APPENDIX B

InfoComm Standards

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The InfoComm International Certified Technology Specialist–Installation (CTS-D) exam, for which you are studying, is ANSI-accredited under the ISO and the ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standard, Conformity Assessment–General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Schemes of Persons.

In addition, InfoComm is an ANSI-accredited Standards Developer (ASD), creating voluntary standards for the commercial audiovisual industry. Accreditation by ANSI signifies that the processes used by standards development organizations (SDOs) to develop ANSI standards meet ANSI’s requirements for openness, balance, consensus, right to appeal, and due process. InfoComm also develops non-ANSI standards for use within the AV industry.

InfoComm standards provide guidance for AV system performance. This includes system performance standards, management standards, documentation standards, and verification standards. The standards take into account technology, physiology, architecture, and other variables in determining the best way to design, implement, and manage the performance of all types of AV systems. You can keep up with news about current standards and those in development by visiting InfoComm’s website (www.infocomm.org/standards).

Do not be surprised if you see references to some of these standards on the CTS-D exam. It is important for CTS-D professionals to be able to understand and apply relevant standards. As a CTS-D certified AV professional, you should consider standards when designing AV system projects.

This appendix provides a brief synopsis of the existing InfoComm standards. Members can download all the InfoComm standards from the InfoComm website for free.

ANSI/INFOCOMM 1M-2009, Audio Coverage Uniformity in Enclosed Listener Areas

One of the fundamental goals of sound system performance for both speech reinforcement and program audio is delivering consistent coverage in the listening area. A well-executed audio system design is one that allows all listeners to hear the system at approximately the same sound pressure level throughout the desired frequency spectrum range, no matter where positioned in the designated listening area. This standard provides a procedure to measure this spatial coverage, as well as criteria for use in the design and commissioning of audio systems.

ANSI/INFOCOMM 2M-2010, Standard Guide for Audiovisual Design and Coordination Processes

A successful professional audiovisual system installation depends on the clear definition and coordination of processes, resources, and responsibilities of the design and installation project teams. A properly documented audiovisual system provides the information necessary to understand and implement the system goals and project requirements in a logical and efficient manner. The documentation should complement and coordinate related architectural, engineering, and construction documentation. This standard outlines a consistent set of the standard tasks, responsibilities, and deliverables required for professional audiovisual systems design and construction.

ANSI/INFOCOMM 3M-2011, Projected Image System Contrast Ratio

This standard provides metrics for measurement and requirements for minimum contrast ratios for rear- and front-projection audiovisual projected image systems.

It also applies to both permanent and temporary installations and defines the projected image system’s contrast ratio and its measurement. It defines four contrast ratios based on content viewing requirements: passive viewing, basic decision making, analytical decision making, and full-motion video. The system contrast ratio refers to the image as it is presented to viewers in a space with ambient light. Metrics to measure and validate the defined contrast ratios are also provided.

The standard puts the needs of the viewer ahead of all other considerations. Its requirements move beyond individual performance factors of a projector and a screen because the contrast ratio they can deliver is ultimately affected by the light in the space.

This standard provides important metrics for evaluating, planning, and designing projected image system installations, setting minimum contrast ratios, and measuring the contrast ratio provided by the system.

ANSI/INFOCOMM 4:2012, Audiovisual Systems Energy Management

This standard defines and prescribes processes and requirements for ongoing power-consumption management of the audiovisual system. The standard identifies requirements for the control and continuous monitoring of electrical power for audiovisual systems, whereby power is conserved whenever possible and components operate at the lowest power-consuming state possible without compromise to the system’s performance for the needs of the user. Audiovisual systems in conformance with the standard will meet the defined requirements for automation, measurement, analysis, and training.

An audiovisual system designed to minimize power consumption includes power monitoring and automated control of components in an effort to use the least amount of electrical power possible when the AV system is in operation, when it is in standby modes, and when the system is not being used.

Energy conservation can be managed through ongoing active monitoring and reporting of power consumption. Design of the technical architecture of the AV systems and components, implementation based on design documentation, and thorough testing procedures of installed systems are critical to the success of an energy management program.

ANSI/INFOCOMM 10:2013, Audiovisual Systems Performance Verification

This standard provides a framework and supporting processes for determining elements of an audiovisual system that need to be verified, determining the timing of that verification within the project delivery cycle, determining verification metrics, and creating reporting procedures. The standard includes 160 reference verification items. Consultants, integrators, manufacturers, technology support staff, owners, third-party commissioning agents, and architects who have verification processes in place can integrate existing processes into the framework this standard provides, adding customized verification items to those already defined in the standard.

CEA/CEDIA/INFOCOMM J-STD-710, Audio, Video and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols Standard

This document provides a standardized set of architectural floor plan and reflected ceiling plan symbols for audio, video, and control systems, with associated technologies such as environmental control and communication networks. It also includes descriptions and guidelines for the use of these symbols.

INFOCOMM F501.01:2015, Cable Labeling for Audiovisual Systems

This standard defines requirements for audiovisual system cable labeling for a variety of venues. The standard provides requirements for easy identification of all power and signal paths in a completed audiovisual system to aid in operation, support, maintenance, and troubleshooting.