Jim Hatcher, chief technology officer, Human Circuit:
Signal consolidation and distribution over Ethernet. Traditionally, discrete signal types have been transmitted on discrete cables. Ethernet encapsulation and packet routing enables the transmission of multiple signal types on one cable. For example, media, timing and control can now be transmitted over one category cable.
Of course, there are important distinctions between Ethernet and HDBaseT. Both support multiple signal types on a single category cable. However, Ethernet offers an OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model that facilitates content and signal distribution throughout a facility using IP packet switching and is extensible globally via the web. In broadcast and AV systems, video encapsulation over IP will lead the way for 4K and eventually 8K infrastructures. The challenge is that AV has to play nice with TCP/IP. The idea of being a “good network citizen” is more important now than ever.
Kevin Goldsmith, chief technology officer, PingHD:
As we get ready to tackle 2016, I believe the biggest challenge facing integrators is awareness. With so many options/products/integrators pitching their various solutions, sorting wheat from the chaff and educating the customer on the best solution to fit their requirements becomes an increasing challenge.
Jon Godbout, CEO, CCS Presentation Systems (2013 CI Integrator of the Year):
A seasonal challenge we at CCS face every year is the fourth-quarter slow-down. CCS is fiscally strong and responsible and, because we are fiscally responsible each year, we concentrate/focus on staying profitable during the last quarter of the calendar year — each year. In those years that the signs point to a slow fourth quarter, we just bite the bullet and concentrate on overhead issues like training, certification accreditation, getting our building dialed in, etc. I would be very surprised if most integrators don’t have the same concern about the fourth quarter.
Heather Sidorowicz, president and owner, Southtown Audio Video:
It is increasingly difficult to draw the line in the sand between the AV equipment and IT infrastructure. Typical security practices are often at odds with the AV device control. Expectations must be managed upfront to avoid major issues when the “button” doesn’t work.
Ron Gaboury, CEO, Yorktel (2015 CI Integrator of the Year):
The biggest challenge we face is the pace of technology evolution, from on-premises video to mobility to unified communications. Another major challenge is the high number of entrants into the video conferencing space and helping enterprises realize that freeware and consumer video is insufficient for enterprise needs.
Michael Shinn, director of operations, IMS Technology Services:
The largest challenge that I see for the integrators in the industry is the ever-growing requirement for us to integrate systems that involve an element of PC software. For example, web conferencing solutions rely heavily on the user’s computer settings for audio and video — and almost every machine is unique. However, the customer expects that everything is just plug and play, nice and easy.
Reality does not yet align with that vision, but the market is demanding that weintegrate in this way. Educating the customer and the end users is going to be a big hurdle for us to overcome in the short and long terms.
John Mitton, VP audiovisual group, Red Thread:
Microsoft’s introduction into the AV market with the Surface Hub will open a large amount of enterprise clients that use Skype for Business as their collaboration platform. We are looking to partner with IT providers.
Brad Walsh, president, Beacon Communications:
To continue expanding our recurring revenue footprint. Success with project implementations will assist on building SMA revenues. Maximizing value for our clients from a maintenance perspective is a key element to growing this part of our business.
Raymond Bailey, president, Lone Star Communications:
It is very hard to find people to provide the level of service that our customers have come to expect. As a result we have addressed this by providing training from the day an employee starts and to continuously train.
Brad Peterson, president, Level 3 Audio Visual:
Learning to say no to opportunities for the right reasons. Turning down business is never easy but taking on the wrong business for the wrong reasons can be very detrimental both financially as well as culturally.
Jerry Gale, marketing director, Alpha Video & Audio:
Hiring qualified and experience technical staff. We are using every trick our HR person can think of.
Rick Truocchio, director of operations, Serious Audio Video:
Converging technologies are a challenge. As soon as you master a system there is already something newer and better replacing many aspects of the previous system. We will continue training our staff and educating ourselves by attending trade shows.
Mike Landrum, CEO, Technical Innovation:
Growth challenges requirement for more technical resources . With many firms in the industry experiencing significant growth, many are drawing from the same pool of limited resources.
Jim Ford, president, Ford Audio-Video:
Being able to execute on our promise to the customer. Success will be measured based upon our ability to plan, organize, and follow our protocols and processes.
Jay McArdle, CIO, Zdi Inc.:
We are able to form mutually beneficial and non-threatening relationships with major IT firms. This has helped us with reach and relevancy within the market. Our biggest challenge will be managing the growth created by this strategy. We are on pace for 100 to 200 percent growth in 2015 over 2014.
Tim St. Louis, executive VP of sales, Sharp’s Audio Visual:
Our biggest challenge could be economic uncertainty. Many of our enterprise clients have delayed projects. Sharp’s must work with clients to find creative ways to make these projects take form, creative finance or value engineering.
