Welcome back to “Let’s Talk AV with Alexis”   where technology meets real-world integration.

In Episode 1, we explored the AV rack room ,  the backbone of every reliable system.
In Episode 2, we discussed Network & AV Convergence (AVoIP) ,  the new digital backbone that defines modern system performance.

Now, in Episode 3, we move to the most demanding stage: Commissioning ! where AV design becomes reality.

Why Commissioning Matters ?

In professional AV, commissioning is the phase where theory meets the physical world.
It transforms drawings, diagrams and logic files into a living, operational ecosystem.

A successful commissioning process ensures that the installed system matches design intent, meets performance criteria and delivers a seamless user experience.

It’s not just a final test it’s a system validation process that demands precision, documentation and multidisciplinary coordination.

Key Objectives of Commissioning :

Commissioning covers several critical technical areas:

1️⃣ Signal Path Verification.

• Confirm every audio, video and control path from source to destination.

• Check EDID handshakes, HDCP compliance and routing through matrices or encoders.

• Validate gain structure, impedance matching and signal integrity from input to loudspeaker or display.

2️⃣ Network Configuration Validation.

• Ensure VLAN segmentation, QoS tagging and multicast control are properly implemented.

• Verify encoder-decoder addressing, IGMP snooping and bandwidth headroom on switches.

• Monitor packet loss, jitter,and latency under load to confirm system stability.

3️⃣ Device Integration & Firmware Alignment.

• Confirm all components (DSPs, control processors, amplifiers, endpoints) have current firmware and compatible configurations.

• Test automation logic, control API responsiveness and feedback mechanisms.

• Document all IP allocations and firmware baselines for handover.

4️⃣ System Calibration & Optimization.

• Align display brightness, color temperature and scaling to environmental lighting.

• Tune DSP equalization, delay and crossover points for accurate room response.

• Conduct SPL and intelligibility (STI) measurements in critical spaces.

5️⃣ User Interface Validation.

• Test control touchpanels, presets and automation logic against the user’s operational workflow.

• Ensure intuitive access, logical naming and consistent UI behavior across rooms.

• Validate scheduling, occupancy sensors and integration with room booking systems (if applicable).

Field Realities: When Plans Meet the Site.

Even with perfect documentation, commissioning exposes the real-world gaps between design and construction.

Common site challenges include:

• Power not ready , incomplete circuits or missing UPS feed.

• Network pending , VLANs or switch ports not yet configured.

• Hardware substitutions, last-minute model changes affecting firmware or drivers.

• Rack heat issues , poor airflow leading to thermal throttling or device failure.

• Civil misalignments , wall boxes, conduits, or brackets installed off-mark.

• Schedule compression ,  multiple trades working in the same area near handover.

This is where the AV engineer’s adaptability and on-site troubleshooting skills become invaluable.

Collaboration Defines Success.

Commissioning is not a solo effort — it’s a cross-functional exercise requiring close coordination between:

• IT Teams: Network readiness, IP schemes, VLANs and QoS policies.

• Civil & Electrical Teams: Power availability, conduit routing and grounding.

• Vendors & Manufacturers: Firmware support, diagnostics and remote assistance.

• Facilities & End Users: Validation of usability, maintenance procedures and future scalability.

Strong communication between these disciplines reduces risk, accelerates sign-of  and ensures system reliability long after project completion.

The AV Engineer’s Edge !

In commissioning, technical skill is only half the equation the other half is mindset.

A great commissioning engineer is:

• Analytical : understands both signal flow and network architecture.
• User-focused  : ensures functionality aligns with real workflows.
• Detail-oriented  : documents every change, test and configuration.
• Collaborative  : bridges communication between AV, IT and facilities.
• Calm under pressure : resolves issues efficiently during high-stress deadlines.

These professionals are the final guardians of system integrity and the first ambassadors of client satisfaction.

Final Thought !

AV systems are designed in CAD, but proven in commissioning.
It’s in this final stage that technology meets craftsmanship — where configuration, testing and teamwork turn complex systems into seamless experiences.

When everything aligns the network, the power, the programming, the acoustics   the client walks in and says : “This just works.”

That’s the moment every AV professional works for.
That’s where design becomes experience !

Discussion Points for the AVIXA Xchange Community

1️⃣ What’s your top priority during commissioning  functionality, documentation, or user experience?
2️⃣ How do you approach troubleshooting when multiple trades are overlapping?
3️⃣ Do you maintain a standardized commissioning checklist or rely on project-specific workflows?
4️⃣ How can we improve collaboration between AV and IT during the final integration stage?
5️⃣ What tools or platforms (signal testers, monitoring software, verification scripts) do you rely on most in the field?