AVIXA CTS - Certified Technology Specialist

The primary advantage of preventive maintenance is reducing equipment downtime. By regularly maintaining and servicing equipment, potential issues can be identified and resolved before they lead to failures. This proactive approach ensures that systems remain operational and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, which can be costly and disruptive. Preventive maintenance helps in maintaining system reliability and efficiency, ultimately contributing to better performance and longer equipment lifespan.

The issue described is likely due to HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) incompatibility. Since PC B does not work through the switcher but works directly, it indicates an HDCP handshake issue between the switcher and PC B. Adding an HDCP-compliant device, such as an HDCP-compliant switcher or repeater, can resolve this issue by ensuring that content protection protocols are properly managed.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

CTS materials on digital video highlight the importance of HDCP management when dealing with protected content in HDMI connections, especially in videoconferencing systems.

When a client requests an addition to the project that wasn't included in the original scope, such as a videoconferencing system, a Request for Change (RFC) is needed. An RFC formally documents the change in scope, budget, or timeline and ensures that all parties agree to the modifications.

CTS Technology Specialist Reference

The CTS guidelines discuss the use of RFCs to manage scope changes, helping avoid misunderstandings and ensuring all modifications are approved and documented.

The microphone in the setup may require phantom power to operate. Phantom power is a DC voltage (usually 48V) supplied through the microphone cable to power condenser microphones. Without phantom power, a condenser microphone will not function, resulting in no audio being passed through the system. Since the drawing shows a microphone connected to a digital audio transmitter, it's likely a condenser microphone, and if it isn't receiving phantom power, this would be the most probable cause of the system not passing audio.

Plosives and breath noise occur when air hits the mic capsule directly. This can be mitigated by adjusting the mic’s position slightly off-center from the mouth and adding a windscreen to diffuse breath impact.

“Correct mic placement and windscreen use significantly reduce plosives and breath noise, especially with headworn microphones.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Microphone Placement and Audio Optimization

A change order (also known as a variation) refers to an official modification to the original project scope, budget, or schedule. It is typically initiated after the project has begun and must be documented and approved.

“Change orders document approved deviations from the original project scope, ensuring all parties agree on modified costs or timelines.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Project Management Chapter

Upon completion of hardware installation and configuration for a new deployment, the next thing the AV Project Manager should have scheduled is testing and verification. This step ensures that all installed equipment functions correctly and meets the project specifications. It involves checking system performance, resolving any issues, and confirming that the setup works as intended. Axis Technology Specialist documentation underscores the critical role of thorough testing and verification in delivering a successful AV project.

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A 240-inch diagonal size is beyond the practical limit of LCD and OLED flat panels. The most feasible solution for such a large, bright, and low-maintenance display is a direct view LED wall, which offers modular construction, long lifespan, and no lamp replacement.

“For large format displays above 120–150 inches, direct view LED offers seamless scalability, brightness, and long-term cost savings over projection.”

— CTS Exam Guide, Display Technologies and Large Format Display Design

In the diagram, lighting zones are typically defined by separate control paths or groups of lights that are independently operated. Each uniquely grouped set of lights shown with a distinct wiring loop or pathway represents one lighting zone.

Upon analysis:

There are 6 clearly delineated lighting zones, each represented by a different control path (black arrows or loops) connecting light fixtures.

These zones correspond to:

Front center lighting area (yellow boxes)

Rear center lighting area (yellow boxes)

Left aisle lighting (green)

Right aisle lighting (green)

Front curved lighting (blue)

Rear curved lighting (blue)

Each of these zones serves a different function (e.g., audience areas, presentation zones, ambient or pathway lighting), which aligns with typical AV environment lighting zoning strategy.

According to the AVIXA CTS Exam Guide, 5th Edition – Chapter 8: Lighting and Control, it states:

"Lighting zones are separated based on control, purpose, and placement. Zoning enables flexible lighting control schemes for AV spaces such as classrooms, conference rooms, and auditoriums."

— AVIXA CTS Exam Guide, Chapter 8, p. 173–175

📘 References:

AVIXA CTS Exam Guide, 5th Edition – Chapter 8: Lighting Systems & Control Zones

AV Design Best Practices: ANSI/AVIXA D401.01:2019 – AV Systems Performance Verification

AVIXA Body of Knowledge: Environmental Considerations in AV Design