1. Immersive entertainment is coming

The Immersive Audio Design Recommended Practice (CEDIA/CTA-RP22) was an absolute hit with integrators and has packed conference rooms at CEDIA Tech Summits, even crashing the association’s site when it first debuted.

There’s clearly a need for this level of integration capability, and why stop at audio? What else can the integration industry streamline and deliver to customers? This 148-page document is just the start of future immersive experiences.

In terms of video, how does an integrator capture the viewer more? What next steps are there for a more immersive video experience? Should a screen expand beyond the wall? Even wrap around the entire cinema room? How can augmented reality (AR) push the viewing experience forward?

These are all questions that aren’t being asked because video hasn’t moved off the screen in *checks watch* a very long time.

2. AI pushes AV forward (just a little bit)

In season one, episode six of SpongeBob Squarepants, Squidward stands at the counter and takes an order where a customer takes forever to order but finally selects the Krabby Patty. Squidward replies: “Daring today, aren’t we?”

That’s a bit like how I feel writing an artificial intelligence (AI) prediction in this year’s Tech Predictor. I’m sure I’m not the only one writing about it.

I may be more tempered than other contributors as I think AI will have an impact, but potentially only a minor impact.

Where AI can really shine through is with voice assistants, helping them learn more about our everyday lives. Josh.ai’s innovation with its JoshGPT solution that helps people decide what they want to watch, what to listen to and so on, is exciting.

Maybe in the 2025 Tech Predictor, I’ll be a bit bolder about AI’s impact, but in the meantime, it’s minimal.

3. NDIS helps push integrators to the forefront

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) presents several opportunities for residential integrators to design and install smart home solutions for people living with a disability. At the 2023 CEDIA Tech Summit, Paul Skelton said that one home owner requested a CEDIA-certified integrator for the first time, a major step in the industry.

The current design standard for these homes isn’t very precise, to the point that it’s practically unusable. CEDIA, among other organisations, have put in requests on behalf of the industry to fine-tune the wording and make it make sense.

Working with the NDIS allows integrators to diversify their projects, moving away from luxury installations and making a real difference for people across the country.

4. Cost of living pressures push down disposable income

Some parts of the AV industry might feel the pinch as the cost-of-living crisis continues (or worsens). There’s a belief that those who continued to spend throughout the pandemic and worsening economic situation will continue to do so, but these pressures might keep people away from non-essential spending for a little longer.

The commercial side of the industry and essential residential installations, like the NDIS-sponsored projects, should be able to withstand the cost-of-living pressures. We’re on the other side of the pandemic and the supply chain situation is improving but it’ll be a while until we’re back to normal (not just a “new normal”).

 

This Tech Predictor is written by Connected magazine editor Sean Carroll. To find the rest of the Connected Tech Predictors for 2024, click on this link.