common a/v terms explained

Common AV Terms ExplainedFor Event Planners and Aspiring AV Technicians

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Audio Mixing ConsoleAlso called “Soundboard” and “Mixing Board”

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Used by a sound technician to control and manipulate all incoming sound sources before audio is sent to speakers.

Ensures a smooth and audible listening experience.

Allows for adjusting of volume, bass, treble, etc.

Come in a variety of sizes which is determined by the number of channels.

The more sound sources that need to be amplified, the more “channels” are needed.

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Conventional LightsAlso called “non-moving” lights

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Used for basic presentations or small events

Non-moving lights

Used to provide specific spotlights and colors

Also used to “wash” the stage (providing even lighting across the set)

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Moving LightsTuesday, August 26, 14

Needed for more elaborate events such as conventions and trade shows

Versatile, fully automated, allow for pre-programming

Change color and design based on certain cues throughout the presentation

Can be used by themselves or in combination with traditional lights

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Truss

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Made up of numerous cross bars can support lighting, audio, and video components

Equipment clamped onto truss structure in any way needed to get the desired effects

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Dual Pole StandsTuesday, August 26, 14

Specific type of stand that supports plasma TV screens as well as other visual monitors

Height adjustable

Can have flat base or base with wheels

Wheel base allows AV tech to move stand to any desired location without having to re-mount the monitor

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Fast Fold ScreensTuesday, August 26, 14

Large screens used for projector presentations/visuals

Have a large, foldable frame

Typically used in larger rooms where a standard TV screen would be too small, such as banquet rooms and convention centers

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Dress KitTuesday, August 26, 14

Used together with fast-fold projector screens

Adds additional draping around the screen

Fills in empty space surrounding the projector screen

Improves visual aspects of the presentation

Tuesday, August 26, 14

MonitorsTuesday, August 26, 14

Plasma and LCD monitors are often used to display the visual aspects of a presentation or event

Can display visual data from devices such as cameras, DVD players, computers, and laptops

Positioned in strategic places to ensure every member in the audience can see them

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Advancers

Tuesday, August 26, 14

An Advancer allows the presenter to wirelessly move from one slide to the next

Gives the presenter mobility and ensures a smooth and effortless presentation

Many advancers also include a laser pointer feature

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Confidence MonitorTuesday, August 26, 14

Enables presenters to see themselves while presenting

Can show everything from the presentation script or notes to the live video feed

Monitor faces away from the audience, only visible to presenter

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Strike/Breakdown

Tuesday, August 26, 14

“Striking” refers to tearing down and packing up all equipment at the end of an event

Tuesday, August 26, 14

HD ProjectorsVs Standard Projectors

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Have higher resolution display than conventional projectors

Type of projector used is determined by the visual quality of the original video/visual source and size of the screen

If a large fast fold screen is used for a visual presentation, it will require a HD projector to bring out sharp details

Tuesday, August 26, 14

LavalierAlso called “Lav”

Tuesday, August 26, 14

Small clip-on microphone that can be fastened to a collar or anywhere else close to the presenter’s vocal source

Enables the presenter to move freely about the stage

Usually connected to a wireless pack that transmits the audio signal to the mixing board

Tuesday, August 26, 14

www.audiovisualservices247.com

Tuesday, August 26, 14