Audio-visual technology plays a huge role in how modern businesses communicate. From video conferencing and presentations to hybrid meetings and training sessions, AV systems are now critical to day-to-day operations.
Yet many businesses across Essex and London still run into problems after installing new AV equipment. In most cases, it’s not the technology that’s at fault — it’s how it’s been designed, installed, or supported.
Here are the most common AV installation mistakes businesses make, and how working with an experienced professional can help you avoid them.
1. Choosing Equipment Before Designing the Room
One of the biggest mistakes is buying screens, cameras, or speakers before properly assessing the room.
Every space is different. Room size, layout, ceiling height, lighting, and acoustics all affect how AV equipment performs. Without proper planning, businesses often end up with:
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Poor sound coverage
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Glare on screens
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Cameras that don’t capture everyone in the room
Professional AV installation begins with room design, then selects the right technology to suit it.
2. Underestimating Audio Quality
Many businesses focus heavily on screens and video, but neglect audio — even though poor sound causes the most frustration.
Common issues include:
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Echo and feedback
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Voices dropping in and out
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Remote participants struggling to hear
A professional AV installer will assess acoustics, speaker placement, and microphone selection to ensure clear, consistent audio for everyone involved.
3. Using Domestic-Grade Equipment in Commercial Spaces
Consumer AV equipment may seem cheaper, but it’s not built for business use.
Domestic hardware is not designed to:
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Run all day, every day
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Support multiple users
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Be remotely monitored or managed
This often leads to early failures and costly replacements. Working with experienced AV installation companies in Essex and London ensures commercial-grade equipment is used from the outset, providing reliability and long-term value.
This is where partnering with trusted AV installation companies in Essex and London makes a real difference.
4. Poor Cable Management and Infrastructure Planning
Messy cabling isn’t just untidy — it can cause interference, signal loss, and maintenance issues.
Without proper planning, businesses face:
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Visible cables and trailing wires
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Limited expansion options
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Difficulty upgrading systems later
Professional AV installers plan cabling routes, power requirements, and network infrastructure, keeping everything hidden, accessible, and future-proof.
5. Overcomplicated Control Systems
If staff need instructions just to start a meeting, the system has failed.
Overly complex controls often result in:
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Meetings starting late
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Staff are avoiding the room altogether
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Increased support calls
The best AV installations focus on simple, intuitive controls, allowing anyone to walk in and start a meeting confidently.
6. No Plan for Ongoing Support and Maintenance
AV systems are not “fit and forget”. Software updates, firmware changes, and general wear and tear all need managing.
Without support, businesses experience:
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Unexpected downtime
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Compatibility issues with platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom
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Slow fault resolution
Professional AV companies provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep systems running smoothly long after installation.
7. Ignoring Future Growth and Hybrid Working
Many businesses install AV systems based only on their current needs. This becomes a problem as teams grow or working patterns change.
A well-designed AV system should support:
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Hybrid meetings
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Additional rooms or locations
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New collaboration tools
Future-proofing from the start avoids expensive rework later.
How Interact Technology Helps Businesses Get It Right
At Interact Technology, we help organisations avoid these common mistakes by delivering AV systems that are designed properly, installed professionally, and supported long-term.
Our approach focuses on:
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Understanding how your teams actually work
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Designing systems around your space and goals
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Using commercial-grade, reliable technology
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Providing local support across Essex and London
If you’re planning an AV upgrade or want to fix an existing setup, working with experienced AV installation companies in Essex and London ensures your investment delivers real results.
FAQs
Can AV systems be upgraded without replacing everything?
Yes. Many systems can be improved with better microphones, cameras, or control interfaces.
How long does professional AV installation take?
Small meeting rooms can be completed in days, larger projects take longer, depending on complexity.
Do you support hybrid meeting rooms?
Yes. We specialise in hybrid AV solutions for modern workplaces.