THOUGHT LEADERS ON LEGACY & FUTURE AV
By Cindy Davis and Macy O’Hearn
Do you have legacy AV equipment that is still earning its keep? Does your organization have a combination of hardware and software from different manufacturers, and does interoperability sometimes pose an issue? Is your AV/IT department full speed ahead with AV over IP, the cloud, and AI-enabled systems? No matter which end of the AV or IT spectrum your systems reside, these 38 industry thought leaders share insights into the transition to IP, trends in The State of AV/IT today, and predictions for the next few years.
RICHARD JONKER Vice President Marketing and Business Development
NETGEAR Enterprise
The most successful organizations are shifting their mindset from, “What AV equipment do we need?” to, “How can we create experiences that drive business results?” This approach means your AV investments should solve specific business challenges rather than simply upgrade hardware.
The proof is in your meeting rooms. Setup time has dropped from seven frustrating minutes to under twenty seconds. This translates to improved productivity and employee satisfaction.
Behind the shifting mindset are four key technologies reshaping how you’ll interact with AV systems: AV over IP, cloud solutions, artificial intelligence, and extended reality (XR/AR). These represent fundamental changes, creating practical benefits for organizations willing to evolve.
AV over IP leads this transformation by using your IP network infrastructure instead of dedicated AV cabling. This means you get to benefit from all the advantages of the network world: easier scaling when adding endpoints like speakers, microphones, or displays; when you need remote troubleshooting by IT teams without the need for room visits; better integration with existing security tools; and the flexibility to reconfigure spaces as needs change.
As your AV systems become networked, artificial intelligence transforms infrastructure management through automated configuration and intelligent power optimization. However, connectivity introduces security vulnerabilities requiring proactive protection. Modern solutions now integrate AI-driven network simplification with built-in cybersecurity capabilities, creating inherently secure, intelligent systems that adapt to threats while simplifying operations.
This is why NETGEAR is making strategic investments to combine AI-powered networking solutions with cybersecurity capabilities—in response to how the industry is evolving to simultaneously address both operational efficiency and security concerns.
We believe that organizations investing in these transitions today—and focusing on experiences that solve specific business challenges—are positioning themselves for significant advantages as the market evolves.
CATHERINE KOUTSARIS Product Marketing Manager Matrox Video
For many organizations, the biggest hesitation in modernizing AV systems is the belief that moving forward means ripping everything out and starting from scratch. In reality, most end users don’t need or want to replace entire systems. What’s more practical and sustainable is keeping the elements that still work well and bridging them with newer technologies. This approach reduces staff retraining and avoids waste. Teams can then evolve at their own pace.
That’s where interoperability comes in. Today’s AV/IT environments often resemble technology islands—ecosystems that work well independently but don’t always communicate with one another. End users may value their existing cameras or video walls, but when new requirements emerge, incompatibility becomes a real obstacle. AV gateway products are a great way to bridge between older systems and newer technology, allowing both to be used in the same installation.
Standards-based solutions provide the clearest path forward. Open standards like IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110 make it possible to mix equipment from multiple manufacturers and reduce the risk of vendor lock-in. In practice, this can mean running day-to-day conferencing over a corporate 1GbE network while seamlessly shifting to a 10GbE broadcast workflow for highend production—all with the same underlying infrastructure. Organizations gain freedom from vendor lock-in and proprietary constraints.
The advice for end users is to focus on flexibility. Prioritize systems that integrate with what you already have and embrace open standards. This approach ensures that today’s investments remain relevant, while giving you the freedom to adopt new technologies and build AIover-IP systems that can grow with you on your own terms.
SAM SABET Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Shure
The simple answer for any customer looking to invest in new AV technologies today, whether for upgrading or otherwise, is to consider a flexible, adaptable platform. Today’s AV world is characterized by rapid and constant changes. These changes are evident both in the environment—workspaces, collaboration modes, and the balance between RTO and remote work—and in features and technologies such as AI, feature deployment speed, and processing power.
When choosing a platform, it’s imperative to keep in mind the ease of adaptability to evolving changes. Consider the flexibility of configuration and provisioning, as well as the longevity of the platform. Shure’s ecosystem of MXA and collaboration solutions, supported by software infrastructure like ShureCloud and our advanced DSP and AI algorithms, provides a perfect platform. It can automatically adapt and grow with our end users’ needs.
EMMA EAGLE Manager of Marketing Hall Research
When it comes to evolving AV systems, whether you’re replacing legacy gear or updating something relatively new, the key is to plan for what’s next—not just what’s now. AV and IT are no longer separate worlds. Your AV strategy should be as scalable, secure, and manageable as the rest of your IT infrastructure.
Don’t get stuck on spec sheets. Instead, ask: Will this system grow with us? Can it integrate with cloud platforms? Is it simple enough that anyone can use it without frustration? Because at the end of the day, simplicity drives adoption, and adoption drives ROI.
The next few years will bring even more AV over IP, smarter automation through AI, tighter cybersecurity requirements, and an increased demand for sustainable solutions. Organizations that embrace these shifts will be in the best position to maximize both their technology and their people.
My advice? Evolve with intention. Choose solutions that are scalable, secure, and user-friendly. That’s how you future-proof your AV/IT investments.
MAX RITCHER Co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing Insta360
The AV/IT industry is at a turning point.. We’re moving from static, hardware-first setups to flexible, cloud-connected ecosystems that are easier to manage and adapt to how people really work. Three forces are driving this shift: the cloud, AI, and interoperability.
Cloud platforms now sit at the center of modern AV, making it possible for IT teams to monitor and update systems across campuses or offices from one place. This reduces complexity and takes the burden off on-site staff.
AI adds another layer, turning AV from something reactive into something proactive. We’ve seen this in the evolution of Insta360’s enterprise tools. We came from humble (yet ambitious!) origins with the Link AI webcam. This was our first entry into the industry, already sporting smart tracking. We’ve now moved onto the Connect video bar for larger rooms, and our latest release, Insta360 Wave. As an AI speakerphone, we’ve crafted something that is adaptive and resilient, designed to work together with our other products as a seamless experience.
But none of this potential can be unlocked without interoperability. Proprietary systems have long slowed progress by creating silos and forcing users into narrow ecosystems. That’s why open standards matter. By supporting initiatives like OpenAV Cloud and pushing for shared APIs, the industry can break down barriers, give organizations more choice, and ensure systems can grow together instead of being locked in.
The convergence of cloud, AI, and interoperability is shaping the future of AV. We’re beyond just releasing flashy tech for its own sake. We’re building smarter, more reliable systems that actually make work easier and more connected for everyone.
OLIVER VAN CAMP
Product Director, Meeting Experience
Barco ClickShare
Today’s meeting room technology must do more than connect devices; it needs to enable seamless, inclusive collaboration for all meeting room users. That’s why Barco ClickShare and Microsoft are re-imagining hybrid collaboration through smarter, more human-centric meeting experiences.
ClickShare provides a secure, scalable meeting room system that lets room participants conference, collaborate, and present with just one click, with no technical hassle, no cables, and no delays. Intuitive and easy to use, ClickShare ensures the meeting experience is consistent and seamless across any space—from huddle rooms to large boardrooms—and is designed around how people truly work.
In a Microsoft Teams environment, this experience becomes more intelligent and user-friendly. AI-powered features like speaker recognition, automatic camera framing, and smart content sharing create meetings that feel more natural and engaging, whether participants are in the room or remote.
AI is now doing even more to support the flow of work. Features like speaker attribution (knowing who’s speaking), facilitator agent (a virtual assistant capturing next steps and deadlines), and interpreter agent (allowing everyone to speak in their native language) benefit both in-room and remote participants. These tools help overcome proximity barriers, reduce administrative tasks, minimize miscommunication, and integrate smoothly into everyday workflows—even as they are still emerging.
ClickShare brings wireless collaboration solutions into the meeting room, empowering companies to run AI applications locally and in real time via the ClickShare Base Units. This unlocks smarter, faster interactions— from live speaker recognition and automatic camera framing to translation and real-time note-taking—enhancing every interaction to keep users productive, engaged, and focused. Together, ClickShare and Microsoft are redefining hybrid meetings: secure, smart, scalable, and made for people.
RYAN WALLENBERG AIMS Member and Vice President of Engineering Cobalt Digital
Whether AV systems are for rich experiences in venues or for managing signals on campuses like businesses or universities, they often involve equipment from different tech categories. For example, in many organizations it is not rare to see mixtures of two or all three of the following things: media processing equipment, signal extension and switching equipment, and IT department equipment.
There are many factors that have made it possible to accomplish any task that previously required hardwired cables to now be achievable using packetized IP. The most challenging thing left to overcome while migrating from hardwired cables to IP is dealing with mixing different equipment types, equipment classes, and vendor solutions with interfaces such as HDMI.
The two most important things that have happened to address this final challenge is the emergence of open standards and specifications—such as SMPTE ST 2110, AES67, NMOS, and IPMX—and the emergence of IP-to-IP gateway converters of many types to help deal with conversions of media profiles within the media options of the standards and between different media and protocols including proprietary options.
End users looking to evolve legacy or even newer AV systems should consider IPMXcompliant solutions that offer smooth plugand-play integration. An optimized hybrid infrastructure will leverage interoperability for high-quality audio, video, and data for SMPTE ST 2110 transport across common networks. Organizations should be able add capabilities at their own pace while avoiding vendor lock-in and giving them the flexibility to build infrastructures that grow with them. Several vendors have always offered modular and standards-based technologies that adapt to real-world challenges and they are now embracing IPMX integration.
SKYLER BOWDEN Senior Marketing Manager Mersive
In today’s hype-heavy tech climate, AI gets most of the headlines. Promises of 10x productivity and AI-driven transformation abound—but for AV/ IT professionals managing real systems, real spaces, and real users, it’s essential to cut through the noise.
The truth? AI will shape the future of collaboration—but it won’t fix broken workflows or magically modernize outdated AV infrastructure. Productivity gains only happen when technology is aligned with how people actually work, connect, and communicate. This is especially true in education, healthcare, and enterprise environments, where every decision has to balance performance, cost, security, and usability.
What’s often overlooked in the rush to optimize is a critical factor: the human experience. Meaningful technology doesn’t just improve business outcomes; it impacts how people feel about their work. When meetings are more efficient and tools actually support connection instead of complicating it, your teams regain focus, time, and energy. That’s where real value emerges: better engagement, clearer communication, and a healthier work-life balance.
The most exciting AI potential isn’t about replacing people; it’s about revealing insights. Meeting analytics can surface engagement trends, highlight contributor impact, and track follow-ups so no one flies blind. Instead of attributing all tasks to the in-room device, imagine a system that accurately reflects every participant’s input and commitments—remote or on site.
So what’s the takeaway? Don’t get distracted by magic wands. Invest in technology that is secure, scalable, and user friendly—solutions that create space for the innovation your teams are primed to deliver. Then, let AI help you fine-tune how your teams meet, share, and succeed—without forcing in one-size-fits-all tech that misses the mark on deeper challenges like process gaps. AI will naturally optimize efficiency, but not overnight and not without an intimate understanding of how your teams do their best work.
BLAKE ABIG Director of National Sales Full Compass Systems
In my role, I spend much of my time listening to colleges, universities, and corporations as they rethink how their AV systems support teaching and collaboration. One of the most common concerns I hear is that rooms feel inconsistent. A professor might walk into one classroom and everything works smoothly, then step into another and struggle to get the system started. The same frustration shows up in corporate offices. Consistency is one of the simplest ways to improve user confidence and adoption.
Another challenge customers raise is the pressure on lean support teams. Higher ed IT groups may be responsible for hundreds of classrooms, while corporate AV staff cover global meeting spaces. I often hear, “We can’t be everywhere at once.” This is where centralized, cloud-based monitoring really makes a difference. When teams can see issues in real time and push updates remotely, they spend less time firefighting and more time enabling productivity.
Clients are also curious about how artificial intelligence fits in. What I tell them is that AI works best when it disappears into the background. Cameras that automatically follow a presenter, microphones that remove noise, and live captions that improve accessibility all make the experience smoother without adding complexity.
Finally, one theme that comes up again and again is equity for remote participants. Whether it is a student joining from home or a colleague dialing in from another office, people expect to be seen and heard clearly. That is no longer optional; it is the baseline.
The most successful AV strategies I see are the ones that put people first. When systems are reliable, intuitive, and supportive of everyone in the room and beyond, the technology simply enables better outcomes.
MITCH RAUCH U.S. Sales Director Powersoft
As AV systems grow more complex and distributed, spanning corporate campuses, higher education institutions, and dynamic multi-use facilities, the role of the integrator is evolving just as quickly. Success in today’s audiovisual environments requires more than just great sound and video; it also depends on smooth, seamless integration with the broader IT infrastructure.
Legacy rack rooms and point-to-point signal paths are giving way to decentralized, IP-based infrastructures. AV-over-IP is no longer a trend— but the very foundation. In this environment amplifiers are active, networked components capable of intelligent signal routing, system synchronization, and real-time control. As a result, integrators are becoming more involved in network design such as IP addressing, VLANs, QoS, and switch configuration, which are as essential as gain structure and speaker coverage.
Cloud integration is accelerating the evolution of network-based devices. Remote monitoring and system management capabilities are quickly becoming indispensable. Whether diagnosing issues, pushing firmware updates, or fine-tuning performance from a distance, cloud connectivity empowers integrators to deliver faster, more efficient support, often before the client even notices a problem. The shift to cloud integration can save time, reduce site visits, and pave the way for recurring service models.
Through these advancements, our mission at Powersoft remains to deliver transparent, intelligible audio without distraction. We’ve embraced this evolution with platforms like Unica and Nota 142. Both Unica and Nota 142 are purpose built for decentralized, IT-friendly environments, and combine robust performance with smart design and native cloud connectivity. Unica and Nota 142 highlight our commitment to helping integrators meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s demands by bridging the worlds of AV and IT with powerful, futureready solutions.
JAKUB KOLACZ Manager Product and Commercialization, Business Communication Sennheiser
As AV systems become increasingly networked, end users are grappling with how to evolve their environments without creating disruption. Legacy software, fragmented device tools, and rising IT security expectations often slow progress—yet the demand for simpler, more scalable management is only growing.
Now is the time for end users to prepare for this new era of AV/IT convergence. The priority is ease of deployment and configuration. Complex setup processes not only consume valuable IT/ AV resources but also increase the risk of errors. Solutions that enable devices to be onboarded quickly, with minimal dependencies, free teams to focus on higher-value tasks.
Next, interoperability and centralization are key. While many organizations still rely on a patchwork of vendor-specific tools, the future lies in platforms that embrace open standards and integration. By consolidating device management into a single, standardized platform, teams gain a clearer view of their systems and reduce friction across locations and departments.
Security remains non-negotiable. With AV fully part of the enterprise IT landscape, encryption, authentication, and role-based access are essential to protect both data and devices.
Finally, consider ongoing performance. Management shouldn’t stop at installation. Proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and predictive maintenance help teams spot issues before they escalate, keeping collaboration spaces available and reliable.
IT and AV pros should consider feature rich, cloud-based device management platforms offering them all of the above services and more, with room to scale as systems become even more complex in the future. Providing a centralized hub for devices ensures not only improved on-site or remote management, but also the ability to react quickly to any issues at the time they occur.
Looking ahead, the convergence of AV and IT will continue to accelerate. End users who prioritize simplicity, interoperability, and proactive management today will be best placed to evolve their systems tomorrow, without sacrificing security or reliability.
ART WEEKS
Project Manager
ZeeVee by Kramer
We’re at an inflection point where both integrators and end users are rethinking AV system design. The old rack-fullof-boxes model is giving way to multi-function components that combine switching, DSP, and control. The motivation isn’t just fewer devices; it’s lower total cost of ownership over the life of a system.
By consolidating functions, projects install faster, take up less rack space, draw less power, and reduce the number of potential failure points. That translates to fewer service calls, easier remote management, and reduced labor costs across the system lifecycle. Realistically, integrators can save thousands per room, per year, while giving clients a cleaner, more reliable experience. It also helps projects get approved faster because decision makers can see longterm savings rather than just the upfront price tag.
At the same time, high-performance environments—like large lecture halls or missioncritical control rooms—are pushing adoption of AVoIP. End users want ultra-low latency and the flexibility to scale on standard networks. Today, that often means choosing between 1Gb and 10Gb deployments, but we’re seeing more forward-thinking firms pre-install CAT-6a cabling even when starting at 1Gb. That future-proofs the space, making it easier and cheaper to upgrade when higher bandwidth is needed.
In short, the state of AV/IT today is about simplification without compromise, and the next few years will be defined by scalable networked video paired with systems designed to reduce complexity, cost, and risk.
CHRIS MERRILL Director of Product Management and Engineering Panasonic Professional Video and Audio Systems
The convergence of AV and IT has transformed the way organizations view IP-based workflows. End users are increasingly tasked with modernizing their systems to keep pace with the flexibility and scalability that IP-based solutions deliver, while also extending the value of legacy AV investments. This balancing act is one of the greatest challenges for AV/IT managers today.
The key is to take a phased approach. Rather than overhauling an entire AV ecosystem at once, leaders should evaluate solutions that bridge both traditional SDI and emerging IT/IP workflows. This allows them to preserve existing infrastructure investments while preparing for long-term growth. At the same time, it ensures that teams can continue to meet demands without extended downtime or steep learning curves.
Equally important is the ability to manage
“Organizations that embrace flexible, interoperable platforms will be better equipped to navigate future demands.”
— Chris Merrill, Director of Product Management and Engineering Panasonic Professional Video and Audio Systems
resources across the network with confidence. As teams become increasingly distributed across multiple studios, campuses, or even continents, AV/IT managers need systems that not only scale but also simplify oversight of endpoints, bandwidth, and performance. With the right tools, they can monitor, manage, and optimize live workflows in real-time.
At Panasonic, we see the evolution of AV/IT as an opportunity to extend the value of current investments while embracing scalable, softwaredefined solutions. The KAIROS Live Production Platform exemplifies this approach. It’s built on open standards like ST 2110 and offers a
flexible, IT/IP-native architecture that integrates seamlessly with existing AV equipment. This means AV/IT managers can stay on top of their systems and modernize workflows without abandoning major hardware that hasn’t reached end of life.
Looking ahead, we predict a continued push toward hybrid environments where cloud-based production and AI-enhanced automation will play a larger role. Organizations that embrace flexible, interoperable platforms today will be better equipped to navigate future demands, ensuring their systems remain resilient, efficient, and ready for whatever comes next.
JOHN KRUSE Senior Field Solutions Architect ViewSonic
The convergence of AV and IT is reshaping how organizations design and manage their technology ecosystems. For end users modernizing legacy systems—or even optimizing newer ones—the goal is no longer just to add AV, but to create connected, intelligent environments that align with enterprise IT strategies.
There are a number of important considerations that go into achieving this. First, interoperability is foundational. Proprietary silos, especially technology-based ones, are becoming less viable, so end users should prioritize solutions certified across major platforms—Teams, Zoom, Google Meet—and integrate these with control systems to ensure long-term flexibility.
The second consideration is keeping the cloud as your control layer. Cloud-enabled management is shifting from optional to essential. Remote monitoring, analytics, and centralized updates improve uptime, lower service costs, and scale across campuses and enterprises.
Third, consider that AI is moving mainstream. AI features are already raising user expectations— from camera framing and noise suppression to predictive diagnostics. The differentiator in the coming years will be how seamlessly these features enhance collaboration and reduce friction.
Fourth, remember that budgets are tight, so sustainability and ROI are under more scrutiny than ever. End users should look for solutions that extend product lifecycles through firmware updates, modular upgrades, and energy efficiency instead of requiring rip-and-replace strategies.
And finally, as AV lives fully on the network, alignment with corporate IT security standards is critical. Device-level protections and encrypted data handling must be built in—not bolted on.
The state of AV/IT today is one of acceleration—driven by interoperability, cloud-first management, and AI intelligence. End users who embrace openness, scalability, and sustainability will not only protect their investments, but also position their organizations for smarter, more adaptable experiences in the years ahead.
PAUL HARRIS CEO Aurora Multimedia
For end-users looking to evolve their AV systems, I recommend attending industry trade shows like InfoComm, ISE, and NAB, among others, which provide a neutral platform to explore new technologies. Ignore the marketing, and what size booth, and who throws the best parties. Do not be a “zombie” tradeshow walker either. That is where you walk aimlessly and get sucked in by the pretty shows people put on, but miss what is right in front of you that can make a difference. Dealer and distributor local shows can work well, just understand the limitations and combine them with other research, as many of these shows will only show you what they sell and are aligned with, leaving out many other brands and new technologies.
If you really want to do what is right for your company, due diligence is everything. Talk directly with a variety of manufacturers and test the products yourself to see if they meet your requirements. Nothing is better than a good old-fashioned shootout between brands, especially if the end user is in control of it to make sure everything is on a proper playing field. All manufacturers are guilty of making their products sound as good as possible. That is simply marketing at its best or worst, for that matter.
Ask questions like what makes your technology better than the competition, what is your warranty, where is it made, what is the life span of the product, do you make the product (yeah, many companies just slap their name on OEM and pretend it is theirs, support, education, TAA compliant, and roadmap. Don’t fall into the AI trap where companies make it sound exciting from a buzzword. See that it really does what they say, regardless of the tag line. At the end of the day, you are solving a problem, and it does not matter what fancy wrapper it comes in; does it simply do what is advertised, and does it do it well?
ADAM SOWERS Senior Manager, Business Development Sony Electronics
As organizations evolve their AV systems, the integration of interoperability, cloud solutions, and AI is paramount. AV systems aren’t just about hardware anymore; now, it’s all about being open, smart, and working together seamlessly. Even the newest legacy systems must catch up with the demands of hybrid work, smarter buildings, and AI-powered experiences. How would this actually get done? By embracing interoperability.
For anyone choosing platforms, I’d recommend looking for those that support open architectures and APIs. This is because open systems make it much easier for all your devices and services to communicate with each other. Think of it this way: By choosing solutions that can grow and adapt, you’re making sure your tech keeps up with the times as best as possible and is set up to evolve as quickly as possible. If you haven’t yet, check out initiatives like OpenAV Cloud, which Sony Electronics is a member of, to help you stay ahead.
Additionally, we’re all aware of the impact AI is starting to have. For example, virtual assistants and service bots are not just for demos anymore. Tools like predictive maintenance and smart troubleshooting mean less downtime and happier users. Virtual attendants can automate routines, personalize rooms, and manage schedules with minimal fuss.
Over the next few years, the efforts to unite disparate systems to create holistic solutions will finally come together. To prepare for that, think about going for modular, cloud-native solutions that are ready for AI and can grow with your evolution path. And partner with brands—like Sony—that believe in interoperability and open standards.
NICOLE CORBIN Vice President of Product Utelogy Corporation
As AV and IT continue to converge, the future belongs to organizations that embrace interoperability, automation, and intelligent systems. From cloud control platforms to AI-driven workflows, the industry is moving into an era where your technology estate shouldn’t just be about how it’s managed, but about how it’s orchestrated (ideally remotely and automatically).
Legacy and even modern AV systems weren’t designed to support the kind of dynamic, scalable, and data-driven operations today’s enterprises demand, but that’s changing fast.
At Utelogy, we’re seeing end users evolve by connecting AI agents across their IT/ AV environments to support services that manage device health, power scheduling, room utilization, and even energy-saving measures. But these agents need a toolkit to work—a platform that provides control, telemetry,
“In the coming years, the winners won’t just be those who adopt the newest tech, but those who build agile, interoperable systems that allow humans and machines to work together.”
— Nicole Corbin, Vice President of Product, Utelogy Corporation
configuration, and automation in real-time. That’s where the Utelogy Platform comes in, delivering innovations like Agentic AI on our MCP Server to solve these challenges.
Agentic AI brings a conversational interface to the heart of AV/UC operations. Issue a command like, “Restart all devices in Building B with recent alert history,” and the system not only executes it, but recommends how to turn that action into a self-healing event going forward. This is AI for productivity, not just novelty.
Our advice? Don’t be afraid to integrate.
Whether you’re managing a few rooms or thousands of devices across campuses and continents, the right tools let you reduce manual effort, increase uptime, and make smarter decisions using the data you already have.
In the coming years, the winners won’t just be those who adopt the newest tech, but those who build agile, interoperable systems that allow humans and machines to work together. The future of AV/IT isn’t siloed; it’s smart, connected, and cloud enabled.
JATAN SHAH President QSC
My advice to end users looking to evolve their AV systems is to focus on flexibility, scalability, and intelligence. Technology is moving quickly, and the most future-ready solutions are those that adapt as your needs change while simplifying day-to-day experiences.
One of the biggest shifts in the industry is the move toward full integration of AV, IT, and building systems. AV is no longer a standalone function; it’s becoming deeply embedded in the workplace and experiential design. This means organizations should seek out open platforms that can seamlessly integrate into broader ecosystems rather than locking into closed or siloed technologies.
Another important trend is the rise of AI and data-driven automation. Instead of just enabling meetings or presentations, AI is becoming the eyes and ears of the room, driving context-aware actions like presenter tracking, speaker detection, and intelligent room adjustments. This shift makes technology more intuitive, reduces friction for end users, and helps deliver consistent, highquality experiences.
Scalability also plays a critical role. End users should think not only about solving today’s challenges, but also about whether their AV approach can expand across multiple spaces or campuses while continuing to deliver measurable outcomes. Collecting and analyzing data from connected systems will become essential for optimizing utilization, proving ROI, and informing future planning.
Ultimately, the future of AV/IT is about creating smarter, more connected environments that support collaboration and innovation. By prioritizing open, data-driven platforms, organizations can ensure they’re not just keeping up with change, but actively shaping spaces that are efficient, adaptive, and human centered.
“The future of AV/IT is about creating smarter, more connected environments that support collaboration and innovation.”
— Jatan Shah President QSC
“With common protocols, consistent testing, and manufactureragnostic design, the industry can build networks that scale and adapt with ease.”
— Kathryn Taub Senior Product Marketing Manager Audinate
KATHRYN TAUB Senior Product Marketing Manager Audinate
Over the past decade, AV over IP has become central to professional systems, with nearly every major manufacturer offering networked products. And yet, interoperability across brands remains uneven, and customers expect systems that are easy to deploy, adaptable, and capable of integrating devices from different vendors.
The main challenge is that many products are built on unique implementations that work within a single brand but don’t extend beyond it. Such closed systems may be reliable, but hinder specialized features, gradual upgrades, or integration with existing investments. Open standards offer a pathway toward compatibility, but progress is slow and adoption is uneven, usually limited to basic transport of media across the network. Licensable platform solutions have become a widely adopted alternative. Backed by dedicated engineering teams, they extend beyond basic transport to provide APIs, stronger security, monitoring, and cloud-based tools that work consistently across multiple manufacturers.
Interoperability is what ensures AV-over-IP systems meet expectations in practice. Reliable audio and video depend on devices working together without added latency or quality loss, regardless of brand. As networks grow from single rooms to campuses, interoperability allows them to scale without fragmentation or costly redesigns. Shared APIs and common control frameworks make management practical by giving integrators the visibility they need to simplify support. Security underscores the same point: A system is only as strong as its weakest device, and without network-wide encryption or access control, interoperability is incomplete. Systems must balance performance and flexibility so they can meet the distinct demands of any environment.
The future of AV over IP depends on interoperability. With common protocols, consistent testing, and manufacturer-agnostic design, the industry can build networks that scale and adapt with ease. Interoperability safeguards current investments while opening the door to the innovation and growth that will define the next generation of AV systems.
BRAD HINTZE Executive Vice President of Global Marketing Crestron
Ultimately, convergence is all about scale. While organizations grow and their services expand, every system has to evolve to support new demands. This doesn’t mean simply upgrading individual components; instead it requires a strategic approach and selecting platforms that are built on scalable standards that can grow with an organization over time. This scalability isn’t enough on its own, though. The platforms must also offer flexibility to accommodate a diverse range of spaces and room configurations to address smaller huddle rooms and multifunctional boardrooms alike. When choosing solutions that balance both of these components, organizations can future-proof their environments while maintaining consistency and performance.
Just as important is the user experience, as the expectations of end users are rising rapidly.
“Success lies in selecting technologies that scale with your organization while enhancing the experience of every individual who interacts with them.”
— Brad Hintze Executive Vice President of Global Marketing Crestron
Today’s employees walk into a room with a clear vision for how they want the space to operate. Basic connectivity and audiovisual capabilities are no longer sufficient. Organizations must enable people to use the room with an easy-to-use system that offers AI features such as
transcription and notetaking—just like they have come to expect from their individual workspaces.
Success lies in selecting technologies that scale with your organization while enhancing the experience of every individual who interacts with them.
GEORGE TRUONG Associate Vice President of Operations
Black
Box
AI is transforming interoperability in the cloud, not just by accelerating automation, but by redefining what makes people and organizations valuable. The critical shift for end users is to think beyond, “What can I automate?” and toward, “How do I connect?”
Automation is the baseline. Cloud platforms combined with AI already integrate data, processes, and applications at scale. But today’s AI goes further: It detects system shortfalls, keeps rooms and workflows running, and even anticipates problems before they disrupt business. Companies are bringing automation into AI itself by training systems to self-heal, self-configure, and evolve so downtime and inefficiencies are addressed before people notice.
For end users, thriving in this environment means leaning into curiosity, execution, and the human connection. They need to stay engaged in learning how AI and automation evolve together. It’s also important to explore new APIs, tools, and integration layers—as well as to ask not just what works, but why it matters.
Then, of course, you have to translate insights into outcomes. Don’t just adopt AI features, but embed them into workflows. Use AI to unify silos, automate redundant tasks, and keep systems optimized and resilient.
The final—and arguably most important— point is the human connection. Machines can process, predict, and optimize, but they can’t build trust. End users who empathize, negotiate, and communicate ensure that AI-powered automation serves people—not the other way around.
The end users who thrive will be those who embrace AI as a proactive partner while doubling down on distinctly human skills. Cloud interoperability powered by AI and automation enables leaner, faster, smarter organizations, but the true differentiator comes when people bring context, creativity, and connection to the table.
TOM LUREMAN Director, Engineering and Product Management AtlasIED
For organizations assessing the development of their AV systems, whether they’re replacing outdated setups or expanding newer ones, it is essential to prioritize scalability, flexibility, and proactive management. AV systems are no longer limited to devices within a single room; they now function as part of a connected ecosystem that needs to operate reliably across various environments.
The future of AV/IT is closely tied to the cloud. By extending system management into the cloud, organizations gain the ability to monitor device health, receive incident alerts, apply remote updates, and even reconfigure systems without rolling a truck. This shift transforms AV from being reactive—fixing problems after they arise—to proactive, with tools that identify and address issues before they disrupt the user experience.
With the benefits of cloud adoption comes the need to address security. Cybersecurity and network security must be foundational considerations, as understanding the requirements for the venues and campuses is paramount. Finding suppliers that not only meet but also exceed those requirements ensures that AV systems are not only intelligent and connected, but also resilient and protected.
At AtlasIED, we’ve seen this evolution firsthand through the expansion of our Atmosphere platform. With the introduction of Atmosphere Cloud, integrators and administrators can now monitor, manage, and configure systems anywhere in the world. Features like granular user permissions, device dashboards, incident notifications, and geographic mapping make scaling AV infrastructure simpler without adding operational complexity.
Looking ahead, solutions that combine cloud, interoperability, and intelligence will become the new standard. We expect to see even more predictive capabilities, from automated fault detection to smart resource allocation. It’s time to embrace these changes.
CHRIS TEGUH Product Manager
Epson America
In most environments that leverage an audiovideo solution, seamless networking across technologies is no longer a luxury; it’s a requirement. As integrators and IT professionals seek to streamline AV system operations, the ability to monitor, manage, control, and oversee technology in one convenient location is critical. Whether working with a legacy system or the latest technology, products must support interoperability and networked connectivity to remain relevant in today’s connected environments.
Essential in creating engaging viewing experiences, projectors are an integral part of AV ecosystems. As such, it’s important that they offer easy integration tools with other technologies— new and old. Most projectors today are built with robust networking capabilities to ensure a cohesive experience. Many support remote fleet management tools such as Epson Projector Management Connected (EPM-C) that enables users to control, monitor, and receive crucial notifications through a web browser. These tools also provide access to multiple users to view and manage a fleet of networked projectors using an easy-to-use web-based interface, reducing onsite maintenance and downtime.
As the demand for integrated AV systems increases, new tools and control plug-ins ensure interoperability with the latest software, including Crestron XIO Cloud and Q-SYS. This helps to centralize software management for projectors, allowing users to integrate functions such as selecting the device input, controlling audio volume and mute functions, and adjusting brightness—empowering seamless operations across networked technologies.
Looking ahead, the ability of AV technologies to operate as one seamless ecosystem will evolve as products become more intuitive. A term that is rapidly making its way into the industry is, of course, AI, which is poised to play a role in shaping the future of AV. From quickly generating setup configurations to identifying key details in lengthy user manuals, AI has the ability to enhance efficiency and elevate the overall user experience.
KEITH YANKE
Vice President of Product & Solutions Marketing
Sharp Imaging & Information Company of America
The AV/IT landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by AI, cloud interoperability, and new display technology. For end-users upgrading legacy or newer AV systems, it’s important to consider scalability, security, and sustainability.
AI is transforming display intelligence. From content triggering based on audience behavior to predictive diagnostics and remote monitoring, AI makes systems smarter, more responsive, and easier to manage. Paired with cloud-based management, AV networks can be centrally controlled, ensuring updates are applied, standards upheld, and devices remain secure throughout their lifecycle.
As systems grow more interconnected, interoperability introduces both opportunity and risk—making security foundational. AV systems must be designed with lifecycle security in
“AV systems must be designed with lifecycle security in mind.”
— Keith Yanke Vice President of Product & Solutions Marketing Sharp Imaging & Information Company of America
mind, including firmware and software support beyond deployment. With that, manufacturers will be expected to maintain robust protocols throughout a product’s life.
As display technologies evolve alongside AI and cloud, LED displays continue to gain momentum with chip-on-board (COB) and smaller pixel pitch options becoming more
affordable. When paired with cloud-driven control, LED provides scalable, high-performance displays that integrate seamlessly into AV/IT ecosystems.
Immersive experiences—from simulation to projection mapping—are expanding as AI simplifies both content creation and the mapping process. Tasks that once required niche expertise now have easier learning curves, making immersive environments more accessible to broader markets and applications. Combined with cloud-based platforms, interoperable AV systems can deliver these experiences in ways that are seamless, adaptable, and scalable.
Sustainability has also become a decisive purchasing driver. Beyond efficient hardware, cloud interoperability supports smarter lifecycle management—optimizing usage, reducing waste, and extending product longevity. Combined with durable displays, this proves that performance and sustainability can align.
Looking ahead, AV/IT systems will be defined by their ability to adapt, connect, and contribute to intelligent, secure, and sustainable workplaces across industries.
EFFI GOLDSTEIN President HDBaseT Alliance
Whether upgrading legacy installations or enhancing newer deployments, end users would be best served adopting a strategy centered around proven, reliable standards.
Modern AV systems are expensive, and organizations need to be sure that today’s investment will support tomorrow’s requirements. Building on established protocols like HDBaseT helps teams avoid getting locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem, resulting in greater and faster access to equipment than when relying on one source. This flexibility is especially important when it comes to maintenance, replacement, and time-sensitive system expansion.
Another key factor that must be taken into consideration is maintaining full functionality of the interfaces being used. For example, USB-C has become ubiquitous in modern devices, but not all connectivity solutions support the same bandwidth, creating hidden bottlenecks. For example, when connecting a USB 3.0 camera you don’t want it to be downgraded to USB 2.0 because a system’s connectivity infrastructure can’t handle the higher data rates. Quality standards ensure your investment performs at the level it was intended to.
An additional advantage of standardsbased systems is their ability to support upgrades in stages rather than being forced into complete overhauls. HDBaseT’s backward compatibility means you can reuse existing components and upgrade others as needs evolve incrementally—all while staying within budget. This offers dual benefits: It’s more economically friendly for the organization, and it supports sustainability initiatives by extending equipment lifecycles.
JEREMY SMITH Marketing Manager LEA Professional
For businesses seeking to modernize their AV infrastructure, the most critical step is to think beyond the walls of the building. Today, AV systems need to be intelligent, flexible, and cloud-connected to meet rising expectations for reliability, scalability, and ease of use.
This is why more organizations are turning to cloud-based AV platforms such as LEA Cloud, which enables administrators and integrators to monitor, control, and update AV systems remotely. Whether it’s adjusting volume levels at a single site or overseeing multiple facilities across different regions, cloud-based control ensures that AV systems remain optimized, secure, and always up to date.
One of the most significant shifts we’re seeing is from reactive troubleshooting to proactive management. With features such as OTA updates, customized alerts, and real-time system notifications, disruptions can be addressed before they impact the end-user experience. This not only reduces downtime but also minimizes costly on-site service calls, giving integrators more predictable operations and giving end users greater peace of mind.
Scalability is another critical driver. As projects grow in complexity, cloud infrastructure adapts seamlessly, ensuring that performance and reliability keep pace without adding unnecessary hardware or operational overhead. At LEA Professional, our mission is to lead this shift with cloud solutions that deliver simplicity, reliability, and peace of mind, helping businesses stay connected in a world that never stops moving.
PETRO SHIMONISHI Director of New Business Development
Panasonic Projector and Display Americas AV/IT convergence not only poses an opportunity to streamline workflows, but it also exposes the need for flexible, interoperable, and easy-to-use solutions. Delivering end-to-end workflow solutions is essential to empowering AV professionals to focus on what matters: creating shared experiences. Effective, efficient workflows allow users to deliver stronger results with fewer resources to maximize the value of AV systems.
We’ll continue to see more integrations between hardware and software providers to streamline workflows and give customers the ability to design, create, and manage applications with more ease than ever before. For instance, at Panasonic Projector and Display Americas, we recently partnered with XTEN-AV to develop an integration that allows AV professionals to specify the correct lens for their Panasonic projector. Corporate AV/IT teams can confidently create system designs, reducing guesswork and speeding installation of interchangeable lens projectors.
Another market trend we anticipate will continue is the evolution of simplicity in installations. Universities upgrading lecture halls or other spaces often require additional hardware to manage streaming, content sharing, and network integration. This can increase system complexity, which becomes challenging for tight spaces. Panasonic’s displays and projectors feature SDM card slots and our partnership with Matrox Video gives AV professionals the freedom to choose the AVoIP standard that best meets their needs, with a clean system design that’s flexible for the future.
The migration of AV system workflows to the cloud is accelerating. This transition will help power seamless, engaging content as siloed, proprietary systems inhibit integration and innovation. As a founding member of OpenAV Cloud, Panasonic aims to accelerate this transition by supporting OpenAPI standards and working with the association to create a cloud-tocloud communication standard that drives easy, cross-platform collaboration.
JOE ANDRULIS Executive Vice President of Corporate Development
Biamp
AI continues to transform the audiovisual landscape, integrating into both legacy and contemporary AV systems. For end users, this ongoing evolution represents an unprecedented opportunity to enhance meeting experiences while also simplifying system management and support. Beyond traditional configuration and provisioning, AI is fundamentally reshaping how end users experience corporate meetings of all types, whether participants are in person, remote, or in a hybrid setting. The most remarkable aspect of this transformation is its invisibility. Participants benefit from sophisticated, AI-driven enhancements without ever sensing the technology working behind the scenes. This seamless integration is crucial for creating truly effective meeting environments that prioritize simplicity, speed, and unwavering reliability.
“All-in-one conferencing bars demonstrate how AI can elevate user experiences”
— Joe Andrulis, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development Biamp
Modern conferencing solutions exemplify this invisible intelligence. All-in-one conferencing bars, for example, demonstrate how AI can elevate user experiences through intelligent features such as beamtracking technology, which actively monitors and intelligently mixes conversations to ensure remote participants feel fully engaged. Coupled with AI-powered noise reduction algorithms, these systems deliver crystal-clear voice reproduction that eliminates distractions and maintains
professional communication standards.
Visual intelligence further enhances the experience through electronic pan-tilt-zoom cameras paired with auto-framing technology, ensuring all participants remain perfectly positioned regardless of their location or movement. This technology keeps everyone front and center, creating an inclusive environment where physical location becomes irrelevant to participation quality.
The impact of AI also extends into operational excellence, benefiting end users in other ways they may not realize. For technical support teams, AI provides unprecedented insights into system performance, enabling rapid problem identification and resolution. This enables support teams to implement predictive capabilities to address potential issues before they impact end users, transforming reactive support into proactive system optimization. This paradigm shift ensures that mundane technical issues are resolved automatically, while more complex challenges are anticipated and prevented, creating a seamless, uninterrupted meeting experience for all participants.
MARCUS LECLERC Manager of Key Accounts Absen
For many end users, the challenge isn’t simply about replacing older equipment; it’s about making sense of a rapidly evolving AV/IT landscape. Technology is moving fast, and the real question becomes: How do we design systems that not only keep pace but continue to serve people well into the future?
One clear shift we’re seeing is the deeper convergence of AV and IT. What used to be separate conversations now live at the same table, with IT leaders weighing in on issues like security, scalability, and long-term investment. For end users, this means looking at AV solutions not as stand-alone tools but as part of a larger technology ecosystem. Flexibility, interoperability, and network readiness should be top of mind.
At the same time, people’s expectations have changed. Employees, audiences, and communities want technology that just works; tools that feel intuitive, that don’t require a manual every time you walk into a room. As you plan to evolve legacy systems, it’s worth asking: Does this solution make it easier for people to connect, collaborate, and engage? That userfirst perspective often determines whether technology gets adopted or ignored.
Looking forward, three themes stand out: AI will play a bigger role in simplifying management and reducing downtime; sustainability will matter more, with organizations evaluating energy efficiency and lifecycle impact; and adaptability will win, with investments designed for longevity and change consistently outperforming quick fixes.
In the end, evolving AV isn’t about chasing the newest gadget; it’s about creating a secure, scalable, and human-centered foundation. End users who focus on that balance will not be positioned just to catch up with the state of AV/IT today—but to shape where it’s heading tomorrow.
OMER BROOKSTEIN Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Xyte
For enterprise end users looking to evolve their AV systems, the most important step is ensuring a foundation that’s open and adaptable. Proprietary silos slow innovation and increase costs, while open APIs provide the flexibility to integrate best-in-class solutions and scale as needs change. That’s why OpenAV Cloud—an industry initiative focused on standardizing open, cloud-based APIs and fostering cross-platform collaboration—is so critical.
The value of choosing an OpenAV solution is clear: It delivers vendor-neutral flexibility, easier integrations and scalability, and faster support and troubleshooting—all while futureproofing AV/IT investments with the backing of industry leaders. With this foundation in place, enterprises can not only streamline today’s operations, but also prepare for the intelligent automation that’s rapidly reshaping the industry.
The real opportunity today, however, lies in how AI will transform the way AV systems are supported, maintained, and experienced. AI-powered teammates are emerging as a force multiplier for IT and AV teams.
Autonomous issue resolution means that if a microphone drops mid-call, AI detects it and reboots or reroutes before users notice. With proactive scheduling and monitoring, AI forecasts failures from usage patterns and environmental data, then books service windows automatically. Context-aware support in hybrid meetings allows AI to adjust audio, cameras, and layouts to match participants and context. And finally, with self-service for end users, employees can resolve minor issues with AI-guided instructions, reducing IT workload.
AI in enterprise AV isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about augmenting teams with intelligent assistants that deliver resilience, efficiency, and better user experiences. Futureready AV means building for both interoperability and intelligence—without one, the other cannot succeed. And with AI teammates stepping in to resolve issues, anticipate needs, and empower users, organizations that embrace this shift now will set the pace for the entire industry.
RANDALL LEE Vice President of Marketing and Product Management
Bogen Communications
The convergence of audiovisual and information technology is reshaping how organizations design and manage communication systems. End users looking to evolve legacy or even newer AV platforms should prioritize IP-based solutions, as these systems deliver unmatched scalability, integration and long-term adaptability. Unlike traditional analog infrastructures limited by hardware and physical connections, IP-based platforms allow organizations to expand distributed audio and paging systems effortlessly, supporting virtually unlimited endpoints, zones and audio sources. The flexibility of IP-based platforms makes them ideal for diverse environments, from sprawling medical campuses to district-wide school systems.
One of the advantages of IP-based systems is their ability to operate seamlessly within existing IT networks. Solutions like Bogen Communications’ Nyquist integrate with LAN, WAN and legacy cabling, ensuring that upgrades are both cost effective and minimally disruptive. Beyond simple paging or intercom, these systems unify communication, safety, and operational efficiency through a single, software-driven platform. The hybrid approach, which leverages both on-premises and cloud components, enables facilities to combine critical local functions such as phone integration and speaker management with advanced cloudenabled features like SMS alerts, mobile app access, and email notifications.
The convergence of AV and IT positions organizations to stay ahead of future trends. As software-driven distributed audio and paging systems evolve, they can be upgraded to support emerging technologies without requiring hardware replacement, ensuring that institutions remain agile as audio and communication demands grow. For end users, AV and IT are no longer standalone systems—but together create an ecosystem that enhances communication and future-proofs infrastructure investments.
ANDERS KARLSSON Chief Executive Officer Humly
The acceleration of AI adoption and its acceptance in the business world represents a new achievement in networking. We are all familiar with the strive for interoperability in the AV industry as products, functions, and systems transition to IP networks. With an impressive level of networking having already come to fruition, the acceptance of AI has inspired many AV/IT manufacturers to bring more components and equipment together into a common ecosystem.
There was a time when it was challenging to establishing a single point to control to share data and trigger functions across disparate systems. It required a deep understanding of how to build an effective bridge or gateway, and monetizing that level of engineering effort meant it would need to appeal to a very wide customer base. But as we have learned in AV, every customer has a unique need, and they use different combinations of tools, services, and equipment.
The power of AI opens the skies when it comes to bringing APIs together from various products and systems and developing ways for them to speak to each other. That creates a very compelling opportunity to get more return value from the investments that manufacturers have made in their products and that customers have made in their broader AV systems. At Humly, we are leveraging this opportunity in our hardware devices and sensing platforms, and are eager to connect to the many data points available in networking AV/IT installations through dedicated API integrations, or through AI’s model context purposes.
We started these efforts through the creation of Humly Cloud and its open API, and have progressed to sharing ours and pulling in other APIs. We will continue to invest heavily in this initiative through 2026 and beyond.
“The power of AI opens the skies when it comes to bringing APIs together from various products and systems and developing ways for them to speak to each other.”
— Anders Karlsson Chief Executive Officer Humly
“If a network cannot handle video traffic, security, and management tools, then teams are setting themselves up for a world of frustration.”
— Jeff Terzo Global Business Development Just Add Power
JEFF TERZO Global Business Development
Just Add Power
Currently, many end users that are trying to manage the transition away from their legacy AV systems are quickly coming to the realization that the industry has shifted toward infrastructures more commonly associated with IT. No longer just about displays, projectors, and control boxes, AV is now fully enmeshed in hallmark IT technologies such as networks and cloud tools that focus on making the user experience seamless across any commercial space.
As AV and IT converge, the biggest conversations in the industry are happening around AV over IP. Signal distribution over copper and fiber is what makes systems easier to scale, simplifies logistics, and supports workflows for IT teams.
From a system design standpoint, installers should be aware that they cannot start with the gear. Reliable AV-over-IP starts with what the end user wants to accomplish, whether that is better hybrid meeting spaces, easier digital signage management, or more engaging classrooms. Once a designer has that target in mind, the choices for solutions become crystal clear.
One area AV/IT teams tend to underestimate is the complexity of the network. If a network cannot handle video traffic, security, and management tools, then teams are setting themselves up for a world of frustration. Deploying converged networks that IT staff want is often the make-or-break factor in any upgrade.
Looking ahead, installers can expect more automation and AI systems built into everyday AV. Systems will start flagging issues before they break, cutting energy use, and running smarter without constant human oversight.
The AV industry is changing faster than ever, but as long as teams stay focused on the experience they want, keep the infrastructure solid, and choose partners who think long term— they will be ready for whatever comes next.
SAM BURKINSHAW Head of Business Development
Ampetronic | Listen Technologies
When looking to supplement a facility with assistive listening, it’s essential that decision makers consider how the system will be used over the lifetime of the installation. Assistive listening systems are often expected to remain in service for many years, but venues and the needs of the end users they serve may evolve. For this reason, venue owners and managers need to consider how the system will be used at the time of install and in the future.
Currently, we are in a period of change where end users are starting to use personal devices and wearables equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, Auracast. Our Auri system is designed to support venues that want to offer Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening now.
Today, end users with Auracast-compatible hearing aids, headphones, or earbuds can access audio broadcasts in these spaces. If end users don’t have compatible devices, they can borrow dedicated receivers to access broadcasts and interface with Telecoils. As critical mass increases and Auracast is enabled in more devices, more end users will be able to access natively with direct-to-hearing-aid Auracast broadcasts.
As technologies like Auracast increase access to audio in more venues, we’ll also see an evolution in end-user behavior. Assistive listening will no longer be just for the hard of hearing; it will become audio enhancement used in public environments every day by anyone carrying personal listening devices, including headphones, ear buds, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. This audio enhancement will be ubiquitous, allowing end users to access broadcasts in any public space and curate their own audio experience.
“Assistive listening systems are often expected to remain in service for many years, but venues and the needs of the end users they serve may evolve.”
—
Sam Burkinshaw Head of Business Development Ampetronic |
Listen Technologies
STEPHANE TREMBLAY President SDVoE Alliance
Today, we’re recognizing that many integrators, IT managers, and end users are seeking solutions that deliver high-quality performance without requiring a complete rip and replace of existing infrastructure. As a result, AV over IP has emerged as a viable solution. By shifting AV distribution onto standard Ethernet networks, it enables organizations to harness the power of their current infrastructure while unlocking new levels of flexibility, scalability, and reliability. Unlike traditional systems that often depend on proprietary hardware and cabling, AV over IP integrates seamlessly into IT environments.
“A key advantage of AV over IP, and particularly SoftwareDefined Video over Ethernet, is its ability to deliver highperformance video and audio with the reliability and interoperability.”
— Stephane Tremblay President SDVoE Alliance
A key advantage of AV over IP, and particularly Software-Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE), is its ability to deliver high-performance video and audio with the reliability and interoperability that IT teams expect. With SDVoE technology, audiovisual functions become software defined, meaning updates, enhancements and even new features can be deployed through firmware rather than hardware replacement. A softwarebased approach offers significant future proofing, delaying obsolescence and protecting investments. In an era where supply chain disruptions and budget pressures remain real challenges, that flexibility matters.
Higher education, corporate facilities, houses of worship, and other verticals need standardized, interoperable solutions that scale to large spaces without compromising user experience. In higher education, for instance, AV over IP enables classrooms, lecture halls, and collaborative spaces to run on a consistent backbone, easing IT management and improving reliability.
Looking ahead, AV and IT continue to converge more closely. AV is no longer siloed, but treated as another service on the network, and is subject to the same demands for uptime, security, and scalability. Ethernet’s continued evolution, coupled with AV over IP’s flexibility, suggests that over the next few years, organizations will increasingly standardize on 10G Ethernet backbones. As a result, AV systems will become more reliable, interoperable, and adaptable to future needs, ensuring end users can keep pace with changing expectations without constant reinvestment.
TOMER MANN Chief Revenue Officer 22Miles
I work with a lot of customers looking to update legacy visual communications systems, and I hear the same story again and again: Too many projects start with a shopping list for hardware before anyone defines the content strategy. Six months later, the team realizes the media players or SoC displays they bought can’t deliver the complex digital experiences they envisioned. With a different approach, these organizations could avoid this expensive rip-and-replace cycle and deliver a future-ready AV solution from the beginning.
My advice is simple: Start with discovery, not devices. Understand what you want your digital storytelling and workplace experience to look like. Then, work with your CMS and integration partners early. They can help benchmark the right specs for your goals, help you decide on infrastructure—on-prem or cloud, wired or WiFi—and make sure you’re thinking ahead about accessibility, compliance, and security.
Here’s another hard truth: Collaboration requires humility. I’ve seen IT teams assume they know which GPU or series will work, only to hit performance walls. These aren’t just slideshows on screens anymore. Modern digital signage incorporates interactive IoT triggers, AI-assisted workflows, and APIs connecting multiple systems. Ego has no place in AV/IT today. Be willing to ask questions and lean on partners’ expertise.
Finally, when you evaluate solution providers, don’t get dazzled by marketing. Ask to see a live demo in the actual software, with real workflows. Be wary of confident predictions about what a platform will be able to do in the next few years: AI is evolving so fast that no one can predict what’s coming six months from now. Choose partners that can prove they have the customizability to deliver now, and the flexibility to adapt as capabilities emerge.
BRANDON WHITE Director of New Product Development
Vanco International Budgets are tighter, teams are smaller, and yet expectations for AV/IT systems have never been higher. The market’s current evolution isn’t about chasing new trends; it’s about deploying flexible, service-friendly technology that can deliver longterm value with fewer resources.
That starts with designing for lifecycle value. Standardization and repeatable design practices are critical for organizations modernizing legacy systems. Leveraging vetted hardware and multifunction platforms minimizes training, reduces installation hours, and keeps systems easier to support. For lean teams—technicians and end users alike—fewer SKUs and consistent GUIs mean faster commissioning and a smoother dayto-day experience.
Cloud-based monitoring and control are now a baseline expectation—not a trend. Remote platforms give IT and AV teams the visibility they need to manage systems proactively, reduce truck rolls, and deliver predictable support models. If remote monitoring and alerts aren’t part of your program, then you’re missing an essential tool to scale services and maintain system health over time.
Flexibility is also essential in today’s hybrid environments. Systems must support diverse protocols—HDMI 2.1, USB-C, network-based distribution—and features like multiview, KVM, and DSP, without adding operational overhead. Consolidating these capabilities into fewer devices reduces costs, simplifies workflows, and allows systems to grow as needs evolve.
For AV/IT leaders, the takeaway is clear: Design for efficiency, scalability, and long-term reliability. Standardization, lifecycle planning, and cloud-enabled management should be foundational elements in every deployment. In a lean economy, this approach protects investments and empowers teams to deliver enterprise-level performance without breaking the budget.
GREG BARIBAULT Vice President of Product and Portfolio Management
HP Hybrid Systems
Innovation in AV is moving at an unprecedented pace due to AI capabilities and cloud-based services. Businesses are investing in future-proof solutions that can unlock next-gen collaboration experiences without the need for constant hardware updates. For end users, this means AV systems are no longer just about connecting calls, but enabling more natural and engaging experiences, everywhere work happens.
As AV and IT continue to converge, users expect their conferencing platforms, devices, and collaboration tools to work smoothly together. People want the freedom to use various devices that connect seamlessly across multiple platforms throughout the day, and they expect that transition to feel seamless. That’s why flexibility, scalability, and interoperability are the key criteria when evolving any AV setup.
We’re already seeing AI transform everyday collaboration. This includes features like HP’s Poly NoiseBlockAI to remove distracting background noise in the room, and Voice Score AI to empower IT professionals to assess audio quality across the enterprise. For video, intelligent camera framing ensures every participant has a virtual seat at the table. These innovations bring remote and in-room participants closer together, while setting the stage for even more lifelike and intuitive collaboration as AI capabilities evolve.
Another key component of the modern landscape is providing IT professionals with solutions that simplify management, performance, and security. Software management platforms like Poly Lens provide cloud-based monitoring, remote troubleshooting, and data-driven insights into how spaces and devices are being used, while also providing end users with the ability to customize their device settings.
The AV industry will continue to trend toward more immersive, lifelike collaboration, harnessing the power of AI with intuitive connectivity to deliver enhanced meeting experiences.
PRO AV FOR TODAY AND THE FUTURE
ShureCloud by Shure is a centralized cloud management platform designed to redefine how people experience and manage Shure audio devices. It provides unified control and oversight for products such as the Microflex Ecosystem, IntelliMix Room Kits, and Microflex Wireless neXt portfolio, ensuring reliable and secure operations compliant with GDPR. Built on Shure’s trusted quality, ShureCloud offers continuous enhancements to optimize performance and simplify device management for organizations of all sizes, improving conference room experiences worldwide and setting a new standard for collaboration and conferencing management.
shure.com
Mersive Essentials is a flexible collaboration solution designed for diverse meeting and learning spaces. It enables real-time, multi-user (four or more) content sharing and dynamic digital signage, transforming any display into an interactive, synergetic hub for ideas. With touch-free connectivity and a beautiful, user-friendly interface, anyone can connect, present, and engage without barriers. IT teams can deploy, manage, and update Essentials through the centralized Mersive Cloud, streamlining support and reducing overhead. Its extensible, software-first foundation ensures consistent performance and scalability across rooms, while remaining ready for future innovations. Essentials simplifies room technology, boosting engagement and fun without adding complexity.
mersive.com
3 COBALT SAPPHIRE
Cobalt Digital’s COBALT SAPPHIRE series brings flexibility and efficiency to AV/ IT workflows with its IPMX-compatible converters in two form factors. The compact, ultra-quiet SAPPHIRE BBG units offer high-quality design, function, and reliability in single-, dual-, and quad-channel models—some capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving—and direct HDMI display of IPMX streams, even from WAN connections. Featuring dual SFP cages for 10G/25G Ethernet and advanced audio handling, they fit perfectly behind monitors. For high-density deployments, SAPPHIRE openGear cards deliver scalable, power-saving solutions within a frame, enabling seamless integration and future-ready performance.
cobaltdigital.com
atlona.com 4
5 Convert IP DSH
Atlona’s AT-OME-CS31 is a powerful AV presentation and collaboration system with one USB-C and two HDMI inputs, plus one HDMI output. It offers USB routing between two hosts and four peripherals, making it easy to switch and share devices. The built-in 2x 25-watt amplifier delivers strong audio performance, supported by advanced DSP for mixing, AEC, and more. Features like audio ducking ensure speech is prioritized, while PA sense and contact closure enable instant muting. With automatic display control triggered by activity or occupancy, the AT-OME-CS31 streamlines presentations and enhances collaboration in any professional environment.
Matrox Video’s ConvertIP DSH is a compact, fanless ST 2110 and IPMX transmitter/ receiver with an IP video gateway feature designed for both modern and legacy AV systems. Supporting compressed and uncompressed workflows up to 25GbE, it delivers an ultra-low-latency experience with HDMI I/O, dual SFP28 ports, and a 1G RJ45 port. Power redundancy is available through PoE+ or optional AC, and daisy chaining and IP-to-IP bridging expand system flexibility. Management is streamlined with the ConvertIP Command Center, ConvertIP Manager, and ConductIP routing platform, giving integrators and end users a standards-based solution that scales with evolving infrastructure needs.
video.matrox.com
6 DisplayNet DN-300T SDVoE Transceiver
DVIGear’s DisplayNet DN-300T SDVoE Transceiver is a fully bi-directional transceiver that can simultaneously send and receive AVoIP data. In addition to synchronous TX/RX operation, it also provides dedicated Transmitter and Receiver modes. The DN-300T includes PoE+ support and has dual (copper/fiber) 10G network interfaces for signal extension up to 328 feet (Cat6A twisted pair), and up to 18.6 miles (single-mode fiber). Its ultra-compact, low-profile form requires half the space of paired TX/RX. This enables four units to occupy a single 1U of rack space—ideal for high-density, limited-space applications. Silent, fanless operation and power savings provide further advantages.
displaynet.com
7 SRG-A12 PTZ Camera
Sony’s SRG-A12 Camera transforms lecture capture and hybrid learning with AI-powered auto-tracking that follows instructors as they move—no operator required. Its built-in analytics keep educators centered and in focus, allowing natural movement and engagement without worrying about tech. With crisp, 4K resolution and a powerful 12x optical zoom, the SRG-A12 captures everything from wide shots to detailed close-ups, ideal for whiteboard sessions, lab work, or large lecture halls. Designed for seamless integration and hands-free operation, it’s a smart, scalable solution that helps schools and universities deliver consistent, high-quality content in every class.
sony.com
8 Wave
Insta360’s Wave is a next-generation AI-powered speakerphone built for hybrid work and professional collaboration. With its 3D eight-microphone array and 16-foot (5m) pickup range, Wave delivers voices with clarity and precision. Advanced AI features ensure you’re heard loud and clear, including noise reduction, echo cancellation, and beamforming. Wave also supports multiple pickup modes and includes built-in storage for Hi-Fi recording, making it a versatile tool for meetings, podcasts, and livestreams. Its levitation-inspired design and intuitive touchscreen controls complete the package, redefining how teams connect and communicate.
insta360.com
9
System 20 PRO Digital Wireless System
Audio-Technica’s System 20 PRO Digital Wireless System builds on the success of the System 10 PRO, which took 2.4GHz wireless microphone systems to a new level of functionality and convenience. The System 20 PRO goes even further, however, offering a self-managing, plug-and-play 2.4GHz system that’s scalable to 20 channels and delivers the same dependable, high-quality audio, regardless of where you set it up. Each remote-mountable receiver unit can be paired with two transmitters in standard mode (to minimize latency) or four transmitters in HD mode (to maximize channel count). Audio-Technica’s Wireless Manager software provides easy setup and control of systems with body-pack, handheld microphone, boundary microphone, or desk stand transmitters.
audio-technica.com
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11 DeviceHub
Sennheiser’s DeviceHub is the company’s upcoming cloud-based software platform. It will make it easy for organizations to configure and monitor their devices from anywhere, ensuring reliability, saving time, and reducing complexity. The platform works seamlessly alongside existing on-premises tools, giving IT and AV teams flexibility while maintaining uptime with real-time insights. DeviceHub will be available early 2026.
sennheiser.com
Planar DirectLight Essential Series
Planar’s DirectLight Essential Series fine pixel pitch LED video walls present incredible visual performance for high-traffic indoor environments with abundant ambient light. Designed with Chip-on-Board (COB) technology, the new solution delivers high pixel density, lower energy consumption, and incredible durability at an accessible price point. The series offers 27-inch cabinets available in 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.2mm, and 2.5mm pixel pitches and presents deeper blacks and sharper visuals with a 30,000:1 contrast ratio and high refresh rate of 3,840Hz. Customers benefit from an LED sorting process pairing only uniform LEDs together, ensuring superior performance and a significant reduction in energy requirements.
planar.com
12 Philips Wave
Newly branded and updated, Philips Wave by PPDS is an evolutionary secure cloud platform, providing advanced and effortless control and management capabilities for professional displays on a local and international scale. Available globally, Philips Wave ensures faster, more cost-effective installation and service times, with the ability to securely provision and monitor hundreds of thousands of units on a simple and intuitive interface. AV/IT managers can view status, as well as access or assign precise information, details, and controls to each display. Firmware and software updates, debugging screens, adjusting settings, adding basic content, receiving alerts, and anticipating issues are just some of the evolving features.
ppds.com
13 Q-SYS Plugin
Underscoring its dedication to simplifying networking solutions, Epson collaborated with Q-SYS, a Full Stack AV Platform, to create a control solution that integrates into Q-SYS for its education, corporate, and large-venue 3-chip 3LCD projectors. Epson’s Q-SYS Plugin enables effortless connectivity, allowing users to control and display information from Epson projectors, including integrating functions such as selecting device input, controlling audio volume and mute functions, adjusting brightness, navigating device menus, and monitoring connection status with device and input signals. This enhances Epson projector use in Q-SYS environments and delivers seamless professional experiences.
epson.com
Panasonic’s KAIROS Live Production Platform exemplifies the AV/IT industry’s shift toward IT/IP-native solutions. With its software-defined architecture, KAIROS supports SDI and IP standards, including ST 2110, enabling seamless integration with existing infrastructure while concurrently supporting modern IP-based workflows. Users can scale processing power, customize layouts, and manage distributed resources across networks—all within a single platform. For AV/IT managers, this means real-time control, flexible resource management, and streamlined performance that enhance creative freedom and operational efficiency. From broadcast studios to live events, immersive experiences, and corporate environments, KAIROS delivers the agility and innovation necessary for today’s converging AV/IT landscape.
OpenAV Cloud is an industry-wide initiative bringing together leading AV manufacturers and technology providers to drive the adoption of open and standardized cloud connectivity, and API-driven innovation. OpenAV Cloud is a new industry initiative to create a seamless, interoperable, and a customer-first AV ecosystem that benefits the entire value chain—from manufacturers to integrators to end users. Founding members of OpenAV Cloud include Sony Electronics, Panasonic Projector & Display Americas, Legrand | AV, Shure, BrightSign, and Xyte. The initiative also counts HDBaseT as an industry partner and has 20 contributing members.
16 17 Studio Series ViewBoard IFP7551 Display
PTZOptics’ Studio Series fixed cameras, the Studio SE and Studio 4K, offer flexible connectivity with SDI, HDMI, USB, and IP output; and native NDI HX3. Choose dazzling HD with the 1080p Studio SE, or the power and performance of 4K with the Studio 4K. Both are Hive-Linked—automatically connecting to Hive Studio, PTZOptics’ revolutionary web-based camera control and production platform. Studio Series cameras come in 12x or 20x models and are perfect for expanding studios or using on their own. With the Studio 4K you get the bonus of SuperZoom, providing ePTZ functionality in a fixed camera.
ptzoptics.com
ViewSonic’s ViewBoard IFP7551 Display is a 75-inch interactive flat panel that features Android 14 EDLA certification, and provides enhanced security and an intuitive platform designed for seamless usage. It offers direct access to Google and Microsoft 365 files and can be used instantly with quick sign-in. The 50-point touchscreen supports smooth, natural interaction, while the palm rejection technology helps prevent accidental input. IT administrators can manage and secure devices with ViewSonic Manager, Google Workspace Enterprise Management, and Microsoft Intune from a single dashboard. The IFP7551 delivers centralized policy enforcement, app deployment, remote configuration, and real-time monitoring.
viewsonic.com
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22Miles Content Management System
The 22Miles Content Management System (CMS) supports unified visual communications for projects of any size. It is a lowcode solution with over 1,000 customizable templates, AI-powered design suggestions, and user-friendly quick editing tools. Featuring the industry’s most comprehensive library of API integrations, this CMS works with your enterprise technology stack to bring real-time data, interactive tools like room reservation and hot-desking experiences, and automated content updates to digital signs, room boards, UCC devices, and more. 22Miles is compatible with leading new and existing hardware, making it perfect for new deployments and retrofits.
22miles.com
19 1 Beyond Cameras
Crestron’s 1 Beyond Cameras intelligently and clearly capture everyone in large spaces, increasing meeting equity and engagement for hybrid meetings. Crestron 1 Beyond cameras can be added to any space to level up your meeting experience with clear, crisp, intelligent video. The Crestron 1 Beyond camera line addresses a critical need for automated cameras suited to providing the premium experience required in larger meeting spaces. Crestron’s 1 Beyond cameras initially allowed users to deploy one primary device and one presenter-tracking companion. Now, they support intelligent switching for more cameras than ever before. With the new 2.0 firmware, users can target medium-sized rooms and connect up to four i12 or i20 companion cameras to a primary i12 camera for a more dynamic and automated experience.
crestron.com
20 Blackmagic Cloud Store Max
Blackmagic Cloud Store Max by Blackmagic Design features extremely high-performance flash storage. With 24 and 48TB models, Blackmagic Cloud Store Max includes 12 card RAID 0 flash memory core, 4x 10G Ethernet, 100G Ethernet, USB-C, and Blackmagic Cloud sync for distributing files globally. Blackmagic Cloud Store Max also understands Blackmagic Cloud media sync and supports DaVinci Resolve proxy files. The moment a crew starts shooting, the camera media will sync within seconds so the post-production team can start working. Customers can even build a broadcast replay system by connecting multiple HyperDeck recorders and DaVinci Resolve.
21 PanaCast 50 Room System 2
Jabra’s PanaCast 50 Room System 2, developed in collaboration with Lenovo, expands upon the brand’s premium collaboration portfolio. The new solution retains Jabra’s powerful 180-degree panoramic 4K plug-and-play video solution, the Jabra PanaCast 50, while introducing the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core Gen 2, an AI-optimized compute device built for demanding meeting room workloads. It is designed to elevate Microsoft Teams Rooms setups, so teams can connect, share, and collaborate seamlessly and with enhanced security features. The Jabra PanaCast 50 Room System delivers targeted improvements to address the evolving demands of hybrid work and the increasing use of AI-enhanced collaboration tools.
jabra.com
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23 Auri Humly Sense
Ampetronic and Listen Technologies’ Auri is the world’s first Auracast broadcast audio-based solution for assistive listening. Designed for venues and end users, Auri leverages Auracast broadcast audio technology to deliver high-quality, low-latency, multi-channel audio to an unlimited number of dedicated receivers and newly emerging Auracast-compatible devices like hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, and mobile phones. Auri features network-installed transmitters, dedicated receivers, docking stations, Auri Manager software, and a complete line of accessories. Auri meets global compliance requirements for assistive listening. It is ideal for houses of worship, performing arts centers, lecture halls, transit hubs, sports bars, and more.
listentech.com
Humly Sense is a software sensing gateway built into Humly Control Panel that establishes an open API channel of communication between other open devices. Humly Sense can receive and process data from any open device upon triggering its API, empowering new automated features in Humly products that help organizations build smarter, healthier, and more efficient workspaces. For example, Humly Sense enables real-time presentations of occupancy tracking and environmental monitoring information. Those readings populate on the backlit LED displays of Humly Booking Device and Humly Room Display, the company’s two award-winning premium hardware products, and dynamically update as conditions change.
humly.com
24 MC-TX1-RACK MaxColor Rackmounted Encoder
Just Add Power’s MC-TX1-RACK MaxColor Rackmounted Encoder solution consolidates three of the company’s MaxColor encoders into a single chassis. The unit is designed to simplify video distribution installs, from more compact setups all the way to large-scale AV-over-IP installs, while supporting the same feature set as the company’s standalone MaxColor products, including 4K60 4:4:4 video, all audio formats, and Audio Return Channel support. justaddpower.com
Kramer’s MTX3-88-PR Pro is an all-in-one matrix that eliminates the headaches of multi-box AV installs. Designed for meeting rooms and presentation spaces, it combines ultra-fast switching at less than 1s, advanced scaling, multi-view, and video wall support in a compact, rack-efficient chassis. Dual USB groups simplify BYOD connectivity, while built-in Dante and analog audio interfaces reduce extra gear. With wireless air-casting, fewer cables, and fewer points of failure, integrators can install faster, support less, and deliver a cleaner experience. The MTX3-88-PR Pro makes complex AV simple—saving time, cost, and client frustration.
kramerav.com
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EVEXHDB3 Evolution HDBaseT 3.0 Extender
Vanco International’s EVEXHDB3 Evolution HDBaseT 3.0 Extender delivers uncompressed 4K video, multi-channel audio, and full HDMI 2.1 functionality over distances up to 330 feet (100m) via Cat6/6A cable. Supporting 4K@60Hz, 4:4:4 chroma, HDR, and Ethernet pass-through, it’s the only extender offering true HDMI 2.1 performance end to end. Built for professional integration, it includes KVM, CEC, ARC, eARC, IR, and RS-232 control, plus PoH for simpler installs. Added conveniences include built-in audio de-embedding for external amplification and an HDMI loopout for source monitoring. Engineered for flexibility, the EVEXHDB3 provides reliable, feature-rich AV signal distribution for commercial and residential applications requiring uncompromised performance.
vanco1.com
