Skip to content
A State of Control podcast artwork

PODCAST · technology

A State of Control

by AVNation Media

From the network for the AV Industry comes a show about control programming. From hard coding to configuring, we will discuss it all. Monthly guests will include programmers, designers, and end users.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jul 24, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. How The Internet Changed Everything | A State of Control

    Last time, we talked about the technology that revolutionized control programming. What could possibly match up against that? In one word: Connectivity. The advent of the internet was a leap in scale for many spaces including AV. On this episode of A State of Control, we look at how this one…

    more
  2. A History of AV Programming | A State of Control

    This is a new kind of A State of Control. But if we're going to do things right, we have to start all the way at the beginning. Join us for a journey in control programming, from humble starts to multi-million dollar corporations. Dive into the history of control. The video version of this…

    more
  3. Avoid Risk To Your AV Network | A State of Control 131

    As more devices and solutions get connected to the network, security is more important than ever. What was once 'nice to have' is essential if you want to keep your systems running. On this episode we look at securing the network and ensuring that you and your clients data are safe. The video...

  4. Who Really Owns The Code? | A State Of Control 130

    Code ownership has been a discussion between programmers and clients since we've been typing things into terminals. But today, we will most definitely pin down the eternal question: Who owns the code? Is it the modules themselves, the UI or just the uncompiled spaghetti left on floor? The video...

  5. Everything About Crestron Masters 2025 | A State of Control 129

    Every year, Crestron holds their Masters event for certified professionals in the AV industry. Programmers and designers come together for three days to educate themselves on the latests technology and work with peers in the business. This year the show was held in Madrid, May 13-15. Our guests...

  6. How Are We Using AI in AV Programming? | A State of Control 128

    Artificial Intelligence is less of a sci-fi concept these days. Unfortunately, it's instead just become more of a buzzword. Not to mention the defining lines between what consists of machine learning and generative computations. Rather than dig into that, we're here to discuss the programming…

    more
  7. AV Programming: Custom or Configuration? | A State of Control 127

    To be honest, automation is kind of AV's thing. We program devices of all kinds to serve functions in a simple way. But how does automation come down to the actual programming part? Do we insist on custom code or look for configuration-based programming tools for assistance? Does AI even get a…

    more
  8. Determining The Future Of AV Programming | A State of Control 126

    The video version of this podcast can be found here. Many years ago, students were told that "they wouldn't have a calculator in their pocket" at all time. Not only do we have calculators in our pockets, we have vast amounts of information and technology right at our fingertips. Tech evolves at a...

  9. Learning The Ropes Of AV Programming | A State of Control 125

    How does one become an AV programmer? It's not as easy an answer as you think. There are multiple facets to consider from manufacturer training to specific languages and more. To have this in-depth conversation, we are joined by Rich Fregosa from Fregosa Design, Erica Carroll of Charbett…

    more
  10. When To Upgrade And Update AV Systems | A State of Control 124

    One of the best parts about technology, especially software, is adaptability. Thanks to the internet we can run upgrade and modify systems to suit the needs of clients and customers on the fly. But updates aren't the be-all end-all. After all, one of the biggest shutdowns we saw from last year,...

  11. How Manufacturer Partnerships Are Essential To AV | A State of Control 123

    Integration is the foundation of the AV industry. Connecting different solutions and systems to make one cohesive unit is what makes AV so important for any space. Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs are one of those building blocks to exchange data and collaborate actions between…

    more
  12. Managing Systems From Anywhere In The World | A State of Control 122

    Out of the many things that the internet and networking in general has brought to AV, it's remote monitoring and support. No longer do you need to send out a team to diagnose a problem- Integrators can quickly respond and sort out the problem from afar. It's become so useful that it's considered…

    more
  13. From Black Boxes to Software Solutions | A State of Control 121

    As technology and networks expand, we are relying more on software solutions for control in AV systems. But what's the impact of moving to these systems for programmers? We look at what AV professionals should understand about virtual control and its use for networked AV. On this episode of A…

    more
  14. Understanding The CrowdStrike Outage | A State of Control 120

    In July, CrowdStrike systems went down, causing over 8 millions systems to crash. It turns out the error was not caused by a virus, international attack or otherwise- Just a faulty update being pushed out. For a programmer, that is the number one nightmare. We sort out just what happened and what...

  15. What it Means To Switch Programming Platforms | A State of Control 119

    Adapting to evolving technologies is one of the greatest assets a programmer can have. Not just for business sake, but platforms as well. Making informed decisions about control programming platforms and what integrators need to know for their projects. On this month's A State of Control, Steve...

  16. A State of Control 118: The Code is The Code

    It may shock you, but just writing code isn't all that programmers have to do. If they run a business around that programming, then there is much more that needs to be done that simply coding. There's coordination between your team and the client to make a project successful. So what are those...

  17. A State of Control 117: Silent Intern

    We had so much to talk about what happened at Crestron Masters 2024, that we had to break it into two parts. And even then, we still had a good discussion. We are joined once more by Diamond-level programmers Dave Hatz from CTI and Russ Noble from ClearAlan about how to bring in new programmers,...

  18. A State of Control 116: Our People

    This time of year, programmers in the AV field come together at Crestron Masters for a selection of courses and seminars. Not only does it bolster professional development, those with Crestron certification can maintain that level and even achieve higher ones like Platinum and Diamond. Today…

    more
  19. A State of Control 115: Better Business Operators

    Independent programming has been around for nearly three decades, and a discussion surrounding them has existed just as long. Opinion is split between outsourcing programming and doing the job in-house. What's the best model for integrators? On this episode we are joined by Co-host Rich Fregosa,...

  20. A State of Control 114: Not My Number

    Normally our show looks at the finer details of programming, especially in the AV space. But we're taking a little turn to discuss the business side of programming! After all, programming is a marketable skill almost like an art form in itself. But is technical skill enough to make it as a...

  21. A State of Control 113: It's Not Convergence, It's Reality

    Control capabilities in third-party solutions have evolved in priority. It used be just a neat bonus, before becoming necessary and even a selling point. They are a critical feature for programmers. So what do manufacturers making these products need to consider to make their systems...

  22. A State of Control 112: Nerds Unite

    Our show usually covers topics in an evergreen context. At least, as enduring as discussions in a constantly evolving space in technology can be. One such step in the control programming space has been the recent announcement of AMX MUSE, capable of supporting multiple mainstream programming...

  23. A State of Control 111: Voice To Programmers

    It might be a stereotype, but most programmers by nature are soft-spoken and blend into the background. But their work is integral to a successful project. How do they get the credit so rightly deserved? We are joined by Principal of Fregosa Design Rich Fregosa, UX Engineering Manager for Root...

  24. A State of Control 110: Just A Programmer

    There are some roles that when done correctly, you wouldn't realize anything had been done at all. But because of the nature of those jobs, it's hard to find appreciation for them. This month, we look at the role of the programmer within control systems and the AV space and how to give them the...

  25. A State of Control 109: Leave The Backdoor Unlocked

    An Application Programming Interface, or API, is sometimes a term that gets misconstrued in technology spaces. They used to simply be a control protocol, but have since evolved to more robust features and functions. On this month's episode we look at what makes a good API, how it can satisfy the...

  26. A State of Control 108: Three Dollars And A Ho-Ho

    If AV is an afterthought in projects, then programming is the afterthought of the afterthought. Programming has historically been looked at as a simple line item on the bill of a project, causing programmers to make a project work with a tight schedule and paltry budget. Our technology dependent...

  27. A State of Control 107: Programmers Have The Power

    If we learned anything in the past few years, it's that staying on your proverbial toes and being ready to pivot is crucial in all aspects of AV. From solutions to software, integrators and programmers needed to be able to adapt. This of course applies to control programming and platforms. When…

    more
  28. A State of Control 106: One The Loneliest Number

    The main purpose of control systems is to bring disparate products together and make them work in a unified experience. Though sometimes companies are more prone to making their solutions closed and protected from other manufacturers' equipment, we have seen an interest in integration and…

    more
  29. A State of Control 105: Always Be Learning

    One of the most advantageous parts of going into the programming field is that their knowledge can last. Good programmers can maintain a role for a good amount of time due to knowledge, experience and effectiveness in the projects they have accomplished. However, that ability also comes with a...

  30. A State of Control 104: Prompt Engineer

    Artificial Intelligence used to be the sort of thing you'd only hear about in a science fiction setting, or more recently with the advent of platforms like ChatGPT. But artificial intelligence, or concepts like machine learning have been in use in systems for quite a while now. AI is already…

    more
  31. A State of Control 103: Embedded Developer

    Programming by itself isn't hard to define. It's the process to make instructions and perform tasks through technology. But in the AV space, everything is technology. By their nature, AV programming can be ambiguous. Solutions require programming, there's a program phase in any design project…

    more
  32. A State of Control 102: Never A Typical Space

    For too long, programmers have had the stereotype of being cooped away in their dungeons never to see the light of day. But we trekked all the way over to Barcelona to not only check out Integrated Systems Europe 2023, but record an episode of A State of Control! Maybe the programmer's image is...

  33. A State of Control 101: Four Lattes

    AV systems have a balancing act that takes place between the hardware and software sides. But as we move to a more IT-centric space, we are seeing more integration with solutions that are software upgradeable. While this will keep products up to date and bring forward new features without fuss…

    more
  34. A State of Control 100: Unsung Hero

    It's crazy to think that nine years ago, A State of Control began. And like any technological sector, programming has evolved in unbelievable ways since those episodes were made. We're here to now only take a look back and see just how have things have changed, but look towards the future and how...

  35. A State of Control 99: Crestron Masters 2022

    Every year, Crestron holds their Masters training event. It's the first time that these programmers have gathered together in the same physical space since 2019. Our guests todays are a mix of newcomers to the show and self-described "old timers." Founder of Bizzity Ed Mana, Founder of Logical...

  36. A State of Control 98: AV On CNN

    If you're anywhere near a tech sector like the AV industry, you will likely hear about the recent supply chain shortages. A lack of chips have forced many clients, integrators, and programmers to look at new ways of addressing projecct needs. Change can be a good thing, but that doesn't mean it's...

  37. A State of Control 95: Not Playing The B-Sides

    On the show floor of InfoComm 2022 to talk in person about the control programming side of the AV industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  38. A State of Control 94: Integration Nirvana

    What new tricks programmers can learn to flourish in the midst of hardware supply hardships within the AV industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  39. A State of Control 93: Kind Space

    What it will take to expand the diversity of AV programmers and the industry in general. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  40. A State of Control 92: Blue Polo Shirts

    Talking to the women in control programming and what it means to be a woman in the AV industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  41. A State of Control 91: Tinfoil Hat

    Looking at the implementation of new products within projects and how to evaluate if a new solution is the right fit for the job. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  42. A State of Control 90: Managing Programmers Part 2: Process

    Continuing the conversation of the role of the programmer and it means to successfully lead your programmers through projects. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  43. A State of Control 89: Make Your Fate

    Looking at the role of the programming manager and how to effectively lead your team of AV programmers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  44. A State of Control 88: Build A Better Idiot

    Looking at how manufacturers have changed the programming space and what programmers should be focused on when broadening their horizons. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  45. A State of Control 87: Pay Me, Sucker!

    Discussing the scope of work when it comes to a project and how to work with your client to get them exactly what they signed up for. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  46. A State of Control 86: Hero, Not Zero

    What it means for programmers in an industry shifting to software-centric systems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  47. A State of Control 85: The Right To Get Smarter

    Looking at the options in programming for control systems and finding what's right for your client and your project. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  48. A State of Control 84: Cult of Personality

    Taking another look at the world of resimercial and what it means for integrators on both sides of the fence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  49. A State of Control 83: Code Hygiene

    Looking at the differences between software architecture and AV programming, and which one is the right fit for the right project. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  50. A State of Control 82: Simple Is Good

    Taking at look at this year's Crestron Masters event and the impact it has on the industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

From the network for the AV Industry comes a show about control programming. From hard coding to configuring, we will discuss it all. Monthly guests will include programmers, designers, and end users.

HOSTED BY

AVNation Media

Produced by AVNation Media, Inc

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does A State of Control have?

A State of Control currently has 118 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is A State of Control about?

From the network for the AV Industry comes a show about control programming. From hard coding to configuring, we will discuss it all. Monthly guests will include programmers, designers, and end users.

How often does A State of Control release new episodes?

A State of Control publishes regularly with 118 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to A State of Control?

You can listen to A State of Control on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts A State of Control?

A State of Control is created and hosted by AVNation Media.
URL copied to clipboard!