AV Week - MP3 Edition

"Our brains are being fracked by endless screen time!" Attention spans have plummeted by 30% in two decades, yet companies are doubling down on mandatory office work. Europe’s return-to-office strategy is flexible and measured, while the U.S. is all mandates and mayhem—Amazon didn’t even count its desks before calling employees back! The video version of this podcast can be found here.This week on AVWeek, host Tim Albright and Bren Walker explore the battle between corporate control and worker autonomy. From Europe’s strategic return to Amazon’s desk shortage disaster, they’ll break down how workplace design, technology, and leadership decisions shape the future of work.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Bren Walker – KirkegaardLinks to sources:WIRED – Bleak Office ConditionsCNBC– Push Against Return to OfficeZoe Talent Solutions – European Remote Work StatisticsHelsinki Times – Return To Office in EuropeCBRE – Office Attendance Rise in EuropeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv

Tariffs vs. Commercial AV: panic, or be thankful it's not nearly as bad as the pandemic supply chain problems??? ISE and AVIXA say getting new people into AV is the industry's biggest problem. We've got ideas on where you can find the next generation of audio visual professionals! Best practices for designing and maintaining hybrid classrooms, and more! The video version of this podcast can be found here.Every week we gather the biggest news and information for the commercial AV space. We gather a panel of experts to discuss what integrators need to know about our industry. Patrick Norton takes the helm this week and is joined by AV sage Willie Franklin, Jenny Hicks from Midwich Group, and George Pappas of i5LED.Host: Patrick NortonGuests:George Pappas – i5LEDJenny Hicks – MidwichWillie Franklin – Willie on LinkedInLinks to sources:AV Network – Tariffs & AV ExpectationsAV Magazine – Tariffs Affecting AV IndustryAV Magazine – Hiring Difficulties In AVAVNation – Remote Learning ComplianceNotes:AVN

Mini-Spheres are coming - bringing immersive entertainment to the masses without the $2.3 billion price tag! As traditional networking giants chase AI, NETGEAR doubles down on broadcast AV with its DPP partnership and a strong focus on AI governance. From manual onboarding to AI automation: smart UC management is transforming the video conferencing experience while sparking debates on privacy versus features. Tim Albright hosts another can't-miss episode of AVWeek, tackling the future of immersive entertainment with mini-Spheres, the intersection of AV and broadcast technology with NETGEAR's industry moves, and the practical applications of AI in unified communications that drive interoperability.The video version of this podcast can be found here.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Jennifer Weaver – Laia TechnologiesNathan Coutinho – LogitechNeil Fluester – Neil on LinkedInLinks to sources:UC Today – AI for VideoconferencingAV Magazine – Sphere plans Mini-Sphere InstallationsAVNation – NETGEAR joins DPPSee Pr

The video version of this podcast can be found here.Microsoft Teams and traditional AV pros are locked in a tug-of-war between quick installs and premium experiences. And pour one out for Skype – after 14 years and $8.5 billion, Microsoft is pulling the plug this May. Plus a new and ACTUALLY improved HDMI 2.2 delivers double the bandwidth for 10K resolution.Dive deep with AV industry experts as they break down the seismic shifts transforming commercial AV! Whether Microsoft's AI-obsessed Teams strategy clashes with AV pro values and the impact of Skype’s 60-day countdown. Plus, discover how HDMI 2.2’s Ultra96 certification is revolutionizing esports and digital signage while fueling the debate on USB-C vs. HDMI, UC security, and AV over IP’s role in the future of connectivity.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Dawn Meade – Dawn on LinkedInGarth Lobban – AtlonaTony Fragale – Midwich USLinks to sources:The Verge – Microsoft to Shut Down Skype in MayAV Network – HDMI 2.2 & Pro AVAV Magazine – Microsoft Teams Ecos

How AI-powered AV is getting you coffee faster and more efficiently. Cutting-edge AV training and education are shaping the future of the industry. An industry icon is retiring. From Extron’s next-generation training facility redefining hybrid learning, to Bocca Felice’s AI-driven drive-thru experience, to QSC’s vision for smart spaces, we dive into the innovations transforming how AV and IT professionals design, deploy, and manage technology. Join us as we discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities driving the next wave of AV evolution.Join guests from UAMS, AV Magazine, and Caster Communications as we explore the cutting edge of audiovisual technology with industry leaders who are revolutionizing how we interact with our environments. We'll examine Extron's remarkable five-week transformation of their education center, featuring advanced hybrid learning capabilities that seamlessly connect in-person and remote participants. We'll also discuss the impact Joe Pham of QSC has had on AV. Plus, disco

Why are Fortune 500 companies choosing to rent rather than buy those stunning LED displays? The answer might surprise your CFO. AV and building management have been like awkward exes at a cocktail party for decades—until now they're finally chatting. Joining us this week are expert guests to dissect the latest updates reshaping the commercial AV landscape, including the dramatic convergence of AV and building systems that'll transform your workspace through enhanced AV user experience and energy management. Plus, explore digital transformation in the industry and the game-changing rental strategy from Samsung that's flipping the industry on its head.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Brock McGinnis – Nationwide AVScott Tiner – Bates CollegeVanessa Tolisano – KinlyLinks to sources:AV Magazine – Samsung's Wall leasingrAVe Pubs – AV Solutions & Building ManagmentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Modern projectors turn imagination into reality, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. And digital signage just leveled up—Samsung is partnering with Cielo's AI. Joining us this week are expert guests to dissect the latest updates reshaping the commercial AV landscape, including Christie's transformative projection technology at BYD's energy vehicle museum, showcasing immersive audio visual experiences and AV sustainability like never before.Plus, unpack Samsung's groundbreaking partnership with Cielo for AI-powered digital signage, highlighting AI in AV and the future of audio visual setup for small offices. We also dove into the exciting world of XR, Virtual Production, and Broadcast AV, exploring how these cutting-edge technologies are transforming the industry.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Bren Walker – KirkegaardJoe Dunbar – Midwich USTim Van Woeart – Rutgers UniversityLinks to sources:AVNation – Christie Projectors Used In MuseumAV Buyers' Club – Samsung Partners With Cielo for AI

We had so much to discuss about Integrated Systems Europe 2025 that we couldn't keep it to just one episode. And to be fair, the last one was named 'Part 1'. You should've expected this. What else you can expect is a discussion from AV industry experts like Steve Greenblatt from Control Concepts (Host of A State of Control) and Jennifer Weaver of NextLVL Learning (Host of AV Career Mastermind) to discuss their impression of the show and what they saw. We also join HETMA chair (and host of EDTech) and Jeremy Caldera of Pearl Technology (not a host, but a valued friend) to discuss what they saw at the show and their experiences in Barcelona.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Jennifer Weaver – NextLVLSteve Greenblatt – Control ConceptsErin Maher-Moran – HETMAJeremy Caldera – Pearl Technology[SubscribeAVWeek]See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The biggest international AV trade show, Integrated Systems Europe 2025, took place in Barcelona last week. We saw so much innovative technology for the AV industry that we had to check in with other experts in our space to get everything from the show floor. We talk to Jason Ward from Warwick Audio Visual, Tanya Houston from Wildwood Plus, Iffat Chaudhry of Involve Visual Collaboration and Joe Way from HETMA to ask what they've seen at the show.Our coverage doesn't just stop at AVWeek. We spent the entire show in the halls, talking to manufacturers and companies about the new tech they we showing off at ISE. Find all our coverage and more at this page.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Tanya Houston – Wildwood PlusJason Ward – Warwick AVIffat Chaudhry – InvolveJoe Way – HETMASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Slow growth or strategic pause? AVIXA's latest numbers reveal what’s ahead for Pro AV—and what it means for IT managers seeking software-forward devices that prioritize the end-user experience, not just gray boxes. Meet ReVolve, the world’s first 10-meter LED that disappears on command. AV produces a lot of data, but who owns it, and can it be leveraged for smarter operations? Logitech Spot just changed the workplace game.Tune in to AVWeek, where Tim Albright and industry experts serve up the hottest tea on the latest developments in the commercial AV world! Explore AVIXA's latest industry report findings, examine Primeview's innovative ReVolve display technology, and unpack Logitech's smart approach to workplace optimization with their new Spot sensor.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Dawn Meade – Dawn on TwitterJoel Carroll – MersiveBrittany Delgado – Midwich USLinks to sources:AVNetwork – AVIXA Pro AV Index Numbers; Slowing GrowthAV Magazine – Primeview's Direct LED roll-up screensrAVe Pubs – Logitech Previews

JPMorgan says 'everybody in!' while Amazon scrambles for desk space - the office return saga just got real! Plot twist at The Sphere: Holoplot's dramatic pivot leaves the AV world stunned and partners hanging in mid-air! Joining us this week are expert guests to dissect the latest updates reshaping the commercial AV landscape, from Holoplot's dramatic pivot to workplace technology transformations including emerging cybersecurity risks, strategies for enhancing collaborative workplace technologies.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Elliott Moores – Elliott on LinkedInKelly Teel – Kelly on LinkedInRob Rasberry – DrexelLinks to sources:ProAVL Asia – HoloPlot 'Focused on Sphere' moving forwardAV Magazine – JP Morgan orders return to officeAVNation – The future of fan engagementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CES 2025 just dropped the mic with gadgets straight out of sci-fi movies (but you can actually buy these!). While everyone's worried about tariffs, Samsung and LG are pulling off the biggest manufacturing flex in tech history.Join host Tim Albright and industry experts on AVWeek as we dive deep into the commercial AV implications of CES 2025's groundbreaking innovations. Explore how political shifts and tariffs are impacting supply chains and driving up costs for AV and IT projects next year, while reshaping global manufacturing strategies.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Chris Neto – StarinKristin Bidwell – Audiovisual Consulting TeamCraig Durr – Collab CollectiveLinks to sources:The Verge – CES 2025AV Magazine – Samsung & LG Preparing for TariffsVote in AVNation's Best of 2024 Awards!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Samsung and Google's Eclipsa Audio promises to "change the way we experience sound." Epson catches JmGo red-handed with inflated projector specs - slashing their claimed brightness by more than half!Joining us this week are expert guests to dissect the updates reshaping the Commercial AV world! Explore the 3D audio partnership between tech giants and break down Epson's landmark settlement with JmGo over projector specifications. Plus, we discuss the growing push to expand and adopt more standards across IT and AV, and how the "resimercial" trend continues to bridge residential and commercial AV solutions.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Bren Walker – Kirkegaard AVBrad Hintze – CrestronJustin Dawson – Dublin City UniversityLinks to sources:AVNation – Epson Settles Projector LawsuitInavate – Google & Samsung Partner for Immersive AudioAV Magazine – Shaq Breaks Display On-Air See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before we really say farewell, goodbye, (and maybe even good riddance) to 2024 we have to look back and have a roundtable discussion about the biggest stories for the year. Joining us this week is Steph Beckett from rAVe Pubs, Mark Pescatore from SCN, and Bradford Benn of Advisist.Once we've gotten past that, it's time to look to the future! We tap into our myriad of divination techniques to see what's going to be big in the year to come. What will make or break 2025 for the AV industry?Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Bradford Benn – AdvisistMark Pescatore – SCNSteph Beckett – rAVe PubsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are somehow already at the halfway mark for the decade. What was the biggest news and stories that came across our desks in 2024? We break down some of our favorite moments and what's impacting the industry for the year to come.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Jenny Hicks – Midwich GroupMichael Peveler – AtlasIEDSteve Greenblatt – Control ConceptsGeorge Chacko – Pace UniversityGina Sansivero – AtlasIEDJustin Watts – AMDBrock McGinnis – Nationwide AVDanny Hayasaka – Call OneKristin Bidwell – Audiovisual Consulting TeamBill Fons – PTGErin Maher-Moran – Johns Hopkins UniversityJoel Carroll – MersiveLinks to sources:AVWeek 664 – Champions League Abandons 4K for Sports BroadcastAVWeek 658 – Replacing Covid-Era SolutionsAVWeek 663 – Lionel Messi Experience in MiamiAVWeek 656 – Digital Signage As a ServiceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sonos is about to flex so hard at ISE their booth needs its own area code (and wait'll you see their pro installation debut!). Reality check - when's the last time you gave your AV standards more than just a casual swipe right? DSE is ghosting Vegas for San Diego's sunny shores in 2025!Tune in to AVWeek, where Tim Albright and industry experts serve up the hottest tea on the latest developments in the commercial AV world! Break down the DSE's power move to SoCal, Sonos's explosive ISE takeover, and the not-so-subtle art of keeping your AV/IT standards up to date and explore how evolving standards are shaking up the game in our hyper-connected world.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Dawn Meade – Dawn on TwitterMatt Scott – Omega Audio VideoTom Aburthnot – Empowering.CloudLinks to sources:AV Magazine – Sonos' First Speaker for CommercialrAVe Pubs – DSE 2024 Highlights, plans for 2025Article3 – IT & AV StandardsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri

Cloud revolution, converged networks, and sustainability are transforming the AV landscape! The industry is redefining Device Management like Tesla disrupted the auto industry. Industry leaders are breaking down AV and IT barriers. Crestron becomes the first AV manufacturer to achieve sustainability certification.This week, industry experts join us to explore the latest trends in commercial AV, including Xyte's innovative cloud platform, the evolution of converged AV/IT networks offering cost savings and improved management, and Crestron's strides in environmental responsibility, addressing IT departments' focus on energy cost savings and sustainability.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Kelly Teel – Kelly on LinkedInRon Callis – OneFireflyMike Gleason – UtelogyLinks to sources:AVNation – Xyte's First AV Cloud SummitCommercial Integrator – Crestron Attains SAVe CertificationInavate On The Net – Converged Networks & AV SystemsNotes:AVNation studios production equipment provided by Shure and Vaddi

At first glance, the numbers tell me it's healthy - the Pro AV industry is cooking! Heat is the enemy of electronics - protecting your gear with proactive solutions is a must! MDEP provides enhanced security, device pairing, accessibility, and management capabilities - the future of tech collaboration is here!Joining us this week are industry experts to break down the latest in commercial AV! Breaking down the competitive landscape of AV system integrators, uncovering surprising shifts in Pro AV revenue, sharing Robert Heron’s expert tips for keeping your tech in top shape, and explore how Shure’s integration with Microsoft is revolutionizing workplace communication – especially as hybrid working remains a critical focus for organizations.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Derek Joncas – ExtronErica Carroll – CharBett StrategiesKameesha Jones – Florida International UniversityLinks to sources:AV Network – SCN Top 50 Systems Integrators for 2024AVNation – Home Theater AV MaintenanceInavate on the Net – Shure's Incl

Every year, Microsoft holds their Ignite conference to showcase the latest innovations in their software. Not only has the discussion merged into two shows, but it is predominantly about artificial intelligence. In this case, Microsoft's own Copilot AI. We're seeing AI all over AV, but is it becoming more than a buzzword? We talk to David Danto, Neil Fluester and Craig Durr about everything that went down at Microsoft Ignite and what that means for the industry at large.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Craig Durr – The Collab CollectiveDavid Danto – Talking PointzNeil Fluester – CrestronLinks to sources:Wall Street Journal – Budget for Microsoft's CopilotSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Bren Walker – KirkegaardBrittany DiCesare – Control ConceptsChi Hang Lo – UCLALinks to sources:AV Magazine – Exertis Potentially Up For Strategic SaleAVNation – NETGEAR Launches Engage 2.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.