Reliable Repair for
Mission Critical AV
We are the engineering partner for theatres, universities, and broadcasters who require absolute reliability. With workshops in the UK & Ireland, we deliver evidence-based repairs backed by rigorous safety compliance.
Warranty
Certified
Workshops
Logistics
Comprehensive Hardware Support
From board-level soldering to optical engine alignment.
Projectors
Laser, LED, and UHP. We service Christie, Barco, Epson, Panasonic, and Sony units, focusing on optical purity and thermal management.
Pro Audio
High-power DSP amplifiers and mixing consoles from Powersoft, Lab Gruppen, and Crown. Component-level repair of output modules.
Video Walls
LCD video wall controllers and panels. We solve power failures, replace T-CON boards, and calibrate white points.
Beyond "Part Swapping"
Many service centers simply swap entire circuit boards, driving up costs and creating unnecessary e-waste. At Audio Visual Centre, we practice true component-level engineering. Our workshops are equipped to diagnose faults down to the individual transistor, capacitor, or IC level.
We utilise advanced oscilloscopes to trace signal paths in mixing consoles, thermal imaging cameras to identify overheating MOSFETs in amplifiers, and Konica Minolta spectroradiometers to ensure projector color gamuts adhere to Rec.709 or Rec.2020 standards.
This approach not only reduces the cost of repair but often results in a unit that is more reliable than before, as we frequently replace failure-prone stock components with higher-specification alternatives (e.g., higher temperature-rated capacitors).
Ultrasonic Cleaning
For optical engines and PCBs, we use ultrasonic baths to remove microscopic dust and oxidation that compressed air cannot touch, restoring optical clarity.
BGA Rework
We have the capability to re-ball and reflow Ball Grid Array chips, essential for repairing modern HDMI inputs and DSP processors without replacing the mainboard.
Load Testing
Amplifiers are tested on dummy loads at full power for extended periods to ensure thermal stability before they return to the road.
Sector-Specific Support
Different environments have different failure points. We tailor our service to the specific demands of your sector, identifying root causes that general repair shops often miss.
flight_takeoff Simulation
For flight sims and CAVE environments using Barco F-Series or Christie Matrix systems.
- • Geometry Correction: We verify warping boards are communicating correctly to prevent image tearing in multi-channel blends.
- • Blending: Precise optical block alignment to ensure seamless edge-blending across curved screens.
- • NVG Compatibility: Repairing IR cut filters for night-vision simulation setups.
school Education
High-usage units like Epson and Panasonic often suffer from neglect and filter blockages.
- • Polarizer Burn: We replace burnt polarizers (identifiable by yellow/brown splodges) to restore white balance.
- • Air Path Cleaning: Deep cleaning of deep-seated dust in optical engines to prevent future overheating.
- • Port Damage: Reinforcing or replacing snapped HDMI and VGA ports common in classrooms.
stadium Large Venue
High-lumen laser phosphor units (10k+ lumens) require specialised handling.
- • Phosphor Wheels: Servicing noisy or vibrating phosphor wheels to reduce audible noise in quiet auditoriums.
- • Liquid Cooling: Checking pumps, hoses, and coolant levels in high-end Christie/Barco units (e.g., M-Series).
- • Laser Banks: Diagnosing dimming or bank failures in modular light engines.
The Engineering Standard
Trust is built on safety. Unlike general repair shops, our facilities are designed specifically for high-voltage and sensitive electronics. We adhere to strict protocols to ensure your equipment returns not just working, but safe for public use.
Electrical Safety: Every repaired unit undergoes a mandatory PAT (Portable Appliance Test) and Earth Bond test before dispatch. This is critical for equipment used in schools, public venues, and government buildings.
Data Security: For media servers and playout rigs, we operate a strict data privacy policy (GDPR compliant). Drives are handled in secure zones, and client content is never retained beyond the testing phase.
ESD Controlled Environment
Our labs utilize grounded flooring and wrist-strap protocols (ANSI/ESD S20.20 compliant) to prevent latent static damage to sensitive DSP and FPGA chips.
Load & Soak Testing
Amplifiers are tested on dummy loads at full power. Projectors undergo multi-hour thermal soak tests to ensure fans and sensors are stable.
WEEE Compliance
We are committed to "Zero to Landfill." Unrepairable components are stripped for spares or recycled via licensed e-waste partners.
Preventing the Breakdown
The vast majority of catastrophic failures we see are preventable. While modern "laser" projectors are marketed as "zero maintenance," this is often misleading. The light source may last 20,000 hours, but the cooling systems, fans, and optical paths still require care.
The "Filter Myth": Many users believe that cleaning a filter is enough. However, once fine dust bypasses the filter (which happens when filters are clogged), it bakes onto the LCD panels or DMD chips. This thermal insulation causes irreversible damage.
Amplifier Airflow: Rack-mounted amplifiers rely on front-to-back airflow. If rack filters are not cleaned, the internal temperature rises, drying out electrolytic capacitors and shortening the life of the power supply.
The 3-Step Health Check
1. The Flashlight Test
Shine a torch into the lens (while off). If you see a milky haze inside the glass, your optical engine is coated in dust, reducing contrast and brightness by up to 40%.
2. The Fan Noise Check
If your projector or amp is louder than usual, or the pitch has changed, a bearing is failing. Replace the fan now for £20, or the mainboard later for £800.
3. The Error Log Dump
Access the service menu. If you see repeated "Temp Warning" logs, even if the unit hasn't shut down, it is throttling performance and needs urgent service.
Troubleshooting & Error Codes
Consult our engineering data before booking. Identifying the correct error code helps us expedite the diagnosis.
Technician's Diagnostic Flow
Purple/Yellow spots: Likely dust on LCD panels or burnt polarizer. Do not run unit; heat will worsen damage.
Flickering Colors/Rainbows: (DLP) Colour wheel index sensor dirty or wheel shattered. Listen for a high-pitched whine.
Almost always a thermal shutdown. Check if fans are spinning up. If one fan is seized, the sensor will trip the unit to protect the bulb/laser.
If VGA works but HDMI doesn't, the HDMI control chip has likely suffered an ESD spike (often from hot-plugging cables). Requires mainboard repair/BGA rework.
(DLP Only) This is a DMD Chip failure. The micro-mirrors are stuck in the "on" position. The chip must be replaced.
Trusted by Professionals
"We rely on AVC for our lecture theatre projectors. The turnaround time is exceptional, and the units come back cleaner than when we bought them."
"Saved us a fortune on replacing our amp rack. The load testing report gave us the confidence to put the gear straight back on tour."
"Their diagnosis of our video wall power failure was spot on. They replaced the specific capacitors rather than the whole board."
FAQ & Logistics
Generally, if a repair costs less than 40-50% of the replacement cost, it is economically viable. For high-end laser projectors and pro audio gear, repair is almost always significantly cheaper than buying new.
Proper packing is crucial. We offer a "Secure Box" service where we send you a custom foam-lined box. For palletised goods, we arrange dedicated courier collection in both the UK and Ireland.
We provide a 90-day warranty on all repairs. This covers the specific fault repaired and parts replaced. If the unit fails with the same issue within 90 days, we fix it for free.
eco Sustainability
Repair is the ultimate recycling. Manufacturing a new 10,000 lumen projector generates a massive carbon footprint. By extending asset life by 3 years, you significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions.
Start a Sustainable RepairPrecision Engineering
from Start to Finish
We don't guess. We use thermal imaging and oscilloscopes to capture the exact point of failure, preserving touring presets and error logs before work begins.
Our IPC-certified technicians replace components using medical-grade solder and precision torque drivers, ensuring the physical integrity of the chassis matches factory specs.
Repairs are stress-tested. Amplifiers run at load; projectors are color-calibrated to Rec.709 standards. We return a unit that is ready for the show, not just the bench.
