InfoComm 2026 Debuts Advanced IP-Based Audio Hardware and AI-Driven Tools

The transition from dedicated hardware to software-defined, IP-based audio is accelerating, as evidenced by the proliferation of Dante and AES67 integrations across nearly every hardware category. For streaming and live production executives, this means lower latency and higher scalability through tools like Fourier Audio’s VST-3 plug-in server and Violet Audio’s MCP server for AI-assisted workflows. The ecosystem is moving toward a 'frameless' architecture, reducing the physical footprint of production rigs while increasing processing headroom. Watch for the adoption rates of 5G-based intercom systems like FreeSpeak Cell as a replacement for traditional DECT-based communication in high-density RF environments.

The emphasis on IP-based workflows at InfoComm 2026 mirrors broader trends in the Pro AV sector. Per AV Magazine, May 2026, the global market for networked audio-visual products has seen a 14% year-over-year increase, driven largely by the transition to SMPTE ST 2110 standards in mid-sized venues. This shift is supported by recent moves from companies like Netgear, which in early 2026 released updated M4350 series switches specifically optimized for NDI and Dante traffic to reduce configuration complexity for non-IT specialist engineers. This hardware evolution coincides with the maturation of AoIP protocols entering their third decade of commercial use.

Concurrent with hardware shifts, AI integration has become a central pillar of production software. For instance, per Pro Sound News, April 2026, Waves Audio recently expanded its cloud-based processing capabilities to handle real-time spatial audio rendering for live streams, echoing the localized AI vocal cleaning launched by L-Acoustics. Additionally, the focus on government-compliant hardware at the show follows a June 2026 report from Commercial Integrator noting that TAA compliance has become a prerequisite for nearly 40% of large-scale institutional AV contracts in the North American market, driving manufacturers like Audio-Technica to prioritize domestic regulatory standards in their wireless digital UHF lines.