Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) and Sharp NEC Display Solutions of America (SNDSA) have introduced the next generation of AQUOS BOARD interactive displays. Available in three sizes, the PN-L862B: 86-inch class (85.6-inch diagonal), PN-L752B: 75-inch class (74.5-inch diagonal) and PN-L652B: 65-inch class (64.5-inch diagonal) displays are perfect for higher education classrooms and/or corporate meeting spaces that require quick, responsive operation and smart, integrated collaboration tools.

The PN-L2B AQUOS BOARD range of smart interactive displays combines genuine "4K reading and writing" and an intuitive "pen-on-paper" user experience with Sharp's PrecisionTouch and zero bonding technology. The single USB-C connector makes it simple to walk into a room, plug in your device and start collaborating straightaway. In addition, a built-in wireless connectivity application allows users to wirelessly present their content on the AQUOS BOARD display screen quickly and easily. A variety of operating systems are supported including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, iPadOS and Chrome OS. The PN-L2B AQUOS BOARD interactive displays also feature an integrated controller with whiteboard and overlay mode.

Other features, such as open architecture design, the ability to easily connect to various types of PC sources and the latest high-speed, high-bandwidth USB-C port, provide for flexibility and freedom of use. To ensure online meetings or class experiences look and sound the best they can be, the PN-L2B AQUOS BOARD range of smart interactive displays supports the optional PN-ZCMS1 AV soundbar, a six-element microphone array with 8 watts of crystal clear audio along with 4K Ultra HD video resolution.

A range of standard software to help get the most out of meetings and presentations are included for added productivity, such as: Sharp's Pen Software, Sharp's Touch Viewer software and Bytello Share wireless casting app. These AQUOS BOARD interactive displays also form a part of the Synappx-ready office technology provided by Sharp. They support the new Synappx Collaboration Hub, which helps organizations create effective hybrid meetings by enabling dynamic collaboration through videoconferencing with the optional AV Soundbar. Synappx Collaboration Hub helps organizations make the employee's office experience valuable, sparking creativity and innovation.

"The PN-L2B AQUOS BOARD range of smart interactive displays are our most advanced and flexible interactive displays to date and are perfect for the new hybrid work or education environments," said Gary Bailer, director of product planning and marketing, SIICA. "With the amazing array of features in these displays, users can simply walk into a meeting room or classroom and connect and share with all of the participants, whether they are in the room or connected via your favorite unified communications platform."

The PN-L752B AQUOS BOARD interactive display is expected to ship immediately with the PN-L862B and PN-L652B shipping later this month. The PN-ZCMS1 AV soundbar is expected to ship in June.

In other news, SIICA and Affinity Business Communications, publisher of ENX Magazine and ENX The Week In Imaging, have announced that Melani Patterson, associate vice president of sales, strategy & planning, Sharp Business Systems; Chris Johnson, senior director of channel sales, Central Region; and Tony Titone, senior product marketing manager, have been selected as 2022 Difference Makers.

Profiles on Patterson, Johnson, Titone and other honorees are included in the May issue of ENX Magazine. The Difference Makers program acknowledges and celebrates dealers, manufacturers and other technology specialists for their accomplishments and contributions to their teams, partners and clients.

"It is clear that in the era of the Great Resignation, businesses are acutely aware of the value of their most-cherished resource — loyal and dedicated team members," said Susan Neimes, managing editor, ENX Magazine and ENX The Week in Imaging. "The dealer community and the industry at large are only as successful as the people behind the scenes. They are the lifeblood of every successful organization. The pandemic continues to underscore the need to develop, encourage and celebrate the accomplishments of the Difference Makers, and we take great pride in bringing their stories to light."

Combining more than 24 years of experience within the industry, Patterson has established herself as an accomplished executive leader who focuses on developing high-quality, results-driven executives and sales leaders. As the associate vice president of sales, strategy & planning for Sharp Business Systems, she strives to expand her skills while leading with authentic intent. Patterson's dedication to her clients, team and the industry is influential to those around her. During her 12-year tenure at Sharp, Patterson has been promoted six times and is frequently recognized as a dynamic leader within the Sharp community.

Johnson has more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry and has gained tactical leadership knowledge in multiple roles, ranging from solutions engineering to sales. His leadership is not only reflected in a corporate setting, but was also exemplified during his military career with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. During Johnson's past five years at Sharp, four of them as the senior director of channel sales in the Central Region, he led his team during unimaginably tough times, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue growth. Johnson's unique skill set, combined with his dedication to understanding the path to success for Sharp and its dealers, has allowed him to accomplish extraordinary results for Sharp dealers. Johnson has led his dealers in diversifying their offering with the Sharp Dynabook laptops as well as the display devices, furthering the dealers' ability to provide their customers with a broad offering of technology.

Titone began his career at Sharp 27 years ago and has held multiple positions within the company on both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer sides of operations. He has served numerous roles in marketing, product management and product planning, becoming an expert in all aspects of the imaging technology marketplace. Recently, Titone has worked diligently to drive significant growth in Sharp's A4 copier/printer business and has taken the lead in driving the diversification of Sharp offerings with Sharp's Dynabook laptop business. Titone's dedication to both the Sharp sales teams and the Sharp dealer and distributor network has led to a successful partnership on both sides of the sale, fostering relationships that have spanned many years.

"We're honored to have Chris, Melani and Tony represent Sharp as ENX Magazine's 2022 Difference Makers," said Mike Marusic, president and CEO, SIICA. "Their commitment to the success and growth of our company has had a profound impact and we're excited to see their future accomplishments as influential members of our Sharp family."