Our History

In 1949, Charles H. Smith founded State College Television Company as a retail firm selling television sets, which were still an oddity in central Pennsylvania because the nearest television station, WJAC, was 60 miles away in Johnstown, PA. For that reason, State College TV (as it became known) also handled the installation of outdoor antennas, including installation on towers up to 60 feet in height. In some areas of State College, this height was essential to receive any usable signal from WJAC; in other areas, only a chimney mounted antenna was required; and, in still other areas, it was not possible to obtain an adequate signal at all.

The company’ first storefront location was at 122 N. Atherton Street. In 1955, it moved to 232 S. Allen Street and continued at that location until 1988, selling television sets along with phonographs, tape recorders, and other electronic appliances and equipment. During most of those years, State College TV also operated a complete service department for repairing everything that it sold plus many products that had been purchased elsewhere.

Gradually, the operation of the company changed from a strictly retail sales business to a mostly wholesale supplier with a major portion of its sales in the form of tape recorders, blank audio and video tape, film projectors, projection screens, and projection lamps.

In 1988, retail sales and service were essentially discontinued following the business’s relocation from 232 S. Allen Street to 144 S. Corl Street, and State College TV Supply became an audio visual specialty supplier. By that time, sales of audio visual equipment (projectors, sound systems, presentation aids, etc.) were producing significant revenues.

John B. Smith, son of Charles Smith, joined the business in January 1989 and became General Manager of State College A/V Supply. The name Audio Visual Supply was later chosen to more accurately indicate the nature of the business. Since then, the company has continued to operate as a distributor of audio visual products and supplies.