AUDIO – VISUAL
WHAT IS AV & AV TECHNOLOGY?
AV is an abbreviation for Audio Visual, which is used to describe electronic media that possess an audio (sound) and visual (sight) component. AV technology refers to the actual equipment or tools that convey these components, such as lighting, projectors, speakers, and displays.
THE PRE-SHOW: AUDIO
VISUAL EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS
While it might be tempting to jump right into the proverbial wires and plugs of navigating event audio-visual equipment, it’s not where you should start. To better understand what AV technology can do for your event, you need to know how you’ll get it all in, out, powered, and connected for use during the event.
Below, some common client scenarios and industry terminologies to familiarize yourself with AV equipment and related pre-show AV services:
Scenario 1: “We sent the exhibitor order form to the keynote speaker and discovered he needed another microphone.”
Exhibitor Order Forms: While you undoubtedly have a vision for your event, remember that it isn’t a given that every presenter shares your exact idea of adequate audio-visual coverage. An exhibitor order form is essentially a list given to your speakers prior to an event, asking them what specific technology they’ll need to deliver a smooth, clear presentation to your attendees.
Scenario 2: “We’re planning the load in at 8 am, starting at the loading docks in the rear of the building.” Load In / Load Out: These terms refer to one of the most important aspects of setting up audio-visual equipment for an event – and believe it or not, they start before a plug ever finds an outlet. Physically moving in speakers, screens, projectors, and control systems at the right time and place is the effort that will keep your event on-track and on-schedule.
Scenario 3: “We felt pressured to use the in-house supplier, but went with a great third-party provider that had the colored LED light wall that we wanted for the big speech.” In-House Supplier / Third Party Provider: Many larger venues offer either an in-house audio-visual team or have a preferred provider ready to recommend if your event needs one. While there are benefits to both approaches, third-party providers – those that aren’t built into the venue – often offer access to more innovative technology solutions, as they aren’t restricted by the venue budget. The other side of the coin is that they may be less familiar with the venue and its capabilities – an obstacle that’s easy to overcome, however, with enough time for research.
WHAT DO CORPORATE AV SOLUTIONS CONSIST OF ?
AV solutions make it easier for companies to unify and standardize their communications throughout the organization, so team members can be reached wherever they are, quickly and easily. Conferencing solutions are effective at promoting this approach, and they include:
- Cameras and displays – In a video conferencing system, a camera captures video from one endpoint and distributes it to other endpoints connected to the conference. There may only be a pair of endpoints involved, or there may be hundreds. For example, an executive may use a conference room to deliver an announcement to many other rooms, displays or devices.
- Microphones and speakers – The audio side of a video conference is captured by microphones and delivered to speakers at the other end. Microphones can be mounted to a surface, built into a surface, mounted inside the ceiling or suspended from the ceiling. The right choice comes down to appearance, footprint and audio clarity. For example, gooseneck microphones deliver excellent audio quality, but they take up more space than other microphones.Speakers may be integrated with the display, which is typically sufficient for a smaller space like a huddle room. In medium to larger conference spaces, a set of speakers positioned for even sound distribution ensures everyone can hear.
- The codec – The codec is responsible for encoding and decoding the audio and visual data sent to each conferencing system and endpoint. Codecs are available in hardware and software forms, each with their own advantages. Hard codecs are ideal when call stability and quality is an absolute must, while soft codecs are less expensive and fast to implement.In addition to conferencing solutions, digital signage solutions are a popular choice among businesses. They consist of the following technologies:
- The display – Digital signage displays look like televisions, but they are designed for long term, continuous use. As such, they are built with more durable components, onboard fans and larger heat sinks to prevent thermal damage. Digital signage displays are available in an array of sizes and forms,as they can perform several roles. A restaurant may use digital signage to display menus. A luxury clothing store may use a large video wall to show off new arrivals. Businesses on a commercial plaza can use rugged exterior signage to catch the attention of people strolling by. Digital displays can be installed just about anywhere.
- The media player – The media player is what stores and sends signage layouts to the display. It’s essentially a small computer that makes signage functionality easy to manage.
- The signage software – Digital signage software allows users to create and edit layouts, program signage campaigns and perform other functions. If the signage can also be used as an instant messaging or emergency alert system, these can also be accessed through the signage software.
Applications can be used to add functionality to the signage system. Weather, news, sports scores and social media applications are just a few examples.
AGENT BRANDS
