Yes. Call it human evolution, science, technology or whatever. While technology progression was given, its ramification and magnification was the way it is today was unthinkable. Cometh artificial intelligence, and the imagination is just unbounded. It is both demystifying, delimiting and demographing human intelligence, quite artificially.
Understandably, the AV world is being shaken by the phenomenon, and companies are competing to invest to adopt and adapt to it, before it does.
Abdul Waheed, Managing Director of EYTE Technologies, attempts to look back into the evolution of the technology format. Quite unassuming and down-to-earth person he looks like, but the thought processes are defining, as his piece here demonstrates.
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Backgrounder in brief:
Before the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Audio-Visual (AV) industry relied heavily on manual processes, hardware-driven solutions, and human expertise to deliver content and experiences. The industry evolved through various technological advancements, shaping how media was produced, distributed, and consumed.
The AV industry traces its roots to the early 20th century with the development of film, radio, and television. During this period, content creation and distribution were analog, requiring physical media such as film reels, vinyl records, and magnetic tapes. Editing, mixing, and effects were achieved through labour-intensive techniques, demanding specialized skills.
By the late 20th century, digital technology transformed the AV landscape. The introduction of digital cameras, non-linear editing software, and computer-generated imagery (CGI) revolutionized content production. Audio transitioned from tape-based systems to digital audio workstations (DAWs), making recording, editing, and mixing more efficient. Video production also saw advancements with the rise of digital formats like DVDs, Blu-ray, and streaming services.
Driving factors that influenced adoption of AI by the AV industry:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of every aspect of our lives, from our homes to our workplaces. Its ability to revolutionize various industries is undeniable, making life easier and enhancing efficiency. As we continue to integrate AI into our designs for offices, meeting rooms, and training spaces, it’s clear that AI is transforming how we work and interact.
AI is significantly improving the productivity of meetings. Manufacturers are embedding AI features directly into AV equipment. For instance, room sensors can detect the presence of individuals, automatically configuring AV setups to suit their needs. Facial recognition technology can identify users and adjust the room settings according to their preferences. Additionally, data analytics from these interactions are sent to central servers for continuous improvement, enabling centralized monitoring and fine-tuning of equipment for future meetings.
Modern AV systems boast impressive AI-driven features. Cameras now offer auto-framing, camera tracking, and ambient adjustments, enhancing the overall visual experience. Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) come with built-in capabilities to automatically adjust audio levels according to room acoustics. Dynamic microphones, guided by AI, can modify gain and echo levels in real-time based on the speaker’s location, ensuring optimal audio quality throughout the room.
Impact of AI on AV industry verticals:
AI has significantly transformed the AV industry across multiple verticals, enhancing creativity, efficiency, and user experience. From entertainment and broadcasting to education and corporate AV, AI-powered innovations have reshaped content creation, distribution, and interaction.
- Film & Television Production:
- Automated Editing & Post-Production – AI-driven software like Adobe Sensei and Runway AI speeds up editing, color correction, and CGI enhancements.
- AI-Generated Content – Deep learning models can create realistic digital humans, automate dubbing, and enhance special effects.
- Music & Audio Production:
- AI-Generated Music & Sound Design – Tools like AIVA and Amper Music compose original music tracks, assisting artists in music production.
- Speech Enhancement & Voice Cloning – AI improves audio clarity, removes background noise, and creates synthetic voices for narration and dubbing.
- corporate & Business Communication:
- AI-Powered Video Conferencing – Features like real-time transcription, automated meeting summaries, and smart noise cancellation improve virtual meetings.
- Virtual Assistants & Chatbots – AI-powered virtual presenters and chatbots enhance corporate AV solutions for training and customer service.
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Meeting & learning spaces took a new mould with AI Education & E-Learning:
- Automated Transcriptions & Closed Captions – AI improves accessibility in online courses by generating subtitles and transcriptions.
- AI-Generated Learning Videos – AI-powered tools create personalized learning videos and interactive educational content.
- Retail & Digital Signage:
- Automated Content Management – AI schedules and manages content on digital displays, optimizing engagement.
- Personalized Advertising & AI-Powered Recommendations – AI-driven digital signage adapts to audience demographics and preferences in real-time.
Use cases done by EYTE Technologies:
Few Design Cases:
- In a recent project with UTCL, we integrated NFS software with Crestron room scheduling devices. This setup captures room analytics, providing clients with valuable data on room utilization. Such insights are crucial for making informed decisions about future office designs, including the number of meeting rooms required, their sizes, and the appropriate AV equipment based on whether video conferencing (VC) or non-VC activities are predominant.
- A unique client request involved incorporating facial recognition technology to open doors. Interestingly, the doors were designed to open only when the camera detected a smiling face, ensuring that all employees enter the office with a positive attitude.
- In a project for Firmenich, we installed sensors under seating tables that detect occupancy and adjust environmental settings accordingly. This smart setup not only aids in data analytics but also enhances energy efficiency by automatically regulating lighting and ambiance based on the number of people present.
- Collaborating with an architect in Mumbai, we designed an office that utilizes voice-activated assistants, powered by AI, for controlling AV devices through natural language commands. The DSP automatically optimizes room acoustics, and AI-enabled cameras adjust zoom and audio tracking based on the number of participants, significantly improving the audio-visual experience.
The future of AI in AV technologies is full of exciting possibilities. Emotion recognition algorithms could enable AV systems to detect and respond to users’ emotional states, creating more immersive and emotionally engaging experiences. Real-time translation features can break down language barriers, fostering seamless communication in multi-language environments. AI-powered, context-aware content delivery will personalize recommendations based on a user’s location, time, and social setting. These advancements are poised to reshape AV experiences, making them more immersive, inclusive, and tailored to individual preferences.
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The author is one of the leading AV, IT, IOT AND Acoustic consultants in India. A CTS holder from Avixa, and Member on Certificate Committee of AVIXA, Abdul is equipped by over two decades of industry expertise and countless number of project credentials. He can be accessed at abdul@eyte.sg)
