The Tech Challenge

Constructing the banquet hall improvements presented all of the typical challenges of a remodel. For the new AV system, WSSU’s Technology Support Analyst Chris Screen worked with Winston-Salem based AV integrator Recursav, LLC to meet those challenges. Although they had a blank slate of an empty room, they had to devise an AV design that could be installed with minimum disturbance to the existing walls and ceiling, while meeting the need for multiple screens on each wall to provide good viewing angles for people seated around dining tables throughout the room.

Plans also called for additional video screens in the lobby area at the banquet hall entrance, which required drilling through existing concrete structure for cable routing. To simplify cable pulls through existing construction, AV over IP signal distribution over CATx Ethernet cable was the logical choice.

The integrator selected a range of Extron switching, distribution, control, and audio products to meet system design requirements.

The Design Solution

Extron’s NAV Pro AV over IP Encoders and Decoders form the backbone of the video signal path, using 1 Gbps Ethernet cable infrastructure to send 4K video and RS-232 control signals throughout Anderson Center’s conference venues, including the McNeil Banquet Hall, the Dillard Auditorium, and their lobbies. The Ethernet cable distributes the audio, relying on Dante audio network connectivity. A NAVigator AV over IP System Manager configures the NAV encoder and decoder endpoints and also manages matrix switching between AV inputs and outputs through an IP network switch.

Signal Routing and Distribution with NAV Pro AV over IP NAV Pro provides several advantages that make it the right choice at Anderson Center. It transports video, audio, and control signals over standard CATx Ethernet cabling using readily available Ethernet network switches, saving installation time and expense, and allowing AV content routing from any source to any destination. WSSU plans to add more endpoints to the building’s AV over IP network during future budget cycles.

Projectors in the Banquet Hall

The banquet hall has five ceiling-mounted laser projectors aimed at two screens on the South wall, two screens on the North wall, and one screen on the East wall. The East wall with the single screen is considered the “front” of the room, but event organizers have the flexibility to make any wall the focal point of the room to suit varying crowd sizes, dining table layouts, or when dual screens are needed for a presentation. The projectors are fed HDMI content and RS-232 control signals from NAV decoders mounted atop each projector.

Flat Panel Displays in the Lobby

The hallway lobby at the banquet hall entrance serves as the “pre-function” area, where attendees can mingle, register and pick up badges before going into the hall. Two 65″ flat panel displays on the wall of the lobby display informational messages, entertainment, real-time views of presentations screening in the hall, or views of what is going on in the hall captured by two cameras located on the North and South walls of the hall. Extron NAV decoders mounted behind each display supply HDMI content and RS-232 control signals to the displays.

AV Connections Between Venues

The banquet hall also has bi-directional NAV AV over IP connectivity with the Dillard Auditorium, increasing event capacity by 400 seats. Content from the banquet hall can be sent to displays in the auditorium, or the auditorium can supply content to the banquet hall.

According to WSSU’s Screen, the latter option came in handy during a heavily attended strategic plan presentation conducted by the Chancellor. The event took place in the auditorium, which filled to capacity. Multiple studio-caliber cameras connected through a live production switcher to a NAV encoder allowed the overflow crowd to watch from the banquet hall, as well as streaming to YouTube via an SMP 352 streaming media processor.

Commenting on how Extron NAV technology makes this possible, Screen says, “To get that kind of AV distribution capability with just one network cable pull? I’m so impressed with that.”

Streaming, Recording & Software Codec Conferencing

An SMP 352 Dual Recording Streaming Media Processor receives HDMI from two NAV decoders, as well as two DSP-enhanced analog audio channels. WSSU uses the SMP 352 to record and stream events from both the banquet hall and the auditorium. This allows events and conferences to be disseminated to wider audiences beyond the confines of the two venues.

Distant participants can also join events interactively via web-based software codec applications like Zoom. The soft codecs run on the AV system’s PC, which is looped into the AV over IP network via a NAV encoder and decoder.

NAV Wallplate Encoders Located Near Each Projection Screen

In keeping with the concept of making the room layout flexible for all types of events, a NAV wallplate encoder is located next to each of the five projection screens in the banquet hall. No matter which screen the presenter chooses to use as the main screen, there is an encoder nearby where they can plug in their laptop or other HDMI content source. NAV wallplate encoders are also located near each of the two cameras on the hall’s North and South walls, allowing the cameras to feed their HDMI content into the AV over IP network.

Clear, Powerful Sound in All Venues

The IP network also distributes audio, relying on Dante and AES67 network connectivity. Audio sources include program audio from presenters’ laptops, delivered through NAV wallplate encoders. Eight wireless mics provide audio from presenters and attendees. Sixteen SoundField ceiling speakers in the dining hall are driven by a NetPA four channel amplifier with 100 watts per channel.

A NetPA amplifier with two 100-watt channels drives six SoundField speakers in the pre-function area. Both amplifiers receive their inputs from the Dante audio network. Assistive listening transmitters at the North and South walls connect to the Dante network via AXI 22 AT D Dante audio interface wallplates and provide full coverage of the room for attendees who are issued portable auditory assistance receivers.

AV System Operation Through Touchpanels

Event organizers and presenters control the AV system at five TouchLink Pro 10″ touchpanels on the banquet hall walls next to each projection screen. Intuitive GUIs control the AV system power, raise and lower projection screens, route any AV source to any screen, and set up streaming and Zoom sessions. By entering a password at the home screen, AV technicians access a set of technical GUIs for performing advanced system configuration.

The touchpanels work together with an IPCP Pro xi control processor, an IPL EXP expansion interface, and the NAVigator AV over IP system manager to control all AV system functions. Using Extron Control for iOS, the control system mirrors the touchpanel GUIs via Wi-Fi to an iPad, enabling wireless control from anywhere in the room. Recursav designed and implemented the touchpanel GUIs using Global Configurator Professional and GUI Designer software.

A Flexible Space

On his first walkthrough of the McNeil Banquet Hall, WSSU Chancelor Elwood Robinson was inspired to post a panoramic photo of the space to his Facebook page with the comment, “The transformation of the Anderson Ball Room into a ‘State of the Art’ teleconferencing and technology center is amazing. I was blown away during my visit this morning!”

If the banquet hall’s packed booking schedule is any indication, those in the academic community and in the surrounding Winston-Salem community are blown away too. The hall hosts everything from educational symposiums to awards ceremonies, business meetings, weddings and memorials. First class food catering service and sophisticated multimedia capabilities make the McNeil Banquet Hall a natural choice for those seeking a convenient, cost-effective event space.

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For Marvin, the custom window and door manufacturer that operates in a more than 2 million square foot manufacturing facility in Warroad, Minn., needed a new audio system that would enable tour guides the ability to be heard clearly against the loud noises on the manufacturing floor. Getting a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing process is an important part of Marvin’s education, training and community relations efforts.

The Communication System Challenge

Marvin was using a communication system that provided its guests a less than stellar experience. The system had poor sound quality and the tour guides found it uncomfortable to wear. The ineffective audio equipment meant Marvin’s tour guides and guests were still competing with the noise in the facility, thus making engagement on the tours challenging.

The ListenTALk Solution

Marvin contacted TourGuide Solutions to find a communication system for their manufacturing process tours to enable tour guides to speak normally (instead of shouting to be heard) and increase engagement with a two-way communication option.

TourGuide Solutions recommended ListenTALK from Listen Technologies. The ListenTALK system is a flexible and customizable two-way group communication system that delivers clear audio without amplifying ambient noise. The ListenTALK system consists of transceivers (transmitters/receivers), a docking station to charge and pair the devices, lanyards to wear them (making them hands-free), and headsets.

A Noticeable Different in Engagement in Tours

Using ListenTALK, Marvin’s guests can easily ask questions while on tour.

The Marvin team’s favorite functionalities and features include:

• small and lightweight transceivers
• simplicity of creating groups making tour prep easier
• ability to pair units and add participants on-the-go with near-field communication
• long battery life
• ease of charging the transceiver units in the docking stations
• flexibility to pair large groups of transceiver units in the docking stations

“One of the things I like about the system is the ease of designating the leader unit. The ability to change the leader clip in case anything comes up means a seamless experience for our guests. For example, if someone forgets to put the leader unit back in the docking station and the battery is low, moving the leader clip to another transceiver unit is easy,” said Tim Slukynsk, learning specialist at Marvin.

Learning Experience Manager Elena Rodriguez added, “The difference in engagement in our tours has been remarkable. Our guests ask a lot more questions during the tour because they can hear the tour guide, and the guide can hear them. The sound is so much better than our previous system. Plus, the units are comfortable to wear, getting ready for tours is easier, and being able to see the battery charge of each unit has been a game-changer. We no longer need to stop in the middle of a factory floor tour to change batteries.”

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Per the company, the LW-150P-02-D Listen EVERYWHERE two-channel server has a Dante input on the rear panel. This enables easy routing and management of Listen EVERYWHERE audio on a network via Dante Controller, the easy-to-use software from Audinate.

The company states that Dante replaces point-to-point audio connections with easy-to-use networking. Administrators can thus route high-quality audio on networks using intuitive Dante software. Additionally, networked audio systems using Dante deliver superior audio performance, are flexible, and are less expensive to deploy. Dante enables robust monitoring, user access controls, and integrates existing IT infrastructure and processes.

Features of New Server

Meanwhile, Listen EVERYWHERE is Listen Technologies’ audio over Wi-Fi solution. It streams audio over a Wi-Fi network to personal smart devices or the LWR-1020 receiver currently available in the U.S. The smart devices thus function as receivers for the assistive listening system. In venues offering Listen EVERYWHERE, guests can listen to the audio from their smartphones using headphones or earbuds. They also can stream sound directly to Bluetooth-enabled headphones or hearing aids.

The new server is also available in the U.S. in a bundled ADA compliant assistive listening system SKU (LWS-10-D). This includes the Dante-enabled two-channel server, rack mount kit, two LWR-1020 receivers, two protective cases for the receivers, two neck loops, two ear speakers, and a signage kit.

Also Read: Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music Adopts Networked Audio System

“Guests love Listen EVERYWHERE because it provides equal access to audio and allows for an inclusive experience,” says Cody Hall, product manager for Listen Technologies. “Venues appreciate that Listen EVERYWHERE allows their guests to have the same great experience and that the system is simple to set up and operate. The new Dante-enabled server makes it even easier for administrators to manage audio and equipment across the network.”

Listen Technologies adds that the Listen EVERYWHERE server with onboard Dante is compatible with all Dante-enabled products. The two-channel server is also available without Dante. Both servers offer the lowest latency in the industry and are easy for venues to install on their existing wireless networks.

“The new Listen EVERYWHERE server with Dante is another example of Listen Technologies listening to and incorporating partner and customer feedback into its solutions. The system is truly plug-and-play for administrators and delivers outstanding audio quality for end-users,” added Sam Nord, vice president of global sales, Listen Technologies.

How Listen EVERYWHERE Works

Listen EVERYWHERE works on either an existing or a separate wireless network. The Listen EVERYWHERE server sets up easily and broadcasts any audio across the network over Wi-Fi to smart devices. Venue operators can customize the Listen EVERYWHERE app with welcome videos/ads, brand colors, sliding banners, and logos.

To access Listen EVERYWHERE for assistive listening, guests download the free Listen EVERYWHERE app on their smartphone. They can then select their preferred venue audio channel and hear clear audio in their headphones via their devices.

Listen EVERYWHERE is ideal for classrooms, theatres, museums, houses of worship, lecture halls, corporate boardrooms and conference rooms, etc. It is also suitable for other spaces where hearing loss, noise, distance and acoustics makes it difficult to hear clearly.

Availability

The LW-150P-02-D server with Dante onboard is available in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. Additionally, the LWS-10-D Dante-enabled system with LWR-1020 receivers is available in the U.S.

This article originally appeared on MyTechDecions’ sister-site CommericalIntegrator.com.

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