Call Auditorium AV Upgrades Summer 2024

Call Auditorium

Kennedy Hall 116

Call Auditorium is the largest teaching and event space in CALS and the third largest on campus, with a unique AV system. Call hosts a full schedule of classes and a wide variety of events. The previous AV system in Call was installed in 2014, with minor updates in 2016. A project was started in 2019 for a full AV renovation and that was completed in the summer of 2024. CALS OIT partnered with CALS Facilities and CIT-AV for a much-needed renovation of the AV system. The goal of this AV renovation was to not only update the video and audio processing technology at the core of the system, but to also add functionality not previously available.

The former projection system consists of a single center projection screen, with a multi-window processor able to show one large image or two smaller side-by-side images.

The previous AV system in Call Auditorium, from the rear of the room.

dual display on old system

The new system uses the center screen as the main display. The front wall hosts two video cameras to capture the participants in the auditorium.

The new AV system in Call Auditorium, from the rear of the room, with one screen in use.

Two additional screens on each side can display a second video source.

The new AV system in Call Auditorium, from the rear of the room, with all three screens in use.

This system shifted the projection from the control booth to locations on the rear wall where three new projectors were installed. This wall includes two 98” confidence monitors and two video cameras. One camera can focus on the presenter and another on whiteboards or other activity on the stage for lecture capture or web conferencing.

Presenters view of the new AV system in Call Auditorium, from the podium.

The control system is set up to be available to the user at the new custom designed teaching station, offering the use of an in-room PC, a laptop (HDMI or USB-C), the document camera, or a Zoom Room appliance.

The podium for the new AV system in Call Auditorium.

A separate control touch panel is available at the refurbished podium on the stage that is simplified to offer laptop connections to the AV system and use of the Zoom Room.

Presenter control panel

Control in the booth offers the technician a way to route video and audio sources to any designated destinations and to control lighting.

AV technician booth controls

The booth also houses professional camera controls and soundboard controls that may be required for events or performances. Also, in the booth and on the rear wall are connections for additional laptops, soundboards or other devices that event support professionals may require.

The audio mixing board and professional camera controls.

Microphones include those at the teaching station, Catch Boxes for audience participation, multiple rechargeable wireless mics, and a number of tabletop mics that can be plugged in to floor boxes on stage for panel discussions.

A variety of mics are available, catchbox, handheld, and lavalier.

This system is CALS’ only AV-over-IP space, a new technology that offers increased flexibility in routing and managing a complex AV system.

Server rack containing the AV system controllers.

All this works seamlessly, with some help from the wizard behind the curtain (or in the booth), to create a user-friendly experience for instructors and a meaningful educational experience for students,

An image of class in progress with different sources for the projectors.