The Best of Show awards at the 2023 NAB Show recognize innovation and excellence in professional AV products. Entries are evaluated and winners are chosen on site at the NAB Show from among submitted products.
TV Pro Gear Solar-Powered News Van
TV Pro Gear uses bonded cellular technology to construct news vans that do not require satellite uplinks or microwave transmitters. These vans use solar cells on the roof and large lithium-ion batteries to power the equipment. The transmission is done through bonded cellular technology, allowing for faster and more cost-effective transmission of video signals. From the judges: “As more and more users adopt electric vehicles for their personal use it is exciting to see TV Pro Gear bringing EV to the mobile production vehicle. I really appreciate the way they shed the weight of traditional satellite gear by using bonded cellular and it’s a nice touch to have the 70″ display inside the truck for a digital background to really provide a variety of options for the studio producers.”
AJA Dante AV 4K-T and 4K-R
These transmitter/receiver converters harness Audinate Dante AV Ultra to enable transport and control of 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/VESA Dante video and audio to/from 12G-SDI or HDMI 2.0 devices over a 1 GigE Dante AV network and can be managed using the popular Dante Controller software. Building on AJA’s OG-DANTE-12GAM 12G-SDI/Dante 64-channel audio embedder/disembedder, these new devices ensure—among other benefits—perfect lip sync. From the judges: “AJA’s Dante AV 4K-T 1-Gig strategy for distributing 4k video using the AV Ultra high image standard quality solution for standard 1 GigE networks is a winner. The ability to deploy and route video across existing networks using flexible but robust hardware at this price point is super appealing.”
Epiphan Pearl Family
This family of rugged all-in-one video production systems includes Pearl-2, Mini, and Nano; all support stream, record, encode, and live switch. All are HETMA-approved and integrate with Kaltura, Panopto, and YuJa video platforms, as well as virtually every piece of hardware, from cameras to microphones to room controls to operating systems. Signal support for HDMI, SDI, NDI, or SRT, and cloud. From the judges: “A tiny powerhouse and the prized gem of mobile production and lecture capture devices.”
Shure UniPlex Cardioid Lavalier Microphone
This 5mm subminiature cardioid lavalier microphone is an ideal, discrete solution for speaking applications where rejection of stage noise, an audience, and close-proximity presenters is pivotal to conveying the message. The UL4 unidirectional lavalier microphone delivers excellent, isolated audio capture, minimizing feedback with its custom-tuned cardioid element, offering the performance of large lapel mics in a significantly smaller design. From the judges: “The aesthetic UniPlex design and production-friendly cardioid pattern ensure that your talent is heard and those off-camera are not. It’s exciting to see Shure continue to bring to market new and improved tools to maximize the value of their legendary wireless product lines.”
BZBGEAR BG-ADAMO-4K
This auto-tracking camera family supports 4K@60Hz over HDMI and 12G-SDI connections, simplifying long-distance cable runs including for applications of NDI|HX 3 and Dante AV-H, as well as USB 2.0/3.0 and LAN. With 12x or 25x zoom, and concurrent main-stream and sub-stream output, and AI tracking for Presenter and Zone modes. From the judges: “There’s an amazing roster of options with the BG-ADAMO-4K project line, with two optical zoom options and multiple multiple video/streaming outputs, including NDI and Dante AV-H. Good aesthetic.”
NewTek Flex Control Panel
This control panel liberates users from fixed cable runs; it’s the only NewTek control panel that simply connects to a network via NDI and can control any switcher/TriCaster on that network from anywhere, offering tactile audio and video mixing, PTZ control and talkback. New audio I/O supports external sources. From the judges: “Redundancy in a small form factor is another win. If you’re running a TriCaster you need to seriously consider the benefits of Flexing your networked production environment.”
Epiphan AV.io+
These simple SDI and HDMI capture/scaling cards fit neatly in your back pocket and work right out of the box on Windows, Mac, or Linux platforms. Config Tools allows users to set specific EDIDs, customize output resolution, and label each device. New for NAB, AV.io+ now includes 3.5 mm analog audio inputs. From the judges: “The Swiss army knife of video capture devices. Rock solid dependability.”
NETGEAR M4250 Series
This series comprises 13 models that range from desktop to rackmount models with a range of port types and PoE capabilities. They support any type of 1Gb streaming application, including IPMX, with 10Gig uplink and fiber ports on some models. From the judges; “Network gear for professional AV working environments is a requirement these days but not always easy to specify. NETGEAR’s M4250 switch series delivers a certified solution that is already field-proven and the new 10-port option will add significant value in distributed environments.”
IHSE Draco G-Flex KVM Matrix Series
With an integrated Draco tera IP gateway card, the Draco G-Flex Series bridges multiple KVM matrix systems over an existing IP network. It securely multiplexes up to 8 full HD channels over a single duplex fiber networked connection between KVM matrix frames– extremely important where limited cable runs are available for adding more sources or workstations. For applications where both fiber and copper are specified, localized connections can be distributed on traditional copper or fiber connections and shared connections can be accomplished over an IP gateway. From the judges: “This is a powerful answer to cable spaghetti from a trusted manufacturer; it’s especially powerful for hybrid copper/fiber applications but would be welcome in any AV rack.”
ADDERView CCS-MV 4224
This desktop multi-viewer switch, delivers up to four different video, audio and USB signals to a single workstation in a user customizable window layout across one or two monitors. From the judges: “This is a compelling product for simplifying and maximizing the efficiency of a single workstation.”
Planar Venue Pro VX Series
This family of indoor fine pixel pitch LED video wall displays supports virtual production (VP) and extended reality (XR) in hanging, stacked or wall-mounted installations, The series supports HDR-ready content, up to DCI-P3 color space, and compatibility with a wide range of cameras. From the judges: “Planar continues to bring to market some of the highest quality direct LED panels. The move to back their product with a dedicated VP and XR team including support from local experts (Planar Studios) really shows how serious they are about these emerging markets.”
G&D KVM extender VisionXS-CPU-Type-C-UHR
This new VisionXS-CPU-Type-C-UHR is a compact matrix-compatible extender module that integrates USB-C computers, notebooks, tablets, and smartphones. Video signals, keyboard and mouse signals, as well as audio can be transmitted via one cable using the Type-C port; the module’s power supply can also be covered via the connector. The Type-C variant transmits DisplayPort1.2 signals in Alternate Mode and embedded stereo audio as well as optional USB classes HID (Human Interface Device) and mass storage. From the judges: “This truly allows you extend command and control across all of your devices for customized KVM and matrix solutions to meet pretty much any need.”
FOR-A MFR-3100EX All-in-One Production Processor
This all-in-one 64×72 production processor with NDI support is a switcher, router, multi-viewer, downstream keyer and streaming device in a 4RU package. There’s support for PTZ camera control, NDI/NDI|HX I/O, and RTMP/SRT video streaming, with up to 4 inputs/4 outputs for 8K signals or 16 inputs/18 outputs for 4K UHD. From the judges: “FOR-A understands the requirements of today’s live production teams and the compact MFR-3100EX system aims to go places that other solutions can’t with this switch-stream-route production center.”
