Pro AV Today

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas engages in an insightful discussion with Alex Grossman, an industry expert with extensive experience in leveraging AI technology. They explore how AI has revolutionized the creative landscape, empowering writers, broadcasters, editors, and content creators to overcome technical challenges and enhance their productivity.

Alex highlights the pivotal role of AI in the broadcast and asset management sectors, emphasizing the tremendous growth and impact it has had in recent years. He explains how AI tools, such as facial recognition, object recognition, and transcription capabilities, have transformed the way creators manage and search for content. By eliminating laborious manual processes, AI enables creators to focus on storytelling and monetizing their valuable assets.

The conversation delves into the practical aspects of adopting AI in workflows, addressing concerns about ease of use and training. Alex encourages creators to embrace AI tools that align with their specific needs and workflows. He emphasizes the importance of starting small and locally, whether through affordable media asset managers or accessible online tools, and gradually expanding into cloud-based solutions. Alex also offers valuable advice on safeguarding intellectual property and maintaining control over content in the AI era.

Watch above as Ben and Alex share their expertise and inspire creators to embrace the transformative power of AI in their creative endeavors.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas sits down with Kim Franklin from Listen Technologies to explore the remarkable evolution of assisted listening devices and their impact on accessibility and equity. Together, they delve into the diverse applications of these devices and the groundbreaking ways technology is revolutionizing audio experiences.

Franklin emphasizes the growing demand for equitable experiences, noting how younger generations are driving the need for multilingual tours and inclusive communication. As she highlights, "The younger generations want equitable experiences... they want their grandparents to have the tour in their native language, and children to have it in English."

Throughout the podcast, the importance of clarity in audio communication takes center stage. Franklin explains the exhaustion that comes from straining to hear without the ability to read lips, emphasizing the significance of clear and immersive audio experiences in various environments. As she points out, "When you don't have the ability to read lips and you can't hear with clarity, it really does become exhausting."

Join host Ben Thomas as he and Kim Franklin dive into the fascinating world of assisted listening devices, exploring how Listen Technologies is reshaping accessibility, enhancing communication, and paving the way for innovative audio experiences.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Matt Lawrence, a seasoned live sound professional and ambassador for Avid. Together, they unravel the journey of breaking into the Pro AV industry, delving into the lesser-known paths and career opportunities that await aspiring audio enthusiasts. Matt's impressive background touring with renowned artists like Snoop Dogg and Lauryn Hill provides a unique perspective on the industry, exposing the realities beyond the glamorous facade.

Matt candidly shares his personal experiences, from starting out as a young musician yearning to be a sound engineer to his rise in the industry. He unveils the challenges, sacrifices, and unexpected revelations that come with a career in Pro AV, offering invaluable insights to those looking to carve their own paths.

Whether you're a seasoned audio professional, an aspiring sound engineer, or simply curious about the inner workings of the ProAV industry, this episode promises an engaging conversation that will leave you inspired and informed. Listen as Matt Lawrence and Ben Thomas take you on a journey through the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of a career in Pro AV.

Join host Ben Thomas in a fascinating conversation with Kevin Henneman, President of KMH Integration, as they explore the dynamic changes in the AV industry. Discover how integrators are redefining their role beyond product distribution and finding new ways to create value for their customers.

In this episode, Kevin shares his firsthand experiences and insights on the shifting demands placed on integrators. From staffing shows to offering comprehensive support services, he reveals how his company has adapted to meet the evolving needs of their clients. Gain valuable knowledge about the convergence of AV and broadcast technologies and the increasing significance of IP workflows in the industry.

Learn from a seasoned expert as Kevin emphasizes the importance of staying well-versed in the various ways video content can be captured and distributed. Discover how integrators can thrive in this ever-changing landscape. As Kevin wisely states, "It's not just about building a system and handing it over. It's about becoming an integral part of the customer's operational workflow." Uncover the secrets to success in AV integration and open doors to new possibilities on this episode of Pro AV Today.

In an enlightening episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas leads a deep dive into the command and control room industry, an essential yet often under-discussed part of professional audio-visuals (AV). Joined by Dan Gundry of Barco and Jon Litt of G&D North America, the discussion is rich with industry knowledge and predictive insights.

The conversation starts with the discussion of a newly launched C&C focused group. This initiative is set to revolutionize the command and control space, promoting standardized education and training that champions uniform best practices across the industry.

Perhaps the most engaging part of the discussion is the exploration of mission-critical applications in AV, as contrasted with traditional commercial AV tools. Both Gundry and Litt bring their extensive experience to the fore, exploring how these mission-critical tools are integral to command and control spaces, their unique demands, and their prospective roles in defining the future of the AV industry.

An essential listen for anyone vested in the evolving AV industry, this episode is laden with expert opinions, insights into command and control spaces, and the exciting future of mission-critical applications.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas engages in conversation with Collin Jones from Pushpay, a leading company in church technology solutions. They discuss the evolution of technology in churches, focusing on live streaming, production, and AV setups. Collin shares his experience launching the Resi brand for church live streaming and the challenges they overcame to ensure high-quality streaming. They also explore the integration of church technologies, the power of content in engaging congregations, and the impact of COVID-19 on church streaming.

Collin highlights the importance of audio and video quality in churches, noting that the world's fast-paced progress demands top-notch streaming experiences. He emphasizes the wide span of technology applications, from theaters to concert venues, which churches are now utilizing and even renting out.

As Collin puts it, "Technology just spans so widely. There's no real difference between a church setup and a theater setup or a concert venue setup. And a lot of the venues rent them out too."

"Not much patience exists for audio and video quality to be bad in churches. The world has progressed so fast, and when you're watching videos online, you expect great audio and video quality."

The episode offers valuable insights and quotes from Collin, revealing the profound impact of technology on worship experiences.

If you're fascinated by the intersection of technology and houses of worship, tune in to this episode of Pro AV Today to gain industry expert Collin Jones' vision for the future of church technology and its transformative potential.

In our latest Pro AV Today episode, we welcome a leading voice in the broadcast and AI worlds, Jordan Woods from Perifery, to delve into a dialogue on the intersection of the creator economy and its transformative effects on the broadcast and AV communities.

The creator economy has seen a significant surge in recent years, largely due to advancements in technology. Yet, its impacts on industries like broadcast and AV have remained relatively unexplored. This episode aims to bridge that gap.

Jordan Woods, with his rich experience and strategic vision, provides a unique vantage point. He focuses on how the creator economy is democratizing the accessibility of broadcast and content creation tools. Historically, these tools have been a reserve for industry giants due to their cost and complexity. However, with the rise of the creator economy, a paradigm shift is underway.

Jordan emphasizes three key aspects of this transformation: affordability, scalability, and access. He explains how cost-effective solutions are replacing expensive, high-end tools, removing the significant financial barrier that independent creators have traditionally faced. Furthermore, he discusses the scalability of modern solutions, which allow creators to start small and grow their setup as needed, without considerable upfront investment.

Lastly, Jordan points to how improved access to these tools is driving inclusivity and innovation. More creators can now enter the field, offering fresh perspectives and diversifying the content available to consumers. This, in turn, fosters a more vibrant, dynamic industry.

By illuminating these points, Jordan invites listeners to envisage a future where the broadcast and AV industry is more accessible and inclusive, shaped by the contributions of numerous independent creators.

Tune in to this episode for an insightful discussion that opens up a new dimension in understanding the influences of the creator economy on the broadcast and AV communities.

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas is joined by Michelle Okeke, an accomplished marketing professional with extensive experience in high-profile tech companies and advertising agencies, shared an intimate and personal perspective on job layoffs, a scenario that she has endured throughout in her career.

Okeke shares insights on the concept of turning adversity into opportunity, leveraging personal networks, and utilizing personal branding. Her words are profound, coming from a place of experience and a spirit of resilience.

She begins by stressing the importance of understanding the consumer. As a marketer, this is a core principle that has guided her across multiple job positions and companies, including Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Essence, The Root, and Time Inc. Her primary aim has always been to resonate with the audience, identifying their needs, motivations, and the solutions that a product or service can offer them.

As the discussion veers towards layoffs, Okeke’s optimism and strength are truly inspiring. After her most recent layoff, instead of wallowing in disappointment, she chose to view it as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Okeke had already scheduled to speak at the American Marketing Association’s Collegiate Conference, and she took the chance to talk about her experiences with layoffs and how networking and trust have helped her navigate these challenging times.

One key theme that Okeke addresses is the concept of personal branding. She encourages listeners to consider their personal brand not just as a marketing tool, but as a means to provide value and educate others. Her own personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn has helped her connect with new people and opportunities, even amidst career challenges.

Her faith, her network, and her self-belief form the crux of her strategy to tackle layoffs. What’s compelling about Okeke’s narrative is her refusal to see herself as a victim of circumstances and her determination to turn each setback into a learning opportunity.

Okeke’s story offers valuable insights for anyone facing a similar situation, serving as a reminder that every setback can be transformed into an opportunity for growth. Her experiences underline the importance of resilience, optimism, networking, and personal branding. It’s a powerful lesson in finding the silver lining amidst the storm, making her appearance on Pro AV Today an essential listen for professionals across industries.

The ongoing digital transformation calls for a significant shift in the world of audiovisual technology, with open standard AV over IP becoming an increasingly attractive prospect for developers. This subject was nothing short of being explored at last week’s InfoComm 2023. Macnica, a front-runner in this space, produces a variety of products that seamlessly integrate this technology into a wide range of products. Its wide ranges of selections and options have opened up endless possibilities for developers to put to the test. The company’s vibrant participation in industry events, where they showcase their technologies’ capabilities, speaks to their versatility and forward-thinking approach. But setting them apart is their efforts to integrate technology with newfound platforms, creating a new era of real-time AV applications aimed at revolutionizing how people interact with digital content.

Andrew Starks, the Director of Product Management at Macnica was at InfoComm 2023 and talked to Pro Av Today about the advantages developers can particularly enjoy when it comes to experimenting with AV over IP, and exactly how Macnica’s software pushes boundaries that assist them in spearheading new software.

Starks’ Thoughts on AV over IP

“At Macnica, we make the components and the software tools that developers can use to integrate open standards AV over IP into their products. That includes SOCs, FPGA IP, as well as software SDKs like our new M2S SDK, which makes it really easy for software developers to bring in video from external sources and to send it out. In fact, in our booth today, we’ve got just about every corner of our technology on display. We’ve got our software implementation integrated in with OBS. We’ve got our FPGA IP receiving SC2110 video from a couple of cameras. And we’re also even integrating in with Unreal Engine. We’re showing in real time video sources from IPMX and SC2110 integrated into Unreal. Just the kind of tools that developers are using today to create tomorrow’s exciting new applications.”