Beyond Visual: The Podcast

[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.

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.

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.

Get an exclusive preview of Las Vegas ahead of InfoComm 2026 in this episode of Backstage Pass: IC26Hosts 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

In this episode of Tech Support, host Holger Wiesenberg, CTS, ANP (Audinate) sits down with Yasemin Fröehlacher 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.

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.

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.

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 regionVirginia Molina — VP of Digital Projections, representing Latin AmericaMarjolein Koens-Schaddelee — Managing Director at AVEX and GPA Board Member, representing EuropeThis cross-continental conversation highlights one shared truth: the AV industry’s sustainable future will be built together—through collaboration, transparency, and meaningful action.

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.

In the Backstage Pass before ISE 2026, Sam and Ben chat about last minute travel preparation and are joined by two special guests.In the first segment, Mark Metzger interviews Hubert Van Dorn from Nexmosphere. Hubert discusses the evolution of the company over the past decade, highlighting their three main pillars: engaging experiences, data gathering, and device management. He emphasizes how their sensors can transform digital signage from static displays into interactive, data-driven tools that optimize customer engagement and improve operational efficiency.Next, Sam chats with CJ Farrell of BirdDog to chat about how a Zoom call can easily be transformed into a full-blown production with the right applications, as well as what the company will be bringing to this year's ISE. CJ also provides a demonstration of BirdDog's Connect software and how it can be utilized to take remote productions to the next level.

Futures Made of… Virtual Tech (and more!) Feat. Q-SYS, Cisco, and GoBright In this feature-packed episode of Backstage Pass, Sam and Ben discuss pre-show preparation, the important of a proper ISE fit, and Jamiroquai (?) Also in this episode, the hosts welcome three special guests to the show!Kicking off the episode, Ben interviews Patrick Heyn from Q-SYS about the company's latest innovations and offerings for 2026, particularly focusing on the Room Suite Modular System designed for collaboration spaces. They discuss the ease of deployment, the immersive experience at the upcoming ISE trade show, and how Q-SYS is enhancing user experiences through technology. Next, Sam and Patrick Eustace of Cisco discuss the evolving landscape of workspaces, focusing on the integration of technology and AI in enhancing collaboration and productivity. They explore the challenges organizations face in modernizing their work environments, the role of connected intelligence, and the future of collaboration devices.Then, Ben sits down with Chris Wiegeraad of GoBright, to discuss the evolution of smart workplace solutions and their plans for ISE. Chris shares insights into GoBright's journey over the past decade, highlighting their focus on creating a comprehensive smart workplace platform that enhances user experience while optimizing building management.Don’t miss this jam-packed episode as you prepare for ISE!

In this episode, Samantha Powell interviews Andre Testa, Vice President of Engineering at Matrox Video, discussing the company's preparations for the upcoming ISE , their engineering innovations, and the importance of open standards like IPMX. Andre shares insights into the challenges of AV signal transmission, the diverse markets Matrox serves, and the company's commitment to customer feedback and product development. He also highlights Matrox's 50-year legacy and the future of technology in the AV industry.

In this episode, Ben and Sam welcome the new year and chat about what's happening in their lives going into 2026. Sanj Surati of Tiger Heart joins the episode to discuss what's happening at ISE, focusing on the Xchange Live stage, where key topics such as sustainability and AI will be explored. Sanj shares insights from his extensive experience in the AV industry and highlights the importance of networking and learning from failures in technology implementation. They also touch on the vibrant culture of Barcelona and provide practical tips for first-time visitors to the city during the event.

In this episode of Backstage Pass: ISE 2026, Gill Ferrell from 1EdTech Europe and EUNIS discusses the upcoming Education Technology Summit at this year's Integrated Systems Europe, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with human intent to enhance the learning experience. She highlights the opportunities and risks associated with new technologies, particularly in terms of inclusivity and digital literacy. The conversation also touches on the evolving discourse around AI in education and the insights attendees can expect from the summit.Also in this episode, hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard chat about their holiday plans and more!

In this episode, hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard discuss their experiences during Thanksgiving, preparations for the upcoming ISE 2026, and the importance of fitness, particularly running, in their lives. They introduce the ISE Run Club initiative, which encourages attendees to run together in Barcelona, highlighting the beauty of the city. The duo also chats about the role of AI in the AV industry, discussing its implications and the importance of understanding its use.

We're back for ISE 2026 season! In this episode of Backstage Pass, hosts Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard return to their desks and introduce BSP producers Carey Johnson and Narin Nara of AVIXA. The crew catches up and chats about what goes into the podcast and AVIXA TV live production process at Integrated Systems Europe from the AVIXA side.

Join host Samantha Powell on this episode of AV Unplugged as she sits down with Friday Abernethy, Zach Leonsis, and Charlie Myers from Monumental Sports Network. In this episode, the Monumental team discusses the cutting-edge technology that powers their Washington DC studio space and discover the strategies they employ to future-proof their broadcasts. Explore how they seamlessly integrate in-person and at-home experiences, and learn about the crucial role of broadcast AV in crafting an unforgettable game day atmosphere for fans.

In this episode of the Tech Support Podcast, hosted by Mark Metzger and produced by AVIXA, we bring in some experts from Ross Video to discuss how to best transform an existing office spaces into cutting-edge remote production hub. Featuring Peter Fitton and Jamie Hall from Ross Video, we explore the latest technologies and strategies for building seamless remote production capabilities, and find out from the pros how you can modernize your workspace to meet the demands of today's digital forward world.

Join host Samantha Powell on this episode of AV Unplugged as she sits down with Friday Abernethy, Zach Leonsis, and Charlie Myers from Monumental Sports Network. In this episode, the Monumental team discusses the cutting-edge technology that powers their Washington DC studio space and discover the strategies they employ to future-proof their broadcasts. Explore how they seamlessly integrate in-person and at-home experiences, and learn about the crucial role of broadcast AV in crafting an unforgettable game day atmosphere for fans.

En esta conversación, el presentador Sergio Gaitán da la bienvenida a Alejandro Peralta, Gerente de Capacitación Técnica para Latinoamérica de Audinate. Conversan sobre la importancia del próximo evento Infocomm América Latina, donde Audinate presentará su innovadora plataforma Dante. Alejandro enfatiza la importancia de la educación en la industria audiovisual, en particular para comprender las tecnologías de audio y video sobre IP. La conversación también destaca las oportunidades únicas para establecer contactos y aprender en el evento, así como recomendaciones para explorar la vibrante cultura y las atracciones de la Ciudad de México.

In this conversation, host Sergio Gaitan welcomes Alejandro Peralta, the Technical Training Manager for Latin America at Audinate. They discuss the significance of the upcoming Infocomm America Latina event, where Audinate will showcase its innovative Dante platform. Alejandro emphasizes the importance of education in the AV industry, particularly in understanding audio and video over IP technologies. The conversation also highlights the unique opportunities for networking and learning at the event, as well as recommendations for exploring the vibrant culture and attractions of Mexico City.

Welcome to a special episode of Backstage Pass highlighting InfoComm America Latina, hosted by Ana Maria Restrepo, Franciele Mesadri, and Sergio Gaitan! In this episode, Sergio is joined by Jorge R. Mata of Ross Video to discuss the latest in broadcast AV technologies, and what they will be featuring at the show in Mexico City. Sergio also chats with Omar Serna about the latest in immersive experiences in Mexico and how attendees can experience it for themselves.

¡Bienvenidos a un episodio especial de Backstage Pass que destaca InfoComm América Latina, presentado por Ana María Restrepo, Franciele Mesadri y Sergio Gaitán! En este episodio, Sergio se reúne con Jorge R. Mata de Ross Video para hablar sobre las últimas tecnologías audiovisuales y lo que presentarán en el evento en la Ciudad de México. Sergio también conversa con Omar Serna sobre las últimas novedades en experiencias inmersivas en México y cómo los asistentes pueden experimentarlas por sí mismos.

From LED walls to mobile livestream setups, setting up a live event is always a feat to behold. Brian McGuigan, also known as "BrianDoesAV" uses social media to share what it takes to be a live event professional in a fun way, which has led to great success. In this episode of AV Unplugged, Mark Metzger sits down with Brian to share his story on how he got into AV, and why it is important to show people what goes into a live event setup.

In this episode of Backstage Pass for InfoComm India 2025, hosts Sowmya and Manoj explore the vibrant city of Mumbai, discussing its cultural significance and the exciting events planned for the upcoming InfoComm India 2025. They are also joined by experts in the transformative impact of AV over IP technology and hybrid work, with insights from industry leaders Vince Lepore from Audinate and Ling Lu from Jabra.

In this Episode of Backstage Pass, join hosts Sowmya Siddippaji and Manoj Kumar as they discuss the vibrant culture and excitement people can discover when they visit the InfoComm India show in Mumbai.Ashish Bajaj from Harman India joins Manoj to discuss the evolution of immersive experiences in audio-visual technology, emphasizing the importance of integration, storytelling, and the impact of spatial audio and visuals in transforming audience engagement. Ashish highlights Harman's innovations showcased at Infocomm India, focusing on how technology can simplify workflows for designers and integrators while enhancing the overall experience for users.Also, Ben Barnard and Samantha Powell return to catch up on their recent experiences, including travel, cultural insights, and upcoming events. They share stories about officiating weddings, attending shows, and exploring different cuisines and the upcoming InfoComm India show, with Ben sharing his experiences from his previous visit to India.

Welcome to the first of a three-part InfoComm India 2025 special of Backstage Pass! In this episode, get to know the two hosts for the India edition – AVIXA's Sowmya Siddippaji and Manoj Kumar. The duo share some intel on what to expect at this year's show in Mumbai, as well as what to expect over the next few episodes of Backstage Pass.

In this special episode of Backstage Pass, we continue the conversation from the Vision 2030 keynote at InfoComm 2025. Mark Metzger sits down with Chris Schyvinck of Shure, Brad Hintze of Crestron, and Eric Hutto of Diversified to chat more about the future of AI's impact on AV, the trends in the in-office AV experience, and the how the workforce will shape the industry moving forward.

In this episode of AV Unplugged, we revisit a conversation between Mark Metzger, Sarabeth Mullins, and Brian Katz from January 2025 on how the acoustics of Notre Dame were rebuilt after the devastating fire that took down the cathedral. Sarabeth and Brian break down their experiences, and what went into reconstructing this historic site back to its glory from the audio perspective.

Join host Matt Pana, Assistant Director of Media Technology at ISDA for this episode of AV Unplugged featuring a discussion on how committees can help shape the systems integration world. In this episode, recorded at InfoComm 2025, Matt sits down with industry experts David Lopez of MediaCentric, and Drew Lobley from Paladin. They share invaluable insights on the role of independent technical specialists, the importance of networking, and the benefits of joining the Systems Integrators Council and its subcommittee. Listen as they discuss stories from the industry, project management best practices, and opportunities for young professionals in the AV field.

In this special episode of Backstage Pass, join hosts Samantha Powell and Narin Nara as they chat about the InfoComm Asia 2025 show in Bangkok Thailand. Joining this episode is Vince Lepore of Audinate to talk about their plans for InfoComm Asia, as well as June Ko and Jimmy Cheong to discuss what's happening at the show this year.

In this episode of AV Unplugged, join host Mark Metzger as he dives into an engaging conversation with Harmeet Bhatia from Amazon Web Services and Matt Morgan of Ross Video. Together, they explore the cutting-edge advancements in broadcast technologies and their transformative impact on corporate environments. Harmeet sheds light on the innovative strategies AWS is implementing within the audiovisual sector, while Matt discusses Ross Video's pioneering solutions that are redefining how businesses communicate and collaborate.

In this episode of AVIXA's "Tech Support," host Matt Pana of ISDA sits down with Dack Patrick from Barco to explore the intricate world of display technologies. Learn more about the nuts and bolts behind Barco's display technologies, as Dack answers pressing questions from the AV community. Tune in to uncover the innovations powering Barco's industry-leading technology!

In this episode of Xceptional Insights, join host Sean Wargo and special guest Sanju Khatri of Omdia as they discuss the tech trends at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando. What does the continued development of AI and smart technologies mean for the pro-AV market moving forward? Tune in to learn more!

In the final Backstage Pass episode for the InfoComm 2025 season, the road to the show has reached Orlando! Join host Samantha Powell as she chats with AVIXA's CEO, Dave Labuskes as well as Jason Moss of QSC to chat about their experiences from this year's show floor, and what they look forward to in the exciting AV industry.

Join host Samantha Powell for an illuminating episode of "Backstage Pass: IC25," featuring an exclusive interview with Sony's Jaime Raffone and Jason Metcalfe. Discover how Sony is at the forefront of innovation in virtual production, pioneering technologies that are transforming the audiovisual landscape. Jaime and Jason share insights into Sony's groundbreaking advancements and provide a sneak peek into their exciting plans for InfoComm 2025 in Orlando. From next-gen production techniques to immersive booth experiences, discover how Sony continues to set new standards in the industry and what you can look forward to at this year's InfoComm show!

In the penultimate episode of Backstage Pass before InfoComm 2025, the crew is joined by two special guests. First, Carey Johnson chats with Ben Gabrielson of Riedel Communications to chat about how their tech is being used in F1 and sports, as well as their plans for InfoComm. After that, Mark Metzger is joined by Steven Cogels of Plexus AV to chat about InfoComm, the importance of open standards, IPMX and much more. Also in this episode, Samantha Powell and Ben Barnard chat about brunch, competitive cheese rolling, and lactose in motorsports.This episode is brought to you by Riedel Communications and Plexus AV.

In this special episode of Backstage Pass: IC25, Samantha Powell is joined by Brad Hintze and Joel Mulpeter of Crestron to discuss how they are going into InfoComm 2025 with "three C's" in mind – content, collaboration, and control. Brad and Joel also chat about tech ecosystems, sustainability, the emergence of AI, and much more.

In this episode of Xceptional Insights, Peter Hansen bids farewell to the AV community as he begins a new adventure in the professional association world. Sean Wargo and Peter reflect on the last few years and how the AV world has changed during his time as an Economist at AVIXA.

In this episode of "Backstage Pass: IC25," join host Samantha Powell, Ben Barnard and Narin Nara as they dive into the future of enterprise networking and assistive listening technologies set to featured at InfoComm 2025. First, Dennis Huang and Kenan McDonald from RUCKUS Networks share their vision of purpose-driven enterprise networks, offering a sneak peek into the innovations and solutions attendees can expect to see. Discover how RUCKUS Networks is shaping connectivity for modern enterprises.Next, Ryan Snow and Kasey Kaumans from Listen Technologies to discuss the cutting-edge advancements in assistive listening. Learn how these technologies go beyond ADA requirements to create inclusive and immersive audio experiences for all.

In this episode of Backstage Pass, Samantha Powell is joined by "Substitute Ben" Narin Nara to chat about their recent adventure to Orlando for a pre-production video project prior to InfoComm 2025. Also featured in this episode is Roger Takacs to talk about how Lightware is redefining video signal management. Av Utukuri also joins the show to chat about how Vizetto is changing the game in creating more engaging conferencing solutions.

In this Backstage Pass: IC25 special, host Ben Barnard is joined by Dana Corey, GM and SVP of Global Sales at Avocor, to chat about today's conferencing and collaboration space in AV. Ben and Dana discuss what Avocor, in conjunction with AUO, is doing to ensure that their products enhance productivity, foster creativity, and transform the way people work and learn – as well as what Avocor is planning for this year's InfoComm show in Orlando.

In this episode of Backstage Pass, AVIXA's Carey Johnson sits down with John Shelley of OptiSigns to chat about opening their first booth at Infocomm ever! Also in this episode, AVIXA's Samantha Powell and Jo Fostock talk about things to look forward at this year's InfoComm show in Orlando.

In this episode of Tech Support, AVIXA's Mark Metzger is joined by Josh Ashcraft, Solutions Architect at Ross Video, to answer your burning questions on incorporating broadcast solutions in various corporate AV setups.

In this episode of Backstage Pass, AVIXA's Mark Metzger sits down with Sean von Tagen of Pro Cyc, Inc. to chat about how the green screen business is evolving and how LED volume studios continue to redefine the studio production process. Also in this episode, AVIXA's Narin Nara and Becca Stach talk about things to look forward at this year's InfoComm show in Orlando.

In this episode of Xceptional Insights by AVIXA, Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen discuss how the recent news of tariffs in the United States will ripple across the professional audiovisual market. How can the cost increases affect you business, and are there any silver linings? Find out in this episode!