Commercial Sound and Video Systems
This November, four members of CSAV Systems made their way over to Rockleigh, NJ, to attend Crestron’s Experience Center. These four members included President of CSAV Systems Glen J, Dalakian, and Vice President Michael King. Participating in this experience led our team to further their knowledge of new and innovative audio-visual technology. CSAV Systems and Crestron’s Experience Center AV solutions can help various industries and organizations, from corporate facilities to municipalities to restaurants. Crestron’s Experience Center and CSAV Systems have been partnering and learning from each other for quite some time. CSAV Systems is an audio-visual company that offers high-quality professional sound, video & teleconferencing systems for many major clients. Our team has become a leader in the professional sound, video & teleconferencing industry. CSAV has serviced thousands of clients throughout New Jersey, New York, and other states. As a leading control systems manufacturer, Crestron is an award-winning company offering quality technology solutions for various industries, including commercial businesses. CSAV Systems needs to attend learning opportunities like Crestron’s Experience Center because it shows our dedication and eagerness to learn and to better ourselves as a company for our clients. CSAV Systems is trained at every level, including sales, technical, and programming, to represent Crestron and adequately implement its unique high-level technologies. Crestron’s Experience Center was a tremendous way to learn firsthand about the AV industry and its new tools. The experience started with a Crestron tour guide showing the group around the facility and explaining various AV solutions and new products. From there, the group went into different rooms to demo AV solutions. CSAV employee Rosalie Mandracchia explained why it was such an honor to attend the experience. “Hearing about the AV solutions that we provide to our clients is one thing, but being physically there and seeing and using the solutions was such a rewarding experience,” Mandracchia says. “The experience was five hours, and the CSAV team was intrigued every second.” The Future of CSAV Technology is constantly advancing and changing every day. We see it everywhere- even in our own homes. From the new updates to our phones to the new voice-connected speakers, technology will continue getting more robust and creative. As advancements keep arising, we must continue to have the passion and drive to become knowledgeable in the latest AV solutions and technology trends.
It is crucial that all your audio/visual systems function seamlessly during a conference meeting. Having a plan in place for any possible a/v mishaps is imperative – learn how CSAV Systems can help.
The right A/V solutions can take your sports bar or restaurant to be a step above the competition. Here’s four solutions to take your hospitality business to the next level.
Having a quality audio-visual system is a critical technical component to churches and houses of worship. Learn more about the importance of a church A/V system here.
Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to get your outdoor seating areas ready for warm weather. Here are 4 tips to get your outdoor areas ready.
At CSAV Systems, we go above and beyond for our clients to provide the best audio/visual systems for their business atmosphere. Learn more about what we can do for you here.
With Easter coming up, now is the best time to make sure your AV systems are working perfectly so your service goes smoothly in your house of worship.
If you are looking to take your luxury hotel to the next level, check out our list for how you can improve your guests’ stay by providing innovative hospitality audio-visual technology solutions.
Ranging from video walls to teleconferencing systems, the business growth opportunities are endless, especially now that technology is becoming smarter.
Immersive content and videos allows consumers to feel as if they are immersed in the display of the image or video and can greatly benefit your business.
It’s November and that means budgeting season is coming to an end. Did you remember to account for your company’s A/V needs? Budget season is one of the most important times of the year, because you are setting up the guidelines for your business’ success in the upcoming year! Whether you are running on the fiscal year or school year, there is always a few weeks of stress where you have to crunch numbers and figure out how you are going to allocate dollars and cents for your business. The importance of budgeting technology solutions in your 2019 budget… We now live in a world where technology shapes everything, from the way businesses, succeed to the moods people experience. Audio and video systems can optimize your business atmosphere and solve customer pains you may have not known existed. Let’s consider how A/V can greatly impact a company. For example, a Church or House of Worship must have quality A/V so that messages can be communicated to the entire congregation. If people cannot hear those speaking to them because of malfunctioning speakers or microphones, the services would be negatively impacted. In a similar way, restaurants and sports bars rely on A/V technologies, such as TV monitors and speaker systems, to keep their guests entertained. Can you imagine if the TV’s in a restaurant or bar were not working during the football season? This is where CSAV Systems becomes extremely reliable because we can create the right business atmosphere for your facility, by designing, installing and servicing quality audio/visual systems. Investing now can save you more later! At CSAV Systems, we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and being able to provide the best A/V systems for the best price. With our 3-year parts and labor warranty, included in our price, we give your business the best technology solutions that can save you money in the long run. Why CSAV is different? CSAV Systems is a leader in the A/V industry because we put our customers first. “Serving with Solutions,” our company strives to fulfill our clients’ needs by listening to their desires and utilizing our expertise to provide the highest quality system within a given budget. Here at CSAV, we pride ourselves in our service, helping companies reach their maximum potential by providing audiovisual technology solutions specific to your business. Before you wrap up your IT budgeting, is there anything we can do to help improve your A/V systems? Have you considered your A/V needs for the upcoming year? Markets We Serve: Churches & Other HOW Corporate Facilities Educational Facilities Fitness Centers Funeral Homes Government Institutions Healthcare Facilities & Hospitals Hospitality Malls & Retail Medical Simulation Labs A/V Solutions CSAV Offers: Acoustical Treatments Assistive Hearing Systems Digital Signage Direct TV Paging, Intercom & PA Projection & Display Sim Lab A/V Sound Masking Sound Reinforcement Teleconferencing Video Wall Video Surveillance XM Music for Business *To learn more about the markets we serve or the services we provide, click here. For your Free System Analysis, call (732) 577-0077 or visit csavsystems.com/free-systems-analysis.
Imagine you just finished a long game of golf. You are tired, worn out and all you want is a nice, relaxing recovery so that you can get back on the course to play your best game. Luckily, your country club offers a beautiful spa, where members can focus on their health and wellness, whenever they need. The best part is that when you enter the spa, you experience immediate relaxation because there is clear, soothing music playing throughout every room. Consider the impact a quality audio/visual system would have within a golf or country club. Whether it be having relaxing music in your spa, a video wall greeting your members at the door, high-quality TV monitors in your bar, or background music playing through the entire facility, having excellent A/V features can impress your members. CSAV Systems provides solutions to your audio/visual challenges that meet your needs as well as budget. How to Solve the Pains of Your Country Club Members? Discovering the pains that your members are experiencing can be a challenge because as a country club manager you can only fix the challenges your members communicate to you. Put yourself in their shoes and the alternative perspective will allow you to better understand the pains that may be overlooked. Are the monitors in the fitness center the correct size and definition for your members? Can guests of all ages distinctly hear the background music playing throughout the club? Once you have discovered the pains, CSAV Systems is here to provide audio/visual solutions that meet exceed your expectations. In a similar way, your staff can benefit from A/V solutions too. As a general manager, there is always a need to have good communication with your staff, which would mean having an efficient and clear Public Address (PA) System. Additionally, you would want to keep watch over your beautiful facility with an effective video surveillance system, to ensure that your guests and staff are always safe. CSAV Systems and Golf or Country Clubs: There are many areas that require quality sound and video systems in your golf or country club – from fitness centers and spas to dining areas, reception halls, and meeting rooms. Background music, monitors, video walls, and surveillance systems are all audio/visual solutions that CSAV Systems can offer your golf and country club. Installing a well-designed system for each space will create the best experience for your members, while also optimizing the atmosphere within your golf and country club. Solutions CSAV Offers for Golf and Country Clubs: Background Music Digital Signage Audio Speakers Video Walls Large Screen Projection Systems Video Surveillance Paging & Intercom Systems Video Control Panels Wireless Microphones Videoconferencing & Teleconferencing *To learn more about the services CSAV Systems offers for golf or country club, click here. For your Free System Analysis, call (732) 577-0077 or visit csavsystems.com/free-systems-analysis.
Medical Simulation Labs Overview Walking into a medical simulation lab may seem no different than walking into any other hospital unit. Although you are dealing with manikins in a medical simulation lab, those manikins mimic the lifelike qualities of human patients – they cry, they talk, they breathe, they bleed, and they even have names. Whether it is labor/delivery, surgical operations, or treating patients in trauma, medical simulation labs bridge the gap between learning in the classroom and working in the medical field. From the simulation mannequins to the remote classroom applications, to the debrief rooms, to the technologies used – every component within a simulation lab is critical. Because the training within medical simulation laboratories is meant to be as close as real-life medical scenarios, the technologies required within these training and debriefing rooms need to be of the highest quality. What Can CSAV Systems Do for Your Simulation Lab? Cameras, monitors, controllers, microphones, intercoms, and recorders are all integral parts of any training medical simulation environment. If a simulation facility did not have any of these sound and video systems listed above, the functionality of a simulation lab would be completely changed. Without cameras or recorders, learners would not have the opportunity to evaluate their performances. CSAV Systems offers custom-designed, cutting-edge sound and video systems to enhance the training experience in medical simulation environments, bringing medical lessons to life. Simulation Facilities We Work With Hospitals Medical Universities or Universities with Nursing Department Medical Tech Labs Delivery Training Rooms Surgical Suite Classrooms ER Training Centers Ambulatory Care MONOC Services We work with: Laerdal Technologies Sound and Video Systems in Debrief Rooms & Remote Classrooms The repetitive training and feedback exercises within simulation laboratories help individuals gain confidence and understanding in handling medical scenarios, improving critical decision-making skills, and strengthening communication skills. Students are being shaped to becoming the best medical professionals when they are in debrief rooms and remote classrooms. Debrief rooms allow medical students and trainees to evaluate their performance, identify their mistakes and successes, and improve their skills and knowledge on the subject matter. By installing cameras and microphones, instructors and simulation lab coordinators can communicate with students and monitor their medical skills and responses. It is important to have quality audio/visual systems so that there is clear audio and video for students, peers, and medical professionals to evaluate. CSAV Systems provides modern, cutting-edge technologies, such as cameras and microphones, so that simulation lab coordinators and instructors can record, playback and share simulations performed. This allows for simulations to be reviewed and archived so that all simulations can be shared with students and instructors. CSAV Systems and Medical Simulation Labs If your medical simulation lab is looking to upgrade its audio/visual systems, CSAV Systems can help enhance your simulation lab with a quality, custom-designed packaged. At CSAV Systems we design, install and service sound and video systems for medical simulation labs. We provide training and support to ensure proper use of the sound and video systems within your facility. Learn more about how CSAV Systems can help improve your simulation labs, by visiting https://csavsystems.com/markets-we-serve/medical-simulation-labs/. For your free system analysis, call 732-577-0077 or visit csavsystems.com/free-systems-analysis. CSAV Systems services medical simulation labs in the metropolitan area.
Are your gym members having trouble staying motivated while working out? Do your members need a distraction from their fatigue? Studies have shown when people listen to music at the gym they are more likely to be distracted from their signs of fatigue and experience a more efficient workout. (Learn more here) Audio/Visual systems such as background music, monitors, TV walls, and digital signage displays are remarkable tools that can help change a person’s mood, but to reap the benefits of these tools you need the best sound & video within your fitness center. CSAV Systems provides solutions to your A/V challenges with the best sound and video technology that meet your needs as well as budget. What value can CSAV Systems bring to your fitness center? The right Sound and Video systems can create a more positive experience for your gym members. CSAV can provide unique technologies to optimize the use of A/V within your space. Just imagine yourself as at the gym. You walk into the fitness center and you’re greeted with a captivating digital signage display that shows class schedules, services, and events, which easily relays important messages. As you continue through the fitness center, you smile because you hear a song you love to come through the speakers. The quality of audio/visual systems can have an impact on customers from the moment they walk into the doors of a fitness center. As a manager or owner of a fitness center, you can have eyes and ears throughout your facility by utilizing intercom systems and video surveillance. These solutions ensure good team communication so that your customers are receiving the best that you can provide. A CSAV Audio/Visual system can provide solutions to the pains of you and your customers, which in turn leads to a more successful business. At CSAV Systems, we strive to help companies reach their maximum potential by providing the best A/V solutions that can help improve any business atmosphere. Solutions CSAV Offers for Fitness Centers & Health Spas Include: Video Wall Background Music Digital Signage Paging & Intercom Systems Video Surveillance Satellite TV & Distribution Systems Acoustical Treatments *To learn more about services for fitness centers, health clubs or health spas, click here. For your Free System Analysis, call (732) 577-0077 or visit csavsystems.com/free-systems-analysis. A/o 9-19-18
Eliminate reverberation, echoes, & sound issues with acoustical treatments. CSAV Systems provides acoustical treatments for businesses in NJ, NY, PA, & CT.
A combination of top tier healthcare and advanced AV technology in the new Hope Tower June 13th was an important day for CSAV Systems and Hackensack Meridian – Jersey Shore University Medical Center. That date marked the highly anticipated grand opening of Hope Tower; the new outpatient facility of JSUMC in Neptune, NJ. This extension of the hospital provides 10 additional floors that include: a cancer center, a multitude of physician offices, areas for academics/research to be conducted, a pediatrics unit, a surgery/neurosurgery unit, outpatient services, and a state of the art simulation lab. CSAV Systems was brought onto the Hope Tower project 4+ years ago because of our expertise in designing integrated Audio/Visual systems to meet the specified needs of healthcare. Taking the lead for the CSAV team on this project was our Project Coordinator, John Samuel, and CSAV Technicians, Chris Beninato, John Abbate and others. The combined experience and knowledge of all team members gave them the ability to work through the multitude of challenges they faced while demonstrating the professionalism of CSAV Systems. The complexity of the project required them to be on their toes and to constantly think about how to overcome possible obstacles. “With every floor and every room in the tower came a different set of challenges regarding the audiovisual services they needed” said CSAV President Glen J. Dalakian. The conference rooms on each floor, the Simulation Lab on the 9th floor, the Music/Page throughout the tower, and the 10th floor with its amphitheater, 165” Diagonal 4K Video Wall, and outside terrace all required unique approaches to best design the proper sound and video for each area. The A/V Logistics Our team worked with Polycom for video conferencing, wireless interface with WePresent, Qomo interactive displays, Crestron schedulers, Crestron control, Axis cameras in the Sim-Lab, Laerdal Sim-View servers, Audio Technica Mics for recording for academic purposes and more. All of the work was extensive and required proper attention to detail, especially the 10th floor Conference Center. Hope Tower’s 10th floor is home to the beautiful outside terrace with speakers, the video wall, and the amphitheater. The video wall and amphitheater were two projects that meant a lot to CSAV when they were working on them for different reasons. The amphitheater is a place where hospital staff and others will learn much about the medical field. For this reason, it was imperative that everyone is able to see and hear clearly. To make sure that everyone can see, a large projection 193” Diagonal HD screen to accommodate the size of the vast room was installed. Making sure that everyone could hear was the other important piece of this room. The custom-designed sound system in the amphitheater was augmented with an Assisted Hearing technology with copper wire along the entire length of the floor under the carpet. With the copper wire and assisted hearing system in place, a magnetic field is created for Hearing Aids with a Tele-coil. This allows the wearer to hear from anywhere in the space. CSAV is a leader in sound and video systems for healthcare facilities, as well as, a multitude of other business markets. Have a question about your audiovisual system? Contact us today! View the Installation of the Video Wall in Hope Tower in this Video
Check out this recent installation CSAV completed and how they helped NJR Home Services update their corporate meeting and training room.
CSAV is a NJ Audio Visual Company for schools and colleges. We understand how to best implement the latest technology in schools.
Ryan Bellis joins CSAV’s team of rising stars with his newest certification in technology for Healthcare Administration. CSAV congratulates Ryan Bellis, Help Desk Technician, on achieving over ten certifications in technology. With his latest certification, Ryan joins our team of rising stars who are diligent about developing their skills in order to best serve our customers. As a Help Desk Technician, Ryan serves our Healthcare clients primarily. Among these clients, the Hackensack Meridian Healthcare system counts on our technicians to keep their conference room technology up-to-date, running efficiently, and state of the art. Under the supervision of our Help Desk Manager Katie Pahira, Ryan and his team are continuously on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to our customers’ needs. From Polycom.com: Bring your team together via video for on-time meetings. No matter who you need to meet with to make business decisions, video collaboration will enable you to save time, hear directly from busy stakeholders and maximize productivity. What you can do with Polycom Utilize collaborative video to support HR, Sales & Marketing, Safety, board meetings and project management Organize and mobilize efforts to implement accountable care models Improve efficiency with easy, on-time meetings, clear content sharing and more engaged participants Ryan’s certifications and dedication are part of our overall mission to offer our customers the most comprehensive and current services available. In our area of healthcare conferencing, our team is comprised of the best and brightest talent in sound and video systems in our region. In the field of healthcare, seconds count, and we bring that awareness to our services, where we are continuously prepared and responsive for our clients. As a leader in audiovisual services, CSAV employees train in their fields regularly. Among these certifications, our Polycom-trained technicians offer telemedicine/patient care, medical education, and patient administration to enhance human collaboration. CSAV provides Polycom technology installation and support to a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, government, manufacturing, entertainment, finance, and more. Looking for Healthcare Administration Technology? Call CSAV today at 732-577-0077, or visit our website here.
Case Study: Medical Simulation Lab Simulation Lab for Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy. The lab facilitates better patient and nurse relationships, strengthens the ability to properly assess medical emergencies, and improves safety using best practices. CSAV provided the technology at the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy that records simulations, as well as the technology for the instructors to communicate with the students and nurses. After simulation training is over, the technology that was recording is used for a debriefing session. Debriefing sessions are where instructors get to open up discussion and provide feedback to the students. These debriefing sessions can also be recorded using our technology, to ensure that the instructors are giving optimal feedback. An Overview of Our Installation CSAV provided equipment for the control room and 8 of the patient beds. The control room uses Laerdal technology and CSAV installed components to watch the action and communicate with instructors and patients. CSAV works alongside Laerdal, a multinational manufacturer of medical and training equipment for the healthcare industry. Laerdal provides computer-operated manikins that simulate real human behavior. Students will be able to interact with these manikins that are being observed and controlled by the instructors. This allows for a constructive and practical learning experience. Nurses and others in training will be able to improve multiple medical skill sets. Looking for more information about Medical Simulation Labs? Contact CSAV today at 732-577-0077.
What Happens After An Audio Video Installation for your Business? More than You Expect! CSAV prides itself on nurturing long-term relationships with our clients, and our many ongoing projects that exceed the expectations for traditional audio visual companies. After a commercial sound and video installation, we continue to build our partnerships and help our clients grow their businesses. Of course, after an installation, you can count on us for our impeccable and reliable customer service as well as our 3-Year-Exclusive-Warranty Policy, but our customers also often call on us for solutions you cannot ask your typical Audio Visual company. For example, Glen Dalakian was invited to speak at the Brock Farms University business development course on February 20, 2018. CSAV Systems services both Brock Farms locations (Freehold and Colts Neck) for their audio and video needs. But when Ed Brock and his son Ed Brock Jr. began organizing Brock Farms University to educate their landscaping clients, they knew they could rely on CSAV for more than just sound and audio video; they knew they could find a passionate advocate and speaker who can enliven and inspire their customers. Getting to Know More About CSAV In addition to being President of CSAV, Glen is also President of the Colts Neck Business Association, a writer, and a frequent guest speaker at business seminars. Glen and his assistant Kymberly Mate, attended the Brock Farms luncheon & University to engage with the guests and share business growth insights. Glen also delivered an enlightening and helpful presentation filled with Business Tips geared toward the group at hand. As a team, CSAV engages state-wide to network and nurture business connections. We connect with the community at local chamber events and business development seminars such as the Brock Farms University. We aim to improve ourselves with continual education and self development. Furthermore, we share these insights with our customers as well.
Colts Neck Business Association Welcomes Hackensack Meridian Health to its February Meeting The Colts Neck Business Association (CNBA) welcomed Regina Foley, Hackensack Meridian Health COO, at its February 14, 2018 meeting. Foley described Bayshore Hospital in Holmdel. Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey. They offer a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. Promoting Quality of Life in Monmouth County Glen Dalakian, President of the CNBA, thanked Foley for a distinguished career in healthcare. In addition to a career in nursing, Foley has evolved into a highly-regarded leader in hospital administration. As president of the CNBA, Dalakian’s mission is to promote quality of life for businesses and the community. Dalakian, CSAV, and the CNBA will continually highlight both organizations and individuals who promote our community’s health and prosperity. CSAV Serves and Supports the Community CSAV’s relationship with Hackensack Meridian accords with this mission as well. While empowering medical staff with audiovisual tools and support, CSAV supports Hackensack Meridian Health community initiatives. CSAV installed sound and audiovisual systems in many of the Hackensack Meridian Health offices and buildings. CSAV also manages its on-site help desk. Notably, the system will soon open Hope Tower at its Jersey Shore Medical Center Campus. Hope Tower will feature a number of CSAV installations, including a medical simulation lab. Volunteering and donating to our community plays a vital role at CSAV Systems. Therefore, we give back in times of need and volunteer at events to raise money. Most of all, we strive to dedicate ourselves to aid in the growth of our community and others in need. Furthermore, we are always looking for opportunities to give back and represent our community and company in the best way possible! Please learn more on our Serving the Community page.
⇒ Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, and business is booming! It’s that time of year where golf clubs are reopening and people are returning to dine, hangout, and party at waterfront restaurants and local beach bars. Before we welcome your business to the new season, let’s be sure to untangle all of your audiovisual issues. Wiring Can Affect Your A/V Systems So what if wiring is a little messy? What does that have to do with the way your sound or video systems are seen or heard? Anytime wires are tangled, the quality of you’re A/V may be at risk. Think of it like this, if you walked around with your headphones in knots, after some time it would start to wear and tear- diminishing the value of the way you hear music. Check for the Signs While we don’t suggest you solving wiring issues of your own, we do advise you to be aware of these signs that can correlate to A/V wiring issues: Image distortion on TVs TV Dimness Radio Static Volume Control Issues with your XM Radio or Intercom/Paging System A/V unresponsiveness How to Solve A/V Wiring Problems- CSAV Systems When it comes to finding a solution to your messy, jumbled A/V wiring, the solution is simpler than you think…call CSAV Systems! Our team of professionals can provide your business with a free system analysis and work with you to solve any audiovisual issues you are experiencing! What are you waiting for? Give us a call! We can help your business LOOK and SOUND better.
How well would you do if you drove your brand new, stock Corvette out of the showroom and onto a NASCAR track? IF they let you run the car in the race—although it would be immediately disqualified for a number of reasons—you would not do well and, most likely, this consumer vehicle would not survive the race. The engine would rev at the starting line and you may handle the terrain, but there is no doubt the professionals would run circles around you. If you tried to keep up, you very well might blow your engine or crash & burn. This is often the case when people choose to use home stereo “consumer” products to fulfill their professional “commercial” sound needs. Consider the story of a church who had a tight budget and rather than invest $12,000 in a new sound system with a professional A/V contractor, they went with a home A/V company that bid $9,000. When the system was turned on in an empty facility, it appeared to work well and worked well for a few weeks. However, when the stress of a full-house came upon the facility, the system failed and the Pastor of the church chose never to turn it on again. Fingers were pointed, accusations were made and the bottom line is the system never met the true needs of the congregation. Five years later, almost to the day, the Pastor called the professional contractor who had originally bid the job properly and hired them at $13,579.00 to replace the entire system, which since has functioned flawlessly. The total expenditure came out to $24,557.00 (double the cost of what it could have been) and 5 years of no sound for this small church. WHY PROFESSIONAL A/V IS ALWAYS BETTER In today’s economy we see more and more home, stereo contractors, trying to grab every piece of business to keep their doors open and they are reaching into a realm they know little about. Commercial sound & video is an entirely different animal and hiring a home stereo provider to install a professional system, no matter how many home systems they have installed, is like hiring an Eskimo to bartend because he knows something about ice. On occasion, we lose a potential client to a home stereo vendor. Often times, we get a call back a year or two later for help to clean up the mess. The system previously installed may have sounded or looked good at first, but as the needs and stresses of the commercial application arise, the system value (or lack thereof) is realized and often catastrophic failure at a critical moment ensues. BE CAREFUL IN CHOOSING YOUR PRO SOUND & VIDEO CONTRACTOR. This is a long term decision and often an important and possibly sizable investment in your business. Find a professional who has experience in and a clear focus on the commercial A/V industry and you are far more likely to get what you need and deserve in a pro sound & video system. The success of your business in many cases may count on the performance of the systems you chose to have installed. *To learn more about the services and technology CSAV Systems offers, give us a call at (732) 577-0077 or visit our website here.
In commercial or other professional facilities, a variety of rooms may have to be able to perform for many complex events. First and primary, a presentation area must be a place where you can hear the spoken word without fatigue or stress. Hearing fatigue (a real issue) is when listeners are spending more time trying to hear rather than understanding what was said. In fact, seeing a person talk in one location but their voice sounds are coming from another can contribute to the distraction. Volume is important, but articulation is even more critical when any sound system is in operation. The second function of a meeting space could be visual presentations, but this article will focus on Audio, which is often more important and paramount to the presentation. Proper sound is foundational and is the focus here, but the video will be addressed in future writings. How bright is your room? We are talking acoustics here not lighting. When you make a sound in the space does it reverberate or take a second or two to stop? If so, this could be a bright room. The best environment for sound in meetings areas is a dead room. No echoes or reverberation. If you have a dead-room you are in a good starting position. Now all you need is the right sound system with the proper components and you can get the sound you need where you need it. If the room is “highly reverberant” or “bright” you need to overcome that hurdle before you install any sound components. The highest quality sound system can be installed in a highly reverberant field and the reflections and/or echoes can kill the performance of any electronics. If this is a challenge for your facility, start thinking about sound deadening (or absorptive) additions to space. Soft materials like carpet, drapery, acoustic tile, etc. can greatly improve the sound in a bright room. This issue should be addressed as a priority, especially if your current sound system is not performing to your expectations. Electronics like digital signal processing can help, but they may not be able to overcome the more difficult acoustic hurdles. A true sound professional can tell you whether a room needs Acoustical treatment or today’s sound system technology can overcome your issues. Once a sound professional has walked your space, he/she should be able to recognize which course of action is necessary to start with. A combination of room acoustics and sound system components must be balanced in order to best reach your listeners. Take the time to consider both whenever you choose a space for an audience to gather. Sound is more critical than most people imagine and conscious as well as subconscious factors are at play. If you want to reach your audience with the best possible results, the right sound (and video) will be a valuable and irreplaceable tool.
Sound & Video Technologies Offered in Monmouth County, NJ Sound & Video (A/V) systems are important for many venues, including hospitals, houses of worship, offices, hotels, stadiums, etc. Unlike life safety systems, which must meet codes and regulations when there is no cookie-cutter approach when it comes to installing an A/V system. Every facility has unique architectural and acoustic properties, which are best considered early in the planning stages. Here are four tips for successfully implementing the right sound and/or video technologies. Be sure there is a clear understanding of the systems that are being installed and exactly what the equipment can and can’t do. Gaining a good understanding of the technology and how it functions is an important part of the process. Consider all cable pathways required, especially between the input sources and the video display device. Some existing facilities may have limited options regarding the ability to conceal the A/V cabling that runs between a conference table and the flat-screen HDTV or projector. These options include core-drilling floors, trenching floors, or installing under-carpet or surface mounted cable raceways. Consider all electrical power needs. Whether moving to a new facility, undergoing new construction, or renovating an old building, it is crucial to do an assessment on all electrical needs. The right A/V provider will help determine whether or not there are enough electrical power circuits in the room if they are in the proper locations, and if there is sufficient power to support the systems. Plan the project with realistic expectations and budget. To avoid roadblocks during the project, it is important to involve potential A/V integrators early in the planning stages, to ensure that everyone’s ideas and expectations are viable. Whether a facility manager is tech-savvy or not, it’s crucial to lay the proper groundwork from the start on details about the budget, equipment, electrical requirements, and other key components which need to be considered. Most important is to find a qualified commercial A/V Contractor with the experience to guide you through the entire process and support the long-term needs of the project. Even though A/V systems have become commonplace, there can be major roadblocks to successfully implementing a new system if the facility manager does not carefully address the items mentioned above. These guidelines can help expectations become a reality, allowing A/V system users to count on the stability of their system. Get in Touch with CSAV Systems CSAV Systems in Colts Neck, NJ offers a unique business philosophy and commitment to long-term support (proven by their commitment to client satisfaction and their exclusive Three (3) Year Warranty policy) can best assist you in obtaining the right solutions for your sound and video system needs. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 732.577.0077
Wireless technology continues can enhance business productivity. CSAV Systems can help you determine which type of technology is best for your business.
Check out this article from Shore TV NJ! Operation Provide Comfort raised over $40,000 for Hurricane Sandy Victims in Union Beach this past August. This benefit concert featured Colts Neck resident and “The Voice” TV star, Jacquie Lee. http://shoretvnj.com/for-goodness-sake/shoretv-nj-goodness-sake-operation-provide-comfort/
CSAV Systems offers solutions and improvements for houses of worship we work with your team to provide solutions to help facilities look and sound better.
Sound and video systems can suffer from hums and other noises. In audio, they can be heard and in video, they can actually be seen. If you are hearing the wrong sounds out of your audio system or seeing Hum bars or other distortions on your video screens, here are a few tips to help diagnose the issues. First, do your best to identify the symptoms. A hiss is different from a hum, which is different from a squeal. Let’s start with the most common, a “hum”. This can often be caused by AC power challenges. The first thing to check is to see if the equipment is plugged into a dedicated and isolated AC outlet. If the hum changes (in volume or tone) when you turn on lights, shut down unrelated equipment or if you change outlets, it’s usually an AC issue. Consult with you A/V Contractor, but most likely you will need an Electrician to resolve the matter. If the sound is more like a Buzz or Hiss, this could be caused by lose ground wires or improperly adjusted (often over-driven) ins or outs. Check for loose connections or unplugged cables. If that does not help, turn all volume controls to zero and bring them up equally but none past 50% until you have the desired volume. If the unwanted sounds persist contact you’re A/V Contractor for assistance. Noises can often occur in A/V systems and may be brought-on over time or come and go intermittently. If basic troubleshooting (as noted above) has not fixed the problem an experienced trouble-shooter will be necessary to isolate and eliminate your concerns. Keep in mind, although these odd noises can be annoying and have a negative impact on any presentation, they could also damage your systems. Protect your technology investment and contact a true professional for Tech support. www.CSAVsystems.com is ready to help you whenever the need may arise.
Digital soundboards are all the rage and the next natural step to upgrade a sound system. But what does that mean in my application? Good question. If you have a “plug & play” sound system where you just want to flip a switch and it works with a few Microphones and maybe a source or two, then this may not be an upgrade you need at this time. On the other hand, if you have an old soundboard and someone who runs it in your facility, you should look seriously at the latest Digital Mixing Board technologies. There are many reasons why and they certainly sound and perform better than analog components, but here are three initial (and important) reasons why you will benefit from a new Digital mixer; 1) Remote Tablet Control: New Digital consoles (or “control surfaces”, as some tend to call them) can interface with the internet and be controlled via an iPad, Droid or another tablet (or Smartphone). This allows the user maximum flexibility in being able to move around the listening area and adjust settlings or even run the digital mixer from the stage. This wireless interface has many benefits that will be enjoyed with a digital upgrade. 2) Pre-Set Scenes: You just went through a long rehearsal and you finally have the sound board all set where you need it (dozens of knobs are just the way you like it). A day or so later you walk back in the sound booth and nothing is the way you left it and the show starts in an hour. After screaming, your options are limited. But not with a digital board. Setting scenes on a new digital mixer will allow you to store dozens of scenarios and with a touch of a button (and perhaps a Password entry) all your settings come back to where you need them. 3) Post Mix Recording: Ever hear a sound (baby crying, a door creaking, a cough or two) in your recording (after an event) that you really wish was not there? How about an instrument or vocalist that should have been louder but was lost in the live mix? With a digital board (and the proper interface) a post sound mixing can be as easy (probably easier) as a Live Mix recording. On a digital board, all channels can be recorded simultaneously and therefore you will have control over each channel even after the live performance. Studios have done this style of mixing for decades, but now with digital soundboards, it can be done in your a/v booth or facility. These are but a few of the many reasons to consider a Digital Sound Board upgrade for your A/V system. Let CSAV Systems help you make the right choice and provide a cost-effective enhancement to your sound (and/or video) systems. www.CSAVsystems.com
Video projectors can be an expensive investment. Maintaining projectors is worth the effort and now more simple than ever. Projectors are air-cooled and it is critical that airflow remains constant to prevent overheating and damage to internal components. Fans bring air in from the outside, pass it through the projector, usually directed over critical sections and then out through a vented panel. Since room air is used in this process, dust that floats in room air is also pulled into the projector. The projector’s air filter prevents these particles from getting in the optical path and degrading image quality. If it is not regularly cleaned dust can clog the filter reducing airflow and ultimately damaging the projector. Below is a typical projector. This unit has a side-mounted filter. Depending on the model, filters will generally be located on the side or the bottom. After removing the filter cover, the filter should be exposed. Every model is slightly different so please consult the user’s manual for more specific instructions on removing the filter. In this photo, the filter can be seen. Note the dust in the filter. The lines are caused by the grill pattern on the filter cover. Once the projector filter has been removed, it can be cleaned in several ways. Compressed air can be used to blow the dust out of the filter from the opposite side. Most filters can also be cleaned with a vacuum or by using warm water. If you use water, be sure the filter is completely dry before putting it back into the projector. Reassemble the filter and cover according to the manual. Many projectors also come with timers that remind you it is time to clean the filter so check the instruction guide to see if your unit has a timer and how to reset the timer if necessary. Clean projector filters can make a projector last longer and help you get the most life out of the expensive lamps in the units. Dirty filters lead to many problems including overheating, poor image quality, blown lamps, and degraded optics. The projector filter cleaning process only takes a few minutes, but it is the single most important maintenance activity an end-user can perform.
One of the most common pieces of technology used in the professional AV industry today is the video projector. These units can be critical components of boardrooms, classrooms, training facilities, meeting rooms, auditoriums and even in Churches & Temples. Today projectors are feature rich and very diverse and choosing the right unit for your specific application can be difficult. To simplify this process here are three basic (but important) specifications to look for: 1) Brightness: Projectors today are becoming ever brighter and sharper. Where an ultra-bright projector a few years ago was 2000 lumens, most units today (for corporate environments) can be 4000 to 6000 lumens. Brightness is important but can be costly, it is also not the only specification you should be concerned with. If the room is bright and very well lit 5000 to 6000 lumens should be considered. In the average meeting space application with controlled lighting (no direct Sunlight on the screen) 4000 to 5000 lumens should be sufficient. 2) Resolution: The newest trends are towards HDMI interface with DVD players, Laptops and Teleconferencing devices. HDMI may very well replace the old VGA standard in the years ahead (perhaps sooner rather than later). But HDMI inputs on a projector do not mean that the unit can provide the full resolution quality that one may expect. Especially since most people are watching TVs at home that has a True HD (1920 X 1080) resolution. If the image is important to your presentations look for a minimum of a WXGA (1280 X 720) projector. Of course, a better choice would be SXGA (1280X1024) or the goal for HD at WUXGA (1920X1080) would be even better. Keep in mind this resolution rating will have a substantial impact on the cost of the unit, but will also affect the quality of the presentation. 3) Contrast Ratio: A less well known yet still important spec for any video display device is Contrast Ratio. The higher this number (1000 or 3000 or greater) the better the image quality on your screen. Contrast ratio in its simplest form is the ratio of the light reflected from an all-white image and an all-black image. So a projector with a 3000:1 contrast ratio means that the white image is 3000 times brighter than the black image. The higher the contrast ratio, the more detail you can see on the projected image whether its numbers, pictures, graphs, text, or video. Contrast is what makes it possible for us to see the subtle shades of colors. So good contrast is all about seeing the details. There are many other specifications and features that can be of value to review, but these three will give you a solid foundation for making the right choice to achieve the desired end-result. Who isn’t looking for the “biggest and brightest” but often budget will dictate what we will finally purchase. Of course, the most critical decision you can make will be choosing the right A/V vendor to install, replace or otherwise handle your sound and/or video needs. Relying on a trusted resource provider in A/V can save you and your company a lot of money, time and most importantly embarrassment… www.CSAVSystems.com
