An IT Pro’s Guide to Audio Visual Acronyms

If you’re a technology manager or IT professional, there is expectation by coworkers and vendors that you already know what every technology term and acronym mean. But nobody knows everything. That’s why this IT professionals’ guide to audio visual acronyms might just come in handy.

Sister site Commercial Integrator, which service integration firms that provide audio, video, automation, security, communication, collaboration and conferencing solutions to folks like you, recently unveiled its glossary of AV acronyms as a resource for newcomers to the industry.

Related: How to Write the Perfect RFP

Meanwhile, AV folks do have a reputation for tech talk. We figured that some of the acronyms defined for integrators might be just as valuable for IT pros and technology managers.

AudioVisual Tech Protocols

• AVoIP – short for “AV over IP,” or the transfer of audio visual data over an client’s IP network.
• SDVoE – “software-defined video over ethernet;” this refers to an AVoIP protocol that utilizes off-the-shelf ethernet switches.
• HDCP – “High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection;” a form of copy protection (scrambling of signals) that prevents copying of audio & video content as it travels across cables or connections.
• HDMI – “High-Definition Multimedia Interface;” an uncompressed digital connector providing an interface between 8-channel digital audio and HDTV standards.
• HDBaseT – “high-definition video, audio, power, home networking, Ethernet, USB, & control over category cable.”
• AVB – “Audio Video Bridging”
• LED – “light-emitting diode;” a material that emits light when electricity passes through it.
• OLED – “organic light-emitting diode;” a polymer or other organic substance used as a semiconductor in an LED

Guides for Requesting Any Type of AV Solution 

Audio Visual Acronyms for Business Practices

• SaaS – “software as a service”
• RFP – “request for proposals”
• OFE – “owner-furnished equipment”

Miscellaneous Audio Visual Acronyms

• CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I – “Certified Technology Specialist;” AVIXA’s pro AV certification program (D for design; I for installation)
• AV – “Audio-Visual;” if you’re reading this list, you surely must know this one above all other audio visual acronyms.
• VAR – “Value-Added Reseller”
• AIA – “American Institute of Architects”
• APEX – “Audiovisual Provider of Excellence;” AVIXA program that honors member companies that achieve certain levels of employee certification and training
• AR – “augmented reality;” formerly thought of as a gimmick, we’re seeing its use in more creative display projects each year.
• VR – “virtual reality”
• AI – “artificial intelligence;” hotly-debated whether or not this belongs in the AV industry.
• BYOD – “bring your own device;” a trend in corporate meeting spaces where customers are demanding the capability to join a meeting using only the tech they bring to it, such as a smartphone or laptop.
• CCTV – “Closed Circuit Television”
• PSIM – “Physical Security Information Management”
• BIM – “Building Information Modeling”

Digital Signage Certifications

DSCE, DSDE, DSNE, DCME and DSSP  — the certifications for the digital signage industry as adopted by the DSE, DSF, and ISA, stand for:

• Digital Signage Certified Expert (DSCE) the fundamentals course
• Digital Signage Display Expert (DSDE) on displays
• Digital Signage Network Expert (DSNE) on networks
• Digital Content and Media Ex[pert (DCME) on content and media
• Digital Signage Sales Professional (DSSP)

Related: Tips for Purchasing Digital Signage 

Don’t see some audio visual acronyms which should have been on this list? Let us know by putting them in the comments below!