With a wide and diversified array of professional audio visual solutions available on the market today, it can be challenging to determine what is best for you and your business needs. An important consideration in decision making typically involves a review of current technology trends and habits of other organizations and their workflows. Trends are important study as they inform the market as to what will best support their users needs, while paving a new path towards innovation and sustainability. Consider the automotive industry, the growing interest in Tesla and their electric vehicles. There are reasons justified why a large percentage of the population has developed a curiosity in the possibilities and impact of this trend, which was at one time thought impossible. Similarly the av industry also has its developments and its impact on society. Below are six of the most popular trends in Canada currently worth considering:
Huddle Rooms
Huddle Rooms are small spaces, with big benefits coupling creative technology for the ultimate collaboration station. More and more companies are fostering productivity by turning larger unused spaces into huddle rooms, leading to increased quantity with less capacity. Transformation of traditional conference rooms are strategically built with the intention of empowering employees to connect quickly and easily, while keeping them attentive and on task. Simultaneously, these rooms allow for a flexible approach to work productivity. Huddle spaces are equipped with an array of audio video solutions which enables groups to conference in remote colleagues, partners and clients. Other functions these rooms support are: Sales presentations, design reviews, webinars, brainstorming sessions, and job interviews to name just a few.
Noise, disruption and a decrease in well-being are growing complaints from employees working in modern open concept spaces. Huddle Rooms solve these problems by offering a space for intimate discussions without interruption. Well designed Huddle Rooms allow for impromptu meetings, time working alone, privacy and focus. These are all qualities necessary in the workplace in order to foster sustainable work ethics and forward movement.
On average, four(4) Huddle Rooms equal the cost of one(1) conference room, which makes them budget friendly with a large return on investment. Essentially you are getting the most bang for your real estate buck as they offer four times the productivity potential. Innovation is arguably the most advantageous quality in any successful business and therefore, designing an environment that inspires such is crucial. It is no wonder these rooms are often referred to as “Agile Meeting Spaces”, due to their endless flexibility.
Integrated Ceiling Technology
Ceiling microphone technology helps to overcome an array of sound quality issues found in traditional boardrooms, while adding to the overall design and aesthetics of a modern space without being obtrusive or just downright ugly. With the inclusion of ceiling technology, the meeting room table is left clean and frees up space from cumbersome products and devices including messy wires. Meanwhile, attendees can converse and move about naturally without having to interact directly with a microphone needing to be located directly in front of them.
One of the many advantages is the ability to aim array lobes, which provides both coverage for those seated as well as for those who require the freedom to move about the space. This is often referred to as ‘beamtracking’ or ‘beamforming’ technology. The result? Everyone heard, regardless of their location in the room; thus increasing coverage, clarity and intelligibility. Many pro audio ceiling microphone solutions also have Voice Lift technology, which allows for the speaker(s) to have their voice amplified eradicating distance concerns. These systems are particularly useful in large conference rooms and lecture halls where participants are likely more spread out.
With the emerging technology, these systems often have built in audio processing with superior audio quality and advanced acoustic echo cancellation. Based on all of the above listed qualities ceiling mics have a clear advantage.
Control Systems
When it comes to an audio visual control system, ease of use is key. The primary function of this multi-tasking tool is to ensure that all of your av devices are working in harmony-essentially bringing the technology to life. Control systems have often been referred to as the heart and brain of a collection of hardware and software that allows the operator to “control” each piece individually or in tandem.
In recent years control systems have become more sophisticated and complex with their multi-function abilities, ultimately streamlining connectivity and communication. They can be used to manage a single meeting room or an entire office. Any pro av integrator such as Limitless AV can create a system that requires very little end-user configuration to make it fully operational, while seamlessly integrating TV’s, Projectors, Volume Levels, Conference Dialing, Lighting, and even Motorized Shades and HVAC Systems.
Control systems used to be proprietary in nature, however, nowadays there are many options available at a lesser cost. Customized touch screens designed by pro av manufacturers such as: Kamer, Extron, and Crestron make proprietary touch panels which can be costly, where as an iPad can communicate with multiple units for a fraction of the price. As a result, there are several creative new ways to benefit from the control system without the excessive programming costs, proprietary equipment and commitment to a sole manufacturer.
With the growing number of offices incorporating video conferencing, interactive whiteboards, and digital signage these systems are becoming a necessary investment.
Zoom Rooms
Zoom has rapidly become one of the most talked about companies in communication solutions. They are single handedly changing the way businesses, educational facilities, and corporate offices connect globally. They are constantly challenging the status quo of modern video communication and continuing to expand their capabilities.
Zoom integrates cloud video conferencing, online meetings, and group messaging into one easy-to-use platform. Having unified compatibility between Android, iOS, PC and Mac devices makes the user experience seamless and accessible for all those around the world. Additionally, there is an app for Smartphones and Tablets for those that want to conference remotely or on the go.
There are an innumerable amount of features and benefits such as: 323/SIP connector, a developers platform, audio-video meetings, instant messaging, and not to mention the ability to host comprehensive and feature-rich webinars. However, it is the Zoom Rooms that may be most appealing. These are virtual conference rooms that replaces the legacy style of older conferencing systems, at a much lower cost of ownership. Remote participants, one touch meeting start features, and designated secure room link with end to end encryption are all part of its easy to use features.
As more and more companies diversify with offices internationally, staff working remotely and clients near and far, any and all businesses benefit from efficient collaboration and streamline communication.
Large Format Displays
Large Format Video Displays (or TV’s) are rapidly becoming a more popular choice than projection. Why is this the case? Flat panels are constantly getting larger in size and cheaper in price; 86 inch 4K TV’s are now on par with the cost of a mid to low range projection system, with additional benefits to the end-user. As the technology advances displays are becoming ultra-thin, lightweight and superior in picture quality, also coming equipped with anti-glare, wide-angle viewing screens. The dramatic drop in price, paired with the advanced display technology makes incorporating 4K TV’s into a boardroom increasingly popular and trending.
With the growing popularity of incorporating natural light in order to support employee morale, health and productivity, ambient light is a necessary consideration when designing your meeting spaces. There are a myriad amount of “smart” capabilities now available on displays, such as: screen mirroring, voice control, browsing, and video conferencing, in addition to access of hundreds of apps. It’s no wonder so many organizations are switching from projection for small, medium and even large conference rooms.
Displays tend to have longer lifespan than projectors, while being multi purposed when meetings aren’t in session. Some alternative uses are: digital signage, notifications, scheduling, and promotional videos. As the market expands, there are an incredible variance in display options, OLED, QLED, and LED. A team of pro av experts like those at Limitless AV can aid in making the best decision for your environment and needs.
Network Audio
Network audio solutions are being used in a variety of applications, to improve security, make live and scheduled announcements, and to increase overall ambiance. Audio networking is scalable and conducive to a wide series of scenarios. Schools, houses of worship, and concert venues are some of the many applications.
These high quality audio systems are often integrated with customized playlists and easy music streaming to create an atmosphere and enhance the experience. Retail stores, corporate lobbies, and restaurant bathrooms all benefit from these tailored systems where businesses can set the mood, influence the tone and overall energy of those present. The accompaniment of acoustic treatments in these settings is also a value add, as they minimize echo and reverberation that create uncomfortable noise and sound.
Educational institutions, college campuses and cities are now using network audio to broadcast messages to one or several areas. For example, Concon a coastal city in Chile implemented Axis network speakers for state of emergency announcements in order to reach large groups of citizens. Furthermore, network audio is being paired up with surveillance cameras for more efficient security. The addition of audio allows users to hear and speak to those on the camera, resulting in more effective security while acting as a preventative tool.
In review, the above top six audio visual trends in Canada are worth serious consideration when looking to integrate professional av technology into your meeting spaces. A team of specialists, such as those at Limitless AV can assist in the design exploration of these solutions in order to determine what is most appropriate for your business and team. Technology is not a one size fits all, therefore, having a team of experts ensures greater success and the implementation of technology with longevity in mind.
Contact Limitless AV today to discuss your audio visual business needs.
