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  • InfoComm 2025: Focused on Users, Fueled by Connection

    InfoComm 2025: Focused on Users, Fueled by Connection

    What happens when almost 31,000 AV professionals descend on Orlando in the middle of June? You get three days of tech talk, product reveals, hallway deals, and some very real community moments. InfoComm 2025 didn’t reinvent the industry—but it reinforced something more powerful: connection.

    Newsworthy at InfoComm 2025

    InfoComm 2025 Albright speech
    InfoComm 2025 Albright speech

    The show officially ran Wednesday through Friday, but the conversation started well before the ribbon was cut. As usual, we in the press received the post-show release late Friday night. Buried in the standard metrics—registrations, exhibitors, floor space—was the real story: InfoComm 2025 marked the largest number of AV end-users in the show’s history.

    That’s a big deal. During a fireside chat I had with Joe Way and the HETMA crew on Tuesday, I noted that AVIXA has begun recognizing the end-user’s critical role in the AV sales cycle. If something is important, you track it—and AVIXA has been tracking AV user attendance since the 2021 show. This year’s growth tells us that end-users aren’t just walking the floor. They’re shaping the future of our industry.

    And while we’re on the topic, AVIXA deserves credit for continuing to report on “qualified attendees”—a designation that excludes exhibitors, press, and others who aren’t potential buyers. It’s a level of transparency other shows would do well to adopt.

    What’s New at InfoComm 2025

    Let’s be honest—this year didn’t deliver seismic tech shifts. The AV market continues to mature, and we may be riding a plateau for a bit. That’s not a bad thing. It means stability, refinement, and real-world use cases.

    InfoComm 2025 AV Cloud
    InfoComm 2025 AV Cloud

    That said, there were innovations worth noting:

    • Artificial Intelligence: Netspeak and X-Ten showcased AI-powered support and design automation. UC and camera manufacturers continued leaning into AI for camera tracking, signal processing, and real-time adjustments—capabilities that used to require a dedicated TD. In audio, automated DSP processing is becoming more powerful and intuitive.
    • Displays Evolve: Transparent OLED is gaining traction, and DVLED manufacturers are pushing turnkey, all-in-one display solutions. LCD panels are getting bigger, brighter, and packed with features—without reinventing the form factor.

    These weren’t moonshots. They were refinements. But they mattered—especially for integrators and tech managers looking for reliability at scale.

    Breaking Ground: The Real Story Is Connection

    InfoComm 2025 networking
    InfoComm 2025 networking

    So what was truly groundbreaking? Not the gear. The connections.

    InfoComm lands roughly halfway between each year’s ISE, making it a perfect mid-year touchpoint for North American AV professionals. Yes, we all complain about Orlando or Vegas in June, but the chance to reconnect with colleagues, meet new voices, and swap war stories in person is what keeps people coming back.

    AVIXA continues to excel at fostering community and belonging. From Tuesday night on, there were countless opportunities to learn, network, and recharge—whether at official events, manufacturer-hosted gatherings, or impromptu lobby meetups. If you didn’t have something to go to, you weren’t paying attention.

    And if you didn’t? Reach out before InfoComm 2026. I’ll help you get in the right rooms with the right people.

    My Week in Orlando

    A quick personal note: Monday night kicked off with the HETMA Awards, where I was honored to be inducted into the Higher Ed AV Hall of Fame—one of four recipients, and the only one not working directly in higher education. I’m truly humbled and grateful for the recognition.

    Looking Ahead

    There’s been talk that InfoComm is “staying in Vegas” beyond next year. According to AVIXA, that’s not true. The Orange County Convention Center is already booked for 2027, so this east-west dance will continue for now.

    But before then, we’ll be back together June 17–19, 2026. Same mission: connect, collaborate, and see what the brilliant minds in AV cook up next.

    Until then, we’ll keep the conversation going online. What stood out to you at InfoComm 2025? Let us know, tag us, or join us on AVNation’s shows and socials.

     

  • Microsoft Account Team phishing scam: What You Need to Know

    Microsoft Account Team phishing scam: What You Need to Know

     

    If you or your team recently received an email claiming to be from Microsoft’s “Account Team,” stop before you click. It could be a Microsoft Account Team phishing scam.

    A new phishing campaign is making the rounds, using what looks like a legitimate Microsoft notification to target users in Unified Communications (UC) environments. The email urges recipients to click a link to address a so-called “security policy violation”, but the only real security risk is clicking the link itself.

    What’s Happening

    At a glance, the spoofed email appears authentic: it uses Microsoft branding, a support-style tone, and even includes a “notification ID” to mimic official correspondence. But the email actually routes through an external sender domain. Something like @accountprotection-microsoft.com which should be your first red flag.

    Clicking the embedded link sends users to a phishing page designed to steal Microsoft 365 credentials. Once credentials are entered, attackers can pivot to sensitive data, impersonate internal users, or gain access to Teams chats, calendars, OneDrive files, and more.

    This campaign is especially dangerous for hybrid work environments where Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook are deeply integrated. For AV and IT teams managing Microsoft-based UC systems, a compromised account could expose shared meeting room calendars, AV device configurations, or even system documentation stored in the cloud.

    Why It Matters for AV and IT Pros

    Phishing isn’t new but targeting Microsoft 365 accounts in UC environments ups the stakes. These platforms aren’t just for email anymore. They’re the backbone of meeting room scheduling, content sharing, and real-time collaboration.

    If your org uses Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR), compromised credentials could be used to:

    • Hijack scheduled meetings or inject malware-laden links.
    • Access configuration files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
    • Leverage compromised accounts to phish other internal users — especially AV or IT admins.

    And if your AV-over-IP systems are tied to cloud services or remote management portals? That threat surface just got bigger.

    Microsoft Account Team Phishing Scam Protection

    Here are practical steps AV and IT teams can take now:

    1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
      This remains the strongest baseline protection against credential theft.
    2. Train Your Team to Inspect Sender Domains
      Even a realistic-looking email can be fake. Teach users to hover over sender names and links to see the real source.
    3. Deploy Microsoft Defender or Similar Threat Protection
      Advanced anti-phishing tools can help detect and quarantine spoofed emails before they reach inboxes.
    4. Use Conditional Access Policies
      Limit what can be accessed from which devices and geographies.
    5. Create an Internal Incident Reporting Workflow
      Make it easy for your team to forward suspicious messages to IT or InfoSec for quick analysis.

    Phishing campaigns like this one aren’t going away, they’re evolving. But with the right guardrails in place, your AV and IT teams can stay one step ahead.

    Got Teams Room questions or need to know how to secure your AV deployments? We’ve got you covered. Stay tuned to AVNation for deeper dives and best practices.

  • Inside the Crestron Modern Work Certification Track

    Inside the Crestron Modern Work Certification Track

    At this year’s Crestron Masters, Modern Work took on a slightly different meaning. While the keynote set the tone with a forward-looking message about platform evolution and ecosystem growth, the real nuts and bolts came out in the certification sessions. In years past the Modern Work Summit was filled with presentations, discussions, and future casting. For the first time, Crestron Modern Work Certification was available.

    Ground Level, But Not Basic

    Crestron Modern Work Summit sign
    Crestron Modern Work Summit sign

    Modern Work is positioned as an entry-level certification, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on value. Whether you’re new to Crestron or just looking to solidify your understanding of Flex, NVX, or Automate VX, the sessions offer a solid foundation that connects product knowledge to real-world deployment scenarios.

    Sessions covered:

    • Crestron NVX and NAX: A strong overview of the AV-over-IP and audio-over-IP ecosystems, including a practical discussion of NAX vs. Dante, USB over IP, and when NVX Director becomes necessary.
    • Network Design Fundamentals: Practical AVoIP network design insights, toolbox demos, and tips on USB power planning were especially helpful for IT teams responsible for large-scale deployments.
    • Design Resources: Between the Crestron Toolbox, web-based interfaces, and documentation resources, the emphasis was on making the integrator’s job easier and more precise.

    Flexibility Is the Advantage

    Crestron Modern Work panel
    Crestron Modern Work panel

    A key takeaway: Crestron continues to lean into platform flexibility. While other manufacturers are packaging rigid, all-in-one kits, Crestron’s Flex line gives integrators and consultants more options. Camera pairings like Huddly, One Beyond, and Jabra are all in play. And tools like the Flex Product Picker make it easier to design systems around client needs. Just like a “choose your own adventure” for room builds.

    The data backs it up: In a recent Crestron-conducted survey, 74% of IT managers cited Microsoft Teams as their preferred platform, followed by Zoom (17%) and Cisco (8%). This makes interoperability and design agility all the more critical.

    Automating the Modern Meeting Room

    If you haven’t touched Automate VX yet, you’re missing out on one of the more innovative approaches to multi-camera room design. VX doesn’t need a control system. The switching logic lives inside the system itself. Pair that with microphone gating and Visual AI that uses face direction to optimize camera switching, and you’ve got a system that’s smart enough to keep up with real-time conversations. Especially when you’re using up to 12 cameras for dynamic speaker tracking.

    Crestron Modern Work Certification

    More than anything, the Modern Work certification isn’t about checking a box; it’s about preparing professionals to design, support, and troubleshoot the kinds of rooms clients are asking for right now. Whether it’s USB transport over IP, VX speaker tracking, or just understanding the right mic layout for a conference room, the sessions emphasized design thinking grounded in day-to-day implementation.

    Tim's Crestron Modern Work Certification
    Tim’s Crestron Modern Work Certification

    Between this and the broader conversations at Crestron Masters, it’s clear that Crestron is positioning its ecosystem not just for where the market is going, but for where IT and AV managers need to be today. And, yes, I am now Crestron Modern Work Certified.

    Related Reading: Check out my recap of the Crestron Masters Keynote for a high-level view of where Crestron is headed.

     

  • AV Tariffs ahead of InfoComm 2025

    AV Tariffs ahead of InfoComm 2025

    InfoComm 2025 is just two weeks away. As you finalize your plans, we wanted to give you a guide to AV tariffs. This is a changing situation. We will be updated depending on what the various manufacturers make public. AV buyers, decision makers, and the ones writing the POs need to have the information at hand when heading onto the show floor.

    We’ve all learned so much the past five years in regards to supply chains. Now we are getting an education on what manufacturers pay in tariffs, levies, and VAT taxes. Fees are assessed at different parts of the supply chain. Tariffs are assessed at the port of entry or the port it’s leaving. Complicating matters further, manufacturing is done in different parts of the world. While the finished product may be completed in the US, various parts are created elsewhere. There are tariffs on parts of a product, not just the finished good. We’ve also given links to the stories we are getting our information from.

    The best idea is to communicate with your integrator of choice. If your college or company doesn’t want a “tariff” line item, let them know that. Most companies can accommodate rolling any increased cost into an invoice. Your accounting department may want to see how much extra they are paying due to tariffs. Again, work with your integrator and let them know.

    With that in mind, here in alphabetical order are the top companies exhibiting at InfoComm 2025 and their current stance on AV tariffs.

    The List

    Absen – They have made no official comment on tariffs. Absen does manufacture in China and one could assume there would be some increase in the total cost of DVLED.

    AtlasIED – Atlas makes products in the US and other parts of the world. No official word has been made public.

    Barco – While there hadn’t been much to worry about from the Belgian projector maker, the U.S. gave us something to talk about. Last week the US announced a 50% tariff on products coming from the EU. That has since been paused for 90 days. We wait to see if they go into effect and their impact.

    Biamp – You can get the most updated rate on their AV tariff calculator here. Currently that rate sits at 25% on all models of UC Compute.

    Cisco – The UC and switch powerhouse has announced adjusting supply chains. This is one of the ways companies are mitigating any additional costs.

    Crestron – Crestron started off by announcing a 12% increase the first of April. When the reduction in tariffs were announced, they adjusted their own surcharge to 5% starting May 1. Updated 3 June, 2025:

    • Effective tomorrow, June 3, 2025, we are reducing the tariff surcharge to 4% on all invoices issued by United States-based Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    • As previously communicated, this surcharge will NOT apply to invoices issued by our international entities: Crestron Europe BV, Crestron Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Crestron ANZ Pty. Ltd., at this time.

    Epson – When the initial tariff levels came out, Epson followed suit with a 15% increase. They have since taken that off the board. As of this writing, there is no current increase.

    HP Poly – There has been no official statement from HP Poly in regards to tariff increases.

    Kramer – UPDATED 3 June, 2025. Kramer has updated their previous tariff increase. The company will remove the 15% tariff effective July 1, 2025. At the same time the company announced an overarching price increase across “most of their line.” The announcement did not mention the increased amount.

    Legrand AV – Legrand AV’s parent company, Legrand, is based in France. With that in mind, and manufacturing globally, they have a varied approach. The bottom line is that AV and IT directors should expect about a 2% increase in the cost of Legrand AV products. The company is adjusting manufacturing locations and postponing hiring vacant positions.

    LG – The display manufacturer is looking at shifting production to lower-tariff countries. In the meantime, LG will be “increasing costs for some products”.

    Logitech – Like many other companies, Logitech is investigating moving manufacturing to lower-tariff countries. Some consumers have already noticed increased prices on peripherals.

    QSC – QSC had responded to AV tariffs by announcing a pause on importing over 200 products. However, QSC’s order pause that affected a select subset of Q-SYS portfolio products was lifted on May 8th in the United States. On May 27th, QSC lifted the order pause on all QSC Audio products. Contact your QSC rep or integrator with questions or support.

    Samsung – The company had the advantage of manufacturing a good percentage of their products in Mexico. It’s what saved a good number of jobs during the pandemic. While products from Mexico do not have the same level of tariffs as China, there still are some.

    Shure – The audio giant has not announced any increase in response to the tariffs. They did provide an official statement to AVNation. “With a rapidly changing global tariff situation, we are constantly evaluating the latest updates to make the right adjustments and minimize effects on our customers.”

    Sony – Like many on this list, Sony is a very diversified company. While no official statement was provided, there are stories available about tariffs impacting Sony overall. The stories focused mainly on the PlayStation division.

    Keeping up with AV Tariffs

    This is not an exhaustive list. It is the most up-to-date we can produce with the information available. We will continue to update as we get new statements. If you have a company you’d like to add to the list, shoot us an email Press@AVNation.tv or comment below. We’ll see you at InfoComm 2025.

  • Beyond the Code: Key Takeaways from Crestron Masters 2025

    Beyond the Code: Key Takeaways from Crestron Masters 2025

    What began over two decades ago as a gathering of 30 programmers in New Jersey has grown into one of the most significant events in the pro AV calendar. This year, Crestron Masters 2025 hosted more than 700 attendees in Europe. Its largest gathering on the continent to date. For those of us in attendance, it wasn’t just about product announcements or coursework (though there were 40 of those to choose from). It was about the community.

    Crestron Masters 2025 True Blue
    Crestron Masters 2025 True Blue

    Crestron has leaned heavily into that idea. The rebranding of their Online Help to the True Blue Community is more than a cosmetic update. It’s a strategic shift toward unifying programmers, designers, consultants, and IT/AV professionals under a shared banner. Documentation, discussion groups, known issue tracking, and support are now housed in one place. Built by the community, for the community.

    But community wasn’t the only story. Crestron also gave us a peek at where the platform is headed technically.

    Intelligent AV: Content, Collaboration, Control

    A recurring theme in the keynote was how Crestron continues to invest in their core pillars of AV. Content, collaboration, and control.

    We saw the DM NVX 384, a multiview-capable solution that expands how AV-over-IP can serve complex environments. In collaboration, AirMedia Connect continues to mature, offering flexible wireless sharing in BYOD-centric workplaces. And in the control space, Crestron Construct is making steady progress toward VTPro-e parity, with a major release expected later this year. If you’re a programmer who’s been waiting to dive deeper into Construct, this is the year to do it.

    Crestron also showcased updates to Automate VX, their intelligent video platform that now includes spatial awareness and auto-measurement capabilities. Up to five cameras can be auto-switched in a room, minimizing the need for manual configuration. For those designing hybrid meeting spaces, these features could streamline deployment considerably.

    The message was clear: it’s an API-driven world. And Crestron is building tools that reflect that reality like the new Logic Editor plugin and XIO Cloud integration.

    Programming for the Future

    Crestron emphasized that the future of control is rooted in HTML5 and CSS, with cross-platform apps for Mac and PC in development. The goal? Flexible, scalable control systems that align with modern developer practices while still meeting the expectations of seasoned AV programmers.

    Even audio isn’t being left behind. With distributed DSP capabilities extending through the NAX and NVX lines, Crestron is continuing to expand what integrators can do over a converged network.

    Crestron Masters 2025 Builds the Future

    Crestron Masters 2025 C-Suite
    Crestron Masters 2025 C-Suite

    One of the keynote’s stickiest phrases was this: “AI is enriched by great AV.” Whether you’re a control programmer, a UC specialist, or an IT manager trying to wrangle hybrid spaces, that sentiment rings true. And with budgets reportedly up 19% year-over-year in the IT/AV space, the opportunities to enhance communication are growing.

    Crestron Masters 2025 wasn’t just a look at what’s next for Crestron. It was a reminder of what’s possible when AV pros come together to share, learn, and push the industry forward.

    And yes, we’ll be talking about it on AVWeek.

  • Shure IntelliMix Room Kits: Streamlining Audio for Microsoft Teams Rooms

    Shure IntelliMix Room Kits: Streamlining Audio for Microsoft Teams Rooms

    One cost associated with deploying a new conference room is labor. This comes in when a system is too complex, too many parts, to install quickly. The fact that Shure IntelliMix Room Kits are officially shipping solves that. These all-in-one audio solutions combine Shure’s trusted IntelliMix Room DSP software with pre-configured hardware bundles that make deploying Microsoft Teams-certified rooms faster, simpler, and more scalable.

    Every bundle comes with a Microflex mic array, mini PC with the IntelliMix Room DSP loaded, a Huddly camera, and controller. The system comes in a box slightly larger than a large pizza. In that box, Shure has also shipped all the necessary cables for connecting the system together. You absolutely will have cables left over. That’s kind of the point. The idea behind the Shure IntelliMix Room Kit is for whoever is installing it to have everything at hand.

    Leveraging the Shure IntelliMix Room Kits for AV and IT

    Putting together conference rooms can be time consuming and frustrating. If your team is the one buying and deploying the gear, you have to make sure you have everything. All your I’s dotted and T’s crossed. Then you need make everything work together. These kits eliminate much of that guesswork. Especially in commissioning the audio part. The software-based DSP includes echo cancellation, noise reduction, and automatic mixing—all handled by the included PC, not a traditional rackmount processor.

    This means less physical infrastructure, faster deployment timelines, and easier remote management. It’s an IT-friendly approach to AV that supports scale across hybrid workplaces, higher education campuses, and enterprise facilities.

    Why Teams Certification Matters

    To get a product Microsoft Teams Certified is a serious process. Teams takes the entire system into their own meeting room labs and puts it through the paces. The reason hardware manufacturers do it is because getting Teams Certified is no longer an option. That certification is a must in today’s environment. Without it, an IT team would be hoping what they bought worked with their Teams systems.

    Benefits of getting Microsoft Teams Certified:

    • Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Teams Rooms setups
    • Updates and management
    • Reliable conferencing quality
    • Troubleshooting support

    That last part about support is huge. When you call up Microsoft and say “there’s something wrong with my Teams room” they’ll ask what you have in there. If the gear you’re using isn’t Teams Certified they will quickly end the call and say call the manufacturer. If the answer is something that’s been certified they can help walk you through fixing the system.

    That’s what makes the Shure IntelliMix Room Kits so attractive for organizations standardizing on Microsoft Teams. They take the guesswork out of audio and reduce the support headaches that usually come with room-by-room deployments.

    Software-Driven AV

    Shure’s launch points to a bigger shift we’ve been watching in the industry—moving away from bulky, hardware-based DSPs and toward flexible, software-driven solutions. With IntelliMix Room, you don’t need a full rack of gear in every space. Instead, audio processing runs on a PC you’re already installing in the room, which means lower costs, less physical clutter, and easier updates.

    AV and IT teams can also leverage Shure’s ShureCloud or third-party platforms for centralized management and monitoring, ensuring ongoing visibility into system health across multiple rooms.  ShureCloud gives gives the ability to monitor devices, update firmware, and manage licenses. One dashboard for everything Shure.

    For anyone building or upgrading Microsoft Teams Rooms, Shure IntelliMix Room Kits offer a smart, scalable, and certified path to clear, consistent audio—with less effort and greater peace of mind.

  • Microsoft Teams AOSP Migration: What You Need to Know

    Microsoft Teams AOSP Migration: What You Need to Know

     

    Microsoft is initiating a major shift in how Teams-enabled Android devices are managed—and it’s happening whether you’re ready or not. Starting May 15, 2025, Microsoft will begin enforcing automatic firmware updates on Teams Android devices as part of the global Microsoft Teams AOSP migration.

    The goal? Transition all Android-based Teams devices to Android Open Source Project (AOSP) management through Microsoft Intune. This move replaces legacy Android Device Administrator methods and sets the foundation for more modern, secure, and scalable device management.

    But there’s a catch: These firmware updates can’t be paused or delayed.

    Rollout Phases You Can’t Opt Out Of

    Microsoft has detailed a strict three-phase update cycle:

    • Validation Phase (0–15 days): Limited early access
    • General Phase (16–45 days): Default rollout window for most organizations
    • Final Phase (46–60 days): Catch-all enforcement for remaining devices

    These automatic updates apply to all Teams Android devices, including collaboration bars, Teams panels, and display units—regardless of manufacturer. The migration will roll out worldwide, including GCC and GCC High environments, and is expected to complete by late August 2025.

    Why the Microsoft Teams AOSP Migration Matters

    For AV and IT professionals, especially those managing Microsoft Teams Rooms, this change goes beyond firmware. It alters the underlying management architecture of Teams devices—and failure to meet the AOSP prerequisites can result in devices signing out or becoming temporarily unusable.

    In live meeting environments, that’s more than inconvenient—it’s a disruption that undermines trust in the AV system.

    This is especially critical for enterprise, higher ed, and public sector environments where Teams Room functionality is mission-critical. Being signed out during an update means manual reconfiguration, downtime, and potential support escalations that could have been avoided with proactive planning.

    What You Need to Do Now

    To prepare for the Microsoft Teams AOSP migration, AV/IT teams should:

    • Review AOSP readiness steps in the Teams Admin Center
    • Ensure devices are properly enrolled in Microsoft Intune with AOSP configuration
    • Check firmware compatibility and update schedules
    • Alert on-site teams and stakeholders about potential sign-out risks

    Microsoft has made it clear: There are no exceptions or extensions for delaying these updates.

    A Shift That Signals a Larger Trend

    This is more than just a firmware upgrade—it’s a strategic pivot toward unified Android device management under the AOSP framework. Microsoft is future-proofing its device ecosystem, and AV/IT teams need to evolve alongside it.

    The Microsoft Teams AOSP migration reinforces a broader trend: cloud-managed, secure, and standardized device fleets are now the norm—not the exception.

    If you haven’t started assessing your Teams Android environment, now is the time. The update clock starts ticking on May 15, and once the final phase hits, it may be too late to prevent disruption.

  • Why Classroom AV Standardization Matters More Than Ever

    Why Classroom AV Standardization Matters More Than Ever

    When you’re running hundreds of classrooms across multiple buildings—or even campuses—consistency isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. That message came through loud and clear on the February episode of AVNation’s EDTech, recorded live on the show floor at ISE in Barcelona.

    When AV is consistent, everyone wins.

    Our guests, Patrick Angielczyk from Mohawk College and Teddy Murphy from the University of Pikeville, know the daily reality of higher ed AV. Between them, their teams support more than 500 learning spaces—and they’re doing it with just a handful of people. For institutions like theirs, classroom AV standardization isn’t just a best practice. It’s survival.

    The Problem with Patchwork AV

    “We’ve never really had a standard,” Patrick said. “We’re trying to not only upgrade our classrooms, but also to develop a standard so that we have the same user interfaces, user experience, from room to room to room.”

    Sound familiar? Faculty members don’t want to relearn how to use the technology every time they walk into a new room. Support teams can’t afford the overhead of troubleshooting ten different systems across ten different spaces. When every room is its own unique setup, maintenance becomes a nightmare—and user satisfaction tanks.

    Standardization Isn’t Just About Hardware

    The conversation at ISE reinforced a growing truth in higher ed: AV standardization isn’t just about picking the same projector or DSP. It’s about creating a unified experience—one that gives faculty confidence, helps students stay focused, and allows support staff to solve issues fast.

    “Maybe not every room can have all the bells and whistles,” said EDTech host Erin Maher-Moran, “but you can scale it and try to at least make something similar across the board.”

    That mindset—balancing scale with simplicity—is where many institutions are headed. Whether you’re dealing with lecture halls, active learning classrooms, or huddle spaces, the goal is to create a seamless UI/UX from one room to the next.

    Lessons from the Show Floor

    At ISE, Patrick and Teddy both mentioned how eye-opening it was to see how European universities approach technology. The AV tech may look the same, but the philosophies vary—and there’s value in that perspective shift. As Patrick put it, “You name it, it’s all under one roof.” And that includes ideas worth stealing.

    From immersive XR classrooms to advances in digital signage, what caught their attention wasn’t just flashy tech—it was tech that could be standardized, supported, and scaled back home.

    The Real Win? Faculty Confidence

    Standardization doesn’t just help the tech team. It helps faculty teach better.

    If instructors walk into a room and know exactly how to start class, adjust audio, share content, or connect remote students, they’re more likely to embrace the technology—and less likely to call for help.

    That’s the bottom line. When AV is consistent, everyone wins.

    Want to hear the full conversation?
    Listen to Episode 127 of EDTech from the ISE show floor—available now on AVNation.tv and wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Working the Mix: What AV Careers Can You Learn from a Drummer

    Working the Mix: What AV Careers Can You Learn from a Drummer

    At AVNation, we believe the most valuable voices in AV aren’t always the loudest—or the most traditional. That’s why we love conversations like the one between Jennifer Weaver and Patrick Shore on AV Career Mastermind. Patrick’s story is a perfect reminder that this industry thrives on people with curiosity, creative drive, and a willingness to learn on the fly.

    To listen to the full episode of AV Career Mastermind click here

    From Entertainment Tech to Universal Studios

    Patrick Shore didn’t start out in AV. He started as a musician and a grad student in Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology program. But a field trip to the West Coast introduced him to themed entertainment, and eventually landed him a spot at Electrosonic.

    Over eight years, Patrick worked his way into proposal engineering, collaborating with sales and operations teams to scope out projects for Universal Studios, Google, and Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi. From reviewing drawings and BoMs to helping estimate labor and chase quotes, Patrick learned the hard (and human) side of getting big AV jobs across the finish line.

    AV Careers Are More Than Their Resumes

    One of the most important takeaways from Patrick’s story is how much AV talent exists beyond bullet points.

    Yes, he knows how to read drawings. Yes, he can manage accounts. But he’s also a lifelong drummer who records and mixes tracks, a pizza pop-up chef, and a content creator blending cooking with music on YouTube. This isn’t a gimmick—it’s a perfect example of how creativity in AV shows up in unexpected ways.

    And that creativity is what sets great AV pros apart. Not just technical skills, but flexibility, storytelling, and collaboration.

    What Patrick wants next isn’t about climbing the ladder—it’s about being the kind of account manager clients trust. Whether it’s a corporate briefing center or a ride at Universal Studios, he wants to help people succeed with tech that works.

    He knows how to say “That’s not us” without walking away. That’s someone who understands that relationships drive this business as much as signal paths and rack elevations.

    What the Industry Can Learn

    As integrators, manufacturers, and end users all compete for a shrinking pool of AV talent, stories like Patrick’s are a reminder: not every great hire comes with a CTS.

    Sometimes they come with a drum kit, a knack for editing video, and a track record of learning on the job.

    So the next time you’re hiring, look past the resume. The right person might already be mixing the perfect blend of tech, creativity, and client care—you just haven’t talked to them yet.

    AV Career Mastermind is part of AVNation’s commitment to highlighting the people shaping the future of AV. Listen to the full episode featuring Patrick Shore [link to episode].

     

  • Why Projector Brightness Standards Matter More Than Ever in Higher Ed AV

    Why Projector Brightness Standards Matter More Than Ever in Higher Ed AV

    In a sea of spec sheets, projector brightness might seem like just another number. But a recent lawsuit between Epson and Vava is a sharp reminder of why projector brightness standards aren’t just technical trivia — they’re critical for trust, performance, and decision-making in higher ed AV.

    Listen to EDTech Episode 126 here.

    Brightness Specs Under the Microscope

    Epson recently settled a lawsuit with Vava, claiming the company overstated brightness levels for its laser projectors. The core issue? Vava allegedly used marketing measurements that didn’t conform to ISO 21118, the internationally recognized projector brightness standard.

    For IT and AV managers responsible for classrooms, lecture halls, and hybrid learning spaces, this matters — a lot.

    Real-World Impact

    Ernie Bailey of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences didn’t mince words during a recent AVNation EdTech episode: “If I’m going to buy 40 or 50 projectors to go into classrooms, I want to know that if it says it’s a 4,000- or 6,000-lumen projector, it’s going to be the same brightness no matter what manufacturer I use.”

    He shared a troubling anecdote: when a 12,000-lumen classroom projector failed, he temporarily replaced it with a 6,000-lumen model. The difference? “In white light situations, you can barely tell. That bothers me.”

    Without Standards, Even AI Gets It Wrong

    Bailey also pointed out a growing concern in the age of automation and AI-assisted specification: “If you’re gonna start using AI to find the best projector for a room, and the specs are skewed by the manufacturer, AI’s not going to figure that one out. They didn’t use the ISO standard.”

    The ISO 21118 standard exists specifically to ensure consistent projector brightness measurements — especially critical when buying at scale or evaluating new vendors.

    It’s a Matter of Trust

    Rob Rasberry from Drexel noted the unusual nature of the Epson–Vava case: “This wasn’t a patent fight or a ‘we did it first’ argument. This was one manufacturer saying, ‘You’re outright lying.’ That’s a whole different thing.”

    Unlike tech ownership disputes, this one centers on a shared expectation: if you say it’s 6,000 lumens, it better be 6,000 lumens — using the agreed-upon projector brightness standard.

    Why Accuracy Matters in Higher Ed AV

    Sometimes, small differences in brightness can have major consequences. Bailey noted:

    “If we were teaching a pathology course where pink and purple side by side mean different things, I might have an issue.”

    Scott Tiner of Bates College echoed the importance of reliable specs for streamlining purchasing and setup across campus deployments. When brightness claims don’t hold up, it leads to frustration, rework, and wasted budget.

    Keep the Standards Alive — and Ask for Them

    Erin Maher-Moran of Johns Hopkins put it simply: “AV tends to be funny about standards. But there are a few that are well-established. At least get those right.”

    She’s right. ISO 21118 isn’t new. It’s reviewed, updated, and maintained — and should be demanded on every spec sheet, quote, and RFP.

    Don’t Just Trust the Label. Ask the Right Question.

    If you’re an IT or AV manager tasked with upgrading classrooms, specifying projectors for lecture halls, or integrating hybrid learning spaces, don’t just go by the lumens printed on the box.

    Ask if those numbers conform to ISO 21118. Ask for the projector brightness standard.
    Make it part of your RFP. If a manufacturer dodges the question? You’ve got your answer.

    As we increasingly rely on automation, remote support, and long-term AV investments, let’s make sure our decisions are rooted in facts — not fluff.