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Why can't the service tech at Joe Shmo's guitar shop be approved to install our systems? The question is posed to me quite often; why someone that repairs radios can not be allowed to bid and install the systems that we design. Allow me to list a few reasons: 1. The equipment that we specify is designed and manufactured for the commercial market (extended life and reliability) and not available through consumer channels. Dealerships are required to even purchase this equipment, let alone warranty these electronics. Approved contractors are required to maintain inventory on hand of all equipment for prompt replacement (within 4 days) should a failure or malfunctions occur. 2. Digital Signal Processors are used as the basis of the audio electronics systems today. Working knowledge of these critical electronics is not second nature to everyone in electronics. Specific software and computer control experience are required to setup, tune, and balance these systems properly. 3. Test equipment such as an impedance bridge, real time analyzer, oscilloscope, laser alignment, field strength meter, audio and video generators, spectrum analyzer, and etc. must be owned by the installer. They must be familiar with the function of each piece of equipment to properly install and set up our systems. 4. Because of the wealth of information that is available today in every discipline, specialization is required. Just because someone knows how to use a home theater system doesn?t mean they also know how to install a commercial AV system. Since the electronics industry is evolving and changing daily, the integrator must be up-to-date with new procedures. 5. Integrators must have at least 5 years worth of previous experience as a basis for installing and maintaining these systems. 6. The projects we normally design require bid bonds, state licensing and insurance certificates, as per owner?s requirements. They do not have the proper insurance and financial capability. Generally, the companies requesting to bid only have a business license. It would be illegal to have their companies even to bid our projects. 7. Financial and business strength is required so that the installing company will be in business long past the warrantee period. You would not ask an auto mechanic to repair a jet engine. Even though the fields and skills are related, they require different training, test equipment and procedures. A systems integrator who wants to be added to the list of approved contractors must meet specific qualifications before being considered for approval to install and maintain the systems you have asked us to design.