Commercial AV installations are complex. And despite the best efforts and intentions, problems often develop over the course of an AV project.

But let’s say you’re feeling good about your project’s AV. Your client has an excellent rapport with the contractor and has stated their needs clearly. The installers are prompt and professional. Maybe you’ve even had your MEP’s technology specialist review the design. But no one is scheduled to commission the system.

The building opens, and all is well for a month. Then, a presenter notes an issue with a laptop input. The facility’s IT technician opens the back of the lectern to troubleshoot, and…

Ouch! What a mess. Nothing’s labelled, so it’s tough to troubleshoot, and everything is overheating. How could this have happened?

Well, the client requested the lectern from their old building be re-used to save money on equipment. There’s nothing wrong with that, but no one allocated any time for the contractor to clean up the old rack. The lectern arrived late and the installers, under pressure, did what they needed to get things working for the first presentation. They had just enough time to load out their tools before staff excitedly entered their new presentation room, and this mess was neither seen nor heard… until it was.

Had commissioning been required before handover, this would have been flagged and brought up to standard. Though, it is unlikely such a mess would have endured so late into the project with a consultant’s attention, coordination and oversight.

Just as construction plans are drawn by one person and checked by another, AV systems should be tested and verified by a knowledgeable third party like an AV consultant. The cost is minimal, and the long-term savings enormous.

What Does AV Commissioning Cover?

AV commissioning is the task consultants undertake at the end of a project. We make sure the system performs exactly as intended to satisfy users’ needs from the first day it’s used.

Project managers can leverage the full extent of an AV consultant’s expertise with the commissioning process. We take stock of the entire install, from workmanship and equipment counts to firmware updates and documentation. And, of course, performance. We ensure audio is clear and free from distortion, projectors are bright and focused, and control panels are intuitive and complete.

We also hold installers to a high standard– though commissioning is not about standing in opposition to contractors. Consultants and installers are partners in delivering quality systems, and most contractors do an excellent job of installation. Commissioning is about providing checks, consistency, and an additional layer of assurance for the project owner.

Why Is AV Commissioning Essential To Your Project?

Big issues can compromise the utility of your system. This one here is an issue of aesthetics and function. Projectors work by casting a beam of light onto the screen where the image appears. With a light fixture ever-so-unfortunately located between the projector and screen, the beam is blocked, and a complete picture cannot be shown.

This could have been prevented a) in the design phase by cross-referencing the AV and lighting drawings, or b) during installation via close coordination between the consultant and PM to find a solution on site.

A facility-wide AV system is no small investment. And if yours is not fully tested and debugged, you can’t be sure it will perform as desired. You will end up devoting more time, effort, and capital to chasing down issues as they appear—after occupancy, when users expect things to work and scheduling time for deficiencies becomes a nightmare.

Safety is also an important consideration. Often, AV infrastructure is the last to be installed. A consultant can flag if those final few cables may have compromised a firewall or moisture barrier—major issues that jeopardize the building’s integrity.

We have overhead equipment installed safely, and will initiate a structural engineer’s review when necessary. We’re also equipped to test the performance of audio and video systems that integrate with building alarms. For example, will emergency messaging be loud enough? Will it be clearly intelligible? Will it be triggered in all zones, no matter the state of use? AV consultants understand how these functions work, and we review both wiring and programming to ensure they will work when they need to.

While an architect or engineer will take final responsibility for life safety issues, AV consultants bridge the gap between intent and execution.

What Is The Commissioning Process?

AVIXA (formerly InfoComm International) is the trade association representing the professional AV industry worldwide. It is the preeminent resource for AV standards. We follow AVIXA’s Performance Verification Guide and test systems against a 162-point checklist.

Few projects call for all 162 checks. Conversely, some facilities may have unique requirements not listed in the standard. These can be integrated into the process. Knowing which criteria to review is part of the expertise an AV consultant brings to the table.

The checklist items are divided into categories by function. Typical functions include audio performance (AP), video performance (VP), and cable management (CABL). Each item has a unique number that is used across the industry. That way, owners can trust that their system performs to an objective, proven standard.

Contractors are expected to document the work they’ve performed by creating drawings and operating manuals. As the project nears conclusion, we review these “Project Documents” to confirm they represent both our design and the physical installation clearly. These documents serve as the basis of your training and the key to future troubleshooting.

The guarantee of accurate, comprehensive system drawings is a great benefit to the owner and another example of how commissioning stimulates good habits from a project’s start. We then coordinate the handover of approved owner’s manuals and ensure proper training is provided per the initial specification.

Finally, we maintain and manage the AV deficiency list, taking some pressure off the general contractor and advising when payments should be released to the contractor.

Establishing standards and enforcing them is about providing the utmost quality to the user. It ensures consistency and elevates the industry. No one likes to pay big money for something that doesn’t work. And as much as you’ve paid—for the gear, the integrator, the consultant, everything—an installation without commissioning is a half-measure. You are left without a guarantee.

Of course, not every issue can be simply resolved by commissioning at the end of a project. It is the commitment to the commissioning requirement—throughout the project—that will ensure your system is delivered as advertised. The contractor will know the installation must meet industry standards before they are paid. The GC will rely on a knowledgeable third party to propose or approve necessary change orders. And we, the consultants, will be motivated to monitor for any issues that will complicate commissioning.

Luckily, there is a proven process to get that guarantee. Contact Chroma today to ensure your AV system performs as advertised.