Set up and configure audio-visual equipment
What the exam tests
This domain tests signal flow, display setup, resolution and aspect ratio, projector placement, audio gain structure, microphone choice, speaker placement, and system testing for presentations and events.
Core rules
- Map the signal chain: source, switcher or processor, display, and audio path.
- Match resolution and aspect ratio end to end; a 16:9 source on a 4:3 screen crops or letterboxes.
- Calculate projector distance using throw ratio: distance equals throw ratio multiplied by screen width.
- Set gain structure from the source outward; avoid clipping and excessive noise.
- Place microphones close to the source and speakers ahead of the microphones to reduce feedback.
- Test every input, label cables, and confirm HDCP and EDID compatibility for digital video.
- Use line-level isolation or DI boxes to break ground loops.
Worked example
A projector has a 1.5:1 throw ratio and the screen is 3 m wide. Required distance = 1.5 × 3 = 4.5 m from lens to screen. Reasoning: throw ratio is distance divided by image width; multiplying by width gives the placement distance, which must also fit the room and avoid blocking sightlines.
Traps that cost marks
- Setting the display to a different aspect ratio from the source.
- Placing speakers behind the presenter's microphone.
- Raising gain until feedback occurs instead of fixing placement.
- Ignoring HDCP errors and blaming the cable first.
- Leaving cables unlabeled after a successful test.
Key points
- Map signal flow from source to display.
- Match resolution and aspect ratio end to end.
- Use throw ratio to calculate projector distance.
- Set gain from the source outward.
- Test every input and label every cable.