The COVID-19 pandemic caused heavy changes throughout society, including problems with healthcare and supply chain issues. However, the ways it affected communications networks around the world are rarely discussed, including how it affected the audio/visual (A/V) market and its general usage.

Higher Streaming Service Usage

A/V rates not only skyrocketed in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic but streaming became particularly huge. According to our sources, about one-third of all homes in the nation were without traditional pay-television subscriptions, with a full 25% cutting their service during this year.

This change not only increased streaming usage but impacted the A/V market as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, A/V technician jobs increased heavily due to this increase in streaming and upgrades in A/V tech, with California having the most in the nation at just under 9,000. This increase showcases that people needed more entertainment during the pandemic to avoid boredom and depression.

Higher Internet Usage Rates

Higher usage of communications networks is another A/V change caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first year of the pandemic, usage rates jumped by 70%, as more people found themselves staying at home or preferring to stream rather than go out to the movies. That change also increased the number of high-performance television and sound systems sold.

This increase in internet usage use put a heavy strain on communication networks and forced companies to adjust their internet usage. It also caused many people to purchase better internet plans or to adjust their overall online time, such as scheduling specific use times for their family members.

Increases in Wireless Device Usage

Wireless device usage has also skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. These devices include various electronic devices, such as Bluetooth audio devices, headsets, and headphones. In homes where people were sitting for weeks at a time, these devices helped keep the peace.

That change has heavily affected how people use their audio/visual devices. While some have transitioned back into surround sound systems for their general use, others have found that these wireless devices continue to provide maximum benefits for their entertainment needs.

These unique facts highlight how heavily COVID-19 has impacted the A/V world and made high-quality communications networks even more important. If you need to upgrade your system to improve your overall A/V enjoyment, call our experts at ARG Communications right away to learn more about how they can help.