Audio Visual systems play a vital role in modern education. From interactive whiteboards and digital signage to auditorium sound systems and classroom AV setups, technology is transforming how educators teach and students learn. Designing and managing these systems requires powerful software that can handle schematics, product selection, proposals, and project documentation efficiently. While D-Tools has been a popular choice for many years, it may not be the best fit for today’s fast-paced, budget-conscious education sector. If you are involved in AV projects for schools and looking for D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators, this blog introduces tools that offer better performance, ease of use, and value—starting with XTEN-AV.
XTEN-AV: The All-in-One AV Design Platform for Education Projects
XTEN-AV is a modern, cloud-based AV design and automation platform built to simplify every phase of an AV project. Whether you are outfitting a school auditorium with a new sound system or installing projectors and smart boards in classrooms, XTEN-AV gives you the tools to deliver accurate, efficient, and professional results.
Key features of XTEN-AV for education AV projects include:
- X-DRAW: A powerful drag-and-drop drawing tool that lets you create system schematics, floor plans, and signal flows tailored to educational spaces.
- X-DOC: Automatically generate professional proposals with detailed product information, labor estimates, and pricing.
- X-PRO: Build complete bills of materials with updated manufacturer SKUs, pricing, and technical specs.
- XAVIA: An AI-powered assistant that suggests components and designs based on your project type.
XTEN-AV is ideal for school projects because it is fast, easy to use, and built for collaboration. Whether you are designing for a single classroom or an entire school district, XTEN-AV helps you work smarter—not harder. It is no surprise that it is considered one of the best D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators focused on the education sector.
Why D-Tools May Not Be the Best Fit for School AV Projects
While D-Tools has long provided a robust set of features for AV integrators, it was built around legacy tools like Microsoft Visio and AutoCAD. That makes it harder to use, more expensive, and less adaptable to the cloud-based workflows that are now common in education projects.
Here are a few reasons D-Tools can be limiting for school AV projects:
- Steep Learning Curve: It takes time and training to master Visio-based design workflows.
- Higher Cost: Licensing fees and add-on software can increase total project costs.
- Limited Cloud Functionality: Collaboration and remote access are not as seamless.
- Complex for Simple Projects: Many school AV projects are straightforward and do not require overly complicated design tools.
Because of these challenges, many integrators working in the education sector are exploring D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators that offer simpler, faster, and more affordable solutions.
Other AV Tools Better Suited for Education Projects
In addition to XTEN-AV, there are a few other tools that can support school and education AV projects. Below are some options to consider depending on your project scope, budget, and team size.
- Jetbuilt Jetbuilt is a popular cloud-based tool for creating AV proposals and quotes. It is fast, user-friendly, and ideal for sales-focused teams working on simpler AV projects such as classroom displays or small PA systems.
Pros:
Easy proposal generation.
Cloud-based for remote access.
Good for small, fast-moving projects.
Cons:
Lacks full design and schematic capabilities.
No built-in AI or system recommendations.
Limited documentation features compared to XTEN-AV.
Jetbuilt is a good choice if your school AV project is primarily focused on pricing and quoting, not complex technical designs.
- Visio with Templates Some AV integrators continue to use Microsoft Visio for basic diagrams. While not built specifically for AV design, Visio is relatively easy to use and can be customized with AV symbols and templates.
Pros:
Familiar for many users.
Works well for basic diagrams.
Can be integrated with Office 365.
Cons:
Not cloud-native.
No automation or intelligent design features.
Requires manual proposal and BOM creation.
Visio is best suited for extremely small school AV projects or firms that already have it bundled with Office tools.
- AutoCAD LT AutoCAD LT is a lightweight version of AutoCAD that supports 2D drafting. It can be used for AV layout drawings but is not purpose-built for AV system design.
Pros:
Industry-standard CAD functionality.
Precision drafting for room layouts.
Cons:
Steep learning curve for non-CAD users.
No proposal or product library integration.
Expensive for occasional users.
AutoCAD LT is most useful when exact architectural coordination is required, such as ceiling-mounted speakers or projector placements in complex spaces.
- LibreCAD LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D drafting tool. It offers basic drawing functionality for users on a budget.
Pros:
Free to download and use.
Lightweight and simple for basic designs.
Cons:
No AV-specific templates or libraries.
Manual workflow for proposals and documentation.
No cloud collaboration.
LibreCAD can serve as an entry-level tool for very small AV consultants or educational institutions doing basic in-house planning.
Why XTEN-AV Stands Out in School AV Projects
Among all these options, XTEN-AV remains the most balanced and complete solution. It is cloud-based, AI-powered, and specifically tailored for AV integrators. For education projects, that means faster turnaround, better accuracy, and cleaner documentation—all of which help when working with school administrators, purchasing departments, and IT teams.
Whether you are planning a campus-wide PA system, a hybrid learning solution, or a digital signage network in hallways, XTEN-AV helps you:
Plan and design faster.
Reduce manual data entry.
Deliver professional proposals with ease.
Collaborate across teams and departments in real time.
For these reasons, XTEN-AV is the top choice among D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators working in the education sector.
Conclusion
Schools and educational institutions are investing more than ever in AV technology to support teaching, communication, and collaboration. As these projects grow in size and complexity, AV integrators need tools that can handle everything from system design to documentation—without unnecessary costs or delays.
While D-Tools has served the industry well, it is no longer the most practical choice for school AV projects. With better affordability, cloud access, AI-powered assistance, and faster workflows, XTEN-AV clearly leads the way among D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators.
If you are ready to modernize your approach to education AV design, proposal, and project management, give XTEN-AV a closer look. It is not just better than D-Tools—it is built for the future of AV in education.
Read more: https://www.gamesfree.ca/read-blog/58837
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