Smart Buildings Systems for Architects, Owners and Builders

Ethernet connections, and IP protocols) is taking hold in audio visual systems.
This includes digitizing the traditional analog audio and video signals and
more importantly, using the technology of data networks to control and man-
age audio visual systems.
There are a number of audio visual systems that can be deployed facility-wide;
however, many audio visual systems are designed for the specific needs of certain
rooms and spaces within a facility, such as meeting rooms or classrooms
(Fig. 15.1). The core components of these audio visual systems follow:

n Audio and visual sources

n Processing and management

n Destinations (speakers and displays)

n System control

Audio and Video Sources

The sources of audio are generally from microphones, electronic instruments
or programmed sources. The output from these audio sources is processed,
adjusted, amplified, and fed to speakers.
Microphones convert acoustic energy (such as talking and singing) into electri-
cal energy. Microphones come in a variety of types including handheld, wireless,
lavalier or lapel clip-on microphones, headsets, and ceiling or table-mounted

Control

Center

DVD Player

Ceiling

Speakers

Audio

Amplifier

Document

Camera

Wall

Panel

Personal

Computer

Audio

Mixer

Projector

Figure 15.1 Typical classroom audio visual system.

170 Smart Building Systems for Architects, Owners, and Builders