Audio-visual media also key component of smart cities: Expert

For India to take advantage of the smart cities programme and tap the potential and extend people access in areas like education, tourism, health, infrastructure and security, a focus on audio-visual media is equally important, said a noted expert here on Monday.

"As India undergoes a digital transformation and smart urbanisation, the activism presents the industry with tremendous opportunities and necessities," said David Labuskes, executive director and chief executive of InfoComm International, a trade body for the global audiovisual industry.

"Adequate exposure to information and communications technologies -- understanding and leveraging its benefits at various levels -- will play an important role in the whole process," Labuskes, who is here on a week-long visit, told a technology awareness programme.

"It's also necessary for the government, business and other sectors to find solutions to emerging challenges and in ensuring that the solutions are meaningful and comprehensive, enabling a better life for the citizens."

According to the association's recent survey, the audio-visual media in the Indian subcontinent grew from $2.6 billion in 2012 to $3.7 billion in 2014. It is projected to reach $5.4 billion by the end of 2016.