I am fully aware that I am a baby in the AV industry having only been working in it for a little over two years.

Let me back up a little bit.

If I’m being completely transparent, before working for rAVe, I wasn’t even really fully aware of all that the AV industry encompassed. What I mean is, I worked in radio – so I was aware of the latest in audio technology (broadcasting, really). And, of course, I knew what displays were and sound systems and digital signage and the like. But if you’d asked me what a control system was, I’d probably just said, “Well, it’s probably a system that controls something…” knowing full well I had no clue what I was talking about.

I just had no idea how much the AV industry impacts… well, EVERYTHING.

For example, I would never have realized that when I go to the movies, those giant projectors the theaters are using are made by companies like Christie or Digital Projection.

Or, when I passed the control room at the radio station – that all those racks containing all the computers and control systems and “plugs n’ things” were made by companies like Middle Atlantic.

I just had no idea.

Anyway… what I’m trying to get at is, since working in AV and learning about all the different parts and all the different technologies and all the different… EVERYTHING, it’s really impacted the way I see and experience daily things.

For example, when I go to the movies now, I spend WAY too much time trying to figure out what projector their using. I will even peek into the window of the projector room to see if I can see for myself.

At church? I noticed my church uses Da-lite screens and Panasonic projectors – but I always wonder what models. And then I sit and try and figure out what lighting manufacturer, or mics, or cameras we use.Then, the other night, I was at a concert seeing Hillsong United. Now, while Hillsong United is a Christian worship band, they are known for their really unique use of lighting and technology (AV) integration into their shows.

And, while I had an amazing time at the concert, I did, admittedly, spend a good amount of time looking around the arena trying to figure out what speakers they used, what mics they used, what projectors they used, what screens they used, etc. etc. This particular show they used REALLY COOL laser beams that created different effects and shapes all over the arena. I know, it sounds lame on paper, but it was an AMAZING effect.

While I appreciated the “coolness” of the effect, I really wanted to know who manufactured said laser beams.

So, I guess my point is: has working in the AV industry “ruined” the smoke and mirrors of it all? Can I no longer experience a movie or a concert or even travel or eat in a restaurant anymore without thinking about the technology behind it all?

No, I definitely can’t avoid the inevitable anymore… BUT, I will say…

NO, working in AV hasn’t ruined those things for me at all. If anything, it enhances my experience at those types of things because I now know the amount of effort and the intricacy of design and integration that goes into all of it.

But, that makes me curious: what about you? Has working in AV “ruined” things like concerts, movies, or other experiences for you?

Let me know in the comments below!

On a side note… I do love how cell phones have “ruined” concerts. That’s another post for another day… Check out my photo of the modern day lighter wave… cell phone flashlight style: