In early February 2025, AV consultancy firm ET Group attended the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) exhibition, the world’s largest annual audio visual technologies showcase, with thousands of vendors from across the world demonstrating the latest innovative AV solutions coming to the market this year.

The show was hosted in Barcelona, Spain, at the Fira Barcelona Gran Vìa Venue, which provides over 240,000 square meters of exhibition space spanning across eight halls. Of the 1600 exhibitors, there were some stand-out innovations and trends that will emerge on the market in 2025.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence continues to have a significant impact in the AV space and it is gathering rapid momentum in 2025. These are stand out innovation in the space:

Digital signage: There was a large focus on how AI tools are simplifying digital signage workflows such as content creation. By automating the content process with tools such as Intuiface, users can reduce the level of time and effort required by up to 95%. This increases ROI significantly while also allowing team members to focus their productivity on more important initiatives.

Interactive experiences: While a lot of discussions about AI in the workplace are centred on productivity, using it for engagement and entertainment is just as important when it comes to the user experience. For example, LG showcased the ability to create high quality AI generated avatars in less than a minute, that were displayed on large-scale digital screens. It was a great way to make everyone feel included in the experience and show how personalised AI can be.

On-premises AI: For all of the innovation and simplicity that AI provides, there are still concerns about privacy and information security. Solutions such as Cabolo and Televic offer AI meeting solutions such as real-time translation and transcription services that don’t require cloud storage. For many industries such as government, justice and healthcare, on-premises AI ensures that organisations are being compliant and able to prioritise safety for all users.

Display versatility

Another key trend this year was the variety of display types and solutions. Not only is there an increase in LED technology and transparent screens such as the Muxwave Holographic Invisible Screen, but there is also more adaptability in how displays are being constructed.

Innovative designs: Kinetic video walls and flexible, motorised mounting technology allow for endless creativity when designing for both complex spaces and engaging experiences. More versatile display shapes such as globes, curved LED screens and almost 3D-like effects were being showcased across many vendor booths.

Modular construction: Manufacturers are beginning to construct their displays with more modular designs. This means that when a device malfunctions, users can now narrow the issue down and replace individual defective components, instead of being required to replace the whole thing. This method of construction not only increases the lifespan of tech, but it also eliminates unnecessary e-waste and costs.

E-ink for digital signage: There was also a large focus on digital signage solutions at the 2025 show. In fact, two of the eight halls were dedicated to just that. There was a particular emphasis on e-ink, a more sustainable and cost-friendly solution for static images and signage. E-ink mimics the texture and quality of paper for a more natural look and feel, while requiring the minimum level of energy to power displays. This solution is best used for content that doesn’t change frequently or consists of more simple elements such a mainly text and still images. Some use cases include directory signage such as airport or bus/train station schedules, building maps, room booking displays and artwork for interior decoration.

Internet protocol television

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is a way to stream TV shows and videos over the internet instead of through traditional cable or satellite. It allows users to watch content on-demand or live, often with better control over what they watch and when. IPTV provides businesses with the ability to manage who has access to content down to the user level, and to stream their own content such as digital signage, training videos or live announcements.

IPTV is cost efficient due to its ability to be customised, allowing business managers to only pay for the content they want. It’s also easily accessible, offering the capability to stream on smart TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones.

Popular use cases include hotel entertainment, employee training, signage and internal communications, recreation for inmates in jails and remand centres and broadcasting court proceedings.

Bluetooth Auracast

New audio solutions such as Auracast were showcased, which enables more accessible and easy-to-deploy sound broadcast functionality for individual listeners.

Auracast is a new kind of Bluetooth technology that lets one device send audio to many devices at the same time. It’s like a radio station, but for Bluetooth headphones, speakers, and hearing aids. This audio feature allows a transmitter to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of receivers without the need for pairing, enabling users to select broadcasts similarly to choosing a WiFi network.

Listen Technologies, in partnership with Ampetronic, has introduced Auri, the first complete Auracast-based assistive listening system designed for public spaces such as auditoriums, theatres and even courtrooms.

What makes this revolutionary solution useful?

• Better sound for everyone – instead of using loudspeakers, businesses can send audio straight to users’ earbuds.
• Help for people with hearing loss – hearing aids with Auracast can connect to public audio streams, making it easier to hear in crowded places.
• Share content easily – managers can share content from a designated device to multiple listeners’ earbuds at the same time.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a hot topic across many industries, and AV is not excluded. Alongside the previously mentioned solutions like modular device builds and low-energy e-ink, vendors such as Utelogy are prioritising eco-efficiency as part of its workspace and device management platforms.

Offering capabilities such as automating when devices power on and off, room lighting and thermostat levels allows organizations to ensure minimal power utilization throughout their spaces.

Another more recent venture taking place in the industry is SAVe (Sustainability in AV), a movement for AV experts by AV experts with a global reach offering solutions, advice and volunteer initiatives. The goal is to increase awareness of the impact technology has on the environment and take action to be more responsible. SAVe is the first industry-wide U.S.-based organisation to bring AV leaders together in taking concerted action to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Other key event insights

At this year’s ISE showcase there appeared to be a large focus on relationship building between international vendors, both in an effort to be prepared as we navigate the uncertainty of our current political network, and as an opportunity to learn about user trends and technology advancements in other parts of the world. ET Group continues to do research about many of the solutions that stood out, and aims to communicate these with current and new connections to propel the industry forward.