The future of AV systems isn’t just about bigger screens or more unmistakable sound. It’s about intelligence and clever solutions. AI is revolutionizing how businesses use AV technology, bringing automation, adaptability, and more intelligent systems into the workplace. Imagine AV systems that can adjust themselves in real-time, anticipate issues before they arise, and optimize performance for seamless collaboration. It isn’t a futuristic dream; it’s happening now.
In this article, we’ll explore how AI-driven AV solutions are transforming corporate spaces, enhancing user experience, and setting a new standard for intelligent audio-visual technology.
The Evolution of AV Systems: From Static to Intelligent Solutions
Audio-visual technology has evolved a lot over the past decade. Differences in screen types and technology have taken the forefront in the public eye. However, lately, the evolution of AI has trended to the forefront of society. We’ve watched this evolution over our many years in business in Ontario. Let’s look at that evolution in more detail.
A Brief History of AV Technology in Corporate and Commercial Spaces
- Early AV Systems (Pre-1980s):
- AV technology was limited to projectors, film reels, and PA systems in boardrooms and commercial venues.
- Analog communication tools (overhead projectors, slide carousels, and simple speaker systems) dominated presentations.
- Rise of Digital AV (1980s–2000s):
- Transition from analog to digital with the advent of CDs, DVDs, and digital projectors.
- Corporate spaces saw the rise of video conferencing via early internet-based communication tools.
- The introduction of flat-panel displays, digital signage, and interactive whiteboards improved engagement.
- The Connected AV Era (2010s–2020):
- Cloud-based AV solutions enabled seamless remote collaboration.
- Widespread adoption of wireless presentation systems, IoT-connected AV devices, and interactive displays.
- Businesses started leveraging data analytics in AV solutions to enhance decision-making and user engagement.
- The Era of AI (2020-Present):
- The advent and evolution of large language models (LLM) software have spread across digital-based industries, creating new, smarter tools for business communication.
In our decades of experience, we’ve been excited to see new changes emerge in the world of audio-visual solutions. Like anyone excited about new technologies, we’ve been keeping our team at the forefront of understanding not only how these new technologies affect business AV solutions and communications but also how we can take advantage of them to improve the solutions for our clients.
Traditional AV Systems vs. AI-Enhanced AV Solutions
Traditional AV Systems:
- Operate on manual controls (e.g., remotes, switches, and basic pre-set configurations).
- Require human intervention to adjust volume, brightness, and system settings.
- Limited automation—systems are typically standalone, requiring dedicated operators.
- Performance issues (e.g., microphone feedback, suboptimal audio levels) need on-site troubleshooting.
AI-Enhanced AV Solutions:
- Automated system optimization: AI dynamically adjusts audio, video, and lighting based on environmental conditions.
- Predictive maintenance: AI detects potential system failures before they occur, minimizing downtime.
- Smart analytics: AI collects data on meeting efficiency, audience engagement, and system performance.
- Enhanced user experience: Features like voice commands, facial recognition, and real-time language translation improve accessibility.
How AI is Transforming AV Systems in the Workplace
A great example of how AI is transforming AV systems at work is the Owl Labs boardroom meeting communication system. The Meeting Owl 3 system is packed with AI-enhanced features that intelligently help guide corporate communications and virtual meetings, like having a dedicated AV specialist at the controls, constantly adjusting levels and focus to ensure seamless communications.
Automated System Optimization
AI-driven solutions like the Meeting Owl 3 system include innovative camera technology. For example, the Meeting Owl 3 uses a 360-degree camera to capture everyone in the boardroom. Meanwhile, it picks up on who is talking using AI and intelligently focuses on the speaker. It’s like having professional camera operators filming the meeting from all angles and switching cameras to suit who is currently speaking.
Further to the AI-enhanced camera use, the Meeting Owl 3 also has a built-in microphone with a range of 5.5 meters. Place it in the center of the boardroom table, and everyone in the room will be heard with crisp and clear audio. Also, Meeting Owl 3 has three built-in speakers, so those joining the meeting virtually are equally heard throughout the boardroom for all attendees.
You can also connect multiple Meeting Owl devices via the Owl Connect software to multiply the pickup range for audio to 13.4 meters and video to 8.5 meters. So, using multiple devices can connect all your team members, even in larger rooms and spaces.
Predictive Maintenance and Proactive Support
Predictive maintenance and proactive support are crucial for meeting quality. A system that stops working can ruin a scheduled meeting. That’s why Century AV offers some of the best support in the business in Southern Ontario. Combined with Meeting Owl 3’s manufacturer support and a powerful 2-year warranty on equipment, you know when you work with Century AV to adopt AI-enhanced AV solutions, you’re in good hands.
Learn more about our support by watching one of our case study videos here.
Enhanced User Experience and Accessibility
Audio-visual systems are not just found in the boardroom. Today’s workers can use AI in a variety of ways to improve their work experience. These ways workers are taking advantage have a lot to offer, but they do require a decent microphone. To learn more about microphones, read our article: Selecting the Right Microphones for Your Commercial AV Setup. Here are a few of the ways businesses are taking advantage of AI in AV systems relating to audio:
- AI-powered voice control for seamless interactions.
- Real-time transcription, translation, and closed-captioning for global teams.
- AI accessibility enhancements for users with disabilities.
Security in Enhanced AV Systems
Further use of AI is taking place in the world of security. AI-enhanced systems include those that utilize facial recognition to ensure secure areas or information are only accessible to the approved personnel.
According to an Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario report, police services in the province have been using facial recognition since 2023, which has helped them carry out safety initiatives more efficiently. Combined with their mugshot database, this AI-enhanced security helps police services verify and catch wanted criminals. The report goes into detail about how police services must use this sort of technology and outlines the limitations in accordance with federal and provincial privacy and other laws ensuring this technology is used in ethical ways.
Naturally, when most people think of AI-enhanced security, they cringe at the potential for artificial intelligence to become an overlord of sorts. However, the laws in Canada clearly define how and where cameras and similar surveillance systems may operate. For example, a business can use cameras for security purposes on its own property. However, those cameras may not be used in places where there are reasonable expectations of privacy, such as within a washroom or changing room.
For more information about privacy and security recording using audio-visual means, please contact your local law enforcement agency for clarification of rules and regulations within your municipality.
Stay Ahead: How Century AV Helps Businesses Leverage AI in AV Systems
At Century AV, we believe in staying ahead of the curve. So, we pride ourselves on our knowledge of commercial AV systems and their uses. This point includes everything from the latest in security recording technology like security cameras, as well as audio-visual equipment in boardrooms and digital and interactive technology like interactive maps and digital menu display boards. In fact, we work with all types of commercial audio-visual equipment, and our commitment to excellence isn’t just in helping our clients find the right solutions but also in supporting those solutions long-term.
Century AV stands apart from conventional AV service providers in Ontario by offering some of the industry’s best post-sales support for our clients. An AV solution can only be built upon a solid foundation of trust and excellent customer service – before and after equipment is installed.
The Future of AV is Here – Are You Ready?
In a world where technology evolves faster than ever, it’s crucial to secure your business for the future. The best way to do this is by partnering with a solid AV service provider with the experience, expertise, and commitment to your organization’s audio-visual equipment projects.
If you’re looking for an Ontario-based AV service provider with top customer service, knowledgeable and professional staff, and support that lasts long after the equipment is installed, you’ll want to partner with Century AV. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your AI-enhanced AV projects. Let’s build something incredible together.
