By: Larry Howard, Vice President Business Development
The rapid growth of immersive technology is transforming various spaces, from military and automotive to theme parks, arenas, and beyond. The immersive technology market is projected to skyrocket to $168 billion by 2032, a substantial increase from $27 billion in 2023 (source: www.precedenceresearch.com). The United States and Europe play pivotal roles in this growth, with the U.S. accounting for 45% and Europe for 27% of the market share.
This substantial market expansion has prompted manufacturers in the immersive technology space to actively seek ways to claim their share of this lucrative business. The infusion of cutting-edge technology has significantly elevated the capabilities of immersive environments, enhancing their ability to captivate audiences and enrich experiences.
Key technological advancements contributing to this transformative journey include:
- Brighter Projectors: The advent of much brighter projectors has dramatically enhanced the visual impact of immersive experiences. This improvement ensures that the visuals are vivid, sharp, and captivating, creating a more engaging environment.
- RGB Color Space: The integration of RGB color space brings a broader spectrum of colors into play, allowing for more vibrant visuals. This enhancement contributes to a more lifelike and immersive atmosphere.
- Better and Brighter Lensing: The quality of lenses has improved, offering better clarity and brightness. This enhances the visual experience and contributes to a more immersive and realistic portrayal of virtual environments.
- Advanced Mapping Technology: The evolution of mapping technology has been a game-changer. With better mapping capabilities, immersive setups can create more accurate and dynamic environments, providing users with a seamless and realistic experience.
- Auto Alignment: The introduction of auto alignment technology streamlines immersive systems’ setup, operation, and maintenance. This automation simplifies the user experience and ensures that the immersive environment is consistently optimized for maximum impact.
- LED panels of every Shape, Size, & Pitch: The LED market is revolutionizing this market and others such as advertising; you see them everywhere from Times Square to airports, highways, and train stations. As the pitch gets smaller/tighter, the experiences become even more realistic, which is what our market wants. Also, the price of this technology has dropped significantly over the past ten years.
Immersive Technology Shaping Tomorrow
The surge in immersive technology is reshaping the way we perceive and interact with various spaces. The ongoing technological advancements are not only expanding the market but also elevating the overall quality of immersive experiences, promising a future where captivating environments become the norm across diverse settings. Manufacturers are eagerly exploring innovative avenues to capitalize on this flourishing industry, driving continuous improvements and pushing the boundaries of what immersive technology can achieve.
The advancements in LED and projector technology have ushered in a new era of immersive experiences, revolutionizing the way we perceive and interact with various environments. Here’s a breakdown of the key improvements across different aspects of immersive technology:
Projectors
- Size and Brightness: Projectors have become smaller, yet more powerful and brighter. This allows for a more compact setup without compromising on visual impact at all.
- Cooling: The latest projector models run cooler, addressing concerns related to heat generation. This enhances the user experience and contributes to the equipment’s longevity.
- Visual Quality: The overall visual appeal has seen a significant improvement, making images appear more vivid and aesthetically pleasing.
LED Panels
Size and Brightness: Brightness is not an issue in this market. The development of bright LEDs has revolutionized outdoor signage and entertainment. One common issue We are now seeing most LED manufactures with sub 1mil sizes with various companies showing .7mil at recent industry shows.
Color Space
Expanded Color Palette: The utilization of RGB color space in projectors has resulted in a more extensive color palette, providing a broader range of colors. This enhancement contributes to better image quality and a more immersive viewing experience. On the LED front, improved Laser Diode technology is increasing the color space as well.
Lensing
Lens Options: The availability of better and more diverse lens options facilitates a wider, taller, and more detailed mapping process. This flexibility allows for greater customization and precision in creating immersive environments.
Servers
Mapping Programs: The mapping programs provided by companies offering server technology have undergone substantial advancements in the past decade. These programs play a crucial role in projecting images onto surfaces, offering a dynamic and realistic visual experience.
Auto Alignment Technology
- Rough Mapping Programs: Auto alignment technology has simplified the setup process with rough mapping programs that streamline the initial mapping of surfaces.
- 3D Laser Scan: For highly detailed mapping, 3D laser scans are employed, ensuring precision and accuracy in projecting images onto complex surfaces.
- Detailed Mapping Programs: More detailed mapping systems included networked cameras, a 3D map of the environment and a sophisticated computer program to align the system and keep it aligned. Some programs will align projectors while in operation utilizing a frame-split technique so the human eye can’t see it but a machine camera can.
- Set It and Forget It: Automation is a key feature, where cameras, 3D maps, computers, and projectors work seamlessly to maintain optimal alignment. This “set it and forget it” approach minimizes the need for constant manual adjustments.
Set Up
- Lighter Equipment: The equipment used in immersive setups has become lighter, making the setup process more manageable and versatile.
- Quicker Mapping Tools: The tools for mapping have become faster and more efficient, reducing the time required for the initial setup.
Operations
- Preset Programs: Operation is simplified with preset programs that automate sequences, creating a seamless and immersive experience.
- Remote Monitoring: Remote monitoring capabilities enable operators to oversee and manage immersive setups from a distance.
- Remote Updates: The ability to remotely update software ensures that the immersive technology stays current with the latest features and improvements.
Maintenance
- No Lamps: The absence of traditional lamps in newer projectors contributes to a maintenance-free experience, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
- Smaller Units: The overall size of units has decreased, making them more space-efficient and easier to maintain.
- Lower Current Draw and Operating Temps: Newer technology consumes less power, resulting in lower current draw and operating temperatures, contributing to energy efficiency and prolonged equipment life.
- Remote Monitoring: Maintenance is facilitated by remote monitoring, allowing for proactive issue resolution and minimizing downtime.
- LED: Life span of the LED systems is running at an astonishing 100,000 hours (about 11 and a half years). Limited maintenance is required but occasional pixel failures do stand out, even to a novice viewer. These panels can be easily replaced, with front or rear service options. With LED getting bigger, servicing at height should be considered.
Final Thoughts: Immersive Tech Will Be Everywhere
In conclusion, the evolution of immersive technology across these key aspects reflects a commitment to providing users with enhanced, hassle-free experiences. From setup to operation and maintenance, the advancements outlined above collectively contribute to the flourishing immersive technology landscape.
