Audio Visual and Interactive Technology Blog Melbourne

August 16, 2023

Virtual Meetings: NVIDIA’s Breakthrough in AI-Enhanced 3D Video Conferencing

In a leap towards the future of communication, NVIDIA has unveiled an extraordinary breakthrough in the realm of 3D video conferencing. This innovative technology promises to reshape the way we connect in virtual spaces, offering a remarkable blend of AI and 3D wizardry that’s set to redefine the virtual meeting landscape.

A New Dimension of Conferencing

Imagine being able to participate in a video conference where it feels as though you’re sharing the same room with your colleagues, with eye contact and expressions seamlessly replicated. NVIDIA’s AI-mediated 3D video conferencing system achieves precisely that. Through a creative fusion of cutting-edge AI and minimal capture equipment, this revolutionary system captures and, using autostereoscopic methods, displays lifelike 3D talking heads, bringing participants closer than ever before.

Avatars Reimagined

One of the most captivating aspects of this innovation is its flexibility. NVIDIA’s AI-driven system accommodates both photorealistic and stylised avatars, giving users the freedom to personalise their virtual presence. What’s more, the technology enables mutual eye contact even in multi-directional video conferencing scenarios, fostering a deeper sense of connection.

Diving into the Future

NVIDIA’s system offers a glimpse of what’s to come with three exciting applications:

1. AI 3D Selfie

Harnessing the power of a single unposed image, participants are transformed into photorealistic 3D representations, viewable in a stunning 45-view light field. This captivating experience unfolds on the recently emerging Looking Glass Portrait Display, creating a truly personalised journey.

2. Live 3D Portrait

With a single webcam, users witness their 2D captures transform into dynamic 3D views in real-time. This feature even allows users to swap appearances with animated avatars, mirroring their expressions. The cloud-based AI inference on the NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation GPU brings this magic to life, enhanced further by the head-tracked stereo rendering on Acer SpatialLabs 3D laptops.

3. 3D Video Conferencing

The pinnacle of this advancement is the ability to host lifelike 3D video conferences involving multiple participants. This system captures monocular RGB input from standard webcams and transforms it into a captivating 3D experience through NeRFs and NVIDIA RTX 6000 GPUs. The Looking Glass 3D display, powered by NVIDIA RTX 4090, showcases the lifelike renderings. What’s more, the technology even enables eye contact through pose redirection, with spatial audio effects provided by the NVIDIA Maxine Audio Effects SDKs.

Embracing the Future Today

This innovative 3D video conferencing system is underpinned by a sophisticated pipeline that transforms 2D captures into rich 3D displays. The cloud-enabled 3D lifting technology ensures efficient processing, demonstrating NVIDIA’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology.

A Glimpse into Tomorrow

As we delve deeper into the potential of AI and 3D technology, NVIDIA’s revolutionary system offers a tantalising glimpse into the future of communication. With real-time transformations, immersive experiences and lifelike avatars, this innovation is a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Get ready to step into a new dimension of connectivity with NVIDIA’s AI-enhanced 3D video conferencing. Experience meetings like never before – where distance dissolves and interaction thrives.

August 16, 2023

The Sphere: Inspiring Innovation for Small Businesses and Schools

In today’s rapidly changing technological landscape, businesses and schools, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises, find themselves at a crossroads of challenges and opportunities. Embracing innovation is a paramount strategy for sustaining competitiveness and an exceptional example of groundbreaking innovation is evident in the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. This remarkable project not only redefines the concept of live entertainment but also offers valuable insights for smaller businesses keen on harnessing the potential of AV/T advancements to transform their working environments.

The Marvel of Sphere Entertainment Co.

Sphere Entertainment Co. stands at the forefront of cutting-edge entertainment experiences. Their flagship project, the MSG Sphere, is poised to set new standards in live entertainment. This massive 580,000 square-foot structure boasts the largest LED screen on Earth, designed to captivate and transport audiences into a realm of wonder. The exterior LED skin, composed of 1.2 million LED pucks, each capable of displaying 256 million colors, turns the Sphere into a mesmerising canvas that redefines the Las Vegas skyline.

Inside the Sphere, innovation continues to flourish. A high-resolution immersive display surrounds the audience, enhancing performances with visually stunning videos and images. The integration of haptic technology elevates the experience, allowing attendees to literally “feel” the show. The intricate sound system employs 3D audio beamforming and wave field synthesis, accompanied by thousands of loudspeaker drivers, delivering an auditory experience like no other.

While the MSG Sphere is an impressive example of technological marvel on a grand scale, its impact resonates even with smaller businesses and schools striving to innovate. The lessons from this avant-garde entertainment hub can guide small to medium-sized enterprises in embracing advanced AV/T solutions for their environments.

Thinking Big, Starting Small.

The Sphere’s success story teaches us that ambitious ideas can yield remarkable outcomes. Small businesses and schools can take inspiration from this approach by dreaming big and scaling down innovative concepts to fit their scope. By integrating advanced AV technology, even on a smaller scale, businesses can cultivate elevated customer experiences and improved business operations.

Amplified Marketing Strategies.

The Sphere’s impressive LED exterior acts as a monumental billboard, capturing attention from miles away. Businesses and schools can adapt this concept by incorporating technologies such as digital signage, interactive displays and high-quality audio systems, enhancing engagement and leaving a lasting impression.

Elevated Customer Experiences.

AV/T solutions transcend products; they represent advanced solutions for crafting memorable customer interactions. Implementing interactive displays, virtual reality technology and unique experiences, can engage customers on a deeper level, fostering brand loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Driving Innovation Culture.

By fostering a culture that embraces experimentation, welcomes new ideas and supports continuous learning, businesses and schools not only improve their technology repertoire but also elevate their overall operational scope in modern society. This atmosphere empowers employees to contribute creatively to technological adoption and overall business growth.

Lessons from The Sphere.

The MSG Sphere in Las Vegas serves as an emblem of innovation stretching beyond mere entertainment. Its impressive use of AV technology showcases the possibilities of transforming experiences and small to medium businesses and schools can glean valuable lessons from this endeavor. By adapting the concepts of immersive experiences, personalisation, customisation, efficiency and collaboration, these businesses can harness the latent potential of advanced technology to shape their environments and carve a competitive niche in a dynamically evolving business landscape.

As The Sphere reshapes the realm of live entertainment, small businesses and educational institutes have the chance to redefine their industries by strategically incorporating the ever-advancing technology of our modern world.

June 26, 2023

Crestron’s One-Touch Wireless Collaboration

Collaboration at Your Fingertips.

Picture this: you’re a business using Microsoft Teams® software and you’ve been on the hunt for a seamless wireless conferencing solution. You want to be able to share content effortlessly from almost any device with just the push of a button. No more downloading that laundry list of new apps or configuring additional software (because cntrl + alt + delete is complicated enough). Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it?

Well, get ready to meet your new collaboration superhero—the Crestron AirMedia ® Connect Adaptor.

With the AirMedia ® Connect Adaptor, wireless collaboration becomes a breeze and it works with almost any device. This nifty dongle that resembles an oversized hockey puck, comes with a sturdy USB-C cable and an indicator light lining the perimeter. But don’t let its simplicity fool you; there’s some serious magic packed into this little device.

The AirMedia® Adaptor (AM-TX3-100) enables wireless presentation and conferencing when paired with a Wi-Fi® network capable AirMedia Series 3 Receiver. Deploy the AM-TX3-100 alongside an AirMedia Series 3 Receiver in conference rooms, huddle rooms, lounges, lobbies, or almost any space to make collaboration seamless and hassle-free.

Microsoft Teams® Rooms was tailor-made for moments like these, offering an ultimate level of power and intuitiveness. According to Lauren Simmen, a director of product marketing at Crestron, “Why would you need anything else?” Well, the answer lies in the growing demand for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) flexibility in organisations and the AirMedia® Adaptor couldn’t have come at a better time.

In the age of hybrid work, traditional meeting rooms are no longer the only spaces where collaboration occurs. People are seeking alternative meeting points, such as lounges or casual sitting areas, which aren’t always equipped with dedicated conferencing options. This is where solutions like AirMedia ® technology come to the rescue, enabling organisations to quickly retrofit their offices for the modern hybrid workforce and effortlessly bring Microsoft Teams® functionality to any space.

Of course, security is always a top concern. Luckily, Crestron has a smart answer to that—its solutions operate on their own secure network, ensuring your data is protected.

The goal is to provide as many options as possible while maintaining a consistent experience throughout your organisation. And that’s precisely what the AirMedia® Adaptor offers to businesses already standardised on the Microsoft Teams® platform.

Learn how the AirMedia® Connect Adaptor works with third-party devices (in this case, the Jabra® PanaCast® 50 video bar).

So, if you’re ready to take your wireless collaboration to the next level, it’s time to say “goodbye” to complex technology and “hello” to hockey puck sized innovation. Prepare to make every meeting a seamless, button-pushing, content-sharing event!

Visit www.visionone.com.au to learn more and elevate your collaboration game today.

May 26, 2023

eBook: The Future of Audio Visual Technologies in the Education and Commercial World

Step into the captivating world of audio-visual technologies with our brand-new digital eBook, “The Future of Audio-Visual Technologies in Education and Communication.” This innovative publication takes you on a journey to tomorrow, exploring the transformative role of AV tech, and its part in shaping the future of learning and communication.

Our digital eBook dives headfirst into the dynamic landscape of audio-visual technologies and its profound impact on education and communication.

From interactive displays and immersive virtual reality to cutting-edge projection systems and intelligent voice recognition, the eBook presents a comprehensive overview of the latest AV tech trends. Delve into the fusion of innovation and imagination, discovering how these technologies enhance engagement, foster collaboration, and unlock boundless creativity.

Key Takeaways:

The Evolution of Learning: Explore how AV technologies are reshaping traditional classrooms, creating immersive and interactive learning environments that captivate students’ attention and nurture their curiosity.
Engaging Communication: Discover the power of AV tech in revolutionizing communication channels, from video conferencing and virtual meetings to captivating digital signage and interactive presentations.
Innovations on the Horizon: Get a glimpse of the future as we unveil emerging trends such as augmented reality, holographic displays, and AI-powered assistants that will continue to redefine the way we learn and communicate.
The AI Whisper: Marvel at the subtle influence of artificial intelligence throughout the eBook, as it blends seamlessly with human creativity to provide a unique and engaging reading experience.

Download eBook

May 17, 2023

How Virtual Reality is Revolutionising the Classroom and Corporate Tech Industry

The future of VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) in a continually dynamic industry is exciting and, as technology further evolves, is becoming increasingly evident for its enormous potential in the improvement of a learning and working environment. While VR and AR were initially seen as entertainment or an out-of-reach technology solution, it has now found itself to be an enthusiastic companion for innovative learning in classrooms and the corporate domain.

But, what actually is AR and VR and is it really becoming the new textbook?

AR refers to the integration of digital information in the form of text, graphics, audio or other virtual enhancements onto the real world, adding value to the user’s interaction with their physical environment. This works by super-imposing computer-generated images onto your surroundings with a camera-equipped device, such as a smartphone or tablet, while VR is a technology that allows users to experience a simulated three-dimensional environment that mimics a real one. VR utilises an electronic headset and controllers and transports users to a virtual world, allowing them to interact in an immersive online experience.

Integration with the modern classroom

When incorporating this technology into a modern classroom, AR and VR can transform the typical learning experience for students into an engaging and captivating academic domain. Students are given the opportunity to explore simulated historic sites, take virtual field trips out of the country or explore scientific phenomena, creating an endless list of educational content that is otherwise difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom. AR and VR technology can also be used for advanced employee training and development, product design or even remote collaboration. It becomes a pivotal instrument in improving efficiency and freedom in the workplace, with upgraded practicality for employees such as architects and designers alike, allowing them to create 3D models of buildings or products. Remote teams can also use VR to visualise data and prototypes in a virtual meeting space.

Benefits of AR/VR

There is a laundry list of benefits when it comes to VR and AR, notably providing a memorable and fascinating learning experience in the classroom. For students that were born into an online world, the use of this kind of technology allows teachers and schools to keep up with content that stays engaging and meets the prerequisite of intriguing education. It can allow students to effectively retain information that is often demanding to learn in a conventional, passive classroom and enables users to practice real-world skills in a safe and controlled setting.

The future of AR/VR

As AR and VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect sensational developments across the board. Though, despite the many benefits, some educators and businesses stay hesitant in embracing these technologies and are citing concerns about cost, accessibility and the potential for distraction. While an obvious entertainment tool for some, VR and AR is slowly becoming a valuable investment for education and can improve engagement, retention and knowledge transfer. In addition, with the increasing availability of affordable VR and AR hardware and software, it becomes an accessible product within reach of utilising.

The future of VR and AR as an every day digital partner is advantageous and bright, with endless opportunities for elevating and revamping a typical learning and working climate. So, whether you’re a student, educator or business leader, it’s time to embrace the potential of VR and AR and take a deep dive into its pool of possibilities.

And remember, if you’re still feeling a little unsure about the world of VR and AR, just think of it as the modern-day equivalent of the Magic School Bus. Only this time, you don’t need to worry about getting eaten by a T-Rex or shrunk down to the size of a pea.

May 8, 2023

The Future of Audio Visual Technology: What Can We Expect Moving Forward?

Welcome to the world of audiovisual technology: where innovation and creativity never stops. As we progress through the 21st century, we can expect some groundbreaking changes—a prospect that has the AV/T geeks at Vision One shaking with excitement. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the future of audiovisual technology looks brighter than ever. From virtual and augmented reality to holographic projection and LED displays, the possibilities for innovation are endless.

But what does this mean for the education and corporate sectors and how can businesses and institutions stay ahead of the curve?

At Vision One, we understand the significance of creating dynamic, engaging learning environments, maintaining seamless communication and collaboration and, most importantly, providing cutting-edge technology that can keep up with our ever-advancing digital world. While we may not be apart of the progressive ‘Gen Z’ (though our Tik Tok dancing speaks otherwise), our team of experts is here to yield a helping hand and bring your institutions’ AV/T needs to life!

The Rise of Immersive Technologies

One of the most significant trends that we can expect in the future of audiovisual technology is the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in various industries. VR and AR hardware and software have been around for a while, but they are becoming more sophisticated and accessible than ever before. With the release of consumer-friendly VR headsets and AR-enabled smartphones, these technologies are set to transform the way we consume media and interact with our surroundings. At Vision One, we are already working on providing this as an accessible technology solution for our clients. We believe that this will revolutionise how businesses and schools deliver their presentations, training strategies and workshops.

The Move to 8K Displays

4K displays have been the gold standard for high-resolution displays for a few years now, but 8K displays are starting to hit the market. These displays offer four times the pixel density of 4K, resulting in incredibly sharp and detailed images. While 8K content is still relatively scarce, it’s only a matter of time before movies, TV shows and games are released in this format.

The Deal with Holograms

While we’re yet to master hoverboards and flying cars that the world eagerly awaited after watching ‘Back To The Future’ for the first time, Marty and Doc still managed to hit the mark with a few tech-savvy gadgets and correctly predicted the integration of holographic projection. Hologram projection is a type of visual technology that creates the illusion of three-dimensional images in space and can be used in various applications. With the advancement of holographic technology in recent years, hologram projection has the possibility of revolutionising the way teachers and students interact with content.

Don’t just take us at our word, though. Check out how holgraphic technology has changed the game over at RMIT University.

May 8, 2023

Gamifying Education: Take Learning to the Next Level

Gamification has quickly become a popular buzzword in the education industry. By virtual definition, it is a method of increasing engagement and motivation in non-game contexts by using game-like elements. It is based on the idea that games have a way of motivating people to participate and achieve goals. By incorporating elements such as points, badges, leaderboards and challenges into learning environments, educators can create a more engaging and interactive experience for students.

Gamification has been shown to have numerous benefits in education. For instance, it can improve student motivation, encourage collaboration and foster a sense of competition among students. Additionally, it can make learning more fun and enjoyable, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Audio Visual Hardware for Gamification

Audio visual hardware can play a crucial role in supporting gamification. This hardware can include:

Interactive Touch Screens

Interactive touch screens are a popular audio visual tool in education. They can be used to create interactive and engaging learning environments by allowing students to interact with digital content using touch and pen inputs. In a gamified learning environment, an interactive touch screen can be used to display leaderboards, progress bars and other game-like elements that can help to motivate and engage students.

Click here for a list of useful gamification apps for eduction.

Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation can be used to introduce gamification in the classroom. By using educational games that incorporate game-like elements, teachers can create a fun and engaging learning experience that motivates students to participate and achieve their learning goals.

Augmented and Virtual Reality Devices

AR and VR devices can be used to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. By using AR and VR devices in a gamified learning environment, educators can create simulations and scenarios that help students to learn through experimentation and exploration.

Digital Signage

Digital signage can be used to display game-like elements such as leaderboards and progress bars. By displaying this information in a public space, such as a hallway or common area, educators can create a sense of competition and motivate students to participate and achieve their learning goals.

Gamification is a powerful tool that can be used to increase engagement and motivation in the education sector. Audio visual hardware can play a crucial role in supporting gamification and once embraced, educators can create a fun and engaging learning experience that motivates students to surpass their own learning goals and participate in an exciting academic climate.

The team at Vision One is on standby to support educators in their efforts to introduce gamification in the classroom.

April 19, 2023

The Evolution of Audio Visual Technology in Education

As technology continues to rapidly evolve, so too does its impact on education. Audio visual (AV) technology in particular has become an increasingly important tool in classrooms around the world, providing a more engaging and interactive learning experience for students of all ages. The integration of audio visual technology is now essential to create a more immersive and interactive learning environment.

The rise of AV/T in education has transformed the way students learn and engage with course material—from interactive touchscreens to virtual reality headsets, educators now have access to a wide range of tools and resources to enhance the classroom experience. Today, we take a deep-dive into all things AV, technology, and what this could mean for the future of our industry:

Interactive Touchscreens

Interactive touchscreens are one of the most common audio visual tools used in today’s classroom. These boards allow teachers to display and manipulate digital content in real time. Students can interact with the content by writing notes and making annotations directly on the board. Interactive whiteboards provide a more dynamic and engaging learning experience, making it easier for students to understand complex concepts.

You can view our range of interactive touchscreens at the following link.

Devices

Devices such as tablets and smartphones have become ubiquitous in today’s society. Their use in education has grown exponentially in recent years, providing students with access to educational resources and tools like interactive textbooks, educational games and study apps.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual and augmented reality are two of the most exciting developments in audio visual technology for education. Virtual reality allows students to explore immersive, 3D environments that bring learning to life. Augmented reality overlays digital content onto the real world, providing a new way to experience and understand information. With VR and AR, students can explore the human body, visit historical sites and even travel to outer space, all from the safety of the classroom.

At Vision One, we’re chuffed about the potential of AR in education and are in the process of exploring ways to integrate this technology into our offerings. You can learn more about how Vision One is introducing AR/VR to our business model by visiting the following link.

Artificial Intelligence

AI-powered tools are being used to automate administrative tasks, such as grading and assessment, freeing up teachers’ time to focus on teaching and interacting with their students. AI is also being used to personalise learning experiences, providing students with targeted content and feedback based on their individual needs and learning styles.

The Future of Change

However, as new technologies are introduced, older technologies are becoming redundant. For example, traditional projectors are being replaced by more advanced, high-resolution displays. Additionally, as cloud-based services become more prevalent, on-premise hardware and software solutions are becoming less necessary.

Looking to the future, it’s clear that audio visual technology will continue to play an increasingly important role in education. New products, such as holographic displays (like our state-of-the-art HYPERVSN solution) and biometric sensors, are being introduced and have the potential to break-ground in the classroom teaching and learning process. The ongoing development of AI will also continue to influence education technology, allowing for even more personalised and adaptive learning experiences.

Overall, the evolution of audio visual technology in education is driven by a desire to improve the learning experience for students and make teaching more effective and efficient for educators. As educators continue to explore new ways to integrate audio visual technology into the classroom, students will ultimately benefit from a more immersive and connected learning experience.

February 8, 2023

How AI is Transforming Pro AV

This article has been reposted from avnetwork.com.

From automated presenter tracking embedded into video cameras, to displays providing people counting and facial recognition, to audio solutions with dynamic beamforming technology, there’s a lot of AI making its way into pro AV.

For many years, the AV/IT industry has been using artificial intelligence (AI) to develop products and solutions. Control and automation companies designed drag-and-drop room configurators that eliminated programming, with sensors placed in rooms that, when triggered, turn on the lights, set the HVAC, and launch a presentation. Today, many are delivering intelligent touchless environments using AI and facial detection.

We can often look toward consumer electronics trends to predict technologies that will emerge in the enterprise and other commercial markets. Some kernels of the near-future could be gleaned from a virtual conference session held during CES 2021, between New York Times columnist and author Thomas Friedman and renowned artificial intelligence (AI) expert, president and CEO of Mobileye, Amnon Shashua. Together, they discussed fundamental questions related to the ethics and values governing today’s technology, the challenges facing a rapid pace of change and automation, and solutions for maximizing opportunities in a world that is fast, fused, and deep.

Shashua explained that AI is narrow; it is software that is optimized to solve a single problem. “What Mobileye is doing is all about pattern recognition; cameras and other sensors understanding the visual world and then using that interpretation to drive decisions to do self-driving.”

From automated and intelligent presenter tracking embedded into video cameras, to displays providing data on the number of people entering a building or facial detection providing data such as sentiment; audio solutions with automatic dynamic beamforming technology and handwriting recognition, there’s no shortage of innovative AV/IT solutions being brought to market every day.

January 12, 2023

Interactive Digital Walls Bring Delight to Aged Care

Bright colours, moving shapes and interactive screens: an interactive, digital wall can bring joy to any paediatric hospital or age care facility. Seeing the sheer elation such an innovation could bring, the question beckons: could this work in aged care?

Using principles of dementia design, we discovered that it was possible to develop content to reach residents living with dementia, who have started to lose certain cognitive or communication abilities, making it perfect for aged care homes, Australia-wide.

An interactive digital wall may cycle through colourful animations, with recognisable shapes or colours. Each animation would intend to be soothing, and visible to residents with reduced eyesight. These digital scenes aren’t just pleasant to look at: they’re engaging and interactive. There’d be koalas to touch, ping pong to play, or snow angels to be made.

As important as it is to bring delight into care, the digital wall seeks to serve three key aims.

Getting social in non-verbal ways

Losing the ability to communicate can be a frustrating and a confusing experience. By opening new methods of communication through technology, we can reduce that frustration. This allows staff, friends, family and even other residents to interact communally in an intuitive and joyful way.

This also creates a new medium for loved ones to re-engage with their relative or friend. Avoiding stilted or repeated conversations, the wall is a topic of discussion. It brings communication alive. Rather than reminding families of loss, the digital wall facilitates a new kind of interaction.

Bringing meaning into activity

Inactivity is a risk with many dementia patients. Keeping resident’s active is key in keeping them healthy and happy. The interactive nature of the digital wall rewards action. Residents are encouraged to walk to it or move with it; it offers something more stimulating than static pictures and is more communal in nature than virtual reality.

Acting as a conduit for activity, the digital wall gives residents something to engage with. This, in turn, reinstates a feeling of utility and connectedness to the world around them.

Remembering and making new memories

For millennia, cultures have used images and stories to preserve knowledge and memories. They utilise the brain’s capacity for visual memory and spatial recollection. Such a multisensory experience empowers residents to create new memories and interactions.

That’s not to overlook the mental benefits of creativity. A novel place, with no prior memories attached, can be the perfect location for new conversations or reminiscence. Colours can spark memories of things, places or feelings. The digital wall is what residents will make of it: serving to spark some reflection and engagement.

This article was inspired by a report written on hellocare.com.au.

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