ISE 2025 review: The ultimate showcase for AV innovation

Integrated Systems Europe 2025 once again cemented its reputation as the premier trade show for the professional AV industry, and a vital platform to demonstrate the growing convergence of AI, immersive audio, and next-generation display technologies.

Held at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, this year’s event attracted 85,351 visitors from 168 countries, marking a significant 15.5 per cent increase over the previous year. ISE is the business when it comes to Pro AV trade shows.

Hardware launches came fast and furious.

Optoma unveiled the UHZ68LV 4K laser projector at ISE. Powered by dual-laser technology, this projector claims a peak brightness of 5000 lumens and 90 per cent DCI-P3 cinema-grade color accuracy, ensuring vibrant and true-to-life colors, even in well-lit environments.

To enhance the cinematic experience, the UHZ68LV is equipped with advanced HDR compatibility, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. For flexible installation, the model features a 1.6x zoom, lens shift, with 360-degree projection capabilities.

At the heart of the UHZ68LV is Optoma's PureEngine Ultra, its latest and most advanced processor for home cinema. Image presets include Filmmaker Mode as well as support for ISF calibration.

Bang & Olufsen used the show to introduce Atelier Bespoke, a premium service that offers installers and designers the opportunity to collaborate with its artisans in Struer, Denmark, to craft fully bespoke products.

The Atelier platform comprises the Atelier Catalogue, Atelier Bespoke, and Atelier Editions.
Atelier Catalogue is an intuitive digital tool that allows customers to explore and choose from over 500,000 possible combinations of fabric, wood, and aluminum finishes, ensuring a personalised touch to every AV creation.

For those seeking an even higher level of customisation, Atelier Bespoke offers the opportunity to work directly with an Atelier artisan. This collaboration offers almost limitless options in material, finish, and colour.

Bang & Olufsen is introducing limited editions of iconic products in its portfolio through Atelier Editions. These editions showcase the finest craftsmanship that Bang & Olufsen is renowned for, allowing customers to own exclusive pieces.

To celebrate the Atelier launch, Bang & Olufsen also unveiled the Atelier Limited Edition Beosound 2 Gradient Collection. This collection features 10 different gradient combinations, with each colour gradient limited to 10 engraved and numbered pieces. The meticulous finish of these exclusive items is a testament to Bang & Olufsen’s aluminum expertise at their revered Factory 5 in Struer, Denmark.

ISE 2025 marked a pivotal moment for Sonos, which expanded its presence with a significantly larger booth and the debut of the Era 100 Pro. Unlike its consumer-centric predecessors, this speaker is designed exclusively for professional installers. It is the brand’s first Power over Ethernet (PoE) speaker, simplifying installations by eliminating the need for separate power sources.

Sonically, the Era 100 Pro mirrors the acclaimed Era 100 speaker. Optimised for PoE+, the speaker also supports standard PoE, making it a flexible, high-performance option for commercial environments.

Sonos is also offering a rather nifty surface mount (like the speakers, sold in pairs), which offers an easy 30° pan and tilt with 360° rotation. Just angle the speaker accordingly and lock into position.

Monitor Audio unveiled its Climate Series 3G speakers. The CL2 S and CL2 M models boast IP66-rated enclosures, crafted from dense ABS with glass-fibre reinforcement, ensuring durability without compromising Hi-Fi quality. Later this year, the lineup will expand with the Creator In-Wall Large Speakers for home cinema and Hi-Fi applications, along with the Vestra active subwoofer series, featuring up to 500W of amplification.

Sony Professional captivated audiences with its Crystal LED panels and the latest, compact Virtual Production rig. I was taken by the ELF-SR2 Spatial Reality Display, a 27-inch stereoscopic monitor covering 100 per cent of the Adobe RGB gamut. A second-generation vision sensor tracks the user’s eyes to create a stunning 3D effect. 

ISE has long been a destination for cutting-edge home theater demonstrations, and The Ultimate Home Cinema Experience did not disappoint. A joint effort by Acoustix Design, Adeo Group, Barco Residential, madVR Labs, Screen Research, StormAudio, and Wisdom Audio, this demo delivered jaw-dropping visuals and sound.

Similarly, Trinnov’s 13.14.6 audio demonstration, featuring its latest Waveforming technology, was a show highlight. Partnering with Perlisten, Officina Acustica, Sony, and Kaleidescape, the setup delivered visceral soundscapes.

As the industry looks ahead to another year of rapid evolution, one thing is certain: ISE remains the essential meeting point for professionals shaping the future of audiovisual technology. The show returns to Fira de Barcelona, February 3-6, 2026.