Part 1 - Why AV control?

Disclaimer - all comments are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer (Extron). I aim to offer impartial thoughts and discuss brand-agnostic methods and suggestions that could be relevant to AV control systems as a whole.

A look back on AV control

The concept of control systems for audio visual systems has been around for at least the last 40 years - as long as the Pro AV industry itself. Looking back at the history of AMX & Crestron (who I think were the forerunners for AV control systems), both had products in the 1980's to provide wireless control of slide projectors in presentation environments.

As the technology in presentation environments evolved - to include data projectors, VCRs and other AV source inputs, plus audio systems for sound amplification - the logical next step for these manufacturers was to integrate more controlled devices into a single user interface. In the 1990s and 2000s this was analogous to a universal remote control for professional environments, and in many ways still is today. The end goal? To make the user experience for the "operator" as simple and intuitive as possible, without requiring technicians coming along to make everything work.

As we head into the second quarter of the 21st century, AV technology is moving at a rapid pace although the methods used for control systems have largely stayed the same. RS-232, IR, Relays and I/Os are still in use to some degree, as are button and touch panel controls. What has changed significantly is the widespread investment in audio visual technology, the requirement to connect users virtually around the world and of course the need for instantaneous response to any user demand. There have of course also been developments in the aesthetics, and accessibility of AV control systems: these days there are many AV vendors offering control solutions, different styles of user interface hardware, some with centralised or cloud offerings, and varying levels of complexity from simple drag-and-drop configuration to those which are fully programmed in bespoke or widely adopted programming languages to the offer total customisation - so there is definitely more choice for resellers and end users.

One trend that many have noticed over the decade is that AV systems have largely become simpler - less physical equipment racks - less input sources, as individual devices have become more and more smart. (Who needs a Bluray or TV Tuner when you have Netflix and Live TV streamed to a Laptop or other mobile device?) However this doesn't mean that the task for a user is any easier - it's often just different. There are still challenges that need to be addressed for users to walk into an environment and work with the AV technology to be productive in their meeting/lecture/_insert collaborative task here_.

Another hugely important consideration is not just the user that is operating the AV system, but there are now other "users" to consider - such as AV service technicians, IT/AV technology managers, space planning / timetabling analysts, estates representatives and other similar back-end support roles - that need to integrate and utilise aspects of the room technology for monitoring and support purposes. While this may not be applicable for a one-off meeting space in a small business, it is increasingly important for large enterprise organisations and education institutions that have to support and manage large numbers of technology enabled rooms and spaces.

Choices, choices, choices

So, lets have a look at some of the current options for types of control and automation in AV systems:

1. Integrated AV Devices

One part of AV technology that has undoubtedly shifted significantly over the last 20 years is the use of LED display technology. Not only have projectors been replaced in most small to medium sized spaces, but the LED displays themselves have become the primary device, offering touchscreen interaction and control of inputs, on-board wireless presentation and "whiteboard" functions, automatic power on/off etc. As such, these types of all-in-one devices can be compelling for certain use cases, however the physical size restriction, lack of customisation and adaptability mean they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for all spaces. Often these types of devices have not been designed with AV integration in mind, and therefore can sometimes be a challenge to get working with other devices or systems.Nevertheless, they often offer a lot of standalone functionality at a low cost.

2. Touch-less automated control

Not only have LED displays become more intelligent, but so have other AV components. Typically this type of approach relies on a model of distributed control rather than one central control brain. For example many AV switchers offer automatic switching, and vendors like Extron have more recently introduced "workspace controllers" that add power automation to spaces based on room occupancy or signal detection without the need for a physical user interface. For simpler spaces, this can be a very effective option especially if the users are presented with information about how to use the space via the main display after entering the room. Occupancy or signal sensing also offers advantages to power management, ensuring that devices can be powered off when not required although this can also be implemented in spaces with a dedicated control interface.

3. Button controllers

Many of the AV control manufacturers offer control interfaces with fixed physical buttons. The controllers typically offer customisation of button labelling and are designed for simple and tactile use, often replicating and simplifying the controls offered by a display/projector IR remote control but perhaps adding in some audio control of an amplifier, control of an external AV switcher and perhaps automation of a projection screen for example. The biggest advantage of these types of devices is undoubtedly simplicity. The fact there are a limited number of buttons, means the controller can only offer a limited number of functions also and are therefore typically more suited to smaller/simpler systems. That said, it is possible to use these types of simple interfaces behind a larger and more complex control/AV system where the goal is still to offer simplicity to the user. Often, this type of solution is preferred for lower cost of purchase and/or where the space may be operated by varying types of users that may be confused with a graphical touchscreen interface (touch panel). While button controllers may come in different shapes and sizes, they are generally still preferred over touch panels where function (and cost) is more important than form.

4. Touch panel controller

Touch panel controllers were introduced to offer more customisation than a button controller. Instead of having a fixed layout of physical buttons, the programmer/designer of a touch panel interface has complete control over the look, feel and operation of the system (for better or worse!). The interface can be designed and defined with the required buttons and feedback types, and include objects like sliders, images and potentially video previews also. The near-limitless customisation also helps with prestige and standardisation between rooms, where the graphical theme can be replicated easily for consistency yet individual functions can vary slightly. In many cases, the touch panel control is typically still a "universal remote control", providing the user with predefined buttons and functions to operate the system with varying degrees of success.

5. Other

There are also hybrid systems, using a mixture of the above in particular applications. This isn't meant to be an exhaustive list either, but a summary of what I see and have experienced to date in my career.

How to choose?

We can consider some of the differences between button controllers vs. touch panel controllers as analogous to recent changes with the interior design of cars. When you compare the dashboard of a Tesla to pretty much any other car before it, Tesla integrated all the car infotainment, climate control, and advanced functions into a single touchscreen. The alternative is a car with various knobs and dials for different functions spread across the front dashboard. For some, Tesla's is extreme and lacks the tactile response of physical controls and indicators, but it is undeniable that their interior is more streamlined and minimalist in design. Clearly there is a safety factor with in-car controls which is not present in meeting rooms, but I think the analogy still stands.

No matter what type of user interface, the technology should be designed and implemented in such a way that users are able to easily use it. Sometimes training may be needed, but hopefully it is intuitive for most users without.

What is paramount is that the experience should be consistent within an organisation so that users know what to or not to expect.

Final thoughts

I firmly believe that touch panel graphics and intelligently programmed control systems offer the opportunity for a lot more functionality and improvement in the overall user experience than is often achieved.

I hope to write a series of articles, outlining some ideas for improving the capabilities of control systems - usually touch panel based - with the goal of making the implementation of integrated AV systems more efficient of time, energy and resources and hopefully as a result more enjoyable too!

If you have taken the time to read this, please let me know with a simple like or comment and tell me what you would like to share in the future. This is my first (and hopefully not last) article, so all feedback is appreciated.

Dan

I am husband, Dad to 3 kids and AV geek.

I have been involved in technology since I could use a remote control, but started on audio mixing desks in church as a teen and later joined the Pro AV industry after studying an Electronic Engineering degree.

I currently work for Extron Europe as a Systems Design Engineer supporting the design and implementation of integrated AV systems for customers in the UK.

I also volunteer as a musician and worship leader at Real Life Church in Sutton Coldfield where we live.