In this article we summarise key insights from Episode 7 of the Mastering Connectivity podcast, produced by Kordz in collaboration with AV Trade Talks. In this episode, Kordz Managing Director, James Chen, is joined by industry futurist, Rich Green, and former integrator turned Samsung executive, Kris Hogg, to explore how AI, smart home technology, next-generation networking and automation will shape AV connectivity over the coming decade. Hosted by Katye McGregor Bennett, the discussion examines not only the pace of technological acceleration, but what it means in practical terms for AV integrators, system designers and connectivity infrastructure, plus why keeping human connection at the centre of design will be critical as systems become more intelligent.
As homes become increasingly computerised and autonomous, the podcast underscores a critical theme: despite rapid and dramatic technological acceleration, integrators have a civic responsibility to keep human connection at the heart of every design, deployment and innovation.
Here’s a few of the highlights we learned from our panelists.
It’s A New Era of Human Connection
Green opens with a reminder that the future of connectivity will not advance in a straight line. Rather, technological progress is accelerating–and will continue to accelerate–exponentially, quickly reshaping how humans connect with each other, with machines, and with their home environments. Immersive wraparound displays, virtual headsets and AI-driven engagement are laying the groundwork for pervasive robotics and a state of continuous connection, in which technology can augment human intelligence at extraordinary scale. A shift that will place far greater demands on underlying connectivity infrastructure.
Green envisions a future where brain-implanted transceivers enable people to communicate and compute far beyond the constraints of today’s devices. AI platforms like ChatGPT could eventually operate millions of times faster than human cognition, amplifying thought, creativity, and problem-solving in real time. Quantum computing promises even more dramatic leaps. These possibilities aren’t science-fiction fantasies, Green emphasises, but credible developments for the coming decade, supported by extensive research, analytical modelling, and significant investment from global technology think tanks.
At the same time, Green and his fellow panelists foresee a parallel countermovement: a human impulse to gravitate back towards community, tactile experiences, and face-to-face connection, as a grounding force amid accelerating technological change.
“The true challenge is ensuring that digital tools enhance–rather than overwhelm–daily life.”
Kris Hogg
Hogg echoes the tension Green describes. While advanced connectivity offers extraordinary potential, humans still live in a world shaped by sensory, emotional, and physical interaction. The true challenge, he warns, is ensuring that digital tools enhance–rather than overwhelm–daily life. Without thoughtful integration and ethical design, Hogg sees the risk of drifting toward a “Matrix-like” existence, where technology dominates, rather than supports, human experience.
Chen shares similar concerns. He cautions against unchecked systems lacking accountability and calls for meaningful governmental legislation to ensure safety, transparency, and public trust, as emerging technologies continue to expand.
Despite varying levels of optimism and restraint, all three panelists agree on one essential principle: humans must remain at the centre of this next technological wave. Even as 8K HDR displays approach near-perfect realism, Green notes, we instinctively recognise the difference between the artificial and the authentic. Hogg adds that while AI and robotics can assist, they cannot replicate the nuance of tactile or emotional experiences.
“No algorithm can make a cup of tea with the same intuitive care as a human.”
Kris Hogg
Green envisions a future in which technology recedes into the background, functioning as a subtle “guardian angel” that supports daily routines – offering, for example, a gentle reminder to take an umbrella, while never feeling intrusive.
What This Means for Integrators
As the IoT universe expands and autonomous home environments take shape, the need for reliable infrastructure capable of securely transporting enormous volumes of data also grows, particularly for professional integrators responsible for long-term system performance. Sensors, actuators, cameras, computers and AI-enabled devices all demand robust connectivity, and the panelists anticipate multiple technologies working in harmony to support these environments: private 5G networks, high-voltage PoE and AVoIP.
This evolution reinforces a recurring theme: the importance of proper cabling. Integrators must lead the cabling narrative, helping clients understand why high-quality, purpose-built cable matters now more than ever. As systems become more powerful and interconnected, predictable reliability becomes non-negotiable. A single weak link – often a low-quality cable – can compromise an entire installation and undermine the human-centred experiences integrators are tasked with delivering.
As connectivity becomes the backbone of modern living environments, the integrator’s role evolves from contractor to long-term caretaker of these highly intelligent, predictive digital ecosystems, a shift that reshapes both professional responsibility and client expectations. Ongoing support, monitoring and maintenance are no longer optional; they are essential components of responsible system design.
A Future Built on Community and Continuous Learning
The panel also highlights a growing convergence across industries. Electricians, IT professionals and AV integrators are increasingly overlapping in skills and responsibilities. This shift underscores the need for ongoing education, certification and professional development to ensure that all parties working in these sophisticated environments are properly trained and aligned.
The episode concludes with a unified message: integrators cannot meet the demands of the future on their own. Community, collaboration and continual learning, through organisations like CEDIA, as well as manufacturers, peer groups and industry events, are essential to staying ahead of and preparing for the next paradigm shift. By embracing exponential thinking while safeguarding human values, integrators can help shape a future in which technology enhances life rather than overwhelms it.
AI plays a central role in this educational journey. Chen emphasises that AI should be a standard tool in every integrator’s workflow. Asking AI clarifying questions, checking system compatibility, or researching new standards can save weeks of effort. Every company, he suggests, should appoint an “AI champion” to drive adoption, proficiency and best practices.
Hogg, Green and Chen add that integrators must not only use AI but understand how to prompt it effectively and evaluate its guidance critically. AI will soon operate at the edge—in switches, phones, laptops and home devices—running locally without reliance on cloud-based advertising models. Billions of small, specialised AI agents will collaborate across environments, creating new opportunities and new responsibilities. While AI may seem novel or imperfect today, its capabilities are expected to advance dramatically in the coming years.
Guiding the Next Decade of Connectivity
The insights shared in this episode make one thing clear: the future of AV connectivity is not just about faster networks, smarter homes or more sensors but about how thoughtfully those technologies are integrated into human life. Ensuring these advancements serve people, supporting comfort, security, creativity and genuine human connection. Integrators play an important role, standing in the centre of this transformation.
By embracing new technologies, strengthening their skills, collaborating across industries and upholding a human-centred ethic, they can shape a connected future that is not only intelligent and efficient, but also supportive of real human thought, feeling and emotion.
Listen to the full episode now.
Find out more about Kordz’ leading range of professional grade connectivity products here.
A special thanks to our guests and AV Trade Talks host, Katye McGregor Bennett and the team at KMB Communications for their collaboration on this insightful podcast series.
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