Alice Chambers |
From immersive audio and virtual reality (VR) to artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, the audiovisual (AV) industry has adopted a whole range of new technologies to improve content creation. The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) uses its video destination platform, AVIXA TV, to draw attention to how professionals use these solutions to improve their work.
“We are breaking down the latest technologies and fundamental systems in an accessible way to inform the AV industry,” says Samantha Minish, vice president of content delivery at AVIXA. “So, whether individuals are new to the AV industry, or have worked in content production for years, everyone will find something interesting and relevant. We’re constantly watching trends and engaging in conversations around the world. We do this to ensure that AVIXA TV’s content serves our core mission – to be the trusted hub and catalyst for market growth in the AV industry.”
The platform has covered a broad range of topics, such as the impact of AI across media production and the evolution of core technologies and standards, like Advanced Television Systems Committee 3.0 for video production and streaming.
“A huge source of pride for the team is the recently launched new series called Beyond Visual, which spotlights how a person’s experiences shape not only their own world, but also in turn the world they influence through their expertise,” says Minish.
A popular topic that AVIXA covers is the development of immersive entertainment venues like The Sphere at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. It includes 15,000 square metres of screens to offer a 16K resolution view from every angle and 164,000 speakers spread around the bowl.
“Immersive experiences have gained significant momentum in recent years, thanks to public initiatives,” says Minish. “These include the Illuminarium Experiences installations, which combine traditional motion-picture production with VR to create an interactive experience without the need for wearable hardware. Additionally, the virtual set for HBOmax’s House of the Dragon used over 2,000 LED screens and 92 motion-capture cameras. This allowed the camera crew to see the visual effects live while shooting and to achieve final shots with LED volume.”
Minish acknowledges that these are “very flashy examples rooted in entertainment”, noting that AVIXA’s conversations are uncovering more practical applications for this technology in everything from healthcare to corporate communication.
“I think what’s so exciting about the latest extended reality and VR innovations is the impact they can have on how people experience the world,” she says. “These technologies can connect people in a way we have never really been able to fully tap into until now. While technology can never truly replace an in-person experience, it can help people not only experience a safari from their hometown, but also allow medical students to learn and practice in a safe, realistic environment.”
“For the majority of companies, the opportunities here are likely more utilitarian. What if you could host brainstorming and strategy sessions with a dispersed or hybrid workforce? What if you could showcase the application of your products within multiple solutions, all from a single location? These are the types of questions and opportunities AVIXA TV will be exploring.”
AVIXA’s State of the Pro AV Industry report indicated that AV organisations were prioritising upgrades to boardrooms and group collaboration spaces in the final quarter of 2023 to accommodate for the continued rise in a dispersed workforce. With hybrid work, comes a subsequent rise in vulnerabilities to both employee’s own IP networks and any sensitive data that they are trusted with, according to Minish.
“Companies that are focusing on cybersecurity can learn about the latest trends through AVIXA TV, including the distinctions between mission-critical and commercial installations, with insights from both the IT and infrastructure perspectives,” she says. “This is a critical issue that will not be going away, and so it’s essential that AVIXA TV continues to promote this topic across its content avenues.”
Having already partnered with several content producers to bring unique voices to the forefront, such as for the Higher Ed AV and Bald AV Guys podcasts, AVIXA will continue to use the platform to help others.
“We view ourselves as the launchpad for content creators, ranging from individual influencers to major manufacturers, enabling them to reach new and larger audiences,” says Minish. “We will also be growing our livestream efforts. We are going to be very deliberate with our expansions here as livestreaming is one of those things that can be extremely powerful, but, as an association that is serving the AV industry, we’re also going to hold ourselves to a high standard.”
This article was originally published in the Autumn 2023 issue of Technology Record. To get future issues delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for a free subscription