CONTENTS
Foreword
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Part I The Certified Technology Specialist-Design
Chapter 1 What Is a Certified Technology Specialist-Design?
Introducing InfoComm International
Why Earn Your CTS-D Credential?
What Does a CTS-D Do?
Are You Eligible for the CTS-D Exam?
Chapter Review
Chapter 2 The CTS-D Exam
The Scope of the CTS-D Exam
Exam Preparation Strategies
Math Strategies
Order of Operations
Ohm’s Law and Electrical Circuits
The CTS-D Exam Process
Getting to the Testing Center
Identification Requirements
Items Restricted from the Exam Room
About the Exam
During the Exam
Dismissal or Removal from the Exam
Hazardous Weather or Local Emergencies
Special Accommodations for Exams
Exam Scoring
Retesting
CTS-D Exam Practice Questions
Answers to CTS-D Practice Questions
Chapter Review
Part II Environment
Chapter 3 Communicating Design Intent
The Phases of an AV Design Project
Program Phase
Design Phase
Construction Phase
Verification Phase
Reading Construction Drawings
Scaled Drawings
Drawing Types
Architectural Drawing Symbols
Common Architectural Drawing Abbreviations
The AV Design Package
Front-End Documentation
Architectural and Infrastructure Drawings
AV System Drawings: Facility Drawings
AV System Drawings: System Diagrams
AV System Specifications
The Basics of AV-Enabled Rooms
Audience and Presenter Areas
Control and Projection Areas
Programming
The Needs Analysis
Who Are the End Users?
Clients on a Project
Conducting the Needs Analysis
Step 1: Ask Questions
Step 2: Review Existing Documentation
Step 3: Evaluate the Site Environment/Benchmarking
Step 4: Conduct Program Meetings
Step 5: Write the Program Report
A Closer Look at the Program Report
AV Budget Terms
Distribution and Approval
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 4 Ergonomics in AV Design
Human Dimensions and Visual Field
The Horizontal Visual Field
The Vertical Visual Field
Head Rotation
Sightlines
Human Sightlines
Eye Height
Seating Layouts
Floor Layouts
Furniture
Tables and Chairs
Lecterns
Other Furniture
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 5 Visual Principles of Design
Determining Image Specifications
Determining Text Size
Visual Acuity and the Snellen Eye Chart
Character Height
Determining the Farthest Viewing Distance
The Simple Image Height Formula Wheel
Determining the Nearest Viewing Distance
Determining the Viewing Range
Display Device Selection
Video Resolution
Aspect Ratio
Calculating Aspect Ratio
Calculating Screen Diagonal
Display Types
Front Projection
Front-Projection Screens
Specifying Front-Screen Projection
Rear Projection
Rear-Projection Screens
Rear-Projection Design Considerations
Videowalls
Common Videowall Applications
Videowall Design
Display Environment
Measuring Light
System Black
Contrast Ratio
ANSI/INFOCOMM 3M-2011
Five Viewing Positions
Four Viewing Tasks
3M Conformance
Projector Positioning
Projector Light Path
Projection Throw
Predicting Projector Brightness
Screen Gain
Hot Spotting
Lamp Life
Projector Lens
Ambient Light Levels
Calculating Required Projector Brightness
Measuring OFE Projector Brightness
Task-Light Levels
Calculating Task-Light Levels
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 6 Audio Principles of Design
Introduction to the Decibel
Why Use Decibels?
Calculating Decibel Changes
Reference Level
Sound Pressure Level
SPL Meters
SPL Meter Settings
SPL Meter Classes
SPL Meter Weighting Curves
Loudness vs. Weighting
SPL Meter Weighting: Spectrum Analysis
Loudspeaker Directivity
Calculating Loudspeaker Coverage
Distributed Layout Options
Edge-to-Edge Coverage
Partial Overlap Coverage
Edge-to-Center Coverage
Ohm’s Law Revisited
Loudspeaker Impedance
Wiring Loudspeakers
Loudspeakers Wired in a Series
Loudspeakers Wired in Parallel, Same Impedance
Loudspeakers Wired in Parallel, Different Impedances
Loudspeakers Wired in a Series and Parallel Combination
Measuring Impedance
Transformers
Specifying a Power Amplifier
Headroom Requirements
Loudspeaker Sensitivity
Power Amplifiers
Specifying a Power Amplifier for Direct-Connection Audio
Specifying a Power Amplifier for Distributed Audio
Microphones
Handheld Microphones
Instrument, Lavalier, and Head Microphones
Boundary and Gooseneck Microphones
Shotgun Microphones
Microphone Construction
Microphone Polar Response
Polar Plot
Microphone Frequency Response
Microphone Signal Levels
Microphone Sensitivity
Microphone Pre-Amp Gain
Microphone Mixing and Routing
Microphone Placement: A Conference Table
Microphone Placement: The 3:1 Rule
Reinforcing a Presenter
Microphones and Clothing
Polar Plots for Reinforcing a Presenter
Audio System Quality
It Must Be Loud Enough
It Must Be Intelligible
It Must Remain Stable
PAG/NAG
More Variables: NOM and FSM
PAG/NAG in Action
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Part III Infrastructure
Chapter 7 Communicating with Allied Trades
Communicating with Stakeholders
Tracking the Project
Work Breakdown Structure
Gantt Chart
Logic Network Diagram
Industry Standards as Common Language
Hierarchy of Design Consultation
Showing Workmanship
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 8 Lighting Specifications
Basics of Lighting
Brightness
Color Temperature
Energy Consumption
Lighting the Space
Task Lighting
Shades and Blackout Drapes
Choosing Lamps
Choosing Luminaires
Lighting Coverage
Documenting Luminaires
Creating a Zoning Plan
Determining Zones
Lighting Control
On/Off vs. Dimmable
Lighting Scenes
Lighting a Videoconference
Glare
Light Balance
Color Temperature
Wall and Table Finishes
Emergency Lighting
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 9 Structural and Mechanical Considerations
Codes and Regulations
Designing for Equal Access
Electric and Building Codes
Mounting Considerations
Mounting Options
Load Limit
Mounting Hardware
Designing the Rack
Rack Sizes
Ergonomics
Weight Distribution
Signal Separation
Block Diagrams
Heat Load
Calculating Heat Load from Power Amplifiers
Cooling a Rack
HVAC Considerations
HVAC Issues that Impact Design
AV Drawings
Fire and Life Safety Protection
Fire Safety
Energy Management
Data Collection
Automation
Education and Training
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 10 Specifying Electrical Infrastructure
Circuit Theory
Ohm’s Law and Power Formulas
Series vs. Parallel Circuits
Capacitors
Inductors
Coils and Magnetic Induction
Coils, Capacitors, and Resistors in a Series Circuit
Coils, Capacitors, and Resistors in a Parallel Circuit
Specifying Electrical Power
Established Terms
Codes and Regulations
Electrical Distribution Systems
Power Distribution Systems
Understanding Power Onsite
The Master Technical Power Panel
Specifying AV Circuits
Branch Circuit Loads
Calculating the Number of Circuits
Power Strips and Cords
Grounding (Earthing)
System Grounding
Equipment Grounding
Ground Faults
The Dangers of Three-to-Two-Prong Adapters
Isolated Ground
Isolated Ground Receptacles
Interference Prevention and Noise Defense
Magnetic-Field Coupling
Electric-Field Coupling
Shielding
Ground Loops
Balanced Circuits
Differential- and Common-Mode Signals
Common-Mode Rejection
Twisted-Pair Cables and Common-Mode Rejection
Transformers
Unbalanced Interface
The Pin 1 Problem
Specifying AV Conduit
Conduit Types
Conduit Stubs
Allowable Fill Percentages
Jam Ratio
Conduit Bends
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 11 Elements of Acoustics
Acoustic Engineering
Sound Production
Sound Propagation
Sound Intensity
Sound Pressure
Particle Displacement
Sound Interaction
Reflection
Absorption
Transmission
Sound Reception
Integration Process
Noise Classes
Background Noise Recommendations
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Part IV Applied Design
Chapter 12 Digital Signals
The Analog Sunset
Digital Signals
Digital Audio Bandwidth
Digital Video Bandwidth
4:4:4 Sampling
4:4:4:4 Sampling
4:2:2 Sampling
4:1:1 Sampling
Bandwidth: Determining Total Program Size
Content Compression and Encoding
Codecs
Digital Audio Compression: MP3
Digital AV Compression
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 13 Digital Video Design
Digital Video Basics
High-Definition and Ultra High-Definition Video
The Cliff Effect
Video Signal Types
Serial Digital Interface
Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling
DVI and HDMI
More About HDMI
DisplayPort
USB 3.1 and USB Type-C
Thunderbolt
Mobile High-Definition Link
Introduction to EDID
Creating an EDID Strategy
EDID Truth Tables
Resolving EDID Issues
Digital Rights Management
High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection
How HDCP Works
Switchers and Repeaters
HDCP Troubleshooting
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 14 Audio Design
Analog vs. Digital Audio
Audio Transport Methods
DSP Architectures
Signal Monitoring
Analog vs. Digital Signal Monitoring
Setting Up the System
Where to Set Gain
Common DSP Settings
Introduction to Equalization
Pass Filters
Crossover Filters
Feedback-Suppression Filters
Noise-Reduction Filters
Delays
Graphic Equalizers
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 15 Control Requirements
Types of Control Systems
Control System Components
Central Processing Unit
Control Interfaces
Control Points
Control System Design
Needs Analysis
CPU Configurations
Programming for Control
Establishing Control Points
Verifying System Performance
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 16 Networking for AV
What Is a Network?
Network Components
Clients and Servers
Network Interface Cards
Switches, Routers, and Gateways
Links
The OSI Model
OSI Model Layers
Network Types and Topologies
Local Area Networks
Wide Area Networks
Virtual Private Networks
Network Layer Protocols
Internet Protocol
Subnetting
IP Address Assignment
Transport Layer Protocols
Transmission Control Protocol Transport
Universal Datagram Protocol Transport
Transmission Control Protocol vs. Universal Datagram Protocol
Ports
Data Link Layer Protocols
Why Professional AV Needs Its Own Protocols
Audio Video Bridging/Time-Sensitive Networking
EtherSound
CobraNet
Dante
Q-Sys
HDBaseT
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 17 Streaming Design
Streaming Needs Analysis
Streaming Tasks
Audience
End Points
Content Sources
Using Copyrighted Content
Streaming Needs Analysis Questions
Streaming Design and the Network Environment
Topology
Bandwidth: Matching Content to the Network
Image Quality vs. Available Bandwidth
Streaming and Quality of Service
Latency
Network Policies and Restrictions
Cheat Sheet: Streaming Network Analysis Questions
Designing the Streaming System
Other Streaming Protocols
High-Quality Streaming Video
Unicast and Multicast
Unicast vs. Multicast
Implementing Multicast
Multicast Addressing
Streaming Reflectors
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 18 Security for Networked AV Applications
Security Objectives
Identifying Security Requirements
Determining a Security Posture
Stakeholder Input
Assessing Risk
Risk Registers
Mitigation Planning
Change Default Passwords
Create Multiple User Roles
Accounts for Every User
Disable Unnecessary Services
Enable Encryption and Auditing
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Chapter 19 Conducting Project Implementation Activities
Performance Verification Standard
System Verification Process
Regional Regulations
Resources for Regional Codes
Verification Tools
Audio System Verification
Audio-Testing Tools
Video System Verification
Verifying the Video Signal Path
Verifying Video Sources
Camera Adjustments
Display Setup
Projector Verification
Audio/Video Sync
Correcting Audio/Video Sync Errors
Conducting System Closeout
Closeout Documentation
Drawings of Record
Operational Documentation
Punch List
Troubleshooting
Customer Training
Client Sign-Off
Chapter Review
Review Questions
Answers
Part V Appendixes
Appendix A Math Formulas Used in AV Design
Steps to Solving Word Problems
Step 1: Understand the Problem
Step 2: Create a Plan
Step 3: Execute Your Plan
Step 4: Check Your Answer
Rounding
AV Math Formulas
Estimated Projector Throw
Projector Lumens Output
Image Height to Farthest Viewer Distance Ratio
Decibel Formula for Distance
Decibel Formula for Voltage
Decibel Formula for Power
Current Formula (Ohm’s Law)
Power Formula
Series Circuit Impedance Formula
Parallel Circuit Impedance Formula: Loudspeakers with the Same Impedance
Parallel Circuit Impedance Formula: Loudspeakers with Different Impedances
Series/Parallel Circuit Impedance Formulas
Needed Acoustic Gain
Potential Acoustic Gain
Audio System Stability (PAG/NAG)
Conduit Capacity
Jam Ratio
Heat Load Formula
Power Amplifier Heat Load
Power Amplifier Wattage (Constant Voltage)
Wattage at the Loudspeaker
Simplified Room Mode Calculation
Loudspeaker Coverage Pattern (Ceiling Mounted)
Loudspeaker Spacing (Ceiling Mounted)
Digital Video Bandwidth
Analog Video Signal Bandwidth
Minimum Video System Bandwidth
Appendix B InfoComm Standards
ANSI/INFOCOMM 1M-2009, Audio Coverage Uniformity in Enclosed Listener Areas
ANSI/INFOCOMM 2M-2010, Standard Guide for Audiovisual Design and Coordination Processes
ANSI/INFOCOMM 3M-2011, Projected Image System Contrast Ratio
ANSI/INFOCOMM 4:2012, Audiovisual Systems Energy Management
ANSI/INFOCOMM 10:2013, Audiovisual Systems Performance Verification
CEA/CEDIA/INFOCOMM J-STD-710, Audio, Video and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols Standard
INFOCOMM F501.01:2015, Cable Labeling for Audiovisual Systems
Appendix C Video References
Videos in This Guide
Additional Videos
Appendix D About the Download
System Requirements
Installing and Running Total Tester
About Total Tester
Technical Support
Glossary
Index
