Our proven process ensures that you get quick responses whenever you call, your project will be fast and transparent, and you’ll get comprehensive documentation on your AV solutions so you’ll always be in control of your systems.
The end result is that you’ll be able to simplify your audiovisual systems, standardize every room, and delight your end users – all while spending less time managing your AV.
Schedule a free consultation with our AV experts to get started.
If you want to learn more about what it means to work with an AV company in Denver – keep reading. On this page, we’ll cover answers to common AV questions, including:
By the end, you should have a thorough understanding of how AV services work – and how you can find an AV company that’s an ideal fit for your next project.
Ready? Read on.
AV is an acronym that stands for audiovisual or Audio/Video.
It’s used as a noun to refer to hardware and software platforms (i.e., “The AV in our conference room really needs an upgrade”).
It’s also used as an adjective, most often to describe equipment, solutions, or services.
For example, AV solutions include hardware and software platforms that make transmitting, recording, watching, and listening to audio and video possible. This world includes things like microphones, video screens, mixing boards, video conferencing software, webcams, cabling, and more.
AV services typically refer to service offerings that facilitate or help to maintain audio and visual experiences.
An AV company provides services that make audio and visual experiences possible.
Admittedly, that’s a broad statement. So, let’s narrow it down a bit. In practice, AV companies typically offer one or several of the following services:
This involves planning an Audio/Video solution for a space. The AV company consults with stakeholders to determine needs and desires, then presents a plan for the hardware and software solutions that will best meet those needs.
This involves implementing an Audio/Video solution in a space. The audiovisual company installs solutions and integrates them with existing system components so that everything works the way it’s supposed to.
This involves providing service for AV solutions. Support typically involves assisting users and being on-call for any issues that arise. Maintenance involves ensuring that AV solutions run as smoothly as possible.
This involves providing limited-time deployments of AV solutions, typically for events (like tradeshows or conferences). While most companies offering this service brand themselves as “event companies,” some AV installation companies also offer equipment rentals.
To learn more about these offerings, read our more detailed article on AV company services.
If you’re considering working with an AV company, you’ve probably come across the terms “integration” and “installation.” Some companies brand themselves as one or the other (an integrator or an installer). So, is there a difference?
Yes – kind of.
Many people use these two terms synonymously. In fact, you’ll notice that we grouped these services together a few paragraphs above – that’s because many clients don’t really distinguish between them as service offerings, and companies that offer one nearly always offer the other.
However, technically, the difference is that integration involves the deployment of AV systems so that they work with other systems.
For instance, let’s say that your conference room has an audio system (with mics, cabling, and software) that is working well, but you want to upgrade the video component of the solution. The video upgrade would be AV integration – deployment of a system meant to work in tandem with an existing system.
Installation simply means setting up a system so that it works. Most often, systems are installed and integrated, but you may be able to install an AV system and not integrate it with other systems. For example, if you’re setting up a kiosk, it may work as a stand-alone installation.
Most of the time, the terms AV integration and AV installation are used interchangeably. Don’t get caught up in whether a company markets itself as an installer or an integrator;dig in to find out what services are actually being offered.
With integration and installation clarified, let’s review how an AV engagement should unfold.
This series of steps is based on our process at High Country. It’s not how every company approaches AV work, but we’ve found that it’s best practice for making projects go as smoothly as possible.
The first step in an AV engagement is an initial contact – usually in the form of an exploratory call. The AV company consults with you to uncover your project’s requirements and your desired outcomes.
After the consultation, the AV company should conduct rigorous analysis and planning so they can present you with a solution that’s ideally fit to your needs. This may involve an on-site review of your space and systems, if necessary.
After the AV company has conducted research to create a solution, they should provide you with a comprehensive and transparent proposal. This typically includes a high-level presentation of what your solution will entail, as well as detailed product information to describe how the result will be achieved.
After you approve the proposal, installation can begin. This stage varies a good bit based on what your project is, but all timelines and progress should be communicated proactively, so that you’re in the loop as much as you want to be and know what to expect.
Once the AV solution has been installed, the AV company will commission it by testing it, optimizing and calibrating it as needed, and providing documentation.
At High Country, we go above and beyond by providing asset information from device serial numbers to IP addresses so that anyone can come in and quickly understand how your system is set up.
Finally, many AV engagements involve support after installation. This may involve providing things like user training, maintenance, or helpdesk access. More on these pieces below.
Audiovisual support offerings vary widely. Some AV companies simply install solutions and leave support entirely to internal teams; other companies provide embedded, on-site AV technicians to maintain solutions.
With that said, here are a few common components of support services:
The vast majority of AV companies offer warranties or protection plans. Many AV devices come with manufacturers’ warranties, but it’s common for AV companies to go beyond these with in-house guarantees for installation quality or protection plans that offer discounted service rates within certain timeframes.
Most AV companies will offer user training so that clients get full value from their systems. This can involve materials (like documentation or videos) or on-site, in-person training.
It’s common for AV companies to offer helpdesk access to clients, especially if the technology they’ve installed is complex or represents a large investment. With helpdesk support, users can call in with questions or for troubleshooting, easing the burden on internal tech teams and ensuring AV problems get solved quickly.
Many AV support services include on-premise support, with technicians available for dispatch as needed. This can be particularly valuable in solving hardware issues.
Some AV support services include regular checkups to ensure that AV solutions are functioning how they should. This usually involves on-site testing and optimization.
Finally, cutting-edge AV support packages will offer preventative support services to minimize the likelihood of issues occurring at all. This may involve remote monitoring or pre-emptive updates to ensure hardware and software systems are continually optimized.
AVaaS stands for AV-as-a-Service. It’s a newer service offering, so there’s still a wide variety in packages that are marketed as AVaaS. All AVaaS offerings, however, share these two components:
They’re available at fixed rates (rather than as upfront costs). For example, traditional AV companies would charge an hourly rate for service. With AVaaS, you might pay a fixed fee for monthly AV labor, instead. This is also typically considered an operating expense rather than a capital expense when considering your internal budget.
They’re intended to minimize the burden of AV on internal teams. As Data Projections puts it, “In short, the integrator handles all technical aspects of the system’s function. The client, meanwhile, only has to access the system.”
Past these two principles, solutions vary – from AV company to AV company and even from client to client. Some AVaaS solutions simply include comprehensive support for AV equipment. Others include comprehensive support and hardware and software purchases, so that all AV costs are covered under a fixed fee.
If you’re searching for AVaaS, get in touch with us – we can discuss your needs and put together a package that will meet your business objectives.
Regardless of the details, there’s a reason all of these “blank-as-a-service” offerings keep popping up: They tend to lead to better, more efficient service, and they’re easier to budget.
If you’ve read this far, there’s a good chance that you’re considering moving forward with an AV company in Denver.
The next step, then, is to pick a company to partner with.
Here are three companies to take a look at. (If you’re looking for more options, we have a longer list on the area’s top AV companies here.)
Yes, we’ve placed ourselves first on this list. That’s because it’s our list(!), and also because we’re fully confident in our ability to serve Denver organizations with Audio/Visual solutions.
At High Country, we serve corporate, government, and educational organizations with audio, video, and networking solutions. We’ve done work for Alteryx, Hilton, Vail, Aurora Public Schools, the City of Boulder, and the City of Denver, among others.
Here’s what sets us apart: When you work with us, you’ll get quick responses to your calls, your projects will be fast and transparent, and you’ll get comprehensive documentation on every system we install, so that you’ll be in total control of your AV.
The bottom line is that your next AV project will go the way it should.
LINX is a Colorado-based company that serves clients across the United Sates with network cabling, multimedia systems, and security solutions. In other words, AV is only one of their offerings; they’re especially respected for their work in data center installations.
Here’s how they explain things on their about page:
“LINX is a collection of four independent technology integrators under one roof: structured cabling, multimedia, security and wireless… A workforce of over 640+ FTEs & a nationwide roster of contract labor with the latest certifications have installed over 25,000 data center cabinets since we began in 2003.”
If you need AV solutions in combination with other systems (like cabling for a data center buildout), LINX is a worthwhile option to consider.
LVW is actually headquartered in Colorado Springs, but they serve AV needs around the Denver area, too (and they have an office on Peoria Street). They serve a variety of AV needs with a special focus on security systems.
Here’s how they put it on their about page:
“Founded in 1974, LVW Electronics is a veteran-owned small business that provides advanced electronic systems to customers all over the world… We offer a wide range of technologies and services that include all forms of electronic security, professional and commercial audio, A/V, life safety systems and custom-tailored control systems.”
If you’re searching for a local AV provider with specific expertise in security solutions, LVW may be worth a look.
As you evaluate audiovisual companies in the Denver area, here’s a quick framework to help you choose the right partner.
This is one of the most helpful and easiest things to verify. Does the AV company have expertise in your space?
For instance, if you’re representing a school, you should opt for a partner who understands educational AV solutions. If you’re representing a museum, you should search for vendors that excel at experiential AV. If you’re with a government organization, you need a vendor that has the right certifications and contract vehicles.
You get the idea. Look at case studies and testimonials – most AV companies will feature the industries they serve prominently on their site.
This is simple, but it’s key in ensuring that your next project goes well.
Expertise in certain technology solutions can also be important. If you’re looking for a particular brand or a particular type of solution, you’ll want to ensure that the company you choose has familiarity with it.
Many companies will feature the technology companies they partner with on their website, but some won’t disclose their preferences until the proposal stage. If you need to, clarify things during your initial conversations.
Finally, ask potential partners about their processes. We recommend asking questions around three things: 1) how communication works during the engagement, 2) what documentation is provided on solutions, and 3) whether the company employs third-party contractors.
The more transparent a company is about their process, the better.
If you’ve read this far, congratulations! Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what audiovisual projects entail and how to find a partner in the Denver area.
If you’re ready to get your project started and you like what you’ve read about our approach to AV engagements – let’s talk.
Schedule a free consultation with our AV experts, and we’ll discuss your vision and requirements, then begin crafting an ideal solution. When you work with us, you’ll take the complexity out of AV, minimize issues, and save time.
Get in touch with us today to start bringing your AV vision to life.