rAVe [PUBS]

Crimson AV has always been a dealer-focused brand in the ProAV space — they don’t sell direct, and that’s by design. I caught up with Will Bear , Crimson AV’s VP of sales and marketing, to talk about what they’re bringing to InfoComm 2025 (booth 2171), including new indoor and outdoor digital signage solutions, drive-thru mounts , back-to-back 55” interactive display systems , and LED systems buil...

I sat down with Andrew Gross , VP of Sales at Xyte , to talk about what the industry’s only true cloud AV company has planned for InfoComm 2025 . Xyte is doubling down on its mission to connect every AV product to the cloud, and it’s bringing two big announcements to the show. First, it’s adding a new feature to the Connect+ ecosystem that gives users visibility and control of all devices —...

Nanolumens is expanding its lineup at InfoComm 2025 with the new Aurora Processing platform and a one-of-a-kind see-through microLED system. I sat down with Kurt DeYoung, Nanolumens’ chief revenue officer, to give you a sneak peek at what’s coming — and what you’ll see when you visit them in booth 3081. Watch it now!    

If you’re in higher ed and haven’t heard of Computer Comforts , let me fix that. The company has been building custom lecterns, classroom desks and media furniture for nearly four decades — and now they’ve launched something game-changing: the EVOLVE line. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of lecterns — modular, scalable and built from the ground up with higher ed in mind. In this ep...

In this episode of Rants & rAVes, I got a hands-on look at the new Datavideo VoiceTRX100 , an AI-based video switcher designed specifically for podcasting. No technical director required. It uses voice tracking to automatically cut between speakers in 4K, making your show look polished and professional with zero effort. Joining me are Craig Moffat , managing director at Datavideo, and Rob Read...

In this Steph Takeover episode of Rants & rAVes, I sat down with Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, founder/director of WAVIT, to talk about a scholarship that really means something. The Mary Cook Empowerment Award: Designing the Future honors the legacy of a true trailblazer in our industry. Mary wasn’t just a force in AV — she was a mentor, an advocate and someone who made space for women to grow and...

In this Rants & rAVes episode, I caught up with Keith Vidger , engineering manager for professional video and audio at Panasonic Connect , to get a full preview of what the company has in store for NAB Show 2025 . Panasonic is going big this year, with five dedicated product stations inside its booth. The focus? A strong mix of production, broadcast and ProAV applications — so there’s somethin...

In this episode, I sat down with AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes for a candid conversation about the current state of the ProAV market. We covered a lot of ground — tariffs, market growth, the experience economy and where AV, unified communications and digital signage are headed in 2025 and beyond. Dave always brings sharp insight and perspective, and this chat is no exception. Whether you’re an integrato...

LG just became the first display company to embed the full BrightSign operating system into its digital signage displays — and I think this is a big deal. The company’s new UH5N Series (available in 43-, 55- and 65-inch models) now ships with both LG webOS and the full BrightSign OS built in. This isn’t just a CMS add-on — it’s the actual BrightSign platform natively running inside the...

In this Steph takeover episode, I spoke with Michelle Montazeri, board member of the Digital Signage Federation (DSF), about what the org has been up to in Q1 — and spoiler alert: It’s a lot. From community outreach and industry events to a peek at what’s coming the rest of the year, Michelle breaks down how DSF is building momentum and how you can get involved. Spoiler alert: You can start here ....

NETGEAR ’s director of marketing, John Henkel , joins me to share what the company is bringing to NAB Show 2025 in booth SL8913. Along with launching Engage 2.0, NETGEAR will demo its switching and routing solutions for SMPTE ST 2110 and ProAV, plus a new Wi-Fi 7 access point. John also reveals a new NETGEAR partner that’s making big moves in the AI space — watch now!   

It’s a Steph Takeover on this episode of Rants & rAVes! I sat down with Eric Krapf, general manager and program chair of Enterprise Connect, to get the inside scoop on what’s coming up at this year’s show. We talked about the biggest trends shaping enterprise communications, the must-see sessions and what makes Enterprise Connect 2025 stand out. If you’re in IT, AV or just love staying ahead o...

In this takeover episode of Rants & rAVes, I sit down with Exertis Almo’s Dan Smith (EVP) and John Riley (SVP Sales – East) to dive into everything you need to know about the E4 Experience NY Metro on April 2. We cover the latest ProAV tech, CTS RU-certified courses (including mine!) and why this event is a must-attend for integrators and end users alike. Get the inside scoop on what makes E4...

In this takeover of Gary Kayye’s Rants & rAVes podcast, I’m joined by Dan Smith , EVP/COO, and Kevin Welling , senior vice president of sales west at Exertis Almo. We discuss the upcoming E4 Experience events, what we’re most excited about and what attendees can expect. I also share details about the class and exclusive VIP tour I’ll be leading at E4, offering insights into the future of AV an...

I was joined by WyreStorm ’s director of product development, Zec Voislav , who shared the company’s plans for new products at ISE 2025 — and it’s all about UCC. In addition to new BYOD solutions, WyreStorm will introduce the SW-640L , a switcher that manages HDMI, USB-C, and wireless signals; the MX-0402 , a 4×2 switcher that handles both HDMI and USB-C signals; and the new IDB,...

In this pre- ISE-2025 episode, I chat with Aurora Multimedia CEO Paul Harris about what the company is bringing to the show — including the new RXT-4DV , which adds 4K AV-over-IP to the ReAX Room Controller lineup. Plus, Aurora is debuting the VPX-UC1 Ultra , an all-new wireless sharing solution. Watch to get the inside scoop, and be sure to visit booth 5E150 at ISE!   

I sat down with XTEN-AV co-founders Vibhav Singh and Sahil Dhingra to get an exclusive first look at their latest innovation ahead of ISE 2025 . They debuted a live demo of X-PRO, a new project management module within XTEN-AV’s cloud-based AV design software. This functionality is a game-changer for AV integrators, streamlining workflows and adding powerful AI-driven tools. Check out the de...

I had the chance to chat with Nathan Coutinho , Logitech ’s global head of strategic partner relations and market insights, ahead of ISE 2025 . Nathan shared insights into Logitech’s new workplace sensor, the Logitech Spot , and explained how the Rally Board 65 collaboration board enhances hybrid work environments. Plus, he detailed the exciting new capability to daisy-chain two Logitech Sight cam...

In November 2024, DCC Technology announced its plans to divest from technology and focus on energy markets, signaling that Exertis Almo (DCC Technology North America) would eventually be acquired. To get the latest on the situation, I spoke with Exertis Almo Executive Vice President Dan Smith , and Chief Digital and Innovation Officer Vishal Chhatralia . They provided insights into the company’s g...

In this pre- ISE 2025 videocast, I spoke with Aleksejs Kolpakovs, vice president of commerce at Catchbox , about the company’s plans for the show. Known for its throwable and catchable microphone, Catchbox is focusing on the applications of Catchbox Plus in education and workplace settings. Catchbox Plus, launched in 2024, simplifies the addition of wireless microphones to a variety of spaces. Vis...

I had the chance to chat with Jeffrey Weitzman , managing director of Navori Labs , about what the company has planned for ISE 2025 . Navori Labs, a leader in AI integration since 2018, will showcase new AI signage solutions and highlight collaborations with ecosystem partners to simplify solutions for integrators and end users. Catch Navori Labs on stand 4P330, and watch this interview for a snea...

I had the chance to chat with Andrew Gross , VP of sales at Xyte , about how its cloud-based platform is making it easier for AV and IT integrators to deliver managed services. Andrew explained how the platform streamlines operations and helps integrators provide more value to their clients. Xyte will be at ISE 2025 on stand 2P300 — check out this video to hear what Andrew had to say, and don’t fo...

It’s a Steph takeover on Rants & rAVes! In this episode, I chat with Tony Green about Snap Install ‘s commitment to community and giving back. We dive into the company’s participation in the Polar Plunge, a one-of-a-kind fundraiser supporting Special Olympics Minnesota athletes, where participants take a leap into icy waters for a great cause. Tune in to learn about Snap Install’s cultur...

I was joined by Fuhan Lee in this pre- ISE 2025 videocast to talk about everything that Yealink will demo in their stand, 2R500, at ISE 2025 in Barcelona next month. AI-based UCC solutions will be a big part of their showing but, they will also debut something called AVOne, too. Here’s the scoop!     

I had the opportunity to catch up with Roger Takacs , executive VP of sales at Lightware , to get a preview of what’s coming from the company at ISE 2025 . Known for its USB and USC docking and collaboration solutions, Lightware is set to debut at least 10 new products this year. Highlights include the new Dual Screen Extended Desktop Taurus, a 1×1 Pro Docking Station and a rack-mount format...