“Having a superb quality yet high impact audio visual system is crucial in leaving a lasting message to your spectator’s sight and hearing” (Executive PA Media, 2017).
Audio Visual (AV) is electronic media possessing both sound and visual components, such as presentations, films, television programs, corporate conferencing, church services, and live theatre productions.
Audiovisual service providers frequently offer web streaming, video conferencing, and live broadcast services.
Computer-based audiovisual equipment is often used in education, with many schools and universities installing projection equipment and using interactive whiteboard technology to facilitate the delivery of messages.
This article will look into the types of audio-visual systems, major components and equipment that are widely used in recent years and discuss the technology behind, usage, importance and how much it cost.
WHAT IS AN AV CONTROL SYSTEM?
Audio Visual Control System is the brain that does the collection and communication between hardware and software that allows the operator to control each piece in tandem or individually.
Types of Audio Visual Systems :
Portable audio-visual system
Portable AV systems are equipment that is small and easy to carry. It is suited for small scale events and acts as a voice amplifier. To make an office or mobile presentation more effective, a portable audio-visual system always comes to the presenter’s mind. Portable AV system equipment is as mentioned below:
- Projector
- Projector Screen (tripod or foldable frame type)
- Microphones
- Portable PA (public announcement) System or Powered Portable Speaker
- Slide changer (pointer)
Wireless audio-visual system
Wireless AV system refers to a connection or communication of the audiovisual system seamlessly without a jungle of cables or wires to transmit signals between equipment and controller.
All equipment like projector, LED screen, digital signage, speaker, and others to connect a controller (hardware) and programme (software) is a part of a wireless AV system.
A user just needs to turn on the power supply and control the entire AV system seamlessly.
Examples of wireless audiovisual systems would be Bluetooth speakers, Radio FM transmitters, or even TV.
Read our article where we demonstrate the usage of this system to connect a 5KM Music Run
Interactive audio-visual system
An interactive audiovisual system is one that is responsive to human commands by voice or touch. It can be used to control settings for AV equipment like speakers, TVs and lighting. It is common for household usage.
One of the most common interactive AV systems is the touch screen, which can interact and respond with people.
Another use is demonstrated in touch screens in shopping malls directory, fast food outlets self-order system, and digital display for exhibitions that get people to interact and get information from it.
Google home system is another system that can interact with voice and command, where you can control your household electric appliances like TV, lightings and etc upon commanding the action.
Audiovisual system for conference room
Having a well-equipped audio-visual system for the conference room is important, not only to make meetings smarter but also to maximize productivity and efficiency of work among employees.
As more meetings are conducted virtually across the globe, a state-of-art conference room system with an effective audiovisual setup needs to be built for future businesses.
There are 8 ways to boost productivity through conference room AV design:
- Increase connectivity (internet bandwidth/ speed).
- Choose the right mix of speakers and microphones.
- Invest in a quality display screen.
- Setup and use an interactive whiteboard.
- Ensure you have timely and sensitive AV repair/maintenance and support.
- Make scheduling the conference room easy.
- Train employees on how to use the technology even though it’s built to be user friendly.
- Enhance content sharing with a wireless presentation system.
Audiovisual system for event
AV system plays an important role in events that include presentations, speakers, music and beyond.
It is important to consider unique audiovisual gear and services for your event. The needs & design of the AV system may vary depending on the venue size, number of participants and whether it is indoor or outdoor.
AV equipment used for conferences is different compared to AV equipment used for an outdoor sports event.
Armed with 40 years of experience in event production for different types of events, we are able to help you with any type of event.
Proper AV equipment use and production planning can elevate an event or presentation by adding a level of professionalism and sleek, cutting edge technology.
Sourcing, setting up and managing AV equipment at an event may seem like a daunting task to event planners, but connecting early with the venue and AV system provider will help alleviate AV anxiety and provide you with the support system you need to execute your event.
AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT
Cameras and displays
Cameras play an important role in video conferencing solutions and in events (especially virtual events).
It allows two or more people to communicate with each other in real-time. A good camera will help participants to view and join the conversation, sharing information (documents and presentation) during the call.
The key to having a good visual is to have a good angle. We need to take appropriate height, viewing distance and angle into consideration that provides the best output for participants.
There are few types of cameras available in the market to fit your need.
Events and virtual events can consider using Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera and HD or Full HD video camera. PTZ camera, fixed camera and document camera are more suitable for video conference systems for meeting rooms and classroom settings.
Displays or monitors are the focal points of every video meeting and event. It is positioned in the meeting or event space that display the best views for both speaker and audiences.
There are various types of displays we can take into consideration.
- TVs
- Interactive display
- Flat display
- LED screen
- Multi-monitor display
- Video wall display
- Broadcast video monitors
LED panels
The better the sound quality, the better the image quality should be in parallel. The most commonly used display in audiovisual systems is LED display technology. LED panels/ screens provide saturated colors due to LED lights.
LED panels operate with lower energy compared with other display types. Having high-quality images and low energy requirement makes it possible to use them everywhere.
You can use LED panels for:
- Concerts (indoor and outdoor)
- Stadiums
- Outdoor advertising
- Shopping Centre
- Hotels
- Event venues
Projectors
A projector or video projector is an electronic device that takes input audio/ visual signals and outputs video onto any flat surface, which is most often a white or silver-coloured projector screen.
A projector is a nice piece of AV equipment to have for events where many people will be watching the same thing at the same time.
You can project your computer screen onto a large surface or screen easily with a projector and then you can rest easy knowing that no one has to strain to see.
There are different types of projectors:
- Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)- uses lenses to project the images
- Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)- uses liquid crystals to project images
- Digital Light Processing (DLP)- uses micro-mirrors to project images
- Laser Projector – lasers only create the exact colors needed and uses less power
Projectors are often used in:
- Classroom
- Meeting rooms
- Office
- Home
- Event
Projection mapping is also an interesting way to communicate your message to your audience. It can be as simple as indoor stage effects or as complex as video onto buildings and industrial landscapes.
The purpose of projection mapping in events is to provide a more engaging experience for attendees, through visual stimulation.
The technology is used to manipulate lighting onto varying surface types and turn common objects into interactive, 3D displays.
Speakers
A good speaker system can make all the difference at an event without you knowing. The last thing you want is for people to have a hard time listening to you or your presenters. So having a good quality speaker system in place is essential.
What do you need to consider before deciding which speaker system is suitable for your event?
There are few important factors:
- Size of venue
- Audience size
- Usage of the speaker (speech, concert, background music and etc)
Types of speakers:
- Tower / Floor Standing Speaker
- Line Array Speakers
- Bookshelf Speaker
- Surround Speaker / Satellite Speaker
- Centre-Channel Speaker
- Subwoofers
- Soundbars
- Build-in Speaker
- In-wall Speakers
- In-ceiling Speakers
- Outdoor Speakers
