Factors in Audio-Visual Design You Should Know
Building an AV setup is a complex process that requires meticulous planning and accurate calculations. This article will explain some core principles to help you better understand how to pick the best solution for your next audio-video build.
Whether you want to equip a multimedia meeting room in your office, set up an in-person conference, or organize a huge open-air concert, you will need to keep these principles in mind for the AV.
Audio and Video Goals
Before you start planning your new AV build, develop a clear understanding of why you need it and what tasks it will perform. For instance…
- Do you need your AV setup to support video calls?
- Will it be used for static presentations only or you are going to play videos as well?
- Is there a chance you will need to use your AV hardware for live music performances?
Each specific use case may affect the number and types of equipment pieces that you will need.
Space
Probably the second most important factor to keep in mind is the size and shape of your venue and the potential audience.
For a small classroom, a couple of speakers and a relatively small screen may suffice. In a larger conference room, you will need more sound power and additional video equipment.
AV Budget
AV equipment can cost a lot. But it does not have to cost a lot for you. There could be a cheaper option that will work for you like a charm. Your goal should be to find a compromise between price and tech specifications.
In many cases, advanced features may prove useless for your specific use cases and force the equipment price tag into the clouds.
For instance, there is no need to buy an 8K resolution display for presentations or an advanced sound mixer for a small classroom. Your goal should be to find the exact pieces of equipment that will meet your requirements — no more, no less.
Audio and Video Engineering and Connectivity
You should always remember that all the pieces of audio and video equipment require power and must be interconnected. It poses two problems to solve: positioning and overall power consumption.
It is important to make sure your AV devices are not affected by interference from other electrical equipment. Also, the overall power consumption of a larger AV system may be quite significant. Make sure your venue has enough power to support it.
Another important aspect is your network capacity. If you use a wireless AV setup, you will need proper bandwidth to make it work. On the other hand, if you go for cable connections, make sure that you understand how the wiring will be laid out.
An expert AV designer will consider these and other factors while designing your AV setup.
AV Maintenance
Complex AV equipment may require regular maintenance and servicing to keep it up and running. You should think in advance about who will handle this and how often it will be needed.
If you don’t have in-house trained personnel with AV maintenance skills, you can always ask your AV integrator for help.
System Usability
Modern AV equipment may come packed with dozens of advanced features that make it hard to operate. If non-professionals will use your setup, pay close attention to your equipment’s ease of use.
If you want to make sure your AV equipment is used properly and to its full capacity, consider running training sessions for your personnel.
Work with AV Professionals
Installing and maintaining a modern AV setup is virtually impossible without professional help. You should also beware of companies that offer AV equipment and services when that is not their primary focus.
Here at Audio-Video Group, we are happy to help and have decades of experience designing, installing, and servicing AV systems and training your team on how to best use that system. Need assistance for your next project? Call us! 800-668-4988