Are you planning to install an Audio-Visual (AV) system this year? If so, there are several things you need to consider before investing in a system.
Our friends at Project Audio Visual shares some tips that can help you make a better decision:
1. Invest in an AV system for the long term
When you are purchasing an AV system, make sure you are doing so for your long term planning – preferably 5 years or beyond.
You don’t want to spend $50,000 for a sound system that you actually don’t want.
2. Don’t purchase an AV system because your competitors do it
You notice that your competitor has this fantastic interactive projector. You suddenly want one for your business. If this is you, stop for a moment and think: Do you really need an interactive projector? What is it? What is it for? What are you trying to achieve with it?
Just like any other business decisions, you need to understand what you are doing. Purchasing an AV solution is great – IF you know what kind of products you want, and what they are for.
3. Manage your expectations: Understand what an AV system can or can’t do
It’s easy to assume that your AV solution can solve many multimedia and communication system. So, to manage your expectations, you need to have a good understanding on how things work, so that you will know what your solution can or can’t do.
You can clarify things by requesting for a demo, so that you can try the system, hands-on.
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4. Do you have the electricity capacity?
No matter how cool your future AV system might be, if your business premise’s electricity can’s support it, your system will give you tons of headache.
You might want to add an electrician into the mix, for him/her to determine whether there is enough power to support your system or not.
5. Do you have the ideal space?
A powerful AV solution in a limited physical space is just a waste of technology and resources. So, make sure that you have the right AV system for the right room size.
Another issue to consider is: Does your premise support the cabling needs? AV systems involves plenty of cables, so your premise need to support the pathways for your cables. This may involve under-the-carpet installation, drilling floors, and so on.
The team at Project Audio Visual offers free site surveys to help you with assessing the environment, to see whether your premise is ideal for the AV system you need – and make recommendations based on what we learn from your premise.
6. Consider to train an in-house technician/engineer
Setting up an AV system is one thing, but training someone who can operates it is another thing. Today’s AV systems are easier to operate, but it still needs some skills to make it work, especially in term of connectivity between one device to another.
Outsourcing your AV technical troubleshooting is a typical solution, but you might want to invest and nurture an in-house technician who understands how to troubleshoot an AV system. You want to solve your problems as soon as you can, and in-house technician can give you just that.
7. Set a realistic budget – and stick to it
This sounds simple, but for some reasons, some AV system buyers had no idea that a solution can cost so much.
As a general rule of thumb, you should only purchase the systems you need, so that you can keep your costs low. Project Audio Visual offer bespoke systems – we only include the systems that you really need.
Please note that AV system sellers are everywhere, but not many pursue the excellence in term of installation, training and customer support. Such perks cost you more and I recommend you to take such costs into account, as it’s a worthy investment.
Takeaway
Whenever you are ready to make a decision, your next step would be in deciding who you will partner with for the AV system installation. Be sure to ask around and seek recommendations. Don’t choose the one that offer the cheapest price; choose the one that offers you the best value for money.
Good luck in your endeavour!