What is the industry best practice when troubleshooting AV issues?

Changing only one thing at a time is considered the industry best practice when troubleshooting AV issues because it allows for a systematic approach to identifying and resolving problems. This method, often referred to as the "divide and conquer" strategy, provides clarity about which specific change led to either the resolution of the problem or the introduction of a new issue.

By isolating each change, technicians can pinpoint the source of the problem more effectively. This method minimizes confusion and ensures that a clear trail can be followed regarding what was modified and its impact on the overall system performance. This careful and methodical approach ultimately leads to faster and more accurate troubleshooting, which is critical in maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing downtime in AV systems.

In contrast, making multiple changes at once could obscure the actual cause of the problem, making it more challenging to determine which adjustment was beneficial or detrimental. Skipping testing or skipping steps could lead to overlooking significant issues that could result in recurring problems or failures in the AV system. Consulting the user manual can certainly be helpful, but it is most effective when used in conjunction with a structured, step-by-step troubleshooting process.