Designing a cutting-edge audio/video solution is a complex process that requires knowledge not only of audio and video products and  systems, but also of the buildings into which they will be integrated and the other technologies with which they must coexist and integrate.

Setting the system and the technology aside, the most important part of a successful Audio Video system is the infrastructure design.  Installation efficiency, system functionality and user-friendliness are impacted by the infrastructure’s ability to support the required technology.

The critical issues to assess, review, and resolve in the design phase of the audio-video and communications environment are:

·         Floor trenches, boxes and conduit – sizes, placement and types are dictated by cable sizes needed by audio-video equipment (2 to 10 times larger than LAN or phone cable).

·         Signal cable pathways – cable trays, conduit, firewalls…

·         Construction factors – wall blocking for flat panel displays, above ceiling structural support, rear screen openings, location and sizes for wall boxes…

·         Lighting – fixture type and array, zones, scenes, dimming & control systems and color temperature (e.g.; videoconferencing requires 100 foot candles and 3300° Kelvin).

·         Electrical – Voltage/current issues, phasing, grounding, technology requirements and outlet locations.  Proper electrical design prevents aberrations and hum bars in the projected image.

·         Interior design – color, wood finish, technology-friendly furniture, room layout and equipment rack location affect aesthetics and usability of the room.

·         “In the ceiling” – placement of sprinkler heads, ductwork, HVAC vents, light fixtures…nothing should be in the light cone of the projector.

·         Acoustics – sound levels, reverberation, sound absorption and echo and considerations for sound masking.  A room as small as 30’ long can have a sound reverberation or echo that distorts intelligibility.

·         HVAC – placement, noise level, vibration and BTU’s generated by technology impact the effective use of the room.

The intrinsic benefits of our early involvement are:

·         A more elegant, aesthetically pleasing installation.

·         Fewer change orders; less costly.

·         Reduced installation costs through better planning.

·         LEED and “Green” considerations – daylight harvesting and lighting control, Energy Star compliance, low power consumption technology and building systems control.

·         Designed for change and growth – facility sustainability.

·                     A more reliable, easier to use and effective infrastructure.

Technical Innovation can provide the expertise to advise and consult with your design team to insure the infrastructure will support the presentation, control and communications applications and, at the same time, protect the integrity of the facility design.