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1-1_Intro_Introduction to AV System

The document provides an introduction to audiovisual (AV) systems, detailing their importance, applications, and the process of creating them. It covers the definitions of active and passive systems, the role of subsystems, and the collaborative nature of AV project management. Ultimately, it emphasizes the significance of careful planning and integration in achieving effective communication objectives through AV technology.

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Roberd Lee
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2 views

1-1_Intro_Introduction to AV System

The document provides an introduction to audiovisual (AV) systems, detailing their importance, applications, and the process of creating them. It covers the definitions of active and passive systems, the role of subsystems, and the collaborative nature of AV project management. Ultimately, it emphasizes the significance of careful planning and integration in achieving effective communication objectives through AV technology.

Uploaded by

Roberd Lee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION TO AV SYSTEMS

1. Audiovisual Systems Essentials


In this section, you will learn what AV is about, why it is important, and the variety of ways in which AV is used. This
section is about systems, which are at the center of AV solutions.
You will learn about:
 What defines a system
 Why systems are important
 The purpose of a system
 Active and passive systems
 Where AV systems can be found
 Types of AV systems
 How an AV system is created
 Ergonomics
 Subsystems

2. Audiovisual System Applications


An AV system is two or more pieces of AV equipment designed to work together to meet a communication need.
These systems can be connected with cable or wirelessly. The equipment used in the system may be passive (not
powered) or active (powered).
The markets in which pro-AV systems are used include schools and universities, government, the military,
businesses, healthcare, legal, retail, museums, houses of worship, sports arenas, entertainment, transportation --
in short, everywhere -- where the sharing of information using audio and video has become essential. The uses of
AV technology are often similar across markets, including presentations, web, audio, video, and data conferencing,
education, advertising, retail signage, dynamic displays, command and control systems, concerts, and public
information systems.

3. Audiovisual System Goals


The purpose of an AV system is to meet a communication objective. It is essentially the task that a user wants to
accomplish - through AV - to communicate an idea. Here are some examples of an AV system's purpose:
 To train a group of 100 people about sales techniques or new products
 To debrief a small task force
 To facilitate changes to company policies globally
 To monitor aircraft locations
A system allows us to communicate and share information. It can create or reproduce a total environment using
sound, images, and environmental control.
The quality of a system design dictates how well it meets the objective.
Good integration requires careful thought and planning. Sometimes users buy individual pieces of equipment at
different times, without forethought. Without a complete plan in mind, the power of a good system may be lost.
An AV system is a tool that an organization uses to meet its goals and provide support to its users and its purpose.
An AV system should fit in with its environment, without being the focus.

4. Overview of AV System Creation


To follow the best practice for creating an AV system, set up a meeting with your customer to learn about the
project's purpose. By listening carefully to your customer's goals, you will be able to determine an appropriate
project plan.

When a customer expresses a need or want, the AV professional helps the customer identify and solidify it into a
documented format. This document is passed on to the design function to produce a detailed document. This is the
wants and needs step in the Customer Centric Identity Model. It is the programming, discovery, and sales step.

The design step produces detailed AV designs that include equipment lists, equipment layout, measurable sound
levels, cable runs, sight line studies, viewing angles, mounting advice, and much more. When the design is
complete, these documents are delivered to the installation professionals.

The install step is the actual installation planning and build-out. The installation team receives the design plan and
builds from that design. Installation is complete when the system has been adjusted as specified in the design
documents and the customer has signed off on the punch list.

Maintenance, service, and phone support are all part of the support step. Support begins with an installed system
and the drawings of record, sometimes referred to as "as-built drawings." Customer support can include training,
repair, software programming and issue tracking. It is a launching point for understanding the customer's future
wants and needs.

The process of creating an AV system requires good project management. It usually involves teamwork with allied
trades such as:
 Architects and/or interior designers
 Mechanical and electrical engineers
 Specialist consultants
 Building or general contractors
 Electricians
 Plumbers

5. Active and Passive Systems


Active System
An active system is a system that requires power.
Active systems are systems that need electricity. These include lighting, audio, and projection systems.
Passive System
A passive system is a system that does not require power.
Passive systems are systems that do not need electricity. These include:
 Wall coverings and other room surfaces
 Ergonomic furniture and storage units
 Projection screens (excluding the motor to lower and raise a screen)
 Whiteboards (excluding electronic whiteboards)
Why does an AV professional need to care about such low-tech elements? After all, they are not AV equipment.
People choose all sorts of materials when building a room. Those choices have consequences that affect the
performance of AV systems. Here are some examples.
 Glass walls allow more ambient light and reflect sound.
 Bold or busy wallpapers create a distracting background for videoconferencing.
 Dark, heavy curtains absorb light and sound.
 Tabletops with a glossy finish reflect overhead lighting into eyes, cameras, and on to screens.
This is not to say whether these materials should be used in an AV space or not, but that they are a consideration
when planning an AV system.

6. Audiovisual Subsystems
An AV system can include several subsystems. You learned in an earlier lesson that an AV system meets a
communication objective. An AV subsystem, like an AV system, can stand alone. However, the subsystem only
contributes to part of the communication objective. It is not until the AV subsystem is combined with a larger AV
system that the communication objective is met.
AV Subsystem
An AV subsystem is a piece of the larger system that only contributes to part of the communication objective. It is
not until the AV subsystem is combined with a larger AV system that the full communication objective is met.

7. Audiovisual Systems Summary


You have now learned about systems in general. In addition, you have learned some specific things about AV
systems. The topics you have covered in this section include:
 What defines a system
 Examples of where AV systems can be found
 Types of AV systems
 Why AV systems are important
 The purpose of an AV system
 The overview for creating an AV system
 AV allied trades
 Active and passive systems
 The definition of a subsystem
 Indicators of subsystems
 This section has given you an overview of AV systems.

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