Lightware: The future of creating immersive experiences

Jonathan Dyson, Regional Sales Manager (Live Events, Rental and Staging) at Lightware UK explains why AV over IP solutions are critical to the future of immersive projects...

Lightware underline the importance of AV over IP for immersive projects.

At Lightware, we believe the future of live events is about creating experiences that truly resonate with audiences. The rise of immersive events has changed how we approach live production, and technology is at the heart of these experiences. However, it’s not just about flashy tech; it’s about making sure every detail comes together seamlessly to deliver an unforgettable moment.

As we move further into 2025, there’s a noticeable shift in the live event industry. Audiences now expect more than just a performance — they want to be immersed, with interactive visuals, soundscapes, and environments that pull them into the experience. However, delivering this level of engagement requires more than just good content; it requires technology that can support the complexity of these large-scale productions. This is where AV-over-IP comes into play. It’s no longer just about transmitting video and audio signals from one place to another; it’s about creating a unified network where everything flows effortlessly across screens, projectors, speakers, and other devices, enhancing the overall experience.

We’ve seen how these technologies are not just nice to have anymore — they’re becoming integral to the success of immersive events. One of the features that’s really changing the game is the flexibility AV-over-IP allows for managing multiple content sources in real time. Take the new multiview operation mode in the UBEX receiver, for example. It’s a simple concept, but it makes a huge difference in live environments. Whether it’s displaying four video streams on a single screen or integrating Picture-in-Picture setups, this functionality offers the kind of adaptability that live entertainment professionals need when managing dynamic content.

However, it’s not just about cool features. The live event world is unforgiving, and the systems we rely on must be able to handle everything thrown at them. AV-over-IP solutions need to work reliably, with low latency, and maintain high-quality output, no matter the size or scale of the event. The stakes are high — whether it’s a concert, festival, or corporate gathering, no one has time for technical issues.

One thing I’ve learned over the years working in this field is that it’s not just about the technology itself; it’s about how it fits into the bigger picture. Of course, we can talk about high-quality 4K video at 60Hz and how it works over 1G to 18G networks, but the real magic happens when the technology allows the creative minds behind the event to focus on what matters — creating experiences that resonate with audiences. As someone who’s had the privilege of seeing how this technology is evolving, I’m excited about what’s to come.

The future of live events is interactive, immersive, and connected — and it’s going to be fascinating to see how the industry continues to innovate. For me, it’s all about the experience, and I’m looking forward to watching this space evolve.

Words: Jonathan Dyson

Photo: Lightware

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