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Staying Live: Basic information for keeping connected!

6/30/2022

The best way to stay connected is to stay live; and the best way to stay live is to build your AV or sound system on strong foundations! While you read this list, here are some things to keep in mind: The amount of money that you pay a company or a person shows a certain amount of trust. Expert installation that you can trust should focus on your organization; experienced integrators aren’t afraid of answering questions about their suggestions or their recommendations, and they welcome requests for customization. The expert design-build integrators at Sound Planning have you covered from start to finish–and beyond! But the same basic information always applies. Consider the following, no matter the size or scope of your project.

Understand your equipment
Making sure that your system lasts is about more than how it’s designed and installed. Expert installations and the best equipment for your budget won’t mean anything if you, the end-user, don’t take the time to fully understand exactly how to use the system that has been installed. Regardless of the type of installation that you invest in, ask questions! If your integrator recommends a piece of equipment that you should think about adding remember to ask these basics: What does this equipment add to the system? Does this make the system easier to use? How easy will this be for us to fix/replace/adjust? Understanding your equipment is a right, not a privilege when you hire professional integrators.

Commit to expert installation
Speaking of integrators… The key to understanding your equipment is asking questions throughout the process of installation. The best way to understand your equipment, then, is to commit to expert installation so you can have experts available to answer your questions! Expert installation by a design-build integrator like Sound Planning provides more than a design you can trust and a plan customized to your needs. Remember, an “expert” who can’t handle your questions isn’t much of an expert at all. Committing to experts that you can trust through every step of the project process is a great way to get exactly what you need.

Don’t be afraid to ask for customization!
When you commit to expert installation, understanding your equipment can instantly become easier. It’s also important, however, to understand your relationship with your integrators. Expert installation isn’t a favor that someone is doing for you; it’s a service that your organization is paying for. So, don’t be afraid to ask for customization! Customization can take many forms; if you’re worried that part of the plan isn’t going to work for you or your staff, be sure to discuss the potential issue with your expert integrator. Don’t dismiss these things as frivolous! Customization is about how you will use the system that you are paying for!

Ready to get started on building your new system from the ground up? Commit to expert installation; trust Sound Planning, the premier sound, and AV design integrators in the greater Chicago area!

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Pay to Play: How to (and how NOT to) make your digital dreams come true

6/14/2022

The certified experts at Sound Planning know that the decision to upgrade your existing sound system or AV system can be a daunting one– especially if, like so many of us, you spent the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent world-wide shut downs investing heavily in sound and AV systems that would help keep you connected to your staff, volunteers, and your customers or patrons. Further investments to upgrade, install, or completely fix the systems that you’ve been using for the past few years– or longer– might even seem excessive.

However, there’s a difference between buying what you need to get by and investing in long-term solutions to make all your (digital) dreams come true. Here are some guidelines for what to do and not to do no matter your AV or sound system needs!

DO call experts like the design-build integrators at Sound Planning
It’s impossible to over-value the experience that integrators like the experts at Sound Planning can bring to your project. It’s always tempting to cut costs wherever you can; when project managers and organizations have to make critical decisions about what to and what not to include in their project budget, quality assistance after a design is approved is often the first victim. But you shouldn’t discount a quality AV company– like Sound Planning!-- that can provide you with more than just a design. Sound Planning’s focus on the design-build model commits experts to your organization or project from design to implementation to completion and beyond.

DO insist on top quality… but make sure you keep your budget in mind
It’s tempting when you do make the decision to design and implement an upgrade or a new install, it will be tempting to think that the newest tools and equipment will be the best. But the newest fads in audio-visual design might not be what you need to help you reach your digital dreams; it’s important to design for the best possible equipment for the needs of your organization and within the limits of your budget. Remember, upgrading the first system that you design isn’t just a possibility; you should design your system with upgrading in mind!

DON’T fall into the “quick fix” trap
We’ve talked about the “quick fix” trap before in these blogs. Many organizations and companies, committed early to audio-visual systems that they could cobble together as short-term solutions to what turned out to be long-term problems. Despite the fact that those systems were designed and put together quickly, with little to no regard for longevity or maintenance, companies and organizations are still relying on quick fixes for problems and shortcomings. Avoid the temptation to keep replacing the $20 speakers that don’t last because they’re cheap and easy to find. Instead of pouring more money than you need into equipment and systems that don’t work for you or your staff, consider investing in a fully integrated sound system or AV system that suits your needs right now and in the future!

If you’re reading this blog, it means that you care about how you spend your money. Commit to higher quality goods and design. Remember that a design-build model and experienced experts are your road to a system that works for you now and in the future. Another benefit of calling on experts like the integrators at Sound Planning is the ability to plan for the future. Don’t be afraid to plan for upgrades! Think about how much better it would be for your long-term budget to anticipate regularly scheduled improvements, instead of emergency repairs.

Contact Sound Planning today and let them help you reach your digital dream!

Upgrades: Things to Consider for installed sound system

6/4/2022

Is your church or house of worship thinking about upgrading a currently installed sound system? You’re certainly not alone! Consider your entire system when you think about upgrades, not just pieces of the system that might be causing issues for you. Remember that upgrading should put you in a growth mindset! Let’s get brainstorming!

Here are some basic things to consider when you and your organization start thinking about upgrades.

Fear Not; Plan Ahead!
First and foremost: don’t be afraid of the upgrade! If the experts at Sound Planning were lucky enough to help you build and install your existing sound or audio-visual system, you already know that Sound Planning doesn’t just build systems that last; Sound Planning builds systems that are designed to grow when your organization does! If things aren’t working for you now, there’s no shame in considering what would work better. The temptation to rush an upgrade once you decide one might be needed will be strong, but consider what needs to be taken care of before you jump right in. Make a plan for your upgrade like you made a plan for your system installation to understand your finances, time, and capacity.

Lists are your friend, but now might also be a good time to consider your stakeholders! These are the people who currently use or benefit from your audio-visual system or other services provided by your church or house of worship. If you’re not sure if there’s something you should consider for upgrading, ask your community!

Do you need to upgrade, or do you just need repairs?
As you think about your upgrade, think about the entire system. The entire system includes all equipment, any connections or control panels, and the staff or volunteers that run or maintain the system. If you find that certain pieces of equipment keep making it to the top of your list of potential upgrades, make sure you’re considering why you’re thinking about upgrading that equipment. Does a certain camera really need to be upgraded, or is it just not working properly? Are all the components of your control panel working like these should, or are you experiencing consistent issues that you or your staff have had to work with or around? Remember that upgrades should:
Improve function, Increase capacity, Introduce new capabilities.

If you take a look at your list of ‘upgrades’ and find that it’s actually just a list of repairs, equipment replacement might be what you need. Some upgrades are repairs, but not all repairs should be upgrades! Keep it simple; if it works for your organization, spend your money where it counts.

During this great time for your growth mindset, remember that Sound Planning is your one-stop shop for all your audio-visual needs. Whether it’s first-time systems, your new upgrade, or just regular maintenance and replacement, Sound Planning is your premier option for church and house of worship audio-visual support. Not sure where to start? Contact Sound Planning today!