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What does AudioVisual Mean?

Audiovisual, or audio-visual, is a technology that has both a visual and an audio component, or, more simply, an element of both sight and sound. However, in regard to installations by an AV Company, what does AudioVisual mean?

Every building and client is unique; the type of audiovisual installation can differ in many elements and will depend on the following

• The type of building
• The sector i.e
  • Education
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • Hospitality
• The requirements of the customer and how the AV company can assist with those requirements
• The budget
• The suitability of the building for installation
• The data cabling and electrical requirements

What are the examples of Audio Visual?

Audiovisual systems differ by requirement, such as those above. However, many of the common elements are found on the majority of AV Company installations

• Television or display screens
• Speakers, whether ceiling or wall-mounted
• Video Conferencing
• Control Systems via Touchscreen or wall-mounted button displays
• Projectors
• Interactive Whiteboards
• Media servers
• Distribution systems for audio and visual elements
• Home Cinemas

In addition to the different hardware elements, you also have an extensive range of equipment that powers and controls the audiovisual system. Accordingly, the hardware will distribute the audio and visual elements throughout the building and allow control of each of those elements via control systems such as an iPad App or a dedicated control panel

Furthermore, different software systems will be incorporated to run the control systems and provide “live” content to each device. For instance, where Spotify is installed onto a SONOS system that is then distributed throughout a hotel for background and ambient music

Data Cabling for Audiovisual

One of the major elements of every audiovisual installation is the data cabling that connects it all. Furthermore, the data cabling must be installed according to a precise design and standard. Thus, without correctly installed data cabling, the overall AV system will suffer.

To this end, data cabling is installed between the control hardware and the floor-based AV elements. Generally, the AV control hardware is located in a dedicated cabinet in the communications room.

In addition, localised audiovisual or audio-visual systems and data cabling will be installed within specific rooms. For example, with a Video Conferencing system, there will be a cabling map for installing cabling between the desk, display screen, and camera position.

With the advances in audiovisual quality and displays, the requirements for transmitting these signals have also increased. In the past, HDMI was possible over Cat5e and Cat6 cables, though not always recommended. However, in the current installation requirements, a specific AV cable or a minimum of Cat6a is required. Consideration, therefore, should be taken when installing a data cabling network in a new building or fit-out, when the audiovisual elements are yet unknown

Some Examples and Case Studies of Audiovisual Projects

Below are some case studies of different AV installations, ranging from London to abroad

1 AV Installation – Luxury Apartment, Knightsbridge, London

2 AV Installation – Wyck Hill House Hotel, Cotswolds

3 AV Installation – Wellesley Hotel, Knightsbridge, London

4 AV Installation – Wellesley Yacht, Turkey, Italy and France

For further articles regarding what audiovisual means. Please visit our Knowledge Centre HERE

For a Free Quotation please email sales@nmcabling.co.uk or call 01923 888588

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The Increasing Importance of Video Conferencing

Video conferencing has become increasingly popular in the last 10 years thanks to advances in technology. The ease with which video conferencing can be set up and the crystal clear video on offer has made it a must have for businesses. Furthermore the impact of COVID-19, with its need for social distancing, has only accelerated this growth. This has seen the demand for conference room audio video system increase dramatically

Naturally, with staff now returning to offices, the need for conference room solutions has never been more crucial. Current technology trends suggest that people will be travelling less for the foreseeable future and it’s important that you can cope with the demand for video conferencing. However, when it comes to working with conference audio visual equipment, getting started isn’t easy. Therefore, it’s important that you approach it correctly.

What Can Video Conferencing Do for Your Business?

Communication has always been one of the most vital aspects of business, but it’s not an easy skill to master. After all, if it wasn’t hard, it wouldn’t be work. Gaining even the smallest advantage over your competitors, however, can make a huge difference in your results. And video conferencing can help you achieve this in the following ways:

Advantages of a conference room audio video system and conferencing

• Maximize Convenience: The need for face to face meetings is significantly reduced when you embrace audio visual technology. Meetings can be conducted with neither party (or parties) travelling to a meeting point. This not only saves time, but also money – both of which can be invested into other business activities.

• Enhanced Productivity: If you can implement conference room solutions within your business then you are guaranteed a boost in productivity. Teams – who may be located internally, externally or a mixture of both – now have the opportunity to connect easier than ever before. And this allows your staff to remain focussed and deliver results.

• Connect with More People: With the need for travel virtually eliminated, a video conference environment grants you the chance to meet with more people. Therefore, you can meet, for example, with more customers and more suppliers. This approach ensures that you can complete tasks more quickly and dedicate more time to big picture problems.

•  Increased Engagement: The traditional method of communicating without travel has been the telephone. The problem is that it’s lacking when it comes to engagement. But video conferencing quickly eliminates this issue. It allows you to read both facial expressions and body language to determine exactly how the other person is feeling. And this information is essential when it comes to engaging customers, suppliers and employees.

Video Conferencing Solutions by Manufacturer

As conference room audio video system and video conferencing specialist we are able to install a wide range of different hardware systems. Firstly we can propose and design a new system based on your layout, requirements and budget. Secondly we are able a new system that you already have in mind and need an expert to install and setup. Lastly we can amend and add to your existing systems and tie them all together

Examples of Video Conferencing Systems we install

• Crestron
• Logitech
• Lifesize
• Polycom
• AMX
• Extron
• Cisco

Getting on Board with Conferencing Services

Due to the current climate there is more uncertainty in the business world. But what is certain is that people will be travelling less. Accordingly, you are going to need to be able to communicate effectively and quickly. The perfect solution is video conferencing. However, it’s vital that you equip yourself with the right tools and facilities to achieve this. Without the correct conference room solutions in place you are going to struggle whilst your competitors thrive. That’s why you need to get in touch with a team of professionals today.

Learn more about conferencing options and how they help your business call us today 020 7269 4717

For further Audio Visual articles please visit our Audio Visual Knowledge Page

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Technology advances at a rapid pace; what can be seen as cutting edge one day can soon be made redundant by the latest developments in technology. Audio Visual trends and AV technology is perhaps the best example of this. We’ve come a long way from the unreliable, highly compressed video conferencing software of the early 2000s, but AV technology refuses to rest on its laurels. It’s constantly evolving. And you need to keep pace with it to remain competitive.

When it comes to meetings and conference calls it’s important to be flexible. The developments made in AV technology have made this flexibility more achievable than ever. Smart boardrooms are an exciting prospect, but what are they and what are the trends to look out for?

What are Smart Boardrooms?

The image of a traditional boardroom is one that involves a meeting room packed full of individuals gathered in front of a central presenter. However, with more and more workers taking advantage of technology to work remotely it’s difficult to gather everyone into one location. Smart boardrooms solve this. And all it takes is the press of a button. Through the use of cameras and microphones, any individual can attend a meeting anywhere in the world.

Conference Room Technology Audio Visual Trends

We live in a busy, digital age where time is a valuable currency, but also hard to obtain. Thankfully, due to advancements in tech, it’s possible to make meetings more productive and efficient. This saves you time and allows you to communicate your message. Some of the best ways to achieve this are:

Video Conferencing:

Powerful devices are now available that combine cameras, microphones and speakers all into one product. This foregoes the need for multiple devices and, as most of the hardware is wireless, makes installation much easier. Best of all, the picture and sound quality of these devices is crystal clear.

Interactive Whiteboards:

As long as you have an internet connection you can share your ideas through an interactive whiteboard. These smart boards allow you to remotely use touch (or type) technology to give presentations and highlight key details for any other attendees to the presentation. Individuals, no matter where they are located, can interact with the whiteboard to help facilitate an enhanced conference experience.

Meeting Room Assistants:

Applications such as Alexa for Business give you the opportunity to make your conferences and meetings easier than ever to organize. With an emphasis on flexibility, these meeting room assistants allow you to not only schedule meetings but also connect to other technology in meeting rooms e.g. video conferencing software.

Collaboration Meeting Room:

This application, designed by Cisco, is redefining the meeting room experience. The beauty of Collaboration Meeting Room (CMR) is that it allows you to set up a virtual meeting place no matter where you are. This can then be used by attendees with voice and video technology to connect and share content. Available through the majority of smart devices, CMR grants you the opportunity to improve business decisions and enhance business relationships.

Conference Room Technology

By embracing these trends in conference room technology you will soon discover the impact of AV installations on your business. The flexibility on offer and the ability to connect seamlessly with multiple partners is astounding. And it will enhance your business decisions and strategies in ways you didn’t know were possible.

Learn more about our AV installation service

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What is Audio Visual?

Audio Visual is the technology that deals with visual viewing and hearing of many system elements. Therefore, this involves the distribution of both sound and visual elements. Every AV install will have one of these components, and the majority will combine both.

In a commercial environment, that can be visual displays and the sound coming from them and how the audiovisual elements are incorporated into the working aspects of the business and the aesthetics of the space

What are examples of Audio Visual?

There are almost limitless applications for audiovisual requirements. Accordingly, it depends on industry, space, budget, and application.

In the commercial environment, the primary examples of audiovisual are

1. Televisions and Displays – i.e. SONY professional
2. Distributed Music – i.e. SONOS
3. Video Conferencing i.e. Crestron
4. AV over IP – i.e. Extron
5. PA Systems
6. Room Booking Systems
7. Intercom Systems
8. Projectors and Screens
9. Training and Learning Centres

Why Audio Visual is important

Audiovisual is essential in distributing single sources to many places or people. It also allows for collaboration with different parties within the same building across various locations or countries. It also improves presentations and impacts through powerful images, video, and sound clarity.

During a pandemic such as the Covid-19 lockdown, audiovisual systems allowed companies and countries to work from home and still communicate. Especially between their teams, clients and customers via traditional and cloud-based video conferencing systems

What are the advantages of Audio Visual Communication?

Audio Visual has many applications and possibilities. Indeed this depends on the number of staff, locations and budget. Consequently, the advantage of using a centrally designed system is that it offers many options.

Several advantages of audiovisual systems are

• Reduction in travel and commuting by holding meetings via video conferencing
• Ability to allow home working for employees and to reduce office size
• Increased collaboration between teams via file sharing, meetings, central design studios
• Constant communication and central message to staff and client base through display signage
• Systemisation of training that can be replicated & remove the need for instructor-led training

Critical Considerations for AV Install Projects

AV equipment is now used in every conceivable setting, such as the home, our place of work, our schools, and our shopping centres. This technology is also becoming increasingly sophisticated and connected, enabling us to do things that would have been impossible a few years ago.

Offices

• In our workplaces, TV screens are now commonplace, as are digital signage or news streams around the office. Technology allows us to collaborate in previously unimaginable ways. As a result, screens and conferencing facilities in meeting rooms make it easier to share ideas.

The office AV design must be considered before installing all the other elements of the office fit-out process. For this purpose, every element of Audiovisual will require many elements to support the equipment. Consequently, this is sometimes difficult or even impossible to install after the initial fit-out process.

The design will consider how the workplace requires audiovisual elements to work as standalone systems and how to link within and outside the office. It will also consider how the company will communicate to clients and suppliers and how it will manage office-based and home-working; the distribution and design of the system can then be based on those factors.

Schools

• Technology plays a more significant role in modern education. As a result, interactive whiteboards have become the standard. Furthermore, projector systems are widely used to present information to large groups.

The consideration for this environment will start with an overall extensive outlook of what the school wishes to achieve. Typically, in education, a proposal of “needs” and “wants” will be created and then put through stringent budget reviews. It is in the education market where budgets can control the final design more than any other industry

The main focus here should be finding the correct system that is easy to use, maintain, and expand. It is better to start with a smaller allocation of the correct product and scale up rather than take a cheaper overall installation that doesn’t work correctly and causes never-ending problems

Retail outlets – 

• Our shopping centres and other public spaces are similarly awash with technology. Advertising is shown on screens all around us, and public announcement systems make it easy to convey information to the masses.

Display signage can be a very effective way of marketing the retail locations’ products, offers and branded marketing.

The system should consider whether this is a single location or part of a larger retail chain. Thus, with the correct hardware and cloud-based technology, a single change of marketing or offer at the head office can automatically see thousands of retail screens change in an instant. Therefore, all stores are consistently marketing at the same time

Residential Homes – 

• Home technology is becoming increasingly connected and intelligent. This includes everything from multi-room TV and audio experience to home cinema and security systems. It is being integrated with the latest developments in voice and gesture control.

Installing the audiovisual cabling infrastructure that connects the AV hardware in residential homes is typically the most challenging environment.

The primary consideration in residential projects is deciding on what system you wish to have before the building works take place. Generally, installing the required cabling now and adding the hardware later is better. Thus avoiding limiting your ability to expand your system due to a lack of cabling infrastructure. In this case, it is very difficult or impossible to install later without significant disruption to the home.

Also, consider having the correct data cabling installed during building works. This data cabling is important regardless of your choice of AV equipment at the moment, as you don’t want to have limited functionality from your Audiovisual equipment later on because of limited data cabling performance.

We recommended a minimum of Cat6a data cabling throughout for the best functionality of the majority of Audio Visual Systems.

AV Install Projects – The Right Way

If you’re making a significant investment in AV equipment, whether professionally or personally, consulting with professionals such as our team at NM Cabling Solutions is beneficial. They will be able to advise on several key issues that will help ensure your project is a success.

In addition to the hardware and typical Audio Visual software, the elements below will need to be considered and implemented to control and run the system.

Electrical Power and Cabling

As part of the AV installation, it is essential that you consider the best way to connect equipment to the existing power circuits and network infrastructure. Concealed cabling is an excellent way to create a sleek, modern look. Having data cabling sockets and power sockets concealed behind your AV equipment will create a streamlined look in your office, commercial space or home.

Certain parts of an IT or AV install can also be powered by PoE transmission.

PoE allows you to send power to devices from the central data cabinet and eliminate the need for power sockets at the device end, which reduces 

1. The requirement for installing new power at the device end – essential if disruption is required
2. Less electrical sockets to hide or have on display
3. central control of your devices

Secure fitting

It goes without saying that surfaces need to be assessed and properly prepared to ensure that they can support the weight of the equipment. This is especially important in public or work environments where health and safety are key considerations.

In addition, many modern collaboration screens, such as the Microsoft Surafce Hub, weigh in excess of 80 kg, which is generally too heavy for standard plasterboard walls and will require additional support and fixings.

As with cabling and electrical sockets, planning to have this additional discreet is essential in commercial and residential settings.

Integration with other systems

To maximise your audiovisual investment, it is wise to understand how well your AV equipment can integrate with other systems or the ones you already own and operate. 

A structured cabling system will give you the most flexibility regarding your current AV installation and any future additions and changes.

A structured cabling system is where all data cabling originates from a central cabinet. All hardware and devices then communicate via this data cabling. Therefore, updating your AV install only involves changing a piece of hardware at the cabinet or user end rather than installing new cabling

Future-proofing

Technology is constantly changing, so it is essential to make sure that, where possible, you’re building your AV system so that it is possible to upgrade components over time. In the same way, this includes having the correct structured cabling to accommodate future systems.

AV Install Projects by NM Cabling Solutions

Wellesley Yacht – Click HERE 

Knightsbridge Residential- Click HERE

Wellesley Hotel – Click HERE

To this end, if you are interested in starting a new AV project and would like more information on best practices to ensure it goes smoothly, don’t hesitate to contact one of our technical experts.

NM Cabling is a technology and structured cabling integrator in the United Kingdom.

We have created a comprehensive Knowledge Centre for our industry which can be viewed at https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/

Call our Sales office on 01923 888588 or sales@nmcabling.co.uk for your free AV survey and quotation

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