Hollywood has the Oscars, and the AV industry has InfoComm. This year's show was a huge success, with record attendance and a renewed sense of excitement for the industry's future. Just look at the attendance stats from AVIXA:
- 29,325 verified attendees from 115 countries (up more than 30% from 2022)
- 37% were first-time attendees
- 20% of attendees were international
- 2,000 people participated in continuing education sessions
- 700 exhibitors
As the largest global AV/UC systems integrator, we attend InfoComm every year with two goals: share our capabilities with attendees and walk the show floor to identify the latest trends and products. This post shares our practice leaders’ thoughts on the top trends shaping the AV industry and the hottest AV products launched at this year’s show.
3 AV industry trends gathered at InfoComm 2023
The AV industry continues to evolve rapidly. So, watching for broader industry trends is one of the most significant benefits of attending InfoComm. Here are a few that stood out to Brad Sousa – our chief technology officer and trendspotter:
- The convergence of AV and Managed Services. The AV and IT industries are converging as businesses use AV technology to deliver IT services with more frequency. This convergence creates new opportunities for AV professionals and integrators. We can now offer clients a wider range of services.
- The rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is used in various ways in the AV industry, from automating tasks to creating personalized experiences. For example, AI can automatically detect and track objects in a room, creating more immersive experiences for event attendees.
- The growing popularity of virtual production. Virtual production is a technique that uses real-time 3D rendering to create realistic virtual environments. This technology is becoming increasingly popular for live events, allowing producers to create more visually stunning and engaging experiences.
“Trends in our industry happen all the time and they change constantly,” said Sousa. “What I see coming at us in the months ahead is the evolution of how organizations will use AI and data to ensure their workplace operates as efficiently as possible. What’s more, this information will help inform organizations about their people and provide better in-office and remote work experiences.”
In addition to the trends mentioned above, we’re also keeping our eyes on the increasing use of touchless technology, the importance of security and privacy in AV systems, the need for more flexible and scalable AV solutions, and the importance of user experience in AV design.
5 innovative AV technology products you should know about
Sony showcased its new lineup of 16 Bravia 4K HDR displays that range from 43 to 98 inches. The lineup is designed with sustainability in mind and includes options for high-end, mid-range, and standard needs. One of the unique features of this series is its Deep Black Non-Glare Coating, which offers high haze and low reflection while maintaining deep blacks and high contrast.
Image courtesy of Sony
Absen shared its DVLED Cube, used to deliver visual content in forced perspective. This is a modular system that lets users create displays of any size. The system is made up of individual LED screens that are arranged in a cube-like structure. The screens are then angled to appear closer or farther away from the viewer, depending on the desired effect. This creates a sense of depth and realism that is impossible with traditional flat-panel displays.
Sennheiser entered the unified communications all-in-one market with its new TeamConnect bar solutions for small and mid-sized collaboration spaces. The TeamConnect Bar S and Team Connect Bar M integrate easily with a range of meeting platforms and feature microphones, speakers, and high-quality video. They also include 4K ultra high-def cameras with AI features like auto-framing.
Image courtesy of Sennheiser
Crestron launched its new TST-1080 wireless touchscreen for unified control access. This tablet-style device can be used in various settings to control a wide range of devices and systems. It’s completely customizable and provides freedom for how users leverage control, including voice commands.
Image courtesy of Crestron
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Q-Sys showcased its new camera tracking technology. When coupled with the Q-SYS ecosystem, the technology can trigger control functions based on the presenter’s location – essentially integrating the physical environment with the presenter’s activity. This technology supports near-limitless applications. |
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AVI Systems – your partner in the latest AV technology
We stay close to industry trends at AVI Systems, so you don’t have to. Just let us know what problems you’re trying to solve, and we’ll use our proven process to identify the right solutions. Sometimes, that means the absolute latest technology. Other times, it means long-time industry favorites. Either way, we’d appreciate the chance to introduce ourselves and learn more about your AV challenges.
©AVI Systems, Inc., 2023
