News & Trends

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) offered an early look at the technologies shaping how people experience homes, workplaces, and public spaces. CES might be all about consumers, but it’s also a sneak peek into the future of the Pro AV market. It shows how performance, flexibility, and design are all leveling up within AV technology as a whole.

Smarter automation and more adaptable solutions are driving the consumer trends we’ll see this year and beyond. Read on for a closer look at the top trends and standout products emerging from this year’s show.

Video Technology Trends from CES 2026

The video landscape at CES 2026 showcased display technologies designed to solve long-standing installation challenges: maintaining image quality in high-ambient-light environments, achieving precise color accuracy for brand fidelity, simplifying calibration through automation, and offering flexible alternatives where traditional flat-panel mounting isn’t practical.

High-Ambient Light Displays

Advanced backlighting technologies, such as Micro RGB, are solving the challenges of maintaining image quality in bright or uncontrolled lighting environments. These displays deliver near-OLED blacks with LED-level brightness, making them ideal for spaces like corporate lobbies, retail stores, and residential great rooms with large windows or overhead lighting.

Notable products and trends:

• Displays with Micro RGB backlighting for precise dimming and high brightness.
• Anti-reflective surfaces to combat glare in bright environments.
• Flexible sizes for both residential and commercial applications.
  

Expanded Color Gamut Displays

Four-primary color systems, which add cyan or yellow to traditional RGB, are redefining color accuracy. These innovations ensure brand logos, product photography, and fine art are displayed with true-to-life colors, even for tricky shades like teal, turquoise, or amber.

Notable products and trends:

• Displays with cyan or yellow as a fourth primary color for enhanced color fidelity.
• Technology achieving 100%+ of BT.2020 color gamut for vibrant, accurate visuals.
• Ideal tech for corporate branding, retail displays, and fine art installations.

AI-Powered Calibration

AI-driven platforms are transforming display calibration by automating optimization. These systems adapt to ambient light and content type in real time, reducing the need for manual adjustments and ensuring consistent image quality across various environments.

Notable products and trends:

• AI platforms that continuously optimize picture quality based on lighting and content.
• Intelligent calibration systems that reduce installation time and callbacks.
• Technology perfect for corporate conference rooms, hotel rooms, and residential theaters.
  

Large-Format Projection and Wireless Technologies

When traditional flat panels aren’t practical, large-format projection and wireless display solutions step in. These technologies offer cinematic-scale visuals and flexible placement options, overcoming installation challenges in spaces like corporate training rooms, hotel ballrooms, and experiential retail environments.

Notable products and trends:

• Laser projectors delivering bright, richly colored visuals on screens up to 300 inches.
• Ultra-short-throw projectors for immersive visuals in compact spaces.
• Wireless display solutions eliminating the need for cable runs, ideal for retrofits or historic buildings.
  

Audio Technology Trends from CES 2026

Audio innovations at CES 2026 tackled challenges like delivering high-quality sound in small spaces and meeting strict aesthetic demands. They also offered wireless solutions to simplify retrofits and protect client investments.

Modular Audio Systems with Wireless Expansion

Modular audio systems are revolutionizing flexibility, allowing users to expand from a single zone to full surround or multi-zone setups without the need for wall modifications or additional cabling. These systems are perfect for spaces where budgets or needs evolve over time.

Notable products and trends:

• Wireless modular systems supporting multi-zone and surround sound configurations.
  
• Flexible speaker placement with automatic room adaptation.
  
• Tech that is ideal for hotels, offices, and residential spaces planning future upgrades.
  

Compact Integrated Multi-Channel Solutions

For spaces with limited room for separate components, all-in-one systems deliver full surround sound from a single compact unit. These solutions are perfect for smaller rooms where traditional multi-speaker setups aren’t practical.

Notable products and trends:

• All-in-one soundbars with integrated subwoofers and multi-channel audio.
• Slim, minimalist designs that meet strict aesthetic standards.
• Tech that is perfect for hotel rooms, corporate huddle spaces, medical offices, and retail boutiques.

Design-Integrated Audio for Seamless Visual Integration

Speakers that double as design elements are increasingly in demand, offering high-quality audio while blending seamlessly into spaces where traditional speakers might disrupt aesthetics.

Notable products and trends:

• Compact, sculptural speakers delivering full-range sound.
• Multi-driver systems for natural 3D or spatial audio.
  
• Ideal tech for corporate lobbies, boutique hotels, executive residences, and retail spaces.
  

Wireless Audio Infrastructure for Retrofit Installations

Wireless audio systems are transforming installations in finished spaces where running new cables is difficult or impossible. These solutions offer flexibility and precision without the need for rewiring.

Notable products and trends:

• Wireless-ready subwoofers and speakers for flexible placement.
  
• App-based tuning for precise audio performance.
  
• Tech that is perfect for residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail environments with retrofit challenges.

CES 2026: Key Insights for AV Professionals

CES 2026 showcased innovations that directly address the challenges of modern AV design and installation. AI-powered calibration, wireless video and audio systems, expanded color accuracy, and design-forward hardware are transforming installations into more efficient, adaptable, and reliable solutions.

These technologies are setting new standards for both residential and commercial projects. Clients expect systems that deliver flawless performance, integrate seamlessly into their spaces, and adapt to their evolving needs. Professionals who can harness these advancements will have the biggest gains this year. The key is translating them into practical solutions to help you consistently deliver high-quality projects that stay on schedule and within budget.

Photo credit: Getty Images - Ethan Miller / Staff

Note: This article came together with the assistance of Jasper, our AI marketing tool. It helped us organize our thoughts before we carefully edited the final article. Rest assured, there is always a human in the loop.