Category Projects

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.

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.

Project Overview

Ralph Lauren, a global leader in fashion, sought to upgrade their conference room technology to enhance communication and collaboration. The project involved repurposing existing displays, integrating new display technology, and implementing advanced audio-visual solutions to create state-of-the-art conferencing spaces.

Objectives

1. Upgrade Display Systems:
   • Repurpose existing Sharp PNLE901 90” displays.
   • Introduce new Newline NT86 86” displays.
2. Improve Audio-Visual Integration:
   • Incorporate Zoom video conferencing capabilities.
   • Install high-quality PTZ cameras for optimal video capture.
   • Implement advanced microphone and speaker systems to ensure clear audio.
3. Simplify Control Systems:
   • Utilize DTEN MATE for system control.
   • Ensure seamless user experience with easy power on/off functionality and system control.

Solutions Implemented

1. Display Upgrades:
   • Room A: Repurposed two existing Sharp PNLE901 90” displays, mounted using Chief PNRUB articulating swing arm mounts for flexibility and optimal viewing angles.
   • Room D: Added a third Sharp 90” display from Room A, alongside the existing 90” display, mounted with Chief PNRUB articulating mounts.
   • Room 66 Purple: Installed two Newline NT86 86” displays with Chief PNRUB mounts, removing an existing whiteboard and ensuring wall finishing as needed.
2. Zoom Video Conferencing Integration:
   • ZOOM Computer: Ralph Lauren provided a small form factor PC equipped with the required Zoom software, mounted behind one of the displays or in a small rack.
   • ZOOM Controller: Implemented a DTEN MATE with DOCK for system control, ensuring it can power the displays on/off or using remotes if necessary.
   • Camera: Chose the AVER TR333V2 30X 4K PTZ camera for its reliability and auto-tracking features, wall-mounted between displays to output USB directly to the Zoom PC.
3. Audio Solutions:
   • Microphone System: Installed Biamp TesiraForte DSP combined with Biamp Parle low profile “beam tracking” ceiling microphones. Three microphones were placed in Rooms A and D, and four in Room 66 to accommodate its extra depth.
   • Speaker System: For Rooms A and D, existing ceiling-based speakers and amplifiers were retained. In Room 66, new point source speakers and a separate amplifier were added to enhance audio clarity during video calls.
4. Rack System:
   • Recommended a small 12RU rack (Exact Furniture RE112) for Rooms A, D, and 66 to house the audio DSP system, Zoom PC, and amplifier. This setup simplified USB-based cabling requirements and provided an aesthetically pleasing solution.

Results

The upgraded AV systems provided Ralph Lauren with enhanced video conferencing capabilities, ensuring clear audio and video for all participants. The use of advanced technologies like the DTEN MATE controller and AVER PTZ cameras facilitated a seamless and professional conferencing experience. The project successfully met Ralph Lauren’s objectives, transforming their conference rooms into modern, efficient communication hubs.

For more information on how CIAv can upgrade your AV systems, please get in touch.

Project Overview

GAA Classic Car Auction, renowned for its extensive collection of classic automobiles, sought to enhance their event experience by upgrading their camera and audio systems. The goal was to provide high-quality video coverage and impeccable audio clarity to capture the excitement and grandeur of their auctions. Our company was entrusted with the task of implementing these upgrades using cutting-edge technology.

Camera System Upgrade

Equipment and Features

The camera system upgrade included the installation of six Sony BRC-X1000 4K PTZ cameras. These cameras were selected for their ability to capture ultra-high-definition 4K video even in low-light settings. Key features of the Sony BRC-X1000 include:

• 1″ Type Exmor CMOS Image Sensor: Ensures excellent image quality with a 12x Zeiss optical zoom.
• PTZ Capabilities: Smooth pan, tilt, and zoom functions, enhanced by PTZ Trace Memory and PTZ Motion Sync for seamless transitions and precise tracking.
• Low-Light Performance: The back-illuminated CMOS sensor and large aperture lens facilitate high-quality video capture in various lighting conditions.

To control the cameras, we provided a Sony RM-IP500 PTZ camera remote controller. This compact controller supports up to 100 cameras via IP and offers intuitive joystick control along with dedicated knobs and buttons for frequently used functions.

The system also included:

• Blackmagic Video Hub: A BMD-VHUBSMART6G2020 20×20 Smart Video Hub for routing video signals.
• ATEM 2M/E Constellation Switcher: Ensures professional-grade video switching and live production capabilities.

Installation Components

• 6 Sony BRC-X1000 4K PTZ Cameras
• 6 Sony BRC-WMALLK Wall Mounts
• 1 Sony RM-IP500 PTZ Camera Remote Controller
• 1 Blackmagic BMD-VHUBSMART6G2020 20×20 Smart Video Hub
• 1 Blackmagic BMD-ATEM 2M/E Constellation HD Switcher
• Necessary cabling and connectors including Belden 1694A RG6 Cable, Kings BNC Connectors, Paladin Crimper, and Cable Stripper

Audio System Upgrade

Equipment and Features

The audio system upgrade was designed to deliver high-fidelity sound with minimal latency. Key components included:

• Allen & Heath SQ-5 Digital Mixing Consoles: Two 48-channel digital mixers, one as the main unit and one as a backup. These mixers feature high-resolution audio fidelity, ultra-low latency, 8 stereo FX engines, and the acclaimed RackExtra library.
• JBL VRX Powered Line Array Speakers: A total of 20 speakers strategically installed to provide comprehensive audio coverage. These included:
  • 9 JBL VRX-932LAP MAIN-Powered Line Array Speakers
  • 6 JBL VRX-932LAP DELAY-Powered Line Array Speakers
  • 2 JBL VRX-932LAP SKYBOX-Powered Line Array Speakers
  • 3 JBL VRX-932LAP UNDER STAGE-Powered Line Array Speakers
  • 8 JBL VRX-AF-II Flying Frames

Additionally, we supplied:

• QSC Powered Monitors: Two QSC K8.2 powered monitors for on-stage monitoring.
• Shure Beta 58A Microphones: Six industry-standard microphones for capturing clear, high-quality sound.
• Rapco Microphone Snakes and XLR Cables: Various lengths to facilitate flexible and reliable connections.
• Behringer Microphone Mixers: Two Behringer MX882 V2 Rackmount Mixers for versatile audio mixing and routing.
• Ace Backstage Custom Patch Panel: To ensure all connections were neat and easily accessible.

Conclusion

The comprehensive upgrades to the camera and audio systems at GAA Classic Car Auction have significantly enhanced their event production capabilities. The high-resolution video and crystal-clear audio ensure that every moment of the auction is captured with exceptional quality, providing attendees and online viewers with an unparalleled experience.

This project exemplifies our commitment to leveraging advanced technology to meet our clients’ needs, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their industry.

In the world of furniture exhibitions and trade shows, creating an immersive and captivating experience for visitors is paramount. While visual elements often take center stage, the audio environment plays a crucial role in enhancing ambiance, engaging attendees, and bringing the showroom to life. This article explores a recent project where an advanced distributed audio system, featuring the Alfatron ALF-DSP44-U, JBL Control series professional speakers, and an Ashly power amplifier, was successfully implemented to create an extraordinary showcase at the prestigious High Point Market.

Unleashing the Potential of Alfatron ALF-DSP44-U

The Alfatron ALF-DSP44-U served as the centerpiece of the distributed audio system deployed in the furniture showroom. This powerful 4 in / 4 out Audio Digital Signal Processor (DSP) showcased its state-of-the-art audio processing capabilities, guaranteeing unparalleled sound quality and precise control over the audio environment. With 4 analogue inputs and 4 analogue outputs, it seamlessly integrated with various audio sources, providing flexibility for customization.

Versatile Connectivity

The ALF-DSP44-U offered a range of connectivity options tailored to the unique requirements of the High Point Market showroom. It supported USB audio, allowing easy playback of high-quality digital audio files. Additionally, with RS-232, RS-485, and IP control, it seamlessly integrated into the existing control systems, providing convenient management and operation.

JBL Control Series Professional Speakers

The audio solution incorporated the renowned JBL Control series professional speakers, perfectly complementing the advanced capabilities of the ALF-DSP44-U. Known for exceptional audio quality and reliability, JBL speakers were the ideal choice for impressing visitors with stunning sound reproduction. With excellent frequency response, wide dispersion, and crystal-clear audio, these speakers ensured that every detail of the audio content was conveyed flawlessly.

Ashly Power Amplifier

An Ashly power amplifier was seamlessly integrated into the audio system to drive the JBL Control series speakers and ensure optimal performance. Ashly’s long-standing reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality amplifiers that excel in demanding audio environments made it the perfect choice. The power amplifier provided sufficient power output to drive the speakers, bringing the audio to life and delivering rich, full-bodied sound throughout the showroom.

Creating an Immersive and Engaging Environment

The distributed audio system deployed at the High Point Market furniture showroom transformed the space into an immersive and engaging environment. The Alfatron ALF-DSP44-U, JBL Control series speakers, and Ashly power amplifier worked in perfect harmony to provide visitors with a captivating audio experience. The precise control offered by the ALF-DSP44-U allowed for customized audio zoning, enabling different soundscapes in various areas of the showroom. From ambient background music to dynamic product presentations, the audio system created a seamless and memorable atmosphere that resonated with visitors.

The immersive audio, combined with the stunning visual displays, transported visitors into a world of beauty and inspiration. The synchronized audio and visuals created a multisensory experience, enhancing the overall impact and leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended the exhibition.

Conclusion: Elevating the Showroom Experience

In the world of furniture exhibitions, every detail counts. The successful implementation of the distributed audio system, featuring the Alfatron ALF-DSP44-U, JBL Control series professional speakers, and Ashly power amplifier, provided exceptional sound quality, versatility, and precise control. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology and expert audio engineering, the showroom experience was taken to new heights. Captivating attendees and leaving a lasting impression, this audio system ensured that every visitor had a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

We are excited to announce our recent collaboration with LG and Advanced Mounting and Design, Inc. to create two stunning video walls for Karen McNeil, CEO of the Home Furnishing Hall of Fame. Our President, Dan Wood, led the project alongside LG Project Engineers, Lorenzo Baez Alfredo Carmona, making it the first LWBC series installation in North America. Our skilled install team comprised Eric McCormick, Hunter Smith, Aubrey Williams, and Michael Melton. In this update, we will showcase the key features and benefits of the LSBB 1.5 12×12 array and the LWBC 2.9 15×4 array video walls, and share some insights about our client, the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.

LSBB 1.5 12×12 Array

The LSBB 1.5 video wall boasts numerous benefits, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their visual communication. Some of the key features include:

• Signal Detection Status Indicator: Status indicators and a check button are conveniently located in the main frame of the cabinet structure, accessible from both the front and back of the unit.
• Easy Alignment in Z-direction: A uniform tool enables X/Y/Z 6-axis adjustment between panels, allowing for easy Z-direction adjustments and a distortion-free image.
• Front Serviceability: Front access minimizes the need for rear access, offering more convenient maintenance.
• Easy-handling Lightweight Cabinet: The lightweight design of the LSBB015-GD simplifies installation and reduces the risk of damage. The full set of LED screens remains lightweight, easing strain on the installation structure.
• Signal / Power Redundancy: The product offers both Signal Redundancy and Power Redundancy as options. An additional controller and power unit prevent screen blackout errors, and two power units in a single LED cabinet ensure uninterrupted power supply even if one fails.

LWBC 2.9 15×4 Array

The LWBC 2.9 video wall is another exceptional product, offering a range of benefits to elevate your display. Key features include:

• High Visibility Under the Sunlight: With a brightness of 4000 nits, the LWBC delivers clear content and attracts public attention, enhancing your window display.
• 90° Corner Design Available: The LWBC offers a separately purchasable 90° corner option, enabling the LED window display to fit seamlessly into corners and deliver flawless content.
• Front or Rear Installation & Maintenance: The design allows easy access to the front or rear cabinet for maintenance.
• Quick Lock & Flip Design: The LWBC is easy to install, thanks to its quick lock system, which also ensures outstanding alignment. The flip design, which doesn’t require screws or a screwdriver, simplifies the repair and/or replacement of the integrated power system and reception card.

About the Client: American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.

The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. is an industry-wide organization founded to preserve the history of the U.S. home furnishings industry. The Foundation celebrates exceptional individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry, inspiring new classes of innovation and leadership. Additionally, it engages the community with the world of home furnishings, fostering a deeper connection to the industry.

We are honored to have partnered with LG and Advanced Mounting and Design, Inc. for this prestigious project, and we look forward to future collaborations, helping businesses showcase their content with state-of-the-art video wall installations.