Welcome to the Catalyst Distributor Spotlight. Here we would like to shed some light on our awesome distributors who always go the extra mile. This month we talk to Audio Video Warehouse out of Scottsdale, AZ and Las Vegas, NV.

What is the name of your company, and what do you do?
The Audio Video Warehouse. We are a value-added distributor of audio, video, security and IT products.
 
Where are you located?
The Audio Video Warehouse has branches in Scottsdale, AZ, and Las Vegas, NV.
 
How did you get your start in audio-video distribution? 
We started as Innovative Consulting and Marketing, a manufacturers rep group. We were one of the original Zenith television reps back in 2001. When LG bought Zenith, they requested their reps to start distributing the product and we set up a separate distribution company. Over time, many other manufacturers decided they did not want the administration and credit risk that doing business with smaller dealers required. We have grown from there.
 
How are you different than other CE distributors?
Because we started as manufacturers reps, we start by understanding the customers' needs and then offer them products that fit those needs.  We are more active on the sales side that the typical distributor because we have more people outside.  We do not try to be everything to everybody.  We leave that to the big national distributors.  Instead, we focus on high-value products and know them inside and out.  AVPro Edge is a perfect example of this.  All of our staff know the products very well and can design, install and support them.
 
You seem to have very specific offerings as far the brands you carry, what is that a brand selection process like?
We are very specific in the brands we distribute.  We do not want to carry the same lines as every other distributor.  We like to distribute top brands that are enhanced by education and training.

What makes your company stand out from others?
AVW spends a lot of time in pre-sales with the customers and we also do things like job walks, delivery and training.  We back that up with outstanding support and a customer first mentality.
 
Where do you see the industry going over the next 3 years?
We see the industry becoming more and more cloud based over the next few years.  Control systems will become more commoditized and the sub systems will be much more integrated.  The trend will be toward a secure, energy efficient home with the proper IT infrastructure in place.  It will be easy to add on ancillary products from there.  
 
How does this industry look 10 years from now from the distributors perspective? 
There will always be a place for the giant low priced commodity distributors and there will always be a place for specialty distributors.  The distributors that are stuck in the middle will have a tough time of it.  People like to buy from people they know, like and trust.  So, we will always have a place in the distribution landscape.
 
What steps have you taken to ensure safe and continued business during the COVID19 pandemic? 
OCD type cleanliness, wearing of masks and distancing.
 
What are your goals over the next 5 years?
Our goal is to continue adding value to the products we sell, deepening relationships with our vendor partners and integrators and to continue to grow.  
 
What is a common issue you find in Audio Video Distribution, and how do you overcome it as a distributor?
Most distributors have too many lines to know everything about each product they sell.  We prefer to have fewer products and know them intimately. We also try to out educate and train the other distributors in our territory.  ​

AVPro Edge, Bullet Train Cables and Murideo Test and Measurement Equipment can be purchased through Audio Video Warehouse. For more information please visit www.av-warehouse.com/ or call 480-443-1134 (Scottsdale) or 702-364-1134 (Las Vegas).

Thank you to AV Warehouse for being a great AVPro Partner!

Check out AVPro's own Jason Dustal and John Tumbleson as they walk through setting up an AVPro Edge Matrix switch with the web GUI.

If you have any questions about accessing the Web GUI on your AVPro Edge Matrix, don't hesitate to give us a call at 877-886-5112!

Let's take a look at how using Bullet Train AOC HDMI cables can give you signal infrastructure useable for decades beyond our current technology limitations.

What is an AOC HDMI cable?
We all know what HDMI cables are. It's how we distribute today's audio-video signals. You can find them on the back of any tv, computer monitor, projector, gaming console, satellite receiver, and many other consumer electronics. What a lot of people don't know is that HDMI comes with length restrictions. It's easy to send an HDMI signal a few feet, but how do you go 100 feet? HDMI cables can be very unreliable at that length, there just isn't a way to send that type of high bandwidth signal over copper wires at that distance. 
 
The solution is to send those same signals, not over copper wiring, but over fiber optics. HDMI cables that use fiber optics are called Active Optical Cables, or AOC. An AOC cable converts the audio-video signal from copper to Optical, then back to copper on the other side. 
 
Using this AOC technology allows integrators to send HDMI signals much farther, even over 300 meters!

​What is the Bullet Train AOC Advantage?
What sets Bullet Train AOC apart is the type of fiber optics we use inside our cables. We use Cleerline SSF technology. They create a type of fiber that is safe and easy to terminate down the road. You can use Cleerline fiber for audio-video, but also any type of signal distribution; networking, telecommunications, audio-only, security, and more. 
 
That means if you pulled a Bullet Train AOC cable through a wall and ended up not needing HDMI, or maybe ten years down the road HDMI is phased out, you could cut the HDMI heads of both ends and find four strands of SSF fiber optics that you could terminate into an LC or SC end. Now you can use these communication channels to extend your wi-fi or expand your network. If it's down the road where A/V signals are too big for traditional HDMI, no problem, fiber optics supports over 100Gbps of data, and we are currently only using a measly 18Gbps. 

About Cleerline SSF Fiber Optics
Cleerline Technology Group continually strives to improve all forms of fiber optic technology, from the glass itself to the tools and accessories that are utilized in the process of termination. From the largest data centers to your office desktop connection, and now to your home's TV, Cleerline SSF is redefining fiber connectivity. Visit ​www.cleerlinefiber.com for more information.

The AVPro Employee Highlight section is a way for you to get to know our AVPro Family. Let's get to know Debbi!

What is your Name and your role at AVPro Global Holdings?
 
My name is Debbi Selken and I am the Accounts Receivable Specialist here at AVPro
 
Whats you favorite Color? 
My favorite color is yellow. It reminds me of happiness, sunshine and my favorite flower sunflower
 
Whats your favorite food?
Honestly, I love all foods. But if I had to narrow it down to one it would be seafood
 
What do you like about working at AVPro?
AVPro is a team, a family. I have the best co workers and bosses anyone could ever ask for. All our personalities mesh perfectly. We all get along and I do not know one employee that does not enjoy coming to work. We have a great time at work and out of work together.  Each department has tasks to do throughout the day, but during these day to day tasks, we are ONE TEAM.  I get to work side by side with the best sales team, tech team and shipping team. 
 
From your point of view, how is AVPro different from other places you worked?
AVPro actually listens to their customers and uses that to make our products even better. AVPro takes care of their employees. Like I expressed previously, We are a TEAM, We are FAMILY. 

What has been your best “moment” since working with AVPro?
I don't know that it's an actually moment. But watching the business grow as a whole has been amazing. I started off in shipping and receiving and now I am the accounts receivable specialist. I still work right along with the shipping team, sales team and our tech team. So that itself is great. 
 
AVPro operates out of South Dakota, what the best and worst part of living in the mid-west?
I grew up in San Diego and moved to the mid-west in 2003. A huge change to say the least.  My commute to work was bumper to bumper on the freeway, that sometimes took up to 2 hours. Lots of accidents and smog.  I now commute from Iowa to South Dakota, 42 miles from my driveway to the office. The best part it is all country, I get to see corn fields grow through the summer and in fall watch the farmers chop them.  Watching the four seasons is such a blessing. Crisp spring mornings, hot summer nights, watching the trees and plants change into beautiful fall colors and to wake up on Christmas day and have actual snow is so beautiful.  
 
If I had to pick a worst part it would be the cold winters only because I am a summer person and enjoy being next to water. The snow is beautiful but scooping it and driving in it is not always fun. 
 
What is your favorite Consumer Electronic?
The camera, I get to take pictures of moments in life that can be captured for ever. 

AVPro Edge will be showing a new product sneak peek every single day at 2:00 pm central time. We will show off the soon to be released MX Net (AV over IP), Axion (upscale modular matrix switching), USB Extension, and much more. 

​We will be giving away a Fox & Hound to one lucky winner, then give away an SC2 scaler each day (three total). All you have to do to win is sign up at our website for the product giveaway. You will also find everything we are doing for CEDIA and recordings of new product sneak peek!

Register on our CEDIA webpage today!

HDMI 2.1 is Here, Let's Talk About It
​September 15 at 10:00 AM CST
By Matt Murray
 
The HDMI 2.1 Specification was released in 2017, but not until this year have we seen consumer products start carrying these specifications. With the release of the 8k displays and soon to come sources with the PS5 and XBOX series X, integrators will need to understand how and why to work with these products in whole-home distribution. In the session, Matt Murray will cover what we will see over the next few years with eARC, FRL, VRR, HDR, HFR, and many other acronyms that haven’t even been invented yet! (60 Minutes) Register

​An Installers Guide to HDBaseT
September 16 at 10:00 AM CST
By John Tumbleson
 
HDBaseT is used every single day for HDMI extension and audio video distribution. In this educational event, John Tumbleson(AVPro, Apple, On Controls)will go through best practices, how the technology works, and why integrators worldwide chose HDBaseT. From the HDBaseT 10 commandants to bandwidth limitations, solutions for compression, and uncompressed options, John will keep your knowledge cup full. (60 Minutes) Register

 An Introduction to CEB28
September 16 at 2:00 PM CST
By Jason Dustal
 
The CEDIA document that will standardized home theaters for video is near completion right now. In this session, Jason (who is a part of the board developing this document) will give the people a high-level overview of what the document is, what it represents, and what it covers. He will discuss how integrators can use this document to provide their clients with the very best image quality possible. Make sure you register today! (60 Minutes) Register

​Fiber Optics in Audio/Video
September 17 at 10:00 AM CST
By Jason Dustal
 
Bandwidth, Bandwidth, Bandwidth…That is the name of the game in data transfers, and audio video is seeing data rates higher than almost any other consumer industry. How do we handle all this data? How can we deal with HDR, 8k, Dolby Atmos, and other imaging technology advancements that increase the amount of data that needs to be sent? The answer to massive data transfer is fiber optics. In this training event Jason Dustal (ISF, Best Buy, Google, AVPro) will talk about the future of audio video distribution: Fiber optics. (60 Minutes) Register

Check out AVPro's latest Case Study on how three Sioux Falls small businesses worked together to deliver an exceptional experience for all.

​AVPro, Home Definition, and kRav'N Bar & Grill, all located in Sioux Falls, SD helped make this hot spot the go to entertaining space for UFC, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB fans to come and support their team and dine on delicious food and drink.

Download the Case Study below!

The AVPro team is proud to serve in our community of Sioux Falls, SD. Our own Stefan Tonjes is a great example. We asked Stefan a few questions about his volunteer role at the Special Olympics:

How long have you volunteered for the Special Olympics?

• I have volunteered for the past seven years

What events do you attend/help with?

• I coach basketball in the winter and softball in the summer
  

How many participants do you work with?

• My teams usually have about 10 participants and there are hundreds of participants city wide
  

Why do you like volunteering for the Special Olympics

• I love working with Special Olympics because they have the most optimistic outlook on life. Even times they are having bad day it doesn’t take much effort to turn their attitude around. The kids are always appreciative of what we as coaches do and will always ask where I was and what I was doing if I cant make an event. They always remind me by their actions, words and deeds that your attitude on life is a choice and to always strive to make the best of it.

Thanks Stefan for volunteering your time to help the community! To learn more about the South Dakota Special Olympics, please visit https://sosd.org/home.html!

Baker's Corner is an all new addition to the AVPro Newsletter from our very own Steve Baker!

I hope everyone is staying safe and cool! It's certainly heating up in much of the west (it certainly is in NorCal). This month I want to take a closer look at a product we just introduced - the AC-CX84-AUHD. This brand new switch was designed as part of our ConferX commercial product line-up and is a stand-out product for many commercial applications, however it's also finding a home in residential applications right out of the gate for some very good reasons. While centralized video applications are a primary application for matrix switches, home theater is a category where we see many switches specified. Many of you are familiar with our AC-MX42-AUHD and AC-MX82-AUHD switches. The most popular application for both is the increasingly common scenario where the internal video switching of the system's AVR or preamplifier is just not up to the task of switching the high-bandwidth 4K signals we are seeing now. The new CX84 takes that concept a couple of steps further.

​This switch has several unique aspects that set it apart from our other offerings;

1. Two HDBaseT inputs as well as two HDBaseT outputs. The inputs are very handy for remote sources such as bedroom blu-ray players, laptops, NVR's etc. and are compatible with both our stand-alone transmitters and our line of wall plates. The two outputs can be used for longer runs without the need for bulky exterior transmitters.
   
   
2. Eight inputs. Eight inputs can come in handy in a theater setting - DTV, blu-ray, AppleTV, Roku, X-Box, Playstation, Kaleidescape and cameras are just some of the common sources. A USB-C wall plate in the theater is becoming a popular request to accommodate a laptop input.
   
   
3. Four outputs. In many cases you'll need an output for a flat panel display, one for a projector and one for a feed to the audio system. With four you can accommodate those items and still have an extra output. 
   ​
   
4. Quick Switch. With this switch we have introduced a new feature that will be welcomed by your customers - Quick Switch. Switching time between sources has been reduced to less than 3 seconds for 4K and less than 2 seconds for 1080p. That's fast.

As with the vast majority of our other switches the AC-CX84-AUHD offers full 18Gbps bandwidth and can process all forms of HDR and all popular audio formats. Drivers are available for all major control platforms. At a full $1,700 MSRP less than our standard 8x8 HDMI switch and a whopping $6,200 less than our 8x8 HDBT switch it's the perfect solution for theaters, smaller distributed systems and many commercial applications. Below you'll find some sample residential configurations. It's in stock and shipping now, feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Conferx introduces a new switching solution with a variety of input and output options including HDBaseT, HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort.
 
Sioux Falls, SD – AVPro Edge, an AVPro Global Holdings company, has added another new product to the ConferX line of classroom/conference room solutions with the AC-CXMF62-AUHD matrix switch. ConferX offers sleekly designed solutions specially built for the commercial installer. This matrix comes with everything you expect from AVPro Edge; military grade stability, a 10-year warranty and strong engineering practices.
 
The AC-CXMF62-AUHD is a six input, two output matrix switcher with VGA, HDBaseT, HDMI, and DisplayPort video inputs and HDMI and HDBaseT outputs. This 4K switch can display any of the six sources through both the HDBaseT and HDMI output port. Each of which are independent of each other allowing the user to show two sources at the same time. With additional audio inputs and outputs, this product also works with microphone or intercom systems. The AC-CXMF62-AUHD works seamlessly with the rest of the ConferX line-up and gives any end user a simplified experience for sharing ideas inside a classroom, conference room or huddle space.
 
Jeff Murray, CEO of AVPro Global, stated, “The strongest feature of this 6x2 is the internal scaling, allowing your system to play nicely with resolutions coming from your oldest VGA computers and your newest Modern laptops or tablets. At the same time, users can switch between sources with remarkable quickness.”
 
For more information or to purchase any of the ConferX products, please contact AVPro Edge at 877-886-5112 or visit www.AVProEdge.com/ConferX.
 
About AVPro Edge
AVPro Edge was founded and is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. An AVPro Global Holdings company, AVPro Edge diligently develops and manufactures connectivity products designed to provide integrators with the tools they need to get their jobs done. As a full adopter of HDMI, HDBaseT and HDCP, AVPro Edge provides the quality products integrators deserve. Our engineers regularly work with these organizations and chip manufacturers to ensure the very best and capable products come to market. For more information, visit www.avproedge.com or call (877) 886-5112.

AVPro Edge’s latest extender allows for bi-directional ARC extension.
 
Sioux Falls, SD – AVPro Edge, an AVPro Global Holdings company, is proud to announce an addition to an already extensive line-up of HDMI extension products with the AC-EX70-UHD-ARC. This transmitter and receiver kit comes with everything you expect from AVPro Edge; military grade stability, a 10-year warranty and strong engineering practices.
 
The AC-EX70-UHD-ARC consists of a transmitter and receiver which connect via single CAT-5e/6a/7 UTP/STP. This allows for sending HDMI signals up to 70 meters at 1080p and up to 40 meters at 4K60 4:2:0, 4K30 4:4:4. This extender solves commercial and residential market problems for distributing high-value 4K UHD content from rack to display with the additional ability to send an audio signal bi-directionally through HDMI's Audio Return Channel (ARC). ARC allows installers to deliver local audio from internal smart tv apps like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ back to a rack, then distribute the signals through amplifiers for enhanced audio experiences.
 
Matt Murray, CTO of AVPro Global, stated, “We took our best-selling extender and added two features requested by integrators; Audio Return Channel and EDID management. A large part of our product development cycle is spent on listening to integrator feedback and quickly making the changes they wish to see. The AC-EX70-UHD-ARC is a perfect example of that.”
 
For more information or to purchase the AC-EX70-UHD-ARC, please contact AVPro Edge at 877-886-5112 or visit www.AVProEdge.com/AC-EX70-UHD-ARC.
 
About AVPro Edge
AVPro Edge was founded and is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. An AVPro Global Holdings company, AVPro Edge diligently develops and manufactures connectivity products designed to provide integrators with the tools they need to get their jobs done. As a full adopter of HDMI, HDBaseT and HDCP, AVPro Edge provides the quality products integrators deserve. Our engineers regularly work with these organizations and chip manufacturers to ensure the very best and capable products come to market. For more information, visit www.avproedge.com or call (877) 886-5112.

Press Contact: 605-782-2471

​Never run out of inputs again! With the AC-CX84-AUHD matrix switcher from AVPro Edge you will be dominating 4K signals from any modern laptop with ease. 
 
Eight total inputs, four total outputs, an extra audio-only input; this is the matrix switcher that solves the situation where the 4x2 or 6x2 just won’t be enough. We hunted down the most powerful and stable components available when building this unit, ensuring long-lasting 4K signaling for years to come.
 
Let’s take a look at a couple of ways an integrator can utilize this switch to benefit classrooms and conference rooms around the world:

Four Individual Classrooms
​
In the diagram below, you will see a four-zone system where every component is centrally located into a rack system. This unit has dual HDBaseT input ports, giving the integrator the ability to connect sources that are not centrally located. With the addition of two ConferX Wall Plate kits, we can now have sources connected remotely throughout each zone. 

Impactful 4k Signaling and Switching
​
In this museum, you can see how controlling four independent zones while maintaining an optimized picture can enhance the experience of any user exploring the museum, adding to the overall professional quality of the exhibit. 

Lobby
​
With this matrix switcher, you can show different sources on four independently controllable displays, selecting which audio source to play throughout the system. This audio comes from the de-embedded audio port. If the receptionist talks into the mic, the sound will duck down and allow the microphone to be heard. 

Dual Zones, A conference room, and huddle space
​
Here we have a side by side dual zone setup that has multiple displays in each zone. With this switch you can lock output 1 and 2, as well as 3 and 4 together, so you have mirrored images if needed. 

 
No matter how you shake it, this matrix switcher will be your new go-to solution for all sorts of professional video distribution systems where you need 4K distribution and room to fit additional sources. Learn more about the full ConferX line-up here.

​We have all been there, watching a presentation or PowerPoint, and the presenter puts up a detailed spreadsheet trying to show data, but no one can decipher what’s on-screen. The words are hard to see, everything is pixelated or too small, and you can’t concentrate on what is being said because you are too distracted by the poor quality of the presentation. It’s not a good place to be in, and as Audio Video experts, we need to set ourselves and our clients up for success.
 
This common problem has a simple solution, optimize your picture to show the best picture possible. Seems simple, but how do we do that?

Steps to optimizing your presentation system:
 
Step 1: Make sure you are starting with the best possible picture quality.
 
Set your source to output the highest quality image, this could include:

• Changing an internal setting on a computer
• Using EDID management to optimize the signaling coming from the source
• 4k 60hz refresh rate (4:4:4) 8-bit color is the most optimized signal available. The closer to this signal, the better.

 
Step 2: Make sure all your distribution components can handle the signals the sources are going to deliver
 
This means you need to test your infrastructure with high-resolution / high-bandwidth video. Ensure you have selected quality components and products to distribute your video signal. Some things to note:

• Don't use wireless video distribution
• Use stable equipment ready for high bandwidths 
• Use solid connection points for the video sources

 
Step 3: Make sure your room isn’t going to draw the listener away from the presentation space.
 
Set the room up for success:

• Assure seating is not too far from the display
• Follow AVIXA standard for display/screen location and size
• Allow lighting control for projector systems

​Using quality products and AVIXA standards allows you to deliver a successful presentation that can capture someone’s attention and hold it. Clearly displaying the content should be the most straightforward tip you could give, unfortunately, if you have ever been on the receiving side of a presentation that is rarely that case. 

​Go the extra mile and make sure your next installation that includes a presentation area is installed to perfection. 

​AVPro Edge has a product line that perfectly fits this application, allowing you to send crisp 4K signals from computers, laptops, and even phones to large-scale, clear presentation spaces. ConferX is an expandable and interoperable solution that allows integrators to use these products in different variations to fit their install. 

The ConferX system includes connection points, signal switching system backbones, and receivers to decode signals at the display or projector. You can find the entire list of products here: www.avproedge.com/conferx
 
If you need help putting together your next design, don’t hesitate to utilize our team. We have professionals standing by that all specialize in high bandwidth audio-video signaling. ​

How are you different than other CE distributors?
When you purchase from BlackWire, you also receive unmatched customer support and extensive product knowledge. We are former technicians who have spent many hours in the field. Our goal is to provide not just a product, but a service to both residential and commercial dealers to ensure their installs goes smoothly.
 
In addition, BlackWire aggressively pursues software integration with nearly every product we offer. If there is not a driver available, we develop one for the industry. We also like to make sure integrators never go hungry on the job site by offering snacks with every shipment.
 
You seem to have very specific offerings as far the brands you carry, what is that a brand selection process like for BlackWire?
Our team monitors feedback that we receive from dealers working in the field, and use that information to source best-in-class products. We then thoroughly test all devices before we consider offering them to ensure we are recommending a high-quality product. If there is a need for additional instructions or integrations, we develop and provide those. We are proud to offer some of the best, premium brands found in the market.

Support seems to play an important role for BlackWire, not many distributors do tech support, how did this come to be?
We were founded by integrators, for integrators. We know what they need in the field and are familiar with the day-to-day job site pressures they face. Our goal is to ensure dealers are able to quickly and efficiently install the products we sell. We accomplish this by shipping products with the latest firmware updates, provide project-specific documentation, and label complicated systems for a plug-and-play install. We also offer free overnight and express saver shipping on AVPro Edge products, ensuring that dealers have what they need exactly when they need it.

​BlackWire backs up what we sell with superior support, including after-hours and weekends. We want to make sure a dealer is able to resolve an issue and is not left high and dry on the job site.

Where do you see the industry going over the next 3 years?
Because of COVID, we believe there is going to be a convergence of residential and commercial work here in the States. We’ve seen many dealers on the commercial side branching into residential and vice versa. In response, we have tried to bring on more product lines to better support both types of dealers.
 
How does this industry look 10 years from now from the value-added distributors perspective?
In 10 years, there will be a more cohesive ecosystem between A/V products and smart home technologies that is built directly into the home instead of added later. It will be our job to monitor this progress and provide the best products and support for our dealers during this transition.

AVPro Edge, Bullet Train Cables and Murideo Test and Measurement Equipment can be purchased nationwide through BlackWire. For more information please visit www.blackwiredesigns.com or call 888-316-8921.

Thank you to BlackWire for being a great AVPro Partner!