These Are the Audio Visual Acronyms Tech Managers Should Commit to Memory

If you’re in charge of audio video equipment purchasing at your organization, chances are your eyes are growing tired of reading all of these acronyms: AVoIP, UC, HDBaseT… The list goes on and on. We thought we’d team up with our sister site, the installer-focused Commercial Integrator, to make your next corporate AV equipment purchase a little easier.

Here are a few audio visual acronyms that you should be familiar with if you are in charge of the next corporate AV equipment purchase at your organization:

Audio Visual Protocols

AVoIP – short for “AV over IP,” or the transfer of audio visual data over an IP network.

SDVoE – “software-defined video over ethernet;” this refers to an AVoIP protocol that utilizes off-the-shelf ethernet switches.

HDMI – “High-Definition Multimedia Interface;” an uncompressed digital connector providing an interface between 8-channel digital audio and HDTV standards. You should already know this one!

HDBaseT – “high-definition video, audio, power, home networking, Ethernet, USB, & control over category cable.”

LED – “light-emitting diode;” a material that emits light when electricity passes through it.

PoE – “Power over Ethernet,” network cables that allow electricity to pass through to power systems (lighting for example).

Audio Visual Acronyms for Business Practices

AVaaS – “AV as a Service;” An emerging solution from AV Integration firms that allows them to keep you up and running without sending a truck. Paying a certain amount for AV equipment purchases per month in exchange for automatic service, updates, monitoring, and business data associated with the tech.

LEED – “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design;” The building certification standard used for the Green or Sustainable construction movement.

OFE – “owner-furnished equipment.”

SaaS – “software as a service.”

Certifications & Miscellaneous Audio Visual Acronyms

CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I – “Certified Technology Specialist” (D for design; I for installation); the mark of someone who has been certified by AVIXA, the trade association representing the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. These CTS, CTS-D, and CTS-I certified professionals display this distinction because it qualifies them as having completed the necessary amount of credits per year needed to uphold it and keep themselves up to date with audio visual technology best practices.

APEX – “Audiovisual Provider of Excellence;” AVIXA program that honors member companies that achieve certain levels of employee certification and training; another thing to look for if you’re the corporate AV equipment purchase decision maker looking for next-level audio visual installation companies.

BYOD – “bring your own device;” the capability to join a meeting using only the tech end users bring to it, such as a smartphone or laptop.

PSIM – “Physical Security Information Management.”

DSCE, DSDE, DSNE, DCME, DSSP – The certifications for the digital signage installation industry as adopted by the DSE, DSF, and ISA. They stand for: