AV Trends 2019: Recognizing Platform Evolutions

As audiovisual (AV) capabilities continue to advance, the platforms they use are evolving as well -- another of the five most impactful trends we recently identified. For example, cloud computing has become commonplace for most business operations. In line with the IT convergence, the cloud’s reach is noticeably extending into the AV arena as well. Some of the most common applications include AV processing, decoding and streaming.

In particular, the need for cloud access becomes clearer as AV processing needs intensify. When coupled with seamless cloud access, AV can take full advantage of ever-evolving hardware processing capabilities. After all, with cloud you are investing in more of a service than a physical piece of technology.

The advantage is crystal clear. When embracing the cloud, you always have access to the best-of-breed capabilities. Plus, cloud environments often offer far more advanced processing capabilities than most organizations can afford when deploying in-house technology. Specifically, if your daily operations lack the constant need for heavy AV processing capabilities, it may be difficult to justify making a significant investment on physical processors only utilized for a handful of tasks. With access to the cloud, you essentially rent usage of a far more advance, yet remoted located processor.

The most pressing challenge in effectively leveraging cloud capabilities rests with the strength of your network. Although the cloud-based offering has the ability to process heavy loads and provide timely results, a limited network will result in a less than desirable outcome. Simply put, it’s important to pay close attention to your network capacity when depending on the cloud.

Seeing through the Clouds

Industries that are heavily dependent on smart environments are prime candidates for incorporating cloud access into their AV deployments. Consider, for instance, a video wall within a future-forward utility’s control room. After all, as this Smart Cities World article discusses, “Smart cities represent a significant opportunity for utilities to develop new business lines, extend their partner ecosystems, and establish new bonds with local communities.”

In this type of application, it’s not uncommon to stream real-time (or near real-time) content that’s based entirely off data collected from sensors placed throughout the entire coverage area. Being able to make sense of this data and provide meaningful insights to coincide with live video feeds usually requires heavy processing power. Having uninhibited access to cloud-based data engines can make a significant difference.

Material Improvements

Of course, platform evolutions go beyond computer technology to include new ways of reveal images. While material improvements and deployments have a longer-term deployment cycle, the movement toward new materials that AV tools can project to as well as the ability to bend LED will ultimately allow for the use of more organic shapes.

The continued expansion of 3D printing capabilities and material innovations could play a pivotal role in moving this trend forward. Fortunately, new 3D printing materials are hitting the market on a consistent basis. Naturally, the use of these material in AV deployments will start slowly with the experimentation process ultimately determining which materials (if any) can address known projection issues. The exciting part is that new materials are hitting the market, providing hope for interesting new applications.

This post is one of a five-part series taking a deeper dive into the impactful trends we identified at the beginning of the year. Follow these links to learn more about each of the trends impacting the audiovisual industry today:

AV Trends 2019: Understanding the Smart Environment

AV Trends 2019: Recognizing Platform Evolutions

AV Trends 2019: Two Ways Security and AV go Hand-in-Hand

AV Trends 2019: Constant Convergence is Here to Stay. And Why it Matters

AV Trends 2019: The Future of AV Starts with Self-Generating Content

Overview Article: Top 5 Trends Driving AV in 2019