In a leap towards the future of communication, NVIDIA has unveiled an extraordinary breakthrough in the realm of 3D video conferencing. This innovative technology promises to reshape the way we connect in virtual spaces, offering a remarkable blend of AI and 3D wizardry that’s set to redefine the virtual meeting landscape.
A New Dimension of Conferencing
Imagine being able to participate in a video conference where it feels as though you’re sharing the same room with your colleagues, with eye contact and expressions seamlessly replicated. NVIDIA’s AI-mediated 3D video conferencing system achieves precisely that. Through a creative fusion of cutting-edge AI and minimal capture equipment, this revolutionary system captures and, using autostereoscopic methods, displays lifelike 3D talking heads, bringing participants closer than ever before.
Avatars Reimagined
One of the most captivating aspects of this innovation is its flexibility. NVIDIA’s AI-driven system accommodates both photorealistic and stylised avatars, giving users the freedom to personalise their virtual presence. What’s more, the technology enables mutual eye contact even in multi-directional video conferencing scenarios, fostering a deeper sense of connection.
Diving into the Future
NVIDIA’s system offers a glimpse of what’s to come with three exciting applications:
1. AI 3D Selfie
Harnessing the power of a single unposed image, participants are transformed into photorealistic 3D representations, viewable in a stunning 45-view light field. This captivating experience unfolds on the recently emerging Looking Glass Portrait Display, creating a truly personalised journey.
2. Live 3D Portrait
With a single webcam, users witness their 2D captures transform into dynamic 3D views in real-time. This feature even allows users to swap appearances with animated avatars, mirroring their expressions. The cloud-based AI inference on the NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation GPU brings this magic to life, enhanced further by the head-tracked stereo rendering on Acer SpatialLabs 3D laptops.
3. 3D Video Conferencing
The pinnacle of this advancement is the ability to host lifelike 3D video conferences involving multiple participants. This system captures monocular RGB input from standard webcams and transforms it into a captivating 3D experience through NeRFs and NVIDIA RTX 6000 GPUs. The Looking Glass 3D display, powered by NVIDIA RTX 4090, showcases the lifelike renderings. What’s more, the technology even enables eye contact through pose redirection, with spatial audio effects provided by the NVIDIA Maxine Audio Effects SDKs.
Embracing the Future Today
This innovative 3D video conferencing system is underpinned by a sophisticated pipeline that transforms 2D captures into rich 3D displays. The cloud-enabled 3D lifting technology ensures efficient processing, demonstrating NVIDIA’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology.
A Glimpse into Tomorrow
As we delve deeper into the potential of AI and 3D technology, NVIDIA’s revolutionary system offers a tantalising glimpse into the future of communication. With real-time transformations, immersive experiences and lifelike avatars, this innovation is a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Get ready to step into a new dimension of connectivity with NVIDIA’s AI-enhanced 3D video conferencing. Experience meetings like never before – where distance dissolves and interaction thrives.
The future of VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) in a continually dynamic industry is exciting and, as technology further evolves, is becoming increasingly evident for its enormous potential in the improvement of a learning and working environment. While VR and AR were initially seen as entertainment or an out-of-reach technology solution, it has now found itself to be an enthusiastic companion for innovative learning in classrooms and the corporate domain.
But, what actually is AR and VR and is it really becoming the new textbook?
AR refers to the integration of digital information in the form of text, graphics, audio or other virtual enhancements onto the real world, adding value to the user’s interaction with their physical environment. This works by super-imposing computer-generated images onto your surroundings with a camera-equipped device, such as a smartphone or tablet, while VR is a technology that allows users to experience a simulated three-dimensional environment that mimics a real one. VR utilises an electronic headset and controllers and transports users to a virtual world, allowing them to interact in an immersive online experience.
Integration with the modern classroom
When incorporating this technology into a modern classroom, AR and VR can transform the typical learning experience for students into an engaging and captivating academic domain. Students are given the opportunity to explore simulated historic sites, take virtual field trips out of the country or explore scientific phenomena, creating an endless list of educational content that is otherwise difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom. AR and VR technology can also be used for advanced employee training and development, product design or even remote collaboration. It becomes a pivotal instrument in improving efficiency and freedom in the workplace, with upgraded practicality for employees such as architects and designers alike, allowing them to create 3D models of buildings or products. Remote teams can also use VR to visualise data and prototypes in a virtual meeting space.
Benefits of AR/VR
There is a laundry list of benefits when it comes to VR and AR, notably providing a memorable and fascinating learning experience in the classroom. For students that were born into an online world, the use of this kind of technology allows teachers and schools to keep up with content that stays engaging and meets the prerequisite of intriguing education. It can allow students to effectively retain information that is often demanding to learn in a conventional, passive classroom and enables users to practice real-world skills in a safe and controlled setting.
The future of AR/VR
As AR and VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect sensational developments across the board. Though, despite the many benefits, some educators and businesses stay hesitant in embracing these technologies and are citing concerns about cost, accessibility and the potential for distraction. While an obvious entertainment tool for some, VR and AR is slowly becoming a valuable investment for education and can improve engagement, retention and knowledge transfer. In addition, with the increasing availability of affordable VR and AR hardware and software, it becomes an accessible product within reach of utilising.
The future of VR and AR as an every day digital partner is advantageous and bright, with endless opportunities for elevating and revamping a typical learning and working climate. So, whether you’re a student, educator or business leader, it’s time to embrace the potential of VR and AR and take a deep dive into its pool of possibilities.
And remember, if you’re still feeling a little unsure about the world of VR and AR, just think of it as the modern-day equivalent of the Magic School Bus. Only this time, you don’t need to worry about getting eaten by a T-Rex or shrunk down to the size of a pea.
Welcome to the world of audiovisual technology: where innovation and creativity never stops. As we progress through the 21st century, we can expect some groundbreaking changes—a prospect that has the AV/T geeks at Vision One shaking with excitement. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the future of audiovisual technology looks brighter than ever. From virtual and augmented reality to holographic projection and LED displays, the possibilities for innovation are endless.
But what does this mean for the education and corporate sectors and how can businesses and institutions stay ahead of the curve?
At Vision One, we understand the significance of creating dynamic, engaging learning environments, maintaining seamless communication and collaboration and, most importantly, providing cutting-edge technology that can keep up with our ever-advancing digital world. While we may not be apart of the progressive ‘Gen Z’ (though our Tik Tok dancing speaks otherwise), our team of experts is here to yield a helping hand and bring your institutions’ AV/T needs to life!
The Rise of Immersive Technologies
One of the most significant trends that we can expect in the future of audiovisual technology is the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in various industries. VR and AR hardware and software have been around for a while, but they are becoming more sophisticated and accessible than ever before. With the release of consumer-friendly VR headsets and AR-enabled smartphones, these technologies are set to transform the way we consume media and interact with our surroundings. At Vision One, we are already working on providing this as an accessible technology solution for our clients. We believe that this will revolutionise how businesses and schools deliver their presentations, training strategies and workshops.
The Move to 8K Displays
4K displays have been the gold standard for high-resolution displays for a few years now, but 8K displays are starting to hit the market. These displays offer four times the pixel density of 4K, resulting in incredibly sharp and detailed images. While 8K content is still relatively scarce, it’s only a matter of time before movies, TV shows and games are released in this format.
The Deal with Holograms
While we’re yet to master hoverboards and flying cars that the world eagerly awaited after watching ‘Back To The Future’ for the first time, Marty and Doc still managed to hit the mark with a few tech-savvy gadgets and correctly predicted the integration of holographic projection. Hologram projection is a type of visual technology that creates the illusion of three-dimensional images in space and can be used in various applications. With the advancement of holographic technology in recent years, hologram projection has the possibility of revolutionising the way teachers and students interact with content.
Gamification has quickly become a popular buzzword in the education industry. By virtual definition, it is a method of increasing engagement and motivation in non-game contexts by using game-like elements. It is based on the idea that games have a way of motivating people to participate and achieve goals. By incorporating elements such as points, badges, leaderboards and challenges into learning environments, educators can create a more engaging and interactive experience for students.
Gamification has been shown to have numerous benefits in education. For instance, it can improve student motivation, encourage collaboration and foster a sense of competition among students. Additionally, it can make learning more fun and enjoyable, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Audio Visual Hardware for Gamification
Audio visual hardware can play a crucial role in supporting gamification. This hardware can include:
Interactive Touch Screens
Interactive touch screens are a popular audio visual tool in education. They can be used to create interactive and engaging learning environments by allowing students to interact with digital content using touch and pen inputs. In a gamified learning environment, an interactive touch screen can be used to display leaderboards, progress bars and other game-like elements that can help to motivate and engage students.
Gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation can be used to introduce gamification in the classroom. By using educational games that incorporate game-like elements, teachers can create a fun and engaging learning experience that motivates students to participate and achieve their learning goals.
Augmented and Virtual Reality Devices
AR and VR devices can be used to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. By using AR and VR devices in a gamified learning environment, educators can create simulations and scenarios that help students to learn through experimentation and exploration.
Digital Signage
Digital signage can be used to display game-like elements such as leaderboards and progress bars. By displaying this information in a public space, such as a hallway or common area, educators can create a sense of competition and motivate students to participate and achieve their learning goals.
Gamification is a powerful tool that can be used to increase engagement and motivation in the education sector. Audio visual hardware can play a crucial role in supporting gamification and once embraced, educators can create a fun and engaging learning experience that motivates students to surpass their own learning goals and participate in an exciting academic climate.
The team at Vision One is on standby to support educators in their efforts to introduce gamification in the classroom.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic we assembled this note on protecting and cleaning Sennheiser/Neumann microphones and accessories. Especially for vocal and speech recordings, microphones are often used at close proximity to the mouth, possibly also by multiple users.
To reduce the risk of spreading diseases through bacteria and viruses, one or more remedies, explained in detail below, may be used:
ideally, have just one user per microphone (including the accessories)
after or before use, clean all surfaces, i.e. microphone housings, head baskets and accessories
leave the microphone unused for some time period
utilize accessories such as windshields and thin plastic film bags to add protection
Cleaning the microphone housing
For cleaning Sennheiser/Neumann microphone housings from soiling including human exhalations, you may use ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). Used as a disinfectant, typically a 70% solution is used. Apply with a disposable soft cloth, a soft brush or paper tissue. Make sure that the liquid is applied only to the outside of the microphone and does not enter the inside or the capsule.
Do not use rough materials which might scratch the surface. Do not use any solvents stronger than ethanol or isopropanol, as these might damage the surface.
Never use sprays, as these can deposit on the membrane and thus damage the microphone capsule!
Cleaning removable microphone head baskets
With some microphones, the head basket can be easily removed for cleaning. Make sure not to touch or damage the capsule!
With the head baskets containing foam windshields, remove the inner foam and clean it separately as described below.
Metal head baskets can then be cleaned also on the inside with ethanol or isopropanol. You may also immerse the head basket in clean, hot water (e.g. 70°C/160°F). Do not use the dishwasher. Let the basket dry out completely before re-assembly.
To learn a more indepth solution for microphone hygiene, click here!
The following article has been re-posted from shure.com:
Clear communication is at the core of every successful business meeting. Without it, meaningful discussion is compromised, important ideas may need to be repeated and participants become frustrated, leading to a loss of productivity and a negative impact on your bottom line.
But, as companies need increasing agility in the digital age, smart and reliable audio solutions have become a tool to ensure that organizations stay ahead of competitors.
The successful deployment of a microphone or microphone system can play an essential role giving your company a communications edge. Using the right microphone in the correct environment can make an important difference in maximizing the effectiveness of your meetings.
With audio conferencing now increasingly in the IT team’s wheelhouse, this quick guide aims to give your team the confidence to implement flawless audio solutions in a range of corporate environments.
Factors Impacting Audio Quality
From meeting rooms to huddle spaces, it’s important to remember that every meeting scenario offers different and unique challenges. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, some essential factors are universal.
When installing a boardroom microphone and audio solution, professionals need to consider:
Room size
Number of attendees
Seating arrangement
Number of presenters
Presentation style
Looking at these fundamentals will help you make an informed choice about your microphones, and microphone system.
The Boardroom Scenario
Boardrooms typically accommodate between 6 and 30 participants who are usually seated at one large table. Microphones are common in boardrooms, both for teleconferencing and as a means of recording proceedings for archival purposes.
Attention is almost always given to the room’s aesthetics and acoustical characteristics. Room surfaces – ceilings, walls and floors – often benefit from sound treatment materials, panels and furnishings in an attempt to optimize audio by making these spaces less reflective.
Key Issue #1: Room size
In some boardrooms, the greater the number of attendees, the greater the risk of intelligibility issues in certain areas. Speech level fades as the distance between the speaker and listener increases. The negative impact is often heightened when participants fail to face each other when speaking.
In these scenarios, a microphone solution incorporating voice lifttechnology can be very effective. Voice lift, available in most conference systems, amplifies the voices of attendees in one part of the room so other attendees can hear them clearly. It subtly enhances frequency ranges most critical for intelligibility to restore natural speech levels and ensure greater clarity.
Ceiling microphones can work effectively with voice lift applications, but only if they are extremely directional to avoid picking up sounds and subsequent reverberations from nearby loudspeakers. The microphone’s pickup area also needs to focus only on the desired group of talkers, even if participants lean back or stand up when speaking.
Key Issue #2: Security
Often in boardroom meetings, highly sensitive issues are debated or discussed. Security and privacy options are more important than ever before. Look for systems that offer:
Mute conversation
It’s important for a meeting to sound great, but it’s equally important for senior employees and directors to be confident that when they push the mute button, any confidential information is not heard.
Encryption
Encryption is an important security method for video conferencing. As AV conferencing equipment now sits on networks, organizations need assurance that these devices are not open to cybersecurity breaches.
For AV teams, this creates the new challenge of balancing the demand for high security without compromising on audio quality. Whether microphones are wired or wireless, the signal between network audio devices cannot be breached. No one within your facility, even those on your network, can listen to your meetings.
Key Issue #3: Room Acoustics
Room acoustics in the modern meeting environment are far more important than most people realize. Many contemporary spaces feature glass surfaces which are on trend for designers but cause headaches for audio, producing reflections that lead to hollow sound and reduced audio quality.
While applying acoustical treatments and consulting with an acoustics expert can help, microphone choice and placement are also key to overcoming the challenges of a room with hard surfaces. If microphones are aimed accurately, they will pick up less room noise and more of the essential communications required.
Key Issue #4: RF Interference
If you’re located in a city’s downtown area, wireless microphone systems are at risk of RF interference from other wireless equipment. Interruptions from these unwanted signals can ruin dynamic interactions with distracting noise and dropouts.
RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) is defined as an unwanted signal that compromises a sound system by directly interfering with wireless microphones or inducing noise in other audio components. Typical sources include FM radio stations, AM radio stations, walkie-talkies or cell phones. The resulting noise takes the form of unwanted buzzing, noise bursts or even music. If you’re implementing an audio solution in a dense urban location, make sure to evaluate the capabilities of microphones in combating these unwanted distractions.
Shure Microphone Solutions
In its nearly 100 year history, Shure has emerged as a global leader in pro audio, known for its game-changing engineering as well as its unassailable reputation for quality and reliability. Those attributes are present in Shure’s wide spectrum of meeting, discussion and boardroom solutions.
If a table has many meeting participants or is of an unconventional size, then end users might prefer the microphone to be elsewhere for less office clutter and better audio quality. In this case, Shure’s MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone is a great solution. It works effectively whether the boardroom setting is fixed, temporary or multi-purpose. The Shure MXA910 with Intellimix® features state-of-the-art DSP technology that works intuitively to provide the best audio experience possible.
Microflex Wireless offers greater versatility and more effective audio without the need for excess equipment clutter in the form of wires or plugs. It offers security from interference in corporate environment and larger meeting spaces. The MXWAPT8 Access Point Receiver is an 8-channel wireless access point compatible with Microflex Wireless microphone systems. It works well within the corporate environment as the supplied mounting plate and paintable cover allows discreet placement in boardrooms.
Directional and wireless microphones from the Microflex Complete Digital Conference System offer a variety of potential options for professionals all with a focus on delivering scalable world class audio within your meeting environments.
Flexible for Room Sizes and Types
Camera Tracking
Camera tracking technology, also when used with the MXA910, can elevate your boardroom meeting, especially for larger gatherings. Multiple cameras will enable external viewers to see different angles and views of participants. Because the MXA910 quickly and reliably selects the right lobe for any talker, the camera tracking system always shows the appropriate view. When used in combination with a voice lift system, the pickup lobes of the MXA910 can be easily adjusted to precisely match a room’s configuration and capture audio from the desired coverage areas.
Confidential Conversation
The Shure P300 Audio Conferencing Processor’s Mute Sync feature can be used in tandem with the MXA910. This intuitive, programming-free LED mute sync functionality works with leading third-party software codecs including Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Skype and guarantees security is maintained so sensitive conversations can remain offline.
Shure Audio Encryption offers protection against any data breaches when used with the IntelliMix P300 Audio Conferencing Processor or Shure Audio Network Interfaces.
The network uses AES-256 encryption to protect confidential content flowing between Shure audio devices. This is one of the safest forms of network protection currently available and used by financial services organizations, government bodies and health care services
Take Control
Not that long ago, end users had to adapt to the demands of technology. But now, audio solutions are so advanced, they can adapt to each situation and be tailored to how you like to do business. It means you’re now free to stop worrying about audio quality and focus on what you do best: communicating clearly with clients and customers to drive your organization’s success.
Crestron touch screens are found almost everywhere: work, home, colleges and government offices. Given the current situation facing Crestron global customers, we wanted to provide simple steps on how to clean and disinfect Crestron touch screens to help protect the people who use them.
Keeping our customers and their families safe from the transmission of COVID-19 is our first priority. Per the CDC recommendations, frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces is important.*
To clean Crestron touch screens
Use any commercially available non-ammonia glass or disinfectant cleaner.
Apply a small amount of cleaner directly to a microfiber or a similar disposable towel or cloth-be sure the cloth is damp and not wet.
Wipe the glass touch screen clean.
Do not apply cleaner directly to any interface (as most of our systems are not waterproof). And do not wipe the plastic surrounding the glass.
Our goal is to make sure we’re doing all we can to keep our customers and their families safe. For more information and updates on approved cleaners check our online help article here.
Here is a list of Web-based lessons, activities, and games for literacy that you can use in your classroom. These great FREE resources are perfect whether you just got your interactive board or have had it for years.
This site provides several games that allow students to practice vocabulary and rhyming while learning words having to do with places around a community.
Primary students love the interactive stories on this site as well as the interactive word work games like Make a Word and Sound Match. These are great to use as center activities or in whole class lessons.
Here is an attention-getting way to have your students write more interesting biographies. They click around and add content, like their biggest obstacle and a famous quote, to each side of the cube. A bonus is that the activity prints so that it can be folded to create a real cube.
In this interactive game, students learn about doubling the letter or changing the y when adding an ending to a word. Students need to decide which fishing pole correctly spells the word made from the given base word.
After reading favorite books, students can complete interactive activities based on them, creating a Because of Winn-Dixiescrapbook, for instance, or going on a Holes treasure hunt.
Have students play archery as they use the meaning of the Greek root to identify the definition of a word. You can use this as your lesson on Greek roots and have whole class discussions as students play on the whiteboard.
Those tricky homophones can be explored through this matching game. Try playing as a class, having students come up with sentences that correctly use the word as you click through the game.
Students love clicking the handle and spinning the story starter machine. They giggle at the silly writing prompts while they find their desired one. Then they write creative stories to share with the class.
Projecting your iPad on a large screen is great for demonstrations, simulations, explanations, and showing examples. There are several ways this can be done in the classroom. Scroll to the end of this post for a comparison chart.
Put your device under a camera connected to a projector. Glare may be a problem. Your audience can see your fingers.. Search Amazon for document cameras.
If you want to wirelessly transmit your device’s screen and audio so that you or your students can walk around the room, then it gets more complicated. You’ll tap into Apple’s AirPlay feature that is built into all iPad 2s and newer, including iPad mini. AirPlay works over Wi-Fi and requires all devices using it to be on the same network (unless you’re using the newest Apple TV and iOS 8–then you can use a peer-to-peer connection or if you’re using Mirroring360).
Apple TV is a small black box that can connect to a projector. iPad can mirror wirelessly to Apple TV using AirPlay. Apple TV only outputs HDMI. Your projector might not have HDMI input. If that’s the case, you’ll need an HDMI to VGA adapter like the Kanex ATVPRO. Read more about Apple TV in classrooms.
If you already have a computer connected to your projector, you should look into using software to turn that Mac or Windows PC into an AirPlay receiver. You can download and try for free AirServer, Annotate Mirror Client, iTools, Mirroring360, Reflector 2, or X-Mirage. The software runs on your computer and allows devices to mirror iPad to the computer screen. Since the computer is connected to a projector, then the iPad shows on the projector. I’ve written lots more about both AirServer and Reflector.
In my visits to various schools, I’d say that Apple TV, AirServer, Reflector, and X-Mirage work about 50% of the time. That’s because AirPlay requires the device and the computer or Apple TV to be on the same network (unless you’re using the newest Apple TV and iOS 8). Often schools have different networks for mobile devices and for PCs so AirPlay won’t work. Also, AirPlay requires specific ports to be open on the network for Bonjour (and frequently they are not configured to be open).
Mirroring360 has a feature called Mirroring Assist. It can work without the need to open ports for Bonjour. That means Mirroring360 can work on your school’s network, even when other AirPlay solutions do not. Another feature of Mirroring Assist is the option to turn off the broadcasting of your computer on AirPlay. Instead, devices can be paired with your Mac or PC via a QR code. This is a very welcome feature in schools with long lists of computers under the AirPlay menu.
Even if your network allows for AirPlay connections, it also needs to be reliable. Many teachers experience slow and dropped AirPlay connections, which can make mirroring a frustrating experience. It’s a good thing there are free trials of each of the software mirroring solutions so you can test your school’s setup before purchasing.
If your Wi-Fi network won’t cooperate with AirPlay, you should check out iTools. It’s free software for Windows PCs that will mirror to a computer using your device’s charge/sync cable. iTools Live Desktop feature is buggy and might not work on your computer, and there is no help documentation.
After upgrading to to OS X 10.10 Yosemite, Mac users can mirror their iPad’s screen using a Lightning cable. iPad will show up as a camera source in QuickTime.
When you mirror your screen, it’s a great opportunity to use your iPad as a document camera! You’ll want to buy or rig up some sort of stand to use iPad as a visualizer. I wrote about the Justand v2 and other options in this post, including apps that let you draw and annotate over the image.
I maintain a chart that compares the methods of displaying iPad’s screen on a projector. Click the image below to download the PDF.
The integration of technology in education can often offer a strenuous challenge for some adopters. The above graphic illustration outlines 8 things to look for in today’s classroom, paying close attention to the impact that various technologies have on classroom learning.
Connect directly from your device to a projector’s video cable. Click to find out which of the four possible adapters is the one you need.