and support.
This takes immense pressure off of already overtaxed hospital staff, who are working tirelessly to not only fight the pandemic, but to truly take care of their patients’ entire well-being — which means helping them get the emotional support they need. Having technology on their side to assist them will drastically improve the patient/family experience and allow medical professionals to focus on providing medical care.
The right AV conferencing companywill help ease the burden on facilities that are working tirelessly to combat COVID-19 by assuming the complete management of virtual visitations — from scheduling, to launching, to troubleshooting.
Features of the Care Connect Solution
The Care Connect solution is unlike other audio video conferencingofferings. Here’s what sets it apart:
The ability to leverage any existing communication infrastructure with both hardware and software to support Care Connect visits.
The offering of subscription-based communication infrastructure for a cost-effective way for locations that do not currently have communication infrastructure in place to support Care Connect.
Video assistance with trained operators who can help create seamless experiences.
Programs that handle scheduling, launching, and troubleshooting directly from the solution.
A solution this robust is only possible when backed by an audio video conferencing companyyou can trust. IVCi has worked with some of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations to overcome limitations and help medical facilities during this difficult time. We’re here to help and provide custom Care Connect solutions for your facility, no matter your current communication infrastructure.
Importance of Video, Audio, and Room Design in Creating an eSports Facility
NewseSports has skyrocketed in popularity in the past few years, transforming from a millennial/Gen Z niche to a mainstream movement. The community has grown to the point where entire facilities are being created to host large tournaments and give eSports players and fans a truly spectacular experience.
An eSports facility relies on technology more heavily than almost any other facility. On one hand, its entire premise is around the most advanced video game technology in the world. On the other, the goal of eSports is to connect gamers and the community through immersive and interactive experiences. None of that could exist without advanced technology.
Video, audio, and room design are the three most important considerations for creating an eSports facility — and here’s why.
Video technology
It goes without saying that eSports relies heavily on high-quality graphics and visuals. But the demand for video technology goes above and beyond crystal clear picture and life-like renderings.
The video systems in an eSports arena must be able to handle multiple live streams being broadcasted across several screens. The slightest split second lag could disrupt the entire event, so it’s of utmost importance that systems are set up in a way that can handle high input and output levels.
All systems need to be properly wired, in sync, and have settings that support the busy video environment. From giant display screens, to individual computers, to interactive and VR/AR audience events, video is at the core of an eSports facility.
Audio technology
Good audio quality is also essential for creating a life-like gaming experience for both the players and the fans. But further than that, audio technology allows team members to communicate with each other to strategize in real time. Since teamwork is a huge aspect of an eSports event, having reliable audio technology is a must.
It’s important that eSports facilities focus on the right kind of audio technology. Just having speakers blasting as loud as they will end up being a distraction to the players and a nuisance to the audience.
Instead, facility designers should focus on the quality and purpose of the audio. What does that look like in action? Noise-canceling headphones with powerful microphones for the players and powerful speakers that deliver crisp audio with no delays for the fans.
Room design
eSports facilities should be designed purposefully with game quality and fan engagement in mind. Properly executed room design can help the event run more smoothly but also can create a sense of community. By having a combination of larger spaces and more intimate spaces with interactive features in each, attendees can feel like they are part of a large community yet have the opportunity to be personally immersed in the experience.
Having interactive exhibits and features is also important for keeping interest levels high. Depending on what’s being played, tournaments can last up to 12 hours, so it’s helpful to have additional activities like VR/AR exhibits to keep people excited.
And since tournaments can vary in size, length, and format so drastically from one to the next depending, the space needs to be scalable and flexible to accommodate different titles. That means placing screens and speakers throughout the arena in a way that makes sense regardless of the event size and having a central location to control and adjust system settings.
The growth of eSports isn’t going to stop any time soon. With new facilities, arenas, and tournaments being developed consistently, AV technology and design are set to play a major role in the movement.
IVCi has partnered with top quality manufacturers to provide the equipment necessary to maintain eSports facilities and expand eSports programs. Contact us to learn how we can help.
Integrator Companies and the Future of Workplace Design
NewsOne of the biggest questions we still have regarding the coronavirus outbreak is: when people return to the workplace, what kind of workplace will they be returning to?
What we know for sure is that businesses have to make significant changes to keep employees and visitors safe — and that integrator companies will play a significant role in the future of workplace design.
Here are some expected workplace design trends and the role technology will play in their execution.
Minimizing contact in the workplace
When workplaces reopen, they’ll likely be redesigned to minimize physical contact. Organizations can invest in hands-free technology to limit touching of shared space and equipment.
Offer solutions that integrate well with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. This empowers users to still accomplish all of their tasks and fully utilize their office’s technology, without the risk of a high-touch situation.
Fewer workstations mean smarter workstations
A common facet of business reopening plans is a reduction in the number of workspaces to promote social distancing. With fewer workstations, organizations are likely shifting to a remote/on-premise hybrid work model, so the workstations within the office need to have more robust capabilities.
Each workstation will likely need audio and video integration to communicate with remote team members. However, fewer workstations mean that upgrading each station is less of a cost. This gives organizations the opportunity to take their technology upgrades one step further, creating customizable “smart desks” that elevate the work experience.
Revamping conference and meeting spaces
The return to work post-COVID is a great opportunity for integrator companies to take a consultative approach with their clients and prospects. Conference rooms and meeting spaces are a great place to start. With capacity reduced in most workplaces, organizations are no longer holding meetings of 10 or 15 people in their conference rooms.
This is where you can step in as a trusted industry advisor to recommend utilizing the space as a huddle room to be more efficient. Remote access is no longer a luxury but a necessity, so organizations need to be set up with the proper tools for seamlessly incorporating remote attendees into video conferences.
While it may require an initial investment to set up the proper AV technology and revamp the room to be conducive to video conferencing, the returns far outweigh the costs.
Organizations that move to a huddle room model will be able to seamlessly collaborate and communicate with team members, clients, and business partners without breaking capacity restrictions or putting anyone at risk of exposure. Setting clients up with state-of-the-art AV technology will help them achieve a future-focused workplace that keeps people safe, yet connected.
With organizations now tasked with redesigning their workplaces to fit post-pandemic protocol, they’ll need to lean on technology more than ever. That’s where AV integration companies like IVCi come into play, helping organizations achieve a workplace that safely achieves all strategic business goals.
Introducing: Esports
NewsThe esports community continues to grow; in recent years, participation in esports tournaments has grown from hundreds to hundreds of thousands, and the sport is being deliberated by the Olympic consideration.
With the esports community now over 300 million people, setting up an arena for an event is even more important than ever. To give participants and spectators the best possible experience, there needs to be certain elements within the arena:
The technology needed for an ideal esports experience
The technology needed to support a successful esports event is highly complex. There are multiple intricate systems running simultaneously — everything needs to be in sync, wired properly, and functioning at full capacity.
While the technological demand created by an esports event seems limitless, here are the main needs:
Video and audio system. esports could not exist without audio and visual equipment like video walls, projectors, video displays, surround sound speakers, and so much more. That way, both the players in the game and the spectators relying on video streams can have a lifelike experience. It also enables multi-player experiences regardless of physical proximity.
Interoperability within systems. It’s not enough to have a great video setup, a great audio setup, and a great augmented reality setup. These systems need to be able to integrate seamlessly with one another. This is necessary for real time game updates for players and fans — if there isn’t a streamlined way to share a large amount of information at once, the system is at risk to crash.
Virtual and augmented reality. What makes the esports experience unique is that you are not just playing a game or watching a game unfold, you are able to immerse yourself as if you were a game character. Today’s virtual and augmented reality technology goes beyond 360-degree videos and special effects to make each participant truly part of the experience.
The future of esports
The future is bright for esports. As the technology associated with esports becomes more accessible, the community can grow exponentially. For example, with VR headsets becoming more available to the general population, instead of watching a game on Twitch on a screen, viewers can watch via VR headset and feel like they’re part of a live audience or even part of the game map.
While there’s no way of knowing what additional technology will arise and take esports to the next level, we do know that the technological advances made so far have allowed esports to thrive.
UV Light Technology
NewsThe biggest question on every business leader’s mind is the same right now regardless of industry: how do we resume operation while keeping employees and visitors safe?
Organizations from around the world have leaned heavily into technology to help them find creative solutions for ensuring health and safety. One of those solutions is UV light technology. While UV light technology has traditionally been used in hospitals and labs to create a sterile environment, it’s now finding itself in a new role: stopping the spread of disease in offices and schools.
How does UV light technology work?
Without getting into too much of a science lesson, UV light has three wavelength categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. Because of its short wavelength, UV-C breaks apart germ DNA, rendering them unable to function or reproduce. Surfaces exposed to UV-C light are effectively rid of microorganisms like viruses and bacteria — making it an effective method of eliminating coronavirus on workplace surfaces.
Shedding light on workplaces and schools
Because of its effectiveness in eliminating the coronavirus and other contagious diseases, businesses and schools are beginning to invest in UV-C sanitizing technology. With many high traffic and shared surfaces, these types of establishments should consider the options they have for UV-C technology:
Usage considerations
When implementing UV-C technology in a workplace or school, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Part of the bigger picture
While UV light technology can be an effective means for killing harmful viruses, it should be used in conjunction with other precautions. Employees, students, or visitors should still be practicing social distancing and utilizing face coverings whenever they’re on site.
But thanks to technology, these organizations can take precautions one step further. Thermal cameras can detect high body temperatures and alert people who may not realize they are ill. Implementing a body temperature detection camera system will allow visitors and employees alike to properly protect themselves.
Technology also allows organizations to limit in-person work or meetings while we learn the impacts of reopening society. Audio video conferencing solutions can help keep organizations connected, productive, and safe.
For more information about implementing a technology solution to help your organization safely transition into in-office/school or work, reach out to us at IVCi today.
The CARES Act and Remote Learning – What Will the Future Classroom Look Like?
NewsThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, was signed into law in March 2020 by President Donald Trump. This act provided much-needed funding for states and and school districts to build their COVID-19 emergency response plans.
Here is a quick summary of how the CARES act is aiding schools:
School districts were able to utilize these funds quickly to enact, and maintain, an entirely new way of operating.
Learning in a post-COVID world
There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 situation changed the landscape of education forever. Not only did schools have to turn around learning programs incredibly quickly, they need to now enable long-term solutions that allow distance learning to be a seamless part of education from now on.
It’s apparent that education is changing outside of the classroom as well, with families, educators, and students all taking on drastically new roles. But some of the biggest question marks are around what will go on inside of school buildings — how can we assimilate students and teachers back into a classroom safely? Is that even possible? The list goes on and on…
While we cannot predict the future, we do have some predictions about the future of education and how technology can help make it happen. Here are some of our predictions of what a future classroom will look like in a post-coronavirus world:
1. An increase in blended learning
The 2020 school year wrapped up completely online — and while we are all impressed with the efforts our educators, parents, and students put in to make that happen, there’s still a longing to the physical classroom.
Virtual learning offered flexibility and individualized learning, but lacks the intimacy of in-person learning. Therefore, it’s likely we’ll see a rise in blended learning, where students and teachers participate in a hybrid of in-classroom and virtual learning activities. Virtual tools will become a complement to face-to-face learning.
2. Virtual learning will be a strategic initiative
Before the pandemic hit, very few schools seriously considered virtual learning as part of their strategic initiatives. With distance learning becoming mandatory, that changed quickly. Now, schools will be evaluating their emergency plans to turn their “band-aid” fixes into long-term solutions. Strategic initiative priorities will include upgrading video conferencing equipment and platforms, providing all students and teachers with the tools they need to access those platforms, and standardizing infrastructure throughout buildings and districts.
3. Communication will be virtual
Even after pandemic-related restrictions are lifted, limiting non-essential in-person gatherings are set to remain for the foreseeable future. Things like parent-teacher conferences, faculty meetings, and administrative meetings will likely move to virtual platforms. That way, face-to-face time can be reserved for meaningful discussions and activities within the classroom.
What these predictions have in common is that they rely heavily on AV technology. So heavily, in fact, that the CARES Act has included a specific clause to allow funds to be used to purchase AV equipment. That opens the door for audio video conferencing companies to play a large role in shaping the future of education. At IVCi, we’ve redesigned our procurement and implementation processes to follow all restrictions and guidelines, so we can help schools provide a reliable and effective solution for remote learning while maintaining safety.
With the right audio video conferencing solutions in place, institutions can continue to provide effective education, no matter what is going on in the world.
Getting Back to the Office: How Businesses are Moving Forward
NewsWhile we can all agree that we’re looking forward to businesses opening back up and people returning to work, we can all also agree that the workplaces we’ll be returning to will be different.
Businesses have overhauled basically everything they do to either support a remote workforce or put their operations on pause for the past two months. It’s very likely that some of their previous business practices won’t even be necessary anymore as they’ve been replaced with recently adapted ones.
But business practices aren’t the only new standard we’ll be facing. With social distancing guidelines likely to be in place for the foreseeable future and the lingering fear of transmitting germs on shared surfaces, companies will have to make significant changes in their locations in order to keep employees and visitors safe.
So what will the “new normal” look like when people get back to the office? Here are some ways businesses are moving forward in the wake of COVID-19:
Operate at a Reduced Capacity
One of the biggest changes we can expect to see in many workplaces is not having every person in the office every day. Rotating in work-from-home days is a simple and effective way to reduce the number of people within a building.
Most companies have already ironed out any issues with their work-from-home systems and have implemented the technology they need for success. For example, AV conferencing systems let remote participants seamlessly integrate with meetings going on in the office.
Take sanitation/cleanliness measures
Most offices will likely ramp up the frequency and quality of cleaning services. Frequently disinfecting surfaces, especially commonly touched and shared surfaces, will make a big difference in the future spread of disease.
Likewise, employees should continue to clean their personal work area with disinfectant frequently, use hand sanitizers, and wash their hands after touching shared surfaces. In some cases, face coverings and masks can be utilized as well.
Encourage social distancing
Social distancing guidelines are likely to be in place for the long-term, including when people return to work in offices. You can promote social distancing by adding dividers and partitions between desks and spreading out workstations.
With the help of an audio video conferencing company, you can take social distancing in the workplace to the next level. You can set up multiple huddle rooms with audio video technology to connect them and allow large groups of people to interact without having more than a few people in a room, taking the place of large conference room gatherings.
Limit in person meetings
For at least the next few months, in person meetings should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, especially with those from outside of your workplace. But with audio video conferencing systems, this won’t disrupt productivity. You can continue to have virtual meetings to limit travel and maintain all of the business and client relationships you need.
But be sure that you have chosen an AV conferencing company that utilizes state of the art equipment to make sure your audio and video quality match that of an in-person meeting. This way, everyone involved can stay safe without sacrificing time or productivity lost due to set up, poor connections, or poor audio quality.
Go the extra mile
Some companies will be going above and beyond these measures and implementing brand new technology to help them deal with lingering traces of the coronavirus and protect them from contagious disease in the future. One way businesses are doing this is by installing thermal cameras that automatically detect body temperature as people enter the building, triggering an alert for anyone who has a temperature above your set threshold.
You may think that this is a great idea, but too difficult to implement in your company — but that’s not the case. The technology might be right under your nose. For example, IVCi is a video conferencing company, but has also partnered with several manufacturers to provide quality thermal camera solutions that can be suited to your business needs.
Even if right now there’s no way to tell exactly what the new “normal” will look like, we do now that eventually businesses will move forward in the wake of COVID-19. And with the help of the right technology, they can do so in a way that’s safe, productive, and futureproof.
Why Thermal Camera Technology is Essential for a Post COVID-19 Work Environment
NewsLately, there’s been a widespread use of the term “the new normal.” It goes without saying that the way we live and work will never be the same in the wake of COVID-19 — but what will it look like?
Eventually people will return to work in their office. More and more companies will open up, and the essential businesses that maintained operation throughout this crisis will return to full capacity. But things aren’t expected to be just as they were before the outbreak, and for good reason.
With the threat of a second wave looming as the shelter in place mandates are lifted, businesses need to take serious measures to ensure worker safety while maintaining business continuity.
The Key to Success in a Post COVID-19 World
One of the keys to success in a post COVID-19 work environment is to make sure that anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is identified quickly, treated accordingly, and kept apart from other workers.
One of the most effective ways to identify symptomatic individuals is by doing temperature checks upon entering the building. With high fevers being a signature symptom of COVID-19, checking people’s temperatures as they enter your workplace is a great screening method. But manual temperature checks are slow, time-consuming, and only offer temporary solutions. Thanks to new technology, there’s a better way.
Thermal Camera Technology
While thermal cameras cannot detect the presence of a virus or infection, they can measure for elevated body temperature. Thermal cameras can measure people’s temperatures accurately and almost instantly from a safe distance that minimizes contact. These cameras have been utilized to create tools that organizations can utilize such as:
Organizations can set a temperature threshold so that an alert is triggered when an individual enters the building with a temperature above it. This allows for quick, accurate detection in office buildings, emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, airports, schools, and more. With instant alerts, everyone can take proper action.
The key to worker safety and business continuity in the wake of COVID-19 is having the right technology in place to screen for at-risk individuals. However, don’t make your organization choose between safety and a time-consuming, possibly inaccurate, temporary solution. Instead, invest in the proper solution, like a thermal camera system — and make your organization a key driver in flattening the virus curve.
Contact us to speak with an IVCi representative about your thermal camera needs.
Care Connect – The Virtual Visitation System
NewsIt’s no secret that COVID-19 has made life hard. From schools transitioning to remote learning, businesses remaining closed, to supply chain issues, it’s difficult to think of an area of our lives that hasn’t been impacted.
But by far one of the most difficult challenges our society is facing right now is that patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities cannot have visitors. The emotional toll this has on the patients and their loved ones is immeasurable, especially when dealing with serious illnesses.
That’s why video conferencing company IVCi is proud to introduce Care Connect, a virtual visitation system that bridges the gap between patients and loved ones.
About the Care Connect Solution
Care Connect uses state of the art AV conferencing technology to virtually connect patients in facilities and their loved ones outside of the facility. Having the support and comfort of friends and family can make a world of difference in a patient’s recovery and is crucial for peace of mind for a patient’s loved ones. Care Connect breaks through the barriers created by COVID-19 visitation restrictions by providing unparalleled technology reliability and humanized service and support.
This takes immense pressure off of already overtaxed hospital staff, who are working tirelessly to not only fight the pandemic, but to truly take care of their patients’ entire well-being — which means helping them get the emotional support they need. Having technology on their side to assist them will drastically improve the patient/family experience and allow medical professionals to focus on providing medical care.
The right AV conferencing company will help ease the burden on facilities that are working tirelessly to combat COVID-19 by assuming the complete management of virtual visitations — from scheduling, to launching, to troubleshooting.
Features of the Care Connect Solution
The Care Connect solution is unlike other audio video conferencing offerings. Here’s what sets it apart:
A solution this robust is only possible when backed by an audio video conferencing company you can trust. IVCi has worked with some of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations to overcome limitations and help medical facilities during this difficult time. We’re here to help and provide custom Care Connect solutions for your facility, no matter your current communication infrastructure.