Overview
The Factory at Congdon Yards, renowned for their innovative approach to business and community collaboration, have undertaken a significant upgrade to their audio and video infrastructure. This case study details the comprehensive AV solutions installed in various spaces within these facilities, including small meeting rooms, large conference rooms, an auditorium, and digital signage systems.
Small Meeting Rooms
The small meeting rooms were equipped with advanced AV systems to facilitate seamless presentations and conferencing. Each room features a 75” LG display and a Biamp video bar, which includes an integrated camera, microphones, and speakers. Users have multiple options for connecting their devices: a 25-foot HDMI user cable for wired presentations from a laptop, an HDMI connection to a house PC located in the credenza beneath the display, and a Barco ClickShare connection for wireless video presentations.
For conferencing needs, platforms such as Zoom, Teams, and GoToMeeting can be accessed via the house PC, utilizing the video bar’s integrated components. Additionally, the rooms support BYOD (bring your own device) conferencing, with an active USB connection allowing users to link the video bar to their laptops. Control of the system is straightforward, managed through the display remote.
Large Conference Rooms
The large conference rooms received an upgraded system modeled after the Millis Family Boardroom in the Factory building. Central to this system is an 86” display, complemented by two ceiling beam tracking microphones and six pendant speakers to ensure clear audio capture and distribution. A motorized pan/tilt/zoom camera provides high-quality video for conferencing.
A custom touch panel control system and a dedicated conferencing computer enhance the user experience, offering easy management of all AV components. Notably, these rooms include wireless presentation capabilities and improved BYOD conferencing from customer laptops, making them highly versatile for various meeting and presentation needs.
Auditorium System
The auditorium on the third floor was outfitted with a state-of-the-art presentation and conferencing system. This includes two 133” diagonal motorized projection screens, each illuminated by a 6500-lumen laser projector. A motorized pan/tilt/zoom camera is installed to track the presenter, ensuring high-quality video for all attendees.
The system is anchored by a conferencing PC housed in a 30” wide podium, which also features a presentation switcher with inputs from both the conferencing PC and a customer laptop. Users can engage in BYOD conferencing via a USB connection at the podium. The audio setup includes ceiling-hung pendant speakers and multiple wireless microphones (three handheld for presentations and one lavalier for conferencing applications). A touch panel at the podium provides comprehensive control over screens, projectors, camera, audio levels, and video switching.
Digital Signage System
The digital signage system consists of four 75” displays, each equipped with a BrightSign media player mounted behind it. These media players are connected to the owner-furnished network, allowing for centralized content management from a PC or laptop designated as the content manager computer on the 4th floor. The BrightAuthor software provides an intuitive platform for creating and scheduling content, ensuring the digital signage is both dynamic and easy to update.
Conclusion
The Factory at Congdon Yards now feature a robust and versatile AV infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of modern business environments. From the small meeting rooms equipped with flexible presentation and conferencing options to the large conference rooms with advanced audio and video capabilities, and the state-of-the-art auditorium system, every space is designed to enhance functionality and user experience. The digital signage system further augments these capabilities, providing clear and engaging visual communication. This comprehensive AV solution underscores The Factory at Congdon Yards’ commitment to innovation and excellence in business collaboration.