Procom’s Water Cooler Take on AV Technology Trends in the Middle East in 2024

Bigger is better when it comes to trusses
Events in the Middle East have witnessed a significant increase in their scale and magnitude prompting a demand for larger truss systems to support the expanding infrastructural requirements. This has led to an increase in demand for bigger section truss profiles that can reach spans of up to 64 meters while taking substantial loads.This system was featured in Saudi on multiple occasions. This trend comes hand in hand with an increase in the deployment of self standing roof systems which enable the surge in outdoor events, such as this instance at the Eurotruss Saddle Roof set up at Yas island in Abu Dhabi.   

Weatherproof becomes standard
The AV industry has experienced a shift in the demand for IP rated equipment, signaling a growing trend in enhancing outdoor spaces for entertainment and social gatherings. This trend is impacting audio, lighting as well as power distribution. As a result, manufacturers have been lining up outdoor equipment offerings and developing cutting edge technologies. Ayrton Lighting has been a leader in the field pushing water and dust proofing technologies like EasyProtect-65 to build the new generation of weatherproof fixtures. Ayrton’s Perseo Profile was specially customized to an IP66 rating for an outdoor architectural project in Al Mamsha,Sharjah.

Architainment goes mainstream
Integrating dynamic show lighting into buildings and landscapes is no longer exclusive to big budgets. This trend is underpinned by the wide accessibility of LED pixels, which have also become more reliable and more cost-effective. In addition, control systems have become simpler to use and less expensive. They can deliver stunning visual effects with reasonable effort. Madrix LED control is the perfect example, it continuously pushes the boundaries of LED control, both on creativity and technical capability. The software, Madrix Radar, auto-detects fixtures, streamlines setup, and ensures constant connectivity, making breathtaking visual effects and integrated architectural lighting designs an effortless reality.

Effortless show networking
There’s a notable trend towards plug-and-play networking within the AV industry. This shift is made possible by exceptionally capable network switches. Netgear’s managed switches have now partnered with over 300 AV manufacturers to ensure out of the box interoperability with superior signal flow performance. One such partner is Blustream, a leader in video and audio signal distribution over networks. Riding the wave of the 8K revolution, the SP24AB-8K is a powerful 4-way 8K HDMI 2.1 splitter with network capabilities,ideal for distributing high-resolution video across complex setups. In the realm of loudspeakers, line arrays now feature auto-calibration features, cabinets that communicate with each other like DAS Audio’s Lara Series and seamless move from design stage to calibration. Adamson’s CS Series includes networking features that make it possible to move from design & simulation, through patch, control, metering, optimization, and system diagnostics without ever leaving the system.

Immersive continues marching
The Middle East is experiencing a notable increase in the popularity of immersive experiences where cutting-edge technology is seamlessly integrated to create captivating and interactive environments. 360 immersive sound experiences in particular continue to grow in demand and one such technology that delivers unparalleled quality, versatility and ease of use for this experience is the Adamson’s Fletcher machine. Alongside the Fletcher Machine, Waves System‘s mono-directional audio system, the H3000/EB, directs sound in a focused cone. When combined with the motion sensor triggering from the EP220 Event Player, it unlocks a new level of control and interactivity for any environment, creating an immersive, hands-free audio experience. Architectural surfaces will transform into digital dynamic canvases, augmented by seamlessly integrated holographic displays and interactive projection surfaces. From 3D, 360° experiences to virtual art shows, immersive museum exhibits and projection mapping on historic landmarks, Digital Projection technology is set to continue its growth.