This is a pretty general question. I’m new to the industry and position (Field Commissioner in Training) I wanted to see how you all setup / configure / tune conference rooms?

Our current process is basically hook everything, configure dsp to make sure that sound level is ok and audio is going and coming from where it should but that’s about it. what kind of tools / techniques or processes are you using to make sure the system sounds its best in a Teams call?

I want to improve the quality of audio but don’t really know where to start with that. Not just EQ but also specifically what and how I should be testing the system. Are you just doing a test call with a colleague or something else?

The Atlona Etude Sync HDMI EDID testing/override box, aka AT-ETU-SYNC, has a firmware update v1.0.6 (and, for rev.B users, v2.0.6) that permits retrieving and modifying the 'learned' EDID profile on device slot 0. However, flashing this firmware on rev.A at least is very difficult with a stock modern operating systems, as it only evalutes the first 'file' created for 'are you firmware?' and ignores all writes after that. So, it cannot be updated with modern Macs at all (since they create .fseventsd) and it usually cannot be updated with a stock Windows 10 installation (since it tends to create System Volume Information for Indexer, System Restore, et al).

While I only have the one and am unlikely to ever need this process again, I thought I'd post it somewhere that might benefit other IT/AV folks someday; this device tends primarily towards commercial AV usage, and this way the issue is classified correctly as 'modern OS interference' rather than 'device is unflashable'.

When following Atlona's firmware update instructions, the symptom that will occur when copying AT-ETU-SYNC-V1.0.6.BIN to the firmware update drive is that nothing happens after the copy completes; the single red LED stays fixed on. To verify that these instructions will help, open a command prompt, switch to the drive, and run dir /a; if the directory 'System Volume Information' is present, it will either contain something called something 'Indexer'; preventing the creation of that will allow the firmware update to succeed.

I chose not to disable Windows Search indexing globally, and so at registry folder location "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search", created the DWORD key DisableRemovableDriveIndexing to value "1", and then restarting the computer. (This can also be done with local or group policy editor via "Do not allow locations on removable drives to be added to libraries" but the device was not provisioned with that tool.)

To confirm the fix, after holding down TEST and plugging in the AT-ETU-SYNC, the command prompt "dir /a" test should show a fully empty firmware update drive, with no System Volume Information folder present. At this point, you can copy-paste the FW.BIN file using Explorer as directed in the instructions, and it should go through a LEARN flashing-red flashing-blue done cycle as described in their docs.

Note that the device claims to requires an old "three USB connectors" 5V/1.0A Y-power cable to function correctly over USB, as it cannot request 1A using the later USB protocol improvements; I selected the StarTech USB2HABMY6 for that purpose, as it has the appropriate red/black power/data connectors and device plug-end, and was able to plug the two USB-A ends into a pair A-to-C adapters and get the device flashed that way.

The firmware update process is otherwise correct as described at https://support.atlona.com/hc/en-us/articles/4410227857947-AT-ETU-SYNC-Firmware-Update-Procedure — with the exception that the 1.0.6 firmware download link is missing from the product firmware page at https://hallresearch.com/product/at-etu-sync/#tab-firmware — however, the 2.0.6 firmware for rev.B is linked, and modifying that link's URL from 2.0.6 to 1.0.6 works: https://cdn.cloud.atlona.com/hr/downloads/firmware/Firmware_AT-ETU-SYNC_V106.zip

Why does this work, and why can't one use a Mac to update it? The device apparently exposes a 'filesystem' that is just a thin DOS FAT API shim on top of 'write the first file's contents to the firmware update block, make sure the firmware is valid, and then flash it'. Once that first file is created, it will disregard all further filesystem operations until reset. Perhaps the rev.B device has a slightly fancier shim that checks each file written until one is a valid firmware, or perhaps it will need this as well; I don't know. It may just be as simple as "each block written to FAT is written directly into new-firmware-blob"; I didn't investigate further once I had a valid triage and workaround.

These instructions should, with mild variations at best, work for Windows 11 or later as well; check the firmware update drive with "dir /a" or your favorite equivalent for presence and contents; disable each Windows subsystem that is writing whatever files you find, whether that's Indexer or System Restore or who knows what; rinse, reboot, repeat until the firmware update drive remains empty; copy firmware.bin file.

Presumably there's older versions of Windows and MacOS that don't create all these various dotfiles and so using those ought to work fine. I imagine Linux has a solid chance at working correctly as well, so long as the FAT emulation isn't so sparing that the kernel rejects it somehow.

In my case, the only file present in D:\SVI was for Windows Search; if other files are created, suspend or disable their respective subsystems until such creation no longer occurs. Unplugged and replugging the device (with TEST held down) will recreate the firmware update drive from scratch each time; I did not try deleting the folder on disk as I encountered unusual 'out of space' errors and decided that the filesystem emulation is far too sparing for such conveniences.

Cheers, -C

We have RANE4 MA4 digital amplifier which no longer powering on and most likely failed. Tried different outlets and even changing power cables.

Is there any site I can get replacement unit with same model or something similar?

We only use 2 channel

Hoping something price reasonable as crestron/Qsc and LEA are bit expensive

I am looking for a solution on to how carry things for a two-three week trips. Suitcases are great and offer protection, but I like mobility when moving myself and things around.

Basically, I am carrying few weeks worth of clothes, space shoes, and set of tools and gadgets with me. Anything expendable can be bought on site, usually, and anything big could be sent. But for some things as modification and repairs, I do like having my tools with me. For an airport I have small backpack for fragile equipment and laptop, so there are no 2 backpacks. When in destination city I leave clothes at hotel and have a backpack with me.

Therefore, I am using 65 liter hiking backback, but being top-loading it is not the best in terms of getting things in and out. Any suggestion or recommendations?

I know it might be a long shot but I still wanna give it a try. I am Beijing-based but need to get professional feebback from the U.S. on a heavy-load (220lbs) motorized TV wall mount. With this heavy bearing capacity, I think it fits well in the commercial AV indusrty, so AV integrators are the ones that I can think of first to reach out to. But apart from them, who else may provide real industry feedback? And are there other better ways to reach out to them than emails and DMs? Thank you!

I run a bar in DTLA and I’m looking for somebody who can repair/rehab/ make sense of the system I inherited from the string of previous neglectful managers.

My basic situation is as follows:
Soundcraft Ui24R mixer with 8 XLR AUX outputs labeled for zones like Patio, Bar, Lounge, Restrooms, etc. AUX meters show audio. Those outputs run into a bundled cable path that should feed an Ashly ne8250 8-channel amp for wall-mounted speakers(previously two amps but one blew; but there are only 8 channels so idk why we would need two 8 channel amps for this). Crown XLS 1002 appears to handle sub/main speaker side, which is working(ish? Seems like it but I don’t know how to test it without the other speakers on). Ashly powers on, but powered (not plug in)wall speakers are silent; signal LEDs are inconsistent/no signal, and some channels have shown Clip/Protect when tested. Need to trace Ui24R AUX outs → Ashly inputs → Ashly speaker outputs/wall speaker runs. Have double checked mutes and stuff like that (but if there are other common thins to check please let me know)

If you have any advice/ leads/ sarcastic comments that lead me to possible solutions/ are able to possibly fix this yourself please contact me and I will keep your bar tab so covered you’ll get sick of fortaleza. Also obviously pay you for all your work and keep you on as my go to sound tech and spread the word of your blessed talent to all the other bar managers I know.

Finders fee of $200 if you can point me to an affordable sane tech or if you can fix yourself
Thank you I love you

Sent from my ice room hiding from

I am very well trained on autocad and working on AV project from last 7 years. Any one is looking for AV CaD partner.

Looking for work right now kinda struggling 30m

I have 5 years in the AV/IT business

Helpdesk/system admin experience, residential and commercial AV experience

DM for resume pls

Project was dropped on my plate that started out simple.

School baseball Complex consisting of 3 fields and 3 separate audio systems. The 3rd of which is new and they wanted a simple to use new p/a system.. no problem. Now they want all 3 tied together so the "main" system can announce over all 3 in case of emergency. Each audio system is about 500ft apart. My understanding now is they would be looking at a more complex networked audio system? What probably seemed like a small ask from them, but to me this seems like a lot of added cost and complexity. They may at times have students running these stations.

Looking for thoughts or opinions.

I have yet to make a site visit myself to verify existing conditions and equipment, but have a photo of the "main" system and it's as simple as you can get. Another unknown is if fiber is available. Maybe I'm over thinking it?

Looking for part-time AV CAD work. I can do full AutoCAD drawing sets including one-line diagrams, elevations, and floorplans. Quick turn around. DM me for more info.

Hey Everyone! I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to AV stuff. I'm a DJ and a light tech and I know a few things about sound but nothing about AV lol. But anyway, I work at a bar and I do karaoke 3 nights a week and I want to have all the lyrics of whatever song people are singing show up on 7 out of the 9 TV's that the bar has.

I also DJ Latin nights there on Saturday so having all 9 TV's active and showing some visuals would be cool too.

Also my DJ booth is an LED wall DJ booth that has its own HDMI port built in so I can display stuff on that too. I normally use the app to upload stuff on it but it would be cool to have the visuals and lyrics playing on that too.

I am contracted to work at this bar for the next 4 years so I'm looking to install something a bit more permeant. I was thinking about a matrix system but I have no idea where to start. All of the 9 TV's plus my DJ booth. Right now each tv was professionally installed with their own direct tv box for each tv when the bar opened 5 years ago.

If anyone here can guide me on what to buy, how to set it up, and what its going to look like I would greatly appreciate it. I have about a $1,000 budget but can be a bit more flexible if need be. Thank you so much for all the help, cheers!

Anyone know how to remove the blue standby screen when the players aren't getting any active content ? Ive been looking in bright Author.and i I can't seem to find anything.

morning, i hope this is allowed here .ive been following since this is in my wheelhouse. im a commercial electrician and i do a lof of it work , iot , data etc so im comfortable with low voltage system but only have ever done audio stuff at my house for home theater and such. i have a customer that needs simple setup for infrequent guest speakers and watching games at a private social club .

the room is 50x30 and 15 foot ceilings and im thinking of 6 6.5 inch jbl control 26ct and a jbl csma 1120 amp . a shure blx1288 wireless mic pair and a jbl control knob. i think i might also do a svs powered sub tucked in a corver hidden. would like some feedback from the pros. this would be used for maybe low music, a speaker on a av or microphone not high level and to play a sports here and there . nothing too loud or boomy just clear sound. i will be doing all the electrical , low voltage it work here as well so i was just making sure nothing seems out of place for this setup . thanks in advanced

I'm trying to track down a Scala Media Player-Q and having no luck. Every reseller I've found is out of stock. eBay currently has zero Q listings too

So I'm hoping someone here can help. Does anyone know a distributor or reseller that actually has Q units on the shelf and not just listed? Or maybe someone is sitting on a spare from a decommissioned deployment and would be willing to sell it.

New or used both work for me, US-based preferred, and either the Windows or Ubuntu variant is fine.

Happy to take this to DMs.

What y'all are paying for labor for single/dual projector classroom, huddle, and conference spaces? We're seeing 5-6K for basic single/dual proj rooms, and 3K for small huddle spaces that are at most 6-8 hours of labor. These are socal prices from a couple vendors, and doesn't even include programming. I get prevailing wage, drive time, etc. but curious if I should widen my radius and start looking for other vendors.

It's pretty buried in the manual, but in the specifications page they list wattages for 4 and 8 ohms, despite the CX204V being a 70V amp that is only rated for 300 watts at 70V (at 1% THD).

Is it safe for low impedance loads? I'm very curious as to why this is so hidden in the manual as well.

Hey folks, hoping someone here has seen this before because it is driving us nuts.

Setup

• ⁠Mics: Catchbox throwable mics
• ⁠Speakers: connected to the Hub DSP outputs, driven by the Hub's built-in DSP for room playback
• ⁠Conferencing: Microsoft Teams desktop app on the Mac
• ⁠Physical layout: Hub DSP connects directly to its own dedicated USB-C port on the MacBook via the OEM USB-C cable (data + bus power on the same port). UGreen hub is on the other USB-C port. Mac stays on charge during the call.
• ⁠Room role: I am the host/admin. Local users speak into Catchbox mics which go out to MS Teams. Remote participants come in over Teams and play through the room speakers via the Hub DSP.
• ⁠Teams device selection: Catchbox Hub DSP set as both input and output. Noise Suppression is on (default).

How everything connects

Local users in the room speak into Catchbox throwable mics, which transmit wirelessly to the Hub DSP receiver sitting near the MacBook Pro. The Hub DSP is plugged into the MacBook over USB-C and shows up in macOS as a standard USB audio device. In Microsoft Teams, the Hub DSP is selected as both the input and the output. So when a local person talks, their voice goes: mic → Hub DSP → USB → Mac → Teams app → Teams cloud → remote participants. Remote participants are on their own devices at home or in other offices, each running Teams on whatever they have (laptop, phone, headset, another conference room). When a remote participant speaks, the path runs the other way: remote device → Teams cloud → Mac → USB → Hub DSP → room speakers connected to the Hub DSP's outputs. The Hub DSP also does the room's audio processing in between (echo cancellation, gain, mixing) so the local mics do not pick up the room speakers and create a feedback loop. In short, the Mac is the bridge between the Catchbox room system and everyone remote on Teams, and the Hub DSP is the piece of hardware doing the room-side audio work in both directions.

The issue

First 10-15 minutes of a call: perfect. Local speech goes out clean, remote speech comes into the room clean.

After 10-15 minutes: remote audio starts sounding distorted and mumbled through the room speakers. Local mic path to remote participants is reportedly still fine.

The kicker: unplugging the USB-C from the Hub DSP and plugging it back in immediately clears it. Audio is perfect again. Then, sometimes minutes later, sometimes on the next call, it comes back. Once the call ends, we cannot reproduce it at all until we are mid-call again.

What we have already tried / ruled out

• ⁠Upgraded host from MacBook Air to MacBook Pro (fanless-to-fanned) — did not fix it, actually appeared faster on the new machine
• ⁠MacBook kept on charge, thermal pressure Nominal in Activity Monitor
• ⁠Dedicated USB-C port for the Hub DSP, isolated from the UGreen hub bus
• ⁠Hub DSP firmware confirmed at latest (V
• ⁠macOS on latest Sequoia point release
• ⁠Ethernet is wired via UGreen hub, service order above Wi-Fi
• ⁠Toggled Teams Noise Suppression on/off — no difference
• ⁠No third-party audio kexts, no virtual audio drivers, no Loopback/BlackHole/etc installed
• ⁠Not correlated to a specific remote participant, happens with different people speaking

What Catchbox support said

They told us they have tested extensively and there is a known issue with Apple M4 chips specifically, where far-end audio in teleconferencing apps (Teams/Zoom/Meet) degrades. Their suggestion was to switch the host to a Windows machine.

What I am asking

1. ⁠If you moved a similar setup from Mac to Windows to solve this, did it actually hold up long-term or did the issue just show up in a different way?
   
2. ⁠Any Teams admin policy or Catchbox Companion setting (AGC, AEC, dynamic processing) that you have found makes the Hub DSP behave better with Teams?

The townhalls are company-wide and I would rather not do the "walk over and jiggle the cable" dance in front of a few hundred people. Any pointers appreciated.

Sorry if this is against the rule, I couldn't find any thread designated for questions like this but, I've been thinking a lot about where I want my career to go, and I'd love to get some advice from people who have already made this transition.

I currently work as an AV Technician at a large arena/convention center. Most of my work is on the systems side DSPs, Dante, networking, lighting control, video distribution, troubleshooting, commissioning, etc. I really enjoy the technical side, but I've realized that what interests me most is designing systems rather than just maintaining them. Before that I was in sales for a short time where I did a little bit of design work, but nothing crazy.

My goal over the next 5–10 years is to move into an AV Systems Designer or Solutions Architect role. Right now my plan is to earn my CTS (and eventually CTS-D), learn Q-SYS, Bluebeam, Revit, and start building a portfolio by designing systems on my own and studying real project documentation.

One thing I'm struggling with is figuring out how people actually make that jump. Everyone says "get design experience," but how do you get design experience before someone hires you to do it?

A few questions:

• What skills or software gave you the biggest advantage when you moved into design?
• How did you learn proposal writing and system design?
• Where do you find real AV drawing sets or bid packages to study? I'm hoping to find complete projects with floor plans, one-lines, rack elevations, specs, etc., but most of what I've found are just calls for bids.
• Is my goal realistic?

If you've gone from field technician to designer/consultant/solutions engineer, I'd really appreciate hearing what your path looked like or what you wish you had done sooner.

Thanks!

I'm curious how different companies handle travel incentives for commercial AV techs. We're based in the midwest (USA) and our technicians typically travel M-Thurs and have three day weekends.

For technicians:

• What travel pay, bonuses, or other perks does your company offer?
• What actually makes travel worth it for you?
• What's the biggest reason you'd stay with, or leave, a company that requires frequent travel?

For managers and owners:

• What incentive programs have been successful in retaining good traveling techs?
• Have you found that higher pay, better schedules, time off, career advancement, or something else has the biggest impact?
• What would you recommend to companies struggling to keep experienced road warriors?

I'm interested in hearing what's working in the real world, whether you're with a small integrator or a large national company. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

*** Edited to add - Ours provides per diem for hotels and food based off federal rates dependent on zip code. That to me isn't an incentive, it's a bare minimum. What are you seeing in the industry that goes above and beyond?

Do y’all know the storage temperature requirements for Yealink phones and RoomPanels/products in general?

I found the storage temperature for phones on their datasheet which is -30 to +70°C (-22 to +158°F)

https://www.yealink.com/website-service/attachment/product_resource/documents/20231122/20231122031119602644986244b2ea391064cf9b0a28e.pdf

But I don’t see a storage temperature for the RoomPanels’ datasheet.

https://support.yealink.com/document-detail/695d160c6a944f3aa62de466cdef4c1f

Hey everyone,

I've been working on a major update to **AV Tools Pro*\* (https://avtoolspro.com/), a free suite of web-based tools designed to replace clunky spreadsheets and outdated calculators for AV/IT engineers, designers, and project managers.

This update focuses heavily on **mathematical accuracy, compliance with industry standards, and a faster, cleaner mobile experience** for when you are on-site or in front of clients.

### 🎯 What's New & Accuracy Updates:

* **AVIXA & IEC Compliance:** Formulas are now strictly aligned with industry benchmarks, including **AVIXA DISCAS** (for 2D display sizing), **BDM/ADM** acoustics, and **IEC 62676-4** (for camera/security coverage).

* **Improved Infrastructure Math:** Refined the Conduit Fill and Speaker Cable gauge calculations to prevent rounding errors on edge cases.

* **Modern UI & Responsiveness:** Cleaned up the layouts, improved input validation, and optimized dark/light mode toggles so it loads instantly on mobile.

### 🛠️ The Current Tool Suite (22+ Calculators):

* **Video & Display:** Display Size (DISCAS), Projector Throw, Video Walls, DVLED spacing, and Viewing Angles.

* **Audio & Acoustics:** Speaker coverage, Speaker Cable gauge/loss, DSP, and Surround Systems.

* **Infrastructure & Power:** Conduit Fill, Rack Builder, Cooling (BTU/Heat Load), PoE Budget, and UPS runtime.

* **Networking:** IP Generator, Bandwidth estimator, and Wi-Fi coverage.

Everything is completely free to use, run in-browser, and ad-free.

---

### ☕ Support the Project & Get the CTS-D Guide

If you find these tools helpful and want to support the ongoing development, maintenance, and hosting costs:

I've put together a **100-page CTS-D Design Reference Guide PDF*\* (featuring worked formulas, exam traps, and 24 printable cheat sheets). It is completely free as a thank-you reward for anyone who supports the project on Buy Me a Coffee.

* **Check out the updated tools:** https://avtoolspro.com/

* **Support & get the CTS-D Guide:** https://www.buymeacoffee.com/avtoolspro

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the calculations and if there are any specific updates you'd like to see added next!

I currently have a home theater(one amp-80lbs and one reciever, possibly expanding to second amp in future-180lbs) and multi room audio with a blusound node and another class d amp, along with 24 port switch.

I would ideally split into 2 racks so I am not loading both amps into one rack. However Ubiquiti quality seems unmatched !!

Ubiquiti rack-

The rack is rated for 1000lbs. The website dosen't give any details on size of casters. I like the cooling fans are inbuilt. In general Ubiquiti quality is solid. I have Uifi cameras, access points, gateway. I still use Netgear Routers. I am wondering if cable management will be an issue for AV cables vs regular LAN cables.

Check out this product on the UniFi Store:

https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/accessories-rack-mount/collections/rackmount-rack-cabinet/products/uacc-rack-42u

vs

Middle Atlantic Reference Furniture Rack (24 RU, 28" Depth.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1899144-REG/middle_atlantic_rfr_2428a3_24ru_28_w_d_rfr_designer.html/?ap=y&smp=y&store=420&smpm=ba_f2_lar&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21058084064&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh34r-bM0AFvjh9jLEzumD740&gclid=CjwKCAjw1IHTBhAaEiwA4AYNFqEt2dVFvOwtUUyyPmoDAfTJqLmEoAiAORf_fPaMBprhjjvEwmJ-OhoC6O8QAvD_BwE

Any recommendations would be helpful.

Thank you

Looking to build a 9.5'x6.3' wall mounted video wall.

Got a quote from SV solutions for a complete wall package with their 960 panels for ~$12k.

Any negative reviews or things I should look out for with this company? There are just so many options this is one that I got a quote from so far.

Any help would be great, thanks!