Technology Overview

Ultra High Definition resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing four times the detail of 1080p Full HD. Also called UHD or 2160p.

A distributed audio system that uses a step-up transformer at the amplifier and step-down transformers at each speaker, allowing many speakers to run on long cable distances with simple wiring. 70V is the North American standard; 100V is international.

Materials such as absorptive panels, diffusers, and bass traps installed on walls and ceilings to control sound reflections, reduce echo, and improve speech intelligibility in a room.

Federal requirements ensuring AV systems and spaces are accessible to people with disabilities — including assistive listening, captioning, accessible controls, and sight-line requirements for displays.

An open standard for transporting high-performance audio over IP networks, providing interoperability between different audio-over-IP protocols including Dante, Ravenna, and Livewire.

Apple's proprietary wireless streaming protocol that allows iPhones, iPads, and Macs to mirror or stream audio, video, and photos to compatible receivers and displays.

A device that increases the power of audio signals to a level sufficient to drive loudspeakers. Matched to speaker impedance and power-handling requirements for safe, efficient operation.

A Harman (Samsung) brand of AV control and automation systems. AMX products include control processors, touch panels, and the SVSI networked AV platform for enterprise-scale deployments.

A set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate and share data. Enables integration between systems.

The proportional relationship between width and height of an image or screen, expressed as width:height.

A system that delivers enhanced audio directly to hearing-impaired audience members via personal receivers, hearing loops, or smartphone apps. Required by ADA in many public venues.

Camera technology that uses artificial intelligence to automatically detect, track, and frame meeting participants — zooming in on speakers and widening to show the full group as people move.

The transport of audio, video, and control signals over standard IP network infrastructure instead of dedicated AV cabling. Enables scalable, flexible distribution of content across a building or campus.

The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association — the global trade association for the professional AV industry. AVIXA sets standards (like InfoComm), offers certifications (CTS), and produces the InfoComm trade show.

The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given time, typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second) or Gbps (gigabits per second).

A microphone system that uses multiple capsules and DSP to electronically steer pickup patterns toward active talkers while rejecting noise from other directions, improving voice clarity.

A manufacturer of professional audio DSP and networked audio solutions. Known for Tesira DSP, Parlé conferencing microphones, and Devio BYOD conferencing hubs used in enterprise AV.

A short-range wireless technology for audio streaming and device pairing. Advanced codecs like aptX and LDAC improve audio quality for music and conferencing applications.

A locking coaxial connector used for professional video (SDI), RF signals, and test equipment. The twist-lock mechanism ensures a secure connection that won't pull loose.

A low-profile microphone designed to be placed flat on a table, floor, or other hard surface. Uses the boundary effect to capture sound with a wide pickup pattern and minimal phase interference.

A measurement of display luminance in candelas per square meter (cd/m²), commonly called nits. Higher nit values mean a brighter image, important for rooms with ambient light or outdoor signage.

A meeting room approach where users connect their own laptop to the room's AV peripherals (camera, microphone, speakers, display) and run their preferred conferencing application, rather than using a dedicated room system.

A policy and technology approach where users connect their personal laptops, tablets, or phones to a room's AV system for content sharing and collaboration.

A professional test instrument (such as a Fluke DSX) that verifies installed cable meets performance standards (Cat6, Cat6A, fiber) by measuring length, signal loss, crosstalk, and other parameters, and generates a pass/fail certification report.

Overhead support systems for routing cables through ceiling spaces. Cable trays are basket or ladder-style racks; J-hooks are individual hangers — both keep cables organized, supported, and compliant with codes.

Category 6 twisted-pair cable supporting up to 10 Gbps at distances up to 55 meters. Standard for modern network and AV installations.

Augmented Category 6 cabling that supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet at distances up to 100 meters and provides better shielding against crosstalk than standard Cat6.

A microphone system installed in the ceiling that uses multiple capsules and beamforming DSP to capture audio from all participants in a room. Eliminates table microphones for a clean, cable-free aesthetic.

Google's wireless streaming protocol and device that allows casting content from Chrome browsers, Android devices, and supported apps to displays and speakers.

Software for creating, scheduling, and distributing content to digital signage displays. Allows remote management of what appears on screens across single or multiple locations.

A device or software that encodes and decodes digital video and audio. Compresses data for transmission and decompresses for playback.

Measured in Kelvin (K), describes the color appearance of light from warm (2700K yellowish) to cool (6500K bluish) white light.

A slim, vertical loudspeaker with a tightly controlled vertical beam that directs sound toward the audience and away from reflective ceilings and walls, improving clarity in reverberant spaces.

Audio dynamics processors that reduce the volume of loud signals (compressor) or prevent them from exceeding a set ceiling (limiter), protecting speakers and ensuring consistent listening levels.

A microphone type that uses an electrically charged diaphragm for high sensitivity, wide frequency response, and detailed audio capture. Requires phantom power or a battery to operate.

A tube or channel — metal (EMT) or plastic (PVC) — that protects and routes cables through walls, ceilings, and underground. Required by building codes in many commercial installations.

A dedicated camera aimed at a whiteboard that captures, crops, and enhances handwritten content in real time, then overlays it into the video conference feed for remote participants.

The ratio between the brightest white and the darkest black a display can produce. Higher contrast ratios result in more vivid, lifelike images with better detail in shadows and highlights.

A Snap One brand of automation and control for smart homes and small commercial spaces. Provides affordable integrated control of AV, lighting, climate, security, and door locks.

A leading manufacturer of AV control and automation systems. Crestron products include touch panels, control processors, video distribution, and room scheduling solutions used in commercial, education, and government environments.

A scale from 0-100 indicating how accurately a light source reveals colors compared to natural daylight. Higher CRI = more accurate colors.

AVIXA professional certifications validating AV expertise. CTS is the general certification; CTS-I specializes in installation; CTS-D specializes in system design. Widely recognized as industry credentials.

A two-way communication protocol that allows individual control of each lighting fixture in a system, with feedback on status and energy consumption.

Digital audio networking protocol developed by Audinate that transmits uncompressed, multi-channel digital audio over standard Ethernet networks with low latency and high reliability.

A digital display interface standard developed by VESA for connecting video sources to displays. Supports high resolutions, high refresh rates, and daisy-chaining multiple monitors.

A digital communication protocol standard for controlling stage lighting and effects. DMX512 can control up to 512 channels on a single cable.

A specialized computer chip that processes audio signals digitally, applying equalization, delay, compression, feedback suppression, and other effects in real-time.

A legacy digital video interface that supports resolutions up to 2560x1600. Found on older projectors, displays, and computers. Has been largely replaced by HDMI and DisplayPort.

A rugged microphone type that uses a moving coil to generate signal, requiring no external power. Handles high sound pressure levels and is resistant to moisture and rough handling.

Acoustic Echo Cancellation — a DSP process that removes the echo created when a far-end participant's voice comes out of speakers and is picked up by local microphones, preventing feedback loops.

A projection technique that seamlessly overlaps the edges of two or more projectors' images, creating a single ultra-wide or curved display surface with no visible seams between projectors.

Information that a display sends to a source device describing its capabilities (resolution, refresh rate, audio formats). Allows automatic configuration of optimal settings.

An audio processing tool that adjusts the volume of specific frequency ranges (bass, midrange, treble) to shape the tonal quality of sound and compensate for room acoustics.

A major AV manufacturer specializing in signal switching, distribution, processing, and control. Known for reliable matrix switchers, scalers, and the Extron Control ecosystem for room automation.

A loop created when a microphone picks up sound from a speaker, which is then amplified and sent back through the speaker, creating a loud squeal or howl.

A cable that transmits data as light pulses through glass or plastic fibers, offering extremely high bandwidth, long-distance runs (hundreds of meters to kilometers), and immunity to electromagnetic interference.

A panel that provides a central termination point for fiber optic cables, allowing organized connection and patching between fiber runs and network equipment using fiber adapters.

An unwanted electrical condition caused by multiple ground paths between interconnected equipment, resulting in a low-frequency hum or buzz in audio systems. Solved with isolation transformers, balanced connections, or proper grounding.

A connectivity standard for transmitting uncompressed HD video, audio, power, control signals, USB, and Ethernet over a single Cat6 cable up to 100 meters.

Copy protection technology that prevents unauthorized copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across connections.

The most common digital video and audio interface standard for connecting source devices to displays. Supports resolutions up to 8K and various audio formats.

The latest major revision of the HDMI specification, supporting resolutions up to 10K, refresh rates up to 120 Hz at 4K, Dynamic HDR, and eARC for lossless audio formats.

HDMI features that send audio back from a display to a soundbar or AV receiver over the same HDMI cable used for video, eliminating a separate audio cable. eARC adds support for lossless and object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

High Dynamic Range technologies that expand the range of brightness and color a display can reproduce, delivering more lifelike images with brighter highlights, deeper shadows, and wider color gamut.

A wire loop installed around a seating area that generates a magnetic field, transmitting audio directly to hearing aids with a telecoil (T-coil) setting — no receiver needed.

An adaptive bitrate streaming protocol developed by Apple that breaks video into small HTTP-based file segments, widely used for delivering live and on-demand content across devices and browsers.

A network switch feature that monitors IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) traffic to intelligently forward multicast streams only to ports with interested receivers, preventing multicast floods.

The opposition to electrical current flow in a speaker or audio circuit, measured in ohms. Proper impedance matching between amplifiers and speakers ensures safe, efficient power transfer.

A freestanding or wall-mounted touchscreen display designed for self-service interaction, providing wayfinding, directories, check-in, product information, or other interactive content to visitors.

The network of physical devices — sensors, controllers, cameras, environmental monitors — connected over IP networks to collect data, enable automation, and integrate with building management systems.

Controlling devices over an Ethernet network using TCP/IP protocols. Modern alternative to serial control offering faster speeds and easier troubleshooting.

Laser projectors use solid-state laser light sources lasting 20,000+ hours with consistent brightness, while lamp-based projectors use replaceable bulbs (2,000–5,000 hours) that dim over time. Laser models cost more upfront but have lower long-term maintenance.

The delay between when a signal is sent and when it's received. Critical in video conferencing and live sound applications where delays are noticeable.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) uses a backlight behind liquid crystals; LED displays use individual light-emitting diodes (often as direct-view walls); OLED (Organic LED) produces light per-pixel for perfect blacks and thin panels. Each has trade-offs in brightness, contrast, cost, and burn-in risk.

A display technology using individual LED modules tiled together to create a seamless, bezel-free screen of virtually any size. Offers high brightness, wide viewing angles, and long lifespan.

A loudspeaker system comprising multiple drivers arranged in a vertical line to project sound over long distances with consistent coverage and minimal drop-off from front to back.

A unit of measurement for the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source, indicating brightness rather than energy consumption.

A pre-programmed sequence of automated actions triggered by a single command. A macro executes multiple device commands in order; a scene sets multiple systems to predefined states simultaneously.

A small hardware device connected to a display that downloads and plays digital signage content (images, video, HTML, live data) as scheduled by the CMS.

A digital display (or set of displays) used in food service environments to show menus, pricing, promotions, and nutritional information, with content easily updated from a central CMS.

Microsoft's certified room system solution that integrates dedicated hardware with the Teams platform for seamless one-touch joining, content sharing, and collaboration in meeting spaces.

A Wi-Fi Alliance standard for wireless display mirroring that allows Windows and Android devices to stream their screen to a compatible display without a network connection.

A device that combines, routes, and adjusts the levels of multiple audio inputs (microphones, instruments, media players) into one or more output mixes for speakers, recordings, or broadcast.

A device that displays multiple video sources simultaneously on a single screen in configurable layouts (picture-in-picture, quad-view, etc.), used in control rooms and monitoring applications.

Unicast sends data from one source to one destination; multicast sends data from one source to many destinations simultaneously without duplicating the stream for each receiver. Multicast is essential for efficient AV-over-IP distribution.

A royalty-free IP video protocol developed by NewTek (Vizrt) that allows video-compatible products to share video over a local area network in real time with high quality and low latency.

The U.S. standard (NFPA 70) governing safe electrical wiring and installation practices. Dictates cable ratings (plenum, riser), conduit fill, power requirements, and separation from electrical wiring for AV installations.

A device that connects networked devices. Unmanaged switches simply forward traffic; managed switches offer configuration of VLANs, QoS, IGMP snooping, port security, and monitoring — essential for reliable AV-over-IP.

An audio processor that silences a channel when the signal drops below a set threshold, reducing background noise and room ambience when no one is speaking into a microphone.

A device that detects whether people are present in a room using PIR (passive infrared), ultrasonic, or camera-based detection. Triggers automated actions like turning on lights, AV, and HVAC.

A fiber optic audio connection that transmits digital audio signals using light, providing electrical isolation and immunity to ground loops. Commonly used for connecting displays or media players to audio systems.

A mounted hardware assembly containing multiple ports for organizing and connecting network cables. Provides a central point for managing cable connections.

A method of supplying 48V DC power through XLR audio cables to condenser microphones and active DI boxes, eliminating the need for separate power supplies or batteries.

The distance in millimeters between the center of one LED pixel and the center of the adjacent pixel on a direct-view LED wall. Smaller pitch means higher resolution and closer minimum viewing distance.

The space between a structural ceiling and a drop ceiling, or in ductwork, where air circulates. Requires special fire-rated cables (CMP) due to fire safety regulations.

Technology that delivers electrical power and data over standard Ethernet cables. Eliminates the need for separate power adapters for network devices.

A technique that projects video onto irregularly shaped surfaces — buildings, sculptures, stage sets — using specialized software to warp and align the content to the object's geometry.

A measurement of a projection screen's reflectivity relative to a standard white surface (gain 1.0). Higher gain screens focus light toward the center for brighter images but narrower viewing angles.

A remotely controlled camera that can pan left/right, tilt up/down, and zoom in/out. Widely used in video conferencing, live events, and lecture capture to follow speakers and frame shots.

QSC's software-based audio, video, and control platform that runs on standard IT hardware. Combines DSP, networking, control, and video conferencing capabilities in a unified ecosystem.

Network traffic prioritization that ensures critical data (like video or audio) is delivered with low latency and minimal packet loss, even when the network is busy.

A standardized unit of measure (1.75 inches / 44.45mm) for the height of equipment mounted in a 19-inch equipment rack. A typical full-size rack is 42U tall.

A common analog audio and composite video connector identified by color-coded plugs (red/white for stereo audio, yellow for composite video). Found on legacy and consumer equipment.

The number of times per second a display updates its image, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher refresh rates produce smoother motion, important for video, gaming, and interactive content.

The number of pixels in a display or image, expressed as width x height. Higher resolution = more detail and clarity.

A wall-mounted touchscreen display placed outside a meeting room that shows real-time availability from a calendar system (Google, Microsoft 365, etc.) and allows on-the-spot room booking.

A serial communication standard used for controlling AV equipment. Provides two-way communication between control systems and devices.

The time (in seconds) it takes for sound to decay by 60 dB after the source stops. A key measurement of a room's reverberation — lower values mean less echo and better speech clarity.

A streaming protocol originally developed by Adobe, widely used for sending live video to streaming platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and custom CDNs.

A network protocol for controlling the delivery of streaming media, commonly used for IP cameras and surveillance systems to deliver live video feeds.

A premium automation and control brand focused on luxury residential, hospitality, and high-end commercial spaces. Integrates lighting, climate, AV, and smart home systems in an Apple-inspired interface.

The process of wirelessly replicating a device's display on a larger screen in real time. Encompasses technologies like AirPlay, Miracast, and Chromecast.

A family of professional video interfaces (SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, 12G-SDI) that carry uncompressed digital video over coaxial BNC cables. Widely used in broadcast and live production.

A projector designed to produce a large image from a very short distance, often mounted just above or below the screen. Ultra-short-throw models project from inches away, eliminating shadows from presenters.

Standard protocols for establishing and managing video and voice calls over IP networks. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is the modern standard; H.323 is the legacy predecessor. Both enable interoperability between different conferencing systems.

A global professional organization that develops standards for the motion picture and broadcast industry, including video formats, timecode (SMPTE timecode), color bars, and fiber-based video transport (SMPTE 2110).

A commercial display with a built-in media processor that runs signage applications directly, eliminating the need for an external media player. Common SoC platforms include Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, and BrightSign Built-In.

A system that adds a low-level, unobtrusive background sound to a space, reducing the intelligibility of speech from nearby conversations and increasing acoustic privacy in open offices.

A locking speaker connector designed by Neutrik, used in professional audio to safely carry high-current amplified signals from power amplifiers to loudspeakers. Prevents accidental disconnection.

A measurement of sound intensity expressed in decibels (dB). Indicates how loud sound is at a specific location.

An open-source video transport protocol that delivers low-latency, high-quality video over unpredictable networks (including the public internet) with encryption and error correction.

A loudspeaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency bass sounds, typically below 120 Hz. Adds impact and fullness to music, film soundtracks, and immersive experiences.

A device that protects AV equipment from voltage spikes and electrical noise. Power conditioners go further by filtering and regulating incoming power for cleaner, more stable operation.

A high-speed interface developed by Intel and Apple that combines data transfer (up to 40 Gbps on Thunderbolt 4), video output, and device charging over USB-C connectors.

A wall-mounted or tabletop touchscreen interface used to control AV equipment, lighting, shades, climate, and other room systems with intuitive graphical buttons and sliders.

A professional audio connector (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) available in 1/4-inch and 3.5mm sizes. The 1/4-inch version is standard for musical instruments, headphones, and balanced audio connections in pro environments.

A cloud-delivered model for unified communications where the service provider hosts and manages the calling, conferencing, and messaging infrastructure instead of on-premises equipment.

A safety certification from Underwriters Laboratories indicating that a product has been tested and meets specific safety standards. Required by many building codes and AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) for installed equipment.

An integrated framework that combines voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and presence information into a single, consistent user experience across devices.

A battery-backed device that provides temporary power during outages and protects equipment from surges, sags, and electrical noise. Keeps critical AV and network systems running during brief power interruptions.

An all-in-one USB or Bluetooth device combining a speaker and microphone with built-in echo cancellation, designed for desktop or small-room video conferencing without separate audio equipment.

A universal, reversible connector standard that carries data, video, audio, and power over a single cable. Widely adopted for laptops, phones, and modern AV equipment.

Alternate Mode allows USB-C ports to carry non-USB signals such as DisplayPort or HDMI video, enabling direct video output without adapters on supported devices.

A legacy analog video interface using a 15-pin D-sub connector. Once the universal standard for computer displays, now largely replaced by digital interfaces but still found in older installations.

A transmitter/receiver pair that extends video signals beyond the native cable length limits using Cat6, fiber optic, or other transport methods. Typical extensions range from 70 to 300+ meters.

A device that routes multiple video inputs to multiple outputs simultaneously. Any input can be sent to any output or multiple outputs at once, enabling flexible content distribution.

A device that converts video signals from one resolution or format to another, ensuring compatibility between sources and displays with different native resolutions.

Multiple displays arranged in a grid to create a single large display surface. Can show one image across all screens or different content on each display.

A specialized device that takes one or more video inputs and distributes the content across multiple displays arranged in a video wall, handling scaling, cropping, and bezel compensation.

A logical subdivision of a network that groups devices together regardless of physical location. Used to separate traffic for security, performance, and organization.

An interactive or static digital sign that helps visitors navigate buildings or campuses, displaying maps, directories, and directions that can be updated instantly when tenants or rooms change.

Cisco's line of integrated video conferencing devices that combine a codec, camera, microphone, and AI features like speaker tracking into purpose-built room solutions for Webex and SIP-based calling.

The latest Wi-Fi standards (802.11ax) offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded environments. Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6 GHz band for even more capacity and less interference.

A device that enables users to share their screen wirelessly to a room display without cables. Solutions include Barco ClickShare, Crestron AirMedia, Mersive Solstice, and others.

A professional balanced audio connector with three or more pins, providing noise-free signal transmission over long cable runs. The standard connector for microphones, mixers, and professional audio equipment.

Zoom's purpose-built room system that turns a meeting space into a one-touch video conferencing room with dedicated hardware for compute, display, camera, microphone, and speakers.