When My TechDecisions’ sister-site Commercial Integrator conceived the BEST Awards, the founding vision was straightforward: Put simply, the program was created to highlight products and services that are genuine difference-makers in the commercial AV industry. In particular, to align with CI’s status as the business handbook for technology professionals, the BEST Awards program showcases offerings that help integrators sustain and grow their businesses.
When the awards program was created, though, no one could have imagined all the headwinds that integrators would face in a year like 2023 — namely, continued supply-chain snarls, multi-decade-high inflation, and a labor shortage. Thus, if ever there was a time to pay close attention to our BEST Award honorees and consider how you can benefit from their excellence, now is that time.
As opposed to operating the BEST Awards in a “crowd-sourced” way, CI relies on a panel of unbiased judges who have no affiliation with or connection to the candidates. Each judge assesses nominees independently, thus ensuring that each one is empowered to exercise their own judgment, free of undue influence.
For every candidate, judges consider three separate metrics: a product’s most important functional features; the benefits the product provides to the integrator; and the product’s design and/or technical innovation. Thus, judges’ perspective on each nominee is well-rounded, reflecting a mix of specs and tangible business value.
Dan Ferrisi, editor-in-chief of Commercial Integrator, says, “The past 12 months have been equal parts challenging and opportune for the commercial AV integration channel. Despite escalating labor costs, interest-rate hikes and general economic tumult, integrators have seized on society’s desire to enjoy communal spaces and communal experiences, all of which must be enhanced by AV technology. The BEST Awards represent CI’s best effort to spotlight the technology tools that make those experiences indelible.”
Ferrisi continues, “In the slideshow that follows, you’ll see some of the very best hardware, software, services and integrator resources that our industry has unveiled. Although our panel of independent judges was charged with choosing just one winner per category, I want to commend every BEST Award nominee for reflecting the very best of the art, science and craft of AV. Every nominee deserves recognition and praise, and I want to commend each one.”
Without further ado, enjoy this spotlight of BEST Award winners. And don’t forget to start thinking about what products in your pipeline might be good candidates for the 2024 BEST Awards!
2023 BEST Award Winners:
Audio/Video
Assistive-Listening Devices
Listen Technologies
ListenWIFI
Audio Components & Processors
Bluesound Professional
BCS300 Network Streaming Ceiling Speaker
Audio Conferencing Solutions
Shure
MXA902 Integrated Conference Ceiling Array
Audio Distribution Systems
AtlasIED
Atmosphere AZMP8
Collaboration
Crestron Electronics, Inc.
AirMedia Connect Adaptor
Conference/Classroom Projectors
Epson America, Inc.
Epson PowerLite 810E Extreme Short Throw with 4K Enhancement
Digital Signage Hardware
Sony Electronics
BRAVIA BZ40L Series Professional Displays
Digital Signage Software
Korbyt
Korbyt Machine Learning Broadcast
Interactive Whiteboards
LG Business Solutions USA
LG CreateBoard (Model TR3DK)
Large-Venue Projectors
Digital Projection
HIGHlite Satellite MLS Reference
Matrix Switchers
BZBGEAR
9×9 4K UHD Seamless HDMI Matrix Switcher/Video Wall Processor/MultiViewer Over Cat5/6/7 with Scaler/IR/Audio/IP and RS-232
Outdoor Displays
Samsung Electronics
Outdoor LED Signage (Model Name: XHB Series), including XHB All-in-One P10
Pan/Tilt/Zoom Cameras
Sony Electronics
SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 PTZ Cameras
Specialty AV Cables, Interconnects & IR Extenders
Comprehensive Connectivity Company
Integrator Series USB Cables
TVs/Video Monitors
Sharp/NEC
NEC MultiSync M751
Video Components & Processors
Xi’an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd.
CX80 Pro
Videoconferencing/Telepresence Solutions
Jabra
Jabra PanaCast 50 Video Bar System
Video Distribution Systems
Audinate
Dante AV-H
Videowall Solutions
Sony Electronics
Crystal LED BH and CH-series Displays
Building Enhancements
Power Conditioning, Surge Suppression, & Energy Solutions
LynTec
PDS-12 Sequencing Relay Panel
Control & Automation
Large-Scale Control Systems
Xi’an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd.
CX80 Pro
Touchscreens
Biamp
Apprimo Touch 8i
Dealer/Installer Aids
Cabinets, Furniture, Racks, Mounts & Cases
Mount-It! PRO
MI-20511 Jupiter Zavus Direct-View LED Wall Mount with Trim Kit
Case Study
Epiphan Video
NC State Case Study
Installation Tools & Testers
Liberty
Arranger AVoIP web-based Wizard
Project Management & Design/Web Software
D-Tools, Inc.
System Integrator V20
Training, Consulting, & Publications/Business Services
Exertis Almo
The Exertis Almo E4 Experience
Networking & Communications
Network Management Solutions
Ethereal
Big Dog Power PR-R13PI Intelligent Power Distribution Unit
Security
Mass Notification Emergency Communication
Singlewire Software
InformaCast with Visitor Aware
Surveillance Storage/Management Solutions
Axis Communications, Inc.
AXIS Camera Station S1296 Rack Recording Server
Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on June 23, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.
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