Introduction:
The links between the Internet of Things (IoT) and Audiovisual cannot be ignored. Communication and connectivity at home and work happen through ever-evolving connectivity and audio/video technologies. Smartwatches, alarm systems, temperature control systems, lighting, video display units, and computers – all are becoming interconnected and having a profound impact on the AV industry.
Our access to these points of communication and connectivity is becoming more ubiquitous as the Internet of Things continues to progress. With all this in mind, what do AV pros need to know about IoT to best serve their clients? Let’s take a look.
Having AV as such an integral component of IoT means having the right infrastructure in place. You have a role to play in working with clients so they understand these infrastructure requirements as they relate to AV integration.
When the IPv6 standard was put in place in 2017, the potential for unlimited IP addresses cleared the way for every and all devices to be potentially connected via IoT. To manage a future of unlimited connectivity, professionals must understand and use the IPv6 standard to meet client demands.
Beyond that, connected devices must connect to systems appropriately to provide value. Better interoperability depends on devices being connected in an optimal way for the use they were intended for. More and more, this means connectivity via a cloud-based service.
Cabling will still be required in some AV applications, but you can work to minimize the impact of any systems “tethered” via cabling. Wireless is becoming more the expectation and the norm, so solutions that include systems such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) should be incorporated into AV integration plans.
And just like the devices around you, keep learning. Be well-versed in new developments in the intersection between IoT and AV. Understand and comply with the latest standards in data compression, performance verification, and energy management, to serve your clients and be a trusted resource for them.
Managing Workflow
IoT and AV are beginning to interact in the workplace in pretty amazing ways. Imagine you are at work, wearing a smartwatch, which notifies you of a video conference meeting you’ve got to get to across campus. You can navigate to the meeting from your phone or watch, and hop in on the meeting from either device as you make your way there, so you’re not missing a beat. Your colleagues in the meeting are having the same experience. Meanwhile, the conference room has set itself up, dimming lights and turning on the video display in preparation to connect with colleagues and the client attending the meeting remotely.
When the tools of your workplace anticipate your needs in this way, it is called ambient computing. Machine learning happens as systems within an environment “learn” and respond to user behaviors and patterns. In this way, immersive experiences in the workplace will be less about entertaining and more about ease of workflow.
AV and IoT are beginning to work in sync in this way, as rooms and devices begin to learn from how people come and go, activities they do in a room, etc. Lighting, room temp, and AV functions will be guided by this ambient computing.
Data collected through IoT interaction can also help in the larger context of a workflow. IoT is helping to allocate AV and other business resources. Is one conference room getting used more than others? Are huddle spaces being underutilized? How are employees employing video conferencing capabilities in a given building? IoT can help gather data to make work run more smoothly and allocate resources more efficiently.
Having this kind of information in hand will be invaluable to you and your clients. It will help you design spaces and installations you are currently working on, and provide clear guidance for rolling out future expansion projects as a company grows and as IoT continues to advance.
In modern conference rooms, IoT sensors and devices are often used to enhance the overall experience and efficiency of meetings and presentations. Here’s how:
- Automated Lighting and Climate Control: IoT-connected lighting systems and thermostats can adjust the lighting and temperature in conference rooms based on occupancy and ambient light conditions. Sensors detect when people enter or leave the room, allowing the system to automatically adjust the lighting and temperature for comfort and energy efficiency.
- Smart Presentation Systems: IoT-enabled projectors, screens, and interactive displays can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet app. Presenters can easily switch between different display sources or adjust settings such as brightness and volume without needing to physically interact with the equipment.
- Room Booking and Scheduling: IoT sensors integrated into room booking systems can monitor room occupancy and availability in real-time. Employees can quickly find and reserve available meeting rooms using a smartphone app or digital signage displays outside each room. This helps to optimize room utilization and reduce scheduling conflicts.
- Remote Monitoring and Maintenance: IoT sensors embedded in AV equipment can provide real-time monitoring of device performance and health status. AV technicians can remotely diagnose and troubleshoot issues, perform software updates, and schedule maintenance tasks proactively to minimize downtime.
- Data Analytics and Insights: IoT platforms can collect and analyze data from various AV devices and sensors to provide valuable insights into room usage patterns, meeting attendance, and equipment utilization. This data can help organizations optimize their AV infrastructure, improve resource allocation, and make data-driven decisions to enhance productivity and collaboration.
Overall, the integration of IoT technology in the AV industry is revolutionizing how conference rooms and event spaces are designed, managed, and utilized, leading to more efficient and immersive audio-visual experiences for users.
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