In the world of AV system design, visualizing the layout of a room before installation is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Clients expect to see how speakers, displays, microphones, and control systems will look and function in their space. For AV professionals, having the right tool for this kind of visualization can mean faster approvals, fewer installation errors, and greater project success.
At the forefront of this technology shift is XTEN-AV, a platform purpose-built for the AV industry. It delivers end-to-end AV design and automation with intelligent tools specifically designed to handle room layouts, wiring diagrams, rack designs, and schematics. On the other hand, SketchUp, known widely for its 3D modeling capabilities, has long been a favorite among architects, interior designers, and general contractors. But how does it stack up when the focus shifts specifically to AV room visualization?
In this blog, we will compare XTEN-AV and SketchUp based on their features, usability, accuracy, and overall value for AV room layout visualization. The goal is to help integrators, consultants, and designers make the right choice for their workflow.
XTEN-AV: Built for the AV Professional
XTEN-AV is a cloud-based AV design platform that combines intelligence with automation. Its tools are made for AV system designers and integrators who need to create precise, functional, and professional room layouts. With drag-and-drop functionality, users can place AV devices into scaled floor plans and instantly see how components interact with each other in real-world spaces.
Some of the key advantages of XTEN-AV include:
- Real-time collaboration and cloud storage
- AV-specific object libraries including speakers, displays, microphones, and more
- Integration with AI schematic drawing tools and wiring diagram tools
- Auto-generated BOM and documentation
- Smart alignment and placement tools for quick room layout planning
Where XTEN-AV truly shines is in its ability to link the room layout to wiring diagrams, rack elevations, and system schematics—all in one environment. This means once you design a layout, the rest of the system documentation builds automatically.
SketchUp: A Generalist Tool with Great 3D Capabilities
SketchUp has built a reputation for offering easy-to-use 3D modeling features. It is great for visualizing buildings, interiors, furniture, and general architectural elements. With the right plugins and a bit of customization, AV designers can use SketchUp to showcase room designs in rich, three-dimensional form.
Key features of SketchUp include:
- Intuitive 3D modeling with orbit and pan features
- Extensive library of objects via 3D Warehouse
- Integration with rendering plugins like V-Ray
- Measurement and scaling tools
- Good for architectural walkthroughs and visual presentations
However, SketchUp lacks AV-specific intelligence. It does not know what a matrix switcher is or how a DSP connects to microphones. It also lacks automation tools that generate wiring diagrams or create equipment lists from your layout. Everything must be manually placed and documented.
Comparing XTEN-AV and SketchUp Side-by-Side
Let us evaluate the two platforms based on key criteria that matter to AV professionals.
1. Ease of Use for AV Designers
- XTEN-AV: Offers pre-built AV components, auto-snap to scale floor plans, and guided workflows. No need for CAD or modeling expertise.
- SketchUp: Requires users to build or import components. Users need to manually scale and place each item. Learning curve is higher for non-architects.
Winner: XTEN-AV
2. AV-Specific Functionality
- XTEN-AV: Built for AV system design. Features include intelligent routing, cable path mapping, and integration with audio DSP and video switching design tools.
- SketchUp: General modeling platform. AV tools must be added manually or through third-party extensions.
Winner: XTEN-AV
3. 3D Visualization
- XTEN-AV: Offers 2D and pseudo-3D layouts. Sufficient for most AV planning purposes, especially for ceiling mic coverage and speaker orientation.
- SketchUp: Exceptional 3D visuals. Great for immersive presentations and architectural coordination.
Winner: SketchUp
4. Integration with Documentation and System Design
- XTEN-AV: Directly linked to schematics, rack layouts, cable schedules, and BOMs. Any change in layout is reflected throughout the system.
- SketchUp: Does not connect to AV documentation. Requires separate software to create wiring diagrams or BOMs.
Winner: XTEN-AV
5. Speed and Automation
- XTEN-AV: Uses AI schematic drawing tools to auto-route cables and place equipment intelligently. Saves hours per project.
- SketchUp: Manual work dominates. Good for visualizing but slow for AV-specific workflows.
Winner: XTEN-AV
6. Client Presentation
- XTEN-AV: Provides professional AV layouts, but not as visually immersive.
- SketchUp: Great for showing 3D walkthroughs and impressing clients with visual depth.
Winner: SketchUp
Use Cases: When to Choose Each
- Choose XTEN-AV if you are an AV integrator, consultant, or engineer focused on speed, system accuracy, and end-to-end AV project documentation. It is your go-to platform for real design work.
- Choose SketchUp if your goal is to present a highly visual concept to an architect, interior designer, or end client. It is ideal for storytelling and spatial visualization.
In many cases, teams use both tools—SketchUp for presentations and XTEN-AV for actual system design and implementation. However, if you must pick one based on efficiency, automation, and AV accuracy, XTEN-AV clearly offers more value.
Final Thoughts
Visualizing AV room layouts is a critical part of modern system design. While SketchUp brings high-end 3D modeling to the table, it lacks the intelligence and workflow optimization that AV projects demand. XTEN-AV, on the other hand, is purpose-built for this exact challenge. It blends layout, schematics, AI-powered tools, and documentation in a single environment.
If your goal is to go from concept to construction faster, with fewer errors and full integration across your design deliverables, XTEN-AV is the best choice for visualizing AV room layouts—especially when paired with its AI schematic drawing tools and automated documentation features.
In the evolving world of AV technology, the tools you use can define the success of your project. Make the smart choice and empower your team with the platform built for real AV design.
Read more: https://avprohub.jimdofree.com/2025/08/04/autocad-vs-xten-av-which-is-better-for-slds/
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