The videoconferencing market is booming. In fact, the global videoconferencing market was valued at $10.03 USD billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of hybrid work models, which blend in-person and remote setups, requiring seamless integration of physical and virtual meeting spaces. The global videoconferencing market offers significant opportunities for integrators, especially when customization and aesthetics are key.
To explore this thriving sector, we interviewed Art Walker, CEO of Auton Motorized Systems, the Valencia, Calif.-based, designer and manufacturer of custom audiovisual concealment systems since 1978.
Commercial Integrator: Despite videoconferencing advances, high-end offices and boardrooms often want to hide the AV equipment until it’s needed. Why conceal the equipment?
Courtesy / Auton
Art Walker, CEO of Auton Motorized Systems
Walker: Concealing the videoconferencing equipment not only increases the aesthetic appeal and maintains a clean, professional image but also reduces clutter and distraction. In addition, the arrangement can free up space, improve acoustics, and protect the equipment from damage and dust.
Business professionals often prefer not to see the equipment until it’s used and appreciate the ‘wow factor’ when it’s revealed. AV equipment can be hidden in the ceiling, under the floor, behind a panel, painting, acoustic tiles, or inside a cabinet or conference table.
CI: What considerations are involved in integrating concealable videoconferencing equipment, especially when it comes to specialized mounts and cameras?
Walker: Sophisticated mechanized mounts as well as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capable cameras can quickly adapt to the specific business videoconferencing environment and are often required.
For business offices, meeting rooms and conferences, concealable commercial lifts and AV mounts have also been developed in many configurations to accommodate even 100-inch TVs and multiple monitors for the widest possible range of settings.
CI: What key factors should integrators consider when working with videoconferencing systems and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capable cameras?
Walker: When more complex videoconferencing is required, integrators are usually involved with selecting and installing the equipment while maintaining the aesthetics of the room.
The PTZ capable cameras allow more advanced monitoring of large areas, such as boardrooms or conference rooms, that require a 180- or 360-degree view.
There are notable benefits to using lift mechanisms with PTZ cameras. However, these cameras can become a visual distraction if they obstruct views or detract from the aesthetics of the conference room. This is why it is advisable for integrators to pair PTZ cameras with motorized lifts. With this type of lift, the camera is lowered to the desired level of use, ready for pan-tilt-zoom applications.
In some cases, lift mechanisms can lower a PTZ camera out of the ceiling up to 12-feet. These motorized lift mechanisms can conceal a PTZ camera in a wall, conference table cabinet or credenza as well.
Regardless of how the PTZ cameras are concealed, the units need to be precisely positioned for optimal use. Ideally, the PTZ cameras should be positioned about 48-inches off of the floor since that is approximately eye level for people sitting at a conference table.
CI: What can you tell us about the capabilities and benefits of customized mounts?
Walker: Today, customized mounts can accommodate a wide range of required sizes and capabilities. Special mounts can conceal increasingly popular 100-inch videoconference TV/monitors in a variety of ways. For example, under-floor lifts can raise the TV into position. The TV can also emerge from a wall at the push of a button. Alternatively, a sliding panel or painting can open to reveal the TV when it needs to be used and conceal it at other times.
For a state-of-the-art viewing experience from any angle, two back-to-back TVs can be mounted to swivel 360-degrees with a dual screen, lift-swivel mount as well.
When high-definition projectors are used instead of TVs for conference presentations or company screening events, motorized mechanisms can also be implemented with extremely compact lifts that operate at the touch of a button.
CI: How can integrators increase their business in videoconferencing solutions?
Walker: Custom lifts and mounts can keep advanced cameras and AV equipment concealed until use, optimizing aesthetics and functionality. Working with an experienced supplier with expertise in this sector can create profitable opportunities as the market for high-end business videoconferencing continues to expand.
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