Over the last several years, the hot topic in the audio and video integration community has been the convergence of AV systems with IT technology. As these two worlds come together, AV and IT professionals are learning that they can use advancements in technology to better manage their valuable communication and conferencing systems.

The driving factor behind all of this is IP. Virtually every audio and video device manufactured today can be controlled via Internet Protocol, enabling it to sit on the network. Projectors, plasma screens and fully integrated videoconferencing systems can be controlled from a different room within the facility, from another building, or even from halfway around the world by remote control systems, such as those offered by Crestron and AMX. Both control systems use touch screen panels as the interface to their control systems.

This offers companies a number of benefits, most notably the ability to increase uptime on equipment while decreasing the overall cost of ownership. Before, if a video projector failed, the presentation had to be put on hold, or the presenters were forced to deliver their material without it, compromising their session. With IP integrated directly into these devices, components such as lamps can be monitored regularly, and replaced before a failure occurs. The maintenance of this equipment has become considerably more proactive.

The functionality doesn't stop there. Both control systems let technical professionals monitor sessions while they are taking place, giving them the power to provide real-time support should something go wrong. As a videoconferencing session is in progress in one room, the person in the control center can monitor, in real time, how these systems are performing - what buttons are being pushed, whether everything is plugged into the correct inputs - remotely; minimizing - and in many cases, avoiding - glitches or outright failures.

When dealing with sophisticated equipment, security becomes an issue, and the IP capabilities built into today's control system technology are designed to address this. If a projector is unplugged, for example, these systems can be programmed so that either the security department or the IT department - or

both - automatically receive an email notifying them of the issue. At this point, they can determine whether the device is unplugged for routine maintenance, or whether a theft is taking place.

Remote diagnosis and control makes it possible for technicians to be in several places at once, requiring fewer staff to service a company's technical infrastructure. As more and more AV devices become Ethernet-ready, the possibilities will grow. Most importantly, companies will be able to do more with less - an attractive option for those striving to implement the best solutions that boost, rather than soften, the bottom line.

Steven Dubroff is the Sales Manager for the New York City office of SPL Integrated Solutions, 212-840-4801; email: sdubroff@splis.com; web: www.splis.com.