Pro AV Today

As the Pro AV industry continues to evolve, with new technologies shaping the way we interact with audiovisual experiences, there's a heightened interest in platforms that offer hands-on exposure and in-depth discussions about these advancements. The E4 Experience, hosted by Exertis Almo, stands out as a unique opportunity for professionals at all levels—from newcomers to seasoned veterans—to dive into the latest trends, products, and insights. This year's tour, starting in DC, promises an even broader scope, incorporating community feedback to introduce novel sessions and speakers.

Join us on Pro AV Today as host Ben Thomas and special guest Rob Voorhees from Exertis Almo dive into the vision behind the E4 Experience, its impact on the Pro AV community, and the anticipated highlights of this year's tour. This conversation will unpack:

- The intention to bring the Pro AV community closer to cutting-edge technology and discussions that are pivotal for the industry's growth.

- The introduction of new segments and sessions at the E4 Experience, driven by community suggestions, to ensure a fresh and engaging lineup.

- Opportunities for education and certification in the Pro AV industry

Guest Spotlight: Rob Voorhees

Rob Voorhees serves as a key figure at Exertis Almo, bringing a wealth of experience and insight into the Pro AV landscape. With an impressive background in the industry, Voorhees's contributions to Exertis Almo have been instrumental in shaping its offerings and outreach. His commitment to fostering education and innovation within the Pro AV community is reflected in his pivotal role in curating the E4 Experience's diverse and enriching program.

The dynamics of the pro audio markets are constantly evolving, propelled by technological advancements and shifts in consumer behavior. Amid this backdrop, the intersection between traditional AV sales channels and the burgeoning pro audio landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Notably, the growing influence of online platforms and the changing preferences of consumers and businesses alike highlight the need for adaptability and innovation within these sectors. This trend is underscored by the increasing importance of end-user feedback, sales channel diversification, and the integration of digital strategies into traditional sales processes.

How can traditional AV channels leverage the strategies and successes of the pro audio market to enhance their sales and marketing approaches? This question forms the core of our discussion in the latest episode of Pro AV Today, hosted by Ben Thomas with special guest Gabriel Medrano from Adam Hall North America.

In this episode, we dive into:

The significance of the NAMM Show for understanding trends in pro audio and its relevance to the AV industry.

Gabriel Medrano's insights on the blending of retail and B2B sales channels and the lessons traditional AV can learn from pro audio's approach to sales and customer engagement.

The potential for digital and influencer marketing strategies to reshape the AV sales landscape, drawing parallels to pro audio's success in these areas.

Remote collaboration within the music industry has evolved dramatically over the last few years. Despite the rise of telecommuting platforms like Zoom and Teams, musicians have consistently fought latency issues that have been a hindrance to meaningful real time collaboration. One company is focused on challenging that norm and hopes to empower  synchronized musical creation from a distance.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, hosted by Ben Thomas, peels back the layers of the world of remote musical collaboration with guests Patrick Finn and Rakhi Malik from Lutefish, a company making waves with their musician-centric collaboration platform. 

Key Points of Conversation:

- The inspiration behind Lutefish’s creation and the specific challenges it addresses for musicians

- How Lutefish's platform facilitates real-time collaboration and fosters creativity and networking among musicians

- The technological hurdles encountered and overcome in developing a system that allows beat-accurate, real-time musical collaboration

Patrick Finn and Rakhi Malik are pivotal members of the Lutefish team, bringing a wealth of experience from the intersection of technology and music. With backgrounds that blend musical talent with business acumen, their insights provide firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the musician's needs in a digital age. Their dedication to enhancing the creative process through technology has been recognized in the industry, marking them as innovators in this constantly evolving field.

The recent rise of streaming services over traditional terrestrial television has marked a significant shift in how audiences consume sports content. This evolution is propelled by advancements in digital technology and changing viewer preferences, emphasizing the need for a more immediate and interactive broadcast experience. The stakes are high, with platforms like Peacock streaming record-breaking events and Amazon securing exclusive rights to stream NFL playoff games, indicating a clear move towards digital consumption. The core question emerging from this trend is: How is the infrastructure of sports broadcasting evolving to meet the demands of streaming, and what implications does this have for broadcasters and viewers alike?

Pro AV Today, hosted by Ben Thomas and featuring guest Jed Corenthal from Phenix RTS, dives deep into this topic. The episode explores the transformation of sports broadcasting in the digital era, focusing on the technological, operational, and viewer experience challenges and opportunities.

Jed Corenthal, Chief Marketing Officer at Phenix RTS, brings a wealth of experience in real-time streaming technology. With a background in digital marketing and a deep understanding of the sports broadcasting industry, Corenthal's insights shed light on the evolving landscape of sports media consumption. His expertise highlights the critical role of innovative streaming solutions in overcoming latency issues and improving the overall fan experience.

Here are a few key points that the pair discusses:

- The Shift Towards Streaming: An examination of the increasing preference for streaming sports content over traditional TV, and the implications for broadcasters.

- Infrastructure and Technology Challenges: Discussion on the necessary technological advancements and infrastructure updates required to deliver a seamless streaming experience.

- The Future of Sports Broadcasting: Insights into upcoming trends, including real-time streaming and the integration of interactive and multi-view features to enhance viewer engagement.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas is joined by Tyler Bonner from Diversified to explore the intersection of technology and mission critical technologies. Especially in the world of utilities. They discuss the transition from traditional AV applications to more specialized, mission-critical integrations. Bonner also highlights the shift towards network visualization and the significance of using technology for key operations such as security, life safety, and monitoring infrastructure.

The conversation then dives deeper into the specific requirements of operational technology buyers within the utility sector, setting them apart from the traditional IT-focused AV clientele. Bonner details the integrator's responsibility in ensuring that technology not only meets the immediate operational needs but also adheres to strict security and regulatory standards. Additionally, the importance of reliable support and maintenance is underscored, with 24/7 responsiveness showcased as essential for mission-critical environments.

This episode closes by highlighting the essential collaboration between integrators, manufacturers, and buyers to maintain the reliability and security of critical infrastructure. Tune in to the full episode for an expert view into the evolving role of AV technology in mission-critical settings.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas continues his series on live event production and venue technology, focusing on an often overlooked but essential component: intercom and communication systems. Guest Brian Grahn from Clear-Com shares his insights on the critical role these systems play beyond traditional production environments, highlighting their application in facility and security management.

Intercom systems, as Grahn explains, have evolved from basic communication tools to sophisticated networks that integrate with a variety of technologies like such as virtual applications, two-way radios, and SIP lines. This advancement enables seamless communication across different departments, crucial for coordinating large-scale events and ensuring safety.

Grahn emphasizes the importance of considering intercom systems early in the planning process, especially when integrating with existing infrastructure like analog systems in theaters or Dante networked infrastructures in modern facilities. He points out that understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of each venue, from wired to wireless communication, is key to creating effective communication networks.

The conversation also touches on the implications of using IT infrastructure for AV applications, highlighting the need for specialized knowledge to navigate the complexities of network protocols and ensure reliable communication. Grahn advises facility managers and IT professionals to consult with experts and leverage resources like case studies and training materials to design systems that meet their specific needs.

This episode of Pro AV Today underlines the essential role of intercom and communication systems in the success of live events and the importance of integrating these technologies thoughtfully to enhance safety, efficiency, and coordination across various departments.

In this episode of "Pro AV Today," host Ben Thomas talks with Daniel Anderson, founder of Stratum, about the importance of small and regional businesses in the Pro AV industry.

Anderson's journey into the industry is a complicated, yet familiar one. His interest in AV began in his youth, fostered by a youth pastor who invited him to operate a sound console. Post-high school, he joined the military, serving for thirteen years. A significant personal event, the loss of his second child, led Anderson to reevaluate his life and return to his passion for AV and music.

Starting Stratum without a business degree, Anderson relied on his experiences and YouTube training. Today his company, serving a wide range of clients, has grown significantly over the years. He discusses the challenges and rewards of starting a Pro AV business and the importance of building strong, long-lasting client relationships.

Anderson emphasizes the need for regional trade shows and education in the Pro AV industry, especially in areas like the Midwest, where large corporations often overlook opportunities. He advocates for hands-on experiences with new technology and the importance of small businesses in providing advanced AV solutions to communities with limited access.

This episode highlights the significance of entrepreneurship and the impact of personal experiences in shaping business ventures in the Pro AV industry. Anderson's story is a powerful example of turning adversity into opportunity and the vital role of small businesses in regional and local markets.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas is joined by Ola Sars, the Founder and CEO of Soundtrack Your Brand, and a key figure in the evolution of modern music streaming. This episode offers a deep dive into the critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of music licensing in commercial environments.

Highlights of the Episode:

The Journey to Soundtrack Your Brand: Sars recounts his transition from consumer music streaming to identifying the untapped potential of background music in commercial spaces. His story is a fascinating look at how he recognized and addressed the gap in the market.

Why Music Licensing Matters for Businesses: Understanding the legal and ethical implications of playing music in commercial settings is crucial. Sars explains why it's not just about compliance, but also about supporting the creators behind the music.

Navigating the Licensing Landscape: The conversation demystifies the complex world of music rights, from performance licenses to sourcing music legally. Sars provides invaluable insights for businesses unsure about how to proceed.

The Role of Technology and Integration in Music Licensing: Discover how advancements in technology and the involvement of integrators play a significant role in simplifying licensing for businesses.

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This episode is a must-watch for anyone involved in the commercial audiovisual industry, from business owners to technology integrators. Sars' expertise offers a unique perspective on an often-misunderstood topic.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas explores the intersection of modern entertainment and commercial installations with John Steinhauer from Solotech, a company at the forefront of live events and commercial AV integrations. John shares his insights into Solotech's journey, emphasizing their role in high-profile projects like Taylor Swift's tour and the Sphere in Las Vegas. The discussion reveals that beyond live events, a significant part of Solotech's business is systems integration, often overlooked but crucial in enhancing various commercial spaces.

The conversation then shifts to the broader impact of entertainment technology across industries. John highlights how immersive experiences, once confined to arenas and concerts, are now integral to sectors like transportation and retail. He points out that the drive for engaging human experiences is reshaping how technology is used, from airports featuring LED displays to retail spaces offering interactive fitting experiences. The dialogue underscores the importance of creating environments that not only draw people in but also make their experiences more memorable and engaging.

As the episode concludes, three key takeaways emerge. First, the influence of modern entertainment on commercial installations is profound and growing, driven by the desire for immersive experiences. Second, the line between live events and commercial spaces is blurring, with technology playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Lastly, the industry is on the cusp of further evolution, with emerging technologies like AI and AR promising to redefine what's possible in creating engaging human experiences. These insights not only reflect the current state of the industry but also hint at its exciting, dynamic future.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas is joined by Kumar Sokka from LenelS2 to explore the evolving role of technology in school security. Kumar, transitioning from industrial automation to security, emphasizes LenelS2's global impact in protecting various facilities, including schools.

The two discuss how access control has advanced beyond simple entry management to address broader security concerns, such as health safety during COVID-19 and adapting to hybrid workforce models. He highlights the importance of educating stakeholders like parents, administrators, and local authorities on school safety measures and the available technology.

A key part of the conversation also revolves around the 'On The Safe Side' program, designed to educate community members about school security best practices. Kumar also offers insights into the future of school security, emphasizing the increasing role of mobile technology and proactive security measures using data analytics.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on how these technologies have broader applications across various sectors, underlining the importance of ongoing discussions about the role of technology in enhancing safety and security.

Be sure to tune in!