Tech Talk: What A/V trends should I have on my radar for 2010?
Q: What A/V trends should I have on my radar for 2010?
by Warren K. Kong | Published in December 2009 audio-visual | Departments
Q: What A/V trends should I have on my radar for 2010?
A: As we start to emerge from a year filled with budget cuts and shrinking attendance, there are a few key items in the A/V world that will be essential in the 2010 season. First is the completion of the analog-to-digital conversion and its effects on the event market. Second is the seamless transition of digital lighting into events and meetings.
Something as simple as the analog-to-digital conversion in our homes would seem to have little to no effect in the event and meeting market. However, many television stations have chosen to add high-definition services. This means that the newer 16x9 format has officially become the standard in our homes. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find a standard-definition television in the store today.
What does that really mean to the A/V-savvy planner? The 16x9 format is more like the format we see in movie theaters and is wider than the traditional 4x3 aspect ratio we’ve been used to for television. A huge portion of the consumer market now knows television only in this new format. Consequently, your 9x12, 10x14, 12x16 and 15x20 screens will no longer be acceptable to clients and many production companies will struggle to keep up with this change. The consumer seems to have technologically surpassed our industry in this area. For several years, many companies have walked the line between the two aspect ratios, but 2010 will end the battle. The 16x9 ratio has worked its way to every home television, computer and portable DVD player in America. It is time for our industry to change.
Digital lighting is a very powerful tool when used correctly. It has moved lighting from “nice to have” to “need to have.” Its advent has allowed producers and designers to tailor event content to clients’ specific needs. From meeting themes on walls and sets to company logos on tables, digital lighting has created a unique opportunity for new and previously expensive effects to be achievable with modest budgets.
Products like Barco/High End Systems’ DL.3 and A.C.T Lighting’s MA Video allow for a high degree of manipulation when it comes to video. Previously impossible locations and hanging positions are now achievable. Digital lighting allows designers to place video on uniquely shaped screens and 3D objects with 10 percent of the effort that it used to take. Digital lighting is quickly becoming the norm at every event.
This past year wasn’t what we’d hoped for, nevertheless, two new excellent additions to the event toolbox were established.
About the author: Warren K. Kong
Warren K. Kong is creative/technical director for Orlando, Fla.-based Chameleon Designs LLC.
Contact: warren@chameleonorlando.com