ISE 2014 opens with high hopes
Published: MEA
WORLD: Integrated Systems Europe 2014 has opened its doors with high expectations for both visitor numbers and business opportunities. The show once again occupies all 12 halls of Amsterdam’s Rai, with more than 950 exhibitors showing off new equipment to an expected 47,000 visitors.
The third edition of the Smart Building Conference kicked off events in Amsterdam followed by the keynote address from Dr Dirk Schlesinger of Cisco Consulting Services. In line with the connected systems theme of ISE, Dr Schlesinger provided insight into the work being done by Cisco, ABB, Bosch and LG in the manufacturers’ initiative into interconnected devices in the smart home environment.
Opening the show the following morning, Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events, described ISE 2014 as the organiser's 'largest ever show', and pointed to the growth of the show as reflecting the positive state of the A/V industry.
On the show floor there is much in the way of new products for visitors to see. QSC is highlighting its new TouchMix compact digital console as well as the CXD-Q networked amplifier for Q-Sys, while Martin Audio is giving a preview of its DD12 cabinets and Biamp is debuting the TesiraForte DSP family. There are also headline releases from the likes of d&b audiotechnik, AJA and the Harman Professional stable.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this year’s exhibition is the number of manufacturers who are using the integrated systems concept as the heart of their solution offerings. Tannoy and Lab.gruppen are examples of this, as is Barix, which is highlighting working examples of its hardware being combined into solutions.
The overall feel on the show floor so far has been busy and positive, with many exhibitors noting the global importance of ISE.
Integrated Systems Europe 2014 continues at the Rai, Amsterdam until Thursday February 6th.