In the latest 'We Call It Imagineering' video feature, Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development gives viewers a thorough look at their new self-walking Olaf robot. In addition to the research and development behind the famed Frozen character, the robotics and AI technology that has gone into Disney's BDX droids and attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is also highlighted.

New for 2026, the Best of Show Awards at NAMM are here to honor the most ground-breaking products and revolutionary services showcased at NAMM in January. The Best of Show Awards are for companies exhibiting at NAMM 2026, acknowledging the very best on show at this year's event. Deadline for entry is 23:59 PST January 9, 2026. Click here to enter.

As an SVC SmartBrief subscriber, you're qualified to receive a complimentary subscription to Sound & Video Contractor magazine. Sign up here to get Sound & Video Contractor delivered directly to your inbox each month. This month includes a look at the software and audio design that keeps stadium experiences sounding great, conferencing and collaboration technology in the field, the latest in signal distribution gear, and much more.

The streaming codec's job will tell you just about everything you need to know about a streaming audio processor's job. The codec's job is to remove subtle audio details to get the bitstream to "fit" within the constraints of a typical internet link. The smaller the bitstream, the more aggressively it must remove audio to make it fit.