Six Emerging Trends in AV

December 4, 2024

Here are six trends in AV that are driving the industry forward straight from the experts: Joseph Cornwall, CTS-D, CTS-I, ISF-C, FOI, and Jose Mozota, CTS-I, President of Freman Solutions Incorporated.

1. Signal Quality Enhancements

Recent years have seen significant improvements in signal transmission, clarity, and fidelity, fueled by advances in hardware and software. With 4K and 8K resolutions becoming standard, AV systems now support enhanced signal fidelity and detail. As Cornwall notes, "A little over a decade ago the entirety of the AV industry reluctantly adopted HDMI, HDBaseT, and benchmarked performance to 1080p. Today we enjoy high dynamic range HDR10+ content streaming at UHD resolutions and boasting advanced audio options such as ATMOS and DTS-X."

2. Evolution of Displays

Display technology continues to evolve, with enhancements in color range, moving from Rec720 to Rec 2020. However, these advancements bring installation challenges, requiring AV professionals to adapt. Cornwall emphasizes the necessity for AV solutions to match the performance and usability of advanced consumer solutions. As the industry evolves, leveraging emerging technologies will become essential. "AV professionals need to look past the fences surrounding our industry and learn about the emerging technologies we'll leverage to accommodate future industry needs,” says Cornwall.

3. AV over IP (AVoIP)

As multicast and point-to-multipoint AV distribution advance, AVoIP has become indispensable. Developments include standards like IPMX and IEEE 802.3bp, which simplify networked media. According to Mozota, IPMX is a significant milestone in AVoIP. Alongside these advancements, maintaining strong cybersecurity, particularly Zero Trust Security, is critical.

4. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence

While AI may seem like a new trend, its roots stretch back to the 1950s. Understanding AI's history and evolution helps clarify its current and potential applications. Cornwall highlights AI's ability to automate tasks like video editing and sound mixing, as well as enhance live broadcasts and communications by improving audio quality in real-time. Embracing AI's advancements is increasingly important in today's professional settings.

5. Embracing Sustainability

With a focus on sustainability, AV manufacturers are prioritizing energy-efficient solutions like LED and OLED displays, which offer lower power consumption and increased longevity. The industry is moving towards greener materials and designing products for reduced carbon footprints and easier recycling. Understanding sustainable practices and standards is the first step toward eco-friendly AV system design.

6. Cloud-Based AV Solutions

The rise of remote and hybrid work has accelerated the development of cloud-based AV solutions such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. These platforms now feature AI-driven automated transcription, real-time translation, and 4K video conferencing capabilities. Ignoring cloud-based AV solutions could be setting you back!