ROUND TABLE 47
Time is the root risk, and the way to beat it is to engineer a system you can prepare, test and prove long before you roll into the venue
Kyle Slaugh The biggest risk factor in large-scale AV installations and live shows is time, because the event has a hard start and most failures happen when there isn’t enough time to build, test and troubleshoot before the show. Late load-ins, delayed power/rigging, missing info and last-minute changes don’t just compress the schedule – they eliminate the buffer that prevents small issues from becoming public failures. The best way to mitigate this early is to design solutions that can be built during prep, not with on-site invention. Build a solution that can be assembled, tested and labelled in advance: pre-configured racks, pre-programmed show files, standardised cable looms, redundant signal paths and verified playback/ streaming templates. Then deploy on site as a controlled ‘connect and validate’ process instead of a full build. Early mitigation also includes locking scope and content deadlines, creating clear patch documentation and signal When you’re planning a large-scale AV installation or live show, what are the biggest risk factors – and how do you mitigate them early in the project?
flow, planning backups and scheduling non-negotiable rehearsal/line check time. Time is the root risk, and the way to beat it is to engineer a system you can prepare, test and prove long before you roll into the venue. Adam Corrie Risk is present from early in the design stages, and that typically begins with the scope. We often suggest a discovery phase or exercise to ensure all stakeholders have been consulted and everyone has a consistent understanding of the project requirements. On completion of a detailed design, a clear brief, schedule of works, timeline and bill of materials form the bulk of the contract. During production, further risk can arise in the form of compatibility and interoperability gaps – particularly with larger and more complex audio-visual systems – although these are usually mitigated by comprehensive off-site testing or commissioning. We try to stay agnostic when it comes to manufacturers, so that we can select substitutes for equipment that suddenly becomes unavailable for whatever reason. Exceptionally long lead times created problems for many audio-visual integrators after the Covid-19 pandemic and, prior to that, the emergence of cryptocurrencies created shortages of
GPUs because they were needed for blockchain mining. Stock levels for AV hardware have largely returned to normal over the past few years. However, we are now seeing shortages of volatile memory owing to enormous demand from new AI data centres, which are anticipated to impact the cost and availability of equipment across the AV industry. How do you evaluate whether emerging technologies are reliable enough for mission- critical environments? Markus Beyr Testing is key, but you cannot test for an extended period without losing the innovative edge; you have to embrace a degree of risk. The key is to approach risks strategically: being prepared to step in and replace critical components at your own expense if they prove unreliable or to iterate and refine the solution until it meets the required standard of reliability. Early-stage prototyping and phased rollouts can help identify weaknesses before full deployment, while strong supplier relationships ensure rapid support and replacements. Ultimately, building flexibility into both your
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