Audio visual equipment has become ubiquitous in the modern world, powering technologies like TVs, projectors, displays, and sound systems in homes, businesses, and public spaces. However, these systems can consume significant amounts of energy if not designed and operated efficiently. With rising energy costs and greater focus on sustainability, it is important for AV systems to use energy in a responsible way. This blog post will discuss various aspects of sustainability and energy efficiency as they relate to audio visual systems, including considerations for equipment selection, installation, and operation.

Equipment Selection

When purchasing new AV equipment, choosing energy efficient models can help reduce long-term energy use and costs. Here are some factors to consider:

Energy Star Ratings: Look for equipment certified as Energy Star qualified, which means it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Energy Star products often use 10-50% less energy than conventional models.

Power Consumption: Compare the power usage or wattage ratings between models. In general, choose units with lower power demands, especially for products that run continuously like displays.

Automatic Power Down: Features like auto-power off when no signal is detected or when in standby can reduce "phantom" power usage. Choose products with aggressive power management settings.

LED Technology: LED backlit displays and projectors are much more efficient than older CCFL or lamp-based products. LEDs use up to 80% less power for the same brightness.

Processor Power: For AV receivers and processors, more efficient chips help minimize unnecessary power draw from unnecessary features.

Installation Practices

Beyond product selection, how a system is installed can impact its energy performance. Consider these best practices:

Location: Place equipment in areas that don't require excessive cooling like inside equipment racks. Avoid direct sunlight which increases cooling needs.

Cable Runs: Minimize excess cabling which can lead to signal loss. Short, well-organized runs lower installation costs and power demands of signal boosters.

Standby Controls: Use occupancy sensors, timers or centralized control systems to trigger auto-standby of idle displays, projectors and other gear.

AC Power: Ensure sufficient but not overloaded AC circuits to avoid power supplies working inefficiently. Consider distributed power supplies near point of load.

Cooling: Provide adequate, uniform ventilation for equipment to reduce fan speeds and optimize thermal management.

Operation and Maintenance

Ongoing practices also influence energy efficiency over the long run. Adopt these operational strategies:

Calibration: Regular color calibration maximizes output quality at lower brightness levels, reducing electricity use.

Scheduling: Use scheduling software or templates to ensure displays and projectors power on only when needed and power off during non-business hours.

Cleaning: Keeping optics, fans and heatsinks clean maintains proper thermal performance and airflow for optimized power usage.

Updates: Apply manufacturer-recommended firmware, driver and operating system updates which can improve eco features and efficiency over time.

Replacement: Replace aging, inefficient components like lamps, bulbs and batteries which degrade steadily over the lifespan.

Monitoring and Reporting

To maintain focus on efficiency goals, it is important to:

Install meters: Connect submeters to measure real power draws of major AV system loads in kWh. Track deltas over time.

Utilize analytics: Leverage network-enabled power measurement and management tools to gather operational data, spot inefficiencies, and verify savings.

Reporting: Generate periodic consumption reports to benchmarks and share highlights/opportunities across departments. Celebrate achievements to reinforce good practices.

Audits: Conduct routine technical and procurement audits to ensure adherence to standards and identify areas for continual improvement projects.

Conclusion

In summary, a holistic approach to sustainable AV considers the entire lifecycle from initial product selection and installation through daily operation and long-term replacement/upgrade planning. With diligence, organizations can significantly reduce the energy footprint and costs of powering critical communications technologies while supporting broader sustainability commitments. Ongoing monitoring and optimization helps maintain focus and drive further gains over time.

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