Ross Video – Sustainability in Pro AV
Bryan Davies, Regional Sales Manager, Corporate, EMEA, Ross Video
The Pro AV industry faces a growing challenge: how to keep up with rapid technological advancements and increasingly complex stakeholder expectations— without expanding its environmental footprint.
Modular technology could be the answer; the same design principles that are transforming the broadcast production world can—and should—apply to the Pro AV space.
Here’s why modular technology is poised to reshape Pro AV infrastructure, delivering both environmental and operational benefits.
The Philosophy of Modular Design
At its core, modular design means building systems with standardized, interchangeable components. Rather than relying on bulky, monolithic devices with fixed functionality, modular systems can be configured and reconfigured as needed — for specific projects, applications, or spaces.
Traditional AV installations often involve bespoke hardware with long lead times, complex integrations, and limited upgrade paths. Modular design flips that on its head.
Take IT systems as an analogy: think about the modularity of computers, where components like GPUs, memory, or storage can be swapped out or upgraded independently. That’s the level of flexibility and efficiency we can now bring into AV system architecture.
A More Sustainable Approach to AV Integration
One of the strongest sustainability arguments for modular AV technology lies in waste reduction.
Rather than replacing entire systems as standards and requirements evolve, modular components can be upgraded or reconfigured on demand. That extends product lifecycles and significantly reduces electronic waste.
This philosophy is already gaining traction in broadcasting, where certain systems allow users to upgrade processing power or add I/O modules without requiring the replacement of the chassis. The same concept applies in AV: whether you’re supporting a campus-wide AV system or a corporate network of meeting rooms, upgrades don’t need to mean a full rip-and-replace.
Efficiency in Deployment and Product Lifespan
Modular systems are smaller, lighter, and easier to deploy, reducing energy consumption in both logistics and long-term operations. That’s a direct gain in carbon efficiency throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Cost Efficiency Without Compromise
Sustainability is important — but let’s be clear: modular design also makes strong business sense. Here’s how modular technology reduces operational costs in Pro AV:
- Streamlined Manufacturing & Supply Chains
Standardized parts allow for more efficient production and easier global sourcing. - Faster Deployment & Maintenance
Pre-assembled modules simplify integration. Faulty components can be hot-swapped without bringing the whole system offline. - Economies of Scale
Shared components across different solutions reduce costs for vendors, and those savings are passed on to customers. Shared components across different solutions reduce costs for vendors — and those savings are passed to customers. - Customizable Configurations
One platform can support multiple use cases, from boardrooms to digital signage, by mixing and matching modules. - Improved Reliability
Independently tested modules offer greater consistency and performance, minimizing downtime and support costs.
The Long-Term Opportunity for Pro AV
The shift to modularity represents more than a design trend. It’s a strategic pivot toward smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.
Just as broadcast is embracing modular systems to stay flexible and reduce environmental impact, Pro AV can follow suit. From a lower total cost of ownership to a dramatically reduced carbon footprint, modular AV design offers a compelling path forward.
Most importantly, modular AV supports scalable deployment. Organizations only invest in what they need when they need it. That means fewer unused components, smarter procurement, and a reduced environmental footprint—making it a win for both sustainability and business.
