1. Fighting back against soundbars

In recent years, soundbar technology has grown considerably and sadly, a lot of homeowners hear how good they are (and check the price tag) and call that their surround sound solution.

The problem is, while these products might sound fine, they’re not the apex and integrators need to find ways to get that message across.

The answer is obvious, get people in a room with surround sound, multiple subwoofers and true Dolby Atmos. You need to hear it and feel it to believe it. That’s how the AV industry can fight the battle against soundbars.

2. Assistive communication continues to grow

Assistive communication solutions were everywhere at the Integrate + Security Expo this year. It was a culmination of years of progress for this side of the industry and the introduction of Bluetooth Auracast.

With this category growing as much as it is, we’re bound to see innovations and new solutions popping up across the AV world and I’m excited to see what’s in store for assistive communication.

Additionally, I’m interested to see what’s on offer when it reaches end user devices. When I go to concerts and gigs in the future, am I bringing my headphones so I can hear the band more clearly? While it’s available on some select Samsung earbuds, when will it be everywhere?

3. AI makes digital signage more engaging

This past year, we saw artificial intelligence (AI) take strides in the digital signage space but moving forward, what more can it do?

When at trade shows, you see all the latest and greatest in facial tracking technology that can optimise the content being displayed on the screen to the viewer. But is this the year that these technologies find their way across everyday shopfronts and in cities?

Enough prototypes, show me the money!

Oh, and would you look at that timing? In this magazine, San Williams looks at the latest and greatest in digital signage and explores where the technology is taking it.

4. Music licensing gives integrators another revenue stream

In hospitality AV, integrators set up the audio, video and control, giving the end user as much freedom as they need to operate the system. But before signing off on the job, there’s a chance that the integrator is missing out on some recurring revenue by giving the end user legal audio streaming software.

Audacity Australia recently partnered with Soundtrack Your Brand (formerly Spotify for Business) to give integrators easy-to-operate music licensing software. Snap One has partnered with Apple Music, giving end users the same peace of mind when it comes to streaming.

If end users go out and source their own music after an installation, it could be technically illegal and potentially costly. Integrators can solve that issue and also give themselves some recurring revenue that simply didn’t exist before.

5. Focus on furniture

I remember getting a press pack from Fever-Tree, the beverage company. The company had just launched its range of premium tonic waters. While they had the classic premium Indian tonic water (which they said was better but I’m not sure how), they released a Mediterranean tonic, an elderflower tonic and a lemon tonic, among others.

The company’s ethos is that three-quarters of your drink is mixer, why would you skimp on quality? Essentially, if you’re buying a premium gin, why would you mix it with 50c Coles tonic water?

The same can be said for furniture in both commercial and residential AV.

Integrators are pulling out all the stops and specifying the best technology money can buy, but why stop at the technology? At the CEDIA Tech Summit, there were several examples of cinema chairs that connect to a vast range of content to provide a 4D-like experience when watching movies.

On the commercial side, there’s nothing worse than an uncomfortable office chair. I first saw this discussed at the 2023 AETM Conference in Brisbane. You can have the best collaboration solution and gorgeous screens, but it doesn’t mean a thing if your bum hurts after half an hour.