Tips for Caring for Your AV Equipment

Audio-visual equipment can be sensitive. One wrong move can irreparably damage your tech or lead to issues that require significant time and energy to correct. To avoid these complications and save yourself substantial time and money, you should learn how to care for your AV equipment. Today, the experts at Kanex Pro will share some tips for properly caring for your AV equipment. From storage recommendations to cleaning advice, here are five ways to prolong the lifespan of your favorite audio and video devices.

Tips for Caring for Your AV Equipment

1. Always Keep Your Connections Stable

Digital devices still require analog connections to function properly. You should constantly check all of your cables and connectors and fix loose connections immediately. One of the first and most common reasons for faulty AV equipment is that a cable becomes loose and damages the equipment. 

Here is a quick cable-checking routine that you can implement before and after each use of your equipment: 

• Check cables and connection sites for signs of wear or corrosion.
• Immediately turn off your equipment and replace damaged cables before attempting to use your AV devices again. 
• Keep cables snuggly wrapped, but do not bend or twist them excessively.

Routine cable maintenance can prevent expensive and irritating damage to your cables. Faulty cables are a danger not only to themselves but also to the rest of your equipment. 

2. Implement a Cleaning Routine

Like anything else that sits out for long periods, your AV equipment collects dust. Get into the habit of wiping down your equipment on a regular basis. This will prevent too much dirt and dust from building up, which can damage the sensitive electronic parts within. 

That said, you should be careful about what solutions and materials you use to clean your cables. Start with a soft and dry cloth. Gently rub the surfaces to remove dust and grime. If dirt is in the device’s little nooks and crannies, grab a can of compressed air. Steer clear of water and other potentially damaging cleaning products that could ruin your gadgets. 

3. Properly Store Your AV Supplies

Some AV equipment is too big to be tucked away at home. If you have devices that need to be left out, regularly ensure they are not exposed to harmful products, chemicals, dirt, or liquids. Invest in a safety cover or a locked storage cabinet for extra protection. 

AV products are best stored in secure and dry places. Many items come with their own covered bags, which fit snugly and are protected by a zippered case. Others can be safely stored in a clean drawer or cabinet.

Removing the batteries from your equipment before storing it is also a good idea. By keeping your power supplies, SD cards, and removable batteries in a separate location, you can prevent a hazardous leak or further damage. 

4. Update Your Equipment Regularly

If your audio or video equipment is beginning to slow down, it might be time for an update. Many AV devices come with firmware or software that streamlines the audio-video connection process. Over time, this firmware can become glitchy or bugged. Make sure your products are up to date so any troubleshooting is effective. Consistent updates will also keep your devices at peak performance so you do not run into connectivity issues later down the line.

5. Remember to Calibrate!

Certain types of equipment may also need to be calibrated. To learn how to calibrate each item, follow the manufacturer’s manual. Then, follow a series of steps to adjust settings until they align with the receiving device. For example, you can calibrate functions like screen brightness, resolution, contrast, and audio volume for optimal performance. 

Contact our team of expert AV systems manufacturers to learn more about caring for your AV equipment. We provide a vast selection of audio and visual connectors, adapters, playback devices, and more.