In today’s post, we take a look at what would be considered bread and butter work at AV installs Ltd—a nice, simple training room, big screen & projector installation with a sprinkling of AV magic from ourselves. Initially, we were contacted by a nationwide charity working with vulnerable people in the community to assist them. They asked us to reinstall some old existing equipment and provide two new installations. The new installations were to replace outdated equipment that was no longer performing.
After completing a successful survey, it became clear that lots of people would be using the system. This meant everything had to be as easy to use and connect to as possible. Other important factors were that the screen was big and bright enough for the entire room. The next significant factor was the budget. It was essential to spend the money wisely. The customer also wanted a sound system for both the projector input and Bluetooth, if required. The sound was to be able to serve the whole room, and to be fair, they were good-sized training rooms.
With all this in mind, we set about looking for the perfect projector for their needs that would exceed their expectations. We decided on the Sony VPL-PHZ60, a 6000-lumen LASER projector, with WUXGA resolution. The projector is bright for large screens. Being laser, there are no bulbs to swap out over the lifetime of the projector. The projector has 2 HDMI connections and a VGA, along with an analogue audio out. The projector was ceiling-mounted using a RA technology projector mount in white. We ran HDMI leads back to a connection plate located above the dado trucking, and then to the side of the projector screen.
With regards to the projector screen, we went for 2.4M electric screens in 16:10. We decided this for a couple of reasons, but primarily for ease of use. We connected the screen to the projector via a wireless trigger. When you power up the projector up the screens automatically comes down. When you turn the projector off, the screen retracts by itself with no need for a second remote. This approach makes the whole system so much easier to use and so far only requires one remote control.
Next, as it was a suspended ceiling, we advised on a simple, low-cost in-ceiling audio system. This comprised X4 in ceiling speakers along with a mini amplifier with line-in and Bluetooth. We installed the speakers into the ceiling tiles with ply backing boards. The speaker was run back to the mini amp above the ceiling where the projector was. The mini amp line was cabled back to the projector’s audio out. This is done so you can connect to the projector and amp using a single HDMI lead. The projector separates the sound from the picture and sends it accordingly. Another great advantage is that you can use the projector remote to adjust the sound volume. Again, this approach saves another remote, meaning the screen, audio, and projector are all controlled via the projector remote.
AV Installs Ltd have been providing professional Audio Visual Installation and Sales since 2005. We have a wealth of experience giving projector and screen presentation systems, along with audio and video conferencing. To speak with the experts, please click here and reach out to them today.
