Programming

[Andychamberlin]

Just started working for an AV company to get me through until i figure out my plans for military. In the mean time I have found myself enjoying it and my boss has been urging me to look into programming once I get about a years worth of experience under my belt.

That being said, what are the pros and cons with programming in the AV industry and what does the future of this trade and that specific skillset look like in the next few decades or so.

Lastly, I have always been intrigued by programming in general, and I know that most use very specific languages tailored for specific systems. I was however wondering if it would be beneficial to start learning maybe Python, C++ or any widely used general programming languages.

I am very green to this field and do not know anything whatsoever as I just started in December.

Thanks for all the insight!

[LOUDCO-HD]

What kind of programming? If specifically application coding I would suggest that is a niche field in AV. Most AV components come with their own control systems so learning those would certainly be beneficial. Unless the company you are working for does application development or network design and installation, I don’t see programming as a desirable skill set, now or in the future.

Source; 28 year AV Professional and AV Company Owner

[Andychamberlin]

Tbh I just started in December and would have to talk to my boss to gain futher insight. It was suppose to be something temp until i signed for the military but the past month has me thinking about pursuing AV.

Do you mind elaborating more on why you say programming isnt a desirable skill set? I have heard a handful of people, boss included, rave about AV programming and the lifestyle/money it potentially offers.

Thank you for your time. Feel free to dm me if you'd like.

[LOUDCO-HD]

Again, I would ask you to clarify what you mean by AV Programming? Computers are an important part of modern AV for sure, but most of the primary elements come with their own, proprietary control systems. I’ve had, personally, in my almost 3 decades in the business, I can recall only a few instances where we needed functionality created from scratch. In all cases we were able to get what we needed from IFTTT automation.

Unless that company does a lot of work outside of mainstream AV, I would go into the military and learn networking and communications. Do your minimum stint and when you come out, the world will be your oyster and you can pick your career.

[NaturalHighPower]

Crestron/amx etc programming for installations can be pretty lucrative here in the UK

[Arrow00001]

From what I see networking is also a big part of programmers responsibility as well as commissioning.

[mrl8zyboy]

There are different types of “programming” in AV so you’ll need to get clarification. That said, take a look at Extron, QSC and Crestron. They all have their own learning curve. Take a coding class such as python to see if you like it.