Exploring the Latest Trends in AV Technology

When creating a videography proposal template for a client, it's important to stay on top of the latest trends in audio visual technology. Understanding where the industry is headed can help videographers create more cutting-edge and appealing proposals. In this blog, we will explore some of the major trends currently shaping the AV world.

4K and Beyond Resolution

One of the biggest ongoing developments in AV is the push for higher resolution images. 4K resolution, which offers around 4 times the pixels of 1080p HD, has rapidly become the new standard for professional video work over the last few years. However, even 4K is no longer considered the pinnacle. 8K resolution, offering around 33 million pixels, is now emerging as the new benchmark for premium cinema and broadcast content.

4K Adoption: 4K adoption has skyrocketed, with 4K TV sales surpassing HD TV sales in 2021. Major streaming services now offer 4K content, and 4K production equipment has become much more affordable. 4K is now the de facto standard resolution for serious videography.

8K Arrives: While still in the early adoption phase, 8K displays and cameras are starting to hit the market. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics were the first ever 8K broadcast event. More 8K content options will drive display adoption in the coming years. Videographers should start to consider 8K for the most demanding clients and projects.

Increased Dynamic Range

Along with higher resolution, there is an ongoing push for footage with an increased dynamic range (DR), the ability to reveal more details in the highlights and shadows of an image simultaneously. HDR10 and Dolby Vision are now common on premium TVs and streaming services.

HDR10/Dolby Vision: HDR formats allow footage and post-production to take advantage of over a billion colors and degrees of brightness compared to standard dynamic range. HDR production is becoming standard for serious commercial work.

Wider Gamut: As cameras and monitors push for wider color spaces like Rec.2020, this wider color gamut allows for an even more stunning and realistic rendition of reds, greens, blues and more. Videographers need to produce with these wider gamuts in mind.

Virtual Production Growth

The use of virtual production techniques, combining video and gaming technologies, has grown drastically over the past few years. Stage-based virtual production is now being used widely in movies, TV and commercials for visual effects, pre-visualization and more.

LED Volume Stages: LED volume stages use large video walls to allow the projection of CGI environments, letting directors develop and shoot scenes in a virtually augmented version of the real world. These stages are revolutionizing effects and production workflows.

Real-Time Rendering: Advances in GPU rendering have enabled photorealistic CGI to be composited in-camera during live-action shoots. This opens up new creative possibilities compared to traditional post-production VFX.

360 Video Expansion

While still a niche format, 360 video using spherical cameras allows an immersive viewing experience on VR headsets or via 360 video players on sites like YouTube. New camera and editing technologies are widening applications.

Camera Advances: New 360 cameras like the Insta360 Titan offer modular designs and improved image quality, making high-end 360 production more accessible. Gear upgrades are expanding into 8K 360 resolution.

Video Stitching: Advances in automated video stitching software help simplify the 360 video editing process. Keyframed stitched videos can now support transitions between different filmed perspectives.

New Applications: Beyond VR, 360 video is finding uses in real estate, education, events and other promotional applications where immersive viewing expands the storytelling potential.

In summary, clients are seeking ever higher resolutions, dynamic ranges and production values. Videographers need to understand these emerging technologies to present ambitious yet practical proposals that impress. Technologies like 4K, HDR, virtual production and 360 offer creative possibilities to capture audiences. By staying current on the latest AV trends, videographers can craft proposals poised for today and prepared for tomorrow.

Remote and Hybrid Production

The pandemic accelerated the trend toward remote and distributed production methods utilizing IP-based and cloud technologies. Even as restrictions ease, many are finding benefits to hybrid models blending on-site and remote elements.

IP and Cloud Workflows: IP-based video transport via SDI-over-IP and cloud-based distribution eliminate the need to colocate all personnel and equipment together. Remote camera operation, editing, color grading and more are now quite feasible.

Hybrid Crews: Crews can work partially on location and partially remotely, with resources flexing between the two as needed. This provides more flexibility for complicated shoots at varied venues.

At-Home Production: Entire productions can now be mounted and executed primarily or entirely from personnel's home offices and studios. This lowers costs while maintaining efficiency and creative fidelity.

New Collaboration Tools: Platforms like Blackmagic Atem, Teradek, Switcher, and Zoom or Teams enable seamless live production and creative collaboration between dispersed team members.

As network capabilities grow and remote tools mature, hybrid production is set to remain mainstream. Videographers can tap the productivity and cost benefits it offers while delivering consistent production value remotely. Understanding these workflows will open up new opportunities.

Advancing Post-Production Tools

Improvements in post-production software continue enhancing the creative options available to editors and colorists. AI is playing an increasingly role as well.

AI Video Enhancement: New AI-powered tools are emerging that can automatically enhance aspects like color, lighting, sharpness based on example footage - potential timesavers for basic footage touching up.

Automated Workflow Tools: Software uses AI and machine learning to identify shot types, scenes changes and more to intelligently log, organize and generate initial assembly edits of raw footage.

Improved Color Grading: Advancements in GPU and CPU rendering have brought color grading workflows previously only possible in high-end suites to all-in-one editing programs. New control surfaces also simplify grading.

360 Video Editing: Dedicated 360 video editors continue rolling out new features focused on stitching, masking and multi-track compositing for advanced 360/VR projects.

Staying on top of the evolving post options equips videographers to improve their creative bandwidth and take on more complex projects efficiently. Understanding where AI may augment human skills is also important for future-proofing services.

Volumetric Capture Emerges

Cutting-edge volumetric capture techniques are allowing the digitization of real humans, objects, performances and spaces into interactive 3D form. While still early technology, volumetric is poised to change content creation.

Full Body Performance Capture: Advanced volumetric setups with dozens of cameras can capture a subject's entire body, expressions, and motions for later playback from any angle in real-time.

Interactive Virtual Spaces: Combining volumetric actors with virtual environments will enable remote participation in interactive digital experiences, virtual conferences, product demos and more.

Telepresence Evolution: As the technology matures, volumetric may evolve how we experience virtual meetings, classes, concerts or participate in other shared events remotely through customized avatar embodiments.

While outside most budgets currently, early adopters exploring volumetric now position themselves at the cutting edge for applications not yet imagined. The "Holodeck" is closer than it seems.

Conclusion

As this blog has shown, the world of audio visual technology continues evolving at a breakneck pace. Staying aware of emerging trends, whether incremental improvements or paradigm shifts, keeps videographers equipped to propose ambitious yet practical solutions. While change can seem constant, understanding client needs and how technology enhances storytelling will always remain at the core of a successful videography practice. By exploring new frontiers now, creative professionals ready themselves for exciting opportunities on the creative horizons