Alcatel-LucentHigh Definition Videoconferencing Executive Boardroom, Murray Hill, NJ
The newly formed telecommunications leader, Alcatel-Lucent, required a videoconferencing solution unlike any other - high definition that would utilize the company’s own network and allow executives, from various points on the globe, to interact as if they were all in the boardroom together. Alcatel-Lucent selected Verrex as the designer and integrator of this industry first project.
CHALLENGES
Dismantle the existing 11-year-old system and design, build and install one of the first true HD videoconferencing solutions in its place. Architectural modifications would be required to adapt the room and ensure an authentic collaborative experience. The innovative system would have to be as intuitive as possible for high-level executives to use unaided at all hours. A demanding deadline of just six weeks would require flawless coordination.
SOLUTIONS
With Verrex Sales advanced in design, unique details and equipment were specified prior to moving to the engineering stage. The Verrex Design team provided the project architect with drawings for reconstruction to ensure the room suited the new technology. In order to meet the strict timeline, Verrex Project Management was tasked with driving the entire schedule and coordinated all trades including architects, lighting and construction.
All components were designed with an infrastructure to support 1080p. This three-display boardroom features a 60" x 107" 16:9 rear-projection screen flanked by two 46" LCD displays, all capable of displaying a variety of sources. An HD LCD projector and custom mirror assembly are housed in the renovated projection room. Verrex specified the Polycom HDX 9004 conferencing codec to deliver high-definition voice, video and content sharing. Ceiling-mounted loudspeakers provide high quality audio.
A 12" tabletop multimedia touchpanel and 8" wireless lectern touchpanel control all audiovisual and specially designed lighting in the room. The tabletop touchpanel features both "user" and "tech" modes. User mode, with a simple and intuitive interface, allows executives to conduct presentations and videoconferencing and features speed and one-touch dialing. The tech mode allows AV and IT support staff to manage all system components. The control system was also custom programmed to create unique, visual lighting cues; lights illuminate on the active participants and darken in the galley seating area.
Two distinctive details of the room provide additional visual cues. Microphone collars translate mic state into colors - green for a live mic, red when muted and yellow during system warm-up. Lastly, a multi-zone digital clock, mounted in the soffit, allows executives to conveniently view the time in the region being reached.
SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS
Integrated controller, wireless and tabletop touchpanels, universal signal processors, matrix switcher, video processors, HD DVD player, multisystem VCR, HD cable TV tuner, HD videoconferencing codec, HD camera, HD LCD projector, rack and lectern-mounted HD LCD monitors, 46” LCD displays, custom mirror assembly, rear-projection screen, ceiling loudspeakers, audio matrix mixers, amplifier, gooseneck lectern microphone, push-to-talk tabletop microphones, microphone status collars and multi-zone digital clock.
