Advancements in audiovisual technology are clear indications of innovation across the globe. In a mere thirty years, advanced audiovisual technology completely transformed how organizations manage their internal and external communications. However, industry leaders must grasp the evolution of audiovisual technology and integration from its infancy to fully comprehend the magnitude of these innovations.
Upon understanding the progression of audiovisual technology, it becomes apparent that a solid partnership with audiovisual integrators is essential to your organization's success and longevity. When it's time to select a team of audiovisual integrators, everyone involved in your organization will experience the benefits of choosing reputable, trustworthy AV professionals who can tend to your AV tech needs at any time.
History of Audio Visual Integration
Let's wind back the hands of time and assess the progression of audiovisual technology. Although modern technologies and processes differ significantly from decades prior, the ultimate goal of effective audiovisual integration is always to empower organizations through limitless communication and collaboration.
The 1990s
Just before the turn of the decade, PictureTel became the first commercial video codec in existence. PictureTel enabled real-time audio and video communications between international companies for the first time. Although early forms of the audiovisual integrator existed before the 1990s, the industry's budding potential became apparent with the widespread use of the WorldWideWeb. Suddenly, video cameras, improved sound systems, cell phones, and computers were accessible to the average person.
In 1990, a company named Polycom emerged and released a product called SoundStation, a speakerphone that enabled high-quality audio communication where two people could communicate simultaneously. By 1994, the first webcam, QuickCam, became public. At this time, it became clear that communication and collaboration would never be the same.
The 2000s
On September 7, 2001, French and American doctors performed "Operation Lindbergh," the world's first telesurgery using a surgical robot and high-speed telecommunications technology. Shortly after, video conferencing technology advancements enabled the first live video broadcast of the war in Afghanistan.
These advancements marked the beginning of videoconferencing technology as we know it today. In 2005, Estonian software engineers developed a video and instant messaging platform called Skype, akin to the video messaging software we use today. In 2007, Cisco Systems purchased Webex, a video conferencing software that facilitates business communication. In addition, Apple released the iPhone, which set the stage for the smart devices that utilize audiovisual integration today.
The 2010s and Beyond
With the emergence of a new decade came technological innovations that molded modern society into its current state. Smart devices with voice assistants, such as smart speakers and smartphones, have become a staple in households across the US. The ever-popular video conferencing software Zoom came to fruition in 2011, enabling significant conference calls with up to 100 people on a single call. Later, in 2017, Microsoft introduced the world to Microsoft Teams, which came with advanced features for professionals such as team chats, team channels, file sharing, and VoIP.
Around the same time, virtual reality technology also came to fruition. With this technology, participants can experience the benefits of in-person communication, even if they are thousands of miles apart. These advancements propel society into a mixed reality, fueled by audiovisual innovations in HD video conferencing technology, crystal clear sound systems, and collaborative software. Utilizing this technology, organizations can forge stronger professional relationships, regardless of their physical reality's inherent limitations.
The Importance of AV Technologies in a Hybrid World
Technological innovations have led to the development of an "attention economy" in which the vast amount of information we consume makes it increasingly difficult to engage an audience and maintain effective communication. As a result, an individual's attention is arguably the most valuable commodity an organization can obtain. In the digital era, organizations in every sector must evolve and adapt to these changes to thrive.
Whether your target audience is students, clientele, or employees, your organization must find a way to slice through the constant clamor of media from laptops, cell phones, and televisions to create an authentic, lasting connection with the individuals that contribute to your organization's overall success. Getting and retaining an audience’s attention is where audiovisual integration comes in.
The only way to capitalize on your audience's attention is by strategically incorporating mind-bending visual mediums, top-of-the-line audio equipment, and video conferencing technologies that enable collaboration amongst large groups of people. Experienced audiovisual integrators understand how to harness the power of modern technology to create connections and increase engagement. Thus, effective audiovisual technologies allow organizations to bring individuals together in ways that were not possible before, rather than separate people from their humanity.
Moreover, people from all walks of life have grown accustomed to advanced technology in every aspect of their lives. Even people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience the convenience of robotic delivery systems, contactless payment systems, and digital voice assistants to simplify routine tasks. So it is only natural for the general public to expect the most innovative technologies at their disposal in remote work or educational environments.
Audiovisual technologies are vital in a hybrid world where the digital and physical become similar. For instance, if an individual is engaging with clients or colleagues during a video conferencing session and they're struggling with a poor visual signal, the line of communication is broken. Furthermore, issues of this nature will tarnish your organization's reputation as a reliable industry leader. In contrast, a high-quality audiovisual integration system will elevate your organization's reputation with a blend of audio, video, and content that asserts your brand's image while optimizing internal and external communications.
Partner with Experts: AGT
As the audiovisual industry continues to evolve, so do companies at the forefront of the industry. Since the early 90s, audiovisual integration experts at Applied Global Technologies have been working to actualize their vision for an interconnected, secure society through empowered technology that facilitates communication, collaboration, and expression between individuals around the globe.
Audiovisual integration specialists at AGT understand how to assess each organization's unique needs and empower our clients using advanced AV technology. Our team has the extensive knowledge and experience that allows your organization to expand in the most cost-effective, innovative ways possible. In a hybrid world, organizations that flourish are those that adapt and evolve. Contact us if you're ready to thrive in changing times, and we'll begin with your AV integrator system today.
