Audio Visual Case Study

Department of the Interior - Minerals Management Service Office

Executive Conference Room

Audio Video Systems’ (AVS) services were retained by the Minerals Management Service (MMS) Office of the Department of Interior (DOI) to design and build an Executive Conference Room in DOI’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

AVS designed and built a state-of-the-art conference room for use by the Director and Associate Directors of MMS in a double-bay office space in the Main Department of Interior building. The audio/video system in the room provides the capability to conduct video teleconferencing (VTC) and briefings through a dual display system.

The system is capable of routing audio and video from various sources including a DVD/VCR combination player, a Blu-ray DVD player, a cable television (CATV) tuner, a high-definition (HD) TV tuner and two HD cameras from a VTC system. The system is also able to route computer audio and video from three computers, including a single dedicated briefing computer in the credenza, as well as connections for portable computers at the lectern and one at the conference table. Audio from each source, as well as from the table and lectern microphones, is routed throughout the room via five speaker surround sound system. A SMART Board interactive whiteboard overlay, mounted on one of the two 57” 1080p high-definition LCD displays, can also be used for collaborative presentation purposes.

The single IP based VTC system includes two HD cameras to capture images of both the conference table and the lectern. The system is also configured to allow sharing of all audio and video sources through the VTC system to external audiences. The room was furnished with specialized lighting for video teleconferencing meetings.

A touchpanel screen provides control of all video and RGB computer sources that can be selected or routed independently for display and audio playback. The touchpanel, which can be used at either the lectern or the conference table, also allows the operator to control Microsoft PowerPoint presentations directly from the touch panel through AVS’ own Presentation Manager Software (AVSPM). The control system also permits the operator to control, the VTC system, and room lighting and automated window blinds for a variety of briefing/presentation situations.

AVS recommended and installed several custom features for the conference room including: a six-zone time clock, lighting fixtures, electronically controlled window shades, acoustical paneling for two doors, ergonomic executive chairs, a 12-person V-shaped VTC conference table with embedded microphones, a credenza, and a lectern. The room also included custom millwork and acoustical paneling.

AVS is also providing ongoing maintenance of the audio/video system.