Audio Visual InstallationWhether you're planning a brand-new facility or refurbishing an existing one, calling on the help of a group of AV professionals can be one of the most exciting parts of the process. Here's a primer on what to expect an AV systems integrator to do for you, along with some tips for choosing a good contractor and making the job go more smoothly once the work is underway. Cutting-edge meeting rooms, classrooms, auditoriums, training facilities and other group-communication venues draw on an impressive arsenal of tools, including large-screen displays, sound systems, videoconferencing systems, specialized presentation tools and environmental controls. When all this technology comes together in a way that enhances access, presentation and collaboration, the result is known as an "integrated system." Today's group-communication technology is quite sophisticated, and the need for expert help in selecting, designing and installing it has never been more acute. It's not simply a matter of plugging in a bunch of equipment and turning on the power. "I've told clients, 'You're going to put more energy and time into the design of a conference room than you will in the rest of the building,'" says Mike Albi, audiovisual systems consultant for CEAVCO, a Denver based integrator and PSNI affiliate. The Four Things Audio Visual Systems Integrators OfferAV systems integrators are professionals who are qualified to research a client's media needs, make design and installation suggestions, draw up engineering documents and install and maintain the technology. Integrators offer a broad range of services in four major areas:
Read in detail: The Four Things Audio Visual Systems Integrators Offer Choosing an Audio Visual systems integratorThe success of your AV-integrated facility project hinges on your ability to choose a competent, capable and reliable systems integrator. Here are some things to think about when shopping for the right firm to work with.
Read in detail: Choosing an Audio Visual Systems Integrator Playing for keepsThree tips for getting the job done right If you're spearheading your organization's AV installation project, here are three things you can do to help ensure that the process has a happy ending—for you and your colleagues.
Read in detail: Playing for keeps Calling in an outside consultantThe bulk of this report focuses on working with an AV systems integrator, also known as a design/build contractor. Many AV systems integrators offer all the services necessary for a turnkey installation, from pre-project planning and design through final punch-out. But there are certain situations in which you may want to work with an independent design consultant. This is especially true for very large projects that involve new construction or for projects that must be let for bid by several AV contractors. If an architect doesn't have a background in multimedia facilities and doesn't get support from an AV professional, he or she can unintentionally create obstacles that make adding the technology more complicated.Problems include fixed building elements that can't be changed, limited ceiling heights and noisy HVAC systems. Like some AV integrators, design consultants are attuned to working with architects during the architectural phase of the project. Like AV systems integrators, design consultants begin the process by sitting down with clients and determining their needs. With this information, the consultant helps the client choose the technology and scale the room. AV design consultants typically generate a series of room drawings and written specifications on how to install the technology. They'll also put together an equipment list that contains specific products and manufacturers to send out to AV contracting firms and system integrators for bidding. "They'll bring a project out for competitive bid and help the client interpret what each of the AV contractors is providing," explains Dave Berlin, CEO of Video Corp. of America (VCA), an AV systems integrator based in Somerset, N.J. "They'll make sure there's a consistency among the different contractors' bids and help the client select the contractor that's providing the most value." The selected systems integrator then installs the technology with input from the consultant, who typically remains involved through the enduser training period. "A consultant is hired to develop the concept and pick the major products going into the facility," Berlin summarizes. "The systems integrator has to glue it all together and make it work." Articles courtesy of Professional Systems Network, Inc. |
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