Sound RGB idea for audiovisual training

Oft-ignored audio functionality is focus of reseller course

Audiovisual distributor RGB Communications is aiming to address a perceived lack of audio skills in the channel with a new training course.

David Webster, chief technical officer at RGB, criticised the level of understanding of audio among audiovisual channel partners and said they could benefit from learning more about it.

"I am constantly amazed that audio is so often treated as the poor relation to video by AV professionals. Being able to clearly hear the sound when listening to or watching any kind of multimedia content is key, yet it is often overlooked," Webster said in a statement.

He added that RGB wants to ensure the 'A' in audiovisual receives just as much focus as the 'V'.

"Try to follow a presentation or participate in an audio or videoconference when you cannot hear the speaker, or try to watch a movie with poor audio quality," he pointed out.

Poor audio often meant listeners became tired as they strained to listen, failed to understand what was going on, or – even worse – misheard what was being said in a presentation, at a conference, or similar. This was doubtless feeding through to business outcomes, Webster noted.

He suggested that modern technology so often suffers from poor audio, with mobile phones being an obvious example, that we have become accustomed to mediocre sound. Cheap and "nasty" offerings were often considered good enough. However, this did not have to be the case, said Webster.

"I am sure some AV professionals will think that the content of our new Audio Essentials course is about trying to teach your grandmother to suck eggs," he added.

"But by not really understanding what sound is and how audio systems actually work, channel partners are missing out on potential revenue opportunities. It is easy to forget that sometimes you don't know what you don't know."

The first of RGB's new audio courses will be held at its Berkshire base (pictured) on 15 May, from 10am to 5pm. The emphasis is on practical considerations for selecting, installing and using components, including tips about wiring and positioning and the like, reinforced with the relevant theory.