There has never been a greater need for crystal ball gazing in AV than there is now. The time-to-market for technology advancements like AI and PoE++ is rapidly decreasing, so it can be difficult for integrators to stay abreast of developments and make informed choices about which technologies to embrace moving forward.
One thing that’s clear, though: it’s all going to be networked. If a device has an electric plug, it’s likely to have an Ethernet connection. If it’s battery-driven, then wireless connectivity is the name of the game. And that’s just for your appliances, let alone pro AV devices.
The pursuit of a ‘single pane of glass’ for AV and IT management represents the industry’s ambition to provide a unified interface where administrators can monitor, control, and troubleshoot all systems seamlessly. As AV and IT continue to converge, the need for a centralised platform to oversee devices, networks, and applications becomes increasingly critical. Such a solution would simplify complex workflows, reduce response times for technical issues, and provide actionable insights through analytics and automation. For AV integrators and IT professionals alike, the ability to manage diverse endpoints – ranging from displays and speakers to servers and switches – through one intuitive dashboard could drastically enhance efficiency and operational visibility.
However, achieving this unified platform is a complex challenge. The diversity of devices, protocols, and manufacturers within the AV and IT ecosystem makes interoperability a key obstacle. Proprietary systems and siloed software often limit integration, requiring middleware or custom solutions to bridge the gaps. Moreover, as organisations expand their deployments across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, a single pane of glass must adapt to handle distributed infrastructure.
Security is also a concern, as centralised management platforms could become prime targets for cyberattacks. Despite these challenges, advancements in APIs, open standards, and AI-driven automation are driving progress toward this goal. The realisation of a truly unified management system would represent a significant leap forward, empowering organisations to maintain cohesive oversight while maximising the value of their AV and IT investments.
PLATFORM POWER
Using an AV platform provides organisations with a centralised and streamlined approach to managing their audiovisual systems, resulting in significant operational and strategic benefits. One of the key advantages is efficiency: an AV platform consolidates control over multiple devices, systems and tech into a single interface. This eliminates the need for separate management tools, reduces complexity for administrators, and enables faster deployment and troubleshooting. With integrated scheduling, monitoring, and reporting features, AV platforms save time and enhance productivity, particularly in environments like corporate offices, educational institutions, and large venues where multiple AV systems must operate in harmony.
Another major benefit of AV platforms is their scalability and future-proofing. These platforms are designed to accommodate evolving needs, whether integrating new devices, expanding system capacity, or adapting to emerging technologies like AV-over-IP. With modular and often cloud-based architectures, these platforms allow organisations to grow their AV infrastructure without significant overhauls.
Additionally, AV platforms enhance user experiences by offering consistent and intuitive interfaces, reducing the learning curve for end-users and enabling them to focus on their tasks rather than grappling with complicated technology.
ENHANCED PLATFORMS
Security and reliability are also enhanced with an AV platform. By centralising control, administrators can enforce consistent security protocols, perform updates across the network, and quickly respond to vulnerabilities. Many platforms include monitoring and diagnostic tools that provide real-time insights into system performance, helping to preempt failures and minimise downtime. Furthermore, with built-in analytics, AV platforms deliver valuable data on usage patterns and system efficiency, empowering organisations to make informed decisions that improve ROI and optimise resource allocation. Overall, an AV platform acts as a powerful enabler, aligning AV capabilities with organisational goals while simplifying day-to-day management.
Future AV racks will likely consist primarily of power supplies, switches, and patch panels. This shift, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud-based processing, networked AV solutions, and decentralised system architectures, will see the decline of traditional, hardware-intensive setups. Instead, we can look forward to compact, efficient configurations that prioritise connectivity and scalability. By leveraging network-based solutions like AV-over-IP, these new configurations will offload processing tasks to cloud or edge computing platforms, reducing physical hardware requirements. This not only simplifies rack installations but also promises greater flexibility for remote management, future expansion, and integration with smart building systems. It’s an exciting future that aligns with the industry’s emphasis on efficiency and sustainability.
TOMORROW’S TECH
No one truly knows what tomorrow’s technology will look like. For example, PoE+++ could be right around the corner or never appear. It’s also unclear how Wi-Fi 6, 7, or 8 will impact pro AV, if at all. However, it’s important to stay informed about these developments as they could potentially revolutionise the way we think about wireless connectivity in the pro AV industry. What is clear, though, is that pro AV is clearly embracing cloud-based solutions, with no signs of stopping. Pro AV technology is poised to be more dynamic, immersive, and connected than ever before. As advancements in AI, IoT, and virtualisation continue to integrate into the pro AV ecosystem, we can expect unprecedented levels of automation, personalisation, and interactivity.
Furthermore, the push for sustainability and energy-efficient systems will shape product design and implementation. As pro AV evolves, it will not only enhance how we communicate and engage but also open new possibilities for creativity and innovation, empowering industries to reimagine their potential and making it critical for integrators and manufacturers alike to stay informed about new technologies and technology standards.
