AV SuperFriends

Recorded February 19, 2025 In this lively episode, we tackle updating standards amidst fluctuating budgets and the pressure of one-time funds. The discussion also covers the practicalities of AV over IP technology and how it can reshape classroom environments. From the importance of stocking common components to the nuances of managing departmental requests, this episode is a must-listen for anyon...

Recorded February 21, 2025 This week, we tackle the pressing issue of integrating PCs with AV gear on the same network, discussing the pros and cons of VLANs, and the legacy decisions that keep those separated. Marc introduces a thought-provoking exercise on prioritizing the capabilities of our learning spaces, and the panel debates the value of various technologies from interactive displays to le...

Recorded February 14, 2025 In this Valentine's Day special, the crew dives into a lively discussion about the latest trends in cloud-hosted monitoring systems that promise to do it all to the quirks of working with various learning management systems. The panel shares their thoughts on the challenges of integrating technology in dynamic spaces and the importance of understanding the needs of users...

Recorded January 17, 2025 It's February, which means Groundhog Day! On this episode of On Topic, we review the perennial favorites of the IT and AV world that keep coming back year after year, from the trials of consultants to the challenges of wireless display technologies. We cover the ongoing debates around device compatibility, network security, and the ever-elusive search for the perfect micr...

Recorded January 24, 2025 We're joined by Colin Birney who highlights how MSPs operate as a tier-two support system, providing expertise and assistance for institutions that may not have the resources to manage their AV systems effectively. This model allows for a more streamlined approach to troubleshooting and ensures that educational institutions can focus on their primary mission: teaching and...

Recorded January 10, 2025 In our first episode of the year, we launch a brand new series where we review some of our recent internal projects. Marc kicks it off with his project of an ambitious transformation of a residential-standard building into a modern collaborative space, complete with flexible meeting spaces for a mix of university staff and non-university guest users. Also news of the disc...

Recorded December 13, 2025 Welcome to the future! Join us as we review last year's predictions, with some hits and plenty of misses, and make bold new forecasts for the year ahead. From more Microsoft integration woes to the potential of all-in-one LED displays, there's plenty to discuss and debate. AI-suggested Alternate show titles: Predictions, Pontifications, and Preposterous Proclamations The...

Recorded December 6, 2024 Celebrate with us as we hit a milestone - Episode 100 of Off the Rails! This episode is packed with nostalgia, laughter, and a touch of chaos as we reminisce about our journey. Join Chris, Jamie, Marc, Larry, Justin, and special guest Rachel as they dive into their favorite moments and discuss when AV was truly the most AV. We also explore the world of 4D movie experience...

Recorded November 22, 2024 In this special holiday episode, we explore why we've all landed on AV Santa's naughty list this year. Jamie recounts a PTP clock fiasco, Marc reviews his overly ambitious Teams Rooms rollout, Larry finds himself recommending 21:9 displays, Justin grapples with direct view LED walls and network islands, and Chris rounds it off with tales of outdated equipment and missed...

Recorded November 15, 2024 (Still AI slop that needs editing for coherence - cjd) Can you feel the tension of an impending finale? As we approach the century mark, we review the perils of product development to the disconnect between manufacturers and end users. Shaun shares his insider perspective on how manufacturers prioritize product ideas, the role of software in AV, and the importance of cus...

Recorded November 8, 2024 (Is it just me or are these AI-generated summaries getting worse?) Join us to discuss the pros and cons of AV over IP encoders and the sunk cost fallacy of repurposing outdated AV equipment. We debate the practicality of multi-input encoders, the allure of HDBaseT cameras, and the inevitable obsolescence of technology. Are these AV solutions worth the investment, or is it...

Recorded October 30, 2024 (I'm still letting AI write this, but I have to edit it more and more recently - cjd) It's time for a Thanksgiving special with the AV SuperFriends! We're discussing our favorite AV "side dishes"—those unsung heroes in AV systems that make everything work smoothly. As they gather for a virtual Thanksgiving dinner, the AV SuperFriends explore the role of HDMI extenders, bu...

Recorded October 18, 2024 (Still written by the AI goon squad - cjd) Get ready for a wild ride about projects and products that almost hit the mark but fell short, and the ever-present challenge of finding the perfect balance between seminar rooms and classrooms. We dive into topics like the future of smart glasses in classrooms, the pitfalls of hardware-based annotation devices, and the elusive m...

Recorded throughout October 2024 In our biggest production ever, we're proud to present AVSF: The Ghost in the Machine. The AV SuperFriends are called upon to fix haunted classrooms on campus. Join the team as they venture into the heart of the haunting, battling against time and supernatural forces to uncover the secrets buried beneath the campus. With humor, teamwork, and a touch of the paranorm...

Recorded October 11, 2024 (Yes, I let AI write all this stuff - cjd) We dive into the world of assistive technologies, AI-generated transcripts, and the quirks of Bluetooth systems. Today's discussion zeroes in on the upcoming digital accessibility deadlines, the challenges of compliance, and the importance of starting somewhere, even when the task seems daunting. We also explore the exciting pote...

Recorded September 27, 2024 (Yes, I let AI write all this stuff cjd) Today's discussion tackles topics such as the minimum viable product for AV projects and the challenges of AI-generated content. The conversation dives into the intricacies of AV project management, from cutting corners during commissioning, to the potential pitfalls of cloud-based management systems. The team also shares their t...

Recorded September 20, 2024 (Yes, I let AI write this - cjd) Welcome to the AV SuperFriends on Topic, episode number 51! In this special October episode, we dive into the scariest trends in AV. From the pitfalls of over-reliance on IT-centric AV solutions to the haunting rise of unrealistic client expectations, this episode is packed with spine-chilling insights and our signature blend of expertis...

Recorded September 13, 2024 (Yes, I let AI write all this stuff - cjd) In this special Friday the 13th episode, the AV SuperFriends are back with a mix of humor, chaos, and insightful discussions on the latest in higher ed AV. Today's topics include the love-hate relationship with button panels and the complexities of troubleshooting AV systems. The team dives into why button panels are still rele...

Recorded August 16, 2024 (Yes, I let AI write all this stuff - cjd) Chris Dechter kicks off another Friday afternoon podcast adventure with the AV SuperFriends. Despite a larger panel and some absences, the team dives into the ever-thrilling topic of budgeting in higher education AV systems. Joined by a diverse panel including Marc Cholewczynski, Larry Darling, Justin Rexing, Lyle Waldron, and Don...

Recorded August 23, 2024 (Yes, I let AI write this - cjd) On today's show, we dive into some of the worst AV mistakes we've ever made but never admitted to. From miswired speaker systems to network multicast nightmares, this episode is a confessional of epic proportions. We also tackle a listener email about tuning audio in a room, offering practical advice on how to make classrooms sound better u...

Recorded August 9, 2024 Chris is confused about what day it is so he has to intro the show twice. Then once we've figure that out, we're joined by Robert Durbin and Travis Cawthorne from Kramer AV to talk about their recent acquisition of ZeeVee. Next, we discuss the concept of streamlining classroom AV systems to just a PC or laptop… or both. Why does anyone need more than that anyway? All your c...

Recorded (and streamed live) on July 26, 2024 No topic provided again this month, so we decided to look at the numbers for display technologies. Where does it make sense to consider LCDs vs. projectors vs. LEDs? Chris even built a spreadsheet of rough numbers because he's a nerd that way. Are LEDs becoming cheap enough to replace projectors? Is anyone building LCD videowalls these days? What are y...

Recorded July 19, 2024 It's the summer doldrums, so instead of news, Marc shares the AV experiences from his summer vacation to the House of Mouse. Oddly painted speakers, immersion breaking VR, and RF-beacon driven proximity audio broadcasts are just some of the highlights. Then we respond to a Reddit forum post about how university AV teams are structured. Everyone is a bit different and we didn...

Recorded July 12, 2024 We're bookending the show with SMPTE 2110 stories, so we start with discussion of Cisco hosting a webinar on Precision Time Protocol (PTP). If you don't know what all that is, it's potentially huge news for AVoIP to play nice on enterprise networks from the sleepy giant of networking. Then we discuss the non-electronic products we prefer for building equipment racks, mountin...

Recorded June 26, 2024 No topic was provided this month, so instead we're going to make this our summer Fourth of July special. So, get out your flags, wake up the kids for the renewal of their annual loyalty oath, fire up the grills, smoker, or barbecue, light off the sparklers and firecrackers, and let's celebrate America by blowing up a small part of it. We've each collected our favorite AV pro...