During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people’s AV systems consisted of laptop speakers and an internal mic. Now that many are returning to the office, conference rooms are back in use, and AV solutions are once again becoming a priority. At the same time, technology has been evolving, AV components have been aging, and the variety of connections has increased—all of which may render your AV setup out of date. Here are five telltale signs your commercial AV system needs an update.
1. The System Becomes Unstable or Less Reliable
A lack of stability or reliability is one of the biggest signs that an AV system is reaching the end of its useful life. Granted, virtually every electronic or computer-based system has occasional hiccups, but this should be the exception, not the rule.
With many AV systems, performance degradation stems from worn out or improperly cared-for electronic components. For example, some elements can get hot and wear out more quickly than they should due to a lack of adequate ventilation. At times, components can get so hot while running that soldering points get weak and result in intermittent or failing connections. The result could be:
- Audio or video dropping out completely
- Audio or video temporarily losing quality
- Lines in video or clicks and pops in audio
It’s important to pay attention to connections that make it easier for components to interface with each other. The wear and tear resulting from repeatedly inserting and unplugging audio cables or USB devices, for instance, can quickly harm either the male or female component of the connection, necessitating an upgrade.
2. It Can’t Accept the Latest Signal Formats
The technology used to send and receive digital electronic signals changes constantly, and if your AV system can’t accept the latest formats, it may be time for an upgrade. For example, if you need to interface your AV system with components that use USB-C or HDMI connections and can’t accept these formats, it’s time to consider a newer solution.
Updating benefits, not just people within your organization. It also helps those that come in from outside who need to quickly connect to your system because they don’t have to grab an adapter or additional interface to plug in.
3. More Than Five or Six Years Have Passed
Generally speaking, an audio-video system with moderate-to-heavy use should last around five or six years. If your AV system has been around for longer than that, there’s a good chance it may start experiencing problems soon. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to start thinking about when you want to upgrade and the components you’ll need.
4. It Isn’t Backward Compatible with Newer Technologies
Modern AV systems have to manage not just a diverse array of connections but also a range of different technologies, which evolve all the time. If your commercial AV system isn’t backward compatible with some of these newer technologies, it’s probably time to consider an update.
For example, your AV systems control processor may not be able to integrate with newer equipment. For instance, it may not be able to use voice control via Alexa. In addition, your system may not have the bandwidth it needs to accept very high-resolution video signals. In that case, an upgrade can make it possible for your AV system to handle a wider range of video content without negatively impacting image quality.
5. The System Hurts Employee Productivity
An audio-video system should, ideally, be a tool for productivity, not an obstacle. If your system gets in the way of employees trying to accomplish relatively straightforward tasks, it may be because it’s outdated.
For example, employees should be able to enter a collaboration room and quickly connect their laptops or other devices to their AV system. The process shouldn’t take more than a minute and should feel intuitive and comfortable. On the other hand, if employees have to struggle with complex webs of cables and confusing connections, you may need to update to a more straightforward system.
With Pro AV Systems, you get professional, experienced audiovisual technicians who know exactly what you need to ensure a smooth experience—regardless of the technology your AV system needs to integrate. We make the process of upgrading straightforward and painless while ensuring you have a system that will serve you for years to come. Reach out to us today to learn more.
