Our AV experts have returned from InfoComm 2024, where they covered over 407,000 square feet to explore the latest audio-visual product innovations and insights from 833 exhibitors. Our team had a packed schedule, with booth appointments every day for most of the show, where we got hands-on with the latest audio-visual technology. Couldn’t make it to the show? Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you. With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products to choose from, we’ve created a list of the top 5 innovative AV products that stood out for NCS at this year’s InfoComm.
Many clients still think of AV technologies as something used only “in the room,” but this is no longer the case. The shift to a hybrid workforce has driven the development of new technologies designed to accommodate remote and in-office collaboration. Whether working on new construction or upgrading your existing infrastructure, staying updated on the latest AV innovations is not just beneficial, but essential for enhancing your facility’s functionality and user experience.
How a Hybrid Workforce Spurred New Technologies
There has undoubtedly been a shift in how people work over the last five years. A hybrid workforce (employees working in the office and/or remotely) driven by the need for flexible work conditions has spurred significant advancements in AV technology.
During this new period of change, we’ve helped our customers transition to AV over IP platforms that allow seamless content sharing and management, providing flexibility and scalability. Advancements in modern AV systems now feature AI-powered cameras and voice-activated controls to enhance user interaction and ensure smooth collaboration between remote and in-office workers. Additionally, advancements in remote management have allowed administrators to monitor and troubleshoot AV systems from anywhere, thus boosting efficiency and reducing downtime.
As a building or facilities manager, staying updated on these innovations is important to enhancing your facility’s functionality and user experience. We’ve partnered with industry leaders to give you access to AV innovations that collectively can create a more seamless and productive working environment.
Here are the top five AV innovations you should consider integrating into your current setup or new construction project to elevate your facility’s performance and meet the demands of modern AV systems.
Barco ClickShare Bar Pro
We all hate bad sound and video quality. The Barco ClickShare Bar Pro integrates a high-quality camera, crystal-clear microphones, and Barco’s ClickShare functionality to address this. ClickShare allows for wireless content sharing from any device to a central display, making collaboration effortless and presentations seamless, all rolled into one sleek soundbar. This device is designed to simplify your life by integrating everything you need into a single unit. Plus, Barco ClickShare is TAA compliant, meeting stringent quality and security standards for procurement needs.
No more fumbling with multiple devices and tangled cables. The ClickShare Bar Pro offers plug-and-play, ensuring you get straight to business without technical hiccups. Your meetings will kick off smoothly, and with the exceptional audio and video quality, every participant will feel like they’re in the same room.
Sharing content becomes a breeze, allowing for seamless collaboration and dynamic presentations. This not only saves time but also boosts the productivity of your meetings. You can focus on the discussion, knowing that the technology will support you flawlessly.
Your team can work smarter, not harder, making every meeting count. It’s a tool designed to enhance communication, foster collaboration, and drive results. For a deeper dive into what makes the ClickShare Bar Pro the best choice for your business, check out our detailed blog on video bars here.
Videri Digital Canvases, CMS, and Device Management
Videri’s Digital Canvases and software solution are changing how businesses utilize digital signage, turning ordinary spaces into dynamic visual experiences. These ultra-thin IPS LCD displays are visually stunning and remarkably energy efficient, making them an ideal choice for modern businesses. Key features include their thin, lightweight design and low power consumption, ensuring compliance with ADA and ESG standards for a greener approach.
These Digital Canvases are easy to install, requiring only a single low-voltage cable. This eliminates the need for an electrician and reduces setup time and costs. The ability to mount flush to the wall provides a sleek, modern aesthetic that enhances any environment.
One of the standout features of Videri’s Digital Canvases is their Wireless Orchestration feature that enables you to run content across a mosaic (they call it a Wall) of Canvases and delivers a jaw-dropping aesthetic. You don’t need any extra hardware connected to the Canvases which makes it both easy and beautiful.
Videri Canvases can be installed in locations that used to be unavailable to digital displays, including end caps, on countertops and hanging from ceilings, as well as traditional locations. Expand your display footprint to new areas of your business to drive improved customer experiences. Integrating Videri’s Canvas into your display practice will help businesses boost performance, whether it’s to sell a new product, promote a brand, inform employees or to help guests find their way around.
Videri’s all-in-one cloud-based device and content management platform uses a single console to manage regional or global deployments, but unlike traditional CMS software their platform includes visibility into the Canvas performance such as device analytics and health alerts. Videri is focused on making it easier for businesses to deploy and manage digital displays and that’s why we think you should check them out.
Humly Workforce Solutions
Workspace Management has taken many forms in the last few years. Businesses with fewer in-office staff or smaller facilities are looking to organize and optimize physical and digital workspaces to boost employee productivity and comfort. It involves arranging office layouts, ensuring resources and tools are accessible, and using technology to create flexible, adaptable environments.
Humly offers a workforce solution suite to streamline room scheduling and desk management. Their interactive panels and software make managing meeting rooms and hot-desking effortless. The suite’s features allow users to simplify room reservations and desk bookings to save time, reduce conflict, and boost productivity, creating a more efficient and flexible work environment.
Simplifying room reservations and desk bookings makes the workplace more efficient and flexible, saving time, reducing conflicts, and boosting productivity. Interactive wayfinding maps help users quickly locate available desks or conference rooms, adding convenience and enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, effective floor plans and visitor management enhance overall facility management and improve the visitor experience.
For more information on these innovative solutions, visit Humly’s website.
I5LED IllumiWrap™
The I5LED IllumiWrap™ is a revolutionary ultra-lightweight and ultra-thin LED foil (a flexible material embedded with LED lights) designed for indoor and outdoor projects. LED foil is great for marketing applications because it can be bent, wrapped, and applied to various surfaces, making it ideal for creative and versatile lighting installations.
It boasts an IP66 rating (protected against dust and powerful water jets) for robust weather resistance and is available in several pixel pitches (5mm, 8mm, 16mm, and 32mm) to provide versatile installation options and deliver stunning visual effects. For businesses, this means creating dynamic and eye-catching displays that are durable and adaptable to different environments.
The IllumiWrap™ is perfect for enhancing brand visibility, attracting customer attention, and delivering impactful advertising.
Explore more about the IllumiWrap™ on the I5LED website.
Liberty USB 3.2 Gen1 Client and Host
Enhancing USB 3 connectivity without the hefty price tag does not have to be a challenge for organizations. Liberty’s USB 3.2 Gen1 Client and Host extenders enhance USB 3 connectivity with high performance and reliability at a fraction of the cost of others on the market, making them a cost-effective solution for any business.
When used in an audio-visual (AV) setup, the company can ensure robust and reliable connections for conference room solutions especially for USB devices such as cameras and other accessory products. This product ensures the full 5 Gbps data transfer and is backwards compatible to USB 2.0 and 1.1.
Allow more budget to be allocated to other critical areas to maximize overall investments and improve operational outcomes. Discover the Client Wall Plate here and the Host Wall Plate here to see how Liberty’s solutions can transform your connectivity needs.
Next Steps to Ensuring Your AV Systems Provide the Efficiency and Performance
As a leading integrator of AV platforms, we are always looking to the future. Integrating these innovative AV solutions can transform your facility’s operations, making it more functional and enhancing the user experience. Whether you aim to improve video conferencing, streamline workspace management, or create eye-catching digital displays, these top five innovations provide the necessary technology and flexibility to succeed.
Ready to elevate your facility’s AV capabilities to the next level? Contact our team to discover how we can help you implement these cutting-edge solutions effectively.
