In his Year in Review, Rik Willemse, Head of Professional Displays & Solutions Europe at Sony, explains the extent to which sustainability has shaped the digital signage industry and the potential that AI also has for hardware manufacturers.
The professional displays industry has experienced a dynamic and transformative year, marked by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and emerging trends.
In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a critical focus point for the professional displays industry. Manufacturers, such as Sony, have taken a proactive approach in adopting sustainable practices, recognising the importance of environmental consciousness.
Throughout 2024, Sony has been at the forefront of sustainable initiatives, implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions, embracing energy-efficient technologies, and promoting recycling programs like its “Making it, Moving it, Using it” initiative.
The increasing demand for eco-friendly products from consumers has propelled manufacturers to prioritise sustainability in their product development and manufacturing processes. Research done by Sony Professional Displays and Solutions Europe found that 79 percent of consumers would be put off from buying from a provider with a lack of sustainability practices.
On top of this, our research also found that sustainability could also be a money maker, with 8 in 10 businesses saying they would be willing to pay 20 percent more for AV products made more sustainably. In response, we can expect the industry to witness further advancements in sustainable practices in 2025.
This includes the utilisation of recycled materials, the integration of energy-efficient displays, and the adoption of eco-friendly packaging. As sustainability continues to gain momentum, it will shape the future of the professional displays industry.
New trends to watch for
Adapting to the era of short-form content is also a major development we are witnessing. The rise of short-form content platforms, such as Tiktok and Youtube, has revolutionised the way people consume media. This shift has presented both challenges and opportunities for the professional displays industry. With the prevalence of mobile viewing and the growing trend of content consumption on the go, displays must capture attention quickly and deliver visually striking content to engage passersby.
To address this evolving landscape, manufacturers are focusing on developing displays with enhanced brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. Sony’s flagship BZ53L for example boasts a spectacular 780 nit brightness, meaning the content on screen shines with a brightness that will be sure to draw attention. These advancements ensure that even brief glimpses of content leave a lasting impact on viewers. Additionally, interactive displays and augmented reality (AR) technologies are being explored to create immersive experiences and encourage user engagement.
Looking ahead to 2025, we can anticipate further innovations in display technologies. Advancements in OLED and MicroLED displays will offer superior image quality and flexibility for various applications. Manufacturers will continue to invest in research and development to meet the demands of the short-form content era, where captivating visuals are essential to capturing the attention of audiences on the move.
The impact of AI
AI is revolutionising the professional displays industry, offering new possibilities and enhancing user experiences. In 2024, we witnessed significant advancements in AI technology, with manufacturers incorporating AI capabilities into professional screens to deliver enhanced functionality and improved performance. A promising example is the increasing use and development of AI-driven noise reduction technology, which can significantly enhance the quality of the content being communicated by reducing ambient noise and adding automatic speech-to-text to the content. All of which just increases the likelihood of the intended message reaching the intended audience.
The professional displays industry has undergone significant transformations in 2024, driven by the growing importance of sustainability and the integration of AI within professional screens. Manufacturers, like Sony, have embraced sustainability as a core principle, implementing measures to reduce their environmental impact. Additionally, the industry has harnessed the power of AI to deliver enhanced functionality, improved performance, and personalised user experiences.
Looking forward to 2025, sustainability will continue to shape the industry, with further advancements in sustainable practices expected. The integration of AI within professional screens will also continue to evolve, offering new possibilities for intelligent and intuitive user experiences. As the industry adapts to these trends, manufacturers must continue to innovate and deliver products that meet the changing needs and expectations of consumers and businesses alike. By doing so, they will remain at the forefront of the ever-changing landscape of professional displays.
