Must-Know AV Terms

[channelaudio]

 

 

AV can be a confusing and overwhelming topic for someone with little or no experience in the area. Even if you hire professionals to handle your event’s Audio-Visual needs, without the basic industry language, there may be some confusion between you and the contracted company. In short, you may not end up getting exactly what you’re looking for.

 

 

 

These common terms will help you rent or order the correct equipment and services as well as improving the effectiveness and efficiency of your communication with those who you’ve hired!

 

Rental Terms

 

 

 

Equipment Rental Rates

An AV company will usually quote you using their standard day-rate for each piece of equipment needed for your event. If you need the equipment for 3 or more days, you will receive a “weekly rate” as three days is typically considered a week when it comes to equipment rentals. This is because the longer you have the equipment the longer they are unable to rent it out anywhere else; therefore they may have to turn away potential new clients.

[img2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/static.wixstatic.com\/media\/bb85bc_9e7459a19902475e9e23f8cc7dceb307~mv2.jpg\/v1\/fill\/w_818,h_545,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01\/bb85bc_9e7459a19902475e9e23f8cc7dceb307~mv2.webp"}[/img2]

It is important to communicate with your AV vendor about the length of your event when budgeting and planning so you are aware of any additional expenses that will be incurred for keeping the equipment over a more extended period.

 

 

 

Loss of Equipment

It’s also important to keep in mind that while you are renting the equipment, you are responsible for it. If you are storing it overnight, be sure to lock it up. If the weather isn’t looking favorable, it would be best to cover the speakers or make sure they stay inside as water damage is one of the easiest ways to ruin equipment.

 

 

 

 

Load-In (Setup) & Load-Out (Strike)

Load-in is the delivery of equipment, as the audiovisual company will arrive on location and make sure that everything is brought to the venue and placed where you need it. More commonly, if you need them also to set it up and get everything ready to function correctly, this would be simply referred to as “setup.” Load-out is the removal of the equipment after the rental period. Your A/V provider will come in after your event and take everything down, pack it up and leave with it. Most companies will refer to this as “strike.”

 

 

 

Be sure to prepare enough time for the AV company to load everything in. Furthermore, keep in mind any other contractors that you will have setting up, where they’ll be and what time they’re scheduled to come, as you’ll want to ensure that you don’t have too many people setting up in the same area at once.

 

Equipment Terms

 

 

 

Video Connectors

If you have video at your event, the source (laptop, DVD player, cable box, etc.) can be connected to many different pieces of equipment for various uses. These include TV screens, speakers, monitor displays, projectors, and more. Unfortunately, not all of these have the same ports, so there is not a universal connector that is needed.

 

 

 

While there are many different options for video connectors, these are the 3 most common:

 

 

 

HDMI

HDMI is the most commonly known and used video connector. They do an excellent job providing high-definition video. Additionally, they can also carry audio, making them the most versatile and popular choice for many. Almost every TV and computer these days have an HDMI port. Remember, HDMI cannot be converted to VGA.

 

 

 

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

DVI cables are used to connect a video’s source to its display such as a projector, computer monitor, or TV screen. Also, be sure to note that DVI cables cannot carry audio signals like HDMI.

 

 

 

VGA (Video Graphics Array)

VGA cables are used for projectors, laptops, computer monitors and some TVs. Because they are analog, they are not optimal for clear images. Be sure to note that HDMI cannot be changed to VGA, so you will need to have adapters on-hand at your event.

Microphones

 

Wired vs. Wireless - The phrases “wired” and “wireless” are pretty self-explanatory. What’s important to note before selecting one, though, is the way in which the microphone will be used. If the performer or speaker prefers to move around a lot and/or is very animated, it is probably best to use a wireless mic to avoid any cables getting in the way. If the microphone will be stationary during the event, wireless is not necessary, and a wired microphone will do the trick.

 

 

Handheld -

 

These are the most typical. Handheld mics are the most commonly used for singers and musicians, news reporters and often on podiums.

 

 

 

Lavalier -

 

Often referred to as a “lav mic” or “lapel mic,” the lavalier microphone is small and clips onto the user’s collar, tie, or shirt. It is hands-free which is why it is so often used to avoid any distractions for speakers and the audience.

 

 

Countryman -

 

Countryman microphones are often used for singers and performers who like to dance and sing at the same time, TED talk speakers, preachers and anyone else that wants extreme mobility or freedom while using it. Its over-ear design allows it to handle much more vigorous movements than a lavalier mic. It also has slightly better audio quality due to the way sits directly in front of the mouth.

 

 

 

Click here to learn more about the Types of Wireless Microphones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projectors

 

Types of Projectors

• Rear - Rear projectors sit behind the projection screen and usually are ground-based. It’s important to note that space is needed between the projector and screen to allow enough room for the light to travel, so make sure you do not plan to have rear projection if your screen will be placed against a wall. Your AV provider should let you know how much space is needed, but be sure to ask if they don’t mention it.
  
• Front - Front projectors are placed on the same side of the screen as the audience. It is more common as not all projectors and screens have rear projection capabilities, but with this advantage comes the downside of it being visible, taking up floor space, and people can walk in front of it. These potential issues can be avoided by rigging it to hang from the ceiling, but this will, of course, raise the cost. If you have room in the budget, rigging is a very effective and popular method that may be well worth the investment if you plan to use a projector often.
  

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has cleared some things up. You don't need to be an AV expert when hiring a vendor, but it helps everyone involved be sure that you are 100% satisfied with the Audio-Visual at your event. Knowledge of these basic industry terms will ensure that you getting what you want, and confirm that you’re hiring an experienced, knowledgable and organized AV provider. We at Channel Audio wish you all the best in your next event, and are always available to answer any other questions you may have!