Top Trends in Audio Visual Services for 2024

The importance of understanding trends in audio visual services

To stay ahead in any industry, it’s important to keep track of emerging trends. For dtools it solution providers, knowing where audio visual technologies are headed allows preparing for future demands. This helps fine-tune service portfolios, skills and investment strategies.

This blog discusses some significant trends likely to impact the AV industry in 2024 based on 15+ years of experience. It aims to give integrators and technicians an overview of evolving customer expectations and technological advancements. Understanding these will help strategize service offerings and operations for sustained success.

Growth of collaboration technology

Trends point to rising preference for collaboration technologies that facilitate hybrid/flexible workstyles. Solutions fusing audio, visuals and interactive displays will see increased demand. These include immersive videoconferencing with tools for brainstorming, co-editing and virtual meetings.

Integrators need capabilities in selection, installation and management of collaboration platforms. Providing related training and support services ensures their clients leverage these seamlessly. Proper network testing and device configurations will also be crucial to deliver optimal experience.

Surge in virtual/hybrid events

The pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual/hybrid events involving both in-person and online audiences. Event production services are poised for growth, focusing on livecasting, streaming and interactive engagement tools.

Skills around live video switching, hosting virtual sessions, touchless signages and mobile apps will see rise. Attention to low-latency, high-quality video and reliable networks is key. Integrating virtual greenrooms, polls/quizzes and other engagement features enhances user experience.

Popularity of immersive technologies

Technologies bridging digital and physical worlds like augmented/virtual reality, 360 video, spatial audio will gain traction. Industries are exploring immersive education, marketing and training use cases.

Solution providers need expertise in XR hardware selection, content creation and app development. Staff training, technical support and content curation services can be offered. Immersive technologies when blended with interactive displays produce engage impact. Their applications will continue expanding in fields like healthcare, tourism, design and more.

Advances in collaboration spaces

Next-gen huddle/meeting rooms will incorporate ambient computing principles, detecting presence and adapting interactions. Solutions infusing AI, gesture controls and facial recognition for intuitive usage are emerging.

Integrators need to explore these upgrades for their enterprise clients. This involves redesigning spaces, procuring IoT-enabled devices and testing automation integrations. Managed services ensuring seamless experience and addressing evolving business needs will be in demand.

Proliferation of AV over IP technologies

IT/AV convergence will accelerate with AV over IP gaining traction for signal distribution, processing and control in scaled deployments. Adoption of protocols like H.264, H.265 and Dante® simplifies installation and management.

Integrators require training in network switching, programming, configuration and troubleshooting IP video systems. New service areas around consulting, implementation, monitoring and upgrades of such networks open up. Standards-based open architectures ensure future-proof, scalable solutions.

User query 1: How do we train staff on new technologies?

Comprehensive training programs covering both soft and technical skills are needed. Hands-on labs, online courses, field projects and certifications help update knowledge. Partnering with expert trainers ensures globally accepted methodologies. Rotating staff between customer-facing and R&D roles aids experiential learning.

User query 2: How do we manage migration costs to new protocols?

Careful assessments of current investments, expected ROI and phased upgrade plans can ease migration costs. Leveraging used/rental equipment, subscription licensing and recurring revenue models reduce upfront expenses. Offering add-on services during transition periods helps maximize existing assets’ value. Seeking government/industry incentives and gaining partner support can aid as well.

User query 3: How do we benchmark services against competitors?

Participating in industry events and roadshows exposes newer possibilities. Conducting client/market surveys and focus groups understand pain-points and priorities. Tracking blogs, publications, case studies and awarded projects of rivals highlights their strengths. Gathering analytics on technology adoption curves and geodemographic trends aids strategic foresight. Outcome-based pricing balanced with quality ensures compelling value proposition.

Conclusion

To conclude, rapid changes in the AV landscape present both challenges and opportunities. While technologies come and go, focusing on solving customer problems through well-rounded services ensures long-term relevance. With insights into emerging trends, prudent investments in skills and collaborations, solution providers can create sustainable differentiation. Maintaining a flexible yet future-ready outlook optimized for client success is key to sustaining leadership in this exciting industry.