From Airwaves to Interactive: AV Integration at Radio Plus
About The Customer Radio Plus is a thriving community radio station based in Coventry, broadcasting since 2010. Known for its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, Radio Plus was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2016, recognising its outstanding contribution to the local community. In partnership with Levytate, the station also plays a vital role in developing young talent, supporting individuals aged 16 – 30 through its Content Producer Apprenticeship programme aimed at providing hands-on experience in the media industry. Identifying the challenges Despite their commitment to nurturing media talent, Radio Plus hit a significant barrier — the lack of training resources. Without the appropriate resources, they were unable to deliver training courses or generate revenue by hiring out the space for community workshops. This restricted their ability to fully realise their mission and hindered the growth of their training programmes. Delivering a solution To transform the space into a state-of-the-art media training and community hub, we worked closely with the team at Radio Plus to deliver a comprehensive Audio-Visual solution tailored to their needs. We installed five 86″ Clevertouch UK Pro Edge interactive displays, four of which were mounted on mobile trolleys to allow flexible use of space, while one was wall-mounted for a more permanent fixture. All displays were equipped with Clevercast wireless sharing, enabling seamless collaboration and content sharing during training sessions and workshops. In addition, we fitted two LG 65″ wall-mounted digital signage displays, powered by Clevertouch PICO XI Signage Players. This gave Radio Plus the capability to run dynamic digital signage across the facility, supporting communication, branding and engagement with their various stakeholders. “The Clevertouch displays and digital signage have had a big impact… it really has given us an edge over anyone else in our area that offers community training spaces. It really has helped us engage with different partners and how they operate.” Simon McAusland – CEO The Impact The transformation has had a profound impact on Radio Plus and the community it serves. With a fully equipped, professional training facility, they can now deliver high-quality training sessions, host community events, and maximise the use of their space through rentals, all supported by modern, user-friendly technology. “I would absolutely recommend working with Rapid. The sort of product range they have is fantastic, it is state-of-the-art and their product knowledge is great. Our experience has been second to none.” Simon McAusland – CEO Looking to transform your training facility? We’d love to help. Get in touch today!
5-Year AV Refresh: Upgrade Your Tech Today
If your AV equipment is over five years old, it may no longer meet the demands of modern workspaces. Upgrading now ensures you have the latest technology to enhance collaboration, efficiency and overall user experience. Why Is It Time for an AV Refresh? The pace of technological advancements in AV solutions is rapid, with new innovations continually improving performance, usability, and integration capabilities. If your AV equipment is over five years old, it may be struggling to keep up with modern demands. Upgrading your AV systems is a smart investment that enhances productivity, improves client presentations, and modernises your workspace. At Rapid Technologies, we offer expert guidance on AV upgrades, from meeting room displays to video conferencing solutions. Don’t wait until your technology becomes outdated, get in touch today to discuss your AV refresh!
Choosing the Right Hi-Lo Screen Mount: A Guide to the Screenlift, Mono and Duo Ranges
When it comes to installing large screens, safety and stability are just as important as functionality. Whether you’re setting up a display in a classroom, meeting room, or conference space, choosing the right electric screen mount can make all the difference. At Rapid Technologies, we specialise in high-quality audio-visual solutions and today we’re taking a closer look at the Hi-Lo Screenlift, Mono and Duo ranges – all designed to ensure safe, reliable screen movement with innovative anti-collision technology. Hi-Lo Screenlift Range: Versatile & Secure Mounting The Hi-Lo Screenlift range offers a robust solution for wall-mounted screens, with built-in safety mechanisms to prevent instability in case of collisions. If the mount encounters an obstruction, it exerts only minimal additional force (3-5kg above the screen’s weight), ensuring the screen remains securely in place. For walls that are not structurally strong, it’s best to choose a trolley, free-standing mount, or a floor plate accessory to distribute the load and prevent stress on fixings. The Easy Install Wall Bracket also enhances stability, spreading the weight across a larger area of the wall structure. Hi-Lo Mono Range: Advanced Safety with Gyroscopic Anti-Collision Technology The Hi-Lo Mono range is ideal for environments that demand maximum safety, thanks to its overload and gyroscopic anti-collision technology. If the mount meets resistance, the built-in overload device stops operation immediately, preventing any further damage. Meanwhile, the gyroscopic sensor detects tilting or obstructions, automatically reversing the motor by 30mm before cutting power – minimising risks during operation. To enhance stability, consider a Wall to Floor Mount Floor Plate accessory to reduce stress on wall fixings, especially where walls may not be strong enough to support the screen on their own. Hi-Lo Duo Range: Built-In Piezo Sensor for Added Protection The Hi-Lo Duo range comes equipped with a piezo sensor for anti-collision detection, ensuring that if the mount encounters resistance, it stops immediately to prevent damage. As with all motorised screen mounts, it’s crucial to maintain a clear 300mm space around the screen to prevent incidents. In educational environments, keeping the operation switch out of children’s reach and using clear signage can further enhance safety. Find the Perfect Hi-Lo Mount for Your Space Whether you need a wall-mounted, floor-supported, or freestanding solution, the Hi-Lo Screenlift, Mono and Duo ranges offer reliable and secure options for any environment. Their built-in safety features, combined with additional accessories like the Anti-Crush Bar, make them an ideal choice for schools, offices and commercial spaces. Need help selecting the right screen mount for your project? Contact us today for expert advice and professional installation services.
SMART Board M Pro: Where Security Meets Productivity
Nowadays, cyber threats and data breaches are a growing concern and the security in digital collaboration tools is more critical than ever, especially in government and military environments. Organisations handling classified or sensitive information can’t afford to take risks with their technology. This is where the SMART Board M Pro High Secure Series TAA comes in. Designed specifically for high-security settings, this interactive display ensures seamless collaboration without compromising data protection. But what makes it stand out and why does security matter so much in these environments? Let’s take a closer look. The Growing Need for Secure Collaboration From military operations to government strategy meetings, secure communication is a necessity but many modern interactive displays come with built-in features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microphones, which pose security risks, especially in high-clearance settings. An open network connection or an always-on microphone could potentially be exploited, generating the risk of unintended data leaks or cyber intrusions. That’s why organisations handling sensitive information need technology that doesn’t just enable collaboration, but also actively prevents security vulnerabilities. How the SMART Board M Pro High Secure Series TAA Solves These Challenges The SMART M Pro High Secure Series TAA has been purpose-built for government, military and other high-security environments. Unlike standard interactive displays, it removes potential security threats while still providing the tools needed for effective collaboration. Key Security-First Features ✅ No Embedded Operating System – This eliminates the risk of malware, hacking, or software-based vulnerabilities. ✅ No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Microphone – The M Pro High Secure Series intentionally removes these to prevent any unauthorised access. ✅ TAA Compliance – Built to meet strict U.S. Trade Agreements Act (TAA) requirements, ensuring that it adheres to high security and compliance standards. ✅ Direct PC Connectivity – No complicated software installations or cloud-based services just plug in your secure government-approved device and start working. These features make the M Pro High Secure Series ideal for command centres, intelligence agencies, and secure meeting rooms, where safeguarding sensitive information is a top priority. Balancing Security with Productivity Security doesn’t have to come at the cost of efficiency. The M Pro High Secure Series TAA is designed to work seamlessly with existing technology and offers features that improve collaboration: 📌 Instant Plug-and-Play Connectivity – Simply connect your secure laptop or PC with a single cable and start working. 📌 Seamless Compatibility – Works with industry-standard platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom for encrypted, secure video conferencing. 📌 SMART Ink® for Real-Time Annotation – Write directly on PDFs and Office documents to capture ideas quickly, without relying on cloud storage or third-party apps. Why It Matters for Your Organisation Investing in secure technology isn’t just about preventing threats – it’s about ensuring peace of mind. With the SMART M Pro High Secure Series TAA, government agencies and defence organisations get a trusted, high-performance solution that meets their unique security needs. If your organisation requires a reliable, high-security interactive display, we can help. Get in touch today to learn how the SMART Board M Pro High Secure Series TAA can support your secure collaboration needs.
SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium: A Game-Changer for Presentations
A new era of presenting has arrived! We’re excited to announce the launch of the SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium – a powerful, compact tool designed to transform the way you engage with your audience. Whether you’re delivering a lecture, hosting a business meeting, or leading a hybrid workshop, this innovative podium is packed with features to help you present with confidence and clarity. Designed for Modern Workspaces The SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium is more than just a presentation tool – it’s a game-changer for educators, business leaders and hybrid teams. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces, while its all-in-one functionality means you won’t need a separate camera, microphone, or external speakers. Everything you need is built in, ready to support your presentations from start to finish. Who Will Love the SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium? – Educators: Deliver engaging lessons with real-time annotations and seamless hybrid learning capabilities. – Business Leaders: Host professional video conferences and presentations with crystal-clear audio and video. – Hybrid Teams: Collaborate easily with remote participants using powerful built-in conferencing tools. Experience the Future of Presenting The SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium is built to make your presentations more interactive, professional and impactful. Whether you’re in the classroom, the boardroom, or anywhere in between, this innovative tool helps you connect with your audience like never before. 👉 Want to see more? Read more on our dedicated webpage and explore the full product details and find out how the SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium can transform your presentations.
The Future of Interactive Displays in Corporate Spaces
The way businesses collaborate and communicate is evolving rapidly and interactive displays are at the heart of this transformation. From boardrooms to huddle rooms, these collaborative solutions are redefining engagement, boosting productivity and enhancing collaboration. In this blog we’ll discuss the future of interactive displays in corporate spaces… The Rise of Interactive Technology in Offices In a post-pandemic world, hybrid working and flexible collaboration have become the norm. Interactive displays provide a seamless way for teams, whether in the office or working remotely, to brainstorm, present and collaborate in real time. Key Trends Shaping the Future 1. Touchscreen Innovation & Collaboration Modern interactive displays are moving beyond basic touchscreen functionality. With gesture recognition and AI-powered interfaces, businesses can create more intuitive and engaging user experiences. 2. Seamless Remote Collaboration Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet are integrating directly with interactive displays, which make remote meetings more dynamic and easily accessible. Allow your teams to annotate documents, share ideas and work together in ways that feel as natural as in-person collaboration. 3. 4K & Beyond – Visual Excellence As display resolutions continue to improve, ultra-clear visuals will enhance presentations and brainstorming sessions, so that every detail is seen, whether in a boardroom or a large conference space. 4. AI & Data Integration Smart interactive displays are beginning to integrate with AI and data analytics, enabling companies to gain insights into meeting efficiency, engagement levels and workspace utilisation. 5. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency As businesses prioritise sustainability, interactive display manufacturers are focusing on energy-efficient technology with lower power consumption and eco-friendly materials. How We Can Help At Rapid Technologies, we specialise in integrating the latest interactive display solutions tailored to your corporate needs. Whether you’re upgrading a meeting room, setting up a collaborative workspace, or enhancing hybrid working, we provide expert advice, seamless installation and ongoing support. Explore our range of interactive displays and take your business collaboration to the next level.
Eco-Friendly Audio-Visual Solutions: What You Need to Know
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility that we all share. Businesses and organisations are increasingly seeking eco-friendly solutions that reduce their environmental impact. This is no different in the audio-visual (AV) industry, where innovative technology can help reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and create greener working environments. At Rapid Technologies, we’re proud to deliver AV solutions that not only meet your functional needs but also align with your sustainability goals. Here’s what you need to know about eco-friendly AV solutions and how they can make a difference. Energy-Efficient Technology Modern AV systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind. From LED displays that consume significantly less power than traditional screens to motion-activated systems that power down when not in use, there are plenty of ways in which you can lower energy usage through technology. Even smaller innovations, such as smart power strips and eco-modes for projectors, contribute to a greener setup. These technologies don’t just benefit the planet, they can also save your business money in the long run. Recyclable and Sustainable Materials Many manufacturers are now using recyclable and sustainable materials to produce AV equipment. Components such as aluminium, glass and even some plastics can be repurposed, reducing landfill waste. As an AV integrator, we can help you choose products made from environmentally friendly materials and ensure old equipment is responsibly recycled or reused where possible. Remote Management and Cloud Solutions Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t always require hardware changes. Cloud-based AV systems enable remote management, reducing the need for physical intervention and minimising travel-related emissions. Additionally, wireless sharing and video conferencing solutions make it easier to cut down on paper use and unnecessary commuting, contributing to a greener, more efficient workplace. Long-Term Sustainability with Maintenance and Upgrades A key component of eco-friendly AV is focusing on longevity. Proper maintenance, timely upgrades and repair services can significantly extend the life of your AV systems, reducing waste and the demand for new equipment. Why Choose Rapid Technologies as Your AV Integrator? When it comes to implementing eco-friendly AV solutions, experience and expertise matter. At Rapid Technologies, we take pride in being your trusted partner for sustainable technology integration. Tailored Advice: We work closely with you to design AV solutions that meet your environmental and operational goals. Expert Knowledge: Our team stays up-to-date with the latest eco-friendly technologies and industry trends. End-to-End Support: From selecting energy-efficient products to providing ongoing maintenance, we’re with you every step of the way. If you’re ready to embrace eco-friendly AV solutions and reduce your carbon footprint, contact us today.
Inside Tech Connect 24: Highlights from Our Annual Technology Open Day
On Thursday 7th November, we hosted our annual Technology Open Day at the exciting Land Rover Experience Liverpool venue. This year, the event brought together industry experts, clients and technology enthusiasts for a day dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in audio-visual and integrated technology solutions. With immersive demonstrations, interactive discussions and hands-on sessions, our Open Day was designed to spark ideas and showcase how innovative tech can transform spaces, improve communication and streamline workflows. From interactive displays and advanced video conferencing solutions to augmented reality glasses and desk booking systems, we had a full suite of cutting-edge technologies for our guests to explore. Here are some of the highlights from the day. Venue Spotlight: Land Rover Experience Liverpool The choice of venue for this year’s Open Day added a unique, adventurous flair to the event. The Land Rover Experience Liverpool, known for its purpose-built track, where guests had the opportunity to be driven around by a product expert, tackling a variety of obstacles and terrains to showcase the true breadth of capability of the Land Rover Defender. Guests could explore both the latest audio-visual technologies and between sessions, enjoy the impressive surroundings and Land Rover’s renowned vehicles. This setting brought an exciting atmosphere for all. Spotlight on Technology: Hands-On with the Latest Solutions Our Open Day was packed with stations and live demos, allowing guests to get a hands-on feel for our latest offerings. Here are some of the standout technologies from the day: Interactive Displays & Video Conferencing Solutions Interactive displays and video conferencing solutions took centre stage as we demonstrated how these tools can bridge distances, enhance presentations and facilitate collaboration in real-time. Guests were able to see how high-quality video calls and interactive meetings can be done, highlighting the potential for seamless, global connectivity. These solutions are tailored for businesses aiming to elevate communication and team collaboration, whether in the office, remote, or hybrid environments. Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses Our AR glasses showcase was a particular highlight, captivating attendees with their immersive potential. These glasses enable users to overlay digital information onto the physical world, a tool that can revolutionise industries like training, design and manufacturing. By enabling real-time data and visual guidance, AR opens new doors for interactive learning and precise, hands-free instructions in complex workflows. Digital Signage and Wireless Communications Our digital signage and wireless communications solutions demonstrated how modern spaces can be enhanced with minimal cabling, clutter and installation complexity. From interactive lobby signage to personalised messaging systems, our displays showed how visual content can engage, inform and direct audiences with ease. Lean Manufacturing Solutions For businesses looking to streamline processes and optimise productivity, our lean manufacturing solutions were a big hit. These tools enable companies to reduce waste, enhance efficiency and improve workflows, especially in production and logistics. Our experts demonstrated real-world applications of these solutions, illustrating how technology can be a driver for lean, efficient and sustainable manufacturing. Desk & Room Booking Solutions With the rise of flexible working environments, desk & room booking solutions have become essential for modern workplaces. Our system allows employees to reserve workspaces, manage their time and ensure optimal use of office real estate. Guests explored how this user-friendly solution can be seamlessly integrated into existing office setups, fostering a more agile and organised work culture. Furniture, Lighting and Sound Systems We believe that functional, modern office environments combine technology with thoughtfully designed spaces. Our displays of ergonomic furniture, intelligent lighting and advanced sound systems showed how atmosphere can directly impact productivity and employee satisfaction. From adjustable lighting options to ambient sound solutions, we demonstrated how to create office spaces that are not only efficient but also comfortable and inspiring. A Look to the Future: Innovation That Drives Transformation Our Open Day was more than a showcase; it was a celebration of innovation, technology and future-focused thinking. We’d like to thank all of our vendors for supporting us on the day and for showing our guests that latest and greatest of what you have to offer – Until next year!
Rexel’s High-Tech Upgrade: A Meeting Room Makeover
“Rapid are a very good company to work with, they have come on board with Rexel and as a new Partner, they made us feel welcome as a customer, everything was clearly outlined with no surprise costs. The backup service after installation is outstanding. Nothing is an issue for them and they always come back within reasonable timescales of the work requested..” – James Orme, Rexel About Rexel Rexel is a global distributor of electrical products and services, specializing in providing electrical solutions to professionals in the construction, industrial, and residential sectors. They offer a wide range of electrical supplies, including lighting, automation, energy management systems, cables, and other electrical components. The company operates in over 20 countries and serves a broad customer base, from electricians and contractors to industrial and commercial clients. Identifying the challenges Like many large organisations with multiple meeting rooms, Rexel experienced typical problems such as inconsistent user experience across rooms, hardware compatibility issues, complex set ups and poor audio/video quality. Managing these systems on a day-to-day basis would also be a challenge for them due to having staff based at multiple sites. Moving into their new HQ in Aylesbury provided a good opportunity for them to re-assess their meeting room technology and improve their spaces based on feedback they had received from staff over the past 12-24 months post-covid. Delivering a solution Following multiple demonstrations using various systems, it became clear that the best solution out there was to create a Microsoft Teams Room. With its simplistic one-touch to join interface this provided a consistent and simple interface across all rooms so that regardless of room size or equipment, staff knew how to operate the system. More specifically, Yealink’s range of MVC Room Systems were chosen as they ticked all the boxes in terms of functionality whilst coming in at a more cost-effective price compared to other vendors. An important selling point was the Yealink WPP30 wireless sharing device which connects seamlessly to any device, either through USB-A or USB-C. Other brands that were considered required a 3rd party wireless sharing manufacturer to offer this functionality and this involved other drawbacks, as well as increasing costs. The main boardroom in particular needed superior audio quality, and as a result we suggested the Nureva HDL310 audio conferencing system. Using their patented Microphone Mist technology, the HDL310 creates thousands of virtual microphones that cover the entire room, ensuring that voices from any location are picked up clearly. This meant that as people move around the room, they would not see a drop off in audio quality that you would usually see if table microphones were used. The system also came Teams Room certified which was a key requirement, as well as providing additional noise reduction and echo cancellation features. Maintenance of these systems is paramount due to their importance of use, therefore we provided remote management of the AV technology along with onsite escalation if a hardware/software fault is found with no fix. Other key technology implemented included using Clevertouch interactive displays for their R&D/training area. Speak to us to see how we can help with your AV project!
Rapid Technologies partner with CareCube to deliver efficiency improvements throughout the NHS
“Their solution more than met our expectations and Rapids training and advice on best practice usage ensured our clinicians took ownership of the system very quickly.” – Dr. Rob Stables, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist The customers: About CareCube CareCube is a fully integrated digital workflow system. It was designed in collaboration with The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) to simplify and centralise the complex scheduling and tracking of patients undergoing cardiovascular interventional procedures in catheter laboratories (cath labs). CareCube provides a framework for clinical teams with the aims of supporting patient safety, reducing human error, and making the best use of resources. Identifying the challenges A common issue amongst these various hospitals was that they had inefficiencies within their Cath Lab facilities where heart stent and other procedures were being carried out. Staff had various devices generating a large amount of patient data but needed this data from different sources integrating into one platform so that it could be easier for clinicians to access, review, and analyse. With multiple devices and team members, a centralised interface would be required to help improve overall workflow efficiency. Furthermore, real-time data visualisation was proving difficult in the cath labs themselves. Delivering a solution Carecube approached Rapid Technologies as they had heard from other hospitals how Rapid had delivered touch screen systems specifically around patient care. Carecube had developed a dashboard that would be suitable in a Cath Lab setting giving clinician’s access to a patient safety checklist and key patient data that could be updated in real time giving staff a status at a glance. Being able to view and monitor this data in real-time allows for healthcare providers to make faster and more informed decisions during procedures, leading to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications. Users can quickly update information by interacting with the board directly, as they would with a phone or iPad. They were not just looking for a panel where they could update and view patient records and history, but the Cath Lab teams held a number of meetings and briefings whereby a patient-specific case discussion in a protected period at the start of each individual case and the panels could be helpful in sharing ideas and collaborating in decision making. They found it useful if they could capture briefing notes and annotations over X-Rays and care documentation. In addition to installation services Rapid have carried out staff training early in deployment to ensure staff feel comfortable with the new technology and to make sure it is fully embraced. “As is best practice, we looked at a number of solution providers, but Rapid Technologies experience in the NHS with their Ward PSAG solution and their consultative approach and all-round attention to detail made them the ideal partner to work with on this project. Rapid’s approach was very professional and helpful, nothing was left to chance and we feel very confident in recommending them for similar projects“ – Dr. Rob Stables, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Speak to us to see how we can help with your AV project!
