The audiovisual (AV) industry helps drive today's technology revolution by powering communication and collaboration. However, for AV systems and technologies to work seamlessly together, rigorous Audio Visual Standards are required to ensure interoperability and compatibility. But who develops these crucial standards, and how does the process work? This blog provides an inside look at AV standard development through the efforts of AVIXA, the Audio Visual and Integrated Experience Association.
The AVIXA Standards Program
AVIXA is the leading trade association representing the commercial AV industry. Through its Standards Program, AVIXA facilitates the development of technical standards that are critical for the continued growth and success of the AV industry. The program is overseen by volunteer technical experts serving on various standards committees.
Establishing New Standards
New standards are typically proposed by AVIXA members or outside industry stakeholders to address emerging technologies or integration challenges. Proposals are reviewed by the appropriate standards committee who decides whether to establish a new work group. Work groups are formed with volunteer subject matter experts who research and draft the technical standard over 12-18 months. Several public reviews allow for stakeholder feedback before approval.
Maintaining Existing Standards
Established standards require periodic maintenance to address technology advancements or errors. Maintenance updates also provide clarification or address ambiguities identified through real-world testing. Work groups are re-convened every 3-5 years or as needed to review and revise existing standards. Minor updates can be fast-tracked, while major revisions involve the full standards development process.
Global Harmonization
Given the global nature of AV, standards harmonization is crucial. AVIXA participates in standards harmonization bodies to help align technical requirements with international counterparts. For example, AV standards developed by AVIXA and CEA are harmonized with European standards through CENELEC. This process helps ensure systems and equipment are interoperable across borders.
The Standards Development Process
Now let's take a deeper look at the multistage process for developing a new AV standard from start to finish:
Idea Generation and Proposal
The process begins when a new idea for a standard is identified, typically by members encountering an interoperability issue. A formal proposal is submitted to the relevant standards committee outlining the business need and technical scope.
Establish a Work Group
If approved, a new work group is formed of subject matter experts volunteering their time and technical skills. Work groups are open to all interested parties and balanced to represent the viewpoints of different stakeholders.
Research and Draft Development
Extensive research is conducted on the issue, related standards and potential technical approaches. Based on this, an initial draft standard is authored by the work group through iterative review and refinement.
Public Review #1
The draft undergoes a 30-60 day public review period. This allows any interested party to provide comment on technical accuracy, completeness and public impact. All feedback is considered by the work group.
Revision and Ballot
In response to comments, the work group makes revisions and/or writes resolutions as needed. The revised draft then proceeds to letter ballot where work group members can vote to approve.
Public Review #2
Another public review period is opened to validate resolutions of prior comments. Further revisions may occur in response to additional input.
Standards Board Review
Once letter ballot and public reviews are complete, the draft is submitted for review by the standards board. The board provides governance oversight before recommending approval.
Final Approval and Publication
With board approval, the standard is published by AVIXA, assigned an identification number and made available publicly for reference and use on a royalty-free basis.
Periodic Maintenance
To remain relevant, all standards undergo regularly scheduled maintenance reviews to consider needed updates or revisions based on feedback from real-world implementations over time.
Bringing Standards to Life
With the thorough development process complete, AVIXA then promotes awareness and provides educational resources to help ensure broad adoption and implementation of the new standard within the industry. This helps maximize the benefits for integration, interoperability and customer experience.
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