Military Application
The Challenge:
VCi was tasked to design a multimedia presentation and video conferencing system for a U.S. military executive-level conference room located in a secure facility on a military base. The conference room technology needed to be highly reliable as the system was to be used for mission critical communications. The user interface had to be easy to understand and simple to operate as room personnel would be constantly changing shifts. Remote monitoring and control capabilities were also requirements of the system to allow access to any room's technology for support and maintenance. The system installation had to be a combined effort between IVCi and the U.S. Military as some of the installation areas required special military clearance.
The Technology:
The core technology for the conference room needed to be reliable without the need for extensive redundancy equipment. IVCi has responded by designing an audio visual system that includes technology, equipment, and support from industry leading companies such as Extron, Crestron, Tandberg, Clear One, Tannoy, Shure, and Middle Atlantic.
IVCi's solution features a front-projection display system flanked by a 50” Plasma on each side. Interface with the display system is achieved through wall-plate connectivity points and table-mounted computer 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 and in conjunction with their conferences.
Audio reinforcement is provided in support of the presentation systems as well as an integrated audio conferencing system. Eight (8) microphones located on the table top captures all of the participant audio for use with the audio and video conferencing systems. Recessed ceiling-mounted loudspeakers are used to reproduce the far-end audio for audio conferencing and video-conferencing applications as well as for in-room multimedia presentations.
A video conferencing system was installed to allow for video communications with other equipped military and non-military locations. The video conferencing system includes two wall-mounted pan/tilt/zoom cameras that transmit images to the 'far-side'. The video conference system uses ISDN protocols to communicate with other sites bringing military and non-military personnel together for meetings of critical importance.
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. A Crestron Control System processor was deployed 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 the 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. A 12” color touch panel located on the conference room table was selected as the most appropriate control interface for ease of use and the control parameters made available. Control over all system functionality is available from this unit including transport controls for presentation devices, camera controls, and conferencing controls. Dedicated controls for all major system components were provided in addition to quick access buttons for 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 solution, which allows for system control from any Ethernet-enabled computer or network device. IVCi has succeeded in developing a control solution that is easy for end users to work with whether they are a novice or an experienced user.
The Aesthetics:
The technology systems developed for this project were designed to be functional and aethetically prominent. Although the projection screens included in this project are ceiling-recessed when not in use, the plasma displays are visible at all times. The majority of the audio visual equipment is located within an equipment rack located at one end of the room. Any devices located at, or on, the conference table, were closely coordinated 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 technology items, which serve as center pieces for the conference room, are the video projector, plasma displays and touch panel.
The Results:
IVCi was able to deliver successfully on a very challenging projects by working with our client as a partner to develop a solution that met their needs, budget and their stringent requirements. The challenges presented by our client were not only met, but exceeded and we continue to work them in developing similar rooms for other locations throughout 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 800-224-7083.
Additional Case Studies:
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