The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and lasting impact on the world, leading to significant changes in various industries, including audiovisual technology. While the trend towards digitalisation was already underway, the global events of the past years have accelerated the pace of technological advancements, driving the audiovisual industry to meet the evolving needs of remote workers, educational institutions, corporate offices, transportation hubs, and businesses of all sizes.
In this new era, video conferencing has become the norm, replacing face-to-face interactions in workplaces, schools, airports, and healthcare settings. As employees and students embrace remote work and virtual learning, the demand for high-quality video conferencing systems has surged. To enhance engagement and eliminate background noise, cutting-edge audiovisual integration solutions with HD images and advanced audio capabilities have become essential. Beyond the corporate world, healthcare organisations have adopted video conferencing for patient assessments, while educational institutions rely on this technology to maintain connections between students and educators. In all these instances, professional AV solutions play a critical role in fostering seamless communication and service delivery.
Remote work has become a prevalent model for many companies, either fully remote or through hybrid work arrangements. As a result, office layouts have been redesigned to support flexibility and collaboration. These new workspaces feature high-resolution digital displays, huddle rooms for video conferencing, and improved audio systems. Such investments cater to the growing preference for hybrid or remote work models, as employees express concerns about returning to traditional office settings. Advanced audiovisual technology is instrumental in creating pleasant and efficient work environments that meet the expectations of today's workforce.
In the age of social distancing, digital signage and interactive screens have gained prominence as effective tools for disseminating information. Whether in workplaces, healthcare facilities, schools, or public spaces, digital signage displays critical updates, health guidelines, company messaging, and wayfinding information. By minimizing face-to-face interactions, digital signage not only addresses safety concerns but also increases customer satisfaction. Interactive screens further enhance user experiences, allowing customers to access information, directions, product options, and FAQs. In educational institutions, interactive screens enable engaging and interactive learning experiences while adhering to social distancing regulations. The Interactive Display Market predicts significant growth in the global interactive screen market, reaching $29.19 billion by 2026.
To promote hygiene and reduce the spread of germs, touchless technology has become more prevalent than ever. Touchless solutions, such as voice commands, facial recognition, and proximity technology, are now found in building entryways, conference rooms, and offices. With studies showing that many individuals consider touchscreen technology unhygienic, the majority prefer touchless alternatives. The touchless market was valued at $6.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $15.3 billion by 2025. Additionally, audiovisual apps enable users to interact with their surroundings using mobile devices, offering optimal safety and convenience.
In the realm of safety and well-being, the integration of occupancy, environmental, and health sensors has gained importance. Sensors installed throughout buildings automate tasks and simplify processes, reducing the responsibilities of employees. Occupancy sensors control door access based on visitor presence, while entrance kiosks screen individuals' temperatures. Utilization sensors track the availability and need for sanitization of desks and meeting spaces. Monitoring indoor air quality has also become critical in preventing the spread of illnesses. While we currently lack the technology to detect COVID-19 in the air, environmental sensors can measure factors that contribute to the risk of transmission, including temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. By working with professionals to install occupancy and air quality sensors, organizations gain insights into correlations between indoor air quality and occupants' behavior.
Merge Communications has identified that having the right digital workplace technologies will be essential to be able to support workers in the new hybrid model and can offer the most advanced video conferencing, collaboration tools and meeting technologies to facilitate productive and effective workplace practices
Since its inception, Merge Communications have spared no effort to ensure that it partners with world-leading reliable brands and video conferencing technologies. With a proven track record of reliability, affordability, and dependability, they can provide the solutions you need to thrive in this transformative era.