In recent years, AV technology has evolved to create real, interpersonal connections between people that aren’t in the same physical space but need to communicate effectively. As businesses incorporate different forms of remote work into their organizational structure, AV technology has become an integral part of this new communication norm.
Despite the overall decline in face-to-face interactions, AV technology can allow your organization to benefit from these societal changes by creating engaging, immersive digital experiences. By doing so, your organization can succeed in whatever environment it finds itself in – whether it’s the necessity of remote or the choice of hybrid.
The Rise of the Immersive Experience
Beginning even before COVID-19, face-to-face communication gradually declined in workplaces as technology advanced. Since the pandemic, many organizations have implemented a hybrid and remote work model while remaining as productive as ever.
In fact, reports from Owl Labs found that 70% of people who worked from home during the pandemic found virtual meetings less stressful, and 64% of workers preferred hybrid meetings. However, those working remotely still missed some key benefits of in-person interactions.
Consistent in-person interactions are linked to a multitude of benefits, with the most important being increased emotional intelligence. In addition, when workers are unable to communicate with colleagues regularly, their morale tends to deteriorate, and their performance suffers. Fortunately, advanced AV technology can mitigate the adverse effects of decreased face-to-face interactions while increasing productivity and revenue potential.
The right AV technology allows employees to read facial expressions and hand gestures as though they were communicating in person. Meanwhile, spatial audio enables employees to differentiate between speakers accurately during videoconferences. In addition, workers can benefit significantly from improved employee training and collaboration if your organization integrates augmented or virtual reality technology.
Creating an Immersive Experience with AV Technology
With the assistance of AV integration specialists, your organization can create an immersive experience that offers your employees the best of both worlds. If you’re ready to upgrade your AV technology, consult with AV professionals about the best solutions for your business. In the meantime, here are five ways your business can update your technology for the future of work:
1. AR and VR Technology
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are making their way into the workplace. As prominent tech companies such as Google and Apple implement these tools, smaller companies are beginning to follow suit. As many businesses have found, AR and VR technologies can improve collaboration and communication for a life-like, immersive experience unlike any other.
Employees at your organization can utilize AR and VR technologies to visualize new concepts, collaborate on projects, and communicate efficiently. Additionally, companies can leverage the power of VR to simulate real-world experiences to improve safety. Ultimately, AR and VR technologies enable high-quality collaboration while reducing errors due to miscommunication.
2. Spatial Audio
Spatial audio allows meeting participants to hear sound from specific locations, which creates the experience of hearing audio from multiple places within the same area.
Spatial audio enhances focus and concentration while decreasing instances of meeting fatigue. When participants experience sound from one location during video conferencing sessions, it is challenging to differentiate each speaker from the last. However, spatial audio creates a dynamic, immersive experience that participants would experience in person.
3. PTZ Cameras
Most people are accustomed to using video cameras for remote communication. However, pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) cameras are the ultimate AV solution to achieve a more immersive experience in remote working environments. PTZ cameras function differently than web cameras because PTZ cameras are powered by a built-in mechanism that allows them to swivel in any direction. They can also zoom in and out as necessary. Although some PTZ cameras are controlled manually, many come equipped with auto-tracking capabilities.
Auto-tracking PTZ cameras follow the speaker around the room, which creates a more engaging experience than a web camera. This technology is beneficial for lectures and presentations. Furthermore, PTZ cameras offer a larger field of view than other cameras for a personable, life-like viewing experience.
4. Video Conferencing Technology
Video conferencing technology is more than a webcam and online video conferencing software. Professional video conferencing systems are growing in popularity within conference rooms, boardrooms, and huddle rooms. The right video conferencing technology is vital for employees to efficiently connect and collaborate with other team members and clients from any location.
Create the best video conferencing experiences by incorporating 8k video, which offers an ultra-high-definition image that resembles that of the human eye more than 4k or 1080p resolution video conferencing. When these tools are paired with large video displays and spatial audio technology, remote meeting participants can communicate with one another just as they would in the office.
5. Utilize Proper AV Design
Although advanced AV technology is vital in the creation of an immersive AV experience, these technologies require support from proper AV design, which includes the following:
- Eye-level placement. Although less-skilled AV integrators may mount displays high on the wall, this is less than ideal for an immersive experience. Ensure that AV integrators place all monitors at eye level so in-person participants feel like they’re speaking directly to remote participants.
- Hidden technology. AV integrators can improve the video conferencing experience by ensuring that cameras, microphones, cables, and other equipment are out of view.
- The right sizing. When installing displays and video cameras, AV integrators must ensure that the individual’s face on the screen is the right size. Video cameras positioned too close or far away will create a distracting, unnatural appearance.
When assessing AV design, consider how the space will be used and the type of experience you’re interested in creating. These characteristics will determine which AV solutions best meet your needs. For instance, the AV technology in a conference room will differ significantly from that of a hospitality business. To get the best results, work with skilled AV design professionals and determine the ideal arrangement for a fully immersive experience in any environment.
Create an Immersive Experience with Applied Global
At Applied Global Technologies (AGT), we offer a wide range of AV solutions designed to improve workplace productivity. Our team has the tools and expertise to help your business make the most of its shared office space.
To learn more about our AV solutions, contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs and recommend the right solution for your business and budget.
