Podcasts

Designing Immersive AV Experiences w/ Sonance, Q-SYS & DISE | Backstage Pass IC26, Ep. 7

Step behind the scenes at InfoComm 2026 with Backstage Pass: IC26 – Episode 7, hosted by Ben Barnard and Samantha Powell. This episode features three in-depth conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of AV: Sonance – Paxson Laird Discover how “design to disappear” is redefining architectural audio. Paxson shares how Sonance blends high-performance sound with aesthetic integration, creating immersive environments across hospitality, retail, and commercial spaces—all without visible tech. Q-SYS / QSC – Patrick Heyn Explore the latest innovations from QSC and how intelligent, connected AV ecosystems are transforming modern spaces. Hear what’s new at InfoComm and how QSC continues to evolve integrated audio, video, and control solutions. DISE – Sebastian Kryh Dive into the world of digital signage and content management with DISE. Sebastian discusses how engaging visual experiences and smart software solutions are helping organizations communicate more effectively. From invisible sound to intelligent systems and dynamic digital signage, Episode 7 highlights the technologies and ideas shaping the next generation of experience design.

Podcasts

AI and Display Tech – Inside Sony’s InfoComm 2026 Plans | Backstage Pass: IC26, Ep. 6

Get ready for InfoComm 2026 with a brand-new episode of Backstage Pass! Hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard kick things off with a fun (and challenging!) Las Vegas-themed surprise quiz, putting Sam’s trivia skills to the test ahead of the big show. Expect laughs, unexpected answers, and plenty of Vegas facts along the way. Then, dive into our main feature interview led by Mark Metzger with Kianna Pompa and Joe Drury from Sony Electronics. They break down what Sony is bringing to InfoComm 2026, including: - The new Sony Pro BRAVIA P Series displays - Innovations in AI-powered XR processing - Advances in Deep Black anti-glare technology - The growing role of cloud-based device management and remote monitoring - How Sony is building an open ecosystem for AV solutionsWhat attendees can expect to see live on the show floor

Podcasts

Matrox Video & Riedel: AVoIP, Standards, Live Production Trends & More | Backstage Pass: IC26

Get ready for InfoComm 2026 with another episode of Backstage Pass: IC26—hosted by Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard from AVIXA! In this episode, we bring you two insightful conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of AV and live production: Matrox Video Interview (Ben Barnard & Ron Berty) Dive into the evolving world of AV over IP, including SMPTE ST 2110, compression tradeoffs, and how Matrox is balancing quality, latency, and bandwidth across broadcast, live events, and enterprise environments. Plus, learn how their commitment to open standards and interoperability is helping teams build more flexible, future-proof systems. Riedel Interview (Carey Johnson & Phil Stein) Explore how Riedel is redefining workflows with a strong focus on software-driven solutions, remote production, and user-centric design. Discover innovations like private 5G deployment, RF spectrum strategies, and integrated solutions like STAGE for theater workflows—all aimed at boosting efficiency, flexibility, and long-term value.

Podcasts

Eric Gazzillo of Quince Imaging Answers your Questions About Projection Mapping | Tech Support

[Previously live] In this session, we explore the world of live events and projection mapping—from creative possibilities to technical challenges. Our featured guest, Eric Gazzillo of Quince Imaging, brings years of hands-on experience designing and delivering stunning visual experiences for live productions. Eric answers your questions on the technical aspects of live experiences, pathways to careers in AV, and much more.

Podcasts

Kicking the Tires: System Maintenance | brAVe [skills] Ep17

"You always rise and fall to the level of your systems." Britt and Leon unpack this concept practically, as they explore parallels between AV systems and personal systems.

Podcasts

Engineering Collaboration & Safety, featuring Crestron and Advanced Network Devices | Backstage Pass: IC26, Ep. 4

InfoComm 2026 is right around the corner, and this episode of Backstage Pass: IC26 offers a first look at what two industry leaders have in store. Host Ben Barnard is joined by special co-host Jennifer Weaver of AVIXA, stepping in for Samantha Powell. In the first segment, Ben sits down with Brad Hintze of Crestron, who shares updates on his expanded role, Crestron’s vision for engineered collaboration, and how the company is bringing content, control, and collaboration to life—both on the show floor and beyond—at InfoComm 2026. In the second segment, Samantha Powell connects with Bobby Swartz of Advanced Network Devices (AND) to talk about Bobby’s transition into his new role, AND’s renewed brand momentum, and how the company is continuing to innovate in IP-based paging, mass notification, and life-safety solutions. Bobby also previews what attendees can expect from AND at InfoComm 2026, from new hardware to long-term innovation driven by engineering excellence.

Podcasts

The end of MOCAP suits? AI's impact on Virtual Production | Practically AI, Ep. 2

Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword in virtual production—it’s actively reshaping how content gets made. In this episode of Practically AI, host Mark Metzger (AVIXA) sits down with Florian Gallier, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Mo‑Sys, to explore how AI is changing the virtual production pipeline—from pre‑production planning to real‑time, on‑set interactivity. Mark and Florian chat about how AI-driven techniques like Gaussian splats let creators scan real locations and bring them into LED volumes, motion capture without mocap suits, how AI helps creators work faster, reduce costs, and maintain creative control and more.

Podcasts

What to Expect in Las Vegas for InfoComm w/ LVCVA’s Vanessa Claspill | Backstage Pass: IC26

Get an exclusive preview of Las Vegas ahead of InfoComm 2026 in this episode of Backstage Pass: IC26 Hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard kick off the episode with behind-the-scenes stories from their recent time in Vegas, sharing insights on the city’s energy, entertainment, and convention buzz. The highlight of the episode features Vanessa Claspill, Chief Sales Officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), in a conversation with Samantha about what attendees can expect when they come to Las Vegas for InfoComm 2026.

Podcasts

Do Your Goodest | brAVe [skills] Ep16

Britt Yenser and Leon Prather are back together (in the same studio and everything!) for a conversation that's deceptively simple on the surface: what's the difference between best and right? Whether you’re spec’ing out AV equipment, hiring for your team, or navigating your own career, the “best” option isn’t always the one that actually fits. They dig into real stories, a few laughs, and some genuinely useful takeaways. Come for the skills, stay for the chaos.

Podcasts

Vegas Vibes & Digital Buzz | Backstage Pass: IC26, Ep. 2

In Episode 2 of Backstage Pass: IC26, hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard dive deeper into the energy building around InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas. From travel stories and show-floor anticipation to immersive tech landmarks like the Sphere, the conversation sets the stage for what attendees can expect this year. The episode features a dedicated segment on social media at InfoComm 2026, with insights from Gibran Nassif and Narin Nara, who share practical tips on how attendees, exhibitors, and content creators can get involved online, grow their presence, and be part of the conversation before, during, and after the show.

Podcasts

Broadcast AV in Corporate Spaces: Studio Design, IP Workflows & ROI w/ Ikan | AV Unplugged, Ep. 13

In this episode of the AV Unplugged Podcast, host Mark Metzger is joined by James Tian and Daniel Napier of Ikan to explore the growing role of broadcast AV in corporate environments. Broadcast studios are no longer limited to television networks. Today’s corporations are building flexible, high‑quality studio spaces for podcasting, executive communications, product demos, training, live streaming, and virtual events. James and Daniel share hard‑earned insights from designing and operating real‑world corporate studios, including Ikan’s own Houston-based facility and AVIXA’s DC-based space.

Podcasts

InfoComm 2026 Sneak Peek, New Activation Hubs & Tips | Backstage Pass: IC26, Ep. 1

Get ready for InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas with an all‑access episode of Backstage Pass: IC26! Hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard break down everything you need to know heading into the AV industry’s biggest show of the year. In this episode, we recap recent industry events, share behind‑the‑scenes show prep, and dive into what makes InfoComm 2026 bigger, smarter, and more immersive than ever. You’ll hear exclusive insights from special guest Jen Heinold as she reveals how InfoComm is reimagining the show floor with a Work & Play theme, brand‑new Activation Hubs, enhanced app features, and powerful networking opportunities. #InfoComm #BackstagePass #AVIndustry #LiveEvents #AVTech #TradeShows #LasVegas #ActivationHubs #AVIXA #EventProduction

Podcasts

Balancing the System | brAVe [skills] Ep15

How do we keep the system stable? What signals matter? Tech leaders know all too well that system maintenance cannot be overlooked. In this revisitation of our episode called The Great Balancing Act, we explore practical concepts to ensure that we maximize uptime for the most important part of any system: the person operating it. We will attempt to answer questions surrounding concepts of work-life integration, delegation, and prioritization to help us avoid the road that so often leads to burnout.

Podcasts

Can AI Help You Pass the CTS Exam? Introducing AVIXA’s Study Buddy | Practically AI, Ep. 1

In the premiere episode of Practically AI, host Mark Metzger sits down with Zachary Fisher, AVIXA’s Director of Learning, to reveal the newly developed CTS Chat Buddy—an AI‑powered study assistant designed to support CTS candidates and AV professionals alike. This episode dives into how AVIXA trained this custom AI model using vetted educational content, why it’s a trusted companion for exam prep, and how it personalizes study plans, delivers sample questions, and supports ongoing learning in the field. Mark and Zach explore the broader implications of artificial intelligence in the audiovisual industry, discuss how AI can complement instructors rather than replace them, and share insights into what’s coming next as the tool evolves beyond its beta phase. Pursuing your CTS certification or curious about practical AI applications in Pro AV? This conversation offers a clear look at how AVIXA is shaping the future of learning.

Podcasts

Troubleshooting AV‑over‑IP & Digital Signage: A Systematic Approach | Tech Support, Ep. 8

In this episode of Tech Support, host Holger Wiesenberg, CTS, ANP (Audinate) sits down with Yasemin Fröhlacher of Easescreen to break down one of the industry’s most common challenges: effective troubleshooting in AV‑over‑IP and digital signage systems. Recorded live at ISE 2026, this conversation dives into why modern troubleshooting feels more complex—and how technicians can stay calm, systematic, and successful when things go wrong. Holger and Yasemin explore real‑world examples, from black screens to network discovery issues, and share practical advice on everything from checking physical layer connections to navigating corporate network security. This episode will help you streamline your troubleshooting strategy and better understand today’s AV‑over‑IP landscape.

Podcasts

Beyond the Big Screens: How Broadcast & AV Converge in Enterprise Spaces | AV Unplugged, Ep. 12

In this episode of AV Unplugged, host Mark Metzger sits down on the ISE 2026 show floor with Mattias Llop‑Allevik of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bryan Davies of Ross Video for a deep dive into the accelerating convergence of broadcast and pro AV. From New York to London to global headquarters around the world, enterprise environments are evolving fast—embracing centralized production models, broadcast‑grade reliability, immersive digital signage, and increasingly sophisticated content pipelines. Mattias and Bryan unpack the forces driving this shift. With practical insights from both the integrator and manufacturer perspectives, this conversation explores how organizations are redefining the modern media ecosystem—internally and externally—and what it takes to build systems that scale, impress, and truly perform.

Podcasts

From Curious to Certified: How This AV Pro Got a CTS and Elevated His Career | AV Unplugged

Join host Mark Metzger in this AV Unplugged episode as he sits down with Jean‑Francois Schoepfer, CTS, Senior AV Engineer at Roche, to explore his journey into the audiovisual industry. Jean‑Francois shares how his lifelong passion for electronics led him into AV, how he navigated the challenges of balancing work and study, and what earning the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification has meant for his professional growth.

Podcasts

The LAW of Listening | brAVe [skills] Ep14

If 90 percent of any production is audio, doesn't that imply that listening is a crucial skill for professionals in the audiovisual industry? In this episode, revisit just why it is that effective listening is a superpower for leaders looking to make real impact in their sphere of influence.

Podcasts

One Goal, Many Paths: Sustainability Across the Global AV Industry with SAVe | AV Unplugged

Recorded live at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 in Barcelona, this special episode of AV Unplugged brings together AV leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the APAC region for a powerful conversation about the future of sustainability in the industry and SAVe. Hosted by Danilda Martinez, the panel explores how different regions—each with unique cultural, economic, and regulatory landscapes—are tackling environmental responsibility in their own ways. Danilda speaks with: Priscilla Ho — VP of Operations at ESCO, representing the APAC region Virginia Molina — VP of Digital Projection, representing Latin America Marjolein Koens-Schaddelee — Managing Director at AVEX and GPA Board Member, representing Europe This cross-continental conversation highlights one shared truth: the AV industry’s sustainable future will be built together—through collaboration, transparency, and meaningful action.

Podcasts

Recapping a Historic ISE with Mike Blackman and Dave Labuskes | Backstage Pass: ISE 2026

In this final episode of Backstage Pass for the ISE 2026 season, Sam and special host Hannah Shellswell are joined by ISE Managing Director Mike Blackman, and AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes as they look back at a record-setting ISE. Mike and Dave discuss their favorite parts of the show, what they look forward to in the future, and are joined by two surprise guests to bestow them with a special honor.