In modern building design and construction, collaboration between AV professionals and architects is more critical than ever. As buildings become smarter and AV systems more complex, seamless integration of technology with architectural elements is no longer optional. It is a necessity. To achieve this harmony, both sides of the project team rely on digital tools that help streamline design, avoid clashes, and improve documentation. But which platform truly supports effective AV-architectural collaboration?
Enter XTEN-AV, an intelligent, cloud-based AV design platform built specifically for the AV industry. It streamlines schematic design, room layout planning, cable documentation, and integration with BIM environments. On the architectural side, Revit, a BIM powerhouse from Autodesk, has long been the go-to software for 3D building modeling, construction documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination.
While both tools are powerful in their own right, their capabilities and use cases differ. In this blog, we will compare XTEN-AV and Revit based on collaboration, usability, integration features, and AV-specific functionality to determine which is better suited for AV-architectural collaboration.
XTEN-AV: Optimized for AV Design and Integration
XTEN-AV is built from the ground up for AV professionals. It is not just a diagramming or documentation tool—it is an end-to-end platform for designing AV systems with intelligence, speed, and accuracy. It includes features like:
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Room layout design with drag-and-drop AV components
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Smart AV schematics with auto-routing and AI-based design logic
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Rack layouts and cable schedules
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Real-time collaboration and cloud access
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Integration with Revit and other BIM tools via export formats
XTEN-AV bridges the gap between technical AV design and project documentation. What sets it apart is how it empowers AV teams to work independently while staying connected with architects, MEP engineers, and contractors.
Revit: Industry Standard for Building Information Modeling
Revit is the foundation of BIM workflows in architecture, construction, and engineering. It enables teams to create detailed 3D models of entire buildings, complete with structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. Revit’s features include:
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3D visualization and rendering of building spaces
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Clash detection and coordination between trades
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Centralized data models for documentation
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Strong ecosystem of plugins and integrations
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Scheduling, phasing, and cost estimation tools
However, Revit is not tailored to AV design. It does not come with native libraries of AV equipment, automated schematics, or tools for generating rack layouts and signal flows. For AV professionals, Revit is often a host environment—not a design tool.
Collaboration Comparison: XTEN-AV vs Revit
Let us examine the two platforms across the critical dimensions of collaboration.
1. Ease of Use for AV Teams
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XTEN-AV: Designed for AV integrators, consultants, and engineers. It offers intuitive workflows, AI assistance, and AV-focused libraries. Even non-technical users can design functional systems quickly.
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Revit: Has a steep learning curve. AV professionals need dedicated training to navigate building models, place elements correctly, and manage file formats.
Winner: XTEN-AV
2. Collaboration with Architects
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XTEN-AV: Allows exporting floor plans, device placements, and cable layouts in DWG, PDF, and Revit-friendly formats. Architects can use these files to coordinate in their own environment without data loss.
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Revit: Acts as the central coordination hub. Architects prefer receiving properly formatted files to import into Revit, and it ensures alignment between disciplines.
Winner: Tie. XTEN-AV complements Revit well rather than competing with it.
3. AV-Specific Design Capabilities
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XTEN-AV: Offers AV schematic drawing tools, cable routing, rack elevation design, and automated documentation generation. These are features built specifically for AV workflows.
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Revit: Lacks AV intelligence. AV equipment must be modeled manually or through generic families. No built-in wiring diagrams or signal flow tools.
Winner: XTEN-AV
4. BIM Compatibility
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XTEN-AV: Exports device locations and layouts that can be imported into BIM tools. Compatible with common formats like DWG and IFC. It allows architectural teams to overlay AV layouts on top of the BIM model.
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Revit: Native BIM platform. Any element created in Revit is fully BIM-compliant and fits seamlessly into the architectural model.
Winner: Revit
5. Documentation and Deliverables
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XTEN-AV: Automatically generates bill of materials, signal flow diagrams, rack drawings, and panel schedules from the design. These are shareable as PDFs or editable files.
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Revit: Excellent for producing building permits, structural documentation, and multidisciplinary reports, but requires manual effort for AV deliverables.
Winner: XTEN-AV
6. Workflow Integration
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XTEN-AV: Enables AV teams to work in parallel with architects and engineers, not in isolation. The software is fast enough to keep pace with rapid project changes.
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Revit: Designed for centralized project control, but often slow to adapt when AV teams need quick updates or iterative changes.
Winner: XTEN-AV for AV workflows, Revit for overall project coordination
Use Case Example: Designing a University Lecture Hall
Suppose an architectural firm is designing a new university lecture hall and brings in an AV consultant to plan the audio and visual systems. The architect works in Revit, modeling the structure, ceiling height, acoustics, and seating layout.
The AV team uses XTEN-AV to:
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Place displays, speakers, microphones, and control panels in a scaled layout
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Create the full AV signal flow diagram
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Design the rack and identify cable routes
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Export the device layout in DWG format to the architect
The architect imports the AV layout into Revit and checks for lighting or HVAC conflicts. This back-and-forth happens efficiently because XTEN-AV provides AV intelligence while staying compatible with BIM formats.
When to Use Which Tool
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Use XTEN-AV when you want to design the AV system accurately, efficiently, and with minimal time spent on documentation. It is perfect for integrators and consultants who want to maintain control over their portion of the project.
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Use Revit when you are coordinating across trades or delivering comprehensive architectural models. Architects and MEP engineers will continue to rely on Revit for overall project control.
For best results, use both tools together. Let each discipline own its part of the design while sharing data in compatible formats. This hybrid approach maximizes productivity and ensures project success.
Final Thoughts
In the debate between Revit and XTEN-AV, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, when it comes to AV-architectural collaboration, the right strategy is not to choose one over the other—it is to integrate them intelligently.
XTEN-AV, with its purpose-built AV tools, automation, and export compatibility, empowers AV professionals to move fast and stay accurate. Revit, as the architectural standard, ensures coordination, permits, and construction documents stay consistent across disciplines.
By combining the power of Revit with the agility and intelligence of XTEN-AV, design teams can achieve seamless AV-architectural collaboration—delivering smarter buildings, faster installations, and better client outcomes.
