If you simply Google, “AV company near me,” you’ll get a wide range of results, and might find everything from audio video stores to event production companies.
If you’re specifically looking for AV services, that might not help much, which also begs the question, what does an AV company do exactly?
To put it simply, an AV company provides services for audio, video and audiovisual equipment. Some of these services may include installation, repair and maintenance, as well as renting out equipment.
Below, we’ve laid out a framework of the most common services AV companies provide to help you figure out what kind of AV company you need to hire.
Commercial AV Design, Installation and Integration
Commercial AV (CAV) designers are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining audio and visual equipment for use in public spaces, organizations and corporate offices.
Some commercial AV companies might only do design consultation and outsource integration to a third-party provider, and some may be a one-stop-shop that design and integrate the entire project from start to finish. So, you’ll need to do some research to find the right AV company that best suits your needs.
But here’s what you can expect at each step of the commercial AV process:
Commercial AV Design
This step takes place before an AV project begins and involves consulting with the business as to what they hope to achieve and what problems they’re looking to solve with their new AV solution. The AV company then drafts a detailed plan for the proposed implementation.
Commercial AV Installation and Integration
This is the hands-on part of the project, where the AV company installs all the AV equipment and components, and integrates them into the existing building infrastructure as required. They also ensure that all the AV equipment will work together seamlessly.
Commercial AV Maintenance and Support
With your new AV solution in place, it’s important to make sure the AV company you hire provides after sales support, technical guidance, and equipment maintenance to keep your AV systems performing optimally with minimal to no down-time. This is especially important for mission critical applications, such as medical equipment, electric power grids, and first responder communications systems.
AV support may include regular AV equipment check-ups, help-desk support and on-site services.
Residential AV Services
Residential AV systems involve the installation of home theater systems, displays throughout the house, different mounting setups, a wide selection of sound design and speaker styles, and numerous control options from handheld to wireless to interactive to control it all.
But today residential AV systems go beyond just providing entertainment and information. They can be found in everything from a home theater to more advanced systems like security cameras, smart home assistants, soundbars, HVAC thermostats and more. That is why you might sometimes see all of the above services being marketed under the “residential AV” umbrella.
When looking for a residential AV company, make sure to confirm the exact services they will provide.
AV Equipment on Rent
One of the most common services typical AV companies provide are equipment rentals.
Let’s say, for example, that you’re hosting a live event and need a specific sound system, a projector and some video equipment for broadcasting. You can rent this equipment from an AV company for the short time you require it.
Besides renting the AV equipment, the AV company may also help in setting and hooking it up, and ensuring the setup runs correctly.
Event Production Design
Besides just renting equipment, many AV companies also provide event production services, which can include everything from staging and set design to integrating sound with video and lighting in order to create an immersive experience for the audience. Some AV companies also provide full on-site support, to help with any technical difficulties during your event.
These “event companies” partner with you to produce your event and offer creative options to best tailor your message to engage your event attendees.
Finding the Right AV Company
Now that you know that the term AV company can mean different things, it’s important to go with an AV partner that has the capabilities to bring your AV vision to life.
If you have the technical skills and know-how and feel you can setup your AV solution in-house, we can help!
If you’re an AV integrator in the commercial or residential AV space, we’ve got you covered.
We have all of the AV equipment you need to get your next AV project underway, from multi-room corporate AV solutions to basic home theater installations.
Whether you need curbside pickup, need to place a phone order, or need help with an online order, our team of experts are here to help.
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