Centralized AV, or Distributed AV?

And now, I will make one of the great debates … vanish!

Bwahaha!

Yeah. I’m just being dramatic. Because, regardless of what they say, it’s not a debate. It’s just a decision.

When exhibitions use audio, video, or interactive media, one key decision is whether to centralize all the players, or distribute them.

The decision is just based on the situation.

Centralized strategy (aka “head-end system”) centralizes all the hidden stuff — players, servers, controllers — into a “rack room.” Expensive to build, but easier to maintain.

Distributed strategy (aka “local playback”) distributes each hidden gadget to be at the screen or interactive it feeds. Cheaper to build, but visitors can see you fix it.

Situations better for centralized:

- Permanent installations
- Lots of synced media (one show split across screens or rooms)
- Special computers needing higher security
- Trained IT staff

Situations better for distributed:

- Temporary or traveling shows
- Historic buildings with constraints on cable locations
- Setups requiring no delay between interface and server
- Non-expert IT staff

Of course, often it’s a mix of those situations. So you might need a hybrid: part centralized, part distributed.

Here’s the thing:

It’s not a debate. It’s just a decision. Pick centralized AV, distributed AV, or hybrid, based on the situation.

Warmly,
Jonathan

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MtM Word(s) of the Day:

Centralized AV. A decision to centralize all the media equipment for an exhibition — players, servers, controllers — into a “rack room” nearby. Expensive to build because of the special room and additional cables, but easier to maintain. More common in permanent exhibitions. Also known as “head-end system.”

Distributed AV. A decision to centralize all the media equipment for an exhibition, like players, servers, and controllers, to be close to the screen or interactive each component controls. Cheaper to build, but harder to maintain, and visitors can see maintenance occurring. More common in traveling/temporary exhibitions. Also known as “local playback” or “in-situ AV.”

Bonus Word!

Rack room. A locked, often cooled room with special racks to hold all the back-of-house AV equipment for an exhibition, such as playback devices and computers. Allows for better organization of cables, easier maintenance access, and a more secure environment for electronics.