International Organization
The Challenge:
VCi was tasked to design multimedia presentation and video conferencing systems for meeting rooms located throughout the Unites States and abroad. Each room's technology needed to adhere to a standardized platform of interface and control. Remote monitoring and control capabilities were also requirements of the system to allow access to any room's technology for support and maintenance. The first rollout of technology was to include twelve (12) sites, all of which needed to go live within a one-week time period. The client's locations included in the rollout were separated by varying distances; from a couple of miles, to a couple of states—even one across the pond.
The Technology:
Each of the customer's twelve sites had varying requirements for multimedia presentation and conferencing systems. The goal was to develop an environment that would match as closely as possible to each of the other locations with adjustments being made as required for room size and configuration. The core technology for each site needed to be identical to enable end users and administrators to operate any system regardless of location. IVCi has responded by designing an audio visual system that includes technology, equipment, and support from industry leading companies such as NEC, Crestron, Extron, BIAMP, and Tannoy.
Each of the technology-enabled rooms features a front-projection display system, and in some cases, additional ancillary support displays for conferencing applications. Interfacing with the display system is achieved through wall-plate connectivity points and pop-up table-mounted interface hatches. Users have the ability to show video sources such as VHS and DVD materials as well as high resolution computer graphics in support of their presentations and in conjunction with their conferences.
Audio reinforcement is provided in each location in support of the presentation systems and to provide integrated audio conferencing capabilities. By working with an open frame Digital Signal Processor (DSP) from BIAMP, IVCi was able to write a custom audio routing program for optimization of audio quality in each individual room. Microphones located on the table tops capture all of the participant audio for use with the audio and video conferencing systems. Recessed ceiling-mounted loudspeakers were used to reproduce the 'far-end' audio for audio conferencing and video conferencing applications as well as for in-room multimedia presentations.
Video conferencing systems were deployed in many of the client's sites allowing for video communications with other equally equipped locations. The video conferencing systems include wall mounted pan/tilt/zoom cameras that transmit images to the 'far-side.' These systems use both IP and ISDN protocols to communicate with one another to help bridge the gap between office locations and the distances in between.
The Control:
With any complex audio visual system, it 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 deployed at each office location to control system functionality and to allow the centralized access for control and administration required by the client.
IVCi's engineers and Crestron-certified programmers worked together with our client to create a customized user interface that was sophisticated enough to handle all of the technology and the advanced levels of control that were desired. Touch panels located on the conference room tables have been selected as the most appropriate control interface for each room and the same basic Graphical User Interface is used for a consistent look and feel. Control over all system functionality is capable from these units as well as advanced features such a video preview windows for lining up camera shots or viewing materials before presenting to the group or pushing content to the 'far side' of a video conference. Dedicated controls have been included for all major system components with quick access to all important controls such as volume, mute status and screen controls.
Going beyond the Graphical User Interface, IVCi implemented Crestron's award winning E-Control and Room View solutions, which allow for system control and remote monitoring/status from any Ethernet-enabled computer or device. Through these software packages, status and control information for each individual sites' multimedia presentation and conferencing systems have been centralized. By allowing this level of control over the systems, the end users were able to set up a single help desk location for all locations and to support the systems without necessarily being on-site. IVCi has succeeded in developing a control solution that is easy for end users to work with, is consistent throughout multiple locations, and provides a centralized point of control and status for a company that is spread out throughout the U.S. and abroad.
The Aesthetics:
The technology systems developed for this project were designed to blend well into the aesthetic environment of each of the meeting rooms. Projection screens are ceiling-recessed when not in use and the majority of the audio viaual equipment is located within equipment racks hidden within credenzas or closets in each space. Interface plates located on the wall in each of the rooms were color coordinated with the client for a clean, finished look that blends well into the rest of the room. Any devices located at, or on, the conference table, were closely coordinated as well for a finish that shows off the technology but is not visually overwhelming. All of the loudspeakers are flush mounted into the ceiling with grill covers painted to match the surrounding ceiling tiles. The two items that serve as center pieces for each room are the video projector and touch panel. The projector is suspended from the ceiling structure above, and by working closely with the client, we have selected a projector that not only meets the technical requirements for each of the rooms, but also works well in the aesthetic appearance of the space. The touch panel, which is located on the table top, features a splash page with the company's logo, and serves as a brilliant example of their investment in technology and the value it brings to their organization.
The Results:
IVCi was able to deliver an aesthetic and practical solution by working as team with our client and strategic systems integration partners across the country and the globe. IVCi's solution met the needs of the end users while rising to the challenge of a multi-national rollout of advanced technology. The challenges and desires presented by our client were not only met, but exceeded and we have continued to build new rooms for their organization all over the U.S. and abroad. IVCi is proud to develop and deliver technological solutions custom-tailored to the individual needs of our diverse clients. To find out more about this project or to discuss how IVCi can help you create an audio visual system that will take your company's communications to the next level, please contact us at 800-273-5800.
Additional Case Studies:
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