The Future of AV in 2026 | AVWeek 750

Roland examines why mixing HD and 4K equipment can complicate production upgrades. Faye Bennett’s latest report challenges workplace AV teams to demonstrate business value beyond keeping systems running. Plus, Absen’s education display white paper explores usability, centralized management, and reliability across classrooms and campuses. The video version of this podcast can be found here. Patrick Norton and guests Jennifer Weaver of AVIXA and Erica Carroll of CharBett Strategies discuss whether cost, complexity, or demand is slowing 4K adoption. They also explore how AV teams can prove their value while managing daily support demands, and whether advanced classroom displays are becoming more accessible or widening the technology gap between institutions with different budgets. Host: Patrick Norton Guests: Jennifer Weaver – AVIXA Erica Carroll – CharBett Strategies

When should an AV project be judged: at handover or after years of real-world use? “Memory shortages aren't going away anytime soon,” and growing demand from AI could make the supply situation even tighter. What does that mean for AV manufacturers, integrators, and buyers? The video version of this podcast can be found here. Join host Tim Albright and his industry expert guests for another must-watch AVWeek as they discuss long-term AV project performance, rising memory demand, and the potential challenges ahead for commercial AV.

Residential AV and lighting are coming deeper into the ProAV world, is that expanding the industry or blurring its identity? And when certification renewal is on the calendar, “the smartest RU choice is one that adds knowledge along with credits.” The video version of this podcast can be found here. Join host Tim Albright and his industry expert guests for a must-watch AVWeek exploring the changing boundaries of commercial AV, the place of residential technology and lighting at ProAV shows, and where professionals can find RUs that support both certification and career development. Host: Tim Albright

One bundle, multiple vendors, fewer integration headaches, but what happens when something goes wrong? And the consultant debate gets equally uncomfortable: “Disclosure names a conflict; it doesn’t remove it.” So, how much should supplier relationships matter when choosing AV advice? The video version of this podcast can be found here. Join host Tim Albright and his industry expert guests for a must-watch AVWeek covering the latest commercial AV updates, including the real tradeoffs behind multi-vendor bundles and how to distinguish independent from affiliated consultants. Host: Tim Albright Guests:Samantha Haun – Presentations Concepts Corporation Dan Gundry – Command+Control Alliance This Week In AV:AV Network – Christopher Mounts Named Global CEO of FORTÉ Sound & Video Contractor – LG fights back against claims its TVs can secretly listen in on conversations AV Magazine – ISE 2027 to grow floor space by 7% and spread to two sites Installation International – IBC 2026 draws over 41,000 attendees to Amsterdam AV Buyers' Club – Barco, Huddly and Shure Launch Microsoft Teams-Certified Bundle for Medium Meeting Rooms Roundtable Topics: AV Buyers' Club – Barco, Huddly and Shure Launch Microsoft Teams-Certified Bundle for Medium Meeting Rooms AV Magazine – AVIXA urged to look again at risk of bias in AV consultants

AVI-SPL explores autonomous drone delivery for critical commercial AV equipment. D-Tools reports a sharply divided integration market, with a third of integrators growing more than 51% while another third declined by at least 21%. Plus, AVNation. TV has the latest from IBC 2026. The video version of this podcast can be found here. Patrick Norton and the AVWeek panel discuss whether drone delivery is practical or promotional, what the D-Tools data reveals about the state of the AV industry, and the growing demand for broadcast-quality video and AI-powered media tools. Host: Patrick Norton