Trouble shooting AV Problems

Troubleshooting any Audio Visual Problem

How to Troubleshoot any Audio, Visual and Lighting Problem

If you have ever had to troubleshoot a new piece of technology, you know the feeling of frustration that can arise from encountering technical difficulties. However, many times, the problem is not with the technology itself, but rather with simple issues that can be easily addressed. In this article, we will discuss the first step in troubleshooting audiovisual (AV) problems.

The first step in addressing an AV problem is to diagnose the problem.

This means knowing what you are trying to accomplish and having a clear goal. This is important not only for your own peace of mind but also in case you need to call in a professional technician later on. 
Once you have defined the problem, you can start to cross potential issues off your list. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Is the equipment powered up?
We know it sounds dumb! But just us, sometimes it's a simple matter checking the power is on. Maybe the circuit has tripped and there is no power. Please check the whole signal path has power for example. The DJ Equipment, The DSP, The amplifiers, The network Switch.

Is everything plugged in the right way?
Certain devices come equipped with multiple inputs and sources that can be connected through jacks. For example, a DVD player may feature various HDMI inputs, as well as separate audio and video inputs for speakers and power supply.

To use the DVD player as an example, it is important to confirm that the AV sources match up accordingly. For instance, if the HDMI cable is plugged into HDMI 1 on the Blu-ray player, then it should also be plugged into HDMI 1 on the TV.
In other situations, a cable may be improperly secured and need to be adjusted, or the cable itself might be damaged. If you suspect that the cable is damaged, try swapping it out and going through your checklist once more. Alternatively, it could be a specific component of the device that is causing the problem. For instance, if HDMI 1 is not functioning correctly, test HDMI 2 to see if the issue persists. If HDMI 2 works properly, then it may be a problem with the device itself (hopefully covered under warranty!).

Do your AV sources match up?
Plugged into Ch1 on your mixing desk? - If the patch using channel one and are you selecting channel 1?
Likewise with your TV? Are you selecting the right input where the HDMI cable is plugged into?

Does it need to connect to the network?
Is the network cable connected, is the connection flashing to show an active network? If not check the switch is online. Try to restart the equipment rack.


Is there an update for the device or software?
Check if the device needs some update to work on the latest software versions. We are here to help you with that!


For speed, it is important to check each of these questions off your list before calling in a professional technician. In some cases, it may be a simple matter of ensuring that the power is on or that cables are plugged in correctly.

If you are still having trouble, there are still further resources on the equipment you are having trouble with. Reference online resources such as YouTube, Reddit, online forums, the manufacturer's website, and blogs. Sometimes, taking pieces of information from various sources can help you find a solution to your problem.

Finally if you have tried everything you can do, but the setup still isn't working. Consider calling Pulse Support to assist you with your problem! Please try and share as much information, pictures, videos, explanations and we may be able assist you to solve everything for you very quickly! Finally It's perfectly acceptable to seek assistance from Pulse technology professionals who work with these systems on a daily basis. Out experts possess the knowledge and technical expertise to identify issues, troubleshoot software and hardware, and install equipment correctly and have your system up and running in no time.

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