The Hunt for an AV Pro

Home theater & high-fidelity stereo audio systems involve sizable investment.
Professional audio/video guidance minimizes financial risk and maximizes happy results.
But, searching for qualified help can also lead to time-consuming, disappointing dead ends.
Bypass the dead ends.
Take this targeted shorter path to an AV Pro.

The brick-and-mortar dealer has been the go-to destination for guidance and demonstrations.
But their disappearance from the street has left many dependent on the big-Box, online website, or a contractor who may be great with a hammer and saw but lacks audio/video expertise.
This current audio/video scene has virtually abandoned in-person demonstrations.

Video Status

Regrettably, big-Box, Big-wall television display room lighting, video source distribution, plus menu settings seriously compromise TV brand and model comparison.
Online sources, plus most AV contractors, eliminate in-person comparison.
At least online reviews plus manufacturer spec sheets can reasonably evaluate a TV.

Audio Status

Audio is a different story.
The big-Box showroom floor has eliminated credible audio component comparison.
An AV contractor showroom demonstration has become a rare sighting.
Online audio reviews are limited to opinion and spec sheets.
Specs and opinions are a sad substitute for personal listening.

Audio & Video

Essentially, audio & video system evaluations are dependent on spoken and written opinions.
How do you begin to sift a qualified opinion from the others?
That’s where I come into play.

4 Screen Questions

I offer a short list of 4 qualifying questions.
They have served me well for decades.
The first two are deceptively simple.
They are my initial screen to identify the unqualified.
The remaining questions reveal expert credibility and trustworthiness.

Before we proceed, please consider the following.

• Do not aggressively present the questions.
• Insert the questions in casual conversation and LISTEN.
• If the answers are unsatisfactory, do not call out or correct the candidate.
• Incorrect answers confirm their limitations.
• A contractor who fails may still be the person to install your system per your instructions.

Proceed to the 4-questions.

Question #1

What is stereo?
This elementary question has stumped many whose livelihood is audio and video.
Link to answer: Stereo

Then, casually add surround sound formats. Why are there so many versions?
Incorrect responses discount audio credibility.
Link to answer: Surround Sound Formats

Question #2

How does an LCD TV differ from an OLED TV?
I confess this question is a bit less elementary.
However, an incorrect response does discount video tech credibility.
Links to answer: LCD TV & OLED TV

If you’re satisfied with the responses, continue to Questions #3 & #4.
They indicate higher-end audio/video expertise.

Question #3

How far should I sit from the screen?
Link to answer: The TV

Question #4

How important is speaker placement?
Links: 1. Speaker Facts 2. Surround Sound
.

OK, What’s Next?

The 4-questions sift potential AV Pros from the others.
The top candidate will take control of the conversation with their questions.

They will seek information such as:
• Family room or dedicated room?
• System focus – music, movies, sports, or other?
• If music, favorite artists, which may lead to a recommended speaker system.
• New home construction or retrofit installation?
• Whole-house and outdoor audio/video distribution?
• Floor plan – dimensions, window locations, room entrances?
• TV, components, and speaker placement?
• Head-end electronics location, housing, and ventilation?
• Electrical outlet locations?
• Room lighting?
• Window coverings?
• Hardwood floors, tile, or carpet?
• Aesthetic room issues?
• Video sources: streaming, cable, local off-air, satellite, BluRay, DVD, other?
• Audio sources: streaming, CD, legacy: vinyl, cassette, reet-to-reel?
• Existing components – speakers, receiver, amplifier, pre-amplifier, etc.?
• Remote control?

……… Yes! ……….

If their questions resemble this list, you have successfully concluded your hunt.

.
That’s it for today.

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