How many times have you had to pause or sign out of an important meeting due to technical issues? Or have had to wait while someone else had to fix their set-up? Or have had to cancel a weekend plan of binge-watching your favorite sitcom on the home theatre system because it needed troubleshooting? Last year taught us how essential it is to have good-quality, well-functioning audio video equipment at home; it is a crucial part of our lives at this point. So, if you’re looking to invest in some good-quality audio and video equipment, keep reading to know more about a few tips that could help you find what’s best for you in the market.
1. Plan your budget and requirements in advance
When hunting for electronics, especially something as costly and significant as an AV system, it is always better to know your needs and requirements well in advance. Some things to keep in mind are the size of your room, what you need the AV system for (for instance, a WFH station, gaming set-up, home theatre, professional working station for your new business, etc.), and how much can you afford at the given moment.
Maintain a list of requirements when you go shopping to easily exclude options that don’t match your needs. This will save you time and avoid confusion. Also, research well about the audio-video equipment in the market, cost estimations at multiple locations, and potential discounts you can attain to prevent being tricked into paying more than necessary.
2. Research, research and research!
Understandably, you might not know everything about an AV system. This might cause you to miss out on some pieces of equipment that you might need. In such cases, research well or learn from an expert what you might need. You could even hire them to help you shop better. This will allow you to set up the best type of equipment for your home instead of settling for anything less.
3. Get to know everything about system’s metrics
It is all about the numbers at the end. Pay close attention to the details and the specifications of the entire system and its individual components. Some of the important terms and specs you should pay attention to when looking at new AV systems are Dynamic range, Feedback, Decibel, and Gain. While there are many more, these are the ones most commonly focused on. However, all this can be pretty overwhelming, we understand. Hence, it is always a good idea to consult a professional. You could take their advice while buying the system or consult them beforehand.
4. Don’t forget the accessories
If you are setting up a workstation, you would need many wires, maybe an extra monitor, lighting, and extra plugs. A home theatre might need additional speakers and receivers. A gaming station or working desk would both need mics. Make sure to invest in good-quality accessories. Additionally, surge protectors that protect your equipment when a sudden power surge or blackout occurs are also important. Fans and cooling vents increase the airflow and prevent the equipment from overheating. This improves the sound quality of your system and hence, is a must.
5. Warranty can be your best friend
Nobody likes their appliances to break down and need repair, especially if they are relatively new. However, as these are machines, they are bound to have breakdowns. This is why choosing an AV system that comes with a warranty is always a safe bet. Having a safety net to fall back on when something as big and expensive as an AV system demands repair makes absolute sense. Isn’t it? Therefore, it is important to look for the warranty periods on offer while choosing a suitable audio-video equipment for your cherished abode.
A great audio-video system can help elevate your work from home experience, make creating content easier, help you enjoy being at home a little more, and make weekend binging more fun. But it all depends on how efficiently you maintain the system all along. Make sure to comprehensively educate yourself before you decide to invest in these audio video equipment.