Installing an audiovisual (AV) system can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a straightforward and successful process. This article discusses the six key steps to take when preparing for an AV installation: research, budgeting, equipment selection, site preparation, installation planning, and testing. With these steps in mind, anyone can be well-prepared for an AV installation.

1. Research

The first step in preparing for an AV installation is to research the project. It is important to understand the scope of the project and the expectations of the client. This includes researching the space where the AV system will be installed, the type of equipment that is needed, and any special requirements or considerations. Additionally, it is important to research any local regulations or codes that may apply to the installation. This research will help ensure that the installation is done correctly and safely.

2. Budgeting

The second step in preparing for an AV installation is to create a budget. It is important to determine how much money is available for the project and to allocate funds for each aspect of the installation. This includes purchasing equipment, hiring personnel, and any other costs associated with the installation. It is also important to consider any potential future costs such as maintenance or upgrades. By creating a budget, it will be easier to ensure that the project stays within its allocated funds.

3. Equipment Selection

The third step in preparing for an AV installation is to select the appropriate equipment. It is important to choose equipment that meets the needs of the project and is within the allocated budget. This includes selecting audio components, video components, and any other necessary equipment. Additionally, it is important to consider any special requirements or considerations such as compatibility with existing systems or environmental factors. By selecting the right equipment, it will be easier to ensure that the installation is successful.

4. Site Preparation

The fourth step in preparing for an AV installation is to prepare the site. This includes ensuring that the space is suitable for the installation and that all necessary power and data connections are available. Additionally, it is important to consider any safety concerns such as proper ventilation or fire safety measures. By preparing the site properly, it will be easier to ensure that the installation is done correctly and safely.

5. Installation Planning

The fifth step in preparing for an AV installation is to plan the installation. This includes creating a timeline for the project, assigning tasks to personnel, and scheduling any necessary inspections or tests. Additionally, it is important to consider any special requirements or considerations such as access to certain areas or specific tools. By planning ahead, it will be easier to ensure that the installation is completed on time and within budget.

6. Testing

The sixth step in preparing for an AV installation is to test the system after it has been installed. This includes testing all components of the system to ensure that they are functioning correctly and that they are compatible with each other. Additionally, it is important to consider any special requirements or considerations such as environmental factors or user preferences. By testing the system thoroughly, it will be easier to ensure that the installation is successful.

Better Collaboration, Better Service, Better Business

Installing an AV solution can feel like a complex process, but with proper preparation and the right partner, it can be a successful endeavor. At IVCi we’re committed to working on your behalf and making sure your solution meets your collaboration needs. Whether you’re a business owner, educational institution, health care provider, government entity, general contractor or consultant, we’re in your corner to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.

Conference rooms play a major role in any organization. They’re where ideas are formed and where collaboration happens. Teams go there to discuss business strategy, business partners go to discuss relationships, and sales representatives go to court clients. No matter the use, conference rooms are where business happens. Therefore, it is essential the design of the room provides a conducive environment that supports productivity. Here are some conference room design ideas to help you get the most out of your meetings.

1. Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is what makes collaboration possible with the rise in hybrid work environments, so it’s important to equip meeting rooms with a reliable solution. Outfitting rooms with high-quality microphones, speakers, headsets, cameras, and high-resolution monitors that mimic the in-person experience can help drive engagement on video calls for both in-person and remote employees. Doing so will enhance the meeting experience and make everyone on the call feel involved, which will help drive more engagement among team members.

2. Video Walls and Dynamic Digital Displays

Visual centerpieces are key to trapping people’s attention, and the biggest, most eye-catching ones in the business are video walls. Video walls and dynamic digital displays are a visually appealing and an effective way to boost engagement among teams. Strategic placement combined with the ability to easily control and change the content makes this AV technology a powerful tool for delivering dynamic presentations. Additionally, incorporating interactivity involves viewers personally and could serve various purposes in a professional space. From swiping to flip pages, touching bubbles to reveal more content, or displaying a large interactive chart of company performance, the possibilities are endless.

3. AV as a Service

For organizations looking for a communication strategy without significant capital expenditure or maintenance, Audio Video as a Service (AVaaS) is a great communication and collaboration technology. The subscription-based model keeps costs predictable while granting access to white-glove service and QR-code accessible support. Subscribing to AVaaS ensures your organization always has access to the latest technology at all times with the ability to scale, upgrade, or change at any time.

4. Managed Video Services

Because video conferencing plays such an important role in today’s workplace, having a reliable solution that allows for seamless collaboration is imperative. Managed video services ensure your organization’s video conferencing solution is effective, reliable and usable. They’re designed to help schedule and launch productive video conference meetings without any hitches in the process. When you implement a managed video conferencing solution, you get a team of experts dedicated to making sure your AV solution consistently works the way it’s intended.

Make Meetings Happen With a Leading Provider of Collaboration Solutions

Not all AV conferencing technology is well-suited for all spaces. It’s important to have a trusted partner by your side to help you navigate the landscape and determine the best solution for your organization. The experts can take the chosen products and platforms and place them within the given space in a way that maximizes collaboration and production.

At IVCi, we work closely with our clients, not only as technology integrators but as trusted advisors who can provide the guidance you need. We partner with our clients to set a collaboration and migration strategy to identify, deploy, and manage the ideal technology mix to create outstanding user experiences and deliver a clear return on your investment. From strategy, to design, to deployment, we’re there when you need us, offering unparalleled industry expertise to help you out 24/7. No matter your AV needs, we’re in your corner to help make your collaboration aspirations come to life. Connect with us today to see how we can take your organization’s AV solution to the next level.

Video conferencing has revolutionized the way organizations collaborate. It has become a staple in almost every business and is a critical function in today’s workplace of remotely located colleagues. With more than half of businesses using video conferencing in their day-to-day operations, it’s important for organizations to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings and innovations regarding AV technology. To help, we’ve listed some of the top video conferencing trends organizations should keep an eye out for in 2023.

1. Emphasis on Video and Audio Quality

Poor audio and video quality has the potential to derail a meeting. Hybrid and remote teams need a reliable solution that enhances the meeting experience. Because video conferencing is such a critical component of today’s workplace, we expect to see a bigger emphasis on features that improve call quality. This includes upgraded video resolution, background noise filtering, echo cancellation, and other sound improvement features that allow users to speak and hear at the same time without interruptions.

2. Focus on Security

No matter the industry, security and privacy are a top priority for all organizations. We expect to see a continued focus on security features focused on intellectual property protection and privacy. Many of the popular platforms have already included security features like encryption and multi-factor authentication to safeguard private user data.

3. Improvements to the User Experience

Whether it’s user error or technical difficulties, video conferences can be a challenge for some. As we continue throughout 2023, we expect to see improvements to the user experience that will simplify the process of joining a video conference. Through simplified login systems and increased browser compatibility, video conferencing will become more seamless and reliable for all users.

4. Efficient and Cost-Effective Integrations

When it comes to video conferencing, today’s platforms have more capabilities than ever before. Many of the top solutions include integrations that help users be more productive and efficient. Integrations with calendars, CRMs, and channel-based messaging platforms have become more prevalent, helping businesses conduct cost-effective and efficient meetings.

5. Widespread Access to Video Conferencing Solutions

As video conferencing continues to grow in popularity, there will be more widespread access to solutions. Basically, every device comes with video conferencing capabilities which gives organizations of all sizes access to the technology. As 2023 continues, we can only expect more and more organizations to implement and utilize a video conferencing solution.

Empower Collaboration With Innovative AV Solutions From IVCI

It’s no secret AV technology, like video conferencing, is essential in today’s business world. Being able to conduct a successful video conference call is important to securing potential clients and collaborating with team members in other locations. It provides face-to-face interaction among colleagues, business partners, and customers without the hassle of travel and strengthens relationships which can help drive productivity and customer satisfaction.

At IVCi, we have the experience and knowledge to boost your organization’s digital transformation and improve collaboration, engagement, and efficiency. However your team collaborates or interacts with prospects, clients, and customers, IVCi provides the AV solutions and technology your organization needs to stay connected.

When it comes to video conferencing, we deliver successful video conferencing solutions that drive productivity and collaboration for our clients. Our Cloud Video Conferencing services, like Cloud Video Experience (CVE), free meeting facilitators and coordinators from technological concerns, allowing them to focus solely on delivering a positive meeting outcome. With CVE, users can easily collaborate with anyone on video, inside or outside their organization, through simple-to-join video meetings that work on any device. It’s a hassle-free approach to video conferencing that allows organizations to concentrate on their core competencies rather than worrying about technology. Contact us today to learn how CVE can help benefit your organization.

Dynamic digital signage has become a popular way for organizations to communicate with the public. From maps, directories, and visitor information to QR codes, dynamic digital signage keeps evolving, with new trends emerging every single day. Organizations in all types of industries are leveraging display technologies like LED walls, LCD monitors, and content management platforms to communicate with their audience. Let’s take a look at some of the dynamic digital signage trends we saw in 2022.

1. Video Walls

Video walls are a visually appealing, efficient way to display large amounts of data or high-quality videos. They are great options for commercial spaces that need large displays or educational institutions that need to equip lecture halls with more efficient technology than a projector screen. We’re seeing organizations use video walls to replace projection screens because they have higher resolutions and may not be as affected by poor lighting or other environmental conditions.

2. Interactive Displays

Connecting with customers to create a more personal experience has become a major trend in 2022 and organizations are leveraging technology, like interactive digital displays, to create unforgettable connections with their audience. Like video walls, digital interactive displays are a visually appealing way to share information with a large number of people, but they go a step further. They can be programmed to display information in an engaging way that users can use to complete an experience. For example, enhanced AV technology in interactive maps and kiosks can allow visitors and guests a more engaging way to navigate their surroundings. Some technology can even connect with live support teams in real-time to assist on-screen or over audio.

3. QR Codes

In 2022, we saw a lot of (if not all) organizations using Quick Response (QR) codes to make a connection between public screens and personal devices. In the past QR codes were most popular on signs, t-shirts, flyers, and other items where a brand wants to take your experience from something physical to somewhere digital to learn more. Now in the post-COVID world, we’ve seen a QR code explosion as it’s used to provide touchless shopping and dining experiences. In fact, dynamic QR codes generated by users accumulated a total of 6,825,842 scans from global users–a 433% increase over 2021 figures.

4. Integrations

Digital signage integrations are an effective and efficient way to automate content updates on dynamic digital signage. This is especially beneficial to organizations with multiple locations and dynamic digital displays. For example, businesses can use digital signage integrations with meeting room schedules to automatically remove events that have already taken place and replace them with newly scheduled events, which is ideal for conference centers, entertainment venues, or offices that host a lot of meetings. As more and more organizations begin to make their way back to the office, digital signage integrations that automate content updates was a top trend in 2022 and a trend we expect to continue in the future.

Digital Signage that Helps You Break Through the Clutter

There’s never been a better or more adaptable way to inform, educate, and communicate with your audience. Digital signage is a great choice for businesses because it gives you the flexibility you need to ensure visibility through communication, and it helps grab (and keep) attention better than any other kind of signage.

If you are considering dynamic digital signage for your business, it’s best to trust the design and implementation process to an experienced AV integrator like IVCi. Contact us today if you want to see where your digital signage journey can take your organization.

Did you know more than half of businesses use video conferencing in their day-to-day operations?

It’s no secret AV technology, like video conferencing, is essential in today’s business world. Being able to conduct a successful video conference call is important to securing potential clients and collaborating with team members in other locations. But there is more to a successful call than just having the right equipment–there are certain tips, tricks, and etiquette that should be followed. In this article, we list the top five helpful tips to consider for a successful video conference call.

1. Keep the Call Short and Concise

Respect every attendee’s time by keeping the conference short, sweet, and focused. Most people have jam-packed schedules and will appreciate the call not being any longer than necessary.

While there is no exact rule for how long a video call should typically last, try to keep meetings under an hour to prevent disengagement or distraction. If you use one hour as your point of reference, plan for about 45 minutes of speaking time while leaving the last 15 minutes open for questions.

It’s also best practice to send an agenda before the call. If you plan on sending one to your participants, consider assigning estimated time units to each section of the agenda to help keep your video call on track.

2. Come Prepared

Just as you would an in-person meeting, have any supplementary materials prepared ahead of time and sent to whoever is attending the conference. If possible, set the room up ahead of time and test all connections and equipment to avoid unprofessional technical difficulties.

3. Use Visuals

Not only do video conferences allow you to see the people you’re talking to, but they also allow you to share visual aids in real time while you discuss them. This will keep the conference interesting and fresh, rather than just looking at each other’s faces the whole time.

4. Mute Yourself When You’re Not Speaking

Although you might not be talking during the call, most microphones will pick up background noise like coughs or typing. Minor sounds like these can be a distraction to others on the call and take away from the speaker. Be courteous to your colleagues or clients, and try to mute yourself whenever you’re not speaking.

5. Treat the Call Like an In-Person Meeting

You should treat video conferences the way you would treat an in-person meeting. Give the other people your undivided attention, minimize distractions, keep the attendee list down to only those who really need to be there, and use all manners you would during an in-person meeting. This might seem obvious, but it can go a long way when establishing and maintaining business relationships.

Drive More Productive Collaboration with the Right AV Technology

Video conferencing solutions have become a staple in almost any industry. They provide face-to-face interaction among colleagues, business partners, and customers without the hassle of travel. This increased face-time strengthens relationships which can help drive productivity and customer satisfaction.

At IVCi, we deliver successful video conferencing solutions that drive productivity and collaboration for our clients. Our Cloud Video Conferencing services, like Cloud Video Experience (CVE), free meeting facilitators and coordinators from technological concerns, allowing them to focus solely on delivering a positive meeting outcome. With CVE, users can easily collaborate with anyone on video, inside or outside their organization, through simple-to-join video meetings that work on any device. It’s a hassle-free approach to video conferencing that allows organizations to concentrate on their core competencies rather than worrying about technology. Contact us today to learn how CVE can help benefit your organization.