We live and work in a world that relies on wireless technology more and more. From our cell phones and laptop computers to the gadgets we use in our own homes, we use wireless products to get things done on a regular basis. What about when it comes to our audiovisual systems? Is integrating wireless technology a good move, or should we stick to the wired gear that already gets the job done?
When wired equipment is the best choice
When weighing your options and considering the jump from a wired audiovisual system to a wireless one, there are quite a few reasons why a hardwired network may be your best option. First and foremost, wired equipment is less expensive and easier to install. While wireless technology offers flexibility and simplicity once it’s set up, a wired system tends to be more reliable for a longer amount of time.
The size of your space and how much you use your system should also be taken into account. For a home theater system in which there are simple commands like turning on certain gadgets or dimming lights, wireless audiovisual gear may work well without any issues. If your space requires a lot of equipment, such as a recording studio or a large sound stage, relying solely on wireless technology won’t cut it. In cases like this, it’s important to reach out to an experienced AV tech to help you find a happy medium that is within budget, is simple to use, and still performs adequately.
Working with wireless audiovisual gear
Integrating more wireless AV gear into your system can feel like a lot of work, but it’s focused on automation and cutting your cord volume down by quite a bit. If you have a strong wireless network that can withstand the amount of traffic coming through to transfer the information between your wireless gear, then implementing more of these gadgets may not involve many hiccups.
On the other hand, if your network is less reliable and tends to experience issues like WiFi “broadcast storms” or low bandwidth, this process will not be very easy. It’s important to know your network before deciding to replace a lot of your wired equipment with applications and gadgets that will rely on it to work properly.
Making your decision
Each space is vastly different from the next, whether it’s the size of your venue, the type of services you need, or the budget you’ve set for the project. Understanding how different types of AV gear work and how they can all work together also plays a major role in the decision-making process. When deciding if a wireless system, a wired system, or even a hybrid of the two is right for your space, always refer to professionals who have experience working with both to help guide you through the process.