AV Tech Manager Training

Our lives are increasingly dominated by screens, speakers, and smart devices. You are the wizards behind the curtain – the AV professionals – who are more crucial than ever. But as technology races forward, how tech gurus keep up? Enter the new frontier of AV education, where industry giants are revolutionizing the way we learn about audiovisual technology.

AVIXA: The Disneyland of AV Learning

Imagine a theme park, but instead of roller coasters, you’ve got tracks of specialized AV knowledge. That’s essentially what AVIXA has created with its comprehensive training program. From “General AV Knowledge” for the wide-eyed newbies to “Designer” courses for the pixel-perfect perfectionists, AVIXA’s got a ride for everyone.

But the real showstopper? Their 30-day Training Pass. It’s like an all-access bracelet to the AV knowledge kingdom. For a whole month, you can gorge yourself on on-demand training modules, sampling everything from the basics of signal flow to the intricacies of projection mapping. It’s a buffet of bytes and bits that would make even the most jaded tech veteran’s eyes light up like a well-calibrated OLED display.

And if virtual learning isn’t your jam, AVIXA has in-person options too. You can hit up one of their partner locations, or crash a conference. It’s like AV education à la carte, and you’re the chef.

Crestron: The Hogwarts of Home Automation

Meanwhile, Crestron is transforming its Technical Institute into what can only be described as the Hogwarts of home automation. Their suite of training programs promises to turn mere mortals into masters of control systems, automated environments, and AV over IP faster than you can say “Alexa, dim the lights.”

From the foundational “Technology Architect” track to the mind-bending “Custom Programming” course, Crestron is offering a smorgasbord of tech skills that would make even Tony Stark jealous. Want to design user interfaces that would put Iron Man’s J.A.R.V.I.S. to shame? There’s a course for that. Fancy yourself as the next big thing in residential tech? Crestron’s got you covered with their “Residential” track.

But it’s not all about flashy interfaces and home automation. Crestron is also diving deep into the world of unified communications with their “Crestron Flex” course, promising to turn you into a video conferencing wizard. And for those who dream in algorithms, the “Custom Programming” track offers the chance to create bespoke experiences using SIMPL or C# – because who doesn’t want to code their way to the perfect automated life?

Extron: The 24/7 AV Feast

Extron isn’t just throwing course materials at a wall and seeing what sticks. They’re crafting a virtual learning experience that’s more immersive than your favorite VR game. With small group sizes in their online workshops, you’ll get more personal attention than a celebrity at a boutique hotel. And for those who prefer to learn in stealth mode, their self-paced courses let you absorb AV wisdom whenever inspiration strikes.

Extron’s online instructor-led courses provide as close to a real-world experience as possible without the risk of accidentally unplugging the CEO’s presentation. Students receive personal attention from the same industry-recognized instructors who have conducted their in-person training for years. Each student has access to virtual hardware and their own instance of the software. It’s like having your own personal AV playground, minus the risk of breaking expensive equipment.

Q-SYS: The Netflix of AV Knowledge

Last but certainly not least, Q-SYS is serving up a buffet of audio knowledge that’s as free as it is fabulous. Their online training is like Netflix for AV nerds, complete with binge-worthy content and presenters so entertaining you might forget you’re actually learning.

Imagine a world where every word in every video is searchable (yes, even that obscure audio term you can never remember), where you can learn at 3 AM in your pajamas, and where real-world scenarios prepare you for audio challenges better than any textbook ever could. From newbies to seasoned pros, Q-SYS is dishing out modules faster than you can say “automatic mixing,” all wrapped up in a non-linear package that lets you jump around like a kid in an audio playground.

The Future of AV Education

As we stand on the precipice of a new era in AV technology, these industry leaders are ensuring that the next generation of tech wizards are armed with the knowledge they need to shape our audiovisual future. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to stay ahead of the curve or a curious newcomer ready to dive into the world of AV, there’s never been a better time to learn.

So whether you dream in schematics, see the world in HDMI cables, or just really enjoy the satisfying click of a perfectly programmed control panel, there’s a course out there for you. Just don’t be surprised if you start talking to your toaster or trying to swipe left on your bedroom curtains. After all, in the world of AV, the line between science fiction and reality is getting blurrier by the day.

As we hurtle towards a future where our environments are smarter, our communications are seamless, and our experiences are more immersive than ever before, one thing is clear: the AV professionals of tomorrow are being forged in the virtual classrooms of today. And with AVIXA, Crestron, Extron, and Q-SYS leading the charge, the future of AV is looking brighter than a 4K HDR display on full blast.

These are the big ones but I’m certain I missed some. What are your favorite AV educators? Comment below.