What is an Audio Visual Company?

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An Audio Visual or "AV" company is one that concentrates primarily on the use of electronics to provide sound and visual presentations to an audience.   This audience can be on-site or anywhere there is an internet connection.  Most often, Audio Visual companies provide equipment and service in Hotels, Conference Centers, Country Clubs, Schools, or anywhere there is enough space to accommodate an audience.

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What is "in-house" audio visual?  In-house AV is either the venue providing their own Audio Visual services or they are using an other company to provide it.

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Why do "in-house" audio visual companies charge so much?  Usually an in-house av provider is a separate company.  They both want to make a profit off your event and that is why you are going to usually pay twice as much for the av.  For venues that don't have an outside av company, they are basically just charging you double.

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What should a customer do when a venue doesn't allow an outside company like Bergen Audio Visual?  The best thing to do is to find another venue that does!  Many times the venue will make an exception to keep your business.  Another thing you can do is to ask the venue if they will match our pricing.  We work with a lot of venues in New Jersey and very easily can recommend some places for you.

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Are there hidden charges or equipment that I shouldn't be paying for when I use a venue that has an in-house av provider?  Typically these venues charge for things like tape for cables, service charges (up to 20% additional), electricity (this is illegal), and very high tech or operator rates (up to $150/hr).  Another charge that should be looked at are the fees for setting up and  removal of the equipment.  You are still paying the very high rate and they usually double the amount of time it takes to do the work.

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Is there a benefit to using an in-house av provider?  Yes there is.  The in-house company, in most cases, has a wealth of equipment on-site and are very familiar with the venue that they work in.  There are some very knowledgeable people on staff.  The downside is, as mentioned above, the charges are usually twice what you should be paying.

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