Over the last year (2012) we have seen a shift back toward AV installations that are based more on quality and much less on price. Since around the fall of 2008, there have been a few rough years for most everyone in the AV business. Actually that's probably everyone in business in genaral. However, beginning in the fall of last year (2011) our installation jobs definitely took a turn for the better.

We now are seeing our clients purchase better performing speakers, projectors and far better electronics. Clients also seem to be willing to invest in the other items that complete a system such equipment racks and surge protection devices. Some of the electronics clients are upgrading include items like video conferencing systems, multi-program selection mixers with DSP (like DBX) and other automatic audio mixers like ClearOne, Biamp and Polycom. In the long run, this kind of purchasing behavior is in the client's own best interest. If clients purchase better quality products, those products will typically last longer and perform better. So in the long run, because the return on investment and the user experience is better, these products are not that much more expensive over the long run.

Some of those interesting jobs we've done are: schools, including multi use gymnasiums and outdoor football/soccer stadiums. We have also done several conference rooms of varying sizes. One of those rooms had an interactive whiteboard. The system would allow you to draw on a whiteboard by hand, using an electronic pen. The electronic pen created a notation on the projection screen with "virtual ink" that allowed the note to saved and captured onto a PC.

Another room had multiple projectors. One projector was a very high end projector that had high light output, a high contrast ratio and better color matching. This projector was for displaying important meeting topics to a larger group. The other smaller projector in the room was displayed on a large erasable white board. This projector and white board were to be used as more of a "brain storming" area. This brain storming area is used for a combination of both handwritten notes, as well as the projected image.

These kinds of AV installations are more "fun" for us. We enjoy designing the systems and getting involved with bringing new ideas to our clients. Typically in these kind of systems the clients seem to start off not knowing exactly how they will use the technology. Then after becoming more familiar with the technology, the clients find they don't know what to do without the technology. Many times it progresses to a point where there is hardly ever time available to use the room. Often we are hired to do a second or third room because of how well the system performed.

Because of the better economic environment in the last year, we have not done as many very basic conference systems using only inexpensive projectors and wall plates. Instead, we are doing more complex rooms such as executive boardrooms with Crestron automation and control systems. These premium rooms typically will also put in a audio and/or video conferencing system too. Often times when doing the Crestron control systems, we can also integrate the lighting and AC (air conditioning) into the job too.

The other interesting trend we are seeing is that as AV Systems become more a "staple" to meeting rooms in the business world, clients are asking for better sound systems. These audio systems enhance the experience of the higher quality projectors or flat panels. Sometimes we are even adding an integrated subwoofer to go along with the better speakers so you can feel the experience as well as see and hear it.

So it has been a good year, we hope to see it continue in 2013. We are adding new products to our line up and look forward to serving our clients even better in the future.