AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
A FRIENDLY MESSAGE FROM LEA
It’s the season of pumpkin spice and spooky stories. Celebrating the changing seasons and the holidays associated with them is something we like to encourage. So, in the spirit of the Halloween season, what better way to celebrate in our industry than with a collection of the ever infamous AV Nightmares.
Most people in the AV industry will recognize this phrase. AV Nightmares is commonly used to call attention to technology installations that have been horribly performed. This includes everything from lazy cable management to completely dangerous situations.
So, we turned to a few different places around the internet to bring together a collection of these horribly cringy AV Nightmares to set the tone for this Halloween season.
Even if you don’t celebrate the holiday, as an AV professional, you’ll likely find the humor in these photos.
So, without further adieu…Let’s dive in!
A FRIGHTENING FUTURE PROGRAMER
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Dr. Frankenstein would be proud – for only a truly mad scientist could stitch together such a monstrousity. While this so called “brother” may have succeeded in creating a singular universal control, the consequences may be more dire than he could ever have imagined. We shudder to think of the stray Styrofoam bits and battery changing process.
We say, grab the torches and pitch forks.
WITCHES BEWARE
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Ah yes, by the looks of this system, it’s not a long shot to guess where this photo was taken. We’d put our money on a diner in Salem. Where else might you find such a cleverly crafted witch trap. With an amplifier of that magnitude, any flight longing enchantress would surely be crushed in classic Oz fashion.
SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
They say many a man has been tempted to tame the closet of chaos. Any poor soul foolish enough to wander in is never seen again…
ZIP TIE OR DIE
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Once the light has been fixed to the beam with zip ties, it is neither secure nor falling. Much like Schrödinger’s cat, the moving head can only be described as existing in suspended animation. Or is it unsuspended animation? Either way, it would be wise to give this light a wide birth or risk a date with the dead.
FRANKENSTEIN'S STOP SWITCH
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
The doctor is at it again. Another terrifyingly ingenious creation. But be warned, once the kill switch is activated, there’s no easy way of bringing it back to life…
DON'T LOOK UP!
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Those with weak stomachs, keep your eyes to the floor. As for the rest, pray that this mutilation never befalls another ceiling tile again.
BEWARE THE WEB OF WRATH
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Trace the lines if you dare. But you may find, that the only place they lead, is to tangled remnants of the person you once were.
THE GHOST STUD
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Stories are told of the stud that wasn’t there. Sometimes, in the dead of night, you can hear the desperate beeping of a stud finder hitting its mark.
THE HD HANGMAN
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
It started as an ordinary television — sitting atop the entertainment center, broadcasting happy entertainment for the local town. Then one day, an inexperienced, impetuous fool suspended the poor screen from the ceiling with ropes, table stand and all. Now, it’s cursed to sway to-and-fro for the rest of it’s days.
A PRISONER IN CHAINS
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
The sound of rattling chains haunt the bleak white room where this loudspeaker lies prisoner.
“@jterzo1: #avnightmare pic.twitter.com/EI4SxAU6J3” Seismic mounting check. High security check.
— Adrian Boyd (@The_AV_CAD_Guy) April 23, 2014
HIDDEN HORRORS
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
It is rumored that the poor, innocent soul who stumbled across this bone-chilling install still roams the halls with fear in his eyes.
Found this quality work behind a tv today. #really #greatwork #avnightmare pic.twitter.com/ZG6QXp2Yd2
— Neil A (@SmartFinish) February 5, 2016
THE DEVIL'S HANDIWORK
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Abandon hope, all ye who present here…
THE HD CRIME SCENE
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
The irony of the caution tape on this one…
A CABLE CATASTROPHE
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
The cable placement here is giving us flashbacks to The Ring. Before you die… you see this install.
CALLING JOHN PROCTOR
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Somebody phone Salem, this mount job must be burned at the stake!
TOTALLY SCREWED
AV Nightmares: Tales of AV Dread
Even Frankenstein is rolling over in his grave at the sight of this “mount”… the TV truly didn’t deserve this ghastly treatment.
Well, well, well…you’ve made it this far, there may be hope for you yet. We hope you found wisdom throughout your journey — the wisdom to properly mount, wire, and install your AV equipment according to each manufacturers manuals and specifications.
Unfortunately, we’ve all seen AV Nightmares like these before. Maybe you’ve seen even worse. If so, you are welcome to share your stories and photos in the comments below in hopes that some poor soul might learn from your encounters.
Happy Halloween to you all.
