AV

AV (often seen as A/V) is a common acronym for "audio and video." The acronym refers to a multimedia presentation's audio and video components.

Most people use AV when describing aspects of a multimedia presentation system, whether for a home, conference center, movie theater, art installation, display, etc. While others also use AV to describe the audio and video in a multimedia composition, such as a slideshow, TV show, film, or video game (or maybe a Zoom call).

You'll often hear people use AV in person or see it online in technical forums. Typically, IT professionals or enthusiasts use AV when troubleshooting an issue with a multimedia presentation. For example, the IT guy may be called in when the AV is not working with the projector at the year-end party.

In cybersecurity, "av" (or AV) is short for "antivirus," which refers to software designed to protect a user from computer viruses and other types of malicious attacks. Various av programs are available for Windows, macOS, and Unix platforms, but most av software is sold for Windows devices.

You will likely see av in online computer forums when users discuss issues with viruses. IT professionals may also use the abbreviation when helping computer users troubleshoot a problem with their computer or av software. For example, the IT professional may ask you in a message to adjust the settings in your av software if you cannot access verified, non-harmful websites.

In technology contexts, people may also use av to stand for audio/visual components of a multimedia system or composition (like a movie, game, or slideshow). Typically, you'll be able to differentiate what the user is referring to based on the context in which they use it.