Holding Court

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St Andrews Christian College’s upgrade story started with an AV system in its gym that was beyond help. “We had a system installed about 13 years ago that had completely broken down,” confirms the school’s Business Manager Darren Waterworth. “It wasn’t a case of fixing it — it was time to start fresh.”

JAK Audio Visual didn’t install the original system but was happy to lead the school through the upgrade process. This wasn’t JAK’s first rodeo – Director John Sutton has seen the inside of many a school gym – but it was its first experience installing a LED video wall.

“We talked Darren through the options,” recalls John Sutton. “A projector would have been more cost effective but the school was after a scoreboard solution as well as some visual tech that would be bit of a statement – something that would instantly impress.

“We’d done work with Westan, which distributes the Aurora brand of LED, and asked for a quote on three different pixel pitch options, which we took to the school.”

The result is a 2.6mm pixel pitch solution that’s close on 3m x 6m. It’s an impressive display and the pixel pitch is perfectly adequate for a viewing distance of 5m-plus. The screen is also rated to be impact resistant.

JAK installed the LED screen themselves with the help of Aurora, determined to bring the know-how in house, ready for the next LED project.

The school has also invested in heavy black drapes which do wonders to tamp down unwanted reverberation but also serves to frame the LED screen, resulting in a display that really pops in the space.

STAY FLEXIBLE

The screen is impressive but by no means the entire story. The upgrade sees a brand new Nexo  loudspeaker system installed (comprising a pair of P15U/L18U enclosures a side, with a further P15U positioned wide, either side), which is a massive level up for the school’s ability to stage events in the space.

That said, John Sutton and his team know that having the hardware is only the beginning if you want the client to get the most out of a new system.

JAK has programmed a Crestron control system that allows the client to switch between a presentation mode for the school and an advanced mode for events. The touchpanel is inside a secure wallmount cabinet, designed and fabricated by JAK. If a PE teacher wants to use the LED screen and audio, accessing the more straightforward presentation mode means the teacher can easily plug in a laptop via HDMI; use Vivi (which is the school’s preferred wireless presentation platform); stream Bluetooth audio via an Attero Tech Bluetooth module; and/or spark up a Sennheiser Evolution wireless microphone. In this mode, the Q-SYS Core Flex DSP device babysits the audio and routes it directly to the Nexo amplifier, while in the Advanced mode, Core Flex routes audio, via Dante, to the Yamaha TF3 digital mixing console for more sophisticated operation.

Thanks to Dante the Yamaha TF3 mixing console can be set up in a number of locations, where JAK has positioned wallplates. Alternatively, any digital mixing console with Dante I/O can plumb straight in. A Yamaha Tio 1608-D stagebox can easily be positioned for some extra I/O, including plugging in floor monitors.

MULTI HALL

St Andrews now has a multipurpose space that’s still finding new uses. In the first few months, it has played host to a Year 12 graduation ceremony, a church event, a carols service and more.

St Andrews Darren Waterworth makes this assessment: “Upgrading to the video wall and enhancing the sound system has completely changed the atmosphere for assemblies and special events. It’s made a huge difference. It’s transformed how we operate in this space, without making it more difficult for staff to teach and present.

“JAK AV handled the project, and John Sutton guided us through the entire process. His expertise was invaluable, especially since this was outside our usual experience. We’re very happy with the outcome.”