There are a number of Audio Visual (AV) solutions available to businesses no matter the industry. AV systems have become vital to how we communicate and do business. Could you imagine speaking at a conference, presenting a proposal to a prospective client, or making a campus-wide announcement without the use of microphones, speakers, or video screens!? 

Audio equipment, video screens, cameras, lighting, etc. All of these are aspects of AV systems and can be used in a variety of ways for different businesses. A warehouse will use PA systems throughout their buildings, office buildings will have video conferencing setups, a counseling center may have a sound masking system in place and the list of AV possibilities goes on. 

Because there are so many different AV solutions and applications we wanted to help businesses understand the potential options. 

In this article, we will explore the different types of solutions applicable for businesses and how to get the best AV experience. Of course, if you have questions you can always give us a call. 

The Types of AV Solutions

When it comes to seamless communication it’s important to have the right AV Solutions. Your technology should add value and just be something your business has to do to stay “relevant.” For example, having a video display in a conference room is good, but if the only microphone and camera are the ones on your laptop then the video display isn’t adding very much value to your conference calls.

Many businesses simply don’t really know what is available, so they are left with sub-par AV integrations. To ensure you get real value out of your equipment, we’ve broken down the main components of modern AV solutions: 

• Audio Equipment

Audio equipment should help enhance communication within your organization. It’s important for communication to be effortless wherever you are, but the sound quality also has to be high quality. There is a number of different audio equipment that your organization can utilize.

• Microphones and speakers
• PA systems
• Sound masking

• Visual displays

What can be seen is just as important as what can be heard. Your displays should be sharp and allow you to better convey whatever it is you are trying to communicate. When it comes to video displays there are a number of things to consider that can help aid in how you communicate. 

• Video Screens
• Projectors
• Cameras
• Interactive whiteboards

• Connectivity

Connectivity is the unheard and unseen aspects of AV that allow everything to work well together. It not only aids in better audio and visual quality but in some instances, it is a requirement for the audio and visual to even function. Here are some of the connectivity aspects that will help ensure your AV equipment is functioning at its optimal efficiency:

• Structured Cabling
• Network Services
• Control Panels
• Wired and wireless Integrations

With all of your AV equipment, you want to think about the user experience. If you’re installing a PA system or speakers, does it make sense to have 2-way communication? Can both the tech-savvy and the technology-inept use it? Does its functionality aid in your ability to communicate?

When exploring AV solutions, it’s important to think about the user experience, not just the basic needs. 

How to get the best AV experience for your business

With the internet, anyone with a little bit of knowledge can obtain high-quality AV equipment and learn how to plug the right cables into the right places. Many businesses choose to go this route but often end up with a subpar experience. You’ve likely experienced this in your office or when visiting another business. 

Their video conferencing is constantly having issues. Their sound and video experience is low quality. There are tangled cords and wires everywhere. The microphone only works when sitting in a specific seat And the list goes on. 

Besides the fact that they are trained and do the job all the time, there are two reasons why professional AV installers create the best AV experience. These reasons are:

• Design
• Proper Installation
• Testing

Proper installation is of course the most obvious reason because, without it, the systems simply won’t function correctly. But it means more than simply hooking the right cables into the right ports. It also means testing the installation in various ways to ensure that the setup works every time and from everywhere you need it. 

The design aspect is less obvious and is something most in-house IT people don’t think about. When an AV expert installs their systems they look into how everything works together. There is a lot that they look at that most people would not have thought of. Things like: Will the speakers allow for everywhere in the room to hear without giving feedback? Are the cameras and screens positioned in a way that every party can see well? Is the Wifi signal strong enough in this room for video conferencing or will they experience issues? How can we best organize the cables the room stays clutter-free?

Hiring or consulting with an expert AV professional is the best way to ensure your systems will provide you with the best possible experience. 

Video conferencing has been on the rise over the past several years, but exploded with the emergence of the Coronavirus. Since then, more and more businesses are looking to update or install new video conferencing systems in their offices.

As video conferencing becomes the new norm for meeting and presenting, businesses can no longer function with subpar technology. 

Now is the time for businesses to address the video conferencing technology in their offices, conference rooms and boardrooms. And we are here to help. In this article we will discuss all the AV solutions your business may want to consider, the installation process and other considerations when having new video conferencing equipment installed in your office. Of course you can always reach out if you have specific questions.

Considerations for video conferencing

“Can you hear me now?” “Hold on your video is cutting in and out” “I’m sorry you’re breaking up.” “Hey it’s Joe I’m here too, can you hear me?” – We’ve all been part of a bad video call. Sometimes it’s user error, other times it’s just a bad connection, and sometimes technology just breaks down. 

But when we plan accordingly, and begin with the right solutions in mind, we can mitigate many of the problems that business face which lead to bad video conferencing experiences. 

Here are a few things you should think about before installing video conferencing equipment:

• Sound quality
• Connection / Wireless presentation
• User friendliness and ease of use
• Functionality

The last thing you want is for your team members or yourself to be frustrated every time you attempt a video conference in the office. You want to have a seamless experience with every video call. 

As you explore different solutions, don’t forget to consider the experience you’ll have. 

The Different Web Conferencing Solutions

Web conferencing is the ability to meet or present digitally with clients, prospects and team members in different locations. When we say “web conferencing” many individuals think internet and video screen. Not much else is considered. But when thinking about a web conferencing solution for your business there’s actually quite a lot that you should consider.

• Web conferencing software
• Wireless network installation, integration and extension
  • Does the room have a strong and stable internet connection?
• Quality Visual display
  • Are the monitors and cameras installed in a way that everyone (in the room and those digitally) can adequately see each other?
• Quality sound design 
  • Is the sound quality good for all parties? Are there quality microphones so the digital parties can hear everyone in the room and is there a well designed speaker system so those in the conference room can hear the digital parties without feedback?
• Sound Masking
  • Should the conversations from the web conferences be masked for privacy or to avoid office distractions?
• Structured Cabling
  • Part of instaling video conferencing systems is to ensure that everything is organized and clutter free.

The Video Conferencing Installation Process

When it comes to video conferencing installation you want the job done right the first time. Organizations don’t want to run into technical issues down the line so they often opt to hire a professional AV installer. 

When a professional installs your web conferencing systems it simplifies the process for you and with little interference with your daily operations. Processionals often have a process that ensures quality video conferencing with great functionality.

Here’s the installation process we follow:

• The Initial Consultation

Before we do anything, we need to hear our clients needs first. We provide an idea of the scope of work so that all parties are on the same page. 

• The Design

For brand new installation jobs or updates, we help our clients design the system for the best experience. The design will address the best way to use the systems for the optimal results.

• Speaker, microphone, monitor and other equipment placement
• Testing network strength and assessing if an extender is necessary
• Ensuring the best technology for functionality sake is used
• Etc.

As the professionals, it is our responsibility to ensure that the foundation is laid well so that once the systems are installed, they function at their optimal performance.

• Installation

When it comes to installing the conferencing equipment, our team handles it all. We setup and test equipment to ensure things are functioning properly. We also structure the cabling to keep the space neat and clutter-free. 

• Maintenance and Future Upgrades

Of course no matter how well an installation job is done, accidents happen and technology can grow obsolete. If an employee breaks a piece of equipment, there’s a change in internet providers and equipment needs to be reconnected, a power outage resets the systems, etc. We make ourselves available for maintenance, repairs and upgrades. 

For our clients the process is simple. With some of your insights into what you are looking for, we help them achieve their desired conferencing room setup.