My latest videocast episode features Audio-Technica’s applications engineering manager, Mark Donovan, to talk about the company’s plan at InfoComm 2024. In addition to introducing a totally new product line, Audio-Technica will show and demo new enhancements to its ATND1061 Beamforming Ceiling Array Microphone in its booth C5619 in Las Vegas June 1…

Ever since two Byrds left the “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” mothership over 50 years ago, The Burrito Brothers have been evolving and putting out wonderful albums. This episode of Big Blend Radio features Chris P. James, lead vocalist and keyboardist, who talks about the legendary history of The Burrito Brothers (aka The Flying Burrito Brothers), and t…

On today’s videocast, I interviewed Peerless-AV’s executive VP, Nick Belcore, about the unique sustainable packaging and delivery system included with the company’s new DS-LEDUNV SEAMLESS Kitted Universal dvLED Mounting System. In addition to simplifying packaging, the new universal mounting system is compatible with every LED brand and model, than…

Legrand AV’s director of digital signage, Michelle Montazeri, to joined me on my latest pre-InfoComm-2024 videocast to talk all about three digital signage panels she’s part of during the show. All three are laser-focused on supporting integrators and users interested in digital signage and helping them understand the opportunities to deploy them. …

I caught up with NSCA Executive Director Tom LeBlanc on my latest pre-InfoComm-2024 videocast to talk about the BizSkills Workshop NSCA is holding the day before the InfoComm show floor opens (June 11, 2024). The workshop is a comprehensive one-day education program will deliver a strategic business curriculum, empowering participants with invaluab…

In the latest Steph Takeover episode of Rants & rAVes, I chatted with Troy Peters, chief experience officer at SEAS Productions. SEAS provides AV and event production for live events ranging from corporate conferences to concerts. At InfoComm, Troy will host a session called, “Project Managing Million Dollar Live Events on the Global Stage” on June…

Gary was joined by Let’s Do Video founder, David Maldow, to talk about his educational sessions at InfoComm 2024. If you ever do livestreaming for clients, both of these sessions are must-attends. The first, “Live Streaming in Action,” will cover all the steps it takes to go live, from hardware setup to software configuration to stream launch. The …

Christie launched Hedra as an all-in-one control room processor that includes video, keyboard and mouse (KVM). It’s TAA-compliant and is perfect for small and medium-sized NOCs too. It can also be a live events signal management controller. You can even use it as a video wall processor. Christie’s Bill Zhu, director product management, joined my la…

ASPEED will be at InfoComm 2024 in booth C6203 showing all-new Dante capability integrated into its AV-over-IP chips. Companies like Harman (AMX), Just Add Power, Aurora and Kramer all already use ASPEED chips to drive their 1G AV-over-IP solutions, and now ASPEED has added Dante to its solutions. In fact, the the last “A” in Dante-AV-A stands for …

In this Steph Takeover episode of Rants & rAVes, I sat down with Chris Wildfoerster, business development manager at Axis Communications. The company is headed to ISC West, the largest security trade show in the U.S. While this show and its audience look a lot different than those at ISE and InfoComm, security is only becoming more and more importa…

This episode of Big Blend Radio features filmmakers Brian Lindstrom and Andy Brown who discuss their new documentary "Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill." The film provides an intimate look at one-of-a-kind singer-songwriter from 1970s Los Angeles, Judee Sill. It charts her life from a troubled adolescence of addiction, armed robbery and prison t…

This week, Ryan speaks with Elisa Dahan, Creative Director & Founder Dodiee. Prior to to embarking on this new shapewear brand, Elisa was the Co Chief Creative Officer of Mackage for 20 years. They discuss Montreal, brand building, and trends in the industry.Kirjoittanut Ryan Thomas McInturf

Planar just announced it’s adding many of the Leyard LEDs to its product lineup. Gary asked Planar’s EVP, Adam Schmidt, to join him on today’s videocast to discuss where this positions Planar in the LED market. Planar, known as a high-end LED company catering to the ProAV integration channel, will offer the Leyard lineup as a way to expand the vert…

My latest Rants & rAVes videocast features Howard Rose, the senior product manager of projectors at Panasonic Connect, who talks about the impact that 4K projectors have in the higher-ed space. Panasonic Connect has native 4K projectors for large venue applications but, the company has two versions of 4K-wobble projectors that deliver 4K images on …

I Rant ,Rave and review about skateboard shapes .Kirjoittanut Jerm Addams

Frank Kolavo of Computer Comforts drove to Chapel Hill, North Carolina — the rAVe HQ — to do this demo right next to the University of North Carolina’s campus. Why? Because the new Transformer Lectern is aimed at higher-education installations. It’s modular, ADA-compliant and works in classrooms and lecture halls equally as well. Check it out and w…

Jerm discusses some records from local bands in San Diego , Several Girls Galore, Sub Society , Contra Guerra, CTD ,Heroin, Jon Cougar Concentration Camp and Spazboy. not so much a heavy review as a recommendation to seek out and listen. also blatant ass kissing to the homies at Scared all the time Podcast and Astonishing legends podcast…

Im exhausted but .... I rant about the insanity of my neighbors and eventually start talking bass guitar . this episode was inspired by Ryan from Magnol Co. I play a 2 -18" JBL speakers in a Crate cabinet with a GK solid state head . I use Boss pedals : distortion and super chorus and a deaf club/Dirty Haggard Audio pedal as well as an Earthquaker …

You only need to be in ProAV for one trade show cycle to see that we’ve got a long way to go with acting on DEI: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The obvious gender disparity is only bested by the lack of people of color within the industry. AVIXA’s SVP of exhibitions and event services, Rochelle Richardson, is representative of the future as she’s…

Jerm rants and raves about Ryobi battery powered tools and the frustrations of being a landscaper but adapting to the restrictions while keeping mother earth in mind . You Tube : https://youtu.be/20WhZOrFLnY?si=IIOjG7Yha_inpkJgKirjoittanut Jerm

Jerm rants , raves and reviews the local record label Three One G records and Planet B . You Tube : https://youtu.be/oeBDRnehmzk?si=8N-UQTTcnLADc5X9Kirjoittanut Jerm

welcome to the mind of Jerm . episode 1 is an introduction to the podcast . also find the video version at Jerm Warfare Productions on YouTube. You Tube : https://youtu.be/IoEpxIUsjMY?si=BPPnNj_4tFeQ9iVCKirjoittanut Jerm

Lenovo went to ISE 2024 and launched its partnership with Jabra via the ThinkSmart Bar 180 system. It was one of the best shows the company has ever had and, as you will hear from Lenovo’s executive director and general manager, Smart Collaboration Business, Shannon MacKay, its strategy of a good, better, best offering using Lenovo compute devices …

Featuring Emmy and multiple award-winning guitarist Brian Tarquin, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast celebrates National Guitar Day (Feb. 11) and the release of his latest "Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends" collaborative album "Beyond the Warrior's Eyes." The follow up to "Brothers in Arms," this album also features legendary j…

On the latest “Steph Takeover” episode of Rants & rAVes, I speak with Bryan Meszaros of OpenEye Global to talk about the Digital Signage Federation (DSF). DSF’s goal is to educate its members and other stakeholders about digital signage trends, important markets and more through education, networking and advocacy. If you’re someone in AV who wants …

On the latest “Steph Takeover” episode of Rants & rAVes, I speak with Gina Sansivero of AtlasIED about an organization she helped found called Women of AV/IT (WAVIT). The organization aims to create a network of support for women in (or looking to enter) the AV and IT industries. As president, Gina helps with all types of outreach from developing i…

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast remembers popular rock 'n roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson, along with pilot Roger Peterson, who were all killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3, 1959. We revisit an interview with Lindsay James, Executive Director of Visi…

Logitech will be at ISE 2024 in stand/booth 2M300, showing a plethora of UCC solutions that address every need — from the remote participants to in-person participants — equitably! To talk more about this, Logitech’s head of video collaboration alliances and go-to-market, Sudeep Trivedi, joined my latest videocast to drop some big news about someth…

My latest pre-ISE-2024 videocast features WyreStorm’s Voislav Zec, product director, and Franklyn Mogale, technical sales engineer, who used the opportunity to debut a new educationally focused product live on the show. It’s a truly hybrid switcher designed to integrate into any classroom, and includes a built-in matrix that can manage HDMI, HDBase…

On my latest pre-ISE-2024 Rants & rAVes episode, I invited David Missall, Sennheiser’s insights manager consultants & technical application engineer manager, on as my guest. Missall took us through everything Sennheiser will show at ISE in Barcelona (next week!). The EMEA market will see the TeamConnect Bars for the first time and hear about how Se…

This latest pre-ISE-2024 videocast features Vestel Head of Sales Burak Ozdemir, to talk with me about the company’s presence at ISE stand/booth 3F200. Its all-new lineup will include digital signage displays, dvLED displays and interactive/collaboration boards. Vestel is an up-and-coming display manufacturer who is well-poised to become a leader in…

Timing is everything and the co-founders of XTEN-AV, Vibhav Singh and Sahil Dhingra, couldn’t have timed a capital investment from ADI any better as they head to ISE 2024. XTEN-AV will use ISE to add two new features to its cloud-based AV design and proposal software. And this will be the first live look at its new X-VRSE VR-based design capabiliti…

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Guy Wall, a New Orleans-based musician, singer, songwriter and founder of the Arrythmers. WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/DFhvGKxrlx4 Hear about their second album "Cardiac" that evolves from the rhythm and blues feel of their first album, “Below Sea Level” (released in June 2021), to a moder…

Today’s pre-ISE 2024 videocast features Mago Co-Founder and VP of Global Strategic Alliances Cristiano Fumagalli, who not only explains where we can see the collaborative technology but also teases us with an awesome demo on the platform! Watch this and then make sure you see the company’s tech in the Jupiter stand (3N700) as well as the FunTech bo…

Here’s an early look at a totally new wireless mic system making its debut at ISE 2024, thanks to Shure’s senior manager, integrated systems global marketing, Chris Lyons. The system will be a hit with universities that need sound reinforcement and mic’d professors, but it certainly has a lot of other applications as well (you’ll see when you watch…

You may recall that a new company called PlexusAV debuted at ISE 2023 using the new IPMX AV-over-IP standard. Well, at ISE 2024, that same company will show you its product lineup and even demonstrate the quality of its 1G encoding and decoding. PlexusAV’s global director of business development, Steven Cogels, joined me on my pre-ISE-2024 videocas…

While other display companies are worried about specs, speeds and feeds, Epson will be at ISE 2024, focusing on the experience you can give clients using immersive projection technology. From projection mapping to events, Epson wants attendees to enter its stand/booth in Hall 3 (3J100) and understand how projection surrounds the senses and can tran…

My latest pre-ISE 2024 videocast features Humly CEO Anders Karlsson to discuss one of the industry’s most aesthetically pleasing products, the Humly Booking Device. As co-working spaces and desk-sharing explode, Humly is well positioned to become a major factor in UCC and digital signage, and the company will use ISE to launch new features and acce…

Xyte will come to ISE 2024 with a new application for its ecosystem — dubbed Xyte Connect. My latest Rants & rAVes videocast episode features Xyte’s VP of sales, Andrew Gross, who explained how Connect will simplify the adoption of Xyte’s cloud-management platform and its AVaaS options. Xyte will be in stand/booth 5J620 and I assure you THIS IS WOR…

Christie will allow ISE 2024 attendees to experience all its products and technology in stand/booth 3K500 this year, its 95th year as a company. The entire booth is driven either by Pandora’s Box, its media server technology, or Christie Terra, the AV-over-IP ecosystem based on SDVoE. Christie’s senior director of marketing, Enterprize, Steve Capli…

Yesterday, Xyte announced a $30 million round of investment, which includes $20 million in Series A funding led by Intel Capital, with participation from Samsung Next and existing investors S Capital and Mindset Ventures, as well as $10 million in venture lending from funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. Check out my exclusive interview with Xy…

SpinetiX will use ISE 2024 to debut an all-new four-output media player designed to simplify video wall design and deployment. The new player includes four 4K60fps outputs that can break up or combine content across four displays that are configured in any physical layout — not just 2×2 or 1×4. And, it’s manageable via the ARYA cloud-based signage …

My latest pre-ISE videocast features NETGEAR’s director of marketing for NETGEAR Business, John Henkel, to discuss what the company will have in stand/booth 5C750 at ISE 2024. The new M4350 Series will debut in Europe (a few of them even support SMPTE ST 2110). In addition, NETGEAR will show the new PR460X Pro Router and demo how the NETGEAR Pro AV…

Vivitek will be exhibiting on the Delta Display Companies stand, 3K700, at ISE 2024 — showing the full breadth of display products from handheld projectors through LEDs for commands and control centers (and everything in between). In this latest Rants & rAVes episode, I speak to Holger Gräff, Vivitek and Delta Display Solutions EMEA general manager…

In the latest Steph takeover episode of Rants & rAVes, I take over for Gary Kayye to chat with Natalie Gillespie and Annie Foster of the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA). HETMA, being a nonprofit advocacy organization, does a lot of good for our industry, but in this episode we focus on the Prism Scholarship in particular. The …

Yealink is one of the fastest-growing UCC gear and systems manufacturers in the world. The company is focusing on its partnership with Microsoft Teams and Teams Rooms-certified products at the upcoming ISE 2024 show in Barcelona — Yealink will be in stand/booth #2S130. Today’s pre-ISE 2024 podcast features Yealink’s marketing director, Lisa Zhang, …

Another Steph Takeover Rants & rAVes episode? It must be your lucky day! This time, I interview Christina De Bono, founder and president of Sustainability in AV (SAVe), about everything the organization is doing to help meet the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our industry can be quite wasteful, and from programs that help give your tech a s…

In this Steph Takeover episode of Rants & rAVes, I interview Tammy Fuqua and Christina Cruzeiro about what it is to be a woman in our industry (news flash — it’s tough). During COVID-19, the percentage of women in the AV workforce actually declined! But the AVIXA Women’s Council does great work, and to continue that work it has added Christina Cruz…

Brawn Consulting founder Alan Brawn joined me on for his the latest episode of Rants & rAVes to talk about an article he recently wrote in which he cited some interesting customer buying shifts that have been documented by research firms like Gartner, McKinsey and Harvard Business Review. Data shows that somewhere between 70%-80% of buying decision…

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Steve Rosen, a veteran rock journalist who discusses his book, "Tonechaser - Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen." Rosen first met Edward in 1977 and had a friendship with him that lasted until 2003. "Tonechaser" chronicles that relationship and describes in poignant and heartfelt …