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...

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 businesse...

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....

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-break...

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 significa...

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 securi...

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...

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...

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 discus...

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 sec...

On this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas and guest Joe Piccirilli from Rosewater Energy dig into the future of power and energy automation. They discuss the evolving role of 'energy integrators' who are key to managing diverse power sources in today's homes and businesses. Joe highlights the impact of technological advancements, particularly home automation and LED lighting, on power consu...

On this episode of "Pro AV Today," host Ben Thomas welcomes Shelby Gartner from TransUnion to discuss the evolving dynamics of recruiting and retaining talent in the B2B. Gartner, a seasoned expert in the field, shed light on the transformative strategies and emerging challenges businesses face in this critical area. Central to the conversation was the impact of technology on recruitment. Gartner...

In this episode "Pro AV Today", host Ben Thomas talks with Jeff Boehm from Wicket about biometrics in venues and stadiums. The discussion focuses on how this technology is influencing security and access control, while addressing public concerns and misconceptions. Recap: Jeff Boehm highlights the need to clear up misunderstandings about biometrics. He points out that people often fear new technol...

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas is joined by Mark Peterson from Shen, Milson & Wilke to dissect the intricate relationship between consumer preferences and B2B technologies. They focus on shifts in the consumer world that are progressively influencing the B2B technology landscape, particularly in the AV industry. Mark emphasizes the growing impact of consumer-driven e-commerce...

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas brings together Chris Neto, Jimmy Vaughan, and Dan Vollmayer for a unique discussion on the parallels between professional wrestling and the world of B2B. This unusual combination reveals significant insights into personal branding and content strategy. Chris Neto, a self-proclaimed wrestling fanboy, discusses how wrestling's narrative-driven approa...

In this episode of "Pro AV Today," host Ben Thomas sits down with Audra Kinsley of Sonos Professional to unpack a topic that's buzzing in the audio industry: the seamless fusion of commercial and residential audio spaces. As we navigate through a landscape where consumer and professional audio worlds are increasingly intersecting, Sonos steps into the spotlight, showcasing its journey from a house...

Immersive audio and visual environments have been thrust to the forefront of the audiovisual industry, driven by groundbreaking projects like the Sphere in Las Vegas. In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas welcomes Michael Kastner and Ryan Penny from Holoplot to discuss this shift and break down the future of immersive audio in these environments. Here are a few key topics covered in the...

On this episode of Pro AV Today, we're diving into a comprehensive preview of the Digital Signage Experience (DSE) 2023. Here's what's coming up: DSE's Renaissance: We're discussing the comeback of DSE and its evolution into a show that is designed to serve the modern AV community. Innovations and Education: Breaking down the educational opportunities at DSE, showcasing how professionals can stay...

The fusion of AV technology and security is stirring up conversations in the tech world. On this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas explores this intersection with guest John Neyenhouse from Integrated Security & Control. Here are a handful of topics they cover: Integration Evolution: The transition from analog to IP-based systems is driving a closer relationship between AV, IT, and phys...

In this episode of "Pro AV Today," host Ben Thomas sat down in studio with George Clopp from Korbyt for an insightful chat about the changing dynamics of digital signage within the enterprise setting. The conversation highlights how perceptions of digital signage have evolved, especially in the wake of the pandemic. It's no longer about generic displays; the focus is now on delivering personalized...

The Pro AV industry is in a period of rapid digital transformation, and partnerships between developers and manufacturers are increasingly gaining steam. In this episode of Pro AV Today, Tammy Fuqua and Adrien Avellan from Q-SYS shared their perspectives on why these partnerships are invaluable. Companies like Q-SYS are actively courting external developers to expand and enhance their existing pla...

In a recent episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas explores the ever-changing landscape of residential technology. His guest, Scott Stephenson of Hunter Douglas, talks about the transformation of once-simple peripherals into essential smart home elements. Stephenson offers insights into how non-traditional peripherals like window shades, thermostats, and lighting systems have found their way int...

If you're into the nuts and bolts of today's residential tech, then you've got to listen to this episode of Pro AV Today. Host Ben Thomas teams up with Mariusz Malkowski from Trident IoT and Mitch Klein from the Z-Wave Alliance to dig into everything from accessibility, standardization, product development and more. They also dive into protocols like Bluetooth, WiFi, and Z-Wave and why these aren'...

Join host Ben Thomas for a discussion on "The Value of Cross Industry Partnerships" with panelists from Steelcase, Logitech, and Microsoft. This episode promises to be a masterclass in understanding the untapped potential and transformative power of collaborations that cross traditional industry boundaries. Our panel features a star-studded lineup of professionals who have actively participated in...

In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas explores how audiovisual technology is transforming the way we approach wellness. With special guest Krys Kwiecien from AVI-SPL, a member of the ABLE chair and their Core Plus team, the discussion dives deep into innovative applications of AV in areas such as personal health, ergonomic design, ADA compliant experiences, and more. Kwiecien shares his...