With MediaTech 2019 only a stone’s throw away, it is probably wise for anyone who will be attending to brush up on their industry knowledge ahead of the largest tradeshow for the professional AV industry on the continent.

Mediatech offers the opportunity for AV integrators and Technologists to learn new techniques and get up to date with international trends, as well as to network with other industry professionals. Mediatech also provides end-users with an opportunity to see a wide range of technology and AV solutions first hand. There is, however, a risk that an end user could walk away with a less than optimal experience of the professional AV industry if they are not well prepared.

Here are a few pointers for the AV layman who has been tasked to find the right solution for their meeting room or office space at Mediatech Africa.

TIME IS MONEY

Tradeshows can be an overwhelming experience, and it is often difficult to know where to start on a showroom floor. If you are on a tight schedule, and only have a few hours to spend at the show but would still like to see all the important stuff, it would benefit you greatly to research some of the basics, especially taking a look at the floor plan and getting to know the industry-recognised AV leaders before you arrive.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Mediatech is a great opportunity to interact with recognised dealers and manufacturers, which limits your risk of inadvertently buying sub-standard products and services. As with any technology being deployed at enterprise level, it is wise to stay clear of grey imports and “cost-effective” imitations of well-known products.   When (not if) these units should fail in the future, nine out of ten times the customer (and installer) will experience poor after-sales support, useless warranties and lengthy turn-around times on repairs.  Not to mention all the logistics and delivery costs to send and receive units back from overseas suppliers for services rendered.  Many times these foreign suppliers also have not optimised their control systems or product development to work (or be licensed) with leading or popular protocols like Google, Apple or Android, for instance.

TAKE A TECHY

If you are not an AV or IT professional and inexperienced regarding AV solutions, I would recommend tagging along with your local AV integrator, technician or salesperson, as they would be more familiar with the brands and technology that you should be considering for your solution.  Your AV Integrator can assist by explaining to distributors and manufacturers exactly what you are after and list any network or environmental concerns regarding the planned installation methods. 

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

If you are looking for a solution for your office, it will be incredibly useful to have a technical diagram of a pre-proposed solution by an integrator handy when speaking to exhibitors.  This means that you should be proactive in booking a site-inspection at least a week in advance of the expo.  At the very least, compile a detailed diagram of your room dimensions that include ceiling height, room length, cable-routes, door and window locations, floor layout, as well as any other additional important info relating to the environment you wish to kit out.  A functional room diagram could make the difference between a professional and a mediocre installation.

DECIDE ON YOUR SPEND

They say “everything comes at a price” and AV technology is no different.  Professional AV solutions can be expensive, and costs quickly add up when you add more features and add-ons to your solution.  Unless you are a technology company that thrives on having the best-of-the-best gear on your premises and want to impress clients with state-of-the-art boardroom automation and hardware, you don’t need to spend millions to reach the required solution.  Remember, many AV solutions and products are developed in the first-world, with first-world economies in mind. Therefore, be vigilant when it comes to quotes that border on retail pricing, and employ scepticism when integrators charge more than 30% of the final cost on their installation unless there are some brand-specific programming and back-end configuration that are needed to complete the system integration.