Top Trends in Audio Visual Technology for 2024
With technology advancing at a rapid pace, the audio visual industry is consistently innovating to deliver enhanced viewing and listening experiences to consumers. As we head into 2024, several new and exciting trends are emerging that will significantly impact how we interact with and consume content. In this blog, we will discuss some of the top trends in audio visual technology that are likely to take off in the coming year, including tv size calculator based on room size.
Mini LED and Micro LED Displays
One of the most prominent display technologies expected to gain widespread adoption in 2024 is Mini LED and Micro LED. Mini LED backlights offer deeper blacks, higher contrast and localized dimming compared to traditional LED-lit LCD TVs. Micro LED displays self-emit light and do not require backlights, promising even better picture quality with perfect black levels, higher brightness and greater efficiency. Both Mini LED and Micro LED deliver closest-to-OLED image quality but with increased brightness levels suitable for brightly lit rooms. Major brands like Samsung, LG and TCL are aggressively ramping up Mini LED TV production, while Micro LED displays in larger screen sizes will become more commercially available.
Ambient Computing and Smart Home Integration
Our devices will get smarter at blending into the backgrounds and enhancing functionality throughout the home. Smart TVs and audio systems will integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices for a cohesive connected experience. For example, lights and curtains can automatically adjust based on what's playing on the TV. Voice assistants will spread across more connected products to provide unified whole-home controls. Formats like Matter will help establish common communication standards between disparate brands, taking the smart home experience to the next level.
Advancements in Soundbars
Soundbars are emerging as the most popular way to upgrade TV audio and the segment will see continued innovation. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support will become standard even in affordable models to deliver immersive 3D sound. Built-in streaming features and virtual surround modes will make it possible to achieve surround sound from a single bar. AI upmixing and room correction allow soundbars to dynamically optimize sound for the specific environment. Wireless subwoofers and surround speakers will offer truly cinematic home theater experience without complex multi-speaker setups.
Immersive Gaming on Big Screens
Gamers are increasingly enjoying immersive titles on big screen TVs instead of dedicated monitors. To enhance the gaming display, next year will see popularity of technologies like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) that synchronize display refresh rates with graphics output to eliminate screen tearing. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches TVs to low latency gaming mode. 4K120/HDMI 2.1 support will deliver high resolution and frame rates. Built-in cloud gaming services on smart TVs allow Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla or Fortnite on the couch. OLED response times are perfect for first-person shooters.
Rise of 8K Resolution
While 4K content is still in early stages of adoption, 8K resolution is arriving. More 8K TV models and content will become available in 2024 along with support for cutting edge technologies like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision at 8K resolution. 8K cameras are capturing Hollywood blockbusters and sports events. Upscaling lower resolution video content to 8K using AI will offer a true "retina display" effect. The immersive 33 million pixel clarity will attract early adopters and serve as a future proof upgrade for those future-gazing. However, mainstream 8K adoption may still be 3-5 years away.
Enhancements in Streaming Devices
Streaming set-top boxes and sticks will focus on 4K/HDR performance upgrades, new powerful processors and expanded storage. Integrated streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, etc. will deliver easy access to dedicated apps. Voice remotes will be standard for hands-free navigation. Expanding middleware platforms like Roku OS and Android TV will improve search, discovery and personalization across all subscribed services. Investments in faster Ethernet ports, WiFi 6 and thread radios promise more reliable streaming in congested smart homes.
Augmented Audio with Spatialization
The advancement of spatial audio with head tracking capabilities that mimic a surround sound experience from any headphones is an exciting trend to watch. Companies are perfecting 360-degree audio using psychoacoustics to place virtual sound objects in three-dimensional space. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are bringing object-based sound to headphones, making action movies, VR experiences and video games come alive without speakers. Voice assistants will gain more spatial awareness to localize responses. AI upmixing will preserve surround channels for legacy stereo content. Overall, it will revolutionize how we consume all media on the go.
The Rise of 8K AI Upscaling
With 8K resolution displays just starting to become available, finding native 8K content still remains a challenge. This is where AI upscaling has an important role to play. Using deep learning algorithms trained on vast datasets, AI upscaling intelligently interpolates and enhances lower resolution video content like 4K or Full HD to near 8K quality. Certain AI models are specialized for different source content types like movies or sports. The upscaled output offers significant sharpness and texture enhancements while preserving native resolutions’ aspects. As processing power increases, real-time 8K AI upscaling will become widespread across streaming devices, set-top boxes and TVs in 2024.
Conclusion
In conclusion, advances in display technologies like Mini LED/Micro LED, increased smart home integration, immersive gaming capabilities, the rise of 8K resolution and AI upscaling present incredibly exciting opportunities for audio visual experiences over the next year. Enhancements in streaming devices, virtual reality audio and integration of voice assistants will further push the boundaries. With innovative brands constantly developing new innovations to enhance visual and audio entertainment, 2024 promises to be an important year for the consumer technology industry. The upcoming trends discussed will shape how people consume and interact with content within the home well into the future.