Does Apple have a place in your AV System?

Yep, we think it does.  Without question, you can do some pretty cool stuff with your iPad, iPhone, and iPod.  Most of us know that these devices are integrated with home entertainment and they can do some amazing stuff, but what about in the commercial world?  Indeed.  Imagine sitting around a boardroom table or even in a small meeting space.  You have a flat panel TV or maybe a video projector and you want to collaborate or demonstrate thoughts and ideas.  Why not stream wireless audio and video directly to that display and your speakers?  Well, the good news is, you can. You just need an Apple TV (about $99).  Hook up an HDMI cable from the Apple TV to your Display and connect wirelessly to your Apple iPad, iPhone, or iPod and you’re in business.  Ok, so there is a little networking stuff involved but with a little Google searching you can probably figure it out.  Or better yet, give us a call!

Cool stuff, but that’s not all Apple can do in your AV system.  Most major Control System manufacturers such as Crestron, AMX, Extron, RTI, Control4, Savant, URC, and others now allow your iPad or even iPhone to act as the UI (User Interface) for controlling the components in your AV system.

Now, I personally do not subscribe to the idea that you should use a wireless UI for your primary control point of an AV system, especially if its mission critical, but as a secondary point of control I love it.

I should note that when it comes to AV systems (especially those that need constant uptime and high security), I’m still partial to wired control and audio video transmissions due to their reliability and security.  There is a reason that most commercial IT infrastructure is still wired and not all wireless.  That being said, wireless AV transmissions are becoming more reliable, secure, and certainly have their place.

If you’re not familiar with control systems, check out this article .