Home Automation
Home Automation is the practice of connecting lighting, audio/video, shades, climate, security, and other home technologies so they can be controlled as one coordinated system.
Davis Audio & Video Glossary
Audio Video Definitions
Plain-English terms for smart homes, home theater, distributed audio/video, lighting, networking, security, commercial AV, and technology planning.
Category
Home Automation & Smart Home
Smart Home
Smart Home is a residence where connected devices and controls work together to improve comfort, convenience, security, and entertainment.
Integrated Home System
Integrated Home System is a professionally designed technology environment where devices share commands and status instead of operating as isolated products.
Scene Control
Scene Control is a preset command that triggers several actions at once, such as lighting, music, shades, climate, and video source changes.
One-Touch Control
One-Touch Control is the use of a single button, remote command, keypad press, or app tile to start a complete room or home experience.
Automation Schedule
Automation Schedule is a programmed timing rule that runs lights, shades, climate, audio, or security actions at specific times or days.
Occupancy-Based Automation
Occupancy-Based Automation is automation that responds to whether a room or area is occupied, usually through motion, presence, or occupancy sensors.
Voice Control
Voice Control is control of connected systems through spoken commands using an integrated voice assistant or voice-enabled interface.
Remote Access
Remote Access is the ability to view, control, troubleshoot, or monitor a home system from outside the property through a secure app or cloud connection.
Home Mode
Home Mode is a preset state for normal daily living that may adjust lighting, climate, music, security, and access settings.
Away Mode
Away Mode is a preset state that prepares a property for vacancy by adjusting lights, shades, temperature, locks, and security.
Goodnight Scene
Goodnight Scene is a bedtime automation scene that commonly turns off lights, secures doors, adjusts climate, lowers shades, and quiets entertainment systems.
Smart Home Ecosystem
Smart Home Ecosystem is the collection of devices, platforms, networks, controls, and integrations that make up a connected living environment.
IoT Device
IoT Device is an Internet-connected device, such as a thermostat, camera, speaker, lock, or appliance, that exchanges data and can be monitored or controlled.
Geofencing
Geofencing is automation based on a phone or user crossing a virtual geographic boundary around the home or business.
Category
Control Platforms, Interfaces & Programming
Control4
Control4 is a professional smart home automation platform used to unify lighting, entertainment, climate, security, shades, remotes, touchscreens, and mobile control.
Savant
Savant is a premium automation platform focused on single-app control of lighting, climate, entertainment, shades, security, and smart living experiences.
Automation Controller
Automation Controller is the hardware brain that stores programming and coordinates commands between devices, interfaces, and subsystems.
Smart Home Processor
Smart Home Processor is a dedicated processor that manages automation logic, device communication, scenes, schedules, and system status.
Touch Panel
Touch Panel is a wall-mounted or tabletop touchscreen interface used to control rooms, scenes, music, video, climate, lighting, and security.
Keypad
Keypad is a wall control with buttons that can be labeled and programmed for lights, shades, scenes, audio, or whole-room commands.
Universal Remote
Universal Remote is a programmable handheld remote that replaces multiple device remotes with one simple interface for audio, video, lighting, and scenes.
Mobile App Control
Mobile App Control is control of the system from a smartphone app, usually including room selection, source choice, lighting, climate, and security functions.
Tablet Control
Tablet Control is a larger-screen app interface used for room control, source selection, camera viewing, lighting scenes, and system status.
Voice Assistant Integration
Voice Assistant Integration is the connection between a control system and a voice platform so selected commands can be triggered hands-free.
Macro
Macro is a programmed sequence of commands that runs in a specific order to perform a larger action from one button press.
User Interface
User Interface is the visible control layout, naming, icons, button logic, and navigation clients use to operate the system.
Room Control
Room Control is control grouped around a specific space, such as theater, kitchen, patio, boardroom, or dining area.
System Programming
System Programming is the custom configuration that teaches the control system what every button, scene, schedule, source, and device should do.
Remote Troubleshooting
Remote Troubleshooting is diagnosing and correcting supported issues through secure remote access before or instead of sending a technician on site.
Category
Lighting Control & Smart Lighting
Lighting Control
Lighting Control is a system for controlling individual fixtures, loads, rooms, or whole properties through dimmers, keypads, scenes, schedules, and automation.
Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting is connected lighting that can be controlled, scheduled, dimmed, grouped, or automated from apps, keypads, sensors, or scenes.
Lighting Scene
Lighting Scene is a preset lighting look that sets multiple fixtures or zones to selected brightness levels and sometimes colors.
Dimmer
Dimmer is a lighting control that raises or lowers brightness instead of simply turning a light fully on or off.
Keypad Dimmer
Keypad Dimmer is a wall device that combines dimming control with programmable scene or zone buttons.
Centralized Lighting Panel
Centralized Lighting Panel is an equipment panel that houses lighting control modules so room switches can be simplified into keypads or scene controls.
Tunable White
Tunable White is lighting that can shift between warmer and cooler shades of white to support mood, tasks, or time-of-day preferences.
Circadian Lighting
Circadian Lighting is lighting design that changes intensity or color temperature over the day to better align with natural light patterns.
Color Temperature
Color Temperature is the warmth or coolness of white light, measured in Kelvin, that affects how a room feels and how colors appear.
Daylight Sensor
Daylight Sensor is a sensor that measures available natural light so electric lighting or shades can adjust automatically.
Occupancy Sensor
Occupancy Sensor is a sensor that detects presence or movement and can automatically trigger lighting or energy-saving actions.
Astronomical Clock
Astronomical Clock is a scheduling feature that uses sunrise and sunset times rather than a fixed clock time.
0-10V Dimming
0-10V Dimming is a commercial and architectural dimming method that uses a low-voltage control signal to adjust compatible fixtures or drivers.
DMX Lighting
DMX Lighting is a digital control protocol often used for color-changing, theatrical, landscape, architectural, or specialty lighting.
Load Type
Load Type is the electrical category of a lighting load, such as LED, incandescent, magnetic low-voltage, electronic low-voltage, or fluorescent.
Category
Automated Shades & Window Treatments
Automated Shades
Automated Shades is motorized window coverings that can open, close, or move to preset positions through schedules, keypads, remotes, apps, or scenes.
Motorized Blinds
Motorized Blinds is blinds with an integrated motor that tilts, raises, or lowers the window covering without manual cords.
Motorized Shades
Motorized Shades is fabric shades with an integrated motor that raises, lowers, or positions the shade through a control system.
Automated Window Treatments
Automated Window Treatments is a broad category for shades, blinds, draperies, and window coverings that respond to controls, scenes, schedules, or sensors.
Roller Shade
Roller Shade is a shade style where fabric rolls around a tube and moves up or down in a clean, minimal profile.
Blackout Shade
Blackout Shade is a shade designed to block most or all incoming light for bedrooms, theaters, media rooms, or privacy-sensitive spaces.
Solar Shade
Solar Shade is a shade fabric designed to reduce glare and heat while preserving some visibility through the window.
Dual Roller Shade
Dual Roller Shade is a two-shade system, often pairing a solar shade with a blackout shade in the same window opening.
Drapery Track
Drapery Track is a motorized or manual track system that moves fabric drapery panels along a window or wall opening.
Shade Pocket
Shade Pocket is a recessed ceiling or wall cavity that hides the shade roller when the shade is raised.
Fascia
Fascia is a decorative front cover that conceals the shade roller or mounting hardware.
Openness Factor
Openness Factor is the percentage of openness in a solar fabric, which affects view-through, glare control, and privacy.
Daylight Management
Daylight Management is the controlled use of natural light through shades, sensors, schedules, and lighting scenes.
Glare Control
Glare Control is the reduction of uncomfortable brightness or screen reflections caused by sunlight or intense light sources.
UV Protection
UV Protection is the reduction of ultraviolet light exposure that can fade furnishings, flooring, artwork, and interior finishes.
Category
Home Theater Design & Private Cinema
Home Theater
Home Theater is a residential entertainment space designed to deliver movie, sports, gaming, and music experiences with high-quality video, sound, seating, and control.
Private Cinema
Private Cinema is a dedicated, design-forward theater space intended to reproduce a premium cinema experience inside a home.
Dedicated Theater
Dedicated Theater is a room used primarily for theater performance, with controlled lighting, seating, acoustics, display, and sound layout.
Home Theater Design
Home Theater Design is the planning of screen size, speaker layout, seating, acoustics, wiring, lighting, control, and equipment for a theater room.
Theater Seating
Theater Seating is seating selected and positioned for sightlines, comfort, acoustic performance, viewing distance, and room capacity.
Riser
Riser is an elevated platform that lifts back-row seating so viewers can see over the front row.
Sightline
Sightline is the viewer's clear visual path from each seat to the screen without obstruction.
Viewing Distance
Viewing Distance is the distance between the viewer and screen, used to size the display and maintain comfortable picture detail.
Screen Size
Screen Size is the measured diagonal or viewing area of a TV or projection screen, selected based on room dimensions and seating distance.
Projector Placement
Projector Placement is the physical location and alignment of a projector so the image fits the screen correctly and performs reliably.
Acoustic Treatment
Acoustic Treatment is room materials and placements used to control reflections, reverberation, bass buildup, and clarity.
Sound Isolation
Sound Isolation is construction and design techniques that reduce sound transfer into or out of a theater room.
Movie Scene
Movie Scene is an automation scene that prepares the room for viewing by setting lights, shades, sources, volume, and display state.
Reference Level
Reference Level is a calibrated playback standard used in cinema and theater systems to reproduce sound at intended levels.
System Calibration
System Calibration is the process of measuring and adjusting audio, video, controls, and room settings for accurate, reliable performance.
Category
Surround Sound & Immersive Audio
Surround Sound
Surround Sound is audio played through multiple speakers around the listener to create direction, movement, space, and a more realistic entertainment experience.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is an immersive audio technology that can place sounds around and above the listener using object-based sound information and height-capable playback systems.
DTS:X
DTS:X is an object-based immersive audio format designed to create flexible three-dimensional sound in theaters and home entertainment systems.
Immersive Audio
Immersive Audio is audio reproduction that surrounds the listener horizontally and vertically, often using height speakers or object-based audio formats.
5.1 Surround
5.1 Surround is a speaker layout with five main channels and one low-frequency effects channel for a subwoofer.
7.1 Surround
7.1 Surround is a speaker layout with seven main channels and one low-frequency effects channel for a subwoofer.
Height Speakers
Height Speakers is speakers placed in or near the ceiling, or aimed upward, to reproduce overhead sound effects in immersive formats.
Center Channel
Center Channel is the front speaker responsible for most dialogue and on-screen sound in a theater or surround system.
LFE Channel
LFE Channel is the low-frequency effects channel in surround formats, commonly routed to one or more subwoofers.
Subwoofer Calibration
Subwoofer Calibration is the measurement and adjustment of subwoofer level, phase, placement, timing, and crossover settings.
Bass Management
Bass Management is the routing of low-frequency sound to subwoofers and capable speakers so bass is powerful, even, and controlled.
Room Correction
Room Correction is measurement-based audio processing that adjusts speaker output to reduce room-related tonal or timing problems.
Speaker Delay
Speaker Delay is timing adjustment that aligns sound from different speakers so it reaches the listener at the right moment.
Sweet Spot
Sweet Spot is the listening position where speaker placement, balance, imaging, and surround effects are optimized.
eARC
eARC is Enhanced Audio Return Channel, an HDMI feature that sends high-quality TV audio to an audio system through a single HDMI connection.
Category
Whole-Home Audio & Speaker Systems
Whole-Home Audio
Whole-Home Audio is a music system that distributes audio to multiple rooms or zones throughout a home from centralized or shared sources.
Distributed Audio
Distributed Audio is the design approach of sending music or audio signals to multiple rooms, zones, or speaker locations from a shared system.
Multi-Room Audio
Multi-Room Audio is audio that can play in more than one room with independent source, volume, and grouping options.
Audio Zone
Audio Zone is a controllable area of speakers, such as kitchen, patio, bedroom, or dining room, with its own volume or source behavior.
Music Zone
Music Zone is a room or area specifically grouped for music playback control within a multi-room audio system.
In-Ceiling Speaker
In-Ceiling Speaker is a speaker installed flush in the ceiling to provide audio while keeping technology visually discreet.
In-Wall Speaker
In-Wall Speaker is a speaker installed flush in the wall to save space and integrate with the room design.
Architectural Speaker
Architectural Speaker is a speaker designed to blend into the architecture, commonly installed in walls, ceilings, cabinetry, or outdoor structures.
Bookshelf Speaker
Bookshelf Speaker is a compact freestanding speaker often used for high-quality stereo, media room, or listening room applications.
Outdoor Speaker
Outdoor Speaker is a speaker designed to withstand outdoor conditions while delivering music across patios, gardens, pool areas, or yards.
Subwoofer
Subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce low bass frequencies that add impact to music, movies, and games.
Multi-Channel Amplifier
Multi-Channel Amplifier is an amplifier with several output channels used to power speakers in multiple rooms or zones.
Audio Matrix
Audio Matrix is a switching device that routes different audio sources to different rooms or zones.
DSP
DSP is digital signal processing used to tune audio levels, equalization, delays, crossovers, and room-specific performance.
High-Resolution Audio
High-Resolution Audio is digital audio with higher quality potential than standard compressed music, often valued in premium listening systems.
Category
Media Rooms & Entertainment Spaces
Media Room
Media Room is a multi-purpose entertainment room designed for movies, TV, sports, gaming, music, and everyday family use.
Multi-Purpose Media Room
Multi-Purpose Media Room is a flexible entertainment space that balances high-quality audio/video with normal living, gathering, or recreation needs.
Gaming Room
Gaming Room is an entertainment space designed around game consoles, displays, audio, low latency, lighting, seating, and network reliability.
Sports Room
Sports Room is a viewing space optimized for games, often including big displays, multiple screens, audio routing, and simple source control.
Big-Screen TV
Big-Screen TV is a large flat-panel display selected and installed for immersive viewing from the room seating positions.
Multi-Screen Viewing
Multi-Screen Viewing is the use of multiple displays in one area so viewers can watch several games, sources, or feeds at the same time.
Drop-Down Screen
Drop-Down Screen is a projection screen that retracts into a ceiling or housing when not in use.
TV Lift
TV Lift is a motorized mechanism that raises or lowers a television from furniture, cabinetry, a floor, or a ceiling cavity.
Motorized Art Cover
Motorized Art Cover is a framed artwork system that moves to reveal or conceal a television when needed.
Entertainment Cabinet
Entertainment Cabinet is furniture or millwork designed to house displays, speakers, components, wiring, and accessories cleanly.
Media Cabinet
Media Cabinet is cabinetry used to conceal or organize source equipment, network gear, amplifiers, remotes, and media-room components.
Source Equipment
Source Equipment is the devices that provide content, such as Apple TV, Roku, cable box, Blu-ray player, game console, or media server.
Gaming Console Integration
Gaming Console Integration is the connection and control of game systems within the room audio/video, display, network, and control design.
Party Scene
Party Scene is an automation scene that sets music, lighting, displays, and sometimes shades for entertaining.
Lifestyle AV Design
Lifestyle AV Design is audio/video design based on how people actually live, gather, entertain, relax, and use each room.
Category
Video Displays, Projection & Calibration
Display
Display is the visual device that shows video, such as a television, projection screen, commercial monitor, or LED wall.
OLED
OLED is a display technology where each pixel emits its own light, allowing excellent black levels and contrast.
QLED
QLED is an LED/LCD television technology that uses quantum dots to enhance brightness and color volume.
Mini-LED
Mini-LED is an LED backlighting technology that uses many small dimming zones to improve contrast and brightness control.
Projector
Projector is a video device that casts an image onto a screen or projection surface.
Laser Projector
Laser Projector is a projector that uses a laser light source for long life, brightness stability, and fast startup.
Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
Ultra-Short-Throw Projector is a projector placed very close to the screen, often used where a ceiling-mounted projector is impractical.
Projection Screen
Projection Screen is a surface engineered to reflect projected video toward viewers with the right brightness, texture, size, and viewing characteristics.
Acoustically Transparent Screen
Acoustically Transparent Screen is a projection screen material that allows sound from speakers behind the screen to pass through with minimal obstruction.
ALR Screen
ALR Screen is an ambient-light-rejecting screen designed to preserve contrast and image quality when some room light is present.
Screen Gain
Screen Gain is a measure of how much light a projection screen reflects compared with a standard reference surface.
Nits
Nits is a unit of display brightness commonly used to describe televisions, monitors, and commercial displays.
HDR
HDR is high dynamic range video that can deliver expanded contrast, brighter highlights, and wider color when the display and content support it.
4K
4K is a video resolution class with roughly four times the pixel count of 1080p HD, commonly used in modern TVs, projectors, and sources.
Video Calibration
Video Calibration is the adjustment of display or projector settings to improve brightness, color accuracy, contrast, sharpness, and image consistency.
Category
Distributed Video & Source Management
Distributed Video
Distributed Video is a system that sends video sources to multiple displays or rooms from centralized or shared equipment.
Video Distribution
Video Distribution is the method of routing video signals from sources to one or more displays using a matrix, extender, network, or AV-over-IP system.
HDMI Matrix
HDMI Matrix is a switching device that routes multiple HDMI sources to multiple HDMI displays in different combinations.
Video Matrix
Video Matrix is a routing device that sends selected video inputs to selected outputs such as TVs, projectors, or displays.
Source Routing
Source Routing is the process of sending the chosen content source to the correct display, room, or audio zone.
Centralized Source Equipment
Centralized Source Equipment is content devices housed in a rack or equipment location instead of being installed at every TV.
Apple TV Distribution
Apple TV Distribution is routing one or more Apple TV devices from a central location to displays throughout a property.
Streaming Device Distribution
Streaming Device Distribution is sharing devices such as Apple TV, Roku, or similar streamers across rooms through the video distribution system.
HDBaseT
HDBaseT is a professional AV transport technology that can carry audio, video, control, Ethernet, USB, and power over category cable for long distances.
HDMI over Cat6
HDMI over Cat6 is the extension of HDMI video and audio signals over category cable using transmitters, receivers, or baluns.
AV over IP
AV over IP is audio/video distribution that encodes signals for transport across an IP network using encoders, decoders, and network switches.
Encoder
Encoder is a device that converts audio or video into a network stream or distribution format.
Decoder
Decoder is a device that receives a network stream or encoded signal and converts it back for a display or audio system.
EDID
EDID is display identification data that tells a source what video and audio formats a display or system can support.
HDCP
HDCP is copy-protection technology used over HDMI and related digital video paths to protect protected content.
Category
Wiring, Pre-Wiring & Low-Voltage Infrastructure
Structured Wiring
Structured Wiring is a planned low-voltage cabling system that organizes network, audio, video, control, surveillance, and communications wiring.
Pre-Wiring
Pre-Wiring is installing cables, conduit, boxes, and pathways before walls or ceilings are finished so future systems can be added cleanly.
Low-Voltage Wiring
Low-Voltage Wiring is cabling used for systems such as networking, speakers, controls, cameras, shades, doorbells, security, and communications.
Rough-In Wiring
Rough-In Wiring is the stage when cables, boxes, brackets, and pathways are installed before drywall or final finishes.
Trim-Out
Trim-Out is the stage when wall plates, connectors, speakers, keypads, devices, and rack terminations are completed after finishes are installed.
Cat6
Cat6 is a category cable commonly used for Ethernet networks, access points, video extension, control, and connected devices.
Cat6A
Cat6A is an enhanced category cable designed for higher-performance Ethernet and greater bandwidth over supported distances.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber Optic Cable is a cable that transmits data using light, often used for high-bandwidth, long-distance, or future-proof network connections.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial Cable is a shielded cable type often used for cable television, satellite, antennas, broadband, and some video applications.
Speaker Wire
Speaker Wire is cable used to carry amplified audio from an amplifier or receiver to speakers.
Patch Panel
Patch Panel is a rack-mounted termination panel that organizes network or low-voltage cable runs for easier testing and service.
Home Run Wiring
Home Run Wiring is a wiring method where each cable run returns directly to a central location instead of chaining through multiple devices.
Conduit
Conduit is a protective tube or pathway that allows wires to be pulled, protected, replaced, or upgraded later.
Equipment Closet
Equipment Closet is a dedicated area that houses AV, network, control, power, and source equipment away from living spaces.
Future-Proof Wiring
Future-Proof Wiring is wiring and pathway planning intended to make future upgrades easier as technology changes.
Category
Networking, Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Wi-Fi Network
Wi-Fi Network is the wireless network that connects phones, laptops, tablets, smart devices, control interfaces, and streaming equipment.
Access Point
Access Point is a network device that creates Wi-Fi coverage in a specific area and connects wireless devices to the wired network.
Wired Network
Wired Network is the Ethernet cabling, switches, router, and hardware that provide stable data connections throughout a property.
Router
Router is the network device that connects the local network to the internet and manages traffic between networks.
Firewall
Firewall is a security device or service that filters network traffic and helps protect connected systems from unauthorized access.
Network Switch
Network Switch is a device that connects wired network devices and forwards data between them.
PoE
PoE is Power over Ethernet, a method of delivering electrical power and data over the same network cable.
Managed Switch
Managed Switch is a network switch that can be configured, monitored, segmented, and optimized for connected systems.
VLAN
VLAN is a virtual local area network used to segment network traffic for performance, security, or system organization.
Guest Network
Guest Network is a separate network for visitors that provides internet access while isolating private devices and systems.
SSID
SSID is the public or configured name of a Wi-Fi network that users select when connecting devices.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the amount of data a connection can carry over time, affecting streaming, downloads, uploads, and system responsiveness.
Latency
Latency is the time delay between sending and receiving data, which affects gaming, video conferencing, streaming control, and automation response.
Wi-Fi Heat Map
Wi-Fi Heat Map is a visual survey of wireless coverage, signal strength, interference, and access point performance in a space.
Network Monitoring
Network Monitoring is ongoing visibility into the status, uptime, alerts, and health of routers, switches, access points, and connected devices.
Category
Security, Surveillance & Access Control
Video Surveillance
Video Surveillance is a camera and recording system used to monitor, record, review, and remotely view activity around a home or business.
Security Camera
Security Camera is a camera used for monitoring interior or exterior areas, often connected to a recorder, app, or security system.
IP Camera
IP Camera is a network camera that sends digital video over Ethernet or Wi-Fi rather than traditional analog video cable.
Dome Camera
Dome Camera is a camera housed in a dome-shaped enclosure, often used for discreet indoor or commercial surveillance.
Bullet Camera
Bullet Camera is a visible cylindrical camera commonly used outdoors where deterrence, direction, or longer range is helpful.
Doorbell Camera
Doorbell Camera is a camera integrated into a doorbell station for entry monitoring, alerts, and visitor communication.
Night Vision
Night Vision is camera capability that improves visibility in dark conditions, often using infrared illumination or low-light sensors.
Motion Detection
Motion Detection is camera or sensor technology that identifies movement and can trigger recording, alerts, lighting, or automation.
Video Analytics
Video Analytics is software that analyzes camera video for events such as people, vehicles, line crossing, motion, or tampering.
NVR
NVR is network video recorder, a device or server that records and manages video from IP cameras.
DVR
DVR is digital video recorder, a recording device commonly associated with analog or coax-based surveillance systems.
Remote Viewing
Remote Viewing is accessing live or recorded camera video from a phone, tablet, computer, or secure web interface.
Privacy Mask
Privacy Mask is a configured blocked area in a camera view that prevents recording or viewing sensitive zones.
Access Control
Access Control is a system of credentials, locks, readers, rules, and logs that manages who can enter controlled areas.
Video Intercom
Video Intercom is an entry communication system that lets occupants see, speak with, and often unlock access for visitors.
Category
Outdoor Audio, Video & Lighting
Outdoor Audio
Outdoor Audio is a weather-aware speaker and amplification system designed to bring music to patios, pools, gardens, decks, and yards.
Outdoor TV
Outdoor TV is a display built or selected for outdoor use, with weather protection and brightness suited to the installation environment.
Outdoor AV
Outdoor AV is audio, video, control, wiring, network, and lighting systems designed for exterior entertainment spaces.
Patio Audio
Patio Audio is a speaker zone or audio system focused on a patio, deck, terrace, or outdoor seating area.
Landscape Speaker
Landscape Speaker is an outdoor speaker designed to blend into gardens, plantings, pathways, or landscape features.
Rock Speaker
Rock Speaker is a weather-resistant outdoor speaker shaped or finished to resemble a landscape rock.
Buried Subwoofer
Buried Subwoofer is an outdoor subwoofer installed partly underground to deliver bass while minimizing visible equipment.
Weatherproof Speaker
Weatherproof Speaker is a speaker designed with materials and construction that resist moisture, UV exposure, temperature changes, and outdoor conditions.
Sun-Bright TV
Sun-Bright TV is an outdoor or high-brightness television designed to remain visible in brighter outdoor conditions.
IP Rating
IP Rating is an ingress protection rating that describes how well a device enclosure resists dust and water.
Outdoor Wi-Fi
Outdoor Wi-Fi is wireless network coverage extended to outdoor areas using weather-rated access points and proper placement.
Outdoor Lighting Control
Outdoor Lighting Control is control of exterior lights through scenes, schedules, sensors, keypads, or automation.
Landscape Lighting
Landscape Lighting is low-voltage or architectural lighting used to illuminate pathways, plantings, hardscape, architecture, and outdoor gathering areas.
Pool Audio
Pool Audio is a music zone designed for pool areas with appropriate speaker coverage, controls, safety planning, and weather-resistant equipment.
Weatherproof Enclosure
Weatherproof Enclosure is a protective box or housing that shields electronics, connections, or equipment from outdoor exposure.
Category
Commercial Automation & Business AV
Commercial AV
Commercial AV is audio, video, control, conferencing, display, signage, and communication systems designed for business environments.
Commercial Automation
Commercial Automation is automation for offices, restaurants, retail, hospitality, and other businesses that coordinates AV, lighting, shades, signage, security, and schedules.
Office AV
Office AV is audio/video systems used in offices, including displays, conferencing, presentation, distributed audio, networking, and room control.
Retail AV
Retail AV is commercial audio, display, signage, and control systems used to improve customer experience and store operations.
Hospitality AV
Hospitality AV is audio, video, lighting, control, signage, and networking systems for restaurants, bars, hotels, lounges, and event spaces.
Centralized Commercial Control
Centralized Commercial Control is a control system that lets managers or staff operate multiple rooms, zones, displays, lights, and sources from approved interfaces.
Staff Control Interface
Staff Control Interface is a simplified control screen, remote, keypad, or tablet view designed for everyday staff use.
Open/Close Scene
Open/Close Scene is a business automation scene that prepares the space for opening or closing by setting audio, displays, lighting, signage, and security states.
System Uptime
System Uptime is the amount of time a system is available and working as expected without outages or service interruptions.
User Permissions
User Permissions is rules that determine which users can control, view, edit, or access specific devices, rooms, or system features.
Paging System
Paging System is an audio communication system used to make announcements to selected zones or an entire business.
Sound Masking
Sound Masking is controlled background sound used to reduce speech distraction and improve privacy in offices or commercial spaces.
Commercial Lighting Control
Commercial Lighting Control is lighting control designed for business operations, energy use, scenes, schedules, occupancy, and ambiance.
Business Network
Business Network is the wired and wireless network infrastructure that supports business users, guests, AV, cameras, signage, and control systems.
Remote Management
Remote Management is the ability to monitor, update, troubleshoot, reboot, or support a business technology system without always visiting the site.
Category
Restaurant & Bar AV
Restaurant AV
Restaurant AV is audio, video, display, lighting, control, networking, and security technology designed for restaurant operations and guest experience.
Bar AV
Bar AV is audio, video, TV, control, lighting, and source routing systems designed for bars, lounges, and entertainment-focused hospitality spaces.
Sports Bar AV
Sports Bar AV is a multi-display and multi-zone audio/video system designed to show games clearly and route the right audio to the right area.
Dining Room Audio
Dining Room Audio is a background or foreground music system designed to support ambience in a dining space without overwhelming conversation.
Private Dining AV
Private Dining AV is display, audio, microphone, control, or presentation technology for private dining rooms and events.
Music Zoning
Music Zoning is separating a venue into controllable music areas with different volume levels, sources, or schedules.
Multi-TV Control
Multi-TV Control is centralized control of multiple televisions, sources, channels, power states, and display groups.
Game-Day Control
Game-Day Control is preset AV routing and control logic designed for high-demand sports viewing events.
Audio Routing
Audio Routing is sending the selected audio source to the correct speaker zone, bar area, dining area, patio, or private room.
Video Routing
Video Routing is sending the selected video source or channel to the correct TV, projector, display, or video wall.
Digital Menu Board
Digital Menu Board is a display-based menu system that can show food, beverage, pricing, promotions, images, or dayparted content.
Ambiance
Ambiance is the combined effect of lighting, music, displays, acoustics, controls, and room design on how a space feels.
Mood Lighting
Mood Lighting is lighting designed and controlled to set the desired feeling for dining, nightlife, private events, or service periods.
Owner Controls
Owner Controls is manager or owner-level controls that provide broader access than everyday staff interfaces.
Equipment Rack
Equipment Rack is a structured rack that houses amplifiers, network gear, video distribution, source devices, power, and control hardware for the venue.
Category
Digital Signage & Video Walls
Digital Signage
Digital Signage is electronic visual communication that uses displays to show images, text, video, menus, promotions, announcements, or live information.
Video Wall
Video Wall is multiple displays or LED panels arranged together to create one large visual canvas.
Digital Menu Board
Digital Menu Board is a digital signage display used to present menu items, prices, photos, promotions, and daypart-specific offerings.
Signage Display
Signage Display is a screen used for digital signage content in restaurants, offices, retail, hospitality, or public-facing spaces.
Commercial Display
Commercial Display is a professional display built for longer operating hours, business mounting, signage, reliability, and control features.
Media Player
Media Player is the device or software that plays signage content on a display.
Signage CMS
Signage CMS is a content management system used to upload, schedule, organize, and publish digital signage content.
Playlist
Playlist is a sequence of signage content items that plays on a display or group of displays.
Dayparting
Dayparting is scheduling different signage content by time of day, such as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, or event mode.
Content Schedule
Content Schedule is the planned timing for when specific signage messages, media, playlists, or layouts appear.
Interactive Kiosk
Interactive Kiosk is a touchscreen signage station that lets users browse, order, check in, navigate, or access information.
LED Wall
LED Wall is a large display made from direct-view LED modules rather than traditional flat-panel screens.
High-Brightness Display
High-Brightness Display is a display designed for areas with strong ambient light, storefront exposure, or outdoor visibility needs.
Portrait Orientation
Portrait Orientation is a vertical display layout often used for menus, directories, retail signage, and narrow wall spaces.
Remote Content Update
Remote Content Update is the ability to change signage content from a remote location through a networked signage platform.
Category
Conference Room, Meeting Space & Office AV
Conference Room AV
Conference Room AV is audio, video, conferencing, display, control, microphone, camera, and presentation technology for formal meeting spaces.
Meeting Room AV
Meeting Room AV is technology that supports presentations, calls, collaboration, display sharing, and room control in meeting spaces.
Boardroom AV
Boardroom AV is a premium meeting room AV system designed for executive presentations, conferencing, displays, microphones, and control.
Huddle Room
Huddle Room is a small meeting space designed for quick collaboration, often using a compact display, camera, microphone, and simple connectivity.
Presentation System
Presentation System is a system for showing content from laptops, media players, or wireless sharing devices on a room display or projector.
Wireless Presentation
Wireless Presentation is a method of sharing content to a display without plugging in an HDMI or USB-C cable.
BYOD
BYOD is bring your own device, a meeting-room approach that lets users connect their own laptop, tablet, or phone to room technology.
Zoom Room
Zoom Room is a dedicated room system configured for Zoom video conferencing with supported camera, audio, display, and control hardware.
Microsoft Teams Room
Microsoft Teams Room is a dedicated room system configured for Microsoft Teams conferencing with supported camera, audio, display, and control hardware.
Video Conferencing
Video Conferencing is real-time audio and video communication between people in different locations using cameras, microphones, displays, and network connectivity.
PTZ Camera
PTZ Camera is a pan-tilt-zoom camera that can move and zoom to frame presenters, participants, or meeting areas.
Microphone Array
Microphone Array is a microphone system with multiple pickup elements that captures speech across a table or room.
Acoustic Echo Cancellation
Acoustic Echo Cancellation is audio processing that prevents remote participants from hearing their own voices echo back during a call.
Room Scheduling Panel
Room Scheduling Panel is a wall-mounted display used to show room availability and reserve meeting spaces.
Cable Cubby
Cable Cubby is a table or floor box that organizes power, HDMI, USB, network, and other meeting-room connection cables.
Category
Acoustic Paneling & Room Acoustics
Acoustic Panels
Acoustic Panels is sound-control panels installed on walls or ceilings to reduce reflections, echo, reverberation, and listening fatigue.
Acoustic Paneling
Acoustic Paneling is a system of acoustic panels selected and placed to improve sound quality in theaters, media rooms, restaurants, offices, or listening spaces.
Acoustic Treatment
Acoustic Treatment is the planned use of absorption, diffusion, bass trapping, and placement to improve how a room sounds.
Sound Absorption
Sound Absorption is the reduction of reflected sound energy when sound waves hit absorptive materials.
Sound Diffusion
Sound Diffusion is the scattering of sound reflections so energy spreads more evenly rather than bouncing sharply back to the listener.
Bass Trap
Bass Trap is an acoustic treatment designed to absorb low-frequency energy that tends to build up in corners and room boundaries.
Ceiling Cloud
Ceiling Cloud is an acoustic panel or group of panels suspended from the ceiling to absorb reflections above a seating or listening area.
Reverberation
Reverberation is the persistence of sound in a room after the original sound stops, caused by repeated reflections.
Flutter Echo
Flutter Echo is a rapid repeating echo created when sound bounces between parallel hard surfaces.
Room Mode
Room Mode is a low-frequency resonance caused by room dimensions that can create boomy or weak bass at different seats.
First Reflection
First Reflection is the earliest strong sound reflection from a wall, ceiling, or floor after sound leaves a speaker.
NRC Rating
NRC Rating is noise reduction coefficient, a rating that indicates how much sound a material absorbs on average.
RT60
RT60 is the time it takes sound to decay by 60 decibels in a room, commonly used to describe reverberation time.
Speech Intelligibility
Speech Intelligibility is how clearly spoken words can be understood in a room or through a sound system.
Soundproofing
Soundproofing is construction methods intended to reduce sound transfer between spaces, which is different from acoustic treatment inside a room.
Category
AV Consulting, Design & Project Process
AV Consulting
AV Consulting is professional guidance on audio, video, control, lighting, wiring, networking, and technology decisions before or during a project.
Technology Consultation
Technology Consultation is a discovery meeting or planning process used to understand goals, spaces, budget, pain points, and desired user experience.
Needs Assessment
Needs Assessment is the process of identifying what a client wants to accomplish, who will use the system, and what constraints must be considered.
System Design
System Design is the planned layout of equipment, wiring, controls, user interfaces, sources, speakers, displays, and integration logic.
Scope of Work
Scope of Work is a written description of what will be included, installed, programmed, tested, and delivered in a project.
Site Walkthrough
Site Walkthrough is an on-site review of rooms, walls, ceilings, equipment locations, wiring paths, network conditions, and client goals.
Design Documentation
Design Documentation is drawings, notes, schedules, diagrams, or specifications used to communicate how the system should be installed and supported.
Rack Elevation
Rack Elevation is a layout drawing that shows where equipment will be positioned within an AV or network rack.
Cable Schedule
Cable Schedule is a document that lists cable types, source and destination locations, labels, and installation notes.
Product Specification
Product Specification is the selection and documentation of equipment models, quantities, capabilities, and installation requirements.
Budget Planning
Budget Planning is matching design options and product selections to the client's investment range and priorities.
Phased Installation
Phased Installation is a project approach where the system is installed in stages to match construction, budget, or operational requirements.
Client Training
Client Training is hands-on instruction that shows the client, family, or staff how to use the system confidently.
Commissioning
Commissioning is the final process of testing, configuring, labeling, calibrating, documenting, and confirming the system works as intended.
Upgrade Planning
Upgrade Planning is evaluating existing systems and recommending improvements that can be made now or in future phases.
Category
Service Plans, Support & Reliability
Service Plan
Service Plan is an ongoing support agreement for maintaining, troubleshooting, updating, and optimizing a home or business technology system.
Remote Monitoring
Remote Monitoring is ongoing visibility into connected equipment status, network health, alerts, uptime, and potential problems.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance is scheduled checks and updates intended to reduce failures, improve performance, and catch issues early.
Remote Support
Remote Support is help provided through phone, video, remote access, diagnostics, or secure system tools without an immediate site visit.
System Health
System Health is the overall condition of the technology system, including device status, network stability, alerts, updates, and reliability.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is the process of identifying and resolving problems in audio, video, network, control, camera, lighting, or automation systems.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics is tests and observations used to determine the cause of a system issue or performance problem.
Firmware Update
Firmware Update is an update to the low-level software inside hardware devices such as receivers, routers, cameras, switches, or control processors.
Software Update
Software Update is an update to applications, control interfaces, servers, or system software that may improve features, security, or compatibility.
Programming Update
Programming Update is a change to control-system logic, scenes, buttons, schedules, source names, or user interfaces.
Network Scan
Network Scan is a review of connected devices, signal health, address assignments, access points, or network conditions.
Configuration Backup
Configuration Backup is a saved copy of system programming, settings, or device configuration used for recovery or service.
Loaner Equipment
Loaner Equipment is temporary equipment provided during service or repair to keep a system usable while permanent equipment is addressed.
Warranty Support
Warranty Support is assistance with equipment warranty claims, manufacturer processes, replacement parts, and related service coordination.
System Audit
System Audit is a structured review of an existing technology system to document what is installed, what works, what needs attention, and what should be upgraded.
Category
Power, Racks & Reliability Infrastructure
AV Rack
AV Rack is a structured equipment rack that houses audio, video, network, control, power, and source components in an organized, serviceable layout.
Rack Unit
Rack Unit is a standard height measurement used to size rack-mounted equipment and plan rack space.
Rack Mount
Rack Mount is a hardware format or bracket system that secures equipment into a professional rack.
Rack Cooling
Rack Cooling is fans, vents, spacing, and airflow design used to keep rack equipment within safe operating temperatures.
Thermal Management
Thermal Management is the control of heat through ventilation, equipment spacing, fans, room conditioning, and rack design.
Cable Management
Cable Management is the labeling, routing, bundling, separation, and organization of cables for serviceability and reliability.
Power Conditioner
Power Conditioner is a device that filters or organizes power delivery to AV equipment and may provide surge protection.
Surge Protection
Surge Protection is protection designed to reduce damage risk from voltage spikes caused by storms, grid events, or equipment issues.
UPS
UPS is uninterruptible power supply, a battery-backed device that keeps equipment running briefly during outages or power interruptions.
Battery Backup
Battery Backup is stored power that supports equipment during a power loss or short outage.
Power Sequencer
Power Sequencer is a device or system that turns equipment on or off in a controlled order to avoid pops, overloads, or startup problems.
Dedicated Circuit
Dedicated Circuit is an electrical circuit reserved for specific equipment or systems to reduce overload and power noise risks.
Grounding
Grounding is electrical safety and signal-reference practices that help reduce shock hazards, noise, and equipment problems.
Remote Reboot
Remote Reboot is the ability to power-cycle selected equipment remotely when a device becomes unresponsive.
Controlled Power Cycle
Controlled Power Cycle is a planned restart of equipment in the correct order to restore operation without disrupting the rest of the system.
Category
Protocols, Standards & Technical Specs
HDMI
HDMI is a digital connection standard used to carry video, audio, and control-related data between sources, receivers, displays, and projectors.
HDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.1 is a version of the HDMI specification associated with features such as higher bandwidth, 4K/120, 8K support, eARC, VRR, and gaming enhancements when supported.
ARC
ARC is Audio Return Channel, an HDMI feature that sends audio from a TV back to a receiver or soundbar over HDMI.
IR Control
IR Control is infrared control that sends light-based remote commands to devices such as TVs, receivers, cable boxes, and media players.
RF Control
RF Control is radio-frequency control that can communicate without direct line of sight, depending on the control platform and equipment.
RS-232
RS-232 is a serial control method often used for reliable command communication with displays, projectors, receivers, and commercial devices.
IP Control
IP Control is control commands sent over a network connection to compatible devices.
TCP/IP
TCP/IP is the core communication protocol suite used by most modern networks and internet-connected systems.
Zigbee
Zigbee is a low-power wireless mesh protocol used by some lighting, sensors, automation, and smart home devices.
Z-Wave
Z-Wave is a low-power wireless mesh protocol commonly used for smart home devices such as switches, sensors, locks, and controls.
Matter
Matter is a smart home interoperability standard intended to help supported devices work across compatible ecosystems.
Thread
Thread is a low-power IP-based mesh networking protocol used by some smart home and Matter devices.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology used for device pairing, audio, remotes, sensors, and personal-area connectivity.
AirPlay
AirPlay is Apple's wireless streaming technology for sending audio or video from Apple devices to compatible speakers, TVs, or receivers.
Bandwidth Requirement
Bandwidth Requirement is the amount of network or signal capacity a device, video format, audio stream, or application needs to work reliably.