DIY Technology Integration is on the RISE! See why...

There was a time in the not so distant past when everything technology related was complicated. For about 30 years (1980-2010) most video and audio related technology integration projects were installed by specialized companies. In the past 5 years everything has changed! If you have somehow missed this huge culture shift toward DIY ProAV let me fill you in.

The software is easier

Perhaps the biggest driving force in ProAV is the refinement in today's software market. Cloud based video conferencing applications are incredibly powerful, bug-free and dummy proof! Deploying a video conferencing initiative enterprise-wide no longer takes a room full of consultants. With a few clicks and face to face help from your online vendor you can allocate cloud-based licenses for your entire team and feel safe knowing the software is intuitive enough that they will actually use it.

The same process is happening in the live streaming and broadcast industry. Video production software is being refined for ease of use and compatibility. End users are getting exposed to the possibilities of streaming in unprecedented numbers as Google and Facebook put "live streaming" at the forefront of their platforms. Together the video production software providers and the free CDNs (content delivery networks like YouTube and Facebook) are creating a perfect storm for new and experienced users alike to get started on a shoe string budget.

The hardware is plug and play

Never before have we had so many easy options for plug and play video conferencing and live streaming. In fact, I did write two ebooks highlighting this new push into the plug and play world worth reading if you are interested.

1. Plug and play video conferencing

2. Plug and play live streaming

When you hear plug and play think USB. But IP based video and audio is also breaking down barriers for installation possibilities. In short, things are only getting easier and easier in the world of hardware and software for audio visual.

The buyer has changed

Today's technology buyers have changed because they know what they want to do. Access to free trials, tutorials and the vast wealth of knowledge available today are making users more confident in crafting their own DIY projects. Every week I am talking with folks who are new to the industry but confident in building a custom PC or installing a camera wall mount. As the DIY technology integration becomes more and more popular we want to help enable everyone involved.

Has the ProAV channel changed?

Now I'm not saying that the need for professional audio visual integration companies will reduce in the future by any means. On the contrary, users will need more training and support than ever as lowered costs fuel increased technology deployments. What will need to happen is the ProAV will have to shift more resources to training and technical support. If I am way off please let me know in the comments below. I may have opened up a can of worms and I did not plan to fully cover this subject.