Northwestern University Upgrades A/V Systems to Set the Sun on Analog

To ensure high security and privacy standards, each Chromebox automatically wipes all previously used data by using Chrome Management. This can be remotely managed by an administrator, which makes setting defaults for all locations easy.

To make clients’ presentations easier to share, Barco Clickshare CSM-1 was chosen as the wireless presentation option.

This system allows a user-friendly solution for streaming audio and video from a laptop to the display, simply by inserting a one-button dongle into a device’s USB drive. Because it is USB based, the Clickshare CSM-1 solution works with any PC or Mac without having to use video ports and adaptors.

This also provides the option to stream directly from a mobile device or tablet. Up to four devices can be connected to each room’s Clickshare CSM-1 solution at one time.

To help with the learning curve, a customized wallpaper is initially displayed on each screen, providing instructions for users on how to connect each device type.

For a hardwired option, an HDMI over Cat6 extender from Monoprice was installed into a surface mounted box with wire mold concealing the cable path for a clean finish. Existing VGA ports were repurposed and rerouted to the displays to maintain support for legacy devices.

A C2G Trulink AV Controller was chosen for a control solution. This is a wall mounted eight-button station that controls devices via an IR, RS232, or 12v signal.

In this application, it is used to control the TV. This gives the client the ability to easily control a display’s power, volume, muting, and input without needing a remote control.

It also restricts the more advanced settings of the display so they don’t get changed accidentally, but can still be accessed by the Technical Services staff when needed by using a remote.

Each room’s technical upgrade costs were less than $5,000.

This cost included all of the components referenced, necessary cables, and carpentry involved to mount the digital displays and other equipment. Overall the project came in under budget and was able to address all of the original objectives.

Christopher Burpee is Technical Services Manager at Northwestern University. In addition to his work in higher education, Chris has worked extensively in the theatre, concert, corporate event, and trade show industries. Chris has a BFA in Lighting Design from The Theatre School at DePaul University.

After eight years in higher education audio visual management, Michael McKean is now the Assistant Director of Event Production at Northwestern University. Michael has an AAS in Customer Service and a BA in Film Studies from University of North Carolina Wilmington.