This page serves to be your guide to terms that we use in the Audio/Video (A/V) industry. Use this page as a way to research terms or equipment that you may be unfamiliar with. Feel free to contact us if there are questions that are not answered here. We like to talk about this stuff!

 

70 Volt Audio System

70 volt systems are used in commercial settings where the distribution of sound is spread over several speakers. They are typically run in mono in order to evenly cover an area with the entirety of the recorded source. Several speakers can be daisy-chained off of a single amplifier.

These systems can be configured with on-wall, in-wall, in-ceiling, or hanging pendant speakers. An amplifier with mic inputs can be used to easily use the speaker system for public announcements. 70 volt systems are typically more efficient and less costly for commercial installations.

When done correctly a large room will not be affected by dead zones, leaving the entire room with sound that is even and clear. The end result is a background music system that can be played at a lower volume, effectively reducing competing conversation levels.

 

Digital Signage

A modern signage medium that utilizes video displays to deliver content to the public. These displays can feature advertisements, information, videos, streaming content, and/or images. Digital signage can be used for many purposes but it is most commonly deployed for menus, sales, televised events, and marketing/advertising.  These displays are manufactured and designed for continuous commercial operation and carry a superior warranty to consumer-targeted displays.

 

HD-Base-T

HDBaseT can deliver uncompressed ultra-HD video (up to 4K) to a network of devices using CAT 5/6 wiring (CAT5e is borderline for 4k and is very dependent on length) or as a point-to-point connection. Uncompressed content supports all video sources, including legacy products, accurately renders gaming graphics and features such as electronic program guides, and does not degrade video quality or add latency. It supports TV and PC video formats, including standard, enhanced, high-definition, ultra-HD (4K), and 3D video. Due to bitrate limitations of 10.2 Gbit/s instead of the required 18 Gbit/s in the HDMI 2.0 specification, HDBaseT 2.0 can only support 4K at 30 Hz, not the full 60 Hz.


Hi-Fi / HIGH FIDELITY

High Fidelity – Hi-Fi for short, is a high-quality reproduction of sound. Ideally, hi-fi has inaudible noise or distortion and accurately represents the original recording.

The quality of electronic equipment and speakers plays a role in achieving high fidelity. A single pair of speakers located in an equilateral triangle from the seating position is a great start to creating a “sweet spot” in the room. Listening to a variety of equipment combinations to ascertain what is pleasant to your ear is another important step.

A high-fidelity system can range from several hundred dollars on the low end to a nearly unreachable ceiling on the high-end.   This experience is highly subjective and difficult to nail down for every person.  We recommend a visit to our showroom where our staff can evaluate and recommend a system that “fits the ear as well as the wallet”.


Home Theater

As the name would suggest, a home theater is a space for watching movies and television. Whether in a living room or den scenario, or as a dedicated room, a home theater system elevates the viewing experience far beyond that which can be achieved by a TV alone.

TVs and digital displays are getting bigger and less expensive all the time, and while they are an excellent option for a smaller room, we still recommend the use of front projection onto a screen when the space allows. With sound transparent screens we are able to put the front and center speakers behind the screen, allowing the sound to come from the source of the dialogue. With speakers behind the screen it is a more streamlined look than what may be considered the traditional home theater.

As with hi-fi, there is a large array of options depending on space and budget concerns. Our staff is adept at finding the optimal option for a variety of situations.


 

Lighting Control

With modern lighting control, one can have complete control over lighting levels and temperatures from the screen of one’s phone. There are many levels to automating lighting. Systems can start with a single dimmer or switch with remote capability to a system that controls lighting based on occupancy, day vs. night, the intensity of natural light, programmable scenes to set moods or entertainment levels and to create the illusion of occupancy when unoccupied.

Controlled dimming and switching can reduce electrical costs and the overall carbon footprint of a home or business. Larger spaces benefit greatly from centralized lighting where much of the wiring is “home run” to panels out of view instead of large banks of dimmers and switches. This allows for a single keypad in a large space instead of a row of dimmers on an otherwise beautiful wall.  For more information please visit Crestron’s Lighting page.

 

Stereo Audio Distribution

This is mostly a residential audio system used in homes where rooms can have in-ceiling, in-wall or traditional speakers in a stereo pair within a smaller space where a hi-fi/stereo signal can be appreciated or at least heard.  Modern systems allow for volume and source to be chosen through the use of a smartphone/tablet.  Streaming services allow for an incredible selection of individual albums, artists, and radio stations from around the world.

 

Video Distribution

Systems that allow multiple displays to show the same or a different picture/video from a centralized location.  In the past, this was largely accomplished by creating mini-cable systems or modulated COAX distribution systems.  True High Definition Video has made most of these systems obsolete with the adoption of HDMI signals from high definition AV sources such as Blu-Ray players, cable boxes, satellite systems and even Media Drives.  This has created the need for very powerful Matrix Switches and HdBaseT wiring designs that allow centralized sources in one location “feeding” multiple video displays all over homes and buildings.

 

Window Treatments

Control of shades or drapes using a keypad, a smartphone, or tablet are just a few ways to gain control of motorized window treatments.  These systems can also be completely automated based on the time of day or even the amount of light desired in a space.  These systems are a great way to better control temperature, choose whether to enjoy natural light or block it out for privacy.  Controlling the natural light (window shades & drapes) in spaces is one of the most effective and beautiful ways to increase the comfort and usability of your home or business.  

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