Choosing an AV Provider - Part Two
V Dealers: AV dealers come in many different types and sizes, but primarily they are local or regional companies or branches that are authorized resellers for the many different types of equipment required to meet your audiovisual needs. Some dealers also install the technology and are referred to as systems integrators (see above). Some dealers offer equipment rentals and service in addition, and are known as rental and/or staging companies (see below). Primarily, AV dealers can offer specific knowledge and added value to any professional environment over purchasing equipment through consumer channels, because they are trained in the products they represent and understand and can communicate important information about functionality of the equipment and its integration into the facility.
AV Manufacturers: AV manufacturers produce the presentation and communications technologies used in sound, display and projection systems, including audio-, video- and web-conferencing, digital signage, control systems, networking equipment, display monitors, lighting and studio support, projection screens, projectors, recorders and players, recording media and storage systems, streaming media equipment, video production equipment, whiteboards and presentation accessories. Manufacturers sell their products through channel distribution partners including dealers, manufacturers’ representatives, and independent representatives, who are trained by the manufacturers to market, demonstrate and offer products to end users.
Rental/Staging Companies: Staging and AV rental companies offer large- to medium-size event staging and AV technology rentals as well as rental production services for corporate meetings, conferences, conventions, tradeshows, product launches, special events, entertainment and concerts. These companies may provide services locally, regionally or nationally. AV engineers, technical directors and technicians are on-hand for the duration of the event to set up, strike and operate projectors, cameras, screens, sound systems, scenic elements, lighting and even special effects if needed. When working with hotels or convention centers, customers should determine the best source for their needs, whether to use the hotel’s in-house AV resources or to hire an external company.
Independent Design Consultants: Independent design consultants are often hired by architects or directly by clients to identify a client’s AV needs, determine best options for the design of a system, including lighting, sound, image and control, and produce specifications for the job that can then be competitively bid by qualified systems integrators or negotiated with a preferred integrator. Routing video, audio, data, PC-video, as well as designing the lighting and power distribution appropriately in a room requires the expertise of a system designer who understands complete system functionality.
Design consultants act as the owner’s technical representative to ensure that systems integrators are performing the job according to professional specifications as well as handling issues that may arise during construction. Using a design consultant offers an added value of obtaining independent advice on components of the system, regardless of product brands and the opportunity for competitive pricing for the AV equipment and installation.
Presentations Professionals: The hardware required to enhance communications is, of course, the major aspect of AV systems. However, once the hardware is installed and the staff is trained to use it, there is still the need to produce strong, effective, creative presentations that make the best use of the AV equipment and go one step further in providing a return on the investment. Presentations professionals are often hired as in-house resources or as independent freelancers to enhance the message through graphics, marketing expertise and creative application of presentation tools such as PowerPoint®.
Programmers: These are professionals working either independently or on the staff of an AV manufacturer or integrator responsible for developing, programming or coding software. Programmers also design the user interface for AV users to access AV systems, such as touch-panel screens to enable videoconferencing.
Courtesy of INFOCOMM.ORG-Provided by Jon Maslansky, Commercial Sales Manager, Custom Audio Video
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