Collaborative Video Wall Modernizes University Library
A major university has transformed its Fine Arts library into a collaborative facility. Students and faculty can connect with advanced new media tools on a video wall managed by RGB Spectrum’s Galileo display processor. The IP-enabled video wall system provides an unlimited number of windows for graphics and video for users to share content and experiment with interactive design.
In the design phase, the university envisioned a large-scale video display setup for use in video game development, student film screenings, project meetings and presentations. The school considered a projector setup, but seeking higher resolution and more flexibility, the choice was made to go with a video wall comprised of nine flat-panel LCD displays.
To meet its objectives, the video wall needed to provide interactivity and connection with a variety of sources that could be displayed in multiple windows or full-screen. The video wall helps facilitate greater collaboration by tying together many elements to create an open canvas.
The video wall sees constant use for instruction and student project development, frequently showcasing the newest technologies explored in the curriculum. For example, when users need to compare dual-lens views of VR content or flip through digitized pages of archival printed content, the video wall provides granularity and the ability to display multiple images and move them around in any configuration.
The Galileo chassis is fed by several computers and a Blu-ray player. Two HDMI® inputs on the front of the wall enclosure allow for easy connection of additional sources. This being a multimedia lab, the video wall needed to support audio as well. The integrator on the project, Ford AV, provided a sound system and programmed a Crestron CP3 Control Processor to enable the selection of an HDMI® input with a direct audio out via a Crestron XPanel desktop interface.
To use the wall, collaborators can simply walk up and plug in a Xbox or Playstation 4, which the library has in its device library, or any HDMI® output or USB 3.1 device. The Galileo processor also enables use of digital drawing pads for real-time illustrative input from one or more users.
The success of the video wall has inspired the university to make plans for expansion into the use of more inputs for the maker space. The capacity is there already, as the school is only using half the available inputs now. The user-friendly software and the flexible input card structure will also allow for the addition of new technologies as the curriculum evolves.
RGB Spectrum is a leading designer and manufacturer of mission-critical, real-time audio-visual solutions for a civilian, government, and military client base. The company offers integrated hardware, software, and control systems to satisfy the most demanding requirements. Since 1987, RGB Spectrum has been dedicated to helping its customers achieve Better Decisions. Faster.™
