The ABCs of Pro AV: A Complete List of Audio Visual Acronyms and Their Meanings

The pro AV industry is full of technical jargon that, admittedly, makes it a little hard for outsiders to comprehend the very scope of what services are offered within it. That’s why we’ve created this easy reference guide to the most well-known audio visual acronyms.

AudioVisual Tech Protocols

AVoIP – short for “AV over IP,” or the transfer of audio visual data over an client’s IP network.

SDVoE – “software-defined video over ethernet;” this refers to an AVoIP protocol that utilizes off-the-shelf ethernet switches.

HDCP – “High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection;” a form of copy protection (scrambling of signals) that prevents copying of audio & video content as it travels across cables or connections.

HDMI – “High-Definition Multimedia Interface;” an uncompressed digital connector providing an interface between 8-channel digital audio and HDTV standards.

HDBaseT – “high-definition video, audio, power, home networking, Ethernet, USB, & control over category cable.”

AVB – “Audio Video Bridging”

LED – “light-emitting diode;” a material that emits light when electricity passes through it.

OLED – “organic light-emitting diode;” a polymer or other organic substance used as a semiconductor in an LED

AV Industry Associations & Events

AVIXA – “Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association,” producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry.

AVUG – “AV user group”

NSCA – “National Systems Contractors Association;” not-for-profit association representing the commercial electronic systems industry and founder of such programs as IGNITE, Pivot to Profit, etc. Its annual Business & Leadership Conference gathers integration professionals for strategic presentations and networking.

SIA – “Security Industry Association” is a trade organization for security professionals.

USAV Group – Physical Security Alliance (PSA – see below) is the world’s largest systems integrator consortium made up of the most progressive security and audio-visual systems integrators in North AmericaUSAV, a division of PSA, connects affiliates into an industry team consisting of integrators throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, manufacturers and service providers, and industry associations to provide a collaborative network of experts.

PSA – Physical Security Alliance (PSA) is a systems integrator consortium made up of progressive security and audio-visual systems integrators in North America.

BICSI – “Building Industry Consulting Service International” tackles information technology and communication systems education.

CompTIA – “Computing Technology Industry Association;” association of over 8,000 companies providing IT certifications.

CTA – “Consumer Tech Association;” producers of CES (Consumer Electronics Show)

DSE – “Digital Signage Expo;” world’s largest trade show dedicated to showcasing digital display and interactive technology solutions.

DSF – “digital signage federation;” not-for-profit trade group representing the digital signage industry and founders of the DSE.

ESPA – “Electronics Systems Professional Alliance”

CEDIA – Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association

PSNI – “Professional Systems Network International;” alliance of integrators, manufacturers, and distributors around the world and dedicated to creating industry standards.

BLC – “Business and Leadership Conference;” provides integration firm leaders with business insight, camaraderie, and innovation to help them improve sales and leadership skills.

ISE – “Integrated Systems Europe;” the largest pro AV trade show in the world. Moving from Amsterdam to Barcelona in 2021 to accommodate growth

AIA – American Institute of Architects

Audio Visual Acronyms for Business Practices

AVaaS – “AV as a Service;” An emerging solution coming from AV Integration firms that allows them to keep their customers up and running without sending a truck

CAD – “computer aided design”

LEED – “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design;” The building certification standard used for the Green or Sustainable construction movement

OFE – “owner-furnished equipment”

RFP – “request for proposals”

ROI – “return on investments”

RMR – “recurring monthly revenue;” the thing many integrators are struggling to maintain

SaaS – “software as a service”

Miscellaneous Audio Visual Acronyms

CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I – “Certified Technology Specialist;” AVIXA’s pro AV certification program (D for design; I for installation)

AV – “Audio-Visual;” if you’re reading this list, you surely must know this one above all other audio visual acronyms.

VAR – “Value-Added Reseller”

ADA – “Americans with Disabilities Act”

APEX – “Audiovisual Provider of Excellence;” AVIXA program that honors member companies that achieve certain levels of employee certification and training

AR – “augmented reality;” formerly thought of as a gimmick, we’re seeing its use in more creative display projects each year.

VR – “virtual reality”

AI – “artificial intelligence;” hotly-debated whether or not this belongs in the AV industry.

BYOD – “bring your own device;” a trend in corporate meeting spaces where customers are demanding the capability to join a meeting using only the tech they bring to it, such as a smartphone or laptop.

CCTV – “Closed Circuit Television”

FCC – “Federal Communication Commission”

PSIM – “Physical Security Information Management”

BIM – “Building Information Modeling”

MOAR – “Market Opportunity Analysis Report;” AVIXA reports focused on AV opportunities in particular vertical markets.

IOTA – “industry Outlook and Trends Analysis;” a series of pro AV reports by AVIXA that look at particular regions and the global AV market

DSCE, DSDE, DSNE, DCME, DSSP – The certifications for the digital signage industry as adopted by the DSE, DSF, and ISA. They stand for:

• Digital Signage Certified Expert ( DSCE) the fundamentals course
• Digital Signage Display Expert (DSDE) on displays
• Digital Signage Network Expert (DSNE) on networks
• Digital Content and Media Ex[pert (DCME) on content and media
• Digital Signage Sales Professional (DSSP)

Don’t see some audio visual acronyms which should have been on this list? Let us know by putting them in the comments below!

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