In today’s world of technology, Public Address Systems, better well known as PA Systems, are taken for granted and very often go unnoticed. However, you undoubtedly notice when you can’t hear an important message or distortion fills the room with terrible sound quality. Some common symptoms of a PA System in need of repair include distorted or blown speakers, unintelligible announcements, thundering loud interference, or even too few speakers that result in uneven sound quality throughout the primary listening area.
In times like this, we must ask the question – When should you consider a new or upgrade your current PA system? To answer this widely asked question, you must understand how different applications require different designs, what benefits you will receive from a PA system, and the factors you should consider prior to purchasing.
To begin, a PA System can be easily defined as an electronic system comprising of microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, and related equipment. But really – in its simplest terms, the true goal of a PA system means making sure the desired presentation, no matter how soft or loud their voice is, be heard without needing to yell or raise their voice. The PA system should go unnoticed and be aesthetically pleasing while blending into the environment. It is very important to understand that PA Systems come in all shapes and sizes. Which one should you choose for your project?
Point Source Installed System
This system typically utilizes mixers, digital signal processors, full range stereo speakers, and large subwoofers depending on the intent. This type of setup is extremely useful in reinforcing speech and music for indoor or outdoor venues.
A well-designed system accounts for room deficiencies including oddly shaped rooms, hard floors, or rooms with high ceilings. This can make the primary listening area too reflective and cause feedback or sound which is hard to understand. Typically, this type of PA system is found in public gathering areas, meeting rooms, houses of worship, live theater, college athletic fields, and school gymnasiums.
Distributed Sound System
Often, this is referred to a distributed 70V or 100V system and can utilize multiple ceiling mono speakers or horns that are connected with long speaker trunks while using one amplifier. Each speaker would use a line matching transformer which would tap off the required wattage for the required volume level. This system is customarily designed for vocal public address announcements, but can additionally be used for background music for hallways or lobbies. It is very flexible and cost-effective to install due to the requirement of only one trunk wire for large amounts of speakers. Volume controls can be installed to adjust certain speakers. However, it is important to realize this is not a foreground system and has limitations, including limited frequency range and limited bass reproduction capabilities. In recent times, PA Systems have become so flexible that it is possible to integrate them into your IP network. Generally, you will find these in doctor offices, bank lobbies, mall hallways, school classrooms for general announcements, and even apartment lobbies where the use of communication from lobbies to rooms to rooms is possible. This is a perfect system when large amounts of speakers are required to cover a large square foot of area.
Portable Sound System
This is the system that many think of when one speaks about PA Systems. This system is portable in design, making it easy to be set up and broken down, making aesthetics secondary. It commonly includes a mixer amplifier, speakers mounted on portable tripods, and various wired or wireless microphones. This type of system is necessary, but unfortunately most of the time there will be problems that are never addressed, which limit how well the system can perform, along with the quality of the sound. This system is perfect for those who need a quick solution for a one-time event with a limited budget. These setups are most often found in community centers, outdoor fairs, wedding receptions, and large business meetings.
Benefits to Consider
Once you know the different types of PA systems that are available, you must consider the benefits of purchasing a system. Regardless of the system that you purchase, there will be numerous advantages.
Benefit #1 – Effective Communication Worth
It is important to consider how effective communication can save time and money.
Benefit #2 – Easy way to Convey Messages
A PA System will provide an easier way to cover a large area with music or voice announcements.
Benefit #3 – Emergency Announcements
A fire and alarm system can be easily integrated to provide automatic messaging which will signal people to protect themselves or exit a building.
Benefit #4 – System Flexibility
PA Systems include features that allow integration into your existing phone system or IP network for increased flexibility. Also, two-way communication through any speaker can be implemented which can easily improve communication with your employees.
Important Factors to Contemplate Prior to Purchase
Firstly, you need to answer the question – Do you need a point source or distributed system? This can be a tricky question to answer and oftentimes you may need a combination system depending on your circumstances. To answer this question, you need to know if the system is for one room or an entire building, if room shaking bass is a requirement, and if you need a stereo or a mono system.
Next, you must analyze if you need a standard system or an IP based system. Today, everything is available on the network, which makes systems much more flexible. Speakers can power over the network and an amplifier would not be necessary. Additionally, you must figure out if you want to use phones as input into the system. This could also allow access via desktop computer and cell phone.
Finally, you must ask yourself one of the most important questions – What kind of sound quality do you require? More often than not, the explanation for this may be subjective, as budget typically comes into play. Do you have a small budget or is there flexibility for added functionality in favor of additional features? You need to evaluate important factors, such as speaker selection, size, and quality. You may also want to look into aesthetics which may include hiding components in the environment.
Currently, PA systems are a necessity and require careful attention while being installed to achieve the desired result. When considering upgrading your PA System, there are many decisions that must be made that can prove to be difficult. When choosing a system to fit your needs, you must consider understanding what a PA system really is, the benefits of acquiring one, and important factors to consider prior to purchasing.
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Audio video installs require more than just a basic understanding of how to set up the system. In order to ensure that you are getting the best possible quality of service, you need professionals you can trust who have an in-depth understanding of the system and can pick up on nuances that you may overlook.
What Should Experts Do Before an Installation?
It can be difficult to identify what sets experts apart from your run of the mill installation servicer. Sometimes it can get easy to group everything together by thinking a good
Here are three important factors that every professional service provider will take into account.
Needs Analysis
A good, reputable service provider will work with you to understand the nature of your needs before suggesting a solution. This is a very important step because it can save you a lot of time and money that could otherwise be wasted if you rush into getting a system that is not suited for you. There are a number of different types of
Expert Advice
As with any service provider,
You want to look for professionals, who have certified and trained employees. This is going to give you a level of satisfaction knowing that they have professional training to handle any problems that may come up. Other service providers may offer you lower prices, but it’s not worth the risk of getting sub-par quality work done.
End to End Support
This includes knowing that you can rely on them for the long haul for things like maintenance and repairs as well as reliable replacements.
Value for Money
When you’re working with experts in the field, you know that you are getting professionals who are certified and trained to do the best job possible. This far outweighs the risk of trusting cheaper, freelance workers who may end up doing a faulty, quick job and end up costing you twice as much in repairs!
Why Work with an Expert Integrator?
Working with an expert in the AV industry like Hugh’s Innovative AV Solutions means that you can put your mind at ease knowing that we are capable of handling any and all hurdles that may pop up through any part of the process.
Here are a few reasons why we are the team to work with!
Hugh’s Will Have the Expertise You Need
Hugh’s has over 65 years of experience in the industry. That definitely counts for something! When you work with us, you can be assured you are getting certified professionals to handle your systems.
Our staff gets their certification from AVIXA (the audiovisual and integrated experience association) and specialized training from a number of companies including Crestron and Extron so you know that you’re working with seasoned professionals.
Not only do we have in-depth product knowledge, but we also share that knowledge with our customers by making AV easy for them to understand.
We are Results Driven
We’re not a company that thrives on increasing our sales alone – we genuinely care about providing excellent services to our clients.
When you contact us for an audio video installation, we will not suggest the most expensive piece of equipment we have right off the bat. Instead, we give you the chance to explain what you need from an
Our primary interest is to make sure you have a smooth experience getting your systems up and running with troubleshooting support available easily at hand whenever you need it. Our service is customer driven and keeps the client’s budget in mind for maximum satisfaction.
We're Accessible When You Need Us
Have you ever called up a company to ask a question or launch a complaint only to be met by an automated, cold voice telling you what you can do? It can get frustrating!
This is why at Hugh’s Innovate AV Solutions we make sure that our clients have access to us directly over the phone. Whenever you call us, whether it’s with a question, a complaint, or a request, you can rest assured that you’ll meet real people that are willing and ready to help you according to your needs.
We Manage Our Own Projects
We believe some things simply can’t be outsourced. This is why we never rely on outsourcing sales, design or project management. We are dedicated to providing quality services to the Hudson Valley area, which means that we have the highest measurement of quality control that we can manage.
Our in house staff is trained to excel at their job and give you end-to-end solutions for every audio video install you request from us. We employ a core, dedicated team that is meant to provide you with excellent, consistent results.
So when you choose to work with us, you can be assured you’re getting only the best!
We are Customer Driven
At Hugh’s Innovative AV Solutions, you will never be just another number on our client list. We thrive on building long-lasting relationships with our clients. We’re a small business, which means that unlike large corporations, our projects are not tossed around from manager to manager. Instead what you get is a personalized connection with us and your needs come first!
With us, you will always have a direct, personal connection with the people handling your installation whether it's your project manager, designer, or installer. Giving feedback or asking questions becomes easier and more accessible.
We Welcome Challenges
We’re not afraid of stepping up our game when presented with a challenge. We thrive on pushing ourselves to become better each day and don’t back down if there’s a particularly tricky problem at hand.
Why Hugh's?
Hugh’s Innovative AV Solutions is devoted to ensuring that the Hudson Valley community has easy and quick access to quality audio video solutions and we don’t compromise our quality at any part of the process to ensure that. Contact us today for a consultation for all your AV needs!