Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about AV furniture, custom design, lead times, and working with Miller's.
AV Furniture Basics
What is AV furniture?
AV furniture is designed to support and integrate audio visual technology such as displays, control systems, and rack-mounted equipment. This includes lecterns, podiums, credenzas, rack cabinets, teaching stations, desks, and tables used in classrooms, conference rooms, and presentation environments.
AV furniture can be standard or fully custom depending on project requirements.
What is custom AV furniture?
Custom AV furniture is purpose-built to integrate audio visual technology into a specific space. Unlike standard furniture, it is engineered around:
- Your exact equipment (displays, control systems, rack gear)
- Your room layout and aesthetic
- Your workflow and users
This includes custom lecterns, AV credenzas, rack cabinets, instructor stations, desks, and tables used in professional AV environments.
What is a custom lectern?
A custom lectern is a technology-integrated presentation station designed for a specific application. It can include:
- Rack-mounted AV equipment
- Touch panels and control systems
- Built-in monitors or confidence displays
- Cable management and power integration
Custom lecterns are commonly used in education, corporate, government, and houses of worship environments.
What types of AV furniture do you offer?
We offer standard, configurable, and custom AV furniture including:
- AV lecterns
- AV rack cabinets
- AV credenzas
- AV Desks
- Instructor desks
- Teaching stations
- Conference tables with AV integration
- Monitor cabinets
- Confidence Monitor Enclosures
- AV carts
If you have a unique requirement, bring us your idea and we'll develop a tailored solution.
What is the difference between a lectern and a podium?
A lectern is a functional presentation workstation designed to hold notes, equipment, and integrated technology for a speaker.
A podium traditionally refers to a raised platform, but in modern AV environments the terms are often used interchangeably. Most AV “podiums” are actually technology-integrated lecterns.
Do you offer standard or configurable AV furniture?
Yes. In addition to fully custom solutions, we offer standard and configurable AV furniture models that can be adapted with options such as rack layouts, finishes, sizing, and integrated technology features. Our Instructor series lecterns and MRC rack cabinets are great examples of this.
This allows for faster lead times while still maintaining flexibility.
Why choose Miller's instead of off-the-shelf furniture?
Off-the-shelf furniture is not best designed for AV integration. Miller's Presentation Furniture provides:
- Proper active/passive cooling for electronics
- Clean cable management
- Secure equipment storage
- AV system integration designed in from the start
- A professional, built-in appearance
This makes it a long-term solution for technology-driven environments.
Design & Integration
What features should a professional AV lectern include?
- Rack space for AV equipment
- Ventilation and thermal management
- Integrated power and cable routing
- Removable locking access panels
- Ergonomic work surfaces
- Mobility or fixed installation options
Can AV furniture integrate with existing AV systems?
Yes. Our AV furniture is designed to integrate with existing systems including:
- Displays and projectors
- Control systems
- Rack-mounted equipment
- Power and data infrastructure
Integration is a core part of every design. Our furniture is designed to support AV integrators working within AVIXA professional standards and best practices.
Can AV furniture be built around our exact equipment?
Yes. Our AV furniture is designed around your:
- AV equipment specifications
- Rack requirements
- Control systems and user interfaces
- Room layout and dimensions
The result is a unit that fits the equipment, works with it, and can still be serviced years later. Common brands we are often building around include Crestron, Extron, QSC, Shure, and Ergotron.
What AV furniture is best for universities and higher education?
Universities require durable, technology-forward presentation furniture that supports changing classroom technology. Miller's offers lecterns, AV instructor desks, teaching stations, and confidence monitor enclosures designed for lecture halls, classrooms, and auditoriums. All can be custom configured to match existing AV systems and room aesthetics.
Can AV furniture match our room design?
Yes. AV furniture can be finished to match:
- Existing millwork or cabinetry
- Architectural finishes
- Brand colors and materials
The furniture then reads as part of the room rather than an addition to it.
Can you modify existing AV furniture designs?
Yes. Many of our standard and configurable models can be modified with:
- Rack layout changes
- Finish options
- Dimensional adjustments
- Technology integration upgrades
Are your lecterns ADA compliant?
Yes. Lecterns can be designed to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, referenced in our ADA compliance documentation, including:
- Accessible work surface heights
- Proper reach ranges for controls
- Seated or wheelchair-accessible configurations
- Height Adjustable models
What industries use AV furniture and lecterns?
AV furniture is used across:
- Higher education and K-12 classrooms
- Corporate boardrooms and training rooms
- Government and military facilities
- Courtrooms and legal spaces
- Churches and houses of worship
These environments require reliable, repeatable presentation systems.
Do you work with AV integrators and designers?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with:
- AV integrators
- IT and facilities teams
- Architects and interior designers
Bringing those people in early keeps the furniture, the technology, and the room design in step.
Ordering & Process
How do I start an AV furniture project?
The process typically includes:
- Reviewing equipment and room requirements
- Developing a design tailored to your AV system and layout
- Selecting styles, materials, and finishes
- Conducting a cost review
- Final design approval
Nothing goes into production until the design accounts for both the technology and the room.
How long does it take to build AV furniture?
Our standard lead time is approximately 45 days after receiving a signed purchase order and drawing.
Lead time depends on design complexity, materials, and level of customization.
What is the typical cost of AV furniture?
Pricing varies based on size, materials, and integration requirements. Projects typically range from configurable solutions to fully custom builds depending on complexity.
Detailed pricing is provided after reviewing project specifications.
Do you offer warranty and support?
Yes. Our AV furniture is backed by warranty coverage and project support. Terms vary depending on product type and project scope.
Do you handle shipping and installation?
AV furniture is typically shipped fully assembled or partially assembled depending on configuration. Installation is coordinated with AV integrators or project teams when required.
Miller's will determine whether to ship directly or use a partnered carrier based on project size and location.
Still have questions?
We're happy to talk through your project and answer anything specific to your application.