Birgit Jackson, commercial director at Sharp Visual Solutions Europe, predicts the future of audio-visual (AV).
Jackson’s first prediction is that displays will help to improve meeting environments. She says: “With face-to-face meetings on the decrease, this might seem counter-intuitive, however, it appears that having fewer physical meetings makes us value them more.
“A rise in ‘virtual’ face-to-face meetings has also increased demands for screens. Video conferencing is growing rapidly according to many studies. I see a future where screens will have sensor technology built-in. For example, a display would detect when people enter the room and switch on automatically.”
Features such as heating adaption based on the temperature of the room is one of the ways Jackson sees the future of conferencing. She says this will help companies to get important information about their meeting spaces in order to optimise how these spaces are used.
A rise in ‘virtual’ face-to-face meetings has also increased demands for screens. Video conferencing is growing rapidly according to many studies. I see a future where screens will have sensor technology built-in. For example, a display would detect when people enter the room and switch on automatically”
Following a shift from 2K resolution to 4K resolution in large-sized screens, and with it the introduction of compatible editing equipment and data compression/decompression technology, Jackson sees a shift towards 8K, the next logical step.
Sharp wants to increase the demand of 8K in the same way by building the 8K ecosystem of camera and display, improving the environment for 8K film to be spread.
Jackson adds: “Japan is leading the way in greater resolutions with the start of 4K and 8K programming by NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, and commercial TV stations in December. Many other broadcasters around the world have started small or large-scale trials of 8K.
“In commercial applications, 8K provides opportunities for advertising and design agencies. In the automotive world we are already seeing companies trialling 8K cameras to create hyper real images and films of car prototypes,” she says.
Brigit Jackson, commercial director at Sharp Visual Solutions Europe
With developments in digital signage retail displays and advertisements, Jackson believes that screens will continue to play a central role in our everyday lives, but they will become harder to spot. From thinner screens to different frames, they will start to merge more with their surroundings.
She says: “I think we’ll see more non-conventional screens in mainstream environments soon, for example, flexible displays that are more like a digital poster rather than a screen. This also opens the possibility to mount screens on surfaces that are not flat.
I think we’ll see more non-conventional screens in mainstream environments soon, for example, flexible displays that are more like a digital poster rather than a screen. This also opens the possibility to mount screens on surfaces that are not flat”
“Interacting with screens with a mobile device will also be more commonplace. For instance, being able to push content to, or receive content from, a screen will be super easy. This will give people the ability to take information from signage, such as displays in shopping malls or airports, and take it with them as they roam around.” Much like the road sign digital signage currently being trialled.
Using such predictions, Sharp Visual Solutions is leading the way in developments in the audio-visual sphere.
To showcase its developments Sharp will be attending ISE in February 2019, where visitors can visit to see its Windows Collaboration Display with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and Sharp’s Innovation Area, to experience featured products including an 8K camcorder.
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