Case Study: Audio/Visual Matrix System for The Johnson Group

The Johnson Group, an advertising agency based in Chattanooga, TN wanted to equip their conference room, observation room, reception, and lounge with a matrixed audio/visual system for distribution of closed circuit broadcasts, presentations, audio, and other programming. They required the system to be expandable in the future. Importantly, they also wanted the system to be easily controlled with little to no training with ease and with as few steps as possible.

As with any integration project, there are challenges. The first challenge with the Johnson Group installation was maintaining the architectural design of their facility. One of the Johnson Groups functions, as an advertising agency, is to build an image for their clients. They take that task very seriously not only for their clients but for themselves. Our installation could not disrupt the way their facility looked and there was no way to cut into wall and ceilings.  We maintained the look of their interiors using B&W surface mount speakers which are known for their modern design which matched perfect.

There were technical challenges as well. With the proximity of the conference room and the observation room, feed back and audio bleed from one room to another was a significant problem that was solved with some clever adjustments. The Johnson Group had existing equipment that they wanted integrated into the system. Often times existing equipment can be outdated and challenging to integrate with new technology or modern components. Fortunately we were able to overcome these problems with programming in the control system.

Major components installed:

• B&K CT600.3 – multi-zone audio switching
• B&K HD6 – multi-zone HD video switching
• RTI SP8 – control processor for all zones
• RTI T3 – remote control for conference room and observation room
• RTI T2+ - remote control for lounge and reception area
• Tesla Media Center – media server for conference room custom built by Allwired Technologies
• Dell XPS – media server and PC for observation room
• Eyezon Digital Signage Control Box – end point for presentation media
• Tivo Series 3 – DVR for capturing broadcasts
• DVD Recorder for focus group meeting recordings
• Displays:
  • 60’ Pioneer Elite for conference room
  • 52 “ Toshiba LCDs for observation room and lounge
  • 22” Toshiba LCD for observation room
  • 37 “ Toshiba LCD for reception
• 5 pair of B&W LM1 surface mount speakers
• Altinex Tilt n Plug – local and auxiliary connections in conference room table.