Case Study: Carter G Woodson School’s Tech Makeover with CIAVL

Introduction

Carter G Woodson School in Winston Salem recently underwent a significant technological transformation for their educational spaces AV. In partnership with CIAVL, the school’s gymnasium sound system and classroom interactive smart boards were upgraded to enhance both the learning and extracurricular environments. This blog post delves into the details of this project, highlighting the innovative solutions and state-of-the-art equipment used in the upgrade.

Gymnasium Sound System Upgrade

The Challenge

The school’s original gymnasium sound system, though equipped with basic infrastructure, was challenging to operate. It required extensive knowledge and effort to use, involving a large equipment rack and a complex console setup. This complexity limited the system’s usability for various school events such as sports announcements, music performances, graduation ceremonies, and faculty meetings.

The Solution

CIAVL’s solution was to design a user-friendly system eliminating the need for an external equipment rack. The heart of this new system is the Biamp TesiraFORTE AI digital signal processor, custom-programmed to handle multiple scenarios with ease. This innovative setup allows simple, button-click operations, making the system accessible to all staff members.

Alongside this, the Extron IP Link Control processor and a 7″ TLP Pro touchscreen were installed outside the equipment room. This setup enables quick and easy control over the entire system.

Enhanced Sound Quality

The sound quality was significantly improved with the installation of 6 Renkus-Heinz CX121 600W speakers, strategically placed for optimal sound dispersion. This upgrade ensures that every event in the gymnasium is accompanied by clear, high-quality audio.

Visual Enhancement in the Gymnasium

The gymnasium’s visual capabilities were also enhanced. A PANASONIC PT-MZ880WU7 4K LCD Laser Projector with a PANASONIC ET-ELT22 2.7-4.5:1 Fixed Zoom Lens was installed. This projector, boasting a long-lasting laser light source, provides vivid visuals without frequent maintenance. The AV PRO EDGE HDMI Wall Plate, utilizing HDbaseT technology, seamlessly integrates audio from presentations into the system.

Classroom Interactive Smart Board Update

The Need

Carter G Woodson School’s classrooms required an update in their interactive smartboard technology to keep up with modern educational demands.

The Implementation

CIAVL deployed 15 NEWLINE TT-5521Q 550Q 4K LED 4K Multi-Touch Displays. These displays bring efficiency and high performance into the classroom. With enhanced security, customization options, and swift performance, they create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The Q Series smartboards, with embedded collaborative tools and various interface themes, facilitate interactive learning and remote collaboration.

Conclusion

The technological makeover at Carter G Woodson School, executed by CIAVL, showcases the impactful role of advanced audio-visual solutions in educational settings. These upgrades not only simplify operations but also enrich the educational experience for students and staff. CIAVL’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in schools paves the way for a more interactive and effective learning environment.


Stay informed about the latest in audio-visual technology for educational spaces by following our blog. Contact CIAVL for more information on how we can transform your educational or business facilities.

Case Study: High-Tech Audiovisual Installations Transform Panther Commons at High Point University

High Point University has always been at the forefront of providing its students with exceptional facilities, and the recent audiovisual overhaul at Panther Commons is no exception. Let’s dive into the exciting world of cutting-edge technology that’s reshaping the way students interact, learn, and unwind on campus.

Panther Lobby: A Fusion of Art and Technology

The moment you step into the Panther Lobby, you’re greeted by an impressive array of six Planar URX75-ERO 75” displays. Mounted in portrait mode, these screens aren’t just your average displays. Selected specifically for their portrait capabilities and 24×7 operation, these screens feature ERO (Extended Ruggedness and Optics) with Gorilla Glass, ensuring both durability and exceptional image clarity.

What’s powering these visual marvels? The content springs to life thanks to three HPU PCs, feeding into a TV ONE Corio CS310 matrix processor. This advanced setup with HDMI inputs and HDBT scaled outputs to TV ONE HD DX HDBT receivers ensures seamless content delivery. And the cherry on top? The entire system is deftly controlled via Extron, making management a breeze.

Gaming Display Lobby: Where Relaxation Meets Innovation

As you ascend to the 2nd floor, a different vibe awaits in the “gaming lounge”. Here, two Planar URX75-ERO 75” displays, mounted in landscape mode, offer a perfect haven for gaming enthusiasts. These displays are complemented by passive HDMI input plates, and students can easily control the system using Extron control touch panels. It’s a space that combines leisure and technology, inviting students to unwind and connect.

SPIN & WEIGHT Rooms: Unleashing Audiovisual Fitness

In the SPIN & WEIGHT Rooms, technology meets fitness. The SPIN audio setup boasts an Extron DMP64 audio DSP with Bluetooth receivers, perfectly tuned for primary music playback. The experience is elevated with Samson AirLine 99 AH9 Fitness wireless headsets, Sonance pendant ceiling speakers, and subwoofers powered by LEA multi-channel amplifiers. It’s an auditory experience that motivates and energizes.

The SPIN video feature adds another layer to this high-tech fitness environment. Three NEC 65 displays showcase content from the Keiser bike app, displaying data from all the bikes. This setup, connected to a Surface Pro and an Apple iPad connected to an Extron floor box DTP TX, ensures that students are always in sync with their workout metrics. And with a wall-mount touch panel and an Apple iPad GUI, control is intuitive and user-friendly.

When entering this room, you’re immediately enveloped in a dynamic, energizing atmosphere, thanks to Environmental Lights ECO FLEX NEON RGBW. With 500 feet of pixel-capable LED Neon, the room transforms into an electrifying space to shed the day’s stress. The installation, powered by 10 Micro Max 24VDC power supplies and controlled by 15 DMX512 Pixel Control Decoders, creates an immersive environment with 15 mesmerizing scenes running on a loop.

This captivating lighting setup is programmed with Madrix software and utilizes the Madrix Luna controllers to manage almost 15 universes of LED. The programming, meticulously crafted by Steve Johnson, a certified Madrix programmer, supplies the WOW factor that leaves everyone in awe.

Private Dining: An Ambiance of Elegance

In the private dining area, the ambiance shifts to a more subdued, elegant setting. The headwall glows softly, lined with RGB3000k LED tape accentuating the architectural features. Encircling the room are 40 INSIGHT Pilot Cove RGBA fixtures, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Control over this sophisticated lighting is at your fingertips, thanks to an Extron Station that allows for color selection and dimming, perfect for private events or intimate gatherings.

This technological transformation of Panther Commons at High Point University represents more than just a series of upgrades. It’s a commitment to providing students with an environment that is not only conducive to their academic success but also to their personal and social well-being. These installations blend seamlessly into the fabric of student life, offering a harmonious balance between technology, education, and leisure.

From the visually stunning displays in the Panther Lobby to the immersive lighting in the Spin Room and the elegant ambiance of the private dining area, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the student experience. The integration of state-of-the-art audiovisual technology in the SPIN & WEIGHT Rooms further demonstrates HPU’s dedication to creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspirational.

Case Study: Video Wall Design And Installation

Transforming the Central Lobby with Cutting-Edge Technology

The Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics is stepping into the future with the introduction of its custom-designed Planar 1×5 portrait Interactive Video Wall. This state-of-the-art installation is not just a visual spectacle; it’s a gateway to a more engaging and interactive educational experience.

A Fusion of Form and Function

At the heart of this technological marvel are the Planar LX552X2-P-ERO 1×5 interactive video wall displays, equipped with touch capabilities. These screens aren’t just for show; they’re a dynamic tool for displaying interactive content and video information, enhancing the way students and faculty interact with digital resources.

Powering the Experience

Driving this visual masterpiece is a custom Seneca PC, tailored specifically for managing the content showcased on the video wall. This powerful backend ensures seamless display and interaction, allowing for a fluid and intuitive user experience.

Bespoke Software for Enhanced Interaction

The wall’s functionality is further enhanced by custom software, developed by 22 Miles, designed specifically for content management and touch control. This bespoke software solution ensures that the video wall is not just a passive display but an interactive canvas for learning and collaboration.

Revolutionary Audio Design

Accompanying the visual innovation is an auditory breakthrough. The installation includes four Holosonic AS24IX audio spotlight speakers, ingeniously integrated into the design. These speakers create a unique audio experience where the sound is contained within a specific area, preventing spillage into the lobby or adjacent classroom. As viewers walk in and out of the audio coverage, they experience a sense of entering and exiting different auditory spaces, adding an immersive dimension to the video wall.

A Step Into the Future

This Interactive Video Wall is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a symbol of the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics’ commitment to innovation and modern education. It’s an embodiment of the school’s forward-thinking vision, merging technology with education to create an environment that inspires, educates, and engages.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Planar 1×5 portrait Interactive Video Wall is a landmark moment for the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics. It represents a leap into the future of educational technology, offering students and faculty a dynamic and interactive way to engage with content and each other. This installation is sure to become a central piece in the college’s pursuit of excellence in business education.

AV over IP using MXNET for Higher Education

Today, we want to share with you a recent project we completed that required a reliable and robust AV over IP video distribution solution. The project involved an auditorium, four combine/divide conference rooms, and three pre-function rooms.

Initially, our client had specified a separate matrix switched-based system, but due to past and ongoing supply chain issues, the original vendor was unable to deliver by the specified time. The client had already booked well in advance to shut down the center for the main system upgrade, so we had to come up with an alternative solution.

As an AV integrator, it is essential to have a reliable and robust solution for distributing audio and video over IP.

The MXNet ecosystem stands out because of its fast-switching capabilities, including 4K and format changes. This means that the end user can seamlessly switch between different video sources and resolutions without any delay or interruption. This feature is crucial for corporate, hospitality, government, financial, and in this case, higher education, where the need for fast and smooth transitions is paramount.

Another unique feature of MXNet is its ability to configure and execute an unlimited amount of video walls. This means that we can create large and complex video displays for the end user without any limitations. This feature is perfect for creating impressive and engaging visuals in any setting.

In addition, MXNet also offers extensive video format support, from 720p to 4K60 (4:4:4), with interlaced to progressive conversion. This means that we can work with a wide range of video formats, ensuring that our installations look great, no matter the source.

The MXNet ecosystem includes formatting such as resolution scaling, full EDID management, multifaceted video walls, and includes the MXNet MENTOR setup and control tool – making installations easy on our installation team, while also presenting a major WOW factor to the end user.

Furthermore, MXNet comes with a 10-year warranty, giving the client the peace of mind that their installation will be reliable and durable for years to come.

In conclusion, MXNet is an extremely good audio/video distribution method for any setting that requires fast, smooth transitions and unlimited video walls, while also providing an easy setup and control tool, along with a 10-year warranty.

We look forward to deploying this solution in upcoming projects.

If you have an upcoming project that requires AV over IP – book a free consultation with our team to discuss the right solution for you.

Using Raspberry Pi and Nanolumens Nixel Series to Create a High-Tech Stock Ticker Room for Higher Education

Project Specification: Stock Ticker Room Upgrade

  • Technology:
    • 3 Nanolumens Nixel series displays with 92 feet length, 12 inches height and 3.8mm pitch
    • 6 NEC ME551 55-inch displays with Raspberry Pi modules
  • Software:
    • Customized ticker software for the Nanolumens Nixel series displays handled by C-Scape
    • Raspberry Pi modules connecting to the internet and using Rise Vision business app licenses for real-time stock data
  • Key Features:
    • Ultra-high definition displays
    • Real-time stock data updates
    • Cutting-edge technology
  • Outcome:
    • A state-of-the-art stock ticker room for students, faculty, and staff to monitor market updates in real-time.

The world of finance is ever-evolving and staying ahead of the game requires constant updates. In a fast-paced, information-driven environment, a real-time stock ticker room is a critical tool for any higher education institution with a focus on finance. In this blog, we’ll share how we used the Nanolumens Nixel Series LED displays in combination with a Raspberry Pi to create a stock ticker room for a higher education client that displays real-time stock data.

The design process began with a thorough understanding of the client’s needs. The client required a space where students, faculty, and staff could monitor stock market updates in real-time. Based on these requirements, our team created several initial design concepts, and after several rounds of refinement, a final design was approved.

The layout of the stock ticker room was designed to take full advantage of the Nanolumens Nixel Series displays. The Nixel Series features ultra-high definition displays and flexible form factors, making it the perfect choice for this project. The displays were selected for their ability to display real-time stock data in crystal-clear detail, and for their ability to be customized to fit the unique requirements of the room.

The Raspberry Pi was used to feed the real-time stock data to the Nanolumens Nixel Series displays. The installation process involved mounting the displays, configuring them to display the stock data, and integrating the Raspberry Pi with the existing system to ensure accurate and up-to-date data.

The finished project was a stunning success. The stock ticker room was transformed into a space where students, faculty, and staff could monitor stock market updates in real-time. The displays were crystal-clear, and the room was equipped with everything needed to make the most of the real-time stock data.

The client was thrilled with the results, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The room was a huge hit among students and faculty, and it quickly became a hub of activity on campus.

In conclusion, the use of the Raspberry Pi and Nanolumens Nixel Series displays was critical to the success of this project. The combination of these technologies provided a high degree of customization and ultra-high definition display of real-time stock data. The project was a huge success, and the client was thrilled with the results. If you’re looking for a solution to display real-time stock data, consider using a Raspberry Pi in combination with the Nanolumens Nixel Series.

From Concept to Completion: Our Commercial Audio and Video Design Process

Designing and installing a commercial audio and video system can be a complex and challenging process, but at CIAVL, we make it easy. Our team of experts will work with you every step of the way, from initial concept to final completion, to ensure that your audio and video system meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

The first step in our design process is to understand your business and its unique needs. We’ll meet with you to discuss your goals and objectives, as well as any specific requirements you have for your audio and video system. This information will help us create a customized design that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Once the design is complete, we’ll work with you to select the best equipment for your system. We’ll take into account factors such as the size of your space, the type of content you’ll be playing, and any specific requirements you have for your audio and video system. We work with the best brands in the market such as JBL, Sennheiser, Crestron, Extron, etc

After all the equipment has been selected, our team of experts will handle the installation process. We’ll ensure that everything is set up properly and that all equipment is working as it should be. We’ll also provide training for your staff to ensure that they know how to operate and maintain your new audio and video system.

Finally, we’ll be there for you after the installation is complete. We’ll provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep your system running smoothly, and we’ll be available to answer any questions or address any issues that may arise.

At CIAVL, we believe that a well-designed and properly installed audio and video system is an investment in your business’s success. That’s why we work so hard to ensure that every system we design and install meets the highest standards of quality and performance. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and experienced partner to help you create the perfect audio and video system for your business, look no further than CIAVL.

NT Series – Non-Touch Display

The NT Series is a powerful tool for educators and professionals who need a high-quality display that can effectively engage their audience. With its 4K resolution, the NT Series provides crystal clear images that are sure to capture the attention of your students or colleagues. The display is designed to be simple and intuitive to use, making it easy for you to focus on delivering your content without worrying about the technology.

One of the standout features of the NT Series is its wireless casting capabilities. This allows you to easily share your screen from any device, regardless of the operating system. This is especially useful for educators who may have a mix of different devices in the classroom. With the NT Series, you can easily share your screen from a Windows laptop, a Mac desktop, or even a mobile device, all without the need for any additional hardware or software.

The NT Series also offers a variety of connectivity options, including multiple I/O ports, which allow you to easily connect to other devices. This allows you to share your screen through a wired connection if you prefer, or to connect to other devices such as document cameras, DVD players, and more. Additionally, the built-in file viewer feature makes it easy to navigate through local files, Cloud storage, and files from connected USB thumb drives, so you can easily access your content without having to switch between different devices or applications.

In summary, the NT Series is a versatile, high-quality display that offers a range of features that are tailored to the needs of educators and professionals. With its 4K resolution, wireless casting capabilities, and built-in file viewer, the NT Series is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful, easy-to-use display that can effectively engage their audience.

Hybrid Work: The Future of the Workplace

As more employees seek flexibility in their work arrangements, many companies are turning to hybrid working models. This involves a combination of working in the office and remotely. The shift in culture has been accelerated by the pandemic, which has demonstrated that remote work can be just as productive as working in the office. To remain competitive in recruiting and retaining staff, companies must adapt to this change.

Technology is key to making hybrid working successful. Employers need to find tools that allow for effective collaboration among employees, regardless of their location. This includes investing in smart meeting rooms that integrate hardware and software to facilitate productive meetings with both in-person and remote participants.

However, with so many options available, it can be difficult for companies to decide on the best technology investments for their hybrid workforce. To ensure a seamless and inclusive working environment, companies need the right tools and support to guide them through this transition.

Smart meeting rooms are becoming an essential technology investment. These advanced spaces utilize both hardware and software to facilitate productive meetings for both in-person and remote participants. One of the biggest challenges of hybrid working is ensuring that all employees are able to effectively collaborate and share ideas, regardless of their location. For this reason, it’s important that the process of blending in-room and remote participants in a meeting is seamless and easy for everyone involved, otherwise it can hinder collaboration and create isolation among team members.

If you’re looking for a way to optimize communication within your hybrid workforce, the experts at CIAVL are here to help.

We offer a free, in-depth needs analysis of your company to determine the best solution for your specific needs.

Contact us today to schedule your analysis and take the first step towards effective communication for your hybrid team.