34 CORPORATE & EDUCATION
BIGGER IS BETTER There is an overarching emphasis on visuals in the contemporary corporate world. Voice calls have become video conferences, and podcasts (originally coined as ‘iPod broadcasts’) are no longer audio-only. There’s been a “noticeable shift towards high-quality visual experiences across a range of spaces,” says Mathieu Arnould, country sales manager (France and Switzerland), INFiLED EMEA. It is no surprise, then, that large format LED displays are on the rise. “Displays are getting bigger, and with that comes the opportunity to create expansive digital canvases for presentation and collaboration,” Dover explains. Sony’s new BRAVIA BZ-P series incorporates innovative features like AI- powered XR signal processing and Deep Black Non-Glare technology that make sure images are colour-accurate, vibrant and highly visible. “Sustainability is built in too: power consumption is up to 31% lower than the previous generation,” he says, and products contain Sony’s own recycled plastic, SORPLAS. For even more enormous displays, Sony’s Crystal LED S Series delivers ‘outstanding’ brightness and anti- reflection tech, opening up “possibilities for reception areas, boardrooms and large collaboration spaces.” LEDs have become the standard for displays, notes Arnould, “especially in formats such as 108 and 136in Full HD,” which best suit smaller rooms. “For large spaces, we’re seeing more fully customised displays in various aspect ratios.” He recently helped complete a large-scale LED installation at skincare brand Caudalie’s location in central Paris, where “the goal was to design a prestigious space that would reflect the brand’s identity, blending elegance with cutting-edge technology.” Caudalie was looking for “top-tier image quality,” according to Arnould,
Lightware is one company making hybrid meetings more efficient (right). Caudalie went to INFiLED for top-tier image quality (below)
that work adequately and feel difficult to move away from, even when better options are available. Interoperability is therefore essential. Solutions need to integrate with what teams already have in place. “Closely linked to that,” he continues, “is resistance to the idea of continuous development. AV has traditionally been treated as a capital purchase with a long refresh cycle, but the pace of innovation, particularly around AI, means a more iterative approach to upgrading and updating systems is increasingly the smarter strategy.” Arnould, meanwhile, acknowledges that there’s often a perceived trade-off between lifespan and low price. “On one hand, there are products that degrade over time, with issues such as dead LEDs or inconsistent colour. On the other hand, solutions are sometimes offered at unrealistic prices, leading to confusion about what a high-quality LED display should actually cost.” Dover believes cost is a genuine barrier, but that it can be misguided. “The focus tends to fall on initial outlay rather than total cost of ownership.” He argues that energy-efficient displays, for example, have ‘tangible, ongoing financial benefits’ that should be considered at the point of purchase. “Finally,” adds Dover, “security and privacy concerns are increasingly front of mind, particularly as AI-enabled cameras and sensor ecosystems collect more data about how spaces are used – and who is in them. These are legitimate questions vendors and integrators need to address head-on,” he stresses, “with clear, transparent answers about data handling, storage and governance.” Whether to foster hybrid collaboration, make spaces more immersive or upgrade internal communications, AV technology is playing an increasingly essential role in corporate environments. The companies best poised to use AV effectively can see the bigger picture: it is a future-forward, strategic investment that should be reliable, engaging and easy to use – for anyone.
“specifically in regards to colour accuracy, contrast and visual performance, with the intention to showcase its products during training sessions, internal meetings and client presentations.” The INFiLED EMEA team selected an 8x2.5m screen from its DB range, fitting it in the front of its corporate auditorium. Companies like Caudalie, who want to get the most from AV investments, “share a mindset,” suggests Dover. “They treat AV as strategic infrastructure, not simply an extension of IT. They are not asking ‘what screen do we need in this room?’, but ‘what do we want this space to enable, and what experience do we want to create?’. That shift in framing makes an enormous difference.” TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES While AV tech is making a splash among corporations, any implementation comes with obstacles. Besides standardisation, three additional barriers stand out: cost, security and interoperability. “Legacy infrastructure is the most common pain point,” begins Dover. “Many organisations have significant existing investments in AV systems
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