Audio Visual Bend Blog

Infrasound: The Noise You Feel

October 31st, 2017

Infrasound is a very real problem. Take steps to minimize the noise.

Imagine that you have just moved into a new home and you continue to hear a disturbing, pulsating, low frequency rumbling noise.  You think it is coming from outside.  It is drowned out during the day time.  But at night, when the neighborhood is quiet, you can hear it. Actually, it is noise that you can feel.  What would you do? Read more »

Buy a Superior Video Security System

October 25th, 2017

Now you see me. Now you don’t?

You bought a security system. Good idea.  So, you go to recover that footage of the shop lifter or an employee stealing from the cash drawer… doh!  You go back to recover the video but it’s not there.  Or it is there, but you can’t seem to figure out how to find it. And just because there are cameras does not mean they are working.  The recording device may not even be recording. You many not even have enough space to record. Even worse, the camera is recording, but the quality sucks and images are useless. Read more »

Choosing the Right Piano Mic

October 3rd, 2017

Microphones and Acoustic Pianos

Over the years of designing AVL systems, I have had the pleasure of walking into many churches of all denominations, shapes and sizes.  It is always a treat because I get to see the wide variety of equipment used, both new and especially old.  Because digital pianos are quite good these days, I don’t get to see acoustic pianos used in services much anymore. But when I do, I get quite curious about how they position microphones to capture the sound. Read more »

Prevent a Projector Nightmare

September 12th, 2017

Prevent a Projector Nightmare. Set a maintenance schedule.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Everyone is familiar with this quote by Benjamin Franklin.  But how does it apply to your digital projector?  Every machine needs maintenance.  We either pay a little up front to maintain, or we kick the snowball down the hill and pay a lot later to repair.  Read more »

#Just Send It

September 1st, 2017

How do you make a decision?

Just send it! It means, “Just Do It,” say yes to something, don’t think about it, have confidence and just Send It! I finished reading a book by Jonah Lehrer called, “How We Decide”, (spoiler alert!) and early on, Lehrer introduces his main theme: Read more »

Microphones – A Small Tool with a Big Effect

July 19th, 2017

Part 1 in our new “Lost in Translation” series

Too often, the first time a microphone is heard is when a new system is being commissioned.

The end-user, for any and every AV project, is very important and their input is invaluable. From the inception, to design, during construction, and finally installation, they really do need to be involved.  However, I am not sure many end-users have the time or really want to be consulted.  They just want the job done, quickly and within budget.  And this is how many AV professionals enter the “Lost in Translation” zone with their clients.  For this next series of blogs, I want to promote clarity through the AV design process and promote best practices for end-user satisfaction. Let’s begin with microphones, a small AV tool with a big effect for the end-user. Read more »

Need More Fiber?

July 6th, 2017

Fiber Optic Cables Can Extend AV Signals

 

Everyone knows about fiber optic cables.  The term is one that most people are very familiar with.  But unless you work within certain industries, chances are good that this same group of people really don’t understand what these cables are and how they work.  This post will synthesize a few resources to share: Read more »

Electronic Waste is a Problem. We have a Safe and Fun Solution.

June 27th, 2017

Have any AV e-waste to sell? Looking for AV e-waste to buy?

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life.” Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. (CalRecycle).

 

Harmful Effects of E-waste

According to Green Citizen, “Electronic waste affects nearly every system in the human body because Read more »

How to Calculate TV Size and Viewing Distance

June 20th, 2017

How close should you be to your TV for the best viewing?

Note: The post is adapted from Cedric Demers and Mehdi Azzabi’s article, “TV Size to Distance Calculator and Science” from May 26, 2017.

Bigger and closer is usually better when it comes to choosing the perfect television for your room. Not only is it the biggest factor affecting the price of a television, but it also has a huge impact on the perceived picture quality. Read more »

Experience the Excitement of Video Walls

June 13th, 2017

Video Walls are an exciting medium to share about your products and services!

Remember when Dave, our other AV guy, attended the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas just a few months ago?  Well, he brought back some amazing resources and publications.  And we’ve had a lot of fun reading through them to generate some new blog content. Read more »