Quinnipiac University - Hamden, Connecticut

HB Communications was recently selected to upgrade Quinnipiac University's analog television studio to a high definition digital plant. The school wanted to be able to produce high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) programming from the same cutting edge facility. HB was brought on board to design a comprehensive solution that would integrate analog, digital and high definition into a single, seamless operation.

Sony HDC910 high definition studio cameras with Fujinon’s HDTV series studio lenses and standard definition outputs were chosen for the facility. A multi-format production switcher, capable of interfacing both standard and high definition, was incorporated as well. Recording options in the new studio include using tape or a high definition video server (tape is handled by a Sony HDCAM HDWS-2000 while the video server is a SD/HD XP PVS3034 from Thomson Grass Valley).

Since the facility offers dual operation (HD & SD), a virtual monitor was integrated by utilizing Miranda’s “Glass Cockpit” Kaliedo QC and a 61” plasma display.  An Evertz 7000 series provides HD up-conversions, down-conversions and Tri-level sync. Grass Valley terminal gear was incorporated for aspect ratio conversions, distribution, A/D and D/A conversions (controlled by a NetConfig system). Pinnacle Cinewave 4RT and Apple Final Cut Pro software is used for all HD editing. A 4^th studio camera uses a Sony HDW730S high definition camcorder and Fujinon HA series lens.

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University of New Haven - West Haven, Connecticut

HB Communications, Inc. was recently selected to design, build and integrate eleven "High-Tech AV Classrooms" at the University of New Haven. The overall objective was to bring the classrooms up to speed with the latest audiovisual technologies.  The design also takes into consideration the option for future upgrades to the design infrastructure (for future classroom audio and video needs such as VTC, Streaming Media, etc).

An XGA data/video projector was mounted from the ceiling in each classroom. A BEI Alpine XL tensioned 60" by 80" projection screen is recessed in the front of each room as well. A number of Hitachi 18" StarPanel Interactive LCD Monitors are located on an articulation arm and secured on the lectern/workstations. This piece has a number of functions, including use as the system’s computer display monitor. Additionally, a progressive scan visual presenter was installed within a slide out drawer the lectern/workstation. This unit has the capacity to display printed material and transparencies.

An integrated control system allows the end user to control any audio/video related component from an easily accessible, 5" touch-panel (located on the teacher's desk). Each control system is network ready and can be remotely accessed and controlled via the web. All electronics, display source equipment and computer functions are installed in an AV equipment rack that is located within the lectern.

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Bryant University - Smithfield, Rhode Island

HB was recently contracted to implement a number of audiovisual system technologies into various rooms at Bryant University. To begin, plasma screens were integrated into classrooms, dining hall, the rotunda and hallways. The monitors are controlled by a Crestron e-control system, enabling campus-wide messaging to be updated via the web.

Two 100" Mitsubishi custom rear screen projection displays can be found under the stairwells in the rotunda area. Four different images can be displayed simultaneously on each of these screens, or one large image can be projected. Programming for this piece of technology can be controlled via a custom web interface, or with a Crestron monitor.

Two Zenith 60" plasma displays were placed in the main dining hall, while one 43" monitor dresses up the private dining facility. Internet connectivity was installed in all locations, so that students and faculty can access the internet at their convenience. Additionally, a stage area was created in the dining facility for speeches and performances. With the recently added technology, these performances can now be recorded and made available for playback on the web at a later date.

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Bentley College CLIC - Waltham, Massachusetts

In a world that gets more interconnected every day, the Center for Languages and International Collaboration (CLIC) at Bentley College builds awareness of countries and cultures across the globe.

The Center's "global theater" is dense with audio and video technology that promotes real-time collaboration among Bentley students and professors and their overseas counterparts. Two satellite connections allow live broadcast of international news and feature programs. The lab utilizes a highly intelligent, integrated control system with multiple control points flexibility for adjusting and control presentation systems and audio distribution. Three (3) Panja AXT-CA10 touch panels allow students and instructor a host of control options including the selection of audio distribution from different areas of the room.

Additionally, from the touch panels, audio and video programming, instructor's presentations and videoconferencing can be recorded for future distribution. Three (3) assisted listening channels allow students to tune into the audio of one of the three displays. Two small Canon cameras with zoom lens and pan/tilt capabilities provide images to students on the Panasonic plasma screens while the NEC 20" flat panel monitor serves as the far end videoconference monitor for the instructor. A Visitor Listening Station in the atrium area just outside the glass walls of the lab is equipped with a narrow dispersion-ceiling speaker.

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Quinnipiac University School of Law - Hamden, Connecticut

Quinnipiac University's Grand Courtroom is a mock courtroom used for practice legal presentations and mock trials. The 225-seat auditorium is used as a lecture hall and as a venue for guest speakers. It features an array of 37" Mitsubishi monitors over the judge's bench. As the ceiling rises over the auditorium seating, another bank of smaller monitors are installed in the ceiling pocket.

Three strategically positioned variable zoom cameras are available to distribute images throughout the facility and to record the court proceedings. Professional recordings can be "cut" live on the Thomson Grass Valley Group's 110N video mixer.

The entire system including the cameras can be operated by a single technician due to the implementation of a Panja system controller. This centralizes the operation of camera functions, source switchers, volume levels, and VCR transport controls. Video images from the Law School can be seen anywhere on the campus-wide RF distribution system.

Through a central control room, which overlooks the Grand Courtroom, a signal patching mechanism exists to route audio and video to any of the locations outfitted with audio and video. Therefore, a presentation given in any one room can be transmitted throughout the Quinnipiac Law School facility.

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Suffolk Law School - Boston, Massachusetts

Suffolk University's newest facility, Sargent Hall, is fully equipped with a television studio, multimedia classrooms and courtrooms, viewing rooms in the media center and the law libraries, as well as access to direct satellite and satellite downlink programming.

The most regal room in the suite, a large mock courtroom, is flanked by a jury room, two smaller practice courtrooms, a judge's chamber and a control room. A media retrieval system allows proceedings and lectures in any room to be broadcast throughout the building and through videoconferencing anywhere around the globe.

The primary use of this room is teaching. Faculty members take on the role of judge and from the bench can operate the cameras as well as record functionality from a customized touch panel. In just one semester, every professor at the school has voluntarily interacted with the touch panel and over 60% of faculty have integrated some use of the equipment into their syllabi. In addition to the teaching function, the mock courtrooms are used as student practice rooms, for recreation of historical trials and are available on occasion for use by the legal community.

Perhaps the biggest achievement of the courtroom suite is the seamless control programming which allows for easy display of images from video tape, DVD, laptop or 35 millimeter slides; as well as any of the cameras across all three rooms.

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