“The people in the box can watch the game and see different angles than if they were just sitting in their seat,” he says. “The people who have to get up and use the facilities or go to the concessions can keep up with the game and see what’s going on, and probably get a more intimate view on the TV then they can from their seat. You see a lot more on TV than you do live sometimes when you’re at any sporting event.”
Mike Wierzbicki, Marketing Manager, Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics says one of the most important features the T.V. system provides the arena is the ability to automatically turn on the equipment and preset channels.
“Rather than going around the entire building and turn it to the Big 10 Network for an upcoming game, we can make that happen with one switch of a remote that takes 30 seconds,” he says.
Wierzbicki also says Penn State opted to go with Z-Band Video because they offered great products and support for the project.
“We were really looking for a vendor that could provide us with great technology and certainly a lot of ease of use,” he says.
Tips to Setting Up Your College’s Television Distribution System
Get organized
Bob Bickleman, Sr. Systems Designer/Project Manager for Claire Solutions says colleges looking to adopt a similar system should organize everything from the project wish list to coordinating the contractors’ schedules.
He says once college is organized, it will be prepared in case problems arise, and will know who to turn to for support.
“Make sure you have all your ducks in a row in terms of coordinating subcontractors and ensuring that everyone is aware of their specific duties,” he says. “This will leave you prepared for any of the unforeseen hiccups that tend to present themselves in large construction projects. Communication is key and will be the cornerstone of the project’s success.”
See what other schools are doing
Wierzbicki says colleges that are looking to take on a television distribution system like the Pegula Arena’s should visit other schools to see what they’re doing. That way, they will have a reference of what to do, and what not to do during their installation.
He also says that other colleges may also offer additional support and tips.
“I’m happy that our project team was very involved with visiting other universities and taking in other arenas,” Wierzbicki says. “We’ve already hosted four or five teams that are in the construction or design process of a new arena and talking to them about what works and what doesn’t work, especially from that technology side.
“I think that taking the time to visit other facilities and learn from those who are in a similar position to where you are now is a huge asset,” he says. “We’re very open to helping those who are going through a similar construction or design and we can provide some of those tips as well.”
Partner with a vendor who knows their stuff
Dye says colleges should pick a vendor that is knowledgeable about the product that is being installed into the arena. Doing so will ensure a college is led in the right direction during the installation, and ensures that the college invests in the correct products for the right price.
“We sell [all kinds of systems] so we know the cost,” he says. “We all know everything is expensive and colleges getting funding can be difficult. If you can do something once and know that you’re going to have at least a 15-or-more-year life span on it, then it makes sense to do it.”
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