Who needs audio visual services? The simple answer to that is 'anyone who wants to communicate clearly and powerfully'.

Whether in the board room, conference room, or at special events such as seminars, product launches or sales presentations effective communications are vital.

In social events such as weddings, too, audio visual services can help create a magical mood through sound and imagery and bring the whole event to vivid life. The fact is that AV can add the power of sound and imagery to enhance any occasion.

If you've decided to use audio visual services, here are some key factors you need to know.

Firstly, you need audio visual equipment, and here you have two main options - buy or hire. Your decision will depend on a number of considerations such as your budget and the frequency of your events. If you put on events regularly, you may decide that buying your own equipment is the most cost effective way.

However, one thing to bear in mind is that AV technology is continually evolving so your equipment could quickly become obsolete or at least not as modern as it could be.

Also AV equipment needs proper storage and maintenance otherwise it could malfunction. The last thing you want is technical problems in the middle of a key presentation.

The fact is that for most people, hiring audio visual equipment is the best way; you'll not only get the most modern technology right when you need it, but also the option to get training or staff to operate it.

If your AV setup is relatively simple, you could handle it yourself or get training from your equipment provider. Most reputable firms offer customised training as part of the hiring package.

But more sophisticated setups require handling by qualified and experienced staff to use it to its maximum advantage. This means using technicians provided by the AV solutions provider. This offers many benefits.

AV technicians possess a rare blend of technical expertise and artistic mindset in order to be able to get the most out of the equipment. Meanwhile your own staff can focus on what they need to do to make the event a success with full confidence that the AV component is in capable hands.

The next factor is audio visual installation.

Audio visual installation is a job best left to the professionals and might even be dangerous if not done properly. Professional AV firms can handle everything from the installation of a simple AV screen or projector to a fully managed multi-site and fully-integrated presentation system.

Other than hire and installation, you might want to bring in experts at the very start of your project. Leading AV solutions providers can work with you on your project right from the beginning to provide a customised solution. Getting input on how best to present your message is invaluable in unlocking maximum creativity.

The best firms will help you plan your message, decide how to best conceptualise it, provide the hardware and manpower to make the event a success and even give your feedback. In short, the best AV firms will take care of every aspect of AV for your event and make sure it's a success.

Audio visual presentations are not restricted to business. Many social events such as weddings can also benefit. Many couples now opt to have their wedding filmed and put on DVD.

Meanwhile, on-site wedding audio visual presentations (AVPs) are growing in popularity. Shown at the wedding reception, AVPs can present the lives of the newly-weds via still picture displays, videos and music.

Religious events can also benefit from AV. Assemblies, for example, can use widescreen projection screens to broadcast their message to the back of the hall. Also, overflow video can be transmitted to various locations around the venue to allow viewing by people not in the main event.

For the best in audio visual equipment and fast and safe audio visual installation, you really need to services of the professionals. If you're planning an event that could benefit from AV, check online for the UK's best audio visual services companies and contact one for a consultation and a quote. Then get ready to communicate with power and style and take your next event to new heights.