A State of Control

Control capabilities in third-party solutions have evolved in priority. It used be just a neat bonus, before becoming necessary and even a selling point. They are a critical feature for programmers. So what do manufacturers making these products need to consider to make their systems programmer-friendly?

This month we are joined by Rich Fregosa of Fregosa Design, Tim Troast from Legrand and Cody Hein from AVPro. We discuss the manufacturer's impacts on control programming, how programmers influence them, the effort required for API's, and more.

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Our show usually covers topics in an evergreen context. At least, as enduring as discussions in a constantly evolving space in technology can be. One such step in the control programming space has been the recent announcement of AMX MUSE, capable of supporting multiple mainstream programming languages. We aren't here to judge the systems against one another but rather look at this particular point and discuss what it means for programmers in the AV space.

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It might be a stereotype, but most programmers by nature are soft-spoken and blend into the background. But their work is integral to a successful project. How do they get the credit so rightly deserved? We are joined by Principal of Fregosa Design Rich Fregosa, UX Engineering Manager for Root Integrated Systems Kate Adkins and IT Manager of Classroom Technology for Johns Hopkins University Erin Maher-Moran to discuss how to highlight the work of programmers. We discuss what it takes to encourage programmers in the industry, getting out of their comfort zone and finding their voice amongst their team.

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There are some roles that when done correctly, you wouldn't realize anything had been done at all. But because of the nature of those jobs, it's hard to find appreciation for them. This month, we look at the role of the programmer within control systems and the AV space and how to give them the recognition and resources they need to succeed. We are joined by co-host Rich Fregosa, President & Lead Developer for ICS Plus Bernard Morgan and Senior Systems Programmer & Network Systems Engineer for Verrex Brian Magrogan.

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An Application Programming Interface, or API, is sometimes a term that gets misconstrued in technology spaces. They used to simply be a control protocol, but have since evolved to more robust features and functions. On this month's episode we look at what makes a good API, how it can satisfy the needs of a client, and how manufacturers can assist in providing protocols to best suit programmers' capabilities. To do just that we are joined by Principal of Fregosa Design Rich Fregosa, Manager of AV & Control Systems Operations at Watermark Nick Miller and Custom System Architect for LCD Tony Howard.

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If AV is an afterthought in projects, then programming is the afterthought of the afterthought. Programming has historically been looked at as a simple line item on the bill of a project, causing programmers to make a project work with a tight schedule and paltry budget. Our technology dependent world is changing this notion, but very slowly. Where is the progress being made to provide programmers with what they need to succeed in their role?

On this month's episode of A State of Control, Steve Greenblatt and Rich Fregosa are joined by Owner of BMA Software Solutions Mark LaVecchia and Director of Programming for CTI Mike Krecji to talk about how making your programmers successful can prosper for the projects and businesses at hand.

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If we learned anything in the past few years, it's that staying on your proverbial toes and being ready to pivot is crucial in all aspects of AV. From solutions to software, integrators and programmers needed to be able to adapt. This of course applies to control programming and platforms. When it comes to choosing a platform to base your system on, there are many considerations to be made. 

To do just that, we are joined by co-host Rich Fregosa, Technical Director for LCD Control Systems Neil Silver and Vice President of Technology for RoomReady Dave Hatz. On this episode, we discuss what integrators should know when considering a new control platform, what can make that switch easier, the effects on programmers and much more.

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The main purpose of control systems is to bring disparate products together and make them work in a unified experience. Though sometimes companies are more prone to making their solutions closed and protected from other manufacturers' equipment, we have seen an interest in integration and external control. These eras of closed and open borders go back and forth in the history of AV. What then is the modern purpose of the control system as we see it today? 

This month, Steve and Rich are joined by Emily Eicher, Ecosystem Product Manager for Q-SYS and AtlasIED's VP of Marketing & Corporate Communications Gina Sansivero to discuss the value of interoperability between systems. We discuss the programmer's role in bringing those systems together, where compatibility will be headed in the future, and more.

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One of the most advantageous parts of going into the programming field is that their knowledge can last. Good programmers can maintain a role for a good amount of time due to knowledge, experience and effectiveness in the projects they have accomplished. However, that ability also comes with a downside that makes it hard to advance further into a career depending on their situation. Even if a position is lucrative, should any programmer be content if they're feeling stagnated? 

Today we are joined by co-host and Principal of Fregosa Design Rich Fregosa, Assistant Director of AV Services for Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine (& co-host with Steve on Ask The Programmer) James King, and Senior Systems Programmer for Verrex Brian Magrogan about advancing in a programming career. We look at what a programmer can do to stay motivated in their path, how they can demonstrate their value in a current role, and much more.

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Artificial Intelligence used to be the sort of thing you'd only hear about in a science fiction setting, or more recently with the advent of platforms like ChatGPT. But artificial intelligence, or concepts like machine learning have been in use in systems for quite a while now. AI is already here, so how is it going to impact our industry? We are joined by UX Engineering Manager for Root Integrated Systems Kate Adkins and Director of Programming for CTI Mike Krejci to talk all things AI. Will this be our eventual replacement, or another piece of a programmer's toolkit?

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