Today’s technology must adapt quickly to meet industry needs. This is especially true for the audiovisual equipment we rely on every day.
Audiovisual integration (AV integration) has evolved a great deal over time, and what used to require niche expertise for highly specific venues now extends to nearly every business sector.
We’ll discuss AV integration, how it has changed over the years, and why it’s so important in conducting business today.
WHAT IS AUDIOVISUAL INTEGRATION?
AV integration, sometimes called audiovisual system integration, is the process of installing audio and visual products to fit a physical location's specific needs. It requires coordinating audiovisual technology to work as a combined system that serves the needs of specific venues.
AV integrators specialize in providing AV system installation and deployment services based on a client’s needs. This specialty requires knowledge and expertise about the best equipment for use in different environments while also understanding the client’s unique usage requirements and how to apply the best system to meet those needs.
In addition to audio systems for sound and monitors for display, AV systems include a range of controllers that simplify and centralize component settings, making it possible to manage the system day to day.
Since the industry has evolved, we’ll further define AV integration by describing how it was applied in the past and what it looks like today.
AV INTEGRATION IN THE PAST
Historically, AV integration has been so technical and complex that clients relied completely on professional integrators for consultation, installation, setup, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.
Examples of traditional locations that required professional AV integrators include:
- Live performance venues
- Movie theaters
- Sporting venues
- Live events
- Theaters for live performances
- Broadcast facilities
Permanent installations might maintain integrated audiovisual systems; think of a cinema with its surround sound speakers, movie projector, and screen. Some permanent installations might require different AV options depending on the usage—think of a sports arena that hosts both basketball games and live concerts.
AV INTEGRATION IN THE PRESENT
Today, all of the applications of AV integration of the past still apply: Performance venues and events still rely on niche professionals for AV consultation, deployment, and management.
The largest new development in AV integration is that the field has expanded to include a wider use case. Our world revolves around the internet and how it helps companies communicate. Today’s AV integration involves many of the elements of an IT company, such as managing audiovisual equipment designed for online conferences, webinars, team communications, and integration with productivity suites.
AV must integrate with the physical room where sound and video are needed while coordinating with computer operating systems and platforms that envelope productivity and unified communications (UC) like Zoom, Google Meets, and Microsoft Teams.
In the past, AV integration relied solely on third-party experts. Today, while professionals are still major players, integrators often focus on helping businesses control their AV solutions in the simplest way possible, providing customized control over audiovisual equipment. Hence, it is as simple and manageable in daily operations as possible.
Equipment includes video conferencing tools and the software codecs that run them. Other components involve microphones designed to isolate different speakers in a busy room and cameras capable of focusing on different speakers.
Technological elements involved in modern AV for unified communications and collaboration include:
- Video conferencing tools like cameras, microphones, and all-in-one units
- Software platforms like Zoom, Google Meets, and Microsoft Teams
- Specialized hardware like touchscreen surfaces and digital whiteboards
- Applications and plugins that facilitate productivity using audiovisual elements
- Control systems and surfaces
HOW CAN AV INTEGRATION HELP YOUR COMPANY?
Companies in every industry benefit from proper AV integration. Integrators help ensure your teams can collaborate with the fewest barriers possible. A properly designed and implemented AV system provides clear communication, flexibility, and user equity, so in any given meeting, it’s easy to see and hear all participants equally.
Tailored AV also ensures you have the tools needed for optimal productivity. Presenters can explain complex concepts with visuals, and companies can easily connect conferencing to calendars, shared documents, analytic tools, and AI-assisted features.
AV integration aligns the best AV solutions with an organization's budget and helps users access features without the need for in-depth technical knowledge.
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC BENEFITS OF AV INTEGRATION
AV integration offers customized applications for different industries to support unique requirements. The following are just a few specific examples.
HEALTHCARE
AV can include video-enabled carts that provide mobile visibility and communication throughout a medical facility.
TELEHEALTH
In addition to quality audio and video for remote doctor-patient sessions, providers can use peripheral in-ear devices with high-definition audio to assist in accurate diagnosis from any location.
HOSPITALITY
AV systems can allow guests to control room conveniences, from TV or radio volume to lighting adjustment, temperature control, and device use. They can also provide easy communication and check-in processes through improved communication platforms.
Q-SYS ADVANCED AV INTEGRATION
For advanced AV integration, we often lead with Q-SYS solutions, which allows for virtually any configuration, no matter the room’s size, or how many rooms need to be connected. Q-SYS processing cores and control appliances allow us to customize your setup so you can operate your AV equipment easily from a single control surface.
For companies that need less complex systems, we have the right equipment to scale with any size organization, along with the control systems that make them easy to use.
VIVO’S AV INTEGRATION SOLUTIONS
Vivo is a unified communications and collaboration solutions provider for organizations that face a wide range of challenges. We’re here from consultation to deployment and ongoing maintenance. We help our clients license the right productivity platform, choose the right equipment to meet their needs, and set up their physical space for the highest-quality AV communication experience.
We believe the best approach to modern AV integration is to empower our clients with the flexibility to be more hands-on with their systems. We provide high-quality video conferencing solutions to meet every budget.
Get in touch with one of our experts to discuss your communication and collaboration needs today!