Audiovisual technology has been key in different industries; and audiovisual integration takes it a step further. By definition, AV integration is the planning, development, implementation of a complete solution of audiovisual technologies. This is to create, distribute and store audiovisual content. This information can be for entertainment, education and training, among others.

Audiovisual integration can comprise of different technologies. Integration can include tools such as microphones, displays, projectors, screens, online conferencing tools and any combination of audio and visual technologies.

Integrated AV and Its Life Cycle

Additionally, the planning, design and implementation are key elements of AV integration. This integration has similar qualities to the software development life cycle; where it involves different stages for planning, design, testing and implementation.

Depending on the type of AV integration, there should be a group of experts in the project. From designers, to programmers, video editors, and project managers to manage the different tasks that may involve launching the product.

A big driver for AV integration, it's design and development is the end user. This should be addressed in early stages of integration. If it's not designed with end user and user experience in mind, the AV integration would be underused, or not used properly.

Another element of AV integration is system/user documentation. Even with the most intuitive AV integration, end users or the people who will be managing this technology would need some type of documentation guide they can refer to.

Zoom, Google Meet, Teams - Audiovisual Integration at Its Finest

A great example of AV integration is Zoom, which its popularity rose especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies used Zoom and other similar teleconferencing technologies to replace in person meetings, presentations and trainings.

Schools used AV integration in order to provide virtual learning. Not only Zoom but many other tools in collaboration such as Google Slides, Peardeck and many educational online tools to replace in person instruction.

In other words, a well integrated AV is one that has gone through all the stages of development life cycle, where all parties involved have communicated well their needs and wants in terms of how the system should work, with end user consideration in mind during all phases of the project.