When you offer your audience a PowerPoint presentation, they know what to expect. There's nothing exciting about the same old effects, transitions and fonts that have been used for decades. Many of your audience members will check out by the time your first slide is done.
So, what can you do to make your next presentation stand out?
Many companies are realizing the value of using AV displays for their presentations instead of traditional PowerPoint. Projection mapping, where images and videos are projected into the space instead of onto a screen, is a popular choice. Yet even a video wall powered by AV over IP can inject needed excitement into a presentation.
Here are some benefits of presenting with an AV display, and how companies are using this technology to their advantage.
Engaging Audiences With Unique Projection Mapping Presentations
Today's conference attendees don't just want to sit and stare at a screen while you click through slides. “The trend now is for interactivity and for seeing things in real time,” says Neil Trenell at FIX8Group.
He adds that it's best to offer a mix of both prepared and live video. Creating opportunities for audience members to influence and control presentation content can also create a more interesting experience. Projection mapping is a solid option for engaging your audience using AV over IP technology.
“Projection Mapping uses everyday video projectors, but instead of projecting on a flat screen (e.g. to display a PowerPoint), light is mapped onto any surface, turning common objects of any 3D shape into interactive displays,” notes Lightform CEO Brett Jones.
This technology gets your audience involved with the presentation, instead of sitting back and passively observing. Digital signage company Zero-In agrees that projection mapping is an important way to stand out. “With so much competition, companies have to come up with innovative ways to promote themselves, and projection mapping can be a very effective tactic.”
When done right, projection mapping can stop people in their tracks and spark conversation about the brand and the topic — long after the presentation has finished.
In addition to projection mapping, there are a multitude of emerging technologies that use AV over IP to capture audiences, says Mario Avila at Black Box Network Services. Using AV over IP for presentations is not only simple, but it also provides richer experiences across a range of locations.
By spreading your message using AV over IP technology, you're able to reach a wider audience and keep everyone focused.
“Using motion graphics, video, 3-D animation, and other new technology, event hosts now have increasingly innovative ways to convey brand messaging, provide unique stage backdrops, decorate walls and ceilings, and evoke emotions,” says BizBash writer Claire Hoffman.
Capturing your audience's attention is just one piece of the engagement puzzle. You also have to maintain their focus, which in this day and age, is no modern feat. As digital experience company Untitled Project explains, both achieving and maintaining audience attention is more difficult in an increasingly distracted world.
However, projection mapping is a great way to combat omnipresent distraction among audiences of all sizes. If you want to keep an audience engaged and focused projection mapping presentations are a great option.
The New Standard of Simple, Powerful Video
AV over IP has practical applications that can help companies move forward into the future of video engagement. As Marta Chernova at Epiphan explains, “Media, live event producers, corporate offices, and even higher education institutions are choosing to transmit audio, video, and control signals using a network infrastructure.”
Why is this so popular? Global project manager Keith Kazmer explains that AV over IP meets the needs of instant message delivery in a fast-paced world.
“As digital communication needs spread to business, public areas, and educational institutions, organizations require better ways to distribute 21st-century content. Through modern technology advancements, an audio-visual (AV) over IP solution is an easy way to provide audiences with engaging content,” Kazmer adds.
In addition to being more exciting for the viewer, AV over IP is in many ways easier to navigate on the back end than traditional legacy systems.
“Under AV Over IP, you have no need for specialized lines. Instead, you have software-based, cloud solutions with low-impact appliances, laptops, tablets, or even cell phones. Costs have plummeted; space needs have shrunk,” says Jon Bullard, a writer at Unified Technology Systems.
This is in contrast to traditional formats, which require ISDN lines for video conferencing. Additional elements can make the installation and usage of AV over IP technology even easier to use. For example, IT collaboration creates a faster and less expensive method of video delivery at an improved signal quality, says Sara Krybus at Contemporary Research.
AV over IP can also mesh well with existing systems for a seamless user experience. Using a PowerPoint from a personal computer, for example, you could route an AV transmitter box to a video matrix switcher, says HB Communications.
“The switcher could be wired to numerous AV receiver boxes that simultaneously display the PowerPoint presentation in real time. AV/IP removes the input/output limitations of traditional AV. Now, companies can scale the number of ports based on their particular requirements and needs.”
Real-World Examples of AV Over IP
How are companies using AV over IP and Projection Mapping to make more exciting presentations? Consider one project by digital agency XLAB Realtime. They were called to prepare a massive projection mapping project to support one of the presentations at a Los Angeles-based corporate conference. The goal was to create an immersive background that would keep the audience engaged. The result was a setup with seven screens and one LED wall.
“Our intro video was a modified version of a longer 270-degree sequence we did in Chicago earlier in the year. The modified video made an amazing impact on the full convention center and the stage entrance by the presenter was truly impressive,” says the company.
Another exciting use of projection mapping comes from Japan. Machiya Komyoji Temple in Tokyo's Arakawa Ward showcased a Buddhist memorial service featuring a projection mapping presentation to attract new parishioners. Using projectors and sound systems in the main hall, the presentation shows a peaceful place that becomes overrun by monsters, until the temple's priest chants a sutra to push the monsters back.
This projection mapping experience reflected the priest's wish for people outside of Buddhism to experience the religion. The visual presentation furthered this goal and allowed the temple to bring the faith to life both for non-buddhists and those who didn't speak the language.
Lastly, UCLA created a winning presentation to celebrate the launch of The Centennial Campaign. They used a special 3D light and sound show to illuminate Royce Hall and celebrate the 100th anniversary. “This captivating presentation illuminates the visionaries of UCLA and reflects the optimistic spirit of a university dedicated to changing the world,” says event management company GES.
These examples offer endless inspiration when creating your own AV projection mapping presentations, proving that the only real limit is your imagination.
Images by: Anton Gvozdikov/©123RF.com, lightpoet/©123RF.com, Cathy Yeulet/©123RF.com
