News & Trends

January showed how quickly the professional AV industry is recalibrating for scale, software, and long-term resilience. From ownership changes and strategic acquisitions to restructurings, AI-ready hardware, and a sharper focus on cybersecurity, the month offered a clear snapshot of where the market is heading as ISE 2026 approaches.

1. Sphere Entertainment Proposes Smaller-Scale U.S. Venue at National Harbor

Sphere Entertainment is planning a smaller-scale version of its immersive Sphere venue, seating about 6,000 and featuring the same core LED and experience technologies as the Las Vegas original at National Harbor near Washington, D.C., as the company expands its global footprint beyond Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi. The project, backed by state, county, and private incentives and projected to create thousands of jobs and a significant economic impact, reflects a strategic shift toward more flexible, market-adapted Sphere venues while retaining its signature immersive tech.

2.  Hybrid Broadcast Production Will Drive the AVIXA TV Studio at ISE 2026 

The AVIXA TV Studio returns to ISE 2026 with live broadcasts, cloud-enabled remote production, and hands-on demos showcasing cutting-edge AV workflows. Attendees can explore award‑winning storytelling technology, participate in expert workshops, and experience real-world broadcast environments at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.

3. ISE 2026 Expands Learning with New Summits, Megatrends, and Cybersecurity Focus

Integrated Systems Europe 2026 will introduce its most ambitious content program to date, adding half-day Summits, Megatrends sessions, and a new Cybersecurity Summit alongside hands-on workshops and expanded conference tracks. The new format will give attendees deeper, more flexible learning opportunities while addressing AI, smart spaces, digital signage, broadcast AV, and the growing security risks facing connected AV systems.

4. Sony Hands Control of Its Home Entertainment Division to TCL

Sony and TCL signed a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture in which TCL will take a 51 percent controlling stake in Sony’s home entertainment business – covering Bravia TVs and audio products – while Sony retains 49 percent and contributes its picture and audio tech.

5. Ricoh Bolsters Pro AV and Workplace Services with Presentation Products Acquisition

Ricoh acquired New York–based audiovisual integrator Presentation Products, Inc. (PPI), expanding its digital services portfolio in North America and reinforcing its strategy to deliver integrated AV, collaboration, and managed services at scale. The move strengthens Ricoh’s presence in the evolving workplace technology market.  Read more here. 

6. Amazon Signage Stick Gets Remote Management Support for Scaled Digital Signage

Amazon introduced a new Remote Management API for its Amazon Signage Stick that lets CMS platforms integrate deep device-level control and monitoring directly into their dashboards, enabling operators to manage hundreds of screens from anywhere. With the update, CMS partners and users can remotely power displays on/off, restart or reset devices, capture screenshots, monitor hardware health, and troubleshoot issues without on-site visits.

7. Audinate Marks 20 Years of Dante with Major ISE 2026 Showcase

Audinate Group is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Dante AVoIP platform at ISE 2026, spotlighting two decades of industry-wide AV-over-IP innovation with live demos, training sessions, and expanded ecosystem exhibits. At the show, attendees can explore key Dante technologies, including Dante Domain Manager, Dante Director, AVIO Adapters, and the new Dante Theater experience, plus real-world applications and the debut of the Iris video control platform.

8. AVIXA Outlines Five Key AV Industry Trends to Watch in 2026

AVIXA predicts that 2026 will see a major emphasis on enhanced security, the continued convergence of AV with IT and AI, and growing demand for seamless interoperability across collaboration platforms as audiovisual systems become more networked and intelligent. The association also highlights an increasing focus on sustainability in design and operations, alongside the broader adoption of immersive displays, such as video walls, in corporate, educational, and public spaces.

AV Video of the Month:  Evolution of Broadcast AV: How It Became a Trending Industry Phenomenon!

Main photo credit: Getty Images/Kobus Louw