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Breaking Down DVLED part 5 – First Things First

by Tom Keefe | Sep 14, 2023 | Digital Signage, DVLED, Uncategorized, Video Walls

Part 4: First Things Frist

Topic: The importance of proper site prep.

I remember working in the garage as a kid with my dad, and it seemed like 80% of the time we were cleaning up and 20% of the time we were actually working on a project. He would always say, “a clean workspace is a safe workspace!”

I didn’t really appreciate that wisdom then, but I do now.

Whether you are hanging and banging a 50-inch LCD display in a conference room or installing and commissioning a 220-inch LED video wall in an auditorium, the same wisdom applies in terms of making sure the site is ready, all the tools for the job are on hand, and the project punch list is ready to execute.

For dvLED displays, the site prep requirements are pretty rigid, and for good reason. I’m going to discuss a few universal requirements that you will run into on almost every dvLED project.

To begin, often times a tech will be scheduled to come onsite to assist with or even perform the installation. They are typically slated to be onsite for a limited window of time. It is the integrators responsibility to ensure that everything is ready for them to jump in and start working when they arrive to the site. Delays could be cause for extending the time required for the tech to be onsite. This usually leads to change orders. And we all know how much our customers dislike those!

Another important site requirement spec that you will undoubtedly run into are power and data requirements. Big walls require more power, and as such, this requires more outlets. AV integrators aren’t electricians, so it’s critical to have the proper spec requirements in advance to provide to the end user. Fortunately, many vendors, such as Absen and others, provide this information via written specs and technical drawings.

One of the most important considerations when installing a dvLED video wall is the actual wall surface that it is mounting to. Since dvLED walls are made up of multiple cabinets and modules and are, by nature, designed to be seamless, it is very important to ensure that there are no seams! This is why you will often see requirements for cabinet or marine grade plywood backing. At minimum, BC Sanded One-Side will be required to ensure that the X-axis is completely flat and true. Considering the cost of the video wall, the extra investment in some plywood is a small price to pay to ensure the wall is perfect.

Finally, you need a plan to dispose of all the waste that is left behind. A typical video wall might ship in four or five large wooden crates, with dozens of large cartons and packages enclosed. This can result in a literal mountain of trash. Have a plan to remove this from this site as you go. A cluttered work area is a hazardous work. So as a wise man once said, “a clean workspace is a safe workspace.” Thanks dad…

This concludes my five-part series on Breaking Down DVLED. I hope you have found these articles useful, and I encourage you all to reach out to me directly if you have dvLED projects on the horizon that I can assist you with.

Check out my other installments if you haven’t already:

Part 1: Got Spares?
Topic: The importance of having spares when purchasing / commissioning a DVLED video wall.

Part 2: Cabinets and Modules and Panels, Oh My!!!
Topic: The anatomy of a DVLED video wall.

Part 3: Perfect Pitch
Topic: The importance of selecting the right pixel pitch the first time

Part 4: The First Step in Installing a DVLED Video Wall is Admitting You Need Help
Topic: Commissioning Assistance and Why it’s Important.

About the Author

Tom Keefe | CTS, DMC-D-4K, DSCE

Business Development Manager – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Absen

Adapting to Company Change: Opportunities for personal and collective growth

by Darren Altman | Sep 7, 2023 | Uncategorized

Written by Exertis Almo BDM's Darren Altman, CTS, DSCE & Andrew Giacobbe.

Three AV industry experts, Darren Altman, BDM II – Technical Specialist (Sharp/NEC – East Coast), Andrew Giacobbe, BDM – Brand Specialist (Sharp/NEC – West Coast), and Rob Ziv, Senior VP of Business Development at Exertis Almo, recently hosted a meaningful discussion on navigating company-wide change, detailing the endless opportunities for personal and collective growth within transitional times.

Here’s what they had to say.

Adapting to Company Change

Drawing from his own experience navigating company-wide changes, Andrew details the differences between two key acquisitions.

“I started off in the industry right out of college, working at Stampede, and about three to four months into working, we were acquired by DCC. I wasn’t too familiar with the [DCC] comradery, but not too many changes were made after we were acquired.”

“I saw a bigger change when [Exertis] merged with Almo – it was a [more significant] change because we combined Business Development Managers, Sales Teams, etc. The key factors everyone considers are: What makes sense for both companies? What is our end goal? Where do we see ourselves in 10 years?

We all had similar thoughts. And now, the role of BDM has an even bigger meaning.”

Along with the changes dealt with by a newly combined business development team, Darren questions the differences between management and non-management roles following such a significant company change – posing an important question to Senior VP of Business Development, Rob Ziv.

“What were your initial thoughts on the transition from a family-owned to family-operated company, especially following the 75th anniversary celebration?” Darren asked.

“My perspective is extremely positive,” Rob said. “Typically, when two organizations come together, there are duplicate roles, and fear of [job loss]. The culture here is so different from that mentality, that the conversations that were happening behind closed doors were, ‘We’re bringing everybody over.’”

“Within the BDM group, there were some people that left, but no jobs were eliminated due to duplication,” he elaborated. “Perhaps, other roles were available within the organization that [team members] chose to take. By our first combined Pro AV National Sales Meeting, we were family.”

Darren concurred with Rob’s positive experience.

“Throughout all my years here, there is always welcomeness, and if there is an issue that I can’t figure out, I can find someone who can,” Darren said. “We’re all individuals, we’re all humans working for the same company and purpose – comradery carries you, and it comes with the culture. Let’s take care of our customers and provide a service that fills our needs and the company’s needs. And you meet great people along the way.”

Andrew elaborated, “Before, we only had one Sharp/NEC BDM for the United States. Now, I’m the West and Darren is the East, which allows us to bounce ideas and hit the ground running, right off the bat.”

The increased opportunity for teamwork allows both Darren and Andrew to benefit from each other’s ideas, while also strengthening their vendor relationship with Sharp NEC Display Solutions.

Company Change as an Opportunity for Growth and Development

Despite the challenges associated with company change, Rob details the various opportunities for growth and development within an evolving organization – both business and technical.

“One of the things becoming apparent to me in our new organization is the additional opportunities for everybody,” he said. “While change brings uncertainty, it brings opportunity. The best thing that someone can do [in these situations] is lean in and keep their eyes open for additional ways to learn and grow. And we’ve seen that happen here.”

In reference to new opportunities, Darren acknowledges the importance of building relationships (and maintaining existing ones) with customers.

“With the diversity of our company portfolio, it’s hard to find something that we can’t help our [customers] with, even if it’s something we don’t carry. ‘Let me introduce you to my colleague that can help you through the process,’” he explained.

“We care about the customer, and relationships speak more than just sending texts and emails. I had a phone call with a customer the other day, just to talk. Showing that [interest in our customer] as a group holds a good amount of value beyond the knowledge of product.”

Overall, the three experts acknowledge the importance of providing consistent, quality products and services to Exertis Almo customers.

“We have the right connections,” Andrew explained. “Whether it be with our vendor or an [Exertis Almo team member], we can answer any questions [our customers] have.”

“There’s a comfort level in our customers knowing that they’re in good hands,” said Darren.

Darren and Andrew both acknowledge the importance of building and maintaining relationships with customers, allowing them to collaborate on Sharp/NEC product and service knowledge. Relationship building continues to evolve and grow since the Exertis Almo merger, providing considerable opportunities for personal and company-wide growth.

Darren Altman | CTS, DSCE

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Sharp/NEC (NE, SE, MW)

Andrew Giacobbe

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Sharp/NEC (SW, W, NW)

Behind the Panel: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks, or: How I Learned to Study Again!

by Patrick Booth | Aug 31, 2023 | Uncategorized

Welcome back to “Behind the Panel.” For this edition, I thought I would delve into something truly relevant to most of us in the AV world: studying and preparing to take the CTS Exam. CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) is a certification process given out by AVIXA that is the industry standard in Pro AV. According to their website:

A Certified Technology Specialist (CTS^®) performs general technology solution tasks by creating, providing, operating and servicing network-based AV solutions, while conducting AV management activities which provide for the best audiovisual resolutions of the client’s needs, both on time and within budget

When I arrived at Exertis Almo, my job description mandated passing the exam and becoming CTS certified. I had nine months to complete this task. This was a little exciting to me, as it is something I always wanted to accomplish. This was also very terrifying, as I had tried some of the online study guides in the past, but never got far. Topping all of that off is the fact that I have not studied for an exam in close to THIRTY YEARS! Thinking about that number gave me pause, and although I have always considered myself someone who learns and takes tests well, it has been more than a minute since I used my brain in this way.

First, I set a goal and a timeline: Although I had nine months, I wanted to finish it before the end of the year. My goal was five months, and I wrote it down, so I had to commit to it. Second, I spoke to two colleagues that had recently passed the test; taking detailed notes of what worked for them studying and recollections of what their testing experience was like. This was invaluable, because it let me know there was someone who just went through it and survived. Next, I made two important purchases: the most recent edition if the CTS Study Guide, and a Texas Instruments TI-30XS calculator. Both are vital. It’s important to become familiar with the way the calculator works – I cannot stress this enough. I was eager and got started right away on the AVIXA website. Highly recommended, check it out. These courses are designed to give you a basic understanding of the concepts you will be learning and offer quizzes at the end of each section to evaluate yourself. I set parameters for myself that I would not move onto the next section until I could get a ninety-five or above on the quizzes.

CTS-study-guide-ed3 This worked for three days, because on day four I went back and retook the first few quizzes. To my sheer terror, it was as though I never studied at all. I was having a difficult time recalling the previous info. Panicked, I did the worst thing I could do. I stopped trying. I was convinced that at my age, I could not just go in and memorize things the way I could when I was a college kid. My mind was not working the way I needed it to. I started reading about it, studies that have shown how just a general decline in cognitive abilities as you age could affect one’s ability to learn. Just for my own peace of mind, I went to my doctor and explained what I was going through, and after a series of cognitive tests showed I was doing very well cognitively speaking, I decided I needed to change the way I studied.

brain-power My approach was to hit my brain from all sides and try and load the information from a variety of sources. I used the online prep path, but at the same time, I started reading the actual book. Things started to stick for longer, so this was a positive sign. I continued doing this for a few weeks when I received some valuable advice: Book the test! Set a deadline and book the exam, because the worst case scenario is that you fail and use it as a practice test. I took this, ran with it, and scheduled myself to take the test in eight weeks.

I also concluded that I would need to set up rigid conditions to overcome my brain’s ability to retain new information. I needed a routine, so here is what I did:

I set aside time and shut everything out. This allowed me to concentrate on what I was reading or looking at and focus solely on that. Ringer off, no emails, no TV. Luckily, my kids are older, so I did not have to worry about toddlers bursting into my office!
I studied from multiple sources. This was a big part of my program. I would set aside a certain amount of time to read in the book, usually forty minutes to an hour. My next step would be to incorporate the online path to certification, again, giving myself a set number of modules to cover. As I got closer to the exam, I also incorporated the study guide that runs with AVIXA’s online CTS class. Which leads me to my next point:
Don’t try and cram too much at once. This was a huge point for me, because when I would try and do too much, I ended up not retaining key facts. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
Music or no music. I found myself listening to classical music when I was reading and studying. There are a couple schools of thought on this. Some say if you listen to music while studying, you will also need music to play during the test. There are other theories that music can activate both sides of your brain at the same time, which can maximize learning and improve memory. I chose classical music because there are no lyrics to distract, and it was helpful having that background noise because when it was pure silence, I felt I could not focus. The best answer is what works for you!
Take a walk. I cannot stress how much this was a huge help. Before I would begin my study sessions, I took a walk around my neighborhood for about 20-25 minutes. I found that I came back feeling noticeably clear minded and it was much easier to focus. There is actual science behind this, as studies have shown that low-intensity exercise can provide a boost to energy levels – ideal for studying for lengthy periods. It has also been shown to improve concentration and help you focus your learning.
Don’t stress about the math. Whoever I speak to now, if they are preparing to take the CTS, the vast majority tend to be very nervous about the math and formulas associated with CTS, which at face value can seem overwhelming. I have two things to say about that: First, while I cannot give exact numbers, when I took the exam, I only used the calculator a handful of times. Second, my colleague, Tom Kehr, has an informative video that helps you learn, understand, and retain AV Math. Check that out here: Math Prep. It is also worth noting that Tom was a huge help, who always made himself available to walk me through things I was not quite grasping. Thanks Tom!

My actual taking of the exam was delayed a few times due to extreme weather, but when I finally took it, I was noticeably confident going in. The worst part was having to take a survey before I received my results, which was probably the most stressful five minutes I can remember. I passed, which was a big accomplishment for me. If you are taking or plan to take, don’t let it stress you out, give yourself time to prepare, and you will do great! Thanks for reading, hope to have you back to read the next edition of “Behind the Panel.”

About the Author

Patrick Booth | CTS, DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Legrand AV – Chief, C2G, Da-Lite, Luxul, Middle Atlantic, Vaddio, Wiremold

Elevating the Guest Experience: Samsung Hospitality TVs

by Angelo DiMillo | Aug 24, 2023 | Hospitality, Projectors, Uncategorized

Samsung Hospitality TV blog feature image

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving hospitality industry, providing an exceptional guest experience is paramount. Every element of a guest’s stay contributes to their overall satisfaction, and one crucial aspect is the in-room entertainment. Samsung, a global leader in consumer electronics, recognizes the importance of this and offers a range of cutting-edge hospitality televisions designed to elevate the guest experience to new heights.

Samsung’s hospitality televisions combine advanced technology, stunning visual displays, and smart features to deliver an immersive and personalized in-room entertainment experience. Let’s delve into some key features that make Samsung Hospitality Televisions stand out:

Superior Visual Quality: Samsung’s hospitality televisions feature state-of-the-art display technologies, including 4K UHD resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range). These features ensure vivid colors, sharp details, and enhanced contrast, providing guests with a cinematic viewing experience in the comfort of their rooms. Whether guests are enjoying their favorite shows, movies, or gaming, the exceptional visual quality enhances their overall enjoyment.
Smart TV Capabilities: Samsung Hospitality Televisions are equipped with smart TV functionality, allowing guests to access a wide range of content and services. Built-in Wi-Fi and easy-to-navigate interfaces enable guests to stream their favorite online platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, directly on the television. Additionally, guests can explore personalized recommendations, browse the internet, or access hotel services, creating a seamless and interactive in-room experience.
Customizable User Interface: Hotels have the flexibility to customize the user interface of Samsung Hospitality Televisions, enabling them to showcase their branding and tailor the in-room experience to their specific requirements. Customizable welcome messages, hotel information, and branded backgrounds create a cohesive and immersive environment, reinforcing the hotel’s identity and enhancing the guest’s connection with the property.
Interactive Guest Services: Samsung’s hospitality televisions integrate with hotel guest service platforms, enabling guests to access a range of hotel services directly from their room. Whether it’s ordering room service, requesting housekeeping, or exploring local attractions, guests can easily navigate and interact with hotel services through the television. This streamlined approach not only enhances convenience but also improves operational efficiency for hotel staff.
Energy Efficiency and Durability: Samsung is committed to sustainability, and their hospitality televisions are designed with energy efficiency in mind. With features like automatic power-off and energy-saving modes, these televisions help hotels reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on guest satisfaction. Additionally, Samsung’s televisions undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability, reliability, and a longer lifespan, providing hotels with a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Seamless Integration: Samsung Hospitality Televisions seamlessly integrate with existing hotel systems, making installation and management hassle-free. The televisions can be easily integrated with property management systems, content management systems, and other in-room control systems, allowing hotels to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience.

Samsung’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted provider of hospitality televisions worldwide. Their extensive product lineup caters to a range of hotel sizes and requirements, ensuring that each property can find a tailored solution to meet their unique needs.

Samsung Hospitality Televisions offer a compelling combination of cutting-edge technology, superior visual quality, smart features, and seamless integration, all designed to enhance the guest experience. By providing a personalized and immersive in-room entertainment experience, hotels can delight their guests, differentiate themselves from the competition, and build long-lasting customer loyalty. With Samsung Hospitality Televisions, hotels can truly take their guest experience to the next level.

Angelo DiMillo

Account Manager

Exertis Almo – Hospitality

Edition 7 of “This May Be a Dumb Question, but…” – Audio 101

by Ashley Nichols | Aug 17, 2023 | Pro Audio, Uncategorized

Blog Series written by Exertis Almo's Ashley Nichols, CTS, DSCE & John Borns, CTS, DSCE.

Welcome to Issue 7 of “This may be a dumb question, but…”. This week, we’re going to tackle some basic questions with audio. This should be a fun one since neither of us would really call ourselves “audio experts.” Luckily, we have a whole team of audio experts on staff at Exertis Almo who will tell us about all of the things we got wrong. 😅 We’re going to share the ways we’ve come to understand some basic principles of audio that we’ve gathered by asking some dumb questions. Below are two questions we hear most frequently from newbies (like us), so hopefully these basic answers will help you feel empowered enough to dig a little deeper and expand that audio knowledge!

QUESTION

What’s the difference between 8ohm vs. 70-volt audio systems?

ANSWER

We will start by saying this: One is not better than the other, no matter what you hear. They are made for different situations and require different levels of sophistication and wiring. This is where your “needs analysis” also comes in, because you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary work if you ask: Is audio the driving NEED of the space, or is it just adding to the experience? Do you need to be able to scale the system later, or cover large areas now? How many audiophiles⁷ will be in the room to tell you that you chose the wrong brand? All important questions. Here is a chart to help you get an ‘at a glance’ feel for which system could be right for you:

	8ohm	70v
Flexibility	May require larger changes to the system if you add/remove speakers	Most flexible, can add/subtract a few speakers without issue typically
Sound Quality	Best	Just Fine
Cost Effectiveness	Less Expensive	More Expensive
Scalability	Not ideal for large spaces/long distances	Best for large spaces/longer cable runs
Ease of Install	Straight forward wiring, less components	Relatively easy but may require additional components that add to the cost, time, and attention to detail
Room Size	Smaller Spaces	Large spaces, multi zone, etc.

As I said at the beginning, neither of these are truly “better” than the other. Like all of us, they just shine brighter when they are used in the right space at the right time. In another episode, we would be happy to go over the wiring differences between the two in more detail, so drop a line in the request section if you think that would be beneficial to you!

QUESTION

What’s the difference between mic level and line level audio?

ANSWER

If you’re a seasoned audio veteran, this probably sounds like the simplest question possible. Well, for someone like me who broke into the industry selling cables, it took me a while to fully understand what the difference is between these, and when/how to work with each one. Phoenix blocks For me, I was always looking for the connectors on the cables to give me some sort of indication as to what signal they were sending, and to a certain degree they do. An XLR mic cable is GENERALLY used to for mic level audio, but not always. In many cases, there aren’t cable connectors at all, sometimes there’s just PHEONIX¹ block connectors. Anyway, it became clearer to me when I learned that they’re all pretty much the same signal just at different voltage levels.

Mic Level – I was absolutely floored when I first learned that mic level signals are the signal that is produced by a microphone. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. Anyway, microphones are sensitive and produce very low signals, usually measured in mVa (millivolts)². This signal would not be strong enough to produce and audio signal that you could do anything useful or be able to hear at all.
Line Level – The mic level audio signal that we just mentioned will need an audio device to bring that voltage of that signal up to line level. I personally think that line level would be better referred to as “Do Stuff Level”, because this is audio engineers like “do stuff” with the audio signal. Mixing, processing, recording, etc. are all done at line level. Ask Tom Kehr and he will agree that we should start referring to this as the “Do stuff level”. These signals are stronger, usually measured in 1V (volt). Once the signal has been processed and has all of the stuff done to it, it’s ready to be sent out to an amplifier which will bring it to speaker level.
Speaker Level – Get this: this is the signal level used to power speakers. The voltage⁴ is much stronger than line level, usually measured between 10V and 100V. The power of this signal is strong enough to move the physical cones in the speakers to produce the sweet sounds of the Taylor Swift concert that Ashley couldn’t get tickets for (not for lack of trying).

lord of the rings analogy So, really, an audio signal is just like a little hobbit making a journey through Middle Earth. It leaves the Shire weak, but full of ambitions (mic level), it journeys through Middle Earth where it “does a bunch of stuff” (line level) before it finally reaches its final destination in Mordor (speaker), where it finally gets to dunk the ring of power into the fires of Mount Doom and achieve the righteous sounds of a fully produced audio experience.

Vocab Test Time!

Are these the most detailed definitions? No – we are not a dictionary, nor the AVIXA CTS Prep book. Will someone message us after still telling us how much we missed? Possibly. Will these get you a basic working knowledge of these terms and why they matter? 😄 We hope so. Plus, we are 99% sure one of these words will be on your kids’ back to school pop quiz!

Phoenix Block – a.k.a. Euroblock, a.k.a. combicon, essentially a low voltage terminal block commonly used in mic or line level audio signals, but you can also see it in RS232 or RS485 control signals as well.
mVa or Millivolts – one-thousandth of a volt
Milli Vanilli – French-German R&B group that rose to fame and fell to infamy in the last 80’s-early 90’s.
Voltage (E). – The difference in charge between two points, caused by the pressure that forces the current to flow. Voltage is measured in volts.
Current (I). – The rate at which the current flows. Current is measured in amperes, which are also referred to as amps.
Resistance (R). – The rate at which a material resists the current’s flow. Resistance is measured in ohms.
Audiophile – A person with A LOT of passion and enthusiasm around high-quality audio experiences.

Thanks for Reading and Asking Your Questions!

Do you have more ‘dumb’ questions? Share your questions here and we will get you an answer.

Did you find this blog post helpful? Connect with us and #TeamExertisAlmo over on LinkedIn.

Ashley Nichols | CTS, DSCE

Director of Business Development

Supported Manufacturers: Sony

John Borns | CTS, DSCE

Services Development Manager – Central

Exertis Almo Professional Services

Hydrate Yourself with a Thirst for Knowledge

by Rob Voorhees | Jul 27, 2023 | Uncategorized

Seeking out the Proper Certifications and Learning Opportunities

CTS, CTP, DSCE, CTNS, Dante3. That is what you will find next to my name in my email signature and LinkedIn profile. To the non-Pro AV crowd, those letters probably don’t mean much, but to me they each signify a moment in my career where I set out to further my education and better position myself for the future. CTP (Certified Telecom Professional) was the first certification I attempted/passed during my first week of employment with Almo Corporation. DSCE (Digital Signage Certified Expert) was my first foray into Pro AV as I wanted to become more familiar with the lingo used and technologies we spoke about. CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) was the crown jewel in my eyes. It was a goal that I set for myself specifically so I could achieve longevity in my role and better support my company and customers. I needed to learn more to be the “expert” in other words. CTNS (Certified Telecommunications Networking Specialist) was something that I sought out to help differentiate Almo from the competition. Lastly, Dante 3. This certification came in 3 levels and challenged me more than I anticipated. Having worked with AVoIP and Dante-enabled audio products I saw this as a chance to “future proof” myself against newer emerging technologies and gave me a great base for which to learn. The reason I listed these out is to illustrate how each one meant something different to me at a certain time in my career. This does not include the countless others I have received whether it be Harman’s Core Curriculum, Comcast’s Hospitality Certification, or even Microsoft Teams Rooms Sales Certification which all are valuable in their own right. We have certainly all heard the saying “Always be Closing”, well I adopted “Always Be Learning”. Sure, it might sound cliched on its own, but allow me to share how’s, why’s and where’s of this cliche and the benefits it provides.

The How’s: How Do you Continue Your Learning?

There is no magic answer to this question. In my opinion, you either have a thirst for knowledge or you do not. Even if you do not, that is completely fine. Everyone is at a different level or stage of their career and that will dictate a lot. Do you have the time to spend on learning or researching? Do you have the financial stability to pay for some of the new certifications? Do you feel that a new course or learning track would even benefit you at this time? All of these are viable questions so by all means if you answer “no” to any of these, don’t feel bad. One particular reason why I have become a proponent for the “A.B.L.” mantra is because I work for a company who encourages and leads by example. Almo Corporation/Exertis Almo place a value on their employees’ development/training and to me that is infectious. Any time I decide to seek out a certain opportunity, the first thing I do is vocalize that to my management. I find that this helps hold me accountable and is also a tangible goal we can discuss in future interactions. Another way to continue my development is simply asking questions. There have been countless times where I find myself on calls and am not understanding what is being discussed so quite simply, I speak up and ask. Afterwards I will then use my trusty friend- Google and will continue my learning until my comfort level is achieved. It is a small step like this that has helped me more than others.

The Why’s: Why Should You Seek Out Learning Opportunities and Certifications?

I get this question more than you would believe. “Why Do you Have So Many Certifications?” or “Why Bother Taking all those Courses?” Again, it is quite simple. As I laid out in the very beginning, all the certifications that I have achieved thus far each hold a certain value to me in one way or the other. What I will never do is take an exam or spend the time on a learning track just for the sake of completing it. I am very methodical in what I take and when I take it. I have a specific interest in the subject matter and if I didn’t, I wouldn’t even start the course. When I set out a goal to achieve a new learning opportunity, I must set out the reasoning why. Why do I want my CTS? Why do I think this will help me or my employer? Once I’m able to candidly answer those questions with viable answers I proceed to registering etc. and getting started. When you work in an industry such as Pro AV, or any other industry that involves technology, the trends are always changing. Something bigger, faster, and better is always around the corner and if you were to stop and say “well I have my cts, so I’m now done learning” you will eventually find yourself left behind.

The Where’s: Where Should You Look for These Opportunities?

Literally EVERYWHERE! The places to look for educational opportunities will all depend on the topic or goals you set forth. For example, when looking for a certification involved in Telecom, I would head to Google and type “most popular certifications in telecom”. It is here that I uncovered the CTNS, found reviews from past students, and also uncovered similar courses that I could use to expand on the CTNS itself. Outside of search engines, I find that some of the most valuable courses are within our industry. For example, everyone might be most familiar with CTS, CTS-I, and CTS-D offered by AVIXA. However, looking beyond those you will find entire online trainings and “universities” that are offered by the different manufacturers. My absolute favorite is Harman Pro Training and I have previously credited this site for helping me achieve my CTS in the past. I find that these courses are most beneficial because while some do center in on specific Harman products and technologies, they also feature their Core Curriculum which is perfect for anyone trying to learn the basics and build momentum on future learning. Another method is one of my newer “go-to’s” which is Linkedin Learning. Linkedin offers a tremendous opportunity for furthering education, and they allow you to tell them and select what you want to learn. Would you believe I recently achieved a certification for “Writing an Effective Blog?” That exists! I would challenge everyone to check out Linkedin Learning and find your own tract to help!

The Benefits

The benefits of A.B.L. come in different ways. First, the most obvious, is you are developing new skill-sets and broadening your own education. Second, there are financial benefits. For example, by completing a certification such as Dante from Audinate, you are now able to speak more knowledgeably on the technology, the equipment needed, and how to best help the customers. This in term could lead to growth in sales and growth in revenue. Thirdly, to position yourself as the expert. The reason why so many in Pro AV add “CTS” to their email signature is to highlight that you are up to speed on the latest technologies and trends and are the “expert” that can answer their questions and concerns. I take pride in that and while I certainly don’t know everything, I am taking the steps to always get closer! audio experts team Lastly, I think with any line of work, you run the risk of it getting stale. Doing the same thing every day and never trying to change things up. I like to always be learning because quite frankly, it excites me to have an extra tool in the tool belt. Finding new ways to differentiate myself and my employer while also increasing the product knowledge for which I can confidently speak in future calls and meetings. Confidence is king after all!

In closing, I hope that shed some light on what those letters/certifications mean to me and why I hope it will prompt you to achieve your own. Set out some new goals and challenge yourself to achieve 1 new certification this year. They don’t need to be the most time consuming or the most costly to provide value. As long as you can identify something tangible or intangible that you got from it, then I feel as though it served its purpose! I am always eager to lend a hand, so if anyone would ever like further tips or ideas on how to prepare for education, etc., you can always find me on LinkedIn or contact me here.

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