Since 1997, Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based International Audio Visual, Inc. (IAVI) has sold audio-visual products to domestic and international markets, government agencies, and churches. Founder Wade Gilbert believes that serving these specific markets allows IAVI to develop the right solutions for its customers. Your Church recently spoke with Mr. Lyn Wedderburn, IAVI's sales consultant for the religious marketplace, about the firm's work with churches.

YC: The many audio-visual products on the market can complicate the buying decision a church faces. How does IAVI make the process easier?

Wedderburn: We take a best-of-breed approach, which means we invest in significant research and testing to find superior products in each category. For example, our best sellers in the church marketplace are lcd projectors. The projectors we recommend to churches have outstanding life expectancy, reliability, good warranty, and overall quality.

YC: How does a church start the process of buying equipment from IAVI?

Wedderburn: We offer churches two options. First, they can call our toll-free number, 888.999.6564, to talk with a sales consultant who will take the order and ship the products directly to the church. The other option is to visit our website, www.iavi.com, and view our online catalog. Our website also contains an in-depth tutorial that describes audio-visual terminology and how products work together to create a total solution.

We encourage churches to call us before placing their first order on our website. That way, we can set up an account for the church and assign the appropriate discount. Once a church has an online account, it's easy to order other supplies such as projector bulbs by using a purchase order number.

YC: If a church doesn't have an in-house av expert, will IAVI consultants help them figure out what to buy?

Wedderburn: Yes. Our staff understands what comprises a good av system and we're happy to make suggestions. We talk with church members regularly about sanctuary size, ambient light, and budgets—all major factors in matching an lcd projector with a church's needs. Along with projectors, we also advise churches about video screens and accessories.

YC: How does a church know which accessories to order?

Wedderburn: When a church places an order, we discuss any unique qualities of the sanctuary or fellowship hall environment that might indicate a need for additional equipment. For example, if the church is going to ceiling mount the projector more than 100 feet from the computer that generates the images, visual quality can be affected. Similarly, churches that try to deliver a presentation from a single computer to three different projectors and screens may encounter quality problems. In those cases, we recommend buying a signal amplifier—a small box that connects directly to the wiring from the computer to the projector.

In other cases, especially in large or technologically advanced churches, several types of video may feed into the projector. For example, the video may be coming from a digital camera or a dvd player. These situations sometimes call for a separate video scaler. Scalers manipulate the various signals coming in so they are displayed through the projector and onto the screen.

YC: If a church has trouble connecting all the equipment after it arrives, can IAVI help?

Wedderburn: Absolutely. We find that many churches now have members or staffers who can set up projectors and related equipment, but we are always available for technical support. If necessary, we'll also contact the manufacturer for a three-way phone call to help with installation questions.

YC: If a church discovers the new projector isn't meeting its needs, what can IAVI do to help?

Wedderburn: We strive for customer satisfaction. We ask churches to hold onto the original packing material when they receive their projector. They can then use the projector for up to 10 hours or 30 days. If the projector isn't sufficient, they can exchange it for a different model and we will help them with this process.

YC: Earlier, you mentioned warranty. What steps should a church take if its projector fails?

Wedderburn: Our manufacturers, especially Sanyo, have excellent track records. These companies back their products with a three-year parts and labor warranty. In the rare instance where a projector fails, the church should notify us. First, we'll immediately ship out a loaner so planned services and presentations are not disrupted. Next, we'll work with the church to get the original projector repaired.

YC: IAVI's full av product line and strong user support are important reasons for churches to call you. Overall, what's the best reason for a church to buy its av equipment from IAVI?

Wedderburn: We're the largest dealer of Sanyo products in the world. Our good relationship with Sanyo and other key manufacturers means IAVI can bring churches the best values without compromising quality or service.