University Commons Ball Room Multimedia Upgrades Over the past year, Hospitality Services and Information Technology collaborated to upgrade the auto visual equipment in the University Ballrooms. The entire auto visual system was upgraded, and all four large screens were replaced with HD-compatible, ambient light-reducing screens. New projectors were installed, touch panels were added on the wall of each ballroom section (A, B and C) that allow for local control similar to classrooms across campus. An extra-large touch panel with global control was added to the control booth, adding functions including live streaming and teleconferencing using new HD cameras in all three ballrooms. In addition, wireless presentation functionality was added to each room section, as well as a global music system and a paging system. Programming was designed to alert users as well as technicians to issues that could arise and help solve problems. For example, if signal is lost from a laptop, both the control room and the room touch panel will show an on-screen alert. Finally, features were included in the programming to maximize the life of the equipment as well as to save energy. Non-essential equipment shuts off when not in use. Next time you are in the ballrooms you’ll definitely notice the difference! February 28, 2021
