AV over IP is NOW!

Our world is a network. An intertwined connection of Internet/LAN/WAN/IoT. Our smart phones, refrigerators, automobiles, security cameras, etc. are all part of this massive network. To allow for seamless communication and monitoring, there are standards in place that allow network devices (endpoints) to share data and to allow for voice and video communication.

Proprietary, in-flexible, on-premise technology systems are quickly giving way to compatible and scaleable solutions that are reinforced by resources in the "cloud".

Given this exceptional modern communications environment, why are we PROAV professionals plodding along like dinosaurs; designing and installing proprietary AV systems (as we have for decades)? Those of us with closed minds continue to build "private network" AV systems that are an inflexible closed loop. The new construction world continues to be frustrated by PROAV implementations that don't conform to modern communications technology standards and require expensive infrastructure (dedicated cable pathways, large cable pathways for proprietary AV cabling; special power/grounding requirements, etc.).

With affordable AV-over-IP endpoints and routable AV communication protocols, there is no excuse for our legacy PROAV mindset. Does anyone in the telecom world still install PBX systems with proprietary hardware and dedicated wiring to phone handsets? Does anyone in the security world still install video cameras with proprietary video and control cabling?

AV over IP is now!

We PROAV professionals that continue to install inflexible video matrices connected to endpoints via proprietary cabling and continue to install analog sound systems with proprietary cabling are dinosaurs. Dinosaurs that are ignoring the tar pit under our feet and the impending ice age that will sweep us from the planet.

As a 30+ year PROAV veteran, it is hard for me to break out of the groove of habit and maintain an open mind to embrace the new world of communications technology. Like many of us, at times, I have one foot in the tar pit. We PROAV veterans need to embrace our millenial colleagues (not literally; that could become an HR matter) and as the saying goes, "innovate or die".

Starin offers our great PROAV dealer partners AV-over-IP options from manufacturer partners such as Visionary Solutions. We will continue to educate ourselves and our dealer partners as to how to adapt and innovate so as to not be PROAV dinosaurs.