Audio Innovations, Cybersecurity Enhancements, and Data Analytics Highlights from InfoComm 2025 featuring Axis Communications
New and Improved InfoComm 2025 is Almost Here!
Gear up, folks! InfoComm 2025 is just a few days away, returning to the Orange County Convention Center on June 7 (exhibits open June 11). In anticipation, we caught up with several exhibitors to discuss trends, tech, inspiration, and exclusive sneak peeks of what they'll be exhibiting in their booths.
Let's dive into Chris Wildfoerster, Program Manager for Audio Solutions at Axis Communications, who shares a focus on audio, cybersecurity, and analytics.
SCN: What's the meat of the matter at Axis Communications' booth this year?
Chris Wildfoerster: We're super excited to unveil our expanded audio portfolio. This includes our new AXIS C17 Network Display Speaker Series and AXIS D4200-VE Network Strobe Speaker, alongside a range of IP audio devices.
The AXIS C1710 and AXIS C1720 Network Display Speakers are game-changers for public address and mass communication. Featuring audio and text display messages with optional strobe lights, they offer a versatile solution for a multitude of needs. We're also debuting the AXIS D4200-VE Network Strobe Speaker, perfect for both indoor and outdoor installations. With advanced nine LED light color options and 22 programming options, this strobe speaker sets itself apart from the competition. It also provides two-way hands-free communication and a jaw-dropping 102dB audio output.
SCN: What will be the talk of the town at InfoComm 2025?
CW: Well, I reckon you'll hear analytics and cybersecurity echoing throughout the convention center. With their undeniable value and endless possibilities, analytics are on everyone's mind these days. While the excitement around data-driven insights continues, the concern over cybersecurity has been growing, as people are keen on protecting their systems from cyber threats.
To cater to this growing demand for analytics, many of Axis Communications' products come equipped with pre-installed analytics capabilities. Our academy has even developed trainings specifically designed to introduce analytics and their use cases. Make sure you swing by for our Manufacturer's Training Session on AXIS Object Analytics on June 11 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Security is our top priority. A wide range of our products are FIPS 140 certified, and we provide robust cybersecurity features, including encryption, regular firmware updates, hardening guides, and cybersecurity services.
SCN: What gets your blood pumping about InfoComm?
CW: I've been attending InfoComm for years, and it always manages to both personally and professionally ignite my imagination. From system integrators searching for the latest solutions to better their businesses, to end users from various sectors exploring new tech to enhance their operations, to consultants hungry for industry trends, and students eager to break into the field, the caliber of attendees is always phenomenal. The highlight? Witnessing cutting-edge new technologies and seeing what lies ahead for our industry. I'm particularly looking forward to showcasing the latest advancements in our network audio portfolio and demonstrating how Axis products deliver a seamless solution.
SCN: How's Power over Ethernet (PoE) been the secret weapon for audio installations?
CW: In the time I've been going to InfoComm, I've witnessed network-based audio taking off. While analog systems are still hanging around, there's a steady shift towards PoE switches and IP audio devices. Given that most businesses already have a network infrastructure in place, leveraging it for audio saves resources and increases flexibility, scalability, and reliability. Network-based audio offers remote programming, health monitoring, and easy integration with building management systems, which is crucial for security and mass communications. It's also eco-friendly and includes robust cybersecurity features. As the next generation of industry professionals becomes more comfortable with network-based audio, they're expecting cybersecurity features as standard.
- At Axis Communications' booth, they will showcase an expanded audio portfolio, including new products like the AXIS C17 Network Display Speaker Series and the AXIS D4200-VE Network Strobe Speaker.
- Analytics and cybersecurity are expected to be the major topics discussed at InfoComm 2025, with the infrastructure industry increasingly focusing on finding ways to protect their systems from cyber threats, and using data-driven insights more extensively.
- Chris Wildfoerster, Program Manager for Audio Solutions at Axis Communications, mentioned that InfoComm ignites his imagination and renews his excitement for the industry, as it brings together a diverse group of attendees.
- Network-based audio installations have gained popularity at InfoComm, with more businesses opting for PoE switches and IP audio devices, as they provide advantages like resource savings, increased flexibility, scalability, and reliability.
- The development of network-based audio solutions comes with its own set of challenges, as the younger generation of professionals joining the industry seeks robust cybersecurity features as standard, along with eco-friendliness and remote management capabilities.
