5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Commercial Audio-Visual System

Aug 8, 2023 | Audio Visual Installation

Reading Time: About 4 minutes

When creating memorable events, the right audio-visual (AV) system can be your secret weapon, unleashing the “wow” factor that leaves a lasting impression.

But just like any powerful tool, it requires careful handling to ensure a great experience. Think about the disappointment of an enthusiastic presenter exceeding their time limit or a crucial video failing to play during a pivotal keynote address.

Such missteps can bring even the most well-planned program to a screeching halt, leaving the audience disengaged and the event organizers scrambling for solutions.

That’s why we have created this exhaustive list of common mistakes to avoid when you install a communication audio visual system.

Mismatching AV equipment and content

This mismatch between AV equipment and content can be a real buzzkill, dampening the overall effectiveness of your event. To avoid such disappointments, ensuring proper integration and programming of your AV systems is essential.

This means carefully selecting equipment with specific features and capabilities that align with your content goals. For example, if you’re planning a visually immersive presentation, consider displays with high-resolution capabilities and vibrant color reproduction. Similarly, prioritize speakers and sound systems that deliver good crystal-clear quality and sufficient volume for an audio-centric event.

To avoid all the mistakes mentioned here, you need an expert’s help. Contact Rhodes Security System to get started.

Using free WiFi

To avoid this common mistake, you must recognize that not all WiFi is created equal. While “free WiFi” may be tempting, supporting a large crowd with multiple devices often falls short. No matter how impressive your AV equipment and presentations are, they can’t compensate for a weak, unreliable WiFi connection. (1)

So, how do you avoid this pitfall? Before the event:

  1. Do your due diligence and inquire about the WiFi capabilities at the venue.
  2. Ask questions like how fast the connection is, how many simultaneous connections it can support, and what measures are in place to ensure its security.
  3. Don’t settle for assumptions or vague promises—get specific details about bandwidth capacity and network stability.

Exposure of your video

Just like with a stills camera, exposing your video footage is crucial for creating visually stunning scenes. But how do you achieve optimal exposure and ensure your camera captures the right amount of light?

One of the primary factors that affect exposure is the source of illumination. Outdoors, the sun reigns supreme, providing ample light for your shots. However, you must control the amount of light reaching your camera’s sensor. To achieve this, you can adjust the aperture on the lens, combined with the camera’s shutter speed (or integration time).

When it comes to shutter speed, it’s generally recommended to fix it around 1/50th of a second. Especially when working with standard frame rates of 25 frames per second (slightly higher in some regions). Why is this? Well, it’s a combination of factors related to the characteristics of display screens, the eye’s temporal response, flicker perception, and digital compression efficiency. (2)

Skimping on audio

Skimping on audio is a mistake you don’t want to make.

Audio is often underestimated in its impact on the overall event quality. While perfect audio may go unnoticed, bad audio becomes the center of attention, distracting your audience from the message you’re trying to convey. To avoid this pitfall, investing in quality audio equipment and ensuring comprehensive coverage for your entire audience is crucial.

Consider the layout of your venue. Are there areas where the sound might be weaker or harder to hear? Ensure speakers are strategically placed throughout the space, including the center, sides, and back. If your venue is particularly large, additional measures like delayed speakers or a line array system may be necessary to reach those seated in the back.

Banding

You’ve captured breathtaking footage for your video project, only to discover annoying bands of light and dark moving across the screen. It’s a visual distraction that can significantly diminish the quality of your work. This is a mistake known as banding, and it’s crucial to avoid it to ensure a professional-looking result.

To prevent banding, setting your camera to the correct scanning standard based on your filming and viewing location is essential. Different regions operate on different main frequencies, typically either 60Hz or 50Hz.

Why does this matter? Well, when the frame rate of your camera doesn’t match the main frequency, a phenomenon called “beat frequency” occurs. This causes an interference pattern between the camera’s frame rate and the frequency of the mains-powered lighting.

Leave Your Audience Saying ‘Wow’ With Rhodes Security System

At Rhodes Security System, we understand the importance of creating an AV system that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Our skilled technicians are dedicated to delivering top-notch audiovisual solutions for your commercial building. From the initial evaluation to the final installation, we go above and beyond to ensure your visual system is tailored to meet your specific needs and objectives.

During the evaluation process, our experienced technicians carefully assess your space and consider how the visual system will be used. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to identify the visual equipment required to create a seamless and efficient AV system. Choosing the right components guarantees that your visual system will deliver stunning visuals and captivating experiences.

Once the evaluation is complete, our experts will install the visual components, ensuring that each piece of equipment is connected properly. Our attention to detail guarantees that all elements of your AV system work together, providing a flawless experience for you and your audience.

But we don’t stop there. We take your visual system to the next level by integrating automation, allowing for centralized control and effortless operation. With the ability to manage your AV system from a single control point, you’ll have the power to captivate your audience with just a few clicks.

Contact us to know more!

People Also Ask

What is commercial audio-visual?

Commercial audiovisual means using technology and equipment to create and deliver visual content accompanied by sound for commercial purposes. It encompasses various applications, including presentations, advertising, entertainment, and communication in various commercial settings such as offices, conference rooms, retail spaces, and entertainment venues.

What is an example of an audio-visual system?

An example of an audiovisual system is a multimedia presentation in a corporate setting. It typically involves using a projector or large display screen to showcase visual content, accompanied by synchronized audio through speakers. The presentation may include slides, videos, animations, and interactive elements to engage and inform the audience.

References

  1. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/poor-internet-connection-leaves-rural-students-behind
  2. https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-perfect-lighting-video/