Based in Philadelphia, PA, The Wistar Institute (Wistar) is the nation’s first biomedical research institute and a global research leader with special expertise in cancer, immunology, infectious disease, and vaccine development. Wistar is also the first National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated basic Cancer Center with continued recognition and support since 1972. To learn more visit www.wistar.org
The Challenge
Wistar engaged Visual Sound after experiencing challenges with legacy audio visual equipment located in a conference room and lobby at their University City headquarters facility in Philadelphia.
Our challenge was to assess the two environments, including the ambient lighting and existing noise, and to determine and recommend necessary audio visual integration upgrades along with which equipment could be repurposed. As always, we wanted to ensure future-proofed AV technology solutions that would enhance user-friendly functionality, while providing better quality collaboration and experiences in the spaces. During our initial assessment of the 48’ long conference room, Visual Sound found that ambient noise, from the building’s HVAC unit, was one of the barriers for quality sound and needed to be addressed.
The Solution
An Absen LED display was installed at the front of the room for a better presentation, collaboration, & meeting room experience.
View of conference room from presenter’s lectern.
Berg/Koprowski Conference Room
Wistar’s Berg/Koprowski conference room is a long divisible space with dedicated AV equipment on opposite ends of the room. When combined, the space is used as Wistar’s boardroom. To achieve the client’s objectives of updating the room’s audio, video, controls, and acoustics, Visual Sound implemented several of their recommendations.
To further facilitate video conferencing capabilities and provide an immersive viewing experience Visual Sound installed an Absen 165” all-in-one LED display at the front of the room. This dynamic display enhances visual detail in vivid color, is compatible with standard control technology ecosystems, and supports wireless content sharing from up to 4 devices at one time. Connected phones or tablets can also serve as writing and editing pads and for taking screen shots.
Wistar’s existing AV technology, including a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ ) camera, ceiling speakers, pendant microphones, digital audio processor, and MediaPort AV bridge were repurposed and fine-tuned to enhance the overall experience. For increased meeting room functionality, Visual Sound seamlessly integrated wireless sharing and a 4-Series Crestron control processor. The control system, accessed through two wall-mounted touch panels, was programmed to automate room and device settings, including wireless access, on/off for the display, source selection, PTZ camera functionality, and individual volume controls for microphones and program audio.
To address the ambient noise from the HVAC, Visual Sound’s installation team worked with Wistar’s building engineers and made suggestions to slow down the HVAC blower motor. In-room voice lift was greatly enhanced via new wireless and condenser microphones and a new speaker audio amplification system. Finally, in order to deaden the reverberant reflections and improve overall speech quality, Visual Sound installed 36 sound absorbing acoustic panels placed evenly around the perimeter, just above the wood wainscoting.
“In order to deaden the reverberant reflections and improve overall speech quality, Visual Sound installed 36 sound absorbing acoustic panels placed evenly around the perimeter, just above the wood wainscoting.”
– Visual Sound
Tobin Family Foundation Atrium
The completion of Wistar’s 2014 building renovation and expansion created an improved legacy space and adjacent modern tower connected by a light-filled atrium. Visual Sound consulted with Wistar on their need for a new Video Wall to replace the current 5’W x 3’H LCD video display. After assessing the space including its ambient light, Visual Sound recommended replacing the current LCD display with a customized 10’W x 6’H Planar MGD series DVLED video wall. Not only was the larger format more impactful and ideal for the lighting conditions, but it also includes a built-in video wall processor, is HDR ready, and provides more true-to-life colors in HD or 4K resolution. The slim display unit meets ADA standards for accessible design and features easy front-side access, greatly simplifying both installation and future service maintenance procedures.
The Results
In support of Wistar’s mission of a highly enabled culture of biomedical collaboration, education, and innovation, scientists, teachers, staff, and board members can now welcome visitors, confidently present research findings, and conduct more effective meetings. In fact, the client commented on how well meeting participants can now hear presenters, even in the rear of the Berg/Koprowski conference room.
New and existing audio and video equipment have been purposefully designed for ease of use, scalability, and serviceability. Each component implemented has been seamlessly incorporated into the aesthetics of the room’s interior design, including acoustic tiles that blend into the conference room environment. In addition, each space is fully supported by Visual Sound’s enhanced service plan, providing Wistar with a blanket of technical assurance, maintenance, financial protection, and peace of mind for years to come.
Why Visual Sound?
Audio visual solutions.Beyond the four walls.
Partnering with enterprises and industries, Visual Sound helps imagine, design, build, install, and support the audio visual environments and experiences that unlock human potential. Wherever they work, learn, play, or congregate.
