Integrated Systems Europe 2025

I headed to Integrated Systems Europe 2025 with a clear mission – to find fresh inspiration for our simulation centre and see where the world of AV and system integration is heading. I was especially keen to discover new ways technology can boost realism, interactivity and efficiency in training environments. With so much to take in, I spent the full four days exploring the show floor, chatting with exhibitors, and soaking up ideas from every corner of the venue. The exhibition ran from 4th to 7th February 2025 in beatiful Barcelona.

BlackMagic Design

We’ve been fans of Blackmagic Design for years, and their products have become a staple in our semi-professional recording studio within the university simulation centre. They strike the perfect balance between price and quality – exactly what we need in an environment where professional-grade tech meets academic budgets.

Their extensive stand at ISE was impossible to pass by without stopping for a thorough look. We know their products well, and every new release is met with eager anticipation. I ended up snapping plenty of photos, especially of the gear we’re still dreaming about or seriously considering for the future.

One standout was the hardware keying unit, the Ultimatte 12. This is much more than just a keyer – it's a sophisticated real-time compositing processor designed for next-generation broadcast graphics. Its ability to produce photorealistic composites with incredible edge handling and colour fidelity is impressive, even in tricky lighting or through transparent surfaces.

Another highlight was the Fairlight audio console, a desktop control surface with touch-sensitive faders and comprehensive channel controls, offering a tactile and precise way to manage audio production.

But the real showstopper for us was the chance to “look into the eyes” of the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive VR camera. As you know, VR filming in medical simulation is a key interest for us, so we’re very excited about the possibilities this camera brings. It’s the world’s first immersive cinema camera with dual 8K sensors and a custom lens system, designed specifically for stereoscopic 3D capture and Apple Immersive Video – cutting-edge tech that could redefine how we create immersive training content.

Close to Home: Familiar Tech and Future Plans

Some of the most relevant stops on my ISE route were the ones that connected directly with what we already use at SIMU – or what we’re seriously hoping to add soon.

A great example is the Logitech Scribe. This clever little device is an AI-powered whiteboard camera designed for hybrid classrooms and video meetings. It captures handwritten content on physical whiteboards and automatically enhances visibility for remote participants, even removing the presenter from view so the writing stays in focus. It’s exactly the kind of tech that could make our hybrid teaching setups even more engaging and inclusive.

Then there’s Shure, a brand that’s been a reliable solution for us for nearly five years. Their ULX-D wireless microphones are in daily use across our building – for high-fidelity simulations, team based learning sessions, or on the go with our mobile kit. At ISE, I had the chance to see the next generation: Shure Microflex Wireless neXt 2, particularly the MXWAPXD2 access point. It’s an impressive all-in-one unit that handles charging, wireless reception, audio processing (thanks to IntelliMix DSP), signal routing and Dante – all in a sleek, compact design. It’s a solid step forward in making audio setups more streamlined and flexible.

I also stopped by the stands of KiloView and Hollyland. KiloView, obviously, was my target in relation to NDI deployment, something we’re now actively exploring. The team at KiloView gave me a useful rundown of the differences between NDI HB and NDI HX, along with their encoders, gateways and routing solutions.

What We Might Be Missing at Our Simulation Centre… Or Are We?

Some things at ISE 2025 just made me grin – not because they’d fit into our simulation centre, but because it was fun to imagine if they did.

Take the Mad Max-style LED lights, for example. Nineteen lenses in each unit, throwing out sharp beams that were bright enough to grab attention even in a well-lit hall. They reminded me of the old 7 kW Falcon fixtures – but these run off a normal plug socket. I couldn’t help but picture 3 or 4 of them perched on the roof of our SIMU building. You know how I love our building. And yes – we do have power sockets up there, haha! Not that I’d know how to explain their educational value in a grant application to get them… unless anyone’s got a surplus and a generous mood? Asking for a friend. 😄

The next oddity was this video conferencing pod. I’m not even sure it was part of an official stand – more likely someone just brought it along to actually use it. But it instantly brought me back to a presentation I had with Joachim Hilbrand in Orlando at IMSH 2025, where we spoke about the future of debriefing. Who knows? Maybe these pods won’t just be used for quick Teams calls, but could one day become part of remote or hybrid high-fidelity simulation workflows.

And finally – a moment I just have to mention: 3D printing in the Sagrada Família. Yep, down in the basement of that majestic cathedral sits a fully equipped workshop, complete with 3D printers quietly shaping the future of Gaudí’s vision. I couldn’t help but "like and subscribe".

Shows and talks

At the LG stand, Mo-Sys stole the limelight with their joint demo on virtual studio production. They showed how their 3D studio mapping tech works in tandem with LG’s large-format LED displays – tracking cameras in real time and projecting composite backgrounds directly in cut. Essentially, it’s a full virtual set powered by tools like StarTracker and motion capture, making live broadcasts feel seamless.

Over with Microsoft, the official presentation focused on the latest Teams updates. Highlights included agents and bots that can be invited into chats to automate tasks, scheduled channel messages, better transcription controls, and easier support for hybrid features like multi-camera views and AI recaps in meetings and town halls. These improvements look like solid moves for supporting remote learning, especially in a simulation training context.

One extra: The best demo

The most eye-catching demo of the entire show, without a doubt, was the immersive light installation created through a stunning collaboration between Solid, Setup Design, Lotus Lighting and AVA LED Collaborate. It immediately caught my attention – even from across the hall – but standing in front of the actual experience was something else entirely.

This wasn’t just a light show; it was a fully immersive visual and spatial performance that played with rhythm, perspective and atmosphere in a way that completely drew you in. The seamless integration of light, sound and design created a hypnotic environment that stood out even among the overwhelming sensory input of ISE.

If you’d like to see more, a great video of the installation is available on the YouTube channel of rAVe [PUBS]: Watch it here.

A Few Glimpses of Barcelona’s Landscape

While I was busy exploring the halls of ISE, Barcelona itself was already glowing in preparation for the upcoming Llum BCN light festival. Several buildings were lit in unexpected and creative ways, giving the city an extra layer of atmosphere.

Combined with the energy of over 85,000 ISE visitors, the streets felt alive – not just with business, but with art and anticipation. To round it off, I’ve included a small gallery with a few glimpses of the city during those vibrant February days.