Breakthrough innovations showcased at the most successful ISE to date

February 9^th-12^th saw the twelfth and most successful Integrated Systems Europe tradeshow since the show’s beginning in 2004 in Geneva.

More recently being housed in the inspirational RAI in the heart of vibrant Amsterdam, the 2016 show exceeded all expectation with over 65,000 visitors through the doors being welcomed by over 1000 exhibitors. The show’s continued expansion has set the bar high for other industry tradeshows and established it as the world’s fastest-growing and best-attended show for professional AV and electronic systems. The show grew from three days to four in 2016, and 40% of visitors in 2015 were first timers, highlighting the attraction of the event as a new business opportunity to exhibitors, and creating an incentive for them to return.

With a reputation for being a stage for the connection of innovative technology and experiences to companies and end-user industries, 2016 didn’t disappoint, with exciting demonstrations on the show floor of thousands of cutting edge products by industry specialists, along with a comprehensive education and events programme.

OLED displays were a particular draw- Samsung’s offering was a beautiful transparent OLED videowall, an up to date incarnation comparable to old fashioned neon signs, with LG showcasing impressive OLED panelling, linking four panels to create a curved wave.

Sharp unveiled their most ambitious display technology for the first time in Europe with the launch of an 85” 8K monitor, currently only available in Japan. As the world’s first commercially available 8K display, the screen has ultra-high resolution utilising Sharp’s IGZO technology, broadest ever colour palette and High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging for true-to life image reproduction. A deserved ‘Best of Show’ winner. Also on show following the successful integration of previous 4K screens into the mainstream market was a new 80” 4K display with an extended colour range. They also debuted a 70” wireless BIG PAD, enabling wireless connection of mobile devices and laptops by up to ten people at one time to share screens, transfer files and make notes. Mirror signage was also a big attraction, with LG and NEC showing off their latest technology.

Projection was also a focal point, with Epson revealing brand new laser and lamp-based projectors in action, including the world’s first 12,000Lm WUXGA LCD laser product. They also treated spectators to a breath-taking 3D mapping display that brought to life Epson sponsored Petronas Formula 1 Mercedes using software developed by MCLCreate.

Optoma demonstrated how projection can be made use of in shops to highlight products and attract consumer attention with their popcorn inspired retail install, Sony’s projection dome provided the ultimate platform to showcase their VPL 4K laser projector and AV Stumpfl were overjoyed to win a best of show award with their Fullwhite Curve projection screen. Casio had some interesting projection offerings. It has expanded the lamp-free laser & LED hybrid projector line with the addition of its Advanced Series and Core range expansion.

The Advanced series has brightness up to 3,500 lumens, 1.07 billion colour reproduction, automatic dimming function and 1.5 times optical zoom. Options for connectivity include wireless, USB and LAN with RGB, audio, HDMI and S-video interfaces and a USB power supply which can support devices such as Chromecast.

B-Tech demonstrated their impressive  highly anticipated SystemX mounting solutions range for menu boards, video walls and video conferencing in a variety of different configurations, and Peerless were presented with a best of show, adding to their already impressive award-winning high quality AV mounts and solutions for their full service LED mount.

Each and every exhibitor put on a fantastic show, providing information and guidance to the crowds, and these are just a few of the highlights from the biggest and best ISE so far- here’s to next year!

Rachel Killington