Top 5 AV Items and Why You Should Use Them

Top 5 Audio Visual Items and the Benefits of Using Each of Them

Audiovisual (AV) equipment is an essential part of any event or presentation as they help to keep your audience engaged, informed, and entertained.

There are many different types of AV equipment available, but some of the most popular items include:

1. Projectors

   Projectors are a great way to display images and videos on a screen. You’ll want to select the correct size and brightness projector for your meeting environment.

   • For smaller meetings, a simple breakout projector (usually less than 4000 lumens) should give you enough brightness to easily see the image.

   • For larger sessions, you’ll want to factor in the screen size, location of the projector, and the distance between the screen and projector to choose the correct lens. This also helps inform the brightness (lumens) of the projector you choose. If your presentation is filled with smaller facts and figures, you’ll want to make sure the projector can clearly display your info. If you are playing a high-impact movie with lots of dark scenes, a higher lumens projector will help ensure the image isn’t too dark.

2. Screens

   Choosing the correct size screen is very important and varies on the size of your audience. You’ll want to factor in the space needed for the throw of the projector as well as the location of your stage. If you have enough room, opt for a rear projection screen where the projector is located behind the screen to hide the equipment and allow your presenters to walk across the entire stage without blocking the light of the projector which would create a shadow.

   • For simple breakout sessions, a smaller tripod screen is affordable, easy to setup, and doesn’t take up too much space.

   • For a large plenary or general session, larger fastfold screens can ensure that all audience members can easily see the presentation or video.

3. Microphones

   There are many microphone options available and prices can vary greatly so it is important to apply the correct microphone to your unique situation.

   • For presenters, wireless lavaliere/lapel microphones offer the most flexibility as your speaker can walk around the stage to interact with your audience without worrying about cables getting in the way. However, a wired podium microphone can be a cost-effective way to have all presenters speak without having to connect the microphone to each one.

   • For any Q&A sessions, having a microphone on a stand in the audience can help inspire attendees to ask questions. If this microphone is wireless, attendees will easily be able to pass this to each other.

   • For important meetings seated around a table, a table-top wired microphone in front of each attendee can allow for easily captured meeting recordings.

4. Speakers

   Choosing the correct size and placement of speakers can ensure all audience members can hear the presentations.

   • For small rooms, a single speaker may be all you need. We recommend a microphone and speaker for meetings with 20 attendees or more.

   • For larger plenary sessions, you may want to add in main speakers, center-fill speakers (low profile speakers on stage facing the audience), foldback speakers (for presenters on stage to hear content), subwoofers (large speakers focused on the lowest bass tones for upbeat music playback or impactful videos), and delay speakers (additional speakers halfway back in the room to ensure the back of the room can hear the audio easily as well). Keep in mind that proper placement of speakers can help reduce that much hated feedback sound (EQs and audio effects can help avoid this as well).

5. Lighting

   Lighting is all about sending a subtle message to your audience.

   1. Decorative uplights around the perimeter of your cocktail party will help set the mood.

   2. For your plenary session, stage lights highlighting your presenters provide a sense of importance and maintain the focus of your meeting. It will also remind the presenters how important their content and their involvement is to your event.

By using the right AV equipment, you can make your events and presentations more engaging, informative, and memorable.

We’d love to help you brainstorm what equipment works best for your event. Let’s hop on a quick call to discuss your event and we can create a proposal including the appropriate equipment for your unique event needs. Reach out to us at info@equinoxaudiovisuals.com or by hitting the Contact Us button below.