Large Corporate Campus

The Challenge:

VCi was tasked to design multimedia presentation systems for forty-plus (40+) meeting rooms throughout a corporate campus. Each room's technology was designed to adhere to a standardized platform of interface and control. Remote monitoring and control capabilities were also requirements of the system for centralized access to the status of each room's technology.

The Technology:

The overall goal for the multimedia presentation systems project was to develop an environment that could be easily repeated and adjusted based on room size and configuration. The technology for each room needed to be similar, if not identical, to allow end users to familiarize themselves with only one kind of interface that would be applicable in any room in which they were presenting. To accomplish these tasks and achieve their goals, technology from industry leading companies such as NEC, Crestron, Extron, and Draper were deployed.

Each of the multimedia presentation rooms now features a front-projection display system with a ceiling-recessed, tensioned, electric screen. Interfacing with the display system is achieved through both wall plate and table-mounted interfaces. 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. Computer interfacing is available for both permanent in-room PCs and portable laptop computers.

Audio reinforcement of the presentation systems was important in some environments and less in others. Accordingly, IVCi worked with our client to develop a two-tiered standard to meet the needs of both styles of rooms. Those rooms requiring little-to-no audio support make use of the internal speaker system of the video projector. This solution provides a minimal level of support without increased cost for additional equipment. For those rooms in which audio reinforcement was required, distributed, recessed ceiling-mounted loudspeakers were used to support the presentations.

Expanded system connectivity was also included in the design for many of the multimedia presentation rooms. Additional wall plates were created to allow the connection of portable video conferencing systems, which could easily be wheeled into any of these rooms. The expanded connectivity allows for the client to adapt the room to their changing needs and dependencies on technology without having to redesign their system or add extra equipment to work with new technology.

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 in every room 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 to create a user interface that was both cost effective for a roll out of this magnitude, and most importantly, easy for end users to work with. Button-panel wall plates deployed in each presentation room give users control over a fixed feature set of the installed audio visual technology. Functionality was simplified to the point of having individual buttons for each of the presentation systems' inputs, volume controls, and dedicated screen controls.

Beyond the standard control system interface wall plates, 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, IVCi was able to provide centralized control over all of the multimedia presentation systems. Control at this level provides benefits for help desk applications and system troubleshooting, as well as asset management and room scheduling. IVCi has succeeded in developing a control solution that is easy for end users to work with, repeatable for deployment in multiple locations, reduces the scale and magnitude of working with a large number of systems, and most importantly, that has met and exceeded the needs of our client.

The Aesthetics:

The multimedia presentation systems developed for this project have not aesthetically overwhelmed the existing environment and atmosphere of the meeting rooms. Each of the projection screens is fully ceiling-recessed when the presentation system is not in use. Likewise, in any of the rooms with enhanced audio support, all of the loudspeakers are flush mounted into the ceiling with grill covers painted to match the surrounding ceiling tiles. Interface plates located on the wall in each of the rooms are color coordinated with the room for a clean, finished look that blends well. All wall interfaces and control pads are located in accordance with building standard mounting heights appearing most frequently at the same height as electrical power outlets and light switches. The only technology item which is readily seen in the presentation rooms is the video projector, which is suspended from the ceiling structure above. By working closely with the client, IVCi has selected a projector that not only meets the technical requirements for each of the rooms, but also complements the aesthetic appearance of the space.

The Results:

The end result of this project is a thriving corporate campus with meetings and presentations constantly in session. IVCi's solution provided a cost-effective way of making technology available to users in multiple locations with an easy-to-use common interface in each location. High-level control technology reduces the complexities of managing the various systems deployed, making the experience positive for not only the end-users, but for the on-site support staff as well. 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 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:

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