Why Your Classroom AV Contractor Might Not Be the Right Fit for Your Auditorium
As a general contractor, you've likely managed projects with A/V components ranging from simple classroom upgrades to complete auditorium renovations. But here's what many GCs discover too late: not all A/V contractors have the same capabilities, and choosing the wrong partner can derail your project timeline and budget.
At Infinity Sound, we've spent decades designing and installing performance venue systems across Texas. We've also rescued projects where well-meaning local A/V contractors found themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of performance spaces. Understanding these differences upfront can save you significant time, money, and headaches.
Understanding the Fundamental Differences: Local vs. Performance Systems
Local or classroom A/V systems are designed for everyday use in controlled environments. Think interactive displays, in-ceiling speakers, and simple push-button control. These systems excel at repetitive tasks, displaying presentations, video conferencing, or playing audio for small groups. Installation is straightforward: mount the display, run the cables, program the control panel, done.
Performance Venue systems operate in an entirely different league. These spaces use line array speakers that "throw" sound evenly across hundreds of seats, not just fill a 20x30 room. Where a classroom might have 2-4 speakers, an auditorium could require 20-40 speakers precisely aimed and delayed ensuring every seat hears clearly.
The technical requirements multiply quickly. Performance spaces need DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to manage acoustic challenges like echo and feedback. They require complex power distribution to handle theatrical lighting and motorized rigging systems. Programming isn't just "on/off", it's creating dozens of presets for different events, from school board meetings to Broadway-style productions.
These aren't simply bigger versions of classroom systems. They're engineered solutions that demand specialized expertise.
The Hidden Complexities: What Performance Spaces Actually Require
Performance venues integrate multiple sophisticated systems that must work seamlessly together. Audio, video, theatrical lighting, theatrical rigging, and acoustic treatments all interact in ways that affect the others. Change the lighting plot? You might affect sight lines to the projection screen. Add acoustic panels? The rigging points might need to be recalculated.
Consider code compliance. Assembly spaces face stringent requirements for life safety systems, emergency communications, and assisted listening systems that don't apply to standard classrooms. These codes vary by jurisdiction and occupancy type, requiring contractors who understand both the technology and the regulations.
We learned this firsthand at Creekview High School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. The CMAR for the district initially worked with a subcontractor who specialized in classroom technology, a great company within their expertise. However, when the complexities of the auditorium renovation emerged (rigging loads, acoustic modeling, programming, tuning), it became clear that specialized knowledge was needed. Infinity Sound was brought in to complete the auditorium, working collaboratively to ensure the district got the performance space they envisioned. The lesson? Matching contractor expertise to project requirements from the start prevents costly mid-project adjustments.
Contractor Capabilities: Not All AV Companies Are Created Equal
Local A/V contractors excel at standardized, repeatable installations. They can efficiently outfit dozens of classrooms with identical systems, provide bulk pricing, and train staff on simple interfaces. For many educational and corporate projects, they're the perfect choice.
Performance A/V specialists bring different strengths. Our teams include certified riggers who understand load calculations and safety factors. We employ lighting designers who know the difference between RGB and RGBW fixtures and why it matters for skin tones on stage. Our programmers don't just connect equipment. They create show control systems that seamlessly transition between lecture mode and full theatrical production.
Here's the key distinction: performance contractors can handle both simple and complex systems, but the reverse isn't always true. We regularly install basic conference room and classroom systems alongside our complex projects. However, asking a local A/V contractor to design an auditorium system is like asking a residential electrician to wire a manufacturing plant, the fundamentals are similar, but the expertise required is vastly different.
The Value of Single-Source Responsibility
When you're managing a performance space project, coordinating multiple subcontractors becomes a complex dance. The A/V contractor needs power from the electrical contractor. The lighting designer needs rigging points from the structural engineer. The acoustic consultant affects everyone's work.
Performance Venue contractors like Infinity Sound provide single-source responsibility for all technology systems. We handle the audio, video, theatrical lighting, and rigging systems as one integrated package. This eliminates finger-pointing between trades and ensures all systems share common control protocols.
Consider a typical arena with LED video boards, distributed sound systems, and broadcast-quality lighting. With multiple contractors, you're coordinating three different control systems, three installation schedules, and three service agreements. With a Performance Venue contractor, it's one unified system with presets for "Concert," "Sports Event," and "Corporate Presentation."
This integration extends to the bidding process. Instead of managing separate bid packages for A/V, lighting, and rigging, you're working with one contractor who understands how these systems interact and can provide accurate, comprehensive pricing upfront.
Getting It Right From the Start: The Planning Advantage
The best time to involve a performance venue specialist? During the design phase, not after the bid documents are released. Early involvement allows us to help shape realistic budgets that account for often-overlooked elements like:
Structural requirements for rigging points
Dedicated technical power and appropriate grounding
Conduit pathways for future flexibility
HVAC noise criteria that won't interfere with performances
Proper sight lines for both audiences and cameras
We regularly consult with GCs during preconstruction, helping create bid documents that accurately reflect project complexity. This prevents the awkward conversation three months into construction when someone realizes the specified system won't actually meet the owner's needs.
Questions every GC should ask potential A/V contractors:
Can you self-perform theatrical lighting and rigging?
Can you provide acoustic modeling for the space?
What's your experience with similar venues?
Can you handle both the auditorium AND the adjacent spaces?
Choose Your Partner Wisely
Your choice of A/V contractor directly impacts project success. Local systems contractors serve an important role in our industry, and we respect their expertise in classroom and small meeting room installations. But when your project includes performance spaces (auditoriums, arenas, stadiums, council chambers, or theaters) you need a partner who understands the complexities involved.
At Infinity Sound, we've spent over two decades perfecting our craft in performance venues while maintaining the capability to handle simpler systems within the same facility. We reduce your subcontractor coordination challenges, provide accurate budgets based on real-world experience, and deliver systems that perform flawlessly from opening night forward.
Ready to discuss your next project? Contact Infinity Sound for a free consultation. We'll help you understand exactly what your space needs, whether that's a simple sound system or a full theatrical experience. Let's talk early, plan smart, and build something exceptional together.