On Topic Episode 82: That nice squishy in-between

Nov 4

Recorded October 30, 2026

What happens when AI starts connecting all the technology we already use? This month, we're joined by special guest George Birchall from Epiphan to explore their new Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration and what it could mean for the future of AV. By allowing AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude to communicate directly with hardware and services, MCP opens the door to entirely new ways of managing our learning spaces.

We explore practical applications, from automated classroom readiness checks and troubleshooting to equipment monitoring, room utilization, and smarter technology investments. Instead of juggling 19 different management dashboards, what if you could simply ask AI how your classrooms are doing?

Along the way, we consider whether AI could challenge traditional AV control systems, how it might change the roles of programmers and support staff, and why open integrations could finally break us out of proprietary ecosystems. It's a look at where AV and AI are headed, with plenty of enthusiasm, speculation, and the usual nonsense.

Epiphan’s MCP integration:
https://www.epiphan.com/epiphan-mcp/
https://www.epiphan.com/webinars/pearl-ai-workshop-using-claude-and-chatgpt-to-run-your-fleet/

Get started with MCP:
https://modelcontextprotocol.io/docs/2026-07-28/develop/build-server
https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10949351-getting-started-with-local-mcp-servers-on-claude-desktop

Alternate show titles: