The Convergence of AV and Broadcast: A New Era of Opportunity
By Jennifer P
Paul Richards’ blog post “The Convergence of AV and Broadcast: A New Era of Opportunity” highlights the significant integration of AV (audiovisual) and broadcast industries, underscored at the 2024 InfoComm Show. This fusion is creating a dynamic landscape filled with unprecedented opportunities for both broadcast and ProAV professionals. The key question posed is whether it’s “Broadcast for AV or AV for Broadcast,” but regardless of the answer, it’s clear that this convergence is shaping the future of the industry.
For streamers and production companies, this convergence is a golden ticket to higher-paying projects with longer-term contracts. Skills honed in live streaming, production, and content creation are now highly sought after for large-scale installation projects with multiple phases of deployment. For ProAV integrators, this convergence mirrors the earlier integration of IT and AV, which brought decades of growth and innovation. The skills and knowledge from both sectors are invaluable, opening doors to complex and large-scale projects across various industries, including entertainment, hospitality, government, retail, sports, education, and houses of worship.
The market trends also indicate a bright future for this convergence. Over 50% of NAB attendees were first-timers, highlighting a surge of new professionals entering the streaming field. The convergence of AV and IT has driven advancements in AV management and monitoring, allowing AV professionals to add managed services to their businesses. Companies like Crestron, QSC, Extron, Biamp, AVI-SPL, and Atlona are leading in AV monitoring and management. ProAV integrators are well-positioned to offer new services such as remote PTZ camera operation and complete live video production, further enhancing their service portfolios.
In technological advancements, Apple has introduced the Final Cut Camera app, challenging Blackmagic’s dominance in the professional video editing market. This app offers advanced controls and aligns with the upcoming iOS 18 update, targeting loyal video editors. The competition between Apple and Blackmagic highlights the continuous evolution of the industry and the push for innovation.
Richards encourages industry professionals to seize the opportunities presented by this convergence. PTZOptics is already integrating ProAV and broadcast professionals into the Hive Beta, and Richards’ book “Remote Production” delves into this transformative moment, offering guidance and certification for professionals. Whether you’re a streamer looking to break into the ProAV industry or a seasoned ProAV integrator ready to embrace broadcast projects, the time to act is now. The convergence of AV and broadcast is more than a trend—it’s a pivotal moment for shaping the future of audiovisual experiences. By embracing this convergence, professionals can create immersive, high-quality productions that captivate and engage audiences like never before.
Read the full article from Paul Richards HERE