Challenge:
Air University (AU), headquartered at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, is a major component of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and driving force for overall Air Force education. Operating as the Air University Intelligence Office, the Curtis E. LeMay Center aboard Maxwell AFB provides educational electives and intelligence support for core Joint and Air Force Professional Military Education (PME) courses, as well as serves as the Special Security Office and the Senior Intelligence Officer for Air University. The LeMay Center develops a variety of doctrines, lessons learned, curriculums, wargaming, and subject matter expertise for airmen.
The LeMay Center is designed with various educational and training environments. As part of the AU’s innovation initiatives to replace obsolete system equipment, Karcher Group commissioned new AV/VTC technology for the Large Auditorium, Small Auditorium, and Classroom 8. It was critical the new systems be state-of-the-art and integrate collaboration solutions to support residential and distance airmen pupils.
Solution:
KGI designed and installed a Crestron DigitalMedia System for audio, video switching, and control within the Auditoriums and Classroom. With Crestron control, instructors and operators will be able to collaborate on program material and seamlessly route source video content to a new Planar LED wall and other Displays. The Planar TVF LED wall is 18’ x 12’ and can display up to five different sources simultaneously within the Large Auditorium. Karcher Group also integrated a new lighting panel to control the auditorium lighting with various presets ideal for different utilization within the space.
For both the Small Auditorium and Classroom 8, KGI designed and installed a new Secure Video-teleconferencing (SVTC) system to integrate with each room’s existing audiovisual components and conduct SIPR communications safely.
The professional audio arrays across the 3 spaces are designed with quality Shure ceiling and podium microphones, Biamp TesiraFORTE DSPs, and Extron Power Amplifiers and Speakers that increase overall speech clarity and audio reproduction well for training and events hosted.
Notable Features:
Joined by Planar Professional Services, KGI was able to provide a new TVF 20-foot-wide Video Wall that boasts a 2.5mm pixel pitch, 100 individual LED panels for a 10×10 configuration, and integrated control processing tied into the matrix switching for multiple 4K source selection and layouts. Quite a brilliant display with tons of various ways to view and share content. Also within the Auditorium is an operator’s booth that gives users administrative control over training, events, and any visual display of information in the space. Operators have ultimate control with a Crestron 15” control panel for source selection, lighting, camera, switching, and monitoring. With a new BlackMagic 16-input multiplexer, operators can also view SD, HD, or 4K video sources in 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4 multi-view configurations; enabling a true production-style video preview system that is optimized for broadcasting across the Air University Television (AUTV) IPTV feeds.
For additional information on this project or how Karcher Group, Inc. can assist your organization with its audio and video communication needs, please contact jjenkins@karchergroup.com or submit a service request at KGI Service.
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