What AVC does

AVC (株式会社映像センター / Audio Visual Communications Ltd.) is a Japanese specialist trading company (専門商社) in audio-visual communications, operating for over half a century since approximately 1968 and headquartered in Tokyo's Koto ward. The company operates three business pillars: (1) System Sales, providing AV system design, integration, installation, and after-sales maintenance for education, corporate, commercial/retail, and entertainment venues; (2) Product Import Sales, acting as the authorized Japanese distributor for more than a dozen international AV brands including Chief (Legrand), ScreenBeam, Panopto, X2O Media, C2G, Draper, Xantech, Yellow Jacket, LUXOR, MAXHUB, DISPLAY SHIELD, and its own FORBEC brand; and (3) Event Video Services, providing equipment rental for video, audio, lighting, and staging with optional technical direction for events of all scales. AVC serves four primary customer segments — education, commercial/retail, corporate, and event industry — through direct field sales teams based in Tokyo and Osaka, an inside sales support desk, and event rental operations across Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, plus a Shanghai office.

The company's proprietary technology centers on the AVC LED Display System family, which includes the NEW FP series using Flip Chip COB (Chip-on-Board) technology with ultra-fine pixel pitches (0.95mm to 2.54mm) and water-resistant surfaces; the SL series indoor slim LED at 50mm thickness and 6.5kg per unit; the BX series outdoor LED with IP65 front / IP54 back protection ratings; the FT series transparent LED with 5000cd brightness and 80%+ transmittance; and the AF series curved/flexible LED using rubber material and flexible substrates for cylindrical, ribbon, and wave installations. Color reproduction is rated at 281 trillion colors. AVC holds ISO 14001 environmental management certification (since October 2007, certificate C707819) covering all major sites and is a formal member of PSNI (Professional Systems Network International), a global AV systems integrator network.

Revenue is generated through three mechanics: one-time capital expenditure system sales (predominantly project-based quotations), equipment rental for events (annual rental catalog published, with hourly staff rates of ¥1,180-¥1,230 plus equipment fees), and import distribution margins on global AV brands. AVC positions itself as a one-stop 'image space creation' specialist — covering consultation, design, product supply, installation, and operational support — with 251-500 employees, no disclosed revenue, no venture capital or private equity funding, and no public listing. The company is founder/management-owned with no identified parent entity, and it maintains English/Japanese corporate websites at avc.co.jp.

Name

AVC

Legal name

株式会社映像センター

Website

https://avc.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

AVC (株式会社映像センター) is a Japanese AV communications specialist trading company that designs, distributes, and rents audio-visual systems across education, corporate, retail, and event sectors in Japan, distributing over 12 international brands and operating its own AVC LED Display System product line.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Audio-Visual Systems Integration and Distribution

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118), Indoor and Outdoor Display Advertising (541850)

SIC

Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Retail-Computer & Computer Software Stores (5734)

akta.pro primary industry

Commercial/Pro AV & Home Theater (Prosumer) Retail (CRACAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Audio-Visual Equipment Rentals (Sound, Projection, Screens) (HSACAFAF), Classroom AV Systems Integration (Projectors, Displays, Sound, Control) (EDAEAHAC), AV/Collaboration & Unified Communications Support (VoIP, Video, UCaaS) (BPAAACAJ)

Keywords

• AV system integration
• LED display solutions
• Professional AV distribution
• Event video production
• AV equipment rental

Headquarters

HQ city

Koto

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. System Sales (システム販売): Sale of AV systems and equipment including displays, screens, mounting brackets, LED systems, ICT/web conferencing products, cable protectors, and IR controllers. Sales conducted by system consultants (営業職) and engineers through direct sales teams in Tokyo and Osaka. Revenue is primarily one-time capital expenditure for customers.
2. Product Import Sales (製品輸入販売): Import and resale of international AV brands including Chief, C2G, ScreenBeam, Panopto, X2O Media, Draper, Xantech, Yellow Jacket, LUXOR, and others. AVC serves as the authorized distributor for these brands in Japan.
3. Event Video / Rental (イベント映像事業): Rental of AV equipment (映像・音響・照明・機構) for events, including technical direction and operational support. Services range from equipment-only rental to full event production with technical directors and operators.
4. Sales Support Desk (営業支援デスク): Internal order processing, inventory management, shipping/receiving, and sales support for the system sales division. Revenue is cost-center driven rather than directly revenue-generating.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

AVC is a specialist trading company (専門商社) for audio-visual communications that sells and integrates AV/IT systems, imports and distributes international AV brands (Chief, C2G, ScreenBeam, Panopto, X2O Media, Draper, Xantech, Yellow Jacket, LUXOR, MAXHUB, DISPLAY SHIELD), and rents professional video, audio, lighting, and staging equipment for events. Its proprietary AVC LED Display System product line (FP, SL, BX, FT, AF series) is offered alongside third-party brands to customers in education, corporate, retail/commercial, and event industry verticals in Japan.

Product overview

AVC (Audio Visual Communications) is an audio-visual communications specialist company that operates three main business pillars: System Sales (AV system sales and consulting), Product Import Sales (importing and selling high-functionality AV equipment from global brands), and Event Video Services (rental and total event support). Their product portfolio centers on the AVC-LED Display System family (NEW FP series, SL series, BX series, FT series, AF series) for indoor/outdoor LED displays, combined with imported international brands including CHIEF (display mounting solutions), C2G (connectivity), ScreenBeam (wireless display), Panopto (cloud video platform with AI capabilities), X2O Media OneRoom (hybrid learning), FORBEC (own brand), DISPLAY SHIELD (outdoor enclosures), LUXOR (AV furniture), YELLOW JACKET (cable protectors), Xantech (IR control), and DRAPER (projection screens). The company positions itself as a 'visual space creation specialist trading company' providing one-stop solutions for better communication through AV technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AVC-LED Display System: AVC's own branded LED display system product line covering indoor/outdoor, ultra-thin, transparent, and curved LED displays.
• FORBEC

Products and services

• AVC LED Display System (LED表示システム) AVC's own-branded LED display system product line covering indoor and outdoor LED displays for retail, commercial, educational, and corporate applications, with 281 trillion color reproduction capability.
• System Sales (システム販売事業) Solution vendor service providing optimal AV system proposals for various venues, including consultation, design, installation, and after-sales maintenance, conducted by system consultants and engineers based in Tokyo and Osaka.
• Product Import Sales (製品輸入販売) Import and sale of high-functionality and stylish AV equipment from worldwide sources as authorized Japanese distributor for Chief, C2G, ScreenBeam, Panopto, X2O Media, Draper, Xantech, Yellow Jacket, LUXOR, MAXHUB, DISPLAY SHIELD, and FORBEC.
• Event Video Services (イベント映像事業) Total support for video production and staging at all types of events, including rental of video, audio, lighting, and staging equipment, with optional technical directors and operators. Operations across Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
• CHIEF Display Mounting Solutions Global brand (by Legrand) since 1978 specializing in display mounting solutions including LED wall mounts, flat panel display mounts, ceiling/stand/multi-display configurations, distributed in Japan by AVC with installation and after-sales support.
• ScreenBeam Wireless Display Solutions Contactless wireless display and meeting solutions requiring no apps, including the Orchestrate platform for education markets; distributed by AVC in Japan.
• Panopto Video Platform Cloud-based video content management, recording, and streaming platform with AI-powered auto-captioning and translation, supporting webcasting, on-demand viewing, user video management, and viewing analytics.
• X2O Media OneRoom Immersive hybrid and virtual learning solution connecting in-room teachers and attendees with remote participants for interactive education and training experiences.
• DRAPER Projection Screens Comprehensive screen product line including portable, tripod, fixed, and suspended screens (Durafold, Focal Point, Stage series) for permanent and temporary use worldwide.
• Xantech IR Control Systems IR (infrared) extender systems for AV equipment control, including HL85K, ML85K, DL85K extender kits, 283D emitters, 789-44 connecting blocks, and EC-10J/EC-20J extension cables.
• YELLOW JACKET Cable Protectors Cable protection solutions (YJ4, YJ5B, YJ5-LS) designed to protect pedestrians and valuable cables in entertainment venues and other fields.
• LUXOR AV Furniture and Mounts AV furniture, AV machine mount systems, and PC desks with easy assembly, disassembly, and durability for diverse venues.
• C2G Connectivity Solutions ICT connectivity solutions including signal extenders, switches, and amplifiers in compact form factors.
• MAXHUB Collaboration Displays All-in-one meeting boards with integrated display, computing, and collaboration features (V7 series), AI-powered integrated camera/microphone/speaker devices (XBar U50), and ultra-wide displays (105 Ultra Wide) for corporate and education meeting environments.
• FORBEC Original AV Products AVC's original brand offering proprietary AV mounting and display products including projector mounts (LCD-M1W, LCD-M1S) and chroma key mobile screens (MSR series).
• DISPLAY SHIELD Outdoor Enclosures Weather-resistant and impact-resistant outdoor enclosures for flat panel displays used in outdoor digital signage applications across commercial and public spaces.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and supporting.

• PSNI (Professional Systems Network International)coreOthersPSNI is a global network of professional AV systems companies. AVC's formal membership in PSNI (PSNI正式加盟) enables international collaboration and referrals within the global AV rental and systems integration network. This partnership extends AVC's reach beyond Japan.
• CHIEF (by Legrand)flagshipTechnology or IntegrationCHIEF is a globally recognized brand founded in 1978 specializing in display mounting solutions (LED wall mounts, flat panel display mounts, ceiling/wall mounts, multi-display configurations). AVC serves as the authorized distributor and exclusive sales partner for CHIEF products in Japan, offering installation, system design, and after-sales support.
• ScreenBeamcoreTechnology or IntegrationScreenBeam provides wireless display and meeting solutions (including education-focused Orchestrate platform) that work without apps. AVC distributes ScreenBeam products in Japan for corporate and education markets.
• PanoptocoreTechnology or IntegrationPanopto is a cloud-based video content management, recording, and streaming platform with AI-powered auto-captioning and translation. AVC distributes Panopto in Japan for lecture capture and corporate video management use cases.
• X2O MediacoreTechnology or IntegrationX2O Media's OneRoom platform provides immersive hybrid/virtual learning solutions connecting in-room and remote participants. AVC distributes this solution in Japan for education and corporate training markets.
• C2GsupportingTechnology or IntegrationC2G (founded 1984, originally Cables to Go) provides ICT connectivity solutions including signal extenders, switches, and amplifiers. AVC distributes C2G products in Japan.
• DrapercoreTechnology or IntegrationDraper is a global comprehensive screen manufacturer producing portable, tripod, fixed, and suspended screens in various formats. AVC distributes Draper screens (Durafold, Focal Point, Stage series) in Japan.
• XantechsupportingTechnology or IntegrationXantech (headquartered in California) is a pioneer in IR (infrared) extender systems for AV equipment control. AVC distributes Xantech IR extenders, connectors, and cables (HL85K, ML85K, DL85K, EC-10J, EC-20J, 283D, 789-44) in Japan.
• Yellow Jacket (by Checkers)supportingTechnology or IntegrationYellow Jacket is the pioneer brand of cable protectors by US company Checkers. AVC distributes Yellow Jacket cable protectors (YJ4, YJ5B, YJ5-LS) for entertainment, event, and industrial applications in Japan.
• LUXORsupportingTechnology or IntegrationLUXOR manufactures AV furniture, AV machine mount systems, and PC desks. AVC distributes LUXOR products (AV tables, stools) in Japan, emphasizing easy assembly, disassembly, and durability for diverse venues.
• MAXHUBcoreTechnology or IntegrationMAXHUB produces all-in-one meeting boards, interactive displays, and conference cameras (XBar series, V7 series, 105 Ultra Wide Display). AVC distributes MAXHUB products in Japan for corporate and education meeting environments.
• DISPLAY SHIELDsupportingTechnology or IntegrationDISPLAY SHIELD develops weather-resistant and impact-resistant outdoor digital signage enclosures for flat panel displays. AVC distributes DISPLAY SHIELD products in Japan for outdoor digital signage applications.
• FORBECsupportingTechnology or IntegrationFORBEC is an original AVC brand (derived from 'AVC Systems For Better Communication') developing proprietary AV products including projector mounts (LCD-M1W, LCD-M1S) and chroma key mobile screens (MSR series).
• JVRA (日本映像機材レンタル協会)supportingOthersJapan Video Rental Association membership demonstrates AVC's standing in the professional AV rental industry.
• JCMA (日本コンベンション協会)supportingOthersJapan Convention Association membership demonstrates AVC's role in the conventions and events industry.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AVI Systems: US AV systems integrator and PSNI member with services spanning AV design, integration, and managed support for enterprise and higher-education clients. Comparable in business model and PSNI-network affiliation to AVC.
• HB Communications: US AV integrator and PSNI member serving corporate, healthcare, and education clients with unified communications, digital media, and managed services — comparable in size and PSNI affiliation.
• Electrosonic: Global AV integrator specializing in design-build solutions for control rooms, museums, theme parks, and corporate environments — overlapping with AVC's amusement facilities, corporate, and event segments.
• Diversified: US-based global AV systems integrator offering consulting, design, integration, and managed services across corporate, education, and public-sector clients. Direct functional overlap with AVC's System Sales and integration business model.
• CCS Presentation Systems: US-based AV integrator (PSNI affiliate) focused on presentation, collaboration, and digital signage solutions for corporate and education markets. Closely comparable in vendor-distribution-plus-integration model.
• AVI-SPL: Largest US-based AV systems integrator and a fellow PSNI member. Comparable to AVC in providing unified communications, digital signage, video collaboration, and event/AV integration services for enterprise, education, and government clients.
• Solutionz: US AV integrator and PSNI member offering unified communications, digital signage, and managed services for enterprise and public sector — functionally analogous to AVC's integration-plus-rental model.
• Hibino Corporation: Japanese listed Pro AV systems integrator (TSE: 2154) operating in professional audio/visual equipment sales, rental, and event services. Hibino's three business segments — Pro Audio, Visual Equipment, and Event/Construction — closely mirror AVC's System Sales, Import, and Event Video pillars, serving the same Japanese education, corporate, and broadcast markets.

Broad incumbents

• Vitec Group: UK-listed parent of multiple Pro AV brands (including Chief, which AVC distributes). A larger incumbent whose brand portfolio overlaps with AVC's distribution catalog and whose event/rental services compete with AVC's Event Video division globally.

Regional players

• Kinoton GmbH: German specialist in AV/cinema projection, screen, and event services. Comparable product and service categories (projection screens via Draper partnership, AV rental, event production) but operates primarily in DACH rather than APAC.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/audio-visual-communications

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AVC