Having a full understanding of all your audio-visual requirements can make communication with your AV provider a breeze. This understanding can help you communicate a better brief and therefore make it easier for your provider to supply every single need. This will help improve your relationships with suppliers and benefit both parties. Unfortunately there are terms of the trade that can be a little tough to understand, and can make communication difficult.

Once you have a better understanding of the basic terms, you’ll find planning your events much easier. Here are a few terms that AV professionals use that you may find yourself stuck on.

 

General Audio-Visual Termsaudio-visual

 

Streaming

When you stream video or audio, you are essentially sharing media from one platform to another, using the internet. You may have heard this term used in the case of Netflix or Spotify. These platforms use the internet to allow users to stream movies or music from their devices.

This technology is extremely useful to audio-visual professionals. This is for the reason that it does not require large size downloading that could waste time and memory. Streaming could be used for live events that require any audio or visual elements that play in real time.

 

Rigging

When your event requires lighting, projectors, or different types if sound equipment, you will need rigging to hold everything together. Rigging is used to hang different equipment from ceilings, the stage, or other parts of the venue.

It is therefore vital to AV professionals as it helps aid the set up of the event. This also means that space for rigging in the venue should be accommodated for. Your required rigging elements will depend on the scale of your event, and the different functions you require.

 

Front of House

Where you AV professionals will be positioned on the day of your event can affect the outcome of your proceedings.  This space is referred to as the front of house, and has to be kept in mind when considering a floor plan. From here, Av professionals can control the audio and visual elements related to your event.  Trying to fit this in somewhere as an afterthought could result in a crowded space. There could also then not be enough room for professionals to do their jobs.

 

Audio Specific

 

Sound Stage

There are some cases in which events may require prior video or audio recording and editing. All of these functions are performed in a sound stage. This space is a soundproof room in which filming or recording can take place. This is mostly used for bigger events and requires time in advance of the event to complete.

 

Microphones (and their types)

At events that require speeches, talks, or other performance, you might require microphones. This is to insure that everyone can accurately hear everything, even in the case of smaller events.  However, there are different types of microphones to suit different event needs. Some examples of microphone include:

  • Lapel microphones ( A small microphone worn on clothing)
  • Handheld microphones ( Can be wireless or with a cord attached, held by the speaker)
  • Headset microphones ( Attached to the head, allows for hands free use )
  • Madonna microphones ( Wireless microphone headset)

 

Visual Specific

 

Sight Line

A sight line is hypothetical line depicting what a person can see or not. In the terms of an event, it particularly speaks to what guests or audiences can see of the processions. This depends heavily on how practical your events floor plan is.

 

Confidence Monitor

Constantly looking up at the screen or monitor on stage while giving a talk is interrupting.  Both your speakers and audience will appreciate a confidence monitor. This device is there to help the speaker see the presentation subtly in front of him, through a small screen. This way, your speakers never have to look backwards to make sure the correct image is correlating with what they are saying.

 

Aspect Ratio

As aspect ratio comes in so many different forms it is almost impossible to learn them all. These ratios relate to size of video elements. Basically, it is the size in which your video will play in accordance with the screen size.  The most important ones to know are 4:3 (normal) and 16:9 (widescreen). You will want your Av professional to pick the best possible aspect ratio for your event screens. This will mean that the best view of the film or images will be shown, without strange distortion.

These are only a few of the technical terms you might come across when speaking to an Av professional. Your provider should always be open to discussing other terms you may not understand. If you have specific question or query, the AV professionals at Avstage are always available to help you. This way, your event can run as smoothly as possible without misunderstanding or confusion.