Assembly Hall Audio/Visual Refit

Overview

Crosfields School’s ageing audio-visual setup in their most-used assembly hall was in need of an upgrade due to the equipment no longer being fit for purpose as the use of the AV facilities had increased over the years. A new HD projector was fitted, along with a fixed display screen, touchscreen wall-mounted computer, and ceiling speakers to provide even sound quality throughout the hall.

Need

One of Crosfields School’s assembly halls is used almost constantly from 8.30am to 6pm during the school term, hosting daily assemblies, parent receptions after sports fixtures, open evenings, staff training, and after-school childcare. The existing projector system was a mere 1500 lumens on a 60″ screen, which was difficult to see except from the front of the hall, and almost invisible during bright weather. The only speakers in the room were a small set of desktop speakers on a computer trolley with the 6-year-old computer that controlled the projector. The computer could barely cope with playing DVDs during childcare sessions, and was no longer suitable for a showpiece room.

Consideration

• A brighter projector with larger display area was needed to allow larger audiences to enjoy use of the room.
• Upgraded speakers were required that could provide clear sound throughout the hall.
• A new computer was needed to serve the varied demands of the rooms users, from DVDs and streaming video to staff training presentations.
• The general look and presentation of the equipment needed to complement the high quality of the school’s facilities.
• Provision of a digital visualiser was desirable to allow for more visually stimulating ‘show and tell’ activities during assemblies for Reception to Year 4.

Solution

 

• A Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z AIO touchscreen computer was provided, mounted to the wall using an Ergotron MX tilt-and-lift mount. No keyboard or mouse is required due to the on-screen touch keyboard, so the computer trolley could be removed from the room.
• The projector was replaced with a Mitsubishi FD630U 4000 lumens HD projector, connected to the computer via HDMI for full 1920×1080 display resolution.
• Two pairs of stereo 80W ceiling speakers were embedded into the suspended ceiling at the front and middle of the hall, to provide even (but front-weighted) sound throughout the hall, connected to a wall-mounted amplifier.
• An AverMedia CP155 Visualiser was set up in the hall, connected to the projector at 720p HD resolution. The visualiser can be operated completely independently of the computer for walk-up operation, and can even be projected split-screen with the computer output.
• To assist with presentations, a Logitech diNovo Mini handheld wireless keyboard was provided. This also provides an alternative input device for users not accustomed to using a touchscreen.
• A coated plasterboard projection surface was constructed by the school’s site maintenance team to provide a fixed, smooth surface for the computer and visualiser image.
• Discreet physical anti-theft measures were included in the install, along with security marking of equipment (all IT hardware at the school is also registered by serial number with police).
• All cabling and AV hardware installation was undertaken in-house by IT support to ensure cost-effectiveness.