Integrated Systems Europe is the world´s largest AV systems integration show, taking place in Amsterdam from 5-8 February. Jon, Creative Technologist, and Collins, Technician went along to check out the latest cutting-edge technology. We’ve shared our highlights from the show, so if you couldn’t make it or just want to check it out again, see our key takeaways below. We’re already looking forward to ISE 2020!

Integrated Systems Europe is the world´s largest AV systems integration show, taking place in Amsterdam from 6-9 February. Jon Jones, Creative Technologist, and Dan Dawson, CCTO went along to check out the latest cutting-edge technology. We hope you enjoy the social commentary from their time at the show.

Grand Visual Creative Technologist Jon Jones, along with CCTO Dan Dawson made their annual pilgrimage this month to Integrated Systems Europe (ISE). Jon has shared his thoughts and some of their highlights from this year’s show.

As with most years at ISE, screens took centre stage. However, rather than just being a race for the best resolution and pitch a couple of extra elements have started to make a more prominent appearance this year.

The main notable enhancements were around mirrors and transparency for screens.

With the introduction of smart homes and virtual assistants, ‘magic’ or ‘smart’ mirrors have been gaining attention. ‘Smart mirrors’ are simply computers attached to monitors behind a mirror film. Meaning that when the machine is idle, it looks like a standard mirror, but is able to display information in a non-intrusive way when activated. For example, in digital OOH this could be utilised to give shoppers feedback or support in a retail environment. When it comes to creative and experiential executions, hiding screens behind mirrors can be used to surprise & delight audiences in unexpected ways.

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Transparent screens were more prevalent this year, and it was interesting to see how the technology has developed over the course of the year. Transparent screens are nothing new of course… But the OLED screens look amazing in all light conditions. Sadly, Samsung decided to discontinue [before the official launch] the amazing T-OLED displays last year due to market forces…. But they are sure to attract a lot of attention. These ‘Minority Report’ styled screens are transparent when idle, like a window – but when activated using touch or action can display graphics or animations.

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And of course it can’t be a tech show without some VR on display. We sampled various versions but developments within this space seem to be relatively slow going.

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This year we got to meet up with Scala for the first time since they were purchased last year by Stratacache. At their stand they were showcasing a range of solutions that reinvent the retail space and appeal to today’s tech-savvy shoppers. From Interactive fitting rooms, connected cafes, smart mannequins and ‘lift & learn’ technologies, it was exciting to see the practical application of technology within the retail environment.

The Home Distribution/Automation section of the show has expanded significantly over recent years as people look to develop integrated solutions for ‘Smart Home’ appliances such as Amazon Echo and Google Home AI hardware. Whilst the ‘virtual assistant’ has been around for a few years now, the application of this technology within the ‘smart home’ environment is a new dimension. With voice activated technology and virtual assistants becoming more common in our personal lives, it will be interesting to see how this mode of interaction plays out within the advertising space.

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) the annual tradeshow held in the Amsterdam RAI, is the gateway to discovering the latest technology in professional AV and digital signage industries. This year, Jon Jones, Technologist, and Dan Dawson, Chief Creative Technology Officer, attended and have shared their highlights from the event.

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In keeping with previous years, screens take the centre stage at the event – especially those that are flexible. The screen shown above (with Dan for scale) was produced by Lang. At first glance, you’d be forgiven for not realising that it is, in fact, a screen and not a print. Content at 8K x 4K was being presented and looked phenomenal – even close up. Screens of this quality, teamed with a touch interface, would provide greater immersion in the application.

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Flexible screens were one of the main focus points at this year’s ISE.


Dataton’s Watchout were showing off their extensive projection mapping technologies. Using approximately 6 points within the viewport, their software is able to pinpoint particular parts of the model do the maths to complete the mapping process. Utilising multiple projectors, physical 3D structures and LED panels, creates a very cool and captivating experience.


Easescreen demoed their gyro technology that can reconfigure a screen’s output on-the-fly. Whilst it was a mesmerising demonstration, it is also a really intelligent piece of kit that would make reconfiguration of screens a breeze. Additionally, it could also be automated through other systems.


3D LED Cube from Seekway can turn a 3D model into an eye-catching display. As you move around the cube you are able to see the model from all angles. These cubes are not limited to any particular size, so can be made to own a large space.


Using three mini projectors and an impressive rig, Optoma created a fully immersive Formula 1 driving experience. Unfortunately, the queue was remarkably long so we didn’t get to have a go!

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For a bit of fun, we got to play a game of pinball using 3M’s PCAP system. This is a touch-foil with a metal mesh design. This application proved to be very responsive and attached to a curved screen was very inviting to use and looked great with a matt finish.

This year is was great to see the advances in touch interfaces as well as flexible LED screens. Dataton Watchout’s 3D projection mapping especially stood out. With the recent evolution of VR technology, it will be very interesting to see how it will be made more consumer-friendly product in the future.

Last week a record-breaking crowd of more 50,000 converged in Amsterdam to attend this year’s “Integrated Systems Europe expo”, securing its place as the world’s leading professional AV and electronics expo. The GV Labs team went along to see some of the latest and greatest developments in the industry over the past year. Here, Michael Farrance shares some of the team’s favourites of the show.

Strong Trends in Projection Mapping

Projection mapping dominated the landscape at ISE this year. Advances in object mapping and spatial augmented reality have made the medium more accessible than ever. The technology was used in a variety of situations, from simple signage to creative and artistic exhibitions.

We witnessed some impressive auto-calibration equipment that was able to map a model car and within thirty seconds the content was being accurately projected onto the car.

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Effective Holographic Executions

Although we’ve seen holograms before, there were some skillful executions this year which integrated real world objects with the virtual to create some thoroughly immersive effects. Examples include this one from McDonalds which uses coffee to mimic fireworks bursting from soil.

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4K 3D Without Glasses

The move from HD to 4K has made vast improvements to the quality of the lens-less 3D experience. Although, we’re yet to experience the 3D Jaws from Back to the Future, we’re actually at a nice trade-off where the effect is apparent but subtle. An exhibitor was able to demonstrate this by adjusting the third dimension depth on the fly, providing a live comparison.

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Driving Simulator

This year the wish list addition to the GV office is this driving simulator. The stand got everyone’s attention with its beautiful curved, ultra high definition screen and hydraulic reactive chassis

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Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is the world’s best-attended tradeshow for the professional AV and electronic systems industry. Manufacturers showcase their latest and greatest technologies to a huge audience at the Amsterdam RAI. GV Labs went along to see what was new and cool in the world of AV technology and here Jon shares some of their best finds.

ISE has grown to a phenomenal scale. Split in to 12 rooms, there is something for everyone to see. As would be expected, some of the most eye-catching stands were located in the LED display rooms where we saw an amazing 1.5mm pitch LED display by SiliconCore shown above.

Another equally breath-taking screen was exhibited by “Lang” that displayed content filmed by two 4K RED cameras.

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We were introduced to digital signage software – some that we are new to and some old favourites. BrightSign, BroadSign and Navori, among others, put on some impressive displays showcasing their latest software and hardware releases.

Gender, age and mood detection by sightcorp was good fun to play around with again – and relieving to discover that we do look our actual ages and genders. Software such as this as well as a similar offering from Fraunhofer pave the way for some cool automated, dynamic and interactive campaigns. Facial recognition technology is of course nothing new to DOOH, however as detection software, and hardware improves, it really starts to spark creative ideas for implementation here at Grand Visual.

Other fun and fresh hardware ideas came from Barix for audio delivery, multiCAMsystems for switching multiple IP PTZ video sources and WyreStorm for video delivery over IP. We were also excited to see the latest features to emerge out of NewTek with their impressive range of hardware.

An interactive transparent LED display from MMT was really awesome and eye catching, allowing digital content to be placed over real products.

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It was a brilliant and eye-opening event keeping Grand Visual’s finger on the pulse of software updates, launches and emerging technologies. Don’t worry though it wasn’t all hard work – Dan found time for a quick swing on Foresight Sports’ amazingly accurate virtual gold set up. This is a great tracking system for physical interactions… and has the potential to be used in DOOH experiential spaces for gamification concepts…. At least that’s Dan’s rationale for wanting one in the office.

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Now that we’re back, my next task is to try and get an LED coated Mini as a company car…. Wish me luck.

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