System Flow / Signal flow Diagram / One lines / SLD

Definition & Introduction

A signal flow diagram shows the signal path (audio, video, network, control, etc.) from inputs to outputs,
for the entire AV system. It’s essentially a blueprint for the system.

Video - AV Signal Flow Basic

Purpose
Installer on site refer the diagram to make all the connections and also not only at the time of installation it
also helps technicians to diagnose an AV issue down to the cabling or hardware level. Without this
diagram, it’s difficult to troubleshoot small systems, and nearly impossible with larger systems.

Examples
*Link to the folder*

Learn More
Before we start creating the signal flow diagram, you need to learn about a few things to understand the
functionality. Get familiar with the sort of devices which are used in the system flows.

Sources/Inputs
1. Laptop – A laptop can be used as a Presentation device as well as host the video/audio conference.
Almost every AV system will have a laptop input.

2. DVD player – DVD/Bluray player can be used for a movie, a recorded TV show, or other content,
these are mainly used for educational purpose like in classrooms.

3. PC – A PC can be used as a laptop alternative.

4. Mobile – A mobile phone can also be a source for Audio playback.

5. Camera – Cameras can be used for Video Conferencing purpose and recording purpose as well.

6. Microphone – Any AV system with Video conferencing purpose or voice lift purpose will have
Microphones.

7. Aux – An Auxiliary input are additional Audio input to the AV systems.

Processing
1. Extenders (Transmitter & Receiver) – Example
2. Switcher - Example
3. Audio Mixer And DSP - Example
4. Amplifier - Example
5. Codec - Example
6. Network Switch - Example
7. Control panel - Example

This document is proprietary and shall not be

reproduced or redistributed or shared outside AV Design labs
 8. Controller - Example

Destination/Output
1. LCD/LED – A flat panel displays are very common in small to large size rooms.
2. Projection system (Projector & Projection Screen) - A projection system is usually used in big venue
like Auditorium or all hands room when a bigger audience are the target.
3. Smartboard – Smart board are used in classrooms; the Interactive feature is very helpful for teachers
and students.
4. Video wall – Video wall are also for large venues but for the brighter environment like open
auditorium, outdoor signage. They are basically number of bezel less display mounted together and
creating a giant image.
5. Speaker – Speakers are used in almost all the AV systems so that the content can be heard loud and
clear, Sometimes the built-in speakers in TVs are enough but sometimes external speakers are
needed.
6. Recorder & Streaming Device – A recorder device an also be a destination, like for a classroom, the
lecture can be record and played later or streamed online.

All these devices will be represented as a block with some useful information in it, the representation of
these blocks varies according to the customer’s way of doing thing/Standard, Like color, scale, font size,
orientation, font style etc. But the overall idea is the same.

To create these blocks the following things need to be learned

Connectors
Connector Type of application
HDMI Video, Audio
Display Port Video
VGA Video
Thunderbolt Video, Audio
DVI Video
USB Universal
3.5MM Audio
RCA Video, Audio
XLR Audio
Phoenix Audio, Control
BNC Video, RF
DB-9 Control
RJ-45 Video, Audio, Control, Ethernet

This document is proprietary and shall not be

reproduced or redistributed or shared outside AV Design labs
Some more examples:

Signals

Video HDMI, DVI, VGA, DP, USB, SDI, Composite, Component

Control COM, RS-232, Serial, Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency (RF),Logic I/O, Cresnet, LAN, Relay, USB
Audio Mic, Line, Speaker, Digital
Search these signals on Wikipedia to understand it better

Cables
1. Premade Cable (HDMI, DVI, VGA, USB)
2. CAT Cable
3. Power Cable – Same as speaker cable
4. Control Cable – 4/5 conductor cable
5. Speaker Cable – 2 conductor cable
6. Audio Cable – 2/3 Conductor cable
7. Coax Cable
8. Fiber Cable

This document is proprietary and shall not be

reproduced or redistributed or shared outside AV Design labs
Block
**Place a Picture**

Practice
 Create 15 Blocks
1. Extron SW8 HD 4K PLUS
2. Crestron DMPS3-4K-350-C
3. Extron IN1808 IPCP MA 70
4. Crestron PRO4
5. Crestron RMC4
6. Biamp TesiraFORTÉ DAN VT
7. Crestron SAROS SR6T-B-T-EACH
8. Crestron TSW-770-W-S
9. Crestron MPC3-302-B
10. NEC C751Q
11. AVER CAM540
12. NEC PA803UL
13. Shure MXA910
14. Crestron CEN-SWPOE-16
15. Crestron AMP-1200-70
16. Crestron DM-MD8x8 (With any card)

 Create these 5 Flows

1. Mix & match huddle (2-7 people)
2. Poly Huddle (2-7 People)
3. Logitech Conference (7-13 People)
4. Conference (9-19 people)
5. ProAV conference (9-19 people)

This document is proprietary and shall not be

reproduced or redistributed or shared outside AV Design labs