Ever gone into a sports bar to watch a game on game night and just felt the excitement in the air as soon as you walk in? That happens when the audio is muffled, the TVs are out of sync, or the glare is such that the game is impossible to see?
It’s just like serving nachos without cheese; disappointing and somewhat tragic. These distractions can ruin the entire experience for patrons and soon become an issue for your business. So, having the perfect AV system is critical. Let us walk down the steps of designing an uninterrupted AV system for efficient operation at your bar during peak game times.
Common AV Problems At Game Nights
At very densely populated hours, AV issues can practically titubate into the bar. Some of the more common ones include:
Audio Issues
With a loud crowd, it’s hard for customers to hear the game. If the sound system isn’t powerful enough or the speakers are poorly placed, the commentary and game sounds can get lost in the noise. It’s like trying to hear your friend at a concert—except your friend is the referee, and the concert is your bar on game night.
Audio
If the crowd is deafening, customers cannot hear the game. If the sound system won’t reach the crowd, or speakers are improperly placed, commentary and sound effects will get lost. Imagine your friend is talking to you at a concert while your friend happens to be the referee and the concert is a game night at your bar.
TV Sync
Some screens lag behind others which creates a bad experience for those watching. What you want to avoid is seeing one side of the room already reacting to the game before the other side of the room. It’s like being in different time zones, and trust us, no one wants that confusion during the big game.
Visibility
Bad angles, glare from windows or lighting, or small TVs make seeing what’s going on a real challenge. Customers should not have to squint or change seats just to see the game. If your TVs are less visible than the fine print on a contract, it is time to think about getting some updates.
Benefits of Streaming & Internet
Buffering during a game is ever so anticlimactic. The streaming will always be in great delay when the internet does not respond on time, especially when it is peak hours. Right before a game-winning play, the impact could be disastrous-the proverbial spinning wheel of death.
Volume
One zone is too loud, while another is too quiet. In essence, poorly zoned sound systems will leave some customers straining to hear and others cupping their ears, in typical Goldilocks fashion—no one will ever be happy. These problems can frustrate your customers and make them think twice about coming back. But with the right AV system, you can avoid these headaches altogether.
Key Elements of an AV System Built for Game Nights
Multiple High-Quality Displays
Choosing the right TVs or video walls for your bars make a huge difference. Bigger screens are always better, but placement also matters just as much and of course making sure every seat has a clear view of at least one screen. Mounting TVs at the right height and angle can reduce glare and improve visibility. For example, mounting screens slightly downward can help minimize reflections from overhead lights. If your bar has multiple rooms or sections, consider using video walls in larger areas to create a more immersive experience. Think of it like giving every customer their own personal front-row seat to the game.
Proper Speaker Setup
Good audio is just as important as good video. Use zoned audio to control the volume in different sections of your bar. This way, you can adjust the sound levels based on the crowd size and noise in each area. Directional speakers can focus sound where it’s needed, like over the bar or in seating areas, without spilling into other zones. Subwoofers can add depth to the sound, making big plays feel more exciting, but they should be balanced so they don’t overpower conversations. You want your customers to feel the roar of the crowd, not feel like they’re sitting inside a bass drum.
Reliable Signal Distribution
A video matrix system can sync all your TVs, so there’s no lag between screens. This is especially important for sports bars, where even a slight delay can spoil the experience. Hardwired connections are more stable than Wi-Fi, especially when the bar is full and the network is under heavy use. For example, using HDMI over Ethernet can ensure a strong, consistent signal to every screen. It’s like having a traffic cop for your video signals—everything stays in sync and runs smoothly.
Internet & Streaming Setup
A strong network is key to handling streaming demands. Make sure your internet can support multiple streams without buffering. This might mean upgrading to a business-grade plan with higher bandwidth. Have a backup plan, like a secondary connection or a local media server, in case your main internet goes down. This ensures the game keeps playing, no matter what. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be the bar where the internet died during the Super Bowl.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Residential-Grade TVs: TVs designed for homes aren’t built to handle the long hours and heavy use of a sports bar. Commercial-grade video walls are more durable and it often comes with features like better heat dissipation and have longer lifespans. Think of it like the difference between a folding chair and a barstool—one’s built for comfort, and the other’s built for business.
- Ignoring Speaker Placement: Poorly placed speakers can lead to uneven sound. For example, placing all the speakers in one corner of the room can leave other areas without proper audio. Working with AV professionals means they map out the best locations for your speakers. It’s like arranging seating at a wedding—you want everyone to have a good view (or in this case, a good listen).
- Not Planning for Future Upgrades: Your bar’s layout or technology needs might change over time. Make sure your AV system is flexible enough to accommodate new screens, speakers, or other equipment. You don’t want to be stuck with a system that’s harder to upgrade than a ’90s flip phone.
- Forgetting About Remote Control: On busy game nights, you don’t want to be running around adjusting settings manually. Having an AV control system lets you manage volume, input sources, and screen settings from one device. It’s like having a universal remote, no need to run around or risk losing all the other remotes for each screen or sound system. You now have one universal remote but way cooler and way more powerful.
Why Work with an AV Professional?
Designing an AV system might seem simple, but there’s a lot to consider. An AV professional can create a custom setup that fits your bar’s layout and crowd size. They’ll handle the installation, so you don’t have to worry about technical issues on game day. Plus, they offer ongoing support to keep everything running smoothly.
At Crunchy Tech, we specialize in designing AV systems for restaurants and sports bars. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and create a solution that works for your space. From choosing the right equipment to installing it properly, we’ve got you covered.
And if anything goes wrong, our team is just a phone call away. Think of us as your AV pit crew—we’ll keep your system running so you can focus on keeping your customers happy.
Make Game Night the Best Night at Your Sports Bar
A great AV system keeps your customers engaged and coming back for every game. If your current setup isn’t cutting it, it might be time for an upgrade. At Crunchy Tech, we’re here to help you create a system that handles packed game nights with ease. Ready to get started? Reach out to us today and let’s make your sports bar the go-to spot for game night!
For more information, visit Crunchy Tech to see how we can help you design the perfect AV setup for your business. And remember, when it comes to game night, the only thing your customers should be yelling about is the score—not the sound system.