Audio‑Visual Trends

In the rapidly evolving world of audio‑visual (AV) technology, the year 2025 stands out as a milestone: immersive experiences, intelligent systems, and seamless integration are no longer “nice‑to‑have” — they’re becoming the norm. This article explores the key AV trends for 2025, from AI‑powered automation to spatial audio, and offers insights on how businesses and creators can adapt.

1. Rise of Agentic AI in AV Systems

One of the most significant trends in AV for 2025 is the rise of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) — systems that go beyond simple query‑and‑response and instead perform tasks autonomously. According to the professional association AVIXA, agentic AI is identified as a top tech trend impacting AV deployment.

Why this matters

AI‑driven tools can now automate repetitive AV setup tasks (e.g., calibrating speakers, adjusting lighting, synchronising video displays).
They also enable real‑time content adaptation: for example, automatically adjusting sound levels based on venue acoustics, or switching video feeds based on audience engagement.
This reduces the burden on human operators and improves reliability of live or hybrid events.

Implications for businesses & creators

If you’re organising events (corporate, education, entertainment), plan for AV systems that include AI modules rather than purely manual controls.
Ensure your AV integrator supports AI‑capable hardware and software (e.g., predictive maintenance, automatic fault detection).
Incorporate metadata and logging — because AI thrives on data, so capture as much AV usage/behaviour information as possible.

2. Immersive Audio & Spatial Sound Become Mainstream

Audio is no longer just about clarity; it’s about space and environment. Spatial audio — where sound can emanate from any direction, including above or behind the listener — is gaining traction in AV settings.

Key developments

The push toward formats that support object‑based audio (sound “objects” placed in 3D space) is growing.
Venues and events are experimenting with 360° audio, full‑body soundscapes, and immersive sound fields that adapt to the listener’s position.
Audio hardware — from soundbars to installed systems — is increasingly built to support spatial audio delivery and rendering.

Why this matters for AV trend‑watchers

For live events, exhibitions, museums and retail spaces, the “wow” factor increasingly comes from immersive audio paired with immersive visuals.
AV system design must account for speaker placement, acoustic modelling, and proper rendering of spatial content.
Content creators must consider mixing for spatial audio early rather than retrofitting later.

3. AV‑over‑IP & Networked Systems Drive Scalability

Traditional AV setups (such as fixed cabling, dedicated hardware) are giving way to AV‑over‑IP (AoIP) — distributing audio and video signals via IP networks. This trend is strongly referenced in the AV industry’s 2025 outlook.

Benefits

Flexibility: AV sources and destinations can be anywhere on the network, enabling remote operations, hybrid events, and flexible room configurations.
Scalability: Easier to add new sources/displays without major rewiring.
Integration: AV systems can tie into other building systems (lights, HVAC, security) because they share the IP backbone.

Considerations

Network bandwidth and latency: High‑resolution video, multi‑channel audio and synchronized systems demand robust networks.
Cybersecurity: AV systems now are endpoints on enterprise networks and need protection from vulnerabilities.
Standards and interoperability: Make sure equipment supports common protocols (e.g., Dante for audio, NDI for video, SMPTE 2110 for professional AV) so you’re not locked‑in.

4. Hybrid Work ‑ The AV Impact in Corporate & Education

Hybrid work and learning models have forced AV to rethink what collaboration spaces look like. The trends for 2025 emphasise adaptability, mobility, and inclusive design for remote and in‑office participants.

Key features

Multi‑camera systems, intelligent tracking cameras, automatic speaker zoom and framing.
Better sound capture in rooms (ceiling mics, beam‑forming arrays) so remote participants hear well.
Large displays or LED walls designed for mixed‑presence (people both in‑room and remote).
Integration with cloud platforms and collaboration software for seamless experience.

What organisations should plan

Don’t invest purely in “in‑room” AV; build for hybrid from the start.
Consider the end‑to‑end experience: remote participants often struggle with audio quality more than video.
Train staff and users — technology only works if people know how to engage it.
Adapt room usage and furniture around AV‑capable layouts (e.g., flexible meeting pods rather than fixed conference tables).

5. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency in AV Design

As the world focuses increasingly on carbon footprints, AV technology is also under pressure to deliver sustainable solutions. The trend‑reports for 2025 emphasise greener AV systems.

What’s changing

LED displays with lower power consumption, longer lifespan and better recyclability.
AV systems with software‑based upgrades rather than hardware replacement.
More emphasis on modular systems so parts can be replaced and upgraded rather than discarding full units.
Use of metrics and management tools to monitor energy usage of AV systems and drive optimisation.

Practical steps

When procuring AV hardware, request energy‑usage specs and ask about upgrade path / end‑of‑life plans.
Design systems for flexibility so future upgrades (e.g., display panels, processing boards) can be swapped, not the entire system.
Consider vendor partnerships that emphasise sustainability or provide take‑back/recycling programmes.

6. Immersive Visuals, LED Walls & 3D Projection Mapping

In the visual domain, immersive displays are taking centre stage. High‑resolution LED walls, 3D projection mapping and mixed‑reality visuals are transforming how spaces engage audiences.

What’s driving this trend

Cost of LED panels is reducing, making large‑scale high‑brightness visuals more accessible.
Projection mapping and spatially‑aware visuals allow physical spaces to become dynamic canvases.
Visuals tie into the immersive audio trend to produce full multi‑sensory experiences.
Visual content needs to be more flexible and dynamic (not just static screens) to engage audiences in events, retail, brand experiences.

Design tips

Start visual design at the same time you design audio: alignment matters (sound and sight).
Consider ambient lighting and viewing angles — large LED walls need controlled light environments.
For events, invest in content production pipelines that can scale (e.g., motion graphics, 3D assets, real‑time mapping).
Budget not just hardware but installation (rigging, transport, calibration) because immersive visuals often come with logistical overhead.

7. Content Accessibility, Translation & Inclusivity

With globalisation and diverse audiences, AV systems are increasingly required to support accessibility and multilingual capabilities. The 2025 outlook highlights enhanced captioning, translation, and accessibility features powered by AI.

Examples

Real‑time AI‑powered captioning for live events, translating to multiple languages.
Audio description tracks, spatial audio cues for visually impaired listeners.
Adaptive video layouts adjusting for user needs (e.g., sign‑language interpreters visible on screen).

Why this is essential

For events and corporate use, inclusivity is no longer optional — it’s expected by audiences and stakeholders.
Accessibility features increase reach (e.g., deaf/hearing‑impaired, non‑native‑language attendees) which adds value.
Designing for accessibility from the start prevents costly retrofits later.

8. Integration of AV with IoT and Smart Building Systems

Another strong trend for 2025 is the convergence of audio‑visual systems with the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart building ecosystems. As cited in several industry sources, AV no longer sits in isolation but becomes part of the broader building intelligence.

What this integration enables

AV systems that respond to environmental cues: e.g., meeting room display powers on when occupancy sensors detect people, lighting and HVAC adjust in concert with display usage.
Predictive maintenance: sensor‑driven alerts when AV components degrade or show anomalies.
Unified control platforms for building managers: one interface controls display, lighting, audio, room scheduling, and more.

Planning considerations

Choose AV hardware with open APIs and compatibility with building‑management systems (BMS).
Involve facility‑management and IT teams early in AV system planning so integrations are smooth.
Ensure cybersecurity — each “smart” device adds an attack surface.

9. Hybrid Events & Multi‑Location Broadcasting

The events industry is undergoing transformation: traditional live events, virtual events, and hybrid models are merging. AV trends for 2025 reflect that multi‑location broadcasting and hybrid‑capable setups are required.

Key elements

Multi‑site streaming: high‑quality video and audio streamed to remote audiences, with interactive elements.
Localised AV hubs: each location equipped with full AV infrastructure, connected via IP networks for synchronization.
Engaging remote participants: using spatial audio, high‑resolution visuals, interactive Q&A, breakout zones.
Data capture and analytics: tracking remote vs in‑person engagement, integrating AV metrics into event performance analysis.

How to future‑proof your event setup

Standardise on streaming protocols and formats to ensure consistency across locations.
Use modular AV kits that can be deployed quickly in multiple venues (or for remote streaming from a studio).
Invest in good uplink/bandwidth infrastructure and redundancy — remote attendees will forgive no latency or dropouts.
Consider how in‑person and remote audiences can interact seamlessly (shared visuals, audio, Q&A, chat).

10. Training, Skillsets & AV Partner Ecosystem

Finally, as AV systems become more complex and integrated, the importance of skilled personnel and strong AV partner ecosystems grows. Many trend‑reports emphasise that technology is only as good as the people and processes behind it.

What to look for

AV integrators that understand not just hardware, but networks, cloud services, IoT, AI, cybersecurity and smart building integration.
Training programs for in‑house staff to manage and operate hybrid/hybrid‑capable systems (audio, visuals, streaming, remote participants).
Emphasis on user experience: AV must be intuitive for end‑users, not just operators.
Post‑install services: maintenance, updates, system health monitoring are increasingly part of value‑proposition.

Conclusion

The AV landscape in 2025 is no longer just about “play sound and show image”. It’s about creating immersive, intelligent, networked, and inclusive experiences. By embracing agentic AI, spatial audio, AV‑over‑IP, sustainability, hybrid event readiness, and smart building integration, organisations can position themselves at the forefront of AV innovation.

For businesses, educators, event producers, and AV professionals, the message is clear: don’t wait for these trends to become mainstream — plan now, train your teams, and build systems that are flexible enough to evolve. The technology is here; the differentiator will be how you use it.