Every facility or organization that regularly employs multimedia setups needs to think about audio visual control systems at an early planning stage. The reason for this is straightforward: A/V setups with multiple components require a unified approach. This is not only for system optimization but, perhaps more importantly, to allow A/V personnel to realistically employ a setup at its full capacity in real time.
Without the right audio visual control systems, a lot of the equipment that a facility or organization has acquired (or intends to implement) may see little use due to the logistic problems that arise without a solid way of steering these resources. Fortunately, modern controllers are superior to their antecedents in every way, from ease of use to power. It’s an ideal time to consider all the options out there.
Conceptual Overview
Audio visual control systems vary as much as A/V needs do, which is a lot: from large concert halls and arenas to smaller venues where intimacy is key, these systems can be wildly different from one another. As a result, before making any decisions, it’s wise consider not only a facility or organization’s current needs, but also how the system may be used in the future. Yet however they may manifest, as the name implies, the key function of these setups is to control A/V devices.
In their most basic forms, these devices come with a single primary component: the control interface. This means that audio visual control systems can be as simple as software on any display device—anything from a monitor to a smart phone to even cutting-edge smart watches. Today the possibilities are virtually limitless. As a general rule of thumb, more traditional systems (and some modern specialized security-focused setups) will include a series of wires—potentially many cables—connected to a fixed display and will be much less dependent upon an internet connection.
Setup Done Right: Bringing in A/V Integrators
It’s tempting to consider approaching these setups without assistance from professionals. And this is understandable. After all, a lot of things make for solid do-it-yourself projects. However, when it comes to audio visual control systems, it’s important to avoid the numerous problems that can come up along the way by bringing in an experienced A/V integration crew as early into the process as possible.
The reasons for this are numerous. Not only will an A/V integrator provide professional advice about the best possible setup for one’s organization or facility, but integrators can save countless hours and dollars that all too often otherwise go to waste. With a professional A/V integrator, systems will be up and running at full optimization from the beginning, without the wasted time and money that often comes with endless troubleshooting. An A/V integrator lets the organization concentrate on what really matters: delivering high-quality content to an audience.