Financial Trading Floor
The Challenge:
VCi was tasked to design an audio visual system that would achieve interactive collaboration between remote offices and a New York City trading floor. The system needed to have the ability to share real-time video and data over video conference to bridge the gap between office locations and allow all participants to feel like they were part of the action.
The Technology:
The goal for the trading floor project was to maintain the feel of an old style 'hoot and holler' system for audio communications and to make a strong visual impact with large screen displays, bringing the remote sties to life. These goals were achieved by using technology from some of the biggest names in the audio visual industry including, NEC, BIAMP, and Crestron.
The audio system was significantly modernized and now comprises 42 microphones, 16 speaker zones and 25 mixed audio zones. IVCi was able to solve the unique challenges of creating a flexible audio system for a large space and audience by working with an open frame Digital Signal Processor (DSP) from BIAMP. Four BIAMP AudiaFlex DSP processors were used to create the complex matrix of inputs and outputs that make this system work. The DSP program was written in-house by IVCi along with help directly from the manufacturer to assure a successful deployment. Each desk location on the trading floor now features an 18” gooseneck microphone with acoustic noise and echo cancellation provided through the DSP.
To bring the visual communications to life and enhance the collaborative effort between remote locations, five Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) cameras, two 84" and one 60" plasma display were added to the trading floor. Each of the PTZ cameras provides 60 degrees of coverage for capturing video images to be transmitted to the far end of video calls. Between the five units, almost every inch of the trading floor can be viewed from a remote site. The three plasma displays serve not only to bring the remote sites to the trading floor, but also to allow enhanced sharing of information locally across the large floor. Each of the traders can show a portion of their desktop to share research and post information with the group.
In addition, IVCi's solution allows for other local video conferencing and research and development rooms to collaborate with the remote offices as well as the trading floor. This added benefit greatly enhances internal communications and allows for easy communications to discuss current issues and to address hot topics that might arise.
The Control:
With any complex audio visual system, the system itself is only useful if it can be used easily and understood by all who need to work with it. IVCi has mastered the art of simplifying complex control through the use of Crestron Control Systems. Crestron processors were used to control every function of the audio visual system including the audio system, the video conferencing and video systems, and all system routing throughout the facility and trading floor.
IVCi's Crestron-certified programmers were able to take full advantage of control system capabilities by writing a very flexible program capable of handling the many devices in use while keeping the interface simple. Beyond the standard control system interfaces of touch panels and wall plates, IVCi implemented Crestron's award winning E-Control solution, which allows for system control from any Ethernet-enabled computer or device. Having solid control of the audio visual system and making those controls available to many users, with many different levels of access, was essential to making this system work. IVCi succeeded in providing the ultimate in control for a very complex system.
The Aesthetics:
Traders' desks are messy and there is no changing that. Between dual monitor configurations, keyboards, mice, and the mile-high stacks of papers, there's not much room left for additional technology. IVCi has met the challenge by creating an easy-to-use; invasive solution that hardly takes up any desktop real estate, provides all necessary system functionality and control, and is safe from any accidental messes or desktop hazards (spilled coffee, phone cords etc.). Each of the trader's desks features a gooseneck microphone set back on the "back splash" of the desk area. All other system controls have been built into a Crestron E-Control Graphical User Interface (GUI) that is launched by a custom written Visual Basic (VB) Application for Windows. This allows all system controls to be managed directly from the trader's computer desktop. Each trader has their own independent E-Control page, and through the VB application, they are able to save the exact size of the control window as well as screen location. This assures that every time the E-Control page is accessed, it is in the same location and same size to minimize any interference with trading tools and other non-audio visual technology related applications.
The Results:
The end result of this project is one of the most technologically advanced trading floors anywhere in the country. IVCi's total solution provided a cost-effective system capable of bringing together many users in multiple locations and providing access to high levels of technology. The end users are pleased beyond all expectations and IVCi is proud to deliver such an outstanding technological solution. To find out more about this project, or to discuss how IVCi can help you create the audio visual system that will take your company's communications to the next level, please contact us at 800-224-7083.
Additional Case Studies:
For additional information regarding audio visual integration, products and services or to speak to a representative, please contact IVCi at 800-224-7083 or click here to have an IVCi Representative contact you.
