Many organizations are adopting professional A/V solutions to attract customers, employees and business partners who are accustomed to high-quality multimedia. Professional A/V solutions range from video conferencing systems to digital signage, presentation displays, and theater-quality projection and sound. They help organizations create an engaging experience and enhance communication, collaboration and the company’s professional image.
However, taking advantage of professional A/V isn’t as simple as installing a sound system or plugging in a display. A host of factors can impact the quality of audio and video, including ambient lighting, acoustics and the placement of the various components. Professional A/V systems can be difficult to configure, manage and maintain. Increasingly, A/V components are network-enabled, adding more complexity.
Few organizations have expertise in professional A/V systems and their potential impact on the network. That’s why it makes sense to partner with a solution provider with expertise in both A/V and the underlying IT infrastructure.
Benefits of Integrating A/V with the Data Network
Traditionally, A/V systems were isolated from the remainder of the technology environment. Projection systems, speakers and other components had their own wiring, switches and user interfaces. Today, however, many of these systems are IP-enabled. A/V data is sent over IP networks and Ethernet switches are used for system monitoring, management and control.
A/V over IP offers a number of benefits over legacy technologies. IP-based controllers don’t have the wiring distance and port number limitations of traditional A/V switches. Devices can be placed anywhere there’s a network connection, and the system can easily scale. Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches eliminate the need to run electrical wiring for many devices. In addition, A/V over IP makes it possible to centralize control of components, which means faster response to issues and simplified troubleshooting.
Perhaps most importantly, A/V over IP improves the user experience. Clunky, hard-to-use interfaces are replaced with intuitive touchscreen panels that can be accessed via mobile devices. A/V systems can also be integrated with lighting, shades, HVAC systems and scheduling software to improve energy efficiency and optimize room conditions.
Potential Challenges of A/V over IP Solutions
There are, of course, drawbacks — not the least of which is the potential bandwidth bottlenecks that can occur when multimedia traffic is added to the network. Latency can cause unacceptable delays in the delivery of real-time applications such as video conferencing. Proper configuration and troubleshooting of A/V over IP requires specialized knowledge of network protocols and A/V standards.
In addition, organizations need to be concerned about the security of network-connected A/V devices. Unsecured devices can give hackers a foothold in the network from which to attack and compromise other systems.
For these reasons, IT departments are starting to take over A/V services that facilities managers might traditionally have handled. However, few IT teams have expertise in A/V technologies. They may understand the underlying network and security requirements but lack the know-how to select the right components and implement a high-quality A/V system.
How Verteks Can Help
Verteks has experience in the design, integration, installation and support of A/V systems. The Verteks team will assess user needs and the environment where the A/V equipment is to be installed. We will then recommend components that create a high-quality experience yet are cost-efficient and easy to use.
Our A/V experts work collaboratively with our network engineers to ensure that the IT infrastructure can support the A/V system. If the network needs to be reconfigured or upgraded, the customer has a one-stop resource for all aspects of the project. Once the solution is in place, Verteks managed services take over with ongoing monitoring, maintenance and support to ensure that A/V systems are secure and performing optimally.
To take full advantage of A/V over IP, you need experts who understand the network as well as A/V technologies. The professionals at Verteks can help you implement an A/V system that meets the needs of your users and your IT team.