We Told You So: Backup Technologies and Redundancy for Audio and Video

Every new design and installation of audio, video, lighting, and acoustics is a ticking timebomb of failure and obsolescence - and WE TOLD YOU SO!

Yeah, we know that rubbing it in doesn't help, but here's the deal... when we spec out work and design things we design for technology to last as long as possible, but clients think, no matter how much we say it's not the case, that it'll all last forever.

Between the wear and tear of normal usage, the occasional on-site disaster (like roof leaks that can happen due to weather events) and time slipping by, we know that your gear will eventually die. Some things are easy to replace - a bulb or a light fixture may be easy - but a dimmer rack or a whole console? Those may be out of style and no longer manufactured. They may have no 1:1 replacement and the new options may force massive overhauls. And yes, we see this coming and we suggest to many clients that they double purchase items and leave the backups in safe storage.

And, if you've been around this business long enough you'll know that Murphy's law dictates that your big show will be 2 days away when your entire lighting board dies an epic death. What do you do?

This video explains some of this but here are a few ideas:
Buy redundant key items
Write down your settings
Copy files (lighting designs, audio settings on digital boards, etc)
Don't loan out gear right before big events at your venue
Always make sure the flux capacitor is fully installed before time travel (still reading?? yes, we love that movie too)

Got questions about stuff like this? We can help you think through your installs and talk about preventative measures.

Visit AVLDesigns.com to learn more about us and send us a message.