church with two large projector screens

Church AV systems are not always perfect. Maybe your speakers are making an obnoxious, whining sound, or your displays are not showing the right image. One of the ways to fix the issue is to test out your equipment and troubleshoot the problem before calling an entire team out to fix your system. Here are some tips on how to troubleshoot your system.

Things to Consider Before Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting for church AV systems is unique because they typically are not experiencing issues when most integrators are at work. Usually, the trouble arises during the weekend, so it is very important the system is easy for church volunteers. 

“We are very much into building systems volunteers can use because that’s what churches have. So we don’t wanna put in some off-the-wall audio console that nobody can use,” said Technical Services Director Scott Lopez.

Some AV equipment may not be easy to troubleshoot and could require a more thorough examination. Owner-furnished equipment and lighting systems tend to be the most difficult to troubleshoot. If something is wrong with the lighting system, it will take specific equipment to check on the problem.

How to Properly Troubleshoot your System

CTI walks through the entire system with its customers and teaches them tips on how to troubleshoot their equipment. According to CTI, when checking their system, it’s best to start with the root of the problem and take it one step at a time.

“Start at the beginning and work to the end, or, start at the end and work to the beginning. We educate them on the flow of the system. We want at least one person to understand what they’ve got out there,” Lopez said.

CTI emphasizes a methodical process when it comes to troubleshooting, checking every part of the system to find the problem. When troubleshooting any audio issues for a church:

  • It’s best to check the audio console first for any oddities. Is it properly powered? Are there any faders up too high or down too low?
  • If nothing looks wrong with the console, then it’s time to check if the amplifiers are on, the microphones are working properly, and the speakers are up to par.

When it comes to troubleshooting videos and projectors, start with the output source and work your way to the input source.

  • Double-check to make sure the displays are on.
  • If they are on, check to make sure it is on the proper input. 
  • If the proper input is all good but you’re not getting an image, check to see if the rack is turned on and the switchers are all correct.

When you’ve exhausted all your efforts and the problem still isn’t fixed, then it would be time to call someone.

“Let’s eliminate things that could be wrong and once we do that, then we determine if we got a problem somewhere. Then we need to roll a truck out,” said Branch Director Robert Scott.

Troubleshooting your own AV equipment can save you the trouble of calling someone out to check on it. The most important tip when it comes to troubleshooting is to always follow a thorough step-by-step procedure, starting at the beginning and working your way to the end. Check out our website to see how CTI can upgrade and improve your church’s AV system.

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