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)
