The Future of AV Control Programming: Skill Up, Branch Out, and Stay Ahead

On episode 126 of A State of Control, Rich Fregosa stepped in for Steve Greenblatt to host a powerful discussion on the future of AV control programming. Joined by industry experts Patrick Murray of Catch Technologies and long-time contributor Nick Miller, the episode explored how AV programmers can stay relevant in a world rapidly shifting toward cloud platforms, generative AI, and increasingly complex network environments.

“Previously, we were left alone to do our own thing… Now, you have InfoSec requirements, certifications, and network administrators becoming part of our workflow,” said Nick Miller, highlighting the need for AV pros to collaborate more deeply with IT stakeholders.

Control Programming Then and Now

Once upon a time, AV programmers were given a pile of gear and told to “make it work.” Today, that open-ended creativity has been replaced by API restrictions, manufacturer silos, and smart devices that don’t always want to talk to one another.

“There was more freedom back then,” Patrick Murray noted. “Today’s tech is powerful, but often far more restrictive. There’s still an expectation to make it all work—but sometimes the tools don’t let you in.”

The shift away from proprietary serial and IR control toward IP-based ecosystems has changed not only how AV systems are deployed but who’s at the table. Network security, cloud access, and platform compatibility are now central to any successful integration.

The Cloud and Continuous Support

Cloud platforms have reshaped the future of AV control programming by extending the programmer’s role beyond deployment. “Control programming doesn’t end when you leave the site,” said Nick. “With cloud systems, we can proactively monitor and respond to issues at scale, whether it’s on a campus or across the globe.”

Patrick agreed but emphasized context: “There’s no one-size-fits-all. Every project starts with goals, and from there, we select the right technologies—whether that’s cloud, traditional control systems, or something hybrid.”

Advice for New Programmers

For newcomers entering the AV programming space, both guests encouraged a hands-on, exploratory approach. Patrick recommends starting with Node-RED for early wins. “Build a UI that turns a display on and off over the network. That real-world feedback helps you understand how systems really work.”

“Programming is less than half the job,” Patrick added. “The real skill is understanding the system—what it’s supposed to do, how it communicates, and what the end user actually needs.”

Nick offered a two-part mantra: skill up and branch out. Experiment with different programming languages. Explore adjacent fields like digital signage and content automation. And yes—embrace AI.

AI Is a Power Tool, Not a Replacement

Both guests emphasized the practical role of generative AI tools in AV programming. Think of them as supercharged assistants that speed up repetitive coding tasks and help brainstorm solutions—not silver bullets.

“AI won’t write the program for you,” said Nick, “but it will give you a starting point, a framework to build on. That alone saves hours of work.”

Patrick echoed that thought: “AI is a search engine that gives me working code snippets. It frees my brain to focus on system design instead of syntax.”

The Control System’s Role in 2030

The conversation closed with a look ahead at what the future of AV control programming might hold. Both guests noted that traditional top-down architectures—where one control processor commands every device—are giving way to reactive, decentralized models.

“You’re not just telling devices what to do anymore,” Nick explained. “Now, control systems need to react to what Teams, Zoom, or a DSP has already done.”

Patrick pointed to an even broader trend: the rise of non-traditional platforms that now serve as control systems in their own right—Zoom, Teams, Apple Home, Alexa. “Are we just building bridges between these platforms now?” he asked. “Sometimes, that’s exactly what’s happening.”