Commercial Sound and Video Systems
This past June, three of our devoted employees from CSAV Systems embarked on an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend the highly anticipated InfoComm 2024. In the fast-paced realm of technology and innovation, it’s important for companies to stay ahead of the curve. At CSAV Systems, we are dedicated to excellence and strive to embrace the latest advancements in the audiovisual (AV) industry.
InfoComm is the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America with thousands of products for audio, conferencing and collaboration, display, video, streaming, control, digital signage, and more. At InfoComm, manufacturers, integrators, dealers, and end-users from around the world showcase the latest technologies, products, and services.
This year, InfoComm 2024 was a significant event for the AV industry, showcasing the latest trends, technologies, and innovations. Our team members Daren, Jack and Lucas shared their key takeaways, which we believe will be invaluable in improving our services at CSAV Systems.
Our team was immediately struck by the scale of diversity at InfoComm this year. The vast number of equipment distributors and vendors, sprawling booths and square footage were remarkable. Darren captured the feeling perfectly: “It’s like a small world yet so diverse.” The event highlighted the industry’s large reach, covering commercial and residential AV solutions, and showcased the common threads that bind the industry together.
A significant trend was the prominence of AV over IP solutions. Darren noticed several companies focusing on video and audio fencing – technologies designed to enhance audiovisual experiences by blocking unwanted areas in videos and isolating desired audio zones. One standout product was the Q-SYS control system, which offers an immersive experience with body recognition and interactive audience engagement.
Lucas was impressed by the advancements in camera technology. Huddly introduced cameras that automatically crop out unwanted elements and adjust angles using AI, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Sennheiser and Creston also showcased new video bars and camera systems, in turn, pushing the boundaries of video conferencing technology.
AI was a dominant theme throughout the event. Jack attended a session on digital signage that pivoted to discussing AI’s role in creating customized, interactive content. Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, an AI assistant for Teams meetings, stood out as a new tool that can handle tasks, transcribe discussions, take notes and recognize voices for accurate quotes throughout a meeting.
Post-COVID Recovery
Lucas noticed the industry’s resilience and growth post-COVID. “There was a period of downturn during COVID, but it is starting up again,” he stated. While there weren’t many entirely new products, existing technologies have matured and evolved, leading to more reliable solutions, including wireless and seamless connectivity, interactive signage and vertical displays, and remote monitoring and troubleshooting.
Wireless presenting and conferencing solutions were prominent, reflecting a shift towards more seamless, efficient technologies. Innovations such as generating access codes for screen sharing without physical dongles are set to streamline conferencing experiences.
Jack highlighted a trend towards interactive and personalized digital signage. Future displays may recognize viewers through Artificial Intelligence and tailor content based on demographics and preferences. Additionally, with younger generations accustomed to vertical phone screens, vertical signage is becoming more appealing and prevalent.
Q-SYS’s remote monitoring and trouble capabilities were another highlight. This all-in-one system allows for cloud-based remote troubleshooting, reducing the need for on-site visits and offering clients more efficient support.
Beyond the technological sights, traveling to the event offered unforgettable experiences. Our team had the chance to visit the Las Vegas Sphere for a Dead and Co concert, witnessing a groundbreaking venue with a 16k resolution screen, haptic seats, and an unparallelled, “comfortable yet powerful” audio system.
Meeting and networking with industry professionals in person was a refreshing change for our team emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in fostering industry relationships.
InfoComm 2024 was a whirlwind of technological advancements and AV industry insights. Our team returned with knowledge and excitement about the future of audiovisual technology. As we continue to integrate these innovations, we look forward to enhancing our clients’ experiences.
