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We’re excited to announce we are hosting our first event with the London Chamber of Commerce. The Technology Showcase will be held at iiyama UK Showroom, London on the 6th July from 11am to 3pm.

This event will provide a hands-on opportunity for LCCI members and attendees to see and understand the latest in AV technology. The industry’s leading professionals will give an insight into how AV can enhance collaboration and foster productivity and efficiency in both professional and educational workspaces.

With our 20+ years of experience in providing bespoke AV-integrated solutions, we understand and want to proactively promote the importance of technology in corporate and education environments. For the event, we are gathering experts to help members of the London Chamber of Commerce get the most from their digital transformation investments. The event aims to inspire development and help accelerate offices, meeting spaces, and classrooms into the future.

We will be joined by key manufacturers such as Barco, Yealink, Mersive, and Biamp, to discuss the latest developments in display, camera and microphone technology, as well as wireless content-sharing solutions and an array of other amazing, essential tech. The event will be free to attend for members of the London Chamber of Commerce, community network and non-members.

If you are interested in booking this event, please register your interest here https://striveav.com/register-lcci/ 

She only went and did it! Toni Chalk, Managing Director at Strive AV, was announced ‘Business Person of the Year’ on Thursday 23 March at a glittering ceremony at The Grand Hotel, Brighton.

The evening started with a Pre-Dinner Reception, followed by a sumptuous three-course meal before the winners were announced. Several members of the Strive AV team were there to celebrate with Toni, providing a rapturous cheer as her name was announced to a packed audience.

Toni said: “This award really means a lot to me. Since rebranding in 2021, we’ve had to work extra hard to get the Strive AV name out there and continue to meet our business goals. The last few years have been an incredible, yet challenging, journey for me, so getting recognition at a local level for all the hard work feels amazing!”

Now in its 15th year, the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards is a well-established highlight of the business calendar in Sussex and Surrey, strongly supported by the Gatwick Diamond business community with Headline Sponsors Elekta Ltd and Gatwick Airport Ltd.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by comedian and actress Kerry Godliman, who presented Toni with her award alongside Matthew Tyson, Managing Director of Richard Place Dobson, the award sponsor.

Of course, the Strive AV celebrated in style at the After-Show Party, dancing well into the early hours. Congratulations Toni!

Bring your own Device (BYOD) Approach:

The BYOD approach involves allowing employees to bring their own laptops, smartphones, or tablets to the meeting room and connect to the room’s display and audio system. This approach has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility and convenience, as it allows employees to use the devices they are already familiar with.

Pros:

1. Flexibility: One of the main benefits of the BYOD approach is its flexibility. Employees can use the devices they are already familiar with, which can increase productivity and reduce the need for additional training.
2. Cost Savings: With the BYOD approach, businesses can save money on meeting room hardware, as employees are using their own devices.
3. Reduced Maintenance: With fewer devices to manage, IT staff can focus on other areas of the business, reducing the time and resources required for maintenance.

Cons:

1. Security: One of the main concerns with the BYOD approach is security. When employees connect their personal devices to the meeting room system, it can increase the risk of data breaches and other security issues.
2. Compatibility Issues: Not all devices are compatible with all meeting room hardware, which can create issues when multiple devices are used in the same meeting.

Native Meeting Room Hardware Approach:

The native meeting room hardware approach involves using purpose-built meeting room hardware, such as dedicated video conferencing systems, wireless presentation devices, and speakerphones. This approach is designed to deliver a seamless and reliable meeting experience, with features such as high-quality audio and video, wireless connectivity, and advanced security.

Pros:

1. Reliability: Native meeting room hardware is purpose-built for the meeting room environment, which can improve reliability and reduce the risk of technical issues.
2. Advanced Features: Meeting room hardware often includes advanced features such as noise cancellation, touch screens, and wireless connectivity, which can improve the overall meeting experience.
3. Security: Native meeting room hardware often includes advanced security features, such as encryption and secure authentication, which can help protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access.

Cons:

1. Cost: Meeting room hardware can be expensive, which can be a significant barrier for businesses that are operating on a tight budget.
2. Compatibility Issues: Native meeting room hardware is designed for specific devices and platforms, which can create issues when multiple devices and platforms are used in the same meeting.

Both BYOD and native meeting room hardware approaches have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. When choosing between the two, it is important to consider your business’s specific needs and priorities. If flexibility and cost savings are a top priority, then the BYOD approach may be the better choice. However, if reliability, advanced features, and security are critical, then native meeting room hardware may be the better choice. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that meets your business’s unique needs and requirements, and provides the best overall meeting experience for your team.

Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room are two of the most popular collaboration tools that have taken the business world by storm. While they share some similarities, there are some significant differences between the two platforms that are worth exploring.

Microsoft Teams is a chat-based collaboration platform that allows users to share files, conduct video meetings, and collaborate on projects. It is designed for desktop and mobile devices and is available as a standalone application or as part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite. Microsoft Teams is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes because it allows users to work together in real-time, no matter where they are.

Microsoft Teams Room, on the other hand, is a meeting room solution that is designed to work with Microsoft Teams. It is essentially a hardware device that can be used to transform any meeting space into a Teams-enabled video conferencing room. Microsoft Teams Room is ideal for businesses that need to host large-scale video meetings and presentations, and it comes equipped with a range of features to help users get the most out of their meetings.

One of the most significant differences between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room is the way they are used. Microsoft Teams is primarily used for collaboration, while Microsoft Teams Room is designed for video conferencing. Microsoft Teams can be used by individuals and teams to share files, collaborate on documents, and communicate with one another in real-time. On the other hand, Microsoft Teams Room is designed for use in a meeting room setting, where it can be used to conduct video meetings, share presentations, and collaborate with remote team members.

Another significant difference between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room is the way they are priced. Microsoft Teams is available as part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite, which is priced on a per-user basis. This means that businesses can purchase licenses for each user and pay a set fee for each license. Microsoft Teams Room, on the other hand, is priced on a per-room basis. This means that businesses can purchase a license for each meeting room and pay a set fee for each room.

Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room also differ in terms of the features they offer. Microsoft Teams offers a range of collaboration tools, including real-time messaging, video conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing. Microsoft Teams Room, on the other hand, is designed specifically for use in a meeting room setting, and it comes equipped with features like high-quality video and audio, multiple camera support, and screen sharing.

Another difference between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room is the hardware that is required to use them. Microsoft Teams can be used on any desktop or mobile device, and it can be accessed via the web or through a standalone application. Microsoft Teams Room, on the other hand, requires specialised hardware, including a computer, camera, microphone, and speakers, in order to function properly. This means that businesses that want to use Microsoft Teams Room will need to invest in additional hardware, which can add to the overall cost of the solution.

Strive work with a number of Teams Room hardware providers including Crestron, Yealink, Logitech, Poly and Neat. Get in touch today for a demo.

We’re starting the New Year off on a high with Strive AV being shortlisted in the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards in not one, but two categories – ‘Business of the Year over £1m’ and ‘Business Person of the Year’ for Managing Director, Toni Chalk.

To be shortlisted for ‘Business of the Year over £1m’, Strive AV has demonstrated an exceptional track-record of achievement, a high level of performance and dedicated customer service, as well as our work within the Gatwick Diamond Community.

To be shortlisted for ‘Business Person of the Year’ Toni’s passion and clear vision for the company shone through, as well as her commitment to growing Strive AV as a Gatwick Diamond based business.

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards recognise businesses, organisations or people who have shown innovation and inspiration in their work, with dedication to the fast-developing region of the Gatwick Diamond.

Now in its fourteenth year, the awards celebrate innovation, outstanding customer service and business success. The ceremony which will take place on Thursday 23rd March 2023 are an opportunity for local business in the south-east to come together and celebrate the very best of the business community.

The shortlisted finalists for GDBA 2023 will be announced on Friday 10th February 2023 – wish us luck!

We’re celebrating one year since changing our name from CDEC in 2021. The monumental change signalled a new ethos and era for the company.

The Strive AV name is becoming recognised as an established and trusted go-to AV partner. In the last 12 months, we have opened our new HQ and warehouse located in Felbridge, on the Surrey-Sussex border and made the transition to a profit-focused business. Strive AV has also recently been approved under the government’s first ever AV apprenticeship scheme and has already taken on one apprentice, marking another successful milestone.

But we’re not a new company – in fact, Strive AV has a 20-year heritage under its former name of CDEC. Toni Chalk, Managing Director of Strive AV, took over running the business following the sudden passing of her business partner. Since then, Toni has worked hard to steer the business through challenging times. Six years on, and the positive transformation sparked Toni to rename the company Strive AV.

Toni’s vision for the business continuously evolves, striving to deliver excellence and succeed, on time and on budget for each and every client. Toni also drives the team to continue working hard in helping to support our customer continuity.

“We strive to be a leader in customer experience. Our heritage and proven track record speaks for itself; each member of the Strive AV team is empowered to make our customer service provision the very best it can be, and we are proud to continue working with customers who have been with us from the very beginning.” says Toni.

AV Solution Providers

With firm roots within the education sector, Strive AV aims to deliver excellence in education, but also corporate, health and retail environments. Our primary aim is to provide AV solutions which transform communication and enhance the end user’s experiences.

Strive AV has the knowledge and the expertise to provide strategic and comprehensive end-to-end audio and visual solutions for a range of environments, including board and meeting rooms, control rooms, digital media scheduling, broadcast solutions and much more.

We work closely with leading supplier brands such as SMART, Promethean, Clevertouch, BenQ and Extron to provide the highest quality display and presentation technology.

With a new HQ and warehouse facility, impressive projects and a government funded AV apprenticeship scheme, Strive AV is going from strength to strength.

AV Specialist, Strive AV has launched a new Buy Back Scheme for schools, colleges and universities, offering cashback for old classroom display equipment when upgrading facilities.

Technology in education is incredibly important and one aspect that seems to be relied upon more than most is display and presentation technology. The ability to display and present in an engaging manner in a learning environment is essential. From interactive whiteboards and high-definition displays to make lessons more engaging, to ceiling arrays that ensure everyone can hear the teacher no matter where they are in the room, and control systems that make it easy to set up lessons, an integrated AV solution can enhance communication, encourage collaboration and create memorable learning experiences.

A key element of the solution is the display chosen. For all participants in the class to get the most out of what is being shown or taught, there must be suitable visibility, brightness and ease of use for effective learning in a classroom.

To help education establishments with upgrading facilities, Strive AV is running a special promotion offering cashback on their existing screens. Orders for interactive screens placed for delivery and installation before 31st December 2022 will have old equipment collected within a maximum of 20 days. The new Buy Back Scheme from education AV specialists, Strive AV benefits from the more screens purchased, the more cashback is received, with no maximum limit.

“Our new Buy Back Scheme is a great way for schools to recycle old equipment, whilst also upgrading to the latest AV technology available.” comments Strive AV Managing Director, Toni Chalk. “As education and the world around us evolves, it is important to stay up to date with the latest technology to ensure students and teachers are equipped with the best resources available, whilst maximising the elements of teaching and learning through the use of AV technology.”

Award-winning Strive AV is one of Europe’s most dedicated and passionate AV Equipment and AV system integrators. From initial design consultation to deployment and managed services, Strive AV is a trusted technology partner. With decades of specialist expertise in the education sector, providing AV solutions for a wide variety of teaching spaces, Strive AV are well placed to advise on the latest and most effective tools, that will significantly impact learning outcomes.

“Interactive displays add a whole new element to teaching and learning, supporting active learning by encouraging students to engage with content rather than just passively reading it.” continues Toni Chalk. “They encourage students to collaborate, share ideas and solve problems together, especially if displays are multitouch, all key skills that need to be developed alongside academic learning.”

To find out more or to register your interest in the Strive AV Buy Back Scheme, visit www.striveav.com/buy-back

StriveAV, along with trusted partners Promethean and Loxit, are giving one lucky school the chance to win a new technology packed classroom setup.

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With appraisal season upon many companies, this year more than ever will be a challenge both when it comes to feeling able to accurately review an employee’s work when you may not have been in the same room as them for most of the past 12 months, and choosing a platform on which to conduct the conversation.

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With the second coronavirus lockdown due to come into force across England on Thursday, we’d like to take this opportunity to reassure customers that StriveAV will continue to operate as normal, utilising all our COVID-safe working practices. All planned jobs will be continuing as scheduled and we are still open and taking orders.

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When you think of the convergence of AV and IT, the first sector that springs to mind is probably corporate. There’s no denying that this market has been impacted heavily by the IT-ification of AV and the move towards software over hardware, but it’s certainly not the only area in which the benefits of convergence can be reaped.

Take education, for example. Higher education in particular has undergone major changes in recent years, especially when it comes to how estates are managed and by whom. In many institutions, IT is the driving force behind the AV teams, even in those where AV comes under the Facilities Management or Estates sections. This isn’t without its challenges, however, and while some institutions have managed to merge their teams and make a success of this, others are ‘de-merging’ again.

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Managed services have grown in popularity across the AV sector as users want to ensure their systems operate as they should for the longest time possible with the minimum downtime.

However, there has been some confusion about what is covered by managed services and what users should expect from any agreement. In short, AV managed services devolves the management and maintenance of AV to the service provider. This can include everything from lifecycle design/build, to onsite support and analytics.

As this is quite a wide-ranging definition, to get the most out of any managed services agreement, it’s important to understand the scope of the deal and how it will benefit your AV inventory. Read more

Resolving 60-70% of your AV issues without a technician setting foot in the room is difficult but possible, however it requires a good investment in tooling, people and process. The cost per incident when a technician has to be dispatched rises significantly and in a large building, university campus or office with remote sites, the return on investment for a good remote monitoring and management system can be very high.

The same is true of incidents where the power or data cables have been disconnected, or equipment powered off inappropriately. While monitoring kit can’t in itself prevent that, it will help you see when it goes offline, and perhaps a pattern of regular room users will emerge to help find the culprit. As a side-note you can also achieve significant energy savings using a remote monitoring tool as it will tell you which equipment is being left on, and in many cases will let you remotely power off too. Read more