Audio visual installations are all around us and make a big difference to several critical industries. But how much do you know about them? Do you know the components, functions, and costs of different installations?
If you’re unsure about answering any of these questions, you’re in the right place. At DEXON, we know that the world of AV systems can get confusing, which can be especially problematic if you’re considering investing in expensive technology.
That’s why we’re proud to offer our customers a comprehensive overview of AV systems before pulling their wallets out. We believe it leads to better operation and higher-quality displays.
To help you understand the ins and outs of AV installations, we’ve compiled this guide on the components, functions, and costs of different AV technologies.
So, whether you’re an AV whiz or you just about know how to change the source on your television, we’ve got you covered. Let’s go!
Before we get into the specifics, it's essential that we first discuss what we mean when we mention ‘video installation.’ Video installations refer to the audio-visual technology we use to create video walls, conferences, surveillance, and so much more.
Ultimately, this term refers to any installation that incorporates only video, video, and audio into a display of moving images, formats, and configurations.
We refer to the overall systems by the collective term ‘installation’ that summarizes all the technology at play. For example, a video wall has several systems, such as video wall controllers, processors, and matrixes. As a collective, this is known as a video wall installation.
Audio visual systems refer to the unique technology at play. This term allows us to clear up any confusion and analyze specific technology in greater detail. For example, if we were to discuss a splitter, we wouldn’t refer to this as an installation as this is a specific product.
So, now we know what we’re referring to when discussing installations, let’s go through some of the main components of audio-visual technology. An expansive list of installations is critical to so many industries. From security and surveillance to entertainment and business, installations are vital to the seamless flow of information, communication, and much more.
Here’s a guide to some of the main components of audio-visual installations:
Conferencing technology is the hardware and software that makes virtual and in-person conferencing possible. This ranges from well-known critical conferencing software that many of us have learned during the pandemic to in-person technology such as video walls, interactive whiteboards, and projectors.
Conferencing technology's general function is to provide users with a real-time and in-person experience no matter the audience’s location. With the power of technology, users can create dynamic and interactive conferences that boost engagement and unite participants.
Conferencing technology, especially the virtual kind, is set to dominate the digital sphere for the foreseeable, as more and more of us take up remote working instead of office working.
Video wall displays consist of multiple screens that work together to display one or multiple coherent images. These walls typically range from 4x4 to 144x72 in size, making them flexible to their user’s requirements.
There’s a lot at play in video wall operation, with three types of technology processing input and output signals, generating effects, and managing layout. We refer to video wall displays as an installation due to the many different systems at play.
Video walls are most common in the following industries:
Control rooms are hubs of audio-visual installations due to their need for quick delegation and distribution of information. It's not uncommon to find a video wall or two in a control room, with many operators favoring the ability to have their eyes everywhere all at once.
The surveillance industry thrives off of installations like video walls. This is because controllers and processors can connect to a remote network and display live footage from cameras. This allows users to view all of their entry and exit ways from a single point, improving their overall security.
Large-scale communication, such as media sources and tech empires, thrives on audio-visual installations. You’re likely to see a video wall in use when watching the news as media broadcasters utilize the multifunctional nature of displays to distribute high volumes of information from a single source.
This is one of the main benefits of audio-visual installations. As users receive the same information from a single source, this eliminates miscommunication or misinterpretation, negating the need to relay information or use multiple communication channels.
Interactive whiteboards are everywhere. This installation has allowed users to reach new heights of interactivity, from our classrooms to our businesses. An interactive whiteboard or smartboard’s primary function is to marry the customizable nature of a whiteboard with the ability to interact with projected images.
With the help of a projector and a touch-sensitive screen, interactive whiteboards allow users to do everything they can with a standard whiteboard while using projected web-based content. This means users can interact with hyperlinks and buttons while drawing shapes, highlighting text, and so much more!
Let’s get onto the part you’re all waiting for; how much does this all cost? Well, there are a lot of factors that go into deciding the price of audio-visual installations. Here’s a quick guide to the estimated prices:
Installing an interactive whiteboard in your classroom or office will cost around $2500 for the most cost-effective option. This is due to varying setup fees, projector costs, screen size, and resolution.
However, LED or rear-projected cube walls can go as high as $50,000 or more. This is because of the resolution and size of the display. It’s also important to consider the cost of the technology alongside a video wall which can make a considerable difference to the price.
For large-scale communication and surveillance control rooms, it’s hard to put a price tag on this. You can expect to pay tens of thousands to ensure your technology connects and displays footage from a remote network at a high resolution.
That concludes your complete guide to audio-visual installation components, functions, and costs. To learn more about the AV industry or ways to optimize your AV displays, head over to DEXON’s blog, where you’ll find insider guides, tips, and tricks.