Why AV Integrators Are Embracing Content Creation

November 25, 2024 at 12:45 PM / by Brianna Morley

The audiovisual (AV) industry has seen remarkable growth and transformation in recent years, largely thanks to advancements in Pro AV technology and the increasing demand for captivating visual experiences. As businesses work to differentiate themselves in a rapidly growing digital marketplace, AV integrators are recognizing the value of high-quality, purpose-driven content. This shift is redefining the role of digital displays - transforming them from static installations into dynamic storytelling tools and digital art canvases that engage audiences and elevate brand identity.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why content creation has become a cornerstone of AV integration, focusing on how innovative digital displays, from LED walls to multi-sensory experiential installations, deliver immersive experiences. Whether your goal is to create Instagrammable moments or jump into the emerging trend of “techorating" as described below, AV content is reshaping environments in practical, aesthetic, and transformative ways.

 

The Role of Content in AV Integration

At its core, content is what brings digital displays to life. Without thoughtful, intentional content, even the most advanced LED walls are merely blank canvases. Quality content captures attention, sustains engagement, and encourages meaningful interactions, making it an extremely valuable tool in creating memorable audience experiences.

For commercial and public spaces, this means going beyond simply showcasing information. Carefully crafted digital art and 3D content can immerse viewers, communicate brand values, and enhance the environment. For example, public installations often aim to generate “Instagrammable” moments that inspire visitors to share their experiences on social media, amplifying the reach of the display far beyond its physical location. Whether it’s a vibrant display in a retail store or a mesmerizing piece in a hotel lobby, effective content combines utility and artistry to leave a lasting impression.

One particularly exciting trend in this space is deep screen content. This type of content uses hyper-realistic visuals to create a sense of depth, making images appear to extend into or pop out of the screen. When paired with strategic storytelling, 3D deep screen content captivates viewers and transforms ordinary displays into unforgettable focal points.

 

Instagrammable Moments and Techorating: Content as an Experience

Leveraging the power of digital displays to transform spaces lies in their ability to balance aesthetics with practicality. In high-traffic areas, such as hotel lobbies, retail spaces, and transportation hubs, content sets the tone, communicates essential information, and contributes to the overall ambiance and visual journey.

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“Techorating,” the blending of technology and design, is growing in popularity in modern AV installations. By integrating dynamic content into a space’s architecture, 3D artists create environments that are visually stunning, functional, and highly engaging. Intentionally designed content on digital displays encourages visitors to interact with their surroundings, often creating moments they’re eager to share on social media. In some cases, the content on digital displays can include features from the surrounding environment to seamlessly blend the screen into the physical space, leaving viewers guessing where the physical space ends and the digital space begins. 

Check out the video below to see how Render Impact used “techorating” to create a serene environment for the RiverSouth lobby in Austin, Texas. Our team designed virtual plant walls for every day of the week that seamlessly blend into the lobby's décor, providing an organic, calming ambiance. These 3D digital art experiences demonstrate how content can elevate spaces while enhancing a brand’s identity.

RiverSouth 3D Forced Perspective Plant Wall

When done thoughtfully, content that aligns with a business's goals can help boost sales, improve customer satisfaction, enhance brand values, or simply make a space more inviting. Stunning 3D content moves beyond decoration, offering lasting value and fostering an emotional connection with audiences by transporting them to new worlds.

 

Trends in LED Content: Content That Engages

The evolution of technology has expanded the possibilities for digital content, with trends like 3D visuals, interactive installations, and touch-responsive displays leading the way.

Deep Screen Content: Using advanced rendering techniques, deep screen content creates lifelike depth and movement that captivates viewers. This immersive style has especially gained traction in retail and entertainment settings, where brands aim to make an unforgettable impact on the audience. 

3D Anywhere  Forced Perspective Digital Display Content

Interactive Displays: By inviting audiences to touch, swipe, or even gesture, interactive displays transform passive viewing into active participation. For example, in retail, customers can browse a catalog or explore products directly on the screen, creating a personalized and engaging experience.

Experiential Content: From large-scale art installations to multiple synchronized digital canvases, experiential content focuses on making connections between audiences and their surroundings. These displays often integrate storytelling and interactivity to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

InfoComm 2023 | 360 Content Experience

 

Tailoring Content to Different Spaces

Each space digital artists create content for comes with unique requirements, and successful AV installation and content deployment can reflect these nuances.

Corporate spaces often balance functionality with brand reinforcement. Content displayed in office environments might feature company milestones, employee recognition, or calming visuals to enhance productivity and morale. Check out the video below to see the unique content we created for Take 2’s office in London! We blended 2D videos showcasing their video games with a playful 3D environment, where individual 3D logos emerge from Z-space (in other words, deep in the screen) to explore their environment.

Take 2 London Lobby LED Forced Perspective 3D Content Experience

Retail and hospitality settings rely on content to attract, inform, and delight. From product highlights to immersive lobby displays, well-designed visuals draw attention while seamlessly guiding visitors through the space.

Citizen Watch NYC 5th Ave LED Forced Perspective 3D Content 

Sports and entertainment venues take full advantage of content to amplify excitement. High-energy settings like arenas and casinos benefit from bold animations, live stats, and interactive elements that bring audiences into the action, making the experience unforgettable.

Jamul Casino LED Content PreVisualization

Public and educational spaces benefit from interactive installations, such as those found in museums or community hubs. These spaces engage visitors through storytelling and hands-on exploration, helping to make information both accessible and memorable.

LED Video Wall Content at Children's Museum

 

The Content Creation Process at Render Impact

At Render Impact, every piece of content is carefully designed with the project’s unique goals in mind. Our process starts with discovery and concept development, where we collaborate with clients to ensure the creative direction aligns with their vision. From there, we move into design and production. We begin by concepting, ensuring every detail is in place. Then, using advanced animation and 3D rendering tools, we bring these ideas to life, creating visually compelling content that meets the technical requirements of each space.

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Once the initial designs are complete, we enter the testing and fine-tuning phase. This ensures that the content not only looks stunning but also performs perfectly across different conditions. We focus on key elements like brightness, color accuracy, and motion smoothness, adjusting the visuals to look great under varied lighting and viewing angles. We also make sure the content integrates smoothly with the AV hardware and technical specifications, so everything works seamlessly when installed.

When it’s time to install, we collaborate closely with AV integrators to ensure everything goes smoothly. Our team offers support and addresses any challenges that may arise, ensuring that the content looks just as it was intended. After installation, we continue to offer ongoing support, helping clients adapt the content as their needs evolve, or troubleshoot any issues that come up. This end-to-end, holistic approach ensures that the content continues to meet and exceed expectations, delivering a high-impact experience for every audience.

 

Collaborative Opportunities with AV Integrators

The success of any digital installation depends on the partnership between content creators and AV integrators. When we work together early in the process, we can ensure creative ideas align perfectly with the technical aspects of the project, preventing challenges during deployment. This kind of collaboration allows us to not only solve problems but also uncover new possibilities, like incorporating interactive elements or exploring cutting-edge technologies that create more engaging experiences.

At Render Impact, we approach every project as a team effort. Our work with AV integrators goes beyond creating content; it’s about building trust and ensuring every piece fits seamlessly into the bigger picture. From early design phases through to installation, we’re here to assist in ways that make the process easier and more effective. Whether it’s refining a visual concept, adjusting for technical specifications, or providing support during installation, we aim to deliver content that enhances the impact of displays of all shapes and sizes.

Even after a project is complete, we stay involved. Our team ensures the content continues to perform as expected and can be updated or adjusted as new needs arise. This ongoing collaboration strengthens the connection between all parties involved and leads to WOW-factor results for every deployment.

 

What’s Next for Digital Display Content in AV Integration?

A screen is just a screen until it has the right content. Or we often hear that a screen is only as good as the content that’s displayed on it. However you look at it, what makes an LED display or video wall truly stand out is the story it tells. When the content is intentional and visually striking, it elevates the installation, turning any screen into a tool for connection, inspiration, and communication.  We work closely with clients and AV integrators from start to finish, ensuring that every piece of content enhances the space, tells a brand’s story, and connects with audiences in ways that feel personal and impactful.

How can you use digital content to transform customer experiences? We’d love to help you explore the possibilities. Let’s chat about how we can work together to transform digital displays into something truly extraordinary.

 

 

Topics: General, Digital Signage

Brianna Morley

Written by Brianna Morley