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The USB-C Revolution in AV: Standardisation and the Hidden Power Puzzle

What’s happening? 


Based on advice from the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation, the EU has mandated USB-C ports for all mobile devices sold within its jurisdiction by 28th December 2024, with laptops following suit by 28th April 2026. This will inevitably cause a shift for the audio-visual (AV) industry, streamlining installations and minimising cable chaos with a single solution. However, whilst USB-C cables might all look the same, it is imperative to beware of their differing power capabilities to protect your AV technology.  


USB-C developments are promising, but prioritise the health of your equipment 




What does this mean for AV? 


Adopting USB-C standards in the AV industry presents some exciting opportunities. Its versatility makes it suitable for large-scale installations, as specialised long-distance cables can maintain signal integrity over 164 ft. Standardisation will lead to cost savings, a huge benefit considering the estimated £210 million a year that consumers could save on unnecessary cable purchases. In an industry that discards around 5.4 thousand tonnes of electrical waste every year in the UK alone, standardisation is a measure promoting sustainability by reducing cable redundancy.  


Benefits: 


  1. Simplified User Experience 

    Orientation frustration is eliminated due to the reversible connectivity of USB-C cables, leading to cleaner and clutter-free setups. 

  2. Enhanced Power Delivery 

    24 pin USB-C connectors support up to 8 times the transfer rate of 9 pin USBs, improving responsiveness and efficiency within your AV solutions.  

  3. Future-proofing 

    As the adoption of USB-C cables becomes more popular, making sure your setups are compatible will ensure long-term accessibility and relevance.  

  4. Improved Durability 

    Robust shielding and reinforced connectors enhance the longevity of USB-C cables, reducing the risk of signal interruption or failure.  




In an industry that discards around 5.4 thousand tonnes of electrical waste every year in the UK alone, standardisation is a measure promoting sustainability by reducing cable redundancy.  

The Hidden Power Puzzle 


Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. USB-C standardisation comes with a specific set of challenges which require careful navigation. 


  1. Power variability 

    USB-C capabilities vary dramatically. The lower range USB 2.0 offers 4.5W and 48 Mbps whereas USB 4 can deliver 240 W and 80 Gbps, and the difference is not apparent visually. 

  2. Compatibility Issues 

    Manufacturers have implemented proprietary fast-charging protocols, meaning that mixing cables will likely result in slower charging or even damage to the host device due to unexpected levels of wattage.  

  3. Physical Limitations 

    USB-C connections become loose easily compared to other types, which is a major concern for stability within AV systems. Longer cables lacking sufficient shielding features may experience signal degradation, negatively impacting performance.  


Takeaways 


Whilst USB-C standardisation has its benefits, it has its drawbacks, which are arguably more important to consider as this specific revolution unfolds.  


  1. Research your devices and cables 

    Check recommended wattage and any shielding features 

  2. Conduct in-house testing  

    Monitor charging rates, data transfer speed and signal integrity 

  3. Keep an eye on the market 

    USB-C developments are promising, but prioritise the health of your equipment 


Increased knowledge and awareness will help to unlock the potential of this transformative technology whilst simultaneously ensuring reliable and optimal performance from your AV solutions.  

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