AV SYSTEMS
LED video walls offer flexibility.
Phil Wiltshire
Phil Wiltshire is contracts manager at Pensdown – a family-run business that delivers a full range of bespoke electrical, audio-visual and structured cabling services. Having joined Pensdown in 2010 as an apprentice electrician, Phil now manages the daily operations of the business. This includes tasks such as reviewing project statuses and addressing any immediate concerns, meeting with customers and producing detailed proposals and tenders, working with the operatives on site to ensure they are fully supported, and preparing contract information to issue to clients.
surfaces, high ceilings, and mechanical noise can all distort sound and reduce intelligibility if not addressed early in the design process. Complexity is also a recurring issue. Systems that require multiple remotes or unfamiliar software discourage use and increase support calls. The best AV environments are intuitive, allowing users to start meetings or adjust settings with a single touch. Facilities managers should advocate for simplicity in both design and control interfaces. The foundation of any successful AV system is thorough and early-stage planning. Before equipment is chosen or budgets finalised, facilities managers need a clear understanding of how spaces will be used and what outcomes are required. A training room has very different needs from a boardroom or a hybrid meeting suite. Anticipating the number of users, the type of content to be displayed and the expected interaction level helps define the technical specifications. This means that integration should be considered from
the outset. AV systems rarely operate in isolation – they share power supplies, containment routes, and network resources with other building services. Collaboration between the facilities team, IT specialists, and electrical contractors ensures that the infrastructure can accommodate both current and future requirements. This proactive approach prevents costly rework and avoids operational downtime once the building is in use.
Technical considerations for FM professionals Facilities managers do not need to be AV engineers, but understanding key technical principles allows for better oversight and smarter decision-making. Cabling quality, for instance, has a major impact on performance. High-speed Category 6A or fibre-optic cabling provides
the bandwidth needed for modern video conferencing. Similarly, Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology can simplify installations by delivering both data and power through a single connection, but power loads must be carefully calculated.
A single point of control Audio quality remains one of the most common points of failure in meeting rooms. Correct microphone placement and speaker configuration are essential to achieving natural sound. Directional microphones, ceiling arrays, and acoustic modelling can all improve clarity and reduce echo. On the visual side, high-resolution displays or laser projectors provide consistent brightness and minimal maintenance, while LED video walls offer flexibility for larger or more public spaces. Control systems have also become central to the user
experience. Centralised touch panels or tablet interfaces allow a single point of control for lighting, blinds, sound, and video. Integration with occupancy sensors or digital calendars can automate room setup and shutdown, streamlining operation. Security is equally important – as AV devices are now networked, they must be managed with the same diligence as IT equipment, including regular firmware updates and encrypted communication. Sustainability has become a defining consideration in facilities management and AV systems can play an important role in achieving environmental goals. Energy- efficient displays, low-power amplifiers, and automatic standby modes can significantly reduce consumption. Integrating AV with the building management system also allows for intelligent scheduling so that equipment powers up only when required.
Cloud-based conferencing platforms further contribute to sustainability by reducing the need for travel and by
Effective communication depends on clarity, reliability, and ease of use. When audio or video quality fails, meetings become frustrating and time is wasted. A properly engineered system removes barriers and allows people to collaborate naturally, wherever they are located.
66 Health Estate Journal May 2026
AdobeStock / Gorodenkoff
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