AV SuperFriends

AV SuperFriends
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

The AV SuperFriends are AV and eLearning nerds who embrace the challenges that come with managing audiovisual systems and resources within a higher education environment. Most of us have had similar experiences and seek to find answers in an ever-changing audiovisual world. We engage the higher education audiovisual community through podcasts, videos, panel discussions, interviews, and social media to share ideas and solve problems. Our shared experiences and your own will lead to new and creative solutions. In summary, we are going to steal all your ideas and share them with everyone.

  1. 5h ago

    AV SuperFriends: Perspectives from InfoComm 2026 - AV Pro

    In this short Perspectives episode, we stop by AVPro at InfoComm 2026 to learn about the ConferX AC-CX42 Pro, a compact conferencing switcher with dual USB-C DisplayPort alt mode inputs, KVM switching, bidirectional USB data, and power delivery. It's a quick look at a device that may solve some very real classroom and conference room headaches, especially for higher ed spaces juggling resident PCs, BYOD laptops, USB peripherals, and "why doesn't this just work?" workflows. https://www.avproglobal.com

    6 min
  2. On Topic Episode 73: It only 3/4s of the way plays nice together

    1d ago

    On Topic Episode 73: It only 3/4s of the way plays nice together

    Recorded June 12, 2026 In this Fourth of July–flavored episode of On Topic, the panel celebrates America's birthday the only way they know how: by declaring independence from the worst habits in higher ed AV. This month's grievances include single-vendor ecosystem lock-in, consultant-led designs that ignore campus standards, isolated "AV network islands," overcomplicated touch panels, mystery DSP files, proprietary cables, terrible display home screens, and every "professional" product that somehow requires a cloud account just to configure the thing.  Along the way, the panel debates automation versus user control, whether classrooms really need touch panels at all, and why interoperability always seems to mean "mostly works, as long as you bought everything from us." It's patriotic, petty, and painfully familiar: a fireworks show of AV complaints aimed directly at the systems, specs, and design habits we should have dumped into the harbor years ago.   Alternate show titles: We might be making headway The future of buildings No new islands! At least a ferry service Press to start Blank and Freeze I want to agree with you, but… Sometimes people plug in things they don't want to see No middle ground   We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss   Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

    37 min

  3. 2d ago

    AV SuperFriends: Perspectives from InfoComm 2026 - OpenAVC

    In this Perspectives episode from InfoComm 2026, we sit down with Aaron Todd of OpenAVC for a conversation that goes well beyond a simple product demo. OpenAVC is an open, platform-agnostic AV control platform aimed at breaking the industry's long-standing dependence on locked-down hardware ecosystems and expensive proprietary boxes just to run simple room controls. Aaron walks through the philosophy behind the project, how it can run on everything from Windows and Linux to Raspberry Pi and even Android tablets, and why AV control should increasingly be treated as a software problem rather than a hardware purchase. We also get into GitHub, community contributions, driver support, AI-assisted development, and why open tools like this could be especially meaningful for higher ed teams trying to stretch budgets, extend the life of existing systems, and build the workflows they actually need. This one leans into the bigger story: open control, cost savings, higher-ed relevance, and the "why are we still doing it this way?" disruption angle. https://www.linkedin.com/company/openavc

    21 min

  4. 3d ago

    AV SuperFriends: Off the Rails 140 - Super Unicorn Worm

    Recorded June 19, 2026 After a full week at InfoComm 2026, the AV SuperFriends stagger onto the AVIXA TV set for one final wrap show: tired feet, fried brains, louder-than-necessary opinions, and just enough caffeine to mistake exhaustion for insight. This episode is the team's end-of-show download after days of booth demos, hallway meetings, badge scans, lukewarm coffee, live shows, sketchy product pitches, and enough walking to qualify as either professional development or a cry for help. The crew talks through what actually stood out on the show floor, including the quiet rise of REST APIs, AV gear that's finally opening up to outside control, middleware boxes that make existing systems smarter, and AI that might be useful when it isn't just being sprinkled on brochures like tradeshow glitter. They also pick their favorite finds from the week, including Inogeni's IP2USB tools, Ross Vertex's "wait, it does what?" visualization platform, Nureva's HDX audio approach, larger-chip PTZ cameras, decentralized DSP, and Epson's beautifully boring direct-view LED display that does the one thing AV people keep begging for: display the image without trying to become a smart TV. It's the InfoComm wrap show: part trend report, part group therapy, part warning label for anyone who thinks "quick booth visit" means anything under 45 minutes.   News article: https://www.avinteractive.com/news/fire-breaks-out-on-ba-flight-packed-with-infocomm-visitors-16-06-2026/   Alternate show titles: Acoustic chicken Rise of REST Just use these and put it in there This is my excited face Costco Down I might actually trust NDI now Down to one tchotchke and life is good There's AI built in! Level 17 master guru ninja Known mistakes over unknown mistakes You messed with my code, man That horse ain't pushing that cart You can't defeat physics but you can try It might be possible today The future is now We're going to buy all your stuff, blow it up, and re-do it I can't even explain what it is How many vertices do I need? More affordable; that's what better meant I want to marinate on it Beyond the IO   We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss   Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

    58 min

  5. Jun 19

    AV SuperFriends: InfoComm 2026 - I need coffee

    Recorded June 19, 2026 In this final InfoComm 2026 morning show, the AV SuperFriends are running on caffeine, conditioned air, and whatever energy is left after three packed days in Las Vegas. The crew recaps the previous day's marathon of AI sessions, podcast recordings, and the wildly successful Q-SYS-sponsored "Voice of the Vertical" game show—complete with questionable judging, reluctant contestants, fire alarms, and a winning team that may or may not have known anything about AV. From there, they look ahead to the annual hidden-gems show floor tour, including honorable mentions for the products that were worth seeing but geographically inconvenient. Along the way, the conversation wanders through AI workshops, fake dashboards, VR goggles, fiber USB-C cables, large-sensor cameras, higher-ed broadcast furniture, and whether "projectors as a service" is a nightmare, a necessity, or both. It's the last morning show of InfoComm 2026, and everyone is tired—but there's still one more day of show floor wandering, AVIXA TV, questionable product scouting, and arena-rock-level enthusiasm to go. Alternate show titles:  My team won, by the way I got hosed I quit! Give them fake AI I'm gonna nerf this a little bit Urinal rating system I made a comment one person didn't like I made assumptions about them and moved on That looks like an interesting widget We've been wanting to tip toe into this… Installment plans or indentured servitude? Pay per packet I shocked myself with the conversation It's a tidal wave We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss   Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

    26 min

  6. Jun 19

    AV SuperFriends: InfoComm 2026 - The entirety of the customer journey

    Recorded June 18, 2026 Live from the Biamp booth at InfoComm 2026, the AV SuperFriends sit down with Zach Snook, Chris Dieterich, Michael Hooper, and Abdul Chaudhri to talk through Biamp's latest announcements for higher ed and beyond. The conversation covers Biamp Workplace Control, including its cloud or local configuration, drag-and-drop design, node-based logic, Lua scripting, and AI-assisted workflows. They also dig into the new Devio UCX line for Teams and Zoom Rooms, expandable mics and speakers, USB-C content sharing and charging, and the value of running a full collaboration system from a single power connection. Along the way, the crew explores sound masking, speech privacy, paging, Parlé Voice Lift, Max Connect Auditorium Mode, ClearOne microphone integration, and Biamp's free design services—plus the usual AVSF detours into booth noise, wardrobe emergencies, steak dinner drama, and which microphone is actually blinking. Connect with our guests: Zack Snook https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachsnook/ Abdul Chaudhri https://www.linkedin.com/in/no1salesleader/ Chris Dieterich https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-dieterich-cts-cqd-22843190/ Michael Hooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlhooper/   Products discussed: Workplace Control and Workplace Control Designer https://www.biamp.com/company/press-releases/press-release-detail/biamp-introduces-workplace-control--a-unified-av-automation-platform Devio UCX ​​https://www.biamp.com/company/press-releases/press-release-detail/biamp-introduces-devio-ucx--a-new-android-based-uc-compute-platform-with-integrated-professional-dsp Parle Voicelift https://www.biamp.com/solutions/applications/parle-voice-lift   Alternate show titles: If you remove the Internet from your system We do eavesdropping Specially trained chihuahuas Reasonable music It can help but it cannot change physics Borderline too small That's a very popular form factor… legally. Small things that make me happy I've checked 'em and they're actually accurate   We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss   Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

    47 min

  7. Jun 18

    AV SuperFriends: InfoComm 2026 - You are my women's breakfast

    Recorded June 18, 2026 The AV SuperFriends are back on the InfoComm 2026 show floor for day two with first impressions, fresh booth finds, and a newcomer's view of just how overwhelming the show can be. This episode covers the practical side of InfoComm: EASE modeling, PTZ camera overload, reusable silicone cable ties, modular conferencing systems like Nureva HDX, and the ongoing tension between full ecosystem solutions and small, purpose-built widgets. The crew also spots a familiar trend: plenty of auto-tracking, plenty of "AI," and not always a clear difference between the two. Rachel Bradshaw crashes the show to talk about working the Vanco booth, hearing directly from end users, and how AV is being used to create better experiences in places like zoos, courtrooms, campuses, and public spaces. Along the way, the group digs into Dante adapters, EVO-IP updates, digital signage, accessibility, and why sometimes the most exciting thing on the show floor is still a really satisfying button. Alternate show titles: It's a lot Here's something that'll blow your mind Silicone zip ties Can we get our logo on this? Rack dressing Widgets, big time Chinese button factory booth Hi-Fi listening room If you're an end user, ask your integrator You can't go in there with a cattle prod  We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss   Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

    42 min

  8. Jun 18

    AV SuperFriends: InfoComm 2026 - We are all God's SuperFriends

    Recorded June 17, 2026 Live from the Q-SYS booth at InfoComm 2026, the AV SuperFriends sit down with Mike Brandes and David Maksa to talk through what's new, what's practical, and what might accidentally become a future entitlement. The big topic is Q-SYS NVM, the new network video distribution platform aimed at larger-scale deployments where ultra-low latency is less important than getting lots of video to lots of displays without melting the network… or the budget. The panel digs into bandwidth, latency, PTP timing, frame lock, USB bridging possibilities, sports books, cruise ships, theme parks, and why programming an entire demo system in under two minutes is either impressive or deeply suspicious. They also take a look at the new Q-SYS meeting room options, including the MTR-on-Windows conference bar, modular room kits, light-touch provisioning, QR-code onboarding, Cheetos mode, and the eternal danger of throwing away the box too soon. From there, the conversation wanders into performance audio, free design services, questionable speaker arrays, and the higher-ed pain of walking across campus just to plug HDMI back in. It's part product discussion, part therapy session, and part live proof that "single pane of glass" remains both the dream and the punchline.    Connect with our guests: Mike Brandes https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebrandesav/ David Maksa https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-maksa-05527322/   Q-SYS products discussed NVM https://www.qsys.com/products/q-sys/video/nvm-series/ Room Suite Collaboration Bar https://www.qsys.com/products/q-sys/roomsuite/roomsuite-collaboration-bar/ Room Suite Modular System https://www.qsys.com/products/q-sys/roomsuite/roomsuite-modular-system/ Performance Audio line https://www.qsys.com/products/loudspeakers/installed/passive/performance/pl-series/   Alternate show titles: Teach and preach spaces Get up on that mic 10-4, good buddy Try to do the entire thing with no mouse I'm sure there's an entitlement involved Saddle up your horses Wizard-based configuration  Take away scissors from people who are running We all love our science fair product line I had some chicken tenders   We stream live every Friday at about 315p Eastern/1215p Pacific and you can listen to everything we record over at AVSuperFriends.com    ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: https://www.avsuperfriends.com ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/avsuperfriends ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avsuperfriends ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsuperfriends ► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/avsuperfriends.bsky.social ► Email: mailbag@avsuperfriends.com ► RSS: https://avsuperfriends.libsyn.com/rss   Donate to AVSF: https://www.avsuperfriends.com/support

    32 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The AV SuperFriends are AV and eLearning nerds who embrace the challenges that come with managing audiovisual systems and resources within a higher education environment. Most of us have had similar experiences and seek to find answers in an ever-changing audiovisual world. We engage the higher education audiovisual community through podcasts, videos, panel discussions, interviews, and social media to share ideas and solve problems. Our shared experiences and your own will lead to new and creative solutions. In summary, we are going to steal all your ideas and share them with everyone.

Information

  • Creator
    AV SuperFriends
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    AV SuperFriends

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