Removing Boundaries with Innovation in AV: Insights from InfoComm AVIXA Stage
The AV industry is changing faster than ever, and the recent InfoComm AVIXA Stage event put this fact into perspective. Gone are the days when AV professionals could rely solely on traditional audiovisual expertise. Today, the convergence of AI, cloud technologies, and advanced media solutions are creating a new paradigm – one that demands a broader skill set and a more interdisciplinary approach. This shift isn't just an opportunity; it's imperative for those who want to remain relevant in our rapidly evolving field.
The Evolution of AI in the AV Industry
Let's begin with a look back at the journey of AI over the past few years. AI has become a buzzword at conferences and trade shows, in strategic development and day-to-day conversation at every level of an organization across all industries. Its impact on the AV industry is profound and multifaceted, touching everything from user experience to backend processes.
With advancements in Large Language Models in the last few years, the potential of AI has been spotlighted in groundbreaking ways. This was not just a period of discovery; It marked a sudden and accelerated pace of advancement. It was a global “a-ha!” moment, where many more of us could tangibly realize and witness AI's vast capabilities to revolutionize our workplaces and our world.
Every advancement solidifies that the pace of change demands agility, creativity and a commitment to embracing new technologies. It's imperative for AV technology and solutions to stay boldly positioned at the forefront of innovation, as a critical and preferred set of technologies and solutions that we all use to experience the world.
Enhancing User Experience with AI
The future of user experience in the workplace has AI at its core. AI-driven innovations, such as intelligent cameras that auto-frame and position, are revolutionizing conference room experiences. Acoustic technologies are enhancing audio quality, ensuring clear communication. AI assistants are not only transcribing and summarizing meetings but also providing actionable insights, significantly boosting efficiency and productivity.
As AI technology matures in its development, we should do more than just monitor and follow the trend. We should rethink our strategies with AI as a crucial component of our work and success. Doors are opening wider towards effectively anticipating and responding to human needs, while fostering a more productive and engaging work experience.
The Rise of Decentralized Orchestration
The future of AV systems will be marked by the shift from traditional, centralized systems to more flexible and scalable solutions through decentralized orchestration in the cloud. This will enable organizations and operators to leverage multiple capabilities and services orchestrated at a virtual level, significantly enhancing scalability and efficiency.
But getting it right means fundamentally changing how systems are developed and maintained. Adopting best practices from modern software development is crucial in this evolution. We’re finding more and more that version control systems like GitHub and project management tools like Jira are not just beneficial—they are essential. These tools ensure that code and systems are not only scalable but also secure and easily maintainable.
To thrive in this new landscape, the AV industry must integrate these practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Decentralized orchestration isn't merely a technical shift; it's a strategic imperative that redefines how we build, manage and evolve our systems to meet the demands of a dynamic and rapidly changing technological environment.
Integrating Media & Workplace Technologies
Our world is increasingly dependent on speed and quality of video to enable our experiences. Whether it's interaction within an office setting or the way that virtual teams connect and collaborate. As media technology advances and consumer expectations increase, the AV solutions that meet those needs increasingly depend on technology traditionally found in media markets. Media technologies are now central to creating dynamic, branded communication experiences within the workplace for internal and external audiences. Conference rooms have become impromptu broadcast environments, and collaboration and event spaces are being stripped down and rebuilt with hybrid strategy in mind.
This integration of worlds is driven by a need for more engaging, immersive connection and communication strategies for internal and external audiences. Advanced technologies such as NDI, IPMX and Unreal Engine are democratizing high-quality, real-time content creation, making it more affordable and accessible. This trend signals a future where media-rich environments are the norm, enabling organizations to communicate more effectively and creatively.
The Future of Spatial Computing
While generative AI has begun changing the workplace as we know it, we stand yet again at the edge of a new frontier with spatial computing. That is our next big leap. Like AI, it is initially being met with skepticism and not a full understanding of how it can be applied at scale. But its potential is undeniable. Especially after experiencing innovations like the Apple Vision Pro. Spatial computing, VR and AR are unparalleled technologies that deliver an immersive experience anywhere. Give it some time, and they will transform remote collaboration into interactions that feel as natural as in-person meetings.
Embracing AI Responsibly
With great technology comes great power. And while everything above can be true, we must keep our eyes and ears open to the risks. We are responsible for integrating AI into business processes with a cautious and methodical approach that prioritizes privacy and security. We believe that robust and reliable AI solutions should embrace the opportunity to build trust and safeguard data right from the start.
But it can feel daunting to accept the complexity that comes with AI, and there’s a healthy amount of fear that we should manage and work through. As with all new technology, there are those who embrace it with reckless abandon and people who resist its existence until they have no other choice. On both sides of the spectrum, there is risk in inaction. Companies that fail to explore AI's capabilities and the responsible and ethical use of it may quickly find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. It's essential for businesses to engage with AI responsibly, leveraging its potential to enhance operations while carefully mitigating associated risks.
Pushing Forward
The intelligent transformation of the AV industry is well underway, driven by advancements in AI, decentralized orchestration and the integration of media and workplace technologies. Spatial computing is poised to further revolutionize the industry, offering new dimensions of immersive and natural interactions.
To thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape, AV professionals must stay informed and agile, embracing these technological advancements with responsibility and innovation. The future of the AV industry holds immense potential for those who are willing to adapt and lead, with AI playing a pivotal role in shaping the next decade of innovation and growth.
