At AVC, we have long recognized the future of audio and visual communications is network centric. As AV systems migrate from simply using the network for controlling and monitoring systems to using the network as the primary path for content, infrastructure needs change dramatically. We stand ready to guide our clients as they change and grow to meet the demands of tomorrow. Our staff has experience working with IT managers to provide assurance, consultation regarding configurations, QOS, deployment of new devices, implementation of new protocols, security and maintenance.

All of the following must be considered, rationalized and prioritized for each individual solution:  digital signage, streaming systems, virtual storage of content, firewall traversal, security, videoconference systems, desktop video, integration with VOIP and soft-phone systems, and a whole alphabet soup of enterprise class communications protocols and architecture.

To sum it up, at AVC, we speak “Geek”. Allow us to assist you; we can help you plan for the impact of greater AV content on your network, while we minimize roadblocks and maximize ROI.

Auditoriums present unique challenges in AV design, installation and maintenance. Sight lines, contrast ratios, throw distances, screen sizes, acoustics, audio uniformity, accessibility of equipment, esthetics and ease of use all must be considered. System Designers at AVC have experience with these disciplines and are well trained in the art and science of this specialty. In addition to holding a CTS-D (Certified Technology Specialist in Design) certification, our senior designer is a member of INCE (Institute of Noise Control Engineering), holds a degree in Acoustical Engineering and has extensive experience in acoustical measurement and modeling.

Our experience in a wide variety of venues with a vast array of technical solutions allows us to design, implement and maintain these challenging spaces for our corporate, educational and government clients.

Command & Control projects have a variety of distinctive challenges which must be considered when designing, installing and operating the AV systems which are core to the use of the space and must be taken into account at each step of the process:

Digital signage is a form of “out-of-home advertising” in which content and messages displayed on an electronic screen, or digital sign, can be changed without modification to the physical sign, typically with the goal of delivering targeted messages to specific locations at specific times.

AVC has been delivering this routine concept of visual communication since before the term digital signage was used.   Digital Signage as a means to advertise and provide information is quickly replacing many of the conventional standards such as billboards, flyers, and other printed material.

In today’s world the delivery of information is non-stop and instantaneous by way of the Internet, cell phones, and email as well as a myriad of other sources.  Providing information and helping to influence decisions using visual communications is the future.

Demands for higher productivity, elevated training requirements, compliance efforts and competing claims on staff time have all contributed to an increased need to leverage the available instructor or executive time by recording and streaming content. AVC is proficient in the design, deployment and maintenance of systems to enable individuals to broaden their impact and effectiveness, thereby increasing ROI on the human investment agencies and firms make. The ability to make routine HR or compliance training available on demand frees up significant resources and assets for non-routine or creative work. Travel risks and costs can be dramatically reduced while improving both knowledge transfer and morale.

AVC is proficient in designing, building and implementing systems with sophisticated control, switching and streaming capabilities which enable clients to leverage time and investment. Network configuration, capture systems, security, distribution and management must all be considered during the design and execution phase.

For decades, audiovisual systems have been centered on Rooms. The concept was self-contained packages of technology which facilitated better communication because AV presentations could be accomplished. AVC designs, engineers, fabricates, programs and maintains Room Systems from small, basic break-out rooms all the way to complex, divisible rooms or auditoriums. We take pride in designing systems which promote use of the technology through functionality, reliability and ease of use.

AVC looks at Room Systems as simply a node on the network, a single endpoint, not an end in itself. Most Room Systems deployed by AVC are connected to other systems via management and control systems, be it within a building, a campus or an enterprise.

System Documentation is a critical part of any well built and maintained AV system. Intelligent, understandable drawings for review by clients are the start. These documents must then provide all the needed information for technicians to assemble, install, test and commission the system. As-built drawings must be completed and provided to the client for future reference by service technicians and for potential modifications and upgrades. Control system source code is provided to all AVC clients under the InfoComm Standard Software License Agreement so that future upgrades to a system are easily made. User manuals and Quick-Start Guides to ensure ease of use and re-training are part of the documentation package. All these documents may be provided both in hard copy and on a CD as part of the system close out package.  Naturally, all these documents are archived at AVC so they may be replicated should the client misplace their copies.

Traditional AV systems for training & education were contained within a room, occasionally with the ability to record or draw resources from a central location. Advancements in technology now allow functionality that was only a dream twenty years ago. When AVC’s CEO, Carole Peters, started in the AV industry, her task was to create a distance learning center for multiple fire departments in Orange County, California. The internet didn’t exist, and a model that required fire department personnel leave their stations was expensive and reduced the number of firefighters available to respond to urgent needs. Along with her Fire Chief, she envisioned and implemented a distance learning system which leveraged cable TV networks to broadcast training directly to the fire stations, keeping the critical personnel available for calls while still providing the required ongoing training. Today we would solve these problems in a variety of ways, leveraging the internet, streaming, videoconferencing, digital recording and many more options.

This experience gives AVC a unique perspective on our client’s situations, and enables us to provide vision and perception to meet their challenges. Budgets, ease of use, remote monitoring, reliability, and security, in addition to normal issues of image quality and intelligibility must all be factored in to designs for the training and education segment.

Videoconferencing is the heart of most of AVC’s projects. A variety of significant issues have driven the requirement for a greater number of better VTC systems to be deployed: the risk and cost of travel; the reduced carbon footprint that comes from reduced travel; the need for higher productivity; the availability of image quality and reliability not available in the past; as well as employee quality of life improvements have all come together to produce a higher demand for quality VTC systems.

AVC collaborates with various providers of VTC hardware and software to design, deploy and maintain systems which span the enterprise. AVC has committed to a high level of training and certification to ensure that we can lead our clients into this arena, offering the best support and guidance possible. AVC has invested in a full suite of test and development VTC infrastructure equipment. This enables our engineers to test new releases and products so we know what to expect when we deploy these systems on your network, thus minimizing downtime and disruption. This investment also enables easy video communication with our clients from their desktop to AVC, further enhancing communication and client satisfaction.