AVIXA CTS - Certified Technology Specialist

All devices must share the same subnet to communicate. If a device is on a different subnet (e.g., 192.168.20.x instead of 192.168.10.x), it won’t communicate with others unless routing is configured.

“Mismatch in subnet masks or incorrect subnet addresses is a common cause of connectivity issues in AV networks.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Networking and IP Configuration Essentials

The light output of a projection system is typically measured in lumens, which quantify the total amount of visible light emitted by the projector. Lumens measure the projector's brightness, making it a standard metric for comparing different projectors' output capacities.

Lux is used to measure illuminance or the amount of light falling on a surface.

Footcandles is another unit of illuminance, similar to lux but based on the imperial system.

Contrast ratio describes the difference in luminance between the brightest white and the darkest black a projector can produce, not the brightness itself.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

According to CTS training materials, projector brightness should be specified in lumens, which provides a clear indication of the projector's suitability for different environments and screen sizes.

Blanking panels help direct airflow front-to-back, minimizing air recirculation in open areas and improving cooling efficiency. This method helps the cool air reach heat-producing components more effectively.

“Blanking panels eliminate hot air recirculation and promote efficient front-to-back cooling—a best practice in AV rack design.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Equipment Ventilation and Rack Design

A managed switch is essential for logically isolating control and media networks because it allows for advanced network configurations such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). VLANs enable the segmentation of a network into separate, isolated sub-networks, ensuring that control traffic and media traffic do not interfere with each other. This isolation improves network performance, security, and manageability. Managed switches provide the necessary features to implement and manage these configurations effectively.

The frequency identified by the numbers above each slider of a graphic equalizer is the center frequency. The center frequency is the specific frequency that each slider controls, allowing the user to boost or cut the amplitude of that frequency and those in its immediate vicinity. This helps in fine-tuning the audio signal to achieve the desired sound quality.

When a client requests an earlier project completion date, the AV contractor should first issue a Request for Change (RFC). This formal request documents the proposed schedule change and requires client approval. It allows for assessment of resource requirements, timeline adjustments, and any potential cost implications.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

The CTS guidelines stress documenting changes through formal requests like RFCs to ensure client approval and clarity on any impact to the project.