Lights, Camera, Action: Surviving the Jungle of AV Rental in London: A Helpful Guide

Creating the Context in the Big Smoke


Picture this: You’re planning an event in London. Could be a company party, a wedding celebration or maybe you are the next music star in the making (one can only hope!). Whether you’re in a band, teaching a class, hosting a corporate event, or giving a presentation, one thing is true: you’re going to need quality AV equipment. Welcome to the fascinating and sometimes daunting world of AV hire London which can either make or break your event. Therefore, let’s start and explain this important but sometimes neglected factor in the planning of events in our fair capital.

So What is all this AV Nonsense Then?


For the benefit of the new readers AV is simply short for audio visual. We’re discussing about speakers, microphones, projectors, screens and all equipment that makes it easier for your audience to see and listen to. In a city like London, you have to fight for attention with traffic noise and spontaneous performances on the streets, that is why it is crucial to get your AV right.

Why Hire? Isn’t Buying Cheaper in the Long Run?
As you may ask, “Why not just purchase the kit?” Remember that you don’t need to build your own AV company to benefit from hiring. Here’s why:

– This is where the quality kit comes in without the price that will make your eyes water
– Getting the best technology without having to buy new products every now and then
– Skilled and professional personnel in handling computers and other gadgetry especially when it comes to the HDMI and VGA.
– You don’t have to carry around equipment around London (believe me, your back will appreciate this)

When it comes to AV hire, London has no shortage of providers since it is one of the world’s most populous cities. Everyone from West End productions to cheap as chips for your mate’s band’s first gig is covered in this list.

Navigating the Tech Minefield
Look, I’m not an audio/visual engineer; when I hear terms like 4K resolution or line array speakers, I start to zone out. But fear not! It’s easy to get lost in the seas of jargons when dealing with an AV hire company, but any decent AV hire company will have tech support to assist you. However, there is nothing wrong with asking questions since there is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to making your event successful.

Location, Location, Location
When choosing AV equipment to hire in London there is one factor that should not be overlooked and that is the venue. Is it a high-class hotel located in Mayfair or a so-called industrial building located in Shoreditch? There are always issues that are unique to the location. A good AV company can typically pay a visit to the site before to guarantee they are delivering the right gear for it. First of all, what is the use of investing in a state-of-the-art sound system when the venue you are in has very strict noise regulations than a suit from Savile Row.

The Price Tag: The best Deal
Let’s talk brass tacks. Hire of AV equipment in London is costly but it doesn’t have to be costly. It all depends on the type of equipment you require and the duration of your event and therefore the prices can greatly vary. A top tip? Never be shy about how much money you can spend right from the beginning. It is good to note that most companies will assist you to come up with a solution which you will afford but to the best quality. It is very important not to forget the human touch in the course of business
So here is the reminder: despite the fact that we are fascinated by the technology, it is important not to forget about people. A good AV tech is a precious commodity, or at least someone you want on your side when you’re running speaker cable through the wall. It’s the behind the scene workers who make sure that everything is in order on the D-Day and fix any problem that arises before it becomes a problem.

The Green Scene
Over the last few years, people have become more concerned with the environment, and this has extended to the AV technology that is being used. Some of the London companies have developed energy efficient products and services and have strategies that help in lowering the carbon intensity. But if you want to make sure that your event is as green as it can be, it’s not a bad idea to ask about the company’s environmental record.

Wrapping It Up
That is a quick overview of what you are going to expect from the AV hire services in London. Whether you’re hosting a business meeting in a high-rise office or a dance party in a basement, the right audiovisual equipment can make a dull event exciting. Just remember: The bottom line is to prepare, to ask and not to be shy to seek help from the professionals. After all, in a city that never sleeps, you want your event to be the one they’re all discussing at the breakfast table.