Distance learning rooms designed, integrated, and installed by LightWerks

LightWerks has a longstanding relationship with the University of Southern California, and has partnered with the school on numerous projects throughout the campus. Gerontology 224 is the latest of 4 distance learning rooms designed, integrated, and installed by LightWerks  at USC’s Davis School of Gerontology.

The three previous spaces included a lecture hall plus two large classroom teaching spaces that were completed between 2015-2017.  Each learning space includes a traditional LCD video wall (a 3 x 5 wall for the lecture hall and 2 x 4 walls in the two classrooms) comprised of multiple 55” LCDs, a control room where department personnel are able to control equipment and assist instructors as they teach, feed live lectures, presentations and classes to far end sites as well as lecture capture and record capabilities to accommodate on line viewing and live streaming.

Room 224 Gerontology marks a huge step forward for the department, and has taken their formula to the next level.  Rather than using multiple 55” LCDs in a traditional video wall, LightWerks integrated Direct View LED video wall technology by NEC to fill the 16’ section of the front wall of the room.   The breathtaking image quality and variety of layouts are supported by a powerful video wall processor by TV One.   The room is used for several purposes, including traditional instruction, guest seminars and lectures, and  high-end departmental administrative meetings.  This display technology is one of the very few of its kind on USC’s campus to date.

In addition to the video wall, LightWerks installed a ceiling mounted NEC laser projector and a recessed electric screen by Dalite as a backup system.

Content sharing in Gerontology 224 is enhanced by a WolfVision desktop visualizer system which allows presenters to display physical content on the video wall or direct the content to remote participants.  In addition to desktop monitors, a ceiling mounted NEC confidence monitor gives the presenter access to his or her presentation.

Video conferencing, streaming, and recording capabilities are supported by multiple top quality Vaddio PTZ cameras and Shure ceiling array microphones. The system also includes Shure wireless handheld and lavalier microphones along with wired mics for panel discussions.  Superb in-room audio is achieved by Crestron speakers and a Biamp DSP.

The entire AV system is easily operated by a flexible control and Crestron DM distribution system.  The DigitalMedia 16 x 16 Matrix Switcher distributes all signals via DM CAT cables at HD resolution, and Crestron touch control panels simplify AV system control.   Presenters can confidently operate the sophisticated technology in the space both from the lectern in the room in tandem with a duplicate interface in the control room operated by tech staff.