Technology is constantly changing and evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with all the latest advancements. When it comes to the trend of audio visual (AV) merging into the realm of information technology (IT) systems, it’s even more important to know a bit about the role of those you’ll be dealing with, should your organization ever be in the market for an AV system upgrade. There is often an overlap in both competencies, and responsibilities between external AV professionals and in-house IT staff when it comes to getting these systems setup and operational. Understanding the role of the main players throughout the process of getting an AVoverIP (audio & video systems that work over IP protocols) system up and running from planning to power on, can help ensure a smooth project.
Miscommunication or gaps of understanding between what AV professionals design and plan for, and IT professionals who are tasked with the ongoing upkeep of an AVoverIP system can lead to increased costs due to a system that doesn’t function as intended. An audio-visual consultant (AV/IT consultant) is an expert in the field who can provide comprehensive advice and guidance throughout the installation and use of these systems. In this article we’ll look at, in a nutshell, what the role of an AV/IT consultant is and why it’s important to understand what they do.
Level-setting on a common term
Audiovisual (AV) is a term used to describe systems that combine audio and video signals to create an experience. The systems themselves can be anything from a monitor screen with a soundbar, to a professional sound and video system that uses new or existing network hardware and cabling in order to deliver rich and flexible hybrid meeting experiences, such as those installed in a boardroom. And while the latter description often carries the added initials of IP to denote the network integration, you’ll hear colloquial speak about AV systems to denote these systems in a variety of settings, including business meetings, conferences, seminars, and classrooms.
The term ‘audiovisual’ is also used to describe the components used in these systems to create the sound and video signals, such as the microphones, speakers, amplifiers, projectors (or monitors), and control components. These tools allow people to present meeting content and share information in a more engaging and interactive way, while accommodating modern organizational footprints, such hybrid work, and meetings between multiple boardrooms.
With the complexity of the components in play in these systems, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of how they all work together. This is where an AV/IT consultant comes in.
Why you should know the role of who you’re dealing with
It’s important to be able to effectively communicate and collaborate on system design, implementation, and operation. For the types of projects that involve complex AV component interactions, an AV/IT consultant will know how to translate your needs into technical requirements while often providing comprehensive advice and guidance on how the process of installing these systems works.
So, what is an AV/IT consultant?
An AV/IT consultant is one who has expertise in the fields of audiovisual (AV) technology and who has ample knowledge about how technology interfaces with information technology (IT) systems. They are often responsible for gathering business requirements, informing end users about the state of technology, helping tech adoption amongst the decision makers in the organization, designing (or commissioning a design from another suitable professional) the system, as well as providing troubleshooting and technical support when needed. The consultant also guides the project or technology based on the best interests of the client or organization and to make sure integrators meet building codes, health regulations, and design specifications. An AV/IT consultant will have a thorough understanding of the technology and be able to provide guidance on matters such as what products meet an organizations’ needs today, and which combination of products could meet their needs. The consultant can also sometimes provide assistance with networking, storage, and security solutions as they relate to the system in question. An AV/IT consultant can also help solidify user experience by ensuring that the software and hardware combination is fully vetted from the beginning, as well as if the system meets any specific legal requirements or industry standards. Depending on the project or the client’s industry sector there may be certain regulations and/or standards that must be met for the AV/IT system to be legally compliant.
For example, in the healthcare industry, or government and military organizations, there are often strict regulations regarding the privacy and security of patient data, or meeting content respectively. An AV/IT consultant working on a project in these industries would need to ensure that these systems meet these requirements. This could include considerations for encryption and security protocols for data transmission, ensuring that data is stored on secure servers, and providing training to end-users on best practices for handling patient data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an AV/IT consultant is an expert in the field of audiovisual and information technology systems. They provide comprehensive advice and guidance on the installation and use of high-performance audio and video systems for a wide array of applications. The consultant can assess the needs of a business to customize the AV/IT system to meet their specific requirements.
The consultant can provide assistance with networking, storage, and security solutions. They can advise on the use of the latest technology, such as cloud computing and
virtualization, as well as help to improve user experience with the integration of software. An AV/IT consultant can also help design and install audio-visual systems such as projection systems or sound systems.
An AV/IT consultant has a thorough understanding of the technology and be able to provide guidance on matters such as signal flow and signal conversion. They can also ensure the system meets any specific legal requirements or industry standards.
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