Modern interior design has come a long way over the past few years, and with it, so has AV tech. Traditional monitors and speakers do not fit the bill anymore, for both efficiency and aesthetics. So you may wonder, is it better to have visible AV or go down the stealth AV route?
Why The Preference For Stealth AV?
If you have been considering switching to stealth AV technology, you are not alone! AV industry employees will confirm that most customers prefer their tech to be as invisible as possible. Well, the reasons behind this popularity are plenty, but first and foremost is aesthetics!
Think about it; you most likely do not like cbdtop.club having wires cluttering your living room. Well, the same applies to office surroundings too. A neat and tidy environment has a significant impact on both personal productivity and outsider impressions. A space with optimally placed AV does a lot to create an air of aesthetic appeal.
Besides this, stealth AV has a lot of practical benefits as well. For one, it takes up less space, so you can optimise your space as you please. Also, not having wires or cumbersome technology lying around reduces the chances of mishaps taking place.
Stealth AV is, in essence, the go-to solution for the tech geek with the aesthetic soul.
Factors To Consider Before Installing Stealth AV
When you consider how aesthetic stealth AV can make your meeting spaces look, you may want to jump straight on it. However, before doing so, there are a few factors that need your attention.
- Where will you install it: Take a look around your room and think of the best places where the AV equipment can fit. It is not enough for the position to look nice; some practical factors need consideration too. For instance, the spot should be within easy reach of a power socket.
- How will you control it: There is no point in hiding your equipment if you need to take it out every time to use it. Whenever possible, you want to be able to use it while it is not visible.
- How accessible is it: For upgrades, your AV needs to be easy to access even when hidden. It will be inconvenient if you have to rely on a handyman every time you want to reach your AV equipment.
How Can You Incorporate Stealth AV?
It's important to understand the benefits of stealth AV, but this brings to mind another question. How do you optimise your AV tech to make it stealthy enough for your environment? You may wonder if it is even possible. Well, it is!
You can find several technological tools in smaller sizes that still offer high-quality performance. Not to mention, there are several methods of installation and storage that can help with this too.
Stealth AV For Small Spaces
LED displays are now available in sizes that are just right for small to medium size spaces. Not only are these more cost-effective and easy to install, but they also give a room a sharper appeal.
You can make easy work of concealing this display when it is not in use. All you need to do is hide it behind a whiteboard or even a picture frame. For those willing to go the extra mile, designing a wall that closes over a display is also an option.
To optimise AV systems in a small space, you need an efficient rack and control equipment set up. One way to do this would be to store these items in the ceiling through projection mounting. For other equipment, you may have to find furniture that can accommodate them.
Control equipment often has fans that can create quite a disturbance, so silencing them is a priority for many. In small spaces, this can be a bit challenging, but it is not impossible. Furniture racks are one efficient solution to this problem.
Stealth AV For Large Spaces
Large spaces are a bit different in terms of aesthetics because they tend to look better with AV tech on display! However, if this is not to your liking, you can easily find manufacturers who will supply gear per your needs. With proper planning and effective execution, you can easily conceal AV even in large areas.
For instance, consider control equipment. It is much easier to hide such tech in a large space. All you need to do is store it in a closet. With this, you can also silence unwanted fan noises from equipment.
How To Optimise Specific AV Equipment
The tricks to setting up stealth AV are subjective to the equipment you are looking to install. That said, a few audiovisual tools are pretty commonplace, with almost everyone having some version of them. So here are a few tips on optimising such equipment to better fit the aesthetics of your space.
Projectors
A Lot of office spaces still use projectors, considering the number of presentations they have. Well, now concealing such projectors or display devices is super simple with lift systems.
However, some may prefer to leave such equipment exposed to allow for easy adjustments to the display. In that case, you can opt for a smaller projector to optimise the space in the room. Also, projection manufacturers may offer projectors that can pop out of ceilings.
Audio Components
Speakers have seen many innovations through the years, including wall-mounting or ceiling-mounting. After installing, you can even add finishing to such speakers to make them blend into the surroundings.
On the other hand, if you prefer to modify the room itself, consider adding false walls. You also have the option of hiding speakers behind an acoustically transparent fabric and projection screens.
Video Components
In the years gone by, display equipment like TVs would consume quite a bit of space. However, now there are several solutions to hide even the largest of display screens. For one, you can have an LED Video Wall display something like a painting when it is not in use. The screen will automatically change when you want to use it.
Another solution is a two-way mirror screen. TVs or displays with such a screen appear as a mirror when not in use. Often, this mirror may look like an aesthetic design with the addition of a nice frame.
A more common solution is the installation of a TV cabinet. These cabinets can close over the TV and are perfect for rooms that do not support wall-mounting. Sometimes you can even have screen lifts out of floors and ceilings.
Other Components
Now we come to miscellaneous AV components like satellite boxes, gaming consoles, and so on. The best way to conceal such equipment is in furniture or by centralising them in storage rooms.
If you pick furniture to hide such items, ensure that it has enough ventilation and an efficient wire-management system. Furniture like cabinets can be a perfect solution for this purpose.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind. You will likely need either a radio-frequency or an infrared remote to control such devices through doors.
Wiring
While not exactly a tool, wires are still critical components of many AV equipment items. Not only that, but they are the ones that create the most problems overall. From ruining aesthetic appeal to creating potential trip hazards, wires can be a nuisance.
Hiding them is not as difficult a task as it seems! All you need to do is throw some carpets or rugs over them to hide them from view. You can hide wires in small gaps or light strips if a room has such features.
There are also options like using zip ties to hold wires together or affixing them to walls. While these do not conceal them, they still make a room appear much neater than leaving them lying around.
Is Stealth AV A Plausible Option?
When it comes to installing AV, all you need is a proper plan. There are three factors you should consider before deciding to install stealth AV. These are your budget, the quality of the AV, and the space of the installation.
Always get an AV expert like us on board before making a final decision. We have the expertise to guide you about how you can conceal equipment while still getting optimal performance. We can also help you reach a suitable result within your budget.
Stealth AV equipment is easily available. All you need to do is be upfront about your expectations and keep them a tad realistic. The key is to know which items you want to hide and which ones you are okay with being visible.
The answer to the question of which is better between visible AV and stealth AV is pretty simple. It depends entirely on you and your needs! In some cases, like with projectors, having the equipment in plain sight can be handy for operating purposes. However, if you decide to go the stealth route, there is no reason to worry.
Efficiently concealing AV components may seem like a daunting task, but it is not. Stealth AV devices that fit your needs are plenty, and so are options for concealing your existing AV. Enlist the help of an AV expert, and you will find the solution to your AV problems!
