Audio/Video Control & Distribution Systems

Audio/Video (AV) Control & Distribution is all about convenience and functionality. AV Control & Distribution Systems overcome obstacles and, in many cases, save money when distributing AV equipment throughout the home. Here is some of the equipment we use in our systems:

Modulators: These are devices which literally create new TV channels that can be distributed throughout the home. Any device with an audio or video output can be "modulated". Typical devices are satellite receivers, digital cable boxes, DVD players, VCRs, Tivo, Media Servers, PC's, cameras, etc. The video signal input can be either composite or S-video. The audio can be distributed in mono, stereo, or 5.1 surround sound.  

Infrared (IR) Repeaters: IR repeaters solve a wide variety of challenges. The most common application is when the AV equipment is located in a closed cabinet and the homeowner doesn't want to leave the cabinet doors open so the remotes will work. A small sensor called a "target" is placed by the TV set. When you point your remote toward the TV set the signal is repeated to the equipment located in the cabinet. Other applications include controlling equipment in the entertainment center from multiple locations throughout the home. A wide variety of "targets" are available to meet every need. 

Splitters & Combiners: These devices serve similar functions. Splitters allow us to divide the AV signals to all of the TV sets through the home. A properly designed system ensures that all TV sets receive an equal amount of signal. Combiners are used to combine the AV signal from multiple sources such as cable TV and any modulated device. Just change the channel on your TV to go from Cable TV to the DVD or camera.

Bi-Directional Video Amplifiers: These devices increase the amount of signal delivered to each TV set throughout the home. They are necessary to overcome the signal loss created by splitting the signal to multiple TV locations. We typically recommend video amplifiers in homes with more than 7 TV jacks, although sometimes this varies due to incoming signal strength from the Cable TV company and the length of the cable runs in the home. The bi-directional feature is necessary when using 2-way services from the Cable TV company, such as a cable modem for internet service.  

Applications

Here are some typical applications for AV Control & Distribution Equipment, although we frequently solve other challenges with this equipment. Just use your imagination!

Satellite Systems: Homes today have more TV sets than ever. We sometimes find that a home with only 3 residents has 6 to 8 TV sets. Why pay for satellite equipment and service to  8 TV sets when only 2 are being viewed at any given time? By installing this equipment you can locate the satellite equipment in a central location while viewing and controlling this equipment from any TV location in the home. 

Digital Cable: The Cable TV company doesn't typically charge monthly for extra TV sets connected to standard analog cable service, but digital cable is another story. Many homeowners find that distributing the digital cable box to all TV sets is the most cost effective solution.

DVD, VCR, and Media Servers: Homes with many TV sets seldom watch more than one video at a time. Why buy additional equipment for every TV when you can view and control a single source of this equipment from every TV location? 

TV Cameras: Watch the baby's room, the kids in the back yard, or identify a caller at the front door by simply tuning any TV set to a designated channel.