A powerful AV Team: GUDE and Lightware announce integration

Cologne, September 1, 2026 – Categories: Audio/Video Integration, Media Technology, Corporate Networks
For immediate release – please send a copy upon publication

New Driver Module Brings GUDE’s Intelligent Power Distribution to Lightware’s Automation Platform

GUDE Systems, the Cologne-based manufacturer of IP-based power distribution units (PDUs), announces the integration of its smart PDUs into Lightware’s LARA (Lightware Advanced Room Automation) platform. With the new GUDE driver module, AV equipment and smart power distribution can now be managed together via unified automation workflows—configured directly within the LARA environment.

“The integration of our smart PDUs into Lightware’s LARA platform offers our customers real added value: They gain a centralized solution for monitoring and controlling their AV systems—which leads to faster AV service, less downtime, and greater energy efficiency,” says Philipp Gude, CSO of GUDE Systems.

The Benefits for AV Integrators and Facility Managers

Beyond installation, the integration simplifies daily operations and provides operators with a better overview of their systems:

• Centralized monitoring and control: Power distribution and AV devices are managed from a single point.
• Power consumption monitoring: The energy consumption of connected devices remains visible, contributing to greater energy efficiency.
• Event logging: Change events can be logged, providing better insight into system operations.
• Less downtime, faster service: The automated and remote-controlled power supply shortens response times and reduces maintenance requirements.

GUDE devices can be added as instances within the LARA environment with just a few clicks.

Key Features

GUDE’s “Expert Power Control” series can be managed directly through LARA, making energy management part of the same automation logic as AV device control. For system integrators and AV professionals, this means simplified deployment, operation, and maintenance:

• Unified control environment: Device control, room automation, and GUDE energy management are combined in LARA—no separate tools are required.
• Automated Power Management: Startup and shutdown routines run automatically and follow standardized, repeatable procedures.
• Remote reboots: Individual devices can be rebooted via the local network, reducing the need for on-site intervention when connected devices require a reboot.
• Faster commissioning: GUDE devices are added as instances and configured directly within the LARA environment.

Interoperability for Growing AV Installations

“Modern AV systems increasingly combine technologies from different manufacturers, making interoperability and centralized control essential,” explains Gergely Vida, CEO of Lightware. “Our integration with GUDE expands LARA’s capabilities and enables integrators to consolidate device control, room automation, and GUDE power management within LARA. The result is greater visibility, simpler system operation, and an optimized user experience for both integrators and end users.”

The integration is suitable for corporate, educational, and conference environments, as well as for larger, distributed AV systems and other networked installations where multiple devices need to be monitored and managed from a central location.

Availability

The GUDE driver for LARA is now available for free download on the Lightware website. More details about the integration and access to the driver can be found here.

About GUDE

GUDE Systems GmbH, headquartered in Cologne, develops and manufactures IP-based power distribution units under the Expert Power Control brand. Manufactured in Germany, GUDE devices enable reliable remote power control, monitoring, and energy metering for AV, IT, and industrial applications.

About Lightware

Lightware specializes in high-fidelity signal management and is engaged in the development, manufacture, and distribution of a comprehensive portfolio of matrix switchers, extenders, and AV-over-IP systems. Lightware’s devices are used in a wide variety of AV projects—from large live events and collaboration rooms to mission-critical applications across four continents—and the company has been proud to serve the global AV community for 26 years.

Lightware is celebrating its 25th anniversary and operates in over 30 countries with more than 400 employees. The company offers solutions for a wide range of industries—including enterprises, education, gaming, defense, intelligence, healthcare, entertainment, and rental and event technology. Lightware’s future focus is on meeting customer needs to deliver practical solutions that exceed expectations, backed by an uncompromising level of customer service and support.

For more information about Lightware, go here.