InfoComm Round Table Event

Being members of InfoComm  we had the chance to meet other members of InfoComm atone of their round table events being held across the UK.  It was chance to network and meet together with other InfoComm members, InfoComm Staff and chew the fat on the state of the industry.

It also gave a chance for InfoComm to give some updates on what they’re doing, and how it helps the members, and how that in turn helps us help you!

RIBA CPD Sessions

InfoComm is now a member authorised to provide CPD for Architects. At the Round Table Chris Lavelle gave an overview of the presentation that helps give architects an overview of what we do, and how we can help them achieve a more integrated design through involvement of systems integrators earlier in the planning stages. We’re planning to run the session with a free lunch in May and September, dates to be confirmed. So if your an Architect, fancy a free lunch, and want to help towards your CPD, then get in touch.

Standards Creation:

Historically InfoComm has been keen to uphold the quality of AV installations through various means. One route was the creation of  ’Best Practice Standards’. This means that through a rigourous process, of thorough consultation with users, manufacturers, designers and systems integrators, they are able to define what the Best Practice looks like.

But InfoComm have taken this further through becoming an ANSI Accredited body, giving them the strength to define ANSI Standards. This means that we as an industry now have a trade body creating standards for us to work to in the design and implementation of audio visual systems. This in turn means that as a client you have reassurance that we have the best interest of the project at heart, and that we can demonstrate our competence through designing systems that meet these standards. 

AVSP – Audio Visual Service Provider

The round table also gave an overview of the changes in the AVSP scheme. The old ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Bronze’ designations have been replaced with Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond. We’re working towards gaining gaining accreditation with Sam McCrea having completed the Essentials of AV course, with the rest of us not far behind. We’re working to have Emerald Level status by September 2009. Check back to see how we do!

Integrated System makes life easier for Burrswood.

Following the success of the installation in St Matthew’s Tunbridge wells led the facilities team at Burrswood Christian Hospital to contact Production:av to help out with the refurbishment of the Church of Christ the Healer. The church gives the patents and guests at the hospital a space to reflect and relax. The existing system was dated and didn’t provide the best possible output. 

After an initial site visit and meeting Production:av drew up a system proposal that included a fully integrated system giving a single control point for the Audio and video elements through a touch screen. The system was then split into two phases:

1. Audio System and control elements,
2. Video System,

The first phase was commissioned shortly after the initial proposals were submitted, with work fitting into the existing refurbishment schedule. 

The installed system was based around the Ikonavs Touch6 touch screen controller, Allen & Heath iDR and EV speakers and amplifiers. The Touch6 Panel was programmed to give the ability to select room layouts and appropriate speaker outputs with minimal effort. Additional input points and refurbishment of existing infrastructure gave new Microphone positions, whilst the installation of new speakers and amplifiers gave a new dimension to the audio reproduced in the services. The audio is also fed to the 40+ patient bedrooms across the site by means of a 100v line system.

Phase Two of the system will see the integration of a video cameras to enable the live video relay to be fed to the bedrooms via a switcher integrated through the touch Screen. These new additions will give the patients a much more inclusive feel, but due to the nature of the control system will be integrated with little fuss or additional user training.