A State of Control
Episodes
A History of AV Programming | A State of Control
12 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This is a new kind of A State of Control. But if we're going to do things right, we have to start all the way at the beginning. Join us for a journey ...
Avoid Risk To Your AV Network | A State of Control 131
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As more devices and solutions get connected to the network, security is more important than ever. What was once 'nice to have' is essential if you wan...
Who Really Owns The Code? | A State Of Control 130
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Code ownership has been a discussion between programmers and clients since we've been typing things into terminals. But today, we will most definitely...
Everything About Crestron Masters 2025 | A State of Control 129
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every year, Crestron holds their Masters event for certified professionals in the AV industry. Programmers and designers come together for three days ...
How Are We Using AI in AV Programming? | A State of Control 128
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial Intelligence is less of a sci-fi concept these days. Unfortunately, it's instead just become more of a buzzword. Not to mention the definin...
AV Programming: Custom or Configuration? | A State of Control 127
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To be honest, automation is kind of AV's thing. We program devices of all kinds to serve functions in a simple way. But how does automation come down ...
Determining The Future Of AV Programming | A State of Control 126
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The video version of this podcast can be found here.Many years ago, students were told that "they wouldn't have a calculator in their pocket" at all t...
Learning The Ropes Of AV Programming | A State of Control 125
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does one become an AV programmer? It's not as easy an answer as you think. There are multiple facets to consider from manufacturer training to spe...
When To Upgrade And Update AV Systems | A State of Control 124
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the best parts about technology, especially software, is adaptability. Thanks to the internet we can run upgrade and modify systems to suit the...
How Manufacturer Partnerships Are Essential To AV | A State of Control 123
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Integration is the foundation of the AV industry. Connecting different solutions and systems to make one cohesive unit is what makes AV so important f...
Managing Systems From Anywhere In The World | A State of Control 122
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Out of the many things that the internet and networking in general has brought to AV, it's remote monitoring and support. No longer do you need to sen...
From Black Boxes to Software Solutions | A State of Control 121
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As technology and networks expand, we are relying more on software solutions for control in AV systems. But what's the impact of moving to these syste...
Understanding The CrowdStrike Outage | A State of Control 120
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In July, CrowdStrike systems went down, causing over 8 millions systems to crash. It turns out the error was not caused by a virus, international atta...
What it Means To Switch Programming Platforms | A State of Control 119
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adapting to evolving technologies is one of the greatest assets a programmer can have. Not just for business sake, but platforms as well. Making infor...
A State of Control 118: The Code is The Code
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It may shock you, but just writing code isn't all that programmers have to do. If they run a business around that programming, then there is much more...
A State of Control 117: Silent Intern
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We had so much to talk about what happened at Crestron Masters 2024, that we had to break it into two parts. And even then, we still had a good discus...
A State of Control 116: Our People
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This time of year, programmers in the AV field come together at Crestron Masters for a selection of courses and seminars. Not only does it bolster pro...
A State of Control 115: Better Business Operators
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Independent programming has been around for nearly three decades, and a discussion surrounding them has existed just as long. Opinion is split between...
A State of Control 114: Not My Number
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Normally our show looks at the finer details of programming, especially in the AV space. But we're taking a little turn to discuss the business side o...
A State of Control 113: It's Not Convergence, It's Reality
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Control capabilities in third-party solutions have evolved in priority. It used be just a neat bonus, before becoming necessary and even a selling poi...
A State of Control 112: Nerds Unite
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our show usually covers topics in an evergreen context. At least, as enduring as discussions in a constantly evolving space in technology can be. One ...
A State of Control 111: Voice To Programmers
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It might be a stereotype, but most programmers by nature are soft-spoken and blend into the background. But their work is integral to a successful pro...
A State of Control 110: Just A Programmer
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are some roles that when done correctly, you wouldn't realize anything had been done at all. But because of the nature of those jobs, it's hard ...
A State of Control 109: Leave The Backdoor Unlocked
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An Application Programming Interface, or API, is sometimes a term that gets misconstrued in technology spaces. They used to simply be a control protoc...
A State of Control 108: Three Dollars And A Ho-Ho
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If AV is an afterthought in projects, then programming is the afterthought of the afterthought. Programming has historically been looked at as a simpl...
A State of Control 107: Programmers Have The Power
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If we learned anything in the past few years, it's that staying on your proverbial toes and being ready to pivot is crucial in all aspects of AV. From...
A State of Control 106: One The Loneliest Number
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The main purpose of control systems is to bring disparate products together and make them work in a unified experience. Though sometimes companies are...
A State of Control 105: Always Be Learning
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most advantageous parts of going into the programming field is that their knowledge can last. Good programmers can maintain a role for a go...
A State of Control 104: Prompt Engineer
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial Intelligence used to be the sort of thing you'd only hear about in a science fiction setting, or more recently with the advent of platforms...
A State of Control 103: Embedded Developer
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Programming by itself isn't hard to define. It's the process to make instructions and perform tasks through technology. But in the AV space, everythin...
A State of Control 102: Never A Typical Space
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For too long, programmers have had the stereotype of being cooped away in their dungeons never to see the light of day. But we trekked all the way ove...
A State of Control 101: Four Lattes
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AV systems have a balancing act that takes place between the hardware and software sides. But as we move to a more IT-centric space, we are seeing mor...
A State of Control 100: Unsung Hero
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's crazy to think that nine years ago, A State of Control began. And like any technological sector, programming has evolved in unbelievable ways sin...
A State of Control 99: Crestron Masters 2022
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every year, Crestron holds their Masters training event. It's the first time that these programmers have gathered together in the same physical space ...
A State of Control 98: AV On CNN
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're anywhere near a tech sector like the AV industry, you will likely hear about the recent supply chain shortages. A lack of chips have forced ...
A State of Control 95: Not Playing The B-Sides
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the show floor of InfoComm 2022 to talk in person about the control programming side of the AV industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p...
A State of Control 94: Integration Nirvana
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What new tricks programmers can learn to flourish in the midst of hardware supply hardships within the AV industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art...
A State of Control 93: Kind Space
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What it will take to expand the diversity of AV programmers and the industry in general. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ...
A State of Control 92: Blue Polo Shirts
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Talking to the women in control programming and what it means to be a woman in the AV industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C...
A State of Control 91: Tinfoil Hat
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the implementation of new products within projects and how to evaluate if a new solution is the right fit for the job. See Privacy Policy ...
A State of Control 90: Managing Programmers Part 2: Process
11 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing the conversation of the role of the programmer and it means to successfully lead your programmers through projects. See Privacy Policy at ...
A State of Control 89: Make Your Fate
14 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the role of the programming manager and how to effectively lead your team of AV programmers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva...
A State of Control 88: Build A Better Idiot
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at how manufacturers have changed the programming space and what programmers should be focused on when broadening their horizons. See Privacy...
A State of Control 87: Pay Me, Sucker!
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing the scope of work when it comes to a project and how to work with your client to get them exactly what they signed up for. See Privacy Pol...
A State of Control 86: Hero, Not Zero
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What it means for programmers in an industry shifting to software-centric systems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pri...
A State of Control 85: The Right To Get Smarter
17 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the options in programming for control systems and finding what's right for your client and your project. See Privacy Policy at https://ar...
A State of Control 84: Cult of Personality
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Taking another look at the world of resimercial and what it means for integrators on both sides of the fence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com...
A State of Control 83: Code Hygiene
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the differences between software architecture and AV programming, and which one is the right fit for the right project. See Privacy Policy...
A State of Control 82: Simple Is Good
11 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Taking at look at this year's Crestron Masters event and the impact it has on the industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif...
A State of Control 81: Ego Problem
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the importance of training and certification for control system programmers within the AV industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.co...
A State of Control 80: Check Engine
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing the conversation of cybersecurity and what control systems enigneers can do to keep their clients safe. See Privacy Policy at https://art1...
A State of Control 79: Cover Your Butt
26 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing the threats of cybersecurity and what programmers can do to ensure their clients' systems stay safe and sound. See Privacy Policy at https...
A State of Control 78: Chunks of Done
26 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing the conversation of project management and when a job is truly complete. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pr...
A State Of Control 77: Done Done
15 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Finding the line for programmers when a project is done, and when it is complete. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...
A State of Control 76: Happy Accidents
18 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the intricacies that go into AV programming, the common pitfalls to avoid, and the skills needed for a successful project. See Privacy Pol...
A State Of Control 75: Customer First
20 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Defining user experience and the factors that come into play, and the role of both the programmer and manufacturer in making that user experience happ...
A State Of Control 74: Don’t Be Clever
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing systems upgrades and what it takes to modify existing programming to a contemporary standard. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...
A State of Control 73: Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
18 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the value of the programmer outside of writing code, and what this job might look like as the AV industry continues to evolve. See Privacy...
A State Of Control 72: Virtual Presence
14 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the pros and cons of remote management and what projects and systems are right for managing from a distance. See Privacy Policy at https:/...
A State Of Control 71: Crestron Masters 2020
10 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Crestron Masters 2020 goes virtual. What went right, what needs improvement, and what we can use in future events. See Privacy Policy at https://art1...
A State Of Control 70: Ringside Seats
12 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What to consider when talking large-scale multi room systems, and the potential pitfalls to avoid. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy an...
A State Of Control 69: HTML5: Are We There Yet?
22 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The future of interface design as we move onto languages like HTML5 and CSS, and the impact of the AV industry to these new changes in UI technology. ...
A State Of Control 68: Don’t Fear The Framework
17 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at frameworks and how they can help programmers during projects. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notic...
A State Of Control 67: Clouds On A Page
20 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing the benefits and drawbacks of software defined AV in the AV Industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva...
A State Of Control 66: In The Trenches
21 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What it takes to work together as programmers and come together for projects. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy ...
A State of Control 65: Make It Actionable
17 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Utilizing control systems for testing your solutions automatically, and prediciting when maintenance will be needed. See Privacy Policy at https://ar...
A State Of Control 64: Data & Sharing
20 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at advanced systems and what it takes to take your control systems to the next level. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cal...
A State Of Control 63: Be Fearless
15 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Tips to effectively managing your time and performance when working on a programming project. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cal...
A State Of Control 62: Lifestyle In The Workplace
18 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The inner workings of custom control solutions in the home and the ongoing convergence of residential and commercial within the AV industry. See Priv...
A State of Control 61: Balance Of Knowledge
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Talking about the latest from Harman Developer's Conference, discussing attendees' takeaways from the event, and looking at the future of Harman and t...
A State of Control 60: Technical Debt
16 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Creating quality source code and how writing code has changed in the last few years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P...
A State Of Control 59: Programming & The Cloud
19 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How the cloud has changed control systems, and preparing solutions for cloud integration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...
A State of Control 58: Magic Merlin
21 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How AV over IP systems has come into the programming field, and how you can prepare your systems for AV over IP. See Privacy Policy at https://art19....
A State of Control 57: Earth & Sky
17 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing Crestron Masters 2019, how it has evolved, and where it could be headed in the future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and...
A State of Control 56: Get On Base
19 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How testing and troubleshooting the most important tools in a programmer's arsenal, and working together with your team to ensure everything runs smoo...
A State of Control 55: Flappy Bird
15 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing customized solutions, overcoming the limits of control system platforms, and the value of being niche. See Privacy Policy at https://art19...
A State of Control 54: Friend Zone
15 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the pros and cons of fixed control appliances and custom control solutions, and the future of the custom market for control manufacturers. ...
A State of Control 53: Community
18 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing APIs, modules and drivers, and building community within the AV industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P...
A State of Control 52: Good Luck, Kid
21 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Looking at the role of the modern programmer and how the changes to the industry will impact progammers moving forward. See Privacy Policy at https:/...
A State of Control 51: Web Vs. AV
16 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing the conversation about interface design. What the industry can do to stay on top of things and discussing the future of user interface desi...
A State of Control 50: Hey, Can You Add This?
19 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding programming versus configuration of control systems, and finding their place in the industry space. See Privacy Policy at https://art19...
A State of Control 49: Harman Development Conference 2018
21 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A look back at Harman's annual programmer's conference, IoT in Pro AV, and where audiovisual programmers are headed next. See Privacy Policy at https...
A State of Control 48: Jabroni
17 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Getting project managers and audiovisual control programmers on the same page to get the job done right and on time. See Privacy Policy at https://ar...
A State of Control 47: Second Mouse Gets the Cheese
20 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The importance of building control and automation and what ProAV audiovisual integrators need to know to make the most of the newest control platforms...
A State of Control 46: Virtualized Control
23 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Where the world of AI and virtualization will intersect with audiovisual programming and automation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy ...
A State of Control 45: Meet the Gems
18 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The value of the yearly gathering of audiovisual control programmers at Crestron Masters, peer education, and networking. See Privacy Policy at https...
A State of Control 32: Lights Out
09 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In past episodes SOC has covered the process and practices of creating sustainable code, confirming scope of work and documentation. On this episode w...
A State Of Control 31: Reach One, Teach One
02 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Just how do you get to be an AV programmer? Working in AV integration is not just knowing code, we have to see the whole system operation. Where can y...
State of Control 30: Do it Right the First Time
29 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
On this Episode we look forward to the new year by discussing how to make a project be successful, testing systems properly, and increasing customer s...
State of Control 29: Game of Codes
22 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The Nature of Programming is changing rapidly. In this new environment is the role of the programming becoming obsolete or have a bigger role to play?...
A State of Control 27: Programmer Training
13 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we look at in-person audio visual programmer conferences. What value do they bring? How do they propel you and your team forward? Are ...
A State of Control 26: No Programming Required
18 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
With manufacturers are pushing “No Programming Required” solutions, how do programmers see this impacting their livelihood? Our panel discusses th...
A State of Control 25: Picking Right
14 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
How do you pick which jobs to take and which to pass? How do you say “No” to a client? We talk about this plus how to handle the ebbs and flows of...
A State of Control 24: Help a Brother Out
06 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What are the benefits and drawbacks of documentation? We talk about preparing a system for future-proofing. Are there standards you can employ among v...
A State of Control 23: Stay Within the Bumpers
24 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This month we dive into the divide between residential and commercial programming. We talk about the skill sets needed for each and how do you transit...
State of Control 22: Fragmentation
28 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
On our previous episode we discussed how programming of typical systems are being simplified. This month we talk about software solutions that help pr...
A State of Control Episode 21: Gold Rush
04 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This month we look at how to get into the programming side of AV, where to go to get your skills honed, and the death of the middle-class programmer. ...
A State of Control 20: Not Everyone Gets A Ribbon
26 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This month we look at the importance of manufacturer training and certifications. What do they cover beyond their specific products? How does InfoComm...
State of Control 19: Modern Control System
27 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
With a new white paper from InfoComm International, what new and innovative things can audiovisual programmers do to help push these systems forward? ...
A State of Control Episode 18: Kumbaya
19 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Host: Tim Albright AVNation Founder and Steve Greenblatt of Control Concepts Guests: Rich Fregosa, Chip Moody of VCA Global, and Dave Goldberg of Advn...