“Having a superb quality yet high impact audio visual system is crucial in leaving a lasting message to your spectator’s sight and hearing” (Executive PA Media, 2017).

Audio Visual (AV) is electronic media possessing both sound and visual components, such as presentations, films, television programs, corporate conferencing, church services, and live theatre productions.

Audiovisual service providers frequently offer web streaming, video conferencing, and live broadcast services. 

Computer-based audiovisual equipment is often used in education, with many schools and universities installing projection equipment and using interactive whiteboard technology to facilitate the delivery of messages.

This article will look into the types of audio-visual systems, major components and equipment that are widely used in recent years and discuss the technology behind, usage, importance and how much it cost.

What is an AV control system?

Audio Visual Control System is the brain that does the collection and communication between hardware and software that allows the operator to control each piece in tandem or individually. 

It is a real multi-tasking tool that functions to streamline various commands that control the individual technology. When it comes to audiovisual system integration, knowing about your AV system is important as it helps to deliver a successful event. 

Types of Audio Visual Systems

Portable audio-visual system

Portable AV systems are equipment that is small and easy to carry. It is suited for small scale events and acts as a voice amplifier. To make an office or mobile presentation more effective, a portable audio-visual system always comes to the presenter’s mind. 

Portable AV system equipment is as mentioned below:

• Projector 
• Projector Screen (tripod or foldable frame type)
• Microphones
• Portable PA (public announcement) System or Powered Portable Speaker   
• Slide changer (pointer)

Wireless audio-visual system

Wireless AV system refers to a connection or communication of the audiovisual system seamlessly without a jungle of cables or wires to transmit signals between equipment and controller. 

All equipment like projector, LED screen, digital signage, speaker, and others to connect a controller (hardware) and programme (software) is a part of a wireless AV system. 

A user just needs to turn on the power supply and control the entire AV system seamlessly. 

Examples of wireless audiovisual systems would be Bluetooth speakers, Radio FM transmitters, or even TV. 

Read our article where we demonstrate the usage of this system to connect a 5KM Music Run 

Interactive audio-visual system 

An interactive audiovisual system is one that is responsive to human commands by voice or touch. It can be used to control settings for AV equipment like speakers, TVs and lighting. It is common for household usage. 

One of the most common interactive AV systems is the touch screen, which can interact and respond with people. 

Another use is demonstrated in touch screens in shopping malls directory, fast food outlets self-order system,  and digital display for exhibitions that get people to interact and get information from it. 

Google home system is another system that can interact with voice and command, where you can control your household electric appliances like TV, lightings and etc upon commanding the action. 

Audiovisual system for conference room 

Having a well-equipped audio-visual system for the conference room is important, not only to make meetings smarter but also to maximize productivity and efficiency of work among employees. 

As more meetings are conducted virtually across the globe, a state-of-art conference room system with an effective audiovisual setup needs to be built for future businesses. 

There are 8 ways to boost productivity through conference room AV design:

1. 1. Increase connectivity (internet bandwidth/ speed).
   2. Choose the right mix of speakers and microphones.
   3. Invest in a quality display screen.
   4. Setup and use an interactive whiteboard.
   5. Ensure you have timely and sensitive AV repair/maintenance and support.
   6. Make scheduling the conference room easy.
   7. Train employees on how to use the technology even though it’s built to be user friendly.
   8. Enhance content sharing with a wireless presentation system.

Audiovisual system for event

AV system plays an important role in events that include presentations, speakers, music and beyond. 

It is important to consider unique audiovisual gear and services for your event. The needs & design of the AV system may vary depending on the venue size, number of participants and whether it is indoor or outdoor. 

AV equipment used for conferences is different compared to AV equipment used for an outdoor sports event.

Armed with 40 years of experience in event production for different types of events, we are able to help you with any type of event. 

Proper AV equipment use and production planning can elevate an event or presentation by adding a level of professionalism and sleek, cutting edge technology. 

Sourcing, setting up and managing AV equipment at an event may seem like a daunting task to event planners, but connecting early with the venue and AV system provider will help alleviate AV anxiety and provide you with the support system you need to execute your event.

Audio Visual Equipment 

Cameras and displays

Cameras play an important role in video conferencing solutions and in events (especially virtual events). 

It allows two or more people to communicate with each other in real-time. A good camera will help participants to view and join the conversation, sharing information (documents and presentation) during the call. 

The key to having a good visual is to have a good angle. We need to take appropriate height, viewing distance and angle into consideration that provides the best output for participants. 

There are few types of cameras available in the market to fit your need. 

Events and virtual events can consider using Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera and HD or Full HD video camera. PTZ camera, fixed camera and document camera are more suitable for video conference systems for meeting rooms and classroom settings.

Displays or monitors are the focal points of every video meeting and event. It is positioned in the meeting or event space that display the best views for both speaker and audiences. 

There are various types of displays we can take into consideration.

• TVs 
• Interactive display
• Flat display
• LED screen
• Multi-monitor display
• Video wall display
• Broadcast video monitors

LED panels 

The better the sound quality, the better the image quality should be in parallel. The most commonly used display in audiovisual systems is LED display technology. LED panels/ screens provide saturated colors due to LED lights. 

LED screen can be adapted to the desired measurements (sizes) and areas. The quality of the image will not be affected whether is indoor or outdoor as long as the right type of LED is chosen. 

LED panels operate with lower energy compared with other display types. Having high-quality images and low energy requirement makes it possible to use them everywhere. 

You can use LED panels for:

• Concerts (indoor and outdoor)
• Stadiums
• Outdoor advertising
• Shopping Centre
• Hotels
• Event venues

Projectors 

A projector or video projector is an electronic device that takes input audio/ visual signals and outputs video onto any flat surface, which is most often a white or silver-coloured projector screen. 

A projector is a nice piece of AV equipment to have for events where many people will be watching the same thing at the same time. 

You can project your computer screen onto a large surface or screen easily with a projector and then you can rest easy knowing that no one has to strain to see.

There are different types of projectors:

1. 1. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)- uses lenses to project the images
   2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)- uses liquid crystals to project images
   3. Digital Light Processing (DLP)- uses micro-mirrors to project images
   4. Laser Projector – lasers only create the exact colors needed and uses less power

Projectors are often used in: 

• Classroom
• Meeting rooms
• Office
• Home 
• Event 

Projection mapping is also an interesting way to communicate your message to your audience. It can be as simple as indoor stage effects or as complex as video onto buildings and industrial landscapes. 

The purpose of projection mapping in events is to provide a more engaging experience for attendees, through visual stimulation. 

The technology is used to manipulate lighting onto varying surface types and turn common objects into interactive, 3D displays.

Speakers

A good speaker system can make all the difference at an event without you knowing. The last thing you want is for people to have a hard time listening to you or your presenters. So having a good quality speaker system in place is essential. 

What do you need to consider before deciding which speaker system is suitable for your event? 

There are few important factors:

• Size of venue
• Audience size
• Usage of the speaker (speech, concert, background music and etc)

Types of speakers:

• Tower / Floor Standing Speaker
• Line Array Speakers
• Bookshelf Speaker
• Surround Speaker / Satellite Speaker
• Centre-Channel Speaker
• Subwoofers
• Soundbars
• Build-in Speaker
• In-wall Speakers
• In-ceiling Speakers 
• Outdoor Speakers

Did you know that DOREMi has a Malaysia Book Of Record for – The Most Number of Music Speakers Used In A Running Event?

Microphones

Giving a speech or presentation? Or just need a way to get your audience’s attention? 

Then a microphone is a must-have! 

It may not be the most high-end spec, but the quality should be good enough to withstand use over the period of your event and should be easy to connect to speakers or receiver equipment.

There are 4 basic types of microphones:

1. 1. Dynamic Microphones – They are affordable, durable, and sound fantastic on some of the most common recordings. Shure SM57 is one of the common dynamic microphones that is suitable for speeches and recording.
   2. Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone – they are large, stylish and serious-looking mics that you see in professional recording situations. They are much more sensitive than a dynamic mic and ribbon mics. It is suitable for vocals.
   3. Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (pencil condenser) – they have a great transient response, extended top end, and consistent pickup patterns. They are great for realistic stereo techniques and acoustic instruments. 
   4. Ribbon Microphones – uses ultra-thin ribbon of electro-conductive material suspended between the poles of a magnet to generate signals. But for some, their sound is worth the trade for its durability. Ribbon mics are prized for their warm, vintage tone. Suitable for sources like guitar amps, drum overheads or brass.

Microphone choices are probably the most important factor after the quality of your instrument itself.

Laptop or Desktop Computer

The not to missed out AV equipment will be laptop or desktop computer. It helps to hold and any information you want to present to your audience. 

Whether it is a slideshow for a wedding, a presentation for a meeting or conference, or music for a dance, you need to have a computer that’s ready and loaded with your audio or visual files. 

You can use a laptop for easy transportation or a desktop computer for a more permanent location. Desktop computers are widely used for a virtual event because it supports heavy files and more stable in processing data.

Lighting equipment 

Lighting equipment is an important part of visual needs. Suitable lighting design for the room size and its function are as important as other audiovisual equipment. From theatrical lighting to presentation and meeting rooms, we got our professional team to design the best setting.

Speak to your AV partner and lighting designer regarding your purpose. Let them make sure all equipment and programming fit your ideal outcome and objective. No matter what content your event has on stage, if the audience can’t see it, it will be wasted. 

Why is an AV control system important for a virtual event?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live events are currently impossible and audiences are restricted to attend it in-person too. 

It is unquestionable that there are more virtual events now than ever before. 

With that being said, the virtual experiences, speaker experiences, audience experiences are raised to a higher standard. 

Hence, it falls onto audiovisual equipment and systems integrated to work together seamlessly that are managed, and controlled by an AV control system. 

With an AV control system, we can take a virtual event to next level as all the equipment are being controlled in one central device, access and control can be automated or run manually. 

Therefore, IT downtime is reduced. 

Plus, technical onboarding time for both- the speaker and participants of the virtual event are greatly reduced. Consequently, hosting the virtual event at ease and yet increasing user satisfaction effectively and efficiently. 

How does an audiovisual system work?

Audiovisual integration stands for the combination of audio and visual equipment to make a better viewing and listening experience during meetings or events. 

Various pieces of equipment are used to achieve the very best communication for large meetings or events so that no one is left out and all goals and needs are met. 

Based on the equipment list of audiovisuals mentioned above, the combination of these modern pieces of equipment turns into a seamless viewing and listening experience for users. 

Each of these elements offers a different service that, when brought together, creates the perfect mix of sound and vision for your audience.

It begins with the process of having a team of audio-visual system experts recommend and come up with an audiovisual design that matches your needs. 

Moving on with audiovisual system installation, the technicians are responsible for it as well as continuous monitoring throughout the event to make sure the whole event go through in a seamless manner. 

Every device can be controlled and monitored in the room or space from one interface – typically a touch screen or a keypad – effectively removing the need for a stack of remote controls and a jungle of cables in the room.

Uses of audio-visual systems

Since the application of audio-visual systems has been more interactive and widely used in recent years, the trend of AV technology will keep growing and evolving. The use of audio-visual equipment has benefits to a different range of solutions mentioned below.

Video conferencing

Innovative technology is not only for laptops and cloud-based applications. It extends to all areas of your business including solutions for a conference call, higher quality audiovisual systems and high-definition digital signage.

Corliss (2019), reported that video conferencing technology is mainly for team meetings, webinars, product demos, training, and job interviews. 

Hence, for the success of video conferences, audiovisual equipment such as displays, microphones, cameras, speakers, internet connection and video conferencing tools and apps are the main equipment used to connect with users. 

People do not like having a bad connection on a conference or video call. Many problems arise because of systems that are low quality or incompatible. This will result in meetings being delayed, dropped calls, frustration and less productivity.

How can DOREMi help? 

We have experienced technicians and compatible audiovisual equipment that enables you to conduct important conferences, meetings, webinars and presentations in full HD Audio and Video conferencing systems producing seamless, smooth and engaging meetings for you and your audience.

Virtual events

Virtual event production increases the engagement of the attendees. It includes services, equipment, tools and personnel with the expertise needed to deliver an exceptional audiovisual experience to the attendees far away instead of in the event space.

When hosting a virtual event, audiovisual equipment such as displays, video and cameras, sound system, lighting, staging, internet connection is needed throughout the event. 

Of course, a professional team of audio-visual system technicians for the technical support is required too. 

To learn more about virtual events, check out our article on “CONDUCTING A VIRTUAL/HYBRID EVENT: TECHNICAL POINTS TO LOOK OUT FOR”. 

A professional AV production team is as important as the technology and tools you use for your virtual event. 

There are a variety of services and resources available under a larger branch of virtual event AV technology. 

Here are some relevant services and resources to look for when engaging a virtual event AV team:

• Live event support
• Pre-event preparation and training
• Streaming recorded event sessions
• Fully produced virtual event sessions with live and recorded content

School learning

While many teachers prefer to keep it old school, students don’t! 

Moreover, during this pandemic, an AV system brings in more advantages for online learning. We live in an increasingly audiovisual, technologically advanced world, and students must learn to cope with the workforce that they’re poised to join. 

Plus, adequately using AV in the education sector creates an interactive and engaging educational experience and catches students’ attention.

Learning is the top priority, students must be given as many tools as possible to make their learning process a success. Technology alters how students communicate with their peers and complete daily tasks. 

Technology impacts students’ learning experience. Audio visual has been proven to have positive change to students’ learning experience and increase the quality of educator’s performance.  

Advanced AV system technology proved that to increase concentration,  participation and improve behaviour in the classroom. It also helps decrease teacher absenteeism and vocal fatigue for educators. 

Besides fixed AV installation in large school halls, a recent request from schools has seen moveable interactive touch screen systems for breakout rooms. 

The education sector can also make use of audio-visual equipment for educational enhancement. 

Audiovisual solutions for school learning:

• Interactive flat panels
• Projectors and projector screens
• Sound system
• Interactive whiteboard
• Auditorium audiovisual control system for a lecture hall or bigger size classroom

Digital signages

Digital display and digital signage, also named electronic signage can be commonly seen in workplaces, academic buildings, retail stores, corporate buildings, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and etc. 

It is also called ‘digital out of home media’ (DOOH) and it’s expected to show sustained growth over the next few years. 

Audiovisual equipment forms the foundation of any digital signage application. Screens, media players and software are integral to bring digital signage to life. It is crucial to choose the right audiovisual solutions.

It uses LED technology, projection and LCD monitors to display information, advertising and other messages. With the displayed content and messages, digital signage aims to deliver target messages in specific locations at specific times. 

What matters in having a good digital signage?

• The screens (LCD or LED display)
• Screen resolution
• Screen size
• Screen aesthetics
• Media player and software

Business location

Integrated AV technology goes hand in hand with many businesses. 

In many instances, a company conference room is a hub, a collaborative centre for idea exchange showcased on digital screen/signage. 

Many business locations will integrate displays along with audio, video and control systems to create a winning technology environment to showcase company plans and attract prospective customers.

In some cases, a large scale company will have an auditorium or business centre. They will use an audiovisual system or solutions to make their workplace to be presentation friendly and increase employees productivity. 

It usually consists of a few AV equipment:

• Projector and projector screen
• LED screen (wall)
• HD video conferencing system
• PA system
• Broadcast camcorders
• Remote pan-and-tilt cameras

Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, and Hospitality Location

An audiovisual system that is used frequently in hospitality setups will be digital signage. 

It is usually used to advertise their product and services and/ or to entertain their visitors and clients. 

Let’s see what AV equipment is used in this sector:

• Outdoor signage – Advertise their services and products
• Digital signage / ceiling-hung display – Restaurant menus & welcoming guests
• Family-friendly monitor/touch screen – entertain guests and kids
• TVs / flat panels – promote local tourism and restaurant in guest rooms
• PA systems – background music and also emergency announcement systems

 

Audiovisual system price

A big question for event organisers or users is, “how much budget should I allocate for an AV equipment and production team?” 

There are a couple of steps to consider when determining the budget. 

Firstly, you can determine your AV production needs based on the following questions:

• How many days do you expect your event to last?
• How long is each day?
• What medium are you using? Video, image, or live broadcast.
• Your audience scale. 
• Indoor or outdoor?

Once you’ve determined the size and scope of your event, you’ll have a better idea of how much to allocate in terms of time, resources, and budget for AV services. 

It’s time to bring your event to life! 

The price of our audio-visual system is sure to suit your audience size, amount, features, functionalities no matter big or small. For more information, enquiries, and bookings, reach out to DOREMi. 

Conclusion

A good Audio Visual system is a combination of sound, light, and display to communicate your brand message to your target audience! 

To learn more about how audio-visual system solutions can satisfy your needs, contact us today.