Avtech

Maximizing AV Control
By John Laughlin concern that you or your AV integrator must address: 1. IT Concerns Your control system will probably run on an existing IP network, so your IT manager shouldhave input into its design. Newer processors from Crestron, Extron and AMX all connect to control panels and other components via the network, and they can be set up for support and service from a webbrowser. Your IT manager will want to be sure there are no security holes that might compromise the network. For larger AV and video conferencing systems, digital signage networks and any systemcarrying high definition consumer media (such as news, entertainment or Blu-ray), you’ll want to consider an all-digital Internet Protocol (IP) signal path. At this point bandwidth becomes a majorconcern. It’s important to use an AV integrator who understands network requirements and can work with your IT manager to separate audio/video traffic from data traffic, via either a VLAN or separatenetworks. Your IT staff can also be your best resource for AV user support, and if they take on that role, your IT manager should be involved in plans for technical staff training; for helpdesk tools thatallow technicians to see and operate room controls from networked PCs; and in any decisions on service and maintenance contracts. 2. Facility Management Concerns Today’s AV control systems offer severalopportunities for environmental system control that your facilities manager will want to be involved in. On the most basic level, your AV controls should tie into your lighting system, so that lightsadjust easily or automatically as needed. It’s also possible to use AV control processors for various “green” initiatives –such as turning AV and lighting on and off automatically, integrating lightsand shading

Engaging the right people makes the difference A welldesigned control system adds simplicity, consistency, reliability and efficiency to sophisticated presentation and communication...